SHINee is preparing for an emotional and powerful return to the music scene with a brand-new single titled Poet | Artist, set to drop on May 25, 2025. The release isn’t just another comeback—it’s deeply personal. It lands on the group’s 17th debut anniversary and carries the name of late member Jonghyun’s posthumous album, making it a meaningful tribute that has already stirred deep feelings among fans.

This will be SHINee’s first official group comeback since members Taemin and Onew left SM Entertainment, and it’s clear the group is determined to honor their roots while moving forward together. The new album includes a touching detail: plush dolls representing each of the five members—including Jonghyun. These soft, symbolic items come with photocards and have already sparked emotional reactions across the fanbase. In the trailer called Fluffy SHINee, fans saw a powerful moment where the four current members hold Jonghyun’s plush doll in a group embrace.

The group’s fans, known as SHAWOLs, have taken over social media with messages celebrating this comeback. Many are expressing love for Jonghyun and appreciation for SHINee’s decision to center him in such a personal way. Back in 2018, Jonghyun’s solo album Poet | Artist showcased his signature style and emotional depth. It included 11 tracks that moved between electropop, R&B, synth-pop, and ballads. He wrote and composed most of the songs himself. The album even earned a spot on the US Billboard 200 chart.

Actor Kwon Yul is set to marry his longtime partner in a private ceremony on May 24, 2025, in Seoul. The 42-year-old star, known for popular dramas like Voice, Dali and Cocky Prince, and My Sweet Mobster, shared the exciting news through his agency, J,WIDE-COMPANY.

The wedding will be an intimate event attended only by close family and friends, with details kept private out of respect for his bride and their families. The agency thanked fans for their warm wishes and support as Kwon Yul steps into this new chapter of his life.

Kwon Yul began his acting career in 2007 with the drama Mackerel Run and has since become a familiar face on television and film. His impressive list of works includes My Fair Lady, Seo Young, My Daughter, Let’s Eat 2, Bring It On, Ghost, and multiple seasons of Voice, showcasing his range and talent. Fans have already started sending their heartfelt congratulations, eager to celebrate this special moment with the actor.

K-pop girl group KISS OF LIFE has made headlines for all the wrong reasons in recent months, as the rising stars found themselves at the center of a cultural appropriation controversy that has now led to their withdrawal from the upcoming KCON LA 2025 event.

It all started during a livestream held on April 2 to celebrate member Julie’s birthday. The theme of the livestream was an “old-school hip hop party,” but what was meant to be a fun, themed celebration quickly took a turn. The group members—Julie, Natty, Belle, and Haneul—appeared in outfits and hairstyles commonly associated with Black culture. From cornrows and Bantu knots to baggy clothing, gold chains, and snapbacks, their styling and behavior rubbed many fans the wrong way.

To make matters worse, the girls adopted exaggerated speech patterns and mannerisms that many viewers felt were mocking rather than honoring hip hop culture. One particularly controversial nickname, “Lil Taco Belle,” sparked immediate outrage, along with clips of them dancing to 50 Cent’s In Da Club and referencing Black men as their fashion inspiration. The tone and presentation of the livestream were widely criticized for being tone-deaf and racially insensitive.

Backlash came quickly.

Social media lit up with criticism, and disappointed fans called out the group for what they saw as clear cultural appropriation. Many expressed frustration that the group had crossed a line, especially considering the long history of K-pop borrowing from Black culture without fully understanding or respecting it. Some pointed out that Belle had even posted a cryptic message before the livestream that read, “Promise you won’t leave the fandom after watching it,” suggesting they may have known the content could spark controversy.

S2 Entertainment, the agency behind KISS OF LIFE, responded with an official apology the next day. They said the intention was to celebrate hip hop culture, not to disrespect it, but admitted the team lacked awareness and sensitivity. The livestream was quickly taken down.

Still, the situation didn’t calm down. Days later, each of the members shared handwritten letters, apologizing individually for their actions. In those letters, they acknowledged that they had gone too far and promised to reflect, learn, and do better. They said the backlash opened their eyes and they were truly sorry to anyone who felt hurt by their actions.

However, the apologies didn’t stop the heat. As the criticism continued and pressure mounted, KISS OF LIFE officially announced that they would no longer be participating in KCON LA 2025. While many fans were disappointed, others felt it was the right move—a necessary pause for the group to reflect on what happened and the larger issues it represents.