October saw significant events in K-pop, including RIIZE's Sunghoon's departure, FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan's scandal, and celebrity marriages.
November/3/2024 19:00
From RIIZE's Sunghoon's announcement of departure, FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan's ex-wife's revelations, activity suspension due to sex trafficking allegations, to marriages between popular artists, various events occurred in October. What was the most read article on Kstyle? Let's look back at the Korean entertainment industry through the "October Article Rankings." 【1st】RIIZE Sunghoon, from comeback announcement to sudden departure... Photo = SM Entertainment #October 14, 2024 Just two days after the announcement, a personal letter was also released. Sunghoon's comeback was overturned in just two days, leading to his final announcement of departure. Just before debut, a photo surfaced of a man presumed to be Sunghoon kissing a woman, causing him to suspend activities. When the comeback was announced on October 11, opinions were divided online. Two days later, SM Entertainment explained that "Sunghoon expressed his intention to leave the team for the sake of the members and fans," and they decided to respect his decision. In a handwritten letter, Sunghoon confessed, "I thought that leaving the group was the best path for everyone." 【Related Articles】RIIZE Sunghoon, heading for departure... from comeback announcement to sudden departure "his own will" (official) 【Related Articles】RIIZE Sunghoon, sudden comeback announcement... to participate in activities from November (SM official) 【2nd】NCT's Taeyong, suspected of sexual assault on a drunken woman. Photo = OSEN DB #October 7, 2024 Reported under special quasi-rape suspicion. Taeyong, who left NCT at the end of August, was reported to be under police investigation for sexual crimes. According to reports, Taeyong is suspected of sexually assaulting a drunken woman along with two acquaintances, with the victim having filed a complaint in June. Special quasi-rape charges apply when a weapon is used or when two or more people engage in sexual acts with someone who is unable to resist due to mental or physical incapacitation. If the charges are confirmed, he could face over seven years or life imprisonment, drawing attention to future developments. Amidst the turmoil, SM announced, "We can no longer trust him," and terminated Taeyong's contract. 【Related Articles】NCT's Taeyong, suspected of sexual assault on a drunken woman... SM comments on the report 【Related Articles】NCT's Taeyong, contract terminated by SM "We can no longer trust him" (official) 【3rd】FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan, activity suspension due to sex trafficking allegations. Photo = FNC Entertainment #October 25, 2024 Shock from ex-wife's revelations. FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan announced a suspension of media and group activities due to allegations of sex trafficking. Prior to this, his ex-wife, former LABOUM member Yulhee, revealed his visits to adult entertainment establishments and sexual harassment, causing a stir. In response, he announced his withdrawal from the popular program "The Return of Superman" and a suspension of group activities. The Gangnam police reported that they began an investigation for violations of the Sex Trade and Sexual Violence Punishment Act (forced indecency due to familial relations) on the 31st of last month. A reference investigation for Choi Minhwan is expected to take place soon. 【Related Articles】FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan, withdrawal from popular program "The Return of Superman"... announced suspension of media activities following ex-wife's revelations 【Related Articles】FTISLAND's Choi Minhwan, announced suspension of activities... following ex-wife's revelations (official) 【4th】Min Heejin, failed return to ADOR. Photo = ADOR #October 29, 2024 Court rejected the provisional disposition application. The court rejected the provisional disposition application filed by former representative Min Heejin for her reappointment as ADOR's representative director. Additionally, the board of directors at ADOR also voted against her reappointment, preventing her return. Furthermore, this month, NewJeans' Hani testified in the National Assembly about harassment she faced within the company. She tearfully stated, "I am convinced that the company dislikes us," and added, "If we were respected as humans, there would be no harassment or bullying issues." 【Related Articles】Min Heejin, failed return to ADOR... court rejected provisional disposition application 【Related Articles】NewJeans' Hani testified in the National Assembly about unfair treatment by HYBE... criticized actions of CEO Kim Juyoung, saying, "I am convinced we are disliked" (comprehensive) 【5th】Kim Hyuna & former Highlight's Yong Junhyung married. Photo = Kim Hyuna Instagram #October 11, 2024 Many idols and friends congratulated. Kim Hyuna and former Highlight member Yong Junhyung married on October 11. Many friends, including TVXQ's Yunho and former Wonder Girls' Yebin, attended the ceremony to celebrate the couple. Additionally, attendees shared moments from the ceremony on social media, where the couple was seen in a mini wedding dress and a white tuxedo, attracting attention. The couple publicly announced their relationship in January of this year and continued their relationship without concern for public scrutiny, holding hands at the airport, but after about ten months, they became husband and wife, drawing attention.
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The SBS Song Festival, a major K-POP event, will take place on December 25, showcasing 11 artists including Stray Kids, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, and IVE. The theme 'Golden Loop' symbolizes a bright future for K-POP, celebrating its endless possibilities. It will be held at Incheon Inspire Arena for the third consecutive year.
On the afternoon of the 21st, Mark from NCT and Han So-hee attended a BOUCHERON event in Seoul's Jongno district. The event highlighted friendships among K-pop groups, including NCT and Stray Kids, with members expressing their enjoyment of spending time together. Jung Jong-soo also expressed confidence in his collaboration with Han So-hee, believing they could create something beyond the script.
Yuta from NCT has established himself as a rockstar during his solo concert tour in Japan. His performances featured a range of rock songs and showcased his unique identity. He also previewed tracks from his upcoming album 'PERSONA,' set to release on October 26, and announced an additional concert at the Budokan on January 21, highlighting his growing popularity.
RIIZE's concert scheduled for November 4 in Duluth has been canceled due to organizer issues, as announced by Ticketmaster. Ticket refunds will be provided. Currently, RIIZE is on their first world tour with upcoming performances in various U.S. cities and a special concert at Tokyo Dome in February 2026.
SATUR, a popular brand in South Korea, has chosen K-POP group RIIZE as its model for a campaign launching in Japan on October 17, 2025. The campaign promotes a casual yet classic style under the slogan 'SET THE TUNE, SATUR,' encouraging individuality. RIIZE showcases various outfits, including a key oversized cardigan, and a photo card promotion will accompany purchases at the new Harajuku flagship store.
Taeyong, a former member of NCT, was sentenced to 3.5 years in prison for sexual assault. The Seoul High Court upheld the sentence after both Taeyong and the prosecution appealed, citing the severity of the crime. Taeyong was involved in an incident where he and accomplices assaulted a foreign woman after intoxicating her. SM Entertainment announced his departure from the group following the incident.
The 2025 MAMA AWARDS has revealed its lineup of 17 K-POP artists, set to take place in Hong Kong on November 28-29. With a focus on new talent and global stars, the event aims to highlight the influence of K-POP and deliver a spectacular show, themed 'UH-HEUNG', celebrating joy through music and dance.
The Korean Ministry of Culture will hold the 'Popular Culture Arts Production Staff Awards' and 'Korea Popular Culture Arts Awards' on Oct 22-23, celebrating artists and production teams. The awards recognize significant contributions to K-content, with notable winners including G-DRAGON and teams from hit dramas like 'Otsukaresama'.
On the morning of the 16th, RIIZE members Sonchang and Anton attended a CHAUMET event at Lotte Department Store in Seoul's Songpa district. The group announced their new single release on November 24, generating excitement for upcoming content. Anton's impressive abs showcased at the pool drew attention, likening him to a sculpture.
Sohee, a member of RIIZE, releases his first OST titled 'Love on the Canvas' for the TVING series 'Switch Love 4'. The song depicts the bittersweetness of first love, expressing youthful memories through his refreshing voice. It aims to enhance viewer immersion and offers a special gift to music fans. The song is available on various music platforms from 6 PM on the 15th.
