The second week of January 2026 is stacked with major K-pop releases, as veteran acts and rising artists alike return with new music poised to dominate playlists.
Celebrating their 15th anniversary, Apink kicked off promotions with Mini 11 to strong domestic and global chart performance. At the same time, rookie group idntt made waves by expanding from seven to 15 members and unveiling new stages. With anticipation also building around a potential Wanna One reunion, member Ha Sung Woon opened the week with a solo release, further heating up the comeback landscape.
◆ MONSTA X's Joohoney drops Mini 2 'Light INSANITY' on the 5th — proving his producer-idol power
On January 5, Joohoney became the first MONSTA X member to announce a solo comeback in 2026, releasing his second mini album Light INSANITY on major music platforms.
This marks his first new release in approximately two years and eight months since his solo debut mini LIGHTS in May 2023. Expanding the “light” concept into the idea of “gwang” (radiance and madness), the album builds a more layered and multidimensional musical universe.
Joohoney once again took full control of writing, composing, and producing every track, solidifying his identity as a producer-artist. The title track STING (Feat. Muhammad Ali) stands out with its sharp beat, ticking hook, and Joohoney’s signature “bee” imagery, delivering a fast, high-impact performance.
◆ Apink celebrate 15 years — Mini 11 'RE: LOVE' lands on charts at home and abroad
Apink’s 11th mini album RE: LOVE is already posting strong results across domestic and global charts.
Released on January 5, the title track Love Me More hit No. 1 on Bugs’ real-time chart by 7 p.m. KST and topped Melon’s Latest Releases (1 Week) chart by the morning of January 6. Internationally, the album ranked on 19 regional charts, including No. 1 on iTunes Top Albums in five regions and entries on Apple Music charts across Asia.
RE: LOVE is Apink’s first album-length release in about two years and nine months. Reflecting on their 15-year journey, the album explores rediscovering love while preserving their signature elegance and emotional depth.
◆ Trust-and-listen queens H1-KEY drop 'The World Wasn't Like A Movie' on the 5th — brimming with cozy winter vibes
Marking their fourth debut anniversary, H1-KEY returned on January 5 with the new single The World Wasn’t Like a Movie.
The R&B dance track delivers a warm, winter-ready mood, opening with the sound of a videotape before unfolding into soft melodies and delicate emotional lines. Producer Siwoo, who previously worked on several H1-KEY tracks, participated again, strengthening the group’s sonic identity.
◆ idntt unit yesweare drops 'yesweare' — hungry rookie swagger on full display
Group idntt expanded its lineup and launched a new promotional phase through 15-member unit yesweare.
Released on January 5, the unit album yesweare delivers a bold youth-forward message through five tracks, including BOYS and Pretty Boy Swag. The title track blends hip-hop, brass, and electric guitar, with lyrics expressing defiance toward rigid expectations.
yesweare will meet fans at their first mini concert FIRST IMPRESSION on January 11 at Yonsei University’s Centennial Memorial Hall.
◆ All-rounder Ha Sung Woon drops digital single 'Tell The World' on the 5th — leading the charge before a full Wanna One reunion
On January 5, Ha Sung Woon kicked off his 2026 activities with the digital single Tell the World, his first new music in about a year and six months.
The alternative pop track pairs cinematic piano and strings with introspective lyrics about self-comfort and moving forward. The release further expands his musical range ahead of future group activities.
◆ CNBLUE return with Full Album 3 '3LOGY' — signaling a singular sound
CNBLUE released their third full-length album 3LOGY on January 7 at 6 p.m. KST, alongside the music video for title track Killer Joy.
The album features 10 tracks, including a pre-release single, with all members participating in songwriting and composition. For the first time, CNBLUE are also credited as co-producers, reinforcing their distinct band identity. They will hold solo concerts in Seoul on January 17 and 18.
◆ 'Lovable' icon Chuu to release first full album 'XO, My Cyberlove' on the 7th
Chuu unveiled her first full album XO, My Cyberlove on January 7.
The album explores love in an era where reality and virtual spaces overlap, weaving a cohesive narrative through her distinctive vocals and emotional delivery.
◆ ZEROBASEONE to pre-release digital single 'Running To Future' on the 9th — a sneak peek before album day
ZEROBASEONE revealed the track poster for Running to Future, a B-side from their upcoming special limited album RE-FLOW.
The group will pre-release tracks and music videos on January 9 and 23 ahead of the full album’s February 2 release, with additional content rolling out to build anticipation.
With veteran anniversaries, bold solo statements, and rookie expansions all colliding in one week, January’s second week is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic starts to the K-pop year.