5 K-Pop Idols Whose Recent Renaissance Proves It’s Never Too Late To Find Your It Girl Era
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Hyeri, Karina, And Team Face Eerie Villages, Hidden Secrets, And Mysterious Creatures In “Agents Of Mystery 2”
Min Hee Jin Addresses Lawsuits And Makes Proposal To HYBE At Press Conference
2PM’s Taecyeon’s Agency Responds To Reports Of April Wedding
TWICE's Mina To Sit Out Philadelphia Concert Due To Health
ATEEZ And KiiiKiii Earn Double Crowns On Circle Weekly Charts
Chae Jong Hyeop Dishes On "In Your Radiant Season" And Working With Lee Sung Kyung
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Hyeri, Karina, And Team Face Eerie Villages, Hidden Secrets, And Mysterious Creatures In “Agents Of Mystery 2”
“Agents of Mystery” Season 2 has unveiled new stills ahead of its highly anticipated premiere! “Agents of Mystery” is a mystery adventure show in which a team of investigators tracks down and solves bizarre cases that cannot be explained by science. The show is produced by PD Jung Jong Yeon of “The Devil’s Plan,” “The Genius,” “The Great Escape,” and more. Season 2 will feature the return of the original members—Lee Yong Jin, John Park, Hyeri, Kim Do Hoon, and aespa’s Karina—along with the addition of brand new agent Gabee. The newly released stills offer a preview of the three mystery cases the team must tackle as the new season expands its investigations outdoors, promising more dynamic and immersive missions. The first case, “Black Room,” which PD Jung Jong Yeon described as featuring a “destructive storyline,” serves as a key episode that expands the show’s universe and narrative. Filled with diverse quests that showcase teamwork and problem-solving, the episode promises intense thrills while raising curiosity about the unpredictable missions awaiting beyond the mysterious room. The second case, “The Other,” is a creature-feature storyline that follows the team as they investigate the identity of a mysterious lifeform. Set in an abandoned factory, the episode heightens realism as the investigators cautiously track their surroundings. Viewers are left wondering what kind of creature they will encounter and whether the team can complete their mission while under constant pressure from unknown forces. The final case, “The Secret of Baeksudam,” revolves around strange incidents unfolding in a village and the hidden truths behind them. Filmed on location across an entire village rather than on a constructed set, the episode is expected to deliver a deeply immersive experience. Scenes of the team searching for clues in an eerie village and crossing a dark reservoir further heighten anticipation for the new storyline. The cast also expressed confidence in the upgraded scale of Season 2. Lee Yong Jin shared, “The set details were overwhelming. It didn’t just feel like a space for solving problems—the space itself felt like a clue.” John Park added, “Everything—from detail to scale—has grown bigger. The story and structure are full of unpredictable moments, so you can’t let your guard down.” Hyeri named “Black Room” as her favorite episode, saying, “From the moment we entered the set, it was thrilling. Each stage felt visually exciting, and the dopamine rush was real.” Kim Do Hoon commented, “The scale surpasses Season 1, and the unexpected twists were shocking. Being chased by a creature was the most thrilling experience of my life.” Karina also shared that she was amazed by the size of the sets, while newcomer Gabee revealed, “The moment I saw the opening scene and hidden devices in ‘Black Room,’ I thought, ‘It’s over.’” PD Jung Jong Yeon explained, “I wanted viewers to experience both the most unique stories the mystery genre can offer and stories that feel familiar. Familiar stories help viewers immerse themselves easily, while unique ones will surprise them with unexpected developments.” “Agents of Mystery” Season 2 will premiere on February 27 at 5 p.m. KST. And Kim Do Hoon in “Law and The City”:
Min Hee Jin Addresses Lawsuits And Makes Proposal To HYBE At Press Conference
Min Hee Jin proposed that HYBE bring all cases to an end in exchange for her giving up the 25.6 billion won she is supposed to receive through her put option. On the afternoon of February 25, Min Hee Jin, CEO of ooak records, held a press conference, where she personally addressed the outcome of the first trial and ooak records’ future plans. Hello. This is Min Hee Jin. First, I would like to express my deepest respect and gratitude to the court for taking the time over this long period to examine the essence of the case and for clearly confirming the truth through its ruling. From our victory in the 2024 injunction proceedings to the police decision in 2025 not to forward the case to the prosecution, and now to this victory in today’s 2026 first trial sentence—it has truly been a long tunnel. The court has made clear that the sensational framing of “a management-control takeover” and “tampering” was nothing but an illusion, and it recognized that the concerns I raised regarding creative ethics were, as the head of a company, legitimate management judgments I was duty-bound to make. This outcome of the lawsuit felt to me like comfort that washed away the wounds of the past two years. At the same time, I feel a sense of indebtedness for the fatigue I unintentionally caused the public throughout this process. Now, I intend to repay that debt with a new vision for a new era of K-pop. The reason I am standing here today is to tell you that I have decided to exchange the 25.6 billion won (approximately $17,856,000) I would receive as the price of winning for something else—something of greater value. 25.6 billion won is an enormous amount that most people could hardly ever come into contact with even if they devoted their entire lives to it. And for me, having just announced a new beginning, it is also an incredibly precious resource. But because there is a value I desire far more earnestly than this massive sum, I have called this press conference to make a meaningful proposal to HYBE. Of all the reasons behind this decision, the NewJeans members are the most urgent and heartfelt reason. In exchange for relinquishing the 25.6 billion won, I propose that we immediately halt all ongoing civil and criminal litigation and bring all disputes to a complete close. This proposal includes not only me personally but also the NewJeans members, our outsourced partner companies, all former ADOR employees—and even the termination of every complaint and accusation directed at the fandom that has been drawn into this fight and hurt along the way. Only when all of these legal disputes come to an end will there be no further reckless noise and conflict—not only for the artists but for their families and the fandom as well. I can no longer stand by and watch the reality in which five members, who should be happily on stage, are forced into a situation where someone is on the stage while someone else is in the courtroom. The members on stage will suffer, and not only the fans watching this unfold but no one at all can view this situation with happiness. And with hearts torn to pieces like this, you can never create good culture. As I have said many times, there are many values more important to me than money. Now that my sincerity has been confirmed, I want to show the world that there are values more precious than money. I hope that this decision—to trade the enormous sum of 25.6 billion won for other values—will be transformed into broader progress and reconciliation across the K-pop industry. The place HYBE and I belong is not the courtroom but the stage of creation. When I launched NewJeans, I had a creative vision. I’m deeply saddened that I couldn’t see it through to the end—but precisely because of that, I ask that the current ADOR make it a reality to keep the promise mentioned in court: “If NewJeans returns, we will treat them well.” Please create an environment where all five NewJeans members can come together and freely pursue their dreams to their hearts’ content. Opening a path for the artists to shine again—that is the only role adults should be playing. To me, 25.6 billion won is not greater than the value of restoring a healthy K-pop ecosystem and the artists’ peaceful everyday lives. Now, I hope all of us will do our best on our respective paths so that we can offer fans an even better stage. I propose that we adults return to our proper place—competing not in courtrooms but through our abilities in music and on stage. The longer this dispute drags on, the more the ones who suffer together are the artists—the true protagonists of this industry. HYBE and Chairman Bang Si Hyuk: now, let’s meet not in court but in the place of creation. In an era when corporate responsibility has become more stringent—such as with the July 2025 amendment to the Commercial Act—choosing reconciliation and removing risk from the entertainment industry will be the wisest management decision for shareholders and fans alike. I will now take off the label of “former ADOR CEO” and walk a new path as the “CEO of ooak records.” Going forward, I will pour all of my energy into nurturing new artists who can represent the K-pop industry and into building businesses with a new direction. To all members of the press who came to this conference despite your busy schedules, thank you. I hope there will be no more wasteful press conferences after today. From now on, I will meet you not in a press conference hall and not in a courtroom but on the stage of creation. And I will devote myself to what I do best: creative work. I sincerely hope that my heartfelt message today is conveyed and that it becomes a turning point where the entire K-pop industry can breathe healthily again. Today, the KOSPI (Korea Composite Stock Price Index) broke through 6,000. I hope HYBE will give this proposal—so that we can coexist and thrive together—serious and forward-looking consideration. Thank you. Earlier this month, the Civil Agreement Division 31 of the Seoul Central District Court (Presiding Judge Nam In Soo) ruled in favor of Min Hee Jin in the lawsuit she filed against HYBE seeking payment of the purchase price for shares. The court ordered HYBE to pay Min Hee Jin 25.5 billion won and also to pay 1.7 billion won and 1.4 billion won, respectively, to two of Min Hee Jin’s close associates—Mr. Shin, a former ADOR vice president and Mr. Kim, a former director—who had jointly notified HYBE of their exercise of put options. Top Photo Credit: Xportsnews
2PM’s Taecyeon’s Agency Responds To Reports Of April Wedding
2PM’s Taecyeon’s agency has addressed reports that the star will be tying the knot this April. Previously, on November 1 last year, Taecyeon’s agency 51K officially announced that he would marry his longtime girlfriend in the spring, adding that the ceremony would be held privately with only family members, relatives, and close acquaintances in attendance. On February 25, SPOTV News reported that Taecyeon is set to hold his wedding on April 24 at a private location in Seoul. In response, 51K stated in an official announcement, “Out of consideration for the bride-to-be, who is a non-celebrity, all details regarding the wedding, including the schedule, will be kept private.” They added, “We kindly ask for your understanding that specific information related to the wedding cannot be disclosed. Please send your blessings and warm support as actor Ok Taecyeon begins this new chapter of his life.” Once again, congratulations to Taecyeon and his bride-to-be! Top Photo Credit: 51K
TWICE's Mina To Sit Out Philadelphia Concert Due To Health
TWICE’s Mina will not be performing at the group’s concert in Philadelphia tonight. On February 24 local time, JYP Entertainment officially announced that Mina would be sitting out the Philadelphia stop of TWICE’s “THIS IS FOR” world tour due to health concerns. The agency’s full English statement is as follows: Hello, this is JYP Entertainment. We regret to inform you that Mina of TWICE will be unable to participate in the TWICE <THIS IS FOR> WORLD TOUR in Philadelphia due to health reasons (poor health condition). Mina truly wished to take part and was very eager to meet ONCE. She made every effort to rest during the VIP Sound Check in hopes of joining the main show. However, following careful discussion and thorough consideration on site, it was determined that she requires sufficient rest and recovery. It was ultimately decided that she would not take part in today’s show. This decision was made with the artist’s health as our top priority, and we kindly ask for your understanding. We sincerely apologize to fans who had been looking forward to the show, and we thank you for your continued love and warm support. Mina will prioritize her recovery and soon return. Thank you. JYP Entertainment Get well soon, Mina!
ATEEZ And KiiiKiii Earn Double Crowns On Circle Weekly Charts
Circle Chart (formerly known as Gaon Chart) has revealed its chart rankings for the week of February 8 to 14! Album Chart ATEEZ maintained their double crown on the Circle charts this week, topping both the physical album chart and the digital download chart for the second week in a row. The group’s new mini album “GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4” once again swept the top two spots on the physical album chart, where the POCA version of the EP took No. 1 and the regular version charted separately at No. 2. CORTIS’s debut EP “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES” climbed back up to No. 3 for the week, trailed by SEVENTEEN’s DxS’s “Serenade” at No. 4 and Jeong Dong Won’s “Collection of Props Vol.2” at No. 5. Download Chart ATEEZ successfully held onto the top spot of the digital download chart, where their latest title track “Adrenaline” remained No. 1. IVE’s new pre-release track “BANG BANG” debuted at No. 2, while Forestella’s “Etude” entered the chart at No. 3. KiiiKiii’s “404 (New Era)” took No. 4 for the week, and TWS’s “Nice to see you again” debuted at No. 5. Overall Digital Chart KiiiKiii also earned a double crown on this week’s charts with their hit song “404 (New Era),” which rose to No. 1 on both the overall digital chart and the streaming chart. Car, the garden’s “My whole world” stayed strong at No. 2, followed by HANRORO’s “Landing in Love” at No. 3 and MAMAMOO’s Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye” at No. 4. Finally, IVE’s “BANG BANG” debuted at No. 5 on this week’s chart. Streaming Chart The top four songs on this week’s streaming chart were exactly the same as the overall digital chart: KiiiKiii’s “404 (New Era)” came in at No. 1; Car, the garden’s “My whole world” at No. 2; HANRORO’s “Landing in Love” at No. 3; and Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye” at No. 4. Meanwhile, WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn)’s “Drowning” rounded out the top five for the week. Global K-Pop Chart HUNTR/X’s “Golden” (from the “KPop Demon Hunters” soundtrack) continued its reign at No. 1 on this week’s global K-pop chart, while Saja Boys’ “Soda Pop” shot back up to No. 4. IVE’s “BANG BANG” debuted at No. 2 on the chart, trailed by BLACKPINK’s Rosé and Bruno Mars’ hit collab “APT.” at No. 3. Finally, Hwasa’s “Good Goodbye” held relatively steady at No. 5. Social Chart 3.0 ILLIT maintained their position at No. 1 on the social chart this week, and TWICE similarly held onto their spot at No. 2. IVE jumped 11 ranks to take No. 3 for the week, followed by BLACKPINK at No. 4 and BTS at No. 5. Congratulations to all of the artists who made this week’s charts!
Chae Jong Hyeop Dishes On "In Your Radiant Season" And Working With Lee Sung Kyung
In a recent interview and pictorial for Elle Korea magazine, Chae Jong Hyeop opened up about his new drama “In Your Radiant Season”! MBC’s “In Your Radiant Season” is a new romance drama about the love story between Sunwoo Chan (Chae Jong Hyeop), a man who lives each day like an exciting summer vacation, and Song Ha Ran (Lee Sung Kyung), a woman who has closed herself off as through trapped in a long winter. Chae Jong Hyeop described his character in the drama by saying, “He’s an honest person. Although he harbors secrets and wounds that he can’t tell others, he wants to speak honestly about them without hiding them, so he perseveres however he can.” “He’s a kindhearted guy who thinks that if he’s hurting, others are probably hurting too, so he gladly helps other people,” continued the actor. When asked if he personally related to any aspects of Sunwoo Chan’s pain or experiences, Chae Jong Hyeop replied, “I did. Perhaps it’s because I took the logline ‘What season of your life are you in right now?’ as a question being asked to oneself, but I was reminded a lot of the time I spent studying abroad.” As for his experience working with Lee Sung Kyung, Chae Jong Hyeop enthused, “Because she’s so talented, she’s overflowing with energy on set, and she makes the atmosphere bright and cheerful.” He went on to add, “I’m gaining a lot of energy from Sung Kyung and learning a lot from her while filming.” When asked about the most meaningful moment of his life up until now, Chae Jong Hyeop shared that it was “when I first discovered something I ‘wanted to do.’” He explained, “It wasn’t planned, but I was lucky enough to wind up doing some modeling work in South Africa. That was the first thing I felt that I wanted to do, and that was when my world went from monochrome to color.” In response to a question about how he comforts himself emotionally, Chae Jong Hyeop replied, “When I suddenly depart for a new environment and immerse myself in the customs and lifestyle of the people living there, all troublesome thoughts and worries disappear, and I’m simply fascinated.” Finally, when asked what season of his life he thinks he’s in right now, Chae Jong Hyeop answered, “Right now, I’m back in winter. Because I’m working hard to prepare for a better season without getting overly excited, I’m looking forward to the future as if I’ve returned to winter again. No matter what path I walk in the future, I want to start out with the emotions I felt during my debut.”