Thursday 30 September 2010

Idol Analysis : Image, Concept and Theme

Whether it's to shape up the idol or to prepare for the comeback, these are the 3 basic things a producer look at. While I never went behind the scene to prepare an idol debut or comeback, more frequent that idols talk about these things on variety shows.

Image

"Image" in Korea has a slightly different meaning in Korean text. It basically means the main characteristic of the artiste. 2PM are the perfect example who markets themselves using their image. Everyone knows them as Beastly-like idols and use it as their nicknames. JYP (the company) cleverly catapult the image into consideration when choosing songs and style. Though, they aren't exactly manly anymore when you flashback on their Brown Eyed Girls Abracadabra video...or parody other girl groups. Erm..yeah.

Concept

Whenever an idol makes a comeback, watch any interview...the word concept is always there. More often the words can be overly flowery for the news article. Early this year, the concept is edgy, darker and sexier..The current one, has more varieties...I don't spot any trends. If it's a male idols, they've become manlier. For the female idol, it would be sexier.

Theme

This is very boring. There can be a lot of theme but many limit to the list below

1. recruiting love (Oh, Bonamana, I need a girl,)
2. love only you (No Other, Better Together, It has to be you)
3. I don't need you (Go Away, Lucifer, Man man ha ni)
4. Comeback to me (Shock, Y. Comeback Again)
5. I'm better than you ( Bad Girl Good Girl, run devil run, HUH)

There are other theme, but these are overly use.

MPV Review : Homme I was able to eat well

Homme is a collaboration of duo consist of 2AM's ChangMin and 8eight's Lee Hyun. Whoa notice the similarities already? I'm not too sure who to credit but both companies are affiliated. The title is interesting..and making me hungry.

Music



I love songs that starts with the chorus, it creates instant familiarity to the song. The song is a little pop, country and rock. It's an interesting mix that isn't usually found in Kpop. Lee Hyun's voice and Changmin's voice creates a soothing harmony. I initially thought their voice sound similar but I could tell the difference. I was hesitant to listen this because of the promotional pictures..I mean I don't expect ballad singers to show off their body. As Lee Seung Chul says, "singers should train the voice not just focusing on having the best body"

Level of Likeness : 8/10

Performance



If it's a dance song, I would like singers to sing exactly like they recorded. As for ballads, please do ad-libs. Performance is about giving the audience something extra to showcase better of your talent. The part where to look at each other is nice until they keep on talking about how they don't like it on variety shows. Some secrets should be kept. I keep on thinking the other person wants to laugh.

Level of Likeness : 6/10

Video



Probably other girls like it but I don't like the part the boys standing in front of the mirror together wearing only towels...Go away unwanted vision! And they have to show off their body...I really want to stop watching after that scene. I was glad to see Lee Chae Young in this video until she dances...I don't know what to think of it. Hahaha she stole the car, nice. I don't get the concept of the video..I haven't check the translation but I thought the song is about feeling relieve about something? Since the title say "I was able to eat well"....The video is totally confusing.

Level of Likeness : 5/10

Overall Success : B+

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : JYP Entertainment and Big Hit Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer

MPV Review : Secret Madonna

I probably will start to get back on my usual MPV Reviews while I could because I'm in final semester. Secret is actually one of my favorite debuts last year because I knew all the girls (except Zinger) before debut. Three of the girls were featured on Untouchable album before so I know what I was expecting.

Music



A lot of people commented that this song is similar to their previous single "Magic". I couldn't agree more, that was my initial thought of the song. Secret was accused of plagiarize, but I think it's more of having their own style. Though I'm not liking this style. I'm not fan of Madonna as a person so I can't enjoy this song as much as I wanted. Secret actually disappointed me because they actually gave us this teaser.

Level of Likeness : 8/10



The teaser is so classy and glamorous. I love their voices here and so imagine my disappointment that they choose to do Madonna instead.

Performance



I must say I like members to be in odd numbers because I prefer seeing a choreography with a person in center. I'm confuse of which part I should focus on. I love them wearing dresses but often Zinger would be wearing pants which I think is odd..

Level of Likeness : 7/10

Video



Except for HyoSung hair color..everything fits the concept glamorous. I love the dresses..It look so beautiful. The solo shoot is okay but Zinger's set isn't suitable with the band. I would like the set to be more luxurious. Ji Eun set is nice! I love her singing with the microphone and the background reminds me of Grammy. I don't like the second group shoot where it's a little jungle-ish. I don't think it fits the whole glamorous concept well.

Level of Likeness : 8/10

Overall Success : A-

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : TS Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer

Falling in Love with Ryeowook



Ryeowook is perhaps the most improved SuJu member. I remembered cringing at his facial expression during the early SuJu days. Now, I can see him belting out smiling.

I can't watch the video. I'm afraid there might be some affectionate scene going on like the teaser. Basically it's more scenes on the studio which is good. This is Beige video, but I know all people is going to talk about Ryeowook only. Ryeowookie!!

Anyway I find Beige voice annoying, it's a little too cutesy for me. It's almost fake aegyo (cute) voice. The voice reminded me of IU voice, though IU voice is sweet and appropriate for her age.

I do hope they can perform this. Would be so nice to see Ryeowook perform without SuJu!

Breathe the Soom

This is it. I'm never going to watch a teaser ever again until the MV comes out. So many time I got disappointed because they decided to promote a dance song although they teased us with a ballad. I do love Beast but I was looking forward for a ballad..



I'll keep it simple, since I am going to do MPV Review for this. All I can say now is that I'm not excited for this.

Wednesday 29 September 2010

I'm so happy



Better Together and Digital Bounce had overload auto-tune, this new single makes me want to cry in tears of joy!!

I'm soooo going to do MPV Review for this! So all I can say now is, the review is going to be GOOD!

Tuesday 28 September 2010

Gil Me

I'm out of creative title ideas..let just keep it simple!

Watching Sketchbook last week, I was inspired to blog about Gilme who is under Eun ji Won label. I love how she's different from other vocalist because she sings and raps well!! If I didn't already know it's her song, I would have guess there were 2 amazing people singing but nope, it's only her. Her singing voice is Soul type and when she raps, she sounds different.



Amazing, she has the right attitude for a rapper and she can sing gracefully. I think in some part the song is messy otherwise it's prefect. The song isn't very catchy but I had fun listening to it.

She was doing underground before got discovered by Eun Ji Won, it's a pity that she doesn't get much articles. I should be doing this more often, blogging about the lesser known Kpop artiste. :D

Monday 27 September 2010

Discussing about Dramas

Watching Playful kiss is really annoying. Hah. Are you shock by that statement? Well, honestly I'm not talking about the drama but probably a combination of slow internet and crappy buffering that hinders me from viewing the drama on Viikii.

It's like 8 episode already but the only full video I could is is part 1 episode 1. I could watch I am Legend drama finish but not Playful Kiss. It's a mystery! I hate buffering (um..in case it's jargon for you, it means the process of loading the video..if you don't know what jargon means..google it)

So MAYBE I won't watch that drama. I am Legend is over but I'm not going to write a review just yet because um, I need to draft it out first. I've been blogging hastily lately so I want a good post for once.

My Girlfriend is Gumiho seems pretty good, though I'm still a bit skeptic about it since there been too many times I got disappointed by overpraise reviews. I want light hearted and funny drama because those heavy ones are dragging me..Buffering kills me. As an unofficial E.L.F. (um..I still haven't blog about fanclubs..it's a difficult post to write!) probably I should watch Siwon's Oh My Lady. The plot is a little too predictable..we shall see.

This is a random posting again..when is HallyuSurfer ever going to be serious? I'm chasing away my readers!

HanGeng Updates

I know he's not in the Kpop category anymore but who cares? E.L.F. worldwide believe he is indeed still a part of Kpop and I think so too. HanGeng is sure very busy this year, I wonder if he work harder in China or in Korea..since he apparently left because of insufficient rest.

This guy is very busy..I was about to blog My Logo, before discovering he also did My Queen...and the article said there will be 7 videos...but I'm confuse. I saw titles I don't know about so I'm not sure how many video he's doing. Well here 4 video reviews then.

My Logo



The song is boring despite it has big names producing it. The choreography is slick, but no big highlights. Video was meaningless, probably because I don't understand the song..the helicopter was nice looking, the cars..oh gosh, I hate expensive car in videos..I don't get the meaning of it being on the video. Poor lightings, I just wish it was played well, it's like had no concept at all.

My Queen



No storyline but it's better than My Logo..The robotic dance make me realize it's hard dance move...I wonder how you can memorize the movements?? The song was OK..bearable. It got me thinking..I read that it was film in Korea and China but really? I mean..it's done on set, why does he had to go Korea? I'm not complaining but since you're in Korea, might as well add some Korean elements to it to proof you did film in Korea.

Heartbreak Notebook



Having listen to couple of his solo songs, I have to admit that I understand why SM don't make him do solo work.. It occurs to me that if he didn't start with Super Junior, there is NO chance of him being the way he is now. It's harsh but I'm a SuJu fan. I love him regardless. The MV is part of the other MVs so you can see familiar scenes.. I love it! It'd be nice if it has a movie.

I am a flame



This is to promote Guangzhou Asian Games to attract volunteers to participate. HanGeng smiles is so sweet. I know this is just a promo song, I like it. The scenes were heartwarming but HanGeng part was awkward. If I were to direct this, (um, I am a multimedia student okay.)I would make him be a part of all the scene..HanGeng would have a walk, look at the volunteers and probably join in to help. I mean, if he's going to sing in front of a microphone, at least make the set look like a real studio.

Phew. This is hard.

GD agrees with me!

Well sort of. I think I have post this very frequently that Kpop is moving fast..Gee was on top for 10 weeks last year but I believe there isn't a song that stayed longer than 3 weeks this year!

Quote from GD (Allkpop translation)

“I have no confidence in the market anymore. These days, singers finish their promotion cycles in three weeks, and everything changes again. The thought of preparing for two years and only receiving three weeks of love is upsetting.”

That's actually true, it never occur me that the promotion was shorter this time.. Most idols have already have their 2nd promotion single and that includes the newly debuted. If Big Bang is going to pull a 2NE1..oh gosh, I could understand but please don't. I want to enjoy a song longer for once. It's getting harder to like a song at 1st listen.

I don't mind the long wait Big Bang..I believe you can make us love the song longer than 3 weeks for sure. Big Bang fighting!

Sunday 26 September 2010

I miss A'st1

A'st1 (pronounce as A Style) disband last year but I still love them..I'm happy for Hanbyul now (he's with Monday Kiz) but I want to see JangMoon debut again. A beautiful voice like that must reappear! It would be a waste not to.

So I was bored and want to research for materials to blog, and I got this.



It's a song was aired before the debut but never got released. What a nice surprise. That voice!! Jangmoon voice melts me..a short cut, I wish it was longer! Nevertheless thank you Purplefanoo! I love the picture she choose for the video, some random updates of the boys..

DSP, see now you don't have any male groups!! I wasn't surprised with SS501 leaving the company!

Saturday 25 September 2010

MPV Review : Hot Potato Confession

I usually post only new songs for MPV Reviews and while this could be considered as old song by now, I haven't check this out yet. I've been wanting to do so but as you know I got caught up with the idol frenzy. I choose to do this song because it's by Kim C's band. :D

Music



It started with a slow tempo, almost like a depress feel to it. As the song progress, the song lives up and it's cheerier! I have heard this song on the show 1D2N so I'm familiar to it. I love the acoustic in this song, it plays a lot of raw emotion. Kim C voice is soothing despite it's raspy. The chorus is enjoyable, I'm imagine if this song was sung in the concert, people would sing a long to it.

Level of Likeness : 9/10

Performance



The thing about why I don't fancy bands that much is because the camera tend to focus on the vocalist ONLY. I want to see the rest too, probably long shoot is better for bands. I wish Kim C clean up a little...he's way too scruffy! It's nice that this is live.

Level of Likeness : 7/10

Video



I wonder if this is the real MV because it doesn't feel like it's properly done. I do like the scenes of the movie but it's just messy. The song is an OST for a movie so I'm sad it doesn't have another MV.

Level of Likeness : 7/10

Overall Success : A-

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : Daeum Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer

Favorite entertainer!

I do watch a lot of variety shows but I notice I rarely blog about it and it got me inspired to write about it. It's getting harder to watch variety shows lately because you got to have the right timing. If you search it early, no subtitles...if you're late, it got deleted. Anyway, these are my list of favorite entertainers!

1. 1D2N cast



I started the show without Ji Sang Ryul and Noh Hong Chul so they're excluded on this list. Kim C is included and I really hope he'll come back to the show!! I love the guys individually but I love them more together. Kang Ho Dong a great host (He's no.1 for me,  sorry Yoo Jae Seok), Lee Seung Gi the most perfect guy in Korea, MC Mong sense of style, Lee Su Geun's ad lib, Eun Ji Won's childish character and Kim Jong Min blurriness.

2. Kim Tae Hyun

Without this guy in Star Golden Bell (SGB), I will stop watching SGB. I'm so glad he returned to season 2 or the show is over. In my opinion, he has the best sarcasm. He knows how to comment well without crossing the line. My favorite part was his investigation with SooJung.

3. Kim Shin Young



The parody queen, she never fails to deliver her best. I love her friendly character that makes her very approachable to anyone. I think her best show is Invisible Youth, because I love her close friendship the fellow member and she's really good at making the show funny.

4. Boom



He's in military now but oh how we all miss him! I love his parody dance and I believe he can be the best MC in the future.

5. Funny idols

It's hard to name just one of them.. there are many funny idols like Jo Kwon, Brian Joo, Lee Teuk, Kang In, Shin Dong and so much more. I just enjoy any show with idols in it. What makes them so fun on show is that they could showcase their other abilities and sense of humor.

Friday 24 September 2010

One HD on Astro B.yond!

I have a love-hate relationship with Astro. Just last week I have to deal with astro customer service for the 3rd time this year.. now as I stumble upon a news from K-popped, I'm delighted to tell you that there will be a NEW channel for Astro B.yond subscribers!

Yeah!!! I'm really happy because seriously KBS World isn't enough to satisfy my Korean needs. It's call One HD and I'm pretty sure it's SBS!

quoted from Astro FB page

ONE HD (Astro Channel 393) provides the best selection in Asian general entertainment with a focus on Korean content. Lovers of Korean entertainment will be drawn to the first-run and exclusive mega-hit Korean drama series (e.g.My Girlfriend is Gumiho, I’m Legend, My Ex and the Neighbour); variety shows featuring top Korean entertainment hosts (e.g.Star King, Family Comes Here, Star Junior Show); concerts and music shows featuring live performances of chart-topping K-pop artistes like Super Junior, Wonder Girls and Boa (e.g. K-pop Countdown, Kim Jeong-Eun’s Chocolate Concert), and many more.

It's a very good news especially when SBS deleted all their videos on Youtube recently. No more researching for videos! Finally I could decrease my crime, haha I don't watch KBS shows on internet anymore unless I missed it.

Though my b.yond isn't with me now because it got struck by lightning..hopefully it's still under warranty!

Now Astro all we need is MBC..(since I hate Mnet) I really want to watch WGM!

Since this is pretty new, I'm not expecting any subs for a bit like when KBS World started in Astro. It's currently free, um that is, we did pay for the HD channels. I'm now very extremely thankful that I have b.yond. SBS and I shall reconciled..LOL I boycotted their shows because SBS were the reason lots of my favorite Youtube subbers got deleted!

This is the best present ever!!! second to my Galaxy S phone...The channel will premiere on MY Birthday!!! My favorite number is 3, KBS World channel is 303 and now One HD channel is 393!!

3rd October 2010

For more information go to Astro FB page

HERE

UPDATE : Aish..spoken too early, KBS World will get renumbered to 391 so you can just press CH+ to switch to One HD :D I love the number 303 but I accept this change. As long as KBS World is STILL free.

The most hilarious thing EVAA!!!



I can't stop laughing and urgh it's super gross but I still laughing towards the end. Juri destroyed the song. I like her in SGB but this is so gross, I want to puke!

Oh Kikwang dear, my favorite member...why did you have to kiss her!! You're such a dork for being a good person. The best thing of the whole part? Beast reaction! ahaha they can't bear it so do I!

I wonder what CheonDong feels about this or even any of the MBLAQ boys. Kim Ji Sun was superb but all I was thinking is Juri performance. OMG. watch again!

Breath Beast

Uhm let's forget the whole thing not following the flow..This I cannot pass, I have to write about Beast releasing a teaser!



I don't know if this is one of the single, since they usually released that one instead of their upcoming teaser. I'm guessing this is probably the teaser since this doesn't have any lyrics. Will have to check out their album once it's released then.

Oh only 3 of them, I think they want to make a surprise since I saw Yoseob with black hair! In MBC Idol Star Dance Battle, I saw him with his original black hair.. I will always miss his blonde hair!

Beast is the B2st!!

Wednesday 22 September 2010

Greetings!

Today is Mooncake festival and it's also Chuseok day in Korea!

So HAPPY CHUSEOK!!!

I notice there isn't much Chuseok pictures release..or maybe I didn't search for it? ehehe..I'll post them up soon!

Monday 20 September 2010

Random Talk : What's coming up

This year has been very busy year for me.. First 5 months, I had a lot of difficult projects and now I'm visiting Miri more often. I just had more reason not to blog eventhough I have so many ideas.

Not having internet a day means I have a lot of readings to do once I get back my internet. Suddenly morning news become an old news, there's so much things going on in Korea! I'm getting tired of attempting to keep up. I want change.

I decide to not follow the flow anymore..and takes things slow. (wait, I sound like a grandma! YIKES LOL) I don't want to know any more new debuts, I don't care who's making a comeback anymore..except it's SuJu, Beast...oh forget it..I'm turning back time!

Yes, that's right. MPV Reviews will put on hold, no Introducing post and no news update (not that I do often). I want to blog about stuffs I missed out because the idol hype like BooHwal, Monday Kiz, One Way and many more.

Let's make Kpop interesting again. I don't want to quit Kpop because I'm tired of it. I want to love it again!

Friday 17 September 2010

Best and Worst of Idols

In response of the article I read in Allkpop, I want to come up with MY LIST. I can't believe the so-called professional critics place Super Junior bottom 5 on the list of idols. Call me biased all you want, Super Junior deserved the popularity and they are talented. Don't call them overrated because they are not. In fact, I think there are more potential we have yet to see.

I'm also shocked the fact that these critics are slamming the bands. I'm no band fan myself, but I think it's a little too harsh to put CNBlue as the worst idols.

My really unbiased list of who's the best idol is

1. Shinhwa
2. SNSD
3. Big Bang
4. Kara
5. Super Junior

SEE! I didn't put Super Junior no.1, but really they are no.1 in my heart. :D Shinhwa should have been top on the list but they were not even listed! Shinhwa has been together for over a decade and they are strong individuals (in terms of career wise) but they're not on the list? I don't know much about S.E.S so they're not on the list. Plus they're not active anymore. Bada did made a comeback in music, but 1/3 isn't enough to convince me. BoA is in a different category altogether. Are you kidding me? BoA is a living legend! Placing her on the list of other idols doesn't make any sense! Kara is a well rounded idols, I love the personalities of the girls. Music wise, they're a bit lacking but that's because they're given horrible songs. The only good songs are their title songs. :(

Worst bottom 5

1. 2PM
2. DBSK
3. Rainbow
4. After School
5. Teen Top

Okay..maybe this one I am biased. 2PM takes the top spot as I just can't help but reminded of how unfair it was the way they handle the whole issue. Jay is doing great now but I just can't move on. A team that doesn't work well, can't possible get a good impression from me. Oh my gosh, Cassies are going to kill me! I love YooChun very much but I'm so sad over the betrayal. All this while, I sincerely thought that DBSK is unseparable and then there was this. sigh, was it all an act? Rainbow is innocent, I just had grunge over them because of A'ST1 disbandment. They don't deserved the spot..I just giving them more article okay?

After school started off great. They had a strong concept that fits with their age. However with the constant change of members..I find it hard to adjust. Every comeback, they are adding up. I want stablity and consistancy..I don't want to keep learning new names. As for Teen top, It's actually too early to judge them but I'm in no support for underage idols, that's the reason they're on the list. Plus it doesn't help that only 3 sings whereas the others only dance away...

Beast is coming back!!

Yeah! My favorite 6 members group is finally returning to the scene. It felt it has been a long time since I last saw them on TV.



I really hope this song is their title track. Please give me a break from dance beats and auto-tune. This is what I'm craving for, real voice and ballads. The reason why I stayed away from blogging because I lack of interest with the current Kpop scene. I want more varieties!

I will return writing MPV reviews once Beast is back. Now I'm off to Miri!! ehehe

Monday 13 September 2010

MPV Review : Nine Muses No Playboy

The song was produced by JYP, it's not surprising to spot some JYP style in this song. Many compare them with SNSD however, I'm not going to do that because similar in number of members don't mean anything. Oh I almost forget, they come from the same company as ZE:A which also consist of 9 members.

Music



The background beats has this familiar tune. It's like a rhythm you often heard on clubs in movie or drama. I think I've heard the beats from Rihanna songs. I don't like the "No" part because it's like the part was altered higher volume then it got cut in the middle. I would like it to be done naturally by the girls. The highlight of the song for me is the rap. The singing part reminded me of SoHee singing style, not a big fan of it. For a debut single, this is bearable.

Level of Likeness : 8/10

Performance



The girls look so a like..here we go again! I'll take my time in learning their names..maybe second single will do it for me? ehehe. I hate uniforms so I wished they at least wore in a different color..They should take note of SNSD like wearing number or different colors..or even having the names on the outfits! Anything to make it easier for me to remember names is a good thing. If I'm not wrong, Nine Muses is known as Model-idol right? they cleverly input the runaway catwalk into their dance choreography.

Level of Likeness : 7/10

Video



Maybe I should have not watched 2NE1 videos before this. Not only it doesn't have a storyline, the colors are so dull. The symbolic image is kinda boring, or maybe no meaning at all. Yawn...NEXT!!!!

Level of Likeness : 4/10

Overall Success : B+

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : Star Empire Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer

2NE1 back with 3 songs

How should I write this without sounding I hate 2NE1 or YG? YG is a good company that is the home of Se7en, Big Bang and other great artist. I can't understand why 2NE1 is having a better treatment than the other artist.  2NE1 is a talented group and has a lot of star power however this is Korea we're talking about where elders (senior) are having more respect.

From day 1, 2NE1 is acting like a diva that only perform on one stage per week and had two video version. Rookies NEVER have two version, if they did...it's only a dance version. SM Artist don't perform on Mnet stages because of their dispute but 2NE1 perform 3 weeks on SBS stage! Their debut performance was done extravagantly that I don't see with bigger stars like DBSK.

This whole thing gives me an impression that 2NE1 is place way up high that no one can touch them. To me, an entertainer is someone who is close with the fans but 2NE1 is so godly like that I just want to distant from them. 2NE1 ladies are great ladies...I just wish they tone it down a little and go on variety shows more often or simply interact more with other artist. We rarely see 2NE1 pictured with other singers apart from YG singers and that's not good.

 Here we go, this is the 3 videos of 2NE1



I've been scanning through comments and one comment caught my interest "if Usher or BEP has auto-tune, you don't mind and it's a no.1 hit why is it 2ne1 any different?" true.. I guess we're more sensitive about auto-tune on Kpop but auto-tune was the reason I stop listening to US pop songs. I'm still hoping auto-tune to leave Kpop soon so that's why I'm still here. The auto-tune is very heavy in this song but I actually like this song. I love the addictive beats on the chorus and I've been going "baksu jooo oohh K O R E A" all day since I listen to it. The dance choreography for that part is fun to follow, plus it's easy. My favorite scene is the street because I love the graffiti. I don't get the jungle theme, but it's cool to see the combination.



I like slower songs and you know if you have been reading my MPV Reviews however I don't like this song much. It's just another song. The MV is confusing..is CL dead in the video? then is the CL with the member is a ghost? LOL I watched their performance on SBS Inkigayo and liked it the most. I probably like the song better without this MV. It ruined it for me.



Minzy is looking beautiful! I love her with long hair and as usual her dance is superb. I don't like this song but it probably would stuck on my head after a few more listen. The scene where they were wearing mask was hilarious! The individual scene is beautiful scene, especially Dara's.

Wednesday 8 September 2010

To you~



This is my favorite song on I am Legend drama. I love the song at first listen, and I know it's not a Comeback Madonna song, I just love it very much because the composition fits the lyrics well. The lyrics is very sappy and so melodrama. I like the scene where TaeHyun ex-wife look when he's performing. I could understand a little why they were together in the first place because of the scene.



 In this duet version, it strips down with just piano instrument. I love the raw of the song, and the duet is soooo sweet! The scene where Seol hee and TaeHyun duet was so sweet. It's probably my favorite scene! Okay, the drama isn't over yet but I wished the storyline focuses more on the group! More about that when the drama finish. Right now let's sing a long..:P

Tuesday 7 September 2010

GP Basic Game

I don't want to write too many MPV Review that would end up making my blog known for MPV review only. This is a blog, not a review site! It's hard to write a blog..too many ideas for reviewing.

So..yeah, forgot to include this group into the Idol Analysis: Age Appropriate post. The youngest member of this group is still in Elementary which probably means sekolah rendah (primary) to me. That is not good, still it made me more interested in knowing the group. Probably I'll do a Introducing post next.



I don't have any specific thoughts about the whole thing before watching the above video. So now, that I have watch it... Either girls are not too old from the magnae (youngest) or the magnae is super tall. Maybe it's the camera angle. Oh goodness, they look young. The 3D effects looked lame.. the set is boring and oh hello auto-tune! We meet again!

Probably it's not the machine voice, maybe it's their voice? I can't tell. The only person I know is the magnae who surprisingly is the rapper..I don't know if that's a good idea. Do I like the song? no, however I'm still interested in their next promotion. It's too early to tell, waaaay too early.

Samsung Galaxy S


:D I have the same phone as Jeon Seol Hee! Jeon Seol Hee is a character in the drama I am Legend played by Kim Jung Eun. That's not the reason I got it, I love Korean very much but I'm not that crazy.

While considering what phone to buy, I did want a Korean brand..but it all comes to the perfect phone rather where it is from. This isn't an advertorial nor a review, this is just a blog.

I did a lot of research before purchasing this phone.. I guess I did studied more on phone than my exams. This phone is probably the main reason that I'm a little behind from knowing new debuts. I'll get back on track but I'm not promising anything. The rookies look awfully like siblings..(bad comparison, me and my brother look nothing a like)

While I'm at it, the only flaw is it doesn't have flash on the camera..which isn't really necessary because I'm a bad photographer to begin with and the screen isn't all that fantastic because it's similar to the TV screen up close where you could see pixel in blue, red and green. Pretty much anything else is fine with me.

I just got this phone last Sunday, so I can't really give a good review. It's a good phone, I need to get used to it first. If I'm slow on blog..hey, blame it on the new phone. ahaha

Haih..I still have to send my other phone for repair.. since all my contacts are there, I forgot to save new numbers into the sim card so now I only have old numbers.

MPV Review : Se7en Better Together

Se7en is considered as a veteran in todays Kpop but I have to admit that it never struck me to listen to his song.. so that explain I delayed it. Purposely write this post today because it's 7th for pun intended. Though not coincidentally, I wrote this post at 7.21PM..gee that reminds me, 2NE1 is making a comeback too. Maybe this review would be good then. (Update: I just check my list..apparently this post is 198th post...so close!)

Music


Heavy bass, the atrocious auto-tune and weird special effect sound...OMG my ears are bleeding from all this technology sounds! From the intro, verse to the chorus..everything sound distinctly different. When it mesh up, I sort of like it.  There are some part I just mute it. Se7en is known as a great performer, I'm sure his fans are rather disappointed with the auto-tune. No one needs it, I rather hear American Idol reject voice than this auto-tune voice.

Level of Likeness : 6/10

Performance



You don't go expecting any less than perfect from Se7en and this performance solidify the statement. His movement is smooth like liquid and his expression is good. The performance is flawless.

Level of Likeness : 10/10

Video



Why...? Does it mean that having auto-tune in the song, the MV must have blinding neon lights? It's a trend I've observe that I thought it's just a coincidence. I dislike a MV without storyline. No matter how good you are in dance, I prefer at least a short storyline. Save it on your performance, it can create more excitement. The only thing that I like in this video is his expression, That's all.

Level of Likeness : 5/10

Overall Success : A-

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : YG Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer

Idol Analysis : Age appropriate

Before I continue, the drama discuss for Playful Kiss will be postponed as I couldn't watch it on Viikii (something wrong with the video..hopefully will be fix soon). As the post for Se7en MPV..it's next post! :D

I'm 20 and I already feel old. No offense to those who are older than me but I'm sure you feel the same way with younger idols debuting each day. I started the whole obsession with Kpop on 2007, where most idols are older than me. I can just call "Oppa" to any male idol but now, I got to think twice before calling them "Oppa". Oh gosh, I think I was super annoying when I first started because I keep on saying "Oppa" all the time.

It struck me to discuss about this issue as I read an article not too long time ago about Krystal and SulLi of f(x) were scolded for their behaviour. Many complain that they should act professional and how rude they were in a society that treats elderly at its highest. A little information about the Korean culture is that position and age is one of the first thing to ask in introduction. Formal language must be used around those with higher position or older than you or it would be consider rude.

I'm not old enough to be on the girls side regarding rudeness since I am a little rude at times but I think the society is asking too much from these underage. Some might forget that these girls are underage! I don't blame them though, I have to remind myself that Krystal and Sulli are still underage when I'm seeing them on stage.

As a young kid, I did have some silly dreams about being on stage. Fame is something we all secretively wanted. Now, I think otherwise. I don't admire at all that idols are getting younger instead, I pity on them having to work hard. The fancy outfits and all that glamour comes with a lot of energy being drained out. Those who is still in school not only have to practise dance routine but also doing their school revision.

I began to wonder if this whole thing is right. Isn't there a law about underage workers? What makes them so different from kids working in a factory? I remembered watching Lee Soo Man interview and he once said that it's good to debut someone early so you could fully prepare them to be bigger stars like Boa. Yes, the preparation to be a star is not done in a day but stealing a children normal exprience is cruel.

Hopefully this trend would die soon. I don't want to feel old whenever I see another 1995 debuting.

Monday 6 September 2010

Drama Discuss : Playful Kiss

With SS501 leader, Kim Hyun Joong staring the lead role of this Japanese manga turn into drama this drama created a lot of hype because this is his first gig after left DSP Entertainment.

So the drama is out and it got probably the lowest rating this year. I wasn't surprise at all since it went against Baker King Kim Takgu (aka Bread,Love and Dreams) and My Girlfriend is GuMiHo. If you didn't know,  Baker King Kim TakGu has already garnered a national drama status with 40% in ratings while My Girlfriend is GuMiHo is starred by Lee Seung Gi, the man who achieved 70% ratings last year with Shining Inheritance(Brillant Legacy)/1D2N.

I'm actually disappointed with Kim Hyun Joong choice of playing this role because the previous one was Boys Over Flowers, which is also adapted from a Japanese manga. Nevertheless I'm excited for this. I've been wanting to watch this drama in Taiwanese version however the number of episode made me not. ahaha I can't stand buffer.

Currently I'm also watching I am Legend, love it and I can't wait for the next episode! I'll be writing more about my thoughts about it when it ends. As for this drama (playful Kiss), I will give commentary for each  episode for the first time ever in this blog!

Back when Autumn in My heart first premiered in Malaysia.. i wrote the description of the drama for my friends..good times! LOL I wondered if I could still do it so that's why I'm doing this challenge.

MPV Review : Trax Oh! My Goddness

Trax is back with a new song!! It seem that kpop band are getting more popularity these days with CN Blue and also F.T.Island coming back. While I'm not a band lover type but it's interesting to see musician get recognize instead of being behind the scene.

Music



Their previous single was good, but this is GREAT! It's super catchy at first listen..as soon it stop..I was like "finish already? repeat!!" I love the composition of this song. It's slow and fast at the right place that creates a harmonious tune. The English is more apparent here, which I really appreciate because I can't really notice on Let you go. I'm only -1 because of the auto-tune, this song is fine without it.

Level of Likeness : 9/10

Performance



Since they are of SM Entertainment I was hoping that there will be interaction with BoA or SHINee however I just remembered that there's SM Town Live Concert in LA..(lucky LA people) It seem wrong that Trax didn't go LA, maybe it's good so SM could concentrate on them! It's like SM don't want fans to forget about SM artist by keeping at least one artist active..wait, then again.. I saw LA fancams that Trax was there...early recordings? Anyway.. the performance was good though Jay eyes are creepy..MUAHAHA

Level of Likeness : 8/10

Video



Another beautiful MV and I can't wait to see YongHwa reaction of this video!! Seo Hyun is totally adorable in this! I normally don't like guys wearing white but the duo look incredibly smart. Why are band member are so good looking is a mystery to me..F.T. Island and CN Blue are all good looking.

Level of Likeness : 9/10

Overall Success : A

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : SM Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer
P/s OMG..I totally thought it was Oh my goodness not GODDESS.. that explain why I couldn't get much video result on youtube!

Sunday 5 September 2010

MPV Review : Dalmation Round 1

To start after a break is probably the hardest thing to do when blogging.. I decided to just blog whatever that comes into mind instead of going in order because I suppose to write Se7en review first but I'm just too busy..I will, maybe tomorrow do a review on it.

I caught Dalmation performing on Music Bank last week...so yeah, here it goes!

Music



For you non-dog lovers, Dalmation is a dog breed. Remember the Disney movie? Okay so what makes dog related names cool? At first I totally think it's ridiculous and funny, then when I really think of it...hey this is like Snoop Dog and Bow Wow. Another information that made me say "oh okay.." is Dalmation is under MC Mong company! So yeah, you could trust MC Mong to come up with an animal name! LOL The song is funny at first listen and still is. Staying true to their name, this song contains "Bow Wow" and dog sounds! Since it's MC Mong group, the song feels like MC Mong songs.

Level of Likeness : 4/10 (8/10 without the dog related tune)

Performance



MC Mong is a fashionista so his protege should be too! I'm sure the outfits are custom made..correct me if I'm wrong because I don't really care about fashion. Anyway the stage looks fun and lively. I'm hope this doesn't sound bad but this is actually hilarious! I hope this promotion will get people buzzing about how different them from the usual idol group. I'm hoping too that this concept won't continue! It's adorable but I'm sure the members do feel ridicule with all the bow wow.

Level of Likeness : 7/10

Video



Dalmations!! the real dog I mean. The video was predictable.. I already imagine how would the video be and my prediction is very close. Yawn... I'll give higher marks just for the dogs.

Level of Likeness : 6/10

Overall Success : B

(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : Monkey Funch Entertainment
Reviewed by : HallyuSurfer

Wednesday 1 September 2010

A break from idols

I'm suppose to be studying but it's been too long since my last post and I shouldn't torture this blog without updating! Do wish me luck okay?!

I seriously can't keep up with comebacks and debut because it's way too fast.. I still love G.na "I'll back off so you can live better" but she's already moving on with "Supa Solo"! I haven't reviewed Girls' Day yet and they are on their comeback! September will be another busy month with Big Bang and 2NE1 comebacks..I'm sorry to VIP and Blackjacks, but YG please postpone it! Beast is scheduled for a comeback but unfortunately YoSeob requires an operation so it's postpone.Phew, please let me breath. I don't know where to start!

So what I did is to get away from all this debuts and comebacks. I need to make Kpop something enjoyable once more because the phase is rushing me to like a song instead of truly enjoying it. I heard some great reviews about 4men a long time ago but because I got caught up with Idols so I didn't get to enjoy it. I saw Tiffany and Yuri performance of Baby Baby by 4men and like it so I started researching more about them.



Baby Baby by 4men is an amazing piece. Though it mostly solo parts but you can listen to their harmonious voices! In this video however only has one person..actually there's 3? I heard there have been changes with the members. I haven't learn about their names yet but I will..remember I was supposed to be studying right now? :P The melody of the piano and the smooth vocals just pulls me into liking this song..I listen to this song everyday since I first heard it! Okay I'm slightly bored of it now but still love it! This song made me want to play the organ again! ahaha I failed. Going to listen to it over and over till I can get the melody stuck in my head.




Roughly..I have listen to this song about 20 times a day for 3 days! I love this song very much. I love the feel of this song. I keep on imagining about how the MV look like and the feel was breezy and happy. You know what, I actually only had watched the MV as I post this video..now only I know that tok tok tok refers to knocking! It's such a clever concept. Knock into the door of my heart kind of thing. I had impression of the song is going to be romantic and it is! I love the intro..it's just perfect to grab anyone attention.

The first song I've heard from them is actually Confession thanks to DGNA cover in a radio station. Speaking of radio station, you can find a lot of singers covering Baby Baby on radio shows. It's a nice way of promoting a great song or I would never stumble upon this amazing singers!

Here's Confession



I usually don't like rough/husky voice like DGNA member HyunMin but for 4Men it seem to work really well. I'm not saying having husky voice like Rod Stewart is bad, it's a matter of preference. The song took me a while to like but I love it eventually because the ad-libs is amazing. It's well done without being over the top.


It's good to write something. Now back to study mode..Yikes it's approaching 12AM. Hope you enjoy this post.

Koreamie~!

Hello! It's end of May and this my first post of the year. *nervous laugh It's okay..because nobody read this blog right? haha. ...