I WON

On month of February I enter a contest by MTV Asia to win "S.E.O.U.L. Super Junior & Girls' Generation" Autograph Poster and while checking e-mail,

Jaime Lee of MTV Asia send me an e-mail telling me I WON!!

OMG, this is my first time winning a contest and it's Super Junior! I was hoping I will win it because it's really my first time entering a contest! It was very easy to enter the contest so I entered it. Wow. I won.

There were only 25 poster given away and I was one of them. :D

I'm worried though, because the e-mail was sent last week, I only reply today to give another address of mine because they can't send through PO BOX. *finger crossed.

The picture above is probably the one I will be receiving, since the e-mail said Super Junior and Girls Generation not Siwon and TaeYeon or other couple poster. I'm all good, since I want the wanted posted above or the least the magnae couple!

Watch the MV!



I still remember what I wrote, It was to select a favorite SuJu or SNSD member.

"Selecting a favorite member it's like asking who do I like better, Mom or Dad? I can't possibly choose either one. I have to say though that ShinDong is inspiring, he's big size but it doesn't stop him from chasing his dreams. Being an overweight myself, I think that's admirable"

Something like that la.. I change a little because have to be under 50 words or under 300 character. Thank You Shin Dong!~~

Korea invades Animax!

I haven't watch Animax for a long time (I'm a Manga person) but I randomly turn the channel to 715 on Astro and stumble upon Animax frequent ad on brand new image for the channel. I was curious..was it new layout? I'm interested in changes so I tuned the channel frequently so I won't miss it.

It turns out that Animax is adding Korean Shows! WHAT??? Yes, from the promotional clip, I saw clips of Coffee Prince and Goong!

So I check the website to confirm whether it's Korean show or just old drama..well, here you are the quote from the website.

Its change in appearance is also complemented by the addition of more live-action shows led by a brand new Korean youth-interest programming block to serve up entertainment, variety, reality and ‘idol’ drama shows, as well as movies.


With Japanese and Korean entertainment proving extremely popular with youth audiences across Asia, Animax which already specializes in Japanese anime and youth programming, will add on Korean live-action shows in the channel’s programming line-up.


From May 2010, Malaysian Animax viewers can expect to enjoy the Korean programming block including entertainment, variety, reality and drama shows, as well as movies, starting initially with popular drama series like Coffee Prince, My Girl and Princess Hours. The shows will be dubbed in local languages Bahasa Malaysia for Malaysia, with viewers having the option of catching the shows in original Korean language audio with English subtitles.


“With Korea and Japan continuing to lead entertainment trends in Asia, the addition of Korean live-action shows to our forte of Japanese entertainment enables Animax to live up to its promise as the region’s premiere youth destination. With fresh programming choices, a new look that embodies the spirit of the channel, and a whole suite of new on-air and on-line interactive opportunities, viewers can expect a whole new and immersive Animax experience that is truly ‘A World Less Ordinary’. Going forward, we are also expecting to further localize Animax for individual markets with programming and marketing initiatives to tailor to the needs of audiences in specific markets,” said Gregory Ho, Vice President and General Manager, Animax Asia.

Well I am excited for the changes but although it seem odd..I think I won't mind if they just stuck being famous for providing great animes. I wondered how would the otaku receive this news, because if KBS decide to add English shows like American Idol for whatever reason..I am to throw a fit!

It just show how much Kpop influence in overseas that attracts Animax to show Kpop shows. Hallyu fever anyone?

For more infos on the changes, go here. Oh btw, I've checked Astro AEC's Love Letter. It's in Korean Language but with Chinese subtitle and doesn't have the option of BM subtitle.

Little Changes.

I recently changed a few settings in blogger and I stumble a new function called "Page".

I've shifted my Glossary post to the page and soon I'll add contacts info. It's time to get rid of some widgets! :D

I rearranged some of the widgets according my preferrence of the whole page. Hopefully you won't get too confuse. Everything about blogging is on the left and about myself it's on the right.

I got new header. Ahaha..not so creative. Their faces are EPIK!

Oh btw, since this post is too short,(I can't possibly have two short post back to back) Did you know that Love Letter is shown on AEC Channel 301 on Astro? It's a free channel..everyone who has Astro can view it.

Schedules

Sunday 7.30AM
Monday 2.30AM
Satuday 4.00AM

What shizziy schedules, I got it from Astro website itself! I've watched it before on Youtube..I don't know if I'm interested on watching old episodes. As much the concept is interesting, I don't enjoy seeing people serenade each other. (unless it's Kim Kyung Rok and HwangBo) Though, it probably has better quality than the ones you watched on YT.

I'll try watch it on Saturday, see if was being dubbed or no Malay subtitle. Till then!

4 Weeks

My favorite music show is cancelled yet again! Music Bank will not return this week.

Sigh, it has been a month already without Music Bank! I hope when they return it would be spectacular because they got lots of time to prepare. I suddenly miss the MCs.

I haven't been watching other music shows as well.. the video quality is just so annoying these days.. and HD videos take ages to load. I'm going to wait for Music Bank to premiere.

Fingers crossed that it won't get cancelled next week.

Anniversary

As you might know, anniversary is a big deal in Korea. If you date a Korean, be sure to count the days of being together because anyone forgets the 100th Day anniversary will be good as death. This anniversary applies to almost anything, I don't know how to count the dates of 100th day since debut but I tried to get updated.

Anyway.. Hallyusurfer.blogspot.com is turning 2 on 7th May!

I got so many moments with this blog..I'm just happy to see new people commenting each day..deeply appreciate it! I'm planning to do something for this blog..more than just changing the header, like the whole layout but that usually took more than a week to finish. I'm sure I can have other ideas right? :D

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It had been on my mind for a long time to organize a fan gathering with fellow KK people..I have no idea how to start because I have limited network. I'm so jealous of West Malaysian who had organize various gatherings..Probably I shall check Brunei Kpop community? I want to meet other fans like me too!

*sigh Tunggu sya pandai drive dan ada duit sendiri la..mau plan tapi tidak fleksible pun!

Analysising the Idol formula.

I'm so happy a new person followed me so I'm excited to blog more often, okay..honestly more like guilty of not blogging much..stop following me! LOL kidding.

Idols..thanks to Kpop it totally change my understanding of "idol". In Kpop terms, it is used to refer popular groups like DBSK and SuJu. These days I'm seeing newbies too garner the title idol. Probably it's changing to idol = groups because groups always do well.

Typically 5 is a good number for idols group, but the current trend is the more members the better, as seen with U-Kiss and After School. I guess we can thank SuJu and SNSD for that.

Although I love seeing more group members it can be hard for the members because fans can't remember well sometimes. Yes, I still having a hard time memorizing ZE:A. Someday I will, I promised. Another thing is the share income..as you know, they don't get much from CD sales and the sales aren't great either.

From my observation, 5/6 is the best number of members. Unless it's from the big three SM, JYP and YG, I would think it's best they stick with the rule. These big three have loyal fans that know trainee and get better exposure when they get ready for debut.

Apart from having talents, appearance is a major factor in marketing idols. SM tactics is to have at least one member that have strong appearance like JaeJoong, HeeChul, TaeMin, Amber and YoonA. These listed are usually the one first noticed by fans.

As for JYP, don't have a great face? it's okay..just wear some glasses and work out. It's all about the body at JYP. YG is famously known for searching talent rather than looks which indirectly garners fan curiosity.

We as fan would love to dig up stories on our favorite celebrities would love an idol with personality. I do think the background of members are taken into great accounts. Entertainment agency usually accepts more potential trainers who have stayed overseas. It's also good if they're interested in expanding their market in China or Japan with having multilingual singers.

I see that there are rules that shapes the idol personality after a long observation.

1. Idol members are usually prevented from smoking and drinking in public for fear of ruining their image despite they're not underage.

2. Best vocalist, get less talk on variety show. It's to show mysterious image for viewers.

3. Best dancers are usually rappers

4. Ability to speak English too are usually rappers.

5. 1st debut stage is cutesy or safe..the next album is 180 degree makeover and claim that they have become manlier.

6. Manlier or sexier always comes together with dark concept.

7. Everyone had their bad hair days..*shudders at YooChun's long hair or GD's pineapple hair..

8. They always dance. ALWAYS..I don't get it why won't they perform ballads more often!

9. Their songs are like Beat It. The have the same line over and over again.

10. No matter what, someone has to rap in a ballad song..except SNSD because they don't have rappers.

U-Kiss coming to Malaysia

The 7 member group is coming to Malaysia! I usually don't want to post this since I am so near yet so far but it's on 17th June! I might have a chance of going, plus it's a day after my mum's birthday! Hehe she's official 50 by then, so traveling might be possible!



I maybe just a casual fan now, but I've been following U-kiss since their debut and I'm not their new fan. I've already been one long time ago! I really love "Not Young", dislike Niga Chuwayo, disappointed Man Man Ha Ni and mixed feelings about Bingeul bingeul.

I'm happy they got more fan, I knew they could make it.. I bet the new fans didn't know this but U-Kiss did win rookie award back in 2008! Many said they didn't deserve it..didn't my boys proved you wrong? :D

Anyway, speaking of the video...they showcase their multi-language capabilities, SooHyun, KiSeop and KiBum are born and raise in South Korea..not really sure what language did they learn on their own. (i do know KiBum can speak Japanese) Kevin is famously know for living in USA and one of Kpop artist that are fluent in English. Eli also stayed in USA and China..he also good at martial arts! I think I've seen him writing in Chinese before. Dong Ho, the magnae had studied in China before and thus, he speaks and writes Chinese fluently. Alexander is from Hong Kong/Macau could speak 6 languages..

Oldies and Talented

Radio is sure a great platform to promote your song and showcase your talent. I've been watching radio cuts on YT (where else?) and I stumble amazing covers..I decided to check out the real deal.

I particular love D-NA radio cuts, and they've been covering Noel and 4Men. Noel is an old school idol group while 4men is a newbie (i think?)



I really like the song after viewing D-NA covering it..



LOL at Karam imitating Mika..I still can't matched Jay face with his voice..he has a really deep voice! He's the one who sing the intro!



Noel's Propose, I like the lyrics..very sweet! Watching this video is so nostalgic. :D



I don't know which one I like better, this cover or 4Men confession cover? It's really good in my opinion.

Black Day

Aigoo..I've been avoiding internet all week but I still didn't
finished up my assignment. My semester is almost finish, which
means project dateline is near..*shudders

Anyway, I felt so bad not replying to Didi earlier so I decided to
blog to make it up for it. Yup..all the work has made me forget
that yesterday was Black Day!

What's Black Day?

There's Valentine's Day, White Day and Black Day..actually every
14th is a special day in Korea but that's the BIG 3 14th celebration.
If you're an avid Manga reader or anime lover, you probably know this
already it's the same in Korea.

On Valentine's Day..the girl would give chocolate to the guy
she's interested with. So yeah, popular guys will get the most
chocolates. As for White Day, which falls on the following month is
when the guys respond to the girl by giving chocolates back.

And..Black Day is when singles who didn't receive chocolates will
be eating Jajangmyeon. Jajangmyeon is a noodle cooked with black
bean paste.

I don't know what is the literal translation of Jajangmyeon but I do
know it is known as Chinese Noodle in Korea. It's only found in Chinese
restaurant in Korea..own by Korean. If I'm not wrong, you couldn't find
it at a real Chinese restaurant in Korea...despite it being the most famous
Chinese dish. (I read it somewhere..or watch through Chitchat global beauty)

To answer Didi's question..

I've been to Korean restaurant in KK before but I always go alone
where I couldn'torder much..I don't recall seeing Jajangmyeon on
the menu but you could eat Hokkien Mee instead.. I don't really
like Hokkien Mee so I don't know where is the best.. :D

-------------------------------------------------------------------

It makes me happy to see new comments from readers. I know I have
9 followers on this blog but I really thought of closing the blog
a couple of times this year because I felt like there's a lot
of other good K-blog out there and I don't provide fast update. Thank You
for reading this lousy blog.

It's my last year in college, so I don't know if I could blog often..all
I know is, I really love blogging. Once again, Kamsahamnida Yoreobun.

Who said?

That radio is boring?



too bad KiKwangie isn't there..He was filming for a sitcom. It's finished now so I'm happy!!

KBS World Jjang!

Well it's obvious my favorite channel is KBS World and they're so great because they're offering KimBum to us!!!!!!

LOL at my choice of words..sorry, but it's true! In conjunction of celebrating their 7th anniversary, KBS World is inviting viewers to participate an event called "World Date with KimBum".

Yup, the picture above is indeed cutie KimBum, of the Boys over Flower fame. He's an 89'er and yes, he's like my major idol back when "Boys Over Flower" aired on KBS World. I'm still rooting for SoEulMates, sigh..

What a bummer that it happen this year, it's my final year in college so I couldn't join even if I win..That's why I'm so good by sharing how to win this event.

Please visit this website and download the .doc file for the application form.

[Criteria for Selection]

Basic Points:
1. Female, over the age of 20, with Asian citizenship (Not an ethnic Korean) and who can trip abroad without the parents’ consent.
2. Female who can communicate in English.
3. Female who loves Korea and Kim Beom.
4. Female who has a passport and has no disqualification to travel overseas.

Preferential Points:
1. Female who has special talents (Eg> Fashion model, Dancer, Culinarian, Traditional artist, Instrument player, Martial Artist, etc.)
2. Female with high interests in Korean culture (Korean celebrities, dramas, music, etc.)


[For the final winners (5 people), KBS World will present]

-Date with Kim Beom (Arriving in Seoul on April 18th and leaving on April 23rd)
-Airfare, travelers insurance
-Fees for VISA, Airport Surcharge (Receipt must be submitted for the reimbursement)
- Accommodation, transportation and meal while staying in Korea


[What and where to submit]
Please submit the application form and 3 pictures through email
kbsworlddate@gmail.com


[Deadline for submission]
2010 April 12.

The requirement is simple! Wow..except I'm not even 20 yet and I have no interesting talent. I'm not eligible anyway...*crys in the corner

Good Luck!!!

That's it?

I felt like I waited for nothing..



It would be so great if they don't include the dance because it's supposed to be a story version why retain the dance scene? I do love the dance very much but it's teasing me too much!

I was expecting like Kelly Clarkson's "Since you been gone" or Pink's "So what" kind of video..I mean if you want revenge you would go all out!

R.I.P. Choi Jin Young

I can't believe this. I felt like it was so recent his sister died and he had to followed his sister mistake as well. This is so unfair to the children and their mother.

I hope Choi Jin Sil's children and mother stay strong. Two suicides in a two year span? That's too much.

Rest in peace Choi Jin Sil and Choi Jin Young. May God forgive you.

Obsession

I'm having a headache now because of this

I thought I know everyone...but I manage to get almost all..if it wasn't for the spelling I'm very sure I could get all of them except some soloist and Ze:A members!

Aside from the usual Beast or SMTown obsession, I'm loving D-NA! I really hope this won't be another A'ST1 (btw, miss them so much!) I have not check their variety shows yet but I just like seeing them performing..:D While checking them, I realize something..those fanclub are seriously dedicated! I always wanted to be involved in a fanclub (international forum) but I just don't have the time and it's not always I love them... I mean, for example U-Kiss..I was regularly in U-Kiss forum (Rocketboxx) until they promoted Niga chuwayo... Some fan I am, not dedicated at all! Now I'm just a casual listener of U-Kiss. Maybe D-NA will suffer the same if they change 180 degree for the next single.

I'm just admiring D-NA faces at the moment.. InJoon is sooo cute, probably because it's my Chunnie biased..as InJoon look awfully like Chunnie! Karam was the first member caught my attention but his eyes like so huge I just want to ask him where he did them..I won't believe if he said it's natural! Jay is such an interesting kid! He should be friends with DongHo another 94'er ehehe that would be fun to look forward to, but he's amazing dancer..speaking of dancer, do you notice the people who dances well always end up being the rapper? (well I got any idea for the next post already!)

However I'm not interested with the pairing Mika and HyunMin..it's one pairing I don't enjoy. I just focused on the three BFF! I've been starring the group but it seem they don't have interaction with Ukiss or Beast..:( Maybe I missed it, do tell me if you saw it!

I've been trying so hard to memorize ZE:A but it's not working..I like the new single but the video is so not helping me at all! WTFish got so many cast in the MV! Hairstyle so similar..wished someone had crazy hair or something..

Also trying to know DNT better..honestly slipped off from my mind! Too bad they debuted when girls group ruled..Their single are catchy just not catchy enough to get attention. I only remembered while checking my folders. I can say I got more than 100 videos in my collection!! DNT really got talent especially magnae Tae Kyu! I love his voice!! I wish to hear his husky voice with squeaky Jangmoon (A'St1) voice! I think the contrast could work..

That's all my obsession talk..:D

it's about time!

I could so be in tears of joy! I never felt this happy! Congratulation Beast, You truly deserved it! I've been waiting for this day to come and it's finally here!

I've been watching them since their debut and I, I'm so freaking happy! I don't care about it's Mnet or not, Beast won..they won!!

KiKwang, YoSeob, DooJoon, JunHyun, DongWoon and HyunSeung. Great job, you truly deserved everything!! I hope you will always gain success because I am going to watch you succeed! Congratulation, I promised I will buy your mini albums.
Beast, you made my day..I honestly love you!!

Beast is the B2st!!!

Revisiting

Back when I didn't have a specific obsession I used to check videos on the related video section..Aww, good times!

Well today I stumble a song I used to like very much! Cheered me up, remembering the good ole Kpop. I stumbled it because I was checking out Noel's "Despite Holding On" since Beast is going to perform it today on Mnet. I was bored while waiting so I checked the related videos and remembered Kang Kyun Sung!



I first know the song from music bank..the intro is similar to Neyo's so sick. He didn't do much these days..I guess, I think the last one was with Nicole which posted below



Will try to stalk information about him more..maybe I was blinded by the idol fandom! Anyway, He's actually formerly in Noel that's why he's on the related video.

Beast made me like this song. :D

MPV Review : SNSD Run Devil Run

I'm so happy that "Oh" promotions are over! I know their name is Girls' Generation but most of them are older than me and I am an adult..it's a little shameful to see someone older than me acting all cutesy. it's time to show girl power and what a great song to show it!

Music


I'm not going to compare to that guided version. I like that there's no freaking auto-tune! The girls doesn't need it and I'm so happy they didn't went there again! Honestly I don't like that the lyric includes "Devil" but it's the part I always hum to..ehehe.. it's catchy at the first listen and I hope this will have more success than "Oh" or I'll think Korean simply doesn't have great taste in music. :P

Level of Likeness :9/10

Performance



With all that talk about being "Black Soshi" I totally expected them to be in dark outfits..the outfit looks okay..but I wished they all didn't wear the same..felt like I'm back in school but better looking uniforms! :P Not only that, their hairstyles are similar..This will be hard on the new fans..LOL I love their dance routine though!

Level of Likeness: 8/10

Video



I don't like the video..Fortunately they will be have a story MV as well so I'm waiting for that one. I do like some of their outfits in the video and the girl look way better than in their "Oh" MV. I would rather watch this than "Oh"

Level of Likeness: 9/10

Overall Success: A
(grades ranging from A+ to C-)

Credits to : SM Entertainment
Reviewed by : MimieJay

Introducing D-NA

If I wasn't a blogger I wouldn't have tried so hard in learning all the newbies member name..Since I have no idea what to write, I thought why not learn their names through my blog? :D

2010 saw 4 boy group debuts..(Correct me if I'm wrong) CN Blue, F.Cuz, ZE:A and D-NA. CN Blue was easy to remember because I already know one member and they are easily distinguished. I'm not really interested in F.cuz but it's only 4 so also very easy..ZE:A, have no idea how to remember their names yet but will try.

When I first saw D-NA, I let out a big sigh..thinking "there we go again..everyone looked the same!" Now, I know they are not identical twins but having similar hairstyle is confusing..I always memorize looking at hairstyle, so yeah having really funky hairstyle does get you notice fast!

Just for fun, D-NA is often compare to DBSK because of the similarities..So here's my comparison..MiKa is YunHo because he's the leader, HyunMin is JaeJoong because just like JaeJoong he gives that cold vibe, InJoon is definitely Micky YooChun because they look so similar! Although Jay is the magnae, he's more like JunSu because Junsu is Aegeo(cute). I don't know if Karam resemble ChangMin though since Karam is cute as well..

What I dislike the most is that..Look at the top and below image posted..Don't you think they looked totally different? Come on, don't change your hair in between of promotional shoot and MV filming!

I'm refering to the image below, (left to right)

The guy who rarely smile is HyunMin, The Micky YooChun look-a-like is InJoon, Red haired guy is magnae Jay, The guy who looks like a leader (and is one) is Mika and the cute blond-ish guy is Karam..(yeah, I know Malaysian..LOL)




The easiest name to remember is definitely Karam..LOL which means sink (as in sinking boat) in Malay but so happen if it's in other spelling, "Garam" it means salt in Malay. Sink and Salt for a name..LOL

Basic information on them is that they are all from Xing (the group and the company)and also former team mates with UKiss' KiBum and Kevin with JunHyung of Beast. Yup, JunHyung..I felt weird, since I could totally see Kibum or Kevin being one of the D-NA!

I felt in love with Kpop because of the cuteness, so I do like cute image to make a return..Make it happen!~

Here's Admiring Boy (Tokyo Boy) performance by Dae Guk Nam Ah (D-NA)

Awesome found

A new habit.. AWESOME! Lol..I notice I've been using that word often in writing. I do feel Awesome this week as there's so many positive news this week and it's only Wednesday! just early Tuesday I felt like my life sucked but with Jay, GD, After School and Girls' Generation good news, I'm taking back my word!

I do get bored easily so I like to search for random video..often I would check out TheBeatBoxHitManTwo's channel to check out his latest Kpop beatboxes and I find this



Awesome cover by J.Reyers and Tommy C of IBU of TaeYang's Wedding Dress! TheBeatBoxHitManTwo posted a beatbox of them but hehe..sorry I prefer without the beatbox!



However I thought this beatbox is just super duper cool! Epik High did an amazing job but I have to give props to TheBeatBoxHitManTwo for making the song better! I think this is one of his best beatbox video!

Now move on to dance cover..



Wawa Dance Academy! I always love their dance so I didn't have to check before posting (I am going to watch it anyways) Sometimes they made the dance looked easier.. :D btw it's Mirror Mode..So it'd be easier for you to follow :D



HyunAh's Change dance cover by Annie of AsianCovers.. I really want her to be in Korean Entertainment Scene because she's really good! Do check out their videos on Youtube.. Here, I give you the LINK

Mimie's Popularity Chart

I don't care if the title seem arrogant. This is my blog, I can do whatever I want! :P

This isn't exactly a chart, it's just a list of Kpop I've heard in public places..Kpop artiste, if you're listed here, you're definitely can be called famous!

1. Wonder Girls

Can somebody stop playing "Nobody" please? I had enough of it since December 2008, can you imagine how tortured I am to listen to this almost everyday? One of my lecturer sets it as a ringing tone.. everytime I go to Wawasan, the song never fails to appear!

2. SNSD

Just because one of my classmates plays SNSD songs everyday..and I've heard in pirated music shops often! Don't support piracy okay! Buy original!

3. 2NE1

I think I've heard "I Don't care" and "Fire". Oh I just remembered! Someone sung the song recently at the lift! So funny.. He sang "eh x7 we're 21" LOL

4. OST

hemm..so far I've heard Boys Over Flower OST and You're Beautiful OST..As ringtone and streaming on the player. There's also some random Kpop that I know it's OST..:D

5. Big Bang

Someone had "Last Farewell" as a ringtone. Oh and Lollipop seems to be a favourite of someone..because the person keep on repeating the song over and over and over again!

6. Random artiste

Rain, DBSK, Super Junior, Kara, Brown Eyed Girls, SHINee, 4Minute and I think that's all. I don't hear songs by them often but once or twice..but still worth the mention! Suprisingly..I don't think I've heard anyone played 2PM songs,and yet I've heard someone playing 4Minute song..probably because 4minute always on channel V.