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Tag: BTS

  • [🇺🇸] 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.

  • BTS’s V Redefines Hanbok in Modern Style at Vogue World: Hollywood

    BTS member V turned heads in Los Angeles with a stunning reinterpretation of traditional Korean attire blended with modern fashion elements.

    On October 26 (local time), V attended Vogue World: Hollywood 2025 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, invited personally by Vogue’s U.S. editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.

    V arrived wearing a long gray coat paired with a gray hat reminiscent of a traditional Korean gat, completing the look with a striking red traditional knot tied around his waist. The elegant red accent on his minimalist modern outfit created a perfect harmony between heritage and contemporary aesthetics, immediately drawing the attention of global fashion figures at the event.

    Maggie Kang, director of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters, also posted on her social media, sharing side-by-side images of V and the film’s character “Saja Boys Jinu,” captioned, “I see you @thv, BTS V = Saja Boys Jinu,” delighting fans worldwide.

  • Counterfeit K-pop Goods from China Seized in Kore

    While K-pop continues to grow in global influence, authorities have uncovered large volumes of counterfeit K-pop merchandise from China being distributed in Korea.

    According to data submitted by the Korea Customs Service, the most frequently seized counterfeit item between 2024 and August this year was photocards. The group most affected was IVE, with 713,593 counterfeit photocards confiscated.

    They were followed by NewJeans (99,888), IU (77,344), Stray Kids (75,404), and aespa (52,967), completing the top five.

    Other cases included illegally distributing mask packs that exceeded contracted production, as well as bromides and framed posters imported while disguised as official products.

    Excluding photocards, BTS suffered the greatest intellectual property infringement, with over 110,000 counterfeit items seized. SEVENTEEN (2,610), (G)I-DLE (920), BLACKPINK (680), and NewJeans (720) followed

  • SFMOMA to Host BTS RM’s Art Collection Exhibition

    BTS leader RM, widely known as an art enthusiast, will showcase his personal collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) from October next year through February 2027. This marks the museum’s first collaboration with a K-pop artist, with RM himself serving as curator.

    The exhibition will feature around 200 works, combining RM’s personal collection with pieces from SFMOMA’s holdings. Notably, it will include works by masters of Korean contemporary art alongside renowned artists from around the world, with some pieces being revealed to the public for the first time.

    RM expressed his hopes, stating, “I want this exhibition to reflect on the boundaries between East and West, Korea and the U.S., modernity and contemporary, the personal and the universal.” The museum praised RM’s discerning eye for art and expressed anticipation for the new dialogue between the works he has curated.

    RM has long been recognized as a passionate art lover, frequently visiting museums worldwide and actively contributing to the preservation and restoration of Korean cultural heritage, as well as supporting the spread of art and culture.

  • BTS Suga Opens Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center with ₩5 Billion Donatio

    Severance Hospital announced the opening of the “Min Yoon-gi Treatment Center” on the first floor of Jejung Hall on the 30th.

    The center was established with a ₩5 billion donation made in June by BTS member Suga (Min Yoon-gi) to Severance Children’s Hospital. It features therapy rooms for language and behavioral treatment, as well as a music and social skills group therapy room equipped with soundproofing and acoustic facilities. The cozy waiting area also displays wooden artworks by an autistic spectrum disorder artist.

    From late last year to early this year, Suga worked with Professor Chun Keun-ah to meet children with autism spectrum disorder, offering music volunteer work including guitar performances. Based on this experience, Suga and Professor Chun co-developed the “MIND” program, incorporating music into therapy, establishing the world’s first university hospital system that integrates art with medicine for treatment and independence.

    The MIND program, built on non-verbal music therapy, is effective even for children with low cognitive abilities or those who do not respond verbally. It encourages self-expression by letting children choose instruments and supports social skills such as waiting their turn during ensemble sessions. A professional team—including child psychiatrists, music therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, and clinical psychologists—collaborates to provide tailored treatments through case-based discussions.

    Experts note that as music therapy is globally recognized for its effectiveness, this center is expected to become an innovative model combining art and medicine. Moreover, Suga’s philanthropic act is anticipated to positively influence social awareness of children with autism.

  • “HYBE Cracks Down on Counterfeit K-Pop Goods, Seizes 19,000 Items”

    The Korean Intellectual Property Office’s trademark special investigative unit has referred B, the CEO of Company A, to the prosecution on charges of violating the trademark law, as announced on the 24th. This case targets Company A, which produced counterfeit goods infringing on the intellectual property (IP) rights of nine popular K-pop idol groups, including BTS, SEVENTEEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), ENHYPEN, and LE SSERAFIM.

    In this crackdown, more than 19,356 counterfeit items were seized, including photo cards, socks, pens, clothing, mirrors, keychains, hats, mobile phone accessories, and tumblers. Company A had been selling these illegal products to foreign tourists and K-pop fans in Myeongdong, Seoul, profiting unlawfully.

    HYBE has been consistently monitoring and cracking down on the IP violations of its artists both online and offline. Last year, they seized 13,691 cases of counterfeit goods in the domestic e-commerce market and 278,568 cases overseas, while also taking action against 17,710 instances of unauthorized paid video distribution on SNS. Additionally, they educated customs officers on distinguishing between authentic and counterfeit items, resulting in the discovery of 3,462 IP-infringing goods last year.

    HYBE has pledged to continue working closely with the Korean Intellectual Property Office to protect the IP of their artists and to persist in efforts to eradicate counterfeit goods and improve public awareness.

  • 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.

  • 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.”