Hallyusurfer Top 16 Kpop of 2016

Kpop in 2016 has been quite interesting, the debut of IOI, a girl group formed by Mnet's Produce 101 which see trainees from various companies including JYP. The top eleven trainee debuted and also disband this year had 3 release, Dream Girl, Whatta Man and Very Very Very but the strangely addicting "Pick Me"is the most notable song from the show. In between promotions, Chaeyeon who was already in DIA is the busiest, because she also stars in Drinking Solo did some promotion with DIA. SeJong and Mina debuted with Gugudan (which literally means timetable wtf) and Yeonjung was the SuJu Kyuhyun to WSJN. If the future of the members are reflected on the promotions outside IOI.. I'm afraid it won't be very promising.

SM were quite busy last year but nothing compares to this year rush. Every single week SM released a digital single with SM Station and mind you, that it also has a video. That's a lot of work! I haven't been keeping up with the SM Station releases because I blame it on Kdrama addiction but I love it because it showcase the diversity of SM talent. I think it's something only SM is capable of doing because they are one of the biggest company with many employees. Not only SM Stations were doing well, but also the major comebacks. Every month, there's bound to have one or two SM
artiste doing a comeback or debut.

While I do try to watch music bank every week, I really don't care for the charts anymore because I just don't. Honestly I have yet to hear their songs, but I hope they continue to do well. SMTM5 were a nice surprise, I really did like most of the release, my favorite is of course by Bewhy, Forever is such a cool song and Day Day is a jam.

Without a further due, here is my list. It is based on my preference in KPop..nothing to do
with who is popular or had the most sale.


1. All I Wanna Do - Jay Park

I don't have to look back on my 2015 list because I clearly remembered that my top1 was
Jay Park feat Loco and Gray "My Last". I am so happy that yet again, this year it's Jay
Park topping the list because I really do like his music. All I wanna Do is essentially
the Jay Park. The English version is a lil naughter but fun and the Korean version
is exciting with the addition of Hoody and Loco featuring but the winner is clearly the
part that goes "Unless you're Tinashe".

2. Stay With Me - Jay Park

Jay Park back to back.. I was very close of just putting all of his songs on "Everything
You Wanted" album on this list.. I could but that's not entirely how I felt. I instantly
love this song. I just had to put this on the list and no.2 seems right. I love when he
strips down (pun intended) and just sang without any gimmicks. Jay Park knows what
the public likes and he's good at delivering his songs.

3. Don't Forget - Crush feat Taeyeon

On my half year list, this was the no.1. I still love it even it was released in early this year
when it's still cold. Now that winter is coming, I feel like the song is still fresh. Crush
also recently released Fall (aptly during fall) and I like it but Don't Forget is still
a gem among all of his song. I hope that Crush will continue making great songs.

4. D (Half Moon) - Dean feat Gaeko

On paper, I don't think I would like Dean's music, I for one, really dislike adding sound effects
to songs because it's noise not music. leave it to Dean to make me like his music. Would it
be an exaggeration to call him a music genius? Perhaps so..but that's how I feel whenever I
listen to his songs. Dean wants his song to be like a story and he certainly accomplished that.
I can't wait for his future released. He had a pretty good year, and I hope he continues to
flourish.

5. Why - Taeyeon

Among all of the idols out there, Taeyeon certainly tops the list of idols that public want a
solo released. She does it incredibly well. I like that she trys different kind of concept
for her comeback. Why is my favorite, it maybe the most idol-like but I have the feeling that
this is the song that she personally really loves.

6. Monster - EXO

The thing about EXO is that they are super duper famous that they can just sing whatever and it's
a gurantee to win no.1 because of the power fandom. Didn't quite like Lucky Ones or Lotto, don't know if it was coincident but I didn't like Love me right last year...Yup let's conclude that if EXO release a song titled with an "L" I might not like it. Monster is perhaps my favorite EXO release so far. I love it from the moment I heard the first beat. I normally don't like sound effect but it adds richness to the song.

7. Tell Me What is Love - Yoo Young Jin feat D.O.

If Yoo Young Jin was a little prettier, maybe SM will make him into an idol but thank God that didn't happen because songs like this don't need no idol... I mean sorry D.O. but Yoo Young Jin was a clear winner if this was a battle. I look forward for the next release!

8. Woo Hoo - Mamamoo

Okay this is going to make me feel slightly embarrass as a Moomoo.. I didn't know that they already released the song in the summer! I hope it at least did charted somehow? yup, I'll be googling later. My review of this song is posted before this post. :D

9. All Mine - f(x)

Only Luna (which btw is my pup name!) promote this year but if there's any song I really wanted to see being perform from the SM Station was this song. I enjoyed the summery song and I love how happy the girls looked on the MV. Hopefully by 2017 we will see a better and gorgeous f(x) back!

10. Save ME - BTS

The song genre is just trendy for 2016, I think a lot of songs charted on Billboard has similar flair. I still love this song the most out of all the songs they released this year and I hope they will release songs that have a similar vibe to this song.

11. Try - Jimin

What would it be like if Jimin decided to join SM or YG instead? Maybe not YG, because YG is
master of delays, SM probably would let her have more songs out. I know the Jimin adores her
JYP Nation but damnit, JYP is sleeping on her talent. Her mini album is so good. I like every
single song. I wished she had more promotion than Twice. Let us fan see her perform more often!
I think her personality is good for TV, but I don't really like her stint in ASC. She's not
a good MC. She often mumbles her words and have awkward pauses. I don't know if she's better
now but she is born to be a singer. There's no doubt about that.

12. TT - Twice

Obviously Twice is an attractive group but their talent has always been debatable. If any,
I think their best talent is timing. I have no idea why are they so fascinated with zombies
and cosplay but it just works. Cheer Up was the biggest hit of 2016 but I cannot bring myself
to admit to like the song because let's be honest that the song is messy. "sha sha" was cute
but that was it. TT is a recycle of their previous concept but the timing was perfect. They
released the adorable video near halloween and I love it. I don't care for Halloween but the
song is the best they have released so far. I just feel odd seeing Sana being brunette. I'm
so used to seeing her as blonde. I don't know if it's the JYP thing but JYP artiste always had
the same formula. Why can't JiHyo start? Why is it always Nayeon? Why do they always make the
foreigners stands out the most?

13. Tell Me What to Do - SHINee

Whenever I think of SHINee.. I feel old because they remind me of my early days as a kpop fan
but I was not expecting them to go retro! 1 of 1 isn't a bad song.. it matched the group but
I thought SM loves EDM stuff and SHINee does well with trendy songs so I was sad because View
was awesome, I wanted something similar. Thankfully they returned with Tell Me What To Do.
Only if they didn't make Minho rap, this song might charted higher. Sure, Minho has improved
a lot, but it was bad in this song. He is the reason why idol rappers received so many crap.
I can just pretend that part never exist. I love MinHo the most. Don't kill me for saying
the truth.

14. Whatta Man - IOI

When I first saw the title, I thought it sound outdated because no one really uses Whatta anymore.
I was right because it's somewhat a cover of an 80's song. This updated version sounded fresh and
it was the right concept for the girls. Although the members are quite young, they don't seem to
do cute concept well. I would love to see YeonJung, Chaeyeon, Mina and Sejong perform this song but at last.. I don't think it would happen.

15. Shut up and Groove - Heize feat Dean

Dean was so lovable with Taeyeon in the Starlight MV, people be shipping them two but not me. I
ship Heize and Dean. I think both of them have a similar vibe and style. Both of them can get
crazy experimental together.. Can you see Taeyeon sing this song? nope. This is song is totally
Dean experimental style and Heize is the queen of this song.

16. The Truth is - Jay Park

Lyrics are painfully witty and the song is catchy. It's Jay Park, what's not to love? I know 3 songs in one list seems a lot and I feel a bit guilty for showing too much bias but this my blog, let me have my way! lol

Special mention Taeyeon's 11.11 Fanxy Child (Zico, Crush DEAN) Bermuda Triangle. Love these two song but I am not obsess enough to include into the list because it's fairly new.

Happy New Year!

Mamamoo Memory Review

It's been a while since I last wrote a Kpop album review! I hope to write at least one more before the year ends...if schedule permits. :P

Mamamoo is one of the groups that I always anticipate because they have talent to pull off any genre with their own twist. This album is perhaps my favorite.


01. 그리고 그리고 그려봐

If it wasn't for Christmas being around the corner, I probably wouldn't have gone past the first minute. I don't like songs that felt super slow. This song from the first beat is reminisce of Christmas, a song that I might play when it's still dark outside in the morning or just before bed time in Christmas eve because the song felt like longing for Christmas. I wish they would opt for a simple narration instead of a rap, I felt like it spoilt the flow of the song.

02. Decalcomanie (데칼코마니) *Title

Mamamoo title track has a signature sound indeed. I don't think I have to check who sing the song if I heard this song in the radio. I wish they would do something different for the next promotion because I do believe they got the talent to do so. If you haven't already check out their performance in Blue Dragon Awards, Please do, it's definitely one of their best performance yet, very witty and still sound amazing. Definitely only something Mamamoo can pull off!

03. NEW YORK

I probably should to see the translation of this song because it got me wondering why so many songs as made for New York? The song is theatrically reminisce of Broadway. I don't really fancy this song but the production is good. Perhaps New York people (I don't know the term) would appreciate the song better

04. Moderato (Feat. Hash Swan)

I saw Hash Swan name and immediately squeal inside because I think Hash Swan should have advance further in SMTM5. His rapping style is just refreshing to hear and his excution was just great. The intro of this song is so mesmerising. My favorite part when they sing-rap together. It was perfection.  The song tempo and beat feels outdated... like early 2000s vibe? I don't hate it because familiarity is always welcome.

05. Angel

This is a duo single for Whee In and Solar. This song is not bad but got me teary...as in bored. By the first verse over.. I badly want to hit Next button. This song doesn't really showcase their singing talent. In fact any other decent singer could have sing this song just fine. Whee In and Solar can do way better than this

06. DAB DAB

The intro is already begging me to hit Next. I hate the music so much. Minus the Rhythm, perhaps I would have like the song but I don't think it would changed my mind too much; Hwasa voice is amazing in this song. I think she should consider doing more musical work. I think she would fit perfectly in a theatre production

07. 놓지 않을게

I adore this song so much! I think they should have promote this song instead! It fits the winter feel right now. I want to see them perform this song! The song is sweet like honey, from the limited Korean understanding, I think the lyrics are pretty too. I can listen to this song all day. I love you too Mamamoo~!

08. 기대해도 좋은 날

This song is such a 90's throwback. This is my favorite song of the album. That intro always makes me going. Another song that I would like them to perform..except the song is kinda summery feel to it, so I think if they released this song in the summer, it would hit daebak! Even the title would fit the summer. I don't know the official translation, but basically it meant "Waiting/Expecting a good day"

I would continue to listen, number 4, 7 and 8. I probably would watch the main title track performance but I don't really enjoy the song. The rest isn't my favorite genre.

Weekend drama Check In

I'm currently watching both SBS Our Gabsoon and KBS Wolgyesu Gentlemen Tailor Shop (hereby known as Laurel Tree Tailor) which are weekend drama that typically have 50 episode. I'm currently at 30+ episode and I just want to a quick post on what my impression so far.

I don't have a preferrence.. I just watch both drama without any insight. I'm familiar with the setups of big family, a bit of surprise here and there but nothing too extreme. Just enough to keep being interest going. 

Our Gabsoon got me pulling my hair.. not literally because I love my hair. I think the drama is trying to push all of my buttons. I have zero empathy for Gabsoon's mother. I think Go Duk Sim is a lovely actress but somehow she plays all the types of mom I like to hate. I just want to stop her for being so ego. The aunt is the worst character in the drama. Why does family drama like to make the aunts the worst?? Gabdol was a jerk but slowly he's better now or I would have drop the drama.. I wouldn't want to continue watching the drama if he wouldn't change. Gabsoon looks promising now too and I hope she continues with her small business. I want people to change their bias against cleaners. They are doing a noble job.. no need to take pity on them. 

I'm particularly holding on for this drama for Lee Wan charactrer to get better. I want something more from him because I think he can do better than this. He is too much in the background. I also rooting for JaeSoon to be happier. She's a great person, I wish people would appreciate her more. She's too good to be left out.

Lee Dong Guk and Jo Yoon Hee couple is the most boring couple right now and because they are the main couple, I have to suffer through their scene a lot. I skipped all of their scenes. My favorite couple is "Ah Choo" couple lol. I find it funny whenever Lovelyz song Ah Choo is being played. Hyun Woo is such a cutie pie. I really hope HyoSang and Ji Yun would break up because I don't want Ji Yun and Hyun Woo to be in an awkward position. 

Right now the drama is hinting that Ra Miran character might be sick (I haven't watched the latest episode yet). I hope they wouldn't go into that route. I don't want to be emotional! She's the boss of making the show fun! I think the grandparents are the cutest old couple. 

I hope both of the dramas don't try too hard and just stay as it is. 

Reply 1994 review

Last year, I watched Reply 1988 which was my first Reply series, then I watched 1997 in October and obviously I had to complete it by watching 1994 as well. Finally I completed it! It feels good to complete a series but I feel sad that it's over..or is it? Add me on the list of people waiting for Reply 2002 to happen. It has to happen because everyone in Korea really love soccer and it's the biggest happy event in the country.

I took a while to come up with this post because I had a bit of a writers block and now, my memory is a bit hazy..also because I fast forward a lot. I know it's for the sake of being nostalgic but one of the reason I feel Reply series feels draggy because of the narration that I didn't care about. I just think it's could be shorter. It's like hearing my grandparents' story and you want them to just get into the point. Sorry, I'm just an impatient person.

Reply 1994 is probably my favorite. although I'm more familiar with 1997 culture..it being new and I had a bit of an age by then.. I thought I feel 1994 evokes more nostalgic factor. I think the friendship in the series is really cute. My favorite character, Haitai is unexpectedly charming. I love when he baby-sat Sook Sook. It was such an adorable sight.

The characters in this drama uses nicknames and whenever they try to reveal the real name, it got interrupted. It was hilarious. I always anticipate on how they were going to cover up the real name! Is Joon name really that popular? 4 of the 5 males had "Joon" in their name. Wait, even Najung's brother had "Joon" in his name.

For this drama, I love the friendship between housemates more than the love lines. I didn't think the husband hunting game was particular fun.. Maybe because I already knew but I thought it was pretty obvious. Chilbong is just sweet. I'm obsess with Yoo Yeon Seok these days. Sseureki is not exactly trashy. haha I'm not weirded out by his trashy action at all. okay maybe a tiny bit.

My Wife is Having an Affair This Week Review

I was totally turn off by the long title but I don't think it's quite direct. I was so sure I wasn't going to write a review, I only will write a review after I completed the drama and it's not longer than 2 days from completion. I didn't think I would go past episode 4.

After On the Way to the Airport, (another long title!) I was going to swear off from watching affair theme drama because I don't see the point of watching drama uncomfortably. Affairs are uncomfortable, and I honestly skip all the scenes that made me feel uncomfortable in this drama. Even though the drama has parts I don't like, I enjoyed the drama.

I like the setting of the drama, it reminiscent of a Manga I read years ago, Densha Otoko and this drama is actually a Japanese remake.

Do Hyun Woo (Lee Sung Kyun) read his wife Jung So Yeon (Song Ji Hyo) texts, indicating an affair is about to happen in a week. He was in a deep dilemma on how to handle the situation and embarrassed to confide to his friends. In a wimp, he posted his story online and get advice from the online users.

We got to see the glimpse of the users and I thought it was interesting because I am online a lot and I read feedback almost religiously. I don't have a picture to the strangers online that give comments. I always assume that it's an Asian American, early 20s and female unless they actually describe themselves. I like that the variety of people who supported "Toycrane" (Do Hyun Woo online ID) are coming from various walks of life.

The side story of Eun Ah Ra ( Ye Ji Won) and serial cheater, Choi Yoon Ki (Kim Hee Won) is either satisfying or brutally honest. I'm quite scared to see the calamity of  Ahra because you know that she's a true badass.

The couple that made me like the drama so much is Ahn Joon Young (Lee Sang Yeob) and Kwon Bo Young (BoA). The couple is adorable and I like the dynamic bickering between the two. I think their relationship progression is quite realistic for couple that has gone through storms.

At 12 episode, it may seem short but I think it's a good compact episode without the need to fast forward any part. If affair makes you uncomfortable, feel free to skip the affair part and just watch what goes through the Do Hyun Woo mind. Unlike OTWA, I do think I will watch the show again in the future because I think the minor characters makes the drama special.

I might try to find the Japanese version to compare.