Tag: K-pop

Human Interest

RM Takes the Wheel: BTS Leader’s First Driving Video Delights Fans

Tanisha Cardozo

RM, the leader of global K-pop sensation BTS, has once again captured the internet’s attention—this time not with music, but with a surprisingly relatable personal moment. The artist recently shared his first-ever driving video, offering fans a rare glimpse into a quieter, more candid side of his life.

The short clip, posted with the caption “Let’s keep smiling and hype it up,” shows RM behind the wheel, navigating the road with visible caution and a slightly tense posture. The video quickly made waves across social media platforms and fan communities, where viewers were both amused and charmed by his careful driving style. Many pointed out the contrast between his composed, intellectual public persona and the nervous energy of someone new to driving.

RM had previously revealed that he obtained his driver’s license, though he also made it clear that owning a car was not part of his plans. Sharing more about his decision, he explained that learning to drive was a personal step taken to overcome a past trauma rather than a practical necessity. His candid admission added emotional depth to what might otherwise have been seen as a simple update, giving fans insight into his personal growth and resilience.

Adding to the lighthearted tone, RM acknowledged his own awkwardness in the video, joking, “I’m funny too,” a remark that resonated strongly with fans who appreciated his honesty and self-awareness. The moment quickly became a favourite among the BTS fandom, with many describing it as “unexpectedly cute” and deeply relatable.

The timing of the video has also heightened anticipation among fans, as BTS prepares for a major comeback. The group is set to release its fifth full-length album “Arirang” on March 20, followed by a special event titled “BTS Comeback Live: Arirang” at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21. As excitement builds around the new music, RM’s personal update has added a refreshing and human touch to the global buzz surrounding the group.

Through moments like these, RM continues to strengthen his connection with fans, reminding them that beyond the global fame and success, he remains grounded, evolving, and open about his personal journey.

Music

BTS ‘Arirang’ World Tour to Stream Live in Cinemas Worldwide This April

Tanisha Cardozo

Global K-pop sensation BTS is set to deliver one of the year’s biggest cultural events as the BTS World Tour “Arirang” streams live in cinemas worldwide this April. In a major collaboration, Trafalgar Releasing has partnered with HYBE and BigHit Music to bring two full-length live concert broadcasts to the big screen, allowing fans across continents to experience the tour simultaneously.

The seven-member group will perform from Goyang, South Korea, on April 11, followed by a second live broadcast from Tokyo on April 18. Each territory will screen both concerts twice to accommodate different time zones, ensuring that fans worldwide can join in real time. The cinema events mark the opening of BTS’ first tour since 2021–2022’s “Permission to Dance on Stage,” making this return to global touring highly anticipated.

Marc Allenby, chief executive officer of Trafalgar Releasing, described the concerts as one of the year’s most significant cultural moments. He emphasised the extraordinary global demand surrounding the announcement of the “Arirang” World Tour and expressed excitement about continuing the longstanding partnership with HYBE and BigHit Music. By presenting two full-scale concerts live from Goyang and Tokyo, the initiative offers audiences a shared, immersive big-screen experience that mirrors the energy of an arena performance.

The tour itself is historic in scale. Spanning 34 cities and 82 shows, it establishes a new benchmark for tour dates by a K-pop artist. Central to the experience is a 360-degree in-the-round stage design, crafted to create a fully immersive environment where audiences surround the performance space. This format enhances engagement, bringing fans closer to the music and choreography that have defined BTS’ global appeal.

The tour coincides with the release of the group’s fifth studio album, “Arirang,” scheduled to drop on March 20. The album’s launch adds further anticipation, as fans will witness new material performed live just weeks after its release. Since their debut in June 2013, BTS — comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jung Kook — have redefined the global reach of K-pop. The group has earned six No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 since 2020 and received five Grammy nominations across the 63rd to 65th Grammy Awards ceremonies. Their accolades also include multiple Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.

Trafalgar Releasing, which operates in more than 15,000 cinemas across 132 countries, has previously handled major concert films including “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour,” which became the highest-grossing concert film of all time. With the BTS World Tour “Arirang,” the company once again positions live music at the centre of a shared global cinema experience.

Additional live viewing dates are planned for later in the year, with further details expected to be announced. As anticipation builds, the “Arirang” World Tour is not just a series of concerts but a global celebration of music, performance and fandom, bringing millions of fans together in cinemas to witness BTS’ next monumental chapter unfold live on the big screen.

Music

Diplo Confirms Involvement in BTS’ Upcoming ARIRANG Album, Calls It “Craziest Album Ever”

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

As anticipation builds for BTS’ upcoming album ARIRANG, international music producer Diplo has revealed his involvement in the project, describing it as the “craziest album ever” and one of the most significant collaborations of his career.


Speaking to media while attending the 2026 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at Pier 48 in San Francisco, Diplo expressed admiration for the global K-pop phenomenon, citing reports that ARIRANG has already crossed four million pre-orders. Calling BTS “the biggest band in the world,” he said working with the group was both humbling and creatively rewarding.

Diplo highlighted BTS’ hands-on involvement in the studio, praising their creativity, professionalism and musical versatility. He singled out youngest member Jung Kook for his vocal ability, noting his natural talent and precision without reliance on AutoTune. The producer also described the group as experienced artists who bring maturity and authenticity to their work.

The collaboration marks another chapter in Diplo’s long association with K-pop. He previously worked with Jung Kook on the track “Close to You” from the singer’s solo album Golden, and has collaborated with artists such as G-Dragon, CL, Jennie and BLACKPINK over the past decade.

While BTS and their label HYBE have not officially confirmed all collaborators on ARIRANG, industry speculation suggests contributions from several high-profile names. Singer-songwriter Jon Bellion has revealed studio sessions with the group, while legendary producer Max Martin is also believed to be involved. Longtime BTS collaborator Pdogg is expected to play a key role in shaping the album’s sound.

According to Diplo, ARIRANG could be the biggest project of his life. He credited BTS and the HYBE team for fostering a creative environment rooted in trust and artistic freedom.

The album ARIRANG, featuring at least 14 tracks, is scheduled for release on March 20 under HYBE’s BIGHIT MUSIC, and is widely expected to make a major impact on the global music landscape.

Music

Stray Kids Take dominATE World Tour to Cinemas With Powerful New Trailer

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Stray Kids are set to redefine the concert film experience with ‘Stray Kids: The DominATE Experience’, as the newly released trailer makes it clear that this cinematic outing goes far beyond a standard stadium concert film. While the dominATE World Tour is remembered for its record-breaking crowds, explosive choreography and massive global scale, the trailer reveals a deeper, more intimate layer — positioning the film as both a spectacular live performance and a revealing documentary about the band itself. Stray Kids are not just bringing the noise of their world tour to cinemas; they are bringing the emotion, pressure and humanity that exist behind the spotlight.

The trailer seamlessly blends sweeping visuals from the group’s sold-out SoFi Stadium shows with quieter, behind-the-scenes moments that capture life on the road. Towering stages, roaring fans and synchronized performances dissolve into candid reflections from the members, offering rare insight into the emotional weight of a tour that marked a defining chapter in their careers. Opening with leader Bang Chan asking, “Have you been to one of our concerts?”, the trailer immediately establishes a personal dialogue with fans, drawing them into the journey rather than placing them at a distance. As high-energy concert footage gives way to backstage conversations, members speak openly about gratitude, disbelief and perseverance — with Han and Lee Know admitting how surreal the experience still feels, Hyunjin acknowledging the difficulty of the journey, and Felix sharing his desire to be a source of light in dark times.

What stands out is how directly the members address their connection with STAY, the fandom that has grown alongside them. Bang Chan’s acknowledgment that the group wouldn’t be where they are without their fans, I.N.’s heartfelt gratitude, and Changbin’s determination not to let supporters down reinforce the emotional core of the film. These moments, paired with Seungmin’s simple yet powerful declaration that “music is my life,” underline why The DominATE Experience feels less like a recap and more like a shared reflection between artists and audience. The trailer closes with a surge of energy from “MOUNTAINS,” reminding viewers that despite the introspection, the heart of Stray Kids remains firmly rooted in music and performance.

Produced by Live Nation Studios and directed by Paul Dugdale and Farah X, the film arrives in cinemas worldwide on February 6, 2026, including IMAX and immersive formats such as SCREENX, 4DX and Ultra 4DX, with select fan screenings beginning February 4. Coming off a historic 2025 that saw the dominATE World Tour rank among the top global tours with over 1.3 million tickets sold, the concert film extends Stray Kids’ reach beyond arenas and into theatres across the world. By transforming their live show into a cinematic experience that balances spectacle with soul, ‘Stray Kids: The DominATE Experience’ turns the tour into something lasting — a powerful celebration of music, resilience and the bond between Stray Kids and their fans.

Music

A$AP Rocky, Lorde and Stray Kids to Headline Governors Ball 2026 in New York

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Governors Ball Festival has unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 lineup, confirming A$AP Rocky, Lorde and Stray Kids as the headliners for this year’s edition. Scheduled to take place from June 5 to 7 at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York, the festival continues its tradition of bringing together a diverse mix of global music talent.

The 2026 lineup reflects the festival’s genre-spanning identity, featuring artists such as Baby Keem, Kali Uchis, BLACKPINK’s Jennie, Katseye, Major Lazer, Pierce the Veil and Dominic Fike. While Lorde returns to the festival for the first time as a headliner after performing in 2017, Harlem-born A$AP Rocky previously headlined the event in 2021, making his return a homecoming of sorts. Stray Kids’ inclusion further highlights the growing presence of K-pop on major Western festival stages.

Several New York-based and rising artists are also set to perform, including Geese, The Dare, Del Water Gap, Arcy Drive and Lexa Gates, alongside emerging acts such as The Backfires and Chanpan. The extended lineup also features Blood Orange, Clipse, Wet Leg, Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist, King Princess, Ravyn Lenae, Snow Strippers and many others, ensuring a wide-ranging musical experience for festivalgoers.

Ticket sales will begin with an SMS pre-sale on January 8, offering early access at the lowest prices, followed by a general public sale later that day. In addition, Governors Ball has partnered with Spotify to introduce an in-app experience that creates a personalized “Festival Persona” for users, along with curated playlists based on their listening habits and the festival lineup.

Following the success of its 15th anniversary edition last year, Governors Ball 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting music festivals of the summer, blending global sounds, emerging talent and established stars in the heart of New York City.