September saw major K-pop events: NewJeans protests, Honda Hitomi's re-debut, and SEVENTEEN's member enlistment.
October/6/2024 15:51
In September, various events occurred, from NewJeans' emergency live broadcast, SEVENTEEN member's enlistment, to Honda Hitomi's re-debut. What was the most read article on Kstyle? "September Article Ranking" reflects on the Korean entertainment world. [1st Place] NewJeans protests HYBE during emergency live stream. Photo=NewJeans live stream capture #September 11, 2024. They demanded the return of former representative Min Hee-jin. NewJeans held an emergency live stream through their newly opened YouTube channel to protest HYBE. They stated, "What we seek is for Min Hee-jin to exist as the representative, with management and production integrated as the original ADOR," and demanded a return to the original ADOR by September 25. However, on the 25th, ADOR announced that Min Hee-jin's return to her position was impossible and proposed that they take charge of producing NewJeans for the next five years. Min Hee-jin rejected this proposal, and the conflict continues. [Related Articles] NewJeans protests HYBE during emergency live stream "We want to return to the original ADOR" [Related Articles] ADOR rejects NewJeans' demands "Min Hee-jin's return to her position is impossible" (official full text) [2nd Place] Former AKB Honda Hitomi decides to re-debut in Korea. Photo=iNKODE Entertainment #September 13, 2024. Honda Hitomi, a former member of AKB, will re-debut in Korea as a member of the new girl group SAY MY NAME, produced by Jaejoong. Attention is focused on how she will engage in activities again in Korea after her success with IZ*ONE. SAY MY NAME is a seven-member girl group set to officially debut on October 16, with their world premiere performance at "iNKODE to PLAY" on October 5 and 6 at Makuhari Messe. [Related Articles] Former AKB Honda Hitomi re-debuts in Korea! Member of Jaejoong's new group "SAY MY NAME" [Related Articles] "Honda Hitomi belongs to" SAY MY NAME, set to perform for the first time in Japan before their Korean debut at "iNKODE to PLAY" [3rd Place] SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan enlists in the military... serving as a social service worker. Photo=Newsen DB #September 12, 2024. The first member of the group to enlist, SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan, will enlist on September 26. It has been reported that he will serve as a social service worker. Previously, the oldest member S.COUPS received a grade 5 wartime labor judgment, effectively exempting him from military service, making Jeonghan the first member to enlist. The agency stated, "Although he will not participate in the activities of the 12th mini-album and world tour, he plans to meet fans through various pre-prepared content." [Related Articles] SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan enlists on September 26... serving as a social service worker [Related Articles] SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan heads to training camp today (9/26)... the group's first member to enlist [4th Place] Former YG trainee artist JEY marries Japanese model. Photo=Miyu Kitazawa Instagram #September 23, 2024. The partner is Miyu Kitazawa, who appeared in "Kare to Okami-chan ni wa damasarenai." Singer JEY (Jung Jin-hyun), a former YG trainee, announced his marriage to model and actress Miyu Kitazawa in Japan. He shared wedding photos on social media and expressed his feelings in English, Japanese, and Korean. JEY gained attention for participating in Mnet's "MIX & MATCH," which selected members for iKON. Miyu Kitazawa is also affiliated with the Korean modeling agency KPLUS and previously appeared in the dating variety show "Kare to Okami-chan ni wa damasarenai." [Related Articles] Former YG trainee singer JEY announces marriage to Japanese model Miyu Kitazawa! Wedding photos also released [Related Articles] "iKON dropout" Jung Jin-hyun signs exclusive contract with new agency... preparing for solo debut in the first half of the year [5th Place] GFRIEND suddenly announces reunion. Photo=SOURCE MUSIC #September 24, 2024. After four years since their disbandment, GFRIEND announced their reunion. SOURCE MUSIC hinted at a 10th-anniversary project set for next January. Debuting in January 2015, they were loved for numerous hit songs and completed their exclusive contract with SOURCE MUSIC in 2021. Since then, they have been active in units, as solo artists, and actresses, so the news of the members gathering again has brought joy to fans worldwide.
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SEVENTEEN's concert at Tokyo Dome on December 11-12 was part of their Japan tour, following performances in Incheon, North America, and Asia. The event was filled with excitement as fans, known as CARAT, celebrated with the group. SEVENTEEN ranked 2nd in the annual live attendance ranking, showcasing their popularity. They will conclude their Japan tour with final shows in Fukuoka on December 20-21.
HYBE has entered the global concert market's Big 4, ranking 4th in Billboard's 2025 Boxscore report with $469.2M in tour sales. This success is attributed to artists from HYBE MUSIC GROUP, including BTS, SEVENTEEN, and ENHYPEN, who collectively attracted millions of fans. SEVENTEEN's world tour alone drew 964,000 attendees, while J-HOPE's solo tour reached over 500,000 fans. HYBE emphasizes its strategy of focusing on artist creativity and fan experiences to continue thriving in the global market.
Sungkwan of SEVENTEEN attended the 1st anniversary event for 'Forest Green Finger' in Japan, engaging with 550 fans. He shared skincare tips, his love for Japanese food, and humorous anecdotes, including his desire to play badminton with fans. He ended the event with an acapella performance of 'Raindrops.'
Sungkwang from SEVENTEEN appeared at the 'FoRest by Greenfinger' event in Tokyo, promoting the clean beauty skincare brand he models for. He entertained fans with discussions about skincare and his recent activities. The event includes a popup store with special promotions and products available at various HMV locations.
SEVENTEEN's Seungkwan attended the 'FoRest by Greenfinger' event in Tokyo, promoting the clean beauty skincare brand he models for. He entertained fans with discussions about skincare and his recent activities. The event features special promotions and a pop-up store across multiple locations in Japan from November to December 2025.
On the afternoon of the 10th, SEVENTEEN departed from Incheon International Airport to Japan for their Tokyo concert as part of their world tour. This article is based on local media coverage. After their Osaka performance, they expressed their excitement about returning to Japan after a year, especially to Nagoya, saying, 'We really missed you.'
ADOR and the Dolphin Kidnapping Group are in a legal dispute over a music video release. ADOR claims damages for unauthorized publication by director Shin Woosuk, who argues it was industry practice. The case highlights issues of verbal agreements and contract compliance, with a ruling expected on January 13, 2026.
On the afternoon of the 8th, SEVENTEEN returned home through Incheon International Airport after completing their Osaka concert for the 'SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR [NEW_] IN JAPAN.' They also announced a Hong Kong concert and live parties in five cities in Japan, starting in January 2026.
SEVENTEENのディエイトが、ソロ曲「Skyfall（Remix Ver.）」のアートフィルムを公開。自由と解放をテーマに、彼の感情をダンスと音楽で表現。アートフィルム制作を主導し、K-POPの枠を超えた新たな挑戦を示した。
On December 5, Billboard Japan announced SEVENTEEN's impressive rankings in the 2025 annual charts, with their album 'HAPPY BURSTDAY' at 7th in 'Top Albums Sales' and 32nd in 'Hot Albums'. Their single '消費期限' ranked 4th in 'Top Singles Sales'. SEVENTEEN continues to thrive with their ongoing world tour and various events, showcasing their strong presence in the music industry.
