Welcome to the Weekly Update – November 26 – December 2. A break-up and a baby headline this week’s celebrity news. A new drama kicked off on December 1st for all you foodies out there. And a great assortment of new music videos was released. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Hwang Minhyun
Hwang Minhyun will be starring opposite Kim So Hyun in the upcoming mystery romance drama “Useless Lies”. A top songwriter and music producer is unfairly accussed of murder. Rather than live with the shame, he goes into hiding. But after meeting a beautiful young woman with the supernatural ability to hear lies, he begins to get the courage to come out of hiding and live his life again. “Useless Lies” will premiere some time in 2023.
Celebrity News
Hyun Bin and Son Ye Ji
On November 27th, Acting couple Hyun Bin and Son Ye Ji welcomed their son. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the birth. The couple first met in 2018 while filming a movie together and grew closer after starring in the 2019-20 popular drama “Crash Landing on You”. They were married in March, much to the delight of their loyal shippers. This is the first child for both of the stars. Congrats to the happy new family.
DAWN and HyunA
On November 30th K-Pop power couple DAWN and HyunA announced that they have ended their relationship after 6 years of dating. The couple went public with their relationship in 2018 and recently posted pictures of them wearing matching rings. The couple stated that they intend to remain friends and ask fans to please refrain from spreading false rumors about them or their relationship. We wish them both the best in the future.
Music News
ITZY
Cheshire
ITZY is feeling curious in their new single “Cheshire”. This dance pop track has a heavy electro beat that pulses with positive empowerment. The catchy chorus and rhythmic verses give the song a great bounce and energy. The MV has the band dancing on the set of a reality show called “Fake or True”.
ATEEZ
Paradigm
ATEEZ sets their own standard in their new Japanese single “Paradigm”. This electro-dance track pops and buzzes with aggressive samplings and a sleek, polished production style. Unlike the majority of ATEEZ’s MVs, this one forgoes any kind of story for a choreography based performance that allows fans to appreciate each of their individual styles.
P1Harmony
Back Down
P1Harmony aren’t scared anymore in their new single “Back Down”. This heavy hip-hop track is infused with gritty rock sounds that blend rap and rough, aggressive vocals. The MV shows the band wandering around a city covered in colorful grafitti and punk art. As parts of the MV appear almost cartoon-like, the group uses heavily exaggerated facial expressions and movements to add to the concept.
KARA
WHEN I MOVE
KARA is back after 7 years to celebrate their 15th anniversary with the new single “When I Move”. This sleek dance track features pure vocals that exude confidence and a slightly regal quality deserving of this fine group of K-Pop Queens. In a touching tribute to their bandmate Goo Hara, who passed away in 2019, the MV is full of subtle gestures of remembrance, such as an extra table setting and a sixth microphone in the final shot.
Mill
beat
OnlyOneOf’s Mill is feeling free in his new single “beat”. This hip-hop track is abrasive and textured with rough vocals that brim with candid emotion. The rap has a funky beat that gives it its own unique sound. The MV is part of the group’s solo series that is almost like watching a BL drama. In his particular installment, Mill plays a lonely student who is being bullied before a handsome new friend comes to his rescue.
Red Velvet
Birthday
Red Velvet is in the mood for a party in their new single “Birthday”. This pop track blends a fun trap beat with a classical sampling from Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”. The song is more about rhythm than melody, although there are some nice harmonies at points. The MV shows them in a brightly colored candy landscape with a diablolical gingerbread man.
RM (ft. Youjeen)
Wild Flower
BTS’ RM sets hearts ablaze with his new title track “Wild Flower”. This anthemic rock track is full of swelling strings, gentle guitar, and carefully placed percussion that set the scene for RM’s calming and emotional rap. Youjeen’s accompanying vocals are chilling and beautiful. The MV is gorgeously produced to show the performer walking through various storms before laying peacefully in a meadow of purple flowers.
Drama News
Recipe for Farewell
On December 1st, the life drama “Recipe for Farewell” premiered. A translator and Humanities teacher works to expand his cooking skills as a way to help his terminally ill wife. As he pours his heart into the meals he prepares, their family finds solace and healing in the warmth they provide.
Love is for Suckers
The romantic comedy “Love is for Suckers” ended on December 1st. A television producer recruits her best friend to participate on a reality dating show. But watching him compete on the show casts her long-time friend in a new light, and suddenly her feelings for him begin to become something much more romantic.
Fanletter, Please
The 4 episode mini-drama “Fanletter, Please” aired its finale on November 26th. A sick young girl writes a fan letter to her favorite performer. But due to some recent online attacks, the actress is taking a break from any interactions with her fans. Desperate to see his daughter get some kind of reply, the girl’s father steps in and forges a letter signed by the idol.