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.
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...
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
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
Hint: This birthday boy's debut dancing stage
October 15, 2025 at 2:24 AM
Hint: This birthday boy's debut dancing stage
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
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:
The rest of the article side-by-side comparison:
September 30, 2025 at 8:53 AM
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:
The rest of the article side-by-side comparison:
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:
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
According to a press release, #EVERGLOW is preparing for a new album and fan meeting tour in Asia and more regions around the world
September 10, 2025 at 2:03 AM
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
According to a press release, #EVERGLOW is preparing for a new album and fan meeting tour in Asia and more regions around the world
#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
🥇 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
September 3, 2025 at 10:27 PM
#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
🥇 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
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
Three former 'The Debut: Dream Academy' contestants Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira, and Lexie Levin are in the group
August 29, 2025 at 1:10 AM
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
Three former 'The Debut: Dream Academy' contestants Emily Kelavos, Samara Siqueira, and Lexie Levin are in the group
Is this legal? In California? This 24-hour K-pop tv channel in San Francisco is asking for reporters to do unpaid inteviews..
This channel also has an unpaid internship program with a minimum six-month commitment, or nine-week commitment for bloggers, which includes working in person on Saturday...
This channel also has an unpaid internship program with a minimum six-month commitment, or nine-week commitment for bloggers, which includes working in person on Saturday...
August 21, 2025 at 11:50 PM
Is this legal? In California? This 24-hour K-pop tv channel in San Francisco is asking for reporters to do unpaid inteviews..
This channel also has an unpaid internship program with a minimum six-month commitment, or nine-week commitment for bloggers, which includes working in person on Saturday...
This channel also has an unpaid internship program with a minimum six-month commitment, or nine-week commitment for bloggers, which includes working in person on Saturday...
I'll be on @cnn.com to talk the latest #KPopDemonHunters and #Kpop milestones on 'One World' around 12:30PM ET today
Tune in if you can!
Tune in if you can!
August 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
I'll be on @cnn.com to talk the latest #KPopDemonHunters and #Kpop milestones on 'One World' around 12:30PM ET today
Tune in if you can!
Tune in if you can!
History of No. 1 Songs on the #Billboard Hot 100 With Korean Lyrics
2020:
Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo & BTS, "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)"
BTS, "Life Goes On"
2021:
Coldplay x BTS, "My Universe"
2023:
Jimin, "Like Crazy"
2025:
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI, "Golden" 🆕
2020:
Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo & BTS, "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)"
BTS, "Life Goes On"
2021:
Coldplay x BTS, "My Universe"
2023:
Jimin, "Like Crazy"
2025:
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI, "Golden" 🆕
August 11, 2025 at 7:24 PM
History of No. 1 Songs on the #Billboard Hot 100 With Korean Lyrics
2020:
Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo & BTS, "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)"
BTS, "Life Goes On"
2021:
Coldplay x BTS, "My Universe"
2023:
Jimin, "Like Crazy"
2025:
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI, "Golden" 🆕
2020:
Jawsh 685, Jason Derulo & BTS, "Savage Love (Laxed - Siren Beat)"
BTS, "Life Goes On"
2021:
Coldplay x BTS, "My Universe"
2023:
Jimin, "Like Crazy"
2025:
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna & REI AMI, "Golden" 🆕
#RewindingTheKPopCharts
On this day in 2010, #Taeyang became the first-ever K-pop soloist to enter the World Albums chart on @billboard.com 'Solar' debuted at No. 14
Taeyang was also only the second K-pop artist ever to enter the chart after Epik High did in March that year
On this day in 2010, #Taeyang became the first-ever K-pop soloist to enter the World Albums chart on @billboard.com 'Solar' debuted at No. 14
Taeyang was also only the second K-pop artist ever to enter the chart after Epik High did in March that year
August 1, 2025 at 8:34 AM
#RewindingTheKPopCharts
On this day in 2010, #Taeyang became the first-ever K-pop soloist to enter the World Albums chart on @billboard.com 'Solar' debuted at No. 14
Taeyang was also only the second K-pop artist ever to enter the chart after Epik High did in March that year
On this day in 2010, #Taeyang became the first-ever K-pop soloist to enter the World Albums chart on @billboard.com 'Solar' debuted at No. 14
Taeyang was also only the second K-pop artist ever to enter the chart after Epik High did in March that year
#KPop Acts With the Most Top 10 Entries on the #Billboard200 Chart
🥇 BTS - 8 ⬆️
🥈 SEVENTEEN - 7
🥈 TWICE - 7
🥈 ATEEZ - 7
🥉 TOMORROW X TOGETHER - 6
🥉 Stray Kids - 6
ENHYPEN - 5
LE SSERAFIM - 4
NCT 127 - 3
*As of the charts dated August 2, 2025
🥇 BTS - 8 ⬆️
🥈 SEVENTEEN - 7
🥈 TWICE - 7
🥈 ATEEZ - 7
🥉 TOMORROW X TOGETHER - 6
🥉 Stray Kids - 6
ENHYPEN - 5
LE SSERAFIM - 4
NCT 127 - 3
*As of the charts dated August 2, 2025
July 30, 2025 at 9:25 PM
#KPop Acts With the Most Top 10 Entries on the #Billboard200 Chart
🥇 BTS - 8 ⬆️
🥈 SEVENTEEN - 7
🥈 TWICE - 7
🥈 ATEEZ - 7
🥉 TOMORROW X TOGETHER - 6
🥉 Stray Kids - 6
ENHYPEN - 5
LE SSERAFIM - 4
NCT 127 - 3
*As of the charts dated August 2, 2025
🥇 BTS - 8 ⬆️
🥈 SEVENTEEN - 7
🥈 TWICE - 7
🥈 ATEEZ - 7
🥉 TOMORROW X TOGETHER - 6
🥉 Stray Kids - 6
ENHYPEN - 5
LE SSERAFIM - 4
NCT 127 - 3
*As of the charts dated August 2, 2025
Very exited to join Infinitize for their 'Ask an Insider' series tonight at 10PM ET!
It's my first time ever doing an interview on @discord.com!
Join here at 10PM ET → discord.gg/infinitize
See you then!
It's my first time ever doing an interview on @discord.com!
Join here at 10PM ET → discord.gg/infinitize
See you then!
July 27, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Very exited to join Infinitize for their 'Ask an Insider' series tonight at 10PM ET!
It's my first time ever doing an interview on @discord.com!
Join here at 10PM ET → discord.gg/infinitize
See you then!
It's my first time ever doing an interview on @discord.com!
Join here at 10PM ET → discord.gg/infinitize
See you then!
Congratulations to #TWICE members #Jeongyeon, #Jihyo and #Chaeyoung for earning their first solo hits on the Billboard
Hot 100 with "Takedown" from #KPopDemonHunters!
As a group, TWICE has two entries on the Hot 100: "The Feels" (No. 83 peak) and "Moonlight Sunrise" (No. 84) @billboard.com
Hot 100 with "Takedown" from #KPopDemonHunters!
As a group, TWICE has two entries on the Hot 100: "The Feels" (No. 83 peak) and "Moonlight Sunrise" (No. 84) @billboard.com
July 15, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Congratulations to #TWICE members #Jeongyeon, #Jihyo and #Chaeyoung for earning their first solo hits on the Billboard
Hot 100 with "Takedown" from #KPopDemonHunters!
As a group, TWICE has two entries on the Hot 100: "The Feels" (No. 83 peak) and "Moonlight Sunrise" (No. 84) @billboard.com
Hot 100 with "Takedown" from #KPopDemonHunters!
As a group, TWICE has two entries on the Hot 100: "The Feels" (No. 83 peak) and "Moonlight Sunrise" (No. 84) @billboard.com
#ATINY!! Tune into Arirang World Radio's 'Good Morning Seoul' now for my upcoming #Kpop segment where we'll preview #ATEEZ's #GOLDENHOUR_Part3, talk ATEEZ's amazing 2025 so far and maybe you'll get some tiny spoilers 🍋
Join in! 🔘 m.arirang.com/radio?lang=en
Join in! 🔘 m.arirang.com/radio?lang=en
June 12, 2025 at 11:16 PM
#ATINY!! Tune into Arirang World Radio's 'Good Morning Seoul' now for my upcoming #Kpop segment where we'll preview #ATEEZ's #GOLDENHOUR_Part3, talk ATEEZ's amazing 2025 so far and maybe you'll get some tiny spoilers 🍋
Join in! 🔘 m.arirang.com/radio?lang=en
Join in! 🔘 m.arirang.com/radio?lang=en
The 2025 #LE_SSERAFIM 'EASY CRAZY HOT' in North America Tour Dates just dropped!
LE SSERAFIM's first North American tour starts at @prucenter.bsky.social in September hitting several U.S. arenas!
"DIFFERENT (English Version)" drops on June 13 ahead of the tour
Ticket onsale starts June 24
Dates:
LE SSERAFIM's first North American tour starts at @prucenter.bsky.social in September hitting several U.S. arenas!
"DIFFERENT (English Version)" drops on June 13 ahead of the tour
Ticket onsale starts June 24
Dates:
June 11, 2025 at 11:54 PM
The 2025 #LE_SSERAFIM 'EASY CRAZY HOT' in North America Tour Dates just dropped!
LE SSERAFIM's first North American tour starts at @prucenter.bsky.social in September hitting several U.S. arenas!
"DIFFERENT (English Version)" drops on June 13 ahead of the tour
Ticket onsale starts June 24
Dates:
LE SSERAFIM's first North American tour starts at @prucenter.bsky.social in September hitting several U.S. arenas!
"DIFFERENT (English Version)" drops on June 13 ahead of the tour
Ticket onsale starts June 24
Dates:
#SEVENTEEN Biggest Sales Weeks in the U.S. So Far
1) FML - 135,000 Units (No. 2 Billboard 200 Peak)
2) SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN - 100,000 (No. 2 Peak)
3) Spill the Feels - 64,000 (No. 5 Peak)
4) 17 Is Right Here - 53,000 (No. 5 Peak)
5) HAPPY BURSTDAY - 48,500 (No. 2 Peak) 🆕
1) FML - 135,000 Units (No. 2 Billboard 200 Peak)
2) SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN - 100,000 (No. 2 Peak)
3) Spill the Feels - 64,000 (No. 5 Peak)
4) 17 Is Right Here - 53,000 (No. 5 Peak)
5) HAPPY BURSTDAY - 48,500 (No. 2 Peak) 🆕
June 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
#SEVENTEEN Biggest Sales Weeks in the U.S. So Far
1) FML - 135,000 Units (No. 2 Billboard 200 Peak)
2) SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN - 100,000 (No. 2 Peak)
3) Spill the Feels - 64,000 (No. 5 Peak)
4) 17 Is Right Here - 53,000 (No. 5 Peak)
5) HAPPY BURSTDAY - 48,500 (No. 2 Peak) 🆕
1) FML - 135,000 Units (No. 2 Billboard 200 Peak)
2) SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN - 100,000 (No. 2 Peak)
3) Spill the Feels - 64,000 (No. 5 Peak)
4) 17 Is Right Here - 53,000 (No. 5 Peak)
5) HAPPY BURSTDAY - 48,500 (No. 2 Peak) 🆕
#SEVENTEEN matches their best ranking on the Billboard 200 as their 10th anniversary album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' debuts at No. 2 with 48,500 total units!
The group hit No. 2 twice in 2023 with 'FML' and 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN'
More at @billboard.com: www.billboard.com/music/chart-...
The group hit No. 2 twice in 2023 with 'FML' and 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN'
More at @billboard.com: www.billboard.com/music/chart-...
June 9, 2025 at 8:10 PM
#SEVENTEEN matches their best ranking on the Billboard 200 as their 10th anniversary album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' debuts at No. 2 with 48,500 total units!
The group hit No. 2 twice in 2023 with 'FML' and 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN'
More at @billboard.com: www.billboard.com/music/chart-...
The group hit No. 2 twice in 2023 with 'FML' and 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN'
More at @billboard.com: www.billboard.com/music/chart-...
A press release on the #ENHYPEN 'DESIRE : UNLEASH' album notes that several of the 'Walk the Line in U.S. and Europe' World Tour dates are SOLD OUT including Chicago, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and the Los Angeles BMO Stadium — which is ENHYPEN's first-ever U.S. stadium show
June 5, 2025 at 10:30 PM
A press release on the #ENHYPEN 'DESIRE : UNLEASH' album notes that several of the 'Walk the Line in U.S. and Europe' World Tour dates are SOLD OUT including Chicago, London, Amsterdam, Brussels, Berlin and the Los Angeles BMO Stadium — which is ENHYPEN's first-ever U.S. stadium show