IN THE LOOP: NCT ’Universe,’ BTS Wins Big at the 2021 MAMA and More of This Week's Hottest in K-Pop
It's already the third week of December, and several new songs were released in the past seven days. With numerous new songs and news getting released each day, it might be a little difficult to keep up to date with our favorite K-Pop idols. With that, here is a rundown of some of the K-Pop songs and trending news that were released from December 9 to 15!
Comebacks and Debuts
Super Junior D&E - 'Need U'
On December 9, Super Junior unit D&E, which consists of members Donghae and Eunhyuk, returned with the release of their track "Need U." The song is a pre-release for the special version of their third studio album, "Countdown," called "Countdown - Zero ver. (Epilogue)"
MONSTA X - 'You Problem'
On December 10, MONSTA X released their second English-language album called "THE DREAMING," which includes their title track "You Problem." The song's music video features the MONSTA X members partying as if at a disco and working at a bowling alley. The song was also produced and written by David Stewart, the man behind BTS' "Dynamite."
NCT U - 'Universe (Let's Play Ball)'
On December 10, NCT U pre-released their track "My Universe (Let's Play Ball)," which is part NCT's third album studio album "UNIVERSE," that was released a few days later on December 14. "My Universe (Let's Play Ball)" is a R&B dance track with a catchy hook and a hip-hop base, with NCT member Mark participating in writing the rap, with KENZIE on the lyrics and composition.
ATEEZ - 'The Real'
ATEEZ also made a comeback with their new song "The Real" on December 10, which is featured in their eight mini-album and the final album of their "FEVER" series, "Zero: Fever Epilogue." "The Real," which was originally released back when the group participated in Mnet's "Kingdom: Legendary War," has elements of hip-hop and trap beats and traditional Korean music.
NCT - 'Beautiful'
Following the release of "Universe (Let's Play Ball)," NCT officially made their comeback with the release of their third album's title track "Beautiful" on December 14. "Beautiful" is a pop ballad song that members Mark, Taeyong, Hendery, Johnny, and Jeno participated in lyric writing for, and sends the message that everyone is special in their own way.
Trending News
BTS Sweeps the 2021 MAMA with Nine Awards
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Here are the Winners at the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA)
Back on December 11, the 2021 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA) took place, with host Lee Hyori. At that time, BTS bagged a total of nine trophies at the awards ceremony, and took home the most number of awards. BTS won the award for: Worldwide Icon of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Best Male Group, Best Music Video, Best Dance Performance Male Group, Tiktok Favorite Moment, and Worldwide Fans' Choice Top 10.
Kep1er Xiaoting and Mashiro Tests Positive for COVID-19
READ MORE: Kep1er Xiaoting and Mashiro Test Positive of COVID-19, All Group Activities to be Suspended
On December 14, Kep1er members Xiaoting and Mashiro were confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19. The members' agency, Wake One Entertainment, also stated that Xiatoting and Mashiro are both asymptomatic, and have suspended the group's scheduled activities in the mean time, while the rest of the Kep1er members and related staff take a PCR test.
2PM Chansung Announces Plans for Marriage and Fiancé's Pregnancy
On December 15, 2PM member and actor Chansung surprised fans with the news of his marriage plans and his fiancé's pregnancy through a handwritten letter posted on his social media. According to his letter, Chansung and his wife-to-be will be getting married in January 2022, and that the 2PM member will also not be renewing his contract with JYP Entertainment.
READ MORE: 2PM Chansung Announces Marriage and Fiancée's Pregnancy + to Part Ways With JYP Entertainment in January 2022
For more K-Pop news and updates, always keep your tabs open here on KpopStarz.
KpopStarz owns this article.
Written by Robyn Joan
