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

Enhypen is a South Korean boy band brought together by Belift Lab, originally a joint venture between CJ ENM and Hybe Corporation. The group was born from the 2020 survival competition show I-Land, capturing hearts with their unique blend of talent and charisma.&nbsp;

Enhypen: From Success to Success

SS501 was a prominent South Korean boy band that formed in 2005 and consisted of members Kim Hyun-joong, Heo Young-saeng, Kim Kyu-jong, Park Jung-min, and Kim Hyung-jun. SS501's long career and fascinating journey showcases their resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and changes.&nbsp;

"Resilience and Legacy: The Journey of SS501"

TAN, the dynamic K-pop group formed through MBC’s survival show Wild Idol, is parting ways.

TAN Splitting Up, Leader Changsun Steps Down

K-pop powerhouse ONEUS has launched individual Instagram accounts for each member, celebrating a key milestone in their career.&nbsp;

ONEUS Launches Individual Instagram Accounts to Celebrate Milestone

A 22-year-old man from North Korea was reportedly executed for consuming and distributing K-pop music and films, challenging the country's strict ban on Western cultural content.

North Korean Man Executed for Distributing K-Pop, Report Reveals

Let us be clear: The Black Skirts (검정치마) isn’t a band, but a project.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “EVERYTHING” by The Black Skirts

Jimin has dropped his fresh comeback track “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band,” and it’s awesome.

Yessir~ Jimin’s Comeback is HONEY

Featured MV of the Day: “Dropkick” by &TEAM

For anyone living under a rock, Lalisa Manobal, known better as Lisa of BLACKPINK, has returned and is clearly ready to show off a new side to herself.

Check it out! Lisa Embraces a New “Rockstar” Look 

Who’s watching this performance in 2024? We know we are!

Watch the Moment - BTS’s Performance of “FIRE” at the 2016 MAMAs

Did you know butterflies are a vital part of K-pop? No? Well to be honest, you’re probably right, but that doesn’t stop us from wondering about the oddly high amount of K-pop songs named after butterflies.

10 K-pop Tracks with ‘Butterfly’ in the Title

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with Teen from RoaD-B. Teen was born on June 30, 2004.

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