The biggest news in the K-pop industry in 2024 was the conflict between Min Hee-jin, the former CEO of Ador, and Hybe executives. Min was credited for creating visual branding for SM Entertainment's renowned groups such as Exo, Shinee and Girls' Generation. She is also renowned as a former executive producer behind the success of NewJeans, who stood out for their girl next door image and retro sound.
In April, Min was accused of attempting to take control of Ador, a subsidiary of Hybe, and trying to take NewJeans with her. Min denied the allegations and released an official statement claiming that the dispute between Ador and Hybe was caused by accusations that the debut album of ILLIT -- a girl group under Belift Lab, another subsidiary of Hybe -- copied NewJeans' style.
On Aug 27, Min was removed as CEO of Ador. In September, NewJeans went live on YouTube and expressed their concern about the change in CEO and asked the company to reinstate Min. On Oct 15, Hanni, one of the members of NewJeans, testified to the Labour Committee of South Korea's National Assembly regarding workplace harassment and bullying. In her testimony, Hanni stated that the manager of the music label under Hybe told other artists to ignore her.
Blackpink's Lisa. facebook.com/wearelloud
On Nov 28, NewJeans announced that their contract with Ador would be terminated on Nov 29 at 12am without paying penalty fees because they did not violate any of the contract's terms. However, Ador insisted that the contract was valid until 2029. Since the battle is still ongoing, fans of NewJeans and Hybe will have to wait for the outcome.
In October, Hybe also found itself involved in another controversy when the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee audited the company and found the Weekly Music Industry Report. The original report, which featured over 10,000 pages, disturbed K-pop fans with harsh comments about artists, many of whom are still underage.
Lisa. youtube.com/@MTV
Some negative reports claimed that Blackpink's rise to fame was largely due to their performances at Coachella. The report also featured negative comments about Lisa's cabaret performance at Crazy Horse in Paris. The Thai star was criticised for performing a sensual and provocative dance that could damage Blackpink's reputation. Additionally, Lisa's international awards are under suspicion of foul play.
Groups in other music labels such as Riize, Le Sserafim, NMIXX, NCT Dream, Stray Kids, BabyMonster and Aespa were mentioned negatively regarding their appearance or performing abilities. Lee Jae-sang, CEO of Hybe, eventually apologised for the controversial internal report. He admitted that the content was not appropriate, but explained that the report was a compilation of public sentiment about K-pop issues.
Rosé and Bruno Mars. Rosé Official YouTube Channel
Although Blackpink did not perform as a group this year, the individual members succeeded in their solo work. Rosé, for example, made history as the first female K-pop artist to enter the US Billboard Hot 100 with her hit single APT, a collaboration with Bruno Mars. APT debuted at number eight on the chart. Her debut solo album, Rosie, also topped the music charts locally and internationally and received positive reviews from music critics.
Also this year, Lisa became the first K-pop artist to win the Best K-pop Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. Additionally, she was the opening act at the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Although her popularity has remained high, her performances have received mixed reviews due to her limited singing ability.
Blackpink's Jennie in her music video Mantra. @jennierubyjane
As a solo artist, Blackpink's Jennie won four awards at Mnet Asian Music Awards including Best Dance Performance, Best Collaboration, Best Rap & Hip Hop Performance and Fan Choice Female Top 10. Her upbeat single Mantra, sung in English, topped charts worldwide.
Jisoo is the only Blackpink member who is focusing on an acting career. As a lead actress, she is working on a zombie movie, Newtopia, and a TV series, Monthly Boyfriend.
Before starting military services, BTS members released their solo singles/albums. RM, the leader and songwriter of BTS, launched the album Right Place, Wrong Person, which ranked No.1 on Billboard's 25 Best K-pop albums of 2024. The album offers diverse music and allowed RM to bare his soul and invite listeners into his innermost thoughts and feelings.
RM, the leader of BTS. facebook.com/BIGHIT.MUSIC
SM Entertainment is another music label embroiled in a controversial case, involving its up-and-coming boy band Riize. Last year, one of Riize's members, Seunghan, was forced to take a hiatus after photos and videos of him kissing a woman, smoking cigarettes and chatting with a colleague in an inappropriate manner were leaked.
In October, when the label announced that Seunghan would return to Riize, the company faced strong backlash from Korean fans who sent over 1,000 funeral wreaths accompanied with hateful messages to SM Ent's headquarter in protest. With this pressure, Seunghan wrote an apology letter and left the group. Meanwhile, international fans considered the protest as bullying and organised events to show support for Seunghan. On Nov 15, SM Ent eventually announced that Seunghan will work as a solo artist.
Seunghan. SM True
It is impossible to talk about K-pop in 2024 without mentioning Aespa, one of the year's most successful groups. Their hit song Supernova dominated major Korean music charts like Melon and Genie, and the song ranked No.1 for an impressive 12 consecutive weeks. With its catchy, futuristic beat and mesmerising choreography, Supernova also hit No.1 on Billboard's list of the 25 Best K-pop Song of 2024. At the Melon Music Awards, the quartet took home seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Songs of the Year and Album of the Year.
Stray Kids reached new heights of global success in 2024. The group became the second K-pop act to perform at the American Music Awards. Their cAPTivating performance, mixes of NSYNC's Bye Bye Bye and their own hit Chk Chk Boom, were praised for its energy, creativity and perfect blend of different genres. Building on their powerful stage presence, Stray Kids performed at the Billboard Music Awards 2024 and won Top Global K-pop Artist.
Aespa. SM True
Artists' popularity usually wanes after completing military service, however, loyal fans of Day6, a pop rock band, patiently awaited the return of their beloved group after a three-year hiatus. Day6 came back with the launch of their album Fourever in February. Following the album's release, tickets for their three-day concert at Jamsil Indoor Stadium sold out. In November, Day6 achieved a significant milestone by winning their first Daesang (Grand Prize) at the 2024 Korea Grand Music Awards nine years after their debut.
There will be many anticipating K-pop concerts and events in 2025. On Jan 11 and 12, Jay B, the leader of GOT7, will hold his solo concert "2024-2025 Jay B Concert [Tape: Reload] In Bangkok" at Impact Arena. After all members of GOT7 went solo for three years, they confirmed their return with a new album in 2025.
Stray Kids.
On Jan 25, 2NE1, the legendary girl group, are scheduled to perform the concert "2024-2025 2NE1 Asia Tour [Welcome Back] In Bangkok" at Impact Exhibition Hall 5-6. Tickets have sold out.
On Feb 8, Taeyang, the main vocalist and dancer of Big Bang, will cAPTivate Bangkok audiences with his solo concert "Taeyang 2025 Tour [The Light Year] In Bangkok". Big Bang members always deliver incredible live performances, so this is a concert that K-pop fans should not miss.
Day6. Live Nation Tero Entertainment
Stray Kids. youtube.com/@BBMAs
GOT7. GOT7 Official YouTube
2NE1.
Live Nation Tero
