January saw major events in K-pop, including BTS's comeback, 2PM's Taecyeon's wedding reveal, and ASTRO's tax scandal.
February/3/2026 11:27
From BTS's comeback and decision to visit Japan to top idols' tax scandals and actors' marriages and retirements, various events occurred in January. What was the most read article on Kstyle? Let's look back at the Korean entertainment industry through the 'January Article Rankings'. [1st Place] BTS announces their comeback! World tour dates revealed. #January 14, 2026. The full album will be released on March 20. As the new year begins, BTS finally announced their comeback on March 20. The album, their first full release in about 3 years and 9 months, is titled 'ARIRANG' and will include 14 tracks. The title reflects the Korean folk song 'Arirang' and conveys BTS's identity and emotions they wish to share with fans. They are set to perform their comeback stage at Gwanghwamun Square, generating high anticipation. Additionally, world tour dates have been released, with performances in Japan scheduled for April 17 and 18 at Tokyo Dome, and additional dates in Japan and the Middle East expected in 2027. [Related Articles] BTS's Japan performances confirmed for April 17 & 18! World tour dates announced. [Related Articles] BTS confirms comeback on March 20! Anticipation for their first full album in about 3 years and 9 months. [2nd Place] 2PM's Taecyeon surprises fans by revealing his fiancée's name during a live broadcast. #January 1, 2026. He also shared a message saying 'I love you'. During the '2025 KBS Drama Awards' broadcast on New Year's Eve, 2PM's Taecyeon surprised everyone by revealing his fiancée's real name. After expressing gratitude to his members, family, and fans, he shouted, 'Lastly, I want to sincerely thank my bride. I love you, Ji-hae!' Previously, Taecyeon had announced his marriage to a non-celebrity woman in November last year. The wedding is planned for spring 2026, to be held privately in Seoul with only family and close friends invited. [Related Articles] 2PM's Taecyeon surprises fans by revealing his fiancée's name during a live broadcast. 'I want to express my heartfelt gratitude... I love you!' (video available) [Related Articles] 2PM's Taecyeon announces marriage to a non-celebrity woman! Ceremony planned for next spring... second member of the group to marry. [3rd Place] BLACKPINK's Jennie faces mixed reactions over her birthday party at a Tokyo club. #January 18, 2026. Various reactions to the 'candle performance'. While BLACKPINK was in Japan for their Tokyo Dome concert, Jennie held a birthday party at a club in Tokyo. Videos taken at the club spread online, leading to mixed reactions. Jennie was seen dancing in front of women holding champagne decorated with fireworks. Concerns were raised about safety issues following a recent incident at a Swiss bar where a party resulted in 40 deaths and over 100 injuries. Additionally, discussions arose regarding the sexual objectification of women due to the revealing outfits worn by the champagne girls. On the other hand, some defended the party, stating, 'It's a matter of personal freedom' and 'Such performances are common in overseas club culture.' [Related Articles] BLACKPINK's Jennie faces mixed reactions over her birthday party at a Tokyo club... various responses to the 'candle performance'. [Related Articles] BLACKPINK reunites with Japanese fans at Tokyo Dome! 165,000 fans excited, 'I want to convey love to each one.' [4th Place] Jo Yoon-woo from 'Hwarang' announces both retirement from acting and marriage. #January 2, 2026. Reported with a couple's photo. Jo Yoon-woo made a surprise announcement of his retirement from acting and marriage. Through his social media, he stated, 'I have decided to end my 15-year acting career to depict our simple daily life together with the important bond I have found to spend my life with. I want to happily portray the rest of my life with the person I want to protect for the first time in my life.' He shared numerous affectionate photos with his partner. He debuted in 2011 with tvN's 'Flower Boy Ramen Shop' and gained attention for his roles in 'Hwarang' alongside Park Seo-joon and BTS's V. [Related Articles] Jo Yoon-woo from 'Hwarang' announces both retirement from acting and marriage... shares affectionate couple photos. [5th Place] ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo faces tax evasion allegations of about 2 billion yen while in military service. #January 22, 2026. A shockwave hits the Korean entertainment industry. ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo, currently serving in the military, faces allegations of tax evasion amounting to approximately 200 billion won (about 20 billion yen). The Korean entertainment industry is in shock. He was investigated by the Seoul Regional Tax Office last year, which determined that a corporation established by his mother was a paper company not conducting actual business, leading to a tax reassessment. In response, his agency, Fantagio, commented, 'We will actively explain the issues related to legal interpretation and application in accordance with proper procedures.' He also expressed, 'As a Korean citizen, I reflect deeply on whether my attitude towards the obligation to pay taxes has been sufficiently strict,' and apologized for the incident. [Related Articles] ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo comments on the tax evasion allegations, stating that Fantagio will actively explain the situation. [Related Articles] ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo apologizes on social media regarding the tax-related incident (full text).
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In response to a recent fire at a capsule hotel in Seoul, the South Korean government is conducting emergency fire safety inspections on 7,338 accommodations. This initiative aims to enhance safety for the expected influx of tourists during the upcoming BTS concert. Special inspections will focus on high-density areas and capsule hotels to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
ASTRO's Cha Eun-woo will have a photo exhibition titled 'Afterimage' in Tokyo from April 28 to May 12. Although he is currently serving in the military and won't attend, tickets are available for 4000 yen. The exhibition showcases behind-the-scenes photos of his diverse activities. Cha Eun-woo has faced tax controversy but expressed his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities.
BTS launches 'THE CITY ARIRANG SEOUL', a city-wide celebration from March 20 to April 19, featuring events like drone shows, music lounges, and interactive experiences across Seoul. The program coincides with the release of their new album 'ARIRANG' and includes various activities for fans.
Nickhun of 2PM disclosed on Instagram that he was stalked by someone claiming to be a fan, who followed him for 30 minutes, shouting insults. He reported the incident to the police and expressed his intention to take legal action, emphasizing the violation of his privacy and safety. He warned the stalker to stay away, asserting that he knows their identity and school in Korea. 2PM is set to celebrate their 15th anniversary with a concert in Tokyo in May.
BTS is set to host a historic comeback show titled 'BTS COMEBACK LIVE: ARIRANG' on Netflix. The event will showcase their new album and will be streamed live globally from Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on March 21 at 8 PM. Directed by renowned Hamish Hamilton, it promises a unique viewing experience beyond a standard concert.
In a recent interview, Park Jaebum reflected on his departure from 2PM, expressing that he felt no anxiety but only regret for the impact on others. He shared how a cover video he posted on YouTube helped revive his career and emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself rather than conforming to external expectations.
Ahead of BTS's comeback, J-HOPE shared practice photos on Instagram, showcasing the members' hard work. The group will release their 5th album 'ARIRANG' on the 20th, featuring 14 tracks, and will hold a live comeback show on the 21st, streamed globally on Netflix. Fans' anticipation is growing as they prepare for this return.
In a recent poll conducted from March 2 to March 8, BTS's Jin was voted the top choice for sharing candy on White Day, receiving 11,114 votes. He was followed by Park Ji-hyun with 4,837 votes, Hong Ji-yoon with 1,426 votes, and others. The poll asked fans who they would like to share candy with on this special day.
BLACKPINK's Jennie made headlines with her daring outfits at the Chanel fashion show in Paris, sharing photos on social media. She posed confidently with a drink and interacted with attendees. However, she has previously expressed concerns about her privacy being invaded by fans. Her agency, OA Entertainment, warned of potential legal action against privacy violations and harassment.
On the afternoon of the 11th, BLACKPINK's Jennie returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport after attending Paris Fashion Week. She made headlines with her striking sheer outfit and a photo with Ko Yoon-jung, both of which garnered significant attention. However, she also appeared frustrated while surrounded by fans, raising concerns among viewers in a video.
