Jeff Benjamin
@jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
1K followers 160 following 420 posts
Award-winning music journalist, K-pop columnist, host and curator. Words in Billboard, Rolling Stone, New York Times, Forbes and more. Subscribe to The Crossover newsletter.
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jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
I'm not usually bothered by chart-boosting tactics — if fans want to support it indicates engagement and interest. But tactics to maximize every purchase (Billboard only counts up to four albums per purchase) and blocking content from those who don't max out feels...not cool #taylorswift
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
This may just be personal, but the strangest part was how the article was published with several words including asterisks. I've never seen that from any journalist...

The rest of the article side-by-side comparison:
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
I've requested comment from @ibtimes.bsky.social UK for clarity about the changes, as well for feedback about how this article fits in their Editorial Policy: ibtimes.co.uk/editorial-gu...

Or if there will be any notes about the article in their Corrections section: www.ibtimes.co.uk/corrections
Editorial Guidelines
Editorial Guidelines
ibtimes.co.uk
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Five days after publication, an article about HYBE's Bang Si-Huyk's legal situation labeled "Contributor Content" by the
@ibtimes.bsky.social UK has changed the author, photo, intro and several words, only adding "Disclaimer: The content has been updated"

Side by side comparison:
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
I'm back on Arirang's 'The Kulture Wave' today talking major K-pop news: rookie debuts, solo albums, new units, 10-year anniversaries and a look at the Q3 so far

Join in via Arirang TV or YouTube here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovxn...
[LIVE] The Kulture Wave (2025-09-23)
YouTube video by Arirang News
www.youtube.com
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Even if the people making these reports are faking it as a joke or to get a hit tweet, just know what you're doing is really really fucked up — and not a joke to the many people and families being torn apart and treated inhumanely
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
"and please look forward to our journey moving forward as we're planning to repay your love and support with active communication and more performances." - EVERGLOW's SIHYEON via press release
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
"We're currently preparing for many musical activities so we can share our unique color and energy freely. We want to thank our domestic and international fans..."
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Breaking: EVERGLOW has rebranded as a quartet and signed an exclusive contract with CHXXTA COMPANY, which is also home to vocal crossover act CREZL

According to a press release, #EVERGLOW is preparing for a new album and fan meeting tour in Asia and more regions around the world
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
How's everyone feeling starting this new week?
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Lisa's Born Again" with Doja Cat and RAYE won Best K-Pop at the 2025 #MV #VMAs — despite debate on whether it's a K-pop song or not

But with three wins for Best #KPop at the VMAs, Lisa has never lost this category every year that she's been nominated
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Lisa’s ‘Born Again’ With Doja Cat And RAYE Wins MTV VMA For Best K-Pop
BLACKPINK member Lisa wins Best K-Pop at the MTV VMAs for the third time with "Born Again" featuring Doja Cat and RAYE, tying with BTS for the most wins in the category.
www.forbes.com
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
The latest + some August releases that slipped by in the media but worth checking out! (Aug at article end :)

parkjiyoon
Gavy NJ
TAEMIN
Henry Lau
Jeong Eunji
SUHO
Zion.T
S.CoupsXMingyu
MOMOLAND
Dayoung
THAMA
LE SSERAFIM
FIFTY FIFTY
&TEAM
izna
GYUBIN
HANA
KickFlip
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
2025 Release Calendar Of New K-Pop Albums, Singles: January-December
2025's updating schedule of K-pop album releases and comebacks including BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, GOT7, SEVENTEEN, IVE, EXO, ATEEZ, Kim Soo Hyun, BABYMONSTER and more.
www.forbes.com
Reposted by Jeff Benjamin
akpop.likes.earth
Eight groups are still competing for Best Group/Group of the Year at the 2025 MTV VMAs:

* aespa
* BLACKPINK
* Coldplay
* Jonas Brothers
* KATSEYE
* My Chemical Romance
* Seventeen
* Stray Kids
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
#KPop Acts With the Most #Billboard Hot 100 Entries

🥇 BTS - 27
🥈 BLACKPINK - 10
🥉 J-Hope - 8
Jung Kook - 7
Jimin - 6
V - 6
Jennie - 6
Lisa - 6
PSY - 5
NewJeans - 5
Suga - 4
Rosé - 4
Stray Kids - 4 ⬆️
Jin - 3
TWICE - 3
CL - 2
LE SSERAFIM - 2
RM - 2
Kevin Woo - 2
ATEEZ - 2
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
#JYP stock is steady to end the week as Stray Kids have the year's biggest album sales with 'KARMA,' TWICE tops Japan's Oricon charts for multiple days and GIRLSET relaunch with "Commas"

A look into the company's performance this week and beyond on @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
JYP Entertainment Stock Steady Aug 29 2025: Stray Kids, TWICE, GIRLSET
No. 1 album releases from Stray Kids and TWICE, as well as VCHA's relaunch as GIRLSET with new song "Commas," helped JYP stock stay solid, strong in August 2025.
www.forbes.com
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Press release adds the group will make "a global debut in 2026" and includes the note "As with the previous competition, surprise guests are expected to appear on 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE'"
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
According to a press release, 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE' is being created with and airing exclusively on Japan's ABEMA streaming service in early 2026. The scouting project is led by #HYBE America in collaboration with #GeffenRecords under Universal Music Group
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
HYBE x GEFFEN's new, four-member global girl group has opened auditions for its fourth member in Japan via a new survival series 'WORLD SCOUT: THE FINAL PIECE'

Three former 'The Debut: Dream Academy' contestants Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira, and Lexie Levin are in the group
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Authenticity in #Kpop today...it's something brought up time and time again (in the west) where do recent moves from G-Dragon, Stray Kids and CORTIS say about where the industry is today?

Live on @arirangradio 'Good Morning Seoul' shortly to discuss! www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fX...
[On-Air] Arirang Radio (아리랑 라디오) | Livestream 24/7 (HD)
YouTube video by Arirang Radio K-Pop
www.youtube.com
jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
Celebrating "How It's Done" becoming the FOURTH song from KPop Demon Hunters to go Top 10 with the 18 tracks to check out if you want a similar girl crush vibe

BLACKPINK, ITZY, aespa, EVERGLOW, BABYMONSTER Lapillus, SECRET NUMBER, AleXa, CLC, PIXY, TRI.BE and more:
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
18 K-Pop Songs If You Love ‘How It’s Done’ From ‘KPop Demon Hunters’
Songs by BLACKPINK, ITZY, i-dle, aespa, K/DA, BABYMONSTER, EVERGLOW and more that embrace HUNTR/X's "How It's Done" from 'KPop Demon Hunters' sound for your playlist.
www.forbes.com