I have not been in the writing mood lately if you couldn't tell and even if I had felt super inspired to write something I have had literally no time. It is the end of the semester over here in Korea and which means essay tests. My students write an essay at the end of each semester for my class and I have been giving essays and grading them All MONTH LONG. You know how many classes I have? 24! And each class has about 30 students each! 30! There was also some scheduling issues so my co teacher and I have been hustling this week and it's been rough, but now it's done! And next week is finals which means I don't have classes. Let the vegetating begin!
Showing posts with label Block B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Block B. Show all posts
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Block B - Bastarz Mini Album - Conduct Zero Album Review
This post has been sitting unfinished since the album came out and because I only have one usable hand at the moment (inflamed tendons are annoying) typing is hard. Here it finally is though! Only (hopefully) two more weeks of this one handed nonsense.
I think that a Block B subunit is something that I never knew that I wanted but I'm glad that I now have this.
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Block B - Bastarz Conduct Zero MV Review
This song is my new jam. All day every day. And because I am in Korea I might go buy a hard copy because I can do things like that. That also means that I'm not going to able to buy it until the weekend because I don't really want to buy a digital copy and a hard copy. First world problems right there.
Speaking of first world problems, I recently found out that I have an inflamed tendon in my right hand so I'm typing this entire thing with only my left hand. Life has been difficult for the last week and it will continue to be difficult for about the next month. Please excuse me for a moment while I go cry.
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
Block B - Bastarz Conduct Zero Teaser Review
I don't usually write about teasers because there is not a lot to say, but I feel like this is a special moment and I haven't been writing much about K-pop lately. There have been some good songs but nothing that I have been dying to write about. Maybe this can be a new thing.
I like that Seven Seasons decided that April 1 was the perfect day to release this teaser.
They would do that.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Favorite K-pop of the Year - Comebacks 2014
I liked a lot of comebacks this year. I think there were more than last year and that caused me problems in the beginning drafts. The post was too long, I ran out of label space, and the boys were crushing the girls because I generally like guy groups more than girl groups. In the end, the way that I chose which comeback to talk about is which groups do I really care about. There are comebacks I like from groups that I don't really listen to, so they were the first so go. So that means that TVXQ, Boyfriend, and god were out. Sorry guys. I didn't really want to, but I nixed U-KISS and CN Blue too. I loved those songs and I'm more into these groups then the before three, but I still am not as big of a fan of them as I am of other groups.
It was at this point that I felt comfortable with my picks
It was at this point that I felt comfortable with my picks
Debuts Solos and Sub Units
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Block B Merchandise!
I have stated this fact a few times on this blog I think, but the most recent time was in the Super Junior "Mamacita" review post and it is this:
I may look like I am 24, but I am actually a 12 year old girl. Why, you ask? Let me tell you.
My first K-pop group was Super Junior and because of that, they will always be number one my heart no matter what. The thing that makes me a 12 year old girl is that sometimes when I get too excited about another group, I feel bad because I feel like I am abandoning Super Junior. You may judge me now. I can accept that, I judge myself on this topic.
I may look like I am 24, but I am actually a 12 year old girl. Why, you ask? Let me tell you.
My first K-pop group was Super Junior and because of that, they will always be number one my heart no matter what. The thing that makes me a 12 year old girl is that sometimes when I get too excited about another group, I feel bad because I feel like I am abandoning Super Junior. You may judge me now. I can accept that, I judge myself on this topic.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Block B HER MV Review
How's the song?
We're talking about Block B this week! Woo~! Is anyone surprised, because you shouldn't be just like you better believe that as soon as Super Junior releases their new album in a few months, I am going to be all over that like the crazy was in this video which I will talk about it a moment.
With most songs, you have an idea of what the song will sound like, but the teasers that were put out didn't really give a clear sound for this song so I was really happy when it started. It doesn't sound like anything that they have done before, but it still a Block B song.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Spring K-pop Favorites
Happy end of spring/beginning of summer! How is the weather in your areas of the world? We have had some pretty grossly hot days here, but there have also been some really nice days. We have also had a few really good lightening storms which were pretty cool. It will only continue to get hotter though and monsoon season is not yet upon us. I'm sure that it will all be quite the experience when it starts.
For this season's songs that I liked there are less videos with a small view count and even the ones with a smaller count aren't nearly as small as the ones that I chose last time. There is a repeat from last time as well because the person in question is awesome!
For this season's songs that I liked there are less videos with a small view count and even the ones with a smaller count aren't nearly as small as the ones that I chose last time. There is a repeat from last time as well because the person in question is awesome!
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
K-pop Blondies, the Good and the Bad
Blonde hair, it can either be the most amazing thing that can happen to an idol's head or it could make you want to throw liberal amounts of hair dye at them in the hopes that they will use it to change their hair back to an acceptable color.
Not too long ago on Allkpop there was an article about a writer's favorite blonde haired idols which got me thinking, who are my favorite blonde idols? And then, more importantly, who are the people who should never, ever, be blonde again (and if it does happen, their stylist should be shot)?
The Good
Gongchan - Beautiful Target Japanese Version
Gongchan isn't my favorite member of B1A4, that goes to CNU, but I still really like him. He has grown into his face recently and he has a really versatile look. One minute he can be the cutest thing ever and the next he's got his smolder on and looking all mature and jailbate-y. Is he still jailbate? I don't actually know and I don't care enough to look it up. I don't think he is.........
Hyuk - Hyde
Blonde Hyuk, was the best Hyuk. His blonde was really complimentary to his skin tone so it didn't wash him out like some other people who will be on the bad list. I think that Hyde was also the time that Hyuk started to look more adult like than in previous videos. The baby's growing up and he is doing it well.
Sungmin - Sexy Free and Single
There have been quite a few blondies in Super Junior but my favorite bottle blond in Sungmin. Yes, even with my great love for Heechul and Enhyuk who have also been blonde Sungmin pulls it off the best. I think that it is because Sungmin is already adorable and the blonde adds to that cute innocence that seems to follow him everywhere.
Dara - Falling in Love
Everyone here knows that Dara is a goddess right? Good. I know that CL is the blonde of the group and she looks mighty fine with her honey hair but Dara looked amazing in this video. Her blonde hair with that white dress and gold jewelry was stunning. She was glowing and I could probably go on but I'll save everyone from that embarrassment and stop here.
PO - Nillili Mambo
Like Dara, P.O. is not the blonde of the group, that title would normally go to Zico and while I like Zico's blonde hair, I like it better when he has more of a chocolate color like in "Tell Them", post dreads. His hair was so fluffy and beautiful then. I do kind of miss the dreads though, he rocked them. I loved P.O.'s long blonde hair during this era though, even when he had it down, kind of. That middle part was questionable, but then again what middle part isn't questionable?
The Bad
Kyuhyun - Don't Don
"Don't Don" was a dark time for Kyuhyun. First, he almost dies in that horrible car accident and is unable to promote with the rest of the group and then to add insult to injury SM poured a bottle bleach on his head. This hair is too light for his face and there are artistic dark roots to go along with the song's J-rock concept. I really liked this song, but I do not like what it did to Kyuhyun's hair.
Taemin - Lucifer Japanese Version
Yes, I am aware that this isn't a flattering picture of Taemin, but I feel that if you need makeup and lighting in order for you hair to work with your face, something is wrong with that. His hair and his face are similar colors and it is making him look sick and gaunt. Taemin can look good with light hair but it needs to be a brown or red blonde. No more single tone light blondes on Taemin's head SM!
Gain - Bloom
I wouldn't say this was bad in the same sense that Taemin is bad, but Gain definitely doesn't have the same appeal when she is blonde. In "Bloom" she was going for a more innocent look and it matched all the pastels in the video, but for me Gain should always be black. She is this powerful woman that pushes the boundaries that are set around her and I don't feel like she can do that with blonde hair.
Jaehyo - Jackpot
Luckily for the actually video he had silver/grey hair which I did like, but during the "5 Minutes Before Chaos" promotions he had this super weird blonde hair going on. It was also styled quite terriblely in one of the teasers too which made it look even worse.
And there you have it people who rock a blonde head and those who do not. I can think of quite a few others who I like blonde or with white hair but not as many who I don't like, what do you think?
~ Alora
Not too long ago on Allkpop there was an article about a writer's favorite blonde haired idols which got me thinking, who are my favorite blonde idols? And then, more importantly, who are the people who should never, ever, be blonde again (and if it does happen, their stylist should be shot)?
The Good
Gongchan - Beautiful Target Japanese Version
Gongchan isn't my favorite member of B1A4, that goes to CNU, but I still really like him. He has grown into his face recently and he has a really versatile look. One minute he can be the cutest thing ever and the next he's got his smolder on and looking all mature and jailbate-y. Is he still jailbate? I don't actually know and I don't care enough to look it up. I don't think he is.........
Hyuk - Hyde
Blonde Hyuk, was the best Hyuk. His blonde was really complimentary to his skin tone so it didn't wash him out like some other people who will be on the bad list. I think that Hyde was also the time that Hyuk started to look more adult like than in previous videos. The baby's growing up and he is doing it well.
There have been quite a few blondies in Super Junior but my favorite bottle blond in Sungmin. Yes, even with my great love for Heechul and Enhyuk who have also been blonde Sungmin pulls it off the best. I think that it is because Sungmin is already adorable and the blonde adds to that cute innocence that seems to follow him everywhere.
Dara - Falling in Love
Everyone here knows that Dara is a goddess right? Good. I know that CL is the blonde of the group and she looks mighty fine with her honey hair but Dara looked amazing in this video. Her blonde hair with that white dress and gold jewelry was stunning. She was glowing and I could probably go on but I'll save everyone from that embarrassment and stop here.
PO - Nillili Mambo
Like Dara, P.O. is not the blonde of the group, that title would normally go to Zico and while I like Zico's blonde hair, I like it better when he has more of a chocolate color like in "Tell Them", post dreads. His hair was so fluffy and beautiful then. I do kind of miss the dreads though, he rocked them. I loved P.O.'s long blonde hair during this era though, even when he had it down, kind of. That middle part was questionable, but then again what middle part isn't questionable?
The Bad
Kyuhyun - Don't Don
"Don't Don" was a dark time for Kyuhyun. First, he almost dies in that horrible car accident and is unable to promote with the rest of the group and then to add insult to injury SM poured a bottle bleach on his head. This hair is too light for his face and there are artistic dark roots to go along with the song's J-rock concept. I really liked this song, but I do not like what it did to Kyuhyun's hair.
Taemin - Lucifer Japanese Version
Yes, I am aware that this isn't a flattering picture of Taemin, but I feel that if you need makeup and lighting in order for you hair to work with your face, something is wrong with that. His hair and his face are similar colors and it is making him look sick and gaunt. Taemin can look good with light hair but it needs to be a brown or red blonde. No more single tone light blondes on Taemin's head SM!
Gain - Bloom
I wouldn't say this was bad in the same sense that Taemin is bad, but Gain definitely doesn't have the same appeal when she is blonde. In "Bloom" she was going for a more innocent look and it matched all the pastels in the video, but for me Gain should always be black. She is this powerful woman that pushes the boundaries that are set around her and I don't feel like she can do that with blonde hair.
Jaehyo - Jackpot
Luckily for the actually video he had silver/grey hair which I did like, but during the "5 Minutes Before Chaos" promotions he had this super weird blonde hair going on. It was also styled quite terriblely in one of the teasers too which made it look even worse.
And there you have it people who rock a blonde head and those who do not. I can think of quite a few others who I like blonde or with white hair but not as many who I don't like, what do you think?
~ Alora
Friday, February 14, 2014
My K-pop Biases
Is it bad that I think that Valentines Day is a load of crap? Maybe I'm just jaded because I have never had anyone that I wanted to spend Valentines Day with, but I just generally think it is annoying. It's just another reason to spend unnecessary amounts of money on someone that you should be showing your love to all the time.
On that happy note, let's talk about my biases in K-pop groups! I like quite a few groups, but that doesn't mean that there is someone in that group that I like more than anyone else. For the people that I picked here, they are the ones that I can say without any doubt in my mind that they are my favorite person in their respective groups.
Heechul of Super Junior
If you didn't see this coming, then there might be something wrong with you. Heechul is my ultimate male bias and he always will be. He's just so 4D and he's also very honest and that is something that is lacking in the entertainment industry. He can also keep a secret too because I'm pretty sure he has the dirt on every single famous person in Korea. With great power comes great responsibility?
Jaehyo of Block B
Oh, Jaehyo, so much ego, so little time, and so little respect given to you by your members. Maybe that is why I like him so much. He takes a lot of crap, but he can also give it back and a lot of the time he just seems to laugh it off.
I actually don't have a lot to say about Jaehyo, I just like him and that's the way it is.
Second place: PO and Taeil, they're a package deal, okay?
CNU of B1A4
Changsub of BTOB
I started to get into BTOB after their song "Thriller". I wanted to know more about them and I found that they had done Diary which is a fantastic show and I wish that it was still happening. As I watched all the BTOB variety I could find I slowing began to fall for Changsub's quirkiness. He has a different look about him too with his perpetual I-just-woke-up face.
One of my favorite things about him is that he is very layered. You watch him on camera and he is such a weirdo, but then he sings and you just want to wrap yourself in his voice, but he also skateboards and plays the drums and has two tattoos.Who are you really, Changsub?
Second place: Peneil, PenJae is real.
Leo of VIXX
I think that anyone who says that they don't like Leo is a liar. Yes, he's quiet and he kind of puts off an I'm-going-to-kill-you vibe, but watching VIXX TV, and Diary you find........well......I guess he is kind of like that. Not all the time though!
Since he is always so quiet, it's a lovely treat when he does something unexpected like dancing, laughing (even though he always hides), or actually saying more than one word.
Second place: Hongbin, that kid is so awkward, I love it.
Himchan of BAP
As I was creating this post I realized that I often fall for the most embarrassing member of the group. Maybe it's because they are funny and they stand out for that reason, but I often experience second hand embarrassment from those that I like.
Take Himchan for example, he can be the most self centered little turd and then he goes and says "What is hurricane in English?", "the loof is on fire",declares his love for "cheeju burgers", and is constantly talking about how good looking he is. He is one of those people that should never be allowed to open his mouth, but at the same time, we're glad that he does.
Side note, there needs to be a BAP sub-rock-unit that features Bang Yong Guk and Himchan. That has the possibility of being the most amazing thing ever.
Tao of EXO
I have come to find that sometimes when picking a bias, one day you just know. It was never a conscious decision, you just know one day and it felt right so you went with it. This is how I came to like Tao and sometimes I wonder about that decision.
I have been watching EXO's reality show Showtime and more often than not, I am sometimes embarrassed to say that Tao is my favorite. When he isn't talking he looks really cool, but then he opens his mouth and it is all over. He's also really needy, but for some reason, I love it.
Second place: Xuimin
V of BTS
So it wasn't until after I fell in love with this kid's strangeness that I found out he's totally jail bate. I probably should have knows though, I mean look at that face. At least I didn't decide I liked Jung Gook, that boy is practically still covered in amniotic fluids. Babies, all of them.
On BTS's Youtube channel thy post funny videos of the boys and if you haven't watched them you should because they will make your day better. Something that I have noticed about V is that in the videos, he is about 50% crazy and 50% judging his members. There doesn't seem to be any in between and I love it.
Second place: J-hope, he's V's partner in silliness.
So there is my list of my favorites. I guess since I don't have a real valentine I'll just pretend that they are my valentines. No, that's weird, I'll just go eat a cookie and call it good. Sounds like a plan.
~ Alora
On that happy note, let's talk about my biases in K-pop groups! I like quite a few groups, but that doesn't mean that there is someone in that group that I like more than anyone else. For the people that I picked here, they are the ones that I can say without any doubt in my mind that they are my favorite person in their respective groups.
Heechul of Super Junior
If you didn't see this coming, then there might be something wrong with you. Heechul is my ultimate male bias and he always will be. He's just so 4D and he's also very honest and that is something that is lacking in the entertainment industry. He can also keep a secret too because I'm pretty sure he has the dirt on every single famous person in Korea. With great power comes great responsibility?
Jaehyo of Block B
Oh, Jaehyo, so much ego, so little time, and so little respect given to you by your members. Maybe that is why I like him so much. He takes a lot of crap, but he can also give it back and a lot of the time he just seems to laugh it off.
I actually don't have a lot to say about Jaehyo, I just like him and that's the way it is.
Second place: PO and Taeil, they're a package deal, okay?
CNU of B1A4
CNU is another person that I don't have a specific reason for liking, I just like him. He sings, he raps, he writes music, he has magical hair, what's not to like? I also feel that he is the member that is the most done of all the members. All groups seem to have that one member who is laid back and just watches the insanity going on around him, and that member more often than not is CNU.
Second place: Baro
I started to get into BTOB after their song "Thriller". I wanted to know more about them and I found that they had done Diary which is a fantastic show and I wish that it was still happening. As I watched all the BTOB variety I could find I slowing began to fall for Changsub's quirkiness. He has a different look about him too with his perpetual I-just-woke-up face.
One of my favorite things about him is that he is very layered. You watch him on camera and he is such a weirdo, but then he sings and you just want to wrap yourself in his voice, but he also skateboards and plays the drums and has two tattoos.Who are you really, Changsub?
Second place: Peneil, PenJae is real.
Leo of VIXX
I think that anyone who says that they don't like Leo is a liar. Yes, he's quiet and he kind of puts off an I'm-going-to-kill-you vibe, but watching VIXX TV, and Diary you find........well......I guess he is kind of like that. Not all the time though!
Since he is always so quiet, it's a lovely treat when he does something unexpected like dancing, laughing (even though he always hides), or actually saying more than one word.
Second place: Hongbin, that kid is so awkward, I love it.
Himchan of BAP
As I was creating this post I realized that I often fall for the most embarrassing member of the group. Maybe it's because they are funny and they stand out for that reason, but I often experience second hand embarrassment from those that I like.
Take Himchan for example, he can be the most self centered little turd and then he goes and says "What is hurricane in English?", "the loof is on fire",declares his love for "cheeju burgers", and is constantly talking about how good looking he is. He is one of those people that should never be allowed to open his mouth, but at the same time, we're glad that he does.
Side note, there needs to be a BAP sub-rock-unit that features Bang Yong Guk and Himchan. That has the possibility of being the most amazing thing ever.
Tao of EXO
I have been watching EXO's reality show Showtime and more often than not, I am sometimes embarrassed to say that Tao is my favorite. When he isn't talking he looks really cool, but then he opens his mouth and it is all over. He's also really needy, but for some reason, I love it.
Second place: Xuimin
V of BTS
On BTS's Youtube channel thy post funny videos of the boys and if you haven't watched them you should because they will make your day better. Something that I have noticed about V is that in the videos, he is about 50% crazy and 50% judging his members. There doesn't seem to be any in between and I love it.
Second place: J-hope, he's V's partner in silliness.
So there is my list of my favorites. I guess since I don't have a real valentine I'll just pretend that they are my valentines. No, that's weird, I'll just go eat a cookie and call it good. Sounds like a plan.
~ Alora
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
K-pop Tag
So, just for giggles, I thought that I would do the K-pop tag, not that I have been tagged by anyone. It would be cool to be tagged, but alas, I'm not that cool.
1. Favorite guy group
This was actually a hard decision because I also really like VIXX, Block B, and B1A4. These four groups are my favorite collectively, but I chose these guys because they are my first love. They got me into K-pop and no matter what happens, they will always have a special place in my heart.
2. Favorite girl group
I'm going to be honest, I don't really listen to girl groups. Right now I am really liking G.I and Heyne, but I can't really say that they are my favorite since I don't know a lot about them. The reason that I picked 2NE1 is because I have all of their music except their most recent songs because I haven't really liked them. What I do like about 2NE1 though is that they are a powerful group of women who sing powerful songs. It is different than the usually sexy, cutey look that most girls go for.
3. Ultimate guy bias
I think that this macro speaks for itself.
I love me some Heechul.
4. Ultimate girl bias
Can we all just agree that Dara is perfect? Please? It makes me sad that she is overshadowed in 2NE1 because while she is talented, CL, Minzy, and Bom are more talented so Dara's position is confusing sometimes. She's the director of communications of 2NE1 though and she has talent for variety. She has talent, but it isn't something that can be conveyed in a music video.
5. Favorite K-pop performance
Super Junior's "No Other" is probably one of my favorite live performances. Why? Because these boys are a bunch of weirdos. That, of course, could be said about many groups, but with this performance, I feel like SM just told them to have fun and do whatever they wanted to do.
1. Leeteuk is way too happy looking, flipping his hair, but he's not constantly yelling things during this particular performance, only occasionally
2. Leeteuk's insanity causes Heechul to give him stank face
3. Ryeowook also gets in quite a few hair flips as well
4. The insanity that is Eunhyuk, Shindong, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Sungmin at the start of Shindong'srap
5. Lastly, every performance is different, in this one Heechul has a balloon, Sungmin retaliates, and it is wonderful
6. K-pop dance you would want to learn
Yeah, we're talking about Super Junior again, deal with it. Maybe because this was the first K-pop song that I really liked, but I have always enjoyed this dance. It has that one key part and it isn't incredibly difficult, not that it is easy either though.
7. First K-pop song you ever heard
This isn't the song that grabbed me by the throat and dragged me into K-pop, but it was the first song that I ever heard. It was a complete accident as well, I think that it was a add on the side of my Facebook that I randomly clicked. I thought that the concept of the video was cool, but I didn't love the song.
I actually ended up forgetting about the song which was a problem when I wanted to look it up again so that I could learn more about it. The video that helped me find this one was actually The Fine Bros "Kids React to K-pop" video.
8. Favorite interview
I'm having trouble posting the video because it's on Daily Motion, but this is an interview with Block B. The reason that I like it so much is because, I like anything that has to do with Block B and they are so natural in their interviews. They don't just sit there stiffly and read things, they destroy the area that they are in. No joke, they are hitting each other, dragging one another out of the shot, and there is a little booth type of thing that looks like it went through a hurricane by the end of the video. It's great.
9. Favorite picture of your favorite group
Okay, so I know that I said that my two favorite groups are SuJu and 2NE1, but this is one of my favorite pictures of Block B. It's not a picture of them being derp monsters, it's their comeback picture. This was one of the greatest comebacks ever because they were able to tell the industry to suck it and came back and then won an award.
10. What do your friends and family think about you watching K-pop
My family has come to accept it. They do think that it is really weird, but after being all about anime and manga in high school, to say the least, they're not surprised.
11. Favorite cover by a K-pop song by a K-pop artist
I'm going to cheat here and put one funny cover and one serious cover. I do what I want!
When it comes to K-pop groups singing other groups' songs, I normally prefer things that are done for fun rather than for seriousness. It is also amusing - and terrifying - when guy groups go full out and put on a skirt to do a girl group number. I'm looking at you VIXX.
For this category though, I have chosen a group of covers, and that word is being used loosely. BTOB have a collection of videos of them in the Cube practice room jamming on the karaoke machine to various K-pop songs and it is...... interesting.....to say the least.
You rock that tambourine Peniel.
This song makes me feel a lot of feels. It would probably make me feel more if I knew who Kim Sung Jae was, but I can still appreciate the sadness that is felt when someone leaves us too soon. VIXX does a beautiful job at capturing the feel of this song while also making it their own.
My favorite part though is that note that Ken hits in the beginning. Holy crap, that was amazing.
12. Favorite cover of an American song by a K-pop artist
Well, that just happened.
13. Favorite video of your ultimate bias
This is more of a group thing that a solely Heechul thing, but it is still awesome. For those of you who haven't watched Super Junior's Intimate Note, you are missing out on life. In this particular cut, some of the SuJu boys decide that Heechul and Eunhyuk are particularly awkward with each other so they decide that they are going to stand on a roof and insult them. Heechul of course cows the members into saying that they love him instead.
I'm pretty sure that Heechul could ruin almost every famous person in the Korean entertainment industry if he wanted to.
14. Favorite dance battle
There is quite a lot going on in this video, but the important part is the first half. The idol groups all send out their best dancer to show off their moves. The only two groups that I care about though are Block B and BAP who send out B-Bomb and Jongup respectively and the two of them do pretty well. Jongup also makes everyone fear for their lives as he gets his b-boy on.
But then, it gets real. The female host, whose name I can never remember calls out Shindong and everyone else in the room become dancing peasants. He kills it and it's amazing. He puts all the other dancers to shame and they are all aware of that.
Shindong has always made me really happy because he is the "chubby idol". He doesn't look like any other idol because he is heavier and I think that is great. It shows that you don't have to have abs and be conventionally good looking to be successful in the business. Get it Shindong.
15. What is your favorite album?
I don't buy a lot of albums because I don't want to buy the whole thing if I don't absolutely love it. Why would I spend money on something that I don't want? After saying that though, I have to be honest, "No Joke" isn't my favorite song I have to be in a certain mood to listen to it. Linking that video was the first time I looked at the translated lyrics and Holy English Lirycs Batman, where did all that come from?
For other albums that I really like, they are Super Junior's second album, it's a shame that it is overshadowed by "Sorry Sorry", and B1A4's new album Who Am I.
So there you have it, the K-pop tag. If I had someone to tag, I would, but I don't. So who wants to do this? Anyone? Anyone?
~ Alora
1. Favorite guy group
This was actually a hard decision because I also really like VIXX, Block B, and B1A4. These four groups are my favorite collectively, but I chose these guys because they are my first love. They got me into K-pop and no matter what happens, they will always have a special place in my heart.
2. Favorite girl group
I'm going to be honest, I don't really listen to girl groups. Right now I am really liking G.I and Heyne, but I can't really say that they are my favorite since I don't know a lot about them. The reason that I picked 2NE1 is because I have all of their music except their most recent songs because I haven't really liked them. What I do like about 2NE1 though is that they are a powerful group of women who sing powerful songs. It is different than the usually sexy, cutey look that most girls go for.
3. Ultimate guy bias
I think that this macro speaks for itself.
I love me some Heechul.
4. Ultimate girl bias
Can we all just agree that Dara is perfect? Please? It makes me sad that she is overshadowed in 2NE1 because while she is talented, CL, Minzy, and Bom are more talented so Dara's position is confusing sometimes. She's the director of communications of 2NE1 though and she has talent for variety. She has talent, but it isn't something that can be conveyed in a music video.
5. Favorite K-pop performance
Super Junior's "No Other" is probably one of my favorite live performances. Why? Because these boys are a bunch of weirdos. That, of course, could be said about many groups, but with this performance, I feel like SM just told them to have fun and do whatever they wanted to do.
1. Leeteuk is way too happy looking, flipping his hair, but he's not constantly yelling things during this particular performance, only occasionally
2. Leeteuk's insanity causes Heechul to give him stank face
3. Ryeowook also gets in quite a few hair flips as well
4. The insanity that is Eunhyuk, Shindong, Siwon, Ryeowook, and Sungmin at the start of Shindong'srap
5. Lastly, every performance is different, in this one Heechul has a balloon, Sungmin retaliates, and it is wonderful
6. K-pop dance you would want to learn
Yeah, we're talking about Super Junior again, deal with it. Maybe because this was the first K-pop song that I really liked, but I have always enjoyed this dance. It has that one key part and it isn't incredibly difficult, not that it is easy either though.
7. First K-pop song you ever heard
This isn't the song that grabbed me by the throat and dragged me into K-pop, but it was the first song that I ever heard. It was a complete accident as well, I think that it was a add on the side of my Facebook that I randomly clicked. I thought that the concept of the video was cool, but I didn't love the song.
I actually ended up forgetting about the song which was a problem when I wanted to look it up again so that I could learn more about it. The video that helped me find this one was actually The Fine Bros "Kids React to K-pop" video.
8. Favorite interview
I'm having trouble posting the video because it's on Daily Motion, but this is an interview with Block B. The reason that I like it so much is because, I like anything that has to do with Block B and they are so natural in their interviews. They don't just sit there stiffly and read things, they destroy the area that they are in. No joke, they are hitting each other, dragging one another out of the shot, and there is a little booth type of thing that looks like it went through a hurricane by the end of the video. It's great.
9. Favorite picture of your favorite group
Okay, so I know that I said that my two favorite groups are SuJu and 2NE1, but this is one of my favorite pictures of Block B. It's not a picture of them being derp monsters, it's their comeback picture. This was one of the greatest comebacks ever because they were able to tell the industry to suck it and came back and then won an award.
10. What do your friends and family think about you watching K-pop
My family has come to accept it. They do think that it is really weird, but after being all about anime and manga in high school, to say the least, they're not surprised.
11. Favorite cover by a K-pop song by a K-pop artist
I'm going to cheat here and put one funny cover and one serious cover. I do what I want!
When it comes to K-pop groups singing other groups' songs, I normally prefer things that are done for fun rather than for seriousness. It is also amusing - and terrifying - when guy groups go full out and put on a skirt to do a girl group number. I'm looking at you VIXX.
For this category though, I have chosen a group of covers, and that word is being used loosely. BTOB have a collection of videos of them in the Cube practice room jamming on the karaoke machine to various K-pop songs and it is...... interesting.....to say the least.
You rock that tambourine Peniel.
This song makes me feel a lot of feels. It would probably make me feel more if I knew who Kim Sung Jae was, but I can still appreciate the sadness that is felt when someone leaves us too soon. VIXX does a beautiful job at capturing the feel of this song while also making it their own.
My favorite part though is that note that Ken hits in the beginning. Holy crap, that was amazing.
12. Favorite cover of an American song by a K-pop artist
Well, that just happened.
13. Favorite video of your ultimate bias
This is more of a group thing that a solely Heechul thing, but it is still awesome. For those of you who haven't watched Super Junior's Intimate Note, you are missing out on life. In this particular cut, some of the SuJu boys decide that Heechul and Eunhyuk are particularly awkward with each other so they decide that they are going to stand on a roof and insult them. Heechul of course cows the members into saying that they love him instead.
I'm pretty sure that Heechul could ruin almost every famous person in the Korean entertainment industry if he wanted to.
14. Favorite dance battle
There is quite a lot going on in this video, but the important part is the first half. The idol groups all send out their best dancer to show off their moves. The only two groups that I care about though are Block B and BAP who send out B-Bomb and Jongup respectively and the two of them do pretty well. Jongup also makes everyone fear for their lives as he gets his b-boy on.
But then, it gets real. The female host, whose name I can never remember calls out Shindong and everyone else in the room become dancing peasants. He kills it and it's amazing. He puts all the other dancers to shame and they are all aware of that.
Shindong has always made me really happy because he is the "chubby idol". He doesn't look like any other idol because he is heavier and I think that is great. It shows that you don't have to have abs and be conventionally good looking to be successful in the business. Get it Shindong.
15. What is your favorite album?
I don't buy a lot of albums because I don't want to buy the whole thing if I don't absolutely love it. Why would I spend money on something that I don't want? After saying that though, I have to be honest, "No Joke" isn't my favorite song I have to be in a certain mood to listen to it. Linking that video was the first time I looked at the translated lyrics and Holy English Lirycs Batman, where did all that come from?
For other albums that I really like, they are Super Junior's second album, it's a shame that it is overshadowed by "Sorry Sorry", and B1A4's new album Who Am I.
So there you have it, the K-pop tag. If I had someone to tag, I would, but I don't. So who wants to do this? Anyone? Anyone?
~ Alora
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Happy Kpop Halloween!
Break out the costumes and candy because today is Halloween! I have always loved Halloween, not to be scared, because I hate that, but for the costume element of it. I think that dressing up is so fun, but it isn't something that you can do on a regular basis without getting a few weird looks. I sometimes say that if I had enough pencil skirts that I could rule the world and I would wear them all the time if it weren't so impractical. Granted, that is different than full blow costumes, but I would also rock a bustle if they were readily available, so there you go.
In K-pop there is a lot of dressing up whether it be for music videos or public appearances, but it always fun to see how far these people can push that envelop. Sometimes it can be pushed a little too far, but that is what fans love, seeing their idols dressed in ridiculous clothing or having crazy concepts.
I often wonder what these groups (mostly boys) think when they are told about the newest concept for their group, whether it be for an actual album or just for a side project, because side projects can result in dressing like girls or vegetables.
So in honor of Halloween, I give you some of the best costumes that I could think of. I probably am missing some because there are so many groups out there, but these are the ones that I liked.
Super Junior's Eunhyuk, Heechul, Shindong, and Leeteuk
 |
| Lady Hee Hee and the Single Ladies |
Super Junior
 | |
| First row: Huo Yuanjia, Loki, Iron Man, Capt. America, Hulk Thor, Goku Second row: Spiderman Wolverine |
And Yesung
 |
| Nick Fury |
SHINee
SHINee (minus Minho)
 |
| Freddy, Dracula, Piccolo, Naruto |
BTOB's Peniel, Sungjae, and Ilhoon. Hyunsik's in there too, but he's not important right now.
 |
| Penelope, Sungsook, Ilsoon |
 |
| Sailor Moon, Maid, Ladybug, Japanese(?) woman, and traditional Korean woman |
VIXX (minus Leo) as the Wonder Girls
Block B
Block B's Jaehyo
 |
| Yes, he's hanging from the ceiling, just go with it |
Epik High
 |
| Joker, Two-Face, Bane |
BIGBANG
Instead of finding a picture of BIGBANG, and there are plenty, I'm just going to make a couple links to their drama parody videos because if you haven't seen them, you should, and if you already have, you should watch them again.
Coffee Prince Boys Over Flowers Secret Garden Beethoven Virus
2NE1
 |
| School girl, nurse, Snow While, Alice |
~ Alora
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Block B Very Good
How's the song?
Last time when I wrote about Block B, I used a picture of U-kwon to express my happiness, but this time, my happiness cannot be captured in a picture, only in sounds. I'm seriously so happy about this.
Of course with the release of this song, people are comparing it to BIGBANG and GD, because YG rules the universe and everything belongs to them. It is up for debate whether or not this is an actual parody video of BIGBANG or not, but instead of talking about stupid things that may or may not be true, why aren't people talking about the fact that Zico is groping Taeil there at the end. Set your priorities people, come one.
I was actually a little surprised when I heard this song because it is not what I expected. I knew that it was going to be big and bombastic because that's what Block B does, but this song has a very different sound from "Nalina" and "Nallili Mambo". Those two songs were a lot more gritty sounding while this one is more electric sounding and also has a little bit of rock and roll to it.
I think this just shows that Zico is moving forward as a musician because he is branching out into different sounds and he is also dividing parts more evenly than in previous songs. Sometimes listening to Block B songs and watching videos is like watching Zico and the Boys featuring Kyung and PO but I didn't feel that in this video. I did think that it was weird that B-Bomb got his part int he beginning and then we never really saw him again, but that is really my only complaint about the song.
One more thing, are there any Bana's who can back me up on this? I think that Zico kind of sounds like Baro when he says "What can I do for you?". Anyone? Anyone?
How's the video?
I was watching one of my favorite K-pop reactors react to this video and when it was done he said, "I don't know what the F just happened, but it felt right" and that is exactly how I feel as well. This video was just so completely mad and it looked like Block B was having so much fun making it and that's what all the BBCs wanted to see, Block B back in action being their crazy selves. So, instead of relaying what happened in the video, I'm just going to talk about my favorite parts and weird things that I noticed starting from the beginning and work my way to the end, let's go.
I think that it is pretty safe to say that Block B are the worst thieves in the history of thievery. This is like a continuation of "Nillili Mambo". In that video they lost the diamonds and in this one, as soon as they get into the bank, they take their masks off. Come on guys, step it up.
As I said before, the car that Block B is driving had a German plate, but the wallet that fell out of the purse PO flipped over had what looks like American bills, and they were also throwing what looked like American money, and everyone in the bank is Korean, I think and all the writing in the bank is in English. Where the heck is this video taking place?
There isn't really anything interesting about this shot other than Jaehyo looks wonderful and he's my favorite member.
Who gave Taeil dynamite? He looks way too happy about this.
Jaehyo tries to be smooth and ends up getting beat up. Just the usual then?
Even though he's scared for his life, he's still adorable.
Oh, hey, look! It's a camera!
I came in like a wreeeeeeeeeeeecking baaaaaaaaaaaaaall!
U-kwon's just over there making a transaction like nothing is happening while Zico, Kyung, and PO juggle a bomb. No big.
For the uber hipsters, payphone shaped cell phones.
Again, way too happy about blowing stuff up. But with that face, how can you say no?
And then, as a parting gift, U-kwon picks his clown nose and flicks it at us. Geez, thanks.
This video was just so fun and I could probably go on forever, but I think that I already have. I just loved how happy they looked throughout the entire video. You can tell that they enjoyed filming this and that they are happy to be back doing what they love.
WOW! So there has been another version of this video put out called the Maximum Close Up Version
and this is Zico's video. His face was all over it. Two steps forward,
one step back, I guess. This video did show all the other members too
and it is good to see them (them being mostly Taeil) being
more confident in front of the camera.
I'm not sure why, but Block B seems to be wearing a lot of skirts since their comeback.
Kyung and U-kwon worse skirts to the showcase
U-Kwon in another skirt, and I seriously thought that Jaehyo was just another female model in this picture
In the same photo spread B-Bomb is also wearing what looks like a skirt.
Then, for the last installment of "Why is Block B wearing skirts?", in their new video, Jaehyo, Kyung, Taeil, and B-Bomb are wearing skirts. Why?
This looks like an outfit that SM would put Taemin in; what's with that bib necklace and the corset/back brace thing?
A trend that I don't hate that Block B and other idols are doing are these really cool large stacking rings.
I have so many rings of all shapes and sizes, as my friends can attest, and I am always on the lookout for more, even thought I don't need more, but I totally do. Gong Hyo Jin also wore these type of rings in The Master's Sun and I really want them! Who knows where I can buy some?!
Is the dance super amazing?
The dance is pretty simple in this video since Block B doesn't (read that as can't) dance. They did some jumping and a little shimmying (I really liked the shimmy) and that was enough. All the real dancing happened at the end though, and I'm not talking about the choreographed dancing. Oh, no, I'm talking about all the random dancing that happened like the popping that was being done by the security guards and the fact that Kyung went all "Mental Breaker" on us. All it was missing was Zico's butt dance and it would have been perfect!
Which member owned it?
Like I said, the first video was pretty even, but the second video was largely Zico, but I am going to ignore Zico and instead put up a picture of U-Kwon because that boy is adorable. I want his rings too.
Did the English make your ears bleed?
The English in this song was actually pretty good. Zico has good pronunciation and Kyung speaks fluent English so they have that going for them. The one thing, or person, that I will pick on is Taeil. I think that he has the worst pronunciation of the group and you can really hear that when he says "very, very good" at the end. Keep practicing Taeil.
What else is happening?
TREN-D "Candy Boy" - debut song - This song is catchy, but it is nothing really special. Entertainment companies just need to calm the balls down about debuting new groups if they want them to get big and noticed.
GI "Gi-Yeuk" - I like this song a lot more than I like "Don't Lie". This is a lot more fun and I really like the Bollywood sound that the song has. I just wish that SimTong would spend a little more money on these girls. I don't really mind the plain video, but come on, show them a little more love.
IU "The Red Shoes" - I'm probably going to be struck down for saying this, but I don't really like IU. She's a great signer and she's cute, but her musical style just doesn't really do it for me. I do like the jazzy feel of this song though so it gets points for that.
Jay Park "Trill" - I am more of a K-pop Jay Park fan than a true hip hop/rap Jay Park fan because the later always is a little profane, so yeah, there you go.
Jaurim "Icarus" - So this video would have probably made more sense if I knew what they were saying because that was a little weird. I liked the song though and this group reminded me a little of the Cranberries and I love me some Cranberries.
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