ICYMI IN CASE YOU MISSED IT / NOVEMBER 20 - NOVEMBER 26

[Polaris_Tae]

NOVEMBER 20 - NOVEMBER 26


Hello Hallyuplussers and welcome to another In Case You Missed It update! Our weekly article where we share all of the past week's news, charts, releases and more in one easy-to-digest format. This week, we saw a number of updates related to contract renewals along with the conclusion of G-Dragon's drug investigation. Then later, we saw HYBE officially share the details related to the remaining active BTS members and their upcoming military elistment. All this, and so much more in this edition of ICYMI!

BY POLARIS_TAE


MONDAY:
#1- We had an update on the G-Dragon drug investigation this week. the National Forensic Service — which is the entity responsible for conducting the investigation into G-Dragon's drug accusations — recently informed the Seoul Metropolitan Police that the idol had officially tested negative for drugs. Later in the week idol announced through his legal representatives that he would be taking action against people responsible for spreading malicious posts and slanderous rumours related to the idol. What are your thoughts on this development?

#2- Running Man has shared details related to an upcoming episode of the variety show. It's been revealed that Yoo Seungho & BTS member V will be appearing in an upcoming episode of the variety. The episode is set to officially air next month on the 3rd of December.

#3- We had a few health-related updates this week. On Monday, Super Junior member Kyuhyun reportedly intervened in an attempted knife attack after a woman in her 30s trespassed into the dressing rooms following the performance of 'Ben-Hur'. The idol attempted to stop the confrontation and sustained a finger abrasion in the process. According to his agency, Antenna Music, the idol was immediately treated at the scene. Also on Monday, it was shared that Chloe of Cignature had sustained an ankle injury at the group's dorm. She was later taken to the hospital where she was officially diagnosed with a suspected ligament fracture. As a result, the idol was required to perform while seated during the groups' upcoming celebration stage at the 15th Seoul Success Awards on Monday. We hope to see them both back to full health soon!

#4- There were also some legal updates shared on Monday. Beginning with HYBE and it was reported that a former BTS dance trainer had been dismissed from the company after it was discovered that they had embezzled over 5 million KRW from the company, his fellow choreographers, composers, and business partners. In addition to this, it's also been stated that the former HYBE employee had used the company's name in order to promote investment in discovering and producing new songs. Then on Friday, a new update appeared on Loona's YouTube community page. The idol group's company took to the group's YouTube page in order to share a statement related to the decision not to pursue and prosecute a BBC rep for defamation charges. This is reportedly related to former LOONA member Chuu's mother, who is currently being pursued by Blockberry Creative for reportedly spreading false allegations about the company. What are your thoughts on the situation? Do you think BBC will ever let go of their grudge against Loona and their associates?

#5- Now let's move over to the Japanese Entertainment industry! Japanese girl group FAKY has officially announced that they will be suspending group activities next year on the 13th of January after just over ten years together as a group. Lil' Fang & Mikako will graduate from the group, while the remaining three members will be focusing on solo activities. We wish them our best in their future solo endeavors.



TUESDAY:
#1- We saw a number of idols sign new contracts this week! On Monday, it was shared by Munhwa Ilbo that BLACKPINK had officially come to an agreement in order to continue their group activities. According to the media publication, only two of the group members have signed onto the agreement as of the time of writing. The contract will reportedly be non-exclusive, meaning that the group members are free to sign with other agencies for their individual activities. Then on Tuesday, it was officially announced that rookie group mimirose had parted ways with their agency, YES IM following a mutual agreement. The group is undergoing discussions to sign with a new agency containing staff members of their former company. Our final contract-related update of the week concerns BtoB member Changsub. Following the expiration of the idol's contract with Cube, the idol shared that he had officially signed a contract with Fantiago. We look forward to each of their future endeavours under brand new agencies!



WEDNESDAY:
#1- We had some more comeback announcements this week! LUCY & aespa will be making their return in December & November respectively, while Apink & Jeong Sewoon recently shared that they'll be returning in early 2024. aespa released their own rendition of the Christmas hit, 'Jingle Bell Rock' on the 24th of November, while LUCY will be making their return next month in December with a new comeback! Then in 2024, we'll be seeing new music from Jung Sewoon in January, while Apink will reportedly be coming back during an unspecified date during the first half of 2024. Are you looking forward to any of these upcoming comebacks?

#2- Now moving on to upcoming awards shows and SHINee joined the line-up of performers and attendees for the upcoming Melon Music Awards. Will you be tuning in to watch the awards ceremony this year?

#3- We also saw some updates related to member hiatuses this week. HYBE took to weverse this week to share that the remaining four BTS members, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and V had officially initiated their military enlistment process. The members are expected to start enlisting one by one beginning in December. The following day, BTS member Jungkook took to social media in order to share that he would personally be enlisting in December. We wish them the best of luck in during their military service and hope to see them again soon. Will you be missing BTS as much as we will?

#4- Following Seunghan's ongoing multiple controversies, SM Entertainment has announced that the RIIZE member would be taking an indefinite hiatus from the group in order to reflect on his actions. Do you think the heat will die down soon, or are you expecting to see new developments related to Seughan's various controversies?

#4- A new Netflix variety show, "미스터리 수사단" will be premiering soon! This week we officially learned the initial cast line-up of the program. It's been revealed that soloist John Park, Lee Yong-jin, Kim Do-hoon, Girls Day's Hyeri & aespa member Karina will be joining the series. Are you looking forward to this upcoming program?



THURSDAY:
#1- There was no relevant news on Thursday.



FRIDAY:
#1- We had a few more music updates on Friday! Baekho will be releasing a new digital single this December. It will be a collaboration between the idol and his fellow labelmate, fromis_9 member Park Jiwon. Meanwhile, BTS member Jungkook made his return on Friday with a new remix of his September digital single, '3D'. This time, he was joined by former 'NSYNC member Justin Timberlake. The latter has come under fire again recently due to his poor treatment of Britney Spears both throughout, and directly following their relationship together. Are you looking forward to Baekho's upcoming release, and what are your thoughts on HYBE continuing to allow their artists to collaborate with problematic Western artists?



SATURDAY:
#1- There was no relevant news on Saturday.


SUNDAY:
#1- There was no relevant news on Sunday.

BY POLARIS_TAE


#1. NOGIZAKA46 - MONOPOLY
Nogizaka46 made their return with the Katsuhiko Tsugiyama-produced single, 'Monopoly' on the 23rd of November. For this release, Kaki Haruka has taken the position of centre. The group was the first of the Sakamichi idol groups that was originally formed to act as a rival to Yasushi Akimoto's most popular girl group at the time, AKB48. However, in recent years, Nogizaka46 has actually eclipsed them in popularity. So much so that AKB48 announced that they would be scrapping their team structure in favour of a more concrete line-up of two distinct groups: trainees, and full team members. This has been rumoured to be in retaliation to their dwindling sales and overall decrease in popularity possibly due to management's decision to cut a number of key promotional activities from the group, as well as the aftereffects that covid had on the group — and its sister groups — along with the lockdown's initial impact on 48G's handshake events. These compounding factors, as well as 48G slow decline in popularity, was a phenomenon that Nogizaka46 has directly benefitted from to allow them to grow their brand and further build upon their vastly growing popularity. Now moving onto their new single 'Monopoly', and the group has once again crafted an uplifting single that has both a catchy melody, along with an elegant and stylized choreography to accompany the release. This has allowed the groups' centre, Kaki Haruka her time in the spotlight, while also allowing the various other participating group members to showcase their various charms as well. Overall, it's a great release, and we're looking forward to more great releases from Nogizaka46 in the future as well!





#2. DREAMCATCHER - OOTD
On the 22nd of November, Dreamcatcher made their return with 'OOTD' and its accompanying 5-track EP, [VillainS]. Their title track, 'OOTD' — short for Outfit Of the Day — is a narcissistic track where the group members aim criticism at the world, in particular social media, for its portrayal and glamorisation of trends that are often superficial. Where people will do anything for fame; such as buying nice clothes and faking a luxurious life just for points on social media. Now moving onto the title track and it feels like the group has embodied this concept, not just through the visuals, but into the album production as well. Through 'OOTD' the group has slightly watered down their metal/rock-inspired sound into something a little more mellow precisely to show how people will do anything to fit in to society, even if it means that they will lose what is essentially a key part of their personalities. The chorus itself is delivered in such a callous and mocking way that they are able to accurately portray the vanity that often accompanies an unhealthy over-reliance on social media. Moving onto the b-sides of [VillainS] and I felt that both 'Shatter' and 'We Are Youn' were both solid additions to the groups' overall discography. All-in-all, it's a great release and we're definitely looking out for Dreamcatcher's next release as well!





#3.MRS GREEN APPLE - UNLOVELESS
Mrs. Green Apple is a group that I was originally introduced to during a lecture at university by a Japanese classmate. However, I sadly never put the time aside to look into the group until recently. The group is a three-member Japanese rock band based in Tokyo, Japan that officially made its major label debut in 2015 through EMI Records. This week, saw the release of the lyric video for the group's b-side single 'Unloveless' from their 13-track 2023 studio album, Antenna. Though 'Unloveless' the group laments on societal issues and their hopes of being loved. Now moving on to the album, and the songs that stood out the most to me with this release aside from 'Unloveless' was the groups' promotional single, 'Magic' with its happy-go-lucky feeling and inspirational lyrics; 'I'm Invincible', a song that sounded like it belongs at the start of an anime, and their soft and airy release, 'Blizzard'. Overall, it's a solid release and I can't wait to hear more from this amazing group!





#4.VIXX - AMNESIA
VIXX made their first return following the groups' no-so-recent line-up changes with 'Amnesia'. This is the VIXX's first release following the members completion of their mandatory military service. With this release, the group attempts to tell us that they were a four-member group all along! Sadly, the group's leader N was unable to participate in their comeback due to conflicting schedules, as the idol is currently starring opposite Park Eun-bin & Chae Jong-hyeop in Castaway Diva. As such, the group has instead chosen to make their return despite his absence. In more recent years, especially following the group's line-up began to change with the departure of Hongbin, and later Ravi. I have found that they had slowly begun to shed their longstanding image as concept-dols that the group originally established through the release of 'Hyde' and 'Voodoo Doll' a whopping 10 years ago in favour of a more mature sound. Through this aspect the group has been able to allow their skills and presence to carry the concept, rather than the other way around. The release of 'Amnesia', and its accompanying album, CONTINUUM is the first official release to not include Ravi in the line-up, and it really shows. Love it or hate it, but Ravi really did bring a lot to VIXX's signature sound through both his music production skills, as well as his deep-toned rapping that essentially became synonymous with the VIXX sound since their official debut. With no rapping to fall back on, the group has instead had to rely on their distinct vocals to smoothly break up the verses. Now moving on to the b-sides, and I highly enjoyed both 'Chemical' and 'If You Come Tonight'. 'Chemical' is a track that draws back to VIXX's signature sound. However, this track in particular suffers from lack-of-rapper syndrome. There are numerous parts of the track where it felt like they would perfectly fit a rapper such as either Ravi or Hongbin (even N or Hyuk would suffice) however, now that VIXX does not have a dedicated rapper, the problem has become especially prevalent. Overall though, it's a great track and I feel like the lack of a rapper won't be as much of a deal the more I listen to the release. As for 'If You Come Tonight', it's a softer outro that has a simple accompanying instrumental of both guitar chords and a backing piano. The instrumental, in particular, sounds like something you would expect to see from the mid-2000s, while the chorus in particular felt like it took so much inspiration from a-ha's 'Take On Me' — both in its instrumental, as well as its vocal production through the use of triplets — that it felt almost uncanny. Overall, it's a great release, and I'm looking forward to future releases from VIXX with their new 4-member line-up!

BY POLARIS_TAE


#1- BLACKPINK had something to brag about this week! The group members were presented with MBEs by the King of England, King Charles III for their contribution to the United Nations COP26 ambassadorship and their advocation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Jennie, Lisa, and Jisoo each received honorary MBE awards as they do not belong to any Commonwealth nation, while Rose was able to attain an official MBE due to her status as a New Zealand citizen through virtue of her birthright.

#2- HYBE had a big week in terms of numbers! LE SSERAFIM's 'ANTIFRAGILE' officially became the group's first music video to surpass 200 million views on YouTube, while BTS member V's debut solo single, 'Slow Dancing' was able to surpass 200 million streams on Spotify. Congrats!

BY POLARIS_TAE

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'. Be sure to check out our chart to see where all of your favourite songs ranked!

For our spooky Cult of the Mascots ongoing event, our Events Lead Bchip held The First Ritual, where event participants were required to sacrifice one +Card from their deck in order to obtain another card as a result. With this randomized Gacha event, the +Cards up for grabs were 2nd edition cards and could be anything between 1 and 5 stars. Did you take part in this event?


+

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 & ICYMI Divisions. Our full list of ongoing staff recruitments can be accessed via our General Recruitment Thread.



This brings us to the end of In Case You Missed It for another week. In the meantime, we're still on the lookout for new contributors to help out with our weekly updates. If you're interested in helping us out with this format, then be sure to apply via the links listed above! We'll see you again next time for more great updates!





GFX BY @yerm
FEATURED ARTISTS Jungkook, Yoohyeon (Dreamcatcher), Ken, Kaki Haruka (Nogizaka46) & Fujisawa Ryoka (Mrs. Green Apple)​

 

[Polaris_Tae]

a 500-word essay on VIXX wasn't in my bingo cards for this icymi

 

[UMJI MOODS]

Grateful for the updates always.

 

[kimsguardian]

thank you for this amazing recap!

 

[Ronnie Mars]

Thanks for keeping us updated!

 

[hatmixx]

they really dragged G-Dragon outin public for nothing. Really bad to do that to someone. He handled it was a lot of class.

Also on Monday, it was shared that Chloe of Cignature had sustained an ankle injury at the group's dorm. She was later taken to the hospital where she was officially diagnosed with a suspected ligament fracture.

poor chloe

aespa member Karina will be joining the series. Are you looking forward to this upcoming program?

Karina!

 

[Thigh-high feminist]

G-Dragon came out on top but there needs to be an investigation into the police if they don't close his case.

BBC lives to lose, they love losing so, no, they won't let go of their grudge against Loona.

VIXX sounds great but, ngl, I miss N and Ravi (doofus).

 

[Happy]

Thanks for the updates!

 

[Night]

a 500-word essay on VIXX wasn't in my bingo cards for this icymi

It is a beautiful essay

 

[OutroTearTheFirst]

Omg the dude that embezzled all that money

Also, I didn’t know that the show with Karina and Hyeri was produced by Jung Jongyeon! I’m definitely gonna at least watch the first episode!