"Produce X 101" Lee JinHyuk And Choi ByungChan Were Close Even Before Joining The Show
Even before participating in Mnet "Produce X 101", Lee JinHyuk and Choi ByungChan are close with each other!
JeonAe, Kpopmap Editor 2 min to read ·
Published : Jul 3, 2019
· Updated : Nov 10, 2023
2:00 A.M.
Many friendships are formed during Mnet "Produce X 101" and some viewers also noticed friendships that were already present even before the start of the survival show.
Some of them realised that actually TOP Media's Lee JinHyuk and Plan A's Choi ByungChan are close with each other even before coming onto the show.
Pictures of them attending MBC "Idol Star Athletics Championships (ISAC)" had resurfaced and many fans love what they were seeing!
2:00 A.M.
Both of them appeared to be really close with each other as fans had spotted them hanging together in various occasions.
Plant X
Needless to say, fans also got to see how close the two of them were during the show!
Mnet
Both of them were placed together during the mission where they should not drop the apple. Not only did they earn laughter from fans, they also showed their 'great' chemistry in trying to succeed the mission.
In the previous episode, both of them were confirmed to be performing to the song 'Move'.
Lee JinHyuk and Choi ByungChan's interactions had caused many fans to go aww after seeing how supportive both of them are to each other.
Currently, Lee JinHyuk and Choi ByungChan are ranked 2nd and 16th respectively according to Mnet's 8th week results.
From surprise comeback announcements to thrilling drama trailers, here are the top news of the 3rd week of May 2023.
Michael Albert, Kpopmap Editor 10 min to read ·
Published : May 19, 2023
· Updated : Jan 26, 2024
KBS / SM Entertainment / Netflix / SALT ENTERTAINMENT / JTBC
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.
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.
3. SECRET NUMBER to make a comeback with a new digital single
Vine Entertainment
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"
BELIFT LAB
"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
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
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'
FNC Entertainment
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
Tango Music
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."
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
KQ Entertainment
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
ByungChan's official Instagram
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"
SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment
SM Entertainment
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
HyungWon's official instagram
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.
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
THE NEW SIX's official Instagram
THE NEW SIX's official Instagram
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.
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
Starship Entertainment
Starship Entertainment
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
RBW Entertainment
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"
DSP Media
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-DRAMANEWS
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"
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"
6. KBS shares teaser poster and trailer for upcoming drama "Heartbeat"
KBS
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"
8. ENA unveils posters for its upcoming family thriller drama "Happiness Battle"
ENA
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
1st Look
1st Look
The "Black Knight" star graces the spreads of the lifestyle magazine. See here for more pictures.
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.
K-Pop Concerts And Fanmeetings Across The Globe (August 2023)
Check out our guide to K-Pop concerts and fanmeeting taking place August 2023!
Eunice, Kpopmap Editor < 1 min to read ·
Published : Jul 28, 2023
· Updated : Dec 4, 2023
iKON Official
K-Pop concerts and fanmeetings are thrilling for fans, allowing them to see their favorite groups perform live and sometimes even interact with idols up close. Memories of these moments are truly one of most treasured ones by fans.
As these events happening left and right, it is quite difficult to keep track with idols' schedules. With that said, we are helping you keep up with which K-Pop concerts and fanmeetings happening each month by posting a monthly guide! Be sure to check out our collective list of the K-Pop World Tours Happening In 2023 as well.
This is your go-to guide and schedule for K-Pop concerts around the world that is taking place in August 2023.
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