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 and IDOLCHAMP introduce 'Kstyle POWER PUSH', allowing fans to vote for their favorite K-POP artists from April 28 to May 10. This initiative supports artists' comebacks, with ORβIT as the featured artist for April. Fans can use 'Ruby CHAMSIM' to vote, which can be earned or purchased in the app.
On the afternoon of the 26th, RIIZE arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport after finishing their overseas schedule. They also announced their second fan meeting in Japan, set to start in Fukuoka from July.
NCT's Taeyong is set to release his first full album titled "WYLD" on May 18. The album includes 10 tracks, with Taeyong participating in writing all lyrics and composing 9 songs. This marks a significant step in establishing his identity as an all-around musician. Pre-orders for the album begin today, and it will also be available on various platforms.
The non-credit ending for the anime "KILL A.O." features RIIZE's new song "KILL SHOT," depicting the story of a legendary killer transforming into a 13-year-old student. The visuals highlight his journey from a life of danger to a vibrant school life, blending action and emotion, while maintaining his killer skills.
RIIZE will host their second Japan fan meeting tour, 'RIIZE JAPAN FANMEETING 2026 RPG - RIIZE PLAYING GAME -', starting July 10, 2026. They will perform in Fukuoka, Tokyo, and Hyogo with six shows. The event features an RPG theme with games and live performances. Recently, they showcased their talent at K Arena Yokohama and had their song 'KILL SHOT' selected as an anime ending theme.
Lucas's exclusive contract with SM Entertainment officially ended on April 24. The company thanked fans for their support and expressed appreciation for the time spent with Lucas since his debut. They encouraged fans to warmly support his new challenges as he continues his career as a solo artist after leaving NCT and WayV.
On the afternoon of the 24th, RIIZE departed from Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. This article is based on local media coverage. Please note that there may be variations in the photos. The timetable for 'Kstyle PARTY 2026' has been released, revealing the songs available for each artist's performance. Tickets for the event, featuring BOYNEXTDOOR and RIIZE, will go on general sale starting March 23rd (Monday).
Kstyle PARTY 2026 will take place on May 9-10 at K Arena Yokohama, featuring artists like TAEMIN, CLOSE YOUR EYES, and AHOF. Fans can look forward to Q&A videos and a special 'photo time' during performances. Tickets are on sale now, so act fast!
The new tvN drama 'Secret Audit' premieres on April 25, showcasing a thrilling romance between audit chief Chu Ina and ace auditor No Gijun. The OST features a lineup of renowned artists, including NCT's Doyoung, who supports his brother in the drama. The production company aims to enhance the emotional depth of the story through this diverse musical collaboration.
On the afternoon of the 17th, RIIZE arrived in Korea through Gimpo International Airport after their appearance on Fuji TV's music program 'STAR'. This article is based on local media coverage. Additionally, fans are excited about the dance collaboration between RIIZE and THE RAMPAGE, and the timetable for 'Kstyle PARTY 2026' has been released, revealing the songs each artist will perform.
