BLACKPINK’s Jennie, BTS, And KATSEYE Make Billboard’s “The 50 Best Songs Of 2026 So Far” List
The staff at Billboard have released their picks for the 50 best songs of the year thus far!
On June 24 local time, Billboard published its midyear roundup of “The 50 Best Songs of 2026 So Far,” ˙which spans a variety of genres.
BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Tame Impala’s collab remix of “Dracula” made the list at No. 14, with Lyndsey Havens writing, “It’s not often that a remix eclipses an original, but that’s exactly what happened here—thanks in large part to Jennie’s cohesive contribution. On ‘Dracula (Remix),’ the pop star doesn’t drop in for a verse [or] two, she’s embedded throughout, making her whispered presence a quiet, creeping force that creates a more intimate, conversational tone than Kevin Parker solo—especially with lyrical tweaks like ‘My friends are saying, “Shut up, Jennie, just get in the car”’ (instead of ‘Shut up, Kevin’) and later asking, ‘Hey Kevin, what’s up?’ As such, Jennie hopping on the track helped lure fans of the original and new listeners alike to crave another bite.”
Meanwhile, BTS’s “SWIM” took No. 25 on the midyear list. Kristen Wisneski wrote, “‘SWIM,’ the lead from ‘ARIRANG,’ BTS’s first studio album of new material since 2020, blends a melodic, mid-tempo alternative-pop sound in contrast to the upbeat songs the group usually releases. The song’s metaphor, combined with the lyric ‘I just wanna dive,’ allows the septet to reflect on taking a chance, embracing the unknown, and diving into something new while acknowledging that they’re ready for more. This sense of readiness for what lies ahead, together with the smooth synth-driven sound, created an atmosphere of calmness and reflection throughout the track, and helped make it smooth sailing for the group’s journey back to the No. 1 spot on the Hot 100.”
Finally, KATSEYE’s “PINKY UP” made the list at No. 45, with Kristen Wisneski describing the single as “just one piece of the vision behind the group’s new musical era.” She went on, “With the group putting its ‘PINKY UP’ as a symbolic response to the imminent apocalypse (‘One day, soon, the world’s gonna end/I’m gonna make out with my new bestest friends’), they make the best of end times and spend their final days on cloud nine. With an upbeat melody and highly danceable rhythm, the song continues to strike a chord with fans, both on their playlists and throughout KATSEYE’s festival run this summer.”
BTS Makes NME’s “The Best Albums Of 2026 So Far” List
BTS landed a spot on NME’s list of “The Best Albums of 2026… So Far”!
On June 16 local time, the British publication published its midyear roundup of its picks for the 25 best albums of the year thus far, which span a wide variety of genres.
BTS’s latest studio album “ARIRANG” was one of the 25 albums to make the list, with NME summing up the release by writing, “The biggest boyband in the world return from mandatory military service by tackling the tensions of love and fame.”
In addition to praising BTS for “mixing the cultural heritage of their home country with global influences,” NME highlighted “Body to Body” as a standout track on the album.
Congratulations to BTS!
Watch BTS’s docu-series “BREAK THE SILENCE” with subtitles on Viki below:
i-dle, CORTIS, NMIXX, And More Make Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia List For 2026
Several K-pop artists made Forbes’ “30 Under 30 Asia” list for 2026!
Every year, Forbes magazine selects 30 young Asian leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to celebrate within 10 different categories, one of which is Entertainment & Sports.
This year, i-dle, CORTIS, NMIXX, and choreographer Leejung Lee were among the entertainers spotlighted by the magazine.
Forbes introduced i-dle by writing, “i-dle is a K-pop girl group created by Cube Entertainment in 2018 under the name (G)I-DLE. Members Miyeon, Minnie, Soyeon, Yuqi, Shuhua and Soojin debuted with the track ‘LATATA,’ went on to release multiple chart-topping albums, and have about seven million monthly listeners on Spotify. Soojin left the group in 2021. In 2025, the group renamed itself i-dle and released its eighth EP, ‘We are,’ which sold over one million copies in its first week. That year, it also won the Grand Prize at the 34th Seoul Music Awards.”
Meanwhile, Forbes wrote about CORTIS, “CORTIS, derived from the phrase ‘color outside the lines,’ is a five-member K-pop boy group created in 2025 by BIGHIT MUSIC, a label under HYBE. It was the first boy group launched by the HYBE subsidiary in six years, after BTS and TOMORROW X TOGETHER. Branded a ‘young creator crew’ rather than a traditional idol act, members Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon and Keonho were all credited with choreography or production roles on their debut EP, ‘COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES,’ which debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and ranked first in first-week sales among 2025 rookie groups. CORTIS has won multiple rookie awards, including recognition at the 2025 Mnet Asian Music Awards and the 40th Golden Disc Awards.”
As for NMIXX, Forbes wrote, “NMIXX is a South Korean girl group created by JYP Entertainment in 2022 with the release of the single album ‘AD MARE.’ Its six members—Lily, Haewon, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo and Kyujin—have gained recognition for a fusion sound called ‘Mixx Pop’ that combines a range of genres, including pop, rock, hip-hop and electronic music. Last October, the group’s first studio album, ‘Blue Valentine,’ nearly topped Korea’s Circle Album Chart and won ten music awards. NMIXX has six million followers on Instagram and roughly 3.6 million monthly listeners on Spotify.”
Finally, Forbes described Leejung Lee’s influence by writing, “Leejung Lee is a choreographer and dancer who created the dance for ‘Soda Pop’ in Netflix’s 2025 animated hit ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’ She got her start as the first female member of the dance group Just Jerk Crew and has helped choreograph performances for K-pop groups including BLACKPINK and TWICE. Lee regularly posts dance videos on Instagram to her audience of 2.6 million followers.”
Congratulations to i-dle, CORTIS, NMIXX, and Leejung Lee!
Watch: ITZY Announces May Comeback Schedule With Trailer And Track List For “Motto”
Mark your calendars for ITZY’s return!
On April 22 at midnight KST, ITZY officially announced the date and details for their upcoming comeback next month.
ITZY will be returning with their new album “Motto” and the music video for its title track on May 18 at 6 p.m. KST.
On May 22, the physical version of the album will be released in the United States, and the group will also release several remixes for its title track “Motto” at 1 p.m. KST that day.
“Motto” will include a total of eight tracks, including solo songs by each of the five members.
Check out ITZY’s new trailer, promotion schedule, and track list below!
BLACKPINK’s Jennie Makes TIME Magazine’s List Of “100 Most Influential People Of 2026”
BLACKPINK’s Jennie has been named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People of 2026”!
On April 15 local time, TIME magazine published its 2026 TIME100 list, its annual selection of the world’s 100 most influential people.
Jennie was one of the 100 people to make this year’s list, falling under the artist category alongside other singers and actors.
Writing as a guest contributor, singer Gracie Abrams wrote:
To cut to the chase: Jennie is a star. I could go on and on about her accomplishments or her influence in pop culture. But sitting down to write, the thing that comes to mind is that the magic at her core—the power that draws you into “Jennie the Artist” when you’re watching her onscreen or as one of 100,000 people in a stadium—is identical to the power she carries when you find her in the corner of a party or run into her in a backstage hallway.
What makes Jennie a true star is that even in her quiet moments, she possesses the same kind of undeniable presence that cuts through all the noise, and she carries that with kindness and warmth. She is the type of person who will grab both your hands and squeeze them. She has a softness that only emphasizes her strength. I just love her.
5 Chae Jong Hyeop K-Dramas To Add To Your Watch List If You Miss “In Your Radiant Season”
Chae Jong Hyeop has carved out a unique space for himself. As an actor, he feels less like a distant star and more like someone you’re instinctively rooting for. There is a gentle, unforced warmth in his performances, a “boy-next-door” charm that feels entirely authentic. It’s this very quality that leaves viewers wanting more, often feeling as though his screen time hasn’t quite caught up to his undeniable presence. Following his recent turn in “In Your Radiant Season,” it’s clear that his ability to balance vulnerability with effortless charisma continues to be his greatest strength.
The recently wrapped heartfelt romantic drama gently explores love, grief, and the slow process of healing. The story centers on Song Ha Ran (Lee Sung Kyung), a successful fashion designer who appears to have it all, yet continues to carry the emotional weight of losing her boyfriend years ago. Still unable to move on, she keeps herself guarded and distant from the world around her. Her life begins to shift when she meets Sunwoo Chan (Chae Jong Hyeop), an animator who has recently returned to Korea after living abroad. Warm and easygoing, Chan suggests they spend three months as friends. What starts as a simple arrangement gradually becomes something more meaningful, as Ha-ran begins to open up and rediscover parts of herself she had long shut away.
However, Chan is dealing with struggles of his own. He lives with hearing loss and has gaps in his memory due to a past accident. As pieces of his past slowly come back, an unexpected connection between him and Ha Ran’s tragedy comes to light, forcing both of them to face difficult truths.
If you’ve been missing him after “In Your Radiant Season,” here are a few dramas that will definitely fill that void.
“Love All Play”
This sports romance K-drama is set in the competitive world of professional badminton. It centers on Park Tae Yang (Park Ju Hyun), a once-promising player who returns to the sport after being away for three years due to a controversy linked to bribery rumors. Her comeback is far from easy, as she struggles with criticism from others while also dealing with guilt and emotional scars from her past.
At her new team, Yunis, she meets Park Tae Joon (Chae Jong Hyeop), a talented but easygoing player who sees badminton more as a job than a passion. Unlike Tae Yang, he isn’t chasing big dreams and prefers a steady, uncomplicated life. However, spending time with her slowly changes his outlook, helping him rediscover his drive and love for the sport.
As they begin playing mixed doubles together, their partnership grows stronger, both on and off the court. What starts as teamwork gradually turns into a heartfelt romance built on trust, support, and understanding. Alongside the sports drama, the story also explores deeper themes like personal struggles, past mistakes, pressure, and healing, as both characters learn to face their past and move forward.
“Unlock My Boss”
This K-drama follows Kim Seon Joo (Park Sung Woong), a brilliant but tough CEO of a tech company called Silver Lining. He suddenly vanishes under mysterious circumstances, and in an unexpected twist, his consciousness ends up trapped inside a smartphone. The story takes a turn when Park In Seong (Chae Jong Hyeop), an unemployed man with dreams of becoming an actor, discovers the phone while hiking. To his shock, the device starts speaking and claims to be the missing CEO. Wanting to return to his normal life and his young daughter, Seon Joo persuades In Seong to take his place as the company’s acting CEO, promising him a generous reward.
Thrown into a world he knows nothing about, In Seong uses his acting skills to survive in the corporate environment. With the help of Jung Se Yeon (Seo Eun Soo), the CEO’s smart and composed secretary, he begins to manage office challenges while secretly trying to uncover the truth behind Seon Joo’s disappearance.
As they dig deeper, they encounter hidden threats, power struggles, and surprising allies. The drama keeps a balance between humor and suspense as the trio works together to solve the mystery, protect the company, and find a way to reunite Seon Joo with his real life, especially for the sake of his daughter waiting for him.
Start watching “Unlock My Boss”:
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“Castaway Diva”
“Castaway Diva” centers on Seo Mok Ha (Park Eun Bin), a talented and determined young girl with a powerful singing voice who dreams of becoming a star. In 2008, while trying to escape her abusive father and reach Seoul for an audition, a tragic accident leaves her stranded on a deserted island. Despite the harsh conditions, she survives alone for 15 years, holding onto her passion for music and the hope of a better future until she is finally rescued in 2023.
Now in her thirties, Mok Ha returns to a world that has completely moved on without her. Everything feels unfamiliar, and adjusting to modern life is not easy. She is taken in by two brothers; Kang Woo Hak (Cha Hak Yeon), a reporter, and Kang Bo Geol (Chae Jong Hyeop), a reserved producer who shares a mysterious past connection with her. With their support and that of their family, Mok Ha slowly begins to rebuild her life, even as she struggles to find her place again.
Her journey takes a meaningful turn when she meets her idol, Yoon Ran Joo (Kim Hyo Jin), a once-famous singer whose career has faded. Their relationship becomes central to the story, as Mok Ha’s unwavering spirit inspires Ran Joo to regain her confidence, while Ran Joo encourages Mok Ha to chase the dream she never gave up on.
“Serendipity’s Embrace”
At the center of the story is Lee Hong Ju (Kim So Hyun), now working as an animation producer. After a painful breakup in her youth, she has become cautious and no longer believes in love. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Kang Hu Young (Chae Jong Hyeop). Now a successful financial planner who has returned from the United States, Hu Young finds old feelings resurfacing when he sees her.
Complications arise when Hong Ju’s first love, Bang Jun Ho (Yoon Ji On), re-enters her life. His return forces her to face unresolved emotions from the past. Alongside this, her best friend Kim Hye Ji (Kim Da Som), brings lightness and support as Hong Ju navigates these changes. With just eight episodes, the drama keeps things simple and heartfelt, focusing on healing, personal growth, and the possibility of falling in love again.
Start watching “Serendipity’s Embrace”:
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“The Witch’s Diner”
“The Witch’s Diner” follows Jung Jin (Nam Ji Hyun), a woman whose life begins to fall apart after she loses her job, her relationship, and her savings following a failed restaurant venture. At her lowest point, she crosses paths with Jo Hee Ra (Song Ji Hyo), a mysterious woman who turns out to be a witch. Hee Ra takes over Jin’s restaurant and transforms it into a strange diner where customers can have their deepest wishes fulfilled. But nothing comes for free.
Instead of money, Hee Ra demands something personal in return, such as a memory, a physical ability, or even something more abstract. Working at the diner is Lee Gil Yong (Chae Jong Hyeop), a kind-hearted high school student who once had a promising future as an athlete before an injury ended his dreams. He takes up a part-time job there, partly to support Jin and stay close to her.
As Jin becomes more involved in the diner, she begins to witness the true cost of these wishes. While people get what they desire, the consequences are often painful and unexpected. This makes her question whether what they are doing is right, especially as she grows closer to Hee Ra and starts uncovering their deeper connection. Each episode introduces new customers with different desires: love, success, revenge but their stories highlight how shortcuts to happiness can come with serious consequences.
Start watching “The Witch’s Diner”:
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mon.y is a devoted connoisseur of Asian dramas and pop culture, with a deep-rooted love for storytelling that spans K-dramas, C-dramas, J-dramas, and everything in between. A longtime entertainment addict turned passionate writer, she brings heartfelt enthusiasm and a sprinkle of sass to every review and deep dive.
Currently watching: “Still Shining” and “Bloodhounds 2.” Looking forward to: “Yumi’s Cells 3” and “Perfect Crown.”
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