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

SF9 (Korean: 에스에프나인) is a South Korean boy band under FNC Entertainment.

Who is SF9?

KARD (Korean: 카드) is a male/female South Korean K-pop group under DSP Media.

Who is KARD?

BADVILLAIN is a rookie girl group based in South Korea. Managed by Big Planet Made, the 7-piece K-pop group consists of Emma, Vin, YoonSeo, Chloe Young, Hue, Kelly, and Ina.

Who is BADVILLAIN?

Featured MV of the Day: “Only for a Moment” by Eric Nam

The second appearance on our blog by K-indie band Dasutt, “I really hope I arrive there safe”&nbsp; features captivating melodies and introspective lyrics that seamlessly intertwine over a lush ambient soundscape driven by soothing guitar.

Daily Non-K-pop Spotlight: “I really hope I arrive there safe” by Dasutt

For the first time ever, a former North Korean is attempting to become an entertainment sensation through a televised reality survival program.

Meet a North Korean defector and idol hopeful

The Rose’s album HEAL elaborates on the pains that come with growing up and becoming aware of one’s faults&nbsp; and strengths.

Healing With The Rose: -

According to a recent report, Min Hee Jin, the CEO of ADOR, allegedly met with representatives from Dunamu and Naver Corporation, potentially discussing investment offers to acquire ADOR.&nbsp;

Specific accusations finally surface about Min Hee Jin

Is your birthday May 18? See which K-pop idol shares your birthday!

SM Entertainment’s new boy band, RIIZE, began their first fan-con world tour in April. After a date in Los Angeles on May 20, the group will return to Asia for another full slate of shows.

RIIZE Begins the Back Half of their World Tour

The first-ever K-pop band is widely considered to be Seo Taiji and Boys. Seo Taiji and Boys are widely acknowledged as the pioneers of K-pop, forming in 1992 with members Seo Taiji, Yang Hyun-suk, and Lee Juno.

Who was the first K-pop group? 

Even though vinyl sales are down in South Korea, the K-pop industry still has a massive consumer base full of rabid fans. So....

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