February saw shocking news in K-POP, including actor Jung Woo-nu's death, a K-POP idol's extramarital child, and BTS's comeback stage.
March/2/2026 17:38
From the sudden news of death to reports of a K-POP idol's extramarital child, and the decision for BTS's comeback stage, various events occurred in February. What was the most read article on Kstyle? We reflect on the Korean entertainment industry through the 'February Article Ranking'.
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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.
EXO’s Xiumin, KISS OF LIFE, NOWZ’s Si-yoon and Jin-hyuk, VIXX’s Hyuk, ATBO’s Ryu Jun-min, FIFTY FIFTY’s Keena, I.MET.U’s Kelly and Ria, Renan, Hyojin Choi, and AMAZON attended the opening event for fashion brand DAUSPICE in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 16th.
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.
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.
ZEROBASEONE’s Sung Hanbin has taken his first step as a solo artist by releasing his debut EP, DEAD:ALIVE, along with the music video for the title track, UNDEAD. The album portrays a journey of overcoming trials and fear through the themes of “beautiful destruction” and “self-transcendence.”
According to Spotify, BTS’s 5th full album ARIRANG passed 5 billion cumulative streams as of the 14th, the most among 2026 releases. Every one of its 14 tracks topped 200 million streams, and the title track SWIM neared 1 billion. The album also set Billboard 200 records, including three straight weeks at No. 1.
EXO’s encore world tour finale, “EXO PLANET #6 - EXhOrizon [dot] -,” will be broadcast live from Seoul’s KSPO DOME to cinemas across Japan on November 8, 2026. The event includes Japanese subtitles, a special attendee gift, and ticket sales through lottery, general sale, and theater sales.
Park Sae-mi suddenly announced that she will get married this week, posting wedding photos on SNS. She expressed affection for her groom-to-be, florist Kim Joon-young, and apologized for not being able to notify everyone personally. The couple, who met through a trainer, reportedly dated for about two years.
ABOUT MUSIC’s TikTok hashtag ranking placed BTS’s Jungkook at No. 5 with over 421 billion views, the highest among male solo artists. BTS topped the list overall, followed by Messi, Ronaldo, and Taylor Swift. Jungkook’s songs remain popular on TikTok, while BTS continues its world tour.
The 2026 MAMA AWARDS revealed its first performance lineup for the two-day event at Kyocera Dome Osaka on November 20 and 21. Twelve acts were announced, including RESCENE, ALPHA DRIVE ONE, BABYMONSTER, ENHYPEN, ILLIT, INI, NCT WISH, CORTIS, KiiiKiii, LE SSERAFIM, NAYEON, and ZEROBASEONE. The announcement also renewed attention on a promise between RESCENE’s Wonni and comedian Lee Sung-min, made after they worked together on a web variety show.
