NCT‘s new ‘success formula’ that even foreign media is paying attention to

NCT, the first K-pop group to present a new model called ‘Expanded Group’, is leading the enthusiastic response of the global fandom by carrying out various activities from units to solo this year. NCT 127, NCT Dream, and NCT Wish, each showing different personalities under the ‘Signboard’NCT’, have achieved ‘Career Highs’, which has led foreign media to shed light on their new way to success. NCT 127 made it onto the year-end charts of Billboard, a music magazine in the United States, and Dazed, a pop culture magazine in the United Kingdom, with their 6th full-length album ‘Work’, released in July. Billboard named them the ‘Best of 2024

VIXX Ken “My growth is ‘Sinabro’”[Interview]

“My growth is ‘Sinabro’.” Ken of the group VIXX, who debuted in 2012, defined his 12 years of activities with one word, ‘Sinabro’.” The pure Korean word meaning “little by little, slowly” may seem to be an odd fit for him, who has been active on the K-pop stage, but Ken laughed, saying, “There is no better way to express me, who has grown by breaking down walls one by one”. He also named the title song of his second solo mini album ‘Puzzle’, released on the 26th after a full 4 years, ‘Sinabro’, “a word that resembles me”. The title song and ‘Dear Little Star’

ATEEZ‘s first documentary released by Japanese broadcaster [Entertainment News HOT]

The first documentary about the group ATEEZ will be released through a Japanese broadcasting station. On the 26th, Japanese broadcasting station BS-TBS announced, “ATEEZ‘s documentary program ‘ATEEZ 8Face’ will air for eight weeks starting on January 7th next year.‘ATEEZ 8Face’ is a program that captures the various charms of the eight members. It consists of ‘Side-A’, which covers the members’ lives in general based on interviews, and ‘Side-B’, which contains their daily lives such as spending free time in Japan. Member Hongjoong personally composed the documentary‘s theme song, ‘For Tomorrow’.

Mariah Carey, Pension Song ‘All I...’Millions of Dollars Earned Every Year

It has been revealed that pop star Mariah Carey earns tens of billions of won annually with just one song, the global representative carol “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” According to a report by American economic media CNBC on the 26th (Korean time), citing Billboard estimates and other figures, Mariah Carey earned between 2.7 and 3.3 million dollars (about 3.94 to 4.82 billion won) with the song in 2022. Released in 1994, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has enjoyed undiminished popularity for 30 years, topping Billboard‘s “Hot 100” around Christmas time every year.

SEVENTEEN, First K-Pop Singer to Perform Solo Stage at Disney Year-End Special [Entertainment News HOT]

The group Seventeen has become the first K-pop group to have a solo stage on a Disney holiday special program in the United States. According to their agency Pledis Entertainment on the 26th (Korean time), Seventeen performed ‘Rockin‘ Around the Christmas Tree’ on the ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ that aired on ABC in the United States on that day. The performance was filmed at Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. World-renowned pop stars such as Elton John and John Legend also participated in the program. The program was also released on Disney+ in Korea and the United States.

G-Dragon Donates 100 Million Won to Children‘s Welfare Foundation for the End of the Year [Entertainment News HOT]

G-Dragon showed his kindness to his neighbors at the end of the year. According to his agency Galaxy Corporation on the 26th, G-Dragon was selected as first place in the ‘My Santa Claus’ voting event held on the SBS ‘Gayo Daejun’ that aired the day before. In relation to this, G-Dragon will donate 100 million won to the child welfare project of the Milal Welfare Foundation under his own name. G-Dragon said, “Thank you for still seeing me as an idol” and announced that he will donate an additional 100 million won to the ‘Justice Foundation’, an anti-drug foundation he founded.

Espa Karina, wedding dress feeling… Elegant + fresh and healthy beauty [DA★]

Espa Karina, wedding dress feeling… Elegant + fresh and healthy beauty [DA★] Espa Karina showed off her unrealistic beauty. On the 26th, Karina posted several photos on her Instagram with the caption “Merry Christmas!”. In the photos, she is showing off her white silk dress and striking various poses. She looks like a lovely new bride in a wedding dress. Karina exuded an elegant, fresh, and healthy charm. The outfit in question was from the ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon’ red carpet event held at Inspire Resort in Jung-gu, Incheon the day before. On this day, Karina not only performed on the Espa stage, but also collaborated with Ive‘s Ahn Yu-jin to Valerie Broussard’s ‘Killer’. Reporter Jeong Hee-yeon, Donga.com shine2562@donga.com

Ive An Yu-jin, an ‘all-rounder’ who is good at hosting… ‘SBS Gayo Daejeon’ 4 consecutive MCs + collaborations

IVE‘s Ahn Yu-jin, an ‘all-rounder’ who is also good at hosting... ‘SBS Gayo Daejeon’ 4 consecutive MCs + even collaborations IVE’s Ahn Yu-jin showed off her outstanding abilities as an ‘all-rounder’. On the ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon’ that aired on the 25th, Ahn Yu-jin appeared as an MC for the 4th consecutive time while also decorating the year-end stage energetically as a player. On this day, Ahn Yu-jin appeared in the center lift wearing a black long dress with a team design. She exuded an elegant yet magnificent atmosphere. Ahn Yu-jin said, “I‘ve been waiting for today because I love the warm and exciting atmosphere of Gayo Daejeon. I will take responsibility and create a day like a Christmas present for those who have waited like me”, adding to the anticipation for the stage. An Yu-jin not only led the show with her excellent hosting skills and sensible comments worthy of the title of ‘Gayo Daejeon housewife’, but also doubled the enjoyment of the stage by showing perfect chemistry wi

‘Project 7’ Final D-1… Jeon Min-wook → Kim Si-hoon Who will be the final debut member?

‘Project 7’ Final D-1… Jeon Min-wook → Kim Si-hoon, who are the final debut members? JTBC ‘PROJECT 7’ has revealed the key points to watch a day before its final episode. JTBC ‘PROJECT 7’ (produced by Studio SLAM, SLL) is the first new concept idol audition program in Korea that introduced the concept of ‘assembly, strengthening’, where viewers become ‘World Assemblers’ and directly select participants for each round from the first vote, form new teams, and grow their favorite participants through the process. ‘PROJECT 7’, which first aired on October 18, garnered attention by starting with 200 people, the largest number in idol survival audition history, and operating various projects until the 21 who will compete in the final ‘Final Match’ survived. In particular, ‘PROJECT 7’ has garnered attention for its groundbreaking plan in which trainees compete based on the assembly completed directly by the World Assemblers for each project, and the pass or fail is determined based on the vot

G-Dragon donates 100 million won in name, gathering the will of his ‘favorites’ fans

G-Dragon donates 100 million won in his name, gathering the will of his ‘favorites’ fans Milal Welfare Foundation received a donation of 100 million won in G-Dragon‘s name. The donation made in G-Dragon’s name will be used to support low-income families in crisis, including children with disabilities. This donation was made through a vote titled ‘My Favorite Artist Who Will Be My Santa Claus’, hosted by K-pop fandom app ‘Favorite Idol’ and ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon’. 100 million won is donated in the name of the artist who receives the most votes from fans, and G-Dragon won first place and donated 100 million won to Milal Welfare Foundation. In his acceptance speech for first place in My Idol, G-Dragon said, “G-Dragon is the ‘favorite idol’ chosen at the Gayo Daejeon. “I thought I was the oldest idol, but now I’m the favorite idol. I guess that means I’m still an idol,” he said. “Thank you, kids. Thank you to all the older sisters and brothers,” and expressed his gratitude to the fans who

Ellast, ‘75th Sapporo Snow Festival’ sortie… Wonhyuk hosts

The group E’LAST will be performing at the ‘75th Sapporo Snow Festival 16th K-POP FESTIVAL 2025’ to be held at ZEPP SAPPORO on February 11, 2025. At this festival, which serves as a stepping stone for the growth of new artists, E’LAST will be performing on stage with DKB and AIMERS, who competed at Re:BORN last December, as well as KISS OF LIFE, ALL(H)OURS, and MYTRO. In particular, member Wonhyuk has been selected as the special MC for the first part, drawing attention. Wonhyuk has shown his stable hosting skills and witty speaking skills in ‘Link K-Pop’, ‘C-Stage’, etc., and has made his presence felt. Ellast, who has been loved for various songs such as ‘Gasoline’, ‘Thrill‘, ’Creature’, is also expected to show off a strong performance and perfect choreography at this festival, raising expectations even higher. Ellast is the first K-Pop boy group to debut in Japan.

“I will sing more coolly” K.Will, successful year-end concert… Soyou-Lin support

“I will sing even cooler” K.Will, successful year-end concert... Support fire from Soyou and Lyn Vocalist K.Will has successfully completed his 2024 Christmas concert. K.Will successfully concluded the 2024 K.Will Encore Concert ‘All The Way: Christmas Edition’, held at Yonsei University‘s Grand Auditorium in Seoul on the 24th and 25th. This concert was held additionally due to the enthusiastic support of fans for the small theater concert ‘All The Way’ that was held previously. It is even more meaningful because it was held at Yonsei University’s Grand Auditorium, where K.Will held his first solo concert in 2009. In particular, since both shows were sold out, the inside and outside of the concert hall were packed with people from all ages who came to see K.Will, including the ‘Hyung Night’ (official fan club name), and audiences of all ages who came to make special memories with their loved ones wearing red and green clothes. K.Will appeared in an excited atmosphere and opened the con

‘Comeback’ Ive, New Song Spoiler Stage… Proof of Hit Song Richness (Gayo Daejun)

‘Gayo Daejeon’ IV, ‘ELEVEN’→‘Have to’ A hit song party that colored the end of the year... 6 members, 6 colors, perfectly digesting the stage Group IV (IVE/Ahn Yu-jin, Ga-eul, Lay, Jang Won-young, Liz, Lee Seo) appeared on the ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon’ (hereafter ‘Gayo Daejeon’) on the 25th and proved that they are ‘rich hit song artists’. The broadcast that day was steadily presented by the experienced hosting of Ahn Yu-jin, who has been the ‘Gayo Daejeon’ MC for 3 consecutive years. Among them, IV especially showcased the individual stages of the members, showing off the 6 unique charms of the 6 members. IV colored the Christmas evening by giving fans an unforgettable moment with a feast of hit songs that have been greatly loved so far along with performances that brought out each member‘s individuality. First, Lee Seo opened with her debut song ‘Eleven(ELEVEN)’. Lee Seo captured the hearts of fans in one breath with her refreshing energy and outstanding dance skills, befitting the you

Jinseong, 2024 Concert Splendid Finale “30th Debut Anniversary Existed Because of Fans”

Singer Jinseong presented a luxurious performance. Jinseong met fans at the Daegu performance of the 30th anniversary national tour concert ‘Jinseong Big Show’ at the Daegu Ayang Arts Center on the 25th. Jinseong, who opened with the hit song ‘Don‘t Tackle’, heated up the atmosphere of the venue by singing numerous famous songs such as ‘Mother’, ‘Ugly Guy’, ‘Barley Hill’, ‘At Andong Station’, ‘Coin Life’, ‘Praying’, ‘Dirt Spoon’, ‘Salt Flower’, ‘My Mom’. Jinseong also divided his life story into four themes, looking back on the process of overcoming a long period of obscurity and becoming self-made, his life that changed 180 degrees after his reverse run, overcoming the crisis that followed, and his life up to the present, adding to the emotion with the word ‘Jinseonghada’, which is derived from his name. Fans’ requests included Im Ja-mi‘s ‘A Woman’s Life’, Baek Seol-hee‘s ‘Spring Days Are Gone’, and Ahn Jung-ae’s ‘ Jinseong, who created a stage that could not be seen anywhere else by

G-Dragon, Laughing at ‘100 Million’ Ends... Donating ‘100 Million+100 Million’ with Fans [Official]

Singer G-DRAGON heated up the end of 2024 with his unrivaled presence. G-DRAGON decorated the ending stage of the ‘2024 SBS Gayo Daejeon (hereafter ‘Gayo Daejeon’)’ held at Inspire Arena in Yeongjongdo, Incheon on the afternoon of the 25th, creating another legendary stage. G-DRAGON opened the VCR with ‘Shake The World’ amidst the enthusiastic cheers of fans, and then performed his new song ‘POWER’. He appeared as Santa Claus in a red suit and ribbon shoes, overwhelming everyone‘s attention with his unconventional yet sensational fashionista appearance. In particular, it is said that fans enjoyed themselves together wearing POWER hats that they received as Christmas gifts. In addition, G-DRAGON performed ‘Main Spirit’ and ‘Crooked’ stages, drawing explosive responses. Appearing with his trademark stand microphone, he enjoyed himself to the fullest by swinging around the wide stage and showing off his stage manners along with the audience.

Ghost Nine Releases Live Video of ‘I‘ll Stand’ for Christmas

The group GHOST9 released a live clip video of their second digital single album ‘Seo-il-ge (Down for you)’ in time for Christmas. In the video, GHOST9 gathered in a modern space to create a comfortable yet warm atmosphere. Lee Jin-woo started the introduction of the song by delivering a sweet melody, and Son Jun-hyung and Choi Jun-sung took over the song as a duet, showing a friendly atmosphere. The members sang ‘Seo-il-ge (Down for you)’ one by one with lyrics such as “Walk with my pace””“How about you by my side””“I will stand by your side””), conveying their feelings for their fans. In addition, GHOST9‘s synergy, which created a soft and warm emotion with their excellent singing skills, moved the fans. ‘Seo-il-ge (Down for you)’ is a fan song that leader Son Jun-hyung wrote while recalling his feelings when he first met his fans. We would like to express our gratitude to the fans who love and support Ghost9 anytime, anywhere, and we hope that Ghost9 will always stand by the fans.

Daybreak, concert opening on the 28th

Daybreak (Lee Won-seok, Kim Sun-il, Kim Jang-won, Jung Yu-jong) will be holding the 2024 Daybreak Concert ‘SEMICOLON’ at Yes24 Live Hall for two days on the 28th and 29th. Daybreak has been showing their performance worthy of the ‘Michelin of the festival world’ by perfectly dominating major domestic festivals, so they will present a stage for their mega hit songs that are much loved at this concert. In addition, they will perform all the songs in their mini album ‘SEMICOLON’ released on the 10th, foreshadowing a special stage fit for the end of the year, raising expectations even more. In addition, prior to the concert, Daybreak released their mini album ‘SEMICOLON’, which contains the periods and commas of 17 years. With the support of brilliant producers, they showed off a variety of emotions through a total of 4 songs, from the sad parting song ‘SEMICOLON’, to the courage-inspiring youth song ‘Old & Wise’, ‘Rhythm, This Night’, and ‘Forever’. Then, Baek Ji-young, Lee Moo-jin, and D

Blackpink Jennie, New Album Preview Next Year “Unraveling the Chapters of My Life”

Jennie of the group Blackpink has announced that she will be releasing a solo album next year. On the 25th, Jennie posted the video ‘Happy Holidays’ on her official homepage. ‘Happy Holidays’ is special content that Jennie has prepared for her fans. Starting with a teaser image reminiscent of a theater on the 5th, she has released various contents such as handwritten letters and a year-end playlist. In the released video, as Jennie entered the theater, a video containing various moments from the year 2024 was played, giving fans memories. Jennie then gave her fans a warm greeting for Christmas.

K-Pop Awards Ceremony ‘1st The Awards’, to be held in Seoul on February 22nd next year

We are honoring the shining stars of K-pop who have given us dreams and joy throughout the year. The 1st D Awards with Upick, a K-pop awards ceremony hosted by Sports Donga and organized by Upick and WSM, will be held on February 22, 2025 at the Hwajeong Gymnasium of Korea University in Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul. The D Awards were established to further promote and encourage K-pop by evaluating its faithfulness to providing ‘Dreams’ and ‘Delights’, which has led to K-pop receiving love from people all over the world. The ‘D Awards’ will be awarded in two categories. The awards will be given to those who have had great success throughout the year.

Jung Yong-hwa, Christmas fan meeting completed

CNBLUE‘s Jung Yong-hwa has successfully concluded his Christmas fan meeting. Jung Yong-hwa met with his fans at the 2024 Jung Yong-hwa Fan Meeting ‘I’ll Match the Time with Yonghwa: YH is Coming to Town’ at Myeonghwa Live Hall in Seoul on three occasions: on December 24th at 7:30 PM and on December 25th at 2 PM and 7 PM. This fan meeting is Jung Yong-hwa‘s second Christmas fan meeting, following ‘I’ll Match the Time with Yong-hwa’ in December 2023. It was confirmed to be held again this year due to the enthusiastic support of fans, and garnered much anticipation even before the show. Jung Yong-hwa started the show by singing ‘On Your Time’ rearranged into a jazz version, and transformed into ‘YH is Coming to Town’ in the corner, receiving a great response for carrying out exciting and cheerful events worthy of Christmas, such as granting fans‘ wishes and gifting them with their favorite items. In particular, he went down to the audience during the game and sang a short impromptu song t