TOPIC

K-pop idols

K-pop idols
The Korean wave - or hallyu - has swept over the world. South Korea’s K-pop idols are now among the biggest celebrities in the world, with standout stars including BTS members Jungkook and Jimin, and Blackpink’s Lisa and Jennie
A Chinese influencer has triggered controversy by impersonating Blackpink’s Rosé at a pop-up event, reigniting a debate about the boundaries between fandom and celebrity identity. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@roses_are_rosie/Rednote
Trending in China

China influencer aping Blackpink’s Rosé sparks fandom-celebrity grey area debate

Blonde-haired content creator who identifies as ‘Blink’ online appears at event dressed like star, signs postcards bearing image of iconic singer.

Hong Kong property

Kai Tak Stadium lifts Hong Kong’s status as major sports and entertainment venue

TV shows and streaming video

KPop Demon Hunters pop-up proves huge hit in Seoul. Next up is Hong Kong

South Korea

‘It’s all in English now’: South Koreans fall out of love with K-pop

Long-time listeners say the genre has lost its identity, with English lyrics and shorter tracks alienating the local fan base.

Members of K-pop act BTS attend the 2022 Grammy Awards in Las Vegas. Photo: TNS
Beauty

Why 1960s Bardot-style glamour is coming back

Sydney Sweeney, Selena Gomez and Zendaya add to the bombshell revival, with voluminous blowouts and cinematic drama back on the red carpet.

South Korea

‘Erase the couple tattoo’: BTS’ Jungkook faces fan fury over dating rumours

Fans parked a protest truck outside the band’s management company’s office in Seoul, demanding clarity from the K-pop star.

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South Korea

Bright lights, dim future? K-pop teen trainees drop out as reality bites

In South Korea, the number of K-pop trainees who quit after joining an agency was 34.4 per cent in 2022, up 3.4 percentage points from 2020.

Members of Day6, a rock band under the K-pop giant JYP Entertainment. Photo: JYP Entertainment
Blackpink

How K-pop idols are helping Korea’s ‘kimjang vest’ make a comeback

The iconic vest, long associated with older women making kimchi in the countryside, is being revived by young consumers embracing the ‘grandma-chic’ aesthetic.

Fashion

8 cosy yet stylish down jackets just in time for winter

Whatever your preferred fit and style, there’s a puffer jacket for you from these luxury houses and leading fashion brands.

Japan

Petition filed in Japan over K-pop act Aespa’s singer posting atomic bomb image

A petition has been filed calling for Aespa, a popular K-pop group, to be banned from taking part in a New Year’s Eve music event in Japan.

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Ningning, a singer from popular K-pop group Aespa. The group has been invited to perform at the annual “Kohaku Uta Gassen” singing contest in Japan. Photo: Instagram/ @aespa_official
Jewellery

7 most creative new jewellery drops

This season sees some exciting updates in the jewellery world – from Chanel’s Première Galon watch worn by Gracie Abrams, to Maya Hawke modelling for Prada.

Stray Kids’ Bang Chan is a Fendi ambassador. Photo: Handout
South Korea

South Korea indicts Japanese woman for forcibly kissing BTS’ Jin

The suspect, who kissed the K-pop star without consent at an event in Seoul last year, was charged with indecent assault.

South Korea

Singer Nana hospitalised with injuries after overpowering home intruder

The K-pop star and her mother subdued the suspect, who is in custody on charges of aggravated robbery.

K-pop, Mandopop, other Asian pop

Why K-pop boy band Newbeat released an all-English language album

The seven-member K-pop boy band Newbeat talk about their preparations for their debut mini-album Louder Than Ever.

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Members of K-pop boy band Newbeat (from left) Seohyun, Taeyang, Yeoyeojeong, Minseok, Minsung, Yunhoo and Riwoo. Photo: Pyo Kyung-min
China-South Korea relations

Will Xi Jinping’s visit end China’s unofficial ‘ban’ on South Korean culture?

The Chinese leader’s Apec stay raises expectations that an unofficial boycott would be lifted, but official bodies urge calm.

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Xi Jinping’s visit to South Korea was his first trip to the country for more than a decade. Photo: AFP
South Korea

Oh my gat! South Korean idols G-Dragon, Cha Eun-woo steal show at Apec gala

Fans praised the showmanship of the K-pop singer and K-drama actor as ‘the perfect display of Hallyu pride’.

Netflix

Meet Kevin Woo, K-pop idol, KPop Demon Hunters singer and Blackpink Lisa’s friend

The ex-member of boy group U-Kiss is now a songwriter pursuing a solo music career and also appears in Anderson .Paak’s 2024 film K-Pops!

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Celebrity style

Meet Nan Nist, stylist of Blackpink’s Lisa

Beyond K-pop, Lisa also made a foray into acting this year with The White Lotus – and she’s long been a style icon who works with Bulgari and Celine.

Nan Nist is the stylist behind top Thai stars like Blackpink’s Lisa and Davika Hoorne. Photo: @nanist/Instagram
Style Edit

Style Edit: Tommy Jeans’s fall 2025 campaign, starring Jang Won-young of Ive

The K-pop star and member of girl group Ive perfectly embodies the American brand’s youthful energy in varsity jackets and preppy tees.

Fashion

Victoria’s Secret returned bigger and bolder than ever in New York

One of the fashion world’s biggest events dazzled with diverse stars like Olympian Sunisa Lee, the WNBA’s Angel Reese, Emily Ratajkowski, the Hadid sisters and K-pop legends Twice.

Paris Fashion Week

28 stand-out celebrity Paris Fashion Week looks

Stars turned up in dramatic looks for shows from Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Dior, Maison Margiela and more.

BTS’ V, Blackpink’s Lisa, and Meghan Markle were just three of the many stars who attended Paris Fashion Week. Photos: @thv/Instagram, Getty Images, Handout
South Korea

BTS star RM’s unfiltered take on loneliness, marriage and parental pressure

The K-pop star stresses personal choice over societal expectations, says ‘marriage is an option, not a requirement’.

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RM of BTS arrives at a fashion show in Milan, Italy, last month. Photo: AP
Milan Fashion Week

15 stand-out celebrity looks at Milan Fashion Week

Stars descended upon Milan for fashion showcases: David Beckham was front row at Boss’ show, while BTS leader RM embodied casual chic at Bottega Veneta.

Your Perfect Week

What to do in Hong Kong, September 28 – October 4

The best things to do in the city this week, from McDonald’s 50th anniversary exhibition to a water-themed K-pop festival.

Beauty

Are digital perms the secret to K-drama and K-pop stars’ effortless waves?

Ever wondered how K-pop stars like Suzy and Ive’s Wonyoung look so flawless with their wavy locks? Digital hair perms might be the reason ...

Korean stars like Sana, Moon Ga-young and Han So-hee boast immaculate hair. Photos: Getty Images, Handout
South Korea

Jungkook warns fans he will ‘lock in’ intruders after stalker breaks into home

A woman was arrested last week for trespassing in the underground parking space of the K-pop star’s Seoul residence.

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BTS star Jungkook performs at an event in New York City in 2023. Photo: Reuters
Gen Z

Bye, AirPods? Gen Z’s love affair with the retro charm of wired earphones

Apple’s AirPods launch in 2016 prompted Samsung and LG to create wireless earbuds of their own ... but now wired earphones are making a comeback.

What's hot in Korea

Why the K-culture boom may fizzle out, according to experts

Netflix’s When Life Gives You Tangerines and Han Kang’s award-winning novels may all have contributed to the Korean wave, but has it peaked?

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