KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KPOPWORLD #3

KPOPWORLD #2 (Poster Version)

&amp;TEAM is a nine-member Japanese boy group under YX Labels (formerly HYBE Labels Japan). The group was formed through the survival program &quot;&amp;Audition - The Howling&quot; and debuted in December 2022 with their first extended play &quot;First Howling: Me&quot;. The group consists of EJ, Fuma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki, with EJ serving as the leader. Several members, including K, Nicholas, EJ, and Taki, previously participated in the survival show I-LAND before being selected for HYBE&#x27;s Japanese global debut project. Before their official debut, the group released the digital single Under the Skin, which introduced their storyline and concept. Their debut EP, First Howling,e followed shortly afterward, marking the beginning of the group&#x27;s &quot;First Howling&quot; series of releases. Although primarily active in Japan, &amp;TEAM promoted internationally and later expanded into Korea with Korean-language releases and promotions. Their fandom name is LUNÉ, representing fans who support the group like the moon lighting the night sky.

&TEAM

Issue 5 인쇄 커버 스토리에서 &amp;TEAM의 MAKI가 바이럴이 된다는 것이 어떤 느낌인지, 그리고 왜 그것이 보이는 것보다 더 복잡한지 솔직하게 이야기한다

IN REFLECTION MAKI: &TEAM

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

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

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

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-HA는 많은 사람들이 생각하는 것보다 훨씬 오래 이 업계에 몸담아 왔다. 그는 10대 초반에 Fantagio에 연습생으로 들어갔고, 2016년 ASTRO의 막내 멤버로 데뷔했다.

YOON SAN-HA는 이제 진짜 자신으로 설 준비가 됐다

STAYC is a six-member girl group formed by High Up Entertainment, debuting in November 2020. The group — Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon, and J — holds the distinction of being produced by the legendary hitmaking duo Black Eyed Pilseung, known for crafting smashes for TWICE, Apink, and others. This production pedigree gave STAYC an immediately polished, radio-friendly sound from their very first release. STAYC&#x27;s &quot;teen fresh&quot; concept and catchy discography — including &quot;SO BAD,&quot; &quot;ASAP,&quot; &quot;RUN2U,&quot; and &quot;Teddy Bear&quot; — have made them standouts in the fourth generation. &quot;ASAP&quot; in particular became a sleeper hit that dominated charts and went viral on social media. The group represents a refreshing middle ground in K-pop: neither overly cute nor aggressively girl-crush, but naturally charming and musically consistent. Their fandom, SWITH, has steadily grown as the group proves that quality pop songwriting and likeable personalities can build a dedicated audience without relying on spectacle or controversy.

STAYC

데뷔 6년 차를 맞은 STAYC의 최신 EP는 이들이 왜 STAYC인지 정확히 보여주는 요소들, 즉 톡 쏘는 신스, 밝은 고음역, 그리고 "ASAP" 이후 이들을 지탱해 온 자신감을 더욱 분명하게 밀어붙인다

STAYC의 2:L0VE, 정체성에 대한 의문에 종지부를 찍다

can’t be blue is a South Korean indie rock band formed in 2024. The group originally consisted of Kwon Dahyun, Lee Hwuiwon, Kim Chaehyun, Lee Dohun, and Park Junseo; after Junseo’s departure in October 2024, Kim Daehun joined as the drummer. The band is known for blending elements of pop, alternative rock, R&amp;B, soul, and indie in their music. can’t be blue debuted on June 20, 2024 with the single “Within the Words I Once Called Love”, which helped them gain early attention in the Korean indie scene. They released their first EP Blue Vinyl later that year, featuring tracks that showcased their evolving sound. In 2025, the band released several singles including “Gonna Die,” “First Sight,” and “take it anymore,” and continued building a presence through live performances and festival appearances. Their EP Prussian Blue was released on January 19, 2026. can’t be blue has performed in various concerts and events that highlight the contemporary band scene in Korea, and they are recognized for their emotive lyrics, melodic instrumentation, and genre-blending approach.

can't be blue

2024년 독립 레이블 UNBLUE LABELS에서 출발한 한국 록 밴드 can’t be blue는 불과 2년 만에 국내 인디 신의 화제에서 전 세계적으로 인정받는 아티스트로 빠르게 성장했다

How can't be blue가 인디와 팝의 경계를 허물고 있는가

EXO is a South Korean-Chinese boy group formed by SM Entertainment in 2012. Originally debuting as two subunits — EXO-K (Korean) and EXO-M (Chinese) — the group quickly became one of the biggest acts in K-pop history with hits like &quot;Growl,&quot; &quot;Call Me Baby,&quot; and &quot;Monster.&quot; Their synchronized choreography, powerful vocals, and theatrical concepts helped define the third generation of K-pop and earned them the nickname &quot;Kings of K-pop.&quot; Over the years, EXO has sold millions of albums, held massive world tours, and seen their members flourish in solo careers spanning music, acting, and variety shows. Members like Baekhyun, D.O., and Chen have become household names in South Korea. Despite mandatory military enlistments creating periods of group inactivity, EXO&#x27;s dedicated fanbase, known as EXO-L, has remained fiercely loyal, ensuring the group&#x27;s legacy endures well into the 2020s.

서울에서 사흘 동안 3만 2천 명. 멤버 셋이 빠진 상태로도 백만 장을 넘긴 앨범. 군입대, 법적 분쟁, 그리고 오랜 컴백 공백을 견뎌낸 팬덤 — 그럼에도 불구하고 팬들은 모여들었다

읽는 걸 다 믿지 마세요 — EXO는 여전히 K-pop의 파워하우스

NCT, short for Neo Culture Technology, is a boy group project under SM Entertainment. The system was built around multiple units, changing combinations, and regional expansion rather than a single fixed lineup, making NCT one of SM&#x27;s most ambitious idol structures. The project began publicly through NCT U in 2016, then expanded through fixed or semi-fixed units such as NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT WISH. Each unit carries a different role: Seoul-based performance, youth-to-adult growth, Chinese-language promotion, rotational experiments, and the final new-team expansion. NCT&#x27;s music is often associated with dense production, experimental structures, and performance-heavy arrangements. The group&#x27;s system allowed SM to place members in songs by concept, which helped produce very different sounds under the same brand without asking every unit to serve the same identity. The project also made member identity central to the fan experience. NCTzen follows not only the full brand but also unit dynamics, cross-unit collaborations, and individual member activities, which makes the profile more complex than a normal group page. NCT is both a group brand and a structure for multiple teams. That structure shaped how SM approached global boy-group promotion from the mid-2010s onward, making the project as much about organization and unit design as individual songs.

NCT는 올해 데뷔 10주년을 맞았다. 10년을 거치며 NCT가 K-pop에 미친 영향을 부정하기란 어렵다. NCT 127의 초기작들이 보여준 인더스트리얼한 혼돈부터 NCT Dream의 성장 서사, WayV의 도시적 세련미, 그리고 NCT Wish가 이어받은 불꽃까지

NCT의 “Neo-Ness”가 부담에서 최고의 자산이 되기까지

BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Music in 2010 and debuting on June 12, 2013, with the single album &quot;2 Cool 4 Skool&quot;. The group consists of seven members: RM (leader), Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The name BTS stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan (“Bulletproof Boy Scouts”), reflecting the group’s original concept of resisting societal expectations and criticism aimed at youth. Members RM, Suga, and J-Hope have played significant roles in songwriting and production throughout the group’s career. BTS first gained widespread attention with the [The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 era], particularly the single I Need U, which earned the group their first Korean music show win in 2015. Their international breakthrough followed with releases such as Wings and the Love Yourself series. In 2018, &quot;Love Yourself: Tear&quot; became the first album by a Korean act to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group achieved further global success with singles including &quot;Dynamite&quot;, &quot;Butter&quot;, and &quot;Permission to Dance&#x27;&quot;, all of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. BTS is among the best-selling artists in South Korean history and has received numerous international awards, while also participating in global initiatives such as the UNICEF Love Myself campaign. Between 2022 and 2025, BTS paused full-group activities as the members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. The last member, Suga, was discharged in June 2025, marking the completion of service for all seven members. Following their reunion, the group confirmed they were preparing a new album and world tour for 2026. Their tenth studio album, &quot;ARIRANG&quot;, recorded between July and November 2025, was released on March 20, 2026, marking their first group release in more than three years. The album will be supported by the Arirang World Tour, beginning in April 2026.

BTS가 완전한 전력으로 돌아왔고 이번 주 YouTube Music 차트가 이를 반영하고 있다

BTS, 'SWIM'으로 YouTube 차트 장악하며 글로벌 모멘텀 되찾다

WJSN, also known as Cosmic Girls, is a girl group formed through a collaboration between Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment, debuting in February 2016. Originally consisting of thirteen members from South Korea and China, the group was divided into four subunits: Wonder, Joy, Sweet, and Natural. Their celestial concept, as suggested by their cosmic name, infused their music with a dreamy, fantastical quality. WJSN gained wider recognition through their participation in Mnet&#x27;s &quot;Queendom 2&quot; in 2022, where they earned newfound appreciation for their elegant performances and stunning visuals. Songs like &quot;Save Me, Save You,&quot; &quot;Boogie Up,&quot; and &quot;Last Sequence&quot; highlighted their versatility. The group&#x27;s fandom, Ujung, has been devoted through years of shifting group dynamics as Chinese members pursued activities in China. WJSN is remembered as one of the most visually and conceptually enchanting groups of their era.

WJSN

데뷔 10주년을 맞은 WJSN, EXY가 쓴 팬송 “Bloom hour”는 절정과 계속 사이에 매달린 듯한 느낌을 준다

WJSN의 “Bloom hour”

MAMAMOO is a four-member vocal powerhouse girl group formed by RBW Entertainment, debuting in June 2014. Consisting of Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein, and Hwasa, the group immediately stood out for their exceptional live vocals, jazz and retro-influenced sound, and playful on-stage chemistry. Their debut track &quot;Mr. Ambiguous&quot; showcased a level of vocal ability rare among rookie groups and earned critical acclaim. Over the years, MAMAMOO built a reputation as one of K-pop&#x27;s most talented and entertaining live acts, with hits like &quot;Um Oh Ah Yeh,&quot; &quot;Décalcomanie,&quot; &quot;Starry Night,&quot; and &quot;HIP.&quot; Each member has also found significant solo success, with Hwasa in particular becoming a cultural icon. The group&#x27;s fandom, MooMoo, appreciates their authenticity and musicality. Though members eventually moved to different agencies, MAMAMOO has continued to reunite for group activities, proving the strength of their bond.

MAMAMOO

HWASA의 상승세는 결코 평범한 궤적을 따르지 않았다. 그녀는 그룹에서 분명한 센터로 데뷔하지 않았고, K-pop이 선호하는 여성 아이돌 이미지에 깔끔하게 들어맞지도 않았으며, 솔로 커리어를 안전한 선택들에 기대어 쌓지도 않았다.

퍼펙트 올킬과 완벽한 이별송: HWASA가 차트를 되찾다

Golden Child is a boy group originally formed by Woollim Entertainment, debuting in August 2017 with &quot;DamDaDi.&quot; The current lineup includes Daeyeol, Choi Sung Yun, Jangjun, Seungmin, Jaehyun, Donghyun, and Joochan, with several former members also tied to the group&#x27;s history. The group debuted with a bright, athletic image that fit Woollim&#x27;s clean performance tradition, then gradually moved into more dramatic and mature material. By the time of &quot;Wannabe&quot; and &quot;Burn It,&quot; Golden Child had developed beyond a cheerful rookie frame into sharper dance-pop and emotional performance concepts. Golden Child&#x27;s fandom is known as Goldenness. The group reads best as a long-running Woollim act with a shifting lineup and a catalog that moved from fresh youthfulness toward more polished intensity, with member-status details handled separately from the biography prose.

Golden Child

JOOCHAN에게 혼자 무대에 서는 것은 지금까지 온전히 짊어져본 적 없는 무게를 짊어지는 일이었다

Golden Child의 JOOCHAN, 첫 단독 팬미팅에서 솔직하게 털어놓다

Baby DONT Cry, is a South Korean girl group formed and managed by P Nation. The group consists of four members: Yihyun, Kumi, Mia, and Beni. They debuted on June 23, 2025, with the single album &quot;F Girl&quot;. The group was initially teased in early 2025 under the pre-debut name “P Girls” and confirmed as P Nation’s first official girl group later that year. Their pre-debut track “Bet You’ll Regret It” was released on June 16, 2025, building anticipation ahead of their debut. Baby DONT Cry’s debut single “F Girl” presents a bold message encouraging confidence and rejecting judgment based on external standards. The group’s concept has been described as youthful yet assertive, combining pop and performance elements with distinctive visuals. Their creative direction and early production were led by Soyeon, who played a significant role in shaping their sound and image. Baby DONT Cry’s fandom is officially named “Cherries,” symbolizing a community united by growth and joy. The group has since continued activities with subsequent releases, including the digital single “I Don’t Care” released in November 2025.. Although still early in their career, Baby DONT Cry has drawn attention for their fresh approach, strong visuals, and connections to established producers, marking a notable debut in the K-pop landscape.

Baby DONT Cry

그들은 스스로를 Baby DONT Cry라고 부르지만, 이 그룹에서 수동적이거나 연약한 인상은 전혀 느껴지지 않는다

Baby DONT Cry: The KPOPWORLD 디지털 커버

부드러운 보컬과 날카로운 송라이팅으로 먼저 주목받았던, 캐나다 태생이지만 서울을 기반으로 활동하는 JUNNY는 한국에서 가장 독특한 R&amp;B 목소리 중 하나로 떠올랐습니다

JUNNY: 음악이 언어보다 더 크게 말할 때

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

Waterbomb의 에너지 넘치는 무대부터 THE RED 같은 친밀한 단독 공연까지, KWON EUNBI는 IZ*ONE 출신을 넘어 다재다능한 퍼포머이자 송라이터로서 지난 5년을 정의해왔다

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