Latest news with #Psy


Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Rosé Ties A Major Hot 100 Record
Rosé's 'Apt' holds on the Hot 100 for a thirty-first week, tying Psy's 'Gangnam Style' as the ... More third-longest-charting K-pop song in U.S. history. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 04: Rosé attends the 2023 LACMA Art+Film Gala, Presented By Gucci at Los Angeles County Museum of Art on November 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor LACMA) Rosé's single 'Apt.' is pushed down on the Hot 100 this week as the ranking is dominated by tracks from Morgan Wallen's new album I'm the Problem. The country superstar fills 36 spots on the busy tally, and his influx sends a handful of tunes off the list, and that reshuffling forces some major long-standing successes to drop. The Blackpink singer manages to hold on once more, and as expected, her collaboration with Bruno Mars earns another stay on the Hot 100. As of this frame, she ties an important record and comes within striking distance of a historic figure. 'Apt.' has now spent 31 weeks on the Hot 100. It reaches that milestone as it dips from No. 22 to No. 28 on the list of the most popular tracks in the country. As of this period, 'Apt' is tied with 'Gangnam Style' by Psy as the third-longest-charting tune by any K-pop act in American history. That catchy smash helped introduce millions to the genre more than a decade ago and ignited the K-pop craze that continues today. Jimin owns the all-time record for the longest stay on the Hot 100 by any track from a K-pop star. His single 'Who' debuted in mid-2024 and lived on the ranking for 33 weeks. Somewhat surprisingly, it only climbed to No. 12 and never managed to break into the top 10. Just one frame behind 'Who' comes 'Dynamite' by BTS, the band that launched Jimin to stardom. The pure pop tune hit No. 1 and remained on the list for 32 weeks, beating 'Gangnam Style' by just one stint. There's a great possibility that 'Apt.' will earn a thirty-second stay on the Hot 100 in just a few days — and it may even climb again as some of Wallen's cuts fall away. It seems likely that Rosé could tie Jimin's all-time record soon, and perhaps even beat it, as 'Apt.' remains not just on the chart, but a hugely popular success at the moment. Radio is helping keep the tune alive these days. This frame, it lifts slightly to No. 21 on Billboard's Radio Songs chart.

Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Why some K-Pop acts, from Psy to aespa, take pay cuts for campus festivals
These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM 42PSY42/INSTAGRAM Why some K-Pop acts, from Psy to aespa, take pay cuts for campus festivals SEOUL - May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival which took place from May 14 to 16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seungyoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup from May 20 to 22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival from May 21 to 23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won (S$94,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million to 80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said on May 25. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador chief executive Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its fifth EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally. ' THE KOREA HERALD/ ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.


Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why do K-pop acts take pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'


Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why are K-pop idols taking pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience — people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new Korean music since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'


Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why are K-pop idols taking pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience — people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new Korean music since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.' jaaykim@