KPOPWORLD #5

KPOPWORLD #4

KPOPWORLD #3

KPOPWORLD #2 (Poster Version)

&amp;TEAM is a nine-member Japanese boy group under YX Labels (formerly HYBE Labels Japan). The group was formed through the survival program &quot;&amp;Audition - The Howling&quot; and debuted in December 2022 with their first extended play &quot;First Howling: Me&quot;. The group consists of EJ, Fuma, K, Nicholas, Yuma, Jo, Harua, Taki, and Maki, with EJ serving as the leader. Several members, including K, Nicholas, EJ, and Taki, previously participated in the survival show I-LAND before being selected for HYBE&#x27;s Japanese global debut project. Before their official debut, the group released the digital single Under the Skin, which introduced their storyline and concept. Their debut EP, First Howling,e followed shortly afterward, marking the beginning of the group&#x27;s &quot;First Howling&quot; series of releases. Although primarily active in Japan, &amp;TEAM promoted internationally and later expanded into Korea with Korean-language releases and promotions. Their fandom name is LUNÉ, representing fans who support the group like the moon lighting the night sky.

&TEAM

&amp;TEAM 的首次美国演出不只是一次 KCON 首秀，更像是一场考验。在 Artist Stage 上，组合面对的是挤得满满当当、几乎贴着护栏的观众席。

&TEAM的 KCON 2026 首秀格外亮眼

TNX (an acronym for The New Six) is a five-member boy group under P NATION. Originally debuting as six members, the group was formed through the SBS survival program LOUD, a collaboration project between J.Y. Park and PSY. They officially debuted on May 17, 2022 with their first mini album Way Up. The group’s lineup was finalized during the finale of LOUD in 2021, where Kyung Jun, Tae Hun, Hyun Soo, Jun Hyeok, Hwi, Sung Jun, and Tanaka Koki were selected for P NATION’s upcoming boy group. However, in January 2022, P NATION announced that Tanaka Koki would not debut with the team in order to continue training, leading the group to debut as six members under the name TNX. On their debut day, they also introduced their fandom name THX, meaning “Together with TNX.” Following their debut, TNX continued building their discography with releases such as Love Never Dies, Boyhood, and the digital single &quot;Fuego&quot;, while also participating in the survival competition Road to Kingdom : Ace of Ace in 2024. During this period, member Jun Hyeok temporarily paused activities due to anxiety before later returning to the group. In October 2024, it was announced that member Kyung Jun would enlist in the military and depart from the group following the completion of his service, reducing TNX to five members. The group continued activities with releases including the mini album For Real? in 2025 and the digital single &quot;Call Me Back&quot; in 2026, maintaining their growth under P NATION.

TNX 用了四年时间，在舞台表现力上建立起自己的口碑。《Die Another Day》则是他们第一次去 Rock 里寻找那份力量。

TNX 谈 Rock、现场演唱，以及拒绝退缩

在 K-pop 之外，来自东南亚的其他音乐类型，如 P-pop，也正逐渐获得国际关注。引领这一风潮的男团 SB19 即将前往 San Antonio，向大家展示他们究竟为何能做到这一点。

KPOPWORLD Festival 焦点：SB19

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

自 2025 年 1 月出道以来，XLOV 一直将无性别造型作为整个团体身份的核心，而不只是某位成员偶尔尝试的一种造型

XLOV 的无性别造型如何打破 K-pop 固有框架

WHIB is a seven-member boy group under C-JeS Entertainment, consisting of members Kim Junmin, Haseung, Jinbeom, UGeon, Leejeong, Jaeha, and Wonjun. Originally an octet, they debuted on November 8, 2023, with the single album Cut-Out. The group was first teased in November 2021 as the trainee group M.I.C, which stood for “Made in C-JeS.” On September 7, 2023, it was revealed that the group would debut as an eight-member group under the name WHIB, along with introductions to the new members. In 2025, members LeeJeong, Junmin and Wonjun competed on the Mnet survival show Boys II Planet, ranking 12th, 13th, and 62nd, respectively. On October 16, it was announced that member Inhong had departed from the group. WHIB released their first mini album, ROCK THE NATION, on January 29, 2026.

WHIB

作为团内的词曲创作与作曲成员，JUNMIN 总是从旋律出发来构思音乐，同时也珍视 WHIB 在不同声音与风格之间自如切换的能力

采访 WHIB 的 KIM JUNMIN —— 这位以旋律为先的音乐创作者

aespa is a four-member girl group debuted by SM Entertainment in November 2020, consisting of Karina, Giselle, Winter, and Ningning. The group introduced a concept centered on virtual &quot;ae&quot; counterparts, blending real and digital worlds into an elaborate sci-fi universe often associated with KWANGYA. That metaverse-inspired setup positioned aespa at the intersection of idol pop, technology branding, and SM&#x27;s long-running taste for high-concept worldbuilding. Musically, aespa made a sharp first impression with an aggressive, synth-heavy style that matched the digital concept without depending on it completely. &quot;Black Mamba&quot;, &quot;Next Level&quot; and &quot;Savage&quot; used sudden beat changes, metallic textures, and big vocal climaxes to create a sound that felt more angular than most mainstream girl-group pop. The approach could be polarizing, but it made aespa instantly identifiable. The group&#x27;s later singles showed how flexible that identity could become. &quot;Drama&quot; pushed the cinematic side of aespa, while Supernova turned their electronic edge into something brighter, stranger, and more playful. Karina and Winter often serve as the visual and performance center of the group, Giselle gives the rap sections a casual sharpness, and Ningning brings a vocal power that lets aespa&#x27;s biggest choruses land with real force. aespa’s fandom is known as MY, and the group became one of the key fourth-generation acts by making high-concept idol pop feel commercially central rather than niche. Their importance is tied to that blend: they are an SM vocal group, a performance group, a fashion-forward girl group, and a sci-fi pop project at the same time. Even when the lore becomes less prominent, the idea remains clear: aespa turns futurism into a pop language.

aespa

aespa 的 LEMONADE，听起来就像一个已经足够笃定自身身份的组合，开始主动向外延展边界——hyperpop、rock、R&amp;B 的克制感，与奠定她们成为 K-pop 顶级团体之一的 tech-house 基底并置在一起

aespa的 LEMONADE：当生活给你柠檬，就把它变成力量

NCT, short for Neo Culture Technology, is a boy group project under SM Entertainment. The system was built around multiple units, changing combinations, and regional expansion rather than a single fixed lineup, making NCT one of SM&#x27;s most ambitious idol structures. The project began publicly through NCT U in 2016, then expanded through fixed or semi-fixed units such as NCT 127, NCT Dream, WayV, and NCT WISH. Each unit carries a different role: Seoul-based performance, youth-to-adult growth, Chinese-language promotion, rotational experiments, and the final new-team expansion. NCT&#x27;s music is often associated with dense production, experimental structures, and performance-heavy arrangements. The group&#x27;s system allowed SM to place members in songs by concept, which helped produce very different sounds under the same brand without asking every unit to serve the same identity. The project also made member identity central to the fan experience. NCTzen follows not only the full brand but also unit dynamics, cross-unit collaborations, and individual member activities, which makes the profile more complex than a normal group page. NCT is both a group brand and a structure for multiple teams. That structure shaped how SM approached global boy-group promotion from the mid-2010s onward, making the project as much about organization and unit design as individual songs.

在今年与 SM Entertainment 分道扬镳的四位 NCT 成员中，WINWIN 的离开是最早被粉丝预料到的。那段从 NCT 127 一路走到 WayV 的十年时光，逐渐转向了他在中国并行发展的演艺事业。

为什么 WINWIN 退出 NCT 和 WayV 并不令人意外

BB GIRLS is a South Korean girl group currently consisting of three members under BBGIRLS Company and GLG. The group was originally formed by Brave Entertainment as Brave Girls, debuting on April 8, 2011, with the single album &quot;The Difference&quot;. Following years of lineup changes and steady releases, the group experienced a major resurgence in 2021 when their song &quot;Rollin’&quot; went viral, propelling them to the top of Korean music charts and earning them their first music show win years after its initial release. This unexpected breakthrough revitalized their career and led to further promotions, including releases like &quot;Chi Mat Ba Ram&quot; and continued group activities. On February 16, 2023, all members departed from Brave Entertainment, marking the end of their activities under the agency. On the same day, they released the digital single &quot;Goodbye&quot; as a farewell to their time with the company. Shortly after, the members signed with Warner Music Korea to continue as a group, later rebranding as BB GIRLS on May 3 due to trademark restrictions on their former name. In 2024, the group transitioned once again following the end of their contract with Warner Music Korea, continuing as a trio under their own agency, BBGIRLS Company, in partnership with GLG. Despite lineup changes, BB GIRLS have remained active, releasing new music such as &quot;Love 2&quot; and the special single &quot;Wish List&quot;, while continuing to build on their legacy in the industry.

BB GIRLS

在业内走过10年、经历三次停摆和无数次成员变动后，BBGIRLS——曾用名 Brave Girls——成了 K-pop 里最令人印象深刻的逆袭故事之一。从几次小范围成功、成为小众心头好，到几乎解散，她们的经历堪称一部完整的翻身剧。

BB GIRLS 10年历程：从低调起步到爆红走红

BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, is a South Korean boy band formed by Big Hit Music in 2010 and debuting on June 12, 2013, with the single album &quot;2 Cool 4 Skool&quot;. The group consists of seven members: RM (leader), Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The name BTS stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan (“Bulletproof Boy Scouts”), reflecting the group’s original concept of resisting societal expectations and criticism aimed at youth. Members RM, Suga, and J-Hope have played significant roles in songwriting and production throughout the group’s career. BTS first gained widespread attention with the [The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 1 era], particularly the single I Need U, which earned the group their first Korean music show win in 2015. Their international breakthrough followed with releases such as Wings and the Love Yourself series. In 2018, &quot;Love Yourself: Tear&quot; became the first album by a Korean act to reach No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The group achieved further global success with singles including &quot;Dynamite&quot;, &quot;Butter&quot;, and &quot;Permission to Dance&#x27;&quot;, all of which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. BTS is among the best-selling artists in South Korean history and has received numerous international awards, while also participating in global initiatives such as the UNICEF Love Myself campaign. Between 2022 and 2025, BTS paused full-group activities as the members completed South Korea’s mandatory military service. The last member, Suga, was discharged in June 2025, marking the completion of service for all seven members. Following their reunion, the group confirmed they were preparing a new album and world tour for 2026. Their tenth studio album, &quot;ARIRANG&quot;, recorded between July and November 2025, was released on March 20, 2026, marking their first group release in more than three years. The album will be supported by the Arirang World Tour, beginning in April 2026.

BTS 在 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium 的第二个夜晚承载着一种不同的情绪。前一晚，阔别已久的重逢所引发的期待已经得到了回应，于是 7 月 7 日变成了一场对这次重聚真正意义的庆祝。

BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG' 在伦敦：一场无需介绍的第二夜

PRISTIN was a ten-member girl group formed by Pledis Entertainment, debuting in March 2017 with Hi! PRISTIN and the title track &quot;Wee Woo.&quot; The lineup included Lim Nayoung, Zhou Jie Qiong, Minkyeung, Gyeongwon, Eunwoo, Yaebin, Park Xiyeon, Shannon Bae, Yehana, and Kyla. The group arrived with unusually high anticipation because several members were already known from Produce 101 and I.O.I-related activity, while others had been introduced through the pre-debut PLEDIS Girlz project. PRISTIN&#x27;s early image mixed bright pop, self-introduction, and strong trainee reputation, positioning them as a group with both performance polish and member familiarity. PRISTIN&#x27;s active period was short, ending with disbandment in 2019, which made the group a frequent example of unrealized potential in late-2010s K-pop. Their subunit PRISTIN V showed a sharper concept, and many members continued in entertainment after the group ended. The fandom name was HIgh.

PRISTIN

从 2017 年以强势出道和人气主打歌惊艳亮相，到逐渐淡出公众视野，并在短短两年后解散，PRISTIN 的起落无疑是过去十年里最令人惋惜、也最令人扼腕的经历之一

PRISTIN 如何从 K-pop 最具潜力的团体之一变成一段回忆

K-pop 一直在风格、概念和表演中玩转性别表达。但 XLOV 的队长 Wumuti 最近把这一点说得更明白了一些：genderlessness 有沦为流行热词的风险，变成只是为了吸引关注而借用的表层审美，而不是带着明确意图去实践的理念。

K-pop 中的“Genderlessness”是在传递进步，还是仍停留在概念层面？

围绕三组不同艺人的三起纠纷，正引发外界对公司和厂牌如何管理旗下艺人及团体活动的担忧。#NewJeans 成员 Danielle 与 #ADOR 之间旷日持久的法律战仍在继续，新的指控也接连浮出水面。

K-pop 上周要闻解读（2026年6月29日 - 7月3日）

在仁川售罄的 INSPIRE Arena 现场，&amp;TEAM 宣布将于今年9月带着第二张韩语迷你专辑《Mark on Me》回归。该专辑将于9月8日发行——距离《Back to Life》首日销量突破百万张还不到一年。

&TEAM 宣布《Mark on Me》与两场 Dome 加场，'BLAZE THE WAY' 迎来高潮

can’t be blue is a South Korean indie rock band formed in 2024. The group originally consisted of Kwon Dahyun, Lee Hwuiwon, Kim Chaehyun, Lee Dohun, and Park Junseo; after Junseo’s departure in October 2024, Kim Daehun joined as the drummer. The band is known for blending elements of pop, alternative rock, R&amp;B, soul, and indie in their music. can’t be blue debuted on June 20, 2024 with the single “Within the Words I Once Called Love”, which helped them gain early attention in the Korean indie scene. They released their first EP Blue Vinyl later that year, featuring tracks that showcased their evolving sound. In 2025, the band released several singles including “Gonna Die,” “First Sight,” and “take it anymore,” and continued building a presence through live performances and festival appearances. Their EP Prussian Blue was released on January 19, 2026. can’t be blue has performed in various concerts and events that highlight the contemporary band scene in Korea, and they are recognized for their emotive lyrics, melodic instrumentation, and genre-blending approach.

can't be blue

Korean rock band can’t be blue 于 2024 年从独立厂牌 UNBLUE LABELS 出道，仅用两年时间就从韩国本土的 indie 现象级乐队成长为全球瞩目的组合。

How can't be blue 正在消解独立与流行之间的界线

两个 sub-unit——#V8 和 #UAU——以截然不同的方式诠释夏日氛围；#ONEUS 带来全新的日文发行；#UDTT 出人意料地走向更暗黑的风格；而 #OMEGAX 则为需要从生活压力中“排毒”的听众送上贴心建议

Comeback Corner：V8、UAU、ONEUS 等

ARrC is a boy group under Mystic Story. The group debuted on August 19, 2024 with the EP AR^C and the title track &quot;S&amp;S (sour and sweet).&quot; Its lineup includes Hyunmin, Andy, Choi Han, Doha, Kien, Rioto, and Jibeen. Former member Ziwoo left in January 2025. The group&#x27;s name stands for &quot;Always Remember the real Connection,&quot; pointing to a concept built around communication and connection with listeners. ARrC&#x27;s releases include Dummy, nu kidz: out the box, HOPE, and Ctrl+Alt+Skiid, with a sound that moves through youthful pop, hip-hop textures, and performance-focused tracks. On June 23, 2026. Mystic Story announced that ARrC’s activities officially ends and that all members will embark on a new journey to pursue their own paths moving forward.

ARrC

出道两年后，ARrC 宣布解散。这支七人团始终没能真正突破到更广泛的大众层面——尽管他们的音乐本应配得上更大的关注，但他们留下的故事，比数据本身更耐人寻味。

ARrC 的缓慢上升与突然终结

从 BIGBANG 近期在 Coachella 重聚，到 Stray Kids 和 JENNIE 领衔 Governor’s Ball NYC，再到 ATEEZ 近期在 London 的 Hyde Park 演出，2026 年，K-pop 艺人已被推到全球主流国际音乐节的最前线。

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