K-CULTURE

Several Korean TV dramas and variety shows are drawing modest ratings at home while achieving major success overseas, underscoring a widening gap between domestic and international reception of K-content.

BTS will reveal its long-awaited world tour schedule on Jan. 14 alongside a new 14-track full-length album, marking the group’s first major comeback since completing military service.

Blackpink’s Rosé ranked No. 1 on TC Candler’s “The 100 Most Beautiful Faces of 2025,” topping a global list shaped by fan votes and recommendations. Several other K-pop stars also placed high across both the female and male rankings.

Jimin, V and Jungkook of BTS were named among Korea’s top 100 richest shareholders under 30, each holding HYBE shares valued at about 21.4 billion won. The ranking highlights the growing financial clout of K-pop stars alongside Korea’s leading business figures.

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BTS leader RM publicly expressed frustration and disappointment with HYBE, citing a lack of support and delays as the group prepares for its postponed comeback.

The 17th Melon Music Awards will be held Dec. 20 in Seoul with a star-studded lineup led by G-Dragon and Blackpink’s Jennie, alongside EXO, aespa and more. The ceremony highlights streaming performance as the main metric for top awards.

Park Chan-wook’s film “No Other Choice” and the song “Golden” from Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” were nominated on the Academy Awards shortlist, highlighting Korean creators at the Oscars.

Netflix’s hit cooking survival show “Culinary Class Wars 2” returns with more ingredients, head-to-head battles and an expanded 13-episode season that puts food at the forefront.

G-Dragon closed his “Übermensch” world tour in Seoul with a four-hour finale blending philosophy, art and K-pop, signaling both a personal reinvention and BigBang’s upcoming 20th anniversary chapter.