Kakao Entertainment artists are set to have a big year in 2026, accelerating the expansion of their global fandoms. Through a wide range of activities including tours and album releases, they will connect with audiences far and wide, further solidifying their influence as leading K-pop stars.
MONSTA X (Starship Entertainment)
After celebrating the 10th anniversary of its debut as a full group last year, MONSTA X has been actively making global moves since January. Shortly after member Joohoney dropped his solo mini-album on Jan. 5, MONSTA X will kick off its new world tour “THE X : NEXUS” at Seoul’s KSPO DOME on Jan. 30-Feb. 1. The tour, its first in about four years since 2022, will include multiple cities across Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
With its 10th anniversary mini-album “THE X,” MONSTA X achieved the highest first-week album sales of its career and secured placements on multiple global charts including Billboard. It also wrapped up its fourth iHeartRadio Jing Ball Tour – the largest year-end festival in the U.S. – and brought its dynamic live performances to major cities nationwide, cementing its reputation as a standout live act in the global pop market.
IVE (Starship Entertainment)
IVE will mark the beginning of 2026 with the release of a new album at the end of February. Prior to the comeback, the group will heat up anticipation by unveiling a pre-release track on Feb. 9. It recently showcased a coming-soon-film highlighting its cinematic universe, further fueling excitement for its much-awaited return. Following the album’s release, IVE will continue its second world tour “SHOW WHAT I AM,” which began at Seoul’s KSPO DOME in October. It is scheduled to perform at Kyosera Dome in Japan’s Osaka in April, as well as in other major cities across North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania, and more.
In 2025, IVE saw stellar success, recording seven consecutive million-seller releases and earning 20 music show wins. Through its upcoming album and tour, the group will reach global fans through elevated performances and stage presence, reaffirming its status as a dominant K-pop girl group.
KiiiKiii (Starship Entertainment)
“Gen Z icon” KiiiKiii is poised to return with its second mini-album “Delulu Pack” on Jan. 26. Following its successful debut last year, the group aims to further grow its global footprint and establish itself as a next-generation K-pop powerhouse with its confidence and free-spiritedness charm.
Through “Delulu Pack,” KiiiKiii expresses its desire to exist freely anywhere, simply as who they are in the present moment. Leading the album is “404 (New Era,)” an energetic track rooted in upbeat UK house and garage sounds. Combining the members’ powerful rapping with delicate vocals, the song revolves around the error code “404 Not Found” – symbolizing a freedom that exists everywhere yet can’t be found within conventional systems. Also included in the wide-ranging album are: “Delulu,” “Underdogs,” “Mungnyang,” “Dizzy,” and “To Me From Me.”
After bursting onto the K-pop scene in 2025 with the debut track “I DO ME,” KiiiKiii quickly built a strong fan base both domestically and internationally, sweeping seven Rookie of the Year awards. Notably, it took the stage at MUSIC EXPO LIVE 2025 held at Japan’s iconic Tokyo Dome, becoming the only K-pop girl group to pull off the feat.
WOODZ (EDAM Entertainment)
WOODZ also plans to have a big year, with a new full-length album currently in the pipeline. Following the resounding success of “Drowning” ― a song that ranked No. 1 on Melon’s annual chart, among others ― and his 2025 single “I’ll Never Love Again,” WOODZ has proven himself to be an all-round artist with outstanding producing skills.
Now, all eyes are on how he will further rev up his global presence through the upcoming album. Ahead of its release, WOODZ will venture into acting with the film “Slide Strum Mute,” in which he collaborated with director Park Sye-young and actor Justin H. Min. In the 59-minute movie, he portrays “Woojin,” a character who surrenders to profound inner desires when confronted with an irresistible opportunity and choice. Balancing both music and acting, WOODZ is expected to mesmerize fans by revealing new facets of his artistry and talent.
Antenna artists
Talented artists under Antenna are also gearing up for a hectic year. Solo artists like KYUHYUN and Jung Seung-hwan will continue to resonate with listeners through their distinctive musical styles, while boy band Dragon Pony is set to expand its global reach through appearances at festivals and live performances.
hrtz.wav (Kakao Entertainment)
Kakao Entertainment has confirmed the early 2026 debut of its global band hrtz.wav, aiming to raise its profile worldwide. hrtz.wav – the combination of “Hertz” and “.wav” – consists of five winners from Mnet’s “Steal Heart Club,” a global band-making project by Kakao Entertainment and CJ ENM. Keiten, Hagiwa, Dane, Riaan and Youn Young-jun will debut with the goal of presenting a new wave of band music that captures the spirit of youth. Known for the members’ solid instrumental skills and commanding live performances, hrtz.wav has already begun generating buzz with pre-debut content such as behind-the-scenes videos, hinting at the rise of a next-generation band icon. Kakao Entertainment plans to leverage its comprehensive music business capabilities – spanning IP planning, production, distribution, marketing, and more – to provide full support for hrtz.wav as a rookie group at the forefront of the growing K-band boom.
Source: Press Release
