The highly anticipated return of K-pop sensation izna is officially in motion! On May 19 KST, their agency WAKEONE heightened fan excitement by dropping the very first set of dreamy, mystical concept photos for the group’s upcoming release. These stunning visuals are teasing their highly awaited third mini-album, SET THE TEMPO.

A Mystical New Visual Era

The newly unveiled concept photos showcase a breathtaking aesthetic evolution for the group. Embracing a dreamy and mystical vibe, the members—Mai, Bang Jeemin, Koko, Yoo Sarang, Choi Jungeun, and Jeong Saebi—radiate a captivating new energy. Fans are already buzzing about the gorgeous styling and the ethereal atmosphere these teasers bring.

Empowering Album Theme

Beyond the striking visuals, SET THE TEMPO carries a deeply empowering message. The album’s core theme revolves around the girls stepping out to find their own rhythm.

• Breaking away from standards set by others.
• Embracing their unique musical identity.
• Setting their own pace in the competitive K-pop industry.

From I-LAND2 to Global Stardom

The journey of izna has been nothing short of extraordinary since their formation on Mnet’s hit survival show, I-LAND2: Final Countdown. The talented group officially debuted in November 2024 with their first mini-album, N/a. Now, they are rapidly building their discography and proving their incredible growth with each new era.

Mark Your Calendars

Get ready to update your playlists, because izna will officially drop SET THE TEMPO on June 8. With a powerful message and an enchanting visual concept, this comeback is shaping up to be one of their most exciting yet.

Are you excited for izna’s magical new era? Let us know your thoughts on the dreamy concept photos in the comments below!

Stray Kids have officially reached another massive milestone in their career! On May 19 KST, the music video for their electrifying title track “Walkin On Water” officially surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

A Historic 20th Music Video Milestone

This incredible achievement marks Stray Kids’ 20th music video to join the highly coveted 100 million views club. “Walkin On Water” now stands proudly alongside their previous massive hits like “God’s Menu,” “Back Door,” “MANIAC,” “CASE 143,” “Chk Chk Boom,” and “CIRCUS.”

Fans around the world continue to stream the release, captivated by the MV’s cinematic visuals and the group’s signature powerful choreography. The sheer visual spectacle of “Walkin On Water” proves exactly why Stray Kids continue to dominate the global K-pop scene.

Billboard 200 Domination with ‘合 (HOP)’

The hit track serves as the lead song from their celebrated album SKZHOP HIPTAPE 合 (HOP), which dropped on December 13, 2024. This release wasn’t just a commercial hit; it actively made music history.

Impressively, 合 (HOP) became Stray Kids’ sixth consecutive No. 1 album on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart. This unmatched streak highlights their ever-growing international influence and the unwavering dedication of their global fanbase.

Taking Over Global Music Festivals

The momentum doesn’t stop with YouTube records and Billboard charts. Stray Kids are currently gearing up to take over the world stage by headlining some of the biggest international music festivals this year.

• June 6: Headlining The Governors Ball in New York City.
• September 11: Headlining Rock in Rio in Brazil.

These historic festival appearances will undoubtedly cement their status as top-tier global performers.

Join the Conversation

What is your absolute favorite scene or dance break from the “Walkin On Water” music video? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s celebrate this amazing milestone together!

Rapper Rich Iggy’s upcoming solo concert has been officially canceled amidst severe public backlash. The controversy stems from the K-hip hop artist’s history of disparaging the late former South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun. Taking immediate action, the Roh Moo Hyun Foundation swiftly intervened to address the highly sensitive situation.

Deliberate and Controversial References

The scheduled concert date, May 23, and the specific ticket price of 52,300 KRW were revealed to be no coincidence. These details were deliberately chosen by the artist to mockingly reference the 17th anniversary of the late president’s tragic passing. This shocking revelation sparked intense outrage across the South Korean public and the entertainment industry.

Foundation Intervention and Venue Cancellation

The Roh Moo Hyun Foundation took a firm and official stance against the deeply offensive behavior. They publicly condemned the rapper for using the concept of freedom of expression as a shield to mock a national historical tragedy. They emphasized that artistic freedom must still align with basic ethical standards.

Upon learning the hidden, insensitive context from the foundation, the event venue immediately stepped in. Yeonnam Space officially withdrew its permission to host the performance. This decisive action effectively shut the controversial concert down for good.

Industry Fallout and Public Apologies

Following the severe backlash and cancellation, Rich Iggy (Lee Min Seo) posted a handwritten apology online. He openly admitted to using the late president’s name as a shock tactic to gain attention and fame since his debut. He expressed regret for his past lyrics and the offensive nature of the concert details.

Veteran K-hip hop artists Paloalto and Deepflow, who were scheduled to appear as guest performers, also issued public apologies. They firmly distanced themselves from Rich Iggy’s actions and the resulting controversy. Both highly respected rappers claimed complete ignorance regarding the hidden meanings behind the event’s date and pricing.

The intersection of artist ethics, freedom of expression, and historical sensitivity remains a deeply important topic in South Korean culture. What are your thoughts on this K-hip hop controversy and the venue’s decision to cancel the concert? Share your opinions with us in the comments below!