KPop Meets Kpup: Superstar Wonho Shows Off Furry Friend and Six-Pack at Jingle Ball

We know what’s on KPop superstar Wonho’s Christmas list this year — a puppy!

The South Korean singer performed at iHeartRadio’s Jingle Ball in Miami on Saturday, Dec. 21. Backstage, the 31-year-old posed with an adorable black lab wearing a festive Santa hat.

The pop star, in a grey cropped combat vest that showed off his muscular arms and six-pack, lifted the pup’s paw to wave to the flashing cameras. In a video posted to his Instagram, Wonho smiled and gushed over the pet as he kissed its head.

“I’m actually melting,” the performer wrote.

He also posted photos with the dog on Instagram, captioning them, “Visual of what’s on my wish list this year.”

The solo artist, who previously performed with the group Monsta X, is touring the U.S. after being discharged in September from his military enlistment, he told USA TODAY in an interview. 

“I’m surprised that I was able to come back so quickly to the U.S. And I think it’s due to my fans’ support,” Wonho explained to the publication.

Wonho didn’t miss a beat coming back to the music scene after his mandatory two-year military enlistment. He released “What Would You Do” on Nov. 22, launched his first-ever U.S. fan-meeting tour, 2024 WONHO USA FAN MEETUP on Dec. 4, along with the previously announced Jingle Ball shows in Dallas, Chicago, Detroit and Miami. 

Wonho was honest that the transition from active enlistment back to his pop star life wasn’t easy. 

“It was a little bit strange to be back on stage performing again. It had been such a long time … I even felt like I was so nervous that my legs were shaking” Wonho said. “I thought that it was a little bit awkward to get used to making facial expressions to the camera again, and it took a little bit of time.”

Wonho confesses that he still feels shy on tour.

“I feel nervous now, because I’m constantly in new places and in front of new fans,” he told USA TODAY. “Each stage is different, especially in the U.S.”

His most recent single “What Would You Do” was written in English for his fans he affectionately calls Wenee.

“I came back with an English single because English is a global language, and I can reach fans all over the world,” Wonho said.