The Korean Business Research Institute has revealed this month’s brand reputation rankings for singers! The rankings were determined through an analysis of singers’ media coverage, consumer participation, interaction, and community awareness indexes, using big data collected from January 22 to February 22. IVE topped this month’s list with a brand reputation index of 8,173,171, marking an impressive 96.54 percent increase in their score since January. Lim Young Woong took second place for February with a brand reputation index of 6,778,307, marking a 34.44 percent rise in his score since last month. BLACKPINK came in at a relatively close third with a brand reputation index of 6,553,160 for the month. BTS held onto their spot at fourth place with a brand reputation index of 5,448,716, while SEVENTEEN rounded out the top five with a score of 3,257,717. Check out the top 30 for this month below! IVE Lim Young Woong BLACKPINK BTS SEVENTEEN Lee Chan Won BIGBANG aespa fromis_9 BABYMONSTER (G)I-DLE DAY6 ITZY Young Tak TWICE Song Ga In Jeong Dong Won Lee Young Ji EXO BIBI LE SSERAFIM NCT Jang Yoon Jung Jang Min Ho RIIZE Sung Si Kyung TWS Kang Daniel Red Velvet ILLIT Watch IVE and many of the other above artists perform at the 2024 MBC Music Festival on Viki below: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40909c-2024-mbc-music-festival] Source (1)

BIGBANG’s G-Dragon is reportedly preparing to release a new full-length album next month! On January 6, TenAsia reported that G-Dragon’s long-awaited full-length album is slated for release in February. Last year, G-Dragon dropped two pre-release tracks: “POWER” on October 31 and “HOME SWEET HOME,” featuring fellow BIGBANG members Taeyang and Daesung, on November 22. Both tracks are said to be included in the upcoming album. In response to the report, a representative from G-Dragon's agency Galaxy Corporation stated, “It’s true that the agency is currently working on plans [for G-Dragon’s solo album release in February], but nothing has been finalized yet.” If confirmed, this will mark G-Dragon’s first full-length album in over a decade since the release of COUP D’ETAT in 2012. The 12-track album, which featured quadruple title tracks such as “Black” (featuring BLACKPINK’s Jennie), “Who You?”, “Crooked,” and “Niliria,” remains a beloved hit, with most of its songs becoming fan favorites. Stay tuned for more updates! Source (1) (2)

Get ready to see Seo Kang Jun wage a flashy election campaign for student council on “Undercover High School”! MBC’s “Undercover High School” is a new comedy action drama about a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down Emperor Gojong’s missing gold. Seo Kang Jun stars as Jeong Hae Seong, an ace NIS field agent who disguises himself as a student at Byungmun High School as part of a secret mission. Spoilers On the previous episode of “Undercover High School,” Jeong Hae Seong found himself at risk of getting expelled. However, just as it seemed all hope was lost, Hae Seong made a dramatic last-minute appearance at his school violence committee hearing with Boss Gu (Jo Jae Yoon) in tow, ready to counter the false allegations against him. Newly released stills from the drama’s next episode suggest that Hae Seong managed to save himself from getting thrown out of school. Far from getting expelled, Hae Seong is now passionately running for student council—with the help of his trusty NIS team members. In order to help Hae Seong secure a spot in the prestigious and powerful student council, Go Young Hoon (Jo Bok Rae) and Park Mi Jung (Yoon Ga Yi) don eye-catching outfits and dance in front of a banner describing Hae Seong as “the pride of Byungmun.” Meanwhile, Ahn Seok Ho (Jeon Bae Soo) appears to be handing out sandwiches while wearing a bear costume. Although Hae Seong is initially startled by his team’s efforts, he soon joins them in dancing on stage. As team leader Ahn has always ordered Hae Seong to focus on his mission and not get involved with the other students, it remains to be seen why the entire team is so determined to get him elected to student council—and how becoming a member of student council is related to the missing gold. To find out if Hae Seong will succeed in getting elected, catch the next episode of “Undercover High School” on March 1 at 9:50 p.m. KST! In the meantime, you can watch all the previous episodes of the drama with subtitles on Viki below: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40985c-undercover-high-school] Source (1)

February has passed in the blink of an eye! With the weather getting warmer, it is the perfect season to stroll outside and feel the spring breeze. However, don't forget to catch up on some of the most popular K-dramas on Viki this past month! In no particular order. Study Group “Study Group” is a high school action-comedy about Youn Ga Min (Hwang Minhyun), a student who dreams of excelling academically but is only gifted in fighting. At a high school notorious for being one of the worst in the world, he forms a study group and dives into the ruthless world of college entrance exams. Start watching Study Group below: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40913c-study-group] My Dearest Nemesis “My Dearest Nemesis” tells the story of Ban Ju Yeon (Choi Hyun Wook) and Baek Su Jeong (Mun Ka Young), who first meet via their online game characters during their school days, then meet again in real life as boss and employee 16 years later. Catch up on My Dearest Nemesis below: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40976c-my-dearest-nemesis] The Witch Based on “Moving” author Kang Full’s webtoon, “The Witch” is a mystery romance that follows the story of Mi Jeong (Roh Jeong Eui), a woman known as the “witch” who was chased away from a village after all the men who fell in love with her died, and Dong Jin (GOT7’s Jinyoung), a man who tries to rescue her from the mysterious pattern of death. Start watching The Witch below: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40442c-the-witch] Love Scout “Love Scout” is a romance drama starring Han Ji Min as Kang Ji Yun, a CEO who is fantastic at her job but inept at everything else, and Lee Jun Hyuk as Yu Eun Ho, her highly competent secretary who is great at not only his job but also childcare and housework. Watch Love Scout on Viki: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40833c-love-scout] Motel California Based on Shim Yoon Seo’s 2019 novel “Home, Bitter Home,” “Motel California” is a romance drama about a woman named Ji Kang Hee (Lee Se Young), who was born and raised in a rural motel called Motel California. After escaping her hometown, she returns home after 12 years and winds up reconnecting with her first love and childhood friend Cheon Yeon Soo (Na In Woo). Binge-watch Motel California below: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40832c] https://poll.fm/15121821 Vote in the poll above to share which K-dramas you loved the most this past month! Please refresh the page if the poll does not load.

Park Sung Hoon has left the cast of the upcoming drama The Tyrant’s Chef” (literal translation). It was first reported in early December 2024 that Park Sung Hoon received an offer to play the male lead in the upcoming drama The Tyrant's Chef along with YoonA. Later in the month, Park Sung Hoon was embroiled in controversy when he uploaded the cover image of a Squid Game concept AV (adult video) on his Instagram Stories before quickly deleting it. At the time, his agency BH Entertainment explained that he received it via DM and saved it to notify agency staff but accidentally uploaded it. However, backlash continued, and requests were increasingly made for Park Sung Hoon to step down from The Tyrant's Chef. On January 12, the upcoming drama's production company Studio Dragon announced, After much discussion between the production team and Park Sung Hoon's representatives, the decision was made that it will be difficult for him to join this project. The company continued, The actor and his agency expressed their apologies several times regarding the recent events, and we discussed various conditions in-depth. As a result of our discussions, the production team and Park Sung Hoon decided to continue on separate paths. Studio Dragon added that new casting plans and the script reading schedule have not been determined yet. Source (1) (2)

Park Sung Hoon may star in a new drama soon! On December 2, a media outlet reported that Park Sung Hoon will star in the new drama The Tyrant's Chef (literal translation) as the tyrant king. In response to the report, Park Sung Hoon's agency BH Entertainment shared, Park Sung Hoon received an offer to star in the new drama 'The Tyrant's Chef' and is reviewing the offer positively. “The Tyrant’s Chef” tells the story of a chef who, at the peak of her career, time travels to the past. There, she meets a king known as the worst tyrant, but also the ultimate gourmet. The drama will be directed by Jang Tae Yoo, who has previously helmed hit dramas such as “My Love from the Star,” “Hyena,” and “Lovers of the Red Sky.” Previously, Girls' Generation's YoonA was offered the role of the tyrant’s chef and is currently reviewing her offer. Filming is expected to begin once casting is finalized, with plans for a release next year. Stay tuned for more updates! While waiting, watch Park Sung Hoon in Not Others”: [viki-watchnow url=https://www.viki.com/tv/40007c-not-others] Source (1)

Trends come and go, but there's one on the rise that's very easy to spot—microbangs! This statement-making cut is making waves on the Internet and with your favorite K-pop idols. Here are some of the idols rocking this risky hair trend in the most stylish way possible. Girls' Generation's YoonA https://www.instagram.com/p/DDokCryITYj/?img_index=1 As the latest ambassador for Valentino, YoonA of Girls' Generation debuted her ultra-chic new haircut—messy microbangs! The layering around her face helps them blend with the rest of her hair, but keep all of the focus on her gorgeous features. It's not for everyone, but she looks totally red-carpet ready! Choi Ye Na https://www.instagram.com/p/DAK576KPySs/?img_index=1 A former IZ*ONE member and a successful solo artist, Choi Ye Na had microbangs as a part of promotions for her most recent album. Cutting the bangs above her lightened eyebrows makes a statement and looks extra cool thanks to the hat and hoodie. Taking a fashion risk usually pays off! Red Velvet's Seulgi https://www.instagram.com/p/C84IDwDS0PL/?img_index=1 If you're interested in trying out microbangs but can't quite make the cut just yet, take a cue from Red Velvet's Seulgi—these short bangs look super chic because they're casually styled but aren't too risky. Even if you end up not liking them, bangs this length will grow out quickly, but you'll probably find that they're really fashionable! (G)I-DLE's Yuqi https://www.instagram.com/p/DEuB1wuJTKf/?img_index=5 Another way to test out the microbang trend without committing to a super short cut, (G)I-DLE's Yuqi has pushed her shorter bangs to the side to create a similar effect. The results highlight her facial features and give her casual style an element of effortless cool. Try this if you want to see how microbangs might look on you! NewJeans' Minji https://www.instagram.com/p/DD9O6PrySZO/?img_index=1 Minji debuted this haircut recently, showing off her style with bangs that fall above her brows. The curl makes them appear even shorter, but the lightened brows make sure that the look isn't too blocky. The blending pieces soften the look out a little, resulting in a flattering look that isn't overly polished. Stray Kids' Seungmin https://www.instagram.com/p/C9HsDqiS4r7/?img_index=1 This trend isn't just for the ladies—Seungmin of Stray Kids also rocked microbangs! This low-maintenance look keeps the hair out of his eyes and makes sure that his soft features stand out. Jeans, a button-down, and microbangs make for a dressed-up and dressed-down mix that's just right. What do you think about this new trend? Are you planning to try microbangs yourself? Let us know below!

BLACKPINK’s Jennie has returned with a fierce new “Mantra”! On October 11 at 9 a.m. KST, Jennie made her highly-anticipated solo comeback with the new single “Mantra,” which marks her first release under her newly established agency OA (ODD ATELIER). In a recent interview with Vogue magazine, Jennie described “Mantra” as a “fun, upbeat anthem that celebrates girl power and inspires every woman to shine in her own way with confidence.” Check out Jennie’s new music video for “Mantra” below! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB3-CUMERIU

YG Entertainment is gearing up to debut a new girl group! On December 30 at 3 p.m. KST, the agency released a poster with the title YG NEXT MOVEMENT along with the date January 1, 2023. Through an official statement, YG Entertainment confirmed that the seven silhouettes in the poster are the members of the agency's upcoming new girl group. Stay tuned for updates! Source (1)

Updated February 3 KST: PLAVE is here with new music! On February 3 at 6 p.m. KST, PLAVE released their third mini album Caligo Pt.1 along with the music video for the title track Dash. Dash expresses dark emotions through intense rock vocals and boom bap rap, while its powerful choreography and bold styling complete the storytelling. Watch the full music video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3GoZMfHJT4&feature=youtu.be Updated February 1 KST: PLAVE has unveiled a music video teaser for their upcoming new song Dash! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saT6JsLyquo Updated January 31 KST: PLAVE has shared the highlight medley video for their upcoming new album Caligo Pt.1! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD0qMR_Mddw Updated January 30 KST: PLAVE has released the track list for their upcoming mini album Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 25 KST: PLAVE has dropped a new song from their upcoming mini album! On January 25 at midnight KST, PLAVE surprised fans by unveiling their upcoming track Island alongside a special music video. Watch the full video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4deMcO_LtrQ Updated January 23 KST: PLAVE has released a new group concept photo for their upcoming mini album Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 22 KST: PLAVE has released new concept photos of Yejun and Eunho for their upcoming return with Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 21 KST: PLAVE has unveiled new concept photos featuring Bamby, Hamin, and Noah for their upcoming comeback with Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 20 KST: PLAVE has released a new moving poster for their upcoming mini album Caligo Pt.1! https://twitter.com/plave_official/status/1880993630095102133 Updated January 17 KST: PLAVE has dropped the first group concept photo for their upcoming comeback with Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 16 KST: PLAVE has now released concept photos of Yejun and Eunho for their upcoming mini album Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 15 KST: PLAVE has released concept photos of Bamby, Hamin, and Noah for their upcoming mini album Caligo Pt.1! Updated January 13 KST: PLAVE has dropped a new teaser video featuring a moving poster for their upcoming comeback with Caligo Pt.1! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hDCdJPzrPE Updated January 10 KST: The promotion schedule has been revealed for PLAVE's third mini album Caligo Pt.1! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiPT0Qzpitk Original Article: Mark your calendars for PLAVE’s return! On January 9 at midnight KST, PLAVE officially announced their plans to make a comeback next month. The group will be releasing their third mini album “Caligo Pt. 1” on February 3 at 6 p.m. KST. Check out PLAVE’s first teaser for the upcoming mini album below! Are you excited for PLAVE’s comeback?