April saw major K-pop events: BTS's Tokyo Dome concert, BIGBANG's tour announcement, and NCT's Mark leaving SM Entertainment.
May/5/2026 12:10
From the withdrawal of SM idols and contract endings to BTS's Tokyo Dome performance and BIGBANG's new activity announcements, various events occurred in April. What was the most read article on Kstyle? Let's look back at the Korean entertainment industry through the 'April Article Rankings'.
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NCT’s Ten has opened a new chapter with his solo single “OUTWEST.” The title track blends hip-hop, techno house, and R&B, with Ten joining the songwriting and composition. The single also includes “IRL,” and he will launch a 14-city U.S. showcase tour in October.
Former NCT member Mark has raised anticipation for his comeback by releasing a short film and teaser images for “My Friend,” a medium-tempo pop song about the end of summer and moving into a new chapter. He also took part in writing, composing, and arranging the track, and revealed a new Kids-Pop project.
On the afternoon of the 4th, at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, NCT’s Jisung appeared for the ceremonial first pitch at the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League game between the LG Twins and the Samsung Lions.
Former NCT member Mark is moving to take legal action against malicious online posts. His agency, UPPER ROOM, said it has been continuously monitoring harmful content, including defamation, false rumors, and human rights violations, and will respond firmly to protect the artist and fans.
This article introduces two Korean snacks found on a trip: BTS collaboration Oreos and I'MINT Americano xylitol coffee candy. The Oreos have special BTS packaging and cookie designs but taste like the familiar classic Oreo. The coffee candy comes in a stylish tin, blends coffee and mint flavors, uses xylitol, and is sugar-free. Both are recommended as fun souvenirs, and they can also be bought in Japan.
Dwango will exclusively livestream the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS from Busan, South Korea, on Niconico on September 19, 2026. The red carpet is free, while the awards ceremony and live performances require a net ticket. Buyers also get access to past TMA shows from 2019 to 2025.
A photo event celebrating the opening of the SK-II popup store was held on the afternoon of the 3rd at Anderson C in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul. Attendees included 2PM’s Taecyeon, TWICE’s Mina, Moon Ga-young, Kang Hoon, and Choi Minas. The article is based on local media coverage, and photo quality may vary.
A reception event, “CJ Night in Celebration of Frieze Seoul,” was held on the afternoon of the 2nd at the Leeum Museum in Hannam-dong, Yongsan District, Seoul, to celebrate the opening of the international art fair Frieze Seoul. Many celebrities and artists attended, including Lee Byung-hun and Lee Min-jung, Byeon Woo-seok, Lee Jung-jae, Choi Ji-woo, Jung Hae-in, Song Seung-heon, Ryu Su-young and Park Ha-sun, Ha Ji-won, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Young-ae, Yum Jung-ah, Im Soo-jung, Yoo Yeon-seok, Im Si-wan, Seol In-ah, former SISTAR member Hyolyn, director Park Chan-wook, Yum Hye-ran, Lee Sang-min, Shin Hyun-bin, 2AM’s Seulong, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Seung-chul, Jang Hyuk, Kim Wan-sun, Kim Jong-jin, Ansel Elgort, Tiger JK, Kim Ho-young, Kim Gwang-jin, John Park, Lee So-ra, Park Sung-woong, Baek Ji-young, Jeong Seok-won, Ko Soo, and Lee Jin-wook. In related news, the winners of the 8th NEWSIS K-EXPO, including Lee Byung-hun, 2PM’s Junho, and AND2BLE, were announced for an August 28 event, and IU drew attention for sending lavish support to Byeon Woo-seok’s Netflix drama set for “Solo Leveling.”
At the Lee Sang-bong collection held on the afternoon of the 1st at Seoul Dongdaemun Design Plaza for the 2027 S/S Seoul Fashion Week, Jaejoong, 2PM’s Chansung, SAY MY NAME’s Junhui, KEYVITUP’s Sena, VAYONN’s Mano, Clara, Park Hyun-ho, ZE:NITH’s Hyunseok and Hyunwoo, POPPIN JOHN, Park Eli, Insooni, Eunsang, Hong Seok-cheon, Na Tae-joo, and the couple Kang Won-rae and Kim Sung attended.
Former NCT member Mark will release a new song, “My Friend,” at 1 p.m. on the 10th, five months after leaving SM Entertainment. His agency Upper Room unveiled a cinematic teaser showing him moving between city and nature, reflecting a “Back to Basic” mood. He also proved his lasting popularity when 42,392 fans sent him DMs and subscribed to Laylo within an hour of its launch. Mark left SM on April 8 after about 10 years, ending all NCT activities, and later announced the launch of Upper Room in June.
