Korean Insights

Stories from Korea that will give Korean language learners useful insights!

BTS to make full group comeback in spring 2026, new album and world tour to kick off.

Author
Instructor
Date
2025-07-01 17:39
Views
146

the global group BTS is set for a full group comeback in the spring of 2026. The members shared this news during a live broadcast on Weverse, revealing plans for a new group album next spring and the start of preparations in July. Following the album release, they will embark on a large-scale world tour, their first since 2022. The live broadcast, their first group appearance since September 2022, attracted over 7.3 million real-time viewers. They also discussed individual activities like Jin's fan concert tour and J-Hope's upcoming Lollapalooza Berlin performance.

방탄소년단, 2026년 봄 완전체 컴백…신보∙월드투어 스타트

Total 0
List Prev Next
Another Chapter Written After BTS... Golden Hits the Top of the Billboard Charts
A Netflix animation, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' has topped the music charts. Its track "Golden" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is considered the most prestigious music chart in the world, just six weeks after its debut. Billboard, the U.S. music chart company, announced in a chart preview article on the 11th (local time), "Golden climbed one spot from the previous week to take the top position." The Hot 100 is a key indicator of U.S. music trends, reflecting not only streaming and download numbers but also radio airplay. "Golden" is a track from 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' which was released on Netflix on June 20th, and is performed by the fictional three-member female group, Huntrix. After its entry into the Hot 100, "Golden" consistently climbed the ranks. It first entered the chart at No. 81 during the week of June 20-26, then rose to No. 23, No. 6, No. 4, and No. 2 in subsequent weeks. In the week it reached No. 1 (August 1-7), its key performance indicators all surged. U.S. streaming numbers increased by 9% from the previous week to 31.7 million, while radio audience impressions (8.4 million) and sales both jumped by 71% and 35%,...
Instructor ㆍ 2025.08.13 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 97
Man in 60s Kills Son Who Prepared His Birthday Meal with a Gun... Police Conclude 'Delusional Crime'.
Police in Incheon have concluded that a 62-year-old man, Mr. A, fatally shot his son who had organized his birthday party, driven by delusions. Despite his family providing consistent financial and emotional support, Mr. A developed a delusion that they were ostracizing him, leading him to plan the crime since August of last year. On May 20th, Mr. A shot his 33-year-old son at their apartment in Incheon during his birthday celebration. Police determined he also intended to kill his daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and a foreign tutor present at the scene, entering with multiple gun barrels and bullets and attempting to prevent them from reporting. Investigations also found homemade explosives with a timed ignition device at Mr. A's Seoul residence, indicating a broader violent plan. The prosecution plans to add charges related to explosive use. 생일상 차려준 아들 총기로 살해한 60대…경찰 '망상 범죄' 결론
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.29 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 81
To Fry and Eat"... Chinese Nationals Spark Controversy by Catching Cicada Larvae
Foreign nationals are being repeatedly spotted collecting large quantities of cicada larvae for consumption at Samnak Eco-Park in Sasang-gu, Busan, sparking controversy. According to the Busan Ilbo on the 15th, an environmental group official and a reporter observed a man searching the bushes and catching cicada larvae at Samnak Eco-Park on the afternoon of the 9th. The man was holding a plastic bottle containing about 15 cicada larvae. When questioned by reporters, he replied, "I'm Chinese and I don't speak Korean," adding, "I'm catching cicada larvae to eat them." Cicada larvae are indeed known as edible insects in some parts of China and Southeast Asia, where they are fried in oil and eaten as snacks or with alcoholic beverages. An environmental group stated, "Recently, around 7 PM, 5 to 6 foreign individuals have been appearing at Samnak Eco-Park and collecting cicada larvae in plastic bottles or vinyl bags." They added, "Larvae emerge from the ground and climb trees in the evening, which is when large-scale collection occurs." The group criticized this behavior, saying, "Indiscriminate collection of wild creatures in urban ecological parks is an act that damages public assets." Yoo Jin-cheol, co-representative of the Busan Environmental Council, pointed out, "It's...
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.18 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 208
Iranian National Team Members Gang-Rape Korean Woman.
Members of the Iranian national athletics team who participated in the Asian Athletics Championships in Gumi, Gyeongbuk Province, last May have been arrested and indicted on charges of gang-raping a Korean woman. On July 17, the Criminal Division 2 of the Daegu District Prosecutor's Office's Gimcheon Branch (Chief Prosecutor Jeong Mi-ran) announced the indictment and detention of four Iranian national athletics team members on charges of aggravated rape. According to the prosecution, the four individuals are accused of gang-raping a Korean woman in her 20s at a motel in Gumi on the morning of May 31, while they were in South Korea for the Asian Athletics Championships. The motel was reportedly being used as the Iranian national team's lodging. Initially, the police had referred three individuals (A, B, and C) to the prosecution without detention, accusing them of jointly assaulting the victim, while a fourth person (D) was charged with aiding and abetting by acting as a lookout. However, during the prosecutorial investigation, a comprehensive review of CCTV footage and re-interviews with the victim and other relevant parties revealed that the actual perpetrators were A, B, and D, leading to D's arrest and detention. A prosecution official stated, "This is...
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.17 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 157
Netizens Shocked by Sanitation Worker's 6.53 Million Won Monthly Salary Verification, Citing "92 Hours of Overtime"
A recent online post showcasing a sanitation worker's pay stub has gone viral in South Korea, drawing significant attention to a profession often seen as physically demanding and hazardous. The pay stub for a sanitation worker identified as "A," with 11 years of experience, revealed a net monthly income of a staggering 5.4 million won (approximately $3,900 USD, as of July 12, 2025). The disclosed pay slip, dated June of this year, shows A's total gross monthly salary was 6,529,930 won. This includes a basic salary of 2,507,970 won, family allowance of 160,000 won, year-end bonus of 1,303,980 won, driving allowance of 300,000 won, and pollution allowance of 100,000 won. Crucially, additional income stemmed from extensive overtime and holiday work. A worked 2 holiday shifts, 92 hours of night work, and 19 hours of additional overtime, accumulating an extra 2,125,980 won in allowances. Upon seeing this, netizens reacted with a mix of awe and shock. While many commented that the pay seemed fair for the work, the 92 hours of night work came as a "shock" to many. Comments like "They earn what they work for," "We live comfortably thanks to people like them," and "Sanitation workers deserve even better...
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.12 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 150
International Drug Kingpin Arrested in Attempted Smuggling of New E-Cigarette-Form Drugs
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced the arrest of four members of an international drug ring, including their Singaporean ringleader (Mr. A, 31), in Malaysia on June 19th. The group was attempting to smuggle large quantities of 'Etomidate,' a new drug mixed with cocaine and disguised as e-cigarette liquid, into South Korea. They planned to import 20,000 units monthly and were caught trying to establish a distribution network targeting Korean students via Telegram, promoting the drug as undetectable by authorities. The NIS and Malaysian police seized 4,958 cartridges, worth 2.3 billion won (approximately $1.67 million USD), enough for 500,000 doses. Etomidate, a powerful anesthetic not yet classified as a narcotic in Korea (exploiting a legal loophole), was combined with cocaine to maximize its effects. Mr. A posed as a businessman through a headhunting firm in Gangnam to recruit students. The NIS hails this as the first instance of preemptively neutralizing an international drug cartel smuggling novel drugs operating in a legal blind spot from overseas. 전자담배형 신종 마약 밀반입 시도…국제조직 총책 검거
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.09 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 123
Seoul 37.8℃... Hottest day in 117 years.
Seoul recorded a scorching 37.8 degrees Celsius today, marking the highest temperature ever for early July since modern meteorological observations began in 1908. This shatters the previous record of 36.8 degrees Celsius set on July 9, 1939. The heatwave isn't limited to Seoul. Extreme heat advisories are in effect across most regions, with several areas also reporting their highest-ever temperatures for early July. Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province hit an astounding 40.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Paju at 40.1 degrees Celsius. Incheon reached 35.6 degrees Celsius, and even Busan, typically cooler, saw 34.3 degrees Celsius. The intense heat has led to a surge in heat-related illnesses. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported 961 cases as of yesterday, more than double the number for the same period last year. 서울 37.8도‥117년 만에 가장 더운 날
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.08 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 68
Trot singer Lim Young-woong #1 for 223 Straight Weeks.
Lim Young-woong's Continued Dominance and Philanthropic Fanbase   Singer Lim Young-woong has remarkably held the top spot on the Idol Chart for 223 consecutive weeks, a testament to his talent and the significant support from his fan club, "Heroic Age(영웅시대)" His recent OST release topped charts, and he's gained global recognition, even appearing on U.S. Billboard and UK Official Charts. Lim Young-woong has also announced that his full-length album is nearly complete, with a comeback expected soon.   Beyond music, Lim Young-woong and "Heroic Age" are known for their extensive charitable activities. For his recent 34th birthday, "Heroic Age" donated over 156 million won to the needy, continuing a five-year tradition that has seen them contribute over 1.16 billion won in total. This reflects Lim Young-woong's own philosophy of encouraging donations and volunteer work over personal gifts from fans. 가수 임영웅, 223주 연속 '정상'.."'영웅시대' 팬들 덕분이죠"
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.07 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 129
Korean Soccer's Huge Hit: Son Heung-min and Messi 'Big Bang'! 'Soccer God' Rivalry Predicted in MLS, Son says 'Interested in U.
Son Heung-min Eyeing MLS Move Amid Tottenham Exit Speculation Recent reports indicate that Son Heung-min is likely to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with both the club and player open to the transfer. Media outlets like The Telegraph and TBR Football suggest his departure, and manager Thomas Frank reportedly won't oppose the move. Notably, Son has expressed interest in joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, as revealed by Football.London's Alasdair Gold, a reliable source for Tottenham news. This potential move draws parallels to Harry Kane's past transfer, with Son's current contract situation mirroring Kane's before his Bayern Munich move. Despite lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, Son's preference appears to be the U.S., especially after achieving his dream of lifting a trophy with Tottenham. The club is expected to allow him to decide his future, honoring his decade of service. An MLS transfer could set up a direct rivalry with Lionel Messi, aligning conveniently with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. While he performed well in the 2024-25 Premier League season, indicating his skills haven't declined, it's uncertain if MLS can match the financial incentives of Saudi Arabia or the competitive edge...
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.01 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 130
BTS to make full group comeback in spring 2026, new album and world tour to kick off.
the global group BTS is set for a full group comeback in the spring of 2026. The members shared this news during a live broadcast on Weverse, revealing plans for a new group album next spring and the start of preparations in July. Following the album release, they will embark on a large-scale world tour, their first since 2022. The live broadcast, their first group appearance since September 2022, attracted over 7.3 million real-time viewers. They also discussed individual activities like Jin's fan concert tour and J-Hope's upcoming Lollapalooza Berlin performance. 방탄소년단, 2026년 봄 완전체 컴백…신보∙월드투어 스타트
Instructor ㆍ 2025.07.01 ㆍ Votes 0 ㆍ Views 146

Understand Korea better through insights ♥