8 K-Pop Girl Power Anthems Pt. 4

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girl power kpop anthems feminist

Most K-pop songs are about love, despair, or encouraging jams for youth who might be going through difficult times, and they don’t always have the best messages for women. However, once in a while, a girl group or soloist releases a song celebrating being a woman and representing girl power at its best. We’ve had three previous installments of girl power anthems, and here are eight more songs for you.

1. Mamamoo “My Heart”

For member Hwasa’s solo, Mamamoo released a song all about being a woman going against the current and owning it. Hwasa sings about being what society deems a “bad girl” and “rebellious.” She drinks, wears fish nets, work hard just to spend her money at the nail salon, is cocky, etc. “My Heart” is all about being real and owning it, even if people think you’re a bad person. Because being young is all about experiencing life to the fullest.

2. Lee Hyori “Love Radar (feat. Beenzino)”

It’s really hard to write romantic songs that aren’t all about losing yourself for a man in the name of love. However, Lee Hyori has that down with “Love Radar.” There’s nothing wrong about being crazy in love with a partner, as long as you never lose track of what you want, also have your needs met, and owning your sexuality.

Also on KultScene: MBLAQ ‘Mirror’ Music Video & Song Review

3. Girls’ Generation “Catch Me If You Can”

With age, one becomes wiser, even with love, and that’s what Girls’ Generation are showing with “Catch Me If You Can.” It’s basically saying that this woman has matured and isn’t a little girl anymore. It also advises the guy to keep up and accept her for what she is if she wants to be with her, hence the title. With the line, “I’m going to find my heart,” the song makes a strong statement that even if you’re in a relationship, when it comes down to it, you first have to know yourself in order to be with someone else. There’s nothing wrong with putting yourself first.

4. Neon Bunny “Oh My Prince”

But not all boys are nice and accepting, and instead of sulking, Neon Bunny calls this prince out for all his bs. “Oh My Prince” asks all the important questions to this self-absorbed guy, like which star did you come from? Or, if you’re that perfect, why are you still single? It’s the biggest f-u to all those guys out there that get too carried away by the status quo and judge romantic interests accordingly.

5. EXID “Ah Yeah”

People come in all shapes and forms, so if there are sweet, understanding guys, there are also the pests who just don’t want to get it when you say “no” to them. A lot of girls are shy and don’t always say what’s on their minds, even when it comes to something that bothers them. EXID’s “Ah Yeah” is sung by a confident woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to tell you to step off.

6. D-Unit “Stay Alive”

It seems that women empowerment anthems in Korean are more popular in rap than in pop. And yet, a lot of them rely on putting other women up in order to stand out themselves. However, D-Unit’s “Stay Alive” doesn’t need to diss other women in order to boast about themselves. On the contrary, it promotes all girls at the chorus, making it a truly positive song.

7. Gilme “My Turn”

Gilme’s “My Turn” does diss people in order to set herself apart from the rest, but at least her diss is directed at everyone, “ladies, fellas, balla.” But the song is not only a self empowerment jam, it also declares that she’s in charge of her life and her destiny.

Also on KultScene: Epik High Lights It Up in Los Angeles

8. Ivy “You Are the Ace”

Whenever you’re down in life and needing a good pick-me-up, this song by Ivy reminds you to always feel yourself and forget the criticism. “You Are the Ace” is a comforting song that says we should all be who we truly are without any hesitation.

What’s your favorite K-pop girl power song? 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.

[Renders: Pngs-Celebrities, teo-xinhdep, GAJMEditions, HistoireDeKpop]

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Artist Spotlight: A.KOR

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A.KOR

In the wake of their most recent sub-unit single, I thought it would be a good idea to revisit A.KOR’s career in the hope of finding more than a controversy.

When most K-pop fans think of A.KOR they only think of one thing: Kemy’s diss track about 2NE1’s Park Bom. The controversy has completely overshadowed much of the group’s career to date. If you look at the comments of any article about them or video of theirs on Youtube, you will find legions of 2NE1’s fans insulting Kemy and the group. While controversy was likely the whole point of the track, it hasn’t done much to further A.KOR’s success. I’m not here to pick over the details of this though. I’m here to ask you to give A.KOR a chance without the weight of controversy hanging over them. What you will find are exciting tropical beats, two of the best female idol rappers working today, and a whole lot of fun.

The recent use of rappers by boy groups like BTS and B.A.P has not really crossed over to girl groups in a big way. These boy groups have enough talent within all their members to have songs that focus primarily on rapping or vocals. Gone are the early K-pop days of having one token rap verse. However, A.KOR is possibly the only girl group that can achieve this at the moment. A.Kor’s rappers Kemy and Min Ju have distinct flows that contrast each other brilliantly. These coupled with the incredible vocals of Ji Young, the breathy Daya, and Tae Hee’s strength make for an extremely talented group.

 Also on KultScene: Playlist Sunday: Girl Groups Covering Boy Groups

A.KOR actually only debuted with three members, Kemy, Min Ju, and Ji young, for some reason I cannot ascertain. Whatever it was, it didn’t make a difference to their output. Their debut from summer 2014 “Payday” sounds like a 2008/2009 K-pop song with today’s production standards. The banging Europop riff sounds glossy yet cheap at the same time and it has a stupid spoken opening that screams early JYP. Ji Young’s voice has a classic Wonder Girls feel to it that lends to the retro sound and absolutely blasts the choruses.

“Payday,” like all good debuts should, sets down a unique sound for A.KOR. The whole song has a tropical feeling to it that would be exploited some more on later tracks. Matching this with the hip hop stylings that they were being promoted with was a masterstroke. Kemy and Min Ju’s raps work so well together and with these sounds. It’s a genuinely fresh and exciting sound that is uncommon to K-pop.

Luckily for us, A.KOR only improved on their debut with “But Go” later in 2014. Their first song post-Park Bom scandal seems to channel the rage they felt. “But Go” is an explosive track that showcased how powerful girl groups can really be. Once again, the rapping takes center stage behind more foreign beats, this time booming Middle Eastern drums. Kemy and Min Ju are brought into even greater contrast with Min Ju delivering particularly high pitched bubblegum raps against Kemy’s angry strength. Between the two of them, they are the perfect female force for defying the traitorous men this song is about, with Kemy acting as the insulter and Min Ju as the belittler.

“But Go” also introduced the two final members of A.KOR, Daya and Tae Hee. They do the best work they can do here in that they fit in without any fanfare and just join in with A.Kor’s previous line-up. That being said, the new members perform their parts well. Daya especially has a certain charm. Her voice has a strained, out of breath quality to it which I quite like. It adds another dimension to A.KOR’s sound on top of Ji Young’s power and the slick rapping.

 Also on KultScene: May Music Releases From Korea That You Might Have Overlooked

As was the trend for so long, A.KOR eventually went down the sexy route with their next single “Always.” It drops the foreign beats in favour of a standard pop rock sound. Unsurprisingly, this change of concept corresponds with their worst single to date. While not being a completely bad song, it remains uninteresting. Conforming to the trends meant that A.Kor looked uncomfortable in a role which was probably never meant for them. I guess you can’t blame them too much for trying it out considering their lack of success.

The song itself might have been seen as a way of promoting A.KOR’s vocalists more than before. Tae Hee especially gets more lines than she ever had and delivers them well. She has a strength to her voice that suggest something bigger than she is showing us. Maybe given time we will see her really test her pipes.

Also not surprising is that the raps are what keep this from being completely forgettable. Kemy and Min Ju have proven to be a continually interesting duo. So when it was announced they were forming a hip-hop sub unit called A.KOR Black, I got excited. Despite being only a sub-unit this recent comeback confirms A.KOR as an incredibly talented group.

“How We Do” fits into another recent trend of K-pop, the nineties. Here it works really well, as the stylings match with the hip-hop sounds and the song itself has a retro tinge to it. It also signals the return of the tropical sounds in the form of steel drums and synths. These go on top of a beastly hip-hop beat to create something as badass as it is fun. This is the song for summer 2015.

I don’t have to explain just how good the rapping is again, but I will say that it’s the best that the pair has done so far. What is also great is the pop chorus they have; the infectious hook sung by Min Ju is the perfect accompaniment to the cavalcade of rapping.

Even now with “How We Do,” A.KOR’s comment sections are filled with hate. Hopefully, in time, people will learn to forgive Kemy and her group mates (especially since she already apologized). If they do, they will discover a unique and exciting group. Not only are they bringing new sounds into K-pop, but they are showing how badass female idols can really be when it comes to rapping. The power of “But Go” surpassed all other female idol groups last year and “How We Do” is showing they can capitalize on their greatest strengths.

Maybe it’s actually better that they remain lesser known so I can keep them to myself while everyone else can stay on the other side of that infamous feud.

What do you think of A.KOR? 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.

Korean Variety’s Hidden Gem: ‘Crime Scene’

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crime scene poster

Amidst popular variety shows such as “Running Man” and “Infinity Challenge”, the deduction game “Crime Scene” is slowly emerging as a hidden gem in the Korean entertainment scene. Despite being produced by a cable TV network (JBTC), this show drew attention because of its elaborate sets and props and the highly entertaining yet intelligent cast. This show began last year and the second season of the show is currently airing.

Based on real-life murder cases, the context of the show is unique to say the least, but it is also similar to “The Genius,” another intellectual variety show produced by JBTC. Somewhat like the board game “Clue”, the cast members role play as different characters in a murder case, all with certain relations to the murder victim that make them all likely suspects, while one cast member plays the detective, who is excluded from the list of suspects and has the authority to lead the investigations. In addition, the detective also has an extra vote with two votes, while the other members only can vote for one suspect at the end of the investigation. If the murderer is caught, the members who voted for that person would win the equivalent of $1,000 each, but if the murderer goes free, the murderer wins all the money.

Also on Kultscene: 5 Fun K-Pop Music Videos & Songs to Start Your Summer

The stakes are high and the desire to catch the criminal is strong, be it because of the money or because the members want recognition of their deductive abilities. Along with the interactive feature, where viewers are allowed to vote for the criminal online and win prizes, this all makes for a very engaging and interesting watch, which is something that few variety shows do well.

The cast’s chemistry definitely plays a part in the success factor of this show as well. The current members of this second season are Hong Jinho (ex-progamer, current broadcaster), Park Ji Yoon (announcer), Jang Dongmin (announcer), Hani (from EXID), and Jang Jin (film director). They all have different ways of expressing themselves and unique ways of deduction and thinking, hence bringing in the comic relief in an otherwise serious show. The members are equally intelligent, what with Hani’s IQ of 145, Jang Dong-min’s amazing observation skills, Jang Jin’s uncannily accurate storytelling abilities, and Park Ji Yoon’s logical deductions. Although there are clashes in their way of thinking, throughout the show the cast gradually learns how to work together and use their different abilities to solve the crimes, which is satisfying for the viewers to watch and enjoy.

The realism of this show is no small feat, especially as the case changes every week. It may seem confusing, but as a viewer, I am still able to follow the several cases well because of how invested the cast members are in each role that they play, even if the role requires them to cross dress. As none of the cast members are professional actors, it is definitely difficult for them to play their roles convincingly, and indeed, this was a complaint made for the first season of this show. As a result, a change was made to the format of the show, where the cast members sat down to pick their new roles at the end of the episode, rather than at the beginning of the new episode, as was previously the case. This gave the cast members more time to get into their roles, and the effect of this can be seen clearly in the increasing acting abilities of the cast members. This also allowed the writers and producers of this show to develop each character more, adding more layers and complexity to each character, showing depth and substance to this variety show.

Also on Kultscene: May Music Releases From Korea That You Might Have Overlooked

As a bonus to the already great cast, the guests who have appeared on this show have consistently been amazing as well. They range from actors such as Kim Ji Hoon to popular idols such as EXO’s Xiumin and CNBLUE’s Minhyuk, along with homecoming appearances made by former season one members. These guests are supposedly fans of the show, and this can be seen by their familiarity and adaptability to the format of the show and how comfortable they are with the cast members, allowing them to fully showcase their deduction skills.

via kanqqun @ Tumblr

It is the small details that really make this show shine, be it the increasingly intriguing cases that are presented in this show, the numerous clues that can literally be found in any nook or cranny, or even the ever-amusing and good-looking detective’s assistant that makes his appearance at the start of every episode. This show stands out in the sea of Korean variety, and I’m certainly hoping for a third season.

xiumin on crime scene 2

via xiundeer @ Tumblr

Are you watching Crime Scene? Do you like the new format of the show? 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.

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5 Fun K-Pop Music Videos & Songs to Start Your Summer

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Five Fun Kpop Music Videos to Start Your Summer Feat

If you are enrolled in a higher education program, then summer break has just started, and if not,
then you are preparing for it. Either way, as we are nearing the midpoint of 2015 we could all use
a couple of tunes to unwind to from this busy first half of the year. Before the inevitable upbeat summer-themed music videos start to roll in from our favorite acts, it
is worthwhile to check out some of the already established hits. So in order to start off the break with the best attitude, here’s five fun K-pop songs to get you in the summertime spirit.

SHINee’s “View”

Though it has been a long two years since SHINee last released a full-length Korean album, fans discover that it was well worth the wait as the group’s fourth studio album “Odd” recently dropped and has been dominating the music charts worldwide. Written by leader Kim Jonghyun himself, the title song, “View,” heralds in this year’s early kickoff of summer releases. It features an addictive chorus and funky techno beats that are sure to make listeners dance and sing along, whether at a summer pool party, club, or simply alone within the confines of our bedrooms. The blend of a house sound in the chorus is something that can easily be popular among non K-pop fans as well.

The video itself is very refreshing, as the boys are finally let out of SM Entertainment’s formulaic flashy box sets and into the wild with a group of beautiful female friends (or fans?) who take them away from the public’s watchful eye. Together, the gang ride motorbikes, swim in other people’s pools and drink it up at vacant bars – activities that we would never catch our idols doing. They also trade in their usual eccentric prints and suits for a more casual, quotidian look. The whole video just screams summer getaway, and audiences are left feeling a sense of liberation as we watch the members shed away their responsibilities. “View” is definitely one of the must-watch, must-listen to videos and songs of the season.

 Also on Kultscene: Album Review: SHINee’s ‘Odd’

B1A4 “Solo Day”

Off of their fifth mini-album of the same name, “Solo Day” is one of B1A4’s best and most fun tracks. After they released songs such as “Lonely” in 2014 and “Tried to Walk” in 2012, which showed a more mature side to the quintet, it was nice to see the boys return with a track that showcased their original silly dispositions that they debuted with back in 2011.

Produced by leader Jung Jinyoung, this title song has a light and sing-song feel to it. The repetitive chorus of “solo, solo day,” accompanied by the playful whistles, will undeniably get stuck in listeners’ heads even after the first listen. The video matches the song perfectly as it is just as ridiculous and whimsical. The members take on the role of five quirky individuals – the couch potato (Jinyoung), the pizza delivery guy (Sandeul), the obsessive compulsive guy (CNU), the space geek (Baro), and the flower vagabond (Gongchan) – who, through their road trip antics, end up signaling and encountering a UFO on the beach (yes, you read that right). It does not make much sense, but it does not have to. That’s the charm of B1A4. Just as how the boys are singing along while driving on the wide open road or how they bob their heads to the beat of the whistles, this catchy tune will have listeners doing the same.

The group takes a somber topic, like that of a break-up, and transforms it into an upbeat and empowering track about the freedom that supplements with it. Such a positive message and entertaining video is sure to be a perfect addition to any summer playlist.

HyunA “Bubble Pop!”

Because what “Fun K-Pop Music Videos & Songs to Start Your Summer” list isn’t complete without “Bubble Pop!,” right? Produced by the musical masterminds behind many of the songs from HyunA’s group 4Minute, Shinsadong Tiger and Choi Kyu-sung could not have anticipated the success that the hit would garner.

Coming in fourth on Gaon Weekly Digital Charts at the time, it was practically the summer anthem of 2011. The track presents an up-tempo and sassy quality to it, which suits HyunA’s sexy and bad-girl image. It’s the type of song that will have listeners bouncing around on their beds or shaking their booties at the notorious “Bubble bubble bubble pop, Bubble bubble pop pop” lyrics. Despite HyunA’s position as a rapper, the song is short of any raps, but rather punctuated with aspirated ooh’s and aah’s that further add to the seduction.

Overall, the track is very (appropriately) bubbly. As for the music video, HyunA never looked better. Her tan and slim figure makes any of the outfits – from the flirty self tie shirts to the evocative mesh tops – she wears look good and lets us know that she is beach-ready. With its various poolside and sandy beach scenes, the video emanates a very apparent summer vibe. It reminds us that ‘tis the season for summer flings with the cameo of MBLAQ’s ex-member Lee Joon as the male love interest. Set in a comic book-styled vignette, the video follows the two on a shopping date.

Unfortunately, the video also reminds us that flings are ephemeral in nature, as depicted in the scene where HyunA coyly shoves Joon into the pool after catching him ogle at other girls. Over the span of four years, this fun-in-the-sun video racked up nearly 93 million views on Youtube already, proving that it is a favorite among many.

Infinite “She’s Back”

Inspirits (Infinite fans) are in for a treat at this summer throwback. From their debut mini album “First Invasion,” “She’s Back” is one of Infinite’s most feel good songs. Infinite is one of those groups who has a distinctive sound and sticks with it. Unsurprisingly, this electro-pop title bears the same synth-heavy and often retro sound that will lay the groundwork for later songs.

Coupled with the passionate long notes from main vocalist Nam Woo Hyun and the collective voices of the seven members during the chorus, it works well here to produce a fun and loving track. And while listening to the song on its own may not conjure images of pools and getaway resorts like the other tracks on this list might, after watching the accompanying music video, it will be hard not to separate the summertime themes from this single.

Within the first couple of seconds, we are immediately thrusted onto a beach where the boys clad in trunks, tank tops and flip flops are running with their dog. Another couple seconds in and the boys are enjoying a picnic. The fun doesn’t stop there as the next few scenes show them playing water games in a pool. This is all spliced together with clips of the members singing in unison on a boat in a beautiful wash of light as the sun sets down on them. If this music video is not considered the epitome of summer, then I do not know what is. The boys are all smiles as they appreciate their mini vacation, and we can’t help but too just watching them being all jubilant. A fine tune to jam to during any summer, Infinite’s “She’s Back” will have listeners crying out in joy that she’s back without knowing exactly who she is.

 Also on Kultscene: 5 Reasons You Should Be Excited for Shinhwa’s Appearance at KCON LA [UPDATED]

Afterschool RED “In the Night Sky”

Probably the most underrated title on this list, “In the Night Sky” is the result of After School’s special project unit group composed of members Kahi, Jungah, UEE, and Nana. It features a
looped synth sound and a pleasant to listen to melody that is characteristic in any dance-pop song that Brave Brothers has and will produce. Perhaps this is why the track is so reminiscent of Sistar’s “Shady Girl,” another one of the many hits that the talented producer has in his repertoire. In fact, during the second verse where Kahi raps her lines, I can easily envision Sistar’s Bora replacing her part. Nevertheless, “In the Night Sky” offers a slightly more memorable chorus with its repetitive eh, eh’s that are very easy to sing along to, especially for those who may not be familiar with the language.

Again, the song would not be complete without the concomitant music video. If the fresh, girly vocals of the subunit did not convince listeners of its summer playlist potential, then maybe the
video might. The concept of the video can best be described in two simple words – bohemian chic. The girls, minus UEE, who they later meet up with, look absolutely fierce riding through the open desert in their Harley’s and Jeeps dressed in headpieces, feathers, braids, fringes and animal fur. Once the four are reunited and night has fallen, we see the four dance around a bonfire with a slew of friends, seeming as if they are without a care in the world.

There must be something about summer that makes people feel empowered and independent, but this song preaches the popular “I’m stronger without you” message that usually prevails around this time of the year. Certainly, “Into the Night Sky” is the ideal soundtrack to listen to on a cool summer’s night with some close friends.

BONUS: jtL “Just Say Goodbye”

While “Just Say Goodbye” (“Enter the Dragon,” 2001) may not be what you expect when you think of fun and upbeat summer songs, the music video for this song is just too stunning not to include here. Shot in Saipan, the video reveals the island’s tropical forests and clear blue skies. jtL members Tony Ahn, Jang Woo Hyuk, and Lee Jae Won stand high on a mountain overlooking the sea, letting the wind blow through their shirts while singing emotionally to the ballad. Meanwhile, a young Song Ji Hyo (actress and cast member of Running Man) meanders through the lush flora alone. Everything about the song and video is just so romantic, yet bittersweet. The nostalgic old-school K-pop sound of this single would be great to wake up to on a bright summer morning.

Did I forget to include a song/music video on my list? Who else belongs on the list? 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.
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May Music Releases From Korea That You Might Have Overlooked

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History Just Might Die K-pop may releases KultSceneMay has not been lacking in music releases from top K-pop acts. BIGBANG, INFINITE’s Kim Sung Kyu, KARA, Girl’s Day, and SHINee all came out with new music and gained worldwide attention. But there were also a lot of good songs coming out of Korea this past month that you may have missed (pardon the pun). Here are some of KultScene’s favorite, possibly overlooked, releases from Korea in May.

HISTORY’s “Beyond The History” album is one of our favorite things to be released in May, maybe this year. The title track “Might Just Die” and its music video are extremely sexy, but it’s Jang Yi Jeong’s solo rap track “1Century” that’s really worth taking a listen to. Jang wrote both songs, and his composing skills are something we’ll be watching, but it was his excellent rapping that is so shocking considering that he’s actually the group’s lead vocalist.


“Like” by CLC was introduced in May with pretty little fanfare, considering that the girl group debuted under one of Korea’s brightest entertainment agencies, Cube Entertainment. But just because there wasn’t a lot of attention doesn’t mean that we don’t love the bright, colorful song.


Zion.T’s “Eat” is a gentle R&B song about a man and his feelings, a comforting tune to help people find pleasure in the little things in life. It went to the top of many Korean music charts thanks to its melodious, warm nature.

Also on KultScene: Seventeen’s ’17 Carat’ Album Review

Solo singer IU released “Heart” with little warning, but it also became a hit. The song was featured in the drama “The Producers,” which the singer stars in.


Another boy band that made a K-pop comeback in May was UNIQ, with the song “Luv Again.” The R&B song’s a sweet tune for the summer months, with its acoustic instrumentals and harmonies. UNIQ is clearly a rookie group, but one that’s worth taking note of.


Coffee house band Urban Zakapa released a new mini album ”U/Z,” and two of our favorite songs of May are “Get” featuring Beenzino and “Two One Two.” With positive lyrics and inspiring music videos, Urban Zakapa really shone in the month of May.



A powerhouse music couple released songs for the soundtrack of the drama “Who Are You?: School 2015.” You cannot miss out on is Yoon Mi Rae’s “I’ll Listen To What You Have To Say” or Tiger JK’s “Reset” featuring Jinsil.



Clazziquai’s Horan is definitely not just alright with her first solo song “She’s Alright.” The song is about women who say that they are fine even when they’re not, something many women around the world can relate to. The funky song has traditional Korean influences and is a pleasure to listen to.

Also on KultScene: UNIQ ‘Luv Again’ Music Video & Song Review

“Trespass” is the debut title song released by Monsta X in May, but the powerful image is one that we hope the group keeps past their debut. The song is focused highly around rapper Jooheon, and we’re not complaining (although maybe a little bit).


Heejun Han’s “QnA” featured Girls’ Generation member Tiffany, but was a bit unloved. But the cute duet is upbeat and sure to put a smile on every listener’s lips.


Vocal quartet 2AM may have split up to different agencies, but member Lim Seulong released his first solo album in May and “Mood Swings” is definitely something to take a listen to. The song features Black Nut, and we’re obsessed.


Jung Joon Young switched over to the group concept, and JJY Band released its first song in May. “OMG” is a rock party song that we all need.


Seventeen debuted this month with sweet title track “Adore U,” a song that we’re obsessed with. It’s simple, sugary, and has amazing raps.


Two talented K-pop soloists came together in Eddy Kim’s “Coffee & Tea,” featuring Mamamoo’s Solar. The caffeine-focused song is another sweet tune, with bouncy acoustic sounds that we love.

What do you think? Did we miss out on any great May releases from Korea? Let us know what you think 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.

Seventeen’s ’17 Carat’ Album Review

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Seventeen
It seems as if for as long as I have been listening to K-pop, Pledis Entertainment’s latest boy group Seventeen has been teased. With as many members as their name, with an apparent average age of seventeen too, the group was first announced and touted as one of the next big things before rookies began to explode in 2012. But until May, it was just rumored debuts. On May 29, Seventeen finally released its first album “17 Carat.” I had been interested in the group’s debut long before that, because I was into all things Pledis since I’m a huge After School fan. After a while, though, I forgot that Seventeen even existed and when the group finally resurfaced recently I wasn’t too hopeful. With such a long wait and a line up that was less than their name originally suggested (13) interest had dropped off. That’s what makes, at least for me, their eventual debut so surprisingly great.

 Also on KultScene: Epik High Lights It Up in Los Angeles

Recently, there’s been a trend of K-pop boy bands debuting with a powerful concept. They immediately try to act like men even at a young age. They never really embrace the vibrancy of youth while they still have it, a trend that was popular in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s (ie SHINee and SS501.) With Seventeen aligning their concept perfectly with the members ages, they have created something energetic but straightforward. They did this by also using some of the more powerful, darker concept signifiers like including lots of rap. Each of these elements is incorporated well to give Seventeen a fresh rookie feeling. The lead single ‘’Adore U’’ is especially good and utterly vibrant.

Too bad the rest of the album doesn’t hold up.

The first song, ‘’Shining Diamond,’’ opens with Michael Jackson through the prism of K-pop. The opening whispers and references make this apparent. However, the retro electro verses sound comes off as just dated enough to be a throwback while remaining modern. They move into a fairly standard orchestral chorus with a big hook. Throughout the song, voices are pitched slightly higher in a nice touch to recall MJ.

Of course, this is K-pop so it can’t just be an homage. It is also infused with rapping and seems to announce that it’ll be a big part of Seventeen’s sound. In an environment where more and more idol rappers are coming from underground backgrounds, it’s important to at least sound good if you don’t write your own stuff. The rappers here do flow quite well. I especially like how they can switch between two rappers at a moment’s notice organically. Vocal contrasts like this always adds a layer of interest to a song for me.

That being said ‘’Shining Diamond’’ never rises above being more than album filler. It’s a fine opening but doesn’t come across as anything more than what we are used to.

Not surprisingly, lead single ‘’Adore U’’ is the real shining diamond of the album. There’s something about those guitars that is so effervescent and reminiscent of adolescence that “Adore U” is impossible to dislike. The sounds are so funky and fresh amongst the hyperactive, multi-genre sound that’s popular in K-pop music today. “Adore U” is fun without having to get too complicated.

‘’Adore U’’ achieves a lighter sound while still incorporating a lot of rapping. It’s accomplished and confident without ever sounding arrogant. Again, they make use of different rapping styles in dual verses. Not only does it sound great but the rap actually makes Seventeen come across as even more fun. It seems like the rappers are having a conversation, which adds a sense of camaraderie and energy. The rap also helps to give the individual verses an extra edge, making sure they don’t get forgotten behind the amazing chorus.

This chorus goes for a delightful double hook. The ‘yoohoos’ of the first are sweetly infectious and the brilliant shout of “Oh-kkin-da” (The Korean title of the song,) in the second repetition of the chorus is an extravagant declaration of love. The lyrics here (and throughout) are refreshingly honest and sweet. Boy band posturing has gotten old fast that, at least to me, it’s nice to see a group being vulnerably adorable. There’s a straightforward exuberance to ‘’Adore U’’ that I don’t think even Got7 has achieved lately.

 Also on KultScene: UNIQ ‘Luv Again’ Music Video & Song Review

The third track seems to go against this infectious fun though. It’s far and away my least favourite song on the album. It’s a Diplo-lite style slice of electro rap that does nothing to add to the already massive pile of these in K-pop. The beat is formulaic and the chorus chants are dull. The rapping is not too bad. That’s the best I can say about ‘’Ah Yeah,’ which pales in comparison to EXID’s song by the same name.

‘’Jam Jam’’ follows on from ‘’Ah Yeah’’ with its hip hop tendencies. Its production is altogether more interesting than the previous song, yet not enough to make it stand out amongst the album in the same way that “Adore U” does. The bubbling looping synth holds the song together with a lot of fun, but the bursting adolescence takes a back seat once again for rapping because it’s cool, and serious, and mature.

This would all be so much worse if Seventeen’s rappers weren’t pretty decent. One member, Vernon, especially has a distinctive and impressive flow.

Just when I taught things were getting really bad ‘’17 Carat’’ moves on to the obligatory upbeat, acoustic cute song. It’s better than an obligatory ballad, I guess, but “Adore U” was so addicting with the fun, upbeat, electronic sound that I hoped for more of its ilk.

I liked how Seventeen had been sort of sweet before but that was with a lead single which helped them differentiate from the K-pop crowd. “20” is the sort of album filler that is so prevalent among all groups that the sweetness means nothing past the title track. Songs with cute lyrics about love over an acoustic guitar are second on my list of K-pop things I hate after album filler ballads; Seventeen differentiated itself with the title track, now I want to see something fabulous on the album. The one good thing I can say about this song is the electric guitar stuff at the start is fun. It never comes back though so it may not even be a good thing to tease the listener that way.

We are left here with a strong debut on top of a weak album. Usually lesser albums could be ignored if their accompanying single was good enough but nowadays it’s not as clear. When groups like BTS with ‘‘In The Mood For Love’’ and EXID with ‘‘Ah Yeah’’, are releasing brilliant and complete albums the game is slowly being pushed. Seventeen though, have created an album that is only seventeen minutes yet is tough to stay interested. What started out so exciting quickly turned into a derivative bore. ‘‘Adore U’’ is genuinely a smash though and could prove to garner them a strong young fanbase.

What’s do you think of Seventeen’s debut? Let us know what you think 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.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio’s Dance-Rock Band Sound Is All About The Energy [Interview]

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Rock 'N' Roll Radio Speaks to KultScene

After forming in 2011, Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio’s big break came when being asked to play at the 2012 Korea Live Music Festival. And that was before Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio had even released their first album, the 2013 EP “Shut Up and Dance.” After winning multiple awards and performing abroad, the band has gone on to become one of South Korea’s most intriguing bands.

Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio consists of vocalist and guitarist Kim Naehyun, guitarist Kim Jinkyu, bassist Lee Minwoo, and drummer Choi Minkyu. Kim Naehyun took a few minutes of his time to talk to KultScene about what makes the band tick, how they work together, their experience winning prestigious awards, and much, much more.

After seeing you perform in New York City at 2014 Seoulsonic, I’m very excited that you are willing to talk to KultScene. Would you please introduce yourselves to our readers who may not be familiar with Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio?

Hi! We’re Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio from South Korea. We won “Rookie of the Year” at the 2014 Korean Music Awards and last year toured the US twice. We had a great time during both visits! This June, we’ll be performing in France for the first time to play at Midem Festival in Cannes and also do concerts in Paris and Saint-Étienne.

Our songs are melodic and exciting, and we express different feelings with our energy and grooves. In Korea, some people say that our music sounds like British rock music. We can’t deny that the Korean music we grew up on and the British music we love to listen to now have both influenced the songs we play. It has influenced many people, not just in Korea, that is why they’ve been searching for the best guitars at Guitor Planet, as well as other websites, so they too can be a part of the rock scene. Maybe KultScene’s readers will think our music sounds more British than Korean? Please listen to our songs and let us know what you think!

Rock'N'Roll Radio 2014 seoulsonic nyc

Would you mind telling us the meaning of the name “Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio”? Does it by any chance have to do with The Ramones’ song “Do You Remember Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio”?

There’s no special meaning behind our band’s name. Jinkyu, Minwoo, and Minkyu previously played together in a band called Go Go Beat, and one of the songs that they wrote as that group was called “Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio.” When we were discussing band names, there were a few other monikers we were considering including Shall We Dance, but Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio sounded the best. And we do love that Ramones song!

We’re actually a bit sad with the name we chose, and that’s because it’s really hard to find our band when people Google us!

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You are a rock band performing dance style rock songs. What’s your creative process like? What influences you the most when making music?

We make our songs through jamming along to guitar riffs or melody lines. While we’re jamming, Jinkyu suggests how a song should progress. He’s influenced by many British bands such as Franz Ferdinand and Foals. The rhythm guys, Minkyu and Minwoo, are influenced by bands with strong rhythmical sounds such as Jamiroquai, D’Sound, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. I’m influenced by ‘80s post-punk bands such as Depeche Mode and Talking Heads. Since we draw our inspiration from many different bands, our songs sometimes travel in unexpected directions, which is a very cool thing.

In 2014, Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio won “Rookie of the Year” at the 2014 KMAs. How did that feel?

We were nominated in three different categories at the Korean Music Awards, and we won the prize for “Rookie of the Year.” It’s one of the most prestigious awards in South Korea so we were very honored to win. The K-pop idol group EXO was nominated for “Rookie of the Year” too and they had many fans at the awards ceremony. We apologized to all their fans during our acceptance speech!

Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio’s performed all over the world. What has it been like performing for audiences who aren’t aware of you?

We were nervous during our first gig outside of Korea, but we quickly realized that music speaks for itself, and people will love a band if its music is good. At our first overseas gig, we still remember how thrilling it was to witness the moment when people’s faces started to shine because they were enjoying our music even though they had never heard us before.

How do you feel about the Korean rock and indie scene as it is now?

It’s a shame that the Korean music scene is focused only on big entertainment companies and idols at the moment. However, there are so many superb musicians that continue to emerge in the rock music scene despite its small market size, and we feel very proud of this. If music lovers start paying more attention to indie music, then they’ll have chances to listen to a wider variety of music and this will ultimately bring a better and brighter future for both listeners and musicians.

Are there other Korean rock artists that you feel international audiences would appreciate?

Definitely! People should try to check out Korean bands like Galaxy Express, Goonam, 3rd Line Butterfly, Asian Chairshot, Bye Bye Badman, Love X Stereo, and Maan.

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2014 was a big year for Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio. What can we expect from you in the future?

Last year was great for us and went by in the blinks of an eye! We want to keep making great music and performing in both Korea and overseas. As I mentioned before, we’ll be going to France in June to play at Midem in Cannes as part of the K-Pop Night Out concert there and then we’ll be doing other shows in a few more cities. While we’re in France, we’re also going to record a new EP with some friends in Paris – Romain Tranchart from the French band Modjo and Gregory Louis and Yan Memmi. They are going to work with us to produce, record, and mix the EP. We’re planning to release the EP in France and Korea in late summer or early fall.

Is there anything else that you would like KultScene’s readers to know?

Thanks so much for reading about Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio. Please give us your love and support!

Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio is heading to France in June and will perform at three different cities:
June 6 Cannes, France @ Midem Festival
June 11 Saint-Étienne, France @ Thunderbird Lounge
June 15 Paris, France @ Le Buzz

If you’re unable to catch Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio overseas, check out their album “Shut Up And Dance” on iTunes, or watch them perform their song “Shut Up and Dance” live:

What’s your favorite Rock ‘N’ Roll Radio song? Tell us what you think about this band 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.

‘Miss Korea’ Season 2 Contestant Jojo Hung Discusses Trying To Make It As A K-Pop Star [Interview]

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Jojo Hung, also known as a Ga-in of Brown-eyed Girls look-alike, is an average Singaporean adult with an extraordinary love for K-pop. Currently a dance instructor at Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts, this special 25-year-old was a participant of the second season of CJ E&M’s “Miss Korea” alongside 19-year-old Julia Wu, and is also a participant of ongoing reality competition ”Chinh Phục Ước Mơ.”

Not to be confused with the beauty pageant, Lee Hyori song, or the 2013 drama with the same name, “Miss Korea” is a reality program produced by Mnet and Mediacorp which followed the two talented individuals in their three months spent in Korea together. They received vocal and dance lessons from professionals and had the opportunity to audition at several entertainment companies such as Soulshop Entertainment. From this program, the girls learned a lot and had several memorable experiences, some of which Jojo shared with Kultscene, while also discussing her friendships, challenges, and dreams.

Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you introduce yourself to the readers who may be hearing of you for the first time?

Hi everyone! My name is Josephine (Jojo), and I’m from Singapore. You might have seen me recently on two reality TV programs, “Miss Korea” S2 by CJ E&M and another K-Pop singing competition currently airing in Vietnam! I’m currently a dance instructor at Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts – a pop music school based in Singapore!

What made you decide to audition for “Miss Korea Season 2”?

As someone who loves travelling and the performing arts, I saw “Miss Korea” as an opportunity to challenge myself. Being part of a reality TV series was something that’s new to me, and when the producers of the program met up with myself to discuss, I knew it was going to be a platform where I could take on another adventure in a foreign land!

When did your interest in K-pop and dancing start?

I had begun performing from a young age, and my interest in K-pop started around the same time as the debut of the boyband TVXQ. A friend had shown me their video back then, and I was blown away by their ability to sing and dance, plus their awesome stage presence. I haven’t looked back since!

What were some challenges you faced during this show?

In the midst of filming ”Miss Korea”, I suffered a bad fall which required stitches just above my lips. The doctors said it was quite serious, and I wasn’t allowed to sing or dance for 2 weeks. I remember then I had an upcoming singing exam as seen in the episodes, and the injury affected me physically and mentally as I felt rather unprepared as the exam day drew closer.

Being primarily a dancer, having to focus on my vocals – and sometimes song-writing, threw me out of my comfort zone at first, but on hindsight, I really do appreciate the opportunity given to me to grow in these areas with the help of industry experts, not forgetting the help from my partner Julia!

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In what way did your life change after the show?

One of the biggest differences is that I’ve been getting encouraging messages from both new and old followers, telling me that they have watched the show, in and turn inspiring them to go out there and chase their dreams! I’ve had people on the street also recognise me, coming up to have a chat about my experiences, and wanting to find out more about what I’ve been up to.

Most memorably, I met a lady on the train who was hearing-impaired, and despite her difficulty in communicating with me, she made the effort to type out a sweet and meaningful message to me.

Ultimately, I cherish the fact that I’ve managed to help people see that chasing one dream isn’t that far off an idea. Because of their encouragement, I too have gathered more courage to continue pursuing my dream.  

What were some memorable experiences you had during the show?

The long lasting friendship I’ve gained with my partner-in-crime, Julia. Being locked in a house together with her for over 3 months, and then touring the sights and sounds of Seoul is something I’ll always fondly look back on. We grew really close during our time spent there, and during the last few days of filming, we would both get really emotional knowing that our experience was going to be over soon!

I had a lot of fun making the music video as seen in the series’ last episode, where we had to write and record the song “Bad” within two to three days. Almost immediately, we headed out of Seoul to a place known as Gangwondo, where we filmed the scenes, and had plenty of amazing bonding time with the production crew as well!

The trip was always going to be special as there was Julia alongside me. Two strangers crossing paths, so different from one another, yet hitting it off so well. Plus we were constantly creating havoc everywhere we went. We still keep in touch, and we know we’ll always be supporting each other in whatever lies ahead for both of us!

Jojo & Julia (the other “Miss Korea” participant) during their stay in Korea

How did you start working at CJ?

Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts is an establishment of Pop Entertainment, a company that is well-known for pioneering the vocal and dance K-Pop wave in Singapore. It was founded in 2006, and I had the opportunity to be part of their performance crew shortly after. After training, I started teaching my first class around 2008, and I’ve been here ever since! Being here, I’ve been able to perform in front of groups like B2ST, BtoB, and several other groups who’ve performed in Singapore, so it’s been awesome.

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What do you do currently?

I’m currently focused on both teaching and performing with CJ, as well as catching up on several other passions like learning new languages – Korean and Japanese. I’m rather busy but definitely fulfilling!

Could you tell us about the singing competition that you are currently participating in?

It’s a singing reality program – a Joint Korean / Vietnamese collaboration known as “Chinh Phục Ước Mơ,” where six contestants representing the five ASEAN countries were selected to compete in Korea, with Vietnam serving as the host country.

What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?

I had the opportunity to be trained in the FNC training academy, where I worked with renowned instructors who have trained successful groups such as VIXX, BTS and G-friend amongst many others. I’ve also learned a lot from many of the other competitors, some of whom are recognised artistes in their own home country.

What are your plans for the future? Have your dreams/personal aspirations changed in any way because of “Miss Korea”?

I’m still very much into the whole singing and dancing concept, and I haven’t changed much. Maybe it has spurred me on towards working harder and better in order to be where I want to be. I’m currently working with my management company on my upcoming blog where I’ll be sharing my experiences with my followers soon and it’s going to be exciting so readers should watch out for it!

Any final words for Kultscene readers?

I definitely hope that “Miss Korea Season 2” has provided the readers with ample laughs and entertainment, and that they have gotten to know both Julia and myself better! Most importantly, I wish for all the readers with dreams like myself to continue to work towards them, and never give up. Cliche as it might sound, it’s still very sound advice!

Check out the first episode of  “Miss Korea Season 2”  right here, along with the music video created by Julia and Jojo.

Continue to look out for Jojo in the K-pop industry, and one day we may see her making her debut in Korea! What do you think of reality programs like “Miss Korea” ? Do you think there are ample opportunities for ordinary people to train and become K-pop artistes? 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.

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Artist Spotlight: LiVii

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If ‘90s anime and kawaii pastel goth blogs on Tumblr joined together and formed an entertainment company, LiVii would undoubtedly top its artist roster. Kim Songi, known by her stage name LiVii, comes out from the inner depths of the glittered plastered digital world, leaving her ulzzang (best face) status behind and moving forward with her contemporary R&B and pop sound embellished with net art.

The mega babe debuted early last year in January with the uber sweet love song “Beep x 3,” highlighting her kawaii, health goth image largely revered online. But her status as internet queen reached its peak with the release of “C’mon” the following months. The music video is an explosion of color and quirky graphics, styled with Joy Rich everything and throwback Tommy Hilfiger overalls. The song itself, on the other hand, is reminiscent of some of Ariana Grande’s more upbeat material –minus the powerful pipes, however.

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via seunqyoun on Tumblr

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For her next release, “₩atch & Learn,” LiVii threw hip hip into the mix by showcasing her rapping skills and released a faster, middle eastern influenced twerktastic jam. Moreover, LiVii channeled her inner M.I.A by not only repeating “Bad Girls” lyrics, but the music video is very reminiscent of the English singer’s “XXXO” video with the glittery graphics concept. LiVii, however, made it very specific and her own with her use of purikura (Japanese instant photo booth) inspired graphics and DIY feel that took the awesomeness of the video to another level.

This year, the singer has been focusing on releasing Konglish covers of mainstream American R&B songs mixed with her original lyrics. So far, LiVii has her own versions of Kid Ink’s “Body Language” and the recent “Post to Be” by Omarion. With both covers, LiVii managed to turn male songs into something a sexy, driven girl would sing. By bringing in her personality and her signature style, she has us thinking Omarion and Kid Ink who?

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“Post to Be” has just about the right amount of cuteness that doesn’t infantilize LiVii (like some K-pop girls out there) and has her looking fly as hell. “Body Language,” also unlike K-pop stars, seems more like LiVii being in control of her sexuality and how much she uses it to her advantage rather than being exploited for someone else’s profit. To both tracks, the singer brought in her own flair

LiVii is essentially that unnamed girl on Tumblr we all reblog and wish we had her swag and good looks. She might not drop bars as hard as Cheetah or be as glam as CL, but she has an interesting image no one on the mainstream has claimed yet and her voice is like a spoonful of sugar. And with no notable collaborations or viral fame, things can only go up. Just wait a couple of months and this queen will surely occupy her seat.

Did you like LiVii? 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. Read more