KATSEYE's Sister Group, ZB1 Speaks Out, MTV VMA KPop Nominations

HYBE X GEFFEN's Second Global Group Project Launch

Hybe and Geffen Records are teaming up again to debut a new global girl group in 2026 through “World Scout: The Final Piece.” The project kicks off with a Japan-wide audition tour to find top talent for K-pop-style training tailored to the US market. Finalists will attend an advanced training camp in the US, with the journey broadcast on ABEMA in spring 2026.

This follows their 2023 collaboration, “The Debut: Dream Academy,” which formed Katseye and showcased Hybe’s strategy to globalize K-pop’s production model.

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MTV Announces K-Pop Nominees for VMAs 2025

K-pop stars shine in the 2025 MTV VMA nominations, with Rosé leading at eight nods, including Video of the Year and Best K-pop for “Toxic Till the End” and “Apt.” with Bruno Mars.

Aespa (“Whiplash”), Jennie (“Like Jennie”), Jimin (“Who”), Jisoo (“Earthquake”), Lisa with Doja Cat and Raye (“Born Again”), and Stray Kids (“Chk Chk Boom”) are up for Best K-pop. Katseye earns an MTV Push Performance of the Year nomination for “Touch.”

The ceremony will air live September 7 from New York’s USB Arena on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+.

[Source]

ICYMI:

• KG and JYP America have mutually parted ways following the court's final verdict.

• Xiaojun of WayV reportedly organized a birthday party for fans and covered their meals, totaling over $14K.

• BigHit has revealed the name of their new five-member boy group, "CORTIS."

ZEROBASEONE Ricky & Guyvin Speak Out Against WAKEONE’s Mistreatment

ZEROBASEONE’s Gyuvin and Ricky have publicly spoken out against their label WAKEONE, citing mistreatment during promotions for the group’s first full album, "Never Say Never."

In one case, promotional content featured a note mimicking Ricky’s handwriting alongside a photo with Gyuvin, reading, “I love myself the most but I can’t imagine a moment without my one and only best friend.” Ricky later revealed on the group’s +chat app that while the handwriting was an exact copy, he was never asked for permission.

Similarly, while all members had solo interviews for the album’s promotions, Gyuvin’s was missing. Fans assumed it was delayed, but Gyuvin later confirmed it was never recorded, expressing his disappointment.

According to fans, this is not the first incident of mistreatment, but with the members’ contracts ending this year, they seem unafraid to speak out.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• Kep1er will perform at Biople FES 2025 Osaka on September 7.

• TXT is scheduled to headline Korea's Liberation Day eve concert at Gyeongbok Palace.

• aespa has announced their live tour "SYNK: aeXIS LINE" in Asia with 10 dates and stops.

• BoyNextDoor has confirmed a performance at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on August 14.

• Jackson Wang has released two Bangkok dates for the "MAGICMAN 2" World Tour 2025-2026.

Favorite New Music This Week

Yves’ "Soft Error" thrives on restless, detail-rich production that makes each track feel alive.

It opens with “White Cat,” where gritty bass snarls, pulling you in before the first chorus lands. “Soap” follows, pairing PinkPantheress’ airy vocals with Yves’ clarity over glittering synths and a sly, well-placed sample. “Aibo” shifts gears with bright guitars and Bratty’s warm tones, delivering a sunlit alt-rock moment. “Do You Feel It Like I Touch” pulses with chopped, stuttering vocals and a low-end that keeps the tension simmering.

“Study” then strips things down to hypnotic loops, its minimalism amplifying the emotional undercurrent. The closer, “Mom,” softens the pace with gentle percussion and intimate storytelling.

Across its six tracks, "Soft Error" balances infectious hooks with experimental textures, proving Yves’ instinct for marrying pop accessibility with sonic risks is sharper than ever.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Sunday, August 10, 2025

  • R.Tee: Track “DAMDADI (feat. SOYEON of i-dle)”

• Monday, August 11, 2025

  • Jeon Somi: 2nd EP Album “Chaotic & Confused”

  • Key (SHINee): 3rd Album “HUNTER”

  • idntt: Debut EP “unevermet”

  • 1000°: Track “TikTak”

• Tuesday, August 12, 2025

  • NCT Wish: Pre-Release Track “Surf”

  • Ampers&One: 3rd Mini Album “LOUD & PROUD”

  • YUJU (GFRIEND)": 3rd Mini Album “In Bloom”

• Wednesday, August 13, 2025

  • ZOONIZINI (ASTRO Subunit): 1st Mini Album “DICE”

  • AtHeart: Debut 1st EP “Plot Twist”

  • pH-1: 3rd Studio Album “WHAT HAVE WE DONE”

• Thursday, August 14, 2025

  • YOUNG POSSE: 4th EP “Growing Pain pt1: FREE”

  • JUNHEE (A.C.E): Digital Single “SUPERNOVA”

  • JINHO (PENTAGON): KiTproject Album “Luv 2 Much”

• Friday, August 15, 2025

  • SE SO NOW: Album “Now”

• Saturday, August 16, 2025

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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