Recap / BTS, Blackpink, Stray Kids, Seventeen, New Jeans … K-pop keeps making headlines all over the world and the artists become household names

Nov 6 , 2024

K-pop sensations BTS perform onstage during the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2021. Photo: Getty

K-pop has reached all corners of the globe, with the stars and their stories dominating the charts and the news headlines as the world’s media focus on the phenomenon that has become a music industry juggernaut

1. BTS label chief under fire for calling young K-pop idols ‘ugly’ with ‘no sex appeal’

Hybe, the K-pop label behind BTS, has apologised for leaked internal documents containing derogatory remarks about young idols’ appearances, sparking controversy and highlighting the industry’s harsh standards.

2. Blackpink’s Rosé makes history as first K-pop solo female artist to make Top 10 on US Billboard Hot 100

K-pop star Rosé achieves a milestone as her single “Apt”, featuring Bruno Mars, makes the US top 10 and cements her status as a trailblazer in the industry.

3. Who is Sophia Laforteza, lead singer with Hybe’s new global K-pop sensation Katseye?

Meet Sophia Laforteza, a vocalist in the groundbreaking K-pop girl group featuring members from India, the Philippines, Latin America and Africa who rose to fame in the Netflix docuseries, Pop Star Academy: Katseye.

From left, Lisa, Jisoo, Jennie and Rosé of Blackpink perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California, in 2023. Photo: AFP

4. Are BTS, Blackpink and Exo taking over from Hollywood film star glamour for luxury brands?

Luxury fashion brands are increasingly choosing K-pop idols over movie stars for collaborations, reflecting a shift in global influence and the evolving power of Korean pop culture.

5. Blackswan reveal the pressure-cooker world of the music industry in new Apple TV+ docuseries K-Pop Idols