Music Elixir
Eavesdrop on a conversation between two friends about their favorite Asian artists and music and how music is their tonic of life.
Music Elixir
Inside The K‑Pop And J‑Pop News Cycle: Contracts, Controversies, And Comebacks
Missed the end‑of‑year whirlwind across K‑pop and J‑pop? We’re back with a clear, no‑fluff breakdown of what happened—and what it means next. We start with a reset after the holiday pause, then hit the biggest swings: ONEUS exiting RBW while keeping the group alive, the ongoing NewJeans contract saga and how legal wins don’t instantly fix trust, and Japan’s shifting ground as ORβIT and HICO change agencies while BUGVEL steps away on their own terms.
We also unpack BMSG’s shockwave: SKY‑HI’s public apology after reports of inviting an underage female idol home late at night. He says no laws were broken; cancellations still followed. It’s a blueprint moment for governance in idol culture—clear boundaries, neutral meeting spaces, and leadership that models the rules it sets. On the performance front, STARTO’s Start To Move Countdown drew enough criticism that the company issued a rare statement condemning slander and false speculation. Live shows are imperfect by nature; attacking artists as people isn’t critique, it’s corrosion. WEST offered a brighter counterpoint with their own countdown chaos—karaoke duels, drag covers, and a dance‑floor set—proving you can build tradition outside the main stage and still give a thrill.
Looking ahead, Stray Kids laid out a packed 2026: new album, tour, fan meetings, and major festival slots that hint at bigger Western stages. BTS quietly circled March 20 for their next album, setting off the customary ticket watch and reminding everyone to ignore fake “leaks” until official announcements land.
Through it all runs a single thread: autonomy with accountability. Artists want control; fans want clarity; labels need guardrails. When those align, the music wins.
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