Broadcast date: June 20-21
Starring: Stray Kids, Monsta X, EXO, Ateez

Hyunjin of Stray Kids took to V Live after premiering “Side Effects,” the lead track from the group’s new EP “Cle 2: Yellow Wood,” onstage.

(Naver's V Live)

“Please talk to me, as I cannot sleep every time after the first performance,” he said.

Hyunjin assured fans that he was not tired and even if he went straight to his room, he would have to wait his turn to take a shower.

“I hope you enjoyed our performance. We put a lot of thought into it,” he said.

“‘TMT’ is my favorite (track of the EP). The lyrics are quite dark but the melody and the instruments sound lighthearted, which makes it interesting,” said the singer.

As for the music video in which he had a fight scene with Seungmin, he said, “It was fun. It was the first time I acted in a music video, and I was not sure if I could throw the camera hard since it was still working. But I have made an entertaining memory with him.”

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/135610.

Monsta X more than ready for bigger stage

Kpop Herald talked about seven-piece boy band Monsta X, which has been rising fast at home and abroad.

(Naver's V Live)

“They are trying to break out in the US. (They) recently signed a record deal with Epic Records, one of the major labels in the US, and released an English single called ‘Who Do You Love?’” said Yim Hyun-su.

“They are doing a world tour right now, currently in Europe, and I believe after this tour, their popularity is going to grow even more,” said Ahn Sung-mi.

Monsta X was formed through the show “No Mercy” that ended in 2015. The bandmates debuted as a septet with the EP “Trespass” in May 2015.

In addition to releasing a series of singles and studio albums, the group has been gearing up to expand its horizons with English-language songs, beginning with a collaborative project with Steve Aoki.

“One of the biggest appeals is their authenticity. What you see is what you get, basically, according to Eshy Gazit who is in charge of the band’s activities outside Korea and Japan,” said Yim, who had chatted with the music industry figure who helped pave the way for BTS until 2017.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/134177.

EXO welcomes Stranger Things cast in Seoul

Kai and Suho of EXO surprised fans by joining Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo, from the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” during their visit to Seoul.

(Naver's V Live)

The two greeted fans with the actors on the red carpet to welcome the stars of the third season of the American science fiction-horror drama.

The two members of the K-pop band had tweeted a welcome message to the actors the day before.

“We would love to meet you in Korea, and we really love ‘Stranger Things’! I can’t wait for you guys to get here. See you soon!,” wrote the pair.

McLaughlin and Maratazzo also posted on Instagram earlier that they were “headed Seoul, Korea to meet some of our amazing Stranger Things fans and get a crash course on all things K-pop.” They had tagged SMTOWN and EXO.

“We have been to Gyeongbok Palace and Gwangjang Market together earlier, and I am happy to help them learn about Korea and even more so since they seem to enjoy themselves,” said Suho at a press conference later.

Watch the full video at https://www.vlive.tv/video/135574.

Ateez celebrates first trophy

Ateez thanked fans for their support that helped the group top a music program for the first time since its debut.

(Naver's V Live)

“Thank you so much Atiny!” shouted the band, addressing its fandom.

“This is a cake made by the fans themselves,” said Park Seong-hwa, showing a sky-blue one that had lyrics from the group’s song “Wave.”

“It has been like a dream,” said Kim Hong-joong.

“Have you cried enough?” teased Park.

“I didn’t cry. You cried a lot!” said Kim, and the eight members began ribbing each other.

“When I came down the stage, though, it was embarrassing,” admitted Jeong Yun-ho.

“I will show you a magic trick to mark our coming in first place,” said Choi Jong-ho coming in front of the camera with chopsticks in hand.

“You see there is nothing on either side, right?” he said, showing both ends of chopsticks. Then he pulled “Atiny’s love” out from the camera with all his might.

“Voila! There it is!” said the performer triumphantly as hearts appeared on both sides of the chopsticks.

Watch the full clip at https://www.vlive.tv/video/135579.

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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