Welcome to my Weekly Update – September 4 – 10. This has been a busy week this time with lots of new music and plenty of drama and casting news. Fall is shaping up to be a great season for us. I hope you had a great week. Until next time, enjoy your kdrama and ramen!
Military News
Suwoong
Boy’s Republic’s Suwoong began his military service on September 9th. After 3 weeks of basic training, Suwoong will be serving as a public service worker for the remainder of his enlistment time. The singer and actor last appeared as a part of the fictional band Sparkling on the idol drama “Imitation”. Despite not being a real band, the group’s mini-album spent time on the music charts. We wish Suwoong and safe and speedy return!
Casting News
Choi Ji Woo
Choi Ji Woo has been cast in the upcoming thriller drama “Goosebumps”. The creepy series depticts the horror that can exist even in our mundane daily lives. “Goosebumps” has already begun filming and will air some time before the end of this year.
Kim Min Seok, Song Jae Rim and Nam Gyu Ri
Kim Min Seok, Song Jae Rim and Nam Gyu Ri will be starring together in the upcoming military romance “Bloody Romance”. It is about a South Korean idol who goes into the military and falls in love with a North Korean second lieutenant. “Bloody Romance” is set to premiere some time in the first half of next year.
Lee Dong Wook, Han Ji Eun, and Wi Ha Joon
Lee Dong Wook, Han Ji Eun, and Wi Ha Joon have been cast in the upcoming crime drama “Bad and Crazy”. This drama is about a greedy detective whose life is radically changed when an alter-ego called “K” shows up and forces him to become a champion of truth and justice. “Bad and Crazy” is scheduled to premiere on November 19th.
Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk
Kim Tae Ri and Nam Joo Hyuk have been confirmed to star in the upcoming romantic drama “Twenty-Five Twenty-One”. This youth drama is about two young people who meet and develop a friendship and eventually a romantic relationship over a four year period. “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” will begin airing in the first half of next year.
Shin Ha Kyung, Han Ji Min, Lee Jung Eun and Jung Jin Young
Shin Ha Kyung, Han Ji Min, Lee Jung Eun, and Jung Jin Young will be starring in the upcoming futuristic fantasy drama “Beyond the Memory”. The sci-fi drama, that takes place in the 2040s will tell the story of a man who agrees to give up his life here on earth to go to “place” where he can live with his deceased wife forever. “Beyond the Memory will air some time next year.
Kang Hye Won
The former IZ*ONE star Kang Hye Won has announced that she will be making her acting debut in the upcoming third installement of the webdrama “Best Mistake 3”. Following previous characters as they begin their college experience, Kang He Won will play a popular business student. “Best Mistake 3” will premiere later this year.
Music News
Purple Kiss
Zombie
Purple Kiss makes their first comeback this week with the creepy new single “Zombie”. Fall is upon us, and this the first new Halloween song I have heard. Hip-hop sounds meet with Purple Kiss’ bouncy charm to create a bright sound. The MV combines edgy zombie elements with the band’s quirky style as they goes to a zombie party and enjoys a vast array of weirdly festive snacks.
Sungmin
Goodnight, Summer
Super Junior’s Sungmin expresses a familiar sentiment as he bids farewell to the beautiful days of summer in his new digital single “Goodnight, Summer”. This soulful mid-tempo R&B track shows off Sungmin’s amazing vocals and natural rhythm. The MV shows Sungmin as he dreams of sunny beaches and dances in the sand one last time for the season.
OMEGA X
What’s Goin’ On
OMEGA X is back with their new single “What’s Goin’ On”. This dance track features rock guitar, explosive synths and rhythmic percussion. Driven by an industrial sounding power, the band shows off their energetic choreography and struts through various scenes.
Young K
Guard You
DAY6’s Young K takes off with his debut solo mini-album in a MV for the title track “Guard You”. The indie rock song features some edgy grunge elements as Young K performs with a traditonal style rock band. The MV shows the singer being rocketed through space as he sings about his desire to protect someone close to him.
STAYC
Stereotype
STAYC is fighting against the norms in their new title track “Stereotype”. This bouncy pop song is full of simple vocals backed up by synth and brass to create an upbeat sing-song style. The MV shows the band living day to day lives as students by day, but unleashing their more creative selves in their free time, as they dance and cheer together.
Luminous
Run
New Four member band, Luminous, released their debut title track “Run” this week. This hip-hop inspired song features funky electro bass beats and hints of soaring melody. Sharp choreography is highlighted in the MV as band members sing about the need to relax and “run” from the stress of idol life.
Lee Hi
Red Lipstick
Lee Hi is celebrating Friday night with dancing and “Red Lipstick” in her newest MV. Following the popular k-pop retro trend, this track borrows sounds from the past with a modern flourish that gives it a fresh new style. Fellow label-mates fill the MV with familiar faces as they appear in cameo shots. The MV hints at a brighter future, when we can put masks and CO-VID behind us and spend our weekends unwinding with some good old-fashion dance parties.
Lisa
Lalisa
BLACKPINK’s Lisa released her first solo debut this week with the single “Lalisa”. The rapper shows off her chops in both English and Korean, as she flaunts her name and attitude. The highlight of the MV is Lisa, appearing in many different locations and outfits, proving once again that she is a queen in the world of k-pop.
HyunA & DAWN
PING PONG
HyunA and DAWN released their first duo mini-album with a MV for the title track “PING PONG”. Funky moombahton is backed up by bursts of strings and lively synth to create a sound that is uniquely them. The real-life couple show off their abundance of charisma and talent as they playfully interact in colorful sets.
Drama News
Lost
The melodrama “Lost” began airing on September 4th. This drama tells the story of two adults as they wrestle with the idea that they never achieved the fame and recognition they had hoped for in their lives or careers. Together they will try to find a second chance to live the lives they had always dreamed of.
High Class
“High Class” premiered on September 6th. The murder mystery drama revolves around the rich and influential women at a prestigious school on Jeju Island. When a handsome, new teacher shows up, teachers and mothers alike are intrigued by his mysterious personality and what secrets he may be hiding.
The Penthouse 3: War in Life
The Penthouse: War in Life wrapped up it’s third and final season on September 10th. The melodrama about life among the extremely wealthy at Hera Palace, focused it’s final season on Su Ryeon’s revenge and a fresh murder that sets fresh everyone on edge again.
The Road: Tragedy of One
“The Road: Tragedy of One” finished up on September 9th. Another drama that examines life among the rich and powerful, this one follows the residents of “Royal the Hill” as their lives are turned upside down by a secret that threatens to tear a family apart.
