From Seoul to the World

Whether you were at Blackpink’s 2025 concert tour or watching the MAMA Awards live, Korean pop is taking the world by storm. Each group has their own unique concept, and here are a few in the spotlight.

While many “OG” K-Pop groups are still streamed even today, the newest 5th gen groups are creating numerous trends.

For instance, Isabela Sumalbag states, “I like how the new 5th gen groups are more colorful…it’s refreshing.”

This is because many people stated that compared to their seniors, 5th gen groups are bringing a new style and way of doing things, including having cutting edge fashion (CORTIS), or being the the 1st (well known) co-ed K-Pop group (ALL DAY PROJECT). In general, the rookie groups are slowly topping charts.

That being said, there are countless rumors that netizens (fans) are arguing about.

For example, the recent global group KATSEYE was the first girl group to perform at the GRAMMY awards in Los Angeles. However, they’ve gotten hate for performing their top streamed song “Gnarly,” as netizens found it repetitive and a lazy choice for music.

“The hate is unreasonable [and] really unfair,” Anya Sohi voiced.

Furthermore, KATSEYE fans (better known as EYEKONS) are insisting many members are being left out in events and live streams. Mila Pecoraro expressed, “I don’t think that they were left out on purpose…there might be something going on.”

Aside from the hate and controversy, many other fans are looking forward to the new albums and group comebacks this year, the top 1 being BTS.

After their members went through Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS is returning with their album Arirang on March 20. Jennifer Bui exclaims, “I look forward to BTS and their new comeback, especially after several years.”

In general, 2026 marks a year where several popular groups are releasing new albums while others are getting hate and controversy. Where do you stand?