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With the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) just a day away, several 2007-born idols who have been balancing academics alongside their busy entertainment careers are preparing to take the exam, while others have opted to focus fully on their professional activities.

On November 13 KST, 554,174 students will sit for the CSAT at 1,310 testing sites across 85 districts nationwide. Among them are young idols who have diligently studied despite packed schedules and overseas promotions.

Reported test-takers include ZEROBASEONE’s Han Yujin, TWS’ Kyungmin, izna’s Yoo Sarang, and KickFlip’s Donghyun. Industry insiders noted that these idols made significant efforts to balance studies with demanding careers.

However, several 2007-born idols have decided to skip the exam this year to prioritize their entertainment commitments. These include IVE’s Leeseo, BABYMONSTER’s Ahyeon and Rami, Hearts2Hearts’ Yooha and Stella, MEOVV’s Narin, KATSEYE’s Yoonchae, izna’s Choi Jungeun, and tripleS members Kim Soomin, Kim Chaewon, Jung Hayeon, and Jung Hyerin.

Starship Entertainment, IVE’s agency, explained:

“After much discussion regarding Leeseo’s CSAT participation, she decided not to take the exam in order to focus on IVE’s current activities. Depending on her future plans, she may consider college later on.”

The 2026 CSAT is set to begin at 8:40 a.m. on November 13 at testing centers nationwide.

K-pop girl group izna recently made headlines after an unexpected and viral moment during their first-ever fan concert, Not Just Pretty, held on November 9 in Seoul. The two-day event offered fans an array of special experiences, from high-energy performances of hits like Mamma Mia and BEEP to heartfelt interactions with the members.

However, the most talked-about moment occurred near the end of the concert. During a pause in one of the final songs, member Saebi leaned in and gave fellow member Jeemin a quick, surprising kiss on stage. Both Jeemin and the audience appeared taken aback by the sudden display of affection.

Fans quickly shared clips and reactions online, causing the moment to go viral across social media platforms. Many praised the unexpected interaction for its sweetness and spontaneity, while others expressed delight at seeing the close bond between the members. This incident has added even more excitement and attention to izna’s growing presence in the K-pop scene.

2NE1’s Dara faces backlash over recent Instagram post.

On Nov 10, Dara celebrated her 40th birthday with CL and Minzy, sharing sweet photos with the caption: “Time spent with members~ so precious😍♠️♥️”. However, fans criticized the post for happening just days after Park Bom’s return to social media amid her ongoing lawsuit against YG.

Netizens are questioning why Park Bom, currently on hiatus and reportedly facing emotional struggles, wasn’t included, fueling rumors of tension within the group.

HyunA collapsed during her performance at ‘Waterbomb 2025 Macau’ on November 9 while performing “Bubble Pop!”.

Mid-performance, she suddenly fainted, prompting her dancers and security staff to rush to her aid. A guard carried her offstage as the dancers tried to cover her.

Fans grew deeply concerned after seeing clips of the incident, especially since HyunA recently admitted to being on a strict diet. She had revealed earlier this month that she lost 10 kg in a short time after facing pregnancy rumors, leading many to worry about her health.

BTS’s V has been officially named the new ambassador for award-winning Japanese skincare brand Yunth, marking his debut in Japan’s beauty scene.

On November 5, Yunth revealed stunning new photos and a commercial film featuring V, whose effortless charm and refined visuals perfectly align with the brand’s image.

The commercial will air nationwide in Japan starting November 13, marking V’s first solo TV ad in the country where he captivates viewers with his elegant style and radiant charisma.

The “Idol Union,” a new organization formed to protect K-pop idols’ rights and welfare, is set to officially launch later this year a move that could redefine labor conditions in the entertainment industry.

According to the Idol Union Preparatory Committee, the group submitted its establishment report to the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September and expects approval soon. The union plans to focus on improving working environments and strengthening systems for mental health and human rights protection.

The committee also urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate how agencies handle malicious online comments and manage artists’ mental health, stressing the need for standardized support systems.

They highlighted ongoing issues such as overwork, musculoskeletal disorders, and excessive agency control over idols’ personal lives, calling for idols to be recognized as legitimate workers under labor laws.

If approved, the Idol Union could become a major step toward securing fair treatment, mental health safeguards, and labor rights for K-pop artists.

BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook Return with Season 2 of “Are You Sure?!”

This December BTS members Jimin and Jungkook are set to return with Season 2 of their hit Disney+ travel variety show “Are You Sure?!” (이게 맞아?!), premiering on December 3.

On November 5 at 9 a.m. KST, BTS’s official accounts unveiled the teaser image for the upcoming season, marking the duo’s long-awaited comeback to the small screen. The new installment arrives one year and three months after Season 1, which concluded in September 2023 to massive global success.

The first season became the most-watched non-drama title on Disney+ worldwide (excluding English-language content) within just 42 days, earning praise for its genuine chemistry and heartwarming friendship moments.

In the new season, Jimin and Jungkook embark on a fresh adventure just a week after completing their military service. With a limited budget and a worn-out travel guidebook, they journey across Switzerland and Vietnam over 12 days, exploring breathtaking sights and strengthening their friendship along the way.

Season 2 adopts a “minimalist travel” theme, challenging the duo to travel light and earn money through fun missions. Fans can look forward to more candid moments, humor, and heartfelt exchanges as they navigate unexpected situations.

Teaser photos show the pair relaxing under the Matterhorn’s snowy peaks and enjoying a boat ride in Hoi An, giving a glimpse of the show’s warm, easygoing tone.

Exclusively streaming on Disney+, “Are You Sure?!” Season 2 will feature eight episodes, with two new episodes released every Wednesday from December 3 to December 24.

NMIXX’s Haewon finally revealed how her viral “Oemochek” (“visuals check”) meme came to life! 💅

On Salon Drip, Haewon shared that the moment happened during a Workdol shoot after an all-nighter:
“I was so tired, saw a mirror, and just blurted out, ‘Oemochek!’ without thinking,” she laughed.

She also joked that fans now shout “Oemochek!” at her overseas proving the meme’s global power

IVE’s Leeseo has decided not to take the 2026 College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT) to focus on group activities.

According to reports on November 5 KST, after careful discussion, Leeseo chose to dedicate her time to ongoing promotions rather than university entrance exams.

Starship Entertainment shared that her decision about pursuing higher education may be reconsidered later, depending on her personal goals and schedule.

Like fellow members Jang Wonyoung and Liz, Leeseo is prioritizing her music career.

IVE recently wrapped up their three-day Seoul concert for their world tour SHOW WHAT I AM at KSPO DOME, following hits like “ELEVEN,” “LOVE DIVE,” and “After LIKE.”

Actress Lee Si Young has welcomed her second child, born from an embryo that was frozen during her marriage. 👶💗

On November 5, Lee shared a heartfelt photo with her newborn on Instagram, calling the baby “a gift from God” and thanking her doctor for the support.

Earlier this year, Lee revealed that she chose to proceed with the embryo transfer after her divorce, as the storage period was ending. Her decision has since sparked public discussion in Korea about IVF, embryo rights, and single motherhood.