The KingDom opens new chapter with EP ‘Realize’

K-pop group The KingDom is off to a fresh start with its new EP, “Realize,” for which it changed its from Kingdom to The KingDom. “We decided to change our name for this comeback as we are opening a new chapter with this album. We added the definite article ‘the’ in front of our original group name because we wanted to be the only ones to be represented by such a name,” said Dann, the leader of The KingDom, during a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday. The Ki

May 1, 2024

[Music in drama] Rekindle a love that slipped through your fingers

In retrospect, even the most steadfast commitments and promises of everlasting love can fade into the past. "Queen of Tears," a love story about an estranged couple who once deeply cared for each other, set a new record as the most-watched tvN drama series of all time, with the show's final episode recording a local viewership rating of 24.9 percent. Baek Hyun-woo (Kim Soo-hyun), who grew up in an ordinary household in the countryside, fell in love with Hong Hae-in (Kim Ji-won), t

May 1, 2024

Twice to drop new Japanese album in July

Girl group Twice will drop a new Japanese album on July 17, according to the group’s agency JYP Entertainment. The upcoming album “Dive” is the group’s fifth studio album in Japan and comes two years after the group's fourth Japanese studio album “Celebrate.” This year marks the seventh anniversary of Twice’s Japanese debut. Twice solidified its position as one of the top K-pop groups today with its mini-album "With You-th,'" released

May 1, 2024

Free jazz concerts and camping in Gwacheon

Gwacheon will present free outdoor jazz performances this weekend. "Gwacheon Jazz Picnic," featuring a variety of artists from vocalists to orchestra, will take place on the lawn next to Gwacheon Citizens' Hall May 3-4. This event, combining jazz performances with camping, "Healing Campnic Day," is being introduced for the first time this year. On May 13, the 17-member Hoo Kim Big Band, led by jazz bassist Kim Young-hoo will kick off the event, followed by Lazykuma &

May 1, 2024

Jeonju film fest to kick off, featuring over 230 films

The Jeonju International Film Festival, South Korea's premier platform for indie and art house cinema, is scheduled to commence later in the day, showcasing 232 films from 43 countries, the organizer said Wednesday. The 25th edition of the festival will kick off with a 10-day run, with an opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m. at the Sori Arts Center in Jeonju, located about 190 kilometers south of Seoul. The Japanese film "All the Long Nights," directed and written by Miyake Sho, will ope

May 1, 2024

National Orchestra of Korea to savor tunes and wine in outdoor concerts

“Pungnyu” in Korean literally means “wind flowing.” It encompasses a multifaceted concept such as harmony with nature, artistic flair, musical appreciation, leisurely stylish indulgence and being free-spirited enough to revel in life’s pleasures. During the Joseon era (1392–1910), the aristocracy considered entertainment as a chance to visit majestic mountains and pristine rivers, and write verses describing nature's beauty and their sentiments, accompani

April 30, 2024

New talk show 'Verse1 with 2Jang' takes it to the streets

South Korean television personalities Jang Sung-kyu and singer Jang Min-ho will join forces to relay human stories to the audience via their new talk show, "Verse1 with 2Jang," amid KBS' attempts to tap into the growing popularity of on-site talk shows. The 16-part talk show, "Verse1 with 2Jang," features Jang Sung-kyu and Jang Min-ho engaging in spontaneous discussions with local people. The episodes also include an interactive gaming segment in which the hosts award

April 30, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] Seventeen sets sales record with best-of album

Seventeen’s best-of album, “17 Is Right Here,” sold more than 22.6 million copies on the day of release, according to a local tally released Tuesday. It sets the record for a compilation album from a K-pop act, according to agency Pledis Entertainment. The album topped iTunes top albums chart in 17 regions, while main track “Maestro” topped songs charts in 32. The band added four new songs -- “Maestro” and three songs from among subunits -- to 28 focus

April 30, 2024

K-pop executives recognized on Billboard’s 2024 International Power Players List

Several executives of the K-pop companies SM Entertainment, Kakao Entertainment and Hybe have been recognized on Billboard’s 2024 International Power Players List. This annual list complied by Billboard names executives who made remarkable business achievements outside the US and contributed to the growth of the global music record industry. Joseph Chang, Co-CEO of Kakao Entertainment, Co-CEOs of SM Entertainment Jang Cheol-hyuk and Tak Young-jun, and SM Chief A&R officer Lee Sung-su m

April 30, 2024

TXT to embark on world tour next month

K-pop boy group TXT is set to kick off its third world tour, “Act: Promise,” with a three-day concert at the KSPO Dome in Seoul May 3-5. According to Big Hit Music, TXT is expected to offer an immersive experience in its show with a set list and videos that convey a story, and special stage effects. The group will turn the main stage of the KSPO Dome into a circular stage surrounded 360 degrees by the audience. They also implemented twice as many LED screens, stage props and light ef

April 30, 2024

Zerobaseone to kick off first world tour in September

Zerobaseone is embarking on its first overseas tour to connect with global fans. The nine-member group announced the tour news through their official social media on Monday by posting a teaser poster for "Zerobaseone The First Tour." The group will kick off the concert series on Sept. 20-22 at Seoul's Kspo Dome, followed by shows in Singapore on Sept. 28, Bangkok on Oct. 5, Manila on Oct. 12, Jakarta on Oct. 26, Macau on Nov. 2-3, Aichi from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, and Kanagawa on Dec.

April 30, 2024

[Herald Interview] Xdinary Heroes shoot for the next level with 'Troubleshooting'

Xdinary Heroes dropped their first studio album “Troubleshooting” comprising 10 songs, including the title track “Little Things,” for which the band members took part in composing and writing lyrics. “This album aims to convey inner stories that are often left unsaid, focusing on honest and perhaps even trivial emotions that people may find difficult to express to others,” said Gaon, the band's guitarist. Bassist Joo-yeon recalled that preparing the first

April 30, 2024

Seventeen shows who is the ‘Maestro’ of K-pop in greatest hits album

Seventeen unveiled its greatest hits album, “17 Is Right Here,” on Monday to celebrate its ninth debut anniversary and promise forever with its fans. “We tried to go over our experience as Seventeen from the day of our debut to this day. This album wraps up our past chapters and announces a new beginning for Seventeen,” Dino of Seventeen said when introducing the group’s new album during a press conference in Seoul on Monday. The 33-track album includes some of the

April 29, 2024

What is Hybe’s next move?

In the increasingly vicious brawl between K-pop powerhouse Hybe and the CEO of its sublabel Ador, Min Hee-jin, public sentiment seems to have turned favorable towards Min following her emotional press conference Thursday, during which she claimed that all she wants is the best for NewJeans, the popular K-pop girl group she produced. Her counterattack against Hybe’s claim that she attempted a takeover of Ador, one of Hybe's sublabels, certainly attracted the public’s interest in

April 29, 2024

Simon Stone sets 'The Cherry Orchard' in turbulent Korean society

Jeon Do-yeon and Park Hae-soo are each making a return to the stage in June with world-renowned director Simon Stone’s new production of “The Cherry Orchard.” Celebrated for his deconstruction and reinterpretation of classics such as “Medea” and “Ibsen House,” Stone infuses Anton Chekhov’s tragicomedy with his visionary touch, setting the stage against the backdrop of present-day Korea. Chekhov’s narrative, set in a rapidly changing society,

April 29, 2024

'Queen of Tears' finale sets record viewership ratings as tvN's most-watched series ending

The final episode of "Queen of Tears" aired Sunday, achieving tvN's highest viewership ratings for an episode to date, surpassing the ratings recorded by the cable channel's other hit series, including "Crash Landing on You" (2020) and "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (2017). According to tvN, the final episode of "Queen of Tears" logged an average viewership rating of 28.4 percent in the Seoul metropolitan area and 24.9 percent nationwide. &

April 29, 2024

"The Plot," rife with unexpected twists, will showcase Gang Dong-won at his coldest

South Korean crime flick "The Plot," starring Korean heartthrob Gang Dong-won, will see the actor in his coldest persona yet, alongside a narrative rife with unexpected twists. "The Plot" follows the story of Yeong-il, (Gang Dong-won) whose job is to arrange commissioned contract killings to seem like accidents. As the story unfolds, Yeong-il is unexpectedly involved in a series of events which leads him to believe that this time, he is targeted for a murder disguised as an a

April 29, 2024

Lim Yunchan announces change of program for June recitals

Star pianist Lim Yunchan has announced changes to the program for his upcoming June recitals. Initially slated to feature works by Frederic Chopin, the program "has been changed at the artist's request," said his Korean management, MOC Production, via Instagram on Friday. "In order to respect and support the artist's enthusiasm for the new program and musical judgment, as the performance organizer, we have decided to change the program," it said. The initial lineup

April 28, 2024

NewJeans pops out ‘Bubble Gum’ video amid troubles at agency

NewJeans kicked off promotion for the group's upcoming album by releasing the music video for “Bubble Gum” on Saturday, amid a spiraling dispute and corporate intrigue involving Min Hee-jin, CEO of Ador, and Hybe Entertainment, the K-pop powerhouse that holds an 80 percent stake in the label. “Bubble Gum” is an easy-listening song with a simple drum pattern and synthesizer sounds. It is the B-side to “How Sweet,” which is to be released May 24. The new si

April 28, 2024

Zico hits the right 'Spot!'

Rapper Zico's collaboration with Blackpink's Jennie on "Spot!" has marked a successful return for the rapper, achieving favorable results on domestic and international music charts. The digital single, released Friday, is Zico's first release in nearly two years, after "Grown Ass Kid" in July 2022. Blending addictive melodies and a simple rhythm with Zico's powerful raps and Jennie's intense vocals, the new song captures the story of two friends who r

April 28, 2024