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  • Music

    EJAE, Andrea Bocelli perform at World Cup opening ceremony

    Singer-songwriter EJAE, who performed the hit song “Golden” from the popular animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” joined renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in performing FIFA's official World Cup anthem, “DNA,” at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City, Thursday (local time). Wearing a sleeveless blue gown with crossed halter straps, the Korean American singer drew attention from Korean audiences by singing a brief line in Korean: “Although I fall, I stand up again.” FIFA said “DNA” embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity for the historic tournament, which is being co-hosted for the first time by three countries — the United States, Canada and Mexico. The competition will be held across 16 cities and feature 48 teams until July 19.

    1 MIN READBy Kim Se-jeong
    EJAE, Andrea Bocelli perform at World Cup opening ceremony
  • K-pop

    BTS to launch Busan shows for 'Arirang' world tour

    2 MIN READBy Yonhap
    BTS to launch Busan shows for 'Arirang' world tour
  • K-pop

    BTS to release new digital single 'Come Over'

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    BTS to release new digital single 'Come Over'
  • Others

    Koo Kyo-hwan is on a roll, and for a good reason

    3 MIN READBy Hankookilbo
    Koo Kyo-hwan is on a roll, and for a good reason
  • Shows & Dramas

    Korean guesthouse reality shows find new global audience on Netflix

    3 MIN READBy Hankookilbo
    Korean guesthouse reality shows find new global audience on Netflix
  • K-pop

    InterviewKATSEYE reflects on AMA wins as group prepares new release

    3 MIN READBy Pyo Kyung-min
    KATSEYE reflects on AMA wins as group prepares new release
  • K-pop

    'KPop Demon Hunters' singer EJAE to take World Cup opening stage

    2 MIN READBy Park Jin-hai
    'KPop Demon Hunters' singer EJAE to take World Cup opening stage
  • Shows & Dramas

    Are multiple seasons becoming the new norm for Korean dramas?

    3 MIN READBy Hankookilbo
    Are multiple seasons becoming the new norm for Korean dramas?
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CEO & Publisher: Oh Young-jinDigital News Email: webmaster@koreatimes.co.krTel: 02-724-2114Online newspaper registration No: 서울,아52844Date of registration: 2020.02.05Masthead: The Korea TimesCopyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.

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K-pop

‘I don’t think I was wrong, but…’ BTS’ Jung Kook apologizes for controversial livestream

BTS member Jung Kook has addressed his controversial “explicit livestream” — a day before his group kicks off its highly anticipated world tour. Jung Kook went live on the fan platform Weverse Wednesday, speaking publicly about the incident for the first time in over two months. “I personally don’t really know if I did something seriously wrong. People on YouTube or streaming industry say these things all the time,” he said. “But since I haven’t shown this side of myself before, some fans may have felt uncomfortable. If any ARMY felt that way, I want to say I’m sorry. I’ll try to be more careful.” The controversy stems from a late-night livestream on Feb. 26, when Jung Kook appeared to have been drinking with friends and speaking candidly — at times using profanity and making blunt remarks. Clips from the broadcast quickly spread online, sparking debate among fans over idol image and authenticity. Reflecting on that night, Jung Kook said, “I was just in a really good mood. For people who are quick to criticize everything, I don’t have much to say.” At the sam

Apr 8, 2026By Xportsnews
‘I don’t think I was wrong, but…’ BTS’ Jung Kook apologizes for controversial livestream
Entertainment

EXO marks 14 years with promise of long-awaited reunion on stage

In the mercurial world of K-pop, where groups often vanish as quickly as they debut, EXO has remained a singular force. Since its 2012 arrival, the group has navigated the transition from "super rookies" to global veterans, surviving industry shifts and mandatory military service to maintain a vice grip on the charts. This week, the group celebrates its 14th anniversary, a milestone that coincides with a resurgence in its commercial power. Its eighth studio album, Reverxe, released in January, recently secured its eighth "million-seller" title and dominated domestic music programs. Now, the group is preparing to return to the stage for EXO PLANET #6 - EXhOrizon, its first solo concert in over six years. In a rare Q&A, the EXO members reflected on their endurance, their creative evolution and the reunion awaiting them at KSPO Dome. Q: Looking back over 14 years, which moment remains the most vivid? Su-ho: The day we shot the music video for “History.” I remember getting lost in thought about my trainee days, thinking, “I’m finally on the kind of set I used to only see on television

Apr 8, 2026By Lee Kyung-min
EXO marks 14 years with promise of long-awaited reunion on stage
Films

Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway return for ‘Devil Wears Prada’ sequel after 20 years

Hollywood legend Meryl Streep said she never expected the 2006 movie "The Devil Wears Prada" to resonate as widely as it did, expressing hope that the long-awaited sequel will do the same. "I always knew it would be very popular with women and girls, but its larger success with a bigger audience completely shocked me," she said Monday at a press event in Seoul. "Men came up to me and said they understood my character. That meant a lot." The sequel took 20 years after the release of the first film, with Miranda Priestly, played by Streep, still at the helm of Runway magazine as it tries to survive in a rapidly changing media world. Anne Hathaway also returns as Andy Sachs, now a seasoned investigative journalist, who ends up working with Priestly again. Hathaway said the 20-year gap between the two films was not too long and that the sequel came at exactly the right time. "Andy is 22 in the first film, full of ideas but a little light on life experience," she said. "In this film, she has had 20 years to go out and live the life she wanted. She has acquired skill, point of view and a fair b

Apr 8, 2026By Baek Byung-yeul
Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway return for ‘Devil Wears Prada’ sequel after 20 years
K-pop

JYJ's Kim Jae-joong launches first boy band Keyvitup

Kim Jae-joong of K-pop duo JYJ launched his first produced boy band, Keyvitup, on Wednesday. According to inkode, the group's agency co-founded by the singer-actor, the five-member group consists of Hyunmin, Taehwan, Sena, Jaein and Rukia. The agency said in a statement that the group's name signifies "opening the door to the world and delivering vitality." Keyvitup will release its first EP at 6 p.m. The album's title track, "Keyvitup," is a song conveying strong confidence to clearly showcase the group's colors and identity, according to the agency.

Apr 8, 2026By Yonhap
JYJ's Kim Jae-joong launches first boy band Keyvitup
K-pop

G-Dragon’s reported $48 mil. payout sparks buzz — and more still uncounted

K-pop star G-Dragon is making headlines again — this time not for music, but for the scale of his earnings, with reports suggesting he received more than 65 billion won (about $48 million) from his agency last year alone. A Money Today Broadcasting report released Monday cited an audit report from Galaxy Corporation which showed that the K-pop star’s settlement from the company is estimated to exceed 65 billion won. The figure is based on the company’s 2025 standalone financial statement, which lists approximately 71.4 billion won in “commission expenses” — a category in the entertainment industry that largely consists of artist payouts, aside from costs such as legal and promotional fees. Industry analysis suggests that after excluding those additional expenses, G-Dragon’s share alone likely reached at least the mid-60 billion won range. “Some outsourcing costs from G-Dragon’s world tour last year were also included in the commission expenses category,” the agency said. However, reports said Galaxy Corporation separately recorded about 94.3 billion won in outsourcing

Apr 8, 2026By Xportsnews
G-Dragon’s reported $48 mil. payout sparks buzz — and more still uncounted
K-pop

In Seoul for a show? Here's a list of concert essentials

Planning to attend a concert soon? Whether it’s your first show or your 10th, here are must-have essentials to make your experience smooth, fun and unforgettable. 1. Phone A smartphone with a high-quality camera is a must so you can capture your favorite moments even from far away. If your ticket is digital, your phone also doubles as your entry pass, so don’t forget it. 2. Passport / ID Some concerts require ID checks to match the name on your ticket. Bring a valid ID (especially as a tourist) just in case. 3. Wallet (card or money) From snacks and drinks to exclusive merchandise, you’ll likely want to buy something. Keep a card or some cash for your purchases. 4. Light stick It’s not a K-pop concert without a light stick. Make sure it’s fully charged or has fresh batteries before you go. 5. Power bank One of the most important items for concertgoers is a power bank. Recording videos, taking photos and navigating the area will drain your battery so make sure to keep one on hand. 6. Water Staying hydrated is key for long concerts. Check venue rules beforehand as some places don’t all

Apr 8, 2026By Kim Sur-hyun
In Seoul for a show? Here's a list of concert essentials
K-pop

BTS adds 3 shows to Latin American leg of 'Arirang' world tour

K-pop superstar BTS announced Wednesday that it will add three concerts to the Latin American leg of its "Arirang" world tour in October. The group said on the K-pop fan community platform Weverse that it will stage one additional show each in Lima, Peru; Santiago, Chile; and Buenos Aires, Argentina. The additions bring its total number of performances in the region to 14 across five countries, which also include Colombia and Brazil. The updated October itinerary features performances in Bogota on Oct. 2-3; Lima on Oct. 7 and Oct. 9-10; Santiago on Oct. 14 and Oct. 16-17; Buenos Aires on Oct. 21 and Oct. 23-24; and Sao Paulo on Oct. 28 and Oct. 30-31. The run marks its first full-group concerts in Colombia, Peru and Argentina. BTS released its fifth studio album, "Arirang," on March 20. The release serves as the band's first full-group project since all its members completed military service. The "Arirang" world tour will launch in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, with shows on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The tour will continue through 2027, staging a total of 85 shows in 34 cities worldwid

Apr 8, 2026By Yonhap
BTS adds 3 shows to Latin American leg of 'Arirang' world tour
Entertainment

From army cook to viral chef: BTS’ Jung Kook shocks fans with ‘200-cookie’ story

BTS member Jung Kook is once again going viral — not for music, but for his unexpected “genius cook” side. A video titled “BTS answers the most searched questions on the internet” was uploaded Monday to the YouTube channel, WIRED, where Jung Kook revealed a surprising detail about his culinary skills. Asked where he learned to cook, Jung Kook said, “I learned a lot of knife skills in the military.” His bandmates quickly backed up the claim. J-Hope said, “He’s really good with a knife,” while Jimin added, “He cut himself a lot. There was a lot of blood,” highlighting Jung Kook's effort to improve his knife skills. Jung Kook said he also taught himself by watching videos, explaining, “I like doing things on my own, so I learned by watching content.” That comment led Suga to share a story that quickly caught fans’ attention: Jung Kook recently made about 200 Dubai-style chewy cookies and personally handed them out to staff. “I’m planning to make them again tonight,” Jung Kook said, showing his continued enthusiasm. Other members said Jung Kook’s cooking is

Apr 8, 2026By Xportsnews
From army cook to viral chef: BTS’ Jung Kook shocks fans with ‘200-cookie’ story
Films

Action-romance 'Humint' claims top spot on Netflix's chart

Director Ryoo Seung-wan's action film "Humint" debuted atop Netflix's non-English movies chart, the streaming giant said Wednesday. The movie, which was released on the platform last Thursday, garnered 11 million views in the week ending Sunday. Short for human intelligence, "Humint" follows Manager Cho (Zo In-sung), a South Korean national intelligence officer who forms an unlikely cooperation with Park Gun, a North Korean intelligence officer, to save his crucial informant Chae Sun-hwa (Shin Se-kyung). Premiering in Korea on Feb. 11, the film attracted 1.98 million moviegoers, far short of the estimated 4 million admissions needed to break even. The action film was overshadowed by box-office sensation "The King's Warden," which opened in local theaters a week earlier and has since drawn over 16 million.

Apr 8, 2026By Yonhap
Action-romance 'Humint' claims top spot on Netflix's chart
Shows & Dramas

InterviewNetflix series ‘Beef’ Season 2 incorporates more Korean elements: director

The award-winning Netflix series "Beef," which swept categories at the Emmys, Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, returns April 16 with its second season. Korean American director and writer Lee Sung-jin said he was excited but found Season 2 “even harder than the first” season to make as he aimed to “take some big swings and risks while retaining what is special about the show" during an online interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday. Unlike Season 1’s road rage feud between lonely strangers, Season 2 unfolds at an elite country club where a young couple witnesses a shocking fight between their boss and his wife, and the web of blackmail that follows involving both couples and the club’s owner, Korean billionaire Chairwoman Park (Youn Yuh-jung). While Season 1 focused on Korean American stories, Season 2 explores a mixed-race character’s Korean roots. “It’s a bridge between West and East,” Lee said. “Charles’ character is half Korean, caught in an identity tug-of-war as he’s pulled into the upper echelons of Korean society — the world of chaebol (conglo

Apr 7, 2026By Park Jin-hai
Netflix series ‘Beef’ Season 2 incorporates more Korean elements: director
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