Welcome to the Weekly Update – December 31 – January 6. The New Year started off a little quiet. There are two new drama this week, and a casting announcement for a female led mystery drama. The girl groups dominate the music scene although a couple male performers released solo/sub-unit tracks as well. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Kim Sun Ah, Oh Yoon Ah, Shin Eun Jung, and Yoo Sun
Kim Sun Ah, Oh Yoon Ah, Shin Eun Jung, and Yoo Sunn will star together in the upcoming mystery melodrama “Queen of the Mask”. Four friends share a dangerous secret about a murder committed 10 years ago. As the truth threatens to be exposed, the group will turn against each other out of their own jealous greed. “Queen of the Mask” will air some time in the first half of 2023.
Music News
NewJeans
OMG
NewJeans are wondering what is real in their new single “OMG”. This 90’s trap pop track has an upbeat, youthful sound, while still boasting the laidback vibe that has become the groups signature sound. It has a mid-tempo beat that keeps all the elements in check without ever rushing from one phase to the next. The MV shows the band as patients in a mental institution. As they meet in group sessions, they try to piece together the parts of their past and discern which parts really happened, and what is just their imagination.
Moonbin and Sanha
Madness
ASTRO sub-unit Moonbin and Sanha command you to fall for them in “Madness”, the new title track to their third mini-album. This funky pop dance track features groovy bass guitar and high-hat percussion. The singers do some great vocal work as they play off each other. The MV shows them developing the perfect scent to drive others crazy with their irresistible charms.
Nine
beyOnd
OnlyOneOf’s Nine invites you to dance with him in his new single “beyOnd”. This final video completes the groups “Underground Idol” series, with each member releasing a single that showed their individual sound and talent. This soft pop track features muted instrumentation and breathy vocals. The MV follows anew transfer student who comes to school and falls for a quiet, shy artist, played by Nine’s bandmate, Mill.
H1-KEY
Rose Blossom
H1-KEY won’t be defeated in their new single “Rose Blossom”. This is the first EP since the group’s debut a year ago. The emotional trap pop track has a catchy mid-tempo beat and vibrant synths. The style is reminiscent of the sound captured so successfully by the group 2NE1. They lyrics are about surviving through trials and adversity. The MV shows the singers spending the day together, laughing and having fun.
ILY: 1
Twinkle Twinkle
ILY:1 shines brightly in their new single “Twinkle Twinkle”. This sweet pop track starts as a soft and calming sound that builds up to a big, dramatic chorus that sweeps you along. The band members look and sound like angelic princesses with their simple, pure vocals, and flowing white clothes. The MV shows them in a secret garden where they dance and play among the flowers.
Drama News
Brain Works
The mystery comedy drama “Brain Works” premiered on January 2nd. Four people with very different brain style band together to form the perfectly balanced crime solving team. Capitalizing on their different skills and perspectives, they are able to get a complete picture of the crimes and perpetrators.
Payback: Money and Power
The business thriller “Payback: Money and Power” started on Amazon Prime on January 6th. A group of people, led by a quiet money trader, challenge a powerful cartel who thinks it is above the law. Revenge comes in many forms, and together they will fight with the weapons they have.