Welcome to the Weekly Update – December 24 – 30. It’s time for our final update of the year. Things are a bit quiet with the upcoming holiday, but there is still some great news to share. There is plenty of drama news, a couple music videos, and a dating confirmation to keep things interesting. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Hongseok
On December 26th, PENTAGON’s Hongseok recieved an early medical discharge from the military. Hongseok enlisted earlier this year, in May, but has been excused from service based on his mental well-being. As a civilian, he will continue with his treatment and counseling. Welcome home, Hongseok! We missed you!
Casting News
Park Hae Jin, Lim Ji Yeon, and Park Sung Woong
Park Hae Jin, Lim Ji Yeon, and Park Sung Woong will star in the upcoming mystery thriller “National Death Penalty Vote”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, this drama will examine the idea of justice and the death penalty, as the nation is allowed to vote on sentencing for some of the most vile criminals. “National Death Penalty Vote” will premiere some time in 2023.
Park Hyung Sik and Jeon So Nee
Park Hyung Sik And Jeon So Nee will star opposite each other in the upcoming historical drama “Our Blooming Youth”. A troubled Crown Prince is plagued by a terrible curse and seeks help from an unlikely ally. But first he must prove she didn’t actually murder her family, as she has been accused. “Our Blooming Youth” will begin airring on February 6th.
Kim Tae Hee
After a 3 year hiatus, Kim Tae Hee is coming back to the small screen to star in the upcoming suspense thriller “House With a Yard”. A happily married woman with a successful husband and handsome son begins to have doubts that her life is as perfect as she had always thought. “House With a Yard” will start some time next year.
Celebrity News
IU And Lee Jong Suk
Dispatch has released their first couple of the New Year as musician/actress IU and actor Lee Jong Suk. Both of the performer’s agencies have confirmed the rumors to be true. The couple met 6 years ago on “Inkigayo” and began dating 4 months ago. Lee Jong Suk alluded to a potential relationship in his acceptance speech for the Grand Prize at this year’s MBC drama awards, which sparked a frenzy of dating rumors. Congratulations to the happy couple. Your fans will be cheering you on!
Music News
ATEEZ
HALAZIA
ATEEZ wants to overturn the world in their new title track “HALAZI”. This bass-heavy electro-pop track brings a vital intensity without abrasive shouted vocals. The interesting assortment of instrumentation moves effortlessly between tempos and genres. The lyrics and video continue the group’s theme of revolution, as the music video shows the band hidden away in an underground cavern.
WayV
Phantom
NCT subunit, WayV seeks to find the truth in their new single “Phantom”. Fans may be disappointed to note the absence of Lucas, who has been on hiatus following a controversy. This dramatic hip-hop dance track features dark sounds and hauntingly beautiful vocals. In true WayV fashion, the song swells with theatrical flourishes. The MV is viusally stunning with a fantasy, royal theme.
Drama News
Reborn Rich
The fantasy drama “Reborn Rich” aired its finale on December 25th. An ambitious secretrary for a rich business family gets pulled back in time and reincarnated as the family’s youngest male member. Now he will use his knowledge of the family and upcoming world events to gain his own wealth and exact the perfect revenge.
Curtain Call
The romantic life drama “Curtain Call” ended on December 27th. A struggling, young actor agrees to pose as an older woman’s long-lost grandson to grant her final wish. But the woman’s granddaughter refuses to be fooled by the imposter and is determined to expose his true identity.
Summer Strike
The romantic melodrama “Summer Strike” finished on December 26th. When tragedy befalls a young woman, she decides to withdraw from life for a while and run away to a small seaside town. When she meets a shy librarian with his own life scars, the two develop a special connection.
Island
The action thriller “Island” premiered on Amazon Prime on December 29th. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama follows a woman from a rich family who is banished to Jeju Island after angering her powerful father. But the invisible forces of evil on the island aer strong, and she will need to find worthy allies if she is to survive.
The Glory
Season 1 of the drama thriller “The Glory” started on Netflix on December 30th. This 8 episode mini-series has already confirmed another 8 episodes for Season 2, expected to air this spring. A new teacher seeks revenge on those who bullied her in high school by targeting the bully’s children.