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

 

Many K-Pop idols are not just performers on stage; they are also in the studio producing incredible music that make K-Pop what it is. Being the ones performing on stage, they have a thorough understanding of what works and what doesn’t, allowing them to bring their own expertise into the creation of hit songs. 

Idols who are involved in the composition and lyrics of songs are listed on the Korean Music Copyright Association (KOMCA)’s copyright registration list. These idols are often also involved in production and arrangement.

Listed in this article are the top 10 most copyrighted K-Pop idols as of the end of 2023 (Dec. 31). Though the list covers the top 10, there are more than 10 idols as some of them have the same amount of songs under their name, thus sharing a rank with another idol.

 

1st - Ravi (238 songs)

Ravi tops the list with an impressive 238 songs under his name. He is credited for songs for VIXX, VIXX LR, his solo songs and other artists. Well-known tracks credited to him include ‘Chained Up’, ‘Beautiful Liar’, ‘BOMB’ and GWSN’s ‘Recipe ~ for Simon’.

 

2nd - BTS’ RM (218 songs)

BTS’ leader RM is the second most copyrighted idol with 218 songs. He is credited for his group’s songs, songs for other artists and solo releases by him and the other BTS members. ‘Butter’, TXT’s ‘0X1=Lovesong (I Know I Love You)’ and ‘Do You’ are just some of his songs. 

 

3rd - DAY6’s Young K (175 songs)

Young K is third on the list with 175 songs. He has broad experience being involved in songs for DAY6, DAY6 (Even Of Day), other artists and his solo songs. He is credited for songs including ‘Days Gone By’, Xdinary Heroes’ ‘Good enough’ and ‘let it be summer’.

 

3rd - BIGBANG’s G-Dragon (175 songs)

In equal third place is K-Pop legend, G-Dragon. He is credited for BIGBANG’s and other artists’ songs as well as his own solo releases. Some of his songs include ‘BANG BANG BANG’, ‘그 XX (That XX)’ and ‘CROOKED’.

 

4th - ZICO (173 songs)

Another industry great, ZICO, is the fourth most copyrighted idol. He is credited for songs for Block B, other artists and himself. Some of his works include ‘Nilili Mambo’, HwaSa’s ‘Kidding’ and ‘Boys And Girls’.

 

5th - BTS’ Suga (169 songs)

Another BTS member, Suga, is the fifth most copyrighted idol currently with 169 songs. He is credited for BTS’ songs, his solo releases as Agust D and solo releases of the other BTS members. His songs include ‘Boy In Luv’, ‘Daechwita’ and JungKook’s ‘Stay Alive’.

 

6th - Stray Kids’ Bang Chan (168 songs)

In sixth place is Bang Chan following closely with 168 songs. Bang Chan is known to endlessly produce Stray Kids’, 3RACHA’s and other artists’ music. His songs include ‘Hellevator’, ‘Runner’s High’ and NiziU’s ‘Paradise’.

 

6th - Yong JunHyung (168 songs)

In equal sixth place is Yong JunHyung. As a former member of BEAST and Highlight, he is credited for songs of both groups. He is also a solo artist creating his own music. His songs include ‘Shadow’, ‘Celebrate’ and ‘Post It’.

 

7th - MONSTA X’s JooHoney (164 songs)

MONSTA X’s JooHoney is seventh on the list. He is credited for songs of his own group, other groups and his solo releases. Some of his songs include ‘All In’, CRAVITY’s ‘JUMPER’ and ‘FREEDOM’.

 

8th - SEVENTEEN’s Woozi (158 songs)

Woozi, known as SEVENTEEN’s main producer, comes in at eighth. He is on top of songs for the group, its sub-units and other artists. Some songs under his name include ‘Don’t Wanna Cry’, SEVENTEEN BSS’ ‘Just Do It’ and IOI’s ‘Downpour’.

 

9th - Stray Kids’ ChangBin (152 songs)

Next up is Stray Kids’ ChangBin. Like Bang Chan, he also participates in creating Stray Kids’, 3RACHA’s and other artists’ songs. Some songs under his name include ‘Maniac’, ‘Carpe Diem’ and Yoon JiSung’s ‘You… Like the wind’. 

 

10th - Stray Kids’ Han (148 songs)

In tenth place is Han, also of Stray Kids. Han is also credited for Stray Kids’, 3RACHA’s and other artists’ music. Some songs he has been involved in include ‘District 9’, ‘Matryoshka’ and NiziU’s ‘Paradise’. 

2023 was full of bops and memorable tracks in the K-Pop world.

Kpopmap asked readers to vote for their favorite albums by male solo K-Pop artists in 2023 and the votes are in!

The vote was open from Dec. 5 to Dec. 18. Many of you voted, thank you for your votes!

Here are the best male K-Pop albums of 2023.

 

5. MONSTA X’s JooHoney – “LIGHTS” - 0.7%

JooHoney released his first mini album "LIGHTS" and its title track 'FREEDOM' on May 22. The album has resonated strongly with fans, making it one of the fans' favorites, ranking 5th.

 

4. SHINee’s Key – “Good & Great” - 1.7%

Key released "Good and Great" and the title of the same name on September 11. The album has captured the hearts of fans and the general public, it ranked 4th.

 

3. MONSTA X's I.M - "OVERDRIVE" - 5.3%

I.M released his new solo EP "OVERDRIVE" and his title track of the same name on July 23. The album ranked 3rd showing the amount of support and love it received from global fans.

 

2. Rocky - "ROCKYST" - 42.7%

Rocky released his first solo mini album "ROCKYST" on November 22 along with his title track 'LUCKY ROCKY'. As much as it was awaited, it received an outpouring of love from fans from across the globe, ranking second.

 

1. SHINee’s TaeMin – “Guilty” - 49.0%

TaeMin made his long-awaited comeback with a boom with the release of his album "Guilty" on October 30. The album received a lot of interest and love, it ranked first on this ranking with its title track 'Guilty'.