A Hybe internal document on K-pop industry trends, presented to top executives, including Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk, has been fueling intense debate since its disclosure at a National Assembly audit on Oct. 24. The report stunned K-pop fans and the public with its critiques of young idols’ appearances, describing some as “surprisingly unattractive" or "overly reliant on cosmetic enhancements," which brought significant attention to the document's author. Contrary

K-pop Nov. 3, 2024

K-pop fans in Thailand, one of the strongest K-pop fan bases globally, are protesting against Hybe following the leak of an internal document that reportedly contained unverified rumors about YG Entertainment's Blackpink and its Thai member, Lisa, as well as numerous other artists. The so-called “music industry report,” disclosed during a recent National Assembly audit in Seoul, allegedly criticized Blackpink’s achievements and suggested that Lisa’s success at the MTV Vid

K-pop Oct. 31, 2024

Following the Seoul Central District Court's dismissal Tuesday of ousted Ador CEO Min Hee-jin's injunction request for her reinstatement as chief executive of the label home to girl group NewJeans, Hybe CEO Lee Jae-sang sent an email to employees the same day pledging to prioritize stabilizing operations at Ador. In the email, Lee described the court’s ruling as a "turning point" and expressed optimism in the clarity it brings to resolving issues that have emerged over

K-pop Oct. 30, 2024

Hybe CEO Lee Jae-sang on Tuesday apologized over the recent disclosure of an internal document that contained controversial remarks about K-pop artists. The document, intended for Hybe executives as part of an industry trends review on a weekly basis, surfaced during a National Assembly audit on Thursday and has since sparked widespread backlash. “I bow my head in apology to the artists, industry colleagues and fans affected by the language used in our monitoring document, which was highli

K-pop Oct. 29, 2024

Collaborations between K-pop idols and global pop stars have evolved into a mutually beneficial relationship that elevates both sides in unprecedented ways. Once seen primarily as a strategy for K-pop stars to break into Western markets, these partnerships now enable major pop icons to harness the power of K-pop fandoms -- known for their intensity, organization and unwavering dedication. K-pop fans, renowned for their streaming efforts and coordinated promotions, have become a valuable asset fo

K-pop Oct. 28, 2024

Rose’s hit single “Apt.,” featuring Bruno Mars, may signal a new direction for K-pop’s global reach as it dominates streaming charts worldwide. Music critics describe the song as “intuitive” with a strong hook, appealing to listeners of all ages. According to The Black Label, Rose’s agency, on Friday, the chart-topping single surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify within seven days of its release. This marks the fastest such achievement for a female K-

K-pop Oct. 27, 2024

Hidden dumpling shop Mandu are Korean dumplings filled with ingredients such as seasoned minced meat, tofu and vegetables like napa cabbage and green onions. They're a classic food enjoyed by all ages, found in small eateries and street stalls across Korea. Gwi-Il Dumpling, a local gem in Geumho-dong, Seoul, offers six varieties of mandu -- meat, kimchi, shrimp, galbi (Korean marinated ribs), spicy galbi and a mix of meat and vegetables. The restaurant also serves jjinppang, steamed buns fi

Culture Oct. 25, 2024

Belift Lab CEO Kim Tae-ho, who also serves as Hybe’s chief operating officer, has refuted allegations that his company's rookie girl group Illit plagiarized NewJeans' concept. "It is not true that Belift Lab plagiarized NewJeans. As the CEO of Belift Lab, I would like to state that we have filed a civil lawsuit and pressed charges against former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin regarding this issue,” Kim said during a National Assembly audit on Thursday. “We are awaiting the

K-pop Oct. 24, 2024

Debuting in a K-pop group is often likened to searching for a needle in a haystack, and for aspiring idols who aren’t Korean nationals, the odds are even slimmer. Nguyen Trung Kien, who goes by the stage name Kien, is one of the rare few to have made his dream come true. The 19-year-old Vietnamese idol has undergone a long and challenging journey to reach the K-pop stage as a member of the newly debuted boy group ARrC. Although ARrC’s future is yet to be determined -- they debuted on

K-pop Oct. 23, 2024

Behind the glitz and glamour of K-pop lies a business reality driven by fierce competition and substantial financial investment. While K-pop idols shine on stage, producers navigate challenges behind the scenes, especially when securing the funds to sustain their artists' careers. "K-pop is all about money," said Shin Jong-oh, 48, a director at the World K-pop Center and executive producer of the girl group project BlingOne, during an interview with The Korea Herald, on Oct. 10. &

K-pop Oct. 22, 2024

K-pop girl group Illit has released their second EP, "I’ll Like You," while facing ongoing allegations of copying NewJeans' concept. The group maintained a non-confrontational stance, emphasizing their focus on their own creative path. “We’ve worked hard to show our fans our best, no matter the situation,” member Yunah said during a showcase in Seoul on Monday. “We reflect on all the people who have helped Illit grow and those who have supported and c

K-pop Oct. 21, 2024

Vocal trainer So Su-lyn, 32, stands at the forefront of where K-pop begins -- preparing young aspiring stars at her music schools in Incheon and Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. Her goal is to equip these hopefuls with the skills they need to become trainees at major K-pop agencies and, ultimately, debut as idols. “I’ve been working as a vocal trainer for nearly 10 years now. I teach students who want to become trainees at major companies like SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment and JYP Ente

K-pop Oct. 21, 2024

Norwegian singer-songwriter Eline Noelia Myreng was working part-time as a bartender in Oslo, Norway, when she co-wrote K-pop girl group Ive’s hit single, “I Am,” for their 2023 studio album, "I’ve Ive." That success transformed her dream of becoming a full-time music producer into reality -- at just 25 years old. “I co-produced this track (‘I Am’) with Audun (Agnar Guldbrandsen) and Kristin (Marie Skolem). We wrote it in a basement under an oy

K-pop Oct. 20, 2024

하이브가 운영하는 글로벌 팬 플랫폼 위버스가 오는 12월 1일부터 새로운 유료 서비스를 도입하면서 레이블과 팬들을 착취한다는 비판이 일고 있다. 하이브는 이번에 런칭하는 새로운 ‘디지털 멤버십’ 서비스를 위해 130개 이상의 음악 레이블을 사실상 강제로 참여시키고 있는 것으로 밝혀졌다. 코리아헤럴드가 10월 7일 더불어민주당 이정문 의원실로부터 단독 입수한 이메일에 따르면, 위버스는 지난 9월 26일 130개 파트너 레이블에 ‘디지털 멤버십’이라는 구독 기반의 서비스를 12월 1일부로 의무화한다고 통보했다. 해당 서비스는 팬들에게 주로 위버스를 통해 독점 디지털 혜택을 제공하며, 모든 아티스트 커뮤니티에 월 구독제로 적용될 예정이다. 기존에 제공되던 유료 멤버십과 차별화된 혜택 없이 위버스에 유리한 수익 배분을 추구하는 이번 디지털 멤버십 서비스는 위버스에 입점한 레이블들에게 부담으로 다가오고 있으며, 다수의 레이블사들은 기존 멤버십만으

한국어판 Oct. 17, 2024

Weverse Company, a global fan platform run by Hybe, is facing backlash for alledgely forcing its partner labels into a mandatory paid membership service, sparking accusations of monopolistic practices. The new "digital membership" service, set to launch on Dec. 1, compels over 130 music labels to participate, raising concerns about coercion, unfair revenue-sharing and exploiting fan loyalty for profit. According to Rep. Lee Jung-mun of the Democratic Party of Korea, Weverse emailed 130

K-pop Oct. 16, 2024