Stray Kids' latest album claims top spot on Billboard chart

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - K-pop boy band Stray Kids' latest album "Hop" made history for a South Korean act by reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart for the sixth time. Billboard said last Sunday that the album ranked first after earning 187,000 equivalent album units for the week ending Dec. 19 in the U.S. It praised the eight-member band achieved a historic milestone by securing the top spot on the chart with six consecutive albums, a feat unprecedente

December 24, 2024

Historical espionage film 'Harbin' set for release in North America

SEOUL, December 24 (AJP) - "Harbin," starring South Korean heartthrob Hyun Bin, is set to hit theaters across North America early next month, film distributor Well Go USA Entertainment said. Slated for release in various cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, Seattle and Toronto on Jan. 3, the historical espionage film, revolves around the sacrifices and struggles of Korean independence fighters including Ahn Jung-geun, who fought for his country during Japan's imperial expa

December 24, 2024

Netflix, SBS join hands on expanding K-content

SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) - Starting next year, TV series, variety shows, and educational programs from major Korean broadcaster SBS will be available on Netflix. SBS signed a memorandum of understanding with the global streaming giant on Friday to provide content over six years, with the agreement commencing in January. Popular SBS variety and educational programs such as Running Man, Unanswered Questions, and Kick a Goal, along with hit dramas like The Penthouse: Wa

December 20, 2024

Voice actress behind Baby Shark nominated for award

SEOUL, December 20 (AJP) - American actress Kimiko Glenn has been nominated by an annual children's and family TV awards ceremony for her voice role as Baby Shark, according to South Korea's The Pinkfong Company. The Children's and Family Emmys, organized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS), recognize achievements in American children's and family TV shows since 2022. Glenn has been nominated for the third Children's and Family Emmy

December 20, 2024

Filmmaker behind hit coup flick speaks out over martial law attempt

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Filmmaker Kim Sung-su, who directed last year's critically acclaimed film "12.12: The Day," has openly criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol over his abrupt declaration of martial law earlier this month, calling him "deranged." The historical film, set against the backdrop of a military coup in South Korea in the late 1970s, depicts disgraced former president Chun Doo-hwan, who seized power in December 1979 following the assassination

December 18, 2024

IU named as No. 1 South Korean artist by Billboard

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Singer and actress IU has been named South Korea's best artist of the year by Billboard. The 31-year-old was selected on Tuesday as the country's No. 1 artist as part of the American music magazine's inaugural "Global No. 1s Series," which highlights leading artists from around the world. Billboard praised IU for her versatility. "From making music to acting on screen, IU can seemingly do it all — and she commands unpara

December 18, 2024

Netflix's hit dating show to return with fourth season next month

SEOUL, December 18 (AJP) - Netflix's reality show "Single's Inferno" is set to usher in the new year with its fourth season next month, the American streaming giant said on Tuesday. Set for release on Jan. 14, the hit dating show has become the first South Korean Netflix series to be picked up for a fourth season. The dating show features single men and women stranded on a remote island as they navigate relationships. Contestants choose someone they are interest

December 18, 2024

IU supports fans attending impeachment rally against Yoon

SEOUL, December 14 (AJP) - Singer and actress IU will support her fans attending a rally on Saturday calling for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, providing snacks and hand warmers. EDAM Entertainment announced on its official fan platform that these items will be available at five locations in Yeouido, Seoul, including a cafe and restaurants. "We prepared food and hand warmers to help warm the cold hands of UAENA (IU's fandom), who are brightening the surroun

December 14, 2024

K-pop becomes protest anthem in rallies against Yoon

SEOUL, December 12 (AJP) - K-pop songs have emerged as the new soundtrack of protest in South Korea since President Yoon Suk Yeol's Dec. 3 martial law declaration, with their stimulating tempo, dynamic beats and catchy hooks energizing young participants at rallies. Girls' Generation's 2007 debut song "Into the New World" has become a rallying cry at candlelight protests across Seoul, where demonstrators are calling for Yoon's resignation and impeachment.

December 12, 2024

​​​​​​​K-pop training goes global: World K-pop Center plans 32-nation girl group project

SEOUL, December 4 (AJP) -- "K-pop stands at the heart of Korean culture today. We aim to create a true cultural exchange by bringing together girl groups from 32 different nations," says Park Sung-jin, CEO of World K-pop Center. Speaking at the launch of news platform AJP at Seoul's FKI Tower on Tuesday, Park detailed his organization's vision for globalizing K-pop education through a U.N.-inspired strategy. Park emphasized that while famous K-pop artists have p

December 4, 2024