Welcome to the Weekly Update – April 20 – 26. There are two new dramas this week, with “Goodbye Earth” releasing all its episodes at once. And the summer music season is upon us, as music videos turns to bright sunny sights and sounds. I hope you had a great week. Until next time enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
BIBI and Sung Joon
BIBI and Sung Joon will be joining the cast of the upcoming sequel to the popular mystery crime drama “The Fiery Priest”. Alongside the new cast members, vetrans Kim Nam Gil, Honey Lee, and Kim Sung Kyun will be reprising their original roles in the series. An unlikely team consisting of a detective, a priest, and a prosecutor work together to solve crimes in this much-anticipated follow-up. “The Fiery Priest” Season 2 will start airing on October 18th.
Bae In Hyuk, Kim Ji Eun, Jung Gun Joo, and Jaechan
Bae In Hyuk, Kim Ji Eun, Jung Gun Joo, and DKZ’s Jaechan will star in the upcoming historical romance drama “Check In Hanyang” . Set in the Joseon Period, a group of young interns start work at a local Inn. But each of them hides a secret that they hope to keep hidden from the others. “Check In Hanyang” will air some time in December.
Lee Joo Bin
Lee Joo Bin will star in the upcoming thriller “Guardians”. The drama explores the role of probation officers in the Korean judicial system and the difficulty of preventing released criminals from becoming repeat offenders. This announcement marks the third drama the busy actress will appear in this year. “Guardians” does not have a premiere date yet.
Music News
Epex
Breathe in Love
EPEX is feeling flawless in their new single “Breathe in Love”. This pop rock track is vibrant and full of energy. The tempo ebbs and flows with a nice intentionality that gives the song texture and holds your interest throughout. The MV shows the band as they dance through the city streets embracing the beauty we often see and take for granted.
PICKUS
Little Prince
New group PICKUS aim to be like all-time legends in their debut track “Little Prince”. The group formed on MBC M reality show “Fan Pick”. This dance pop track rifts off the childrens’ song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”. But the bright synths and enthusiastic rap give it just the right amount of modern twist. The MV gives us lots of smiling close ups and bouncy choreography, as the members make themselves at home both inside and outside of a diner and movie theater.
Kep1er
Straight Line
Kep1er is hoping to seize that dream in their new Japanese title track “Straight Line”. With the future of the group in question as their contract signing deadline draws near, fans are happy for any new music they can get. This pop mix track starts with Latin infused sounds before transitioning to a brass heavy chorus and hip-hop verses. The glamorous MV shows the members dancing against sparkling backdrops.
ZEROBASEONE
SWEAT
ZEROBASEONE is hoping to wake up all their senses in their new pre-release single “SWEAT”. This bounding dance pop track has traces of house instrumentals and cheerful, melodic vocals as the group celebrates an early summer. The MV features sunny beaches and breezy, green fields as the members travel and perform in various summer destinations.
ZICO (ft. JENNIE)
SPOT!
ZICO is keeping it casual in his new digital single “SPOT!”. The collab with BLACKPINK’s JENNIE is a funky rap duet that focuses on simple, festive fun. JENNIE’s melodic vocals duel it out with ZICO’s harsher rap style to give the song a fun push and pull feel. The MV shows the pair getting ready for an all night rooftop party with friends.
NewJeans
Bubble Gum
NewJeans are excited to meet up in their new single “Bubble Gum”. This bright summer pop track brings back the groups signature sound as muted vocals give way to subtle touches of disco and synth. The MV shows the band having a beach getaway together as they try to escape the heat of the season.
KIM WOOJIN
I Like The Way
Ex Stray Kids member KIM WOOJIN is just walking his way in his new title track “I Like The Way”. This R&B inspired track focuses on deep, rich vocal runs as the background builds on snappy synth and rhythmic bass. The MV shows the singer planning a bold getaway while being pursued by a rough looking gang.
Drama News
Goodbye Earth
On April 26th, Netflix dropped all 12 episodes of the sci-fi thriller “Goodbye Earth”. The world falls into chaos when people learn that an asteroid is set to collide with our planet in 200 days. A young teacher and her boyfriend fight to save their students during this tumultuous time.
Boys Be Brave
The BL rom-com “Boys Be Brave” premiered on April 25th. A young man has a secret crush on his good friend. But when his friend needs a place to stay and becomes a temporary roommate, he will have a hard time keeping his feelings hidden.