K-WAVE - Jan 13, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Former NewJeans member Danielle addressed fans in an emotional January 12 livestream but avoided discussing details of ADOR's 43.1 billion won lawsuit against her, instead focusing on her continued love for the group and promising this is "not the end."
K-WAVE - Jan 12, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
ALPHA DRIVE ONE, the most fan-voted Mnet group in history with 26.6 million votes from Boys II Planet, officially debuted on January 12, 2026, with mini-album "EUPHORIA" and title track "FREAK ALARM." The eight-member group held their debut showcase in Seoul despite member Arno's injury, following pre-debut performances at the 2025 MAMA Awards and Melon Music Awards.
K-WAVE - Jan 12, 2026 AM EST - Hannah
Former NewJeans member Danielle broke her silence in an emotional January 12 livestream, telling fans she "fought till the end" to stay with the group after ADOR terminated her contract on December 29. The 20-year-old faces a $29.7 million lawsuit from ADOR while the other four NewJeans members return to the agency following an October 2025 court ruling.
Trending News - Jan 12, 2026 AM EST - Hannah
Legendary composer Hans Zimmer criticized the 2026 Golden Globes for excluding the Best Original Score category from their live broadcast while televising a new box office achievement award, calling the decision "ignorant" as Ludwig Göransson's win for "Sinners" went unseen by viewers during a commercial break.
K-WAVE - Jan 12, 2026 AM EST - Hannah
K-pop legend BoA has officially parted ways with SM Entertainment after 25 years, ending their exclusive contract on December 31, 2025, as announced January 12. The 38-year-old "Star of Asia," who debuted at 13 and became the first Korean artist to top Japan's Oricon chart, stated she leaves "without regrets" after releasing her 11th album "Crazier" in 2025.
K-WAVE - Jan 12, 2026 AM EST - Hannah
Netflix's KPop Demon Hunters won two Golden Globes at the 2026 ceremony on January 11, claiming Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song for "Golden," with Korean-Canadian director Maggie Kang and songwriter EJAE delivering emotional speeches about cultural representation and overcoming rejection. The record-breaking film, which became Netflix's most-watched original with 325 million views, saw "Golden" spend eight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 as the first female K-pop song to reach No. 1.
K-WAVE - Jan 10, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Dreamcatcher's Siyeon debuts with co-ed rock band ChRocktikal on January 15, 2026, releasing their full-length album "We Break, You Awake" featuring title track "Peace" and 11 additional songs. The four-member band includes session guitarist Lee Won Seok, former IZ bassist Lee Jun Young, and drummer Je Gwan Woo, with both Siyeon and Won Seok serving as producers on all tracks.
K-WAVE - Jan 10, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
SBS's "Veiled Cup" premieres January 11, 2026, featuring top vocal representatives from nine Asian countries—Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Laos—competing in a voice-only format where identities remain hidden behind veils. Judges including Tiffany Young, Ailee, Henry, and (G)I-DLE's Miyeon will determine Asia's best vocalist, with winners receiving an Asia tour, SBS Inkigayo appearances, and Korean drama OST opportunities.
K-WAVE - Jan 10, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Stray Kids, G-Dragon, and Jennie claimed the grand prizes at the 40th Golden Disc Awards held January 10, 2026 in Taipei, with Stray Kids winning Album of the Year for KARMA, G-Dragon taking Song of the Year for "HOME SWEET HOME," and Jennie receiving the newly created Artist of the Year award. The historic ceremony marked the first time three Daesang (grand prizes) were awarded, with Jennie collecting three total trophies and Stray Kids achieving their first grand prize seven years after their debut.
K-WAVE - Jan 08, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
ENHYPEN revealed "Knife" as the title track for their seventh mini album THE SIN : VANISH, releasing January 16, 2026, featuring hip-hop production and lyrics by Dynamic Duo's Gaeko. The comeback completes a four-chapter visual storyline exploring forbidden vampire love through an immersive concept album format.
K-WAVE - Jan 08, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
WAKER member Saebyeol will make his acting debut as the male lead in "Love Class 3," the first Korean BL drama to reach a third season, just two years after debuting with the K-pop group. The fifth-generation idol will star opposite GHOST9's Lee Woojin in the 2026 drama focusing on aspiring K-pop idols, set for global release in the first half of the year.
K-WAVE - Jan 08, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Lee Hae-in, the creative director behind KISS OF LIFE, has established entertainment company AMA with former Warner Music Korea executive Kim Jay as CEO, marking her transition from survival show contestant to K-pop industry founder. The company will continue producing boy group Close Your Eyes while developing new artists through strategic partnerships with SLL and Uncore.
K-WAVE - Jan 06, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
RIIZE became the only K-pop group at Samsung's CES 2026 "The First Look" event in Las Vegas on January 4, where their hit songs "Boom Boom Bass" and "Fly Up" were featured during AI product demonstrations and throughout Samsung's 4,600-square-foot exhibition space. As Samsung's global brand ambassadors since May 2025, the six-member SM Entertainment group is bridging K-pop culture and technology innovation for international audiences.
Trending News - Jan 06, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Netflix dominated the 2026 Critics Choice Awards as Squid Game made history winning Best Foreign Language Series for all three seasons, while animated film K-Pop Demon Hunters secured dual wins for Best Animated Feature and Best Song with "Golden."
K-WAVE - Jan 06, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Teen Top's Changjo publicly confirmed his relationship with rapper-turned-beauty entrepreneur Kasper on January 5, 2025, marking his first dating announcement in his 16-year career. The 29-year-old idol credited his partner with providing emotional support that helps him focus on music and performances.
Jan 21, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
K-PEOPLE - Dec 31, 1969 PM EST - Hannah
K-WAVE - Dec 31, 1969 PM EST - Hannah
K-WAVE - Dec 31, 1969 PM EST - Hannah
K-WAVE - Dec 31, 1969 PM EST - Hannah
