SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 departs for Fukuoka, Japan, set for January 31 and February 1 at PayPay Dome, featuring top artists.

The 2nd D Awards saw ENHYPEN's Heeseung and aespa's Karina win the popular vote awards, with Heeseung receiving 1.44 billion votes and Karina 180 million. The event, hosted by Sports Dong-A, will take place on February 11 at Korea University and will be broadcast live on Channel A Plus.

On the morning of the 31st, NCT DREAM departed from Incheon International Airport to Japan for the SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka. The event will take place at PayPay Dome on January 31 and February 1, featuring performances from artists like TVXQ, NCT DREAM, and aespa. Live viewing and broadcasts will be available.

On the afternoon of the 30th, TVXQ departed from Incheon International Airport to Japan for SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka, scheduled for January 31 and February 1 at PayPay Dome. This event marks the first SMTOWN LIVE concert in Fukuoka, featuring performances from artists like TVXQ, NCT DREAM, and aespa.

On the afternoon of the 30th, aespa departed from Incheon International Airport to Japan for SMTOWN LIVE 2025-26 in Fukuoka, taking place on January 31 and February 1 at the PayPay Dome. This marks the first SMTOWN LIVE event in Fukuoka, featuring performances from artists like TVXQ, NCT DREAM, and aespa.

Tohoshinki is set to appear on Fuji TV's variety show Talk Queens on February 5. They will discuss their 20-year career, personal changes, and newfound perspectives on life. The show features a strong female cast that will help them understand women better, with hosts Rino Sashihara and Asako Ito.

NCT DREAM wrapped up their Aichi concert as part of their fourth tour, 'THE DREAM SHOW 4: DREAM THE FUTURE,' with all shows sold out. They performed hits like 'Beat It Up' and 'BTTF,' impressing fans with powerful choreography. The members expressed gratitude for the support and announced upcoming shows in Seoul.

On the afternoon of the 27th, aespa's WINTER attended the KILIAN PARIS flagship store opening event in Gangnam, Seoul. She posed adorably with a red ribbon and cake to celebrate her birthday. Additionally, rumors about her alleged relationship with BTS's Jungkook have surfaced, prompting SM Entertainment to announce legal action against defamation.

On the afternoon of the 27th, the expansion opening event for the fashion brand 'Matin Kim' flagship store in Seongsoo-dong, Seoul, took place, attended by NINGNING from aespa. Fans reacted positively to her bold new short hairstyle. The event also highlighted stars to watch in 2026, including promising actors and artists.

A man was sentenced to 1.5 years in prison with a 3-year suspension for illegally creating explicit images of idol group members, including aespa and NewJeans. The court noted the severity of his actions and the potential for widespread distribution of the images, while also considering mitigating factors such as his lack of prior offenses and no financial gain from the crime.

Kstyle and IDOLCHAMP launch the 'Strongest Visual Ranking' with voting starting Jan 26. Fans can vote for K-POP idols in TEENS, 20s, and 30s+ categories. The winner will be announced around Feb 10. Voting requires 'Ruby CHAMSIM' from the IDOLCHAMP app, which can be earned or purchased.