Grammy Asian Category, ITZY’s Yuna Leads Netflix Project, Kim Garam Joins New Agency

Former LE SSERAFIM Member Kim Garam Signs With Acting Agency

Former LE SSERAFIM member Kim Garam is taking the next step in her entertainment career after signing an exclusive contract with Management Koo, officially beginning her journey as an actress.

The agency announced the signing this week, saying it was impressed by Kim Garam's sincerity, dedication, and potential as a performer. Management Koo added that the 21-year-old has been actively developing her acting skills while also studying foreign languages and music, and pledged full support for her future activities.

Kim Garam debuted with LE SSERAFIM in 2022 but promoted with the group for only a short time before controversy surrounding school bullying allegations led to her departure. Since then, she has largely stayed out of the public eye while focusing on her studies and preparing for a new career path. Kim Garam is currently enrolled in Konkuk University's Department of Media Acting and has been training to establish herself as an actress.

Kim Garam left LE SSERAFIM following accusations that she had bullied a classmate. However, supporters have long argued that the allegations were misrepresented and that key claims against her were later proven false. Since stepping away from the idol industry, Kim Garam has remained largely out of the spotlight, only recently reconnecting with fans through a YouTube channel where she shares glimpses of her daily life and acting practice.

ITZY's Yuna Lands First Lead Role in Upcoming Netflix K Drama

ITZY member Yuna has secured her first leading role in a Netflix original series, marking a major milestone in her growing acting career.

According to reports, Yuna will star as Kim Ri Ji in "Do Not Cross the Wall," a high school romance centered on students navigating first love under strict school rules that threaten expulsion for dating. The story follows the student body presidents of neighboring boys' and girls' schools, whose rivalry and romance unfolds despite the wall separating their campuses.

In the series, Yuna plays a transfer student and talented track athlete whose arrival gradually disrupts the school's previously disciplined atmosphere. She is set to star alongside Moon Sang Min and Cynthia.

The casting represents Yuna's biggest acting opportunity to date following her screen debut earlier this year. The upcoming drama also marks another collaboration with Netflix for the idol-turned-actress. Before landing her first lead role, Yuna was cast in a supporting role in the workplace romance "My Favorite Employee," which is scheduled to premiere later this year. She previously made a special appearance in tvN's "Undercover Miss Hong," steadily expanding her acting portfolio as she transitions into a new chapter of her career.

ICYMI:

• Evan (formerly known as Heeseung of ENHYPEN) has announced his official fandom name, Ever.

• BTS' RM has been appointed as a goodwill ambassador for the National Museum of Korea.

• KATSEYE's Sophia, BINI, and more artists will lead the soundtrack for DreamWorks Animation's "Forgotten Island."

• A court has handed down a prison sentence to the creator of deepfake content targeting aespa.

• SEVENTEEN's DK, CNBLUE's Jung Yonghwa, Choi Yena, and actress Lee Se Young will join the regular cast of the Netflix and SBS dating reality show "My Remaining Romance."

Grammys' New Asian Pop Category Sparks Questions About Representation

The Grammy Awards are expanding their global reach with the introduction of a new category dedicated to Asian pop music, marking one of several additions announced by the Recording Academy ahead of the next awards cycle.

The newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category arrives after years of growing visibility for Asian artists on the Grammy stage. Acts such as BTS and BLACKPINK's Rosé have broken barriers through nominations, performances, and record-setting appearances, while the success of songs tied to projects like "KPop Demon Hunters" has further highlighted the global influence of Asian music. Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the changes are intended to make the awards more inclusive and provide greater recognition for music creators around the world.

However, the new category also raises questions about how the Recording Academy defines Asian music. While the move may appear to be a step toward greater diversity and representation, it is difficult not to wonder whether it further separates music based on where it is created rather than the genre it belongs to.

Another issue raised by music fans online is the category's apparent focus on Japan, South Korea, and China despite Asia being home to more than 40 countries and several of the world's largest music industries. India, for example, was notably absent from the initial discussion surrounding the category. That has led some to question what criteria the Grammys use to determine which countries are seen as representative of Asian pop music. However, reports indicate that while the category highlights the pop industries of Japan, South Korea, and China, submissions will be accepted from artists across all Asian countries.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• BTS has added Jakarta and Bulacan stops to its 2026–2027 "ARIRANG" world tour.

• JUSTB and YOUNG POSSE will perform at France's "Vincennes Estival Club 2026."

• LUN8 has unveiled the dates for its eight-stop 2026 Europe tour, "BEYOND THE MOON."

• ONEUS is set to headline the K-Pop Revolution Edition of "COMIC CON Stuttgart" on November 27–28 in Germany.

• AMPERS&ONE has revealed six dates and cities for its 2026 UK and Europe tour, "Born to Define."

• ATEEZ, iKON, and STAYC have joined ATHEART and THE WIND in the lineup for Poland's "Sound in Colors" festival in Katowice in 2026.

Favorite New Music This Week

STAYC’s “2 LOVE” is for listeners tired of rave-influenced K-pop trends and looking for a retro pop feel.

It is a bright, synth-driven track built on shimmering production and an catchy chorus. The song opens with light synth textures that set a playful tone before moving into a hook centered on the repeating “2 LOVE” refrain. Its simple melody carries nostalgic charm, recalling earlier K-pop eras while sounding polished and modern.

The verses slightly ease the momentum, but the track returns to its addictive centerpiece, keeping energy light and upbeat. Rather than chasing heavy trends, it prioritizes melody and mood.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, June 22, 2026

  • EVAN: 1st Digital Single “RIDE OR DIE”

  • Hearts2Hearts: 2nd Mini Album “Lemon Tang”

• Tuesday, June 23, 2026

  • RYEOWOOK (Super Junior): 1st Single “Runaway”

• Wednesday, June 24, 2026

  • PRIMROSE: 3rd Digital Single “Cosmic”

• Thursday, June 25, 2026

  • N/A

• Friday, June 26, 2026

  • ATEEZ: Album “GOLDEN HOUR: Part.5”

• Saturday, June 27, 2026

  • N/A

• Sunday, June 28, 2026

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

Subscribe to the newsletter to discover new releases through Pop Base weekly and to find out what songs we declare the best of the week.