BTS Comeback D-12: Seoul goes hard on lodging and scalping SEOUL, March 09 (AJP) - South Korea and its capital city authorities have intensified inspections of accommodations and launched a massive crackdown on ticket scalping as the K-pop legend is preparing for its comeback with a free public concert in central Seoul on March 21. The multi-agency enforcement effort follows the discovery of widespread lodging violations and reports of tickets for the free event being resold for hundreds of thousands of won. The Seoul City said Sunday tha March 9, 2026

BTS Comeback D-16: BTS teaser sparks global buzz ahead of 'ARIRANG' comeback SEOUL, March 05 (AJP) - BTS ignited massive online buzz Thursday after releasing a teaser for its upcoming comeback performance "BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE : ARIRANG," sending anticipation among global fans soaring ahead of the group’s long-awaited return. The K-pop sensation unveiled the trailer across its major social media platforms, quickly drawing millions of views and reactions from fans worldwide. The video opens with the roar of ARMY, BTS’ global fanb March 5, 2026

K-pop boy band NOWZ drops first Japanese album SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - Cube Entertainment's K-pop boy group NOWZ has rolled out its first Japanese album “NOWZ” on Wednesday, targeting the neighboring country's dance music scene. Releasing albums in Japan was considered one of the most important promotion activities for Korean artists in the early 2000s, when K-pop was not as popular. Japan has served for decades as a crucial gateway for K-pop acts seeking to build international audience. Chart performance, March 4, 2026

BTS Comeback D-17: 'ARIRANG' tracklist unveiled as heat builds up in countdown             SEOUL, March 04 (AJP) - BTS has drummed up anticipation for its long-awaited comeback with the release of the 14-song tracklist for its upcoming album ARIRANG — the group’s first full-member project in nearly four years — due March 20, with fans already preparing to camp out for the closest view of the open-air comeback show the following day. The tracklist was unveiled by HYBE through its official website and social media channels, accompanied by a visual feat March 4, 2026

NCT DREAM to host live viewing events in 86 cities worldwide SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - NCT DREAM will broadcast the finale concerts of its fourth world tour in cinemas across 86 cities worldwide, its agency SM Entertainment said Tuesday. NCT DREAM is a seven-member Korean boy group that debuted in 2016 as a unit of the broader NCT brand, known for hit tracks such as “Hot Sauce,” “Candy” and “ISTJ.” The “2026 NCT DREAM TOUR FINALE” will be held over six days, March 20–22 and March 27&ndas March 3, 2026

BTS Comeback D-17: Show goes on regardless of Middle East tensions SEOUL, March 03 (AJP) - With 17 days to go, BTS is pressing ahead with its long-awaited return, undeterred for now by escalating military tensions across the Middle East. The group is set to release its fifth studio album on March 20, followed by a free concert at Gwanghwamun in central Seoul on March 21 — a symbolic stage meant to herald its first full-group comeback in nearly four years. “The schedules will proceed as announced,” a source close to the matter March 3, 2026

Blackpink's Rosé becomes first K-pop artist to win at Brit Awards with 'APT.' SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) - Rosé of K-pop group BLACKPINK made history on Sunday, becoming the first K-pop artist to claim a trophy at the Brit Awards, one of Britain's most prestigious music ceremonies. The New Zealand-born South Korean singer took home the International Song of the Year award for "APT.," her chart-topping collaboration with Bruno Mars, at the 46th Brit Awards held at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester. "Give a shoutout to BLACKPINK. Jennie, J March 1, 2026

BTS Comeback D-20: Police scramble to curb mass overnight camping ahead of Gwanghwamun concert SEOUL, March 01 (AJP) - South Korean police are wrestling with how to manage the prospect of mass overnight camping by BTS fans ahead of the K-pop group's free comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza on March 21, as global audiences descend on the capital with no ticket in hand. Reports say officers are in talks with the Seoul Metropolitan Government over administrative guidance measures to deter fans from seizing stretches of the plaza and surrounding pavements for extended perio March 1, 2026

BTS Comeback D-22: The line between private and public - Jungkook Editor’s Note — As BTS prepares to return as a full seven-member act with a new album set for March 20 and an open-stage performance at Gwanghwamun on March 21, following a near four-year hiatus for rotational military service, AJP revisits the group’s 13-year trajectory. This series reexamines BTS’s history, music, performance identity and enduring appeal. The eight installment traces the roots and growth of Jungkook. SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - They sing a February 27, 2026

K-pop girl band aespa to release collaborative single 'Keychain' SEOUL, February 27 (AJP) - K-pop girl band aespa will drop "Keychain," a collaborative single with Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak on Friday, the four-member group's agency SM Entertainment said. The collaborative track will unveil globally at 2 p.m. (0500 GMT) across major streaming platforms. "Keychain" serves as an original soundtrack (OST) for "K-POPS!," a film produced, directed and starring Anderson .Paak. The song blends the February 27, 2026