The K-pop boy group SEVENTEEN is all set to complete 10 years. The group officially debuted on May 26, 2015, and is known for being self-producing idols, meaning they are heavily involved in the production of their music, choreography, and performances. SEVENTEEN announces new album To celebrate the 10th anniversary of their band, they will be releasing their fifth album titled "Happy Burstday." It will be launched on May 26. The news was shared on the group’s official Instagram handle with the caption, "SEVENTEEN 5th Album 2025.05.26 6PM (KST) / 5AM (ET)" (sic). View this post on Instagram A post shared by SEVENTEEN (@saythename_17) Along with the album release date, the boy band also revealed their plans for a new tour, a new unit single album, and additional SEVENTEEN content. Fans of the group took to social media to express their excitement for the album launch. A fan wrote in the comment section, "i’m down!!! always and forever" "gyucheol unit GIVE IT TO MEEEE," wrote another fan. Meanwhile, the members are also preparing to enlist for their mandatory military service. Wonwoo recently enlisted for his military duties. The group’s second-oldest member, Jeonghan, had enlisted before Wonwoo. About SEVENTEEN The boy band, consisting of 13 members, was formed by Pledis Entertainment on May 26, 2015. The members are: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. Throughout their career, they have reached a large global audience and grown into an internationally recognized K-pop group, known for their signature music and performances. The band made a strong debut with their EP 17 Carat, which became the longest-charting K-pop album of the year in the US, and the only rookie album to make it to Billboard’s “10 Best K-pop Albums of 2015.” Their 2023 EPs FML and Seventeenth Heaven both set records for best-selling albums in history, with FML earning the group their first MAMA Award for Album of the Year. SEVENTEEN performs as one group but is divided into three units—hip-hop, vocal, and performance—each specializing in a different aspect of their artistry. The name "Seventeen" comes from the formula: 13 members + 3 units + 1 group = 17, symbolizing their unity and teamwork.
22 April,2025 09:32 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member Kim Taehyung, aka V, was on the receiving end of praises after a fellow soldier credited him for inspiring him to embark on his dream career of becoming a rehabilitation therapist. The soldier also shared how the K-pop idol excelled at military milestones despite injuries and also treated him to a lot of delicious food. BTS V won first place in shooting despite injuries Kim Taehyung’s fellow soldier, whose Instagram account is win._.min_223 recalled how the BTS star won military awards despite not being in good shape physically. He wrote, "To. Taehyung hyung, there were so many things I was thankful for during my military service, but I couldn't express them in words, so I'm here to convey my sincerity like this. Even though his shoulders, thighs, and overall body were not in good shape, he won first place in shooting as a full-shot marksman, first place in winter urban training and shooting, and even received the Military Police Model Award for his fighting spirit after being injured. I was really inspired by that." View this post on Instagram A post shared by 이승민 (@win._.min_223) BTS V treated his fellow soldier with delicious food The soldier further recounted how they could work out efficiently thanks to the equipment donated by V. He added, “I was so grateful that he bought me a lot of delicious food when I went to the PX when I went out or stayed out overnight. In particular, I still can't forget the eel sushi my brother bought me. It was really delicious..." The end of his Instagram carousel shows him eating the popular delicacy. He also extended gratitude to V for helping him solidify his dream of becoming a rehabilitation therapist. “Even after I was discharged, I gained more passion to quickly run towards my dream. Thanks to my brother, my military service was more enjoyable. I will also live steadily and without giving up, like my brother,” he concluded. BTS V reacts to the soldier’s post Kim Taehyung reacted to the comprehensive note and commented, "Haha, don’t give up on becoming a rehab trainer, player. Make your dream come true, and be sure to come find me. I’ll be waiting." V had enlisted for his mandatory military service in 2023. His discharge date is set for June 10, 2025. Interestingly, it coincides with the group’s debut anniversary.
21 April,2025 01:19 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBTS’ Jin gave the biggest surprise to a large audience at the Coldplay concert last night as he joined Chris Martin on stage to perform The Astronaut. It was a full-blown nostalgia trip for all the music lovers as it took them back to 2022 when Jin performed his last performance with Coldplay before going to his mandatory military service. Now, after his discharge, seeing him sing with Chris Martin felt like full circle for every fan. #JIN: Before going to military my last stage was Coldplay stage, now my 1st concert after discharge is also coldplay's Concert.Chris Martin: It's all because of you we have this relationship with #BTS 🥺💜pic.twitter.com/Q4pbp7hKS6 — BTS Charts Daily (@btschartsdailyc) April 19, 2025 On April 19, Jin joined Coldplay on stage and gave a meltdown to fans on both sides. While addressing the audience, Jin said, "Before I went to the military, my last stage was Coldplay's. Now, my first concert after my discharge is also Coldplay's." Meanwhile, Chris Martin also shared his happiness and said, "It’s all because of you that we have this relationship with BTS. We missed you, man, you've been in the military but you still look so HANDSOME. Look at this beautiful man!" ARMY has a meltdown This iconic moment made the audience gush as they couldn't hold back and reacted in excitement. One wrote, "Ahhhhhh. He sounds so so good. So handsome my Jin. Thank you coldplay for this precious friendship" Another one said, "Seeing Coldplay, a group that I grew up with, and seeing Jin—never in my life would I have thought that this kind of collaboration with my two favourite bands would ever come true. I can’t stop crying. I’m so happy that I’m alive to see this moment." A third fan wrote, "Full circle moment that speaks straight to the soul. Jin’s journey with Coldplay is pure fate, and Chris’s words just make it even more special." BTS Jin’s life after military discharge Jin was discharged from the military in June, coinciding with the band’s debut anniversary. He conducted a meet-and-greet with fans, collaborated with luxury brands, and also became the torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he discussed his new album Happy and even performed the song Running Wild, which marked his solo debut on the chat show.
20 April,2025 08:10 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member Jin, who was the first to be discharged from the military last year, is now set to release his second solo album, Echo. The announcement comes just six months after his solo debut, Happy. Echo will be released on May 16, and as a part of its promotions, Jin will be conducting a virtual fansign event. Hop on a video call with BTS Jin According to a post shared by BigHit on Weverse, 100 lucky BTS ARMY will get a personal 60-second video call with Jin. The event will take place on May 25. To grab this opportunity, fans will have to buy at least one copy of the Echo album on Weverse Shop Global, which is a part of the raffle event. The entry for the same commenced on April 15 and will conclude on May 15, a day before the album release. [공지] 진 (Jin) ‘Echo’ 예약 구매자 대상 영상통화 팬사인회 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN)🔗 https://t.co/pywgI1k39b#진 #Jin #Jin_Echo — BTS_official (@bts_bighit) April 15, 2025 About BTS Jin’s album Echo According to a press statement accompanying news of the album's release, "Aiming to connect on a deeper level with fans through music, 'Echo' offers Jin's perspective on universal life experiences, capturing everyday emotions with warmth and sincerity. Built on dynamic band sounds, the album showcases his versatile vocals across a spectrum of moods and styles. It reflects a deeper layer of vocal maturity and personal storytelling that underscores Jin's evolving artistry." Jin’s previous solo works, including Awake, Epiphany, and Moon, have showcased his distinct vocal color and emotional range. In 2022, he collaborated with Coldplay on The Astronaut. BTS Jin’s life after military discharge Jin was discharged from the military in June, coinciding with the band’s debut anniversary. He conducted a meet and greet with fans, collaborated with luxury brands, and also became the torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon where he discussed his new album ‘Happy’ and even performed the song ‘Running Wild’ which marked his solo debut on the chat show. The decision by BTS to enlist in the military helped avert a sticky situation for South Korea's government. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied males under 30 years old. The current system allows for some exceptions on the grounds of exceptional service to the country.
17 April,2025 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter BLACKPINK’s Lisa was panned on social media for her Coachella 2025 set, her bandmate Jennie, who took to the the Outdoor Theatre on Sunday, also got trolled. Blinks took to social media and critiqued the K-pop idol for her lack of stamina and for appearing out of breath during her gig at the global music festival. Watch the videos below. jennie's attitude here.. she turned coachella into a club pic.twitter.com/A85ZJOXrFi — mortyy (@hiladiesmuwh) April 14, 2025 jennie literally owned coachella she didn’t just perform she destroyed that stage her energy was off the charts she didn’t leave a single breath for anyone else to take the entire festival was hers and we were just lucky to witness it🤤🤤 pic.twitter.com/cW8uTAfRw6 — Maryam (@in_m23) April 14, 2025 BLACKPINK fans on Jennie’s performance One Reddit user wrote, “As a long time Blackpink and Kpop fan who has followed all their Coachella performances and solo work, WTF WAS THAT??? It’s been well known that she struggles with stamina, but my god she looked half dead the entire performance. She was out of breath every song and kind of gave up on dancing. There were borderline no vocals. She sang maybe once like every 30 seconds, and most of it was things she could yell. I thought if she was not gonna sing, she’d pull a Lisa and dance, but if she dances any harder, she would’ve passed out.” Another commented, “Jennie is gorgeous and can dance, but it's astounding how she has such little vocal and physical stamina at this point in her career. The only Blackpink member I'd feel confident in executing a full vocal set is Rose.” One user added, “Jennie's Coachella performance was so disappointing calling it mediocre is an understatement. she was not prepared at all, she should work on her stamina if she plans on performing there again.” More about BLACKPINK’s Jennie Jennie released her first studio album, Ruby, last month. Since entering the scene in 2016, she has impacted culture and made history via her music, acting, fashion, and entrepreneurship. The world initially met her during 2016 as one-fourth of powerhouse BLACKPINK, breaking countless records, such as becoming "the only Korean band to headline Coachella," "the highest-charting female Korean act on the US Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard 200" and their 'Born Pink World Tour' being the highest-grossing concert tour by a female group and Asian act in history. Renowned for her inimitable style and elite fashion sense, she is a frequent attendee of the Met Gala and Paris Fashion Week.
16 April,2025 10:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIt’s happening! Get ready to groove, ARMY—BTS’ Jin is all set to release his second solo album titled Echo. The K-pop star is bringing his new solo just six months after his solo debut, Happy. A press note mentioned that Jin’s new solo would offer his perspective on universal life experiences. A press statement read, “Aiming to connect on a deeper level with fans through music, Echo offers Jin’s perspective on universal life experiences, capturing everyday emotions with warmth and sincerity,” reports Variety. It further mentioned, “Built on dynamic band sounds, the album showcases his versatile vocals across a spectrum of moods and styles. It reflects a deeper layer of vocal maturity and personal storytelling that underscores Jin’s evolving artistry.” As soon as this news came out ARMY started reacting to share their excitment. One wrote, “So damn readyyyyy”. “I'm so happy,” another fan shared. A third fan wrote, “OMGGG I AM SO EXCITED”. Meanwhile, one comment reads, “This was totally unexpected! At least for me! I am so happy! We have a great opportunity to finally get the #1 on Billboard 200 for a BTS member!” More about BTS Jin Echo will release worldwide on all major streaming platforms on May 16, with additional album details expected to be revealed in the coming weeks. Jin, born Kim Seok-jin, first rose to global prominence as a member of BTS, the Grammy-nominated South Korean group that has redefined the boundaries of pop music since their 2013 debut. His previous solo works, including Awake, Epiphany, and Moon, have showcased his distinct vocal colour and emotional range. In 2022, he collaborated with Coldplay on The Astronaut. The announcement of Echo comes during an active period for the performer, who represented South Korea as a torchbearer in last year’s Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay before releasing his debut solo album, Happy. BTS Jin’s life after military discharge Jin was discharged from the military in June, coinciding with the band’s debut anniversary. He conducted a meet-and-greet with fans, collaborated with luxury brands, and also became the torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he discussed his new album Happy and even performed the song Running Wild, which marked his solo debut on the chat show. (With inputs from IANS)
15 April,2025 09:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member Kim Taehyung, aka V’s late dog Yeontan, has been crowned the Most Beloved Celebrity Pet in Billboard’s new poll conducted on National Pet Day 2025. The K-pop idol’s pet pomeranian, who passed away in 2024 due to prolonged illness, beat Taylor Swift's cats Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson, and Benjamin Button, as well as Ariana Grande's rescue dogs and pig, to earn the top spot. Also known as Tannie, V’s furry friend won with a whopping 94.56% of the votes. BTS' V mourns the demise of his dog Yeontan In December 2024, V took to Weverse and wrote, “To be honest, the reason I've come to write a post like this is because Yeontan has left on a long journey to doggy heaven recently. I've thought a lot about how to tell you all about this, but I convey this news as I thought it would be right to tell all ARMYs who have sent so much love until now. I would be thankful if ARMYs would be able to think of Yeontan here and there so that he can be happy in heaven too. I hope it will be a warm end of the year where you can tell your loved ones around you that you love them one more time. I hope ARMYs will always be healthy until the day we meet again! I love you, thank you.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by V (@thv) BTS V’s military update V had enlisted for his mandatory military service in 2023. His discharge date is set for June 10, 2025. Interestingly, it coincides with the group’s debut anniversary. The decision by BTS to enlist in the military helped avert a sticky situation for South Korea's government. Military service is compulsory for all able-bodied males under 30 years old. The current system allows for some exceptions on the grounds of exceptional service to the country. Some top athletes and classical musicians have been excused on this basis, but pop artists have not. On the work front, Kim Taehyung is rumoured to be joining the third season of Netflix’s Squid Game. During an interview with BuzzFeed UK, Lee Jung Jae and his co-star Wi Ha Joon were asked directly about the possibility of V joining the cast for the upcoming season. Lee quickly dismissed the topic with a cryptic, “I can’t say anything about that.”
15 April,2025 11:20 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter BLACKPINK as a group enthralled the audience at Coachella in 2023, the band’s famous rapper and actor Lalisa, popularly known as Lisa, stunned at the music festival with her set on Friday. She performed her renowned solo, Elastigirl, wearing a racy red outfit and showcasing bold dance moves. Interestingly, her bandmate Rose was also in the crowd cheering for her. Watch the videos below. OKAY OKAY THAICONIC LISA COACHELLA #LISACHELLA #Coachella2025 pic.twitter.com/iD5hI3xkUi — 🌻 (@lisamygem) April 12, 2025 Lisa is a rockstar at Coachella.pic.twitter.com/gOJps6Yjpl — About Music (@AboutMusicYT) April 12, 2025 I can hear her smirk when she sang “FXCK YOUR OPINION, I DID THAT ON MY OWN”😏THAICONIC LISA COACHELLA#LISACHELLA#Coachella2025pic.twitter.com/pljUkl71bt — LALISA GLOBAL FANBASE (@Lsglobal_) April 12, 2025 BLACKPINK’s history with Coachella In 2019, the 'Pink Venom' hitmakers - comprising Jennie, Jisoo, Rose, and Lisa - became the first K-pop girl group to play the world-famous music extravaganza. In 2023, they became the first Korean talent to have topped the bill on the main stage at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Rose told the crowd during their performance, "So let me start off with, four years ago we were invited to perform here for you at Coachella at the Sahara tent and that made a mark in all of our hearts. I must say, this is a dream come true. The reason all four of us are here is because of you." Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s Jennie is also set to perform at Coachella on April 13. Lisa’s work front Lisa was recently seen in The White Lotus season 3. Previously, she founded her own management business, Lloud Co., and has set several personal records for herself. With the release of her solo album 'Lalisa' in 2021, she became the first female artist to sell 736,999 copies in the first week in South Korea. Her album's hits 'Lalisa' and 'Money' both peaked in the top ten of the Billboard Global 200, with the latter becoming the longest-charting song by a female K-Pop singer on the US Billboard 100 and UK Hits Chart. She set three Guinness World Records in 2023, including the most Instagram followers for a K-pop singer and the first solo K-pop winner at both the MTV Video Music Awards and the MTV Europe Music Awards. BLACKPINK announce 2025 world tour dates BLACKPINK announced in February that they would be embarking on a stadium tour this summer with dates in Asia, the United States, and Europe. The band debuted in August 2016 with the single album 'Square One' from YG Entertainment. Their single "Boombayah" topped the Billboard World Digital Songs list, becoming the most-viewed debut music video by a Korean act. With 'Ddu-Du Ddu Du,' which peaked at number 55, they became the highest-charting female K-Pop group on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the first K-Pop girl group to join and top the Billboard Emerging Artists chart. The trio later worked with artists such as Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Selena Gomez. (With inputs from Agencies)
12 April,2025 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member Kim Namjoon, aka RM, has left the ARMY concerned after a picture of his living conditions at the military base went viral. The K-pop group’s leader is seen standing next to an elevated wooden board where the soldiers reportedly sleep. RM is currently stationed in Hwacheon, which is located near the North Korean border, and unlike other military bases, this one lacks an upgrade in terms of facilities. BTS RM’s living conditions in military A picture released by the South Korean media outlet Yonhap News is spreading like wildfire on social media, which has led to scrutiny from the BTS ARMY. Many pointed out that RM’s height would have made it difficult for him to sleep comfortably on the wooden structure. One user wrote, “Ain’t no f*****g way Namjoon has been sleeping on a damn wood board every day. Hwacheon base, on which Namjoon is stationed, is the closest to NK with the harshest living conditions, and like other bases, it’s not even upgraded. No mattress, legs hanging off, -20 degrees. F**K MAN." Ain't no fvcking way Namjoon has been sleeping on a damn wood board everyday. Hwacheon base on which Namjoon is stationed is the closest to NK with the harshest living conditions and like other bases it's not even upgraded. No mattress, legs hanging off, -20 degrees. FVCK MAN https://t.co/uGjRxlrqlM pic.twitter.com/gfJq4XwiwP — nush⁷ (@namgiseokbase) April 9, 2025 However, one netizen explained, “They sleep in rolled up mats. It's military training. Soldiers won't get decent beds/proper sleep in a war. Military is not for everyone. I feel for Namjoon, but that's what happens when u live in a country where war could break out in no time.” “It’s the military? Do you guys really think it would be a 5 star resort? They’re not there for a break; it’s a mandatory military service,” added another. RM will be discharged on June 10, 2025, which coincides with the group’s debut anniversary. BTS RM’s documentary Last year, RM released his documentary ‘RM: Right People, Wrong Place’ which was also selected at the 29th Busan International Film Festival. This documentary delves into the creation of RM's second solo album, ‘Right Place, Wrong Person’, capturing his profound reflections on his identity, love, and artistic passions. The film has been directed by Lee Seok-joon, who previously worked on the production of the music videos for “Arson” and “MORE,” the title track of BTS’ J-Hope’s solo album christened “Jack in the Box.”
11 April,2025 02:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member J-hope sat down for a candid chat amid his ongoing solo tour, Hope on the Stage. The K-pop idol spilled the beans on his creative process, bonding with other members - Jungkook, Jimin, RM, Suga, V, and Jin - as well as what the ARMY means to him. Who heard Sweet Dreams first? In March, BTS’ music agency BigHit announced J-hope’s single Sweet Dreams with Miguel. A statement shared on Weverse read, “The R&B pop track is a heartfelt serenade that expresses the genuine desire to boldly love and be loved. Grammy-award-winning artist Miguel lends his soulful vocals to the song. We hope you enjoy Sweet Dreams as J-hope and Miguel gently deliver this dreamy, sweet melody of love.” In an interview with iHeartRadio, J-hope was asked who got to hear the finished product first, to which he replied Jungkook followed by other members. J-hope on his bond with other BTS members The Mona Lisa hitmaker said, “Each member knows their role and the team very well, so we positively influence each other. I believe that’s the driving force behind keeping the team together for 13 years. I wonder if I’d be fortunate enough to meet such amazing people again in another life.” Speaking about what ARMY means to him, he added, “When I receive love or admiration from others, I feel a sense of responsibility, knowing that they are watching me and giving me support gives me strength to keep going. I see it as my mission to give back the support they’ve shown me. And I truly appreciate ARMY, who have shown me so much love. I’m looking forward to what’s ahead, and I’ll work hard to be my best self. The army is invaluable.” BTS J-hope’s solo tour J-hope is set to bring his solo tour to Asia. The rapper will perform in Philippines on April 11-12, Japan on April 19-20, Singapore on April 26-27, Indonesia on May 3-4, Thailand on May 10-11, Macau on May 17-18, Taiwan on May 24-25, and Japan on May 31-June 1. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group, who returned in June 2024.
10 April,2025 12:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth Korean boy band BTS member J-hope concluded the North American leg of his solo tour, Hope on the Stage, on April 6. The K-pop idol took to Weverse for a mukbang session and interacted with fans. He got candid about his feelings as he headed to Manila, Philippines, for the next round of his tour. BTS J-hope on wrapping up solo tour in US J-hope said on Weverse, “As I’ve finished the US Tour that I was worried about, I guess I should go to sleep. Yes, everyone, I’m tired. You know, pop stars go and have after parties, of course not all of them, but I don’t do anything like that. I’m sleepy so I have to go to bed. As I was doing the tour, I experienced a lot of emotions. I was sick, I was really nervous in a fun way, and I was moved. I had a lot of fun and had good experiences, and learned a lot. Now I have to go to Manila. As I finished things here well and healthily, I’ll return to Korea.” BTS J-hope’s solo tour J-hope is set to bring his solo tour to Asia. The rapper will perform in Philippines on April 11-12, Japan on April 19-20, Singapore on April 26-27, Indonesia on May 3-4, Thailand on May 10-11, Macau on May 17-18, Taiwan on May 24-25, and Japan on May 31-June 1. This tour is J-Hope's first as a solo performer, although he is no stranger to solo performances. In 2022, the rapper made history as the first Korean artist to headline the flagship Lollapalooza festival in Chicago. The Hope on the Stage tour marks a significant moment in the BTS members' careers as they resume their professional lives following mandatory military enlistment. J-Hope is the second member of BTS to return after his military service, with Jin, the eldest member of the group, who returned in June 2024. The group, who performed their final concert together in 2022 at the Yet to Come event in Busan, South Korea, is expected to reunite as a full group later this year once all members have completed their service.
08 April,2025 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT