BTS is preparing for a special comeback event in March with “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,” a global livestream produced in collaboration with Netflix. The event will take place at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. The comeback will be streamed worldwide, allowing fans to watch the group’s return performance online.
BTS has also revealed the official tracklist and credits teasers for their 5th album, ARIRANG. The album contains 14 tracks, including “Body to Body”, “Hooligan”, and “They Don’t Know ’Bout Us”. The album is scheduled for release on March 20 at 1 PM KST, one day before the live event.
— Karen Mwenda
#BTSTHECOMEBACKLIVEARIRANG #Netflix #GwanghwamunSquareconcert #BTS #kpop #kpopidol #kcrush #Korea #pop #BTSConcert #RM #JHOPE #V #JUNGKOOK #SUGA #JIMIN #JIN #BIGHITEntertainment #HYBE #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #koreanculture #newmusic #BTStracklist
LISTEN HERE | WATCH THE “I’M ALIVE” MV HERE
Courtesy of: IST Entertainment
Emerging with a bold creative vision and a sound all their own, rookie boy group TUNEXX marks their debut with mini album SET BY US ONLY — a powerful introduction that captures the group’s identity, ambition, and artistic freedom. TUNEXX 1st Mini Album – SET BY US ONLY is out now on all major streaming platforms via IST Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment — listen HERE, watch the “I’m Alive” MV HERE.
Formed under IST Entertainment, TUNEXX — comprised of members Donggyu, Inhu, Taira, Sungjun, Zeon, Sihwan, and Arctic — unites seven distinct personalities and musical colors into one cohesive frequency. Members Donggyu, Inhu, Sihwan, and Arctic first gained recognition through Mnet’s global audition program Boys II Planet, where they showcased their performance abilities to an international audience, while the remaining members complete the lineup with fresh energy and dynamic range.
The group’s name TUNEXX originates from the slogan “TUNE IN TO OUR FREQUENCY,” combining “TUNE” with “X,” a symbol of the unclassified and the undefined. Their name is a declaration of their intent to transcend boundaries and forge their own path. Positioned as a performance-driven global boy group centered on empathy and communication, TUNEXX represents confidence, freedom, and self-defined cool.
SET BY US ONLY captures the moment seven artists, united by their passion for music, begin shaping the world in their own way. Across four tracks, the album reflects the members’ most honest emotions and their determination to move forward freely and unapologetically. Members Donggyu, Zeon, and Sihwan participated in the lyric-writing, adding a deeply personal layer of sincerity to the project.
The focus track “I’m Alive” is an electronic hip-hop anthem that defines TUNEXX’s core identity. Built on sleek, modern production, the track contrasts sharp rap delivery with melodic vocal sections before culminating in a striking emotional outro. The song delivers a resonant message of individuality, resilience, and the courage to exist on one’s own terms.
“100%” delivers a confident statement of intent, driven by an old-school funk-inspired sample and bold 808 bassline, allowing each member’s distinct tone to shine. “Obsessed” leans into smooth R&B textures layered over rhythmic guitar grooves, highlighting vocal maturity and emotional nuance. Closing the project, “Twenty Something” captures the spirit of youth on the verge of transformation with an uplifting band-driven sound — symbolizing growth, possibility, and the shared journey between TUNEXX and their fans.
With SET BY US ONLY, TUNEXX take their first step — setting their own pace, defining their own sound, and sending their first signal to a global audience. As seven unique colors merge into one frequency, TUNEXX invites listeners everywhere to tune in at the beginning of a journey defined not by convention, but by conviction.
Courtesy of: IST Entertainment
TUNEXX 1st Mini Album – SET BY US ONLY Tracklisting:
- 100%
- I’m Alive *Focus
- Obsessed
- Twenty Something
ABOUT TUNEXX
TUNEXX is a seven-member performance-driven global boy group under IST Entertainment, consisting of members Donggyu, Inhu, Taira, Sungjun, Zeon, Sihwan, and Arctic.
Four members (Donggyu, Inhu, Sihwan, and Arctic) first gained recognition through Mnet’s global survival program Boys II Planet, where they advanced through multiple competitive stages and built an early international fanbase.
Derived from the slogan “TUNE IN TO OUR FREQUENCY,” the name TUNEXX combines “TUNE” with “X,” symbolizing the undefined and boundary-crossing spirit that defines the group’s identity. Positioned as a group that values confidence, freedom, and self-defined expression, TUNEXX aims to create music that resonates in real time with global audiences while challenging convention and embracing authenticity.
Their debut mini album SET BY US ONLY, released March 3, 2026, marks the beginning of that journey — seven members, one frequency, and a new signal in global pop.
CONNECT WITH TUNEXX
IG | TikTok | X | YouTube | Spotify
#TUNESS #Donggyu #Inhu #Taira #Sungjun #Zeon #Sihwan #Arctic #TUNEXX1stMiniAlbum #kcrush #SetByUsOnly #KakaoEntertainment #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #breakingnews #globalpop #TuneIntoOurFrequency #kpop
Global rockstar WOODZ logs next chapter with 17-track project and 2026 world tour
LISTEN HERE | WATCH THE “HUMAN EXTINCTION” MV HERE
Courtesy of:: EDAM Entertainment
Multi-hyphenate WOODZ releases his long-awaited first full-length album Archive. 1 today, marking a defining moment in his artistic evolution. WOODZ 1st Full Album [Archive. 1] is out now on all major streaming platforms via EDAM Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment — listen HERE, watch the “Human Extinction” MV HERE.
Archive. 1 is more than a debut full album — it is, as it suggests, the first record of another beginning. Entirely written, composed, and produced by WOODZ alongside longtime collaborators NATHAN and HOHO, the 17-track project is an uncompromising body of work that reflects the breadth of his musical identity. In an era where full-length albums are increasingly rare, Archive. 1 stands as a deliberate artistic statement: no featured artists, no external framing — only WOODZ’s singular voice at the center.
The album is led by two focus tracks: “Human Extinction” and “NA NA NA”.
“Human Extinction” wrestles with the duality of human nature — asking whether anyone could withstand having their deepest truths and shadows fully exposed. Built on tension between light and darkness, the track questions perfection, vulnerability, and what it truly means to be human. In the accompanying music video, WOODZ appears as a ‘silent grim reaper’ who observes three characters, each struggling with their own inner worries and conflicts, adding philosophical depth and emotional weight to the song. Veteran actor Park Heesoon (Squid Game, No Other Choice) features as a doctor, adding cinematic gravitas to the narrative-driven visual. WOODZ shares that this song is one he’s especially looking forward to performing at festivals, as it’s a track everyone can come together and enjoy energetically.
In contrast, “NA NA NA” delivers explosive, cathartic energy. A love-at-first-sight anthem driven by addictive basslines and guitar riffs, it invites listeners to lose themselves in the moment.
With Archive. 1, WOODZ documents a personal archive of sound, identity, rebellion, and growth. It is a statement of authorship and autonomy, and the first chapter in a new era. Across its 17 tracks, Archive. 1 traverses genre with intention and cohesion. From the high-speed liberation of opening track “00:30” — inspired by the feeling of driving home at midnight after a long day — to the gritty rap metal intensity of “비행 (Stray),” the rock-driven pulse of “Bloodline,” the cinematic storytelling of “CINEMA,” and the bossa nova-based contemporary jazz textures of “BEEP,” WOODZ moves fluidly between sonic worlds without losing narrative clarity. The album closes with “To My January,” a message to self and to listeners about renewal and quiet perseverance. Performed with his live band and previously unveiled as the emotional finale of his 2025 WOODZ PREVIEW CONCERT : index_00, the track captures the spirit of starting again.
Archive. 1 arrives following significant momentum in WOODZ’s career. His self-composed track “Drowning” experienced a major chart resurgence starting 2024, topping domestic annual charts and solidifying his reputation as a “trust-and-listen” artist. His 2025 preview concerts sold out entirely, reinforcing his global performance draw.
Following the album release, WOODZ will embark on the 2026 WOODZ WORLD TOUR ‘Archive. 1’, beginning in Incheon, South Korea, and spanning 17 cities across Asia, Europe, and Australia, with additional cities to be announced. The tour marks his first world tour since completing military service and promises an expanded live production that fully realizes the depth of this album.
Courtesy of: EDAM Entertainment
WOODZ 1st Full Album [Archive. 1] Tracklisting:
- 00:30
- Super Lazy
- 하루살이 (Dayfly)
- 화근 (The Spark)
- Human Extinction *Focus
- 비행 (Stray)
- Bloodline *Pre-release
- Downtown
- STOP THAT
- NA NA NA *Focus
- 몸부림 (Struggle)
- BEEP
- Plastic
- GLASS
- CINEMA *Pre-release
- 사모 (SAMO)
- To My January
ABOUT WOODZ
WOODZ (Cho Seungyoun) is a South Korean multihyphenate artist — a singer-songwriter, producer, and performer — widely respected for his genre-defying sound, emotional range, and rare artistic versatility. From his early days in the idol group UNIQ and Produce X 101‘s project boy band X1 to his breakout as a soloist, WOODZ has charted a path defined by resilience and creative evolution.
Since his solo debut, he’s written and produced nearly all his music, with critically acclaimed projects like EQUAL (2020), SET (2021), ONLY LOVERS LEFT (2021), COLORFUL TRAUMA (2022), OO-LI (2023), and I’ll Never Love Again (2025), blending elements of pop-rock, alternative R&B, hip-hop, and experimental sounds. Dubbed a “pop-rock chameleon” by DAZED, he’s earned over 1.1 billion global streams, with over 366 million streams and over 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, and topped iTunes charts in 20+ countries. In 2023, ahead of his military enlistment, WOODZ embarked on a 7-continent (North/South America, Europe, and Asia) global tour (fueled by his album OO-LI, Billboard’s #3 Best K-pop Album the same year) with sold out shows across 12 countries, performing to upwards of 52,000 concert-goers. In late 2024, his track “Drowning” emerged as a sleeper hit and experienced a viral resurgence, charting on Shazam and re-entering Korea’s Top 100 two years after release. “Drowning” has since surpassed 187 million views and over 45 million streams on Spotify alone. After consistently topping music charts throughout 2025, “Drowning” was crowned the #1 most-listened-to song of the entire year by Korea’s Melon and Circle charts.
Amassing a social following of over 7 million, WOODZ is not only a favorite among fellow artists, but is also known as a fashion-forward figure. He’s gained recognition as a quiet, but confident style icon for his sleek experimental styling and effortlessly cool off-duty looks, earning him prominent fashion and culture magazine features in Korea’s Vogue, DAZED, W, GQ, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, and more.
With more than a decade of industry experience, an expanding international footprint, and a growing body of critically respected work, WOODZ stands at the forefront of a new generation of K-pop soloists — an all-rounder visionary poised for his strongest era yet. Following his July 2025 military discharge, WOODZ graced the stages of Asia’s most prestigious music festivals such as Summer Sonic and Let’s Rock Festival. His post-military releases “I’ll Never Love Again”, “Smashing Concrete”, “Falling feat. Young K”, and “March” have garnered over 30 million global streams to-date.
In November, WOODZ performed two back-to-back shows to a sold-out crowd of 20,000 at his first solo concerts since discharge at Jamsil Arena in Seoul. He rounded out the year with several EOY awards show recognitions, was named one of YouTube’s most streamed artists of 2025, and his songs “I’ll Never Love Again” and “Smashing Concrete” landed on industry and tastemaker roundups such as Billboard, CLASH, A.V. Club, and Paste, being hailed as faves of the year.
Kicking off what’s expected to be his breakout year as a global rockstar, WOODZ dropped pre-release single (comprised of domestic focus track “CINEMA” and global focus track “Bloodline”) on Feb 12, premiered his mystery short film <Slide Strum Mute> featuring Korean-American actor Justin Min (The Umbrella Academy, Beef, The Devil’s Plan) on Feb 26. On Mar 4, WOODZ unveiled his long-awaited first full-length album Archive. 1.
Up next, WOODZ will embark on the 2026 WOODZ WORLD TOUR ‘Archive. 1’, playing shows in 17 cities across Asia, Europe, and Australia, with more stops to be announced at a later date.
CONNECT WITH WOODZ
Website | Official IG | Personal IG | TikTok | X | YouTube | Spotify | Berriz
#WOODZ #WOODZArchive1 #WOOEZFirstFullLengthAlbumArchive1 #kcrush #UNIQ #ProduceX101 #kpop #kpipidol #NaNaNa #2006WOODZWorldTour #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #HumanExtinctionMusicVideo #EDAMEntertainment #17Tracks
Told through the eyes of Rozaq, a poor fisherman whose intellectual disability places him at a greater disadvantage socially, Fish, Please! Takes place over the course of one day and night showing how just 24 hours can drastically change the lives of those trying to eke out an existence below the poverty line and visibility of those with the power to help, but turn a blind eye.
Instead of happily looking forward to welcoming their soon to arrive baby, Sasa and Rozaq are forced to face the terrifying reality that the constant pain wracking her body are signs of malnutrition. When they’re told by the local midwife that Sasa has severe protein deficiency due to having no access to meat and fish, the couple is warned that either they get to a hospital, or find a way for Sasa to boost her nutritional intake as soon as possible, lest she and the baby both die.
With no money or method to get to a city hospital, Rozaq with his singleminded focus determines that finding fish, even just one, will cure his beloved wife. He promises her and their unborn son that he’ll be back with fish, and begins a stressful journey through the village to the nearest fish market, where late at night he spots a shipment of freshly caught fish being offloaded. But there’s yet another major obstacle, this time in the presence of armed guards working for the local ganglord.
Though Rozaq may not have the same intellectual capabilities of others, he’s not without his own form of resourcefulness. With his thin, sweat covered frame covered in an oversized tank top, shorts that have seen better days, and sandals, Rozaq fits in with the group of other poor men hired to offload the shipment. Once inside, he realises that what’s happening in the warehouse is nothing like the locals think it is.
Sitting on the bare concrete and freezing air, Rozaq finds men for his village and surrounding areas, in strange physical states almost too disorienting to fully comprehend, because some of them look almost inhuman. After successfully stealing one fish and hiding it in his yellow cotton scarf, he seeks to make his desperate escape, but suddenly a thick bright green mist begins to fill the space, and as he utters “Ikan” meaning fish – the word he’s been constantly repeating to himself as a reminder of his goal – Rozaq falls unconscious.
Upon waking up, he finds the other men around him laying still on the cold floor. Whether dead or unconscious, Rozaq doesn’t seek to find out. Just as he left him with one purpose, he makes his way back repeating “ikan” over and over to himself. But unbeknownst to Rozaq, his face and body have changed. His brown suntanned skin is now a sickly silver, with raised welts eerily similar to fish scales covering parts of his face down to his chest and arms. Once he makes it home the transformation is complete, leading to a sadly disturbing end, that’s a bit too fun to fully spoil, but the phrase “You are what you eat” is rather appropriate as it not only describes what happens to Rozaq, but also serves as a reminder of how our bodies, our very survival as humans depends on the foods we have access to eat.
In Fish, Please!,Haris is using this multi-genre film that intertwines horror, noir, and magical realism conveyed through the music by Billy Sibero and cinematography by Saka Guna Wijaya, into an interesting tapestry of social commentary about the physical consequences pregnant women bear during pregnancy and the life threatening reality it is that society tends to overlook. He points to how food insecurity is a threat to the wellbeing of mothers, and creates circumstances where husbands and relatives are left with no choice to make decisions they never thought themselves capable of making in order to simply make it through another day.
Being a proud member of the Sailor Family, the community of fisher folk who for hundreds of years have made their living in the blue depths of the ocean surrounding Java, and bustling markets on land, Haris had made multiple short films about how the intersection of culture, capitalism, and politics have impacted the Sailor Families and their communities. In Pelabuhan Berkabut (Fish, Please!), he and his creative team make clear the threat of overfishing, pollution, resource hoarding by the wealthy, and lack of social and government assistance. Though the film is set in Indonesia, all of these issues pose the same serious detrimental consequences to the people of all coastal regions in Asia, the Caribbean, continental Africa, and globally.
Produced by KuraKura Films, Pelabuhan Berkabut (Fish, Please!) has received many nominations and awards at many international film festivals including Best Director at the 2026 Karachi Film Festival, Sun Bear Award and Mahligai Award at Balikpapan Film Festival 2025, and was an Official Selection at the 2025 Glasgow Short Film Festival as part of the Bali–Glasgow Filmmaker and Programme Exchange.
During Minikino, I had the opportunity to sit with Haris to discuss using film to highlight the issues affecting his community on Semarang, working with Slamet who’s also a musician, and figuring out how he, Jovan, and Saka Guna wanted the film to look and feel for audiences.
*All images courtesy of KuraKura Films
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#PelabuhanBerkabutFishPlease #MinikinoFilmWeek11 #kcrush #kcrushinterview #KuraKuraFilms #HarisYuliyantoFilmmaker #SemarangIndonesia #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #filmfestival #musicbyBillySibero #cinematographybySakaGunaWijaya #foodsweeat #ourbodiesarewhatweeat
Courtesy of: ABS-CBN Music
Listen to “Fresh” by BGYO HERE
Watch “Fresh (Official Music Video)” HERE
Filipino boy group, BGYO, makes a bold return with their new empowerment anthem, “Fresh,” available now on all digital streaming platforms via ABS-CBN Music. The release marks the group’s first Tagalog single since 2024’s “Andito Lang,” ushering in a refreshed sonic chapter rooted in confidence, individuality, and self-belief. With over 100 million combined audio/video streams, and previous #1 iTunes debuts in the Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and more, BGYO continues their steady rise into the global pop realm.
Unapologetic and self-assured, “Fresh” is a declaration of authenticity as a strong follow-up single from last year’s body of work, “Headlines,” that brought a more emotional soundscape. With standout lines like “I got what you want” and “Ain’t nobody fresher than me,” the track leans into confidence without compromise. Sonically, the single introduces a smooth, groove-driven hip-hop sound that complements BGYO’s effortless swagger while expanding their musical palette. Written by member Mikki Claver, “Fresh” reflects the group’s evolving artistry and personal voice proving that nothing is fresher than being yourself.
The release follows a standout year for the group after several overseas performances and an upcoming appearance at DUNK! Music Festival in Japan next month. Since dropping their last EP in September, BGYO headlined their first solo concert and closed out the year topping Spotify Philippines’ “Best of P-Pop On The Rise” chart, alongside receiving TikTok’s “Community Impact Award.” With “Fresh,” the quintet continues to sharpen their signature sound while signaling the next phase of their creative evolution.
As one of the hottest musical artists coming out of the Philippines, BGYO have received recognition from the Recording Academy spotlighting them in their list of “Asian Pop artists to check out” in addition to being featured in Teen Vogue, MTV Asia, and in Netflix’s web series “Alas Netflix.” The group have been crowned winners of “Best Theme Song” at the Asian Academy Creative Awards and People’s Voice Favorite Group Artist in Awit Awards for two consecutive years. With a combined social media following approaching 5 million, the group continues to captivate audiences worldwide, not just with their stellar vocals and electrifying choreography, but also with their undeniable charisma and relentless passion. They have also surpassed 60 million TikTok likes, were named a 2025 Spotify RADAR artist, nominated for “Rising International Artist” at the 2025 Breaktudo Awards in Brazil, and performed at the 2025 Summer Sonic Festival in Bangkok.
Evolving with each release, the group remains committed to pushing their sound in bold new directions. As the band continues to grow and expand their signature style, they are excited to blend different genres of pop music, crafting a sound that’s distinctly and undeniably their own.
Listen to “Fresh” by BGYO HERE
Watch “Fresh (Official Music Video)” HERE
About BGYO:
BGYO is a five-member Filipino boy group known for their dynamic performances, powerful vocals, and relatable music. In 2020, they made their official debut with the single ‘The Light.’ Since their debut, BGYO has garnered a dedicated global fanbase (ACEs) and achieved numerous milestones in the music industry. The group is composed of Gelo, Akira, JL, Mikki, and Nate, each bringing unique talents and charisma to the group. They are signed under the agency, Star Magic and the record label, Star Music. Since their debut in 2020, BGYO has captivated audiences with their authentic sound and dynamic performances. The group has quickly risen to prominence, earning accolades such as Spotify Philippines’ “P-Pop Group of the Year” and securing multiple #1 debuts on iTunes charts globally. With over 50 million Spotify streams and 30 million YouTube views, BGYO continues to break barriers and solidify their place in the international music scene.
Their acronym, “Becoming The Change, Going Further, You and I, Originally Filipino,” reflects their mission to create music that uplifts and empowers fans around the world while staying true to their cultural roots.
Connect with BGYO: Instagram – Twitter – YouTube – TikTok – Spotify – Facebook
BGYO #Ppop #Phillippines #newsingle #BecomingTheChange #FRESH #kcrush #ABSCBN #Gelo #Akira #JL #Mikki #Nate #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #StarMagic #fanbaseACE #BGYOFillipinoBoyGroup #newrelease
The long-awaited purple era has officially arrived. In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global music industry, BIGHIT MUSIC and Netflix have confirmed a historic partnership to livestream BTS’s grand return to the stage. On March 21, 2026, the world’s biggest group will perform “BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG”—a global event broadcasting live to over 190 countries.
Set against the majestic backdrop of Gwanghwamun Square and the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, this performance marks the first time all seven members will stand together on stage since their military hiatus. The timing is poetic; the concert serves as the grand reveal for their fifth studio album, ARIRANG, which drops just one day prior. By choosing “Arirang”—the definitive folk anthem of Korea—as their theme, BTS is signaling a triumphant return to their cultural roots while embracing a sophisticated new creative chapter.
For the global ARMY, the logistics are a dream. The stream kicks off at 8:00 PM KST (7:00 AM ET / 4:00 AM PT). Following the live spectacle, Netflix will deepen the experience on March 27 with the premiere of BTS: The Return, a raw, behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the group’s journey from discharge to their emotional reunion. This March, BTS isn’t just making a comeback—they are redefining global entertainment.
— Karen Mwenda
#BTS #BTS2026WorldTour #BTSNewAlbum2026 #MarchTourBTS #kcrush #koreanpop #BIGHIT #kpop #kpopidol #newstage2026 #RM #V #SUGA #JHOPE #JIMIN #JUNGKOOK #JIN #BIGHITENTERTAINMENT #HYBE #BTSReturn #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #BTSARMY #BTSFANCLUB BTSMEMBERSHIP #BTS2026 #360DegreeStageBTS #NETFLIX #NETFLIXToStream #GwanghwamunSquareandthehistoricGyeongbokgungPalaceinSeoul #ARIRANG #Seoul
Photo Courtesy of Netflix
Golden, composed by THEBLACKLABEL’s producer team, TEDDY, 24 and IDO, has made history as the first K-Pop song ever to win a Grammy Award.
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, held February 1 in Los Angeles, Golden – the original theme song from Netflix’s animated feature K-Pop Demon Hunters – won Best Song Written for Visual Media, marking a landmark moment for K-Pop and Korean creators on the global stage.
Serving as the film’s emotional centerpiece, Golden plays during the climactic scene in which the virtual girl group HUNTR/X achieves its goal. The song became a global phenomenon alongside the film’s worldwide success, topping charts across multiple territories. Notably, Golden achieved a rare feat for an original soundtrack, holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 for eight consecutive weeks.
THEBLACKLABEL’s producers accepted the award at the ceremony. Producer 24 said, “Lastly, although he couldn’t be here with us today, I dedicate this honor to the person who went through this whole journey with me – my greatest mentor and my closest friend, the pioneer of K-Pop, TEDDY.”
Producer, Joong Gyu Kwak of IDO added, “The Grammy Awards are essentially the greatest goal a composer can dream of, and it feels as though I have achieved that dream. Beyond simply the success of K-Pop, it is an honor and deeply meaningful to have been able to contribute music to a work that introduces K-culture to the world.”
Previously, Golden also won Best Original Song (Motion Picture) at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, further cementing its impact. The song is also set to compete at the 2026 BRIT Awards and the Academy Awards, highlighting the continued global expansion of Korean content beyond music.
Led by TEDDY, alongside producers 24 and IDO (Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam & Joong Gyu Kwak), THEBLACKLABEL’s producer team composed and arranged Golden, along with EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick, quickly propelling it to global mega-hit status. THEBLACKLABEL team also produced additional tracks for the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack, including How It’s Done, Soda Pop, and Your Idol, contributing to the film’s success and showcasing the global reach of K-pop–driven storytelling.
About THEBLACKLABEL:
THEBLACKLABEL is a South Korean entertainment company, record label, and creative agency founded by TEDDY in 2016 and home to acts such as TAEYANG, JEON SOMI, ROSÉ, MEOVV, ALLDAY PROJECT and Vince.
#THEBLACKLABEL #TEDDY #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS #GOLDEN #GRAMMYAWARD #kcrush #kpop #animation #KoreanContent #BestSongWrittenForVisualMedia #HUNTRX #BestOriginalSongGoldenGlobes #EJAE #producers24andIDO #YuHanLee #HeeDongNam #JoongGyuKwak #MarkSonnenblick #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #KoreanCulture #SodaPop #HowItsDone #YourIdol
K-pop king G-DRAGON to headline alongside Jay Park, KUN, Kim JongKook, Yein, and Yerin
One Pulse Group, the global production powerhouse behind S2O America and EDC Korea, announces the next edition of ‘KRAZY Super Concert’ to be held February 17, at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre in Dubai. Industry pioneer G-DRAGON, who recently concluded the largest tour by a Korean solo act, is set to headline the 22,000-capacity venue. He will be accompanied by Korean-American music mogul Jay Park, Chinese superstar KUN, returning ‘KRAZY’ performer Kim JongKook, Korean singer and dancer Yein, and chart-topping soloist, Yerin.
General admission tickets and VIP Packages will be available through pre-sale sign-ups on Thursday, January 29 starting at 9 a.m. Dubai time via krazysuperconcert.com and public on-sale starting Friday, January 30, at 12 p.m. Dubai time.
(Courtesy of ⓒ GALAXY CORPORATION)
G-DRAGON—a name alone that commands the world’s attention as a pioneer of music and culture. He is a living legend of K-Pop and an artist who fundamentally shifted the course of Korean popular music. As a singer-songwriter, producer, and rapper gifted with multifaceted talent, he has propelled K-Pop onto the global stage, churning out countless hits since his debut as the leader of BIGBANG. He has consistently led new trends through experimental sounds that shatter musical boundaries and through groundbreaking stage performances. Having connected deeply with fans worldwide through numerous world tours, he enjoys a love that transcends borders. His influence extends fearlessly beyond music into fashion, art, and various other fields, solidifying his unrivaled reputation as a global trendsetter.
Jay Park
Jay Park is a multi-hyphenated artist and entrepreneur who has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Korean and Asian-American music landscape. As a trailblazer bridging East and West, his impact extends beyond chart-topping music, solidifying his status as a defining figure in modern pop culture.
Kim JongKook
Joining the powerhouse lineup from Korea, Kim JongKook, from the well-loved Korean variety show, “Running Man,” is a renowned entertainer known for his iconic hit songs and charismatic presence on both screen and stage. With a career marked by timeless hit records and decades of mainstream visibility, he remains one of Korea’s most recognizable and beloved public figures.
YEIN
Yein has rapidly built a reputation as a rising voice in Korean pop, earning widespread admiration for her consistent musical output, distinctive tone, and relatable artistry. With a growing fanbase, she represents the next generation of K-pop artists shaping contemporary culture.
YERIN
Yerin has emerged as one of K-pop’s most recognizable and endearing stars, celebrated for her bright charisma, versatility, and strong connection with fans worldwide. From her success as a chart-topping idol to her expanding presence in television, endorsements, and fan culture, she continues to resonate as a modern pop figure with broad mainstream appeal.
KUN
Equally monumental, KUN joins the lineup as a special guest, representing the pinnacle of Chinese pop stardom and brand value. With an ultra-engaged, trend-setting fanbase on top of exceptional resonance among Gen-Z and Millennial consumers, the superstar is widely recognized for his ability to drive aspiration, accelerate brand relevance, and convert cultural attention into measurable results. His influence spans music, fashion, lifestyle, and digital culture, positioning him as a hitmaker, and a premium global ambassador as one of the most bankable Chinese artists of his generation who is always front row at Fashion Weeks.
Their joint presence in Dubai represents a historic cultural convergence transforming KRAZY Super Concert into a once-in-a-generation global music moment.
“We are thrilled to bring the KRAZY Super Concert brand to Dubai, a city that perfectly mirrors our vision of global connection and innovation,” said Luffy Huang, CEO of One Pulse Group. “With G-DRAGON leading this historic lineup we are not just hosting a concert; we are delivering an unforgettable cultural milestone for fans in the Middle East.”
AKMU_2024 (Courtesy of One Pulse Group)
As the first festival of its kind to bring this level of Asian excellence and star power to Dubai, KRAZY Super Concert establishes itself as a historic milestone, redefining the Middle East’s live entertainment landscape and positioning the region as a new hub for K-pop and Asian-pop culture. This unprecedented debut signals a transformational moment for the Middle East’s music industry on scale of production, star power, and cultural influence introducing the most ambitious, high-profile Asian music festival experience the region has ever witnessed. With a combined 23,000+ fans in attendance across the New York and Los Angeles ‘KRAZY Super Concert’ sold-out editions, One Pulse Group is embarking on their next installment overseas to satisfy the global demand of K-pop, beginning with Dubai audiences who saw a 67% year-over-year increase in K-pop users.
aespa _2024 (Courtesy of One Pulse Group)
As one of the most innovative and influential entertainment companies operating across Asia, the Middle East, and North America, One Pulse Group stands as a dominant force in global festival culture, owning and operating the intellectual property behind some of the world’s most powerful festival brands, including EDC Korea, S2O America, and KRAZY Super Concert. This unrivaled portfolio positions the global company as a true international entertainment conglomerate — a juggernaut of live music experiences shaping the future of festival ecosystems across continents. As the creative force building an unrivaled portfolio, the corporate behemoth’s mission will result in an immersive K-pop experience, featuring the genre’s most desired artists, distinct artistry, and a dedicated fanbase.
For more festival information and updates, please follow @krazysuperconcert on Instagram and visit krazysuperconcert.com.
About One Pulse Group
Headquartered in New York with offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, South Korea, and China, One Pulse Group is a leading global event producer and promoter. Since its establishment in 2015, the company has evolved into an industry powerhouse, recognized for executing massive-scale events. A testament to its global capabilities, One Pulse Group successfully produced EDC Korea, a premier international edition of the world’s largest electronic dance music festival brand. Building on this expertise in top-tier production, the company also brought the biggest Asian water festival S2O to New York and Los Angeles. In addition to these major international licenses, One Pulse Group develops proprietary IP brands, including the global touring series KRAZY Super Concert, designed to showcase Asian music on the world stage. With a rich history of hosting legendary K-Pop acts (including EXO, BIGBANG, and T-ARA) and top-tier electronic artists (such as Martin Garrix, Marshmello, and Afrojack), One Pulse Group continues to pioneer innovative, high-quality experiences for audiences across North America, Asia, and the Middle East.
About KRAZY Super Concert
Established in 2023 by One Pulse Group, KRAZY Super Concert has quickly emerged as a premier music event series dedicated to bringing K-Pop and Asian music to the global stage. Following massive success with sold-out shows in New York and Los Angeles, the festival has showcased powerhouse performances by global icons such as IVE, aespa, and CL. Renowned for its high-energy production and star-studded lineups, KRAZY Super Concert bridges cultures and connects fans worldwide. As it expands its footprint to Dubai in 2026, the brand continues its mission to deliver unforgettable musical milestones across continents.
#GDRAGON #KRAZYSuperConcert #DUBAI2026 #JayPark #KimJongKook #YERIN #YEIN #kcrush #Asian #AsianMusicFestival #AsianFestivalDubai #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #AsianCulture #cultural #culturalfestival #supportofAsianCulture #GDRAGONDubai2026 #KoreanCulture #ChineseCulture #celebrateAsianCulture #OnePulseGroup #leadingglobaleventproducer
Award-winning manga author and illustrator Akiko Higashimura is probably one of the very few people to pen their own autobiography, in manga form no less, have that autobiography adapted into a film, and be co-writer of the screenplay and artistic consultant during production.
Blank Canvas begins in 2015 with Akiko, played by Mei Nagano (My Broken Mariko, Cells at Work), running late to accept an award, excited but a bit nervous at the prospect of being formally recognised for her work. As she considers how far she’s come in her career, she reflects back on her childhood in Miyazaki prefecture where she seemed to have an almost idyllic life in the beautiful seaside village.
It’s 1988, and Akiko is obsessed with reading manga or almost any genre and immerses herself in learning everything there is to know about the creative medium. Aspiring to be a writer and illustrator she spends almost every waking moment that she isn’t reading and waiting for the latest issue, drawing, which she’s effusively praised for by everyone around her. Her parents, teachers, and friends all enthusiastically encourage Akiko to pursue her dreams because she’s sure to be a success and make them proud.
As she grows, Akiko is ever confident that she has what it takes to be a famous manga artist. That is until she meets someone who tells her her talents aren’t quite as impressive as she believes. That someone is Hidaka Kenzo (Yo Oizumi, Dear Family) an art teacher who’s just as passionate about art as Akiko is about mangas, except that he doesn’t know she wants to be a manga artist, and this is where the film’s dramatic tension unexpectedly arises, because Black Canvas isn’t just a funny, endearing film about a young woman finding her path in life. It’s about the burden of a mentor’s expectations on his hopeful protege who believes her dreams aren’t good enough for him, and the mentor being blinded by feelings of his own perceived failure to meet his and society’s expectations.
Running his own independent art school that focuses on classical European painting styles, allows Hidaka who wears his signature sweat suits, jeans and sneakers, to devote time to his students individually to cultivate their talents, but this also causes him to be super strict with them. For he believes that true art can only be realised with brutal honesty and creative pressure. Akiko realising that Hidaka doesn’t value the pop-art styles of manga which is as far from baroque as you can get, keeps her true intentions from him.
Instead of the usual ruler or pencil a teacher would use as an instructional tool, Hidaka brandishes a shinai, the traditional bamboo sword used in kendo as though to challenge his students to dramatic duels when he regularly shouts “Just draw!” To let the art guide them rather than think too much about what it is they want to say through their art, is his philosophy. Unused to this type of tense and demanding atmosphere and tough-love form of encouragement, Akiko struggles to adjust. But she gets there, and their relationship as mentor and mentee is fun to watch.
Nagano is great as a young Akiko who has to learn that though she’s naturally talented, that talent still has to be cultivated and finetuned through constant refinement as much as passion. Though she’s shy, she’s also no pushover when she really wants something. It’s that attitude of confidence that Hidaka does his best to use to his and Akiko’s advantage in order to realise her full potential, but his own stubbornness works like a form of artist’s block in their communication.
The dynamic between Oizumi and Nagano terrifically convey the push and pull dynamic between two people who know what they want but can’t fully express what they’re feeling because they’re not being completely honest with each other and themselves.
The writing by Akiko-sensei and Date-san and direction of Seki jumps into this friction by showing how for many artists the creative process is far from easy or as beautiful and captivating as the work they eventually put on the canvas can be. The process can be physically draining, emotionally fraught, and at times isolating when they become too stuck in their heads. In both Akiko we’re shown the perspective of an artist just taking her first steps to realising her dreams, and with Hidaka man who despite his mature age, is still filled with insecurities and doubts whether the life he’s living is worthy of admiration, even though without his guidance his students wouldn’t be able to grow.
For anyone not familiar with Akiko-sensei’s decades of work, Blank Canvas: My So-Called Artist’s Journey / Kakukaku Shikajika, is a terrific introduction to her back story, creative process, the Japanese manga industry from an intimately familiar viewpoint, and be inspiring for any creative unsure of themselves. As much as the film has its light feel good moments, there are moments when the tone shifts to be more somber as we see Akiko struggling at university to meet expectations she thinks are beyond her capabilities, and the regrets of a woman who thinks she didn’t do enough to show appreciation to the person who drove her to reach past her limits to trust herself and just draw.
In my interview with Akiko-sensei in Montreal, she shared that it was Mei Nagano who approached her about adapting the manga, and spoke about how having formal classical arts training from Hidaka-san and her time at university informs her unique illustrating and storytelling style.
Interpretation for the interview was conducted by Alexe Frédéric Migneault.
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#FantasiaFF2025 #BlankCanvas #KakukakuShikajika #AkikoHigashimura #kcrush #Manga #MangaAdaptation #Hidakasan #MySoCalledArtistJourney #perspectiveofanartist #filmfestival #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #akcrushinterview #filminterview #autobiography #JapaneseManga #Japan
The long-awaited moment has finally arrived. After nearly four years of solo journeys and the successful completion of their mandatory military service, BTS is officially reuniting for a massive 2026-2027 World Tour and a brand-new studio album.
The Grand Return: New Album & 360° Stage
The group will mark their return with a new studio album scheduled for release on March 20, 2026. Following the release, the septet will hit the road for an expansive 79-date world tour spanning 34 cities across five continents. In an exciting technical twist, the tour will feature a 360-degree in-the-round stage design, placing ARMY at the center of an immersive, high-energy experience.
Key Tour Stops & Dates
The journey kicks off in South Korea before heading to major global stadiums.
| Region | City | Date | Venue |
| ASIA | Goyang, South Korea
Tokyo, Japan Busan, South Korea |
Apr 9, 11, 12
Apr 17, 18 Jun 12, 13 |
Goyang Stadium
Tokyo Dome Busan Asiad Stadium |
| NORTH AMERICA | Tampa, USA
El Paso, USA Mexico City, Mexico Stanford, USA Las Vegas, USA East Rutherford (NJ), USA Foxborough (MA), USA Baltimore, USA Arlington (TX), USA Toronto, Canada Chicago, USA Los Angeles, USA |
Apr 25, 26
May 2, 3 May 7, 9, 10 May 16, 17 May 23, 24, 27 Aug 1, 2 Aug 5, 6 Aug 10, 11 Aug 15, 16 Aug 22, 23 Aug 27, 28 Sept 1, 2, 5, 6 |
Raymond James Stadium
Sun Bowl Stadium Estadio GNP Seguros Stanford Stadium Allegiant Stadium MetLife Stadium Gillette Stadium M&T Bank Stadium AT&T Stadium Rogers Stadium Soldier Field SoFi Stadium |
| EUROPE | Madrid, Spain
Brussels, Belgium London, United Kingdom Munich, Germany Paris, France |
Jun 26, 27
Jul 1, 2 Jul 6, 7 Jul 11, 12 Jul 17, 18 |
Riyadh Air Metropolitano
King Baudouin Stadium Tottenham Hotspur Stadium Allianz Arena Stade de France |
| LATIN AMERICA
|
Bogotá, Colombia
Lima, Peru Santiago, Chile Buenos Aires, Argentina São Paulo, Brazil |
Oct 2, 3
Oct 9, 10 Oct 16, 17 Oct 23, 24 Oct 28, 30, 31 |
TBA
TBA TBA TBA TBA |
| ASIA & OCEANIA | Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Bangkok, Thailand Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Singapore Jakarta, Indonesia Melbourne, Australia Sydney, Australia Hong Kong Manila, Philippines |
Nov 19, 21, 22
Dec 3, 5, 6 Dec 12, 13 Dec 17, 19, 20, 22 Dec 26, 27 Feb 12, 13 (2027) Feb 20, 21 (2027) Mar 4, 6, 7 (2027) Mar 13, 14 (2027) |
TBA
TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA |
Ticket Information
Demand is expected to be historic. ARMY Membership presales begin on January 22, 2026, with general sales following on January 24. Get your lightsticks ready—the purple ocean is officially returning.
— Karen Mwenda
#BTS #BTS2026WorldTour #BTSNewAlbum2026 #MarchTourBTS #kcrush #koreanpop #BIGHIT #kpop #kpopidol #newstage2026 #RM #V #SUGA #JHOPE #JIMIN #JUNGKOOK #JIN #BIGHITENTERTAINMENT #HYBE #BTSReturn #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #BTSARMY #BTSFANCLUB BTSMEMBERSHIP #BTS2026 #360DegreeStageBTS
Over the past decade, Korean actresses have played a decisive role in shaping Hallyu’s global ascent. From romance and melodrama to thrillers and social commentary, these performers delivered defining works that dominated ratings, influenced pop culture, and expanded Korean storytelling onto the world stage. Each year highlights two actresses whose performances captured the cultural moment and left a lasting imprint.
1. 2014 — Jun Ji-hyun & Gong Hyo-jin
Jun Ji-hyun
Defining Work: My Love from the Star (2013–14).
Other Notable Works: Il Mare (2000), Windstruck (2004), The Thieves (2012), Assassination (2015), Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021).
Gong Hyo-jin
Defining Work: It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014).
Other Notable Works: Thank You (2007), Pasta (2010), The Greatest Love (2011), Master’s Sun (2013), When the Camellia Blooms (2019).
2. 2015 — Hwang Jung-eum & Kim Tae-hee
Hwang Jung-eum
Defining Work: Kill Me, Heal Me (2015).
Other Notable Works: Can You Hear My Heart (2011), Secret Love (2013), She Was Pretty (2015), Mystic Pop-Up Bar (2020).
Kim Tae-hee
Defining Work: Yong-pal (2015).
Other Notable Works: Stairway to Heaven (2003), Love Story in Harvard (2004), Iris (2009), Hi Bye, Mama! (2020).
3. 2016 — Song Hye-kyo & Kim Go-eun
Song Hye-kyo
Defining Work: Descendants of the Sun (2016).
Other Notable Works: Autumn in My Heart (2000), All In (2003), That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013), The Glory (2022–23).
Kim Go-eun
Defining Work: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) (2016–17).
Other Notable Works: A Muse (2012), Cheese in the Trap (2016), Yumi’s Cells (2021–22), Little Women (2022), Exhuma (2024).
4. 2017 — Park Bo-young & Kim Yoo-jung
Park Bo-young
Defining Work: (2017).
Other Notable Works: Scandal Makers (2008), Oh My Ghost (2015), Doom at Your Service (2021), Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023).
Kim Yoo-jung
Defining Work: Love in the Moonlight (2016–17).
Other Notable Works: Dong Yi (2010), Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), Backstreet Rookie (2020), My Demon (2023), Dear X (2025).
5. 2018 — Seo Hyun-jin & Kim Ji-won
Seo Hyun-jin
Defining Work: The Beauty Inside (2018).
Other Notable Works: Another Miss Oh (2016), Temperature of Love (2017), Dr. Romantic (2016), You Are My Spring (2021).
Park Min-young
Defining Work: What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018).
Other Notable Works: Unstoppable High Kick (2006), I Am Sam (2007), Glory Jane (2011), City Hunter (2011), Dr. Jin (2012), A New Leaf (2014), Healer (2014–15), Remember: War of the Son (2015–16), Her Private Life (2019), Forecasting Love and Weather (2022).
6. 2019 — Son Ye-jin & Kim Hye-yoon
Son Ye-jin
Defining Work: Crash Landing on You (2019–20).
Other Notable Works: The Classic (2003), Something in the Rain (2018), Thirty-Nine (2022).
Kim Hye-yoon
Defining Work: Extraordinary You (2019).
Other Notable Works: SKY Castle (2018–19), Snowdrop (2021), Lovely Runner (2024).
7. 2020 — Kim Hee-ae & Seo Ye-ji
Kim Hee-ae
Defining Work: The World of the Married (2020).
Other Notable Works: A Wife’s Credentials (2012), Secret Affair (2014), Queenmaker (2023).
Seo Ye-ji
Defining Work: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020).
Other Notable Works: Save Me (2017), Lawless Lawyer (2018), Eve (2022).
8. 2021 — Jung Ho-yeon & Shin Min-a
Jung Ho-yeon
Defining Work: Squid Game (2021).
Other Notable Works: Disclaimer (2024), The Governesses (2025).
Shin Min-a
Defining Work: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021).
Other Notable Works: My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho (2010), Tomorrow, With You (2017), Our Blues (2022).
9. 2022 — Kim Hye-soo & Han So-hee
Kim Hye-soo
Defining Work: Juvenile Justice (2022).
Other Notable Works: Tazza (2006), The Thieves (2012), Signal (2016), Under the Queen’s Umbrella (2022).
Han So-hee
Defining Work: My Name (2021–22).
Other Notable Works: The World of the Married (2020), Nevertheless (2021), Gyeongseong Creature (2023–24).
10. 2023 — Ahn Eun-jin & Bae Suzy
Ahn Eun-jin
Defining Work: My Dearest (2023).
Other Notable Works: Hospital Playlist (2020–21), The Good Bad Mother (2023).
Bae Suzy
Defining Work: Anna (2022–23).
Other Notable Works: While You Were Sleeping (2017), Start-Up (2020), Doona! (2023).
11. 2024 — Kim Ji-won, Jung So-min & Moon So Ri
Kim Ji-won
Defining Work: Queen of Tears (2024).
Other Notable Works: The Heirs 2013), Descendants of the Sun (2016), Fight for my Way (2017), Arthdal Chronicles (2019), Lovestruck in the City (2020-21), My Liberation Notes (2022).
Jung So-min
Defining Work: My Lovely Liar (2023–24).
Other Notable Works: Because This Is My First Life (2017), Alchemy of Souls (2022).
Moon So-ri
Defining Work: The Queen Who Crowns (2024).
Other Notable Works: Mom’s Dead Upset (2002), The Princess’s Man (2011), Jealousy Incarnate (2016), The Legend of the Blue Sea (2016–17), Life (2018).
12. 2025 — IU (Lee Ji-eun), Jang Na-ra & Kim Hye Ja
IU (Lee Ji-eun)
Defining Work: When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025).
Other Notable Works: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), My Mister (2018), Hotel Del Luna (2019).
Park Eun-bin
Defining Work: Hyper Knife (2025).
Other Notable Works: Secret Door (2014), Age of Youth (2016–17), Hot Stove League (2019), Do You Like Brahms? (2020), The King’s Affection (2021), Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), Castaway Diva (2023).
Kim Hye-ja
Defining Work: Heavenly Ever After (2025)
Other Notable Works: Radiant – The Light in Your Eyes (2019) Country Diaries (전원일기) (1980–2002), What Is Love? (1991), Mother’s Sea (1993), The Queen of Office (2013), Dear My Friends (2016), Our Blues (2022).
— Karen Mwenda
#TopKoreanActresses2014to2025 #HeavenlyEverAfter #MothersSea #kcrush #koreandrama #kdrama #KimHyeJa #ParkEunBin #HyperKnife #SecretDoor #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #LeeJiEun #IU #WhenLifeGivesYouTangerines ##HotelDelLuna #Hallyu #Kpop #JangNaRa #MoonSoRi #JunJihyun #GongHyojin #MyLoveFromAnotherStar #ItsOkayThatsLove #KillMeHealMe #HwangJungeum #KimTaehee #Youngpal #HiByeMama #SongHyekyo #KimGoeun #DescendantsFroTheSun #GuardianTheLonelyandGreatGodGoblin #ParkBoyoung #KimYoojung #StrongWomanDoBongsoon #BaeSuzy #KimHeeae #KimHyeSoo #ShinMinax
K-Pop Demon Hunters, the animated film from Netflix and Sony Pictures Animation, won two awards at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards. The film received Best Motion Picture – Animated and Best Original Song – Motion Picture, making it one of the most awarded animated films of the ceremony.
(Centre) Maggie Kang
The film won Best Motion Picture – Animated over Zootopia 2 and Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. With this win, director Maggie Kang became the first Asian woman to receive the Golden Globe for Best Animated Motion Picture.
(L-R) Rei Ami, EJAE, Audrey
The song “Golden” won Best Original Song – Motion Picture. The song is performed by the fictional K-pop group HUNTR/X, with vocals by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI. The award was presented to the song’s credited writers, including EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick. K-Pop Demon Hunters was also nominated for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, but the award was won by Sinners, a film directed by Ryan Coogler.
— Karen Mwenda
#KPOPDemonHunters #83rdGoldenGlobeAwards #KPOPDemonHuntersWins #EJAE #Kpop #MarkSonnenblick #ReiAmi #Audrey #MaggieKang #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #BestMotionPictureAnimatedAward #BestOriginalSongMotionPicture
“Where is the justice?” is the question that builds the foundation of filmmaker Riani Singgih’s documentary short Traces of My Brother / Dia Pergi dan Belum Kembali, which screened at the 2025 Minikino Film Week in Bali, Indonesia.
On May 15, 1998, a sudden fire swept through Yogya Mall, Klender East Jakarta. As the fire quickly spread through the busy shopping center, the over two hundred inhabitants inside rushed in panic to escape, only to find the exits barricaded from the outside, trapping them. Witnesses reported seeing groups of men believed to be agitators taking part in looting during one of the nearby riots, heading towards the busy shopping center just before the fire started. These riots which had been taking place all across Jakarta and Sumatra, initially sparked off as a result of students and civilians protesting the Suharto dictatorship and New Order regime, and its targeted racism towards those of ethnic Chinese identity at that time.
Hundreds of people were killed and hurt during encounters with violent rioters, soldiers and , in other malicious acts of arson in different cities across Indonesia
One of the people trapped in what is now known as the Klender Mall fire, was 16-year-old Stevanus, the son of Maria Sanus and brother of Magdalena Wulan. Since that day 25 years ago (Traces of My Brother was filmed in 2023), Maria has asked when her son will return and when she will receive answers and justice from a government that remains silent. For almost three decades, she has wept bitter tears of grief at the injustice of not knowing exactly what happened to Stevanus. Did he indeed die in the fire, or was he disappeared like thousands of others during the many years of government oppression, civil unrest, and genocides throughout Indonesia’s tumultuous history?
For Wulan, the question of Stevanus isn’t only a query about a brother she knew only for a brief moment in time; it’s a mandate to seek justice inherited from her mother. Like so many other families who’ve lost loved ones in various tragedies, such as the 1989 Talangsari Lampung incident, the 2001 military emergency case in Central Aceh, northern Sumatra, and the violence of colonial oppression still happening to the indigenous people of West Papua, Wulan is desperate for her and Maria to receive signs of accountability from the Indonesian government. To date, there has been no serious indepth official investigation into the fire, and identification and prosecution of the perpetrators who killed hundreds of people and forever changed the lives of their families that fateful day.
At the age of 17, Wulan wrote an essay to Stevanus asking where he was, if he was happy there, and when he would return. The essay is poignantly simple letter to a brother long gone and a prayer to God to protect him, and guidance for Wulan on this long arduous journey set forth by her mother.
For Riani, this letter becomes her narrative guide in how to follow Wulan’s thought process in figuring out how she can best be of service to her mother’s cause and how tragedies like the fire reshape and change a family and its individual members. Throughout the film, Riani uses an interesting visual motif of superimposing passages from the essay, notes Wulan makes to herself, and her daily schedule on the walls of the family’s home. ”
Riani employs this creative technique very well to highlight how Stevanus still has such a strong presence in the family home and Wulan’s life. As Maria ages, she has less energy to attend meetings organized by Kontras, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence in Indonesia, so Wulan attends the sessions in her place. But they both go to every rally showing their dedication to the lost son and brother whom they both speak of in both the past and present tense.
There are various scenes of Wulan tending to her mother, playing football with neighbourhood boys—much as Stevanus would’ve done when he was alive, visiting the grave site for the victims of the May 14th tragedy, and attending Kontras meetings. But curiously, there are none with Wulan just having a day all to herself, or with other young women her age enjoying each other’s company, and you can’t help but ask the question, “Who is Wulan when she’s not being a daughter or a sister?
Riani understood that in making this film about the 1998 fire, it was important to create space in the narrative and editing process for audiences to understand that this event is inextricably linked to the Indonesian government’s failure to serve and protect its citizens for decades. Recently, this has become all too clear for the world to see in the lack of effective emergency response to the devastating December floods in Sumatra that killed over one thousand people, and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, schools, medical facilities, and community centres.
The flood’s destructive force was in part exacerbated by the wanton destruction of millions of hectares of precious forests and wildlife habitats, to be replaced by palm oil plantations, logging sites, and mineral mines operated by foreign companies.
In making a documentary centered on a traumatic event that still has a profound impact on the families of victims, Riani’s film style is far from intrusive. She wanted Wulan to be present in the film in ways that accommodate her comfort and moments of deep introspection.
Traces of My Brother / Dia Pergi dan Belum Kembali carefully centres a young woman who seems almost sidelined in her own life, carrying a mantle placed on her shoulders by her mother, on behalf of a brother whose absence is almost tangible. Riani’s approach was imperative with a story not only about personal loss and grief, but also the communal tragedy of governmental violence, neglect, and apathy.
In my interview with Creative Producer Brahmantyo Putra at MFW11, we discussed the fine balancing act he and Riani achieved in their responsibility as filmmakers with a story to tell, and their responsibility to protect Wulan’s emotional and mental wellbeing as a person and film subject. We also spoke about making short film documentaries in Indonesia, and how they obtain funding for their production house Seven10 Media.
*All images courtesy of Seven10 Media.
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#MinikinoFilmWeek11 #TracesOfMyBrother #BrahmantyoPutra #CreativeProducer #kcrush #filmfestival #interview #kcrushinterview #kcrushmagazine #kcrushamerica #filmmakerRianiSinggih #internationalfilm #DiaPergidanBelumKembali #Bali #Indonesia #documentaryshort #YogyaMall #KlenderEastJakarta
Completing the epic “Übermensch” journey with 825,000 fans worldwide through 39 performances in 17 cities across 12 countries, redefining the global standard for solo world tours
Courtesy of ⓒ GALAXY CORPORATION
Global music icon and cultural trailblazer, G-DRAGON, has concluded the monumental journey of his 2025 world tour with a triumphant finale in Seoul, once again proving himself as a “living legend” by setting new records and benchmarks for solo artists worldwide. The epic journey titled, “Übermensch”, completed with 825,000 fans worldwide — redefining the standard for solo world tours with 39 shows across 17 cities in 12 countries. A tour where music, direction, and fashion converged into one — spanning Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe at an unprecedented dome-and-arena-level scale.
From December 12 to 14, G-DRAGON successfully wrapped up “G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch] IN SEOUL : ENCORE, presented by Coupang Play” at Gocheok Sky Dome. During the Seoul encore, the artist distilled the essence of the world tour by performing a powerful sequence of signature tracks including “PO￦ER,” “MichiGO (GO),” “Crayon,” and “Crooked.” The carefully crafted progression leading into the finale song “Untitled, 2014” heightened emotional intensity and pacing, drawing the audience into a deeply immersive experience.
G-DRAGON: “I truly worked hard this year. Next year marks BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary — warming up begins in April.”
A standout moment came during “HOME SWEET HOME (feat. TAEYANG, DAESUNG)”, when TAEYANG and DAESUNG made a surprise appearance, showcasing BIGBANG’s unmistakable chemistry. The encore continued with “WE LIKE 2 PARTY” and “A Fool of Tears,” delivering the group’s long-standing teamwork and synergy, and pushing the crowd’s energy to its peak. Shared across generations, the music and on-stage energy transformed the Seoul encore into more than a finale — it became a symbolic moment in K-pop history. The surprises didn’t end there. During “TAKE ME,” the superstar was joined by choreographer Bada for a surprise “Smoke (Prod. Dynamicduo, Padi)” challenge, igniting thunderous cheers from fans throughout the venue.
Reflecting on the encore concert, G-DRAGON shared, “I returned to Korea for an encore concert after eight months. Beyond the performance itself, I wanted a show filled with real back-and-forth energy with the fans.” He continued, “Looking back on this year, I truly worked hard — and so did all of you. Next year marks BIGBANG’s 20th anniversary. We’ll start warming up from April.”
Adding to the emotional weight of the night, a special video conveying the deeper meaning of the world tour was unveiled, drawing focused attention from fans in attendance. The world tour began in March with shows in Goyang, Korea, and continued through Tokyo, Bulacan, Osaka, Macau, Sydney, Melbourne, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Newark, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Paris, Hanoi, and finally concluded with the Seoul encore. Completing a large-scale global tour as a solo artist after years of hiatus stands as an unprecedented achievement within the Korean music industry. Through this tour, the icon reaffirmed his irreplaceable global influence and commanding stage presence.
The “Übermensch” tour was widely praised for reinterpreting the concept through G-DRAGON’s unique artistic language, presenting a clear narrative and cohesive flow throughout the entire tour. Rather than simply performing hit songs, the show expanded the message of “transcending existence” step by step through music, performance, and visuals, delivering a deeply immersive artistic experience. Production scale also reached new heights for a K-pop solo artist. Each city featured newly reconfigured multidimensional stage designs, dragon bike performances, and massive LED walls that combined into a powerful visual narrative. Constantly evolving costumes and styling further completed a performance experience where music, direction, and fashion seamlessly converged.
Audience response across cities was equally remarkable. Tokyo and Osaka sold out completely — including limited-view seats — despite being G-DRAGON’s first visit in eight years. In Macau, more than 680,000 fans flooded ticketing queues, demonstrating extraordinary demand. Encores followed in Taipei and Osaka, while Hanoi achieved full pre-sales purely from performance announcements, dominating local media and social platforms. Major Vietnamese corporations — from IT and telecom companies to street brands and restaurants — joined city-wide “GD shout-out” campaigns using daisy motifs, transforming the entire city into a cultural festival. In the U.S., the tour received extensive coverage from major outlets including Forbes, alongside nationwide outdoor advertising, reaffirming G-DRAGON’s global presence.
More than a concert series, this tour proved how far the world of “G-DRAGON” can expand. Through record-breaking achievements, artistic completeness, and global influence, G-DRAGON once again established himself as an unparalleled icon representing K-pop on the world stage. The “G-DRAGON 2025 WORLD TOUR [Übermensch]” has officially come to a close — setting a new standard for solo artist performances. G-DRAGON’s global influence remains very much present tense.
Courtesy of ⓒ GALAXY CORPORATION
About G-DRAGON
G-DRAGON, born Kwon Ji-Yong, has been a prominent figure in global music and K-Pop since the age of 13. His solo career highlights include the albums Heartbreaker, One of a Kind, and COUP D’ETAT, which all topped Korea’s Gaon Chart. As a member of BIGBANG, achieving similar success with the album Remember, and many of the group’s releases in Japan were certified Gold. Amassing over 2 billion career streams and collaborated with artists like Diplo, Baauer, Missy Elliott, Boys Noize, Sky Ferreira, Taeyang, and Skrillex. He won World’s Best Album at the 2014 World Music Awards and has been featured in Elle Korea, Harper’s Bazaar Korea, Vogue Korea, Hypebeast, and more. G-DRAGON also made a name for himself in the fashion world with his brand PEACEMINUSONE, collaborations with Chanel, Nike, and BMW, and recognition as a top art collector. Recently, he launched a perfume in collaboration with Frédéric Malle and the charity foundation JUSPEACE to combat drug abuse.
Follow G-DRAGON on social media:
Instagram: @xxxibgdrgn
YouTube: @xxxibgdrgn
Twitter/X: @IBGDRGN
Facebook: @gdragon
Official Tour Website: https://g-dragontour.com/
Official Fan Community: https://gdragon.ai/
#GDRAGON #GDRAGONCompletes2025WorldTour #GDRAGONBIGBANG #BIGBANG #KwonJiYong #kcrush #kpop #koreanpop #KoreanCulture #KoreanEntertainment #kcrushmagazine #kcrushameria #GDRAGONWorldTour #GDRAGONCOUPDETAT #Koreanmusic #Übermensch #GDShoutOuts #kpopsoloartist #daisymotifs #BIGBANG20thAnniversary2026 #KingOfKPop #ÜbermenschWorldTour #GDRAGONOnStage #kfashionista #GALAXYCORPORATION #KoreanIdol #Kfashion #GDRAGONGALAXYCORPORATION #GlobalmusiciconGDRAGON #culturaltrailblazerGDRAGON #KingOfKPop
A New Key Visual has been Revealed! Episode 1 is Now Available for Early Streaming!
Beloved kitten illustrator Juno, known for their viral SNS artwork, brings you Shark Meow, a fluffy cat in a shark costume, along with a cast of whimsical little kitties! A short anime adaptation has been officially confirmed!
Starting Wednesday, January 7, 2026, new episodes will be released weekly at 8:00 AM JST on the QTORY YouTube channel and other streaming platforms!
To celebrate the anime adaptation, we have also unveiled the official key visual.
Anime Key Visual
Beloved kitten illustrator Juno, known for their viral SNS artwork, brings you Shark Meow, a fluffy cat in a shark costume, along with a cast of whimsical little kitties! A short anime adaptation has been officially confirmed!
Starting Wednesday, January 7, 2026, new episodes will be released weekly at 8:00 AM JST on the QTORY YouTube channel and other streaming platforms!
To celebrate the anime adaptation, we have also unveiled the official key visual.
Anime ”mofusand” Episode 1 “Hungry Outburst”：
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Svh_xgdMWlU
Special Illustration from “mofusand” Creator Juno Arrives!
To celebrate the anime adaptation, a newly drawn illustration from creator Juno has arrived!
Anime “mofusand” Information
【HP】https://www.mofusand-anime.jp/
【X】@mofusand_anime (https://x.com/mofusand_anime)
【Streaming Information】
New episodes will be streaming every Wednesday at 8:00 AM JST starting January 7, 2026 on the QTORY YouTube channel and other streaming platforms.
【Introduction】
Shark Meow is an orange tabby kitty who wears a shark suit.
A little clumsy and always taking things at their own cozy pace,
but every day with their best kitty friends — and the rescued baby kitty, Little Meow —
is filled with unexpected little mishaps and sweet adventures.
A sunny warm spot in the park, the sparkle of the sea,
steam rising from freshly roasted sweet potatoes,
the fluttery feeling of the first snowfall…
These small everyday moments fill their world with warmth and delight.
You can’t help but smile and think, “So true!”
A soft and snuggly kitty anime that brings joy to everyday moments.
【Staff】
Original Story：Juno ”mofusand”
Director：Hazumu Sakuta
Screenplay：Sei Yoshitsuki
CG Director：Yoshinari Irikawa
Modeling Director：Aya Ishibashi
Lead Animator：Yuka Iwasaki
Conceptual Art：Haruka
Sound Director：Takeshi Takadera
Music：Shota Kowashi
Sound Effects Editor：Yoko Sakurai
Sound Production：Bit grooove promotion Inc.
Animation Producer：Tomoya Naraoka
Project Producer：QTORY inc.
Animation Production：Monster’s Egg
【Cast】
Shark Meow：Yurika Kubo
Orca Meow：Satomi Akesaka
Little Meow：Maria Sashide
Strawberry Meow：Kaori Maeda
Rabbit Meow：Yuko Goto
©mofusand
#mofusaand #kittenillustratorJuno #SharkMeow #orangetabbycat #Anime #kcrush #Japanese #QTORY #adaptation #AnimeAdaptation #sharksuit #SNSartworkJuno #HungryOutburstEpisode1 #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine
KPOP CLUB NIGHT Announces: We are coming up on our last shows of the year and they are going to be big ones! Don’t miss out, we can’t wait to dance the night away with you!
KPOP CLUB NIGHT UPCOMING DATES DEC 2025 —> MAR 2026
Dec 19 – Houston (18+) – NOTO – DJ Angie
Tickets: https://kpop-htx.eventbee.com/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Dec 19 – Orlando (18+) – Celine – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kpop-club-night-w-dj-chen-fri-121925-tickets-1867301863139
Dec 20 – New York (18+) – Irving Plaza – DJ Chen & Angie
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/kpop-club-night-18-new-york-new-york-12-20-2025/event/0000633C49E85DA9
Dec 27 – Chicago – House of Blues Chicago (18+) – DJ Chen & Angie
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/kpop-club-night-xmas-party-chicago-illinois-12-27-2025/event/04006328D9701B96
Dec 31 – KPOP NYE in Detroit (18+) – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://nye-detroit.eventbee.com/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Jan 23 – Nashville (18+) – The Vinyl Lounge – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.eventbee.com/v/kpop-nashville#/tickets DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Jan 24 – Birmingham AL (18+) – Saturn – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://wl.eventim.us/event/kpop-club-night-with-dj-chen/663746?afflky=SaturnBirmingham
Jan 30 – Gulfport MS (18+) – Club IV – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.tickeri.com/events/d4kichdng0gg/k-pop-club-night
Jan 31- Austin (18+) – Vulcan Gas Co – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/65946738/kpop-night-in-austin-austin-vulcan-gas-co-sd-presents
Feb 7 – Honolulu – HB Social (18+) DJ Chen & Angie
Tickets: https://wl.eventim.us/event/kpop-night-at-hb-social-club/671887?afflky=WeAreMetta
Feb 12 – Salt Lake City (18+) Soundwell (18+) – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://tixr.com/e/165732
Feb 13 – Washington DC (18+) – Howard Theatre (18+) – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/k-pop-club-night-howard-theatre-tickets/14699643
Feb 14 – Miami (18+) – Mad Live – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://kpop-miami.eventbee.com/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Feb 20 – Montreal (18+) – Ausgang Plaza – DJ Angie
Tickets: https://lepointdevente.com/billets/xd0260220001 DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Feb 21 – Ottawa (19+) – Sky Lounge – DJ Angie
Tickets: https://kpop-ottawa.eventbrite.ca/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Feb 21 – Boston (21+) – Royale Boston – DJ Chen
Tickets: https://kpop-boston.eventbrite.ca/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Feb 27 Fresno – Club Encore (21+)
Tickets: https://fresno-kpop.eventbee.com/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
Mar 14 – Kansas City MO (18+) – Warehouse on Broadway- DJ Chen
Ticekts: https://warehouseonbroadway.com/event/kpop-club-night-2/warehouse-on-broadway/kansas-city-missouri/
Mar 14 – Seattle (21+) – Ora – DJ Angie
Tickets: https://tickets.oraseattle.com/e/kpop-club-night-ft-dj-angie-at-ora-5/tickets
Mar 27 – San Jose (21+) – Pure – DJ Chen & Angie
Tickets: https://kpop-sj.eventbrite.ca/ DISCOUNT CODE: STAY
See you on the dance-floor!
Look at our updated pics&videos! We’ve uploaded hundreds more photos & videos from the last few months of parties, find yours and download them now at https://www.facebook.com/kpopclubnights/photos_albums
FOLLOW AND TAG
Make sure to follow and tag us in your posts and stories!
Kpop Club Night http://instagram.com/kpopclubnight
Make requests a week before the show at http://tiktok.com/@kpopclubnight
For complete, accurate and up-to-date schedules check http://kpopclubnight.com –
The only official Kpop Club Night events produced by us are listed here.
#KPOPClubNight #December2025ToMarch2026 #danceparty #listofkopclubnight #kcrush #dancewithDJ #Pure #DJChen #Angie #kpopsongs #kpopdancemusic #danceparty #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #Houston, #Orlando #NewYork #Chicago #SanJose #Honolulu #Montreal #Washington #Boston #KPopClubNightDates #DJAngie
Imprint Debuts with Lineup: 22Bullets and DJ Lizzy Wang
Lizzy Wang’s new single “Glow” Out Now
Hong Kong — Pacific Music Group (PMG), the newly launched global entertainment company founded by NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, MC Jin, and veteran music executive Jonathan Serbin, has announced the debut of its new electronic and dance music imprint, Ghostone Records. The imprint will serve as PMG’s home for cutting-edge electronic artists across Asia and around the world, with a mission to elevate Asian electronic talent onto the global stage while serving as a cultural bridge between East and West within the rapidly growing global dance market.
Internationally acclaimed Thai DJ/producer 22Bullets has been appointed President of Ghostone Records, where he will guide A&R, creative direction, and the label’s long-term vision. Widely known for his genre-blending productions and global collaborations, 22Bullets will also release music on the imprint as part of its founding roster. As one of Southeast Asia’s most successful electronic artists, he has collaborated with major names including Timmy Trumpet, KSHMR, and Hardwell, performed at leading festivals such as Tomorrowland, Ultra, and EDC, and became the first Thai artist ever to enter the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list.
Ghostone Records launches with inaugural artists 22Bullets (Thailand) and Lizzy Wang (China).
“Ghostone Records represents exactly what Pacific Music Group was built to champion: world-class talent, global collaboration, and the future of music,” said Jonathan Serbin, Co-Founder of Pacific Music Group. “22Bullets is one of the most visionary and dynamic producers in the electronic space, and his leadership will set the tone for a new era of creativity across Asia and beyond.”
“I am incredibly honored to lead Ghostone Records and help shape a platform that elevates electronic artists from Asia onto the world stage,” said 22Bullets. “This imprint is focused on innovation, culture, and breaking boundaries.”
To mark the launch, Chinese DJ/producer Lizzy Wang, the first official signing to Ghostone Records, has released her new single “Glow”, accompanied by an official lyric video. The release precedes her highly anticipated performance at EDC Thailand this January. See more here.
Lizzy, recently ranked in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs, continues to rise as one of Asia’s most globally recognized electronic artists. Her recent live highlights include shows in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, and Singapore, with upcoming performances including her EDC Thailand debut on January 17.
“I am thrilled to join Ghostone Records as its first signing and to release ‘Glow’ as the imprint’s debut,” said Lizzy Wang. “This moment represents a new chapter for me creatively.”
The launch of Ghostone Records marks the next step in PMG’s multi-genre imprint strategy, spanning pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic/dance music. Read more about the company launch in Variety and Billboard.
About Ghostone Records
Ghostone Records is the electronic and dance music imprint of Pacific Music Group, dedicated to discovering, developing, and elevating the next generation of Pan-Asian electronic talent for the global stage.
About Pacific Music Group
Pacific Music Group is a next-generation music company founded in 2025 by NE-YO, Sonu Nigam, MC Jin, and Jonathan Serbin. Headquartered in Hong Kong with a Pan-Asian presence.
About 22Bullets
22Bullets is one of Asia’s most influential electronic music producers and a leading force in Thailand’s global music scene. He was the first Thai artist ever to enter the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs list and has performed at Tomorrowland, Ultra, EDC, and Creamfields.
About Lizzy Wang
Lizzy Wang is China’s top female DJ and producer and the first Chinese woman to perform at Ultra. She entered the global DJ Mag Top 100 DJs at #96 in 2023 and has performed at EDC, Ultra, Singapore F1 Grand Prix, and more.
#PacificMusicGroup #Ghostone #DanceMusicImprint #LizzyWang #22Bullets #NEYO #SonuNigam #MCJin #JonathanSerbin #HongKong #China #Thailand #PanAsian #ElectronicMusic #GlowLizzyWang
Tickets On Sale January 2026
Right Angle Entertainment and Maple Tree Entertainment today announced the ultimate K-Pop fan night out with a brand-new concert experience set to burst onto stages around North America beginning in March 2026. Inspired by the worldwide K-Pop phenomenon and recent smash-hit film KPop Demon Hunters, Forever K-Pop – A Celebration Concert (www.ForeverKpopLive.com) brings a next-level, fan-forward tribute experience and high-octane production featuring today’s biggest K-Pop hits to life on stage in a cinematic spectacle unlike anything audiences have seen in a tribute concert before. A tour schedule including scores of North American and international cities will be announced in the coming weeks with a presale waitlist now open, and tickets going on-sale to the general public in January 2026.
“K-pop’s worldwide popularity is truly staggering. Its creativity, its passion, its community — all of that energy has inspired us to craft a concert event that captures the joy and spectacle fans crave,” says Justin Sudds, executive producer at Right Angle Entertainment. “We’ve built this show for the fans who live for K-pop, dance practice videos, fancams, music video premieres, and the electrifying sensation of seeing their favorite songs performed onstage.”
From the creators and producers of Ninja Kids Infinite Possibilities: Live!, Jay Shetty: Love Rules, The Life and Music of George Michael, and The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Forever K-Pop – A Celebration Concert promises a euphoric night powered by breathtaking vocals, razor-sharp choreography, and the unmistakable pulse of the global K-pop wave. Every musical number becomes a sensory event — a whirlwind of light, movement, and sound that transports audiences straight to a stadium in Seoul. Fan experiences elevate the night even further, with lobby dance takeovers, selfie zones, and branded backdrops, exclusive photocards, and jumbo-screen shoutouts. “The result is a massive dance-powered party for tweens, teens, families, and superfans alike,” says Dean Elliott, Executive Creative Director at Maple Tree Entertainment.
K-pop’s global momentum shows no signs of slowing. According to Forbes, in just six months K-pop acts generated $228 million in ticket sales across 1.6 million fans. Now, with Forever K-Pop – A Celebration Concert, audiences everywhere can feel the rush of the genre’s signature sound and spectacle — live, loud, and up close.
For more information and special offers, visit www.ForeverKpopLive.com and follow
@ForeverKpopLive on Instagram and TikTok; #foreverkpoplive.
ABOUT RIGHT ANGLE ENTERTAINMENT (Producers)
Right Angle Entertainment (RAE) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital, and concert events. RAE’s proud roster includes: “Wheel of Fortune Live!,” Hasbro’s “Clue: A Walking Mystery” immersive experience, “The Price is Right LIVE!,” “The Masked Singer National Tour Live!,” “Jay Shetty Love Rules – World Tour,” “The Simon & Garfunkel Story,” “The Psychology of Serial Killers,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical,” and London’s close-up magic show “The Magician’s Table” among many others. www.rightangleentertainment.com
ABOUT MAPLE TREE ENTERTAINMENT (Producers)
Operating in both the U.S. and the UK, Maple Tree Entertainment specializes in putting together unique live shows, primarily in theatres/concert halls worldwide. These include the multi-award winning The Simon & Garfunkel Story, Neighbours – The Celebration Tour, Hollyoaks – The 30th Anniversary Tour, Buddy – The Musical, The Psychology of Serial Killers, The Young Ones – Live In Conversation, The Life & Music of George Michael, An Evening with Richard Dreyfuss and Johnny Cash – The Official Concert Experience. https://www.mapletreeentertainment.com
#ForeverkPop #RightAngleEntertainment #MapleTreeEntertainment #kcrush #celebrationconcert #ultimatefannightout #kpop #forfans #foreverkpoplive #northamericantourMarch2026 #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #globalkpopwave #NinjaKidsInfinitePossibilities #dancepracticevideos #fancams #musicvideopremieres #kpopfans #kpopconcert #NorthAmericanTour #InternationalTour
Photo Courtesy of: THEBLACKLABEL
THEBLACKLABEL‘s breakout co-ed group, ALLDAY PROJECT, has released their highly anticipated first-ever EP, “ALLDAY PROJECT”, marking a defining milestone in their young career as they close out a successful debut year. The release arrives alongside the bright and unrestrained title track “LOOK AT ME”, and features a total of three group tracks and three unit/solo performances that showcase a wide range of styles, further reinforcing the group’s reputation as artists who refuse to be defined by boundaries. Listen HERE and watch the accompanying music video HERE.
After debuting last June with “FAMOUS,” which became a runaway smash and entered the Billboard Global 200 at #43, the group returned just three weeks ago with “ONE MORE TIME,” unveiling a bold new direction that quickly climbed to #1 on YouTube’s Trending Music Videos worldwide – and a preview of what was still to come.
Now enters their debut self-titled EP, “ALLDAY PROJECT”, placing the group’s name front and center – a bold statement of who they are and an assertion of their identity. Their refusal to set limits, whether on themselves or on what they pursue, radiates with confidence, and that mindset is evident from the album’s title alone. Where each member’s world collides, something new takes shape. Across six tracks, the project unveils the multidimensional spectrum of ALLDAY PROJECT’s sound – combining fluid genre shifts, emotional depth, and the dynamic synergy that defines them both as individuals and as a collective. The album is anchored by three core group tracks: “ONE MORE TIME,” “LOOK AT ME,” and the atmospheric “YOU AND I.”
“LOOK AT ME” explodes with bright, bold energy, pairing jersey club rhythms with melodic vocals and sharp rap verses to capture the group’s confident, magnetizing presence. In contrast, “YOU AND I” trades intensity for emotion, blending soft atmospheric tones with an Afrobeat pulse to reveal a more delicate side, highlighted by YOUNGSEO’s standout vocal performance.
The EP’s unit and solo tracks spotlight the members’ individuality while expanding the group’s sonic spectrum. ANNIE and WOOCHAN deliver the playful hip-hop track “WHERE YOU AT”, trading sharp verses over a stripped-back beat that builds into an electrifying dance finale. “HOT” showcases TARZZAN and BAILEY’s effortless chemistry through a rhythm-shifting, early-2000s-inspired hip-hop groove, balancing carefree confidence with melodic swagger. The project culminates with TARZZAN’s solo performance on “MEDUSA,” a rage-inspired anthem driven by gritty distortion, sharp synths, and a commanding hook that acts as a fierce self-portrait.
ALLDAY PROJECT continues to redefine what a group act can be – uniting multi-talented artists celebrated for their artistry in rap, vocals, choreography, and fashion. As one of the few co-ed groups in modern music and the first under THEBLACKLABEL, they embody the label’s forward-thinking spirit and creative freedom.
Founded by Teddy Park (a.k.a. TEDDY), THEBLACKLABEL is home to artists including MEOVV, JEON SOMI, Vince, BIGBANG’s TAEYANG, and BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ.
(From left: TARZZAN, BAILEY, YOUNGSEO, WOOCHAN, ANNIE)
Photo Courtesy of: THEBLACKLABEL
FOLLOW ALLDAY PROJECT
TikTok | Instagram | X | Threads | YouTube | Facebook
About ALLDAY PROJECT:
ALLDAY PROJECT — comprised of ANNIE, TARZZAN, BAILEY, WOOCHAN, and YOUNGSEO — unites five artists, each with a distinct origin story. From dance prodigy to rap phenom to fashion trailblazer, they were among the most talked-about pre-debut talents of their generation, and now stand at the forefront of a new era. Together, they push the boundaries of creative expression, challenge convention, and deliver something entirely new and unprecedented. With sophisticated music, daring visuals, and powerful performances – much of which they write and choreograph themselves – ALLDAY PROJECT transcends labels and defies expectations. They don’t fit into a box – because no title can define what’s never been experienced before. Welcome to ALLDAY PROJECT.
About THEBLACKLABEL:
THEBLACKLABEL is a South Korean entertainment company, record label, and creative agency founded by TEDDY in 2016 and home to acts such as TAEYANG, JEON SOMI, ROSÉ, MEOVV and Vince.
#ALLDAYPROJECT #THEBLACKLABEL #ANNIE #TARZZAN #BAILEY #WOOCHAN #YOUNGSEO #kcrush #kpop #newkpopgroup #awardwinningkpopgroup #TEDDY #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #TEDDYPark #SouthKorea #koreanidol #Multidementional #SELFTITLEDDEBUTEP #LookAtMe #newEP #ALLDAYPROJECTNewEP #TEDDYFounderofTHEBLACKLABEL
When middle school senior Jun-gang’s (Oh Ja-hun, Racket Boys) father is convicted of the violent murder of the parents of his classmate Gi-sun (Moon Seong-hyun, Alchemy of Souls), Jun-gang knows that his life, and that of his little sister Jun-hui (Kim Kyu-na) have instantly changed for the worst. Being raised solely by their father who struggles to stay on the straight-and-narrow, the children face heavy stigma from their peers at school and community.
And then the murders happen.
In South Korea, there’s a disturbing practice where police take those suspected of committing violent acts such as murders to the scene of the crime. There, with their hands bound with rope, and their faces exposed, the suspect is forced to reenact the crime they allegedly committed in front of dozens of reporters, police officers and investigators, prosecutors, and civilians, some family of the victims, many curious onlookers, but all clamouring to witness this barbaric act, shouting insults and condemnation on the suspect.
What makes this sequence in Fragment uniquely significant, is that in this scenario where Jun-gang’s father is the suspect, Kim Sung-yoon shows how traumatic it is for a child, the child of the victim and believed perpetrator (for at this point, there is still no legal conviction, and in real life situations many people who’ve been proven innocent have had to go through this ‘perp walk’), and the child of the victim to witness this reenactment – which in itself is violent and sensationalizes the violence of the crime committed.
In Fragment, Kim centers the emotional and social fallout children are made to go through when society fails them in every way conceivable.
From adults, Jun-gang and Jun-hui receive pitying comments and even recriminations whispered behind their backs but within ear-shot about the shame they should bear on behalf of their father. At school, Jun-gang is attacked with persistent jeering and physical bullying by the classmates he thought were his friends, as teachers–with the exception of one who helps him in secret until he too, gives in to peer pressure to step back from associating with Jun-gang–willfully turning a blind eye to the violence being committed in their very presence. And for Jun-hui, this little girl with no adult to turn to, is shunned by children she once happily played with, when their parents warn them against interacting with her to preserve their families’ reputations because even children are considered guilty by association.
As Jun-gang and Jun-hui try to figure out what becomes of their lives now that they’ve been abandoned, and he struggles under the staggering weight of trying to protect himself and create a sense of stability for his sister, Gi-sun is experiencing his own chaos. Just as Kim Sung-yoon does a terrific job of delving into various ways, the children of those who commit crimes suffer detrimental consequences for their parent’s actions, he does the same with Gi-sun as a child of the victims.
For Gi-sun, the sudden loss of his parents due to such violent circumstances have plunged the teen into an intense state of depression. Though he has an Aunt and Uncle trying their best to help by providing meals and even taking him for therapy, he vehemently rejects every overture they make towards him, convinced that his pain is the only emotional attachment he has left of his parents. His house is in complete disarray with clothes and discarded containers strewn everywhere with the residue of leftover food rotting and festering in them. The atmosphere created through the cinematography of Jung Seok-chae, score by Kwang Sun-wang, and set decoration is overtly oppressive giving the space the feeling that instead of being a home for the living, has become a tomb for a child trapped in his grief.
When he overhears some of the boys at school speaking about Jun-gang, Gi-sun’s grief turns to rage, and he makes his classmate the target of his emotional outlet, wanting Jun-gang to impossibly take responsibility for his father’s actions. Through many gut-wrenchingly heartbreaking interactions performed with incredible poignancy and maturity by Oh Ja-hun, Moon Seong-hyun, and Kim Kyu-na, each child has to figure out that the pain they carry isn’t unique to them, but is shared and perhaps having this excruciatingly painful bond is the only way they can survive their shattered world through forgiveness, compassion, and empathy for themselves and each other.
In this, Fragment, becomes a very layered and distinct portrayal of how trauma can become a coping mechanism and how society easily turns its back on children when they need reassurance and guidance at the most pivotal points in their lives, resulting in the most vulnerable members being left to work their way battered and bruised through of the broken fragments of their lives.
In my interview with Kim Sung-yoon via Zoom, during Fantasia, he spoke about why he chose Fragment to be his debut feature after working years as an assistant director, the importance of having a character like Jun-gang having the unexpected responsibility of dealing with Jun-hui having her period for the first time, and how the two homes of the characters act as physical representations of their mental state.
Fragment premiered at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival where it won the Vision Award, and Chorokbaem Media Award amongst others, and was an official selection at the 2024 Asian Film Festival in Rome.
Interpretation for the interview conducted by Shelly Bang. Images courtesy of Finecut Co., Ltd.
Carolyn Hinds
Freelance Film Critic, Journalist, Podcaster & YouTuber
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Host & Producer Carolyn Talks…, and So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12
#Fragmet #KimSungYoon #KimSungYoonFilmmaker #FantasiaIFF2025 #kcrush #filmfestival #2024BusanInternationalFilmFestival #kcrushamerica #kcrushmagazine #kcrushinterview #crime #childrenofaccussedcriminals #aboutthechildren #koreanperpwalk #trama #internationalfilms
Why Rain? Why Now?
Why Rain? Why Now?As a longtime K-pop fan, Rain has always been my gold standard for performance and charisma. Since his debut in 2003, he’s set the bar for what it means to be a “power idol”—and at 41, he’s still redefining what’s possible on stage. I couldn’t pass up the chance to see this legend live in the U.S.
The Journey Begins: Brooklyn Bound
This wasn’t just another concert—it was a pilgrimage. I hopped on a flight to Brooklyn for one night, squeezed in some sightseeing, and spent the day buzzing with anticipation. By the time I met up with my friends, we were already debating which Rain classics would make the setlist. The energy at Barclays Center was electric, with fans of all ages and backgrounds ready for something special.
The Show: Rain in His Element
Rain didn’t just walk on stage—he exploded onto it, sprinting shirtless on a treadmill while his abs lit up the jumbotrons. The crowd’s reaction? Pure awe and delight. From the sharp choreography of “Gang” to the dramatic lighting of “I’m Coming,” every moment was a masterclass in showmanship. Rain’s connection with the audience was palpable—he reached out, we responded with light stick bracelets (provided to us, I might add!) as the energy bounced back and forth from stage to audience all night.
Highlights & Hilarious Moments
- Iconic Moves: Rain’s rapid-fire hip gyrations had us roaring with nostalgia and admiration.
- Personal Touches: His banter about visa delays was genuinely funny—he almost missed the concert, and his storytelling had the whole venue laughing.
- Surprise Covers: Bruno Mars’ “24k Magic” and “Leave the Door Open” brought a fresh twist, complete with Rain’s own choreography and DJ skills.
- Setlist Surprises: Yes, “Love Song” made the cut, but he skipped the infamous “shirt over the head body roll.” I’m still a little bummed, but honestly, the rest of the show more than made up for it.
The Finale: Rain’s Lasting Impact
As the night wrapped up, it was clear Rain’s star power hasn’t faded—it’s grown. The Still Raining: Encore tour wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of K-pop’s global influence and the deep bond between artist and fans. Whether you’re new to Rain or a lifelong fan, this show was a perfect introduction to the genre’s passion and spectacle. For me, it was a dream come true, and I left feeling inspired, connected, and ready for the next encore.
If you’re ever on the fence about seeing Rain live—don’t hesitate. He’s a phenomenal performer, and his enduring appeal proves why he’s a K-pop legend.
—- CoolHappyTash
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