Epik High to hold concerts from Nov. 3-4

Hip-hop trio Epik High will hold concerts in November for its upcoming album, YG Entertainment announced Sunday.The concerts, titled “We’ve Done Something Wonderful,” will take place on Nov. 3 and 4 at Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets will be available starting at 8 p.m. on Sept. 28 at ticket.interpark.com.  A poster for Epik High’s upcoming concert (YG Entertainment)The group’s upcoming album will be its first release in three years since “Shoebox” in 2014, which fea

Sept. 24, 2017

BTS’ ‘DNA’ draws over 50m YouTube views in less than a week

BTS’ music video for “DNA” has surpassed 50 million views on YouTube in less than a week. Released on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m., the video soon became the fastest K-pop music video to reach 20 million views on the video streaming platform. As of 12:40 p.m. Sunday, the video had reached 50 million views. A screen grab from BTS’ music video for “DNA” (YouTube)“DNA,” the lead track of the band’s latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her,” took the 90th spot on the British Official Singles Chart on Saturday, maki

Sept. 24, 2017

BTS' 'Love Yourself' hits No. 14 on British albums chart

South Korean boy band BTS' latest EP "Love Yourself: Her" charted in 14th place on the British Official Albums Chart, the charts company said Saturday.It marks the first time the band has entered the chart since it reached No. 62 with "Wings" last October. (Big Hit Entertainment)"DNA," the main track from "Love Yourself: Her," took the 90th spot on the Official Singles Chart, making it the second Korean act ever to make the chart after Psy, according to the Official Charts Company (www.officialc

Sept. 23, 2017

Twice's ‘black suit teaser’ has fans on edge

Twice is teasing the fans to the point of agony with its serial teaser releases for its fan meeting next month, which it capped off with the group photo released Friday.The photo, revealed via its agency JYP Entertainment’s homepage and the group’s official SNS pages, showed the nine members posing in front of the “Twice Mansion” black suit, tie, and shoes.Twice's teaser image (JYP Entertainment)It heralded the upcoming “Twice Fan Meeting: Once Begins” which was to take place on Oct.14-15 at the

Sept. 22, 2017

No longer Wonder girl, Ha:tfelt to take World Club Dome stage

Ha:tfelt will perform at the opening and closing stages of the World Club Dome Korea 2017, its agency said Friday, spurring her development as a solo artist in the post-Wonder Girl years.According to Amoeba Culture, the K-pop star will perform at one of the biggest electronic dance music festivals in Asia for the first time, which will be hosted at Incheon Munhak Stadium from Friday to Sunday.  Ha:tfelt (Amoeba Culture)She will sing her new song “Fly High,” on which she has worked Le Shuuk. The

Sept. 22, 2017

Laboum’s Yulhee dating F.T. Island’s Choi Min-hwan

Girl group Laboum member Yulhee is dating F.T. Island drummer Choi Min-hwan, agencies of the two artists confirmed Friday.Global H Media and FNC Entertainment said that the two are in a relationship, confirming earlier reports that were fueled by a photo posted by Yulhee on her Facebook page. The photo showed her with a man fans suspect is Choi, accompanied by the message, “10 minutes before we say good-bye. I was almost in tears up because I didn’t want to let him go. But it helps to see a phot

Sept. 22, 2017

[Album review] ‘Love Yourself Seung Her’ mirrors past, future of BTS

BTS“Love Yourself Seung Her”Loen Entertainment When most media outlets put this K-pop group on a pedestal earlier this year for its impressive feats -- a Billboard award and several releases on the Billboard albums chart -- many wondered what would come next. And the result was “Love Yourself Seung Her,” which has become the group’s most successful release to date, as well as a mirror of BTS’ past, present and future. The nine-track album opens with “Intro: Serendipity,” a rather smooth preview

Sept. 21, 2017

Sechs Kies sparkle on return, but lack distinct color

Sechs Kies’ first studio album since 1999 may have been enough to satisfy longtime fans’ thirst for music, but it falls short of showing the maturity the group could have been expected to develop during its 20-year hiatus.The five-member group released “Another Light” on Thursday, marking its first full-length album since reuniting last year. “It really feels like we are debuting again,” said leader Eun Ji-won, in a press conference held in Seoul on Thursday. “It feels like we’re starting again

Sept. 21, 2017

JYP new boyband project named ‘Stray Kids’

JYP Entertainment’s “Stray Kids” project, which will debut its newest boyband, will be first aired next month, the agency said Thursday.“The survival program project that JPY will conduct with Mnet will first air at 11 p.m. on Oct.17, and has been named ‘Stray Kids’,” JYP said in a press release.JYP said the name represents the identity of the show, which picks singers with unique talents that distinguish them from idol groups.The logo for “Stray Kids” (JYP Entertainment)JYP has attempted to une

Sept. 21, 2017

BTS becomes 1st K-pop act to break into Spotify's Global Top 50

BTS became the first Korean musician to break into the top 50 artists played on global music streaming service Spotify, according to its agency Wednesday."DNA," lead track of BTS' latest EP album "Love Yourself: Her," reached No. 50 on the Spotify's Global Top 50 playlist, according to Big Hit Entertainment. The chart ranks the most streamed artist on the platform on a daily basis. (Big Hit Entertainment)Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Spotify was launched in 2008 and currently has some 140 million

Sept. 20, 2017

BTS breaks record, topping 73 iTunes charts

Once again, BTS proved its power as a global K-pop star with its latest EP “Love Yourself Seung Her,” which topped iTunes charts in a record-breaking 73 countries all over the globe. (Big Hit Entertainment)According to Big Hit Entertainment Tuesday, the new EP has ranked No.1 on iTunes album charts including the United States, Britain, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Spain, Poland, Brazil and Indonesia as of 8 a.m. The number of countries the group‘s new EP has swept is the largest f

Sept. 19, 2017

IU’s ‘Autumn Morning’ tops charts despite BTS’ new release

Singer IU’s “Autumn Morning” secured the No. 1 spot on local music charts despite the new release from another K-pop big name BTS on the same day.As of 9:50 a.m. Tuesday, “Autumn Morning” remained on top of all seven local music charts including Melon, Genie and Bugs.“DNA,” the lead track from BTS’ new album “Love Yourself Seung Her,” took the No. 2 spot on all but two music charts -- Mnet and Monkey 3.  (Fave Entertainment)“Autumn Morning” is a track from IU’s upcoming remake album “A Flower Bo

Sept. 19, 2017

Block B’s P.O. gears up for solo debut

Rapper P.O. of K-pop act Block B is getting ready to fly solo with the release of a single next Wednesday. His agency Seven Seasons announced Tuesday that the rapper will release his first single since his 2011 debut. P.O. is also the songwriter and producer for the upcoming record.Prior to the official announcement, he teased the fans last week, saying, “I have a surprise event in store.“ P.O. of Block B (Seven Seasons)The album will be released at 6 p.m. next Wednesday through local music stre

Sept. 19, 2017

[Next Wave] Five monkeys of Jannabi relive heyday of old pop

The Korea Herald is introducing Korean singers, musicians and actors poised to join the next wave of top stars in a twice monthly series. -- Ed.Despite their different personalities, finding common elements among the five members of indie band Jannabi wasn’t difficult. In addition to having grown up in the same neighborhood, they are all undaunted about the future, worship iconic rock stars of the past and are truly and madly in love with music, especially old pop. “It’s really funny that we’ve

Sept. 18, 2017

BTS takes aim at Billboard 100 chart with ‘Love Yourself Seung Her’

BTS is back with a new release that is likely to send fans around the globe into a frenzy. The K-pop act returned with its new EP, “Love Yourself Seung Her,” on Monday, with the ambitious goal of making it on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.  “People always say that their goal is to make it to Billboard 100. But to make the list, we have to sell a lot of records and our song has to be aired on the radio a lot, and it’s not that easy. This makes us wonder, ‘Is it possible?” said band member Sugar durin

Sept. 18, 2017

IU makes surprise pre-release of ‘Autumn Morning’

Singer IU made a timely pre-release of “Autumn Morning” on Monday morning. “Autumn Morning” is a track from the singer’s upcoming remake album “A Flower Bookmark Two.” According to her agency, the sudden release at 7 a.m. was to celebrate IU’s ninth debut anniversary which fell on the day. As it is a precious day for both IU and her fans, the singer decided to pre-release the track to make the morning special, the agency said. “Autumn Morning” (Fave Entertainment)“Autumn Morning” is originally b

Sept. 18, 2017

CL sings for ‘My Little Pony’ soundtrack

CL, formerly of 2NE1, sang on the soundtrack of upcoming animation “My Little Pony: The Movie,” her agency YG Entertainment confirmed Saturday. The upcoming film is a cinematic version of the popular television series “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic.” The singer sang “No Better Feelin’,” the 11th track on the soundtrack.  CL performs on stage during her “Hello B*****s” concert held in Toronto, Canada, on Nov. 14, 2016. (YG Entertainment)The song marks the singer’s first release since she de

Sept. 17, 2017

Dream Theater enchants Seoul fans with ‘Images and Words’

Dream Theater was back in Korea for the eighth time and they did not disappoint, putting on a show for fans by performing the songs from its iconic album “Images and Words.”The legendary progressive metal band held the concert at Olympic Hall in Seoul at 6 p.m. on Saturday, which was part of the “Images, Words & Beyond” tour that commemorated the 25th anniversary for one of Dream Theater’s most successful albums. John Myung (left) and John Petrucci play during Dream Theater‘s concert at Olympic

Sept. 17, 2017

BTS drops first teaser for upcoming track ‘DNA’

BTS has dropped a teaser for its new track from the group’s upcoming EP “Love Yourself Seung Her.”  A teaser image for “DNA,” the lead track of BTS’ upcoming EP “Love Yourself Seung Her.” (Bit Hit Entertainment)On Thursday at midnight, the boy band released a minutelong clip for “DNA,” the lead track of the new EP, offering a glimpse at the K-pop act’s upcoming release. The teaser begins with band member Jungkook whistling while he slowly walks toward the camera. After he joins the rest of the b

Sept. 15, 2017

[Album review] GFriend sticks to songs that recall Japanese anime

GFriend“Rainbow”Loen Entertainment People’s infatuation with upbeat Japanese animation theme songs may account for why GFriend has been able to carve out its own niche and even rise as a chart-topper with tunes that recall Japanese anime.Sticking to a specific sphere of music may be effective, but GFriend’s songs are becoming too similar to one another.  The K-pop group recently returned with “Rainbow,” the extended release of its fifth EP “Parallel” released in August. The album introduces two

Sept. 14, 2017