1. On March 28 (at 9 a.m. PT), Monsta X and (G)i-dle will be participating in Twitch's 12-hour charity Stream Aid, which will benefit the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO.
2. After announcing a health-related hiatus in January, Monsta X's Joohoney is resuming activities and Starship Entertainment confirmed there will be a full Monsta X comeback in May.
3. BTS are releasing re-assembled/re-edited short videos every week as a part of their "Learn Korean with BTS" educational programming aimed at helping fans learn the language.
4. Twice finally opened a TikTok account, and their very first video demonstrated coronavirus safety tips — we stan educational queens!
Each video so far is such a delight, including this funny big-head filter and their take on the Mr. Sandman song/meme.
5. KCON NY has been officially canceled due to the coronavirus.
We’re sad to announce #KCON20NY has been cancelled due to COVID-19. The safety of all those involved in KCON is our highest priority and we thank you for your continued support. More info including refunds: https://t.co/hb6NWB4ppz
The beloved annual K-pop convention was supposed to be held June 12–14 at the Javits Center, with concerts at Madison Square Garden. Refunds for tickets purchased before the coronavirus outbreak are now being issued.
"After consulting with government authorities, health experts and our partners, we have decided to officially cancel KCON 2020 NY with a heavy heart," KCON's statement said. "The health and safety of all those involved in KCON are our highest priority and we look forward to meeting you at the next event."
KCON NY's west coast counterpart, KCON LA, is still currently scheduled for August 27–30 of this year.
In other sad coronavirus cancellation news, BTS has officially postponed their North American tour dates, which were originally going to kick off in late April. All tickets will be honored for the new dates, which will be announced later on.
6. According to South Korea’s coronavirus military protocol, a number of K-pop stars serving their mandated two-year terms — including BTOB's Eunkwang, CNBLUE’s Kang Min Hyuk and Lee Jung Shin, and 2AM’s Jo Kwon — will be discharged without needing to return to their bases.
7. (G)i-dle released the first concept teaser for their new mini-album, I Trust.
[📽] (여자)아이들((G)I-DLE) - 3rd Mini Album "I trust" Concept Preview 1 ▶ https://t.co/fMjtvh2M45 #여자아이들 #GIDLE #I_trust
I Trust will officially be released on April 6.
To say we're excited is an understatement! After all, we named their hit single "Lion" one of the best K-pop songs *and* music videos of 2019! 😍
8. And finally, Ong Seongwu, Kang Daniel, Stray Kids, Winner, and Oneus all released new music this week.
View this video on YouTube
Let's break it down, shall we:
–Ong Seong Wu released his EP Layers (he participated in writing and composing every song) with the lead single and fantasy-forest-vibes music video "Gravity." And Ong Seong Wu is making moves on the acting front too — he's currently in talks to star in an upcoming JTBC K-drama, Chances of Going from Friends to Lovers.
–Kang Daniel released his EP Cyan (which topped iTunes charts around the world) with the lead single and music video "2U," which was filmed at the same theater as BTS's "Black Swan" music video.
–Stray Kids released a digital single "Mixtape: On Track" and a very sweet accompanying music video.
–Winner released their pre-album single "Hold" and a hilarious, sitcom-style music video featuring the members as overprotective brothers to their YG Entertainment labelmate Lee Su-hyun from AKMU. Y'all, they even included a Parasite reference — A+ all around. On a different note, Kim Jin Woo has confirmed that he'll be enlisting in the military on April 2.
–Oneus released their EP In Its Time and a music video for lead single "A Song Written Easily," which was filmed in New Zealand.
Wishing you all a happy weekend! Stay safe and healthy!
