December saw major K-pop events, including SHINee's Key's hiatus, PSY's police investigation, and Kim Woo-bin's wedding.
December/31/2025 17:58
In December, various events occurred, from popular idols' activity suspensions, love rumors, to star couples' weddings. What was the most read article on Kstyle? We reflect on the Korean entertainment industry through the 'December Article Rankings'. [1st Place] SHINee's Key announces activity suspension #December 17, 2025. Comments on relationship with 'Injection Aunt'. SHINee's Key has announced a suspension of activities. Previously, allegations arose that Park Na-rae received illegal medical treatment from a person known as 'Injection Aunt', causing controversy. After it was reported that this person also had connections with Key, his agency SM Entertainment released a statement saying, 'We learned for the first time that A is not a doctor, and we are very confused and deeply regret our ignorance.' They also stated, 'Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, we have decided to withdraw from scheduled activities and ongoing programs.' [Related Articles] SHINee's Key to suspend activities... SM comments on the 'Injection Aunt' relationship. [2nd Place] PSY, police search his agency and vehicle #December 11, 2025. Directed manager to receive psychiatric drugs. The Korean police searched PSY's agency P NATION and his vehicle. They obtained materials related to the allegations through digital forensics from PSY's phone and are considering future summons investigations. Diagnosed with chronic sleep disorders, PSY had been receiving prescriptions for psychiatric drugs without in-person consultations since 2022, and it was revealed he directed his manager to receive them. The agency acknowledged part of the allegations, stating, 'There was no proxy prescription, but a third party received psychiatric drugs on behalf of him.' [Related Articles] 'Gangnam Style' PSY, police search agency and vehicle... suspected medical law violations. [3rd Place] BTS's Jungkook and aespa's Winter dating rumors arise #December 5, 2025. Attention on arm tattoos. Dating rumors have surfaced between BTS's Jungkook and aespa's Winter. Photos of the two with similar designs of three puppies tattooed on their arms spread through online communities. Additionally, their previous instances of wearing similar items and Jungkook attending aespa's performance during his military leave have drawn renewed attention. Regarding this, Winter's agency SM Entertainment briefly stated, 'We have no comment.' [Related Articles] BTS's Jungkook and aespa's Winter, similar puppy tattoos? Dating rumors reignite... agency comments. [4th Place] Kim Woo-bin and Shin Mina finally marry #December 20, 2025. Wedding photos like a movie scene released. Kim Woo-bin and Shin Mina have finally tied the knot after 10 years of public dating. The wedding took place at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul, with many stars, including EXO's D.O., BTS's V, and Lee Byung-hun, congratulating them. It was reported that on their wedding day, they donated a total of 300 million won (about 3 million dollars) to several institutions, including hospitals in Seoul. Additionally, monochrome wedding photos reminiscent of a movie scene were released, attracting attention. [Related Articles] Kim Woo-bin and Shin Mina marry today (12/20)! Donated about 3 million dollars before the ceremony. [5th Place] NewJeans announces Daniel's contract termination and Hani's return #December 29, 2025. Minji is under discussion. ADOR announced the termination of Daniel's contract with NewJeans, explaining, 'Violations occurred, such as engaging in solo activities and damaging the group's reputation.' They also announced plans to file a lawsuit against Daniel on the same day. Meanwhile, Hani has returned to the group, and discussions regarding Minji are ongoing. Prior to this, in November, Hae-rin and Hae-in announced they would continue activities with ADOR. Following that, the remaining three members expressed their intention to return, but ADOR stated, 'We are confirming the true intentions' and will continue discussions through individual meetings.
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On the morning of the 12th, aespa's NINGNING attended an event for the outdoor brand 'DISCOVERY EXPEDITION' at NOTBAD COFFEE in Seoul. She was announced as the new ambassador for the brand, and during a live stream, she surprised fans by revealing her weight as '41kg.'
The Ministry of Culture has requested police investigations into suspected ticket scalping for BTS's comeback concert. They found numerous illegal resale postings and emphasized that tickets bought from unofficial sources may not allow entry. The ministry aims to ensure fair ticketing practices and has warned fans against purchasing from scalpers.
Taemin from SHINee has ended his contract with Big Planet Made and signed with Galaxy Corporation, which specializes in AI entertainment technology. This strategic move aims to merge his artistic talents with cutting-edge technology. He will also perform at Coachella, marking his debut as a solo male artist from Korea.
Seoul City is launching major safety measures for BTS's concert at Gwanghwamun Square on the 21st, anticipating up to 260,000 attendees. This includes temporary toilets, traffic restrictions, and the cancellation of nearby events. Authorities will ensure safety and order for all participants, with a focus on preventing crowd accidents.
BTS will host 'BTS THE COMEBACK LIVE | ARIRANG' on March 21, adding seating for 22,000 fans. The event will feature standing areas and large LED screens. Ticket sales begin on March 12, with strict measures against ticket fraud and unauthorized entry. The concert will also be streamed live on Netflix, marking the first solo performance broadcast by the platform. BTS's new album 'ARIRANG' releases on March 20, featuring the title track 'SWIM.'
BTS is launching a pop-up event for their 5th album "ARIRANG" from March 20 to April 12, showcasing merchandise inspired by Korean culture. The event will be held at two locations in Seoul and will include a collaboration with the National Museum of Korea. Pre-sales start on March 12, with full sales available from March 20.
Onew from SHINee has released his 5th mini album 'TOUGH LOVE', which includes the title track he co-wrote and co-composed. The album features five songs that explore various facets of love, moving beyond typical narratives. Onew's unique musical style is highlighted, and he plans to promote the album actively.
The Seoul police have launched an investigation into ticket fraud linked to BTS's comeback concert, prompted by reports of macro program abuse. They are examining three criminal cases related to ticket sales, warning that using macros could lead to complicity in fraud. Over 110 fraudulent posts have been identified, and security measures for the concert are being heightened with 4,800 personnel deployed to manage crowds and prevent potential threats.
aespa returned to Korea through Incheon International Airport after their concert '2025-26 aespa LIVE TOUR-SYNK: aeXIS LINE in MACAU.' They have been chosen again as advertising models for Lotte Duty-Free and are launching a campaign with KickFlip and Heart2Hearts. Additionally, they released a new collaboration song 'Keychain' with Anderson .Paak today, showcasing their powerful vocals.
KT has announced it will fully close its office on the day of BTS's concert on the 21st to ensure safety due to anticipated large crowds. Staff access will be controlled, and commercial facilities within the building will halt operations. BTS will release their 5th album 'ARIRANG' on the 20th and hold a comeback live event at Gwanghwamun Square, directed by Hamish Hamilton, with a global audience via Netflix.
