BTS member Jin has made waves after contributing to the soundtrack of the popular tvN drama 'Star Tells' with his new song 'Close to You,' released on the music distribution platform on January 26 at 6 PM. The enchanting track portrays the metaphorical voyage of approaching loved ones across the cosmic expanse, crafted with dreamlike instrumentals, enhancing the show's immersive experience.
Produced by Nam Hae-soon, along with renowned composer Kim Kyung-hee, 'Close to You' resonates with themes of love and hope, perfectly articulated through Jin's sweet and pure vocals. Fans from Korea and even abroad see this OST as nothing less than a special gift, making it resonate more deeply with its listeners, especially as it played during dramatic moments of intimacy and confession on the show.
The seventh episode of 'Star Tells,' aired on January 25, featured Lee Min-ho's character, Gong-ryeong, making a heartfelt confession, elevatively matched by 'Close to You,' amplifying the viewer's emotions and anticipation for subsequent episodes. Jin's recent musical endeavors follow his solo album 'Happy,' released around November last year, affirming his continuous engagement with fans through both music and television.
Simultaneously, Japanese dramas are generating buzz, as TBS showcased its new Sunday theater series 'Mikami Sensei,' airing its first episode on January 19, featuring the new single by the rock band ONE OK ROCK as its theme song. Titled 'Puppets Can't Control You,' the song reflects the drama's core theme of challenging societal absurdities and captures the viewers' attention right from the first episode.
One notable moment from this series is the appearance of actor Takaya Sakoda, who plays the character Mizobata, known for his previous roles as the suspicious figures across other dramas like 'VIVANT.' His recent performance has sparked lively discussions on social media, indicating his adept skill at playing antagonistic roles.
Going stronger on the cultural scene, Hiroshi Miyazawa's character Ikeda featured prominently across episodes with new comedic additions like ' Yoshio Kojima and Daisuke Namikawa who made surprise guest appearances as tutors supporting the school’s preparatory programs, generating both intrigue and levity during the otherwise tense storyline.
Highlighting recognition within the historical drama arena, 'Hikari Kimi e,' starring Yurikyo Yoshitaka, was awarded the Galaxy Award for its contribution to broadcasting culture, following the positive impact it has made during the previous airing. The Galaxy Award, established to uplift the quality of Japanese broadcasting culture, recognized the show’s compelling storytelling and exceptional casting choices.
On another front, the recently released film version of 'Doctor X Final' has managed to draw impressive numbers, surpassing 2.26 million viewers and amassing over 3 billion yen within 45 days from its December 6 release. The film serves as the culmination of years’ worth of storytelling from the beloved television series, making it both a financial and artistic triumph.
For those captivated by fantastical narratives, the ensemble cast of 'I Kill,' which includes popular star Kimura Fumino alongside SixTONES’ member Tanaka Juju, is taking viewers back 35 years post the Battle of Sekigahara, thrusting them deep within the plot thick with monster fights and human struggle.
At present, the audience's anticipation stretches toward the fresh take of the classic series 'Shitamachi Rocket,' based on Jun Ikeido's novels, which continues to thrive on digital streaming platforms. U-NEXT offers full access to the entire series, supplemented by various promotional offers for new signups.
Lastly, as the historical saga 'Berabou' continues on NHK, audiences were treated to insights on characters and significant terms connected with the era, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for the storyline. A notable moment includes the main character Tsuta-shige grappling with challenges relating to his societal backdrop, drawing parallels between historical struggles and modern issues.
With these tales coming to life, it reflects the artistic diversity and rich storytelling inherent within both Japanese drama and its soundtracks, continually capturing the hearts of viewers.