Welcome to the Weekly Update – July 8 – 14. Veteran solos, new debuts, and the voices of the girls of summer headline the new music news this week. The mystery drama “Lies Hidden in My Garden” finished up strong. And there are lots of upcoming dramas to look forward to, with favorites like Woo Do Hwan, Ji Chang Wook, and Sung Hoon. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Kim Jonghyeon (JR) and Yein
NU’EST’s Kim Jonghyeon (JR) and Lovelyz’s Yein will star opposite each other in the upcoming college comedy drama “My Friend’s Graduation”. A 75 year old man decides to go back to college, and ends up rooming in the dorm with a 20 year old. Together they will learn to navigate the uncharted land of college life with a fair amount of affection and bickering. “My Friend’s Graduation” is scheduled to premiere some time later this year.
Woo Do Hwan, Lee Yoo Mi, Oh Jung Se, and Kim Hae Sook
Woo Do Hwan, Lee Yoo Mi, Oh Jung Se, and Kim Hae Sook will star in the upcoming romantic comedy “Mr. Plankton”. A young man who has never found a place to call home takes a journey to find out about his roots. But he ends up with an unlikely companion who is on the verge of getting married before she is swept along on a trip she never meant to take. “Mr. Plankton” has not yet released a premiere date.
Sung Hoon and Jung Yoo Min
Sung Hoon and Jung Yoo Min will star together in the upcoming romantic drama “Perfect Marriage Revenge”. Based on a webtoon of the same name, this drama follows a woman who goes back in time to end a tragic relationship and enter into a contract marriage with a different man. Although “Perfect Marriage Revenge” has already started filming, no premiere date has been announced yet.
Kim Moo Yeol, Ji Chang Wook, Lee Soo Hyuk, and Park Ji Hwan
Kim Moo Yeol, Ji Chang Wook, Lee Soo Hyuk, and Park Ji Hwan will be joining Jeon Jong Seo in the upcoming historical drama “Queen Woo”. A Queen desperately tries to find a new leader to replace the newly deceased King before enemies on all sides descend on the palace to gain control. And she only has 24 hours to do it. “Queen Woo” will air some time next year.
Celebrity News
Thunder and Mimi
Former idols MBLAQ’s Thunder and gugudan’s Mimi used an appearance on the reality show “Second House” to make their relationship public. They announced that they had been dating for 4 years. After the preview was released, the couple took to instagram to tell their fans personally about their relationship. We wish the happy couple the best of love and luck in the future.
Music News
EXO
Cream Soda
EXO is feeling tipsy in their new single “Cream Soda”. This dance pop track has a sensual, exotic beat and some fun falsetto vocals. The clanky percussion and bits of brass, along with a nice rap sequence, give the song the punch it needs to propel the beat forward. Although KAI was unable to participate in the MV, he is there in spirit, which his name tag on the table proves. The MV shows the group members having an expensive night out at a luxurious private club.
ZEROBASEONE
In Bloom
New rookie band ZEROBASEONE is on their way in their debut single “In Bloom”. The group was formed during the reality show “BOYS PLANET”. This youthful dance pop track borrows a familiar synth line from the iconic 80’s hit “Take On Me”. The icy tones set the pace for a lively song that oozes energy. The MV shows the members in a kind of game that requires them to collect certain flowers to advance to the next level.
NMIXX
Party O’Clock
Buckle up for NMIXX’s new single “Party O’Clock”. This catchy pop track uses a strong bass and drum beat to balance the group’s smooth blending vocals. The harmonies paint an intoxicating and mesmerizing tone that invites you to be part of the magic. The MV follows this magical quality, showing the group at a mid-summer party in the heart of the forest.
ODD EYE CIRCLE
Air Force One
After a 5 year hiatus, former LOONA trio ODD EYE CIRCLE is back under a new agency. The group is stepping forward and embracing their new future in the Jersey Club/hyperpop track. The moody song uses dynamic percussion and jarring style shifts to creat a slightly off-balance effect that holds your attention with its everchanging landscape. The MV shows the members sporting black clothing and eye-patches as they take over a dinner party with swords drawn.
IVE
I WANT
IVE has teamed up with Pepsi for their newest single “I WANT”. This dance pop track is powered by cool, sleek synth and playful vocals. It’s laid back tempo pulses along smoothly with an upbeat groove. The MV shows the group on the subway sporting plenty of Pepsi brand clothing and props.
HYOLYN (ft. Paul Blanco)
This Love
Former SISTAR HYOLYN is collaborating with the Korean-Canadian musician Paul Blanco in a fun summer duet. This playful pop track has a bright, upbeat energy and crisp percussion. The MV is a sweet three and a half minute rom-com full of cute, heart-fluttering interactions.
KOYOTE
WISH
Co-ed 90’s band, KOYOTE are celebrating their 25 anniversary with the new digital single “WISH”. This energetic dance pop track features EDM dance beats blended with trot-like vocals to produce a fun, danceable sound. The song stays true to the group’s musical roots while still offering a fresh take on a summer hit. The MV shows the trio hanging out at a skating rink, with plenty of neon flashing lights and upbeat choreography.
Joongkook (ft. Latto)
Seven
With the group on hiatus, BTS members have been gradually rolling out their solo efforts. This week, we see Jungkook release his solo single “Seven”. Getting some back-up from American rapper Latto, this English language garage track has catchy melodies, skittery percussion, and warm acoustic guitar. The beautiful MV stars actress Han So Hee as the girlfriend Jungkook is desperate to win back.
Drama News
Lies Hidden in My Garden
The thriller mystery drama “Lies Hidden in My Garden” aired its fianle on July 11th. When a housewife with a seemingly perfect life discovers strange things happening in the yard behind her house, she begins to suspect her husband of horrible crimes. And when she meets a poor woman with an abusive husband, she assumes they have nothing in common, until events begin to draw them together.