As the month of June slowly comes to an end, Summer is not the only thing bringing the fiery heat as the news revolving around our favorite K-Pop idols and K-Drama stars are enough to keep us all alert and fanning ourselves. This week, there has been a plethora of breaking news and updates that have left us all duly stunned, excited, intrigued, sad, and filled with anticipation.

From comeback announcements from famous K-Pop groups to the settlement of a dispute between a famous agency and its artists, famous actors signing into new agencies, shocking dating news, the solo debut of a beloved idol, amazing photoshoots, and more upcoming drama teasers, this week, with every passing hour, there has been a lot happening in the Korean entertainment news cycle and thankfully, we have been able to curate for you a list of the top breaking news of the week you do not want to miss.

Here are the top K-Pop and K-Drama news of the 3rd week of June 2023.

 

K-POP NEWS

1. TXT and Jonas Brothers to team up for a summer song

The two famous acts will be treating fans to the music of summer. The song titled 'Do It Like That' will be released on the 7th of July. Click here for more on the story.

 

2. MIRAE to make a comeback in July

This week, DSP Media confirmed that the 4th generation boy group will be making a comeback in July. This news is met with much excitement from fans who have been waiting for music from the idol group since their last release in 2022.

 

3. Comebacks and new releases

NCT DREAM - 'Broken Melodies'

Kang Daniel - 'SOS'

Kim JaeHwan ft iKON's Bobby -'개이득'

Stray Kids - 'TOPLINE' ft Tiger JK

MONSTA X's I.M - 'OVERDRIVE'

 

4. MONSTA X's ShowNu is the July issue cover star for Singles magazine

The famous idol shows off his exquisite good looks as he graces the cover of the lifestyle magazine. Check out the making of the photoshoots here.

 

5. VICTON's Han SeungWoo shares more concept photos for his upcoming album

The popular idol who was discharged from the military earlier this year would be greeting fans with new music as he is scheduled to release his 3rd mini album "FRAME" on the 27th of June.

 

6. iKON's Jay makes his solo debut with the album "PARADISE"

The famous idol officially made his solo debut with the release of his album "PARADISE". His debut album will notably be in 2 parts, with the 2nd part titled "BLUE MOON" scheduled to be released next month.

 

7. T5, TREASURE's new sub-unit to drop the pre-release single 'MOVE' on the 28th of June

It's good news for TREASURE fans as the new sub-unit will officially be releasing the single 'MOVE' this month. They recently released the dance practice video this week which has gone viral with fans duly complimenting the group and sharing their excitement for the upcoming release.

 

8. NMIXX confirmed to make a comeback in July

The beloved group will be making a comeback with the release of their 3rd Single ‘A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream' on the 11th of July.

[NMIXX] 3rd Single ‘A Midsummer NMIXX’s Dream'

Motion Posterhttps://t.co/DghG4ZkNmN

2023.07.11 6:00PM (KST)#NMIXX #엔믹스#A_Midsummer_NMIXXs_Dream pic.twitter.com/nnM2uVangd

— NMIXX (@NMIXX_official) June 19, 2023

 

9. SM Entertainment shares they have settled the conflict with EXO members Chen, BaekHyun, and XiuMin

In a statement shared this week, the famous agency noted that "We were able to resolve the differences caused by misunderstandings and reach an amicable agreement." On the issue on the transparency of their settlement data the agency shared "After careful consideration, we provided copies of the settlement data to the three artists on the premise that it is confirmed that the three artists and their representatives will not use the settlement data for any other unjust purpose other than checking the settlement details. We will continue to do our best to discuss with the three artists we cherish." This is good news for fans as EXO will be making a comeback with their 7th album on the 10th of July.

 

10. ITZY to make a comeback with a new album on the 31st of July

The famous 4th generation girl group will be releasing their new album "KILL MY DOUBT" with the title track 'CAKE' on the 31st of July.

 

11. NewJeans confirms comeback with their 2nd mini album

Coming Soon!
NewJeans 2nd EP 'Get Up'

🗓 2023.7.7. Pre-Release
🗓 2023.7.21. 2nd EP 'Get Up' Release

✅ Pre-Order
2023.6.19. 11AM KST#Time_to_NewJeans#NewJeans #뉴진스 #NewJeans_2nd_EP pic.twitter.com/x2lIt5ihKV

— NewJeans (@NewJeans_ADOR) June 19, 2023

Through a teaser, the girl group confirmed they will be making a comeback with the release of their 2nd mini album "GET UP" on the 21st of July. They will also be treating fans with the release of a pre-single on the 7th of July.

 

12. ONF's MK returns from the military

This week, through a post on social media, the beloved idol made known his return from the military after successfully completing his service period. Congratulations and welcome back MK.

 

13. HYBE shares the coaches' line-up for its upcoming girl group debut project "R U Next"

The program will see Kim JaeHwan, Lee Hyun, Aiki, KARA's Park GyuRi, and 2AM's Jo Kwon as its coaches with Girls' Generation's SooYoung as its MC. It will begin airing on the 3oth of June.

 

 

K-DRAMA NEWS

1. JTBC confirms line-up for upcoming drama "Behind Your Touch"

The Saturday and Sunday drama will be starring Han JiMin, Lee MinKi, and EXO's SuHo and it will tell the story of a veterinarian with psychometric abilities & a detective teaming up to solve crimes.

 

2. tvN confirms new release date for upcoming drama "My Lovely Liar"

The rom-com drama starring Hwang MinHyun, Kim SoHyun, Lee SiWoo, and Seo JiHoon will begin airing on the 31st of July.

 

3. Heavenly TV shares teaser of upcoming BL drama "Jun and Jun"

The office rom-com drama stars Park HyeongSeop, Ki HyunWoo, Jo ChanHyun, and Yang JunMo tell the story of an office worker who reunites with his first love after he disappeared without a word. It will begin airing on the 20th of July 2023.

 

4. Agency confirms that Lee JangWoo is dating rookie actress Jo HyeWon

This week, the famous actor's agency confirmed that the two actors are dating. In a statement, they shared "The two of them made a relationship through work and have been dating as seniors and juniors."

 

5. TVING shares first teaser for new variety show "Bro and Marbles"

The variety show stars Lee SeungGi, Yoo YeonSeok, Ji SeokJin, SUPER JUNIOR's KyuHyun, Lee DongHwi, Jo SeHo, and SEVENTEEN's Joshua and Hoshi. It will begin airing in July.

 

6. Jung HaeIn announces fan meeting tour

The famous actor is gearing up to greet his global fans as he announces his 2023 fan meeting tour. The tour will start on the 22nd of July in Seoul with more dates being added. See here for more information.

 

7. Woo DoHwan and Lee SangYi's "Bloodhounds" tops Netflix rankings worldwide

The "Bloodhounds" reign continues as the drama earns its number 1 spot with 8.1 million viewing hours. The popularity of the drama is not the only thing being celebrated this week as Woo DoHwan also sees his popularity hit a new milestone as he surpasses 5 million followers on Instagram. Congratulations to the actors.

 

8. Girls' Generation's YoonA and 2PM's JunHo are the definitions of alluring for Allure magazine.

The Stars of the ongoing drama "King The Land" are sizzling hot in these pictures for the fashion and lifestyle magazine. See more pictures here.

 

9. Ahn HyoSeop stars in a travel issue pictorial for Allure Korea

The famous actor shows off his stunning visuals and model-like poses in these super cool pictures for the fashion and lifestyle brand. See more pictures here.

 

10. Netflix confirms the release date for "D.P 2"

The second season of the thriller drama which sees Jung HaeIn and Koo KyoHwan reprising their roles will be released on the 28th of July.

 

11. Kwon NaRa joins Ghost Studio

This week, it was revealed that the famous actress has joined the newly formed actor agency, Ghost Studio. It is home to actors Joo Won, Ryu KyungSoo, and Cha JooYoung. See here for more famous actors signed by the agency.

 

12. Yim SiWan, Kang HaNuel, Park SungHoon, and Yang DongGeun are confirmed to star in "Squid Game 2"

Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-Hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo will all be returning for Squid Game Season 2! And #TUDUM just revealed four new actors who will be joining the cast! pic.twitter.com/hVdDpF3mse

— Netflix K-Content (@netflixkcontent) June 17, 2023

The famous actor will be joining Lee JungJae, Lee ByungHun, Wi HaJun, and Gong Yoo in the thriller drama.

 

13. Famous actor Lee JinHyuk inspires everyday adventures with #MontblancLibrarySpirit in this pictorial for Esquire magazine

The famous actor holds our gaze with his stunning good looks in these pictures for the fashion and lifestyle magazine. See here for more photos.

 

BIRTHDAY BUMPS

Kang TaeOh - 20th of June

 

BLITZER's JuHan - 21st of June

 

CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa - 22nd of June

 

Lee MinHo - 22nd of June

 

Lim JiYeon - 23rd of June

 

BEST PERFORMANCES THIS WEEK

 

VARIETY SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS

 

As we come to the close of the month of May, K-Pop and K-Drama fans are met with a whirlwind of breaking news about their favorite stars and the industry. This news and reports have no doubt elicited a range of reactions from many, which could include sheer surprise, shock, excitement, and anticipation.

With every second there is a new development or breaking news surrounding the industry and its artists and actors. As fans, we recognize that it might not be the easiest feat to stay updated with the fast-paced news cycle. That is why, in other to keep you briefed on the weekly development in the industry, we created this themed article.

From a potential scandal involving a famous agency and its artists to comeback news and drama releases, here are the top K-Pop and K-Drama news of the 5th week of May 2023.

 

K-POP NEWS

1. SM Entertainment faces possible scandal as sources claim that EXO members, Chen, BaekHyun, and XiuMin want to end their exclusive contract with the agency

It's shocking news surrounding the famous entertainment industry as it was revealed that the idols have filed a complaint to end their contract in June following issues with transparent settlement data, a request they've made at least 7 times since March 2023. However, SM Entertainment released a statement, refuting any irregularities and blaming external parties for trying to start a conflict between the agency and its artists.

 

2. SHINee confirmed to make a comeback in June

The famous boy group are set to make a comeback with the release of their 8th album "HARD" on the 28th of June. Global fans are no doubt excited about this news as it makes the group's comeback since 2021.

 

3. fromis_9 drops the concept trailer of their upcoming album "Unlock My World"

The girl group continues on their schedule toward the release of their 1st album as they share this exciting concept trailer. The album is scheduled to be released on the 5th of June.

 

4. Choi MinGi (Ren) shares the tracklist and concept photos of his debut album

The famous idol is gearing up for his solo debut as he shares the tracklist and concept photos of the album "Rendezvous". The album is scheduled to be released on the 13th of June.

 

5. Kim JaeHwan is set to make a comeback in June.

Earlier this week, the idol's agency revealed that the singer is gearing up to release a new album in June. A piece of news that sounded like sweet music to his host of fans.

 

6. NCT's Jeno is unveiled as the new global ambassador for Ferragamo

It's a record first for the idol as he was revealed to be the first global male ambassador for the luxury brand. Congratulations Jeno.

 

7. DKB is confirmed to make a comeback in June.

The beloved 4th generation boy group will be treating fans to new music with their upcoming album "I Need Love" which is scheduled to be released on the 14th of June.

 

8. BTS to treat fans to new music as part of their 10th-year anniversary celebration

The renowned group will be marking their 19th year debut anniversary in June and will be releasing new music in celebration with fans. Titled 'Take Two', the song is expected to be released on the 9th of June.

 

9. T.O.P reveals he has left BIGBANG and is getting set to release new music soon

This week, the famous idol shared that he is no longer part of the group, causing a reaction of dismay and confusion amongst global fans who thought he would still be promoting with the group even after leaving YG Entertainment last year.

 

10. Comebacks and new releases

HORI7ON - 'Lovey Dovey'

NINE to SIX - 'Don't Call Me'

THE BOYZ - 'Delicious'

CIX - 'Save Me, Kill Me'

BOYNEXTDOOR - 'Serenade'

VICTON's SeungSik - 'Wild Flower'

ASTRO's Cha EunWoo - '스토커'

Stray Kids - 'S-Class'

 

11. MONSTA X's I.M stuns for COSMOPOLITAN

The famous idol and rapper lent his handsome visuals to the fashion and lifestyle magazine, drawing tons of admiration and compliments from fans.

 

K-DRAMA NEWS 

1. Netflix shares enticing thriller for upcoming drama "Celebrity"

Starring CNBLUE's Kang MinHyuk, Lee ChungAh, Park GyuYoung, and Lee DongGun, the drama is set to be released on the 30th of June.

 

2. SBS shares more character posters and trailer for its upcoming drama "Revenant"

The thriller drama stars Kim TaeRi, Oh JungSe, and Hong Kyung. It will begin airing on the 23rd of June.

 

3. JTBC shares new posters of the cast and trailer for "King The Land"

Excitement and anticipation build rapidly for the rom-com drama as JTBC shares more amazing posters of its main leads  2PM's JunHo and Girls' Generation's YoonA. The weekend drama will begin airing on the 17th of June.

 

4. KBS shares a hilarious poster of the upcoming drama "Heartbeat"

The text on the poster reads "I've told you not to open until 100 years". It stars 2PM's Ok TaecYeon and Won JiAn. It will begin airing on the 26th of June.

 

5. JTBC releases exciting teaser for its upcoming drama "The Miracle Brothers"

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

 

BIRTHDAY BUMPS 

VERIVERY's YeonHo - 31st of May

 

Lee SooHyuk - 31st of May

 

BEST PERFORMANCES THIS WEEK 

 

VARIETY SHOW RECOMMENDATIONS