Media: 4 Minute's Jihyun Wardrobe Malfunction... whoa
On May 17th, while performing 4 Minute's newest title song 'What's Your Name?' on Music Bank, it can be seen pretty damn clearly around the 1:45ish mark that Jihyun bra unclipped. Check it out below.
Honestly, after T-ara's ex-member Hwayoung malfunction on Inkigayo as well as other idols' such as SHINee's Taemin's malfunction, I have had it up to here with how stylists' dress the idols before they go on stage. Though Jihyun's didn't show as much as Hwayoung, I still just feel the need to leave an open letter to all K-Pop stylists out there.
Dear stylists,
I know you're sometimes color-blind when choosing clothing to dress up idols onstage, but I really would appreciate it if you can... ya know, dress them up with something less hazardous and atrocious. I mean, a regular, average looking t-shirt like SNSD pulled off would be fine rather than those pastel, 5 dollar-looking ones. Not only would it save money, but it would save the nip slips and the "Like It or Not" clothing articles.
Would you do that for me, stylists?
Thanks.
Sincerely,
-T
Review: 'Love & Girls' PV by Girls Generation
Girls Generation welcomes summer with the release of their Japanese single 'Love & Girls'. Do check out the PV below!
Love & Girls has a strongly reminiscent 'I Got A Boy' feel, but with a much more girly tinge to it. It is a fun upbeat song that brings out the bubble pop image in Girls Generation. For this music video, they step out to the brightly-colored outdoors along with large masses of crowds who dance along too (if you look carefully you will notice that the crowd consists nearly all girls except for a few unique guy individuals who cross dress). And I unknowingly began to draw parallels between this PV to 'Like This' by Wonder Girls. They both have a very light, bouncy, refreshing flash mob dance style, though I do prefer the latter.
The song is kind of lacking in substance. Thin vocals + lack of vocal variation especially towards the end of the song = not impressive + forgettable, even the voices of the better vocalists couldn't really shine through. Fortunately, the accentuation of the song by regular whistling and ooh-oohs helped to draw attention away from the vocal void. The catchphrase "na na na na na, na na na love and girls" created a strong focal point for the song too, not to mention that it's been stuck in my head for the past 30 minutes.
The greatest plus point of this song would be the addictive dance moves, before they start getting slightly repetitive. The dance moves are well choreographed - cutesy, somewhat retro, relatively easy for fans to dance along to and extremely complementary to the summer mood. This reminds me of a post on Seoulbeats about 'Music for the Eyes', and at times like these, I couldn't agree more. But to give them some credit, the party atmosphere was really infectious and I couldn't watch the PV without the urge to get to my feet. So this song seems not one so much as to showcase the talents of the members but more of a fun, catchy and relate-able dance track. Hence I wouldn't go as to compare this song to their past Japanese releases, like Paparazzi and Flower Power.
Did you enjoy Love & Girls? Tell us your comments below!
Photo Credit: www.wonderfulgeneration.net
T-ara N4 and Chris Brown Collaboration... What?
About a week ago, news was announced that the sub-unit group T-ara N4, whom recently came back with Countryside Life, have packed their bags and traveled to Los Angeles, meeting Chris Brown and apparently having a deal to feature in his new music video with hopes that they will be the next PSY.
After hearing this news, I cannot help but ask questions pertaining to this collaboration and T-ara's global advancement.
→Isn't it a bit ironic how Dani, the member in which no one wants to be added to T-ara is the one who's aiding them in global advancement?→Wait a second, how did Dani even know Chris Brown from elementary school?
→Is this video going to be of T-ara 'shaking what their mama gave them' or will they at least have even the slightest bit of shame left when they fly back to Korea?
→Because of this, does that mean that their English will improve and they will now be pushing for American advancement?
→Isn't it also a bit ironic how Chris Brown, who's known for beating Rihanna, and T-ara, who's known for their bullying scandal against ex-member Hwayoung, are doing a collaboration together?
→Still wondering how Dani knows Chris Brown...
And with that being said, the only thing I can do is sit on the edge of my seat, popcorn ready, and wish the girls the best... because from what I'm seeing, they really do need it.
Hyosung's misuses of 'democratization'; all hell breaks loose
Not even a week ago, the only conflict that SECRET's Hyosung was in was the netizen and uncle fan vs. Hyosung battle on her weight loss, her loving her weight loss whilst others hating it. However, on May 14th, Hyosung (aka Ilbe Girl) has dug herself in a huge, gaping hole with just the use of one single, misleading word on SBS Power FM's "Choi Hwa Jung's Power Time", and adding SECRET to the forever-growing line of hated female idols.
Hyosung stated, “Our team respects each other’s individuality so our group doesn’t utilize democratization.”
Though the average human-being would just stare at the screen thinking "What the actual fuck is wrong?", the no-life netizens have another side of the story to say:
The word ‘democratization’ is used to indicate when a country or society transitions from an authoritarian regime to a democracy. However, Hyosung seems to have misunderstood what the word meant and misused the phrase.Even worse, some have pointed out that the website full of conservatives Ilgan Best uses the phrase ‘민주화시키다 / democratization’ not for its original meaning, but as something to mean ‘the citizens create chaos’, ‘to destroy’, or ‘to make disappear’, meanings which seem to suit Hyosung’s use more. Because the way she phrased it, there are people who believe that she could possibly be a member of the site as the site’s user are notorious for phrasing it that way (‘민주화시키다’ with ‘시키다’ part being the key part), which is different from how it would be normally used. The website is full of many extremists and is the target of much criticism, there are some posts on the site which make fun of people’s deaths and is generally thought to be a negative place.
Honestly, I can see both sides to this story.
The pro-Hyosung side: Hyosung used a word, trying to sound 'smarticles' and instead of being the meaning that she wanted it to mean, the instead used a whole different meaning. It was just a mistake and, hey!, get over it. We all have misused words before.
The anti-Hyosung side: Hyosung used a word, trying to sound 'smarticles' and instead of being the meaning that she wanted it to mean, the instead used a whole different meaning. Hyosung should have either just used a smaller word, trying to be smart isn't worth the struggle of even trying to spit out that long word or known better because she's in her 20's and should use words that she knows the meaning to rather than words that she hears once and just guesses the meaning.
In my point of view, Hyosung shouldn't be getting all that shit. Demanding Hyosung being edited out of 'Yes', being called 'Ilbe Girl'.... for what? Just not knowing a word? Yet, she should still be sort of held accountable for her actions, her being old enough and can now choose right from wrong, should have known better than to have spit out the word 'democratization'.
What do you think of this controversy? Are you pro-Hyosung or anti?
Site News: Tell us your views!
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Dear Diary: Hyosung and her weight
Dear Diary,
For years, Secret's Hyosung has been getting shit about her weight.
Back when she was 50kg (110lbs), she was hounded with the word "fat" by netizens, but now that she weighs 45kg (99lbs), she's being hounded with a new word--ugly.
Translated by allkpop, a few weeks ago, when she was questioned about her new body, she answered:
“I was personally happy that I lost a lot of weight,” she said. “But people around me say that I looked better before. Don’t you think I look better now?”
Only to be met with male members exclaiming
"You were prettier before"
Not only that, on May 11th, while appearing on MBC's Quiz to Change the World, Hyosung admitted
“I had an unintended one-year hiatus, and I got depressed because I feared that the fans would forget me,” she revealed. “I was shocked by the comments that said I became ugly after I lost weight.”
And the only person who had a brain, former member of H.O.T Moon Hee Jun commented
“I think it might be better if you don’t look at internet comments... Compared with your debut days, you’re 40 times prettier right now.”
Am I the only one who remembers her UNFtastic Crazy in Love solo performance where she still had the tits that everyone is worrying about intact? What about her 'Yes' model pictures where she looked amazing despite the shitty photoshop? Though, it's inarguable that one of her charms before her weight loss was in fact her weight, Hyosung is still pretty UNFtastic if you ask me. And as long as she's happy, then I'm happy.
While everyone does have varying opinions, it's completely vile and uncalled for to more or less force her to lose weight and then bitch at her when she finally does reach her weight loss goal, making her feel guilty about her weight loss and want to gain it back. To be honest, I really sympathize Hyosung. I bet basically every single person in the world has their own self-esteem problems and their own flaws they'd like to change... flaws people have been pointing out since basically the beginning of time and flaws they would like to change, Hyosung not being an exception to this and changing her weight, only to get a shit load of backlash back. And I really wish people would just stop giving Hyosung shit and instead of just focusing on her body just take a damn seat.
Sincerely,
- T
P.S. I'll just leave this here
And this
Maybe this, too
April 12th, 2013
Weekly Wrap-up: 05/05/2013 - 05/11/2013
Welcome to this week's weekly wrap-up!
Marriage/Couple News!
Congratulations to Han Hye Jin and Ki Sung Yong, who are set to tie the knot in July.
Seo Woo and In Kyo In have ended their relationship after a year.
Sun, who is currently 4 months pregnant, is revealed to have returned back to Korea with her husband.
Andy (Shinhwa) revealed that Niel (Teen Top) was asked out by JYP girl group
member 'S', in which (hilariously) San-E and Sohee both denied being the
ones to ask him out.
Idol News
Yesung (Super Junior) recently enlisted in the military on May 6th. He enlisted in Jeonju, which is 3-4 hours away from Seoul. He wished to enlist quietly, and hence was not sent off by his fellow SJ members nor coworkers. Instead, he took off to twitter for a heartfelt goodbye message along with a selca to fans.
Hyuna was recently hospitalised because of high fever. Fortunately, detailed examination results show that she's fine, and she will be discharged soon. Meanwhile, 4minute pre-recorded Inkigayo without her.
A photograph of Roy Kim holding hands with an unknown female has gone viral on the Internet, spreading speculations that he might be dating. His company, CJ E&M, has denied these dating rumors.
Park Jung Ah is recovering from early stage of thyroid cancer. She has left Star Empire Entertainment to join WM Company.
Former Jewelry member Lee Ji Hyun revealed to be pregnant.
Actress Shin Se Kyung was revealed to have suffered an eye injury on the set of 'When a Man Loves'.
Scandals/Controversies
'A' has dropped her lawsuit against Park Si Hoo and his hoobae. In case if you have forgotten about the whole scandal, read more about it here.
Go Young Wook has appointed his original lawyer for appeal, and are currently preparing to fight the
court sentencing. He was previously found guilty of all his charges of
engaging sexual acts with minors and sexual assault.
Although A Cube Entertainment has previously announced that former member Yookyung had decided to leave after much thought to focus on her education, there have been much questioning about the truth of that statement. Recently, her father tweeted 2 controversial tweets, suggesting that Yookyung had indeed not left for her education.
Music Releases
Lee Hyori, the queen of KPOP, is back with music video for Misss Korea.
2PM pre-release music video for 'Come Back When You Hear This Song' and music video for 'All Day I Think Of You'
N-SONIC makes comeback with 'Lie' music video
B1A4 release 'What's Happening' music video
UV releases music video for ballad single 'Because of You' feat. Brown Eyed Soul's Sung Hoon
LC9 release music video for 'Mama Beat' ft. Ga In
As One pre-release music video for 'Love is Awkward'
Singer Kim Woo Joo returns with music video for 'Farewell Rain' ft. Han Groo
Yoo Seung Woo releases music video for 'Hello'
4men release music video for 'Propose Song'
Nine Muses release music video for 'WILD'
Orange Caramel and 10cm release 'Hug Me' remake for 're;code' collaboration project
Kim Bo Kyung releases new single 'End Of Love'
Ongoing Comebacks and Debuts
Shinhwa with 'This Love'. This music video was revealed to be directed by the director of 'Gangnam Style' director, and will feature Fuji Mina (virtual Japanese wife of Lee Hongki on Global We Got Married).
Other upcoming comebacks
Seo In Young with 'Let's Break Up', Noel's Kang Kyun Sang with single 'Just Look At The Sky', Rookie boy group ATTACK with 'Hello Hello', Vibe with 'Getting To This Age', San E with 'Big Boy,Wonder Boyz with 'Tarzan', Swings with 'Would You?' ft. Seo In Guk
Speculated/Newly Confirmed Comebacks
Shinhwa with 'This Love'. This music video was revealed to be directed by the director of 'Gangnam Style' director, and will feature Fuji Mina (virtual Japanese wife of Lee Hongki on Global We Got Married).
Other upcoming comebacks
Seo In Young with 'Let's Break Up', Noel's Kang Kyun Sang with single 'Just Look At The Sky', Rookie boy group ATTACK with 'Hello Hello', Vibe with 'Getting To This Age', San E with 'Big Boy,Wonder Boyz with 'Tarzan', Swings with 'Would You?' ft. Seo In Guk
Speculated/Newly Confirmed Comebacks
2NE1 might be making a comeback. In addition to YG vaguely teasing
'Who's Next', mysterious video teasers for '2NE1 Loves' have surfaced
over the few days featuring the 4 members.
Other speculated / newly announced comebacks
MBLAQ possibly making a comeback (Thunder goes hot pink!), Superstar K4's Jung Joon Young possibly preparing for solo debut, Peernine to officially debut with 'Wake up', Two Months' Kim Ye Rin to debut as a solo soon this June, Nell to make a comeback, Crayon Pop to make a comeback
Eyecandy of the Week - Idols off the stage
Girl's Day Yura
Miss A's Fei
Miss A's Suzy
Girls Generations Taeyeon and Tiffany
Video of The Week
Psy recently released the making clip of the music video for 'Gentlemen'. Contrary to his psychotic and extremely un-gentlemanly behaviour in the music video, Psy was very mannered and respectful towards the people around him throughout the filming. Check out the making clip below:
In related news, Psy revealed that he is already hard at work for his next album. He recently also held a lecture with 800 students at Harvard, and has garnered attention for his sophistication in dealing with haters on screen, whereby he responded to Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong tweet.
That's all for this week's news and here's to a great week ahead!
Credits to all information go to namely www.allkpop.com, and all pictures belong to their respective owners as well.
Friday Flash to the Past: (2003-2006) Beginning of Modern Hallyu Wave
Hello, Nihao, Konnichiwa, Hola, Annyeonghaseyo, Salam... basically, welcome to another beautiful segment of Flash to the Past. Did you miss any of our other posts? If so, you can check them out here.
To begin, 2003 marked the beginning of the modern day Hallyu Wave for K-pop. From the smooth R&B to Hip-Hip on to
mind-blowing, electronic sounds and the rock and pop, companies were taking the advantage of this time to make huge surprises having fresh new styles, flavor and targeting new markets.
Today's Lesson: Beginning of Modern Hallyu
The Big 3, SM, YG and JYP, once again slayed charts as well as the forever lingering DSP Entertainment. SM came out with the amazing groups DBSK and Super Junior, YG had Big Bang whom surpassed many groups with their great music, DSP came out with SS501 which rose to the top and JYP well... was JYP for the time being.
Ever heard of the saying 'Always Keep Faith'? If you have, you get extra cool points for today's lesson, you, already knowing something about the Gods Rising in the East aka TVXQ. Being together (in fan's hearts) for 10 solid years and inheriting the nicknames of 'Kings of K-Pop', 'Asia's Stars' and 'Kings of the Hallyu Wave' due to their undeniable success, the five member boy group debuted in late 2003 (in a Britney Spears - BoA showcase) or early 2004 (their song officially was released) with their debut song 'Hug', becoming successful and exceeding beyond expectations by captivating teenage girls and pedonoonars alike. Their song maintained the position of number 4 on monthly charts and sold over 100,000 copies, making the fourteenth best-selling record of the year.
Unfortunately after their height with Mirotic, DB5K's numbers dropped to only DB2K, SM Entertainment ruining yet another one of their kick-ass groups and leaving only Changmin and Yunho to promote for themselves. Other than that, TVXQ is still one of the best-selling K-Pop group in the world, releasing six Korean albums, six Japanese albums and a bajillion of singles, they've raked in millions of sales and still remains at the top of my heart.
Unfortunately after their height with Mirotic, DB5K's numbers dropped to only DB2K, SM Entertainment ruining yet another one of their kick-ass groups and leaving only Changmin and Yunho to promote for themselves. Other than that, TVXQ is still one of the best-selling K-Pop group in the world, releasing six Korean albums, six Japanese albums and a bajillion of singles, they've raked in millions of sales and still remains at the top of my heart.
Super Junior originally was named 'Super Junior 05', debuting with their single 'Twins' which sold over a hundred thousand copies as of now. Originally an eleven member group, Super Junior grew to their biggest yet, having thirteen handsome men to rock the stage. Over the years, they divided into smaller subgroups (one of the most popular: Super Junior KRY which was their vocal unit) and simultaneously targetted different music industries and audiences. Largely due to Super Junior's success as entertainers, other Korean entertainment managements began to train their music groups with hopes to match Super Junior's popularity. The group earned fourteen music awards from the MNET Asian Music Awards, sixteen from the Golden Disk Awards and is the second group to win favorite group on MTV Asia, best-selling artist for three years in a row and in 2012, nominated for 'Best Asian Act' on MTV Europe, winning sixtreen awards after JTL in 2003. Just like their label mates, TVXQ, they inherited the name 'Kings of the Hallyu Wave' and became largely popular with their best-selling single 'Sorry Sorry' in 2009.
Watch Twins and Sorry Sorry below:
Additional Info & Groups:
As stated before, DSP had their group SS501 to compete with the SM boys. In 2005, SS501 formed as "Five Members United as One Forever" and debuted with their first song Warning to begin making their mark on K-Pop. Releasing their second single Snow Prince but taking a brief hiatus later, they came back in 2006 and promoted their first album S.T.01 Now. They gained a lot of fans nationally and internationally, debuting in Japan in 2007 with Kokoro and murdering Oricon and being the first Korean artist to receive the award Best Newcomer in Japan. Later, they released numerous other songs and projects before going off in their own ways, their last song together being 'Luv Ya'.
Debuting under Woolim Enterainment, Epik High added their own flavor to music. Although typical K-pop consisted of mostly singing and dancing, the trio wanted to make their raps popular. The group had managed to catch the hearts of fans with their hit singles.The title songs, "Fan", and "Love Love Love" became huge hits in 2007.The album sold almost more than a hundred thousand copies and pushed Epik High made the trio one of the best upcoming artist. The group was chosen as the best artist of the month. Next for the Japanese market, Epik High rose to fame internationally with the song "Flow" the album selling 120,301 copies during the year, making it the third best-selling album of 2007 in South Korea.
To end this segment of Flash To The Past, ladies and gentlemen, which Idol group do you think reached its high expectations entering the global market?
