Author: Denise Coley
It’s hard to believe it’s February already, but here we are! With a month behind us already, it’s time to consider who we should keep our eyes on throughout the year. While 2022 was the year of NEWJEANS and Le Sserafim, 2023 may provide us with some new names K-Pop history should remember. Already, there are some buzzworthy girl groups emerging as potential contenders in the K-Pop realm. Here are five girl groups to watch in 2023! BABYMONSTER YG Entertainment’s new girl group has been hinted at for a long time. Some indications of the new group have been…
Download & streaming links Following his successful appearances as part of boyband INTO1 on Tencent’s mega-hit Chinese show ‘CHUANG2021’, Japanese artist INTO1 RIKIMARU has released his new single ‘UP and DOWN’, on February 17. INTO1 RIKIMARU co-wrote the song, a dance tune that tells the story of the “ups and downs” of his life from his unique perspective. A short dance video version of this track was released in May 2022 and caused a meltdown online, with an astonishing 7.58 million views on leading Chinese social network Weibo and 550,000 views on YouTube. This new release is an all-new…
Although Korean dramas started airing in the 1950s, the K-drama wave began within the early 1980s, especially with the introduction of color television and a surge in Korean broadcasting companies. The steadily enhancements in industrialization and modernization further started increasing the viewership of Korean dramas, hence crediting the dramas between 1980 and 1989 the 1st generation label. Below are some of the best 1st generation K-dramas. 1. Love and Ambition (1987) In life, there is always a point where choices must be made. The choices mean forgoing some to hold on to others. Only in a few instances are…
Relations between North and South Korea have been frosty for decades. The two Koreas are still technically at war, engaging in more of a frozen conflict currently. While the countries do not get along and tempers have flared over the years, there have been a few instances where South Korean artists have performed in North Korea. In total, seven concerts by South Korean artists have been performed in North Korea. Here is a list of artists who’ve traveled north to Pyongyang to share their music with the “Hermit Kingdom.” Fin.K.L | 1999 As one of the “first generation”…
All good things must come to an end. Brave Girls, Brave Entertainment’s girl group that debuted April 7, 2011, officially disbanded February 16, 2023 following the expiration of their exclusive contracts. All four members, Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna, opted not to renew. Brave Entertainment released the following statement confirming the news. The exclusive contracts of artists Minyoung, Yujeong, Eunji, and Yuna will come to an end as of today. After a long and thorough discussion, Brave Entertainment and Brave Girls agreed to a beautiful farewell. The members intend on cheering one another on deep in their hearts and…
Click here for Music Video XG released their 3rd single ‘SHOOTING STAR’ on Wednesday, January 25. The music video for ‘SHOOTING STAR’ gained over 14 million views. The live performance video, dance practice video and performance video for ‘SHOOTING STAR’ all ranked in the fastest-rising charts, receiving major acclaim from around the world. The girls appeared on 11 popular Korean music TV programs in the last three weeks, including consecutive appearances in some shows. They also took part in numerous interviews with major foreign media outlets in the U.S. and India. Today, the music video for ‘LEFT RIGHT’, a…
Causing fierce tremors in the world of dance and Eurobeat, a dream collaboration has resulted in the February 13th digital release of ‘Gamble Rumble feat. motsu’ by Dave Rodgers. ‘Gamble Rumble’ is a classic hit by m.o.v.e, who debuted over 25 years ago in 1997 with the single ‘ROCK IT DOWN’. The music video for the original version has amassed more than 20 million views on YouTube, and it is considered one of the most essential theme songs from the beloved anime series ‘Initial D’, which itself was the spark that ignited both the street racing culture boom and…
K-Pop idols have been a core aspect in the spread of the Korean wave, ALSOfamously known as Hallyu wave. The 2nd generation of K-Pop groups, ranging from around 2003 to 2011, was amongst the most contributors to the global spread of Hallyu wave. Some of these groups have surpassed the 7-year K-pop group curse and are still ongoing to date. Others that had gone on hiatus have made a comeback confirming why they are still the legends of K-Pop. Below are some of the best 2nd generation K-Pop groups. 1. BIGBANG (빅뱅) Currently consisting of 4 members, BIGBANG…
From writing and composing songs to becoming a sensational figure and label in the K-Pop industry, JUNNY has made such an unmatchable impression as an artist. The Korean-Canadian singer and songwriter is not only making a buzz in the South Korean peninsula only but globally as well, especially with the “Not About You” hit single. Join KCrush America Magazine as we unwind with JUNNY and get to know him more. 1. The “Color Me” single, alongside Chung Ha, is amongst your hit collaborations. How did this come to be and how was the experience? 청하와 함께 했던 “Color…
After the remarkable achievements in 2022, which includes officially debuting as a group, music chart topping hits, as well as performances at prestigious events from the likes of 2022 Asia Artist Awards, the 65th annual The Japan Record Award, and the 73rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen (Kouhaku Song Festival), Japanese group, BE:FIRST are back with their first single of 2023, ‘Boom Boom Back’. The single will be made available on 13 February 2023, Monday, on all major digital streaming platforms. With a new year, BE:FIRST welcomes a new approach with a global team on ‘Boom Boom Back’ which includes…
On February 9, 2023, the Seoul Central District Court heard former B.A.P member Kim Himchan’s appeal stemming from a 2018 sexual assault case. Kim, who was initially sentenced to 10 months in prison and 40 hours of sexual violence education courses back in February 2021, admitted to the charges in April 2022 during one of his appeal cases. For what is expected to be the last in the appeals process for this particular case, the Seoul Central District Court upheld the initial punishment of 10-months in prison. In addition to the prison stint, Kim must complete 50 hours of…
South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in’s currently being investigated for illegal propofol use. On February 8, 2023, TV Chosun’s News9 revealed a top actor has been under investigation for alleged propofol usage. Before the report, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency called in Yoo for questioning over alleged violation of the Narcotics Control Act. Yoo’s agency, United Artists Agency, confirmed Yoo is being questioned and will cooperate. This is UAA. Recently, Yoo Ah In underwent police investigation pertaining to propofol. He is actively cooperating in all investigations regarding this, and we plan to proactively address the aspects that are a problem. We…
The facet of co-ed group is a rare phenomenon in the K-Pop world. However, the existing co-ed groups have showcased their diversity and earned respect in the K-Pop entertainment industry. Some of the legendary groups that laid a solid foundation for the co-ed groups include CHECKMATE, which is disbanded. Other foundational co-ed bands such YOUNIQUE UNIT, URBAN ZAKAPA, and Nasty Nasty have been inactive for over 5 years. Nonetheless, the following co-ed groups are quite underrated despite their immense capability and skill. 1. K.A.R.D (카드) This group has taken K-Pop to another realm with unmatchable lyrical pieces, beats,…
On the 11th, singer LEE JIN HYUK’s solo concert “2023 LEE JIN HYUK LIVE CONCERT [4eVer]” will begin. LEE JIN HYUK released his preparations for the concert through V-Day contents a week before the concert, and from the 8th, released D-Day countdown videos in various ways that fit the performance concept, raising expectations for his first solo concert “4eVer.” LEE JIN HYUK said, “I’m excited to fill the stage with V-Dan at my first solo concert ‘4eVer’, adding, “I’m going to show you various stages, so I hope you enjoy it excitedly.” The performance name “4eVer” means to be…
The 4th generation of K-Pop groups is made up of bands that debuted from 2017 to date. With the successful globalization of the 3rd generation groups, the ensuing 4th generation are taking the world by storm. Not only are these newbies further spreading the Hallyu wave, they are putting Korea on the global map and scooping international endorsements and ambassadorships along the way. Below are some of the best 4th generation K-Pop groups. 1. Stray Kids (스트레이 키즈) Stray Kids was birthed through the Stray Kids reality show by JYP Entertainment in 2017. Nonetheless, this talented boy band…
After the 1st and 2nd generations of K-Pop groups successfully set a foundation for the Hallyu wave, an upsurge of K-Pop bands sprung up during the 3rd generation. The 3rd generation, which is the timeline between 2012 and 2016, comprises of top bands that are currently taking the world by storm. The is also comprised of diverse groups, including co-ed groups and more girl groups joining to compete for their share in the K-Pop entertainment industry. Here are some of the best 3rd generation K-pop groups. 1. BLACKPINK (블랙핑크) Formed by YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK debuted in August, 2016…
On February 7, 2023, actor and singer Lee Seung Gi announced he and actress Lee Da-in will marry in April. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 이승기 Leeseunggi (@leeseunggi.official) Lee Seung Gi’s message reads: Hello, this is Lee Seung Gi. It seems that I have many reasons to write long posts this year. Today, I am relaying the most important decision of my life. I have decided to spend the remainder of my life with Lee Da In, whom I love, not just as a couple but as a married couple. I proposed,…
On February 11, 2023, former BIGBANG member Seungri will be released from prison after completing his year and a half sentence for nine charges including habitual gambling, solicitation of illegal prostitution, the spread of illegally filmed sexual content, embezzlement, threatening, and assault. He was initially sentenced to a three-year prison term, but an appeal dropped his stint to a year and six months. Seungri was serving his military term when he was initially sentenced. He was transferred from a military prison to a civilian prison once his sentence was reduced. Since 2019, Seungri’s name has been tied to two…
Another former idol’s getting married! Former Nine Muses member Minha announced on February 5, 2023 that she and her non-celebrity fiancé will be getting married in May. On her Instagram, she shared a letter announcing the happy news. Hello, I’m Minha. I have a story that I want to convey with my heart to many people who always support me, so I am writing a handwritten letter after a long letter. I’m getting married in May, spring, which is the season I love. Meeting him at the end of my 20s, when I was going through a lot of changes,…
Japanese idol group Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu, who became a worldwide sensation with over 2 billion plays of their song ‘Suki! ~Cho ver~’, have released a digital EP titled ‘Zettai dayo’, their first new music release in three months. The title track of the EP was first unveiled at a special live performance at Tokyo’s famous Nakano Sun Plaza venue on December 24 and 25, 2022, a pair of shows titled Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu no Doki Doki Christmas Party 2022. ‘Zettai dayo’ is Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu’s first winter ballad, a love song set to a glittering melody that playfully laments the coldness of…