Welcome to the Weekly Update – December 10 – 16. It’s the Christmas week warm-up. Three dramas finished up this week, besides the premiere of the highly anticipated Season 2 of Alchemy of Souls. And SM gifted us with several fun holiday music videos. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Jin
On December 15th, BTS’ Jin officially enlisted in the military. He is the first BTS member to begin service. He will be working as an active duty soldier following his basic training. All 6 other band mates were on hand to see him off, although fans were asked not to come to the training center. We wish Jin a safe and speedy return.
Casting News
Suzy And Yang Se Jong
Suzy And Yang Se Jong will star together in the upcoming romantic drama “The Girl Downstairs”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, this drama is about an average university student who finds out the person who lives downstairs in his share house is actually a retired K-Pop star. “The Girl Downstairs” is an 8 episode drama that will premiere on Netflix some time in 2023.
Lee Yeon Hee, Yunho, Moon So Ri, and Hong Jong Hyun
Lee Yeon Hee, TVXQ’s Yunho, Moon So Ri, and Hong Jong Hyun will star in the upcoming Disney + office drama “Race”. A typical office worker in the 90’s is marginally skilled but hopes to make up for her lack of background or competence with her overwhelming enthusiasm. And as she and her co-workers become a team, they each learn something about their own value. “Race” will air some time in the first half of next year.
Celebrity News
Jiyeon and Hwang Jae Gyun
T-ara’s Jiyeon and professional baseball player Hwang Jae Gyun were married on December 10th. The couple were surrounded by friends and family, including many fellow celebrities. Stars took to instagram to congratulate the pair. We wish the happy couple many wonderful years together.
Music News
SUPER JUNIOR
SUPER JUNIOR is thrilled with the snow white world in their new single “Celebrate”. This nice holiday track uses low-key percussion and retro synth flourishes that glide along at a pleasant mid-tempo beat. The song is warm and unassuming, and feels like the perfect soundtrack for cozy nights around the fire or basking in the glow of Christmas lights on the tree. The MV shows love through the generations in this beautiful tribute to the journey of life.
Red Velvet X aespa
Beautiful Christmas
Red Velvet and aespa are celebrating the best time of the year in their new holiday single “Beautiful Christmas”. This classic Christmas carol borrows pieces of traditional holiday songs and blends them with newer, original parts. The outcome is festive and upbeat, with brass and sleigh bells to keep the beat. The MV is full of snowy, winter images and bright holiday traditions like sparkling Christmas trees.
WEi
Gift For You
WEi is having a white Christmas in their new single “Gift For You”. This pop holiday track has a soft, easy feeling. It is the group’s first holiday single, which made it all the more delightful for fans. Ringing guitar and sweet bell chimes compliment the cheerful vocals. The playful MV shows the band spending time together in a room decked out with Christmas cheer.
SMTOWN
Jingle Bell
The gang at SM Entertainment are bringing back the memories with their remastered Christmas song “Jingle Bell”. This version was originally included in the first winter album put out by SM in 1999, but it fits right in with all the retro tracks that are trending these days. The MV shows the SM gang celebrating Christmas together by decorating a homey Christmas “lodge”.
NCT DREAM
Candy
NCT DREAM are sweeter than ever in this holiday remake of the 1996 H.O.T. hit “Candy”. This bright, upbeat pop track has the perfect nostalgic touch for a holiday release. It’s playful energy and crisp synths have you dancing right along. The MV shows the group as special “elves” working in the candy factory.
Drama News
Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadows
The incredibly popular Netflix fantasy romance “Alchemy of Souls” premiered Season 2 on December 10th. This season will take place 3 years after the original, but still includes most of Season 1’s cast.
Behind Every Star
The Netflix romantic comedy “Behind Every Star” finished on December 13th. The series focuses on the personal lives of busy managers from the PR agency Method Entertainment. Trying to find work/life balance isn’t easy when you are at the constant whim of temperamental stars. But these managers are trying their best to have their own lives outside of work.
Revenge of Others
The Disney + action drama “Revenge of Others” aired its finale on December 14th. A young high school student vows revenge on the school bullies after her twin brother dies in an apparent suicide. As she digs into what really happened that day, she gets unexpected support from a vigilante student who works to protect other students from being bullied.
Cheer Up
On December 13th, the romantic comedy “Cheer Up” came to an end. A university student joins the cheer squad after finding out there is a financial stipend for club members. But to her surprise, she finds herself enjoying the new experiences and friends that she has thanks to her participation in the group.