Welcome to the Weekly Update – March 18 – 24. Wow! I don’t think I have ever seen so many military enlistments at one time. Several dramas finished this week, including an extended family drama. And several good casting announcements give us a hint at the dramas to come. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Nam Joo Hyuk
On March 20th, actor Nam Joo Hyuk began his military service. He has been accepted into The Capital Defense Command Military Police Group and will begin working with the military police force after basic training.
Seungsik
VICTON’s Seungsik began his military training on March 20th. Like N. Flyings, Cha Hun, Seungsik will be a part of the military band. In commemoration of his time away, the singer opened his own youtube channel, where he took fans through his preparations for military life.
Y
Golden Child’s Y entered the military on March 20th. During his time in service, Y will be an active duty soldier. Last week, the singer gifted fans with a heartfelt goodbye single “If I Were the Wind”. His bandmates were all on hand to see him off on this next adventure.
Cha Hun
N.Flying’s Cha Hun began his military enlistment on March 20th. His band members were present to send him off with their warm wishes. Cha Hun will finish basic training before joining the military band.
Song Minho
WINNER’s Song Minho began his military service on March 24th. Following his basic training, he will be working as a public service worker. The singer left a touching hand-written letter to say farewell to his fans.
Casting News
Kwon Sang Woo, Kim Hee Won, and Shin Hyun Seung
Kwon Sang Woo, Kim Hee Won, and Shin Hyun Seung will be joining Lee Sang Yi and Bae Da Bin in the upcoming Disney police drama “Han River”. The drama will focus on the precinct that is in responsible for responding to all crimes in and around the Han River. “Han River” will air some time later this year.
Bomin
Golden Child’s Bomin will be starring in the upcoming romantic comedy “Spirit Fingers”. Based on a webtoon of the same title, the drama follows a high school student who is learning to love herself and listen to her own heart, as she looks for love and happiness. “Spirit Fingers” will air some time later this year.
Lee Se Young
Lee Se Young will be joining Bae In Hyuk for the upcoming time-travel rom-com “Park’s Contract Marriage Story” . Based on a webtoon of the same name, a young widow from the Joseon Period suddenly finds herself trapped alone in the present day. When she meets a man who agrees to take care of her in exchange for her signing a marriage contract, she has no choice but to accept his terms. “Park’s Contract Marriage Story” will air in September.
Ahn Jae Hong and Esom
Ahn Jae Hong and Esom will be reuniting for the third time in the upcoming romantic drama “LTNS (Long Time No Sex)”. They will play a couple who have been married for a long time, whose marriage has grown cold over the years. They begin a scam of blackmailing people involved in extramarital affairs, but spending time together begins to rekindle their own romance. “LTNS (Long Time No Sex)” is scheduled to premiere in the second half of 2023.
Music News
NMIXX
Love Me Like This
NMIXX connects the dots in their new single “Love Me Like This”. This hip-hop pop track bounds forward with youthful enthusiasm as strong percussion and bright brass litter the background. The MV features fun colors and spring blossoms. The choreography glides along with playful moves and a bouncy rhythm.
BOBBY (ft. Sole)
Drowning
After officially leaving I-KON, Bobby has released the title track to his first solo album. Getting some back-up from the beautiful and talented vocalist, Sole, Bobby delivers a sleek city-pop performance that has as much heart as energy. The pair sound great together and the song has a great vibe. The MV features his friends SF9’s Hwiyoung and THE BOYZ’ Sunwoo, from his time on the television show “Kingdom”.
KIM JAE HWAN
Spring Breeze
KIM JAE HWAN welcomes the new season in his new single “Spring Breeze”. This emotional pop ballad is as fresh and simple as the title implies. The beat has a bit of spring in its step as the light whistle weaves through the background. The lyrics examine the feeling of renewal that comes with each spring. The MV shows the singer in contemplative thought as the light shifts and the plants come back to life.
Jimin
Like Crazy
BTS’ Jimin is trying to have a good night in his new single “Like Crazy”. This synth wave track has an electro-pop feel as it pulses along with vibrant energy. The artistic MV, full of hues of blue and black, is about trying to heal from heart ache and find the person that you used to be when you were happy.
CRAXY
NUGUDOM
CRAXY finds their way in their new single “NUGUDOM”. This hip-hop dance track is bold and aggressive with electrifying guitar and cool violin. In a statement their independent agency explains that they have given the young group a reboot that will focus on visuals and performance. The MV aims to do just that with intense choreography and lots of costume changes.
MAMAMOO +
Chico Malo
MAMAMOO + gets theatrical with their new single “Chico Malo”. The duo subunit includes MAMAMOO’s Solar and Moonbyul. The track uses traditional Korean instruments blended with trap beats and Latin percussion. The MV shows the singers involved in a traditional Korean musical style called Pansori.
SUNMI X BE’O
Lights Out
SUNMI teams up with rapper BE’O in her new single “Lights Out”. This groovy, retro track borrows the easy sounds of the 80’s and 90’s and glides along at an easy and effortless pace. The MV uses a retro style filter to show a model having a photo shoot. The song is meant to talk about the feelings of emptiness after a busy and exciting event.
Drama News
Kokdu: Season of Deity
The fantasy rom-com “Kokdu: Season of Deity” aired its finale on March 24th. A cynical Grim Reaper finds himself in the body of a young doctor. He comes to earth once every 99 years to punish humanity for their weakness, but he finds his work increasingly difficult when he meets another doctor who has a strange power over him.
The Heavenly Idol
The fantasy rom-com “The Heavenly Idol” finished on March 23rd. The high priest of a underworld cult wakes up in the body of a struggling, young idol who belongs to the band Wild Animal. The group is on the verge of being disbanded, but suddenly their popularity is on the rise again.
The Love in Your Eyes
The 123 episode family drama “The Love in Your Eyes” ended on March 24th. A young widowed mother falls in love with the young heir of the company where she works. But many obstacles will stand in their way, if they are going to find a way to be together.
The Secret Romantic Guest House
The historical romance drama “The Secret Romantic Guest House” premiered on March 20th. A young lady from a wealthy family suddenly finds herself in financial ruin. Desperate to find a way to support her struggling family, she opens an inn for long-term guests.