BTS Denounces Grammys, SNSD Yuri Leaves SM, KARD is not Disbanding

Girls’ Generation’s Yuri to Leave SM Entertainment After 19 Years

Girls’ Generation’s Yuri is set to leave SM Entertainment after 19 years with the agency, marking the end of a long-running partnership while she remains committed to the group’s future activities.

SM Entertainment announced that Yuri’s exclusive contract will officially expire on August 31 following discussions between the two sides. The agency expressed its gratitude for the singer and actress, who debuted as a member of Girls’ Generation in 2007 and has since built a career across both music and acting.

Despite her departure from SM, Yuri will continue participating in Girls’ Generation’s group activities, with the agency reaffirming its support for her next chapter. Her exit leaves Yoona, Taeyeon, and Hyoyeon as the group’s only members currently signed with SM Entertainment.

Yuri has remained active in recent years as both a singer and actress. Most recently, she reunited with fellow Girls’ Generation members Hyoyeon and Sooyoung for the special three-member unit HyoRiSoo, giving fans another opportunity to see the longtime friends and collaborators together.

KARD Says It Is Not Disbanding Despite DSP Media Contract Ending

KARD members have clarified that the group is not disbanding, despite DSP Media previously announcing that the co-ed quartet would conclude its activities with its upcoming album and final world tour.

The clarification came recently as BM, J.Seph, Somin, and Jiwoo addressed confusion surrounding the group’s future, emphasizing that while their contract with DSP Media is ending, they have no plans to part ways with one another.

“We still want to make music together, but that would just happen in a new environment,” Jiwoo said, explaining that the members hope to continue working together outside their current agency. While no concrete plans for future group activities have been confirmed, the members stressed that the door remains open for KARD to reunite in some form.

ICYMI:

• Cha Eun Woo challenges multibillion-won tax bill previously paid earlier this year.

• MODYSSEY names Li Zihao as new leader as Hengyu shifts focus toward music production.

• WAYF BOYS set to make their official debut on August 7.

• SF9 reportedly preparing to mark their 10th anniversary with a second full-length album on August 26.

BTS Withdraw From 2027 Grammys Amid Backlash Over New Asian Pop Category

BTS will not submit their music for consideration at the 2027 Grammy Awards, with the K-pop superstars appearing to push back against the Recording Academy’s decision to introduce a dedicated Asian Pop category.

All seven members — RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — shared an identical statement on their individual Instagram accounts announcing their decision. “We have decided not to submit for Grammy consideration this year,” the statement read. “We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” The group also thanked their fans, known collectively as ARMY, for their continued support.

The announcement comes just over a month after the Recording Academy unveiled its new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, which recognizes pop music originating from or widely recognized within Asian markets, including K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop. To qualify, submissions must feature “meaningful use” of at least one Asian language.

The category has sparked mixed reactions among K-pop fans, with some criticizing the Grammys for separating Asian artists into a genre-specific category rather than recognizing them alongside other artists. BTS’ reference to music being divided by “region or language” appears to echo those concerns.

Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said he was “saddened to hear” that BTS had chosen not to participate in this year’s Grammy process, while adding that he understood and respected their decision. Mason also clarified that the Asian Pop category was created to celebrate the growth and diversity of Asian pop music, not to sideline its artists.

He further emphasized that submitting in Asian Pop would not prevent an artist from competing in the Grammys’ General Field categories, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• PLAVE announces Pasadena date for 2026 “KEEP IT MANIC” World Tour.

• BIG OCEAN announces September 13 concert at Caramoor Music Room in New York.

• GOT7’s JAY B announces five U.S. cities and dates for “roots” tour.

• KiiiKiii to hold “82summer with KiiiKiii” event at hello82 LA on August 9, 2026.

• POW announces 6 European stops for 2026 “COLOR ON” concert tour.

• XLOV announces 5 stops for 2026 “LATAM Tour II”.

• SHINee’s TAEMIN announces 12 global cities for 2026–27 “LiMiNaL” World Tour.

• VERIVERY announces 11 dates for 2026 “GM5KTV (GIVE ME FIVE, KEEP THAT VIBE)” concert tour.

Favorite New Music This Week

This week’s favorite song goes to Young K’s “Shut The Door,” a refreshing rock track that arrives as a much-needed reminder to pause, breathe, and step away from the noise. Young K’s vibrant vocals shine against the driving band instrumental, while the punchy chorus gives the song plenty of personality. Beyond its infectious energy, “Shut The Door” stands out for its reassuring message about taking time for yourself when life becomes overwhelming.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, Aug 03, 2026

  • Picheolin (Dino of SEVENTEEN): 1st Mini Album “Gilboard”

  • Red Velvet: Summer Mini Album “Velvet Summer”

• Tuesday, Aug 04, 2026

  • TWS: 2nd Japanese Single “Soda Soda”

  • Kiss Of Life: 3rd Single “SWEAT”

• Wednesday, Aug 05, 2026

  • Huh Jiwoon (Cherry Bullet): 1st Single Album “The Calling”

  • WHIB: 2nd Mini Album “Cherry Pie”

• Thursday, Aug 06, 2026

  • n/a

• Friday, Aug 07, 2026

  • ARTMS: 2nd Mini Album “Hyper-Ego”

  • Stray Kids: Mini Album “This & That”

• Saturday, Aug 08, 2026

  • n/a

• Sunday, Aug 09, 2026

  • n/a

— Javeria Yousuf

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