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K-pop idols

K-pop idols
The Korean wave - or hallyu - has swept over the world. South Korea’s K-pop idols are now among the biggest celebrities in the world, with standout stars including BTS members Jungkook and Jimin, and Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie
Young K-pop fans in China are paying US$28 to live their idol dream for three hours with public events, and photo shoots. Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote
Trending in China

Chinese youth pay US$28 to live K-pop dream with public events, photo shoots

‘Obsessed’ fans of Korean entertainment genre snapped by photographers, are done up by make-up artists in immersive experience.

China-South Korea relations

China offers visa-free travel and K-pop events as overture to South Korea

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South Korea

Video | From survival to stardom: North Korean defectors set for historic K-pop debut

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K-pop

Video | North Korean defectors set for historic K-pop debut

Hyuk and Seok, two North Koreans in the K-pop band 1Verse, are the first from the reclusive North to be trained for stardom in South Korea's K-pop industry.

From survival to stardom: North Korean defectors set for historic K-pop music debut
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South Korea

Not patched up: South Korea court blocks K-pop’s NewJeans from leaving label

The group, which announced their departure from ADOR last year, said they would challenge the court’s decision.

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South Korea

Petition in South Korea demanding laws against celebrity bullying gains traction

Prompted by the death of K-drama star Kim Sae-Ron, the petition has garnered enough signatures to warrant a review by a committee.

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South Korea

‘So you know Blackpink, but not Lisa?’: Bong Joon-ho cops flak from Thai fans

The director faced backlash from fans for not mentioning the Thai-born singer’s name in an interview, sparking racism accusations.

Blackpink member Lisa. Photo: AFP
South Korean celebrities

K-pop’s Taeil removed from NCT group after sexual assault indictment

The K-pop star has been dropped by SM Entertainment, which has determined that ‘it is no longer possible’ for him to continue his activities.

South Korea

Japanese woman investigated for kissing BTS star Jin without consent

South Korean police summoned the fan to appear for questioning over an allegation of sexual harassment.

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K-drama news

Actor Lee Min-ho denies rumours he is dating 2NE1’s Park Bom

K-pop star began posting images of actor captioned “my husband” on social media last year, then said he had asked her to but ‘I’m single’.

K-pop star Park Bom’s social media posts about actor Lee Min-ho being “her husband” have prompted Lee’s representatives to issue a statement that rumours the pair are dating are groundless. Photo: Instagram/newharoobompark
TV shows and streaming video

Blackpink’s Lisa calls White Lotus season 3 ‘spicy, juicy, crazy’

The HBO series is back, this time in Koh Samui, Thailand, and K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink was among the cast at its Asia launch in Bangkok.

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K-pop star Lisa of Blackpink attends the premiere of The White Lotus season 3 in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo: EPA-EFE
Fame and celebrity

Meet Lisa from Blackpink’s Thai mother and Swiss chef stepfather

The first K-pop solo artist to reach a billion streams on Spotify – and a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Bulgari – Lisa just made her acting debut in season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus.

Style Edit

Style Edit: Lisa and Saoirse Ronan front Louis Vuitton’s new ad campaign

Nicolas Ghesquière’s pieces marry structure and fluidity, in a collection presenting the creative director of womenswear’s signature retro-futuristic style against a backdrop of conceptual art.

Beauty

‘Nose-tip blush’ trend finds fans in K-pop idols from Aespa, Twice

The ‘nose-tip blush’ trend, as seen on Aespa’s Karina and Winter, Twice’s Tzuyu and NJZ’s Haerin, is taking over the K-pop scene.

The “nose-tip blush” trend, as seen on Aespa’s Karina (left) and Twice’s Tzuyu, is taking over the K-pop scene. Photo: Karina/Tzuyu
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

‘Extremely risky’ for NJZ, formerly NewJeans, to pursue new direction

Lawyers raise concerns as the K-pop girl group – due to perform in Hong Kong in March – remain mired in lawsuits with Hybe Labels’ Ador.

The five members of K-pop girl group NewJeans, now NJZ, attend the ULKIN show at Seoul Fashion Week spring/summer 2024 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) on September 5, 2023. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong economy

ComplexCon Hong Kong in March to feature K-pop girl group NJZ, formerly NewJeans

Group will make debut performance in city under new name, joining a line-up including MC Jin and Zico from March 21 to 23.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Surprise for G-Dragon fans as bandmate reveals star’s concert return

‘G-Dragon’s concert is in March,’ Daesung of BigBang tells crowd during a show by fellow bandmate Taeyang. It will be his first in 8 years.

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South Korea martial law 2024

Yoon’s supporters pour hate on IU, call singer ‘spy’ for backing impeachment

Angry allies step up campaign against South Korean singer by sharing lists of companies she endorses and calling for boycotts.

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K-pop singer IU has faced a barrage of offensive messages on social media for backing South Korean President Yoon’s impeachment. Photo: Facebook/hally-IU
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Baby V. O. X, 2NE1, BigBang … older K-pop faves are coming back

K-pop legends like 1990s girl group Baby V. O. X, 2NE1, BigBang and GFriend have been making highly successful returns to the stage.

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China exports

How ‘made in China’ became trendy, thanks to Labubu toy’s Asia-wide success

Pop Mart toys are gaining global recognition for their unique designs and brand power.

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Viral stories

Profile | K-pop star G-Dragon sparks meme, imitation explosion with new ‘auntie’ style

So-called King of K-pop makes comeback with androgynous look that has been a massive hit with fans across Asia and around the world.

K-pop star G-Dragon’s distinctive “auntie style” has been a massive hit with his army of fans. Photo: SCMP composite/X.com/IG@8lo8lo8lowme
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Are Winner’s Song Min-ho and Korean actress Park Ju-hyun dating?

‘Impossible to verify’ report the K-pop star is dating actress, his agency says. ‘Difficult to confirm’ a relationship, her agency says.

Song Min-ho of K-pop group Winner and actress Park Ju-hyun, who are reported to be in a relationship. Photo: Instagram/korea_fans_panama
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

What impact will K-pop have on humanity and music? A professor ponders

An Oxford University professor is teaming with a pioneering K-pop songwriter to look into the enduring effects of the Korean music genre.

South Korea

South Korea’s K-pop stars face pressure to speak up on Yoon’s martial law saga

While some K-pop idols have slammed President Yoon Suk-yeol, other stars face criticism for being indifferent to the political turmoil.

Fame and celebrity

Meet Olivia Marsh, sister of New Jeans’ Danielle and K-pop’s newest star

Newcomer Olivia Marsh is no stranger to K-pop – she’s the older sister of New Jeans’ Danielle, and has already collaborated with artists including BoA and Kep1er.

Rising K-pop star Olivia Marsh (left) is the sister of New Jeans singer Danielle Marsh. Photos: @livvy__marsh; @newjeans_ador/Instagram
Books and literature

Korean author on being your true self, as her hit guide appears in English

K-pop stars helped Kim Su-hyun’s I Decided to Live as Me fly off shelves in Asia. An English translation may help more find their own path.

Kim Su-hyun’s I Decided to Live As Me has sold millions of copies in Asia since 2016. The South Korean author shares her excitement about a new English-language translation. Photo: Penguin Life
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

How does APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars rewrite the K-pop playbook?

Less synchronised choreography and storytelling, more casual dancing and playful visuals – ‘APT’ blends K-pop and Western pop conventions.

Celebrity style

How to Style like Got7’s BamBam with the help of Sacai and Fear of God

Here’s how to mimic the stylish utilitarian look the Thai K-pop idol wore to the Diesel x Won Soju collaboration event in Seoul.

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