Both veteran groups and newcomers are showing dynamic activities from the start of the year.
January is establishing itself as a peak season rather than an off-peak month.
As 2026 kicks off, January has emerged as a peak period for K-Pop, contrasting its historical view as a slow month. Veteran groups like Apink, celebrating their 15th anniversary, and CNBLUE are among those making their comebacks early in the year. This wave of activity suggests that these seasoned artists are looking to reflect on their past and assert their current relevance in the market. The anticipation surrounding their return underscores the ongoing evolution of the K-Pop landscape.
Newcomer artists, including AlphaDriveOne and Longshot, are also gearing up for their debuts this month, which highlights January as an opportunity rather than a month to avoid. Their timing seems strategic, enabling them to gain exposure ahead of the busy spring season filled with major comebacks. Moreover, the emphasis on unit and solo activities adds a fresh dynamic to the January music scene, with members of SEVENTEEN participating in unit promotions and SF9’s Inseong stepping into the spotlight with a solo release.
Overall, January is transforming into a month where various artists can actively engage with fans, thus dispelling the notion of it being a downtime. This trend illustrates the shifting priorities in the K-Pop industry, where artists across generations and styles are pushing forward to seize market attention, potentially reshaping the trajectory of Korean pop music for the year.
The comeback season in K-Pop has historically centered around specific times of the year, but the context is shifting. Artists are now strategically scheduling their returns in early January to assert their competitive edge and heighten industry expectations. Veteran groups like Apink and CNBLUE are revisiting their musical legacies while reinforcing their contemporary identities, which helps strengthen their connection with fans.
The rise of newcomer artists is introducing a variety of colors and styles to the K-Pop landscape. By launching their debuts in January, these emerging groups are seizing attention and creating opportunities for successful establishment in the industry. This development is contributing to a diversified fandom, allowing audiences to experience a wider range of musical offerings.
Furthermore, the increase in solo and unit activities is allowing artists to highlight their individual charms. Members of groups such as SEVENTEEN and SF9 are solidifying their musical identities by engaging in unit promotions and releasing solo albums. This trend is broadening the professional pathways within K-Pop and leading to significant changes in market competitiveness.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: 각 소속사
