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  • K-pop

    InterviewKATSEYE reflects on AMA wins as group prepares new release

    Girl group KATSEYE is having its moment. It recently swept all three of its nominations at the 52nd American Music Awards (AMAs) on May 25: New Artist of the Year, Best Music Video for "Gnarly" and Breakthrough Pop Artist. "We never expected to go home with all three awards that night," Sophia said in a written interview with The Korea Times. For a group that debuted less than two years ago, the achievement marks an important milestone in the group's rapid rise. KATSEYE was formed through the 2023 competition reality show "The Debut: Dream Academy," and the members went through the K-pop trainee system, involving months of vocal and dance training under a survival format. Signed jointly under HYBE Labels and Geffen Records, the group debuted in August 2024 with its first EP "SIS (Soft Is Strong)," positioning itself as a bridge between the K-pop world and Western pop audiences. While KATSEYE was conceived as a global pop act, its connection to Korea remains strong. Korea is often among the first stops on the group's promotional schedule, and its members credit the country's music industry

    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?
  • Shows & Dramas

    'His Man' creators return with Korea's first bisexual dating show

    2 MIN READBy Hankookilbo
    'His Man' creators return with Korea's first bisexual dating show
  • K-pop

    BIGBANG unveils plans for world tour marking 20th anniversary

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    BIGBANG unveils plans for world tour marking 20th anniversary
  • K-pop

    Stray Kids' Han to drop solo digital single 'back to life'

    1 MIN READBy Yonhap
    Stray Kids' Han to drop solo digital single 'back to life'
  • Films

    ReviewSpielberg returns to familiar territory with ‘Disclosure Day’

    2 MIN READBy Baek Byung-yeul
    Spielberg returns to familiar territory with ‘Disclosure Day’
  • Shows & Dramas

    From temple stays to TV: The rise of Korea's 'hip Buddhism'

    3 MIN READBy Hankookilbo
    From temple stays to TV: The rise of Korea's 'hip Buddhism'
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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

Heeseung speaks out for first time since ENHYPEN exit: I feel sorry

Heeseung, who recently left K-pop boy band ENHYPEN, spoke out for the first time since announcing his departure from the group. “I’m sure the news came as a surprise, but I’m fine,” he said during a video call with fans on Sunday. The event, scheduled before he announced his exit from the group on March 10, was his first official engagement with fans since then. It was held under the slightly revised name “Heeseung and ENHYPEN.” “I feel sorry for the members,” Heeseung reportedly said. He was also quoted as saying that his album is set for release soon, hinting at a solo debut soon. Fans reacted to the event with mixed feelings, as it was still carried out under ENHYPEN’s name despite Heeseung’s departure. While some accepted that the prescheduled event would inevitably proceed as planned, others faulted the agency for failing to consider the fans by continuing to package him under the group’s name in official schedules and photo card promotions. Previously Heeseung announced through his agency, Belift Lab, that he would leave the group, six years after debuting. Wh

Mar 24, 2026By Hankookilbo
Heeseung speaks out for first time since ENHYPEN exit: I feel sorry
K-pop

BTS returns to US stage as full group after nearly 4 years

K-pop megastar BTS reunited for a U.S. performance in New York on Monday (U.S. time), marking the group's first appearance with all seven members stateside in about four years. The group flew in from Seoul, where it had a free concert at Gwanghwamun in the city center to mark the release of its fifth studio album, "ARIRANG," and performed at the "Spotify X BTS: SWIMSIDE" event on the rooftop of Pier 17 at Manhattan's southern tip. The intimate show drew 1,000 superfans selected by the global music streaming platform based on top streaming hours of BTS tracks. It contrasted sharply with the group's last full U.S. outing in April 2022 for the "Permission to Dance on Stage" concerts at a 40,000-capacity concert venue in Las Vegas. Members expressed visible emotion during the set, which featured new songs, including "SWIM," "Normal" and "Fya." Jimin opened the show with "Thank you," and responded to roaring fans: "I love you, too." "The important thing is we're back together after so long. This is a happy moment. We missed you so much, and it's an honor to finally perform on stage for you," h

Mar 24, 2026By Yonhap
BTS returns to US stage as full group after nearly 4 years
K-pop

HYBE to recruit emerging talents in India

HYBE, the K-pop powerhouse behind some of the industry’s biggest global acts, is staging its first nationwide audition in India. According to HYBE India, the company’s local affiliate, the entertainment agency will open a nationwide audition both online and in person. The in-person rounds will be held in 10 major cities — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Those selected will enter what the agency described as a world-class training and development program, with the opportunity to debut as artists. “We look forward to the dynamic potential of young people from India and the Indian diaspora,” HYBE India said in a statement. “We will provide unwavering support so that outstanding talent can step onto the global stage while preserving their cultural identity. The creative energy of India's local experts, combined with HYBE's global system, will generate powerful synergies,” it added. The agency highlighted India’s potential in the music streaming market, with approximately 185 million users, the second largest in t

Mar 24, 2026By Jhoo Dong-chan
HYBE to recruit emerging talents in India
Shows & Dramas

April K-drama showdown: IU, Kim Go-eun, Go Youn-jung go head-to-head in star-packed month

Three of Korea’s most in-demand actresses — IU, Kim Go-eun and Go Youn-jung — are set to return to the screen within days of each other this April, setting up what fans are already calling a rare “all-star showdown” in the K-drama scene. With each project already drawing buzz as a highly anticipated release, attention is building not just around the individual dramas, but also around who will come out on top in a crowded and competitive month. IU will kick things off with MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama “Perfect Crown,” premiering April 10. The series is set in a fictional modern constitutional monarchy in Korea and follows a wealthy but common-born woman and a prince who, despite his royal status, possesses nothing. The story centers on their romance as they challenge social hierarchies. IU plays Sung Hee-joo, a successful businesswoman who appears to have it all — beauty, wealth and talent — but struggles with the limitations of her social status. Explaining her decision to take on the role following Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” IU said, “

Mar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
April K-drama showdown: IU, Kim Go-eun, Go Youn-jung go head-to-head in star-packed month
Others

After non-compete ends, Lee Soo-man returns with ‘open audition’

Lee Soo-man, the former chief producer and founder of SM Entertainment, is returning to the Korean music scene with an unconventional move: a walk-in audition open to anyone, with no prior application required. A2O Entertainment Korea said Monday that it will launch its first public audition program, titled “A2O ZALPHA AUDITION.” The project is personally planned and overseen by Lee, marking his first official move in Korea following the expiration of his non-compete agreement. The audition will run under the slogan “EVERY SUNDAY, A NEW POSSIBILITY BEGINS,” and take place weekly on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at A2O Entertainment Korea in Seoul’s Gangnam district. Applicants can simply show up on-site without a prior screening process, a format that stands out in an industry typically known for closed and highly selective trainee systems. Those unable to attend in person can also apply through the company’s official online channels. Participation is open to anyone regardless of nationality or gender, with applicants able to audition in vocals, rap, dance or acting. The prog

Mar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
After non-compete ends, Lee Soo-man returns with ‘open audition’
K-pop

Boy group Monsta X to drop 1st US album in over 4 years

K-pop boy group Monsta X will return to the U.S. market with a new release next week, its agency said Tuesday. The upcoming album, "Unfold," is the group's third full-length album targeting the United States and the first such release since its second, "The Dreaming," in December 2021. "Unfold," set for release April 3, will feature 10 songs, including two prereleases, "Growing Pains" and "Baby Blue." Other tracks include "Heal," "This!" "Before You Met Me," "Glass Half Empty" and "Main Attraction," according to the track list unveiled by Starship Entertainment on social media. The six-member group debuted in May 2015 and has since established its name in the global market, with its first English album, "All About Luv," reaching No. 5 on the Billboard 200 main albums chart. After kicking off its new world tour, "The X: Nexus," in Seoul in January, the group is now on the Asian leg of the tour.

Mar 24, 2026By Yonhap
Boy group Monsta X to drop 1st US album in over 4 years
K-pop

ReviewWhy more K-pop fans are turning to Samsung to capture concert moments

As dusk fell over Gwanghwamun Square last Saturday night, the crowd moved in rippling waves of purple, all gathering to celebrate the return of global K-pop giant BTS to the stage. Thousands of smartphones were raised toward the stage, their cameras zooming in on the BTS members even before the first note rang out. In today’s K-pop concert landscape, capturing the moment has become nearly as important as experiencing it. For many fans, filming a performance has turned more into a carefully planned mission than a spontaneous decision. That mission is now shaped as much by technology as by the fandom itself. Samsung’s Galaxy Ultra series has emerged as a favorite among a segment of K-pop concertgoers and using the newly released Galaxy S26 Ultra during BTS' recent Gwanghwamun show offered an insight to why. At first glance, the device’s overall video quality did not feel radically different from footage captured on the latest iPhone models. Colors appeared vivid without looking overly processed and baseline sharpness under bright stage lighting felt broadly comparable. Concerts, howeve

Mar 24, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
Why more K-pop fans are turning to Samsung to capture concert moments
Others

‘If you can’t lose weight, you’re cut’: BTOB’s Lee Chang-sub reveals harsh K-pop rules

A candid YouTube discussion featuring Lee Chang-sub of K-pop boy band BTOB has reignited debate over K-pop’s long-criticized weight standards, with the singer revealing that trainees could be cut simply for failing to meet strict targets. In a video uploaded Friday to his YouTube channel thischangsub, Lee Chang-sub appeared alongside Park Cho-rong and Son Dong-woon — all former Cube Entertainment artists — to discuss the broader K-pop idol training system. When asked about company rules and culture, Park said, “There were evaluations every weekend,” describing a system that constantly assessed trainees’ progress. Lee elaborated: “There were weekly and monthly evaluations. The weekly ones checked what you practiced, but the monthly evaluation was basically a survival test — deciding whether you stay or get cut.” Both artists described the process as emotionally intense. “It was really terrifying,” Park said, while Lee added, “You had to go through a nerve-wracking month.” The most shocking detail, however, came when Lee spoke about weight requirements. “People w

Mar 24, 2026By Xportsnews
‘If you can’t lose weight, you’re cut’: BTOB’s Lee Chang-sub reveals harsh K-pop rules
Shows & Dramas

Lee Young-ae, Yoo Ji-tae to reunite on screen for 1st time in 25 yrs

Actors Lee Young-ae and Yoo Ji-tae will star in a new television series, reuniting for the first time in 25 years since the 2001 hit film "One Fine Spring Day," the drama's production company said Monday. The mystery romance, the Korean title of which translates into "Jae-e's Young-in," revolves around Jae-e (Lee), an art teacher grieving the death of her son, and Young-in (Yoo), an architect struggling with memory loss, according to the production company, IWill Media. The drama marks Lee's first since the KBS 2025 thriller "Walking on Thin Ice," while Yoo most recently appeared in the historical movie "The King's Warden" as the cold-blooded Han Myeong-hoe, a key aide to King Sejo. Oh Ki-hwan, known for directing the 2005 romantic comedy "The Art of Seduction," will helm the series. Further details, including the broadcaster and production schedule, have yet to be announced.

Mar 23, 2026By Yonhap
Lee Young-ae, Yoo Ji-tae to reunite on screen for 1st time in 25 yrs
K-pop

ITZY’s Yuna scoops up sweet new chapter with solo debut ‘Ice Cream’

K-pop girl group ITZY's youngest, Yuna, is stepping into a new, solo spotlight — one that feels both familiar and entirely her own. The 22-year-old singer debuted her first individual album, “Ice Cream,” Monday, offering fans a spring-ready introduction to her solo identity. Though still one of K-pop’s youngest breakout figures, Yuna is already entering her seventh year since debuting with ITZY. Following leader Yeji's earlier solo turn, Yuna now seeks to transform her radiant visuals that first defined her into a more personal musical narrative. Speaking to reporters at a hotel in Seoul just hours before the album release, the singer arrived in a white mini dress that mirrored the record’s airy mood. The setting felt calm, but her emotions were anything but. “I feel as nervous as I did when I first debuted with ITZY, but just as excited,” Yuna said. “There’s definitely pressure because it’s my first solo after seven years. I want to do well. Watching Yeji handle her solo so confidently inspired me in a positive way and pushed me to prepare even harder.” Preparing a

Mar 23, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
ITZY’s Yuna scoops up sweet new chapter with solo debut ‘Ice Cream’
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