Welcome back to the latest edition of SB Week in Review. Here’s your news:
Serious News
- The recent push by president Park Geun-hye‘s government for a single, state-issued history textbook has contributed to the massive protest staged in Seoul earlier this week. Many of the protesters also registered their dissatisfaction with proposed changes allowing for easier dismissal of workers, among other issues. This culminated in an overall cry for Park’s dismissal from the tens and thousands of marchers. Security forces used tear gas during clashes with the protesters.
- Many celebrities have shown their support for France online following the attacks in Paris earlier in the week.
- Seoul National University has elected its first openly gay student president. 23 year-old Kim Bo-mi, who ran unopposed, proudly came out during her campaign. She said “I want SNU to be a place where its members can be positive and confident of who they are.”
- Cube Entertainment subsidiary A Cube is threatening legal action against malicious comments and photoshopping made online, directed at A Pink.
Comebacks & Debuts
B.A.P made its return with “Young, Wild and Free.”- EXID turned up the heat on Autumn with their new release “Hot Pink.” As much as I love Hani‘s hair, I feel like it was the worst choice for a comeback based around the colour pink. On the other hand, Junghwa is killing me with her pink do!
- FT Island frontman Lee Hong-ki has made his solo debut with “Insensible.” The MV also stars Park Shin-hye.
- iKon released two new songs to tide fans over until their December release. Did you like “Anthem” or “Apology” better?
- Female trio Purfles made a comeback with “Bad Girl.”
- New group Snuper is here to put the snup back into K-pop with debut single “Shall We Dance.” They also have a blond mini-Jo Kwon.
- Neon Bunny released a colourful MV with her new single, “Romance in Seoul.”
- Dynamic Duo dropped its new album, as well as MVs for “J.O.T.S” with Nafla, and “Jam.”
- Shin Min-ah and So Ji-sub‘s new drama Oh My Venus started airing this week on KBS. Are you watching?
Teasers & Announcements
- Turns out those YG teasers weren’t for all of 2NE1, just CL. “Hello Bitches” will be released in both the US and South Korea.
- After their Korean tour in January, f(x) will also be touring Japan during February. Get that yen.
- Yoona and Yoo Hae-jin will be joining Hyun Bin’s newest action thriller film Alliance.
- Nine Muses is also gearing up for its comeback. Check out the gorgeous teasers here.
- SNSD TTS will be making a comeback in December.
tvN is adapting another popular webtoon. Check out the character posters and teaser video for Cheese in the Trap, starring Kim Go-eun and Park Hae-jin!- Jin Se-yeon and Go Soo have been cast as leads in upcoming drama Ok Joong Hwa.
- Jang Na-ra will be starring in upcoming MBC drama One More Happy Ending. She will play a marriage consultant specialising in finding ‘one more happy ending’ for her divorcee clients.
- Exo‘s Baekhyun has been cast in upcoming drama Moon Lovers.
- Snowpiercer is being adapted for TV by War of the Worlds writer Josh Friedman.
- Unpretty Rapstar 2 contestant KittiB has signed with Brand New Music.
- And we can all rest easy now: Big Bang is attending this year’s MAMAs. Balance has been restored to the universe. f(x) will also be attending, and performing alongside UK duo Pet Shop Boys. Meanwhile, no FNC acts will be attending.
- CL and Psy will also be having their comeback stages at MAMA this year.
Warning: spoilers ahead.
Other News
- Kim Hee-ae drama Mrs. Cop is in talks for a season 2.
- Mnet‘s Superstar K7 concluded this week. Chun Dan-bi was pipped by Kevin Oh for the title.
- Former After School member Yoo So-young has confirmed her relationship with soccer/football player Son Heung-min. If that name sounds familiar to non-sports fans, it may be because Son was once Girl’s Day member Minah‘s boyfriend. Congrats to the couple!
- MBC Music Core has once again ceased its award system. The show will also be getting new MCs.
(BBC, The Hollywood Reporter, f(x)’s Official Japan Site, Idolator, Ilgan Sports[1][2][3], MyDaily, MyDaily via Nate, Osen, Pann, Sports Donga, Star News[1][2][3], TV Report[t][2][3][4], Xsport News, Yonhap). Images via: YG Entertainment, EPA, TS Entertainment, tvN)
