Articles by Kim Jae-heun
Kim Jae-heun
jaaykim@heraldcorp.com-
Why K-Pop idols face stricter scrutiny: cultural and economic forces behind Korea's high standards
The recent drunk driving incident involving BTS's Suga and the criticism he has faced have sparked discussion about why K-pop idols face such strict scrutiny. Experts point to the unique fan-idol relationship and the way entertainment companies treat idols more as products than individuals. The domestic K-pop fandom is intense and deeply involved. Every K-pop group has a dedicated fandom that supports its idols in every conceivable way. When a group releases a new album, fans often purchase
K-pop Aug. 27, 2024
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Ador’s Min Hee-jin replaced by new CEO amid ongoing dispute
Min Hee-jin is stepping down as CEO of Hybe music subsidiary Ador, with the company announcing on Tuesday that Kim Ju-young has been appointed Ador's new CEO. The decision came amid an ongoing dispute between Min and Hybe that began in April over her alleged attempt to seize management rights of Ador. “On the 27th, the company held a board meeting and appointed Kim Joo-young, a current Ador director, as the new CEO,” the statement read. “While former CEO Min Hee-jin is ste
K-pop Aug. 27, 2024
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Is Korea being too harsh on Suga?
There has been a lot of discussion recently about Suga’s drunk driving incident, raising the question of whether the global K-pop star deserves the level of criticism he has received. Opinions on the issue are particularly divided among local and international fans of Army, BTS’ dedicated fanbase. Suga drove an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol, registering the highest blood alcohol concentration level ever reported in a DUI (driving under the influence) case involving
K-pop Aug. 26, 2024
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[Herald Review] Ye concert in Seoul: confusion to awe to controversy
Rapper Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, has built a reputation for unpredictability, and for some fans in South Korea, an abrupt cancellation was almost expected at his first standalone concert “Ye x Ty Dolla Sign Vultures Listening Experience” held in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, on Friday. The performance was to be the rapper's first in Korea since the hip-hop electronic music festival "Summer Week & T" in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, in 2010, where he participated
Culture Aug. 25, 2024
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[Well-curated] Retreat and confront extreme heat
In today’s busy modern society, people often seek a retreat from the city -- a place where they can find peace and fresh air in nature. Chwihoga, meaning "Temple of the Tiger" in Korean, offers just that. Consisting of three private houses, the property was curated by a married couple who left the bustling capital of Seoul in 2020 to find a new home in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The couple encountered Pyeongchang during their travels and felt an inexplicable sense of peace th
Culture Aug. 23, 2024
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Young Posse showcases bold ambitions with new EP 'Ate That'
Rising K-pop girl group Young Posse, less than a year old, showcased their ambition to conquer the K-pop industry with their latest release, "Ate That," at a Seoul event on Wednesday. After successfully debuting with their first EP "Macaroni Cheese" in October last year and raising the bar with their second EP "XXL," released in March, the group's third album represents their ambition to take over the K-pop scene with “Ate That," according to group l
K-pop Aug. 22, 2024
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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-pop Aug. 20, 2024
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Seoul Tourism Organization to host lectures on K-culture trends
The Seoul Tourism Organization is hosting special lectures titled "K-Culture Trends in the World" at Seoul Tourism Plaza in Seoul on Sept. 28. The global standing of K-pop, trends in contemporary Korean art, and Korean webtoons and web novels will be discussed in three separate lectures by experts in the respective fields -- Kim Jae-heun, a culture reporter at The Korea Herald; Jason Haam, founder of Jason Haam Gallery and Cheon Beom-sick, well-known webtoon creator. The lectures are f
Culture Aug. 19, 2024
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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-pop Aug. 16, 2024
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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-pop Aug. 15, 2024
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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-pop Aug. 14, 2024
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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-pop Aug. 13, 2024
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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-pop Aug. 13, 2024
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Ive, on world tour, performs encore concert in Seoul
Popular K-pop girl group Ive, currently on a 10-month-long world tour, returned to the Seoul stage, reuniting with the group's global fanbase, Dive. The sextet held an encore performance of its first world tour, "Show What I Have," at the Kspo Dome in Songpa District, Seoul, on Aug. 10-11. Having kicked off the world tour last October at Jamsil Indoor Stadium, Ive has since performed 37 shows in 27 cities across 19 countries, including stops in Japan, Asia, Europe, North America a
K-pop Aug. 12, 2024
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Livestreamer Seyeon’s explanation for meeting with Bang sparks further backlash
The controversy surrounding Hybe Chairman Bang Si-hyuk's meeting with 23-year-old AfreecaTV streamer Seyeon in Los Angeles has intensified, despite her attempt to clarify the situation during a livestream Sunday. Seyeon addressed the issue during her internet broadcast on the local video streaming platform at 9 p.m. Sunday, following a notification she posted the day before. The explanation was prompted by a video released by American YouTuber "I am WalKing" last Thursday, which s
K-pop Aug. 12, 2024
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