BLACKPINK's Rosé wins 1st place on MBC's Music Core with 'APT.' featuring Bruno Mars, while other groups also showcase new music.

ILLIT will appear on Mnet's M Countdown in Korea and perform a special stage with HANA members JISOO and MOMOKA. They will unveil the Korean version of I Got Your Back for the first time, featuring rap parts written by JISOO and MOMOKA. The song is gaining strong chart success, and ILLIT will also hold sold-out concerts in Hong Kong on the 22nd and 23rd.

ILLIT and Kuroki Haru guest on THE Toppa File. The episode features tricky shoplifting cases at a variety store and electronics shop, plus a credit card fraud investigation involving a returned traveler. The studio guests struggle with the puzzles and try to crack the crimes.

BLACKPINK’s Jennie is preparing for a comeback, with her agency saying she is accelerating work on a new EP targeted for release at the end of August. This comes only a month after her single “Less than a Lover.” The EP is expected to include that song, “FALLEN ANGEL,” and “lockitdown.”

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo posted a heartfelt tribute to Dior PR chief Mathilde Favier, who died in a traffic accident in western France at 57. Jisoo thanked her for her warmth, support, and special memories in Paris, and offered condolences to her family and loved ones.

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.

An account that first posted a video showing BLACKPINK’s Jennie in a revealing state was suspended after her side warned of legal action over malicious editing and reposting. The video drew over 12 million views and sparked debate about AI manipulation. Jennie also headlined Summer Sonic 2026 and later said not everything can be perfect.

Hyunjae from THE BOYZ is set to hold his first solo fan meeting titled '2026 Hyunjae Fan Meeting [The Present for you]' on September 12 in Seoul. He aims to create memorable moments with fans, showcasing his true self through various activities. Ticket reservations start on the 20th. The group is also preparing for future activities under a new label.

On the 18th, aespa members KARINA, WINTER, and NINGNING departed through Gimpo International Airport for promotional activities in Japan. They will feature in Japan's first exclusive variety show 'ShitteLL? aespa' on ABEMA starting August 22, and they recently had a successful first performance at Gocheok Sky Dome, marking the start of their world tour.

Following criticism of their 10th anniversary event, BLACKPINK members, including Jennie, apologized for communication issues and disappointing gifts. Jennie expressed regret for not being able to connect with fans and thanked them for their support over the years. Despite initial concerns, all members participated in the event, but the lack of thoughtful gifts led to further disappointment among fans.

aespa will appear in their first Japan-exclusive variety special, “Shittell? aespa,” streaming free on ABEMA on August 22, 2026. The show celebrates their Japanese first mini album, “KISS N TELL,” with talk about the songs and behind-the-scenes stories, plus prank and challenge segments with MC Kazutoyo Koyabu and guest Wada Manjū.