The OTT (video distribution service) market is revitalizing, and following dramas, Korean variety shows are advancing into the world. Among various contents entertaining global viewers, 'survival' has recently gained particular attention. The 'K-Survival' variety gained significant interest from the first season of Mnet's 'SUPER STAR K', which aired in 2009. The show, which started with a viewership rating of 2.9%, produced the 'national star' Seo In-guk and achieved over 8% viewership, proving its popularity. This led to 'SUPER STAR K' airing until its eighth season, 'SUPER STAR K 2016', producing numerous star musicians, and shows like 'K-POP Star', 'The Voice of Korea', and 'I Am a Singer' also gained popularity. Furthermore, the 'SHOW ME THE MONEY' and 'UNPRETTY RAP STAR' series sparked a boom, leading the golden age of hip-hop music. Survival programs featuring idol trainees are also highly popular, with series like 'Produce 101' attracting attention and various idol audition programs being produced. This trend continues, giving rise to global idol groups like WINNER, TWICE, fromis_9, Kep1er, and ZEROBASEONE. In this context, survival programs have further activated the content market during the COVID-19 pandemic, naturally expanding their scale. Various survival programs targeting different fields, such as popular songs like 'Mistrot' and 'Mr. Trot', as well as 'Steel Troops' and 'Street Man Fighter', have gained popularity. Additionally, survival-themed Netflix shows like 'Squid Game' and 'Physical 100' have recorded global hits, spreading 'Korean-style survival' worldwide. In 2024, many survival programs are being produced, including 'White and Black Spoon - Cooking Class War', 'Road to Kingdom', 'Stage Fighter', 'Project 7', and 'Mr. Trot 3', showcasing a variety of genres and fields. Consequently, the target audience for each program varies. Attention is focused on whether variety shows that appeal to both Korean and global audiences will emerge. In this way, the phenomenon of survival programs showing momentum beyond a simple genre in the Korean variety market is explained by cultural critic Ha Jae-gun to My Daily, stating, 'Korea has a high intensity of social competition, and when individuals fall behind in competition, the sense of defeat is significant. This social phenomenon can be reflected in variety shows.' He added, 'As people seek more stimulating stories, survival programs are welcomed in this situation.'
Kim Taere of ZEROBASEONE will perform 'First Happiness', the OST for the new JTBC drama 'My Youth', which starts airing on September 5. The song features a warm sound that conveys deep emotions. The OST will be released on September 19. ZEROBASEONE also returns with their first full album 'NEVER SAY NEVER' on September 1, inspiring fans with a message of hope.
TWICE's 6th Japan album 'ENEMY' will be released on August 27, showcasing a new rock style. The album includes the pre-released track 'Like 1', composed by ONE OK ROCK's Taka and Toru. TWICE is on their Japan tour, with concerts in Fukuoka and Tokyo. A special giveaway of original merchandise is also available.
On August 28, Jan Hao of ZEROBASEONE appeared on the red carpet at the 7th NEWSIS K-EXPO held at Lotte Hotel Crystal Ballroom in Seoul. The K-EXPO, established in 2019, honors individuals and companies that have contributed to the promotion and development of K-culture over the past year, featuring stars like IU and ATEEZ.
ZEROBASEONE has unveiled an album sampler and teaser for their first full album 'NEVER SAY NEVER'. The album features 10 tracks, including the title song 'ICONIK', which reflects the group's journey and aspirations. The album will be released on September 1, promising a blend of EDM, hip-hop, and heartfelt fan songs.
During filming for 'Idol Festa Attack' in Wonju, ZEROBASEONE's Kim Ji-eun unexpectedly meets his grandfather, delighting the members. They sold corn for concert tickets, and Kim's grandfather recognized him by his blonde hair. The members commented on their resemblance, creating a warm atmosphere.
Kep1er's concert scheduled for September 13 in Fuzhou has been postponed due to unavoidable local circumstances, as announced by KLAP Entertainment. The new dates will be revealed later. Following this, Kep1er will kick off their concert tour in Seoul on September 20 and 21, visiting three cities in Japan later this year.
LINE MUSIC has announced a campaign for premium plan users, including free trial participants, to win invites to a TWICE unit farewell event. Participants must stream 'Like 1' 700 times and set TWICE as their 'My推し'. All entrants receive a LINE talk background image. Campaign runs from August 27 to September 2, 2025.
The October issue of ELLE Japan, featuring TWICE's Momo on the cover, will be released on August 28. This marks Momo's first solo cover, highlighting her versatility with TASAKI jewelry. The issue includes an 8-page photo story and interviews with various artists, including Shoyo Hirano and Kenta Sakaguchi, discussing their creative projects.
On the afternoon of the 26th, a press screening and conference for the film 'Home Camera' was held at CGV Yongsan in Seoul. The film stars Yoon Se-ah as an insurance investigator who witnesses a mysterious presence on a home camera while investigating a death, capturing her terrifying 24-hour experience. Other news includes casting announcements for the new drama 'Love Me' and an interview with the main cast of 'Perfect Family.'
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