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

Featured MV of the Day: “Bad Girl, Good Girl” by miss A

Can you believe that 2024 is already halfway over? It seems like just yesterday we were hearing about the upcoming group tripleS and wondering in amazement how a group could have so many members.

Concept of the Day: Acid Angel from Asia’s ACCESS

As one of the entries for the inaugural KPOPWORLD “COVER KING” dance competition, the Chicago-based PRISM KRU wowed us with their tight synchronization, their facially emotive and expressive approach to the performance, and the way they honored the original ATEEZ choreography.&nbsp;

PRISM KRU performs “Crazy Form” by ATEEZ 

Each month, we at KPOPWORLD like to look back into the earlier days of Korean music and the foundations of K-pop as we know it. Who are the artists that helped K-pop reach the heights it has? Who deserves a second listen? This month, we look at one of the most influential Korean artists of all time and his extremely successful solo album from 2000. This is Seo Taiji’s Ultramania.

Throwback Review: Ultramania by Seo Taiji

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with Kevin from Monogram.

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

K.Will, born Kim Hyung-soo, is a standout figure in the K-pop industry, renowned for his poignant ballads and significant contributions to Korean drama soundtracks. His stage name combines the initial 'K' from his surname and 'Will,' signifying his determination and passion for music.

K.Will: The Prince of OST

Highlight, previously known as Beast, is a boy band, known in the K-pop industry for their resilience and evolution. Debuting in 2009 under Cube Entertainment, the group originally featured six members:&nbsp;

From Beast to Highlight: A Story of Resilience

YG Entertainment has officially announced 2NE1's highly anticipated return with the “2024 2NE1 Concert [Welcome Back] in Seoul.” The iconic K-pop group will take the stage at Olympic Hall in Olympic Park, Seoul, from October 5-6.&nbsp;

2NE1 Announces Welcome Back Concert in Seoul, Marking Their Triumphant Return

The 2024 K World Dream Awards, previously known as the Soribada Awards, has revealed its third lineup of attending artists. The event will feature performances by popular groups including

2024 K World Dream Awards Announces Third Lineup: aespa, ITZY, and More

SHINee's Minho to Attend Paris Olympics as First “Olympic Friend”

From the first second of this four-minute track, the listener is struck with a sensation so powerful, so unmistakable, so undeniable.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “Restructuring” by HAGA

Mirrorball Music is the largest indie music label and distributor in South Korea....

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