Welcome to the Weekly Update – July 22 – 26. It was strangely quiet on the casting front this week, but there were still 2 new dramas to check out. There are also a couple rookie groups worth giving a listen to. And Monbebe around the world may shed a tear or two as they watch MONSTA X’s Joohoney go off to fulfill his military service. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Joohoney
MONSTA X’s Joohoney began his military service on July 24th. The singer will spend his time after basic training as an active duty soldier. The group’s twitter account shared photos of the other group members seeing Joohoney off, while individual member’s also posted stories to their personal instagram accounts. We wish Joohoney a safe and speedy return.
Music News
The Wind
Summer Vacation
Rookie group The Wind says goodbye to the city in their new pre-release single “Summer Vacation”. The pop track swells with sweet, lyrical vocals and bright percussion. Even their rap breaks have a sing-song melody that feels fresh and youthful. The MV shows the group getting ready to leave school to go on an exciting summer adventure.
SOYOU (ft. Bora)
ALOHA
It’s a SISTA mini-reunion as Bora joins SOYOU in her new single “ALOHA”. This nod to 2nd gen nostalgia offers a classic summer vibe that vibrates with bright sounds and energy. The steady beat commits fully to a consistent drive. The MV shows SOYOU with her friends hanging out at the swimming pool and piled into an old pickup truck.
SATURDAY
STAY
SATURDAY is back as a 4 person group in their new title track “STAY”. This punchy pop track blends the groups delicate, airy vocals with surges of synth and energetic guitar. The result is a danceable summer tune with a positive message about the group’s dedication to their fans. The MV shows the group travelling together from picnics, to beaches, to swimming pools.
ILY:1
MY COLOR
ILY:1 walk toward the light in their new single “MY COLOR”. This breezy pop track is bright and bouncy with strings that spiral around the airy vocals. Upbeat synth gives it a fresh, summery feel. The lyrics celebrate the idea of being true to yourself, even through the hard times. The MV shows the members dancing in front of a New York subway sign and posing for the camera on various rooftops.
HORI7EN
SIX7EEN
The rookie Filipino K-Pop group HORI7EN make their official debut with the new single “SIX7EEN”. This fun, funk pop track is upbeat and lively with a bubblegum pop feel. The MV shows the members in colorful suits as they dance against simple movie and circus themed backdrops.
OH MY GIRL
Summer Comes
OH MY GIRL celebrates the thrilling season in their new single “Summer Comes”. This hot summer pop track is vibrant and energizing. The synths swirl around in a constant motion that keeps the song clipping along. The MV features bright colors and sunny scenes, as the members fight some cute cartoon monster.
Drama News
See You in My 19th Life
The Netflix fantasy rom-com “See You in My 19th Life” aired its finale on July 23rd. A woman who remembers all her past lives, goes in search of those she loved in her last life, after it is tragically cut short. But the friction between those in her past and present lives will challenge her to examine her heart carefully.
Longing for You
The mystery thriller “Longing for You” premiered on July 26th. A successful detective manages to clear his brother of a murder charge, only to have the culprit come back for revenge. Now he has a new case that hits close to home and will reveal family secrets he may wish he never knew.
D.P. 2
The Netflix military action sequel “D.P. Season 2″ released all 6 episodes on July 28th. This season will pick up on the bullying case that was previewed at the end of Season 1. Two soldiers assigned to the Deserter Pursuit team will work for safe resolutions for soldiers who have run away from their duties.