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

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Today is October 22nd, 2026, and we've got some incredible stories to share with you.

Let's dive right in.

17th Jong Han and Joshua just proved how strong their pull is in Japan. Their first mini album, Dreamscape, went straight to number one on Oricon's daily album ranking, earning more than 53,000 points on its first day from Oricon retailers alone. The release also hit number one on iTunes Japan's top albums chart and landed at number five on Apple Music Japan, while taking the second spot on Line Music's daily chart. Back home, industry reports say the album sold over 650,000 copies on day one, which is the highest first day record ever for a K-pop unit album. Next up, the duo heads to Saitama for two shows at the Beluna Dome on November 21st and 22nd, and the concerts will also be streamed live in cinemas around the world.

Girl Group Kiki just picked up another big win in China, as their third mini album, Waikiki, was named the most popular Korean album of the third quarter of 2026 on the music platform Neti's Cloud Music, according to industry reports. The album came out in August and takes its inspiration from Waikiki in Hawaii, asking the playful question of Waikiki, then answering it in the group's own signature style. At release, it landed on several QQ music charts and hit number one on the Korean chart at Kugol Music, showing strong support from global fans. The group's momentum has been building all year, with Billboard ranking their song 404 New Era at number one on its staff list of the 25 best K-pop songs of 2026 so far, and a win at the Tencent Music Entertainment Live International Music Awards in August. They also lit up the stage at the NBA China Games Halftime Show and the NBA House Macau Fan Festival in October, and fans can catch their fun side every Friday at 7pm with the group's YouTube series Kiki Pang Pang.

NCT Wish is on a roll with their fourth mini album, I Spy, which has swept the weekly album charts since its release on October 12th. News sources report that it took the number one spot on the Hanteo weekly chart, and on the newly announced Circle Chart, it topped both the album and retail album rankings. It also claimed first place on the weekly Global K Chart for October 12th through 18th, which combines data from Melon, Tencent Music in China, and Line Music in Japan. The album sold more than 1,200,000 copies in just one day, giving the group its fourth straight million seller. And, following their April full-length debut, Ode to Love, it marks back-to-back hits in both halves of 2026. Now the group is kicking off its second week of promotions, with stage performances of the title track on Music Bank, The Seasons, Show Music Core, and Inky Gayo, starting with M Countdown on October 22nd.

JTBC's new weekend drama Final Table blends a high-stakes cooking survival show with heartfelt storytelling. And the cast met the press in Seoul on October 22nd. An Yo So plays Kang Han, a chef who made his name in Europe and the United States before returning to Korea after an unexpected accident, while Chang Ru plays Chaujin, a perfectionist star chef, and Hong Huayun plays Choizong Yi, the restaurant's hall manager. The big draw is the face-off between Kang Han and Chao Jin, with one chasing flawless precision and the other pouring meaning and personal stories into every dish. An said he practiced knife skills and plating whenever he had free time, and Chang Yu said he now feels confident prepping ingredients after rounds of onion and carrot cutting. Director Kim Do-hoon admitted the show may feel unfamiliar to some viewers, but called it a bold new attempt. And Final Table premieres this Saturday, October 24th at 10.40pm.

Max Changmin of TVXQ is officially kicking off promotions for his new song All of My Life, the title track from his third mini album. He'll perform it on KBS2's Music Bank on the 23rd and on SBS's Inki Gayo on the 25th. Then stop by KBS Cool FM's Pangmyongsu's radio show on the 25th to chat about music and show off his witty side. The track is a pop rock number that blends emotional electric guitar with powerful drums, while his delicate expression and big vocals lift its dramatic mood. And the lyrics are about calmly walking your own path and embracing life. Just a few days ago, he shared a live version on the One The K Live channel's outdoor recording studio, singing against a City Park backdrop. The full album has six songs in total, and fans are already looking forward to what other stages he has in store.

Kim Hyunjung's former girlfriend has officially stepped into the entertainment scene under the stage name CU, starting out as a TikTok creator. Her agency, Lightning Central, a TikTok live management company, confirmed on Thursday that she signed with them and began streaming last month, and she has already reached the upper ranks of TikTok Live's daily rankings. The agency says she plans to build on TikTok and branch out into beauty, health, and variety content, describing her as a bright, positive single mum who is talented and responsible. Regarding her past with Kim Hun-jung, who she dated for about three years starting in 2012, and with whom she has a son born in 2015, the agency said all legal disputes, including the custody and child support cases, have fully concluded, and that she is focusing on the present and future. Kim Hyun Jung, for his part, married a non-celebrity in 2022 and welcomed a son that same year.

Actor Yi Jin Mook is switching gears to play a veteran forensic pathologist in TVN's upcoming mystery medical drama Unnatural working title. Industry reports say he's joining as Kusang Hyok, a coldly precise expert whose habit of caring more about the dead than the living earned him the nickname Grim Reaper Hyok. The story is set in a fictional institute called UDI, affiliated with the National Forensic Service, where forensic doctors uncover the truth hiding behind unnatural deaths. The production team says Yi's chilly presence and restrained acting should fit the character perfectly, especially as he conveys subtle emotions behind an expressionless face. He joins previously confirmed cast members Yi Myun na, who plays forensic pathologist Songduen, and Takangyun, who plays a medical student assigned to public service duty, and the drama is set to premiere in 2027.

Broadcaster Li Hesong is clearing the air after some viewers thought she was defending actress Ha Yong. In a social media post on the 21st, she explained that the line asking whether descendants should atone for their ancestors' sins was a quotation from Harvard professor Michael Sandell's book Justice, not her own opinion. The remark came up in a YouTube video where she introduced the book and opened by mentioning a public figure whose great-grandfather's pro-Japanese collaboration had recently come to light, which many took as a reference to Hay Yong. Lee said she was simply explaining the idea that humans are narrative beings within the flow of history, and she pointed to a scholar in the book who criticized Americans who treat the history of slavery as having nothing to do with them. She also noted that her own view appeared near the end of the video, where she quoted an American philosopher to stress that descendants do have a responsibility to answer for their ancestors' debts. Industry reports add that Ha Yong apologized publicly over her great-grandfather's history and was dropped from filming the follow-up season of the Netflix series Severe Trauma Center.

The legal fight between Adore and former New Jeans member Danielle went into its sixth hearing at the Seoul Central District Court, with the label seeking about $33 billion won, roughly $25 million, in penalties and damages. The roughly 50-minute session opened with a sharp exchange, as Daniel's lawyers accused Adore of deliberately stalling by failing to submit materials that a court-appointed accounting expert had requested. The big question was how to value the contribution of former Adore CEO Bin Hidin. Adore argued that a group as established as NewGeans would not have earned nothing without her, while the defense insisted her creative value is irreplaceable and simply cannot be quantified. The court cautioned against putting too much pressure on the expert and said it hopes to receive the report before November 10th. The next hearing is set for November 12th, and just days earlier, Daniel uploaded a YouTube video that hinted other New Jeans members were present just outside the frame.

Tomorrow by Together has officially kicked off the countdown to their comeback. Industry reports say their agency, Big Hit Music, shared a promotion schedule on the group's social media on the 21st for their ninth mini album, Perfect Storm. The poster has fans talking, with a graphic of a flock of birds taking flight just before a storm hits, which fits the album title perfectly. Over the coming weeks, the group will roll out teasers like concept photos, the track list, and an album preview, and a more to come message at the bottom hints at even more surprises. The album captures the longing for change felt by young people, and it speaks honestly about the struggles of Gen Z, the same generation as the members themselves. Perfect Storm arrives on November 16th at 6 p.m. Korean time.

News sources report that the man who broke into actress Nana's home has once again received a heavy sentence. On Thursday, the Seoul High Court rejected appeals from both the prosecution and the defendant, upholding the original seven-year prison term for aggravated robbery causing injury. The court agreed with the lower court's reasoning, pointing to the nighttime break-in, the fact that he carried a weapon, and the injuries inflicted on the victim. The incident took place last November at Nana's home in Kuri, where the man allegedly demanded money and threatened her mother. He also filed a complaint against Nana, which police dropped, and she responded with a countersuit for false accusation, while prosecutors have recently brought additional charges against him, so more court proceedings are still ahead.

Joy plays Yui, a job seeker who once drew huge attention with her novel Star and Half Moon, then suddenly announced she was quitting writing and threw herself into job hunting. Actor Kim Hun-jin plays Takmui, a hugely popular top star and devoted fan of that novel, who boldly moves closer to her after learning her secret. The series is based on a webtoon of the same name, and an official says Joy's lovable, bubbly charm combined with Kim Hunjin's warm energy, will deliver a truly one-of-a-kind flutter, with the show streaming exclusively on Teeving, Vue, and Abima.

Our featured song today is Come Into My World by Woods, a self-written rock track inspired by the upbeat, high-energy rock and roll sound of the 1980s. Expect gritty guitar riffs, driving drums, and Woods' powerful vocals, all wrapped around a message to leave your worries behind and enjoy the moment. Here's a quick preview. So enjoy it. The music video also has a Western-inspired look that's worth checking out. Now back to more news.

K-pop fans, get ready for a massive art exhibition called D Festa the Origin, which opens on October 23rd and runs through November 30th at the MPX Gallery inside the IFC Mall in Yoido Seoul. The show brings together 48 artists from nine top groups, including G-Dragon, BTS, Stray Kids, Tomorrow Buy Together, Esper, En Hypen, Ive, Rise, and Cortis. And it took about four months to shoot across more than 30 large sets. Highlights include Hughes of Black, a giant black and white portrait measuring 8 meters wide and 4 meters tall, and the centerpiece, Canon No. 48, where all 48 artists walk across a huge structure to capture today's K-pop visually. Visitors can also see paintings drawn by the members themselves, read handwritten letters to fans, and join interactive programs like The Encounter. Plus, they receive an admission kit with photo tickets and stickers. According to industry reports, the exhibition heads to Tokyo in January, with more major cities to follow, and tickets are available through NOL Ticket.

The video tells the story of people who can't sleep, and all six members play characters of their own, so expect some real emotional performances. Before the video drops, fans can get a preview through side stories, with Suhi, Wonbin and Shu Taru up on the 23rd, followed by Sung Tan, Anton and Unzhok on the 24th. The side stories were written by author Ton Zonman, with illustrations by artist Numa, who used an opaque watercolour technique. This isn't Rise's first time going the drama route, since their 2024 video for Love 119 also took a drama format to capture the flutter of first love. And Insomnia itself is an acoustic pop track with lyrical guitar and calm yet aching vocals, arriving on the 26th.

Sad news today for fans of actress Soyunjin, as industry reports say she recently lost her father. Her agency, Management Soup, confirmed the news on the 22nd and said a funeral hall has not been set up yet, with family currently preparing the funeral arrangements. The loss comes just ahead of her return to the small screen in the new NBC Friday-Saturday drama Lia, which is set to premiere on the 30th, and a press conference is scheduled for the 28th. So Yunjin debuted in 2001 as a member of the girl group Milk before transitioning into acting, and she went on to score major hits like Another Oheyong, Romantic Dr. Kim, and Beauty Inside. Fans everywhere are sending their warmest thoughts and support to her and her family during this difficult time.

The release was originally aimed for early September, but it got pushed back due to internal company restructuring, so this has been a long wait for fans. Concept and visual teasers are already out, showing the members as quirky heroes who have dropped onto planet Earth, each armed with a different weapon and styled like character cards from a video game. The group debuted back in April with We Are Unchild, earning buzz for their unique school look style, bold performances, and steady live vocals. And they'll reveal their comeback schedule at midnight on the 23rd before spending about two weeks on promotions.

Tomorrow by Together is taking a firm stand against malicious rumors. Big Hit Music announced on the 22nd that false and hateful posts have been spreading unchecked on overseas social media and online communities. The agency said it had held off on public statements to avoid giving the rumors more attention, but, with a comeback approaching, it decided the situation had reached a serious level. Industry reports say the company is now gathering evidence from platforms at home and abroad, and it will pursue strong legal action with no settlements and no leniency. The agency also asked fans to report illegal posts through the Hybe Artists' Rights Protection site, promising to do its best to protect the members and prevent similar harm in the future.

Espa is getting ready to celebrate its sixth debut anniversary with fans at a special fan meeting called Mabo Wish Daika, set for November 28th and 29th at Korea University's Huatong Gymnasium in Saur. This marks the group's first fan meeting in three years, since their third anniversary event back in 2023, and it's a chance for the members to thank their fandom, Mai, for all their steady support. The quartet just wrapped up their America's tour, and they've already been busy with fans, holding a birthday party for Ning Ning on the 20th, with one for Giselle coming up on the 30th. Industry reports say the members are planning a mix of fun segments and stages for the night, and ticket sales run through Mellon Ticket, starting with a Weaver's domestic presale on the 27th at 8 p.m., a global presale the next evening, and general sales on the 29th. All of this follows a world tour that hits 16 cities across Asia and the Americas since August, and the group will head to Europe starting in January.

Rookie Boy Group A20 Soul is getting ready to debut with their first album called Superstar, which drops on November 9th at 6 pm Korean time. The group is already turning heads as the first boy group producer Li Suman has introduced since leaving SM, and they've described their sound as a fresh take on what they call New Synthwave. The album features five songs, including a double title track setup with Superstar and a second song called Dancing in the Dark, with top writers like producer Yu Yong Jin and Han Kenta, who has worked with major pop stars lending a hand. The early signs are promising, since the Superstar Music Video landed at number 18 on YouTube's trending music chart soon after its release, and the song also reached number two on QQ Music's new song chart, number six on its popular song chart, and number four on its global music video chart. The members come from Korea, Japan, the United States, and Thailand, which makes this a truly multinational group to watch.

Singer Yimu Jin is getting ready to wrap up the year with a warm winter tour called From Winter, his first full concert run in about two years since his Pertekbuprok show in November 2024. The tour kicks off on November 28th and 29th at Kuyang Aram Nuri's Adam Theater, then heads to Tegu's Kyongpuk National University Grand Hall on December 19th and 20th, and Pusan Citizens Hall on December 25th and 26th. According to industry reports, the concert title is about saying a gentle goodbye to the past and a hopeful hello to new beginnings, and fans can expect his delicate, heartfelt style to bring out the feeling of winter. Two posters have been revealed, one with a soft green background featuring Yi, and another showing a silhouette waving hello, and a mystery bonus event is also teased for later. Tickets go on sale through NOL Ticket, with Koiang opening on October 26th, Pegu on the 27th, and Pusan on the 28th, all at 8 in the evening.

Japanese singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu has sold out every seat for his upcoming Korean concerts on the very first day of ticket sales. Booking opened at noon on October 22nd, and industry reports say all tickets disappeared right away. The show is a part of his Ghost World tour, and he will perform three nights at Inspire Arena in Incheon on January 14th, 16th, and 17th of 2027. That's a step up from his first Korean visit at the same venue last March, when two sold-out nights drew about 22,000 fans, so adding a third show clearly didn't slow demand. Korean listeners have loved him for songs like Lemon from the drama Unnatural, Kickback from Chainsaw Man, and Iris Out from the Chainsaw Man Rezé movie. And it looks like that love is stronger than ever.

Some tough news for Lay Seraphim fans in Paris. Member Sakura had to sit out the group's concert there due to health issues. According to industry reports, the group's agency, Source Music, posted a notice on Weaverse on October 21st, explaining that Sakura developed a sudden high fever and her medical team advised that she rest. The show at Akuraina was part of the group's world tour called Pureflow, and it was also their first ever solo concert in Paris, which makes the timing especially unfortunate. The other members still took the stage without her, while the agency promised to focus on Sakura's quick recovery so she can meet fans again in good health. The tour rolls on across Europe, with the next stop in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 23.

Rookie Girl Group A20 Lite, often called Lee Suman's New Girl Group, is racing ahead just over a week after their debut on October 13th. Their debut track Neon won its first music show trophy on SBS Life's The Show on October 20th, and it got there without any physical album sales, powered by digital streaming alone. The real talk of the night was their encore stage, where they focused on singing instead of dancing, and showed steady high notes and smooth harmonies, which they followed with another well-received live performance on an NBC radio show the next day. Even though some critics raised suspicions about artificial viral marketing and inflated chart numbers, those claims seem to be fading, since Neon has held the top spot on Mellon's top 100 for six days in a row, ranked fourth on Apple Music's global daily chart, and topped a new releases chart on China's QQ music. Add in the meme craze around the song's opening pair choreography, plus constant buzz around member Yijing despite controversy over her family, and industry reports suggest this rise is being driven by genuine public interest, though it remains to be seen whether it will last.

That wraps up today's episode of K-Buzz.

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