Marking a significant milestone in his post-military career, actor Nam Joo Hyuk has officially moved to a new home.
On January 2, 2026, it was announced that the star of Twenty-Five Twenty-One and Start-Up has signed an exclusive contract with Fable Company.
This move follows the expiration of his previous contract with Management SOOP in December 2025, a partnership that had lasted for over five years.
The Transition to Fable Company
Fable Company officially welcomed the actor with a statement expressing their excitement for the partnership.
“Nam Joo Hyuk is an actor who has expanded his acting spectrum by widely embracing diverse genres,” the agency stated. “We are delighted to work with Nam Joo Hyuk, who has solidly built his own career by continuously attempting variations without being confined to a single image.”
By joining Fable Company, Nam Joo Hyuk enters a star-studded roster that includes several high-profile peers.
He is now labelmates with acclaimed actors such as Choi Woo Shik (Parasite, Our Beloved Summer), Jeon So Nee, Park Yeon Woo, and Hong Min Gi.
Industry insiders are already looking forward to the potential synergy and the strategic career moves the agency will facilitate for Nam as he enters his 30s.
Nam Joo Hyuk (Credit: YouTube)
Building a Solid Career Foundation
Since his debut as an actor in 2014 with The Idle Mermaid, Nam Joo Hyuk has been one of the most consistent leading men in the Korean entertainment industry.
He first rose to major prominence with Who Are You: School 2015, where his “youthful heartthrob” image won him several newcomer awards.
Over the years, he successfully transitioned into more complex roles, receiving critical acclaim for his performance in The Light in Your Eyes and global love for his portrayal of Baek Yi-jin in Twenty-Five Twenty-One.
His career before enlistment was capped off with the Disney+ series Vigilante, where he showcased a darker, more physically demanding side.
This project was seen as a turning point, proving that he could lead high-intensity action thrillers just as effectively as romantic dramas.
His move to Fable Company is interpreted as a desire to continue this trajectory of diverse and challenging roles.
Anticipated Comeback: “East Palace”
The signing news comes at the perfect time, as Nam Joo Hyuk is currently preparing for his highly anticipated return to the screen.
Having been honorably discharged from his mandatory military service in September 2024, his first major post-military project will be the Netflix series East Palace (also known as Donggung).
In this supernatural historical fantasy-thriller, Nam Joo Hyuk will portray Gucheon, a formidable character with the ability to traverse between the human world and the realm of spirits. He will lead the series alongside Roh Yoon Seo (Crash Course in Romance) and veteran actor Cho Seung Woo.
The series, which follows the investigation of a mysterious curse within the palace, is already being cited by fans as one of the “must-watch” K-dramas of 2026.
Looking Toward a Mature Era
Fans (known as Nam-puns) and critics alike are focusing on what many call the “second act” of Nam Joo Hyuk’s career.
With the backing of a new agency and a more mature presence following his military service, the actor is expected to take on projects that highlight his growth.
Fable Company has promised to be a “reliable companion,” ensuring that Nam can pursue the path that best represents him as an actor.
As he steps into 2026, Nam Joo Hyuk remains at the forefront of the Hallyu wave, with his new agency move signaling a determined leap toward global stardom and deeper artistic exploration.
In a heartwarming start to the new year, beloved ballad singer KCM (Kang Chang-mo) has shared the wonderful news of the birth of his third child.
On January 2, 2026, the singer’s agency, Image9coms, officially announced that KCM’s wife gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
While the arrival brought immense joy to the family, it came as a surprise to many, as the baby was born approximately six weeks earlier than her original due date, which had been set for mid-February.
An Early but Healthy Arrival
The news of the early birth initially sparked some concern among fans, as premature births often require extra medical attention.
However, the agency was quick to reassure the public that both the mother and the newborn are in stable condition.
According to the official statement, the baby was born at a hospital in Seoul, and despite being a “preemie,” she is breathing well and showing strong vital signs.
KCM, who is known for his deep devotion to his family, was reportedly by his wife’s side throughout the delivery.
The singer expressed his profound gratitude and relief that the delivery went smoothly despite the unexpected timing.
He is currently focusing on supporting his wife’s recovery and bonding with the newest member of their growing family.
Expanding the Family Circle
With the birth of this baby girl, KCM is now a proud father of three. The singer, who married his non-celebrity wife in early 2022, has often spoken about how much his life has changed for the better since becoming a husband and a father.
His transition into a family-oriented man has been a point of interest for fans, especially given his long-standing career as a rugged and soulful vocalist.
The couple’s journey into parenthood has been a relatively private affair, as KCM has consistently sought to protect his wife’s identity and their children’s privacy.
However, he has occasionally shared “dad life” anecdotes on variety shows, endearing himself to the public with his relatable struggles and triumphs as a parent.
Singer KCM (Credit: YouTube)
This third child marks another beautiful chapter in their domestic life, adding more laughter and joy to their household.
Impact on Professional Activities
KCM has been experiencing a career resurgence lately, balanced between his music and his frequent appearances on popular variety programs.
In 2025, he was particularly active with the project group MSG Wannabe, and he had recently released a new solo ballad that performed well on the charts.
Given the early arrival of his daughter, KCM is expected to adjust his immediate professional schedule.
The agency mentioned that while he has several planned activities, his priority for the month of January will be his family.
Fans have been incredibly supportive of this decision, flooding his social media with congratulatory messages and well-wishes for the baby’s health.
Many have noted that his signature “emotional” singing style will likely gain even more depth now that he has another muse in his life.
A New Year’s Blessing
Welcoming a child at the very start of the year is often seen as a sign of good fortune in Korean culture.
For KCM, who has been in the industry for over two decades, this “early” gift is a reminder of life’s unpredictability and beauty.
As he navigates the challenges of raising three children, including a newborn, the public continues to cheer for him not just as a talented singer, but as a dedicated father.
As the baby girl continues to grow and gain strength under medical supervision, the family looks forward to bringing her home soon.
For KCM, 2026 is already shaping up to be his most memorable year yet—defined by a surprise arrival that has made his world a little bit bigger and a lot more meaningful.
