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 Onew has returned with his new single “Illusion” after about seven months. The release features three title tracks, including “Illusion,” “Mind Games” with Yuju, and “Tic Tac Toe” featuring Zico. The song and MV highlight his musical range and growth as a singer-songwriter.
NewJeans’ Danielle posted a Melbourne vlog on her YouTube channel, showing time with her sister Olivia Marsh and outings for croissants, coffee, and ice cream. Fans noticed people and dogs that seemed linked to Hanni, leading to speculation that some friends in the video were NewJeans members. Danielle also showed affection for NewJeans by visiting the Great Ocean Road, posting a Bunnies Camp sticker, and sharing related photos. The text also mentions her ongoing legal dispute with ADOR.
ABEMA will broadcast the live finale of Mnet’s STREET WORLD FIGHTER: Directors' War exclusively in Japan and simultaneously with Korea for free tonight. The show spotlights performance directors who create every aspect of a stage, and four finalists—KASPER, BABYZOO, BADA, and kooyoung back—will compete in a cheer performance mission. ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin will MC, and a related special program featuring YUMEKI and JO1’s Ren Kawashiri is also streaming free.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
Some K-pop artists, including IVE, KiiiKiii, FIFTY FIFTY, and Park Hyo-shin, submitted songs for the Grammy’s new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category, along with Japanese and other Asian acts. But BTS, Stray Kids, and other major-label artists declined, amid debate over whether the category helps or isolates Asian music.
New Balance has launched a new “983” campaign featuring brand ambassador WINTER of aespa. The shoe reinterprets 2000s performance running design with a sculptural, future-forward silhouette, blending heritage and innovation. It is now on sale online and at select stores.
A roughly 13-second video allegedly filmed in a corridor at aespa’s Seattle concert venue has gone viral, showing several women falling to the floor, pulling each other’s hair, and throwing punches and kicks in a fierce brawl. Witnesses and online users were shocked, but the exact cause and identities remain unconfirmed.
The 2026 Music Bank Global Festival in Japan will be held on December 12 and 13, 2026 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). New artists announced include NiziU, INI, xikers, ZEROBASEONE, TWS, NEXZ, KickFlip, AEN, and TUIDE, with performance dates revealed. Tickets and premium lounge options are on sale.
Lee Soo-man’s AI-generated dance video with A2O producer Yoo Young-jin and rookie group A2O LITE went viral, drawing likes and comments from K-pop stars. A2O LITE, a nine-member multinational girl group, debuted with “NEON,” which reached No. 1 on MelOn’s TOP 100.
BTS’s V proved his powerful influence in fashion by generating about 5.2 billion won in media value for CELINE during Paris Fashion Week, even though he did not attend. Lefty’s report said his impact accounted for about 23% of CELINE’s total EMV, the highest among related influencers.
