BTS's return with their SWIM jumper inspired HYBE artists to create dance challenge videos, celebrating their comeback in style.

ILLIT made a strong impression with the first concept photos for its new mini album BREAK EVEN. The “BURNING” version shows a cold, sharp image that captures the moment of anger after realizing the sunk cost of a one-sided relationship. The album, due on the 26th, expresses a firm decision to stop spending feelings and time on unrewarding love. Interest is rising fast, with BREAK EVEN ranking third in Spotify’s Pre-save Top 10 and surpassing 200,000 pre-saves in just eight days. Before the comeback, ILLIT will meet fans at an encore concert in Incheon on the 17th and 18th.

&TEAM finished its second and largest Asia tour, “2026 &TEAM CONCERT TOUR 'BLAZE THE WAY',” with about 230,000 attendees across 23 shows in 14 cities. The Seoul encore featured new songs, special stages, fan singalongs, and emotional letters, as the group thanked LUNÉ and announced a new tour starting October 15.

The 2026 Gangnam Festival was held on Dosan-daero in Seoul’s Gangnam District on the afternoon of the 4th, featuring K-pop concert appearances by ZEROBASEONE, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, SAY MY NAME, P1Harmony, KiiiKiii, LUN8, and PSY. ZEROBASEONE’s Seok Matthew and Park Gunwook also unveiled a mixtape for the first time as the unit EMP, with a digital single set for release in November. ALPHA DRIVE ONE’s Sangwon and Anxin shared a close photo with their faces resting on each other’s shoulders and spoke about their affection for one another.

&TEAM’s Korean 2nd mini album “Mark on Me” ranked on two UK Official Charts, placing No. 11 on the Official Singles Sales Chart and No. 4 on the Official Physical Singles Chart. It became their highest UK chart result, proving their growing global popularity and strong sales.

SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 4th after completing his participation in Paris Fashion Week. Related news notes that he has been named a global ambassador for the Korean fragrance brand SW19 and that Jeonghan and Joshua announced details for their Belluna Dome concerts on November 21 and 22.

ILLIT departed through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 3rd for overseas schedules. The text also notes that Iroha will appear on the October 9 two-hour special of "Sore Snow," and that ILLIT's debut song "Magnetic" has received Triple Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.

Stray Kids announced they will not enter the next Grammy Awards, following BTS. The move comes as the Recording Academy keeps its new Asian pop music category, which has drawn criticism for potentially separating K-pop by region and language. Debate continues.

The 2026 MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL IN JAPAN will be held at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on December 12 and 13, 2026. New artists added include ATEEZ, ITZY, LE SSERAFIM, &TEAM, RIIZE, RESCENE, Hearts2Hearts, and ALPHA DRIVE ONE. Single-day ticket presales run until October 4.

BTS’s “ARIRANG” Japan tour Blu-ray and DIGITAL CODE will go on preorder on October 2, 2026, and be released on December 23, 2026. It includes the Tokyo Dome Day 1 performance from April 17, featuring songs like “Hooligan,” “FAKE LOVE,” and “Butter,” plus an 84-minute behind-the-scenes video.

The Recording Academy has decided to keep the controversial Best Asian Pop Music Performance category for the 2027 Grammys. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said the decision followed weeks of talks with Asian music leaders and creators, including critics and supporters, and that the Academy believes it is the right choice for the music industry.