In a sudden update regarding her health and professional schedule, actress Cha Joo Young has announced a temporary halt to all her upcoming activities.

On January 25, 2026, her management agency, Ghost Studio, released an official statement informing fans and the media that the actress had undergone surgery and would require a period of rest and recovery.

Cha Joo Young , who has been steadily building a strong reputation through various high-profile roles, will be stepping away from the spotlight for a short time to focus entirely on her physical well-being.

This decision comes at a busy time for the actress, making the announcement particularly impactful for her ongoing and upcoming projects.

Medical Details and the Necessity of Surgery

The agency provided specific context regarding the nature of the surgery to avoid undue speculation.

According to Ghost Studio, Cha Joo Young had been suffering from recurring and persistent nosebleeds for an extended period.

After undergoing in-depth medical examinations and receiving specialized treatment, medical professionals determined that she required Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgery.

The statement clarified that the procedure was “unavoidable” and could no longer be postponed if the actress were to maintain her long-term health.

Currently, she is in the post-surgery recovery stage, a critical time where her progress must be closely monitored by medical staff.

Because of the delicate nature of the recovery process, the agency emphasized that it would be impossible for her to participate in any official scheduled activities, including promotional events that were already on her calendar.

Impact on Upcoming Projects and Apologies

Cha Joo Young’s hiatus comes just as several of her major projects are nearing their release dates.

Ghost Studio specifically mentioned her upcoming thriller film “Sister,” in which she stars alongside Jung Zi So and Lee Soo Hyuk.

In the film, she plays a character taken captive in a ransom plot, a role that has already generated significant buzz through tense trailers and posters. Additionally, her upcoming series “Climax” is also on the horizon.

The agency expressed their deepest apologies to the production teams, co-stars, and fans who might be inconvenienced by this “unavoidable change in schedule.”

They requested the public’s understanding during this time and urged fans to continue showing interest in her upcoming film and series despite her inability to participate in promotional events.

The agency’s primary focus is now on supporting her “safe recovery” so that she can return to the industry in good health.

Fan Support

The news of Cha Joo Young’s surgery has prompted a wave of support from fans who are wishing her a speedy and full recovery.

Having recently been recognized at the 2025 APAN Star Awards, her trajectory in the industry is on a significant upward trend, and her health is seen as the top priority to ensure the longevity of her career.

As she rests and recovers, the industry awaits her return with anticipation, confident that her talent and determination will see her back on screen as soon as she is physically ready.

For now, the focus remains on her recovery and the successful release of her pre-filmed projects, “Sister” and “Climax,” which will serve as a bridge for fans during her temporary absence.

In a rare move following significant fan pushback, JYP Entertainment has officially adjusted the pricing and composition of the latest Stray Kids official fan club (STAY) membership kit.

The controversy began earlier in late January 2026, when the agency announced recruitment for the 6th generation of STAY.

Fans were quick to notice that the new membership structure—which sold the membership fee and the physical kit separately—was priced significantly higher than in previous years.

This led to a wave of criticism across social media platforms, with many fans expressing disappointment over what they perceived as excessive costs for long-time supporters.

Member Involvement and Fan Advocacy

The backlash gained even more visibility when Stray Kids member Hyunjin addressed the situation during an Instagram live broadcast on January 24.

Hyunjin shared with fans that he had personally looked into the pricing after hearing their concerns.

He admitted to being unhappy with the situation and revealed that he had spoken to the company directly to advocate for the fans.

However, he also noted that as an artist, many corporate financial decisions remain out of the group’s direct control.

His transparency and willingness to speak up for STAY were widely praised by the fandom, likely putting further pressure on the agency to rectify the situation.

Official Adjustments and Price Reductions

On January 25, 2026, JYP Entertainment issued a formal apology via the fan platform FANS, acknowledging the “inconvenience and disappointment” caused by the price changes and the lack of prior notice.

To take “full responsibility,” the agency announced several major adjustments to the 6th-generation STAY membership:

  • Price Cut: The original price for the membership kit was lowered from 22,000 KRW to 10,000 KRW (approximately $7.50 USD), a reduction of more than 50%.
  • Composition Changes: To facilitate this price drop, the “Album Plush Keyring” was removed from the physical kit. Instead, the exclusive song “별, 빛 (STAY)” will be released as a digital single in Q1 2026, and other solo tracks originally intended for the keyring will be included in the upcoming “SKZ-REPLAY” digital album later this year.
  • Revised Schedule: To implement these changes, the recruitment period was shifted back by one day, now starting on January 27, 2026, and ending on February 5, 2026. The 5th-generation activity period was also extended by one day to ensure no gap in membership benefits.

Impact on the Fandom and Industry

This incident highlights the growing power of fan voices in the K-pop industry and the importance of transparent communication between agencies and consumers.

By responding within 48 hours of the backlash, JYP Entertainment attempted to mitigate the damage to the relationship between the brand and its global fanbase.

While the removal of certain physical items was necessary to achieve the lower price point, the decision to offer the content digitally was seen as a fair compromise.

The situation also underscores the influential role of Stray Kids members themselves in acting as intermediaries between their label and their fans.

As one of the most successful boy groups in the world, Stray Kids continues to dominate charts and break sales records, and this resolution ensures that the focus remains on their music and upcoming projects rather than administrative disputes.

Moving forward, the agency has pledged to be more mindful of fan kit pricing and notice periods, hoping to regain the trust of the STAY community as they embark on the 6th generation of their fan club journey.