Ellast, Sapporo Snow Festival Reception

The group E’LAST is heating up the Japanese archipelago. E’, on the 11th (Tuesday), made special memories with fans by attending the ‘75th Sapporo Snow Festival (16th K-POP FESTIVAL 2025)’ held at Zepp Sapporo. E’, who were invited to the K-POP festival with a 16-year tradition, added meaning to the event with a full group stage and member Wonhyuk appearing as a special MC. At this festival, E’, in addition to singing a mix of Korean and Japanese versions of ‘Thrill’, they also performed a cover stage of ‘Sin City’ by I Don’ Like Mondays. They also captivated fans‘ hearts with a powerful performance and flawless choreography on the ‘Aphrodite’ stage. Wonhyuk, who was selected as the special MC for the first part, also stood out. He has previously shown his presence with his stable hosting skills at the global K-pop festival ‘Link K-pop’ and the global music broadcast ‘K-STAGE’, and this time as well, he has brought out an exciting atmosphere and made the scene lively.

Who will be the winner of the 3-color trophy ‘D Cube’ that will shine at the Awards?

Black, blue and silver. The ‘3-color trophy’ will light up the D Awards. The name of the award plaque, which will become another symbol of the first D Awards, has been confirmed as ‘D Cube’. It is 9cm wide, 9cm long, and 9.3cm high and has a hexahedron shape. It will feature three colors: ‘Blue’, the symbolic color of the Awards, ‘Black’, and ‘Silver’. The D Cube, which will also be called the ‘Three-Color Trophy’, is the result of visualizing and reflecting the novelty of the D Awards, which aims to be a ‘new festival for K-pop stars’. The black D Awards

SKZ Hyunjin, shaved his head… I didn’t notice because I was looking at his face [Photoshoot]

SKZ Hyunjin, shaved his head… I didn’t notice because I was looking at his face [Photoshoot] Hyunjin of Stray Kids’ pictorial has been released. Hyunjin was selected as an ambassador for a beauty brand and decorated his first pictorial with the brand through the cover of Marie Claire’s March issue. Hyunjin, who perfectly blended in with the modern yet classic atmosphere, showed off a variety of fresh beauty looks using the best items. Hyunjin lightly applied foundation to her entire skin to complete her skin that shines no matter what angle she is looking at. She also used loose powder and balm together to create an elegant yet sophisticated makeup look. Hyunjin shows off his unique strong gaze and an indescribable aura. His full pictorial can be found in the March issue of Marie Claire and on Marie Claire’s Instagram and website. Reporter Jeong Hee-yeon, Donga.com shine2562@donga.com

‘Epa-ni Daughter’ Serve 12 years old, unbelievable proportions… ‘Surprise’ until model debut

‘Epa-ny‘s daughter’ Sub, 12 years old, unbelievable proportions... ‘Surprise’Singer and creator Sub made her debut as a model and walked the runway. Sub surprised everyone by attending the 2025 F/W Seoul Fashion Week DUCKDIVE collection ‘SMS (Sportsmanship Message Service)’ held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul on the 7th as the youngest model in the brand’s history at 12 years old. The collection title ‘SMS’ contains the meaning of highlighting the disconnection and connection in modern society. It is characterized by reinterpreting the meaning of sportsmanship and reinterpreting it with a modern sensibility. In addition to Sub, numerous celebrities, fashion influencers, and trending celebrities attended the site, creating even more buzz. In this fashion show, Sub perfectly pulled off a casual styling that matched various outfits from the brand. He evoked admiration by exuding a unique charm that contrasted with his lively energy on stage. He successfully showed off his co

‘Comeback’ Zero Base One, This Time It‘s ‘Mystery Refreshing’

The ‘refreshing specialist’ group ZEROBASEONE is back with ‘mystery refreshing’ with a spoonful of mysterious charm added this time. Their agency Wake One posted individual concept photos of the HIDE version of ZEROBASEONE‘s 5th mini album ‘BLUE PARADISE’ on their official SNS on the 13th. In the released photos, ZEROBASEONE showed off their ‘mystery refreshing’ visuals with a future garden reminiscent of a virtual utopia in the background. It looks like a perfect paradise without a single worry, but at the same time, the members’ expressions and eyes, as if they have lost something, reveal their curiosity about the new song concept.

Espa Wins Group of the Year at Billboard Women in Music 2025

Girl group aespa will win the Group of the Year award at the ‘Billboard Women in Music 2025’. On the 13th (Korean time), Billboard announced the news of the ‘Billboard’s Women in Music 2025’ and the winners by category. aespa was selected as the winner of the Group of the Year award. Billboard revealed the reason for selecting the ‘Group of the Year Award, saying, “K-pop supergroup aespa has been recognized for their groundbreaking musical achievements and global influence.”. This is the first time that aespa has won the ‘Supernova’, ‘Armage’, last year.

Twice Chaeyoung, how far down is her body? The classic ‘low rise’ [DA★]

Twice‘s Chaeyoung, how low does her body go? The classic ‘low rise’ [DA★] Twice’s Chaeyoung showed the classic ‘low rise’ fashion. Chaeyoung shared various photos of her daily life through her Instagram on the 12th. In the photos, she completed a calm everyday look with a basic white top that clings to her body, light brown pants, and a black bag. Chaeyoung gave a point with a bold yet sensual belt that matched the color of her bag. She added a chic and sophisticated atmosphere by creating a ‘low rise (a look where the bottoms are worn down to the hips)’. In particular, Chaeyoung drew admiration by revealing her firm body line without an ounce of fat. Meanwhile, at the ‘D Awards with upick’, hosted by Sports Donga and co-hosted by ‘upick’ and WSM, she was selected as the winner of the ‘upick Global Choice’ Female category for the Popularity Award through 100% fan voting. Reporter Jeong Hee-yeon, Donga.com shine2562@donga.com

‘Gowurim Group’ Forestella‘s younger brother is coming out... Debuting in the first half of the year [Official]

‘Gowurim Group’ Forestella‘s younger brother is coming out... Debut in the first half of the year [Official] Beat Interactive will be introducing a new boy group this year. On the 12th, Beat Interactive announced, “A unique new boy group that will bring a new breeze to K-pop in the first half of 2025 will be officially debuting,” and “We are currently planning a large-scale debut project, so we ask for your much anticipation and interest.” The boy group currently preparing for departure is comprised of elite members who have steadily built up their skills through domestic and international busking tours since before their debut. Beat Interactive explained that they have introduced a system that has not been seen in the existing K-pop production process. Beat Interactive is a global entertainment company that develops high-quality content based on creativity and professional capabilities, and realizes a universe that communicates the unique sensibility of artists with the world. It prod

Zerobaseone, Mysterious Refreshing… Concept Photos Revealed

The group ZEROBASEONE (Sung Hanbin, Kim Jiwoong, Jang Hao, Seok Matthew, Kim Taerae, Ricky, Kim Kyubin, Park Gunwook, Han Yujin) has revealed individual concept photos for the HIDE version of their fifth mini album ‘BLUE PARADISE’. In the photos, ZEROBASEONE shows off ‘mysteriously refreshing’ visuals against the backdrop of a futuristic garden reminiscent of a virtual utopia. It looks like a perfect paradise without a single worry, but at the same time, the expressions and eyes of the members who seem to have lost something raise curiosity about the new song concept. ‘BLUE PARADISE’ contains the message that ‘even sad (BLUE) moments are a part of life, and the way we try hard despite them is splendid and beautiful in itself.’. A total of six tracks are included, including the title song ‘BLUE’, the first unit song since debut, showing the musical growth of the nine members. Before their full-fledged comeback, ZEROBASEONE will be releasing ‘Doctor! Doctor!’, a track from their fifth mi

Kickflip Debut Album Wins Hanteo Chart Initial Press Certification

The new group KickFlip has won the Hanteo Chart Initial Press Certification Plaque for their debut album. KickFlip received an official Initial Press Certification Plaque on January 20 with their first mini-album, ‘Flip it, Kick it!’, recording 276,881 copies in initial press sales (album sales for a week based on the release date) according to the Hanteo Chart, an album sales aggregation site. The ‘Hanteo Chart Official Initial Press Certification Plaque’ is a commemorative plaque that officially certifies the record of an artist who has exceeded a certain amount of album sales based on initial press sales data. ‘Flip it, Kick it!’ is the debut work of JYP‘s new group KickFlip, and has garnered much anticipation from K-pop fans in Korea and abroad even before its official release. The pre-released track ‘Yeah, That’s Right’ that warmed up the debut atmosphere, the title song ‘Mama Said (What are you trying to be?)’ that was performed with a powerful live performance on a music show, a

Park Jong-min to hold solo concert on March 15th… Tickets open today (13th)

Rookie musician Park Jong-min will be holding a solo concert, ‘Shine With Me’, at Nodeul Island Live House in Seoul on March 15th. ‘Shine With Me’ is Park Jong-min‘s first solo concert in three months since his year-end solo concert, ‘White Love’, held in December of last year. Park Jong-min, who has been actively performing before and after his debut, will meet audiences this year as well with a live stage that showcases his unique sensibility and singing ability. Park Jong-min, who will be reuniting with fans in the warm spring, foreshadowed a special time in the concert introduction, saying, “I will present a sparkling moment of spring. A warm message from a boy running towards his dreams to the youth running towards their dreams.” Prior to this, Park Jong-min opened the door to his new year’s music activities by releasing his second single, ‘INSIDE’, which sings of the dreams of youth, on the 11th. Along with the sound source, Park Jong-min‘s unique emotional vocals and delicate ex

Olivia Marsh “‘Daniel‘s older sister’ modifier? It’s natural” [Interview]

Singer-songwriter Olivia Marsh (25) is always referred to as “Daniel’s older sister” wherever she goes. This is because she became famous as the older sister of Daniel, a member of girl group New Jeans, as soon as she debuted in October of last year. Although she has never come forward to reveal the existence of her younger sister, she could not hide her family relationship because of their “same-sex” appearances, including their exotic vibes and bright smiles. Although the current situation, where she became known to the world through her younger sister’s name before her own, could have been somewhat uncomfortable, Olivia Marsh laughed and said, “I don’t mind at all.” She recently released her first mini-album, “Meanwhile.”

Jennie Wins Billboard Women in Music Global Force Award

BLACKPINK‘s Jennie has been named on the list of winners of the Billboard Women in Music, an American pop music awards show. According to the list of winners of the Billboard Women in Music 2025 announced by Billboard on the 12th (local time), Jennie will receive the Global Force Award. Billboard introduced Jennie by saying, “Jennie, who is one of a kind, has been recognized for her explosive global influence since the beginning of her solo career.” The Billboard Women in Music is an awards ceremony that selects and awards the best female artists, creators, producers, and executives who have had a significant impact on the music industry in the past year. Jennie was honored with the award alongside world-class artists such as Ángela Aguilar, Erykah Badu, GloRilla, Megan Moroney, Meghan Trainor, and Tyla. Jennie received the award last year.

10CM, Sunwoo Jung-A, Kardashian, Davichi, and Jung Se-Woon Sign Exclusive Contracts with Their Agency

Singer-songwriters 10CM, Sunwoo Jung-a, and Kardgarden have signed exclusive contracts with CAM. Prior to the news of the contracts, paparazzi cuts of the three artists were released through the official SNS on the 12th, drawing the attention of music fans. 10CM is a singer-songwriter who has long been loved by the public for his unique tone and sensual songwriting. After joining CAM, he has been meeting fans with diverse albums and performances. Sunwoo Jung-a is an artist who captivates the public with her appealing voice. With their free and impressive musicality, they are loved by fans as well as musicians, and they have joined hands with CAM for more active activities in the future. Karthegarden, which has been communicating closely with the public through its unique voice and sensibility and YouTube channel ‘Karden Garden’, is also expected to announce a new start with CAM and carry out various activities. CAM, which announced exclusive contracts with 10CM, Sunwoo Jung-a, and Kart

Wonwee, comeback on March 5th

The band ONEWE is returning with a full-length album. ONEWE (Yonghoon, Kanghyun, Harin, Dongmyeong, Kiwook) announced their comeback by posting the motion logo for their second full-length album, ‘WE: Dream Chaser’, on their official SNS channel at midnight today (13th). The video shows the silhouettes of the five members running powerfully along with the album title, ‘WE: Dream Chaser’. This was created based on a scene from the music video for the title song ‘Roommate’ from ONEWE‘s special album released in 2022. It catches the eye by intuitively expressing the album title, ‘Dream Chaser’. ‘WE: Dream Chaser’ is ONEWE’s first full-length album in about 5 years since the release of their first full-length album, ‘ONE’. As ‘ONE’ expands to ‘WE’, you will be able to see the five members‘ more evolved musical world. In addition to the album release, ONEWE will begin a tour in Vietnam on March 21, followed by a North American tour in April and May, and a tour in Seoul on June 14 and 15.

Kim Ho-joong appears in court with crutches, appeals for leniency… Fans gather to cause commotion [Comprehensive]

Singer Kim Ho-joong (33), who was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison in the first trial for ‘DUI hit-and-run’, appealed for leniency in the first appeal trial held today (12th). On the 12th, the 5-3rd Criminal Appeal Division of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judges Kim Ji-seon, So Byeong-jin, and Kim Yong-joong) held the first appeal trial of Kim Ho-joong, who is charged with dangerous driving resulting in death and hit-and-run resulting in death under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes, and failure to take action after an accident under the Road Traffic Act. Kim Ho-joong, who appeared in court on crutches, denied all allegations of ‘drinking techniques’ and that he drank more alcohol after the accident and interfered with the measurement of his blood alcohol level. Kim Ho-joong‘s attorney said, “Drinking alcohol is a typical pattern of drinking alcohol in a situation where a breathalyzer test is expected, making an accurate test imposs

“My daughter‘s dream is Jang Won-young” Kim Ha-neul’s father, ‘Requests condolences’ to Jang Won-young

The father of Daejeon elementary school student Kim Ha-neul, who was brutally murdered by a female teacher at school, has requested condolences from politicians and Ive group‘s Jang Won-young. Kim Ha-neul’s father said at the funeral hall of Daejeon Konyang University Hospital on the 12th, “What I hope is that something like Ha-neul never happens again.” He continued, “I hope the ruling and opposition party representatives come to the funeral and meet Ha-neul.” He also argued for the need to enact the ‘Ha-neul Act’ to ensure that teachers with mental illness receive treatment. He also said, “Ha-neul‘s dream was Jang Won-young herself. He also requested to visit Jang Won-young’s funeral, saying, ”I know you‘re busy, but if possible, please come see Ha-neul.“ Kim Ha-neul’s father said, ”She asked me to buy her a photo card of Jang Won-young as a birthday present,“ and ”She was a child who had to watch the show live even if she had to stay up late if Jang Won-young was on.“ In response, S

Bling One Lani ‘Refreshing Heart’

On the 12th, a showcase to commemorate the release of the group Bling One‘s second digital single, ‘Bubble Gum’, was held at the World K-Pop Center in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Bling One’s Rani is posing for the camera. Reporter Kim Min-seong marineboy@donga.com

Bling One Rani, pictorial-quality beauty~

On the 12th, a showcase to commemorate the release of the group Bling One‘s second digital single, ‘Bubble Gum’, was held at the World K-Pop Center in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Bling One’s Rani is posing for the camera. Reporter Kim Min-seong marineboy@donga.com

Bling One Sandy, doll-like beauty~

On the 12th, a showcase to commemorate the release of the group Bling One‘s second digital single, ‘Bubble Gum’, was held at the World K-Pop Center in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Bling One Sandy is posing for the camera. Reporter Kim Min-seong marineboy@donga.com