Kstyle’s August ranking covered TWICE contract changes, a Japanese influencer’s death, idol hiatus news, a JO1 concert cancellation, and BLACKPINK’s apology.
September/4/2026 17:12
From TWICE members’ transfer to the announcement of a popular idol’s hiatus, and even the obituary of a Japanese influencer, August had a variety of events. What was the most-read article on Kstyle? Let’s look back at the Korean entertainment world through the “August article ranking” article. [No. 1] TWICE’s Chaeyoung ends her contract with JYP # August 13, 2026: Announced following Jeongyeon TWICE’s Chaeyoung personally announced the end of her contract with JYP. She confessed her feelings in a handwritten letter. While saying, “I think I will create my music activities in my own ‘LIL FANTASY’ world,” she revealed, “I also want to tell you that TWICE activities will continue unchanged.” Before Chaeyoung, Jeongyeon also announced an exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment, the agency where her older sister Gong Seung-yeon belongs. She also showed the intention to continue group activities. In addition to these two, there have also been reports of transfer rumors for Tzuyu and Jihyo, so interest in the members’ future continues to grow. [Related articles] TWICE Chaeyoung ends contract with JYP... announces in handwritten letter: “I will continue music in my own LIL FANTASY world” TWICE Jeongyeon signs exclusive contract with VARO Entertainment... same agency as her older sister Gong Seung-yeon (official) [No. 2] Japanese female influencer in her 20s dies while broadcasting in Korea # August 6, 2026: Police report of attempted extreme choice It was reported that a Japanese female influencer in her 20s died while live broadcasting in Korea, shocking people. According to the Korean police, around 5:33 a.m. on August 6, a report was received that the woman had attempted an extreme choice at an officetel in Yongsan District. An acquaintance reported it to the police, and there were also posts on social media calling for a swift police response. The woman had about 80,000 followers. On the day she died, she was also doing a live broadcast, and it is said that the situation at the time was being shown to viewers in real time. [Related article] Japanese female influencer in her 20s dies while live broadcasting in Korea... police investigate the circumstances [No. 3] ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Sunghyun announces hiatus ahead of comeback # August 4, 2026: Surgery for vocal cord polyp ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Sunghyun announced that he would undergo surgery for a vocal cord polyp and take a break to recover ahead of the comeback. Before this, in July, he had reportedly felt discomfort in his throat and received a doctor’s diagnosis. At the time, the agency said, “We plan to proceed with future schedules while giving top priority to Sunghyun’s health.” However, after follow-up observation and additional tests and examinations, he was diagnosed with a vocal cord polyp. It was confirmed that treatment through surgery was necessary, and the agency said that sufficient recovery time would be given after the surgery. ALPHA DRIVE ONE made a comeback with their second mini album on the 24th of last month. Sunghyun has also been participating in comeback activities such as music shows. [Related articles] ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Sunghyun announces hiatus ahead of comeback: “Diagnosed with a vocal cord polyp... surgery tomorrow” ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Sunghyun, ahead of comeback... went to the hospital due to throat problems: “Rest is needed” [No. 4] JO1’s Seoul concert canceled # August 3, 2026: Announced that “normal progress is extremely difficult” JO1’s concert in Korea was canceled. They had originally planned to perform at TICKETLINK LIVE ARENA in Seoul on September 26 and 27, but the agency announced that it had decided to cancel the performance unavoidably. As the reason, it explained: “In order to hold the concert safely, we have repeatedly considered various options, including changing the venue, and have engaged in careful discussions. However, after comprehensively considering the situation around the venue and various requirements in concert operation, we judged that it would be extremely difficult to proceed with the planned performance normally.” It apologized to the fans who had been waiting for the concert. At the time, protests over allegations of election fraud were frequent, and it is believed the decision was made to ensure the safety of attendees. [Related article] JO1 announces cancellation of September Seoul concert... agency apologizes [No. 5] BLACKPINK’s Jennie apologizes over 10th-anniversary event # August 18, 2026: Jennie comments following the other three members BLACKPINK’s Jennie apologized following discussion about the 10th-anniversary event, after the other three members had already done so. Previously, they had planned an event on August 8, the day they marked their 10th debut anniversary. However, some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the event being announced at the last minute and with it being a Meet & Greet inviting only 40 fans. In response, after the three members apologized, Jennie also released a comment. She said, “We ended up leaving each other with disappointed feelings. There is no excuse. I am sorry for showing an immature side.” [Related articles] BLACKPINK’s Jennie apologizes over discussion about the 10th-anniversary event... following the other three members: “There is no excuse” BLACKPINK also drew some fan complaints over their debut 10th-anniversary event... apologized during a live broadcast: “There was a lack of communication”
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