Welcome to the Weekly Update – April 27 – May 3. This week the fabulously popular Netflix drama “Queen of Tears” aired it’s finale, although they added a couple bonus episodes that will air this weekend. There is more music coming out these days than I can possibly cover, but I have chosen some of the highlights. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Han So Hee and Jeon Jong Seo
Han So Hee and Jeon Jong Seo will star together in the upcoming noir drama “Project Y”. The exciting drama is about two young women who devise a plan to steal a fortune in gold bars and then vanish without a trace. The drama will focus on the stars friendship and teamwork. “Project Y” will air some time in the second half of this year.
Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook
Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook will star opposite each other in the upcoming romantic drama “To My Haeri”. The drama follows an announcer who develops DID after the disappearance of her younger brother and the devastating break up with her long-time boyfriend. But when an alter role falls in love with a new man, she will learn more about herself and the source of her mental struggles. “To My Haeri” will air some time later this year.
Lee Jung Eun, Jung Eun Ji, and Choi Jin Hyuk
Lee Jung Eun, Jung Eun Ji, and Choi Jin Hyuk will star in the upcoming romantic comedy “She’s Different Day and Night”. The drama tells the story of an ambitious intern who has earned the respect of all her colleagues. But one night, she wakes up to find herself trapped in the body of a 50 year old woman. “She’s Different Day and Night” will premiere on June 15th.
Music News
IVE
HEYA
IVE is playing a game of freeze tag in their new single “HEYA”. This hip-hop track manages to bring all the attitude while still giving us some beautiful melodic moments. The deep, thumping bass and percussion provide a weightiness that is contrasted by the lighter vocals. The MV is rooted in the Korean folklore tale “The Tiger Who Loved the Sun”.
Xdinary Heroes
Little Things
Xdinary Heroes are feeling young and stupid in their new title track “Little Things”. This pop punk retro anthem features crunchy guitar and music and vocals straight out of the early 2000’s. The singing is loud and energetic with just a twist of raw emotional angst. The MV shows the band as they perform in a sidewalk drain along with all the other lost things, before finally finding their way again and escaping.
Do Kyung Soo
Popcorn
EXO’s D.O has changed his agency and gone back to his full name, Do Kyung, Soo for his new pre-release single “popcorn”. He is looking back on the excitement at the beginning of his current relationship in this charming yet simple pop track. The finger snapping rhythm is comforting but also peppy and optimistic. The adorable MV shows the singer spending the day at home cooking and getting dressed while everything seems to pop out of control.
YOUNITE
GEEKIN’
YOUNITE is as tough as Mike Tyson in their new single “GEEKIN'”. This aggressive rap track uses funky electro groove sounds and rapid spoken word to keep the energy high throughout. But even when the song takes more melodic breaks, the intensity remains constant and never loses steam. The MV focuses on smooth choreography as the band works out at a gym.
FANTASY BOYS
Pitter-Patter-Love
The FANTASY BOYS all think she’s smiling at them in their new single “Pitter-Patter-Love”. This upbeat pop hit follows a trend of bright boyband summer songs with bubbly percussion and melodic vocals. It’s breezy and relaxed, while offering a sweet, comfortable vibe. The MV shows the group as students who are bored with school until a new transfer student makes all of their hearts flutter.
TOZ
NU SHOES
Life was seemingly gloomy for Japanese K-Pop group TOZ before they livened things up with some fancy kicks. Their new title track “NU SHOES” is a bright, melodic pop song with energetic percussion and a full range of vocals from harmony to rap. The performance based MV shows the group as students, as they show off their new shoes both on and off the basketball court.
HyunA
Q&A
HyunA wants to know how he feels in her new single “Q&A. This brisk dance pop track takes a different approach than the singer’s other, more bombastic hits. The instrumentals are more atmospheric and the vocals are subdued and airy. The MV also departs from previous styles by featuring the singer in her first drama storytelling video about a couple who share a romantic tropical getaway.
Drama News
Frankly Speaking
The Netflix romantic comedy “Frankly Speaking” premiered on May 1st. A charismatic announcer suddenly finds that he has lost the ability to think before he speaks. And as he faces the biggest career challenge of his life, a beautiful variety show writer appoaches him about turning his current troubles into a reality show.
Queen of Tears
The Netflix romantic drama “Queen of Tears” ended on April 28th. An heiress marries a lawyer from a small, country town. But their love is driven apart by the struggles and pressures of life and family. And when they are faced with difficult news, they will try to find out whether there is anything left of the love they once shared.
Hide
The drama thriller “Hide” aired its finale on April 28th. A married woman is distraught when her husband suddenly disappears without a trace. But as she begins to investigate the events leading up to his disappearance, she will learn some interesting things. And a mysterious neighbor seems to have some of the answers she is looking for.