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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SENKA, the No.1 cream cleanser brand for four consecutive years, releases a new video featuring global ambassador GISELLE. The video showcases the Perfect Whip and will be aired at Tokyo Dome on April 25-26, 2026. GISELLE highlights the product's rich foam and its skin-enhancing effects, promoting a natural, radiant look.
On the morning of the 23rd, aespa's KARINA departed from Gimpo International Airport for an overseas schedule. She has been confirmed to appear at WATERBOMB for the second consecutive year, hinting at her return as the 'Goddess of Summer'. Additionally, she is traveling to Italy to attend Fashion Week (video available).
KARINA of aespa is set to heat up the WATERBOMB stage again this summer. She joins the lineup for WATERBOMB SEOUL 2026 on July 25, after a stunning performance last year that earned her the title 'Goddess of WATERBOMB.' This year, expectations are high for an even more impressive show, as the festival continues to be a leading summer music event in Korea, featuring diverse artists and a unique atmosphere.
RM of BTS is embroiled in controversy after being accused of smoking and discarding cigarette butts in a non-smoking area in Japan. Reports indicate that while in Shibuya for a drinking party, RM and friends smoked in the hallway of a bar without a designated smoking area. Photos surfaced showing RM smoking next to a cleaning employee, raising concerns about public behavior. BTS recently performed in Tokyo and is set to meet fans in Tampa, USA, later this month.
BTS's V thanked fans in Japanese on Instagram for their support during a Tokyo Dome concert, expressing heartfelt appreciation. He shared memories through photos, including moments with members in the rain, enjoying ramen, and rehearsing. The concert attracted 110,000 fans, and BTS is now heading to the U.S. for their next performances.
On the morning of the 23rd, BTS departed from Incheon International Airport to the U.S. for their 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'. The tour, which began on the 9th in Goyang, features 85 performances across 34 cities, making it the largest solo concert series by a Korean artist. They will continue in Tampa, Florida on the 25th, 26th, and 28th.
In a recent interview, J-HOPE of BTS discussed their new album 'SWIM', highlighting its themes of love and life. He expressed gratitude for the group's reunion after 3 years and shared insights on the song '2.0', which he proposed to the producers. He emphasized the importance of their roots and the desire for their music to resonate with everyone.
BTS is hosting the largest world tour by a Korean artist, 'BTS WORLD TOUR 'ARIRANG'. A live viewing of their June 13 concert in Busan will be shown in theaters across Japan, celebrating their 13th anniversary. Tickets go on sale April 22, with special perks for attendees.
BTS's title track 'SWIM' from their 5th album 'ARIRANG' has topped the Billboard Global 200 and Global (excluding U.S.) charts for 4 consecutive weeks. The album also ranks 3rd on the Billboard 200, with several other tracks charting in the Hot 100. Their world tour has begun, with a record number of shows planned.
aespa has unveiled the schedule for their upcoming 2nd full album 'LEMONADE', set to release on May 29. The album will include 10 tracks and showcase their storytelling and musical growth. Fans can expect a variety of teasers and content leading up to the release, starting with a trailer on the 27th.
