Welcome to the Weekly Update – January 6 – 12. Casting announcements lead the news this week, although there is a new drama and some music as well. Two popular dramas also aired their finales this week. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young, and Hong Su Zu
Lee Jae Wook, Lee Jun Young, and Hong Su Zu will star in the upcoming business drama “Royal Roader”. The drama focuses around 3 characters who all want to climb to the top of the business world and experience financial success. But their common goal brings the trio together in a surprising way that will impact each of them individually. “Royal Roader” will air some time next month.
Bae Doona, Ryu Seung Bum, Baek Yoon Shik, Lomon, and Lee Su Hyun
Bae Doona, Ryu Seung Bum, Baek Yoon Shik, Lomon, and Lee Su Hyun will appear together in the upcoming supernatural comedy drama “Family Plan”. A group of people who all possess special powers poses together as a family, to support and protect each other. But evil criminals threaten both their lives and their anonymity. “Family Plan” will air some time later this year.
Yeon Woo Jin and Jang Seung Jo
Yeon Woo Jin and Jang Seung Jo will join Kim Ha Neul in the upcoming mystery thriller “Let’s Get Grabbed by the Collar”. Based on a webnovel of the same name, the drama follows an investigative reporter and television host who finds herself accused of murder after crossing the wrong people. But when a talented detective from her past steps forward to help her clear her name, her life feels complicated on every level. “Let’s Get Grabbed by the Collar” will premiere some time in March.
Uhm Tae Goo, Han Sun Hwa, and Kwon Yool
Uhm Tae Goo, Han Sun Hwa, and Kwon Yool will star in the upcoming romantic drama “The Woman Who Plays”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the story follows a former gang member and social activist who meets a social media influencer whose specialty is children’s programming. And although their lives may seem very different now, the pair share a surprising conection from their past. “The Woman Who Plays” will air some time later this year.
Park Bo Gum And Kim So Hyun
Park Bo Gum and Kim So Hyun will star in the upcoming action comedy drama “Good Boy”. A group of Olympic medalist decide to leave behind the competitive world of sports to serve as police officers in a special violent crimes task force. While our leads will bring their skills as a boxer and shooter, each member will share their specific training and talents in their new job. “Good Boy” will air some time later this year.
Music News
ITZY
UNTOUCHABLE
ITZY wants you to just keep your eyes on them in their new title track “UNTOUCHABLE”. This EDM dance track has heavy synth beats and plenty of textured vocals. In the absence of their lead vocalist, Lia, this move makes a lot of sense and gives the group a strong sound without focuses on big melodic moments. The MV shows the group dancing a crisp choreography under the light of precise laser beams.
SF9
BIBORA
SF9 tries to hold on to fleeting memories in their new single “BIBORA”. Back with their first release since ROWOON announced his departure from the group, SF9 chose a sleek, emotional dance track that showcases the group’s refined style. The funky house beat give the song a buoyant feel that bounds along all the way to the end. The MV shows the members as they are lost in memories of a loved one that they can’t seem to forget and yet wish they could let go.
OnlyOneOf
dOpamine
OnlyOneOf loses control in their new single “dOpamine”. This retro 90’s garage band track combines heavy bass and drum with gritty guitar and the group’s signature airy vocals. The blend gives us plenty of tempo variations and some dynamic vocal moments. The MV shows the members, shirtless, as they dance in an old concrete warehouse.
TRENDZ
Go Up
TRENDZ is looking for comfort in their new single “Go Up”. This upbeat pop track features rugged guitar, constant percolating synths, and youthful vocals that soar with melodic power. The songs energy feels boundless and inviting. The MV shows the band in demin overalls as they perfrom their choreography in a dirty lot of an old garage.
NIEL
Parting Path
TEEN TOP’s NIEL is reliving precious memories in his new MV for the single “Parting Path”. This emotional pop ballad is melodic and heartfelt. While the vocals rest at the forefront of the song, the layers of brass and rythmic guitar give it texture. The MV shows a couple as they end their relationship, looking back on the journey of their time time together.
LEE CHANHYUK
1 TRILLION
AKMU’s LEE CHANHYUK is dreaming of his future in his new solo single “1 TRILLION”. This fun New Year’s pop track is full of youthful hopes for a bright future. The vocals are smooth with just a hint of sensual maturity while the catchy chorus and atmospheric synths give the song a unique sound. The MV tells the story of the singer’s childhood dream, where he finds a 1 trillion coin and uses it to build the perfect life.
Drama News
Knight Flower
The historical mystery drama “Knight Flower” premiered on January 12th. A young widow spends her days quietly obedient in her in-laws home. But at night she patrols the city, helping those in need of protection. But when her roamings bring her in contact with a handsome senior officer, she begins to dream of a future where she can have a second chance at love.
The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract
The historical time travel drama “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” aired its finale on January 6th. A young Joseon woman has her husband die on their wedding night. When she is kidnapped and thrown into a well, she wakes up in the present time. But she is shocked to meet a man who looks exactly like the husband she had lost in the past. Now she is torn between trying to find a way back to her own time or staying and building a life in this amazing future.
A Good Day to be a Dog
The supernatural rom-com “A Good Day to be a Dog” ended on January 10th. A high school teacher hides an unexplainable family secret that causes every man she kisses to turn into a dog. But when a drunken mistake leads her to kiss a handsome co-worker, she sees a chance to finally break the curse once and for all, so she can live a normal life. But the young man, who has a debilitating fear of dogs, doesn’t seem to be interested in her or her problems