K-Culture Expansion Plan; ZEROBASEONE's Zhang Hao Harassed by Sasaeng Fans
Key Takeaways
- Culture Minister nominee aims to expand K-Culture market to ₩300 trillion.
- ZEROBASEONE's Zhang Hao harassed by sasaeng fans in China; idol safety concerns raised.
- Blackpink's Jennie partners with Alta Music Group for US management, retains creative control.
- BLACKPINK's Rosé touched inappropriately by fans during US tour, sparking outrage.
- Jeon So Mi to release new EP 'Chaotic & Confused' on August 11.
Top Stories
Culture Minister Nominee Aims to Expand K-Culture to ₩300 Trillion.
On July 29, 2025, Choi Hwi-young, nominee for Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced plans to expand the K-culture market to a ₩300 trillion era by supporting creators and promoting innovation. He also aims to attract 30 million tourists to Korea.
ZEROBASEONE's Zhang Hao Harassed by Sasaeng Fans in China.
A video surfaced showing ZEROBASEONE's Zhang Hao being chased by hundreds of sasaeng fans in China, raising concerns about idol safety.
Blackpink's Jennie Partners with Alta Music Group for US Management.
Jennie of Blackpink has partnered with Alta Music Group for US management, retaining creative control under her label Odd Atelier.
BLACKPINK's Rosé Touched Inappropriately by Fans During US Tour.
A video showing BLACKPINK's Rosé being touched inappropriately by fans during her DEADLINE tour in the US has sparked outrage.
Jeon So Mi to Release New EP 'Chaotic & Confused' on August 11.
Jeon So Mi will release her new EP 'Chaotic & Confused' on August 11, following the energy of 'EXTRA'.
Celeb Scoop
Kim Kook Heon Criticizes Mnet for Exploiting Trainee Desperation.
On July 27, 2025, Kim Kook Heon criticized Mnet for exploiting the desperation of trainees, referencing his own experience with vote manipulation.
(G)I-DLE's Soyeon Faces Criticism in Viral 'Ugly' Post.
On July 27, 2025, a viral post on Pann accused (G)I-DLE's Soyeon of being 'seriously ugly,' sparking backlash from netizens.
Dara Shares Photos with G-Dragon, Sparking Dating Rumor Reactions.
On July 28, 2025, Dara shared photos on Instagram with G-Dragon, sparking reactions about their past dating rumors.
'Boys II Planet' Trainee Jeong Sanghyeon Criticized Over Cat Photos.
Jeong Sanghyeon, a trainee from 'Boys II Planet', faced criticism after photos showed him carrying his pet cat outside, sparking safety concerns.
KATSEYE's Behavior Towards Member Manon Sparks Mixed Reactions Online.
On July 27, 2025, a video clip from a recent KATSEYE live broadcast circulated online, igniting mixed reactions regarding the group's behavior towards member Manon.
Yoon Kyesang Celebrates 'The Outlaws' Success on YouTube.
On July 27, 2025, Yoon Kyesang celebrated the success of the film 'The Outlaws' on a YouTube video, highlighting its 6.88 million viewers and ₩56.3 billion revenue.
Drama Alert
Arin Discusses Role in 'S Line,' Ambition for Action Roles.
On July 28-29, 2025, Arin discussed her role in the drama 'S Line' and expressed her desire for transformation and action roles.
Ateez's Yunho Stars in Music-Themed Film 'Back! Stage' on August 18.
CJ ENM will release the music-themed film 'Back! Stage,' starring Ateez member Yunho, in CGV theaters on August 18, 2025.
Korean Action-Hero Series 'Twelve' Premieres August 23 on KBS 2TV.
The Korean action-hero series 'Twelve,' inspired by the 12 zodiac animals, will premiere on August 23 on KBS 2TV, starring Ma Dong Seok and Seo In Guk.
Korean Drama Viewership Ratings: July 21-27, 2025.
DramaBeans reports viewership ratings for Korean dramas from July 21-27, 2025, noting promising starts for The Defects and The Winning Try.
Fandom Frenzy
BTS's V Hints at New Project for ARMYs in August.
BTS member V hinted at a new project for ARMYs in August during a live broadcast, raising anticipation among fans.
K-Pop Buzz
ASTRO's MJ and JinJin to Debut as Unit JOONIZINI on August 13.
ASTRO members MJ and JinJin will debut as the unit JOONIZINI on August 13, 2025, with their first mini-album 'DICE'.
EXO's Kai to Hold Encore Concert in Seoul, September 26-28.
EXO's Kai will hold an encore concert in Seoul from September 26th to 28th, 2025, concluding his first solo 'KaiOn' tour.
ILLIT's Live Performance at SBS Gayo Daejeon Sparks Vocal Debate.
ILLIT's live performance at the SBS Gayo Daejeon Summer Festival 2025 sparked debate over whether their vocals were live or pre-recorded.
Trot Singer Kim Yong-im Releases 40th-Anniversary Album 'Legendary Woman'.
On July 28, Trot singer Kim Yong-im released her 40th-anniversary album 'Yeokdaegeop-yeoja' (Legendary Woman), featuring 16 tracks.
YouTube Music Entertainment Era Arrives in Korea.
YouTube music entertainment is on the rise in Korea, with top artists like IU and Seventeen appearing in various formats.
BLACKPINK's OT4 Version of Jennie's Track Sparks Criticism.
On July 28, 2025, a viral video of BLACKPINK's OT4 version of Jennie's track "Like JENNIE" has sparked major criticism.
Netizens Discuss K-Pop Groups with Universal Recognition.
On July 27, 2025, netizens on an online forum discussed K-pop groups where every member is widely recognized by the general public, mentioning Girls' Generation and Apink.
Star Style
TWICE's Dahyun Debuts New Hairstyle, Goes Viral.
On July 28, 2025, TWICE's Dahyun debuted a new hairstyle featuring blunt bangs and wavy hair at a recent concert, which immediately went viral.