K-News Weekly Headlines: “Touch Your Heart” Finale, MONSTA X “Play It Cool” + BTS & BLACKPINK Comeback & More!

By Angela Patricia Suacillo | April 1, 2019

Streaking with promising debuts, stellar comebacks, and breathtaking magazine photo shoots, check out last week’s hottest Korean entertainment news!

Catch up on the latest 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. Together with magazine interviews, concert tours and fan meetings will also be included.

*Covers Korean entertainment news from March 24 to 30

Upcoming K-Events

• KCON Japan 2019

After announcing its already-splendid lineup on March 18, KCON Japan 2019 had returned with a confirmation of its second set of headliners on March 25! This three-day K-Pop celebration will continue to live up to its promise of bringing remarkable and memorable performances from various artists who have been making the industry brighter with their talented presences.

• 2019 One K Concert

Known as the leading youth media brand inspired by music, MTV is helping to connect millions of fans across social media platforms by partnering with Twitter to help fans stream the 2019 One K Concert on March 26!

• The Fact Music Awards

The Fact Music Awards will see more top male idol groups in attendance for its first awarding ceremony in Incheon! After BTS confirmed their attendance to the awards show on March 21, top male idol groups iKON , MONSTA X, Stray Kids, and The Boyz will also grace the ceremony with their dashing presences.

• MAMAMOO Prepares Sizzling Stages For MAMAMOO CONCERT 4 Season F/W

The 2019 MAMAMOO CONCERT 4 Season F/W will showcase the energy of alluring autumn and white winter with deep emotions, a feat trademarked by the girl group. It will also serve as the finale of their project, featuring special stages from each member.

• Bae Jin Young Brings Solo Fan Meeting To Manila

Marking the first overseas stop of his Bae Jin Young 1st Asia Fan Meeting Tour <I’M YOUNG>, the one-night show will bring over the youthful charms of the former Wanna One and upcoming C9BOYZ member to the New Frontier Theatre in May.

• BTS Announces Fifth Muster Fan Meeting: Magic Shop

BTS made a formal announcement on March 29 regarding the details for their upcoming Fifth Muster [MAGIC SHOP] fan meeting. The worldwide idols will be bringing over the “magic shop” to their fans in Seoul and Busan with back-to-back domestic shows this coming June.

K-Concert & K-Fanmeeting Recaps

• Dreamcatcher Lulls Their Singapore InSomnias With A Blazing Dreamy Spell

It was an electrifying night for Singaporean InSomnias at the Gateway Theatre as K-pop metal girl group Dreamcatcher powered their first ever solo concert in Singapore.

• Dreamcatcher Delivers Sweet And Passionate Tunes To Manila

Philippine InSomnias’ dreams finally came true when Dreamcatcher brought its Invitation to Nightmare City to Manila on March 24 at SM North EDSA Sky Dome, staging electrifying performances and gifting fans with heartwarming moments.

• Taeyeon Wraps Up Solo Concert Tour In Seoul

Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon has officially wrapped up her solo concert tour with ‘s… ONE TAEYEON Concert! The soloist serenaded the Seoul Jamsil Indoor Arena one last time through her encore show over the weekend.

• 2PM’s Junho Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Solo Concert

Titled Junho: The Best in Seoul,  Junho met with his fans at the Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul.  The concert had a very bright and colorful  atmosphere with its stage set-ups, three-dimensional stage images, and effects.

K-Pop News Corner

• Produce X 101 Introduces Trainees

This week, the debut survival show has been busy giving the national producers and their audience the lowdown on the second, third, fourth, and fifth set of trainees they could pick from to support once the show gets going.

• 6 Things To Get Excited About The Return Of Block B’s P.O, U-Kwon, And B-Bomb As BASTARZ

Block B’s BASTARZ is set to make its much-anticipated return with a new extended play I’m A Mess on March 28, ending the waiting game of its fans and promising to showcase new sides of themselves.

• 10 Things We Have Learned About Xiumin In First Episode Of “Heart4U”

The first episode of EXO’s new reality show Heart4U premiered on March 25 via V Live. Eldest member Xiumin kicked off the series, bringing viewers along as he prepares to move out of EXO’s dorm and into his own house.

• SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan & Mingyu And EXID’s Hani & Solji To Guest In Running Man

Expectations for a variety show success are up for SEVENTEEN’s Seungkwan and Mingyu and EXID’s Hani and Solji as SBS confirms their upcoming appearance on Running Man.

• C9 Entertainment Unveils C9BOYZ Members, Kim Yong Hee

Yong Hee is noted to be an all-around talent, who excels not just in music, but also in acting and sports. He has also drawn attention with his refreshing charm and visuals, especially his sleek jawline and big eyes.

• Lay Zhang Joins The Mission To Cure HIV/AIDS Through amfAR Gala

EXO’s Lay Zhang showed his support to the pursuit of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, to find and develop a scientific basis for a cure for HIV/AIDS and accelerate the pace of the research by gracing the amfAR Gala Hong Kong 2019 on March 25 at the Rosewood Hong Kong.

• Happy Face Entertainment’s New Boy Group Reveals Official Team Name

Woo Jin Young, Kim Hyun Soo, Park Woo Dam, Jung Yoo Joon, and Jo Yong Geun finally confirmed their official group name on March 27 through a V Live broadcast. After tallying a total of 10,805 votes of fans from 108 countries, the new boy group will now officially promote as D1CE, pronounced as “The Once”.

• Girls Generation Taeyeon Reigns The Music Charts With “Four Seasons”

Four days after its release, “Four Seasons”, the newest single of Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, continues to dominate music charts, keeping its top position in the daily and real-time charts of major music sites.

K-Pop Comeback News & Updates

• Park Ji Hoon Unveils More Swoon-Worthy Teaser Photos

It is almost time for the upcoming debut of Park Ji Hoon as a solo artist! Showing that he knows exactly how to make his fans swoon, the former Wanna One member had counted down to his special day by dropping several lovely teasers to make them anticipate even more.

• Stray Kids Allures With Music Video For MIROH

Stray Kids is celebrating the first anniversary of their debut with a bang as they schedule their first comeback for 2019 on the same day. Titled Cle 1: MIROH, the group’s newest mini-album has been drawing fans in through its many tantalizing teasers as its release date of March 25 gets closer.

• BLACKPINK Reveals First Set of Teasers For Kill This Love

BLACKPINK is starting to make Blinks more excited and curious for their upcoming comeback by unveiling Lisa, Jennie, Jisoo and Rosé‘s Kill This Love teasers this week. Kill This Love is their newest project since the release of Square Up album in June 2018.

• EXO Chen Unveils Teasers And More Details About Upcoming Solo Debut

Chen continues to display his charm and versatility through teasers for April, and a flower. After unveiling a tracklist, Chen rolled out a series of teasers and highlight medleys for his EXO-Ls. An hour after releasing his much-awaited mini album, the singer will also be serenading the world by performing his solo songs live.

• BTS’ RM And HONNE Announce Second Collaboration

BTS’ RM and HONNE had confirmed that they will be releasing another collaboration track on March 27! The soon-to-be-released song is a new version of HONNE’s track “Crying Over You” from 2018.

• Park Ji Hoon Makes Successful Debut With “L.O.V.E.” Music Video

Park Ji Hoon has successfully made everyone fall in love with the release of his solo debut music video for “L.O.V.E”! The former Wanna One member made his booming arrival to the music industry as a solo artist on March 26 with his first mini-album O’ CLOCK and the music video for its title track “L.O.V.E”.

• Apink Celebrates Eight Years In The Industry With A New Song

In celebration of its eighth anniversary next month, Apink will unveil a new single that will showcase the girl group’s bright and upbeat musicality and energy. The digital single will come out on April 19 — the same day as their eighth debut anniversary.

• 1TEAM Makes Their Debut With “Hello!”

March 27 will remain a good memory for Rubin, BC, Jin Woo, Je Hyun, and Jung Hoon as the date marks the official start of their journey together as 1TEAM! The group officially unveiled its debut mini album Hello! with “Vibe” as the lead single.

• BVNDIT Reveals Details On Debut Single

Upcoming girl group BVNDIT is raring to make their debut! In line with this, the girls have unveiled a comeback schedule and a variety of teasers for their debut single, “BVNDIT, BE AMBITIOUS”!

• Park Woo Jin To Collaborate With American Rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie

Park Woo Jin is set to collaborate with American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie for a special track. On March 27, the American rapper announced on social media that he will be re-releasing his song “Look Back At It” on March 29.

• BTS Drops “Map Of The Soul: Persona” Comeback Trailer Featuring RM

The group made 12am KST eventful yet again as they finally drop the first teaser for their upcoming April 12 comeback. Featuring leader RM, the comeback trailer putting the conclusion to the Love Yourself series was released on March 28 midnight.

• Hwang Min Hyun Releases Solo Single Prior To NU’EST’s Group Comeback

Hwang Min Hyun kicks off the countdown to the first full group comeback of NU’EST in three years through the release of his solo single next month. Titled “Universe”, the single will serve as a pre-release track to the upcoming comeback album of NU’EST.

• MONSTA X Plays It Cool With Steve Aoki

MONSTA X teamed up with Steve Aoki to give its avid listeners the English version of “Play It Cool” whose Korean version was included in the boy group’s latest album Take.2: We Are Here.

• KARD Makes An Explosive Comeback With “Bomb Bomb”

KARD finally made their much-anticipated comeback as the group released their latest digital single, “Bomb Bomb”, on March 27 at 5pm KST. The music video is a spectacle for the eyes as each member heats up the screen with their burning gazes.

• BTOB’s Eun Kwang, Min Hyuk, And Chang Sub Say “I’m Sorry” In New Digital Single

Cube Entertainment confirmed that Seo Eun Kwang, Lee Min Hyuk, and Lee Chang Sub, who are currently doing their mandatory military service, will unveil a special single titled “I’m Sorry” on April 5.

K-Drama News, Recaps, And Reviews

1. Touch Your Heart recaps: Ep 11 and 12, Ep 13 and 14
2. K-Drama Premiere: Kill It, Welcome to Waikiki 2
3. K-Drama Review: Touch Your Heart

• Jus2 Lends Voices To He Is Psychometric Soundtrack

GOT7’s sub-unit group, Jus2 will lend their voices to He Is Psychometric as they sing “TAKE”, Part 1 of the drama’s official soundtrack. It will be released on Tuesday, March 26 via digital music sites.

• Kim Young Kwang And Jin Ki Joo Decorates Spring With Romance In SBS’ Newest Drama

Taking the boss-secretary love story premise, Kim Young Kwang and Jin Ki Joo will be joined by Kim Jae Kyung and Gu Ja Sung as the main cast of Love At First Sight (working title).

• Park Ji Hoon To Make Hearts Stop In jTBC’s Historical Drama

Park Ji Hoon will soon be making fans’ hearts beat fast as one of the characters in a new historical drama from jTBC! Maroo Entertainment announced the delightful news about the idol’s acceptance of the role on March 26 for the series with the current working title of Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency.

• Jurors Starring Park Hyung Sik Releases Movie Poster

The movie poster shows the different personalities of the jury members particularly a bright-eyed and enthusiastic Park Hyung Sik who is raising his hand. Jurors is Park Hyung Sik’s first feature film and it is directed by Hong Seung Wan. The movie will soon open in local theaters this May.

• Choi Jin Hyuk And Son Hyun Joo To Star In KBS2’s Upcoming Drama

Choi Jin Hyuk (The Last Empress) and Son Hyun Joo (Criminal Minds) confirmed their appearance to Justice (working title), which is slated for July broadcast via KBS2. Based on a webtoon, Justice takes the thrilling story of a lawyer and a construction company CEO, who join forces to lay the ground for their ulterior motives.

• Kang Ji Hwan And Kyung Soo Jin Team Up In TV Chosun’s Newest Historical Drama

TV Chosun announced the broadcast confirmation of its newest sageuk fantasy drama Joseon Survival. Kang Ji Hwan and Kyung Soo Jin’s participation is also affirmed, and their characters will fight for survival and risk their lives for the people they love.

• Lee Elijah And Kim Dong Joon To Star In jTBC’s New Political Drama

K-Celeb Film/TV News

• Kang Ha Neul And INFINITE’s Sung Gyu Involved In Car Accident

The cast of Shinheung Military Academy, including actor Kang Ha Neul and INFINITE’s Sung Gyu, had been in a car accident on March 26. Due to the number of staff members and actors who were involved in the accident, the production company has arrived at the decision to cancel its March 26 show.

• Suzy To Bid Farewell To JYP Entertainment

Suzy will not renew her contract with JYP Entertainment following the end of her contract. The entertainment company announced that the singer-actress’ contract will expire on March 31 and both parties have reached a mutual agreement regarding not pushing through with contract renewal.

• Im Si Wan Officially Discharged From Military

ZE:A member and actor Im Si Wan has been officially discharged from his active military service on March 27, 2019. The actor was ecstatic as he was greeted by fans and reporters upon his exit.

• iKON To Become “Dream Stars” In JTBC’s “Stage K”

iKON will continue to showcase its global popularity with its appearance on JTBC’s K-Pop challenge program Stage K where B.I, Jinhwan, Yunhyeong, Bobby, Donghyuk, June, and Chanwoo take on the role of “Dream Stars”.

• Hwasa Becomes The Golden Muse For Gold Peak Tea

MAMAMOO’s Hwasa is confirmed as the new face of Gold Peak Tea, by the Coca-Cola company. The artist promises to deliver the bright and luxurious appeal of the tea brand. She also recommends it, praising its flavor and intense charm that is unique to the specific beverage.

K-Magazine/Interviews

• Cha Eun Woo For W Korea

Sporting a charming and manly gaze, ASTRO’s Cha Eun Woo talks about his rise to popularity and expressed his determination to win the people with his dedicated intention to improve himself as an actor and a performer.

• iKON Talks About Future Plans And Partnerships

Despite their busy schedules, iKON got to sit down with Billboard for an interview – where they talked not just about their partnerships, but also their first performances in the U.S., next plans for their career, and more.

• Jung Il Woo Launches KRIBBIT

Juggling with currently airing historical series Haechi, actor Jung Il Woo seems more fueled as reflected in photos of him released for KRIBBIT’s debut. Donning pink suits and knitwear in soft colors, he envisions the man perfect to have a date with in this spring.

• Kim Young Kwang For Elle Korea

Kim Young Kwang can wear a sack or use the most trivial things on a photo shoot and he will still look good in it. The actor, who confirmed his small screen comeback with Love at First Sight, displayed remarkable photos for his fans to swoon on in his latest photo shoot for Elle Korea.

• Kim Nam Gil Strikes Witty Poses In Pictorial

On March 26, CJS Entertainment released Kim’s photos on its SNS channels. In the photos from the pictorial, Kim sported casual men’s clothing, wearing a comfortable off white jacket and off white pants. He stood straight and looked slightly off-camera with a serious look on his face.

• Lee Sun Gyun For Marie Claire

The My Mister actor recently posed for a photo shoot with Marie Claire. Contrary to the characters that he had portrayed before, Lee exhibited a relaxed and carefree attitude as he frolicked around Vietnam.

• Lee Jun Ki Poses For Breathtaking Photoshoot In Thailand

Complementing Bangkok and Chiang Mai’s tropical weather, Lee Jun Ki is the picture of a beautiful summer. Sporting some swag outfits and gazes, the actor surely delighted his adoring fans in his special feature on the magazine.

• GOT7’s Mark For Big Issue

GOT7’s Mark professed his love for his group as he sat down for an interview following his photo shoot with the magazine The Big Issue. The singer also reflected on his career as a K-Pop artist, belonging in perhaps one of the groups with the best chemistry.

• SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu For L’Officiel Hommes YK Edition

The rapper will take over the fashion magazine, which comes out twice a year and published in 12 countries, as the cover for the issue’s two versions. In the photos unveiled to the public, he effortlessly channeled suits and casual attires and offered different sides of himself through various styles.

• Yeo Jin Goo Opens Up About Lessons Learned And Future Projects

Following the conclusion of The Crowned Clown, Yeo Jin Goo participated in an interview. He revealed that playing dual roles in the drama has significantly contributed to his growth as an actor.

• Kim Jae Hwan For The Star Magazine

Former Wanna One member Kim Jae Hwan showed off his natural charms during the pictorial where he gamely did various poses in several spring outfits. He appeared shy when the staff praised him, but his demeanor changed to full confidence the moment the camera started shooting.

K-Features

• April 2019 Korean Drama Releases: “Her Private Life”, “Mung Bean Flower”, “Beautiful World” & More
• Quick Reviews: Suran’s “Jumpin’”, Stella Jang’s “Hazardous Materials” & Stray Kids’ “Clé 1: Miroh”
• K-Pop Debut Look Back: KARA Rises To The Top With A “Revolution”
• #FairyXiuminDay: 30 Reasons Why EXO’s Xiumin Is The Fairest Of Them All According To Fans

As Xiumin turns 30 years old in Korean age today, March 26, we celebrate him as EXO’s humble and caring eldest hyung, as a multi-talented artist who worked hard for his dreams, and as a sunshine and angel who generously showered us with his smiles.