sxh2

Wealthier overseas fans reshape power dynamics in K-pop

As spending power shifts overseas, Korean fans turn to 'public pressure'


With BTS’ full-group comeback less than two weeks away, Chinese fan communities have recently announced large-scale promotional campaigns that will dominate some of Seoul’s most visible digital billboards.

Jungkook’s official Chinese fan club said it will broadcast a congratulatory video for the singer’s comeback on the 60-meter landmark megascreen at the Koreana Hotel in central Seoul from March 20 to 22. Chinese fan club Baidu V Bar has planned an even larger campaign for V, securing the massive LUUX digital billboard on the exterior of the Dong-A Media Center in Gwanghwamun, where the video will run 70 times from early morning until midnight on March 21.

While the exact costs are undisclosed, industry estimates suggest Jungkook’s fan club spent between 30 million won ($22,000) and 45 million won over three days. V’s fan club is believed to have purchased a high-frequency ‘one-day special package,’ costing roughly 20 million to 35 million won for a single day.

As fan support campaigns increasingly reach tens of millions of won, the influence of fandoms from wealthier markets has grown. Their power extends beyond advertising projects to album purchases, merchandise sales and concert attendance.

In that sense, Korean fans — despite being based in K-pop’s home country — often lag behind Chinese and Japanese fans in terms of direct spending power. Financial influence has, in many ways, placed fans in those countries on a more parallel footing with what was once the dominant fan base.

( Collapse )







source: The Korea Herald
sxh2

SHINee's Taemin Signs With G-Dragon And Song Kang Ho's Agency

SHINee member and solo artist Taemin has found a new agency to call home!

On March 11, a media outlet reported that Taemin signed an exclusive contract with Galaxy Corporation.

In response to the report, Galaxy Corporation announced, “We have signed an exclusive contract with artist Taemin,” adding, “We will spare no effort in providing full support so that Taemin’s unparalleled artistic capabilities can create synergy with our cutting-edge technology.”

Galaxy Corporation is Korea’s first AI entertainment-tech company which is invested in developing a new business that combines advanced technologies—such as AI and robotics—with entertainment content.

Galaxy Corporation is currently home to stars including G-Dragon, actor Song Kang Ho, and entertainer Kim Jong Kook.







source: soompi via naver 1 2
sxh2

From idol to producer: Lee Hae-in’s rise as a K-pop hitmaker

The former idol behind Kiss of Life reveals how she helped to shape a rookie group into one of K-pop’s most surprising success stories


For the past three years, the K-pop scene has been swept by girl groups backed by major agencies and veteran hitmakers such as Min Hee-jin, creative director behind NewJeans.

But one of the most talked-about breakthroughs came from a far smaller company: Kiss of Life, a girl group launched by the little-known S2 Entertainment.

The group’s rapid rise — often described in the industry as a “miracle from a small agency” — has drawn attention to the creative force behind it: Lee Hae-in. The former idol recently transitioned into producing and served as the group’s creative director.

Kiss of Life may be the only successful group Lee has produced so far, but her unconventional approach has quickly made her one of the most closely watched new producers in K-pop. Her success is notable not only because it came without the backing of a major agency, but also because her methods challenge some of the industry’s long-standing conventions.

Interest in Lee has only intensified as Kiss of Life’s momentum slowed following her departure from S2 Entertainment, prompting renewed attention on how much of the group’s early success stemmed from her creative direction.

So what sets Lee apart?

( Collapse )








source: The Korea Herald
sxh2

BTOB Confirms Full-Group Comeback With New Digital Single

BTOB will be making a comeback as a full group!

On March 11, Sports Chosun reported that BTOB will release a new song as a digital single on March 21.

In response to the report, BTOB Company confirmed, “BTOB will release a new song as a digital single on March 21.”

This will mark BTOB’s first release as a six-member full group in approximately two years and 10 months, since the release of their 12th mini album “Wind and Wish” in May 2023.

Notably, the release date coincides with BTOB’s debut anniversary on March 21, 2012, making the new song a meaningful 14th anniversary gift for fans.








source: soompi via naver 1 2
Changkyun

Song Ji-hyo faces renewed calls to leave 'Running Man' as criticism resurfaces

Actress Song Ji-hyo is once again facing mounting calls from viewers to step down from the long-running variety show “Running Man,” nearly three years after a similar controversy placed her participation in the program under scrutiny.

The latest debate erupted after the March 8 episode of SBS’s flagship variety show, which aired under the theme "Run & Fun Company: Spin the Roulette." In the episode, the cast transformed into office workers competing in various games to leave work early, using any strategy possible to win.

However, viewers quickly pointed out that Song appeared largely disengaged throughout the broadcast. Unlike the other cast members, she rarely joined the improvised skits or conversations that drive much of the show’s humor, resulting in minimal screen time.

At one point during a bus ride to lunch, the other members continued lively banter while Song mostly sat quietly, smiling but not participating in the conversation. The contrast was particularly noticeable alongside the show’s youngest member, Ji Ye-eun, who repeatedly attempted to jump into the conversation and actively participated in the situational comedy.

( Collapse )








source: The Korea Times