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K-pop idols

K-pop idols
The Korean wave - or hallyu - has swept over the world. South Korea’s K-pop idols are now among the biggest celebrities in the world, with standout stars including BTS members Jungkook and Jimin, and Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie
last updated:
9 September, 2024
K-pop star G-Dragon’s distinctive “auntie style” has been a massive hit with his army of fans. Photo: SCMP composite/X.com/IG@8lo8lo8lowme
Viral stories

Profile | K-pop star G-Dragon sparks meme, imitation explosion with new ‘auntie’ style

So-called King of K-pop makes comeback with androgynous look that has been a massive hit with fans across Asia and around the world.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Are Winner’s Song Min-ho and Korean actress Park Ju-hyun dating?

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

What impact will K-pop have on humanity and music? A professor ponders

South Korea

South Korea’s K-pop stars face pressure to speak up on Yoon’s martial law saga

While some K-pop idols have slammed President Yoon Suk-yeol, other stars face criticism for being indifferent to the political turmoil.

People carry K-pop idol sticks, as protesters take part in a rally on Sunday calling for the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Photo: Reuters
Fame and celebrity

Meet Olivia Marsh, sister of New Jeans’ Danielle and K-pop’s newest star

Newcomer Olivia Marsh is no stranger to K-pop – she’s the older sister of New Jeans’ Danielle, and has already collaborated with artists including BoA and Kep1er.

Books and literature

Korean author on being your true self, as her hit guide appears in English

K-pop stars helped Kim Su-hyun’s I Decided to Live as Me fly off shelves in Asia. An English translation may help more find their own path.

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K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

How does APT by Rosé and Bruno Mars rewrite the K-pop playbook?

Less synchronised choreography and storytelling, more casual dancing and playful visuals – ‘APT’ blends K-pop and Western pop conventions.

Rosé and Bruno Mars performed their song APT at the MAMA awards show in Japan on November 22. Its success stems from the “popification of K-pop”, or its integration into mainstream pop music. Photo: Instagram/@mnet_mama
Celebrity style

How to Style like Got7’s BamBam with the help of Sacai and Fear of God

Here’s how to mimic the stylish utilitarian look the Thai K-pop idol wore to the Diesel x Won Soju collaboration event in Seoul.

NewJeans

Recap | Check out the styles of NewJeans singer Haerin, Serena Williams, Felix of Stray Kids, Lewis Hamilton and more

Discover how some of the biggest stars from the worlds of K-pop, film and sport achieve their looks and get pointers on how to emulate them with our style guides.

Blackpink

Recap | BTS, Blackpink, Stray Kids, Seventeen, New Jeans … K-pop keeps making headlines all over the world

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.

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

Recap | From Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny to K-pop’s Jeon Somi, what styles are the stars rocking?

How do celebrities such as Jenner, Johnson, Pierce Brosnan, Jeff Goldblum and K-pop sensations Somi and Felix achieve their looks? We run down some of their fashion moments and wardrobe choices here.

Kendall Jenner arrives on the red carpet for the 2023 Met Gala in New York. Photo: EPA
How to Style

How to Style like K-pop sensation Jeon Somi, mixing denim with prints

The ‘Birthday’ singer rocked up to a film premiere in Seoul dressed in luxe streetwear – cop the laid-back yet put-together look with these high-quality staples.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Why do Chinese internet users love APT, hit single by Rosé and Bruno Mars?

Users on Chinese Instagram-like platform Xiaohongshu cannot get enough of the catchy song, praising Rosé for being true to her heart.

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Food and Drinks

What connects APT, Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars’ new song, to drinking?

Ready to play a drinking game? How Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars’ new song, APT, has created a buzz around Korea’s drinking culture.

Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars’ new song, APT, has created a buzz around Korea’s drinking culture. We explain why. Photo: YouTube/Rosé
Celebrity style

How to Style like K-pop idol Felix of Stray Kids at Louis Vuitton’s show

Take after the singer’s fashion-forward ensemble with effortlessly cool pieces from Louis Vuitton, Jacquemus and Messika.

Felix of boy band Stray Kids attends the Louis Vuitton pre-fall 2023 Show on the Jamsugyo Bridge at the Hangang River in April 2023, in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: Getty Images
South Korea

J-Hope of South Korea’s BTS completes 18-month military service

The seven members of the world’s most popular boy band have been on a self-described ‘hiatus’ since 2022 due to their military service.

South Korea

K-pop star tells South Korea lawmakers of workplace bullying

South Korea’s K-pop industry has become a global juggernaut but domestically it is known for strict standards, controls on fledgling stars.

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South Korea

Seunghan’s resignation from Riize sets off heated clash between K-pop fans

Korean fans say the 21-year-old tarnished the group’s reputation with his actions, while international supporters argue he is being bullied.

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Hong Seung-han resigned from K-pop boy band Riize on Sunday. Photo: Instagram / @riize_official
Banking & finance

China’s shrinking appetite for Korean cosmetics replaced by hunger for food

Korean food is booming in China, with rising exports of ramyeon and rice-based products, while cosmetics face declining market share.

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Celebrity style

How to Style like K-pop idol Haerin of NewJeans

Channel the singer’s airport style with Emporio Armani, Valentino and Tod’s pieces, accessorised with Magda Butrym jewellery and a Dior backpack.

South Korea

‘It’s the right thing to do’: K-pop star Hanni to testify on bullying

Hanni’s decision came after she accused a manager of another K-pop group of bullying her.

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Hanni leaves after attending a fashion show in Italy last month. Photo: AP
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

2NE1 reunion concerts electrify fans of the beloved K-pop girl group

From October 4 to 6, 2NE1 shook Seoul’s Olympic Hall in a trio of reunion concerts that included hit songs and solo performances from CL.

K-pop girl group 2NE1 talk to the audience stage during a reunion concert at Seoul Olympic Park, South Korea, on October 4, 2024. Photo: Instagram/2ne1official
South Korea

K-pop’s global rise sparks debate over ‘factory-like’ system, future direction

Min Hee-jin, the producer behind some of K-pop’s most successful acts, says the industry’s focus on formulaic perfection is holding it back.

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South Korea

US actress in racism row after questioning K-pop star Jennie’s blonde hair

Qualley also touched the K-pop singer’s hair without permission at a fashion show in Paris.

South Korea

BTS member Suga fined US$11,500 for drink-driving on an e-scooter

Suga rode the scooter and tripped when parking at night, then failed a police breath test to measure his blood alcohol level, his label said.

BTS member Suga has apologised for his “careless and wrong behaviour”. Photo: AP
K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

The Hong Kong K-pop cover dancers chasing their dreams on YouTube

Amateur dancers make YouTube videos mimicking the moves of Korean idol singers, and some dream of earning a shot at being idols themselves.

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Members of Hong Kong K-pop dance cover group Pixel HK. Photo: PixelHK
Music

Taylor Swift wins video of the year, 6 other prizes at VMAs

Swift, winner of 7 prizes, hails Post Malone, co-winner of video of the year trophy, as ‘ridiculously talented’, he returns the compliment.

Retailing

From Got7 to fashion, Hong Kong pop star builds multimillion-dollar empire

Team Wang Design’s founders share their recent success with the latest summer collection and how they touch the hearts of Chinese consumers to build an empire.

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