Supergroup PANTHEPACK, featuring Jackson Wang, Karencici, ICE and J.Sheon, have revealed the music video for “Pull Up”, following the immensely successful first video, “BUZZ”, which amassed over 8.6 million streams on YouTube in less than two weeks since its release.
Set in a lively amusement park, the “Pull Up” music video is filled with bold and colourful imagery, exuding fun, youthful energy. The four-member crew is at the heart of the carnival-like party in the video and is joined by surprise cameos, including artists like Amber Liu, Vinida Weng, among others.

In complete contrast with the futuristic, sci-fi aesthetic of the “BUZZ” music video, “Pull Up” is bright and free-spirited. It perfectly showcases the dynamic chemistry between the group, with each member bringing their own signature style to the table.

PANTHEPACK’s explosive debut album ‘The Pack’ was released on all streaming platforms on September 17, and immediately swept the #1 position across seven markets on iTunes including Hong Kong and Singapore. On September 19th, despite the hustle and bustle of the Mid-Autumn Festival, the frenzy of PANTHEPACK’s incredible fanbase caused their presale chart to soar to the #1 position within the first thirty minutes of their physical pre-order announcement.
Equally ambitious and dedicated to pushing new boundaries, the members of PANTHEPACK serve up a power-packed sensory-filled, musical experience on their debut album 'The Pack'. 'The Pack' Tracklist
1. BUZZ
2. DNA
3. Transmit
4. Gut Feeling
5. Too Many
6. Sold Out
7. Maybach
8. Pull Up
9. Wishlist
10. Shanghai Dream

Check out Pull Up music video below!

South Korean Rapper, Singer-Songwriter, and Record Producer, B.I, has announced a special guest lineup for his highly anticipated return to live performing. 131Live is proud to announce that Pink Sweats, Afgan, Epik High, and Destiny Rogers are joining the lineup with special performances and guest appearances. 

Netflix shows have been attracting a lot of buzz lately for its history breaking 44 wins at the recent 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards for acclaimed titles The Crown and The Queen’s Gambit.

More Netflix titles continue to make a global impression and this time, it’s at the 26th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) with the invitation of seven Netflix titles to be screened at one of the largest international film festivals in Asia and the largest in Korea. Some notable titles include upcoming Korean drama series My Name and Hellbound that have been selected as the first to be invited to the new On Screen program this year.

Check out the full list of shows that will be screened at the 26th BIFF below!

1) My Name
My Name is directed by Kim Jin-min who previously shocked the world with the Netflix series Extracurricular.

My Name centers on Jiwoo who joins a crime ring and becomes an undercover police officer to find her father’s killer. As she assumes a new identity, she faces the cold, hard truth and exacts her revenge. You can look forward to a 180-degree transformation from actress Han So-hee as she portrays the vengeful Jiwoo. Actors Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju, and Jang Yull add on to the series’ suspense-filled story.

My Name launches on Netflix on 15 October 2021.

2) Hellbound
After being screened at the 46th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Hellbound has received much praise for director Yeon Sang-ho’s skillful directing, the explosive storyline, and the actors’ impressive performances. Through BIFF, the series will be unveiled in Korea for the first time.

Hellbound tells the story of supernatural beings appearing and condemning people to hell, resulting in a new religious group gaining prominence while others investigate the truth behind this strange phenomenon.

Director Yeon Sang-ho and writer Choi Gyu-seok reunite to work on the series as creators of the original webtoon which the series is based on. The top-notch cast includes Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-a, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Sin-rock, Ryu Kyung-soo, Lee Re, and more. Following TIFF and BIFF, Hellbound will also be screened at the BFI London Film Festival.

Hellbound is coming soon to Netflix.

3) Space Sweepers
Space Sweepers, which received much love from all over the world, will be featured in the Korean Cinema Today - Panorama section at BIFF. Directed by Jo Sung-hee and starring Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri, Jin Sun-kyu, and Yoo Hai-jin, Space Sweepers made the Netflix Top 10 chart in about 80 countries.

Space Sweepers is set in 2092 where spaceship Victory is one of the many that live off of salvaging space debris. Crewed by genius space pilot Tae-ho (Song Joong-ki), mysterious ex-space pirate Captain Jang (Kim Tae-ri), spaceship engineer Tiger Park (Jin Sun-kyu), and reprogrammed military robot Bubs (Yoo Hai-jin), Spaceship Victory surpasses all other space sweepers. After successfully snatching a crashed space shuttle in the latest debris chase, Victory’s crew find a seven-year-old girl inside. They realise that she’s the humanlike robot wanted by UTS Space Guards, and decide to demand ransom in exchange.

Space Sweepers is now streaming on Netflix.

Image courtesy of Netflix

Squid Game is an exciting series about 456 cash-strapped individuals who participate in mysterious games in order to win a prize of 45.6 billion won. The players begin to play children’s games only to realize that the cost of losing is death. A thrilling adventure is played out as the players try to survive every game and win the large cash prize. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, and actors Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-jun, Jung Ho-yeon, and Heo Sung-tae gathered at today’s press conference to discuss the upcoming series. Find out some interesting facts below!

1. Where the Title Comes From
Creator and director Hwang Dong-hyuk explained where the titles of the series comes from saying, “Squid Game is a game I used to play as a child in the schoolyard or the streets of the neighborhood. This is a story about people who used to play this game as children and return to play it as adults. It was one of the most physical and it was also one of my favorite games. I felt that this game could be the most symbolic children’s game that could represent the kind of society we live in today.”

2. It All Started in 2008
Creator Hwang Dong-hyuk actually started writing the first draft of Squid Game in 2008, long before some of his hit films like Silenced and The Fortress. He said, “I was reading a lot of comic books, and I finished the script in 2009. At the time, it seemed very unfamiliar and violent. There were people who thought it was a little too complex and not commercial. I wasn’t able to get enough investment and casting was difficult. I dabbled in it for about a year, but I had to put it to sleep then.” The director also shared about how he was given creative freedom to work as he wanted to thanks to Netflix, about 10 years later.

3. Squid Game Is Not Like Other Survival Shows
Despite some perceived similarities with other survival genre shows, Squid Game has unique traits that sets it apart. Hwang Dong-hyuk shared, “The essence of survival games is the level of entertainment that is seen through and seeing how the participants struggle to win these games. Looking at differentiating factors, I would say the simplicity of the rules. There’s not a lot of time or energy spent understanding the rules; it’s very simple. Rather than the game itself, Squid Game focuses on how they act and how they respond. Usually, we look at the winners in survival games but in Squid Game, we look at the losers. Without losers, there are no winners.”

4. There Are a Lot of Memorable Characters
With 456 participants, it’s no surprise that there are people from different walks of life. Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) is a divorcee struggling with business failure and debt. His neighborhood friend Sang-woo (Park Hae-soo) went to a prestigious university and works at an investment firm, but ends up in a difficult situation. There’s also Sae-byeok (Jung Ho-yeon) who is a North Korean defector striving to reunite her family. Other interesting characters include Deok-su (Heo Sung-tae) who is a gangster and Jun-ho (Wi Ha-jun), a police officer who discovers the games while searching for his missing brother. You’ll find yourself invested and interested in each of the characters.

5. Great Symbolism, Great Sets, and Great Music
In addition to the entertainment factor, there’s a lot of symbolism to appreciate. The whole series is an allegory meant to symbolize the competitive contemporary society we live in. How humans change as adults through society is reflected in how innocent children’s games transform into something terrifying and deadly. The actors also complimented the detailed sets and how the director didn’t rely heavily on computer graphics, opting for realistic and large-scale sets. Lastly, the music reflects what children listened to in the 70s and 80s resulting in a nostalgic and relatable feel. All of these attributes come together for an immersive and captivating experience.

These are just some interesting facts about Squid Game. To discover more about the fascinating series, watch Squid Game now, only on Netflix!

Image courtesy of Netflix

Wanted to keep a picture of your bias? or flash out during fans club gathering? Fret not, as Photobook offers FREE 25 pieces of 4x4 Insta Prints to GOKPOP followers!

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1. Install Photobook app at http://www.pbww.org/PBApp
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3. Pick or upload 25 pictures that you want to print
4. Pick a theme that you like on the bottom left, name your project and hit ‘Apply’
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6. Tap on ‘Apply Voucher Code’ and key in the promo code [GOKPOP25INSTA], your delivery details, and tap ‘Order Now’!

The promo code is limited to 1 redemption per user only. 

Promo valid until 31 December 2021.

Prize: FREE 25 pcs of 4" x 4" Insta Print (not including delivery fees)

You can now make your own personalised prints with Photobook. They make personalisation easily accessible to everyone by providing the perfect online platform along with a wide selection of Photo Books and Photo Albums. Besides photo books, Photobook Malaysia also offer the best personalisable prints such as canvas prints, cards, stationeries, calendars, prints and photo gifts. Check out their website for more info and don't forget to get your free Insta Prints!

Have you ever wondered why survival shows are so popular? There’s something relatable about the struggle to survive despite not being in extreme situations like the protagonists. It’s absolutely engrossing as we watch characters overcome hurdles and try to find strength in themselves. The best survival shows keep our attention until the very end as we wonder what will happen next and what will become of them. Check out some survival shows that will keep you guessing until the end here.

1) Squid Game
Squid Game is a unique series in that the 456 participants willingly sign up to compete in games for a 45.6 billion won prize. While most survival shows feature situations where individuals are pitted against unwanted circumstances, the case is very different for Squid Game. The players are unaware of the deadly cost of losing at first, but things change with each game. With the participants playing childhood games to stay alive and win, you won’t be able to stop watching as they face unknown obstacles. Don’t let the childhood games fool you, this series is gritty and shows the dark side of human nature in a most entertaining way.

2) Sweet Home
Sweet Home is a great series to watch if you enjoy engaging characters and intriguing developments. The story centers around troubled teen Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang) and his apartment neighbors when humans suddenly turn into savage monsters. Wreaking havoc everywhere, the strange phenomenon changes life as they know it. The type of monsters humans transform into depends on their deepest desires which means a variety of different monsters for viewers to enjoy. With monsters lurking everywhere, the apartment residents remain trapped and fight to survive as well as to hold on to their humanity.

Image Courtesy of Netflix

Supergroup PANTHEPACK, featuring Jackson Wang, Karencici, ICE and J.Sheon, releases their debut project, 'The Pack' today, on all streaming platforms and launches pre-orders for physical copies. The 10-track album includes PANTHEPACK’s previously released hit singles, “DNA,” “Transmit,” and “BUZZ". The accompanying music video for "BUZZ" has amassed over 6.5 MILLION views in a week.From the energetic party anthem “Pull Up,” to the lyrically driven “Shanghai Dream,” the sonically diverse album introduces PANTHEPACK’s unique voice and perspective to the world. Seamlessly integrating each member’s own sound and personality, 'The Pack' embodies the group's artistry and dedication in taking Chinese-produced music to the international stage. 

Jackson Wang, Karencici, ICE and J.Sheon

The eclectic crew, fuelled by the special chemistry between Jackson, Karencici, ICE and J.Sheon, are all hands-on in the creative process, including songwriting and production. For the newly released “BUZZ” music video, Jackson took on the roles of director, writer, actor and editor. Equally ambitious and dedicated to pushing new boundaries, the members of PANTHEPACK serve up a power-packed sensory-filled, musical experience on their debut album. With a steady roll-out of back-to-back records, PANTHEPACK has built a colourful trajectory towards 'The Pack', and their journey has only just begun.

Stream 'The Pack' here: panthepack.lnk.to/ThePack

iQiyi announces upcoming original K-series 'Jirisan' featuring Gianna Jun and Ju Ji-hoon. It tells a story of how an experienced national park ranger (played by Gianna Jun) and a rookie ranger (played by Ju Ji-hoon) unveil secrets hidden in the mountain. The show is set to release in October on iQiyi International  app or iQ.com and simulcast with Korea in October.

Wonho, has released his highly anticipated 2nd mini album, Blue Letter, yesterday. The new album, which compares isolation from the world during the pandemic to the blue ocean, is a sincere letter from Wonho showcasing his genuine, innermost thoughts and raw emotions.

“...feeling blue means feeling depressed, right? I wanted to talk about feeling depressed and how it's important to accept it as is and then seize it, when you can. I want to talk about that attitude through my title track, Blue. I want to say that you're not alone if you ever feel blue or depressed.”

Wonho is further exploring his range of artistry on this album by showcasing his songwriting and producing skills throughout every single track. The seven tracks provide the listener with fantasies to help resolve their sense of loss that they may go through living their repetitive daily lives. Blue Letter weaves various episodes into one big plot under the theme of “youth” and “consolation.” 

The Veil premieres 18 Sep, airs every Sat & Sun at 7.50PM on Oh!K (Astro Ch 394)

The most highly-anticipated MBC K-drama this year - The Veil - will premiere on Oh!K channel from Sept 18 onwards, with new episodes airing within 24 hours of their debut in South Korea. Based on a winning script of the 2018 MBC Drama Screenplay Contest, this series follows a top National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent in his efforts to uncover a traitor, whose actions led to his downfall. In the process, he finds himself confronting an even bigger threat - the nefarious entity behind the traitor’s betrayal. Stars Namgoong Min, Park Ha Sun and Kim Ji Eun.

And just like that, it’s September! As restrictions ease and more of us are vaccinated, now’s the perfect time to reunite with your friends for the ultimate watch party. From gripping dramas, light-hearted variety shows, breathtaking action-thrillers to heartwarming romantic comedies, Viu has the best of Asian entertainment with shows to entertain everyone all through September.

Netflix has revealed the 15 October release date for Korean series My Name alongside the release of a teaser poster. Starring Han So-hee in the lead role, My Name is about a revenge-driven woman who joins a crime ring and becomes an undercover police officer in order to find her father's killer.
The teaser poster reveals a gripping copy that reads: “No one can know. My enemy, my revenge.” It is accompanied by the haunting image of Han So-hee, in a role of which viewers have never seen her in before. Her portrayal of Jiwoo in My Name marks a 180-degree turn from her other well-known characters as Yeo Da-gyeong in The World of the Married and Yu Na-bi in Nevertheless.

In the poster, she is standing in a dark alleyway with deep scratches on her face and a gleaming dagger in her blood-stained hand, looking as if she had just survived fierce combat. Han So-hee, who performed the difficult action scenes herself, is convincing as Jiwoo, a woman who willingly enters a criminal underworld to avenge her father’s murder and becomes a mole in the police force using an alias. She’ll stop at nothing for revenge and comes face-to-face with brutal truths.

Director Kim Jin-min has previously teamed up with Netflix for his much-acclaimed series Extracurricular, an unconventional story about the darker side of high school teens. With his keen instinct for suspense, Director Kim weaves a rich and dramatic storyline with Jiwoo and the other fascinating characters played by Park Hee-soon and Ahn Bo-hyun. My Name promises to be a gratifying action noir film with a tightly woven plot and thrilling suspense.

My Name will be released in over 190 countries around the world on 15 October, only on Netflix.

Netflix has confirmed 11 October 2021 as the worldwide release date for new romance series The King’s Affection. A poignant palace romance starring Park Eun-bin and Rowoon awaits viewers this fall.
The King’s Affection tells the story of how the abandoned female twin of a crown prince ends up disguising herself as her brother who had passed away. The tale originates from a comic book series that was inspired by imaginations about a woman rising to the throne and having to disappear from history.

Disguised crown prince Yi Hwi (Park Eun-bin) and her teacher Jung Ji-un (Rowoon) become fatefully intertwined with one another. The heart-fluttering chemistry between the pair can be felt as we see their silhouettes facing each other in the poster, highlighting their height difference and alluding to their secret romance.

Hiding her true identity and carrying a burdensome secret under the weight of the large ceremonial robes, crown prince Yi Hwi’s world changes when she meets Jung Ji-un through her royal lectures. While hiding that she is a woman, she meets a pure man in the palace setting which can be a cut-throat yet romantic place. As their love and affection for each other blooms and their feelings deepen, they face a destiny that they cannot avoid.

The producers of The King’s Affection shared, “On set, Park Eun-bin and Rowoon brought the charming atmosphere and feelings of wistful yearning to life realistically. Please show a lot of interest and look forward to the imaginations of what it would have been like to have a king disappear into the mists of history and the inescapable fate of the two people which starts on 11 October.”

The King’s Affection is directed by Song Hyunwook, who directed the dramas Beauty Inside and Another Miss Oh, and written by Han Hee Jung who wrote Clean with Passion for Now. The first episode will premiere on 11 October at 10:30PM MYT on Netflix.

Squid Game is already gathering much buzz and interest with its intriguing premise ahead of its premiere. The Netflix series features the story of hundreds of desperate, cash-strapped participants competing for an enormous cash prize through playing children’s games, only to realize that the consequences of losing is death. An extreme survival situation juxtaposed with childhood games makes for an uncanny story. While we eagerly anticipate the release of Squid Game, get to know the creator and cast in the meantime.

1) Hwang Dong-hyuk
Squid Game is already gathering much buzz and interest with its intriguing premise ahead of its premiere. The Netflix series features the story of hundreds of desperate, cash-strapped participants competing for an enormous cash prize through playing children’s games, only to realize that the consequences of losing is death. An extreme survival situation juxtaposed with childhood games makes for an uncanny story. While we eagerly anticipate the release of Squid Game, get to know the creator and cast in the meantime.

2) Lee Jung-jae
Lee Jung-jae is a well-known actor who has been acting since 1993. He has acted in a broad range of genres and roles, but you might recognize him from movies like The Thieves and Svaha: The Sixth Finger or the series Chief of Staff. In Squid Game, he portrays Seong Gi-hun who has gone through a lot of difficult experiences including divorce, business failure, debt, and gambling issues. Despite his desperate situation, Gi-hun doesn’t lose hope and tries his best to survive. He’s a personable character who is kind to others.

3) Park Hae-soo
Park Hae-soo will be a familiar face if you’ve watched Prison Playbook, Time to Hunt, or Persona. Like a true chameleon, the actor takes on diverse characters that reflect his wide range. For Squid Game, he takes on Cho Sang-woo who grew up in the same neighbourhood as Gi-hun. Known for his intelligence, he went on to graduate from Seoul National University. Unfortunately, one wrong decision completely upends his life. Sang-woo is unexpectedly reunited with Gi-hun as they meet while they play the games and try to survive.

4) Wi Ha-jun
Wi Ha-jun debuted in 2015 through the film Coin Locker Girl. Since then he’s appeared in many works such as Something in the Rain, Romance Is a Bonus Book, and 18 Again. The actor will be taking on a different type of role in Squid Game. His character, Hwang Jun-ho, is a police officer who is searching for his missing brother. While investigating some clues related to his brother’s disappearance, Jun-ho ends up discovering the games. Hiding his identity, he uncovers various mysteries surrounding the games.

5) Jung Ho-yeon
Squid Game will mark Jung Ho-yeon’s acting debut. As a fashion model, she gained recognition through appearing on Korea’s Next Top Model 4 and was a joint runner-up. Her experience on many runways and campaigns is evident in the tough charisma that is portrayed through her character Kang Sae-byeok. As a North Korean defector, Sae-byeok is no stranger to adversity. We’ll be able to see how her survival skills will help her as she fights to stay alive and win.

Watch the trailer below: