K-Pop is always changing, and if you dream of becoming an idol, staying updated is super important! Here are the top K-Pop news stories as of February 6, 2025 that every aspiring idol should know.
🖤 BLACKPINK's Jisoo Reveals Tracklist for Solo Album 'AMORTAGE'
BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is finally making her full solo debut! Her mini-album ‘AMORTAGE’ drops on February 14, 2025—just in time for Valentine’s Day. 🎶💘
Her album will include four songs:
🎵 Earthquake
🎵 Your Love
🎵 Tears
🎵 Hugs & Kisses
Jisoo said the album is about different emotions of love, and fans can’t wait! 💖 Pre-orders started on February 3, and she’ll be releasing teasers until the big day.
🔗 Check out more details here: Read about Jisoo’s solo debut
✨ What You Can Learn as an Aspiring Idol:
✔ Solo careers matter! Even in a group, being able to stand out as an individual artist is important.
✔ Concept is key! Jisoo’s album has a clear theme—this helps fans connect with her music.
📅 Big K-Pop Comebacks & Debuts in February 2025
February is a HUGE month for K-Pop! Here are some exciting releases:
🔥 February 3 – IVE dropped their third EP ‘IVE EMPATHY’
🔥 February 24 – SM Entertainment’s new girl group Hearts2Hearts will debut with their first single, ‘The Chase’
🔗 Check out all the upcoming comebacks: K-Pop comeback schedule
✨ What You Can Learn as an Aspiring Idol:
✔ Know the trends! Understanding what’s popular right now will help you improve your own music and style.
✔ Timing matters! Comebacks and debuts are carefully planned. If you want to audition, knowing when new groups are forming can help you find the right opportunity.
💜 BTS Members Are Returning Soon! What’s Next?
The BTS members who enlisted for military service (Jin, J-Hope, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook) will all be back by June 2025! ARMY is super excited about what’s next for the group.
Will they have a full-group comeback? Or will they focus on solo projects? No one knows for sure, but one thing is clear—BTS will take over the charts again soon! 📈🎶
🔗 Read more about their return: BTS military service update
✨ What You Can Learn as an Aspiring Idol:
✔ Hard work pays off! Even during their break, BTS stayed in touch with fans and kept growing as artists.
✔ Loyal fans matter! Building a strong fanbase is one of the most important things in K-Pop.
🌟 What This Means for Future Idols Like You!
- Train hard! Watch how top idols sing, dance, and perform and learn from them.
- Learn Korean! Most K-Pop groups sing in Korean, so practicing the language will help you succeed.
- Stay updated! Following K-Pop news can teach you about industry trends and audition opportunities.
💬 Are you training to be a K-Pop idol? Tell us where you’re from and what you're working on! 🚀✨🎤
Author: Star Bank Daeppang CEO JUNG
As the K-pop industry continues to captivate audiences worldwide, aspiring stars are keen to stay updated on the latest developments. Here are some of the most noteworthy K-pop news highlights from the past week:
Jennie of BLACKPINK Announces 'The Ruby Experience' Tour
Jennie, a member of the globally acclaimed group BLACKPINK, has unveiled plans for her debut solo album, "Ruby," set to release on March 7. To promote the album, she will embark on 'The Ruby Experience' tour, with performances scheduled in Los Angeles on March 6-7 and New York on March 10. The album features collaborations with artists like Childish Gambino, Dua Lipa, and Dominic Fike. Tickets became available on January 31. (nypost.com)
ATEEZ's Hongjoong Shines at Paris Fashion Week
Hongjoong, the leader of the popular K-pop group ATEEZ, made a notable appearance at Paris Fashion Week, attending the Paul Smith autumn/winter menswear show. Dressed in a stylish green ensemble, Hongjoong expressed his admiration for Paul Smith's timeless designs and shared his excitement about meeting the designer in person. Following the event, he continued his busy schedule with a concert in Zurich. (instyle.com)
G-Dragon to Perform at 'K-STAR SPARK' in Thailand
Renowned K-pop artist G-Dragon has confirmed his participation in the upcoming 'K-STAR SPARK' mega-performance in Thailand. According to his agency, Galaxy Corporation, G-Dragon's appearance is highly anticipated and is expected to draw significant attention from fans in the region. (mk.co.kr)
HORI7ON Named Best Rookie of 2025
The group HORI7ON has been recognized as the best rookie of 2025, according to KOPSTAR, a global K-pop voting site. This accolade highlights the group's rising popularity and marks a significant milestone in their burgeoning career. (mk.co.kr)
Reflecting on the Success of KATSEYE
The Netflix docuseries "Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE" chronicled the formation of the international K-pop girl group KATSEYE. Selected from over 120,000 applicants, the final six members come from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Korea, the Philippines, Hawaii, Switzerland, and America. Their debut EP "SIS (Soft Is Strong)" features hit songs like "Touch" and "Flame." The series also provided updates on popular contestants who did not make it into the group, showcasing their ongoing pursuits in music and dance. (decider.com)
These developments underscore the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the K-pop industry, offering inspiration and insights for aspiring artists worldwide.
Author: Star Bank Daeppang CEO JUNG
As of January 26, 2025, several major K-pop entertainment companies have announced global auditions, providing aspiring artists worldwide with opportunities to showcase their talents. Here's a summary of the latest developments:
SM Entertainment's 2025 Global Audition
SM Entertainment has initiated its "2025 SM Global Audition" to discover the next generation of K-pop stars. The auditions are scheduled across 17 cities in South Korea, China, Japan, the United States, and Canada. The tour commenced in January in South Korea, covering cities such as Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Jeonju, Gwangju, and Wonju. In February, the auditions will move to China, visiting Chongqing, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai. March will see the auditions in Japan, with stops in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka. The North American auditions are slated for May, with sessions in Los Angeles on May 3 and Toronto on May 10. Applicants born between 2005 and 2015, regardless of gender and nationality, are eligible to apply. Pre-registration for the auditions in Korea, China, and Japan is currently open on the official audition website. (allkpop)
JYP Entertainment's 18th Annual Audition
JYP Entertainment is set to conduct its 18th official annual audition across five cities in South Korea. The audition tour begins in Daejeon on January 13, followed by Gwangju on January 14, Busan on January 20, Daegu on January 21, and concludes in Seoul from January 27 to 28. Successful applicants from these auditions will be offered trainee contracts with the agency. JYP Entertainment has a history of discovering talents through public auditions, with notable artists such as 2PM's Jang Woo-young, TWICE's Nayeon and Jeongyeon, and Stray Kids' Seungmin having begun their journeys through this process. (코리아타임즈 프로그램)
YG Entertainment's 2025 National Audition Tour
On January 21, YG Entertainment announced the launch of the "2025 YG National Audition Tour," aiming to discover the next generation of K-pop talent. The tour will run from February 7 to February 23, covering six cities with seven audition sessions. It kicks off on February 7 in Gwangju, followed by Daejeon on February 8, Jeonju on February 9, Daegu on February 15, Busan on February 16, and concludes with two sessions in Seoul on February 22 and 23. The audition is open to teenagers born between 2007 and 2014, regardless of gender. Pre-registration is available on YG's official audition website. (allkpop)
iNKODE's 2025 Global Audition
Entertainment agency iNKODE, founded by singer-actor Kim Jaejoong and former Cube Entertainment vice president Noh Hyun Tae, is set to kick off its 2025 global audition. The auditions will start on January 11, 2025, in Seoul, and will be held in five major cities across South Korea (Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, Busan, and Jeju), as well as in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), China (Beijing, Shanghai), Thailand, and the United States. This initiative follows the successful debut of iNKODE's first rookie girl group, SAY MY NAME, in October. (allkpop)
HYBE Labels Audition 2025
HYBE Labels has announced auditions for 2025, inviting aspiring artists to showcase their talents. While specific dates and locations are yet to be detailed, interested individuals are encouraged to stay updated through HYBE's official channels for upcoming announcements. (kmkraj.org)
Tips for Aspiring K-pop Stars
-Stay Informed: Regularly check the official websites and social media channels of entertainment companies for the latest audition announcements and updates.
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Prepare Diligently: Focus on honing your skills in singing, dancing, and other relevant areas. Consider taking classes or seeking mentorship to improve your abilities.
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Understand the Requirements: Each company may have specific criteria for auditions. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and prepare the necessary materials, such as performance videos or portfolios.
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Embrace Your Uniqueness: The K-pop industry values individuality. Showcase what makes you unique and how you can contribute to the evolving landscape of K-pop.
Embarking on a journey to become a K-pop star requires dedication, resilience, and passion. With numerous global auditions taking place this year, aspiring artists have ample opportunities to pursue their dreams. Stay prepared, stay informed, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.
K-POP News Update: January 20, 2025
NewJeans Achieves Major Milestones on Spotify
Rising K-POP girl group NewJeans continues to dominate the global music scene, breaking records on Spotify. Their track "Cookie" surpassed 200 million streams, while "Super Shy" soared past 400 million streams, solidifying their position as one of the most influential acts in K-POP today. (kpoptimes.co.kr)
K-POP CDs Top U.S. Sales Charts
The impact of K-POP in the U.S. music market is undeniable, with 7 out of the top 10 best-selling CDs of 2024 being K-POP albums. Notably, Stray Kids' ninth mini-album "ATE" sold approximately 442,000 copies, securing the second spot overall and becoming the highest-ranking K-POP album on the chart. (news.kbs.co.kr)
Lisa Featured in EPL Celebrity Coin Toss Event
BLACKPINK’s Lisa made headlines by participating in the English Premier League’s (EPL) first-ever celebrity coin toss event. The event, hosted by Guinness, took place on January 16, 2025, at Emirates Stadium in London, further showcasing K-POP’s influence in sports and global culture. (fnnews.com)
K-POP continues to expand its presence, not only in music charts but also across diverse fields, reinforcing its status as a global cultural phenomenon. Stay tuned for more updates as K-POP reaches new heights around the world.
J-Hope of BTS has announced his 'Hope On The Stage' world tour, including ten U.S. shows. The North American leg begins in Brooklyn on March 13 and 14, 2025, at the Barclays Center. Having completed his mandatory South Korean military service in October, J-Hope has also teased new music set to release around March 2025. Tickets are available from January 17, 2025, with prices varying based on demand on platforms like Vivid Seats, which offer a 100% buyer guarantee. J-Hope's previous solo performance was at Lollapalooza on July 31, 2022. In 2024, he released his six-song EP 'HOPE ON THE STREET VOL. 1,' showcasing his blend of pop and hip-hop. [Source: bighit.com]
TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) has announced their 'Act: Promise' world tour, set to commence in Barcelona on March 20, 2025, at the Palau Sant Jordi. This concert marks the beginning of the European leg of their tour, with subsequent performances in England, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, and Macau. The tour will feature songs from their recent albums, 'Minisode 2: Thursday's Child' and 'The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION.' General ticket sales begin on January 17, with an exclusive pre-sale for MOA fan club members starting on January 15. Since their debut, TXT has achieved numerous accolades and historic performances, including concerts at Madison Square Garden. [Source: bighit.com]
The ever-evolving K-pop scene offers endless opportunities for aspiring stars to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams. This month’s key events provide valuable insights for those preparing to enter this competitive world.
- J-Hope’s Return and the Power of Consistency
With J-Hope of BTS returning to the stage after his military service, his announcement of the ‘Hope On The Stage World Tour’ has reignited excitement among fans worldwide. J-Hope’s relentless commitment to his craft—whether it’s through his impeccable dancing, charismatic performances, or heartfelt lyrics—reminds aspiring K-pop stars of the importance of consistent effort and personal growth.
Key Lesson: Stay dedicated, even during downtime. Whether you’re training alone or with a group, maintaining momentum is crucial in building long-term success.
- Ateez: Teamwork and Overcoming Challenges
During a recent interview, Ateez shared stories from their U.S. tour, including moments when unexpected challenges almost derailed their performances. Despite the obstacles, the group’s ability to stay united and perform at their best highlights the significance of teamwork and adaptability.
Key Lesson: Whether you're in a group or solo, the ability to work well with others and adapt to sudden changes is vital. Build strong communication skills and trust in your team.
- Kyu-bin’s Historic Moment in Japan: Embrace New Opportunities**
Kyu-bin made headlines this month by becoming the first K-pop solo artist to be featured in Japan’s 'Countdown Japan 24/25'. His willingness to experiment with his style and reinterpret popular songs demonstrates the importance of creativity and versatility.
Key Lesson: Don’t be afraid to explore different genres and push your artistic boundaries. The more versatile you are, the more opportunities will open up.
- GOT7’s Comeback: Staying Connected with Fans
GOT7’s announcement of their upcoming comeback as a full group after three years shows the power of building and maintaining a loyal fanbase. Even during their hiatus, the members continued to engage with fans, keeping their connection strong.
Key Lesson: Your relationship with fans is key to long-term success. Interact genuinely, whether through social media, performances, or personal messages.
Final Thoughts: Keep Learning, Keep Growing
This month’s events highlight a few key takeaways for anyone dreaming of becoming a K-pop star:
- Consistency and hard work are non-negotiable.
- Teamwork and adaptability will help you overcome challenges.
- Creativity and versatility will set you apart.
- Fan engagement is crucial for lasting success.
At Star Bank Daeppang, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate the path to stardom, especially if you’re training remotely. That’s why we offer affordable, high-quality lessons in vocals, dance, and Korean language, complete with multilingual subtitles in 16 languages—including English, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, Hindi, and more. Our global community provides aspiring stars with opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with others on the same journey.
Whether you’re practicing alone at home or engaging with peers in our online community, remember: every step forward brings you closer to your dream stage. Stay dedicated, stay humble, and keep shining. 🌟
This was Star Bank Daeppang's trainer Ahn Da-young. Thank you.
The title song '청바지' is an abbreviation for '청춘은 바로 지금'. Through this song, Boo Seok-soon delivers the message 'If you're happy at this moment regardless of age, you're young' with his unique cheerful energy!
Please show lots of love for the song '청바지' that suits them so well~!
TWICE, 'Strategy' Billboard Main Chart 'Billboard 200' 4th place!!!👍👍👍
Wow!! TWICE did it again! It's really amazing~
How much did all the members practice and prepare....
I applaud their sweat and effort. I hope TWICE, who always does their best, will continue to grow like this.
They are planning a completely new world tour and will appear as a special guest with the British band Coldplay in 2025.
I hope 2025 will be TWICE's year.
Tomorrow's K-pop stars, prepare hard today too.
I sincerely hope that you will become tomorrow's TWICE who always works hard!
Star Bank Daeppang will be with you~
Hello, MONSTERS!^^
A chance to see Baby Monster's amazing performance in person!
Baby Monster's world tour will start in January 2025~
They are already monsters, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much more awesome they will become during the world tour.
Check out the world tour schedule below~
*2025 BABYMONSTER 1st WORLD TOUR Schedule
▶ 2025.01. 25(Sat)-26(Sun) : Seoul
▶ 2025.02. 28(Fri) : Newark
▶ 2025.03. 02(Sun) : Los Angeles
▶ 2025.03. 14(Fri)-16(Sun) : Kanagawa
▶ 2025.03. 22(Sat)-23(Sun) : Aichi
▶ 2025.04.03(Thu)-04(Fri) : Osaka
▶ 2025.04.12(Sat)-13(Sun) : Kanagawa
▶ 2025.04.19(Sat)-20(Sun) : Fukuoka
I also made a promotional video at Star Bank Daeppang~
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4aY9IAGCkgY
