SAEDNEWS: This week in K-pop: TWICE announced a 10th anniversary special album, BTS’s Jimin topped September’s boy group member brand rankings, and i-dle’s “LATATA” became their fifth music video to surpass 200 million views on YouTube.
Mark your calendars, ONCEs! TWICE is officially celebrating a full decade together, and they’re doing it in style.
On September 20 at midnight KST, the group surprised fans with a quirky new episode of their original sitcom series, specially created for their 10th debut anniversary. In the episode, the members showcased playful talent shows, fueling anticipation for their upcoming special album.
Titled “TEN: The Story Goes On”, the commemorative album is set for release on October 10 at 1 p.m. KST. The album promises to look back on TWICE’s journey so far while opening a new chapter for the future.
This is not just a comeback — it’s a celebration of one of K-pop’s most successful girl groups making history together for ten straight years.
The Korean Business Research Institute dropped its much-anticipated monthly brand reputation rankings, and once again, BTS’s Jimin came out on top.
With a brand reputation index of 5,390,371, Jimin recorded a remarkable 22.93% rise from August, cementing his status as one of the most influential idols in the industry. High-ranking keywords tied to his name included “Billboard chart,” “Who,” and “Spotify.” Related terms such as “record” and “the one and only” highlighted his global impact.
ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo ranked second, followed by BTS’s Jin in third, BTS’s Jungkook in fourth, and BIGBANG’s G-Dragon rounding out the top five.
Here’s a quick look at the Top 10 for September:
BTS’s Jimin
ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo
BTS’s Jin
BTS’s Jungkook
BIGBANG’s G-Dragon
BTS’s V
Kang Daniel (Wanna One)
Park Ji Hoon (Wanna One)
EXO’s Baekhyun
BTS’s Suga
The rankings prove once again how BTS continues to dominate, even with members pursuing solo projects or fulfilling military service.
i-dle has unlocked another major milestone on YouTube!
On September 19 at 11:38 p.m. KST, their debut track “LATATA” surpassed 200 million views, becoming their fifth music video to achieve the feat after “TOMBOY,” “Nxde,” “Oh My God,” and “Queencard.”
Released back on May 2, 2018, the MV took just over seven years to hit the mark, but fans argue that the longevity proves the timeless charm of the song.
This achievement further solidifies i-dle’s position as one of the most powerful girl groups in K-pop’s current generation, with a string of viral hits and consistent international fan support.
History was made on September 12 when NCT’s Haechan clinched his first-ever music show trophy as a solo artist on Music Bank. Facing tough competition against aespa’s “Rich Man,” Haechan secured the victory with a total of 6,808 points — a clear testament to his growing influence as a solo performer.
The performance was electric, with Haechan not only captivating audiences with “CRZY” but also solidifying his status beyond NCT’s group activities. Fans worldwide flooded social media with congratulatory messages, marking the moment as one of the most defining achievements in his career.
Meanwhile, PLEDIS Entertainment — home to rising boy group TWS — has officially escalated its fight against online defamation. In a statement released on September 19, the agency confirmed it has filed both criminal complaints and civil lawsuits against multiple accounts that repeatedly targeted TWS with defamatory, insulting, and mocking content.
What makes this case significant is its global reach. PLEDIS is not only pursuing domestic legal action but also working with overseas courts, including in the United States, to unmask anonymous accounts fueling the attacks. The company made it clear: there will be no settlements or leniency.
For fans, this update was both reassuring and eye-opening. In the increasingly digital world of K-pop, agencies are beginning to draw firm lines between constructive criticism and harmful defamation.
Rounding out this week’s major headlines is IU, who once again proved her unparalleled digital power. On September 19, her 2024 single “Love Wins All” — starring BTS’s V in the music video — officially surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, making it IU’s 10th music video to reach this benchmark.
Originally released on January 24, 2024, the track needed just under 20 months to hit the milestone. The song, celebrated for its emotional depth and cinematic visuals, continues to resonate globally. Fans highlighted the significance of IU’s consistency: more than a decade into her career, she continues to dominate both streaming platforms and cultural conversations.
