Welcome to the Weekly Update – July 29 – August 4. The rookies continue to dominate this summer, with some great new summer music. And it was a great week for new dramas as well, plus the announcement of a new celebrity power couple. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Kim Ji Hoon, Choi Siwon, Sung Hoon, Kim Kang Hoon, Jang Seung Jo, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, Go Yoon Jung, Kim Jae Wook, and Oh Jung Se
Kim Ji Hoon, Super Junior’s Choi Siwon, Sung Hoon, Kim Kang Hoon, Jang Seung Jo, Lee Jae Wook, Lee Do Hyun, Go Yoon Jung, Kim Jae Wook, and Oh Jung Se will all be joining Seo In Guk and Park So Dam in the upcoming fantasy drama “Death’s Game”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, the drama tells the story of a man who is sentenced to live through 12 lives. This star-studded drama will premiere in December of this year.
Kim Hyang Gi, Shin Hyun Seung, Yeon Oh, Kang Sung Yun, and Yang Dong Geun
Kim Hyang Gi, Shin Hyun Seung, Yeon Oh, Kang Sung Yun, and Yang Dong Geun will appear in the upcoming romantic drama “Secret Playlist”. Based on a webtoon and Japanese drama of the same name, the series tells the story of an idol and a youtuber who become involved in a secret romance. “Secret Playlist” will premiere this winter.
Bae Hyun Sung
Bae Hyun Sung will be joining Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee in the sequel to their currently unreleased drama “Gyeongseong Creature”. Because the first season has not yet been released, details are vague, but the drama is about two young people in 1945 who face off against a terrible monster. Season 1 of “Gyeongseong Creature” is scheduled to premiere some time later this year.
Celebrity News
Jisoo and Ahn Bo Hyun
After a report from Dispatch, the agencies of both BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Ahn Bo Hyun have confirmed that the pair are indeed seeing each other. There are not a lot of other details to report, as the couple have not been seeing each other that long. But Jisoo included the statement that she has a very good feeling about the actor and their relationship.
Music News
INFINITE
New Emotions
After a long 4 year hiatus, INFINITE is finally back, representing their own recording company, INFINITE Company. For their first single back, they give us a funky pop dance track. This song features intricate vocal layering and thumping bass. The overall effect is sleek and sexy. The MV uses smooth choreography and individual shots of the members dressed in blacks and whites.
LIMELIGHT
MADELINE
The trio LIMELIGHT will try to make you love them in their new single “MADELINE”. This straight-forward pop dance track draws on some of the classic female k-pop sounds that have paved the way in the industry. The song has a tropical back beat and bright percussion, while the melodies are catchy and light. The MV show the members vacationing on a sunny beach somewhere away from it all.
n.SSign
Higher
10 member group n.SSign attempt to trascend in their debut single “Higher”. This dreamy rock track features wispy falsetto vocals that are crisp and clear. The chilling harmonies are delicate and well done. The MV shows the group running alone through the city before they are finally reunited for an emotional climax.
NINE.i
Turn it off
Rookie group NINE.i is bound to make you smile in their new single “Turn it off”. This upbeat pop track has a fun, strutting tempo that feels buoyant and energizing. Both the vocal melodies and the synth arrangement give a nice well-rounded texture that compliment the group’s bright young lyrics. The MV gives us a chance to get to know each member, with their contagious smiles and cute, colorful fashions.
KWON EUNBI
The Flash
KWON EUNBI is running in a loop in her new single “The Flash”. This upbeat dance pop track features plunky electronic synth and a distorted atmospheric background. The tempo builds into a big climatic finale. The MV focuses on KWON EUNBI’s sleek, provocative choreography skills as she wows with her stunning visuals.
The Wind
WE GO
Rookie group The Wind is going to make you move in their title track “WE GO”. Sticking to their youthful summer pop approach, this song is bright and full of optimistic energy. The group has embraced a fun signature sound that is light and melodic. The MV shows them filming their carefree summer adventures.
xikers
DO or DIE
Rookie group xikers are making their first comeback with the new single “DO or DIE”. Hold on to your hats for this chaotic punk dance track. The heavy distorted instrumentation and the powerful, aggressive lyrics electrify this track with unrestrained energy. The entertaining MV shows the group hunting zombies as part of a live-action video game.
Drama News
Numbers
The mystery thriller “Numbers” finished airing on July 29th. A math genius becomes the first and only person without a college degree to be employed at the top accounting firm in Korea. But when he stumbles upon a blatant example of corruption, he will seek support from an unlikely ally within the company.
Woman in a Veil
The 103 episode romantic drama “Woman in a Veil” ended on August 4th. After seeing her husband having an affair with her good friend, a young woman suffers such extreme shock that she develops locked-in-syndrome. Now she is set on getting revenge on all those who have hurt her.
My Dearest
Part 1 of the historical drama “My Dearest” premiered on August 4th. The. first 10 epiosodes will air before a brief break, with Season 2 picking up some time in October. Set in the Joseon Period, during the Qing invasion, a young woman will meet a mysterious man with a dark secret.
The First Responders Season 2
Season 2 of the action drama “The First Responders” started airing on Hulu on August 4th. This drama highlights the joint efforts between emergency response teams from the fire department, police force, and paramedics as they work together to help those in danger.
My Lovely Liar
The supernatural rom-com “ˆMy Loverly Liar” began on July 31st. A young woman with a special ability that allows her to hear when someone is lying meets a mysterious neighbor who harbors a dark secret. But to her surprise, her powers don’t work on him.
The Uncanny Counter Season 2: Counter Punch
The supernatural action drama “The Uncanny Counter Season 2: Counter Punch” premiered on Netflix on July 29th. A group of “counters” disguise themselves as noodle shop employees by day, but at night they hunt down evil spirits in search of eternal life.