Welcome to the Weekly Update – August 12 – 18. The girl groups slightly edged out the guys this week, but both LUCY and DKB give us a strong showing. We saw Lee Do Hyun off safely, as he enlisted in the military. And the dark new hero drama “Mask Girl” aired all 7 episodes. A few big casting announcements promise still more great dramas to come before the end of the year. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Lee Do Hyun
Actor Lee Do Hyun began his military service on August 18th. He has enlisted in the Republic of Korea Air Force and will be participating in the military band. Lee Do Hyun’s agency made the official announcement, noting that there would be no formal send off, but they ask fans for continued support and promise that he will return in good health.
Casting News
Donghae and Lee Seol
Super Junior’s Donghae and Lee Seol will star in the upcoming romantic drama “Man and Woman”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama will examine the joys and struggles unique to couples who have been together over a long period of time. The pair wil play a couple who met in college and have been dating for 7 years. “Man and Woman” will premiere some time later this year.
Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, and Yoon Hyun Soo
Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, and Yoon Hyun Soo will be joining Lee Je Hoon in the upcoming mystery drama “Chief Inspector: The Beginning”. Set in the 1960’s, the drama is a prequel to the popular Korean series “Chief Detective” that ran for 18 years from 1971 – 1989. This new drama will focus on the Chief’s early years as a hot tempered young detective. “Chief Inspector: The Beginning” is scheduled to start some time early next year.
Im Siwan, Lee Sun Bin, Kang Hye Won, and Lee Si Woo
Im Siwan, Lee Sun Bin, Kang Hye Won, and Lee Si Woo will be starring in the upcoming mystery thriller “Boyhood”. The drama will take place in the 1980’s and tells the story of a boy who goes from the most picked on boy at his local high school to becoming the most feared student at the agricultural high school he transfers to. “Boyhood” will premiere some time in November.
Music News
DKB
Told You
DKB are running away in their new single “Told You”. This powerful pop ballad uses simple piano, electric synth, and percussion to build into a big, full sound. The lyrics are melodic and emotional, and talk about falling for someone at first sight. The MV shows individual shots of each of the group members as they sit or lie quietly, in thoughtful poses.
STAYC
Bubble
STAYC is feeling unpredictable in their new title track “Bubble”. This playful summer pop track features icy synths and snappy percussion. This style is upbeat and fun with a dynamic sugary energy. The MV shows the band as students living n a dormitory, as they try to avoid their head mistress and sneak out for some fun.
tripleS LOVElution
‘Girls’ Capitalism
tripleS LOVElution is yet another sub-unit of the unique music project that is tripleS. This sub-unit is helping us find the key to their heart in their new single “‘Girls’ Capitalism”. This breezy pop track has an easy, smooth rhythm and casual airy vocals. The creative MV shows the group in a school club where they study the rules for the “Mad Money Club”. The members have a fun goth style and plenty of upbeat energy.
LUCY
Haze
LUCY has a love to live in their new single “Haze”. This emotional pop ballad turns up LUCY’s signature violin and gives us a warm track full of hope and positive feelings. The vocals are gentle and melodic before building into a powerful crescendo. The MV shows a group of high schoolers who are able to put down their stress and burdens to embrace their own dreams.
JIHYO
Killin’ Me Good
TWICE’s JIHYO wants to listen to her body in her new solo debut title song “Killin’Me Good”. This smooth R&B style track features sultry low-register vocals and stabbing synths. The song has a bit of New Jack Swing instrumentation in the background to give it texture. The MV shows the singer as she moves from the heart-fluttering feeling of new love to the disillisionment of a relationship ending.
aespa
Better Things
aespa really isn’t sorry in their new single “Better Things”. This lazy summer pop track features tropical plunky percussion and a shuffling groovy beat. The English lyrics talk about moving on after a break up and finding better things to do with their time. The MV features lush summer colors and scenes, as the group follows a magical fish into an enchanted underwater adventure.
Drama News
Heartbeat
The Amazon Prime fantasy rom-com “Heartbeat” aired its finale on August 15th. A vampire attempts to gain back his humanity, but he is awakened one day too early, resulting in him being only half human. In his new form, he meets a beautiful woman who agrees to let him be her roommate. And the reaction in his heart seems to be human enough!
Behind Your Touch
The Netflix supernatural mystery rom-com “Behind Your Touch” premiered on August 12th. In a small town in rural Korea, a young veterinarian uses his paranormal abilities to work together with a local detective to solve crimes. But when their quiet little town suddenly gets its first serial murder, they will need to sharpen their skills if they are going to find the killer.
Mask Girl
The Netflix comedy thriller “Mask Girl” released all 7 episodes on August 18th. An ordinary office worker acts as an internet jockey by night, while using a mask to hide her true identity. But when one of her co-workers stumbles across her broadcast, the pair will be swept up in a wild and unexpected adventure. And since this co-worker also harbors a secret crush on her, things are likely to get very interesting.