With each installment, KCON outdoes itself, and this year was no different. Held for the second year in a row (fifth in total) at the Los Angeles Convention Center, KCON 16 LA Presented by Toyota received 76,000 fans throughout July 29, 30, and 31 and pre-registration for the convention doubled from 2015. This year, the event expanded from the typical K-music and K-drama related booths and activities emphasis and hosted more diverse booths and panels including beauty, food, and gaming booths, which allowed con-goers to entertain themselves with far more options than previous years.
Expo
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Walking into the convention hall, the first thing you saw was the Toyota stage featuring dancers (and occasionally idols like GFRIEND who showed up on the second day) and the Soompi booth where you could spin a wheel and walk away with “K-pop Trash” swag. And then you were accosted by every possible product remotely related to South Korea on display at the booths filling up the room.
by Yasamine Entesari
You wanted snacks? You could pick up chocolate ab lollies at the Dramafever booth or stop by the SnackFever booth for some trendy snacks like Pepero cookie sticks or Crunky chocolate bars. And, if you were lucky enough to book a time slot, you could get some food at the Flower Boy Cafe. Yes, a cafe where handsome looking men would go out of their way to make the customers happy.
But maybe you wanted clothing? If you went to the Celeb Shop to pay a few dollars, picked a random number, and got a bag filled with some snazzy clothing. And the bag? It had Monsta X’s logo on the side so it looked like a whole lot of Monbebes (Yup, that’s what Monsta X’s fans are officially) were walking around KCON this year. And of course, we can’t forget the little sprout and flower hairpieces Bibigo was giving out as KCON jumped on the trend.
And, of course, we can’t forget about the K-beauty. Don’t worry. There was a whole “beauty block” especially for beauty booths with a different makeup or skin care product in every direction you looked. K-beauty fave brands like The Face Shop and Etude House were readily available, while stores like Glow Recipe, Soko Glam, and Meme Box were also selling goods. And if you stopped by NYX’s booth, you could get a free application of lipstick or eyeshadow and walk away with a full-size sample or two (or even three).
by Yasamine Entesari
This year, the convention stage was a bit more active than last year, hosting live bands, aegyo battles, and live beauty tutorials. On Friday, KOCCA (Korea Creative Content Agency) hosted K-Pop Night Out featuring indie bands Dead Buttons, Love x Stereo, and Sultan of the Disco. Despite a few hiccups with the sound and an initial low turnout, by the end of the show, the indie bands had drawn a very specific crowd (mainly older than your average K-pop fan and corporate Koreans) and made everyone there dance and sway.
by Yasamine Entesari
Another new thing this year was the debut of KCON.TV, a video platform and online community that live streamed KCON throughout the whole weekend. In addition to stream the concerts, KCON.TV also aired interviews with celebrities conducted by popular YouTubers like BapMokja and Haeppy. Their booth at the convention also hosted mini meet and greets with YouTubers and even Justin Kim, an ex-contestant on America’s Next Top Model.
by Yasamine Entesari
Panels & Workshops
The panels at KCON LA were more diverse than ever this year, with directors of dramas in one room chatting about their inspiration as K-beauty gurus gave people tips in another and YouTubers performed dance covers in another. Want to learn Korean? There’s a workshop or two for that. Want to hear what it’s like producing for idols? Yup, you guessed it. Any and every sort of topic relating to Korean pop culture (films, music, television, etc.) were covered at the second half of the con.
The only downside of this year’s panels were that they were a far walk and additional security check away from the main convention hall, meaning that people had to make quite the effort to go and access them.
Red Carpet
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
The second day of KCON’s convention came to conclusion with the red carpet ahead of that night’s concert, hosted by first generation idol Danny Im. And boy did the stars come out to talk to. Beginning with the handsome Lee Minho himself, the crowd was full of cheers for one of Korea’s top actors as he expressed his delight at meeting LA fans and his desire to go surfing, just like his character did in 2013’s “The Heirs.”
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
Next up was another solo male, but this time it was the relative newcomer DEAN, who had just finished his fanmeet a few moments before. The endearing singer-songwriter also had a warm welcome from the crowd as he posed like a rockstar (sticking out his tongue and all), especially as he broke into a quick rendition of his song “21.”
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
Following the men were a gaggle of girls, namely I.O.I (11 members) and GFRIEND (6 members). The two girls groups clearly won over the hearts of the audience. I.O.I’s Somi, who is half Dutch-Canadian and half Korean, did most of the talking for the group and expressed the team’s happiness at being at KCON so shortly after their debut. GFRIEND, decked out in light pink gowns, expressed similar feelings. (They would both excite the audience later that night with their dance-pop songs).
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
After the ladies left the stage, Danny, who was part of 1TYM, reunited with once-rivals (well, at least they both were angling for top place in the late ‘90s) Turbo. Turbo’s Kim Jong Kook (yes, Running Man Kim Jong Kook) and Mikey did most of the talking, but the older act definitely surprised with their playful personalities.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
Ending off the first night’s red carpet were two SM Entertainment acts. f(x)’s Amber, who was performing at KCON solo for the first time, received a huge warm welcome, which may or may not have had to do with the fact that a) she’s a fan favorite b) she’s from LA. SHINee, that night’s headliners, then came on to end the red carpet with their winning smiles and every glance they took had a fangirl fainting in the audience. (Not really, but the screams were insanity).
If KCON’s first concert night was amazing, there was little to prepare attendees for the pandemonium that was day two. For the second and final night on July 31, fans were treated to a first-rate show filled with the hottest names in K-pop at the moment: BTS, TWICE, Girls’ Generation TTS, Monsta X, Eric Nam, Davichi, and Astro. In total, the fifth edition of KCON drew 76,000 fans and sold out both M! Countdown shows at the iconic Staples Center. KCON LA 2016 Presented by Toyota’s second concert night proved that K-pop is no longer reigned by the second generation groups. It is a new era in K-pop and fans in the U.S. are ready for it.
For the pre-show, indie act Echae en Route graced the stage with their delicate performance. But the unexpected yet incredibly entertaining performance was presented by Xplore Taekwondo Team, who flew and soared on stage with their fierce moves, kicking boards ten feet on the air. The crowd cheered and clapped so loudly for them, it was as if they were the stars of the show. And in that moment, they were. BTS, who?
Courtesy of CJ E&M
With the crowd’s energy hyped up, Monsta X opened the main show with a solo performance of rapper Jooheon’s “Yessir.” Spitting fire, the rest of the members later joined him and delved into energetic and — dare I say– sexy performances of “All In,” “Hero,” and “Tresspass.” Monsta X may have opened KCON’s M! Countdown for a second year in a row, but unlike last year when they were a couple of months into their debut, their devoted fans were present and bopping to all of their tracks. Monsta X is, indeed, a group to watch out for…
Giving the show a stark 180 degree turn, Astro came out dancing cutely and all smiles and aegyo with “Breathless,” “Cat’s Eye,” and “Hide & Seek.” While the lesser known group of the entire lineup, the group managed to captivate the crowd with their infectious cheery vibe. The high spirits were carried on when girl group TWICE followed them, decked out in varsity jackets and short shorts. It was their first performance at KCON, let alone the U.S., but when the whole Staples Centered chanted out “Sha Sha Sha” during “Cheer Up,” it was clear. TWICE had made it as Hallyu stars in less than a year since debut. The positive reception of “I’m Gonna Be a Star,” “Like Ooh-Aah,” and their intros by male and female fans alike only further solidified the notion that TWICE is a top-tier group now.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Next up was another K-pop fave for the U.S. audience, Eric Nam. While the ex-ASC emcee had been a regular at KCON — hosting Red Carpet and holding fan engagements, — he hadn’t had the chance to actually perform. That changed this year with KCON NY and later LA when he was added to the lineup last minute. His performance, however, was on point and in no way less prepared or stellar than the rest of the acts. Fans sang along to “Good For You” and even did the point dance in “Can’t Help Myself.” Moreover, Eric had two collaboration stages, singing “Into You” with singer KOLAJ and “I Just Wanna” with BFF Amber, much to the delight of everyone in attendance. Eric also took a moment during his set to talk about being an ambassador for CJ UNESCO Girls’ Education campaign and drawing attention to its importance. Which draws the question: is Eric Nam a feminist? We hope so.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
After Eric’s lively set and overall persona, things turned heart-wrenching thanks to balladist Davichi. The got everyone in the feels with their renditions of “This Love” and “Don’t Say Goodbye.” But not all was gloom and doom for they also performed “8282,” which is a trot/disco track that had all the ahjussis and youngsters alike dancing. And to continue with the disco-ey vibe, TWICE followed up with a special stage, singing to “Uptown Funk” and Monsta X with “Moves Like Jagger.”
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Sparkling onto the stage, Girls’ Generation TTS charmed everyone with “Twinkle,” “Holler,” and “Only You.” Taeyeon, Seohyun, and Tiffany received a warm welcome from the crowd, especially the latter, considering it was her birthday, they were performing in her hometown, and they were on the eve of SNSD’s ninth anniversary since debut. So after asking the crowd what time it was and announcing it was “party time,” the trio performed a surprising yet much appreciated version of “Party.”
Girls’ Generation are legends in K-pop and no one can take that away from them. But as mentioned before, times are changing, and nothing embodied this notion than the overall madness that erupted once BTS showed up on screen. They opened up with the ethereal “Forever Young” as fans were in full frenzy. But then the first beat for “Fire” dropped and the entire Staples Center, well, got lit. Their sharp moves and chants of “Fire” resonated through the whole arena, which made it feel like if it were their solo show — and the guys knew it. The demeanor with which they carried themselves through “Save Me” and “Cypher Part 3” showed they know they’re popular and that the venue was filled with their fans. Just like SHINee before them, only the headliners could pull off performing a b side track and having the crowd react to it positive. And while they were rapping to “Cypher Part 3,” hands were in the air, dancing took place, and it was overall dope… Just like their closing song. Marking it the end of the concert and KCON 2016 altogether, there couldn’t be a better suited song than “Dope,” which made everyone jam out to the fullest. And when they were done, it was set in stone. KCON was BTS’.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
With that, another year of KCON came and went. It’s crazy to think that there’s still a next year to top. And while it’s hard to fathom someone topping both SHINee and BTS, we can’t wait for what 2017 will hold.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
What do you think of the KCON 2016 performances? 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.
To say the concert portion of KCON 2016 LA Presented by Toyota was bigger than ever is an understatement. Because not only was M! Countdown held in the Staples Center for the second year, but the July 30 show was sold out and featured some of the hottest names in Hallyu right now. For day one, the line up was a diverse mix of pop and R&B with I.O.I, Dean, GFriend, f(x)’s Amber, Block B, Turbo, and headliners SHINee.
Kicking off the pre-show, Korean hip-hop duo Eluphant got things going by performing a three song set including “B There” from their latest album “Man on the Moon.” Despite rappers Minos and Kebee being largely unknown by the crowd, their performances set the pace for an upbeat evening. Thereafter, the legendary Quincy Jones granted a scholarship to a Berklee College of Music student and even gave past alumni, such as 2NE1’s Park Bom and PSY, a shoutout.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
But the Staples Center didn’t actually erupt in screams and squeals until none other than the king of Hallyu himself Lee Minho came onstage to officially commence the main event. While he wanted to remain collected throughout his speech –which was aired live through KCON.TV, by the way — he couldn’t help to crack in smiles and laughter after the audience began chanting his name. It may have been brief, but his appearance was a definite highlight of the night for many in attendance across age groups and gender.
The first act of the night was none other than the girl group I.O.I. They got the Staples Center thumping with their earworm “Pick Me” and a couple more songs as they danced in signature K-pop unison. Through their English-speaking members Somi and Chungha, I.O.I expressed their excitement to be there and promoted their upcoming work as a sub-unit. Next up was this year’s breakout star; the R&B singer/songwriter Dean. KCON marked the “Bonnie and Clyde” singer’s third LA show this year — a huge growth in five short months since the first that warranted his spot on the lineup. And for a few minutes, what seemed like the whole arena sang along to “I’m Not Sorry” before Dean’s set was up and the next girl group emerged, proving the singer’s fans had shown up to support him.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Another group that has shot into stardom in the short few months since their debut last year is GFriend. The lovely ladies decked in athletic wear didn’t disappoint with the knife-like choreography they’re known for as they performed “Me Gustas Tu,” “Rough,” and their latest “Navillera.” For the first time in KCON’s five years of existence, GFriend and I.O.I managed to bring out the boys to the concerts, for their presence was even more visible and audible than last year.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
After GFriend, fans were surprised by a special stage with Block B’s Zico performing his solo “Boys and Girls” with the help of fellow member U-Kwon. The chemistry between the fellow members was undeniable and treat for everyone, as they danced to the choreography together and bounced verses off each other. Immediately after, from the other smaller stage, Dean ascended crooning “Pour Up,” which Zico joined in with his stellar rap verse. Both songs were unexpected yet greatly appreciated once in a lifetime performances for US fans who never expected to see the collabs live.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Next up was LA native Amber, who came out on a skateboard accompanied by more skaters and did a fun performance of “Shake That Brass,” with the help of I.O.I’s Chungha for Taeyeon’s part. But it all turned too real for the singer when she expressed her gratitude of performing in her hometown as a soloist and being received so warmly. It was the perfect preface for her performance of “Borders,” which the audience witnessed the first ever performance of the song.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
For newer K-pop fans, Turbo’s set was not a high point in the night. For older fans, however, it was one of the rare moments where they stood up and cheered along like the teenagers and 20-somethings around them. Fronted by Running Man’s Kim Jong Kook, Turbo dusted off their hits “Lovable” and “Reminiscence,” their 2015 single “Again,” and even brought Astro and GFriend as their backup dancers for “Twist King.” By the end of their set, they had made everyone in the crowd dance along with them, even if they didn’t know the songs for their performance was just that contagious.
After Turbo bowed out, Block B turned brought the pace down with “Toy” and “A Few Years Later,” then turned it back way up with “Her” and “Very Good.” Fans squealed through P.O.’s verse on “A Few Years Later” and rocked out to “Very Good,” making it apparent that despite the ordeal they went through a couple of years back, fans are still here for Block B and they’re not extinguishing any time soon. Unfortunately, Kyung missed out on the performance, but the rest of Block B — with all their dabs and Zico’s use of AAVE — more than made up for it and delivered a great stage for the second year in a row at KCON.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
But the peak for KCON’s first concert night was indisputably headliner SHINee and the potential for a mini SHINee World (their signature concert) like fans got last year with Super Junior and SHINHWA. It seemed attendees were in for the same deal when the group opened their set with “Into the SHINee World,” which features a few verses from “Replay,” sending fans into a frenzy. The madness continued as the quintet dived into “View” and the fan favorites “An Encore” and “Beautiful.” Unfortunately, with such a large lineup, fans didn’t get more songs or medleys from them like last year’s headliners. And yet, to wrap up, SHINee still delivered an amazing performance of “Everybody” to close out the concert. The crowd might not have witnessed more of their hits, but their performances were still stellar and worthy of the headlining spot.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
And with that, KCON’s first night of concerts ended. This concert showed how Hallyu encompasses not only traditional K-pop groups, but is already opening up to R&B and hip-hop and following the trends of ‘90s nostalgia. Also, the night showed that there is a place for male fans and they can be just as passionate as women. The second night further reinforced these notions, plus so much more — but more on that later.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
What do you think of the KCON 2016 performances? 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.
If you’ve ever scrolled past Dok2’s Instagram, you know that, together with The Quiett, the Illionaire Records CEOs are no strangers to the US — especially if we’re talking about partying. But this time around, the “YGGR” rappers are not only dropping stacks in Las Vegas or displaying their #blessed lifestyle in Hawaii. Dok2 and The Quiett are finally embarking on their first US tour, NO RE$T, stopping in four major cities to unload their trap masterpieces upon K-rap fans.
The NO RE$T Tour kicked off in Chicago on July 21 at the Concord Music Hall, then heads to New York on the 22 at Terminal 5, Atlanta on the 23 at Center Stage, and lastly Los Angeles at The Wiltern on the 29. Tickets are still available here and general admission prices vary depending on the city and range between $65 and $80.
Saying you can’t miss the NO RE$T Tour is an understatement, given we can’t even begin to describe how lit it will get. So let’s start getting in the mood with 5 Illionaire songs to get you ready and turnt.
1. “2 Chainz & Rollies”
Let’s start off this list with a classic. The rappers released “2 Chainz & Rollies” back in 2013 and it has quickly become an Illionaire staple given that it epitomizes their whole concept and aesthetic. With a music video that follows them through the Vegas strip and their hotel, the track is only meant to make you turn up rather than focus on meaningful lyrics. You know turnin’ up is a universal language.
Released just this week, viewers got an early taste of “Beverly 1lls” when Dok2 lent the track to their “Show Me the Money 5” team members Superbee and myunDo. And while that version was alright, they had nothing on Illionaire’s CEOs. The official version with is a bop, with its haunting bells, subtle piano, and signature trap snares. Also, good luck getting that chorus out of your head after listening to it.
3. “Profile”
While “Profile” is label mate Beenzino’s song originally, the verses Dok2 and The Quiett dropped on it as featured artists are so fiery that they deserve to be performed even without the main attraction. Beenzino is better known for his artsy rap rather than signature Illionaire turn up trap and self-promoting narrative, so it makes sense that the CEOs have taken this song on tour given it suits their style better.
4. “Don”
Another song that the Illionaire heads took on the road from another artist is “Don.” The track was originally released by rapper Vasco to mimic their sound and entire concept, so Dok2 and The Quiett took it, dropped their own verses, and released a music video just to show off their newest rides. If that doesn’t scream “Illionaire” to you, I don’t know what does.
Circling back to songs that epitomize the Illionaire sound and concept, “Rocking with the Best” essentially embodies what Dok2 and The Quiett are all about: making money, being at the top of the game, and trap beats that will make people jump and dance. We can already picture both rappers bouncing all over the stage throwing water at the audience. We can’t wait.
What’s your favorite Dok2 and The Quiett song? Llet us know your picks in the comments 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Untitled-design-1-1.png7681024Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelumhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAlexis Hodoyan-Gastelum2016-07-21 21:20:152016-07-21 21:20:155 Songs to Get You Ready for Dok2 & The Quiett’s NO RE$T US Tour
After two weeks of dabbing through the US, GOT7 closed their first American tour in Los Angeles at the Novo DTLA on July 11. Their last show was an addition after the original LA show sold out quickly and fans demanded a second date to accommodate IGOT7’s (GOT7’s fans), a fanbase which has notably grown since the last time the group was here.
But after shows in every major US city, several interviews with them, and thousands of fan cams and accounts recounting everything the guys said or did, what is there left to say about GOT7’s US tour? Well, other than it being an amazing show, it was also an opportunity to witness just how much GOT7 has grown in two short years since debut. So instead of being redundant and telling you things you might already know, here are some highlights from the show and a rundown about the things we learned at “Fly in Los Angeles.”
1. They Sing Live
In K-pop, it’s commonplace that idols lip synch during their concerts so that they can focus on powerful performances. Not GOT7 though. These guys kicked off the show singing live and hitting every move with “Put Your Hands Up.” They may have slowed it down here and there throughout the show with the more vocally demanding songs, but still it was a balancing act they mastered.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
2. “Can’t” Is The Best Thing That Could Ever Happen To IGOT7’s
Let’s give credit where credit is due; “Can’t” is one of the best songs on their latest album “Flight Log: Departure.” It has a bubblegum bumpy hip-hop beat that, together with the buttery delivery from the vocal line at the chorus, creates an interesting and yummy sonic experience. Now, how this group went from GOT7 to THOT7 with the choreography for this song is beyond us… but greatly appreciated. Those crotch rolls and invisible love making to the floor was well worth the ticket price by itself. We never thought GOT7 would ever measure up to the Chippendales-like shows their seniors 2PM put on. But with “Can’t,” fans now have hope.
3. A JB & Youngjae Sub-Unit Needs To Eventually Happen
“Fly in USA” was the “Give GOT7 Their Kudos” tour, for they emphasized all their lyric writing achievements on this album every chance they got, giving each other handshakes and requesting applause from the audience. And it was well-deserved. Junior came up with the lyrics for “Can’t,” and Bam Bam put his “rapper” role to good use by writing the rap for Youngjae composed “Rewind.” But the clear standout (#sorrynotsorry) was JB and Youngjae’s ballad “1.31 am.”
Sitting with their backs to each other, Youngjae caressed the piano while JB unloaded his truck-full of feels onto the microphone. Named after the time in which the song was written while in Japan, the unreleased song brought the audience nearly to tears with the heartfelt performance, proving these two could easily kill it with a vocal a-la 2AM sub-unit. Their styles might be very different, but there’s something about the mix of JB’s soulful vocals with Youngjae’s angelic tone that just works.
4. … Seriously, Witnessing “If You Do” & “Fly” Live Are Bucket List-Worthy Experiences
If we’re gonna pick favorites, the performances for “Fly” and “If You Do” are definitely at the top. This, of course, is due to the fact that both songs have the most intricate choreographies in GOT7’s discography to date and require the most energy from the boys. But after two weeks of touring, a sick member, and another member with a bad back, the performances could’ve easily fallen flat. And yet, there was not a missed beat on either song. Maybe it was because this was GOT7’s last show of the American tour or maybe their worth ethic is just that good, but the boys managed to give it their all with the choreographies. They even broke the monotony of the song and changed pace, expressions, and freestyle moves. The honorable mention goes to “Just Right,” for Bam Bam and Jackson took their last verses to indulge in a back and forth with the crowd instead of doing their normal parts, which was a fun little interaction with the fans.
5. Someone Give JB A Cold Shower. JK, We Love It
And speaking of “If You Do” and “Fly,” geez, JB… While Yugyeom is GOT7’s main dancer, Im “No Chill” Jaebum trails at a very close second, and that was apparent during “Fly in LA.” Truth is, JB was in his feelings throughout the whole show, but it was especially noticeable during his exaggerated yet much appreciated body rolls in “Stop Stop It,” which lead to his Best Actor in a Drama-worthy performance in “If You Do.” I don’t know where he draws all that angst and anger from, but the boy was definitely going through some stuff in his head, which just proves how much of a pro the leader is.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
6. Youngjae Is A Real Trooper
After missing the tour’s opening show in Dallas and making lots of fans upset and concerned over his health, Youngjae powered through his high fever throughout the whole tour. Even though the second LA show was a little over a week after Dallas, GOT7’s sunshine was visibly not as bubbly on their closing night. However, Youngjae must have taken care of himself as best as he could given the circumstances because he slayed all of his vocals as if he were at 100 percent. He might have channeled his energy towards his singing instead of his performance, because the latter was definitely not on par with the rest of the members. But still, he was amazing and everyone was thankful he endured his sickness for the fans.
7. Breaking News: Jackson Was NOT Extra
In the weirdest of plot twists, GOT7’s resident megaphone that always does too much was actually quite tame during the last LA show. As mentioned before, maybe it was due to fatigue, but other than some light bullying and laughing here and there, Jackson was not his usual extra self. In reality, it was Bam Bam who took over the position and delivered many zingers and comedic moments throughout the show like singling out a guy on the second floor and trying to make a couple in the pit kiss.
8. Yugyeom Is Grown, Y’all
The maknae (youngest member) is no more, you guys. While Yugyeom has been the dancing machine since the start, the hyungs (older brothers) have attempted to shield him from more erotic dances. And even though they tried, Yugyeom still freestyled a Chris Brown song and spilled sex appeal all over the stage. Jackson might have declared Bam Bam as the “most nasty” GOT7 member, but Yugyeom is closing in.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
9. Mark Can Speak
Time and time again fans have assumed that despite his shyness, Mark will come through when it comes to speak English. And as seen in their ASC appearances, KCON LA fan engagement, and countless other instances, this is never the case. Even if Mark is the English native speaking member, he heavily relies on Jackson and Bam Bam. That’s why it was amazing to see him take the lead during the LA shows, probably because his friends and family were in the audience. Mark talked to the audience a lot, he MC-ed the interlude where all the members solo dance, etc. His interactions weren’t as smooth as Bam Bam and Jackson’s perhaps, but the audience could tell Mark felt comfortable and was pushing through the awkwardness for the sake of it all.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
10. Bam Bam Is Never Not On Social Media
By the time the last show in their tour rolled in, Bam Bam was out of dabs. He maybe busted the move a couple of times throughout the show, but he definitely was out of dabs by this time. However, he did roll out his repertoire of memes. Bam Bam flicked a water bottle, brought back the whip and nae nae, and even said “Damn Daniel” a few times.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
11. We Can Confirm Junior Is Perfect, Bye.
From his looks, to his facial expressions, and down to his singing… Yup, he’s perfect. That’s all.
12. They’re The Most Engaging K-Pop Group Out There
Maybe it’s because most groups don’t have any let alone three members who can effectively communicate in English, but the interaction with fans is practically unprecedented in K-pop. GOT7 spent time speaking with individual fans and put fans on the spot (i.e, that guy Josh who Bam Bam called his baby) and even went back and forth with them during the speaking interludes. For a couple of hours, fans got a glimpse at what K-pop concerts in Korea are, where the artists can communicate effectively with fans. Because even if the rest of the members aren’t fluent, Yugyeom and Junior, specifically, tried their best to speak English. If anything, the “Fly in USA” tour proved that GOT7 can become a favorite on this side of the Pacific because they have the ability to remove the language barrier between idols and the fans fans.
13. Despite Fatigue, GOT7 Left Their Souls On Stage
As mentioned previously, on the closing night of their “Fly in USA” tour, the members were battling injuries, sickness, and tiredness. Because even if they were only in America for two weeks, GOT7 had been touring for awhile. Some members were visibly out of it or not at their full potential throughout the night, but despite this, they all pulled through and delivered an amazing show. JB did the most with choreography, Mark stepped up his talking, Junior shined with his improved English, Jackson did not disappoint in the body rolls department, Bam Bam had everyone laughing the whole show, Youngjae showered us with his adorable smile and laugh, and Yugyeom was the cutest he’s ever been. GOT7’s second show in Los Angeles established that they’re real entertainers and artists who are in it for the long run. And judging by the fact that all their shows were sold out, we can safely say fans are here for it.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
Did you go to any of the “Fly in USA” stops? What was your favorite performance? Share your experience 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/GOT7_14.jpg28484288Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelumhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAlexis Hodoyan-Gastelum2016-07-17 16:48:302016-07-20 13:58:2513 Things We Learned at GOT7’s ‘Fly in Los Angeles’ Show [PHOTOS]
Taking advantage of the long Fourth of July holiday weekend, 7000Miles (a New York based concert production company) hosted a show at (le) Poisson Rouge, a small downtown venue. The night’s headliner for the “Night of Soul” was non-other than singer Kim Tae Woo. Known mostly as being the lead singer of g.o.d (a first-generation idol group), Kim Tae Woo has gone on to a successful solo career collaborating with many artists and contributing to OSTs. Fans were all lined up to get into the venue and enjoy the rare occasion where a top singer would perform in such an intimate locale.
After a very hip opening act, Kim Tae Woo took the small stage and started with the upbeat “Lonely Funk,” which immediately got the audience up and dancing. The Super Session band that accompanied Kim Tae Woo was made up of local musicians; Youngjoo Song on Piano, Hyunwook Yang on Saxophone, BIGYUKI on Keys/Synthesizer, Randy Runyon on Guitar, Sangmin Lee on Drums, Dukrae Noh on Bass, and Sori Kim as the Chorus. Together, they perfectly melded the funky beats and modern jazz sounds to create a great atmosphere that everyone enjoyed.
After the first few songs, Kim Tae Woo began a typical introduction which quickly turned into a talk session with the audience. The intimate stage allowed him to get up and personal with the audience members, chatting some of them up and even telling some to post his performance on YouTube. He then incited a freestyle dance session with I Love Dance (a local K-pop dance class) with the band playing Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean.”
by Katherine Villalon
Kim Tae Woo went on to sing a few covers of Stevie Wonder’s popular songs including “Isn’t She Lovely,” followed by a lovely duet with Sori Kim to “When I Fall in Love.” After the duet, Kim Tae Woo randomly selected a phone number from the ones that were submitted prior to the show. After dialing it, the crowd went quiet to hear for the phone to ring. Once someone answered, Kim Tae Woo called her up onto the stage where he gave her a single rose and began to serenade her with “Two of Us” while she filmed him on her cell phone.
by Katherine Villalon
After a quick instrumental break, Kim Tae Woo returned to the stage and began the rest of his set that included popular g.o.d songs like “To Mother” and “Lies.” The g.o.d set was by far the audience’s favorite, where you could clearly hear everyone singing along causing Kim Tae Woo to have a huge smile on his face. The show closed with Kim Tae Woo’s rendition of “New York State of Mind” and he thanked the audience and left the stage.
The show was an overall great success. Being able to interact the way Kim Tae Woo did with the audience is something only a veteran in the K-pop industry could do. Sure, you can get a fangirl/boy scream from flashing lights and sexy dance moves, but Kim Tae Woo was able to connect on a more personal level and create fun and beautiful memories for his fans.
by Katherine Villalon
Did you attend Kim Tae Woo’s show? Share your experience and favorite moments with us 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/IMG_8674ks.jpg533800Katherinehttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKatherine2016-07-08 05:25:212016-07-08 05:25:21Kim Tae Woo Brings a Night of Soul to NYC [PHOTOS]
If KCON 2016 NY presented by Toyota’s day one concert was a blast, the follow up M! Countdown show closed the event off with a bang. Held at Newark’s Prudential Center on June 25, the night prior was visibly not sold out, with whole sections of the nose-bleeds empty. That changed the second night, though, and it was all thanks to a certain K-pop boy group with a massive American fandom…
Mamamoo Shows K-Pop Girl Group’s Aren’t Just Sexy Or Cute
But KCON is not just about the boys, and Mamamoo proved it. It’s a rare sight when a girl group draws screams from men and women alike, and this K-pop quartet is one of those that appeal to everyone. Singing their hits “You’re the Best,” “Mr. Ambiguous,” “Taller than You,” “Piano Man,” and “Um Oh Ah Yeh,” the girls sang mostly (with exception to the last one) without a back up track, slaying the stellar vocals they are known for.
A KCON LA regular for fan engagements and MCing, Eric Nam was finally part of the concert lineup. And how could he not, given that he’s a fan favorite in the States and he’s dominating the charts in Korea with his latest releases? Eric kicked off his set by cheesily giving out roses to fans before jumping right into “Good For You.” Unlike the playful and dorky personality he showed in “After School Club” and everything else he appears in or talks on, Eric turned the male soloist grease on. It might have worked for him if fans had not known his true colors, but he did take the opportunity to show off his improved vocal range with “I’m Okay” and “Heaven’s Door.” Plus, once the music was off, it was regular Eric who made fun of fans for screaming when he drank water. Moreover, even if he gets teased a lot for it, fans in the US love “Ohh Ohh,” which Eric said he was unaware of. And after apologizing for not including it in the set and promising to perform it in the future, he closed his set with his newest release that has been gaining non-K-pop American attention, “Into You.”
Courtesy of CJ E&M
Day6: Korean Alt-Rock Band. Period
Another highly anticipated act of the two-day concert was Day6, which was reflected by the screams and squeals from fans once the screen lifted and five shadows behind their instruments appeared. When the arena was booming with the melancholic sound of “Letting Go,” it was all coming out of the guys’ instruments; no backing track necessary. Day6 made it a point to show that they’re a legit band, jamming through “Congratulations” and “Freely,” off of their first album.
But one of the night’s highlights was the special stage prepared by Day6. After a very awkward introduction by the returning MC’s Rap Monster and Ailee that included the former briefly imitating BIGBANG T.O.P’s rap, the JYP Entertainment band performed what they called “Day6-style” covers of CNBLUE’s “I’m a Loner,” Big Bang’s “Lies,” and Wonder Girls’ “Nobody.” For the last one, Mamamoo ascended to the stage to help the guys out with the chorus, making it a truly memorable performance for the books.
Kids Watch Their Parents Kiss Thanks to Ailee & Eric Nam
Also delivering a special collaboration stage were BFF’s Ailee and Eric Nam. Who knows who made the executive decision to have these two friends perform Soyou and Junggigo’s “Some,” but they did. And it was awkward. So awkward that, after Eric opened a car door for Ailee, holding hands, and telling each other “you’re mine,” they burst out laughing as soon as the song ended and declared it was “weird.” Their friendship is well-known, but still, it was a funny experience, and fans got to see their playful and natural interactions as they introduced the night’s headliners.
BTS was KCON’s Main Attraction & They Knew It
Courtesy of CJ E&M
To say the Prudential Center went in uproar once BTS came on stage is an understatement. Fans and non-fans alike went insane once the first beat of “Fire” blasted through the speakers. It was lit. Bangtan killed their choreography throughout the whole set, especially with their latest release “Save Me.” Not to mention that, with no backup track, they delivered fierce raps and outstanding vocals, all while not missing a step. That night was the BTS show and they guys knew it. KCON sets are generally comprised of the latest release plus the greatest hits, but Bangtan knew their fans made up the majority of the audience so instead of going with the singles, they performed their b-sides “Boys With Fun” and “Cypher pt. 3.” Once again, the crowd went berserk. And to close the whole event on the highest note possible, their last song was “Dope,” which embodies what their whole set and the last night of KCON was.
Did you attend KCON NY? Share your experience and favorite moments with us 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.
After braving uncharted waters on the east coast, KCON 16 NY presented by Toyota proved it’s only getting bigger and better. Growing from its freshmen installment, KCON New York (held in New Jersey due to proximity) hosted two days of convention and concerts, allowing fans to meet more artists, vendors, panelists, and more, than they did last year. Held in what is becoming the hub of K-pop concerts in New York’s metro area, Newark’s Prudential Center, on June 24 and 25, KCON proved that they mean to make the east coast event as grand as the LA one has grown into over the years.
Throughout the weekend, fans practically littered the streets; partaking in all of the events and festivities while waiting for the evening concerts or fan engagements that occurred throughout the day. Even if con-goers didn’t plan on attending the concerts, KCON was a great place to experience not only K-pop, but also everything that comes with the Hallyu wave; such as dramas, food, and other products. KCON 2016 in New York was definitely a step up and in the right direction from last year while still keeping to its roots in providing “All Things Hallyu.”
by Katherine Villalon
Expo
One very noticeable difference was the amount and the variety of booths available this year. Seeing the great turn-out from the past year, many vendors and groups set up not only to sell fan-made good and band merchandise but also expanded into Korean goods and cosmetics. Each booth offered something a little different; from fun games and karaoke sessions to free food samples, raffles, and prizes. The Toyota tent was the largest and housed a DJ that provided music for all of the convention goers to listen and dance along to. Groups of fans were able to come together and danced in-sync to all of the latest K-pop hits.
by Katherine Villalon
New to this year’s KCON was an outdoor convention stage which hosted performances and games throughout the weekend. Not to mention there was a makeshift food court where festival goers could indulge on Korean street snacks and other random food-truck fare.
The marketplace was not the only thing in the convention to double in size, there were also larger panel and workshop tents to accommodate the growing crowd. This year’s panels offered opportunities to hear industry insiders (including Kultscene’s very own co-founders Alexis and Tamar who made their debuts as KCON panelists at “Evolution of K-Pop Music,” “Cross Cultural Clashes In Hallyu,” and “From K-Pop Fan to K-Pop Professional”), popular YouTubers (such as Nutty Nomads), and producers (like SM Entertainment’s iDR) talk about the latest K-pop and Drama trends, as well as address social issues within the community. The workshops held by Soko Glam and Glow Recipe gave fans a chance at hands on experience with Korean beauty products and routines, as well as making popular Korean snacks.
by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum
Fan Engagements
If the free convention or the concert didn’t coax fans into attending KCON NY, then it’s the fan engagements. Available to the right ticket and scratch card holders, the fan engagements usually consists of a Q&A session followed by a hi-touch event, offering a wonderful opportunity for fans to interact with their faves.
But be warned! More time will be spent waiting in line than at the actual fan engagement. While one artist is holding their fan engagement session, a line is already snaking around the side of the Prudential Center’s Barnabas Health Hockey House for the next. Attendees with hi touch passes were let in first, followed by those with audience passes, who tragically were only able to participate in the Q&A session but not the hi fiving with their idols.
With Day6, as one of the group’s native English speakers, Jae naturally did the most talking. The boys spoke about how they wanted to visit the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building during their stay in the New York metropolitan area (“I know it sounds super tourist-y but we haven’t seen it so…” says Jae) and how they were looking forward to their first U.S. performance at KCON before moving onto the main event — the hi-touches. It was over as soon as it started, but they didn’t leave without huddling together with fans in the background for a few selca (self camera) shots on their selfie sticks to commemorate the event.
Right after Day6’s fan engagement was conveniently Mamamoo’s and, while it was delayed due to the girls being stuck at rehearsals, that didn’t deter audiences from welcoming the members as boisterously as they did. Ardent fans waved their official lightsticks shaped like radishes, while one innovative individual twirled theirs constructed out of a cardboard box and giant cutouts of the girl’s faces, when the group decked out in their stage outfits finally made their appearance. In order to make up for lost time, the Q&A was abruptly cut short to allow hi-touches to go underway.
Red Carpet
Last year, KCON NY didn’t host a red carpet, so fans were more than pleased to learn that, like LA, they would have a chance to watch the artists performing that night, as well as special guests like actors Im Si Wan (also known as a member of the boy band ZE:A) and Park Bo Young. Danny Im, from the “Danny from LA” Mnet show and ‘90s group 1TYM, hosted the event.
by Katrina Lobaton
The first group up was SEVENTEEN, whose size forced Danny had to move around quite a bit to talk to all the 13 members. Next up, BTOB talked about… their shorts… and expressed their excitement to perform in New York for the first time. With this group, Danny struggled a bit with the translation, but not with Im Si Wan who shined for his effort and clarity speaking English.
by Katrina Lobaton
Looking dapper, Crush rolled on the red carpet wearing a crisp suit and shared his nervousness over performing on stage by himself. Last year he had Zion. T to accompany him in LA, but this year he was riding solo. Same thing with Dynamic Duo, who also wore suits that made them look very classy and enhanced their charisma. They even said that they were excited about trying the chicken and rice halal truck.
by Katrina Lobaton
But one of the night’s highlights was Ailee, given this was the first time the Jersey native was performing in her hometown. As per usual, the singer was all smiles when greeting everyone in attendance. She hinted at a possible collaboration with her friend and fellow performer Eric Nam, which fans got to witness the next night at the concert. Lastly, the “Oh My Ghostess” actress Park Bo Young received DramaFever’s Best Actress Award on stage and expressed her gratitude to the fans for watching the drama.
The next night, the red carpet hosted less attendees. Despite the fact that the guys of BTS and Day6 would be attending, it seemed fans were more interested in getting a good spot in the venue. First up were the lovely ladies of Mamamoo. Decked in amazingly cute outfits, they talked about this being their first time in New York and raved about Shake Shack. Then, the KCON LA regular but first time performer Eric Nam strolled down the red carpet looking as cheerful as ever, cracking jokes, also talked about Shake Shack, and overall expressed his excitement to perform by jumping around.
by Katrina Lobaton
Looking enthusiastic but slightly tired, the next act up was Day6. Being the jokesters that they are, the members challenged each other to speak English, making fans laugh. However, things got crazy once BTS came out. Emulating Crush and Dynamic Duo, Bangtan also came out in suits. While Suga showed lots of love to the US Army, V looked a little out of it, and Rap Monster obviously did most of the talking.
by Katrina Lobaton
Check out the rest of the pictures from KCON 16 NY, including more from the red carpet, here:
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Did you attend KCON NY? Share your experience with us 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.
Katrina Lobaton, Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum, Katherine Villalon, Shelley Foo, and Tamar Herman contributed to the reporting and writing of this article.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/KCON16NYFEAT-1.jpg7681024KultScenehttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2016-07-03 14:16:092016-07-03 15:12:50Inside KCON 16 NY [PHOTOS]
It hasn’t even been a year yet but it’s already that time when all things Hallyu are celebrated in one convenient location here in the States. After its first installment last August, KCON returned back again to the East Coast, bringing its M! Countdown concerts to the famous Prudential Center in the NY’s metropolitan area. This time, not only did the convention grow from being a one day event to a two day event, spanning from June 24 to June 25, but KCON 2016 also saw a lot of new faces and talents. KCON 2015 NY felt like a pilot episode in comparison.
On Day 1 of KCON 2016 NY alone, popular rookie group Seventeen met senior boy group BTOB at both their first KCON experience. Soloist Ailee drew both female and male Korean pop fans in throngs, while Amoeba Culture’s Crush and Dynamic Duo made their second KCON appearance andwelcomed Korean hip-hop philes to the 18,000+ seat venue. The roster this year was a significant upgrade from last year, which haphazardly seemed to throw together a bunch of repeated acts from previous cons. What’s more, the lineup for KCON 2016 offered more diversity, reflecting the careful planning that went into maximizing concert turnout (as of now, the attendance is still TBA).
But the music is just one aspect of Hallyu, with K-Drama as another. A new addition to KCON 2016 NY was the special guests, which included idol actor Yim Siwan (“Triangle,” “Misaeng”) and actress Park Bo Young (“A Werewolf Boy,” “Oh My Ghostess”). Together, the two stopped by the South Korean entertainment network tvN booth during the convention and acted as special MC’s for a segment of the night, giving the regular hosts a break.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
As per usual, the MC’s were selected from the pool of performers. Ailee, a native English speaker slated to perform during the first night, was an obvious pick. As the she ascended from the stage lift, however, the fans cheered doubly for not only her but also for co-host, Rap Monster from BTS, who made an early appearance ahead of his scheduled Day 2 performance (in hindsight, the two also served as MC’s for KCON Abu Dhabi back in March so perhaps it was my bad for not seeing it coming). While introducing the event in both Korean and English, the bilingual duo quickly became half the attraction with their charming chemistry. And with their rallying cry “Let’s KCON! Let’s M! Countdown,” the other half was shortly set in motion as well
Rookie King Seventeen Makes Their KCON Debut
Emerging out of 2015 as one of the hottest rookie groups, Seventeen didn’t fail to deliver a remarkable performance. Under the dim lights, a VCR of the members dancing to the intro song “Shining Diamond” segued into the real deal. A chorus of screams at the appearance of 12 (rapper Wonwoo is sitting out of promotional activities at the moment due to health problems) half clothed in black, the other in white, indicated that the show was finally underway. They wasted no time as they dove right into their latest hit “Pretty U,” blithely working a couch into their choreography in front of a color pop of city streets backdrop. They really set the standard for the following track, the EDM-trap mix “Chuck,” which varied stylistically from the musical-esque number from before, but still sustained the same austerity of in-sync choreography.
To finish off their half-hour set, the boys threw it back to the classics that shot them to where they are now (though would it be much of a throwback if it was only to last year?). Starting with “Mansae,” the audience transformed into a sea of arms swaying to the beat of the “mansae,” the point choreo that the members took time out to teach beforehand. It’s always a welcome sight to see the union of fans and artist, even if it’s just in such a simple gesture as waving an arm. Even in “Adore U,” which marked the end of their set, there’s that familiar point dance – a literal point dance – during the hook that’s easy enough for even the average caveman to follow. When they are on stage, Seventeen just exuberates overflowing youth and spryness. The only drawback to this, however, is because they are still maturing as a group, they are still stuck playing by the books, which means they couldn’t make full use of the stage that was given to them. A forgiving qualm, though, for the group with the insane vocals and an entertaining live show to boot.
Crush Gives New Meaning to One Man Show
Being a soloist on a stage of such a grand scale is always going to be nerve wracking. Projection becomes all the more important, and hyping the audience up requires extra effort. Fortunately for Crush, he’s got that covered, and all in just a-less-than-usual three songs too. No introductions were needed here for the R&B singer who went straight into his 2014 slow jam “Sometimes” as soon as the music cued him to the stage. From start to finish, he single-handedly turned the M! Countdown concert into a lounge party, belting out a string of long notes and ad libs to a round of cheers in the process. Besides his interesting Canadian Tuxedo x French beret collaboration that he donned – which must be a fashion faux pas in at least ten different cultures – the guy really did no wrong.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
“Sometimes” was only warm-up for what’s to come. The palm leaves that decorated the LCD displays behind him were very appropriate for the summer vibe-y single “Oasis.” Crush even revealed his knack for rap when covering for an absent Zico in his “It G-Ma”-styled verse, during which he doused crowds with bottled water while jumping around on the extended stage. By this time, the crowd was already so amped up that his request for the audience to put their hands up seemed superfluous. This revelry continued well into “Hug Me,” which featured help this time from Dynamic Duo’s Gaeko, and even more of a water show. Things were only now just getting heated.
Queen Ailee Makes Her Return Home
Ailee’s just one of those artists where even if you are not a fan, you are a fan. Her vocal prowess cannot be denied, and she was able to demonstrate it once again during an incident that happened while she was performing her routine to “Mind Your Own Business.” About halfway through the song, a technical malfunction caused the backing track to stop, leaving a visibly rattled Ailee to finish her verse acapella. Audiences applauded her diplomacy, even when she stepped backstage to resolve the issue (one concert go-er in my section made the snide remark that someone was getting fired that night) and when she came back for her second take.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
“This has never happened to me before,” the New Jersey native says before making light of the situation and viewing the glitch as a welcome home gift. One thing remains certain, and it’s that we can at least count on Ailee to provide fans with honest stages, which is something that cannot be said about all idols in the K-pop industry.
After going through both break-up power anthems “Don’t Touch Me” and “I Will Show You,” the diva also disclosed how nervous she was to perform that night (“I’ve never been nervous before, not even my debut performance, not even my first solo concert”) in front of all her friends and family for the first time, all the while holding back tears. The sincerity of her words compounded by the overall pathos of her homecoming were probably what compelled audiences to stand for her closing song “U & I.” Fans could not even be pressed that she did not perform “Q&A” with Seventeen like some thought she would. Cute as it may have been, this was all about her.
BTOB Did That!
Ever since their first music show win with “It’s Okay,” BTOB has swapped out their charismatic boy band image for something more softcore, which has still been working out in their favor. Presented by an enchanted forest visual display and a LCD light show that signaled the coming in of the members clad in rose quartz suits, they opened with the ballad “Remember That,” riding on the same success the aforementioned “It’s Okay” amassed for them. Rappers Minhyuk and Ilhoon still served with their subdued raps, while the vocalists never once faltered in their department.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
The group also filled their slots with their lesser known singles, such as “All Wolves Except Me” and “Beep Beep,” the former a jazzy swing track bursting with all kinds of brassy sounds and the latter a similar funky saxophone-centric piece that seem more in line with their personalities. The youngest member Sungjae even worked in some aegyo (a cute display of affection), sneaking a quick “bbyu” before the lights lowered, causing fans to giggle.
Personally, the main highlight of their stage wasn’t even their live performances off of their own discography, but their impromptu rendition of One Direction’s “History.” As if he was not already savvy in the art of rap, main rapper Ilhoon wowed the audience with his overwhelming high notes. Sometimes it is actually stressful how underrated this group is, but hopefully KCON bringing them out for the first time will lead to future invites and more recognition.
If You Didn’t Stan Seventeen Already…
…Then you probably did after seeing their special stage. Part of the appeal of KCON’s “M! Countdown” concerts are their exclusive performances in which the acts cover the hits of others or collaborate together to produce something greater than the sum of their parts. This year, in a phenomenal medley Seventeen returned back to the stage with a cover of After School’s “Bang,” the bop that made being in a marching band cool again. They even looked the part in their ornamental navy military jackets topped with epaulettes, cheering “S-V-T” with Pledis pride. This transitioned smoothly into a modern, more synth-y (if that’s even possible) version of Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry.” It may not be the first time the group has shown us their spin on the iconic dance (check out their “Weekly Idol” appearances), but it’s exciting nevertheless seeing it done on American soil. To wrap it all up, Seventeen paid homage to the reigning kings of K-pop TXVQ with their bubbly render of the 2006 song “Balloons,” which is, like, oh my god, the last time they did this was when they were still trainees shooting for their mini series “Seventeen TV.” Not tied down by any choreography, the twelve were finally able to make full use of the extended stage, merrily greeting their U.S. fans for the first time.
Debuting in 2003, Dynamic Duo made the most sense as headliners. But more than just seniority, they also possess the attitudes and the finesse of a headliner. Before they even stepped foot on stage, their digital selves were already initiating a call and response tactic, asking “Who Are We?” followed by concert attendees hollering out their names. When they did make their noble entrance, they came in full-force from the get-go with “BAAAM,” employing more call and response approaches. Jiving freely to the upbeat tempo that the DJ on stage was mixing, they had genuine fun on stage and the audiences reciprocated that.
Courtesy of CJ E&M
By the time they were performing the EDM infused hip-hop jam “Shoot – Goal In” the crowd were already on their feet, dancing in place. Again, who knows how many folks actually knew the song, never mind the lyrics, but the manner in which members Choiza and Gaeko were able to hype each other up (e.g. – rapping to each other as opposed to with each other, echoing each other’s words, etc.) was entertaining to watch and exhibited real artistry.
The rest were an honest blur. The duo picked up enough momentum and was not about to break it as they went straight into Gaeko’s own percussion based “Rhythm is Life.” When the time came to conclude the night already, they were bouncing around to their dance party anthem “Friday Night,” which could it be any more fitting? In the midst of the smoke and light sticks, the place was a full fledge rave, and everyone was high.
And with the customary shower of confetti, Day 1 of KCON 16 NY was over. A vast improvement from last year’s KCON NY, it really set the bar high for future ones. One day of KCON NY fun still remains, however, who knows what will happen then?
Did you attend KCON 16 NY? What’s your favorite KCON artist? Let us know 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.
Despite JYP Entertainment’s most recent boy group, GOT7, making their debut a little over two years ago, they’re been on a steady pace up on the K-pop ladder. That’s in part thanks to the fact that the guys have been releasing single after single throughout these two years. We are oh so #Blessed that we haven’t had to go more than five or six months without a bubbly and playful jam or a powerful and thumping track. GOT7 fans are indeed spoiled and the guys are loved for it.
Each release (except “Girls Girls Girls” #sorrynotsorry) has been a strategic attempt to fill a void in the K-pop market. And it has worked for they are now kind of Red Velvet’s male counterpart, having a duality in personality thing going on with their concept. But whether you’re team “Just Right,” with its cute antics, or team “Fly,” which offers a more powerful performance, one thing’s for sure: GOT7 can do no wrong (again, let’s ignore “Girls Girls Girls” or the Japanese singles).
Following their stellar performance at last year’s KCON LA, GOT7 is finally coming back to the States with their very own concert, “Fly in USA.” And we’re not just getting your normal Los Angeles and New York dates. Oh no. IGOT7’s rejoice for the boys will also perform in Dallas, Atlanta, and Chicago. The tour kicks off in Dallas on July 1 at the Verizon Theatre, then Chicago at the Rosemont Theatre on the 3rd, Playstation Theater in New York on the 5th and 6th, Atlanta at the Cobb Energy Centre on the 8th, and lastly in LA on the 10th and 11th at the Novo by Microsoft. Unfortunately, every stop in the tour except the second stops in NY and LA are sold out. Tickets flew fast, but if you’re interested in these shows, tickets are still on sale and go from $65 to $215.
Moreover, you can reserve your GOT7 official merch and pick it up at the venue the day of the show. Items range from the light stick to T-shirts to posters and it’s all reasonably priced.
With that being said, let’s get back to the point. With a bit over a handful to pick from, have you ever wondered which GOT7 single best describes your personality? Well, now you can find out; just take this quiz!
Which GOT7 single are you? And are you planning on attending any of the stops on the tour? 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Untitled-design-3.png7681024Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelumhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAlexis Hodoyan-Gastelum2016-06-14 06:46:122016-06-14 06:46:12Which GOT7 Single Best Describes You? [QUIZ] [+ ‘Fly in USA’ Info]
