This Week in K-pop: Kim Jong Kook Marriage, Lisa in ‘Dream’ MV
Hallyu hour
Welcome back to another round-up of the biggest Hallyu news. If you’ve been busy, not to fret, because we’ll bring you right up to speed with what netizens are buzzing about. From Kim Jung Kook’s surprise marriage announcement to thrilling summer comebacks and Lisa‘s tear-jerking short film, here’s everything you need to know about what went down in the K-entertainment world this week.
Running Man star Kim Jong Kook announces marriage
World, pause. Yes, you read that right—famously long-time bachelor Kim Jong Kook is getting married! Fans were not the only ones surprised by the announcement, as according to a variety show insider, Kim revealed the news to the Running Man cast on the day of their 19 August filming. The 49-year-old multi-faceted artist and personality shared his marriage news during the opening segment, and fans will be able to see the cast’s reactions in an upcoming episode at the end of the month!
Kim took to his official fan cafe to greet fans with heart-warming words that expressed his gratitude for their endless support and his nervousness over the news, writing: “I always thought the day would come when I’d have to write something like this, and I had prepared myself for it. But now that I’m actually writing, I’m more nervous and anxious than I ever imagined. I’m getting married.”
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Here is the rest of the letter: “To my fans, who have believed in me, supported me, and stood by me for such a long time, I wanted to be the first to let you know. I’m getting married. I know I’ve dropped little hints here and there, but I’m sure it still feels sudden to many of you. This year marks my 30th debut anniversary, and instead of making the album I wanted, I’ve created my other half.
“Please congratulate and support me. It may be late, but isn’t it fortunate that it’s happening now, at least? Right? I will do my best to live well. The wedding will be held soon, in a small and quiet ceremony with family, relatives, and a few close friends. Thanks to all of you who have been a great source of strength for such a long time, I am able to get married and take on a new challenge in life. I will strive to work harder and live even more diligently.”
Joy brings fun and charm with ‘Love Splash’
Trust Joy to deliver another infectious dose of serotonin right to our bloodstream. Today, the Red Velvet singer made her highly anticipated solo comeback with ‘Love Splash’, a pop-dance song that blends bright instrumentals with rhythmic bass and piano that perfectly reflects Joy’s cheerful personality.
BTS’ V given ceremonial first pitch honours for the Dodgers
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Baseball and BTS? Count us in! V will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Dodgers game on 25 August, according to the official Los Angeles Dodgers social media platforms. The singer will be kicking off the game between the Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds, so be sure to stream it live when it starts at 7:10pm PT!
Bill Gates confirmed as guest on You Quiz on the Block
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In a case of guests you never expected to see on a South Korean variety show (so far), Bill Gates has to take the cake. It’s definitely a head-turning combination, as the legendary philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft will be in for some good ol’ Korean variety antics and humour. According to Nam Seung Yong, an executive at CJ ENM, he shared, “We are honoured to host Bill Gates, a person who is connecting the world through technology and changing it through philanthropy, on ‘You Quiz on the Block.’”
This is not the first time the tvN show has worked with A-listers. In fact, it has featured global stars such as Scarlett Johansson, Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya. The episode with Bill Gates will premiere sometime this month.
Lisa and Kentaro Sakaguchi are tragic lovers in ‘Dream’ MV
Lisa and Kentaro got us blushing and crying! The pair showed off their immense chemistry in the cinematic short film for ‘Dream’, a single off Lisa’s solo debut album, Alter Ego. Since its release, the video has topped YouTube’s global trends for three consecutive days and secured the number one spot in the music video category. Further, the ‘Dream’ video garnered just over six million views within 24 hours, making it the biggest debut of any short film on YouTube this year.
Zerobaseone announces first full-length album
Mark your calendars—fifth-gen K-pop boy group, Zerobaseone, has released the full promotion schedule for their first full-length album, and it’s full of goodies! The record titled Never Say Never will drop on 1 September, followed by an offline fan showcase and an online comeback show on the same day.
ZEROBASEONE THE 1ST FULL ALBUM❝𝙉𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝘼𝙔 𝙉𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍❞Promotion Schedule Pre-Savehttps://t.co/Jo1YC6XYGd2025.09.01 18:00 (KST)#ZEROBASEONE #ZB1 #제로베이스원 #NEVER_SAY_NEVER pic.twitter.com/hdeKiuemeC
— ZEROBASEONE (@ZB1_official) July 30, 2025
On 23 July, the nine-membered group unveiled their pre-release single, ‘Slam Dunk’, a high-energy EDM and hip-hop track that gears fans up for the bold musical direction of their upcoming album.
Woodz drops surprise visualiser for new track
It wasn’t long since Woodz was discharged from the military on 21 July, but the multi-talented artist is already dropping new music for eager fans after a two-year hiatus. The singer went viral for his ballad ‘Drowning’, but instead of continuing in a similar vein, Woodz is proving to be ever the musical chameleon with ‘Smashing Concrete’, an epic punk rock track reflecting his impressive vocal range and versatile artistry.
Kpop Demon Hunters continues to surge on the charts
Pop culture phenomenon Kpop Demon Hunters is not slowing down anytime soon on the charts as fictional girl group Huntrix is one step away from topping the Billboard Hot 100! Yes, you read that right—the chart that ranks the most popular songs in America right now. On 29 July, Billboard revealed that Huntrix’s ‘Golden’ peaked at number 2 in its fifth consecutive week on the chart (psst, want more songs similar to ‘Golden’?).
But the trio’s hit is not the only song on the chart. In fact, all of the original songs from the Netflix animation film have hit new peaks and made it into the top 40 this week. Saja Boys’ ‘Your Idol’ and ‘Soda Pop’ are at number 12 and 21, respectively, while Huntrix’s ‘How It’s Done’ is at 19, ‘What It Sounds Like’ at 31, and ‘Takedown’ at 39. Finally, Rumi and Jinu’s duet ‘Free’ is at number 30.
Monsta X teases full-group comeback
The long-awaited return of Monsta X as a full group draws closer! On 27 July, a teaser was released for their upcoming 10th anniversary mini album, The X. With members Shownu, Minhyuk, Joohoney, Hyungwon, I.M., and Kihyun completing their military service, Monbebes won’t have to wait long to see them on stage together again. The popular boy group will reunite on 1 September, marking their first comeback as a complete group in four years.
TXT are ‘Beautiful Strangers’ in cinematic MV
TXT are known for their upbeat summer songs, but this time, the quintet are going down the more sentimental route. Released alongside their fourth full-length album, The Star Chapter: Together, the title track and music video for ‘Beautiful Strangers’ is a melancholic song with a trap rhythm that explores the healing and empowering strength of relying on one another in an increasingly lonely world. Notably, the choreography was also created by member Yeonjun. Listen to the album below:
Twice drops ultimate hype song, ‘This Is For’
Twice is celebrating their 10th anniversary with an album and title track dedicated to all their fans who’ve stood by them and deserve to be showered with love! On 11 July, the popular South Korean girl group released their fourth full-length album, This Is For, along with a fun music video that sees the members dancing, making mistakes, and laughing it off. ‘This Is For’ features a funky rhythm and anthemic chorus perfect for getting hyped up in the summer. Stream the album below!
Jeon Somi gears up for an ‘Extra’ summer bop
The latest K-pop idol to join the summer hype train is none other than solo pop princess Jeon Somi! Known for her catchy earworms and fun choreography, the singer unveiled the music video teaser for her upcoming digital single, ‘Extra’, making fans even more eager for her return. The track is slated to drop on 7 July, and it marks her first release in 11 months since ‘Ice Cream’.
TXT enters a new era with latest studio album
On 29 June, MOAs (TXT’s fandom) were treated to a visual feast when the popular boy group released a cinematic concept trailer for their upcoming fourth studio album, The tale of the star: Together. With its emotionally-charged visuals and storyline, the trailer signals a new chapter in the group’s ongoing fictional universe that explores themes of youth, innocence, and friendship amidst temptation and disconnection. The full-length album will be released on 21 July.
Aespa gets down to some ‘Dirty Work’
In 2024, Aespa dominated 2024 with viral hits such as ‘Whiplash’, ‘Armageddon’, and ‘Supernova’ sweeping the charts and awards. This summer, the leading K-pop girl group is back—and getting all sweaty, dirty, and muddy. Featuring laid-back vocals and a gritty synth bass, ‘Dirty Work’ is a cool dance track that reflects the quartet’s signature chic and edgy style. The single album also features an English version of the song with American rapper Flo Milli.
YG Entertainment reveals details on Blackpink’s new single
With Blackpink’s world tour just around the corner, Blinks might be wondering when the group will be releasing new music. On 23 June, YG Entertainment announced that Blackpink will unveil their first song in almost three years at their South Korean concert in Goyang, which will take place on 5 and 6 July.
“There were many discussions about how to announce the new song, and we decided to premiere it at the Goyang concert, which marks the starting point of the ‘Deadline’ world tour and a moment to reunite with our fans. We will officially share more details about the song release date soon,” a representative from the label shared. Let the countdown begin!
Former NCT member Taeil pleads guilty to sexual assault charges
On 18 June, former NCT member and singer Taeil pleaded guilty to his quasi-rape charges during his first trial. According to South Korean law, a quasi-rape refers to cases of rape and harassment that use the condition of unconsciousness or the inability to resist rather than violence or intimidation. Moon Taeil, 31, admitted to quasi-rape charges in which he sexually assaulted a Chinese woman with two of his friends.
Based on official statements, the victim became heavily intoxicated after drinking with the group. Taeil escorted her out of the bar and put her in a taxi with one of the co-defendants. Then, he and another friend followed them back in a separate vehicle. The assault was said to have taken place at the victim’s residence.
The ex-NCT vocalist is seeking leniency from the prosecution, stating, “Taeil submitted a statement of self-surrender to the police. He also saw through the difficult process of reaching an agreement with the victim…[who] did not want further punishment levied.” The prosecution is seeking a seven-year sentence for the disgraced K-pop idol.
J-hope turns up the heat in ‘Killin’ It Girl’ MV
Following his singles ‘Sweet Dreams’ and ‘Mona Lisa’, J-hope returns to crank up the heat with another summer banger, teaming up with Memphis rapper GloRilla. Titled ‘Killin’ It Girl’, the English hip-hop track sees the BTS member channelling his darker, sensual side as he dances through the streets of Bangkok in his signature groove and charm.
BTS to have full group reunion this month
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This week has been an exciting and significant week for ARMYs worldwide, as it marked the official discharge of four BTS members from the military after 18 months of service. On 10 June, RM and V were discharged, followed by fellow bandmates Jimin and Jungkook a day later. The final member, Suga, is expected to complete his military service on 21 June.
The timing is made all the more special as June is BTS’s anniversary month, and the iconic septet will be turning 12 on 13 June. Members Jin and J-hope have already kicked off the month-long celebrations with the annual BTS Festa through various offline events and a fan concert.
Seventeen show off their ‘Bad Influence’
On 11 June, Seventeen unveiled the music video for their latest single, ‘Bad Influence’, an English song produced by Pharrell Williams. The hip-hop track was first revealed at Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2025 runway show in Paris and later included in Seventeen’s latest album, Happy Burstday.
ITZY fight a swarm of killer birds in ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ MV
Popular girl group ITZY has made their highly anticipated return with their EP Girls Will Be Girls, along with a cinematic music video for the title track of the same name. The powerful anthem features dynamic drum and bass, and continues the quintet’s long-standing theme of friendship and sisterhood—stream the mini album below!
Twice’s Chaeyoung confirms upcoming solo debut
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Another Twice member is about to go solo! On 10 June, it was confirmed that Chaeyoung will be debuting as a solo artist in the second half of 2025 with an album. While the exact release date has not been announced yet, Chaeyoung’s solo is expected to drop sometime in the fall, following Twice’s comeback in July and upcoming world tour.
The Black Label’s co-ed group is turning heads
Being a part of a co-ed group is enough to cause a buzz in the K-pop world, but Allday Project is also making waves for its stellar member lineup. Consisting of five members (two men and three women), Allday Project is described as a “special collaboration of five unparalleled artists.”
Here are more details about the members: Bailey Sok, an acclaimed choreographer and dancer who has choreographed for Red Velvet, Taemin, and Aespa; Woochan, a former member of Hybe’s pre-debut group Trainee A; Youngseo, who pulled out of the final lineup of ILLIT; Tarzzan, a striking model; and finally, Annie, whose great-grandfather is the founder of the Samsung Group. Their debut single ‘Famous’ is slated to be released on 23 June.
Enhypen brings back male yearning with ‘Bad Desire (With or Without You)’
On 5 June, Enhypen made their much-awaited return with their newest mini album Desire: Unleash, and a jaw-dropping music video for its title track ‘Bad Desire (With or Without You)’. The sleek dance-pop track showcases the boy group’s distinct vocal colour and urban charms with trendy choreography—listen to the rest of the album below.
Former RIIZE member Seunghan to make his solo debut in July
Good news for Seunghan fans, you won’t have to wait long to see him back on-screen! On 22 June, Seunghan announced that he will change his stage name to Xng Han, with the ‘X’ symbolising his infinite potential and the possibilities of diverse future crossovers.
He is expected to debut in late July under the artist brand Xnghan & Xoul, and it will be a collaboration with two professional dancers to showcase his exceptional performance skills.
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Seunghan originally debuted in September 2023 as a member of RIIZE. However, he halted activities just two months later after his pre-debut images were leaked and was on hiatus for 10 months. On 11 October 2024, SM Entertainment announced his return to RIIZE, but reversed the decision two days later after severe pushback from the fandom, confirming his permanent departure from the group.
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