BTS's world tour 'ARIRANG' kicks off in Korea, sells out Tokyo Dome, and prepares for a special Busan concert with live viewing.

This travel report follows a 1-night, 2-day trip through Cheongju and Daejeon, starting at Cheongju International Airport. It highlights quick immigration, local food, quiet shopping streets, scenic cafes, Daejeon’s famous Sungsimdang bakery, and an easy return.

Kim E-ran’s latest novel, One of Them Is a Lie, is a bestselling Korean coming-of-age story about three high school students whose self-introductions, secrets, and family tragedies intertwine. It explores truth, lies, trauma, and the meaning of family beyond blood ties.

BTS’s world tour will be live-viewed in Japanese cinemas for the Buenos Aires and São Paulo shows. The screenings are delayed viewings, tickets cost 6,900 yen, and fanclub/mobile presales begin August 27. More details on attendee gifts will be announced later.

A woman in her 30s was sent to prosecutors without detention for allegedly using macros and accounts under family and acquaintances’ names to illegally buy about 2,600 idol concert tickets from April 2023 to March this year and resell them at a markup. She also allegedly reserved nine BTS Gwanghwamun concert tickets in February, but police caught her before resale. Police sought to preserve about 442 million won in criminal proceeds, and Korea will begin stronger penalties for illegal ticket resale on the 28th.

BTS’s Jimin gave a special moment to Olivia, a girl with a serious illness, by meeting her at a concert, giving her a keychain, patting her head, and kissing her. Moved by his kindness, fans donated more than 100 million won to a foundation supporting children with cancer.

Before BTS’s Chicago concerts, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker declared the performance dates BTS Day in Illinois, praising the group’s mental health advocacy, self-love message, charity work, and civic impact. The state expects major cultural and economic benefits from the shows.

The 2026 MTV VMA nominations were announced, drawing attention to BTS’s “SWIM,” which was nominated for Song of the Year and Best K-Pop. BLACKPINK, CORTIS, LE SSERAFIM, KATSEYE, and Jisoo and ZAYN also received multiple nominations. The awards will be held on September 27.

BTS member Jin recently shared photos on his SNS, showcasing his visit to a theme park in a casual outfit. Despite the crowd, he enjoyed his vacation without concern for onlookers. Currently, BTS is on their world tour 'ARIRANG', and their 5th full album ranks 59th on the UK Official Albums Chart, maintaining a 21-week presence.

As BTS announced they would not submit entries for the Grammys, the Recording Academy drew attention by suggesting it may review its newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said some artists felt the category could not represent their music and stressed the Academy would keep adapting so musicians feel respected. Billboard interpreted this as a possible restructuring of the category from next year. Mason also said the category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and growth of Asian pop music, not to exclude artists, and that entering genre categories does not prevent eligibility for the major general-field awards.

On the morning of the 31st, BTS members SUGA, J-HOPE, and Jimin arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport after finishing their North America tour, 'ARIRANG'. The article includes photos from local media, and it notes that BTS also won a major award at the American Music Awards after five years.