Korean bands get their day in the sun, finally

Bands are dominating local charts at the moment, led by JYP Entertainment's pop-rock sensation Day6. With four of their old and new tracks among the top 10 on Melon’s music chart as of Friday -- “Happy” and “Welcome to the Show” claiming the No. 1 and No. 3 spots and “Melt Down” and “Time of Our Life” holding strong at No. 4 and No. 6, respectively -- it’s clear the Korean music scene is in the midst of a band craze. Day6 is no new

Oct. 4, 2024

[Well-curated] Chicken on skewers, tightrope walking and moon balloon

‘Culinary Class Wars’ meets intimate yakitori Nestled in a quieter part of Seongsu-dong, eastern Seoul, Atari is a hidden treasure for yakitori lovers. Run by "Chicken President," a food researcher and contestant on Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars,” this intimate yakitori spot has built a loyal following thanks to its exceptional course-style dining experience. While the restaurant boasts a large sign, it doesn’t display its name, adding a touch of m

Oct. 4, 2024

K-pop star lip-syncing controversy flares up again

As K-pop stars continue to gain global popularity and greater recognition in the music industry, fans have come to hold higher expectations for their live performances. Many K-pop fans now expect impressive vocal performances during live shows, with little tolerance for lip-syncing. However, music insiders explain that it is nearly impossible for K-pop idols to sing perfectly while performing dynamic choreography. The challenge lies in how well they combine prerecorded vocals with live singing o

Oct. 3, 2024

Big Hit Music to launch hip-hop training program ‘Hit It Base 2024’

Big Hit Music, the music label home to K-pop phenomenon BTS, will launch the specialized hip-hop training program for teenage boys, “Hit It Base 2024,” the company said Monday. The training program, which will run from Nov. 9 to Dec. 15, offers aspiring male hip-hop artists in their teens an opportunity to receive free professional training from songwriting, stage preparation and styling experts. The program culminates in a live performance at the “Final Show” on Dec. 15,

Sept. 30, 2024

NewJeans fans corner Hybe amid PR backlash, looming National Assembly audit

Hybe, the parent company of NewJeans’ agency Ador, is facing increasing pressure in its ongoing conflict with the subsidiary's former CEO Min Hee-jin. On Monday, the girl group’s dedicated fan base, known as Bunnies, announced plans to file a complaint against Hybe’s top executives for breach of trust. The complaint stems from concerns over the company’s handling of NewJeans’ promotions and achievements. One of the group's members, Hanni, may also attend n

Sept. 30, 2024

Psy's touch or new trend in music? P Nation’s solo stars lose their shine

Many K-pop chart-toppers who joined Psy’s P Nation in recent years are struggling to replicate the success they once enjoyed. Music critics point to Psy’s involvement in his artists’ music production and the current trend in music which shows a decline in the popularity of solo dance singers. P Nation, a small entertainment agency founded by Psy after he left YG Entertainment in 2018, quickly gained attention largely due to the "Gangnam Style" singer's global f

Sept. 30, 2024

Who's lying? Hybe vs. Min conflict continues to intensify

The conflict between Hybe and former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin continues to intensify, with both parties clashing over another round of allegations. A day after Ador rejected NewJeans' request to reinstate Min as CEO on Wednesday, a local media outlet released an exclusive interview with Min. In the interview, Min revealed that Hybe had offered her money in May on the condition that she leave the company. “After winning the injunction against the extraordinary shareholders' meeting in

Sept. 27, 2024

Power of nostalgia brings K-pop legends back together

Several iconic K-pop groups, once chart-toppers both in Korea and abroad, are making long-awaited comebacks after years of hiatus. Music insiders attribute this trend to the resurgence of retro pop, which has reignited fans' desire to see their favorite K-pop idols reunite. Many former top K-pop bands have either paused their activities or disbanded for reasons such as legal disputes, contract expirations, or simply by choice, and some of the members pursue their solo career. However, even

Sept. 26, 2024

NewJeans has few options after Ador rejects group's request to reinstate Min Hee-jin as CEO

Ador, the K-pop agency behind NewJeans and a subsidiary of Hybe, confirmed on Wednesday that it will not honor the girl group’s request to reinstate former CEO Min Hee-jin. The agency cited its adherence to Hybe's principle of separating management and production. However, Ador said Min could continue as both an internal director and NewJeans’ producer. "The board has resolved to convene an extraordinary shareholders' meeting to reappoint Min Hee-jin as an internal dir

Sept. 25, 2024

An increasing number of K-pop idols are breaking free from big agencies. Why?

An increasing number of K-pop idols are finding it less appealing to renew their contracts with major agencies, citing restrictions on freedom of expression and limited control over their music. Industry insiders point to shifts in media and production that have empowered idols, giving them more control over their careers. With the rise of social media and independent publishers, idols no longer depend on major agencies for success. Local entertainment companies, however, are frustrated by idols

Sept. 24, 2024