With the Lunar New Year ushering in a season of renewal, gratitude, and hope, Korea’s vibrant entertainment industry has been abuzz with heartfelt greetings and promises for the year ahead. From rookie idol groups to established actors and beloved singers, stars are reaching out to fans with messages that blend tradition, ambition, and personal warmth—reminding everyone of the enduring power of connection amid the festivities.
On February 15, 2026, the rising K-pop group USPEER (members Soi, Xian, Seoyu, Daon, Chaena, and Roa) kicked off the holiday spirit by releasing a New Year greeting video on their official SNS account, as reported by OSEN. Dressed in colorful, traditional Korean hanbok, each member showcased their unique charm, radiating optimism and youthful energy. Their message was clear and heartfelt: “If you have dreams or goals you wish to achieve in the new year, USPEER will cheer you on. We plan to show you many amazing sides of ourselves this year, so please look forward to it. Let’s make a happy 2026 together with USPEER,” the group declared, their words brimming with enthusiasm and encouragement.
The group’s journey to this moment has been swift and impressive. Debuting in June 2025 with their first single album SPEED ZONE, USPEER quickly climbed various music charts, earning the label of a “complete rookie group.” Their success has not gone unnoticed, and the start of 2026 marked another turning point: USPEER transitioned to MW Entertainment, a new agency founded by CEO Lee Won-min. With this change, the group announced plans for a comeback in the first half of the year and has already begun full preparations, fueling anticipation among their growing fanbase.
USPEER’s vibrant New Year greeting isn’t just a nod to tradition; it’s a promise of more to come. Their message, blending encouragement for fans’ personal aspirations with their own ambitions, reflects the spirit of renewal that defines the Lunar New Year. And if their past achievements are any indication, 2026 may well be the year they solidify their presence in the K-pop landscape.
Meanwhile, the world of television drama has its own share of festive warmth. On February 16, 2026, actor Bae In-hyuk, currently starring in the tvN Wednesday-Thursday drama I Give You the Universe, reached out to fans with a handwritten New Year letter via his agency YY Entertainment. According to YY Entertainment and TopStarNews, Bae’s letter was as personal as it was sincere. “These days, I greet you every Wednesday and Thursday as Seon Tae-hyung in the drama I Give You the Universe,” he wrote. “Spending this Lunar New Year with all of you has made it feel much more meaningful.”
Bae didn’t stop at seasonal pleasantries. “I will work hard to meet you through more diverse activities in the future. Please continue to support me. I hope only good things fill your year,” he added, his words echoing the gratitude and ambition that have become hallmarks of his career. Accompanying the letter, images showed Bae in a neatly arranged hanbok, exuding a calm and gentle holiday spirit. His natural smile and relaxed demeanor lent an air of authenticity that resonated with fans, reinforcing his reputation as an actor who values genuine connection.
Bae’s current drama, I Give You the Universe, is a romantic comedy about an in-law couple—whose relationship started off on the wrong foot—who suddenly find themselves raising a 20-month-old nephew together. The show, which also features No Jung-ui and child actor Park Yoo-ho, weaves together sweet, heart-fluttering moments and unpredictable parenting challenges. Bae’s portrayal of Seon Tae-hyung has been central to the drama’s appeal, as he deftly navigates the evolving relationships and everyday situations that drive the story forward.
The tradition of sharing New Year’s greetings extends beyond idols and actors. Singer Jinwook, known for his powerful vocals and emotional delivery, also joined the chorus of well-wishes. On February 16, 2026, Jinwook sent a heartfelt message to fans through his agency, as reported by NewsCulture. “I send you all a warm heart for the Lunar New Year holiday. I hope you have a cozy and happy time with your family, and may all your wishes for the year come true,” he wrote. Jinwook’s gratitude for his fans’ unwavering support was evident: “The love and encouragement you always give me is my greatest strength. I won’t forget that, and I will repay you with sincere performances this year.”
Jinwook’s rise has been marked by both talent and perseverance. Gaining widespread attention as a finalist in Mr. Trot 2 in 2023, where he finished in the TOP 7, he quickly became known for his expressive singing and stable stage presence. Last year, he successfully held his first solo concert and released his first full-length album, expanding his musical range and earning the nickname “the singer you can trust to deliver.” Now, with his calendar filled with festival and event performances across the country, Jinwook is poised to captivate audiences with new songs and shows throughout 2026.
What ties these stories together is more than just the timing of the Lunar New Year. Each message—whether from a rookie idol group, a popular actor, or a seasoned singer—reflects a deep appreciation for the support of fans and a commitment to growth and new beginnings. The choice to wear hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, in many of these greetings underscores a reverence for heritage even as these stars look ahead to new challenges and opportunities.
For USPEER, the new year is a chance to build on their early momentum and deliver on the promise of “many great performances,” as they put it. For Bae In-hyuk, it’s about connecting with viewers and fans through both his drama and personal outreach, balancing the demands of a busy shooting schedule with the desire to share in the holiday’s meaning. And for Jinwook, it’s a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to pledge ever more heartfelt performances in return for his fans’ loyalty.
As the Lunar New Year unfolds, these stars’ messages serve as reminders of the power of tradition, the importance of gratitude, and the excitement of what lies ahead. Whether through music, drama, or the simple act of writing a letter, Korea’s entertainers are inviting fans to join them in making 2026 a year of happiness, achievement, and shared dreams.