Direct from Korean news and other sources
TikTok has shared its annual Year in Music wrap-up for 2025! On December 9, TikTok summed up the past year with a special recap looking back at music on the platform in 2025. KATSEYE has been crowned TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year, while Connie Francis’s belatedly viral 1962 hit “Pretty Little Baby” was the… The post appeared first on .
Collaboration with Netflix was both a dream-come-true and a major learning opportunity, said one of the directors behind “Three Idiots in Kenya,” Netflix's Korean original reality show released on Nov. 25. “Netflix is a platform many Korean creatives dream of working with these days. We're honored and proud to have launched a program on the service,” director Kim Ye-seul said during an interview in Seoul, Tuesday. Kim directed the six-episode show together with Nah Yung-suk, who she has worked with since her time as an assistant director. The travel reality series follows comedian Lee Soo‑geun, rapper‑TV personality Eun Ji‑won and Super Junior’s Kyuhyun on a chaotic adventure in Kenya in a spin‑off of the “New Journey to the West” franchise, which helped cement Nah’s reputation as a star director. Having worked with all three cast members for years, Kim now also steps up as a main director. Filming in Kenya was inspired by an event from “Three Meals in Iceland,” another spin-off in the same franchise. Kyuhyun had won a stay at a giraffe hotel in Kenya, and fo
Japan remains the largest overseas market for K-pop, but new data suggests its global position is shifting. A report released last month by K-Pop Radar and the Korea Creative Content Agency’s Japan office found that while Japan’s K-pop market continues to grow in size, its share of global consumption is slipping as other regions expand more quickly. The report, based on YouTube data and a survey of Japanese K-pop fans, depicts a market that remains influential but is showing signs of maturity. D
BTS was awarded a Presidential Commendation at the 5th Korea Good Donation Awards for its “Love Myself” initiative, Monday, becoming the first Korean artist to receive the honor, according to Big Hit Music on Tuesday. The awards ceremony, hosted by the Ministry of Interior and Safety, has been held since 2021 to recognize individuals and groups who have inspired society through acts of kindness and giving, with the goal of spreading a mature culture of philanthropy in South Korea. In a statement
Galaxy Corp., an artificial intelligence-driven entertainment technology company, has reached a valuation of 1 trillion won ($679.8 million), officially entering unicorn territory, the company announced Tuesday. Galaxy Corp. CEO Choi Yong-ho, 36, is now the youngest head of a Korean unicorn following the completion of a pre-initial public offering fundraising round that exceeded 100 billion won. The company is now reviewing plans for a potential 2026 listing. The firm’s valuation has surged sinc
South Korea’s entertainment industry is facing widening fallout from the so-called “injection aunt” controversy involving comedian Park Na-rae, who recently halted all activities. What began as allegations about an unlicensed medical provider has now spread to speculation involving SHINee member Key, drawing intense attention online. The scandal erupted after photos surfaced showing Park receiving intravenous drips and other treatments from a woman identified only as “A,” who allegedly does not have a medical license. Park had already been in the spotlight due to disputes with former managers, but this new allegation — involving IV treatments at a private home and proxy prescriptions for antidepressants — escalated public concern. Park’s agency told Xportsnews that they believed “A is a doctor with a valid medical license” and that Park had received only “a nutritional injection,” insisting the situation does not constitute “illegal medical practice.” However, the controversy intensified on Dec. 8 after the Korean Medical Association issued a strongly worded
Park Chan-wook’s latest film “No Other Choice” and Netflix animated hit “KPop Demon Hunters” landed major nominations at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, underscoring the widening footprint of Korean storytelling and creators in the global film industry. Among the Korean and Korea-inspired contenders, announced Monday (local time), Park’s satirical black comedy thriller earned nods for Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy and Best Non-English Language Motion Picture. The film revolves around Man-soo (Lee Byung-hun), a family man who is suddenly laid off and embarks on a desperate fight to find a new job. Park returns to the Golden Globes just three years after “Decision to Leave” was nominated for Best Non-English Language Film in 2023. With “No Other Choice” picking up three nominations, anticipation is growing for Park to finally take home trophies this year. The film’s international momentum began with its invitation to the main competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, becoming the first Korean film in 13 years to do so and drawing global at
All eyes were on IVE member Jang Wonyoung when she appeared at the opening of the Medicube Age-R Seongsu pop-up event in Seoul’s Seongdong District, showcasing a look that quickly sparked comparisons to a real-life Barbie doll. The event, held Monday morning, featured a photo call where Wonyoung arrived in a white off-the-shoulder dress that highlighted her slim silhouette and signature doll-like proportions. The bold open-back design became an instant focal point, prompting a wave of camera flashes from reporters on site. Wonyoung, known for her trend-setting influence among millennial and Gen Z fans across Asia, frequently dominates social media whenever she appears at brand events. Her latest look is already generating buzz online for its mix of “lovely and pure” styling — a contrast that continues to define her public image. This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Disney+ is facing a growing series of setbacks in Korea as multiple high-profile actors become embroiled in personal controversies, forcing the global streaming platform to delay major projects and pull scheduled programs. One of the biggest blows came from “Knock-Off,” originally slated for release in the first half of 2025. The series follows a man whose life is upended by the Asian financial crisis and who rises from an ordinary office worker to the king of the global counterfeit market. Once considered among Disney+ Korea’s most anticipated titles, the project was halted after lead actor Kim Soo-hyun became embroiled in controversy. Although production cautiously resumed, filming was suspended indefinitely just one month later. Disney+ later revealed its lineup for the second half of 2025, with “Knock-Off” noticeably absent. Choi Yeon-woo, head of local content at Walt Disney Company Korea, said the platform decided to postpone the release “after careful internal review,” adding that there were “no further updates beyond the initial statement.” The streaming service
As the holiday season nears, there’s no better time to turn to heartwarming Korean dramas. From sweeping romance to lighthearted comedy and nostalgic classics wrapped in winter scenery, K-dramas are the perfect holiday comfort watches. From snowy backdrops to tender love stories and healing journeys, these titles capture the warmth and sentiment of the season. Here are five K-dramas — widely available via streaming services — that would make ideal companions for your Christmas watch list, starting from the most recent release. ‘King the Land’ (2023) “King the Land” makes for delightful holiday viewing thanks to its sweet romance and vibrant visuals. The story centers on hotel heir Gu Won (Lee Jun-ho), who has little to smile about, and cheerful hotel employee Cheon Sa-rang (Lim Yoon-a), known for her signature bright grin. Lighthearted comedic scenes — including a visiting Arab monarch falling for Sa-rang and Gu Won frantically intervening — add charm. The series also features travel appeal with scenes at Gyeongbok Palace and a romantic getaway in Bangkok. ‘When the W
SEATTLE — When news broke last week that Cho Jin-woong would retire from acting, it hit like a thunderbolt. Many international fans were caught off guard, unsure how a teenage crime from decades ago could suddenly end a long and respected career. Reactions abroad have been complicated. Some viewers felt shocked and disappointed. Others tried to understand the context in Korea, where public figures are often expected to uphold strict personal standards. Many said they needed more information before deciding how to feel. The story has raised difficult questions about how societies balance justice, accountability and the possibility of change. Supporters have been vocal, with one international fan writing on a popular Reddit thread, “It seems like he did his time and cleaned his act up. Unless there are additional instances of misconduct for which he wasn’t punished already, it’s a real shame he’s had to quit acting for this.” Another commenter questioned Korean cultural expectations, saying, “Is rehabilitation or forgiveness considered unobtainable?” A third added, “What
I-dle is gearing up to make a comeback next month, according to a local media report Tuesday. The group of five announced last week that it will launch the international “Syncopation” tour in February. The tour poster listed five destinations in Asia — Taipei, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong and Yokohama, Japan — and two in Australia, with more to come. The quintet’s last album was its eighth EP “We Are” in May. The six–track set sold over 1 million copies in the first week, becoming its fourth co
WASHINGTON — South Korean director Park Chan-wook's dark thriller "No Other Choice" and Netflix's hit animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" officially received three Golden Globe nominations each, including for best motion picture in their respective categories, on Monday. The Golden Globes announced the nominees for 28 categories for the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards that will be broadcast live on Jan. 11, according to its website. "No Other Choice" was nominated for best motion picture in the categories of musical or comedy, and non-English language. Its lead actor, Lee Byung-hun, received a nomination for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture in the musical or comedy category. For the best picture award in the musical or comedy category, the film will compete against five rivals — "Blue Moon," "Bugonia," "Marty Supreme," "Nouvelle Vague" and "One Battle After Another." Its competitors in the non-English category are "It Was Just an Accident," "Sentimental Value," "Sirat," "the Secret Agent" and "the Voice of Hind Rajab." Based on the 1997 satirical thriller novel "The
Doyoung of NCT is putting out single “Promise” on Tuesday, according to SM Entertainment. He will be releasing the single one day after he enlisted, offering consolation to fans. The musician will express gratitude towards fans who have stood by him all the time. It will be made up of two songs, one of the same title and “Whistle,” a collaboration with Bell, of Kiss of Life. A music video for the title ballad will also be unveiled. Doyoung joined basic training on Monday, on the same day as his
Nmixx announced details of its first international tour via label JYP Entertainment on Tuesday. The “Eposode 1: Zero Frontier” tour follows on from two shows in Incheon on Nov. 29 and 30, its first ever standalone shows. From March 17, the six-member act will begin touring Europe, with stops in Madrid, Amsterdam, Paris, London and Frankfurt, Germany. Only three days after the European leg, it will embark on the North American leg, visiting Toronto and five cities in the US, including New York an
BTS member Jung Kook has become the cover star of Rolling Stone magazine in three countries — Korea, Britain and Japan — marking the first time the publication's editions have jointly featured a single artist, his agency said Tuesday. BigHit Music said the cover collaboration showcases Jungkook as the first-ever Korean solo artist to appear on the front of the British edition of Rolling Stone. The feature includes an exclusive interview and a photo spread highlighting the 28-year-old's musical direction and ambitions. In the interview, Jungkook described the current phase of his career as a time for a new leap forward and he wants to be "an artist who doesn't get dragged by the flow, but creates the flow." Beyond the print issues, his cover images appeared as digital editions of Rolling Stone in the United States, France, India, the Philippines and China, extending his presence across a total of eight national editions. Jungkook recently surpassed 10 billion cumulative streams on Spotify with his solo releases, setting a milestone as the first Korean solo artist to achieve the feat. Hi
Ryeowook of Super Junior will perform two solo shows in Seoul this Christmas, on Dec. 26-27, SM Entertainment announced Monday. He invited fans to “Special Rucky Draw” through which he will spend the last days of this year together. The two gigs will be his first solo concerts in over 1 1/2 years. Separately, his group won the Inspiring Achievement Award at 2025 MAMA Awards in Hong Kong last month. The group not only thanked fans for supporting them through their 20-year career but also offered
Comedian Jo Se-ho will step down from two major television programs following allegations linking him to an organized-crime figure, his agency said Tuesday. A2Z Entertainment announced that the 43-year-old entertainer will leave the popular variety shows "You Quiz on the Block" on tvN and "Two Days & One Night" on KBS 2TV. "Jo Se-ho feels a deep sense of responsibility for the suspicions and controversy recently raised around him," the agency said. "He voluntarily decided to withdraw after consulting with the production teams, out of concern that his continued appearance could place a burden on the programs." The agency, however, denied the allegations as "entirely groundless," rejecting claims that Jo has direct or indirect ties to the organized-crime figure or that he accepted lavish gifts in return for promoting the man's business. A2Z said Jo plans to pursue legal action against what it described as misinformation and will work to restore his reputation. "He vows to return once all doubts have been cleared," the agency said. The production team of the KBS program confirmed Jo's departu
Billboard’s year-end charts for 2025 have arrived! On December 9 local time, Billboard published its annual year-end charts, which featured entries by numerous K-pop artists—and a strong showing by the soundtrack to the hit animated film “KPop Demon Hunters,” as well as its fictional groups HUNTR/X and Saja Boys. Check out the K-pop acts that… The post appeared first on .
The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for rookie idol groups! The rankings were determined through an analysis of the consumer participation, media coverage, interaction, and community awareness indexes of various rookie idol groups, using big data collected from November 2 to December 2. KiiiKiii topped this month’s list with… The post appeared first on .
“Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight” (literal translation) has unveiled new stills of Jin Ho Eun and Jo Yoo Jung! “Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight” is a romance film about Seo Yoon (Shin Sia), who loses her memory every day, and Jae Won (Choo Young Woo), who works… The post appeared first on .
The upcoming comedy film “Heartman” (literal title) has unveiled new stills! “Heartman” follows Seung Min (Kwon Sang Woo), a man who returns after years away and finds himself face-to-face with his first love once again. Determined not to lose her again, he throws himself into winning her back—only to be confronted with a secret he… The post appeared first on .
BTS’s Jungkook has gone gold once again in the United States! Last week, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded The Kid LAROI’s “Too Much” featuring Jungkook and Central Cee an official gold certification for selling over 500,000 units in the United States. As a result, Jungkook has now become the first male K-pop… The post appeared first on .
Park Hee Soon has shared his thoughts on his upcoming drama “The Judge Returns”! Based on a web novel, “The Judge Returns” follows corrupt judge Lee Han Young (Ji Sung), who once lived as a slave to a massive law firm before traveling 10 years back in time. Given a second chance, he seeks justice… The post appeared first on .
Stray Kids is maintaining a strong presence on the Billboard 200! On December 9 local time, Billboard revealed that Stray Kids’ fourth studio album “KARMA” had successfully remained in the top 50 of its Top 200 Albums chart, its weekly ranking of the most popular albums in the United States. “KARMA,” which debuted at No.… The post appeared first on .
Half a year after its release, ENHYPEN’s “DESIRE : UNLEASH” has returned to the Billboard 200! Back in June, ENHYPEN’s latest mini album “DESIRE : UNLEASH” debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, its weekly ranking of the most popular albums in the United States. On December 9 local time, Billboard announced… The post appeared first on .
ALLDAY PROJECT’s comeback is off to a strong start! On December 8 KST, the rookie co-ed group from THEBLACKLABEL released their first-ever EP “ALLDAY PROJECT” and its accompanying title track “LOOK AT ME.” The following day, Hanteo Chart announced that “ALLDAY PROJECT” had sold an impressive total of 85,531 copies on its first day of… The post appeared first on .
MBC’s new daily drama “First Man” has unveiled new stills of rising actress Kim Min Seol in character! “First Man” is a revenge drama about two women whose lives become fatally intertwined—one who lives another person’s life for the sake of revenge and another who steals someone else’s life in pursuit of her own desires.… The post appeared first on .
“Project Y” has unveiled new stills of Jeon Jong Seo in character! Set against the backdrop of Seoul’s glamorous Gangnam district, “Project Y” is a crime film that follows Mi Seon (Han So Hee) and Do Kyung (Jeon Jong Seo), two close friends who have nothing but each other. Desperate to escape their harsh reality,… The post appeared first on .
Park Ki Woong and Jin Se Yeon are set to kick off a modern-day Romeo and Juliet–style romance in KBS2’s new weekend drama “I Will Prescribe You Love” (literal title)! “I Will Prescribe You Love” is a family reconciliation drama about two families who have been entangled in bad blood for 30 years. As misunderstandings… The post appeared first on .
In the digital age, music has evolved far beyond traditional radio airplay and album sales. Today, a song's success is increasingly measured by its virality on social media platforms, where a catchy hook or memorable moment can transform an obscure track into a global phenomenon overnight. The intersection of music and internet culture has given birth to a unique category of viral content that transcends genres, eras, and geographic boundaries creating shared experiences that unite millions of users across the digital landscape. The phenomenon of viral music represents one of the most transformative developments in contemporary music culture. Songs that capture the internet's attention don't follow traditional pathways to success; instead, they spread organically through shares, remixes, and creative reinterpretations. These tracks become the soundtrack to memes, challenges, and cultural moments that define entire generations of internet users. From unexpected comebacks of decades-old tracks to brand-new releases designed specifically for fifteen-second clips, viral music has fundamentally reshaped how we discover, consume, and interact with songs. Understanding the landscape of iconic meme songs requires examining the broader ecosystem of social media music culture and the forces that drive certain tracks to viral stardom. According to research from MusicWatch, approximately 68% of social media users discover new music through short-form video content, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts serving as primary discovery engines for contemporary music. This shift has created an environment where musical success is increasingly determined by a song's ability to inspire creative engagement rather than simply passive listening. The Evolution of Viral Music Culture The journey from traditional music discovery to meme-driven virality represents a fundamental shift in how songs achieve cultural relevance. In previous decades, a hit song typically required extensive radio promotion, music video rotation, and strategic marketing campaigns. Today, a fifteen-second clip paired with a creative dance routine or humorous video can generate more engagement than millions of dollars in traditional advertising. This democratization of music promotion has leveled the playing field, allowing independent artists and long-forgotten tracks alike to find new audiences through viral moments. The genres that dominate viral music spaces are remarkably diverse, reflecting the eclectic tastes of internet audiences. Electronic dance music often provides the energetic backdrop for dance challenges, while hip-hop tracks frequently become the foundation for lip-sync videos and cultural commentary. Pop songs with catchy hooks naturally lend themselves to sing-along moments, and even classical music has found unexpected viral success when paired with the right visual content. This genre fluidity demonstrates that virality depends less on musical category and more on emotional resonance, memorability, and adaptability to various creative contexts. The Anatomy of Viral Music Success What makes certain songs more likely to achieve viral status? Research into music virality reveals several key factors that contribute to a track's online success. Catchiness remains paramount songs with memorable hooks, distinctive rhythms, or unique sonic qualities are more likely to stick in listeners' minds and inspire repeated engagement. Simplicity also plays a crucial role; tracks that are easy The post appeared first on .
Yoo Jae Myung and Yoon Sea have shared more insights into their upcoming drama “Love Me”! Based on the Swedish series of the same name, “Love Me” tells the story of a selfish but relatable family in which each member begins their own journey of love and personal growth. In the drama, the two actors… The post appeared first on .
tvN’s upcoming drama “Spring Fever” has teased the dynamics between Cho Jun Young and Lee Jae In! “Spring Fever” is a heartwarming romantic comedy about the love story between Yoon Bom (Lee Joo Bin), an emotionally cold high school teacher, and Seon Jae Gyu (Ahn Bo Hyun), the passionate man who melts her frozen heart.… The post appeared first on .
Kim Hee Sun will fearlessly throw herself into danger to take down high-risk situations in “No Next Life”! “No Next Life” is a comedy starring Kim Hee Sun, Han Hye Jin, and Jin Seo Yeon as three 41-year-old women who are worn out from the daily grind of parenting and work. As the three friends… The post appeared first on .
KBS2’s new Saturday–Sunday drama “To My Beloved Thief” has dropped a new teaser! “To My Beloved Thief” tells the story of Hong Eun Jo (Nam Ji Hyun), a woman who unexpectedly becomes a bandit known as Gil Dong, and a royal prince of Joseon who switches souls with her while pursuing her. When their souls… The post appeared first on .
The upcoming drama “IDOL I” has unveiled new stills highlighting the key characters surrounding Kim Jae Yeong! “IDOL I” is a mystery courtroom romance drama starring Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung as Maeng Se Na, a star lawyer and devoted fan who takes on the case of her favorite idol Do Ra Ik (Kim Jae Yeong) after… The post appeared first on .
Ji Sung has shared his thoughts on his upcoming drama “The Judge Returns”! Based on a web novel, “The Judge Returns” follows corrupt judge Lee Han Young (Ji Sung), who once lived as a slave to a massive law firm and winds up traveling 10 years back in time. Given a second chance, he seeks… The post appeared first on .
Seohyun has joined a new agency! On December 9, KKUM ENT announced that Seohyun signed an exclusive contract with the agency. KKUM ENT said, “Seohyun is an actress with solid fundamentals, a sincere attitude toward her projects, and genuine passion for acting. We will provide careful support to help her take even stronger steps forward… The post appeared first on .
Shinhwa’s Lee Min Woo has welcomed his second daughter! On December 9, a media outlet reported that Lee Min Woo’s wife Lee Ami gave birth to a baby girl on the evening of December 8 at an OB-GYN clinic in Seoul. In response to the report, Lee Min Woo’s agency shared, “It is true that… The post appeared first on .
SBS’s “Dynamite Kiss” has previewed a special cameo! “Dynamite Kiss” is a romantic comedy that follows Go Da Rim (Ahn Eun Jin), a single woman who disguises herself as a married mother to land a job, and Gong Ji Hyeok (Jang Ki Yong), her team leader who falls for her. On December 9, “Dynamite Kiss”… The post appeared first on .
ALPHA DRIVE ONE will soon be starring on their very first reality show! On December 9, Mnet announced that the original reality show “ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Let’s Go,” which captures the pre-debut journey of rookie boy group ALPHA DRIVE ONE, will premiere on December 23. “ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Let’s Go” is a program that captures… The post appeared first on .
Upcoming SBS drama “No Tail No Tell” has shared a glimpse of its first script reading session! “No Tail No Tell” is a fantasy romance about a Gen Z gumiho (nine-tailed fox) who resists becoming human, and a narcissistic human, filled with their chaotic attempts at saving each other. The script reading was attended by… The post appeared first on .
Team Rainbow Taxi is back, serving justice as they steer their way around the potholes of corruption to deliver their own brand of justice. In its third season, “Taxi Driver 3” continues to gather speed, cruising through the trenches of criminality and putting up a brave fight for fair play and morality. The Rainbow Taxi… The post appeared first on .
Upcoming superhero drama “Cashero” has unveiled new stills featuring its cast! Based on the webtoon of the same name, “Cashero” is a superhero series that follows the story of ordinary government employee Kang Sang Ung (Lee Junho), who earns the special ability to gain as much strength as the cash he holds, causing him to… The post appeared first on .
“Heroes Next Door” achieved its highest viewership last night! According to Nielsen Korea, episode 7 of ENA’s “Heroes Next Door” garnered an average nationwide viewership rating of 4.5 percent. This is a 0.2 percent increase from its previous episode’s rating of 4.3 percent, marking the drama’s new personal best score. Episode 9 of TV CHOSUN’s… The post appeared first on .
Cho Sae Ho has denied the recent allegations linking him to organized crime but has decided to voluntarily step down from his programs. Last week, rumors circulated alleging Cho Sae Ho being personally acquainted with a gang member known as “Mr. Choi” and also being monetarily involved. Following the reports, Cho Sae Ho’s agency firmly… The post appeared first on .
The nominations for the 83rd Golden Globes is out! On December 8 (local time), the annual Golden Globes announced its full list of nominees. Among the nominees, both “No Other Choice” and “KPop Demon Hunters” were nominated for three categories each. In the Musical or Comedy category for Best Motion Picture, Park Chan Wook’s film… The post appeared first on .
MBC’s upcoming weekday drama “First Man” has shared new stills of Hahm Eun Jung! “First Man” is a revenge drama about two women whose lives become fatally intertwined—one who lives another person’s life for the sake of revenge and another who steals someone else’s life in pursuit of her own desires. Ham Eun Jung plays… The post appeared first on .
