K-pop group idntt expands to 15 members with launch of new unit yesweareWhile an increasing number of K-pop groups are choosing to debut quicker and leaner under smaller lineups, Modhaus’ mega boy band project idntt is moving in the opposite direction. The expanding boy group project officially scaled up to 15 members on Monday with the launch of its second unit, yesweare, taking another step toward its final lineup. Developed by Modhaus, the company behind girl group tripleS, idntt is designed as a gradual rollout toward its final 24-member lineup. The structure began taking shape last August with the debut of unevermet, a seven-member unit that served as the introduction to idntt. This week, the project moved into its next chapter as the eight-member yesweare joined idntt’s lineup, bringing the group to 15 members ahead of a still-unrevealed final unit, itsnotover, which will complete the full roster. To mark the expansion, idntt released the album “yesweare” on Monday, beginning its promotions as a 15-member team. Hours before the album drop, all 15 members gathered at Blue Square SOL Travel Hall in Yongsan District, Seoul, for a press event introJan 5, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
Brazilian fan arrested after repeatedly visiting BTS Jung Kook’s home in SeoulA woman who repeatedly visited the home of BTS member Jung Kook and caused disturbances has been arrested by police, authorities said. Yongsan Police Station in central Seoul said on Jan. 4 that it arrested a Brazilian woman in her 30s on suspicion of violating the anti-stalking law after she went to Jung Kook’s residence in Yongsan District at around 2:50 p.m. that day. Police said the woman caused a disturbance in front of the house, including throwing mail. She had also visited Jung Kook’s home twice in December and was arrested at the scene, with Jung Kook’s side requesting a no-contact order at the time, police said. Officers plan to investigate her further to determine the details of the case. It is not the first time Jung Kook has faced intrusion attempts at his residence. In June last year, a Chinese woman in her 30s was arrested on attempted housebreaking charges after visiting the home around the date of his military discharge and repeatedly trying to enter a door code, before later receiving a suspended indictment. In October, a Korean woman in her 40s was referred toJan 5, 2026By Hankookilbo
BTS to release 14-track studio album March 20Global K-pop sensation BTS will return with its fifth full-length album March 20, a 14-track project reflecting the members' personal thoughts and experiences, the group's label BigHit Music said Monday. The release marks the group's first studio album in more than six years, following "Map of the Soul: 7" in February 2020, and its first new group project since the anthology album "Proof" in June 2022. "True to their identity as artists who express themselves through music, BTS poured their efforts into capturing the essence of who they are today," BigHit Music said, noting that the album production was the group's primary focus through the second half of last year. Each track, the label added, carries the emotions and reflections that stem from the members' journey and gratitude toward their fans, known as ARMY. BTS is also expected to unveil details of a world tour on Jan. 14. This would mark the group's first since the "Permission to Dance on Stage" series concluded in Las Vegas in April 2022. As part of its comeback promotions, the group launched a new official website, 2026bts.com, wJan 5, 2026By Yonhap
BTS comeback sparks global buzz as fans push 'Run BTS' back up the chartsAhead of their much-anticipated group comeback this March, BTS are already making waves globally, driven not by new material, but by a renewed surge of fan interest in an older track. The song "Run BTS," first released on the group’s 2022 anthology album "Proof," returned to No. 1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart in 61 countries, including Brazil, Finland, Mexico and Greece, as of Friday morning local time. Fans around the world, collectively known as ARMY, launched a coordinated streaming drive to celebrate the start of 2026 and the group’s upcoming return, turning a nostalgic fandom gesture into a fresh chart milestone. Fans say the song’s message — a vow to keep running forward together — resonates especially strongly as all seven members prepare to resume full-group activities. The track is widely regarded among ARMY as one of the clearest expressions of BTS’ teamwork and identity, and its renewed success reflects a shared anticipation for the group’s new album, scheduled for release on March 20. International media outlets are also paying close attention. The New York TiJan 2, 2026By Xportsnews
BLACKPINK’s Jennie stuns fans with bold hair transformation ahead of 30th birthdayBLACKPINK member Jennie has unveiled a dramatic new look, revealing a bold new hairstyle in a recent U.S. magazine photoshoot — a style shift that fans say highlights a more confident and mature side of the global K-pop star. On Wednesday (local time), U.S. fashion magazine “V Magazine” released Jennie’s photos and an accompanying interview. In the shoot, she appears with her long straight hair cut into a strikingly short style, creating a stronger and more sophisticated aura. In one of the featured images, Jennie pairs a black-and-white halter-neck top with oversized hoop earrings, presenting a hip and trend-forward visual that contrasts with her previous image. Speaking to the magazine, Jennie said she remains focused on her core work as an artist, noting that she will be performing in Tokyo around her birthday week. “I can’t believe I’m still saying this. Because it’s something I said a year ago before my first album 'Ruby,' but I feel like a baby stepping into the world,” she said, sharing candid thoughts about her current mindset. When asked about approaching her 3Jan 2, 2026By Hankookilbo
Wanna One to reunite on new reality TV showK-pop project boy group Wanna One will reunite with fans for the first time in a while through a new reality TV program set to air in the first half of this year. "The Wanna One members have been considering ways to meet Wannables, and agreed to produce a new reality show, a format most beloved by their fans," an official with the cable music channel Mnet said Friday. Wannable is the name of the group's fandom. The official added that the channel is preparing the show with the aim of releasing it within the first half of the year and details of the show will be announced once fixed. Formed through Mnet's 2017 audition program "Produce 101" Season 2, Wanna One debuted as an 11-member project group and gained huge popularity with hit songs, like "Energetic" and "Beautiful." The group stood at the forefront of K-pop's third generation alongside two other boy groups, EXO and BTS. With EXO's new album due out this month and BTS' album release planned for March, fans will be able to greet all three of these top-tier acts of the third-generation K-pop in various ways during the first half of thJan 2, 2026By Yonhap
Former BIGBANG member T.O.P to return as solo artistT.O.P, a former member of popular K-pop group BIGBANG, will make a comeback as a solo artist this year, marking the 20th anniversary of his debut. The rapper announced the comeback on social media Thursday, telling fans that "A new album is on the way." A short video released alongside the post showed him writing the phrase "Another Dimension" both in Korean and English on a white sheet of paper, hinting that it may be the title of his upcoming album. The release date has not yet been announced. The release would be his first in 13 years since the digital single "Doom Dada" in 2013 and his first musical project since officially departing from BIGBANG in 2023. T.O.P debuted as a member of BIGBANG in 2006 and rose to prominence as both a rapper and actor. However, he suspended entertainment activities after becoming embroiled in a drug scandal in 2017. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for two years, for marijuana use. Last year, he returned as an actor, appearing in Netflix's "Squid Game" Season 2, which was released in December 2024. In an interview for the series last JanuJan 2, 2026By Yonhap
K-pop’s next generation: Which rookie groups will debut in 2026?A new wave of K-pop rookie groups is lining up to enter the spotlight through 2026, as major agencies and audition programs prepare fresh act aimed at shaping the next generation of K-pop — even as the industry’s biggest names gear up for high-profile comebacks in the background. Among the earliest debuts is ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1), an eight-member boy group formed through Mnet’s 2025 audition program “Boys II Planet.” Managed by WAKEONE, the eight-member boy group consists of Junseo, Arno, Leo, Geonwoo, Sangwon, Xinlong, Anxin and Sanghyeon. The group is scheduled to debut on Jan. 12 with its first album, “EUPHORIA.” The group has already gained early exposure. In December, ALD1 opened the 2025 Melon Music Awards with a performance of its prerelease single, “FORMULA,” marking its first appearance on a major awards stage. With senior labelmate ZEROBASEONE nearing the end of its contract period, ALD1 is expected to continue the lineage of male idols produced through the “Boys Planet” franchise. MORE VISION, the agency led by singer and producer Jay Park, is also prepJan 1, 2026By Pyo Kyung-min
BTS announces March 20 comeback, ending nearly 4-year hiatusK-pop juggernaut BTS announced its long-awaited comeback with a new album slated for March 20, BigHit Music confirmed Thursday. The release marks the band’s first album as a complete seven-member lineup after three years and nine months, following its anthology album “Proof” in June 2022. BTS has been on hiatus as a group while its members fulfilled Korea’s mandatory military service and pursued solo projects. All seven have now completed their service, with Suga the last to be discharged on June 21, 2025. In celebration of the new year, the group sent printed copies of handwritten letters to members of its fan base, ARMY, as a gift to those who have maintained a Weverse membership for the last three years. The letters included the date “March 20, 2026,” effectively revealing the timing of the group's return, alongside messages of gratitude to fans. Shortly after fans received the letters, BigHit released a statement Thursday morning, officially confirming the album’s release date. In his letter, leader RM wrote that he had been “waiting for (this comeback) more than anyonJan 1, 2026By Park Han-sol
New year, new playlist: K-pop fans' favorite songs to start 2026As the clock resets on New Year’s Day, many K-pop listeners follow a small but familiar ritual: choosing the first song they will play in the New Year. It is a habit rooted in the idea that music can help shape the emotional tone of what comes next. Every year, K-pop fans usually treat their opening track as a kind of soft launch for the year ahead. Some reach for comfort, others for confidence or motivation, but the impulse is the same: Start the year on the right note. Over time, this has turned certain K-pop tracks into annual fixtures. While most of these were not written to become New Year’s anthems, they do share something more lasting — themes of renewal, self-belief and forward motion. With 2026 arriving at a moment that feels both uncertain and full of possibility, that first choice matters more than usual. Below are some of the songs fans return to as they step into a new year, spanning different eras, genres and moods. 'As You Wish,' WJSN Released in 2019, WJSN’s “As You Wish” has become a familiar presence on New Year’s Day playlists among K-pop fans. Built on aDec 31, 2025By Pyo Kyung-min
