Daily Korea. News: (Jan4, 2026)

🔎 Part 1. Entertainment & Culture (Fact-Checked)

• [Music] BTS: Full-Group Album Confirmed for 20th Anniversary
  • Fact: BigHit Music officially announced that BTS will release a new full-length album this year. Specifically, it marks their first group project as a full unit since 2022.
• [Legal] NewJeans: Court Schedules Injunction Hearing for Late January
  • Fact: The Seoul Central District Court has officially set the first hearing date for NewJeans’ injunction against ADOR. Consequently, the group’s legal battle will enter a decisive phase this month.
• [Drama] “The Judge Returns”: Ji Sung Leads Weekend Drama Ratings
  • Fact: The new MBC drama The Judge Returns recorded its highest viewership rating of 12.5% today. Notably, critics are praising Ji Sung’s intense performance as a Fair Judge.
• [Variety] Ko Hyun-jung: “Should I Delete This?” Viral Video Regret
  • Fact: Actress Ko Hyun-jung’s candid video post became the #1 trending topic on portal sites today. Specifically, her humorous regret over a viral video sparked massive fan engagement.
• [Variety] Lee Young-ja: “Song Eun-yi Snub?” YouTube Channel Controversy
  • Fact: Comedian Lee Young-ja’s joking declaration to “cut ties” with Song Eun-yi became a top search topic. However, the agency clarified it was just a lighthearted moment from a variety show.
• [Industry] 10 Billion CEO Song Eun-yi: “Employee Resignation Crisis” Confession
  • Fact: Song Eun-yi’s honest talk about the struggles of running her agency, Labo H, ranked high in news search. In addition, she shared her distress over recent employee departures.
• [Variety] “Running Man”: SNSD Sooyoung Rushes from Hospital for Yoo Jae-suk
  • Fact: Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung proved her loyalty by appearing on Running Man immediately after a hospital visit. As a result, her “U-turn” to help Yoo Jae-suk became a viral highlight today.

🔎 Part 2. Society & Politics (Fact-Checked)

• [Diplomacy] President Lee Jae-myung Departs for State Visit to China
  • Fact: President Lee arrived in Beijing today for a 네-day visit to meet President Xi Jinping. Importantly, this is the first visit by a South Korean leader in six years.
• [Security] North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Ahead of China Summit
  • Fact: North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles into the East Sea this morning. Therefore, the Blue House held an emergency NSC meeting to review military readiness.
• [Industry] Right to Disconnect: New Working Hour Legislation Proposed
  • Fact: The government announced plans to introduce a “Right to Disconnect” law in early 2026. Notably, this will prevent employers from sending late-night work messages.
• [Industry] Startup-Centered Society: President Lee’s New Economic Vision
  • Fact: President Lee declared a shift toward a “startup-centered” economic model during his New Year reception. Consequently, the Korea Startup Forum welcomed this decisive move.
• [Science] Geometry Mystery Solved: Korean Mathematician Wins Global Acclaim
  • Fact: Korean mathematician Baek Jin-eo solved a 60-year-old math puzzle today. Specifically, the research was featured in the prestigious Scientific American magazine.
• [Society] Han River Freezes for the First Time This Winter
  • Fact: Meteorological authorities confirmed that the Han River officially froze today. As a result, citizens are being cautioned about slippery roads and extreme cold waves.
• [Education] University Tuition: Max Increase Capped at 3.19% for 2026
  • Fact: The Ministry of Education confirmed that universities can increase tuition by a maximum of 3.19% this year. Ultimately, this is aimed at balancing university finances with student burdens.