The veteran girl group Apink is officially preparing for a highly anticipated return to the K-pop scene, with a new album scheduled for release in early 2026.
The news, initially reported by SPOTV News on November 17, 2025, was quickly confirmed and shared by Apink on their official social media channels, much to the excitement of their dedicated fanbase, Pink Panda.
The Anniversary Comeback
The timing of this upcoming release holds special significance for both the group and their fans:
- Release Window: Apink’s new album is slated to drop in January 2026. This schedule ensures the comeback kicks off the new year on a high note.
Apink (Credit: Pinterest)
- 15th Debut Anniversary: Crucially, next year marks the group’s monumental 15th debut anniversary. Debuting in 2011, Apink is one of the most respected and long-running girl groups in the K-pop industry, and this new album is expected to be a major celebratory event commemorating their legacy. The anticipation is high that the release will be a grand-scale project reflecting their long and successful career.
Recent Group and Individual Activities
The announcement follows a year of continued activity, demonstrating the group’s ongoing presence and influence:
- 2025 Activities: Earlier this year, in April, the group released their 14th debut anniversary single, “Tap Clap.” This single served as an annual gesture to connect with fans and maintain their musical continuity.
- Concert Series: The group also recently greeted fans through their 2025 concert, the 7th Apink Concert “PINK NEW YEAR,” reinforcing their commitment to performing and engaging with their audience live.
- Individual Success: While preparing for the group comeback, members like Jeong Eun Ji maintain active individual careers. Jeong Eun Ji, for example, is highlighted for her acting work, having recently starred in the drama “Pump Up the Healthy Love,” showcasing the individual success that feeds back into the strength of the group.
The news of a January 2026 comeback officially launches the celebration of Apink’s 15-year career, promising fans new music and reinforcing their position as a defining group of their generation.
South Korean actor Lee Jong Suk has abruptly canceled the Manila stop of his 2025 Asia Fan Meeting Tour ‘WITH: Just Like This!’ just under two weeks before the scheduled date.
His agency, Ace Factory (and local promoter Wilbros Live), announced the cancellation on November 17, citing “unforeseen circumstances” related to large-scale public safety concerns.
The Official Reason for Cancellation
Agency Statement: Ace Factory confirmed that the cancellation was due to a “rally scheduled for the same date,” and the decision was made “after careful consideration, prioritizing the safety of fans, the artist, and all staff.”
- The “Unforeseen Circumstance”: The unexpected event is a massive, ongoing series of anti-corruption protests in the Philippines. These protests are specifically aimed at condemning the alleged corruption and misuse of billions of dollars in government funds intended for flood mitigation projects. Public outrage has intensified following recent destructive typhoons that have caused significant casualties and severe flooding.
Lee Jong Suk (Credit: YouTube)
- Protest Scale: Recent reports indicate that the demonstrations in Manila have drawn hundreds of thousands of participants, including a major three-day rally organized by the influential Iglesia ni Cristo sect, which has shut down roads, offices, and schools. The protests create significant security and logistical risks in the capital.
Fan Reaction and Tour Context
The cancellation, which came less than two weeks before the event, caused a mix of disappointment and appreciation among the fanbase.
Local vs. International Fans: Local fans expressed disappointment but largely appreciated the safety-first approach taken by Lee’s team. However, international fans who had already purchased flights and accommodation specifically for the Manila show voiced frustration, questioning why a postponement to a later date in 2026 was not arranged instead of an outright cancellation.
Refunds: Local promoter Wilbros Live confirmed that all tickets purchased would be refunded. The process was detailed, with credit/debit card purchases receiving automatic refunds within 15–30 banking days, and cash purchases requiring an in-person visit to TicketNet on December 15–21, 2025.
Tour Status: Lee Jong Suk kicked off his ‘With: Just Like This!’ Asia tour in Seoul in September, followed by successful stops in Tokyo, Osaka, and Taipei. He is still scheduled to meet fans in Bangkok and Hong Kong later this year, as the agency promised they “sincerely hope that actor Lee Jong-suk will have the opportunity to meet Filipino fans again in the near future.”
The cancellation serves as a clear indication of the severity and volatility of the current political environment in Manila, superseding the actor’s planned engagement.
