[Today’s K-pop] Kingdom brings snowy story to stage

Boy band Kingdom held an online showcase for its third EP, “History of Kingdom: Part 3 Ivan,” Thursday.
 
The EP was themed after a snow king and the performance dramatizes a battle set against a snow-covered kingdom. The band has been putting out a seven-part series, each installment on kings from different backgrounds. As the title of the album states, the band’s Ivan is the main character in the new EP. Arthur and Chiwoo took central roles in the first and second EPs, respectively.
 
“The story of a snow kingdom begins now,” said Ivan, explaining that this time the story focuses on the clash between white and black Ivans.
  
Lead track “Black Crown” incorporates orchestra sounds into a dance pop number. It will be similar to watching a four-minute movie that is epic and fantastical, according to Dann.
 
The narrative that weaves through its music may sound simple, but is quite detailed, added Louis. It is a long-term project and they have more than 30 chapters ready to roll out, he said.

Monsta X to release 2nd LP in the US in December

Monsta X will put out its second full album in the US on Dec. 10, announced agency Starship Entertainment on Thursday.
 
The LP titled “The Dreaming” consists of 10 tracks. The band’s first LP in the US, “All About Luv,” came out in February 2020 and debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and ranked in the top 10 of six other of the publication’s charts. Featured artists included will.i.am and Pitbull.
 
Separately, the band was one of the nominees in the Best K-pop category at the 2021 MTV Europe Music Awards.
 
The six-member act will return with new music next month as a quintet, as leader Seanwoo is currently serving his alternative military duty. It will also join the Jingle Ball tour, a year-end concert hosted by iHeartRadio, and perform in the US.

Twice celebrates 6th anniversary in livestream

Twice marked the sixth anniversary of the group’s debut with an online event Wednesday.
 
The group took to Naver’s V Live under the title “Twice 6th Anniversary: H6me Party with 6nce” for 66 minutes. Once is the name of the band’s official fandom.
 
The bandmates shared episodes and memories from the past six years and surprised viewers by unveiling a performance for “Candy,” a track from the forthcoming third LP, “Formula of Love: O+T=<3.” The song is dedicated to the fans.
 
The group thanked fans for staying with them for six years and hoped that they would be able to meet in person on the seventh anniversary.
 
“We gain a lot of strength and solace from all the love you send us, and hopefully you will gather energy from us and always be happy,” the bandmates said.
 
Twice is releasing the girl group’s third LP on Nov. 12 and Japanese single “Doughnut” on Dec. 15. An international tour is also in the works.

BTS song to feature in Marvel movie 

A song from BTS’ fourth studio album will be included in the original soundtrack of an upcoming Marvel film.
 
“Friends” is a track from the band’s “Map of the Soul: 7” that was released in February 2020. Jimin and V sang about their friendship, and the former participated in writing and producing the song.
 
The news came out Sunday from the Direct, a digital entertainment news outlet that revealed the list of the original soundtrack for “Eternals.”
 
The Walt Disney Company Korea confirmed the report Tuesday, saying the song is part of “Eternals,” directed by the Oscar-winning Chloe Zhao. The superhero movie, featuring Angelina Jolie, Richard Madden, Salma Hayek and Korean American actor Don Lee, will premiere in November.
 
This is the first time a Korean-language song has been chosen for a Marvel movie soundtrack, and it marks the second song by a Korean musician. Psy’s “Hangover,” featuring Snoop Dogg, was used in “Black Panther.”

By Hwang You-mee
(glamazon@heraldcorp.com)