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K-pop
Big Album Moves & Comebacks
The powerhouse girl group BLACKPINK is reportedly ramping up preparations for their first new album in three years, with a music video filming scheduled this week. [link]
Meanwhile, the boy band BoyNextDoor will release their fifth EP The Action on Oct 20, featuring the lead single “Hollywood Action” and a film-industry concept. [link]
What it means:
BLACKPINK’s return signals one of the major K-pop comebacks of 2025 — their album could set the tone for the latter half of the year in the industry.
BoyNextDoor’s cinematic concept reflects the growing trend of K-pop acts going beyond music into imaginative story‐driven visuals and branding.
Both stories underline how the industry is leaning into “event” releases: big comebacks, thematic albums, strong visuals.
Watch this space:
For BLACKPINK: album reveal date, pre-release singles, MV teasers.
For BoyNextDoor: how the film-crew concept plays out in their promotions and visuals.
Also, look at how album sales and global chart performance reflect these launches.
Global Reach & Awards Stage.
The annual Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) is set for Nov 28-29 in Hong Kong, with artists like G‑Dragon, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids and aespa on the lineup.
This reflects how K-pop isn’t just Korea-dominated anymore; it’s truly global, and award shows are staging left & right in major hubs beyond Seoul.
Why it matters:
Awards shows like MAMA serve as both marketing splash and barometer of cultural export strength — especially important for the “Hallyu” wave.
The big names participating help amplify Korean entertainment in other markets; platforms streaming the show make it accessible globally.
The fact that Hong Kong is chosen as the venue shows K-pop’s international pivot — not just Seoul, not just Japan, but a wider footprint.
What to keep an eye on:
Which artists win big and what that says about trends (rookies vs veterans).
Whether new acts break through (signs of the “next generation”).
The streaming/online metrics from the show since they increasingly matter for global reach.
Quick Hit
The BoyNextDoor track “Hollywood Action” showcases their growth from their earlier style to a more polished concept-driven release. [link]
BLACKPINK’s new album is their first new full group album in three years per their agency. [link]
MAMA in Hong Kong will stream globally and sit in the Kai Tak Stadium — capacity for ~50,000, signaling scale.[link]
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