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: “DNA” by BTS

"Act like an angel and dress like crazy. All the girls are girling girling," the track begins with this playful line, perfectly summing up LE SSERAFIM's latest title track, "CRAZY," from their self-titled fourth mini-album.

LE SSERAFIM unleash their wild side and let loose in the "CRAZY" music video

Xdinary Heroes is a Korean boy band created under JYP Entertainment’s Studio J. The group debuted on December 6, 2021 and stands out as a true rock group who is run and managed like a K-pop group.

Xdinary Heroes’ may have gone too far in ‘Troubleshooting’ concept photos

Watch the Moment BTS' Jin blew a flying kiss at Lee Yi Kyung's request at the 2019 MAMA Awards

Secrets secrets are no fun… unless they’re the basis for a bangin’ K-pop track, that is!

SHHHH! Ten K-pop songs with “secret” in the title

Happy Birthday! You share a special day with Junwoo from LUN8.

Is your birthday September 21? See which K-pop idol shares your birthday!

G-Dragon, born Kwon Ji-yong, has left a lasting impact on the global music scene, particularly through his diverse musical experimentation and influence.

G-Dragon: King of K-pop

Ladies' Code debuted in 2013 under Polaris Entertainment, quickly establishing themselves with their retro sound and powerful vocals. Their first mini-album, Code#01, featured the jazzy, swing-inspired "Bad Girl," setting the tone for their unique blend of electro-pop and classic throwback elements. The group’s lineup of Ashley, RiSe, EunB, Sojung, and Zuny showcased diverse talents—several had already gained attention through talent shows and the entertainment industry before joining the group. The follow-up singles, "Hate You" and "Pretty Pretty," solidified their presence in the K-pop scene, each release maintaining their rich retro sound while adapting modern pop influences.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLjUBC4HpVQHowever, tragedy struck in September 2014 when a car accident claimed the lives of EunB and RiSe. This devastating event halted the group's momentum but inspired a surge of fan support, propelling their song "I'm Fine Thank You" to the top of music charts in a heartfelt tribute to the deceased members. Despite the grief, surviving members Ashley, Sojung, and Zuny regrouped, eventually returning as a trio. Their 2016 release, Myst3ry, marked a stylistic shift to R&amp;B, with the lead track "Galaxy" showcasing a more somber and introspective tone, reflecting the group’s journey through loss and recovery.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7JYOzTl-ecLadies' Code continued to explore new musical territories with Strang3r and the atmospheric single "The Rain," which followed in the same emotive vein as their post-tragedy releases. Despite being active only intermittently in the years following the accident, the group’s later works, including the holiday-themed "The Last Holiday" and their 2019 single "Feedback," demonstrated their adaptability and commitment to evolving as artists while staying true to their roots.In 2020, the group left Polaris Entertainment and entered an indefinite hiatus as each member pursued solo ventures. Ashley debuted with the single "Here We Are," Sojung released several solo tracks including "Stay Here," and Zuny explored acting opportunities.Musically, Ladies' Code stood out for their retro-inspired pop, drawing influences from acts like Wonder Girls and Brown Eyed Girls. Their ability to blend retro beats with contemporary elements earned them a distinctive place in K-pop, with critics praising their versatility and vocal prowess. Even though their group activities are on hold, the members' ongoing careers continue to reflect the strength and determination that have characterized their journey since their debut.While Ladies' Code remains on pause, their journey—from their early rise to fame, through devastating loss, and eventual comeback—cements their legacy as one of the most resilient acts in K-pop history.

Ladies’ Code: Courage in the Face of Tragedy

BLACKPINK's Lisa is confirmed to perform at the highly anticipated 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.

BLACKPINK's Lisa to Perform at 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

ILLIT's debut track "Magnetic" has reached a significant milestone, surpassing 400 million streams on Spotify.

ILLIT's Debut Track "Magnetic" Surpasses 400 Million Streams on Spotify

NewJeans recently found themselves at the center of controversy after a viewer filed a complaint over their use of iPhones in a promotional video for Korean tourism.

Complaint Filed Against NewJeans Over Use of iPhones in Tourism Video Sparks Debate

Western musicians could stand to learn a thing or two from Korean Indie. Whether it’s indie rock or a gentle folk-singer/songwriter track like this one from Kimhwol, brilliant touches and genre innovations abound.

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