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

HYBE, known for its pioneering role in the entertainment industry, has announced a major restructuring under its HYBE 2.0 strategy, transitioning its business areas into music, platforms, and tech-based future growth businesses.&nbsp;

HYBE Unveils HYBE 2.0 Strategy with Major Restructuring and Expansion Plans

SEVENTEEN's Mingyu has been named the new ambassador for the French luxury fashion house Dior. The announcement was made on August 1, marking a significant milestone for the K-pop star and the esteemed brand.

SEVENTEEN's Mingyu Named Dior's New Ambassador

ASTRO's Sanha has unveiled an exciting new content schedule for his first solo mini-album, DUSK

ASTRO's Sanha Reveals Content Schedule for Solo Debut Mini-Album DUSK

Throwing it back to 2017 to shine some light on one of our favorite indie tracks of all time.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “A Long Dream” by SE SO NEON

LACKSWAN, a dynamic four-member K-pop group, released their debut EP Roll Up on July 31, featuring the eponymous title track.

BLACKSWAN unveils bold new-age girl anthem with Roll Up

The ongoing Paris Olympics has sparked nostalgia among K-pop fans, reminding them of the 2016 Idol Star Athletics Championship, where K-pop idols competed in various sports and games, similar to the Olympic format.

Watch the Moment: BTS' Jung Kook aces as an athlete

WATCH THE MOMENT BABYMONSTER’s RAMI conquered Leemujin Service

Jooshica's video "HOW TO BE BETTER AT MAKEUP FOR BEGINNERS!! Using ALL tips from K-pop makeup artists'' is a comprehensive guide tailored for those new to makeup, inspired by the highly respected techniques of K-pop makeup artists.

K-pop Makeup Artist Makeup Tips

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with Mark from NCT.

Is your birthday August 2? See which K-pop idol shares your birthday!

T-ara is one of the original iconic K-pop girl groups. Debuting on July 29, 2009, under MBK Entertainment, T-ara originally started with six members but saw a few lineup changes over the years.

T-ara - The Queens of Kpop

Lim Kim, a South Korean singer known for her unique artistry, has charted an unconventional path in the K-pop industry. Born Kim Ye-rim in 1994, she initially gained fame as part of the duo Togeworl with Do Dae-yoon, competing in the third season of Superstar K where they finished third. Despite starting her journey in a mainstream talent show, Lim Kim has consistently sought to cultivate her own identity, a journey that saw her transition from a shy high school student in New Jersey to a bold solo artist in South Korea. Her debut EP A Voice in 2013, featuring the hit "All Right," showcased a blend of jazz and folk influences, contrasting with the dominant K-pop trends of the time.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJMWhJdjlpgKim's solo career further blossomed with the release of Her Voice and her first full-length album Goodbye 20 in 2013, followed by Simple Mind in 2015. The track "Awoo" from Simple Mind was notably recognized by international critics, highlighting her ability to merge woozy synths with sophisticated beats. However, despite her success, Kim felt constrained by the traditional K-pop system. This led her to leave Mystic Entertainment in 2016, marking a significant shift towards independence in her career.After a hiatus, Lim Kim made a powerful comeback in 2019 with the song "Sal-ki" and the EP Generasian, which she crowdfunded. This project was a stark departure from her earlier work, embracing avant-pop and electronic elements while exploring themes of Asian identity and womanhood. The EP, celebrated for its bold message and innovative sound, won Best Dance &amp; Electronic Album and Song at the 2020 Korean Music Awards. Kim's artistry during this period was characterized by a desire to dismantle Orientalist stereotypes and assert a multifaceted identity, both as a woman and as an Asian artist.In 2023, Kim continued her experimental trajectory with "Ult," a collaboration with the all-female dance crew 1MILLION, who had previously performed to her songs "Yo-Soul" and "Yellow" on Street Woman Fighter 2. This collaboration underscored her commitment to working with artists who share a distinct creative vision. The music video for "Ult," with its minimalist aesthetic and symbolic choreography, further solidified Kim's reputation as a disruptor in the K-pop scene, blending traditional Korean music with contemporary beats.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efxCxTJY2ZELooking forward, Lim Kim remains committed to exploring new musical terrains, as evidenced by her recent works that span various genres, from electronic music to more traditional K-pop sounds. Her journey illustrates a broader trend in the industry towards greater diversity and artistic freedom, challenging the norms of what it means to be a K-pop artist. Through her evolving sound and thematic focus, Lim Kim continues to push boundaries and inspire a more inclusive understanding of Asian identity in music.

Lim Kim: The Voice of a ‘Generasian’

On July 31, the highly anticipated match between Tottenham Hotspur and Team K League took place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. The event drew soccer fans and music enthusiasts alike, especially with a special half-time performance by the K-pop sensation TWICE.

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