aespa's KARINA, WINTER, and NINGNING left for Japan on the 18th for TV appearances and promotions, including a new variety show.

ABEMA will broadcast the live finale of Mnet’s STREET WORLD FIGHTER: Directors' War exclusively in Japan and simultaneously with Korea for free tonight. The show spotlights performance directors who create every aspect of a stage, and four finalists—KASPER, BABYZOO, BADA, and kooyoung back—will compete in a cheer performance mission. ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin will MC, and a related special program featuring YUMEKI and JO1’s Ren Kawashiri is also streaming free.

Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.

New Balance has launched a new “983” campaign featuring brand ambassador WINTER of aespa. The shoe reinterprets 2000s performance running design with a sculptural, future-forward silhouette, blending heritage and innovation. It is now on sale online and at select stores.

A roughly 13-second video allegedly filmed in a corridor at aespa’s Seattle concert venue has gone viral, showing several women falling to the floor, pulling each other’s hair, and throwing punches and kicks in a fierce brawl. Witnesses and online users were shocked, but the exact cause and identities remain unconfirmed.

The 2026 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan will be held on December 12 and 13, 2026 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). New artists announced include NiziU, INI, xikers, ZEROBASEONE, TWS, NEXZ, KickFlip, AEN, and TUIDE, with performance dates revealed. Tickets and premium lounge options are on sale.

Lee Soo-man’s AI-generated dance video with A2O producer Yoo Young-jin and rookie group A2O LITE went viral, drawing likes and comments from K-pop stars. A2O LITE, a nine-member multinational girl group, debuted with “NEON,” which reached No. 1 on MelOn’s TOP 100.

aespa’s NINGNING captivated viewers with a sexy, daring look in a W Korea cover photoshoot. Wearing a glossy deep-purple fitted suit over a black V-neck top, she highlighted her elegant neckline, dark eye makeup, long black hair, and red nails. Fans praised her beauty and model-like presence, while aespa continues its strong global momentum through its 2026–27 world tour.

I.O.I, reunited after about nine years and topping the music charts, will appear on the year-end awards stage at MMA 2026. MelOn announced the final 11 acts, bringing the total lineup to 26, including aespa, IVE, and others. The event adds a new Global TOP10 category.

MARK & LONA unveiled its latest visual starring aespa’s KARINA, the brand’s first female ambassador. Inspired by her wish to create a knit set, the collection features elegant wool-blend knitwear, a hybrid padding jacket, and a knit cap, blending luxury, warmth, and versatility.

In an ELLE Korea interview and photoshoot, aespa’s KARINA talked about her first Lollapalooza Chicago stage, saying the group practiced hard and built a setlist with songs they had rarely performed. She said nerves can help reduce mistakes, enjoys exploring tour cities, and likes the word “strong” because it means having a firm core and values.