The year 2026, the Year of the Red Horse, has dawned, symbolizing the fiery spirit of a galloping 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.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER's Taehyun & Hueningkai: "More Responsibility, Staying True to Ourselves"
TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT) has once again proven their ticket power. They will hold a special concert from January 27 for three days at the KSPO Dome in Seoul, which sold out shortly after tickets went on sale.
Since August last year, TXT has been on their fourth world tour, including a five-dome tour in Japan, showcasing their popularity. They concluded their world tour on January 14 in Kuala Lumpur.
Taehyun expressed, "I wish everyone a happy new year. Since 2026 is the Year of the Horse, I plan to work harder with more responsibility and stay true to myself. I sincerely thank and love our fans, MOA, for their constant support. I hope everyone stays healthy and has a year full of smiles. I will work hard to bring joy to you all this year."
Hueningkai shared, "It's hard to believe it's already 2026. Thanks to our unwavering fans, MOA, I'm excited for the new year. I want to dedicate more time to music, both as a group and individually. I will strive to meet our fans more often and in better form."
ENHYPEN's Jay, Jake & Sunghoon: "Work Harder for Better Results"
ENHYPEN is making their mark in the global market. According to the latest Billboard chart (dated February 14), their mini-album 'THE SIN: VANISH' ranked 48th on the 'Billboard 200'. It previously debuted at 2nd place (dated January 31), marking ENHYPEN's ninth entry on the 'Billboard 200' and their sixth consecutive 'Top 10' album.
Beyond music, ENHYPEN enriched global festivities. Member Sunghoon participated as a torchbearer for the '2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics'. Their song 'SHOUT OUT', selected as Team Korea's official cheer song, resonated worldwide, energizing athletes.
Jay stated, "In 2026, I want to focus more on self-development, enhancing my musical skills, health, and personal growth. I hope everyone, not just those born in the Year of the Horse, experiences a year full of happiness."
Jake added, "Last year, I experienced new stages and grateful moments. This year, I aspire to work harder for better results. I hope everyone sets their 2026 goals and achieves them, leading to significant growth."
Sunghoon reflected, "As I approach my second Year of the Horse since birth, I feel I've grown well with our fans, ENGENE, and good people. This year, I want to harness the horse's strength to move forward vigorously and focus on health management. I hope everyone joins me in a healthy year."
ZEROBASEONE's Seok Matthew & Kim Taerae: "Showcasing New Charms"
ZEROBASEONE, transitioning to a five-member group, will hold the '2026 ZEROBASEONE WORLD TOUR 'HERE&NOW' ENCORE' from February 13-15 at the KSPO Dome in Seoul. All nine members will participate, with horse-year members Seok Matthew and Kim Taerae showcasing diverse charms.
Seok Matthew shared, "I hope everyone stays happy and healthy this year. After a busy 2025, let's work hard in 2026. It's a special year as it's my first 'Year of the Horse' since debut. I believe more luck will come my way. I want to try new things and continue to show my unique style."
Kim Taerae expressed, "I wish everyone a year full of happiness and luck, and I hope to create a meaningful year with you. As the protagonist of the 'Red Horse', I aim to make 2026 shine brighter. I want to continue singing and proving myself on stage."
ALPHA DRIVE ONE: "Proud to Debut in the Year of the Horse"
ALPHA DRIVE ONE made their debut on December 12, formed through Mnet's survival audition program 'Boys 2 Planet'. Their debut title track 'FREAK ALARM' achieved remarkable success, topping music shows like KBS2's 'Music Bank', MBC's 'Show! Music Core', and SBS's 'Inkigayo'.
Rio stated, "I hope 2026 brings everyone their desired outcomes. As someone born in 2002, the Year of the Horse, I'm excited and hopeful. I wish all horse-year individuals a year full of good fortune. As ALPHA DRIVE ONE, we aim to show our best from start to finish this year."
Arno added, "I wish everyone a healthy and happy new year, filled with more luck than last year. Debuting as the first K-pop group in the Year of the Horse feels proud and meaningful. We aim to be a team that brings positive influence and joy."
PLAVE's Bambi: "A Year Full of Passion Like the Red Horse"
PLAVE has achieved impressive results on music charts and shows, including entering the Gocheok Sky Dome and an Asia tour. Their second single album 'PLBBUU' title track 'BBUU!' topped the 'Billboard Korea Hot 100' from December 5-11.
Bambi shared, "I'm Bambi from PLAVE, an alien from Asterum. I heard my age corresponds to the Year of the Horse in Korea. I'm curious about how your last year was. I hope 2026 is a year full of passion like the Red Horse. PLAVE will strive to show our best to more people."
Kim Ji-won, TenAsia Reporter one@tenasia.co.kr