From left, Kim Jong-kook, Kim Jong-min, late Song Dae-kwan and late Wheesung / Xportsnews
The year 2025 proved to be an emotional whirlwind for the Korean entertainment industry, marked by moments of joy, grief and shock. The industry saw news that ranged from long-awaited marriages to sudden deaths and controversies that stirred intense public reaction. From longtime bachelors finally tying the knot to heartbreaking losses that left fans in mourning, the year’s defining moments underscored how love and loss, celebration and sorrow, continue to coexist in the world of K-pop.
The year also marked the return of major stars, a wave of wedding announcements and a series of incidents that sparked debate across entertainment circles and social media, reflecting just how closely the public follows the personal lives of its favorite artists.
BTS members return from military service
All members of BTS completed their mandatory military service in June, officially ending the group’s long “hiatus.” Jin completed his service in June last year, followed by J-Hope in October. RM and V were discharged on June 10, with Jimin and Jung Kook finishing the following day. Suga, who served as a social service worker, was released from alternative duty on June 21.
With the group now back to civilian life, expectations for their return to group activities have intensified. During a live broadcast following their discharge, BTS said they would begin music production and performance preparations in the United States, hinting at a new album and a world tour scheduled for 2026. The group has since shared rehearsal photos and hosted group livestreams, fueling anticipation for what fans describe as the “postmilitary era” of BTS.
Kim Jong-kook, left, and Kim Jong-min / Xportsnews
Weddings across the industry — longtime bachelors, reunited stars and marriages
Singer Kim Jong-kook married a noncelebrity bride on Sept. 5 at a private ceremony in Seoul, held under strict security with only close acquaintances in attendance. The secrecy was so tight that even fellow “Running Man” cast members reportedly learned of the wedding after the fact, sparking lively online discussion.
Koyote member Kim Jong-min married his noncelebrity partner, who is eleven years younger, on April 20 at The Shilla Seoul. The singer has since shared that the couple is planning for a child, drawing warm messages of support from viewers and fans.
From left, Ailee, Bang Min-ah and Hahm Eun-jung / Xportsnews
Singer Ailee was also married on April 20 to businessman and former actor Choi Si-hoon. The couple had already registered their marriage last August, and Ailee said on a television program that it was to place their home under joint ownership, a remark that drew public attention.
Several former girl-group members also began new chapters as brides. Bang Min-ah of Girl’s Day married actor On Joo-wan on Nov. 29 at a private outdoor wedding in Bali, Indonesia. The two first met through the 2016 drama “Beautiful Gong Shim” and later reconnected while working together on a musical.
Former T-ara member Hahm Eun-jung married film director Kim Byung-woo on Nov. 30 at the Grand Hyatt Seoul. Kim is known for directing films including “The Terror Live,” “PMC: The Bunker” and “Omniscient Reader,” and the two are said to have met through acquaintances in the film industry.
Eun Ji-won, left, and Lee Sang-min / Xportsnews
Some celebrities also remarried after years of single life. Eun Ji-won married a stylist nine years his junior in June, holding a small private ceremony with only close relatives following his 2012 divorce. Lee Sang-min, meanwhile, became legally married in April to a woman ten years his junior, having previously registered the marriage without a ceremony; this marked his first remarriage in about twenty years.
Clockwise from top left, Shin Ji and Moon Won, Ok Taec-yeon, Tiffany and Yoon Bo-mi / Xportsnews, captured from Shin Ji’s social media
Other stars announced upcoming weddings. Koyote’s Shin Ji revealed plans to marry singer Moon Won, although controversy later arose after Moon’s past and personal history became the subject of public debate online. Shin Ji and Moon Won denied the allegations and said they are preparing for married life while living together.
Actor and 2PM member Ok Taec-yeon said he will hold a private wedding next spring in Seoul, marrying his longtime noncelebrity partner after five years of dating. Apink member Yoon Bo-mi will marry singer-producer Rado in May next year, concluding a nine-year relationship that began in April 2017. More recently, Girls’ Generation member Tiffany was reported to be dating actor Byun Yo-han, with marriage reportedly on the horizon, drawing congratulations from fans.
Late Song Dae-kwan, late Wheesung and late Lee Min / Xportsnews, courtesy of Brand New Music
Mourning in the industry — the loss of veteran and beloved singers
Singer Song Dae-kwan died on Feb. 7 at age 78 after a sudden heart attack, a death that shocked fans who had followed his long and active career in trot music (a genre of Korean popular music).
Singer Wheesung died on March 10 at his home in Seoul at age 43. Having debuted in 2002 with the ballad “Can’t we…” and releasing hits such as “With Me,” “The Day We Meet Again,” and “Insomnia,” his passing brought deep grief to fans and colleagues across the industry.
Lee Min, a member of the female duo As One, known for songs including “Want and Resent” and “Wish You Wouldn’t Know,” also died in August at age 46. She was reportedly found at home by her husband after returning from work, a detail that added to the sorrow surrounding the news.
From left, Sung Si-kyung, Lee Seung-gi and Key / Xportsnews
Betrayal, breaks and self-reflection
Ballad singer Sung Si-kyung faced a financial dispute in November after it was revealed that he had suffered losses related to a longtime manager, a figure familiar to many fans. However, on Dec. 15, police decided not to forward the case for prosecution, noting that the complaint had been filed by a third party and that Sung’s agency did not express intent to pursue punishment. “We hope the situation will be resolved smoothly,” the singer’s side said, adding that they plan to “cooperate to help those who experienced losses.”
Singer-actor Lee Seung-gi declared a complete break with his in-laws in April. Lee married Lee Da-in, daughter of actress Kyeon Mi-ri, whose husband has faced stock-manipulation allegations. Although Lee had previously defended his in-laws, he announced that he and his wife had decided “after long consideration” to sever ties following the renewed prosecution of the case earlier this year, a decision that drew widespread attention.
SHINee member Key was also swept into controversy after allegations emerged linking him to a figure accused of unlicensed cosmetic procedures. Key’s side acknowledged that he had received home treatments on several occasions when hospital visits were difficult, saying he had not known the person was not a licensed doctor. The singer apologized and withdrew from all ongoing television programs as he entered a period of self-reflection.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.