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Direct from Korean news and other sources

Can K-pop convince fans to travel to Korea every year?

BTS packs stadiums in Los Angeles and BLACKPINK headlines Coachella, yet Korea has no equivalent to Coachella and Lollapalooza or Japan's Summer Sonic. There's no festival that makes fans around the world book flights to K-pop's birthplace every single year. "Fanomenon," the K-culture mega event unveiled Monday by the Presidential Committee on Popular Culture Exchange, is the government and industry's most ambitious attempt yet to fill that gap. More than a new festival, it signals a strategic pivot for "hallyu," also known as the Korean wave, from exporting artists and content outward to pulling fans to Korea, converting global fandom into an annual pilgrimage built on concerts, tourism, merchandise and participation. The plan is sweeping. The inaugural festival will run from Dec. 2 to 12, 2027, at Seoul Arena in northern Seoul's Dobong District and KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, anchored by concerts by artists from the rosters of SM, YG, JYP and HYBE, and an awards ceremony that honors their fandoms. Another event will follow in Los Angeles in May 2028. Organizers project 520,000

BTS

BLACKPINK

Wonder Girls

Hearts2Hearts

Summer heat grows intense with big-name August releases

August is shaping up to be a hot month for K-pop releases, with artists ranging from veteran groups returning after lengthy breaks to globally prominent acts releasing new music. Red Velvet, Stray Kids, Katseye, Enhypen and NCT 127 have confirmed albums throughout the month, while Big Bang is reportedly also preparing to release its first new music in four years. Kicking off the lineup, Red Velvet will return as a full group with the EP “Velvet Summer” on Aug. 3, marking its first release in two

What sunscreens are BTS members using?

A sunscreen featured by BTS member Suga in a recent vlog has drawn attention after the same product was also spotted in content featuring fellow members Jimin and Jungkook. In Monday's episode of Bangtan TV's "Suga's Vlog," filmed a day before BTS kicked off its "Arirang" world tour in Busan on June 12, Suga introduced the sunscreen before heading out for a 10-kilometer run after rehearsal. "You may not know this, but you should wear sunscreen even at night," Suga said as he showed Mixsoon's Bea

BTS

SUGA

Jungkook

(LEAD) Hybe tops 1 tln won in quarterly sales on BTS comeback

SEOUL, July 28 (Yonhap) -- K-pop powerhouse Hybe reported record quarterly sales

BTS

'Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage' delivers bigger action, laughs on high seas

The 2020 action-comedy hit "Okay! Madam" returns with a grander scale as former secret agent Mi-young (Uhm Jung-hwa) takes her high-octane moves on a luxury cruise ship. "Okay! Madam: Bon Voyage" follows the former agent and her family whose peaceful ocean vacation turns into a chaotic rescue operation after a ruthless criminal syndicate hijacks their vessel in the middle of the ocean. Expanding on the original setup, the sequel mixes fun physical humor with even more exciting action scenes. Uhm delivers a standout performance as she performs sharp martial arts and underwater scenes that go beyond plain slapstick. Director Lee Cheol-ha expressed deep relief and joy while introducing the sequel. "I had planned a three-part series from the very beginning, and it took six full years to present this second installment," Lee said after the premiere on Monday. "I am deeply grateful and moved that our actors joined us again to enrich this film, and I sincerely hope it performs well so we can realize our dream of making the third installment." Uhm also expressed her excitement about reprising the

TWICE's Jihyo hints at difficult decision as JYP contract renewal talks continue

TWICE leader Jihyo has shared an emotional message with fans as her contract renewal discussions with JYP Entertainment continue, raising speculation about whether she will extend her 21-year relationship with the agency. On Monday, Jihyo posted a lengthy message on the fan communication platform Bubble. "I could simply chat with ONCE about everyday things, but my heart still feels so heavy that I can't bring myself to talk as if nothing is happening," she said. ONCE is the name of TWICE's official fandom. "I've been thinking a lot and being very cautious before coming to Bubble, but I'll do my best to resolve everything properly and let you know as soon as possible so that ONCE won't have to wait too long," she added. "As the person responsible for my own life, I'll carefully and wisely think things through before making my decision. Just as you always have, I hope you'll continue to support me and trust me." Jihyo also reassured fans of her commitment to the group. "I truly love and cherish TWICE, and I believe ONCE will understand that from my heart alone." "I'm sorry it's been so long

Twice

Jihyo

JYP's new girl group OURBIRTHDAY completes 7-member lineup

A new girl group launched by a subsidiary of K-pop powerhouse JYP Entertainment has finalized its seven-member lineup ahead of an official debut, the group's label said Tuesday. OURBIRTHDAY, managed by INNIT Entertainment, introduced four more members, Kuk Cho-rok, Shin Hye-won, U and Kilala, following the release of concept photos for the single "HUNGRY (Side B)" on the group's social media channels. The four join Cho Hye-jin, Baby and Achiraya, who began activities last week with the digital single "HUNGRY (Side A)." The label has described the two releases as a phased predebut, an uncommon rollout in the K-pop industry, where groups typically debut as a complete unit. OURBIRTHDAY is the first girl group associated with JYP Entertainment since NMIXX debuted in 2022. The group's name reflects its aim to make ordinary days feel as special as birthdays, according to the label. The multinational group was first teased through animated characters and a superhero-themed animation series that withheld the members' identities, drawing speculation among fans over whether the project was a virtu

ZEROBASEONE's Matthew Seok drives 40 mil. views in Seoul's new tourism push

In its ongoing effort to translate global enthusiasm for Korean pop culture into real-world foot traffic, Seoul’s municipal tourism agency has turned to modern idol culture to power its latest promotional drive — and municipal officials say the payoff came in the tens of millions. The Seoul Tourism Organization, the city’s official tourism promotion body, said Tuesday that its digital campaign starring Matthew Seok, a member of the popular K-pop group ZEROBASEONE, surpassed 40 million cumulative views across its official Visit Seoul social media platforms in just over two weeks. Titled "Met U in Seoul," the 12-part video series was designed to introduce international audiences to what organizers describe as Seoul-style hospitality. The campaign followed Seok as he toured a curated mix of the capital's iconic landmarks and trendy neighborhoods, including the hip fashion hub of Seongsu, the waterfront spaces at Jamwon Hangang Park and the traditional stone-walled alleyways of Seosulla Street. The rollout — which spanned teaser clips, main promotional videos, social media challenge

Seok

ZEROBASEONE

Sandara Park partners with Power Entertainment for Southeast Asia expansion

Singer Sandara Park has entered a strategic partnership with Singapore-based Power Entertainment to expand her activities across Southeast Asia, the company announced Tuesday. Power Entertainment said it has invested in Park’s label, Aradnas, and will support the 2NE1 member's activities in the region through its local network and market expertise. Under the partnership, the company plans to organize solo concerts, fan meetings, festival appearances and other promotional events across Southeast

July Rising Singer Brand Reputation Rankings Announced

The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for rising singers! The rankings were determined through an analysis of various rising singers’ media coverage, consumer participation, interaction, and community awareness indexes, using big data collected from June 29 to July 29. RESCENE held onto their spot at the top of the

RESCENE, CORTIS, idntt, TXT’s Yeonjun, ILLIT, And More Top Circle Weekly Charts

Circle Chart has revealed its chart rankings for the week of July 12 to 18! Album Chart idntt topped this week’s physical album chart with their new EP “itsnotover,” which debuted at No. 1. Meanwhile, SUPER JUNIOR-83z’s unit debut mini album “Promise” entered the chart at No. 2. TXT’s Yeonjun’s “NO LABELS: PART 02” stayed

Jennie Hits New Peak Of No. 2 On Billboard Radio Songs Chart With Tame Impala Collab “Dracula”

BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Tame Impala’s hit collab continues to soar to new heights on U.S. radio! On July 28 local time, Billboard announced that Jennie and Tame Impala’s remix of “Dracula” had climbed to a new peak of No. 2 on its Radio Songs chart, which measures weekly plays on U.S. radio stations across all

Jennie

BLACKPINK

DAY6’s Young K Takes Just 2 Days To Double His 1st-Week Sales Record With “YOUNGEST”

Just two days into his comeback, DAY6’s Young K has already more than doubled his personal first-week sales record! On July 27, Young K made his long-awaited solo return with his second full-length solo album “YOUNGEST” and its title track “Shut The Door.” On its first day of sales alone, “YOUNGEST” sold an impressive total

Young K

DAY6

BTS’s “NORMAL” Re-Enters Billboard Hot 100 At New Peak + Hits No. 1 On Digital Song Sales Chart

BTS’s “NORMAL” is soaring to new heights on Billboard’s Hot 100! On July 28 local time, Billboard revealed that “NORMAL” had re-entered the Hot 100, its weekly ranking of the most popular songs in the United States, following the recent release of a new music video for the song. In what marks the track’s first

BTS

July Advertisement Model Brand Reputation Rankings Announced

The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for advertisement models! The rankings were determined through an analysis of consumer behavior, using big data collected from June 3 to July 3. The Korean Business Research Institute evaluated the participation, communication, media, and social values of popular advertisement models in order to

BTS

Aespa

Girls' Generation (SNSD)

ILLIT

BLACKPINK

IVE

MOMOLAND’s 10th-Anniversary Fan-Con In Manila Cancelled

MOMOLAND’s 10th-anniversary fan-con “Very Merry Party” will no longer be taking place. On July 28, MOMOLAND and Three Angles Production announced that the upcoming fan-con in Manila had been cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.” The event was originally scheduled to be held on August 8. The full English announcement can be found

Momoland

NiziU’s Rio Announces Temporary Hiatus Ahead Of Korean Comeback

As NiziU gears up for a Korean comeback, Rio has temporarily halted all activities due to her health. On July 27, JYP Entertainment announced, “After repeated discussions with member Rio about her activities following her recovery, we have decided to respect her wishes and temporarily halt her activities.” “NiziU will be carrying out their activities

NiziU

Rio

Watch: idntt Takes 3rd Win For “Kids Return” On “The Show”

idntt has won their third music show trophy for “Kids Return”! On the July 28 episode of “The Show,” the candidates for first place were 8TURN’s “Stagefright,” idntt’s “Kids Return,” and ONE PACT’s “U so hot.” idntt ultimately took home the win with 8,524 points, making the achievement even more meaningful as the day also marked

One Pact

8turn

5 Perfect BLs To Watch If You’re Missing “Love Class 3”

If you just finished “Love Class 3” and are now left scrolling through a list of shows, trying to find your next watch that’ll fill that void, you aren’t alone. “Love Class 3” was about idols falling in love while chasing their dreams and navigating the extremely rough world of the K-pop industry. Luckily, there’s

Ghost9

Jeon Minwook

Seok

Hyo

Hee

Sea

Park Hae Joon Joins Lee Byung Hun, Go Youn Jung, Lee Do Hyun, And WOODZ In Upcoming Historical Action Film

Park Hae Joon has joined the cast of the upcoming film “Nambeol” (romanized title)! Set in the early Joseon dynasty, “Nambeol” is a hard-boiled martial arts action film that follows nine warriors of varying abilities and social ranks as they travel to Tsushima Island to rescue captives who have been abducted by Japanese pirates. Park

Do Hyun

WOODZ

2026 Asia Artist Awards (AAA) Announces First Artist Lineup

The first performer lineup has been revealed for this year’s Asia Artist Awards! Hosted by Ji Chang Wook and Jang Won Young, the 2026 Asia Artist Awards will take place on December 5 and 6 at Kaohsiung National Stadium. Ahead of the ceremony, the organizers unveiled the first wave of performers on July 28, confirming

ATEEZ

LNGSHOT

&Team

ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Ji Woong To Partially Sit Out Group Activities Due To Scheduling Conflicts

ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Ji Woong will be absent from some group activities due to his acting schedule. On July 28, Kim Ji Woong’s agency Nest Management released the following statement regarding his participation in group activities: Following the announcement, ZEROBASEONE stated that Kim Ji Woong will not be attending the 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer scheduled

ZEROBASEONE

iKON’s Junhoe Announces Military Enlistment Date

iKON’s Junhoe will be enlisting in the military! On July 28, iKON’s agency 143 Entertainment released an official statement, announcing Junhoe’s enlistment plans. Read the agency’s full statement below: Hello, this is 143 Entertainment. We would like to thank all iKONICs who love iKON, and we are writing to provide information regarding Junhoe’s military enlistment

IKon