BLACKPINK, ENHYPEN, NMIXX among honorees at the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards

 

BLACKPINK, ENHYPEN, NMIXX among honorees at the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards

By Jonathan Hicap

K-pop groups BLACKPINK, ENHYPEN and NMIXX along with other personalities were named honorees at the 17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards on Oct. 29 at the National Theater of Korea. 

Marking its 17th edition since its launch in 2010, the awards ceremony is the most prestigious government-awarded honor in the field of popular culture and arts. 

It recognizes individuals for elevating the social status of popular culture and arts professionals and for their contributions to the development of the industry.

There were 36 honorees this year: 10 for the prestigious Order of Cultural Merit, seven for Presidential Commendation, eight for Prime Minister’s Commendation, and 11 for the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation. 

The 2016 honorees represented a diverse range of fields within popular culture and the arts, including singers, actors, comedians, radio personalities, music directors, voice actors, jazz musicians, musical theater actors, choreographers, and producers of live performances and films.

The late singer Shin Hae-chul, who debuted after winning the grand prize at the 1988 MBC Campus Song Festival and later led the popularization of Korean rock music, was honored with the Eungwan (Silver) Crown Order of Cultural Merit. 

“Running Man” star, comedian and TV personality Yoo Jae-suk received the Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit. 

BLACKPINK was given the Ok-gwan (Jeweled Crown) Order of Cultural Merit. 

K-pop groups ENHYPEN and NMIXX were among the 11 honorees of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation. 

17th Korea Popular Culture and Arts Awards honorees: 

Eungwan (Silver Crown) Order of Cultural Merit

- The late singer Shin Hae-chul

Bogwan (Precious Crown) Order of Cultural Merit

- Park Myung-sung, a performing arts producer who has been active in the field for more than 40 years.

- Voice actor Park Young-nam, known for lending her voice to iconic characters in works such as *Dooly the Little Dinosaur* and *Crayon Shin-chan*.

- Musician Shin Gwan-woong, who has been a fixture on the jazz scene for over half a century.

- Comedian and TV personality Yoo Jae-suk, a prominent figure in broadcasting for over 30 years, known for shows like “Running Man: and *Infinite Challenge*.

- Singer Han Young-ae, who is celebrating the 50th anniversary of her debut.

Recipients of commendations from the President, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism:

Presidential Commendation

- Music Director Kang Seung-won, who has led music programs for 36 years

- The band Boohwal, which has kept the legacy of Korean rock alive for over 40 years

- K-pop boy band Super Junior, which ignited a K-pop craze with their hit "Sorry, Sorry"

- Actor Yoo Hae-jin, who has appeared in five "ten-million-viewer" (blockbuster) films

- Director Jang Hang-jun, whose film *The King’s Warden” stands as the second highest-grossing Korean film of all time

- Actor Ryu Seung-ryong, who has appeared in four "ten-million-viewer" films 

- Actor So Ji-sub, who has remained consistently beloved for his roles 

Prime Minister’s Commendation

- Broadcaster Bae Mi-hyang, who has hosted the radio program *Bae Mi-hyang’s Evening Sketch* for over 25 years

- Actor Yoo Seung-mok, who has portrayed a wide range of characters across various projects

- Director Yoon Ga-eun, who has garnered international acclaim at film festivals for works such as *The World of Us*

- “Pansori” performer and musical actress Lee Ja-ram

- Composer Lee Jae, who achieved a Billboard No. 1 hit and a Grammy Award with the song "Golden"

- Actress Kim Go-eun, who has demonstrated great versatility across both television dramas and "ten-million-viewer" films

- Actor Oh Jung-se, who has been active across a diverse range of genres, including both film and television

- The sibling duo AKMU

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Commendation

- Comedian Kim Shin-young

- Comedian Kim Won-hun

- Choreographer Lee Jung

-  Actress Lim Ji-yeon, who delivered a stellar performance in works such as *The Glory*

- Film producer Jang Won-seok

- Actor Choi Dae-hoon

- Actor Park Ji-hoon, who left a profound impression with his portrayal of King Danjong in *The King’s Warden” 

- Actor Yoon Kyung-ho

- Singer Jang Min-ho, who garnered immense popularity through *Mr. Trot*

- Girl group NMIXX

- Idol group ENHYPEN

Pinoy dance crew among winners at K-Pop dance cover fest in Seoul

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Oct 18, 2026 12:51 pm | 

Now in its 16th year, the 2026 K-Pop Cover Dance Festival featured over 100 participants from 13 countries.

During the final round, Meraki performed K-pop group TWICE’s “Ooh-Ahh” and “Heart Shaker.” 

They were named winners alongside male cover dance group EXNITE from Indonesia, and K*Dear from Japan. 

The judges were Choi Young Jun from Team Same, Nohwon from 1Million Amazon, Paperman from Lock’N’Lol Crew and Ryuo from Auspicious Crew. 

Meraki earned the right to represent the Philippines in the KCDF World Final when they won the local round in June during the “Everyone’s KPop: KPop in Colors."

The world final in Seoul was hosted by The Seoul Shinmun Daily and sponsored by the Korean Cultural Center, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea Entertainment Producers Association, Federation of Korean Music Performers, Seoul Tourism Organization and Black Clover.   The K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) World Final in Seoul on Oct. 17 (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

Winner Meraki from the Philippines (Photo from K-Pop Cover Dance Festival Instagram account)

Winner Meraki from the Philippines at the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) World Final in Seoul on Oct. 17 (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

Winner Meraki from the Philippines at the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) World Final in Seoul on Oct. 17 (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

Meraki from the Philippines performing at the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) World Final in Seoul on Oct. 17 (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

Winner Meraki from the Philippines at the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) World Final in Seoul on Oct. 17 (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

EXNITE from Indonesia (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

K*Dear from Japan (Screenshot from K-pop TV video on YouTube)

The judges (Photo from K-Pop Cover Dance Festival Instagram account)

BLACKPINK fans urge YG Entertainment to mark 10th anniversary with major group activities

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Aug 5, 2026 10:00 am

BLACKPINK (YG Entertainment)

Fans of BLACKPINK are calling on YG Entertainment to mark the group’s upcoming 10th debut anniversary with more significant group activities, saying the milestone deserves a celebration that reflects the K-pop act’s global influence.

BLACKPINK, composed of Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa, debuted on Aug. 8, 2016, and will celebrate a decade in the music industry this year.

In a statement posted on X, fan organization BLACKPINK Blink Union said the anniversary is a rare milestone that should be commemorated with meaningful projects centered on the group.  

“BLACKPINK is not just one of YG Entertainment’s artists… they are the biggest girl group in the world. Their legacy has been built through their identity as a team, and a 10th anniversary is a rare milestone that deserves to be celebrated in a meaningful way,” the group said.

The fan union urged YG Entertainment to organize “significant group activities,” including new music releases, special performances and projects highlighting BLACKPINK’s decade-long journey.

The appeal comes as some BLINKs have expressed disappointment over what they see as limited anniversary preparations.

While YG Entertainment released a commemorative message and announced initiatives such as a “Heritage Collection” and a Weverse membership badge event, some fans said they hoped the celebration would include more substantial group content.

Fans also pointed to BLACKPINK’s relatively small discography compared with other artists of similar global stature, saying more unreleased or previously recorded songs could have been shared during long periods with limited group activities.   

“It is especially difficult to understand why previously recorded or unreleased songs have not been coordinated for release when there have been long periods with little group content,” BLACKPINK Blink Union said.

The fan group stressed that the statement was made out of support for BLACKPINK and not as an attack on the agency.

“We sincerely ask that our voices not be overlooked. The fans have been an essential part of BLACKPINK’s success, and we hope this milestone becomes a celebration shared by both the artists and the fandom that has supported them unconditionally for the past decade,” it said.

BLACKPINK (YG Entertainment)

Girls' Generation member Yuri leaves SM Entertainment after 19 years, stays with group

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jul 31, 2026 02:07 pm

Yuri of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation will leave SM Entertainment after nearly two decades, ending a partnership that began with her debut in 2007, the agency announced Friday.

SM Entertainment said Yuri, whose real name is Kwon Yuri, will conclude her exclusive contract with the company on Aug. 31 following mutual discussions.

"It has been a precious time for SM Entertainment to be with Kwon Yuri throughout her entire journey, from her debut with Girls' Generation in 2007... and finally shining as an actress," the agency said in a statement.   

The move marks the latest high-profile departure from one of South Korea's biggest entertainment companies as veteran K-pop artists increasingly pursue independent careers while continuing activities with their groups.

That said, SM Entertainment clarified that Yuri will remain a member of Girls' Generation despite leaving the agency.

"Although her exclusive contract with our company has ended, she will continue her activities as a member of Girls' Generation without change," it said.

Debuting in 2007, Girls' Generation became one of K-pop's defining acts, helping drive the genre's global popularity with hits including "Gee," "Genie" and "I Got a Boy."  

Outside music, Yuri has built a successful acting career, starring in dramas such as "Bossam: Steal the Fate," "Good Job" and "Parole Examiner Lee." She has also appeared in variety programs including "The Zone: Survival Mission" and "Business Genius Baeksajang."

Yuri of Girls' Generation (Instagram)

Yuri of Girls' Generation (Instagram)

Lexie exits HYBE and Geffen's new girl group Saint Satine before debut

By Jonathan Hicap   

The companies announced on July 14 that they had mutually agreed to part ways with the Swedish trainee after extensive discussions about the group's future.

"Following extensive and thoughtful discussions with Lexie regarding the group's future activities, both parties have mutually agreed to part ways. While Lexie will no longer continue as a member of Saint Satine or as part of HxG, we sincerely wish her all the best in her future endeavors," HYBE and Geffen said in a statement.   

The companies added, "We kindly ask for your continued support for Saint Satine's upcoming activities, and HxG will continue to put our full support behind the group's path to debut."

Lexie also addressed fans on Instagram, saying the decision came down to differences in working styles.

"I have nothing but respect and appreciation for the team, but we have different ways of operating, and that's okay!" she wrote.

Saint Satine was formed through the audition program "World Scout: The Final Piece."  

In May, HYBE and Geffen introduced Sakura as the group's final member, completing the lineup with Emily from the United States, Samara from Brazil and Lexie.

With Lexie's departure, the group is expected to move forward as a trio unless a replacement member is announced before its planned debut in the second half of the year.

The exit is a significant development because lineup changes are relatively uncommon this close to a major group's debut, particularly for a project backed by HYBE—the company behind BTS, SEVENTEEN and LE SSERAFIM—and Geffen Records, which have positioned Saint Satine as a global girl group.    

Saint Satine (Instagram)

Lexie's message about her departure from Saint Satine (Instagram)

Third BTS concert date added in Bulacan amid high demand

By Jonathan Hicap

Concert promoter Live Nation Philippines announced on June 17 that a third show will take place on March 16, 2027, at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan, joining the previously scheduled March 13 and 14 performances.

“ARMY. One more night, one more chance to experience BTS WORLD TOUR ‘ARIRANG’ IN BULACAN,” the promoter said in its announcement, confirming the additional show for the group’s highly anticipated return to the country.   

The expansion of the concert schedule comes after widespread calls from fans, with many Filipino ARMY members urging organizers to add another date after thousands were unable to secure tickets for the initial two shows, both of which sold out quickly.

Ticket access for the newly added concert will follow a staggered sale schedule, with an ARMY Membership presale set on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., followed by the general onsale on June 20 starting 9 a.m. 

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

BTS' "Arirang" world tour in Bulacan (Live Nation Philippines)

Anne Curtis, Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino lead Filipino nominees at Seoul International Drama Awards 2026

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jun 15, 2026 05:05 pm

Filipino stars are once again making their mark on the international stage as several local actors earned nominations at the 2026 Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA), one of Asia's most prestigious television awards events.

Among the biggest Filipino names nominated for the Outstanding Asian Star category are Anne Curtis, Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu, Dingdong Dantes, Joshua Garcia, Gerald Anderson, Carlo Aquino, Angelica Panganiban, Bela Padilla, and Shaina Magdayao.

The nominations come as the SDA announced a record-breaking year, receiving 352 drama entries from 46 countries and regions—the highest number of submissions in the festival's history. The figure surpassed the previous record of 346 entries set in 2024 and is significantly higher than last year's 276 submissions.   

For Filipino fans, the spotlight is now on the Outstanding Asian Star voting, which officially opened on June 15 and will run until July 14 through the IdolChamp app.

A total of 23 Filipino actors and actresses are competing in the category, representing some of the country's most talked-about television projects.

The Philippine nominees are:

• Paulo Avelino ("The Alibi")
• Kim Chiu ("The Alibi")
• Anne Curtis ("It's Okay To Not Be Okay")
• Carlo Aquino ("It's Okay To Not Be Okay")
• Joshua Garcia ("Love Is Never Gone," "It's Okay To Not Be Okay")
• Dingdong Dantes ("The Master Cutter")
• Gerald Anderson ("Sins of the Father," "Blood vs Duty")
• Angelica Panganiban ("The Silent Noise")
• Bela Padilla ("Blood vs Duty")
• Shaina Magdayao ("Sins of the Father")
• Charlie Dizon ("What Lies Beneath")
• Kaila Estrada ("What Lies Beneath")
• JM De Guzman ("What Lies Beneath")
• Jake Cuenca ("What Lies Beneath")
• Ivana Alawi ("Love Is Never Gone")
• Zanjoe Marudo ("The Silent Noise")
• Amy Austria ("The First Vote")
• Anton Vinzon ("The Fist")
• Katrina Halili ("The Fist")
• Roi Vinzon ("The Fist")
• Max Collins ("The Master Cutter")
• JM Ibarra ("Ghosting")
• Sofia "Fyang" Smith ("Ghosting")

(Clockwise from top left) Doh Kyung-soo, Anne Curtis, Win Metawin Opasiamkajorn, Dilraba Dilmurat, Kazuya Kamenashi and Jisoo (Photos from SDA)

The Outstanding Asian Star award recognizes performers who have made a significant impact in six participating territories: the Philippines, South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand.

Meanwhile, South Korea's nominees include some of the biggest names in Hallyu today, including Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, Ji Chang-wook, Doh Kyung-soo, Kim Woo-bin, Suzy, Lim Yoon-a, Park Bo-young, and BLACKPINK member Jisoo.

Thailand is also strongly represented with nominees such as Win Metawin, Gemini Norawit, Milk Pansa Vosbein, Love Pattranite Limpatiyakorn, Namtan Tipnaree, Film Rachanun, and Rebecca Patricia Armstrong.

Beyond the fan-voted categories, this year's Seoul International Drama Awards showcases productions from across Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, and Africa. Organizers also noted a growing number of short-form drama submissions and increased participation from African countries, with Algeria, Rwanda, and Togo joining the competition for the first time.

The 21st Seoul International Drama Awards will be held on Oct. 8 at KBS Hall in Seoul, with the official list of nominees for the international competition expected to be announced later.

Lineup of new HYBE-Geffen girl group Saint Satine confirmed

By Jonathan Hicap

Published May 13, 2026 12:02 pm | Updated May 13, 2026 04:27 pm

HYBE and Geffen Records have confirmed the final lineup of their new global girl group, Saint Satine, which is set to debut following the success of KATSEYE.

The companies unveiled the members of Saint Satine through the audition program “World Scout: The Final Piece.”

The group will consist of Emily from the United States, Lexie from Sweden, Sakura from Japan, and Samara from Brazil.   

Sakura was announced as the final member of the group and expressed gratitude after securing her spot in the lineup.

“I wanted to become an artist who shines on the world stage. I am grateful to have achieved my dream,” she said.

Performance director Son Sung-deuk explained the meaning behind the group’s name, saying “‘Saint’ signifies intense charisma and musical presence, while ‘Satine’ represents a soft, elegant, and sophisticated image.”

Members of KATSEYE also attended the event announcing the new act.   

Saint Satine is scheduled to debut in the second half of the year.

Meanwhile, HYBE also unveiled a new mission statement, vision, and corporate identity as part of the company’s next phase of growth and long-term business strategy.

The company’s new mission statement is: “Discover A New Universe, Unlock An Immersive Journey.”

According to HYBE, the mission reflects its commitment to creating immersive experiences through artists, content, and services that allow fans to discover new tastes, identities, and worlds.

The company said the mission also underscores its goal of continuously delivering new experiences in response to changing times and evolving generations.

HYBE added that its previous mission statement, “We believe in Music,” will continue to serve as a guiding principle for its music businesses.   

To support its new direction, the company also introduced an updated vision statement: “Global Entertainment Lifestyle Platform Company Based on Music and Technology.”

HYBE said the revised vision highlights its ambition to grow into an entertainment lifestyle platform company powered by both music and technology.

“The most significant change in the updated vision is the explicit addition of ‘Technology,’” the company said.

“While music and fans remain at the core and utmost priority, the new vision encapsulates our commitment to advancing the industry by incorporating necessary technology to expand the boundaries of the fan experience,” it added.

Saint Satine member Lexie (Instagram)

Saint Satine member Emily (Instagram)

Saint Satine member Samara (Instagram)

Saint Satine member Sakura (Instagram)

Hearts2Hearts releases new single 'Rude!'

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Feb 21, 2026 04:10 pm   

K-pop’s rising stars Hearts2Hearts dropped their new single “Rude!,” their first music release in 2026. 

Hearts2Hearts won seven Rookie of the Year awards last year, establishing themselves as one of the industry’s most promising new acts.

“Rude!” captures the playful spirit of cheeky rule-benders who refuse to be confined by convention.     

While their previous house track “Focus” leaned into a sleek and chic mood, “Rude!” delivers brighter textures and a more dynamic take on the genre, showcasing a new dimension of the group’s evolving sound. 

In the music video for “Rude!,” the members appear as employees at a factory that manufactures social media “likes,” visualized as glowing hearts. When the emergence of a ‘fake heart’ causes the once-radiant ‘Super Heart’ to lose its glow, the members set out to restore it. The imaginative storyline mirrors the song’s vibrant, fearless energy – a reminder that authenticity always wins. 

Hearts2Hearts' "Rude!" (SM Entertainment)

Hearts2Hearts will debut the performance of “Rude!” live at their 2026 Hearts2Hearts Fanmeeting, which will be held on Feb. 21 and 22 at Olympic Hall in Seoul’s Olympic Park. 

The event marks the group’s first fan meeting and is expected to highlight both the song’s addictive appeal and the members’ growing stage presence.     

The comeback also arrives just ahead of a meaningful milestone. Hearts2Hearts will celebrate their first debut anniversary on Feb. 24 before heading overseas to meet global fans. 

They will hold North American showcases in New York on March 19 and Los Angeles on March 22. The US shows will be followed by a fan meeting in Jakarta on March 28, expanding their international momentum as they step confidently into their second year.

All eyes are on Hearts2Hearts as they continue to build their distinct music universe through a diverse range of releases, which include the mysterious and dream-like “The Chase,” the bubbly disco-house “Style” and five-track debut mini album “Focus.”  

Hearts2Hearts (SM Entertainment)

Hearts2Hearts (SM Entertainment)

'APT.' by Rosé, Bruno Mars crowned IFPI's biggest-selling global single of 2025

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Feb 20, 2026 08:18 am | Updated Feb 20, 2026 01:40 pm

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) announced that "APT." by BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars is the biggest-selling Global Single of the Year 2025. 

Garnering 2.06 billion units, "APT." grabbed the No. 1 spot with several milestones. It is the first time the IFPI Global Single Chart has been topped by an artist outside of North America or Europe, and the first time a winning single has featured non-English lyrics. 

IFPI said this meant an increasingly global nature of recorded music and the role of labels in breaking language and market barriers.  

It added that the song’s release was sustained by coordinated international label campaigns, aligning radio, digital platforms, and marketing efforts across regions. 

The top 20 IFPI Global Single Chart (IFPI)

The top 10 IFPI Global Single Chart (IFPI)

Rosé and Bruno Mars (Instagram)

This is Bruno Mars first No. 1 IFPI Global Single since “Just The Way You Are” in 2011.

IFPI CEO Victoria Oakley said, “Rosé and Bruno Mars topping the IFPI Global Single Chart with APT. is a landmark moment, not least as it's the first time a winning single has featured non-English lyrics. This year’s results also underline the global reach of today’s music market, with songs connecting across languages and borders.”

“APT.” won Song of the Year at the  MTV Video Music Awards,  Asia Artist Awards, MAMA Awards.   

It was nominated in three categories at the 68th Grammy Awards: Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year.

Placing second on IFPI’s list is “Golden” by HUNTR/X from the animated film “KPop Demon Hunters.” 

“Soda Pop” by Saja Boys, also from the film, placed 13th. 

“The IFPI Global Single Chart measures consumption of a track (including remixes and alternative versions) and considers single track downloads and streaming across both free and paid platforms, translated into chart units by IFPI according to a rigorous methodology based on the relative economics of each format in each region globally,” according to IFPI. 

Also in the top 10 were Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s “Die With A Smile” at No. 4,  and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “luther” at No. 8. 

IFPI represents over 8,000 record company members worldwide. 

BLACKPINK's 'Kill This Love' reaches 1 billion streams on Spotify

 

Spotify announced the 36 new members of its Billions Club for January, or songs have reached one billion streams on the music platform.  

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Feb 13, 2026 02:34 pm

These include “Kill This Love,” “Try” by Pink, “Pump It” by Black Eyed Peas, “Born to Die” by Lana Del Ray, “Shower” by Becky G, “From The Start” by Laufey, “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers, “I Like You (A Happier Song)” by Post Malone and Doja Cat, “Moral of the Story” by Ashe, “Feel This Moment” by Pitbull and Christina Aguilera, “Ribs” by Lorde, “Confident” by Justin Bieber and Chance The Rapper, and “Hate Me” by Ellie Goulding and Juice Wrld.  

K-pop girl group Everglow announces cities for 'RE:CODE' world tour

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Feb 5, 2026 10:07 am   

   Overglow (CHXXTA Company)

Korean girl group Everglow announced the lineup of cities for their upcoming world tour “RE:CODE.” 

The “RE:CODE” tour will kick off in Seoul and continue in seven cities across North America from April 17 to May 8. 

After visiting North America, they will also meet fans in Latin America and Europe, including Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Milan, Munich, Budapest, Berlin, Warsaw, Amsterdam, Paris, and London.    

RE:CODE North America Tour Schedule 

April 17: New York

April 19: Dallas

April 23: San Francisco   

April 25: Los Angeles

April 30: Calgary

May 3: Toronto

May 8: Montreal

“I am especially excited as this tour will give us the opportunity to meet fans around the world in person. We are preparing the performances with a new mindset, hoping that our fans are looking forward to the stages that are ready to unveil,” said member Sihyeon.  

Everglow held their Asia fan meeting tour from October to December last year in Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo, Taipei, and Hong Kong, but the “RE:CODE” is their first world tour after rebranding as a quartet under their new management company, and will serve as an important starting point for the group to accelerate their global activities.    

With the world tour, they aim to showcase their powerful performance skills that are well-known to many fans, and to introduce a new theme and message that will represent the group’s next chapter.

“We are truly happy and delighted to be able to meet fans from all over the world through this tour. We are preparing diligently, and plan to showcase a wide range of new sides and fresh energy on stage that is different from what we have shown before,” said member Onda.

The cities for Everglow's world tour (CHXXTA Company)

Everglow (CHXXTA Company)

BLACKPINK set for comeback with new album 'Deadline' in February

By Jonathan Hicap

Published Jan 15, 2026 03:53 pm

BLACKPINK (Instagram)

K-pop girl group BLACKPINK will be returning to the music scene with the release of their third mini-album “Deadline” on Feb. 27. 

On Jan. 14, a video announcing BLACKPINK’s new album was uploaded on YouTube. 

The album's title, "Deadline,” is the same name of BLACKPINK’s current world tour. Fans expressed excitement for BLACKPINK’s new album.    

Last year, with their digital single "Jump," BLACKPINK achieved their third No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. 

YG Entertainment, BLACKPINK’s agency, earlier announced the group’s comeback. The agency said they have already finished filming the music video and other major album works and are currently in post-production. 

"We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the fans who have waited for a considerable amount of time. We plan to repay you with high-quality music, so please show lots of interest,” said the agency, Korean media reported. 

BLACKPINK’s world tour covers 16 cities with 33 shows. They held the concert tour in the Philippines on Nov. 22 and 23 last year at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.   

They will perform at the Tokyo Dome in Japan from Jan. 16 to 18, and will end the tour at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Jan. 24 to 26. 

BLACKPINK (Instagram)

The announcement about BLACKPINK's new album "Deadline" (Screenshot from BLACKPINK video on YouTube)