KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KPOPWORLD #3

KPOPWORLD #2 (Poster Version)

Set to Take Over Alamodome Oct. 28–31, 2026

KPOPWORLD Festival & Worldwide Dance Competition

idntt (아이덴티티; read as identity) is an upcoming 24-member boy group under MODHAUS. They are set to make their debut sometime in 2026. The group consists of members divided into 3 rotational sub-units consisting of 8 members each - uneverm8t, yesw8are and itsnotov8r.

idntt

For their new album &lt;itsnotover&gt;, idntt sat down with KPOPWORLD to talk about where they've been, what this group has demanded of them, and what they refuse to let go of

idntt: The KPOPWORLD Digital Cover

EPEX [‘i:peks] (이펙스), formerly known as C9ROOKIES (C9루키즈) is a 7-member South Korean boy group under C9 Entertainment, consisting of Wish, MU, A-Min, Baekseung, Ayden, Yewang, and Jeff. On November 21, 2025, it was announced that Keum had left the group. They debuted on June 8, 2021, with their first EP album, BIPOLAR Pt.1 : 불안의 서 (Prelude of Anxiety)

EPEX

Closing a trilogy is easy. Closing it by handing the story back to the people who lived it is something else. EPEX's Youth: Epilogue wraps up two years and three albums of coming-of-age storytelling

EPEX Talks Youth Epilogue, Ownership and Growth

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

On July 14, inner beauty brand LifePharm announced that genderless group XLOV will become their newest Global Ambassadors. The brand is known for their viral dietary Mood Change Alpha Plus range, described as self-care for K-pop idols

XLOV Announced as Ambassadors for Inner Beauty Brand LifePharm

K-pop’s contract system has undergone many changes since the industry’s inception in the 1990s. From 13-year slave contracts to a reduced term of seven years — with options for renegotiation

K-pop’s Contract System, Explained – And Why So Many Artists Are Leaving Big Labels

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with Soyeon from (G)I-DLE.

Is your birthday August 26? See which K-pop idol shares your birthday!

Zico, born Woo Ji-ho on September 14, 1992, is a South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who has made a significant impact on the K-pop and hip-hop scenes.

Zico: Pushing the Boundaries of Korean Hip-Hop

Wonho, born Lee Ho-seok on March 1, 1993, is a South Korean singer who gained recognition as a member of the boy group Monsta X before embarking on a successful solo career. His journey in the entertainment industry began as part of a pre-debut project group called Nu Boyz under Starship Entertainment, where he showcased his talents alongside future Monsta X members. He made his official debut with Monsta X in 2015, contributing not just as a vocalist but also as a songwriter and composer.Wonho's tenure with Monsta X saw him rise to fame, particularly for his role in shaping the group's sound from 2017 onward. Besides his musical contributions, he became known for his strong fitness ethic, often featured in fashion and lifestyle magazines promoting health and well-being. However, in October 2019, Wonho faced allegations of past drug use, leading to his departure from Monsta X. Despite the setback, he was cleared of all charges in March 2020, which allowed him to get his career back on track.Following the resolution of the allegations, Wonho signed with Highline Entertainment and made a comeback as a solo artist. His debut solo EP, Love Synonym Pt.1: Right for Me, released in September 2020 and marked his return to the music scene, with the pre-release single "Losing You" receiving widespread praise. Wonho continued to build his solo career with successive releases, including the Love Synonym series and his second EP Blue Letter in 2021. His efforts were met with commercial success, as evidenced by his charting on the Billboard World Digital Song Sales chart.Wonho's solo endeavors expanded beyond music into acting, where he starred in his first musical Equal in 2022. This role allowed him to explore new creative avenues, reflecting on contemporary issues through a historical lens. He also continued to connect with fans through concerts and tours, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.Wonho reported for his mandatory military enlistment on December 5, 2022 and will be discharged in September 2024.

Wonho: The Monsta Songwriter

The Korea Brand Reputation Research Institute has published the brand value rankings for music acts in August, determined through an analysis of big data collected between July 24 and August 24.&nbsp;

Aespa Tops August Singer Brand Value Rankings, Lim Young Woong and Seventeen Follow

As of August 24 at 12 PM KST, TWICE's Momo has officially reached 15 million followers on Instagram, making her the most followed Japanese celebrity in the world. This milestone cements her influence not just in the K-pop industry but also globally as a star to know.Momo's Instagram journey began on May 17, 2022, and she has now become the 13th female K-pop idol to surpass the 15 million follower mark, achieving this feat in just two years and three months. Her growing follower count highlights her popularity and the strong connection she has with fans worldwide.Following Momo, the second most followed Japanese celebrity is Miyazaki Sakura of LE SSERAFIM, who currently has 10.8 million followers. Momo's latest achievement showcases the expanding global reach of Japanese idols within the K-P\pop industry.https://open.spotify.com/track/1utDFK1ARQcuZSwapf3cfb?si=296a0ddf6775452a&nbsp;

TWICE's Momo Becomes Most Followed Japanese Celebrity on Instagram

A recent survey has highlighted the significant earnings BLACKPINK members generate from their social media presence, amounting to billions of Korean won.

BLACKPINK Members Earn Billions KRW in Social Media Post Earnings, Survey Reveals

Beenzino’s voice is like nothing you’ve ever heard—a distinctive blend of charm and bright delivery that’s oddly hypnotic and irresistibly addictive.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Aqua Man” by Beenzino

Featured MV of the Day: “Cosmic” by Red Velvet

KISS OF LIFE is a rising K-pop girl group that debuted in July 2023 under S2 Entertainment. The group consists of four talented members: Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul.

KISS OF LIFE prepare to save KISSY in new teaser photos

The immensely talented Adelaide-based dance troupe ABK Crew took to the bustling streets of the city to showcase their impeccable dance moves and performance skills on Stray Kids' latest title track, "CHK CHK BOOM," from their album ATE.

Fan Spotlight: Australia-based dance troupe ABK Crew covers Stray Kids' "CHK CHK BOOM"

Sometimes there are those people who make such an impact on our lives that we want to celebrate and remember them forever.

What’s in a name? 10 K-pop tracks named after people

Kang Daniel is one of the most loved K-pop artists of the current times. He was on a 15-month hiatus following legal issues with his former label KONNECT Entertainment.

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