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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To mark their third debut anniversary, RIIZE donated 100 million won to Samsung Seoul Hospital in the name of their official fan club, BRIIZE. The money will help cover surgery and treatment costs for children and adolescents in financial hardship. The group said they want to share the love they receive and continue doing good.
Former NCT member Mark is moving to take legal action against malicious online posts. His agency, UPPER ROOM, said it has been continuously monitoring harmful content, including defamation, false rumors, and human rights violations, and will respond firmly to protect the artist and fans.
Dwango will exclusively livestream the 2026 THE FACT MUSIC AWARDS from Busan, South Korea, on Niconico on September 19, 2026. The red carpet is free, while the awards ceremony and live performances require a net ticket. Buyers also get access to past TMA shows from 2019 to 2025.
The first lineup for the 2026 Korea Grand Music Awards has been revealed, featuring RIIZE, AHOF, AND2BLE, ATEEZ, ALLDAY PROJECT, CRAVITY, CLOSE YOUR EYES, KiiiKiii, TREASURE, and Hearts2Hearts. The event will be held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 7 and 8, with more lineup announcements to follow.
Asia Artist Awards 2026 has finalized its star-studded lineup for the two-day event in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on December 5-6. Performers include Naniwa Danshi, Dayoung, Sung Hanbin, Wonpil, Chaeryeong, CORTIS, OURBIRTHDAY, and TUIDE, with Wonyoung, Ji Chang-wook, and Sung Hanbin as MCs. Top actors and global singers also join the celebration.
RIIZE's Shotaro has been announced to appear on NHK E Tele's "#Buzz English: Let's See the World on SNS" on September 8. The program will introduce the latest Korean trends, including butter mochi, cup ramen-style cold noodles, a lucky turtle popular among K-pop idols, and a new toy called Wappu Ball, along with Shotaro's favorite Brazilian dance and his own way to reduce swelling. RIIZE recently released its Japanese third single "Sunburst" and is drawing attention in Japan.
Former NCT member Mark will release a new song, “My Friend,” at 1 p.m. on the 10th, five months after leaving SM Entertainment. His agency Upper Room unveiled a cinematic teaser showing him moving between city and nature, reflecting a “Back to Basic” mood. He also proved his lasting popularity when 42,392 fans sent him DMs and subscribed to Laylo within an hour of its launch. Mark left SM on April 8 after about 10 years, ending all NCT activities, and later announced the launch of Upper Room in June.
RIIZE arrived in Korea through Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 2nd after completing their overseas schedule. This article is based on local media coverage, and the photos may vary. Related: Wonbin named the first Japan brand ambassador for Off & Relax, and RIIZE held a successful Osaka showcase.
SM Entertainment announced a month-long Seoul festival in September to celebrate NCT’s 10th brand-launch anniversary. In cooperation with Seoul Fashion Week, the city will host fountain shows, fashion exhibitions, flea markets, art balloons, night lighting, and a special NCT display.
AAA 2026 will be held over two days, December 5 and 6, at Kaohsiung National Stadium. The event added IDID, QWER, CLOSE YOUR EYES, KISS OF LIFE, and KickFlip to its singer lineup, while actors and top K-pop groups such as MONSTA X, ATEEZ, TXT, ITZY, ZEROBASEONE, RIIZE, TWS, and MEOVV will also appear.
