Author: Kpop News Writer

The highly anticipated global K-Pop competition series, A2K (America 2 Korea), has finally begun. This groundbreaking survival show is a collaboration between JYP Entertainment, Republic Records, and Federal Films. It will document the journey of the first American girl group to be trained within the K-Pop system.

A2K was announced in 2022 through a video featuring Park Jin-Young, the founder and chairman of JYP Entertainment. Republic Records founder and CEO Monte Lipman appeared in the video as well. In-person auditions were conducted in major cities across Canada and the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and New York.

In the first episode, Park Jin-Young introduced the project. He revealed that the girl group formed through A2K will partner with JYP Entertainment and Republic Records for all future releases. Park Jin-Young also talked about the in-person auditions, saying that successful auditionees will attend a boot camp, and those who make the debut team will fly to South Korea for further training.

The aspiring trainees will be evaluated based on four crucial aspects: dancing, singing, star quality, and character. The first episode gave viewers a peek at the constructive, transparent feedback of Park Jin-Young. It was reminiscent of the feedback he gave the trainees on SIXTEEN, the survival show that formed TWICE. The episode also highlighted stories of aspiring K-pop idols chasing their dreams.

A2K will be available to stream on JYP Entertainment’s official YouTube channel. New episodes will premiere on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET. This series promises to be a thrilling journey, showcasing the talent and determination of young women as they strive to become the next global superstars.

Stay tuned to witness the birth of the first American girl group trained through the K-Pop system. The journey has just begun, and the world is watching.

(Featured Image: The winners of A2K will be brought to South Korea for further training under the K-pop system. Source: Twitter/A2K’s official Twitter account.)

Beloved second-generation idol Sandara Park has made a triumphant return to the K-pop scene with the release of her new mini album, marking her first musical endeavor in six years. The album, titled Sandara Park (see what she did there?), comes after the disbandment of her old group 2NE1 in 2017. It includes five songs and is led by the title track “FESTIVAL.” It samples a 1995 song of the same name by Uhm Jung-Hwa, who appears in Sandara’s music video.

The music video for “FESTIVAL” is a playful, vibrant romp through an amusement park bearing her name. It showcases Sandara enjoying the park’s attractions as well as cameos from popular Korean celebrities Aiki, Jo Se-Ho, Kim Sook, and Park Na-Rae.

The album is a testament to Sandara‘s musical evolution and her ability to create a sound distinctly her own. Sandara co-wrote “Festival” alongside GRAY, Heize, and SJWA, who all receive production or writing credits on the B-sides “DARA DARA,” “T MAP,” and “HAPPY ENDING,” respectively.

Sandara‘s return to music sparked excitement among her fans, many of whom have supported her since her 2NE1 days. The album was well received, with Sandara Park – EP becoming the highest charting album by a female artist on the iTunes European Album chart in 2023. It also conquered all top five spots on iTunes Philippines, marking a historic all-kill for the singer.

Sandara is set to debut her new material at The Super Stage by K-Pop in Manila concert on August 11 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The K-pop legend expressed excitement on Twitter, stating, “Finally!!! I’m going back home with my own song~!!!” She added that she hopes to see her Filipino fans at the show, “If not now, when?! Mag-enjoy tayo habang meron pa hehe.”

CL, her former 2NE1 bandmate, shared a touching message on Instagram, expressing her pride for Sandara‘s solo debut and growth as an artist. In response, Sandara expressed gratitude and love for CL, acknowledging the support she received while she was working on the album.

The release of Sandara Park – EP is a major milestone in Sandara‘s career. With her unique sound, vibrant music video, and overwhelming support from fans and fellow artists, Sandara Park will make waves in the K-pop scene again.

(Featured Image: Sandara Park’s label, ABYSS Company, posted a screenshot from the music video to announce that it had been posted to YouTube already. Source: Twitter/ABYSS Company’s official Sandara Park Twitter account.)

K-pop star Hwasa, from the popular girl group MAMAMOO, is at the center of a controversy after her performance at Sungkyunkwan University. A complaint was lodged against her at the Seongdong Police Station on July 10 by the Student Parents and Human Rights Protection Solidarity, who took issue with what they deemed an indecent gesture during her performance.

The provocative move, which took place at a university festival on May 12, was subsequently edited out of the June 22 broadcast of tvN’s Dancing Queens on the Road. The show features Hwasa as one of its hosts. That particular episode aired performances at Sungkyunkwan and Korea University.

Hwasa‘s performance at the university festival went viral, sparking a heated debate online. While some praised the 27-year-old idol’s boldness, others, including the student parent group, found the act disturbing and inappropriate. The group described the gesture as a “perverted act” that was out of context with the choreography and could not be interpreted as performance art.

In response to the complaint, Hwasa‘s agency, P NATION, issued a brief statement acknowledging that the police were reviewing the case. A police representative also indicated that Hwasa might be summoned to the station if necessary.

This comes amidst other headlines involving Hwasa, including rumors of her dating a businessman 12 years her senior. According to the rumors, they have been dating for nearly five years. Meanwhile, Hwasa’s agency has refrained from confirming or denying the rumors, stating they pertain to the artist’s personal life.

Despite the controversies, Hwasa continues to appear on the variety show Dancing Queens on the Road, which airs Thursdays on tvN. The show also features BoA, Lee Hyori, Kim Wan-sun, and Uhm Jung-hwa.

(Featured Image: The MAMAMOO member’s ethereal beauty was on full display at a recent Bvlgari event. Source: Instagram/Hwasa’s official Instagram account)

The Filipino pop group HORI7ON is primed to make its South Korean debut. Managed by ABS-CBN and MLD Entertainment, the septet is composed of Jeromy Batac, Marcus Cabais, Kyler Chua, Kim Ng, Vinci Malizon, Winston Pineda, and Reyster Yton. Their group was formed through the survival show Dream Maker, which aired its final episode in February 2023.

The group’s journey so far has been documented in a reality show titled 100 Days Miracle, which revolves around their growth “in the 100 days of their journey from the Philippines to Korea.” The documentary shows their album’s production process and debut preparations, conveying hope as the boys strive to become a global pop group. It dropped last July 7 on M2’s official YouTube channel. (M2 is a digital platform of the South Korean music channel Mnet.)

Each member of HORI7ON brings a unique charm and talent to the group. Kyler, born on July 6, 2002, is a big fan of EXO, with Kai being his bias. Reyster, born in 2003, is a proud cat owner and a fan of K-pop groups such as BLACKPINK, BTS, ENHYPEN, ITZY, NCT, and TWICE. Jeromy, who came in first on Dream Maker, is the group’s center. Despite being just 14 years old, he has been a performer and model since he was five.

Marcus, the youngest member of the group, was born on August 31, 2009, and possesses impressive talents in dancing, rapping, and singing. Vinci, the group’s oldest member, is a self-taught singer and dancer. Kim, a BTS ARMY and proud father to five cats, has a massive following of over 2 million on TikTok. Lastly, Winston, born in 2005, knows how to read and write in Korean.

The concept photos for HORI7ON‘s first full album Friend-SHIP were released on July 7 through their official social media accounts. The members are clad in vibrant colors, emphasizing their fresh vibe. The tracklisting for the album also got fans pumped when MLD Entertainment posted it on the group’s official Twitter account. Aside from the fact that it has 21 tracks, the album also boasts of writing credits from the members themselves.

Friend-SHIP, which combines the members’ dreams, hopes, and friendships—the Anchors—will be released through various online music platforms on July 24 at 6:00 PM KST. The group’s pre-debut promotions have garnered significant attention, with their first mall show attracting around 7000 fans and their first-ever fan meeting in the Philippines selling out. As they prepare for their Korean debut, HORI7ON continues proving their growing power and popularity.

(Featured Image: HORI7ON is set on becoming the first all-Filipino group to make a splash in the South Korean music scene. Source: Twitter/HORI7ON’s official Twitter account.)

BTS’s Jungkook is set to make waves with the music video for his debut solo single, “SEVEN.” The teaser for the music video has been released, and it has already generated a lot of buzz among fans and music lovers alike. The video features Jungkook and actress Han So-Hee in a heated argument at a fancy dinner table, oblivious to the chaos unfolding around them, including a chandelier falling onto a nearby table.

The teaser for “SEVEN” is filled with many intriguing details that hint at the storyline of the music video. One of the most noticeable details is the presence of red roses at every table except one, which is almost hit by the falling chandelier. This may symbolize the tumultuous, unique relationship between Jungkook’s and Han So-Hee‘s characters. Another detail many spotted is what seems to be a continuity error involving an elderly man’s glasses, which disappear and reappear in different shots. This could be a deliberate choice to add a layer of mystery to the video.

The teaser also features Jungkook and Han So-Hee drinking red wine, which could symbolize the state of their characters’ relationship. She’s the only woman in the restaurant in a white top, which contrasts with Jungkook‘s mostly black outfit. This could symbolize separation and turmoil. Some fans have even speculated that Han So-Hee‘s character might be a ghost, as she is the only woman wearing white, a color often associated with ghosts in Korean folklore.

The collaboration between Jungkook and American rapper Latto for “SEVEN” also got fans talking. Some have noticed that the number seven is significant to both artists. Latto‘s latest release was titled “777,” and the number seven is special to the members of BTS, who even have it tattooed on their bodies. The release date of “SEVEN,” July 14, is also connected to the number seven, as 14 is the sum of two sevens.

Latto‘s connection to BTS goes beyond the number seven. In the music video for her song “Put It On Da Floor Again,” she was seen playing with a Tata plushie, which is official merchandise of BTS‘ V. This has led fans to believe that Latto is an ARMY and that the collaboration with Jungkook was meant to be.

The release of “SEVEN” is a significant milestone in Jungkook‘s career and proves he has grown as an artist. With its intriguing teaser, exciting collaborations, and the anticipation of fans worldwide, “SEVEN” is set to make a big impact on the music scene.

(Featured Image: Before the music video teaser broke the internet, Jungkook caused quite the stir with the campaign photos for his single. Source: Twitter/BigHit Music’s official Twitter account.)

The K-pop scene is set to get a welcome shot in the arm with the return of KQ Entertainment’s new boy group Xikers, who are getting ready to drop new material on August 2. This marks their second release following their debut EP House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing, which dropped on March 30.

The name Xikers, pronounced “psy-kers,” is a combination of “x,” used to represent the horizontal coordinates, and “hikers,” signifying the members’ journey through time and space. The 10-member boy band debuted back in March as the second group under KQ Entertainment, known for managing the popular boy band ATEEZ. 

Xikers‘ debut album sold more than 100,000 copies in the first week, making it the fifth most-sold rookie boy band album in Korea. The album also made Billboard’s main chart only two weeks after its release, an impressive achievement for a rookie boy band.

As part of their comeback, Xikers have begun releasing teasers for their new mini album, House of Tricky: How To Play. The first set of teasers featured members Junmin, Minjae, and Sumin, each depicting a relaxed, comfortable mood under the sun with vibrant colors accenting the atmosphere. The posters are part of the album’s “Hiker” version, hinting at an adventurous and playful concept.

The boy band continued to build anticipation by releasing more “Hiker” version teasers of members Hyunwoo, Jinsik, and Seeun. Like the previous batch, these teasers are colorful and playful, which aligns with the adventurous story Xikers began with their debut album House of Tricky: Doorbell Ringing. The group plans on rolling out teasers throughout July, counting down the days until the full release of House of Tricky: How To Play on August 2.

The final set of “Hiker” teasers featured members Hunter, Yechan, and Yujun. The band promises a new sound and more tricks in their second mini album House of Tricky: How To Play, keeping fans on their toes with anticipation.

All the concept photos released so far have been met with enthusiasm from fans eagerly awaiting Xikers’ comeback. The photos’ colors and themes hint at a fun and energetic batch of songs, fitting for the summer season. As the countdown to August 2 continues, fans are wondering what surprises their favorite tricksters have up their sleeves this time.

(Featured Image: Xikers dropped a “Tricky” concept photo before releasing their members’ teasers. Source: Twitter/Xikers’ official Twitter account.)

BLACKPINK, the globally renowned K-pop girl group from YG Entertainment, has made history again. Their ongoing ‘Born Pink’ world tour set a new record by selling over 1 million tickets. BLACKPINK is the first all-female Asian act to achieve this milestone, which is a testament to their popularity and the global appeal of K-pop.

According to Touring Data, BLACKPINK sold over 1 million tickets across 44 shows. The ‘Born Pink’ tour has reportedly earned $186.7 million from 1,078,963 ticket sales. With 20 remaining shows yet to be reported, the group is poised to break even more records.

The ‘Born Pink’ world tour was announced in July 2022, with the pre-release track “Pink Venom” dropping in August. A month later, the girls released a full-length album, also titled Born Pink, and kicked off the world tour in October of that same year. They began their world tour at the KSPO Dome in Seoul before heading to other destinations, including cities in Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S.

In 2023, BLACKPINK continued touring, stopping in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. After a break following the Sydney leg of the ‘Born Pink’ tour, the group is set to resume touring in France.

One of the upcoming highlights of the tour is the two-day concert at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi, Vietnam, on July 29 and 30. This marks the first time the South Korean girl group will be performing live for Vietnamese BLINKs. What’s more, BLACKPINK will be the first-ever K-pop act to headline a stadium concert in the Southeast Asian country.

In addition to their tour’s success, BLACKPINK‘s music video for “Boombayah,” released in August 2016, recently became the group’s third music video to hit 1.6 billion views. The group’s other music videos, “DDU-DU DDU-DU” and “Kill This Love,” have also achieved this feat with 2 billion and 1.8 billion views, respectively.

As the group continues touring, they showcase their musical prowess and K-pop’s global influence and reach. With 20 more shows on the group’s schedule, fans worldwide can’t wait to see what other records BLACKPINK will break next.

(Featured Image: BLACKPINK made quite a splash at the BST Hyde Park on their record-breaking tour’s U.K. leg. Source: Twitter/BLACKPINK’s official Twitter account.)

MONSTA X’s main rapper Jooheon, aka Joohoney, recently announced his enlistment for mandatory military service in South Korea. His enlistment date is July 24, making him the group’s third member to begin his military service. Minhyuk was an active-duty soldier, and Shownu had served as a public service worker.

In a heartfelt, handwritten letter posted on MONSTA X‘s fan cafe on July 11, Joohoney shared his thoughts on his upcoming enlistment. Joohoney expressed his gratitude to Monbebes, the fandom of MONSTA X, acknowledging all the happiness and love they showed him and the other members. He said he truly cherished his time with his fellow members and Monbebes, considering it precious and invaluable.

Joohoney‘s letter was filled with empathy for Monbebes. Although his enlistment is a responsibility he has always looked forward to fulfilling as a citizen of his country, he understood the news would leave the fans feeling unsettled. He expressed concern for them, assuring them he would return as a better person. He promised to come back stronger and happier than before. 

He emphasized that this period of separation should be seen as a temporary pause akin to a comma, not a full stop. He looks forward to reuniting with Monbebes and creating more memorable moments with them upon his return. In the meantime, Joohoney asked the fans to remember him, even once a day, in a playful tone.

In his letter, Joohoney also reflected on the past year, which he described as incredibly busy. He expressed his joy at having spent more time with Monbebes, creating countless memories together. He expressed his gratitude for the happiness and positive smiles of Monbebes, saying his heart is filled with all the love they have sent him during the time they’ve spent together.

Joohoney‘s heartfelt message to his fans serves as a reminder of the strong bond between MONSTA X and their devoted fans. His commitment to return as a newer, better version of himself offers reassurance to Monbebes in South Korea and beyond, who will undoubtedly continue to support him and MONSTA X during his time in the military.

(Featured Image: Joohoney dropped several concept photos for his recent solo album LIGHTS. This was one of them. Source: Twitter/Monsta X’s official Twitter account.)