K-CUP is a free browser-based game where you pick your favorite among 32 K-pop idols via single-elimination bracket. Supports Korean, English, and Chinese.

Are these real idol photos?

Yes. All photos come from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons or public-domain licences. Attribution is on the credits page.

Do ads appear on the site?

Yes, Google AdSense ads may appear to cover operating costs. AdSense may use cookies for personalized advertising.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is K-CUP affiliated with K-pop companies?

No. K-CUP has no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement relationship with any entertainment company, agency, artist, or official fandom.

Common questions about K-CUP.

Q. What is K-CUP?

A. K-CUP is a free browser-based game in the "ideal type tournament" format: 32 K-pop idols compete in a single-elimination bracket where you pick the winner of each 1v1 matchup, until one champion remains.

Q. Do I need to sign up?

A. No. There is no registration, login, or payment. Just go to the home page and start playing.

Q. Are the photos actual idols?

A. Yes. All photos come from Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons (CC BY / CC BY-SA) or public-domain licences. Attribution required by these licences is consolidated on the credits page.

Q. Is this an official site of BTS / BLACKPINK / NewJeans etc.?

A. No. K-CUP has no affiliation, sponsorship, or endorsement relationship with any entertainment company, agency, artist, or official fandom. Idol names appear only for identification.

Q. How is the 32-person roster chosen?

A. Operator's choice. Members are selected to be currently active and broadly recognized across Korean, English-speaking, and Chinese-speaking fandoms, 1–4 per group. Legacy 1st/2nd-generation groups may be added in a future expansion. See the generations primer for context.

Q. Are there ads?

A. Yes — Google AdSense ads may appear to cover hosting costs. AdSense may use cookies for personalized advertising; opt-out details are in the privacy policy.

Q. Where are my game results stored?

A. Only in your browser's memory. They disappear on page close or refresh and are never transmitted to our servers.

Q. Does it work on mobile?

A. Yes. The layout is responsive: side-by-side on desktop, stacked on mobile. Tested on iOS Safari and Android Chrome.

Q. A photo is wrong or I want it removed.

A. Email chohw510@gmail.com. Even though the photos are CC-licensed, if you are the subject of a photo and want it removed, we will replace it promptly.

Q. Can I share my result?

A. Currently only via screenshot. Native share buttons (Twitter/X, Instagram, KakaoTalk) are on the roadmap.

Q. Can I suggest a new group or member?

A. Yes — email chohw510@gmail.com with the group, member, and why. Suggestions with available CC-licensed photos are prioritized.

Question not answered? Drop us an email.

chohw510@gmail.com