Broadcast date: Sept. 3
Starring: G-Dragon (Big Bang); Wooyoung and Nichkhun (2PM), Hyejeong (AOA); L, Sungyeol and Sungjong (Infinite); Ailee; Jessi; Cheetah; Eric Nam; Mamamoo; Younha

Wednesday marked a special occasion for Naver’s V app -- its official Android version was launched. The real-time video streaming app has nabbed K-pop fans from over 210 countries and over 460 million “hearts” since the launch of its beta version in July. The number of regularly appearing K-pop stars has increased from 25 to 47 -- newly including singers such as Ailee and Younha and actress Park Bo-young.

“International downloads make up 60 percent of our views,” said Jang Joon-ki, director of technology at Naver V app, in a press release. “We are working hard to stabilize our service and provide advanced features to allow fans from anywhere in the world to communicate with their favorite stars more speedily, regardless of location.”

The iOS version will become available in September.

G-Dragon (Big Bang)

In celebration of both V app’s official launch and the ninth anniversary of boy band Big Bang, the group’s members will be airing a special series of live segments throughout the month of September, with each episode centering on one individual member.

G-Dragon kicked off the series on Wednesday, with a live stream titled “1+1=GD” and under the theme “Let’s not do anything” -- a twist on Big Bang’s recently released track, “Let’s Not Fall in Love.”

“I originally wanted to have a drink while talking to you guys,” said G-Dragon. “But they say I can’t do that.”

G-Dragon (Naver V app)

Instead, he lounged cozily on his bed, saying, “I’m really not going to do anything. When I’m with the other members, they’re fun people, so I ask a lot of questions and we have fun. But when I’m alone, I can get quite shy.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” G-Dragon told his viewers. “I’m going to assume you guys don’t (have boyfriends) either, and talk as if I’m video-chatting with my girlfriend.”

G-Dragon also phoned one lucky fan participating in the V app chatroom. All in all, the stream saw a relaxed and carefree time with the singer-songwriter, with some 340,000 fans tuning in simultaneously and a total of over 17 million “hearts.”

Big Bang’s live series will be on every Wednesday at 11 p.m. for five episodes. Next week, Sept. 9, will feature Taeyang visiting the house of a fan to dine together in an episode titled “Taeyang’s I’m going now, to eat.”

Wooyoung and Nichkhun (2PM)

Wooyoung started off the latest episode of 2PM’s cooking broadcast series alone, behind a table full of ingredients.

“It’s supposed to be three people (Wooyoung, Nichkhun and Taecyeon) here, but I don’t know why I’m alone,” he said playfully, proceeding to make an egg roll on his own. “I guess everyone is busy with their schedules.”

Wooyoung and Nichkhun (Naver V app)

Nichkhun joined his fellow team member after returning from a movie premiere he had scheduled. “I came running for your egg roll,” he told Wooyoung.

On filming the last episode of their series, the two said: “We made bingsu, mac and cheese, and pancakes. We feel confident we can actually cook now.”

Infinite

Infinite (Naver V app)

“We’ve started recording our new album,” L revealed on the Wednesday broadcast of “Infinite Show,” which also featured members Sungyeol and Sungjong. “We hope to deliver some good news soon.” The three went on to read and answer a handful of fan questions.

Infinite plans to go on a world tour early September, starting off with a concert in Taiwan. Additionally, the members will be independently pursuing projects in musical, drama series and other entertainment areas.

Hyejeong (AOA)

Hyejung (Naver V app)

Hyejeong of girl group AOA appeared on screen with her usual beauty tips, this time at a karaoke room. In this episode, she tried out and recommended a sparkly eye shadow that “makes the eyes pop and appear brighter.”

She additionally shared tips on how to pick good songs to sing when at a karaoke room with office colleagues -- a common Korean pastime after work hours.

“Pick upbeat songs that will liven up the atmosphere,” she advised.

And more...

Further broadcasts on Wednesday featured Ailee dancing at the studio, rappers Jessi and Cheetah, Eric Nam, Mamamoo, and the first appearance of singer Younha.

Naver’s real-time broadcasting app V allows fans to interact with their favorite K-pop stars through live broadcasts. The app is available for Android and iOS. For more information, visit www.vlive.tv.

By Rumy Doo (bigbird@heraldcorp.com)

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.naver.vapp
Apple AppStore https://itunes.apple.com/app/id1019447011?mt=8