#Kpop

TOMORROW X TOGETHER Rents a Practice Room After Rain Cancels Their Stage — the "New York Practice Room Festival": "All We Need Is Music and a Mic"

Boy group TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) gave fans a surprise gift with a "practice room festival" stage. When bad weather wiped out their entire New York festival stage, they rented an indoor practice room and performed every set they had prepared, live. Global Citizen Festival Canceled — A Quick Response TOMORROW X TOGETHER (SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, HUENINGKAI) had planned to appear at the "2026 Global Citizen Festival," set to be held in New York's Central Park on the 26th (local time). As the only Korean act on this year's lineup, they were to open the show, with YEONJUN also performing a solo set. But the event was canceled due to severe local weather. In response, TOMORROW X TOGETHER quickly rented an indoor practice room and presented the stage they couldn't show on-site via live streaming on the fan platform Weverse. The "New York Practice Room Festival," held at 9 a.m. on the 27th (KST), became an unexpected gift for their global fandom MOA, who had been disappointed by the sudden schedule change. The members shared their passion: "We'd worked so hard that it felt wrong not to show it, so we rented a practice room. Only the space has changed — everything else is fully in place. As long as we have music and a mic, we can give it our all anywhere." From a Gugak Version of "Sugar Rush Ride" to YEONJUN's Solo That day, TOMORROW X TOGETHER performed five songs in total, including "Blue Hour", "0X1=LOVESONG (I Know I Love You) feat. Seori," and a cover of Justin Bieber's "Beauty And A Beat." In particular, the gugak (Korean traditional music) version of "Sugar Rush Ride" lifted the mood, blending hanbok-inspired outfits with a performance tinged with Korean color. Prepared for a global festival, the staging stood out for carrying their identity as Korean artists. YEONJUN's solo stage, prepared for the original event, followed as well. He completed the "New York Practice Room Festival" with three songs — "Talk to You" and "Ice Cream," the title tracks of his first and second solo mini-albums, and a cover of Post Malone's "Sunflower." No Lights, No LED — Pure Skill "Tore It Up" The venue changed from New York's Central Park to a practice room, but a space without a single dazzling light or LED only made TOMORROW X TOGETHER's skills stand out more. Their dynamic group choreography brimmed with enough energy to shake the camera, and even without an optimal sound setup, their ringing vocals and tightly interlocking harmonies captured the ear. At the end of the performance, TOMORROW X TOGETHER also surprise-released a comeback spoiler video. Alongside a spinning screen, the phrase "We need something different from before" dropped a comeback hint, raising anticipation for their next steps. World Tour "STEAL THE WIND" in November — Jingle Ball in December Meanwhile, TOMORROW X TOGETHER will raise the curtain on their world tour "TOMORROW X TOGETHER WORLD TOUR 'STEAL THE WIND'" at Seoul's KSPO DOME from November 13 to 15. They will then meet global fans across Asia, Japan, North America, and Europe. They are also set to appear at the "2026 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour," taking place on December 11 in New York, the 13th in Boston, and the 14th in Washington, D.C. Alongside the group, YEONJUN has also joined the lineup as a solo artist. The stage was canceled, but their heart for their fans never was — anticipation is gathering for TOMORROW X TOGETHER's next stage.

BTS's Jungkook Heads to Japan Two Days After the iHeartRadio Finale — Fans Cheer On a Nonstop Global Run

Just two days after returning from his U.S. schedule, BTS's Jungkook has headed off to Japan again. Right before the Chuseok holiday, fans are sending both cheers and concern for his health over a global run that never seems to pause. U.S. Stage → Home → Japan Two Days Later Jungkook departed for Las Vegas via Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 17th. After the "2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival" stage on the 18th (local time), he returned through Incheon Airport in the early hours of the 21st — and just two days later, on the 23rd, he departed for Japan again via Gimpo Airport. News of this departure for a scheduled engagement spread quickly on X (formerly Twitter) that day, becoming a major topic. The 23rd was the day before Korea's Chuseok holiday and also a public holiday in Japan, designated as Autumnal Equinox Day. On a day when both countries begin to rest, Jungkook was crossing holidays in transit. Meanwhile, J-Hope was also reported to have carried out a personal engagement on the same day, and support continues to pour in for members who have no time to rest even on the first day of the holiday. First iHeartRadio in Six Years — Closing the Show The centerpiece of this U.S. schedule was the "2026 iHeartRadio Music Festival." On the 18th (local time), BTS appeared as the closing artist at the festival, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and capped the night with the finale. It was their first appearance in about six years, since 2020, on a stage shared with world-class artists such as Cardi B, Snoop Dogg, and Benson Boone. In a show staged under the theme "BTS 2.0," BTS performed four songs, opening with "SWIM," the title track of their fifth full album, followed by "2.0," "MIC Drop," and "FYA." Each song came with its own staging — water flowing across the giant LED screen for "SWIM," the Las Vegas night skyline unfolding for "2.0." "Master of Intros" Jungkook Proves His Vocals Jungkook once again made his presence shine on the stage that night. Taking the intro of the opening song "SWIM," he showed off vocals that blended a sweet voice with a dreamy tone, and in the intense, dynamic performances of "MIC Drop," "2.0," and "FYA," he captivated fans with vocal skills that moved freely between low and high notes and with commanding stage presence. That day, the Chinese fan club "Jungkook China" ran an ad video on a giant billboard directly across from T-Mobile Arena to support his festival appearance, drawing attention. In an interview, the members shared, "ARMY is the best fandom in the world, and it's amazing how they sing along to every Korean lyric." "We Hope He Rests, Even Briefly, This Holiday" Reactions from fans followed right away toward Jungkook, who set out on an overseas schedule just two days after returning from the U.S. stage. One Japanese fan lamented, "I'd just been hoping he'd rest well over Chuseok, and now he's off to Japan again," while another worried about his health amid the grueling pace: "Wishing him a safe flight — I hope he gets some rest this time." Seeing him keep up his schedule without rest even over the holiday, fans took to social media with mixed feelings — glad to see the proud star at work, yet aching for him — sharing the wish, "We hope he can rest comfortably, even for a moment, this holiday." As Jungkook runs nonstop between the ARIRANG world tour and global festivals, hearts are gathering in the hope that ample rest accompanies his passion.

ATEEZ's Double Celebration Ahead of Their 8th Anniversary — "BLUE DRIFT" Exhibition Opens as "BAD" Claims Its 7th Music-Show Win

The group ATEEZ has met a double celebration ahead of their 8th debut anniversary. Following news of the "BLUE DRIFT" photobook exhibition, they took No. 1 on the music show "Inkigayo" for two consecutive weeks, reaching a total of seven wins. 8th-Anniversary Photobook "BLUE DRIFT" — An 11-Day Exhibition in Euljiro To commemorate their 8th debut anniversary this October, ATEEZ will release the photobook "BLUE DRIFT" and hold an exhibition celebrating it. The exhibition runs for 11 days, from October 1 to 11, at Newsmuseum Euljiro in Jung-gu, Seoul. Expanding the concept of the "BLUE DRIFT" photobook into an exhibition space, it will offer fans lasting memories through diverse content and spatial staging. The exhibition is built around the three chapters that make up the photobook — "DRIFT," "FLOW," and "DIVE." Through photo-exhibition spaces reflecting each concept, unreleased photos, and media exhibits, visitors can encounter the many sides of ATEEZ captured in the photobook in a more multidimensional way. Two Straight Weeks at No. 1 on "Inkigayo" — "BAD" Reaches Seven Wins Having announced the exhibition ahead of their 8th anniversary, ATEEZ is keeping up its momentum by adding trophies on music shows one after another. On SBS's "Inkigayo," aired on the 20th, ATEEZ once again took No. 1 with "BAD," the title track of their 14th mini-album "GOLDEN HOUR : Part.5." Following the 13th, they topped the show for two consecutive weeks, proving their enduring popularity. With this, ATEEZ has achieved seven music-show wins with "BAD." After KBS2's "Music Bank" on July 3 and 10, Mnet's "M Countdown" on July 16 and 23, and MBC's "Show! Music Core" on August 22, they added No. 1 trophies from SBS's "Inkigayo" on September 13 and 20. Three Months On, the "ATEEZ Syndrome" Shows No Sign of Cooling Notably, "BAD," released in June, continues to show unfading popularity, topping music shows even after its official promotions have wrapped. Taking No. 1 on "Inkigayo" for two straight weeks about three months after release made the heat of the "ATEEZ syndrome" palpable. Reaching the top of terrestrial music shows in succession even after promotions have ended is a record that proves, at once, the solid firepower of their global fandom ATINY and their support among the general public. Broadening Their Range from the 8th Anniversary Onward Continuing steady achievements on music shows, ATEEZ is broadening their range by presenting a photobook and an exhibition for their 8th anniversary. As they keep meeting fans through music and diverse content, anticipation is gathering for the new path they will unfold from their 8th anniversary onward. ATEEZ's 8th-anniversary photobook "BLUE DRIFT" exhibition will be held from October 1 to 11 at Newsmuseum Euljiro.

ROSÉ's "new trick" Races Up Global Charts — The Apple-Collab MV Shot on iPhone 18 Pro Draws Buzz

BLACKPINK's ROSÉ's new song "new trick" is rapidly building its presence in the global music market. With the music video produced in collaboration with Apple also drawing attention, it has driven up global buzz from the moment of release. No. 2 Overall and No. 1 in Momentum on the K-pop-It Board According to the K-pop-It Board, a global K-pop analytics index, on the 22nd, ROSÉ ranked No. 2 in the global overall ranking. Her global momentum index — which indicates the recent upward trend in buzz — hit 77.4 to take No. 1, and her global power index was tallied at 67.3. Domestically, too, she recorded a momentum of 80.1 and a power index of 62.4. Notably, the conversion-rate index — which indicates the degree to which online interest translates into actual video views and music streams — reached 99.1, and the MAS index, which shows the degree of public spread, recorded 75.0. These figures highlight a so-called "conversion power," where interest leads directly to real consumption. A Song That Gets Past Wounds with a "New Trick" At the center of this flow is the solo single "new trick," released on the 18th. Based on garage punk and pop rock, the song carries an attitude of not yielding to the wounds life throws and the trials of love, but overcoming them with one's own "new trick" and moving forward again. Its production was handled by Amy Allen — who worked with ROSÉ on her global mega-hit "APT." — and Andrew Wells, with whom she teamed up on "stay a little longer." Garage punk's raw, exhilarating energy blends with ROSÉ's vocals, delivering a message that is upbeat yet firm. Shot on iPhone 18 Pro — Directed by Dave Meyers Interest in the music video has been considerable as well. ROSÉ took part in Apple's global "Shot on iPhone" campaign, and this music video was shot entirely on the iPhone 18 Pro. It was directed by Dave Meyers, who has worked on music videos for world-renowned pop stars such as Kendrick Lamar, Ariana Grande, and Taylor Swift. ROSÉ joined the campaign following Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo, and The Weeknd. Capturing the image of free-spirited, energetic youth against a refreshingly wide-open backdrop, the music video visually brings out the song's upbeat mood. No. 1 on YouTube Trending and iTunes in 26 Countries The released music video rose to No. 1 on YouTube's worldwide trending, and on iTunes it hit No. 1 in more than 26 countries. On the global streaming platform Spotify, it landed on the major playlists "Today's Top Hits" and "New Music Friday." As the new release is followed by Apple-collaboration content and achievements on global streaming platforms, interest in ROSÉ's solo activities is rising even further. Having captivated the world with "APT.," anticipation is gathering over what records ROSÉ will write next with "new trick."

Lim Young-woong's YouTube Channel Surpasses 3.2 Billion Cumulative Views — Over 100 Videos with 10 Million+ Views

Singer Lim Young-woong's official YouTube channel has set yet another milestone. Surpassing 3.2 billion cumulative views, it continues its record among the very top YouTube channels of Korean solo singers. 3,204,830,000+ Views as of the 23rd — 1.79 Million Subscribers As of the 23rd, the total views of Lim Young-woong's official YouTube channel stood at 3,204,835,460. The channel has 1.79 million subscribers and about 1,000 uploaded videos. After reaching 3.19 billion views on the 17th, it gained another 10 million in just six days to cross the 3.2-billion mark. Since opening on December 2, 2011, the channel has grown steadily alongside Lim Young-woong's musical career. In particular, after gaining explosive popularity following TV Chosun's "Mr. Trot" in 2020, it has continued its record among the very top YouTube channels of Korean solo singers. Content Loved Evenly, Without Depending on Any One Hit Numerous videos — including the audio video of his signature song "Sarangeun Neul Domangga" ("Love Always Runs Away"), the music video for "Byeolbit Gateun Naui Saranga" ("My Starlight Love"), "Ije Naman Mideoyo" ("Trust Only Me Now"), and "Dasi Mannal Su Isseulkka" ("Can We Meet Again") — maintain high view counts over the long term, driving the channel's overall record. Notably, more than 100 videos have surpassed 10 million views. Rather than relying on one or two specific hits, the channel's hallmark is that a wide range of content — from audio videos to live-stage footage, covers, and everyday content — is loved evenly. Among roughly 1,000 videos, about one in nine has reached 10 million views. A Record Built by the Fandom "Hero Age" The unwavering interest and support of the fandom "Hero Age" (Young-woong Sidae) is cited as the driving force behind this record. An industry insider assessed, "3.2 billion cumulative YouTube views for a Korean male solo singer is a highly unusual figure," adding, "It's not a one-off issue but the result of trust with fans built over a long time and steady content consumption." 10th Debut Anniversary — The Standing of a "YouTube Hero" Marking his 10th debut anniversary this year, Lim Young-woong continues his activities by presenting new music and content through projects such as "IM HERO 10." Recently, he topped MBC's "Show! Music Core" with his new song "Ttotto," won two awards at the 2026 The Fact Music Awards (TMA), and took No. 1 in Melon's weekly popularity award — showing a "trending" run across many fronts. His YouTube channel communicates with fans through diverse videos — audio videos, live stages, behind-the-scenes, and everyday content — further cementing his standing as a "YouTube hero." Anticipation is gathering over what new records the trust with fans built up behind the number 3.2 billion will lead to next.

Fin.K.L Sets Out on a 2-Year Journey Toward Their 30th Anniversary — Full-Group Project "FIN.K.L RE:BLOOM" Announced

The group Fin.K.L, which has signaled full-group activities, is embarking on a grand journey toward their 30th debut anniversary. Following their full-group return after 21 years, they have raised the curtain on a record-scale long-term project spanning about two years. Over Two Years, Step-by-Step Activities Centered on Music and Concerts On the 23rd, Gemstone E&M announced, "Over the next two years, we plan to unveil, step by step, documentaries, variety content, exhibitions, official merchandise, brand collaborations, advertisements, fan projects, and more — centered on Fin.K.L's new music and concerts." Following their recent announcement of a full-group comeback after 21 years, the release of a concrete blueprint leading up to the 30th anniversary has put Fin.K.L's activities firmly on track. The core of this project is the new music and concerts the four members will present. Rather than stopping at revisiting past hits and memories, they plan to show a new Fin.K.L through the music and stages that today's Lee Hyori, Ock Ju-hyun, Lee Jin, and Sung Yu-ri will create. A Legend of Hits — Uniting Four Members' Colors as One Fin.K.L, who debuted in 1998, left behind numerous hits such as "Blue Rain," "To My Boyfriend," "Eternal Love," and "Now," establishing themselves as a girl group that represented an era. After all this time, how they will draw the four members' colors together into one sound is an important point of this journey. Their concerts also draw attention. The experience and depth each has built up over a long time in their own fields will meet on one stage, expected to create a new synergy that only the present-day Fin.K.L can show. Beyond music and concerts, content through which fans can experience Fin.K.L's journey in various ways is also being prepared. Documentaries and exhibitions capturing their past and future stories, along with official merchandise, brand collaborations, fan projects, and more, will be unveiled in sequence. The Meaning Behind "RE:BLOOM" — To Bloom Again The slogan running through this journey is "FIN.K.L RE:BLOOM." "RE:BLOOM" carries the meaning that, rather than simply turning back the time of a Fin.K.L that represented an era, the four members will freshly bring music, stages, and stories into bloom in their present form. In particular, this move carries special meaning in that it is not a one-off event for a specific anniversary, but a record-scale long-term project lasting about two years toward their 30th debut anniversary. The time and experience the four members have built up in their respective places will flow together as one under the name "Fin.K.L," creating new results. "A Journey to Build the Next Chapter Together" Jason Lee, CEO overseeing group management at Gemstone E&M, said, "FIN.K.L RE:BLOOM doesn't stop at commemorating Fin.K.L's past; it's a journey in which the four members and fans build the next chapter together," adding, "You can look forward to a K-pop legend project — with diverse activities leading up to the 30th anniversary centered on new music and concerts, and the birth of the Fin.K.L brand." He continued, "I want to create a special moment for the fans who have long waited for Fin.K.L, and an occasion for a new generation to meet the team called Fin.K.L anew." Not stopping at being a legend that defined an era, Fin.K.L is set to bloom again in their present form. Fans' anticipation is swelling for this record-scale long-term project toward their 30th debut anniversary. Gemstone E&M plans to share the specific details and schedule of Fin.K.L's activities in sequence, after consultation with the artists and each affiliated company.

IVE's Leeseo Takes the MC Stage at "Inkigayo Live in Tokyo" — A "Multi-Player" Bridging Singer and Host

IVE's Leeseo is broadening her range as a "multi-player" who moves between singer and broadcast host. Taking the MC role at a large-scale concert in Japan, she has signaled a further-grown presence as a host. Main MC for Two Days at Japan's Belluna Dome on the 22nd and 23rd Leeseo takes the stage as MC of "SBS Inkigayo Live in Tokyo," held on September 22 and 23 at Belluna Dome in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. At this large-scale concert bringing together domestic and international artists, she hosts across both days as the main MC, and on the 23rd she also takes the stage as an IVE member — showing her presence as a "singer-and-MC." This concert is a large-scale stage that brings together not only Korea's leading K-pop artists but also Japan's representative J-pop stars in one place. Leeseo teams up with special MCs including CORTIS's Gunho and Seonghyeon on the 22nd and &TEAM's Euiju on the 23rd. With a host's role — stage transitions, introducing performers, and steering the atmosphere on-site — being crucial, attention is on whether Leeseo can carry the bright energy and composure she showed at home in front of a global audience too. A Special Bond with "Inkigayo" Leeseo's bond with "Inkigayo" traces back to the days of IVE's debut song "ELEVEN." The spirited facial-expression acting she showed on stage at the time drew buzz, and that became the occasion for her continued ties with the program. Afterward, Leeseo served as an MC of SBS's "Inkigayo" on two occasions — from April to September 2024, and from October to December 2025 — showing steady hosting skills and witty repartee. On the show, beyond hosting, she actively took part in concept-fitting comedy sketches and situational bits, as well as artists' new-song choreography challenges. Putting the expressiveness and quick wit she honed as an idol to use in broadcasting, she earned recognition for carving out her own domain as an MC. Testing Her Hosting Experience on an Overseas Stage — "I'll Show a Grown Side" This Japan concert is an occasion to test, on an overseas stage, the hosting experience she has built up. With artists representing both Korea and Japan performing, the role of bridging artists and the audience through smooth hosting matters more than ever. Through her agency, Leeseo shared her thoughts: "As the MC of 'Inkigayo Live in Tokyo,' I'm so happy and thrilled to be with 'Inkigayo' once again. Building on my past MC experience, I'll show a side that has grown even more." She added her resolve: "Since it's a special occasion where global fans and various artists connect together, I'll do my best to give everyone unforgettable memories." Showing both her stage as a singer and her skills as a host at once, Leeseo — how will she unfold her charm as a "multi-player" on a global stage, beyond domestic music shows? Fans' anticipation is gathering.

BTS's Jimin Enters the Global Top 5 in Instagram Influence — the Only Korean, for Two Months Running

BTS's Jimin has entered the global top 5 in Instagram influence. As the only Korean to make the top 5, and for a second month in a row following August, it is all the more meaningful. No. 5 Worldwide as of September 22 As of September 22, Jimin ranked No. 5 worldwide on the Instagram influence ranking of HypeAuditor, a global influencer-marketing platform. He was the only Korean to make the top 5. Following August, Jimin made the top 5 for two consecutive months. His Instagram account, followed by more than 60.13 million people, took No. 1 in Korea in the by-country ranking and No. 2 overall in the music category. Both Metrics — Followers and Engagement — in the Top Tier HypeAuditor is a global marketing platform that analyzes influencer accounts' activity and influence through an artificial-intelligence (AI) algorithm. It detects fake followers and fraudulent activity to assess account credibility and influence, and provides related data so that brands, ad agencies, and others can select influencers. Because the influence ranking reflects metrics such as account activity and engagement as key factors, it can shift according to an influencer's level of activity. Beyond simply having a large follower count, it is a structure in which how actively users respond to content is also evaluated. Holding No. 5 Even After a Single Post — Steady Influence What especially draws attention is Jimin's "efficiency." Even after unveiling just one post on September 13, he ranked No. 5 as of September 22. In a structure where activity level is reflected in the ranking, maintaining the very top with few posts confirms his solid influence once again. Having also entered the top 5 on the same metric in August, Jimin has held No. 5 worldwide for two consecutive months through September, continuing a steady presence at the top of the global influencer market. Interest is gathering in Jimin's path as he shows powerful influence on Instagram, beyond music and the stage.

BTS's J-Hope Unveils an "ARMY" Tattoo — Formed from the Silhouettes of All Seven BTS Members

BTS's J-Hope has inked his affection for the fandom "ARMY" into a tattoo. A design that completes the word "ARMY" from the silhouettes of all seven members is striking a chord with fans. "ARMY" Completed with Seven Members' Silhouettes Recently, tattoo artist Dr. Woo unveiled J-Hope's new tattoo. In the black-and-white photo, the tattoo arranges the silhouettes of seven figures like letters of the alphabet to complete the word "ARMY." It's a design that faithfully recreates the scene from BTS's "Butter" music video, where the members spelled out "A-R-M-Y" with their bodies. Even at a small size, the members' poses and characteristics are captured with delicate detail, drawing the eye. Rather than simply inking the fandom name, J-Hope used the full-group image of BTS to complete a tattoo that symbolizes both the members and the fans at once. Detail That Faithfully Carries Over the "Butter" Poses The unveiled photo shows the figures of all seven BTS members inked side by side. The members at each end spread their arms and legs to form the letters "A" and "Y," while the members in the middle lean their bodies or hold each other's hands to form "R" and "M." Compared with the attached "Butter" music-video scene, the detail — carrying over those poses exactly — stands out even more clearly. The work was done by the world-renowned tattoo artist Dr. Woo. He is also known to have created the "HOPE" tattoo inked on J-Hope's arm. Following the friendship tattoo "7" that he shared with his BTS members, J-Hope has added the "HOPE" tattoo symbolizing his own name and now the "ARMY" tattoo meaning the fandom — imbuing his body with special meaning. "A Tattoo Worthy of an ARMY-Lover" — Fans Respond Fans responded warmly with reactions like "A man who inks ARMY onto his body," "The detail of carrying over the 'Butter' poses exactly is moving," "He captured all seven members and the fans at once," and "A tattoo worthy of an ARMY-lover." Since the fandom name was completed with the members' figures, it is being received as all the more special for carrying the meaning of uniting members and fans as one. Continuing Their Global Run with the ARIRANG World Tour Meanwhile, BTS — the group J-Hope belongs to — is currently meeting fans worldwide through "BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG." Opening with Goyang shows in April 2026, this tour has followed its concerts at LA's SoFi Stadium into South America, Asia, Oceania, and beyond, accelerating their global run. As BTS — reunited as a full group after completing their military service — travels the world with a large-scale tour, ARMY's interest is growing even hotter over this news of J-Hope inking his heart for the fandom into a tattoo.

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."

SeeYa Meets Fans Who Waited 15 Years — Kicking Off Their 20th-Anniversary Nationwide Tour "THE FAN"

The group SeeYa is meeting fans across the country for their 20th debut anniversary. The three members, reunited as a full group after 15 years, are repaying their longtime fans with a large-scale nationwide tour. Starting in Seoul, a Tour Across Seven Cities According to their agency SeeYa Entertainment, SeeYa will hold their 20th-anniversary nationwide tour concert "THE FAN" across seven cities, starting with a Seoul show on the 29th. The Seoul shows that open the tour take place on the 29th and 30th at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace in Seoul. After that, SeeYa will meet fans nationwide in turn: Busan KBS Hall on September 5, EXCO in Daegu on September 12, KINTEX in Goyang on October 4, the Seowoo Culture & Sports Hall of Cheongju University's College of Arts on October 10, the Seonseung Hall at Kyung Hee University's Global Campus in Suwon on October 17, and the Namdong Gymnasium in Incheon on October 31. A Setlist Spanning 20 Years These shows will feature a setlist that spans SeeYa's past 20 years. Along with signature songs long beloved — "Sarangui Insa (Love's Greeting)," "Michin Sarangui Norae (Song of Crazy Love)," "Yeonui Hyanggi (Scent of a Woman)," "Gudu (Shoes)," and "Gyeolhonhalkkayo (Shall We Marry)" — fans can experience, all in one place, tracks from their recently released fourth full album "First, Again." In particular, new-song stages unveiled since their full-group comeback are prepared, including the fourth album's title track "Stay" and the prerelease "Geureomedo, Urin (Even So, We)." Special guests will also add their own stages. From past hits to present-day new songs, it's a place to experience SeeYa's rich musical spectrum on a single stage. The Heart Behind "THE FAN" — 15 Years of Waiting The concert title "THE FAN" holds the members' feelings toward the fans who waited for SeeYa through a long hiatus. After halting activities in 2011, SeeYa resumed full-group activities this year, about 15 years later. Reunited for their 20th anniversary, the three members — Nam Gyu-ri, Kim Yeon-ji, and Lee Bo-ram — are carrying on full-fledged activities, following their new album release with this nationwide tour. SeeYa shared their resolve for these shows: "We'll fully repay the fans who never forgot us and waited through 15 years, with the stage and with music." As SeeYa opens a "second heyday" with their full-group return, anticipation is gathering over what stages they will share with fans on this 20th-anniversary nationwide tour.

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.