#케이팝

Stray Kids' Felix Releases Self-Project New Song "Slow It Down" — Actor Roh Yoon-seo in the MV

Stray Kids' Felix is releasing "Slow It Down," a new song from the group's own project. It's an acoustic hip-hop track he took part in writing and composing himself, carrying a message of warm comfort. The Second Runner in SKZ-PLAYER — Felix Felix will release the digital single "Slow It Down" at 6 p.m. on the 1st, as part of Stray Kids' own project "SKZ-PLAYER." "SKZ-PLAYER" is a project focused on the group's musician and artist sides, in which the eight members surprise-unveil works they want to share with their fandom, STAY. From songwriting to music-video planning and direction, the members take part directly in various ways, and all of them are set to present new songs and content in turn. In June, member Han opened the project with its first work, "back to life," and now Felix steps up as the second runner. Pausing for a Moment to Look Back on Precious Time "Slow It Down" is an acoustic hip-hop track blending a clean guitar loop with a hip beat. It carries a message: in a fast-moving world, pause your steps for a moment and look back on the time and dreams you shared with the people you cherish. Felix put his skills to work by taking part in writing and composing the song. Over lyrics infused with warm sentiment and comfort, he carries a gentle voice, delivering a quiet resonance to the listener. Actor Roh Yoon-seo in the MV — Youth Between Dreams and Reality The music video released alongside the song features actor Roh Yoon-seo in the role of "Yoon-seo." Roh Yoon-seo has established herself as a next-generation youth star through dramas such as "Our Blues," "Crash Course in Romance," and "Dongung," and films such as "20th Century Girl" and "The Tenant." The music video tells a story in which Felix instills courage so that "Yoon-seo" — who had been living a busy daily life — can achieve her dream, tenderly portraying the image of youth struggling between dreams and reality. Nine Straight No. 1s on the "Billboard 200" — A Record Following the Beatles Meanwhile, Stray Kids reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart dated August 22 (local time) with their mini-album "THIS & THAT," released on August 7. It is a great record of sending nine albums to the chart consecutively and topping it each time — the first-ever nine-straight No. 1 debuts in "Billboard 200" history. With this, Stray Kids set a record following the Beatles among all groups and cemented their title as the group with the most "Billboard 200" No. 1 albums of the 21st century. On the Billboard Hot 100, their title track "This & That" entered at their personal best of No. 38. As part of their new world tour, Stray Kids held concerts at Japan National Stadium on August 29–30, claiming the title of the first overseas male artist to headline the venue solo. Amid their active global run, fans' anticipation is gathering for "SKZ-PLAYER" — which also spotlights each member's musical abilities — and its second runner, Felix's "Slow It Down."

BTS Jimin's "Who" Earns a Streaming "Platinum" Certification from Japan's RIAJ — A First for His Solo Songs

BTS's Jimin has earned a streaming "Platinum" certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ). As the first streaming Platinum certification of his solo career, it is all the more meaningful. Surpassing 100 Million Cumulative Plays in Japan According to the RIAJ's announcement, "Who," the title track of Jimin's second solo album "MUSE," surpassed 100 million cumulative plays in Japan and received a "Platinum" certification in the July streaming category. This adds meaning as the song with the most cumulative plays among Jimin's solo tracks, and as the first RIAJ streaming "Platinum" certification he has earned in his solo career. Each month, the RIAJ grants Gold (50 million plays or more), Platinum (100 million or more), and Diamond (500 million or more) certifications based on cumulative play counts. Jimin's Solo Certification Record Earlier, Jimin's first solo album "FACE" surpassed 250,000 cumulative shipments and received a "Platinum" certification in the album category. His second EP "MUSE," too, shipped over 100,000 copies to earn a "Gold" certification. With this streaming Platinum certification for "Who" now added, Jimin continues to build solid results in Japan across both albums and streaming. "Who," Which Has Kept Up Global Success "Who" is a hip-hop R&B track, characterized by an intense beat that bursts out from the very start and acoustic yet delicate guitar playing. It sings of the tenderness and confused emotions of longing for someone never met. Since its release, "Who" has proven steady success on the global stage. On Spotify, it surpassed 2.5 billion cumulative streams, and it spent a total of 33 weeks on the U.S. Billboard main song chart, the "Hot 100," setting the record for the longest chart run by a K-pop act. It also enjoyed a 32-week run on the Billboard "Japan Hot 100," proving its popularity locally in Japan. Jimin's second solo album "MUSE," released in July 2024, is a work that captures a range of emotions about love and relationships. Its title track "Who" continues to be loved worldwide more than two years after release, adding new certification records along the way.

[Exclusive] KickFlip to Comeback in October — Running Hot Through Year's End

"K-pop super rookie" KickFlip will make a comeback this October. Following their fourth mini-album in April, it's their second comeback of the year, signaling nonstop activity through the end of the year. A Comeback After About Six Months — Their Second This Year According to reporting on the 31st, KickFlip is preparing a comeback targeting this October. This comeback comes about six months after their fourth mini-album "My First Kick," released last April. At the time, KickFlip rewrote their own record with first-week sales of 456,167 copies. In particular, the title track "Eye-Poppin'," brimming with "Kick-lal" (KickFlip's signature liveliness), performed well on major music charts at home and abroad and proved its popularity by reaching No. 1 on a music show. From a Nationwide Tour to Summer Festivals Having wrapped up the "My First Kick" run — with its self-best first-week record and music-show achievements — in grand fashion, KickFlip also successfully completed "2026 KickFlip FAN-CON," a fan-concert tour of 12 shows across five cities: Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, Cheongju, and Daegu. They also took part in "Waterbomb Seoul 2026" and "Waterbomb Busan 2026," proving their standing as a "next-generation festival powerhouse" at Korea's leading summer festivals. Their global activities continued as well. The youngest member, Donghyun, collaborated with British singer-songwriter Etham to release the collaboration single "Breathe" on the 14th. Donghyun took part broadly in the new song's lyrics, composition, and vocals, showing a special musical chemistry. Lollapalooza Just Six Months After Debut — A Skilled Self-Producing Group Having debuted in January 2025, KickFlip drew attention as the youngest boy group under JYP Entertainment. In particular, since their third mini-album, the members have actively taken part in working on every album track, including the title track, earning a reputation as a skilled "self-producing idol" group. As a result, in August 2025 — just six months after debut — they were invited to "Lollapalooza," the major music festival held in Chicago, USA. They also swept awards including Best New Male Artist at the 34th Seoul Music Awards, Best New Artist at the Asia Artist Awards (AAA), and the Remark Award and Discovery of the Year at The Awards, achieving outstanding results. Following April and now through October, KickFlip is set for its second comeback of the year. Attention is gathering on what results this group — which keeps growing even in its second year — will write with this comeback.

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.

IVE's Ahn Yu-jin & Jang Won-young Open Special Exhibition "AN-YOUNG IN SEOUL" — Connecting with Fans

Ahn Yu-jin and Jang Won-young of the group IVE are reaching out to fans through a special exhibition. Through their exhibition "AN-YOUNG IN SEOUL," they plan to connect with visitors more closely than ever. The "Annyeongz" Exhibition — From Unreleased Photos to Media Art On the 25th, a teaser poster previewing Ahn Yu-jin and Jang Won-young's exhibition "AN-YOUNG IN SEOUL" was unveiled through the official "IVE Exhibition" social media. In an earlier teaser video, a hand picks up a retro telephone receiver as the two greet with "annyeong" ("hello") in their own voices, and at the end appears an "annyeong" logo evoking "Annyeongz," the nickname fans use for Ahn Yu-jin and Jang Won-young together. (In Korean, "AN-YOUNG" plays on "annyeong," a word that means both a greeting and asking after someone's well-being.) The exhibition was designed to hold the meaning of shining fleeting moments and the well-wishes the two extend to each other. It unfolds the many meanings of "annyeong"—a greeting upon meeting and an inquiry after another's well-being—across the space. Along with the pair's unreleased photos, it will be arranged as a varied space offering fans fresh memories, featuring interactive media art and audience-participation programs. Just like the title "annyeong," Ahn Yu-jin and Jang Won-young are expected to communicate more closely and share an emotional connection with the visitors who come to the exhibition. Details regarding "AN-YOUNG IN SEOUL" are set to be announced later through the official "IVE Exhibition" social media. Winning "The Hottest International Group" at "TIMA 2026" Meanwhile, IVE received the "The Hottest International Group" award at Tencent Music's "TME live International Music Awards 2026" ("TIMA 2026"), held on the 23rd (local time) at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Through their agency STARSHIP Entertainment, IVE said, "It's our first time attending the 'TIMA' ceremony during a world tour, and receiving the 'The Hottest International Group' award on top of that makes us even happier and more grateful," adding, "Thanks to the support of DIVE (the official fan club name) and audiences who always welcome us warmly, we feel we can become one through music anywhere. This award, too, is thanks to the love sent by DIVE around the world." Second World Tour — Solo Concerts in Hong Kong in September IVE is currently on their second world tour, "SHOW WHAT I AM." Opening with Seoul shows in October 2025, the tour has expanded across Asia and beyond, continuing on a global scale. As part of the tour, IVE will hold solo concerts in Hong Kong from September 4 to 6, meeting local fans. Global fans' attention is gathering on this special moment from Ahn Yu-jin and Jang Won-young, who are now connecting with fans in a new way—through an exhibition—beyond music and the stage.

MAMAMOO's Hwasa Enjoys a Laid-Back Tour Day in Texas — Western-Mood Styling

MAMAMOO's Hwasa shared laid-back moments spent in Texas during her US world tour. She connected with fans through her relaxed off-stage side and styling that matched the local atmosphere. "A Shoulder Texas Gave Me" — Hwasa's Social Media Update On the 23rd, Hwasa posted several photos taken locally on her personal account, along with the message "A shoulder Texas gave me. With love, Fort Worth & Cedar Park." They're photos capturing relaxed moments after her Fort Worth and Cedar Park concerts. In the photos, Hwasa showed off a variety of styles suited to the Texas atmosphere. She paired a floral sleeveless top with a Western-style cowboy hat, and at one point held the hat in her hand while looking at the camera with a playful pose. A Relaxed Off-Stage Side Her short hairstyle and natural makeup also brought out Hwasa's signature vibe. At a restaurant, she rested her chin on her hand and gazed at the camera, revealing a chic charm, and on the street she was caught enjoying the local scenery in a comfortable outfit. In another photo, she completed a casual style by matching a gray sleeveless crop top with checked-pattern shorts and a red cap. Posing leisurely with a drink in hand, she showed a relaxed everyday side—enjoying Texas as if traveling, even in the middle of the tour. MAMAMOO's Full-Group World Tour "4WARD" Sails On MAMAMOO (Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, Hwasa), the group Hwasa belongs to, is currently holding its "MAMAMOO 2026 WORLD TOUR [4WARD]." "4WARD" is a name combining the number "4," symbolizing the four members, with "FORWARD," meaning to move ahead—carrying the meaning of a new journey that MAMAMOO, reunited as one, is writing anew. Starting in Seoul this past June, they passed through Asia—Kaohsiung, Macau, Singapore, Manila—and then held their Americas concerts starting in New York on August 12, followed by Chicago, Fort Worth, and Cedar Park. Next, they plan to continue the tour in Los Angeles on the 25th, along with San Jose, Kent, Jakarta, Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo. As MAMAMOO, reunited as a full group, breathes closely with fans around the world, attention is also gathering on Hwasa's journey moving on and off the stage.

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.

BTS's Jimin Captivates Global Fans with a Quote on the "Beauty of Emptying" — Selected as India's Economic Times "Quote of the Day"

BTS's Jimin has once again captured the hearts of fans around the world with a quote conveying the "beauty of emptying." As an Indian outlet spotlighted his words, Jimin's sincere message—one that goes beyond music—is resonating across borders. The Words the Economic Times Spotlighted The Economic Times, a major Indian business daily, recently selected and spotlighted Jimin's remark as its "Quote of the Day." The remark the outlet introduced is: "If your heart has grown bigger, that also means you have emptied out that many things." These words come from the BTS documentary film "BRING THE SOUL: THE MOVIE" (2019), and the outlet explained that the remark reminds us that emotional growth doesn't mean carrying more baggage. "I've Cleared Away All the Knots and Feel at Ease and Happy" At the time, Jimin added: "Compared to who I was before, I think my heart has grown a little bigger. You could say I've emptied out a lot of what was inside, and having cleared away all the knots, I feel really at ease and happy." On this, the Economic Times conveyed: "The more we forgive, heal, and let go of negative emotions, the stronger and lighter our hearts become, and the more open we are to happiness." "Sincerity and Emotional Truth Inspire Across Generations" The Economic Times introduced Jimin as an artist who has shown outstanding expressiveness and emotional vocals, and as one of the influential artists in contemporary pop music. It also assessed that, beyond his musical activity, he is respected by fans and the public for his authenticity, kindness, and emotional openness, and that his songs have consistently explored themes such as identity, vulnerability, healing, and self-acceptance. The Economic Times emphasized that "Jimin's journey shows that authenticity and emotional truth can inspire people across cultures and generations." It added that "Jimin's words remind us that true strength is found not in holding on to every wound, but in the courage to let it go," and that "a bigger heart belongs not to one who holds greater pain, but to one who has learned how to leave the pain behind." Resonance Beyond Music Jimin's selection for this quote shows that his message is reaching fans as an attitude toward life, beyond the form of music. His insight—that the heart grows larger precisely through emptying—conveys quiet comfort and inspiration to many, crossing the boundaries of culture and language.

SHINee's Minho Prepares a September Solo Comeback — Returning with a Second Mini Album

SHINee's Minho is returning to the music scene in September. He's reported to be preparing a solo comeback with a second mini album, drawing attention once again to his active path spanning both team and solo work. A Second Mini Album Expected in Early September According to a report by MyDaily on the 12th, Minho is set to release a second mini album and make a comeback in early September. He's reported to have recently finished filming the new song's music video and to be in the thick of final preparations. However, the specific release date and album details have not yet been confirmed through an official announcement from his agency. This album is a new release coming about nine months after the single "TEMPO," released this past December. "TEMPO" is a dance track blending a groovy 808 bass with various rhythm instruments, a song that showcased Minho's signature solo mood. The Color He's Built as a Solo Artist Minho officially debuted as a solo artist through his first mini album "CHASE" in 2022. He then released his first full-length album "CALL BACK" in November 2024, capturing a broader range of genres and musical colors, steadily building his own solo color. He's been active in many fields, not just music. Last year, he not only held a solo fan meeting but also took the stage in the plays "Rendezvous" and "Waiting for 'Waiting for Godot,'" and consistently showed his presence in variety programs. This June, he also carried on team activity by releasing SHINee's sixth mini album "Atmos." A Path Spanning Team and Solo Amid an active path spanning both team and solo work, Minho meets fans once again with a solo album. Attention is turning to what new sides he'll show through his second mini album, having demonstrated a distinct color as a solo artist. The specific comeback schedule is expected to be revealed in sequence through an official announcement from his agency.