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South Korea’s HYBE used its artists’ heavy touring schedule and strong merchandise and licensing revenues to overcome a slight drop in recorded music sales in the first quarter of 2025.
In the historically slow first quarter, total revenue rose 38.7% to 500.6 billion KRW ($350 million), the second-lowest quarterly revenue since the first quarter of 2023. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of 47.3 billion KRW ($33 million) was up 19% from the prior-year period.
“Typically, the first quarter is a period when artists take a break after busy year-end activities and prepare for new albums and projects,” CFO Kyungjun Lee said during the earnings call Tuesday (April 29). “Therefore, in Q1, we had relatively fewer album releases and content offerings, thus posting a slightly lower profitability compared to the prior quarter.”
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Recorded music revenue fell 5.9% to 136.5 billion KRW ($95 million), with streaming accounting for almost half of recorded music sales, said CEO Jaesang Lee. “While album sales fluctuate quarter over quarter depending on release schedules, steady streaming revenue serves as a stable source of profit. Streaming helps mitigate recorded music sales volatility in quarters like this quarter, when the number of new albums is relatively smaller.”
Concerts revenue jumped 252% to 155.2 billion KRW ($108 million). CEO Lee cited the “huge success” of tours in South Korea, the U.S., Japan and elsewhere in Asia by J-Hope, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN and BOYNEXTDOOR. Additionally, J-Hope’s solo shows in Mexico “marked the beginning of active expansion to the Latin market,” he added.
Merchandise and licensing improved 75.2% to 106.4 billion KRW ($74 million). Whereas concert-related merchandise was most popular in the past, HYBE has found success with artists’ character-driven merchandise, such as for Seventeen’s MINITEEN, a group of animal representatives for the band. “All the character products have been selling really quickly, and many items are in high demand, resulting in additional rounds of pre-order sales,” said CFO Lee.
Content revenue fell 32.7% to 41.2 billion KRW ($29 million). It included sales of the Seventeen in Carat Land Memory Book and BTS 7 Moments, an archive of group members throughout 2022 and 2023 that includes a 66-minute video and 180-page photo book.
CEO Lee also teased details of Big Hit Music’s upcoming boy band that will debut in the third quarter of 2025. He described the five-member group as “a next generation creator crew that pursues self-expression in completely new styles and senses” and will perform “very original music that has not existed in the past.”
Separately, a seven-member, all-Japanese boy band called aeon will debut in June. Created by YX Labels, HYBE’s Japanese operation, the group formed from a TV show that aired in Japan on Nippon TV from February to April.
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Sean “Diddy” Combs can claim a slight legal victory ahead of his explosive trial set to take place next week after a judge ruled that a forced labor claim wouldn’t be entered as evidence. Diddy’s legal team initially requested that some evidence be put aside, but it appears that the sex trafficking evidence will be entered.
TMZ reports that Diddy’s legal team’s request to have certain portions of evidence exempt from the upcoming trial was denied in part, with the judge in the hearing stating that prosecutors would not be able to argue over the forced labor claim.
The defense added in their request that prosecutors turned over their evidence too late, thus not giving the defense enough time to devise a countering strategy. However, prosecutors fired back and said that Diddy’s side had ample time and is attempting to hold up the trial.
Court documents reveal that prosecutors said that the request was “a transparent attempt to narrow the scope of the proof against him at trial by any means necessary, and to yet again make a last-ditch effort to secure an adjournment of trial.”
Diddy’s trial is set to begin on May 5.
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Photo: @diddy / Instagram
After spending 18 months in the South Korean military, J-Hope says he is a very different person now that he’s back on the streets as a civilian.
In an interview with Apple Music 1’s Zane Lowe, the BTS star opened up about his time serving his county leading up to the day he was discharged in October. J-Hope is only the second member of the boy band to finish his enlistment, following Jin; RM, Suga, V, Jimin and Jung Kook will return home from the military this June.
“I think it’s only natural for young people in South Korea to take on this responsibility,” the “Chicken Noodle Soup” singer told Lowe. “I thought it was a very important part of J-Hope’s or Jung Ho-seok’s life. After all, I am a proud citizen of South Korea. I love my country. There are things that I cherish in this country.”
“It’s a different experience,” he continued. “Also, in reality, I’ve learned a different life. And in many ways, I got to meet people from all walks of life and I received a lot of good energy. And I heard a lot of good things. But also, you know, a year and a half is actually not a very short time. That bit made me feel a lot of things. In the end, I think the most important thing was I realized how important the work I’ve been doing for all these years is incredibly meaningful to me.”
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J-Hope, who continued to release solo projects during his enlistment, added, “Even though I was in the service, I think there was a part of me who never really let go of my love for music.”
Their collective service to the military has meant that the members of BTS have been on a break for about two years, last releasing an album in 2020, when Be reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Like Jimin, all of the other Bangtan Boys have also worked on solo releases throughout the band’s time away.
The break will soon be over, however with J-Hope also teasing on Apple Music 1 that he and his bandmates plan to reunite pretty much as soon as possible. “We will quickly get together and talk about what BTS can do in the future,” he told Lowe. “I think it’s going to be a massive energy.”
Watch J-Hope’s full interview with Lowe below.
Nearly five years after first ruling Billboard’s Adult Alternative Airplay chart, My Morning Jacket earns its second No. 1, topping the May 3-dated ranking with “Time Waited.” Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news The song follows the five-week reign of “Feel You” beginning in September 2020. In […]
YK Osiris says he hasn’t dropped any new music out of fear of “humiliation.” In a livestream with Lil Rodney Son on Monday (April 28), YK Osiris opened up about why he hasn’t dropped anything new, and said he’s scared of embarrassment. Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and […]
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After winning the Super Bowl, key Eagles players like Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown skipped the White House visit with President Trump. If standing on business were a person, it would be Jalen Hurts.
The invite was technically optional, but once fans found out who skipped, the internet lit up fast. Jalen Hurts went viral quick after he gave a weird response when asked about the visit, then his people came out saying he had “scheduling conflicts.” But once NBC and BBC dropped the full list, it was obvious this wasn’t just a calendar mix-up — it was a message.
A lot of folks online saw it as a quiet protest and showed love to the players who stood on their beliefs. “You dropped your crown, kings,” one fan tweeted. Another said, “Huge props to them for standing up for themselves and their beliefs, go Eagles!” At the same time, people weren’t shy about calling out the players who did show up. Some fans were disappointed that none of the white teammates stood in solidarity. And Saquon Barkley caught some heat too — he’s Black and still went, which had people confused and even a little hurt. “Disappointing,” one person wrote, “but proud of the ones who took a stand regardless.”
What was supposed to be a simple celebration turned into a bigger conversation. It wasn’t just about football anymore — it was about who’s really riding for what they believe in. The whole situation put a spotlight on race, unity, and the role athletes play in standing up — or not — when it really counts.
Billboard’s Dance Moves roundup serves as a guide to the biggest movers and shakers across Billboard’s many dance charts — new No. 1s, new top 10s, first-timers and more.
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This week (on charts dated May 3, 2025), David Guetta, ZULAN, Dom Dolla and others achieve new feats. Check out key movers below.
David Guetta & Sia
David Guetta and Sia’s latest collaboration, “Beautiful People,” rises 3-1 on Dance/Mix Show Airplay thanks to a 19% increase in plays (among 24/7 dance reporters and pop stations’ mix show hours) in the April 18-24 tracking week, according to Luminate.
The song earns Guetta his 18th No. 1, extending his record for the most in the chart’s 22-year history. It’s also Sia second, after her previous collab with Guetta, “Let’s Love,” in 2020.
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David Guetta’s Dance/Mix Show Airplay No. 1s“The World Is Mine,” feat. JD Davis, 2007“Love Is Gonen,” with Chris Willis, 2007“When Love Takes Over,” feat. Kelly Rowland, 2009“Sexy Chick,” feat. Akon, 2009“Gettin’ Over You,” with Chris Willis & feat. Fergie & LMFAO, 2010“Without You,” feat. Usher, 2011“Turn Me On,” feat. Nicki Minaj, 2012“Stay (Don’t Go Away),” feat. Raye, 2019“Let’s Love,” with Sia, 2020“Bed,” with Joel Corry & Raye, 2021“Heartbreak Anthem,” with Galantis & Little Mix, 2021“I’m Good (Blue),” with Bebe Rexha, 2022“Baby Don’t Hurt Me,” with Anne-Marie & Coi Leray, 2023“I Don’t Wanna Wait,” with OneRepublic, 2024“In The Dark” with Armin van Buuren & feat. Aldae, 2024“Never Going Home Tonight,” with Alesso & feat. Madison Love, 2024“Forever Young,” with Alphaville & Ava Max, 2025“Beautiful People,” with Sia, 2025
Guetta has achieved numerous other records on Dance/Mix Show Airplay, including the most top five hits (32), top 10s (44) and overall entries (67).
Most No. 1s on Dance/Mix Show Airplay18, David Guetta16, Calvin Harris12, Rihanna10, The Chainsmokers8, Ellie Goulding7, Anabel Englund7, Madonna6, Dua Lipa6, Tiësto
Along with “Beautiful People” and “Let’s Love,” Guetta and Sia previously charted together on Dance/Mix Show Airplay with “Titanium” (No. 2 peak in 2012); “Wild One Two” (by Jack Back featuring Guetta, Nicky Romero & Sia; No. 14, 2012); “She Wolf (Falling to Pieces)” (No. 8, 2013); “Bang My Head” (No. 6, 2016); and “Flames” (No. 27, 2018).
ZULAN
ZULAN makes her first appearance on Billboard’s charts this week with her debut track, “Forever.” The song, which she self-released April 11, opens at No. 22 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, powered by 630,000 official U.S. streams. “Forever” is a sped-up dance remix of Clairo’s 2018 song “4EVER.” ZULAN co-produced the track with New York-based producer/engineer Aire Atlantica, whose credits include work with SZA (“Low”), plus Doechii, King Princess and Mariah the Scientist.
Hailing from Argentina, ZULAN performed “Forever” at Coachella’s Do Lab Stage April 12, along with several unreleased tracks, including a remix of Ravyn Lenae’s viral hit “Love Me Not.”
Dom Dolla & Kid Cudi
The pair’s new collaboration, “Forever,” debuts at No. 9 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs with 1.5 million streams in its first week. Released on Three Six Zero/Columbia Records, the song earns Dom Dolla his 10th career entry and third top 10, after “Rhyme Dust,” with MK (No. 9 peak in 2023), and “Dreamin’,” featuring Daya in February (No. 5).
“Forever” is Kid Cudi’s third entry on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs, after “Memories 2021” (by David Guetta featuring Kid Cudi; No. 31 peak in 2021) and “Summertime,” with Skrillex (No. 17, 2023).
Marshmello & Kane Brown
Marshmello and Kane Brown’s “Miles On It” spends a milestone 50th week at No. 1 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs thanks 8.2 million in radio audience and 5.5 million streams. It’s just the third song in the chart’s 12-year history to reach the milestone.
Most Weeks at No. 1 on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs69, “Happier,” Marshmello & Bastille55, “I’m Good (Blue),” David Guetta & Bebe Rexha50, “Miles On It,” Marshmello & Kane Brown36, “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix),” Elton John & Dua Lipa33, “The Middle,” Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey27, “Closer,” The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey26, “Wake Me Up!” Avicii25, “Something Just Like This,” The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
Stagecoach 2025 brought out the hottest country stars, including Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Jessie Murph and more. We got to catch up with all of the country stars and even some non-country musicians including Paris Hilton and Nelly. We take you through the highlights of each day and our interviews with the biggest names in country!
What was your favorite part of Stagecoach 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
Jelly Roll:It couldn’t have worked out any better for me. Boozey, Koe Wetzel’s here. I felt like my friend day, kind of, and I’m a Sturgill fan.
Paris Hilton:I heard there were thousands of people trying to get in.
Nelly:I thought everybody was doing a rap festival on Tuesday and then a country festival on Wednesday.
Tetris Kelly:And you were like this isn’t …
Nelly:Yeah, and then I found out that I was receiving blessings.
Jessie Murph:I love them both. They’re my brothers, and I don’t know, it’s really cool to share that moment with them. It’s such a big moment, especially a big moment, especially Jelly like headlining looks crazy. I’m really happy for them both.
Tetris Kelly:From on stage to backstage and all the parties in between, Billboard was all over the desert this weekend for Stagecoach, and we take you there in Billboard All Access. Our weekend actually kicked off Friday morning with a brunch at Ariat House with Annie Bosko, who was about to take the main stage at the Empire Polo Field. Once we arrived on site, the grounds were a vibe, as always, with the iconic ferris wheel and fans filing in for an epic day as we headed backstage.
Hey, I’m happy to be here with you guys. I kind of set you up, well you set yourselves up with your new song, “Finish This Drink.” There’s drinks on the table. I’m just saying, you know, cheers to that. Cheers to the new music.
Brothers Osborne: Cheers!
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Comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, co-hosts of the popular Las Culturistas podcast, will host the Las Culturistas Culture Awards, airing Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 9 -11 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and next day on Peacock. The show will be taped on July 17 in Los Angeles. This show is in its fourth year, but this marks the first time it will be televised.
According to a press statement, “The Las Culturistas Culture Awards celebrates culture’s most iconic and consequential moments of the year. With more than 100 unique award categories, live musical performances and unexpected celebrity guests, this show brings culture’s most crucial moments to life.”
“The word ‘culture’ is defined as ‘the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively,’” Rogers and Yang said in a joint statement. “We are so thrilled to eliminate that whole ‘intellectual’ part entirely with the LCCA’s airing on Bravo and Peacock this August, alongside our partners at Lionsgate. Because while what the world needs now might be love sweet love, it also needs to see an Oscar winning actress and a Real Housewife come together to present a very heavy award to Oprah, if we can book her. Oprah, u up?!”
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“We are so happy to bring the vibrant and whimsical Las Culturistas Culture Awards to our Bravo and Peacock audiences,” said Jen Neal, executive vice president, live events and specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment. “Matt and Bowen’s undeniable chemistry, playful humor and love of pop culture’s big and small moments have shaped this spirited award show, redefining what it means to celebrate culture.”
A full list of categories will be announced at a later date.
The Las Culturistas Culture Awards is produced and distributed internationally by Lionsgate Alternative Television. Rogers and Yang serve as executive producers, alongside Lauren LeMieux, Jonah McMichael, 3 Arts’ Olivia Gerke and showrunner Jane Mun.
Rogers, 35, and Yang, 34, have co-hosted the Las Culturistas pop culture podcast since 2016. It won podcast of the year at the 2025 iHeartPodcast Awards in March, which took place at SXSW.
Yang has received four Primetime Emmy nominations for his work on Saturday Night Live – three for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series and one for outstanding writing for a variety series.
Here’s link to Bravo’s social post featuring a clip from Las Culturistas.
Myke Towers and Benny Blanco take “Degenere,” their first ever collaboration, to No. 1 on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart (dated May 3). The song, rising 5-1, marks Blanco’s first champ on the overall Latin radio ranking after two chart visits and the 14th No. 1 for Towers.
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“Myke’s such a talent and a star,” lanco tells Billboard. “He knew exactly what to do on this song the moment I turned the beat on in the studio… he’s like a magician sometimes… the song just appears out of thin air… he’s incredible.”
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“Degenere,” added to the deluxe edition of of Towers’ album La Pantera Negra, was released on Oct. 17, 2024, via One World International/Warner/Warner Latina. The original version of the album was released on Aug. 22, 2024, and earned Towers his fifth top 10 entry on the Top Latin Albums chart, where it debuted and peaked at No. 7.
“It’s an honor to achieve another Billboard No. 1, especially with a song like ‘Degenere,’ created alongside a genius like Benny Blanco,” Towers adds. “His vision and creativity were essential in the shaping of this song that continues to bring us so much satisfaction. Thanks to my team, the fans, and everyone who makes these dreams possible. We keep writing history.”
“Degenere” reaches the summit in its 21st week, after two weeks in the top 10, thanks to a 20% boost in audience impressions, to 7.8 million, earned in the U.S. during the April 18-24 tracking week, according to Luminate.
With the track, Towers secures his 14th No. 1 on the Latin Airplay chart. It’s the second hit from the deluxe edition of the Pantera album to reach the top spot, following “Otra Noche” featuring Darell, which spent one week at No. 1 in February.
Blanco, meanwhile, secures his first ruler, after “I Can’t Get Enough,” with Tainy, Selena Gómez and J Balvin, reached No. 37 high in 2019.
“Degenere” also ascends 3-1 on Latin Rhythm Airplay. On that list it marks Towers’ 14th No. 1 and gives Blanco his first chart-topper.
