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Category: K-ENT

  • CRAVITY to Drop New Album Dare to Crave : Epilogue on November 10

    The K-pop group CRAVITY has unveiled the tracklist for their upcoming album.

    On the 28th, their agency, Starship Entertainment, shared the tracklist for their 2nd full-length album Dare to Crave : Epilogue, set to release on November 10.

    According to the tracklist, the album consists of 15 songs, combining 12 tracks from their previously released album Dare to Crave (released in June) with 3 new tracks.

    The album will feature the title track “Lemonade Fever,” along with new songs “OXYGEN” and “Everyday.” Additionally, the album includes previously released hits like “On My Way,” “SWISH,” “SET NET G0?!,” “Rendez-vous,” “PARANOIA,” “Straight Up To Heaven,” “Stadium,” “Marionette,” “Underdog,” “Click, Flash, Pow,” “Love Me Again,” and “Wish Upon A Star.”

    Following the trend from their previous album, the members have actively participated in the creation of the tracks. Both “Lemonade Fever” and “OXYGEN” feature lyrics written by Serim and Allen. Allen also showcases his growing musical talent with his self-composed song “Everyday.”

    Dare to Crave : Epilogue will be available on all major online music platforms on November 10.

  • Cross-Cultural Storytelling Strengthens Korea–Japan Ties on OTT Platforms

    Joint drama productions between South Korea and Japan are winning praise from viewers worldwide, expanding their presence in the global streaming market. Co-productions released through platforms such as Netflix are captivating audiences far beyond the two countries.

    According to Netflix’s official site TUDUM and its “Netflix Top 10,” the Japanese original series Romantic Anonymous, starring Shun Oguri and Han Hyo-joo, ranked sixth globally in the non-English category and first in Japan. Streaming analytics site FlixPatrol also reported that the series placed in the top five on Netflix in markets including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Dominican Republic.

    The show is seen as an ideal example of cross-border collaboration, going beyond simply featuring a Korean actor in a Japanese drama or selling IP rights. Instead, it showcases a deep creative exchange between Korean and Japanese actors, directors, and production teams, successfully appealing to global OTT viewers.

    Netflix is also producing another Japan original series, Soulmate, starring Ok Taec-yeon and Hayato Isomura, as a Korea–Japan collaboration. The story follows Ryu (Isomura), a man who leaves Japan behind and is saved by Yohan (Ok Taec-yeon), a Korean man he meets abroad, leading to a deep emotional bond. The series is written and directed by Japanese novelist and filmmaker Shunki Hashizume, with Korean production company GTist (a subsidiary of Studio Dragon) handling production.

    Additionally, the upcoming Netflix Korean original series Road has been confirmed as another joint production.

    Industry analysts attribute the rise of Korea–Japan collaborations to the cultural and emotional similarities shared by the two countries.

    An OTT industry insider explained, “Korea and Japan share emotional narratives and values as neighboring countries. By combining the strengths of both countries’ actors and production systems, they can create works that resonate with global audiences.” The insider added, “Both countries possess vast IP resources and strong mutual interest in each other’s content, allowing co-productions to bring fresh, unique dramas to life.”

  • KiiKii Transforms into Characters in New Web Novel, Releases New Single

    The girl group KiiKii is transforming into the main characters of a new web novel.

    According to their agency, Starship Entertainment, the web novel Dear.X: Tomorrow’s Me to Today’s Me starring KiiKii will be launched on KakaoPage on November 4.

    Dear.X: Tomorrow’s Me to Today’s Me is a modern fantasy web novel that explores the friendships and adventures of a group of girls on the brink of their teenage years. The novel follows KiiKii’s journey into another world, where each member transforms into a character with unique traits. They face their loneliness and fears, seeking out friends and completing quests to return to their original world.

    The novel’s writer, Kim Pan, also penned the original novel for the popular drama Sonjae on My Back, starring Byun Woo-seok and Kim Hye-yoon. Kim Pan conducted multiple interviews over ten months to capture the vibrant world of KiiKii and the individual personalities of the members. The narrative is designed to be both easy to follow and exciting, while providing fans with exclusive questions and TMI content from the group, adding an extra layer of fun to the story.

    In addition, KiiKii will release a new single, To Me From Me, that shares the same world as Dear.X: Tomorrow’s Me to Today’s Me. The song will be released at 6:00 PM on November 4, the same time the web novel is available on KakaoPage.

  • EXO Announces December Fan Meeting Ahead of 2026 Comeback

    EXO will kick off a new chapter with a fan meeting this December, followed by the release of their highly anticipated new album in early 2026.

    The group will host “EXO‘verse” at Inspire Arena in Jung District, Incheon, on December 13–14. After the event, they plan to release their 8th full-length album in the first quarter of 2026 and continue a range of promotional activities.

    Members Suho, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, Sehun, and Lay will participate in both the fan meeting and the upcoming album. With each member having pursued successful solo careers, their reunion under the EXO name is expected to draw major attention from fans around the world.

    During the fan meeting, EXO will perform beloved hits such as their winter classic “First Snow,” while also unveiling a new track from their forthcoming album for the first time, heightening anticipation for their next chapter.

    Ticket reservations open via Melon Ticket, with fan club pre-sales starting on October 30 at 8 p.m. and general sales on October 31 at 8 p.m. Details about the online live broadcast through Beyond LIVE and Weverse will be announced later on EXO’s official social media channels.

    In September, EXO sparked excitement by releasing a mysterious teaser image resembling a total lunar eclipse with the phrase “DECEMBER 2025.” As hinted, the group will begin unveiling promotional content for the album starting in December.

  • NMIXX Sweeps Charts and Wins 5 Music Shows with ‘Blue Valentine

    K-pop girl group NMIXX has cemented its position as a next-generation powerhouse, sweeping domestic and global charts with its first full-length album, “Blue Valentine.”

    Released on October 13, the 12-track album builds on the group’s signature “MIXX POP” genre — first introduced in their debut track “O.O” — blending diverse musical styles into a bold and cohesive sound. Critics praised the project as “the album that fully defines NMIXX’s identity.”

    The title track “Blue Valentine” soared to No. 1 on Melon’s Top 100 just one week after release, maintaining the top spot on daily charts for three consecutive days. It also dominated major music rankings including Melon HOT 100, Bugs, FLO, Circle Download Chart, and Hanteo Weekly Album Chart.

    On music shows, NMIXX claimed five consecutive wins, topping MBC M’s Show! Champion (22nd), Mnet’s M Countdown (23rd), KBS2’s Music Bank (24th), MBC’s Show! Music Core (25th), and SBS’s Inkigayo (26th).

    Members Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, BAE, Jiwoo, and Kyujin impressed fans with flawless live vocals during encore stages, showcasing their musical growth and confidence.

    Following the success of their album, NMIXX will kick off their first world tour, “EPISODE 1: ZERO FRONTIER,” starting with a two-day concert in Incheon Inspire Arena on November 29–30, before heading overseas.

  • Cha Eun-woo’s ‘ELSE’ Promises Emotion and Charisma Amid Military Hiatus

    Singer and actor Cha Eun-woo is set to comfort fans missing him during his military service with a brand-new solo release.

    On October 24, a “coming soon” teaser video for his second solo mini album, ELSE, was unveiled through his official social media and YouTube channel.

    In the teaser, Cha Eun-woo captivates viewers with a mysterious aura, expressing complex emotions through subtle changes in expression and gesture. His intense charisma — accentuated by a leather jacket and realistic wound makeup — hints at a darker, more mature concept.

    Currently serving diligently in the Army Band since July, Cha Eun-woo completed recording for the album prior to enlistment, showing his unwavering dedication to music even during his service.

    ELSE marks his first solo comeback in nearly 21 months since his debut mini album ENTITY (released in February 2023), heightening anticipation among global fans.

    Cha Eun-woo’s second solo mini album ELSE will be officially released worldwide on November 21 at 1 PM (KST) through all major music platforms.

  • Mega MGC Coffee x RIIZE: Exclusive Collab Goods Hit Stores Nationwide

    Mega MGC Coffee has announced the launch of two new collaboration items with popular K-pop boy group RIIZE, available sequentially across stores nationwide starting October 23.

    This collaboration marks the highlight of Mega MGC Coffee’s ongoing SMGC campaign with SM Entertainment. Even before the release, the products received enthusiastic reactions at fan signing events, with comments such as “the design quality is amazing” and “it looks like the official light stick — a must-have collectible.”

    The collection features ▲RIIZE Love Dome Tumbler Set and ▲Memories Beam Camera Keyring.

    The tumbler, inspired by RIIZE’s official light stick, features a dome-shaped magnetic lid, a 500ml capacity, and both heat and cold retention functions. It also includes a strap for convenience and collectible member photo postcards for fans.

    The Beam Camera Keyring, designed in the shape of a guitar, projects the image of a RIIZE member when its light beam shines in a dark space. With an adjustable strap, it can also serve as a trendy fashion accessory.

    A representative from Mega MGC Coffee commented, “We planned these goods and events to encourage deeper interaction between the brand and fandom. We’ll continue expanding our connection with fan culture and respond to consumers’ desires.”

  • ONEW Expands Solo World Tour to the Americas, Starting in January 2026

    SHINee’s ONEW continues the excitement of his first solo world tour by bringing it to the Americas.

    On October 22, ONEW announced the dates for “2025-26 ONEW WORLD TOUR ＜ONEW THE LIVE : PERCENT (%)＞ IN USA” via official social media, hinting at a new chapter in his journey.

    According to the released schedule, ONEW will kick off the U.S. leg of the tour on January 9, 2026, in San Jose, with additional performances in ▲Los Angeles on the 11th, ▲Chicago on the 14th, ▲New York on the 16th, and ▲Atlanta on the 18th. This will be his first U.S. tour since the completion of the “ONEW THE LIVE : CONNECTION” tour in May, creating even greater anticipation among global fans.

    “ONEW THE LIVE” is a concert series focused on ONEW’s delicate emotional expression and exceptional live performance abilities. The tour started in Seoul, visiting Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Kaohsiung, before moving on to South America and Europe, with stops in São Paulo, Santiago, Mexico City, Paris, London, Madrid, and Berlin. It will continue through 21 cities worldwide.

    In each city, ONEW has been delivering different setlists and stage presentations while deeply connecting with fans. With his signature warm voice and steady live performances, he has proven himself as a “trustworthy vocalist.” On October 30, he will continue his tour in São Paulo, Brazil, and maintain his close connection with fans worldwide.

  • Rowoon to Enlist on October 27 — Promises to Continue Acting After Service

    Actor Rowoon shared his thoughts on the conclusion of the Disney+ drama series Tackryu (Turbid Stream) ahead of his upcoming military enlistment.

    Through his agency FNC Entertainment, Rowoon said on the 20th, “It was an honor to take part in Tackryu before my enlistment. This project gave me great courage and confidence in my acting career. I was truly happy to create such a wonderful piece with amazing colleagues.”

    He continued, “I sincerely thank all the viewers who have watched Tackryu. I hope you’ll remember this drama for a long time. Even after I return from the military, I plan to continue acting without rest, so please keep supporting me.”

    In Tackryu, Rowoon played the lead role of Jang Si-yul, marking his most intense transformation since debut. He portrayed the emotional journey of a man who rises from a humble worker to a powerful figure with extraordinary depth, displaying his impressive acting range. Performing most of his action scenes himself, Rowoon once

    again proved his limitless potential as an actor.

    Rowoon is set to begin his mandatory military service on October 27.

  • World Webtoon Festival Opens to Massive Crowds in Seoul

    The 2025 World Webtoon Festival kicked off on October 19 at Lotte Town in Jamsil, Seoul, attracting an impressive 42,000 visitors on its opening day.

    According to the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), over 200,000 people are expected to attend during the four-day event, marking a 2.5-fold increase from last year.

    The festival aims to bring mobile webtoon content into physical spaces, showcasing the global competitiveness of the K-webtoon industry. Exhibits span over a century of Korean comic and webtoon history — from political cartoons of the 1910s to digital webtoons of the 2000s — allowing visitors to experience the evolution of the medium through live drawing shows and hands-on workshops.

    Pop-up stores for hit titles such as Lookism, What It Means to Be You, The Remarried Empress, and Maru is a Puppy were fully booked in advance, demonstrating the massive popularity of K-webtoons. These collaborations with fashion, fragrance, and F&B brands also highlight the growing potential for webtoon IP commercialization.

    Industry experts view the event as a major step toward creating a global festival that embodies K-webtoon identity.

    Veteran webtoon artist Lee Jong Beom remarked, “If the festival establishes its own brand identity like New York Comic Con, it could become the representative global event for K-webtoons.”