Converse Pulls KKK-Linked Ad, Hoshi Undergoes ACL Surgery, T.O.P Rules Out Reunion

Converse Apologizes After Karina Ad Sparks KKK Comparisons

Converse has apologized and removed a campaign image featuring aespa’s Karina after the advertisement sparked widespread backlash online, with critics saying its imagery evoked the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.

On September 19, Converse apologized and said it understood why the image was “deeply upsetting,” acknowledged that it had “got this wrong”. Converse also confirmed that they have removed the ad from their channels and are working on removing it from everywhere that it appeared.

The image, part of Converse’s global campaign for its Chuck 70 X sneaker, showed Karina wearing a white skirt beneath a star-shaped spotlight while holding a pair of black high-top sneakers. Netizens said the lighting and composition created a silhouette resembling the pointed hood associated with the KKK, while the dangling shoes were interpreted by some as evoking lynching imagery.

It should be noted, however, that Karina was featured as the model and ambassador for the campaign and was not identified as a member of the creative or advertising team responsible for developing the imagery. Converse has not publicly identified the individuals involved in creating or approving the image.

T.O.P Says He Will Not Rejoin BIGBANG, Continues to Support Members

T.O.P (former BIGBANG member) has ruled out a return to the group, saying he intends to pursue his career independently while continuing to support his former bandmates as they celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary.

The remarks came during an interview featured on TV Asahi Channel 1 on Sept. 12, following his “RE” fan meeting in Yokohama in July. Asked about BIGBANG’s first world tour in nine years, T.O.P said he did not anticipate performing alongside the members again, but expressed continued support for their music and activities. His comments reinforce the separation he has maintained since leaving BIGBANG after taking part in the group’s 2022 single “Still Life.”

BIGBANG is now promoting as a three-member act featuring G-Dragon, Taeyang and Daesung, with the group’s 20th-anniversary world tour currently underway.

ICYMI:

• KPOPWORLD FESTIVAL in San Antonio, Texas, has been postponed to 2027.

• Court dismisses 100 million won lawsuit against Min Hee-jin over ILLIT plagiarism allegations.

• Chungha receives emergency medical treatment after health issue.

• &TEAM to sing opening theme “Fearless” for “BEYBLADE X: Bey Kingdom Arc”.

SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Undergoes Knee Surgery Following ACL Injury

Hoshi (SEVENTEEN) has successfully undergone surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, PLEDIS Entertainment confirmed on September 19 via WEVERSE.

The surgery was performed on the afternoon of September 18, following medical advice that an operation was necessary. Hoshi is now resting and will focus on treatment and rehabilitation.

The injury occurred while Hoshi was rehearsing with the Ground Forces performance team during his mandatory military service. A medical examination confirmed a complete tear of the ACL. The injury has forced the idol to withdraw from upcoming military-related performances, including a scheduled Taekwondo Demonstration Team event and the Ground Forces Festival 2026.

Hoshi, who enlisted in September 2025 and serves as a member of the Army Taekwondo Demonstration Team, said he was disappointed to miss performances he had been preparing for.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• SHINee’s Taemin has announced five European dates for his 2026–2027 “LiMiNaL” world tour.

• LISA is set to perform at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Favorite New Music This Week

This week, UNCORE’s temporary project group CLOSE YOUR EYES released a song that has left K-pop fans asking the same question: “Can we make them permanent?”

Their jazzy new track, “OPEN YOUR EYES,” featuring pianist Yohan Kim and saxophonist Jacob Scesney, arrives at a time when the industry can feel increasingly saturated with the same two, great, but overused sounds; hyperpop and edm. And that is exactly what makes this release so refreshing.

The verses strike a satisfying balance. The instrumentation never overpowers the members’ talk-singing style, while the vocals never drown out the musicianship. Everything has room to breathe. But the real payoff comes in the chorus, where the immaculate vocal layering gives the song a remarkable richness and depth. It is, quite simply, mouth-watering.

If this single is any indication of what CLOSE YOUR EYES have in store for their upcoming album, we could be in for something genuinely special.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, September 21, 2026

  • ILLIT: 4th Digital Single “Swingin’ Magic”

  • JACKSON (GOT7): Single “THANK YOU”

  • Seok Mathew x Park Gunwook (ZEROBASEONE): 1st Unit Mixtape “We the Extra”

  • WOW (A.C.E): Single “Low”

• Tuesday, September 22, 2026

  • n/a

• Wednesday, September 23, 2026

  • ONEUS: 12th EP “First Light : 井”

  • GHOST9: 3rd Digital Single “Moonlight”

• Thursday, September 24, 2026

  • n/a

• Friday, September 25, 2026

  • n/a

• Saturday, September 26, 2026

  • n/a

• Sunday, September 27, 2026

  • Lee Jimin: Single “Song Without Love”

— Javeria Yousuf

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