Bong Joon-ho faces backlash over Blackpink comment

Some fans criticize Bong for mentioning all three Korean members by name while omitting the only Southeast Asian member Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho is facing criticism from fans of Blackpink's Lisa after he did not include the name of the Thai star while naming Blackpink members in a recent interview, with some accusing him of racial bias. In a promotional interview for his upcoming sci-fi film "Mickey 17" on BuzzFeed Celeb’s YouTube channel, Bong named Blackpink his favorite K-pop group

March 6, 2025

Demand growing for K-pop shows in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan: Will China loosen Hallyu ban?

Experts say still too early to conclude ban in mainland China will be lifted soon Demand for K-pop concerts in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan has been surging this year, possibly fueled by China’s long-standing restrictions on Hallyu, or the Korean Wave. According to a major K-pop agency official Wednesday, concert inquiries from promoters in Hong Kong and Taiwan have risen noticeably from last year. “There isn’t an official breakdown, but we are receiving significantly more event requests from Tai

March 5, 2025

Lee Soo-man's ‘Zalpha pop’ and Chinese girl group

Is it a new genre by K-pop pioneer or a strategy to enter Chinese market? Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment and often referred to as the “father of K-pop,” is back with a bold new vision -- introducing “Zalpha pop” through A20 Entertainment, which has offices in California, the US, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. His latest project, A20 May — a group consisting of two Chinese Americans and three Chinese members — debuted in December, signaling not only an effort to pioneer a new mus

March 5, 2025

J-Hope unveils ‘Sweet Dreams’ teaser exclusively on TikTok

Full song to be released on all streaming platforms Friday J-Hope of BTS is giving fans an exclusive first listen to his latest single, “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel),” on TikTok for a week before it becomes available on major streaming platforms. About 19 seconds of the track was released on TikTok at 11 p.m., Feb. 28 following the first night of his world tour, "Hope on the Stage," at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. The full song officially drops on all streaming services at 2 p.m. on Friday. Blending p

March 4, 2025

KiiKii gains early edge over Hearts2Hearts in rookie battle

Starship girl group enters Melon Top 100, while new SM act misses chart Starship Entertainment girl group KiiKii is gaining momentum in its predebut competition against SM Entertainment’s Hearts2Hearts, showing a stronger performance in music charts and brand reputation rankings. Meanwhile, Hearts2Hearts has drawn more views for its debut song “The Chase,” largely due to SM’s global influence and its built-in fan base abroad. Both groups are highly anticipated as they mark the first girl groups

March 3, 2025

Blackpink’s Lisa becomes first K-pop artist to perform at the Academy Awards

Lisa of Blackpink made history as the first K-pop artist to perform at the Oscars, delivering a tribute to the James Bond film series at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday. The tribute performance, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, began with a montage honoring the legacy of the 007 film franchise. Lisa then took the stage in a sleek black gown following a tango performance by actress Margaret Qualley, who starred in the 2024 horror film "The Substance." Lisa perform

March 3, 2025

Singing K-pop, chanting slogans, masses fill Seoul streets for and against impeachment

The lyrics of "Into the New World," Girls' Generation's 2007 debut single, echoed through the streets of Yeouido on Saturday evening: "Our rough road is before our eyes. Unknown future and walls. I won't change, I'm not giving up." What could have been a scene from a K-pop concert was, in fact, a massive demonstration being held in response to an unthinkable development in South Korean democracy: a president's shock declaration of martial law. The str

Dec. 7, 2024

[Well-curated] Book fest at Seoul Forest, espresso bar and Christmas markets

Picture book fest at Seoul Forest library Throughout Dec. 15, Seoul Forest will turn into a magical winter haven with its "Picture Book Library in the Woods" festival. Held at the Seoul Forest Community Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event offers enchanting exhibitions, live music and interactive activities, creating a cozy and festive experience for all ages. The event features performances involving storytelling with music, such as "I love you today as well," and a pict

Dec. 6, 2024

Ador files legal action to confirm validity of contract with NewJeans

Ador filed a lawsuit with the Seoul Central District Court Tuesday to confirm the validity of its exclusive contract with NewJeans which the group claimed to have terminated, the company said on Thursday. The agency said it deemed it necessary to take this step to affirm that exclusive contracts cannot be unilaterally terminated based on individual claims, ensuring clarity for the artists and other stakeholders involved. “This decision was not made lightly,” the agency said in a stat

Dec. 5, 2024

Ex-martial law commander Park An-su draws attention for past appearance on reality TV show ‘Real Man’

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who was named martial law commander following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday, has become a topic of discussion due to his 2013 appearance on the popular reality TV show “Real Man.” The appointment of Gen. Park as martial law commander quickly sparked online chatter, with internet users on social media recalling his appearance on the local reality show 11 years ago. Back then, he was a colonel commanding the 5

Dec. 5, 2024