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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BTS's 5th full album 'ARIRANG' debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 for two weeks in a row, making them the first Korean artists to achieve this. The album sold 187,000 units in its second week, with significant physical sales. BTS is also dominating global charts and preparing for their Japan tour.
BLACKPINK's Jennie posted photos with actor Lee Jung-jae on Instagram, sparking interest due to their unexpected pairing. Jennie revealed that her name was inspired by Lee, as her mother, a fan, wanted to name her after his character in a drama, but changed it to Jennie when she had a daughter instead.
BTS made a full comeback, wearing blue SWIM jumpers that sparked a wave of dance challenge videos from HYBE artists. Notable performances include SEVENTEEN's Hoshi in military attire, TOMORROW X TOGETHER showcasing their choreography, and ENHYPEN's Jay and Sunu's creative skit. Other idols also joined in, creating a buzz with their own videos.
March was a significant month in K-pop, featuring BTS's long-awaited comeback with their 5th album, TWICE's Dahyun announcing a hiatus due to injury, and ENHYPEN's Heeseung unexpectedly leaving the group to pursue solo activities. The top articles reflected these major events and their impact on fans.
BTS's V highlighted his friendship with the Uga Family by posting a video featuring matching outfits and a dance routine. The group, including Park Seo-joon and Choi Woo-shik, celebrated BTS's long-awaited comeback with their 5th album 'ARIRANG,' which broke sales records and topped Billboard charts, with 13 of 14 songs making it to 'HOT100.'
J-HOPE's sister, Jung Jiwoo, opened up about her IVF experience and a recent miscarriage in a YouTube video. She shared her struggles with stress and the decision to pursue IVF, revealing that her first attempt ended in a chemical miscarriage. Despite the challenges, she is focusing on recovery and maintaining her health. Jiwoo is a YouTuber, model, and entrepreneur with 2.38 million subscribers, and she has appeared on various shows, including 'I Live Alone' and 'The Influencer.'
BTS members V and Jungkook made a surprise appearance on TBS's 'Sore Snow Man,' celebrating the show's third anniversary. They performed their new songs '2.0' and 'SWIM,' collaborated with Snow Man, and shared their love for Japanese food and artists, creating memorable moments for fans.
In a humorous video, MMA fighter Akiyama, BTS's Jimin, and Jungkook share a unique ear-cleaning experience, showcasing their friendship. Akiyama expresses a desire to clean the ears of those he loves, leading to amusing reactions from Jimin and Jungkook. The trio's playful interactions and laughter highlight their camaraderie, making fans smile.
On the afternoon of the 3rd, BLACKPINK's Lisa departed from Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. She is trending for her luxurious birthday party as she approaches her 30s and is set to make history as the first K-POP artist to hold a long-term performance in Las Vegas.
BTS released their 5th full album 'ARIRANG' Deluxe Vinyl on April 3, featuring 15 tracks, including the new song 'Come Over.' This track, produced by SUGA, blends stadium anthem vibes with pop elements, reflecting themes of searching for connection. The album has broken records on major charts, including Billboard's 'Billboard 200' and 'Hot 100.'
