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

Although K-pop artists often shift from sound to sound, SHINee pushes the boundaries of sticking to one sound per comeback and has mastered a wide range of genres. This is accomplished through their complex dance routines, live vocal talent, and fashion influence.The boy group’s name is formed from “shine” and the suffix “ee,” which means “one who receives the light.” In May 2008, SHINee debuted under SM Entertainment with their first EP, “Replay.” The group’s five members—Onew, Minho, Key, Taemin, and Jonghyun—brought with them diverse backgrounds in piano, dance, acting, and writing music. Jonghyun struggled with his mental health and passed away in 2017, a loss that sparked important conversations about the pressures of the South Korean entertainment industry.&nbsp;As SM Entertainment prepared for SHINee’s debut, they envisioned the group as trendsetters in dance, music, and fashion. The group’s choreography is as intricate as ballet. Their MV for their song “Lucifer,” released shortly after SHINee’s debut, earned many awards for its complex routines and creative dance moves.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dww9UjJ4Dt8SHINee creates a harmonious blend between their main and sub vocals, uncommon in the K-pop industry. The synergy between the vocals of Onew and the late Jonghyun is aesthetically contrasting. Because of their unique vocal chemistry, SHINee has been noted as one of the best live vocal groups in K-pop.Lastly, SHINee has paved the way for new trends with their distinctive fashion. Their look features high-top sneakers, skinny jeans, and colorful sweaters. In the group’s early years, this style became iconic among young people, known as the "Shinee Trend." Over the years, their style has evolved to be more mature while maintaining charm.SHINee's fifth extended play, Everybody, showcases the epitome of what the group is, classified under the complextro genre. The group’s versatility, combined with their exceptional dance routines, live vocals, and fashion, makes SHINee a trendsetter.https://open.spotify.com/album/0cJUtiybZCK22BF7yfSeA4?si=uDTH9Hc8SQqoX4XDC-SGLg

SHINee: Trendsetters and Idols

With 2NE1's 15th debut anniversary on the horizon, fans are buzzing with excitement over the possibility of a long-awaited reunion.

As 2NE1 Nears 15th Anniversary, Reunion Rumors Heat Up

In a touching display of support and compassion, DAY6 recently met with 7-year-old Lee Geon-woo, who is bravely battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia.&nbsp;

DAY6 Delivers Heartwarming Mini Concert for Young Fan Battling Leukemia

ATEEZ continues to prove their global dominance as their 10th mini album, GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1, maintains a strong presence on the Billboard 200

ATEEZ's GOLDEN HOUR: Part.1 Maintains Strong Presence on Billboard 200

Listening to Jannabi (잔나비) is like stepping into a nostalgic, enchanting world that transcends language barriers. Formed in 2012.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “for lovers who hesitate” by Jannabi

HYBE’s new group is a mega collaboration with Geffen Records

KATSEYE gears up for their mega debut

Featured MV of the Day: “Spicy” by aespa

We’ve seen so many awesome concepts come and go, it can be easy to forget some of the best concepts from even a few years ago. Take for example the concept photos from KingDom only a few years back. They were meant to support their first mini album, History of Kindom: Part I. Arthur, and the lead single “Excalibur.” To say these photos are striking is a major understatement.

Throwback Concept of the Day: “Excalibur” by KingDom

Happy summer to everyone! Now is the season of swimming, picnics, and cookouts with friends. We decided we liked these elements enough to gather up ten of our favorite songs to help craft a perfect summer!

10 K-pop Tracks For the Perfect Summer

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with Keonhee from Oneus.

Is your birthday June 27? See which K-pop idol shares your birthday!

K-pop groups tend to ebb and flow with the change of the trend tides, but some artists choose to defy conformity. Mamamoo has been doing its own thing since its inception. This group has never followed trends because they never had to.

Mamamoo: Going Against the Flow

Although 2nd-gen K-pop groups generally fizzle out, one group has maintained momentum over almost two decades of activity.&nbsp;

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