Top News This Week (3rd Week Of April 2023) – Kpopmap – Kpop, Kdrama and Trend Stories Coverage

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Hello and welcome to another edition of Kpopmap’s weekly series “Top News This Week”. In this thematic article, we will make a list of the main news and happenings involving K-Pop idols and K-Drama actors during the week. Noting that the news cycle is super fast and many fans may have missed out on some important information about their favorite idols, actors, or the genre as a whole, this article was created to keep you up to date with information that you may find relevant.

The 3rd week of April was a remarkably sad and moving one, as amidst so much positive and exciting news, a breaking story brought shock and dismay to the hearts of global fans.

Before we continue with this article, we would like to once again express our deepest condolences to MoonBin’s family, ASTRO members and the millions of AROHAs around the world who are deeply saddened by this great loss. Moonbin’s story may be over so soon, but the beautiful chapters of his life will always be etched in our hearts.

Here are the top news of the week. Please note that much of this information was collected before April 19th and many times may change after the sad news of Moonbin’s death.

K-POP STORIES

1. ONEUS releases the tracklist for their ninth mini-album

The 4th generation group is gearing up for another comeback as they release the track list for their 9th mini album titled “PYGMALION“. The album is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2023.

2. NCT’s new sub-unit DOJAEJUNG makes their debut with “PERFUME”

The sub-unit’s long-awaited debut finally took place this week with the release of their 1st mini-album “PERFUME”.

3. BTS’s J-Hope Enlists in the Army

It’s sad news for ARMYs as the BTS member enlisted in the military this week. Surrounded by his teammates, he was beaming with love and smiles as he temporarily said goodbye to his global fans. We wish him a safe and healthy enlistment period.

4. BTOB suspends promotions for their upcoming album “WIND AND WISH”

The famous group announced that they would be suspending the release of their 12th mini-album “WIND AND WISH” following the shocking news of the death of ASTRO’s MoonBin.

5. MONSTA X’s IM to Officially Start His Solo Promotions

This week, Sony Music Korea released a promotional video of IM’s new logo, drawing a lot of attention and buzz about IM finally starting his solo career since joining the agency in November 2022.

6. WOODZ shares tracklist and lyric teaser for their upcoming album

This week, WOODZ continues promotional teasers ahead of the release of their 5th mini album “OO-LI”. The album will be released on April 26th.

7. Jessi joins Jay Park’s agency MORE VISION

Through a series of posts, it was revealed that Jessi has joined Jay Park’s agency MORE VISION. Congratulations to the artist. We look forward to more exciting work from her.

8. iKON shares schedule and individual concept photos of their third full album “TAKE OFF”

Excitement for iKON’s comeback continues to build as the famous idol group shares the schedule and some concept photos for their third full-length album “TAKE OFF”. The album is scheduled for release on May 4, 2023. Click here to see more photos.

9. SEVENTEEN releases highlight the medley of their upcoming mini-album

The countdown to April 24th continues as SEVENTEEN releases the highlight medley from their upcoming 10th mini album “FML”.

10. DKZ’s KyoungYoon will stop all activities and schedules due to health issues

This week, DONGYO Entertainment shared that the idol will be taking a break due to anxiety disorder and sociophobia. We hope that the idol gets all the treatments and rest he needs and welcomes us with good music and performances soon.

11. Returns and new releases

DRIPPIN – ‘SEVEN SINS’

TEMPEST – ‘Dangerous’

FEATURED’s Lee Gikwang – ‘Predator’

ALICE – ‘SHOW DOWN’

ONEWE’s GiUk – ‘Time Machine’

12. BIGBANG’s TaeYang shares the poster for his title track “Shoong” for his upcoming mini album

The album and song featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa will be released on April 25th.

13. IVE earns their second music show win for ‘I AM’

Congratulations to the girl group and their global fans on yet another win!

14. NewJeans revealed as the muse of jewelry brand STONEHENgE

It’s yet another win for NewJeans and fans alike, as the famous jewelry brand has shared that the group is its new branded muse. Congratulations to them. Check here for more photos.

15. Aaron Kwak Is Ready To Undertake His Asian Tour”2023 AARON’ SPECTRUM DE‘ in may

The idol shared that he will be greeting fans with a new tour starting on May 16th in Tokyo.

16. aespa shares individual concept photos for upcoming third mini-album

The month of May is packed with comebacks as the 4th generation idol group joins the list of exciting comebacks we’re all looking forward to in the month ahead. The group is ready to make their comeback with the release of their third mini-album “My world” on May 8. Click here to see more photos.

17. INFINITE’s Nam WooHyun will perform at Miss Universe Philippines 2023

The famous actress will perform in the coveted beauty pageant which will be held on May 13, 2023.

18. BTS’s Jungkook shines in more black and white photos for Calvin Klein

The Calvin Klein x Jungkook frenzy is never-ending as the famous idol shines in these incredible concept photos for the brand. See more here.

19. VICTON members ByungChan, SuBin and Hanse will leave IST Entertainment after their contract expires

This week, IST Entertainment released a statement saying that the three idols will be leaving the agency after their contract expires. While the other 3 members Han SeungWoo, SeungSik and SeJun will continue their activities with them.

20. BTS’s Suga makes his solo comeback with his album “D-DAY”

D-day has finally arrived as the famous rapper makes his comeback with his new album “DAY D‘ and title track’Haegeum‘.

K-DRAMA NEWS

1. tvN confirms release schedule for “Uncanny Counter 2”

This week, tvN shared that the fantasy drama starring Cho ByeongKyu, Yoo JunSang, and Kim SeJeong will premiere in the second half of 2023.

2. Famous actor Ryu JunYeol announced as Greenpeace East Asia Ambassador

The famous actor becomes the NGO’s first official ambassador in East Asia. In an interview, he stated that “now we have to abandon the thought that it is difficult to solve the climate crisis alone”. I want to become an environmental activist working together with Greenpeace to raise awareness and make big changes.”

3. tvN shares final trailer for its upcoming drama “Tale Of The Nine-Tailed 1938”

Ahead of its May 6 release, the production company has shared one last emotional trailer for the drama.

4. tvN releases new poster for its upcoming drama “Delightfully Deceitful” and releases teaser as well

The drama starring Chun WonHee and Kim DongWook will begin airing on May 29.

5. TVING Shares the Lead Trailer for Their Upcoming Teen Drama “All That We Loved”

The teen drama tells the story of two best friends who become love rivals. It stars EXO’s SeHun, Cho JunYoung, and Jang Yeobin. The premiere is scheduled for May 5.

6. SBS shares teaser video for “Dr. Romantic 3”

This week, SBS shared an exciting and suspenseful teaser video for the upcoming hospital drama “Dr. Romantic 3”. The star-studded drama will begin airing on April 28, 2023.

ANNIVERSARY COMMENTS

Ahn HyoSeop – April 17

OMEGA X’s HwiChan – April 18

OMEGA X’s JeHyun – April 20

EPEX’s Jeff – April 21st

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