Welcome to the Weekly Update – September 9 – 15. Wow, the amount of drama news this week is crazy. Whether you want a bingeable 6 episode drama, a long-term 121 episode saga, or anything in between, there are plenty of options. There are also lots of upcoming dramas to get excited about. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Honey Lee, Bang Hyo Rin, Jin Sun Kyu, and Jo Hyun Chul
Honey Lee, Bang Hyo Rin, Jin Sun Kyu, and Jo Hyun Chul will be starring in the upcoming Netflix comedy drama “AEMA”. Centering around the entertainment industry and film making, the drama will follow the cast and staff of a 1980s film called “Madame Aema”. “AEMA” is scheduled to begin some time next year.
Kwon Hyun Bin and Song Ji Woo
Kwon Hyun Bin and Song Ji Woo will appear opposite each other in the upcoming romantic comedy “Love’s Andante”. The drama takes place on the edge of the DMZ in a “peace village” that is home to both North and South Koreans, where a South Korean pianist meets a beautiful North Korean pharmacist. “Love’s Andante” will air some time later this year.
Go Ara
Go Ara has taken over Go Ah Sung’s role in the upcoming historical romance drama “The Love Story of Chunhwa”. Go Ah Sung had previoiusly reported that she fractured her sacrum and was going to need 12 weeks to heal. Go Ara will take over the role of Princess Hwa Ri, an independent free-thinker who is determined to choose her own husband. “The Love Story of Chunhwa” will air some time next year.
Lee Si Kang
Lee Si Kangwill be taking over the role of Jang Ki Yoon in the ongoing daily revenge drama “Elegant Empire”. Kim Jin Woo will be stepping down from the role for personal reasons. The drama is set around the entertainment industry and a couple who are out to take revenge on those who have used and taken advantage of them. “Elegant Empire” started in early August and will run through December.
Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young
Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young will star in the upcoming romantic comedy “I Openly Dream of Becoming Cinderella”. A rich CEO with a profound distaste of women who want to use him to escape their difficult lives meets a new employee who has always dreamed of becoming a real-life Cinderella. “I Openly Dream of Becoming Cinderella” is scheduled to premiere some time next year.
Shin Min Ah and Kim Young Dae
Shin Min Ah and Kim Young Dae will star opposite each other in the upcoming romantic comedy “Because I Want No Loss”. A young salary worker who hates losing money decides to fake a marriage in order to get a promotion at her job. When she offers the “job” to her local convenience store clerk, he gladly accepts the opportunity to earn some extra money. “Because I Want No Loss” will premiere some time next year.
Music News
D.O.
I Do
EXO’s D.O. is feeling hope begin to bloom in his new pre-release single “I Do”. This warm acoustic pop track is melodic and full of the singer’s’ golden rich vocal tones. The minimalistic instrumentation gives the song a relaxing, free-floating feeling. The MV serves as a sequel to the singers previous MV for the song “It’s Okay”. Telling the story through simple animation, it is about a couple spending time together under the stars.
KEY
Good & Great
SHINee’s KEY is pulling through in his new single “Good & Great”. This pop track features some laid back dance beats and rhythmic snare drum. It pulses along evenly but never seems to be in a hurry, although the singers quick and crisp vocals give the song a fun energy. The MV depicts the singer as an office worker who gives everything he has for his demanding job.
CRAVITY
Ready or Not
CRAVITY gets reckless in their new single “Ready or Not”. This dynamic pop rock track features the youthful bombastism that has become the group’s trademark sound. It is intense, bold and punchy, as the group brings their most upbeat energy. The MV has an urban city vibe that focuses mostly on choreography and close-ups of the band members.
Weeekly
Good Day
Weeekly is starting a new dream in their new digital single fan song “Good Day”. This lively sing-song pop track is bubbly and full of sweet energy. From heavy rock guitar to strong EDM beats this song went for big production and bold sounds. In contrast, the MV is simple and understated, as the group throw off their graduation gowns to embrace their future hopes.
Hur Young Ji
L.O.V.E.
KARA’s Hur Young Ji looks for the perfect destination in her first solo album with the new single “L.O.V.E. This upbeat pop track is bursting with bright energy and fun summer vibes. Crisp brass melodies drive the song to a brisk tempo. The cute MV shows the singer having a charming staycaion with the flavors of several desirable landmarks.
TXT (ft. Anitta)
Back for More
TXT gets an assist from Brazilian singer Anitta in their new pre-release single “Back for More”. The group, along with their special guest, were able to premiere the song live on the set at the VMA’s on September 12th. The funky pop track features jazzy synth flourishes and fun falsetto vocals. Anitta takes the second verse to give us some smooth rap. The MV shows TXT performing some snappy choreography in an empty auditorium.
V
Blue
BTS’ V wants to fly away in his new single “BLUE”. This quiet R&B style track uses high percussion and atmospheric guitar to create a calmingly mellow vibe. V’s vocals croon over the top in a laid-back groovy kind of way. The black and white MV shows the down-trodden singer driving around in his car as he tries to see his loved one, before his beloved dog Yeontan trots by to brighten his depressing day.
Drama News
The Real Has Come
The extended 50 episode weekend family drama “The Real Has Come” aired its finale on September 10th. A Korean language instructor enters into a fake marriage after finding out that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend’s baby. But the complicated family dynamics of her new in-laws prove to be more of a challenge than she expected, and as her heart is drawn into their relationships, she finds herself falling for her “fake” husband.
CEO Dol Mart
The comedy drama “CEO Dol Mart” premiered on Viki on September 15th. With their agency facing severe financial crisis, a handsome group of pop idols are forced to take over the running of a small, struggling neighborhood supermarket.
First Responders Season 2
The second season of the mystery action drama “The First Responders” finished on September 9th. The series follows the joint emergencies operations between, fire fights, police officers, and EMTs as they deal with dangerous situations in order to save lives.
Kidnapping Day
The mystery comedy “Kidnapping Day” started on Amazon Prime on September 13th. A desperate father decides to get money for his daughter’s hospital bill by kidnapping a rich child. When he meets a young girl with no memory of her past, he hopes his plan to get money will be a success. But things are much more complicated than he had hoped.
Han River Police
The comedy action drama “Han River Police” premiered on Hulu on September 13th. The drama follows officers who are responsible for patrolling and responding to all emergencies that take place on or along the Han River. From small everyday accidents to life-threatening emergencies, this crew handles them all with efficiency and humor.
Apple of My Eye
The 121 episode extended family drama “Apple of My Eye” finished airing on September 15th. A single father works hard to raise his percocious young daughter, When he meets the daughter of Hwang Dong Food Group, he suddenly finds his life changing for the better. But he will face many challenges if he wants to win her heart.
The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival
The mystery thriller “The Escape of the Seven: War for Survival” premiered on September 15th. 7 unlikely strangers are brought together when they are swept up in the case of a missing girl. And as the group tries to solve the case, they will also find themselves facing a similar fate if they can’t find a way through all the secrets and lies to get to the truth.