INFINITE "That Summer" Concert Photos

        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.

"Without U" Live (Hoya version)

"Without U" Live (Dongwoo version)

 Infinite "That Summer" Concert Teaser

Infinite Summer Concert "Thanks to..."

"Infinite Summer Concert Thanks to..." (Eng Sub)
http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/29370093279/eng-infinite-thanks-to-that-summer-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.

Sunggyu in "Immortal Song 2" (120811) Eng Sub

Sunggyu in Immortal Song 2 (120811) English Subbed version:
http://shiareagy.tumblr.com/post/29339124199/eng-120811-sungkyu-immortal-song-2-cuts

"The Thousandth Man" (Woohyun appearance at 0:25)

To Break K-Pop into the American Market

         It seems like the biggest goal of any artist is to have their music be heard and reach audiences globally. For K-Pop, the international market (specifically Western countries and the U.S.) is the ultimate and most difficult goal to attain. If artists can reach high levels of popularity in South Korea, their entertainment company usually sends them to Japan, where the love for and demand of K-Pop is high. Japanese fans simply adore their K-Pop artists, and Japanese-version album sales are almost always successful. The same is true when they visit neighboring countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, etc. When it comes to the American market, though many Asian Americans may know of and listen to K-Pop, it's a totally different story to break into "mainstream" music. When artists "makes it big" in the U.S., their popularity transcends to other Western countries, and ultimately, that makes them famous all around the world. It's not that K-Pop is particularly lacking in anything, but they don't try harder to be extremely different or make huge impressions. The K-Pop industry often focuses too strongly on perfection of their artists in appearance, personality and dance- making sure they are always composed, decent and accepted. In the U.S., music is about making statements, creating good feelings, and ultimately, connecting with people. The idea is that you should be who you are and be free to create music even if it offends people. The K-Pop groups most likely to do that seems to be from Big Bang and 2NE1, because at least in South Korea, they're known to be bold and stand out the most. Many people would include Wonder Girls into that group, but all of their English songs so far have been lackluster and blended in, not the opposite.

Traits that exceptionally popular artists (in the U.S.) possess:

1. Exceptional talent- singing live, innovative dancing skills, accomplished at one or more instruments, composition skills (Think Adele and her ability to translate emotion into song, or Beyonce's ability to awe a crowd when performing live).
2. Involvement in their own music/style- Rapper Eminem incorporates his personal experiences and strong opinions into his lyrics.
3. They stand out from everyone else- whether visually, through performances, behavior, or actions (Ex. Lady Gaga and her crazy fashion, Adele and her larger, curvier figure, Nicki Minage and her crazy haircolors, Katy Perry and her feminine, pin-up style). They don't let their clothes define them- their outfits are just accents that highlight their personality- not change them into totally different characters like in K-Pop concept transformations.
4. They're not afraid to be themselves and keep open opinions about the media.
5. They produce meaningful, if not catchy or popular songs- This may be due to high-profile producers or good personal composition skills. 

So far, the one artist that has even come close to making a notable appearance on the American market originally through his music (and I mean this because Bi Rain has gained some recognition after his Hollywood action film "Ninja Assassin") is rapper and songwriter Park Jae-Sang, otherwise known through his stage name, "Psy." Psy is also prominently known as a comedian in his videos and stage performances. His latest music video, "Gangnam Style," has recently hit the #1 spot on the iTune's music video charts, beating out Justin Bieber's "As Long As You Love Me" and Katy Perry's "Wide Awake" music video. All around Korea, young people are making references to "Gangnam style" and it's horse-riding dance move. I can see why it got so popular- Psy truly made the music his own by participating in every part of the music video process. He wrote the song, composed it, directed it, and even created the choreography. I wouldn't say "Gangnam Style" the track is a particularly good song, and the music video has its more crude moments (relative to most K-Pop videos), but paired with the music video and Psy's conviction to carry the fun through, it truly reached success. With its upbeat music, bright colors, humorous scenes and silly dance, Psy reminded audiences everywhere that most times, music is just about having a good time.

Psy "Gangnam Style" MV

Psy's music video for "Gangnam Style" and "horse-riding" dance is currently going viral, surpassing 47.5 million hits on youtube and people everywhere (including a handful of celebrities) are busting out with the dance move. "Gangnam Style" even came on at the end of the 5th inning at a Dodgers vs. Giants baseball game on August 20th. The most telling moment was when some audience members stood up and started the trademark dance even before Psy was captured on the stadium's main screen. Though he hesitated for a couple seconds after the big screen spotted his face, he quickly proceeded to whip on his shades, displayed a funny face, and proceeded with the entertaining dance.

LA Dodger Stadium Psy appearance for "Gangnam Style"

Check out a video of Psy's appearance on VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" as he discusses the meaning behind his lyrics.
http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/828062/psy-recreates-his-gangnam-style-video-with-carrie-and-jason.jhtml#id=1692326

What If: INFINITE & A-PINK dated?

Note: This is just me being random as an Infinite and A-Pink fan. I think these two groups are very fun and full of personality, so I thought it'd be fun to imagine what would happen if they dated (or became good friends).

THE COUPLES:

1. Sunggyu & Chorong: *** They're the eldest members of each group and also the leaders. Known as "Grandpa Gyu," Sunggyu's responsible, authoritative personality will help control Rong Mama's often random, childish and free-spirited weirdness (described in a good way). Just like their randomness, both have a huge love for leopard print fashion. When asked if his ideal was "cute" or "sexy," he just laughed and asked, "Can't I have both?" At 22 years old, Chorong is just dying to break into her sexy side. They are also the biggest complainers in their respective groups, so it will be hilarious to see them unleash their grievances on each other.
 

Dongwoo & Bomi: * They are both the second eldest member in their groups. Though they are among the best dancers in their group, their every-day body movements often remind me of animals from the zoo. Bomi is especially hilarious when she performs her "gorilla walk," while Dongwoo's protests often remind me of a restless chimpanzee (albeit, a very cute, very adorable one). Physically, they are the shortest members with very nice bodies; Dongwoo has some nice, wide shoulders attached to sculpted arms, while Bomi has a curvy, feminine shape. In person, they are incredibly dorky and crack people up, but on stage, they make 180-degree transformations into the "razor-eyed, cool rapper" and the "flirty, charismatic dancer."

 

3. Woohyun & Namjoo: ** Many fans would like to ship Woohyun together with Bomi, but that embarrassing "farting" incident in their dressing room is hardly a means to get together. Woohyun portrays such heavy aeygo and extreme, womanizing greasiness that he seems fit to date either a really cute, modest girl, or the epitome of a girly-girl- someone he can cater to and pull chairs out for like a real gentleman. Namjoo is the epitome of a feminine girl, who's good at being soft, cute, and even seductive. They are both main vocals and have very thin frames.

4. Hoya & Eunji: *** It's hard to pair Eunji up with anyone when she seems like she would get along with everyone, but it's also obvious that she and Hoya would be a good pairing. They're both from Busan, very sensible and seem much older than most of their members. They also seem to have an unexpected mischievious streak when it comes to bullying their leaders. Physically, they are among the shorter members in their groups and are quite thin even though they look like they have more meat to them. Coincidentally, they also filmed a sit-com called "Respond/Reply 1997" together. In the drama, the characters are in a love triangle- to the same person!

"Respond 1997" Junhee & Shiwon

5. Sungyeol & Hayoung: * They're both the tallest in their groups, and cute in their often childish ways. Sungyeol is playful and mischievious, which is sure to pull shy and awkward maknae out of her shell... or corrupt her!
 

6. L & Naeun: *** As the "visuals" and taller members in their groups, L & Naeun would be quite the good-looking couple. Their good-looks are intimidating because they hardly speak unless they're comfortable with someone, and are extremely awkward conversation starters. L's ideal type is an innocent girl with long wavy hair, and Naeun almost always wears her hair down in long waves. Not to mention, she's confident with her hair and has an unconscious habit of playing with it. I imagine there will be a lot of shy, flirty smiles and very little talking.

7. Sungjong & Yookyung: * Though Sungjong is the maknae in Infinite and Yookyung is second youngest in A-Pink, they are both pretty mature and reserved compared to some of their older members. They have the second tallest heights, are known to be well-groomed and live most neatly.

 




Of course, this is all random observation, and as a fangirl I wouldn't be so thrilled if Infinite really dated anyone, but seeing them interact with A-Pink has always been fun for me because unlike other idol groups who seem so far away in Star-land, Infinite & A-Pink are pretty down-to-earth, friendly and infectiously funny.

For almost two years until January 2013, they have lived in the same apartment complex and jokingly called themselves the "Mangwondong Family." The two groups have also collaborated on "Birth of Family" as adoptive parents for some very cute puppies. 

2011 was their break-out year, with Infinite receiving their first #1 on a music program with "Be Mine" and A-Pink achieving all-kills for many Rookie Awards. 

As to personal reactions, Sungyeol's choding grin when he secretly looked through Woohyun's CD collection and found A-Pink's "Hot Rookies" album was a tell-tale sign in Sesame Player 2. Also, he's more than happily fluttered his "butterfly" fingers to A-Pink's "My My" when both groups first met in "Birth of a Family." 

In a Season 3 episode of "A-Pink News," the girls interviewed Infinite and the guys (especially Sunggyu, Sungyeol, Woohyun and L) coolly betrayed themselves as viewers. They sounded especially well-informed when they mentioned scenes from "A-Pink News Season 2", hinting that they watched over their female juniors well *wink wink*

With the hit success of tvN cable drama "Respond 1997," A-Pink's Eunji and Infinite's Hoya have made progress in getting to know each other. Based on an interview released on September 18th, 2012, Eunji had first found Hoya difficult to approach because he seemed solemn and spoke very little. However, as time progressed, she discovered that our Ho-Baby also shares a jokester side with his unexpected use of clever (and often corny) ad-libs. Eunji also addressed that though members of A-Pink and Infinite have filmed "Birth of a Family" together, live in the same complex AND share the same salon, they've never gotten a chance to become close. Though she is more outgoing when it comes to meeting people, the other girls are too diffident to approach their sunbaes, so the atmosphere is often a bit awkward. I'm guessing it's also easily speculative if the Infinite sunbaes approach their female juniors first.

I'm laughing inside, because Infinite is even more awkward around the opposite sex. Despite going overboard on their fan-service and treating their Inspirits like girlfriends, Infinite admits (and this coming from L- though, I can't remember which interview) that they are easily shy around girls and are at a loss for words. So if you put some shy, innocent-type girls around even more awkward, milky boys with no game- I mean, conversation starting skills, you get a whole lot of giggling and a room full of silent adolescent pining. Think the L and Naeun predicament- manifested in six of the seven couples.

It's amusing, because these two groups are among the friendliest and fun-loving groups I've seen. Though the boys of Infinite have become more self-conscious of their image, their guards are completely down around each other, so you end up with seven dorky, boy-next-door types. As for A-Pink, they are so goofy it seems sometimes they forget they are female idols. Maybe Hoya and Eunji can become the mediators- the sensible souls that will drag other members out by the wrist and tell them that it's okay to risk cooties for some good, clean hormonal fun. 

Original article from allkpop:
http://www.allkpop.com/2012/09/a-pinks-eunji-discusses-her-experience-with-reply-1997-and-co-star-hoyas-personality-behind-the-camera

 

 Infinite & A-Pink first meeting "Birth of a Family" (Starts at 3:25)

 

"A-Pink News Season 3" Infinite Cut (Eng Sub)

"A-Pink News Season 3" Infinite Cut HD (Raw)

Infinite "Sesame Player" Ep. 1 (4/5) (Sungyeol's choding grin at 3:35)

Chorong's love for leopard http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8wKGpcNKgc

Sunggyu's love for leopard (starting from 2:27) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyBjsJatxcI

Other couple combinations I considered:
- Sunggyu & Eunji: They are both mature, sensible and eloquent.
- Woohyun & Eunji: They would be expressive and fun-loving together.
- Hoya & Bomi: They're both athletic and good dancers. 
- Sungyeol & Naeun: They're both tall members and Sungyeol would turn into a total, attentive gentleman when faced with a pretty girl (really, any pretty girl).
- Sungyeol & Namjoo: Sungyeol is learning to be sexy and manly while Namjoo is very feminine.
- Sungyeol & Bomi: They both are good at animal imitations, and Sungyeol would probably like a girl with a sexy side.

If one day Infinite turns into men and can't "Be Mine," then I hope they get inebriated enough to think "Nothing sober" and consider who they would take to "Paradise" as their "Bubibu" once they get that rare break "In the Summer." I also hope that A-Pink won't keep their feelings "Hush hush" and tell the boys "Before the Dawn" so they'd stop "Feel(ing) So Bad." I'm sure then, they can take their "Over the Top" feelings "Into the Sky" and Infinite can stop wasting their "Only Tears" on that "Julia" girl. "My, My," it'd be interesting to see them as "The Chaser(s)" and "Entrust" their feelings to real people instead of pine after some "Cat(ty)" "Cover Girl" that won't "Come Back Again." If Infinite and A-Pink give dating a "Shot," then I think they can really do some "Amazing" things. "Lately," both groups are so popular that if they don't "Step" up their game and reveal those "White Confessions," they'll run out of "Time" and not get the member from their "Wishlist." "Tic-Toc," time is running out, A-Pink stop saying "I Don't Know" and just admit, "I Like You," Infinite. My "Fixed Stars" will be good "Boo(s)" to those "It Girl(s)."

P.S. Sorry to any readers who tune in to see if I uploaded any new K-Pop news or pictures... since I have been on a hiatus lately. Recently, I've been focused on writing more open-topic opinion pieces so I can get some useless frustrations off my chest. Don't worry, those informative pieces will be back in no time!.

K-POP... Pet Peeves

Note: Me ranting at K-Pop entertainment companies. Not for people who are easily offended.

1. There's a new idol group coming out almost DAILY in the past few summer months. Think supply and demand people! There are not enough fans with enough time (or money) to become interested in so many new groups. The more groups you hurl at us in short notice, the less time we have to react! If we don't happen to react, then we won't bother with the group at all. Also, the quality of the new groups are not what they used to be. If you're going to be an idol group/solo artist, learn how to SING and DANCE at the same time. If you can't do both, then make SINGING your priority and simplify the dance moves. This is about music, after all. Learn to gradually build your stamina along the way. Which leads to my next peeve:

2. If you're going to create an idol group, make sure ALL of your members CAN SING, and I don't mean barely be able to sing two lines in a song, but have pretty darn near MAIN VOCALIST potential. Don't make me listen to a live performance or song and think, "Damn, at least I can carry a tune," or "Auto-tune does all the work." If an individual was chosen for something other than their vocals, make darn sure they are intensely trained vocally BEFORE YOU DEBUT. Don't give me half-trained, single-talented idols, please. 

 Infinite "Paradise" Parody by mgurl0523 (YouTube)

3. High-pitched, contrived "Baby" or "aeygo" voices. Are. Annoying. Whispering, soft, "air" voices should only be used when completely necessary to a song.

4. Don't include members just for the sake of the numbers. (Ahem- T-ara??!!! After School? Even SNSD?) If a member leaves, let them leave. There will be more lines in the song for the rest of the members. If you plan on debuting a group with more than five members, consider: Are all the members going to be able to sing for at least 15 seconds in a song? Does it make sense that one person only sings for three seconds? Do you really need two rappers (that can't do much else)? Random vocalists that can't back up the main vocalists?

5. Why do you single out one member from each group and call them the "visual" (aka best-looking member)? How is one person responsible for the "height" (tallest person) of the group? Uh, that also points out that the rest of the members are not that height, and everyone else is not as good-looking. Don't define any aspect of a group by just one member. That just contradicts the idea of a group in the first place.

6. Are you really going to make people who dance 18 hours a day and barely get 2 hours of sleep (INFINITE?! SHINee?!) eat three measly portions (with barely any meat) a day? Especially when they're growing adults? Are you really going to make the guys that perform onstage look thinner than the fan girls who buy their albums? Then, you're going to milk your cash cows to the fullest by jam-packing their schedules to the point where they get no rest? Yes, you have an image to uphold, and being thin makes you look taller, but that's not healthy, and you entertainment companies better hope your trainees don't sue you for heart failures in the near future.

7. Entertainment companies, if you really wanted interesting idols to inspire fans, you should give them a looser leash to live their lives. Give them time to visit home, hang with friends, contact the outside world, and honestly, DATE. Yes, the fans will be devastated, but idols are meant to be loved for not only their talent but their personalities. It's hard to see character-building when they're not allowed to see life outside of their company. Idols become very generic that way.

8. Speaking of generic, because groups are constantly changing their style concepts, especially girl groups, the idea of 180 degree "concept change" has become generic in itself. It's so easy to just assume they're slutty. Guy groups- if you start off as sexy warriors and transform into aeygo-happy dongsaengs the next, I'm likely to suspect you had a sex change. When you go from cute to sexy to cute to fierce again, there is really nothing separating your group identity from every other group out there. Gradual changes are better, like from young cute to flirty cute to hip cute, etc. Every group should have a distinguishing vibe, and maybe start with some kind of genre they can stick to for awhile so fans can at least recognize them. Then, when you're famous enough, you can go crazy and break all the boring boundaries.

9. Don't use English words you cannot pronounce. What's more, don't include English lyrics unless they're grammatically correct. PLEASE. (4Minute: "Four minute slut" instead of "Four minutes left", Infinite: "Fly to the my heart"). Also, corniness and English should never mix. I swear, if another song starts with, "Hey boy, you're my angel," (A-Pink "Bubibu") or, "You're a guy, with heart (gut?)" (Dal Shalbet "Bang Bang") I'm gonna shoot myself. You think McDonald's is greasy? No, "cute" K-Pop English is what layers on the gross.

10. Exactly, Korea, what is your definition of "manly?" Heavy eye-liner/make-up? BB-cream? Long hair? Skinny jeans? Plastic surgery? Boys that are so thin they flop instead of walk? Then you pressure them to gain muscles when they have no bulk to actually look buff? Or put them into tight pants that make their thighs stand out like chicken-legs? There is star stage treatment, and there is going too far. If there's one way to emasculate a male, it's to make him feel like he needs to put make-up on in order to step outside. Skin problems? I understand. Eye-liner? Leave it for the stage. Also, why would you ever ask (or force) a man to perform "aeygo?" A guy can be cute without having to wink at me in a pitchy kid voice and waving bunny ears, thanks.

Shinee depiction found from missmoody90's blogspot page

11.  Be more creative and reasonable with your names. Examples of good names with meaning or specific identifiers (and I know this sounds like I favor a certain type of name, but it just happens to work out that way): DBSK/TVXQ (Gods of the East), Big Bang, Girls' Generation, TaeTiSeo, Wonder Girls, Supernova, Infinite, Nine Muses, Spica, Piggy Dolls, A-Jax, Pandora, even A-Pink. Names like F(x), Crayon Pop, RaNia, Chocolat, Dal*Shabet (meaning sweet sherbet) are interesting and creative. Examples of bad names: Bikiny, Chi-Chi, Swing Girls, C-Clown, Puretty, 100%, Myname. Names that make you roll your eyes but aren't terrible: SHINee, Rainbow, Sistar, Jewelry, Boyfriend, Girl's Day, Nu'Est. Then there are groups with okay names and contradictory concepts like new rookie girl group Goddess, who's debuting with a gangster concept, or Gangkiz, an older female group who are neither gang-related or "kidz" anymore.

12. Make music the top priority. Produce good songs with meaningful lyrics, addictive beats, or maybe even both. Just because a song isn't a title track doesn't mean it should sound 'whatever.' Make your "filler" songs almost as good as your title songs. Don't call something a "mini-album" and charge fifteen bucks or more when it contains three original songs and two instrumentals or remixes-  that's the rip-off version of a "single album". Consider spending more time promoting one good, solid album to its fullest instead of moving so rapidly between albums. Instead of relying on select producers, why not involve the artists in the writing and composing aspect so they can generate their own music styles? If not, learn an instrument on the side?

13. Music transcends looks. Is that even possible with the Hallyu-wave lately? "It's okay that he can't sing, he's handsome," is not an acceptable excuse. I'll buy the album of a short, fat, ugly artist who has awesome windpipes (just an example) over the album of pretty, sexual pixies for their photo-book any day. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same. 

Piggy Dolls (debut)- Once you belong to a company, your image isn't your own anymore...

Piggy Dolls (2012 after extreme weight loss)

14. (Wrap up?) An "idol" should be someone fans can look up to. Members should be conscientious, respectful, and maybe even inspiring. Debut groups because they are ready and capable as a whole. Make sure they are prepared for the long-run. Cultivate your members' abilities instead of cutting and replacing them from the group. 

Junho in Ethiopia for "Global Share Project"