ICYMI IN CASE YOU MISSED IT // JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28

[Polaris_Tae]

JANUARY 22 - JANUARY 28


Hello Hallyuplussers and welcome to another In Case You Missed It update for the last full week of January! This week we saw some great new releases from IU, PLEDIS rookies TWS, (G)I-DLE & WJSN's Seola. In addition to comebacks, we saw an exciting update related to YG Trainee Ahyeon — who will be rejoining BABYMONSTER for their upcoming release — and a touching tribute towards ASTRO member Moonbin for his birthday. Read about all of this, and so much more in this week's update!

BY POLARIS_TAE


MONDAY:
#1- On Monday, Exo's Baekhyun shared that he would be holding his first official offline concert, 'Lionsdaleite'. the concert will be held this coming March on the 17th & 18th in Seoul at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena. Are you looking forward to seeing Baekhyun live?



TUESDAY:
#1- Convicted criminal and disgraced former YG Entertainment CEO, Yang Hyun-suk has reportedly bought 10 billion KRW worth of YG Entertainment stocks. The former CEO has increased his shares in the label from 16.8% to 19.3%. What are your thoughts on this development? Do you think he has managed to clean up his act recently through the hands-on management of BABY MONSTER? Or do you see him as a nefarious individual who has faced zero consequences — aside from a suspended sentence — for his past actions?



WEDNESDAY:
#1- The participating artists for KBS Immortal Songs' TVXQ-themed episode have officially been announced! Red Velvet's Irene & Seulgi will be joining ONF, LAPOEM, KARDI, Jang Dongwon & ZEROBASEONE as participants in the special episode. Are you looking forward to seeing how they pay homage to such a legendary group like TVXQ?



THURSDAY:
#1- We had some comeback updates on Wednesday! Three soloists will be returning with new music. MAMAMOO's Wheein will be returning on the 15th of February with a new digital single set to feature Day6's YoungK. In that same month, NCT's Taeyong will also be coming back with new music. The idol will be making his first solo comeback on a currently undisclosed date in February. Meanwhile, former NMIXX member & soloist Jini released her first OST this week when she dropped 'Starlight' for the Naver webtoon No Office Romance on Thursday. Are you looking forward to any of these upcoming solo releases?

#2- Following Starship Entertainment and Jang Wonyoung's successful legal battle against the YouTuber Sojang — whom they were legally able to verify the identity of through a US-based court case — two other Kpop labels, BigHit Music and KQ Entertainment have shared that they are pursuing legal action against the YouTuber for defamation. Do you think we'll see more companies seeking damages from the internet personality now that their identity has been verified?



FRIDAY:
#1- BABYMONSTER had some great news to share with us this week! It's been revealed that Ahyeon — who had left the due to an undisclosed reason just prior to their debut in November of last year — would be rejoining the group for their February 'Stuck in the Middle' comeback! Are you looking forward to her return?

#2- KARA's Park Gyuri is officially under new management! On Friday, it was shared that the idol had signed a new exclusive contract with Big Boss Entertainment. We look forward to seeing all of her new activities under new management!

#3- 2023 hit idol-anime Oshi no Ko, which is an adaptation of the manga of the same name — produced as a collaboration between Kaguya-Sama author Aka Akasaka & Scum's Wish creator Mengo Yokoyari — will be officially receiving a live-action movie adaptation. It is set to feature the talents of former Nogizaka46 member Saito Asuka, former =LOVE member Saito Nagisa & actor-musician Sakura Kaito as Ai Hoshino, Ruby Hoshino & Aquamarine Hoshino respectively. The film will reportedly be released in 2025. Are you looking forward to seeing whether Oshi no Ko translates well into a live-action format?

#4- YOUNG POSSE had an exciting announcement to share this week! The rookie idol group has officially shared their very own fandom name! The group announced via x.com that their fans would now go by the name 'TELEPOSSE'. They further detailed the meaning of the name, stating that: The loving hearts and minds between YOUNG POSSE and our fans are connected, like TELEPATHY'. What are your thoughts on this name for their fandom, and will you be calling yourself a 'TELEPOSSE' anytime soon?



SATURDAY:
#1- SEVENTEEN's Woozi shared a touching tribute for ASTRO's Moonbin on Saturday in honour of the latter's birthday. Woozi's latest solo single, 'What Kind of Future' was dedicated to the idol, who sadly passed away in April 2023. Moonbin had previously heard the unreleased single before his death, and following input from the idol, Woozi later promised that he would release the single on Moonbin's birthday. A promise that he has since kept. Have you heard the single yet? What are your thoughts on the tribute?

#2- Two (G)I-DLE members — Minnie & Yuqi — will be reportedly sitting out temporarily from the group's upcoming promotions for their 2nd full album 2. The two have been advised to sit out of promotions after an extensively packed schedule has caused the pairs' overall health to deteriorate. We hope that they can rest up, and rejoin the group once their health is back to normal.



SUNDAY:
#1- tripleS member, Sohyun will be adding 'actor' to her list of qualifications! It's been revealed that the idol will be joining the cast of the upcoming web-drama, Peace, Taste, Heaven. We can't wait!

BY DRAGON OF THE WEST & POLARIS_TAE

#1. TWS - PLOT TWIST
TWS have finally made their long-awaited debut with their first mini album Sparkling Blue and the title track 'Plot Twist'. This debut makes them Pledis Entertainment’s first new boy group since Seventeen, carrying with it a weight of heightened expectations. Their debut material emanates a similar vibrant energy to what we received from Seventeen’s earlier releases, only that they’re now calling it "boyhood pop." 'Plot Twist' thrives on its sonic detours and twists. The unconventional structure of the track works well. Despite being predominantly built with a gradual build-up and offering little immediate payoff, the clever use of this sense of acceleration effectively sustains high tension. By the time it reaches its sing-along climax, we’ve stumbled upon something very special. All of this only makes the track’s short length so frustrating. Clocking in at under 3 minutes leaves fans yearning for more, and it’s such a shame that modern streaming culture continues to contribute to the shortening of track length in K-pop. The entire mini-album proves to be an enjoyable journey from start to finish, showcasing the group's versatility and potential. They’ve hit it out of the park right from the get-go, and will undoubtedly have many eager eyes on them for their next release!





#2. IU - LOVE WINS ALL
Having taken a step back to focus on her acting career and conduct her tours, it has been nearly three years since IU last released an album, but fans will be pleased by the fact that they won’t have to wait much longer for her next one! Promotions for her next album have already kicked off, with the pre-release ballad 'Love Wins All'. This heartfelt composition not only showcases IU's signature ornate and lilting sound but also introduces a captivating storyline in its music video, featuring the acting prowess of none other than BTS' V. The apocalyptic plot adds a layer of intrigue to the visual narrative, complementing the emotive quality of the song, which in itself is the sort of ornate, lilting sound you’d expect from IU — and as usual she sounds beautiful — delivering striking high notes with sheer ease. There’s a surprising amount of range to this track despite its hushed energy. Despite the subdued energy of the track, there is a surprising range that captivates listeners, distinguishing it from many conventional Korean ballads. Rather than continuous swells of strings, IU is the central force driving the music, a vital choice for a long-awaited return like this. I’m excited to hear what she has up her sleeve for the album.





#3. AB6IX - GRAB ME
AB6IX are back with their 8th mini album THE FUTURE IS OURS: FOUND and the title track 'Grab Me'. Renowned for their versatility and exploration of diverse music genres, the group consistently keeps listeners on their toes with each new release. However, 'Grab Me' stands out as one of their most robust title tracks to date, boasting a dynamic and rock-infused sound that allows the members to truly showcase their musical prowess. The song seamlessly blends vocal-heavy melodies with the pulsating energy of chugging guitars, complemented by subtle hints of synth. This combination not only captures the essence of the group's musical evolution but also presents a winning formula for success. The track's unique post-chorus breakdown adds an intriguing layer, further intensifying the overall energy without compromising its cohesion.





#4. VCHA - GIRLS OF THE YEAR
VCHA, a group formed through the survival show A2K, represents JYP Entertainment's first venture into creating an American girl group. Establishing a girl group in the Western pop landscape is challenging enough, with less than a handful of noteworthy ones coming to mind from the past decade, so this is certainly a gargantuan task that the agency has embarked on. JYPE have transposed their in-house style and idol infrastructure onto the 6-member group, a methodology reminiscent of their approach with groups like NiziU and Boy Story that was geared to the Japanese and Chinese music industries respectively. The group has debuted with the title track 'Girls of the Year', a song that boasts catchy hooks, confident performances, and a vibrant energy that contributes to a memorable debut for the girls. The instrumental is notably lively, especially as it propels into its synth-driven chorus. As VCHA navigates its debut, one cannot overlook the potential within the group and the possibility of them carving a unique niche in the American music scene. While the current track may have its shortcomings, it sets the stage for what could be an intriguing journey for the group as they explore and refine their sound.





#5. (G)I-DLE - WIFE
Leading up to their 2nd full-length album [2], (G)I-DLE has put out a pre-release single titled 'Wife', which seems to be geared a lot towards the quirkier side of the group. there's an appreciation for the campiness it strives to embody. While it may fall slightly short of fully embracing that campiness due to the discernible effort behind it. The dance beat exudes fun, and the hooks, although somewhat repetitive, manage to be catchy. Accompanied by a visually striking music video, the song seems almost tailor-made for a shot of going viral on platforms such as Tik-Tok, with its length leaning well into it making it possible for ten-second snippets to be created from it. At the end of the day, it is a decently fun song with some important underlying messages, particularly concerning the way a lot of women — rightfully — do not want to be viewed as the traditional stay-at-home wives who need to take care of their partner’s every need. My only gripe with the song is that a lot of the English lyrics do not make much sense, but when has that ever stopped a K-pop song from becoming popular?





#6. CIX - LOVERS OR ENEMIES
CIX has finally made a comeback after 7 months with a new song titled 'Lovers or Enemies'. A track that strikes a balance between the edgier vibes of their previous release and the funky synth palette that characterised songs such as 'Cinema'. The song shines brightest when fully embracing the funk genre, with a chorus that delivers catchy turns, especially when the members' vocals unite for a soulful post-chorus hook. While the rest of the track may not be as tightly knit as desired and could benefit from an extra jolt of energy, the overall tone remains highly enjoyable. The lingering question for me is how it will fare in the long run. The song’s main hooks may thread the line of being a one-trick pony with repetitive elements, but the addictive nature of said trick cannot be denied. As we await the unfolding of the song's journey, it's clear that CIX continues to navigate diverse musical concepts, leaving their fans intrigued about the group's evolving sound and future releases, with many anticipating a full album release sometime this year.





#7. SEOLA - WITHOUT U
While WJSN member Seola has been involved with several sub-unit projects and recorded some OSTs on her own, this month marks her official solo debut which has come to fruition with the release of her first single album INSIDE OUT featuring the title track 'Without U'. The cathartic melodies and guitar-driven instrumental of the track make it hard not to draw parallels to some of the early Taeyeon tracks, as Seola's explosive vocals bear a resemblance to them in certain aspects. This is not a slight on Seola in any way, but rather a sincere compliment to her vocal prowess. 'Without U' doesn’t go as far as most would like it to, choosing instead to conclude at a point of satisfaction rather than pushing for an avant-garde climax. It is, however, enjoyable all the way through, particularly with the melody in the pre-chorus and the way the vocal arrangement in the chorus brings new texture to the song. What sets Seola's solo debut apart is its ability to carve out a distinct sound that deviates from WJSN's group releases. While establishing her individuality, this solo venture manages to complement the group's collective discography, showcasing a balance between her personal expression and elements taken from the wider group’s concept.





#8.SAKURAZAKA46 - IKUTSU NO KORO NI MODORITAI NO KA?
On Thursday we saw the return of Sakurazaka46 when they returned with the music video for their Senbatsu single 'Ikutsu no Koro ni Modoritai no ka?' A month ahead of the single's official release in Japan. This time, Yamasaki Ten has been promoted to the position of centre, while this release will also be the first Senbatsu single to not feature any 1st generation members of the group. the music video is a presentation of everything bright and bold. With colourful sceneries matched with a heavily stylistic dance that is bright and full of personality. A dance that almost borders on the genre of interpretive dance, which can be witnessed through their past releases as well such as 2023's 'Shoninyokkyu'. Now moving on to the song and as always, the J-Rock inspired Akimoto Yasushi penned song, 'Ikutsu no Koro ni Modoritai no ka?' is a very poignant single that touches on the themes of the passing of time, and how it feels like there's never enough of it. The group further goes on to provide a social commentary by asking us why we are looking back at the past as something to be heavily romanticized. when we should — instead — be looking towards the future with a positive outlook. Explaining that, even though it's okay to stay stagnant, it's okay to strive for your dreams and evolve with time, just as Sakurazaka46 themselves accomplished through their 2020 rebranding from Keyakizaka46. Overall, it's a solid release, and we look forward to seeing even more fantastic releases with distinct messages from the group in the future!

BY DRAGON OF THE WEST


#1- Cube Entertainment revealed that (G)I-DLE's upcoming 2nd full-length album [2] has surpassed 1.8 million pre-orders, exceeding their personal record of 1.1 million pre-orders of their 6th mini album I Feel. It is also the joint 2nd highest number of pre-orders for an album by a girl group, behind only BLACKPINK's Born Pink and level with aespa's My World.


#2- BTS' 'Dynamite' has now been certified Diamond in France as a result of it achieving over 50 million streams in the country.

BY POLARIS_TAE

The Events team had a slew of updates this week!

The winter flagship event — The Winter Adventure 2023 — continued this week!

Chiharu will be hosting 'I'm Thinking Of _'. A guessing game where users are required to correctly guess what topic the game host is thinking about. The game will officially begin on the 28th of January (5PM EST) so make sure to sign up soon!

sm maid hosted 'Codenames' earlier in the week! A card game which required players to capture all of their team’s cards first while avoiding the deadly Assassin card. The game is still ongoing, so we don't have a winner to announce yet. But if you're participating in this event, who are you placing your bets on?

Chiharu held 'The Winter Stylist' throughout the week! A participation event where participants were required to come up with the perfect costume for our favourite false archon Furina De Fontaine! The winners are yet to be announced for this event. Did you become a stylist for a day in 'The Winter Stylist'?

Now moving on to our weekly H+ Station Chart update! This week, VIVIZ took the #1 position for the third week in a row with their single 'Maniac'! While WOODZ made his debut on the chart at #9 with his latest release, 'AMNESIA'. Be sure to check out our chart to see where all of your favourite songs ranked!

While on the topic of the H+ Station chart our Events Team will be hosting their very own music awards show with seven total categories! The official nominees were announced on the 24th of January, while the official 2023 H+ Station Awards are set to be revealed in a few hours from now. We can't wait!


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We are searching for new members for the following teams Blog Team & Social Media Team - Press Division. As always, our full list of recruitments can be found in the General Staff Recruitment thread.



With this, we'll be saying goodbye for another week, and we'll be back again at the same time with more great updates! Let us know if anything piqued your interest. We're always available to answer your questions or constructive criticisms either directly in this thread or in the Social Media Team's official thread. While on the topic of staff teams, both ourselves, as well as the Hallyu+ blog team are on the lookout for new team members. So if you would like to contribute to our social media team, or want to help get the blog up and running with content such as blog posts, dedicated artist profiles, OP GFX contributions, or just with the overall running and design of the site, then feel free to apply via the linked application forms above! With that said, we'll see you again next week with another fantastic update!






GFX BY @yerm
FEATURED ARTISTS Woojin (AB6IX), Seola (WJSN), Shinyu (TWS), Yamasaki Ten (Sakurazaka46), Hyunsuk (CIX)​

 

[UMJI MOODS]

Thanks as always. A very light week for kpop but you still managed to pack a lot of things in.

 

[Jibang]

Thanks for the updates.

 

[RussianRoulette]

For the Thursday update, Taeyong’s comeback will be on February 26th!

 

[SirTim0thy]

Thank you! These recaps are very much appreciated!