KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KPOPWORLD #3

KPOPWORLD #2 (Poster Version)

Jalan David Yong masuk ke dunia K-pop tidak mengikuti pola idol pada umumnya. Setelah mengenal genre ini lewat BIGBANG dan TWICE, pengusaha asal Singapura itu memanfaatkan bertahun-tahun pelatihan vokal saat ia mulai belajar bahasa Korea, les dance, dan rekaman di Seoul

Dari Penggemar ke Eksekutif Artis: David Yong tentang Perjalanannya di K-pop

Penyanyi-penulis lagu kelahiran Seoul ini berusia 17 tahun, baru kurang dari dua tahun meniti karier, dan sudah berjalan dengan caranya sendiri — menulis dan memproduksi musiknya sendiri

ZIN CHOI

NEXZ is a seven-member Japanese boy group formed by JYP Entertainment and Sony Music Japan through the Japanese reality show Nizi Project Season 2. The group&#x27;s name means Next Z(G)eneration, and was coined by J.Y. Park to represent the wish for the group to lead JYPE into the future. The final episode premiered on December 15, 2023, revealing the debut lineup, ranked as follows: Tomoya, Haru, Yuki, Ken (So Geon), Yu, Yuhi (Hyui), and Seita. They debuted with the Korean song &quot;Ride the Vibe.&quot;

NEXZ

Ketika NEXZ merilis "Mmchk" pada April 2026, comeback pertama grup beranggotakan tujuh orang itu di tahun tersebut terjual lebih dari 444.000 kopi pada minggu pertamanya — rekor baru dalam karier mereka — menempati posisi puncak Circle Chart retail album chart, dan memberi mereka posisi nomor satu pertama di program musik Korea

NEXZ: Tak Ada Lagi Jalan Selain Naik

Di balik grup-grup K-pop dan koreografi yang mendominasi judul-judul berita, gelombang lain dari para singer-songwriter dan artis independen dari kancah musik Korea Selatan telah membangun audiens mereka sendiri. DORI adalah bagian dari gelombang itu, meski ia sampai ke sana dari arah yang tak terduga

DORI Berbicara dalam Warna

ASTRO is a four-member boy group under Fantagio. Originally debuting as six members, the group entered the industry with their first mini album &quot;Spring Up&quot;, quickly gaining attention for their bright concept and strong performance skills. The original lineup consisted of MJ, JinJin, Cha Eun-woo, Moon Bin, Rocky, and Sanha, establishing a well-balanced team recognized for both musical and variety presence. In their early years, ASTRO built a steady discography with releases such as &quot;Summer Vibes&quot;, &quot;Autumn Story&quot;, and the &quot;Dream&quot; series, while also expanding their reach through concerts and international promotions. Their growth continued with their first full-length album &quot;All Light&quot; and subsequent releases including &quot;Blue Flame&quot;, &quot;Gateway&quot;, and &quot;All Yours&quot;, solidifying their place in the industry with a consistent sound and evolving image. The group also explored unit activities, including Moon Bin &amp; Sanha and JinJin &amp; Rocky, further showcasing their versatility. :contentReference[oaicite:0] Over time, ASTRO experienced significant changes, including Rocky’s departure and the passing of Moon Bin in 2023, marking a deeply emotional period for the group and fans. Despite these challenges, the group has continued activities as four members, releasing commemorative and special projects such as &quot;Circles&quot;, &quot;Twilight&quot;, and &quot;Moon&quot;, reflecting both their growth and enduring bond as they move forward together.

ASTRO

YOON SAN-HA sudah berkecimpung di industri ini lebih lama daripada yang disadari kebanyakan orang. Ia bergabung dengan Fantagio sebagai trainee saat masih awal belasan tahun, debut sebagai member termuda ASTRO pada 2016

YOON SAN-HA Siap Menjadi Dirinya Sendiri

PRISTIN was a ten-member girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment, debuting in March 2017 with Hi! PRISTIN and the title track &quot;Wee Woo.&quot; The lineup included Lim Nayoung, Zhou Jie Qiong, Minkyeung, Gyeongwon, Eunwoo, Yaebin, Park Xiyeon, Shannon Bae, Yehana, and Kyla. The group arrived with unusually high anticipation because several members were already known from Produce 101 and I.O.I-related activity, while others had been introduced through the pre-debut PLEDIS Girlz project. PRISTIN&#x27;s early image mixed bright pop, self-introduction, and strong trainee reputation, positioning them as a group with both performance polish and member familiarity. PRISTIN&#x27;s active period was short, ending with disbandment in 2019, which made the group a frequent example of unrealized potential in late-2010s K-pop. Their subunit PRISTIN V showed a sharper concept, and many members continued in entertainment after the group ended. The fandom name was HIgh.

PRISTIN

Dari debut dengan awal yang sangat kuat dan title track populer pada 2017 hingga perlahan menghilang dari sorotan publik dan bubar hanya dua tahun kemudian, perjalanan naik-turun PRISTIN menjadi salah satu trajektori paling disayangkan dan membuat frustrasi dalam satu dekade terakhir

Bagaimana PRISTIN Berubah dari Salah Satu Grup Paling Menjanjikan di K-pop Menjadi Sekadar Kenangan

XLOV is a South Korean boy group formed by 257 Entertainment and currently managed by [WM Entertainment]. The group consists of four members: Wumuti, Rui, Hyun, and Haru. They debuted on January 7, 2025, with the single album I&#x27;mma Be. XLOV gained attention for promoting a genderless concept, incorporating androgynous styling and performances that challenge traditional gender norms in Kpop. The group&#x27;s name combines &quot;X,&quot; representing the unknown and negation, with &quot;LOV,&quot; symbolizing incomplete love, while their fandom name, EVOL, represents the completion of that concept. Several members were previously known through survival programs before debut. Wumuti, Rui, and Haru participated in Boys Planet, while Wumuti was also active in the project group WATERFIRE before helping form XLOV. The group is particularly noted for Wumuti&#x27;s involvement in songwriting and production, including contributions to their debut release. Since debuting, XLOV has released music including I&#x27;mma Be and I ONE, earning recognition for their distinctive concept, performance style, and growing international fanbase. In 2026, the group&#x27;s management structure changed following the acquisition of 257 Entertainment by WM Entertainment through RBW. Their music primarily incorporates elements of hip-hop, R&amp;B, and pop, while their visual identity and performances have distinguished them as one of the more unconventional rookie acts of the fifth generation of Kpop.

XLOV

K-pop sejak lama bermain dengan gender—dalam styling, konsep, dan penampilan. Namun, leader XLOV, Wumuti, baru-baru ini menyorotinya lebih tajam: genderlessness berisiko berubah menjadi istilah tren, estetika permukaan yang dipinjam demi engagement, alih-alih dijalani dengan penuh tujuan.

Apakah “Genderlessness” dalam K-pop Menandakan Kemajuan, atau Tetap Sekadar Konsep?

Tiga sengketa berbeda yang melibatkan tiga artis terpisah memunculkan kekhawatiran tentang bagaimana company dan label menangani grup mereka serta aktivitas grup. Pertarungan hukum yang melelahkan antara member #NewJeans Danielle dan #ADOR berlanjut dengan munculnya tuduhan baru

Minggu Lalu di K-pop, Dijelaskan (29 Juni - 3 Juli 2026)

ARrC is a boy group under Mystic Story. The group debuted on August 19, 2024 with the EP AR^C and the title track &quot;S&amp;S (sour and sweet).&quot; Its lineup includes Hyunmin, Andy, Choi Han, Doha, Kien, Rioto, and Jibeen. Former member Ziwoo left in January 2025. The group&#x27;s name stands for &quot;Always Remember the real Connection,&quot; pointing to a concept built around communication and connection with listeners. ARrC&#x27;s releases include Dummy, nu kidz: out the box, HOPE, and Ctrl+Alt+Skiid, with a sound that moves through youthful pop, hip-hop textures, and performance-focused tracks. On June 23, 2026. Mystic Story announced that ARrC’s activities officially ends and that all members will embark on a new journey to pursue their own paths moving forward.

ARrC

Dua tahun setelah debut, ARrC resmi bubar. Grup beranggotakan tujuh orang ini tak pernah benar-benar menembus audiens yang lebih luas, meski musik mereka layak mendapat perhatian lebih besar — namun jejak yang mereka tinggalkan menceritakan kisah yang lebih menarik daripada sekadar angka

Kenaikan Lambat dan Akhir Mendadak ARrC

Di tengah reuni terbaru BIGBANG di Coachella, Stray Kids dan JENNIE yang menjadi headliner Governor’s Ball NYC, serta penampilan terbaru ATEEZ di Hyde Park, London, tahun 2026 telah melihat para artis K-pop ditempatkan di garis depan festival musik internasional arus utama di seluruh dunia

Di Mana Posisi K-pop di Festival Musik Internasional?

Sepuluh tahun setelah menarik diri dari sorotan publik, veteran K-pop generasi kedua G.NA kembali ke dunia musik. Hiatusnya menyusul vonis pada 2016 atas tuduhan terkait prostitusi — sebuah babak yang ia akui baru bisa ia bicarakan secara terbuka bertahun-tahun kemudian.

Sepuluh Tahun Kemudian, G.NA Menceritakan Kisahnya Sendiri

Tiga cerita, satu pertanyaan: apa yang sebenarnya berutang industri K-pop kepada orang-orangnya? Minggu ini, Chase Infiniti yang dulu superfans kini jadi bintang bergabung dengan ATEEZ, Lisa menyoroti budaya penguntitan sasaeng, dan mantan member NCT, Mark Lee, menuai kritik atas foto dengan bendera Confederate.&nbsp;

Minggu Lalu di K-pop, Diinterpretasikan (22 Juni - 26 Juni 2026)

fromis_9 is a South Korean girl group originally formed through the survival show Idol School, known for their bright pop sound and steady growth across multiple generations of K-pop. The group currently consists of Song Ha-young, Park Ji-won, Lee Chae-young, Lee Na-gyung, and Baek Ji-heon, following several lineup changes that reshaped the group over time. Their name combines “From Idol School” with the idea of a promise to fans, reflecting their origins and commitment as a fan-driven group. Since debuting under Stone Music Entertainment with creative direction from Pledis Entertainment, they have navigated multiple agency transitions while maintaining a consistent musical identity. Fromis_9 They officially debuted in 2018 with “To Heart,” quickly gaining attention for their youthful concept and polished performances. Releases like “Love Bomb,” “Fun!,” and “Feel Good (Secret Code)” helped define their signature sound, blending energetic pop with catchy hooks and vibrant visuals. Over time, the group steadily built a loyal fanbase, achieving chart success and eventually earning their first music show win with “Talk &amp; Talk,” marking a major milestone in their career. Their continued releases, including “DM” and “Stay This Way,” further solidified their place as a dependable and evolving girl group within the industry. Fromis_9 As their career progressed, fromis_9 experienced significant changes, including member departures and shifts in management, ultimately reorganizing as a five-member group under a new agency. Despite these transitions, they continued to release music and expand their activities, including their first world tour and later projects like From Our 20’s. With their ability to adapt while maintaining their core identity, fromis_9 remains recognized for their resilience, consistent growth, and enduring connection with fans in an ever-changing K-pop landscape.

fromis_9

Delapan tahun meniti kariernya, Jiwon dari fromis_9 masih belum menerima sepeser pun penghasilan. Pengakuannya di sebuah acara YouTube pekan ini menjadi pengingat terbaru bahwa di balik kilau K-pop tersimpan model finansial yang dirancang untuk menunda pendapatan artis tanpa batas waktu

Delapan Tahun, Tanpa Penghasilan: Realitas Finansial di Balik Ketika Jadi Bintang K-pop

Tiga grup andalan HYBE mencetak sejarah dengan debut #1 YouTube AS untuk "ICONIC BY MISTAKE," sementara HUNTR/X mempertahankan umur panjang di chart global dan rookie BIGHIT CORTIS membuktikan dominasi generasi kelima dengan tur AS yang sold out&nbsp;

LE SSERAFIM, ILLIT, dan KATSEYE Debut di #1 YouTube AS, saat "Golden" Mendekati Satu Tahun di Chart

Hearts2Hearts, stylized as H2H, is a South Korean girl group formed by SM Entertainment. The octet consists of Carmen, Jiwoo, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on. They debuted on February 24, 2025, with the single album &quot;The Chase&quot; and its title track of the same name. The group’s name is intended to reflect their mission to connect with global fans through music filled with emotion and heartfelt messages. Their debut release &quot;The Chase&quot; achieved strong commercial performance, with first-week sales topping domestic charts and earning the group their first music show win shortly after debut. In June 2025, Hearts2Hearts released the digital single “Style”, followed by their first EP “Focus” in October 2025, which included the pre-released track “Pretty Please”, They also released the digital single “Rude!” in February 2026. Hearts2Hearts has performed at major events including SMTOWN Live 2025, international showcases, and festivals across Asia, building a growing global presence.

Hearts2Hearts

Hearts2Hearts dari M Entertainment telah merilis mini album kedua mereka Lemon Tang, bagian berikutnya dari seri ikonis hits bertema musim panas milik perusahaan tersebut. Menyusul viralnya pre-release “RUDE!”, album ini langsung meraih posisi nomor satu di tangga lagu Hanteo dan Circle

Hearts2Hearts Lanjutkan Kesuksesan Seri Musim Panas SM dengan ‘Lemon Tang’

Minggu lalu di K-pop, Kwon Eunbin dari CLC pensiun di usia 26 tahun, Shinyu dari TWS mendukung kampanye anak hilang, dan Grammys memperkenalkan kategori baru Asian Pop yang menuai beragam reaksi. Cerita berbeda, tema yang sama: sebuah industri yang memberi dengan satu tangan dan mengambil dengan tangan yang lain

Minggu Lalu di K-pop, Diinterpretasikan (15 - 19 Juni 2026)

Seorang penyanyi Amerika berusia 18 tahun telah membawakan ulang balada Korea tahun 1999 — dan para pendengar Korea berterima kasih kepadanya karenanya. “Even If” milik Julian Lerner menafsirkan ulang “If Only I Had You” menjadi dance-pop, dan responsnya sangat hangat di budaya yang selama ini pengaruhnya kerap mengalir ke arah sebaliknya.

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