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Friday, December 26, 2025
Monsta X’s Joohoney quotes Muhammad Ali in upcoming EP
Dec 26, 20252:08 AM
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Monsta X’s Joohoney quotes Muhammad Ali in upcoming EP

Joohoney of Monsta X released a list of songs on his second solo EP, due out on Jan. 5, via his agency Starship Entertainment on Friday. The EP titled “Insanity” will include seven songs, from the prerelease track “Push” -- which was dropped on Monday featuring Rei of Ive -- to the focus track “Sting,” which samples a 1974 audio clip of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and his memorable phrase “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.” Monsta X gave its last performance of 2025 at the iHeartRadio J

These faces define the 'visual standard' for K-pop girl groups
Dec 26, 20253:12 PM

These faces define the 'visual standard' for K-pop girl groups

Three leading visuals of Korea’s fourth-generation girl groups — Jang Won-young of IVE, Karina of aespa and Sullyoon of NMIXX — drew attention at the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon music festival's red carpet, where their contrasting styles and strong star presence sparked buzz among fans and viewers online. The music festival took place at Inspire Arena in Incheon on Dec. 25, bringing together top K-pop acts for one of the industry’s biggest holiday season broadcasts. Ahead of the main program, the red carpet became a focal point as the three idols, often referred to in Korea as a “visual top trio” of their generation, posed for photographers. Jang and Sullyoon appeared in outfits inspired by the Christmas mood, pairing soft colors and festive styling with their signature images. Karina presented a refined look in a classic evening dress, receiving a strong response from fans who praised her graceful styling and charismatic stage persona. On social media, photos and clips from the red carpet circulated quickly, with many users highlighting the “visual chemistry” among the three

MC Mong, Cha Ga-won entangled in escalating One Hundred power struggle
Dec 26, 202512:43 PM

MC Mong, Cha Ga-won entangled in escalating One Hundred power struggle

Singer-producer MC Mong has strongly denied allegations of an extramarital affair with Cha Ga-won, chair of the P_Arc Group and CEO of One Hundred, calling them false claims that surfaced amid an internal management dispute involving Big Planet Made, a music label under the One Hundred umbrella. During a TikTok livestream Wednesday, MC Mong said Big Planet Made was a company he founded and later expanded with outside investment. “After parting ways with the first investor, I met Cha as the secon

[Exclusive] MBC announces ‘Show! Music Core in Macau’ before securing venue, full lineup
Dec 26, 202512:42 PM

[Exclusive] MBC announces ‘Show! Music Core in Macau’ before securing venue, full lineup

MBC announced Wednesday that its flagship music program “Show! Music Core in Macau” will take place on Feb. 7-8, but the national broadcaster has yet to secure a concert venue or finalize the artist lineup, according to an industry source familiar with the matter on Friday. The broadcaster also said that details regarding the venue and participating artists would be announced at a later date. However, multiple industry insiders say event preparations remain incomplete. According to the source, M

KEPA cautions against use of ‘Hallyu ban’ term amid Dream Concert broadcast in China
Dec 26, 20256:24 AM

KEPA cautions against use of ‘Hallyu ban’ term amid Dream Concert broadcast in China

The Korea Entertainment Producer’s Association has urged reporters to refrain from using terms related to the so-called “Hallyu ban,” referring to China’s long-standing restrictions on Korean cultural content, citing Beijing’s sensitivity toward the wording. The request came after KEPA announced Monday that its flagship K-pop event, “Dream Concert,” scheduled to be held at Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong in February, will be broadcast nationwide in China via Hunan Broadcasting System. The announcem

Hwang Minhyun to meet fans in Seoul, Tokyo
Dec 26, 20256:14 AM

Hwang Minhyun to meet fans in Seoul, Tokyo

Hwang Minhyun is planning to meet and greet fans in Seoul and Tokyo, agency Pledis Entertainment announced Thursday. He is set to host six fan meet events, three each in Seoul in February and in Tokyo the following month. The two-city fan meetings will be held under the title “Dohwawon,” or peach blossom paradise, reuniting Hwang and his fandom community, Hwangdo. The singer and actor completed his mandatory military duty as a social service agent and was discharged from the military last week.

Dreamcatcher’s Siyeon to debut in new co-ed band Chrocktikal next month
Dec 26, 20256:02 AM

Dreamcatcher’s Siyeon to debut in new co-ed band Chrocktikal next month

Rock band Chrocktikal is set to debut on Jan. 15, adding another co-ed group to the Korean music scene. Siyeon, the main vocalist of Dreamcatcher, will join the lineup as she embarks on a new artistic journey. The four-member band, consisting of bassist Lee Jun-young, drummer Je Gwan-woo and producer Lee Won-seok as members, is set to make their official debut with its first EP, “We Break, You Awake.” The band’s name combines three words: the sharpness behind the word “Chrome,” the explosive ene

Seventeen tops Billboard’s 2025 K-pop artist list
Dec 26, 20254:23 AM

Seventeen tops Billboard’s 2025 K-pop artist list

Seventeen dominated the 2025 Billboard K-pop Artist 100 published Saturday in the US. Its 13 members took the top 13 spots on the list compiled with Billboard Korea. “The No. 1 spot goes to Seventeen and its 13 members, with consistent performance in the US, global and Korean markets. Seventeen’s decade-long career reached new heights this year, cementing its status as one of the most powerful K-pop groups,” Billboard Korea wrote. The band enjoyed chart success not only as a team with its 12th E

Can NewJeans bounce back after Adore dispute? Insiders weigh in on the group’s uncertain comeback
Dec 26, 20252:32 AM

Can NewJeans bounce back after Adore dispute? Insiders weigh in on the group’s uncertain comeback

NewJeans’ long-running contract dispute with its label Ador — once seen as one of the biggest internal conflicts in K-pop’s recent history — has entered a new phase in 2025, raising questions over whether the group can rebuild its image and resume activities after more than a year of silence. In October, the group lost the first trial in a lawsuit seeking confirmation of contract invalidity, after which all members expressed their intention to return to Ador. Meanwhile, former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin, who had been at the center of the conflict, launched a new agency called OK Records, formally severing ties with the group that had been closely associated with her since their debut. NewJeans has remained inactive since releasing “Supernatural” in June last year, marking a hiatus of about one year and six months. While some critics said the group had become one that “appears on nostalgia programs rather than music shows,” signs of dispute resolution have fueled expectations among fans that the members may eventually return to the stage. Industry officials say attention is now

Love, loss and betrayal in K-pop — from surprise weddings to heartbreaking farewells
Dec 26, 20252:12 AM

Love, loss and betrayal in K-pop — from surprise weddings to heartbreaking farewells

The year 2025 proved to be an emotional whirlwind for the Korean entertainment industry, marked by moments of joy, grief and shock. The industry saw news that ranged from long-awaited marriages to sudden deaths and controversies that stirred intense public reaction. From longtime bachelors finally tying the knot to heartbreaking losses that left fans in mourning, the year’s defining moments underscored how love and loss, celebration and sorrow, continue to coexist in the world of K-pop. The year also marked the return of major stars, a wave of wedding announcements and a series of incidents that sparked debate across entertainment circles and social media, reflecting just how closely the public follows the personal lives of its favorite artists. BTS members return from military service All members of BTS completed their mandatory military service in June, officially ending the group’s long “hiatus.” Jin completed his service in June last year, followed by J-Hope in October. RM and V were discharged on June 10, with Jimin and Jung Kook finishing the following day. Suga, who serve

Aespa’s Winter hides alleged couple tattoo amid BTS Jung Kook dating rumors
Dec 26, 20251:37 AM

Aespa’s Winter hides alleged couple tattoo amid BTS Jung Kook dating rumors

Winter of aespa drew attention at a major end-of-year K-pop event after appearing on the red carpet with her arm tattoo seemingly concealed with makeup. The tattoo had previously fueled dating rumors involving BTS member Jung Kook. The moment sparked online debate, as fans speculated whether the singer had intentionally covered what many believe to be a matching couple tattoo. Winter attended the 2025 SBS Gayo Daejeon at Inspire Arena in Incheon, where the show reflected on the past year of K-pop under the theme “Golden Loop.” The annual program, hosted by IVE’s Ahn Yu-jin, DAY6’s Young K and NCT’s Jaemin, featured more than thirty performing teams from major fourth-generation groups, highlighting the scale and competitiveness of Korea’s idol music industry for viewers around the world. On the red carpet, Winter wore a light blue-gray dress that exposed her shoulders and arms, drawing attention to the area where fans had previously spotted a small dog-shaped tattoo. In photos from the event, however, the marking appeared to be almost fully concealed, as if covered by makeup

Dec 26, 202511:33 AM

fromis_9 Takes 1st Win For “White Memories” On “Music Bank”

fromis_9 has won their first music show trophy for their new winter single “White Memories”! KBS 2TV’s “Music Bank” did not air a new episode on December 26, but the music show still announced this week’s winner on its official website. fromis_9 took the win with a total of 4,875 points on the Music Bank… The post appeared first on .

Dec 26, 202510:41 AM

MADEIN’s Agency Announces Suspension Of Yeseo And Suhye’s Group Activities

MADEIN’s agency has released an official statement regarding Yeseo and Suhye’s future activities. On December 26, 143 Entertainment announced that Yeseo and Suhye have currently suspended their activities as members of MADEIN. As a result, the group will continue promotions for the time being as a four-member team consisting of Mashiro, MiU, Serina, and Nagomi.… The post appeared first on .

Dec 26, 20257:29 AM

3 Reasons Why Lee Junho’s “Cashero” Is A Must-Watch Superhero Series

Netflix series “Cashero” has revealed its key points to watch ahead of its release today! Based on the webtoon of the same name, “Cashero” is a superhero series that follows ordinary civil worker Kang Sang Ung (Lee Junho), who gains the special ability to gain as much strength as the cash he holds—with the money… The post appeared first on .

Dec 26, 20253:37 AM

Dasom Is A Chic Hotelier With Open View On Love In New Drama “Positively Yours”

Channel A’s upcoming drama “Positively Yours” has unveiled new stills of Dasom! Based on a popular webtoon, “Positively Yours” is a romantic comedy that follows the unexpected consequences of a one-night stand between a man and a woman who have both sworn off marriage. Dasom portrays Hwang Mi Ran, a manager at Taehan Hotel who… The post appeared first on .

Dec 26, 20251:45 AM

Sooyoung And Kim Jae Yeong Dish On What They Liked About One Another While Filming New Drama “IDOL I”

ENA’s new drama “IDOL I” has unveiled a romance-focused poster! “IDOL I” is a mystery courtroom romance drama starring Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung as Maeng Se Na, a star lawyer and devoted fan who takes on the case of her favorite idol Do Ra Ik (Kim Jae Yeong) after he is accused of murder. Spoilers The… The post appeared first on .

Dec 26, 202512:19 AM

2PM’s Lee Junho Must Choose Between Saving Money And Saving The World In “Cashero”

Netflix’s upcoming drama “Cashero” has shared a new sneak peek of 2PM’s Lee Junho in his starring role! “Cashero” is a superhero series starring Lee Junho as Kang Sang Ung, an ordinary civil worker who earns the special ability to to gain superhuman strength relative to the amount of cash he has on hand—forcing him… The post appeared first on .