Welcome to the Weekly Update – July 15 – 21. This week we get a new song and a goodbye from iKON’s Jinhwan. Two new drama started up on Viki this week. There’s also a nice variety to the new MVs, which is nice at this point in the season. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Jung Seung Hwan
Solo performer Jung Seung Hwan began his military service on July 17th. After finishing his basic training, the singer will participate in the military band. His agency Antenna, made the official announcement through their instagram account, asking for continued support of Jung Seung Hwan. We wish him a safe and speedy return.
Jinhwan
iKON’s Jinhwan enlitsted into the military on July 20th. The singer left fans a going away gift in the form of a new single, released under the solo name JAY, called “BLUE MOON”. Jinhwan made his announcement to his fans through his instagram account, promising to diligentyly fulfill his duty to his country and return quickly. Take care Jinhwan and hurry home. We will miss you!
Casting News
Gong Yoo And Seo Hyun Jin
Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun Jin will star opposite each other in the upcoming romantic melodrama “The Trunk”. Based on a novel of the same name, it follows a matchmaking service called NM, which sets up contract-based marriages. But when a mysterious trunk is found in a local lake, a web of secrets about the organization will come to light.
Kim Young Dae, Pyo Ye Jin, On Joo Wan, and Jung Woong In
Kim Young Dae, Pyo Ye Jin, On Joo Wan, and Jung Woong In will star in the upcoming romantic fantasy drama “The Moon that Rises During the Day”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama follows a 1500 year romance, as the leads play dual roles from both the past and present. “The Moon that Rises During the Day” will begin airing on October 25th.
Kim Ji Eun and Lomon
Kim Ji Eun and Lomon will star together in the upcoming romantic drama “Branding in Seongsu”. The drama follows a cranky PR Manaager and her handsome intern, who have their souls swapped after sharing an accidental kiss. “Branding in Seongsu” is scheduled to premiere in the first half of next year.
Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon
Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon will star in the upcoming fantasy time travel drama “Carry Sun Jae and Run”. Based on the webnovel “The Best of Tomorrow”, it’s the story of a woman who travels back in time to prevent the death of her favorite celebrity. “Carry Sun Jae And Run” has not yet released an official premiere date.
Music News
MIRAE
JUMP!
MIRAE gets curious in their new single “Jump!”. This fun summer pop track combines rhythmic New Jack Swing with alt rock guitar. The even thumping beat mimics the sound of a basketball bouncing, which matches the theme of the MV. In the MV the members find the notebook of a mysterious fan and try to impress her with their basketball skills. The sweet charm of the members carries the MV and the choreography is bright and upbeat.
MAMAMOO +
Save Me
MAMAMOO sub-unit MAMAMOO+ is feeling empty in their new pre-release single “Save Me”. The pop ballad track is melancholy and muted. The vocals form the main foundation of the song while quiet percussion, strings and brass stay quietly in the background. The MV shows both singers sitting alone as they reflect on the lonliness of a break up.
JAY
BLUE MOON
iKON’s JAY is feeling introspective in his new single “BLUE MOON”. Released just hours before his military enlistment, this pop ballad is ethereal and atmospheric. The vocals are breathy and sensual. The beautiful MV shows the singer sitting among an ocean of blue flowers and performing some mesmerizing choreography.
ICHILLIN’
KICK-START
ICHILLIN’ is waiting for you in their new single “KICK-START”. This upbeat pop track features some fun punk guitar and sugar sweet lyrics. The mood is vibrant and energetic as they plan to get the summer party started. The MV is full of bright colors and silly images and sequences that revolve around sunshine and playing outdoors.
ETA
New Jeans
New Jeans is setting the record straight in their new title track “ETA”. This bouncy pop dance track uses distorted brass that gives the song a textured feel. The vocals draw on all the elements that have made New Jeans such a stand-out this year, from catchy lyrics to airy, intricate vocals. The MV shows the group at a party where they see their friend’s boyfriend hitting on another girl.
from20
Beat It
This is war for from20 in his new single “Beat It”. This retro pop track has heavy synth sounds and powerful percussion. The song has a consistant drive that propels it forward. It’s explosive and energectic, while maintaining a nice melodic line. The MV shows the singer as a soldier involved in a fierce fight.
Drama News
Not Others
The romantic comedy “Not Others” premiered on July 17th. A single mom spent her youth raising a daughter on her own. Now that her daughter is a grown working woman, the pair try to adjust to their relationship through the lens of adulthood.
Jun and Jun
The BL rom-com “Jun and Jun” started on July 20th. An intern shows up at his new job only to discover that his first love is now his new manager. And he is hotter than ever! But maybe the intern can finally get some answers as to why his childhood crush disappeared so suddenly without a word.