Julia Kim
The Latest
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BLACKPINK Rosé Pop-Up in China Sparks Backlash After Influencer Appearance Confuses Fans
A promotional pop-up event tied to BLACKPINK member Rosé in Qingdao, China, has become the focus of online backlash after a Chinese influencer's appearance at the venue triggered accusations of misrepresentation and fan confusion, despite the artist herself having no involvement in the incident. 
A promotional pop-up event tied to BLACKPINK member Rosé in Qingdao, China, has become the focus of online backlash after a Chinese influencer's appearance at the venue triggered accusations of misrepresentation and fan confusion, despite the artist herself having no involvement in the incident. -
Jungkook and aespa’s Winter Return Online After Dating Rumors, Sparking Fresh Fan Backlash
BTS member Jungkook and aespa's Winter returned to social media on Dec. 13 with their first posts since dating rumors spread across online fan communities, prompting a renewed wave of scrutiny and sharply divided reactions from fans and Korean netizens. Neither artist addressed the speculation directly, but the timing and content of the updates quickly became a focal point of discussion. 
BTS member Jungkook and aespa's Winter returned to social media on Dec. 13 with their first posts since dating rumors spread across online fan communities, prompting a renewed wave of scrutiny and sharply divided reactions from fans and Korean netizens. Neither artist addressed the speculation directly, but the timing and content of the updates quickly became a focal point of discussion. -
BLACKPINK’s Rosé Signals Solo Tour ‘Soon’ as Album Success and Grammy Nominations Drive Global Demand
BLACKPINK's Rosé intensified global speculation about a long-anticipated solo tour after winning Variety's Global Hitmaker of the Year, becoming the first K-pop female solo artist to receive the honor from a major U.S. media outlet. Her recognition comes as her debut full-length album rosie and her chart-dominating collaboration APT. with Bruno Mars continue to reshape her artistic identity and propel her into Grammy contention. BLACKPINK's Rosé intensified global speculation about a long-anticipated solo tour after winning Variety's Global Hitmaker of the Year, becoming the first K-pop female solo artist to receive the honor from a major U.S. media outlet. Her recognition comes as her debut full-length album rosie and her chart-dominating collaboration APT. with Bruno Mars continue to reshape her artistic identity and propel her into Grammy contention. -
BTS Jungkook–aesp Winter Dating Rumours Surge Again as ‘Matching Tattoo’ Post Goes Viral in Seoul
Fresh speculation over an alleged relationship between BTS's Jungkook and aespa's Winter surged again this week as a viral post on the Korean forum Nate Pann claimed that a tattoo visible on Jungkook during the travel program Are You Sure Season 2 matches one associated with Winter. The post, which quickly spread across Korean and international social platforms, renewed a debate that has followed the two artists since rumours first surfaced in 2023 after both were reportedly seen at a Harry Styles concert in Seoul. 
Fresh speculation over an alleged relationship between BTS's Jungkook and aespa's Winter surged again this week as a viral post on the Korean forum Nate Pann claimed that a tattoo visible on Jungkook during the travel program Are You Sure Season 2 matches one associated with Winter. The post, which quickly spread across Korean and international social platforms, renewed a debate that has followed the two artists since rumours first surfaced in 2023 after both were reportedly seen at a Harry Styles concert in Seoul. -
Rosé and Bruno Mars’ ‘APT.’ Dominates Apple Music’s 2025 Global Charts as Year-End Rankings Drop
Apple Music named Rosé and Bruno Mars' "APT." the most-streamed song of 2025, placing the K-pop and pop collaboration at the top of nearly every major year-end chart released this week. The track ranked No. 1 on Apple Music's global songs tally, Shazam's global chart, global radio, and lyrics charts, underscoring an unusually dominant performance for a single release. The service called 2025 "undoubtedly" the year of the Rosé-Mars hit in its announcement. 
Apple Music named Rosé and Bruno Mars' "APT." the most-streamed song of 2025, placing the K-pop and pop collaboration at the top of nearly every major year-end chart released this week. The track ranked No. 1 on Apple Music's global songs tally, Shazam's global chart, global radio, and lyrics charts, underscoring an unusually dominant performance for a single release. The service called 2025 "undoubtedly" the year of the Rosé-Mars hit in its announcement. -
K-Pop Contract Wars Erupt as Fans Protest Globally and Courts Back Agencies in High-Stakes Disputes
The K-Pop industry is facing one of the most contentious periods in its modern history as legal clashes involving EXO members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin (CBX) and the breakout girl group NewJeans intensify a broader fight over restrictive contracts that have defined the business for decades. 
The K-Pop industry is facing one of the most contentious periods in its modern history as legal clashes involving EXO members Chen, Baekhyun and Xiumin (CBX) and the breakout girl group NewJeans intensify a broader fight over restrictive contracts that have defined the business for decades. -
BLACKPINK Faces Viral Backlash as Singapore Crowd Draws Criticism for Low Energy on Opening Night
Singapore's National Stadium drew tens of thousands of fans for BLACKPINK's three-day Deadline tour stop beginning Nov. 28, but the first night's subdued audience reaction has ignited a sprawling online debate about concert culture in the city-state. Viral videos showing rows of seated concertgoers and an early exit by fans before the encore triggered criticism from international BLINKS and renewed scrutiny of Singapore crowds, who have previously been accused of low energy at major events. 
Singapore's National Stadium drew tens of thousands of fans for BLACKPINK's three-day Deadline tour stop beginning Nov. 28, but the first night's subdued audience reaction has ignited a sprawling online debate about concert culture in the city-state. Viral videos showing rows of seated concertgoers and an early exit by fans before the encore triggered criticism from international BLINKS and renewed scrutiny of Singapore crowds, who have previously been accused of low energy at major events. -
One Piece Chapter 1167 to Unveil Major Shanks Revelation as Global Release Hits Nov. 30
The global fanbase of One Piece is preparing for one of the year's most anticipated manga releases as Eiichiro Oda's long-running series moves into a pivotal chapter. One Piece Chapter 1167, scheduled for global release on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET, is expected to deliver major revelations involving Shanks, the World Government and the giant kingdom of Elbaph. 
The global fanbase of One Piece is preparing for one of the year's most anticipated manga releases as Eiichiro Oda's long-running series moves into a pivotal chapter. One Piece Chapter 1167, scheduled for global release on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025 at 10 a.m. ET, is expected to deliver major revelations involving Shanks, the World Government and the giant kingdom of Elbaph. -
One Piece Chapter 1167 Release Date: Massive Timeskip and Harald’s Fate Teased in New Spoilers
The global fanbase surrounding One Piece is bracing for one of the most consequential chapter releases in years as One Piece Chapter 1167 prepares to drop on December 1, 2025. With the narrative entrenched in the dense Elbaf flashback, author Eiichiro Oda appears poised to alter the franchise's historical timeline, deepen the political origins of Prince Harald's allegiance to the World Government, and chart the formative path of Shanks during the rise of the Roger Pirates. The global fanbase surrounding One Piece is bracing for one of the most consequential chapter releases in years as One Piece Chapter 1167 prepares to drop on December 1, 2025. With the narrative entrenched in the dense Elbaf flashback, author Eiichiro Oda appears poised to alter the franchise's historical timeline, deepen the political origins of Prince Harald's allegiance to the World Government, and chart the formative path of Shanks during the rise of the Roger Pirates. -
Japan Petition Tops 70,000 as Aespa Faces Backlash Amid Japan–China Tensions
A fast-growing petition in Japan demanding the removal of K-pop group Aespa from NHK's year-end program "Kohaku Uta Gassen" has become a flashpoint in escalating public tension between Japan and China. 
A fast-growing petition in Japan demanding the removal of K-pop group Aespa from NHK's year-end program "Kohaku Uta Gassen" has become a flashpoint in escalating public tension between Japan and China.
