IN THE LOOP: Stray Kids' 'ODDINARY' Million Pre-Orders, BIGBANG Comeback MV Update, More of This Week's Hottest
From the "million-seller" Stray Kids to BIGBANG comeback update, here are some of the biggest releases and happenings in the K-pop world this week!
1. Stray Kids 'ODDINARY' Million Pre-Orders
Stray Kids announced their March comeback in February. But even before the official release of "ODDINARY" (March 18), the K-pop group broke a huge record and reached a historic milestone no other JYP Entertainment artists achieved!
Stray Kids sold over 1.3 million pre-orders with "ODDINARY," all thanks to STAYs.
Stray Kids’ “ODDINARY” Surpasses “NOEASY” to Become the JYPE Album with Highest Number of Pre-Orders
The success of "ODDINARY" surpassed Stray Kids' previous album, "NOEASY," which sold 930,000 pre-orders ahead of release.
2. BIGBANG Comeback Update
On March 16, the K-pop group was announced to have already completed the filming of their much-anticipated music video.
A source from YG Entertainment gave VIPs (BIGBANG fandom) an update about the K-pop icons' new single, saying that things are progressing smoothly.
3. Jay Park x IU 'GANADARA' Collab
Jay Park and IU dropped their first collab, "GANADARA," on March 11 and had K-pop fans talking.
As the chemistry between the two K-pop idols was palpable, it was also what was revealed thereafter that captured everyone's attention.
On March 16, Jay Park appeared on IU's YouTube channel, "Palette," and the two discussed their recent collaboration. The K-pop idols revealed that it was IU that messaged Jay Park for a potential collab, and the latter agreed.
The collab was planned and only materialized after around six years. When they finally got the chance to work together officially, Jay Park gave IU their song, and the "Good Day" singer was surprised at how quickly her made things happen.
According to Jay Park, he did not want to waste any more time because the opportunity to sing with IU may never happen again.
The K-pop idols also revealed that they are huge fans of each other. So, collaborating on "GANADARA" was truly a dream come true for them.
4. (G)I-DLE's 'TOMBOY' Sparks Speculations
(G)I-DLE made their official comeback on March 14 with the song "TOMBOY." The track and its accompanying music video were a huge success. After less than 24 hours, it already received millions of views.
However, "TOMBOY" also sparked intrigue after fans thought the track was a diss about HyunA and DAWN's relationship. As of writing, the K-pop idols have not yet confirmed or denied the allegations.
READ ALSO: (G)I-DLE 'TOMBOY' Line Distribution Continues to Draw Flak - Here's Why
Further, the track is also drawing flak for its alleged unfair line distribution, despite departure of Soojin.
5. ASTRO Moonbin x Sanha Release 'WHO'
ASTRO sub-unit Moonbin and Sanha finally made their anticipated comeback with "WHO," which is included in the album "REFUGE."
The track showcased the duo's stunning visuals and exemplary singing skills. "WHO" also gave off a smooth and relaxing but psychedelic vibe.
ALSO READ: ASTRO Moonbin & Sanha Announce Return in March, To Drop Pre-Release Single
In line with the release of "WHO," Moonbin and Sanha were supposed to attend ASTRO's sixth-anniversary fan meeting on March 13. But "2022 ASTRO AROHA FESTIVAL [GATE 6]" was postponed because both artists contracted COVID-19.
Camille Heimbrod wrote this.
KpopStarz owns this article.
