Broadcast date: Mar. 4-5
Starring: BTS, Woodz, IZ*ONE, Astro

(Big Hit Entertainment)

Fans of BTS were in for a pleasant surprise, as the septet floated an official music video for “Black Swan” at midnight local time without prior notice.

Switching between costumes in all black and all white, the bandmates dance, sing and rap mostly barefoot in the imposing Los Angeles Theatre in downtown LA.

"Black Swan” first came out via an art film featuring a Slovenian contemporary dance group in January, and premiered later that month on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.”

The clip amassed over 12.5 million views on YouTube within 12 hours. It came less than a week after the band released visuals for “On,” the lead track from its new album “Map of the Soul: 7,” which landed at No. 4 on the Billboard chart.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/178278.

Woodz hosts karaoke-themed livestream

(Naver's V Live)

Cho Seungyeon, also known as Woodz, invited fans to join him in a live segment themed after a karaoke, singing songs for close to 1 1/2 hours.

After explaining how the livestream would go, he agreed with viewers that the repertoire would be key to the day‘s show.

“I am thinking I should sing songs recommended by you,” said the idol, beckoning his fans to imagine they had come to the karaoke together.

Let me start off with my choice, though, he said, beginning to sing Izi’s “Emergency Room.” The second song was DAY6‘s “You Were Beautiful,” as requested by many fans.

“There have been quite a many who wanted me to sing this,” he said. Cho burst into laughter when the staffers played sounds of big applause.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/178150.

IZ*ONE brings camera to recording studio

(Naver's V Live)

IZ*ONE shared more sneak peeks into a recording session.

“Today we will be recording a song Kwon Eunbi has written lyrics for,” explained Kang Hyewon. “I really like it. It goes so well with IZ*ONE, upbeat and cute.”

While Jang Wonyoung joined Kang after finishing recording her part and munched jellies together, Kwon was getting ready to help guide the bandmates in the booth.

“I have written this (”Spaceship“) thinking of IZ*ONE. And it was picked as the second lead track for the album,” she said with a shy smile. “I am quite nervous probably because it‘s my song.”

Kim Chaewon, practicing while waiting her turn, complained to Kwon that the notes were too high.

“I did the guide (singing) when Kwon was writing the song,” she said. When Cho Yuri asked her who sang for the demo, Kim puffed out her chest with pride.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/178219.

Astro celebrates MC debut

(Naver's V Live)

Sanha and Moonbin of Astro went live to mark the first time they became regular hosts of a television program.

They lit candles on a cake topped that showed the date, then talked about the new job.

“It has always been my dream,” said Sanha, barely finishing the sentence before breaking into laughter. “I have said the same thing over and over,” he explained, as Moonbin nodded and said he sounded like a recorded message.

“I totally enjoyed it and it was even better since I could be there with Moonbin,” he added.

“It has been a while since we appeared on television,” said Moonbin. “It is nice to be able to see you every week so please tune in on Wednesdays.”

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/178255.

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)

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