K-pop was in a bit of a whirlwind this week. There were the expected slew of new MV releases, a couple of imminent MV teasers, and of course, heaps of celebrities finding themselves in a bit of hot water for something they may have done. Let's take a look back with the weekly recap.

'Techno Queen' Lee Jung Hyun terrifies in horror-themed MV for "V" + BTS

Korea's 'Techno Queen' Lee Jung Hyun released a spooky MV for her new single. "V". The MV stars Lee Jung Hyun and actor Jin Goo, who plays the object of her obsession in the MV. Overall, an eerie theme underlies the entirety of the MV and the visuals don't fail to entertain the eyes by any means. If anyone else had tried to pull off the concept, I'm almost certain it would've flopped. It takes a certain kind of experience and establishment to be able to digest such an idiosyncratic image. 

f(x) finally make their comeback with "Rum Pum Pum Pum" MV!

After a year-long hiatus, the ladies of f(x) have finally come back with 'Rum Pum Pum Pum'. The song certainly doesn't stray from their signature vibrant, pop-inspired genre. The MV explodes with stye, color and fun graphics that render the mood of the MV enthusiastic and carefree. 

AOA Black say 'MOYA' with their new MV

AOA's band unit, AOA Black, returned to the K-pop scene with their third single album, 'MOYA', and its accompanying MV. If you haven't already listened to the song, do so at your own discretion, because I must warn you - it's uncannily catchy. The upbeat concept catches and holds our attention, which is a pleasant surprise. 

Brown Eyed Girls release a thrilling MV teaser for new title track 'Kill Bill'

Brown Eyed Girls are gearing up for a comeback with their new title track "Kill Bill"! The track is composed by Lee Gyu Hyun and JeA herself, and the teaser seems to imply that the girls will be sticking to their singular, symbolism-heavy type MV's that we've grown to know and love. Their MV's always stand out because they're not simply visuals without substance. Rather, the subtle messages they convey through their visuals make them top-tier when it comes to K-pop groups. 

EXO gets ready to 'Growl' with the release of MV teaser 

The boys of EXO will be releasing a repackaged version of their 1st album 'XOXO (Kiss&Hug)' to gear up for a comeback with a follow-up song. Keeping in line with their "Wolf" promotions, they'll be releasing the song "Growl" in a new round of promotions. So check to make sure that your pulse is still throbbing before you check out the MV teaser above. 

IU says she has nothing but apologies for her photo incident with Eunhyuk

IU finally spoke up about the photo incident she had with Eunhyuk. Though the topic of the photo she'd uploaded onto her Twitter had been avoided like the plague, she finally talked about it on the July 23 installment of SBS' 'Incarnation'. When asked about the incident, she started with, "I wondered, why did this happen? Why did I do this? First, I did upload it by mistake. And to be honest, I couldn't even blame anyone else because I was the one who uploaded it. It wasn't that I could eve have a hard time because of it [because it was my fault]."

She added, "I was so sorry to many people. Since I did it myself, I thought, who should I feel the most apologetic to? Should I be sorry to the people who loved me? Or should I be sorry to the people who loved the person I hurt (the other person in the photo)? 

"I also thought a lot about, should I go out and apologize to everyone and clear up all the misunderstandings, or should I just stay quiet? I pushed back variety shows as much as I could because of that... It wasn't something that made me have a hard time, being a burden on me or anything because I should just be sorry to everyone. I'm so sorry." 

Although she talked about the matter and apologized, it's still not clear on what her relationship status is / was with Eunhyuk. Like the kid asking the owl in the Tootsie pop commercial on how many licks it takes to get to the center, the world may never know.

Fair Trade Commission issues a sanction against SM Entertainment and KFPCAI for interfering with JYJ's activities 

The Fair Trade Commission or the FTC has finally confirmed that the parties responsible for JYJ's lack of broadcast activities are SM Entertainment and 'Korean Federation of Pop Culture and Art Industry (KFPCAI)'. Having confirmed the two's role in blocking JYJ's activities, the FTC issued a sanction today (July 24th KST) ordering SM Entertainment as well as KFPCAI to stop interfering with the group's activities. 

According to the FTC, SM and KFPCAI issued out a statement asking broadcast and music insiders to restrict JYJ's broadcast activities and appearances during the release of JYJ's first album in 2010. That being the case, an FTC rep commented, "Despite JYJ's high album sales, their activities as a singer were restricted in Korea, and had to promote through areas where SM's influence was less like dramas, musicals, and advertisements." 

The FTC has found SM and KFPCAI in violation of several policies and has ordered a sanction as well as corrective measures so that JYJ's activities will not be further restricted due to their past legal issues with SM Entertainment. 

But here's where it gets interesting: 

SM Entertainment claims they never blocked JYJ's activities + will be taking legal action against the sanction

After the FTC issued the sanction against SM Entertainment and KFBCAI for interfering with JYJ's activities, SM Entertainment has released an official statement:

"Even though we never interfered with their activities, we're disappointed that there was a sanction. We're looking for a legal response to the sanction." 

The war between the boys and SM Entertainment has been unreasonably drawn-out and messy. Just when you thought it was over, with fresh sources of conflict arising again, it seems the court battle won't be ending anytime soon. 

Se7en, Sangchu, and 5 other celebrity recruits to serve time in military jail

The Ministry of Defense had announced that they'd be punishing the celebrities for their misbehavior when they announced the abolition of the celebrity recruits, and the Ministry has finally revealed their decision.

Private Choi (Se7en) and Private Lee (Sangchu), who left the dorms without permission to get a massage, have been sentenced to 10 days in military jail. Five celebrity recruits are being sentenced to 4 days of military jail for having a cellphone. The last soldier is being sentenced to 10 days of probation in confinement because he left to watch a movie after hours.

All things considered, this seems like a reasonable punishment. Both have suffered heavy damage in the court of public opinion and they'll have to do a lot of image repairing.

'Faith' PD Kim Jong Hak found dead in his studio

PD Kim Jong Hak, the man behind the SBS drama 'Faith', was recently found dead in his studio. Though the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, the biggest speculation points to suicide, as traces of butane gas has been found as well as a will addressed to his family, a portion of which read, "I am sorry to my family." 

Kim Jong Hak was previously investigated for embezzlement with the cast and the other staff of 'Faith' not receiving proper payment, and was forbidden to leave the country with the investigation going on. Those close to him believe such factors took a toll on the PD's mental state. 

Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.

Well, that does it for the week, guys! We'll see what the world of K-pop has in store for us next week.