Broadcast dates: Nov. 20-21
Starring: Stray Kids, CIX, EXO, Astro

Stray Kids took to V Live to introduce their official light sticks.

(Naver's V Live)

Shaking the glowing sticks, the eight bandmates reminded viewers that their first stand-alone concert was only two days away.

They then invited fans to learn a simple routine for “Anthem,” reassuring them that it would not be too difficult for Stays, members of their official fandom. Although it has not been officially released, it probably is the band’s most iconic song, said Bang Chan, and it would mean a lot to them if everyone could join and sing together.

The musicians then performed the song, moving their sticks and chanting “Stray Kids everywhere all around the world” between verses.

“It was perfect,” they said, admitting that it had made their arms hurt as well.

“You might have to work out with a dumbbell,” said Hyunjin. Bang Chan suggested one weighing 1 kilogram.

The band will hold a two-day concert in Seoul titled “District 9: Unlock” and release a new EP titled “Cle: Levanter” on Dec. 9.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/161679.

CIX back on Idol Radio with good news

CIX returned to Idol Radio four months after its first appearance.

(Naver's V Live)

The five-piece act opened the live entertainment show with “Numb,” the lead track from its just-released second EP, “Hello, Strange Place.”

“I was really nervous last time but am calmer today, I think,” said Yonghee.

During the four months the band made a number of achievements, including winning a global rookie award.

“It was the first time getting a trophy from an award ceremony so I was really nervous and could not remember what I wanted to say when I did win it,” said Hyunsuk, but the first thing that came to his mind was how grateful he was to CIX’s fans.

Special DJ Mina of Gugudan also congratulated Hyunsuk, the youngest member of the boy band, in advance on turning 20.

“I have been looking forward to this but now that it is only 40 days away, I actually want to stay 19,” he said. Having been so busy, he hadn’t thought much about what he wanted to do to celebrate, but he would love to go skiing, said Hyunsuk.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/160809.

EXO’s Chen picks up street performance

Chen of EXO continued his busking tour, visiting Gongju, South Chungcheong Province.

(Naver's V Live)

Before beginning the third gig, he first sat down with singer Yang Dail and singer-songwriter Cho Jungchi for lunch. When Yang said he was trying to bulk up by eating every three hours, Chen said he had given up on building muscle.

“It has been four to five years since I stopped working out. When I bulked up, it really did not look good on me,” said the idol. He especially did not like how his thickened arms made his hands look even smaller. Yang then said his hands were extremely small, and when the two held up their hands and brought their palms together, their eyes widened upon finding out they were the same size.

Having found a soul mate, Chen chatted excitedly with the bandmate of the day before the three headed to a rooftop to practice. Chen, moved by Yang’s cover of “One Love Forgotten With Another Love” accompanied by Cho on guitar, declared that he would sit in the audience to enjoy the duo’s performance.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/161301.

Astro comes out with 6th EP

Astro unveiled “Blue Flame,” the title track from its new EP.

(Naver's V Live)

The six-piece act has come out with its sixth EP after 10 months and held a media showcase on Wednesday to promote it.

Yoon Sanha said at the event: “I am really nervous but we have put so much into this. I believe a lot of fans have been waiting for us and can’t wait to see them.”

“The name of the title signifies our aspiration that we will overcome the limits with enthusiasm. We have experimented and the album will show a new color,” added Jinjin.

The music video for the groovy lead track, a love song, followed a “Beauty and the Beast” theme, and Rocky promised to wear a “Beauty and the Beast” costume if the band ever tops a music chart.

The bandmates also apologized for Moon Bin, who couldn’t join them due to health reasons. Until he was feeling better, they said, he would be in their thoughts onstage and they promised to do their best to fill in for him.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/161621.

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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