Source: http://koreafilm.ro/blog/2011/02/dragobete-cu-f4-2/

Clothes may seem like mere accessories to the romantic triangles and tensions in a Kdrama, but often they are characters in and of themselves.  Some Kdramas use clothing to enhance the presentation of the characters and the story.

Some Kdramas, like Fashion King, are about the fashion industry, so it would make sense for clothes take center stage. For example, would you watch Fashion King if there was no fashion? However, other Kdramas use clothing to support the characters and enhance the story.

Boys Over Flowers

This Kdrama tells the story of four snotty, arrogant rich kids, the spunky working class girl who dares enter their world, and the romances that ensue.  However, how do we know that F4, portrayed by Kim Hyun Joong, Lee Min Ho, Kim Beom, and Kim Joon, are rich? The Kdrama spares no expense in showing the viewer how they flaunt their wealth by riding around in expensive cars, living in luxurious mansions and taking fantastic vacations to exotic locations. If somehow you missed all of that, they often tell other characters (and each other!) that they are well-off.

However, their wealth is also shown through the clothes that they wear.  These guys dress well. They go to school in well-tailored suits (who wears a suit to school?!).  The opening scenes show each of them dressing in outfits that include luxurious fabrics, fur, canes and designer shoes (@8:40).

The high-end clothing choices are intentional.  The Korean Times reports that Bean Pole supplied clothing for the series.

Source: http://boys-before-flowers.blogspot.com/2009/02/flower-boys-hype-preppy-look.html

These clothes are central to the characters:  ”The male leads of the soap opera also set the trend to a haircut dubbed ‘lover boy.” Men are opting for a boyish image with their bangs let down long compared to the rest of their hair. ”  These clothes help viewers understand that these guys start out very privileged, but then change over the course of the Kdrama.

Prosecutor Princess

Source: http://tin180.com/media/van-hoa/20100725/phu-kien-giup-ban-them-nu-tinh.html

The central character of this Kdrama, Ma Hye Ri (Kim So Yeon), is a woman who lives for fashion.  She ditches her first day of work to attend a couture shoe fashion show.

Source: http://www.polyvore.com/wholesale_kim_so_yeon_prosecutor/thing?id=48730164

Source: http://opionator.wordpress.com/2012/04/30/prosecutor-princess-or-geomsa-peurinseseu-episodes-1-to-4/

Source: http://www.polyvore.com/prosecutor_princess_ma_hye_ri/thing?id=40866583

Hye Ri routinely shows up for work in clothing and accessories that her co-workers think are not appropriate for the office:  short skirts, four-inch heels, ostentatious jewelry.  These are not just ordinary clothes; these are couture outfits.  The fact that she shops couture contributes to her characterization as superficial and oblivious to others.  As the Kdrama develops, Hye Ri becomes more grounded, and her clothing becomes less ostentatious.  Her clothes are clearly tied to how the viewer is supposed to see her.

In Prosecutor Princess, fashion is not confined to just the ladies. The male lead in the Kdrama, Seo In Woo (Park Shi Hoo), is supposed to be debonair, mysterious and able to grapple with the female lead. In order to catch her attention, he needs to dress in an equally fantastic fashion, which he does with well-tailored outfits, complicated prints and color combinations.

Source: http://www.lautanindonesia.com/forum/index.php?topic=61138.220

Just as with Hye Ri, the clothes underscore In Woo’s character development. While the expensive clothes paint her as narcissistic, his clothes demonstrate how far he has come in the opposite direction. He begins his life poor and with tragedy. By the time he encounters Hye Ri, you can see that the clothes he wears  show how far he has come economically as a high-powered attorney capable of catching Hye Ri’s attention.

So, the next time you watch a Kdrama, pay attention to what they are wearing!

Source: http://koreanwavetimes.blogspot.com/2011/11/korean-hip-hop-group-dynamic-duo.html

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to.  I make no distinction between idol and non-idol Kpop, popular and obscure, mainstream and indie. It’s just what I like, and some info about it. Maybe you might like it too.

It’s probably clear by now that I’m an omni-Kpop fan: I’ll listen to practically anything, and I’m always looking to expand my horizons. I already had some Dynamic Duo, but not nearly as much as I thought I should have, so I just downloaded a bunch-0-stuff from Soribada (’cause you know, I like to keep it LEGAL).

What I’m Listening To

Chulchek, Dynamic Duo (feat. Na-Ul)

Who Does It

This go around, it’s Chulchek, by Dynamic Duo, featuring Na-Ul of Brown Eyed Soul.  This track comes from their 2007 release, Enlightened.  Dynamic Duo is made up of two guys, Choiza and Gaeko.  After their success with their second album, Double Dynamite – Operating Manual, they formed the record label Amoeba Culture.  They are also part of a Korean hip-hop crew, The Movement, that includes the likes of Epik High, Dok2 and Tiger JK.

The members of Dynamic Duo find inspiration from American hip-hop and soul music.  In a recent interview, one member recounted:

I remember that I tried really hard to get the nominated albums of American Music Awards such as, THE NOTORIOUS BIG’s BIG POPPA, 2PAC’s DEAR MAMA, and WARREN G’s REGULATE, back in my elementary school. I recorded the Awards ceremony and watched it hundred times. I think 90s Hip-hop inspired us a lot. . . . we don’t think we have to mention about Stevie Wonder’s music, but his passion that makes him continually working as an artist even after he achieved everything is very inspiring. Although we cannot be such a great artist as he is but we can be the artist who are continually working hard. We would say Al Green and Marvin Gaye’s music is the root of our music. Codes, scale, singing style and the feelings of melody are all influenced by their music.

Why I Like It

I LOVE this song…it was on heavy rotation from the minute I downloaded it. I like it for a couple of reasons. First, it has that old-skool vibe to it, and I LOVE old-skool. The baseline reminds me of some 1970s funk, that makes it very groovy.  The other reason why I like it should be clear:  Na-Ul!!! I love Brown Eyed Soul, and the combination of his vocal is a nice contrast to the stronger rap of Choiza and Gaeko.

This song is infectious from the get-go, and reminds me of a time when hip-hop was about the party. It’s a fun song, and I love blasting it in the summertime while I drive.

Sources

Kanara, Korean Hip-hop on the Rise: Interview with Dynamic Duo, Audrey Magazine

TVXQ, Wae (Keep Your Head Down)(screen capture); Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djJb5iSL0Do

Dance is a huge part of mainstream Kpop, and while many recognize the dances popularized by the groups and artists, few know the people behind them: the choreographers. Not only do choreographers impact Kpop through their routines, they also have an impact on fans as well.

The choreography that accompanies many Kpop songs instantly catches the eye. It is one of the first things people notice and associate with Kpop. In a retrospective of Kpop choreography, Jordan Close and Mai Nguyen note the complexity of the dance routine created by Rino Nakasone and Shim Jae Won for SHINee’s “Lucifer”:  ”As a whole, the dance includes an impressive amount of detail in movement, level changes and formation changes. In particular, the ‘handcuff dance’ made it big in Korea.”  Nakasone and Shim demonstrate some of the complex moves here in a dance workshop:

Not only does the choreography provide a vehicle for the music, it also emphasizes the meaning of the music.  Nakasone, one of the top choreographers, notes: ” I always consider each artist’s style and strengths, but mainly I just listen to the songs – I want to make the music come alive through choreography.”  Choreographers also have to take into consideration that the performers will be singing as they dance.  Mariel Martin, who has worked with 2NE1, says: ” Different ones sing at different times….There will be parts where one is singing and the other ones will be doing the dancing, one will break off and be singing.”

While non-Korean speaking audiences often encounter the challenges of songs in Korean, dance transcends langauge barriers.  Elaine Low writes that Shaun Evaristo, a major choreographer for YG Entertainment artists, uses a “non-verbal” method. Evaristo says:  ”We’re able to understand each other through dance alone. Trust is key.”

Multiple cultural legacies also make Kpop choreography complex.  Evaristo is known for an eclectic style all his own.  Low writes: “It is difficult to properly capture into words Evaristo’s style of dance. More complex than traditional hip-hop, there is a precision, smoothness and intensity to his moves that elude definition. Even he has trouble putting a label on his own technique.”  This can be seen in a clip of Evaristo and Lyle Beniga demonstrating the choreography for Taeyang’s “Where U At:”

Other choreographers, like Martin, create dances with the Korean club scene in mind: “[I] talked to Shaun [Evaristo] about it and he kinda gave me an idea of their cultures and who they are kinda catering to. He told me catchy moves and simple things that are really clear. He told me that in the clubs here people don’t really have any room to dance so things that are more like arm movements, shoulders, moves that are kinda easy so that people can learn and the kids can do [them] in the club even if there is no space around.”

At the same time, Nakasone recognizes the influence of American dancers in her choreography for Kpop acts:  ” I think K-Pop has a lot of elements of how entertainment used to be back in the day, with MJ, Janet Jackson, TLC and MC Hammer. They made us wanna do what they did because it’s so attractive.”  The influence of African American soul choreography can be seen in this clip of Dandy Dan and Baek Koo Young, who has created routines for SM Entertainment artists like Super Junior, SHINee, f(x), and TVXQ, performing the choreography for TVXQ’s “Before You Go:”

The impact of Kpop choreography reaches beyond the artists who perform it and the choreographers who create it.  Choreographers will hold dance workshops so that others can learn the moves.  In addition, fans have formed cover dance teams around the world, learning the choreography and participating in competitions judged by the artists themselves.

Gwyn Elivera is a member of one such dance team, T.S.0.1, the official tribute group of Triple S Phllippines, which is the official Phillippine fanbase of SS501.  Elivera says that she is dedicated to learning the dances:  ”When I watch a video and a particular step catches my attention, I’ll immediately learn it. If the steps are interesting enough to perform, I learn it by watching the performances over and over.”  Before a large number of rehearsal videos were available on the Internet, Elivera says: “I had to watch a video closely and do the opposite thing, confusing myself with lefts and rights, but I had to work hard for it, since I know it’ll please our viewers and give pride to our fan club if we perform.”

One of the reasons why Elivera participates in a dance team is that she sees dance as inseparable from Kpop:  ”Dance, for me, is what makes KPop, KPop. . . . Whether it’s a cute dance that show group “aegyos” (cute acts) or fierce exhibitions that include somersaults and head spins, a good dance choreography will always catch a fan girl or boy’s attention. . . . KPop alone screams the need for movement and bounce and that’s why dance is important to KPop.”

Performers recognize the importance of the cover dance team.  As a member of T.S.01, Elivera has opened for Kim Hyun Joong’s Hi-Five event as well as competed and won awards for her fan club. Last year, Kpop artists including SHINee, MBLAQ, f(x) and Miss A participated as judges in the K-POP Cover Dance Festival.

Whether you are working out some Kpop choreography in your living room or performinig for other people, it is clear that dance is central to the Kpop experience.

Sources:

Jordan Close and Mai Nguyen, Best of 2010: K-pop Choreography, asiapacificarts

wanderrgirl, title, fangirldiaries

Elaine Low, Shawn Evaristo: Choreographer to the Stars, mochimag

Movement Lifestyle, Adventures with YG Entertainment

Email Interview with Gwyn Elivera

carolicity, Final Round of ‘K-POP Cover Dance Festival’ To Be Held in Korea on October 3rd, allkpop

Videos:

TVXQ, Wae (Keep Your Head Down), SM Entertainment

loveablehugableguy, SHINee Lucifer Workshops by Jae Won and Rino at BZU2 2010

Movement Lifestyle, Adventures with YG Entertainment

KillaFlowzProduction, Shaun Evaristo & Lyle Beniga – Where U At & Wedding Dress by Taeyang

reikolovesyou, Before You Go – TVXQ

Source: http://mtvk.com/2012/02/27/details-about-shinhwas-comeback/

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to.  I make no distinction between idol and non-idol Kpop, popular and obscure, mainstream and indie. It’s just what I like, and some info about it. Maybe you might like it too. With Minwoo’s release from military service, the mighty Shinhwa is now complete and poised on the brink of a legendary comeback in March.  It seemed only fitting to share one of my favorite Shinhwa songs.

What I’m Listening To

Who Does It

Shinhwa holds the distinction of being the oldest Kpop male group of the Hallyu era that has maintained its original lineup.  I think many people wrote them off as part of that first generation of Hallyu groups (i.e. H.O.T., SES, Fin.K.L.).  I might have agreed with you. Have you gone back to see “Resolver,” (1998) their first video?  Remember those shiny suits? That swinging pendulum? You know you thought that was hot. Ok, in some ways, I still think it’s hot.  However,  Shinhwa has stood the test of time, through ups and downs, even through having five of the six members undertake military service.

Shinhwa is made up of three rappers (Eric, Andy, Jun Jin) and three singers (Minwoo, Dongwan, Hye Sung).  Since debuting, they have produced their own music and starred in Kdramas.  One of the other things that distinguishes Shinhwa from other groups of their era is their legendary exit from SM Entertainment.  Rather than sign a contract without some group members, Shinhwa walked out, and later sued SME for the right to use their name (all Tina Turner-like) and one. They’ve tried just about every concept in the book and lived to tell the tale.

Their last Korean studio album was released in 2008, and at one of their last concerts, they promised their fans, called Changjos, that they would return. Some may have been skeptical, as military service has broken up many a male group.  However, even before the release of Andy and Jun Jin, rumors started flying about a reunion. In late 2011, members of Shinhwa began confirming plans for a comeback.  In May 2011, Eric and Minwoo formed Shinhwa Company, and by October 2011, Hye Sung confirmed a Shinhwa comeback during his Japanese concert.

Why I Like It

“Soulmate” is a single from Shinhwa’s 2002 album, Wedding, and in many ways, exemplifies the best of the group. Shinhwa features three rappers and three singers, and one might think that the singers would overshadow the rappers, or the rappers would steal the spotlight from the singers.  One of the things I like about Shinhwa is that they do a good job of balancing these talents, and “Soulmate” is a nice example of that.

The song begins fairly mellow with individual singers.  It features simple instrumentation throughout.  The tempo picks up, with harmonization by singers, followed by a brief,  rapid-fire rap, and then a return to the up-tempo pace.  This completely works for me.

Several customer reviews on YesAsia suggest that the album takes multiple listenings to really appreciate it. I concur. When I first listened to it, I completely disregarded “Soulmate,” but thanks to the sneaky iTunes shuffle feature, it popped up one day, and I was hooked.

Sources:

Shin Hye Sung Confirms Comeback Date for Shinhwa, allkpop.com

Eric and Lee Minwoo form “Shinhwa Company” for Shinhwa’s 2012 Comeback, koreaboo.com

Customer Reviews for Shinhwa’s Wedding, YesAsia

Source: http://koreanmusicblog.blogspot.com/2011/06/8eight-mini-album-8eight-2011.html

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to. I make no distinction between idol and non-idol Kpop, popular and obscure, mainstream and indie. It’s just what I like, and some info about it. Maybe you might like it too.

What I’m Listening To

“U Make Me Feel Brand New,” 8eight

Source: http://8eightcafe.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/8eight-the-2nd-mini-album/

You can listen to a snippet of the song here.

Who Does It

“U Make Me Feel Brand New,” by 8eight, is from their 8eight ep.  8eight is one of a handful of mixed-gender Kpop groups.  The name of the group is taken in part from the symbol for infinity, ∞, which is an “eight” turned on its side.

Composed of Lee Hyun (leader), Baek Chan,  and Joo Hee (the lone female), they began their career in 2007.  Although they do more upbeat, dance music, they are known for  their soulful vocals. They have released several albums, including The First (2007), Infinity (2008) and Golden Age (2009).  ”U Make Me Feel Brand New” comes off their latest ep, released June, 2011.

Why I Like It

This is a really mellow, soulful song.  I happened upon it while listening to my iTunes in shuffle mode. It begins very simply with two instruments and some percussion, leading to the introduction of a very simple walking bass line. One of the male vocals comes in, and his voice sounds like a lazy Sunday afternoon.  His vocals are complemented very well by the instrumentation.  When the other voices do come in, they form a very nice blending. Rather than having a lead singer lead the vocal and the other singers trail behind, the song showcases all the voices. No one voice dominates and the voices don’t compete. It’s a nice song.

The group’s profile on soompi.com says 8eight has been compared to Black Eyed Peas, but I think this song shows they are more soulful than that. Their smooth sound  puts me more in the mind of some Neo Soul groups from the early 2000, kinda like if you put D’Angelo, Maxwell and Jill Scott in a group.

Wikipedia defines Neo Soul as “being heavily based in soul music” and “distinguished by a less conventional sound than its contemporary R&B counterpart, with incorporated elements ranging from jazz, funk, and hip hop to pop, fusion, and African music. It has been noted by music writers for its classicist influences, conscious-driven lyrics, and strong female presence.” However, many artists discount the label Neo Soul. Mark Edward Nero writes: “[Many artists] dislike the term Neo-Soul and have disassociated themselves from it, calling it nothing more than a shallow marketing tool. Many of these artists refer to themselves simply as Soul musicians.”

Sources:

8eight’s Profile, soompi

Neo Soul, Wikipedia

Mark Edward Nero, Neo-Soul: What is Neo-Soul?, About.com

Source: http://www.mykofan.com/DramaPhotoDetails.aspx?did=283&pid=319&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

I don’t watch Kdramas for the realism. I don’t need them to reflect tendency for things not to turn out well, as is so often the case in real life. I’m not watching them for the reality factor. And yet, in what seems to be an effort to remind me that life isn’t fair, some Kdramas lure you in, only to sucker-punch you with an ending that you never asked for. And yet, I keep coming back.

Some Kdramas spoil you with the happy ending.  My Lovely Samsoon raised the stakes by taking the typical romantic triangle and turning it on its head.  Samsoon (Kim Sun Ah), the supposedly unattractive, spunky working-class girl falls in love with Hyun (Hyun Bin), the snarky, snobby, heir of a hotel chain. Oh but WAIT! He falls in love with her. Oh but WAIT! Hee Jin (Jun Ryu Won), the incredibly attractive, slim, med student/former girlfriend who survived cancer  shows up. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. Oh but WAIT! Samsoon is going to fight for her man. Oh snap! She gets him in the end! Yay!  I have no problem with that. The media tells us all the time that this doesn’t really happen, so I’m really excited when one narrative tells me that it can.

Source: http://koreanfilm.org/tvdramas/index.htm

But you know, after watching quite a few Kdramas, I realized that this is not the norm.  More often than not, I get sucker punched by an ending I never wanted.  Fresh from watching Chinese wuxia dramas, I wasn’t expecting bunnies and singing by the end of Bicheonmu. The first scene in the first episode gives you the definite impression that this couple, Jin (Joo Jin Mo) Jin Ha and Soo Lee (Park Ji yoon) (seen in the picture above), may need a bigger boat, or at least some more arrows.  Still, anything could happen, so I watch it anyway.  I  keep hope alive for our intrepid heroes.  However, once Jin Ha goes from this sweet and lovely young man:

Source: http://www.soompi.com/forums/topic/176217-drama-2008-bichunmoo/page__st__40

To this scary dude on a mission:

Source: http://www.soompi.com/forums/topic/176217-drama-2008-bichunmoo/page__st__100

…all bets are off. This is DEFINITELY not going to end well for somebody.  But does it have to be bad for EVERYBODY that matters? It turns out, all is not well for our intrepid hero and heroine by the end, and not only them, but their families, their buddies, and perhaps even the family pet.

It’s fine if this only happens occasionally, but more and more, I’m watching Kdramas that give me endings I never wanted.

Some Kdramas play on your hopes and dreams, only to dash them completely to pieces in the end.  Case in point: Boys Over Flowers.  Here, the Kdrama presents you with attractive Korean version of Scylla and Charybdis.  On one hand, Jan Di (Koo Hye Sun) has Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho), a rich, super attractive heir of his family’s business (sound familiar?) who has developed a weird crush on her, even as he torments her.  On the other hand, Jan Di has Ji Hoo (Kim Hyun Joong), a rich, super attractive almost-recluse who, in taking on the role of her knight in shining armor, has fallen for her daughter-of -dry cleaner charms.

Jun Pyo

Source: http://pinoysgottalent.com/blog/who-is-lee-min-ho/

Ji Hoo

Source: http://hdamazingwallpapers.blogspot.com/2011/08/ji-hoo-amazing-profile.html

Really, she can’t go very wrong here.  But over the episodes, the Kdrama torments you.  She really likes Jun Pyo. No, she REALLY likes Ji Hoo. Sigh.  This wouldn’t be so bad, except for the ENDING. Instead of choosing one or the other, she kinda falls into a choice, and when she does, Jun Pyo literally doesn’t recognize her (I don’t want to ruin it for you). By the last episode, after all Jan Di and Jun Pyo go through (and they go through a lot), I was thoroughly disappointed by that last scene on the beach with Almost Paradise by T-Max playing for the 5,394,293,747th time. Because even at the very end, she doesn’t commit. Not really. Ok, not at all.

It’s not always the women, though, that make an ending bad. Let’s look at Hong Gil Dong, shall we?  What begins as a happy-go-lucky action/comedy/romance, ends up in a standoff with rebels on one side and the government’s finest on the other.  Fine, our couple Gil Dong (Kang Ji Hwan) and Yi Nok (Sun Yu Ri) are rebels. Fine, they are facing an overwhelming force in the form of the government.

Source: http://www.dramabeans.com/2008/03/hong-gil-dong-episode-24-final/

Are we supposed to forget the fact that Gil Dong used to be boys with the king Chang Hwi (Jang Geun Suk) and actually helped him get to the throne? Believed he was a better alternative to Chang Hwi’s older brother who turned the palace into a sleazy lounge? What makes me less than enthusiastic about the ending of Hong Gil Dong is that it does all of this work to make you believe that Gil Dong has made a positive impression on the Chang Hwi, giving him an alternative to the reign of his psychotic brother, only to turn around allow him to do the. exact. same. thing. Once again, things do not end well for our intrepid heroes. Sucks to be a rebel.

Source: http://siesdestino.com/2009/11/08/audiotrivial-sed-actores-kdramas/

So, if I’m rarely satisfied with the ending, why do I keep watching? For the RIDE! I know that often, they are writing the Kdrama even as they film it. I would go back (have gone back?–maybe I have, maybe I haven’t) and watch each of these Kdramas again, knowing full well how they end, because of the character development, the pitfalls they face, and the twists and turns they endure.  In Bicheonmu, Jin Ha and Soo Lee go from a sweet couple to people who have to defend themselves and the people from those closest to THEM!  That’s worth watching again. Really, who wouldn’t want to get caught up in the well-dressed world of F4 again, even it means listening to T-Max? And given Jang Geun Suk’s recent success, I’m game for another round of Potential King and Rogue Robin Hood.

Maybe in the end, it’s all about the journey.

Source: http://www.thekoreanstar.com/snsd-oh-album/

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to.

What I’m Listening To

Mujugeon Haepiending (Stick Wit U)/Just Happy Ending (Stick Wit U), SNSD

How I Came to Listen to It

This was another instance of letting my iTunes shuffle taking me where it will.

Why I Like It

As a child of the ’80s, the sheer super-happy upbeat nature appeals to me. I can see why the SONEs like SNSD, especially when the pool the power of the Nine for stuff like this. People may complain that it is too saccharinely sweet, but I think it’s really a good example of what a pop song should do: hooks you from the first time you hear it, doesn’t drag on longer than necessary and doesn’t take itself  too seriously. It is the musical equivalent of cotton candy!

Source: http://kpopdiscography.blogspot.com/2007/09/015b-discography.html

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to.

What I’m Listening To

“No Way,” by 015B from the Lucky 7 album

Source: http://www.verycd.com/topics/73067/

You can listen to it here.

How I Came to Listen to It

I was listening to hellokpop radio, and it came on. I thought it was groovy, so I noted the name of the group and the song and downloaded it LEGALLY (hint hint folks).

Why I Like It

So, once you get past the cutesy intro, the song has a groovy vibe that is emphasized in this case by the instrumentation. Thanks to Ask a Korean!, I learned even more about my favorite new group (even though no one except me and a DJ at hellokpop radio seem to favor “No Way), like it’s a group made up of musicians with no regular lead vocal (go figure!). Jun.K is singing on this track.  Ask A Korean! also says 015B is important because: “It distinguished itself by adopting genres that were lesser known in Korea at the time. It did not seek popularity, or at least the kind of popularity that involves numerous television appearances to which teenage girls scream. 015B, notably, did not have a main vocal — for most of its songs, the band casted other singers to sing them.” They are nifty!

Source:  50 Most Influential K-Pop Artists, 29, 015B, Ask A Korean!

Source: http://www.theloop.com.au/Versus/portfolio/Director/Sydney

When people talk about Kpop, granted, it’s usually about the idols.  But some people equate Kpop  with idol groups, and then conclude that they lack talent, and as a result, do not make “real” music like non-idols do.  However,  both idol and non-idol artists are a part of Kpop, and they have more in common than you may think.

One’s identity as an idol group can be a point of contention.   M.I.B. insists in an allkpop article:   “We’re not an idol group, and we want to prove this simply with our skill and expertise. We want to show you that we know how to have a good time on stage.” Aware of the negative perception some have of idol groups, Junsu of JYJ maintains in a Han Cinema article:  ”"We are guaranteed to try many different things because we are an idol group. Some are trying to escape the image of an idol group because people tend to have a prejudice that idol groups have a lack of talent in music, but we want to show a whole new image of idol groups by showing that idols can have excellent music ability.” Both groups respond to perceptions about idol groups.

But what is the difference between an idol artist and a non-idol artist?  Idol groups, including BigBang, TVXQ!, 2NE1, MBLAQ, BEAST, Super Junior and SHINee, share certain charateristics that cause others to label them as idol groups.  They all are graduates of  a training system used by many Korean agencies, but pioneered by the former chair of SM Entertainment, Lee Soo Man.  Han Cinema refers to what Lee calls “the methods that we use when selecting and nurturing aspiring singers into real gems,” culture technology:    ”CT includes not only the broad system itself but also the techniques we use to make music, choreography, music videos, live performances and even the stars’ makeup.”  As a result of this training, idol groups not only record albums and make music videos, but they also engage in a wide array of other activities, including:

MC-ing,

Eunhyuk and Leeteuk MC-ing SBS Awards

photoshoots,

TVXQ! at ElleGirl Photo Shoot

appearances on Korean televisions shows,

Shinhwa on Happy Together

appearances in their own reality shows,

Infinite on Sesame Player

stints as ambassadors,

2AM as Ambassadors for 2012 World Conservation Congress

Source: http://www.wkpop.com/2011/11/2am-initiated-as-ambassadors-for-2012.html

and spokespersons for a variety of products.

Kim Hyun Joong for The Face Shop

Source: http://koreangossipgirl.com/kim-hyun-joong-ss501-official-comeback-schedule-june-1-june-15-2011/

Because these activities give them greater exposure, idols are the face that many people see when they encounter Kpop.  But the very training that allows them to engage in these various pursuits is the very thing some people point to as evidence of their inferiority, their “fakeness.”    In a seoulbeats roundtable, Young-Ji suggests that they have limited careers:  ”All the idol group members from the 2000s are currently nobodies — either that, or they’re trying to make something out of themselves — take a look at all the members of H.O.T., Sechs Kies, S.E.S., Fin.K.L; with the exception of only a few members and perhaps Shinhwa, it’s difficult for idols to redefine themselves.”  Nabeela, of the same roundtable, suggests the limited careers are related to a perceived lack of talent:   “Young’ins will always try to become idols due their lust for that glamor. On the other hand, serious musicians and artists know how fickle idol glamor can be, and I think they make an honest effort to differentiate.” Both imply that Kpop idols work hard to be temporary, fake artists, unlike “serious musicians.”

However, these are sweeping generalizations that are challenged by looking closer at idols.   Former idols continue to work using their talents honed by the training process.  For example,  three of the four former  members of Fin.K.L. are actively working.  Lee Hyori did a photo shoot for Ceci as recently as November of last year. Ok Joo Hyun starred in the successful Kdrama The Musical just last year, and will star with Junsu (of JYJ and formerly of TVXQ!) in the German musical Elisabeth. Sung Yu Ri frequently stars in successful Kdramas, including Hong Gil Dong (2008), Swallow the Sun (2009) and Romance Town (2011).  Kangta, Tony An, Moon Hee Joon and Jang Woo Hyuk of H.O.T. still make appearances and are still active musically through collaobrations with newer artists.  Kangta has assumed some administrative duties at SM Entertainment, thereby remaining active on the business side of Kpop.

Well, if idols are just talentless hacks, their non-idol counterparts are the talented underdogs of Kpop, or so the logic goes.   They are seen as more serious and more talented.  They are “real” artists who are not idols.  Jeon Jin Woo compares idols to airplanes and non-idols to chickens:

Entertainment companies select would-be singers based on their visual appearances; hence, someone who sings really well has a low possibility of becoming an idol singer if his/her looks are not good. This is why many talented, prospective and new singers go through difficult times. These people are often unable to live as flying birds (successful singers) but are only continuing their heavy flap of wings as chickens. . . .  Idols are not singers. The definition of a singer is a person or a musician who uses his/her voice to create and express music. According to the definition above, idol ‘singers’ cannot be singers. Idols put more effort on their appearances and dance skills. Furthermore, many of them do not have the ability to create their own music. What is more, singers should be able to convey a song’s melody, lyrics, and its embedded emotions to the audience.

But is there a great difference between idols and non-idols, especially when it comes to talent? There is far less distance between the two than one might think.  First, idols can be found singing some decidedly non-idol songs that show their vocal range.  Here is Onew of SHINee getting his disco on in his rendition of the Bee Gees‘ How Deep Is Your Love:

Onew has a penchant for taking the vocal path less traveled, as demonstrated by his performance of Puccini’s Nesseun Dorma:

Not only do idols sing things you woudn’t expect them to sing, they sing them well.  They have singing talent, and this is something that they share with non-idols.

Take 4Men, R&B group known for their vocal stylings, as an example. (seoulbeats considers them to be an idol group, but I do not. We can talk about why later).

4Men, Knocking

But 4Men know idol songs and dances.   Witness members of 4Men do their best impression of SNSD’s Oh!

That’s not the kind of choreography you get just by passing by the television while the video is on.  You have to study that. 4Men also covered Big Bang’s Love Song, a song by another idol group:

Non-idols sing idol songs, and vice versa.  Here is SHINee’s Jonghyun singing Wheesung‘s Insomnia:

While Jonghyun is known for being a member of the group SHINee, Wheesung is not known for being an idol.  He appears on Kpooop‘s list of Non-Idol Songs Worth Listening To.  Here is his original:

Wheesung, Insomnia

These examples suggests that idols and non-idols are part of a one large, diverse music scene.   Non-idols are quite aware of idols, and even know their songs and dances. Idols know their non-idol counterparts and appreciate their work. While they may go about their pop lives in different ways, they are both part of the Kpop scene. One is not better than the other, just different.  Fans of Kpop can and do like them both. Idols and non-idols can live peacefully together on an iPod.

Sources:

“JYJ: We Are Still Idol Group,” Han Cinema

leesa86, “M.I.B.: We Are Not an Idol Group,” allkpop

Roundtable, “What Makes an Idol?”, seoulbeats

Jeon Jin Woo, “Sky Full of Airplanes and Chickens that Cannot Fly,” KHUL

SPONJiE, Lee Hyori Transforms into Marilyn Monroe,” soompi

‘Elisabeth’ Brings Death to Life on Stage Next Month,” Han Cinema

dorkykor3an, “Moon Hee Jun and Tony Perform ‘Candy’ for MBC Lunar New Year Special (2012),” allkpop

“Kpop Non-Idol Songs Worth Listening To (Part One),” kpooop

Source: http://www.enewsworld.com/enews/contents.asp?idx=1588&idxType=News&trendKeyword=Ulala%20Session

Ever so often, I like to share what’s on heavy rotation on my iPod. It isn’t always the newest thing, or the most popular thing, but for some reason this is the stuff that I’m grooving to.

What I’m Listening To

The Moon’s Fall, Ulala Session

How I Came to Listen to It

I was just browsing around on Soribada one day in the Charts section, randomly clicking on excerpts of songs, when I clicked on Ulala Session’s single, With You, which was the last song they performed on MNet’s Super Star K3, the Korean version of American Idol.  

Why I Like It

I snagged With You, but I instantly fell in LOVE what they do with Kim Hyun Chul’s The Moon’s Fall, which is on the compilation album, Superstar K3 Season 3 Top 11 Part 1.  It is definitely funky and really showcases their voices well.

Not to mention the story behind Ulala Session. Older than the typical Kpop group, they also revealed during Super Star K3 that one of their members, Lim Yoon-taek, was battling stage 4 stomach cancer, but they soldiered through to win the competition.

I also have to give props to my favorite Korean American academic, Ni’qua, for helping me find Kim Hyun Chul and the English title to his song.  Yeah, those PhDs are good for something!

Source: “Battling Cancer, Ulala Session wins ‘Superstar’” Han Cinema