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Category: K-ENT

  • Suga’s First SNS Post in Two Years Sparks Global Buzz

    BTS member Suga (Min Yoongi, 32) has captured global attention by posting on social media for the first time in about two years. The photo, uploaded on September 22, shows him playing the guitar, marking his first post since August 2023.

    <Photo posted on Instagram>

    Suga began his alternative military service in 2023 and was discharged this past June. However, he previously sparked controversy when he was caught riding an electric scooter under the influence of alcohol. He later issued a direct apology to fans, bowing his head once again after his discharge to show genuine reflection.

    <Volunteering at a hospital>

    In June, Suga also donated 5 billion KRW to Severance Hospital to support the establishment of the “Min Yoongi Treatment Center,” dedicated to helping children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The donation is the largest ever made by a celebrity in Korea. He has also participated in volunteer work, demonstrating sincerity beyond financial contributions.

    Meanwhile, BTS is currently working on a new album, aiming for a full-group comeback early next year.

  • K-pop Meets India: HYBE Launches HYBE India to Unveil New Talent

    HYBE has officially established HYBE India in Mumbai, marking its full entry into the Indian market. This marks the fifth overseas headquarters after HYBE Japan, HYBE America, HYBE Latin America, and HYBE China, positioning India as an important hub for connecting K-pop and global content.

    HYBE India’s goal is to discover talented artists in India and connect their music with the world. They plan to conduct auditions locally and set up a customized training system, while actively supporting the activities of HYBE’s existing artists in India.

    India, with a population of 1.46 billion, holds the title of the world’s largest market, with 185 million streaming users. The popularity of K-pop is rapidly growing, with K-pop streaming in 2023 having increased by 362% compared to 2018.

    The establishment of HYBE India is part of HYBE’s “multi-home, multi-genre” strategy, which focuses on discovering and nurturing world-class artists through a localized K-pop production system. HYBE India will introduce artists who will bridge India with the global market and further accelerate the growth of the K-pop market in India.

  • G-Dragon’s “Übermensch” Exhibition Heads to Macau and Singapore

    K-pop icon G-Dragon’s media art exhibition Übermensch is extending its global journey, following stops in Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, with upcoming showcases in Macau and Singapore.

    <OSAKA>

    This immersive project reinterprets the messages of his third full-length album through cutting-edge technologies including VR, 3D motion graphics, and real-time holograms.

    The Macau exhibition will run from September 29 to October 30 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort, featuring the “Drama Zone,” previously shown only in Japan and Hong Kong.

    In Singapore, the exhibition will take place from October 1 to 13 at the landmark Jewel Changi Airport. Visitors will experience interactive digital content at the Changi Experience Studio and shop exclusive merchandise at a dedicated MD store.

    <HONG KONG>

    Hong Kong media outlets described the exhibition as “an immersive art space that realizes G-Dragon’s unique universe,” with Ming Pao and Yahoo HK giving it extensive coverage.

  • Amaru on Hiatus, KickFlip Continues Promotions as Six

    Boy group KickFlip held a press showcase on Sept. 22 to celebrate the release of their 3rd mini album, “My First Flip.”

    This comeback marks their first promotion as a six-member group after member Amaru announced a hiatus due to health reasons just before the album release. Member Donghyun shared, “It’s unfortunate that Amaru cannot join us, but we’re waiting for his recovery and will do our best to fill the gap together.”

    The new album captures the excitement of first love with a playful touch. Its title track, “The First Song I’ve Ever Sung,” is a pop-punk-inspired dance track combining synth sounds with guitar riffs, narrating the thrilling moment of confession. The album also includes seven tracks in total, such as “Band-Aid,” “Singularity,” “Again, Here,” “Gas On It,” “404: Not Found,” and “It’s a Secret I Had a Nightmare.” All members participated in writing and composing every track.

    Released today (Sept. 22) at 6 p.m. KST, My First Flip will be followed by KickFlip’s Mnet M2 comeback show and showcase. Fans can look forward to discovering the group’s deeper musical colors and growth through this album.

  • Everland Brings Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” to Life with New Theme Zone

    Everland, operated by Samsung C&T’s Resort Division, will open a new theme zone on September 26 inspired by Netflix’s global hit KPop Demon Hunters.

    The film, which tells the story of a K-pop girl group battling evil spirits against the backdrop of Korean landmarks, has become Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time. Everland brings the world of the film to life with a traditional hanok-style entrance, giant LED screens, and OST highlights such as “Golden” and “Soda Pop.”

    The theme zone is packed with interactive experiences. In the “Huntrix” zone, visitors can enjoy shooting games and whack-a-mole, while the “Lion Boys” zone offers OST lyric challenges and a soul-offering game. A photo zone recreating an idol stage allows fans to capture special memories, and completing stamp missions will reward guests with character-themed souvenirs.

    Food and merchandise options are equally diverse. At the “Lion Boys Snack Bar,” visitors can enjoy Korean street foods like ramen and kimbap, alongside group-themed menus and 38 limited-edition items. Notably, panda x Duffy costume dolls, as well as dedicated face-painting and dress-up areas, are expected to be especially popular with fans.

  • Busan International Film Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 10 Days of Cinema

    The 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) has officially begun, launching a 10-day celebration of cinema.

    This year’s festival features 241 official selections from 64 countries, along with 87 community screenings and 32 neighborhood screenings. Among them are 90 world premieres, offering audiences an exceptionally diverse lineup.

    For the first time in its history, BIFF introduces an official competition section, showcasing 14 major works from Asia. The newly established Busan Award will honor winners across five categories: Grand Prize, Best Director, Jury Prize, Best Actor, and Artistic Contribution. Park Chan-wook’s much-anticipated film I Can’t Help It has been chosen as the opening title, while the closing film will be the Grand Prize winner of the Busan Award.

    The 2025 Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) will run from September 20 to 23 at BEXCO Hall 2 and online. New programs such as InnoAsia (linking innovative technology with the film industry), The A (a leadership platform), Doc Square (documentary co-production platform), and the ACF Co-Production Fund will debut, creating a hub for exploring the future of Asia’s film and content industry.

  • Cooking, Time Travel, and Romance: “Tyrant’s Chef” Captivates Viewers

    The tvN weekend drama “Tyrant’s Chef”, starring YoonA, has set a new personal ratings record, continuing its upward momentum.

    Episode 8, aired on the 14th, recorded a metropolitan household average of 15.8% (peaking at 18.1%) and a nationwide household average of 15.4% (peaking at 17.4%), securing the No.1 spot across all channels in its time slot, according to Nielsen Korea.

    In the drama, YoonA plays Yeon Ji-Young, a chef who time-slips from the present day into the past, where she encounters the tyrant Lee Heon (played by Lee Chae-Min). Their romantic comedy storyline has heightened viewers’ immersion each week.

    Performing her cooking scenes without a stand-in, YoonA has been praised for her delicate expressions and steady acting, which enhance the believability of her character. As the series progresses, the romance and tension continue to build, boosting both popularity and ratings.

  • BTS Fans Rejoice: McDonald’s Happy Meal Adds Collectible TinyTAN Figures

    McDonald’s announced on September 11 the launch of limited-edition Happy Meal toys featuring BTS’s beloved characters TinyTAN.

    The TinyTAN lineup consists of all seven BTS members in adorable form. The mini figures, totaling 14, come in two versions: the Playback Edition, recreating outfits from the 2021 “The BTS Meal” campaign, and the Encore Edition, featuring costumes with the McDonald’s logo.

    Each Happy Meal includes one figure, and customers can directly choose which one they want. The Playback Edition launches first on September 11, followed by the Encore Edition on October 2. Sales will end early if stock runs out at individual locations.

    A McDonald’s spokesperson commented, “The Happy Meal has always been a symbol of McDonald’s, bringing small joys across generations. Alongside the TinyTAN mini figures, we will continue to deliver fun and happiness through our Happy Meals and toys.”

  • PEACEMINUSONE x OXFORD: G-DRAGON Launches “818 BLOOM” Peace-Inspired Collectible

    G-DRAGON’s brand PEACEMINUSONE is unveiling a special collectible infused with a message of world peace.

    Block manufacturer OXFORD announced on September 9 that it has collaborated with G-DRAGON to create the limited-edition flower block collectible “818 BLOOM.” Pre-orders will open online in major countries on September 21, marking the International Day of Peace.

    OXFORD, the world’s second-largest block maker, is well-known for its cultural heritage series featuring Gyeonghoeru Pavilion and Turtle Ships, as well as collaborations with global companies and organizations. This project marks the world’s first case of turning an artist’s persona into a DIY block product. G-DRAGON himself participated in the design process, and each product comes with a signed hologram certificate of authenticity.

    According to organizers, “818 BLOOM embodies the philosophy of PEACEMINUSONE, capturing the intersection of ideals and reality. We hope fans around the world will reflect on the value of peace while assembling the blocks.”

    Meanwhile, G-DRAGON was recently appointed as an ambassador for the Gyeongju APEC and continues to expand his positive influence through public service activities.

  • “Demon Slayer” Breaks Records Again: Infinity Castle Dominates Korean Box Office

    The film “Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle” has surpassed 4 million cumulative viewers in Korea just 18 days after its release, setting a new box office milestone.

    According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated database, as of the afternoon of September 8, the audience count reached 4,000,080, overtaking Your Name (2016) to become the third most successful Japanese animation film in Korean box office history.

    Since its release, the movie has held the No.1 spot at the box office for 17 consecutive days, achieving both the highest opening score of the year and the best-ever opening for a Japanese animation. It crossed 1 million viewers on its second day and 3 million by its tenth day, showcasing unprecedented momentum.

    Based on the manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, the franchise first gained global fame with the 2020 release of “Mugen Train,” which drew 2.22 million viewers in Korea and became the highest-grossing film ever in Japan.

    The new “Infinity Castle” serves as the first part of a trilogy focusing on the final battle between Muzan and protagonist Tanjiro. In Japan, it surpassed 10 million viewers within 17 days and 20 million within a month, proving its worldwide appeal.