Tag: K-pop

Music

Bang Chan Rules the ‘Roman Empire’: FENDI x Stray Kids Unite Fashion and Music

Tanisha Cardozo

The worlds of music and fashion collide once more as Stray Kids’ leader Bang Chan and FENDI unveil their collaborative masterpiece, “Roman Empire.” The global artist and Maison Brand Ambassador has written, composed, and produced the single — a lyrical and visual tribute to the shared pursuit of creativity, craftsmanship, and timeless excellence.

Filmed at FENDI’s Roman headquarters, the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, the music video captures the essence of the Maison’s architectural grandeur and Bang Chan’s bold artistic identity. Within its marble arches and soft sunlight, the artist weaves the spirit of Rome into music, echoing FENDI’s legacy of sophistication and innovation.

Bang Chan describes the song as “a love compared to the eternity and grandeur of the Roman Empire,” infusing symbols of the Maison — the Peekaboo bag and the signature F logo — into his lyrics and visuals. Through this creative dialogue, he reinterprets FENDI’s classical motifs through modern soundscapes and emotion.

Musically, “Roman Empire” combines smooth R&B melodies, ethereal synth layers, and a punchy Miami Bass rhythm, producing an atmosphere that is both introspective and cinematic. The balance of elegance and power mirrors FENDI’s own design philosophy — refined yet daring, classic yet forward-looking.

The project extends beyond a traditional brand collaboration. It embodies a creative exchange where heritage meets innovation, and where Bang Chan’s role as an artist transcends performance into storytelling. His ability to merge emotion, sound, and visual identity makes “Roman Empire” not just a song, but an experience that encapsulates both his musical evolution and FENDI’s enduring legacy.

The official music video will debut on November 3 at 6:00 p.m., with a special premiere at COEX’s K-pop Square in Seoul — symbolically connecting the Roman roots of the Maison with the modern pulse of Korean pop culture.

Through “Roman Empire,” Bang Chan and FENDI reaffirm their shared vision: that artistry knows no borders, and when fashion and music unite, they create something timeless — a symphony of style, emotion, and creative freedom.

Music

Stray Kids Announce Comeback with New Album ‘Do It’ Set for Release Next Month

Tanisha Cardozo

Stray Kids are officially making their long-awaited comeback with a new album titled ‘Do It’, set to be released on November 21, according to Yonhap News. The announcement comes just three months after their last record, underscoring the group’s creative momentum and global dominance in the K-pop scene.

The group revealed a cinematic trailer for the album following the finale of their massive world tour concert at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on October 19, sparking enormous anticipation among fans worldwide. ‘Do It’ will feature five tracks, including double title songs ‘Do It’ and ‘신선놀음 (Sinseonnoreum)’, alongside ‘Holiday’, ‘Photobook’, and a special ‘Do It (Festival Version)’.

As in all their previous albums, 3RACHA — Stray Kids’ in-house production unit comprising Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han — have written, composed, and produced the entire record. Their creative leadership has consistently defined the group’s powerful sound and artistic authenticity, balancing high-energy anthems with introspective storytelling.

Following the success of their recent world tour and chart-topping releases, fan excitement has reached a fever pitch. With social media abuzz and pre-orders expected to soar globally, ‘Do It’ is poised to be one of the most anticipated K-pop releases of the year.

As Stray Kids prepare to make their return, their message to fans is clear — they’re ready to “do it” again, louder and stronger than ever.

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.

Music

BLACKPINK’s JISOO Teases Duet with Zayn Malik: “Two Voices, One Orbit”

Tanisha Cardozo

In what’s shaping up to be one of the most talked-about music collaborations of the year, BLACKPINK’s JISOO has officially teased a surprise duet with former One Direction member Zayn Malik. The pair are joining forces on a track titled “EyesClosed,” as hinted in a series of moody teaser images and cryptic captions shared across JISOO’s social media on October 6.

The first teaser showed JISOO in the foreground, with a shadowed male silhouette standing behind her. The word “EYESCLOSED” was emblazoned across the frame, paired with the caption: “A duet is near.” A follow-up post brought the male figure slightly more into focus with the caption: “Two voices, one orbit. Coming soon.” Speculation quickly turned to confirmation as fans identified the figure as none other than Zayn Malik.

Zayn was previously spotted at BLACKPINK’s New York concert on July 27, 2025, accompanied by his daughter, Khai. After the concert, he shared a fan photo on social media with the caption, “@BLACKPINKOFFICIAL THANK YOU 🙂 ME & KHAI LOVED IT,” sparking curiosity and buzz about a potential connection between him and the group. That speculation has now turned into excitement with the announcement of the collaboration.

This marks JISOO’s first new music release since her solo EP Amortage, which dropped in February 2025 and featured songs like “Earthquake,” “Your Love,” and “Hugs & Kisses.” The duet with Zayn is expected to blend their distinct vocal styles, bringing together JISOO’s K-pop finesse and Zayn’s soulful, R&B-influenced pop sound.

Currently, JISOO is on BLACKPINK’s “Deadline” world tour, which kicked off in Seoul in July and will resume in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on October 18, after a short break following their London shows. Zayn, meanwhile, has been relatively low-key musically, making this teaser all the more intriguing for fans of both artists.

With the global reach of BLACKPINK and the enduring popularity of Zayn Malik, “EyesClosed” could become a defining cross-cultural pop moment. No official release date has been confirmed yet, but all signs point to an October drop. Until then, fans are left counting the days until the orbit of these two voices becomes one.