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

In a groundbreaking moment for K-pop, Stray Kids and BTS's Jimin have made history by debuting at the top two spots on the Billboard 200 chart.

Stray Kids and BTS's Jimin Make History on Billboard 200

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Feel the Soul” by Seo Taiji

PIXY has gone through a lot of changes in just their few years of existence. From departures to hiatuses, the group has been in near-constant flux.

Throwback Concept of the Day: PIXY gets their Wings

At the 2023 Billboard Women in Music Awards, TWICE delivered a stunning performance of their single "MOONLIGHT SUNRISE."

WATCH THE MOMENT - Twice’s hot Billboard Women In Music Awards performance 2023

Alright, let’s dive into Wonder Girls’ 2015 album Reboot and break down why this album hits way different for the Gen Z crowd.

Summer Listening Party - Reboot by Wonder Girls

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with U-Chae from PIXY.

Is your birthday July 31? See which K-pop idol shares your birthday!

Miss A was a pioneering K-pop girl group formed by JYP Entertainment. Debuting on July 1, 2010, the group was made up of four members: Fei, Jia, Min, and Suzy.&nbsp;

Miss A: Domestic and International Idols

Dawn, formerly known as E'Dawn, is a rapper and singer-songwriter who first gained recognition as a member of the boy band Pentagon. Formed through the reality show Pentagon Maker, Dawn, despite being initially eliminated, joined the final lineup, contributing significantly as a songwriter and composer. His work includes notable songs like "Lukewarm" and "Shine." Dawn's musical journey took a distinct turn when he joined Triple H, a subunit featuring bandmate Hui and popular solo artist Hyuna. Triple H's releases, such as the EP 199X and Retro Futurism, showcased a unique blend of retro and contemporary sounds, with Dawn playing a crucial role in songwriting and production. The group's bold, unconventional image and music style set them apart in the K-pop industry.Dawn's career faced a significant shift in 2018 when he publicly confirmed his relationship with Hyuna. The couple's announcement led to their departure from Cube Entertainment, sparking widespread discussion about the treatment of idols in relationships. This period marked a turning point for Dawn as he transitioned from being part of an idol group to establishing himself as a solo artist. In 2019, Dawn signed with P Nation, the label founded by PSY, and debuted under his new moniker with the single "Money," which delved into the complexities of materialism and personal values.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWbRDCuE3qkThe release of Dawn's first solo EP, Dawndididawn, in 2020, further solidified his presence in the industry. The EP featured collaborations with artists like Jessi and highlighted Dawn's versatility in exploring various genres and themes. His work continued to reflect a deep personal narrative, often intertwined with his public and private life, including his relationship with Hyuna, with whom he released the collaborative EP 1+1=1. Their music often explored themes of love and partnership, resonating with fans who followed their journey both professionally and personally.In 2022, Dawn departed from P Nation and later joined AT AREA, a label known for its emphasis on artistic freedom and individuality. His EP Narcissus marked a new chapter, showcasing a more introspective and mature side of his artistry. The EP, inspired by Greek mythology, explores themes of self-reflection and the complexities of love. Tracks like "Heart" and "Star" reflect on the end of a relationship, mirroring Dawn's real-life experiences and emotions following his breakup with Hyuna. This body of work illustrates his evolution as an artist willing to delve into raw, personal themes, resonating deeply with listeners.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owZ0zIlhCqoThroughout his career, Dawn has been characterized by his willingness to challenge norms within the K-pop industry. His journey from Pentagon to a solo artist under various labels underscores a narrative of resilience and artistic exploration. Whether through his candid exploration of personal themes or his genre-blending musical style, Dawn continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a K-pop artist. Last year’s Narcissus not only marks a new phase in his career but also highlights his ongoing quest to understand and convey the complexities of love and identity through his music.

Dawn: Breaking the Boundaries

K-pop and R&amp;B singer Heize is set to reconnect with her fans in a unique and intimate setting. On July 30 KST, her agency, P Nation, announced that Heize will host a solo fan meeting titled "2024 Heize Fan Meeting [Mill: The Invasion of the Rice Cakes]." The event is scheduled to take place on ...

Heize Announces Special Fan Meeting, "Mill: The Invasion of the Rice Cakes"

From July 26th to 28th, K-pop sensation ZEROBASEONE graced the stage at KCON LA 2024 in Los Angeles, delivering a series of electrifying performances that left fans in awe.

ZEROBASEONE Delivers Electrifying Performances and Album Teasers at KCON LA 2024

On July 27 KST, TWICE celebrated a significant milestone as the music video for their 2018 hit single "What Is Love?"

TWICE's “What Is Love?” MV Surpasses 800 Million Views on YouTube

Today’s pick is another track that could technically be considered K-pop, but is outside of the public eye just enough that we think it qualifies here.

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