If there was such a thing as a popularity train, the one carrying Infinite is a super sleek light rail traveling at 220 miles per hour. The boys are more in demand than ever, and their restless schedule is reflecting that craziness. Despite just finishing their five-day "That Summer" tour and flying to and from Japan, Infinite is wrapping up their 15-episode arch of "Ranking King", modeling for several major magazines, continuing their ad campaign for Elite's uniforms, and fitting in a few major concerts like "Summer Sonic." Ontop of that, individual members Woohyun and Hoya are engaged in separate drama roles, while leader Sunggyu makes special appearances on Immortal Song 2.
Seems like the boys are a hot commodity on the new-stands, as their modeling gigs have started to pick up. Their latest appearance is in "W Korea" magazine rocking sporty winter jackets. The boys look sharp and agile despite their thick winter gear. Also, the high contrast coloring paired with the cool blue lighting gives the photos a dramatic edge. As to their modeling skills, representatives of W Korea Magazine commented on Infinite's keen observation to critique and thus showing true professionalism. Really, I can't believe they are the same silly, milky boys featured in "Ranking King." They really know how to make a photo-shoot suspenseful and striking at the same time. What I see are wary (secret) teen superheroes sensing danger in the air.
*Note:You may notice that some of the images are popping out of the page format. That's because I wanted to show you some larger pictures and hence better detailing of our beautiful boys. Enjoy!
Sunggyu: "Did you hear something?
Woohyun: "Yeah, I hear it, too."
Sungyeol: "Bring it on, I look gooood."
L: "Good job smarties, you're all looking in the wrong direction."
"Guess we're doing more filming for BTD..."
"If we jump out at the same time, they'll be too surprised to catch us."
Sungyeol: "Yaah, height and angles are MY thing."
"Let's hope my next role is (Korean) Spiderman..."
"See, if I were that one bug in the corner, you wouldn't squish me. I'm just too sexy when I squat."
Popular veteran girl group Kara is making their Korean comeback through "Pandora," their title track from their 5th mini-album under the same name. Individual teasers of each member have been released for five consecutive days, along with a group video teaser before the official music video was released on August 22nd. Prior to the teasers, the members' concept photos were released, showing a sexy, more sophisticated side to Kara. The girls are dressed in classy, high-end outfits, posing under dramatic, cool tinted lighting and fancy chandeliers. Looks like the baby-faced girls from 2007 are now young women as they mark the fifth year since their debut. It's not like they haven't done the dark and sexy concept, but this time around, the photos are showing maturity, more so than those of their "Lupin" promotions.
Even the "Pandora" track sounds more mature and intricate in it's loaded instrumentals, which is not surprising as a pop-synth track composed by Han Jae Ho, Kim Seung Soo and Sweetune. Kara's tracks are usually to the point and purely catchy, but this time, the composers might have missed the mark. Though the instrumentals behind the song were fabulous and reminded me of Infinite's "The Chaser" in it heavy intro (also written by Sweetune), the lyrics, chorus, and overall vocal quality sounded very off. It's either a song written for the wrong instrumentals, or vice versa.
Kara "Pandora" MV (with English translations)
I had to roll my eyes at the lyrics. Even though it was meant to be a "modern interpretation of the popular Greek myth, ‘Pandora’s Box’" (according to allkpop.com), its lyrics are actually just typical come-hither lines to a guy that doesn't have too much confidence and a girl who has too much of it. Come on, "Uh and up ah ah?" What does that even mean? Is that supposed to be sensual and seductive? I really, really hope it's just the English translation butchering the original Korean lyrics, because the meaning is so disjointed.
Unfortunately, the music video wasn't anything special, either. First, they danced behind different lighted backgrounds in different outfits, and later, they danced individually in different settings. Their black outfits were mediocre and unflattering with the tan bands as detailing in front, but their white outfits with gold jewelry were nice. I thought it was unnecessary for them to pull back their jackets so many times, but otherwise, I thought the revealing of their backs were nice. Still, that didn't make up for other scenes, like where the opal neon lighting behind Gyuri made her look like she was in the galactic back room on the set of Austin Powers, or Nicole trying to be too sexy when dancing.
Overall, I'm disappointed that their music video did not capture the strong sophistication exhibited in their promotion photos. However, with their August 24th return to Music Bank, the girls seemed to have really kicked it up a notch for their live stage. Usually, I'm frustrated that Kara's background music drowns out any attempts they make at singing, but on this first live performance, I can clearly hear their vocals. The dance choreography also seems very tiring, involving a lot of spins that make me dizzy just watching them.
Kara "Miss U" + "Pandora" Music Bank Comeback
I'm sad to see that the girls are looking obviously exhausted, and it makes them look so much older. The maknae, Jiyoung, is looking the second eldest after Gyuri, whose recent weight loss makes her legs look overly sinewy. Hara also set out to tone her body before comeback, but all I can see is that she looks more like a little kid than before because of her extreme thinness. Sigh. Kara is already the thinnest girl group out there. They really shouldn't be role models if they can't maintain a healthy weight.
Boy band Infinite redefines what it means to hold high-quality concerts as they concluded their third Korean concert "That Summer." Ten thousand seats to span over five concert days (from August 8th through August 12th, 2012) were quickly claimed within fifteen minutes of the tickets being sold online, and demand was so high that the servers crashed. Many others were turned away. For those able to purchase a ticket, the small AX Korea concert hall was meant to be a bonding experience for Infinite and 2,000 Inspirits each day. The proximity to the audience was such that member Hoya was able to make out every single face in the audience. In fact, he tried to make eye contact with one individual, but the person averted his gaze.
They boys started the concert by performing "She's Back," "Entrust," "That Summer," "Amazing," "I Like You," and a remixed version of "Wings" before they started in on "Nothing's Over" and "Cover Girl." Member Hoya teased, "You must be bored because we haven't been dancing yet. We're going to dance a lot later. You'll probably die." True to his word, they started in on their heavier choreography by performing "Before the Dawn," "Paradise," and "Feel So Bad." Later, they followed up with "The Chaser" and "Be Mine."
Extra performances were also added into the line-up. Woohyun and Sunggyu became one unit to perform "White Confession" in light-colored clothing, while rap and dancing machines Hoya and Dongwoo performed a new song called "Without U," or "When You're Not Here," under the sub-unit name "Infinite H." The rappers displayed their sexy, laid-back charisma dressed in black and white while performing on red-seated thrones. Four of the members even performed "Over the Rainbow"
as a band with Sungyeol on drums, Dongwoo on bass, Sungjong on guitar
and L as lead guitar. L's tvN skills from "Shut Up! Flower Boy Band" carried over to make him look both professional and attractive when performing.
Usually, behind-the-scene footage or self-recorded videos are shown between performances to give the artists stalling time, but Infinite took the extra effort to film a camping trip segment to fit their concert's theme.
The "rolling paper" and "truth game" were also played during breaks. The members had to answer some questions with only "yes" or "no." L was posed with the question, "Nobody in Infinite comes close to your looks," in which he simply replied, "Yes." The other members joked, "Please show us your modesty about your looks," and, "I like your honesty... but people might get angry if you're too honest." When prompted with whether he entered Infinite because of his looks, Sunggyu matter-of-factly answered, "No," causing much laughter.
The rolling paper game required each member to write anonymous notes to another member. Sungjong received the note, "Congratulations on becoming an adult, just don't become corrupt." Sunggyu was shocked and in denial over his note, "Please flush the toilet after you use the bathroom," while Dongwoo's note read, "It's scary when you sleep with your eyes open, you monster." Sunggyu was also asked to list three things he didn't like about their CEO. He carefully replied, "He doesn't wash his face often, he nags us a lot, and he's sensitive."
Many other memorable statements were made. Greasy Woohyun commented, "I think I may be way too nice to my girlfriend, because she seems to be getting sick of me." Seeing that he refers to Inspirits as his girlfriends, L responded, "How many girlfriends do you have? Let's get close. I'll take responsibility for all the emotional stuff." Scripted or not, his comment drove fans wild. Woohyun also crooned, "You don't belong to anyone else. You're all ours."
As the concert started wrapping up, Infinite departed the stage after their performance of "The Chaser" and "Be Mine." Disappointed that their 100 minutes were ending, fans started chanting, "Come back again," assuring the boys of their never-ending loyalty. Much to their surprise, the track for "Come Back Again" started playing in the background. Then, Infinite reappeared onstage to perform "With" as their encore performance while confetti showered from the sky.
From the looks of it, Infinite accomplished just what they had set out to do; that is, to gift their fans for their unswerving loyalty with an incredibly enjoyable and intimate concert experience. No doubt, the attendees will always look back fondly on "That Summer."
Infinite even released a "Thanks to" video on August 13th, shot backstage while they were preparing for their concert.
Below are a compilation of photos from the "That Summer" concert experience, taken by fans over the course of five days. The boys look so handsome and organic on stage. If they can look this good in fan pictures, just imagine how the official concert photo-book would look!
*Note: I do not own these photos. Please visit the host's webpage (seen on the pictures) to view the originals.
Imagining walking into this room...
Infinite H (Hip-hop)
Fans donated rice on behalf of Infinite, enough to feed 24,000 meals for children
"Be mine... kay?"
"Before the dawn..."
"I want YOU, in the Inspirit Fanclub."
Bowing out, another concert done.
Sunggyu
180-degree rapper
Ho-baby
"Nothing's over... (not so sober)"
"You can't date another guy..."
This is... the CHODING?!
Ah, whew! He's still in there...
Sungyeol's Rockstar moment (honestly, there are so many of them...!)
JaeJoong moment!
"My love wins."
The "Miss CongeniaLity" photo
"L always gets weird when it's hot."
"Ah, air-condition..."
Otherworldly L
Crouching Tiger Hidden Chaser
Effortlessly handsome, as always.
Michael Jackson (hair) Moment
In other news, Infinite's schedule doesn't seem to be slowing down (as if they haven't already accomplished enough in the last few months). Not only are the members continuing at least another episode of Mnet's "Ranking King" (Episode 13: "Luck King"), but we'll see them make an appearance in Wednesday's episode of "Weekly Idol," where they'll be guest starring for the fourth time. This time, they are filmed outside of the studio while doing other projects in Jeju Island. Hoya continues to film for his rom-com drama "Respond 1997," which is being praised for its refreshing tribute to the time setting. On the other hand, Woohyun will be starting his first acting debut with "The Thousandth Man." It is uncertain whether Sunggyu will permanently return to Immortal Song 2, but he has recently appeared on the August 11th episode and even beat Ailee in his high-spirited rendition of... an immortal song, haha.
