SM Entertainment to host running event for K-pop fans this fall SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - A running event bringing together K-pop singers and their fans will be held this autumn, talent mill SM Entertainment said on Friday. Dubbed "SMTOWN RUN CLUB 26," the event is scheduled to be held at Wangsan Marina in the western port city of Incheon on Oct. 3, featuring a 10-kilometer course followed by live performances by SM artists and singers. The event was inspired by the "SM London Run," a fan-coined name for an impromptu run last July 24, 2026

Jennie takes creative control of new single 'Less than a Lover' SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - BLACKPINK's Jennie released a new single, Less than a Lover, on Friday after taking part in both the songwriting and visual production of the project. The track arrived at 1 p.m. (0400 GMT), according to OA Entertainment. Jennie contributed to its lyrics and composition, drawing on the atmosphere of summer while developing the song. Less than a Lover centers on the anticipation and lingering uncertainty of a relationship suspended somewhere between frie July 24, 2026

K-pop impresario Park Jin-young shows off biceps in photos for new single SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - K-pop singer and producer Park Jin-young on Friday shared several behind-the-scenes photos to promote his new single released the previous day. "WET" marks his first summer-themed single since "When We Disco," his 2020 collaboration with Sunmi, a former member of K-pop girl group Wonder Girls. The reggae-inspired track was also chosen as the main theme song for this year's "Waterbomb," one of South Korea's biggest summe July 24, 2026

 Seoul Arts Center chief Chang reports over $1 million cello collection SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) -A prized cello, bow and Steinway piano worth nearly $1 million appeared among the assets disclosed by internationally acclaimed cellist Han-Na Chang after she joined South Korea's mandatory wealth disclosure system as president of the Seoul Arts Center. Han-Na Chang, president of the Seoul Arts Center and an internationally acclaimed cellist, reported assets totaling 7.82 billion won ($5.6 million), according to a public asset disclosure released Friday July 24, 2026

Korea brings galleries, auction houses under mandatory art-market registration SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - South Korea will require galleries, auction houses and other art businesses to register with local authorities beginning July 26, marking the country's first comprehensive effort to bring the commercial art market under a unified regulatory system, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday. The new system applies to six business categories: galleries, art auctions, art advisory services, art rental and sales, appraisal services, and exhibit July 24, 2026

China-based K-pop boy group CIIU to release album next month SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - China-based K-pop boy group CIIU will release their first extended play (EP) next month since making their debut last year, their agency JYP Entertainment said on Friday. CIIU debuted in August 2025 under JYP Entertainment's "Globalization by Localization" strategy, which develops artists tailored to individual overseas markets. The strategy first produced Boy Story in China before expanding to Japan-based girl group NiziU and U.S.-based girl gro July 24, 2026

K-pop quartet aespa release new album in Japan SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - K-pop girl group aespa released their first Japanese mini album on Friday as they seek to expand their presence in Japan. "KISS N TELL" features six songs including the title track of the same name, a dance-pop song with upbeat piano melodies, rhythmic beats and layered harmonies, with lyrics exploring deepening friendships through shared personal concerns and emotions, according to their agency SM Entertainment. Released alongside the album, the July 24, 2026

Korean firm launches AI-ready museum archive platform SEOUL, July 23 (AJP) -Korean technology firm Indik said Thursday it has launched a platform that converts museum exhibition catalogs into curator-verified digital archives. The launch comes as museums prepare AI and digital transformation projects for 2027, with budget planning set to begin in September. Based in Jeonju, Indik has developed museum exhibitions, catalogs and cultural heritage content using public data. The platform, called ARTFACT, extracts artifact records, ima July 23, 2026

K-pop's second act: Why groups no longer really disappear SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - When NewJeans released a surprise anniversary film at midnight on July 22, it did more than celebrate four years since the group's debut. The video reunited Minji, Hanni, Haerin and Hyein in official group content for the first time in one year and four months after a prolonged contract dispute that had brought the group's activities to a halt. A court sided with their agency, ADOR, in both an injunction and the main lawsuit over the validity of the July 22, 2026

Le Sserafim member to throw first pitch for Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan next month SEOUL, July 22 (AJP) - Hong Eunchae, the youngest member of K-pop girl group Le Sserafim, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a home game for Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines early next month, her management agency Source Music said on Wednesday. An avid baseball fan, Hong will take the mound for the ceremonial first pitch before the Marines' game against the Saitama Seibu Lions on Aug. 5 at ZOZO Marine Stadium in Chiba. She will also meet fans at events held as part July 22, 2026