Idol Speaks Out on Military Mistreatment, BIGBANG, Taemin & KATSEYE Head to Coachella, KPOP Demon Hunters Returns

“KPOP Demon Hunters” Returns With New Animated Short

A brand-new animated short titled “Debut: A KPOP Demon Hunters Story” has officially received its rating from the MPA (Motion Picture Association). Distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, the film has been rated PG for action, violence, and some scary images. Classified as an “Animated Short Subject,” the project expands the "KPOP Demon Hunters" universe and signals that release preparations are underway.

With the rating confirmed, fans can look forward to this exciting new installment of Netflix’s most-watched and most popular movie, now readied for its debut.

BIGBANG, Taemin, and KATSEYE Set to Shine at Coachella 2026

K-pop will once again light up the desert stage at Coachella 2026. Festival organizers confirmed that BIGBANG, Taemin, and KATSEYE will join the star-studded lineup in California.

This marks BIGBANG’s highly anticipated return to a U.S. festival stage, while Taemin continues to shine as a soloist following SHINee’s legacy. KATSEYE, the HYBE x Geffen global girl group, will make their Coachella debut, bringing fresh energy to the showcase.

ICYMI:

• SEVENTEEN’s Woozi and Hoshi have begun their mandatory military service, becoming the third and fourth members to enlist following Wonwoo and Jeonghan last year.

• Chuu has been named promotional ambassador by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) for its Fall 2025 domestic travel campaign.

• Sakura and Kazuha (LE SSERAFIM), Moka and Iroha (ILLIT), along with Sashihara Rino, have been announced as the studio cast for HYBE x GEFFEN’s Japanese audition program “WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE.”

UNIV’s Ahn Gihyun Opens Up About Mistreatment in the Military

Ahn Gihyun (UNIV, formerly of NTX) has spoken out about unfair treatment by military superiors, joining a growing chorus of concern over South Korea’s mandatory conscription.

In a now-deleted statement shared via the artist’s Instagram, Ahn revealed that just two months under one commander turned him into a “psychological wreck.” He described being subjected to humiliating orders, sent away from the admin office, and told to hide from higher-ups. He also pointed out the double standards of superiors, appearing friendly in church but abusive in the barracks, and criticized a culture that prioritizes discipline over well-being.

Ahn’s testimony breaks the polished idol image, showing that fame does not shield artists from harsh treatment or psychological harm during service. He called for transparency, stronger welfare systems, and accountability for superiors who abuse their power. Advocates and fans have echoed his concerns, urging reforms that ensure better mental health protections and respect for human dignity in the military.

While Ahn Gihyun is not the only idol to speak out about the struggles and mistreatment soldiers face during mandatory service, his testimony does add to the growing calls for reform, reminding the public that the struggles of military service weigh heavily on both idols and everyday citizens.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• JO1, HANA, INI, EVNNE, NEXZ, ATEEZ, and NiziU will take the stage at TV Asahi’s “DREAM FESTIVAL 2025” from November 1–3.

• BLACKPINK has expanded their DEADLINE world tour with over 16 new dates across global cities.

• i-dle’s Yuqi joins the lineup for Waterbomb Macao 2025 on November 8.

• XLOV announced their 2026 London concert date.

• BLACKPINK’s ROSÉ will make a special guest appearance at the Forbes Under 30 Summit Music Festival in Ohio.

Favorite New Music This Week

ATEEZ’s new Japanese album “Ashes to Light” is a daring showcase of their versatility, blending house, reggaetón, rock, and pop-punk into one emotionally rich package. The title track, “Ash,” sets the tone with its hypnotic house-inspired beat and moody lo-fi verses, contrasting melancholy lyrics of fading love with a dancefloor-ready chorus.

Beyond the opener, “Ashes to Light” is filled with sonic experimentation. “12 Midnight” leans into Jersey Club textures and trance-like momentum, while “FACE” explodes with rock energy. Softer moments like “Days” and “Forevermore” ground the album with heartfelt sincerity, while tracks like “Tippy Toes” and “Crescendo” bring intimacy and yearning.

Altogether, the album balances innovation with emotional depth, proving once again that ATEEZ thrives on pushing boundaries.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Sunday, September 21, 2025

  • N/A

• Monday, September 22, 2025

  • Suho (EXO): 4th Mini Album “Who Are You”

  • KickFlip: 3rd Mini Album “My First Flip”

  • Lee Jung Young: 1st Mini Album “Last Dance”

  • GENBLUE: 2nd EP “Mirror”

• Tuesday, September 23, 2025

  • The KingDom: “the flower of the moon”

  • TIOT: 4th Mini Album “My Pride”

• Wednesday, September 24, 2025

  • WOODZ: Digital Single “I’ll Never Love Again”

  • Yerin: 1st Digital Single “Awake”

• Thursday, September 25, 2025

  • AIMERS: 2nd Mini Album “Full Count”

• Friday, September 26, 2025

  • P1Harmony: 1st English Album “Game Lovers Club”

  • Corbyn Besson x Tzuyu (TWICE): Track “Blink”

• Saturday, September 27, 2025

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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