
The '2025 MBC Song Festival' powerfully opened the door to the New Year with top-class K-POP artists. Yesterday (31st), the '2025 MBC Song Festival' broadcast in Korea featured artists loved this year, each presenting stages infused with different 'mottos' and vibrant performances harmonized with a live band, captivating the viewers' hearts. The festival opened with an introduction by Baek Cheol-soo, who has proven the essence of the Korean music scene, and ATEEZ's performance of 'The Real' firmly established the theme of the show right from the start. SHINee's Minho, who has been the face of the show for three consecutive years, and Annie from ALLDAY PROJECT, who faced her first MC challenge, along with Hwang Min-hyun's return after two years, created an exciting atmosphere together. The performers were introduced with a fantastic harmony by the beatbox and a cappella crew BEATPELLA HOUSE. Following that, newcomers IDID, KiiiKiii, CORTIS, Hearts2Hearts, ALLDAY PROJECT, and KickFlip showcased passionate stages, raising expectations for their future activities. The diverse charms of the artists also drew attention. TWS's Dohun, Yongjae, and Jihun shed their freshness to reveal unexpected allure with a sexy song. izna and PLAVE displayed their strengths with goddess-like visuals and cinematic performances. NEXZ transformed into rugby players, ILLIT declared 'not cute anymore,' and LUCY fully utilized the charm of a band, further enhancing the festive mood. MEOVV, NCT WISH, TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Yeonjun, LE SSERAFIM, TWS, and THE BOYZ also attracted attention with performances reflecting their distinct team colors. Meanwhile, a variety of collaborations worthy of the name 'special stage' unfolded. Starting with a delightful stage by Han Lolo and TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Taehyun, the center group of the 5th generation girl groups, 'Lee Bang Won,' showcased the charm of the center with Hearts2Hearts' Ian, izna's Bang Jimin, and ILLIT's Wonhee, while YB and Stray Kids' main vocalist Seungmin displayed the charm of rock. ILLIT's special stage, featuring a surprise appearance by Pikachu, elicited a hot response. Additionally, in line with the 20th anniversary of the 'MBC Song Festival,' a medley of nostalgic songs from 2005 reinterpreted by rookie idols was prepared, resonating with songs like Lee Hyori's 'Anymotion' and Jinusean's 'Phone Number,' creating empathy across generations. RIIZE, NMIXX, ZEROBASEONE, and Minho, who have grown alongside the show, made the audience feel their growth through their performances. IVE's Liz prepared Sondia's 'Adult,' the insert song from 'My Dear Mister,' as a commemorative song for the 20th anniversary of the 'MBC Song Festival,' adding special meaning. As they welcomed 2026, the idols conveyed their New Year's resolutions and greetings, capturing attention. RIIZE's Wonbin, born in the year of the horse, expressed, 'Since it’s the year of the horse, I will work harder and show good stages and performances.' KickFlip's Donghyun, who just turned 20, revealed his wish to get a license and travel with his parents, while IDID's Seong-hyun humorously mentioned wanting to go to a sauna with his older members after 10 PM. Following this, a joint stage of the 20-year-old artists unfolded, painting a page of youth. The main players of K-POP also shone brightly. BOYNEXTDOOR concluded the event with a deep bow, delivering a warm feeling. IVE doubled the excitement of the New Year with bright energy. Stray Kids attracted attention with stage production utilizing AI technology. Furthermore, artists with solid skills, from TREASURE to aespa, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ITZY, ATEEZ, and NCT DREAM, brought the atmosphere to a climax, delivering moments that were impossible to take your eyes off. The long-awaited finale saw all performers singing together Kim Won-jun's 'Show.' The stage where various artists' voices harmonized made the conclusion of 2025 and the beginning of 2026 even more meaningful, beautifully coloring the end of the '2025 MBC Song Festival.'
BOYNEXTDOOR celebrates their 3rd debut anniversary on May 30, reflecting on their journey and expressing their passion for music. They hosted a 'DOOR Party' from May 23-30, featuring quizzes and a short play. Their 1st full album 'HOME' releases on June 8, showcasing themes of love, growth, and shared memories, with all members participating in its creation.
Ahead of their comeback, RIIZE released a trailer for their 2nd mini-album 'II', featuring highlights from the song 'SOAR'. They celebrated their 1000th day since debut with a fan party, where they engaged with fans and performed covers. The members expressed gratitude to their fans and previewed their new title track 'Do your dance'. The album is set to release on June 15.
LIZDA, a skincare-focused makeup brand, has appointed IVE's Iso as its new muse, aligning with its vision of healthy, radiant skin. Known for its 'idol prep' primer line, LIZDA plans to launch a global campaign featuring Iso, enhancing its brand message. The brand recently succeeded in an offline project at 'AZIP Seongsu,' aiming to strengthen its unique market position in global beauty.
RIIZE unveiled a personal trailer for their upcoming album, showcasing Sohee exploring a city guided by an unknown voice. The cinematic trailer highlights her unique charm. Their 2nd mini-album 'II', featuring 6 tracks including 'Do Your Dance', will be released on June 15. Additionally, they will share special content from a summer camp on YouTube starting June 2.
On the morning of the 30th, IVE departed Gimpo International Airport for an overseas schedule. Their agency reported 99 accounts for malicious posts and rights violations, stating they would submit evidence of post deletions and ID changes. Additionally, members Wonyoung and Minhyun attended a 'Tommy Hilfiger' event.
On the afternoon of the 29th, TREASURE departed for Malaysia via Incheon International Airport for their '2025-26 TREASURE TOUR [PULSE ON] IN KUALA LUMPUR'. They also released the complete visual photo of their 4th mini album 'NEW WAV' and the tracklist, with all songs featuring contributions from YG's Yang Hyun-suk.
On the afternoon of the 29th, a photo call event for the bag brand TUMI took place at the Shinsegae Department Store in Gangnam, Seoul, attended by IVE's Liz and fromis_9's Lee Chaeyoung. However, Lee Chaeyoung was unable to attend another scheduled event due to stomach cramps and dehydration, as reported by her agency.
I.N from Stray Kids has bought a luxury apartment in the upscale Apgujeong area of Seoul for 8.9 billion won, paying in full cash. The purchase was finalized in April, and no additional mortgage was recorded. Another member, Changbin, also bought a property in the same building last year. Stray Kids will headline major festivals in the US and Brazil this year.
Ji Chang-wook has been announced as the MC for the Asia Artist Awards 2026, his first hosting role at an awards ceremony since his debut. The event will take place on December 5-6 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, following last year's 10th anniversary. The AAA honors K-culture stars and features a lineup including IVE's Wonyoung as a co-MC.
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