Welcome to the Weekly Update – March 18 – 24. Well, I don’t know that I ever imagined writing a review that includes the Jonas Brothers, but here we are. In other news, the girl group energy is strong this week. But if all this bright summer energy is wearing thin, I recommend JUN’s new single “Psycho”. Oh, and there are a couple fun casting announcements and a new drama to check out. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Lee Ji Ah and Kang Ki Young
Lee Ji Ah and Kang Ki Young will star together in the upcoming life drama “Great Problem Solver”. After being wronged in her own marriage, a former-lawyer opens a company that helps bring justice to those who have been hurt by bad spouses. She and her business partner work to bring fair resolutions to their clients and their problematic marriages. “Great Problem Solver” plans to air some time later this year.
Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun
Rowoon and Cho Yi Hyun will play the leads in the upcoming historical rom-com “Wedding Match”. A widow matchmaker and a young widower team up to find suitable mates for four of the most influential young ladies in Joseon. But could working together give them their own second chance at love and happiness? “Wedding Match” will premiere on October 9th.
Music News
Queenz Eye
UN-NORMAL
Queenz Eye takes an unusual stance on love in their new single “UN-NORMAL”. This funky R&B hip-hop track has a groovy laid back tempo and soft rhythmic beats. It’s a perfect blend of summer chill and cool attitude. The MV focuses on choreography, as the group dances in an empty gas station and hotel.
KISS OF LIFE
Shhh
New girl group KISS OF LIFE is just here to vibe in their debut single “Shhh”. After a week of pre-release videos that show each group member’s solo efforts, the whole group finally make their official debut with this track. The hip-hop dance track is bolstered by some nice vocal harmonies and blasts of brass. The plunky style percussion blends well with the chant style elements of the song. The MV is a continuing storyline from their pre-release MV “Bye My Neverland”, showing the group members meeting each other and hanging out at a roller rink.
TEEN TOP
HWEEK
TEEN TOP is trying their hardest in their first comeback in 4 years with “HWEEK”. This upbeat pop track is bursting with warm energy. Big, bubblegum style vocals make this one a natural anthem to summer fun. It’s almost impossible to resist dancing along. The MV channels a similar energy full of bright colors and playful interactions between group members as they go on a summer adventure.
JUN
PSYCHO
SEVENTEEN’s JUN is done fooling himself in his new solo single “PSYCHO”. Bucking the trend of bright, upbeat summer hits, JUN’s alt pop track is intense, powerful, and dark. Heavy percussion and spacey atomospheric synths weave a mesmerizing spell. The MV shows the singer trapped in a life he wishes to break free from. It highlights JUN’s dance abilities and choreography.
NMIXX
Roller Coaster
NMIXX is bouncing with excitement in their pre-release single “Roller Coaster”. This subdued dance track has elements of electopop house. Following the trend of groups like New Jeans, this song has a restrained pop feel that is laid back while still feeling upbeat. The MV shows the group on a trip together before Bae wakes up in her classroom, realizing it was all just a dream.
ITZY
BET ON ME
ITZY is learning to trust themselves in their new B-side single “BET ON ME”. This rock R&B track features driving percussion and thumping electrobeats. The lyrics are about believing in yourself. The MV shows the group running toward their anticipated future, as they each follow their own dreams.
New Jeans
Super Shy
New Jeans vow to make you mine in their new pre-release single “Super Shy”. This catchy pop track feels energetic and youthful. The synths bounce and skitter through the song, giving it a groovy feeling beat that is light and fleeting. The breathy vocals stay playful and melodic throughout. The MV shows the group having a dance party around town, as they move from location to location.
TXT & Jonas Brothers
Do It Like That
TXT jumped into their own time machine to bring us their newest English hit collab with American powerhouse Jonas Brothers. This bright upbeat pop track brims with a groovy beat and catchy vocals. Its like a summer dance party all by itself. The MV is carried by the charm of both groups as they sing and dance against a plain white backdrop.
Drama News
Shadow Detective Season 2
Homicide Detective Kim Tae Rok is back on Hulu in the sequel crime drama “Shadow Detective Season 2”. As a veteran detective, Kim Tae Rok would be happy to ease his way into retirement, but cases keep seeming to find him. This season the detective will take on an evil blackmailer known as “Friend” in a fierce battle of will and intellect.