Jungkook sets new records on Spotify as Asia's top solo act

SEOUL, July 03 (AJP) - BTS' Jungkook is breaking new ground on Spotify, achieving chart longevity that no other Asian solo artist has reached before. "Seven," his debut solo single released in July 2023, ranked 69th on Spotify's Weekly Top Songs Global chart for the week of June 20 to 26. The track has now spent 102 consecutive weeks on the chart, the longest run ever for a song by an Asian solo artist. His first solo album, "GOLDEN," released in Novem

July 3, 2025

K-pop band TXT gears up for July comeback with preview of fourth studio album

SEOUL, July 02 (AJP) - Tomorrow X Together (TXT), often described as BTS' brother band under Hybe, is ramping up excitement for their return with a full preview of their upcoming album, "The Name Chapter: Together," released via Hybe Labels' YouTube channel at midnight Wednesday. The preview offers a glimpse of all eight tracks from the group's fourth studio album, which officially drops on July 21 at 6 p.m. (0900 GMT). The album marks the final chapter in th

July 2, 2025

Reunited BTS members gear up for new album ahead of return next spring

SEOUL, July 2 (AJP) - K-pop boy band BTS will resume group activities next spring with the release of a new album, as all seven members recently reunited after completing their mandatory military service. During a live-streamed event on their platform on Tuesday, the first since their reunion last month, they shared their upcoming plans with fans. "We'll soon start working on the album," said leader RM. "We plan to release it by spring, definitely before summer

July 2, 2025

Hybe names new heads for Americas and APAC as global push accelerates

SEOUL, July 02 (AJP) - Hybe, the South Korean entertainment company behind BTS, has appointed Isaac Lee as CEO and Chairman of Hybe America, expanding his current leadership role over Latin America to include the entire Western Hemisphere. The move reflects Hybe's broader push to streamline global operations and build stronger local networks in key music markets. The entertainment powerhouse that nurtured top K-pop acts such as BTS and TXT said Wednesday that Lee, who has serv

July 2, 2025

'Squid Game' finale maintains top spot among TV shows on Netflix

SEOUL, July 1 (AJP) - The third and final season of Netflix's South Korean series "Squid Game" has remained the most-streamed show, since its release last Friday. The much-anticipated season of the dystopian thriller ranked No. 1 among TV shows in 93 countries worldwide as of Tuesday and maintained the top spot for three consecutive days, according to FlixPatrol, which tracks global streaming rankings. The six-episode finale continues the deadly, high-stakes saga th

July 1, 2025

Creator of 'Squid Game' responds to American spinoff rumors

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - The final moments of Netflix drama series Squid Game's highly anticipated third season have ignited speculation about an American spinoff, especially following a surprise appearance by veteran actress Cate Blanchett. But according to series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, while the cliffhanger ending was designed to leave an impression, it was not intended to launch a new franchise, at least not by the South Korean director. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter

July 1, 2025

K-pop band BTS to release live album as full group reunites after military service

SEOUL, July 01 (AJP) - K-pop wonder BTS will drop its first-ever live album on July 18, capturing performances from their record-breaking world tour "Permission to Dance on Stage," the seven-member band's agency said Tuesday. The album features 22 tracks recorded between 2021 and 2022 in South Korea and the United States, including crowd-pleasers such as "ON," "FIRE," "DOPE," and "IDOL." BigHit Music said the release is intende

July 1, 2025

BLACKPINK to unveil new song at upcoming concert in Goyang

SEOUL, June 24 (AJP) - K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will perform their new song for the first time during their upcoming concert at Goyang, north of Seoul, during the four-member band's two-day concert schedule in early July, YG Entertainment said Monday. "There were many discussions on how to showcase the new song," YG said in a statement. "We decided to unveil it at the concert in Goyang as it marks the beginning of their world tour." Starting in Goyang

June 24, 2025

ATEEZ's latest album debuts at No. 2 on Billboard 200

SEOUL, June 23 (AJP) - K-pop boy band ATEEZ's latest album debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 for the week ending this Saturday. According to Billboard on Sunday, the octet notched "their seventh top 10" entry on the U.S. main albums chart with "Golden Hour: Part 3," the third in the series, about a week after its release on June 13. With 105,000 copies sold in the U.S., the album ranked just behind American country singer Morgan Wallen's "I

June 23, 2025

Chinese singer Nina makes confident K-pop debut with 'Never Afraid'

SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) - Chinese singer Nina officially stepped into the K-pop spotlight on Thursday, Jun. 19, with the release of her debut mini album Never Afraid. Featuring four tracks, the album marks the beginning of her solo journey, blending her unique tone with a message of determination and self-belief. Before debuting, Nina steadily gained attention through cover videos and live content, quietly building a loyal fanbase. In an interview, she said her dream of becoming a sing

June 19, 2025