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JANUARY 1 - JANUARY 7
Hello, Hallyuplussers and welcome back to our first regular In Case You Missed It for 2024 following our yearly wrap-up last week! We hope you enjoyed your holidays and are as ready to get stuck into this week's news as we are! As we begin a new year, we saw numerous comeback announcements, as well as a few new contract agreements. As for our major music releases this week, we saw pre-releases from both ITZY & TWS — Pledis' new boy group — and new solo releases from both SHINee's Minho & Nu'est's Kim Jeonghyeon. All this and so much more in this week's In Case You Missed It!
BY POLARIS_TAE
MONDAY:
#1- To start the week, we had a few upcoming and debut & comeback announcements. Brave Entertainment is planning to debut a new 4-member girl group during the first half of the year. This will be the label's first girl group in over 10 years following the debut of Brave Girls in 2011. Now let's move on to comebacks! Convicted criminal and former YG Entertainment CEO, Yang Hyun-suk took to YouTube earlier this week to announce that the company's rookie girl group, BABYMONSTER would be making their return in February. The group will be releasing their new single, 'Stuck in the Middle' on the 1st of February. The former CEO also shared that the group was in the planning stages of a mini-album release tentatively set for the 1st of April. It's also been revealed that Ahyeon will not be re-joining the group for this comeback, but if anything changes regarding her status with the group, then there will be an official announcement. Another group will be celebrating a 10-year milestone in 2024, and this time it'll be Red Velvet! Three of the group members — Wendy, Irene & Seulgi — shared via a press conference in the Philippines that the group would be returning with a new album in August to commemorate the impressive milestone.
#2- We've started to receive more information related to the contestants that will be appearing in season 5 of Produce Camp — Chuang: Asia — later this year. It's been discovered that four CSR members — Duna, Geumhee, Seoyeon & Yeham — will be participating in the idol audition program alongside other notable trainees including FAKY's Akina, former-Produce Camp 2020 & Chinese soloist Zeng Xueyao & former JKT48 member Devi. Are you looking forward to the upcoming Chuang series?
#3- Cherry Bullet's Jiwon revealed a new social media account this week when she opened a personal YouTube account. Through this channel, the idol will be sharing various videos including personal vlogs. Make sure to subscribe to her channel if any of this interests you.
TUESDAY:
#1- It was reported by The Fact News that former APRIL member, Lee Naeun was in a relationship with the Korean-born Paris Saint-Germain football (soccer) player Lee Kangin. Then later in the week, another former APRIL member — Yang Yena — was caught up in relationship rumours. The former APRIL member had been rumoured to be dating Ulsan HD football (soccer) player Seol Youngwoo. In response to these initial reports, the former idol's agency, Starbase Entertainment shared that they were looking into whether these dating rumours held any weight to them. The company later shared an update, stating that they were unable to comment on their artist's private life. While still on the topic of relationship updates, the South-Korean-based Japanese soloist YUKIKA shared a marriage update this week. The soloist, who married former MAP6 member Kim Min-hyuk last year, revealed that she is currently pregnant with her first child. The new addition is expected to arrive around Springtime. We congratulate the expectant family! Were you surprised by any of these recent relationship revelations?
#2- Now moving on, we had several new updates related to contract agreements and the establishment of new companies. It was shared via TenAsia that Exo's Baekhyun has established his own agency, I&B100 where he will act as CEO. The company was officially established in June 2023, directly after his contract dispute with SM Entertainment. This may have been one of the stipulations that was requested by the Exo member in order to drop the suit that he — along with two other Exo members — levelled against SM Entertainment in early June. In addition to creating the label, it's been shared that the idol has brought two of his fellow Exo members, Chen & Xiumin, over to the label for the management of their solo careers. Another idol who has left their longtime agency for the management of their solo career is BLACKPINK's Jisoo. On Tuesday, it was shared that the idol had reportedly joined her brothers' company, Biomom — under its new subsidiary, Blissoo — for the management of her solo activities; while Wonder Girls' youngest, Hyelim signed a contract with Wave Entertainment, a company established by Immortal Summit alumini, Tyle Rasch & Julian Quintart. Then on Thursday, it was shared by OSEN that SNSD's Yoona had renewed her contract with SM Entertainment. We look forward to each of their future solo endeavours!
#3- BLACKPINK's Jennie had some exciting news this week! It's been shared that the idol will be guesting on Lee Hyori's latest variety, 'Lee Hyori's Red Carpet'. The episode featuring Jennie officially premiered on Friday. Did you take the time to watch the show this week?
WEDNESDAY:
#1- We had even more updates related to music releases on Wednesday! Former LOONA member Chuu shared her rendition of Lee Sunhee's '여우비' for the soundtrack of the TOON STUDIO webtoon, 'The Moon That Rises in One Day'. Later that same day, rookie boygroup, POW shared that they would be returning with a new release by the end of January. Moving onto February comebacks and we have two artists set to make their official solo debuts next month, WayV's Ten & iKON's DK! It's been shared that Ten will be releasing his debut solo album next month. The idol has sporadic digital single releases during his time as an idol, but this will be the idol's first official solo album. No official date has been shared, but the idol is reportedly in the final stages of his album preparations. In addition to Ten, iKON member DK will be making his solo debut next month with '낙서'. Then in May, EXO's D.O will be returning with new solo music. It's been shared that the idol is currently collecting songs and is said to be in the early stages of production. Now as we move onto the Japanese music industry it has been shared that Saba Sister will be making their major label debut under Pony Canyon this year, while SILENT SIREN will be officially resuming activities this month. It's been shared that the group will be dropping their first single since the announcement of their return on the 31st of January, with an EP scheduled for release in March. We can't wait! Which release are you looking forward to?
#2- aespa's Karina had some exciting news to share on Wednesday! It's been announced that the idol has been selected as Converse's newest ambassador. Congrats!
#3- AKB48 had a shake-up this week after it was shared that Mion Mukaichi would be stepping down from her position as Theatre Manager following the graduation of Kashiwagi Yuki on the 16th of March. Replacing her in the role of general manager will be will be UNLAME & fellow AKB48 member, Kuranō Narumi. We're looking forward to seeing what kind of leadership skills the idol brings to her new position!
THURSDAY:
#1- STRAY KIDS Felix has achieved a generous milestone this week! It's been shared that the idol has become the youngest member to officially join UNICEF's Honors Club, which is a congratulatory position given to a select group of donors who have contributed at least 100 million won (around 88K USD) to the organization’s cause. We congratulate the idol on the achievement and thank him for his overwhelming generosity.
#2- M-Countdown has stepped out this week to announce which idols would be joining the music program as the show's newest hosts. For this round, ZEROBASEONE's Sung Hanbin will be joined by BOYNEXTDOOR's Myung Jaehyun & RIIZE's Sohee in the official MC positions. Are you looking to seeing the new host interactions, or are you disappointed in the lack of gender variety this time around?
FRIDAY:
#1- HYBE has shared some disappointing news this week. It's been announced via BELIFT LAB that their upcoming girl group, I'LL-IT will be debuting as a 5-member group following the withdrawal of pre-debut member YOUNGSEO. Are you disappointed in this development, and what are your thoughts on agencies failing to keep their trainees, especially those that are formed through audition shows like this group or BABYMONSTER?
SATURDAY:
#1- On Saturday we learned that former BiSH member, Cent Chihiro Chittiii had officially left WACK after it was shared that the idol had signed with Stardust Promotions, home to Momoiro Clover Z & Shiritsu Ebisu Chuugaku. Cent is the 4th former BiSH member to depart from the label following the group's disbandment in 2023.
SUNDAY:
#1- It has been shared that two WACK groups, MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN & TONAi BOUSHO, will be officially merging into one group later this year. The group will officially go by the name MONSTER IDOL, a reference to the TBS audition program that the two idol groups were launched from — also called MONSTER IDOL — in 2019 & 2022 respectively. Understandably, their company has allowed the two groups to merge; as both MAMESHiBA NO TAiGUN & TONAi BOUSHO have lost several of their group members in the past year. Are you looking forward to seeing the members regroup into MONSTER IDOL?
BY DRAGON OF THE WEST & POLARIS_TAE
#1.TWS - OH MYMY: 7S
The debut of Pledis' new boy group has been long awaited by many K-pop fans, and there are already many eyes on them given how their direct seniors are none other than Seventeen, one of the most successful K-pop boy groups of all time. Leading up to their official debut later this month, the 6-member group have put out a pre-release single 'Oh Mymy: 7s' to showcase their talents. The song itself is reminiscent of some of Seventeen's earlier work, with bright energy and a funky sound coming together as the members show off their undeniable talents. The chanty chorus does take away a few points from the song, at least in my opinion, but it's not jarring enough to stop me from enjoying the song as a whole. It will certainly be interesting to see what sort of direction they go in with their debut title track, but one thing that's certain is that they're going to be one of the rookie groups to keep a close eye on in 2024.
#2.MINHO - STAY FOR A NIGHT
Despite being the SHINee member with the least amount of solo music to his name, Minho continues to bless his fans with the occasional release every now and then. This time, he is back with a new digital single titled 'Stay for a night', a laid-back R&B track that is carried by his warm and soothing vocals. The acoustic guitar strums paired with a chill beat make for a lovely melody that would suit cafe vibes to an absolute tee, but also means that it isn't a track that would work as anything more than background music. The music video also feels quite laidback, with Minho showing off his acting skills in this melancholic and indie cinematic experience. Here's to hoping he releases a new album sometime in 2024 and is able to showcase different sides of himself.
#3.JONGHYEON - MOTTO
Kim Jonghyeon, formerly the leader of NU'EST, continues to do a remarkable job of balancing between his acting gigs and his music career and has recently made his comeback releasing his 2nd mini album titled "Brilliant Seasons" with the title track 'Motto'. The peppy tempo seems to take inspiration from a sound that has grown in popularity over the last 18 or so months in K-pop thanks to the immense popularity of groups such as New Jeans, and it ensures that the song never feels boring but rather the intensity offers a momentum that keeps the listener engaged throughout. As a seasoned performer in the industry, Jonghyeon manages to add heaps of personality to the performance of "Motto" which would otherwise wear thin if it was done by a less experienced artist. Recommended b-side: Don't Worry.
#4.ITZY - MR VAMPIRE
As we await the curtain close of probably the most insistent comeback build-up for ITZY with their new album set to be released soon, we are treated with the last pre-release single in the form of 'Mr. Vampire'. The song's verses follow along on a R&B beat before delving into a percussive breakdown as we reach the chorus, which in itself seems to be quite divisive due to the sound effects that are added in and seem to be out of place. The high-pitched sample that stands out prominently in 'Mr. Vampire' is quite displeasing, offsetting the pleasant piano accent that signifies the return to the standout verses. While this pre-release track does little to leave a lasting impact, early indications appear to indicate promising signs for the group's title track, 'Untouchable', that's set to be released on the 8th of January.
#5.SEWOON - QUIZ
More than 18 months since his last release, Jeong Sewoon of Starship Entertainment has finally made his long-awaited comeback with his sixth mini-album Quiz and the title track of the same name. Sewoon's vocals continue to be his biggest asset, as they gracefully give any music he releases a ton of warmth and personality. The jazzy instrumental of "Quiz" tied in with the quick-paced melody means that there's quite a lot going on with the song, and this provides a fun vibe that blends in with most of his discography. Slightly more engaging verses would have benefitted the song greatly. Recommended b-sides: 'Always', '17', 'Singer-songwridol'.
#7. GIGA WITH HATSUNE MIKU, KAGEMINE RIN & KAGEMINE LEN - BEYOND THE WAY
Following last year's feature of DECO*27 & Hatsune Miku's Project Voltage 'Volt Tackle' collaboration, we're back with another Vocaloid write-up! This time the music producer Giga-P has shared his latest release 'Beyond the Way' with three Vocaloid idols, his Vocaloid favourites, Kagemine Rin & Kagemine Len, alongside the ever-popular Vocaloid personality, Hatsune Miku! This release, unlike our previously covered VOCALOID track, does not establish itself as a collaboration — either between artists or various brands — but instead is a single that utilises the three Vocaloid artists as the programs they were made to be. With this release, the three virtual idols have — through the mind of producer Giga-P — worked to channel their inner cyberpunk attitude for 'Beyond the Way'. Compared to our past Vocaloid feature, which was a catchy and energetic Pokemon-influenced single, 'Beyond the Way' is a dark and edgy hip-hop-inspired release written by long-time Giga-P collaborator q*Left for the Japanese rhythm game, Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE. Overall, it's a solid release that goes to show just how diverse the Vocaloid genre can be at its core.
#8. ICHILLIN’ – BITE ME
ICHILLIN' are gearing up to release their third mini-album sometime soon and have decided to lead up to continue with their usual promotional tactic by putting out a pre-release single. 'Bite Me', a house-inspired track with a dynamic instrumental centered around an electro beat. The song provides a somewhat tense vibe which works well to make things exciting, and the beat drop leading into the chorus is fun and helps them to stand out which many would know, is not easy for a relatively unknown girl group. It will certainly be interesting to see if they continue in this direction, and my only hope would be for their songs to have more powerful melodies to elevate their sound and garner them more attention.
#9. GEENIUS - VOYAGE
New five-member girl group Geenius recently made their official debut with the digital single 'Voyage', and for those who are not aware, they were previously known as BEBEZ and were under Blockberry Creative until their trainee contracts expired. Drawing similarities to some songs released by WJSN, 'Voyage' showcases a spacey, synth-dripped approach over thumping dance beats. The chorus is a burst of energy which funnily itself, sets itself in a niche under current K-pop standards, and several elements of the song show a lot of promise for the group's future sound with some polishing that will take it to a higher level.
BY DRAGON OF THE WEST
#1- NCT 127's special single album Be There For Me managed to sell 804,650 copies on Hanteo in its first week, with the group continuing to show impressive selling power even with a release that got very limited promotional material. Congratulations to the group and their fans.
#2- BTS' Jungkook continues to make immense strides with his solo career, and it has now been revealed that the well-known 'Golden Maknae' earned the biggest streaming year for any K-pop soloist in Spotify history, amassing a whopping 3.47 billion streams in 2023. Congratulations to Jungkook on this incredible achievement.
#3- Nam Woohyun's 1st album, WHITREE has surpassed 50,000 copies sold on Circle Chart. Congratulations to Woohyun and his fans!
#4- The 38th edition of the Golden Disk Awards were held at the Jakarta International Stadium in Indonesia on the 6th of January. NewJeans won the Digital Daesang for their smash hit 'Ditto' while Seventeen took home the Album Daesang for the highest selling Korean album ever, FML. IVE, Jungkook, Le Sserafim and Seventeen were the only artists to win both a Digital and an Album Bonsang. The Rookie Artists of the Year were Fifty Fifty and Zerobaseone. Min Hee-jin won Best Producer for her work with NewJeans, and Stray Kids were awarded with the Global K-pop Artist award. Congratulations to all the winners!
BY POLARIS_TAE
Our Admin, Ackerman shared their thoughts on 2023 — both in terms of Kpop as well as about the development of our forum — in a special dedicated post. Make sure to check it out and let us know what you thought of the year that was 2023!
Our Events Team shared a series of updates both for our regularly scheduled events, as well as for our ongoing flagship event, 'The Winter Adventure 2023'.
Our Hallyu+ Events Team returned this week with another new update to our weekly H+ Station Chart. This week, Red Velvet took the #1 position with their single 'Chill Kill' for the 3rd week in a row. Be sure to check out our chart to see where all of your favourite songs ranked!
sm maid is hosting our January Giveaway. Users can enter a draw to go in the running to win either Orbs or +Cards. The winners will be drawn following the closure of the event on the 31st of January, so make sure to enter before then if you want to get your hands on any of these fantastic prizes!
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Now moving on to our 'Winter Adventure 2023' flagship event. The team had three updates to share with the forum this week!
Soozie shared our event schedule was shared on Friday. Breaking down all of the upcoming winter events, games and forum events that our users can participate in for this major event!
On Friday, Soozie held 'The Card Pot'. Where users were required to submit their unwanted +Cards to gain access to an amazing pool of prizes. Submissions closed on the 7th of January (5 PM EST) and the results have not been announced. Did you submit any of your +Cards for this event?
Bchip is taking sign-ups for their upcoming game, 'The Winter Museum'. An AI game of Pictionary where users can place a bid on each other's masterpieces. The game will begin on the 8th of January (6 AM KST) so make sure to sign up while you still have the chance!
The Moderator Team had two updates for us this week!
User of the Month was officially announced for January (2024). This time Ronnie Mars, who has been an active and engaging user following their return to the forum, took the title. congrats!
The Top Posters of the Month were announced for October, November & December respectively. Despite expecting to see the usual suspect at #1 for all three months, we actually saw a varied result this time! kimsguardian, ScarletRose & UMJI MOODS took the #1 slot in October, November and December respectively. Were you surprised to see these results? Our top posters are awarded various prizes from +Cards to orbs, so if you're on the hunt for that one missing +Card from your collection, then aiming for a spot within the top 5 posters of the month might be something to look out for!
The Social Media Team shared a special article this week! The 2023 Yearly Wrap-Up: an article that wraps up the entirety of 2023 in East Asian news, music releases, charts and achievements into one easy-to-digest article. Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!
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Hallyu+ is actively recruiting for staff. If you want to contribute to the forum's growth and join our amazing team, don't hesitate and apply now!
We are searching for new members for the following teams Blog Team & Social Media (Press). You can view and access all of our ongoing recruitments via the General Recruitment Thread here.
This brings us to the end of In Case You Missed It for another week! If anything above piqued your interest, or you'd like to share your feedback on the past week with the team, then feel free to sound off in the comments below. This is goodbye from us for another week, and we'll see you at the same time next week for more amazing updates!
GFX BY @bibbidi
FEATURED ARTISTS Jisoo (Blackpink), Minho (SHINee), Chaeryeong, Jonghyeon (former-Nu'est) & Narumi Kuranoo (AKB48)
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^some big oofs for those GGS] that had promise. CB been struggling for a while...
Great Debut
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Dragon's back with ICYMI 
my bias Jungkook's amazing Spotify achievement is nice to see
my bias Jungkook's amazing Spotify achievement is nice to see
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Thanks for the updates as always! 
I hope SM stops being petty with EXO.
She suits this so well!!
I can't wait for More HanbinxSohee interactions!!!
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Ayy, the Dragon is back! Thank you for your work!
SirTim0thy
🦋 Karma Butterfly 🦋
Thank you for the summary~
Also, the Sistar reveal from this week! :O
Also, the Sistar reveal from this week! :O
Dragon of the West is back! 
Thank you for the updates!
Thank you for the updates!
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Thanks for the update appreciated