Welcome to the Weekly Update – November 11 – 17. It was a week of goodbyes, so to speak, as we saw MONSTA X’s Hyungwon off to the military and took a moment to reflect on the break up of one of kdrama’s beloved couples. But there are new and finishing dramas and lots of upbeat music videos to ease the pain. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Hyungwon
MONSTAX’s Hyungwon began his military enlistment on November 14th. After finishing basic training, he will serve as an active duty soldier. Hyungwon recently finished filming the kdrama “CEO-dol Mart”, and his bandmates and drama co-stars were on hand to see him off with well wishes. We wish Hyungwon a safe and speedy return.
Casting News
Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk
Han Ji Min and Lee Joon Hyuk will star in the upcoming romantic drama “Acquaintances”. A driven CEO at a successful headhunting office meets a dependable single father who takes a job as her personal secretary. “Acquaintances” is scheduled to premiere some time in 2024.
Lee Naeun, Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Ji Hyun
Lee Naeun, Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Ji Hyun will appear in the upcoming mystery drama “Flex x Cop”. An immature chaebol decides to follow his dream of becoming a detective, but he runs into complications when he meets the no-nonsense team leader of the homicide department. “Flex x Cop” is expected to premiere in January.
Kang Mina
Kang Mina will join Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun in the upcoming romantic drama “Welcome to Samdalri”. A young woman who left Jeju Island to live an exciting life in the city faces unexpected dificulties and is forced to return home. But returning to her old life and old friends isn’t going to be easy either. “Welcome to Samdalri” premieres of December 2nd.
Celebrity News
Ryu Jun Yeol and Hyeri
Actors Ryu Jun Yeol and Hyeri’s agencies have both confirmed that the couple have broken up after a 6 year relationship. The pair worked together on the drama “Reply 1988” in 2016 and went public with their relationship in 2017. We wish them both happiness in the future.
Music News
SOYEON X WINTER X LIZ
NOBODY
(G)I-DLE’s Soyeon, aespa’s Winter and IVE’s Liz have come together across agencies to bring us their new single “NOBODY”. The breezy pop track represents Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030. The song features chugging rhythmic guitar and bright brass flourishes. The simple, well-balanced vocals give the song a pleasant, uplifting feel. The MV shows the singers partying through a luxury hotel.
GIUK
Scratch
ONEWE’s GUIK examines his blooming memories in his new single “Scratch”. This pop rock track is urgent and poignant as the aggressive guitar blends with the comforting twinkle of piano. The swirling use of music and beat have a dizzying effect that pulls you into the upbeat pace. The MV shows the singer thinking back on a relationship he has lost.
&TEAM
War Cry
&TEAM rings the alarm with their new title track “War Cry”. This grunge rock track is powerful and dramatic, with icy synths, stabs of percussion, and rhythmic vocals. The energy and beat build into a moving rock anthem. The MV shows the group performing through a series of harsh and difficult conditions, as they face their challenges with a rallying cry.
AMPERS&ONE
On and On
The rookie group AMPERS&ONE jumps into motion in their new single “On and On”. This bright pop track has a fun energy that keeps it moving along with deep pulsing synth and heavy dance beats. The breathless pace and youthful energy showcase the group’s talents perfectly. The MV shows the group being introduced to college life.
Crush
Hmm-cheat
Crush wants to make it louder in his new title track “Hmm-cheat”. This funky R&B style track is melodic and upbeat. Percussion and rhythm dominate this groovy sound as Crush’s vocals glide along smoothly. This feel-good vibe is exactly the kind of song we have come to expect and love from the singer. The MV shows off the singer’s dancing skills, as he dances his way through various backdrops with a group of backup dances in tow.
ENHYPEN
Sweet Venom
ENHYPEN has poison in their veins in their new single “Sweet Venom”. This funk pop track features a groovy bassline and hints of Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. The retro sound is sleek and the falsetto vocals pay proper homage to the greats of the genre that come before them. The MV is visually stunning and shows the group hanging out with friends before time seems to just stop around them.
Drama News
Twinkling Watermelon
The fantasy romance drama “Twinkling Watermelon” finished on November 14th. A musically gifted high schooler finds a magical music shop that transports him back in time, where he meets his future father and joins his band.
Korea Khitan War
The historical action drama “Korea Khitan War” premiered on November 11th. The drama follows the story of King Hyeonjong and his relationship with his political mentor, Commander-in-Chief Gang Gam Chan, as the pair work to unite the people against Khitan.
The Escape of the Seven
The thriller drama “Escape of the Seven” ended on November 17th. The drama follows a group 7 strangers who find themselves pulled into a dangerous crime case involving a missing girl. The series has already announced plans for a second season to air some time next year.