Broadcast date: March 25-26
Starring: Stray Kids, Sooyoung, Twice, Pentagon

Stray Kids celebrated one year since their debut, going live with fans on Naver’s V Live after showcasing the title song from their new album “Cle 1: Miroh.”

(Naver's V Live)

“Cannot believe it has been five months (since the last performance),” the idol group marveled.

“I was naturally so happy,” said Changbin on returning in front of the fans. With Woojin’s gentle nudge, he added, “I was so nervous. More than when we debuted.”

All the bandmates agreed, thanking fans for the continuous support. “We have grown as a team and as individuals, being there for each other,” said Han, to which Bang Chan added, “We have learned a lot.”

Before Seungmin went up on stage, he confessed, “The memory of us congratulating (each other for) our debut over fried chicken while (Bang) Chan poured us soda flashed back.”

The nine bandmates became even more emotional when the leader read them a handwritten letter.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/120249.

Sooyoung stars in Japanese movie

Girls Generation’s Sooyoung talked about her first time as a lead actress.

(Naver's V Live)

The singer stars in “Memories of a Dead End,” a Korean-Japanese film adaptation of the eponymous novel written by Japanese author Banana Yoshimoto. She plays a Korean traveler who visits Nagoya in search of her boyfriend and ends up encountering Nishiyama, played by co-star Shunsuke Tanaka.

“I have a long way to go as an actress,” she began. “Fortunately, though, I debuted in Japan at 12 and had a chance to learn Japanese. Actually I’ve thought one day I could act in Japanese.”

“When I first read the script I asked the director how good my Japanese command should be and luckily she said mine was just right,” she recalled, adding humbly that “even if my pronunciations were wrong, I thought to myself, it would be understood since I am playing a Korean woman.”

Sooyoung debuted here in 2007 with Girls’ Generation, and has since turned to acting, having already appeared in movie “Hello Schoolgirl” and TV series “Man Who Sets the Table.”

“Memories of a Dead End” will premiere in Korea on April 4.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/120239.

Twice Mina celebrates birthday in Japan

Twice’s Mina turned 22 and celebrated her birthday with fellow Japanese bandmates Momo and Sana in Japan, sharing the moment via Naver’s V Live.

(Naver's V Live)

Apologizing to fans for not going live the day before -- the day of her birthday -- Mina said she had nine cakes in total. “She even had one with her face on it,” chuckled Momo.

Mina uploaded a selfie thanking everyone and expressed happiness, as her bandmates posted messages full of love to their own Instagram accounts.

“All the other members already left and we will return soon,” explained Momo, adding that the group will be busy in days to come. Twice just wrapped up its first dome tour since debuting in Japan. The group originally planned a four-performance tour in three cities, but added an extra performance in Osaka when tickets sold out.

The girl group will resume activities in Korea next month.

Watch the video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/120265.

Pentagon to return with ‘Sha La La’

Pentagon released a teaser for the music video of “Sha La La,” lead track from new EP “Genie:us,” signaling a return six months after “Thumbs Up!”

(Naver's V Live)

Bandmates in the 10-piece boy band show their rebellious sides, smashing a piano with golf clubs and pouring gasoline on a pile of money, accompanied by to a catchy melody and addictive hooks. The future house song was written and composed by Hui, who has already scored a series of hits, including Pentagon’s “Shine” and Wanna One’s “Energetic.”

All six songs from the EP, their eighth, have been made by the members of the group. The EP will be released online Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Watch the clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/120258.

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 http://www.vlive.tv.

By The Korea Herald (khnews@heraldcorp.com)

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