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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The Netflix series 'Monthly Boyfriend' features a star-studded cast including So Kang-joon and Lee Soo-hyuk. It follows Mi-rae, a webtoon producer, who experiences virtual romance through a subscription service. The series promises diverse romantic moments with various characters, set to premiere on March 6.
Ryan Tedder, the lead vocalist of OneRepublic, announced his collaboration with BTS on their upcoming album 'ARIRANG' during a concert in Seoul. The album features 14 tracks exploring themes of identity and universal emotions. Tedder praised BTS's talent and hinted at the excitement surrounding the project, which also includes contributions from DJ Diplo.
Rosé from BLACKPINK has made history by topping the global singles chart with her hit 'APT.' This marks the first time a K-POP artist has achieved this feat. The song, a collaboration with Bruno Mars, has broken numerous records and earned Rosé nominations at prestigious awards, including the Grammy Awards and BRIT Awards. Her debut album 'rosie' also received acclaim, ranking third on the Billboard 200 and setting a record for K-POP female artists.
BLACKPINK's Jennie donated 100 million won, combining proceeds from her photo exhibition and personal funds, to support elderly individuals needing briquettes for warmth. SEAN shared this on social media, highlighting that the donation can provide 112,000 briquettes for 560 households. Jennie's generosity is appreciated as she aims to make Korea a warmer place.
BLACKPINK has teased their new mini-album 'DEADLINE', set to release on the 27th, featuring the title track 'GO'. The MV teaser highlights a cosmic journey with stunning visuals and mysterious elements. The album includes five tracks and will be showcased at a special project at the National Museum of Korea from the 26th to the 8th, featuring listening sessions and collaborations with Spotify.
Tickets for BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun Square sold out instantly, leaving many fans hoping for cancellations. The concert, 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG,' will be streamed live on Netflix. It takes place on March 21, with a new album releasing on March 20, featuring 14 tracks that express the group's identity and emotions.
BTS's V recently shared his busy schedule during a Weverse live stream, discussing preparations for their upcoming album 'ARIRANG' and a concert. He also mentioned moving to a new place and expressed his love for ARMY, stating he misses them. The album, featuring 14 tracks, reflects the group's identity and roots. Additionally, V addressed a legal issue regarding private conversations with a former representative.
BLACKPINK is set to celebrate the release of their 3rd mini album 'DEADLINE' with a pop-up store at ZeroBase Shibuya from February 27 to March 8, 2026. The event will feature exclusive merchandise, including member visuals and album variants, along with special purchase bonuses. Pre-reservations are required for certain dates to manage crowds.
Jisoo from BLACKPINK is collaborating with Hello Kitty, launching exclusive merchandise in Japan on February 27, 2026. The collection includes cute items like plush toys, mirrors, hair accessories, and travel items. Limited quantities are available, with previous pop-up events selling out quickly. Available at select stores.
BLACKPINK has made history by becoming the first artist to surpass 100 million YouTube subscribers, as confirmed by YG ENTERTAINMENT. This milestone comes just before the release of their 3rd mini-album 'DEADLINE' on the 27th, highlighting their immense popularity and loyal fanbase.
