South Korean singer Lee Hyun re-debuted on Monday as Midnatt, an alter ego created through the incorporation of artificial intelligence. Midnatt is the first artist to debut through Hybe's new music project, Project L. Midnatt officially debuted on Monday with "Masquerade," a song jointly produced by Hybe's label Big Hit Music and the company's interactive media technology subsidiary Hybe IM. The song was released in six different languages. "It feels strange and ex

K-pop May 15, 2023

Once a leading boy band in K-pop, Ukiss is making a full-fledged comeback in celebration of its 15th anniversary. Tango Music, the band's agency, announced Monday that Ukiss will come back as a six-piece soon. "In celebration of its 15th anniversary, Ukiss has confirmed its comeback as a six-piece led by members Soohyun, Hoon and Kiseob," the agency said in a statement Monday, adding, "We will fully support the group so that they can give back to the fans who have waited for

K-pop May 15, 2023

Singer-actor IU's agency on Friday denied all plagiarism allegations and pledged legal measures against those responsible. Edam Entertainment released an official statement on Friday after reviewing the accusations and the recent plagiarism case filed against the artist. On Wednesday, it was reported that someone had filed a complaint to the local police against IU on charges of plagiarism regarding six of her songs. "Based on comprehensive data that we collected from the media and the inve

K-pop May 12, 2023

YG Entertainment's new girl group Babymonster will debut as a seven-piece this fall, the agency said Friday. The agency on Friday announced the members of Babymonster, revealing the group will consist of seven members and not five as previously announced. YG's founder and executive producer Yang Hyun-suk made the announcement in a YouTube video posted on Friday, two weeks after the band's final evaluation, made public via a YouTube series, came to a close. "So many fans, around 99 percent o

K-pop May 12, 2023

C.A.P, whose real name is Bang Min-su, is leaving his group, Teen Top, following a controversial YouTube livestream, the group's agency, TOP Media, said Thursday. The management on Thursday released an official statement announcing C.A.P's dismissal from the team. "Through discussions with Teen Top members, we have decided C.A.P will leave the group as of today," the statement said, adding the team will continue as a four-piece group with members Niel, Changjo, Chunji and Ric

K-pop May 11, 2023

Blackpink's Lisa racked up two more Guinness World Records, YG Entertainment said Thursday. According to YG Entertainment, Lisa's solo album "Lalisa" has won the Guinness World Record for the first album by a K-pop solo artist to amass a billion streams on Spotify. "Lalisa" is the Blackpink rapper's debut solo album which was released in September 2021 and consists of two songs, "Lalisa" and "Money." YG said the Thai singer earned another gl

K-pop May 11, 2023

Singer-songwriter IU is refuting allegations of plagiarism, and is taking legal action against those raising the allegations. IU's agency Edam Entertainment on Wednesday afternoon said in a press statement that it has pressed charges over continued malicious behavior against the singer online. "For several months we have been aware that posts alleging plagiarism and carrying false rumors based on unverified claims have been spreading via online communities, social media and YouTube,&qu

K-pop May 10, 2023

Two documentaries starring BTS' Suga and J-Hope are set for global release in June, Lotte Cinema announced Wednesday. The cinema release of "J-Hope in the Box" and "Suga: Road to D-Day" is in celebration of BTS' 10th anniversary, Lotte Cinema said. BTS, the seven-piece K-pop sensation consisting of Jin, J-Hope, Suga, RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook, celebrates its anniversary on June 13. More details on where the films will be available worldwide have not been announced.

K-pop May 10, 2023

Boy band Oneus is opening its second chapter with its ninth EP, "Pygmalion." "This album in one phrase is 'Oneus' new takeoff.' We've worked really hard to show a different side of us," Hwanwoong said at a press showcase in Seoul on Monday. "Pygmalion" marks the return of Oneus after eight months, the group's longest break to date. It is also the group's first album dropped following the departure of member Raven in October, which left

K-pop May 9, 2023

Seventeen continues to write history with its 10th EP, "FML," with the album landing at No. 2 on Billboard's main albums chart. The US music publisher on Monday announced the chart placing, which beats the groups previous best performance, when it hit No. 4 with its fourth LP-reissue "Sector 17" in July 2022. Since its debut on the chart at No. 15 with eighth EP "Your Choice" in 2021, all of Seventeen's albums made it into the chart and set highs every tim

K-pop May 9, 2023

Hybe's rookie boy band Boynextdoor is set to unveil three songs on its debut single. KOZ Entertainment, Hybe's affiliate label under which the band will debut, on Monday said Boynextdoor's debut single, "Who!," will consist of three songs: "But I Like You," "One and Only" and "Serenade." Rapper-producer Zico, who is the CEO of the team's label, took part in producing "One and Only," teaming up with his longtime musical partner

K-pop May 8, 2023

K-pop boy band MCND performed in Dubai Festival City, United Arab Emirates, in celebration of "2023 K-Travel Week in UAE," its agency TOP Media said Monday. According to the agency, MCND was the only K-pop artist to perform at the festival held on Friday and Saturday. The event was organized by South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Korea Tourism Organization to promote South Korean culture and tourism in the Middle East. Appearing onstage to fans' cheering, MCND

K-pop May 8, 2023

K-pop is entering a new era, with rookie boy bands rushing to open doors. The fourth generation of K-pop groups, mainly defined by those who debuted from 2019 to 2022, saw the flourishing of girl groups. From aespa to Ive, NewJeans, Le Sserafim and Itzy, unique and talented groups reigned on the stage and charts during those years. But trends come and go, and it appears boy bands may be in vogue again. One of the most anticipated groups from the next generation is the string of new boy bands set

K-pop May 8, 2023

Six-piece boy band iKon kicked off its world tour "Take Off" with a set of Seoul concerts. The first and second day of iKon's global concert tour "Take Off" took place on Friday and Saturday at Jangchung Arena in Seoul. The concerts followed the band's long-awaited comeback on Thursday with its third full-length album "Take Off." The six members packed both nights with three hours of live performances and talk sessions, showcasing old hits, such as "R

K-pop May 7, 2023

BTS' member Suga's solo album "D-Day" landed at No. 2 on the latest Billboard 200 main albums chart, continuing the rise of his solo career. Suga has now tied the record set by his bandmate Jimin, who reached No. 2 on the chart in April with his solo album "Face." It was the highest chart position achieved by a Korean solo artist. The album's main song "Haegeum" entered Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart at No. 58. This is Suga's second time

K-pop May 3, 2023