Welcome to the Weekly Update – December 16 – 22. It seems that as the New Year approaches, the stars have turned their attention to their own private lives. There are no new casting announcements, but several fun pieces of celebrity news. Surprisingly, there is no season themed music this week, but there are a few quality new songs that are definitely worth the listen. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Sehun
On December 21st, EXO’s Sehun officially enlisted in the military. This is good news and bad news for EXO-L’s, since Sehun is the last member of EXO to enlist. This means that though Sehun will be gone for awhile, his return will mark the end of military service for the group as a whole. Like BTS, EXO is anticipating a full reunion in 2025. After basic training, Sehun will be a public service worker for the remainder of his commitment. Hurry home Sehun, we will miss you!
Hong So Bin
After winning the Blue Dragon Film Award for best new actor, Hong So Bin announced that he would be enlisting in the militay on December 19th. After receiving praise for his roles in the movie “Hopeless” as well as the Disney drama “Moving”, the actor and his agency agreed that it would be best to fulfill his military requirement quickly so he can continue to move forward with his acting career. We wish him a safe and speedy return!
Celebrity News
Song Ji Eun and Park We
Actress Song Ji Eun and YouTuber Park We announced this week that they are officially dating. Both stars live life in the public eye, as Song Ji Eun has starred in dramas such as “Melting Me Softly” and Park We has his own Youtube channel. After being involved in a near-fatal accident in 2014 and facing total paralysis, We has made a miraculous recovery to gain back partial movement. He now hosts a Youtube channel called “Weracle” that raises awareness for those with disabilities.
Kim Dong Wook
Actor Kim Dong Wook married former SM Entertainment trainee Stella on December 22nd. The couple had a small, private ceremony in Seoul surrounded by many of the actors famous friends and family. The actor announced their upcoming nuptials last month. We wish the couple many happy years together!
Lee Min Jung and Lee Byung Hun
Acting power couple Lee Min Jung and Lee Byung Hun gave birth to their second child, a daughter, on December 21st. The famous pair married in 2013 and welcomed their son to their family in 2015. The actor took time out of his busy filming schedule for “Squid Games 2” to be there with his wife for the joyous occasion. Congatulations!
Music News
WOODZ
AMNESIA
In aniticpation of his upcoming enlistment later in January, WOODZ lets go of his memories from yesterday in his new single “AMNESIA”. This powerful rock track embraces a full on 90’s grunge alt rock sound. The vocals are chilling and ripe with emotion before the rock guitars slams in to take center stage. The MV is full of dark imagery, as the musician sings about the things in life we have forgotten.
ITZY
BORN TO BE
ITZY is shining like the stars in their new title track “BORN TO BE”. This bombastic dance pop track sees the group come out swinging, in this new era. The group is currently operating without their lead vocalist, Lia, who is on hiatus, but this more aggressive style doesn’t leave much room for showy vocals anyway. The MV focuses on the groups performance, as they dance on floors of lava, surrounded by backup dancers.
Jimin
Closer Than This
BTS’ Jimin gives fans a holiday gift with his new single “Closer Than This”. Fresh on the heels of his military enlistment, the artist released this soft pop track as a love song to his fans and a look back at BTS’ journey to mega-stardom. The song is soft and emotional as it combines the singers angelic warm vocals with bright guitar and electrifying synth. The addition of his harmonization with a children’s choir is beautiful and calming. The MV shows photos and video clips of the group together through the years.
Drama News
Gyeongsong Creature
Neflix released the first 7 episodes of the new historical sci-fi drama “Gyeongsong Creature” on December 22nd. The second half of the series will follow on January 5th. A young woman becomes a tracker of missing persons after her own mother disappeared 10 years ago. But when her hunt leads her to Gyeongsong, she meets a man with the local connections that she may need to finally find some answers.