Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who was named martial law commander following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law on Tuesday, has become a topic of discussion due to his 2013 appearance on the popular reality TV show “Real Man.” The appointment of Gen. Park as martial law commander quickly sparked online chatter, with internet users on social media recalling his appearance on the local reality show 11 years ago. Back then, he was a colonel commanding the 5

Television Dec. 5, 2024

K-pop fans around the world have expressed deep concerns for their favorite idols, particularly those currently serving in the military, following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s declaration of martial law late Tuesday night. The sudden announcement, which was lifted Wednesday morning, has left fans worried about the safety of both the artists and the broader population in South Korea, a country they admire. Nana Oh, a Korean immigrant living in Michigan and a fan of BTS, said the emergency situ

K-pop Dec. 4, 2024

After the opposition-led National Assembly voted to demand the revocation of martial law declared by President Yoon Suk Yeol late Tuesday, airborne troops withdrew from the National Assembly building in Yeouido, Seoul, early Wednesday, amidst applause and growing calls from citizens demanding the president’s impeachment. The martial law declaration, made at 10:30 p.m., sparked immediate public outrage, with hundreds of people assembling at the National Assembly and demanding its repeal. At

Politics Dec. 4, 2024

YG Entertainment, once a dominant force in the K-pop industry with groups like Big Bang, 2NE1 and Blackpink, is preparing for what it hopes will be a transformative year in 2025. The company, which has faced significant challenges over the past five years, is now gearing up for an active schedule featuring its top artists and a potential new group debut. YG Entertainment Founder and Executive Producer Yang Hyun-suk hinted at an ambitious lineup for 2025 in a video shared on the company’s o

K-pop Dec. 3, 2024

Hybe said on Monday that Chairman Bang Si-hyuk secured approximately 400 billion won ($285 million) during the company’s initial public offering in 2020 by executing what is called a put-back option at the request of one of its investors, adding that the arrangement does not violate the Capital Markets Act. “In 2018, STIC Investments came to us and strongly requested our IPO timeline, worrying about uncertainties. When we refused, they demanded a put-back option instead,” a Hyb

K-pop Dec. 2, 2024

Despite most members of BTS serving their mandatory military duty, the group continues to dominate music charts and year-end award ceremonies, with its members achieving remarkable individual successes. Jungkook, the last member in the group to join the army, took home three trophies at the 2024 Melon Music Awards (MMA) held at Inspire Arena in Incheon, Saturday. He was honored in the main prize, the Top 10 category, as well as best solo – male, and Millions Top 10. Jungkook has now won al

K-pop Dec. 1, 2024

With Ador likely gearing up to start a legal battle, its now-former K-pop girl group NewJeans appears ready to move forward with their activities, signaling the start of what could be a long legal fight over rights and compensation. NewJeans' members announced the termination of their exclusive contracts with Ador Thursday, citing breaches of contract by the agency. The quintet asserted during the press conference in Seoul that they owe no penalties or compensation. Still, questions about t

K-pop Nov. 29, 2024

NewJeans took an early flight to Tokyo on Friday, marking the girl group's first activity since unilaterally terminating their exclusive contract with Ador. The group is set to appear on Nihon TV’s “Best Artist 2024,” Saturday, and Fuji TV’s “2024 FNS Music Festival,” on Dec. 4. At Gimpo International Airport, in Gyeonggi Province, the group briefly bowed to the press before proceeding to the departure gate without commenting on the ongoing dispute. The t

K-pop Nov. 29, 2024

NewJeans has unilaterally terminated its exclusive contract with Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, and announced plans to embark on a new journey outside the company, during a press conference held in Seoul, Thursday. "Our contract will be terminated as of midnight, today. It was Ador and Hybe that violated the contract, so we are ending it," member Minji said. "Moreover, we have never breached our exclusive contract and have always given our best efforts. There is no reason for us to p

K-pop Nov. 28, 2024

Popular K-pop girl group NewJeans has announced plans to terminate its exclusive contract with Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, its PR agency confirmed Thursday. The group is set to hold a press conference at 8:30 p.m. Thursday to address the decision.

K-pop Nov. 28, 2024

The emergence of K-pop powerhouses’ “localized” groups such as VCHA, Katseye, and Dear Alice has sparked debates over whether they can be called K-pop acts. Despite their association with prominent K-pop agencies, industry experts largely agree that they fall outside the traditional definition of K-pop. Major players in the K-pop industry, including Hybe, JYP Entertainment and SM Entertainment, have identified localization as the next step in the genre’s evolution. This s

K-pop Nov. 28, 2024

NewJeans' agency Ador, on Wednesday, called on its sister company Belift Lab to demonstrate a sincere and respectful approach to the recent workplace harassment allegations involving member Hanni. The demand came just one day before the deadline for NewJeans’ ultimatum that Ador “rectify all major contract violations within 14 days” or they will terminate their exclusive contracts with the agency. Among the conditions listed in NewJeans’ certification of contents sen

K-pop Nov. 27, 2024

Hybe appears to be reinforcing Bang Si-hyuk’s authority with a series of leadership reshuffles following this year’s high-profile fallout with former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin. Big Hit Music, Hybe’s subsidiary label home to global sensation BTS, appointed Shin Seon-jeong as its new CEO on Tuesday. Shin, a pivotal team member at Hybe, joined its predecessor Big Hit Entertainment in 2010 and contributed significantly to the creation and early success of BTS. The label stated its goal

K-pop Nov. 27, 2024

K-pop fans have transitioned from enthusiastic supporters to influential stakeholders in the industry, shaping not only the success of idols but also the decisions of major entertainment companies. Through social media, fans have amplified their collective power, helping their favorite artists promote albums and top global music charts by purchasing multiple copies and streaming songs on platforms like Spotify. This increasing influence has compelled entertainment agencies to adapt their strateg

K-pop Nov. 26, 2024

With the deadline for NewJeans's ultimatum to Ador fast approaching, industry experts predict three potential contract termination scenarios, none of which seem likely to result in a peaceful resolution. The five-member K-pop group sent a certification of contents to their agency on Nov. 13, demanding that it address “major contract violations” within 14 days, or by Wednesday, of receiving the letter. The girl group warned that if their demands were not met, they would terminate

K-pop Nov. 25, 2024