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Anwaya’s Substack •

Kim Soo Hyun and Korean Celebrity Culture: From Idolization to Insight

On a random evening in 2017, I decided to watch my first Korean drama, Boys Over Flowers, starring Lee Min Ho, one of Korea's biggest stars. It felt like entering virtual Disneyland—a place where you want to be and never leave. It began with one K-drama, and before I knew it, I had binge-watched countless shows and become acquainted with numerous talented actors.Watching Korean dramas in my 20s has been a life-changing experience. It has altered my perception of content, narrative structure, wri...
TMRW •

SHINee's MINHO Unveils Call Back: A Powerful Reinvention of His Musical Identity

Call Back explores the multifaceted nature of love, capturing everything from the initial excitement of romance to feelings of longing, heartbreak, and eventual healing. With its ten-track lineup, the album is seamless and engaging from start to finish. Since the release of his 2022 mini album Chase, MINHO has shown remarkable growth as both an artist and an individual, and Call Back offers a refined glimpse into the future of his musical journey.
KPOPWORLD •

K-pop Idols Who Left Their Groups Only to Rejoin Later

The K-pop industry, much like any other, can be tough, challenging, and unforgiving. While it has seen some of the biggest stars and most successful groups, it has also experienced heartbreaking departures and devastating downfalls. However, there have been instances where K-pop idols left their groups for a time and made triumphant returns in rare, miraculous cases. I’m particularly pleased that the list below features three female artists alongside two male artists, setting a positive example...
KPOPWORLD •

Halloween Special: Best K-pop "Screen to Stage" Covers by Other Artists

It's officially Halloween, and we can't wait to share our favorite spooky-themed performances by K-pop groups! These talented artists have infused beloved gothic tracks with their unique, eerie twists, showcasing haunting visuals, captivating vocals, and impressive rap skills. Their thrilling and unsettling performances will leave viewers on the edge of their seats while marveling at these fan-favorite songs' brilliantly executed, spine-chilling interpretations. Check out our top seven picks for...
KPOPWORLD •

SUGA, Seunghan and the spreading toxicity in K-pop fandoms

On October 13, Wizard Production, the division of SM Entertainment that manages RIIZE, officially announced that member Seunghan would be departing from the group after previously indicating he would rejoin following a lengthy hiatus due to his personal controversy. In a heartbreaking letter addressing the situation, Seunghan expressed his concerns for both his members and their fans, BRIIZE. He wrote, "I don’t want to cause any more hurt or confusion for the fans, and I don’t want to harm the m...
KPOPWORLD •

Hidden BTS tracks that you must add to your playlist

Hidden tracks, also known as unlisted tracks, secret tracks, or ghost tracks, are songs not officially included in an album's tracklist. Artists may choose to release these tracks separately or keep them as surprises for fans. There are various reasons for this—perhaps the song doesn’t fit the album's overall flow, or it serves as a special gift for dedicated listeners. Psychologically, including a hidden track can help artists differentiate between casual listeners and their die-hard fans, sign...
KPOPWORLD •

J-Hope-Jake-In-The-Box-HOPE

Jung Ho Seok, known to fans as J-Hope, officially completed his military service on October 17, becoming the second BTS member to return to civilian life after Jin. In July 2022, J-Hope made his solo debut with Jack in the Box, a ten-track album that draws on old-school hip-hop influences. This album not only revisits his roots as a pre-debut underground artist but also signifies a new phase in his solo career, introducing a fresh and dynamic side of J-Hope straight out of the box!
KPOPWORLD •

Listening Party: ‘MUSE’ by Jimin

BTS' talented vocalist and dancer, Park Ji Min—better known as Jimin—celebrates his 29th birthday today. While BTS debuted on June 13, 2013, it wasn’t until late 2022 that the vocal line members began releasing their solo albums. Jimin was the second member to unveil his solo work, debuting his album FACE in March 2023, followed by MUSE in July 2024. With MUSE, Jimin has firmly established himself as a solo artist to watch in the coming years. His high-pitched, delicate, and sweet vocals shine t...