Daily Korea. News: (Jan1, 2026)

🔎 Part 1. Entertainment & Culture (Global Edition)

• [Global] BTS Hints at “2026 World Tour” in New Year Message
  • Fact: In a midnight New Year greeting on Weverse, BTS members collectively hinted at a massive 2026 world tour, their first as a full unit since 2022.
  • Detail: The phrase “See you on the road in 2026” trended globally on X (Twitter) within minutes of the post.
• [Live] BIGHIT MUSIC New Year’s Eve Live Highlights
  • Fact: The HYBE/BIGHIT joint countdown concert ended successfully early this morning, featuring top-tier stages from TXT, ENHYPEN, and a surprise guest appearance.
• [Visual] IVE Jang Wonyoung: “New Year’s Goddess” Viral Photos
  • Fact: Photos of Jang Wonyoung watching the first sunrise of 2026 have gone viral on Instagram, with fans praising her “effortless morning beauty.”
• [Chart] New Year’s Day “Melon” Tradition: Trending Songs
  • Fact: WJSN’s “As You Wish” and BTS’s “Spring Day” have once again climbed back to the top of the Melon charts as Koreans stream them for good luck in 2026.
• [Awards] 2025 SBS Drama Awards: Namgoong Min Wins Daesang
  • Fact: Actor Namgoong Min took home the Grand Prize at the drama awards held late last night, marking his continued dominance in the industry.
• [Cinema] “2026 Blockbusters”: Sneak Peeks Released
  • Fact: Several major production houses released “2026 Lineup” teasers today, including a highly anticipated sci-fi thriller starring Gong Yoo.
• [Variety] 2026 New Year Special “Idol Star Athletics Championships”
  • Fact: MBC officially confirmed the lineup for the 2026 Lunar New Year ISAC, with filming scheduled to start later this month.

🔎 Part 2. Society & Politics (Daily Recap)

• [Tradition] Millions Gather for the First Sunrise of 2026
  • Fact: Over 2 million people gathered at eastern coastal spots like Jeongdongjin and Ganjeolgot to witness the first sunrise of the Year of the Horse.
• [Economy] 2026 Minimum Wage Officially Takes Effect
  • Fact: Starting today, the South Korean minimum wage has officially increased to the new 2026 rate, affecting millions of part-time and full-time workers.
• [Policy] “Digital Nomad Visa 2.0” Launch
  • Fact: The expanded benefits for the foreign remote worker visa officially launched today, making it easier for global talent to live and work in Korea for up to 2 years.
• [Politics] President Lee Jae-myung’s New Year Address
  • Fact: In his first New Year address from the Blue House, President Lee emphasized “National Stability” and “Economic Leap” as the core goals for 2026.
• [Social] Zero-Plastic Initiative Starts in Seoul Cafes
  • Fact: The ban on all single-use plastic cups and straws in Seoul’s major coffee chains officially took effect today as part of the “Green Seoul 2026” plan.
• [Tech] Samsung & LG Reveal “2026 AI Home” Concepts
  • Fact: Tech giants released previews of their next-gen AI home appliances today, ahead of the CES 2026 exhibition in Las Vegas.
• [Diplomacy] Korea-Japan 2026 “Friendship Year” Kick-off
  • Fact: Both governments announced a series of cultural exchange programs to mark 2026 as the “Year of New Cooperation” between the two nations.