Exclusive Review: UP10TION's Lee JinHyuk Is A Shinning Sun With Solo Debut "S.O.L"
He is coming stronger than before. He is UP10TION's Lee JinHyuk.
JeonAe, Kpopmap Editor 4 min to read ·
Published : Nov 5, 2019
· Updated : Mar 18, 2020
Kpopmap
After the end of Mnet “Produce X 101”, UP10TION’s Lee JinHyuk has been a hit in various aspects. Be it magazine, variety shows, overseas fanmeeting and now, he is even debuting as a solo artist with his first mini album “S.O.L”.
His title track ‘I Like That’, is a mix between trap and EDM genres, a track that will be able to show off his own individual and unique side. Aside from the title track, Lee JinHyuk had also participated in writing the lyrics for ‘VILLIAN’ and ‘Follow Me & You’.
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Kpopmap
Opening the press showcase with a loud greeting, the photo session took place and he smiled brightly in front of all the reporters who had come to attend his very first debut showcase. He was very cheerily and provided lots of different poses. For more HD photos of the showcase, you can check it out here.
Kpopmap
Kpopmap
Moving on, the long awaited debut stage of Lee JinHyuk ‘I Like That’ took place. All we could say, it was a very powerful and dynamic performance.
Did he nail his first solo debut stage?
Yes he did.
Continuing with the Q&A session, there had been many curious questions about his solo debut, future direction and so on.
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Lee JinHyuk shared shyly that he was actually not nervous but the moment he was backstage and took the mic, he became worried about a lot of things. Such as if his facial expressions would turn out well or would he have made a mistake, and so on.
However, things turned out to be great as many were definitely impressed by the solo stage.
As Lee JinHyuk is also currently being involved in various variety programs, he also mentioned that he has been receiving numerous support from the cast of "Donki Hotel". They texted him continuously and told him that they would check out his music video once it was released.
Han SeJin and Kim MinKyu were also brought up as he revealed that they had actually called him earlier before the showcase to wish him all the best.
Explaining more about his album, Lee JinHyuk said that his album "S.O.L" actually refers to the sun in Spanish. It comes in two different version "Pure" and "Gold".
For those who might wondering what the differences are, Lee JinHyuk explained in his own words, "Pure" version includes more innocent looking photos of him and how it also signifies hope. As for "Gold" version, fans would be able to see 'the' Lee JinHyuk after he transformed into the 'God of Sun', someone who is filled with energy and brightness.
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One reporter then asked if he could elaborate on the differences he felt between promoting as a group and as a solo artist.
He did not hesitate and mention that there are charms in both promotions but for a solo stage, he had noticed that it is very hard to fill up the entire stage by himself.
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Lee JinHyuk also pointed that because of that, he had paid a lot of attention in this solo debut.
The rest of the members were initially confused at first as to why he had followed them. Lee JinHyuk laughed and shared that he had followed them just because he wanted to be with them and show support too.
Another reporter also asked about the time when he felt the rise in popularity and Lee JinHyuk chose to go with the time when people began to notice him when he took public transport. He also did not forget to point out how he was also able to work and appear in variety shows with seniors who he could only have seen on TV.
Lastly, closing up the press showcase, Lee JinHyuk mentioned that he would continue or if not, be even more humble than how he is right now. He is very thankful to all his fans as he is able to stand where he is right now. Before the audition program, he was not able to even dream about all these achievements.
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We would like to congratulate Lee JinHyuk on his successful debut and future career!
Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
Find out the top best school/college romance K-Dramas to have on your watchlist. (Updated with 2023 dramas)
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 10 min to read ·
Published : Nov 7, 2023
· Updated : Dec 26, 2023
JTBC
For new K-Drama fans, it is often hard to make a great watchlist from scratch. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read online reviews to make your selection, but that is probably not enough to decide on your next drama.
K-Dramas have plenty of genres. This time, we listed romance dramas set in school and university. We made a selection of the best teen romance and campus romance. If you are a K-Drama beginner, look out for the dramas we have selected to find which ones suit your taste! For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all the dramas listed below, if not, it is time to add them to your watchlist.
Summary: The story of a woman living a new life through plastic surgery. She ends up meeting Do KyungSuk at college orientation, and while everyone thinks that appearance is important, he thinks differently. She will learn what real “beauty” is.
For: Viewers looking for a campus romance questioning what is "beauty" with a swoon-worthy main couple.
Why watch?: This campus romance has an interesting theme on “what is real beauty”. The plot mainly focuses on romance and other issues of university students, making the whole story very interesting. The main couple's chemistry is one of the best. It is a must-watch!
Summary: It tells the dreams and love stories of students who are in pursuing a career in sports.
For: Viewers looking for the sweetest and the most hilarious campus romance.
Why watch?: This drama is just too good to miss! The female lead is a bubbly weightlifting athlete and the male lead is a soft swimmer. This true OTP created this perfect romantic comedy with their perfect chemistry! This drama gave birth to one of the legendary K-Drama lines, "Do you like Messi?".
Summary: A youth drama that tells the story of an 18 year old high school girl who's life completely changes as well as the students surrounding her.
For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and exciting teen story.
Why watch?: This drama is a must for young viewers. Kim SoHyun's acting is perfect in this teen drama. The plot and the love triangle also made it worth watching. There is no wonder why this 2015 drama of the "School" series was popular.
4. "Dream High"
KBS
When: 2011
Cast:Suzy, Kim SooHyun, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Ham EunJung, Jang WooYoung, IU
Summary: It tells the love story and dreams of young people who desire to become stars by attending an Art High School.
For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high-school romance with a music theme.
Why watch?: It might be an old drama, but the story is easy to watch and completely addictive. If you like K-Pop and dramas about singers, this drama might be for you. Suzy and Kim SooHyun couple's chemistry is unforgettable.
5. "Boys Over Flowers"
KBS
When: 2009
Cast: Ku HyeSun, Lee MinHo, Kim HyunJoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon
Summary: The love story of a girl from a poor family and a boy from one of the largest conglomerates family who attends the same private high school.
For: Viewers looking for a hit high school love story.
Why watch?: There are many reasons why this drama is worldwide popular (and not only the Korean version). Even after all these years, "Boys Over Flowers"'s plot and cast are still worth watching. The handsome F4 and the fierce female character created this memorable drama with famous scenes.
Summary: It tells the love and friendship stories of wealthy high school students.
For: Viewers looking for an addictive cliché teen K-Drama.
Why watch?: There are two types of "The Heirs" viewers: those who loved it and those who hated it. "The Heirs" is entertaining and filled with K-Dramas clichés but that is for the best. If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster and cheesy drama, don't miss this one.
Cast: APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim DongHee, Golden Child's BoMin, Kim SooHyun, Ryu EuiHyun, Kang MinAh, Shin YeEun, Shin SeungHo
Summary: The web drama is about the worries and love stories of teens. The changes that the main characters are going through by changing from 18 to 19 years old. They are going through a lot with the preparation of the CSAT (college entrance exam) and this comes with a lot of choices to be made.
For: Viewers looking for a cute teen love story reflecting Korean students' worries.
Why watch?: It is a web drama of excellent quality. The story is engaging and has a slow pace. The love story and school worries of the characters are interesting (feat. handsome actors). All in all, the drama is definitely worth watching.
8. "To the Beautiful You"
SBS
When: 2012
Cast:Sulli, SHINee's MinHo, Lee HyunWoo
Summary: It tells the story of a girl pretending to be a guy who entered an all-boys physical education high school.
For: Viewers looking for a funny and easy-to-watch teen story.
Why watch?: The drama is a bit old. However, the whole drama's light-hearted atmosphere and laughable circumstances make it likable. You will find yourself falling for the characters and laughing out loud. SM Entertainment stan might want to look at this drama as various idols appear.
Summary: An emotional fantasy romance drama taking place in a world where vampires and humans co-exist.
For: Viewers looking for a high school story with vampires.
Why watch?: If you like dramas with vampires and cute school love stories, "Orange Marmalade" might be for you. There are few K-Dramas about vampires, and this one stands out. Even if the script was a bit unorganized, the interesting overall plot took over.
10. "Cheese in the Trap"
tvN
When: 2016
Cast:Park HaeJin, Kim GoEun, Seo KangJoon, Lee SungKyung
Summary: A romance thriller that tells the story of a female college student who is the only one who saw the real true self of her sunbae. This perfect guy is hiding his dangerous nature behind a sweet smile.
For: Viewers looking for an unusual campus story.
Why watch?: Many have divided opinions about this drama. The two main male characters are quite unusual because of the way they think. They are different from other dramas' characters and make viewers try hard to understand them. That is the charm of this drama making you curious until the end.
Summary: It tells the story of a girl who realizes that she is a supporting character inside a romance manga named "Secret". She tries to change the fixed story for her love and life.
For: Viewers looking for a swoon-worthy couple with fantasy and mysterious elements.
Why watch?: If you are looking for one of the best romance dramas with a high school background, this is for you! The drama has eye-candy leads and a fun lead female character in a story full of fantasy and mysteries. You will get quickly addicted and captivated. If you like cute and innocent love stories, this is even more recommended for you.
Summary:"Love Revolution" tells the love story of the couple Gong JuYoung and Wang JaRim while also depicting the teen's lives realistically with their love, friendship, studies, and dream.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious plot and an innocent love story of high school students.
Why watch?: The main reason to watch this Kakao TV web drama is the lead character Gong JuYoung, the cutest and cheesiest boy in the world. He is crazy in love with Wang JaRim, a cold high school girl, and will do everything to win her heart. As you can expect from such a storyline, their love story will be full of unexpected and funny events. Moreover, all their friends have an essential part in the fun of the drama. It is light and hilarious.
Summary: It tells the romantic comedy story of JuGyeong, who is bullied for her appearance and then turns into a goddess through makeup with the help of her friend SuHo who keeps hidden scars. The two met and by sharing their secrets, they grow and restore their self-esteem.
For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high school romance and a focus on self-esteem.
Why watch?: It is a must-watch! This school story is relatively light with an addictive love story (feat. tons of heart-fluttering scenes) and numerous entertaining scenes. However, it also has its darkness. The female lead is harshly bullied for her looks, and she lost her self-esteem (to mention just a few of the issues in this drama).
Summary: It tells the real struggles of people in their 20s and the issues of university students. At a distance, their youth seems beautiful, but if you look at it closely it is harsh. University students' lives would've been a little easier if they utilize guides to exams (like IT exam dumps & practice tests online).
For: Viewers looking for friendship and romance stories with characters with painful and sad stories.
Why watch?: This drama perfectly mixes two opposite feelings in its plot. It is sad because the drama highlights the painful wounds of each of its characters and the real hardship of university students (it is realistic). Despite having an overload of darkness, the drama isn't all gloomy and dark. At the same time, it is bright with an adorable romance, cute friendships, and likable characters who grow together.
Summary: It tells the stories of students of SeoYeon University who try to find "M", the anonymous main character of a story posted on the school community that turned the school upside down. The characters' romantic lines will change as they are looking for "M".
For: Viewers looking for a friends-to-lovers campus love story with interesting characters.
Why watch?: If you like campus romance, this is for you! Between the heart-fluttering main love line, rivalry in the second couple, diverse characters, and busy campus life, this drama has filled up all the requirements. It is sweet and addictive. You will not be able to stop yourself from watching the next episode.
Summary: A campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.
For: Viewers looking for the addictive love story of two opposite university students.
Why watch?: It might just be the most heart-fluttering short campus romance of the century. BL newbies or experts alike, it will keep you away from your sleeping schedule (you're warned). The story of SangWoo and JaeYoung who go from enemies to lovers is played with amazing chemistry. This drama has been acclaimed left and right for good reasons.
Summary: "Twinkling Watermelon" focuses on Ha EunGyeol (RyeoUn), a model student who aims to make his parents proud. However, he's a natural-born, gifted guitarist who harbors a desire to pursue music instead. When this leads to an argument with his father, EunGyeol ends up discovering a strange yet enticing music store. After leaving the store, he finds himself in the year 1995 where he meets the teenage version of his father, Ha YiChan (Choi HyunWook). What ensues next is a story of youth, romance, family bonds, and music that gets everyone clapping along to its rhythm.
For: Viewers looking for a youthful drama full of emotions.
Why watch?: The drama has a good mix of heart-pounding youthful romance, family setting, bromance, a bit of mystery, and music. You will love the unexpected plot twist in the beginning, the handsome actors, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
You can also recommend to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Dear. M", "Semantic Error", and "Twinkling Watermelon" were added later than other dramas in the poll)
What is the best school/college romance K-Drama according to you?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
Twinkling Watermelon
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo
Who Are You: School 2015
Dream High
Boys Over Flowers
The Heirs
A-Teen 2
To the Beautiful You
Orange Marmalade
Cheese in the Trap
Extraordinary You
Love Revolution
True Beauty
At A Distance, Spring is Green
Dear.M
Semantic Error
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
Lee JinHyuk "28 Virthday" Fanmeeting: Ticket Details
Lee JinHyuk is holding a fanmeeting for his birthday! Check out the details here!
Eunice, Kpopmap Editor < 1 min to read ·
Published : May 12, 2023
Lee JinHyuk's Instagram
Lee JinHyuk is holding a fanmeeting in celebration of his birthday next month! V-DAN can expect a live performances by the artist, as well as some memorable time interacting with him. You shouldn't miss it!
If you're interested in getting tickets, check out the details below.
10 K-Pop Idols Represented By The Adorable Squirrel Emoji
Check out all these male K-Pop idols represented by the squirrel emoji!
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Apr 21, 2023
RBW / CUBE Entertainment / BIGHIT MUSIC
Squirrels are pocket-sized animals that we might see scurrying around our local neighborhoods. With their adorable cheeks and cute features, they are an absolute 10 on the 'aww' meter. While it can be rare to see our favorite K-Pop idols frolicking through our home town, many might resemble the best and cutest qualities of a squirrel.
In the K-Pop world, idols are represented by many things such as color, superpowers, and emojis! Emojis are decided pre-debut by the company, through numerous fan interactions, or by the members themselves. These emojis act as another representation of the idol and are assigned due to their looks, actions, or personality.
While the K-Pop industry is a full-fledged jungle, there are multiple idols represented by the squirrel emoji. Whether it's because of their precious cheeks or endearing personality, these idols share a resemblance to this beloved animal. They have this happy go lucky energy that's infectious and can be felt by everyone across all fandoms.
Let's meet these adorable K-Pop idols represented by the squirrel emoji.
Did you know that these idols were represented by the squirrel emoji? Which K-Pop idol using the squirrel emoji is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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