All posts tagged: K-Pop

India natural next step in HYBE’s global expansion: India CEO Damien Woochang Lee

India natural next step in HYBE’s global expansion: India CEO Damien Woochang Lee

New Delhi, As one of the fastest growing and most culturally dynamic music ecosystems in the world, India felt like the natural next step in the global expansion of HYBE, which is home to popular K-pop artist group BTS, says its India CEO Damien Woochang Lee. India natural next step in HYBE’s global expansion: India CEO Damien Woochang Lee Apart from BTS, the entertainment giant also has internationally popular groups such as Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Enhypen and Le Sserafim on its roaster and is now looking to find musical talent from beyond Korean shores. The company has expanded its presence across Japan, the United States, China and Mexico. Lee, whose favourite independent Indian artists are Hanumankind, Rebel, and Guru Randhawa, Diljit Dosanjh and Karan Aujla, said HYBE’s decision to establish a branch in India is rooted in their philosophy that the future of the global music industry will be shaped by diverse creative markets around the world. “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing and most culturally dynamic music ecosystems, making it a natural …

My Bias, My Boss review: A devoted fangirl, a CEO and a former K-pop idol fuel this delightful workplace rom-com

My Bias, My Boss review: A devoted fangirl, a CEO and a former K-pop idol fuel this delightful workplace rom-com

My Bias, My Boss web series review Cast: Kim Hye Jun, Kang Hoon, Cha Woo Min, Gong Ji Ho, Kim Ah Young, Hwang Sung Bin, Shin Yu Na, Heo Joon Seok Director: Park Ji Hyun, Jeong Da Hyung Rating: ★★★ K-pop has inspired quite a few K-dramas over the years. Shows like So I Married an Anti-fan, Imitation, Dream High and Doona! have all explored different sides of idol life and fandom. While some leaned more into fantasy than reality, Imitation remains one of the few dramas that genuinely captured what it means to be a K-pop idol. Going by its first two episodes, the new series My Bias, My Boss seems to be heading in that direction too. My Bias, My Boss review: A fangirl’s dream collides with office chaos in this charming K-drama. (tVN) TvN has premiered a new workplace rom-com, based on Seong Eun’s hit Naver webtoon My Oppa is an Idol, which is produced by CJ ENM’s Studio Dragon. The 12-episode series began airing on Prime Video India on August 3. …

BTS decide not to submit for Grammys 2027 despite Arirang’s record-breaking success after new Asian Pop category

BTS decide not to submit for Grammys 2027 despite Arirang’s record-breaking success after new Asian Pop category

Korean pop stars BTS have announced that they will not enter the 69th edition of the Grammy Awards, expressing clear disdain for the new award the Recording Academy recently unveiled: the Best Asian Pop Music Performance award. This is while the band’s latest album, Arirang, has become the biggest success story of the year in the realm of world music. Instead of participating in another Grammy Award campaign to celebrate their achievement, BTS have chosen not to submit for the awards, citing that they don’t think music should be categorised by its language or region. Korean group BTS appears at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022. ((Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)) What their statement said According to a recent statement from Korea on Instagram on Wednesday, RM, followed by Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, stated that they have decided not to submit their record-breaking new album, Arirang. “We have decided not to submit our music to the Grammys this year,” the group said in a statement …

K-pop star Ju Haknyeon, former The Boyz member, wins court battle as agency’s .4 million lawsuit is dismissed

K-pop star Ju Haknyeon, former The Boyz member, wins court battle as agency’s $5.4 million lawsuit is dismissed

Former member of the K-pop group The Boyz, Ju Haknyeon, has won a major legal battle against his previous company, One Hundred Label. This is because a Seoul court has thrown out the case filed by the label seeking 8 billion won (approx $5.4 million) in damages against the artist on the grounds that there was no legitimate reason for terminating their exclusive agreement. This marks a milestone in the career of the singer who faced controversies in the past year. Former The Boyz member Ju Haknyeon beats former agency as court throws out 8 billion won ($5.4 million) claim. How the dispute began The legal battle began in June 2025 when Ju Haknyeon was kicked out of The Boyz due to rumours that he had met and partied with the Japanese former adult film star Asuka Kirara during a ceremony in Japan. This was soon followed by a claim by a Korean reporter that Ju Haknyeon had indulged in prostitution; however, this turned out to be a falsehood. In response to the scandal, Cha …

Exclusive | YEONJUN on No Labels 02, his creative process, and wanting to meet fans in India

Exclusive | YEONJUN on No Labels 02, his creative process, and wanting to meet fans in India

TXT’s YEONJUN may have just given summer its official beat to cool off with the upbeat, funky single “Ice Cream.” The title track from his second mini album, No Labels: Part 02, has struck the right notes with its stylish choreography and moody vibe — and reportedly sparked a surge in ice cream sales across South Korea in the bargain. Exclusive | YEONJUN on No Labels 02, his creative process, and wanting to meet fans in India Released on July 10, the album sold 738,072 copies in its first week, making YEONJUN the year’s highest-selling soloist and surpassing the first-week sales of his debut solo effort, No Labels: Part 01, released in November 2025. In an exclusive interview with HT City, YEONJUN admits the pressure has eased a little. Letting Go of the Pressure “Compared to when I was preparing for PART 01, I feel like I’ve been able to let go of some pressure and approach things more comfortably. I realized that I show my best on stage when I’m not holding onto that …

LE SSERAFIM on collaborating with Guru Randhawa on Boompala, Supergirl song and India concert | Exclusive Interview

LE SSERAFIM on collaborating with Guru Randhawa on Boompala, Supergirl song and India concert | Exclusive Interview

There is a reason India has increasingly become part of the global music conversation. Over the past few years, artists have steadily built passionate fan communities across the country. And if K-pop group LE SSERAFIM have anything to say about it, India is no longer just another market on the map; it is a destination they are actively thinking about. LE SSERAFIM reveals how Guru Randhawa remix and DC’s Supergirl crossover are rewriting their K-pop blueprint. (Hybe) Fresh off the release of their second studio album PUREFLOW pt.1, the five-member K-pop group, composed of KIM CHAEWON, SAKURA, HUH YUNJIN, KAZUHA, and HONG EUNCHAE, are entering one of the biggest eras of their career. The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, became their fifth Top 10 entry on the Billboard 200, and sold more than half a million physical copies in its opening week. While PUREFLOW pt.1 is largely about embracing vulnerability and finding strength in fear, it has also opened the door to some unexpected global collaborations. In an exclusive …

LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT and KATSEYE on ‘Iconic by Mistake’ collaboration: ‘Incredibly inspiring’

LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT and KATSEYE on ‘Iconic by Mistake’ collaboration: ‘Incredibly inspiring’

In an exciting crossover, HYBE girl groups, LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT and KATSEYE have teamed up for a surprise collaboration titled ICONIC BY MISTAKE, along with a high-energy music video on June 12, 2026. Built on alternative pop production, the song blends sharp beats, catchy hooks and playful lyricism, creating a sound that feels chaotic, fun and instantly addictive. More than just a collaboration, the release is being seen as a moment where different pop identities collide and create something entirely new. LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT and KATSEYE unite for ICONIC BY MISTAKE. (BELIFT LAB/SOURCE MUSIC/ HYBE x Geffen Records ) What the groups have to say about the song The song focuses on individuality, confidence and the idea that influence cannot be manufactured. The alternative pop track thrives on the chemistry of the three groups, each known for their distinct style, artistic vision, and global reach, coming together to create one of the most anticipated collaborations of the moment. Instead of chasing perfection, the song highlights personality, flaws and authenticity as what truly makes someone stand …

BTS releases ‘Come Over’ on streaming platforms ahead of 13th anniversary celebrations | Korean News

BTS releases ‘Come Over’ on streaming platforms ahead of 13th anniversary celebrations | Korean News

BTS released “Come Over”, the centrepiece of the group’s 2026 FESTA, on global streaming platforms on Friday at 1 p.m. KST, as a gift to their fans. For those unfamiliar with the tradition: BTS FESTA is an annual event held every year in June to commemorate the group’s debut. It functions as a gift to fans, featuring special content such as new photos, behind-the-scenes videos, unreleased songs, and performance clips, culminating around June 13, the group’s official debut date. The story behind “Come Over” starts in April, during BTS comeback album release. The track was first released on April 3, appearing as the fifteenth track on the Deluxe Vinyl version of ARIRANG, BTS’s fifth studio album. That meant only fans who had purchased the physical vinyl format could hear it, leaving the majority of the global fanbase locked out. Once those vinyl copies landed, snippets spread online within hours, and the fandom’s reaction was instant and overwhelming. The demand for a streaming release was immediate. As a result, the band released the song on all …

BTS Festa 2026: A toast to 13 glorious years of the K-pop royalty

BTS Festa 2026: A toast to 13 glorious years of the K-pop royalty

The boy band BTS made K-pop a global phenomenon, and to celebrate their legacy over the past 13 years, BTS Festa is underway which comprises of new releases, revival of their travel show, a behind-the-scenes glimpse and much more. Here’s a lowdown BTS Festa 2026 (Photo: Instagram) The Family Photo The celebrations kicked in on June 4 with the band getting together to share some playful glimpses in a warm garden and home setting. It serves as their first complete, fully reunited OT7 group portrait session since all seven members—RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook—successfully finished their mandatory military services, thus making it all the more special. Live performances The celebrations continued as the band’s agency unveiled the video of the band’s performance of their song Hooligan, featuring all members, on June 5. BTS will also close the Festa with their two live performances scheduled in Busan on June 12 and 13, as part of their ongoing ARIRANG world tour. The dinner party The group’s web variety series Run BTS! 2.0 returned after a hiatus this April, and on June …

K-Pop fans assemble for an immersive experience at HYBE INDIA pop-up park in Mumbai

K-Pop fans assemble for an immersive experience at HYBE INDIA pop-up park in Mumbai

The growing K-Pop fandom in India found a place in Mumbai to gather and celebrate their love for the Korean pop bands. The HYBE INDIA pop-up park at Inorbit Mall, Malad on May 9 and 10 gave a platform for all fans to mingle and immerse themselves into their shared love for K-Pop bands. HYBE INDIA pop-up park in Mumbai (Photo: Akash Bhatnagar/HT) The experience featured a high-energy K-Pop DJ party, random dance sessions and live sets by artistes Shriya Rao and Kayan on Saturday. The fans danced along to the music by their loved artistes as they came on screen and they also got to enjoy Interactive zones like carpool karaoke, photobooths, make up stations and also express their love on a fan wall. The fans also got a chance to stop by the on-site audition booth for an opportunity to connect with casting directors working with HYBE INDIA, as the organisation is on the lookout for emerging music talents from the country. The HYBE INDIA Audition is part of a 15-city global tour …