Jo Kwon’s ‘Crosswalk’ & Seulong’s ‘On The Way To Love’ Are Reminiscent of 2AM

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jokwon and seulong

It’s been around six months since the members of 2AM unofficially split up with Seulong and Jinwoon leaving JYP Entertainment and joining other agencies. While there is no word yet whether 2AM will really be disbanded, the members have all been busy with their individual activities. In February alone, members Jo Kwon and Seulong both released new songs which were unique in their style and genre but still shared some characteristics that represent their identity as 2AM members.

Jo Kwon renewed his contract with JYP Entertainment last August, and with his latest solo release “Crosswalk,” this seems like a great decision on his part. Coupled with a gorgeous monochrome music video starring EXO’s Suho, “Crosswalk” is a beautiful ballad that manages to distinguish itself from other songs of the same genre. The music video has a melancholic feel and is reflective, especially as the male lead imagines what could have happened if he had gone back to find his lover instead of leaving her as he had originally done. The split screen isn’t something that is seen often in music videos but it works here in conjunction with the storyline and the lyrics of the song.

Jo Kwon’s skilful high notes are emotive and his voice really adds a layer of depth to the repetitive lyrics of the song. Jo Kwon has always been an outstanding singer as a soloist and in 2AM, but this simple song really allowed him to showcase his vocal prowess. The instrumentals of this song are pretty perfect as well, with a lovely piano introduction and the gradual addition of other string instruments as the song intensified and reached its emotional climax. In comparison to his previous solo efforts like “I’m Da One,” “Crosswalk” might seem a little dull and boring. However, this song also symbolizes a return to his roots as a ballad singer for Jo Kwon. “Crosswalk” is the perfect song to listen to if you want to have a good cry.

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Seulong, who switched agencies and entered Sidus HQ, the home of many other Korean celebrities such as Kim Woo Bin, also released a single earlier this month. Unlike Jo Kwon’s release however, his was a collaborative effort with singer-songwriter Yoon Hyun Sang. “On The Way To Love” is an R&B based duet which equally features the vocal and songwriting talents of Yoon Hyun Sang and Seulong, who both had a part in the creation of the song. The relaxed yet romantic feel of the song made it perfect for a Valentine’s Day release, and lyrics such as “Today, I feel like something will happen, I’m with you, You’re the star of today,” really enhanced the beauty of the release.

This collaboration was special because both singers were fans of each other, and this mutual appreciation can be felt through their respect for each other as artists in this release. Both ballad singers have similar high pitched and smooth voices, although Seulong has a higher register and Yoon Hyun Sang has a slightly more emotive voice. They matched and worked together well as can be seen by the melodious harmonies that were created in this song. While there is no official music video that accompanies this song, the two singers released a special band performance video which more than showcases their amazing live vocal ability.

Seulong isn’t new to R&B songs or experimentation, as evidenced by his previous solo releases “7377 ME B43Y” and “Mood Swing,” so it is good to see him further expanding his horizon and collaborating with more artists. This was something that he had been doing throughout his career in 2AM, whether it was working with female artists like IU or with other ballad singers like Shim Hyun Bo or even indie artists like Epitone Project. In this aspect, Seulong has had more experience than fellow 2AM member Jo Kwon, and now that he has left JYP, it seems that Seulong has more opportunities to collaborate with whoever he wants, to put it bluntly. Though it’s bad for 2AM as a group, it cannot be denied that Seulong grows as an artist a lot more when he is on his own as compared to when he is with the rest of the group. The same can be said for Jo Kwon, and for the other members of 2AM, in the various areas that they are expanding in.

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Honestly speaking, this is not even a new development. When the group was active the four members were always busy with their individual activities, whether it was producing their solo music or acting in dramas and hosting variety shows. This was the way they ensured their continual self-improvement and perhaps also the reason why their combined work has been of a consistently high quality. It would be a pity if 2AM really disbanded for good, but with the solo work that Jo Kwon and Seulong have put out so far, this will definitely not be the last the K-pop world will be hearing from these talented musicians and singers.

Have you listened to both these songs? What do you think of Jo Kwon and Seulong’s work as soloists? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

5 K-Dramas To Get You In The Mood For Valentine’s Day

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vday kdramas

It’s Valentine’s Day again and despite its grisly origins, the 14th of February is probably the most romantic day of the year. Romantic comedy is a really popular genre for K-dramas, so there will never be a shortage of dramas to get you in the right mood for this special day. Ranging from period dramas to hit modern ones, here are five spectacular K-dramas to put you in the Valentine’s Day mood. Who knows, you could even get some last minute celebration ideas from these shows!

1. “Queen Inhyun’s Man”

“Queen Inhyun’s Man” was so much more than a romantic comedy because it remains one of the few K-dramas to actually get the time travel trope right. At the heart of it all however, the beautiful relationship between Yoo Inna and Ji Hyun Woo was the drama’s winning factor. They had a perfect chemistry, they looked good together, and their relationship was so well-crafted that the romance became real. Despite being star-crossed lovers, they managed to overcome all odds (including that of distance and time) and their sweet resolution will definitely leave you swooning.

2. “The Greatest Love”

Gong Hyo Jin seems to click very well with every actor she works with but “The Greatest Love” is definitely one of her best works. Her romance with Cha Seung Won was chock full of chemistry and this showed even when they were having petty arguments. The drama had a pretty interesting set-up as well, with the show being centered around Korea’s entertainment industry, but it was the iconic character of Dokko Jin (Cha Seung Won) that stole the show (and probably the hearts of all the female viewers as well). A top star with a horrible personality and a machine for a heart, Dokko Jin was at first just another bad boy, but Cha Seung Won played him with a subtlety and depth that made him extra relatable to viewers.

Also on Kultscene: Girl Crush: Grace 

3. “You Who Came From The Stars”

Easily the biggest hit of 2014, “You Who Came From The Stars” had many novel plot points along with great and dedicated actors, but above all an addictive romance. Despite their age gap, actors Kim Soo Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun were a very believable and shippable couple. Whether it was their lively banter or their sizzling eye gazes, the couple was a joy to watch. There were many ultra romantic moments in this drama as well, whether the couple was hanging out at a secluded island or when fairy lights just magically lit up around them (perks of having an alien boyfriend).

4. “Pinocchio”

Another drama with many fairy-tale like moments, “Pinocchio” didn’t have the strongest storyline or premise, but it definitely succeeded in the romance department. Lee Jongsuk and Park Shinhye displayed such a great relationship that up till today, rumors of them dating are still rampant (despite the actors denying it sometime last year). Just like Gong Hyojin, Park Shinhye has had many wonderful co-stars (Jang Geun Suk, Lee Minho), but her romance with Lee Jongsuk was definitely the most believable because both actors threw themselves into their respective characters. The characters were enthusiastic about journalism, but also about following their heart. As you can probably imagine, their romance was filled with many heart-melting/stopping/wrenching moments that made this drama very memorable.

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5. “She Was Pretty”

From a brother-sister relationship in “Kill Me Heal Me” to that of lovers in “She Was Pretty,” Park Seo Joon and Hwang Jung Eum presented a natural chemistry that was more romantic than I thought possible. There was nothing original about their romance, which included being each other’s first loves when they were young and reuniting as adults, but somehow it magically worked. “She Was Pretty” was like a fairytale at some points because of its encouraging message that superficial beauty didn’t matter as much as inner beauty. Park Seo Joon in his role of Ji Sung Joon showed his love for Kim Hye Jin (Hwang Jung Eum) perfectly, not only through big gestures (back hugs, kisses) but even through actions like affectionately gazing at Hye Jin and smiling slightly to himself. There are many beautiful and romantic scenes in this drama which will definitely warm your heart even on cold winter days and will leave a smile on your face.

Have you watched these dramas? What are you going to do for Valentine’s Day? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Girl Crush: Grace

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grace korean singer artist i'm fine

I’m not a big fan of K-pop reaction videos, to he honest. It’s like, why do I want to watch someone I don’t know react to something I do know of? Alas, I follow a couple of such YouTubers because they’re funny and keep me entertained when I’m eating a sandwich and want to watch something fast. And that’s how I stumbled on Grace. Like many people, reading “Grace,” I was drawn by the feigned idea of a The Grace comeback. I, however, found something way cooler and current and totally girl crush worthy.

Quick intro (mostly because I couldn’t find a lot of information on her): Grace Kim is from New York, she was born in 1992, and is the first, maybe only, artist on the new entertainment company YYAC Friend (Young Youth Art Culture) roster. Fin.

Now onto the things we do know; how awesome “I’m Fine” and her overall artistry are. The “I’m Fine” music video looks like an editorial video for online retailers Dolls Kill and Shop Jeen. And while both brands are sometimes hard to digest and too much, Grace found the perfect balance and gave it a kawaii spin that isn’t prevalent in K-pop.

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While many K-pop acts these days are moving towards a more consumable sound and fashion, Grace and “I’m Fine” remind me of what got me (and probably many of you too) into K-pop in the first place. Everything from the clothes, to the stunts, to the cinematography and electronic hip-hop hybrid screams “Look at me!” And in a good way. Half of the ensembles and accessories that she wears don’t translate well to everyday life, so why not have an over-the-top music video to show it off? Think 2NE1 with “I Am the Best” or f(x)’s “NU ABO,” when the clothes made you say, “I wish I could rock that.” Truth is, in similar fashion, “I’m Fine” is aesthetics galore. So please pass me three pieces of this eye-candy.

For a debut single, “I’m Fine” is as solid as they come. It’s like a female and minimalistic take on BIGBANG’s “Bang Bang Bang,” and sounds more radio-friendly than most K-pop releases. Grace’s concept, talk-rap and stylistically, reminiscent of early 2NE1 and f(x), but still delivers 100 percent original quirk. And as it custom in K-pop, sometimes the better talented members of groups don’t get to display their full potential and, in a way, this is what happened to Grace in “I’m Fine” as well. Cause homegirl can sang.

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Grace’s YouTube page is filled with pre-debut covers, including a beautiful rendition of Taeyang’s “Eyes, Nose, Lips,” and a massive mashup of Big Bang’s “Bang Bang Bang,” Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb,” Jay Park’s “Solo,” Girls’ Generation’s “Lion Heart,” and PSY’s “Napal Baji.” Sound bizarre and a total disaster, right? Surprisingly, the singer and her production team pulled it off and delivered a stellar rendition. Moreover, she also uploads original covers where she translates songs from English to Korean or offers her own Korean rap.

To say this New Yorker is talented is an understatement. Not only does she look super cute Overall, Grace came out hard and proved with just one song that we’re witnessing the birth of a future badass queen that aren’t so common in the genre. So yes, I am talking about CL, Lee Hyori, Gain, and Hyuna-type of queen status. Hopefully, “I’m Fine” will pick up more and secure her more releases because I’m definitely not done with what Grace has to offer.

i'm fine korean singer grace mv music video gif

via thegifmill @ Tumblr

What are your thoughts on Grave? Share them in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Zico’s Singles Ranked Worst to Best

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zico songs rank best worst

Without a doubt, 2015 was Zico’s year. He featured on just about every other hip-hop and R&B release, he coached his own team on Mnet’s rap competition show “Show Me the Money 4,” and he released his positively-received album “Gallery.”. Indeed, the Block B member was everywhere — and deservingly so. In the last couple years, Zico has established himself as a rapper without the word “idol” being attached to the title. In addition, he’s also a pretty dope producer. Because even if he was very much involved in the creative process behind Block B, getting rid of the “idol” tag is hard when it comes to other career paths.

And after many trials and tribulations, we have now arrived to the era of Zico. In the short time since he launched his solo career, Zico has graced us with many instant classics and other less appreciated ones, to put it mildly. So now that the public has accepted him as an artist, let’s explore, what are Zico’s best and worst singles?

8. “Tough Cookie”

The tasteless use of the Confederate flag and derogatory term aside, “Tough Cookie” ain’t that good. I mean, we get it, Zico. You’re a legit rapper who got into an idol group to make it big. “Tough Cookie” is your first solo single as an established artist; this is your moment to show what you’ve got… Which apparently is a stereotypical parody of “what hip-hop is.” #ThugLife setting and attire? Check. Heavy bass? Check. Grillz and girls shaking their asses? Double Check. Hanging out with all the badass homies? You know it! However, there’s nothing less gangster than calling yourself a cookie, even if it’s tough.

The track itself is, at best, a basic hip-hop song. Certainly not the worst out there, but with all it’s negative aspects, it’s just better to overlook it altogether.

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7. “Boys and Girls”

Fortunately, “Tough Cookie” is Zico’s only bad song. “Boys and Girls,” however, is an enjoyable song with a colorful music video. It was number one for the longest times on the Korean music charts, after all. And yet, I can’t help and think this sounds like one of the multiple singles that Korean-American rapper Jay Park released last year, while Zico released “Boys and Girls” in November. I’m not saying Zico copied Jay’s style, but the similarities to songs produced by Jay Park’s label, AOMG, is uncanny. Maybe hanging out with said crew rubbed off on him? And, again, adorning yourself with lots of girls around, very hep-hap.

Despite this, “Boys and Girls,” as mentioned before, is a fun little song with an easy-to-follow and catchy hook. Would’ve been perfect as a summer release.

6. “Yes Or No”

Dude, I know you’re really hot in the hip-hop scene right now and deserve your kudos, but why are you attacking me for a “Yes or No” answer? Moreover, the jarring beat enhances the aggressive feel of the song, and yet, it’s perfect to jam to in a hip-hop mosh pit type of thing. Not to mention the animated music video, even though short, has cool visuals. The video revolves around the theme that “Yes or No” is a sarcastically narcissistic single just for kicks. Hopefully, now that Zico has established that he’s a dope rapper and producer he can stop reminding us with every single how great he is and that he started out in an idol group. And yes, Zico, the answer is “yes.”

5. “Pride and Prejudice”

Within his discography, “Pride and Prejudice” is a breath of fresh air. The music video is not all about Zico, the lyrics don’t boast about his career and self, and the music is pretty chill. His flow is more laid back and allow Zicoto present his views on romance more effectively. Moreover, Suran’s addition at the chorus gave it a nice touch of soul and delicateness that stands out when compared to the previous songs I’ve discussed.

4. “Well Done”

“Well Done” is another slowed and toned down song that lets the lyrics and Zico’s flow take center stage. It’s difficult to go wrong with a song were you bare it all for the audience and talk about your struggles. Good thing “Well Done” has that rawness and realness that make these types of tracks special and relevant. This is the perfect way of showing off what you accomplished — by putting it into context with the hardships you went through. Because of this, “Well Done” seems authentic and not self-absorbed.

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3. “Eureka”

2015 was a good year for Zico with all his collaborations and he even saved the best for last by releasing the album in December. And within “Gallery” was another very popular chart topper, “Eureka.” I mean, how can you go wrong with Zion.T at the chorus? But regardless of the popular artist’s involvement, “Eureka” is pretty solid. Zico delivers his hard hitting bars while also delivering a Jazzy and bouncy beat. Also, having a fun music video for a stellar track only make the finished product all that much better.

2. “I Am You, You Are Me”

Visually, “I Am You, You Are Me” is the prettiest music video we’ve seen from Korea so far in 2016. The soft colors, the awesome styling, the cute little story; it’s ethereal. However, it doesn’t seem and sound very Zico-like. It made me think of softer rappers like Crucial Star. And yet Zico completely owned it, especially when he sped up the tempo in key places. And if this is a new direction he’s willing to include to his repertoire, I’m all for it! It would honestly be number one if not for the fact that, as of right now, it’s too unique and not very Zico. From Zico’s creamy vocals to the twinkling sounds and subtle percussion, “I Am You, You Are Me” is as smooth as they come.

1. “VENI VIDI VICI”

Now this is what we expect and love from Zico. “VENI VIDI VICI” is in fact the successful and cooler version of “Tough Cookie.” The revindication, if you will. They’re both hard hitting anthems where he disses the haters and promotes himself. I already went over why we should all forget about “Tough Cookie,” and “VENI VIDI VICI” helps with that. Where the former came off as aggressive and tacky, the latter features Zico rapping in a fast but nonchalant way, which reflects that he doesn’t have anything to prove anymore. It doesn’t rely on cheesy hip-hop concepts done millions of times to seem cool, it just is. Sure, this music video also features girls dancing around him, sure, but at least it exudes personality and, more importantly, originality. “VENI VIDI VICI” show show much Zico has grown in the last two years and how he’s learned from his mistakes (except for those braids… but that’s another story!).

He came, he saw, he conquered, indeed. This is Zico at his best.

What’s your best and worst Zico single? Share your picks and thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

5 Mangas That Need To Be Made Into K-Dramas

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Kare Kane, The Devil Does Exist, Skip Beat

“Boys Over Flowers,” “Goong,” “Bridal Mask,” “City Hunter,” and other popular K-dramas are varied in their plots but they all have one thing in common: They’re based on a genre of comics known collectively as manga (or manhwa in South Korea). While webtoons are the current trend forKorean dramas to take cues from (“Misaeng,” “Orange Caramel,” etc.) there are still many mangas that have fodder for K-dramas to turn into absolutely amazing series. For example the One Piece manga series is doing incredibly well and you can even get your hands on figurines from the series, such as the one and only nico robin hentai. So, without further a do, here are five mangas that need to be made in K-dramas asap.

1. “Kare Kano” by Masami Tsuda

“Kare Kano,” or “His and Her Circumstances,” starts off as in innocent enough high school drama, with two rivals falling for one another. But the series quickly darkens in a way that fits a growing trend in K-dramas along the lines of “Cheese In The Trap” and “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” tackling mental health, family difficulties, abuse, etc. There’s a musical element and numerous subplots that tie back to the heartbreaking relationship of the main characters as the struggle through high school and unsettled childhood trauma that threatens the current state of their relationship.

The only thing that “Kare Kano” is missing is a romantic triangle or square, as K-dramas tend to do; this is the story of the two leads and the people important to them in their lives, nothing more. The tender, occasionally shockingly sad, manga has never been made into a drama despite being completed in 2005 and the Korean television industry is at the perfect point to create a show that appropriately represents the light-hearted and complex storylines of “Kare Kano.” (Come on tVN, let’s make this after “Cheese In The Trap” finishes!)

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2. “Black Bird” by Kanoko Sakurakoji

This manga takes place in a fantasy world where demons are very real and the heroine lives next door to a tengu, or a type of avian supernatural creature. And did I mention she’s the current reincarnation of something known as the senka maiden? Which means that she’s haunted by demons around her who want to eat her flesh. Don’t worry, the handsome tengu next door is there to protect her, until they realize that their romantic relationship may lead to her untimely death. This sort of drama is perfect for people who love shows like “Arang and The Magistrate” or “You Who Came From The Stars” with its fantasy twist on daily life and love.

3. “The Devil Does Exist” by Mitsubi Takanashi

Wealthy male teasing the poor female lead? Yup. Meddling grandmothers? Check. Random events trying to ruin a happy ending? Oh, yes! The fact that “The Devil Does Exist” hasn’t been made into a drama yet is positively shocking, given the fact that it is chock-full of K-drama tropes that hit us at the heart time and time again. The Taiwanese drama “Devil Beside You” shot Rainie Yang and Mike He to fame because of their portrayal of the loyal main couple in this drama, and it’s time that this series makes it way to Korean audiences. There’s laughter and heartbreak in this series that is sure to please K-drama fans around the world.

4. “Yona of the Dawn” by Mizuho Kusanagi

A fantasy drama that could easily be transposed to an early era of Korean history, “Yona of the Dawn” is about an immature princess who witnesses her father’s murder and has to escape with her life. The character development is key to this story, but so is the love triangle and fantasy elements as the manga is interspersed with references to Asian traditional mythlore as the princess and her bodyguard try to save the kingdom. Fans of “Rooftop Prince” or “Queen Seondok” will surely like this sort of manga-to-drama treatment.

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5. “Skip Beat” by Yoshiki Nakamura

You may be ready to shake your head and shout “already done!” at me, because the entertainment industry-based manga was already made into a Taiwanese drama in 2011, featuring Super Junior members Siwon and Donghae alongside Ivy Chen. But that version focused only on the first few volumes of the ongoing series, ignoring the more than 30 volumes that came after (as of publishing this article, there are 37 volumes released). The story of “Skip Beat” matures along with the character development throughout those latter volumes, exploring the struggles of a young woman to get revenge on a childhood crush by rising in the entertainment industry.

Unlike “Kare Kano,” there is a K-drama worthy romantic triangle going on throughout the series, as the heroine undergoes her transformation from country bumpkin to hardworking actress. There’s family members who stand in the way of happiness, rivalries, beautiful looking men, and overseas foreigners who speak the native language fluently for no apparent reason; “Skip Beat” was practically written to be made into a K-drama.

What do you think of these manga to drama ideas? Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

4minute ‘Hate’ Music Video & Song Review

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4minute Hate
Looking like a schoolyard gang and Posh Spice cosplayers, 4minute return with yet another big track, “Hate”. Produced by Skrillex, it follows “Crazy” into chaotic banger territory but with a certain pristine quality. Again, unfounded comparisons between YG Entertainment artists are bouncing around due to the sound and look of the music video. As we will see, 4Minute and Skrillex bring a higher level of craft when it comes to run of the mill electro tracks.

Song

Calling this an electro song is a bit reductive. It is the centre of controlled chaos between genres vying for dominance. Where “Crazy” started at top speed, “Hate” allows consecutive parts to sound completely different. They lead to a huge chorus that does not let up once it comes out.

From Gayoon’s opening to Sohyun’s pre-chorus, each part of “Hate” that leads up to the chorus increases in tempo as they come. Gayoon’s beautiful intro threatens us with a ballad. The pain in her voice sets the song up though, as something that won’t take any prisoners. While not hateful there’s a defiance to her pain; she’s done with this man once and for all. The piano melody takes us slowly by the hand into “Hate,” not giving anything about the destination away. Right after, a beat is finally introduced with Hyuna rapping on top of it. Her usual snarl is restrained for the moment, she allows the build before going for the jugular. Jihyun continues with this beat but with added drum flairs, her voice perfectly balanced between singing and rapping to prime us for bigger moments without giving it away. This comes in the form of Sohyun’s electrifying pre-chorus. Skrillex introduces his well known dub over her shouts of “go, go, go.” The song and girls are fed up of playing nice, the hate is real. Like in “Crazy,” the increasing tempo of the beat and screams leads perfectly into a chorus that is at once predictable and surprising.

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The chorus is predictable, given the nature of the song and the name of the producer. Surprising because the song’s build up at first masked it, and because of just how big it is. The horns explode with glee as Hyuna snarls in her familiar nasally voice “I hate you.” At first listen, these horns jar, using music rather than vocals as the hook is still relatively rare in K-pop. Despite their inherent conflicting sound they are shaped into a force by 4minute. It’s a sound to be angry to, to take action to.

Once it ends, “Hate” does not stick to what it knows. Jiyoon replaces Hyuna for the rap verse, similarly sounding as if she’s holding back. She knows she’ll get her chance in the chorus. The big change is the pre-chorus, which Gayoon takes and molds it into her own. Her banshee wail, a call for the hate filled chorus. The song always takes the time to got to quieter moments between those choruses. Mercifully giving us a break but more importantly creating contrast to sit the chorus on a pedestal. A throne to hate.

Music Video

The video does little to prop up the theme of the song with a story, it does have the distinction of being 4minute’s most beautiful video to date. Like the verse chorus relationship different sections of the video contrast with each other. Gayoon’s opening of restrictive mesh clothing, veils, and small frames shows a woman trapped in her hate filled relationship. Right after, Hyuna walks open deserts. The frame stays full as she walks amongst the dust. The expanse is just as scary, too open to the point of loneliness.

Also on KultScene: 4Minute’s ‘Crazy’ Music Video & Song Review

They do something similar with the styling too. Gayoon’s vengeful bride aesthetic and Jiyoon’s dominatrix look are total opposites, but work to tell the same story. Gayoon’s innocence, similar to the song, creeps up on you. Something that doesn’t seem hateful at first can quickly change. Jiyoon is the chorus then, an image of controlled hate.

Overall

Over the years, 4minute have changed their style time and again to showcase everything a girl group can be. Mostly focused on a heavier sound based in hip-hop and electro, and every time they executed it perfectly. This era of trap and dubstep influenced work suits them just right once again. “Hate” is a slow burn that tortures the soul of weak men. It cracks with dubstep flourishes and bites with mean raps. No other song has fit these type of sounds so well before.

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What do you think of “Hate”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Which Generation of K-Pop Do You Belong In? [QUIZ]

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Which Generation of K-Pop Do You Belong In Quiz Feat.

We are only a month into 2016, yet so far a lot has already happened: Legendary boy group H.O.T is reportedly preparing for their 20th anniversary reunion concert, SS501 sub-unit SS301 is making a comeback for the first time in seven years with their album “ETERNAL5,” and Teen Top recently returned with their seventh mini album “Red Point.” But never mind how busy 2016 is going to be; let’s focus on the extensiveness that is H.O.T, SS501, and Teen Top mentioned all in one sentence. It’s easy to forget sometimes that K-pop is in its third generation. Within twenty years, the Korean wave has crashed down on many countries worldwide, bringing us its beautiful culture and music that is constantly in flux.

Whether you just joined the K-pop fandom yesterday or been around since its early inception, be sure to celebrate its evolution by taking our latest quiz to figure out which era of K-pop best suits you!

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[qzzr quiz=”155482″ width=”100%” height=”auto” redirect=”true” offset=”0″]

What did you think of your result? Did you pick the era that you thought you would? Let us know what other quizzes you’d like to see from KultScene! Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

’20 Once Again’ vs. ‘Miss Granny’: Which One Is Better?

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miss granny vs 20 once again

Korean comedy film “Miss Granny” was released in 2014, and due to its massive popularity, a Chinese remake “20 Once Again” was produced in 2015. Both the movies received a lot of international attention, partially due to its engaging storyline but also because many famous stars were casted for the films. Remakes and adaptations are not new to both Korea and China; there have been many K-dramas based on Chinese source material and vice versa, but there is a constant debate about the quality of these remakes.

It is a common and unqualified generalization that “the original” is always better; K-dramas are often compared to the original dramas or webtoons and receive negative reviews purely because on this comparison. While unfair because each version of the story should be evaluated separately, I do admit that when a remake has exactly the same plot and characters as the original, it is very difficult to watch the remake without subconsciously comparing it to the first version.

Though both of these particular adaptations they were very alike, there were minor points about each show which defined and differentiated them. This raises the question: which one is better? Let’s examine them.

Plot

As mentioned above, the plot for both movies were identical and there were even scenes where the dialogue was exactly the same. Sure, “20 Once Again” is a remake of “Miss Granny,” but was it really impossible for the scriptwriter to inject even a little bit of creativity into the script?

The plot on its own though, while mildly fantastical, is a winning one. It empathizes the importance of filial piety and sends out a strong message to viewers to treasure their youth. This message is relatable in both Korea and China because both societies are currently facing the problem of an aging population; the struggles experienced by the various elderly folks in the show and the conflicts within a family with various generations living together are all familiar and realistic. By giving the main character Oh Mal-Soon (played by Shim Eun Kyung)/Shen Meng Jun (played by Yang Zishan), a 70-year-old grandma, a new lease of life by allowing her to become 20-years-old again she pretty much embodies the hopes of everyone who has ever wanted to return to a particular period of time. That’s probably why these movies felt so engaging; viewers were all drawn by this imaginative idea. In reality however, with a length of around two hours, the plot moved along very slowly in the movies and felt very long. There were many scenes that I found entertaining but highly useless to the overall development of the plot.

Moreover, there were also some supporting characters who were left underdeveloped. A good example would be music producer Han Seung Woo (played by Lee Jin Wook)/Tan Zhi Ming (Chen Bolin). He was supposed to be Mal Soon/Meng Jun’s love interest in the movies. However, in both movies, the ending left viewers not knowing anything more about him apart from the fact that he has a bad temper and has retro music tastes. It’s hard to root for the main couple (if you can even call it that) when you know nothing about the male and the couple barely had any romantic interactions before they were separated.

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Even if the main point of the story was not about the romance, it was way too rushed and unsatisfying, especially in a show that delivered in almost every other aspect.

For all its flaws, however, the plot definitely had great humor, whether it was through the situations that the characters landed themselves in or through the often witty dialogue. A 70-year old grandma in the body of a 20-year old young lady? Cue hilarious scenes with a young lady standing in the midst of a crowd of elderly folk and doing slow morning exercises with them. To its credit, “20 Once Again” did change scenes like these to fit in with the local culture, for example the old folks in the movie watched a Chinese period drama rather than a Korean one which was used in the original movie.

Also on Kultscene: Which Song from BTS’s ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life’ Albums Are You? [QUIZ] 

Cast

Perhaps the most defining difference between these two movies is the quality of their cast. While all the actors did a decent job in portraying their characters, all in all, “Miss Granny” had a better cast. This was especially evident for the main character Mal Soon/Meng Jun. Both Shim Eun Kyung and Yang Zishan did well and brought a lot of life to the character. They also succeeded in showing both the tough and vulnerable sides of this character’s personality, making Mal Soon/Meng Jun a very endearing protagonist whom viewers felt and rooted for. Both actresses really mastered the art of acting like old women and created amazing comedy even at the risk of ruining their personal images.

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They enjoyed a good chemistry with the rest of the cast as well, in particular with the actors who played their sons, Sung Dong Il (for “Miss Granny”) and Zhao Lixin (for “20 Once Again”). This was especially important in the movies because the mother-son relationship was a very touching one, despite the lack of scenes together, this relationship worked very well in both movies.

As Mal Soon/Meng Jun was supposed to be a good singer, Yang Zishan really lost out on this aspect. Shim Eun Kyung’s singing voice was a pleasant surprise, she could not just carry a tune but she had a certain level of skill which made her singing scenes enjoyable to watch. Yang Zishan’s singing, while mildly decent, was quite unstable and emotionless, making Meng Jun’s instant popularity unbelievable and ultimately detracted from the film’s enjoyment.

“Faintly Sweet Memories” – Yang Zishan

“White Butterfly” – Shim Eun Kyung

For the role of Seung Woo/Zhi Ming however, the actors had to put in extra effort because the script barely helped them with their character development at all. Both the actors casted are relatively famous and have a nice resume of past projects but Lee Jin Wook added way more depth to Seung Woo as compared to Chen Bolin’s Zhi Ming, who basically remained boring and stagnant throughout the entire movie. Seung Woo’s relationship with Mal Soon also didn’t feel as forced as Zhi Ming’s and Meng Jun’s, which made it enjoyable to watch even though there wasn’t much romantic development.

Soundtrack

This seems like an odd and trivial criteria to compare the movies with, but it’s not weird when the movies are largely centered around music. After turning back to her 20-year-old self, Mal Soon/Meng Jun gets invited to join her own grandson’s band and subsequently encourages the band to start playing old hits because those are the only songs she likes to sing. The band thereafter goes through a transformation and starts to produce quality music. This transformation was definitely illustrated more clearly in “Miss Granny,” because the movie started out with the band playing really horribly — discordant chords, lousy lyrics and so on. When Mal Soon joined them however, they were soon playing lively and catchy oldies. They sounded really good as well.

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For “20 Once Again” however, the band started off with a relatively good song, so it was hard to believe that they were doing badly. As a result, the transformation was not apparent, making the storyline unbelievable.

Both soundtracks had some outstanding songs though, but the main theme song from “20 Once Again,” which was sung by Luhan, was really amazing. Apart from having a beautiful melody, the lyrics captured the essence of the movie and was a perfect way to end the show.

“Our Tomorrow” – Luhan

Also on Kultscene: 5 Vocally Impressive K-Pop Girl Groups 

Final Result

Although both movies had its strengths, ultimately “Miss Granny” was a better version because the story was brought to life in a very moving and heartwarming fashion, aided by the wonderful performances of the cast members and a great soundtrack.

Premium subscribers at Dramafever can check “20 Once Again” out on the newly launched CJ E&M Movie Channel. “Miss Granny” is also available on Dramafever so you can check both movies out and compare them yourselves!

Have you watched these two movies? Which version do you prefer? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Which Song from BTS’s ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life’ Albums Are You? [QUIZ]

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bts quiz what song are you describes

By Sana Parvayz

BTS, aka Bangtan Sonyeondan, has risen to fame within a short span of time, especially coming from a small entertainment company. The group debuted with “No More Dream,” on June 13, 2013, and since then, they have accomplished a lot. Last year, the group came back with their fourth mini album ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2,” a follow up to part one of the series released six months prior. Divided in two, both EPs emphasize youth. Part one portrays the difficulties, insecurities, and issues faced by youngsters. Whereas part two expresses the adventures and joys of being a young adult. “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life” portrays the intensity of emotions youth feel, either happiness or sadness, and how being a young-adult is the most pleasing moment in life.

These albums proved to touch upon the inner feelings of fans and overall youth, given that their fourth mini album stayed on the top of Billboard’s World Albums Chart for straight four weeks. And with two flawless albums, Bangtan Boys definitely deserved it. The songs on these albums range from euphoria to desolation, narrating through several emotions that an average adolescent and young adult goes through. And since they’re about youth, we can all pick one we can relate to. However, we’ve taken the liberty of finding that out for you. Take the quiz to see which one of the songs from both EPs best embody you.

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5 Vocally Impressive K-Pop Girl Groups

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EXID, Spica, Brown Eyed Girls, Mamamoo, Lovelyz
In a world where K-pop girl groups can have anywhere from two members to 100, it’s a given that not every single one of them is made up of award winning vocalists. Despite this, each K-pop idol brings something to the table and has crawled their way past other trainees to get where they are today. But from amongst the crowd of the beautiful and the talented, there are those surprising vocally impressive K-pop girl groups whose combined singings skills are outstanding.

SPICA

This female quintet stands out from amongst the K-pop crowd even before they debuted in 2012. Bohyung, who nearly was part of 2NE1’s final line-up, and Bora, a vocal trainer of many K-pop stars, alone would make SPICA outstanding as a group, but Sihyun, Jiwon, and Narae’s skills are also nothing to overlook. There’s no vocal hole within the girl group, where each of these singers would be phenomenal on their own as a soloist. Put them all together and you get one of the most overlooked K-pop acts of all time. 2014’s “You Don’t Love Me” is one of SPICA’s particularly outstanding songs, that gives each of the ladies her own moment to belt her vocal colors in the best way possible while showing off her retro-inspired assets.

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Mamamoo

If SPICA is all about the bombast, Mamamoo is all about the sweet, girly vocal power. This girl group has done everything, including cross dressing to singing about having a “Girl Crush,” all while making South Korea take notice of them from amongst all of the K-pop competition. Without a major agency, getting people to notice another girl group in South Korea would be nearly impossible without these talented vocalists. While Solar is all around perceived as the best singer in the group (and one of the best female idols in K-pop overall), Hwasa, Moonbyul, and Wheein have all stood their own over the years. Each member of the girl group has featured on countless songs by other artists. And that’s without even touching Mamamoo’s own songs, like the groundbreaking “Um Oh Ah Yeh” and “Mr. Ambiguous.”

EXID

EXID is that K-pop girl group that just has it all. It took them awhile, but this quartet shot to fame overnight thanks to a viral video of their dance from “Up & Down.” And then only afterwards were they recognized for their vocal talent. We already highlighted how all of KultScene’s staff was impressed by EXID’s vocal performance in “Thrilling,” but it’s not just a one off. The girl group’s range overall is insane, with even rapper LE’s vocals being entirely unique. Solji’s vocal range is the very backbone of EXID’s latest songs, but Hani, Hyerin, and Junghwa aren’t just there to look pretty. Instead, the three add their own powerful, melodious voices to the mix. Need proof that this girl group is more than just “Up & Down?” EXID’s impromptu acoustic, drunken rendition of their latest single “Hot Pink” is out of this world.

Brown Eyed Girls

If you’ve somehow missed out on how phenomenal Brown Eyed Girls is, just take a look at this 2009 ballad rendition of their hit song “Sign” featuring. K.Will. Brown Eyed Girls originally debuted in 2006 as a faceless R&B group, and kept their faces unknown by the public, even after their song “Hold The Line” became a hit. Ten years later, Brown Eyed Girls have remade themselves numerous times, and explored numerous genres of music, but they’re still very much the five women who just own their singing.

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Lovelyz

While they’re still rookies, Lovelyz garnered international attention after a video featuring the eight members singing an a capella version of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” So far, Lovelyz’ songs have been cutesy and sweet, and have yet to grasp the attention of South Korea overall, but the member’s vocal talent just can’t be denied. 2015 brought us a lot of great female K-pop rookie acts, but Lovelyz just has that vocal talent that we have our eyes on.

Honorable Mentions

When we make lists like this, it doesn’t mean that there are no other talented K-pop girl groups. Stellar, Sunny Hill, Bestie, Wonder Girls, Ladies’ Code, and many more are also some of our favorite groups with truly talented members.

Which of these groups are your favorite? Did we miss anyone? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.