In a bold move that signals a new era for the group, the rising K-pop boy band WHIB has officially announced their return to the music scene.
On January 14, 2026, the group revealed their first-ever mini album, titled “ROCK THE NATION,” marking a significant milestone in their career.
This release is particularly noteworthy as it is WHIB’s first comeback since reorganizing into a seven-member lineup, consisting of Kim Junmin, Ha Seung, Jin Beom, Yu Geon, Lee Jeong, Jaeha, and Wonjun.
A Dystopian Vision and a Powerful Teaser
The announcement was accompanied by a captivating “coming-soon” teaser video released across WHIB’s official social media platforms and YouTube channel.
The teaser immediately caught the attention of fans with its cinematic and atmospheric dystopian mood.
The video opens on a desaturated, gray-toned cityscape filled with the imagery of destroyed buildings, evoking a sense of survival and resilience.
This is followed by a flickering television screen filled with static, building a sense of mystery and urgency.
The tension reaches a peak when the bold, assertive phrase “WE ROCK THE NATION” flashes across the screen, followed by the reveal of the album title.
This stylistic choice suggests a more mature, powerful, and perhaps darker concept compared to their previous releases, heightening the anticipation for what the group has in store.
WHIB (Credit: Pinterest)
Reorganizing for Success: The 7-Member Synergy
The upcoming mini album represents a “New Chapter” for WHIB. The group had previously hinted at this January comeback during their highly successful Asia fan concert tour, ‘AnD : New Chapter,’ which took place from late 2025 through early 2026.
Performing in major cities like Seoul, Tokyo, Bangkok, Osaka, and Taipei, the group used the tour to solidify their full-group synergy and strengthen their connection with their global fan base.
This reorganization comes after members Kim Junmin, Lee Jeong, and Wonjun gained additional recognition and experience by appearing on Mnet’s survival program ‘BOYS II PLANET’ last year.
Their growth on the show, combined with the group’s collective evolution during their tour, has set high expectations for their artistic quality.
Entering their third year since their 2023 debut with Cut-Out, WHIB is ready to transition from a promising rookie act to a “well-rounded idol group” with a more defined musical identity.
Building on a Polished Portfolio
Since their debut, WHIB has been praised for their versatility and polished performances. They have consistently experimented with different musical styles and visual concepts, often utilizing specific “key colors” to define different eras.
Their previous single albums, including ETERNAL YOUTH : KICK IT, Rush of Joy, and BANG OUT, showcased their ability to handle both high-energy dance tracks and more melodic, youthful themes.
With ROCK THE NATION, the group aims to demonstrate an even wider musical spectrum. While a specific release date beyond “January” has yet to be confirmed, the “coming-soon” teaser has successfully sparked a conversation within the K-pop community.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the tracklist and concept photos, hoping to see the group’s newfound maturity reflected in their sound.
A Group on the Rise
As WHIB prepares to “rock the nation,” their first mini album stands as a testament to their perseverance and growth.
By blending the experience gained from survival shows with the momentum of a successful international tour, the group is positioning themselves for a breakout year in 2026.
The dystopian teaser has set the stage for a dramatic transformation, and with their global fandom growing daily, “ROCK THE NATION” could be the project that propels them to new heights in the competitive K-pop landscape.
Stay tuned for more details as WHIB begins their rollout for this highly anticipated project.
In an exciting development for both the K-pop and K-drama worlds, Jisung, the youngest member of the global sensation NCT DREAM , is set to make his much-anticipated return to acting.
On January 14, 2026, SM Entertainment officially confirmed that Jisung has been cast in the upcoming second season of the ENA drama “Crash.”
This role marks a significant milestone for the artist, as it is his first professional acting project since debuting as an idol in 2016, effectively bridging his past as a child actor with his current status as a global superstar.
The Success of “Crash” and the New Season
“Crash” is an investigation drama that delves into the high-stakes world of the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team.
The show follows a dedicated group of investigators who pursue criminals on the road, tackling everything from insurance fraud to hit-and-runs.
The first season, which premiered in May 2024, was a massive success for the network, ranking as the third-highest-rated drama in ENA’s history.
With Season 2, fans can expect the return of the original core cast, including seasoned actors Lee Min Ki, Kwak Sun Young, and Heo Sung Tae.
The addition of Jisung to this veteran lineup is expected to bring a fresh energy to the team and draw in a wider international audience through his massive NCT DREAM fan base.
Jisung’s Role: The “Idol of the Traffic Division”
In “Crash” Season 2, Jisung will take on the role of Ji Dae Se, the youngest recruit to join the TCI team.
His character is described as exceptionally tall and handsome, earning him the nickname “the idol of the traffic division” within the story—a playful nod to Jisung’s real-life career.
However, Ji Dae Se is much more than just a pretty face. The character is highly skilled in martial arts, specifically taekwondo and hapkido, which will allow Jisung to showcase his renowned physical agility in intense action sequences.
Despite his confident exterior and physical prowess, the character is written with a layer of complexity, carrying “emotional wounds” that will likely be explored as the series progresses.
This blend of action and vulnerability offers Jisung a perfect opportunity to demonstrate his range as an actor.
A Full-Circle Moment for the Child Star
While many know Jisung as the powerful dancer and sub-vocalist of NCT DREAM, he actually began his journey in the entertainment industry as a child actor.
Before joining SM Entertainment, he appeared in significant projects such as the historical drama Deep Rooted Tree and the film Unbowed.
Because he spent his teenage years focused entirely on his music career, this new role in “Crash” is being viewed as a “re-debut” of sorts in the acting field.
Fans have long awaited his return to the screen, often citing his expressive eyes and natural screen presence as traits that would suit dramatic roles.
By choosing a gritty, action-oriented investigation drama for his adult acting debut, Jisung is signaling a desire to take on challenging, multi-dimensional roles that distance him from his “youngest member” persona.
Industry and Fan Expectations
The anticipation for “Crash” Season 2 is already high, and Jisung’s casting has only added fuel to the fire. Industry insiders are curious to see how his chemistry with veterans like Lee Min Ki will develop on screen.
For the members of NCT DREAM, who have been increasingly branching out into solo activities—including fashion, solo music, and variety—Jisung’s foray into acting represents another successful expansion of the group’s collective brand.
As production begins, the spotlight remains firmly on the “youngest recruit” to see if he can command the screen with the same authority he brings to the stage.
