Ive, Lee Young-ji and Challenge + Unit Cover (The Seasons)

The group IVE (Ahn Yu-jin, Ga-eul, Lay, Jang Won-young, Liz, Lee Seo) attracted attention with their honest talk and live performance. On the 7th, IVE appeared on KBS2‘s ‘The Seasons-Lee Young-ji’s Rainbow’. On this day, IVE appeared as a guest and showed off a variety of activities with not only a witty talk with MC Lee Young-ji, but also a top-notch live performance. For their first stage, IVE performed ‘REBEL HEART’, which has won 7 music show crowns. As the ‘REBEL HEART’ band challenge has recently become a hot topic, IVE decorated the stage with a unique band version of ‘REBEL HEART’, and filled the scene with a magnificent band session and the members‘ powerful live performance. They then had a talk with Lee Young-ji. Lee Young-ji said, “It was such a touching moment. Ive welcomed Ive, saying, “It’s been two years since the last time we appeared on ‘The Seasons’ as a full group.” He then said, “An Yu-jin gave me a mission,” and presented the ‘Revel Heart’ band challenge in Lee Yo

Lunate, pure white charm + fatal beauty… first concept photos released

The group LUN8 has raised the heat of their comeback with their pure white visuals. On the afternoon of the 7th, LUN8 released the first group and individual concept photos for their new single album ‘Butterfly’ through Fantagio‘s official SNS. First, in the group photo, LUN8 showed off their dazzling visuals with pure white outfits. LUN8, who pulled off a sophisticated styling with see-through materials and shirts as accents, brought out a dreamy emotion with their deep and mysterious gazes. The LUN8 members’ ability to go back and forth between color and black and white was even more diversely captured in their individual cuts. The black and white version that closes up LUN8‘s deadly aura, and the color version that exudes a captivating atmosphere with different attractive poses and gaze treatments simultaneously captured the attention of global fans. Along with their domestic comeback, LUN8 announced that they will be holding their first European tour since their debut in April. Sta

ZerobaseOne, ‘Blue’ poster released

The group ZEROBASEONE (Sung Han-bin, Kim Ji-woong, Jang Ha-o, Seok Matthew, Kim Tae-rae, Ricky, Kim Kyu-bin, Park Gun-wook, Han Yu-jin) revealed the poster for the title song ‘BLUE’ of their fifth mini album ‘BLUE PARADISE’. The title poster features the fountain that we saw in the previous album poster. The night sky where the moon and stars shine brightly holds a splendid beauty, but also a quiet sadness. The phrase “BLUE is beautiful and sad. It is a piece of life” written in blue also implies the ambivalent meaning of ‘BLUE’. ZEROBASEONE, which boasts of ‘Mysterious Refreshing’, is expected to show us what kind of music and performance they will present with their new song ‘BLUE’. The 5th mini album ‘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’. Ultimately, paradise is all of us.

Dragon Pony, today (8th) ‘Inomas Music Series’ opening decoration

The band Dragon Pony (Dragon Pony/Tae-gyu Ahn, Seong-hyeon Pyeon, Se-hyeok Kwon, Kang-hoon Ko) will be performing at the ‘Innomas Music Series’ at BEXCO Auditorium in Haeundae-gu, Busan today (the 8th). The ‘Innomas Music Series’ is a concert where you can feel the passion and sincerity in the performance and become one with the music. Dragon Pony will be decorating the opening stage on this day, and will communicate passionately with the audience with a band performance that melts the energy of hot youth. Dragon Pony earned the title of ‘Top Rookie’ by consecutively taking over major domestic festival stages such as the ‘2024 Busan International Rock Festival’ and ‘Grand Mint Festival 2024’ last year. In particular, Dragon Pony has been recognized for its outstanding musicality and stage manners at the ‘Big Mountain Music Festival’, a large-scale music festival in Thailand. Following the ‘Inomas Music Series’, Dragon Pony will perform at the ‘EMERGE FEST 2025’ in Taiwan on February 22

Chungha, dizzying flesh-colored yoga wear → intense screaming… Was the comeback ‘stress’ severe?

Singer Chungha has stimulated curiosity by releasing the first teaser for her music video. On the 7th, Chungha released the music video teaser video for the title song ‘STRESS’ of her new EP ‘Alivio’ through her official SNS and official YouTube. The video begins with Chungha meditating facing people in a yoga studio. Soon after, a scene is shown where Chungha has difficulty concentrating on her meditation and screams due to stress, stimulating fans‘ curiosity about the music video story. The text ‘HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS’ in the latter half of the video raises expectations even more as it suggests that Chungha’s new album will depict the confusion, conflict, and journey of liberation caused by stress. ‘Alivio’ means ‘comfort’ and ‘relief’, and it is an album that contains Chungha‘s most intimate emotions and honest stories. One of the double title tracks, ‘STRESS’, is a track that leads the flow of emotions at the center of the album. Chungha wrote the lyrics herself.

Highlight, March Fancon to be held… Pre-sale opens today

HIGHLIGHT to hold fan concert in March… Pre-sale opens today Group HIGHLIGHT will be holding a fan concert. They will be holding the 2025 fan concert ‘WELCOME TO THE HIGH-MART’ on March 8th and 9th at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul. ‘WELCOME TO THE HIGH-MART’ is HIGHLIGHT‘s first solo concert in Korea in 10 months since their successful solo concert ‘LIGHTS GO ON, AGAIN’ in May of last year. This time, they plan to show a cheerful and lively side of themselves that fits the nature of the fan concert. The members transformed into mart employees in the ‘WELCOME TO THE HIGH-MART’ poster that was previously released through HIGHLIGHT’s official SNS. They are expected to make fans laugh with the Hi-Mart excellent employee selection event. Last year, Highlight celebrated their 15th debut anniversary and held a live film screening and stage greeting for fans of the ‘LIGHTS GO ON, AGAIN’ Asia tour and Seoul concert.

Iru “Father Tae Jin-ah, greatly shocked by the death of the late Song Dae-kwan…” [Full text]

Singer Tae Jin-ah‘s son, singer Iru, paid tribute to the late Song Dae-kwan. On the 7th, Iru paid tribute to the deceased on his SNS, saying, “My uncle Song Dae-kwan, who was always kind and affectionate to me since I was little.” He also said, “Seeing him so shocked that he couldn’t even eat and busy calling here and there in his grief, it makes me so sad to see my father who lost a friend and brother in his life.” Finally, Iru added, “I pray that my uncle is forever at peace there. It was an honor to serve you as my uncle.” Meanwhile, an official from Song Dae-kwan‘s agency, Starline Up Entertainment, told Donga.com, “He went to the hospital a few days ago because he wasn’t feeling well, and passed away suddenly today (the 7th) at around 10 a.m. due to a heart attack. He had no underlying diseases.” The deceased‘s funeral will be held at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral parlor. ● Below is the full text of Iru’s SNS post. My uncle, Mr. Song Dae-gwan, who was always kind

G-Dragon Fan Community Membership Opens, Early Bird Available Until the 11th

G-Dragon fan community membership opens, early bird available until the 11th Singer G-Dragon is opening the official membership for his global fan community today (the 7th). His agency Galaxy Corporation announced that the official membership will open through G-Dragon’s official fan community at 6 PM on the 7th. The membership can be checked in the fan community on the app b.stage. The fan community is drawing attention by announcing various benefits and content for fans who have waited for a long time. Members who purchase early bird membership from today until the 11th will be issued a digital membership card immediately upon registration. Various benefits will be provided, such as the right to view membership-only content, participation in the membership-only community, membership-only official goods purchase benefits, and participation in public broadcasts and online/offline events. Pre-sale benefits will also be given for the Korean concerts of G-Dragon‘s recently announced 2025

Ive, first triple crown of the new year, 7 music show crowns achieved

Group IVE (Ahn Yu-jin, Ga-eul, Lay, Jang Won-young, Liz, Lee Seo) achieved the first triple crown of the new year 2025. On the Mnet ‘M Countdown’ broadcast on the 6th, IVE took first place with the pre-released title song ‘REBEL HEART’ from their third mini album ‘Ive Empathy’. They have become the artists with the honor of winning the first Triple Crown of 2025, as well as a total of 7 awards on music shows. Through Starship Entertainment, Ive said, “First of all, I think that the reason I was able to win the first Triple Crown of 2025 with ‘Rebel Heart’ during my comeback stage with ‘Attitude’ on ‘M Countdown’ is because Ive had DIVE (official fan club) who have always cheered me on.” He continued, “I worked really hard preparing for this comeback to show a better side of myself to DIVE, who waited for me during the long hiatus due to my world tour, and I‘m grateful for that.

Blackpink Lisa Releases New Single ‘Born Again’ Worldwide [DA:Today]

BLACKPINK‘s Lisa will be meeting fans around the world with a new single before her comeback with her regular album. Lisa released her new song ‘Born Again’ through music streaming sites around the world at 9 a.m. on the 7th (Korean time). ‘Born Again’ is a dynamic and energetic pop track that features rapper Doja Cat, who has a strong presence after winning No. 1 on Billboard and a Grammy, and British artist RAYE, who achieved the feat of winning the most awards in a single day in the history of the ‘Brit Awards’, adding synergy. In particular, the music video for ‘Born Again’ was directed by Bardia Zeinali, who has collaborated with world-class pop stars such as Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae, doubling the fun of watching with high-quality directing. Lisa, who has been capturing the attention of global fans since the release of ‘Born Again’, will release her first full-length album ‘Alte

‘Trot‘s 4 Greatest Kings’ Song Dae-kwan Passes Away… Cardiac Arrest While Treated in Emergency Room

Trot singer Song Dae-kwan, who enjoyed national popularity with songs such as ‘The Day the Sun Rises’, has suddenly passed away. He was 79 years old. According to the deceased‘s bereaved family and his agency Star Line Up Entertainment on the 7th, Song Dae-kwan passed away from a heart attack while receiving treatment in the emergency room of Seoul National University Hospital that morning. It is known that he visited the hospital the day before complaining of poor health. Born in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do in 1946, Song Dae-kwan debuted in 1967 with ‘The Man with Many Kindness’. He rose to popularity in 1975 when ‘The Day the Sun Rises’ became a huge hit. Since then, he has released numerous hit songs such as ‘Four Beats’, ‘Popular Songs’, ‘One Ticket’, and Taejin

“I wanted to show it”…‘50 years old’ Shin Jung-hwan‘s amazing abs? [DA★]

Singer Shin Jung-hwan is drawing attention by revealing a photo of his abs. On the 6th, Shin Jung-hwan posted a video on his SNS with the caption, “I wanted to show it.” In the released video, Shin Jung-hwan is posing with his top off. Judging from the fact that his face changes from the beginning of the video, it is assumed that the video was created using AI (artificial intelligence). Fans responded to Shin Jung-hwan’s post with various responses such as, “Hyung, you’re cool,” “Well done on the photoshop,” and “My heart stopped.” Meanwhile, Shin Jung-hwan is communicating with fans through SNS and YouTube. Reporter Choi Yoon-na, Donga.com yyynnn@donga.com

Song Dae-kwan passes away, hospitalized due to poor condition, cardiac arrest… Aged 78

Song Dae-kwan passes away, hospitalized due to poor health, cardiac arrest… aged 78 Singer Song Dae-kwan has passed away. He was 78 years old. On the 7th, an official from Song Dae-kwan‘s agency Starlineup Entertainment told Donga.com, “He went to the hospital a few days ago because he wasn’t feeling well, and suddenly passed away today (the 7th) at around 10 a.m. due to a cardiac arrest. He had no other underlying illnesses.” They added, “We are currently organizing a statement. We will announce it later as soon as it is organized.” The deceased‘s funeral will be held at the Seoul National University Hospital funeral hall. Reporter Jeong Hee-yeon shine2562@donga.com

Suzy‘s Singer Comeback... Digital Single ‘Comeback’ Released on the 17th [Official]

Suzy makes comeback as a singer… Digital single ‘Comeback’ to be released on the 17th [Official] Actress Suzy is returning to her main job as a singer despite her busy schedule. Her agency Management Soop announced today (the 7th), “Suzy will be releasing the digital single ‘Come back’ on the 17th” and released the concept photos. The black and white photos capture Suzy‘s unadorned daily life. Amid her childlike, pure smile, a hint of loneliness coexists, leaving a deep aftertaste. It has been about two years since Suzy released a new song under her own name, excluding an OST. As it is her comeback as a singer after a long time, Suzy is said to have put in special affection by actively contributing ideas for concepts and such. Producer Kang Hyun-min, who has worked with Suzy on ‘Satellite’ and ‘Cape’, participated once again in ‘Come back’, portraying Suzy’s deeper emotions. Suzy‘s digital single ‘Come back’ will be available on various music sites at 6 p.m. on the 17th. Jung Hee-yeon,

Koo Jun-yeop‘s confession of feelings “Indescribable pain... To the late Seo Hee-won’s legacy to mother-in-law and children” [Full text]

Koo Jun-yeop confesses his feelings “Indescribable pain... The late Seo Hee-won‘s legacy to her mother-in-law and children” [Full text] Singer Koo Jun-yeop confessed his feelings after losing his wife, the late Taiwanese actress Seo Hee-won. The late Seo Hee-won passed away from pneumonia caused by the flu while traveling in Japan with her family during the Lunar New Year holiday on the 2nd. She was 48 years old. Since then, some netizens have raised suspicions about the cause of Seo Hee-won’s death and have even spread fake news mentioning the legacy left behind by Koo Jun-yeop. In response, Koo Jun-yeop expressed his anguish on his SNS on the night of the 6th, saying “Can‘t you please just stay still so that our Hee-won can rest in peace? I beg you, please”. First, he said, “On February 2, 2025, my angel returned to heaven. First, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who mourn Hee-won. “I am going through a time of indescribable sorrow and pain, a time when my in

Baby Vox reunion, BVG‘s reverse run... The power of ’Unnie Idols‘!

The ‘sister idols’ are returning to the music industry. Groups Baby V.O.X and B.V. Girls are boldly challenging the K-pop stage with their maturity and experience. The two groups, all of which are in their 30s or older, are confidently competing with 4th and 5th generation idol groups as ‘active girl groups’, and are newly building a wide fan base, raising expectations both inside and outside the music industry. Baby V.O.X, which fired a signal flare for reunion by appearing on KBS‘s year-end special ‘Gayo Daechukje Global Festival’ last December, is busy preparing new music. They plan to release an album with new versions of their hit songs soon. Member Yoon said,

‘Eldest Brother’ Bang Chan “Skiz Relationship, Love Rather Than Friendship... Not Teamwork, True Feelings♥” [Pictorial]

‘Eldest Brother’ Bang Chan “Stray Kids‘ Relationship, Love Rather Than Friendship... Not Teamwork, But True Feelings♥” [Photoshoot] The February cover featuring Stray Kids’ Bang Chan‘s unique visuals has been revealed. As his first step as an ambassador for an Italian luxury brand, he graced the cover of fashion magazine Harper’s Bazaar Korea. In the three covers and pre-released images that were revealed, Bang Chan showed off a more confident attitude than ever with the 2025 S/S look. He perfectly digested the natural and dandy style that matched the campus concept. In the following interview, Bang Chan said about the relationship between the members, “Our relationship is more about love than friendship. If teamwork is something that can be consciously adjusted, then ours is just true feelings. That‘s why we can understand even when we make mistakes, and we want to grow together. I think that’s the most important thing. Sometimes I wonder myself. We confessed, “How can this be?” Regar

Blackpink Rosé, professional model-like force + presence [Photoshoot]

BLACKPINK Rosé, professional model-like force + presence [Photoshoot] The cover and pictorial for the February issue of GQ Korea featuring BLACKPINK Rosé have been revealed. Rosé shows off her diverse charms in the pictorial for the February issue of GQ Korea wearing a brand‘s 2025 Spring/Summer collection. Rosé’s unique mannish style that highlights her femininity particularly stands out in the revealed cover. In the interview conducted with the pictorial, you can hear honest stories about Rosé‘s production process for her first full-length album, ‘ROSIE’, the transparent emotions she felt through the album, and her love for music. Meanwhile, Rosé garnered much attention by dominating various global charts with ‘APT.’, released in October of last year. Reporter Jeong Hee-yeon, Donga.com shine2562@donga.com

Yugyeom Confirms Solo Concert in March… Overseas Tour Also Planned

Artist YUGYEOM will be embarking on a global journey in 2025 with a solo concert. On March 8th at 6PM, YUGYEOM will be holding the 2025 Solo World Tour ‘TRUSTY’ IN SEOUL concert at Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul and meeting with domestic fans. ‘TRUSTY’ is YUGYEOM‘s tour concert that has been anchored in major cities around the world since October of last year. It successfully completed in Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Sydney, Manila, Jakarta, Taipei, and Tokyo, and continued the excitement in Macau in January of this year. Now, the welcome news of a Seoul concert has been confirmed, receiving a hot response from fans. Yugyeom also expressed his anticipation through his personal SNS, saying, “I’ve waited a long time, but I’m so sorry,” and adding an Agase (GOT7’s official fandom name) and a heart emoticon. In addition to the Seoul concert, Yugyeom will be holding an encore concert in Bangkok on March 15, and in Toronto on March 20, New York on March 21, Chicago on March 23, Hous

n.CH Entertainment: “‘Current King 2’ Nationwide Tour? No Agreement... Breach of Contract” (Full Text) [Official]

Amid the rights dispute surrounding the MBN ‘Current King of Singers 2’ concert, n.CH Entertainment has released an official statement. On the evening of the 7th, n.CH Entertainment stated, “We would like to convey our position regarding the ‘Current King of Singers 2’ concert report that was reported today. Our company signed a contract with ‘Current King of Singers 2’ production company, Crea Studio, for the ‘Current King of Singers 2’ concert and management business, and as the lawsuit requesting confirmation of the validity of the contract between the two companies is currently in progress and the court has not yet made a ruling, we also have the business rights to the ‘Current King of Singers 2’ concert.” n.CH Entertainment stated, “The ‘Current King of Singers 2’ tour concert announcement press release that was reported today was unilaterally distributed by Crea Studio without any consultation with our company, which holds the rights to the concert. “It is a clear breach of contr