Jungkook's solo album 'GOLDEN' achieved the highest sales for a K-pop solo album in the U.S. in 2023, with 244,000 copies sold, according to Luminate. It set first-week sales records, surpassed 500,000 units within a month, and had three tracks sell over 500,000 units each. 'Seven' reached over one million U.S. sales in 71 days, earning RIAA Platinum certification. 'GOLDEN' charted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and number 1 on other Billboard charts, with long-term success including four weeks in the top 20. It was recognized by major publications and topped the Circle Chart with 2,702,453 copies sold, making it the top-selling K-pop solo album in 2023.

Jungkook's debut solo album 'GOLDEN' has become the top-selling K-pop solo album in 2023 with over 2.7 million units sold. It achieved 'Double Million Seller' status within 5 hours of release and set a record for the highest first-week sales by a K-pop solo artist. 'GOLDEN' debuted at 2nd on the Billboard 200 and remained in the top 50 for seven weeks, marking the highest ever UK chart position for a K-Pop solo album. It was included in the New York Times' and UPROXX's best albums of 2023 lists and is the first K-pop solo album to sell over 500,000 units in the U.S. in 2023. On Spotify, it surpassed 2 billion streams in 42 days, and on YouTube Music, it reached 1 billion streams, both records for a K-pop solo album.

Actor Lee Sun Kyun's sudden death has drawn international media coverage, with his private funeral held on December 29th. Outlets like CNN, BBC, and Reuters reported on the event and his family's request for privacy. The media highlighted the social stigma in South Korea associated with drug use, which Lee was under investigation for prior to his death. His wife, Jeon Hye Jin, and their sons were present at the funeral. Lee was known internationally for his role in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite.' His agency confirmed his death, and he was laid to rest at Seoul National University Hospital.

Actor Lee Sun Kyun's sudden death has drawn international media coverage, with his private funeral attended by family and close colleagues. Psychiatrist Peter N. Jongho commented on the social pressures faced by celebrities in South Korea. The public showed mixed reactions to his death, with some attributing it to humiliation and others pointing to his presence at an entertainment venue. The stigma of drug use in Korea was highlighted, noting the harsh criticism celebrities face. Lee Sun Kyun, known for his role in 'Parasite,' had been under investigation for drug use and was found unconscious in his car. His funeral took place at Seoul National University Hospital, marking the end of his 48-year life.

Twice has become the first K-pop girl group to perform at Japan's Nissan Stadium, concluding their fifth world tour 'TWICE 5TH WORLD TOUR 'READY TO BE'' with a total of 370,000 fans across four Japanese regions. They announced additional performances for 2024 and the release of their fifth local album. Twice has achieved several firsts, including performances at major stadiums worldwide, and will continue their tour in 2024 with concerts in Mexico City, São Paulo, Las Vegas, Osaka, and Kanagawa. They will also release a pre-release single 'I GOT YOU' and their unit group Misamo will perform on NHK's 'Kōhaku Uta Gassen.'

Big Hit Music, the company behind BTS, has filed legal complaints against individuals for privacy invasion, impersonation, defamation, sexual harassment, and spreading false information about BTS members. Despite the members' military service, the company continues to take legal action. They have reported sasaengs (over-obsessive fans) under the Stalking Punishment Law, resulting in criminal punishment and are seeking stricter penalties. Impersonators have been indicted and await sentencing. Big Hit Music is determined to protect the artists' reputation and privacy without any settlement or leniency.

SEVENTEEN marked their 9th year with record-breaking album sales, surpassing 16 million cumulative sales and setting new milestones in K-pop. Their albums 'FML' and 'SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN' achieved historic sales figures, with 'FML' becoming the best-selling single album in K-pop history. In Japan, SEVENTEEN placed three albums in the top 10 of Oricon's Annual Ranking and will perform at the 74th NHK 'Kōhaku Uta Gassen.' They sold out 23 shows in 2023, with over 1 million attendees. SEVENTEEN also made a significant appearance at UNESCO's headquarters and won 'Album of the Year' at the 2023 MAMA Awards. They plan to continue their success with upcoming tours in Asia.

In 2023, the entertainment industry mourned the loss of several K-pop celebrities. Hyun Mi, Moon Bin, Seo Se Won, Choi Sung Bong, Myeong Guk Hwan, Lee Pyeong, Byun Hee Bong, Charlie Park, Oh Chang Hoon, Haesu, Lee Ji Su, and No Young Guk passed away, leaving a profound sense of loss among colleagues and fans. The circumstances of some deaths, such as Seo Se Won's, are surrounded by suspicions. The Korea Singers Association and other individuals provided support for funeral arrangements in cases where the deceased had no one to claim their bodies.

The K-Pop industry faced numerous challenges in 2023, including contract disputes, group departures, and the impact of the seven-year jinx. FIFTY FIFTY was involved in lawsuits with their agency Attrakt, leading to the departure of several members and the continuation of the group with only Keena. EXO-CBX had a conflict with SM Entertainment over contract transparency, which was eventually resolved. Members from groups such as ASTRO, WJSN, and SF9 left to pursue solo careers or due to contract expirations. Groups like MOMOLAND and VICTON faced disbandment, while PENTAGON's future remains uncertain after several members left Cube Entertainment.

Jimin of BTS has been lauded for his solo album 'FACE' and its title track 'Like Crazy' in Genius Korea's 2023 charts. 'FACE' ranked second overall and first among solo artists, while 'Like Crazy' placed third in the Best K-Pop Songs of 2023. The song, which Jimin helped write and compose, was noted for its emotional depth. 'FACE' topped various charts upon release, and 'Like Crazy' was the first Korean solo artist track to reach No. 1 on Billboard's 'Hot 100'. Jimin's involvement in 'FACE' has been recognized by major music media, cementing his status as a leading K-pop solo artist in 2023.