Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
As they tour U.S. stadiums this summer, the eight-member K-pop superstar group Stray Kids talk about what goes into their intense live concerts, their inventive music, and more. This is my latest exclusive interview for Rolling Stone.
Ahead of his upcoming headlining tour this fall – which will kick off in Chicago – alternative rocker Gunnar is promoting his new album, “Sun Faded.” Full of contemplative lyrics set to taut, guitar-based melodies, the Los Angeles-based artist reveals his fears and hopes on songs just as “Upside Down.” “I’m really proud of this record,” the 24-year-old musician said. “I feel like it’s a perfect representation of who I am today and the things I’ve gotten through to get to this point.”
j-hope’s appearance on HOME ALONE gave insight into his role as a worldwide pop star. But it was the tender moments with his sister that were the most precious to me. They gave viewers an understanding of who he is: a man whose career is secondary to his family.
By Jae-Ha Kim Substack May 28, 2025 ☆☆☆ (out of ☆☆☆☆) Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja) Ko Nak-joon (played by Son Suk-ku) ↑Note: Korean names denote the surname followed by the given name. tl;dr Capsule review: […]
“Broadway has a long legacy connected to so many generations of groundbreaking talent,” said “Just in Time” choreographer Shannon Lewis. “New musicals are born on Broadway that have influence around the world. Also, the talents involved at every level are literally the best of the best. I have a 30-year career that spans from performing, to now choreographing, these special shows. I’m so honored to be a part of the history and the future.”
Growing up as the daughter of the late Bill Kimpton – the founder of the Kimpton Hotels – Marcia Kimpton was accustomed to staying in some of the world’s nicest hotels. But the filmmaker and author also remembered staying in youth hostels, just like other twentysomething adventurers looking for ways to save money.
After making their official debut on April 22 with their infectiously catchy single, “Tea,” VVS is back with their eight-track EP D.I.M.M. — which stands for Diamonds in My Mouth. Besides “Tea,” the album — which is a mesh of pop, hip-hop and R&B — includes “Fact$” and “Touch It.”
“I studied for a semester at the Moscow Art Theatre School,” said “Found” actress Gabrielle Walsh. “The Kremlin, Red Square and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg were wonders to behold. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had taken a class in Russian language before traveling there, but dropped it [out of] fear of lowering my GPA. But it did put me a step ahead, being able to read and decipher the language.”
Former members of the K-pop girl group Fifty Fifty (“Cupid”) reinvent themselves in their new group, ablume. Of leaving the group that made them famous, group leader SAENA told me, “I truly believe it was an act of courage for us.”
“I’m still scared sometimes, and there’s so much I’m still learning. But one thing I know for sure is that I feel freer and stronger than ever. For the first time, I’m not hiding. I’m finally moving toward what I really want — not what I think people expect from me.” —BAIN
Singer, cellist and beatboxer Kevin Olusola is famous for being one-fifth of the three-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix. But this May, he makes his debut as a solo artist with his album “Dawn of a Misfit.”
Epik High frontman, Tablo, talks about working with RM on “Stop the Rain,” which features highly personal lyrics from both artists: “I didn’t want him to be harmed in any way.” My latest exclusive feature for Rolling Stone.
No one tops South Korean creatives when it comes to telling high school-centered bullying stories. In the sequel to 2022’s “Weak Hero Class 1,” our protagonist Si-eun (Park Ji-hoon) wants nothing more than to be left alone and study.
“I feel Mexico has everything you could ask for,” said “Real Women Have Curves” co-star Florencia Cuenca. “And my personal favorite vacation includes a beach. There’s nothing like the motherland. I’m always longing to visit my family and friends, and eat delicious food. Because of my Broadway commitment right now, I don’t think we are going to be able to make that trip anytime soon. I am crossing my fingers that we’ll have a long and fun run!”
In Hangul, yadang/야당 refers to an informant (or a snitch). Since opening in South Korean movie theaters on April 16 in the No. 1 spot, “Yadang: The Snitch” remains in the top position, thanks to a thrilling plot and a cast of stars that includes Kang Ha-neul (“Forgotten,” “Squid Game 2”) and Park Hae-joon (“When Life Gives You Tangerines,” “My Mister”).
Leading up to the release of their infectiously catchy single, “Tea,” VVS released a series of enigmatic videos under “The 5 C’s” umbrella. The cinematic shorts presented the members as kickass warriors armed with swords, guns and roundhouse kicks – all of which was choreographed by “John Wick” stunt director Koji Kawamoto.
For musician Uwade, traveling around Norway with her two best friends was a bucket-list trip come true. “We got to see the Northern Lights, go snowmobiling and meet some very cute reindeer,” said the 25-year-old Palo Alto-based singer. “It was the middle of winter, so there was snow everywhere and basically no sunlight. It was wild and disorienting, but so beautiful.”
“Last year, my family and I took the train from Raleigh, North Carolina, to Whitefish, Montana, to visit Glacier National Park,” said The dB’s Peter Holsapple. “It was long-winded, but fantastic. We engaged a guide to take us around on Christmas Eve [during the day] who knew the park intimately. So we got backstories on everything. I would highly recommend getting sleeping accommodations on the train, though, for those two-day trips.”
“It’s not just about BTS’s music,” said Indian-British actor Taz Singh. “It’s deeper than that. They stand for values like self love, and they’re very real and vulnerable. I feel that is why so many people can relate and connect to them so well.”
John Ondrasik – better known as Five for Fighting – has been touring for decades. But rather than being jaded by life on the road, he said he considers it a perk that has yet to grow old. “One of the beautiful things about being in a touring band is seeing all aspects of America,” said the California native. “My favorites are the small towns between the big cities.”