#MV

Jennie's 'Less than a Lover' Drops Today — The Heart-Sticker Mystery Man Is Taiwanese Model Kai

Jennie's new solo single "Less than a Lover" arrives today, July 24, at 1 p.m. KST, with the track and music video released simultaneously. The curiosity that began with a single Polaroid posted to Instagram on July 18 finally gets its resolution a week later. The Face Behind the Heart Sticker: Taiwanese Model Kai The biggest talking point was, of course, the identity of the man in the photo. Jennie was resting her head on his shoulder, his face obscured by a heart-shaped sticker, and the internet went back and forth over whether it was a relationship reveal or a music teaser. The answer came on July 21, alongside the teaser poster. He's Kai, a Taiwanese model based in Korea . Born in 2002, he's a rising name in fashion known for his natural curls and vintage styling. He has modeled for the Korean brand Low Classic and appeared in the music video for "Blue" by DxS, the SEVENTEEN unit of DK and Seungkwan — so some may already recognize him. In the end, that Polaroid wasn't a relationship announcement but the opening move of a very well-constructed promotional rollout. Shot in Spain, Framed Like a Coming-of-Age Film The music video was filmed in Spain. Even the preview clips released ahead of the drop establish the mood clearly. In a TikTok posted on July 22, the two stand side by side on a dead-straight dirt road. Jennie murmurs the lyrics into the camera before taking Kai's hand and breaking into a run. Her white sleeveless top and blue shorts against the green fields looked like a still from a coming-of-age film. Fans immediately called it prime couple-challenge material. The clips released on July 23 are warmer still. The two sit together on a beach watching the sunset; Jennie peels an orange and hands it over, and Kai takes it as naturally as anything. A follow-up TikTok showed them aboard a classic yacht out on the water. That Ambiguous Space Between Lover and Friend Jennie participated in both writing and composing the track, and directed the music video herself — her first time directing, which makes it a notable credit. The song's emotional territory is right there in the title: the space where calling someone a lover doesn't quite fit, but calling them a friend means a line has already been crossed. It renders the flutter and lingering afterglow of that in-between through a distinctly summery lens. Lo-fi guitar and vintage electric keyboard build a languid texture, topped with noticeably more grounded vocals. It's a clear turn from the performance-forward singles like "Mantra" and "like JENNIE." Battle-Tested at Festivals First The track was already well known before its official release. Jennie first performed it at the Governors Ball Music Festival in the U.S. in June, then brought it back at major overseas stages including Denmark's Roskilde Festival and Spain's Mad Cool Festival. Clips spread organically across TikTok and Reels, demand for a studio version piled up, and the official release followed. Approaching a Decade Since Debut Born in 1996, Jennie debuted with BLACKPINK on August 8, 2016. That makes this coming August 8 the group's tenth anniversary. She launched her solo career with the 2018 single "SOLO," and in 2023 her first acting project aired, broadening her range. Last March, she released her first full-length album, "Ruby." With a summer song arriving just ahead of that ten-year mark, this release carries several layers of meaning. Next month brings Lollapalooza Chicago in the U.S. and Summer Sonic 2026 in Japan. It's easy to picture the festival crowds singing this one right back to her.

BTS Sings About the 'Ordinary' Behind the Glamour — 'NORMAL' Additional Tracks & MV Released

BTS has pulled back the curtain on the quietly ordinary moments hidden behind their dazzling performances on stage. Re-releasing 'NORMAL' from their studio album 'ARIRANG(아리랑)' in a new form, they've gently unpacked the understated emotions that live in the shadows of the spotlight. 'NORMAL' Is Back in Three Versions — Including a Korean Edition According to Big Hit Music on July 17th, BTS released additional versions of 'NORMAL' across major music platforms at 1 PM that day. The new releases include a Korean-language version and an Instrumental version, bringing the total to three. The Korean version had previously made its world premiere at the 'BTS WORLD TOUR ARIRANG IN BUSAN' concert in June, drawing an enormous roar from the crowd. The original music video for 'NORMAL' also dropped exclusively on Spotify that same day. It's set to roll out on YouTube and other platforms starting the 19th. The Raw, Unfiltered BTS — Captured in the MV This music video captures BTS in their most raw and unguarded state — the side that's hidden behind the glittering moments on stage. It holds onto the quiet air that settles in after emotions peak and slowly fade away. Glimpses of tired, disheveled everyday life flash by: singing under a stream of water fully clothed, lying down with a worn-out face, and more. The remnants of a wild party scattered across the screen contrast sharply with the vulnerable side of the members they face the morning after. The camera observes each member's true personality with an unexaggerated, almost documentary-like intimacy. This ordinary, honest face of BTS quietly soothes the anxiety and exhaustion we all feel in our daily lives. 'NORMAL' is an alternative pop track that portrays the emptiness and fear lurking beneath the spotlight in a calm yet powerful way. It previously made waves by charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. 'ARIRANG''s Power — 3 Consecutive Weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 What makes this release even more exciting is the incredible track record the album 'ARIRANG' has built. Released back in March, the album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and held the top spot for three consecutive weeks — a rare achievement for a group album. The title track 'SWIM' also debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 and has kept the momentum going strong. All the Way to the World Cup Final Halftime Show BTS's journey doesn't stop at tracks and charts. They kicked off the European leg of the ARIRANG tour in Madrid, Spain at Metropolitano Stadium on June 26th, followed by shows in Brussels, Belgium, London, UK, and Munich, Germany. They're set to continue the tour with upcoming stops including Paris, France. And there's something truly extraordinary just around the corner. On July 19th (local time), BTS will take the halftime show stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (officially called 'New York New Jersey Stadium' for the World Cup). They'll be sharing the stage with global superstars including Madonna, Shakira, and Justin Bieber — with Coldplay's Chris Martin serving as overall creative director and conductor Gustavo Dudamel also on board. It's a historic, truly star-studded lineup. Whether under the blazing spotlight or in the quiet, ordinary moments behind it — BTS is singing about themselves just as they are, and we can't wait to see what the next chapter of their journey holds. The album chart stats and World Cup halftime lineup have been verified based on reports from Billboard, FIFA, and major international outlets. Music chart rankings are updated weekly and may vary depending on the timing.

Sunmi Drops Second 'Forever July' Teaser — A Rainy Summer Narrative

Singer Sunmi is heating up her comeback by releasing the second MV teaser for her new digital single 'Forever July.' On the 13th, she unveiled the teaser video through her official SNS and YouTube channel. While the first teaser subtly hinted at the song's vibe with a humid summer atmosphere and dreamy mood, this second teaser dives deeper into the song's narrative with full-on performance and vibrant direction. A Presence Burned into Memory in the Rain In the newly released video, Sunmi moves between an indoor setting and the city streets, blending performance with nuanced emotional acting. A standout moment — her silhouette stretching both arms out in the rain against a pitch-black backdrop — left a powerful impression, once again cementing Sunmi's one-of-a-kind presence. On top of that, a snippet of the lyrics 'this summer is cruel' along with part of the melody was revealed for the first time, instantly catching everyone's ears. Following the chorus that was shared earlier, yet another audio preview lifted the veil and painted an even clearer picture of the new track's emotional world. Cinematic Details, Growing Curiosity Holding an umbrella while still getting soaked, a phone notification warning of water damage, rain-drenched pants — every little detail added a sense of realism. The stylish direction created an almost cinematic atmosphere, making fans even more curious about what story will unfold in the full music video. Scenes that naturally connect to the previously released concept photos also caught attention. Wearing the same outfit from the concept photos while dancing with a clear umbrella, and a shot of her lying in bed — these moments flow seamlessly into a single narrative, completing Sunmi's new concept with a direction that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. A Fresh Perspective on Summer 'Forever July' is a track that reimagines summer — a season usually remembered for its scorching heat — through a brand-new lens. Sunmi has always carved out her own space with unique music and concepts, and fans are eager to see what new side of herself she'll show through this latest release. Sunmi's new digital single 'Forever July' drops on the 15th at 6 PM KST across all major music streaming platforms.