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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On the morning of the 20th, NCT's Chisong departed from Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. He is also making his acting debut in the new drama 'Crash' Season 2. Additionally, a recent photo of Chisong shopping at Don Quijote in front of Nitori has become a hot topic for being 'cool.'
RIIZE's 2nd Japanese single 'All of You' teaser was released, showcasing humorous love scenarios with members. The single includes two tracks and comes in four editions. A special DVD features behind-the-scenes content from their concert tour. The group plans a Tokyo Dome concert in 2026.
On the afternoon of the 16th, RIIZE returned to Korea via Gimpo International Airport after completing their overseas schedule. They participated in a U.S. event as global ambassadors for Samsung Electronics, discussing their childhood dream of performing at Tokyo Dome and sharing their New Year's resolutions.
Doyoung from NCT has successfully completed his basic military training, as announced on January 14. A photo shared on social media shows him saluting while holding a bouquet with a congratulatory message. He expressed gratitude and hopes for his fans to pursue their dreams while he serves. Doyoung enlisted on December 8, 2025, and has made a positive impact by donating to educational causes before joining the military.
On the 14th, NCT's Mark departed through Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. The first lineup for 'Show Music Center in Macau' was announced, featuring artists from ZB1 to LE SSERAFIM. Additionally, NCT's Doyoung and Jungwoo revealed their shaved heads as they prepare for military service today (12/8), with fellow members showing their support.
On the afternoon of the 13th, RIIZE departed from Gimpo International Airport for an overseas schedule. They are the only K-POP group participating in a Samsung event in the U.S. and expressed excitement about their dream of performing at Tokyo Dome in 2025 and shared their New Year resolutions.
NCT's Jungwoo has successfully completed his basic military training and shared a cheerful photo in uniform. He will continue his service in the army band. Fans express their support, noting his maturity and how well he wears the military uniform, while celebrating his achievements with warm messages.
MBC's 'Show Music Core in MACAU' has unveiled its second lineup, enhancing excitement among K-POP fans worldwide. The event will feature a mix of super rookies and top artists, including ALPHA DRIVE ONE, Hearts2Hearts, and NCT's Ten. The festival promises special stages and fan interactions, set for February 7-8 in Macau.
Kstyle PARTY 2026 is set for May 9-10 at K Arena Yokohama. Blind tickets are now on sale for a special price of 14,000 yen. The first lineup announcement will be on February 2. Tickets can be canceled within 48 hours after the lineup reveal. Don't miss out!
NCT's TAEYONG will hold his first solo concert post-military service on January 24-25, 2026, in Seoul. The concert will be streamed live on KNTV, Beyond LIVE, and Weverse Concerts, featuring remastered performances and upgraded music. Tickets go on sale from January 9, 2026, priced at 6,330 yen.
