[Kang Il-hong's Today Entertainment] Following BTS, HYBE, YG, JYP, and SM Also Boycott the Grammys

Jang Hanbyul 'Miya' Chart Frenzy...Melon Adult Contemporary Chart No. 2, HOT100 No. 3Friday, October 16, Grammy/ Jang Hanbyul/ A2O/ Lee Jae/ Assassins[THE FACT|Reporter Kang Il-hong] K-pop, which symbolizes Korea, has become a huge wave leading the global music market. The influence of the global music industry is immense. Now, K-pop has rebelled against the Grammy Awards, the world's most prestigious music awards ceremony.According to "The Grammy Guru," a specialized analysis site for the Grammy Awards, on the 15th, it was reported that YG, JYP, and SM, along with HYBE led by BTS, did not submit entries for the newly established "Best Asian Pop Music Performance" category at the 2027 Grammy Awards.This is not simply a non-participation. K-pop, which stands at the center of the global music market, has raised fundamental questions about the Grammy's classification methods and evaluation criteria. What is at the heart of the controversy?The Grammy Awards have grouped Asian pop into a separate category. On the surface, this can be seen as a measure to highlight Asian music and expand award opportunities. However, is it truly a fair evaluation to group Korea, Japan, China, and other countries with different music industries and cultural contexts into one regional category?The more fundamental problem lies here. While English-language pop and Western music are recognized as universal popular music, what if Asian music is evaluated in a separate regional category? This could become an institutional barrier that places Asian music on the periphery, rather than expanding diversity.Of course, the establishment of a new category itself is not evidence of discrimination. What matters is whether the category broadens opportunities to enter existing major categories or confines Asian music to a separate category.Given that controversies have arisen in the past regarding whether the Grammy Awards have sufficiently recognized non-Western artists and musically successful works, this move requires even stricter scrutiny.The meaning of this boycott is also clear. K-pop is no longer a peripheral music waiting for recognition from Western awards ceremonies. Rather, it is questioning the very standards of evaluation based on its global influence.If the Grammy Awards are to truly respect the diversity of global music, they should not stop at classifying Asian music separately. They must fairly evaluate the achievements of the music itself and ensure equal opportunities in existing major categories.The authority of global music comes not from who gives the awards, but from how fairly they are evaluated. K-pop's boycott is posing that very question to the Grammy Awards.Jang Hanbyul's digital single 'Miya,' released on the 12th, ranked second on the Melon Adult Contemporary Chart. Previously, it ranked third on the Melon HOT100 chart immediately after its release, and it has proven its digital music competitiveness by maintaining top positions on genre charts for two consecutive days. /Trot Tier, Leon WorksFrom Music Charts to Sold-Out Concerts...Anticipation for First Solo Concert RisesWith its presence on music charts and passionate interest leading to concert venues, singer Jang Hanbyul is creating a sensation with the new song 'Miya' by climbing to the top of the charts. Let's take a look at Jang Hanbyul's new leap forward.Jang Hanbyul's digital single 'Miya,' released on the 12th, ranked second on the Melon Adult Contemporary Chart. Previously, it ranked third on the Melon HOT100 chart immediately after its release, and it has proven its digital music competitiveness by maintaining top positions on genre charts for two consecutive days.What is particularly noteworthy is the significance of the chart performance. The Melon Adult Contemporary genre chart reflects 40% streaming and 60% downloads. This is even more eye-catching as it indicates active participation from fans, extending beyond simple playback counts to actual music purchases.So, what is the charm of 'Miya'? 'Miya' is an emotional ballad that captures the longing and well wishes for someone who is leaving, and the hope that they will be happy wherever they are. Jang Hanbyul expresses the poignant emotion of wishing for the other person's happiness rather than wanting them to return, with her unique delicate and deep voice.The classic accompaniment that blends with the autumn mood, combined with the soul-stirring vocals, is captivating the hearts of listeners.These digital music results are an important indicator of Jang Hanbyul's current status. Not only did she achieve third place on the HOT100 and second place on the Adult Contemporary Chart upon the release of her new song, but fan interest also extended to sold-out concert tickets.Jang Hanbyul's first solo concert 'THE STAR IS BORN,' scheduled for October 31st and November 1st at the Daehan Hall of Sejong University in Seoul, was sold out for all performances immediately upon ticket sales opening.The fact that the interest shown on the music charts has translated into actual concert attendance makes this concert particularly meaningful for Jang Hanbyul. In particular, the live performance of the new song 'Miya' is scheduled to be unveiled for the first time, further heightening fans' anticipation.With both chart success and sold-out concerts, Jang Hanbyul, who has demonstrated her competitiveness as a digital music artist through 'Miya,' is drawing attention for the stage and emotions she will deliver at her first solo concert.Will the sensation that started on the charts resonate in concert halls? Attention is focused on singer Jang Hanbyul's new stage and future endeavors.A2O Soul&Light, Topping Korean and Chinese Charts, Signaling a New Wave of K-PopThe A2O project, led by executive producer Lee Soo-man, has emerged as a new variable in the K-pop market by topping both Korean and Chinese music charts upon its debut. The protagonists are A2O Entertainment's first idol groups, the boy group A2O Soul and the girl group A2O Light."Superstar" by A2O Soul and "Neon" by A2O Light, released on the 13th, showed strong performance on domestic and international music charts immediately after their release. In particular, "Neon" ignited initial success by reaching No. 1 on Melon Top 100 approximately 29 hours after its release.They also demonstrated potential in the global market by achieving success on China's QQ Music, as well as Korea's Apple Music and Italy and Malaysia's iTunes charts. So, what is the competitiveness of the A2O project?First is musical differentiation. A2O Soul pursues a blend of sensual retro and modern pop with a new synthwave sound, while A2O Light aims for differentiation with "Zalpha Pop," which combines the sensibilities of Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This is complemented by visually appealing music videos and performances, targeting the tastes of the younger generation accustomed to audiovisual content.Another aspect to note is the production strategy. By simultaneously launching male and female groups, the project has expanded its scope, and renowned K-pop producer Yoo Young-jin has participated in music and performance production to enhance its quality.Above all, the symbolic return of producer Lee Soo-man cannot be overlooked. There is keen interest in whether his past experience in leading K-pop idol systems and global expansion strategies can lead to A2O's unique new production model.Of course, it is difficult to predict long-term success based solely on initial chart performance. Maintaining musical identity consistently, building a fandom, and achieving sustained success in overseas markets, including China, will be key in the future.Can A2O Soul and A2O Light go beyond their initial debut success and create a new wave in K-pop? Attention is focused on the achievements of Lee Soo-man's new production project in the global music market.Singer Lee Jae, who gained global attention for the OST 'Golden' from the Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' is set to marry in November. Not only have her affectionate moments with her fiancé resurfaced, but Lee Jae's extraordinary family relationships are also becoming a topic of conversation again. /Lee Jae's SNSTurns Out She's Royalty...Her Mother is a Vice Chairman of a CorporationSinger Lee Jae, who gained global attention for the OST 'Golden' from the Netflix animated film 'K-pop Demon Hunters,' appeared at an official event ahead of her wedding in November.However, not only her affectionate moments with her fiancé but also Lee Jae's extraordinary family relationships are becoming a topic of conversation again. Lee Jae attended the 16th Beautiful Artist Awards ceremony held at Stage28 in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on the 15th.On this day, Lee Jae appeared alongside her fiancé, Korean-American music producer Sam Kim. Lee Jae, exuding an elegant atmosphere in a black long dress and ponytail, and Sam Kim, dressed in a navy suit, walked hand in hand, smiling at each other.The two are scheduled to tie the knot on November 7th. They first met in 2017 while working on music composition, and their relationship developed from a musical connection into a romantic one.Along with this, Lee Jae's illustrious family history is also drawing attention. Lee Jae's maternal grandfather is Shin Young-kyun, a veteran actor representing the Korean film industry. Her mother, Shin Hye-jin, is known as the Vice Chairman and CEO of Seyoung Enterprises.Notably, the awards ceremony was particularly meaningful as it was hosted by the Shin Young-kyun Arts&Culture Foundation, established by her maternal grandfather, Shin Young-kyun. Her maternal grandfather, mother, and fiancé were all present at the event, drawing attention.Lee Jae has previously expressed her affection for her maternal grandfather on television. She later honed her musical talents as a songwriter and singer after undergoing training as an SM Entertainment trainee, and rose to global stardom by participating in the writing, composing, and singing of 'Golden' from 'K-pop Demon Hunters.'Singer Lee Jae, who made a name for herself with a global hit song, is about to embark on a new chapter in her life with her wedding in November, and public interest continues to focus on her musical achievements and family story.Protective Custody Lifted...Currently Surpassing 3.08 Million, Will It Break the 4 Million Mark?It has been reported that the police protective custody for Yoo Hae-jin, the lead actor in the movie 'The Assassins,' has been lifted. While the movie remains No. 1 at the box office, the pace of audience acquisition has slowed, making it uncertain whether it will surpass 4 million viewers.First, regarding the lifting of Yoo Hae-jin's protective custody. On the 15th, at a parliamentary audit of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee, Seoul Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ko Beom-seok stated that protective measures for Yoo Hae-jin were terminated at his direct request.Previously, on the 6th, the Seoul Seongbuk Police Station had provided Yoo Hae-jin with a smartwatch, registered him in the 112 emergency reporting system, and strengthened patrols around his residence at the request of his agency.This was due to concerns about personal threats, including protest rallies held in front of Yoo Hae-jin's home amidst controversies surrounding the movie 'The Assassins,' and threatening remarks made online.However, the parliamentary audit also raised the issue of whether protective measures for a famous actor were prioritized over ordinary citizens. In response, the police explained that they did not provide special treatment due to his status as an actor, but rather implemented safety measures after deliberation based on the agency's request.The movie 'The Assassins,' which has continued its box office success partly due to the controversy, is still maintaining its No. 1 position at the box office, but the pace of audience increase has somewhat slowed.As of 7 a.m. on the 15th, the cumulative audience count was 3,085,649. While it has surpassed 3 million viewers, attention is focused on whether it can maintain its box office momentum, but the possibility of surpassing the initially anticipated 4 million viewers is currently uncertain.How much the rate of audience decline can be reduced and whether it can continue to attract audience interest amidst controversy will be important factors for its box office success. With the lifting of Yoo Hae-jin's protective custody and the changing box office trend of the movie, there is much anticipation for the performance 'The Assassins' will achieve in the remaining period.eel@tf.co.kr