World of K-Pop: March 2013

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Intro to K-Pop: Songs for different occasions

For those new to K-Pop, here are some notable tracks off the top of my head for various moods and occasions. Look up a few random songs and see what you think :)

Nighttime/Moodiness
- Big Bang "Monster"
- B2ST/Beast "Midnight," "Fiction," or "Virus"
- Infinite "Paradise"
- U-Kiss "0330"
- BtoB "Imagine
- 2NE1 "Lonely" or "Ugly"
- Big Bang "Don't Tell Me Goodbye"
- Sistar "Alone"
- Sistar19 "Gone Not Aroung Any Longer"
- Exid "Every Night"
- 2PM "I Hate You"
- G.Na "A Bitter Day" ft. Junhyung and Hyuna
- Chocolat "One More Day"
- JYP "No Love No More"
- IU "Mia"

Girl Power/Break Up
- T-ara "TTL (Time to Love)"
- Dal*Shabet "Hit U"
- After School Red "Into the Night Sky"
- SNSD "Run Devil Run"
- Hyuna "Change"
- AOA "Temptation" or "Get Out"
- Brown Eyed Girls "Hold the Line"
- Kara "Pandora"
- Ailee "I'll Show You"
- Wonder Girls "Me In"
- Miss A "Good Girl Bad Girl," "Goodbye Baby" or "I Don't Need a Man."
- EXID "Who's That Girl"
- 5Dolls "Like This or That"
- Two X "Ring Marks"

Girly Fun
- Dal*Shabet "Have Don't Have"
- Two X "Ring Ma Bell"
- Hello Venus "Venus"
- Hello Venus "What Are You Doing Today"
- After School "Diva" or "Bang!"
- Wonder Girls "Nobody" or "Be My Baby"
- Kara "Step" or "Mister"
- SNSD "Gee!", "The Boys," "I Got a Boy," "Oh!" or "Hoot"
- T-ara "Roly Poly" or "Lovey Dovey"
- Sistar "So Cool" or "Loving You"
- Sistar19 "My Boy"
- Lee Hyori "U-Go-Girl"
- Girl's Day "Twinkle Twinkle"
- Hyuna "Bubble Pop"
- A-Pink "My My," "Hush" or "Up Into the Sky" ft Joker
- Son Dam Bi "Queen"

Cute/In Love
- A-Pink "I Don't Know"
- Boyfriend "Boyfriend"
- IU "Good Day"
- Seo In Guk & Jung Eunji "All For You"
- L & Yerim "Love U Like U"
- Teen Top "Angel"
- ZE:A "Daily Daily"

Dramatic
- 2PM "Heartbeat"
- Vixx "On and On"
- U-Kiss "Standing Still"
- A-Jax "One 4 U"
- Taeyang "I'll Be There"
- EXO K/M "Mama"
- BtoB "Insane" or "Irresistible Lips"
- JYJ "Get Out"
- T-ara "Lies" or "Cry Cry"
- 4Minute "Volume Up"
- Gangkiz "Mama"
- Fix "My Girl"
- Mblaq "It's War"
- CN Blue "I'm Loner"
- Dynamic Black "Yesterday"

Party
- Rain "Hip Song"
- 2PM "Hands Up" or "10 Out of 10"
- B2ST/Beast "Beautiful Night"
- G-Dragon and TOP "High High"
- Wonder Girls "Like This"
- F(x) "Nu Abo" or "La Cha Ta"
- 2NE1 "Fire"
- Teen Top "Miss Right"
- Fiestar "We Don't Wanna Stop"
- 4Minute "Hot Issue"
- Gangkiz "Honey Honey"
- Vixx "Rock Ur Body"
- Chocolat "I Like It"

Smooth/Sexy/R&B
- Rain "Rainism"
- TVXQ "Destiny"
- TVXQ5 "Mirotic" or "Wrong Number"
- Big Bang "Bad Boy"
- Tasty "Solo"
- JYP "Kiss"
- Junsu "Intoxication"
- Lee Hyori "10 Minutes" or "Love Sign"
- Teen Top "To You" (slow version)
- 2Bic "Love Again"
- Miss A "Touch" (slow version)
- Lee Hi "1, 2, 3, 4"
- Infinite H "Special Girl"
- Rania "Killer"
- U-Kiss "Dora Dora"
- Hyunseung and Hyuna "Troublemaker"

Sad
- Big Bang "Haru Haru"
- 2AM "Can't Let You Go Even If I Die"
- 8ight "Goodbye"
- TVXQ "Love in the Ice" or "Why Did I Fall in Love With You"
- Baek Ah Yeon "Sad Song"
- Baby Soul ft. Wheesung "No Better Than Strangers"
- Mblaq "Should Not Say"
- Jisun "What Do I Do"
- A&T "My Heart Had a Brain Freeze"

Uplifting
- DBSK "Purple Line," "Stand By U" or "Bolero"
- Ailee "Heaven"
- Younha "Run"

Drama Sound Tracks (OST)
- J-Min "Stand Up"
- Shinee "Countdown"
- Dream High OST - "Dream High"
- Hershe "Superstar"
- 4Minute (School 2013 OST) "Welcome to the School"

Bright/Fun Pop
- Shinee "Replay"
- Infinite "Man in Love" or "Nothing's Over"
- Sistar "Shady Girl"
- BtoB "I Only Know Love"
- My Name "Message"
- B2ST/Beast- Bad Girl

Hard-hitting/Dance Tracks
- Shinee ft. F(x) "Lollipop" or "Sherlock"
- TVXQ "I Don't Know"
- U-Kiss "Man Man Ha Ni" or "Stop Girl"
- Mblaq "Running and Running" or "Oh Yeah"
- T-ara "I Go Crazy Because of You"
- Brown Eyed Girl "Abracadabra"
- F(x) "Electric Shock"
- Rania "Dr. Feel Good"
- Teen Top "Clap Clap," "Super Love," "Crazy," or "Be Ma Girl"
- B.A.P. "One Shot"
- BtoB "Wow"
- Tasty "Buster"
- Fiestar "Vista"
- 4Minute "Huh"
- Glam "I Like That"
- Rainbow "A"
- Girl's Day "Nothing Lasts Forever"
- GP Basic "Jelly Pop"
- Baek Ji Young "Good Boy"
- JYP "Elevator"
- Infinite "Inconvenient Truth"

Travel
- Infinite "The Chaser" or "In the Summer"
- T-ara "Day by Day"
- U-Kiss "Love of a Friend"
- Infinite H "Victorious Way"

Alternative
- Sunggyu "Shine" or "41 Days"

*List to be extended.

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Intro to K-POP: What to Expect

The title sounds ominous, doesn't it? In my first K-Pop encounter, I was instantly awed at the artists' perfected skills. What does it take to be one of those idols? Over time, I became increasingly flabbergasted at the amount of sacrifice it takes to be a part of the 'idol' industry. Most audiences only see flashy performances and shiny idols, but there's a whole branch of marketing and cultural requirements associated with K-Pop. Below are a list of things to expect (and learn to accept) if you're a curious new fan.

K-Pop demands its idols to be as perfect as possible, starting from appearances. Girls have a set weight they must be in (usually 95-110lbs) and stand around 5'3-5'8 in height. They must also be pretty, and most of the time, plastic surgery is necessary in order to become a media figure. Every K-Pop idol must have a straight nose (preferably a small size with a high bridge), and barely any of them will admit to having anything fixed. Guys are preferably thin, and supposed to be at least 5'7. When they need the extra boost, they will wear heel lifts (usually about 3cm extra) and/or add an extra few centimeters to their profile heights (usually 3cms). The same applies to girls when they're "too heavy-" they'll lie about their actual weight.

Female idols are rarely seen without make-up or false lashes. The same applies with males idols and BB cream. It's normal to see guys wearing eyeliner offstage. In America, we might see label that as 'metro,' but in South Korea, it's more of a fashion trend and common to think of guys as 'pretty' rather than masculine in a gritty Spartan way. In fact, high-class fashion in South Korea is directly associated with flawlessness. That means being well groomed, wearing brand-new looking items, and matching well.

There is a thing called "aeygo" (does it make you cringe already?) meaning "cuteness." Sometimes it's a trait, sometimes it's acting, but K-Pop tends to go overboard. This includes physical gestures like puckered cheeks, batting eyelashes, acting like a baby/child, making whimpering noises, and high-pitched sounds in general. Even guys may be asked to perform aeygo, and when that happens, either the male artist is very uncomfortable, or the viewers are. The idea is that guys also have a soft, playful and childish side that they reserve to attract/cater to females. (Personally, I think they shouldn't compete with girls on something so greasy.)

Guys will wear skinny jeans, and girls will have sky-high hem-lines. K-Pop is all about crazy, flashy fashion and new trends, but those are two aspects that remain consistent. Pros: Girls have longer leg-lines and look taller with shorter skirts/shorts/dresses. Con: Viewers sometimes get inappropriate peeks at buttcheek or thong. Female artists are supposed to wear shorts/spankies underneath just in case, but sometimes someone (maybe the artist, stylist, whoever) will "forget" such a mistake. I've never understood skinny jeans for guys. With girls, it gives length and shape, but on guys, there's often no shape or thigh to actually fill out the pants, so males look shorter and have the appearance of chicken legs. Also, I'm not sure if it's worse to see a bulge, or no bulge. *shudder*

K-Pop doesn't just sell music, it sells a package. K-Pop idols are nothing without their company and it's marketing strategy. These include the production of songs, concepts, styling, choreography, stage design, directing, everything. In the U.S., artists try to be noticed often by raw talent or producing their own music, but with K-Pop, almost every career detail of an artist's life is dictated by the company. Exceptions are usually reserved for artists who have grown successful enough to not be dependent on the mother company. Otherwise, it's very rare for an artist to have much creative liberty. This means that though songs may be catchy and performances are stellar, the artists are merely puppets performing guidelines set out by their company. This sounds harsh, but it's the unspoken reality for most idols. This also means that though an idol may act out a certain concept on stage, it's for the purpose of the song and not necessarily their actual personality. I use the term 'artist' loosely here: Some folks distinguish what it means to be an 'artist' as opposed to an 'idol.' An 'idol' is someone with an image created by the company, while an 'artist' would have a significant amount of creative liberty (even this has a grey area).

"Reality" or variety programs featuring idols are most often scripted. Being humorous, witty and interesting are valuable traits to obtain more screen-time. Otherwise, one may get cut from the final edit. Dialogue and interviews will be more flawless and exaggerated than usual.

K-Pop is a highly fast-paced world. Unlike an American artist who may take one, two years to produce an album (and almost always a full album), K-Pop has a faster pace with the introduction of single albums and mini-albums. A common example is to have a video teaser hinting at the comeback, the release of the track-list and music video the next week, live comeback stages on music programs the following weekend, then promotions may end within another month (sometimes longer if the song is well received or continues to charts high nationally). Either way, it is uncommon for album promotions to last longer than two months before artists move on to another activity. The same goes for tours or international performances: artists may travel from South Korea to Japan, back to Korea and then to Thailand within one week.

Comebacks usually occur at least once a year, and sometimes a few times a year if the company is ambitious. I only mention the company because they make the schedules, sometimes disregarding the health and desires of their employees. This is why all idols tend to be sleep-deprived and overworked. The demand increases with popularity. Sleep is a bare necessity and rest is a privilege for most idols. In a recent TV special for the MBC Idol Star Athletics Championships 2013, over a hundred idols were forced to stay and film for 22 hours straight. Only a few hours were actually broadcasted.

Unlike Western countries where artists may be praised for being bold with strong opinions, South Korea's culture is very conservative and family-oriented. Idols are expected to set examples for the public media; they are supposed to act polite, calm and collected. Animated behavior, bad-mouthing or scandals can ruin an artist's career faster than they can deny it. Always, the media is very harsh, and apologies can't always cover controversies. Netizens and fans may be overzealous on praise, but they turn scary critical regarding any controversy. Even false rumors may turn deadly if not properly and convincingly explained.

Dating and sex is taboo. You will rarely hear artists reveal extensive details about their personal life, and most times, they will deny being in a relationship at all. This is to encourage fans' fantasies of their favorite idols and to keep any obsession strong.

List to be continued...!

INFINITE Comeback with "Man in Love"

I have been so behind on posts, but this is such major news! Infinite has made their comeback on March 21st! The "New Challenge" release date is delayed until March 25th, a great marketing strategy to give them a boost in digital sales. To kick off their promotion, Woollim Entertainment released video and photo teasers of each member every day in the week before their "New Challenge" 4th mini-album release, with a bomb title track called "Man in Love." Why a bomb, you ask? It's the explosive feeling that female fans everywhere will feel when they see the full extent of this seriously gooey concept. Infinite is known for their intense, sharp choreography and obsessive song themes (really, they're always the chasers), but this time around, they're talking about being a man, and they're talking about love. Oddly, they're taking the concept in the same direction as "Nothing's Over" to display a young, sweet cuteness. Despite not being a fan of male aeygo, I can't help but smile looking at these boys- so adorkable! Though I'm not loving the grey-scale photos of the individual members set as posters around the public area of Seoul, I am enjoying how manly the members look with minimal eyeliner and simple haircuts. The colored version of the posters were best- making the boys look super sexy and high-end. It's great to see Infinite being highlighted for who they are instead of the concepts they present. I'm also liking the preppy-chic outfits for this new promotion. The boys look so dashing!

Comments:
Despite the album name "New Challenge," there's nothing seriously different or unique with the "Man in Love" MV or concept. What does stand out (and what Woollim counts on) is the lovable effect of individual member charms. The Infinite boys are known to be humble, friendly boy-next door types, so it's only fitting that they're highlight emotions instead of coming back with flashy or dramatic change. "Man in Love's" fluffy genre is to make females swoon, as it narrates what a man would do if he falls in love. It's a great idea that they left out an actual female subject, because that just reiterates that Infinite members are single. Though they are especially corny during this promotion, it's fitting because the members seem as young as ever. Though their manliness is suggested in their maturing appearances (really, just Sungyeol's), their personalities are still as playful as ever. Some folks may find this album "soft" compared to their previous albums, but I find it commendable that they are trying something new. In this promotion, 'romantic' Infinite brings sweet harmonies and a warm, spring-time feeling to the stage.

Infinite 'New Challenge' 4th Mini-album Tracklist:

1. Intro- Welcome to Our Dream (sounds like a Disney intro)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40YeV-of5Vc

2. Man in Love (Unexpectedly danceable)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Fuc6G29aME

3. Can't Be Better Than This/As Good As It Gets (Bright, energized, full of hope and good times)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4gN-gSNztw

4. Still I Miss You (Laid back, romantic and sweet)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_DPDQT6CQE

5. Beautiful (Written and composed by Woohyun: Bright, sweet, a falling in love song- surprisingly good for a first composition)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8jqktpvyeg

6. 60 Seconds (Infinite Version- the chorus is a little chaotic, but the solo verses are quite magical)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHHViL5HAMY
7. Inconvenient Truth (Korean sounding 80's retro mixed with brightness of contemporary K-Pop; an electric-slide type track- surprising and impressive!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFCLYrYO6NQ

See the English lyric translations here:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/infinite-korean-boy-band/lyrics-from-new-challenge-album/579724068712114

Infinite "Man in Love" MV

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2C-dsCaFJzE

Infinite "Man in Love" (Japanese Version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BSUDy0wD8U

"Man in Love" MV Making (Raw, low quality)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3nlv671jBM
Eng Subs: http://kpopshowloveholic.tumblr.com/post/45908633592/130321-mnet-wide-infinite-man-in-love

Infinite "Man in Love" Press Event on Google+ (Raw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiF-cjG2TXk&list=UUoQIdt0bWPv3-_xuybJvTjQ&index=1

Mnet Wide Open Studio Interview 130321 (Raw)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mm9DjbaGco&feature=youtu.be

Eng Subs: http://kpopshowloveholic.tumblr.com/post/45959578562/130321-mnet-wide-open-studio-infinite-eng-sub

"Still I Miss You" + "Man in Love" Mnet Comeback 130321

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9mtSgv76Ik&feature=youtu.be

"Still I Miss You" + "Man in Love" Music Bank Comeback 130322

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LOtdSTPWm04

"Still I Miss You" + "Man in Love" Music Core Comeback 130323

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkvftCaYxwU

"Welcome to Our Dream" + "Still I Miss You" + "Man in Love" Inkigayo Comeback 130324

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQfVUnKhlrM

"Still I Miss You" + "Man in Love" + #1 Win + Encore Show! Champion 130403

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=de1_6MRQttA&feature=youtu.be

"Man in Love" Show! Champion #1 Win 130403 (Eng Sub)

http://kpopshowloveholic.tumblr.com/post/47017838333/130403-show-champion-infinite-won-encore-eng

"Man in Love" + #1 Win + Encore M! Countdown 130404

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TK9Bqx1uHHs

Infinite Backstage Music Bank 130405

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xxkUlYou35Y

Woohyun, L and K.Will Backstage Music Bank 130405
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfBusYVAIrY&feature=youtu.be

"60 Seconds" + "Man in Love" Music Bank 130405

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PPFnEfqs-8c

#1 Win + Encore Music Bank 140405

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=diaB1jqZg8w

"Man in Love" Music Core 130406

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQvPSlB0JKk

"60 Seconds" Music Core 130406
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDtR9BnYay8

Sunggyu, Woohyun and L Special MC Music Core 130406 (Eng Sub)
http://kpopshowloveholic.tumblr.com/post/47316344113/130406-music-core-sunggyu-woohyun-and-l-mc-full

"Man In Love" + #1 Win Inkigayo 130407
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xyt143_130407-inkigayo-infinite-man-in-love-win_music?search_algo=2#.UWGUQFdkCno

Dongwoo, Woohyun, Sungyeol 1000 Songs Challenge 130407 (Raw)
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xysxtt_130407-1000-songs-challenge-yy-yy_people?search_algo=2#.UWGRn1dkCnp

Wide Entertainment News Hoya & Sungyeol (Raw) 140408
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybP4unTKmc4

Infinite Star Self Camera Music Bank (Eng Sub) 130408
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfgR1l8ZPPI

News + Backstage + "Man in Love" Show! Champion 130410

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TANhKR9HK7o

"Random News" Show! Champion 130410 (Eng Sub)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJUl72HR9a8

"Man in Love" M! Countdown 130411

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atnMpwGR43o&feature=youtu.be

Mnet Wide Interview 130411 (Raw)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FU-e-YSRrL0&feature=youtu.be

"Man in Love" Music Bank 130412

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wPm2-4z7cLI

"Man in Love" Music Core 130413

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dvKVpVZIYY&feature=youtu.be

"Man in Love" Music Bank 130417

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3InoP4TQus

"Man in Love" M! Countdown 130418