S. Korea extradites mastermind who targeted BTS' Jungkook in $25.4 mln fraud SEOUL, May 13 (AJP) - South Korean authorities on Wednesday repatriated a 40-year-old Chinese national accused of leading a sophisticated hacking ring that attempted to steal 8.4 billion won from BTS star Jeon Jung-kook. The suspect, identified only as A, was escorted from Bangkok to Incheon International Airport following a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Agency. The extradition marks a major development in an investigation into a syndic May 13, 2026

Avignon Festival to spotlight Korean language and contemporary performing arts SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) - The Avignon Festival, one of the world’s leading performing arts festivals, will spotlight the Korean language and contemporary Korean productions during its 80th edition in July, marking the first time an Asian language has been selected as the festival’s official invited language. The Korean-language spotlight program coincides with the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and France, highlighting the growing cultural e May 12, 2026

Annual Cannes Film Festival opens with South Korean cinema in spotlight SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) - This year's Cannes Film Festival kicked off its 11-day run in the southern French city on Tuesday, with South Korean films among the highlights. Widely regarded as one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, alongside those in Berlin and Venice, the festival, now in its 79th year, is known for recognizing auteur-driven, bold, and artistic films. Its top prize, the Palme d'Or, also known as Golden Palm, is considered one of the highest hon May 12, 2026

BLACKPINK's Jennie rakes in billions after establishing her own agency SEOUL, May 12 (AJP) - K-pop star Jennie of BLACKPINK has earned more than 23 billion Korean won (about US$16 million) in just two years since launching her own agency. According to the Financial Supervisory Service's electronic corporate disclosure, OA Entertainment, founded by Jennie, paid her 9.48 billion won last year and 14.31 billion won the year before. The combined total over the two-year period amounts to approximately 23.8 billion won. OA Entertainment posted 23.8 bi May 12, 2026

K-pop girl band ITZY to return with 10th mini album 'Motto' on May 18 SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - K-pop girl band ITZY will return on May 18 with its 10th mini album "Motto," marking the group’s first release in six months following "TUNNEL VISION," JYP Entertainment said Monday. Debuting on Feb. 12, 2019, with "Dalla Dalla," the five-member band quickly emerged as the K-pop super rookie after the music video for its title song surpassed 14 million views within 24 hours and reached 100 million views in 57 days, setting May 11, 2026

K-pop band NCT to launch 10th anniversary pop-up in Seoul SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) -K-pop band NCT will open a large-scale pop-up event in Seoul starting Friday as part of the group’s 10th anniversary project, SM Entertainment said Monday. The event, titled "NCT 10TH Anniversary pop up : Neo Ground," will run from May 15 to 23 at Pi Factory in Seoul’s Gwangjin District, a district well-known as a hipster area frequented by tourists from around the world. Debuting in 2016, NCT has expanded into multiple sub May 11, 2026

Bibi releases special single Bumpa on May 20 SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - South Korean singer-songwriter Kim Hyung-seo, known professionally as Bibi, will release a special single titled Bumpa on May 20. The upcoming track serves as her first musical release in exactly one year since her second studio album debuted in May 2025. Kim Hyung-seo is a prominent soloist in South Korea recognized for her distinct vocal style and narrative-driven songwriting. Since her debut, she has maintained a high degree of creative autonomy, frequentl May 11, 2026

NCT's Taeyong to release first full-length solo album 'WYLD' SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) -Lee Tae-yong, the leader of NCT, will release his first full-length solo album titled WYLD on May 18, SM Entertainment said Monday. The 10-track project marks a significant milestone for the 30-year-old performer who has been a central figure in South Korea's global music expansion since his debut in 2016. The release underscores the artist's creative evolution as a producer and songwriter for both his individual projects and the wider NCT collective. May 11, 2026

2PM to return with full-group concert in Korea coming August SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - K-pop group 2PM will return to the South Korean stage as a full six-member act this August for its first domestic solo concert in three years, management agency JYP Entertainment said Monday. The group will hold the 2026 2PM Concert THE RETURN in INCHEON on August 8 and 9 at the Inspire Arena in Incheon. The performances will mark the first solo show in South Korea featuring all six members since September 2023, when the group held a concert to commemorate May 11, 2026

SHINee to return with new EP 'Atmos' on June 1 SEOUL, May 11 (AJP) - SHINee, one of K-pop's most influential bands known for its experimental music and trend-setting performances, will return on June 1 with its sixth mini album “Atmos,” SM Entertainment said Monday. Debuting in 2008 under SM Entertainment as a five-member group, SHINee built a strong global fanbase with hits such as “Replay,” “Ring Ding Dong” and “Sherlock,” while earning recognition for pushing the boundarie May 11, 2026