#RSKpopWeekly: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

There’s never a dull week in the world of K-pop; with debuts, records broken and comebacks at every corner, you can always expect to be entertained, informed and, in some cases, inspired. From BTS putting together an energetic performance at their’ ‘Permission To Dance: On Stage’ virtual concert, to EXO’s KAI announcing his highly anticipated solo comeback—this week has kept K-pop fans on their toes. 

Rounding up this week’s biggest newsmakers, here are the five biggest stories from the world of K-pop you cannot afford to miss out on.

BTS’ Jung Kook Covers Harry Styles’ “Falling” 

Last evening, BTS fans were caught by surprise when the group’s vocal powerhouse, Jung Kook released his cover of “Falling.” Posted on BTS’ YouTube channel (BangtanTV) on October 29th at midnight KST; the cover broke the internet on the second anniversary of the group’s last offline concert in 2019 (Love Yourself: Speak Yourself in Seoul) before the pandemic set in. 

Originally written and performed by Grammy-winning artist Harry Styles, the timing of the video paired with Style’s heartfelt lyrics and Jung Kook’s euphonious voice, made the cover special and of significance to the BTS ARMY.

Monsta X Set To Release A Film This Year

Ahead of the release of their new, English language EP, No Limit, K-pop group Monsta X announced the release of their feature film titled, MONSTA X: THE DREAMING. Set to release on December 9th, the film will be played in 70 countries with the group’s home base, South Korea kicking off the screening. 

BLACKPINK’s Lisa Sets A New Record 

Thai rapper and BLACKPINK member Lisa’s self-titled single album, LALISA, has been breaking numerous records since its release on September 10th– making the infamous line from the title track, “remember my name that’s standing right in front of you,” more relevant than ever.

With the rapper’s electronic, hip-pop second single, “Money” becoming the fastest song by a K-pop soloist to reach 100 million streams on Spotify,  “LALISA” secured the second spot on the list. The track’s power-packed music video has also become the fastest music video by a K-pop female soloist to hit 300 million views on YouTube.

SM Entertainment Confirms EXO KAI’s Comeback

Set to make his first comeback as a solo artist this year in November, EXO’s KAI has been confirmed to be working on a new album. The news comes a month before the first anniversary of his self-titled solo debut EP, KAI. SM Entertainment further confirmed that the nature of the release along with other relevant details will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Following the announcement, Kai’s sultry, R&B music video “MMMH” hit 100 million views in under 11 months, making him the first member of EXO to have achieved this milestone with a solo project. 

TWICE Announces Title Of Their Upcoming Single

Foraying in their third full-length album, Formula of Love: O+T=<3, K-pop hitmakers TWICE are all set to release their upcoming single “Scientist” on November 12th at 2 PM KST (10:30 AM IST.)

The 17-track album includes the group’s first official full-English single, “The Feels” (available digitally only) and a Korean version of the track, available exclusively on the album’s CD. Providing fans with a varied listening experience, the album also houses “Scientist (R3HAB Remix)” — a reimagined version of the single by the Moroccan Dutch DJ and record producer, R3HAB.

Formula of Love: O+T=<3 also features three sub-unit tracks– “Push and Pull” by Jihyo, Sana and Dahyun, “Hello” by Nayeon, Momo and Chaeyoung and “1,2,3” by Jeongyeon, Mina and Tzuyu. 

BTS Takes Over American Award Shows

Aligning themselves with forces to be reckoned with, BTS have been nominated for this year’s American Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards.

BTS is the only South Korean act to be nominated this year at the American Music Awards. Amongst their three AMA nominations, the pop titans are a strong contender for the prestigious ‘Artist Of The Year’ award, going up against industry giants Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Drake, Olivia Rodrigo and The Weeknd. Other nomination categories include ‘Favourite Pop Duo or Group’ and ‘Favorite Pop Song’ for their record-breaking single, “Butter.” The nomination list however did not include ‘Favorite Social Artist’– a category BTS won last year.

At the People’s Choice Awards, BTS and their label mates TOMORROW X TOGETHER swept nominations under their belts. While TXT is up against Bella Poarch, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate Mcrae, The Kid Laroi, 24K Golden, Giveon and Rauw Alejandro for ‘The New Artist of 2021’, BTS has secured three nominations, including ‘Group of 2021’ and ‘Song of 2021’ for “Butter.” The third nomination category, The ‘Best Music Video of 2021,’ sees the pop titans get a nomination for their groovy and vibrant music video for “Butter” as well as their highly successful collaboration with Coldplay on the intergalactic-themed, “My Universe.”

K-Pop Reigns Over the Billboard Hot Trending Songs Chart

Released on October 26th, several K-pop acts exhibited their global appeal on Billboard’s latest chart. Powered by Twitter, the Hot Trending Songs Chart is a weekly chart focused on ranking the most-talked-about songs and artists on Twitter.

The latest chart saw BTS’ ASL-friendly, All-English single “Permission To Dance” take the lead followed by “Money” and “LALISA” by BLACKPINK’s Lisa. 

Out of the top 10 spots, nine were occupied by leading K-pop acts; the global monster rookie group, aespa with their latest release, “Savage,” ENHYPEN with “Tamed-Dashed,” NCT 127 with “Sticker” and Stray Kids with “Thunderous.” BTS’ May 2021 release “Butter” also made an appearance on the chart at the seventh spot, right before Adele’s latest single “Easy On Me.”