XIA Junsu’s ‘Flower’ Imagines A World With No Future

Is K-pop the future? JYJ’s XIA Junsu certainly thinks that he is the future. At least, that’s how it appears upon first watch of the singer’s music video for his latest song, Flower.

Flower is XIA’s first solo comeback song since 2013’s Incredible, and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. With a rap from Epik High’s Tablo and lyrics about love, truth, and lies, Flower is already complex enough before the music video begins. But the music video takes the cake.

Post-Apocalyptic Haven? Or Horrific Wasteland?

The music video opens with XIA Junsu appearing as a despot in pristine white ruins among the rest of a dark, black world. XIA sits in a chair, wearing bright colors and having his hair and nails painted unnatural colors, while surrounded by lackeys. He is godlike, and the symbolism, golden eagles, stone lions, and thrones are all associated with tyrants.


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5 K-Pop Songs To Help You Unwind from the Work Week

Whether you just finished a strenuous week of work or school, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the next couple of days of relaxation and no work. These fives songs will help you release your stress and frustrations from your busy week. So forget about the past and enjoy the present.

1. Mamamoo- Baton Touch

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Rainbow’s ‘Black Swan’ Music Video & Song Review

The forever mid-tier girl group Rainbow returned earlier today with the moody Black Swan. Rainbow has consistently failed to achieve in terms of sales despite nearly always putting out interesting music. From the beautiful collaborations with Japanese producer Daishi Dance on To Me and Sweet Dream to the perfect duo mini albums Rainbow Syndrome parts one and two, they have excelled in many different styles. For Black Swan Rainbow leave behind the cutesy image to adopt an edgy, sexy concept that fits them well.

They also sound like they have left behind recent trends in sounds too, as Black Swan sounds like it came from the 2008-2010 era of K-pop. The lowkey electro pop has been replaced by crashing synths recently so it’s refreshing to hear something different. Especially since this song is weirder than one listen might make it seem.

Song

The lyrics are an interpretation of the story of Swan Lake, focusing on the Black Swan. It’s about a woman who doesn’t know who she is anymore. Like in Swan Lake, she is fearful of who she is or might become. She ultimately finds herself again with the help of someone to tell her it’s all a bad dream.

While this idea of what we can assume is a man saving her is derivative and sexist, the ending of the song is interesting. Instead of a happy ending it feels more like the woman is telling herself a lie in order to feel better and more assured in herself, which is something I’m sure that we’ve all done in times of hardship. It offers a story that K-pop doesn’t give us often, and that is immediately interesting.

Also on KultScene: MYNAME’s ‘Too Very So Much’ Music Video & Song Review

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When K-Pop Lineups Change – 9 Muses

Since their debut in 2010 Nine Muses have gone through eleven changes to their lineup. Only three original members remain to this day and yet they continue to promote. The group’s latest single Drama is actually their most successful to date. Changes to group lineups are not uncommon in K-pop and have had varying effects on each group that have had to deal with it. The effects of these changes do not only affect the group though, as fans see their favourite group being dismantled and rebuilt within a short time. This can change their perception as they feel a loss of essence in the group.

First and foremost, losing a group member is always hard. Whether it’s the most important or least important member, their loss will be felt immediately in the live performances. K-pop performances are built around perfectly synchronized choreography where each person has their part to play. When one of these people is taken out, the system must be broken down and built up again with other members taking over. Whether the group leaves a gap in their dance like 2PM post-Jay Park or reboots it like EXO after Luhan and Kris left, the difference is palpable.

Fans watch their favorites perform but notice new movements or gaps in the dance. What was once one of the most fluid things known to pop music becomes jarring. The K-pop dance changes.

Of course, the majority of groups move towards replacing their lost member before they even have to think about rejigging their choreography or line distribution. Most companies have floods of trainees desperate for their chance to shine in the company’s flagship group. Each of these trainees will be as talented, beautiful and charming as the members that were chosen to debut in this group. Despite their readiness, plugging the trainees into an already established group has difficulties that have nothing to do with talent.

Also on KultScene: Why You Should Give ‘Blood’ A Chance

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Why You Should Give ‘Blood’ A Chance

KBS 2TV’s newest drama Blood about a vampire doctor just premiered in Korea this week and received mixed reviews from local and foreign audiences. The criticism focused on the allegedly bad acting of the lead actors, Gu Hye Sun (Jan Di from Boys Over Flowers) and Anh Jae Hyun (Cheon Song Yi’s little brother in My Love From the Star), and the similarities to the Twilight saga.

And while there is some validity to these statements (like the resemblance to some details in Twilight), there are also many more as to why you should give Blood a chance. The drama is only at its second episode, so all it needs is the opportunity to let the plot develop a bit more, which is, at the minimum, intriguing.

[Spoiler Alert: Some details of the story will be revealed]

From the first two episodes, here’s what we know so far: Ji Sang (Anh Jae Hyun) is a vampire who works at a prestigious hospital as a surgeon, but is able to quench his thirst with the help of a pill. Yoo Ri Ta (Gu Hye Sun) is also a surgeon at the hospital (we still don’t know a lot about her). However, the story revolves around Ji Sang looking for the origin of his vampirism disease in order to develop a cure, and clues he has found have directed him to this oncological center.

The vampire-fantasy Korean drama is anything but a novelty (Vampire Prosecutor, You Are My Vampire), with many of these riding on Twilight’s immense popularity when they aired. However, while the Cullen’s hype has long died down, we’re left waiting for the next big vamp story. Because Twilight is not the first vampire story to be hugely popular; vampire stories (Dracula, Interview With a Vampire) have always had a certain appeal to them, and like any trend, they come and go. Blood just might ignite that interest this year.

Also on KultScene: 6 Sides To ‘Kill Me, Heal Me’

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Artist Spotlight: Fromm

Fromm has been on the Korean Indie scene since 2012 when she released a digital single album titled Wasn’t it Love. Since then, she has released a full-length album and two digital single albums. Fromm’s musical abilities and vocal strengths are present throughout her songs, showing different vocal tones on her songs. She sometimes even sounds similar to female Western singers, but aside from those brief instances, Fromm’s vocals are her own. She doesn’t sound like any one person.

Also on KultScene: Cosmetic Hallyu: Glow Recipe Helps Understand Korean Skin Care

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6 Sides To ‘Kill Me, Heal Me’

The MBC drama Kill Me, Heal Me, is, like most Korean dramas, about a man and a woman and the struggles that they go through in order to have their happy ending. Unlike many other dramas, Kill Me, Heal Me is about a man who struggles with multiple personalities, and the doctor who tries to help him find out the source of his mental disorder. Romance is a constant part of the plot, but there are multiple aspects to Kill Me, Heal Me that gives the show both depth and humor.

6. Storytelling At Its Best

Kill Me, Heal Me keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat, not just because of the twist and turns in the plot, but because of the way that the story is depicted. The writer behind Kill Me, Heal Me is Jin Soo Wan, who won an award for the screenplay of the 2012 drama, The Moon Embracing The Sun. Just as in that drama, Kill Me, Heal Me is told in a way that draws the viewers in, mixing seriousness with humor to create the perfect tone. Each episode has a memorable moment, where the viewer is expected to just pause for a moment and recognize that a seemingly simple line is actually a key point in the plot. Not all is as it seems in this drama, but the twist and turns seem natural, thanks to the scriptwriting.


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MYNAME’s ‘Too Very So Much’ Music Video & Song Review

Since debuting in October of 2011, MYNAME has spent a majority of their time promoting in Japan. And after 19 months, they’ve finally released their 2th Korean mini album with the title track Too Very So Much.

Setting/Theme

MYNAME’s ‘Too Very So Much’ Music Video & Song Review

via Tumblr

The entirety of the music video was filmed inside, on numerous sets. The first set depicted a street scene featuring a very empty street, in which one of the rappers JUNQ is seen walking along until he passes by a beautiful lady, who is played by super model Kim Jin Kyung. Due to passing out from her beauty, the following sets that were used in the music video featured the other members working in different departments of JUNQ’s brain to wake him up from his unconsciousness.

Also on KultScene: Zion. T & Crush’s ‘Just’ Music Video & Song Review

Meaning

Love and peace, I need you
Fashion and style, you’re perfect to me
I may seem like a crazy person but trust me
My head hurts because of you
Who are you to reject me? I’m a pretty good guy
Now stop shaking me up, my head, head, head

MYNAME sings about love at first sight and being head-over-heels in love with their utmost ideal type. At certain parts in the song, it almost feels obsessive and sounds like a stereotypical love song. But because the members throw in some humor, Too Very So Much strayed in a different direction.

Videography

MYNAME’s ‘Too Very So Much’ Music Video & Song Review

by rocking-girl

Not only is the song funky and fun, but the video itself is very entertaining. There isn’t a dull moment throughout the entire music video. Starting from the moment when JUNQ laid eyes on Kim Jin Kyung, to when the rest of MYNAME jumped out of that whacky ambulance and tried to resuscitate JUNQ (remind me to never try and seek medical attention from these guys in real life), right down to their groovy choreography, Too Very So Much entertains.

Styling

From their amusing hairstyles to the member’s silly make up (JUNQ’s freckles) and their boisterous outfits, everything went hand in hand with their already loud and enjoyable concept.

Also on KultScene: Is CL Collaborating With Grimes For Her American Debut Album?

Overall Thoughts

MYNAME’s past music videos have been very sad, heartbreaking, and, on some occasions, violent, so I was very impressed at how upbeat Too Very So Much is, and how hip hop was such a big influence in this production. It’s been a long awaited 16 months for all the MYgirls out there who have been waiting for the group’s Korean comeback, and I’m sure that this song was a pleasant surprise for all the fans. From beginning to end, you can witness the joy and pure happiness from these boys, even more so in their live performances. They definitely delivered with this comeback and I can’t wait to see what 2015 will bring them!

MYNAME's 'Too Very So Much'
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How did you like the music video and 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.

Zion. T & Crush’s ‘Just’ Music Video & Song Review​

It’s been two years since Zion. T and Crush’s last collaboration, but these guys are back to melt hearts with their soft and mesmerizing voices in Just. For many of those Amoeba Culture fans out there, the anticipation for this collaboration has been at an all time high. And since they’ll be going on tour Stateside this upcoming March, they’ll surely sweep everyone in the audience off their feet with their latest release.

Setting

​Although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I was indeed taken aback a bit. The way the teaser was portrayed and the contrast with the actual music video and song almost felt like they were telling two different stories. ​

zion.t crush just mv

via Tumblr

A majority of the music video takes place in a run down, vacant building with the classic ‘sitting in a non-moving vehicle’ shots and scenes that looked like they took place outside of a cemetery. The teaser was hard to grasp in terms of what was to come, and because of the black and white imagery, I thought the music video would portray a sad and dark image. However, the teaser’s beat was relatively uptempo and you can see scenes of Zion. T and Crush just swaying along with the music, full of positive vibes in their movements.​

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

​Videography​

​Zion. T quickly sets the tone of the song with his smooth R&B voice and, of course, we can’t leave out those various shades that he always wears. Will we ever see the day when he performs with them off? I think not. Zion. T matched his movements with the beat, from the slightest head bop, hand and brow movements, mouth covering to the shoulder leans, meanwhile still maintaining that hip hop aura.

zion.t crush mv just review gif

via Tumblr

Even if everyone watching this who are acquainted with Crush knew he would deliver on his singing, nothing prepared us for his rapping. He’s at the bottom of my list of people I’d picture rapping, but I didn’t mind it one bit! It was fresh, something different, and he did a marvelous job! The feelings that were behind the lyrics as he was rapping and singing were properly presented. ​

The artistry of this video was very well-planned out, from the locations and set-up, to the transitions between Zion. T to Crush, and that little interlude with the solo dancer and piano player, which gave off a contemporary feel. To match with the overall feel of the song and the set up itself, their outfits were very simple and chic. They incorporated that classic trench/pea coat look, with a casual yet sophisticated black attire, and casual leather and white bomber jacket.

The black and white concept added a sense of mystery to the music video, but at the same time, it was oozing with innocence. By keeping his shades on, Zion. T gives off a mysterious image, meanwhile Crush, with his baby face and sweet voice, added purity and clarity to the overall production.

crush just zion. t mv review gif

via Tumblr

Also on KultScene: Not Making The Cut On ‘No.Mercy’ Highlights Weakness Of Idol Survival Shows

​Meaning​

​​It’s a song about love, a bittersweet breakup, and the feelings that are left after everything has ended. The lyrics are direct and meaningful: ​

I don’t want your pity anymore
I don’t want to be pathetic
So I got up first
Don’t linger, I’m really okay

ziot.t crush just mv song review gif

by soo-hyuks

​It stems from being able to pull yourself together and walking away from a relationship, which was headed for a bad turn, before it was too late to leave, and to then being able to stand on your own two feet, without the weight of one’s pity holding you down. There’s so many songs out there about your stereotypical break ups and getting back together, and the hesitation that comes with all that, and in most cases, it’s usually the girl that’s in that predicament. However, I really appreciate that this song took it in a different direction and allowed viewers to see it from a different point of view.

​​Overall Thoughts

​There’s always that possibility that when two solo artists collaborate one will outshine the other, but this wasn’t the case. These two compliment each other very well; it’s almost like they’re the missing pieces to one another’s puzzles.

The music video and song weren’t over the top, nor were there unnecessary adlibs. They kept it simple, clean, but intriguing at the same time. The only complaint that I have is that it was too short! It was as if Zion. T stopped mid sentence when he finished the song, and then just left the audience hanging on, waiting for something else to happen. But that was the end!

One doesn’t think of mainstream K-pop when they think of Zion. T and Crush. K-pop is usually upbeat, energetic, and gives you automatic happy, get-out-of-your-chair, feels. But from the moment that Zion. T started singing, I felt an overpowering feeling of calmness and peace. This song reminds of me of music from Musiq Soulchild, Babyface, Anthony Hamilton, and Maxwell. You know the artist is doing something right when they’re able to portray so much emotion and feeling into a song, and make it look effortless. This is just an example of what neo-soul can do to you! This track was an amazing incorporation of slow jams, R&B, jazz, blues, and hip hop. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this song!


Zion. T & Crush's 'Just'
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YA E-Sports Novel ‘In Real Life’ Shows The Dark Side of Korean Trainee Life

K-pop is popular, but eSports is the biggest cultural industry in South Korea, and Lawrence Tabak’s young adult novel In Real Life highlights the growing appeal of South Korea’s gaming industry to international fans.

The best thing about In Real Life is that you don’t need to be a fan of eSports or Korea to like the book. The story is a typical tale of the growth and realization of dreams, narrated by Seth Gordon aka GamerSeth. Seth deals with issues revolving around his family, high school, and girls before even focusing on Korea and eSports. In fact, at first, Seth is just like any other high school teenager who loves gaming. But In Real Life soon makes it obvious that is not only Seth a fan of online gaming, but he’s also an E-Sports champion.

The book introduces the reader to eSports and prevalent cultural attitudes towards professional gaming in both the U.S. and South Korea, often using Seth’s family members to represent how strange the idea of professional eSports is to America.

Also on KultScene: YG Entertainment Wants You To Know It’s Different

Seth is one of the best western players in Starfare, based on the popular Korean game Starcraft, and he gets recruited by a Korean E-Gaming team (not unlike how trainees are approached by Korean K-pop companies), set up with the gaming headphones, rig, and all the other equipment he would need for the road ahead. Seth and his brother are both athletes, but Seth’s potential career in eSports is looked down upon by his parents, who are concerned that there’s not really any money in playing video games all day. In comparison, they take pride in the fact that his brother plays league basketball, even when he doesn’t get scouted by major leagues.

The novel is about personal growth, but also about cultural differences and the shocking life of eSports athletes in South Korea. Seth isn’t exactly a trainee, but is brought on Team Anaconda almost immediately, but his lifestyle is reminiscent of the infamous lifestyle of K-pop trainees. Every moment of his life is practically planned for him, and when he gets caught in a scandal, there is outrage from his handlers.

Yes, handlers.

In Real Life shows the shocking divide between fantasy of going to South Korea to be an entertainer (because that’s really what professional athletes are) and the reality of being a professional there. I don’t want to ruin anything for readers, but Seth’s story is both illuminating and a tale of caution about the life of foreigners in Korea.

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

Want to read In Real Life? Check out our KultScene giveaway in collaboration with Tuttle Books, or buy the book on Tuttle’s website, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble.

Do you play eSports? How do you imagine Korean trainee life? Leave your thoughts on 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.