AJU PRESS ASIA FIRST NEWS AGENCY

Journalist

Choi Song-hui
  • SEVENTEEN’s THE 8 to headline China’s Midou Music Festival in Nanjing
    SEVENTEEN’s THE 8 to headline China’s Midou Music Festival in Nanjing SEVENTEEN member THE 8 will close out a major music festival in China with a solo set, his agency said. PLEDIS Entertainment, a HYBE Music Group label, said on Monday that THE 8 will appear as a headliner at the MIDOU MUSIC FESTIVAL, scheduled for May 1-2 in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Now in its 15th edition, the festival has grown into a large-scale event since launching in 2014, drawing crowds that also boost local tourism. Organizers held two editions last year, in June and October, attracting more than 80,000 and more than 60,000 attendees, respectively, according to the agency. THE 8 has previously headlined in China. At the YJ music festival in Beijing in September last year, he performed vocals and choreography and added a DJ set, drawing strong audience response, the agency said. Fans lined up from the night before, and he trended on Weibo immediately after the show. His recent releases have also performed strongly, the agency said. His 2025 single “Star Crossing Night” topped major Chinese music charts, and his Chinese EP “STARDUST,” on which he participated in writing and composing every track, was also well received. Beyond music, THE 8 has expanded into broader art projects. In December, he released an art film featuring a remix version of “Skyfall” as part of “THE 8 Contemporary ART,” a project reflecting his emotions and perspective. The agency said attention is focused on what he will bring to the Midou festival stage.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-24 08:27:16
  • Xdinary Heroes to Return April 17 With New EP DEAD AND; Track List Released
    Xdinary Heroes to Return April 17 With New EP 'DEAD AND'; Track List Released JYP Entertainment’s boy band Xdinary Heroes (XH) is set to return with the new song “Voyager.” The group will release its new mini album, “DEAD AND,” at 1 p.m. April 17 and begin comeback promotions. Ahead of the release, JYP posted the album’s track list image at noon on the 23rd through its official social media channels. According to the track list, the album includes seven songs: the title track “Voyager,” the pre-release track “X room,” and “Helium Balloon,” “No Cool Kids Zone,” “Hurt So Good,” “Rise High Rise” and “KTM.” The six members — Gun-il, Jungsu, Gaon, O.de, Jun Han and Jooyeon — took part in the work on all tracks, as they have since debut, adding the band’s distinct musical identity. For “Voyager,” veteran K-pop producer Lee Woo-min, known as “collapsedone,” teamed up again with the band after working on songs including “PLUTO,” “Save me,” “Night before the end” and “Beautiful Life.” Songwriters Shim Eun-ji, VERSACHOI and Lee Hae-sol also contributed. Last year, Xdinary Heroes released two albums and held a world tour, while appearing on major stages including Lollapalooza Chicago, the 2025 Busan International Rock Festival and as the opening act for British rock band Muse’s concert in South Korea, strengthening its standing as a next-generation K-pop “super band.” After starting the year with an official fan meeting, the group recently completed its first local shows in Osaka and Yokohama, titled “Japan Special Live The New X Scene,” as it expands overseas activities. The pre-release track “X room” will be unveiled at 6 p.m. on the 25th. All tracks from the group’s eighth mini album, “DEAD AND,” will be available on music streaming platforms at 1 p.m. April 17.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 16:36:17
  • ONEUS Wraps First Fan Concert Since Move to B-Wave Entertainment
    ONEUS Wraps First Fan Concert Since Move to B-Wave Entertainment ONEUS has completed its first fan concert since moving agencies, marking a new step for the group. The group met fans March 21-22 at the Grand Theater of Kwangwoon University’s Donghae Culture and Arts Center in Seoul’s Gwangjin district for “2026 ONEUS FANCON : Welcome to US’s ISLAND.” Backed by loud cheers, ONEUS opened with “STOP & MOVE” and “Now.” The show also featured interactive segments such as “Find the Voice!” and a rhythm word game, along with a keyword-themed dress-up mission that drew laughter from the crowd. The group’s performance-driven set included unit stages and songs spanning its career, including “Grenade,” “LIT” and “Valkyrie,” plus energetic dance cover stages that heightened the atmosphere in the hall. ONEUS also held a surprise celebration for the birthday of its official fan club, TO MOON. The members marked the occasion by blowing out candles with fans and taking time to grant fans’ wishes. B-Wave Entertainment said, “It is meaningful that ONEUS successfully wrapped up this fan concert created together with fans,” adding, “We thank the fans for filling the venue with support, and we will continue active communication through ONEUS’s music and content.” After choosing the fan concert as its first official activity under B-Wave Entertainment, ONEUS signaled it remains a strong presence with its distinct identity and performances. The group said it plans to continue meeting fans through a range of future activities.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 16:03:16
  • BTS’ ‘Life Goes On’ Tops 1 Billion Spotify Streams, Their Sixth Song to Hit the Mark
    BTS’ ‘Life Goes On’ Tops 1 Billion Spotify Streams, Their Sixth Song to Hit the Mark BTS’ “Life Goes On” has surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. The track, the title song from the group’s seventh mini album “BE,” released in November 2020, reached 1 billion cumulative plays on the global audio and music streaming platform as of March 21. It became BTS’ sixth song to cross the 1 billion-stream threshold. The group previously hit 1 billion streams with “FAKE LOVE,” “Boy With Luv,” “Dynamite,” “Butter” and “My Universe.” “Life Goes On” is notable for reaching the milestone with lyrics primarily in Korean. The achievement drew added attention as it coincided with the strong performance of BTS’ new release “ARIRANG,” unveiled March 20. As all tracks from “ARIRANG” showed strength on Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global” chart, “Life Goes On” also re-entered the rankings as of March 21, nearly five years after its release. “Life Goes On” delivers a message of comfort — “still, life goes on” — in the face of circumstances that force people to stop. Upon release, it topped Billboard’s main singles chart, the Hot 100, dated Dec. 5, 2020, sparking global attention. Billboard said it was the only song in the chart’s 62-year history to reach No. 1 with lyrics centered on Korean. The music video, which Jungkook helped direct, has also drawn steady interest. The video shows the members in everyday moments and singing in a calm mood, conveying warmth to fans. Jungkook expressed the disappointment and longing of not being able to meet fans in person due to COVID-19. BTS released “ARIRANG” on March 20. Its title track, “SWIM,” ranked No. 1 on Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global” chart for two consecutive days, dated March 20-21. In South Korea, it also topped daily charts dated March 22 on major music platforms including Melon, Genie and Bugs. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 15:51:42
  • ITZY’s Yuna Makes Solo Debut With First EP, ‘Ice Cream’
    ITZY’s Yuna Makes Solo Debut With First EP, ‘Ice Cream’ ITZY’s youngest member, Yuna, is stepping out on her own seven years after debuting with the group, unveiling her first solo EP, “Ice Cream.” A release news conference was held Monday afternoon at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East Pole in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. Yuna debuted with ITZY in 2019 and becomes the group’s second member to launch a solo project, following Yeji. “It’s my first solo album in seven years, so I feel a lot of pressure, and I really want to do well,” Yuna said. She added that Yeji’s solo work “influenced me in a good way” and helped her prepare. Yuna said she wrestled with doubts during production, asking herself whether she could carry a project alone, but said the process ultimately gave her confidence. “While preparing the album, I discovered sides of myself I didn’t know and gained courage,” she said, crediting support from staff, her bandmates and the group’s fan community, known as MIDZY. “It wasn’t easy to fill a song in diverse ways with only my voice. I studied a lot at home and in the studio, and I think that process gave me another chance to grow.” She said the solo project also pushed her to be more assertive than she typically is in group work. “In group activities, the five of us have to bring our opinions together and compromise, so I tended to follow,” she said. “For this album, I shared my opinions first and acted more proactively.” The title track, “Ice Cream,” is a bubblegum pop song with a bouncy, addictive hook. It carries a message about savoring the moment “as sweetly as ice cream melting,” she said. “I was hooked the first time I heard ‘Ice Cream,’” Yuna said. “As soon as I heard it, I could picture the stage, the performance and the visuals, and I thought I wanted to show my charm with this song.” She said she hoped the choreography would be something “anyone would want to follow,” and that she prepared a performance that suits her. The EP also includes “B-Boy,” described as having a freer mood; “Blue Maze,” which depicts a soft, dreamy moment of love; and “Hyper Dream,” built on layered sound. “I think my strength is bright, natural energy,” Yuna said, calling the release a good fit for spring and recommending it for commutes. She said ITZY members encouraged her after hearing the songs, and that Yeji visited the music video set. “When I saw her, I teared up,” Yuna said, adding that a snack truck sent by the members — with bungeoppang and fish cake — was “really delicious” and moving. Yuna also recalled encouragement from Park Jin-young, whom she referred to as PD. “He told me, ‘Yuna, I’m really looking forward to it. Don’t get hurt, and finish it well in good health,’” she said, adding that his support meant more because he has watched her grow since she was young. Yuna said she hopes the promotions help establish her beyond her role as the group’s youngest member. “I want to be recognized as Yuna, and I want to receive a lot of love,” she said. “I’ll do my best so that when you see the stage, you’ll say Yuna has grown up well.” “Ice Cream” will be released at 6 p.m. Monday on major music streaming platforms. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 15:45:19
  • ITZY’s Yuna on ‘THAT’S A NO NO’ resurgence: ‘Ice Cream’ solo debut can keep momentum
    ITZY’s Yuna on ‘THAT’S A NO NO’ resurgence: ‘Ice Cream’ solo debut can keep momentum ITZY’s Yuna shared her thoughts on the renewed popularity of the group’s track “THAT’S A NO NO.” A news conference marking the release of Yuna’s first solo album, “Ice Cream,” was held Monday afternoon at the Pullman Ambassador Seoul East Pole in Seoul’s Gwangjin district. “THAT’S A NO NO,” a B-side from ITZY’s second mini-album “IT’z ME,” released in March 2020, has been gaining traction through social media and is climbing music charts again. “‘THAT’S A NO NO’ is rising again,” Yuna said. “As spring comes, it’s getting a lot of love, so I feel great. I’d be grateful if ‘Ice Cream’ is loved along with ‘THAT’S A NO NO.’” She added, “I’m confident I can keep this momentum with my solo activities.” She said her strength is “bright, natural energy,” adding that listeners will be able to feel that in the new album. “Ice Cream” is a bubblegum pop track described as bouncy and highly addictive. It carries the message: “Like ice cream melting sweetly, don’t miss this moment — enjoy it to the fullest,” and aims to energize listeners. The album is set to be released at 6 p.m. Monday on major music platforms.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-23 14:39:16
  • Culture minister credits public, fans for safe BTS Gwanghwamun concert
    Culture minister credits public, fans for safe BTS Gwanghwamun concert Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Choi Hwi-young thanked the public and fans after BTS’ comeback concert at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square ended without any safety incidents. In a social media post on March 22, Choi said the group’s “Arirang” performance at Gwanghwamun “ended safely without a single safety accident,” crediting “the mature civic awareness of our people” and the cooperation of the global BTS fan base, known as ARMY. Choi also praised BTS, which returned as a full group after three years and five months. He said the group’s vocals and dynamic choreography, performed before a crowd that turned the square purple, drew admiration from fans. He added that the concert was livestreamed to viewers in more than 190 countries and thanked residents who tolerated inconvenience, along with volunteers, public officials and others who worked to keep the site safe. Choi pledged continued government support for Korean pop culture, saying the government would do its best to help K-culture spread “faster and more widely” worldwide. Organizers estimated 104,000 people attended the March 21 “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE｜ARIRANG” concert, while Seoul’s real-time city data put the crowd at 42,000. After finishing domestic schedules, BTS is set to begin overseas activities starting March 23 with a Spotify stage in New York, including an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” The group is also scheduled to launch its new “Arirang” world tour on April 9 at Goyang Stadium.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 17:54:00
  • IVE’s ‘HEYA’ Music Video Tops 100 Million YouTube Views; Three Hits Pass 300 Million
    IVE’s ‘HEYA’ Music Video Tops 100 Million YouTube Views; Three Hits Pass 300 Million IVE has earned its sixth music video to surpass 100 million views on YouTube with “HEYA.” Starship Entertainment said the music video for “HEYA,” the title track from IVE’s second EP, “IVE SWITCH,” topped 100 million views on Friday. The milestone gives the group six music videos with more than 100 million views. Since its debut with “ELEVEN,” IVE has continued to post blockbuster view counts through “HEYA,” reinforcing its popularity. “LOVE DIVE,” “After LIKE” and “I AM” have each exceeded 300 million views, showing sustained interest over time. Released April 29, 2024, “HEYA” pairs narrative lyrics inspired by folklore with a powerful hip-hop sound. The song ranked high on major domestic streaming charts after its release and also gained traction on iTunes’ Top Song chart, the agency said. The “HEYA” music video passed 10 million views within 19 hours of release and reached No. 1 on YouTube’s worldwide music video trending list. The track also placed in the upper ranks of the “2024 Melon Year-End Chart” Top 100, indicating long-running performance. IVE held its fourth fan concert, “DIVE INTO IVE,” on Friday at Inspire Arena in Incheon and is set to meet fans again at a 4 p.m. show Saturday. The performance will be livestreamed on Beyond LIVE.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 15:51:37
  • BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sweeps Spotify Global Chart, Tracks Fill Top 14
    BTS’ ‘ARIRANG’ Sweeps Spotify Global Chart, Tracks Fill Top 14 All tracks from BTS’ new album, ‘ARIRANG,’ have entered Spotify’s global charts. Spotify said on the 21st that BTS’ fifth full-length album, ‘ARIRANG’ (ARIRANG), has become the most-streamed K-pop album of all time. It also ranked as this year’s most-played album in a single day, underscoring the release’s strong momentum. On Spotify’s “Daily Top Songs Global,” the title track “SWIM” went straight to No. 1 on the March 20 chart, while every song from the album placed from No. 1 through No. 14. Even the sixth interlude track, which features the sound of the bell of the Seongdeok the Great Divine Bell, charted. BTS also topped Spotify’s “Daily Top Artists Global.” The comeback also set records on Apple Music. ‘ARIRANG’ became the most-played K-pop album worldwide on its first day of release in Apple Music history. It also posted the biggest first-day streaming total ever for a pop album released by the group. The figures reflected global fan interest after a 3-year, 9-month hiatus. In South Korea, ‘ARIRANG’ has dominated album and streaming rankings. “SWIM” topped Melon’s daily chart for March 20, and held No. 1 on the real-time “Top 100” from 8 a.m. on the 21st through 1 p.m. on the 22nd. Physical sales were also strong: first-day sales surpassed 3.98 million copies, based on Hanteo Chart tallies, quickly exceeding the group’s previous best first-week record. The album also stayed No. 1 on Hanteo’s daily chart for two straight days (March 20-21). The album is described as capturing BTS’ identity and universal emotions they face. HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk participated as executive producer, and RM led the album’s lyrics, expressing a sincere attitude of loving life.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-03-22 14:39:17
  • BTS Returns as Full Group With Free Gwanghwamun Square Concert for ‘Arirang’ Album
    BTS Returns as Full Group With Free Gwanghwamun Square Concert for ‘Arirang’ Album “Thanks to BTS, I learned for the first time that ‘Arirang’ is a Korean folk song, and I was moved because the show captured Korea’s identity so well,” said Kiara, a fan from the Philippines, at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21. A K-pop fan since 2008, she said she has been an ARMY — BTS’ fan community — since the group’s debut. She said she even held off listening to the tracks released the day before so she could hear them first at the venue, giving a thumbs-up after hearing the title track, ‘SWIM,’ and the B-side ‘Body to Body.’ The square turned into what many fans described as a massive purple concert hall, reflecting BTS’ signature color, as crowds gathered to see the group perform together again after 3 years and 9 months. Organizers estimated 104,000 people attended, while Seoul’s real-time city data put the figure at 42,000. The turnout was calmer than some had expected, which helped operations run more smoothly. Fans outside the fenced-off official seating area of 22,000 watched large screens and sang along. Some recorded the show on their phones, while others video-called friends overseas to share the scene live. With about 6,700 police deployed, concertgoers passed through four checkpoints. Despite the tight security, the crowd remained orderly. At 8 p.m., a sweeping drone shot over Mount Bugak and Gyeongbok Palace opened the broadcast on Netflix to more than 190 countries. As 50 dancers lined up on the stage platform, the seven members appeared in black outfits that reinterpreted traditional armor in a modern style. RM, seated due to an ankle injury, opened with the group greeting: “It’s been four years. Hello, we are BTS.” He added, “We’ll give everything today. It’s been a long journey, but we’ve finally made it here.” BTS launched into tracks from the new album, including ‘Body to Body,’ ‘Hooligan’ and ‘2.0,’ quickly taking control of the square. ‘Body to Body,’ created in collaboration with the National Gugak Center, wove the melody of ‘Arirang’ into a modern beat, reflecting HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk’s stated view that the starting point should be Korea’s most symbolic space. The group then performed global hits ‘Butter’ and ‘MIC Drop,’ drawing cheers and singalongs from fans, including many from overseas. Midway through the show, members spoke candidly about their time away. J-Hope said, “We worried we might be forgotten.” Suga said, “I thought intensely about what needed to change. I’m still anxious, but these feelings are ours, too.” RM added, “The answer wasn’t outside, it was inside. The goal of this album was to put ourselves into it.” Jimin said, “We’re not special people. We’re scared every time, but if we keep swimming, I believe we’ll find the answer someday.” V said he hoped their music could offer comfort, before the group performed ‘SWIM.’ For the encore, BTS performed ‘Mikrokosmos,’ with a production that placed the Big Dipper in the night sky above Gwanghwamun as fans’ light sticks shone like a field of stars. The next day, HYBE issued a statement thanking authorities for allowing the use of Gwanghwamun and residents for accepting the disruption. “Mature civic awareness made this concert shine even more,” the company said. It added it would develop specific plans to promote protection of national heritage and cultural assets and implement a long-term support system. BTS returned with a record 3.98 million copies sold on the album’s first day. The group is set to continue its global schedule with a world tour starting April 9 at Goyang Sports Complex. 2026-03-22 13:54:21