KPOPWORLD #6 (Yves)

KPOPWORLD #6 (KEYVITUP X VAYONN)

KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KEYVITUP is a five-member boy group under iNKODE, formed through the agency’s INTHE X Project. The lineup—Sena, Hyunmin, Taehwan, Rukia, and Jaein—was introduced step by step through pre-debut content, building anticipation around a team designed with a strong performance focus and a clear concept from the start. As part of a dual-group rollout, KEYVITUP was positioned with a trendy and dynamic identity, contrasting with its counterpart group. This concept highlights a more energetic and performance-driven style, setting the tone for their music and overall image even before debut. They are set to make their debut with the self-titled EP KEYVITUP, marking the official beginning of their activities. With pre-debut exposure, international stage appearances, and a defined concept, the group enters the scene with momentum and a clear direction moving forward.

KEYVITUP

For our latest Digital Cover, we sit down with HYUNMIN, TAEHWAN, SENA, JAEIN, and RUKIA to talk about their debut, finding their sound, writing and shaping their own music, the chemistry that holds them together, and where they want to take KEYVITUP next

KEYVITUP - The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

LOONA (이달의 소녀, &quot;Girl of the Month&quot;) is a girl group formed by Blockberry Creative with one of the most ambitious pre-debut projects in K-pop history. From 2016 to 2018, each of the twelve members was individually introduced with her own solo single, music video, and lore before the full group debuted in August 2018. This elaborate rollout created an intricate &quot;LOONAVERSE&quot; mythology that captivated fans who dissected every visual clue and narrative connection. LOONA&#x27;s music spans a remarkable range of styles — from Chuu&#x27;s bubbly &quot;Heart Attack&quot; to the cinematic grandeur of &quot;Butterfly&quot; to the girl-crush energy of &quot;PTT (Paint the Town).&quot; The group gained a uniquely devoted international fandom, Orbits, who turned LOONA into an internet phenomenon long before the group achieved mainstream domestic success. Despite significant company controversies and member departures, LOONA&#x27;s creative ambition and the quality of their discography have ensured their place in K-pop history as one of the most artistically inventive groups of their generation.

LOONA

From LOONA to her evolution as a solo artist, Yves opens up about her journey, creative identity, and the challenges behind her growth in an honest, unfiltered conversation in 2026

The Self-Image of Yves

KickFlip is a seven-member boy group under JYP Entertainment, consisting of Kyehoon, Amaru, Donghwa, Juwang, Minje, Keiju, and Donghyeon. The group was formed through the SBS audition program Loud and debuted in 2025. The group&#x27;s identity connects JYP&#x27;s idol training system with a more youthful, agile performance image. Because several members were already known from a survival-show context, KickFlip&#x27;s debut carried built-in curiosity around how the lineup would translate from trainee competition to a working group. The fandom is known as WeFlip. KickFlip is still early in its career, with its public identity centered on formation, lineup, and debut positioning rather than a long-established legacy.

KickFlip

KickFlip are ready to kick off a new chapter. Ahead of their first world tour in 2027, the JYP Entertainment rookies sit down with KPOPWORLD to discuss their new album KICK OFF THE WALL Pt. 1

KickFlip Talk KICK OFF THE WALL Pt. 1 Ahead of First World Tour

CLOSE YOUR EYES (also shortened as CYE) is a seven-member boy group under UNCORE. They were formed through JTBC&#x27;s survival show PROJECT7. They made their debut on April 2, 2025, with the mini album &quot;Enternalt&quot;. PROJECT7 started airing on October 18, 2024, and the finale was broadcast live on December 27, 2024, revealing the group name, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and the seven winners, in order: Ma Jingxiang, Kenshin, Jeon Minwook, Seo Kyoungbae, Song Seungho, Jang Yeojun, and Kim Sungmin. Before joining PROJECT7, Jeon Minwook had already debuted as a member of the boy group BAE173 and the project group A-SIX. Additionally, Ma Jingxiang was a contestant on Boys Planet, while Jang Yeojun also participated in Boys Planet and was a contestant on Wild Idol.

CLOSE YOUR EYES

He talks us through the writing process behind the album's closing track, how he's grown since debut, and what drives him to keep reaching further

Meet The Member An Interview with CLOSE YOUR EYES' SEO KYOUNGBAE – Always Climbing Higher

He talks discovering bossa nova for the first time, what collaborating with a featured artist changed for him, and where he feels most connected to the rest of the group

Meet The Member: An Interview with CLOSE YOUR EYES' KENSHIN – The Playful Connector

NAYEON has been making quite the impression with her second solo outing. NA has been hitting the industry like a hurricane, wracking up millions of Spotify streams and YouTube views since its release just days ago.

Watch the Moment NAYEON wowed the world with her dance skills

If you’re looking for the perfect example of how to write an emotional song for a television placement, look no further than “YOUR EYES” by Dasutt.&nbsp;

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “YOUR EYES” by Dasutt

Brave Entertainment’s Candy Shop wasted absolutely no time in following up their debut. The South Korean girl group consisting of Soram, Yuina, Sui, Sarang, and Julia made their debut a mere three months ago, dropping the debut mini album Hashtag# on March 27, 2024.

Candy Shop’s “Girls Don’t Cry” concepts are stunning

Meet The Members of XY’s Dance & Vocal Sub-Unit

Normally we focus on genres of music being made in and around South Korea that don’t fall into the category of idol music.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Soul Mantra” by Magnet Brain

WHIB (휘브) formerly known as M.I.C (엠아이시) is a boy group formed and managed by CJeS Entertainment.

Which side of WHIB do you prefer? The group shows off two sides in latest concepts

Super Junior, often credited as pioneers in the K-pop industry, formed under the guiding hand of SM Entertainment in 2005. Originally envisioned as a large boy group aimed at showcasing a variety of talents, Super Junior quickly garnered attention not only for their music but also for their engaging personalities and diverse skill sets.

It’s show time: Super Junior returns

The Korean boy band TRENDZ made a triumphant comeback this week with their new single album DREAMLIKE.

The TRENDZ bois are looking “dreamlike” in these concepts

This week’s episode of Music Bank on KBS was one of the most talent-filled episodes in recent memory. One of our favorite performances came from EVERGLOW, you could hear just how into their performance the audience was as they chanted and sung along.

Watch the moment EVERGLOW wowed fans with their comeback “ZOMBIE”

In the vibrant world of contemporary pop, few artists radiate as brightly as ysabelle.

YSABELLE: A Rising Star Illuminating the Pop Scene

There’s no shortage of amazing concept photos in K-pop. Some have been truly iconic and generation defining.

STAYC’s new concepts border on ART

aespa’s “Supernova” is a force to be reckoned with. The June 14th episode of Music Bank on KBS featured a stacked lineup of live performances from some of the biggest artists in South Korea today.

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