Speculation is running wild online after fans picked up on comments suggesting that BTS may have recorded an unreleased song originally written for Michael Jackson.
The buzz started after Paddy Dunning, owner of Ireland’s Grouse Lodge Studio, revealed in an interview that global artists—including BTS—have been involved in sessions using unreleased tracks created by Michael Jackson’s longtime collaborators, including producer Rodney Jerkins.
According to VIBE, Dunning shared that he’s been working to bring these hidden songs to life by enlisting major global stars. Fresh from a U.S. trip, he stated, “We’ve been signing up some of the world’s biggest acts to record tracks originally written for Michael.” While no official confirmation has been made, BTS’s name in the mix has fans excited—and curious—about what may be coming.
In a landmark year where Los Angeles officially proclaimed August 1 as KCON Day, KCON LA 2025 Presented by Olive Young made a triumphant return to the LA Convention Center and Crypto.com Arena. The three-day celebration of K-pop and Korean culture delivered a polished, fan-focused experience packed with music, community, and immersive brand activations.
While much of the programming followed the familiar structure, it felt elevated and more thoughtfully curated. A revamped convention layout allowed for smoother flow and better engagement, while the concert lineup expertly balanced nostalgic favorites with rising stars, creating a well-rounded K-pop showcase.
At the heart of the convention floor, Olive Young stood as a central hub, offering skincare demonstrations, curated photo zones, and exclusive sample drops. Beauty and lifestyle brands followed suit with interactive booths featuring one-on-one consultations, product trials, and Instagram-worthy installations. The K-Beauty and K-Food Zones gave fans hands-on experiences—from exploring toner textures to sampling regional Korean flavors. Brands like Bibigo stole the spotlight with immersive games, photo ops, and food giveaways that turned simple promotions into memorable attractions.
On the Meet & Greet and Artist Stages, the energy was non-stop. Fans queued early to get up close with artists such as NMIXX, Lee Youngji, and ZEROBASEONE, while the Artist Stage featured intimate live sets by both rising talent and returning acts like Hwasa, CRAVITY, and MEOVV. With multiple events happening at once, attendees had to hustle across halls—but the payoff was more than worth it.
Each night concluded with an electric M Countdown concert inside Crypto.com Arena. The lineup was carefully arranged: emerging groups opened, seasoned performers closed, and surprise collaborations kept fans on their toes. Highlights included ZEROBASEONE’s high-energy sets across all three nights—cementing their headliner status—and a surprise dance stage by Hanbin and Lee Youngji that quickly became a fan favorite. Duets like YUQI and Zhang Hao’s added a heartfelt dimension to the performances.
Veterans like NCT 127 and MONSTA X commanded their stages with the confidence of global stars, while newcomers like IS:SUE, MEOVV, and NOWZ wowed with slick, tightly choreographed performances. aespa, RIIZE, and IVE delivered crowd-pleasing sets that blended stunning visuals with fan interaction. Special mentions go to Jackson Wang, whose theatrical set brought a cinematic flair, and HWX, whose rare subunit appearance became one of the weekend’s most talked-about moments.
Ultimately, KCON LA 2025 delivered a vibrant celebration of K-pop’s evolution. From a more interactive convention experience to a concert series that honored both legacy and innovation, this year’s event didn’t just meet expectations—it offered a bold glimpse into the future of Korean pop culture on the global stage.
Red Carpet Photos
Concert Photos
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Actor Song Young Kyu, who recently faced backlash over a drunk driving incident, has been found dead at the age of 55.
According to the Yongin Dongbu Police Station, Song was discovered in a parked vehicle within a residential complex in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, around 8 a.m. on August 4. Authorities responded to a report made by a woman and are currently investigating the cause and circumstances of his death. Back in June, the actor made headlines after being caught driving under the influence.
On June 19 around 11 p.m., he reportedly drove about 5 kilometers from Giheung-gu to Cheoin-gu after drinking with acquaintances. His blood alcohol level was said to exceed 0.08%, a level that warrants license revocation. He was referred to prosecutors without detention. Following the DUI incident, Song stepped down from the stage production Shakespeare in Love.
The team behind ENA’s drama The Defects, in which he had completed filming, announced they would minimize his screen time. Meanwhile, SBS’s The Winning Try stated that his role was too minor to be immediately edited out; he appeared as originally filmed in the July 26 episode.
Actor Kim Min Kyu is making waves online this week after a viral post sparked debate over whether he deserves a spot among the top 3 most handsome male actors today.
Known for his standout visuals and charming presence, Kim Min Kyu has built a solid acting résumé, most recently starring as Cha Jin Wook in Bitch X Rich. Before turning to acting, he originally aimed to debut as an idol and gained attention through Produce X 101, where he finished in 12th place.
This is your guide to dressing like a K-drama main character, specifically the “rich girl boss” seen in shows like Crash Landing on You. It’s a blend of preppy, classy, elegant, and modern. You can think about an “old money aesthetic” and expect much more accessorizing than typically seen in Western fashion.
Color palette essentials
The foundation is a predominantly neutral color palette, featuring lots of whites, creams, and browns to achieve an elegant and sophisticated vibe. When color is introduced, it usually leans towards pastels such as baby blue, baby pink, or lavender. The only dark colors commonly seen are black or navy blue. Avoid jewel tones, primary colors, or warmer colors like orange or yellow.
Key outerwear pieces
Outerwear is a significant component of this style, which is best suited for spring and winter trends.
• Tweed is an absolute must-have and appears everywhere, from skirts and dresses to handbags and shorts. The most quintessential item is the colorless tweed jacket, symbolizing old money and affluence.
• Look for long wool coats, especially those with sharp shoulders, which add an aura of elegance due to their structured design. A common styling trick seen in K-dramas is draping the coat over the shoulders for an authoritative yet effortless look
Shoe game
While tracking with general Korean shoe trends, this aesthetic features more high heels, stilettos, and sharper toe shoes compared to more casual styles. However, it’s not all high heels: loafers and chunky boots also make a presence, adding a modern touch to outfits. Ballet flats and slingback heels are super trending, especially ballet flats worn with socks (crew length or knee-high). You can experiment with shoe choices to make your outfit more “grungy” or “sophisticated” based on the platform or chunkiness of the shoe.
Accessories
Accessories are an essential part and are far more emphasized than in Western outfits.
• Jewelry: Focus on statement earrings, particularly chandelier or dangly styles. Pearl studs and diamond studs add an “old money” touch. There’s less emphasis on chunky rings or numerous bracelets.
• Hair Accessories: This aesthetic loves hairpins, hair bands, hair bows, and barrettes. This level of accessorizing enhances the “fanciness” and “perceived richness” of the individual.
• Bags: Designer bags are a big part, but if not available, look for structured bags in small to medium sizes. Quilted or tweed materials are ideal.
