#케이팝

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.

Stray Kids' Changbin Donates 100 Million Won for His Birthday — "May It Become Small Hope and Warm Comfort"

Stray Kids member Changbin conveyed warmth by donating 100 million won to mark his birthday. His good deed—continuing his giving every birthday—is once again bringing quiet emotion. Contributing 100 Million Won to Samsung Medical Center for His Birthday For his birthday on August 11, Changbin contributed a total of 100 million won to Samsung Medical Center. The donation will be split in half, with 50 million won each going toward supporting treatment costs for pediatric and adolescent patients and toward emotional-support programs for the patients' families. On this good deed, Changbin left a heartfelt message: "Thanks to the great love sent by fans, I was able to practice meaningful giving on my birthday. I sincerely hope my heart reaches the places where help is needed and becomes, even in a small way, hope and warm comfort." A Steadily Continued Path of Giving His warm giving is not the first of its kind. Back in 2023, during the Turkey-Syria earthquake, he delivered emergency relief funds through the relief organization The Promise and was registered in its "Honors Club." He also sent a donation to Samsung Medical Center on his 2025 birthday to help underprivileged pediatric patients, and that same year, together with the Stray Kids members, he donated to several relief organizations for recovery from wildfires in Gyeongnam and Gyeongbuk and a fire in Hong Kong—continuing his steady giving. Active with the New Mini Album "THIS & THAT" Meanwhile, Stray Kids, the group Changbin belongs to, is actively promoting with its new mini album "THIS & THAT," released on the 7th. As much through their warm giving off the stage as through their passion on it, Stray Kids and Changbin continue to spread a positive influence.

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.