ILLIT’s Moka Pauses Activities for Anxiety-Related Health Recovery, While New Talent Drives BTS and K-Drama Buzz

In a day marked by both industry spotlight and on-screen anticipation, BELIFT LAB announced that ILLIT member Moka will temporarily pause all activities to focus on health recovery tied to “excessive tension” and symptoms of anxiety. Meanwhile, Zhang Hao reflected on his growth since Boys Planet as he leads the group AND2BLE, and ENA’s upcoming rom-com Dream to You offered fresh looks at Hwang In Youp and Hyeri’s first-love storyline.

Moka of ILLIT to Halt Promotions as Anxiety-Related Symptoms Treated

On June 19, BELIFT LAB shared an official update stating that Moka has been receiving treatment and focusing on recovery related to excessive tension and anxiety. The agency said the decision was reached after careful discussions with Moka and the other members, with the conclusion that she needs a more stable rest period to fully recover.

The statement also notes that Moka had previously stepped away from activities in late April before returning at the end of May to participate in the final week of promotions for ILLIT’s MAMIHLAPINATAPAI. However, her latest symptoms—described as heightened tension and anxiety—required a different approach, the agency said, prioritizing consistent rest over continued schedules.

In the meantime, ILLIT will continue as a four-member group. BELIFT LAB said Moka is deeply saddened she cannot see fans during this time, but the company will provide full support to help her regain stability and return “in good health.” The agency added that it will issue further updates later regarding her comeback timeline.

Talent and Narrative Growth: Zhang Hao Looks Back on “Boys Planet” and Forward With AND2BLE

Elsewhere, Zhang Hao—now positioned as the leader of AND2BLE—told Singles magazine about how music has shaped his journey and how he views his path from competition to a new team identity.

In the interview, Zhang Hao traced his pivot toward K-pop to a formative moment: after majoring in classical violin, he became captivated by the genre after watching a performance by GOT7. That experience, he said, helped him decide to move to South Korea and pursue a new challenge.

Reflecting on his time competing on Boys Planet, he described a mix of disbelief and renewed motivation when watching older performances. He recalled that a specific early clip—his first mission performance—still captures the passion and determination he felt at the time, even as he acknowledges how much he has grown through subsequent stages.

As he works with AND2BLE, Zhang Hao framed leadership and team cohesion as the core focus. He said the members went through “changes” and discussed how they needed to become fully united, describing late-night conversations and group travel as key to strengthening teamwork. His stated goal going forward: creating performances and music that all five members can feel satisfied with, with a hope that their work can offer comfort to listeners. He also shared a direct message to fans, promising to continue striving to show “the Zhang Hao of tomorrow.”

First Love Returns: Hwang In Youp and Hyeri Lead “Dream to You” Preview

On the drama front, ENA’s upcoming romantic comedy Dream to You released new stills highlighting Hwang In Youp and Hyeri’s school days—and the emotional center of the plot: a relationship that began as first love, then reemerged after 15 years.

The story follows genius film director Woo Soo Bin (Hwang In Youp), who returns after achieving his dreams, and reporter Joo Yi Jae (Hyeri), who has forgotten parts of her own past while carrying regret. In the newly shared visuals, the narrative jumps back to 15 years ago—showing the two as students who support each other’s aspirations. One still captures Yi Jae working hard on filming while Woo Soo Bin stands by her, and another depicts Woo Soo Bin presenting a bouquet after Yi Jae wins an award.

Hwang In Youp commented that the drama prompts viewers to question whether success—defined by the world—truly brings happiness. Hyeri, meanwhile, said she was drawn to the storytelling structure that alternates between past and present, and noted that it had been a while since she’d starred in a romantic comedy.

Dream to You is set to premiere on July 13 at 10 p.m. KST.

What These Updates Signal for the K-Entertainment Cycle

Taken together, today’s items underscore two sides of the current K-Entertainment landscape: the intense pressure placed on performers, and the industry’s continuing demand for fresh content across music and television. Moka’s pause—linked to anxiety-related symptoms—also serves as a reminder that the spotlight can be unforgiving, and that recovery periods are increasingly treated as essential rather than optional.

At the same time, audiences remain hungry for forward motion: Zhang Hao’s transition into AND2BLE leadership and ENA’s ongoing buildup to Dream to You suggest that storytelling and star narratives continue to evolve in parallel with scheduling decisions made behind the scenes.

For viewers and fans, the next key development will be whether BELIFT LAB provides a clearer return schedule for Moka, while drama watchers will likely track the lead-up episodes and promotional releases for Hwang In Youp and Hyeri’s high-school-to-present romance when Dream to You airs next month.