Welcome to the Weekly Update – September 16 – 22. It was a sad week for kdrama fans as we bid farewell to not just one, but two talented veteran actors. We also had two military enlistments. The 3 new dramas this week range all the way from 9 episodes to 120, so pick your speed and watch away. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Kim Min Jae
On September 18th, Kim Min Jae began his military service. The actor took to Instagram to share the news with his fans and promise to return in good health. While enlisted, Kim Min Jae will partipate in the military band. He will finish his military responsibilities in March 2025. We wish him a safe and speedy return!
Suga
On September 22nd, BTS’ Suga started his military service. He is the third member of the group to enlist. Due to a previous shoulder injury, the performer will spend his time serving as a public service worker. His training will begin with a week of office training before he reports for basic training, so he hasn’t received an official sendoff from bandmates yet. We wish him health and a quick return!
Casting News
Jiwon
Cherry Bullet’s Jiwon will be joining Kwon Hyun Bin And Song Ji Woo in the upcoming romantic comedy “Love’s Andante”. The drama revolves around a “peace village” near the DMZ where North and South Koreans can live together. Jiwon will take on the role of a talented painter and webtoon artist. “Love’s Andante” is scheduled to premiere before the end of this year.
Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah
Go Yoon Jung and Shin Si Ah will star in the upcoming medical drama “A Life of a Resident That Will Be Wise Someday”. The drama will be a spinoff of the popular Netflix series “Hosptial Playlist”. Like the original series, this drama will follow the lives, loves, and friendships of doctors and residents at a busy university hospital. “A Life of a Resident That Will Be Wise Someday” will air in the first half of 2024.
Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, Kim Jae Wook, Park Byung Eun, and Uhm Ji Won
Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, Kim Jae Wook, Park Byung Eun, and Uhm Ji Won will be appearing together in the upcoming historical romance “Hong Rang”. Based on a novel of the same name, this is the story of a young man who returns after mysteriously disappearing 12 years earlier. But the secrets that revolve around his family and the events of his disappearance will threaten him and all those who find out the truth.
Han Ji Eun, Cha Woo Min, Lee Jong Hyun, Shin Soo Hyun, Yoon Sang Jung, and Gong Do Yu
Han Ji Eun, Cha Woo Min, Lee Jong Hyun, Shin Soo Hyun, Yoon Sang Jung, and Gong Do Yu will be joining Hwang Minhyun in the upcoming action thriller “Study Group”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, a student at a technical high school puts aside his dreams of becoming the model student to defend the members of his study group who have faced terrible bullying. “Study Group” is supposed to air some time later this year.
Celebrity News
Byun Hee Bong
Veteran actor Byun Hee Bong passed away on September 18th. According to the beloved actor’s family, the 81 year old died from a recurrence of pancreatic cancer that had been previously cured. We wish his family peace in this time of grieving.
No Young Kook
On September 18th, actor No Young Kook passed away. According to his family, the 75 year old actor suffered from a heart attack. His newest project, the weekend drama “Live Your Own Life” premiered just days earlier on September 16th. Production is currently discusses what measures to take in filling his role. We wish his friends and family peace.
Music News
V
For Us
BTS’ V is back with his final video for his solo album. This mellow R&B pop track has stripped back instrumentals as the singer’s rich voice croons along softly. The song features beautiful harmonies and a gentle, calming rhythm. The MV is a collage of behind the scene clips and cut portions of his former videos.
D.O.
Somebody
D.O. hopes for someone to come into his heart again in his new single “Somebody”. This emotional pop track has groovy fast-paced vocals that focus on D.O.’s golden, rich tones. The acoustic guitar strums pleasantly in the background, giving the song a mellow, calm feeling. The MV shows the singer as a film crew worker on a commercial who falls in love with a struggling actress, played by real life actress Lee Jae In.
EVNNE
TROUBLE
The Boys Planet group EVNNE are looking for respect in their title track “TROUBLE”. The group is comprised of those who didn’t win the reality show, but were runners up. Their Baltimore Club style track focuses on strong rhythmic percussion and agressive spoken lyrics. The MV relies heavily on the groups crisp choreography to draw fans in as they show themselves to be charming troublemakers.
TEMPEST
Vroom Vroom
TEMPEST steps on the accelerator in their new single “Vroom Vroom”. This brash dance track hits high on the energy and attitude meter. The plunky percussion and skittering synth sounds in the background give the song a playful feel. The lyrics are abrasive and intense. Not surprisingly given the title, the MV uses a racing theme to show the band dancing in a shiny, metallic garage.
YUJU
DALALA
Former GFRIEND’s YUJU is trying to get over her boring playlist in her new digital single “DALALA”. This simple pop track gives off plenty of retro vibles with its synth sounds and groovy bass and drums. The vocals are cool and laid back with a nice funky rhythm. The MV shows the singer singing her way through the city at night.
FANTASY BOYS
NEW TOMORROW
Another reality show rookie group, FANTASY BOYS are seeing new colors in their new single “NEW TOMORROW”. This upbeat pop track is sunny and the bright lyrics are catchy and fun. The melody focuses on the joy and hope of facing a new tomorrow together. The MV shows the band appearing before a lonely student as they trasport her to a magical forest.
Drama News
Song of the Bandits
The Netflix historical action drama “Song of the Bandits” released all 9 episodes on September 22nd. In this Western style drama, a group of bandits band together to protect their land and loved ones from the oppressive Japanese Army.
Live Your Own Life
The 50 episode weekend drama “Live Your Own Life” premiered on September 16th. A personal trainer is overcome by the family obligations of being the only daughter in a family with 3 sons. Pushed to the brink, she finally decides to seize back control of her own life.
Unpredictable Family
The 120 episode daily drama “Unpredictable Family” aired its first episode on September 18th. A struggling actress meets a successful film director who is the man of her dreams. But when she finds out that her father divorced his mother 30 years ago, their future seems bleak.
Moving
The Hulu supernatural thriller “Moving” finished season 1 on September 20th. Three students with special abilities form a special friendship. But they are surprised to find out that their bond goes beyond themselves, as they discover a common connection between their parents.
My Lovely Liar
The rom-com “My Lovely Liar” ended on September 19th. A young woman with the ability to hear other people’s lies meets a mysterious stranger who seems to carry a secret. And she is shocked to find that for the first time in her life she has found someone her special power doesn’t seem to work on.