Welcome to the Weekly Update – October 16 – 22. IU and CNBLUE are back this week with new singles and Kingdom puts on an epic performance with the new single “Black Crown”. There were plenty of casting announcements this week and one drama that finished up. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Casting News
Lee Jin Hyuk, Lee Joo Woo, Hwang In Yeop, and Seo Hyun Jin
Lee Jin Hyuk, Lee Joo Woo, Hwang In Yeop, and Seo Hyun Jin have been confirmed as the cast for the upcoming mystery romantic drama “Why Oh Soo Jae”. Seo Hyun Jin will play the role of a burnt out and cold-hearted lawyer who meets a handsome young law student while do adjunct teaching at a local university. In her role as professor, she gets a fresh perspective on her life choices and her dreams for the future. “Why Oh Soo Jae” will air some time in the first half of next year.
Hongseok
PENTAGON’s Hongseok has been cast to appear in the upcoming romantic drama “Shadow Beauty”. A young teen spends her days at school being bullied for her looks, but in the evenings she is a famous social media influencer with thousands of followers. But her secret is threatened when a guy from her school finds out her true identity. “Shadow Beauty” is scheduled to premiere on November 20th.
Suzy, Jung Eun Chae, Kim Jun Han, And Park Ye Young
Suzy, Jung Eun Cha, Kim Jun Han, and Park Ye Young will be starring in the upcoming thriller drama “Anna”. The 8 episode mini-drama tells the story of a young woman who tells a small lie that leads her life down a totally different and lonely path. “Anna” is scheduled to air some time next year.
Nana
woo!ah!’s Nana will be joining the cast of the upcoming sequel “Best Mistake: Season 3”. Season 3 will follow the original characters as they transition from high school to college life. Nana will be replacing Yang Yoo Jin in the role of Yoon Ah Ra, a theater major known for her beauty. “Best Mistake: Season 3” will begin airing some time next year.
Yoon Jong Hoon
Yoon Jong Hoon will be starring alongside Lee Sung Kyung and Kim Young Dae in the upcoming romantic comedy “Shooting Star”. The drama will take a look at what happens behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, following the head of a PR Company and her top star . “Shooting Star” is scheduled to premiere on January 31st.
Music News
Lee Jinhyuk
Work Work
UP10TION’s Lee JinHyuk is finding some “holiday” in the midst of his busy schedule in his new single “Work Work”. This mid-tempo hip-hop track is bright and fun as it moves between fun sing-song melodies and choppier rap. Whistling and sparkling brass sounds create a playful energy that is mirrored by the MV, which is about finding ways to relax from work and enjoy some much needed playtime.
IU
Strawberry Moon
IU is reaching for the stars in her news digital single “Strawberry Moon”. The pop rock track features IU’s enchanting vocals accompanied by dreamy piano flourishes and simple acoustic guitar. The MV is a fairy tale story of falling in love and tripping among the stars.
Nam Woohyun
Calm & Passion
Just weeks after his release from military service, Nam Woohyun has dropped a new single “Calm & Passion”. This sleek R&B style track gives a smooth sound that is funky and constrained. The MV features flowing choreography as we watch Woohyun stuck in some kind of slow-motion reality that reflect his struggling relationships.
CL
Tie a Cherry
CL struts her stuff like a queen in her new MV “Tie a Cherry”. The hip-hop style track fluctuates smoothly between dynamic rap and effortless vocals to brind the flash and attitude that makes CL such a gifted performer. The MV features flashy style and a charismatic presence that fit well with the lyrics that emphasize confidence and independence.
Love Cut
CNBLUE
CNBLUE is revisiting the old West in their newest title track “Love Cut”. This mid-tempo rock song utilizes the western whistle and some flourishing accoustic guitar. The artistic MV shows the band hunting down a female bandit who challenges them to a round of cards that leads to an eventual showdown. But instead of guns, the cowboys are armed with scissors to cut the bond in their ill-fated relationship.
Eunhyuk
Be
Super Junior’s Eunhyuk is searching for his lost childhood in the emotional single “Be”. A pop track that features stripped back instrumentals and beautiful soaring vocals, “Be” shows off Eunhyuk’s artistic side. Even the MV’s choreography strays away from pop styles to give a more contemporary lyrical feel. I love the concept of a message to his younger self to hang on and not give up.
Kingdom
Black Crown
Kingdom is involved in an epic power struggle in their newest single “Black Crown”. This dance pop track includes choral chants, music box twinkles, and strong, aggresive vocals. The MV concept is big and theatrical, as the band fights through a snowy wasteland for the right to wear the “Black Crown”.
SEVENTEEN
Rock with You
SEVENTEEN rock their way through the world in their new title track “Rock with You”. This pop rock track has minimal synth and guitar sounds, with an emphasis on the bouncy lyrics. The MV is mostly a performance video with the band members as a group and individually performing understated choreography.
Drama News
Hometown Cha Cha Cha
The Netflix romantic comedy “Hometown Cha Cha Cha” aired it’s final episode on October 17th. A young dentist gives up city living to open a small clinic in a seaside village. Living life at a more relaxed pace gives her a fresh perspective on life and success.
