Jeff Benjamin
@jeffbenjamin.bsky.social
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.
It felt like this conversation with #Sunmi was years in the making and it led to one of my favorite pieces I've written in a really long time
We discuss the journey of her career and self-love that went into 'HEART MAID' via @forbes.com
Thank you, Sunmi 🫶 www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
We discuss the journey of her career and self-love that went into 'HEART MAID' via @forbes.com
Thank you, Sunmi 🫶 www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Sunmi On Sharing The Artist & Person Inside With ‘HEART MAID’ Album
The K-pop superstar shares the 19-year journey to releasing a fully self-written debut solo album 'HEART MAID' with Sunmi's themes of healing, humor and Korean folklore.
www.forbes.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:24 AM
It felt like this conversation with #Sunmi was years in the making and it led to one of my favorite pieces I've written in a really long time
We discuss the journey of her career and self-love that went into 'HEART MAID' via @forbes.com
Thank you, Sunmi 🫶 www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
We discuss the journey of her career and self-love that went into 'HEART MAID' via @forbes.com
Thank you, Sunmi 🫶 www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
I'll be joining Arirang Radio in about 30 minutes to discuss #Kpop at the #GRAMMYs this year! And what chances #Rosé, #KATSEYE and #KPopDemonHunters have at music's biggest night...tune in! www.youtube.com/@ArirangRadi...
Arirang Radio K-Pop
Arirang Radio is the first English broadcasting radio station in Korea, providing useful information on Korean culture, K-pop, tourism, tips on living in Korea as well as the domestic and internationa...
www.youtube.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:43 PM
I'll be joining Arirang Radio in about 30 minutes to discuss #Kpop at the #GRAMMYs this year! And what chances #Rosé, #KATSEYE and #KPopDemonHunters have at music's biggest night...tune in! www.youtube.com/@ArirangRadi...
Thank you everyone for who reached out with sweet and thoughtful birthday messages. I appreciate you all. It was a weird birthday with some personal situations keeping me distracted, but everything looks to be on the mend now and the healing begins for my loved ones. I cherish you all...
November 13, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Thank you everyone for who reached out with sweet and thoughtful birthday messages. I appreciate you all. It was a weird birthday with some personal situations keeping me distracted, but everything looks to be on the mend now and the healing begins for my loved ones. I cherish you all...
Breaking: ADOR announces NewJeans members Hyein and Haerin have expressed their intention to continue activities with the HYBE label after discussions with their families and the label
Full story via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Full story via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
NewJeans Members Haerin And Hyein To Return To HYBE Label ADOR
NewJeans' Haerin and Hyein will return to HYBE after a statement that the K-pop stars will "continue their activities with ADOR" breaking with Minji, Hanni and Danielle.
www.forbes.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Breaking: ADOR announces NewJeans members Hyein and Haerin have expressed their intention to continue activities with the HYBE label after discussions with their families and the label
Full story via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Full story via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
📈 According to early industry predictions, #Yeonjun of #TomorrowXTogether is aiming for a Top 10 debut on the Billboard 200 with his first solo album 'NO LABELS PART 01' earning about 30,700 units (with 28,000 in album sales)
It would make him the first member of #TXT to chart a solo album
It would make him the first member of #TXT to chart a solo album
November 11, 2025 at 10:18 PM
📈 According to early industry predictions, #Yeonjun of #TomorrowXTogether is aiming for a Top 10 debut on the Billboard 200 with his first solo album 'NO LABELS PART 01' earning about 30,700 units (with 28,000 in album sales)
It would make him the first member of #TXT to chart a solo album
It would make him the first member of #TXT to chart a solo album
Exclusive: #KATSEYE Reimagined "M.I.A" for #VALORANT Game Changers esports campaign — and Megan basically manifested it
Full story with more from Megan, Riot Games and more at @billboard.com
www.billboard.com/music/pop/ka...
Full story with more from Megan, Riot Games and more at @billboard.com
www.billboard.com/music/pop/ka...
KATSEYE Reimagine ‘M.I.A.’ for ‘Valorant’ Inclusive Esports Campaign & Megan Basically Manifested It: ‘This Is So Nostalgic to Me’
Riot Games executives and Megan of KATSEYE talk the new version of the 'Beautiful Chaos' song, made more special from Megan video game hobbies.
www.billboard.com
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Exclusive: #KATSEYE Reimagined "M.I.A" for #VALORANT Game Changers esports campaign — and Megan basically manifested it
Full story with more from Megan, Riot Games and more at @billboard.com
www.billboard.com/music/pop/ka...
Full story with more from Megan, Riot Games and more at @billboard.com
www.billboard.com/music/pop/ka...
Today's latest K-pop updates added!
#Krystal Jung of f(x)
#StrayKids
#BABYMONSTER
#NTX
#RESCENE
#NCTWISH
#NEWBEAT
#ChuSeojun
#BURVEY
#YoonSeobin
#GPP of #SMEntertainment Japan
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#Krystal Jung of f(x)
#StrayKids
#BABYMONSTER
#NTX
#RESCENE
#NCTWISH
#NEWBEAT
#ChuSeojun
#BURVEY
#YoonSeobin
#GPP of #SMEntertainment Japan
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
November 6, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Today's latest K-pop updates added!
#Krystal Jung of f(x)
#StrayKids
#BABYMONSTER
#NTX
#RESCENE
#NCTWISH
#NEWBEAT
#ChuSeojun
#BURVEY
#YoonSeobin
#GPP of #SMEntertainment Japan
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#Krystal Jung of f(x)
#StrayKids
#BABYMONSTER
#NTX
#RESCENE
#NCTWISH
#NEWBEAT
#ChuSeojun
#BURVEY
#YoonSeobin
#GPP of #SMEntertainment Japan
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Tune into 'The Kulture Wave' on #Arirang where I'll be on as a guest talking about the November #K-pop comeback scene!
Which releases are you looking forward to most this month?
Watch live on Arirang or via YouTube here. Starting soon!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJVB...
Which releases are you looking forward to most this month?
Watch live on Arirang or via YouTube here. Starting soon!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJVB...
Live from KOREA | 24/7 Streaming | Arirang TV [아리랑TV] (국제방송교류재단)
YouTube video by Arirang TV
www.youtube.com
November 6, 2025 at 4:57 AM
Tune into 'The Kulture Wave' on #Arirang where I'll be on as a guest talking about the November #K-pop comeback scene!
Which releases are you looking forward to most this month?
Watch live on Arirang or via YouTube here. Starting soon!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJVB...
Which releases are you looking forward to most this month?
Watch live on Arirang or via YouTube here. Starting soon!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJVB...
KINO announces his 2026 World Tour 'FREE KINO' which includes four stops in the USA so far with "more dates to be announced"
The #PENTAGON soo star dropped his new EP 'EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME' last month that's refreshingly dark and mature www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBTO...
The #PENTAGON soo star dropped his new EP 'EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME' last month that's refreshingly dark and mature www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBTO...
November 5, 2025 at 10:40 PM
KINO announces his 2026 World Tour 'FREE KINO' which includes four stops in the USA so far with "more dates to be announced"
The #PENTAGON soo star dropped his new EP 'EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME' last month that's refreshingly dark and mature www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBTO...
The #PENTAGON soo star dropped his new EP 'EVERYBODY’S GUILTY, BUT NO ONE’S TO BLAME' last month that's refreshingly dark and mature www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBTO...
Today's #Kpop updates including...
#JYPark & #KwonJinAh
#U-KNOW of #TVXQ!
#MAX_CHANGMIN of TVXQ!
#SUNMI
#TAEYEON of #GirlsGeneration
#MINHO of #SHINee
#DOYOUNG of #NCT
#JUNGWOO of NCT
#WayV
#ACE
#CAMO
#aespa
#XLOV
#SÉON
#SM Japan Virtual Artist
SM Japan Girl Group
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#JYPark & #KwonJinAh
#U-KNOW of #TVXQ!
#MAX_CHANGMIN of TVXQ!
#SUNMI
#TAEYEON of #GirlsGeneration
#MINHO of #SHINee
#DOYOUNG of #NCT
#JUNGWOO of NCT
#WayV
#ACE
#CAMO
#aespa
#XLOV
#SÉON
#SM Japan Virtual Artist
SM Japan Girl Group
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
November 5, 2025 at 10:25 PM
JISOO has earned her first solo radio hit as "EYES CLOSED" with ZAYN debuts at No. 38 on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart!
#BLACKPINK has sent three songs to the chart to date with "Ice Cream" (which peaked at No. 21), "Pink Venom" (No. 32) and "Jump" (their highest-charting single at No. 19)
#BLACKPINK has sent three songs to the chart to date with "Ice Cream" (which peaked at No. 21), "Pink Venom" (No. 32) and "Jump" (their highest-charting single at No. 19)
November 5, 2025 at 2:40 AM
JISOO has earned her first solo radio hit as "EYES CLOSED" with ZAYN debuts at No. 38 on Billboard's Pop Airplay chart!
#BLACKPINK has sent three songs to the chart to date with "Ice Cream" (which peaked at No. 21), "Pink Venom" (No. 32) and "Jump" (their highest-charting single at No. 19)
#BLACKPINK has sent three songs to the chart to date with "Ice Cream" (which peaked at No. 21), "Pink Venom" (No. 32) and "Jump" (their highest-charting single at No. 19)
#Jimin and #JungKook of #BTS' second season of 'Are You Sure?!' premieres December 3 on Disney+ with two episodes dropping every Wednesday from Dec 3-24
Season 2 is a 12-day journey that spans from Switzerland to Vietnam
First look photos have been shared via press release:
Season 2 is a 12-day journey that spans from Switzerland to Vietnam
First look photos have been shared via press release:
November 5, 2025 at 2:27 AM
The latest #Kpop album and single release updates from today...
#Jessi
#Dongwoo of #INFINITE
#LeeDongyeol of #UP10TION
#KimSihun of #BDC
#U_Chae
#KISS_OF_LIFE
#KiiiKiii x Produced by #TABLO
#FIFTY_FIFTY
#ISEGYE_IDOL
#AHOF
#BabyDONTCry
#Zamgolbers
#SMClassicsJazzTrio
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#Jessi
#Dongwoo of #INFINITE
#LeeDongyeol of #UP10TION
#KimSihun of #BDC
#U_Chae
#KISS_OF_LIFE
#KiiiKiii x Produced by #TABLO
#FIFTY_FIFTY
#ISEGYE_IDOL
#AHOF
#BabyDONTCry
#Zamgolbers
#SMClassicsJazzTrio
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
November 5, 2025 at 12:36 AM
The latest #Kpop album and single release updates from today...
#Jessi
#Dongwoo of #INFINITE
#LeeDongyeol of #UP10TION
#KimSihun of #BDC
#U_Chae
#KISS_OF_LIFE
#KiiiKiii x Produced by #TABLO
#FIFTY_FIFTY
#ISEGYE_IDOL
#AHOF
#BabyDONTCry
#Zamgolbers
#SMClassicsJazzTrio
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#Jessi
#Dongwoo of #INFINITE
#LeeDongyeol of #UP10TION
#KimSihun of #BDC
#U_Chae
#KISS_OF_LIFE
#KiiiKiii x Produced by #TABLO
#FIFTY_FIFTY
#ISEGYE_IDOL
#AHOF
#BabyDONTCry
#Zamgolbers
#SMClassicsJazzTrio
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
20 songs from October that show K-pop going more global every day by...
#J-Hope
#BamBam
#SEVENTEEN
#Wonho
#TWICE
#Nayeon
#BM
#Kino
#Uwa
#Jamie
#YerinBaek
#Jisoo
#Yves
#W24
#LE_SSERAFIM
#NMIXX
#XdinaryHeroes
#NEXZ
#A2O_MAY
#AtHeart
#OliviaMarsh
What's your favorite?
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#J-Hope
#BamBam
#SEVENTEEN
#Wonho
#TWICE
#Nayeon
#BM
#Kino
#Uwa
#Jamie
#YerinBaek
#Jisoo
#Yves
#W24
#LE_SSERAFIM
#NMIXX
#XdinaryHeroes
#NEXZ
#A2O_MAY
#AtHeart
#OliviaMarsh
What's your favorite?
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Crossover Songs From October 2025 Expanding K-Pop’s Global Reach
English versions of K-pop songs by BLACKPINK's Jisoo, TWICE, SEVENTEEN, BamBam, NMIXX, Wonho, LE SSERAFIM, BTS J-Hope and more made a mark on global playlists this month.
www.forbes.com
November 4, 2025 at 11:15 PM
20 songs from October that show K-pop going more global every day by...
#J-Hope
#BamBam
#SEVENTEEN
#Wonho
#TWICE
#Nayeon
#BM
#Kino
#Uwa
#Jamie
#YerinBaek
#Jisoo
#Yves
#W24
#LE_SSERAFIM
#NMIXX
#XdinaryHeroes
#NEXZ
#A2O_MAY
#AtHeart
#OliviaMarsh
What's your favorite?
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#J-Hope
#BamBam
#SEVENTEEN
#Wonho
#TWICE
#Nayeon
#BM
#Kino
#Uwa
#Jamie
#YerinBaek
#Jisoo
#Yves
#W24
#LE_SSERAFIM
#NMIXX
#XdinaryHeroes
#NEXZ
#A2O_MAY
#AtHeart
#OliviaMarsh
What's your favorite?
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Another huge moment for #HUNTR/X and #KPopDemonHunters!
#EJAE, #AudreyNuna and #ReiAmi are going to perform at the massive Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside a huge lineup of performers
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#EJAE, #AudreyNuna and #ReiAmi are going to perform at the massive Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside a huge lineup of performers
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Lineup: KPop Demon Hunters HUNTR/X Singers & More
The singing voices behind Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters group HUNTR/X will perform at the NYC parade on Nov. 27, 2025, joining a lineup of performers, balloons and floats.
www.forbes.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:21 AM
Another huge moment for #HUNTR/X and #KPopDemonHunters!
#EJAE, #AudreyNuna and #ReiAmi are going to perform at the massive Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside a huge lineup of performers
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
#EJAE, #AudreyNuna and #ReiAmi are going to perform at the massive Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade alongside a huge lineup of performers
www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Exclusive: Baekhyun and Taemin are coming back to the U.S. in early 2026 for their own special concerts for one weekend at Park MGM's Dolby Live!
Full details on the #Baekhyun and #Taemin double-header concert weekend in Las Vegas via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Full details on the #Baekhyun and #Taemin double-header concert weekend in Las Vegas via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Baekhyun, Taemin to Play Dolby Live at Park MGM Shows, Jan 16–17, 2026
Baekhyun and Taemin will each headline Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on Jan. 16–17, 2026. Dates announced; ticket details to follow. Get news and Kpop tour context.
www.forbes.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Exclusive: Baekhyun and Taemin are coming back to the U.S. in early 2026 for their own special concerts for one weekend at Park MGM's Dolby Live!
Full details on the #Baekhyun and #Taemin double-header concert weekend in Las Vegas via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Full details on the #Baekhyun and #Taemin double-header concert weekend in Las Vegas via @forbes.com: www.forbes.com/sites/jeffbe...
Every member of #BTS and #BLACKPINK have charted solo songs on the Billboard Hot 100 — the only Korean groups to do so
October 20, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Every member of #BTS and #BLACKPINK have charted solo songs on the Billboard Hot 100 — the only Korean groups to do so
SHE DID IT! JISOO earns her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 this week as "Eyes Closed" with Zayn Malik enters at No. 72
The accomplishments means every member of #BLACKPINK has charted a solo song on the Hot 100 becoming the first female #Kpop group to do so! x.com/billboardcha...
The accomplishments means every member of #BLACKPINK has charted a solo song on the Hot 100 becoming the first female #Kpop group to do so! x.com/billboardcha...
billboard charts on X: "JISOO & @zaynmalik's "Eyes Closed" debuts at No. 72 on this week's #Hot100. It earns JISOO her first career solo entry on the chart. She previously charted 10 songs as a member of @BLACKPINK. All four members of BLACKPINK have now charted solo songs on the Hot 100." / X
JISOO & @zaynmalik's "Eyes Closed" debuts at No. 72 on this week's #Hot100. It earns JISOO her first career solo entry on the chart. She previously charted 10 songs as a member of @BLACKPINK. All four members of BLACKPINK have now charted solo songs on the Hot 100.
x.com
October 20, 2025 at 9:57 PM
SHE DID IT! JISOO earns her first solo entry on the Billboard Hot 100 this week as "Eyes Closed" with Zayn Malik enters at No. 72
The accomplishments means every member of #BLACKPINK has charted a solo song on the Hot 100 becoming the first female #Kpop group to do so! x.com/billboardcha...
The accomplishments means every member of #BLACKPINK has charted a solo song on the Hot 100 becoming the first female #Kpop group to do so! x.com/billboardcha...
On Arirang Radio's 'Good Morning Seoul' another #Kpop segment, talking about #NMIXX and 'Blue Valentine'!
Wanna hype this great album + moment!
Tune in now, #NSWER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fX...
Wanna hype this great album + moment!
Tune in now, #NSWER: 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
October 16, 2025 at 11:28 PM
On Arirang Radio's 'Good Morning Seoul' another #Kpop segment, talking about #NMIXX and 'Blue Valentine'!
Wanna hype this great album + moment!
Tune in now, #NSWER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fX...
Wanna hype this great album + moment!
Tune in now, #NSWER: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fX...
Wordle Puzzle Created By Jeff
Choose a word for friends to guess, then share your puzzle.
www.nytimes.com
October 14, 2025 at 3:52 AM
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
October 7, 2025 at 8:57 PM
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
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:
@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:
September 30, 2025 at 8:53 AM
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:
@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:
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...
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
September 23, 2025 at 5:05 AM
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...
Join in via Arirang TV or YouTube here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovxn...
TAEMIN AT COACHELLA. Why this is so amazing (beyond the obvious of #TAEMIN AT #COACHELLA) So so proud of you, you deserve it! #coachella2026
www.instagram.com/reel/DOp4iMl...
www.instagram.com/reel/DOp4iMl...
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September 17, 2025 at 8:46 PM
TAEMIN AT COACHELLA. Why this is so amazing (beyond the obvious of #TAEMIN AT #COACHELLA) So so proud of you, you deserve it! #coachella2026
www.instagram.com/reel/DOp4iMl...
www.instagram.com/reel/DOp4iMl...