Welcome to the Weekly Update – May 6 – 12. This week highlights with 3 new dramas and a star-studded celebrity wedding. Unfortunatley, none of that outweighs my sadness this week at sending off both Park Jinyoung and Kai for their military service. It might be a long year and a half! I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Park Jinyoung
GOT7’s Park Jinyoung began his military enlistment on May 8th. The actor and singer is the second member from the group to begin his military service, with the group’s leader Jay B currently working as a social service officer. Park Jinyoung was sent off by his fellow group mates both physically and through online messages. We wish him a safe and speedy return. Be well, Jinyoung! We hope to see you again soon.
Kai
On May 11th, EXO’s Kai enlisted in the military to fulfill his service responsibility. The announcement of his departure was sudden and shocking, not just for fans but also for the singer himself. He expressed his surprise and disappointment to his fans on an instagram livestream. The whole group showed up to send the singer off with fond well-wishes. Many of them have already finished their own service, and could offer wise words of encouragement. Please come back soon, Kai!
Casting News
Lee Ki Woo
Lee Ki Woo will be joining Honey Lee and Lee Jong Won in the upcoming historical drama “The Flower That Blooms at Night”. This comedy sageuk follows a widow who leads a quiet life alone during the day, but at night she goes out and helps those in need. “The Flower That Blooms at Night” will premiere some time in the second half of this year.
Celebrity News
SE7EN And Lee Da Hae
On May 6th, SE7EN And Lee Da Hae were married in a private ceremony, surrounded by friends and family. The star-studded event was hosted by comedians Kim Joon Ho and Jo Se Ho, with plenty of familiar faces there to wish them well. The couple have been dating for 8 years. They will be sharing behind the scenes clips of their wedding, along with their own personal love story on the upcoming reality show “Same Bed, Different Dreams 2 – You Are My Destiny”. We wish the happy couple many wonderful years together!
Music News
SEVENTEEN
F*ck My Life
SEVENTEEN feels like the dumbest person alive in their new single “F*ck My Life”. This emotional mid-tempo pop track relies heavily on percussion and melodic vocals. Despite the tough sounding title, the song is meant to bring hope and encouragement to their fans, expressing the need to fight for my life (FML), which also happens to be the album title. The MV is inspired by the 1998 American film “The Truman Show”.
aespa
Spicy
aespa rings the fire alarm in their new single “Spicy”. This electro bass pop track is intense and energetic. The group brings plenty of attitude to this one, with aggressive lyrics and confident choreograpy. Although the group generally leans heavily into their cgi created universe, this MV leaves behind the atomospheric backgrounds for blue skies and bright sunshine.
ONEUS
ERASE ME
ONEUS is drowning in their new title track “Erase Me”. This dance pop track has a heavy vibe that is supported by EDM beats and symphonic string flourishes. The musical style shifts throughout the song to give it an interesting texture, and the vocals are strong and resonant. The lyrics talk about the idea of escaping from your own dark past and getting over a difficult break-up they wish they could just forget.
AIMERS
Bubble
Rookie Group AIMERS are looking for you in their new single “Bubble”. This bright summer pop track is full of youthful energy and a bouncy beat. It’s simple and straightforward but their enthusiasm pulls you in. The MV shows the group entering into a video game where they are trying to solve a puzzle.
((G)I-DLE)
ALLERGY
((G)I-DLE) is feeling allergic to their mirror in their new pre-release single “Allergy”. This punk pop track has a fun 00’s rock feel that builds on a consistent edgy momentum. For fans of 2NE1’s 2011 hit “Ugly”, this song is very similar both in terms of style and subject. The MV takes on a 00’s teen movie style, showing an insecure teen who struggles to find her identity in the competitive world of social media.
SUNGMIN
Lovesick
Super Junior’s SUNGMIN wants you to give him your heart in his new single “Lovesick”. The upbeat trot track features everything you would expect from this dramatic and fun genre. The song starts with a sampling of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” before breaking into a full brassy blast of energy. The MV shows the singer going into his television to take over the programming as the host or anchor.
ICHILLIN
Siren
ICHILLIN play like a villain in their new digital single “Siren”. This heavy beat-drop electro-funk track is gritty and intense. The pecussion keeps a snappy beat with a dramatic drop to give the song some variation. The dark MV features edgy costuming and a suspenseful story concept, as the group is shown hiding in an old, abandoned factor.
Drama News
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938
The long-awaited pre-quel to the “Tale of the Nine-Tailed” started on May 6th. The handsome gumiho from the first season is pulled back in time, where he encounters many familiar faces from his current life. He hopes to right some of the wrongs from the present before returning to his own time and the woman that he loves.
Race
The political romance drama “Race” premiered on Hulu on May 10th. A single women gets a job in a PR Firm, where she will learn the value of teamwork. But her work environment will be challenged by the fact that she is working with one of her best friends. Although they’re close in their private lives, he makes a very clear distinction between personal and professional.
Black Knight
On May 12, Netflix released all 6 episodes of the sci-fi action drama “Black Knight”. Taking place in the year 2071, the earth has become so full of pollution that ordinary citizens avoid going out at all costs. In this difficult time, delivery men know as Knights, help supply people with the things they need to survive.