Broadcast dates: Sept. 2-3
Starring: Super Junior, NU’EST, Stray Kids, Victon

Super Junior floated a teaser hailing its upcoming return, set for Oct. 14.

(SM Entertainment)

The veteran idol group officially announced that it will release its ninth full-length album next month.

It launched a countdown with a clock that began counting from 999 hours and uploaded nine of cryptic, close-up photographs, one for each member. The images ranged from an analog camera, a vintage television and a pair of roller skates to a brush, a metal cube and a set of Legos.

This is the first time in 10 years that Super Junior will be performing as a whole unit -- though it’s been trimmed down to nine members from 13. The bandmates will familiarize themselves with the spotlight with reality show “SuJu Returns 3,” which will show fans the whole process needed to make the new album, from selecting a title track and then recording and practicing to shooting the photo for the album jacket cover. The show will premiere Sept. 9 on Naver’s V Live.

The band will also hold concerts in Seoul on Oct. 12 and 13.

Watch the clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/147514.

NU’EST’s Ren happy to chat with fans

Ren of NU’EST checked in on fans from his room.

(Naver's V Live)

“I have missed you so much!” he said in response to fans’ comments that he looked a little tired, and assured them that he had just returned from working on a project he cannot discuss yet.

“I had such a great time in the Philippines with my bandmates. There were not only local fans but also quite a number of Loves who came from Korea,” said the idol, referring to the band’s official fandom community and thanking them.

Although he has not had enough time to work out as much as he wants recently, since his goal is to “bulk up,” said Ren, he will try and put in more hours. It is not easy to watch his diet, though, after using up so much energy, he added.

Meanwhile, he recently watched the movie “Romang,” starring Lee Soon-jae, during a flight and wanted to recommend it to fans. The movie, about a couple in their 70s who both live with dementia, deeply touched his heart, said the performer. “I could not cry, though, since there were people around me,” he said.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/147734.

Stray Kids’ Changbin back for solo chat

After a long time without addressing fans on his own, Changbin of Stray Kids came back for a solo V Live chat.

(Naver's V Live)

“It is a cherished moment between you and me!” he said, inviting fans to ask questions or share concerns.

He has kept tabs on his bandmates’ solo segments and is especially jealous of Bang Chan’s, confided the idol. “He has found such a good concept, ‘Chan’s Room.’ I should have come up with that myself!” he lamented.

Changbin let curious fans see his metallic bracelet up close and said it was a birthday gift from the band leader.

“I almost always wear this whenever we go onstage,” he said. His necklace is from Hyunjin and he will probably wear it for all possible occasions, he added.

As for his favorite pick from a coffee shop in the same building as the band’s management company, Changbin recommended ginger jujube ice cream.

“It sounds too healthy and I gave it a try after only eating the chocolate strawberry flavor. And the harmony of dried bits of jujube with the rest!” he gushed.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/147694.

Victon’s Byungchan says hi on his way home

Choi Byungchan of Victon took to V Live in the car after appearing on “Idol Radio.”

(Naver's V Live)

“I wanted to livestream after the program even though I will have to keep this short,” he said, thanking fans who had come to see him in person as well as those tuning in from home.

His day was finally over and he planned to take a shower and rest for a while, said the performer. Dinner might come later.

Having resumed his career as an idol after taking some time off due to health issues, Choi is full of ideas, and one of them is to hold a fan event on his own.

“It will definitely be held,” he assured fans.

He also shared a voice-only clip recently with a hint about what’s next for the idol, said Choi.

“I cannot let you in on the secret yet, but it will be revealed very soon,” he said.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/147744.

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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