In a candid and long-awaited moment of transparency, South Korean entertainer Shin Jung Hwan has finally addressed the full story behind one of the most infamous scandals in the history of Korean variety television.

On January 14, 2026, during an appearance on the popular YouTube channel No Back Tak Jae Hoon, Shin Jung Hwan revisited the “dengue fever” incident that effectively halted his career over a decade ago.

The episode, titled “Shin Jung Hwan, the icon of self-reflection who refuses to wear Moncler padding even in extreme cold,” blended his trademark self-deprecating humor with a serious confession about the deception that once dominated headlines.

The Origins of a Notorious Deception

To understand the significance of this revelation, one must look back to 2010. At that time, Shin Jung Hwan was a top-tier variety star who suddenly failed to appear for scheduled recordings.

It was soon discovered that he was in the Philippines, leading to rumors of illegal overseas gambling—a serious offense under South Korean law.

In an attempt to quell the mounting criticism, a photo was released showing Shin Jung Hwan lying in a hospital bed in Cebu, surrounded by medical equipment.

He claimed that he had contracted dengue fever and was unable to travel back to Korea for treatment.

However, the explanation quickly fell apart as medical professionals and the public grew skeptical of the timing and the authenticity of his condition.

The backlash was immense, as the public felt he had used a serious illness as a “staged” excuse to avoid facing the consequences of his actions.

The 2026 Confession: Admitting the Lie

During his conversation with long-time colleague Tak Jae Hoon, Shin Jung Hwan was asked directly if he actually had the fever. For the first time, he gave a definitive “no.”

“No, I never did [have dengue fever],” Shin admitted.

He explained that the idea was not his own, but rather a suggestion from a “close older acquaintance” who thought the medical excuse would provide a plausible reason for his extended stay abroad.

This admission confirms what many had suspected for years: the illness was a fabrication intended to shield him from the gambling scandal.

Interestingly, Shin clarified that while the illness was a lie, the setting was not a movie set.

“It wasn’t staged [in a studio]. The doctors and nurses were real, and it was an actual hospital in the Philippines,” he explained.

He had actually checked into a medical facility to lend credibility to the story, even if his diagnosis was false.

Reflecting on a Decade of Self-Reflection

Throughout the episode, Shin Jung Hwan maintained a humble and somewhat regretful tone. When asked about his health today, he joked,

“I’m healthy now. The fever has gone down,” referring to the metaphorical “fever” of public scrutiny he has lived under since 2010.

Since the scandal, Shin has made several attempts to return to the entertainment industry, but public sentiment has remained largely cold.

His appearance on No Back Tak Jae Hoon represents a significant step in his “self-reflection” journey, as he chose to stop evading the truth and instead lean into the absurdity and gravity of his past mistakes.

By addressing the lie head-on in 2026, Shin Jung Hwan seems to be attempting to clear the air once and for all, though it remains to be seen if this newfound honesty will lead to a full-scale comeback in the eyes of the Korean public.

In a move that has set the global music industry and social media ablaze, BLACKPINK officially announced their long-awaited return as a group.

On January 14, 2026, YG Entertainment dropped a high-octane 19-second teaser confirming the release of their third mini album, titled “ DEADLINE .”

This project marks the group’s first collective album in nearly three and a half years, following the massive success of Born Pink in 2022.

Release Date and Teaser Details

The teaser video, characterized by driving rhythms, car engine sound effects, and neon pink beams against a stark black background, revealed that the mini album will be released on February 27, 2026, at 1 PM KST (12 AM EST).

While the clip was direct and focused on the title and timing, it successfully reignited the fervor of the “BLINK” fandom, who have been waiting for group music since the quartet shifted focus to their individual solo careers and labels.

The title “DEADLINE” carries a sense of urgency and power, aligning with the group’s signature “girl crush” concept.

It also shares its name with the group’s massive ongoing world tour, “BLACKPINK World Tour ,” which is currently scheduled to conclude on January 26, 2026, with three final shows at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium.

Bridging the Hiatus: “Jump” and Solo Success

The road to “DEADLINE” was paved by the surprise digital single “Jump,” released on July 11, 2025.

During the break between group albums, the members reached unprecedented heights as soloists:

  • Rosé earned Grammy nominations and dominated charts with her hit “APT.” (a collaboration with Bruno Mars).
  • Jennie launched her own fashion and music label, ODD ATELIER, and released chart-topping material.
  • Lisa founded her company LLOUD, released her debut album Alter Ego, and expanded into acting with a role in The White Lotus Season 3.
  • Jisoo focused on her acting career while preparing for solo music, including a collaboration single with Zayn Malik.

Mixed Fan Reactions: Quality vs. Quantity

While the announcement has been met with overwhelming excitement, it has also sparked debate within the fan community.

Many fans expressed frustration that after a three-year wait, the group is returning with a mini album (typically containing 4–6 songs) rather than a full-length studio album.

Despite these concerns, industry experts predict that “DEADLINE” will be one of the most commercially dominant releases of 2026.

YG Entertainment has emphasized that the delay in the release was necessary to ensure “highly refined music” of the highest quality to repay fans for their long wait.

As the February 27 release date approaches, anticipation is building for the concept photos, tracklist reveals, and the next evolution of the world’s biggest girl group.