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 afternoon of the 9th, RIIZE completed their '2025 RIIZE CONCERT TOUR [RIIZING LOUD] in MACAU' and arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport. Their second single, 'All of You,' is now available for streaming. Additionally, their first solo concert finale on March 8 in Seoul will be broadcast live from Korea.
RIIZE has launched the digital pre-release of their 2nd Japanese single "All of You" today. This marks their first original work in 1 year and 5 months, featuring two tracks: "All of You" and "Flashlight." The single will be available in four editions, including limited editions with exclusive content and a special concert DVD.
Shoutaro of RIIZE will miss the Macau concert due to unexpected circumstances, as confirmed by the production company. They expressed gratitude for fans' understanding and apologized for any inconvenience caused by the lineup change. This absence is seen as a consequence of escalating tensions between Japan and China, affecting K-POP events in the region.
On the morning of the 6th, RIIZE departed from Incheon International Airport to Macau for their '2025 RIIZE CONCERT TOUR [RIIZING LOUD]'. The article includes a note about photo variations and mentions RIIZE's congratulatory message for Kstyle's 14th anniversary, along with a K-POP Academy opening in Singapore attended by members Anton and Sohee.
SM Entertainment has opened a K-POP academy in Singapore, the first of its kind for a Korean entertainment company abroad. This initiative aims to provide specialized K-POP training to talented individuals across Southeast Asia, fostering the next generation of global stars. Key figures, including SM executives and Singapore's Minister of Law, attended the opening, highlighting the cultural significance of K-POP as a unifying force for youth worldwide.
On December 26, 2025, Kstyle celebrated its 14th anniversary, receiving congratulatory messages from various artists. Starting February 5, they will offer special signed merchandise as part of the celebration. Kstyle has been delivering the latest news on K-POP, dramas, and more since its launch in 2011. Thank you for your support!
Kstyle celebrates its 14th anniversary with heartfelt messages and signed gifts from RIIZE and various artists. A special page showcases videos and messages, and fans can look forward to signed merchandise giveaways starting soon. Follow Kstyle on Twitter for participation details!
The finale of RIIZE's first solo concert tour, '2026 RIIZE CONCERT TOUR [RIIZING LOUD] FINALE IN SEOUL,' will be live-streamed by KNTV on March 8, 2026. After a world tour across 21 cities, the concert promises a dazzling performance showcasing the members' growth. Tokyo Dome shows are also scheduled before the finale.
On the afternoon of the 2nd, NCT's Taeyong and Johnny returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport after the SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka. The event featured 65 performers, showcasing a spectacular one-night-only collaboration and impressive J-POP covers. Please note that there may be variations in the photos due to local media coverage.
On the afternoon of the 2nd, former RIIZE member Sung Han arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport after the SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka. The event featured 65 artists, including a stunning collaboration and J-POP covers, marking the first SMTOWN concert in Fukuoka at PayPay Dome, with performances from groups like TVXQ, NCT DREAM, and aespa.
