KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KPOPWORLD #3

KPOPWORLD #2 (Poster Version)

Jay Park headlines the first-ever KPOPWORLD Festival, and if you know his story, that booking makes perfect sense

KPOPWORLD Festival Spotlight: Jay Park

As the second KPOPWORLD Festival headliner, indie-rock band The Rose present a refreshing authenticity

KPOPWORLD Festival Spotlight: The Rose

WONHO has always known how to catch the eye. Four years with MONSTA X, and now a soloist of six years

KPOPWORLD Festival Spotlight: Wonho

WHIB is a seven-member boy group under C-JeS Entertainment, consisting of members Kim Junmin, Haseung, Jinbeom, UGeon, Leejeong, Jaeha, and Wonjun. Originally an octet, they debuted on November 8, 2023, with the single album Cut-Out. The group was first teased in November 2021 as the trainee group M.I.C, which stood for “Made in C-JeS.” On September 7, 2023, it was revealed that the group would debut as an eight-member group under the name WHIB, along with introductions to the new members. In 2025, members LeeJeong, Junmin and Wonjun competed on the Mnet survival show Boys II Planet, ranking 12th, 13th, and 62nd, respectively. On October 16, it was announced that member Inhong had departed from the group. WHIB released their first mini album, ROCK THE NATION, on January 29, 2026.

WHIB

Once driven by the need to do everything perfectly, he has learned to trust his own strengths, find his individual style, and enjoy the process more freely

An Interview with WHIB’s WONJUN – The Perfectionist Learning to Trust Himself

MONSTA X is a boy group formed through the survival show No.Mercy and debuted under Starship Entertainment in May 2015. The group is associated with a powerful performance image built around Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M, with Wonho as a former member. Their sound often leans muscular: EDM drops, hip-hop percussion, dark synths, and choruses designed for heavy choreography. MONSTA X became one of the most forceful performance groups of their generation through a run that moved from the breakthrough energy of &quot;Dramarama&quot; to the sharper drama of &quot;Love Killa.&quot; At the same time, their vocal line and later English-language work showed a smoother R&amp;B and pop side that softened the edges without removing the group&#x27;s intensity. MONSTA X became especially important in the bridge between Korean idol promotion and Western touring. They pursued English-language releases, appeared on American media, and built a strong international audience while keeping a clear group identity. Their fandom, Monbebe, is known for loyalty through lineup changes, military service periods, solo work, and long gaps between full-group schedules. The group&#x27;s legacy rests on consistency and stamina. MONSTA X did not need to reinvent themselves every comeback; they refined a recognizable image of power, charisma, and emotional loyalty. That made them a template for later boy groups that wanted to look tough on stage while still building a close, fan-centered identity off it.

MONSTA X

KIHYUN of MONSTA X returned earlier this year with BORDERLINE, his second solo EP and the follow-up to 2025's YOUTH

KIHYUN: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

Amid the ever-expanding universe of K-pop, cosmosy sparks a fresh light—four voices united yet distinct coming together to create a sound that’s both mysterious and bright&nbsp;

Interview

Meet the Future: cosmosy Talks Debuting and Personal Style

Meet the Future: VVS Talks Diamonds, Dynamics, and Defining Their Own Lane

Meet the Member: HITGS’ Iyoo Talks Zainichi Pride, STAYC Origins, and Finding Her Rhythm

Meet the Member: HITGS’ Hyerin Talks Star Power, Center Energy, and Growing Up in the Spotlight

Meet the Member: HITGS’ Seohee Talks Discipline, IU Dreams, and Vocal Identity

Meet the Member: HITGS’ Seojin Talks Dance-Line Power, Busan Grit, and Big Dreams

Meet the Member: HITGS’ VV Talks Acting Roots, Sweet Vocals, and Going Global

KURATED: RE:WIND's 10 Favourite Y2K Anthems

Meet The Future: HITGS Are Just Getting Started

Meet the Future: RE:WIND, the Asian American Boy Band Reframing Nostalgia

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KPOPWORLD #5

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