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Category: K-POP

  • EXO Returns After 2.5 Years with New Album ‘REVERXE’

    EXO is set to return after two years and six months, marking their comeback with a special showcase.

    The group will release its eighth full-length album, REVERXE, on January 19, 2026. All nine tracks will be unveiled across major music streaming platforms at 6 p.m. KST, followed by a showcase event starting at 7:30 p.m. at Kyung Hee University’s Peace Hall in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul.

    At the showcase, EXO will perform songs from REVERXE and share various behind-the-scenes stories related to the album, celebrating their long-awaited comeback together with fans in the same venue. With the group’s first full album release in over two years, anticipation among fans is running high.

  • TWICE to Headline Historic Solo Shows at Japan’s National Stadium

    TWICE will make history next April as the first foreign act to headline a solo concert at Japan’s National Stadium in Tokyo.

    The group’s agency announced on the 7th through its official Japanese SNS channels that TWICE has added new dates to their sixth world tour “THIS IS FOR,” confirming three solo shows at the National Stadium on April 25, 26, and 28 in 2026.

    The concerts will be staged in a massive 360-degree full-seating format, accommodating approximately 80,000 attendees per show and an estimated total of 240,000 across all three dates. This marks the first time a foreign artist will perform a standalone concert at the National Stadium.

    In September, TWICE drew a total of 400,000 attendees during their Japan dome tour, part of their ongoing world tour, affirming their status as one of the strongest ticket-selling K-pop girl groups. Their declaration at the final Tokyo Dome show—promising to “step onto an even bigger stage”—has now become a reality with this unprecedented National Stadium announcement.

  • Digital Photocard Tickets Rise as the New K-POP Concert Trend

    A new trend is taking hold in the K-culture boom: concert tickets are becoming collectible goods.

    The digital photocard ticket, which merges a photocard-style design with NFC-based digital technology, is rapidly spreading across KPOP concerts, combining convenience, high collectible value, and anti-counterfeiting features into a new ticket culture.

    These tickets contain an encrypted NFC chip that allows entry with a simple tap. Since audience information is verified through a central system, reissuance is possible, solving the limitations of traditional paper tickets. Fans have praised the tickets, saying they are “easy to store,” “valuable as memorabilia,” and “pretty,” acknowledging their appeal as goods.

    The technology is being adopted not only for large-scale concerts featuring BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, and NCT DREAM, but also for fan meetings for various singers and actors, expanding rapidly across the market. Ticket developer Booster Lab Co., Ltd. stated that annual card issuance has increased two to threefold, with adoption expanding into Japanese concerts as well. The company plans to further extend the technology into musicals, exhibitions, and sports events.

    Whether digital photocard tickets will bring new innovation to the performance market is now a key point of interest.

  • Virtual Idol Group PLAVE Returns with Playful New Concept

    irtual idol group PLAVE releases their new single album PLBBUU today at 6 p.m. KST.

    Following their charismatic image in February’s mini 3rd album Caligo Pt.1, PLAVE now returns with a more playful and endearing concept. Their collaboration with Sanrio Korea has drawn strong attention from global fans while expanding the group’s distinctive virtual universe.

    The album includes three tracks: the title song “BBUU!”, “Hide and Seek,” and “Bongsoonga.” The title track features an addictive R&B rhythm paired with cute lyrics, highlighted by the catchy “1234567” hook and a lip-shaped point choreography. “Hide and Seek” is the Korean version of their Japanese debut song “Kakurenbo,” characterized by a sentimental band sound, while “Bongsoonga” delivers a cozy winter feeling through warm guitar tones and gentle vocals.

    From August to October, PLAVE successfully completed their first Asia tour DASH: Quantum Leap, visiting six cities — Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo. The group will wrap up their tour with encore concerts at Seoul’s Gocheok Dome on November 21–22, both of which have already sold out.

    PLBBUU will be available on all major music streaming platforms starting today at 6 p.m. KST.

  • BABYMONSTER Unveils Eerie New Visual with Mysterious Mask

    On the 5th, K-pop group BABYMONSTER surprised fans by unveiling a mysterious image on YG Entertainment’s official blog.

    The poster features figures whose identities are concealed by a perfectly placed mask, with striking long red hair creating a bold contrast that gives off an eerie sense of tension.

    This mysterious mood ties in with the previously released content “EVER DREAM THIS GIRL?”, which had already intrigued fans with its black-and-white noisy portraits of the members and lines that seemed to search for a girl from a dream. The addition of these enigmatic figures has heightened curiosity and left a lingering impact.

    Music fans are now engrossed in connecting the dots between the two visuals, speculating whether this is part of the promotion for their second mini-album WE GO UP or the beginning of a new project. Either way, the introduction of this unique content has captured the attention of fans, eager to see what’s next.

  • AI-Powered “The Next Idol” Pop-Up Opens in Pangyo

    Millennial Works has opened a K-POP idol theme park, The Next Idol, powered by its proprietary AI technology. The pop-up store runs until November 9 at the Iconic Square on the 4th floor of Hyundai Department Store Pangyo.

    Based on the “Virtual Academy” concept from Millennial Works’ own IP, Nextworks, the experience allows visitors to step into the world of K-POP trainee life alongside popular virtual characters.

    The pop-up consists of three main zones — the Trainee Zone, Idol Zone, and Character Zone — featuring 16 interactive experiences such as AR-based vocal, facial, and dance practice studios, an AI photo booth for an “idol transformation” camera test, reflex games, fan communication training, idol tarot readings, and the “PICK MY TEAM” popularity voting.

    All visitors receive 10 free AI-generated K-POP-themed goods, including personalized idol character photocards, custom albums, light sticks, sticker packs, and badges. Multiple photo zones are also available for SNS snapshots, though visitors must make a timed reservation in advance through Naver’s “The Next Idol” booking system.

  • 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.

  • Xiumin of EXO Unveils Concept Photos for New Digital Single ‘Overdrop’

    Xiumin, a member of EXO, is set to make his long-awaited comeback with a new digital single titled “Overdrop.”

    His agency, INB100, unveiled the concept photos on October 13 through official channels, showcasing Xiumin’s mature charisma and refined appeal. In the photos, Xiumin leans against a car, dressed in a black see-through shirt and leather gloves, exuding understated sensuality. His nonchalant expression and intense gaze add a layer of tension, sparking curiosity about his upcoming musical direction.

    “Overdrop” marks Xiumin’s first release in about seven months since his second mini album, “Interview X,” which dropped in March. The new single encapsulates Xiumin’s sophisticated sensibility and energetic performance style, highlighting his deeper musical identity and reaffirming his presence as a solo artist.

    Xiumin’s digital single “Overdrop” will be released worldwide on October 20 at 6 PM (KST) through all major online music platforms.

  • Swedish Royals Visit SM Entertainment — A Cultural Bridge Between Korea and Sweden

    Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden visited SM Entertainment’s headquarters in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, to experience the heart of K-pop creativity firsthand.

    The visit was part of the Swedish royal family’s official itinerary to Korea, focusing on cultural and creative industry exchange. Touring SM’s studios and recording rooms, the royals observed the K-pop production process up close. They expressed particular interest in the collaboration between Swedish songwriters and SM Entertainment, praising how K-pop continues to generate cultural synergy in the global music market.

    Their schedule also included a meeting with rookie girl group HARTS TO HARTS, where they discussed music training and daily practice routines. The members gifted the royals autographed CDs and official merchandise, to which the Crown Princess replied that it was “an unforgettable present.”

    During a discussion with SM executives, the main topics included K-pop’s global influence and the sustainability of its creative ecosystem. Both sides agreed that combining Sweden’s musical creativity and technology with K-pop’s cultural power could yield even greater synergy.

    Crown Princess Victoria concluded by saying, “We are delighted that Sweden can contribute to the growth of K-pop,” and expressed gratitude for SM’s warm hospitality. The visit has been hailed as a symbolic moment of cultural cooperation and artistic exchange between the two nations.

  • G-DRAGON Files Lawsuit Against Online Haters After 19 Years in K-pop

    G-DRAGON has officially taken legal action against individuals posting malicious comments and spreading false information — marking his first major legal move since debuting 19 years ago.

    His agency, Galaxy Corporation, announced on October 17 that it is “actively pursuing legal measures in cooperation with law firm Yulchon against defamation, false information, and malicious slander.”

    According to the company, by the end of September, it had conducted a thorough review of malicious posts based on fan reports and its own data collection. On October 15, several offenders were formally charged under South Korea’s Information and Communications Network Act (Defamation). The agency emphasized that the case focuses on “defamation through false information,” not simple insults, and that strict action is being taken to ensure criminal accountability.

    Galaxy Corporation also revealed plans to file additional complaints against commenters identified on major online platforms such as DC Inside, Daum Café, X (formerly Twitter), Naver, and FM Korea, reaffirming its firm stance.

    G-DRAGON’s representatives stated that this move “is not a warning but a concrete effort to protect the artist’s dignity and personal rights.” They also encouraged fans to continue reporting malicious activity, adding, “We will hold those who hide behind anonymity fully accountable for their actions.”