There have long been distinct elements that make up the “K-pop idol sound” – namely highly-produced songs with catchy choruses sung by camera-ready group members performing their distinct roles. To the unfamiliar, K-pop music can appear to not much more than a product of the entertainment industry. But K-pop idols are, in fact, versatile: They can sing, dance, rap, compose and produce. A handful of K-pop singers have put their talents on full display in various platforms,

K-pop June 27, 2022

  Leaving behind the glitz and the glamour of a contestant who finished in third place on JTBC’s audition program “Sing Again” in 2020, singer-songwriter Lee Mu-jin is back with his first EP, “Room Vol. 1,” which released Thursday evening. As the title suggests, the aptly named “Room Vol. 1” marks the start of his “Room” series, and it’s music that best shows the stories of “musician Lee Mu-jin” and who he was before

Performance June 23, 2022

Art by 22 fans of K-pop sensation BTS will be presented at the Total Museum of Contemporary Art in Jongno-gu, Seoul, from July 1 through July 30. The museum said Monday that it would hold a special exhibition titled “Beyond the Scene” to coincide with the third BTS Global Interdisciplinary Conference, bringing the septet’s songs and messages to life. The art gallery added that the band’s lyrics, album titles and excerpts from members’ speeches are the main insp

Arts & Design June 22, 2022

K-pop sensation BTS’ winning streak on global music charts continues with its latest anthology album “Proof” and new song “Yet To Come.” The band’s new single “Yet To Come” scored No. 1 on Billboard’s Global Excl. US chart, which ranks songs based on streaming and sales activities in 200 regions worldwide, excluding the US. According to the chart operator, BTS racked up 96.5 million streams and sold 42,000 copies in the June 10-16 tracki

K-pop June 21, 2022

As many big-name K-pop artists are set to return this summer, rookie girl group Kep1er opened the sunny season music craze with second EP, “Doublast,” released Monday evening. This marks the nonet‘s return, nearly six months since its debut album, “First Impact,” released in January. In a press conference Monday, leader Yu-jin described it as “an album where Kep1er embarks on a new adventure after its debut.” She continued, saying that the bandmate

K-pop June 20, 2022

Singer-songwriter Grizzly dropped a single titled “Stay With Me” for “Kiss Sixth Sense,” Disney+‘s latest original drama series. “Kiss Sixth Sense” is a romantic comedy-drama based on a web novel of the same title. The show revolves around Ye-sool, played by Seo Ji-hye, a woman who can see into the future when she kisses someone, and Min-hoo, played by Yoon Kye-sang, whose five senses are very sensitive. Grizzly is the sixth singer to contribute music

K-pop June 15, 2022

Music is a tool for singers to spread social messages, with Western singers often using their platforms to speak up on social issues. But K-pop singers often shy away from subjects that might be controversial, choosing to stay silent on social problems rather than touching on matters that might spark media conversations. But throughout the years, BTS, as one of the world‘s most influential figures, has a long history of advocating for social change. Last month, the septet visited the W

K-pop June 15, 2022

Monday marked K-pop sensation BTS‘ ninth anniversary. And in celebration of the date, the septet took themselves to the stage to celebrate the release of its new anthology album, “Proof, ”and showcase live performances of its new songs. The free-to-view live session was held online and streamed via the band’s official YouTube channel. As the clock struck 9 p.m., more than 2 million Army members, the band‘s official fan group, flocked to the platform and filled t

K-pop June 14, 2022

Less than a year since Secret Number graced the stages, the rookie girl group dropped its fourth EP “Doomchita.” This marks the sextet’s return in eight months since its previous work “Fire Saturday.” In a press conference held in Seoul on Wednesday prior to the album release, Soo-dam described the EP as “an album that shows a different side of Secret Number.” The singer went on to say that all bandmates are looking forward to it and that she felt ne

K-pop June 8, 2022

Ahead of a highly anticipated new release this summer, girl group aespa is set to hold its ever-first US showcase in the Los Angeles area. S.M. Entertainment said Tuesday that the four-piece act would meet American fans through “aespa Showcase SYNK in LA” at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California, June 26. The quartet will perform its hits and new songs and enjoy talks with fans during the event, according to the agency.  The upcoming showcase marks a return stateside f

K-pop June 8, 2022

As warmer days are quickly approaching, singer-songwriter Jo Yu-ri returned with her first EP, “Op. 22 Y-Waltz: in Major,” to make the soundtrack of the season and get playlists in order. This marks a return for the singer nearly eight months after her previous work, “Glassy,” a digital single released in October. And with the new album, the singer aims to broaden her musical horizon as an artist by showcasing various music styles. In a press conference Thursday, the

K-pop June 2, 2022

As the summer season is approaching and music charts are ready to revel in new summer anthems, boy band Victon is hopping on the summer music craze with its seventh EP, “Chaos.” This marks a return from the septet just five months since its previous work, “Chronograph,” released in January. In a press conference Tuesday, Seung-sik said that “confusion” and “chaos” are the two terms that best delineate the six-song package. “Chaos”

K-pop June 1, 2022

Love can mean different things to different people, according to singer-songwriter Kassy. “Love could mean two things for people according to what kind of relationship they are in. If they are really into someone, then you would gravitate toward love. But if your love has died, then love could mean breaking up,” the musician said, describing her latest digital double single album, “Love & Hate.” The two-song package released Thursday marks a return for the solois

K-pop May 24, 2022

Less than a month after making her debut, Kim Ga-ram of rookie girl group Le Sserafim halted all her activities as bullying allegations against her escalated. On May 20, the sextet’s management company Source Music announced the singer’s temporary suspension via the group’s fan community platform Weverse. “After discussing with Kim Ga-ram, she will take a break to ease her mind. ... Le Sserafim will continue its activities as a five-piece act until she returns,&rdquo

K-pop May 24, 2022

When 15-year-old rapper BIG Naughty appeared on the hip-hop audition program “Show Me The Money 8” in 2019, little did people know that he would be re-shaping the East-meets-street style of beats. In the same year, he got picked up by H1ghr Music, becoming one of the youngest faces on the global hip-hop agency’s roster. “Three years, I’ll be big in Korea,” he said, and true to his word, he has come far with his music since then. BIG Naughty has built himsel

K-pop May 23, 2022