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  • BABYDONTCRY Returns Nov. 4 With ‘Replay,’ Backed by PSY and Crush

    BABYDONTCRY Returns Nov. 4 With ‘Replay,’ Backed by PSY and Crush

    As of October 27, 2026, girl group BABYDONTCRY will release its new song 'Replay' in Korea and Japan simultaneously on Nov. 4. PSY is executive producer, and Crush handled the lyrics and composition. It's the group's first new music in about eight months, since its first mini album in March.

    Nov. 4Simultaneous Korea-Japan release date for 'Replay'
    Jan. 20, 2027Planned release of the Japan debut mini album
    About 8 monthsGap between the first mini album and the new single
    4 membersLineup of the first girl group from P Nation

    Key points

    • 'Replay' drops Nov. 4 in Korea and Japan, with a Japanese version released in Japan.
    • P Nation head PSY and singer Crush both worked on the track.
    • 'Replay' is an R&B song built on a 2-step garage rhythm.
    • The group's official Japan debut is the mini album 'Daybreak/Replay,' due Jan. 20, 2027.

    P Nation announced BABYDONTCRY's comeback on the 26th by posting a teaser video to its official social media accounts. The clip ends with the title 'Replay,' the date Nov. 4 and a note about the release in Korea and Japan.

    'Replay' is an R&B track over a 2-step garage rhythm, and it's about memories and feelings that stay with you. The song's description says the members' delicate vocals blend with a supple groove.

    The Japan plans were also revealed. BABYDONTCRY is working with Warner Music Japan, and on Nov. 4 a Japanese version of 'Replay' will be released there first. The group will then make its official Japan debut with the mini album 'Daybreak/Replay' on Jan. 20, 2027.

    The group debuted on June 23, 2025, with the single 'F Girl.' It followed with 'I Don't Care' as its second digital single, then released its first mini album, 'After Cry,' this March. On that album, 'Shapeshifter' was the pre-release track and 'Bittersweet' was the title track. P Nation's first four-member girl group, it bills itself as an 'icon of soft on the outside, strong on the inside.'

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, attention is on PSY, the head of the agency, and singer Crush both pitching in on the track. The decision to release the Japanese version in Japan first, ahead of the group's Japan debut, also stands out. The agency plans to roll out various teaser content in stages until release day.

    FAQ

    Who is BABYDONTCRY?

    It's the first four-member girl group from P Nation, which debuted on June 23, 2025, with the single 'F Girl.'

    When and where can I hear the new song?

    'Replay' is out in Korea and Japan on Nov. 4, with a Japanese version released in Japan.

    When is the group's official Japan debut?

    The group debuts in Japan on Jan. 20, 2027, with the mini album 'Daybreak/Replay.'

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    동아일보 기사 이미지BABYDONTCRY Returns Nov. 4 With ‘Replay,’ Backed by PSY and Crush동아일보 · Oct 27, 2026베이비돈크라이, 싸이·크러쉬 합작품으로컴백…11월 4일 신곡 발표Read the full story & photos at the source →
    BABYDONTCRY Returns Nov. 4 With ‘Replay,’ Backed by PSY and Crush뉴스1 · Oct 27, 2026베이비돈크라이, 싸이·크러쉬 합작품으로컴백…11월 4일 신곡 발표Read the full story & photos at the source →
    뉴스핌 기사 이미지BABYDONTCRY Returns Nov. 4 With ‘Replay,’ Backed by PSY and Crush뉴스핌 · Oct 26, 2026베이비돈크라이, 11월 4일 '리플레이'로 컴백…한·일 동시 발매Read the full story & photos at the source →
    일간스포츠 기사 이미지BABYDONTCRY Returns Nov. 4 With ‘Replay,’ Backed by PSY and Crush일간스포츠 · Oct 26, 2026베이비돈크라이, 11월 4일 컴백…디지털 싱글 ‘리플레이’ 한·일 동시 발매 - 일간스포츠Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Juun.J Dresses K-Pop Stars in Black at Seoul Exhibit

    Juun.J Dresses K-Pop Stars in Black at Seoul Exhibit

    As of October 27, 2026, Juun.J, a brand under Samsung C&T's fashion division, has signed on as the costume partner for 'The Festa D'Origin,' an exhibit spotlighting 48 K-pop artists. Juun.J built its looks around its signature black, and the show runs in Seoul's Yeouido district through Nov. 30.

    48 artistsK-pop artists featured in the exhibit
    Nov. 30Seoul exhibit closing date
    January 2027Start of the Tokyo and overseas tour

    Key points

    • Juun.J is the costume collaborator for 'The Festa D'Origin,' an exhibit covering 48 K-pop artists.
    • The brand showed black-focused looks with leather pieces and layered outerwear styling.
    • The Seoul show runs through Nov. 30, then tours Tokyo and other major cities abroad starting in January 2027.

    Juun.J has joined 'The Festa D'Origin' as its costume partner, news that surfaced on the 27th. The exhibit looks at K-pop artists off the stage, using fashion, art, video and photography. Its theme is 'pagak' (破殼), which means breaking out of your shell.

    Nine acts were reported as participating: BTS, aespa, RIIZE, Stray Kids, IVE, G-Dragon, CORTIS, ENHYPEN and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Creators from a range of fields round out the show.

    Juun.J's base color is black, the brand's calling card. It leaned on leather and precision tailoring, mixing pieces that wouldn't normally go together in a single outfit. That reflects the brand's philosophy of ignoring gender lines and conventional clothing categories. Crisp, clean lines are set against deliberately puffed-up silhouettes for depth, and layered outerwear suggests some unexpected proportions. Photography by Korean photographers is displayed alongside the clothes.

    Creative director Jung Wook-jun, who also holds the title of executive vice president, described black as the brand's design language, one that sharpens the contrast in shape and proportion. He said the team turned that language into dimensional garments to fit the exhibit's world. He also said the collaboration is a step toward engaging with more cultures and growing the brand's footprint in the global fashion market.

    The Seoul venue is the MPX Gallery in the North Atrium on the third floor of IFC Mall in Yeouido, open through Nov. 30. Starting in January 2027, the exhibit will roll out in Tokyo and other major cities abroad.

    In Korea right nowThe exhibit is getting attention in Korea because a homegrown designer brand is dressing a project that pulls in several top K-pop acts. With a tour planned from Seoul to Tokyo, it looks like a case of Korean fashion and K-pop heading overseas together.

    FAQ

    Where and until when can I see the exhibit?

    It's at the MPX Gallery in the North Atrium on the third floor of IFC Mall in Yeouido, Seoul, through Nov. 30.

    Which artists are featured?

    Reports say 48 artists across nine acts are covered, including BTS, aespa, IVE, ENHYPEN, RIIZE, CORTIS, Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER and G-Dragon.

    Will the exhibit travel outside Seoul?

    Yes. It's set to open in Tokyo in January 2027, followed by other major cities abroad.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    연합뉴스 · Oct 27, 2026준지, K팝 아티스트 48인 전시 '디페스타 디 오리진' 의상 협업 | 연합뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    머니투데이 기사 이미지Juun.J Dresses K-Pop Stars in Black at Seoul Exhibit머니투데이 · Oct 27, 2026지드래곤부터 BTS·에스파까지…K팝 스타에 준지 입혔다 - 머니투데이Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Dino enlist as Army band members

    Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Dino enlist as Army band members

    As of October 26, 2026, Seventeen members Seungkwan and Dino entered boot camp today to begin their service as Army military band members. With the two now in, every member of the K-pop group who owes military service has either finished it or is serving now.

    2Seventeen members who enlisted together on Oct. 26
    13Total members in Seventeen
    About 130 billion won (~$97.4M)Asia tour revenue tallied by Pollstar (Aug. 2025 to July 2026)
    660,000Tickets sold over the same period

    Key points

    • Seungkwan and Dino entered boot camp on Oct. 26 to serve as Army military band members.
    • Pledis Entertainment asked fans not to come to the send-off, noting that large crowds of soldiers and families gather on enlistment day.
    • Jeonghan, the group's first to enlist, began service in September 2024 and was discharged this June.
    • Woozi, Hoshi and DK are serving as active-duty soldiers, while Wonwoo and Vernon are doing public service (alternative civilian service).

    Seventeen's Seungkwan and Dino walked through the gates of boot camp on the same day, Oct. 26, kicking off the group's military hiatus in earnest. Both will serve as Army military band members, starting with basic training before moving on to their main duties.

    On enlistment day, boot camps fill with families as well as new soldiers. With that in mind, Pledis Entertainment, the group's agency, put out a notice asking fans to refrain from showing up in person.

    The latest enlistments mean every Seventeen member eligible for active-duty or alternative service has now entered the process or completed it. Jeonghan went first, enlisting in September 2024 and getting discharged this June. Woozi, Hoshi and DK are serving as active-duty soldiers, and Wonwoo and Vernon are working as public service personnel.

    The agency said that once service begins, the members won't be able to join the group's official schedule. It added that fans can still expect to hear from them through a number of pre-produced content pieces.

    Good news landed the same day. Seventeen was reported to have topped the Asia touring artist ranking from Pollstar, the US concert industry trade outlet, which covers August 2025 through July 2026. Tour revenue for that period came to about $97.4 million, or roughly 130 billion won, and about 660,000 tickets were reportedly sold.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, men are required to serve in the military, so even top groups usually stagger their members' enlistments. Seventeen started with Jeonghan in 2024 and has worked through the members over the years, and this latest enlistment puts the process in its final stretch. Fans are accepting the request to stay away from the send-off, and many are hoping the pre-produced content the agency teased will fill the gap.

    FAQ

    What is a military band member in the Korean Army?

    It's an active-duty enlisted role handling music duties in the Army. Seungkwan and Dino will complete basic training first, then begin their main service.

    Will Seventeen stop all activities while they serve?

    The agency says the members can't take part in the group's schedule once service begins. It plans to keep connecting with fans through content prepared in advance.

    Can fans go to the enlistment ceremony?

    The agency asked fans not to come, since many soldiers and their families gather at the site.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    조선일보 기사 이미지Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Dino enlist as Army band members조선일보 · Oct 25, 2026세븐틴 승관·디노, 오늘(26일) 육군 군악병 입대..팀 본격 군백기 [Oh!쎈 이슈]Read the full story & photos at the source →
    노컷뉴스 기사 이미지Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Dino enlist as Army band members노컷뉴스 · Oct 26, 2026세븐틴 승관-디노, 오늘(26일) 육군 군악병 나란히 입대Read the full story & photos at the source →
    ½Â°ü¡¤µð³ë ¿À´Ã(26ÀÏ) À°±º ±º¾Çº´ ÀԴ롦¼¼ºìƾ ¸¶Áö¸· ÀÔ´ë - ¼Õ¿¡ ÀâÈ÷´Â ´º½º ´«¿¡ º¸ÀÌ´Â ´º½º - ´º½º¿£ 기사 이미지Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Dino enlist as Army band members½Â°ü¡¤µð³ë ¿À´Ã(26ÀÏ) À°±º ±º¾Çº´ ÀԴ롦¼¼ºìƾ ¸¶Áö¸· ÀÔ´ë - ¼Õ¿¡ ÀâÈ÷´Â ´º½º ´«¿¡ º¸ÀÌ´Â ´º½º - ´º½º¿£ · Oct 26, 2026½Â°ü¡¤µð³ë ¿À´Ã(26ÀÏ) À°±º ±º¾Çº´ ÀԴ롦¼¼ºìƾ ¸¶Áö¸· ÀÔ´ëRead the full story & photos at the source →
    MK스포츠 기사 이미지Seventeen’s Seungkwan, Dino enlist as Army band membersMK스포츠세븐틴 군백기 본격화…승관·디노, 오늘(26일) 나란히 입대 [MK★이슈] - MK스포츠Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2

    Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2

    As of October 26, 2026, actress Jang Nara is returning to SBS as Cha Eun-kyung, the head attorney of a divorce-focused law firm, in Good Partner 2. The production team released character stills today, and the first episode airs Friday night, Nov. 20.

    50Employees at the Libom law firm
    3 yearsTime Cha Eun-kyung took to build the firm
    Nov. 20Good Partner 2 premiere date

    Key points

    • On Oct. 26, the production team released stills showing how Jang Nara's character, Cha Eun-kyung, has changed.
    • In the story, Cha founded the Libom law firm and, just three years later, runs it as a boss with 50 employees.
    • Good Partner 2 premieres Nov. 20 at 9:50 p.m. KST on SBS.
    • Jang said the new season's Cha has grown more empathetic toward her clients' stories.

    The production team dropped new stills of Jang Nara as Cha Eun-kyung on the 26th. In the story, Cha launched the Libom law firm and, in only three years, became the head of a divorce practice with 50 people on staff. In the stills, she wears the easy smile of someone named a "Power Woman of the Year," which sums up her new standing as a successful boss.

    The title may be bigger, but the workaholic streak hasn't changed. The released scenes show her sizing up cases with a sharp eye and calmly arguing in court. The team says it wants to show a lawyer whose skills have only deepened.

    The heart of the story is the partnership between two attorneys. Cha is the lead lawyer who treats divorce cases like a calling, and Kang Hye-seong (played by Kim Hye-yoon) is an experienced hire just as driven in the same field. Working as a team, they take on clients' cases and look for the best choices in the lives that continue after a divorce.

    Jang said she was grateful to join a project that earned a sequel. Playing the same character again felt new, she said, and because the role has so many adventurous elements, there were moments when she became more careful. The biggest change, she said, is empathy: running a firm has widened how well Cha listens to what clients are going through. She added that she let go of the pressure and ambition from the earlier season and approached this one with a relaxed mind.

    Jang won the grand prize (daesang) at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards for her work in the first season. The new season is slotted right after the currently airing Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia, starring Kim Ji-won, keeping SBS's Friday-Saturday drama block going.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, Jang's return is a talking point in itself, since the first season's popularity led directly to a sequel. Viewers are especially curious because the show takes over SBS's Friday-Saturday slot from Doctor X. Her comment that she dropped the first season's pressure and played the role more comfortably has only added to the anticipation.

    FAQ

    What is Good Partner 2 about?

    It's a legal drama set at a divorce-focused law firm, where lead attorney Cha Eun-kyung and experienced lawyer Kang Hye-seong team up to resolve clients' cases.

    When does it premiere?

    It premieres on SBS on Nov. 20, 2026, at 9:50 p.m. KST.

    Who does Jang Nara play?

    She plays Cha Eun-kyung, the head attorney of the Libom law firm. It's the same character from season one, a role that won Jang the grand prize at the 2024 SBS Drama Awards.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    조선일보 기사 이미지Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2조선일보 · Oct 26, 2026[공식]장나라, 연기대상 안긴 '굿파트너2'로 컴백…이젠 로펌 대표 됐다Read the full story & photos at the source →
    조선일보 기사 이미지Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2조선일보 · Oct 26, 2026연기대상 장나라, '굿파트너2'로 컴백.."시즌제 드라마 할 수 있어 감사"Read the full story & photos at the source →
    이투데이 기사 이미지Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2이투데이 · Oct 26, 2026‘닥터X’ 후속으로 큰 거 온다⋯‘굿파트너2’ 장나라 캐릭터 스틸 공개Read the full story & photos at the source →
    À峪¶ó 2³â¸¸ ¡®±ÂÆÄÆ®³Ê2¡¯·Î ÄĹé, ڸģ ±â¼¼ ¡®´ÚÅÍX¡¯ Èļӿ¡ ºÎ´ã 100¹è - ¼Õ¿¡ ÀâÈ÷´Â ´º½º ´«¿¡ º¸ÀÌ´Â ´º½º - ´º½º¿£ 기사 이미지Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2À峪¶ó 2³â¸¸ ¡®±ÂÆÄÆ®³Ê2¡¯·Î ÄĹé, ڸģ ±â¼¼ ¡®´ÚÅÍX¡¯ Èļӿ¡ ºÎ´ã 100¹è - ¼Õ¿¡ ÀâÈ÷´Â ´º½º ´«¿¡ º¸ÀÌ´Â ´º½º - ´º½º¿£ · Oct 26, 2026À峪¶ó 2³â¸¸ ¡®±ÂÆÄÆ®³Ê2¡¯·Î ÄĹé, ڸģ ±â¼¼ ¡®´ÚÅÍX¡¯ Èļӿ¡ ºÎ´ã 100¹èRead the full story & photos at the source →
    Jang Nara returns as law firm boss in Good Partner 2아이즈(ize) · Oct 26, 2026'굿파트너2' 장나라, 50명 거느린 로펌 대표 됐다…화려한 귀환Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • LG Supplies AI Laundry Gear to Germany’s Schilling

    LG Supplies AI Laundry Gear to Germany’s Schilling

    As of October 25, 2026, LG Electronics is set to start supplying its LG Professional commercial washers and dryers to Schilling, a German laundry-solutions company, next month. Schilling distributes and installs equipment for laundromats and coin-operated laundries across Germany. LG's commercial washer sales in Europe rose about 20% year over year through September.

    About 20%Growth in LG's European commercial washer sales (Jan.-Sept. 2026, year over year)
    More than 2xIncrease in 2026 supply volume to North America's CSC ServiceWorks
    About 90 sq m (~970 sq ft)Size of LG's booth at the Milan laundry trade show
    4 yearsHow often the trade show is held

    Key points

    • LG Electronics will begin supplying its LG Professional line to Germany's Schilling in November 2026.
    • The machines use AI to estimate each load's weight and adjust water use and drying conditions, cutting energy consumption.
    • At the laundry trade show that opened October 23 in Milan, LG ran a booth more than twice the size of the one it had at its previous appearance.
    • LG's 2026 shipments to CSC ServiceWorks, North America's largest laundry-solutions company, are more than double last year's.

    LG Electronics is sending its LG Professional commercial washers and dryers to Schilling, a German laundry-solutions specialist. Deliveries start in November 2026. Schilling distributes and installs equipment for laundromats and coin-operated laundries around Germany, and the deal is part of LG's broader push to grow its business-customer (B2B) sales in Europe.

    The lineup is built on a package of technologies LG calls AI Core Tech. The AI estimates the weight of each load and sets the water amount and drying conditions to match, which LG says cuts cycle time and water and power use. The drum spins about 18 times per second to wring out moisture and shorten drying, and a gyro sensor detects lopsided loads and corrects them on its own to reduce vibration and noise.

    In commercial laundry, buyers care about performance and energy efficiency, but also about whether the machines keep running reliably after installation and how good the maintenance is. LG called Germany a key European market, with heavy laundry demand from hotels, hospitals and industrial sites, and read the deal as a sign that local operators value both its products and its service. LG's commercial washer sales in Europe grew about 20% in January-September compared with the same period last year.

    LG also worked to get in front of more local customers. It took part in Expo Detergo, a laundry industry trade show held once every four years, which opened October 23 in Milan, and set up a booth of about 90 sq m (roughly 970 sq ft), more than double the size of its booth at the previous edition. On display were machines in the 10-30 kg (22-66 lb) class, a product that cleans wool and silk garments with water and a dedicated detergent, and Laundry Crew, a management service with remote control and error alerts.

    Expansion is continuing elsewhere too. In North America, LG more than doubled this year's shipments to CSC ServiceWorks, the region's top player, compared with last year, and in Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam it is strengthening partnerships with local distribution channels. Son Chang-woo, head of LG's Living Solutions business unit, said the company aims to grow quickly in the commercial laundry market.

    In Korea right nowKorean media widely played the news as another example of LG pushing deeper into B2B. Coverage relayed LG's framing that the win came in a European market seen as hard to break into, and pointed to its rising European sales and bigger North American shipments. What's catching attention is that the results are coming from appliances for business customers, not the consumer products LG is best known for.

    FAQ

    What kind of company is Schilling?

    It's a German specialist that distributes and installs laundry equipment and related solutions for laundromats, coin-operated laundries and similar businesses across the country.

    How is LG Professional different from a regular washing machine?

    It's a large-capacity commercial machine. AI estimates each load's weight and adjusts water use and drying conditions, and a gyro sensor corrects drum imbalance to reduce vibration and noise.

    Why does LG see Germany as important?

    LG describes Germany as a core market in Europe's commercial laundry industry, with strong demand from hotels, healthcare facilities and industrial sites.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    연합뉴스 · Oct 25, 2026LG전자, 독일 세탁솔루션 기업 '쉴링'에 상업용 세탁가전 공급 | 연합뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    경향신문 기사 이미지LG Supplies AI Laundry Gear to Germany’s Schilling경향신문 · Oct 25, 2026LG전자, 독일 쉴링에 상업용 세탁가전 공급…유럽 시장 공략Read the full story & photos at the source →
    LG Supplies AI Laundry Gear to Germany’s Schilling세계일보 · Oct 25, 2026LG전자, 상업용 AI 세탁가전으로 유럽 시장 공략 본격화Read the full story & photos at the source →
    머니투데이 기사 이미지LG Supplies AI Laundry Gear to Germany’s Schilling머니투데이 · Oct 25, 2026대용량에 AI 기능까지…LG전자, 상업용 세탁가전 시장 공략 속도 - 머니투데이Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • Korea’s Q2 Surplus Beats Germany and Japan Combined

    Korea’s Q2 Surplus Beats Germany and Japan Combined

    As of October 25, 2026, South Korea's second-quarter current account surplus came to about $116.6 billion, more than Germany's and Japan's surpluses combined for the same quarter. It's the first time that has happened in comparable data going back to 1996, and a surge in semiconductor exports is the main driver.

    $116.6 billionSouth Korea's current account surplus, Q2 2026
    4.1xKorea's surplus vs. Q2 last year
    $13.7 billionHow much more Korea earned than Germany and Japan combined
    181.6%Year-over-year growth in Q2 semiconductor exports

    Key points

    • IMF data posted on the Bank of Korea's economic statistics system put South Korea's Q2 surplus at about $116.6 billion, second only to China among 36 major economies.
    • That's roughly $13.7 billion more than the combined total of Germany (about $52.3 billion) and Japan (about $50.6 billion), which comes to about $102.9 billion.
    • Korea's surplus more than quadrupled from Q2 last year, while Germany's grew just 11.9% and Japan's just 5.0%.
    • The IMF expects Korea's full-year 2026 surplus to hit about $421.9 billion, but projects it will shrink after 2029.

    According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) figures posted on the Bank of Korea's economic statistics system, South Korea ran a current account surplus of about $116.6 billion in the second quarter. Among the 36 major economies that have reported numbers for the quarter, only China did better, at about $193.7 billion. Germany came in at about $52.3 billion and Japan at about $50.6 billion.

    Add those two together and you get about $102.9 billion, which leaves Korea ahead by roughly $13.7 billion. Since 1996, the first year all three countries' quarterly data can be compared side by side, this is the first time Korea has outpaced Germany and Japan combined. Korea's surplus was more than four times last year's Q2 level of about $28.4 billion. Over the same period, Germany's grew just 11.9% and Japan's just 5.0%.

    The reason is chips. Semiconductor exports in Q2 came to about $113.9 billion, roughly 2.8 times the level a year earlier. In the third quarter, the growth rate accelerated further, to about 219%. The momentum carried through: in July and August alone, Korea's surplus was about $88.2 billion, topping the roughly $80.8 billion that Germany and Japan posted together.

    In its October World Economic Outlook, the IMF projected Korea's 2026 full-year surplus at about $421.9 billion. That ranks second among 190 economies, behind only China, and is up three spots from fifth place last year. In its economic assessment on October 22, the Bank of Korea said strong chip exports should push the annual figure past its earlier forecast of about $450 billion.

    The medium-term outlook looks different, though. The IMF projects the surplus will fall to about $295.7 billion in 2029 and about $177.5 billion in 2031. The Hankyoreh, a Korean daily, reported that the forecast rests on analysis that chip exports have leaned more on rising prices than on volume, and that rivals such as China are expected to expand supply.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, the news is being read as a measure of just how big the chip boom has become. It follows the Bank of Korea's statement three days earlier that this year's surplus should beat its prior forecast, and local media have led with the comparison to Germany and Japan, two of the world's manufacturing powerhouses. Some coverage also notes that because the boom leans on higher prices, it's worth asking how long it will last.

    FAQ

    What is a current account surplus?

    It means a country took in more money than it sent out from trading goods, services and income with the rest of the world over a given period. In Korea's case, exports of goods like semiconductors make up a big share of the surplus.

    Why did Korea's surplus jump so much?

    Mostly because of a surge in semiconductor exports. Q2 chip exports were about 2.8 times their level a year earlier, and the growth rate climbed even higher in the third quarter.

    Will the surplus stay this big?

    The IMF expects about $421.9 billion this year and projects it will stay above $400 billion next year and in 2028, but fall from 2029 onward. Reliance on higher chip prices and expanded supply from rival countries are cited as limiting factors.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    동아일보 기사 이미지Korea’s Q2 Surplus Beats Germany and Japan Combined동아일보 · Oct 25, 2026韓, 2분기 경상흑자 1166억 달러…독일·일본 합계 추월 ‘사상 처음’Read the full story & photos at the source →
    한겨레 기사 이미지Korea’s Q2 Surplus Beats Germany and Japan Combined한겨레 · Oct 25, 2026한국 2분기 경상흑자, ‘독일+일본’ 넘어섰다…사상 처음Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • AI Video-Swap ‘NEON Challenge’ Sparks Likeness Row

    AI Video-Swap ‘NEON Challenge’ Sparks Likeness Row

    As of October 24, 2026, AI-generated videos that paste the faces of business leaders and celebrities onto the dance video for 'NEON,' the debut song by rookie girl group A2O LITE, are spreading as a meme on Korean social media. All it takes is one photo and a short source clip, so the trend moves fast, but worries about likeness and copyright are growing, and the government says it will amend laws to regulate digital replicas.

    About 6 millionBilibili views of the Jensen Huang-as-Michael Jackson video (as of Oct. 23)
    8 million+Views on the swap video posted by Girls' Generation's Sunny
    About $5Cost to make one 15-second video
    30 secondsMaximum length of source video you can upload to Genjutsu

    Key points

    • A2O LITE debuted on the 13th of this month, and AI-swapped parodies of its debut song 'NEON' choreography video are flooding the internet.
    • The best-known tool is Genjutsu, launched by Higgsfield in late August, which swaps the person while keeping the original dance moves and camera movement.
    • Critics say faces are being used without consent and that the work of the original creators is being undermined.
    • On Oct. 14, Korea's Intellectual Property Office said it would clearly bring AI-recreated faces and voices under the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and set a basis for criminal penalties for unauthorized commercial use.

    The trend started with 'NEON' by A2O LITE, a multinational girl group that debuted on the 13th of this month. The song, released by A2O Entertainment under producer Lee Soo-man, hit the top of Korea's music charts right after release. Its hook, 'Neon and beyond,' sounds like 'mihon-aen-bihon' (roughly, 'unmarried and unmarried') when read with Korean pronunciation, and the parody videos picked up that name.

    The swapped videos feature everyone from Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to agency producers, TV personalities, pets and cartoon characters. Sunny of Girls' Generation posted her own version featuring producers Lee Soo-man and Yoo Young-jin, and it passed 8 million views. Overseas, a video of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang re-creating a Michael Jackson stage performance came out on the 4th and racked up around 6 million views on Chinese platform Bilibili alone. Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared it with a joke about memory prices.

    The go-to tool for these clips is Higgsfield's Genjutsu. Users upload a source video of up to 30 seconds plus a photo of a person, pick a feature, and the cast, outfits and background change while the dance moves and camera work stay put. A 15-second video costs a little over $5, so people with no editing skills can easily copy the trend. Some hospitals and small businesses have also been spotted using similar swapped videos for promotion on social media.

    The problem is that this ease of use comes with side effects. Romain Gavras, who directed the music video 'Storm,' told media outlet Vulture he felt sad when person-swapped copies of the video started circulating, after he'd spent two months preparing 66 dancers and shooting multiple takes. He added that the trend could make even good work look frivolous. Consent from the people being swapped in is another issue. In August, TV personality Lee Ji-hye said she would take legal action after fake food ads using her face spread online.

    Rules are starting to catch up. On Oct. 14, Korea's Intellectual Property Office announced it would handle digital replicas such as AI-made faces and voices under the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and create grounds for criminal penalties for unauthorized commercial use. Kim Yong-sun, the agency's head, said enforcement matters as much as the rules themselves and promised to build an enforcement system suited to the AI era.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, some people welcome the videos as a laugh during a weak KOSPI (Korea's main stock index) stretch, while others call it rude to make videos with someone's face without their consent. Anxiety that ordinary people's photos could be used for mockery also shows up on social media. Because not just celebrities but regular users could end up as victims, and because the trend overlaps with the government's legislative plans, the meme is drawing attention as a spark for a legal and policy debate.

    FAQ

    What is the 'Mihon-aen-bihon Challenge'?

    It's a nickname taken from the Korean pronunciation of the lyric 'Neon and beyond' in A2O LITE's debut song 'NEON.' It refers to parody videos in which AI swaps the people in the original dance video with other people or characters.

    How are these videos made?

    You upload a source video of up to 30 seconds and a photo of a person to a tool like Higgsfield's Genjutsu. It outputs a video with the dance moves and camera movement intact but a different person on screen. A 15-second video reportedly costs about $5.

    Are there legal issues in Korea?

    Swapping in someone's face without their consent raises likeness-rights concerns. On Oct. 14, Korea's Intellectual Property Office said it would clearly include digital replicas under the Unfair Competition Prevention Act and add a basis for criminal penalties for unauthorized commercial use. The amendment has not been completed yet.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    경향신문 기사 이미지AI Video-Swap ‘NEON Challenge’ Sparks Likeness Row경향신문 · Oct 24, 2026회장님이 왜 ‘네온 챌린지’를?…‘딸깍’하면 뚝딱, AI 영상복제 괜찮을까Read the full story & photos at the source →
    재경일보 기사 이미지AI Video-Swap ‘NEON Challenge’ Sparks Likeness Row재경일보 · Oct 19, 2026이재용·최태원 춤추는 AI 합성 영상 SNS서 확산Read the full story & photos at the source →
    AI Video-Swap ‘NEON Challenge’ Sparks Likeness Row아이뉴스24 · Oct 16, 2026이재용·최태원도 춤춘다?…공개 사흘 만에 화제 된 'K팝 영상'Read the full story & photos at the source →
    ¡°ÀÌ°Ô µöÆäÀÌÅ©, ±â±«ÇÏ´Ù¡± À̼ö¸¸ °É±×·ì ¡®¹ÌÈ¥¾ØºñÈ¥¡¯ AI 縰Áö¡¦¾ù°¥¸° ½Ã¼± - ¼Õ¿¡ ÀâÈ÷´Â ´º½º ´«¿¡ º¸ÀÌ´Â ´º½º - ´º½º¿£ 기사 이미지AI Video-Swap ‘NEON Challenge’ Sparks Likeness Row¡°ÀÌ°Ô µöÆäÀÌÅ©, ±â±«ÇÏ´Ù¡± À̼ö¸¸ °É±×·ì ¡®¹ÌÈ¥¾ØºñÈ¥¡¯ AI 縰Áö¡¦¾ù°¥¸° ½Ã¼± - ¼Õ¿¡ ÀâÈ÷´Â ´º½º ´«¿¡ º¸ÀÌ´Â ´º½º - ´º½º¿£ · Oct 20, 2026¡°ÀÌ°Ô µöÆäÀÌÅ©, ±â±«ÇÏ´Ù¡± À̼ö¸¸ °É±×·ì ¡®¹ÌÈ¥¾ØºñÈ¥¡¯ AI 縰Áö¡¦¾ù°¥¸° ½Ã¼±Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food Show

    IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food Show

    As of October 24, 2026, Friday night's (Oct. 23) northern Gyeonggi special of the MBN and Channel S eating show 'Jun Hyun-moo Plan 4' featured a surprise phone call from the mother of IVE's Liz, who shared stories about her daughter's childhood. In the same episode, a Western-style diner in Goyang's Ilsan Market politely declined to be filmed, so the cast pivoted to another restaurant.

    1977Birth year shared by Liz's mom and Jun Hyun-moo
    67 yearsHow long the final restaurant has been in business
    74Age of the diner owner who declined filming (per Maeil Business)
    Episode 16Episode number of this special

    Key points

    • The episode, subtitled 'Dive Into the Flavors of Northern Gyeonggi,' toured restaurants around Goyang, with IVE's Gaeul and Liz joining as dining companions.
    • Liz's mother, born in 1977 like host Jun Hyun-moo, recalled that her daughter became shy as a kid because strangers constantly fussed over her looks.
    • A gyeongyangsik (Korean-style Western diner) in Ilsan Market said no to filming, and the cast ended the night with LA-style galbi and gomtang (beef bone soup) at a 67-year-old local institution.
    • IVE's new single 'Looks can kill,' released Oct. 19, made its first-ever variety show appearance on this broadcast.

    The episode, subtitled 'Dive Into the Flavors of Northern Gyeonggi,' wandered around the city of Goyang. Hosts Jun Hyun-moo and Kwak Tube started with whole dried pollack soup served with seawater tofu, then brought in IVE members Gaeul and Liz.

    In the car, the talk turned to IVE's young fans. Liz said kids' voices carry unusually loud at concerts, and Gaeul explained that there's a separate waiting area for little ones. Liz joked about the two fandoms, saying that at a Lim Young-woong show the kids wait for their parents, while at an IVE show the parents wait for their kids. The group then hit a noodle spot with a long line, where they dug into handmade dumplings and naengmyeon (cold noodles) piled high with cucumber. After the meal, Gaeul and Liz gave the first variety-show performance of their new song.

    The next stop came from a hint about Jun's high school graduation meal. Stumped, Liz called her mother, and during the call it came out that her mom was born the same year as Jun. She said her family used to eat jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) at a Chinese restaurant on graduation day. Asked to brag about her daughter, she said Liz won a filial daughter award and a good child award every year in elementary school. She also recalled that Liz stood out for her looks from a young age, so people were always touching her, which made her a shy kid.

    The cast then headed to a Western-style diner in Ilsan Market, but the shoot didn't happen. According to Maeil Business, the owner is 74 and said he worried about how a TV appearance would affect his dinner business. Jun apologized for dropping by without notice, and Kwak Tube said he respected the decision. The group quickly found another place, a nopo (long-running local restaurant) whose owner was thrilled to see the IVE members, and had dinner there.

    The scene drew extra attention because of recent controversy over how the show picks restaurants. Maeil Business reported that the production team has denied claims of advance booking, saying it never contacts restaurants or announces visits before filming. The show's concept is that the hosts pick restaurants on the spot with no advance planning.

    In Korea right nowKorean outlets covered the episode two ways. Entertainment sites focused on Liz's mom's chatty charm and IVE's kid fanbase, which has earned the group a reputation as 'the elementary school president.' Maeil Business tied the refused shoot to the restaurant-booking controversy. The show is getting attention in Korea because viewers now care whether its no-notice-visit concept is genuine.

    FAQ

    What is 'Jun Hyun-moo Plan 4'?

    It's an eating show that airs on MBN and Channel S every Friday at 9:10 p.m. The hosts pick restaurants on the spot with no advance planning, and this episode featured IVE's Gaeul and Liz as guests.

    What is the new IVE song that was revealed on the show?

    It's 'Looks can kill,' released on Oct. 19. After the meal, Gaeul and Liz performed it for the first time on a variety show, and the two hosts joined in on a chorus-dance challenge.

    Why did the scene of a restaurant refusing to be filmed get so much attention?

    According to reports, it came right after the production team denied claims that it books restaurants in advance. That made the refusal feed directly into the debate over how the show actually picks its stops.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    조선일보 기사 이미지IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food Show조선일보 · Oct 23, 2026아이브 리즈 母, 딸 모태미녀 공개 "사람들이 자꾸 얼굴 만져서 낯가림 생겼다" ('전현무계획4')Read the full story & photos at the source →
    매일경제 기사 이미지IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food Show매일경제 · Oct 24, 2026전현무, 면전서 ‘촬영 거부’ 당했다…아이브도 당황한 역대급 ‘퇴짜’ - 매일경제Read the full story & photos at the source →
    텐아시아 기사 이미지IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food Show텐아시아 · Oct 23, 2026"너무 예뻐서 사람들이 자꾸 만져"…아이브 리즈, 낯가림 심해진 이유 ('전현무계획4') | 텐아시아Read the full story & photos at the source →
    마이데일리 기사 이미지IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food Show마이데일리아이브 리즈, 얼마나 예뻤길래…母 "자꾸 얼굴 만져 낯가림 생겼다" [전현무계획4]Read the full story & photos at the source →
    SPOTV NEWS 기사 이미지IVE’s Liz Gets a Surprise Call From Mom on Food ShowSPOTV NEWS · Oct 24, 2026"사람들이 자꾸 만져"...아이브 리즈, 얼마나 예쁘길래('전현무계획4')Read the full story & photos at the source →

  • BTS’ ‘Swim’ Hits 1B Spotify Streams, a 2026 First

    BTS’ ‘Swim’ Hits 1B Spotify Streams, a 2026 First

    As of October 24, 2026, BTS' 'Swim' has passed 1 billion streams on Spotify, making it the first song released in 2026 to hit that mark. The group's agency, Big Hit Music, says it got there faster than any other BTS track. It's the band's seventh billion-stream song.

    1 billionTotal Spotify streams for 'Swim'
    7 songsBTS tracks with 1 billion+ Spotify streams
    About 7 monthsTime from release to 1 billion streams

    Key points

    • On Oct. 24, Big Hit Music announced that 'Swim' had topped 1 billion total streams on Spotify.
    • 'Swim' is the first song released anywhere in the world in 2026 to reach that number.
    • This is BTS' seventh billion-stream track, and the fastest the group has ever gotten there.
    • Reports say the song dropped March 20, so it took about seven months to hit the milestone.

    BTS' agency, Big Hit Music, announced on Oct. 24 that 'Swim' has crossed 1 billion total streams on Spotify. According to the company, it's the first song released worldwide this year to reach that number, and it got there faster than any other BTS track. A billion streams is one of the signature hit benchmarks of the streaming era.

    'Swim' is the lead song from BTS' fifth studio album, 'Arirang.' News1 reported that the milestone came about seven months after its March 20 release. The lyrics are about keeping a steady pace through life even when it comes crashing in, rather than fighting it head-on, and RM reportedly handled most of the writing.

    That makes seven BTS songs with a billion streams or more. 'Dynamite,' 'Butter' and 'Boy With Luv' got there first. The group debuted in 2013, took a break for military service, and returned this March with a new album. This record came from that comeback project.

    Award news came along with it. Reports say 'Swim' won Song of the Summer at the American Music Awards and Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards. That detail appears in only one outlet's coverage, though, so it still needs confirmation.

    In Korea right nowKorean outlets ran the news throughout the morning of Oct. 24, right after the agency's announcement. Yonhap and Dong-A Ilbo both led with the fact that it's the first 2026 release to hit the mark. Fans and the industry are paying attention because the title track of a full-length album, the first since the members' military hiatus, landed a flagship result in just over six months.

    FAQ

    What does 1 billion Spotify streams mean?

    It means a single song's total play count on Spotify has passed 1 billion. Big Hit Music says 'Swim' is the first song released in 2026 to get there.

    What kind of song is 'Swim'?

    It's the lead track from BTS' fifth studio album, 'Arirang.' The message is about moving through life at your own pace, and reports say RM was the main lyricist.

    Has BTS had other songs pass 1 billion streams?

    Yes. 'Dynamite,' 'Butter' and 'Boy With Luv' got there first, and 'Swim' brings the total to seven.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    연합뉴스 · Oct 24, 2026[가요소식] BTS '스윔', 스포티파이 10억 스트리밍 돌파 | 연합뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    조선일보 기사 이미지BTS’ ‘Swim’ Hits 1B Spotify Streams, a 2026 First조선일보 · Oct 24, 2026방탄소년단 ‘SWIM’, 스포티파이 10억 스트리밍 돌파..장기 흥행ingRead the full story & photos at the source →
    동아일보 기사 이미지BTS’ ‘Swim’ Hits 1B Spotify Streams, a 2026 First동아일보 · Oct 24, 2026BTS ‘스윔’ 스포티파이 10억 스트리밍 돌파…올해 발표곡 중 최초Read the full story & photos at the source →
    조선일보 기사 이미지BTS’ ‘Swim’ Hits 1B Spotify Streams, a 2026 First조선일보 · Oct 24, 2026BTS「SWIM」、Spotifyで10億回再生突破…ロングヒット続くRead the full story & photos at the source →

  • BTS’s “2.0” Video Hits 200M YouTube Views in 6 Months

    BTS’s “2.0” Video Hits 200M YouTube Views in 6 Months

    As of October 23, 2026, BTS's "2.0" music video has passed 200 million views on YouTube. Big Hit Music says it hit the mark on the night of the 22nd, making it the first video from the album to get there.

    200MYouTube views for the "2.0" music video
    About 6 monthsTime from release to 200M views
    No. 50Billboard Hot 100 debut (chart dated April 4)
    100MViews each for the "SWIM" and "Hooligan" videos

    Key points

    • The "2.0" video reached 200 million views about six months after its April 2 release.
    • The videos for "SWIM" and "Hooligan," from the same album, have each topped 100 million views.
    • The track is a hip-hop and trap song that debuted at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated April 4.
    • The video pays homage to the hammer fight scene in the Korean film Oldboy.

    BTS now has its first 200-million-view video from the album Arirang. According to Big Hit Music, the "2.0" music video crossed that line around 9:30 p.m. on the 22nd. It premiered April 2 on HYBE Labels' official channel, so that's a little over six months.

    The song comes from the group's fifth studio album, released March 20. The album's title track, "SWIM," and the album cut "Hooligan" have each passed 100 million views too, and they're still pulling steady traffic. The twist: the first to reach 200 million wasn't the title track. It was "2.0."

    Musically, it's a hip-hop and trap number built on offbeat, shifting rhythms. The lyrics are about the group's current chapter, a new phase after plenty of change and growth. It also made its mark on the charts, debuting at No. 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated April 4.

    The visuals are a big part of the buzz. At the center is a one-take shot in a narrow hallway that recalls the hammer fight scene from director Park Chan-wook's film Oldboy. The members bring in some noir mood, then add humor with unexpected props: a back scratcher, a taegeukbu-chae (a Korean folding fan decorated with the taegeuk, or yin-yang, symbol), and a danso (a small Korean bamboo flute). The setting moves from a run-down elevator to a glitzy penthouse, which reads as a symbol of climbing up from nothing and starting fresh.

    In Korea right nowIn Korea, people are talking about more than the global milestone. The Oldboy homage and the Korean props, from the back scratcher to the folding fan and flute, are getting just as much attention. Fans say the video turns horror-noir scenes into comedy, which makes for a fun twist. They also see the album's videos stacking up hundreds of millions of views one after another as proof of the group's steady global pull.

    FAQ

    When did the "2.0" video pass 200 million views?

    According to Big Hit Music, it crossed 200 million YouTube views at around 9:30 p.m. on the 22nd, about six months after release.

    What does this record mean for the Arirang album?

    It's the first video from the album to reach 200 million views. The videos for the title track "SWIM" and for "Hooligan" have each passed 100 million.

    What film inspired the music video?

    It's an homage to the hammer fight scene in director Park Chan-wook's Oldboy, shot as a one-take sequence in a narrow hallway.

    📎 원문 보기 · Sources

    연합뉴스 · Oct 23, 2026[가요소식] BTS '2.0' 뮤직비디오, 유튜브 2억뷰 돌파 | 연합뉴스Read the full story & photos at the source →
    스포츠경향 기사 이미지BTS’s “2.0” Video Hits 200M YouTube Views in 6 Months스포츠경향 · Oct 23, 2026‘장도리 액션’ 통했다…방탄소년단 ‘2.0’ MV, 6개월 만에 2억뷰 초고속 돌파Read the full story & photos at the source →
    뉴스핌 기사 이미지BTS’s “2.0” Video Hits 200M YouTube Views in 6 Months뉴스핌 · Oct 23, 2026BTS '2.0' 뮤직비디오, 2억뷰 돌파…'아리랑' 내 최단 기록Read the full story & photos at the source →
    BTS’s “2.0” Video Hits 200M YouTube Views in 6 Months싱글리스트 · Oct 23, 2026방탄소년단 '2.0' 뮤직비디오 2억 뷰 돌파…'아리랑' 수록곡 중 최초Read the full story & photos at the source →