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K-News Weekly Headlines: K-Celebrities Aid Gangwon Wildfire, Jung Yong Hwa’s “Melody”, Fan Meetings & More!

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The first week of April ushered in much awaited comebacks and debuts! The past week had been met by exciting releases by various idol groups, sizzling magazine features, and celebrities showing their hearts of gold.

Catch up to Korean entertainment news with ease as we summarize what happened each week. Stay regularly updated with your favorite artists and bias by following this segment closely with us!

This weekly digest will cover K-Pop comebacks, album releases, and Korean drama news, reviews and updates. Relevant news on Korean entertainment such as celebrity buzz, film and box office information, as well as concert tours and fan meetings will also be included.

*Covers Korean entertainment news from March 31 to April 6

Upcoming K-Events

  • KCON Japan 2019

As if adding fuel to the fire, KCON Japan 2019 returned with more confirmed artists joining its scorching hot lineup on April 1! Makuhari Messe will truly bear witness to  remarkable and memorable performances from various talents in the industry.

  • Hyolyn Announces Dates For Her First World Tour

Hyolyn is here to party with her fans all around the world! The soloist recently announced tour legs in Europe and Asia, where she will be performing this May and June.

  • 2019 Lai Kuan Lin Fan Meeting [Good Feeling] Asia Tour

Lai Kuan Lin is heading to Singapore on April 30 to take over the Zepp@Bigbox Arena stage with his playful charms for his first-ever solo fan meeting! As part of his 2019 Lai Kuan Lin Fan Meeting [Good Feeling] Asia Tour, the former Wanna One member will be landing on the sunny island to spread the good vibes.

  • SBS Inkigayo Super Concert

This April, Gwangju World Cup Stadium will be graced by phenomenal artists around South Korea as the SBS Inkigayo Super Concert unveils its full lineup of stellar performers! To celebrate the FINA World Aquatics Championships, SBS is bringing in some of the best and the brightest talents in the industry.

  • Daehyun X Jongup 2019 Fan Meeting in Japan

Daehyun and Jongup of B.A.P will join forces to give their fans in Japan special memories through their joint fan meeting titled Daehyun X Jongup 2019 Fan Meeting this April.

  • Kim Jae Hwan To Hold First Solo Fan Meeting Tour

Swing Entertainment dropped the delightful news of an upcoming solo Asia fan meeting tour for Kim Jae Hwan. The former Wanna One member will be greeting his fans around Asia ahead of his solo artist debut with a tour titled 2019 Kim Jae Hwan Fan Meeting – MIN:D.

K-Concert and fan meeting Recaps

  • K-FIESTA 5: Enchanted Gifts Attendees An Event Full Of Mystical Energy

UP Euyeomuyeo certainly staged an event where every patron left the venue with smiles on their faces as K-FIESTA 5: Enchanted gave an impressive feat of music, dance, and K-Pop culture at the Baker Hall of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños on March 30.

  • Nam Joo Hyuk Successfully Completes Current Fan Meeting Tour

Starting off in Hong Kong, followed by Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, the charming actor has successfully ended his second fan meeting tour in Taipei. At his tour stops, Nam Joo Hyuk genuinely talked about his work, hobbies, family, friends and his future plans.

  • Day6 Successfully Wraps Up DAY6 1ST WORLD TOUR ‘Youth’ With Encore Concerts

South Korean rock band Day6 had officially wrapped up their DAY6 1ST WORLD TOUR ‘Youth’ with two successful encore concerts in Seoul. Over 9,000 fans went to witness the group’s finale concerts held on March 30 and 31 at the SK Handball Arena in Seoul’s Olympic Park.

  • NCT 127 Displays Vibrant Neo-Charm With “NEO CITY – The Origin” In Japan

Titled NCT 127 1st Tour “NEO CITY – The Origin” in Japan, the boys overwhelmed the crowd with their sophisticated music, intense performance, brilliant production, and oozing display of “neo-charm”.

  • Jung Hae In Spends A Meaningful Birthday Fan Meeting With His Fans

On March 30, Jung Hae In hosted his fan meeting, First Love, right before his birthday. His Korean fans were present, as well as his followers from Japan, Taiwan and Vietnam, who all celebrated with him.

  • SEVENTEEN Brings Together 30,000 Fans For “Haru” Japan Tour In Fukuoka

SEVENTEEN kicked off its 2019 Japan Tour “Haru” with much energy and success as 30,000 fans gathered at the Marine Messe Fukuoka on April 2 and 3 to welcome the boys and commemorate the start of their third Japan concert tour. S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino proved their popularity in Japan with sold-out shows in Fukuoka.

  • Chen Opens Up About His Creative Process During Debut Showcase

After the release of his debut album, Chen held a debut showcase where he opened up about the creative process behind his album! Alongside MC and fellow EXO member Xiumin, the singer delved into his creative process behind April, and a Flower at the SMTOWN Coex Artium.

K-Pop News Corner

  • BT21 Universe Takes Adorableness To The Next Level With Teasers

Get ready to know the stories of Koya, RJ, Shooky, Mang, Chimmy, Tata, Cooky, and Van – because BT21 Universe is coming soon! Just like BTS’ expansive Bangtan Universe, this new series will feature the characters that the seven boys designed as a collaboration with LINE FRIENDS.

  • MAMAMOO Bags Seventh Consecutive Win For “gogobebe”

MAMAMOO celebrated their 7th win on SBS’ Inkigayo. The girl group commemorated the achievement with their fans on Twitter and expressed sincere gratitude. The dynamic girl group also continues to rise through the charts and be consistent at the top.

  • EXO’s Chen Soars High On Domestic And International Charts

EXO’s Chen makes a beautiful debut as a solo artist on April 1 with his first mini album April, and a Flower, showcasing his talent as well as his global popularity as it takes the top spots on both domestic and international charts.

  • Lee Byoung Gon Completes The C9BOYZ Lineup

C9 Entertainment announced the final member of its soon-to-debut, tentatively-named group C9BOYZ as Lee Byoung Gon, or BX, on April 3. Taking on the stage name BX, the 180-cm tall rapper will finally make his much-awaited idol debut under the upcoming group by the agency.

  • BTS Breaks Record By Staying In Billboard 200 For More Than Half A Year

BTS smashes another record in Billboard by continuing to make a strong showing on several charts, especially Billboard 200, for more than half a year already! For the past year, the group had been dominating several categories in Billboard and proving themselves unstoppable with a plethora of releases peaking and staying at the number one spot for a long period of time.

  • MAMAMOO To Make Second Appearance On Knowing Bros

Get ready to see MAMAMOO on your screens again, as they are making an appearance on Knowing Bros this April! Wheein, Solar, Hwasa, and Moonbyul are preparing to serve their unique humor and make their fans laugh out loud through this show again.

  • Billboard Music Awards Releases List Of Nominees

This year’s Billboard Music Awards will see EXO, BTS, and GOT7 go head-to-head, along with Ariana Grande and Louis Tomlinson, for the Top Social Artist category. Additionally, it also marked the first BBMAs nominations of EXO and GOT7 who will compete against back-to-back Top Social Artist winner and Top Duo/Group nominee BTS for the award.

  • 1THE9 Gears Up For Debut With Members’ Individual Teasers

1THE9 continues the countdown to its debut with an individual teaser relay of the members which started on March 27 and ended on April 3. The upcoming boy group heightened the anticipation for its debut by introducing its members one-by-one through teaser videos which highlighted the boys’ charms and talents.

  • SM Entertainment Teams Up With Capitol Music To Promote NCT 127

NCT 127 teams up with Capitol Music Group and its independent distribution and label services arm Caroline for a global deal that will promote the boy group’s music content in the global market.

  • Stray Kids Promises Growth After First Music Show Win

Stray Kids secured the first music show win through their latest single “Miroh”, the lead track of their fourth extended play Clé 1: Miroh. In a statement made through their agency JYP Entertainment, the members relayed their gratitude to everyone who supported them and shared their promise to continue working hard.

  • AB6IX Reveals Secretive Final Member To Be Jeon Woong

Brand New Music has revealed the identity of the final, secret member of its up-and-coming boy group AB6IX. The agency finally introduced to the public through a teaser concept photo which featured the group’s mysterious member Jeon Woong.

  • Jang Dong Woo Is The Next Member Of INFINITE To Enter Army

INFINITE’s Jang Dong Woo will enter boot camp on April 15, temporarily suspending his entertainment activities and joining fellow members Kim Sung Gyu and Lee Sung Yeol in the army.

K-Pop Comeback News and Updates

  • LOONA Drops A Surprise Teaser Video

LOONA just released a new video recently. With a hint of “#”, fans wonder what it is about. The keyword “BURN” in the video left fans baffled if this is a new single or album.

  • BTS Releases Teaser Photos For Map of the Soul: Persona

BTS took the internet by storm once more as the group releases their first and second set of concept photos for Map of the Soul: Persona this week. After surprising ARMYs on April Fools’ Day, the boys showed no signs of slowing down as they unveiled more details about their upcoming comeback.

  • Chen Makes Solo Debut With “Beautiful Goodbye”

EXO-Ls, it is #TimeToMeetCHEN as he finally made his long-awaited debut as a solo artist! The singer released his music video for “Beautiful Goodbye” in the early hours of April 1.

  • Super Junior’s Donghae And Eunhyuk Turn Into A Dangerous Duo In Comeback Teasers

True to the schedule, Super Junior – D&E unveiled the first set of concept photos featuring tattooed Donghae and Eunhyuk in black-and-white photographs. Donghae stares with intensity at the camera, while Eunhyuk draws mystery as he covers his face with his hand.

  • Chung Ha Shares Plans For A Summer Comeback

As a huge fan of summer tracks herself, Chung Ha had shared her intentions of making the season brighter again with new music. “I’ve always released new songs in the summer, so I’m also preparing with the goal of releasing a new album this summer already,” she noted.

  • Hwang Min Hyun Signals A Fresh New Start For NU’EST With “Universe”

After unveiling his last teaser, Hwang Min Hyun finally releases his new solo single “Universe” on April 3. The singer serenaded LOVEs with his sweet voice and taking them to an intriguing and enthralling story through its music video.

  • Yoon Ji Sung Announces Plans For A Comeback

After staging a successful debut with his mini-album Aside and its title track “In the Rain” in February, former Wanna One leader Yoon Ji Sung had announced his plans to return with new music and a few fan meetings already.

  • BLACKPINK Heightens Excitement With More “Kill This Love” Teasers

BLACKPINK proved they are all ready for their Kill This Love comeback as they continuously dropped several teasers across their social media accounts. From revealing the captivating individual posters and fierce individual videos; to unveiling the upcoming track list and now an intense music video teaser – the girls are surely hyping up Blinks for their nearing comeback.

  • BVNDIT Releases Tracklist And More Teaser Photos

Up and coming girl group BVNDIT is joining this month’s series of comebacks! After releasing their comeback schedule and their first set of teaser photos, the girls are kicking things into high gear by unveiling a promising track list, a cover photo and additional teaser photos.

  • Bae Jin Young Reveals Announcement Poster For His Single album

Despite containing only the words “coming soon”, “first single album”, and the announcement of its release in April 2019 without a specific date yet, fans are already looking forward to Bae Jin Young’s new music, which will hopefully make his rich, smooth, and sultry vocals shine.

  • ASTRO Lights Up The Universe With Japan Debut Album Venus

The boys of ASTRO brought down not just the stars or the world but the entire universe to their Japanese fans with the release of their local debut album titled Venus on April 3!

  • CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa Drops A Beautiful “Melody”

CNBLUE’s Jung Yong Hwa treated fans with sweet music as he unveiled the third track of his Feel the Five “Y” project titled “Melody” on April 5. “Melody” follows “Letter” and “Brothers”, the first two singles in the CNBLUE leader’s ongoing music project in Japan.

  • Red Velvet Collaborates With Ellie Goulding For A Korean Remix Of “Close To Me”

Red Velvet is not missing out on this month’s series of sizzling releases! Wendy, Seulgi, Yeri, Joy, and Irene have landed themselves a collaboration with Ellie Goulding and Diplo. The quintet was featured in a Korean remix of  “Close to Me”, which included Red Velvet’s vocals in place of Swae Lee’s.

  • 1THE9 Unveils Timetable Of 1st Mini Album XIX

1THE9 will fill the coming days with content as the boy group prepares for its debut with the mini album XIX. The boys, through their social media channels, have released the EP’s promotional timetable which include a jam-packed week ahead till their debut on April 13.

K-Drama News, Recaps, and Reviews

  1. K-Drama Premiere: The Banker,
  2. K-Drama Review: Item, Legal High,
  • jTBC’s Upcoming Political Drama “Aide” Conducts First Table Read

On March 29, jTBC released images from the first table read of its newest drama Aide. Lead stars Lee Jung Jae and Shin Min Ah attended the script-reading session. The event took place on March 26 at the studio’s headquarters in Seoul.

  • Im Si Wan Lands A New Drama And Movie

Fresh from military service, Im Si Wan confirmed to join veteran actors Ha Jung Woo and Bae Sung Woo in his first sports-themed period film, Boston 1947. For his small screen comeback, the actor will be starring in Strangers From Hell, his second webtoon-derived drama after Misaeng.

  • Jung Jae Young, Jung Yu Mi and Oh Man Suk To Reprise Their Roles In Partners For Justice 2

Definitely well-deserving of another season, MBC’s high-rating and stellar crime drama has confirmed that its main leads will return for Partners For Justice 2. Along with the returning main cast, the show runners vow to meet the expectations of its followers.

  • Kim Sun Ho To Lead tvN’s Newest Drama

Kim Sun Ho confirmed that he will play the lead role in the upcoming tvN investigative drama. Kim’s management, Salt Company, recently announced the news of his next drama venture for Catch the Ghost (working title).

  • Kam Woo Sung And Kim Ha Neul Get Ready To Gift Fans With New Melodrama

jTBC’s latest romance drama, The Wind Blows, is on its way as the cast completed its first table read. Even during the first meeting, the actors met with an empathetic synergy as they immediately embodied their characters. Each actor immersed themselves in their roles, causing excitement among the production crew.

  • Netflix Releases Character Posters For Because It’s My First Love

The young cast members are all featured in their own seemingly candid Polaroid shots.The photos capture the light aura of youth as they use what is trendy now, decorating the photos with emojis and squiggles.

  • Kim So Hyun To Star In A KBS Webtoon-Based Drama

Over a year since Radio Romance, Kim So Hyun will return for a new KBS drama which is slated for release in September. It is based on a popular webtoon, 녹두전 – Nok Du Jeon, by Yang Hye Jin, that has been serialized since December 2014.

  • Nam Joo Hyuk Confirmed To Star In Upcoming Korean Adaptation Of Japanese Romantic Film

On April 4, 2019, YG Entertainment confirmed that the actor is set to star in the Korean adaptation of the Japanese movie Josee, The Tiger and The Fish. The Korean version will be entitled Joseph (literal translation).

  • 55th Baeksang Arts Awards Unveils Nominees For Television Drama Category

Candidates vying for honors in television category were officially unveiled on April 4 by the Baeksang Arts Awards secretariat through its official website. Honoring outstanding achievements in South Korean entertainment industry, the esteemed annual award ceremony recognizes accomplishments in film, television and theater works.

  • Gong Yoo, Park Bo Gum & Jo Woo Jin To Begin Filming For New Movie

Seo Bok (working title) is an upcoming movie about a human clone. Gong Yoo (Train to Busan, Goblin) stars as Ki Hun, a former intelligence agent who meets the first ever human clone, Seo Bok, and he is tasked to protect him. Park Bo Gum plays the titular character. Seo Bok and Ki Hun will have to face dangerous opponents as well as forces who want to get their hands on the human clone.

  • Haha To Be A Special MC On A Radio Star Episode

Singer and Running Man member Haha will temporarily serve as a special MC on Radio Star, and joins current hosts Kim Gook Jin, Yoon Jong Shin, and Kim Gura in hosting the program. He will serve as the second special MC following Kim Young Chul who filled in the vacant spot for the April 3 episode – where Park Soo Hong, Son Hun Su, Hong Seok Cheon, and Wax were guests.

  • Her Private Life Unfolds The Intriguing Love Relationships Among Characters

tvN Asia’s latest 24-hour express drama Her Private Life starring Kim Jae Wook and Park Min Young, will premiere on tvN in Asia from 11 April (Every Thursday and Friday) at 21:45 (GMT+8) in Singapore and Malaysia, and at 20:45 (GMT+7) in Indonesia. The production team recently released a relationship map of Her Private Life characters to help viewers get excited.

  • Park Hyung Sik Confirms Application And Plans For Military Enlistment

Park Hyung Sik confirmed on April 6 that he had submitted his application for military police service and plans to enlist within the next few months. The actor and his agency are currently waiting for the application’s results, but added that whether he gets in or not, he will proceed with his enlistment this year nonetheless.

K-Celeb Film/TV News

  • Ok Taecyeon Receives “Model Soldier” Recognition

South Korean actor-singer Ok Taecyeon has been recognized as a “model soldier” for his sincere and inspiring military life. The Military Manpower Administration gives recognition annually to model soldiers who actively cooperate to create a fair military culture.

  • Park Ki Woong Signs With Jellyfish Entertainment

Jellyfish Entertainment announced that the actor signed a contract with them and became a part of their family. The entertainment company announced that they will not spare any kind of support for diverse activities for Park, praising him for his successful transition from dramas to movies.

  • Kang Ki Young Announces Plans To Wed This Spring

On April 5, Kang’s management, Yubon Company, announced the happy news. In a press release, it informed the public that the actor’s wedding will be on May 25. After revealing that he was in a relationship, the couple decided to get married after three years.

  • Korean Celebrities And Fans Donate To Help People Affected By Massive Wildfire In Gangwon Province

South Korean stars came together to help people affected by the massive wildfire — declared as a state of emergency — that blazed through the forests and cities along the eastern coast in Gangwon Province on night of April 4 until April 5 which killed one, injured 35 others, and led to the evacuation of thousands of citizens.

  • BTS’ Jimin Makes Generous Donation To Busan Metropolitan City Office Of Education

BTS’ Jimin may be small, but he has a big heart. Recently, it has been revealed that the dancer made a donation of 100 million Won to the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education.

K-Magazine/Interviews

  • Lee Daehwi For Dazed Magazine

During the accompanying interview for his recent pictorial with Dazed Magazine, Lee Daehwi talked about his thoughts on re-debuting in a new group following the success of Wanna One. “Because I got a lot of love in Wanna One, I thought it’s a pity that I needed to leave it. So, I want to work harder to experience that same amount of love again,” he confessed.

  • Kim Young Kwang For Men’s Folio

The handsome actor recently graced an overseas magazine, Singapore’s Men Folio. Proving the appeal of Korean Hallyu stars, Kim showcases his splendid physique in a relaxed photo shoot.

  • Park Seo Joon For Vogue Korea

In the photos released on April 1st, the magazine captured Park Seo Joon’s unique charm and sense of style. The actor’s intense gaze goes well with the cool and chic photo shoot concept. During the pictorial, Park Seo Joon came in with overflowing charm and went about the shoot full of bright energy.

  • Lee Sung Kyung For High Cut Magazine

Barely showing hints of make-up on her face, Lee Sung Kyung mesmerizes with her brightly lit face as she covers the April issue of High Cut magazine. Revealing a variety of her charms, the actress-model donned an array of looks that prove why she is a certified girl crush.

  • Park Min Young For 1st Look Magazine

In the pictures, Park’s look and expression capture and convey the feel of the season. She captivates with her gaze full of warmth and delight. There are excitement, happiness and elegance emanating from her smiles and hand gestures.

K-Features

They might act all professional on stage, but a lot of your favorite K-Pop male idols are actually very mischievous! As a celebration of April Fools’ Day, we have collated eight hilariously iconic pranks male K-Pop idols have gone through.

In the last decade, South Korean star Lee Kwang Soo has been actively melting hearts of fans around the world. From his fun and unlucky character in Running Man, to portraying challenging roles in dramas and movies — he is definitely one of the most sought-after celebrities not just in South Korea, but perhaps in Asia.

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