Welcome to the Weekly Update – May 13 – 17. This week YG introduced their new girl group BABYMONSTER. And while “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” finished up strong, we have the new drama “Oh Youngsim” to take its place. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen.
Casting News
Noh Jung Ui, Lee Chae Min, Kim Jae Won, Ji Hye Won, and Lee Woo Jung
Noh Jung Ui, Lee Chae Min, Kim Jae Won, Ji Hye Won, and Lee Woo Jung will be appearing in the upcoming romantic youth drama “Hierarchy“. The drama follows a group of students who attend a prestigious high school where all the students were chosen from birth, based on the social status of their parents. But even among the top 1%, there is still a social hierarchy to be upheld. “Hierarchy” is expected to air some time later this year.
Go Jun Hee
Go Jun Hee is returning to the small screen for the first time in 6 years to star in the upcoming drama “Reversal”. The drama tells the story of a group of residents who are neighbors in Wolgwang Villa. Go Jun Hee will play a cafe owner who is also the president of the Neigborhood Association. “Reversal” will air some time later this year
Go Soo and Arin
Go Soo And Oh My Girl’s Arin will star together in the upcoming short form drama “Summer Love Machine Blues”. This drama is part of the “O’PENING” project, which consists of 10 short dramas chosen through a screen writing contest. The drama is an emotional character driver story about overcoming adverse situations. “Summer Love Machine Blues” is expected to air some time later this year.
Music News
VERIVERY
Crazy Like That
VERIVERY is burning up in their new title track “Crazy Like That”. This minimalistic garage pop track relies heavily on dreamy percussion and vocals, while dialing back the heavier guitar and synth sounds. This song gives us a more mature sound than past releases and really shows the groups professional growth. The MV shows the group members as each one chases hard after their dream.
MIDNATT
Masquerade
MIDNATT role plays in the new single “Masquerade”. HYBE is embracing the increased interested in AI centered entertainment with their first release by an AI artist. The song is available in 6 languages, all of them being anchored by the voice of singer Lee Hyun. The song itself is a funky pop track full of interesting vocal tricks and turns. The MV shows a couple as they make the long and arduous journey to find each other again.
The Wind
ISLAND
Rookie idol group The Wind debuted their first mini-album and single “The Wind” this week. The new group shows belief and courage in this upbeat, sunny pop track. It’s breezy and youthful as the group sings and dances with huge smiles and dreamy looks. Stabs of icy synth give the song texture while the tempo bobs along pleasantly. The MV shows the group at school as they dream of travelling the universe and exploring the vastness of outer space.
((G)I-DLE)
Queencard
((G)I-DLE) is sparkly from head to toe in their new single “Queencard”. This upbeat pop rock track has a bit of grungy guitar and the lyrics are melodic and punchy. The satirical lyrics call out well-known “queens” Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande. The MV picks up directly from the groups pre-release single video “Allergy” and shows the main character realizing she is already a queen.
INI
FANFARE
INI just want to be themselves in their new single “FANFARE”. This pop rock track is full of gritty guitar and melodic energy. the song builds its steady sound without ever losing momentum. The chorus is catchy and the rhythms are fun. The heavily choreography based MV shows the group playing together at a magical arcade.
BABYMONSTER
DREAM
Rookie girl group BABYMONSTER is finding their wings in their new pre-release debut single “DREAM”. The beautiful and inspiring ballad is an anthem to the group themselves and their journey thus far. The haunting melodies break into a rhythmic rap that is mesmerizing and controlled. The MV has real clips that introduce us to each of the band members and shows pieces of their own stories from early auditions to the present.
Drama News
Oh Youngsim
The romantic comedy “Oh Youngsim” premiered on May 15th. A struggling PD tries to save her career with a reality dating show. But little does she know that the successful start-up CEO she cast in the lead is actually someone who had a crush on her in her youth. Now she will have to find a way to separate their embarrassing past from their professional present.
The Secret Romantic Guesthouse
The historical rom-com “The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” aired its finale on May 16. A daughter from a wealthy family is suddenly faced with the responsibility of supporting her family. So she opens an inn and meets some unique guests who will pull her into a shared mystery.