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.
Related Articles
Luxury golf brand MARK & LONA has unveiled a new visual starring aespa’s KARINA, its first female brand ambassador. The winter collection features functional, stylish key items, and the brand is launching a special campaign with original wallpapers and fashion film screenings.
Coachella 2027 has revealed its lineup, featuring K-pop artists such as BLACKPINK’s Jisoo as a solo act, NCT, BABYMONSTER, Peggy Gou, and Leenalchi. Jisoo will perform on April 9 and 11, NCT on April 10 and 17, and BABYMONSTER will make its Coachella debut. BTS was not included.
BTS’s Jungkook appeared at Graff’s 65th anniversary exhibition opening in Harajuku, dressed in an all-black suit with Graff earrings, rings, bracelets, and a necklace. TWICE’s Sana, Tori Matsuzaka, and Hikari Mori also attended. The immersive exhibition runs in Tokyo from November 12 to 25, 2026.
On the morning of the 11th, RIIZE’s Sungchan attended an event for the perfume brand Maison Francis Kurkdjian at The Hyundai Seoul in Yeouido, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul.
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, guests representing the art, film, fashion, and entertainment industries gathered at the 15th LACMA Art+Film Gala at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Gucci, a presenting sponsor since 2011, deepened its partnership with LACMA. NINGNING, Park Bo-gum, Kim Kardashian, and Alex Consani attended in Gucci looks.
Harper’s BAZAAR KOREA unveiled its December 2026 cover featuring BTS’s V in a daring shirtless photoshoot shot at a Beverly Hills mansion during the group’s Los Angeles tour. In an interview, V said he wants to preserve ordinary feelings and stay connected to people.
SBS has revealed the full lineup and daily schedule for the 2026 SBS Gayo Daejeon, a two-day Christmas event at KINTEX in Ilsan. The 30th-anniversary show will feature 44 acts across generations, from legends like BoA, SHINee, and T-ARA to global stars and rookies, plus tribute and collaboration stages.
aespa’s NINGNING attracted global attention with a sexy, luxurious party look at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala. She posted glamorous photos on SNS in a silver crystal bra top and fur jacket, highlighting her elegant shoulders, collarbones, and waist. As Gucci’s global ambassador, she stood out at the event and drew media spotlight.
BTS’s V has been chosen as the face of Harper’s BAZAAR KOREA’s final issue of 2026. The magazine teased the reveal with a video shot in Los Angeles during his tour, showing V wearing Cartier pieces and displaying various expressions. BTS will continue their tour in Asia, starting in Kaohsiung.
The Korea Music Content Association said the New York Times gave a one-sided view of a K-pop contract dispute, ignoring Korea’s laws, standard contracts, and the industry’s artist-protection system. It defended K-pop’s incubation model and urged fair, balanced judgment.
