KPOP MONTHLY - February 2022

TREASURE RETURNS

On February 15th, 2022 (6pm KST), TREASURE made their album debut with “The Second Step: Chapter One.” Following the release of four singles over 2020 and 2021, this marks TREASURE’s first ever album. Due to this, fans were especially excited for the release.

AFTER OVER A YEAR

The music video for “JIKJIN” was released on the same day as the album release. Within 24 hours, the MV received approximately 7.4 million views. The music video is powerful, much like the title track itself. Reports even stated that the music video cost YG Entertainment. just as much as a Blackpink music video!

TREASURE also managed to get their very first music show award with the song. On February 23rd, TREASURE brought home first place on Show Champion. Although they did not attend the show, they showed their gratitude through a video. Congratulations on your first win TREASURE!!

NCT’S MARK RELEASES FIRST SOLO TRACK:

“C H I L D”

Fans have been excitedly waiting for Mark’s first solo since SM began releasing teaser photos for the track in late January.

On February 4th, Mark’s single, “Child” with SM Station was finally released.

In “Child,” Mark expresses the fears of fulfilling expectations as a young adult and the pressures he faced growing up as a kpop idol. The song’s lyrics are emotional and fit the overall chill atmosphere of the track.

The music video creates a moody vibe as it plays with lighting and filters. Throughout the video, Mark is seen running through deserted streets and rapping the lyrics in empty rooms.

NCT’s official YouTube channel uploaded an interview with Mark regarding the production of the song. This video also includes the first live performance of “Child.”

Jungkook and Suga’s Webtoon OST “Stay Alive”

On February 4th, BTS premiered an all new OST through their Webtoon, “7 Fates: CHAKHO.” The emotional track titled “Stay Alive,” was produced by Suga and performed by Jungkook. On February 11th, the official, full-length version of the song was released on all streaming platforms.

Readers first experienced the song while reading through the fourth episode of the series which followed the backstory of Do-geon, RM’s representative character.

The song has heart-wrenching lyrics and heavenly vocals from Jungkook. On Spotify, the song already has over 20 million streams. Go check it out now on your preferred streaming service and read BTS’s new Webtoon “7 Fates: Chakho” on the official Webtoon app or website.

February 16th Eye on You Wonho

On February 16th, Wonho’s first single album, “Obsession” was released. Music video for title track, “Eye on You” is dark and obsessive, contrasting from Wonho’s most recent album “Blue.” Check out the music video today on Wonho’s official YouTube channel.

MORE COMEBACKS

11th Ghost Town ASTRO’s Moonbin and Sanha.

February

On February 11th, ASTRO’s subunit, Moonbin and Sanha showed off their dark side in their prerelease single “Ghost Town.” Their second mini album “Refuge” is set to be released on March 15th. Check out the “Ghost Town” music video now on Fantiago Entertainment’s official YouTube channel.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 cases, various comebacks and debuts have been delayed. CRAVITY’s comeback was initially scheduled for February 22nd. After all 9 members tested positive, Starship Entertainment announced the comeback would be postponed, but no date has been confirmed. Yuehua’s new boy group, TEMPEST, was set to debut on February 21st. Their debut has since been postponed to March 2nd after all members tested positive.

YEO ONE INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT CAUSED BY DRUNK DRIVER

On February 10th, Cube Entertainment announced that Pentagon’s Yeo One was injured in a car accident.

On the morning of February 9th, following Yeo One’s scheduled activities, he got into a car accident with a vehicle driven by a drunk driver. Yeo One visited the emergency room and was reported with minor injuries, so continued with scheduled activities.

However, he later experienced back pain and visited the hospital again. Following examination, it was determined that Yeo One will be halting activities due to a back injury.

E N L I S T M E N T S

Unfortunately, many kpop idols announced their enlistments this month.

A.C.E’s Kim Byeongkwan announced his enlistment on February 17th. He will enlist on April 11th and will serve in KATUSA. This comes shortly after leader, Jun,

Youngbin

Block B’s P.O announced his enlistment on February 10th. He will be enlisting on March 28th in the Marine Corps.

Golden Child’s Daeyeol

Golden Child’s Daeyeol was also the first of his group to announce his enlistment. He made the announcement at Golden Child’s recent in-person concert. An exact date has yet to be announced for his enlistment.

SF9’s Inseong was the first of the group to announce his enlistment. He will be enlisting on March 21st and will be part of the military band. Youngbin announced his enlistment next. He will be enlisting just a week after Inseong, on March 29th in

Day6’s Wonpil announced his enlistment tearfully on a livestream. He will be enlisting on March 28th, making him the final member of Day6 to join the military.

Day6’s Wonpil

A.C.E’s Kim Byeongkwan Block B’s P.O

SUHO RETURNS FROM MILITARY

After enlisting on May 14th, 2020, EXO’s leader Suho, returned from mandatory service on February 13th.

Suho is the third member of EXO to complete his military service following eldest member Xiumin and D.O. Due to poor eyesight, Suho enlisted in public service rather than military service, meaning he needed to serve for a total of 21 months instead of 18. Currently, Chen, Baekhyun and Chanyeol are completing their mandatory military service.

Following his discharge, Suho released a statement to fans, hinting at possible upcoming promotions. He then went live on Instagram to greet EXO-Ls for the first time since his enlistment. On February 21st, EXO’s official Twitter released a mysterious teaser in relation to Suho. So, be sure to keep an eye out for any upcoming Suho content!

Kihyun Announces Solo Debut

On February 20th, after mysteriously revealing a logo for Kihyun, MONSTA X’s social media accounts revealed a teaser announcing Kihyun’s solo debut. The teaser was a simple image of an ocean with the title “Voyager” at the top and the release date of March 15th at the bottom.

Following the announcement, an official schedule was released for teasers and shortly after, the first teaser images were shared with fans. This initial set especially stunned Monbebes as Kihyun posed in an unbuttoned blazer.

Keep an eye out for the release on March 15th. Until then, check out some of the concept films and mood samplers on MONSTA X’s Official YouTube Channel.

BTS ANNOUNCES SEOUL AND LAS VEGAS CONCERT DATES

Following the conclusion of their four sold out LA concerts, BTS revealed that they would be returning to Seoul in March, but no official dates were announced. However, on February 15th, HYBE announced the three dates for BTS’s Permission to Dance in Seoul concerts. The series of shows will take

Following this, HYBE Entertainment also surprised fans by announcing the streaming of the concert through movie theatres across the world! The March 12th concert will be shown live and through two separate replays to accommodate as many time zones as possible. Tickets went on sale on February 22nd and many sold out within the first day. Have you gotten your tickets yet?

AND PLANS TO STREAM SEOUL SHOW IN THEATRES ACROSS THE WORLD.

Then, HYBE brought even more joy to content hungry ARMY’s by announcing BTS will be holding another 4 concerts in Las Vegas in April. The set of shows is being held at the new Alligiant Stadium. Along with this announcement came HYBE’s confirmation of BTS’s attendance to the Grammy’s which are being held in Las Vegas on April 4th after being delayed due to Covid-19.

Even if BTS doen’t snag a Grammy this year, at least they’ll prove their significance to the music industry through their Vegas shows that will surely sell out in minutes! BTS doesn’t need a Grammy to prove their greatness. That being said, what Yoongi wants, Yoongi gets.

Fans especially got a kick out of the announcement that BTS will be using the Grammy venue, the MGM Grand Arena, as a Live Viewing venue which is essentially a movie theatre for the viewing of the Las Vegas shows..

T.O.P. LEAVES YG & BIGBANG ANNOUNCES FIRST COMEBACK IN OVER 4 YEARS

On February 7th, VIP’s got a lot of new information from YG Entertainment regarding BigBang’s future activities.

It was then announced that BigBang’s T.O.P. would be departing from YG Entertainment after 16 years. In their statement announcing his departure, YG confirmed that T.O.P. will still be a part of BIGBANG promotions whenever he is able to and will continue to broaden his entertaining career.

First YG announced that BIGBANG would be returning with a new song in Spring. This comeback will mark BIGBANG’s first comeback in 4 years since their album “Flower Road” in 2018.

After releasing a shorter version on February 13th, Stray Kids uploaded a 3 minute long main teaser titled “Oddinary” on February 27th. The teaser features Felix entering a building and having eerie encounters with the other members as he walks through. He is initially let in by leader Bang Chan. He then meets Han and Seungmin followed by I.N. who startles Felix. Shaken, Felix enters a hallway and sees Hyunjin on a ledge. Then, after a frightening encounter with Lee Know, Felix runs into Changbin and enters an elevator.

Stray Kids Teases March Comeback in Eerie Trailer

“O d d i n a r y”

The teaser concludes after Hyunjin pushes Felix out of a moving elevator and follows him by jumping. In the final scene, Felix is seen joining the other 7 members in an empty room where his eye glows green. Stray Kids is set to release their newest mini album “Oddinary” on March 18th.

9 UNDERRATED EXO LOVE SONGS TO

February 26th, 2022 Brooklynn D’Mello

EXO is my second favourite group of all time. They have overflowing talent and they are so entertaining to watch. Their discography includes the best love songs in all of K-Pop which is one of the many reasons why I love them so much. Since it’s the month of February, it’s only fitting that I share with you 9 underrated EXO love songs to add to your next Valentine’s Day playlist. I’ve included only group songs on this list but I would add many more from solo and unit albums if I could. So, if you’re looking for any more EXO love songs, I suggest taking a look through their discography (solos included). I promise you won’t regret it. Now onto the list!

9. Paradise

Paradise is the newest of the songs on this list, but it definitely lives up to its seniors. The first time I listened to this song, I was completely blown away by the lyrics. Overall, it’s a really upbeat song and the English lines will quickly sweep you off your feet.

8. What U Do?

Looking for a more upbeat love song? “What U Do?” is the one for you! With its EDM core, What U Do? is the perfect love song to dance along with. The lyrics are really light hearted and fun which suits the song’s overall sound.

7. Ooh La La La

Ooh La La La is a smooth R&B track, following one of EXO’s signature genres. The lyrics are sensual and swoonworthy, setting a matured Valentines mood. The song is completely mesmerizing and you’ll surely get pulled into EXO’s undeniable charm!

6. Baby, Don’t Cry

I’m not much of a ballad fan, but this song is an exception. EXO’s vocals really make this song special. Although it sounds like a sad song, when looking at the lyric translation, it’s the complete opposite. It’s a comforting love song that will probably make you tear up a little, but it’s totally worth it.

5. Forever

Forever is one of my favourite EXO songs ever. The lyrics are bound to tug on your heartstrings as it discusses a love that will last “forever.” Something about the song is so energetic and electric. It really makes you want to spend forever with EXO!

ADD TO YOUR NEXT VALENTINE’S DAY PLAYLIST

4. Heaven

Heaven has some of the sweetest lyrics I’ve ever heard. Every time a member sings, “Hello angel,” my heart explodes (especially when Baekhyun sings it, but I guess that is a biased opinion.) In conclusion, if you’re looking for a wholesome love song, this is the one for you.

3. Baby You Are

Not sure if it’s just me, but Baby You Are is one of the best EXO songs of all time. It has such a flawless production and the sweetest lyrics that talk about destiny and soulmates. It’s definitely a must for any romantic playlist.

2. White Noise

Another golden EXO song. I don’t know why no one talks about it. It’s probably one of my top 5 EXO tracks ever. The lyrics are so heartwarming that I have to stop everything I’m doing while listening to it. Since we are going through enlistment time right now, this song hits different as it talks about missing someone and hearing their voice through the “white noise”. If you’re ever missing someone or missing EXO (like me) I recommend you listen to this song.

1. My Lady

And we’ve finally reached the number 1 song. This song inspired this whole list, so it just had to be number 1. If you’ve never listened to this song, or seen the performance by EXO-M at their “The Lost Planet” concert, you need to add it to your watch later list. I listened to this song for the first time recently and I was so upset that I hadn’t heard of it earlier. So, I’m promoting it through this list. Anyways, onto why it’s part of the list.

The lyrics to this song are so romantic and give off such Valentines Day vibes. It includes lyrics like “I’m running into your heart” and “not a friend, I want to be a man to you.” Not to mention, the vocals of the members mesh so well together that it will bless your ears every time that chorus starts. To conclude, everything about this song is perfect!