The year 2026, known as the Year of the Red Horse, has dawned, symbolizing the fiery spirit and unstoppable momentum of the red horse. In the music industry, several stars embody this energy. We spoke with idol stars born in 2002, the Year of the Horse, about their goals and resolutions for the new year.
CRAVITY's Minhee, Hyeongjun, and Taeyoung: "Eager to Excel"
CRAVITY kicked off 2026 with a bang, hosting the '2026 CRAVITY FAN CONCERT 'VITY FESTA'' at the Olympic Hall in Seoul on January 7-8.
Minhee expressed, "Fueled by the love we received last year, I aim to be more active and greet everyone with a positive image. I hope for happiness and health for our fans, LUVITY, and for all the members to enjoy a healthy and joyful year."
Hyeongjun added, "Happy New Year! As it's the Year of the Horse, I feel a surge of motivation to do even better. I want to channel this energy into delivering great music and performances. Starting the year with a fan concert, we created many joyful memories with LUVITY, setting a positive tone for 2026."
Taeyoung shared, "Time seems to fly by faster each year. Embracing the spirit of the horse, I want to make this year meaningful and valuable. I look forward to meeting LUVITY more often through various activities. Like a horse, I'll run diligently this year, so please support and love us."
AHOF's Cha Woongki and Zhang Shuai Bo: "Galloping Forward with Horse Energy"
AHOF is accelerating their global activities, hosting the '2026 FANMEETING AHOF for LOVE in CEBU' in Cebu, Philippines, on January 15. This marks their first meeting with Cebu fans, with two performances scheduled at 1 PM and 6 PM local time.
Cha Woongki stated, "The long-awaited Year of the Red Horse is here. In 2026, I want to greet fans more often with AHOF's unique music and performances. With two horse-born members, including Zhang Shuai Bo and myself, I hope AHOF can harness this energy to gallop forward. We'll strive to deliver positive energy through music, so please look forward to it."
Zhang Shuai Bo added, "2025 was filled with love, but being born in the Year of the Horse, I'm especially excited for 2026. I feel like many good things will happen this year. I'll work hard to create great memories with our members and fans, POHA. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026."
DRIPPIN's Kim Dongyun and Cha Junho: "A Busy 2025, Hoping for a Vibrant 2026"
DRIPPIN is expanding their activities during their military hiatus. Member Cha Junho will appear in the global short drama platform Kanta's 'I Became the Housemaid of My Favorite' as Im Haejin, premiering on January 20. He also modeled at the '2026 F/W Seoul Fashion Week KWAKHYUNJOO COLLECTION' on January 4.
Cha Junho shared, "Happy New Year to all readers! It's already 2026, and being the Year of the Horse, I feel more energetic. Last year felt short and fast, but I'll embrace the Year of the Horse and work hard. I'll strive to make 2026 enjoyable with various activities."
Kim Dongyun added, "2025 has passed, and the new year is here. I hope for a year filled with diverse experiences. I wish for everyone's days to be filled with joy. 2025 was hectic, but I'll work hard to meet fans often as DRIPPIN. Let's make 2026 great!"
NOWZ's Hyunbin: "Expanding Globally"
NOWZ is also aiming to capture global fans. Following their recognition as Billboard's 'K-POP Rookie of the Month' in October, their first mini-album 'IGNITION' title track 'EVERGLOW' was selected as one of Billboard's 'Best K-pop of 2025: Staff Picks.'
On March 4, they will release their first Japanese EP 'NOWZ,' featuring five tracks, including the title track 'AMMO (feat. YRD Leo)' and Japanese versions of previous hits.
Hyunbin stated, "Happy Lunar New Year 2026! As a horse-born, I want to achieve and accomplish many things this year. We plan to engage in diverse activities and communicate closely with fans worldwide. Please support and love NOWZ as we expand globally."
NEWBEAT's Park Minseok: "Starting the Year with Our First Solo Concert"
Approaching their first anniversary, NEWBEAT is launching their first nationwide tour, starting in Suwon on January 15, followed by Daejeon, Daegu, and Busan, concluding in Seoul on March 14-15.
Park Minseok shared, "The new year 2026 has arrived, the Year of the Red Horse. As a horse-born, this year feels significant. Starting with our first solo concert, NEWBEAT will run passionately like a red horse. We plan to meet our fans, NEWRO, more often with more performances and new albums. Happy New Year, and let's enjoy NEWBEAT together."
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr