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K-pop idols

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
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.

Celebrity style

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

NewJeans

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

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.

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.

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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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Users on Chinese Instagram-like platform Xiaohongshu cannot get enough of APT, the hit single by Blackpink’s Rosé and Bruno Mars. Photo: Instagram/@roses_are_rosie
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.

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.

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.

J-Hope reacts after being discharged from a mandatory military service outside of an army base in Wonju. Photo: AP
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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K-pop star Hanni, a member of the group NewJeans, attends a South Korean National Assembly’s Environment and Labour Committee meeting in Seoul. Photo: Reuters
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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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.

Haerin of K-pop girl group NewJeans at Incheon Airport in April, rocking a monochrome look with her Dior bag. Photo: WireImage
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.

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.

K-pop star Jennie attends the Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in Paris on October 1. Photo: AFP
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.

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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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.

Taylor Swift and Post Malone accept the award for Video of the Year for “Fortnight” during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in Elmont, New York. Photo: Reuters
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.

Co-founders Jackson Wang and Henry Cheung at Forbes 30 under 30 event. Photo: Handout
What's hot in Korea

Meet Sophia Laforteza, K-pop girl group Katseye’s lead vocalist

Hailing from various countries, Katseye’s 6 members include the first Indian, Filipina, Latina and Black artists to sign to the Hybe label

Diplomacy

Opinion | The world is getting smaller, at least culturally

Whether it’s Chinese gaming or K-pop, cultural exchanges can be more effective than economic engagement in building international trust

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Music

Meet Big Ocean, first deaf K-pop idol group, and learn how they make music

Korean boy band Big Ocean are making waves not only for their music but for being the first deaf K-pop idol group, even attracting the praise of WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

(From left) Kim Ji-seok, Park Hyun-jin and Lee Chan-yeon of Big Ocean. Photo: Courtesy of Parastar Entertainment
South Korea

K-pop stars cop flak for attending Kanye West’s South Korea concert

Fans criticised members of NewJeans, aespa and 2NE1 for ignoring the rapper’s controversial past.

NewJeans member Minji was among a handful of K-pop celebrities who attended Kanye West’s show in South Korea. Photo: Instagram/newjeans_official
South Korean celebrities

How K-pop made coloured contact lenses cool (again)

Idols from BTS, Blackpink, Stray Kids and NewJeans have helped popularise the use of lenses – read on for tips on which type and colour to go for

What to do in Hong Kong

5 of the best things to do this weekend, August 9-11, in Hong Kong

A neon signs exhibition, a K-pop girl group pop-up store, a boozy night out and more awaits those looking for entertainment in Hong Kong this weekend.

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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
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