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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The 2026 MUSIC BANK GLOBAL FESTIVAL IN JAPAN will take place at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on Dec. 12 and 13, 2026. Day 1 features MISAMO, NAYEON, aespa, and NCT WISH; Day 2 features Stray Kids, IVE, BOYNEXTDOOR, and CORTIS. MCs include KIM JAEWON, SANA, and JANG WONYOUNG. Premium lounge tickets and sales details were also announced.
MARK & LONA has released a special interview video featuring KARINA, its first female brand ambassador, and began selling the worn items on September 25, 2026. Inspired by KARINA’s wish to create a sweatshirt set-up, the collection presents a travel-themed fall-winter style with hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts, sneakers, and a caster-equipped stand caddy bag, combining comfort, functionality, and luxury for golf, travel, and everyday use.
Laura, Yuu Yamada, and Mizuki Yamamoto appeared at an event held in Ginza, Tokyo, on September 24. Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot held “HUBLOT Special Night” at Ginza Sony Park, bringing together glamorous guests including global ambassador Jungkook, Ryota Katayose, Oji Suzuka, Kouta Nomura, Girolamo, and others.
Hublot held “HUBLOT Special Night” at Ginza Sony Park on September 24, drawing many celebrities to Ginza. Jungkook, the global ambassador, appeared alongside Ryota Katayose, Oji Suzuka, Kouta Nomura, Yuu Yamada, Mizuki Yamamoto, Rola, and Girolamo.
Venue101 EXTRA leaves Studio 101 for a special two-week NHK Hall recording. Week 1 features live performances by Da-iCE, M!LK, ONEW, and Ado? No, New School Leaders, plus a drawing contest and a gesture game, with guest-seat appearances by Ayumu Imazu and ≒JOY.
HYBE CINE FEST 2026 will run in theaters nationwide from October 30, featuring three concert films from TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ENHYPEN, and SEVENTEEN, plus HYBE CHEERING PARTY screenings. Advance tickets, exclusive bonuses, a 4-show online pass, and a Yurakucho Marui pop-up were also announced.
On the morning of the 23rd, Park Gyu-young departed through Incheon International Airport for an overseas schedule. Related photo links note her attendance at a HOURGLASS brand event, as well as GUCCI events attended by aespa’s NINGNING and Stray Kids’ Lee Know.
Kim Jae-won successfully concluded his first solo fan meeting in Japan at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo on September 20. He walked through the venue singing Vaundy’s “Tokyo Flash,” handed flowers to fans, shared photos and stories from Tokyo and his dramas, and performed songs by Taemin, Yeonjun, and CORTIS. He also recreated a scene from “Yumi’s Cells 3” as Shin Seung-rok. He is set to release the film “Final Interview” in Korea in November.
aespa’s WINTER appears on the October cover of COSMOPOLITAN and talks about handling a busy schedule, her fear of trying new things, and why she still chooses to challenge herself. She also reveals hints about a western-style solo stage for aespa’s world tour and says she wants to keep her “anything is possible” mindset rather than chase freedom itself.
BTS arrived in Korea through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 20th after completing their appearance at the iHeart Radio Music Festival. Related reports noted that BTS performed at the festival for the first time in about six years and closed the event with a powerful performance.
