Welcome to the Weekly Update – April 22 – 28. The drama “Oasis” finished up this week, and 2 new ones came out to take its place. Some beautiful ballads were released this week by some amazing vetran artists. But the rookies were well represented as well. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Yoo Joon Sang and Kim Jae Young
Yoo Joon Sang and Kim Jae Young will be joining Gong Seung Yeon in the upcoming adventure drama “I Will Travel for You”. Based on a Japanese novel of the same name, the story follows a former idol on her quest to find personal happiness and success as a travel reporter. “I Will Travel for You” is still in discussion about production and broadcasting schedules.
Lee Jae Hoon
Lee Jae Hoon will be starring in the upcoming police drama “Chief Inspector 1963”. The drama is a prequel of a classic Korean drama that ran for 18 years, from 1971 to 1989. Lee Jae Hoon will play the younger Park Young Han in his early years with the police force, before he became a Chief Inspector. “Chief Inspector 1963” is expected to air some time later this year.
Music News
xikers
ROCKSTAR
Rookie band xikers doesn’t care about a thing in their new single “Rockstar”. This song is the second single from their debut album. The pop punk track is bold and brash and it never lets up. From start to finish, the song has a strong energy and carefree vibe. The MV shows the band receiving a strange energy that gives off a translucent blue glow.
SEVENTEEN
Super
SEVENTEEN is loving their crew in their new single “Super”. This energetic dance pop track blends traditional Korean instruments with pounding percussion and distorted vocals to create a grand, larger than life, sound. With all the subunit projects the group has put out recently, it’s fun to see a big group number like this one. The big, anthemic feel is meant to boost fans’ spirits and cheer them on. The MV focuses on choreography that takes it’s cues from martial arts.
BLITZERS
Macarena
BLITZERS get closer to their goal in their new single “Macarena”. This funky pop track is buoyed by strong brass and a subtle Latin beat. The vocals hinge on spoken, rhythmic verses that feel strangely addictive. The MV shows the band dressed in bright 90’s style, as they take over a diner and dance through psychedelic backdrops.
TAEYANG
Seed
TAEYANG reaches deep into his heart in his title track “Seed”. This breathtaking ballad features a simple piano melody that is occasionally joined by guitar and strings. The singer’s warm vocals have a gorgeous texture that radiates emotion. The cinematic MV is largely done in stark black and white, and conveys the loneliness that is the focus of the melody.
iKON
Tantara
iKON is feeling immature in their new pre-release single “Tantara”. This upbeat, 90’s hip-hop track races forward with boundless energy as the lyrics ricochet from member to member. This is a style iKON has used with success in the past, and I think fans will be relieved to see that this first release after leaving YG is still the same iKON they have loved. The MV is a performance video that focuses on the group’s dancing skills.
WOODZ
Journey
WOODZ breaks free of the darkness in his new single “Journey”. This powerful rock ballad is passionate and uplifting. The mid-tempo lyrics are energized by beautiful guitar strums, and the singer’s vocals are warm and inviting. The MV takes up where his last one, “Abyss”, leaves off, as WOODZ takes off on a journey of self-discovery.
EPEX
Sunshower
EPEX tries to weather the storm in their new single “Sunshower”. This catchy pop dance track is bright and fun as it bounces with contagious energy and colorful brass. The verses have a slight retro feel that will get your toes tapping. The lyrics are about the pain of a first breakup and bouncing back from heartbreak.
Drama News
Oasis
The historical romance “Oasis” aired its finale on April 25th. During the political turmoil of the 1980’s, 2 high school students from Jeju Island meet a beautiful transfer student from Seoul. The trio become fast friends, but when one of them suffers a horrible tragedy, all of their lives are effected.
The Good Bad Mother
The Netflix life drama “The Good Bad Mother” premiered on April 26th. A successful prosecutor is called back to his hometown to care for his mother after she is involved in an accident. But her years of strict parenting as a single mother have left wounds that he would rather not revisit. Now he just hopes to get her back on the road to recovery as quickly as possible and get back to his comfortable city life.
Doctor Romantic 3
The popular medical series “Doctor Romantic” premiered its 3rd season on April 28th. Fans will be able to catch up on all their favorite doctors from Doldam Hospital as they meet new patients and treat new medical conditions. And this season, they will open a new state-of-the-art trauma center to help them serve patients in extreme medical emergencies.