Welcome to the Weekly Update – April 23 – 29. Casting announcements were quiet this week, but the new music more than made up for that. Whether you are looking for old school MONSTA X, the young enthusiasm of rookie group RoaD-B, or a summer bop from MAMAMOO’s Moonbyul, it’s all here. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Chen
On April 25th, EXO’s Chen was officially discharged from the military. The singer has been serving as an active duty soldier since October, 2020. He will be peforming with band mates Kai and Suho at the Tokyo Dome on August 27-28. Welcome home, Chen!
Zico
Block B’s Zico finished his military service on April 29th. He enlisted in July 2020 and has been serving as a public service worker. While he was away, Zico’s recording label KOZ Entertainment merged with HYBE LABELS. Fans anticipate some great new material from the performer under his new label. Glad to have you back!
Casting News
Uhm Ki Joon
Uhm Ki Joon has confirmed that he will be starring alongside the female power trio of Kim Go Eun, Nam Ji Hyun, and Park Ji Hu in the upcoming family drama “Little Women“. The drama tells the story of three sisters who become involved in an incident that leaves them in conflict with an incredibly influential family. Uhm Ki Joon will play a rookie politician. “Little Women” will air beginning on August 27th.
Music News
Yoon Jisung
Bloom
Former leader of Wanna One, Yoon Jisung, is a master gardener in his new single “Bloom”. This retro city-pop track is dreamy and full of icy synth and sweet mid-tempo melody that feels nostalgic. The MV shows the singer tending a colorful room of flowers.
PSY (ft. Suga)
That That
PSY is back!! And this time he is challenging BTS’s Suga to an old fashion Western duel in his new single “That That”. This high-energy dance track is 3 minutes of fun, with strong percussion and bright brass flourishes and Suga’s rap verse is a great addition. The MV shows the pair with a whole team of back-up dancers filling the streets of an old, cowboy town.
Miyeon
Drive
(G) I-DLE’s main vocalist Miyeon is spreading her wings in her debut solo single “Drive”. The mid-tempo pop track features light and breezy vocals that soar above simple, steady guitar beats. The MV shows an elegant side to the singer, with beautiful costumes, as she wanders the rooms of a lavish mansion.
Moonbyul
C.I.T.T.
MAMAMOO’s Moonbyul is set to steal her guy in her new single “C.I.T.T. (Cheese in the Trap)” This pop punk track feels like the perfect summer bop with a bright upbeat tempo and fun, bouncy lyrics. The MV shows Moonbyul as a student devising the perfect plan to catch her love interest in her snare.
MONSTA X
Love
MONSTA X is stepping it up with their new title track “Love”. This R&B hip-hop track is loaded with great instrumentation, from swirling synth to saxaphone. The MV shows the band as glitzy lounge performers and is full of subtle, precise choreography. It ends with a classy nod to their missing leader, Shownu, who is currently in the military, by showing the empty stage, complete with all 6 mic stands.
VERIVERY
Undercover
VERIVERY brings us their second comeback in a matter of weeks with their new title track “Undercover”. The hip-hop style track features melodic lyrics and rap with heavy distorted guitar. The MV picks up the alternate reality storyline from the video for “O” and while the story is a bit foggy, it is dark and stunning to look at.
RoaD-B
Nonstop
RoaD-B is finding their true colors in their debut single “Nonstop”. Formerly known as BXK, the groups has made some member changes to take it’s current form as RoaD-B. Their new pop dance track is full of energy and dramatic synth waves that drive the song along at a consistent, swelling tempo. The 80’s retro vibe provides plenty of solid vocal layering. The MV shows the group walking and dancing their way through a giant warehouse.
Drama News
Pachinko
The Apple historical drama “Pachinko” aired its finale on April 29th. Spanning four generations, this saga tells the story of a family of Korean immigrants who fight to survive through war and tragedy. This mini-series, starring Lee Min Ho and Kim Min Ha, is only 8 episodes long and features sweeping cinematography and beautiful costumes.
From Now On, Showtime!
The romantic fantasy drama “From Now On, Showtime!” began airing on April 23rd. This drama tells the story of a popular magician who amazes audiences with his magic tricks. But the real trick to his success is that his assistants are a team of ghosts.
The Killer’s Shopping List
The mystery comedy, “The Killer’s Shopping List” premiered on April 27th. A detective begins investigating a murder that took place in her neighborhood. But things get complicated when the only clue they have to solve the case is a receipt from the market her boyfriend and his mother own.