Popular boy band B2ST is coming back with their 5th mini-album titled "Midnight Sun." I laugh quietly at the title, because either it's very clever that they're referencing Stephenie Meyer's unpublished draft of the same name, or going to try and become pale sparkling vampires for their comeback concept. I would actually applaud their comic audacity if they did come back as Edwards. Just sayin'. Their first track from the mini-album is called, "Midnight Sun," and will be released on July 15th, one week prior to their comeback. The track is going to feature the members' dramatic vocals paired with guitar and piano sounds.
If any junior band can try out a more mature, sophisticated image, B2ST would be on the top of my list. Their previous performances for "Fiction" have further proven that they've mastered the "love is pain" idea. I like that they have moved onto more refined themes at a time when new boy bands are boasting their masculinity through aggressive dance numbers or being charming in cute, cheery confessions. Yes, young love is exciting, jaded and angsty, but its the silent longing displayed by the seasoned lovers that really brings intrigue to a love song.
Teaser images of the members have been released. In the black and white photographs, the boys are in shadow, taken from the chest up. This time around, the theme seems to be quiet, manly sophistication, as they are dressed in fancy sport jackets highlighted by metallic accents with sleek hairstyles. Individual teaser videos of the members will be released leading up to their comeback.
Tracklist: (Member Junhyung contributed to the writing of all the lyrics except for "Beautiful Night")
1. Midnight
2. Beautiful Night
3. It's Not Me
4. When I Miss You
5. The Day You Rest
6. Dream Girl
On their 7th episode of "Ranking King," the producers of Mnet invaded the dorm of boy band Infinite and had them rate each other on each member's fashion sense. They were even encouraged to give personal displays of individual member's clothing items. Much laughter arose when the members teased Sunggyu on his love of animal print, Hoya on his love of purple (anything), Sungyeol's repeat-offender wearing habit, Woohyun on his questionable footwear, and L on his distinct yet limited posing stances. Later on in the episode, Mnet went behind-the-scenes to capture the boys at a photo-shoot for "1st Look" magazine, to be released July 9th. The theme of the shoot was for the boys to appear as "cool guys" in simple outfits. Each member got to choose their own accessories for the outfit they were given. The selection included sunglasses, hats and jewelry.
Surprisingly, the boys transformed what appears to be some very casual, very mundane (though probably designer) outfits into very noteworthy editorials by simply adding confident charisma. View the beautiful black and white photographs below.
You can also watch the 7th episode with English Sub on YouTube by clicking the links in the comment box:
"My Sexy is too overwhelming to show both sides of my face."
Myungsoo/L: When I first saw this picture of L, I burst into laughter, because it's exactly one of the poses that L repeats the most- the brooding, "hands in front of face" gesture. Still, we can see why he uses it so often- it emphasizes the beautifully straight planes of his handsome face, while distinguishing his 'most kissable lips' as too curvy for close-ups. His photo here is also one of the most distinct amongst the members, because his straight-stare makes me intimidated and awed. At the same time, what appears to be shoelaces and a strap bracelet look crazy trendy on his wrist. That, my dear, is how you sell fashion.
"In shorts and you can still see my S-line."
Sungjong: Many female fans react with envy whenever Sungjong wears shorts, because his legs are much thinner their their own. However, we can't deny that this boy has style- and the fact that he has an androgenous look makes it even more high fashion. The clean, side-swept bangs haircut is my favorite for many male idols, and here, it ties together to give a preppy, boyish image. On it's own, the shirt actually looks very manly and gives his arm much-needed volume.
"What? Do you wanna make a comment? Yeah... didn't think so."
Hoya: When Hoya first saw this outfit, he must've thought, "This is it? But I wear this to sleep!" Thank goodness modeling skills make a difference, because he's highlighting his accessories very well. I imagine he's a rich boy who tries to dress down and delinquent by adding skulls and chains to his outfit.
"Think model... think brooding, brooding child."
Dongwoo: Voted as "Fashion King" amongst the members, Dongwoo has that rare ability to make some very interesting (and often very odd) outfits look great. If this photograph were in color, you would see that his QUILT-PATTERNED, DENIM OVERALLS have large RED PATCHES for pockets, he's wearing CLOWN shoes, and his socks are POLKA DOTS. I almost expect his hat to have a yellow, red and blue whirling device on top. Ontop of that stool, he could otherwise be a child.
"It's all okay-ah... because I'm a cool guy."
Sunggyu: Oh dear leader, what are those sandals they put you in? They are absolutely huge! Still, the outfit looks great on him, and the glasses and belt add that touch of "cool" that could otherwise make the denim shirt and white pants look very plain. I like that his [small] eyes do not get lost here, and peer out to give a strong yet casual expression. I love the crouched bend of his torso, which actually highlights the clean lines in the clothing.
"I'm sexy and I know it..."
Sungyeol: I hate those pants, I hate those pants! But here, Sungyeol is showing them off in a way that makes me want to buy a pair. He looks like a hot, confident top-model/star candidly shot by the paparazzi and whistling while walking down the street. By this, I mean that he captures movement and moment at the same time. I actually like his photograph the best out of all the members, but I wish they would've given him some dressier shoes. From this photograph, I have to say that Sungyeol is the best at rocking sunglasses.
"Please adopt me, I'm giving my best sexy puppy face..."
Woohyun: Oh dear greasy oppa, how do you transform so well? As the flirtiest, most aeygo-friendly member of Infinite, Woohyun is generally seen with his eyes as half moon crescents from smiling so hard. However, as he modeled prior to being a trainee, Woohyun proves that it's all in the eyes. Though many Netizens may state that he looks like he's taking a number two here, I actually like that he tried something different with a crouch. I can't say that he shows off the clothes well, but he does highlight the accessories. What's more, his eyes simply cannot be denied, and that little bite to his lips look improperly sexy.
Popular trend-leading girl group 2NE1 returned on June 5th with their first single, "I Love You," and already it's rapidly climbing the charts. Since their 2nd mini-album released last year garnered success with the same staggered- release marketing strategy, YG Entertainment is planning to do the same this time around. Instead of releasing the whole album at once, more focus can be given to each single release through its specific promotion period.
YG Entertainment officially stated the following: "Rather than introduce the whole album at once, we want to focus on each song's promotion. Following our first single 'I Love You', we will release our second single three weeks later."
"I Love You" is a track written by producer Teddy Park. I have to say the song has that rare quality that sounds like it should have a faster beat, but is still incredibly addictive. I have to say, the only part I didn't like was the repetitive "I Love You" first chorus part, and wished he included more of that slow beat from the beginning of the song. In fact, the track was a bit chaotic because it had so many hooks and choruses, while alternating between reggae-pop and progressive house music. As for the song lyrics, this would be 2NE1's first love confession. "Lonely" was the only other track that came close, but even then the lyrics are about self-absorbed love with limitations. We can only hope that this theme of open love is a start for 2NE1 to explore even more varied, mature concepts.
The music video itself wasn't particularly interesting, in fact, I spent most of it watching their hair changes. Otherwise, the girls were being sassy and sometimes danced seductively in moody lighting.
2NE1 "I Love You" MV
2NE1 "I Love You" Comeback on SBS Inkigayo (120708)
T-ara kicks off their comeback with a title track and music video called "Day by Day" that's not just fantastical, it's anime-style. I have to say that I've never considered anime as a concept for music videos, but it's definitely an original idea, and one that can be carried out very well with the proper vision and budget. Fortunately for T-ara's "Queens" fans, their company seems to be going all-out for their comeback, as the teaser itself looks impressively like the movie version of Final Fantasy XIII-2. The music video itself is split into two parts, the first part, released on July 3rd, starts with an introduction that explains that in the future, people have turned into animals that pick up swords to conquer each other. However, there is a myth that one lone human possesses rare supernatural abilities that might change that...
Three of the members are featured in this first video- Jiyeon as the protagonist, Hyomin as the protector, and Dani as the supernatural blind girl. Eunjong is not introduced until the second video. The girls are decked out in black leather, studs, and sport highly saturated hair colors as they are thrown into a world of fear, battle, and overall dystopia. Behind-the-scene clips are shown at the end of the video, and fans are treated to glimpses of the fight choreography.
The song itself is commendable. I had assumed the song would be some bass-heavy punk-rock type song about vengeance in love, but it's actually a sad yet peaceful-sounding alternative acoustic song reminiscent of "Frodo's Bag." In fact, hobbits and hills from "Lord of the Rings" is exactly what I picture when I hear the song. Some people are protesting that it sounds very much like Britney Spear's "Criminal," but maybe it's just the flute sound.
An alternative music video, probably the dance version and featuring all the members, will be released on July 9th. As for the second part of the music video, I imagine it will be featured with the release of a second track from their album.
K-Pop idols seem so out of reach from us "normal people" that I enjoy it
when the company makes that gap worthwhile. For instance, don't put a
girl group on stage with banal outfits and a mediocre, overdone concept.
Give me concepts that are exciting, unfathomable, stuff that I can only dream about. Only then will I truly be satisfied, when I can more tangibly experience that "fantasy."
T-ara "Day by Day" MV Teaser
T-ara "Day by Day" MV (including Behind the Scenes clips)
