Hybe CEO pledges stability; Ador ex-CEO vows to continue legal fight

Following the Seoul Central District Court's dismissal Tuesday of ousted Ador CEO Min Hee-jin's injunction request for her reinstatement as chief executive of the label home to girl group NewJeans, Hybe CEO Lee Jae-sang sent an email to employees the same day pledging to prioritize stabilizing operations at Ador. In the email, Lee described the court’s ruling as a "turning point" and expressed optimism in the clarity it brings to resolving issues that have emerged over

Oct. 30, 2024

Hybe apologizes over controversial internal documents, reassigns writer

Hybe CEO Lee Jae-sang on Tuesday apologized over the recent disclosure of an internal document that contained controversial remarks about K-pop artists. The document, intended for Hybe executives as part of an industry trends review on a weekly basis, surfaced during a National Assembly audit on Thursday and has since sparked widespread backlash. “I bow my head in apology to the artists, industry colleagues and fans affected by the language used in our monitoring document, which was highli

Oct. 29, 2024

When two worlds collab: K-pop flexes power with global stars

Collaborations between K-pop idols and global pop stars have evolved into a mutually beneficial relationship that elevates both sides in unprecedented ways. Once seen primarily as a strategy for K-pop stars to break into Western markets, these partnerships now enable major pop icons to harness the power of K-pop fandoms -- known for their intensity, organization and unwavering dedication. K-pop fans, renowned for their streaming efforts and coordinated promotions, have become a valuable asset fo

Oct. 28, 2024

Rose's 'Apt.' redefines K-pop's global appeal

Rose’s hit single “Apt.,” featuring Bruno Mars, may signal a new direction for K-pop’s global reach as it dominates streaming charts worldwide. Music critics describe the song as “intuitive” with a strong hook, appealing to listeners of all ages. According to The Black Label, Rose’s agency, on Friday, the chart-topping single surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify within seven days of its release. This marks the fastest such achievement for a female K-

Oct. 27, 2024

[Well-curated] Peaceful autumn with dumplings, flower farm, garden festival

Hidden dumpling shop Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with ingredients such as seasoned minced meat, tofu and vegetables like napa cabbage and green onions. They're a classic food enjoyed by all ages, found in small eateries and street stalls across Korea. Gwi-Il Dumpling, a local gem in Geumho-dong, Seoul, offers six varieties of mandu -- meat, kimchi, shrimp, galbi (Korean marinated ribs), spicy galbi and a mix of meat and vegetables. The restaurant also serves jjinppang, steamed buns fi

Oct. 25, 2024

Hybe COO denies Illit plagiarized NewJeans, Hybe chart manipulation allegations

Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho, who also serves as Hybe’s chief operating officer, has refuted allegations that his company's rookie girl group Illit plagiarized NewJeans' concept. "It is not true that Belift Lab plagiarized NewJeans. As the CEO of Belift Lab, I would like to state that we have filed a civil lawsuit and pressed charges against former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin regarding this issue,” Kim said during a National Assembly audit on Thursday. “We are awaiting the

Oct. 24, 2024

[Behind the K-pop Scene] 'I hope to inspire many people in my country who share similar dreams'

Debuting in a K-pop group is often likened to searching for a needle in a haystack, and for aspiring idols who aren’t Korean nationals, the odds are even slimmer. Nguyen Trung Kien, who goes by the stage name Kien, is one of the rare few to have made his dream come true. The 19-year-old Vietnamese idol has undergone a long and challenging journey to reach the K-pop stage as a member of the newly debuted boy group ARrC. Although ARrC’s future is yet to be determined -- they debuted on

Oct. 23, 2024

[Behind the K-pop Scene] 'K-pop is all about money'

Behind the glitz and glamour of K-pop lies a business reality driven by fierce competition and substantial financial investment. While K-pop idols shine on stage, producers navigate challenges behind the scenes, especially when securing the funds to sustain their artists' careers. "K-pop is all about money," said Shin Jong-oh, 48, a director at the World K-pop Center and executive producer of the girl group project BlingOne, during an interview with The Korea Herald, on Oct. 10. &

Oct. 22, 2024

Illit releases new EP amid accusations of plagiarizing NewJeans

K-pop girl group Illit has released their second EP, "I’ll Like You," while facing ongoing allegations of copying NewJeans' concept. The group maintained a non-confrontational stance, emphasizing their focus on their own creative path. “We’ve worked hard to show our fans our best, no matter the situation,” member Yunah said during a showcase in Seoul on Monday. “We reflect on all the people who have helped Illit grow and those who have supported and c

Oct. 21, 2024

[Behind the K-pop scene] Vocal trainer So Su-lyn reveals making of future K-pop idols

Vocal trainer So Su-lyn, 32, stands at the forefront of where K-pop begins -- preparing young aspiring stars at her music schools in Incheon and Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. Her goal is to equip these hopefuls with the skills they need to become trainees at major K-pop agencies and, ultimately, debut as idols. “I’ve been working as a vocal trainer for nearly 10 years now. I teach students who want to become trainees at major companies like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Ente

Oct. 21, 2024