Girl group BLACKPINK returns with new EP 'Deadline'BLACKPINK, the biggest K-pop girl group, released its third EP, "Deadline," on Friday, returning as a full group for the first time in more than three years amid strong anticipation from fans worldwide. The record, led by the lead track "Go," marks the quartet's first full-group album since its 2022 full-length album "Born Pink," which topped both the U.S. Billboard 200 and the British Official Albums Chart Top 100. According to YG Entertainment, the group's agency, the five-track album released at 2 p.m. explores themes of confidence, growth and unity, combining elements of EDM, hip-hop and pop. "The album captures both 'BLACKPINK's greatest, unrepeatable moments' and 'the group's brightest present at the peak of those moments,'" the agency said. "Its five tracks, spanning a variety of styles and genres, demonstrate the members' limitless musical evolution and present the team's direction toward greater heights." The lead single "Go" features powerful sound production and a chant-driven hook, complemented by the prerelease "Jump," the retro hip-hop track "Me and My," the anthemic "ChampFeb 27, 2026By Yonhap
K-pop group aespa to drop collaboration single with Anderson .PaakK-pop girl group aespa will release a new single, "Keychain," on Friday in collaboration with Korean American pop artist Anderson .Paak, the group's agency SM Entertainment said. The track, set for release at 2 p.m., is part of the original soundtrack for "K-POPS!," a film produced, directed and starring Anderson .Paak. The song combines his signature hip-hop, R&B and funk sound with aespa's distinctive musical style. "K-POPS!," set to get theatrical release Friday, is a family comedy that portrays the experiences, culture and identity of the Korean American community in the United States. The film follows a Los Angeles musician who travels to South Korea to revive his career and discovers that his estranged son has become a K-pop superstar.Feb 27, 2026By Yonhap
AKMU's Lee Chan-hyuk, Jennie sweep major prizes at Korean Music AwardsLee Chan-hyuk, the brother of the sibling duo AKMU, clinched three prizes, including Song of the Year, at this year's Korean Music Awards (KMA) held late Thursday, an event that prizes artistic achievement over commercial popularity. Lee emerged as the night's most decorated artist, taking home Song of the Year and Best Pop Song for "Endangered Love" and Best Pop Album for "Eros" during the ceremony broadcast live on the local music streaming platform Melon and YouTube, according to the KMA website. "Eros" is the first solo album from the singer in two years and nine months since his solo debut album, "Error," in October 2022. The new album was lauded by critics for its exploration of mortality and the emotional aftermath of loss. While not the album's lead single, "Endangered Love" saw a dramatic rise on domestic charts following a viral performance by Lee at the Blue Dragon Film Awards in November. BLACKPINK's Jennie also secured two trophies — Best K-pop Album for her solo project "Ruby" and Best K-pop Song for its lead track "like Jennie." Rookie of the Year went to singer-songwriteFeb 27, 2026By Yonhap
'REVERXE' becomes EXO's 8th million-sellerK-pop boy group EXO has sold more than 1 million copies of its eighth studio album, "REVERXE," the group's agency SM Entertainment said Thursday. It became the band's eighth album to hit the 1 million mark since its 2013 first studio album, "XOXO." The new album reached No. 1 on iTunes' Top Albums chart in 48 countries and regions around the world upon its release Jan. 19. EXO will launch its sixth concert tour at KSPO Dome in southern Seoul from April 10 to 12, performing tracks from the album for local fans before heading overseas.Feb 26, 2026By Yonhap
2PM’s Ok Taec-yeon to keep wedding private to protect fiancée, agency says2PM member and actor Taec-yeon will keep details of his upcoming wedding private out of consideration for his fiancée, who is not a celebrity, his agency confirmed. On Wednesday, a representative for 51K addressed reports that the singer-actor is set to marry in April, saying the ceremony “will be held privately, including the schedule and all related details, in consideration of his fiancée, who is not a public figure.” “We ask for your understanding that it is difficult to share specific information regarding the wedding,” the agency added. “Please send your warm blessings and support as Taec-yeon begins this new chapter of his life.” Earlier in the day, local media reported that Taec-yeon would hold his wedding on April 24 at a location in Seoul, drawing attention from fans both in Korea and abroad. News of his engagement was first revealed in November. At the time, his agency said Taec-yeon and his fiancée had “promised to spend their lives together” after a long-term relationship. The wedding, they added, would take place in the spring in Seoul with only family meFeb 26, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS' Jung Kook’s candid livestream reveals pressures behind idol lifeBTS member Jung Kook has sparked online debate after hosting a late-night drinking livestream in which he spoke candidly about quitting smoking and vented frustration about agency constraints — a rare unscripted moment from one of K-pop’s most tightly managed global stars. The singer went live at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday and chatted with fans for roughly 90 minutes. He said he had been drinking with a close friend he currently lives with and his older brother, appearing more relaxed and outspoken than in typical idol broadcasts. During the stream, Jung Kook revealed he quit smoking. “I used to smoke a lot. But I really worked hard and quit,” he said. He added, “The moment I say this, the company will make a fuss again,” referring to his agency BigHit Music, part of HYBE — the entertainment company behind BTS. At one point, he openly vented about restrictions he feels as a celebrity. “I don’t even know what I’m talking about. It’s frustrating. I’m annoyed. I’ll live the way I want,” he said. He continued, “I just want to be happy. I know I can’t. How maFeb 26, 2026By Xportsnews
Min Hee-jin offers to forgo $18 mil. payout to stop legal conflict with HYBEMin Hee-jin, the creative force behind K-pop girl group NewJeans and current head of Ooak Records, called Wednesday for an end to the ongoing legal battle between herself and HYBE Labels, proposing that she forgo a 25.5 billion won ($18 million) payment if all civil and criminal litigation is dropped. Speaking at a press conference in central Seoul, Min opened by reflecting on her Feb. 13 victory in a put-option lawsuit over a shareholder agreement dispute with HYBE. “I express my respect and gratitude to the court for carefully examining the essence of this case over a long period of time and confirming it through its ruling,” she said. “It was truly a long tunnel.” She said the court had determined that what she described as "sensational frames" surrounding the dispute were unfounded and recognized that her concerns about creative ethics were matters of managerial judgment. Under the ruling, Min is entitled to approximately 25.5 billion won. However, she said she intends to exchange the monetary award "for another value." The sum, she described, was "an amount one may never encoFeb 25, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
BLACKPINK’s Jennie donates $75,000 to coal briquette charityBLACKPINK’s Jennie has quietly donated 100 million won ($75,000) to help vulnerable seniors heat their homes, a move that is drawing admiration from fans online. On Feb. 24, singer and charity activist Sean shared the news on his social media, saying, "BLACKPINK’s Jennie donated ₩100 million to the Briquette Bank through my ‘Raise Korea’s Temperature by 1 Degree’ campaign, asking that it be used for elderly people in need of coal briquettes for heating." Sean said the donation — funded by profits from Jennie’s January photo exhibition “J2NNI5” plus her personal contribution — can purchase about 112,000 coal briquettes, enough to keep 560 households warm for a month. He also released a certificate showing the amount. Coal briquettes remain a traditional winter heating fuel for some low-income households in South Korea, making briquette donations a common form of seasonal charity by celebrities. While fans praised Jennie’s quiet generosity, the singer herself made no public comment about the donation. Instead, she posted an image teasing BLACKPINK’s third mini-albFeb 25, 2026By Xportsnews
KATSEYE faces fan division after Manon’s hiatus, parent comments spark backlashKATSEYE, the HYBE-Geffen global girl group formed through the 2023 audition show project "The Debut: Dream Academy," is facing renewed scrutiny after member Manon announced a temporary hiatus and comments attributed to a fellow member's father fueled online backlash. What began as a routine health-related pause has quickly evolved into a broader debate over whether K-pop's tightly structured methodology can be seamlessly applied to multinational acts. On Saturday, the group confirmed through an official statement shared via fan platform Weverse that Manon, 23, would "take a temporary hiatus from group activities to focus on her health and well-being," adding that the remaining members would continue scheduled promotions while fully supporting her decision. While such temporary pauses are common in the industry, the situation escalated in the following days when social media comments widely attributed to KATSEYE member Daniela's father surfaced online. In response to fan speculation about the lineup, the account posted, "THE SHOW MUST GO ON! With or without a member. KATSEYE IS BIGGER THAFeb 24, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
IVE trades princess polish for powerful performance in 'REVIVE+'K-pop girl group IVE returns Monday with its second full-length album "REVIVE+," marking a new chapter for the six-member act as it steadily reshapes itself into a generational icon and builds on its connection with younger K-pop audiences. Composed of An Yu-jin, Gaeul, Rei, Jang Wonyoung, Liz and Leeseo, the group held a press event at YES24 Live Hall in eastern Seoul, just hours ahead of the album's official release, offering a first look at the band's creative direction and a live performance of the key track. "It feels special to return with a full-length album after nearly three years," Gaeul said. "Rather than just showing how we've changed, we worked together to present a more evolved and grown-up version of IVE." "I'm proud that we were able to put everything we've built under the name IVE into this album," Rei added. "We'll work hard to show a wide range of charms." According to the group, "REVIVE+" is more than a declaration of a new concept. Since debuting with "Eleven" and following it with a string of hits including "Love Dive," "After LIKE," "I AM" and "HEYA," IVE has builtFeb 23, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
