Monday 31 December 2012

Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013

Last post of the year! Wow, this feels weird. Personally, this year I had suffered a lot but luckily Kpop has been really good. It's a year where I rediscover my love for Kpop, so many rookies that I love, and I will continue supporting Kpop next year as well.

My favorite Kpop moment is discovering Phantom, there is not enough words to express how much I love this group. I love every single thing they do, and I am excited for their new release! In my head, all I think is Phantom!

My regretful moment is definitely not being able to meet Jay Park who had a showcase in my city!!! OH GOSH WHY??!!  I know I just couldn't go because my family had a Mother's Day dinner. Family comes first.

In 2013.. Well there is Golden Disk Award held in Malaysia that I cannot go at all because damnit, I am broke. The concert tickets is what I like to call "cekik darah", umm what is it in English.. It is loosely translated as extreme burden, direct translation "chock blood" haha. Even if I live in KL, I don't think I could afford. Sigh.

Good news, I might go to Korea next year! Not so good news, family follow..haha well, I just have a different travel ideas in Korea. I'd probably just visit music stores, KBS,MBC,SBS, SM and YG Buildings..you know, the places where I can spot celebrity..I'd be happy to meet Kim Ki Yeol..(get it? Gag concert)

This site might go through changes, but not sure when. I just hope I will be more motivated to write more. If my words written had offended you this past year, I am sorry. Thanks for reading my not so good blog and I hope it inspires you somehow.

Happy New Year 2013!

Sunday 23 December 2012

My KBS Best Couple award prediction

KBS awards are my favorite because I can watch them live! KBS Drama Awards is usually during New Year Eve, but the list of best couple nominees are out and here's my prediction!

Best Couple awards is usually multiple winners, so I'll do just that,

1. Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung for ‘Big‘

Love Gong Yoo, Love Lee Min Jung...BIG HATE to the drama. They do have chemistry but naaah. I don't think it's worthy of a win.

2. Baek Sung Hyun and Suzy for ‘Big’

Puppy love is endearing, but not cute when it's one sided most of the time. I don't ship this couple at all. I think they're only listed because someone wants Suzy to win. 

3. Kim Kang Woo and Jo Yeo Jung for ‘Haeundae Lovers‘

I gave up the drama half way because I wasn't laughing at the jokes. I love both actors but together, didn't seems cute enough for me.

4. Shin Hyun Joon and Kim Jung Eun for ‘Oohlala Couple‘

NO. I wanted Kim Jung Eun with Han Jae Suk..they had more chemistry!

5. Um Tae Woong and Lee Bo Young for ‘The Equator Man‘

I didn't watched this. Lee Bo Young is nominate twice! I guess at least one she would win? LOL

6. Joo Won and Jin Se Yeon for ‘Bridal Mask’

Another drama I didn't watch.. 

7. Joo Won and Park Ki Woong for ‘Bridal Mask’

Although I didn't watch, I am guessing this will win for sure. Ironically they're actually enemies on the drama..but I think fans will vote for this because they're cute together off camera! 

8. Song Joong Ki and Moon Chae Won for ‘Nice Guy‘

It's Song Joong Ki and Moon Chae Won, what's not to love? A definite win!

9. Cha Tae Hyun and UEE for ‘Jeon Woo Chi‘

Hard to tell, I am still on the early episode. I don't think it will win.

10. Yoo Jun Sang and Kim Nam Joo for ‘You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly‘

With Jun Sang named as Nation Son In Law, Nam Joo too as Nation Daughter in Law.. Fans of the mega hit drama will vote this couple for sure! Will definitely win!

11. Kim Sang Ho and Shim Yi Young for ‘You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly’

I was surprise they are nominated! I would love them to win, because I love their stories but hard to tell. Also surprise MinHyuk and Oh Yeon Seo wasn't nominated.They kiss a lot!

12. Lee Hee Jun and Jo Yun Hee for ‘You Who Rolled In Unexpectedly’

MY FAVORITE COUPLE OF THE YEAR!!! Their chemistry is no joke, don't care Lee Hee Joon had a girlfriend in real life, I just love this two together. If they don't win, I'll slap the KBS judges.

13. Lee Sang Yoon and Lee Bo Young for ‘My Daughter Seoyoung‘

Lee Sang Yoon seems like he loved Lee Bo Young more... I love seeing their scene, because Lee Sang Yoon is such a good husband but I feel pity for him sometimes.  Yoon Jung Sang of YWRIU is also too good to be true husband but at least he seems realistic. Lee Sang Yoon listen to every single thing of his wife says.

14. Oh Chang Suk and Hwang Sun Hee for ‘Love, Love'

didn't watch. sorry!

Tuesday 18 December 2012

I'm loving Phantom Sanchez & G.na Beautiful Day

I love a song that have a good intro. My favorite has always been piano instrumental, and the other one is with chorus. I am so happy they start with chorus because Sanchez vocals are so beautiful. 

When the "woo woo" part enter, for a moment I cringe. Until I realize, this isn't unnecessary sound, it's actually there to mimick the sound of crying! Clever idea. I think the part really sets the right tone of the song.

I love that this is not a featuring, but a real duet. I think the parts are perfect for both of them. Their voice compliment each other, no one tried to outdo the other. Both of them had this sad quality voice that goes well togerher.

The first verse was great, the bridge was better, and the chorus is addicting! I love the lyrics, it's like they're having a conversation but it's not too literal. The songs reflect on despite the day being beautiful, they still feel sadness inside. Go look up for translation, I'm no poet. Lol

At first, I didn't know that it was Sanchez who did the rap part.. Because right after the rap part, it was Sanchez part again! I listen the second time, I was like "what?? How?"  I want a live performance! I want to hear if Sanchez can transtition from rap to singing. Well, Hanhae can..maybe Sanchez could.

I think I love Sanchez voice a little too much, I was kind of not loving G.na part. Not that she wasn't good, rather I just want to hear more of Sanchez. I think she did justice on the song. I like her doing this kind of songs, more mellow yet still have good rhythm. I hate Cube focusing too much on sexy concept, 2Hot was so urgghhhh disappointing.

This song is on Dokkun Project part2 album. I think I might review it later, because Kim Do Hoon past project has been good, so I think it would be a great album to review.  Phantom is part of Brand New Music but they debuted under Kim Do Hoon's WA Entertainment. 

Do check out the MV! It could have been better but I like it.

Thursday 13 December 2012

Random thoughts on Kpop culture

Unless I am sure the person is likes Kpop, I rarely talk about Kpop stuff in public. I'm not on Facebook and I always use my @HallyuSurfer on twitter so I have no idea about what the public opinions on Kpop. I read here and there about people opinions on Kpop but I usually forget the bad ones because I am a Kpop fan, I'm used to trolls on allkpop.com

With Gangnam Style popularity, whether I like it or not... I could see more public opinions on Kpop culture. I find more reasons why I didn't want Kpop to be popular. I love Kpop in Korea, not outside Korea. I don't want Kpop to change because of wider audience. I'd like to say I don't care people talking crap about Kpop but no, it's heartbreaking.

Kpop is not a specific genre, it's constantly changing according to trends. Ironically I hate all the trends. Auto tunes, hook and "woo woo" are the fews I hate. Oh, if you're wondering what's "woo woo", this year there's so many song with that sound. I hate that sound, examples include Sistar Loving U and Alone, Teen Top To You, ChAOs Kiss Kiss and many more. Listen to this examples, and you'll get what I mean. Let's get back on track, Kpop has something for everyone, it's something you need to look further than what's on charts.

I don't necessary love every single song on Top20. My kind of Kpop is varied, I typically love cutesy concept for guys because only in Kpop where guys can pull cutesy. I don't have to say it, however I know there's some ignorant need me telling them, Korean are touchy but it doesn't equal homosexual. As for girls, I love confident concept like Rainbow's To Me, Ailee's I'll show you and most 2NE1 songs. I'm into the hip hop/RnB scene lately, I love Phantom, One Way and Untouchable stuffs. It's perhaps more relateable than other genre.

I wrote this post for those who have no idea what Kpop is and talk bad about it. Before saying those harsh words, do some research. Don't spread the hate for no reason. I'll show you how.

"Justin Bieber is overrated. His dance is stiff and his vocal is not very impressive to reach that popularity."

What... It's only example. Kpop is flawless to me. #blindedbylove. Sorry JB fans, I don't hate Justin, just feel he should work harder on his skills. 

I don't ask haters to be a Kpop fan, I just want everyone to respect our fandom.

Monday 10 December 2012

Hallyusurfer Totally Random Awards!

This was suppose to be about 2012 rookies but I can't find rhe infos I need to write properly so instead MY VERY OWN AWARD! That is totally judge by me. In case you're lazy to read, Winners are in BOLD

Most Shocking News Award
Haha weds Byul
Lee Byung Hun and Lee Min Jung confirmed Dating
Cool's Yuri Death (False news)
IU Eunhyuk Scandal
Hwayoung T-ara Scandal
Open world Entertainment Scandal

There's too many shocking news this year.. Not only it's hard to choose a winner but list the nominees. I think Cool's Yuri death news was the most shocking one...and I'm so thankful it's a false news. I am still waiting for my apple, allkpop! You totally ruined my morning with that news! Oh, apple because in Korean, it also mean "apology". I would like to include my congrats to Haha and Byul, ahaha you're the most welcome surprise of them all!

Best Drama
Unexpected you who rolled in
The Chaser

Nice Guy
Ghost
Rooftop Prince

Apparently I don't watch much drama this year. I'll just say my favorite is The Chaser and Unexpected You Who rolled in. I have blog about these before so NEXT!

My favorite Song of the year
You Deserve Better - Verbal Jint
What is Love - EXO

Beautiful Night - Beast
Only One - BoA
B.A.P. - Stop It
Crazy - Teen Top
Blue - Big Bang
That xx - G Dragon
Burning - Phantom
Good Morning - Verbal Jint

My most played song of the year is actually Phantom's Hole In Your Face which is last's year released. The second one would be either Verbal Jint's You Deserve Better or EXO K What is Love.  I can't choose because I love both of this song so dearly. Congrats to BoA for being the only female on the list. Ahaha I love male voice better.

Best Rookie
B.A.P.
EXO
Ailee

This is not nominees, all of those listed are winner. I think it's unfair for me to have this award because I didn't really know every single rookie but I have to say this year has been an awesome year for rookies and comebacks. These 3 are chosen because these are the rookies that I know well.

Best Gag corner on Gag Concert
Discovery of Life
Brave Rascal
Madam Jeong
4 Things

My favorite comedian, hands down.. Jeong Tae Ho! I can't believe he won rookie award last year because he is too good to be a rookie, all of his skits are my must watch! I like watching him on variety shows too! Win Win, let him be the guest! I know hip hop artiste may not like Brave Rascal, but they are better than some idols who can't rap for their life. I would buy their album if I could ahaha. Brave Rascal may retire in music, but don't retire in gag concert yet!!

Best choreography
DBSK - Catch Me
SHINee - Sherlock
EXO - MAMA
Big Bang - Fantastic Baby
Psy - Gangnam Style
Secret - Poison
B.A.P. - Warrior
BoA - Only One
Gain - Bloom
She'z - UU

The list is not much of a surprise until the last one, She'z UU. The reason why I choose the choreography because it goes well with the song and it's simply adorable. It's a rare thing for me to see girl group nailed the cute choreography without me cringing. The last one was SNSD Gee on 2009. The best for me has to be DBSK Catch Me. MAMA didn't bothered to nominated them..proved how stupid the award is. Horse dance is good but there's so much exciting moves in Catch Me, that it is impossible to look away from your screen.

Memorable moment on TV
Uhm Tae Woong announce marriage plans
Park Ji Sung appearance on Running Man
Beasts' Fathers appeared on Win Win
"Goodbye Lee Teuk" episode Strong Heart
Park Ji Min wins Kpop Star
Immortal Song 2 King of Kings episode

You may wondered where is MBC, Mnet or other cable shows? I only watch KBS and SBS programs currently because it's on my TV..I don't have the time or data for other shows. My list is funny, Strong Heart and Win Win are rivals on Tuesday, 1N2D vs Running Man on Sunday..But if I had to choose, I'd watch KBS. I told you I love 1N2D! So personally I'd say Uhm Tae Woong FTW! He fooled us all, playing the lonely man in his forties.. Your acting skills are great Uhm PD! I am over the moon about his announcement, haha though I was worried for JungHwa eonnie too.

Top 10 Kpop Loves
10. Untouchable
9. SNSD
8. SHINee
7. Sistar
6. Verbal Jint
5. Secret
4. B.A.P.
3. Beast
2. Super Junior
1. Phantom

I'm so sorry my fellow E.L.F.s, eversince KiBumie stop promoting as Super Junior and especially when HanGeng fly out to China, I don't think I can love them much as I used to. I will always be thankful to Super Junior for making a huge Kpop fan. Untouchable may be in military but I love this duo, it doesn't matter. I miss my Untouchable duo, stay safe! I got to talk about the numero uno, Phantom! Completely fall in love with this group.. I still can't decide if I love Sanchez or HanHae more..heck I love Kiggen too! Known as multiple hybrid group, all members write and produce their own songs. Leader Kiggen also produced Verbal Jint's You deserve better which is one of my favorite singles of the year! I never understand Randy's (AI judge) catchphrase, "You could sing the phonebook" until I heard Sanchez voice. In my book, he is the ultimate flawless vocalist. I have absolutely nothing to complain. Lastly and definitely not the least, Hanhae has incredible talent. I have heard bunch of his mixtape, and that boy is deep or I'm probably  too easy to please. He is equally good in rap and vocal, and his transtition from each lines is so awesome, I don't think there's anyone can do what he did. Right now, just 2 artiste from Brand New Music, pretty sure next year list will have more!

P/s nominees are in random order except Top 10.

Thursday 6 December 2012

Brand New Music Love

One word to describe Brand New Music Artiste? AWESOME.

If everything in Kpop fails, I would have no worries because I can switch to K-Hip Hop. Ahaha except I have no swag....yet. I'll work on it, but hey I enjoy the music so that's cool enough...no? i love family kind of collaboration. I'm excited that Brand New Music actually release two!

First up, we got Brand New Anthem. That's one badass anthem right there. I like CEO Rhymer is actively participate the song. The opening of the song is epic, very chaotic and attention grabbing sound. I think this is only teaser, because it's too short! I can't wait for new stuff! The single is participated by Rhymer, P Type, Swings, Bizniz, HuhInchang of BNR and Kanto of Troy.

Then we have Happy Brand New Year! I love this song so much, only 1 listen and I have fallen in love. Mostly because of Sanchez and As one. They can sing  pretty much anything and I would love it. Gaah, BumKey voice is so good too, how do you recruit so many talent Rhymer? I used to think that rapper sound similar but this song proved me so damn wrong. Rappers Verbal Jint, Swings, Sijin and Phantom all of them sound distinctly different. I love they got Miss $ do to some rap parts too! 

How sad it is I can't go to their Brand New Concert. Regardless, I hope to see a lot of fancams or better yet official videos of the concert. I know for sure, it's going to be epic! Oh and if I read correctly (it was in Hangeul) it will be the last time Verbal Jint and Sanchez to perform "You Deserved Better" live. Thanks for making me sad, one of my favorite song of the year will be perform their last. It's the award season, they will be having their very own awards show! i'll be having mine too, haha I need to brainstorm because my awards are lame. For best cameo award, can you believe Max the dog from "You Deserve Better" is nominated? It's a goldie, no doubt I want him to win! 

I followed most of BNMusic Artiste on twitter. Of course, most of them are in Korean..but I can  read some. Sanchez @NZmightySanchez and Kiggen @HybReFine of Phantom and Verbal Jint. @ freevj do tweet in English sometimes. As one @iloveasone  both are fluent in English, so they tend to tweet in both language.

Brand New Music 대박!

Tuesday 4 December 2012

My star collection trading

I wish I could but since I live in a Kampung, purchasing through online is not convenient for me. I only can get my Kpop stuff from KL specifically this shop. My brother is currently working in KL so I got to know the shop through him. i am not sure if there's other stores like them but I do know some music store that sells Kpop CDs.. I compared prices, this shop sells slightly cheaper and gurantee from Korea!

For those not living in KL.. You might want to singgah the shop if you're happen to be in KL so here's my direction. i stayed at the hotel for 5 days so I kinda know the place.

The shop is located in Berjaya Times square, 5th Floor West side. If you go to BTS via monorail,(the monorail station is connected to the building with bridge) you're probably at the first floor on the east side. You may use the lift to 5th floor but make sure you read the lift sign as some lift don't stop at 5th floor.

Once you're at 5th floor, remember you're at the east side so just go to west side, which is straight up. The shop is next to the west escalator which is at the furthest end of the mall. It has two shop lots, both are the same owner.

If you coming from the ground floor of the main entrance, if you want to walk more, use the escalator on your right, and then walk straight to find another escalator on the furthest end. Just go through the escalator until you reach 5th floor, at the floor, turn around the escalator and you should able to find the shop nearby. If you malas, then, at the ground floor, just look for the lift on the right side which is nearby sony or a money changer. Use the glass lift, then just move around west side of 5th floor and you'll find the shop. Just remember the shop is next to the escalator.

The shop owner and employee are friendly so just ask them any question. I ask price a lot ahaha. Mau tengok budget mah. They know their stuff so don't worry. You probably won't find non idols stuff though..

You can also ask them to help order, so give them a call say 3 weeks before?

http://mystar.appee.com/template_content_248.php

I wish I had called earlier..haha better luck next time.

Anyway, if you're a new kpop fan, let me tell you first that Kpop CDs are expensive. The ones in speedy are not directly import from Korea unless there's a sticker "IMPORTED" but that's not easy to get. Most of them are either imported from China, which I won't recommed to buy. if you really want to buy, Cube artiste has deals with universal, so that's considered official. Read the labels, if you're not sure.. Check online before purchasing.

There's a shop in City Mall Sabah that also sell some Kpop CD but I'm not sure if it's still around. Sometimes it's genuine but they also have stuff imported from China. Again my advice, check online before purchasing. If you're going to spend money, let it be legit from Korea or at least approved original.

If you're confuse, you can always tweet me @HallyuSurfer.

Monday 3 December 2012

I'm loving Ailee I'll show you

It's a fact I don't really care for solo singers because I already love too many idols to try keep up with solo singers too. However my girl, Ailee is different. I somewhat know her early on because she's famous for being Wheesung's protege. Early this year she starred in Dream High 2 (it's boring..don't watch) and it's a shame they didn't really give her voice much spotlight in the drama.

Right after that she debuted with the single "Heaven". It didn't exactly wowed me because the song is something I usually pass on. It's not bad just personal preference. Then she appeared on Patti Kim special on Immortal Song 2. She instantly made me a fan. She's a rookie but her stage persona feels like a veteran. Every time she appear on the show, I know she will give a great performance.

My expectation shoot up really high for this single and she delivered! To be frank, this kind of music is something I have to listen properly before liking it. However the lyrics was an instant hit for me as I love the strong message it brings. It is strong yet classy, you want to deliver a message without being on anyone's face and this is how you do it miss A. The balance of strong message while keeping intact of feminine sides is charming.

This song remind me of the great "I will survive" by Gloria Gaynor. It's similar in many ways but in a good way of course. There are a lot of similar songs that have this theme but none really feel as classy as this one.

The ultimate revenge is to prove yourself better than what those jerks thought of you. Not only you feel better about yourself, you also made that jerk realize that it's their loss.

The song started slow and it has the eerie feeling.. Almost like a ghost who's back for a revenge. Come in chorus, it felt like a party or a celebration is going on. Perhaps a celebration of getting rid of that jerk in your life?

Although the song is not my kind of song, I really do love the attitude and the lyrics of the song.

I'm hating Yoseob Caffeine

Yes, my fellow b2uties, you have my permission to virtually kill me now.

Unlike SungKyu, I know exactly what I want from Yoseob and this wasn't it. When I first got to know that Yoseob will debut solo, I was excited. I am curious of how the composer going to play with Yoseob voice because I think Yoseob voice is versatile and suits to be experimental. When I found out JunHyung was the composer, my heart literally sank. I love you JunHyung but I kinda figure you won't be experimental with him.

Then I got to know the title of the song is "Caffeine". Oh gosh.. Hate me all you want but I am reminded of 10cm Americano and I half expect it will have similar message. Not that I already read the lyrics, it's just by the title you can pretty much guess the meaning of the song. I am not expecting to be surprise. It's just ..... You know I'm still bitter about the "like a g6" lyrics in Thanks To.. I don't like this kind of referrence thingy. It's not creative.

The song was predictable.. Come on guys, this is already a risky move in Kpop so why play it safe? Junhyung, you're a rapper.. please do proper featuring! The part "You're bad to me, so bad to me" should be give to other background vocalist. I really don't have to say this but how can you f**k up the intro? I don't feel Yoseob sing-talk goes well with the instrumental at all.

I am throughly disappointed. You can do anything with Yoseob vocals and this song does not do justice. It felt like this song should be just in the album becsuse it don't feel like a main song. Maybe to make this song better, we need different voice. I only listen 3 times, I'm already bored of it.

Junhyung, please learn how to use hook from your good buddy Shinsadong Tiger. The hook of the song has to have impact but this is just meehh. I go back listening to Bang Yong Guk's I remember featuring Yoseob. That was an awesome way to showcase Yoseob's vocal!

I'm loving Kim Sungkyu's 60 sec

Someone must have take a peek on my dream because both of my bias in Infinite and Beast debut as solo!

I feel like 2012 is the year to try new things. I appreciate it, thanks for giving me something new! I'm starting with SungKyu because he released first and older. Technically Yoseob is sunbae (Senior) and kind of dongap(he was born early 90's considered same age in Korea)..but well, my blog my rules..

Sungkyu did a stint on KBS Immortal Songs 2 but I wasn't really sure what to expect from him because he has this unique voice. To be honest, he debut solo before Woohyun was a big surprise to me because I have heard rumors of WooHyun solo debut before but not him.

Woohyun is the main vocal of the group definitely has better technique but I do prefer SungKyu's unique voice. His voice is distinct and stood out in a good way. I find the tone of his voice very charming to the ears.

Not knowing what to expect, I just click play on the video with an open mind. Yeah I love it! He suita very well with pop rock song, if I'm not mistaken he was in a band before. The song is easy listening and combine with the pretty video, it was just perfect for the season.

When the song first started, it sound like a typical ballad song. I love the momentum of each beat when it transtition to a rock feel, and when the chorus kicks in.. That's the higlight!

I haven't check the lyrics but the song felt like it was a story telling kind of lyrics. I think it's sort of a mellow feeling to the lyrics, if it is, that would be great because in this song, it felt like SungKyu was crying out the lyrics. The voice in the song has this sorrow feeling.

It's a good song to listen when you feel a little heartbroken or maybe if it's drizzling outside. Have a cup of warm drink too!

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. ...