Posts tagged with "BTS"

BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas via 360 MAGAZINE.

BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas

21st century pop icons BTS continue to break records. BTS released their latest concert “BTS <Yet To Come> in BUSAN” in cinemas beginning on Feb. 1 as BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas which now holds the record for the highest grossing worldwide event cinema release. Presented by HYBE, CJ 4DPlex, and Trafalgar Releasing for a limited run, BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas achieved a global box office gross of $40m and boasted a footprint of more than 5,817 cinemas across 128 countries/territories, including a total of 617 coming from CJ 4DPlex’s 4DX and ScreenX locations.

From opening day Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 5 in North America, the total gross was over $8m with a per-screen average of more than $7,080 across 1,127 movie theaters. In the 4DX and ScreenX premium formats, the film grossed more than $1.5m with a per screen average of $12,000, representing 19% of the North America box office on only 10% of the screens.

Internationally, BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas generated $32m, scoring multiple top five positions for the weekend in territories including Japan, Korea, Italy, and Spain, plus the top ten in UK, Germany, Peru, and Australia. The project also reached number one in Mexico, Colombia, and the Philippines, plus the number one international release in India.

BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas in ScreenX delivers a truly immersive experience that puts audiences in the front row. With a 270-degree field of view and exclusive imagery, audiences will feel like they are watching BTS live in concert. In multi-sensory 4DX, audiences are surrounded by unique motion and environmental effects that reproduce the atmosphere of a live concert. Complete with synchronized seats timed to BTS’ hit songs, 4DX transcends the BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas experience.

Jong Ryul Kim, CEO of CJ 4DPLEX said, “With our collaboration with BTS, HYBE and Trafalgar Releasing – we created a truly historic moment in event cinema. The ScreenX Studio production team focused on providing a totally different experience for moviegoers by shooting the film with fourteen cinematography cameras, which were not used in the live streaming event, and were re-edited for the ScreenX presentation.”

“We’re thrilled to see such a strong response from audiences across the globe,” Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing said. “BTS have a massive and dedicated following, and we’re honored to help them achieve another record-breaking result.”

BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas features a special cinematic cut of “BTS <Yet To Come> in BUSAN,” re-edited and remixed for the big screen, with new close-up angles and a whole new view of the entire concert. Recorded in front of a massive sold-out crowd in Busan, South Korea, in October 2022, cinema audiences watched the group’s RMJinSUGAj-hopeJiminV, and Jung Kook perform career-spanning hits. In addition to the standard screenings beginning on Feb. 1, showings on Feb. 4 were dedicated to “Light Stick Screenings,” where audiences celebrated using the band’s signature light sticks.

The event was HYBE and Trafalgar Releasing’s fifth global title with the pop icons, including 2018’s BURN THE STAGE: THE MOVIE, 2019’s BRING THE SOUL: THE MOVIE, 2020’s BREAK THE SILENCE: THE MOVIE, and 2022’s “BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE ON STAGE – SEOUL: LIVE VIEWING.

*BTS: Yet To Come in Cinemas is distributed worldwide by Trafalgar Releasing except in South Korea and Japan where it is exclusively distributed by CJ 4DPLEX. The event film will extend its run with additional encore shows this weekend totaling 2,100 locations worldwide. Details for all new screenings can be found at www.btsyettocomeincinemas.com.

About BTS

BTS, an acronym of Bangtan Sonyeondan or “Beyond the Scene,” are a GRAMMY-nominated South Korean boyband that has been capturing the hearts of millions of fans globally since their debut in June 2013. The members of BTS are RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. Gaining recognition for their authentic and self-produced music, top-notch performances, and the way they interact with their fans, the band has established themselves as 21st century pop icons breaking countless world records. While imparting a positive influence through activities such as the LOVE MYSELF campaign and the UN ‘Speak Yourself’ speech, the band has mobilized millions of fans across the world (named ARMY), collected six No.1 Billboard Hot 100 singles in a span of a year and just over a month, and performed multiple sold-out stadium shows across the world. They were also named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year 2020. BTS are 5-time GRAMMY nominees (63rd to 65th GRAMMY Awards) and have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards like the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards (Artist of the Year 2021) and MTV Video Music Awards.

About HYBE

HYBE, rebranded from Big Hit Entertainment in March 2021, is a global entertainment lifestyle platform company that seeks boundless expansion in order to innovate the music industry. Ever since, HYBE has been expanding its multi label system including BIGHIT MUSIC, BELIFT LAB, SOURCE MUSIC, PLEDIS Entertainment, KOZ ENTERTAINMENT, ADOR, HYBE LABELS JAPAN, while HYBE AMERICA also manages its affiliate labels including Big Machine Label Group. In addition to the label business, HYBE established an integrated structure with its solution business that creates concert, video content, game, original story and retail, as well as a platform business through Weverse, a global fandom platform. Composed of its three headquarters based in Korea, Japan and the US, the company works towards bringing innovative change throughout the global music industry. 

About Trafalgar Releasing

Trafalgar Releasing, the global leader in event cinema distribution, harnesses the power of cinema to bring fans together in more than 13,000 locations in 132 countries worldwide.  A subsidiary of Trafalgar Entertainment, Trafalgar Releasing’s worldwide operations include production, acquisition, marketing, and distribution of live or pre-recorded content to cinemas led by an international team of specialists. Featuring live concerts, music documentaries, world-class opera, award-winning theatre, and more from the leading names in entertainment such as BTS, Metallica, Oasis, Coldplay, Billy Joel, George Michael, Twenty One Pilots, the Royal Opera House and more. More information about Trafalgar Releasing can be found at www.trafalgar-releasing.com.

About CJ 4DPlex

CJ 4DPLEX is a leading, next-generation cinema technology company, headquartered in Seoul with international offices in Los Angeles and Beijing. The company has created innovative film technologies for theaters worldwide that include ‘ScreenX’, ‘4DX’, and ‘4DX Screen’ for consumers to experience films in ways that were never before possible.

CJ 4DPLEX is a part of the CJ Group conglomerate that also includes entertainment powerhouses CJ CGV, the fifth largest theater chain in the world, and CJ ENM (CJ Entertainment & Media), who produced the Academy Award®, Golden Globe® and SAG Awards winning film, “Parasite”. CJ 4DPLEX was named Most Innovative Company of 2017 and 2019 in Live Events by Fast Company, and the technology has been recognized with Silver at the Edison Awards in the Media and Visual Communications-Entertainment category in 2015 and 2018.

ScreenX is the world’s first multi-projection cinema with an immersive 270 degree field of view. By expanding the image beyond the frame and onto the walls of the theatre, ScreenX draws you into the story on the main screen and immerses you in a virtual reality like setting with cinema quality resolution. To date, there are over 354 ScreenX auditoriums around the world in 38 countries.

4DX provides moviegoers with a multi-sensory cinema-going experience, allowing audiences to connect with movies through motion, vibration, water, wind, snow, lightning, scents, and other special effects that enhance the visuals on-screen. Each 4DX auditorium incorporates motion-based seating synchronized with more than 21 different effects and optimized by a team of skilled editors. To date, there are over 787 4DX auditoriums around the world, spanning over 69 countries.

4DXScreen is a powerful combination of our super premium immersive theatre technologies of ScreenX and 4DX in one auditorium, creating a never-before-seen experience for cinemagoers. To date, there are 46 4DXScreens installed around the globe.

TAEYANG × JIMIN

Global superstars TAEYANG (of BIGBANG fame) and Jimin of BTS come together for one of the most anticipated and unexpected K-Pop releases of the 2020s. Listen to “VIBE (feat. Jimin of BTS)” HERE via THEBLACKLABEL/Interscope Records

The magnitude of the collaboration cannot be understated. Not only is it a cross-generational release uniting superstars of different eras, it also connects two artists from the biggest boy bands of all time. If anyone can live up to that hype, it’s TAEYANG. The BIGBANG legend and lead singer has inspired generations of K-Pop artists.

It’s impossible to talk about K-Pop’s global ascent without discussing BIGBANG, one of the most influential and decorated acts in the late 2000s and 2010s. They were the first to gain global recognition, performing at stadiums worldwide for millions of fans in record-breaking numbers and have influenced countless acts in the genre for their various musical styles and self-production. Dubbed the “Kings of K-Pop,” BIGBANG is one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, winning over 100 awards, being on the New York Times “Best Concerts List”, and winning “Best Worldwide Act” at the MTV Europe Awards.

In addition to making history with the band, TAEYANG is also an accomplished solo artist, releasing four massively successful albums including two that have gone #1 on Billboard’s World Albums chart with a string of hits including “Eyes, Nose, Lips” which won “Song of the Year” on all the major Korean award shows.

As both TAEYANG and Jimin are vocalists with outstanding dancing ability, their collaboration is effortlessly smooth and flawless. TAEYANG and Jimin both partook in the song composition along with TEDDY, a long-time collaborator and Producer for TAEYANG and BIGBANG. TEDDY is also the Founder of THEBLACKLABEL. Also participating is an established lineup of Songwriters and Producers in Kush, Vince, and 24 from THEBLACKLABEL.

The track is accompanied by a suitably dazzling visual, which showcases the duo’s slick dance moves and undeniable charisma. Watch it HERE

With “VIBE”, TAEYANG and Jimin add another undeniable anthem to their already glittering discographies while celebrating this unprecedented moment in K-Pop history.

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Martha Millan from Fox's hit series The Cleaning Lady inside 360 MAGAZINE

MARTHA MILLAN – THE CLEANING LADY

Listen to riveting actress, Martha Millan, chat with Vaughn Lowery on 360 MAG Amazon | Spotify podcast HERE.

One of the most talked-about actors of Fox’s hit series, The Cleaning Lady, Martha Millan was born in the Philippines, and raised in Sydney. In Australia, she got the acting bug when she took a theatrical high school elective. Upon graduation, She was accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (NYC).

Developed by Miranda Kwok, The Cleaning Lady made the top 5 new broadcast drama of the 2021-2022 season. It marked Fox’s network’s highest-rated drama premiere in two years as well as Hulu’s most streamed debut in the network’s history.

Millan is best known for her work in “The OA,” “Succession,” “Entourage,” “Madam Secretary,” “Strong Medicine,” all three primary shows of the “Law & Order” franchise, THE GREAT NEW WONDERFUL with Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jim Parsons and Will Arnett. Of late, she starred alongside of Danny Glover in the critically acclaimed film, THE DRUMMER

In addition to being a relevant talent, Martha holds acting workshops for children. Pre-pandemic, she’s conducted after school programs at Public Schools Brooklyn. Moreover, she produced an online drama education curriculum for 10-16 years old. Some of the participants are from Brazil, Portugal and Israel.

As a globetrotter, Martha has visited a plethora of countries: Spain, Greece, Aruba, Peru, Indonesia, Guatemala and Panama.

To maintain her youthful exterior, Martha maintains a rigorous fitness regimen eith running and high-intensity training.

FUN FACT

Millan was one of the global ambassadors of Clairol Natural Instincts and the face of Nooch, a restaurant in New York City.

Watch conversation on YT HERE.

Martha Millan from Fox's hit series The Cleaning Lady inside 360 MAGAZINE
Martha Millan from Fox’s hit series The Cleaning Lady inside 360 MAGAZINE

Photo Credit: Rob Echanique

Dolores Cortés by Dolores Cortés via 360 Magazine

MBFWMADRID × Dolores Cortés

Dolores Cortés is the successor of a family tradition of more than seventy years in the manufacture and design of women’s swimwear, dating back to a time before the existence of current elastic fabrics.

Picking up this tradition, Dolores Font Cortés, began in the 80s to design swimwear collections. She produces her models in her own workshop, adopting the name Dolores Cortés as the signature of her designs, in homage to her mother. This experimental vision is evident in the firm’s swimsuits, whose origins date back to the 1950s, when the designer’s mother, Dolores Cortés, designed and created these pieces by hand.

Thus begins a new stage for the designer, with the aim of assimilating fashion thinking to the technical requirements of the product, creating and designing innovative collections in which the swimsuit is a trend product.

In this new collection presented in pavilion 14 of Ifema within the framework of Madrid Fashion Week, the juxtaposition of graphics and abstract motifs stands out. The designer has presented this new swimwear collection with prints conceived as pictorial fabrics or textile paintings in their most luminous version, as opposed to the mixtures between black and white and the play of shades of warm and cold tones, establishing a rich and varied colorimetry.

The term swim couture is present in the crochet details that adorn many pieces, which achieve a renewed aesthetic. In addition, the accessories (large bracelets and earrings) designed in resin, are colorful and complete the swimwear look, impregnated with a boho aesthetic through the printed scarves that adorn the hair of the models. To see the collection line, click HERE.

Today, Dolores Cortés’s designs are present in the national and international market through warehouses and her own stores. In 2017, the company Dolores Font Cortés S.A was awarded the National Award for Small and Medium Enterprises in the Fashion Industry, given by Queen Letizia of Spain.

BEHIND THE CATWALK

DOLORES CORTÉS FASHION SHOW

For more information click HERE

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Article: Andrea Esteban

annika wells from epic records inside 360 MAGAZINE

Annika Wells – Modern Art

Rising pop artist Annika Wells shares the video for her new single “Modern Art.” The video was directed by Logan Fields (Syd, Slayyyter, Rod Wave) and captures the songs essence as Annika walks the halls of an art gallery. The exhibit? Remnants of a relationship.

The minimalist pop song is a poignant piece of commentary on heartbreak in the digital age. Her voice is soft yet fragile as she tries to absorb the truth of her own words. “There’s no pretty way to break a heart,” she intones in a half whisper over an ominous drone. A delicate beat then kicks up underneath, urging her to share more. “Breaking up is modern art,” she declares, before orchestral strings sweep in as if soundtracking the credits to another sad ending.

The track not only captures the pain of a breakup, but the struggle with having to process it inside—and online. Annika explains that the song “explores the aftermath in the modern age where our relationships are no longer just interpersonal experiences, but digital galleries in which we can curate, arrange, and erase carefully constructed identities. It walks you through the world that’s left after the real break up—the physical evidence, but also the online remnants that are increasingly inescapable in this day and age.”

About Annika Wells

Most people keep personal, embarrassing, and crazy thoughts to themselves. Annika Wells isn’t one of those people. She doesn’t just express these thoughts out loud either. She peppers them through her songs with the kind of honesty you expect from your childhood best friend. In her music, she’ll rattle off bucket list ambitions, refer to herself phallically, or write about a doomed romance (with that same ex as her cowriter). After watching her older brother play piano, she started taking classical lessons at the age of four. She eventually ended up at Berklee College of Music in Boston. 

Before dropping out, she linked up with producer Giulio Cercato and wrote and recorded what would become her first single “Break” in 2016. It caught fire around the world, catapulted onto the Spotify Global Viral Chart, and eventually eclipsed 15 million Spotify streams. She wrote and featured on “Crawl Outta Love” for Illenium, amassing 58 million Spotify streams, reaching the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot/Dance Electronic Songs Chart, and notching the International Songwriting Competition (ISC) Grand Prize. Between performing in sold-out arenas across the country with Illenium throughout 2019, she landed a string of major placements as a writer for Jonas Brothers, PRETTYMUCH, BTS, and Steve Aoki. After racking up over half a billion streams, she welcomes everyone into her mind and heart on a series of singles and her forthcoming debut for Vol. 1/Epic Records.

Variety Hitmakers Celebration

Variety’s fifth annual Hitmakers celebration took place on Saturday December 4th, 2021, where an array of top individuals in the music industry were recognized for their revolutionary accomplishments in the year of 2021. The invitation-only brunch event was presented by Peacock and the streamer’s comedy series “Girls5Eva.” Amazon Music hosted a red-carpet pre-show before the celebration underwent.

360 Magazine was the guest of Wagoneer, the official partner of the Hitmakers celebration. The all-new 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was showcased onsite at the event. The brand-new Wagoneer encompasses an innovative style paired with progressive technology. The Wagoneer showcases a pioneering spirit paired with legendary capability. What Wagoneer does in the realm of automobile experiences is exactly what the honorees of this celebration do in the music industry; they both push the envelope and delve into uncharted territory, ultimately making history.

The brunch and celebration acknowledged distinguished writers, executives, producers and artists that have had a hand in the most groundbreaking music of the year. Billie Eilish, Finneas, the City Girls, Lana Del Rey, Jack Harlow, Lil Nas X, Normani, Olivia Rodrigo and Kali Uchis were all in attendance. Such awards that were recognized at the event included:

City Girls – The Future is Female Award presented by Motown Records

Lil Nas X – Innovator of the Year

Normani – Collaborator of the Year

BTS “Butter” – Record of the Year

Olivia Rodrigo – Songwriter of the Year

Jack Harlow – Hitmaker of Tomorrow

Lana Del Rey – Decade Award

Billie Eilish and Finneas – Film Song of the Year

Kali Uchis – Crossover Award

Steven Victor – Hitbreaker of the Year

Polo G – Rising Star ward presented by Amazon music

Ron Perry and Jennifer Mallory Columbia Records – Label of the Year

Mike Dean – Producer of the Year

Wendy Goldstein – A&R Award

Max Lousada – Executive of the Year

Austin Rosen – Manager of the Year

As the awardees were recognized for their successes throughout the year, several cameos were showcased. BTS curated a video accepting their award for Record of the Year for the song “Butter.” Like BTS, Steven Victor, too, sent in a video accepting his award for Hitbreaker of the Year. Other cameo videos congratulating the esteemed group of individuals were sent in from the Jonas brothers, Ed Sheeran and the cast of Girls5eva.

The impeccable design of the venue curated an unforgettable experience for all the honorees and attendees. Several photo op sceneries were created at the outside portion of the venue. The event even had a Girls5eva gif booth where guests could curate their own original gifs. All around, the venue was decorated with bouquets of flowers at each table and at the main stage. Guests were offered brunch inside of the venue that had a wide assortment of delicious treats.

Variety’s Hitmakers celebration showcased and celebrated a wide array of esteemed individuals in the music industry. These groundbreaking names in the music industry were truly honored at the event.

By: McKinley Franklin

McKinley Franklin for use by 360 Magazine

McKinley Franklin for use by 360 Magazine

McKinley Franklin for use by 360 Magazine

McKinley Franklin for use by 360 Magazine

McKinley Franklin for use by 360 Magazine

Illustration By Alex Bogdan for use of 360 Magazine

Juice WRLD × Fighting Demons

December 9 marks the inaugural Juice WRLD Day in Chicago, IL. The Live Free 999 Fund, which honors the legacy of Juice WRLD through giving support to young individuals in their own personal battles, will bring people together to commemorate his life and music. Juice WRLD Day will see his closest family, friends, collaborators and fans come together to celebrate and continue on his legacy.

For more information on the Live Free 999 Fund see HERE.

Viewers can experience Juice WRLD Day no matter where they are by live streaming on the Amazon Music app and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch at 8PM CT/ 9PM ET on Thursday, December 9.

Juice WRLD Day precedes the release of the new Juice WRLD album Fighting Demons. The cover and track list of Fighting Demons has just been released, and tracks include collaborations with artists like Justin Bieber, Polo G, Trippie Redd and SUGA of BTS.

Pre-save Fighting Demons (Grade A/ Interscope) HERE.

Fighting Demons TRACKLIST

1.) Burn

2.) Already Dead

3.) You Wouldn’t Understand

4.) Wandered To LA (with Justin Bieber)

5.) Eminem Speaks

6.) Rockstar In His Prime

7.) Doom

8.) Go Hard

9.) Juice WRLD Speaks

10.) Not Enough

11.) Feline (with Polo G & Trippie Redd)

12.) Relocate

13.) Juice WRLD Speaks 2

14.) Until The Plug Comes Back Around

15.) From My Window

16.) Girl Of My Dreams (feat. SUGA of BTS)

17.) Feel Alone

18.) My Life In A Nutshell

ITALKI: A GLOBAL LANGUAGE LEARNING COMMUNITY

Although excessive screen time is often frowned upon, language experts say that watching shows in a foreign language – if done with near obsession – can help someone learn that language. Since its Netflix release in September, Korean thriller Squid Game has become an international phenomenon.

We’ve relied on online platforms like Netflix more than ever these last two years, proving that the streaming platform can inspire one to learn a language through entertainment.

italki, the premiere online language platform, can help even the most devout Squid Game enthusiast take their curiosity of Korean culture to the next level with dedicated 1-on-1 lessons. The online platform currently offers 150+ languages taught by teachers from 180 countries. 

“In the US we’ve seen a 15% increase in demand for Korean language lessons in the past 3 weeks” says Kevin Chen, founder of italki. Korean is the 6th most studied language in the US on the platform. So far, nearly 30,000 italki teachers have helped 10 million users from 190 or from all over the world countries learn a new language more effectively and efficiently.  

“Most of my students have already learned the Korean alphabet, called Hangeul, for themselves before taking their very first lesson. That’s why they understand its structure and how it works pretty much well. There are some who believe all the Asian languages are a lot in common as European languages originated from Latin are, which actually are not true.” says italki Teacher Karen. “I am also a big fan of BTS, one of the biggest Boyband in the world. Also, some of my students are fans of K-Pop stars, Korean actors or actresses. There are a growing number of people who get interested in K-Pop, K-Movie, K-Drama, K-Food, K-Beauty, etc. Sometimes, their interest in Korean culture encourages students to learn Korean continuously” 

Apart from grammar, vocabulary, and the technical building blocks of language, learning a language means learning the culture. Learning a language through video chat or italki’s own “italki Classroom” would have offered a private and supportive environment. 

“I’ve seen an article about the drama that has earned a critics’ score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and also became the most popular show on Netflix ever. People started making merchandising of the Squid Game Netflix show and I’ve been seeing those all over social media. So yes, I can say I’ve noticed an increase in the popularity of Korean culture.” says italki Community Tutor Gio. “I think people sometimes underestimate the importance of Hangul, which is the Korean alphabet. Memorizing Hangul is inevitable for learning Korean. But it might take more time than you expected. Even if memorizing Hangul takes some time, I hope people know that they have to endure it to move on to the next level.”

If you would like to speak with our teachers Gio and Karen, to get their thoughts on the popularity of Korean Culture as it relates to online learning, please let us know. italki also offers the gift of language through its gift cards throughout the holiday season and beyond: https://www.italki.com/giftcards

About italki

italki is a global language learning community that connects students and teachers for 1-on-1 online language lessons. At italki, we believe that human interaction and cultural sharing are the best way to become fluent in a foreign language. With over 5 million students and 10,000 high-quality teachers teaching more than 130 languages, italki helps everyone with their personal journey to fluency. Learn more at www.italki.com and follow their social channels on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube

Bts illustration by Kaelen Felix for 360 magazine.

All You Need To Know K-POP

By: Conan Zhang, Elle Grant × Kai Yeo

Korean pop music, known as K-Pop is becoming a global force. With forceful sounds, charismatic performances, and colorful concepts, it is a maximalist’s dream perception of music. The fans are dedicated, if not overwhelming in their dedication to their favorite artists. Recently, the political successes of K-pop fans are making just as many headlines: fans crashed Donald Trump’s Tulsa rally and have been at the forefront of vocalizing issues related to Black Lives Matter. Who are the artists that inspire such loyalty and such action? Read into 360’s introduction to some of the twenty-first century mainstays below.

Seo Taiji And Boys

Debuted in 1992, Seo Taiji and Boys were and influential 3-member band and are known as the first “boy group” in K-pop industry consisting of Seo Taiji himself, alongside fellow members Yang Hyun Suk and Lee Juno. Their debut single, “Nan Arayo (I Know),” was an instantly catchy hit that topped the charts for a record-breaking, seventeen consecutive weeks and propelled the group to pop mega-stardom.

In April 2017 it was announced that Seo Taiji was assembling a group of modern K-Pop acts to cover songs from his past to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his debut with Seo Taiji and Boys. The first act announced for the project was BTS,  with other acts including Urban Zakapa and Younha. The first single from this project, a cover of “Come Back Home” (from Seo Taiji and Boys IV) recorded by BTS, was released with a music video on July 5, 2017.

In case you’re new to K-pop, it might be helpful to add that BTS was also invited by Seo Taiji to perform their rendition of Come Back Home and other acts at their 25th anniversary concert.

PSY

Heard of Gangnam Style? Born Park Jae-sang on December 31 1977, he is better known as the artist PSY. He is a South Korean singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. PSY is famous in Korea for his funny videos and stage performances. After releasing Gangnam Style on 15 July 2012, the video crossed over 2 billion views in less than two years (so many that it broke YouTube). This song can also arguably be named the first breakout Korean hit to become popular in the West. The song’s refrain was entered into The Yale Book of Quotations as one of the most famous quotations of 2012.

Since his international success, PSY has gone on to found his own record company P NATION and currently mentoring other artists.

Big Bang

No introduction needed, Big Bang is a South Korean boy band under YG Entertainment. The group consists of four members: G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, and Daesung; They are named as “Kings of K-pop,” Bigbang have greatly helped spread the Korean Wave internationally. A fifth member, Seungri, left the group and the industry in disgrace following an the Burning Sun sex scandal, of which he was an organizer, a moment that blighted K-pop’s reputation at home.

Eighteen of Big Bang’s singles have been number one hits in South Korea and have remained atop the Melon charts for a record 51 weeks. The group has sold over 150 million records globally, which rank them among the best-selling boy bands in the world. Forbes Korea ranked them as one of the most powerful celebrities in South Korea from 2009 to 2016 (placing 2nd in 2009, 2012 and 2014, and they were the first Korean artists to be included on the Forbes Celebrity 100 and 30 Under 30 list of most influential musicians in the world (2017).

Currently with 4 members discharged from military service, fans are eagerly waiting to see what happens next.

CL 

Lee Chae-rin, better known by her stage name CL, rose to fame as girl group 2NE1’s leader in 2009, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. As a solo artist, CL made her debut with “The Baddest Female” in 2013 and has continued to pursue her own career following the group’s hiatus in 2015. The release “Hello Bitches” (2015) led CL to become the first female Korean solo artist to place onto the Billboard Hot 100, and the third Korean artist to do so overall.

In November 2016, YG announced the disbandment of 2NE1 after nearly two years of hiatus, and CL subsequently remained under the label. Shortly after leaving YG in December 2019, she released her solo EP project In the Name of Love (2019), consisting of six tracks written during the three years since her previous single “Lifted.” Her debut studio album, Alpha, was released in October 2021.

BTS

BTS, an abbreviation for Bangtan Boys, was formed in 2010 while the group debuted in 2013. The team is made up of seven members including Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. The members co-write and co-produce almost every song that they perform, marking a shift in the K-Pop industry to including artists in the songs they sing and promote.

Originally intended to be a Korean hip-hop group, they are now producing music in a wide range of genres. Their songs often focused on personal and social hot topics, mentioning mental health, troubles of school-age teenagers.

Having sold over 20 million albums on the Gaon Music Chart, BTS is now the best-selling artist in South Korean history and holds the best-selling album in South Korea with the work Map of the Soul: 7. The group’s numerous accolades include six American Music Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, 24 Golden Disc Awards, and nominations for a Grammy Award and a Brit Award. They are undoubtedly the current Kinds of K-Pop and have broken through to Western popularity unlike any other artist.

BLACKPINK

Blackpink is a girl group formed by YG Entertainment, featuring four team members: Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé and Lisa. In August 2016, they debuted with their single album Square One, which is features the extremely popular songs “Whistle” and “Boombayah.”

Blackpink is ranked as the highest-charting female Korean act on the Billboard Hot 100 and they broke a huge number of online records since they released “Kill This Love” (2019) and “How You Like That” (2020), each become the most-viewed music video within the first 24 hours of release. Though this record was eventually broken by BTS, it is nonetheless just one of many examples proving the quartet’s impact on society.

IU

Lee Ji-eun is well known as IU. She is a South Korean singer-songwriter and actress. The name IU is a combination of the letters ‘I’ and ‘you’ which means “you and I become one through music.” She debuted as a singer when she was fifteen with her first mini album Lost and Found (2008). Her work “Good Day” won her five consecutive weeks at the top position of South Korea’s Gaon Digital Chart. In the year of 2019, “Good Day” was ranked number one on Billboard’s “100 Greatest K-Pop Songs of the 2010s” list.

NCT

NCT are a K-pop group created by SM Entertainment. NCT stands for Neo Culture Technology, and the idea is that they’re a group of infinite members who are constantly shifting into different sub-units in different cities around the world. Currently consisting of 5 sub-units – NCT U, NCT 127, NCT Dream, NCT 2018, WayV.

Currently, NCT is made up of 21 members – we know, it’s a handful! The members are: Taeil, Johnny, Taeyong, Yuta, Kun, Doyoung, Ten, Jaehyun, Winwin, Jungwoo, Lucas, Mark, Renjun, Jeno, Haechan, Jaemin, Chenle, Jisung, Xiao Jun, Yang Yang, and Hendery.

After debuting in 2016, they have won 7 awards from 19 nominations and are continuing their stardom today. Pionerring the “noise music” trend and have so far been the only ones that do it well – “Simon Says.” Find out more information about them through their show NCT Life streaming on YouTube for free.

TWICE

Like many of today’s K-pop acts, Twice originated from a reality competition show. The 2015 series Sixteen involved that many JYP entertainment “trainees” – the term used for aspiring idols-in-training, preparing for a potential debut. After a series of challenges and fighting for a place in the final lineup, the remaining nine formed a new ensemble, also known as Twice.

After the announcement of the label’s new girl group, founder and CEO of JYP explained that Twice refers to the act of making an impact “once through the ears and once through the eyes.” As so, the group’s fame has been propelled by hit after hit of vibrant sound through bright and colorful music videos. Their unique sound can be heard especially in “TT” and “Cheer Up.”

More on K-pop

These men and women are just of a few forcing open the door to K-Pop in the west after being mainstays in South Korean and Asian popular culture for years. This list features artists from the first to third generation of K-Pop stars, known as the generations to push international boundaries of popularity. In this new decade of the twenty-first century, K-Pop is more popular than ever. Stars of the fourth generation, coinciding with the Gen Z age group, are achieving international successes early on in their forebearers above could only dream of just years ago. A great deal of this success is owed to the listed artists, who have collectively decades breaking barriers and sharing music. New groups like ITZY, TXT, Ateez and Enhypen are achieving new heights, learning from the elders while paving the way for the future.

In My Mind Artwork from Nicole Hajjar, Republic Records, for use by 360 Magazine

LYN LAPID FAN FAVORITE SINGLE – IN MY MIND

After amassing over 4 million song views and 1 million likes on TikTok before officially releasing the song, singer and songwriter Lyn Lapid delivers her new fan favorite single “In My Mind”—listen here!

Dedicated to the “‘quiet kids’ such as [herself]”, Lyn first teased “In My Mind” on TikTok in August, and the video quickly garnered over 3 million views in just a few days with her fans lovingly dubbing the song the “quiet kids song.” “In My Mind” hinges on a jazz-y groove as Lyn adopts a fittingly smoky delivery. Her voice wraps around airy guitar and a steady beat, as it builds towards a swooning refrain and she reveals, “People say I’m quiet most of the time, If only you knew what goes on in my mind.” Once again, Lyn’s dynamic vocals and sharp songwriting instantly enchant listeners.

Lyn says, “I wrote ‘In My Mind’ about my experience growing up as the ‘quiet kid.’ People would always tell me how I never talked at all and how quiet I was. Well, they weren’t wrong, I kept to myself all throughout school, even when I hung out with my friends. I remember when I sang for my school’s talent show for the first time, one of my classmates went up to me afterwards and was like, ‘You know I was surprised when you walked on stage, you hardly ever talk. I thought you were gonna suck. But you actually didn’t!’ …I’m not sure how you would respond to that honestly. I also wrote about what runs through my mind, and how if people knew what I was actually thinking, they’d be thankful that I kept to myself.”

“In My Mind” arrives during a breakout year for Lyn Lapid – she released her first three singles, “Producer Man,” “Itsy Bitsy,” and “Infinite,” received co-signs from Billie Eilish, BTS’ Jungkook, Sabrina Carpenter, and more, amassed over 72 million global streams to date, and been praised by the likes of Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed, E! Online, Refinery29, HYPEBAE, Idolator, and others. With more music on the way, Lyn has affirmed herself as a star on the rise for 2021.

About Lyn Lapid
A classically trained musician, unpredictable vocal dynamo, and fearless genre-breaker, Lyn Lapid asserts herself as an individual through and through. At 18-years-old, the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and member of vocal collective EARCANDY has unassumingly emerged as an unapologetic and undeniable voice for her generation. In 2018, Lyn posted a ukulele and vocal cover of “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. on YouTube. She went on to deliver D.I.Y. YouTube renditions of everyone from Ariana Grande and Sabrina Claudio to Edith Piaf and Sarah McLachlan, amassing 40 million-plus views and counting on her channel. In late 2019, Lyn launched her TikTok page, building an audience of over 4 million followers at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, a snippet of her first original, “Producer Man,” exploded. Produced by Dan Nigro [Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lewis Capaldi, Sky Ferreira, Empress Of], the song has gathered over 70 million views and 8 million likes thus far and emerged as “the most-viewed unreleased demo on a TikTok video in 2020.”

About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Black Thought, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G).  In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.