KPOPWORLD

🌍 Official Global K-pop Media Hub | 🎤 Interviews, 🎶 Charts, 📺 Docs & More | MAGAZINE + Supporting rising stars + icons alike | #KPOPWORLD

[KPOPWORLD @KPOPWORLD]

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT regarding the KPOPWORLD Festival that is currently scheduled to take place at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on October 30–31, 2026.
After extensive discussions with our immigration, production, and event teams, we have made the difficult decision to postpone KPOPWORLD Festival USA to 2027.
The reason rests on the uncertainty of obtaining U.S. visas for some of the international artists and groups in time for this major event, despite using expedited and all means of services. There is uncertainty in meeting timely processing deadlines, which is outside the control of the artists, their agencies, and the KPOPWORLD Festival team. Facing the possibility of a significantly reduced lineup due to visa delays and restrictions, and furthermore, disappointing fans, the most responsible decision is to postpone the Festival and provide sufficient time to deliver the promised experience.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this change may cause you. We understand the amount of planning that goes into attending a festival, and as a thank you for your loyalty, soon after the announcement of the new on-sale date, we will be providing the ticket holders of this first planned festival an exclusive pre-sale code before the general public on sale, for the rescheduled festival.
Ticketmaster is refunding all who have already purchased tickets, and these refunds will credit your original payment method, to the original ticket buyer within 14 business days.

[KPOPWORLD @KPOPWORLD]

NAYEON of TWICE has released a new single with Brazilian DJ Alok, titled “Bye Bye Inhibitions.”

The collaboration was released at midnight on October 2, 2026 on global and domestic music platforms. With a catchy melody and festival-style production, it falls into the dance-pop genre, combining Alok’s signature dance sound with NAYEON’s recognisable vocals.

A collaboration between a Brazilian DJ and NAYEON of TWICE, one of the most well-known idols and a member of one of the biggest girl groups in the industry, sends a powerful message regarding the increase in attention paid to Latin America by K-pop companies. It also carries implications over NAYEON’s plans following contract renewals. #ONCE #TWICE #NAYEON

Read here: https://t.co/XAZBwfoWBR

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ALPHA DRIVE ONE are taking UNBREAKABLE : 少年 BEAST stateside.

The group have released their second mini-album physically in the U.S. for the first time, with editions now available through Target, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, K-POP Nara, Hello82 and the official store.

The release arrives alongside a new nine-track digital edition featuring Sped Up and Slowed Down versions of “BORN DIRE”, plus member-specific Voice Notes for ALLYZ.

With the album already surpassing 1.13 million first-week sales in Korea and ALD1’s cumulative sales crossing two million, the group’s debut year continues to expand well beyond South Korea.

Read the full story at KPOPWORLD. #ALD1 #ALLYZ

Read here: https://t.co/6xRBlM3MzF

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Three years after their last London show, KARD returned to a room so packed that security had to ask fans to move closer together. It was an appropriate reminder of the connection the four-piece has built over almost a decade – one that extends far beyond the songs themselves.

From the opening run of “Oh NaNa”, “Don’t Recall” and “Rumor” through individual showcases and fan favourites “ICKY” and “Cake”, the group’s chemistry remained the defining force of the night. But the most poignant moment came during the closing ment, when BM revealed that KARD’s 10-year contract is coming to an end.

“A contract doesn't define whether a team stays together or not,” he told a standing ovation.

For a group that has spent ten years proving what can happen when four distinct performers become greater than the sum of their parts, London felt less like a farewell than a reminder of what they have built.

KPOPWORLD found out what KARD’s last hurrah (for now) felt like – read our review now. #KARD #HiddenKARD

Review: Hasan Beyaz @hasan_baeyaz
Photos: Ryan Coleman @rt.coleman

Read here: https://t.co/5gjTP7dwz6

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THEBLACKLABEL’s viral hip-hop group ALLDAY PROJECT has released their second EP, CRASH, nine months on from their first.

CRASH is led by a title track of the same name, accompanied by the four B-sides “TALK,” “DO IT LIKE THIS,” “NO LIMIT,” and “UP ALL NIGHT.” Each has a distinct sound, expanding the group’s gritty, hip-hop signature to a more varied musical identity while still maintaining that connection.

Following the viral success of their debut single “FAMOUS” and first, self-titled EP ALLDAY PROJECT – which was led by another popular song, “LOOK AT ME” – CRASH has been much-anticipated and may hold a greater influence on the genre of K-pop overall. #DAYONE #ALLDAYPROJECT

Read here: https://t.co/rBYorPIR0m

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We're three members deep into our conversations with CLOSE YOUR EYES (@closeyoureyes_7 ) about who they are beyond the stage.

Next: JANG YEOJUN, who reflects on craft, gratitude, and responsibility.

Head online to our website to read our full Q&A with JANG YEOJUN of CLOSE YOUR EYES – stay tuned for further member Q&As.

Read here: https://t.co/UJ9tTVxkK2

[KPOPWORLD @KPOPWORLD]

Our Meet the Member series with CLOSE YOUR EYES (@closeyoureyes_7 ) continues.

Next up is MA JINGXIANG. From reworking a jazz-funk classic on his own terms to what jazz has taught him about performing alongside the group, JINGXIANG reflects on curiosity, energy, and connection.

Head online to our website to read our full Q&A with MA JINGXIANG of CLOSE YOUR EYES – stay tuned for further member Q&As.

Read here: https://t.co/nQV6uYxGVH

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KPOPWORLD is kicking off our latest Meet the Member series with CLOSE YOUR EYES (@closeyoureyes_7): one-on-one conversations getting to know each member individually.

First up is JEON MINWOOK. From knowing when a recording is right to imagining where the group's colour goes next, MINWOOK shares his outlook on instinct, identity, and encouragement within the team.

Head online to our website to read our full Q&A with JEON MINWOOK of CLOSE YOUR EYES – stay tuned for further member Q&As.

Read here: https://t.co/cd6yeg6tQS

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THEBLACKLABEL has announced that their rising girl group MEOVV are set to release the new single album GO HARD on October 12, 2026.

Two concept images were shared on MEOVV’s official social media accounts on October 1, which see the five members posing on a rooftop with a city skyline in the background. Alongside the images, THEBLACKLABEL have also unveiled the single album’s cover, which depicts a shattering chain engraved with the title GO HARD.

Since their debut two years ago, MEOVV have built up a strong fanbase; their second mini album BITE NOW, which is their most recent project, garnered over 300,000 sales within its first week back in June this year. The group is certainly one to watch. #MEOVV #PAWMPAWM

Read here: https://t.co/ZKEMTdoOFY

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Jellyfish Entertainment boy group EVNNE are set to return on October 19 with their sixth mini album on: our noise, their first mini album since the group’s restructure.

The announcement came in the form of a trailer, which alternates between images of stars and musical equipment including speakers, a guitar, and sound wave charts. In the background, a synth-drive instrumental cuts off to emphasise a written message to “JOIN THE SOUND LABORATORY CLUB” and its “FIELD RECORDING DIVISION.”

EVNNE have put out a wide range of concepts and sounds since their debut in 2023, with a sharp hip-hop shift appearing in June following the restructure of the group at the beginning of 2026. on: our noise will act as the determiner for their intended signature. #ENNVE #EVNNE

Read here: https://t.co/QG6V5gNygs

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Songs from BELIFT LAB’s ENHYPEN and HYBE Latin America’s SANTOS BRAVOS have been combined in a new remix, titled “Bloody Paradise x VELOCIDADE (PETERBLUE Remix).”

Released on September 29, the project takes each artist’s original song – ENHYPEN’s “Bloody Paradise” and SANTOS BRAVOS’ “VELOCIDADE” – and blends them together. It was produced by Colombian DJ PETERBLUE, who is known for his pioneering work with techno and Latin rhythms.

The release is the next in a series of remixes based on ENHYPEN’s “Bloody Paradise,” and highlights the industry’s growing interest in Latin America – while also offering fans a new, indirect collaboration under HYBE LABELS. #ENHYPEN #ENGENE

Read here: https://t.co/lJDTbSuJnw

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JOY of Red Velvet has made her debut as a voice actor with the Korean dub of animated film Stitch Head: The Secret Castle’s Little Monster.

Under her full name Park Soo-young, she plays a lead role as the voice of one of the main characters, the human girl Arabella. The film follows Arabella, an eccentric, genius doctor, as she embarks on adventures with Stitch Head, a small monster she created in the secret castle.

This endeavour marks a new challenge for Park Soo-young, as her first participation in animation voice dubbing. It also signifies a break in group activities for Red Velvet, with JOY promoting her acting projects and IRENE and SEULGI touring Japan. #RedVelvet #JOY #ReVeluv

Read here: https://t.co/0Pqt5rMgmI

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BELIFT LAB’s rookie girl group ILLIT is set to release their fifth mini album, ‘BREAK EVEN,’ on October 26, 2026.

A scheduler, tracklist and trailer have been shared on the BELIFT LAB’s official social media channels, beginning promotions. Each lean into an anti-romantic storyline and a frustrated perspective.

For ILLIT, BREAK EVEN marks a new approach. The rookies first debuted in 2024 with the mini album SUPER REAL ME and its viral lead single “Magnetic,” which held a playful, youthful “kitsch teen” aesthetic. Now, with BREAK EVEN, they turn to destruction and refusal in full force.

Find out more on KPOPWORLD. #ILLIT #GLLIT

Read here: https://t.co/TNKX5e3pUE

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Ex-THE BOYZ member NEW has signed an exclusive contract with one-person agency ONLY NEW ENTERTAINMENT as of September 28, 2026.

“NEW is an artist who not only possesses a distinct vocal tone and solid skills but can also showcase his own unique colour across various fields,” a statement from ONLY NEW ENTERTAINMENT reads. “We will work with him to find the right direction and provide active support so he can fully realise his potential.”

This venture marks his first as a solo artist, following his departure from THE BOYZ, and reportedly ONE HUNDRED LABEL, in August. #NEW #TheBOYZ

Read here: https://t.co/CG4qti9YuA

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Rising genderless group XLOV has begun their next chapter with a new logo and the announcement of the release of their third mini album, scheduled for October 28, 2026.

On September 28, the group unveiled a new logo and dark red colour theme. Drawn at the centre in shaded calligraphy is the character ‘愛,’ meaning “love.” Found in Korean, Japanese, and Chinese – the three primary languages of XLOV’s members – the character encompasses the various sides of love.

Following the reveal came the announcement of the mini album accompanying it, titled i=!. The title continues the pattern of unconventional, symbolic album titles from the group alongside their signature genderless image. #XLOV #EVOL

Read here: https://t.co/tD5wXeU8fy

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LISA has made history at the 2026 MTV VMAs with her win in the Best Pop category, becoming the first Asian solo act to do so in the award show’s 42-year history.

LISA entered the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles as the most nominated K-pop artist of the night. “Dream” was nominated for a total of four awards, in Best K-pop, Best Cinematography and Best Editing alongside Best Pop – ultimately winning the latter.

The achievement also marked a second historical milestone for LISA, who became the first soloist and first female artist to win both the Best Pop and Best K-pop trophies following her Best K-pop wins of 2022, 2024 and 2025.

Read more on KPOPWORLD. #LISA #BLINK #BLACKPINK

Read here: https://t.co/eo5NRmCkks

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Starship Entertainment has announced that its girl group IVE is set to release their fifth EP, Looks Can Kill, on October 26.

A teaser video was uploaded to the group’s official social media channels on September 28, accompanying the announcement, which depicts a new IVE logo created by spotlights cast on the side of a skyscraper in Seoul.

‘Looks Can Kill’ will mark the group’s first Korean EP in approximately eight months, following the success of ‘[REVIVE+]’ and “BANG BANG.” With a pre-release single scheduled for October 19, anticipation is building for the group’s next move. #IVE #DIVE

Read here: https://t.co/RjD5HiJepy

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BTS swept the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), winning awards in all three categories that they were nominated for: Best K-pop, Best Group, and Song of the Year.

Each of the three of the awards are significant for different reasons. BTS’ win in Best K-pop and Best group makes them the most awarded in the history of each respective category. In the Song of the Year category, BTS becomes the second Asian artist in history to win the award with “SWIM” – with the first occurring only last year with Rosé’s “APT.”

As stated by the group themselves, ARIRANG represents a “new beginning.” With three new awards under their belt, that new beginning is turning out to be very promising for BTS’ future. #BTS #ARMY

Read here: https://t.co/rCgTe8hn4m

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TOMORROW X TOGETHER have given their next chapter a name: PERFECT STORM, a six-song mini album arriving on 16 November.

The only clue so far is a line from the spoiler video – "We need something different from what we've done so far." – which reads as a group deliberately stepping away from where they've been rather than building on it.

TXT open their fifth world tour, STEAL THE WIND, at the KSPO DOME in Seoul from 13 to 15 November, and the album lands the day after the final night. New music will reach listeners while the group are already mid-tour, with three Macau shows coming right after. #TXT #MOA

Read here: https://t.co/qRjRFYVYnC

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KATSEYE have kept all three of their EPs on the Billboard 200 for a fifth consecutive week, over a month on from their latest release.

New Billboard 200 chart data, dated for September 26, places KATSEYE’s third EP ‘WILD’ at number 22. Led by “Hootie Frutti” and the pre-release singles “PINKY UP” and “Animal,” the EP was released on August 14, making it the girl group’s most recent release. For that reason, it sits highest on the chart in comparison to their other two entries 'Beautiful Chaos’ and ‘SIS (Soft Is Strong).

The longevity of all three combined is especially impressive and unprecedented for an artist born from the K-pop industry. While KATSEYE cannot strictly be deemed K-pop due to their lack of Korean lyrics, their origins as a global girl group were built from the foundations of the genre. Despite their initial presentation as an experiment, this achievement indicates that KATSEYE have found a sustained audience in the U.S. only two years post-debut and ahead of their ‘WILDWORLD TOUR.’

Read more on KPOPWORLD. #KATSEYE #EYEKONS

Read here: https://t.co/bMt8a5VftL

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10cm stepped into horror for the first time – and did it on his own terms.

Kwon Jung-yeol's catalogue has run on warmth for over a decade, so "The Darkest Night," his ending theme for Strange: Junji Ito's Tales for Sleepless Nights, marks new territory. We talked to him about writing dread into a song built to sit under thirteen different Junji Ito stories, why he skipped the usual horror-scoring playbook, and what stepping outside his comfort zone changed for him going forward. #10CM #Centiner

Read here: https://t.co/PriXanyg31