In the vast landscape of Korean entertainment, sometimes it’s the little things that bring us joy (or disappointment) and make our fan girl/boy/folk hearts beat a little faster.

Each month, we ask our writers to share: Among the many Hallyu things vying for your attention, what’s caught your eye, is on your mind, or has made your heart skip a beat?

The Era of Impossible Performances (2NE1, JX, BigBang)
— Siena

I got into K-pop around 2018-2019, but despite this timeline, my first (and likely greatest) K-pop loves are second generation. Every generation has something unique to offer the Hallyu landscape, but for me, there was something about the second gen’s mix of polish, chaos, and raw talent that was pure magic. 

The second gen was also unrelentingly messy. That means that while there is a wonderful coterie of second gen groups and soloists who are still active (hello, my beloved SHINee!), there are many, many others who have slipped in and out of the limelight under the weight of infamous corporate battles and endless (sometimes absurd, sometimes nauseatingly serious) scandals. This created a selection of forever nostalgically-beloved second gen icons who were extremely unlikely to ever reunite on the stage in a meaningful way.

And then…in a matter of mere months this fall, three such legends did exactly that. It started with 2ne1‘s reunion concerts, continued with JX (formerly TVXQ‘s Jaejoong and Xiah/Junsu)’s concerts and, for me, culminated in a fever dream-like performance by a now three-member Big Bang at the 2024 MAMA Awards. There are a plethora of complications and potential ramifications around these reunions, particularly since all three seem like possibly long term situations (insane!). But the pure rush at seeing performances that seemed, even a few months ago, essentially impossible, is undeniable. The reactions of fellow idols in the MAMA audience to Big Bang’s stage said it all: shock, excitement, and the giddy glee of being part of something that, in its unlikelihood, feels vaguely forbidden. Bananas! 

Love is for Suckers: A Strong Character Base with Weak Development
— Qing

After a year of ups and downs, I finally had the bandwidth to get back into dramas. Friends-to-lovers stories is my catnip, and Love is for Suckers drew me in with its promise of the realism of a late-30s romance.

The reality-show-within-a-show setup is rich with potential. We see how the reality show’s cast navigate what is true to them with what they feel compelled to show in front of the cameras. The leads Yeo-reum (Lee Da-hee) and Jae-hoon (Choi Siwon) similarly yo-yo between what they actually want and feel, and the safe behaviours they fall back on. 

Their growth arc was set up really well too: Yeo-reum gives her career her all, but lacks the mettle to make tough decisions to really succeed. She stands up for others, but not herself. Jae-hoon struggles with the traumatic fallout of a key decision he made at work a few years ago, and lives as a shadow of his past self. They care deeply for each other, but find it hard to express their care in a way that works for the other.

But even with this strong base for growth, the show somehow still failed to deliver a satisfying arc for each character and their romance. At pivotal moments of conflict, the writing never pushes Yeo-reum out of her comfort zone to really take responsibility for her actions and failure to act for Jae-hoon. Jae-hoon always steps up to forgive and protect her. The romance never felt earned, leaving me bittersweet for its lost potential.

Uncertain Futures (NewJeans, Fromis 9, Loosemble) & One Bright Spot ((G)I-dle)
— Sabrina

The last few days of November have been brutal with girl group contract news: NewJeans is unilaterally terminating their contract with Ador, Loosemble is leaving CTDENM after only a little over a year with the agency, and Fromis_9’s time with Pledis Entertainment is coming to an end.

At this time, it is uncertain what will happen with these groups, and I particularly fear for the futures of NewJeans and Fromis_9. In the case of Loossemble, though, I remain cautiously optimistic, as Hyeju reassured fans on Fromm that fans and members “would still be seeing each other.” Perhaps Loossemble has more long-term plans after this short-term contract.

Fortunately, (G)I-dle has brought some good news. During their emotional acceptance speech for Record of the Year at the Melon Music Awards (MMAs), Soyeon directly addressed disbandment rumors and announced that all five active members have signed another contract with Cube. I had no doubt that the group would wield their considerable power during negotiations, but I still teared up out of cathartic release.

While watching their set at the MMAs live, I initially thought it felt like a closure to their 7-year journey. Resembling Greek goddesses, each member performed a snippet of (G)I-dle single, chronologically from “Latata” to “Queencard,” before the group launched into “Fate.” Rewatching the intro medley again in light of Soyeon’s announcement, moments like Minnie making a crown pose at the end of “Lion” and Yuqi shouting “yeah I’m fucking Tomboy” felt like well-earned assertions of empowerment. I only wish their set had been longer — but thankfully, there will be much more (G)I-dle to come.

TXT’s Soobin is the Ultimate Fanboy
— Chelsea

This month as a TXT fan has been full of ups and downs. First, a rushed comeback a day after an encore concert series, then the news of Soobin’s hiatus, the MAMAs, and another two encore concerts in Japan. It goes without saying that TXT has been overworked this year, and fans have noticed (and complained) for months. With regards to Soobin, we don’t need more details on what he is dealing with. All we need to know is that it should never have gotten to this point. I hope he recovers well and takes the time to rest that, honestly, all the members deserve. 

But, in Soobin’s absence, his new web series My Bias’ Bias is being uploaded to YouTube weekly. Though it’s now four episodes in, I cannot get over the first episode where Soobin—a known Kara fanboy—gives a heartfelt presentation about his favorite girl group unknowing that Gyuri is seated in the same classroom. From his candid responses to her prodding and genuine shock (and embarrassment) when she reveals herself, the episode is gold.  

What sets this web series, and the first episode in particular, apart for me is that we can see just how deep Soobin’s dedication goes. He’s in deeper than just knowing every track and choreo; he participates in group orders and went to meet ups as a trainee. His genuine love is precious to see, and along with the other episodes, the show celebrates being a huge fan of something without any shame, like Wooyoung (Ateez) with Harry Potter, and Heeseung (Enhypen) with ramen. We all should be able to openly enjoy things, and while Soobin is taking a much-needed break, I will be shamelessly enjoying watching all 186 centimeters of him trying to hide from Gyuri behind a TV stand. 

(NME, YouTube[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Image via the Black Label, Galaxy Corporation, Mnet, R&D Company, YG Entertainment.)