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There’s a lot that goes into throwing a themed party—from the decor to the food to the activities. All of these elements make it feel cohesive. I threw a K-pop-themed birthday party in 2023, and this year I brought it back with the goal of making the festivities bigger and better.
Originally, I thought of making the party a slumber party theme, filled with feather boas, satin PJs, pillows, and a movie playing in the background. The initial idea stemmed from my love of Wicked, or more specifically, Ariana Grande’s costume in “Popular.” However, K-pop ended up returning by popular demand amongst my friends, thus I combined the two into the iconic theme that it is: a K-pop pajama party.
The overall theme may seem random at first, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that there was a lot of crossover in the genre. From the cloudy and light imagery in “Sweet Dreams (feat. Miguel)” by j-hope’s album artwork, the slumber party setting of TWICE’s “What is Love?” music video, to Korean variety shows like “Silence of Idol where artists appear in pajamas, the content is truly endless. I’ll admit there was some confusion on the theme amongst my friends because I made the executive decision to change the theme as I pleased, but the general dress code that I landed on was: K-pop, but if you’re unfamiliar with the genre, PJs are fine. But if there’s a crossover you can find, that’s great!
For my own outfit, ILLIT’s dreamy “Magnetic” music video stood out to me, and so from there, I opted to dress as Wonhee in the performance video of their recent track “NOT CUTE ANYMORE.” This look was surprisingly easy to recreate, with most of the pieces readily available to order stateside. (For my last party, I had to custom-order a few things from Korea, which made things a little more challenging timing-wise.)
The earmuffs are from Shanghai-based brand GRAPE (which, by the way, has so many cute items), the top is the Acne Studios teddy bear print t-shirt, and the shorts are Collina Strada. Wonhee’s actual boots are also Acne Studios, but I opted for shoe covers from Amazon, which were surprisingly comfortable and looked accurate enough to the real thing!
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I just wore these over my platform Uggs! They were so easy to put on and looked pretty good. One of my friends dressed as TWICE’s Momo at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and ordered them in pink, and those looked good too!
Once I had my costume down, I started to think of the decor. For my last party, since it was truly just K-pop-themed, I turned the lobby of the venue into an airport with a hand-painted boarding gate sign, and the elevator was transformed into an airplane. This time, with a sleepover theme layered in, I revisited some of my past decorations but softened the look by adding star and moon motifs, giving the entire space a more dreamy, nostalgic feel.
I also set up a crafting table where guests could decorate their own eye sleeping masks. To keep the DIY process easy (and mess-free), I stocked up on sticker gems—no glue required. The adhesive held up surprisingly well, and I loved seeing everyone’s personalities shine through in their designs.
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I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these, and they were a hit among my guests!
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And of course, no party is complete without food and drinks. Staying true to the K-pop-meets-sleepover theme, I served Korean fried chicken from my favorite spot, bb.q Chicken, alongside pizzas and an assortment of Taco Bell staples. I ordered a few Taco Party Packs and took special requests from friends for Crunchwrap Supremes and Mexican Pizzas—and somehow, everything disappeared before the end of the night.
I also custom-made a visual menu with all of the items and drew inspiration from the graphics used for ILLIT’s “Magnetic” to tie everything together. I stocked up on sodas, water, soju (to be on theme of course), champagne, beer, and my favorite vodka seltzer, -196
. I had -196 for the first time last year at Head in the Clouds and love the variety of flavors they come in: Strawberry, Grapefruit, Peach, and Lemon. The Zero Sugar Lemon flavor ended up being a crowd favorite.
Another element I was especially intentional about this time around was the photo activation—or “portrait studio,” as I called it. After endlessly scrolling on Pinterest and skimming through so many K-Pop music videos, I decided I wanted a drapey satin backdrop with a centerpiece that was inspired by the music video for “NOT CUTE ANYMORE” to mirror my outfit. My very talented sister, Katie, made the headstone out of cardboard in two days, and it turned out looking better than I could have imagined. For the drapery, she and our friend, Caroline, went to Remainders in Pasadena, where they found the perfect fabrics to tie everything together.
Caroline also hand-made pillows to pull the whole space together—one featuring my name, along with heart and star designs we sprinkled throughout the venue. She dressed up as aespa’s NingNing from her SHUSHU/TONG x Haus Nowhere collaboration, with an entirely handmade costume!
I made some fake waiting room signs inspired by the ones used on Music Core in Korea and stuck them on the bathrooms as fun decor too, in an effort to not miss any details.
From planning to execution, it was such a joy to see everyone come together for my birthday and execute the insanely creative costumes—and I can’t wait to start dreaming up the next one.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
ARMY, the time has come! BTS has officially announced their first tour in four years, and we have all the deets to secure your tickets.
The seven members will perform across Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, and Australia for 79 dates, marking one of the most expansive tours of the band’s career. It marks the first tour together since RM, Jin, Suga, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook all returned from their South Korean mandatory military service. In addition to a tour, the members announced that new music is coming out in March. Whether you’ve been with them since debut, or this is your first BTS concert, you absolutely don’t want to miss out on these performances.
Tickets for ARMY Membership holders will go on sale beginning January 22 – 23 (Local Time), followed by general ticket sales on January 24 (Local Time) across all regions.
Here’s a step-by-step process for presale and general sale:
How to Get BTS Tickets from ARMY Presale
Fans who have an ARMY Membership on the fan community platform Weverse get first dibs to claim tickets on Ticketmaster two days before it goes out to the public.
1.) Sign up for a Weverse account on weverse.io and select BTS as an artist. 2.) Buy an ARMY Membership depending on your region through the Weverse Shop. If you’re aiming to get tickets for the US dates, you can sign up for either Global Membership or US Membership.
Weverse
3.) Use this link to apply for the ARMY Membership ticket sale for the US/Global, and this link for Europe. The application is open from Tues, Jan. 13 at 7:30 AM PT until Sun, Jan 18 at 3:00 PM PT. If you do not submit an application during the time period, you will not be eligible for the presale, even if you do have ARMY Membership.
Weverse
4.) Choose up to three cities to get tickets for in the form and submit.
5.) ARMY Membership Presale starts on Thursday, Jan. 22, and select dates go on sale on Friday, Jan. 23. Specific times for when tickets go on sale and which ticketing site a venue uses can be found here.
Note: Your Weverse ID (email address) associated with your ARMY MEMBERSHIP must match the email associated with your Ticketmaster account – if it doesn’t, you won’t be able to join the queue. You can change your Ticketmaster email by January 18th at 3:00 PM PT if it does not match your Weverse ID.
6.) When prompted during the sale, enter your ARMY Membership number (starts with BA and has 9 numbers). This will be your presale code.
7.) Enter the queue, select your tickets, and check out. Fans will be able to purchase four tickets per date for the US, Latin America, Australia, Europe, and select Asia dates. Tickets are one per person per date for dates in South Korea and Japan.
How to Get BTS Tickets on General Sale
If you want to aim your luck for general sale, you don’t need to have an ARMY Membership to access Ticketmaster or SeatGeek when tickets go on sale on Saturday, Jan. 24. Simply enter the site, wait in the queue for your date, select your tickets, and check out!
How to Get BTS Resale Tickets
If you couldn’t snag tickets during either sale, you have a better chance at getting them for resale prices. Prices for BTS resale tickets usually exceed face value.
Editor’s Pick
Buy BTS Tickets on StubHub
When shows sell out on Ticketmaster, StubHub is a reliable resale option backed by its 110% FanProtect guarantee. The platform guarantees valid tickets to any event or your money back, provides replacement tickets if there’s an issue with your order, and offers a cash refund or 120% credit if an event is canceled and not rescheduled.
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Buy BTS Tickets on Vivid Seats
Vivid Seats is another dependable marketplace for resale tickets across the entire BTS tour. The platform currently offers competitive pricing for several cities. Buyers can use code SC30 to save $30 on orders of $300 or more at checkout. Vivid Seats backs purchases with a Buyer Guarantee, ensuring tickets are valid, authentic, and match your order (or better), or they’ll issue a refund.
$10 Off Deal
Buy BTS Tickets on SeatGeek
SeatGeek delivers another trusted official and resale marketplace for fans hunting tickets throughout the tour. The platform’s search tools help buyers compare prices across different dates and venues. Buyers can save $10 on purchases of $250 or more with the code STYLECASTER10 (valid on first purchases only). SeatGeek’s Buyer Guarantee promises a refund or comparable (or better) seats if purchased tickets aren’t delivered in time for the event, don’t provide valid entry, or don’t match your order.
BTS World Tour Dates 2026 – 2027
April 9, April 11-12, 2026 — Goyang, South Korea @ Goyang Stadium
We’ll say it… 2025 was one of the best years for K-Pop yet! The continued global explosion of K-Pop was pushed to new levels thanks to K-Pop Demon Hunters, more idols expanding their world tours, and highly anticipated returns from the likes of G-DRAGON, MONSTA X, BLACKPINK, and GOT7. We could talk all day about our favorite K-Pop comebacks, but here (in alphabetical order) are 25 of the best from 2025.
aespa – Rich Man
We really didn’t think it was possible for aespa to have a better year than they did in 2024, but in 2025 they levelled up (… ‘Next Level?’). We loved ‘Dirty Work,’ but the Rich Man mini-album is our fave comeback from aespa this year. Each of the six tracks is a masterpiece that showcases aespa’s ever-evolving skillset, but if we had to pick a favorite other than the title track ‘Rich Man,’ then it would have to be the album closer, ‘To The Girls.’
ALL(H)OURS – Smoke Point
If hype energy K-Pop comebacks are your thing, then we hope Smoke Point was on your 2025 playlists! The title track, ‘GIMME GIMME,’ is another level of fiery and intense. It’s giving old school MONSTA X! 2025 was ALL (H)OURS’ second year since debut, and the growth they’ve shown in that time is so impressive. We can’t wait to see what happens for ALL (H)OURS next.
ATEEZ – GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3
As if the ‘Lemon Drop’ era hadn’t been enough, ATEEZ did not come to play with ‘In Your Fantasy’ and GOLDEN HOUR: Part 3. The album is a true ‘Masterpiece’ (pun somewhat intended), and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to get solo b-sides from each ATEEZ member! Our faves have got to be ‘Slide to me,’ ‘NO1,’ and ‘Sagittarius.’
BLACKPINK – ‘JUMP’
The world is always tuned in every time there’s a BLACKPINK comeback! In 2025, the quartet reunited for a world tour and the single, ‘JUMP.’ Naturally, the track is as vivacious and high-energy as anyone would expect from a BLACKPINK release. This time, though, as well as YG’s in-house team, ‘JUMP’ was co-written and co-produced by music juggernaut Diplo. Here’s to more BLACKPINK music in 2026…?
BOYNEXTDOOR – The Action
Between No Genre and The Action, it’s been a career-best year for BOYNEXTDOOR. Again and again, the group proves that they’re at the forefront of K-Pop and will continue to pioneer the 5th Generation. The members continue to get more and more hands-on, too, with Jaehyun, Taesan, Leehan, and Woonhak all contributing to the songwriting of the tracks, which focus on BOYNEXTDOOR’s group aspirations, with a sprinkle of their usual tongue-in-cheek spirit.
ENHYPEN – DESIRE: UNLEASH
As ever, in 2025, ENHYPEN took the time out of their hectic world tour schedules to release one of our favorite K-Pop comebacks. DESIRE: UNLEASH was first announced during ENHYPEN’s Coachella set, and that performance was probably a 2025 highlight, too. DESIRE: UNLEASH was stacked with hits, but our favorites have to be ‘Outside’ and ‘Helium!’
EVNNE – LOVE ANECDOTE(S)
The Honey POP stans EVNNE big time, and the release of their 5th mini-album, LOVE ANECDOTE(S), was no different! The title track, ‘How Can I Do,’ feels like several songs in one, but in the best way possible. From the R&B moments to the intense chorus, there’s an edge of 3rd Gen sensibilities in this song. The highlight, though, is the bass and drums breakdown underneath the fierce rap verses.
GOT7 – WINTER HEPTAGON
We’ll be real, we almost forgot that WINTER HEPTAGON was a 2025 release because it came out so early in the year! Nonetheless, we are always thrilled to have more GOT7 music in our lives. This album, which we had truly been dreaming of, brought all of our wishes to life. As always, GOT7 were hands-on in the creative process, with every member contributing to the writing and production. The lead single, ‘PYTHON,’ was exactly the statement GOT7 needed to make. “I know I’m an icon.” Yes, yes, you are.
G-DRAGON – Übermensch
The king of K-Pop finally returned in 2025! With an absolutely top-tier album, Übermensch,G-DRAGON firmly restated that he is not going anywhere, even if he keeps us waiting in between releases! From ‘POWER’ dropping at the end of 2024 to ‘TOO BAD’ to all the bsides, Übermensch is a masterpiece. And if you don’t wanna take our word for it, check out the cameos in the ‘TOO BAD’ MV to see who else is a fan of G-DRAGON, too.
Hearts2Hearts – FOCUS
Hearts2Hearts made the list of our favorite K-Pop debuts in 2025, but their first mini-album, FOCUS, was easily one of our fave comebacks, too! There’s something about the title track that makes it one of the most intriguing of the year, and it’s the perfect choice for Hearts2Hearts’ end-of-year stages as they entice more fans. “I cannot focus on anything but you,” is how Hearts2Hearts are making S2U feel!
ILLIT – ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’
‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ might be one of the most recent K-Pop comebacks from 2025, but it’s still one of the best! ILLIT is a group that knows their brand perfectly, and they know how to both embrace and expand it, too. ‘NOT CUTE ANYMORE’ is (sorry) super cute, whilst still showing a new side to the girls. We cannot wait to see how ILLIT continue to grow as we go into their third year as a group!
IVE – IVE EMPATHY
Doesn’t it feel like IVE has a career-best year, every year? Well, 2025 was no exception! Way back in February, the girls released IVE EMPATHY, which was immediately one of our fave IVE comebacks yet. Thanks to mega-hits ‘ATTITUDE’ and ‘REBEL HEART,’ this album quickly set the stage for IVE to exceed expectations once again.
JENNIE – Ruby
“Who wanna rock with JENNIE?” Umm… us please! Ruby was technically JENNIE’s debut solo studio album, but we’re including it as a comeback as she’d had official solo releases before. Having said that, Ruby definitely felt like a brand new start for JENNIE. Having worked with the likes of Dua Lipa, Childish Gambino, Diplo, and so many more, JENNIE gifted us with a cohesive, theatrical body of work. We waited for this album for so long, and it was so worth the wait!
j-hope – ‘MONA LISA’
Not satisfied with wrapping up his solo world tour, j-hope gifted us with a trio of iconic singles. It was so hard to pick just one of them for our top K-Pop comebacks list, but we’ve gone with ‘MONA LISA.‘ This track has been on repeat for us all year, and we reckon it’ll still be that way throughout 2026, too. From the slick choreography to the fun message, we love every part of this song.
KATSEYE – BEAUTIFUL CHAOS
KATSEYE spent 2025 “making beats,” and we couldn’t be more grateful to them for it. The girlies had their first comeback this year, the BEAUTIFUL CHAOS EP, led by ‘Gnarly’ and ‘Gabriela.’ Sometimes divisive but always talked about, everything these girls touch seems to turn to gold. Here’s to hoping that KATSEYE never go ‘M.I.A!’
LE SSERAFIM – ‘SPAGHETTI (feat. j-hope of BTS)’
Not only was ‘SPAGHETTI‘ one of our favorite K-Pop comebacks of 2025, but it’s maybe our favorite collaboration of the year, too! Every aspect of this release was iconic, from the styling to the TikTok trends to the packaging of the physical albums! The title track from this single album is fiery, mischievous, and tongue-in-cheek, which is basically all we could have wished for from the fimmies.
MEOVV – ‘BURNING UP’
MEOVV’s digital single ‘BURNING UP’ saw the girls take a different sonic direction than their previous releases, but this sounds works just as well for them! Still equally fierce, but with a brighter pop edge, ‘BURNING UP,’ as well as just being super fun, showcases how much MEOVV has grown in such a short amount of time.
MONSTA X – THE X
Was this the most highly anticipated comeback on this list? Maybe! MONBEBE had to suffer for literally years waiting for a group comeback, thanks to military enlistments, but we finally got it! The members didn’t come to mess around when they finally reunited either; 2025 has been stacked for them. As well as THE X, they celebrated their 10th anniversary, announced a 2026 world tour, and dropped the single ‘Baby Blue.’ We wanna see MONSTA X ‘N the Front’ row next year!
P1HARMONY – DUH!
Not only was DUH! one of our fave K-Pop comebacks in 2025, it also gave us one of the very best b-sides we’ve heard in a long time: ‘Pretty Boy.’ We’re not the only ones who think that, either! ‘Pretty Boy’ has actually overtaken the title track’s streams on Spotify! ‘DUH!,’ though, is totally worth celebrating too. Our favorite thing about the title track is its music video. Filled with references to their discography, lore details, and some classic P1H looks, it’s the perfect MV for fans both old and new.
Stray Kids – KARMA
There’s no way we couldn’t include Stray Kids on this list when both of the albums they released this year topped the Billboard 200, is there? Our fave 2025 comeback from the megastars has to be KARMA. Even if the music wasn’t incredible (which it is), the very fact it celebrates Stray Kids’ work ethic and all of their success (so far!) would be enough to earn KARMA a place in our hearts, and on this list.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER – The Star Chapter: TOGETHER
We’ll be honest, ‘Love Language,’ nearly made the list as a top K-Pop comeback in 2025, but then we thought: why have one TXT song, when you could have eight? The Star Chapter: TOGETHER was a special era for many reasons, not least because it wrapped up all of TXT’s lore and storyline for the past seven years! It also gifted us solo tracks from each member for the first time, and from the cuteness of ‘Sunday Driver’ to the moodiness of ‘Ghost Girl’ to the sensuality of ‘Dance With You,’ each and every one of these b-sides is a dream come true!
TWICE – THIS IS FOR
Like for TXT, we were torn for this pick. We nearly chose TEN: The Story Goes On as our fave TWICE comeback in 2025 because we’re just so thrilled about their tenth anniversary, but ultimately we couldn’t resist THIS IS FOR. The title track was one of the most underrated bops this year, and we will never, ever, stop watching clips of ‘Right Hand Girl’ from the World Tour. Plus, we got brand new unit songs! What’s not to love?
XLOV – I One
2025 was the year that we, and the world, fell totally in love with XLOV. Imma Be was one of our favorite debuts this year, and UXLXVE was a top album, so it’s only natural that I One would be one of our fave comebacks! Led by ‘1&Only,’ this era was what truly launched XLOV to the forefront of K-Pop. Even more than that, ‘1&Only’ and ‘BIZNESS’ had some of the best choreography of the year, and we cannot recommend the performance videos enough.
ZEROBASEONE – NEVER SAY NEVER
Well, first of all, we have to say that we’re very sorry to ‘BLUE,’ but how could we resist the pull of ‘ICONIK?’ ZB1 told us to “Let the rhythm flow through [y]our body,” after all! In another year filled with hits from this group, we were thrilled about this comeback for many reasons, not least because it was their first full-length album! With the future of ZEROBASEONE still a mystery, we’re glad that we, and ZEROSE, got to enjoy a full body of work from ZB1.
&TEAM – Back To Life
One of our favorite global groups finally had their official Korean debut! &TEAM released Back To Life, including the searing rock-inspired title track that earned &TEAM their first Korean music show win. However, the mini-album’s b-sides are what make this comeback so special. We’ll never stop watching performances of ‘Lunatic’ and ‘Mismatch.’
So there you have it, all of our top 2025 K-Pop comebacks, or at least 25 of them! Which is your favorite comeback? Did your ults make the list? Let us know! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
Moon Sujin, ØZI, and Karencici Unite Korea and Taiwan’s R&B Scenes
LOS ANGELES, December 29, 2025 (Newswire.com)
– Kooky has launched its first cross-border music production project, releasing “Tight Rope (feat. ØZI & Karencici)“, performed by Korean R&B artist Moon Sujin in collaboration with Taiwan’s leading next-generation musicians ØZI and Karencici.
More than a standard feature collaboration, Tight Rope marks the first fully curated cross-border music project led by Kooky, a fan-centric, data-driven platform redefining how artists collaborate and expand globally. The project was strategically designed by Kooky using in-depth analysis of regional fan demand, market responsiveness, and artistic compatibility-bridging Korea and Taiwan’s contemporary R&B scenes through intentional creative alignment.
Following its release, the single debuted at No. 3 on the KKBOX Top 10 Debut Singles chart in Taiwan, validating Kooky’s data-driven artist-matching approach and highlighting the project’s strong local market impact.
The collaboration expanded into cross-border live performances. Moon Sujin joined ØZI and Karencici on stage in Taiwan, engaging directly with local audiences, before continuing performances in Korea. Through this expansion, the release moved beyond a digital collaboration into a shared fan experience, demonstrating the practical scalability of Kooky-led global music projects, supported by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA).
Looking ahead, Kooky plans to continue developing and scaling cross-border music production and live collaboration projects.
“Kooky is not just a K-POP platform-it’s a data-driven ecosystem that analyzes real fan demand and creates growth opportunities for artists worldwide,” said Hami Kim, CEO of Kooky Inc.
About Kooky
Kooky is a global K-POP platform active in over 180 countries, connecting fans and artists through creative participation. With more than 2.5 million users worldwide, Kooky enables fans to take part in real projects-from voting for concert cities to supporting cross-border artist collaborations-turning fandom activity into actionable insights that bridge fan culture and the global entertainment industry.
Winter is here, and with it comes the urge to bundle up with hot cocoa, fluffy blankets, and music that just feels like a cozy hug. But this isn’t your mom’s old holiday playlist. It’s a fresh mix from K-pop’s fourth-generation stars who know how to set a mood. From sentimental ballads that warm you up from the inside out to glittery pop anthems that make you want to dance in the snow, these eight songs will give your winter that perfect K-pop glow. Who says cold nights can’t be fun? Turn up the volume, and let’s unwrap some musical gifts!
1. P1Harmony, ‘Butterfly’
A gentle flutter of warmth in a cold season.
You might know P1Harmony for their high-energy hits, but ‘Butterfly’ shows a softer side that’s tailor-made for winter nights. This R&B-infused ballad unfolds slowly, like a snowflake drifting down. The members swap their fierce rap verses for velvety vocals that tug at your heartstrings. Each note in ‘Butterfly’ feels personal, as if the boys are singing just to you on a chilly evening. It’s the kind of song that makes you stare out the window at midnight, watching the snow fall, and suddenly you’re not thinking about the cold anymore. Add this to your playlist when you need a dose of comfort and calm. It’s a warm blanket in musical form!
True to its name, ‘Snow Angel’ by rising boy group JUST B captures the dual nature of winter: the beauty and the bite. This track layers ethereal melodies over a modern beat, creating an atmosphere that’s both chilly and heartwarming at once. Listening feels like drawing angel wings in fresh snow: on the surface it’s pure and serene, but underneath there’s a hint of loneliness. The song’s soaring chorus and electronic twists give it a hyperpop edge, yet the emotion in the members’ voices keeps things grounded and real. ‘Snow Angel’ explores love and longing in the cold, making it perfect for those reflective nights when you’re caught between smiling at sweet memories and shivering at the thought of missing someone. It’s bold, beautiful, and a little bittersweet, just like winter itself.
CIX offers a tender moment with ‘Everything,’ a song that practically glows with sincerity. It’s a smooth mid-tempo pop ballad where gentle piano and soft beats cradle the group’s lush harmonies. Imagine walking home on a quiet, snowy night. ‘Everything’ is the soundtrack of that scene, turning simple moments into something cinematic. The lyrics (as the title hints) express total devotion, like telling someone “you’re my everything” under flickering winter lights. Vocals swell with feeling at the chorus, giving you that pleasant ache in your chest (you know the one). This track is all about the warmth of having someone to hold onto when the world outside is frozen. If you need a good cry or just a song to make you feel toasty inside, CIX has you covered!
Who says nothing blooms in the cold? VANNER’s ‘Blossom’ brings a burst of hopeful color to your winter playlist. This mid-tempo pop gem starts off gentle: just a simple melody and their soulful voices drawing you in. The song builds like a flower opening up, adding layers of harmonies and subtle beats that feel as soft as a petal on skin. Lyrically, ‘Blossom’ is all about new love taking root. The members sing about roses and daisies, using flower imagery to paint a picture of love growing against the odds (yes, even in snowy weather!). Their falsettos are sweet and sincere, carrying the kind of emotion that makes you want to smile and maybe tear up a little. ‘Blossom’ is the track to play when you’re curled up with a blanket and hot cocoa, daydreaming about brighter days ahead! It reminds you that even in the depths of winter, something beautiful can bloom.
The holidays get a pop-rock upgrade with Tomorrow X Together’s ‘Wishlist.’ This song is basically a festive rom-com in audio form: upbeat guitar riffs, jingling bells, and the five TXT members pouring their youthful charm into every line. ‘Wishlist’ bounces along with a catchy energy that’ll have you bobbing your head (or dancing around the living room, no judgment!). Lyrically, it’s as relatable as it gets: the guys are scrambling to think of the perfect gift for someone special, and the excitement is palpable. You can almost see the twinkling lights and wrapped presents as they sing. When that chorus hits, it feels like running down the stairs on Christmas morning: pure, giddy anticipation! If you need a break from the usual carols and want something fresher for your winter playlist, TXT has the sparkling, feel-good anthem you’re looking for.
Girl group WOO!AH! delivers a much-needed blast of optimism with ‘Catch the Stars.’ Released in the dead of winter, this track is like a burst of starlight cutting through a long, dark night. It’s powered by bright synths and an addictive chorus that lodges in your brain after one listen (in the best way possible). The whole song feels like an adventure: the kind where you bundle up, take a midnight walk under the city lights, and actually believe you might catch a shooting star. The members’ vocals shine with excitement, urging you to dream big even when it’s freezing out. ‘Catch the Stars’ is the kind of song you play when you need an energy boost on a cold morning or a companion for an evening of daydreaming. It’s bubbly, uplifting, and reminds you that winter nights can be just as magical as summer ones!
When the temperature drops and you find yourself gazing out a foggy bus window, ATEEZ’s ‘Take Me Home’ is the song that completes the scene. This ATINY favorite B-side trades the group’s usual bombast for a sleek, 80s-inspired sound (think retro synths, a groovy bassline, and even a surprise saxophone solo that hits like a warm blast of nostalgia)! The mood is both melancholic and hopeful, capturing that feeling of cruising through city streets after dark with snow flurries in the headlights. Lyrically, ‘Take Me Home’ speaks to longing and finding your way, which just fits those reflective winter commutes. As the chorus soars, you can’t help but feel a swell of emotion (cue the goosebumps). It’s dramatic in the way K-pop does best, yet comforting like an old familiar song on a new night. Add this track when your winter playlist needs a touch of cool city pop vibe; it makes solitude feel cinematic, like you’re the main character in your own movie!
Closing out our list with a bang (and some sparkles) is NMIXX’s ‘Funky Glitter Christmas.’ This track does exactly what it promises: it brings the funk, the glitter, and all the Christmas cheer you didn’t know you needed! NMIXX, one of the newer powerhouse girl groups, mixes retro holiday vibes with their signature quirky twists. The result? A song that feels like an instant party. Brass instruments and a bouncy beat give it a throwback flair, while the girls’ powerful vocals and playful ad-libs keep it ultra-modern. Play ‘Funky Glitter Christmas’ while you’re decorating the tree or having a cozy get-together with friends; it’ll turn your living room into a festive K-pop party. It’s catchy (warning: the chorus will live in your head rent-free), joyful, and just a little bit sassy. In other words, the perfect recipe to spice up those cold winter nights with a whole lot of fun.
TikTok’s music influence hit an all-time high in 2025. All year long, a steady stream of new tracks exploded into viral trends, defining the sound of a generation. Fresh releases found second lives as dance challenges, meme soundtracks, and emotional anthems for millions of people.
It was a year where a single catchy hook or heartfelt lyric could spark a global movement overnight. From tear-jerking ballads to high-energy bops, TikTok’s community turned songs into cultural moments. The platform’s trends shaped what we listened to, proving once again that the For You page doubles as 2025’s hottest music chart!
1. ‘Ordinary’ — Alex Warren
The not-so-ordinary love anthem of 2025.
It’s ironic how a song called ‘Ordinary’ became the year’s most extraordinary viral hit. Alex Warren’s ‘Ordinary’ started as a tender love ballad he wrote for his wife, but TikTok sent it stratospheric. The track’s earnest lyrics about everyday romance struck a chord in countless relationship montages across the app. By summer, you couldn’t scroll your feed without hitting a heartfelt video of couples, friends, or even pets set to Warren’s soaring chorus. The song’s universality, “the angels up in the clouds are jealous,” he croons made it the perfect soundtrack for love in 2025.
Its popularity was unparalleled: ‘Ordinary’ topped the Billboard Hot 100 for ten straight weeks, fueled by millions of TikToks using its chorus as an audio backdrop. Warren, a former content creator himself, clearly understood TikTok’s pulse. We embraced him as 2025’s patron saint of sappy romance, while skeptics jokingly wondered how a YouTuber-turned-singer quietly dominated the charts. Love it or not, ‘Ordinary’ became the defining sound of young love this year: a wedding-worthy earworm that turned our feeds into one giant lovefest!
The soulful slow-burn that TikTok turned into a global cry-fest.
Leave it to TikTok to catapult an R&B sleeper hit into the spotlight. Ravyn Lenae’s ‘Love Me Not’ dropped with a dreamy blend of retro-pop and indie vibes, but it truly caught fire when a creative TikToker mashed it up with Solange’s ‘Losing You.’ That unexpected mash-up became pure viral gold. Suddenly, ‘Love Me Not’ was the soundtrack to thousands of bittersweet montages: late-night drives, rain-soaked selfies, and “will they/won’t they” romance memes galore. The song’s chorus, an emotional tug-of-war of love and longing, had a way of making even silly videos feel touching.
TikTok’s Gen Z users turned Lenae’s heartfelt lyrics into a communal outpouring of feels, spawning a trend where creators shared stories of almost-relationships and unrequited crushes with the song swelling in the background. The emotional resonance was real: by mid-year, ‘Love Me Not’ had earned Lenae her first-ever spot on the Billboard Hot 100, cracking the top 25. Culturally, it hit that sweet spot between nostalgia and now. Here was a young R&B artist channeling vintage soul, and a new generation was crying and vibing in unison. In 2025, ‘Love Me Not’ proved that a TikTok trend can transform a slow-burn song into a worldwide cathartic sing-along.
TikTok has seen its share of dance trends, but this year, a handshake trend stole the show, all thanks to PinkPantheress’s ‘Illegal.’ The UK alt-pop sensation dropped ‘Illegal’ as a quirky, electronic-infused single, and it quickly fueled the global “Is this illegal?” handshake challenge. Besties everywhere learned the syncopated secret handshake (set perfectly to PinkPantheress’s hypnotic beat) and flooded TikTok with videos showing off their newfound duo skills. The trend’s wholesome twist, celebrating friendship and borderline mischief, resonated across cultures. From high school hallways in the US to friend groups in Tokyo, everyone was bonding over this track!
With over 3.7 million TikTok creations and counting, ‘Illegal’ became the friendship anthem of 2025. It even earned PinkPantheress her second appearance on the Hot 100, proving the song’s impact beyond the app. Emotionally, ‘Illegal’ struck a chord by tapping into that giddy, rebellious energy of doing something silly with your BFF. In a year when online trends often felt divisive, this one brought people together… one elaborate handshake at a time. PinkPantheress’s airy vocals and the track’s tongue-in-cheek title made it irresistibly memeable. ‘Illegal’ wasn’t just a viral song; it became a secret handshake that united everyone around the world (even celebrities).
The DIY glow-up jam that had everyone transforming.
Emerging Atlanta rapper BunnaB unleashed pure TikTok lightning with ‘Mad Again,’ a high-energy track that went from underground to unavoidable. How did it blow up? Two words: transformation videos. Creators on TikTok seized ‘Mad Again’ as the go-to soundtrack for their before-and-after glow-ups; think makeup transitions, room makeovers, and dramatic hair-dye reveals synced to the beat drop. The result? An explosion of ultra-satisfying content, each clip more addictive than the last. The song’s bold, confident hook also inspired a surprise secondary trend: a sign language challenge. Creators who are deaf and allies translated ‘Mad Again’ into expressive ASL performances, showcasing inclusivity in a way TikTok hadn’t seen before!
This one-two punch of visual trends launched ‘Mad Again’ into the viral stratosphere. By summertime, millions of TikToks featured the track, and BunnaB found herself with a breakout hit on her hands. The cultural resonance was big: here was a fierce female rapper (yep, BunnaB’s a woman killing it in a male-dominated scene) whose song empowered people to show off their transformations and personal growth. The track’s pounding bass and sassy lyrics became synonymous with confidence and change in 2025. If you flipped your look or your outlook this year, chances are ‘Mad Again’ was playing in the background, hyping you up for that reveal.
The K-Pop fantasy banger that blurred fiction and reality.
When a fictional K-Pop band from an animated film scores a real-life hit, you know TikTok is involved. ‘Golden’ by HUNTR/X, a glossy K-Pop/R&B hybrid track from the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters, transcended the screen and took on a life of its own. TikTok users globally couldn’t resist its charm. Multiple dance trends popped up, inspired by the movie’s choreography and the song’s impossible-not-to-dance hook. From teens showing off K-Pop moves to dads and kids dancing together after family movie night, ‘Golden’ turned into a cross-generational phenomenon. The track’s signature high note became a viral challenge in itself, with singers (and plenty of non-singers) attempting to nail it on camera.
Within days of the film’s release, ‘Golden’ was dominating not just TikTok but also Spotify and YouTube charts! A collaboration featuring real artists Audrey Nuna and EJAE, the song blurred the line between fiction and reality… and we ate it up. Creators used it for everything from outfit glow-up videos to celebratory montages, because its uplifting vibe instantly boosted any content. Emotionally, ‘Golden’ hit that feel-good spot; it’s joyous, inclusive, and just meta enough (a fictional band trending in real life!) to feel like a moment in pop culture history. By year’s end, HUNTR/X’s debut bop proved that in 2025, even cartoon pop stars can top the charts with a little help from TikTok.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT K-POP DEMON HUNTERS: INSTAGRAM
6. ‘DtMF’ — Bad Bunny
The Puerto Rican heartbreak anthem that had TikTok in tears.
In a year full of bops, Bad Bunny reminded everyone that a soft, nostalgic ballad can still rule TikTok. ‘DtMF,’ shorthand for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (“I should’ve taken more photos”), emerged as the most unexpectedly emotional viral trend of 2025. The song’s lyrics, where Bad Bunny laments not capturing enough memories with a lost loved one, struck a universal nerve. TikTokers began using ‘DtMF’ to soundtrack tribute videos, sharing personal montages of grandparents, parents, pets, and friends they’d lost. Suddenly, our feeds were filled with cherished snapshots and clips, each one more heart-tugging than the last. The trend became a communal space to grieve and celebrate life: a rare, tender moment on the internet.
Even Bad Bunny himself couldn’t stay dry-eyed: he posted a TikTok reacting to fans’ tributes, tears streaming as he watched their stories. That raw connection fueled ‘DtMF’ to juggernaut status. It quickly became the most-streamed song off his new album and climbed into TikTok’s top sounds. Culturally, the impact was huge! At a time when social media often feels shallow, this trend had millions openly discussing love and loss. Users commented about calling their abuela or saving more pictures; proof of music turning reflection into action. By blending Bad Bunny’s star power with genuine fan storytelling, ‘DtMF’ turned TikTok into a platform for healing in 2025. Grab the tissues…this one will be remembered as the song that made the internet collectively cry (in a good way).
The cheeky pop blockbuster that had everyone knocking on wood.
Leave it to Taylor Swift to drop a song so provocatively fun that TikTok couldn’t help but blush… and dance. ‘Wood,’ a standout track from her 2025 album The Life of a Showgirl, is arguably Taylor’s most ahem adult song to date. Fueled by innuendo about her beau’s “new heights of manhood” and a tongue-in-cheek “I ain’t got to knock on wood” hook, the song set the internet abuzz from day one. TikTokers wasted no time spinning it into a viral knock-on-wood dance challenge, complete with a playful tap-tap gesture on the lyric cue. Suddenly, everyone from college kids to actual carpenters (seriously) were posting videos, playfully knocking on tables, doors, and yes, wooden boards in sync with Taylor’s sultry chorus.
The trend’s humor and boldness felt so 2025: a celebration of owning one’s sexuality and having a laugh about it. Culturally, ‘Wood’ resonated as part of the Taylor-Travis Kelce love story that pop culture obsessively followed. Fans gushed that Swift seemed happier and more empowered than ever, and they channeled that energy into TikTok skits quoting her spicy lyrics. Swifties turned cheeky lines into captions (cue the magic wand jokes) and shared their shock-and-delight reactions to Taylor’s bold new era. By dominating conversation and spawning countless memes, ‘Wood’ proved that a well-crafted pop song can be both a chart-topper and a TikTok trendsetter! Taylor gave 2025 a song equal parts sexy and playful, and we said amen.
Gen Z’s existential pop mood, wrapped in a TikTok trend.
Jessie Murph delivered a late-year viral gem with ‘Certain Kind of Love,’ a song that turned one candid lyric into a TikTok catchphrase. The track’s pop-rock energy is amazing on its own, but it was the line “I don’t see a world where I turn 25” that set off a firestorm. Young TikTokers seized on those words, half-joking and half-emoting about the classic quarter-life crisis feels. In a trend equal parts dark humor and heartfelt yearning, creators would lip-sync that lyric and showcase their wildest dreams or chaotic life plans before the dreaded 25th birthday. Others made vision board-style videos, proclaiming they will see 25, complete with images of future goals, as Jessie’s anthem blared in the background.
The dual interpretations made the trend fascinating: some played it for laughs (“YOLO, who needs 26?”) while others found motivation in it. Either way, Murph’s raw, youthful vocals became the sound of Gen Z’s hopes and fears in 2025. The song itself, with its sparkling production and emo-pop vibe, resonated emotionally because it encapsulates that in-between feeling of being young and uncertain about the future. Culturally, ‘Certain Kind of Love’ gave voice to a generation’s anxiety, and did it in a way that was oddly uplifting. As the song climbed streaming charts (buoyed by TikTok exposure), it proved that sometimes one powerful lyric is all it takes to spark a movement. Jessie Murph went from a rising singer to the patron saint of “live in the moment” youth, and we couldn’t stop humming along!
The animated movie’s OST that had everyone doing the Shakira shimmy.
If you thought soundtracks were safe from TikTok’s grasp, think again. Shakira’s ‘Zoo,’ from Disney’s Zootopia 2, pounced onto the scene and immediately took over TikTok. With its signature Shakira bounce and irresistible rhythm, ‘Zoo’ has that universal appeal that makes people nod along…or better yet, jump up to mimic her moves. As the film hit cinemas, TikTok was flooded with clips of fans attempting the ‘Zoo’ dance. From expertly choreographed renditions to adorably clumsy first tries, creators worldwide got in on the fun. One day you’d see a Colombian dance crew nailing Shakira’s hip drops; the next, a suburban dad giving it his best shot in the living room. The hashtag #ZooDance trended in multiple countries as Shakira’s track united all ages in a celebratory shimmy.
Culturally, this song’s virality was a real full-circle moment: Shakira had given us a TikTok smash back in 2016 with ‘Try Everything,’ and here she was again, reminding us she’s still the queen of soundtrack pop. The emotional uplift of ‘Zoo’ was impossible to resist; it’s pure joy in musical form, arriving just when 2025 needed it. TikTok users used the song not only for dance challenges but to soundtrack zoo outings (of course), fitness routines, and any content needing a jolt of fun energy. Shakira even interacted with fans doing the challenge, further fueling the hype. By year’s end, ‘Zoo’ wasn’t just a song from a movie; it was a global TikTok party. When Shakira yells “Come on, get on up” in the chorus, you best believe millions are dancing like animated animals set free!
The hype rap bop that brought mosh-pit energy to our feeds.
Every year needs a no-holds-barred banger, and in 2025, it was ‘Whim Whamiee.’ This collab between rappers Pluto & YK Niece came out of left field and promptly took over TikTok with its chaotic, high-octane vibe. The track itself is two minutes of pure adrenaline, and TikTokers treated it like a rallying cry. Dance crews, gym rats, and party-goers all jumped on a trend of showcasing insane energy whenever ‘Whim Whamiee’ played. We’re talking college students turning dorm halls into impromptu mosh pits and choreographers bringing full-out hip-hop routines to the app. The song’s rapid-fire lyrics turned into a lip-sync challenge only the bold (or breathless) would attempt, while its bass drops fueled countless “hype me up” memes.
By mid-summer, ‘Whim Whamiee’ had the whole platform on its feet (literally). The frenzy propelled the song to #5 on TikTok’s own summer chart in the US, and its popularity spilled over to streaming services. Perhaps the biggest sign of its impact? Two of music’s heavy hitters, Lizzo and Sexyy Red, jumped on official remixes, dropping their own verses to ride the wave. We went wild at the co-sign: seeing A-listers vibing to a TikTok-made hit felt like vindication for internet culture. ‘Whim Whamiee’ resonated because it was pure fun: a little unhinged, a lot catchy, and totally participatory! In a year where many viral songs tugged at our heartstrings, this one was all about letting loose. It turned TikTok into a virtual nightclub where anyone could be the life of the party. And if you ask us, Pluto and YK Niece won 2025’s award for the most insane glow-up; from obscurity to everybody’s hype soundtrack, no VIP pass needed!
From rookie groups to some of the most-established idols finally going solo, K-Pop was full of iconic debuts in 2025. We saw record-breaking sales, one-of-a-kind concepts, and more idols getting hands-on in the production process than we could’ve dreamed. It was really hard to narrow down our favorite K-Pop debuts from this year, but here’s our top 10 in 2025!
MARK
Considering it sometimes feels like MARK debuted 802 years ago and is in more groups than we can count, it feels kind of strange to think that he hadn’t had a solo debut yet. But all that experience led to one of the most versatile and fully-realized K-Pop debut albums, not just in 2025, but ever. The concept of The Firstfruit, led by the title track ‘1999,’ is built around the four cities that made MARK who he is today: Toronto, New York City, Vancouver, and Seoul. We’d love this debut for the concept alone, so the tracks being that good just feels like a bonus.
Hearts2Hearts
Hearts2Hearts’ 2025 has been so strong that it’s kind of hard to believe it’s their debut year. ‘STYLE’ might be the group’s biggest hit of the year, but there’s no denying the statement that their debut, ‘The Chase,’ which was written by fellow THP faves FLO, made. ‘The Chase,’ and Hearts2Hearts concept so far, is a pure embrace of pop in all its open-hearted, bright, “sparkle, sparkle,” glory.
CORTIS
CORTIS was arguably the most-anticipated K-Pop debut of 2025, and the rookie group seemed to take that all in their (very tall) stride! BIGHIT’s third boy group, after BTS and TXT, CORTIS was always going to be under scrutiny. However, not dissimilar to their predecessors, CORTIS jumped onto the scene with an anarchic attitude, determined to do their own thing. Their debut track, ‘What You Want,’ and pre-debut release, ‘GO!,’ show off this energy perfectly, as well as their commitment to a hands-on approach to their music.
JURIN ASAYA
In 2025, leader JURIN ASAYA became the first member of XG, a Japanese group based in South Korea, to have a solo debut. Collaborating with Rapsody on the track ‘PS118,’ JURIN ASAYA put her skills on display perfectly, with her quintessential delivery and lyrical wordplay. The track was a great example of what a solo debut should be: a clear statement of individual identity with just a lil’ sprinkle of the group’s character, too.
XLOV
Four-member K-Pop group XLOV had a truly unique debut in 2025. They promote a genderless concept, spotlighting their intricate choreography, decadent styling, and impressive production skills instead. Of course, this has earned them a lot of attention, both positive and negative, and shines a light on how gendered the expectations but on boy groups and girl groups can sometimes be. But, even putting all of that aside, XLOV would still be one of our fave debuts this year, thanks to how great ‘I’mma Be’ was. And they’ve just gotten better since!
YEONJUN
Does this count as a debut? Technically, yes, so we’re gonna talk about it. TXT’s Yeonjun released his official solo debut album in November, and we’re already anticipating a NO LABELS: PART 02 in 2026…maybe? Taking the stage by storm, as always, Yeonjun brought his quintessential power and charm to the record. NO LABELS: PART 01 deftly balances the opulence of K-Pop with the grit of Yeonjun’s other musical influences blending, hip-hop, hard rock, and more, seamlessly.
BEOMGYU
Ok, so we might be contradicting ourselves just a teeny-weeny bit. Like Yeonjun in 2024, Beomgyu didn’t have an official solo debut this year, but he did release his debut mixtape track, ‘Panic.’ The indie-pop song grows from a gentle intro to a searing anthem, with one of the sweetest concepts in any 2025 debut. The track came to life thanks to Beomgyu’s personal experience of music’s healing powers and how he’s been comforted by his own favorite artists. In turn, Beomgyu wanted to pass that hopeful energy onto MOA, and so, ‘Panic’ was born!
YEJI
ITZY’s formidable leader, YEJI, finally had her solo debut in March 2025. Air is all about embracing excitement, and there were few releases more exciting than this one! A mix of synth-pop and dream-pop, this EP had exactly the energy we had dreamed of for a YEJI debut, but it still exceeded all our expectations, with killer performances and fairytale references. YEJI’s intention with this solo debut was to showcase her aura, and she definitely achieved that!
HUNTR/X
You knew we had to include our girls, HUNTR/X, right? In 2025, the girl group that stars in K-Pop Demon Hunters had a debut year that most idols couldn’t even imagine! ‘Golden’ has topped the Billboard Global (Excl. U.S.) chart for a record-tying 19 weeks, and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 weeks, too. And all of that success is before we even mention their other songs, like ‘How It’s Done’ or ‘What It Sounds Like!’
Saja Boys
Where HUNTR/X go, the Saja Boys will follow! Just like HUNTR/X arguably became the world’s favorite girl group in 2025, Saja Boys became a top boy group, in our hearts as well as charts all over the globe. From ‘Soda Pop’ to ‘Your Idol,’ there are few debut tracks that have gotten stuck in our collective heads like the ones from K-Pop Demon Hunters!
And that’s our ten! Do you agree with our picks for favorite K-Pop debuts of 2025? Anyone you wish we had included on this list? Hit us up! You can find us at @thehoneypop on Twitter, or by visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
KEY is on the hunt for good memories. The K-pop singer is having the time of his life on the US leg of his KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley world tour and wants fans to indulge in the same irresistible feeling.
KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley marks KEY’s first time trekking solo across the states, coming off the heels of the release of his third solo album, HUNTER. As a household name in South Korea’s entertainment industry, he’s mastered the art of being an icon with his witty banter and, of course, as the all-rounder in the legendary group SHINee. It’s only been a few dates into this tour, and he’s already hit the ground running with exquisite performances, viral posts with Wicked‘s Cynthia Erivo, and unforgettable interactions with his fans, lovingly dubbed Lil’ Freaks.
Below, we chatted with him about the tour so far, his backstage rituals, and what he hopes his fans take away from his performances.
KEYLAND _ Uncanny Valley in Los Angeles at Orpheum Theatre. SM Entertainment
Kicking off your first solo US tour, is there anything you’re looking forward to?
I’ve been dreaming about doing a solo US tour forever, so honestly, I’m excited about everything! I love exploring new cities, and digging for local vintage pieces you can only find in each place. But more than anything, the idea of fans coming out to see my stage in person… that’s what really makes my heart race.
Backstage glam items. SM Entertainment
KCON served as a precursor to you announcing your US leg of the tour. What was the energy like before and after you finally released the news?
Before KCON, it felt like I was holding onto this fun little secret, so I was a bit nervous and quietly waiting for the right moment. But the second the announcement dropped, fans reacted so quickly and with so much excitement that it instantly lifted my energy. That was when everything really started to feel real.
Customized in-ear headphone with HUNTER album logo. SM Entertainment
You teased a little bit of backstage fun and prep on your Instagram. What is it like curating the stages, makeup, and overall look of the show?
With solo stages, I get to bring my ideas to life down to the smallest details, and I really love that process. From the colors and textures to the lighting, shaping the look and feel of the show takes time, but it’s rewarding because that’s where my identity and style really come through. Even with makeup, I’m trying small variations depending on the vibe of each tour stop.
Customized show outfits. SM Entertainment
Any fun backstage stories?
Backstage is a total whirlwind, to be honest. This show takes so much to put together—hair, makeup, outfits—so everyone is moving nonstop. It gets chaotic, but in a way that’s fun and keeps the energy really high.
KEY at LA show in his BOK-SILLee look. SM Entertainment
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I always do a team huddle with the entire concert crew before going on stage. And a cup of tea is a must.
KEY on stage at his first US stop in LA. SM Entertainment
What do you find as your strength when performing solo vs. a group?
As SHINee, our strength is definitely our teamwork and the way we naturally complement one another. When I am on my own, I try to express my personal taste and ideas more openly and directly. I pay close attention to the details so everything comes across the way I envision it, and I think that is one of my strengths as a solo artist. I also get to guide the entire mood of the stage, which is something I really enjoy.
KEY at LA Soundcheck. SM Entertainment
What song/stage are you excited to perform the most?
We rearranged the setlist and added a few new songs to fit the US vibe. I’m really excited to finally perform those on stage.
KEY on stage in his armored corset outfit. SM Entertainment
What song/stage do you consider the most challenging to perform?
High-energy songs like “Gasoline” are definitely the toughest. The choreography is demanding, and performing it solo means I have to keep that power going the whole time. It really pushes me, but it also makes the performance feel so satisfying and rewarding.
Surprise fanlight lantern event by fans. SM Entertainment
Do you have a particular fan memory from the tour that sticks to you the most?
There are moments when fans move in perfect sync with me, and those always stick with me. Even when I’m just saying a few words in English, they laugh and react right on cue, which is surprising and really touching. And in some cities, the whole crowd moved together so naturally that it felt like they had their own concept for the night. Moments like that stay with me long after the show.
KEY singing his last song Lavender Love with fans. SM Entertainmnet
Is there anything you want fans to take away from your tour and performance?
I want fans to feel the heart behind what I do—just how sincerely I approach every song and every performance. And I hope this show can be a small source of comfort or inspiration for them. If the time and energy I put into this tour becomes strength for someone, even for a moment, that means everything to me.
It’s not so often that you see a K-pop idol dancing on your office terrace. On a breezy, overcast, autumnal afternoon in Midtown, Manhattan, WONHOfilms a video where he effortlessly shows off his moves with a stunning view of the Empire State Building in the background.
Just the day before, WONHO stood atop the New York City landmark as one of his promotional activities in honor of his first full-length album, Syndrome. It was a jam-packed schedule with press and special fansigns, but the 32-year-old artist takes it in stride. “I’ve been here often, and it’s pretty familiar to me,” WONHO says. “But this time I got to do many new things, so it felt very special.”
It’s only been a couple of days after the release of Syndrome when WONHO lands in the U.S. During his spare time, he reflected on the hard work put into this album. “Overall musically, I really wanted to make an album that was of high quality,” WONHO reminisces. “I feel like I made an album that’s very easy and good to listen to, and I saw fan reactions that said that it was, even without a full performance or a video for all the songs.”
The lead single from the album “if you wanna” did have one of those alluring visual accompaniments, and the hypnotic choreography immediately went viral upon release. A sexy ’90s-inspired hook lures you in when WONHO uses his lower register to rap a swirl of lyrics that indulge in deep desires, intimacy, and luxury. Cue WONHO’s silky vocals in the chorus that flow side to side like the dancers’ arms in choreography.
It’s a memorable impression as an introduction to the album. To make the album appeal to audiences everywhere, Syndrome is almost entirely sung and rapped in English. When recording, it was sometimes difficult for WONHO to articulate, but he was always determined to get it right. “Just working on getting the pronunciation right and also just the process of recording all 10 songs was pretty long,” he acknowledged. In the end, the fruits of his labor were bountiful.
With every music project, WONHO’s creative process lies within a certain theme, and for Syndrome, it was the complex feeling of love. To anyone, love doesn’t pin itself down to only one meaning. “Before, my idea of love was more focused on just the happiness of the relationship between two people,” WONHO says. “But I think through this process, I was able to learn that there are many different types of love and there are many genres that I can show that with.”
Though exploring genres could be an exhausting journey and could be tripped up easily, WONHO put immense thought into deciding how the tracklist flowed for the right sound and vibe. “Scissors” delves into the timid heartbreak and betrayal of a loved one with steady beats in the chorus, and it immediately launches into “At the Time,” where the vocalist roars about the good times with a former flame with a country twang. Other standouts include the heartwrenching serenade of “Beautiful” and “DND,” which is teeming with rich R&B vocal runs.
Rounding out the album is “Better Than Me,” which is a song that could be plucked out of an NSYNC* discography (“Good Liar” does have a nod to “Bye Bye Bye” in the background vocals), but WONHO makes the declaration loud and clear: “No one does it better than me.”
After an intensely busy year of recording, WONHO feels like the album is complete as it is, and that he made it well in the direction he wanted. ”I do feel like a certain weight has been lifted after releasing this album,” he says. “I did feel some pressure because I wanted to really hurry and release this album for my fans who have been waiting for a long time, but the preparation process was pretty long. At first, I worried that my fans wouldn’t like it. But, I think looking back now, I wasn’t that worried because I believed that they would like it and I trusted myself.”
WONHO was set to perform the album on his Stay Awake tour in the U.S. in mid-November, but operational issues and unforeseen issues caused by the promoter caused the leg to be canceled. He’s been relishing time meeting up with his fans, WENEES, during hello82 fan signs in New York and LA. “ In the future, I want to do as much as I can to meet WENEEs more often,” he muses. “And after I met them at the fan signs, I’ve been really thinking and planning ways in which I can do that.”
Even though WENEEs will have to wait to see WONHO live again, the singer never misses an opportunity to keep in touch with his fans while showing off his true, authentic, silly self—whether it’s posting thirst-trap-like or adorable photos on Bubble, or even cosplaying as a scarily accurate Abby Saja from the wildly popular Kpop Demon Hunters.
Fans continuously see WONHO as a source of inspiration, and it’s a reciprocal relationship. He shifts his 2026 goals quite clearly: “I used to really rely a lot on visuals or the performance aspect part, but then I think more and more — I want to become a singer who is able to touch my fans with just the music and really reach them through my songs.”
With WONHO, he feels on top of the world with WENEEs, no matter what walk of life they come from. “In my eyes, everyone is the same fan to me and has the same thoughts,” he says while grinning. “I feel like all my fans look very cute.”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo didn’t wait for the perfect moment to make his music comeback. His second mini album, ELSE, was in the works even before his military enlistment, proving just how far ahead he thinks.
The album features four tracks, each stepping into a slightly different sound. From bright pop-funk influences to softer, emotionally tinted vocals, Cha Eunwoo lets us explore his musicality without ever dropping the elegance he’s known for. Just… with a little more confidence this time.
Full track list:
‘Sweet Papaya’
‘SATURDAY PREACHER’
‘Selfish’
‘Thinkin’ Bout U’
A Glimpse Into ELSE
‘Sweet Papaya’
First is ‘Sweet Papaya,’ a lighter, pop-funk-inspired track that feels like the album’s warmest moment. It sets the tone with a subtle groove and an easy confidence, almost like a sort of introduction.
‘Saturday Preacher’
Then, the energy rises with ‘SATURDAY PREACHER,’ the title track and most visually defined moment of the project. Rhythm-driven and slightly theatrical, it carries the kind of presence expected from a lead single. The music video reflects this with a gradual shift: Cha Eunwoo starts out composed and controlled, then subtly reveals a second persona. This second persona carries a different kind of energy. He feels more intense, almost like someone watching from the outside and quietly steering what’s happening.
‘Selfish’
‘Selfish’ follows with a more modern pop feel, steady in tempo and layered with self-reflective nuance. It lands somewhere between performance and confession. It’s not overly emotional but pointed enough to linger and leave a message.
‘Thinkin’ Bout U’
Things soften with ‘Thinkin’ Bout U’, closing the album on a slower and more vulnerable note, which got us feeling some things (and it has been on repeat since).
All in all, Cha Eunwoo really came through with ELSE. Four tracks and one standout music video later, and we’re low-key still unpacking it.
Alright, now here’s the real question: which track are you playing on repeat first? Or did ‘SATURDAY PREACHER’ already hijack your playlist before you even finished this article? Be honest. Drop your pick in the comments or tag us on X @thehoneypop. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for even more content.
Want even more K-Pop chaos, reviews, and emotional crisis moments courtesy of your faves? Head over to our The Honey(K)Pop category for more.
K-Pop rookies AtHeart captured fans’ hearts during their first visit to New York City this month, embarking on a whirlwind journey from Midtown to Brooklyn as they met with fans while promoting their debut EP Plot Twist. The group told amNewYork they are just getting started, although they have already left an indelible mark on the Big Apple.
AtHeart is a seven-member girl group under TITAN Content, consisting of members MICHI, SEOHYEON, KATELYN, BOME, ARIN, and NAHYUN (seventh member AURORA is on hiatus). Their roots span from Korea, Japan, the Philippines, and the US, underscoring their global impact. Much like hook in their title track Plot Twist, new listeners have “Tripped and fell in love” with AtHeart. Since debuting in August 2025, these teen idols have lived up to their name, providing heartfelt, genuine, and deep connections to their growing fan base.
amNewYork met with AtHeart at the Top of the Rock, where they shared their excitement about seeing the Big Apple for the first time and bringing their music to the States.
“I think we’re so excited to finally be able to show people our debut album, especially to promote in the United States and come to New York. And recently, our English version of Plot Twist has just come out, as well as our two DJ remixes of the song, so we can kind of reach a wider audience, and we’ve been really excited to meet with fans in the US and share our music,” MICHI said.
K-pop group AtHeart visited the Top of the Rock.Photo by Amanda Moses
AtHeart kicked off their visit by meeting their international fans for the first time at K-Pop Nara, located at 1237 Broadway, on Nov. 6 before appearing as special guests at the Korean Brand and Entertainment Expo (KBEE) at the American Dream Mall in New Jersey for a Random Dance Play activity on Nov. 7.
“It doesn’t feel real yet. It feels like a dream. Ever since we came here, we had the AtHeart experience at the fan sign yesterday. Seeing that we have so many fans already made me feel like it’s a dream come true. I hope that we can come here again soon and meet more and have more events,” KATELYN said.
This was just the beginning for AtHeart in New York City. The group jumped from Fox5’s Good Day New York stage to Madison Square Garden to watch a New York Knicks game, proving they are not just charming newcomers but an unstoppable force ready to make their mark. With their group name trending on social media and Billboard naming AtHeart as “Rookies of the Month” and “The Next Generation K-Pop Group,” they’ve become the fastest-growing rookies to hit the stage.
“It’s an honor, and I’m very happy to be given such titles. A lot of people are looking for and have high expectations of us, so we will try our best to reach that,” NAHYUN said.
Often compared to the teen K-pop idols who came before them, like NewJeans, AtHeart’s bright, electronica pop sound is just one part of the magic that makes them sparkle. However, what truly sets them apart from the masses is their commitment to forming genuine connections. The members spoke candidly about how they strive to be an open book, sharing their growth from adolescence to young adulthood through social media content and videos. It is through this transparency that they hope fans can interact, learn, and grow with them.
K-pop group AtHeart visited the Top of the Rock.Photo by Amanda Moses
“Our music, I would say, has a very fresh kind of sound to it, and combines that traditional K-pop with more of a kind of newer, a little Western style, like we mix it in, but also this album Plot Twist is definitely full of unexpected twists and tons of feelings,” MICHI said.
“AtHeart combines at and heart, which is how we connect with our fans, sincerely through our hearts. And we really want to focus on that connection and communication, trying to get as close as we can to our fans and make them feel like they know us personally. And so, we really value making our music very sincere and putting our real emotions into that. To me, it really means just to be ourselves, who we are at heart,” MICHI added.
In addition to their promotional activities, AtHeart dominated the Big Apple in true rising-star fashion, kicking off their adventure at the Top of the Rock, riding the famed Beam and Skylift attractions. The rest of their trip took them to the iconic DUMBO neighborhood, where they transformed the Brooklyn skyline into their own personal runway. Between snapping photos under the Manhattan Bridge and taste-testing their way through local eats, they made sure to leave their imprint on the cobblestone.
When the evening arrived, AtHeart were enamored with the city lights, taking that same rockstar energy straight to Madison Square Garden. Attending their first New York Knicks game, AtHeart lit up the crowd seats, posing for photos in their Knicks jerseys and cheering on the sports team.
“What you see on the camera is actually who we are. Behind the camera or on stage or at fan events, it’s really who we are. There is no fakeness to it. If you look at us individually, we are so different, but once you see us as a unit, it clicks like “They work as a team, they click,” KATELYN said.
K-pop group AtHeart visited the Top of the Rock.Photo by Amanda Moses
“There’s diversity within the members as well, but they have different voices, their own colors. However, when it all comes together, it makes a great impact as a unit,” BOME added.
As the girls continue their whirlwind journey toward stardom, amNewYork asked them to describe their debut in a single word. Without hesitation, they answered collectively: “A dream come true.”
“This is what I’ve been wanting to do. It’s what I love,” KATELYN said.
“Our music right now in Plot Twist is all really dreamy, like ethereal. [If I was to describe our debut] with another word it would be start or beginning,” MICHI said.
“It’s a second life, or a new life, because before [our debut] life was completely different. I can’t believe I’m here right now. It’s like a new life, new start,” ARIN said.
Photo by Amanda Moses
SEOHYEON, the youngest member at just 16, described AtHeart’s debut as “luck.” She shared that the odds of seven girls coming together and forming a group that clicks so naturally, just as KATELYN put it, felt incredibly slim.
“We are such diverse members to come together, and the possibility is actually really low, so it’s much about luck. We are very lucky to be together, just like the four-leaf clover. With the debut of Plot Twist, I feel very lucky to be here,” SEOHYEON said.
“I would choose the word happiness because ever since I was young, from the beginning, I wanted to become an idol. It was my dream, and to finally have achieved that, especially when people ask what it’s like after the debut, I always said I’m happy. Happiness really sums up my debut,” NAHYUN said.
AtHeart are more than just performers. They are relatable teens sharing their stories as they navigate the world, ready for the next adventure. For these rising stars, their NYC debut proved that they’re exploring this journey boldly, joyfully, and together with their fans, one city at a time.
Macau will review casino investments in the new year
The Chinese city’s six casino operators agreed to invest $16 billion in nongaming projects
The pledge came in 2022 with new gaming concessions
In December 2022, the Macau government agreed to issue new gaming licenses to its six casino operators. In exchange, Sands, Galaxy, Wynn, MGM, Melco, and SJM agreed to invest many billions of dollars into resort improvements and expansions, with the bulk of the capital mandated to go to nongaming initiatives.
Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai delivers the 2026 Policy Address before a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly on Nov. 18, 2025. Sam said the local government will inspect whether the city’s casinos have fulfilled their gaming and nongaming investment obligations, as dictated by their 2022 licenses. (Image: Macau Government Information Bureau)
Macau, at the direction of Beijing, used the relicensing process to field investments that will ideally bring new people to the Chinese Special Administrative Region (SAR).
The six gaming firms agreed to invest about $19.3 billion, with upwards of $16 billion stipulated for projects off the gaming floor.
Almost three years later, several of the casinos claim they’ve already carried out their investment obligations. Thousands of hotel rooms have been renovated, investments in sports and K-pop have been made, and family-friendly attractions have been developed.
Macau Chief Executive Wants Audits
During his 2026 Policy Address to the Legislative Assembly, Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said an emphasis in the new year will be on ensuring that the casinos carry out their investment responsibilities.
We will conduct a review of concessionaires’ investment projects and amounts in both gaming and nongaming sectors from 2023 to 2025, their fulfillment of social responsibilities, and compliance with laws and statutory obligations,” Sam said, as reported by Inside Asian Gaming. “We urge concessionaires to fulfill their concession contract commitments, implement gaming and nongaming investments, and expand diversified tourism projects and products.”
Since the 2022 tenders, each casino has been required to submit implementation status reports to the SAR government specifying investments made in the prior year and plans for the 12 months ahead.
“The government does monitor the investment situation.” Tai Kin Ip, Macau’s secretary for economy and finance, said earlier this year.
Macau Outlook
Macau is roaring, as its casinos, the enclave’s economic heartbeat, are experiencing their best post-COVID-19 year to date. October was the city’s best month in terms of casino revenue since October 2019, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching more than $3 billion.
Year to date, Macau GGR is up 8%. The six casinos have won MOP15.28 billion (US$1.9 billion) more gaming money from players through nine months than they did in 2024.
Macau is meanwhile diversifying, with its casinos no longer being the primary focal point. Economic analysts expect GDP growth to be around 2.6% this year. As for 2026, analysts are “cautiously optimistic” about further growth, despite global headwinds like the ongoing threats of trade tariffs with the US.
While growth is growth, the 2.6% projection for this year from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a reduction from the earlier 3.6% forecast. The IMF said global trade worries tampered results.
And one of these girls is apparently chilling in Antarctica. Photo: ImaZins via Getty Images
Get up. All five members of NewJeans have reportedly decided to return to ADOR after the label won a legal dispute over their contracts on October 30. ADOR confirmed in a November 12 tweet that members Hyein and Haerin have expressed their desire to comply with a South Korean court’s recent ruling and come back to the company. So why aren’t fans panicking that the K-pop quintet is breaking up and becoming TwoJeans? About three hours after ADOR’s initial announcement, localoutlets reported that members Minji, Hanni, and Danielle said through lawyers that they are also planning to continue their careers with the HYBE-owned label. “One of our members is currently in Antarctica, which delayed communication,” they said in a statement translated by the Korea Herald, “and since ADOR has yet to respond, we decided to announce this separately. We will continue to meet fans with sincere music and performances.” Reuters reports that ADOR is “checking” whether the three members really intend to return.
NewJeans, the girl group that debuted in July 2022 and less than a year later became the fastest K-pop act to ever hit 1 billion streams on Spotify, announced last November that they were leaving their label, citing alleged mistreatment as well as dissatisfaction with the removal of Min Hee-jin as the CEO. They later attempted to rebrand as indie artists, but a court injunction in March put an end to their fresh start as NJZ. After losing the lawsuit over their contracts in October, the group’s legal team said they planned to appeal the decision, asserting that “the relationship of trust between NewJeans and ADOR has been completely destroyed, making normal activities impossible.” At the time, the label stated that it had already completed preparations for a group album and was waiting for the girls to come back. If the full group has truly changed their tune about making tunes with ADOR, then it sounds like new NewJeans music is on the way.
“KPop Demon Hunters” has been streamed more than 325 million times since its summer debut. But despite its massive fandom, the merchandise has been slow to roll out. Major toymakers Mattel and Hasbro only came on board after the movie’s breakout success.
The boys are back! The ones to watch 82MAJOR are ready to claim their TROPHY with their fourth mini album dropping on the 30th October at 6pm KST. Following a massive year for the six-member (Nam Seong-mo, Park Seok-jun, Yoon Ye-chan, Cho Seong-il, Hwang Seong-bin, and Kim Do-gyun) self-producing group, they’re officially stepping into a bold new era. And don’t worry, we’ve got all the details!
Image Source: Courtesy of Platform PR
Album Versions: Classic vs. Special
It’s not a K-Pop album without multiple versions. With 82MAJOR’S new EP TROPHY, fans have two collectible versions. And trust us, you might want both! Here’s a look at each version and their inclusions.
Classic Version: Photobook, CD & jewel case, polaroid photo, bookmark, sticker, folded poster, and selfie photocard.
Special Version: Photobook, CD with envelope, cut-out stickers, postcard, and selfie photocard.
Image Source: Courtesy of Platform PR
The Special Edition is a limited release, showcasing a completely different concept that highlights each member’s distinct charm. It’s perfect for fans who love collecting all the versions (we see you 👀 because we are you).
Tracklist Sneak Peek
The EP will feature four songs, led by the title track ‘TROPHY’ which is said to be a tech-house anthem powered by an addictive bassline and the group’s signature high-energy vocals. Rounding out the track-list are:
‘Say More’
‘Suspicious’
‘Need That Bass’
Each track dives into new sounds and emotions, proving 82MAJOR’s growth as self-producing idols. From songwriting to composition, the members’ fingerprints are all over this record and we love to see this individually come through. So we’ve heard through the grape vine that the sound will be refined and confident, and will of course carry 82MAJOR’s signature edge.
A Golden Era Ahead
Leading up to the release day, 82MAJOR are booked and busy! Their promotional schedule is packed with concept photos, teasers, and medleys. Everything that keeps us as fans anticipating their new project. All their activity is wrapped around a sleek golden trophy and that just screams winner energy if you ask us! We love seeing the cohesiveness between the promotional materials and album, so we’re picking up as many clues as we can along the way.
Image Source: Courtesy of Platform PR
After conquering global stages like KCON LA 2025, Waterbomb Busan, and their 25-city North American tour, we just know this comeback is shaping up to be their boldest yet. The guys are truly out to prove they’re one of the fastest rising names in the game right now.
Now we want to hear from you, which version are you grabbing first? And, what track do you think will be your ultimate TROPHY? Let us know in the comments or @thehoneypop! You can also find us over on Facebook and Instagram.
We love all things Red Velvet at THP! This experimental girl group has been a K-pop staple since their 2014 debut. Known for their playful, genre-blending sound, they’ve also mastered a darker, velvety tone that’s perfect for the spooky season. Here are five of their eeriest tracks to add to your Halloween playlist!
‘Psycho’
A standout from The ReVe Festival: Finale, ‘Psycho’ is Red Velvet’s most-streamed track for a reason. From its operatic intro to its darker trap production, the song captures the chaos of a toxic relationship through hauntingly beautiful melodies. Moreover, the Victorian Gothic-inspired video enhances this eerie vibe, showing the members in moments of glamour and despair.
‘Cosmic’
The title track from their most recent EP, Cosmic, is an endearing disco-inspired track that references the supernatural. Lyrically, it tells the story of an alien who crash-lands on Earth, and the narrator who becomes attached to them. Starting as a typical love song, the music video eventually hints at something far more sinister. Inspired by the horror film Midsommar, its floral, pagan imagery nods to a murderous cult. By the end, the alien seems trapped, as scenes of him being pursued by the group quickly flash by. Once again, Red Velvet rewards their fans who look a little closer.
‘Zimzalabim’
Another testament to their genre-crossing abilities, ‘Zimzalabim’ is an experimental track from The ReVe Festival: Day 1. Arguably, it’s their most unsettling track, with its title ‘Zimzalabim’ being used as an incantation throughout. Shifting from upbeat, bass-heavy EDM to dark, unsettling chimes, Red Velvet takes the listener on an unexpected but bewitching journey. However, this is best shown through the almost psychedelic music video, which takes you on a literal rollercoaster ride through genres!
‘Chill Kill’
Their most recent title track, ‘Chill Kill,’ is an erratic take on love and murder. Lyrically, it captures the longing for someone in the midst of tragedy. Sonically, it balances menace and elegance, with heavy bass and bell melodies contrasting with its dance-pop core. Furthermore, the music video expands on the story, showing the group covering up a murder before standing hand in hand as police surround them. Of course, only Red Velvet could give homicide such a hauntingly wholesome twist, proving their knack for pushing artistic boundaries.
‘Russian Roulette’
The title track from their third EP, ‘Russian Roulette,’ is certainly the most upbeat on our list. At first glance, the song focuses on love, comparing winning someone’s heart to a dangerous game of ‘Russian Roulette.’ Although the 8-bit, dance-pop production makes the track seem bubbly and fun, the music video and title allude to something suspicious. The brightly coloured, cartoonish music video starts off innocently before descending into a deadly game of competition and murder. Ultimately, Red Velvet truly shines in this concept, due to their comedic take on a deadly game.
✨ What are your favourite Red Velvet tracks? Are there any that we should add to our list? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram!
BOYNEXTDOOR is taking a giant leap forward. It’s no wonder that their latest mini-album is named The Action because nothing is truly stopping them now.
The six-member boy group, formed under HYBE and Zico’s label KOZ Entertainment, had quite a busy year with their first tour, Knock On Vol.1 Tour, and performing at Lollapalooza. Despite their tight schedules, the members—SUNGHO, RIWOO, JAEHYUN, TAESAN, LEEHAN, and WOONHAK— all managed to channel their songwriting skills in their free time and conceptualized their new release in a short amount of time. “All six of us really collaborated to make this music and album richer and fuller,” leader JAEHYUN says.
All five songs on The Action are enticing, bold, and vivacious. Just the first couple of seconds of “Live in Paris” are equipped with the familiar nostalgic tone that rings true to the BOYNEXTDOOR sound. “Hollywood Action” sonically transports you to an old-time film while also embracing a modern flair and kick. The same can be said about the music video for the song, where the members put their acting skills to the test and move and groove through a red carpet.
Below, we talked to the members about making the mini-album, collaborating with each other, and what to expect from them in the future.
Congratulations on your Lollapalooza performance a couple of months ago! I wanted to ask how that performance has impacted this release and your mindset in your music?
JAEHYUN: Lollapalooza was a stage that we were all dreaming of. We received so much energy performing there, and because it’s such a big stage, it motivated us in many ways and propelled us forward. So we thought of different ways to show ourselves in the future, and we really want to do our best in our future endeavors.
You just came out with No Genre not long ago, in May. What was it like conceptualizing, recording, and launching The Action in a short amount of time since then?
WOONHAK: We worked on our new album, The Action, and recorded it while we were promoting for No Genre. It definitely was a tight schedule, but we wanted to make sure that the quality was high up there, so we put all of our available time into this album. I believe that you can trust us with the quality of this album, and I hope you enjoy!
For the album trailer, many fans praised your acting! How has intersecting those two disciplines (acting and music) been like when creating the album’s concept?
TAESAN: On the outside, it seems like music and acting are two different disciplines, but I think they share the common thread that it’s all about expressing your emotions and your stories. So in that sense, they were similar.
For me, the lead single “Hollywood Action” has a big nostalgic feeling, and it feels like you’re in one of those old-timey movies since it had those silent film swing motifs in the music. You’ve visited the city lots of times for KCON and promotions. What were some memories or general inspirations you took away from the city or films that you wanted to convey in the song?
LEEHAN: LA is a very vibrant city. It’s very cinematic, too. So, I think those aspects of LA are incorporated into our song and album. And it’s not just LA, but all the different places and experiences that we have accumulated so far have been put into this album.
BOYNEXTDOOR has a pretty distinct sound in K-pop, and The Action still explores a variety of sounds and lyrics that ring true to your uniqueness. What has helped you become confident in your sound for this album?
TAESAN: When we were on concerts and tours, we felt the need for a track that would really hype up the audience and make them go crazy and jump. That’s what led to the lead single “Hollywood Action” for this album. Sometimes we want to go a little bit 90s, R&B-ish, and that’s why we came up with the song “As Time Goes By.” Depending on the feelings we have in that moment, we work on that sound and convey that message to the audience. That’s how we create the very unique BOYNEXTDOOR sound.
Are there any lyrics or production features in The Action you want ONEDOOR to pay attention to closely? What do you want them to take away from the album as a whole?
RIWOO: When I heard the hook for the lead single, I really loved it. So, I hope people take a good listen to that. I think the big message of our new album, The Action is all about challenging yourself and putting yourself out there for new experiences. And just by the word “action,” you can feel that that was exactly the message that we wanted to put across as BOYNEXTDOOR. Every step of our journey is a challenge. Creating this album was a challenge, too, but we were fearless and we wanted to go into it. For everyone who hears the song, I hope they will feel fearless and want to try new things.
What were some fun memories you had when making this mini-album?
LEEHAN: For the song “JAM!,” there was actually a moment when we were working on the same beat, but with a different message. We were working on a different song, basically with the same beat. I remember it was very late at night. JAEHYUN and I were laughing, joking around, and having a lot of fun. We were exchanging ideas and sharing feedback. So, I remember that moment. I think our team got even closer together.
Was there anything that creatively challenged you when making this mini-album?
JAEHYUN: I think releasing an album in and of itself is a challenge for us, because we never know if people are going to like it or if people are going to resonate with the message that we want to put across. We’re always a bit nervous to release a new album, but we also have high anticipation and expectations because we work really hard on the album.
SUNGHO: I guess the biggest challenge is communication because it’s always important to align ourselves into one message and something that we want to do together. Performance-wise and stage-wise, we had a lot of talks about what we wanted to do. As we have more singles and more albums, we want to do something that’s even more grand. It’s something that we would really love to etch into the memories of the fans. It’s also a very positive challenge that we were trying to talk amongst ourselves and share feedback with each other.
With it being your 5th mini-album, how has each member personally evolved with each release, and what aspect of your creativity do you want to continuously work on?
LEEHAN: It was my first time being on the album credits, and I had a lot of fun exchanging ideas with the members. I think it was a steep learning curve for me. Going forward, I want to put my name on the credits for the B-side tracks.
SUNGHO: Compared to when I was a trainee or when I just debuted, I now have a better grasp of the entire creative process and how we should perform and create our songs. I think it’s not just me, but it goes for all of the members; we matured as artists, and we’ve really gotten the hang of it. I think going forward, our ambition is to do better. Whether it be playing another musical instrument, composing, or writing songs, we want to push ourselves forward and grow as artists.
TAESAN: I’ve grown as an artist creating this album and working on this album. In the future, I want to really be better at all sorts of facets of our music, including composing, performance, and everything there.
RIWOO: As we were working on our album, we also had a lot of different shows, including being on Lollapalooza, the final show in Seoul, and the encore concert in Japan. I think all of those shows really served as a foundation for growth for us as performers I think performance is of utmost importance when it comes to me, so I want to make sure that all of our performances are really cool and can steal the hearts of our fans.
JAEHYUN: We’ve definitely matured as artists. I want to stack up all our experiences and put them in my music so we can have an even bigger scope.
WOONHAK: With every release, I feel that we have better teamwork. Each one of us really knows our roles to play. That leads to a lot of growth personally and artistically. We want to really maximize that, so we can be a team that could win the hearts of many.
Since it’s almost the end of 2025, what can fans look forward to for BOYNEXTDOOR in 2026?
TAESAN: We’ll be back with a new album.
WOONHAK: 2025 was filled with so many promotions, albums, and shows for us, which means it will all feed back into our loop of growth. I believe that in 2026, you’ll be able to see a more mature BOYNEXTDOOR.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
After months of Yeonjun teasing MOA relentlessly, it’s official! We’re getting Yeonjun’s debut solo album, NO LABELS: PART 01, on November 7th. We never doubted him for a second, but as soon as we saw that album title, we knew that this was going to be a hit.
Throughout his seven years as an idol, Yeonjun has defied labels time and time again, forever eclipsing what people are expecting of him. We’re so excited to see Yeonjun lean into that with his solo album! With this in mind, we thought you ought to be reminded of some of our favorite ways that Yeonjun defies expectations.
Genre
TXT is a group well-known for transcending genres. From R&B to rock to house and so much more, TXT blur these boundaries in each comeback, not to mention their discography as a whole. Individually, Yeonjun is notorious for this too, embodying each of TXT’s concepts perfectly, seemingly with ease.
Dance
Similarly to within TXT’s broad discography, Yeonjun is also notorious for surpassing expectations for a wide range of dance styles. Originally trained in hip-hop, which he is legendary at, Yeonjun has also gained a reputation for beautiful lines and elegant prowess in styles like contemporary.
Gender
One of our – and MOAs’ – absolute favorite things about Yeonjun is his attitude towards gender. He has always experimented with the masculine and feminine in his performances and clothing, but it runs deeper than that, too. He’s always been happy being addressed as “Unnie” or “Noona” (the Korean honorific titles for females), regularly slays girl group choreographies, and has casually agreed to be MOA’s girlfriend at fan events. These are just some of the many examples of Yeonjun defying gender labels, and we love to see it every single time.
“Who’s to decide whether something is women’s or men’s clothing?”
Yeonjun in 2021.
Fashion
No, we don’t mean literal fashion labels. How could we, when Yeonjun is the darling of Miu Miu, Moncler, Dior, and more? What we’re talking about is an extension of how Yeonjun defies gender labels. In his versatile style, Yeonjun has worn skirts, dresses, corsets, strapless tops, and more. He contrasts this with some very masculine-influenced outfits, too, but each iteration of his style always feels authentic.
NO LABELS’ Rollout
Yeonjun’s solo album rollout (so far) is the most obvious way he’s subverted labels yet. From the label of “idol” to his literal label, BIGHIT MUSIC, Yeonjun’s promo hasn’t been following the usual schedule. First, it was Yeonjun himself who told us we could expect his solo album in November, weeks before any official announcement. He then followed this up by teasing snippets and behind-the-scenes content on his Instagram, and eventually announcing the album on his personal account too, rather than the classic midnight KST Weverse Notice. As NO LABELS: Part 01 is being described as “unfiltered” and “authentic,” this rollout feels like an extension of Yeonjun’s intensions with this solo album, and we absolutely love it.
What are you looking forward to from Yeonjun’s solo album? Which is your favorite way that he defies labels? Let us know over on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
And if you want more TOMORROW X TOGETHER in your life, you’ve come to the right place…
We adore Aespa at THP! Always willing to experiment with new sounds, this iconic girl group has taken the K-pop world by storm. Whether they’re crafting futuristic soundscapes or singing gentle melodies, Aespa have never been afraid to get spooky. Here are five standout tracks that you absolutely need on your Halloween playlist!
‘Salty & Sweet’
This catchy track from their EP My Worldreally is haunting! From the metallic, droning sounds of the production to creepy lyrics about poison apples and potions, this track has a dark undertone. It’s Aespa at their best, still futuristic and experimental, but putting a twist on the girl crush vibe. This track is about them taking control, with potentially deadly consequences! The visualiser for this track really feels apt, but watch out, arachnophobes, this one might get a bit too scary!
‘Supernova’
This hyperpop hit is a standout from their first studio album Armageddon. Seriously, what’s scarier than the end of the world? Aespa depict themselves as supernatural beings on this track, capable of immense power. With the highly danceable chorus and beautiful harmonies, it’s easy to forget that Aespa are quite literally calling for cosmic annihilation. The video for this track is hilariously off-the-wall, featuring aliens, superpowers, and a mesmerising dance break. Only these girls could pull off such a strange concept!
‘Black Mamba‘
A venomous debut, this is an action-packed intro to the iconic girl group! The track focuses on a battle with the elusive enemy, ‘Black Mamba.’ With its strong bass and synth sounds, the track is equally catchy and creepy. An essential addition to any Halloween playlist, ‘Black Mamba’ is all about facing a luring sense of evil! The music video adds to this unsettling vibe, with the threat still looming at the end of the sequence.
‘I’m Unhappy’
Another track from My World, ‘I’m Unhappy,’ fits the Halloween vibe perfectly! With its haunting synths and melancholic lyrics, this song is a stark contrast to the typical upbeat hits of the summer. Instead, this track definitely gives fall vibes, as it’s moodier and slower than the typical Aespa track. The isolating music video is certainly a must-watch, with a creepy hallway scene that sets the scene. Throughout the video, the members are transported into a school setting, reflecting on the harsh expectations placed upon them.
‘Trick or Trick‘
Perhaps their most Halloween-coded song, ‘Trick or Trick,’ is a playful track from their hit album Drama. It’s a clever song about playing games with men and tricking them without offering any treats. With a heavy bass and humming synths, the track is both troubling and addictive. Aespa manages to combine a sense of unease with a sense of playfulness. Unfortunately, they never released a video for this track, but we can imagine it’d be truly terrifying!
✨ What are your favourite Aespa tracks? Which other tracks would you add to your halloween playlist? Be sure to let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram!
