KBS’s long-standing music program, “Music Bank,” has officially unveiled its next generation of hosts, sparking excitement across the K-drama and K-pop fandoms alike.
On February 6, 2026, the show’s production team announced that rising actor Kim Jae Won and Bang Jeemin, a standout member of the rookie girl group izna, have been selected as the 40th MC duo.
They will be succeeding the previous hosting team of actor Moon Sang Min and ILLIT’s Minju, who recently stepped down from their roles.
This new pairing continues the program’s tradition of blending the worlds of acting and idol music to create a dynamic, fresh energy for Friday afternoon broadcasts.
Kim Jae Won and izna’s Bang Jeemin (Credit: YouTube)
The Rise of Kim Jae Won: From Scene-Stealer to Leading Man
Kim Jae Won has rapidly become one of the most sought-after young actors in the South Korean entertainment industry.
Known for his striking visuals and versatile acting range, he first captured the public’s attention with his performance as the young Choi Han-soo in the acclaimed drama Our Blues.
Since then, his career has moved at a breakneck pace, with significant roles in high-profile series such as King the Land, The Tale of Lady Ok, and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.
His appointment as a “Music Bank” MC comes at a pivotal moment in his career. Not only is he established in the drama world, but he has also proven his natural charm and wit on variety programs like Heart on Wheels and the legendary 2 Days & 1 Night.
Furthermore, his popularity is expected to soar even higher this year as he takes on the male lead role in the highly anticipated Yumi’s Cells 3.
His transition into hosting is seen as a strategic move to further showcase his “all-rounder” capabilities and build a closer rapport with global fans.
Bang Jeemin: The “It Girl” of the Fifth Generation
Joining Kim Jae Won is Bang Jeemin, whose journey to stardom has been nothing short of cinematic. After gaining widespread recognition as a top contestant on the survival show I-LAND 2, she officially debuted as a member of the group izna in 2024.
Even before her debut, Jeemin was noted for her “star power” and mature stage presence, qualities that have only sharpened since she began her professional idol career.
Bang Jeemin is no stranger to the microphone; she has previously demonstrated her potential as a special MC on various music and variety programs, earning praise for her clear diction and poised demeanor.
As a representative of the “fifth generation” of K-pop, her presence on “Music Bank” is expected to bring a youthful, trendsetting vibe to the show.
Her ability to bridge the gap between performers and the audience makes her an ideal choice for the prestigious MC spot, which has historically served as a gateway to superstardom for many idols.
A Grand Debut and Future Outlook
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the chemistry between this new pair. Kim Jae Won and Bang Jeemin are scheduled to make their official debut as hosts during the February 27 broadcast of “Music Bank.”
In keeping with the show’s tradition, the new MCs are currently preparing a special collaborative performance to commemorate their first episode. These “induction performances” are often a highlight for viewers, offering a rare chance to see an actor and an idol share the stage in a choreographed musical number.
The “Music Bank” MC position is often referred to as a “starmaking” role, with alumni including names like Park Bo Gum, Irene, and Sunghoon.
As the 40th duo, Kim Jae Won and Bang Jeemin carry the weight of this legacy, but their combined talent and charisma suggest they are more than ready for the challenge.
Their tenure is expected to bring a revitalized spirit to the program, as they navigate the fast-paced world of weekly music charts and live artist interviews.
The global K-pop sensation TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) has officially confirmed their return to the music scene, marking one of the most anticipated events of the 2026 musical calendar.
On February 5, 2026, following initial media reports, BIGHIT MUSIC released an official statement confirming that the five-member group is currently in the final stages of preparing a new album with the specific goal of a release in April.
This announcement has ignited a surge of excitement among MOA (the group’s global fandom), who have been eagerly awaiting a new era of storytelling and performance from the quintet.
Ending a Nine-Month Hiatus
The upcoming April comeback will conclude a nine-month period without a major Korean release from the group. TXT’s last full-scale project was their fourth full-length album, The Star Chapter: TOGETHER, which was released in July 2025.
That album served as the grand finale to “The Star Chapter” series, a narrative arc that explored themes of unity, growth, and the complexities of young adulthood.
Given that their previous release successfully wrapped up a significant thematic chapter, industry insiders and fans are speculating that the April comeback will serve as the gateway to an entirely new conceptual series, potentially introducing a fresh aesthetic and musical direction for the group.
The First Release Since Full Contract Renewals
This comeback holds a particularly special significance as it will be TXT’s first release since all five members—Soobin, Yeonjun, Beomgyu, Taehyun, and Huening Kai—officially renewed their contracts with BIGHIT MUSIC in August 2025.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER (Credit: YouTube)
The decision for the entire group to stay together under their original label well before the standard contract expiration was seen as a powerful statement of their solidarity and long-term ambition.
The April release is viewed by many as the “opening act” of the group’s second chapter, signifying their renewed commitment to their fans and their collective artistic vision.
Expectations for Artistic Growth
TXT has long been praised for their diverse discography, which seamlessly blends pop, rock, indie, and alternative sounds. With each release, they have demonstrated a unique ability to capture the zeitgeist of the younger generation.
As the group members have become increasingly involved in songwriting, production, and creative direction, expectations for the new album are high.
Fans are curious to see how the members’ personal growth over the past nine months will be reflected in the lyrics and sound of the upcoming tracks.
Strategic Timing and Official Schedule
The choice of an April release is strategically timed to coincide with the vibrant spring season, a period often associated with renewal and fresh starts in the K-pop industry.
While the exact date and album title have yet to be revealed, BIGHIT MUSIC has promised to release a detailed promotional schedule at a later date.
This typically includes a series of teaser images, concept trailers, and tracklists that build momentum leading up to the official drop.
As TXT prepares to reclaim their spot on the charts, the industry is watching closely to see if they will break new records in album sales and streaming.
With their solid domestic foundation and massive international following, the April comeback is poised to be a defining moment for the group as they continue their journey as leaders of the fourth generation of K-pop.
MOAs around the world are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates as the countdown to April begins.
