From SM Entertainment (hereinafter SM), a new girl group will debut for the first time in about 5 years since aespa. On the 5th, SM revealed that 'in the third quarter of this year, consolidated sales reached 242.2 billion won (about 26.7 billion yen) and operating profit was 13.3 billion won (about 1.4 billion yen).' Compared to the same period last year, sales decreased by 9% and operating profit decreased by 73.6%. Sales were affected by a decrease in CD sales and a decline in sales from major subsidiaries, while operating profit decreased due to reduced sales from subsidiaries and the production costs of SM's first UK boy group dearALICE. On an individual basis, sales for the third quarter were 172.1 billion won (about 19 billion yen) and operating profit was 27.1 billion won (about 2.9 billion yen), both down 8.8% and 43.6% respectively compared to the same period last year. The decrease in album/music source sales was influenced by last year's new album sales, but the expansion of performances and the internalization of the performance business led to increased concert sales and expanded MD (merchandise) sales through concert collaborations. The net profit for the period was 16 billion won (about 1.7 billion yen), a decrease of 56.8% compared to the same period last year. SM announced activities for its artist lineup in the fourth quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year. In particular, a new girl group is set to debut in the first quarter of next year, about 5 years after aespa, generating anticipation. This is part of SM 3.0's IP expansion roadmap, which includes global IP expansion projects such as the UK boy group dearALICE and the first virtual artist nævis, showcasing new IP alongside the release of a single in the first quarter of next year. Additionally, aespa's mini-album 'Whiplash,' released on October 21, has gained significant popularity following the release of individual member solo songs during concerts, demonstrating their influence with consecutive hits starting from 'Supernova.' In November, SHINee's Minho will release his first full album, and NCT DREAM will release their 4th full album. Following the release of TVXQ's full album in Japan and their 20th-anniversary concert tour, NCT WISH's full album in Japan and NCT's Yuta's mini-album will also be showcased. Red Velvet's Irene's solo debut album, Girls' Generation's Taeyeon, WayV's mini-album, and nævis's single are also scheduled for release. In the first quarter of next year, marking SM's 30th anniversary, various projects including the 'SMTOWN LIVE' concert featuring SM artists and the 'SMTOWN' album are being prepared. NCT's Mark will officially release his first album, and EXO's Kai will make a comeback with a mini-album after a long time, along with mini-albums from Red Velvet's Seulgi, NCT WISH, and NCT's Ten. Co-CEO Chang Cheol-hyuk stated, 'SM will not only continue to support existing artists who have been loved for a long time but will also strengthen its artist IP lineup through the debut of new artists that began last year, including the debut of a new girl group next year.' He added, 'As we celebrate our 30th anniversary next year, we plan to showcase various projects such as performances, albums, and MD for many fans who have loved SM, so we hope for much anticipation.' - 'SMTOWN LIVE 2025' confirmed to be held at Korea's Gocheok Sky Dome! Anticipation for the first event in about 2.5 years - SM Entertainment to launch an album and concert featuring all its artists as part of the 30th-anniversary project.
Chanyeol from EXO has released the music video for 'Happy Accident' featuring SOLE. He will host a live countdown for his 2nd mini-album 'Upside Down' on August 25, engaging with fans. The album features 6 tracks, including the title song 'Upside Down,' and a free offline event will be held on August 27-28 in Seoul.
On the afternoon of the 20th, MBC MUSIC's 'SHOW CHAMPION' aired live from Gyeonggi-do's Goyang City. The show featured performances from various artists, including ASTRO's MJ and JinJin's new unit ZOONIZINI, SECRET NUMBER, and the Japanese unit MADEIN S. Notably, SHINee's Key won first place without appearing on the show. The new unit ZOONIZINI released their title track 'Some Things Never Change', while MADEIN S debuted with their performance of 'BLUE'.
Tohoshinki has announced a collaboration with the popular jazz manga "BLUE GIANT" as part of their 20th anniversary celebrations. Their live DVD & Blu-ray from the tour, which attracted around 350,000 fans across 22 performances, includes special features and merchandise related to the collaboration, generating significant excitement.
Joy of Red Velvet has released her 1st mini-album, "From JOY, with Love," featuring six tracks, including the title song "Love Splash!" The album explores diverse love stories, with Joy expressing her personal journey and emotions through music. She hopes listeners find comfort and joy in her work.
The upcoming film 'Ballerina: The World of John Wick' continues the John Wick saga, featuring a female assassin's quest for revenge after her father's murder. Set in the same universe, it showcases intense action and character development, promising a blend of drama and action not seen in previous installments.
SHINee's Key will hold his solo concert '2025 KEYLAND: Uncanny Valley' in Seoul, live-streamed on September 28. Expect new songs, unique visuals, and stunning performances. The concert promises to immerse fans in Key's world, though there may be audio/video issues due to the live broadcast. Check KNTV for updates.
Lee Che-min's exclusive contract with Gold Medalist has concluded as of August 2025. Both parties expressed mutual respect after careful discussions, thanking each other for their collaboration over the past five years. Lee debuted in 2021 and is set to return in the new drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' airing on the 28th in Korea.
KARINA from aespa is featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar's October issue, part of a global project highlighting contemporary icons. Recognized for her leadership and creativity, she embodies a new style that defies traditional values, showcasing authenticity and innovation. The issue releases on August 20, 2025.
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Let's Add my favorite members and Cheering them!