BTS (방탄소년단) is still making waves on the Billboard charts, showcasing their enduring popularity. According to the latest Billboard chart released on February 19, 2025, Jimin's second solo album, MUSE, has secured the 132nd position on the Billboard 200, while the title track, Who, has reached 40th on the Hot 100. With MUSE, Jimin is setting new records for K-pop solo artists on the Billboard album charts, as the album continues to chart for 30 consecutive weeks on both the Billboard 200 and World Albums (where it ranks 2nd), breaking the record for the longest charting album weekly.

Jungkook's first solo single, Seven (feat. Latto), has claimed the 81st spot on the Global (excluding the U.S.) chart and 122nd on the Global 200. This track has maintained its position in the charts for an impressive 1 year and 7 months since its release in July 2023. Meanwhile, Jin's solo album, Happy, released in November last year, is enjoying a long run on the World Albums chart, currently sitting at 18th for 13 weeks.

BTS's anthology album, Proof, has made its mark by appearing on the World Albums chart for 140 weeks, solidifying its status as a chart mainstay. Released in June 2022, the album has recently landed at 6th place on the latest chart, demonstrating its lasting popularity.

Additionally, the music video for Jungkook's contribution to the official soundtrack of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, Dreamers, has surpassed 400 million views recently.

BTS Continues to Dominate Billboard Charts with Recent Releases

Singer Hwang Chi Yeul has made a stylish and musical transformation as he prepares for the release of his third studio album, 'ALL OF ME (올 오브 미)'. On February 21, his agency, 10Two Entertainment, shared a sneak peek of the title track '웃기는 소리 같겠지만' on their official YouTube channel.

In the 40-second teaser, Hwang captivates viewers with his vibrant makeup and trendy denim outfit. He showcases his powerful vocals by passionately singing the highlight of '웃기는 소리 같겠지만', leaving fans eager for the full track.

This song marks Hwang's first foray into a strong band sound as a title track. The combination of his emotive voice and the dynamic band instrumentation creates a compelling listening experience. Notably, he premiered '웃기는 소리 같겠지만' during a recent solo concert, receiving an enthusiastic response from fans.

'ALL OF ME' is Hwang Chi Yeul's first full album in approximately six years, following 'The Four Seasons (더 포 시즌스)', released in 2019. True to its title, which translates to 'My Everything', Hwang has taken on the roles of producer and lyricist for all tracks, showcasing his musical talents.

The album 'ALL OF ME' is set to be released on February 27 at 6 PM across various music streaming platforms.

황치열, '웃기는 소리 같겠지만'…27일 정규 3집 'ALL OF ME' 발매

Hwang Chi Yeul Unveils Trendy Transformation Ahead of New Album Release

In the final episode of KBS2TV's 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow' aired on February 21, Lee Young-ji shared a heartfelt message for Park Bo-gum. She introduced the legendary band YB, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, and praised their significant contributions to the Korean music scene. Lee Young-ji expressed her admiration, stating, 'I’m 24 years old, and they have been active longer than I have lived, which is incredible.' Yoon Do-hyun also commended the band, calling them the best MCs of Korea's top music program.

The episode highlighted YB's milestone as they released their first metal album and engaged fans in a new challenge. Lee Young-ji enthusiastically participated, showcasing her headbanging skills. Reflecting on her journey from September 24 to February 18, she energized the audience with her performance of 'I Am Lee Young-ji.' 

She also revealed her desire to perform Alicia Keys' 'If I Ain't Got You,' demonstrating a different vocal style compared to her usual rap. Lee Young-ji humorously requested recognition for her contributions to the show's success, while Na Young-seok acknowledged her unique charm as an MC. When asked about her experiences with 85 guest artists, she noted how inspired she felt by the newcomers' enthusiasm.

In a light-hearted moment, she playfully urged the next season's MC to practice the dance for 'Supernova,' specifically mentioning Park Bo-gum. The episode concluded with an emotional surprise appearance by Na Young-seok, which brought Lee Young-ji to tears.

눈물로 '레인보우' 종영..이영지, 후임MC 박보검에 "이것 꼭 배워야" [종합]

Lee Young-ji Bids Farewell on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

A loan shark, referred to as A, has largely admitted to charges in court after allegedly driving a single mother in her 30s to suicide through persistent harassment. During the first hearing on February 21 at the Seoul Northern District Court, A's lawyer stated, "We deny some of the charges but acknowledge the rest." However, the defense claimed that A had only received partial repayments from some victims and had never collected interest exceeding the legal rate. A also denied sending threatening images of knives to the mother of one debtor.

Between July and November of last year, A is accused of lending a total of 17.6 million won to six individuals without proper registration as a moneylender, subsequently sending threatening messages to their families and acquaintances. The annual interest rate reportedly exceeded the legal limit by a staggering 100 times, reaching between 2409% and 5214%.

One of the victims, a single mother identified as B, who was constantly threatened after borrowing money, tragically took her own life in September. A is also charged with sending derogatory messages about the victim to her family and friends and making threatening calls to her daughter's kindergarten.

Additionally, A faces allegations of using accounts and mobile phones registered under other people's names to operate the illegal lending business.

싱글맘 협박해 죽음 내몬 사채업자, 첫 재판서 혐의 대부분 인정

Loan Shark Admits to Charges in Court After Driving Single Mother to Suicide

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially returned to his fans after completing his military service. On February 20, 2025, he was discharged from the Army's 25th Infantry Division after serving for approximately one and a half years. Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the division's military band, fulfilling his national duty.

Just three weeks before his enlistment, Kihyun shared his thoughts with fans, expressing gratitude for their support and reassuring them that he felt relieved, likening his service to catching up on overdue homework. He promised to make the most of his time before leaving and emphasized that while he and his fellow members would be temporarily absent, they would not be going anywhere else. Kihyun assured fans that he would return soon.

In preparation for his enlistment, Kihyun released his first solo photobook titled 'Moments Captured in November' and held an exhibition and pop-up store, creating special memories for his fans.

On the day of his enlistment, he conveyed his love for MONBEBE (the official fan club name) through Starship Entertainment, stating, "Although there will be a gap between us, whether long or short, I hope you enjoy each day while looking forward to my return. I love you, MONBEBE." He also expressed confidence that the other members would continue to work hard during his absence, and he looked forward to the day when all six members would reunite.

With Kihyun's safe return, he becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon. Currently, Hyungwon is serving in the Army's Capital Mechanized Infantry Division and is expected to be discharged on May 13, 2025.

This year marks a significant milestone for MONSTA X as they celebrate their 10th anniversary since debuting on May 14, 2015. Although member I.M has yet to begin his military service, fans are eagerly anticipating a full group reunion after Hyungwon's discharge, especially with many plans in place for the anniversary. Minhyuk recently shared in an interview with Elle that he is excited about the upcoming celebrations and can't wait to experience the atmosphere of performing together again, further heightening fans' anticipation.

몬스타엑스 기현, 오늘(21일) 만기 전역..'데뷔 10주년' 앞두고 팬들곁으로[Oh!쎈 이슈]

MONSTA X's Kihyun Completes Military Service and Returns to Fans

HYBE is on the lookout for members to debut a new boy group in the United States, enlisting the expertise of music industry giants like Bang Si-hyuk, Scooter Braun, and Ryan Tedder. On February 21, HYBE announced that Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman, and Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, have recently partnered with Ryan Tedder to kick off this new boy group production project.

As part of this initiative, auditions have officially opened on the audition website (hybeamerica-audition.com). Interested participants aged between 13 and 23 can submit their applications, which should include a profile photo, a self-introduction, and videos showcasing their vocal and dance skills.

The K-pop methodology of Bang Si-hyuk, who has successfully launched numerous global top artists including the 21st-century pop icons BTS (방탄소년단), is set to be implemented once again in the U.S. Bang Si-hyuk was recognized by Billboard as one of the 'leaders innovating the music industry' after leading KATSEYE's successful debut in the U.S. last year.

Ryan Tedder, a multi-platinum producer with four Grammy Awards, is known for his collaborations with global superstars like Beyoncé, Adele, and Ed Sheeran, showcasing his creative directing skills. He has worked on tracks for HYBE Music Group artists, including 'Back for More' by TOMORROW X TOGETHER (투모로우바이투게더), 'Dropkick' by &TEAM (앤팀), and 'Debut' by KATSEYE.

Scooter Braun, CEO of HYBE America, is famous for managing top pop stars such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, contributing significantly to their growth. He is recognized for his keen eye for talent and his extensive network across the entertainment industry.

The collaboration between HYBE's expertise in artist discovery and training, K-pop infrastructure development, and global fandom cultivation, alongside Ryan Tedder's status as a 'veteran elite' in the global music market, is generating significant interest.

Bang Si-hyuk stated, "HYBE Music Group artists consistently achieve global success, dominating major charts every year. The success of KATSEYE has proven that the K-pop methodology can thrive in the mainstream U.S. market. Launching a new boy group in collaboration with Ryan Tedder is a step forward in continuing our legacy in the music industry."

Ryan Tedder expressed his excitement about participating in this new and intriguing project, stating, "We aim to create the most fan-centric group with the best music available today."

Meanwhile, KATSEYE, born from the collaboration between HYBE and Geffen Records, made waves with their debut EP 'SIS (Soft Is Strong)' released last August, entering the Billboard 200 chart at number 119 and quickly rising as a 'rising star.' One of their double title tracks, 'Touch,' surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify just 82 days after its release, marking a significant achievement.

방시혁·스쿠터 브라운·라이언 테더 뭉쳤다…하이브 차세대 美 보이그룹 찾는다

HYBE Seeks Members for New Boy Group in the U.S.

Kihyun of MONSTA X has officially confirmed his return to civilian life. On February 21, he took to his social media account to announce, "I have become a civilian!!!!!" along with several photos. 

The images showcase Kihyun in military uniform, capturing a selfie while traveling in a car after his discharge ceremony. With a slightly longer hairstyle than when he enlisted, he looks more mature and striking than ever. Notably, Kihyun also shared a photo of his discharge certificate, marking the end of his military service.

Kihyun enlisted on August 22, 2023, and after completing basic military training, he was assigned to the Army's 25th Infantry Division, where he served in the division's military band. He completed approximately 1 year and 6 months of service and was discharged on the morning of February 21. With his return, Kihyun becomes the fourth member of MONSTA X to complete military service, following Shownu, Minhyuk, and Jooheon.

Fans have warmly welcomed Kihyun back, flooding social media with congratulatory messages as they eagerly anticipated his return.

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Actor Heo Jun-ho is set to deliver a remarkable performance as a villain in the new SBS drama 'Treasure Island' (보물섬), which premieres on February 21. The series follows Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a political slush fund worth 2 trillion won and faces off against an ultimate evil that seeks to eliminate him. The intense rivalry between Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho is anticipated to be a highlight of the show.

Heo Jun-ho plays the role of Yeom Jang-seon, a ruthless figure wielding absolute power who will stop at nothing to protect his domain. Although Heo Jun-ho has previously portrayed strong antagonists, he describes this character as the "worst person" he has ever played, stating, "I wonder if someone could be this evil." He hints that Yeom Jang-seon will redefine the archetype of villains in dramas.

The demanding nature of the character has taken a toll on Heo Jun-ho during filming. He admitted, "During the script reading, I said I would speak less in this project, but as filming progressed, I ended up talking more." He revealed that the stress from embodying Yeom Jang-seon led to nightmares and even an increase in gray hair. To cope with the intensity of the role, he found himself joking and laughing on set, saying, "It was so tough that I felt like I was becoming an 'ajumma' (aunt)."

In the drama, Seo Dong-joo, played by Park Hyung-sik, is driven by ambition to take over the Daesan Group but finds himself cornered after hacking the political slush fund. His confrontation with Heo Jun-ho's Yeom Jang-seon promises to deliver high-stakes tension.

'Treasure Island' will also feature a cast of unique characters, including Lee Hae-young and Hong Hwa-yeon, enhancing the drama's immersive experience. The show is set to air at 10 PM on February 21.

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Popular Taiwanese actor Wang Dalu (왕대륙) has been arrested on charges of draft evasion. Local media, including the China Times, reported on February 20 that Wang was detained and later released on bail of 150,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 6,590 USD) after undergoing a prosecutor's investigation.

Wang, along with nine others, is accused of obtaining forged medical certificates through three brokers, claiming to suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension and heart disease to evade military service. The brokers charged between 100,000 to 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately 4,400 to 44,000 USD) for these fake diagnoses, with Wang being asked for the higher amount of 1,000,000 New Taiwan Dollars.

Taiwan has a mandatory conscription system requiring one year of military service. Those who conceal facts to evade service can face up to five years in prison. Wang, who turned 33 at the end of last year, received a notice to enlist on March 13. He is suspected of using the forged medical documents to avoid re-examination, but since he has not yet applied for a re-examination, he may face charges of document forgery instead of violating military service laws.

Born in 1991, Wang Dalu gained fame through films like "Our Times" (나의 소녀시대) and the drama "It Started with a Kiss" (장난스런 키스). He has previously been in the spotlight for his friendship with former BIGBANG member Seungri (승리), who was implicated in the Burning Sun scandal. Wang has publicly stated that he and Seungri are just ordinary friends and denied any involvement in immoral activities.

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

On February 21, actress Lee Ji Ah (이지아) released a statement through her agency, BH Entertainment, regarding the controversy surrounding her grandfather's pro-Japanese activities during the colonial period. She expressed that after much contemplation, she felt it was necessary to clarify the facts and take responsibility, despite the difficulty of the situation. Lee Ji Ah apologized for the delay in her response.

She clarified her family situation, stating, "Since becoming independent at 18, I have not received any financial support from my parents, and due to a complicated family history, I have been estranged from them for over ten years."

Regarding her grandfather's pro-Japanese actions, she noted, "My grandfather passed away when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him and grew up unaware of his pro-Japanese activities. I first learned about this issue through an article in 2011, which prompted me to visit the National Institute of Korean History multiple times to verify the facts and study the related materials."

Lee Ji Ah acknowledged discovering her grandfather's donation records during her research, stating, "Considering the historical context, such actions cannot be justified for any reason. If the land in Anyang, which is at the center of this controversy, was acquired during the Japanese occupation, it should be returned to the state."

She emphasized, "I have never made any statements regarding my grandfather in the past, nor have I used my family background for promotional articles. However, false claims have circulated online suggesting that I respect my grandfather, which is not true, and I wish to correct that."

In conclusion, she expressed her deep awareness of her grandfather's historical wrongdoings and sincerely apologized as a descendant. She committed to approaching the truth of history with humility and a sense of responsibility moving forward.

Recently, Lee Ji Ah has been embroiled in a legal dispute among her father's siblings over a land inheritance valued at approximately 35 billion won, left by her grandfather, who has been classified as a pro-Japanese figure.

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Global artist Jennie (제니) is set to unveil her pre-release track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' on February 21 at 2 PM KST. This song is part of her highly anticipated first solo studio album, 'Ruby' (루비), which will be released on March 7. To build excitement, Jennie has also shared a teaser video for the music video, showcasing a catchy, trendy beat that perfectly complements the unique rapping styles of both Jennie and Doechii (도이치). The teaser captures the duo enjoying the music, creating an infectious energy for viewers.

'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' features the rising American rapper Doechii, who recently won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, making her one of the most talked-about artists in the hip-hop scene. The song embodies the beauty of living life confidently and fully, celebrating personal journeys and the determination to overcome challenges. It conveys a powerful message of self-assurance and the desire to make every moment count.

Jennie's album 'Ruby' is packed with 15 tracks, including 'Intro: JANE with FKJ', 'like JENNIE', 'start a war', 'Handlebars (feat. Dua Lipa)', 'with the IE (way up)', 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)', 'Mantra', 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)', 'ZEN', 'Damn Right (feat. Childish Gambino, Kali Uchis)', 'F.T.S.', 'Filter', 'Seoul City', 'Starlight', and 'twin'.

As the release date approaches, Jennie has been making headlines with bold promotional strategies, including the music video for 'ZEN' and the audio releases for 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' and 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)'. Notably, 'Love Hangover (feat. Dominic Fike)' debuted at number 96 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a new personal best for Jennie, and she recently secured the top spot on Mnet's 'M Countdown'.

BTS Continues to Dominate Billboard Charts with Recent Releases

What do you think?

Trending

MONSTA X's Kihyun Celebrates Return to Civilian Life

Heo Jun-ho to Portray Unforgettable Villain in SBS's 'Treasure Island'

Taiwanese Star Wang Dalu Arrested for Draft Evasion

Lee Ji Ah Addresses Controversy Surrounding Grandfather's Pro-Japanese Activities

Jennie to Release Pre-Release Track 'ExtraL (feat. Doechii)' Ahead of Solo Album

More

Hwang Chi Yeul Unveils Trendy Transformation Ahead of New Album Release

Lee Young-ji Bids Farewell on 'The Seasons - Lee Young-ji's Rainbow'

Loan Shark Admits to Charges in Court After Driving Single Mother to Suicide

MONSTA X's Kihyun Completes Military Service and Returns to Fans

HYBE Seeks Members for New Boy Group in the U.S.

Korea Guides

Common Visas for Foreigners in South Korea

Working Holiday visa in South Korea

K-ETA visa in South Korea

E-7 visa in South Korea

E-2 visa in South Korea