daebakwhovian/ February 23, 2021/ ICYMI/ 0 comments

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Chungha “Querencia”; Kang Daniel; NCT 127; GOT7 “Encore”; EXO’s D.O.; Song Kang

Chungha Rides To the Top In “Bicycle”

After a series of epic pre-releases, solo artist extraordinaire Chungha released her 1st full studio album “Querencia”. The album has a whopping 21 total tracks and is split into 4 distinct sections: Noble, Savage, Unknown, and Pleasures. The Spanish word ‘Querencia’ literally refers to the place in the arena where a bull takes its stand, where it finds its strength to take on the challenge. It also means the concept of ‘a place from which one’s strength is drawn, where one feels at home’ or ‘where you can be your authentic self’. For Chungha, whose album was postponed several times including a delay after she tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of the year, working on the album and seeing the reactions from her fans became her ‘Querencia’, or source of strength over the last year. She was one of my favorite solo artists of 2020 because you could see that not only was she working hard to continually put our new pre-releases and collaborations, each release felt like something new. That willingness to experiment and grow carries across in the album, which pretty much covers every genre and shows her versatility.

‘Success is when you know there is something new to learn, and when you improve yourself through learning.’ 

Chungha for Nylon

Unlike most of her title tracks, it did take me a bit of time to decide how I felt about ‘Bicycle’. At first listen, the track seemed a bit empty, like it was missing that mesmerizing quality that I’m used to in Chungha songs. Eventually, I went from ‘meh’ to chanting ‘vroom vroom vroom’, but I would still say it’s not as captivating compared to previous releases in the past year or even other tracks on the album. I do like that it shows something a little different. We’ve seen Chungha be vulnerable in ‘Everybody Has’, seductive in ‘Stay Tonight’ and ‘Dream of You’. ‘Bicycle’ shows a more aggressive version, including a rapped verse complete with backup dancers dressed in green with envy. The best part of this track is the performance. In fact, my biggest problem with the slick and stylish music video is that the directing actually distracts from the epic dance break, which include a backflip and seems to be influenced from ‘step dance’ routines.

If that’s still not enough versatility for you, Chungha goes into even newer territory with “Demente“, which features Puerto Rican rapper Guaynaa. Chungha’s voice seems to really fit latin-inspired concepts, and I’m amazed at her ability to seamlessly switch between Spanish, Korean, and English. Chungha gets sentimental with the B-side ‘BYULHARANG’ (160504 ＋ 170607)’, a song dedicated to her fandom (Byulharang) and their support for all these years (the numbers in the title refer to her debut date with I.O.I. and her debut date as a soloist). Other standouts on the album include the latin-inspired ‘Masquerade’ about finding what’s real among the fake, and the full-English track “Flying On Faith”.

Final Thoughts: A multi-genre success that showcases Chungha’s versatility and charisma. And encourages me to brush up on my Duolingo Spanish.

“I wished that everyone could really relate to this album and walk toward the finish line altogether.”

Chungha for Nylon

New Releases & Comebacks

  • Kang Daniel released his new single “Paranoia” and it’s super unsettling in the best possible way. Some of his releases in the past have been hit-or-miss for me, but I like it best when he does these more aggressive and darker concepts. Kang Daniel, who took a hiatus to focus on his mental health back in 2019, used his own experiences for this comeback. The track and the music video really encapsulate the suffocating feelings of anxiety and depression: the scars spelling out ‘ugly’ and ‘failure’ in indelible ink, the lyrics detailing of numbness, fear, and darkness, and the feeling of it being inescapable. Mental health can be a taboo subject for some, but putting in the spotlight may feel relatable to many people and help open the way for more conversation.
  • Four-member band LUCY released their third single album “Inside” with the title track “Hero”. There’s something so calming and nostalgic about LUCY’s releases, and this track is no different. The music video is simple but adorable, which I think is the group’s overall charm. If you have 15 minutes where you want to feel like you’re been transported to a faraway land on an epic adventure, I’d highly recommend checking out all 3 tracks on the album.
  • NCT 127 released their Japanese mini album “Loveholic” with the title track “gimme gimme” and honestly would it even be a NCT track if it didn’t have awkwardly charming lyrics like ‘incurable spicy disease’? (It’s at timestamp 0:14, I can’t make this stuff up.) I really like this title track. Sometimes I do feel that NCT tracks can feel a little noisy and messy, but this track channels the ‘noise’ well so we get a nice build-up leading to the chorus and of course the SM trademark high-note and harmony at the bridge. The MV reminds me of a mix of BTS’ “Dope“, MONSTA X “Love Killa“, with the transitions of Kai’s “Mmmh“. Also, what does it say about how much K-pop I listen to that I can just use other K-pop to describe K-pop?
  • Speaking of MONSTA X, member I.M released his solo album “Duality” with the title track “God Damn”. And as someone who gets sleepy after one glass, I’m assuming that this trippy MV is an accurate depiction of what you see after a few too many.
  • TR Entertainment’s new 7-member rookie girl group TRI.BE (pronounced ‘try-be’, at least that’s what the Korean spelling looks like) made their debut with “DOOM DOOM TA” off the single album “TRI.BE Da Loca”. The group got a lot of pre-debut attention after it was announced they would be co-produced by Universal Music and Shinsadong Tiger, the producer behind girl group EXID and mega-hits such as Hyuna’s “Bubble Pop”, MOMOLAND’s “Bboom Bboom”, and many others. The moombahton-esque track was co-produced with EXID member LE and the MV does a good job of showing the choreography and close-up individual member shots, which I think is especially important for a debut.
https://youtu.be/s_-ICoc8ifc
  • Speaking of rookies, GF Entertainment’s royal-themed seven member boy group KINGDOM made their debut with the title track “Excalibur” from the mini album “History of Kingdom: Part 1. Arthur”. Each member’s stage name is a reference to different kings in history. On one hand, it’s a gimmick which tend to run out of steam fast. On the other hand, it’s nice to try something new, especially if you can get some attention to your group. (As an example, EXO’s debut “MAMA” was highly stylized and over-the-top, but in the end it worked out well for them). Ruffles, fake swords, and leather aside, the group does have decent vocals, which is more apparent on the acoustic version of “Night Sky” on the album.
  • Soloist and OST queen Kwon Jin Ah released the EP “The Way For Us” with the heart-wrenchingly beautify title track “Good Bye”, perfect for when you’re in the mood for a good cry.
  • Speaking of crying, Ahgases, are you ready to cry? In a surprise gift to fans, GOT7 released a MV for the single “Encore”, co-written by member Jinyoung and their first release as a group since their contract with JYP Entertainment ended. The group has already defied K-pop industry standard of what usually happens when group members go their separate ways, some to never really be heard of again. But apparently GOT7 said ‘skrrt skrrt’ to that cliche, as not only have almost all the members already released new projects or plans, they were able to record and release this single despite being in different agencies. Not only does this give hope for future collaboration between members, but for a fan song it’s pretty darn good. Also this week, member Yugyeom was officially signed to AOMG Entertainment (founded by fellow former JYP artist Jay Park) and released a dance cover on the company’s YouTube.
  • SEVENTEEN’s Jun
  • TXT

Top Headlines and Updates

  • NOTE: As you may know, this week has been filled with accusations against celebrities regarding school violence/severe bullying allegations which has impacted several K-pop artists and actors. Some have already been proven to be false, and others are still being investigated. I am not Korean, have never experienced school life in Korea, and due to the fact that many of these are posted anonymously or are just rumors, I feel that it would be unfair to form an opinion or write about the situation without all of the facts. That said, there are several news sites that contain some of the allegations and official responses given this week. You can read more about one of the situations that may have sparked this upward trend of reports here and a Reddit thread that does a pretty good job of giving a different perspective here.
  • Big Hit is dreaming even bigger! Big Hit Entertainment and Universal Music Group announced that they are teaming up to form a ‘global boy group’ through an audition program aimed to air in 2022. Big Hit will be in charge of discovering and training artists along with fan communication via Weverse, while Universal Music will handle the audition show, American media partners, and distribution.
  • PENTAGON‘s Hui enlisted in the military on February 18, sent off by fellow members Yuto and Shinwon.
  • Welcome back! B1A4‘s Baro was discharged from the military this weekend and announced his return on his Instagram.
  • EXO‘s D.O. has been confirmed to star in the Korean remake of the Taiwanese fantasy/romance film Secret; about a piano prodigy transfer student who meets a girl playing a mysterious melody. (You can read the Wiki summary here) D.O. will play the leading role, with auditions still ongoing to select the lead female role. Secret is set to begin filming in the second half of this year.
  • Speaking of idol-actors, upcoming web drama 1:11, the Time I Go to You has confirmed a number of idols for its cast. APRIL‘s Chaekyun and actor Jang Dong Joo will play the lead couple who reminisce on their first love when the time stops for them at 1:11. The drama will also star  D-CRUNCH’s Hyunho and Dylan,  and MOMOLAND’s Nayun. 1:11, The Time I Go To You will premiere in March on online platforms like YouTube and NaverTV.
  • PENTAGON’s Hui
  • EXO’s D.O.
  • ATEEZ Yeosang
  • Epik High’s Mithra Jin and wife actress Kwon Da Hyun
  • Jellyfish Entertainment announced that VERIVERY‘s Minchan will be sitting out of promotions for the group’s upcoming album due to health reasons. Minchan has been on a hiatus from group activities since October after exhibiting symptoms of anxiety. VERIVERY will comeback on March 2 with a new single album.
  • New MC’s in the house: SBS MTV’s “The Show” announced ATEEZ’s Yeosang, WEi’s Kim Yo Han, and Weeekly’s Jihan as its new hosts. SBS’ “Inkigayo” revealed  IZ*ONE’s An Yu Jin, TREASURE’s Jihoon, and NCT’s Sungchan as its new MC lineup. The new hosts will start in March.
  • KCON:TACT 3, the online version of KCON, announced its first lineup will include  ENHYPEN, iKON, THE BOYZ, ITZY, WOODZ (Cho Seung Youn), Ha Sung Woon, Oh My Girl, and EVERGLOW. KCON:TACT 3 will be held from March 20-28.
  • FNC Entertainment officially announced that all five members of the band N.Flying renewed their exclusive contracts with the agency and are preparing to release new music this year.
  • Epik High‘s Mithra Jin announced that he and his wife are expecting their first child in June. Welcome to the Dad squad; you already look like you belong with these moves…

K-drama Corner

  • Kim Young Tae
  • Kwon Nara
  • Weki Meki’s Kim Doyeon
  • Hyeri
  • Song Kang
  • Kim Young Dae (Extraordinary You; Penthouse) is in talks to go back to hight school for KBS2’s upcoming drama School 2021. The drama previously confirmed WEi’s Kim Yo Han as the male lead, a student who attends a specialized high school while pursing his dreams. School 2021 will premiere in August.
  • Kwon Nara (Itaewon Class; Royal Secret Inspector) has received an offer to star in tvN’s upcoming fantasy drama Bulgasal along with Lee Joon (Vampire Detective; Father Is Strange) and Lee Jin Wook (Voice; Sweet Home). The drama centers on a weary bulgasal, a Korean mythical creature that feeds off human blood and is cursed with immortality, out for revenge and a reincarnated woman who remembers all of her past lives.
  • Weki Meki‘s Kim Doyeon has been confirmed to star in the upcoming tvN fantasy drama Frightening Cohabitation. The drama, starring Hyeri (Reply 1988; Miss Lee) and Jang Ki Young (My Mister; Search: WWW; Born Again), is about a Gumiho (a Korean mythical nine-tailed fox) and a college student who accidentally swallows his fox bead. And of course, because this is a K-drama/ webtoon, the only possible solution is for them to live together, hijinks ensue. The drama is set to air sometime this year.
  • Hyeri is also in talks along with Yoo Seung Ho (I’m Not A Robot; My Strange Hero; Memorist) to join KBS2’s historical drama Thinking of the Moon When the Flower Blooms. The drama takes place during Joseon-era Prohibition and focuses on an ambitious inspector, an aristocratic woman who has lost her fortune, and a crown prince who meet and uncover a dangerous secret.
  • tvN has released new posters for upcoming webtoon-based drama Navillera starring Park In Hwang (Mad Dog, Brilliant Heritage) as a 70-year-old retiree who decides to finally pursue his dream of learning ballet and Song Kang (Sweet Home; Love Alarm) as a 23-year-old ballerino who becomes disillusioned after going through a hard time.
Navirella; slide to see original webtoon artist to real-life cast
  • Currently Watching:
    • Run On:
      • Perfect Endings: They do exist! I absolutely loved all of the characters and how each one had an arc handled with care. The ending scene of all the cast, both the leads and what would be throw-away characters in other dramas, doing a mundane thing like watching a movie together gives us the best closure and the feeling that our drama family will be just fine, even after the credits roll.
    • L.U.C.A.: The Beginning
      • I recently picked up this one because it’s been a while since I watched an action drama and I was craving more butt-kicking Lee Da Hee after re-watching Search:WWW. It’s also nice seeing Kim Rae Won in a different role, since the last time I watched him in the lead role was the snooze-fest 2016 drama Doctors. The first few episodes were great to binge-watch. The bad guys are a bit too cliche ‘evil scientist’/ ‘evil crazy rich lady behind the scenes’. But fortunately their minions get much more screen time than them and I love that they fleshed out the characters to show that they are being lied and manipulated as much as everyone else. (And the redhead henchwoman who cares more about getting food than actually, you know, hench-ing is such a mood). That being said, now that I’m all caught up and watching it in real time, it’s starting to feel a bit repetitive. Good guys try to find answers. Bad guys show up and catch them/ fight them. Good guys narrowly escape. Something explodes. And repeat. For now, I’m invested enough that I still want to find out the answers to our lead’s mysterious past and to see if my hunch about future betrayal in the police force is correct. But as much as I love that our female lead isn’t afraid to fight, can we get her a super-powered arm/leg or something to even the playing-field?
    • She Would Never Know/ Sunbae, Don’t Put On That Lipstick
      • I was naive and fooled by the gorgeous teaser photos that I went into this thinking it was going to be a light-hearted office noona romance. What we got instead was angsty betrayal and serious trust and communication issues. Still, the leads are so pretty that I would probably still watch even if they were just reading the dictionary dramatically. I’m glad that we finally got some healthy communication in these last few episodes, and after weeks of Song-Ah repeatedly rejecting Hyun-Seung’s puppy dog loyalty and protectiveness, it was nice to see her be the one to have to take action. We also finally got to see the reason behind her strained relationship with her mother. At this point I’m wondering if we even need her cheating ex and his clingy girlfriend in the plot, but I’m sure there will be K-drama complications from them in the next few episodes to thwart our leads happy new romance.
  • Premieres/First Impressions: We had a lot of premieres this week, and the only reason I watched all of them regardless of genre is because I had to braid my hair.😅 We’ll see how well I can keep up with all of them in the weeks to come!
    • Vincenzo
      • I’m not sure about his Italian, but Song Joon Ki is doing a good job of playing a bad guy who is not actually a bad guy. I wasn’t expecting so much comedy and the quirky tenants in this Godfather -esque set-up, but I’m pleasantly surprised. I’m looking forward to the inevitable character growth for our main leads as they fight against the evil conglomerate. Lesson learned: Trust No One. Also, invest in some nice silk pajamas.
    • Sisyphus: The Myth
      • As soon as our male lead MacGyver-ed the crashing plane with duct-tape and Park Shin Hye got away from her pursuers by simply climbing on top of a train (and posing? Like guys, look up?)- I knew that this is not meant to be one of those hyper-realistic sci-fi shows. Still, the plot is interesting and it takes the best cliches from the genre (time travel, men with suitcases, murder, oh my!). I’m not a huge Park Shin Hye fan, but it’s nice to see Cho Seung Woo playing a very emotional (and even flirting?!) character after his latest stint as the emotionless prosecutor in Forest Of Secrets.
    • Beyond Evil (aka Monster)
      • Ooh, this is creepy and I like it. I’ve only seen the first episode, but I already love how layered our main characters are and how the town and all of its secrets are like a main character itself. Yeo Jin Goo is amazing as always and Shin Ha Kyun plays charming but subtly unsettling so well- his disturbing smile at the end of episode one reminded me not to watch this before going to bed.

What were your favorite headlines/releases/ dramas this week? Let us know in the comments!

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