Category: LATEST STORIES

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KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

The Return of Seven K-pop Idols From Military Service in 2022

JINU - '또또또 (Feat.MINO)' M/V. Photo: WINNER/YouTube

We know the drill: Fandoms cry, fandoms take to social media to express their undying deviation for their oppas, and alas, we see our beautiful men going bald or in crew cuts to fulfill their patriotic duty to the Republic of Korea by enlisting in the military. 

And for some of us, the wait will be over soon, the first half of 2022, to be exact. Here are some idols who are scheduled to return to idol life in the first six months of next year:

Jinwoo (WINNER)
Discharge: Jan. 1, 2022

Winner’s oldest member enlisted on April 2, 2020, seven days before the group’s last album with all four members, Remember, was released. In August the previous year, Jinu made his solo debut with Jinu’s Heyday, a single album with the lead single Call Anytime, which topped various music charts, including the iTunes charts in 13 countries. The second placer on the 2015 list of male idols with perfect facial ratios is seen to continue solo activities upon his discharge, carrying on with his appearances on web series, variety shows, and even stage productions which he successfully conducted until his enlistment. Unfortunately, Mino and Yoon have yet to start their military service, so Inseos may have to wait until 2024 for WINNER to return as a complete foursome.

Ken (VIXX)
Discharge: Jan. 15, 2022

As the main vocalist of the group known as the Concept Kings, Ken has had a busy career both as a member of VIXX and as a solo artist before enlisting. He has acted on musical theater and television and successfully released an EP entitled Greeting in May 2020, two months before starting his military training. STARLIGHTS have zero doubts that their husky-voiced vocalist will have an abundance of work offers once he finishes his military duties as an active-duty soldier with the army’s music corps in a little over five months. 

Zico (Block B)
Discharge: February 8, 2022

Block B leader, soloist rapper, and KOZ Music CEO Zico left us with a lot of songs to tide us through his absence before beginning his military conscription on July 30, 2020. He started that year with a bang, releasing the viral Any Song and its accompanying #AnySongChallenge on social media, which propelled it to the top of the charts. Weeks before he started serving as a public service worker, he released Random Box, an EP that included Summer Hate, featuring Rain, which peaked at #2 in Gaon charts. It is expected that he will release new music in February, still under his own label, which was acquired by HYBE Corporation (formerly BigHit Entertainment of BTS fame) late last year.  

Chunji (Teen Top)
Discharge: February 9, 2022

Teen Top holds the distinction as the only band in K-pop history to have celebrated its 10th anniversary as a group last year without any of its members starting their military enlistment yet. That’s because all of the members were still in their teens (as their group’s name implies) when they debuted in 2010. Chunji was the first to enlist on August 8 last year and is set to end his military service in February next year. A return to musicals may be in store for the group’s visual in February, or maybe a sub-unit with Neil and Changjo, his group mates who have yet to enlist. Besides—with Chunji’s looks and charisma—an acting career shouldn’t be a long shot.   

Suho and Chen (EXO)
Discharge: February 13, 2022 and late April to early May 2022

Suho and Chen are set to finish their military service in the first half of 2022: Suho is set to give EXOLs a Valentine’s treat as he is scheduled to be released on either February 12 or 13, while Chen is serving as an active-duty soldier until late April next year. Both missed their group’s Can’t Fight the Feeling comeback in 2020 and will surely make their presence felt in EXO’s 2022 releases. Both have debuted as solo artists, so they might have more solo releases next year. The group’s leader is also expected to accept more acting work while expecting the main vocal to do more OST work and, hopefully, introduce his family to the universe next year.   

Seph (KARD)
Discharge: April 16, 2022

Seph is the only member of the co-ed group KARD who has to enlist in the military, considering groupmate BM is an American citizen. With the group’s international success, having already staged a US tour after their Korean debut in 2017, J. Seph and his three members are expected to continue with international promotions while simultaneously strengthening their activities locally to dispel criticism against the group involving them allegedly favoring their international audience more than their Korean public.

And that’s only for the first months of the year! We’ll surely update you of more idols slated to return to us from July to the -ber months of 2022, so stay tuned!

Feature image: JINU – ‘또또또 (Feat.MINO)’ M/V. Photo: WINNER/YouTube
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K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Ten Memorable K-Drama OST Songs from 2017 Up to Now

The first question you may probably think of just from reading the title is, “Why from 2017 only?” The answer to that would be :

  1. Making a list of memorable K-drama themes of all time is simply painful. How can you choose only ten songs from a selection as rich and diverse as k-dramas from the 1990s up until now? 
  2. The year 2016 is just too much. There’s 2016 and there’s the rest of k-drama music history. For a year that has Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, Hwarang, Another Miss Oh, and Scarlet Heart Ryeo on its list (and that’s not exhaustive at all), 2016 deserves its own list, end of discussion.

So, here are ten songs to serve as your gateway anthems should you wish to explore the last five years of k-dramas. 

It’s You by Henry in While You Were Sleeping (2017)

The first of the two songs of the same title, this one was played in the Lee Jongsuk– Bae Suzy starrer, While You Were Sleeping. One of a few OST tracks that contain solely English lyrics, the former Super Junior-M’s soaring vocals enhance this drama, which like the song, was quite polarizing at the start, with images of violence and suicide during its initial episodes turning off audiences. Like the song though, the drama also eventually became a hit and has endured the test of time, as it is still being remembered fondly, particularly by Lee Jongsuk-stans, who are eagerly waiting for the release of his new work after his discharge from the military this year.  

Double Trouble Couple by MAMAMOO in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)

Vocal powerhouse group MAMAMOO‘s contribution to the  Strong Woman Do Bong Soon‘s soundtrack Double Trouble Couple, is the pitch-perfect embodiment of the show’s primary pairing – the superstrong So Bong Soon (Park Boyoung) and the rich but sensitive heir Ahn Minhyuk (Park Hyungsik). While Bongsoon was painfully in crush with her childhood friend turned policeman Gukdoo (Ji Soo) as she also performs her duties as Mr. Ahn’s bodyguard, the latter appears to have slowly but surely fallen for her diminutive employee. The song is as quirky as the interactions between the two while also being a tad applicable to the show’s “bromance” of the rich kid and the idealistic detective. It also strikes a good balance with the show’s out-and-out love theme song, You’re My Garden sang by Apink‘s Jung Eunji.  

When I Saw You by Bumkey in Hwayungi: A Korean Odyssey (2017-2018)

Bumkey‘s When I Saw You was strategically played in scenes when Seonmi (Oh Yeonseo) almost remembers meeting the immortal Son Ohgong (Lee Seunggi) as a kid while the latter distinctly remembering the same moments. And there’s us in our houses shouting at the TV or our laptops, willing everyone to remember  so that everyone will already fall in love with each other and live happily ever after in diety heaven. 

It’s You by Jeong Sewoon in What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)

As Produce 101 Season 2 alumni Jeong Sewoon starts singing It’s You while the camera focuses on Lee Young-jun’s (Park Seojoon) face, it was at that moment when he, along with the rest of the drama-watching public realizes that he has been putting a lot of effort not only into letting his ever-reliable secretary Kim Miso (Park Minyoung) stay because he has become comfortable with his assistant for nine years, but because he has fallen in love with her.   

All About You by Taeyeon in Hotel del Luna (2019)

Just when you thought that IU would sing the love theme for the OST of her massive hit show Hotel del Luna, the show’s producers had other things on their minds. Enter the unofficial-yet-somehow-official queen of k-drama OSTs, Girl’s Generation leader and main vocalist Taeyeon, to sing about thinking of your loved one as a poem. Far from being cheesy, the song does sound poetic and balances the sternness of IU‘s character, the often high-strung 1,000-year old ghost hotel owner Jang Manwol.  

Here I Am Again by Baek Yerin in Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)

The CLOY OST has some real heart-wrenching tracks, but Baek Yerin‘s contribution takes the cake as one of the most, if not the most memorable one, as this was the song that played during THAT scene – when South Korean businesswoman Seri (Son Yejin) got a bit lost in a North Korean market and Capt. Ri (Hyun Bin) was in a panic, looking for her. When the captain finally saw the light from the candle Seri lit and Baek Yerin’s lilting voice kicked in, I guarantee, loads of tear ducts were instantly activated. 

Start Over by Gaho in Itaewon Class (2020)

From the get-go, Gaho’s contribution to the Itaewon Class OST gives a rousing feel to any listening to forge on despite any difficulty being faced. The song is a perfect fit for the drama’s protagonist Saeroyi (Park Seojoon), who needed to build a new life after being released from jail for an injustice. Also perfect for the rest of us who have to get up every morning and face a world that’s still debilitated by the Coronavirus and its seemingly endless variants.      

I Knew I Love by Jeon Mido in Hospital Playlist (2020)

The various parts of the Hospital Playlist OST spoiled us with a huge selection of music. After all, the drama’s all about a group of doctors whose stress reliever is a band they are a part of. All of the band members have a highlight song, with Lee Ikjun’s (Jo Jungsuk) revival of the 2001 hit Aloha proving to be the OST’s most popular release. But then, a song the group sang in a noraebang session, I Knew I Love, was added to Part 11 of the show’s OST. The song was sung byJeon Mido who plays tone-deaf Dr. Songhwa in the drama. But then, we fans do know, thanks to our “research” skills that Mido‘s singing skills are way better than her doctor character; after all, she is actually a musical theatre actress before accepting the part in Hospital Playlist, her first TV acting job.   

In Your Time by AKMU’s Lee Suhyun in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

For a show that presented how all of its characters are struggling through life with their own issues, Suhyun‘s song offers just the right consolation, as well as a fitting reminder for all of us: that we’re never alone and there’s always someone who will find us even during times when we feel the loneliest.   

Running by Gaho in Start-Up (2020)

Look, a repeat offender! Gaho, purveyor of songs that ooze inspiration and positivity, was part of  another OST of a show that narrates the struggles of people who can’t seem to get a break in life. Full disclosure: Gaho has been a major contributor to my personal pandemic soundtrack. You want to get out of a rut? You want something to pick you up from a mood? You want someone to take your hand as you get through the darkness like the show’s Dalmi (Bae Suzy) and Dosan (Nam Joohyuk)? You just want to think of the show’s perfect second lead Han Jipyeong (played by the equally perfect Kim Seonho)? In Gaho we trust.

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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

BTS Map of the Soul Tour Officially Cancelled By BigHit Music

BTS Map of the Soul 7. Photo: BigHit Music

Sad news for ARMYs who have been waiting for the next BTS concert: The cancellation of the BTS Map of the Soul world is now official, as of August 20, 2021 KST.

BigHit Music released a statement on WeVerse regarding the BTS Map of the Soul world tour, confirming that the company decided to cancel the tour after numerous delays.

“Due to changing circumstances beyond our control, it has become difficult to resume performances at the same scale and timeline as previously planned. Therefore we must announce the cancellation of the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR,” the statement reads.

BigHit Music assured fans that those who purchased tickets will get a refund.

“We regret that we must now inform you of the formal cancellation of the tour. For fans who have reserved tickets for the North American shows, you will receive an email from your original point of purchase regarding refunds,” the statement continues.

Along with BigHit Music’s formal apology is a promise that there is a new tour that is currently being planned in the future.

“Once again, please allow us to offer our sincere apology to all fans who have waited for the BTS MAP OF THE SOUL TOUR to resume. We are working to prepare a viable schedule and performance format that can meet your expectations, and we will provide updated notices as soon as possible,” the statement concludes.

The BTS Map of the World tour cancellation may be heartbreaking, however, ARMYs also understand that safety is more important during this time. The cancellation will keep both BTS and their fans safe during the pandemic era.

The BTS Map of the Soul tour was set to be the group’s fourth worldwide concert tour. It was announced in January 2020 and scheduled to kick off in April of the same year. However, BTS canceled all four of the South Korea dates amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The group chose to merely postpone the North American dates.

The BTS Map of the Soul tour consists of 21 dates starting in the US with Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. It also includes shows in Dallas, Atlanta, Orlando, and Chicago. There were also four confirmed dates in Japan as well as two mystery dates believed to be set in Asia.

While it’s sad that BTS Map of the Soul is no longer moving forward, it also opens up several interesting possibilities in the future. If a new concert tour is being planned, that means that BTS is currently preparing for another album. With that in mind, ARMYs should keep an eye out for new updates.

The members of BTS have admitted that they are working on new music. Although the next comeback has not yet been announced, a full album could be released this year. The next album is expected to be accompanied by another world tour so stay tuned.

Featured image: BTS Map of the Soul 7. Photo: BigHit Music
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FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Red Velvet’s Queendom: A Reveluv’s Honest Review

Red Velvet 레드벨벳 'Queendom' MV. Photo: SMTOWN/YouTube

Red Velvet, current queens of the K-pop world—SM Entertainment Chapter at least—has been dormant for 602 days. That’s more than a year and 7 months, which is equivalent to an eternity in the K-idolverse. During what seemed like forever, even non-Reveluvs have to admit that the group’s absence has left a noticeable hole in the K-pop release calendar, with their bids to succeed SISTAR as the queens of summer experiencing considerable success and their velvet releases in December or January also topping various charts.

But like the rest of the world who had plans before the pandemic struck, Red Velvet’s supposed 2020 return came to a ground halt when two days after the release of Psycho, their December 23 comeback, Wendy had an accident while rehearsing for their SBS Gayo Daejun performance. Imagine falling from a 2-meter platform, fracturing your pelvis and wrist on CHRISTMAS DAY! Months later, leader Irene figured in an “attitude” scandal where a make-up artist complained about her alleged primadonna attitude. So, it felt for a time that RV may go the f(x) route of French exits. 

That was, until August 16, when Red Velvet came back to our lives with Queendom. Expectations were high and they were met—in a qualified fashion. To be honest, I, along with the rest of the ReVe Festival attendees, expected a more aggressive track, as it is the trend. However, we have been presented with something more melodic and lighter. The title track, Queendom, does feel like a cross between a women’s empowerment theme and a bright summer track. Not that I’m complaining; in fact, I think it’s a welcome shift of pace for the ladies.

However, there is a part of me that feels like there’s something amiss. I had to listen to the b-tracks, as I have in the past Red Velvet releases, to check if what I am feeling as something missing can be found on them. Alas, compared to b-tracks in previous releases, the ones included in Queendom can be best described as “conservative”. No sensual perfection like Rookie’s Body Talk, no balancing Red Flavor with Zoo, no Wendy in a green fringe dress as seen in the Zimzalabim music video. What we get with all the songs are all solid, all safe, but no out-of-the-box quirkiness as heard in Rookie, Power Up, and even Umpah Umpah.  But make no mistake: The Ladida-do Ba-badida hook is still quite effective for everyone, whether you’re a fan or not.

Red Velvet is one group whose discography never fails because it just ages so well. During the times when the group goes on hiatus, and especially during their 20-month absence, their songs have great sustaining power. For the Queendom EP, there aren’t a lot of songs that sound like they’ll age well or have staying power. Some tracks like Hello, Sunset almost feel like fillers just to add to the track count. Sounds harsh, but I feel like as a while, Queendom is definitely a welcome move for the loyal Reveluv fandom, but unfortunately, it doesn’t substantially contribute to the group’s already strong musical catalog.

Out of the highest possible 5 stars, I’ll give Queendom a very enjoyable 3.5 stars.

Feature image: Red Velvet 레드벨벳 ‘Queendom’ MV. Photo: SMTOWN/YouTube
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BTS KPOP NEWS LATEST STORIES

VMAs 2021: BTS, BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, MONSTA X, TWICE, (G)I-DLE Nominated

BTS earns 5 nominations at the MTV VMAs 2021. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube

2021 has been an interesting year for K-pop so far. The year saw artists embrace new concepts and release fresh music for their fans, so it’s no surprise that the nominees for Best Kpop at the Video Music Awards 2021 represent unique and different styles that made waves this year.

VMA 2021’s nominees for Best Kpop include (G)I-DLE for ‘DUMDi DUMDi’, BLACKPINK featuring Selena Gomez for ‘Ice Cream’, BTS for ‘Butter’, MONSTA X for ‘Gambler’, Twice for ‘Alcohol-Free’ and SEVENTEEN for ‘Ready To Love’. Each track deserves the nomination for the way they represent Kpop and the group that performs them.

Check out the nominees for Best K-pop at the upcoming VMAs 2021:

(G)I-DLE: DUMDi DUMDi

What’s the best follow-up to a dreamy track like Oh My God? The ladies of (G)I-DLE went with an undeniably catchy song that celebrates the beauty of youth in the summertime. Released in August 2020, DUMDi DUMDi is an irresistible earworm that makes your heart beat faster. The Western-inspired video features Miyeon, Minnie, Soojin, Soyeon, Yuqi, and Shuhua bringing tropical fun even though they’re in the middle of nowhere.

 

BLACKPINK: Ice Cream (featuring Selena Gomez)

They say the best way to cool off during the summer is with some ice cream and BLACKPINK delivers the electropop version of the sweet treat. The MV, which was released in August 2020, features Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa prancing around in pastels. Even featured artist Selena Gomez can’t resist the taste of ice cream!

Fun fact: Ice Cream is mostly in English except for Lisa’s Korean rap verse. This makes it easier for international Blinks to sing along.

BTS: Butter

Who would have thought that a song titled Butter would be a catchy dance track? BTS’s second English-language single doesn’t disappoint with its fun yet grown-up flair. The Butter MV was released in May 2021 and it teases RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook looking hot in suits.

BTS’s Butter also earned nominations for three other categories: Best Pop, Best Editing (for Lumpens’ Yong Seok Choi), and Best Choreography (for Son Sung Deuk with BHM Performance Directing Team). Additionally, it isn’t the only BTS song nominated at the VMAs! (More below!)

MONSTA X: Gambler

MONSTA X is known for their darker, more serious music compared to other K-pop groups. This is proven again with Gambler, the new song they dropped in early June 2021. Penned by member Joohoney, the track resonates with heavy beats, rock guitar licks, and a spy-inspired MV. Shownu, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Joohoney, and I.M. once again prove that they own a distinct style in Kpop.

 

TWICE: Alcohol-Free

Have you ever imagined what a day at the beach would sound like? TWICE decided to release a summer song that truly embodies that. Released in early June 2021, Alcohol-Free is a carefree bossa nova track that makes you think of sweet cocktail drinks, a cool breeze on a warm day, and nine lovely ladies just having the time of their life at the beach.

SEVENTEEN: Ready To Love

SEVENTEEN made a name for themselves by making youthful music paired with energetic choreography. With Ready To Love, the 13-member group proved they have grown as a band but still retain their infectious energy. The track was released in late June 2021 and rounds out the nominees for Best K-pop at VMAs 2021.

Song of The Year Nominee

BTS: Dynamite

Looking for Dynamite in the Best K-pop category? BTS’ first full English song was actually nominated for Song of the Year  2021.

MTV’s VMAs will be held on September 12, 2021.

Feature image: BTS (방탄소년단) ‘Butter (Hotter Remix)’ Official MV. Photo: HYBE LABELS/YouTube
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FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

5 Scene Stealing Gentlemen in K-Dramas to Look For

Kim Soo Hyun cameo in Hotel del Luna. Photo: tvN D ENT/YouTube

Admit it: You may be patiently waiting for a drama with your bias actor playing the lead, but the level of anticipation grows millionfold when you receive news that another actor will be making a cameo appearance in the same drama. But then, there’s nothing worse than your friends talking about so-and-so’s cameo in a show and all you can think of is, “Really? Why don’t I remember that?” So, here are some high-profile cameos so you can look for them and confidently add to the conversation the next time.   

1. Lee Jong Suk in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bokjoo

With his heart-fluttering performances in dramas such as Pinocchio, W, and While You Were Sleeping, Lee Jong Suk has captured the hearts of k-drama fans everywhere who won’t pass the chance at every opportunity to see him. Thus, it was a beautiful surprise when the Nation’s Boyfriend was seen in the second episode of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. This was a chance for fans to see LJS reunite with W castmate Kang Ki Young, who played the uncle of the titular character in Weightlifting. As the show was also Lee Sung Kyung’s first leading role, Lee Jong Suk also decided to lend his support to his friend who he has known since their modeling days in 2010. 

2. Lee Kwang Soo in Descendants of the Sun

Not only is Lee Kwang Soo a constant mainstay in so many of Korean TV’s most popular reality shows, he is also a popular friend to so many Korean celebrities. Thus, when Song Joong Ki cast him to appear in a cameo for his 2015 drama Descendants of the Sun, the all-around entertainer said yes at a drop of a hat. Appearing in the first episode of the Song-Song drama, Running Man’s forever cast member and resident Giraffe played a gaming arcade worker dressed as a soldier who lectures the Special Forces captain and sergeant on military knowledge after the two used the shop’s toy guns to catch a motorcycle thief. 

3. Kim Soo Hyun in Crash Landing on You and Hotel del Luna 

From king to alien, what can Kim Soo Hyun not do?

Even before he was Moon Gang Tae taking care of Moon Sang Tae in 2020’s It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Kim Soo Hyun has been one heck of a scene-stealer. For a time, after his military service ended in 2019, he was absent from the small screen save for two brief but quite memorable appearances in two hit shows: Crash Landing on You and Hotel del Luna. In CLOY, he played a much-fabled North Korean soldier who apparently has taken a cover as a restaurant delivery rider, while he appeared to be the new owner of the hotel for ghosts after Jang Manwol (played by his Dream High co-star IU) has given up ownership of the hotel. The HdL was a short but sweet reunion shippers of Samdong and Pilsook appreciated. 

4. Yeo Jin Goo in Start-Up

Fresh from the heels of the success of Hotel del Luna, Yeo Jin Goo was set to headline a JTBC show Beyond Evil. But not before appearing as a voice talent who sort of came to life in late 2020’s Start-Up. In the show, angel tech investor Han Jip Yeong (Good Boy, played by Kim Seon Ho in a breakout performance) has this pet project that is, however, buggy—a Siri of sorts, with the virtual assistant’s voice named Jang Young Sil. Jipyeong later had to meet this start-up business owner Hong Ji Seok, who he planned on seeing just for formality and will have to decline. However, when Mr. Hong started speaking, Jipyeong somehow instantly recognized the voice as he remembered his Young Sil, so he personally offered to invest in Hong Jiseok’s venture. 

5. Park Seo Joon in Record of Youth

Another actor who has made a killing on both cameo appearances and lead roles is Park Seo Joon. The Itaewon Class star previously made a cameo in the Oscar-winning Parasite before appearing in the Park Bogum-headlined Record of Youth. In the drama, PSJ essayed the role of Park Min Su, an actor who handed an award to Sa Hye Joon (Bogum), with the two knowing each other for years as they both started off as fashion models.

With so many dramas yet to be released this year, we can all look forward to more appearances by familiar faces, hopefully as soon as possible.

Feature image: Kim Soo Hyun cameo in Hotel del Luna. Photo: tvN D ENT/YouTube

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FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Six Third Gen Korean Idol-Actresses For Your Viewing Pleasure

Red Velvet's Joy in The Liar and His Lover. Photo: Stone Music Entertainment/YouTube

After listing the gentlemen, it’s time to list down the ladies from third generation groups who have displayed some serious acting chops. But before we start, a few points on who are not included on the list:

  1. Idols who have fully transitioned into acting and haven’t released new music for two years. Since this category is mostly applicable to the members of the iconic group IOI, it may be best to have a separate article for the IOI fandom, yes? Yes, I love it!
  2. Idols who have only acted on one feature (movie, TV series, or web series) in a leading or supporting role (cameos not counted) or are slated to debut in a feature that has yet to be released. These include:
    • Oh My Girl’s Arin, who appeared only on tvN D’s The World of My 17 last year, although she is set to star in tvN’s Return later this year and the Netflix film Ghost Story, which doesn’t have a release date yet. 
    • Lovelyz’s Mijoo, who although has been establishing herself as a variety ace, has only appeared in Naver TV’s I‘m a Job Seeker five years ago.
    • Blackpink’s Jisoo, who has had numerous cameo appearances in television series and is set to be the main female lead in the controversial JTBC drama Snowdrop.

So, get your Netflix, Dramafever, Viki, OnDemandKorea, or KACAWA accounts ready and prepare for hours and hours of great performances from these third generation idol-actresses:

Red Velvet’s Joy

From a cameo in Descendants in the Sun, actress Park Soo-young‘s acting career has been on a steady rise with lead roles on The Liar and His Lover in 2017 and The Tempted (the reason Joy wasn’t able to join Red Velvet in a historic concert in North Korea – scheduling conflicts) in 2018. Next stop for Joy is Only One Person on JTBC with Ahn Eunjin of Hospital Playlist fame, scheduled for release before the year ends. 

AOA’s Seolhyun

AOA’s main visual has been on TV shows since 2012, but her film appearances are the stuff that can make anyone go wow. She has shared the big screen with some acting heavyweights, e.g., Lee Minho (in 2015’s Gangnam Blues), Sol Kyunggu and Oh Dalsu (in 2017’s Memoir of a Murderer), and Jo Insung and Nam Joohyuk (in 2018’s The Great Battle). Her involvement in ex-groupmate Mina’s bullying revelations may hurt both her singing and acting careers, and that would be such a shame considering she has had a solid run on both so far. 

Laboum’s Solbin

Thanks to national MC Yoo Jaesuk and his summer 2021 project group MSG Wannabe, the song Journey to Atlantis has returned to public consciousness, which has also reaped benefits for the song’s original artists, the much-underrated group Laboum. For the group’s face and visual Soblin, popularity has been easier though, thanks to her appearances in various movies and TV series since 2016. Best remembered for playing Kim Yoojung’s sister who wanted to be an… drumroll… girl group member in the romcom Backstreet Rookie and Last seen in a cameo appearance in MBC’s Oh! Master, Solbin is due to appear in Idol: the Coop later this year with the next idol-actress on this list.

EXID’s Hani 

Out of the iconic group EXID’s five members, two have made a comfortable transition into acting – Hani and Jeonghwa. While the group is still officially active in Japan and has not officially disbanded in Korea, the two visuals have also managed to slowly but surely establish their acting portfolio. For her part, Hani has proven to be a triple, if not quadruple threat: singer – reality show genius (remember the controversial Hani crying outbursts in Crime Scene 2 that divided the country?) – MC (with an unabashed bias for Oh My Girl’s maknae, Arin as declared in Weekly Idol where she displayed perfect chemistry with SuJu’s Heechul) – and finally, actress, with appearances in an episode of SF8 (Korea’s answer to Black Mirror), three web series (XX, How to be Thirty, and You Raise Me Up), and is set to star in the show mentioned above, Idol: The Coop on JTBC.

CLC’s Eunbin 

The Produce 101 alumna and late addition to Cube Entertainment’s second girl group CLC has been slowly but surely building her acting credentials with supporting and guest roles in drama series since 2018. Last seen in the first episode of the contemporary historical drama Youth of May and teen period drama At a Distance, Spring is Green, Eubin will be next seen in yet another teen drama Dear.M.

Cosmic Girls’ Bona 

Bona is one of those idols-turned-actresses who didn’t need to wait for years to snatch a leading role in a TV series. After playing a secondary role in the 2017 KBS drama Hit the Top, she went on to play Lee Junghee, the lead character in the coming-of-age drama Girls’ Generation 1979 released months after. She has since then been part of two other KBS dramas, Your House Helper with Ha Seokjin and Homemade Love Story with an ensemble cast. Next up for WJN’s visual is tvN’s Twenty-Five Twenty-One, where she will be sharing the spotlight with Nam Joohyuk and Kim Taeri.

This is, by no means, an exhaustive list, although the most accessible titles and idols have been listed for your reference. For the meantime, the only thing to do aside from searching for all those dramas would be to join the world’s Blinks in prayer for the immediate release of the Jisoo-Jung Haein drama.

Feature image: Red Velvet’s Joy in The Liar and His Lover. Photo: Stone Music Entertainment/YouTube
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BTS LATEST STORIES

BTS’s Suga Produces Updated Version of Samsung Theme “Over The Horizon”

BTS Suga reimagines Samsung Galaxy's "Over The Horizon" ringtone in latest collab. Photo: Samsung/YouTube

BTS has been the international ambassador for Samsung for over a year and it looks like the partnership is still going strong. Samsung recently unveiled exciting new gear and products including the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G.

In honor of the event, Samsung introduced a stunning new version of its theme “Over The Horizon,” produced by no other than BTS member Suga.

On August 11, Samsung held a special online event Galaxy Unpacked where new products were revealed. The new Galaxy Buds2 were unveiled along with the Galaxy Watch4. However, people were most excited about the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip3.

The new Galaxy products may have been the point of the event but people were truly thrilled about Samsung’s updated “Over The Horizon” theme. The video proudly confirms that Suga produced the new version of the theme.

https://youtu.be/V7ixp-XwqGI

ARMYs were undoubtedly delighted to know that Suga gave the Samsung theme a makeover. Fans proudly pointed out that anything the rapper produces is a masterpiece—whether it’s a BTS song, a duet with another artist, or a ringtone. Min Yoongi’s work on the iconic theme has certainly elevated it to a new level.

But what inspired Suga when he worked on the Samsung theme? Lil Meow Meow explained in a special video that he had always wanted to work on an instrumental song and was thrilled when Samsung asked him to work on “Over The Horizon.”

“It was an honor to work on a song that’s been part of Galaxy’s 10-year history,” Suga said. “I tried to put my own interpretation while keeping the melody largely the same for it to resonate to a broader audience.”

As a long-time Galaxy user, Suga admitted that he has already heard different versions of ‘Over The Horizon’ over the years. “I was really excited when they asked me to do the project,” the BTS rapper said. He then revealed that he felt it was meant to be and helped get the work done a lot faster.

Suga further explained that he connected with “Over The Horizon” because of what the theme represents. “It’s about going beyond our limits. No one knows what will unfold but our dreams make us go farther than ever.”

August D concluded by sharing how he hopes the theme will help people in the future. “I hope that together with Galaxy you’ll feel your heart open up,” he said in the interview.

Suga is certainly the best choice to work on the updated version of “Over The Horizon.” In addition to being an exceptional producer, he has always supported ARMY and encourages them to pursue their dreams. Working on the Samsung theme proves yet again that Lil Meow Meow is always aiming to inspire people with his works.

“Over The Horizon” was first introduced in Samsung’s Galaxy mobile phones as the default ringtone. Suga’s updated version of the theme is expected to be available in the Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3 5G as well as other Samsung releases.

Feature image: BTS Suga reimagines Samsung Galaxy’s “Over The Horizon” ringtone in latest collab. Photo: Samsung/YouTube
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FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES

Six Third Gen Idol-Actors For Your Viewing Pleasure

EXO’s D.O. Photo: D.O. EXO Argentina/Creative Commons/CC PDM 1.0

These days, a lot of members of third generation boy groups (groups that debuted from 2012 to 2016) have either started or about to start their military enlistment. This means that for the idols of this generation who moonlight as actors, their filmographies are currently on hold, and for those who still have a few years before they turn the big 3-0, Korean age, there’s still some time left for them to work on more entries to add to their portfolio. 

In the meantime, here are six third-generation idols who have established quite a filmography; one already finished with his enlistment, two currently serving their time, and three still having a few more years to go before the military beckons:  

ASTRO’s Cha Eun-woo

For someone known as the “Face Genius” (IKR? Who knew a face can be a genius?),” it is inevitable for Cha Eun-woo to be an actor-idol. True, many critics rushed to ask that necessary question, “But can he act,” and for a time, Eun-woo had his birthing pains (read: awkward performances) at the start of his acting career. That he has been conveniently typecasted in pretty boy roles (in dramas entitled True Beauty and My ID is Gangnam Beauty at that) may not really help him establish his acting cred, but it is great to note that since his acting debut in the 2015 web series To Be Continued, netizens and the general public have agreed that there has been a remarkable improvement in the thespian skills of the generally accepted owner of the “most symmetrical face in Korea.”   

Acting debut: a cameo in the movie My Brilliant Life in 2014

Latest release: tvN’s True Beauty, which ended earlier this year

Where to catch him next: Decibel, a military action thriller that will mark his first major role in a film. No release date for the film yet.

EXO’s Doh Kyung-soo

A list of idol-actors will not be complete without EXO’s D.O. The thing about D.O is that, unlike most idols who have ventured into acting, any doubt of his acting skills were immediately quashed in his TV drama debut as Jo In-sung’s high school-aged fan in It’s Okay, That’s Love and his first major movie role in Cart, both released on the same year. From the get-go, actor Doh Kyung-soo has displayed versatility, sensitivity, and depth in his varied performances. He is such a great actor that he actually has some acting awards to show for his solid talents.    

Latest release: 2018’s Swing Kids, released while he was already in military service 

Where to watch him next: The Moon, a sci-fi thriller directed by Kim Young-hwa, who D.O has also worked with in the two Along With the Gods movies.

Got7’s Park Jin-young

By the time Jinyoung debuted as a vocalist in JYP Entertainment’s Got7 in January 2014, he already had two acting credits under his belt. As Ui-bong in Dream High 2 and Ddol-yi in When a Man Falls in Love (where he appeared with his fellow JYP trainee and future groupmate JB), he has a penchant for portraying characters that viewers can’t help but fall for. Since then, he has proven his acting chops with a film and numerous TV roles. 

Where else you can watch him: A Stray Goat, his film debut and He Is Psychometric, When My Love Blooms, The Legend of the Blue Sea, My Love Eun Dong, The Devil Judge, and Yumi’s Cells.

Future releases: Jin-young is set to star in two movies, Yaksha and High Five. 

SF9’s Rowoon (Kim Seok-woo)

In the group SF9, Chani may be the more established actor, having appeared in numerous TV series as a child actor. But this hasn’t stopped bandmate Rowoon from also establishing himself as another member with serious acting chops. Since debuting in MBC Every1’s Click Your Heart, RonVely has consistently delivered with “good boy” performances in series such as School 2017, About Time, and Where Stars Land. Here’s hoping we can see all 190.5 cm of him on the big screen soon. 

Where else you can watch him: Extraordinary You, She Would Never Know, and Yeonmo.

EXO’s Suho (Kim Jun-myeon)

Suho is one of those idols whose acting credentials, unlike D.O, have unfortunately been questioned from the start. From speculations of his getting roles solely because of his looks and his established fanbase to mediocre reviews of his performance, Kim Jun-myeon’s acting trajectory has been uneven. But then, with his two most recent roles as as haughty CEO in Rich Man, Poor Woman and as a pastry chef in the magic-infused How Are You Bread, Suho has found a niche in playing dazzlingly handsome characters. Exo’s leader is currently completing his military enlistment, so let’s see what the future holds for his acting career!

Where else you can watch him: the movies One Way Trip and Middle School Girl and 2017’s The Universe’s Star. 

BtoB’s Yook Sung-jae

BtoB’s maknae brings the quirkiness and excellence his group is renowned for in his acting performances. To hold your own against acting giants Gong Yoo and Lee Dongwook in the legendary Goblin is quite an achievement. He continued his pitch-perfect delivery in Mystic Pop-up Bar, where he played the innocent and simply adorable Han Kang-bae. The thing with Sung-jae is that his performances are so precise for the roles – any other actor with lesser skills can render the characters flat. 

Where else can you watch him: Reply 1994 and Who Are You: School 2015.

We know, you may be looking for some idols excluded from this list (read: V, Joshua, Jun), but then V and Joshua have acted in only one TV show so far and Jun has only been acting in Chinese projects. The good news is V still has a few years before his mandatory enlistment, which means he still has time to add some film and TV credits, while Chinese Jun and American Joshua won’t have to enlist at all. Besides, I’m still waiting for the day Mr. Kim Seok-jin gets bitten by the acting bug. Until then, we have a lot of catching up to do with all those movies and series listed above.

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FEATURES LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Smashing stereotypes: Female idols in Korean variety shows  

Male idols do not have a monopoly on variety shows. Female idols are just as goofy and witty on many K-entertainment programs too! 

Ready to see a different side to your favorite female idols? Watch these four variety shows that feature female idols (fixed cast):

1. Amazing Saturday (Do Re Mi Market): Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon 

Each episode features three representative foods from a market in South Korea. The fixed cast and the guests need to play games such as writing down the correct lyrics to various songs to win and be able to enjoy the food. Second generation K-pop group Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon joined the program as a permanent cast member in 2020. 

Amazing Saturday also has a spin-off show titled Idol Dictation Contest. The show includes the following female idols in the cast: Lovelyz’s Mijoo and former IZ*ONE’s Yena.  

Where to watch: Amazing Saturday channel on YouTube 

2. I Live Alone: Mamamoo’s Hwasa 

I Live Alone features Korean celebrities who live on their own. The program gives audiences a peek into the daily lives of actors, idols, models, and more. The hosts watch footage of themselves, as well as of invited guests. Third gen K-pop group Mamamoo’s Hwasa joined as a fixed host after previously guesting in the show.  

Where to watch: Viu

3. Sixth Sense: Jessi and Lovelyz’s Mijoo

In Sixth Sense, celebrities visit various places or people considered as “hot topics” in South Korea. However, one of these places or people are completely made up by the production staff. The celebrities must then use their wits and deduction skills to figure out which of the choices is fake. 

The show stars veteran comedian and television personality Yoo Jae-suk, actress Oh Nara, actress Jeon Somin, rapper Jessi, also third gen K-pop group Lovelyz’s Mijoo, and actor Lee Sangyeob. 

Where to watch: Viu

4. Busted: Kim Sejeong

Busted was a whodunit variety show where the cast members were brought together to form a detective team. In every episode, the team got involved in a murder mystery that they needed to solve.

The show starred Yoo Jaesuk, actor Ahn Jaewook, singer-comedian Kim Jongmin, actor Lee Kwangsoo, actress Park Minyoung, EXO’s Sehun, former I.O.I and Gugudan’s (both third generation K-pop groups) Kim Sejeong, and actor-singer Lee Seunggi. Busted also featured idols and other celebrities as guests. The program ran for three seasons. 

Where to watch: Netflix

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