Hello and welcome to another edition of our weekly news recap article "Top News This Week". With this themed article, we curate for our global readers all the breaking and top news about K-Pop idols and K-Drama actors during the cause of the week. Ranging from comebacks to ads and campaigns, military enlistment, music show wins, drama news, teasers, trailers, pictorials, agency releases, and so much more. This themed article shares a long list of happenings in the K-Pop and K-Drama world in other to keep global fans briefed and up to date on the activities of their favorite stars.

In the 3rd week of May, there have duly been interesting news and developments surrounding many of our favorite actors and idols. From exciting new releases to drama teasers, and jaw-dropping pictorials, like the gush of the wind, the news cycle was super fast-paced this week.

Did you miss anything? Well, here are the top news of the 3rd week of May 2023.

 

K-POP NEWS 

1. Popular idol Choi MinGi (Ren) is set to make his solo debut

This week, Big Planet Made Entertainment shared that the idol is gearing up for the release of his solo debut album. The exciting news has duly drawn much appreciation from fans who are eagerly anticipating more development on this.

 

2. Comebacks / new releases

Lee MiJoo -  'Movie Star'

YOUNITE - 'Waterfall'

VERIVERY - 'Crazy Like That'

(G)I-DLE - 'Queencard'

ATBO - 'Next to Me'

 

3. SECRET NUMBER to make a comeback with a new digital single

The famous girl group will be releasing their 6th digital single "DOXA" on the 24th of May.

 

4. P1Harmony is set to make a comeback with the release of their 6th mini album in June

The 4th generation boy group treated fans to some exciting news as through a trailer, they confirmed their comeback with their 6th mini album "HARMONY: ALL IN" which will be released on the 8th of June.

 

5. ENHYPEN shares the tracklist and preview of the upcoming album "DARK BLOOD"

"DARK BLOOD" serves as the group's 4th mini album and will be released on the 22nd of May.

 

6. MONSTA X's I.M confirms the release of his new EP and opens official solo channels

I.M NEW EP ‘OVERDRIVE’ COMING SOON

Official Website 🔗 https://t.co/qgG92Ow3A4
Official Facebook 🔗 https://t.co/pWTm0GhjP1
Official YouTube 🔗 https://t.co/z0EiLpktxU#IM #아이엠 #OVERDRIVE #COMINGSOON pic.twitter.com/kLvrFlOtNY

— I.M (아이엠) (@IMxSMEK) May 16, 2023

This week, there is new development around I.M's solo activities as he opened new official channels and shared a poster of his upcoming album "OVERDRIVE".

 

7. fromis_9 to make their comeback in June with the release of their 1st full album

fromis_9 (프로미스나인)
1st Album [Unlock My World]

Promotion Scheduler

2023.06.05 6PM(KST)#fromis_9 #프로미스나인#Unlock_My_World pic.twitter.com/IeSyg5I075

— fromis_9 [프로미스나인] (@realfromis_9) May 15, 2023

The idol group confirmed their comeback through a video of their album scheduler. The album titled "Unlock My World" will be released on the 5th of June 2o23.

 

8. N.Flying to release new digital single 'Once in a BLUE MOON'

In celebration of their 8th-year debut anniversary, the band will be releasing a new digital single on the 20th of May. Congratulations to N.Flying and N.Fia.

 

9. U-KISS set to make a comeback in celebration of their 15th year anniversary

This week Tango Music shared a statement saying that the idol group will be making a comeback as 6 for their 15th year anniversary. In the release they said “U-Kiss has confirmed a comeback as a 6-member group, led by members SooHyun, Hoon, and KiSeop, to mark the 15th anniversary of their debut. As we decided after careful discussion, we plan to provide full support so that we can repay the fans who have waited for a long time."

 

10. VICTON's ByungChan signs with a new agency

Last month, along with fellow members HanSe and SuBin, the idol left his former agency IST Entertainment drawing various speculations about the idol group and their future activities. Fans can get some ease as it was shared that the idol has signed with a new agency New Way Company.

 

11. ATEEZ releases concept photos and trailer for their upcoming album

The month of June is packed with amazing upcoming releases, as ATEEZ joins the list of idols group making a comeback in June. The famous 4th generation group are set to release their 8th mini album "The World: Outlaw" on the 16th of June.

 

12. VICTON's ByungChan announces 1st fan meeting in Japan

The popular acting-dol is set to greet his Japanese fans through his first solo fan meeting titled "PICNIC - Always With You" which will be held on the 1st of July 2023. See here for more information.

 

13. NCT's TaeYong shares scheduler and concept cuts of his upcoming solo debut album "SHALALA"

The anticipation for the 5th of June builds rapidly as thanks to this update, fans can begin the countdown to the solo debut of TaeYong.

 

14. MONSTA X celebrates their 8th-year debut anniversary

The famous group marked their 8th year debut anniversary this week, drawing tons of congratulatory messages and pledges of continuous support from fans. Congratulations MONSTA X and MONBEBEs.

 

15. SEVENTEEN's THE8 shines in a recent pictorial for VOGUE+

The famous idol showed off his handsome good looks and stunning model-like poses in these amazing pictures for the fashion and lifestyle magazine. See more shots here.

 

16. THE NEW SIX celebrates their 1 year debut anniversary

Congratulations to the members of TNX and their global fans as the group marks their 1 year debut anniversary. Here is to many more celebrations in the future.

 

17. Stray Kids' HyunJin graces the covers of Esquire magazine

The famous idol looks stunning in these pictures for the fashion and lifestyle magazine. Click here for more pictures and to read a snippet from the feature.

 

18. MONSTA X's JooHoney shares more concept photos and music video teaser ahead of his solo debut

The famous idol is set to greet fans with his 1st solo album "LIGHTS" on the 22nd of May.

 

19. ONEWE celebrates their 4th year debut anniversary

The popular boy band celebrated their 4th year debut anniversary this week. We wish them a hearty congratulations and many more celebrations.

 

20. KARD shares concept photos highlight medley of their upcoming 6th mini album "ICKY"

KARD are gearing up for the release of their 6th mini album by releasing various concept teasers and the highlight medley of the album. It is set to drop on the 23rd of May 2023. Click here to see more pictures.

 

21. Stray Kids continue to share more teaser videos of their upcoming album "5-STAR"

The 4th generation group are set to make a comeback on the 2nd of June 2023 with the release of their album "5-STAR".

 

 

K-DRAMA NEWS 

1. tvN releases new teaser for its upcoming drama "See You In My 19th Life"

The webtoon-based drama stars famous actors Shin HaeSun and Ahn BoHyun and will begin airing on the 17th of June. Fans are duly excited about the drama as it marks the comeback of the famous actress who hasn't starred in a drama since "Mr.Queen" in 2020.

 

2. MBC releases new teaser for its upcoming drama "NUMBERS"

Projecting the thrilling and hectic lives of accountants in a firm, the drama stars INFINITE's Kim MyungSoo (L), Choi JinHyuk, and YeonWoo and is set to start airing in June.

 

3. Wavve releases new trailer for upcoming high teen thriller drama "Bitch X Rich"

Following its teasers and concept photos, the upcoming high teen drama starring Lee EunSaem, Red Velvet's YeRi, Lee JongHyuk, and Yoo JungHoo has been drawing a great level of excitement amongst K-Drama fans. The drama is set to premiere on the 31st of May.

 

4. Kim SeonHo is set to make his movie debut with "The Childe"

"개인적인 감정은 없어"
하나의 타겟, 광기의 추격

<신세계> <마녀> 박훈정 감독의 #추격액션
<귀공자> 티저 예고편 공개 💥#귀공자 #김선호 #강태주 #김강우 #고아라 #박훈정감독 #6월21일극장대개봉 pic.twitter.com/sxLpsegQ00

— It's NEW 잇츠뉴 (@movie_n_NEW) May 16, 2023

The famous actor is set to make his movie debut with the action thriller movie which will be released on the 21st of June. The trailer has drawn much appreciation and excitement from his global fans who have been waiting to see him on their screens for a while now. The movie also stars Go Ara, Kang TaeJoo, and Kim KangWoo.

 

5. JTBC shares official poster and new trailer for upcoming rom-com drama "King The Land"

The rom-com drama set to begin airing on the 17th of June, stars 2PM's JunHo and Girls' Generation's YoonA.

 

6. KBS shares teaser poster and trailer for upcoming drama "Heartbeat"

The rom-com drama starring 2PM's Ok TaecYeon and Won JiAn tells the story of a vampire who desires to become human. It will begin airing on the 26th of June.

 

7. Netflix shares new posters and stills from upcoming action thriller drama "Bloodhounds"

The webtoon-based drama will be starring Woo DoHwan, Lee SangYi, and SUPER JUNIOR's SiWon. It will air on the 9th of June.

 

8. ENA unveils posters for its upcoming family thriller drama "Happiness Battle"

The drama will be starring Lee Ei, Jin SeoYeon, Cha YerYun, Park HyoJoo, and Woo JungWon and it tells the thrilling lives of Mothers when one of them mysteriously dies. It will begin airing on the 31st of May.

 

9. Rising actor Kang YouSeok lends his handsome visuals to 1st Look

The "Black Knight" star graces the spreads of the lifestyle magazine. See here for more pictures.

 

BIRTHDAY BUMPS

OMEGA X's YeChan - 14th of May

 

8TURN's SeungHeon - 15th of May

 

TREASURE's Yoshi - 15th of May

 

Kim Kwon - 16th of May

 

Ahn BoHyun - 16th of May

 

EVERGLOW's Onda - 18th of May

 

BIGBANG's TaeYang - 18th of May

 

EVERGLOW's E:U - 19th of May

 

BEST PERFORMANCES THIS WEEK

 

VARIETY SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Like we all know, each week records new breaking news and developments surrounding our favorite K-Pop idols / groups and K-Drama actors. From events to specials, new releases, drama comebacks, changes in agency, new K-Pop groups or sub-units, fan meetings, etc. It's safe to say that in the entertainment industry, with every passing second, there is a new story about our favorite stars. And sometimes, we may get to miss out on key information shared.

With our Top News Of The Week series, we curate a list of key breaking news and stories from the K-Pop and K-Drama world. And in the 4th week of May, a range of important news has come from the industry. Some of which would make you happy and others sad.

From shocking news from a renowned agency to enlisting a famous idol, a Hallyu star becoming the brand ambassador for a luxury brand, here are the top news of the 4th week of May 2023.

 

K-POP NEWS

1. WINNER's Yoon to enlist in the military in June

YG Entertainment shares that WINNER'S Yoon will be enlisting into the military on the 20th of June 2023.

 

2. Shotaro and SungChan to stop promoting as a part of NCT

SM Entertainment released a statement noting that the idols will no longer be participating in the activities of NCT, however, they will be part of a new group which will make a debut sometime this year. They also noted that the new group which will be formed from NCT will be the last and will have majorly Japanese idols as its members.

 

3. Bang YongGuk releases tour stops and dates for his upcoming tour in Asia

Fans in Asia will definitely be pleased as the idol releases tour stops and dates for his "The Colors Tour". See here for more information.

 

4. THE NEW SIX is set to make a comeback in June

Through a teaser image, the group confirmed they will be making a comeback this year with the release of their 3rd mini album "BOYHOOD" on the 7th of June.

 

5. AB6IX releases tracklist and music video teaser for their comeback

The boy group are set to greet fans with exciting new music through their 7th mini album "THE FUTURE IS OURS: LOST" on the 29th of May.

 

6. VIXX's Hyuk joins a new agency

This week COMPANION COMPANY confirmed that the acting-dol has joined their agency. In a statement they shared "Just as the artist has been working as an all-rounder with the will of the artist, we will provide full support for the artist's activities in all fields so that he can continue to do various activities in the future. We will do our best to support them so that they can fully demonstrate their capabilities as artists through various activities through a wide range of activities in the future.”

 

7. SEVENTEEN announces 2-day tour in Seoul

The famous group will be treating fans to amazing performances with their upcoming tour titled "SEVENTEEN TOUR FOLLOW TO SEOUL". It will be held on the 21st and 22nd of July, with online streaming as well.

 

8. Fantagio is set to debut the new boy group LUN8 on the 15th of June

The famous agency confirmed the news with the release of the scheduler. The new boy group will make their debut with the release of their 1st mini album "Continue?" on the 15th of June.

 

9. VAV shares concept photos of their 7th mini album "Subcönscióus"

The popular group are getting set to greet their fans with new music as they share both group and individual concept photos of their upcoming album "Subcönscióus". The album is scheduled to be released on the 12th of June. See here for more photos.

 

10. A.C.E celebrates 6th year debut anniversary

This week, the popular boy group marked their 6th year debut anniversary. We wish them a hearty congratulations and hope for many more celebrations in the future.

 

11. VIXX celebrates their 11th-year debut anniversary

The famous boy group marked their 11th-year debut anniversary this week. Congratulations VIXX and here is to more celebrations in the future.

 

12. NCT's TaeYong shares more teaser videos and concept photos for his debut album

Our excitement for "SHALALA" continues to build as the idol shares more teaser videos and photos ahead of its release. The album is set to drop on the 5th of July.

 

13. DKZ set to debut a new sub-unit

The sub-unit named "NINE to SIX" consists of members MInGyu and JongHyeong. They are set to make their official debut on the 31st of May with their first single album "GOOD TO YOU".

 

14. Comebacks / new releases

MONSTA X's JooHoney - 'Freedom'

ENHYPEN - 'DARK BLOOD'

Jay Park - 'Candy'

KARD - 'ICKY'

SUPER JUNIOR's YeSung - '束の間の恋'

Chae SooBin and Jo YuRi - 'Yellow Circle'

BOYNEXTDOOR - 'But I Like You'

BOYNEXTDOOR - 'One and Only'

2PM's WooYoung - 'Off The Record'

N.Flying - 'Blue Moon'

THE7 - 'Chemistry'

BLACKSWAN - 'KARMA'

SECRET NUMBER - 'DOXA'

DREAMCATCHER - 'BONVOYAGE'

 

15. THE BOYZ share music video teaser for 'Delicious'

The 4th generation boy group will be dropping their new digital single on the 31st of May.

 

16. ATEEZ shares teasers of their upcoming album "THE WORLD EP.2 : OUTLAW"

Excitement and anticipation rapidly build up ahead of the release of their album as the group shares more exciting teasers. The album is set to drop on the 16th of June.

 

17. Kang Daniel confirmed to make a comeback in June

Through a trailer, the idol confirmed he will be making a comeback on the 19th of June.

 

K-DRAMA NEWS

1. INFINTE's L (Kim MyungSoo) shines in a pictorial for Esquire Korea and MBC shares a new trailer for "NUMBERS"

The famous acting-dol lent his stunning visuals to the fashion and lifestyle magazine. Draped in amazing outfits and striking equally amazing poses. The acting-dol is set to make his drama comeback with the office thriller "NUMBERS" which will begin airing on the 23rd of June.

 

2. Lee JongSuk set to greet global fans through his fan meeting tour

Titled "Dear. My With" the famous star will first be greeting fans in Hong Kong on the 1st of July and then proceed to other stops in Taipei, Jakarta, Dubai, Bangkok, Seoul, Osaka, Tokyo, Singapore, Macau, and Ho Chi Minh.

 

3. JTBC releases romantic and funny poster of the main leads of its upcoming drama "King The Land"

The rom-com drama has been garnering much buzz amongst fans as more concept photos and trailers are released. Starring 2PM's JunHo and Girls' Generation's YoonA, the drama is set to begin airing on the 17th of June.

 

4. Genie TV shares the trailer of the upcoming thriller drama "Lies Hidden In My Garden"

The thriller drama stars Im JiYeon and Kim TaeHee and it tells the story of 2 women from different backgrounds. It's set to begin airing on the 19th of June.

 

5. Song JiHyo sues former agency's CEO for Embezzlement

The battle between the famous actress and her former agency continues as she sues the CEO for embezzlement. A representative revealed that "CEO Park received a transfer of 900 million won for the advertising model down payment to the company's account and arbitrarily withdrew or remitted it and used it." "Song Ji-hyo made a decision because there was no sign that this situation would be resolved if there was no accusation." In the last couple of months, the actress has been in the news as she raised her voice in support of the employees of her former agency whose wages hadn't been paid for a long time and in turn, facing strenuous difficulties.

 

6. tvN shares script reading with the casts of its upcoming drama "My Lovely Liar"

The drama starring Hwang MinHyun, Kim SoHyun, Lee SiWoo, and Seo JiHoon will begin airing in July. See here for more pictures.

 

7. Song JoongKi named as the new brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton

This week, Louis Vuitton shared that the famous actor has become their new brand ambassador. The luxury brand released a statement saying "Song Joong-ki recently proved that he is an irreplaceable actor in both acting and visuals through the dramas "Vincenzo" and "Reborn Rich"."He is receiving global attention with his endless performance,". Congratulations to the actor!

 

8. tvN shares intriguing new trailer for upcoming drama "See You In My 19th Life"

The webtoon-based drama stars famous actors Shin HaeSun and Ahn BoHyun and will begin airing on the 17th of June.

 

9. Actors Bae HyeongSeong and Jung Woo to star as leads in the upcoming JTBC drama "The Miracle Brothers"

The comedy fantasy drama tells the bromance story of two different people, one with mysterious special abilities. It is set to start airing on the 28th of June.

 

10. Netflix shares the main trailer for "Bloodhounds"

The webtoon-based drama stars Woo DoHwan and Lee SangYi and will be released on the 9th of June.

 

 

BIRTHDAY BUMPS

Kim MooYul - 22nd of May

 

Kang Hoon - 23rd of May

 

ITZY's YeJi - 26th of May

 

 

BEST PERFORMANCES THIS WEEK

 

VARIETY SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS

 

There are various types of characters that exist across multiple K-Dramas. From the rich, snobby male lead to the comedic, yet dependable best friend, these tropes always seem to make an appearance in many of our favorite shows. And while they might seem cliché and overused, they've always proven to be highly entertaining and relatable, no matter how the production crew decides to approach them.

Some types of characters have even shown to transcend time itself, finding a place in both historical and modern day dramas. One such character is the loyal and ever present bodyguard. Whether they wield a sword or wear a chic, black suit, bodyguard characters are determined to ensure the safety of those they are sworn to protect. Whether it's their fighting prowess or alluring visuals, there is something special about these bodyguards that viewers cannot deny!

Previously, we made an article on dependable bodyguards from historical dramas. But today, we fast forward to the present.

Here are some trustworthy bodyguards from modern day K-Dramas!

 

1. Park HaeJin as Kim SulWoo

"Man To Man" offered everything from thrilling action scenes to an endearing bromance. Being able to have both had audiences elated with excitement, leaving them greatly entertained after every episode for a variety of different reasons. Park HaeJin perfectly embodied the role of a bodyguard, showcasing his innate fighting prowess from the very beginning. Although he did face some dicey situations, he persevered and showed everyone that he's still at the top of his game.

 

2. Woo DoHwan as JoYoung

"The King: Eternal Monarch" was a legendary fantasy K-Drama that took the world by storm. While Lee MinHo stood at the forefront as LeeGon, the swoon-worthy male lead, by his side was his reliable bodyguard and close ally, JoYoung. Aside from being extremely good at his job, he possessed a smoldering gaze that had the ability to put anyone under an unbreakable spell. While he mainly had a serious demeanor, the small instances of soft tenderness were more than enough to make anyone squeal in excitement.

 

3. Choi JinHyuk as Cheon WooBin

Whether it's in the dusty streets of the Joseon era or the concrete sidewalks of Seoul, royalty require some form of protection. This protection comes in the presence of a bodyguard, and who wouldn't want one that looks like Cheon WooBin, played by Choi JinHyuk. Even while being such a heartthrob, he confidently piloted the role to perfection, becoming the perfect sword and shield to aid Oh Sunny (Jang NaRa) in whatever means necessary.

 

4. Lee TaeHwan as Seo DoHwan

Sometimes a bodyguard's duty isn't just to guard the person they're sworn to protect. At times, they even become one of their closest friends. That was certainly the case for Lee TaeHwan's character, Seo DoHwan in "W: Worlds Apart". Throughout the drama, we witness DoHwan's close friendship with Kang Cheol (Lee JongSuk). Despite their good relationship with one another, Seo DoHwan continues to carry out his duty and becomes an impenetrable shield.

 

5. Ji ChangWook as Kim JeHa

If there's anyone who fits the role of a bodyguard, it's Ji ChangWook. The actor is well versed in action scenes, so he was able to bring Kim JeHa to life while filming "The K2". He withstood every punch and dodged every bullet, making him a formidable opponent to all those standing in his way and in the way of the people he's sworn to protect.

Are there any other bodyguards from modern day K-Dramas that you cannot stop thinking about? Let us know in the comments!