[K-POP], week 4 of 09 - Your Ultimate Guide to This Week's K-POP Concerts, Comebacks, and News!
📌 Table of Contents
Hey K-POP lovers around the world! It's your favorite K-POP expert, BonoHyung, back with the weekly scoop. September is proving to be an electrifying month, packed with incredible comebacks, major news, and concerts that will make your heart beat faster. Let's dive right into the vibrant world of K-POP for the fourth week of September 2025!
🎤 This Week's K-POP News Briefing
The K-POP scene is buzzing with excitement this week! The Korean Business Research Institute has released its monthly brand reputation rankings, and the sensational girl group IVE has taken the top spot for September. They've soared past industry giants, proving their immense popularity. Their latest mini-album, "IVE SECRET," and its title track "XOXZ" have been receiving massive love and media coverage.
In other major news, 5th generation leaders Zerobaseone have achieved a "grand slam" for their hit song 'Iconik,' winning first place on every major weekly music show in South Korea. Their album 'Never Say Never' is also making waves internationally, charting on the Billboard 200. Meanwhile, TWICE's Chaeyoung has officially made her solo debut with the full-length album 'Lil Fantasy vol. 1', showcasing her unique whimsical style.
Looking ahead, Carats have a reason to celebrate as a new SEVENTEEN subunit, featuring rappers S.Coups and Mingyu, is set to release their mini-album 'Hybe Vibes' on September 29th. And in a move to further boost Korea's global cultural influence, the government is launching a new Presidential Pop Culture Committee. The inaugural ceremony on October 1st will be a star-studded affair, headlined by performances from Stray Kids and Le Sserafim.
💿 Hottest New K-POP Releases
This month's release schedule is absolutely stacked! We've been blessed with a variety of sounds and concepts. Here are a few highlights you can't miss:
ZEROBASEONE - NEVER SAY NEVER
As mentioned, ZB1's latest album is a massive success. The title track 'Iconik' is an addictive and powerful anthem that perfectly showcases their synchronization and energy. The album itself is a testament to their growing artistry.
CHAEYOUNG (TWICE) - Lil Fantasy vol. 1
Chaeyoung's solo debut is a breath of fresh air. The title track 'Shoot (Firecracker)' has a retro disco rhythm that will make you want to dance. It's a fantastic display of her individual color, with songwriting credits on all nine tracks.
TREASURE - 3rd MINI ALBUM [LOVE PULSE]
TREASURE is back with their third mini-album, 'LOVE PULSE'. Known for their high-energy performances and catchy hooks, this release continues to build on their signature sound while exploring new musical landscapes.
Other incredible releases this month include comebacks from aespa, NCT WISH, MONSTA X, and Red Velvet's Wendy. It's a fantastic time to update your playlists!
🇰🇷 K-POP Concerts in South Korea
For those of you in Korea, get ready for some amazing live performances! Here’s a schedule of what’s happening this week.
| Date | Event | Venue | Booking Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 (Thu) | 2025 Jeonju FIDA World Cup Opening Ceremony with KPOP Special Stage | Jeonju, KR | Interpark Global |
| Sep 27 (Sat) | 2025 Gangnam Festival – Yeongdong Daero K-POP Concert | COEX East Gate, Seoul | Trazy (for foreigners) |
| Sep 28 (Sun) | youToPia vol.2 “Dragon Pony X KAMI WA SAIKORO WO FURANAI” | COEX East Gate Special Stage, Seoul | Interpark Global |
| Every Tue | SBS The SHOW | SBS Prism Tower, Seoul | KoreaTravelEasy |
| Every Sun | SBS Inkigayo | SBS Deungchon-dong Hall, Seoul | KoreaTravelEasy |
🎟️ Pro-Tips for Snagging Concert Tickets
Getting tickets for a K-POP concert can feel like a battle, but here are some tips to increase your chances:
- Use Global Sites: Major ticketing platforms like Interpark and YES24 have global versions in English. Make sure your account is set up and you've added your payment information before tickets go on sale.
- Fan Club Pre-Sales: The best chance to get tickets is often through official fan club pre-sales. If you're a dedicated fan, investing in a membership can be worth it.
- Be Fast & Prepared: Tickets sell out in seconds. Be logged in, on the correct page, and ready to click the moment sales open. Having a fast and stable internet connection is crucial.
- Travel Packages: For major festivals, look for tour packages on sites like Trazy or Klook. These often bundle a concert ticket with a tour or other activities and are specifically for foreigners. The Gangnam Festival is a prime example of this.
- Beware of Scalpers: Avoid buying from unofficial resellers. The tickets are often fake or sold at exorbitant prices, and you may be denied entry.
✈️ K-POP Goes Global: Overseas Tour Dates
The Hallyu wave continues to sweep the globe! While many tours are wrapping up or have dates later in the year, here are some of the international schedules announced.
| Artist | Tour | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCT YUTA | 2025 YUTA LIVE TOUR | Various Cities, Japan | Announced |
| BABYMONSTER | 1st WORLD TOUR <HELLO MONSTERS> | Yokohama, Japan | Announced for 2025 |
💡 A Fan's Guide to Concert Etiquette
To make the concert experience amazing for everyone, here are a few tips:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find your seat, buy merch, and soak in the pre-concert atmosphere.
- Master the Fan Chants: Participating in fan chants is one of the most exciting parts of a K-POP concert. Look them up on YouTube beforehand!
- Light Stick Ready: Bring your group's official light stick. Many now sync wirelessly to the concert's lighting, creating a stunning ocean of light.
- Respect Photography Rules: Most concerts have strict no-photo/no-video policies. Be respectful of the rules to avoid being removed from the venue.
- Be Mindful of Others: Everyone is there to see their favorite artists. Avoid blocking views with large signs or excessive filming on your phone.
🎉 More K-POP Happenings & Events
Beyond concerts, Seoul is a playground for K-POP fans. Keep an eye out for artist-themed pop-up stores and birthday celebration events at cafes, especially in areas like Hongdae and Gangnam. These are often announced on short notice via the artists' official social media channels. Don't forget the big launch for the Presidential Pop Culture Committee on October 1st, which is being promoted as a festival-like event celebrating Korean culture.
🛍️ Album & Merch Shopping Secrets
Want to get your hands on the latest albums and official merchandise? Here's how:
- Official Online Stores: Platforms like Weverse Shop and SMTOWN &STORE are the best places to pre-order albums and get official merch directly.
- Large Record Stores: In Seoul, head to places like Music Korea in Myeongdong or the large Kyobo Book Centre in Gwanghwamun. They have huge K-POP sections and often host fan sign events.
- Underground Shopping Malls: The Myeongdong Underground Shopping Center is a treasure trove for K-POP goods, from official albums to fan-made items.
- Pre-order Benefits: When you pre-order an album from specific retailers, you often get exclusive photocards. Check different sites to see which benefits you like best!
Please note that all schedules and events are subject to change depending on the artists' and organizers' circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the official ticketing websites and artist social media channels.
Stay tuned for more updates, and I'll see you next week. Keep stanning!
- BonoHyung
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