Welcome to the Weekly Update – May 27 – June 2. It was a quiet summer week with just a bit of news. There is no drama news and luckily no military goodbyes. But the music is still coming in strong and there is a trickle of casting announcements to share. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Go Ah Sung and Jang Ryul
Go Ah Sung and Jang Ryul will star opposite each other in the upcoming historical drama “The Love Story of Chunhwa”. An independent and free-spirited princess decides to go against tradition by trying to find a husband for herself instead of letting her father make the choice for her. “The Love Story of Chunhwa” will air some time in 2024.
Bona, Jang Da Ah, Shin Seul Gi, Ryu Da In, Kang Na Eon, Jung Ha Dam, and Ha Yul Ri
WJSN’s Bona, Jang Da Ah, “Single’s Inferno 2” Shin Seul Gi, Ryu Da In, Kang Na Eon, Jung Ha Dam, and Ha Yul Ri will all be appearing in the upcoming thriller drama “Pyramid Game”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama will follow a group of 18 girl students who band together to fight against school violence at their high school. “Pyramid Game” will air some time next year.
Cha Eun Woo and Kim Nam Joo
Cha Eun Woo and Kim Nam Joo will be starring together in the upcoming revenge drama “Wonderful World”. A psychology professor and writer is distraught after the sudden death of her son. While set on revenge, she meets a former medical student who has lead a difficult and lonely life. As they spend time together, they begin to find comfort and healing in each other’s company. “Wonderful World” will air some time in the first half of next year.
Music News
HORI7EN
Lovey Dovey
After their debut earlier this year, rookie band HORI7EN is back and feeling the sunshine in their new single “Lovey Dovey”. This upbeat pop track has a funky beat and bits of New Jack Swing style. The song has a nice summer bounce and warm lyrics to match. The choreography based MV has the group, surrounded by cheerful pastel colors, as they dance and sing about young love.
BOYNEXTDOOR
Serenade
Rookie band BOYNEXTDOOR is screaming to the whole neighborhood in their new single “Serenade”. This sweet pop love song is youthful and fun. The lyrics are a simple love confession to their first crush. As they pour their hearts out through the vocals, the MV shows them shadowing the girl they like before going to her house and coming face to face with the dad they promised to get along with.
THE BOYZ
Delicious
THE BOYZ celebrate the sweet life in their new title track “Delicious”. The song is the title track off their new Japanese album of the same name. The playful trap pop track has a positive, uplifting feel. The melodic vocals dominate the soundscape while the instruments hang back. The MV shows the group preparing a sweet treat for a get-together.
Nine to Six
Don’t Call Me
DKZ sub-unit Nine to Six just wants to go home in their new title track “Don’t Call Me”. This gritty hip-hop track has a heavy, industrial feel with aggressive vocals. The lyrics reflect the feeling of being trapped at work and the desire of many young people to break away from the culture of overworking and being at the whim of your boss. The MV shows the duo as office workers who have to arm themselves to finally get away from their desks and go home to finally relax.
AB6IX
Loser
AB6IX feel trapped in their new single “Loser”. This pop alternative dance track has a vibrant, upbeat energy and some nice melodic vocals. Bright synth and punchy percussion drive the song without rushing over the top of the melody. The MV shows 3 of the group’s members searching for Daehwi, who was apparently killed in an accident. We see the trio running through mazes and looking for photo clues before they are finally led back to the scene of the accident.
Stray Kids
S-Class
Stray Kids are special stars in their new single “S-Class. This eclectic pop track is everything we would expect from the group, who are known for their experimental approach to music. This song slides effortlessly from genre to genre without ever giving listeners a chance to catch their breath. The MV shows the group as leaders of some mysterious organization of hooded followers as the band members lead them into a fierce battle.
MCND
Pop Star
MCND will have you moving your body right along with them in their new single “Pop Star”. This bright pop hip-hop track is catchy and breezy; just the way we like our summer pop. Snapping fingers and trilling whistles give the song a fun, carefree feel. The largely choreography based MV shows the group danced outside of a locked up old gas station.