[Today’s K-pop] BTS’ Jimin going strong on Billboard, Spotify charts

Jimin of BTS is spending his fourth week on the Billboard 200 and Hot 100, according to the publication’s latest charts announced Monday in the US. His second solo album “Muse” ranked No. 58 on the main albums chart while the main track “Who” claimed No. 29 on the songs chart, jumping back up 12 rungs from last week. The single debuted at No. 14 and the album at No. 2, respectively. “Who” is staying strong on Spotify’s Daily Top Songs Global char

K-popAug. 21, 2024

We Are The Night’s 'Tiramisu Cake' tops TikTok's Song of the Summer in Korea

Indie band We Are The Night’s single “Tiramisu Cake” has topped TikTok’s Song of the Summer in Korea list. TikTok unveiled on Wednesday its Song of the Summer in Korea list consisting of the top 10 most-used local songs in its short-form content. "Tiramisu Cake” is a song released in 2015 that went viral this summer through more than 1 million TikTok clips using the song for dance challenges. The single was followed by Bumkey’s “Attraction (feat. Dy

K-popAug. 21, 2024

[Exclusive] Fifty Fifty signs with Sony Music's Arista Records to tap into US market

K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty has signed a partnership with Arista Records, an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment. Together with Arista Records, Fifty Fifty is set to promote its upcoming second mini album globally. “Fifty Fifty joined hands with Sony Music’s Arista Records to distribute the group’s new album in North America. The goal is to land Fifty Fifty’s latest song on Billboard’s Hot 100," an industry insider told The Korea Herald. &q

K-popAug. 21, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] SHINee’s Taemin tops iTunes chart in 38 regions with 5th solo EP

Taemin of SHINee landed atop the iTunes Top Albums chart in 38 regions with his fifth solo EP "Eternal." The EP rolled out on Monday to celebrate his 10th debut anniversary as a solo musician. Both promoted tracks, “Sexy In The Air” and “Horizon,” claimed the top spots on real-time music charts at home, and all seven tracks from the new album made the top 10. Taemin will perform each of the two songs on television music chart shows for the first time on Saturd

K-popAug. 20, 2024

Growing influence of Thailand in K-pop industry

As K-pop continues to impact the global music scene, it's clear that success isn't driven solely by the bands and their music. Fans around the world play a crucial role in propelling K-pop artists forward, with their unwavering support and engagement. Traditionally, the US, Japan and the UK have been seen as the most important markets due to their size and impact on the global music industry. However, the rise of digital platforms like TikTok and Instagram is shifting this dynamic, all

K-popAug. 20, 2024

[Herald Interview] Finding inspiration in school life

Eleven-year-old singer and content creator Seo Eve rapidly rose to stardom with her debut digital single “Malatanghulu” released in April which went viral on Instagram and TikTok. Seo proved she had the talent to be a singer by writing the lyrics to her songs and choreographing her dance, belying her age. “I wrote the lyrics based on my school life. ‘Malatanghulu’ is about asking someone I like to take me out on a hot pot date as hot pot is one of the most popular f

K-popAug. 20, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] SHINee’s Taemin sings ‘eternity’ with new solo album

Taemin of SHINee put out his fifth solo EP “Eternal” Monday exuding calmness and confidence. The album validates how the artist will be himself whatever he does and wherever he is. He had his hands on the whole process of putting it together, from the album concept to the music video production. It is fronted by two focus tracks: “Sexy In The Air,” a statement to his unwavering identity, and “Horizon,” an upbeat dance tune describing his attempt to push bounda

K-popAug. 19, 2024

Brutal competition ahead for 1st-generation Fifty Fifty members

The original four members of the K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty are set to compete with one another as Keena returns with new members as the second generation of Fifty Fifty in the second half of this year and the three former members -- Saena, Aran and Sio -- debut as a trio under a new agency. Saena, Aran and Sio recently signed an exclusive contract with Massive E&C, a label under IOK Company. IOK Company is an agency that represents actors such as Go Hyun-jung, Zo In-sung and Shin Hye-sun.

K-popAug. 19, 2024

K-pop idols are under intense ethical scrutiny

K-pop idols are more than just entertainers; they are cultural icons, often seen as the embodiment of South Korean values and pride. This unique role subjects them to intense scrutiny, with every action and word closely watched by fans and the public. Incidents involving popular K-pop singers Yeonjun of Tomorrow X Together and Felix of Stray Kids on Korea's National Liberation Day on Thursday illustrate these high expectations. Yeonjun faced criticism after he posted photos on Instagram tak

K-popAug. 16, 2024

Lun8 delivers hip, free-spirited ode to youth

K-pop boy band Lun8 has returned with another ode to youth, this time capturing the free spirit of young people. "Our previous song was a warm spring tune, but this one brings a cool summer vibe,” said leader Jinsu during a press conference for their third mini album, “Awakening,” on Wednesday. Since their debut, Lun8 has consistently explored themes of youth in their music. The new album continues that journey, but with a focus on a more rebellious and dynamic image. &ldq

PerformanceAug. 16, 2024

BTS fans divided over Suga's drunk driving

BTS’s dedicated fanbase, known as Army, is sharply divided over the recent drunk driving by Suga. While some fans express disappointment and even call for his departure from the band, others argue that such criticism is excessive and that Suga should be given privacy to deal with the situation. Suga was booked by the police for driving an e-scooter under the influence Aug. 6, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.227 percent, one of the highest recorded levels among K-pop singers. The ne

K-popAug. 15, 2024

[Herald Interview] Cheeze shifts from lovable to chilling for summer song

Cheeze, a one-person band known for vocalist Dalchong's lovely and clear voice, has returned with a hair-raising summer song. "Many people know me for my bright and lovely image, but I have various sides, including ballads and melancholy songs. I wanted to show that this image is also part of Cheeze," said Dalchong, the vocalist and producer of Cheeze during a group interview on Aug. 5. The band Cheeze, which debuted in 2011, started out as a quartet but has been a one-person band

K-popAug. 15, 2024

Documentary on BTS Jungkook's solo journey to open next month

A documentary film on BTS Jungkook’s journey as a soloist, “Jung Kook: I Am Still,” is to hit theaters next month. The film, featuring inside stories of Jungkook’s solo album preparation, unreleased interviews and scenes behind the stages, is the 10th BTS film presented by Hybe. It encapsulates the eight-month journey of Jungkook since his solo debut in July 2023. In Korea, the movie will be exclusively released at CGV theaters starting Sept. 18. It will be available worl

K-popAug. 15, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] NewJeans' ‘Cookie’ music video surpasses 100 m views

NewJeans added another video to the list of those with more than 100 million views on YouTube. Its music video for “Cookie,” one of the three focus tracks from its debut EP, reached the milestone and became the group’s fifth to do so, following performance videos for “Hype Boy,” “OMG” and “Ditto,” as well as the music video for “Super Shy.” The single was touted as “the best song from the debut EP by the impressive young K-p

K-popAug. 14, 2024

Ador CEO claims sexual misconduct allegation orchestrated against her

What began as a power struggle between Hybe and Min Hee-jin, CEO of its subsidiary Ador, over her alleged attempt to seize management rights has now escalated to accusations of sexual misconduct with Min possibly suggesting that Hybe is behind this latest allegation. The sexual misconduct accusation against Min emerged last month amid the ongoing conflict between her and Hybe. A local media outlet reported Ador's internal feud, citing sources believed to be connected to Hybe. The report all

K-popAug. 14, 2024

[Today’s K-pop] Boynextdoor to return in September

Boynextdoor uploaded a teaser clip for its September return via agency KOZ Entertainment Tuesday. Dubbed “The Beginning of Countdown: 19.99,” the 16-second-long visual starts with a device dropped on a dark street that begins a countdown before someone snatches it up, revealing the title of the album along with the release date: Sept. 9. The boy band is returning about five months after its second EP “How?” which sold over 760,000 copies so far. The mini album was one of

K-popAug. 13, 2024

Why are UN, UNESCO tapping into K-pop?

In a digital age where the battle for hearts and minds is waged online, global organizations like the United Nations and the UNESCO are turning to an unlikely but powerful ally -- K-pop. With its massive, dedicated fanbases and global reach, K-pop has emerged as more than just a music genre -- it is a cultural phenomenon capable of driving social change. By partnering with groups like BTS and Seventeen, the UN and UNESCO are tapping into this energy, leveraging K-pop's influence to amplify

K-popAug. 13, 2024

Jun, Jeonghan to halt Seventeen group activities

K-pop sensation Seventeen will temporarily promote without two members while member Jeonghan enlists in the military and Jun pursues an acting career in China during the second half of this year. "Jeonghan is scheduled to fulfill his mandatory military service later this year. While most (of the group’s) prescheduled content has been completed, he will not be able to participate in the group’s promotion for its 12th mini album or the 'Seventeen [Right Here] World Tour,'

K-popAug. 13, 2024

Sony Music Korea, Japan to launch K-pop boy band KJRGL

Sony Music Korea and Sony Music Japan are preparing to launch a new K-pop boy band in September. The name of the group is KJRGL, which stands for “Kind (of) Just Right Good Luck,” according to Sony Music Japan. KJRGL consists of three Korean members and three Japanese members who have participated in TV K-pop contests and have spent several years as K-pop trainees. Kouki, one of the three Japanese members, was on the second season of “Produce 101 Japan.” Akira, another Ja

K-popAug. 13, 2024

[Herald Interview] Kard returns with easy-listening summer song

Coed K-pop quartet Kard releases its seventh EP, “Where to Now? (Part 1: Yellow Light)," Tuesday evening, the group's first album in 15 months. Known for its reggae music and powerful performance, Kard is presenting an easy-listening song for the first time on the new album. “New attempts were made in this album hoping that it will satisfy the public's listening needs. We've worked with songs with strong characteristics that many listeners could have found hard to

K-popAug. 13, 2024