Idol Union Launch, BLACKPINK Comeback Postpones, KPop Grammy Nominees

KPop Nominations for the 2026 Grammys

On Friday, nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards were announced, and the list appears to be dominated by the women of K-pop.

After breaking multiple records and staying on the Billboard Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks, making it the number one song on the chart to do so in 2024, BLACKPINK Rosé's "APT. (ft. Bruno Mars)" is nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, making Rosé a three-time Grammy nominee.

HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI have also been nominated twice, once for Song of the Year and once for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, due to the success of "Golden," featured in the most-watched Netflix movie of all time, "Kpop Demon Hunters."

BLACKPINK Comeback Postpones

On Thursday, it was reported that BLACKPINK's upcoming comeback, which was initially scheduled for release at the end of 2025, has been postponed to January of next year. While YG Entertainment, home to BLACKPINK, never specified an exact date, the company stated that the music video for the title track had already been filmed and that the album was in its final stages.

The agency explained that the decision to extend the release date was made to ensure the new music’s quality is perfect.

ICYMI:

• Yves has collaborated with "Friday" singer Rebecca Black on Genius Open Mic, performing "Soap" and "Sugar Water Cyanide."

• "Kpop Demon Hunters" has revealed HUNTR/X dolls and the presale date for fans.

• TXT is set to appear on Hot One Verses on November 11.2

First-Ever Idol Union Set to Launch Next Year

On Thursday, FN News reported that the first-ever Idol Union is in talks and may launch in the first quarter of 2026. The union plans to focus on improving idols' work environments and protecting their human rights. Later on Friday, Modern Berry Korea, Teen Top member Min Su's (C.A.P) agency, revealed that the artist has been appointed as the head of the preparatory committee for the union.

According to the Idol Union Preparatory Committee, the committee submitted a report on the union's establishment to the Seongnam Branch of the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September and submitted additional documents requested by the Ministry on the 13th of last month to strengthen worker status. The committee expects to receive approval from the Ministry later this month.

Furthermore, Seo Min Seon, a research fellow at the Democratic Party of Korea's Youth Policy Research Institute, revealed that more than 10 idols, including Ailee, have shown interest in joining the union.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• KOREA SPOTLIGHT in Spain has shared its lineup, including Chung Ha, Billlie, NouerA, Big Ocean, and Shaun.

• GOT7’s Jackson Wang has announced his appearance at Tecate Pa'l Norte 2026 in Monterrey on March 27.

• PENTAGON’s Kino has revealed his 2026 world tour "FREE KINO" schedule, which includes four U.S. dates.

• The 2025 MMA Melon Music Awards second lineup has been announced, featuring NCT WISH, ILLIT, Hearts2Hearts, KiiiKiii, ALLDAY PROJECT, and IDID.

Favorite New Music This Week

XLOV has done it again. Following their successful debut earlier this year, the group returns with an R&B-heavy six-track EP, "UXLXVE," co-written by member and producer Wumuti.

The record opens with the sultry "Scent," an R&B gem that draws listeners in with intricate instrumentals and smooth, flowing vocals. The title track "Rizz" keeps the momentum going, blending charismatic R&B and hip-hop with a bouncy beat and effortless groove. "Dirty Baby" turns up the heat with trap elements, while "Biii:-p" injects a burst of hyperpop energy, shifting the album’s tone in refreshing ways.

The ballad "Kiss and Say Goodbye" showcases XLOV’s emotional depth, proving their vocals resonate just as strongly in softer moments. Closing track "Drip Drip" ties it all together with a UK garage-inspired sound and irresistible guitar riffs.

All in all, the album highlights the group’s versatility while staying true to their signature R&B sound.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Sunday, November 9, 2025

  • N/A

• Monday, November 10, 2025

  • ITZY: Mini Album “Tunnel Vision”

  • PLAVE” 2nd Single Album “PLBBUU”

  • CRAVITY” 2nd Album “Dare to Crave: Epilogue”

  • AM8IC: 1st EP “Lukoie”

  • ONF: 9th Mini Album “Unbroken”

  • U_Chae: Track “Bad Guy”

• Tuesday, November 11, 2025

  • THE BOYZ (Special Unit) Digital Single “Tiger”

  • FTISLAND": 5th Digital Single “정답”

  • CLOSE YOUR EYES: 3rd Mini Album “Blackout”

• Wednesday, November 12, 2025

  • Jessi: 4th Mini Album “Pretty Mood Swings”

  • Baekho: Digital Single “Rush Mode”

  • Yoon Seobin": Digital Single “Now my playlist’s full of breakup songs”

• Thursday, November 13, 2025

  • N/A

• Friday, November 14, 2025

  • MONSTA X: Digital Single “Baby Blue”

  • KIIRAS: 1st Single “Bang Bang!”

• Saturday, November 15, 2025

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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