Journalist

Choi Song-hee
  • Stray Kids Win Four Japan Gold Disc Awards, Most Ever for Overseas Artist
    Stray Kids Win Four Japan Gold Disc Awards, Most Ever for Overseas Artist Stray Kids won four prizes at the 40th Japan Gold Disc Awards, setting a record for the most wins by an overseas artist. The Japan Gold Disc Awards said on its official website on the 11th that the group received Best Asian Artist. It also won Album of the Year (Asia) and Best 3 Albums in the Asia category for its third Japanese mini album, “Hollow.” In addition, the live Blu-ray of its 2024 in-person fan event in Japan, “Stray Kids Fan Connecting ‘SKZ TOY WORLD,’” was named Music Video of the Year (Asia). The Japan Gold Disc Awards are hosted by the Recording Industry Association of Japan and marked their 40th edition this year. Winners were selected based on sales of recordings, videos and other products from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025. Stray Kids have also posted strong results on global charts. In 2025, the group achieved eight consecutive No. 1 debuts on Billboard’s main albums chart, the Billboard 200. On the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry’s 2025 year-end global charts, its fourth full-length album, “KARMA,” ranked No. 2 on the Global Album Sales Chart, the highest placement by a K-pop artist. The group was also the only K-pop act to place in the top 10 of the Global Artist Chart and the Global Album Chart. Stray Kids are scheduled to hold their sixth official fan meeting, “Stray Kids 6TH FANMEETING ‘STAY in Our Little House,’” on March 28-29 and April 4-5 at Inspire Arena in Incheon. In June and September, they are set to appear as headliners at The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York and Rock in Rio in Brazil.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 14:30:16
  • AMAZE Picks TWS as First 2026 Headliner for VR Concert Series
    AMAZE Picks TWS as First 2026 Headliner for VR Concert Series AMAZE, which helped popularize VR concerts featuring third- and fourth-generation K-pop artists last year, has selected fifth-generation idol group TWS to open its 2026 lineup. Choosing a rookie group in its second year since debut signals that VR concerts are taking hold as a mainstream performance format that now extends to newer-generation acts. Because VR concerts are screened in theaters for a set period, they require steady audience demand backed by a strong fan base. TWS has grown quickly since debut and has emerged as one of the most prominent fifth-generation groups. The group established a clear identity early with a bright, youthful concept, while its fandom expanded rapidly. TWS has also shown ticket strength in the live market. Within a year of debut, the group sold out its first fan meetings in South Korea and Japan. Its first Japan fan meeting sold out all seats across three shows, and subsequent Japan and Greater China solo tours also sold out. A recently announced second fan meeting, “2026 TWS Fan Meeting Psy Club,” likewise sold out quickly on the day of presales, underscoring demand. Chart and album results followed. TWS ranked No. 2 on Japan’s Oricon annual rookie ranking and reached No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. The group also swept rookie awards at major South Korean ceremonies soon after debut. Industry observers say that combination of fandom scale and marketability aligns with the VR concert model. The group’s dense core fan base, centered on teens and people in their early 20s, is seen as having strong purchasing power for performances and related content. As K-pop performance content expands into theater screenings and XR productions, VR concerts are also drawing attention as an alternative format. In that context, TWS’ participation is being read as a sign that VR concerts are widening to include the next generation of K-pop artists. “TWS VR Concert: Rush Road” sold out quickly after ticket sales opened. Most screenings in the opening week sold out, followed by sellouts in key time slots and weekend screenings in the second week. The production also posted a 9.9 audience rating on Megabox and ranked No. 2 on the chain’s overall movie chart, indicating strong viewer satisfaction. Analysts say TWS’ selection reflects more than a bet on a newcomer, pointing instead to a fast-growing fandom and proven demand that highlight VR concerts’ commercial potential. Attention is now on how the format will evolve as it expands to newer generations of K-pop acts. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 13:54:32
  • BLACKPINK draws big crowds in China and Japan with Deadline promotions
    BLACKPINK draws big crowds in China and Japan with 'Deadline' promotions BLACKPINK drew strong interest in China and Japan with large-scale events marking the release of its third mini album, "Deadline." YG Entertainment said Thursday it successfully wrapped up a "Deadline" release promotion held across 20 Chinese cities in partnership with Tencent Music Entertainment Group, or TME. The company said it was planned as TME’s largest offline promotion to date, with a range of events rolled out starting on the album’s release day. Landmarks in cities including Ningbo, Macau, Shenzhen, Zhongshan and Foshan were lit in the group’s signature pink. Major shopping malls in high-traffic cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou featured album-themed wraps and large installations, while the music video for the title track, "GO," played on giant outdoor screens, turning the areas into "BLACKPINK spots." Pop-up stores in five cities also drew heavy crowds. In Shanghai, Dolby House Shanghai in the Zhangyuan cultural complex offered an immersive Dolby Atmos sound experience and large-screen presentations of the group’s music. The space combined tech-based music content with limited-edition merchandise, drawing positive reviews from visitors. The momentum continued in Japan. A pop-up store in Tokyo’s Shibuya district drew early lines before opening, and some items sold out quickly. Fans also took part in billboard events and promotions tied to major record labels, posting photos from the site on social media to celebrate the group’s comeback. "Deadline" sold 1,774,577 copies in its first week, according to Hanteo Chart, setting a new first-week record for a K-pop girl group. The album also ranked high on the main charts of the U.K.’s Official Charts and the U.S. Billboard, setting a record for the most chart entries by a K-pop female artist, the company said.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 09:51:20
  • TXT Wins Japan Gold Disc Award for Best 3 Albums in Asia Category
    TXT Wins Japan Gold Disc Award for Best 3 Albums in Asia Category 그룹 투모로우바이투게더가 일본 골드 디스크 대상에서 의미 있는 성과를 냈다. The group TOMORROW X TOGETHER earned a major honor at the Japan Gold Disc Awards. According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan on Tuesday, the group’s third Japanese full-length album, “Starkissed,” was selected in the Asia category for “Best 3 Albums” at the 40th Japan Gold Disc Awards. Released in October last year, “Starkissed” topped Oricon’s weekly combined album ranking and weekly album ranking with the group’s highest score to date. As of November last year, cumulative shipments surpassed 500,000 copies, earning a Gold Disc “Double Platinum” certification. In January, the group released the digital single “SSS (Sending Secret Signals,” featuring HYDE, a member of Japanese rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel and a solo artist, drawing a strong response. The group has maintained steady popularity in Japan. Its fourth full-length album released in South Korea in July last year, “The Star Chapter: TOGETHER,” received a Gold Disc “Double Platinum” certification as of February. The album first earned “Platinum” certification in its release month and added the new certification seven months later. The association issues Gold Disc certifications each month based on cumulative album shipments. TOMORROW X TOGETHER will hold its seventh anniversary special concerts, “2026 TXT MOA CON,” across eight shows in four Japanese cities — Aichi, Chiba, Fukuoka and Hyogo — in May and June. The group previously performed for three days at KSPO DOME in Seoul’s Songpa district, drawing about 33,000 attendees. The group will release its eighth mini album, “7TH YEAR: When the Wind Briefly Stopped in the Thornbush,” at 6 p.m. on April 13. It will be the group’s first full-group album since renewing its contract with BIGHIT MUSIC last year.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 09:01:03
  • A Man Living With the King Tops 12 Million Admissions, Holds No. 1 Spot
    'A Man Living With the King' Tops 12 Million Admissions, Holds No. 1 Spot The film "A Man Living With the King" has surpassed 12 million admissions. According to the Korean Film Council’s integrated box office database, the film drew 171,426 moviegoers on March 11, holding the No. 1 spot. Its cumulative total reached 12,055,448. Set in Cheongnyeongpo in 1457, the film follows a village chief who volunteers to live in exile to revive his town and a young deposed king sent into exile. The film has won broad support from both critics and audiences. Disney and Pixar’s animated film "Hoppers," directed by Daniel Chong, ranked No. 2 the same day with 11,605 admissions, bringing its cumulative total to 348,380. The film centers on Pixar’s imagined "hopping" technology, which transfers human consciousness into animal robots, as a girl named Mabel becomes a robot beaver and infiltrates the animal world on an unexpected adventure. "Samakdo," directed by Chae Gi-jun, opened that day and drew 11,185 moviegoers. Its cumulative total stood at 12,000. The film depicts a hellish ordeal witnessed in a sealed-off village where prophecies and secrets surround a pseudo-religion that disappeared after Japan’s colonial rule. It stars Jo Yoon-seo and Kwak Si-yang. 2026-03-12 08:18:16
  • BTS to Return With Gwanghwamun Comeback Live Streamed Worldwide on Netflix
    BTS to Return With Gwanghwamun Comeback Live Streamed Worldwide on Netflix Gwanghwamun, the center of Seoul, is set to turn purple again. After a wait of three years and nine months, BTS will make its official return on March 21 at Gwanghwamun Square with “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang.” Organizers say the event is designed as more than a comeback show, pairing a Korean narrative with a global audience and already reshaping downtown Seoul into a festival zone. With nine days to go, here are the main points. ◆ Capacity expanded to 22,000; purple wave from Gwanghwamun Station to City Hall Planned initially for 15,000 seats, the show has expanded to 22,000 amid surging demand. Offline ticket sales held Feb. 23 overwhelmed the “NOL Ticket” site, with the waiting queue topping 100,000; all seats sold out in 40 minutes. BigHit Music and HYBE said they secured additional viewing areas from Gwanghwamun Station, south of the Sejong-daero intersection, to near City Hall Station. Additional ticketing is set for March 12 at 8 p.m., and all sections will be standing to allow more fans to attend. Organizers said they are strengthening real-time monitoring and identity verification to curb scalping that has exploited the free event, with some resale listings reaching hundreds of thousands of won. ◆ Netflix’s first artist-only live stream aims for global reach The performance will be streamed live via Netflix to more than 190 countries. Netflix has not previously carried a live broadcast devoted to a single artist’s concert, a move expected to bring fans together in what organizers describe as a shared “digital square.” Industry attention is focused on how Netflix’s live-streaming capacity — previously cited as handling 65 million concurrent connections — will pair with BTS’ performance. A Netflix official said, “It will be a true live moment where viewers around the world share the same experience at the same time, without language and cultural barriers.” ◆ ‘Royal road’ opening and traditional aesthetics Organizers say the staging will emphasize Korean aesthetics. Members are set to open by marching along the “royal road” from Geunjeongmun to the restored Gwanghwamun Woldae, rebuilt for the first time in 100 years. The production also includes a large-scale performance combining the Arirang traditional music ensemble and dancers, along with a media facade planned to light up Gwanghwamun’s night sky and walls. Related brand collaboration products based on traditional Korean aesthetics are also to be released in stages through pop-up stores, organizers said. Analysts estimate the concert and related tourism, including pop-up store visits, could generate direct and indirect economic effects approaching 1 trillion won. Based on past large-scale concert data, they project 100,000 to 150,000 overseas fans could visit and spend at least 300 billion to 700 billion won on lodging, tourism and shopping. They added that the promotional value for Seoul’s city brand through the Netflix live broadcast could push the overall impact into the hundreds of billions of won more. ◆ New album March 20; world tour to span 34 cities BTS will release its fifth full-length album, “Arirang,” worldwide at 1 p.m. on March 20, the day before the concert. The 14-track album includes the title song “Swim (SWIM),” with leader RM participating broadly in the lyrics. The new songs are set to be unveiled on the March 21 Gwanghwamun stage. Plans after the comeback include a Netflix documentary, “BTS: The Return,” to be released March 27, covering the album’s production process. The group is also set to begin a major world tour in April starting in Goyang, with 82 shows across 34 cities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-12 06:03:21
  • SHINee’s Taemin Signs Exclusive Contract With Galaxy Corporation
    SHINee’s Taemin Signs Exclusive Contract With Galaxy Corporation Taemin, a member of the K-pop group SHINee and a solo singer, has signed with Galaxy Corporation. Galaxy Corporation said on the 11th that it has signed an exclusive contract with Taemin, adding that it will provide full support so his “unrivaled artistic capabilities” can create synergy with the company’s cutting-edge technology. Galaxy Corporation, which describes itself as South Korea’s first AI entertainment-technology company, develops “entertech” businesses that combine entertainment content with technologies such as AI and robotics. The company said the signing reflects a strategy to create added value by merging artists’ intellectual property with digital technology. With the move, Taemin joins a roster that includes singer G-DRAGON, actor Song Kang-ho and broadcaster Kim Jong-kook. Taemin debuted in 2008 as a member of SHINee, releasing hits including “Replay,” “Ring Ding Dong” and “View.” After making his solo debut in 2014, he released songs such as “Danger,” “Move” and “Want,” establishing himself as a solo artist known for performance. In August 2024, he launched his first solo world tour, “Ephemeral Gaze,” starting at Inspire Arena in Incheon, and held 37 shows across 20 countries in Asia, the United States and Europe. He is set to perform April 11 and 18 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, becoming the first South Korean male solo singer to take the stage at the festival.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 17:21:19
  • J-pop Singer Vaundy to Hold First Solo Concerts in South Korea in September
    J-pop Singer Vaundy to Hold First Solo Concerts in South Korea in September Japanese singer Vaundy will visit South Korea for the first time since his debut.  Type Communication Co., the organizer, said on the 11th that Vaundy will hold two solo concerts on Sept. 19 and 20 at Inspire Arena in Incheon, titled "Vaundy ASIA ARENA TOUR 2026 'HORO' IN SEOUL." The shows will mark his first official meeting with Korean fans who have long awaited a Korea concert, the organizer said. Vaundy is known as a multi-talented artist who oversees songwriting, composition and arrangement, as well as design, video direction and self-producing. Backed by polished sound, messages that resonate across generations and strong live performances, he has built a following across Asia beyond Japan. The Seoul concerts are expected to feature hit songs including "怪獣の花唄 (Kaiju no Hanauta)" and "踊り子 (Odoriko)," along with a special set list prepared for the Asia tour. The concerts will be held at Inspire Arena, described by the organizer as South Korea’s first multipurpose arena. Tickets for Vaundy’s first solo Korea concerts will be sold exclusively through online seller NOL Ticket starting at 8 p.m. on the 11th.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 17:09:24
  • ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Song ‘Golden’ to Be Performed at 98th Oscars
    ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Song ‘Golden’ to Be Performed at 98th Oscars Netflix hit film ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ will bring its theme song, ‘Golden,’ to the Academy Awards stage. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on its official website on March 10 (local time) that EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami — who provide the vocals for the film’s girl group, Huntrix — will perform ‘Golden’ at the 98th Academy Awards. The performance will open with a fusion segment combining Korean traditional instruments and dance. The academy said it will highlight the folk elements and cultural inspiration behind the film before the three Huntrix vocalists continue with ‘Golden.’ Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan called the film “a movie that sparked a global pop-culture craze.” On its official X account, the academy also posted: “Huntrix fans, light up your light sticks,” building anticipation for the stage. ‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ is nominated this year for best animated feature and best original song. After winning at the Golden Globe Awards in January and the Grammys last month, attention is also on its Oscar chances. The 98th Academy Awards will be held March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 13:51:18
  • BLACKPINK’s ‘GO’ Enters Billboard Hot 100, Setting K-Pop Girl Group Record
    BLACKPINK’s ‘GO’ Enters Billboard Hot 100, Setting K-Pop Girl Group Record BLACKPINK is drawing attention for extending K-pop records on major U.S. and U.K. charts, including Billboard and the Official Charts. According to Billboard’s latest rankings released on March 9 (local time), “GO,” the title track from the group’s third mini album, “DEADLINE,” debuted at No. 63 on the Billboard Hot 100. It marked BLACKPINK’s 11th career Hot 100 entry, the most ever for a K-pop female artist. The group also placed No. 13 on Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.). “DEADLINE” previously became BLACKPINK’s fifth career entry on the Billboard 200, underscoring the group’s continued presence in the mainstream pop market. In the U.K., “GO” ranked No. 44 on the Official Singles Top 100, while “DEADLINE” reached No. 11 on the Official Albums Top 100. Those results gave BLACKPINK its 12th singles chart entry and fourth albums chart entry, setting new records for the most appearances by a K-pop female artist in both categories. Sales charts also showed strong momentum. “DEADLINE” topped Hanteo’s weekly and monthly charts with just two and a half days of tracking, and it earned a triple crown on Circle Chart. The album sold 1,774,577 copies in its first week, setting a new first-week record for a K-pop girl group. Released Feb. 27, “DEADLINE” has also drawn praise from major international outlets. Rolling Stone wrote, “BLACKPINK is back at its best,” and Billboard called “GO” “the best song on the album and a track that truly represents BLACKPINK.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-11 08:33:32