Welcome to the Weekly Update – August 20 – 26. This week we saw one new drama and one finale. We are thrilled to welcome INFINITE’s L back from the military. And TWICE made a comeback which had everyone talking. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Kim Myung Soo
INFINITE’s Kim Myung Soo (L) was discharged from the Marines on August 21st. The musician and actor posted on Instagram on the 22nd to announce his return and promises that he will be showing fans a newer Part 2 version of himself. Rumors claim he will be starring in the upcoming Disney+ series “The Worst Boy in the World”, though his agency has not released an official announcement yet. We look forward to watching him in whatever projects he takes on next. Welcome home!
Casting News
Seo Ji Hye, Lee Sung Jae, Hong Soo Hyun, And Lee Sang Woo
Seo Ji Hye, Lee Sung Jae, Hong Soo Hyun, And Lee Sang Woo have been cast in the upcoming life drama “Red Balloon”. The drama will focus on human greed and our desire to gather material success. The leading women will play a struggling tutor and a jewelry designer who married into a poor family, as each fights to improve their living situations. “Red Balloon” will have 20 episodes and will begin airing in December.
Kim Hye Soo, Kim Hae Sook, Chani, and Yoo Seon Ho
Kim Hye Soo, Kim Hae Sook, SF9’s Chani, and Yoo Seon Ho will be starring in the upcoming historical drama “Shuroop”, meaning umbrella . The story will focus on the palace education system and the chore of turning troublemaking young princes into the royalty they must be to rule their country. We won’t have to wait long for this one. “Shuroop” will begin on October 8th.
Lee Jung Jae
On the tail of his global success with “Squid Games“, Lee Jung Jae will be starring and co-producing the upcoming thriller action series “Ray”. The drama will be a spin-off of the popular 2020 movie “Deliver Us From Evil” which Lee Jung Jae also starred in. The show will focus on the lead character’s story and how he became the villain he is. Pre-production for “Ray” will begin early next year.
Woo Do Hwan, Bona, and Cha Hak Yeon
Woo Do Hwan, WJSN’s Bona, and VIXX’s Cha Hak Yeon will be starring in the upcoming historical legal drama “Joseon Lawyer”. The drama tells the story of a lawyer who is out for revenge against the person who caused the death of his parents through a legal battle. “Joseon Lawyer” will start filming soon and is scheduled to air some time later this year.
Music News
KEY
Another Life
KEY is hoping to escape the madness on his special video for the new B-side single “Another Life”. His new album “Gasoline” will be released on August 30th. This all-English pop synth track has a heavy, rhythmic beat and melodic vocals. The MV focuses on KEY’s amazing choreography and charismatic appeal.
IVE
After LIKE
IVE is hoping for more than a casual friendship in their new single “After LIKE”. This funky disco dance track gets its spice from a familiar sampling of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive”. But this is more than some copied version of an old classic, as the group brings their own melodies and energy to this vibrant song. The MV shows the group performing against a firework backdrop as they dance their hearts out.
DKB
24/7
DKB is breaking free in their new single “24/7”. This smooth R&B track has a laid back vibe and groovy, gliding vocals. The sound compliments the group well and the arrrangement really works for them. The MV shows the members alone behind bars before they escape at the end. The predominantly black and white sets and costumes add to the stripped back appeal of the song itself.
CIX
458
CIX is falling in their new single “458”. This interesting dialed back electro hip-hop track has a mysterious, eerie quality to it. The whole song has an echanting mood that sucks you in and wraps you in its spell. The MV is equally dark and compelling as the band takes the shape of various winged creatures from angels to butterflies.
Leo
Losing the Game
Everything is done for VIXX’s Leo in his new single “Losing the Game”. This rhythmic R&B track features a minimal instrumentation with heavy bass beats and atmospheric synths. The MV shows the musician wandering around an empty mansion, lost in memories about the one he loved. The simple, precise choreography enhances the wistful mood of the song.
Ha Sungwoon
Focus
Ha Sungwoon is hypnotized by a mysterious woman in his new single “Focus”. The release comes on the tail of the musician’s announcement that he will be enlisting next month. This pop dance track uses mesmerizing synth beats and finger snapping rhythms to propel it along with an enchanting consistancy. The MV features lots of dark, hypnotic images and sleek, sexy dance moves.
TWICE
Talk That Talk
TWICE gets straight to the point in their new single “Talk That Talk”. This bold and energetic pop dance track is bubbly and full of life. The melodies are fun and catchy and the synth and percussion feel like a musical whirlwind. The MV shows the group dancing their way through their own live vides game as they run, jump, and shoot for their lives.
Drama News
Good Job
The mystery rom-com “Good Job” premiered on August 24th. An influential chaebol who lives a double life as a private detective meets his match when he meets a young woman with super powers. Together they will work to solve crimes and maybe even find love.
Cafe Minamdang
The Netflix mystery drama “Cafe Minamdang” finished airing on August 23rd. A former criminal profiler has become a shaman conman. But even while he is stealing their money, he can’t help but try to help his “clients” by solving their unsolved cases. But when he meets a persistent Detective, she encourages him to live a more honest life. Will they be able to find some compromise?