Today in K-Pop

K-pop concerts face renewed uncertainty in Greater China
Korea Herald

K-pop concerts face renewed uncertainty in Greater China

A series of recent cancellations and indefinite postponements of K-pop concerts across the Greater China region has renewed questions about whether unofficial restrictions on Korean pop culture remain in place, despite signals of gradual easing. Dream Concert 2026 in Hong Kong, scheduled for Feb. 6 and 7, was organized by the Korea Entertainment Producer's Association and From Entertainment in partnership with Chinese firm Changsha Liu Jiu Cultural Heritage Corp. However, the Chinese partner uni

Sunday, February 1, 2026

Soompi

BTS’s “Save ME” Becomes Their 10th MV To Hit 800 Million Views

BTS has hit the 800 million mark with another music video! On February 1 at around 2 a.m. KST, BTS’s music video for “Save ME” surpassed 800 million views on YouTube, making it the group’s 10th music video to do so after “DNA,” “Boy With Luv,” “Fake Love,” “MIC Drop (Steve Aoki Remix),” “IDOL,” “Dynamite,”…

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BTS comeback concert sparks tourism boom in Seoul
Korea Times

BTS comeback concert sparks tourism boom in Seoul

Seoul is bracing for a massive influx of international tourists as BTS’ upcoming comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square triggers a major demand shock, with downtown hotels hitting full capacity and travel searches for the capital skyrocketing. The seven-member K-pop sensation will hold a free concert in downtown Seoul on March 21, a day after their fifth studio album “Arirang” is released. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Jan. 22 that it granted conditional permission. The BTS effect is most visible in data from major lodging platforms. According to the domestic travel app Yeogi Otte, reservation numbers for accommodations in the Jongno and Jung districts for the concert weekend surged by 450 percent compared to the same period last year. Global interest is even more intense as Hotels.com reported that overseas searches for Seoul travel spiked by 155 percent within just 48 hours of the tour announcement on Jan. 14. "We will prioritize safety management for both the audience and citizens visiting the square," said Kim Chang-gyu, head of the city government’s Balance

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Soompi

Stray Kids’ “CEREMONY” MV With Faker Soars Past 100 Million Views

Stray Kids should be celebrating: they’ve just hit the 100 million mark on YouTube with yet another music video! On February 1 at around 1:53 p.m. KST, Stray Kids’ music video for “CEREMONY,” which memorably features a brief cameo by League of Legends player Faker, surpassed 100 million views on YouTube. “CEREMONY” is Stray Kids’…

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Soompi

WOODZ Announces Comeback Date For 1st Full Album “Archive. 1” + Plans For Pre-Release Single

Mark your calendars: WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn) has officially revealed his plans for his long-awaited comeback! On February 1, WOODZ announced that he would be returning with his first full-length album “Archive. 1” on March 4 at 6 p.m. KST, preceded by a pre-release single on February 12 at 6 p.m. KST. Check out WOODZ’s…

Soompi

Watch: EXO Achieves Music Show Grand Slam With 5th Win For “Crown” On “Inkigayo”; Performances By i-dle, KiiiKiii, And More

EXO has wrapped up a perfect week of music show wins with a fifth trophy for “Crown”! On the February 1 episode of SBS’s “Inkigayo,” the candidates for first place were EXO’s “Crown,” WOODZ’s “Drowning,” and LE SSERAFIM’s “SPAGHETTI” (featuring BTS’s j-hope). EXO ultimately took the win with a total of 5,238 points—meaning that the…

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Soompi

IU’s “Blueming” Becomes Her 3rd MV To Surpass 200 Million Views

IU has reached another impressive YouTube milestone! On February 1 at approximately 7 p.m. KST, IU’s music video for “Blueming” surpassed 200 million views, meaning that it took approximately six years, two months, and 14 days to achieve the feat since its release on November 18, 2019. “Blueming” is IU’s third music video to hit…

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Soompi

Watch: Jennie, Dex, And More Join “The Secret Friends Club” In Fun Teaser

MBC’s upcoming variety show “The Secret Friends Club” has unveiled a new teaser ahead of its premiere! “The Secret Friends Club” is a new variety show based on the premise of the cast secretly preparing special gifts for someone without revealing their identities. The first cast lineup consists of BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Dex, Choo Sung Hoon,…

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Soompi

7 Gorgeous And Glam Looks Your Favorite K-Pop Idols Are Rocking This Season

It’s hard to let go of glittering holiday party-season styles as the year goes on, so why should you? From a subtle touch of sparkle to the greatest of glitz and glam, these idols are proving that sequins and bedazzled accessories are gorgeous all year round. Make every day a party by bringing these looks…

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Soompi

Jennie, Dex, Choo Sung Hoon, And More Transform Into Secret Agents For “The Secret Friends Club”

MBC’s upcoming variety show “The Secret Friends Club” has unveiled its main posters! “The Secret Friends Club” is a new variety show based on the premise of the cast secretly preparing special gifts for someone without revealing their identities. The first cast lineup consists of BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Dex, Choo Sung Hoon, Noh Hong Chul, and…

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Soompi

Watch: EXO Takes 4th Win For “Crown” On “Music Core”; Performances By i-dle, KiiiKiii, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, And More

EXO has won a fourth music show trophy for “Crown”! On the January 31 episode of MBC’s “Music Core,” the candidates for first place were EXO’s “Crown,” ENHYPEN’s “Knife,” and fromis_9’s “White Memories.” EXO ultimately took the win with a total of 8,721 points. Congratulations to EXO! Watch a clip of the winner announcement below:…

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