Welcome to the Weekly Update – July 30 – August 5. This week’s drama news is a case of out with the old and in with the new as we sign off on “Jinxed at First” and tune in for “Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist”. There’s lots of fun and unique new music this week so make sure to turn up the volume. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Kang Hyun
On August 2nd, ONEWE’s Kang Hyun became the second member of the group to begin his military service. He made the announcement last month following bandmate Yonghoon’s enlistment. Kang Hyun will be serving as an active duty soldier after his basic training. We wish him a safe and speedy return.
Casting News
Shin Jae Ha
Shin Jae Ha will be joinging Jung Kyung Ho and Jeon Do Yeon in the upcoming romantic comedy “One-Shot Scandal”. The drama will follow a scandal surrounding a successful instructor who helps students prepare for enterance exams. Shin Jae Ha will play the role of an office manager for the academy. “One-Shot Scandal” is scheduled to air in February 2023.
Lee Ji Ah, Lee Sang Yoon, Jang Hee Jin, Park Ki Woong, and Bong Tae Gyu
Lee Ji Ah, Lee Sang Yoon, Jang Hee Jin, Park Ki Woong, and Bong Tae Gyu will be starring in the upcoming political drama “Lady“. The drama, created by the writer of the popular series “The Penthouse” tells the story of a woman whose husband is running for president. As a potential first lady, she is poised and confident, but she has one fatal flaw: she has no memory of her past. “Lady” will air some time next year.
Celebrity News
Park Sung Hoon and Ryu Hyun Kyung
Actors Park Sung Hoon And Ryu Hyun Kyung have ended their relationship after 6 years of dating. The couple met in 2016 while working together on the play “Almost Maine” and went public with their relationship in 2017. Both agencies have issued statements to confirm their break up. We wish them both happiness in the future.
Music News
Stray Kids
Time Out
Stray Kids want to have some fun in their new single “Time Out”. This summer pop rock track is everything we love about the season. The song bounces with bright energy and happy vibes while still offering some powerful guitar to drive the beat. The MV shows the band having a vacation at the beach as they play and perform together.
Gaho
Beautiful Night
Gaho wants to get close to you in his new title track “Beautiful Night”. This upbeat pop track has stripped back piano and percussion as well as full energy synth. The MV shows the singer trying various styles as he performs on stage, roller skates, and talks to himself on the phone. I love this performer and this is another great, feel-good song and video.
from20
Chemical
Former Bigstar’s Kim Rae Hwan, now known as soloist from20, feels like he can do better in his new single “Chemical”. This English retro pop track is fueled by bright synth and percussion. The MV shows the singer watching his own video from a theater seat, as his on screen character suffers the trauma of a painful breakup.
Girls’ Generation (SNSD)
Forever 1
Girls’ Generation is back to celebrate their 15th anniversary with their new single “Forever 1”. The full energy pop track ramps up with big vocals and electro synth. The MV shows them performing in the middle of a sunny swimming pool and walking the red carpet to receive a well-deserved award. These ladies are legends and it was great to see them shine through this video.
YENA
SMARTPHONE
YENA just wants to stay in her room in her new single “SMARTPHONE”. This quirky pop track picks up the energy where her previous single “Smiley” left off. It’s bright and fun, and YENA carries the MV with her charming charisma as she gives her “thumbs up” and fights a giant yellow duck.
DAVII (ft. BIG Naughty)
Flying
DAVII is getting high in his new single “Flying”. This jazzy pop track jangles along as DAVII twinkles the keys. The song is full of character and talent as DAVII moves effortlessly from falsetto to scat. The MV shows the singer performing on a helicopter pad with Namsan Tower in the background.
Kep1er
Wing Wing
Kep1er get loud in their new Japanese debut single “Wing Wing”. This upbeat pop track is full of playful sounds and chanting lyrics that are catchy in any language. The MV shows the band dancing around a graffiti covered outdoor basketball court.
Drama News
Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist
The historical romance “Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist” premiered on August 1st. This medical themed drama tells the story of a young doctor who is expelled from the palace after being accused of traitorous behavior. Relocating to a small village away from the capital, he meets a skilled doctor who is determined to make him his apprentice.
Jinxed at First
The romantic comedy “Jinxed at First” finished its run on August 4th. A young man plagued by his infamous bad luck, meets the woman who changed his life for the worst 7 years ago. Now she is begging for his help. But can he really risk getting involved in her life when his own is so difficult?