K-WAVE - Jan 05, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
BTS announces their fifth studio album featuring 14 tracks, releasing March 20, 2026, marking their first full group comeback since 2020's "Map of the Soul: 7" after completing military service. The K-pop superstars will embark on a global world tour following the album release, with tour dates set to be revealed January 14, 2026.
K-PEOPLE - Jan 05, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Ahn Sung-ki, South Korea's beloved "Nation's Actor" and cinema legend, died January 5, 2026, at age 74 after battling blood cancer, leaving behind a record-breaking six-decade career with five Grand Bell Awards and approximately 140 films. The Korean entertainment industry mourns the loss of the iconic actor, who collapsed from a choking incident on December 30 and never regained consciousness, with a Film Industry Funeral scheduled for January 9 featuring pallbearers Lee Jung-jae, Jung Woo-sung, and Lee Byung-hun.
Trending News - Jan 05, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
James Cameron's "Avatar: Fire and Ash" maintained first place at the Korean box office with 5.36 million total admissions on January 3, while Disney's "Zootopia 2" achieved a historic milestone by surpassing 8 million viewers in South Korea. The animated sequel finished 2025 as Korea's top-grossing film with $51.26 million despite slipping to third place behind romantic drama "Once We Were Us."
K-WAVE - Jan 05, 2026 AM EST - Hannah
Modhaus boy group IDNTT expanded to 15 members on January 5, 2026, with the debut of second unit yesweare featuring eight new members including leader Lee Cheongmyeong and Japanese member Towa, releasing title track "Pretty Boy Swag" with an ambitious goal to double their first-week sales of 336,152 copies. The mega-group continues its gradual rollout toward a final 24-member lineup, with third unit itsnotover expected to debut later in 2026.
K-WAVE - Jan 02, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Former BIGBANG rapper T.O.P announced his first solo album in 13 years on January 1, 2026, titled "TOP SPOT - ANOTHER DIMENSION," marking his return to music after leaving the group in 2023 following a marijuana conviction. The comeback coincides with BIGBANG's 20th anniversary, though T.O.P has ruled out rejoining the group and hasn't contacted his former bandmates since his departure.
K-WAVE - Jan 02, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Former Wanna One member Ha Sungwoon releases his new digital single "Tell The World" on January 5, 2026, marking his first solo comeback in 18 months since the July 2024 mini-album "Blessed." Big Planet Made Entertainment dropped dramatic teaser photos on January 2, showcasing an edgy new concept ahead of the 6 PM KST release on major streaming platforms.
K-WAVE - Jan 02, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
BTS confirms March 20, 2026 comeback with their first album in nearly four years following military service, while EXO released "REVERXE" on January 19 and Wanna One announced a 2026 reality show reunion. The convergence of these three major third-generation K-pop acts marks an unprecedented year for the genre with highly anticipated releases and reunions.
Tech - Jan 02, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Netflix's three-part documentary 'Save The Game' chronicles South Korea's transformation from having no gaming industry in the 1980s to becoming a global esports powerhouse, featuring interviews with first-generation developers, industry pioneers, and professional gamers. Directed by Park Yoonjin and supported by Nexon Foundation, the series premiered December 29 after selling out screenings at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival.
K-WAVE - Jan 01, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Former LOONA member CHUU revealed a dramatic blonde hair and glasses transformation in new teasers for her first full album "XO, My Cyberlove," set to release January 7, 2026. The album explores digital-age love through nine tracks, with concept teasers featuring AI-human dialogue about emotional connection in virtual spaces.
K-WAVE - Jan 01, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
EXO's Baekhyun launches three sold-out encore concerts at Seoul's KSPO Dome (January 2-4, 2026), concluding his 37-show "Reverie" world tour that began in June 2025. The final January 4 show streams live on Muniverse, following the tour's success across 28 cities worldwide.
K-WAVE - Jan 01, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
RIIZE opens 2026 with ambitious goals following standout year-end performances at the Melon Music Awards, as the SM Entertainment group prepares for their historic Tokyo Dome debut in February and world tour finale in Seoul this March. The six members shared their reflections on 2025's breakthrough year and revealed excitement for upcoming milestones including their Japanese single "All of You" and record-breaking concert schedule.
K-WAVE - Jan 01, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
Rookie K-pop girl group KIIRAS made history as the first K-pop act to headline Malaysia's Sunway Velocity New Year's Eve Countdown on December 31, performing for 3,000 fans in Kuala Lumpur. The milestone performance featured leader Lingling, Malaysia's first female K-pop idol, marking a significant achievement just seven months after the group's May 2025 debut.
K-PEOPLE - Jan 01, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
BTS V becomes the first international artist honored at France's Palace of Versailles after fans adopted a permanent stone bench in the Trianon gardens for his 30th birthday through the palace's official heritage program.
K-WAVE - Jan 01, 2026 PM EST - Hannah
BTS deleted all posts from their official Instagram account on January 1, 2026, hours after confirming their March 20 comeback—their first full-group album in nearly four years. The surprise social media wipe, combined with handwritten letters sent to fans revealing the date, has intensified anticipation for the group's return following military service.
K-WAVE - Dec 30, 2025 PM EST - Hannah
Korean hip-hop producer ZICO won Best Producer at the 2025 Melon Music Awards for his work on JENNIE's chart-topping "Like JENNIE" and guiding BOYNEXTDOOR to triple million-seller status with three consecutive albums exceeding one million sales. The KOZ Entertainment founder expanded his influence through Japanese collaborations including "DUET" with YOASOBI's Lilas and will appear as a producer on Show Me the Money 12 premiering January 2026.
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
