Wednesday, April 10, 2013

WHAT IF: Idol Dream Couples



If I were Supreme Matchmaker of the Idol World, then the following couples need to happen! Below are a list of my dream couples starting from older pairings to super maknaes!

Note: I mainly decided by age and physicalities, but I also factored in ideal type, character traits and roles within their respective groups. Groups I excluded: Infinite and A-Pink (they belong together! With the exception of Sungyeol and L), major veteran groups like DBSK, Super Junior, SNSD, Wonder Girls, Big Bang, 2PM, Kara, T-ara and SHINee.




THE BOLD AND BRUSQUE COUPLE
DMTN'a Inati ('81) and Sistar's Hyorin ('91): Hyorin likes her men muscular and manly, and who else fits that description better than DMTN's leader Inati? If anyone can date ten years older, Hyorin can do it. They are both so tan they almost look Blasian. Also, he has the fiery tough Aries (post army) thing going on, and she has the sexiness to keep things scorching from all ends.




THE BAD-ASS, HOW DARE YOU LOOK ME IN THE EYES COUPLE
DMTN's Simon ('86) and Jewelry's Baby J ('86): They're both rappers, confident, underrated, athletic, and too sexy to be approachable.



THE DIPLOMATIC LEADERS OF SOUTH KOREA COUPLE
X-5 Ghun ('89) and Girl's Day Sojin ('86): He's not her age, but he understands what it's like to be a leader in a 5-member idol group... until X-5 broke up with their company and Jihae left Girl's Day for her studies... See? Perfect. They both have a mature and composed vibe going on. However, they can get down and dirty for any sexy concept.




THE 'HOTTER THAN YOU CAN HANDLE' RAP COUPLE
Jay Park ('87)/ B.A.P.'s Yongguk ('90) and Sistar's Bora ('90):
I am absolutely torn for this one, because on one hand, Jay Park is really cool, mature and actually likes Bora since her "Gone Not Around Any Longer" promotions. On the other hand, B.A.P.'s Yongguk is also an exclusive rapper whose looks define B.A.P.'s tough guy image. Either way, Bora is hella sexy (and surprisingly dorky), so she should get a say on which male six pack she likes best.




THE FRIENDLY GIANTS COUPLE
2AM Seulong ('87) and Hello Venus' Nara ('91): He's may be several years older than her, but she already has the looks and charm of an older woman. (186cm and 172cm).





THE BEAUTIFUL BLOND COUPLE
A-Jax's Hyeongkon ('88) and Hello Venus' Alice ('90): He's oh-so manly, stunning and handsome, and she's feisty and headstrong as the group's dynamic player. They're both the eldest within their groups, but neither rule with an iron fist. Maybe it's because they've been there and done that; he's already been to the army, while she already made an attempt as a solo singer named Ora. What is there not to love? (Definitely not his beautifully sculpted six pack abs, that's for sure).




THE +19 RATED COUPLE
Myname Insoo ('88) and Tahiti's Jisoo ('94): Ever since All the K-Pop, I'm still shaking my head at the utter scandalousness of this couple. Just. Date. Already. Or get a room. It doesn't matter that they randomly met, are at least five years apart, and quiet closet freaks. Their simmering chemistry just leaps off the screen and sizzles stronger by the episode.



THE SEXY DORKAHOLICS COUPLE
B2ST Gikwang ('90) and Secret's Hyosung ('89): Ever since the Idol Crown Prince Chuseok Special in 2012, I was enamored with this temporary couple. They have super sexy (voluminous) bodies in contrast with their cheerful, humble personalities.




THE CONFIDENT CONTRAST COUPLE
FT Island Jonghyun ('90) & AOA's Choa ('90): He's super chill and sensitive, while she's super fiesty and powerful. They can really balance each other out. If not as a couple, I would definitely peg them as siblings... look at those perfect noses!



THE COMFORTABLY COOL COUPLE
B2ST's Dongwoon ('91) and 4Minute's Gayoon ('90): This veteran couple is cool, sexy and sophisticated. They're relatively unnoticed compared to their other members, but with vocal talents and visuals like that, it's better just to sit and watch.




N & Eunyoung: THE TEARS AND DENIAL COUPLE
Seyong & Eunyoung: THE FOXY FLIRT COUPLE
VIXX's N ('90)/Myname's Seyong ('91)and Two X's Eunyoung ('92): N and Eunyoung *shakes my head* N needs to make his feelings clear and Eunyoung needs to make it harder for him. They've been broadcasting their feelings since The Romantic & Idol 2 and All the K-Pop already. If you can make a girl cry twice because of mixed signals, N, you might want to re-evaluate the signals you're giving. As for Seyong, he and Eunyoung seem to have a matched competitive streak that shows up in a very talkative, playful manner. Eunyoung's so awesome she shouldn't have to choose- menage a trois it is!


VS.   


THE AWKWARD AEYGO COUPLE
VIXX's Ken ('92) and Nine Muses' Kyungri ('90): While Insoo and Jisoo just ooze sensuality, these two squirm with awkward cuteness. He's unusually silent and manly around her, while she's unusually bold and bubbly around him. Together, they make one tall, ticklishly cute couple.




THE LOOKING DOWN ON THE WORLD (POWER) COUPLE
EXO-K's Kris ('90) and Dal*Shabet's Kaeun ('92): Kris is just so tall and intimidating (187cm) that I had to scope out strong tall types just to make it even. Kaeun has the looks, confidence, height (172cm/5'8) and mature sexiness that makes him look less like a looming tower and more of a solid boyfriend. So what if they look down on the world? The world is just relatively short compared to them.




THE SEXY CHODING COUPLE
Infinite' Sungyeol ('91) and Girl's Day Yura ('92: The tallest members in their groups and the older maknaes, these two always struggle to appear both sexy and mature. Don't they know people love them most for their childish charms?




AJ & Zin: THE CHILL UNDERDOG COUPLE
AJ & Lime: THE ROWDY RAPPERS COUPLE
U-Kiss's AJ ('91) and D-Unit's Zin ('93)/ Hello Venus's Lime ('93): Another dilemma here: AJ and Zin looked absolutely cute together when they appeared on Ep. 11-12 of Gangnam Dance School. They both seem quiet, casual and cool. He has the mature intellectual vibe while she has the laid-back hip-hop flair going on. At the same time, AJ's level-headness can balance out Lime's upbeat dorkiness. She can be the tomboyish surprise that makes him smile.




THE FIERCE HIGH FASHION COUPLE
B1A4's CNU ('91) and F(x)'s Krystal ('94): When CNU claimed his ideal type is Krystal on Weekly Idol, I raised my hands in the air and announced, "Then you shall have her." He's the casual but talented flower boy type and she's the fierce sharp features type- talk about visually ideal!




THE "I GET MY WAY BY AEYGO" COUPLE
BtoB's Changsub ('91) and AOA's Chanmi ('96): Changsub is a surprising mix of cute and cuddly looks with a distinct, raw voice. His ideal type is someone with milky skin, smiley eyes, long straight hair, an egg-shaped face, lively and around 165cm, so AOA's maknae Chanmi (166cm) would suit him well (since she's so fresh, cute and girly).

  



THE STATUE OF DAVID COUPLE
Infinite's L ('92) and AOA's Seohyun ('95): If all else fails and L doesn't end up with A-Pink's Naeun, (because she is virtually married to Shinee's Taemin now, omg) there's another leading lady for him, and she as 'visual' as a carefully grown prize-flower. Not to mention, she has the long lustrous hair that L likes accompanied with the soft, innocent personality. If they ever get together, it would be great if they can re-enact "You're Beautiful" and play the role of guardian angels.




THE UNDERRATED POWER COUPLE
Teen Top's Cap ('92) and 5Dolls Chanmi ('92): They're not well known, but they have such powerful stage charisma! She's bolder than he is, but he's resilently just as strong a performer. Can someone please bring C.A.P. to the front more often and find Chanmi a better agency to join? Please and thank you. 




Daehyun & Yuna: THE SHOOT FIRST ASK QUESTIONS LATER COUPLE
Daehyun & Hani: THE STEREOTYPICAL BAD BOY MEETS SWEET GIRL COUPLE B.A.P.'s Daehyun ('93) and AOA's Yuna ('92)/EXID Hani ('92): Daehyun and Yuna are both main vocalists, and hot ones at that. Performing, they both light up the stage with their raw vocal power and undeniable charisma. They can be secret spies together!

As for Hani, she's also a main vocalist, but her pairing with Daehyun is more interesting because he is the stage epitome of a dangerous bad boy type while she looks lovely and subtly seductive.




THE SPUNKY RED BOMBSHELL COUPLE
VIXX's Ravi ('93) and AOA's Hyejeong ('93): These two stage red-heads are not only tall but are very noticeable among their respective groups. Ravi looks like the crazy, brazen rapper, while Hyejeong is the noticeably tallest one with copper hair. They're both talkative, social and energetic individuals. (183cm and 170cm).




THE DYNAMIC DANCE COUPLE, or THE NOONA KNOWS BEST COUPLE
BtoB's Ilhoon ('94) and Skarf's Tasha ('93): If Gangnam Dance School taught me anything (other than that I suck at dancing) is that BtoB's Ilhoon has met his fiesty temper match in Skarf's leader and noona Tasha. She seems so young, but she's very mature, composed and sensible for her age. At the same time, she is surprisingly good at aeygo without making me cringe- Ilhoon would attest to that, seeing as he couldn't help but blush when she directed her undeniable charm on him. It also helps that his ideal type is someone with white skin, big eyes, long lashes, has an S-line and slender body. Tasha and Ilhoon are both fast choreography learners and charismatic dancers.




THE AMERICAN BEAUTY COUPLE
Teen Top's L.Joe ('93) and Chocolat's Melanie ('97): They have very Caucasian features (Melanie's father is American), they both speak English, have tiny faces and pleasant, pretty features.








THE SMALL FACE AND MEZMERIZING EYES COUPLE
JJ Project's Jr. ('94)/ Chocolat's Julianne ('93): Despite being such pretty people with petite faces, their lovable personalities overwhelm their looks any day.




THE NEXT GENERATION TROUBLEMAKERS COUPLE
BtoB's Sungjae ('95) and 4Minute's Sohyun ('94): While Hyunseung and Hyuna are raw and provocative, Sungjae and Sohyun sparkle with a subtle star power of their own. They can switch from cute and comical to sultry and sexy within a blink, so give them a few more years and they'll be sure to surprise everyone!




THE SMILE WITH WHOLE FACE COUPLE
Boyfriend's Minwoo ('95) and Tahiti's Ari ('94): So many adorable eye smiles here!




THE VETERAN MAKNAE COUPLE, or THE AGE IS BUT A NUMBER COUPLE
Teen Top's Changjo ('95) and 5Dolls Hyewon ('95): They're may have just started high school, but they're barely sweating with all the rough schedule requirements of being an idol. Despite being maknaes, they stand out and steal the spotlight in every performance.




THE 'IF CUTE HAD A FACE, IT WOULD BE OURS' COUPLE
VIXX Hyuk ('95) & Hello Venus Yooyoung ('95): They're both young, cute, tall, and still growing! (184cm 170cm). As the docile maknaes, I'm sure they'll have the sweetest, most innocent romance ever. I predict some major blushing and feet shuffling here!




THE TOWERING TYCOON COUPLE
B.A.P. Zelo ('96) and Chocolat's Tia ('97): What are they feeding these kids?? Such tall, cute kids offstage but such strong dancers and rappers onstage. (184cm and 171cm).







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...!