BTS fires up crowd with AMAs performance

BTS said that performing at the American Music Awards would be like a dream, but it was not a dream Sunday night in Los Angeles, as the K-pop sensation took the stage alongside the likes of Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, Nick Jonas and even the legendary Diana Ross.Standing on one of the biggest stages in music, the seven members proved they were truly dope as they became the first K-pop boy band to perform at the AMAs in Los Angeles on Sunday.The group began the night by walking the red carpe

Nov. 20, 2017

Musicians unite at AMAs in wake of tumultuous year

The 2017 American Music Awards marked a night of unison, positive vibes and American pride as musicians spoke about coming together in a year dominated by natural disasters, violence and divisive politics. Kelly Clarkson and Pink kicked off the three-hour show Sunday with a performance honoring those affected by tragic events of the year, from hurricanes to hate crimes. First responders stood behind Jamie Foxx, who gave a heartfelt speech before the pop stars sang R.E.M.‘s “Everybody Hurts.” Thi

Nov. 20, 2017

BTS debuts at American awards show

BTS has made its performance debut at an American awards show.The K-pop sensation performed its hit single "DNA" at the 45th American Music Awards (AMAs) at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, which was broadcast live by ABC, Sunday night (local time). BTS, also known as Bangtan Boys or Beyond The Scene, became the first Korean act to be invited to the awards ceremony.Members of BTs pose prior to performing at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. (Yonhap)"I can't believe it. I'm so

Nov. 20, 2017

BTS walks red carpet at AMAs

K-pop boy band BTS attended the American Music Awards held at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, or 8 a.m. Monday in Korean time. Ahead of the group’s performance, the boy band appeared on the red carpet and greeted fans who gathered for a glance of their favorite stars. (Yonhap)This marks the first time a K-pop group has been invited to the music event. BTS is the only Asian musical act invited this year to the AMAs. The awards show is to be broadcast live by Mnet at 10 a.m. Mond

Nov. 20, 2017

Simon Rattle’s last tour in Korea with Berlin Philharmonic sweetened by pianist Cho Seong-jin

A few hours ahead of Sunday evening’s concert at the Seoul Arts Center, Simon Rattle, conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, was relaxed and effusive in his praise of pianist Cho Seong-jin, who would be performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, M.83 with the orchestra. “This is a time when the planet is full of extraordinary young pianists. It is not rare. But what is rare is a poet on the keyboard,” said Rattle, adding, “But he is seated to my right,” as he looked at Cho. Last mont

Nov. 19, 2017

Yewon School to hold anniversary concert

Yewon School, Korea’s first middle school dedicated to arts founded in 1967, is to hold an anniversary concert at Lotte Concert Hall on Nov. 26. 　The concert will feature prominent alumni musicians active in the global classical music scene. 　A duet by flutist Choi Na-kyung and harpist Na Hyun-sun will kick off the concert, followed by violinist Baek Ju-Young, cellist Cho Young-chang and pianist Kim Kyu-yeon, who will perform Beethoven’s Triple Concert in C Major, Op. 56. 　 Yewon School’s upcomi

Nov. 19, 2017

BTS receives collaboration offer from EDM DJ Zedd

World famous DJ Zedd may be the latest musician to collaborate with K-pop juggernaut BTS, as the group has recently received an offer from the EDM artist. On Friday, Zedd took to Twitter and tweeted to BTS, “Hi guys. I hear u wanna collaborate with me. Let’s do it.” BTS replied to the offer by tweeting “Let’s do it!!”  BTS, left, and Zedd (Big Hit Entertainment and Hyundai Card)Previously during an interview with the US’ Entertainment Tonight, BTS had named Zedd as one of the artists it’d like t

Nov. 19, 2017

Singer Rain to unveil new duet next week

Singer Rain will release his new song "Let's Break Up Today," which he sang in a duet with a female singer, next Friday, his management company said.The sad ballad song about a man who wants to end a relationship with his old lover will be included on the upcoming EP album "My Life Love" to come out on Dec. 1, according to the Rain Company Friday.Rain is scheduled to hold a concert titled "2017 Rain Is Back" to mark his comeback at KBS Hall in Seoul's Yeouido on Tuesday. The taped show will be a

Nov. 17, 2017

After peppy ‘Red,’ Red Velvet delves into woozy ‘Velvet’

If the summer was all fruity and vivacious with the taste of “red,” the year-end will have a toned-down woozy “velvet” vibe, presented by reigning K-pop girl group Red Velvet.After dominating the airwaves with its vibrant seasonal romance “Red Flavor,” Red Velvet returned with “Perfect Velvet,” the five-piece group’s second full-length album fronted by the lead track “Peek-A-Boo.” “After the ‘Red Flavor’ success, we felt burdened. But still, we tried to return with more perfection with ‘Perfect

Nov. 16, 2017

EXO, Kim Hee-sun win big at 2017 Asia Artist Awards

K-pop boy band EXO and actress Kim Hee-sun scooped up the grand prizes for best singer and best actor, respectively, at the 2017 Asia Artist Awards on Wednesday at Jamsil Gymnasium in Seoul. EXO took home four trophies at this year’s AAA. In addition to winning the grand prize for the second consecutive year, the group also received the Fabulous Award and Popular Award. Its member D.O., also known as Do Kyung-soo, won the Popular Award as an actor.  K-pop boy band EXO poses during a red carpet e

Nov. 16, 2017

[Album review] Time for EXID to push beyond boundaries

EXID“Full Moon”Sony MusicEXID has its specialty in seesawing along the line between bass heavy and melodic sophistication. Except for its groovy pop ballads, most of the group’s work, such as “Up & Down” and “Ah Yeah,” has centered on beat-laden electro pop, usually composed of LE’s fierce rapping and the vocalists’ climatic chorus that tempers down the overall “badassedness” of the song. K-pop fans may have dug such formula in the past, turning EXID into one of the most distinctive acts in the

Nov. 16, 2017

Taeyeon to return with Christmas record, concert in December

Taeyeon of Girls’ Generation will give fans a special gift, a Christmas album slated for release next month. According to the singer’s label S.M. Entertainment, Taeyeon has already finished recording the songs and is in the process of shooting the accompanying music video.  A poster for Taeyeon‘s upcoming Christmas concert (S.M. Entertainment)Fully getting into the Christmas spirit, Taeyeon will also hold her solo Christmas concert “The Magic of Christmas Time” at the Grand Peace Hall of Kyung H

Nov. 16, 2017

Twice to be featured in NHK’s ‘Kohaku’: reports

K-pop group Twice will appear on Japanese broadcaster NHK’s annual “Year-end Song Festival,” also known as “Kohaku Uta Gassen.”Japanese media outlets including Nikkan Sports reported Wednesday that the K-pop group had decided to appear on “Kohaku” and NHK would make an official announcement Thursday. It will mark the first appearance of a K-pop group on the Japanese year-end show in six years. In 2011, Kara, Girls’ Generation and TVXQ were featured in the special.  K-pop group Twice (JYP Enterta

Nov. 15, 2017

Mnet to broadcast AMA live

Korean fans will get to see BTS’ US debut performance live at the 45th edition of the American Music Awards. Cable channel Mnet will broadcast the AMA show scheduled to take place at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles at 10 a.m. Monday (Korea Standard Time). It marks the first time a Korean broadcaster is carrying the show live.  Logo for American Music AwardsMnet has been broadcasting the Grammy Awards live for 17 years.Pop music critic Lim Jin-mo, who has hosted the broadcaster’s live broadcast

Nov. 15, 2017

Infused with new blood, Lovelyz offers early Christmas vibe with new EP

K-pop sweethearts Lovelyz’s music has been a remedy for those craving some sonic sweetness. And “Twinkle,” the lead song from the eight-piece group’s new third EP, offers K-pop fans another sugary treat to indulge in this winter. What is notable about the latest album “Fall In Lovelyz,” out Tuesday, is that the girls took their first attempt at electro dance pop with “Twinkle.” The group’s tonal transition, shifting from its signature bubblegum sound to powerful dance-driven pop, came after its

Nov. 14, 2017

2PM’s Jun.K to return with reflective EP ‘My 20s’

Boy band 2PM’s member Jun.K, who has been active as a producer and soloist recently, is set to release his new solo EP “My 20s” on Nov. 27, according to his agency JYP Entertainment on Tuesday. The agency said the upcoming EP will be a reference to Jun.K’s 20s, as the singer will turn 30 next year. “My 20s” will be the singer’s first solo release in 10 months since his special album “77-1X3-00” in January last year.  A teaser image for 2PM Jun.K’s upcoming solo EP “My 20s” (JYP Entertainment)The

Nov. 14, 2017

BTS makes guest appearance on CBS late night talk show

K-pop group BTS takes US TV shows by storm this month. Its agency, Big Hit Entertainment, said Tuesday that the K-pop sensation will take part in the recording of CBS’ “The Late Late Show With James Corden” on Wednesday as its first promotional activity during its visit to the US to perform at the American Music Awards on Sunday. BTS (Big Hit Entertainment)Earlier this month, the agency said the seven-member band would make appearances on popular TV shows “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The Ellen DeGe

Nov. 14, 2017

BTS' Rap Monster changes his stage name

Rap Monster of K-pop boy group BTS has changed his stage name to RM, the group's agency said Tuesday.The leader of the popular seven-member act announced the news in a post to a fan page Monday, according to Big Hit Entertainment."People started to call me 'Rap Monster,' which is part of lyrics I wrote when I was a trainee. I like the name," the 23-year-old wrote. "But I realized the name is far from the type of music I want to show you."He also said that his new name is "a better fit for the mu

Nov. 14, 2017

BTS becomes first Koreans to boast over 10 mln Twitter followers

BTS has become the first Koreans to boast 10 million followers on Twitter, its Seoul unit said Monday."BTS has hit 10 million followers on Twitter, a first for a Korean account," Twitter Korea said. The social media service posted a short video titled "The incredible rise of K-pop superstars BTS."BTS, the popular boy group also known as Bangtan Boys, surpassed the 10 million milestone at 11:15 a.m., four years and 11 months after uploading the first post on Dec. 17, 2012. (Twitter)BTS members up

Nov. 14, 2017

[Video] Colombian TV show mocks BTS for being Asian

A Colombian TV show has drawn flak for making a racist gesture when introducing BTS, a K-pop band that has been gaining worldwide popularity.The host of the show “Dia a Dia” had introduced BTS’ latest album, which had prompted a man behind him to make a “slant eyes” gesture by lifting the corners of his eyes. After the broadcast was aired, a Twitter user with the name “ARMY (fan club of BTS) Colombia” apologized on the social media platform, saying that it is “sincerely sorry” about the incident

Nov. 13, 2017