Latest news with #LollapaloozaChicago
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
J-Hope Rocks Berlin Festival, Meets Justin Timberlake and More - A Backstage Bonding Saga
If you've ever wondered what it feels like to own a stage in front of tens of thousands and then hobnob backstage with pop royalty, just ask BTS' . On July 13, Berlin pulsed with serious swag as J-Hope took the spotlight at the legendary Lollapalooza Berlin festival's 10-year bash. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Imagine: 90 minutes on stage, the crowd vibing with every beat, and J-Hope dazzling in a look so fresh you could almost hear hearts skipping in every corner. J-Hope and Justin Timberlake J-hope and gracie abrams For those who remember his historic 2022 Lollapalooza Chicago gig-where he became the first Korean solo artist to headline in the States and got showered in praise by American media-Berlin's set felt even more chill and cheeky. "This time, I just wanted to enjoy the moment," he confessed. And you could feel it, the boy was radiating pure joy. When Music Icons Collide: Backstage Selfies and More But let's be real, what's better than rocking a show? Rubbing shoulders with the very best post-performance! J-Hope didn't just wrap up with applause - he mingled backstage with none other than (yes, the same JT from your OG playlists), plus singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams and K-pop powerhouses IVE. The photos? All smiles and full-on desi "squad goals" energy - like meeting your faves after acing your finals. Dons his leather jacket, rocks those all-black accessories, and suddenly you get why the world calls him a "world-class" solo artist. If you look hard enough, this scene isn't even that different from music festivals in Pune or Mumbai - everyone is buzzing, strangers become friends, and for a few hours, music makes you forget exams and 9-to-5s. J-Hope's Berlin Bash: A Tale of Talent, Dreams, and Desi Vibes Beyond the glitz, J-Hope's Berlin success hits differently if you're chasing big dreams. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Whether you love K-pop or are obsessed with indie rock, him owning international stages says it loud - dreams don't care about borders. Not to get filmy, but it's the same spirit that makes Indian youth root for their favorite stars on global tours or glow up when desi acts go international. That moment backstage? It isn't just a selfie moment - it's proof that music, hustle, and heart speak louder than language. In a world spinning with competition, J-Hope's story is that mid-week josh you need. Heck, he might just motivate you to dance like nobody's watching at your next fest, too. Reflecting on the Beat: Common Dreams, Shared Joy So, from Seoul to Berlin and Bombay to Bangalore, young hearts everywhere know that the real magic of a gig isn't just the sound - it's the connections you make, the memories you keep, and the bravery to stand out. J-Hope and friends wrapping up a mega-stage with laughter and love? That's everyone's dream encore.
NDTV
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
BTS To BLACKPINK, K-Pop Big Guns Are Back To The Show. What Lies Ahead
New Delhi: July is never just about summer sun for K-pop fans, it's about the big names taking over the scene with fresh music, new visuals and entire worlds built into their concepts. This July, things are heating up even more than usual. With some of the genre's most iconic groups back on the map, the second half of the year is shaping up to be an all-out K-pop spectacle. From BTS wrapping up their military service to BLACKPINK and TWICE returning with new music and world tours, here's a closer look at what's dropping, what it means and why fans (and the music industry at large) are paying such close attention. Ten Years In, Twice Still Sets The Gold Standard First up, Twice is back with their long-awaited fourth full-length album, This Is For, dropped on July 11, 2025. As the group celebrates their tenth anniversary, this album feels like more than just a musical release; it's a celebration of their journey and the bond they share with their fans. Fans have been eagerly awaiting this moment, as it's been nearly three years since their last full album, Formula Of Love: O+T= <3 in 2021. And while the specifics of the album's sound are under wraps, members like Nayeon and Jihyo have hinted at a more introspective direction. Along with the album's release, Twice is hosting a series of listening party sessions in Seoul to bring fans closer to the new music. The group will also be headlining Lollapalooza Chicago in August and livestreaming their Incheon concert on July 20. BLACKPINK Returns With A Bang Meanwhile, Blackpink made a triumphant return with their high-energy track Jump, which was released on July 11, the same day as Twice's album. After more than two years without a group single, the excitement surrounding this comeback is palpable. Premiering the track at the kickoff of their Deadline world tour in Goyang, Blackpink has already set the stage for a packed year ahead. The group's massive 31-show tour will span 16 cities globally, and analysts have already predicted it will exceed expectations, reaching over 20 million fans worldwide. BTS Is Reloading... BTS might not have a new album ready for release in July, but their presence is felt strongly. With all seven members now discharged from military service, the group is preparing to reunite and start working on their next album, which is slated for release in Spring 2026. July marks a turning point for BTS as they begin to focus on what's next after two years of solo activities and military duties. According to HYBE, a full-group comeback is being mapped out, with a likely rollout in Q4 of 2025 or early 2026. While details are under wraps, industry insiders speculate that a world tour, a full-length album and a multi-platform content strategy are on the cards. The anticipation isn't just musical, it's financial. HYBE's stock price surged immediately after Jin's return. But this time, BTS returns not as boys discovering fame, but as artists who've carved solo identities and now reunite as stronger parts of a greater whole. It's no longer about riding the Hallyu wave; BTS is the tide. Aespa Redefines The Comeback Aespa, fresh off their Dirty Work release in June, is also causing a stir with their bold concept and genre-blurring sound. This comeback, which comes on the heels of their successful world tour Synk: Parallel Line, is an exercise in futuristic aesthetics with a sharp, metallic edge. The album fuses experimental sounds, from glitchy hyperpop to intense ballads, all while continuing the group's signature style of combining technology with music. The concept behind Dirty Work explores industrial themes, with imagery like molten metal and blacksmiths, creating a world where their cyber-inspired artistry feels even more grounded. Why This Year Matters For K-pop Beyond just fan excitement, the returns of these heavyweights have macro implications. Korea's physical album market saw a nearly 40% dip in January, but major comebacks-starting with IVE and Jennie earlier this year, and now Twice and Blackpink, are expected to narrow the gap and soften the projected decline. And there's a geo-political layer, too: with China reopening its entertainment market after a nearly decade-long freeze, Korean agencies are positioning their top artists for Dream Concert 2025 in Hainan this September. The second half's comebacks may well be test runs for who dominates that next frontier. Final Verdict The second half of July 2025 doesn't just represent new songs, it signals a reshuffling of power, the closing of chapters and the beginning of bold new eras. Whether you're in it for the music, the lore, or the sheer spectacle, one thing's clear: the queens and kings of K-pop are back, and they're not here to play it safe.
Pink Villa
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
BTS' J-Hope emphasizes not taking solo work lightly, reveals working hard despite falling sick in emotional update
With Sweet Dreams, MONA LISA, and lastly Killin' It Girl, J-Hope has once again proven his ace status. Having taken over varied genres with a twist of his own style and a blast of dance, his first love, the BTS member, showed why he deserves all the praise coming his way, and more. Taking to Weverse following the completion of his last schedule, an appearance on Inkigayo, J-Hope dropped a lengthy message addressed to his fans. J-Hope thanks BTS ARMY for constant support and reveals tough times during solo work Writing about how he hasn't been able to stop thinking about the efforts that went into the production of his individual projects, J-Hope revealed how he got very immersed in his work this time, maybe more than the other artists. He did not forget to thank his fans, who are at the center of his work, 'When I think about who's watching, who's listening, who's giving their love and attention, and not to mention, who's consuming, and dedicating their time, in the end ARMY, are at the heart of it all! Right.. of course, it's obvious!! But I also think that treating it as 'obvious', as a given, is something that I have to be really careful not to do.' The rapper added how he did not take any of his work lightly and focused on ensuring everything was perfect till the end. That's how he has spent the past 8 months of his life, making him learn more than ever before. Speaking about how since 2022, when BTS first announced their hiatus for solo projects and military enlistments, he changed as a person, J-Hope turned into a strong individual. 'I've experienced being sick, and tried healing myself, and felt a great sense of accomplishment, and developed confidence. I've also developed a sense of belief in myself and my loving fans. I think I've become stronger and secure! It's all thanks to you.' With only the Lollapalooza Berlin schedule left in his solo journey this year, the star wants to keep the fire burning for another stage-breaking performance, much like the one at Lollapalooza Chicago in 2022.
Korea Herald
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Xdinary Heroes to hold summer concerts in Seoul next month
Xdinary Heroes is set to host a stand-alone concert in Seoul on June 4-6, label JYP Entertainment announced Wednesday. The band is planning a special gig titled 'Xcape,' which will precede a two-date show in Busan. The Busan show is part of its ongoing tour that began in Seoul in May and took the six-piece act to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. After hitting the stages in Seoul and Busan in June, the band will head over to Taipei and Singapore before embarking on the American leg of the tour. In the US, they are expected to visit six cities until mid-August. On July 31, Xdinary Heroes will make its festival debut at Lollapalooza Chicago.
Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
J-Hope graces cover of Billboard magazine
K-pop sensation is only the second Korean male artist to appear on Billboard cover J-Hope of BTS has landed on the May cover of Billboard Magazine, marking a significant milestone in his solo career. He is the second Korean male solo artist to appear on the magazine's cover following Psy in 2012. BTS as a group previously graced the cover in 2018 and 2021. In the accompanying interview, J-Hope reflected on his goals as a solo musician saying he aims to bring positive energy to listeners and fans. J-Hope continues to prove his unwavering popularity and musicality both as a member of BTS and as a remarkable soloist. In 2022, he became the first Korean singer to perform on the main stage of Lollapalooza Chicago. He is currently on his first world tour, 'Hope on the Stage,' which kicked off Feb. 28 at Kspo Dome in Songpo-gu, Seoul. On tour, he has continued to break new ground and set impressive records. On April 4 and 6, he performed at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, drawing a total of 46,000 fans over the two nights. He was also the first Korean solo artist to headline a solo concert at the venue. Following his performances at Saitama Super Arena in Japan from April 19 to 21, major Japanese daily newspapers published special editions exclusively covering J-Hope's concerts, underscoring the immense local interest and impact of his shows. The singer also achieved impressive milestones with his latest singles 'Sweet Dreams' and 'Mona Lisa,' both of which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. J-Hope's world tour continues with two shows in Taipei, Taiwan on May 24-25, and wraps up June 13-14 at Goyang Sports Complex Stadium in Korea.
