Academics call for societal shift in attitudes toward K-pop singers’ mental health

Yale professor says Korean idols face harsher scrutiny than other stars, citing Suga’s DUI case Local and international K-pop academics are urging South Korean society to reassess its approach to the mental health of celebrities who often endure intense scrutiny and harsh judgment. They argue that the unrealistic moral and professional standards imposed on public figures make it difficult for them to seek help without facing severe backlash. This call for change follows the recent deaths of actr

March 12, 2025

30,000 NewJeans fans submit petition urging court to reject Ador’s injunction

Team Bunnies support NewJean's decision to end its contract with Ador NewJeans' fandom “Team Bunnies,” announced Wednesday that its 30,000 members had submitted a petition to the court to urge it to dismiss Ador’s injunction request filed in January to maintain its management rights over the girl group. Ador is the disputed former agency of NewJeans, now rebranded as NJZ, after the members unilaterally terminated their exclusive contracts in November 2024. “Fans fully support the members’ decisi

March 12, 2025

Jennie’s bold fashion at LA performance sparks debate ahead of Seoul show

Fans argue that K-pop idols should have artistic freedom without restrictions, critics call the outfit too provocative Jennie of Blackpink has stirred controversy among Korean fans for her revealing outfits worn during “The Ruby Experience” in Los Angeles, last week. With her Seoul show scheduled for Saturday, attention is now on whether the daring stage costumes will return. Jennie performed at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on March 6-7 to celebrate the release of her first solo studio alb

March 11, 2025

K-pop stars, fans mourn late singer Wheesung’s death

Police request autopsy as part of ongoing investigation into Wheesung’s death The sudden news of the death of R&B singer Wheesung on Monday has left the K-pop community in mourning, with tributes pouring in from fellow musicians and fans. Rapper Changmo shared his condolences online, expressing gratitude for Wheesung’s music in his life. “Thank you for your amazing music that had a great impact on my life. May you rest in peace,” Changmo posted Monday on social media. Paloalto, another rapper, r

March 11, 2025

Yeji hopes to show off potential in solo debut

Singer admits feelings of excitement, pressure as first from Itzy to go solo Yeji of Itzy made her highly anticipated solo debut Monday with the release of her first EP, “Air,” six years after debuting with the girl group in 2019. At her debut showcase in Seoul, Yeji admitted to both the excitement of the moment and pressure as the first member of her group to go solo. “My heart is still racing and I’m nervous. When I first heard the news that I would be going solo, I was beyond happy, but I als

March 10, 2025

Japanese girl group NiziU to release second Korean single, 'Love Line'

Japanese girl group NiziU will be releasing their second Korean single album, "Love Line" on March 31, JYP Entertainment announced Monday. This marks the girl group’s first Korean release since the debut single "Press Play" was released in October 2023. The debut song "Heartris" earned NiziU a music show win in just nine days and placed the group seventh in first week figures for K-pop girl group debut album sales. NiziU also announced plans for this year, which include new albums, overseas prom

March 10, 2025

Super Junior kicks off 20th anniversary year with new reality show

Super Junior is launching its highly anticipated 20th-anniversary project with a brand-new reality entertainment program, “Super Junior’s Super TV.” The 10-episode show will premiere March 21, airing every Friday on TVing, a local streaming platform, and Mnet, a CJ ENM-owned music cable channel. For international fans, “Super Junior’s Super TV” will be available via multiple global streaming platforms, including Kocowa+ (North America, Europe, Oceania), TrueVisions Now (Thailand), friDay Video (

March 7, 2025

Legal battle over NewJeans’ contract dispute revisits same arguments

Court's injunction ruling pending, separate hearing on contract validity set for April 3 The ongoing legal battle between NewJeans, who recently rebranded as NJZ, and their former agency Ador played out in court again Friday, with both sides reiterating their previous claims. NewJeans accused Ador of mistreatment and discrimination, while Ador insisted the members unlawfully terminated their exclusive contracts despite receiving substantial support from the agency. The Seoul Central District Cou

March 7, 2025

Jun Ji-hyun returns to film after 10 years with Yeon Sang-ho’s new movie

Ji Chang-wook joins star-studded cast of 'Gunche' Actress Jun Ji-hyun is making her long-awaited return to the big screen after a decade, starring in Yeon Sang-ho’s latest film, “Gunche,” which recently began filming. The movie, titled after a Korean word for “colony,” is expected to premiere next year, according to its distributor ShowBox, Friday. This is Jun’s first collaboration with Yeon and her first film appearance since the 2015 blockbuster "Assassination," directed by Choi Dong-hoon. “Gu

March 7, 2025

Another K-pop scandal? SM Entertainment accused of tampering with local broadcaster

Xiumin's management company claims the entertainment powerhouse exerted influence to block the singer's appearance on 'Music Bank' EXO member Xiumin’s new agency INB100, on Tuesday, accused SM Entertainment of tampering with local broadcaster KBS to prevent the singer from appearing on a music show. The following day, MC Mong, co-founder of One Hundred, further criticized SM Entertainment for allegedly exerting influence over the broadcaster. One Hundred, the parent company of Xiumin’s agency IN

March 6, 2025