Billboard Korea's highly anticipated inaugural issue, initially set for release in June, has yet to hit the stands, leading to speculation that the launch may have been delayed until August. Despite assurances from CEO and publisher Kim Yuna during a press conference in April that the release of the inaugural issue would mark the official launch of Billboard Korea, there has been no sign of the magazine. The company has not made any official announcement regarding the delay, and its social media updates have been limited to news about K-pop musicians' releases. The delay has raised concerns, particularly given the history of previous failed attempts by Billboard Korea. The 2009 launch ended in 2014 due to embezzlement charges against the CEO, and a 2017 partnership-based venture also quietly ceased operations. Despite efforts to assure the public that the new venture would be different and under the direct control of Billboard headquarters, the failure to launch the first issue as scheduled has only increased skepticism and uncertainty. Billboard Korea's President Mike Van had previously visited Seoul to build confidence in the new venture, signing agreements with major Korean companies. However, the current delay and lack of communication from the company have cast doubt on the success of this latest endeavor.