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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
BTS members perform during their comeback concert in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday. Photo: AP
South Korea

‘Anyone from the North?’: US comedian Seth Herzog apologises over BTS joke

Herzog’s remarks sparked backlash from fans ahead of the K-pop band’s American TV comeback.

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K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop stars BTS are back, with a new album and a Netflix documentary

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South Korea

‘A shame’: why Jin was left off official credits for BTS’ latest album

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Seoul

Video | Low BTS concert turnout causes slide in agency shares

The heavily secured Gwanghwamun Square performance drew 104,000 fans – less than half the turnout police expected.

BTS fans watch the comeback concert of K-pop boy group BTS on screens at the venue in Seoul on March 21, 2026. South Korean megastars BTS reunited on March 21 for their first show in nearly four years, blowing away enormous crowds in Seoul for a K-pop extravaganza livestreamed to millions more worldwide. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)
South Korea

BTS’ South Korea comeback crowd disappoints, triggering stock sell-off

The reunion concert drew 104,000 fans – less than half the 260,000 police had expected.

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South Korea

They’re back! K-pop’s BTS play first gig together in nearly 4 years

There were 22,000 free tickets, with thousands of other fans flooding Seoul to watch on giant screens, plus a Netflix live stream.

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Seoul

Video | Seoul prepares for BTS comeback at historic square

South Korean authorities prepare for BTS members to perform in first concert together in three years.

A couple takes a selfie photo near a banner promoting a comeback concert of K-pop group BTS at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
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BTS

Are you ready, Army? Free BTS concert to mark a K-pop comeback like no other

BTS’ return to the stage is set to redefine global music, with a free comeback performance, album drop and a massive world tour to come.

South Korea

BTS’ concert puts ‘K-safety’ to the test as 260,000 fans to throng Seoul

Over 8,000 officials will be deployed at Saturday’s event in Seoul amid heightened scrutiny over crowd safety.

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Vietnam

In Vietnam’s Da Nang, South Korean tourism boom meets growing resentment

The coastal city has become a hub for Korean tourists and businesses, but workers and residents say the boom has also exposed frictions.

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A couple runs along the seafront next to the beach in Da Nang, central Vietnam, last year. Photo: AFP
Trending in China

K-pop star G-Dragon’s ‘Lunar New Year’ greetings divide China fans, ignite firestorm

Debate over ‘Chinese New Year’ versus ‘Lunar New Year’ arises annually, particularly when brands, celebrities share new year greetings on social media.

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South Korean superstar G-Dragon was accused by some Chinese netizens of “insulting China” during a Dubai concert as he greeted the audience with “Lunar New Year,” instead of saying “Chinese New Year”. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/IG@hellogdkitty
Scams and swindles

‘K-wave’ scams exploiting Brazil’s superfans trigger police pact

South Korea and Brazil are taking action to protect fans from fraudsters cashing in with phantom merchandise and exploitative ‘oppa’ tours.

China-South Korea relations

K-pop’s big freeze: are cracks in China’s cultural blockade a thaw?

A decade-long geopolitical chill has kept South Korean entertainers largely locked out of the Chinese market, but fans find ways to connect.

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South Korea

Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?

As K-culture conquers the world, its wealthy stars keep falling foul of a tax system ‘that has not yet fully caught up’.

South Korean actor Kim Seon-ho stars in the Netflix series “Can This Love Be Translated?”. Photo: No Ju-han/Netflix
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

K-pop-loving business expert breaks down the systems that drive the industry

Choi Jung-kiu’s new book analyses K-pop’s working parts using examples drawn from active idol groups, recent releases and everyday practices.

South Korean K-pop group Stray Kids perform in Seoul, South Korea, in 2022. In his new book, “Almost Everything You Need to Know About K-pop”, Choi Jung-kiu gives a primer on how Korea’s music industry has evolved beyond catchy melodies to become “a meticulously designed value chain”. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong

2016 trends from Pokemon Go to poke bowls amid viral internet nostalgia

Looking back at 2016 is viral online, but what was hot back then? We look at food, travel, health and pop culture trends from a decade ago.

Singapore

Set-jetting to Singapore: how K-pop is driving new tourism push

Ticket sales for K-pop events in Singapore increased by about 250 per cent between 2022 and 2024.

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South Korea

K-drama star Cha Eun-woo’s ad campaigns pulled amid tax scrutiny in South Korea

The actor is contesting an additional tax assessment of more than US$13 million tied to a company registered under his mother’s name.

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South Korean actor Cha Eun-woo. Photo: Instagram/eunwo.o_c
Hong Kong entertainment

Blackpink fans gear up for Hong Kong finale

K-pop fans are gearing up for shows, with Hong Kong the final stop of the band’s global tour.

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South Korea

BTS’ comeback concert sparks Dynamite price hikes in South Korea’s Busan

The K-pop group’s show in Busan is months away but already room prices have soared beyond the 1 million mark.

Blackpink

Blackpink star Jennie’s 8 top brand collaborations as she turns 30

The K-pop singer has been a style icon for Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Calvin Klein, Jacquemus, Adidas and more.

Blackpink’s Jennie Kim models for Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall 2025 pre-collection last June. Photo: @jennierubyjane/Instagram
Malaysia

‘I know I’ll cry’: BTS frenzy grips Malaysia as fans worry about scalpers

The K-pop band is returning to Malaysia for two shows in Kuala Lumpur after over a decade, sparking fan frenzy and ticket battles.

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Members of BTS perform during the 2022 Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, US. Photo: Reuters
Netflix

Video | KPop Demon Hunters leads to record export of ramyeon

The surge in food exports from the country comes amid the popularity of Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters.

South Korea

South Korean singer Nana’s home intruder claims he ‘never touched her’

The intruder, who sustained a slight cut in the struggle, has also accused the K-pop star of attempted murder.

South Korea

BTS are back! A new album and tour are coming after their military service

South Korea’s top act has been on hiatus since 2022 for military service. Their new album is the first since 2022’s record-breaking ‘Proof’.

K-pop boy band BTS visit the “Today” Show at Rockefeller Plaza in February 2020 in New York City. Photo: Getty Images
Fame and celebrity

Q&A | What’s next for Katseye after their Beautiful Chaos Tour?

In just a year, Megan Skiendiel, Daniela Avanzini, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman and Yoonchae went from trainees to global pop stars.

Katseye are embarking on their first tour, the Beautiful Chaos Tour. Photo: @katseyeworld/Instagram
South Korea

Worship to witch hunts: how South Korea’s fandoms turn on their idols

When stars shine brightest in the glare of publicity, the darkness that follows can feel absolute. This December, three more lights went out.

Trending in China

China influencer aping Blackpink’s Rosé sparks fandom-celebrity grey area debate

Blonde-haired content creator who identifies as ‘Blink’ online appears at event dressed like star, signs postcards bearing image of iconic singer.

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