genre k-pop
On Wednesday (May 28), Billboard revealed its midyear Boxscore charts, celebrating the top-grossing and best-selling artists, venues, and concert promoters around the world between Oct. 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Amid the pop, rock, R&B and Latin acts that blanket the Top Tours ranking, an unprecedented string of K-pop artists are in the mix, with five such acts among the all-genre top 50.
SEVENTEEN leads the pack, as it did for K-pop on midyear recaps for 2024 and 2023. But after grossing $30 million on the 2023 list, and $67.5 million for 2024, the group is No. 3 on the overall tally with $120.9 million and 842,000 tickets sold, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. The group is sandwiched between Shakira at No. 2 ($130 million) and Eagles at No. 4 ($112.2 million).
SEVENTEEN is the highest-ranking Korean act ever on the all-genre midyear list, surpassing BTS’ No. 4 rank in 2022. BTS did manage a matching No. 3 rank on 2019’s year-end tally, but hadn’t played enough shows in the first half of that chart year to appear on the midyear chart.
Not only has K-pop’s top artist essentially doubled its midyear gross for the second consecutive year, but the bench is deepening. This year’s all-genre top 50 includes five K-pop acts, up from three in 2023 and 2024, and two in 2022. The threshold for K-pop’s top five is $25.1 million at the midyear point – this time last year, it was $3.1 million.
After SEVENTEEN, ATEEZ and J-Hope are next at Nos. 2-3 on Top Tours by Genre (K-pop), each with earnings of more than $28 million. The latter is the first K-pop soloist to make the midyear overall Top Tours chart, though he previously was included with his fellow BTS bandmates. ENHYPEN and TOMORROW X TOGETHER round out the list, also within a couple percentage points of one another above the $25 million mark.
These four groups and one soloist made their millions while proving the international strength of Korean artists. During the six-month tracking period, they toured arenas and stadiums throughout Asia (SEVENTEEN, J-Hope, ENHYPEN and TOMORROW X TOGETHER), Europe (ATEEZ and TOMORROW X TOGETHER), Mexico (J-Hope) and the U.S. (SEVENTEEN and J-Hope).
Altogether, K-pop acts on the midyear Top Tours chart brought in a collective $228 million and sold 1.6 million tickets from 78 shows. That marks a 79% increase over the genre’s 2024 showing, which itself was a 93% jump from 2023. In just two years, K-pop has more than tripled its presence on the midyear chart.
Scroll down for details on the top five K-pop acts on Billboard’s midyear Boxscore report. The midyear tracking period covers all reported shows, worldwide, between Oct. 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Ever wonder what your favorite K-Pop boy groups use to bump to their favorite music?
Enhypen just revealed their earbuds of choice are Samsung Galaxy’s Buds 3 Pro in “Silver.” The K-Pop act sat down for an interview with Samsung Galaxy, alongside their producer Armadillo, to share what sound means to them, highlighting their latest earbud obsession.
The video posted to YouTube shows each member popping in the earbuds, playing various instruments or listening to music while backstage. Jay, the main rapper of the group, shared his thoughts on the product, saying, “For me, the sound is inspiration. Because I now take part in producing music, I find myself listening to more genres of music than ever before. The sound of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro seems to out the colors of each genre very well.”
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
ENGENE you’re in luck. If you want to listen to music like Enhypen does, their Samsung pick is currently available on Amazon for 24% off. Without further ado, here’s how to shop the K-Pop boy band-beloved tech at an affordable price.
Trending on Billboard
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
$189.99
$249.99
24% off
Wireless bluetooth earbuds in a silver case.
These aren’t your ordinary earbuds. Currently retailing for $189.99, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro creates an immersive listening experience all packaged in a portable sleek silver case. These buds deliver a high-resolution experience with crystal clear sound that you’re ears have been craving. Touch controls allow for ease of control so you can pause and replay your favorite tunes intuitively. Battery life on this bad boy lasts up to six hours.
One of the buds key features is the ultra-innovative adaptive active noise cancellation with Galaxy AI² that automatically adapts to your surroundings so you can tune in and out of the world around you with ease. Additionally, these futuristic buds use Galaxy AI to translate during face-to-face conversations using a real-time interpreter. Pretty snazzy.
What’s even more impressive is the Amazon-exclusive two-year limited Samsung warranty that comes with these buds, meaning if the product is lost or damaged, you’ll be in good hands. The pill-shaped case acts as a charging station for your headphones and comes in an alternative white hue if silver isn’t your thing.
See Enhypen’s interview with Samsung below.
HYBE has disclosed the sale of its remaining 9.38% stake in rival SM Entertainment to Tencent Music Entertainment (TME), a subsidiary of Chinese tech giant Tencent. The deal, valued at approximately 243.35 billion South Korean won (approximately $177 million), involves the transfer of 2.21 million shares at 110,000 won per share and is set to close on May 30, according to a new regulatory filing.
This transaction marks HYBE’s complete exit from SM Entertainment, a powerhouse K-pop agency behind acts like EXO, aespa and NCT 127.
Trending on Billboard
HYBE initially entered SME in 2023, acquiring a 14.8% stake from founder Lee Soo Man and later raising its holding to 15.78% through a failed takeover bid, ultimately losing out to Kakao, which now holds a 40.28% stake. After reducing its stake to 9.38% in May 2024, HYBE has now sold its remaining shares.
Why get out of the SME business? HYBE said on Tuesday that it has “divested noncore assets as part of a choice and concentration strategy” and that “secured funds will be used to secure future growth engines.”
TME’s acquisition makes it the second-largest shareholder in SME, behind Kakao. It operates leading Chinese music platforms such as QQ Music and Kugou Music and has existing ties to K-pop through partnerships with HYBE and others. TME also holds minority stakes in YG Entertainment and Kakao Entertainment, signaling its broader strategy to expand influence in the global K-pop landscape.
For SME, the deal could strengthen its reach in the Chinese market and enhance its digital distribution, artist promotion and content collaborations through Tencent’s various platforms. SME is coming off a strong Q1, with revenue up 5.2% year-over-year, driven by strong growth in concerts and recorded music. Concert revenue surged 58% thanks to tours by NCT 127, aespa and others, and recorded music rose 23.1%, led by Hearts2Hearts’ debut.
The acquisition reflects TME’s ongoing investment in Korean assets and sets the stage for deeper cross-border collaboration in music and media. It also marks the latest shift in the balance of power within the K-pop industry, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese tech giants in South Korea’s entertainment sector.
Meanwhile, HYBE is repositioning itself for future expansion, using the proceeds from this sale to invest in new ventures. The company continues to grow globally with its roster of artists including BTS, NewJeans and SEVENTEEN, and remains focused on developing next-gen platforms and talent. In the first quarter, HYBE reported strong financial performance despite a 5.9% drop in recorded music revenue. Total revenue rose 38.7% year-over-year, driven by a 252% surge in concert revenue and a 75.2% increase in merch and licensing. HYBE also expanded into Latin America with festivals and a music competition show.
LISA and Tyla unveiled the scorching music video for their collaborative single, “When I’m With You,” on Friday (May 16).
As the Olivia De Camps-directed visual opens, the onset of a heatwave is announced over the radio promising “the hottest summer ever recorded.” The two international stars trade lines on the first verse, — LISA fanning herself from the comfort of a lounge chair and Tyla hanging with friends at a salon — before coming together to dance through the song’s chorus.
Later, a shirtless Mason Gooding makes an appearance during the second verse, flirting poolside with LISA as she raps, “Quick trip, won’t wait and I’m there for you/ Good girl, I’ll dare, but I’m bad for you/ Elevate my space and my bed for you/ Anyways, any day, I’ll make plans for you.”
Eventually, the video culminates with the K-pop idol and South African Grammy winner taking a dip in the pool during the song’s chant-ready outro, singing, “You must be outta your, outta your, outta your mind/ Can’t tell me nothing ’bout, nothing ’bout, nothing ’bout mine.”
Trending on Billboard
“When I’m With You” is the latest track off LISA’s debut solo album, Alter Ego, to get the music video treatment following lead single “Rockstar,” Rosalía collab “New Woman,” “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me),” the Doja Cat and RAYE-assisted “Born Again” and “FUTW,” which featured the Thai superstar stepping into the shoes of her alter ego, VIXI.
The studio set debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 upon its March release, and since then, LISA has brought Alter Ego to Coachella and walked the carpet of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for her very first Met Gala.
Meanwhile, Tyla dropped her latest single, “Bliss,” earlier this month, just days before also making a splash on the Met Gala carpet in a pinstripe Jacquemus suit. Next, she’s set to host the 2025 Kids Choice Awards on June 21.
Watch LISA and Tyla’s “When I’m With You” video below.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
SM Entertainment’s boy band RIIZE is gearing up for a comeback on May 19 with its first full-length album, ODYSSEY, and everyone is celebrating, including Amazon.
Prior to the launch of the group’s highly anticipated comeback, RIIZE hyped up fans by releasing an Amazon Prime exclusive photobook CD. ODYSSEY is the first full-length album the boy band is dropping since its debut back in 2023. In other words, this release is a big deal. To prep for RIIZE’s long-awaited album, we’ve compiled a list of merch you can shop through Amazon Prime right now that’ll have you looking and feeling like a true BRIIZE.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
RIIZE Lightstick
RIIZE Offical Lightstick
A clear lightstick with the band’s logo inside.
Want to cheer on your RIIZE the official way? Amazon features the boy band’s lightstick in all its glory for $60. The accessory comes in an orange and white component and includes decorative stickers and a wrist strap to make the lightstick your own.
Trending on Billboard
With a press of a button, you can change LED modes to make streaming the band’s new album a full-on party. The official lightstick also features Bluetooth compatibility when connected to the SM Town app, allowing users to enjoy a variety of official K-pop content. AAA batteries are required to make this thing shine, but they’re sold separately.
UJIMS RIIZE Bracelet
UJIMS RIIZE Bracelet
A stainless steel chain bracelet with RIIZE charms.
Nothing says “major fan” like repping RIIZE’s name on your wrist. Retailing for $10.89, UJIMS features an ultra-cute stainless steel bracelet with the K-pop act’s name spelled out in dangling letter charms studded with high-shine gemstones.
The accessory doesn’t outright look like K-Pop merch, which could be a plus for some, subtle enough to flex on other fans without screaming “Koreaboo.” What’s more? The bracelet is hypo allergenic and doesn’t tarnish or rust when in contact with water. Worn with other simplistic silver pieces, real or otherwise, the bracelet is a stand-out for sure.
UJIMS RIIZE Keychain
UJIMS RIIZE Keychain
A dangling keychain with charms.
UJIMS also stocks unique keychains for all your K-pop needs. RIIZE’s special keychain features a few whimsical charms made of acrylic attached to a large stainless steel jump ring. Charms include some of the band’s most notable iconography, such as the official lightstick, and the name in Hangul scrawled in black set on a white background. The accessory can be affixed to keys or attached to your favorite shoulder bag for a playful textural moment. Or go rogue and attach it to your RIIZE lightstick.
BC233 K-POP Idol Group Special Matching Card Game
BC233 K-POP Idol Group Special Matching Card Game
A RIIZE-themed UNO-inspired card deck.
Perfect for a road trip or waiting out RIIZE’s album drop, BC233 features a RIIZE-inspired card deck that is much like UNO, but with a K-pop twist. Each card in the themed deck includes photos of the RIIZE members. Just like a regular game of UNO, players are meant to match up cards by coordinating colors and numbers, racing against opponents to get rid of the cards in your hands. The addition of RIIZE’s pictures makes this card deck a wonderful gift for K-pop and boardgame fans alike. With a price point like $9.99, it’s kinda hard to say no.
JNIAP RIIZE Tote Bag
JNIAP RIIZE Tote Bag
$7.89
$15.89
50% off
A cotton tote bag with RIIZE members faces on it inspired by their song “Get a Guitar.”
Inspired by RIIZE’s hit song “Get a Guitar,” JNIAP offers a $7.89 tote bag. Crafted of structural waterproof cotton, the bag features all six members of the band on the front depicted as cute little characters, along with lyrics from their aforementioned track in black. Sturdy shoulder straps hold up the tote, giving the bag extra support.
The bag is extremely roomy and meant to carry the essentials from a laptop to your favorite K-pop albums. Stylish enough for a coffee date or a trip to the movies, the bag is ready for any adventure you might take it on.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Ever wondered how some of the biggest acts in K-pop were made? Amazon‘s documentary Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop dives deep into the inner workings of the popular music genre as seen through the eyes of legendary South Korean business executive and record producer Lee Soo Man.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Directed by Ting Poo, the one hour and 47-minute film is currently available to stream on Amazon’s Prime Video via a Prime subscription, which will run you $14.99 per month. The documentary was made available on the streaming platform on May 13.
Trending on Billboard
‘Lee Soo Man: King of K-Pop’
A brand new Amazon’s Prime Video documentary discussing the life and work of legendary music producer and businessman Lee Soo Man.
From Man’s beginnings in the traditional town of Jeonju, to his work at hallowed entertainment company SM Entertainment, the documentary chronicles the good, bad and ugly of the K-pop industry, with the hallowed producer behind the wheel. Many credit Man with starting what is known as the “Hallyu wave,” a phenomenon that speaks to the surge in popularity of South Korean culture, particularly its music, dramas and films.
Man founded SM Entertainment back in 1989. During his roughly 33 years at SM Entertainment, Man is credited with creating some of the company’s most popular groups, including Exo, Super Junior, Aespa, Girls Generation, Red Velvet, NCT, TVXQ and SHINee. The company is largely credited as a key driver of the global success of K-pop. Man left the company in March of 2023 due to a slew of logistical issues and a heated management dispute, which are briefly touched on in the documentary.
While the Hallyu movement began in the 1990s, the figurative wave has grown to monsoon levels, taking the music industry by storm. The K-pop sphere has gained major recognition over the past few years, becoming an immensely popular genre throughout the world, thanks to the work of Man and industry bigwigs like him. This documentary is a must-watch for fans of the genre who are seeking an insider’s perspective on some of their favorite groups.
Jackson Wang spilled the tea exclusively to Billboard News on his upcoming album MAGIC MAN 2, hitting the stage with Ciara at Coachella and more in a new interview on Friday (May 9). Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Speaking to Billboard‘s Tetris Kelly, the K-pop idol […]
SEVENTEEN announced plans on Friday (May 9) to perform later this month on Seoul’s famed Jamsugyo Bridge in honor of their tenth anniversary as a group. The special performance, which will mark the first time a K-pop group has ever performed on the South Korean landmark atop the Hangang River, is set to take place […]
Growth in music and concert revenue pushed K-pop company SM Entertainment’s consolidated revenue to 231.4 billion KRW ($159 million), up 5.2% from the prior-year period. Operating profit of 32.6 billion KRW ($22 million) was up 109.6% while operating margin improved to 32.6% from 15.5%. SM’s concert revenue grew 58.0% to 39 billion KRW ($27 million) […]
j-hope kicks off his new era with two new tracks: “MONA LISA” and a collab with Miguel, “Sweet Dreams.” The BTS star explains why he wanted to work with Miguel, blending pop and R&B sounds and more in the latest Billboard News’ Music You Should Know. j-hope: “Mona Lisa” Person: He wants something cool and […]
-
Pages