BTS Power Sparks Global Dream to be K-pop Stars: 120,000 Hopefuls Rally!
Once, the dream of becoming a global sensation was the stuff of fairy tales, but in the era of K-pop, it seems more achievable than ever. Just witness the undeniable influence of BTS. Their meteoric rise to fame isn't just about their music—it's about the global culture they've ignited. Recently, HYBE's 'Dream Academy' saw a staggering 120,000 eager aspirants hoping to carve out their own spot under the K-pop limelight. It wasn't just the auditions that drew attention; fans poured in with a whopping 1.19 million votes to support their favorite rising stars. It's clear—the world doesn't just want to watch K-pop; they want to be a part of it!
In an interesting twist, 'The Debut: Dream Academy', an audition program for a new girl group, was spearheaded by both HYBE and Geffen Records. But here's the catch—it wasn't broadcast through traditional television channels. Instead, it exclusively unfolded on the fandom lifestyle platform, Weverse, and on YouTube.
No TV slots? No problem. The auditions still commanded global attention. This shift away from the conventional to the digital only underlines the transcendent power of K-pop. It's a testimony to the genre's towering stature in the world of music. So, as legions of new fans tune in and dream big, it's evident that K-pop isn't just a trend—it's a movement, and the world is dancing to its beat.
Source: Hankyung (Korean)
Stray Kids Triumphs at the MTV VMAs: "Thanks for the Support!"
In the star-studded world of K-pop, moments of pure joy are born every day, and today, it was Stray Kids' turn to shine. On the 13th, the illustrious Prudential Center in New Jersey was aglow with the spotlight of the 'MTV Video Music Awards' (or 'MTV VMAs' for the fans in the know). And amidst the shimmer and glitz, Stray Kids notched a monumental win – their very first at the VMAs!
It wasn't just any award; it was the coveted 'Best K-pop' title. As the announcement was made, the air was thick with anticipation. And when Stray Kids were named the victors, the roar of approval was deafening. This accolade wasn't their only cause for celebration. Their third full album 'Fivestar' had already made waves, securing three consecutive #1 spots on the 'Billboard 200'. Its title track, 'Teuk', was the very song that clinched the Best K-pop title for them.
The members, overwhelmed with gratitude, took a moment to reflect on their journey. "Since the beginning of our career, we've been crafting our music, making this win incredibly special to us," they shared. But they didn't stop there. Their heartfelt thanks went out to the fans, "For all the love and unwavering support, we are sincerely grateful. We promise, there's so much more to come from Stray Kids. Stay tuned and keep rooting for our future!" It's a heartening tale of passion, hard work, and a group that promises to keep the hits coming. Way to go, Stray Kids!
Source: Chosunilbo (Korean)
K-Pop Lovers, Rejoice! 'Circle Chart Music Awards' is Heading to Busan for the Next Three Years!
There's exciting news for K-pop enthusiasts worldwide! Starting next year, the beautiful coastal city of Busan will play host to the globally recognized 'Circle Chart Music Awards'. Fans can look forward to celebrating this grand musical event in Busan until 2026.
Recently, a special agreement was signed at the City Hall's International Conference Room, solidifying Busan's position as the official venue for this grand event for the next three years. Busan's Mayor, Park Hyung-jun, and renowned music producer and songwriter, Kim Chang-hwan, who also serves as the president of the Korea Music Content Association, were present to put pen to paper.
If you're wondering about the significance of the 'Circle Chart Music Awards', here's a little backstory: Launched in 2011 by the Korea Music Content Association—which comprises major local record producers, distributors, and international direct distributors—it's the only nationally recognized K-pop chart in South Korea. This prestigious award ceremony celebrates artists and music industry professionals based on objective data, recognizing those who've made significant waves in the K-pop scene over the year.
So, if you're planning a trip to South Korea in the coming years, what better time than during the 'Circle Chart Music Awards'? Busan's breathtaking beaches coupled with some K-pop magic? Sounds like a dream come true!
Source: Financial News (Korean)
BTS's Jimin Sets an Unprecedented Record with His Solo Album 'FACE' on Spotify!
Here's some fantastic news for all the K-pop aficionados! BTS's Jimin is making waves and setting new records, proving once again why he's one of the most beloved artists in the world.
Recently, a track from Jimin's debut solo album, 'FACE', titled 'Set Me Free Pt.2', hit the 200 million streaming mark on Spotify, showcasing the global love it's been receiving.
But that's not all. The album's title track, 'Like Crazy', in its Korean version, has amassed a whopping 511 million streams. Its English counterpart? A cool 212 million streams. With these numbers, Jimin has achieved an exceptional milestone—becoming the first K-pop solo artist to have three tracks from a single album each crossing the 200 million streaming mark on Spotify.
If you thought this was impressive, hold on to your hats. Looking at Jimin's contributions in BTS albums, his solo songs 'Lie', 'Serendipity: FLE', and 'Filter' have garnered 222 million, 255 million, and a jaw-dropping 397 million streams, respectively. This makes him the only Korean solo artist to have a total of six solo tracks, each surpassing 200 million streams.
As fans around the globe celebrate and dance to Jimin's tunes, one thing is crystal clear: the world simply can't get enough of his music. Way to go, Jimin! Your star continues to shine ever so brightly.
Source: The Viewers (Korean)
Twice Takes Europe by Storm on Their Debut Tour! Plus, A Nod from Rolling Stone as the Only K-pop Girl Group in Their '2023 Best Album' Picks
Pop the confetti and gear up, ONCE! Twice is on the move and making waves bigger than ever before. This September, the K-pop sensation marked a significant milestone - kicking off their very first European tour!
The journey began in the heart of London on September 7th and 8th, as part of their 'TWICE 5TH WORLD TOUR 'READY TO BE''. London wasn't just any concert—it held the honor of being the inaugural city for Twice's European adventure. And the love from fans? Overwhelming! Tickets flew off the virtual shelves, and due to the roaring demand, additional performances were quickly confirmed.
But the British capital was just the beginning. Riding the wave of their London success, Twice danced their way to Paris on the 11th, showcasing their dynamic performances. They once again proved why they're hailed as the 'top global girl group'.
The tour setlist? Nothing short of spectacular! Featuring chart-toppers like 'SET ME FREE', which soared to the second spot on the US Billboard 200, the summer vibes of 'Alcohol-Free', the catchy beats of 'Talk that Talk', and their original English hits 'The Feels' and 'MOONLIGHT SUNRISE'. Fans worldwide are being treated to an array of songs that have captured hearts everywhere. And let's not forget—the diverse solo stages, where each of the nine members shines in their unique way, adding even more sparkle to the tour.
And amidst all this excitement, another cherry on top—Rolling Stone gave a nod to Twice, selecting them as the only K-pop girl group in their '2023 Best Album' picks. Talk about a double celebration! So, if Twice's tour is headed your way, brace yourself for an unforgettable night of music, dance, and sheer K-pop magic!
Source: KBS World
Photo by SBS Radio
Who's Next After BTS? Experts Weigh In!
To celebrate its 19th anniversary, Star News decided to look towards the future of K-pop! They gathered insights from 31 influential entertainment experts, posing the intriguing question: "Who will lead K-pop's next generation, following in the mega footsteps of BTS?"
The results, announced on the 13th, were quite the buzz! Topping the charts was the sensational girl group NewJeans, claiming the coveted number one spot. But they're not the only ones turning heads. Hot on their heels were the ever-popular boy groups, Stray Kids and Seventeen, snagging the second and third positions respectively.
For this survey, the participating experts chose from artists who've made it to Billboard's main charts (Hot 100, 200) since August 1, 2021. They were asked to select two teams or individuals, and in the spirit of fairness, they were not allowed to pick artists from their own agencies.
So, with BTS having set the global bar high, it's exciting to see these new faces rising to the challenge. The future of K-pop surely seems bright and promising!
Source: Starnews (Korean)
Artistic Expression vs. Indecent Performance: Where's the Line in K-pop Performances?
Picture this: You're attending a captivating K-pop concert, engrossed in the music, the dance, the visuals - when suddenly, a particular move or segment sparks debate. Is it art or is it inappropriate?
Recently, the K-pop world has been buzzing with discussions about this very topic. There's a growing trend of tagging certain performances as "suggestive" and, in some cases, even going as far as filing charges under the "indecent performance act." The core of the debate? Whether or not it's fair to label an entire performance as inappropriate based on a few seconds of it.
Hwasa, a member of the popular group MAMAMOO, found herself in the midst of such a controversy. After her performance at a university festival in May, she faced accusations from a student-parent human rights group. The contentious move? A brief gesture involving her finger and tongue, followed by a sweep over a certain part of her body.
But Hwasa isn't the first K-pop artist to be scrutinized this way. Flashback to 2009, when G-Dragon's concert performance involving a bed stirred up its own pot of controversy. The Ministry of Health and Welfare charged him with violating youth protection laws and the aforementioned indecent performance act. However, the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor’s Office eventually cleared G-Dragon of the indecency charge, but cautioned him about allowing minors (below 18 as per the performance law) to view such content.
So, it begs the question: Where should we draw the line between artistic freedom and societal norms? It's a discussion that promises to evolve as art and culture always do.
Source: Lawtimes (Korean)
All About the "Monster Rookies" - RIIZE
It's only been a week since SM Entertainment unveiled their newest boy group, RIIZE, but the buzz around them is already palpable. In fact, even before their grand debut, eyes and ears from all corners were eagerly tuned in. Why? Well, RIIZE isn't just any rookie group. They're the first boy group from SM in three whole years since the introduction of aespa, and a whopping seven years since NCT!
Now, we understand the curiosity. With such a lineage of successful predecessors, the bar is set high, and everyone's wondering: "Who exactly are RIIZE?" Though their name is quickly becoming familiar, the individual members and their music might still be a mystery to some.
So, for all the eager fans and the casually curious out there, we've pieced together a brief rundown on RIIZE: their members, their music, and a glimpse into what the future might hold for these promising stars.
Dive into the world of RIIZE, and you'll find an ensemble of seven dazzling talents: Sungchan, Seunghan, Wonbin, Anton, Sohee, Shotaro, and Eunseok. Now, what stands out? Unlike many idols who opt for stage names, each member of RIIZE proudly performs under their real names. This refreshing authenticity makes them a unique gem in the lineage of SM boy groups.
Breaking down the members, we can spot three distinct clusters. Firstly, there's Sungchan and Shotaro, who, after their journey with NCT, have embarked on this new venture with RIIZE. Then, we have Eunseok and Seunghan, familiar faces from their days with SM Rookies. Lastly, Wonbin, Sohee, and Anton are the fresh revelations, introduced to the world for the very first time through RIIZE.
Eager to get to know them better? Each member brings a rich tapestry of experiences, talents, and stories that are bound to captivate hearts everywhere.
Source: ize
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