BTS extends ARIRANG campaign with new 'NORMAL' live clip
BigHit Music released a live performance video for "NORMAL" on July 22, filmed at Seonhyewon, a traditional Korean architectural estate. It is the fifth music video from BTS's fifth studio album "ARIRANG," released four months earlier, and follows the live clip for the title track "SWIM." The group's 88-date ARIRANG World Tour spans 34 cities and has drawn 840,000 fans across North America and 720,000 more across its European leg. The album rollout has been accompanied by a Korean version and instrumental track released days prior. BTS also recently performed "Dynamite" at the halftime show of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium, a set the Korea Times described as turning the global broadcast into a unified dance party.
JYP Entertainment unveils new girl group OURBIRTHDAY
JYP Entertainment launched its pre-debut digital single "HUNGRY (Side A)" on July 22 at 6 p.m. via online music platforms. The three-member act — Jo Hye-jin, Baby, and Archilaya — is JYP's first new girl group since NMIXX debuted four years ago. A mood sampler for the track had been released on July 20, featuring white particles swirling in sync with the members' movements. Music show promotions begin July 23 on Mnet's "M Countdown," with the group's identity built around an unceasing desire for the stage and explosive, energetic performance.
KATSEYE previews 'Animal' single ahead of 'WILD' EP
Global girl group KATSEYE announced on July 22 that its new single "Animal" will be released Friday at 1 p.m. KST, accompanied by a music video teaser on the HYBE Labels YouTube channel. The teaser shows members in an office setting with contrasting tailored suits and high-fashion pieces, with the word "freaky" flashing briefly across the screen. The track leads into the group's third EP, "WILD," due Aug. 14, and a subsequent "Wildworld Tour" across North America and Europe. Formed through a HYBE Labels and Geffen Records joint venture, KATSEYE debuted in the United States in 2024 and has since won three American Music Awards — including New Artist of the Year — and earned two nominations at the 68th Grammy Awards.
YG Entertainment restarts global audition program
YG Entertainment announced on July 22 the launch of the "2026 YG GLOBAL AUDITION," its first large-scale global talent search in two years. The program runs from July through December, with the first round opening in Beijing on July 19 before moving to Chengdu, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, and later to Tokyo, Osaka, the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Applicants born between 2008 and 2015 are eligible regardless of gender or nationality. Audition categories have been expanded beyond vocals, rap, dance, and visuals to include acting and other special talents, reflecting YG's stated goal of building a long-term, generationally distinctive artist lineup in the global K-pop market.
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