Wrap-up of K-pop Issues for the 2nd Week of August 2026! XDIZ's Gunil's Withdrawal, NCT 127 Comeback, BLACKPINK 10th Anniversary Controversy, Lisa's Boyfriend

A comprehensive summary of K-POP hot issues for the 2nd week of August 2026! Check out everything at a glance, from the issues of XDIZ's Gunil's withdrawal and contract termination with JYP, to NCT 127's 7th studio album comeback schedule, clarification on the controversy surrounding Jisoo's tears at BLACKPINK's 10th anniversary event, Lisa's breakup rumors, and dating rumors with Thai actor Blu Pongthiwat.

 

1. EXDZ's Gunil leaves team and terminates contract with JYP after admitting to derogatory remarks about fans

As Xdinary Heroes leader Gunil admitted to the controversy over his derogatory remarks about fans, it was decided that he would leave the team and his exclusive contract with JYP be terminated as of August 13.

 

 

The beginning of the controversy: Release of phone call recording by netizen claiming to be ex-lover ➡️ The individual directly admitted the truth of the statement on a fan community, stating, "That voice was mine."

Key points of the statement: Apologizing for going astray due to being mentally distressed by sasaengs and malicious comments after the concert. Explaining, "It was directed at specific malicious fans, not at the entire Villains (fandom)."

Additional Controversy: Immediately after posting a long statement of 3,383 characters, he sent a sweet farewell message via Bubble, but due to the contrast in tone and timing, reactions among fans regarding his sincerity are sharply divided.

 

[Check details]

https://fanplus.co.kr/community/misc/134163803 

2. NCT 127 7th Studio Album 'BLINGY' Comeback Schedule Countdown

NCT 127 is making a surprise comeback with their 7th studio album 'BLINGY' on August 24 at 6 PM! It is said that this album conveys a message of team unity while looking back on their 10-year journey.

 

 

Track 'Piñata' Pre-release: The track video for 'Piñata,' a song featuring a powerful rock-hip-hop sound, was released first on August 11th, and the reaction to the visuals and choreography was a total sensation!

KCON LA First Reveal: They are scheduled to debut the performance of 'Piñata' on the KCON LA 2026 stage on August 14th local time.

Comeback Live Party: A comeback live party with fans will also be held at KINTEX in Ilsan on August 25th at 8 PM, the day after the release, so be sure to check your schedule!

 

[Check details]

https://fanplus.co.kr/community/nct/134043670 

3. BLACKPINK's 10th Debut Anniversary: ​​Jisoo's Tears and Clarification of Controversy

On August 8th, to celebrate their 10th debut anniversary, all members of BLACKPINK attended the Meet & Greet event at the National Museum of Korea and spent a meaningful time with 40 fans! However, there were several issues before and after the event.

 

 

Apology for Fan Mistreatment Controversy: Jisoo personally apologized during a live broadcast for the lack of communication, including the fact that the event announcement was released only two days in advance.

Jisu's Tears After being caught wiping away tears while receiving letters from fans on her way home from the event, all sorts of speculation arose, such as "Could this be a premonition of the end?"

The sincerity revealed directly: The next day, Jisoo conveyed her affection for the team and fans through a fan platform, stating, "These are just tears of overwhelming emotion from being together for 10 years," and clearly drew a line against exaggerated interpretations such as disbandment rumors!

 

[Check details]

https://fanplus.co.kr/community/misc/133943242 

4. Lisa, Breakup Rumors with Frédéric Arnault & Dating Rumors with Thai Actor?

New news continues to emerge regarding Blackpink Lisa's love life.

 

Rumors of a breakup with Frederic Arnault: With requests to refrain from dating questions during interviews and circumstances such as the absence from the March birthday party, the prevailing interpretation is that they have effectively broken up.

New boyfriend candidate 'Blue Phongthiwat' Recently, dating rumors involving Blue Pongthiwat, a Thai actor and model born in 2000, have rapidly surfaced among overseas fans!

Overseas sightings: Not only were there sweet photos from Lisa's birthday party in April, but they were also reportedly spotted together consecutively recently in Hong Kong and at a Japanese restaurant (August 9-10). Although there is no official statement, there are quite a few supportive reactions from fans saying that the two look great together!

 

[Check details]

https://fanplus.co.kr/community/misc/133989122 

💡 Key K-POP Summary for the 2nd Week of August via Q&A

Q1. Why did Xdiz Gunil withdraw?

A. A phone call recording containing derogatory remarks about fans was released, and as the individual admitted to the remarks, the exclusive contract with JYP was terminated by mutual agreement, and the individual withdrew from the team.

 

Q2. What is the release date and title track of NCT 127's 7th studio album?

A. The 7th studio album 'BLINGY' will be released on August 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM and will contain a total of 9 songs, including the title track of the same name, 'Blingy'.

 

Q3. What was the reason Blackpink's Jisoo shed tears at the 10th anniversary event?

A. He personally clarified that the tears were not due to reasons such as team disbandment or discord, but were shed out of emotion and gratitude for having spent 10 years with the fans.

 

Q4. Who is Blackpink Lisa's new rumored boyfriend?

A. I am Blue Pongtiwat, a Thai actor and model born in 2000. Recently, I have become a hot topic due to a series of sightings in private settings in Japan, Hong Kong, and other places.