#เคป็อป

BLACKPINK's Jennie Shows a Natural Side Under the Palm Trees — Digital EP "Fallen Angel" Out on the 28th

BLACKPINK's Jennie drew attention with a relaxed look amid exotic scenery. The Hawaii snapshots she shared ahead of her new release are making waves. A Natural Update from a Hawaiian Beach On the 27th, Jennie shared photos of her recent days at a Hawaiian beach on her social media. In the photos, Jennie showed a relaxed style, pairing a white bra top with a long skirt. The natural mood set against lush palm trees is striking. Fans who saw the photos responded with comments like "It's a pictorial even when just casually taken," "She's dazzling even without being flashy," and "She looks at peace, too," showing keen interest. Many noted that her signature aura stood out even within such an unadorned, natural mood. Digital EP "Fallen Angel" Out on the 28th Meanwhile, Jennie will release her new digital EP "Fallen Angel (Digital EP)" at 1 p.m. KST on the 28th. This digital EP holds three tracks in total: the title track "FALLEN ANGEL," along with "HEAVEN" and "Less than a Lover," which she unveiled last July. The cover art shows Jennie in a white dress against a field of flowers, with the album name "Fallen Angel" positioned above her head in a shape evoking a crown, adding a mysterious mood. The trailer released alongside it opens with dreamy, fairy-tale-like scenes and a girl's narration. Following a voice saying, "Close your eyes like me. We can fly. Very freely," various scenes cross quickly, heightening anticipation. Regarding this album, Jennie's side explained that it "holds the wish to be an album that can remember this summer together with fans, along with Jennie's most personal and deep sincerity." A Physical EP Too — Jennie, Who Swept This Summer's Festivals Following the digital EP, Jennie will also release a physical EP, "Fallen Angel." The physical album adds "sweettooth," "lockitdown," and "Face" to the digital tracks, for six songs in all. Three of these are physical-exclusive tracks Jennie chose herself for fans, with pre-orders having begun at 11 a.m. on the 26th. After releasing the digital single "Less than a Lover" last July, Jennie continues her musical activities with a new EP about a month later. Notably, she took the stage as a headliner at seven major global festivals this year, drawing attention by unveiling unreleased new songs at some of them. Global fans' anticipation is gathering for Jennie's comeback, in which she fully presents—through this "Fallen Angel"—the new music she had been previewing at those festivals.

NCT 127 Unveils "Piñata" Track Video from 7th Album "BLINGY" — "Streetwise Fixers of Seoul"

NCT 127 presented a preview of turning the stage into a passionate festival. Unveiling the track video for "Piñata," a song from their seventh studio album, they raised the excitement toward their comeback. A Track Video with the "Streetwise Fixers of Seoul" Concept On the afternoon of the 11th, agency SM Entertainment released the track video for "Piñata," a song from the seventh studio album "BLINGY," on NCT 127's official YouTube channel. Against music brimming with intense energy, the track video captures the spectacular scenes of the members living as "fixers" in the heart of Seoul. Through a narrative in which NCT 127 wanders and clashes amid unexpected misunderstandings and rifts, but finally comes to understand one another and is reborn as a firmer whole, they dramatically portrayed the fiery energy of rough yet pure youth. "Piñata," Crossing Freely Between Rock and Hip-Hop "Piñata" is a track that freely crosses between the rock and hip-hop genres, blending intense electronic guitar sounds, a funky bass, and breakbeat drums. The combination of an unrestrained guitar solo bursting forth and a rap chant creates an intense synergy. NCT 127 also completed an old-school-based, energetic performance, infused with the confidence to turn the stage into an explosive festival, as if bursting open a piñata. Adding a powerful sing-along point in the chorus to choreography where you can feel each member's charm, they're expected to deliver a special moment to enjoy while breathing together with the audience. First Stage Reveal at KCON LA 2026 NCT 127 will reveal the "Piñata" stage for the first time at "KCON LA 2026," held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, USA, on the 14th (local time). After that, they will release their seventh studio album "BLINGY" at 6 p.m. on the 24th through music sites. This album, holding nine tracks in total including the title track "Blingy," is a new release two years after their sixth studio album "WALK" and an album commemorating their 10th debut anniversary. This "BLINGY" promotion will proceed as a five-member lineup of Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Jaehyun, and Haechan. Anticipation is gathering for how NCT 127's confidence—to turn the stage into a festival—will unfold on the new album.

An NYT Op-Ed Ignites the "BTS Grammy Boycott" Debate — Perspectives on the "Asian Pop Category"

An op-ed by a university professor in The New York Times, addressing BTS's Grammy boycott, is drawing attention. Over how to view the Grammys' newly created "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category, the professor's critique, the Grammys' rebuttal, and fans' reactions diverge. Rather than reaching a one-sided conclusion, we've laid out the arguments that have been exchanged. The Trigger: An Op-Ed in The New York Times Dan Charnas, a professor at New York University's (NYU) Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, published an op-ed titled "Pop Music Is the Problem" in The New York Times on the 9th (local time). In it, he described the Grammys' newly created "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category as "a mechanism designed to prevent K-pop's influence from encroaching on the major award categories." This is, above all, Charnas's own interpretation and argument. The creation of this category is also the matter that earlier led to BTS's Grammy boycott. In late July, BTS (Jungkook, Jimin, V, Jin, j-hope, RM, Suga) decided not to submit its new album "ARIRANG" for the 2027 Grammys, and each member posted a statement on their social media to the effect that "rather than music being divided by region or language, we hope music can be heard and loved for what it is." Charnas's Argument Charnas noted the trend of Grammy categories expanding from 28 in 1959 to around 100 today. He held that after Beyoncé recently became the first Black woman to win "Best Country Album," the Academy split that category into "Traditional" and "Contemporary," and that after songs from the animated film "K-Pop: Demon Hunters" became big hits, the Asian Pop category was created. He argued that such subdivision has repeated itself in ways that ultimately draw racial boundaries. He also posed the question of "what pop even is." His point is that while the dance category has concrete judging criteria such as "dynamic sense of rhythm," the only eligibility requirement for the pop category is simply that it "must be pop." He also holds that American pop music excluded Black artists in its early formation, citing the case of Michael Jackson—that Jackson was excluded from major Grammy categories in 1980 with "Off the Wall," and that even his follow-up "Thriller" was aired on MTV only after his label's president applied pressure. He also mentioned that, unlike white artists who were called "King of Swing" or "King of Rock and Roll" without much proof, Jackson had to call himself the "King of Pop." He then noted that K-pop, which absorbed R&B, dance, hip-hop, and rock, is likewise a genre rooted in Black music, and assessed that "BTS may be the biggest artist in the world since Michael Jackson—the only Korean group with the bargaining power to drive such change." As a solution, he proposed that the Academy stop creating new categories based on race, nationality, or language. The Grammys' Rebuttal The Grammys (the Recording Academy), on the other hand, took a different position. CEO Harvey Mason jr. said of BTS's decision that he was "saddened, but as a music creator, I understand and respect their decision." At the same time, he explained the intent of the Asian Pop category this way: "The Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and extraordinary growth of pop artistry coming out of Asia. It's to shine a dedicated spotlight on these important artists." Mason emphasized that "more categories mean more artists' work is recognized, and it's never to divide, but to expand who is recognized." In particular, he stated that "submitting in a genre category such as Asian Pop does not exclude an artist from also being considered for the general-field categories such as Record of the Year and Album of the Year." In other words, his explanation is that a genre category and the major awards aren't an either-or choice. This is precisely the point where his account collides head-on with Charnas's interpretation of "a mechanism to block access to the major awards." Fans' Reactions and a Note of Caution When the op-ed became known, fans spread the hashtag "#ArtHasNoAliens" on X, sharing related lines. Yet even among fans there was a note of caution. Some warned against the phrase "the biggest since Michael Jackson" being distorted into "BTS is bigger than Jackson," urging care with wording. Their point was that the professor's assessment was a reference to "a position with bargaining power," not an attempt to rank the two artists. The Lingering Question This matter is less one with a clear-cut answer than a point where differing viewpoints collide. At its core is the question: "Is creating a dedicated category an inclusion that spotlights a minority culture, or a boundary-drawing that separates it from the mainstream?" The Grammys call it "more recognition"; Charnas and some fans warn of "the risk of separation." Whether BTS's boycott will lead to similar moves by other Asian artists, and whether the Academy will re-examine its category structure, remains to be seen. What's clear is that K-pop's standing has grown large enough to spark such a debate. This controversy has once again brought to the surface a question the Grammys have long faced: how to recognize and classify global music.

Stray Kids Release Mini Album "THIS & THAT" on August 7 — Seungmin's Emotive Vocals Unveiled on "That Day"

Stray Kids member Seungmin's sweet voice has captivated fans' ears. With "That Day" (Geunal), a track revealed ahead of the new mini album's release, the group hinted at a lyrical summer sentiment. A Signature Teaser Reveals Part of "That Day" Ahead of the release of its new mini album "THIS & THAT" at 1 p.m. on August 7, Stray Kids has been raising anticipation by presenting a range of teasing content. On the afternoon of the 3rd, through its signature teaser content "UNVEIL : TRACK," which introduces songs from the new album, the group revealed the seventh track, "That Day." Amid the blend of rain sounds and a gentle guitar melody, Seungmin delivered the lyrics "the day we laughed together, the day we watched only each other with a movie playing, that day" in lyrical vocals. The song's emotional mood melding with Seungmin's soft tone evoked the memories of a fresh first love and summer nights. A Varied Palette Across Eight Tracks "That Day" is a song written and composed solely by Han, a member of the group's in-house producing team 3RACHA. Along with it, the new album contains eight tracks in total—the title track "This & That," the pre-released "RUN IT," "After You," "FARMING," "I Do," "Way Out," and "This & That (Festival Version)." As with the album's name "THIS & THAT," it's set to embrace a range of tastes with music of differing colors. 3RACHA—Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han—again took part in producing all the tracks, including the title, carrying on Stray Kids' distinctive musical color. The 8th-Anniversary Album "SKZ-REPLAY 2026 Pt.1" The digital album "SKZ-REPLAY 2026 Pt.1," released on the 1st, contains 17 songs in total, including a title track that is a Korean-language rendition of "Battle Ground" from the first Japanese studio album "THE SOUND," along with long-awaited unreleased self-composed songs and members' solo tracks. Prepared to mark the eighth anniversary of the fandom STAY's formation, the album carries added meaning. Five Seoul Shows on the "RUN IT" World Tour Stray Kids held five shows in total at KSPO DOME in Seoul's Songpa district on July 25–26, July 29, and August 1–2 as part of its world tour "RUN IT." Leading with explosive performance and grand scale, the group opened its world tour with highly polished stages. With every show sold out, this run added meaning as the group's first-ever five consecutive shows at KSPO DOME. Stray Kids has expanded its musical color by taking direct part in all of its releases since debut. Its new album "THIS & THAT" and title track "This & That" will be released on music sites at 1 p.m. on August 7.

DAY6's Young K Tops Charts at Home and Abroad with Solo Comeback "YOUNGEST"

DAY6's Young K reached the top of music charts both in Korea and overseas with his solo comeback after about two years and ten months. Sweeping multiple charts right after release, he once again showed his strength as a solo artist. Sweeping Charts at Home and Abroad Right After Release Young K returned as a soloist on July 27 with his second full-length album "YOUNGEST." The title track "Shut The Door" reached No. 1 on Bugs' real-time chart on release day, and the album topped the Hanteo daily album chart dated the 27th. Overseas, it reached No. 1 on the iTunes Top Albums chart in multiple regions including Hong Kong and Indonesia, and all 15 tracks entered Melon's Top 100 chart. It confirmed a solid fan base and broad public interest for his solo work as well. A "Hexagonal Artist" Who Wrote Every Track Himself What stands out most about this album is that Young K took part in writing and composing all 15 tracks, including the title song "Shut The Door." Following his first solo mini album "Eternal" and first full-length album "Letters with notes," he self-produced every track on this second full-length as well, continuing to demonstrate his singer-songwriter capabilities. The album title "YOUNGEST" uses the superlative suffix "-est"; it's a work in which Young K poured the questions he asked himself, and their answers, into music. The title track "Shut The Door" depicts the paradoxical feeling of gaining freedom the moment you step into a room and close the door, carrying the wish that those worn down by society might find comfort in a space of their own. With candid lyrics paired with a bright melody, it's been drawing favorable reviews from listeners. Music Video Behind-the-Scenes Released On the morning of July 29, his agency JYP Entertainment released behind-the-scenes cuts from the "Shut The Door" music video. In the photos, Young K posed holding a clapperboard and appeared alongside a flock of sheep in a green meadow, showing a free-spirited, many-sided side. A Solo Tour Across Seven Regions Young K carries the comeback momentum into his solo tour "Young K Solo Tour ⟨YOUNGEST⟩." Beginning with solo concerts at the Inspire Arena in Incheon from August 14 to 16, he'll continue to Bangkok (October 10), Taipei (November 29), Hong Kong (January 15, 2027), Singapore (January 23), Manila (February 20), and Kuala Lumpur (March 20) — a total of nine shows across seven regions at home and abroad. With his solo album and tour running side by side, attention is gathering around Young K's activities in the second half of the year.

aespa's Winter Transforms with Blonde Bob — Bold Mood in 'N Tell' Photos

aespa's Winter drew attention with a dramatically different look. It's a concept entirely unlike her usual style, and it became a talking point among fans the moment it dropped. The Transformation in the 'N Tell' Photos On July 27, Winter shared several photos on her social media channel along with the phrase "N Tell." In the photos, Winter gazes straight into the camera with a blonde permed bob, a yellow cropped tank top, and shorts. Blue eyeshadow in particular created a mood entirely different from usual, drawing all eyes. Reactions noted the striking, rock-star-evoking atmosphere of the overall look. A Concept Tied to the First Japanese Mini Album "KISS N TELL" The phrase "N Tell" connects to aespa's first Japanese mini album, "KISS N TELL." The refreshing yet bold mood of these photos reads as an extension of that album's promotions. The take is that Winter's signature expressiveness met a new concept to reveal a different kind of charm. Taking the Lollapalooza Chicago Stage aespa, Winter's group, will perform at "2026 Lollapalooza Chicago," held on August 2 at Grant Park in Chicago, USA. This major festival, running four days from July 30 to August 2, marks aespa's first Lollapalooza stage. With headliner Jennie alongside K-pop acts including (G)I-DLE and CORTIS, the lineup has been generating buzz. At a press conference, aespa hinted at new-song stages, saying they'd prepare a set where they could romp around with the audience since it's a festival — raising anticipation for what the performance will look like on-site. A World Tour Ahead Separately from the festival, aespa also has a new world tour on the horizon. Beginning August 7–8 at Seoul's Gocheok Sky Dome, they'll roll out "2026-27 aespa LIVE TOUR - SYNK : æ ." It's a large-scale itinerary circling the globe from Asia to Europe and the Americas, and aespa's global run looks set to shift into full gear in the second half of the year. Interest is mounting over what stages Winter and the members — armed with a new concept — will bring.

OURBIRTHDAY Unveils Full Seven-Member Lineup — 'Side B' Adds Guk Cho-rok, Shin Hye-won, Yu, and Kirara

JYP-affiliated rookie girl group OURBIRTHDAY has finally revealed its complete seven-member lineup. After previously introducing just three members with "Side A," the team unveiled the remaining four with "Side B," completing the picture. The Four Newly Introduced Members INNIT Entertainment released the individual and unit concept photos for OURBIRTHDAY's new record "HUNGRY (Side B)" through official social media. In the individual cuts, Guk Cho-rok showed off a chic vibe with a confident ponytail, while Shin Hye-won completed a charismatic look with an intense gaze. Yu added a kitschy charm with a distinctive blonde style, and Kirara conjured an urban mood through polished styling. In the unit photos released alongside, the members leaned on one another or draped arms over shoulders, highlighting a natural chemistry. With this, Guk Cho-rok, Shin Hye-won, Yu, and Kirara join the previously revealed Side A members Jo Hye-jin, Baby, and Achiraya to form the complete seven-member group. It's a multinational team made up of three Koreans, two Japanese, one Taiwanese, and one Thai member. A Lineup Stacked with Audition-Show Talent This full lineup notably features skilled members with audition-program backgrounds. Shin Hye-won proved her all-rounder credentials on JTBC's "R U Next?", while Yu made her name with a third-place finish on KBS 2TV's "The Ddan Ddan Ra" and an appearance on SBS's "Universe Ticket." Since Side A member Jo Hye-jin is also a winner of "The Ddan Ddan Ra," audition-tested members form the core of the team. The Second Introduction Film, "NET::ERR_CONNECTION_ABORTED" This reveal came through the second introduction film, "NET::ERR_CONNECTION_ABORTED." True to a title evoking a network connection error, the film's striking direction played out in a birthday-party-themed space, with visuals that flickered as if the connection kept dropping. Midway through the video, cards symbolizing each member's character appeared. The visuals were arranged in sequence — Yu holding a sword, Shin Hye-won gripping a hammer, Guk Cho-rok wearing a gauntlet, and Kirara drawing a bow — hinting at the team's worldbuilding. In the final scene, the four members reached out together and a virtual cake transformed into a real one, a twist that left curiosity about the story to come. Warming Up Toward an Official Debut OURBIRTHDAY pre-debuted on July 22 with its first digital single "HUNGRY (Side A)" and performed its first stage on Mnet's "M Countdown" on July 23. With the seven-member lineup now complete through "Side B," preparations toward an official debut have gathered momentum. Recently, JYP Entertainment head Park Jin-young appeared on MBC's variety show "Omniscient Interfering View" — introducing the seven members and chatting with them on air — which drew attention. As JYP's first new girl group in years, interest is mounting in the musical capabilities this full lineup will bring. OURBIRTHDAY plans to continue warming up toward its debut with a range of pre-release content.