News Round Up is back with some of the biggest stories of this month. Paving the way for a big month, we have had headlines smashing the Music and also the culture scene in South Korea. From Sporting legends to momentous comebacks, there is a little big of everything this month, and these are just a few to get you curious.
01. All Eyes on Pyeongchang
This month saw the 2018 Winter Olympic Games being held in Pyeongchang, and everyone has been looking with anticipation. However, this hasn’t been just about the sporting triumphs; the Games have been packed with knock outs, showering athletes with plush bears and K-Pop being front and centre. Both CL and EXO will be making an appearance at the Closing Ceremony on the 25th February but EXO-L have been supporting more than just the group. Figure Skater, Evgenia Medvedeva has gained a large fan-base after it came to light that she is an EXO fan herself. She has been seen dancing to their big hits including “Lotto” and “Growl” which grew viral on Social Media. Despite winning Silver in the Free Skating event, Medvedeva will certainly be living the dream when meeting her idols at the Closing Ceremony and gaining support from fans.
02. United at Last
The second chance has finally been taken as “The Unit” has come to the end. Both groups have now been officially named and will begin preparations for their debut. The male group, UNB are made of U-Kiss’ Jun, BIGFLO’s Euijin, HOTSHOT’s Hojung, BIGSTAR’s Feeldog, H.B.Y’s Marco, Ex-SM Rookie Hansol, Madtown’s Daewon, Imfact’s Kijoong and A.C.E’s Chan. The female group named UNI.T (pronounced Unity) are formed of Sonamoo’s Euijin, DIA’s Yebin, Soloist NC.A, former HelloVenus member Yoonjo, April’s Hyunjoo, SPICA’s Jiwon, Dalshabet’s Woohee, LABOUM’s ZN & The Ark’s Lee Suji. No official sign of debut has been announced yet but both groups will be holding live concerts as they count down to their career “reboot”.
03. Shining Forever as Five
This month has also been a sad time for K-Pop as we see SHINee stand together after member Jonghyun passed away in December. Despite the tragic loss, the group continued with their concert in Japan and performed for the first time as a four. As any concert would be, fans had the opportunity to share great memories but for the members, it was a moment to show their gratitude for all the support and to prove that they will still be five at heart. They said a few words for their beloved colleague during their Ending stage, with Key even whispering “I Love You” to Jonghyun as he looked to the sky and one space saved in the centre of the stage as they sang together. Not a dry eye was in the arena at that time as the loss of a great artist still runs deep in SHINee and also fans’ hearts.
04. Legends Return
Every News Round Up, we look to the comebacks to anticipate this month. Although we have UP10TION, Kim Sung Kyu and more to look forward to, February saw the original stars step forward. Certified Queen of K-Pop, BoA made her return with not only her track “Nega Nola” but her first mini-album, “One Shot Two Shot”. However, this wasn’t the only legendary return in store. Variety show “Infinite Challenge” may have made the impossible possible as it has brought together H.O.T after seventeen years. It was a reunion that was often placed on the shelf but through a special episode, they were able to reminisce and also perform some of their greatest hits including “We are The Future” and “Candy”. Even after a long hiatus, it is clear to see exactly why they are living legends within the K-Pop industry.
