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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SHINee’s Minho drew attention for his outstanding athleticism in a video on his YouTube channel. He visited a police fitness training center, said he wanted to test his condition ahead of HYROX in Chiba, and tried the police physical test, recalling his childhood dream of becoming a police officer.
The 2026 MTV VMA nominations were announced, drawing attention to BTS’s “SWIM,” which was nominated for Song of the Year and Best K-Pop. BLACKPINK, CORTIS, LE SSERAFIM, KATSEYE, and Jisoo and ZAYN also received multiple nominations. The awards will be held on September 27.
On the 18th, aespa members KARINA, WINTER, and NINGNING departed through Gimpo International Airport for promotional activities in Japan. They will feature in Japan's first exclusive variety show 'ShitteLL? aespa' on ABEMA starting August 22, and they recently had a successful first performance at Gocheok Sky Dome, marking the start of their world tour.
Minho from SHINee is set to release his 2nd mini album "Make it hot" on September 7, consisting of 6 tracks including the title song. This marks his first new release in 9 months since the single "TEMPO". The album promises to showcase Minho's unique energy and deepened sensibility, reflecting his diverse musical style. Pre-orders start today.
Hae-rin from NewJeans has embarked on her first solo activities after returning to ADOR, making her debut on the cover of 'marie claire' September issue. In a video greeting, she expressed excitement about reuniting with the magazine and shooting for the issue. This marks a significant step in her career following the group's contract disputes with ADOR.
BTS member Jin recently shared photos on his SNS, showcasing his visit to a theme park in a casual outfit. Despite the crowd, he enjoyed his vacation without concern for onlookers. Currently, BTS is on their world tour 'ARIRANG', and their 5th full album ranks 59th on the UK Official Albums Chart, maintaining a 21-week presence.
aespa will appear in their first Japan-exclusive variety special, “Shittell? aespa,” streaming free on ABEMA on August 22, 2026. The show celebrates their Japanese first mini album, “KISS N TELL,” with talk about the songs and behind-the-scenes stories, plus prank and challenge segments with MC Kazutoyo Koyabu and guest Wada Manjū.
As BTS announced they would not submit entries for the Grammys, the Recording Academy drew attention by suggesting it may review its newly created Best Asian Pop Music Performance category. CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said some artists felt the category could not represent their music and stressed the Academy would keep adapting so musicians feel respected. Billboard interpreted this as a possible restructuring of the category from next year. Mason also said the category was created to celebrate the depth, diversity, and growth of Asian pop music, not to exclude artists, and that entering genre categories does not prevent eligibility for the major general-field awards.
On the morning of the 31st, BTS members SUGA, J-HOPE, and Jimin arrived in Korea via Incheon International Airport after finishing their North America tour, 'ARIRANG'. The article includes photos from local media, and it notes that BTS also won a major award at the American Music Awards after five years.
On the afternoon of the 30th, BTS members Jin, Jungkook, RM, and V returned to Korea via Incheon International Airport after their successful North American tour, which attracted approximately 840,000 fans. As anticipation builds for their upcoming Busan concert, President Lee Jae-myung has called for measures to address rising accommodation costs, warning it could harm the city's image.
