TWICE Jihyo Hiatus, TWICE Sana Acting Debut, IU Breakup

TWICE's Sana to Make Acting Debut in Japan-Korea Film

TWICE member Sana is set to make her acting debut more than a decade after entering the entertainment industry, taking on a leading role in the upcoming Japan-Korea co-produced film "Nyangi".

JYP Entertainment confirmed the casting on July 9, marking a major milestone in Sana's career after 11 years as a member of the globally successful girl group. The film will pair the singer with acclaimed Japanese actor Takeru Satoh, introducing Sana to audiences in her first feature film role.

Directed by Kwon Hyuk Chan, “Nyangi” is a cross-border production that blends fantasy and romance. Sana will portray a cat that transforms into a human in an effort to reach the story's male lead, played by Satoh. The role marks her first official venture into acting after years of focusing on music and performances with TWICE.

Sana and Satoh have crossed paths before through the entertainment industry. The Japanese actor recently appeared in the teaser for MISAMO's first full-length album Play. MISAMO, TWICE's Japanese subunit, consists of Sana, Mina and Momo, making “Nyangi” a reunion of sorts for the two stars.

IU and Lee Jong Suk End Relationship After Four Years

K-Pop princess IU and Actor Lee Jong Suk have ended their relationship after four years together, with both agencies confirming the split.

The confirmation, released on July 10 by IU's agency EDAM Entertainment and Lee Jong Suk's agency ACE FACTORY, brings an end to one of K-entertainment's most high-profile relationships. While neither side disclosed the reason for the breakup, both agencies said the two have decided to continue supporting each other professionally.

IU and Lee Jong Suk first confirmed their relationship in late 2022 after years of speculation, revealing that their romance had grown out of a long-standing friendship. The two first met as teenagers while serving as MCs on SBS's Inkigayo in 2012, where they developed a close bond that lasted for years before evolving into a romantic relationship.

Throughout their time together, the couple largely kept their relationship private, occasionally expressing gratitude and admiration for one another through interviews and public messages. Fans often praised their enduring friendship, which formed the foundation of their four-year romance.

Following the breakup, both stars are focusing on their respective careers, with IU preparing a new album and concert, while Lee Jong Suk is set to return to the screen with the upcoming drama "The Remarried Empress".

ICYMI:

• EVAN is set to perform at the Grammy Museum on Aug. 14.

• Mark Lee has officially launched his Weverse community.

• ATEEZ's Yunho has reportedly ended his relationship with his longtime girlfriend.

Jihyo Says She Will Take a Break After TWICE Tour

After more than a decade of nonstop promotions, TWICE leader Jihyo says she is finally ready to slow down. Following the group's final THIS IS FOR concert in Seoul, the singer revealed that she plans to take a well-earned break after TWICE's nearly year-long tour, saying the time off is essential for both her well-being and the group's future.

The announcement comes as Jihyo expands her solo activities with "Distant Lover," a cross-cultural collaboration with Grammy-nominated Jamaican artist Shenseea. In an interview promoting the single, the K-pop star reflected on balancing TWICE's demanding schedule with personal growth, "For the past 11 years, as TWICE and as a solo artist, we barely had any breaks, so I want to spend the rest of this year relaxing and taking a bit of a break," Jihyo said. "This break is really something we need in order to work better in the future, so I hope our fans understand."

Jihyo said collaborating with artists such as Shenseea and Jenevieve changed her perspective on work and creativity. "Maybe I don't have to hurry things. Maybe I don't have to do things so fast," she said, recalling how their calm approach inspired her to slow down.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• KCON LA unveils the final artist lineup for its 2026 festival.

• Yves joins the KBK Fest Romania lineup, replacing ARTMS for the event on Sept. 27.

• ARTMS announces its "ART OF BLOOD" tour across South Korea, North America and Europe.

• izna reveals six dates for its "WHO DAT GIRL?" world tour.

• WANNA ONE, TXT's Yeonjun and ALPHA DRIVE ONE are confirmed for the KCON LA 2026 M Countdown special stages.

• KARD expands its 2026 European tour with newly added stops in Paris and Athens.

• MAMAMOO adds two Australian concerts to its 2026 "4WARD" world tour.

• PENTAGON's Kino announces the Brazilian leg of his "FREE KINO" 2026 world tour with three scheduled shows.

Favorite New Music This Week

On "NO LABELS: PART 02", Yeonjun moves away from the pressure of defining himself and instead embraces the uncertainty of becoming. The second chapter of his solo project feels less like an artist examining his identity beyond the roles, expectations and labels attached to him.

The EP thrives on contrast. The bright, playful energy of “Ice Cream” and “Baby Wassup?” showcases Yeonjun’s natural charisma, but beneath their polished pop surfaces are moments of emotional curiosity and vulnerability. The title track’s sweet, addictive groove mirrors the temporary nature of attraction, while “Baby Wassup?” captures the excitement of connection with an effortless confidence.

Elsewhere, the record reveals a more introspective side. “No More Disco” uses retro-inspired production to explore the idea of stepping away from performance and choosing authenticity, while “Fxxking Star” becomes the EP’s emotional centerpiece, confronting the loneliness and pressure that can accompany recognition. The closing track, “Long Way Long Ride,” offers a quieter reflection on growth, acknowledging that self-discovery is a process rather than a destination.

With "NO LABELS: PART 02", Yeonjun does not attempt to erase the expectations surrounding him, he simply learns to exist beyond them.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, July 13, 2026

  • NCT WISH: Japan Single “Yo-I-Don!/Boy Meets Girl”

  • idntt: 3rd Mini Album “itsnot5ver”

  • SUPER JUNIOR-83z: 1st Mini Album “Promise”

  • YOUNG POSSE: 1st Mixtape “Young Tape”

  • Junhyung (GHOST9): Solo Debut “Crush”

• Tuesday, July 14, 2026

  • N/A

• Wednesday, July 15, 2026

  • Huta (BTOB): Single Album “Temperature”

  • Sunmi: Digital Single “Forever July”

• Thursday, July 16, 2026

  • N/A

• Friday, July 17, 2026

  • GIRLSET: Pre-Release “CHAT”

• Saturday, July 18, 2026

  • N/A

• Sunday, July 19, 2026

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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