Tag: BTS

Music

Jung Kook’s ‘GOLDEN: The Moments’ Exhibition Arrives in India for the First Time at Mumbai’s Mehboob Studios

Tanisha Cardozo

For the first time ever, Indian fans will be able to experience the artistry and world of BTS’s Jung Kook up close as his global exhibition ‘GOLDEN: The Moments’ arrives at Mehboob Studios, Mumbai, from December 12, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Tickets will go live on November 6, 2025, at 12 PM, exclusively on BookMyShow, with a select number of early buyers receiving special access to an exclusive preview night.

The exhibition celebrates Jung Kook’s first solo album GOLDEN — a musical and visual journey that captures his evolution as an artist and the defining moments of his solo era. Inspired by his experiences and creative milestones, ‘GOLDEN: The Moments’ offers fans a deeply personal look into the global superstar’s world.

The exhibit is divided into immersive sections that showcase Jung Kook’s growth and artistic range. THE RECORD OF GOLDEN MOMENTS explores his path to global stardom, while GOLDEN: RECORDS features his musical accolades, performance memorabilia, and awards — including the microphones and in-ear monitors that accompanied him through landmark stages.

GOLDEN: PHOTOS presents the three versions of the album — SHINE, SOLID, and SUBSTANCE — each reflecting a different facet of Jung Kook’s personality and artistry. Visitors can enjoy remixed tracks and visualizer videos that mirror his musical diversity. In GOLDEN: SOUNDS, fans can interact with isolated elements from his hit track “Hate You”, discovering the intricate layers of his music production process.

The cinematic centerpiece, GOLDEN: THEATER, showcases the “Standing Next to You” music video, along with the original outfits worn by Jung Kook during iconic performances. The SHINE CINEMA zone highlights defining solo tracks such as “Seven (feat. Latto),” “3D (feat. Jack Harlow),” and “Standing Next to You,” celebrating his global impact.

Meanwhile, SOLID CINEMA takes fans behind the scenes — revealing candid, unseen footage that highlights Jung Kook’s dedication, human warmth, and unrelenting pursuit of artistic excellence. The journey concludes with GOLDEN: MOMENTS, an interactive reflection space where fans can leave messages and become part of Jung Kook’s continuing story — his truest golden moment.

Known as one of the 21st century’s most influential pop icons, Jung Kook’s musical career has been marked by versatility and excellence. From solo hits like “Euphoria” and “Still With You” to collaborations with artists such as Lauv, Charlie Puth, and Jack Harlow, his work continues to resonate with fans worldwide. His first solo single “Seven (feat. Latto)” debuted at No. 1 on both Billboard Hot 100 and Spotify Global, marking his arrival as a standalone artist of global stature.

As ‘GOLDEN: The Moments’ opens its doors in Mumbai, it promises not just an exhibition, but a celebration — of music, memory, and the enduring brilliance of an artist who continues to redefine what it means to shine.

International

BTS’ RM to Make History as First Korean Artist to Address APEC CEO Summit

Tanisha Cardozo

BTS leader Kim Namjoon, popularly known as RM, is set to make history as the first Korean artist to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit 2025 on October 29. RM’s session, scheduled from 3:05 PM to 3:15 PM, will focus on “Cultural and Creative Industries in the APEC Region and the Soft Power of K-Culture.”

According to APEC’s official program, RM will speak during a special cultural session on the summit’s second day. APEC introduced him as “a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, renowned for crafting profound lyrics inspired by art and philosophy.” His thoughtful and globally resonant perspective has made him one of the most influential cultural figures of his generation.

RM’s participation marks a groundbreaking moment for the global music industry, making him the first K-pop artist to appear as a speaker at the summit.

The APEC CEO Summit, which gathers heads of state and business leaders from 21 economies, will explore transformative industries shaping the future of the global economy under the theme “Beyond Business, Bridge.”

HYBE, BTS’s parent company and the only entertainment brand participating as a Diamond Sponsor, will showcase its international business network and K-pop culture at the Gyeongju Arts Center.

On the work front, RM is preparing for BTS’s highly anticipated comeback album, their first as a full group in four years. The record, currently in production in the U.S., is slated for release in spring next year.

With this address, RM not only represents K-pop’s global reach but also highlights the growing role of creative industries in shaping diplomacy, business, and cross-cultural understanding.

Fit & Fabulous

BTS’ V Goes Viral at Paris Fashion Week for Sweet Moment with Uma Thurman

Tanisha Cardozo

Kim Taehyung, better known as V of global sensation BTS, made waves with his appearance at the 2025 Celine show during Paris Fashion Week—but it wasn’t just his fashion-forward outfit that caught attention. A heartwarming and now-viral gesture towards actress Uma Thurman has made headlines around the world, reinforcing V’s reputation as not just a K-pop icon, but a global gentleman.

Arriving in a sleek tailored brown coat over a white shirt and subtle leopard print tie from Celine’s latest collection, V once again proved his status as a front-row favorite. His natural hairstyle and understated makeup added a layer of effortless charm to the overall look. As a global brand ambassador for Celine since March 2023, Taehyung’s appearance marked another milestone in his flourishing relationship with the French luxury house.

However, it was a candid moment shared with American actress Uma Thurman that truly stole the show. As the two mingled before the runway presentation, a gust of wind tousled Thurman’s hair, prompting V to step in gently and assist her in fixing it. The short interaction, captured by media cameras, quickly spread across social media platforms. Fans and commentators were quick to praise the BTS star for his gentlemanly behavior, with many calling it the most wholesome moment of Paris Fashion Week.

Social media erupted with admiration. From tweets praising him as a “chivalrous and gallant man” to Instagram comments highlighting his warmth and charm, fans couldn’t stop talking about the endearing exchange. References to his iconic “Yes, I’m a bad boy” meme made their way into the conversation, humorously contrasting his public persona with his soft-spoken actions.

Since becoming Celine’s official global ambassador in 2023, V has consistently drawn attention with every appearance—from Seoul to Cannes and now Paris. His ability to blend fashion, personality, and global influence continues to redefine how K-pop idols move through the world of haute couture. His presence at Paris Fashion Week this year was yet another reminder of why V is one of the most beloved figures in both music and fashion.

International

BTS’s RM to Curate Landmark Exhibition at SFMOMA: A First for K-pop and Modern Art

Tanisha Cardozo

BTS’s RM is about to make history once again — but this time, not on stage. The global K-pop icon will step into the art world as a solo curator with RM X SFMOMA, an ambitious exhibition set to open at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) from October 2026 to February 2027. The collaboration, announced by BigHit Music on October 3, marks the first time a K-pop artist has curated an exhibition with the prestigious U.S. institution, positioning RM as a cultural bridge between the realms of music and modern art.

The initiative stems from SFMOMA’s recognition of RM’s refined taste, deep engagement with art, and growing influence beyond the music industry. RM, known for his frequent museum visits and art commentary on social media, has personally shaped the concept and selected works for the exhibition. According to Yonhap News, the project positions RM not only as an artist but also as a visionary curator.

The exhibition will showcase approximately 200 pieces, blending RM’s private art collection with selections from SFMOMA’s extensive archive. These works span across various mediums — including painting, sculpture, and contemporary experimental pieces — and highlight renowned Korean modern artists alongside celebrated international names. Many of these pieces will be shown to the public for the first time, offering a unique cross-cultural and personal perspective on art.

In his official statement, RM emphasized his hope that the exhibition will encourage viewers to reflect on cultural, temporal, and geographic boundaries. “There is no fixed way to appreciate these works,” he said, “but I hope this exhibition becomes a small yet solid bridge for many.” His curatorial approach is rooted in inviting a broad audience to experience art beyond labels and expectations.

SFMOMA’s chief curator, Janet Bishop, praised the collaboration, calling it a rare opportunity to witness an intimate and meaningful conversation between RM’s artistic sensibility and the museum’s world-renowned collection. The exhibition is expected to attract wide attention from both BTS’s global fanbase and the broader art world, opening new avenues for cultural dialogue.

As RM continues to redefine what it means to be a global artist in the 21st century, RM X SFMOMA stands as a landmark in the evolving relationship between pop culture and fine art. This is not just an exhibition — it’s a statement about connectivity, creative expression, and the power of cultural exchange.

Music

Sony Music’s Shridhar Subramaniam Champions Asia’s Cultural Diversity at All That Matters

Tanisha Cardozo

At the All That Matters conference held in Singapore, Shridhar Subramaniam, President of Sony Music Asia and Middle East and Chair of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), delivered an insightful discourse on Asia’s expanding role in the global music industry. Emphasizing the region’s vibrant cultural diversity and localized music scenes, he outlined how these elements are rapidly shaping the future of music on a worldwide scale.

Subramaniam pointed to the IFPI’s initiative of launching weekly charts across six Asian countries as a groundbreaking benchmark for measuring success in an extraordinarily diverse region. He likened Asia’s cultural and linguistic variety to a “stratified Grand Canyon,” where deeper exploration reveals new colors, sounds, and artistic expressions.

One striking example he shared was Indonesia’s traditional dangdut music, a folk-rooted genre that has been revitalized by urban youth into a modern hybrid called “hipdut.” This fusion of old rhythms and contemporary beats has dominated Indonesian charts throughout the year, prompting Sony Music to invest early with a dedicated label and acquisition strategy. The genre’s trajectory mirrors that of reggaeton, which successfully crossed into Afrobeats and Punjabi music, exemplifying how regional styles can achieve global resonance.

The Philippines, with its Pinoy pop scene, is another burgeoning hotspot. Acts like SB19, inspired partly by the K-pop model but firmly localized, have amassed billions of streams and expanded into new markets like Japan through live tours and collaborations. Subramaniam also noted Thailand’s rising prominence and cross-border collaborations involving Korean, Japanese, and Chinese producers, underscoring the dynamic exchange within Asian music.

Despite the fragmented and competitive nature of the industry, Subramaniam stressed the importance of initial domestic success as a springboard to global breakthroughs. Drawing parallels to K-pop’s rise, he acknowledged that fervent home fan bases have been crucial in propelling artists onto the world stage.

With Spotify alone uploading over 135,000 new songs daily, the challenge of artist development has intensified. However, evolving strategies such as fan economies, live touring, and media syncs offer a diverse toolkit to help artists find their unique paths to success.

Looking ahead, Subramaniam remains optimistic about Asia’s cultural and economic influence in music. From contributing less than 7% to nearly 15% of the global market in recent years, Asia is poised to reach 20%, with hyper-local scenes increasingly shaping global culture through sheer volume and algorithmic power. The dominance of Indian and Latin American acts on platforms like YouTube illustrates this trend, suggesting similar patterns will emerge across other streaming services.

Asia’s music moment is here, fueled by cultural richness, innovation, and an unyielding drive from artists and fans alike — a phenomenon that Sony Music and Shridhar Subramaniam are proudly championing on the world stage.