Three K-pop acts have been named in the 'Young Hollywood Impact Report 2026' announced on the 4th (local time) by Variety, a U.S. pop culture outlet. Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM, multinational girl group KATSEYE, and Big Hit Music rookie boy group CORTIS were selected as next-generation leaders who will drive the global entertainment industry.

The report selects musicians, actors, athletes, and content creators aged 18 to 28 who will innovate the future entertainment industry. Variety put a spotlight on the activities and achievements of these three acts.

■ KATSEYE: From the Grammy Stage to Coachella to New EP 'WILD' — A Series of Leaps

At the 68th Grammy Awards in February of this year, KATSEYE performed their 2025 release 'Gnarly' as nominees for 'Best New Artist,' and in April, they delivered a live performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The members shared that they had drawn artistic inspiration from watching festivals and award shows since childhood, and that standing on those very stages felt like a dream. They are set to release their third EP, 'WILD,' on August 14.

■ CORTIS: No. 3 on the Billboard 200... First Tour Completely Sold Out

With their second mini album 'GREENGREEN' released in May of this year, CORTIS ranked No. 3 on Billboard's main album chart, the 'Billboard 200.' They also made their mark by completely selling out their first tour across nine cities worldwide. The members expressed their desire to continue growing while maintaining the team's unique identity.

■ Huh Yunjin: The 'Composer Idol' Leading LE SSERAFIM's Creative Direction

Huh Yunjin of LE SSERAFIM was recognized as a key figure who leads the group's creative direction as both a member and a composer. She personally participated in eight of the eleven tracks on the group's second full-length album 'PUREFLOW pt. 1,' released in May of this year, and has consistently demonstrated her creative capabilities through previous group albums and self-composed songs. Huh Yunjin expressed her determination to preserve LE SSERAFIM's unique essence going forward.