South Korea's Circle Music Chart, "REDRED" is mentioned with giants BTS's "SWIM" and HUNTR/X from KPOP DEMON

My Perfect Stranger (2023) My Perfect Stranger (KBS) Baek Yoon-young (Jin Ki-joo) is an ordinary woman The Secret Life of My Secretary (2019) The Secret Life of My Secretary (SBS) Jung Gal-hee (Jin Ki-joo

ILLIT's performance demonstrated that you don't need a giant production or hour-long set to leave an

From K-pop and K-dramas to beauty and food, MyK Festa 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest Korean culture events of the year — and fans are expecting huge surprises! Read on for more exciting details! MYK Festa 2026 (Culturefestival) The highly anticipated MyK FESTA is about to return for another year! This amazing musical festival celebrates K-pop and Korea's global talents. This year's event will go beyond just a typical music festival; instead, MyK FESTA will cement the historic roots of Korean heritage with today's fast-paced pop music scene, with performances from some of K-pop's most loved artists. Let's dive in further! Who Will Perform The 2026 MyK FESTA will see performances from some high-energy K-pop powerhouses and some of K-pop's most loved idols. The confirmed line-up so far includes acts such as TREASURE, RIIZE, ZEROBASEONE, P1Harmony, and HIGHLIGHT. If these acts are not enough, then IZNA, Hearts2Hearts, and tripleS will also join them during the festival, where they will spoil fans with awesome vocals and flawless dance moves! This is all while performing some of their hit songs! When and Where to Watch If you want to get your hands on tickets for the 2026 MyK FESTA, then you have the chance to purchase a day pass or a four-day pass, as the event will be held over four days from June 25th - June 28th, 2026. If you have a local ID, then you can experience first-come, first-served tickets for the event, or try your hand in the general sale. For global fans, you will be able to stream your favorite acts' performances through the official MyK platforms and distribution partners. This year's event will be held at the KINTEX and SONO Calm GOYANG, which is easily accessible from central Seoul via the GTX line. The Interactive Hub (Fan Experience) This year's festival will have an exclusive interactive hub for fans to immerse themselves in. For the Dojeon Media team, this is one of the highlights of the festival that we are most looking forward to, other than the performances. In the interactive zone, fans will be able to enjoy hands-on workshops and cultural zones, as well as food stalls and refreshment booths! If you are into digital gaming, then there will also be a section that's all about personalized gaming to help encourage international guests to learn more about Korea through music! Official Promo Fan Response Since the announcement of the wonderful line-up at the 2026 MyK FESTA, K-pop fans have been buzzing with anticipation. Our writer, Lewis Hooper, attended the 2025 MyK FESTA and thought it was amazing, and his highlight was the performance by Lee Mujin. Fans have also been trying to plan buying tickets and booking nearby accommodation, and some have gone as far as speculating about surprise guest performances! Is there any act that you would like to see at the 2026 festival? The Buzz Around the Sub-Events If you look past the main stage, the "MyK VOICE" and "MyK TRADE" areas are also great places to visit at the four-day festival. They will offer open forums, presentations, and networking opportunities for professionals and fans, to give Hallyu and K-pop a new and fresh voice. For us here at Dojeon Media, this sounds like a great forward-thinking approach by the event's organizers. Final Thoughts The Dojeon Media team is already buzzing with excitement for the festival. This year really does promise to bring global K-pop fans together by creating a wonderful community festival. It's also a great example of how global fans come together, regardless of race, religion, or background. The 2026 MyK FESTA really will be a unified and unforgettable experience! #MYKFESTA #Kpop #KCulture #KoreanEntertainment #Hallyu #KoreaEvents

aespa was never designed to be a "traditional" idol group. Their eclectic mix of AI lore, futuristic visuals, and fashion-forward branding made them an instant global hit! We dive into how their highly anticipated album, Lemonade, has made them instantly recognizable in the global music scene! aespa's Lemonade collaboration list (SM Entertainment) aespa’s “Lemonade Formula”: Cool, Futuristic, and Commercially Powerful aespa's virtual AI-spired storytelling makes them stand out immediately. With each album posting a new concept and storyline, the lore of aespa reaches out and grabs fans' throats instantly. Coupled with their futuristic outfits and stunning beats, aespa stands out as a global marketing icon. With outstanding branding visuals for Lemonade, aespa has created a balance between "experimental" and "mainstream", giving their comeback a more digitally-native and trend-aware concept. Check out their comeback photos that'll blow your mind! aespa's Lemonade comeback photo (SM Entertainment) Music Collaborations That Expanded aespa’s Global Reach The internet exploded when aespa announced its collaboration with globally renowned artists, including G-Dragon, Becky G, and Ty Dolla $ign! With a mix of hip-hop, EDM, R&B, and hyperpop, Lemonade is poised to make a run for one of the best K-pop comebacks of the year! Lemonade is scheduled to release on May 29, 2026, at 1 PM KST. Why aespa’s Global Collaborations Feel Different In a sense, aespa's allure often feels more like that of a multimedia brand than a traditional idol group. Instead of simply focusing their marketing on overseas markets, aespa integrates itself into global digital culture, building collaborations around aesthetics and technology. This is branding that works beyond music. With collabs with PUBG Battlegrounds and Pozalabs, aespa is a hit with consumers from all age groups. Final Thoughts With K-pop returning to a more "physical age", aespa might be looking too far into the future. K-pop fans want nostalgia and "feel" their idols by collecting trading cards, posters, t-shirts, and more. aespa might be a little too ahead of their time. On the flip side, aespa creates AI-generated fan experiences that are hard to compete with. Along with their creative storytelling, there's no other K-pop group that even stands a chance. aespa might become the masters of globalization through digital culture. aespa doesn't just collaborate with brands—they collaborate with the future. Comment below your thoughts on aespa's comeback album Lemonade! #aespaLEMONADE #LEMONADE #BeckyG #TyDollaSign #GD

A free fan celebration is heading to Seoul to mark two legendary decades in K-Pop history. BIGBANG's 20th Anniversary gift to fans - https://en.koreaportal.com/ BIGBANG fans, get ready, as BIGBANG is about to celebrate 20 years since their initial debut. They are set to mark this impressive milestone with a series of events, special appearances, and surprises for fans. This includes a special one-off anniversary event in central Seoul, their new world tour, and even new music. BIGBANG is certainly putting their all into this historic era of their music careers. A Legacy That Changed K-pop BIGBANG have changed the face of K-pop since their debut almost 20 years ago. BIGBANG not only helped put K-pop on the global stage, but they have also changed the face of fashion through their historic performances. BIGBANG has still managed to remain at the top of their game despite many changes within the industry. Younger trainees and aspiring artists still look up to BIGBANG as one of their biggest inspirations to this day. A Gift for the Fans BIGBANG have become known for their generosity over the years, and they have often given back to the fans who have supported them. This is one of the main reasons why BIGBANG are still popular today. BIGBANG are set to host a free celebration later this year to mark their anniversary, bringing VIPs together for a special concert in central Seoul. The concert will showcase special performances featuring some of their biggest hits from the past two decades, and the Dojeon Media team cannot wait! Fan Reactions VIPs worldwide have taken to social media and blog sites to express their excitement, as well as share their favourite moments from the past two decades. Some fans have even described this new project and comeback as one of the most idealistic ways to celebrate how far K-pop has come since the band's debut in the early 2000s! When and Where to See BIGBANG VIPs, get ready to fight for an all-out ticket war! The highly anticipated 20th Anniversary World Tour will kick off with three concerts at Goyang Stadium on 21 August (7:30 PM KST), 22 August (7:30 PM KST), and 23 August (7:00 PM KST). Ticket prices range from ₩154,000 for A seats to ₩275,000 for Standing VIP, with tickets available through Coupang Play for domestic fans and NOL World for international fans. Free Anniversary Event in Seoul If the world tour is perhaps too expensive or you are unable to secure tickets, then head to Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul on 19 August. Starting at 8:00 PM KST at the Mulbit Stage, VIPs and locals alike will be able to enjoy a completely free concert celebrating their two-decade anniversary. The concert will also feature a DJ set, immersive zones, including a media zone, and even a drone show! If that is not enough, there will also be a classic fireworks show to mark this one-off occasion. Final Thoughts The Dojeon Media team is delighted that BIGBANG has achieved the historic milestone of their 20th anniversary, as not many K-pop groups or solo artists make it past their first couple of years. It really does go to show that standing by and supporting your fan base can still bring you success years later. We are looking forward to seeing what BIGBANG brings to the global stage in the future, and we are sure they will remain at the top of their game as K-pop legends for a long time to come. #BIGBANG #BIGBANG20thAnniversary #VIP #KpopLegends #SeoulEvents #20YearsWithBIGBANG

Law Firm, topples in the last episode of Why Her as star lawyer, Oh Soo Jae ( Seo Hyun Jin You Are My

K-pop isn't just growing—it's rewriting the global music map. Once considered a phenomenon centered in South Korea and parts of Asia, K-pop has become one of the world's most powerful entertainment exports. In 2026, the biggest surprise isn't that K-pop is popular—it's where it's becoming unstoppable. BTS kicks off their European leg of the ARIRANG World Tour in Spain (HYBE/BigHit Music) From sold-out stadiums in Europe to massive fan events in Latin America, a new generation of international fans is proving that K-pop has no borders. Here are the countries leading the next wave of the Hallyu phenomenon! 🇪🇸 Spain: Europe's New K-pop Capital? Spain has quickly become one of Europe's hottest destinations for K-pop concerts. Major acts have chosen Madrid and Barcelona for stadium tours and festivals, drawing tens of thousands of fans from across the continent. Spanish fans are known for their passionate fan chants, synchronized lightstick displays, and viral social media content that often trends worldwide after concerts. Every successful stop is encouraging more entertainment companies to include Spain in future world tours. 🇧🇷 Brazil: A Longtime Powerhouse That Keeps Growing Brazil has always been one of K-pop's strongest international markets, but 2026 has taken things to another level. Stray Kids to headline Rock in Rio 2026 (JYP Entertainment) Whether it's streaming, dance cover competitions, or fan-organized charity projects, Brazilian fans consistently rank among the world's most engaged. Every major tour announcement sparks overwhelming demand, making Brazil an essential stop for global promotions. 🇲🇽 Mexico: Stadium-Level Demand Mexico continues to prove that its K-pop fandom is among the most dedicated anywhere. Concert tickets disappear within minutes, fan projects regularly go viral, and local media now covers K-pop alongside mainstream international music. The country's central location also attracts fans from neighboring nations, creating massive regional events. BTS invited by the Mexican president? Unheard of 10 years ago, but very true this year! 🇫🇷 France: Fashion Meets K-pop BTS's Jimin just broke the internet with a stunning outfit at the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris on June 24, 2026 (Getty Images) Paris has become more than a concert destination—it's now one of K-pop's biggest fashion stages. Luxury brand partnerships, Fashion Week appearances, and exclusive pop-up events have strengthened the connection between French audiences and Korean entertainment. Many idols now combine tour stops with major fashion campaigns, expanding their influence far beyond music. 🇺🇸 United States: Still the Biggest Global Stage BLACKPINK's Lisa performs during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles, California (Yonhap) The United States remains the industry's most competitive international market. K-pop artists are no longer niche acts. They're headlining music festivals, selling out NFL and MLB stadiums, appearing on national television, and collaborating with Western artists. Breaking into the U.S. has become a key milestone for both established groups and rising rookies. 🇹🇷 Turkey: A Rapidly Growing Fan Community Turkey has emerged as one of the fastest-growing K-pop markets thanks to highly active online communities and increasing demand for live events. Fans have built vibrant local communities through dance crews, fan cafés, and cultural festivals, making Turkey a market many industry observers believe is ready for even more major concerts. 🇮🇳 India: The Next Billion-Fan Opportunity G-Dragon's Galaxy Corporation plans to open a full legal branch in India (The Straits Times) Few countries have as much long-term potential as India. Streaming numbers continue to climb, K-pop dance academies are opening in more cities, and younger audiences are discovering Korean music through social media and streaming platforms. While large-scale tours remain relatively limited, industry experts increasingly see India as one of the biggest opportunities for future growth. Why This Matters The global expansion of K-pop isn't just about bigger concerts. It's creating international fan communities, boosting tourism, driving fashion trends, increasing Korean language learning, and introducing millions of people to Korean culture. Every new market strengthens the industry's worldwide influence. The next generation of K-pop success won't be measured solely by album sales in Seoul. It will be measured by packed stadiums in Madrid, fan festivals in São Paulo, sold-out arenas in Mexico City, and streaming records set by listeners from every corner of the world. The Future Looks Borderless If 2026 has shown us anything, it's that K-pop has officially become a truly global genre. As more countries embrace Korean music and entertainment, world tours will grow even larger, international collaborations will become more common, and fans everywhere will continue shaping the future of the industry. One thing is certain: the next K-pop hotspot could be anywhere—and that's exactly what makes this global movement so exciting. Is K-pop dominating your country? Let us know! #GlobalKpop #hallyuwave

Summer 2026 is far from over—and for K-pop fans, the biggest moments may still be ahead. After a record-breaking first half of the year filled with massive comebacks, viral performances, and sold-out tours, July and August are shaping up to be just as exciting. Whether you're traveling across continents to see your favorite idols or planning to livestream every show from home, the next two months are packed with can't-miss events. (From top right clockwise) BTS, aespa, ATEEZ, and BABYMONSTER are set to dominate the K-pop landscape this summer. Here's your ultimate guide to the biggest K-pop concerts and festivals still to come this summer. 🎤 BABYMONSTER Continues Their Breakout World Tour BABYMONSTER performs in front of a sold-out stadium in Seoul during their CHOOM world tour (YG Entertainment) If there's one rookie group proving they're already global superstars, it's BABYMONSTER. Their first major world tour has become one of the hottest tickets of 2026, with multiple cities reporting sold-out venues and overwhelming demand. Fans have praised the group's live vocals, polished performances, and growing stage confidence. Each stop has produced viral moments—from emotional fan interactions to stunning dance breaks—making every concert trend across social media. Don't be surprised if BABYMONSTER finishes the summer as K-pop's biggest touring success story. 💜 BTS Keeps Making History BTS's Jin in front of Madrid crowd during their European leg of ARIRANG world tour (STARNEWS) Even after years at the top, BTS continues to prove why they're in a league of their own. Whether through special performances, festival appearances, or global promotional events connected to the FIFA World Cup, every BTS appearance instantly becomes worldwide news. ARMY will undoubtedly keep social media buzzing throughout the summer as the group adds more unforgettable moments to its legendary career. 🔥 ATEEZ Is Built for Festival Season ATEEZ Japan promotional poster (KQ Entertainment) Few groups command a live stage like ATEEZ. Known for explosive choreography, powerhouse vocals, and unmatched crowd energy, the group has become a favorite at international festivals. We show you why they might be the one group to OWN the 2026 festival season! Their performances consistently generate viral fancams and fan reactions, making every appearance essential viewing—even for casual K-pop fans. ✨ aespa Keeps Raising the Bar aespa "LEMONADE" promotional poster (SM Entertainment) Fresh off another successful era, aespa continues to blend futuristic concepts with polished live performances. With amazing global collaborations, they're one of the top groups to watch out for in 2026! Expect spectacular visuals, synchronized choreography, and unforgettable vocals as the group continues meeting fans throughout the summer. Every stop also offers opportunities for surprise song performances and unforgettable fan interactions. 🌎 KCON and Summer Festivals Return KCON Los Angeles 2026 artist lineup (KCON) Summer wouldn't be complete without major K-pop festivals. Events across Asia, Europe, and North America continue bringing dozens of artists together for weekends packed with concerts, fan meetings, dance challenges, and exclusive collaborations. For newer fans, these festivals remain one of the best ways to experience multiple groups in one unforgettable event. 🎶 Why Summer 2026 Feels Different This year isn't just about concerts. It's about how global K-pop has become. Fans are flying across countries to attend shows. TikTok dance challenges are spreading within minutes of performances. Concert clips rack up millions of views overnight, while fan-made edits dominate YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels. The line between live concerts and viral online moments has never been thinner. Every performance now has the potential to become the next internet sensation. 🌟 2026 Is The Best Time to Be a K-pop Fan Whether you're attending in person or watching from thousands of miles away, Summer 2026 is delivering unforgettable memories every single week. From BABYMONSTER's explosive world tour to BTS's global appearances, ATEEZ's electrifying stages, and aespa's futuristic performances, fans still have plenty to look forward to before summer comes to an end. One thing is certain: if you thought K-pop had already peaked in 2026, think again. The biggest stages—and the biggest viral moments—may still be waiting just around the corner. Tell us your summer 2026 K-pop plans! #kpopsummer2026 #kpopfestivalguide2026 #kpopconcertguide2026

As of summer 2026, you can't go anywhere without hearing aespa's newest comeback single "Lemonade" blasting in the background on the streets of Seoul. That's why when fans recently witnessed Giselle's candid live broadcast, they were left in shock at her brutal honesty. We cover what she said and how she addressed her health and K-pop industry rumors! aespa's Giselle during a livestream with fans (@allkpop/X) Check out our custom K-pop Survival Guide just for you! What Happened During Giselle's Livestream? During a 40-minute livestream chat on June 6, 2026, with fans, aespa's Giselle (also known as Aeri Uchinaga) revealed her true self while answering fan questions. When asked about her health, she said, "Honestly, that's what you talk about when you talk about me (her looks and health), and it's a natural thing. People lose weight, people gain weight." Fans were naturally curious about the singer/rapper's physical appearance from her previous tours and appearances, citing her "being too skinny". Giselle cleared the air by saying that she "lost 10 Kg over the last seven years." Fans couldn't help but mention Giselle's physical change since 2019 Mental Health Struggles Not only did Giselle mention her physical health, but took a shot at the K-pop industry by stating, "Does it look like I'm healthy?" Though very cautious, but honest, she stated that she is struggling with both her physical and mental health and that K-pop idols have a very tough time being "healthy" in the normal sense of the word. Our Thoughts The Dojeon Team is so happy and proud that a top-tier idol like Giselle is able to reveal her true self to fans! Without any makeup, she literally "bared" her face for the world to see who she really is when she's out of the spotlight. From addressing negativity from fans and others to her mental and physical health, she was amazing and bold for expressing her thoughts on these sensitive topics that many K-pop idols choose to avoid. What do you think about Giselle's livestream? Take a look at the full video below! #aespa #giselle #livestream #realtalk

#antidiscrimination #lgbtq #kdrama South Korean direct-to-consumer online streaming platform Wavve will be launching the country's first-ever LGBTQ+ romance reality show in July. According to a press release to Newsen, they will be launching two reality programs centered around the LGBTQ+ community starting in July. The two shows, titled Merry Queer and Stranger’s Love , will both show relationships of those who do not identify as heterosexual. Merry Queer will focus on coming-out individuals and the challenges that they have to face as they publicly announce their relationships to the community. Stranger's Love will be the first reality show for men seeking other men. These men will move into the homes of other men to find a relationship. We will introduce Merry Queer , the first coming-out romance reality in Korea, and Stranger’s Love , a reality for male relationships, in July. It will not only be fresh but also be extremely fun, we are going to discuss and showcase social issues that we want the viewers to seriously think about and sympathize with. - Wavve Wavve was first launched on September 18, 2019. The company was founded as a joint venture between South Korea's telecommunications giant SK Telecom and Korea's top three broadcast networks: KBS, MBC, and SBS. South Korea has been under scrutiny for the enactment of the Anti-Discrimination Act which is still under review. The UN and global community have been recommending repeatedly that South Korea enact a comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act to end all forms of discrimination for over a decade. Unfortunately, currently, South Korea still does not have an anti-discrimination act for marginalized communities which are constantly exposed to various forms of hatred and discrimination. The South Korean National Assembly keeps on delaying the enactment of the law. Four drafts have already been submitted during the Moon Jae In administration. According to a survey by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in 2020, 82% of respondents acknowledged that discrimination in South Korean society was serious and 88.5% were in favor of enacting a comprehensive Anti-Discrimination Act as a way to resolve this problem. Another survey of November 2021 showed that 70% of South Korean people also agreed. Currently, the most famous openly gay South Korean celebrity is Hong Seok Cheon . He has repeatedly spoken out through various interviews and tv programs about how he has been mistreated and being banned from TV broadcasts since coming out. Since publicly announcing his sexuality, he was banned from TV for three years and received multiple death threats from the public leading him to shut himself at home and contemplate suicide. Since then, he has taken his celebrity as a platform to inform the public about homosexuality and even has been a guest on Jessi's "Showterview"! Check it out! South Korea has always been known as a very conservative society. Through K-pop and global exports, South Koreans have become more accepting and open-minded on various other subjects, but this topic still remains sensitive for most people. What are your thoughts about this issue? Let us know your opinions!

"I started sending out my own requests," he recalls. We do have things like Kpop Demon Hunters now, which is starting to bring a bit more substance and nuance My K-Pop Picks Do I have a favorite K-pop group or artist? That's four years after my initial interviews with OMEGA X! Photo: Clint Edwards But my first ever in-person interview? That was with NCT DREAM .