Welcome to K-Buzz, your daily source for the latest Korean entertainment news.

We're your hosts bringing you all the hottest updates from the K-pop and K-drama world.

Today is July 31st, 2026, and we've got some incredible stories to share with you.

Let's dive right in.

BTS member J-Hope has been named the new face of Colgate, becoming the global oral care brand's ambassador for their optic white vitamin C line. The announcement came with teaser videos released across Colgate's regional Instagram accounts in the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand, featuring J-Hope's signature bright smile and dance moves. Fans are calling the partnership Destiny, noting J-Hope's well-known radiant smile, with many joking that unlike his luxury brand, endorsements with Louis Vuitton and Oudemar Piget, this is finally merchandise they can actually afford to buy. The campaign launches as BTS prepares for their US tour dates with additional promotional content expected to roll out soon.

Big Hit Music's Vice President Kim Hayyun Jung has been selected for Billboard's prestigious 2026 40 under 40 list, becoming the only Korean executive honored this year. Billboard recognized Kim for her leadership in overseeing BTS's operations and business strategy, particularly highlighting the successful launch of their comeback album A Re Rang in March and the group's Stadium World Tour. In an interview with Billboard, Kim expressed that the Ah Ray Rahang release moment was one of her proudest achievements, noting that the past 12 months have been filled with historic milestones for BTS. Also selected for the list was Juan S. Arenas, CEO of Hype's Global Label Services, recognized for expanding the company's Latin American market presence.

BTS raised over 400 million Korean won through a charity auction for the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, with their donated items accounting for 46% of the total proceeds. Jimin's shirt from the World Cup Final Halftime Show became the highest selling item at $110,000, tying with the official matchball from the Spain versus Argentina final. Other members' items also commanded impressive prices, with Viz Scarf and Jungkuk's jacket each selling for $46,200, while Sugar's pants went for $33,000. The auction proceeds will be donated to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which provides educational opportunities and access to soccer for underprivileged children in 200 countries worldwide. Say name.

Singer and actress Kim Za Jung is set to star in the new drama High School Queen, a fantasy action series based on the popular Narva web tune of the same name. Kim will play Kim Chyong Ha, a Joseon dynasty queen and master warrior who dies in palace intrigue only to awaken 400 years later in the body of Kim Da Jin, a high school bullying victim. Using her royal dignity and martial arts skills, Chyongha begins to take down the school bullies who tormented Da Jin, delivering satisfying justice in each episode. The series, directed by Yoon Sung Shik, known for his work on genre hits like Iron Queen and Bridal Mask, is scheduled to premiere on Tiving next year.

B1. Oh, four surprised fans by releasing a digital single titled D-Day just two hours before their 15th anniversary concert of the same name kicked off at KBS Arena in Seoul. The song, which was a final contender for the title track of their ninth mini-album, Seth, released in April, was ultimately saved for a summer digital single release that the members felt better suited its refreshing sound. Members Xin Wu, Sandul, and Gongchan personally participated in planning and directing the music video, capturing themes of freedom and new beginnings through their own creative vision. The surprise release serves as both a gift to fans on their fan club's founding day and signals the start of new activities following the establishment of B1A4 Company earlier this year.

The broadcaster will premiere Final Table, starring Aan Hayo Siop, as a chef competing to become Korea's top culinary talent, followed by the fantasy historical drama God's Marble, featuring Aan Bo Haiyun and directed by Jung Daeyun of Reborn Rich Fame. Next year's lineup includes Kim Hee Air's Gold Digger about a successful middle-aged woman's relationship with a younger man, and John Ji Hoon's highly anticipated Human Ex Gummiho, co-starring Ji Chang Wuok, Cha Ju Young, and Huang Nyok. The network is banking on these star-powered projects to help navigate its financial difficulties after filing for corporate rehabilitation and entering an autonomous restructuring support program.

Dispatch has published additional context regarding the stalking case involving actor Huang Jongmin, revealing that the accused stalker used photos of their deceased cat as a tool for suicide threats and emotional manipulation. The stalker sent a series of threatening messages on May 15, 2025, beginning with live as a murderer forever and escalating to photos of their room, car, and ultimately images of their euthanized cat, all while threatening self-harm. The messages were sent four months after the cat's actual death and were part of a pattern that included visiting Huang Sun's school musical performance and sending threatening messages to family members.

The company expressed gratitude for Yuri's contributions as an all-around artist, who excelled not only as a singer, but also in acting, variety shows, and as an MC since debuting with Girls Generation in 2007. Yuri recently formed the Girls Generation subunit Hyo Risu with Hyo-Yoon and Soo Yoon with their debut song Skibidi, scheduled for release on August 31st.

Singer-songwriter and filmmaker Ashburn has released a new project album titled Being Lazy is Sexy, featuring 12 tracks that each tell different character stories like episodes in a miniseries. The album's title conveys a message encouraging people to slow down and rest in an era that demands constant speed and intensity. The title track Letter from Cat Planet is written from the perspective of a deceased pet cat sending a letter to their grieving owner, offering comfort with the message, Let's be happy until we meet again. All songs were written, composed, and arranged by Ashburn, with featuring artists including Emerging Talents Ara, Raho, Seohi, Shan, Shua, Bubon Yang, Chris Ji, Little Mati, and others adding unique character to each track. Until then, stay tuned to All Things Korean Entertainment, and we'll catch you tomorrow.