The year 2021 has been one whirlwind of a ride for Korean entertainment.
From the biggest sensation 'Squid Game' to the juiciest celebrity dramas, we've rounded up some headline-worthy news that dominated South Korea's entertainment industry.
'Squid Game,' a dystopian Korean series, has become the most-watched Netflix content of all time with more than 1.65 billion hours of viewing in the first month after its release in September.
'Hellbound,' a dark sci-fi thriller, overtook 'Squid Game' as the most-watched TV show on Netflix, one day after its release on November 19, 2021.
In February, a string of school bullying accusations have been leveled against numerous K-pop idols including (G)I-DLE's Soo-jin, MONSTA X's Ki-hyun, and Stray Kids' Hyun-jin.
In October, actor Kim Seon-ho got tangled in a controversy after a woman claiming to be his "ex-girlfriend" made allegations on a Korean internet forum that the actor had coerced her into getting an abortion.
In March, actor Kim Ji-soo faced bullying accusations that forced him to step down from the series 'River Where the Moon Rises' while the show was still running.
In April, actress Seo Ye-ji made headlines for allegedly "controlling" her then-boyfriend, actor Kim Jung-hyun, while he was filming romance series 'Time.' The actress also accused of school bullying, mistreating staff, and falsifying her educational background.
In August, iKON's Bobby announced that he was getting married and expecting a child. His agency, YG Entertainment, confirmed that the couple has recently given birth to a baby boy.
On December 6, Taeyang's wife Min Hyo-rin gave birth to their son.
In February 2018, the couple got married and it was in September when Taeyang and Hyo-rin announced that they were expecting their first child.
On January 1, Korean media outlet Dispatch announced that 'Crash Landing On You' stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin are in a relationship.
On February 24, Korean media outlet Dispatch reported that BLACKPINK's Jennie and BIGBANG's G-Dragon have been in a relationship for a year.
Earlier this year, Lee Seung-gi confirmed his relationship with actress Lee Da-in.
On May 24, Lee Da-in's agency 9Ato Entertainment revealed that the two met as senior and junior [of the same industry] and have been carefully getting to know each other since six months ago.
On August 21, Red Velvet's Joy and Crush agencies, SM Entertainment and P Nation, confirmed the news that the two are in a relationship.
On July 26, Ji Chang-wook had fans worried when he tested positive for COVID-19. Later in August, he completely recovered and returned to the sets of his upcoming drama 'The Sound of Magic.'
On September 10, BLACKPINK's Lisa marked her long-awaited solo debut with "Lalisa." The title track for her album 'LALISA,' set a YouTube record for the most-viewed music video by a solo artist in 24 hours with 73.6 million views.
Park Shin-hye and Choi Tae-joon's agencies announced on November 23 that the couple will be having a private wedding on January 22, 2022 in Seoul, and that they are also set to become parents.
This year, Oscar winning 'Parasite' actress Park So-dam was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer.
On December 13, Artist Company announced that she will not be joining promotions for her upcoming film 'Special Delivery,' which premieres on January 12, in order to focus on her recovery.
BTS became the first Asian act to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards 2021. The group also won Favorite Pop Song and Favorite Pop Duo or Group.
On March 25, IU released her fifth studio album 'LILAC.' The album became the second highest-selling by a South Korean soloist in its first week, having sold a cumulative 267,754 copies.
On February 22, K-pop boy group SHINee released their seventh studio album 'Don't Call Me.' The album comes after their three-year hiatus due to Onew, Key, and Minho's military services.
On March 16, legendary K-pop boy group Super Junior released their 10th full-length album 'The Renaissance,' which commemorates their 15th anniversary in the industry.