Latest news with #Hallyuwood
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Police raid HYBE headquarters: K-pop giant under fire over chairman Bang Si-hyuk's alleged IPO scandal
In a shocking turn of events for the K-pop industry, authorities raided HYBE's Yongsan headquarters on Thursday (July 24) as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged stock fraud by chairman Bang Si-hyuk. According to The Korea Herald, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is investigating allegations that Bang Si-hyuk misled early investors and accumulated illegal profits totaling hundreds of billions of won prior to HYBE's high-profile IPO in 2020. This scandal will surely threaten to shake the very foundation of the powerhouse behind global superstars like BTS, TXT, SEVENTEEN, and many more artists. Bang Si-hyuk accused of misleading investors ahead of IPO The founder of Big Hit Entertainment, which later became HYBE - is under investigation for allegedly deceiving early investors in late 2019. Reports suggest the Bang Si-hyuk told them the company had no plans to go public, prompting them to sell their shares. He then allegedly pushed forward with HYBE's initial public offering, securing profits estimated in the hundreds of billions of won. Investigators are also looking into whether Bang Si-hyuk facilitated the sale of these investors' shares to a special purpose business formed by a private equity firm. Notably, two of the fund's three registered officers at the time were allegedly former HYBE workers and known close associates of Bang Si-hyuk. The Seoul Metropolitan Police applied for a search warrant on July 17, targeting HYBE's Yongsan headquarters and other related locations. However, jurisdiction over the case has become a point of contention. On Monday, the Financial Supervisory Service's special investigation team was granted authority over the probe by the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors' Office - raising concerns about conflicting approaches and priorities in the ongoing investigation. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who is the real killer in S Line? Lee Soo-hyuk's hit K-drama sparks wild fan theories and conspiracies ahead of finale
Currently flooding everyone's feed are memes of people with red lines popping out of their heads. It's all tied to the hit K-drama S Line, which is set to wrap up in just six episodes by July 25. The show, starring Lee Soo Hyuk, Lee Da Hee, A Rin, and Lee Eun Saem in the lead roles, has set the internet ablaze with a storm of fan theories. With its unsettling atmosphere and simmering suspense, viewers are fixated on two key mysteries: who is the killer? And what exactly do the red S lines represent? Fans of this Korean drama are searching for clues before the climax, with frame-by-frame analyzes and complex fan edits. Lee Soo-hyuk's niece: who is her red line connected to? A chilling moment that has fans theorizing is the clip where Lee Soo-hyuk wears the special glasses as he visits his niece in the hospital. When he looks around to trace her one glowing red line, his face grows serious and disturbed - indicating he's seeing something shocking. The leading theory? Her line is connected to his father, who is also in the hospital, hinting at a potentially dark family entanglement. Who is the killer? One of the most hotly debated questions is: who's behind the murders? Suspicion has been mounting around Shin Hyun-heup's character and Lee Da Hee's character, Gyu-jin. While some theorize that Gyu-jin is the culprit, others suggest she might be a red herring - her role as a teacher could either place her in danger or make her a pivotal player in the grand scheme. What do the 'S Lines' mean? The significance of the red 'S Lines' is one of the fundamental mysteries. Some enthusiasts believe the lines represent more than simply the sexual partners, such as fate, karmic relationships, or shared trauma. Many others believe the red lines indicate something far more nefarious, such as a supernatural entity or a covert organization pulling the strings behind the scenes. A larger conspiracy? Some theories propose that the 'S Line' phenomenon is part of a much bigger narrative arc, perhaps hinting at a government experiment, a psychological web, or a paranormal conspiracy. This has only added layers to the drama's already tangled web of suspense. Theories on the ending As the finale approaches, fans are racing to predict how the mystery will be resolved. Will the killer be someone fans knew all along? Are the 'S Lines' a gift or a curse? And much more. Alternative endings and deep dives into symbolism are dominating social media, demonstrating the drama's hold on its viewers. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
With 94% love, BTS' Jimin takes the throne in July 2025 idol brand rankings; G-Dragon, Rosé follow
Like every month, the Korean Business Research Institute has released the Idol Individual Brand Reputation Rankings for July 2025. Compiled through extensive big data analysis, the monthly list measures the overall influence and popularity of K-pop idols by examining media exposure, consumer interest, communication performance, and community engagement. Here's a look at the Top 5 and other who follow in the list of 30. BTS' Jimin Jimin has once again seized the crown in the July 2025 Idol Individual Brand Reputation Rankings. With keywords like "overwhelming," "unrivaled," and "consistent" defining his public image, it's clear the BTS star continues to capture the nation's attention. Trending terms such as "Hoo," "cake fairy," and "ARMY" accompanied his name in searches all month, and he scored an astonishing 94.05% positive sentiment. He's not just popular - he's dominating. BIGBANG's G-Dragon Securing the No. 2 spot is G-Dragon, proving that true icons never go out of style. Even years into his career, the BIGBANG leader's mystique, fashion influence, and cultural relevance keep him firmly rooted at the top. His presence on the list is more than nostalgia — it's a testament to enduring star power. BLACKPINK's Rosé At No. 3, BLACKPINK's Rosé continues to fascinate with her ethereal vocals and emotive performances. As a soloist and worldwide ambassador, she seamlessly blends art and impact. Her brand is still strong, with fans and brands alike drawn to her distinct charm and uncompromising grace. BTS' Jungkook In fourth position, Jungkook once again demonstrates why he is the "golden" one. Jungkook's influence is as broad as ever, whether he's breaking records, setting trends, or stealing the show on stage. His combination of humility and charisma continues to resonate — and the numbers prove it. BLACKPINK's Jennie Jennie completes the top five, living up to her status as K-pop's ultimate "it girl." She continues to establish music and fashion trends with her bold style, furious performances, and global marketing. Fans follow every move she makes, and the rankings show she's not going anywhere. The others who make it to the Top 30 6. IVE's Jang Wonyoung 7. BTS' SUGA 8. BTS' Jin 9. BLACKPINK's Lisa 10. BLACKPINK's Jisoo 11. ASTRO's Cha Eun Woo 12. BTS' J-Hope 13. BTS' RM 14. IVE' Ahn Yujin 15. BTS' V 16. aespa's Winter 17. IVE's Rei 18. Red Velvet's Joy 19. Red Velvet's Wendy 20. THE BOYZ's Juyeon 21. SHINee's Key 22. TWICE's Momo 23. SEVENTEEN's Hoshi 24. THE BOYZ's Sunwoo 25. Red Velvet's Yeri 26. Red Velvet's Irene 27. TWICE's Sana 28. EXO's Baekhyun 29. SEVENTEEN's Wonwoo 30. SEVENTEEN's Mingyu For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
After BTS' V and BLACKPINK's Jennie, Jin and Jisoo spark dating rumours; TikTok fans go 'my Jinsoo!'
After the whirlwind of V and Jennie's dating rumours, it seems fans are now searching for the next BTS and BLACKPINK couple. This time, the spotlight has landed on Jin and Jisoo - and social media is ablaze with speculation. The reason? A single, unexpected detail. In the hyper-vigilant world of K-pop, where every glance is dissected and every outfit can launch a thousand theories, Jin and Jisoo - two of the industry's most legendary visuals - have ignited a playful yet explosive "shipping'" storm. The trigger? A plaid shirt that looked just similar enough to send fans spiraling. The dating rumour between BTS Jin and BLACKPINK Jisoo Both Jin and Jisoo, celebrated as top-tier visuals in the industry, are currently busy on their respective global schedules. But fans recently spotted a peculiar coincidence that sent imaginations spiraling: matching outfits. Jin, currently lighting up stages on his solo world tour, recently stepped out in a checked shirt and straw hat - a look so effortlessly charming it had fans swooning. Around the same time, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, known for blessing Instagram with dreamy travel snaps from their global tour, shared a set of countryside photos. In them? A checked shirt strikingly similar to Jin's. Not identical, but close enough to send the internet spiraling. It didn't take long before a cheeky "dating edit" TikTok emerged, hinting at a romantic link between the two K-pop powerhouses. The video went viral in no time, with fans diving headfirst into speculation. And while there's not a shred of confirmation - just coincidence and coordinated chaos - the mere idea of the Worldwide Handsome and the BLACKPINK singer being "shipped" together has lit a fire under both fandoms. More about BTS Jin and BLACKPINK Jisoo Both global icons are gearing up to perform on July 22, setting the stage for a major night in K-pop. Jin will be captivating fans with his solo RUNSEOKJIN_EP.TOUR at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, marking another milestone in his post-military comeback. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK will bring their electrifying DEADLINE tour to life at Rogers Stadium in Toronto, continuing their reign as one of the most powerful girl groups in the world. For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BTS reclaims throne in July rankings after military discharge; SEVENTEEN, BIGBANG not far behind
The battle for K-pop supremacy keeps intensifying with each passing month. But now that the biggest boy band in the world - BTS - has completed their military service, it seems they're reclaiming their throne at the top. July's brand reputation rankings are in, and the Korean Business Research Institute has revealed a thrilling showdown among some of K-pop's most iconic names. Yet, one powerhouse group remains untouchable at the peak. BTS The seven-member group rocketed back to No. 1, scoring a jaw-dropping brand reputation index of 10,128,031, reflecting a massive 47.99% surge from last month. Their rise was fueled by trending phrases like "ARMY Day," "Forever We Are Young," and "full group," while related terms such as "congratulate," "release," and "surpass" showcased their powerful connection with fans. BTS also earned an impressive 94.91% positivity rating, proving their unrivaled public support. SEVENTEEN Securing second place with a strong brand reputation index of 6,230,280, the 13-member group continues to dominate media platforms and fan communities. Their consistent presence reinforces their status as one of K-pop's most dynamic and beloved acts. BIGBANG Landing in third place with a score of 3,342,244, the second-gen legends prove their influence endures. Despite minimal activity, BIGBANG's legacy remains impactful, as they continue to command respect in the ever-evolving K-pop scene. SHINee In fourth place with a brand reputation index of 2,555,577 is the now four-member group SHINee. Their timeless charm, loyal fanbase, and unwavering popularity cement their standing as enduring icons of the industry. EXO Rounding out the top five, EXO claimed fifth place with 2,425,301, marking a 9.32% increase from June. This climb underscores the group's staying power and the devotion of their global fanbase. Check out the other K-pop boy groups in the Top 30 6. ENHYPEN 7. Super Junior 8. NCT 9. ATEEZ 10. BOYNEXTDOOR 11. Stray Kids 12. INFINITE 13. BTOB 14. RIIZE 15. WINNER 16. THE BOYZ 17. ASTRO 18. TWS 19. MONSTA X 20. VIXX 21. Wanna One 22. ZEROBASEONE 23. ONF 24. HIGHLIGHT 25. TVXQ 26. GOT7 27. 2PM 28. TREASURE 29. TXT 30. CRAVITY For all the latest K-drama, K-pop, and Hallyuwood updates, keep following our coverage here.
