Welcome to the Weekly Update – January 20 – 26. Pop star IU and BTS’ V were the talk of the week with their cinematic music video for her new new song “Love wins all”. Two huge casting announcements gave us plenty to be excited about. And 3 new dramas plus 3 finishing dramas give us lots of shows to talk about. I hope you had a great week. Until, next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Jung Gun Joo, Oh Woo Ri, Go Chang Suk, and Seo Young Hee
Jung Gun Joo, Oh Woo Ri, Go Chang Suk, and Seo Young Hee join Gong Myung and Kim Min Ha in the upcoming fantasy romance drama “A Week Beore I Die”. Based on a novel by the same name, it tells the story of a young woman who is visited by a grim reaper one week before her death. But this spirit looks exactly like her childhood friend and first love. The couple spend the next week crossing items off her bucketlist before her death. “A Week Beore I Die” will air some time next year.
Shin Ha Kyun, Lee Jung Ha, Jin Goo, and Jo Ah Ram
Shin Ha Kyun, Lee Jung Ha, Jin Goo, and Jo Ah Ram will star in the upcoming office drama “Audit”. The drama follows an audit team at a construction company that is full of corruption. When a new team member is hired, the auditing department walk him through the ropes and encourage him to be tough on crime in his new role. “Audit” will air some time in July.
Music News
TWS
Plot Twist
Pledis Entertainment’s debut group TWS is feeling the pressure of first encounters in their new single “Plot Twist”. The pop track coined by the agency as “boyhood pop” has a youthful, uplifting sound. The song has a bright energy that is fun and bouncy. The MV shows the members at a new school as they try to make a good first impression.
AB6IX
GRAB ME
AB6IX are not afraid to stick together in their new title track “Grab Me”. This pop rock track gives us a driving beat and strong guitar riffs. The vocals are big, warm and upbeat. The song feels like a pleasant dance song that will get your toes tapping. The MV shows the members as they stick together both as a group and in their private lives.
SUPER JUNIOR – L.S.S.
Suit Up
SUPER JUNIOR sub-unit SUPER JUNIOR – L.S.S. are blazing hot in their new digital single “Suit Up”. The sub-unit, consisting of Lee Teuk, Shin Dong, and Siwon, bring their usual charm and talent to this fun release. The dance pop track has funky guitar layered with strong bass synth beats. The MV shows the guys at a game center, complete with ball pits and dart boards, as they blend their button downs and jackets with fun pajama bottoms.
IU
Love wins all
IU is running away in her new single “Love wins all”. This melodic pop ballad highlights the singer’s clear, pure vocals and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. The simple piano and synth accompaniment solidify the song while IU’s vocals swoop and soar with an ease that is remarkable and comforting. The MV stars IU and BTS’ V, as a young couple who are on the run during an apocalypse.
CIX
Lovers or Enemies
CIX is asking the important questions in their new single “Lovers or Enemies”. This funky, soft pop track has a relaxing, laid back vibe. The vocals take some nice twists and turns while trilling synth and bright percussion lay a solid foundation. Moments of rap and groovy R&B flavors give the song a unique texture. The MV shows the band as androids who are learning to recognize emotion.
Drama News
My Demon
The Netflix fantasy romance “My Demon” finished on January 20th. A demon who spends his time on earth making dangerous deals with unsuspecting humans, meets a beautiful but cynical heiress. But when she accepts his deal to enter into a contract marriage with her, he is completely unprepared for the feelings it will create.
Flex X Cop
The Hulu action rom-com “Flex X Cop” began on January 26th. A detective from the Violent Crimes Unit join forces with a rich third generation chaebol who seems to have it all. Pooling together all of their skills, connections, and wealth, they hope to solve a current case and prevent a dangerous criminal from causing any future harm.
Like Flowers in the Sand
The Neflix mystery rom-com “Like Flowers in the Sand” aired its finale on January 25th. A traditional Korean wrestler has reached a turning point in his ssireum career. After years of competing and a family reputation to uphold, he is just about ready to throw in the towel when he reunites with an old childhood friend. And when she begins working for their management team, he finds his love for the sport being rekindled.
Captivating the King
The Netflix historical romantic drama “Captivating the King” premiered on January 21st. A Crown Prince’s life falls apart when he is kidnapped and taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty. Now his brother, the King, treats him as a betrayer. Down on his luck, the Crown Prince falls in love with a mysterious baddok player. But their relationship becomes mired in an ugly plan of revenge that may completely destroy his hope for happiness.
The Two Sisters
The 100 episode family melodrama “The Two Sisters” started on January 22nd. Two sisters who were raised separately after their parents’ divorce, have both suffered through their own personal traumas and struggles. Now as adults they meet again, when one of them attempts to seduce the others’ rich fiance. As the secrets of their past come to light, they will both be faced with some difficult life choices.
Welcome to Samdal-ri
The Netflix romantic life drama “Welcome to Samdal-ri” finished on January 21st. A successful fashion photographer suddenly finds her life falling down around her. Out of desperation, she returns to her small hometown on Jeju Island to rest and regroup. But an old friend from her past is still there, and their awkward falling out is the last thing she wants to deal with right now.