The K-pop DNA
K-pop is no longer just ‘Korean’ pop, but a global phenomenon reaching millions of fans worldwide. Here’s the story of a BTS fan from Malaysia.
music
K-pop 101: Why Do Artists Keep Singing “Niga”?
Don't worry, it has nothing to do with the other N-word. What exactly is K-pop? Why is it so popular? Why is it often hated? Find out more in our 101.
We Need to Talk About Suicide Reporting
From Marilyn Monroe, Robin Williams to SHINee's Jonghyun, celebrity deaths are juicy material for the media. But it's time we talk about them differently.
Obituary: The Legacy of Jonghyun
Jonghyun’s death raises many questions of social importance: about the K-pop industry, depression, and suicide as a health risk in South Korea.
Nostalgia: Music for the Old
"Adding Memories" is a cafe in Jongno, Seoul, catering mostly to the elderly crowd. "Their song requests have a different level of longing," the DJ said.
K-Pop: Stream Like You Breathe
K-pop fans are famous for their impressively coordinated support of idols, including a practice called sumseuming, "streaming music 24/7 as one breathes."
Removed from Context: The Unbearable Lightness of Korean Hip Hop
Korean hip hop has been around for over two decades. But too often, the music is limited to imitating the "ghetto music" from the U.S.
G-Dragon’s “Album” is a USB: What’s the Problem?
When G-Dragon released his latest album in the form of a USB, fans, critics and music sites alike began to weigh in. Can a downloadable link be an album?
Welcome to K-pop Idol School, Where Only the Beautiful Enter
“We are recruiting beautiful freshmen.” Idol School is a nurturing ground for aspiring idols, but also a survival show where the most beautiful survive.
K-Pop And the Spy Camera Incident: Always Smile At the Customer!
A man got caught using a spy camera at a meet and greet of a K-pop group, GFriend. The female idol's reaction is inciting criticism from some fans. Why?
“Becoming Prettier”: K-pop MV Chronicles Girl Group’s Plastic Surgery
A K-pop girl group spent 100 million won to fix their faces and make two music videos chronicling the "Before vs. After" process.
Planting Rainforests and Donating Rice: The Fascinating World of K-pop Fandom
They pay to create a rainforest and dig wells. They also stalk their idols and compete to see who are better fans. Welcome to the world of K-pop fandom.