TWICE Releases 'This is For', J-Hope and Sana Collaboration; SEVENTEEN's 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' Tops Circle Chart
Key Takeaways
- TWICE released 'This is For,' their first full album in almost 4 years, topping charts.
- SEVENTEEN's 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' topped Circle Chart with over 2.92 million copies sold in 2025.
- BTS topped July brand reputation rankings with a 47.99% increase, followed by SEVENTEEN and BIGBANG.
- Daddy Yankee, now DY, released a Christian song 'Sonríele'; HYBE's Bang Si-hyuk involved.
- Stray Kids’ “MEGAVERSE” MV surpassed 100 million views on YouTube on July 13, 2025.
Top Stories
TWICE releases new album 'This is For', J-Hope and Sana collaborate.
TWICE released their new album 'This is For' on July 11 and 12, 2025, their first full-length album in about 3 years and 8 months, topping charts. J-Hope and TWICE's Sana collaborated on a TikTok video for the album's title track.
SEVENTEEN's 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' tops Circle Chart.
SEVENTEEN's 정규 5집 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' topped the Circle Chart for the first half of 2025, selling over 2.92 million copies. ENHYPEN's 'DESIRE : UNLEASH' topped the US Hanteo chart for the 1st week of July, and SEVENTEEN's 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' topped the Chinese chart.
BTS tops July brand reputation rankings.
BTS topped the July brand reputation rankings for male idol groups with an index of 10,128,031, a 47.99% increase. SEVENTEEN and BIGBANG followed in second and third place, respectively, based on data collected from June 12 to July 12, 2025.
Daddy Yankee returns to music with new song.
Daddy Yankee, now DY, released a new song, 'Sonríele', on July 9/10/11, 2025, after announcing his retirement. The song is a Christian track, and HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk played a role in his comeback.
Stray Kids' 'MEGAVERSE' MV surpasses 100M views.
On July 13, 2025, Stray Kids’ music video for “MEGAVERSE” surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, their 15th full-group music video to reach this milestone. The music video was originally released on November 20, 2023.
Celeb Scoop
CNN Brazil staff surprised by Jin's youthful appearance.
CNN Brazil staff were surprised by Jin of BTS's youthful appearance, with staff members guessing he was the youngest member. Jin is known for his youthful looks and was voted the most handsome member by his fellow BTS members.
Lee Sang-min's new home revealed on 'My Ugly Duckling'.
On July 13, 2025, SBS's 'My Ugly Duckling' will reveal Lee Sang-min's new home with his wife after clearing his debt. The show will feature his 'dream room' and visits from Im Won-hee and Kim Jun-ho.
Jo Yu-ri addresses Squid Game appearance fee rumors.
On July 12, 2025, Jo Yu-ri denied rumors about her appearance fee for Squid Game on MBC's Point of Omniscient Interfere, stating the actual amount was much lower. She mentioned her Instagram followers increased significantly after Squid Game.
Park Myeong-su admits to gossiping about Yoo Jae-seok.
On July 12, 2025, during MBC's 'Hangout with Yoo', Park Myeong-su admitted to gossiping about Yoo Jae-seok, with the three appearing together for the first time in seven years. Park expressed his affection for Yoo Jae-seok.
Han Hye-jin addresses privacy concerns.
Following the 2024 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards, Han Hye-jin discussed privacy concerns in a YouTube video on July 11, 2025, on the channel Life 84, addressing unauthorized intrusions at her second house.
Red Velvet's Joy reveals sister.
Red Velvet member Joy revealed her younger sister Ji Yeong's face to the public for the first time on MBC's I Live Alone on July 11, with the preview showing their close relationship.
Drama Alert
Yoo Jae Suk's new guesthouse reality show.
Netflix is launching a new guesthouse reality show titled “Yoo Jae Suk’s Camp,” starring Yoo Jae Suk, produced by PD Jung Hyo Min and Studio Modak. Guest recruitment begins July 12.
JTBC's 'Good Boy' achieves record ratings.
JTBC's 'Good Boy' episode 13 on July 12, 2025, achieved a new high of 6.7% nationwide and 6.5% in the Seoul metropolitan area, securing the top spot among Saturday mini-series.
Fandom Frenzy
TripleS members support 'One China' policy, sparking controversy.
On July 12 and 13, 2025, TripleS members Xinyu and Shinwi expressed support for the 'One China' policy on Fromm, aligning with the Chinese government's stance. This led to criticism due to TripleS being a multinational group.
Netizens discuss JYP artists' song charting.
On July 12, 2025, netizens discussed why JYP artists' songs are not charting well on Melon's Top 100, with recent comebacks from ITZY and NMIXX not performing well. Some netizens feel JYP's music sounds old-fashioned or that promotion strategies are lacking.
Industry Insights
Korean film industry tackles declining box office sales.
The Korean film industry is facing challenges with declining theater attendance, leading filmmakers to transform theaters into fan venues and merchandise shops. They are focusing on direct interaction and audience engagement through stage greetings and exclusive merchandise.
Korea Music Copyright Association complies with Ministry's order.
On July 11, 2025, the Korea Music Copyright Association announced its compliance with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's order to improve business practices following an audit. The association refuted allegations of improper use of funds.
K-Pop Buzz
Ahn Hyo Seop shares behind-the-scenes of 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'.
Ahn Hyo Seop discussed the Netflix animated film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' on 'The Seasons - Park Bo Gum's Cantabile', including singing three tracks. The film reached No. 1 in 22 countries and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart.
NMIXX preparing for October comeback.
NMIXX is planning a comeback in October 2025, approximately 7 months after their last EP. They are also scheduled to hold their 1st official fan meeting, 'Nswer Vacation', on July 12.
G-Dragon's Bangkok concert canceled due to heat.
G-Dragon's Bangkok concert, part of his 'Übermensch' tour, was canceled on August 2, 2025, due to extreme heat and safety concerns. Galaxy Corporation will announce a new venue and date.
BTS's V shares photos from Paris visit.
On July 11, 2025, BTS member V shared photos from his Paris visit, where he attended the Celine fashion show, showcasing his physique. BTS is currently working on new music and concert preparations in the United States, with a full-group comeback expected in the spring of next year.
JYP Entertainment's stock price surges.
JYP Entertainment's stock price surged by over 6% in anticipation of TWICE's comeback, with Hanwha Investment & Securities anticipating that JYP Entertainment's second-quarter performance will exceed market expectations.
The Boyz to comeback with 'Stylish'.
Belift Lab announces boy group audition.
Belift Lab, the agency of ENHYPEN and ILLIT, announced the '2025 BE:LIFT LAB BOY GROUP AUDITION' on July 11/12, 2025, open to males born between 2007 and 2014, regardless of nationality.
NOWZ's 'EVERGLOW' enters Spotify charts.
NOWZ's mini-album 'IGNITION's title song 'EVERGLOW' has entered Spotify's daily charts in Taiwan and Singapore, showcasing the group's musical potential.
Omar Rudberg praises BTS's Jungkook.
Swedish singer Omar Rudberg expressed admiration for BTS's Jungkook in an MTV UK interview on July 11, 2025, praising his dancing, singing, and songs.
Political Angle
Ahn Cheol-soo criticizes President Lee Jae-myung's appointment.
On July 11, 2025, Ahn Cheol-soo criticized President Lee Jae-myung's appointment of Choi Hwi-young as Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, suggesting it was a reward for support.
Social Scene
Seo Dong-ju shares honeymoon photos.
Seo Dong-ju shared honeymoon photos from Bali, Indonesia, on her Instagram on July 12, 2025. She married her husband, an entertainment company director, on May 29.
Oh Ha-young's photos.
On July 12, Oh Ha-young, a member of the group Apink, showed off her beauty that doesn't falter even while exercising. She posted photos on her Instagram with the caption "Run Away."
FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan resumes SNS activities.
FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan resumed SNS activities on July 11, 2025, after a hiatus due to a divorce controversy, sharing a photo related to the upcoming "FNC BAND KINGDOM" performance in Chiba, Japan.
Star Style
Jennie's airport fashion sparks online buzz.
On July 12, 2025, BLACKPINK's Jennie went viral for wearing Vibram V-Soul toe shoes at Incheon Airport, priced at $110 USD. The shoes, which resemble toe socks, are an Italian brand and are currently sold out.