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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Kstyle PARTY 2026 will be held on May 9-10 at K Arena Yokohama, featuring headliners BOYNEXTDOOR and RIIZE. Ticket upgrades for VIP attendees will start on March 16, with a lottery for participation in farewell events. Detailed ticket information and artist lineups are provided.
The film 'Specials', directed by Eiji Uchida, features Daisuke Sakuma in his first leading role. It combines dance and action as a team of assassins, each with unique personalities, train for a dance competition while plotting an assassination. Premiering on March 6, it promises thrilling entertainment and has garnered international festival attention.
NCT's Yuta and MONSTA X are set to appear on the Japanese TV music show 'with MUSIC' on March 7. Yuta has been active as a solo artist, recently completing his first solo tour and singing the theme song for 'Kamen Rider Zetsu.' MONSTA X, celebrating their 10th anniversary, has started their fourth world tour and will hold an arena tour in Japan in April.
K-POP stars Wendy from Red Velvet, Jaehyun from NCT, and Wooyoung from ATEEZ will throw first pitches at the 2026 World Baseball Classic in Tokyo. Wendy expressed her honor to support the Korean team, while Jaehyun shared his excitement and knowledge of baseball. Wooyoung also looks forward to contributing positive energy during the final match.
The new theme song for Kamen Rider Zets, titled 'PLAY BACK,' will be performed by NCT's Yuta, with lyrics by Seiko Fujibayashi and music by KENJI03. Yuta expresses his joy, linking the song's themes to NCT's concepts. The song will be available for streaming starting March 8, promising an exciting addition to the series.
On the morning of the 2nd, NCT's Johnny left Incheon International Airport to travel to Paris, France, for Paris Fashion Week. This follows his recent return to Korea after performing at the 'SMTOWN LIVE' concert in Bangkok, as well as another performance in Fukuoka with fellow member Taeyong.
NCT's Doyoung is set to contribute to the OST for Netflix's upcoming series 'Monthly Boyfriend,' featuring BLACKPINK's Jisoo. The romantic comedy, premiering on March 6, follows a webcomic producer who experiences love through a virtual dating simulation. Doyoung and Jisoo have previously collaborated as MCs on 'Inkigayo.'
RIIZE's 2nd single 'All of You', released on February 18, 2026, topped both radio and Oricon charts in Japan, reflecting their growing popularity. The energetic track, blending electronic sounds with big band elements, resonates with fans. They also made history with a three-day concert at Tokyo Dome, drawing 120,000 attendees, marking them as the first 5th generation K-POP group to perform at a dome venue.
RIIZE is set to appear on TBS's 'Nino Nanoni' on March 4, as announced on their official site. Fans are eager for the show, especially after a preview aired. The group recently held their first concert at Tokyo Dome, captivating 120,000 fans. They will also perform a special 60-minute stage at 'Kstyle PARTY 2026' to celebrate their 'Best Artist' award.
Directed by Eiji Uchida, 'Specials' is an original dance action film starring Daisuke Sakuma. It features a unique plot where assassins must learn to dance for a competition. The film releases on March 6, 2026, and includes a star-studded cast. A promotional event was held, showcasing the film's dance elements and music.
