Welcome to Tuesday’s edition of Issues and Insiders for August 20th here in Korea.
I’m Min Sunhee.
Today we touch upon the latest events in the world of K-pop here and elsewhere.
For this I have Bernie Cho the head of DFSB Kollective here in the studio.
Bernie it’s great to have you here.
I also have Jeff Benjamin a K-pop columnist live on the line in New York.
Jeff it’s good to have you on.
1) Bernie, let’s start off with some sobering news here in Korea involving BTS member Suga and a DUI offense that has caused much conflict.
2) Moving forward, Jeff, SM Entertainment earlier this month unveiled its first British K-pop boy band called “Dear Alice” in London.
What can you tell us about this group?
3) Bernie, SM is not alone in its efforts to expand beyond borders.
JYP debuted an American K-pop girl group called VCHA in January, while HYBE debuted girl group KATSEYE whose first performance was at KCON 2024 in July.
How do you care to grade the K-pop industry’s quest for global growth thus far?
4) Jeff, despite their active agendas within and beyond borders, second quarter findings reportedly show declining profits for the nation’s four big K-pop agencies.
Do tell us a bit about these latest findings, their possible reasons as well as your thoughts.
5) Bernie, some have linked the retreating profits to increased investment costs for new artists.
What do you think?
6) Jeff, JYP recently launched a sub-label “Innit” Entertainment to broaden its reach to include actors as well.
How do you respond to such initiatives?
7) Bernie, SHINee’s Taemin released a mini album back on Monday.
What has been the response thus far?
8) And Jeff, Blackpink’s Lisa has reportedly made history with her latest single, I hear?
9) Bernie, let’s end with a few words on the acts that are staging comebacks and on those that are planning to make their debut.
All right.
source : https://www.arirang.com/news/view?id=274896
