Naver Daily Trends TOP 10 — 2026-05-04

Today’s TOP 10

1. SK Hynix hits all-time high

• Category: Economy
• What happened?: On the morning of May 4, 2026, SK Hynix reached 1,400,200 won, up 116,000 won (9.02%) from the previous trading day, setting a historic record. This is attributed to the U.S. market rally during the Labor Day holiday (May 1–3) and high expectations for a recovery in semiconductor demand.
• Why it's trending?: The record-breaking performance of this leading semiconductor stock caught the attention of both retail and institutional investors, boosting the overall KOSPI. Growth in AI demand and expectations for expanded HBM supply are the main drivers.

2. 14 by-elections confirmed — Parties brace for battle

• Category: Politics
• What happened?: Following the mass resignation of 9 incumbent lawmakers to run in the June 3 local elections, 14 by-election districts were officially confirmed. Both ruling and opposition parties have immediately entered full-scale preparation mode.
• Why it's trending?: As these by-elections are being held simultaneously with the local elections, they are expected to serve as a compass for the political landscape. The rare mass resignation of lawmakers has drawn significant public interest.

3. Busan 'Gupo Market' emerges as a political hotspot

• Category: Politics
• What happened?: Ahead of the June 3 local elections, politicians including Ha Jung-woo, Park Min-sik, and Han Dong-hoon have been making back-to-back visits to Gupo Market in Buk-gu, Busan, turning it into a "political hotspot." MBN reported on this on May 4.
• Why it's trending?: Traditional markets serve as a barometer for voter sentiment, and the parade of celebrities and politicians visiting has become a symbolic scene in the battle for Busan’s votes.

4. Japanese trainee missing amid double-contract suspicions — Exit ban issued

• Category: Society/Entertainment
• What happened?: The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station has issued an exit ban for a Japanese trainee (A) who suddenly went missing just before their idol group debut. The agency filed a complaint, alleging a double contract and repeated disappearance.
• Why it's trending?: This has put the spotlight back on trainee contract issues in the K-pop industry, with many calling for a systemic review regarding foreign trainees.

5. (G)I-DLE marks 8th anniversary — July comeback teased

• Category: Entertainment/K-pop
• What happened?: Girl group (G)I-DLE celebrated their 8th debut anniversary on May 2. Their agency, Cube Entertainment, hinted at a comeback in July, using "new attempts" as their key concept.
• Why it's trending?: As a powerhouse in K-pop, the anticipation for (G)I-DLE's return has generated buzz among both fans and the industry, landing them on trending searches.

6. BTS's new album 'ARIRANG' tops Billboard and UK charts

• Category: Entertainment/K-pop
• What happened?: It was highlighted in early May that BTS’s 5th studio album 'ARIRANG' hit number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 for the 7th time, while the title track also dominated the UK Official Charts.
• Why it's trending?: Concurrently topping both the Billboard and UK charts is a rare feat in K-pop history, reaffirming BTS’s global status.

7. Disney+ 'Made in Korea' Season 2 — Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung teaser released

• Category: Entertainment/Drama
• What happened?: On May 1, Disney+ unveiled a dramatic teaser for Season 2 of Made in Korea, starring Hyun Bin, Jung Woo-sung, and Woo Do-hwan. The rivalry between the two leads is expected to intensify.
• Why it's trending?: Following a successful first season, the announcement of Season 2 has made it a top-tier OTT drama to watch.

8. 82MAJOR draws attention on MBC's 'Show! Music Core'

• Category: Entertainment/K-pop
• What happened?: Boy group 82MAJOR gave a fiery performance of their fifth mini-album title track 'Sign' on MBC's 'Show! Music Core' on May 2.
• Why it's trending?: Their performance video went viral on social media and online communities shortly after the broadcast, establishing their presence as an emerging boy group.

9. Q2 K-pop release calendar — Major projects from BIGBANG, Taemin, TXT

• Category: Entertainment/K-pop
• What happened?: Forbes updated its major K-pop album and single release calendar for Q2 2026. Comebacks for BIGBANG, Taemin, TXT, KATSEYE, Heeseung, and new groups from HYBE, SM, and YG are on the horizon.
• Why it's trending?: The rush of new releases in Q2 stimulates global consumption and heightens chart competition, serving as a litmus test for the Korean entertainment industry's strength.

10. The rebirth of Hanbok — From BTS to global stages

• Category: Culture/K-culture
• What happened?: According to a report by The Korea Economic Daily (English edition) on May 2, the 50th anniversary of the Korean Society of Costume highlighted how K-culture stars, including BTS, have successfully reinterpreted Hanbok for a global audience.
• Why it's trending?: The global spread of Hanbok as part of the K-culture craze is shedding new light on the value-creation potential of traditional Korean content.