
MONSTA X's Minhyuk, BTS's J-HOPE, and other K-POP idols are returning to fans one after another. Minhyuk was the first to announce his discharge in October. He enlisted on April 4 last year through the 5th Division New Soldier Training Team in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, and was discharged on October 3. On the day, MONSTA X members visited the site to celebrate Minhyuk's discharge. Currently serving members Kihyun, Hyungwon, and Jooheon drew attention in military uniforms. Minhyuk expressed through his agency, "I was able to grow a little more as a human Lee Minhyuk through military life, and it was a precious time in my life. Thanks to MONBEBE's support, I was able to discharge healthy both physically and mentally," and conveyed his gratitude to fans and members. Following Minhyuk, Ong Seong-wu, who enlisted on April 17 last year from WannaOne, will be discharged on the 16th, and the day after that, J-HOPE will be discharged. J-HOPE enlisted on April 18 last year as an active duty soldier and served as an assistant instructor in the 36th Infantry Division White Tiger New Soldier Training Battalion in Wonju, Gangwon-do. It was known that he was selected as an elite warrior last October, and in June this year, he won the grand prize at the "Strong Warrior, Army! Presentation Competition" held at the Seoul War Memorial. In September, J-HOPE shared through the global fan community Weverse, "One month, yes, just 30 days! I thought time was merciless, but now I feel a sense of attachment and it’s bittersweet. I tried organizing my belongings, giving things I used often to my successor, and seeing the lighter storage makes those feelings stronger." He continued, "I really became extremely F (a type with strong empathy in MBTI) and am reflecting on my military life, but I feel proud! I’m dignified! Let’s meet on this day next month. Until then, take care…!" GOT7's Jinyoung, who enlisted on May 8 last year, is set to be discharged on November 7, and GOT7's JAY B, who is serving as a social service personnel, is also expected to be released from service in November. N.Flying's Seo Dong-sung is also set to be discharged on November 7. Previously, WINNER's Kim Jin-woo and Lee Seung-hoon completed their military service, raising expectations for group activities. Kang Seung-yoon, who enlisted on June 20 last year, is set to be discharged on December 19, and Song Min-ho, who has been serving as a social service personnel since March 24 last year, will also be released from service that month, completing the military duties of all members.
STARSHIP Entertainment has purchased additional real estate worth 81 billion won in total to expand its headquarters. It approved buying land and a building for 22 billion won and plans to acquire the property next January for business facilities. The company is expanding in Seoul’s Cheongdam-dong area.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
On the morning of the 18th, the first part of the 2026 Seoul Animal Happiness Festa foster-parent system event was held at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District. On the red carpet, WINNER’s Kang Seung Yoon, former MOMOLAND member Yeonwoo, Brown Eyed Girls’ JeA, Sung Hoon, EPEX’s Baekseung and MU, KINKY, choreographer Lia Kim, and Stella Jang attended.
WINNER’s Song Min-ho has been confirmed for re-service after his first-trial guilty verdict became final when he did not appeal within seven days. The Military Manpower Administration will review his re-service period and assignment. He had been accused of violating military service rules during alternative service, and the court gave him a one-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.
According to Spotify, BTS’s 5th full album ARIRANG passed 5 billion cumulative streams as of the 14th, the most among 2026 releases. Every one of its 14 tracks topped 200 million streams, and the title track SWIM neared 1 billion. The album also set Billboard 200 records, including three straight weeks at No. 1.
Park Sae-mi suddenly announced that she will get married this week, posting wedding photos on SNS. She expressed affection for her groom-to-be, florist Kim Joon-young, and apologized for not being able to notify everyone personally. The couple, who met through a trainer, reportedly dated for about two years.
You must be logged in in order to favorite.
Let's Add my favorite members and Cheering them!
