Lisa Talks Exes, Kim Jiwoong (ZB1) New Drama, Haerin (NWJN) Public Appearance

LE SSERAFIM’s Sakura Matches Members With Overwatch Heroes in Exclusive Pop Base Video

On September 3, in a video featuring Sakura as she matched each member with an Overwatch hero based on their personalities.

Sakura, who is known as the group’s resident Overwatch player, assigns a character to herself and each of her fellow members. She explains why she believes each hero suits the members, taking into account their individual traits and dynamics within the group.

The video comes as part of LE SSERAFIM’s ongoing collaboration with the popular game franchise. The group previously teamed up with Overwatch for a special in-game collaboration that introduced exclusive skins inspired by the members.

Through Sakura’s character selections and explanations, the video offers a lighthearted look at the group’s personalities and their dynamic with one another while highlighting their latest crossover with the gaming franchise.

NewJeans’ Haerin To Make First Public Appearance Since Returning To ADOR

NewJeans’ Haerin is set to make her first official public appearance in nearly a year since returning to ADOR. The singer will attend a luxury beauty brand’s pop-up event in Seoul on September 7, marking her first in-person promotional activity since the group’s contract dispute with the agency. Haerin is scheduled to participate in a photocall at Lotte Department Store’s Jamsil Avenuel in Songpa District.

The appearance comes after Haerin recently graced the cover of Marie Claire’s September issue. She also appeared alongside Hyein, Hanni, and Minji in a special film released in July to celebrate NewJeans’ fourth debut anniversary.

Haerin and Hyein were the first NewJeans members to announce their intention to return to ADOR in November 2025, followed by Hanni the following month. Minji remains in discussions with the agency, while Danielle’s contract was terminated in December.

With Haerin becoming the first returning member to resume in-person public activities, anticipation is growing over what this could mean for NewJeans’ future.

ICYMI:

• EXO’s Suho, GFRIEND’s Yuju, ATEEZ’s Jongho, Chuu, Lee Seung Gi, and more to join the lineup of the busking program “The Listen,” with filming set to begin in September and the program scheduled to air in October.

• ILLIT to make a comeback with their 4th Japanese digital single “Swingin’ Magic” on September 21.

• Kwak Si Yang and Lovelyz’s Yoo Ji Ae announce their marriage.

ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Ji Woong To Return To TV With New Drama “Siren”

ZEROBASEONE’s Kim Ji Woong is making his return to the small screen with a new leading role. On September 4, it was reported that the idol-actor has been cast in the upcoming investigative buddy drama “Siren” (working title).

The drama follows the unlikely partnership between a third-generation chaebol heir who enters a police academy and an ace police officer from a non-wealthy background. Kim Ji Woong will portray Do Yoon, the chaebol heir and police academy student, marking his first major lead role since focusing on his activities with ZEROBASEONE.

The upcoming project is being produced by Take One Studio, the company behind “Wind Up” and “Whale Star.” Director Oh Ki Hwan, who previously helmed “The Art of Seduction” and ENA’s “Wind Shopping,” will direct the series. Casting is currently underway, with filming expected to begin after the remaining roles are finalized.

This will not be Kim Ji Woong’s first acting project. He made his acting debut in the 2021 web drama “Sweet Guy” and has since appeared in BL dramas including “Kissable Lips” and “Roommates of Poongduck 304.” He also made a special appearance in JTBC’s “Waiting For Gyeong Do” last year.

LISA Opens Up About Her Past Relationships In New Documentary “Always Lalisa”

BLACKPINK’s LISA is opening up about a part of her personal life she has largely kept private. In her upcoming documentary “Always Lalisa,” the singer reflects on past relationships and the pressure K-pop idols face to keep their romantic lives hidden from the public.

LISA explained that dating can carry consequences for an idol’s career, particularly when it comes to public perception and a group’s popularity. “In K-pop culture, we can’t date,” she said, adding that she had “a few relationships” when she was younger but had to keep them secret. “I didn’t want my dating to be the thing that hurts BLACKPINK’s popularity.”

The singer also revealed that her Alter Ego track “Dream” was inspired by one of those past relationships. According to LISA, she received the person’s blessing to release the song as long as their identity remained private. “They thought they figured it out, but I don’t think so,” she said.

Directed by Sue Kim, “Always Lalisa” follows LISA through a transformative period of her career as she established herself as a solo artist away from BLACKPINK, including the making of "Alter Ego," her acting debut in "The White Lotus", and her 2025 Coachella performance.

“Always Lalisa” will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11 before receiving a limited theatrical release beginning October 12. The documentary will later stream exclusively on YouTube Premium.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• BIG OCEAN to embark on their 2026 “FALL EUROPE TOUR,” with stops in London, Cologne, and Paris.

• KATSEYE set to perform at Lollapalooza India in Mumbai on January 23–24, 2027.

• A.C.E’s Kang Yuchan adds six new stops to his 2026 US “FANNECT Tour,” spanning Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, Washington, and New York.

• CLOSE YOUR EYES announces eight North American stops for their first tour, “BEYOND YOUR EYES”.

Favorite New Music This Week

82MAJOR embraces a smoother side of their sound with “Like Fire,” trading some of their usual intensity for a sleek, confident groove. Built around an early-2000s-inspired hip-hop and R&B production, “Like Fire” moves with an effortless, understated rhythm. Its stripped-back arrangement gives the members’ vocals room to breathe, while the soft, almost conversational delivery of the hook adds to the track’s laid-back appeal.

The music video, however, tells a completely different story. It is as dramatic as it gets. Directed by Lee Suho of Balming Tiger, the music video features intense combat scenes that bring back some of the intensity missing from the track, intentionally balancing out the overall experience.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, September 7, 2026

  • Soyeon (i-dle): 1st Full Album “What a Wonderful Life”

  • Minho (SHINee): 2nd Mini Album “Make it hot”

  • EVAN: 1st mini Album “Death of Me”

  • VERIVERY: 8th Mini Album “Confetti”

• Tuesday, September 8, 2026

  • D.O. (EXO): 4th Mini Album “Dopamine”

  • &TEAM: nd Mini Album “Mark on Me”

  • Lim young Woong: Special Digital Album “IM HERO 10”

• Wednesday, September 9, 2026

  • Y:SY: 1st mini Album “Goodies”

• Thursday, September 10, 2026

  • IU: Digital Single

  • Mark Lee: Single “My friend”

  • MCND: 7th Mini Album “Devil Youth Club”

• Friday, September 11, 2026

  • LE SSERAFIM: 2nd Mini Album “Made My Night”

  • Ryu Sujeong: 4th EP “All the Color I Am”

  • PENTAGON: 10th Anniversary Single “겁쟁이”

• Saturday, September 12, 2026

  • n/a

• Sunday, September 13, 2026

  • n/a

— Javeria Yousuf

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