In an impressive display of staying power, the South Korean girl group NMIXX has kicked off 2026 by reaching a new career milestone.
On January 2, 2026, the group’s hit track “Blue Valentine” earned its 10th music show win on KBS’s Music Bank.
Despite the song being released several months prior, its continued dominance on the charts has allowed the group to secure their first double-digit win for a single track, further cementing their status as one of the leading acts of the fourth generation.
Dominance on Music Bank
The win on Music Bank was particularly notable as it occurred during a “No Broadcast” week, where winners are announced via the show’s official website rather than a live televised episode.
NMIXX faced stiff competition but ultimately emerged victorious due to a massive lead in digital scores and fan voting.
This 10th trophy is a significant jump for the group, who previously saw their most wins for a single song with “DASH” (4 wins) and “See that?” (3 wins).
The longevity of “Blue Valentine” is a testament to its organic popularity. Released in October 2025 as the lead single of their first full-length studio album, the song has maintained a high position on major streaming platforms like Melon and Genie.
Fans, known as NSWER, have also played a crucial role, consistently mobilizing for “Music Bank’s” K-Chart voting to ensure the song remains a top contender even after official promotions ended.
A Year-End Legacy Carried into 2026
“Blue Valentine” was widely regarded as one of the definitive K-pop releases of 2025. The song was praised for its melancholic yet powerful pop-rock sound, moving away from the group’s earlier “MIXX POP” experimental style toward a more cohesive, vocally-driven anthem.
Its impact was reflected in year-end critics’ lists, with Billboard ranking the album at #2 on their “Best K-Pop Albums of 2025” list and The Hollywood Reporter naming the title track the #1 K-pop song of the year.
The 10th win marks the first music show trophy awarded in 2026, making NMIXX the first group to claim a victory in the new year.
This achievement brings the group’s total career music show wins to 21, a remarkable feat that showcases their steady growth since their debut in 2022.
NSWER’s Global Support and Future Prospects
The celebration of this milestone has been felt globally, with fans trending various hashtags on social media to congratulate the members—Haewon, Lily, Sullyoon, Bae, Jiwoo, and Kyujin.
The group’s ability to secure wins months after the promotional period has ended is a rare occurrence in the fast-paced K-pop industry, typically reserved for songs with immense public “GP” (General Public) appeal.
Currently, NMIXX is focusing on preparation for their upcoming international activities and solo concerts following the success of their [LOVE MONSTERS] ASIA FAN CONCERT participation.
With “Blue Valentine” still topping charts and winning awards, the momentum for their next comeback is at an all-time high.
Industry analysts suggest that this era has redefined NMIXX’s brand, proving that they can balance high-level performance with mainstream musicality.
As they continue to break their own records, the K-pop world eagerly awaits to see what the group will achieve in the remainder of 2026.
In a surprising announcement that has caught both fans and industry insiders off guard, actor Jo Yoon Woo has revealed that he is embarking on a new chapter of his life—one that involves both a lifelong commitment and a departure from the spotlight.
On January 2, 2026, the actor took to his personal social media account to share a handwritten letter, informing the public of his upcoming marriage and his decision to officially retire from acting.
This dual announcement marks the end of a career spanning over a decade, leaving many to reflect on his contributions to the K-drama world.
Finding a Lifelong Partner
In his heartfelt letter, Jo Yoon Woo introduced his fiancée as someone who has been a steady source of support and strength during his most challenging times.
While she is a non-celebrity, the actor expressed deep gratitude for her presence in his life, describing her as the person he wishes to spend the rest of his days with.
The wedding is reportedly scheduled for the spring of 2026 and will be held as a private ceremony, attended only by close family members and friends to respect the privacy of his bride-to-be.
The news of his marriage was initially met with warm congratulations from fans who have followed his journey since his debut.
However, the tone of the reaction shifted to bittersweet when the second half of his announcement revealed his plans for the future.
The Decision to Retire from Acting
Perhaps the most shocking part of the update was Jo Yoon Woo’s decision to retire from the entertainment industry entirely.
Having debuted in 2011 with the drama Cool Guys, Hot Ramen, the actor has been a consistent presence in various projects.
Most notably, he gained a dedicated following for his role as the beautiful and mysterious Yeo Wool in the 2016 hit historical drama Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.
Explaining his decision, Jo Yoon Woo stated that he had spent a long time reflecting on his path and what he truly wanted for his future.
“I have decided to leave the life of an actor, which I have walked for a long time, and start a new life as an ordinary individual,” he wrote.
He expressed that while he loved his craft, he felt a strong desire to live a quieter life away from the public eye, focusing on his new family and pursuing personal goals that had been set aside during his years in the industry.
A Career of Memorable Roles
Throughout his 15-year career, Jo Yoon Woo established himself as a versatile supporting actor capable of bringing depth to a wide range of characters.
From his early roles in The Heirs and Mask to his more recent appearances, he was known for his distinct visuals and stable acting skills.
His portrayal in Hwarang remains a standout moment, as he held his own alongside a star-studded cast including Park Seo-joon, Go Ara, and several K-pop idols.
The industry has reacted with a mix of sadness and respect.
Many of his former co-stars and production staff members have reportedly reached out to offer their best wishes, acknowledging the courage it takes to walk away from a successful career at a relatively young age.
As he prepares for his wedding and his transition into civilian life, Jo Yoon Woo closed his letter by thanking his fans—his “reliable supporters”—who stood by him for over a decade.
He promised to live a “diligent and happy life” as a husband and a citizen, even if he is no longer appearing on television screens.
While the K-drama community will certainly miss his presence, the prevailing sentiment is one of support for his happiness.
Jo Yoon Woo’s departure serves as a reminder of the immense pressure and scrutiny faced by those in the public eye, and his choice to prioritize personal peace and family is being hailed by many as a healthy and brave step forward.
As he moves into this new era, he leaves behind a legacy of work that fans will continue to cherish.
