ONLINEKOREANEWS.COM

Category: K-ENT

  • BLACKPINK Celebrates 3rd Mini Album ‘DEADLINE’ with Unique City-Wide Promotion

    BLACKPINK is meeting fans through a unique promotion connecting downtown Seoul to celebrate the release of their 3rd mini-album, ‘DEADLINE’.

    YG Entertainment announced on the 27th that it will hold the “BLACKPINK 3rd MINI ALBUM [DEADLINE] HOURGLASS TOUR” from March 1st to 9th.

     This promotion will be operated at four locations: the Same Hapjeong, Soundwave Yeongdeungpo Times Square, Musinsa Standard Seongsu, and Ktown4u COEX. By connecting these four points around the National Museum of Korea, an hourglass shape is completed, adding meaning by spatially realizing the concept of the album title, ‘DEADLINE.’

    Purchasing the album at each store provides a stamp and exclusive image benefits for each location. Furthermore, after collecting all four stamps, a special reward consisting of a poster set and an hourglass-shaped stand will be presented at any of the participating stores. While online and offline purchase benefits are identical, offline purchases offer double the rewards and the opportunity to participate in the stamp tour.

    YG stated, “This is a project designed for fans to directly experience the message and symbolism that BLACKPINK has infused into ‘DEADLINE,’” adding, “It will be a special journey of completing an hourglass in the heart of Seoul.”

    Meanwhile, BLACKPINK released their 3rd mini-album, ‘DEADLINE,’ today (the 27th) at 2 PM (KST).

    The album features a total of five tracks, including the title song ‘GO,’ the pre-release single ‘JUMP,’ ‘Me and my,’ ‘Champion,’ and ‘Fxxxboy.’

    [ONLINE-KOREA：Letter from Korea]

    With major events like BTS performing at Gwanghwamun and BLACKPINK’s collaboration with the National Museum, incredible milestones continue to unfold. To be honest, even as a Korean, I am constantly amazed by the ongoing popularity of the Korean Wave😮❗

    Sometimes, I find it quite surprising why there is so much interest.

    From music, movies, and dramas to the recent hit animation K-Pop Demon Hunters and our overall culture, I feel that South Korea is receiving an overwhelming amount of interest and love from all over the world❤️

    However, I believe that things cannot always go smoothly. That is why I hope everyone in their respective fields continues to strive to repay your love and interest without ever betraying your trust, ensuring South Korea remains a country that deserves your support. Of course, we at ONLINE-KOREA will also do our very best💪🙂❗

  • “Golden” Wins Best Song for Visual Media at the 68th Grammy Awards

    The original soundtrack (OST) “Golden” from the Netflix animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters won the “Best Song Written for Visual Media” category at the 68th Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles on February 1, 2026 (local time).

    This prestigious award is presented to the songwriters of the track, and major Korean producers and composers—including Teddy, EJAE, 24, and IDO—were officially named as the winners. This achievement marks a historic milestone as the first instance where core K-pop production and creative staff, rather than music engineers or Korean-American artists, have secured a win at the Grammys.

    The film was nominated in a total of five categories, reflecting its significant cultural impact.

    While it did not secure the “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance” award, it was nominated alongside high-profile tracks like Rosé’s “APT.” and KATSEYE’s “Gabriella,” showcasing the dominant market share and creative influence of Korean music in the global pop scene.

    Currently, global attention remains high as Rosé’s “APT.” is still in the running for major general categories, including “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year.” Fans and industry experts worldwide are closely watching to see if further history will be made at this year’s ceremony.

    [ONLINE-KOREA：A Letter from Korea]

    To be honest, when I first heard about K-Pop Demon Hunters, I thought it was just a cheap animation trying to ride the K-pop wave.

    But I was wrong. I found myself laughing and crying—it was genuinely brilliant. Now, I completely understand why it has captured hearts worldwide.

    Have you ever thought about the people who build the products and systems we use every day, far from the spotlight? This Grammy win is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes the “Producers”—the professional artisans who sustain the entire K-pop phenomenon from behind the scenes.

    At ONLINE-KOREA, we don’t stand at the center of the glamorous stage either. However, seeing this win makes me want to work even harder to support those who are fighting at the front lines of business from the shadows. To everyone who is quietly supporting someone else’s success: Keep fighting. We are with you.

  • 【Korean News】BTS “ARIRANG” World Tour: Immediate Sell-out and Historic Venue Headlining

    BTS’s new world tour, “ARIRANG,” is achieving overwhelming success even before its official start.

    The Korean leg of the tour, scheduled for three days starting April 9 at Goyang Stadium, achieved a “perfect sell-out” immediately upon the opening of fan club pre-sales. As the kickoff for the entire tour, the Goyang performances have once again demonstrated the formidable market dominance of K-pop and its ability to mobilize massive global audiences instantaneously.

    To meet surging global demand, additional dates are already being added to the international itinerary.

    Performances in Tampa and Stanford have each secured one extra show due to explosive popularity. Notably, the solo concert at Stanford Stadium marks only the second time in history an artist has headlined the venue, following Coldplay. The tour is now set to span 81 performances across 34 cities worldwide—a scale recognized as the largest and most ambitious in K-pop tour history.

    International attention is reaching a fever pitch.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described the upcoming shows as a “historic moment,” while major media outlets like Forbes and USA Today reported that the tour will set a new benchmark and rewrite the history of global tours by Korean artists. Starting in Goyang, the tour will proceed to the Tokyo Dome on April 17-18 before continuing its journey through North America, Europe, South America, and Asia.

  • 【Korean Food】K-Pop Star Karina Recommends the Ultimate K-Food Pairing: Delicious but Health-Conscious?

    Karina, a member of the global K-pop group aespa, has recently sparked a viral food trend by recommending the combination of Samgyeopsal (pork belly) and Ramen as her ultimate “soul food.”

    In a video featured on the YouTube channel “Editor Karina,” she compared Samgyeopsal to life’s essential memories, suggesting that a meal is only truly complete when finished with a steaming bowl of ramen. This high-energy combination is a deeply rooted part of Korean food culture and is now gaining massive interest among international fans looking to experience authentic local flavors.

    However, health experts have issued a cautionary note regarding this specific diet.

    The combination of high saturated fat from pork belly and the refined carbohydrates and sodium found in ramen can place a significant burden on the body. A single serving of Samgyeopsal contains at least 675 kcal, while one pack of ramen often approaches the World Health Organization’s (WHO) daily recommended sodium limit of 2,000 mg. Consuming such high-calorie and high-fat meals frequently can increase body fat and adversely affect vascular health, potentially leading to long-term conditions like heart disease or arteriosclerosis.

    To enjoy this beloved K-pop star’s favorite combination without compromising your health, experts suggest a few practical adjustments.

    When eating Samgyeopsal, it is essential to pair it with fiber-rich “ssam” (leafy vegetable wraps) to slow fat absorption and increase satiety. For the ramen, adding cabbage or onions can help with sodium excretion, and reducing the amount of soup powder is highly recommended. Additionally, choosing leaner cuts of meat and forming the habit of not drinking the salty ramen broth are effective ways to stay healthy while still enjoying the rich flavors of Korean soul food.

  • 【Korean News】BTS World Tour Sparks 2,375% Surge in South Korea Travel Searches

    The announcement of BTS resuming their world tour after nearly four years has triggered a massive explosion in travel demand to South Korea, led by the global fandom ARMY.

    According to data from Hotels.com, inbound searches for Seoul increased by 155%, while searches for Busan skyrocketed by 2,375% within 48 hours of the schedule announcement on January 13, 2026. This indicates that global fans began securing accommodations and flights even before ticket sales started, proving that K-pop is a powerful driver of “performance-based tourism.”

    By country, the response from the Japanese market has been particularly overwhelming.

    Searches for Seoul rose by 400%, while searches for Busan recorded a phenomenal growth rate of 10,545%, followed by high interest from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the United States. This phenomenon aligns with the “Tour Tourism” trend, where fans travel specifically to attend concerts. Survey results showed that 70% of respondents expressed interest in traveling for performances, and 43% stated they were willing to cross international borders for their favorite artists, suggesting that a new consumer trend combining music and travel has become firmly established.

    Industry experts anticipate that this tour will act as a “cultural tourism catalyst,” significantly impacting the overall regional economy beyond the performances themselves.

    In addition to international visitors, domestic travel demand is also rising sharply, particularly for Busan, which saw a 3,855% increase. Analysts note that major live performances have become a decisive factor in choosing travel destinations and serve as a core engine driving both inbound and domestic markets in 2026.

  • [Korean News] BTS to Stage Historic Full-Group Comeback at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square

    BTS is preparing for a monumental full-group comeback performance at the iconic Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul.

    According to industry insiders on January 19, 2026, BIGHIT MUSIC has submitted applications to the National Heritage Administration for venue usage and filming permits covering Gwanghwamun Square, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the Sungnyemun Gate area. This ambitious proposal is scheduled for review by the Cultural Heritage Committee on January 20. BIGHIT MUSIC has noted that specific details will be released to the public once the location and schedule are officially finalized.

    The event, tentatively titled “K-Heritage and K-POP Fusion Performance,” is being designed as a symbolic gift for fans in the form of a free concert. Current discussions involve limiting the live audience to between 15,000 and 20,000 attendees through a strict pre-registration system to ensure safety and order. This performance is expected to serve as a powerful statement of the group’s official return to the global stage following the successful completion of military service by all seven members, blending South Korea’s historical legacy with modern pop culture.

    In addition to the Seoul performance, BTS will release their highly anticipated 5th studio album, “ARIRANG,” on March 20. The album will feature 14 tracks that deeply reflect the group’s evolving identity. Following the release, the group will launch a massive world tour, starting with a grand opening at Goyang Stadium on April 9. Spanning 79 performances across 34 cities, this tour will mark the highest number of shows in K-pop history.

    With growing speculation regarding additional dates in Japan and the Middle East, the “ARIRANG” world tour is set to become a global cultural milestone for 2026.

  • [Korean News] BTS Confirms First-Ever Argentina Concert: Buenos Aires Turns Purple This October

    BTS has officially confirmed its first-ever concert in Argentina as part of their highly anticipated 2026 world tour, sparking a wave of massive excitement across South America.

    Clarín, the country’s largest daily newspaper, featured the news as a major headline, announcing that the global superstars are scheduled to perform at a massive venue in Buenos Aires on October 23 and 24. The publication emphasized that this tour is expected to be one of the largest and most ambitious projects in the group’s storied history, solidifying their status as a global cultural phenomenon.

    For Argentinian fans, the timing of this visit is nothing short of poetic. October marks the height of the spring season in Buenos Aires, a time when the city’s streets are famously adorned with the vibrant purple blooms of Jacaranda trees.

    Since purple is the symbolic color of BTS and their “ARMY” fanbase, local supporters have noted that the “purple spring” provides the perfect, naturally decorated backdrop for the group’s long-awaited arrival. Social media is currently flooded with commemorative videos and messages as fans prepare to welcome the members with unprecedented enthusiasm.

    The fanbase in Argentina has a rich history of organizing large-scale events to support the group, often centering their activities around the iconic Obelisk in Buenos Aires.

    From welcoming member Jin during his 2022 visit to holding a massive flash mob for the group’s 11th anniversary in 2024, their dedication is well-known. To celebrate this official concert announcement, fans are already planning another “purple car parade” on the 18th.

    As the concert dates approach, the city of Buenos Aires is bracing for a historic cultural event that will bring the purple spirit of BTS to the heart of Argentina.

  • [Korean News] “K-Pop: Demon Hunters” Makes History with Double Win at 83rd Golden Globes

    At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards held on January 11, 2026, in Beverly Hills, California, the Netflix animation “K-Pop: Demon Hunters” achieved a historic double victory.

    The film secured trophies for Best Animated Feature Film and Best Original Song for its hit track, “Golden.” This milestone marks the first time an animated production centered on K-Pop and Korean culture has been honored at this prestigious ceremony, signaling a significant shift in the global recognition of Korean-themed storytelling.

    The film’s success is backed by unprecedented global performance. The award-winning song “Golden” previously dominated major music markets, reaching number one on both the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Singles Chart.

    In the Animated Feature category, the film triumphed over formidable competitors such as “Zootopia 2” and “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle.” Despite bypassing a traditional theatrical release, its record-breaking 300 million views on Netflix and proven artistic merit through prior accolades paved the way for this historic win.

    During the ceremony, vocalist and co-composer Lee Jae took the stage alongside producer Lee Hee-jun to accept the awards.

    Lee Jae moved the audience by sharing a personal journey of struggling for ten years to debut as a K-Pop idol. In a powerful acceptance speech, the artist stated, “Rejection is an opportunity to move in a new direction.

    Please never give up.” This message of resilience has resonated deeply with fans worldwide, further elevating the film’s cultural impact beyond its technical achievements.

  • [Korean News] Netflix Series “When Life Gives You Tangerines” Named Best K-Drama of 2025 by TIME

    TIME magazine has officially selected the Netflix series “When Life Gives You Tangerines” as the top Korean drama of 2025.

    In its featured article, “The 10 Best K-Dramas of 2025,” the publication ranked the series at number one, describing it as “one of the best K-dramas of the year, if not one of the best TV series” overall.

    The magazine particularly praised the production’s ability to transform the ordinariness of daily life into something extraordinary while maintaining its characteristic complexity and texture—a rare achievement in contemporary storytelling that has earned the series significant acclaim from global critics.

    Set against the beautiful backdrop of Jeju Island, the series follows the adventurous lives of Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) as their story unfolds across the four seasons. The show has gained immense popularity worldwide, thanks to a combination of its tightly-woven screenplay, delicate direction, and stellar performances by the lead actors.

    By capturing the essence of human emotion through the lens of ordinary characters, the series has resonated deeply with a global audience and solidified its place as a standout production in modern television.

  • [🇺🇸] BTS Announces Full-Group Comeback and World Tour

    The global music scene is buzzing as BTS officially confirms their long-awaited full-group return.

    Scheduled for March 20, BTS will release their fifth studio album, followed by a massive, large-scale world tour. This announcement marks the end of a hiatus lasting approximately three years and nine months—a period that has only served to heighten the anticipation of fans and industry experts alike. Major international media outlets are already dedicating significant coverage to the group’s trajectory, emphasizing the immense cultural weight of this reunion.

    The reaction from the global press has been nothing short of electric.

    Leading outlets such as CBS News, Complex, and the UK’s NME are closely tracking the group’s every move. Billboard captured the sentiment perfectly, describing it as “the moment a giant artist representing K-pop returns after a nearly four-year hiatus,” while

    The Washington Post remarked that BTS is set to “heat up 2026 like ‘Dynamite’.” Variety further added that for fans, this comeback isn’t just about the end of a season, but a long-awaited “spring” that the group’s return signifies for the world of pop music.

    Beyond the charts, the industry sees this as a historic milestone for modern pop history.

    L’Officiel Singapore highlighted the group’s pivotal role in bringing K-pop into the global mainstream, stating that the return of all seven members will be one of the most decisive moments in contemporary music.

    The upcoming album is set to feature 14 tracks that weave together the members’ personal reflections and emotions gathered throughout their journey. It also carries a heartfelt message of gratitude to the fans who have stayed by their side, making this return a deeply emotional experience for the global community.