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BLACKPINK member Jennie has signed to Columbia Records as a solo artist in partnership with her record label and entertainment company ODDATELIER, it was announced Sunday (Sept. 8). The singer is slated to release a new solo single in October. The news follows last December’s revelation that all BLACKPINK members had split with their label, […]
How deep is your K-pop fandom? Are you a fan of BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, aespa or any other K-pop groups or artists? Billboard wants to know all about it. Whether you’re a mild fan, a hardcore fan or anything in between, your input matters. We know that K-pop fans are a different breed. You’re […]
HYBE’s net income dropped 86% in the second quarter of 2024 as total revenue improved 3.1% to a quarterly record of 640 billion won ($482 million), the company announced Tuesday (Aug. 6).
The South Korean K-pop giant breaks its financial results into two main categories: segments with direct artist involvement such as recorded music and concerts, and those with indirect-artist involvement such as fan clubs, licensing and merchandise. In the second quarter, indirect revenue streams grew 17.4% to 217 billion won ($163 million). Direct revenue fell 2.9% to 424 billion won ($319 million) as concerts dropped 8.6% to 144 billion won ($108 million) while recorded music improved 1.5% to 250 billion won ($188 million).
Operating profit—total revenue less cost of sales and operating expenses—dropped 37.4% to 51 billion won ($38 million), a smaller decline than experienced by net income because of a sharp drop in non-operating income. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), a measure of the company’s cash profit from operations, fell 24.6% to 79 billion won ($59 million).
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Results for the first six months of the year were, across the board, a bit worse than a year earlier. Although total revenue topped 1 trillion won ($741 million) for the second consecutive year, that amount was 2.9% lower than a year earlier. First-half operating profit, net income and EBITDA were also lower than the first half of 2023.
HYBE sold fewer albums in the first half of the year but dominated sales charts in South Korea and Japan. Led by Seventeen’s 4.4 million albums sold in the first half of the year, HYBE had 9 of the top 20 artists ranked by album sales in South Korea. Seventeen’s Best Album ’17 is Right Here’ ranked second in Japanese album sales with 423,000 units while its SEVENTEENTH Heaven: 11th Mini Album ranked No. 6 with 242,000 units. In the U.S., Tomorrow X Together’s Minisode 3: TOMORROW ranked No. 2 in CD sales behind Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department.
Streaming accounted for 35% of recorded music revenue, up from the first half of 2023. In a first-of-its-kind breakdown of the company’s streaming revenue, HYBE revealed that domestic streaming revenue for HYBE’s labels South Korea was 18 billion won ($18 million), less than half the amount from full-year 2023. (It did not provide first-half streaming revenue figures for those labels’ streaming revenue outside of South Korea). HYBE’s U.S. labels—Big Machine Label Group and Quality Control—also had streaming revenue of 61 billion won in the first half.
Weverse, HYBE’s social media platform, had 9.6 million monthly active users, up from 9.2 million in the first quarter and even with the 9.6 million MAUs a year earlier. Beyond traditional social media functions, Weverse also has an e-commerce element, Weverse Shop, and live streams artist chats and concerts. Ariana Grande joined the platform in July, joining HYBE artists such as BTS and ENHYPEN and non-HYBE acts such as BLACKPINK and NCT-127.
This is a transformational time for the company built on the global success of boy band BTS but now expanding into new markets and initiatives. In July, HYBE named Jason Jaesang Lee as its new CEO to lead its growth strategy that was announced on Aug. 1. Dubbed “HYBE 2.0,” the plan reorganizes the company to drive global expansion and focus on tech-driven initiatives. HYBE Music Group APAC combines its record labels in South Korea and Japan. The Scooter Braun-led HYBE America will bring management to its label operations. Social media platform Weverse will launch a subscription membership tier. HYBE is also accelerating its efforts in gaming, AI, audio and voice technology.
K-pop has been gathering commercial momentum in the U.S. over a decade, and this week it achieves a historic milestone on the Billboard 200. As Billboard reported on Sunday, this current chart (dated Aug. 3) marks the first time that the top two spots are both held by K-pop (Korean pop) albums. Stray Kids’ ATE debuts […]
K-pop stars Stray Kids have unveiled their latest single “Chk Chk Boom,” featuring a star-studded music video with Hollywood heavyweights Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds.
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The track, released on Friday, July 19, serves as the lead single for the group’s new mini-album ATE.
The video opens with Jackman and Reynolds reprising their Marvel roles as Wolverine and Deadpool, co-anchoring a fictional news program. Between these comedic segments, Stray Kids deliver a high-energy performance of the bombastic track across rooftop sets and city streets.
“Boom, vamos, I know that you want it / Boom, lobos, we cannot stop hunting / Boom, ratatata, I’mma make it / Boom, boom, chk chk boom,” the group chants in the chorus.
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ATE marks Stray Kids’ second release of 2024, following their English single “Lose My Breath” featuring Charlie Puth.
On a recent episode of Apple Music’s All About Stray Kids Radio, Bang Chan and Felix opened up about the new project. Felix revealed that ATE’s overall concept is “something we haven’t done.” Bang Chan agreed, adding that not only is the title track single fresh but “a lot of the other songs [are] as well, it’s all very different… what we recorded, it’s just showing a different side of Stray Kids.”
The K-pop octet’s chart dominance continues to grow, with their previous four projects all debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This achievement makes Stray Kids the first act to send their first four charting albums to the top spot since Alicia Keys’ run from 2001 to 2007.
Stray Kids have also announced the dominATE world tour, set to kick off later this year and run through 2025. The tour will see the group perform across Asia, Europe, and North America.
In addition to their own project, Stray Kids are contributing an original song titled “Slash” to the upcoming Marvel film, Deadpool & Wolverine. The soundtrack, which drops later this month, also features hits from *NSYNC, Fergie, and the Goo Goo Dolls.
ATE is now available on all major streaming platforms. Check out “Chk Chk Boom” music video below.
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ATEEZ has been celebrating the success of their latest album Golden Hour: Part.1, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard‘s Top Album Sales on June 15 while touring across major cities in North America. To commemorate their milestone, the K-pop group has joined the likes of Beyoncé, Megan Thee Stallion, Dua Lipa and Doja Cat who have chosen Amazon as the destination for their official tour merch.
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This marks ATEEZ’s first-ever official drop through the online retailer, which helps grant access to tour merch to a wider scale of fans. Whether or not you plan to see the “Work” singers’ world tour in person, this collection will let you wear official apparel and accessories inspired by their latest album. One of the most notable items you can choose from includes a new light stick featuring a gold base and exclusive box that you can display when it’s not in use.
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Keep reading to shop ATEEZ’s new tour merch on Amazon.
ATEEZ Official Light Stick – Version 2
The new version of the K-pop group’s light stick comes with a lock design on the handle and a sand timer within the plastic dome. You’ll be able to choose from four different modes for the LED lights and you can also open the top to customize your experience. Batteries are not included.
ATEEZ Official Exclusive Group T-Shirt
Give your classic white T-shirt an ATEEZ makeover with this simple top that’ll easily become the staple of your collection. The front comes with a black and white photo of the singers with their name underneath and it’s made with a soft breathable cotton material for added coziness.
ATEEZ Official Exclusive Group Hoodie
Carry the K-pop group with you in this cozy hoodie that features a graphic of every member on the back in addition to a puffy textured logo of ATEEZ across the center front portion of the hoodie. When you’re feeling chilly, the 100% cotton material will help lock out cold breezes while the drawstring hood allows you to adjust to your needs.
And, if you want to show off your love for a specific member, there are black T-shirts spotlighting each individual member including Hongjoong, Jongho, Mingi, San, Seonghwa, Wooyoung, Yeosang and Yunho available for $30 each.
Tickets are still available to see ATEEZ’s world tour, with offers available from $49 on Ticketmaster, StubHub, Vivid Seats (score $20 off purchases of $200+ with code BB2024), Gametime (get $20 off orders of $150+ with code SAVE20) and SeatGeek (first purchases can use BILLBOARD10 to save $10 off your ticket purchases of $250+).
ATEEZ Tour Dates
Below are the latest ATEEZ Towards the Light: Will to Power tour dates or you can click here for more info.
July 14: Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, Wash.
July 17: Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif.
July 20-21: BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif.
July 25: Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
July 28: Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas
July 30-31: Gas South Arena in Duluth, Ga.
August 3: Citi Field in New York, N.Y.
August 6: Capitol One Arena in Washington D.C.
August 8: Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario
August 10-11: Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best BLACKPINK merch, BTS merch and Stray Kids merch.
With a boistrous new singe under her belt, LISA of BLACKPINK is proudly stepping out on her own — and she’s bringing a few Thai influencers with her. Eagle-eyed fans noticed three transgender influencers — Chinnawat Promsri, Bruze Kachi-sarah and Aëffy — featured throughout the clip. Alongside shots of LISA dancing her way through Bangkok, […]
Jimin, a member of the global phenomenon BTS, has just released his highly anticipated pre-release single “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” featuring Loco.
The track offers fans an exciting preview of his upcoming second solo album, MUSE, set to drop on July 19.
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Inspired by The Beatles‘ iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” masterfully blends hip-hop beats with the lively, brassy sound of a marching band. Jimin collaborated once again with renowned producers Pdogg, GHSTLOOP, and EVAN, who previously worked on his debut solo album, FACE.
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The impressive production team also includes Tommy Brown, known for his work with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, and Mr. Franks.
The song’s title references the fictional flower “Smeraldo,” which symbolizes “the truth untold.”
The lyrics delve into themes of longing and unspoken love, connecting to the “Smeraldo” legend previously mentioned in BTS’ “The Truth Untold” featuring Steve Aoki from their LOVE YOURSELF 轉 ‘Tear’ album.
The accompanying music video, out now via HYBE LABELS’ YouTube channel, opens with a serene landscape before zooming in on Jimin, who performs as the lead vocalist with producers Pdogg, GHSTLOOP, and EVAN playing as the band’s musicians, and a special appearance by Loco. The video’s nostalgic, vintage feel is amplified by cinematic opening credits and a faded, grainy texture while showcasing Jimin’s smooth dance moves and versatile voice.
MUSE, Jimin’s highly anticipated second solo album seven will feature interconnected tracks, all revolving around the theme of love.
The album’s tracklist includes “Rebirth,” “Interlude: Showtime,” “Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” featuring Loco, “Slow Dance” featuring Sofia Carson, “Be Mine,” “Who,” and “Closer Than This,” which was released in December.
Jimin has wowed audiences across the globe with his distinctive vocals and impressive range, as demonstrated in solo tracks like “Lie,” “Serendipity,” and “Promise,” as well as collaborations such as “With you” from the Our Blues OST and “VIBE” with Taeyang.
His debut solo album, FACE, made history when he became the first South Korean solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.
BTS, consisting of RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their debut in June 2013.
The group is celebrated worldwide for their self-produced music, packed performances, and deep connection with their fans, known as ARMY. They have achieved numerous accolades, including six No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles and multiple sold-out stadium shows worldwide.
“Smeraldo Garden Marching Band” featuring Loco is out now, while MUSE drops July 19.
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NewJeans is asking an American court to force Google to unmask an anonymous YouTube user so that the person can be criminally prosecuted under South Korea’s strict libel laws for posting “false and defamatory videos” about the K-pop band.
In court documents filed last month, attorneys for NewJeans requested that a California federal judge issue a subpoena requiring Google to reveal the user’s identity. The band wants the info because they are seeking criminal charges in South Korea – a far more serious penalty for defamation than exists under U.S. law.
“The applicants are members of a female K-Pop group, who have come under attack by an anonymous individual posting false and defamatory videos on YouTube,” the group’s lawyer wrote in the March 27 petition, which was obtained by Billboard. “Unfortunately, without the YouTuber’s personally identifiable information the criminal case cannot be fully prosecuted.”
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The band’s target is the anonymous owner of a YouTube account called “7th Grade in Middle School,” which attorneys for NewJeans say has “engaged in name-calling or other mocking behavior” and has posted as many as 33 defamatory videos that have been viewed more than 13 million times. They cited one particularly “derogatory” post, which allegedly claimed that NewJeans member Min-ji Kim was the “eldest daughter of a Vietnamese farmer.”
HYBE, the parent company of NewJeans’ label ADOR, did not immediately return a request for comment on the legal proceedings. The recent court filings, which were refiled in court last week, were first reported by The New York Times.
The case illustrates striking differences between U.S. and South Korean protections for free speech. Under American law, defamation is a civil wrong that can lead to damages, but one that’s sharply limited by the First Amendment. To win such a case, public figures like the members of NewJeans would need to prove that the YouTube user knowingly made false statements, a burden that’s intentionally difficult to satisfy.
In South Korea, on the other hand, defamation is a criminal offense that can be “punished by imprisonment with labor for up to seven years,” and even fully true statements can face criminal penalties. In 2015, a United Nations watchdog called out South Korea‘s “increasing use of criminal defamation laws to prosecute persons who criticize government action.” In 2022, a U.S. State Department report warned that public figures in Korea had used the country’s libel laws to “restrict public discussion and harass, intimidate, or censor private and media expression.”
NewJeans isn’t the first K-pop group to use those laws. In 2019, HYBE (then Big Hit Entertainment) filed criminal defamation cases over BTS, alleging the targets had behind “personal attacks” on the band. In 2022, Big Hit did so again over “malicious postings” about BTS, asking the group’s famous fan “army” to help gather evidence. YG Entertainment, the label behind Blackpink, has also filed its own complaint against “internet trolls,” accusing them of “spreading groundless rumours about our singers.”
According to the recent U.S. court filings, NewJeans’ label ADOR filed a criminal complaint with police in Seoul in March, but the case has stalled because they cannot identify the actual person behind the YouTube account. The group’s attorneys say they sent a request for such information to Google, but that the American tech giant has refused to hand it over.
A spokesman for Google declined to comment when reached by Billboard on Thursday. In a policy statement regarding government requests for personal information, the company says: “Google carefully reviews each request to make sure it satisfies applicable laws. If a request asks for too much information, we try to narrow it, and in some cases we object to producing any information at all.”
The members of BLACKPINK are closing out the year with some bombshell news — Jennie, Jisoo, Rosé and Lisa have split with YG Entertainment for all solo endeavors.
On Friday (Dec. 29), YG issued a statement announcing the decision. “YG recently signed an extension contract for BLACKPINK’s group activities and agreed not to proceed with a separate additional contract for individual activities,” read a translated statement provided to Billboard by representatives for YG Entertainment. “We will do our best to support BLACKPINK’s activities and will cheer for the individual activities of the members with a warm heart.”
Earlier this month (Dec. 6), via a regulatory filing, YG Entertainment confirmed that BLACKPINK had renewed its contract with the company for all group activities. Details regarding the new contracts were not immediately available upon filing.
Just this week (Dec. 24), Jennie shared that she will be launching a new record label and company called OA. A caption of a photoset posted to the official OA Instagram page reads: “OA, which stands for ODD ATELIER, is a space that aims to create new things that attract attention in a different way from what is usual or expected. It is a label founded by artist JENNIE in November 2023.”
To date, all four members of BLACKPINK have begun their respective solo journeys. In 2021, both Rosé and Lisa unleashed their debut solo albums. Rosé’s -R- contained the single “On the Ground,” which debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. US charts — the first song by a Korean solo artist to do so. With her LaLisa album — which housed a pair of Billboard Hot 100 hits in the title track (No. 84) and “Money” (No. 90) — Lisa became the first soloist to win the MTV Video Music Award for best K-pop.
This spring (Mar. 31), Jisoo released Me, her debut single album. The two-track project was led by “Flower,” which reached No. 2 on the Global 200. Although Jennie was the first BLACKPINK member to go solo back in 2018 (her aptly titled “Solo” peaked atop US World Digital Song Sales), she finally made her Hot 100 debut on the chart dated Dec. 30, 2023, with her Idol hit “One of the Girls” alongside The Weeknd & Lily-Rose Depp. In June, Jennie starred in the controversial Weeknd-produced HBO drama The Idol.
BLACKPINK is, to date, the most successful K-pop girl group in U.S. history. In 2023, the group headlined Coachella and wrapped their blockbuster Born Pink World Tour (which helped them take home top K-pop touring artist at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards) in support of their Billboard 200-topping Born Pink album.
Representatives for BLACKPINK did not immediately respond to Billboard’s request for comment.