Big things soon as all of BTS returns
BTS agency HYBE confirmed that the K-pop megastars would release a new album and go on a 'large-scale world tour' in 2026, with the group's livestream announcement of their return attracting over seven million views.
The seven-member group had been on a self-described hiatus since 2022 while they undertook their mandatory military service – required of all men under 30 in South Korea due to tensions with the nuclear-armed North.
Now discharged from service, the septet 'will travel to the United States in July to begin preparations for the new album and tour all together', HYBE said in a statement yesterday.
BTS announced their official comeback during a live broadcast on Tuesday, the first livestream with all seven members in nearly three years.
The livestream attracted more than 7.3 million real-time views, according to the agency.
Group leader RM, whose real name is Kim Nam-joon, said during the livestream that the new album 'is officially set to be released next spring'.
'Starting next spring, we'll of course be going on tour, so please look forward to seeing us all around the globe,' he added.
Their comeback album would be their first in four years since Proof, which was the best-selling album of 2022 in South Korea, with nearly 3.5 million copies sold.
Before their military service, BTS generated more than 5.5 trillion won (RM17bil) in yearly economic impact, according to the Korea Culture and Tourism Institute.
That accounts for roughly 0.2% of South Korea's total GDP, according to official data.
BTS is the 'bedrock of South Korea's soft power,' Kim Yang-hee, an economics professor at Daegu University, said.
'South Korea's soft power is being led by the private sector, best exemplified by the success of BTS and Squid Game, but it needs the support of public sector for democratic values such as freedom of expression,' Kim said.
Last year's political upheaval spurred by a martial law declaration 'dealt a blow to such values', she added.
BTS, known for backing progressive causes, holds the record as the most-streamed group on Spotify, and became the first K-pop act to top both the Billboard 200 and the Billboard Artist 100 charts in the United States.
There had been debate over whether BTS should be granted exemptions from military service – sometimes granted to Olympic medallists and classical artists who win top international awards – but pop stars do not qualify under South Korean laws.
With the lack of public consensus on the matter, the members enlisted individually, beginning in late 2022. — AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
an hour ago
- Hype Malaysia
'K-pop Demon Hunters' Soundtrack Climbs Charts, Rivals Tracks By BTS, Rosé & Katseye
'Kpop Demon Hunters' have been on the rave since its release. Thanks to the talented fictional groups HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, the film has gained traction, not only from fans but also from K-pop idols and groups. Adding to the film's success, the two fictional groups recently debuted on Billboard's Top 100 music charts, with their tracks 'Your Idol' holding #77 place and 'Golden' not that far behind at #81. Surprisingly, these songs have surpassed recent chart entries by BTS (방탄소년단) and KATSEYE (캣츠아이). As a result, many in the industry are taking notice. Critics have praised the film's music for its polished production and authentic K-pop sound. The success signals a shift, where animated groups can compete alongside real-world idols in mainstream music charts. The animated film is a musical packed with plot twists, romance, and action. Since its release on 20th June (Saturday), its songs have taken over listeners' playlists. Tracks like 'Soda Pop,' 'Golden,' and 'Your Idol' have become instant earworms. As a result, real-life idols have started covering them. For instance, A.C.E. leader Park Junhee (박준희) performed 'Your Idol,' while Ahn Hyo Seop (안효섭), the voice actor for Jinu, covered 'Free.' During the BTS reunion livestream, RM (아르엠) surprised fans by singing a snippet of 'Soda Pop' from 'K-pop Demon Hunter'. The moment quickly went viral, prompting Netflix to update their official Twitter bio to: 'BTS NOTICED SAJA BOYS 7.01.25.' This playful change fueled even more buzz around the film and its growing cultural impact. Unfortunately, Saja Boys and HUNTR/X couldn't beat ROSÉ and Bruno Mars' 'APT', which is still leading at #28, impressively staying on the charts for 36 weeks. The song continues to dominate streaming platforms and radio, setting a high benchmark for other artists to beat. Nevertheless, fans of 'K-pop Demon Hunters' are eagerly watching the fictional groups and monitoring their success. Many also wonder if these virtual idols could surpass 'APT' and become the most famous K-pop acts worldwide. HUNTR/X and Saja Boys' rapid rise and viral success suggest that the boundary between reality and animation is fading. This growing hype has sparked lively debates among fans about the future of K-pop and the power of storytelling in music. Sources: Billboard, Koreaboo Zaima Humaria contributed to this article
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Morocco bets on video game industry to provide jobs and diversify economy
Mehdi Ben Said said the government aims to both attract international game companies to Morocco and incentivise Moroccan developers to create their own products. — AP RABAT, Morocco: Morocco is laying down foundations to build a homegrown gaming industry by establishing a developer hub in the capital, training coders and launching programmes to draw tech-savvy youth into the sector. State officials invited developers, students and tech companies from around the world to a gaming expo in Rabat this week, where guests tested new games, competed in e-sports tournaments and heard about new initiatives to bring the burgeoning industry to Morocco. Attendees at the Morocco Gaming Expo battled through shooting games, explored immersive virtual reality worlds, tested educational platforms and mingled with mobile providers eager to stake their claim in the growing mobile gaming market. The event, in its second year, is one of the few ways in which African countries are diversifying their economies and attracting new industries for their young workforces. Morocco is positioning itself as one of Africa's first countries to roll out targeted strategies for the gaming industry. Mehdi Ben Said, Morocco's Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, said the government aims to both attract international game companies to Morocco and incentivise Moroccan developers to create their own products. With youth unemployment close to 30% and many young people eyeing opportunities abroad, the gaming industry could be a way to spark job growth and diversify opportunities, he said. "The objective is not only to generate revenue, but also to empower youth,' Ben Said said. "We must offer real alternatives to our young people by opening up new career opportunities.' With more than US$200bil (RM 845.60bil) in annual revenue and three billion players, the global market for video games is undergoing rapid growth. But even as smartphones have become ubiquitous in the Middle East and Africa, the industry has remained concentrated in East Asia, North America and Western Europe. Driven primarily by game sales, Morocco's industry currently generates over US$500mil (RM 2.11bil) annually, according to state officials, who aim to double this revenue by 2030. Morocco is launching training programs in game design, programming and virtual reality alongside an industrial park where startups can incubate new games. The initiative includes a US$26mil (RM 109.92mil) investment to open "Rabat Gaming City', featuring training, co-working spaces and full-scale production studios. For students the industry offers a chance to turn a passion into a career, said Fadwa Bezzazi, coordinator of Universite Mohammed V's undergraduate club in computer science and virtual reality. Students, who are already spending money on mobile or PC games, want to find ways to put what they're learning in the classroom into practice. "I'm not going to say we're preparing them for the future, because that future is already here,' she said. – AP
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: South Korean singer Shim Jaehyun dies at 23 after leukaemia battle
SEOUL: A former member of K-pop boyband Shim Jaehyun, has died at the age of 23 after a battle with leukaemia. Allkpop reported yesterday that Jaehyun passed away on June 29. While the duration of his illness was not disclosed, he had kept his condition private. His former bandmate, Hojun, mourned his death on his Instagram Story, sharing cherished memories with the late K-pop star. "Jaehyun, I heard the news too late. I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for your final journey. I hope you cast off your worries and find peace," he wrote. Hojun also expressed gratitude for their shared bond, adding: "Thank you for the five years we had together. Please visit me in my dreams at least once." Born in April 2002, Jaehyun debuted as the vocalist of in June 2020. The group's other members included Hojun, Sihoon, Junhyoung, and Jeong.
