KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KPOPWORLD #3

KPOPWORLD #2 (Poster Version)

BIGBANG is a South Korean boy group formed by YG Entertainment, debuting in 2006 and becoming one of the most influential acts in K-pop history. The current profile centers on G-Dragon, Taeyang, and Daesung, with T.O.P and Seungri tied to earlier chapters of the group. The group&#x27;s importance comes from how strongly it changed expectations for idol music and image. BIGBANG made self-production, individual fashion identity, and genre-blending central to its appeal, with G-Dragon&#x27;s songwriting and public style playing a major role in the group&#x27;s reputation. Musically, BIGBANG moved through hip-hop, R&amp;B, electronic pop, ballads, and festival-sized dance tracks without losing a recognizable identity. Songs such as &quot;Lies,&quot; &quot;Haru Haru,&quot; &quot;Fantastic Baby,&quot; and &quot;Bang Bang Bang&quot; became reference points for later idol groups trying to balance mainstream hooks with stronger artist branding. The members also became major solo figures, which helped the group feel less like a standard idol team and more like a collection of distinct pop stars. That individual power brought both longevity and complications, especially as military service, controversies, and member departures changed the group&#x27;s public shape. The fandom is known as V.I.P. BIGBANG is a defining second-generation group whose impact on K-pop music, fashion, performance, and global ambition is difficult to separate from the genre&#x27;s modern history.

BIGBANG

G-Dragon은 2019년 Nike 역사상 처음으로 Swoosh와의 크리에이티브 협업을 성사시킨 아시아 래퍼가 됐다. 단순한 앰배서더 계약이 아니라, 그의 고유한 미학적 논리를 중심으로 완전히 구축된 파트너십이었다.

G-Dragon이 K-Pop 역사상 가장 중요한 Nike 파트너십을 구축한 방법

KiiiKiii is a five-member girl group under Starship Entertainment, consisting of Jiyu, Leesol, Sui, Haum, and Kya. The group began its rollout in 2025 with &quot;I Do Me&quot; and built its debut era around a confident, self-directed image. As a newer Starship group, KiiiKiii carries attention from the company&#x27;s girl-group history while needing a distinct identity of its own. Their early presentation leans youthful but assertive, with styling and performance choices that frame the members as a compact team rather than a loose collection of rookies. The fandom is known as TiiiKiii. KiiiKiii is still early in its career, but its debut identity is clear: a compact Starship girl group built around self-possession, youthful confidence, and a team image still being defined through its first releases.

KiiiKiii

특정한 형태의 마케팅은 K-pop 업계에서 하나의 관행처럼 자리 잡았다. 초기 콘셉트 사진과 영화 같은 트레일러부터 티저와 매시업까지, 새 앨범은 발매 전 팬들이 뜯어볼 수 있는 온갖 콘텐츠를 동반해 왔다.

K-pop 마케팅의 새로운 시대: KiiiKiii의 여행 웹사이트가 통하는 이유

David Yong의 K-pop 입문은 전형적인 아이돌 데뷔 코스를 따르지 않는다. BIGBANG과 TWICE를 통해 이 장르를 처음 접한 싱가포르 출신 사업가는 한국어 공부, 댄스 레슨, 서울에서의 녹음 작업을 병행하며 오랜 보컬 트레이닝 경험을 바탕으로 자신만의 길을 걸어왔다.

Fan에서 Artist-Executive로: David Yong의 K-pop 여정

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

NEXZ가 2026년 4월 "Mmchk"를 발매했을 때, 7인조 그룹의 올해 첫 컴백 앨범은 발매 첫 주에 44만 4천 장 이상 판매되며 커리어 하이를 기록했고, Circle Chart 리테일 앨범 차트 정상에 올랐으며, 한국 음악 방송에서 첫 1위를 차지했다

NEXZ: 위로만 남았다

K-pop 그룹과 안무가 헤드라인을 장식하는 가운데, 한국 음악 신에서는 또 다른 흐름의 싱어송라이터와 인디 아티스트들이 자신들만의 팬층을 만들어가고 있다. DORI 역시 그 흐름의 일부지만, 그녀가 이 길에 들어선 출발점은 꽤 이례적이었다.

DORI가 색으로 말하다

Ifeye is a South Korean girl group formed by Hi-Hat Entertainment. The group is composed of six members: Won Hwa-yeon, Taerin, Rahee, Kasia, Meu, and Sasha. The group debuted on April 8, 2025 with the Mini Album Erlu Blue.

ifeye

데뷔 1년 차를 지나면 묘한 압박감이 따라온다. 소개는 끝났고, 기반도 닦였다. 그러면 어느새 질문은 ‘누구인가’에서 ‘무엇이 되어 가는가’로 바뀐다. ifeye에게는 그 질문에 대한 답이 있다. 그리고 그들은 그 답을 꺼내 보일 준비가 되어 있다

ifeye: 특별한 무언가의 시작

OMEGA X (also stylized as ΩX) is an eleven-member South Korean boy group under IPQ. The group debuted on June 30, 2021 with their first mini album Vamos. The lineup currently consists of Jaehan, Hwichan, Sebin, Hangyeom, Taedong, Xen, Jehyun, Kevin, Hyuk, and Yechan. Several members had previously debuted in other groups or appeared on survival programs before joining OMEGA X. Omega X The group was introduced through teasers by SPIRE Entertainment highlighting the return of previously active idols. Following their debut with Vamos, they released the single album What’s Goin’ On and announced their official fandom name, FOR X (“Forever with OMEGA X”). They continued their activities with the mini album Love Me Like and their first studio album Story Written in Music, during which Jaehan was confirmed as the group’s leader. The group later made their Japanese debut with the mini album Stand Up! and held their first world tour, “Connect : Don’t Give Up.” They also released the English single “Love Me Like (Eng Ver.)” and the theme song “Jamboree Anthem Korea” for the 25th World Scout Jamboree. Amid reports of verbal and physical abuse involving their agency, the members held a press conference and pursued legal action against SPIRE Entertainment. A court later suspended the validity of their exclusive contracts, allowing the group to continue activities independently. After negotiations, both parties mutually agreed to terminate the contracts, with OMEGA X obtaining the rights to their group name and related activities. Omega X The group later signed with IPQ as the agency’s first artist and resumed promotions, including the release of the mini album Iykyk. During this period, members Hwichan and Sebin enlisted for mandatory military service. OMEGA X later released the Japanese mini album To. and formed their first subunit, OX:N, consisting of Jaehan, Xen, Jehyun, and Yechan. The group also announced their first European tour, “Re:Connect,” alongside plans for a new comeback project developed with participation from their fandom, FOR X.

OMEGA X

지난 2월, OMEGA X는 RE:CONNECT 투어로 유럽을 돌며 2주 동안 Paris, Frankfurt, Berlin, Warsaw, Budapest, Helsinki, 그리고 Milan을 찾았다. 이번 투어는 그룹과 해외 팬덤 사이의 관계에서 의미 있는 순간으로 남았다.

OMEGA X, Europe를 가다: 그들만의 말로 전하는 투어 일기

FIFTY FIFTY is a 5-member South Korean girl group under ATTRAKT, currently consisting of: Keena, Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana, and Athena. They debuted on November 18, 2022, with the mini album The Fifty. On June 28, 2023, all original members officially filed a lawsuit against ATTRAKT. On October 23, 2023 it was announced that Saena, Sio and Aran‘s exclusive contracts with ATTRAKT were terminated. On November 2, 2023 ATTRAKT announced that the group’s remaining member Keena will be joined by three new members. On August 8, 2024, four new members were announced, including Chanelle Moon, Yewon, Hana, and another mystery member, who was later revealed to be Athena. Along with that, the group&#x27;s fandom name changed from &quot;Hunnies&quot; to &quot;TWENY&quot;. Soon after, they pre-released ‘Starry Night‘ on August 30, 2024, and made their comeback with the new lineup on September 20, 2024, with the mini-album Love Tune.

FIFTY FIFTY

네 번째 EP Imperfect-I'mperfect에서 FIFTY FIFTY는 사이버펑크 전자음, 몽환적인 힙합, 황홀한 팝까지 새로운 사운드의 영역으로 나아간다. 동시에 전하는 메시지는 지극히 현실적이다. 불완전해도 괜찮고, 괜찮지 않아도 괜찮다는 것.

FIFTY FIFTY: The KPOPWORLD 디지털 커버

Produce 101 Japan 출신 참가자들로 결성된 한일 합작 그룹 ORβIT에게, 한국 데뷔를 향한 여정은 세계적 팬데믹, 병역, 그리고 조금만 방심하면 놓칠 만큼 조용한 창작적 진화를 거쳐왔다

ORβIT: 궤도를 찾아서

kimseungjoo는 더 이상 슈퍼스타가 되고 싶지 않다. 그는 그렇게 말한 적이 있고, 한때는 그 고백을 들여다보며 그것이 패배자 같은 생각은 아닌지 고민한 적도 있다고 말했다. 그리고 결국, 아니라고 결론 내렸다.

kimseungjoo: 슈퍼스타가 되고 싶지 않게 된 소년

QQQ is a 3-member independent South Korean project boy group. The group is the first sub-unit of OnlyOneOf, announced on December 21, 2025, consisting of KB, Jisung (formerly known as Love), and Nine. They debuted on February 26, 2026 with their first mini album QtoresQ.

KB, JISUNG, NINE은 QQQ를 두고 보통의 그룹들이 데뷔를 말하는 방식으로 이야기하지 않는다. 포부는 분명하지만, 그들은 전혀 다른 곳에서 시작한다. 바로 신뢰다

QQQ, 꿈과 의심, 그리고 자신들의 방식으로 나아가는 이야기

Big Ocean is a South Korean boy group under Parastar Entertainment. The trio consists of PJ, Chanyeon, and Jiseok. They debuted on April 20, 2024 with &quot;Glow&quot; and are widely noted as the first hard-of-hearing K-pop boy group. Their performances incorporate Korean Sign Language, American Sign Language, and International Sign, making accessibility part of the group&#x27;s musical identity rather than an afterthought. The group describes its music as &quot;Free Soul Pop,&quot; a label that fits its mix of warm pop melodies, uplifting themes, and sign-language performance. Big Ocean&#x27;s releases include Blow, SLOW, Underwater, Red-dy Set Go!, and The Greatest Battle. Their fandom is known as PADO, the Korean word for wave.

Big Ocean

Big Ocean은 계속 모습을 드러내고, 음악을 발표하고, 사라지기를 거부하는 것만으로도 K-pop 안에 자신들을 위한 자리가 있음을 증명해 왔다. 그들의 세 번째 미니 앨범 THE GREATEST BATTLE은 그 주장을 지금까지 가장 온전히 보여주는 작품이다

Big Ocean: 흔들림 없이, 자신들의 방식대로

다채롭고 방대한 South Korea의 음악 신에서 HANRORO는 자신만의 영역을 완전히 구축해 왔다. 바로 고백처럼 감정의 무게가 실린 인디 록이다. 2022년 데뷔 이후, 그녀는 음악에서 가장 오래된 방식으로 팬층을 쌓아 왔다

HANRORO: 온전히 자신의 방식대로

Kep1er is a South Korean K-pop girl group formed under CJ ENM in 2021 following the Mnet show Girls Planet 999. Originally composed of nine members, the group debuted on January 3, 2022, with their first mini-album, First Impact. The group now consists of six members following the departures of Mashiro and Yeseo in July 2024, and Youngeun in March 2026.

Kep1er

Kep1er가 2022년 1월 데뷔했을 때, 이 그룹은 이미 탄탄한 팬층, 낯익은 얼굴들, 그리고 ‘선발되었다’는 특별한 압박감과 함께 등장했다. Mnet 서바이벌 프로그램 Girls Planet 999를 통해 결성된 이들은 몇 달 동안 이미 자신들을 지켜봐 온 장으로 곧장 뛰어들었다.

Kep1er: 장기전을 풀어내는 법

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

CHAMELEON 이후 10개월 만에, YOON SAN-HA는 더 이상 모습을 바꾸지 않는다. 그의 세 번째 미니앨범 NO REASON은 단 하나의, 거의 도전적인 전제를 중심으로 다섯 곡을 통해 콘셉트를 완전히 덜어낸다. 꾸미지 않은 있는 그대로의 자신을 보여주는 것, 그리고 그걸로 충분하다는 것.

KPOPWORLD와 함께하는 Track-By-Track YOON SAN-HA가 “NO REASON”을 해설하다

IZ*ONE was a twelve-member project girl group formed through the Mnet survival show &quot;Produce 48,&quot; a collaboration between Korean and Japanese entertainment industries, debuting in October 2018. The group combined members from Korean agencies and Japan&#x27;s AKB48 system, including future stars Jang Wonyoung, An Yujin, Kim Chaewon, and Miyawaki Sakura. Their debut mini-album &quot;COLOR*IZ&quot; broke sales records for a K-pop girl group at the time. During their two-and-a-half-year contract, IZ*ONE became one of the best-selling girl groups in K-pop history, with releases like &quot;La Vie en Rose,&quot; &quot;Violeta,&quot; and &quot;Fiesta&quot; achieving critical and commercial success. Despite the &quot;Produce&quot; series vote manipulation scandal casting a shadow over their formation, the group&#x27;s talent was undeniable. IZ*ONE disbanded in April 2021 as planned, but their members went on to lead some of the biggest acts in K-pop&#x27;s fourth generation, including IVE, LE SSERAFIM, and more. Their fandom, WIZ*ONE, remains active and nostalgic.

IZ*ONE

Lee Chaeyeon은 피상적인 이야기를 하지 않는다. 그녀의 말에 따르면, Till I Die는 사람들이 아직 보지 못한 그녀의 모습을 담은 앨범이다

KPOPWORLD와 함께하는 Track-By-Track LEE CHAEYEON이 “Till I Die”를 풀어내다

LU는 자신의 손으로 직접 쓴 6곡과 함께 등장했다. 데뷔 앨범 Unfold는 그리움, 깊은 밤의 작업, 그리고 쉽게 이름 붙일 수 없는 감정들을 지나 마지막에는 감사의 마음을 바탕으로 한 수록곡으로 따뜻하게 마무리된다

Interview