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Are US K-pop fans disengaging, reflected in the recent drop in K-pop album sales? We discuss this ongoing issue and how we think K-pop might bounce back during the second half of 2025! Image : Kpop fans in the US - Photo : scmp.com Is the US K-pop Boom Losing Its Spark? In a recent survey, data have shown that US album sales for K-pop music are perhaps losing their spark among young fans. This has triggered a hot debate within the K-pop industry, and it has left many asking if the K-pop push into the Western market is perhaps hitting a snag, or whether or not fans are changing how they decide to engage with their favorite K-pop idols. From January to April this year, K-pop album sales have seen a downward spiral for the first time, as only 23.4 million albums were sold, a massive 26% drop compared to the same time last year. This now marks a two-year milestone in sales dropping, since the peak in 2023, where 32.7 million units were sold. Image: Kpop fans in the US - Photo: sea.mashable.com Social Factors Related To These Changes One reason why K-pop album sales are seeing a decline in sales point to social factors of households in the US, along with inflation. Due to the recent cost of living crisis. K-pop fans are changing their spending habits. Even with album sales dipping, big Korean entertainment companies are making more money, thanks to a boom in overseas concerts. The industry should now focus on creating fresh content that offers new sights and sounds for fans, in a new bid to retain K-pop fans and steady their income and profits. Where Are the New K-Pop Global Hits? New K-pop global mega-hits were missing from the charts over the past year, which could also be a reason for the reduction in K-pop sales in the US. Out of Spotify's top 2,500 most-streamed songs worldwide last year, only 25 were K-pop tracks. Even then, BTS dominated the list with 16 songs, and BLACKPINK followed with nine, counting both group and solo releases. This means fresh K-pop tracks struggled to break into the top ranks, due to being less known and represented outside of their native Korea, and also having to compete with US household names. Did Internal Drama Hurt Sales? The ongoing drama between former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin and HYBE executives concerning NewJeans  is also being eyed as a factor impacting album sales. This is because public opinion on this matter among K-pop fans globally was very intense. Money talks, and people have too much going on in their own lives to get involved with the pettiness of NewJeans and Min Hee Jin. The very public dispute shined a light on issues like intense competition for first-week sales, fans buying huge amounts of albums just for signing events, and over-the-top album release strategies. This has led to a more cautious approach to marketing across the industry. Can K-pop Bounce Back And Save Its US Following? Good news for K-pop fans worldwide! Despite the recent dip in album sales, mainly in the US, the second half of the year could see a major comeback. Get ready for new music from huge groups like BLACKPINK , ATEEZ , aespa, TXT , and Stray Kids ! And the biggest buzz of all? We might even see the full return of BTS  after their military service, potentially sparking a massive rebound for the entire industry. Will the return of BTS be seen as a chance to save the decline in K-pop sales? Or have BTS had their time? Are US K-pop fans disengaging, reflected in the recent drop in album sales? Have your say and leave a comment below! #KpopAlbumSales #USKpop #KpopFandom #MusicIndustry #KpopTrends

Jennie following this, refuted these claims and said that there was no link between the author (Jin)

It’s the kind of song I can imagine BLINKs singing at the top of their lungs, voices hoarse, arms flailing

From BLACKPINK to co-ed K-pop group founder, THEBLACKLABEL's Chief Creative Officer, Teddy Park, announces new group to "start their own trend". We have all the details on the group's new members and debut single! Image: Producer Teddy Park and BLACKPINK Photo: Allkpop.com Who is Teddy Park? The mastermind behind some of the biggest names in K-pop is none other than Teddy Park . Bringing his hit music making skills to THEBLACKLABEL , he has helped create the new co-ed group ALLDAY PROJECT . With Teddy's involvement in the project, there promises to be a game changing debut just around the corner! Youngseo From ILLIT Singer Youngseo , who was a member of ILLIT , exited the group pre-debut. However, fast forward to June 2025, Youngseo is set to join THEBLACKLABEL's new co-ed K-pop group ALLDAY PROJECT, which according to K-pop insiders is already shaking up the K-pop scene! Band Member Bios And Debut Date This rare mixed-gender debut from YG's subsidiary, home to MEOVV , is already buzzing with a rumored star-studded line-up. Other members of ALLDAY PROJECT will include Annie , Tarzzan , Bailey , and Woochan ! With their debut set for June 23, 2025, official teasers are already circling the internet, gaining a lot of fan hype! Annie Image: ALLDAY PROJECT Annie - Photo: Kprofiles.com   Annie, a former MEOVV pre-debut member, is the granddaughter of Shinsegae Group chairwoman Lee Myung Hee. She attended Columbia University, has a younger sister named Taylor Seojin Moon, and is close friends with YGX dancer Leejung Lee . Tarzzan Image: ALLDAY PROJECT Tarzzan - Photo: Kprofiles.com   Ulsan-born Tarzzan, a model under YGK PLUS, made his debut at the 2022 Seoul Fashion Week . He majored in Modern Dance at Busan Arts High School and studied at the Korea National University of Arts. Bailey Image: ALLDAY PROJECT Bailey - Photo: Kprofiles.com   Originally from Placentia, California, Bailey (nicknamed "Baior Bails") is the daughter of Judie Sok, a finalist in the 1987 Miss Korea pageant. She has two sisters, Brittany and Kylie, a dog named Thumper, and began dancing at age two. Woochan Image: ALLDAY PROJECT Woochan - Photo: Kprofiles.com   Seoul-born Woochan, an alum of OGZSCHOOL and a former trainee at Cube and BigHit , was set to debut with Trainee A before its cancellation. The youngest ever Show Me the Money 6  contestant, he launched his solo career in July 2019 and attended Hanlim Arts School. Yeongseo Image: ALLDAY PROJECT Yeongseo - Photo: Kprofiles.com   Youngseo, a pre-debut trainee for 4-5 years, trained alongside NewJeans members and competed on R U Next ?. She initially made the ILLIT lineup but left before the debut. A fan of fat macarons, she attended Kyonggi Elementary School. Band Concept The band's main concepts will showcase a mixture of outstanding creativity, bold visuals, and powerful vocals, in a bid to deliver their messages to fans. The announcement of this exciting new K-pop band came alongside a letter that gave both formal and exciting vibes at the same time! Will ALLDAY PROJECT be able to help redefine what a K-pop group can be? Or will they simply be another K-pop name, trying to find a place in what is already an oversaturated market? Meanwhile, let's check out their new debut single teaser "FAMOUS" that released on June 16 at 6 PM KST! Will the All Day Project live up to BLACKPINK's success? Have your say and comment below! #BLACKPINKProducer #CoEdGroup #KpopDebut #TheBlackLabel #NewKpopGroup #Kpop #ALLDAYPROJECT

Blackpink 's Jisoo just released her new album cover for her much-anticipated solo debut! The cover features the singer's gorgeous beauty with a vibrant green and red focus! Her makeup is just as detailed as her eye shadow and her lipstick colors match perfectly! Subtle hints of red flowers also decorate the image. Jisoo also posted a series of posts on her Instagram account pointing to a more peaceful grass field with a bright red dress/cloth. Her new album entitled "Me" is set to release on Friday, March 31, 2023. The 28-year-old is the final member to release a solo project. YG Entertainment stated that "Jisoo is currently working hard on recording her solo album.” They added, “While carrying out a busy world tour schedule since last year, she finished the album jacket photo shoot and worked on music production whenever she got the time in order to keep the promise to fans. She will greet [fans] soon with good news.” We can't wait to hear and see what Jisoo has in store for her fans! Her creativity and energy on the stage is unmatched and fans are anticipating her solo release to be epic! What are your thoughts about Jisoo's new album cover? Let us know your thoughts! #20230331 #jisoo #sooyaaa_

Omniscient Reader webtoon main character in live-action adaptation. The highly anticipated live-action adaptation of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint  is officially a movie, not a drama. Based on the popular Naver webtoon written by Sing Shong and illustrated by Sleepy-C, the film version is already drawing attention with its powerful cast and scale. Fans of the webtoon have been waiting for years, and with filming confirmed, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint  is on its way to becoming one of the biggest Korean movie releases based on a web novel and webtoon. Who Stars in the Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Movie? The cast lineup has fueled excitement. Leading the story is Ahn Hyo Seop  as Kim Dokja , the ordinary office worker who suddenly finds himself inside the world of a novel he’s been reading. Joining him is Lee Min Ho , rumored to play Yoo Joonghyuk , the original protagonist of the in-universe novel. Other confirmed names include Chae Soo Bin , BLACKPINK's Jisoo , Nana , and Shin Seung Ho . Each actor will represent a major character in the survival-based world that mirrors the apocalyptic novel. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Stills Released (Credits: Studio N) Plot Overview: What Is an Omniscient Reader About? The plot centers around Kim Dokja, who is the only person reading an obscure web novel titled Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse . One day, the world begins to collapse, and he realizes that the events of the novel are happening in real life. Unlike other characters, Dokja knows what’s going to happen next—and that’s what makes him dangerous. This is a survival-action fantasy with strong psychological themes, challenging ideas of fate, narrative, and control. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Webtoon Still (Credits: Naver) Movie vs. Webtoon: Will There Be Changes? Since Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint  spans over 500 chapters, the movie will likely cover only key arcs. While there is no official word yet on a part-two or sequel, insiders suggest the production may follow the Along with the Gods  model—adapting multiple parts if the first film succeeds. Expect changes in pacing and character focus, especially to suit a cinematic format. Production and Release Updates Studio N, the powerhouse behind hits like Sweet Home , is producing the film adaptation. According to the most recent official poster release, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint  is slated for a July 2025  premiere in South Korean theatres. Fans are already praising the teaser visuals, noting its high-quality CGI and action sequences reminiscent of Along with the Gods  and Solo Leveling . Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Stills Released (Credits:  Soompi) Final Thoughts and What to Watch For Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint  is not just a survival fantasy—it’s a meta-narrative about stories, readers, and power. With top-tier visuals, strong casting, and a globally popular story, this movie might be Korea’s next big screen phenomenon. Despite the differences, many fans are excited to see their favorite webtoon come alive. If done right, the drama could become a gateway for non-readers to explore the source material, fueling both fandoms. What do you think: Should Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint  have been a full-length drama series instead of a movie? Let us know! #OmniscientReadersViewpoint #OmniscientReader

#blackpink #pubg #thevirtualconcert Blackpink is back! The superstar quartet announced on July 12 that they will be returning to the stage! The virtual stage, that is! The group will be collaborating with mobile game giant PUBG Mobile with their first in-game concert called THE VIRTUAL ! The virtual concert will happen across two weekends this month - July 23 and 24 and July 30 and 31 (North America: July 22 and 23; July 29 and 30). The concert will be held using PUBG Mobile's 3D avatar and sound technology along with the performance stage! Are you looking forward to this amazing news? It will be the first of its kind and we're all looking forward to how Blackpink will wow us! With the combination of avatars and K-pop idols, do you think this is the new trend in music?

K-pop idols BLACKPINK’s  Jennie  and BTS’s V have been swept up in dating rumors after a new picture surfaced with the two idols apparently seen inside a car together. The photo, uploaded by an Instagram account, showed people who looked like V and Jennie in a car. V is driving and Jennie is beside him. Some fans argued that the picture was edited, while others insisted that it is raw footage. Jennie’s label,  YG Entertainment , neither confirmed nor denied the allegations in a statement to the media outlet, Chosun. When DID BTS V AND JENNIE’S DATING RUMOR started to APPEAR? K-pop idols BTS’ V and BLACKPINK’s Jennie have been swept up in dating rumors after an alleged photo of them together on Jeju Island surfaced online. FANS DISCUSS THAT JENNIE AND G-DRAGON MIGHT HAVE BROKEN UP G-Dragon unfollowed Blackpink's Jennie on Instagram after dating rumors with BTS's V surfaced. They claimed G-Dragon's alleged private Instagram account unfollowed Jennie's Instagram while still following the other BLACKPINK members. V and Jennie's dating rumors surfaced first on May 22nd hours after netizens were discussing that Jennie and Big Bang’s G-Dragon were no longer together. WHAT ABOUT THE REACTION OF V AND JENNIE'S MANAGEMENT COMPANY? While YG Entertainment never confirmed Jennie’s rumored relationship with G-Dragon after dispatch shared Paparazzi photos of the duo on February 2021, many had assumed that the duo is together. BUT WHAT ABOUT THEIR FANS REACTION? “LEAVE JENNIE ALONE” has been trending on Twitter. Check out the Twitter feed here ! What are your thoughts about these rumors? Do you think it is too much? Let us know!

In a year filled with both triumphs and tragedies, the world of K-pop and entertainment has been struck by a series of shocking events that have left fans and industry insiders reeling. From the untimely death of a beloved K-Pop star to the heartbreaking struggles faced by Palestinian ARMYs, here are the most notable incidents that have left an indelible mark on the industry and its followers in 2023. In this article, we will share with you some of the most tragic news that happened in 2023. 1. Moonbin, Rising K-Pop Star and Astro Member Dies at 25 The K-Pop community was devastated by the news of Moonbin 's passing. Moonbin, a talented member of the popular boy band Astro , was found unresponsive in his upscale Gangnam apartment. Fantagio, Moonbin's music label, confirmed the heartbreaking news, sending shockwaves through the industry. Moonbin, who had also performed with the subgroup Moonbin & Sanha, was known for his remarkable talent and charismatic stage presence. Having joined Fantagio at a young age, Moonbin's journey from actor and model to K-pop star captivated fans worldwide. His passing marks a profound loss for the K-pop community. 2. Jisoo's Engagements End in Disappointment For a brief moment, K-Pop star Jisoo 's romantic life became a subject of public fascination. Dispatch, known for its investigative prowess, revealed exclusive photos of Jisoo with actor Ahn Bo Hyun , sparking rumors of a blossoming relationship. YG Entertainment , Jisoo's agency, confirmed their support for the couple, stating that they were taking the time to get to know each other. However, the relationship reportedly grew distant due to their demanding schedules, leading to their subsequent breakup. Fans of Jisoo were left disappointed, but continue to support her as she navigates her personal life alongside her successful music career. 3. Palestinian ARMYs Face Tragic Circumstances While fans around the world celebrated the music of BTS, a group of Palestinian ARMYs faced unimaginable hardships. Sadly, some Palestinian fans lost their lives during bombings, leaving the global BTS fandom in mourning. Amidst the despair, a glimmer of hope emerged with the safe escape of Suhair (A Korean-Palestinian girl) and her family, thanks to the opening of borders between Egypt and Palestine for foreigners. However, the remaining Palestinians find themselves trapped, unable to leave their homeland. This dire situation has left Suhair and her family unable to protect their loved ones or provide them with a haven in South Korea. For more knowledge, you can check our article where we talked about this! 4. BTS Members Enlist in the Military The fears of BTS fans, known as ARMYs, were realized as the beloved K-pop group announced their enlistments into the South Korean military. The eldest member, Jin , began his mandatory military service in 2022, followed by J-Hope and Suga in the early months of 2023. Now in December 2023, the remaining members RM , Jungkook , Jimin , and V have also embarked on their military duties. The news of their enlistment struck a somber chord among ARMYs, who will have to wait at least a year and a half for a potential reunion concert. The absence of BTS leaves a void in the music industry, but fans eagerly await their return after completing their service. 5. Actor Lee Sun Kyun's Tragic Death South Korean actor Lee Sun Kyun , widely recognized for his role in the Academy Award-winning film Parasite , has been found dead in a tragic incident that authorities believe to be a suicide. Lee's body was discovered in a car near a city park in central Seoul. The actor, who was undergoing investigation for alleged illegal drug use, had reportedly left a note before leaving his home. Lee's untimely demise has left the entertainment industry in mourning, as his talent and contribution to the film industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. As 2023 drew to a close, the K-pop and entertainment communities reflected on these heartbreaking events that have reshaped the landscape. The loss of Moonbin, the romantic ups and downs of Jisoo, the struggles faced by Palestinian ARMYs, the enlistment of BTS members, and the tragic death of Lee Sun Kyun have left a profound impact on the industry and its fans. As we move forward, may these events serve as reminders of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those around us. Comment below with your thoughts on 2023! #SouthKorea #Seoul #sad #News #2023 #Kpop #Jisoo #AhnBoHyun #YGEntertainment #Moonbin #Astro #BTS #ARMYs #BigHit #BigHitentertainment #leesunkyun

2024 was a year full of K-pop scandals that often had fans scratching their heads thinking, "What were they thinking?". We cover our top 5 K-pop scandals that broke the internet this year! Suga's DUI scandal This had to top number one, for all of the wrong reasons. As we expressed at Dojeon Media several times, the star really should have been careful while riding a scooter through central Seoul. He could have afforded to take a taxi or limousine home with his wealth. Back on the night of August 6, 2024, Suga fell outside the Nine One Hannam Luxury complex from riding an electric scooter after a heavy night of drinking. He was later arrested and booked for exceeding the blood alcohol limit. Thankfully no one was injured, but this led to protests outside of his label, calling for them to terminate his contract, and the case will soon be forwarded to prosecutors. What was he thinking? You can read more details here . Min Hee Jin vs. HYBE A power trip, if we have ever heard one. Hitting back and trying to gain a lot of media attention, Min Hee Jin has been no stranger to controversial Korean media this year. Having stepped down as CEO of subsidiary label ADOR , let's say through a power struggle, she had been trying to become a separate entity at the same time. This led to NewJeans also resigning and following in her footsteps. After a very public media battle, Min Hee Jin decided not to pursue her reinstatement with the label anymore, and instead start her venture, which we are all looking forward to seeing how it plays out. Former NCT Member Taeil's Sex Crime August 28th, made headlines for NCT member Taeil as SM Entertainment announced that he had been removed from the group due to being under investigation for a sex crime , and in this case, it was towards a woman. He has been under investigation since June 2024. The member joined the band back in 2016. BLACKPINK, RED VELVET These K-pop mega names have been caught in plagiarism scandals and nothing gets passed their fans. This is mainly for copying someone else's work, or having similar stage designs, to other K-pop stars. These incidents have sparked outrage in online communities where fans have become detectives in a bid to uncover the truth. In the case of BLACKPINK's debut, controversy swept, over their music video "Whistle" . This was because it had strong comparisons to Red Velvet's "One Of These Nights" music video, from scenes of members in the car and also when they were gathered around the table. Seventeen's Seungkwan speaking out about the toxic industry Seungkwan spoke out about the toxic K-pop industry, however fans did not always want to hear about it. For those who are knee deep in the industry, there is a sense of contentment and those who are aspiring but perhaps not doing as well, feel that they are just a part in the machine. Since the K-pop industry is known for turning around artists in a harsh inhumane way. In his public Instagram post, he stood with NewJeans on their position against HYBE, which was similar to BTS Jungook's placement in solidarity, against using sub labels and putting up with the mistreatment of their staff. This heartfelt message was very controversial at the time, and it called some employers such as SM, YG, and HYBE as bullies which hurled insults at idols on a daily basis. Did anything ever come of this? Unfortunately not, since labels have so much power and influence over hungry and eager stars are so replaceable. 2024 was a year full of controversial K-pop stories 2024 really has had some interesting and controversial news stories, which has kept the entertainment industry alive. Without these stories many stars would not have as much of a following, and the tabloids would just focus on all the bad that happens in the world. K-entertainment has hit new highs in 2024, and we wonder what 2025 will bring. Leave a comment, and let us know your favorite 2024 K-scandal. #kpop #kdrama #kentertainment #kscandle #2024scandle #yearend

In a surprising announcement, especially at the end of the year, BLACKPINK's Jennie Kim announced via Instagram that she has decided to branch off and start her own company! We break down the details and what to expect from this astonishing news! On Christmas Eve 2023, Jennie announced via an Instagram post on her new company, Odd Atelier (OA), that she will be forming a new company to be in charge of her solo career. THIS DOESN'T MEAN THAT SHE'LL BE LEAVING YG ENTERTAINMENT given that BLACKPINK renewed their contract , as a group earlier this month. The new OA post stated: OA, which stands for ODD ATELIER, is a space that aims to create new things that attract attention in a different way from what is usual or expected. It is a label founded by artist JENNIE in November 2023. Jennie also took the time to share a personal message to her fans: Hi, this is Jennie. This year was filled with many accomplishments, and I'm so thankful for all the love I've received. I'm also excited about what's to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company I have established called OA. Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course, BLACKPINK. Thank you. Let's give all the love and support for Jennie's new journey as a solo artist! Comment below with your thoughts on her choice to move away from YG and start her own company. Are you excited? #jennierubyjane #OA #OddAtelier #solocareer #solodebut

Also, "He too was a tempter; He, too, was a link to the second, the evil world with which I no longer