daebakwhovian/ August 22, 2020/ ICYMI/ 0 comments

BTS Lights Up the Night In ‘Dynamite’

BTS released their record-breaking first full-English single “Dynamite”. Acoustic and EDM remixes will be released August 24. They also have an upcoming album scheduled for later this year because who needs sleep?

Review: BTS has gotten to the point where they breathe and it literally breaks a record. As a long-time fan, I’m happy for them but at the same time I often see people hold them up to impossible standards or scrutinize everything that they do and release in a way that feels suffocating. At the end of the day, they are just a group of musical artists trying to share their craft with others. That was one of the whole points of their mega-hit “Boy With Luv” (with the Korean title “Poem For Small Things”) which includes lyrics disclaiming goals of becoming heroes. Sometimes a song is just a song, and being a fan doesn’t mean you automatically have to like everything. Rant aside, I actually really like this single, despite fears of it being overhyped. Although the release was not originally planned, they wanted to ‘share this energy with the fans’ and hoped people would ‘get a little bit of reassurance and healing from it.’ It’s energetic, the hook is ridiculously addicting, and it’s a perfect mood booster that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The styling in the music video is amazing (V’s green suit will be my new standard for everything) and they look like they’re having so much fun doing the choreography. Some may already be tired of it, but I really like all of the throwback-inspired tracks we’re getting this summer. I would have preferred less effects on their vocals (is it autotune or just pitched kinda high?), but that’s a personal preference that ultimately doesn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the song. Overall: Disco didn’t die- it just time-traveled to the 2020 K-pop scene.

ITZY Wants It All In “Not Shy”

JYP girl group ITZY released their third mini alum “Not Shy” and a MV for the title track with the same name.

Review: I wasn’t sure at first, but now I know that ITZY is going to be huge. Not only are they incredibly popular despite only debuting early last year, they consistently put out quality content in quick succession (this is their second comeback this year and they‘re scheduled for another in the next quarter). Although I enjoyed their debut track “Dalla Dalla”, I wasn’t sure what they were going for. Are they a ‘girl crush’ concept? Are they a cute concept? But now I realize that they are a refreshing bridge between the two. Their previous title tracks have all been about self-love, and ‘Not Shy’ is an anthem about confidently going after what you want. Recently the girls opened up about dealing with negative emotions and although it’s crazy to me that people waste time sending hate toward a group that isn’t even 2 years out and has such young members (the maknae, or youngest, is only 17), I’m so impressed with how maturely they handle the pressure and try to spread positivity. Member Chaeryeong says “To be honest, I know there aren’t many people who really behave like the lyrics of our song… who have that kind of self worth and self-confidence.” But she continues “I’m not singing this song because I’m confident and self-assured. All I know is I just want to give off the right energy to others.” And that energy is clearly felt throughout the track, from the flashy choreo to the cute heist theme in the MV (I too would go through that much trouble for a good dessert). Other highlights on the album are the equally powerful “Don’t Give A What”, the retro-sounding “Surf”, and the laid-back “Be In Love”. Overall: It’z bold, It’z confident, It’z ITZY.

Other Headlines:

• Dreamcatcher released their 5th mini album, the 2nd in the ‘Dystopia’ series , “Dystopia: Lose Myself” with the title track “BOCA”. ‘Boca’ means ‘mouth’ in Spanish/Portuguese and the song is meant to be “a message of hope to the people who are hurt by the irresponsible words of others” (watch their ‘carpool noraebang’ with DKDKTV for more here). I love how the choreography echoes the lyrics with the clawed hands opening up like a mouth and the same hand shape tearing across the heart representing the effect hateful comments can have. (This twitter user did a detailed theory about the meaning of the choreo). I also really like how they blended a moombahton feel with the classic Dreamcatcher rock sound. Although they were all stunning, rapper Dami and vocalist Siyeon really stood out for me. I think this group is a bit underrated (they still haven’t gotten their first music show win), perhaps because they are a genre that’s not typical in K-pop groups. But they show their versatility on this release with tracks like the EDM-based “Can’t get you out of my mind” and “Dear” which is a complete twist from the rest by being a sentimental ballad.

• Former Wonder Girls member turned top-tier soloist SUNMI released a special video for the unreleased “BORDERLINE”, an all-English self-composed (along with producer FRANTS) track first performed during her concert tour. SUNMI has previously discussed topics about her mental health, but this surprise video feels like a raw confessional, and she manages to look captivating, strong, and vulnerable all at the same time.

• ONEUS released their 4th mini album “LIVED” with the title track “TO BE OR NOT TO BE”. The Shakespeare-inspired music video is like a horror version of GOT7’s “Not By The Moon” earlier this year. There’s a lot going on in this song, and I’m not completely convinced they merged all of the elements together as well as they could have. However, I like that they stick to their concepts (like a younger version of VIXX) and the album sounds cohesive instead of like random songs put together. My favorite song on the EP is their Road To Kingdom track “Come Back Home”.

• Rookie boy group MCND released the EP “Earth Age” and a MV for the title track “nanana”.
• Former Sistar leader HYOLYN released her second mini album and a music video for the title track (which she co-composed), reminding everyone why Sistar were the queens of summer.
• gugudan member Sejong released the single “Whale”.
• Talented siblings alert: singer nov (노브) released “부재중” featuring her brother Crush. Watch the calming MV here.
• TWICE released an English version of “More & More” just to prove that it’s a bop in many languages.
• In other TWICE news, their agency JYP showed that they mean business by revealing that they have filed a total of 37 legal charges this year alone investigating inappropriate and malicious comments and reports against the group. I’m glad JYP is stepping up to protect their artists, and I hope it’s a trend that will continue for other artists under their label.
• This could either be really good or really painful to watch: MBN is launching a show to highlight forgotten female idols called Miss Back. The format will be part documentary and part variety show that shares stories and performances from idols who have already debuted but are hoping for another chance. It will feature veteran singer Baek Ji Young as a life mentor and vocal trainer. This sounds like another show, The Unit, which I loved but wasn’t really successful. Miss Back is scheduled for later this year.
• Confirmed: sibling indie superstar duo AKMU’s Lee Soo Hyun is a real life Disney princess! The singer has been chosen to sing the Korean OST version of “Reflection” for the upcoming live-action remake of Mulan. She’s a huge Disney fan, so I’m excited for her! Check out some of her amazing Disney covers here and here!
• VAV’s Baron announced that he will be enlisting on September 7. The group is preparing a comeback in the same month and will continue with six members. (Source)
• It’s always sad to hear about a group disbanding. OSR Entertainment announced that five member girl group HINAPIA, which debuted in November of last year, has officially disbanded and terminated the contracts for all the members. This is especially unfortunate because four of the members were a part of PRISTIN, a Pledis Entertainment group that was also disbanded last year. Pledis is generally blamed for their lack of promotions for PRISTIN, and COVID has definitely hit many of the smaller companies especially hard. Hopefully these talented women will be able to continue their careers in the future. You can read translated letters to their fans here.
• Reveluvs rejoice! SM Entertainment announced that Red Velvet member Wendy will partially return from her hiatus as her health allows. Her first activity with the group was their cover of “Milky Way” as part of BoA’s 20th anniversary celebration. Wendy has been on hiatus since her fall in December of last year.
• P Nation announced that HyunA’s comeback, originally scheduled for August 26, will be postponed to focus on her health. The singer previously revealed she has a condition called vasovagal syncope (which can cause a sudden drop in heart rate/blood pressure and lead to fainting). Get well soon HyunA!

K-Drama Corner

• Actress Kang Sora (Misaeng; Revolutionary Love) announced her marriage to her non-celebrity boyfriend with a handwritten letter to fans. Congrats to the couple!
• SBS’ upcoming time-travel drama Alice released new posters for the main cast: the emotionless detective Joo Won (My Sassy Girl; Good Doctor), Kim Hee Sun, investigator Kwak Si Yang, and reporter Lee Da In. Alice premieres August 28.
• The second season of Forest of Secrets premiered this week with the second-highest ratings in tvN history (in 1st place is Mr. Sunshine). If you haven’t already checked out the first season, I’d highly recommend it; with Cho Seung Woo as an emotionless prosecutor that teams up with determined police officer Bae Doona to fight against corruption (available on Netflix).
• KBS 2TV had a script reading for upcoming comedy/mystery If You Cheat, You Die. Jo Yeo Jeong (Parasite; Woman of 9.9 Billion) plays a best-selling crime novelist married to divorce lawyer Go Joon (Oh My Baby; The Fiery Priest) who wrote a memo to his wife saying “If I cheat, I Die”. The drama will start in October following the upcoming drama….
• Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol, starring Go Ara and Lee Jae Wook, released a new trailer Despite being a pain to type, I’m looking forward to seeing Lee Jae Wook in a lead role. The drama will start August 26.
• On that note, a number of dramas have paused filming due to preventative measures for COVID-19:
  • KBS’ Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol and To All the Guys who Loved Me have halted after actor Heo Dong Won tested positive for the virus. He appears to have contracted the it while starring in a play with actor Seo Sung Jong, who also tested positive.
  • tvN drama Startup starring Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk has paused while actress Seo Yi Sook awaits test results after coming in contact with Heo Dong Won.
  • Fifteen cast and crew members from that same play (JJamppong) have tested positive, including absolutely everyone’s favorite supporting actor Kim Won Hae.
  • Private Life, JTBC’s upcoming drama starring Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and Go Kyung Pyo is also awaiting test results since a staff member was in a supporting role in one of the above mentioned dramas, but had no direct contact with the person who tested positive.
  • Another JTBC drama Run On starring Im Siwan and Shin Se Kyung paused filming after a staff member came into contact with a suspected case and is awaiting test results.
  • Ong Seung Wu and Shin Ye Eun’s More Than Friends stopped production due to actress Kim Hee Jung coming in contact with Kim Won Hae.
  • Other dramas impacted include: tvN’s Night and Day; JTBC’s Sisyphus, 18 Again, Live On, and Our School Now; Netflix’s Squid Game; and Park Seo Joon and IU’s film Dream. JTBC and KBS have temporarily halted production on all major dramas to put the safety of the crew first. Best wishes and speedy recovery for all those impacted!
• Classic drama Coffee Prince will be the subject of an upcoming documentary according to a source from MBC. Featuring some of the industry’s power players such as Gong Yoo, Yoon Eun Hye, Kim Jae Wook, and more, the drama originally aired in 2007 to high ratings. The documentary is rumored to begin in September.
• Currently Watching:
  • I-LAND: I don’t know why I keep watching shows like this knowing that I give all the contestants my heart only for the show to rip it up. The mix of producer voting and global audience voting makes a lot more sense than what they were doing in the part 1. I still think that not all members get equal screen time, but it’s a lot more fair this time around and it’s nice to see them actually getting more feedback from the producers/mentors.
  • Flower of Evil: I’m a week behind on this because I keep having to pause and go watch something less tense. At the premiere, I thought they were going to do a murderous anti-hero (like Dexter) only for each episode to reveal there’s more to the story. This makes it more compelling to root for the main leads, not to mention Lee Joon Ki and Moon Chae Won (as well as the supporting cast) are killing it (get it?-cause it’s about murders- never mind).
  • SF8: This gives me serious Black Mirror vibes. The acting and production are amazing, but I learned the hard way not to watch it at night.
  • Lonely Enough To Love: I love the cast since they’re from some of my top dramas (Ji Hyun Woo from Queen InHyun’s Man; Kim So Eun from Liar Game). But I’m not sure they’ll be enough to keep me tuning in. I’m tolerating of slow beginnings, but so far the plot is pretty much nonexistent. The timing and pacing are off, which makes scenes that have comedic potential seem boring, not to mention the production which for some reason chose to make everyone look washed out? There is only one show a week, but the dramatic endings aren’t actually dramatic enough to make you count down the days. That being said, it’s light-hearted and breezy, so maybe I’ll use it to procrastinate when Flower of Evil gets too intense for a coward like me.

What did you think of this week’s headlines? Let us know in the comments!