Coming off of their First Fanmeeting in USA earlier this year, and with a recent overwhelmingly show of support for their recent comeback with “Just Right”, the boys of GOT7 are at the peak of their careers. Known as JYP Entertainment’s international group, with members from Hong Kong, Thailand and America’s very own, California, GOT7 garner’s love from every corner of the globe. Here at KultScene we’ve compiled a list of five things we want to see from GOT7 at KCON LA.
1. Bromancing At It’s Finest
GOT7 is the walking definition of “bromance”, which can be defined as a close, emotionally intense, non-sexual bond between two (or more) men (Wikipedia). Sure, there are other male groups that share mutual bromances with each other, but there’s usually some awkwardness that comes along with it. GOT7 is the polar opposite. A lot of it could be the fact that GOT7 has three foreign members who weren’t raised in a reserved Korean culture, therefore they act differently around guys than others would.
The members of GOT7 show major affection towards one another on and off the stage, even if it involves putting one another in harmless headlocks as they try to peck the other ones cheek or slapping each other’s butts, like they do in the NBA. Although it’s been confirmed that member Jackson, the mood maker and biggest bromancer of them all, will not be attending KCON LA due to his filming schedule for Laws of the Jungle, don’t you iGOT7’s fret. Even though the other half to MarkSon couple (Mark+Jackson) won’t be there, there will still be a lot of aegyo (cuteness) and bromances going on between the members.
2. Mark Tuan Speaking English
With one American member whose hometown is Los Angeles, a lot of KCON goers are hoping to see Mark speak in his native tongue. One would think, “well, of course he’s going to speak in English!” but Mark is rather timid and shy, so he tends to let other members do a lot of the talking, i.e Thai member BamBam spoke a lot of English when GOT7 held their fan meeting in Chicago. Seeing how KCON LA will be their 3rd US show this year, and the other English speaker Jackson will not be in attendance, hopefully Mark will have had the chance to prep and prepare himself to openly and confidently speak to the crowd in English. Better yet, what if Mark sang/rapped in English? Let that sink in for a bit and tell me that wouldn’t be anything less then awesome!
Throughout the second half of their careers, GOT7 has solidified their right of way into the covering girl group dances hall of fame. “But what male idol group hasn’t done a dance cover to a girl group?” you ask. Of course, it’s only a matter of time before a male group is seen doing girl group dances on a variety show or at a concert, but it’s pure gold when the members in a group are genuinely and eagerly doing so. GOT7 is known to voluntarily break out in girl group dances; there have been times where they’ve even had in-group wars between the other members to see who does the better covers. With their smaller body frame and flexibility, members BamBam and JR are usually the best with girl group covers, although GOT7’s maknae (youngest member) Yugyeom, even with his taller height and lanky arms, is able to do one mean body wave.
4. A Collaboration With A Senior Group
This might be stretching it a bit considering artist collaborations aren’t usually done at American Korean shows, but considering how a lot of the other groups that will be at KCON are indeed GOT7’s seniors i.e. SHINHWA and Super Junior, there is a small possibility looming somewhere. Whether it would a full song done together, maybe an English song since they’re in America, or even if it’s a mere 20 seconds done together somewhere during the day or at the end of one of the shows, it’d definitely be something worth witnessing. Not only will the audience be in for a treat but also GOT7 as a group would probably be over the moon if given this opportunity if it were indeed to happen.
If you didn’t already know, each and every member of GOT7 has a different level of derpiness, ranging anywhere from a “whoops I made a dumb face” to border line “if I keep this up, my face might end up like this.” I’ll wait while you go back and look up their past fan cams and fan taken photos. Not too impressed with them? Well, then have you see their latest music video for “Just Right”? A part of me wants to believe that they were directed to make the derpy faces that were made during the chorus but another part of me knows that even if they were given directions to do so, the members probably took it upon themselves to make the expressions to be extreme as possible. Considering the average age for GOT7 is 19, this is probably just a phase they they’re going through. Or maybe not. Regardless of all that, I hope that they continue to showcase their derpiness because it makes them unique and loveable.
As a KCON attendee, I’m not only grateful for being able to be at the convention and seeing GOT7 again, but it’ll be the icing on the cake if at least one of these five things listed actually happens!
What and who are you looking forward to seeing at KCON LA? 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Got7.jpg10061500Tam Huynhhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-07-29 09:16:012015-07-29 09:16:015 Things We Want To See At KCON LA – GOT7 Edition
Competition reality show “Sixteen” aired its finale 2 weeks ago and amidst much controversy, JYP’s new girl group TWICE was formed. The group was designated from the start to have seven members, but at the end of the competition two previously eliminated members were added, resulting in the group to have a total of nine people. TWICE is slated to debut later this year, and in an effort to further promote the members, JYP Entertainment have given the group their own social media accounts and even created an online show titled “TWICE TV”, of which two episodes have already aired.
The members consist of Na Yeon(20 years old), Jungyeon (19 years old), Momo (19 years old), Sana (19 years old), Jihyo (18 years old), Mina(18 years old), Dahyun (17 years old), Chaeyoung (16 years old) and Tzuyu (16 years old). As per the norm of JYP groups having members with a mix of races, ⅓ of the members in the group are Japanese (Sana, Mina and Momo) while Tzuyu is from Taiwan.
The members are diverse not in their races and personalities but also because they each have their own specialities and talents, making their debut a highly anticipated one. Notable examples (from “Sixteen”) include:
If you didn’t watch “Sixteen” but want to know more about the TWICE members, Kultscene has a great solution for you! Find out which TWICE member you are the most similar to and discover their unique and fun personalities through our quiz now!
Which member did you get? Are you excited for TWICE’s upcoming debut? 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Screen-Shot-2015-07-27-at-4.46.41-pm.png657656Anna Cheanghttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAnna Cheang2015-07-27 06:31:292016-04-07 11:16:16Which TWICE Member Are You? [Quiz]
Summer, for some of us, means a break from school and even work. If not, it at least implies going out with friends and partying. Depending on the laws of the country you live in, you may even hit the club if you’re of age, or have access to one of the best fake id websites. And given that we’re all K-pop fans here, we’ve all fantasized about dancing to our favorite songs at the club or a party. That’s why this week’s playlist is about our favorite clubbing tracks that would make us all tear the dance floor.
When one mentions B.A.P, most people will recognize them for their heavy beats, inspirational lyrics, and powerful choreography. Some of their songs might be considered to be too choreographed or too lovey dovey; it’d probably never occur to you that they’d have a song fit to be played at a club. Of the many songs that they’ve released since debut, “Hurricane” is the most party-like anthem, from the consuming beat, to the accompanying scratch, which then leads to the dance break. If you needed more reasons as to why this song should be played at a club, just check out the music video for “Hurricane.” Starting from the flashy night-lights and different infrastructures in Las Vegas, to B.A.P’s loud outfits and lavish suits, it can’t be any more suiting then this!
These days, I’m not big on the EDM craze. However, a couple of years ago, I was riding the last wave of club-ready songs I was able and willing to stomach. Consequently, T-ARA N4‘s “Jeon Won Diary” was one of them. The song was a strong attempt by the group to stay relevant, and even if they failed, the song was one of the few new ones they released I could still enjoy post bullying scandal. I was able to like “Jeon Won Diary,” then and now, because even if it has your normal electro, thumping beats, it has a nice melody, interesting instrumentals, and a catchy, singable and danceable chorus. I mean, the why you hating? line is so infectious and daring and just… badass for a group who also has songs called “Lovey Dovey” and “Roly Poly.” Besides, the girls’ styling has never been more on point, prior or even after “Jeon Won Diary,” nor have they had a strong message in the lyrics. Seriously. Basically telling the haters to fxck off? Unheard of!
— Alexis
As 2PM continues to mature as artists, their fun and crazy side is starting to surface a lot more, especially through the song “Go Crazy.” When it first came out, it seemed to be a repeat of 2011’s hit “Hands Up,” but on second listen, it is more of a party anthem than “Hands Up” ever was. With its addictive and catchy melody, this song fits well with ridiculous and enthusiastic dancing and really gets you in the mood for a crazy time. It allows you to forget your troubles and inhibitions; to just loosen up and have fun. 2PM shows this perfectly through their hilarious choreography for this song and their enjoyment can also be seen in their various live performances during their promotions. The lyrics in the song fully encompasses the freedom of this song, with lines such as Go crazy, tonight, we are determined to go nuts. Just for one night, go all out, go crazy. To kick this up a notch, 2PM even released a party version of their original music video, which is full of clubbing, hangovers, and hallucinations that make it highly entertaining watch.
Let’s slow it down a bit and take a listen to “Komplikated,” fresh off of TVXQ‘s latest album, “Rise As God.” The solo track by leader Yunho is a pop-dance track that is filled with auto-tuned vocals and EDM elements, and perfect for a night of inebriated dancing. It has a futuristic sound to it, and is repetitive enough to get a gyrating feel going that’s perfect for swaying to rhythmically.
— Tamar
What’s your favorite K-pop club banger? Share your picks 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
In order for a performance to be memorable, the choreography has to be strong. Luckily, K-pop is never short of strong dance moves, given that most groups dance and, at least most of the members, kill it. But with so many songs, groups, and performances getting released every week, it’s difficult for anything to stick. That’s why choreographers tend to place a few point dances within the performance that will make viewers take notice and even emulate them. So for this week’s playlist, we’re listing some of our favorite K-pop point dances.
This is the song that started it all for me, both because of its unique use of chairs and because of the sensual dance choreography that fitted perfectly with the song. Though not the best song in terms of musicality, it’s certainly one that I love to dance and sing along to. It’s 2PM’s “A.D.T.O.Y” (All Day I Think Of You), and my personal favorite performance of this song would be during 2013 SBS’s “Gayo Daejun”, when the boys used roller chairs for the dance instead of their ordinary stationary chairs. It was definitely more dangerous but it made it all the more interesting and enjoyable.
A fast-tempo, synth-heavy track, SHINee’s “Lucifer” is one song which never fails to make me dance. The impressive sharp, almost robotic, choreography is very fitting for the processed song, and what I love most about the dance is how seemingly complex it is. It may not feature flips like a 2PM routine or fancy footwork like a Teen Top production, but the series of rather basic hand tutting of “Lucifer” might as well put this performance on par was them. After watching “Lucifer” performed live, SHINee definitely moved up in my books for best dance group.
— Shelley
I’m not that huge of a girl group fan, but one song that got me into Girl’s Day (or at least got me paying attention) was “Expectation.” Not only is the track really cool and infectious, but their choreography is all around on point as well. Never had I dug sexy girl group dances before this one. Because even if I found the suspenders tacky, I loved the point dance with them and without them. And that wasn’t the only one, the whole chorus and bridge are filled with a few key moves that make the performance memorable. Every time this song comes up, I dance along attempting to emulate them. “Expectation” is definitely my favorite song by this group, and the choreography is one of the reasons why.
Out of the many dance focused music videos Korean artists are known for, I personally feel like B.A.P‘s “One Shot” has one of the most aggressive and catchy point choreographies. From their floor work, which includes some intense push up moves, to their floor air body thrusts, to their “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee” fancy arm and leg work and mid air jump, B.A.P makes this all look effortless, but as a viewer it’s almost exhausting to watch. Hopefully we’ll be able to see B.A.P perform more impactful music videos in the future!
–Tam
When it comes to point dances, there are a lot of really memorable K-pop dances, but I don’t think there is anything more iconic for a single K-pop group than INFINITE’s so-called scorpion dance from “Before The Dawn (BTD).” Most popular Korean songs have a dance move that is iconic, and performed during the chorus, such as Psy’s “Gangnam Style” horse-riding dance. INFINITE’s “BTD” has its own dance during the chorus, but it’s the dance move that comes at the end of the song that shot INFINITE to fame for being a group that tries incredibly complex dance moves. The scorpion dance brings all seven of INFINITE’s members to the ground for a second before kicking up and rising in perfect unison. The complexity of the dance, and INFINITE’s ability to perform the difficult move, makes this point dance from “Before The Dawn” one of my favorite K-pop dances.
–Tamar
What’s your favorite Korean song with a point dance? Let us know your picks 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/2015/01/10884815_10155189378200019_1021562690_n.jpg720960Tamar Hermanhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTamar Herman2015-07-19 20:41:322015-07-19 22:03:01Playlist Sunday: K-Pop Point Dances
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/vixx_kpop2014d_650-430.png430650Tam Huynhhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-07-14 10:45:272015-07-14 10:45:27Fantasy Vs. Reality Performances To See At KCON NY 2015
INFINITE came back on July 13 with their new album “Reality”, and the teasers and music video for “Bad” are really getting us excited here at Kultscene. What better way to celebrate the group’s return than with a list of our favourite INFINITE songs?
There’s something about INFINITE’s “Can U Smile” that turns me into a giddy teenager again. Even though the lyrics to the song are a bit on the gloomier side, it’s one breakup song that I don’t mind listening to on continuous repeat, especially with their live performances. INFINITE has a way of making even the saddest of songs enjoyable to listen to and to watch. Their music has only gotten better with every comeback, so the anticipation and bar has been set quite high for what’s to come with this new album!
— Tam
Although this song does not belong to any album and is not particularly well-known, it is a song that never fails to tug at my heartstrings. It has a very simple melody as compared to flashier INFINITE songs, and it does not showcase INFINITE’s vocals as much as other ballads, but “Together” is a memorable and touching song. It feels all the more heartfelt because INFINITE member Woohyun composed it, and when accompanied with videos and pictures from INFINITE’s past concerts, practices and the hardships they faced, I teared up just thinking about how much the boys have grown over the past few years, both musically and in their relationships with each other. It makes me proud to be an Inspirit (fan of INFINITE,) and I’ll definitely be supporting them forever.
Europop is one of the most used genres in K-pop. It has seen many iterations yet none have been as good as ‘‘The Chaser’’. INFINITE’s best song goes down as one of my all time favourite K-pop songs and, as a result, one of the best pop songs of the last ten years. ‘‘The Chaser’’ mixes blasting synths, swooning violins and, slick guitars to euphoric pop perfection. Everything about it works from the vocal arrangements to the stunningly symmetrical choreography. There are very few songs that can match the energy of ‘‘The Chaser’’. It rightly brought INFINITE the success they deserved.
— Joe
INFINITE would not be where they are today without their debut song and, for long-time Inspirits, this holds a special place in their heart. The group’s present popularity all started with “Come Back Again,” a fun track which incorporates rich guitars, signature violins, and a bit of autotune, which is okay in small increments like it was done here. Their first single matches their young and fresh faces perfectly, and even here we can hear the strings and horns that comprise a majority of all their songs to come. This is one group that knows what sound they are going for and sticks with it! “Come Back Again” is an overall catchy tune that will surely have listeners dancing and clumsily getting into bloody accidents while doing it (which might or might not have happened to this Kultscene writer…).
— Shelley
There’s something very distinct about INFINITE’s sound. It builds up, it’s bombastic, and it makes you feel something in your insides. One of those songs, for me, is “Man in Love.” I love how the whole song builds up to the chorus, where it explodes and is a myriad of beats. Not to mention all of the members’ voices, which sound awesome as one. It’s incredibly cheesy, yes. But everything else makes sure to justify and make up for it, especially the choreography and the rap verses.
INFINITE’s “Destiny” brings me back to life every time I hear the song. The bubblegum dubstep just makes me want to go crazy and dance to chaotic feeling of the track. The video was filmed in California and everytime I go to Universal Studios Hollywood and see the locations of where the video was filmed I get very excited to know that the members where there. There is really not that much that I could say about this song, the best thing to do is to listen to it and watch the video to get full “Destiny” experience.
— Alejandro
I love “Rosinante” for it’s positive message about overcoming hardships. The title is based on the name of Don Quixote’s horse, a symbol of something that is unable to accomplish the tasks set before it. “Rosinante” is anything but that, and is instead an upbeat, extremely positive dance track with INFINITE’s iconic retro, synth style. “Rosinante” isn’t one of INFINITE’s title tracks, but the powerful beats and various instrumentals, each member’s solo lines, and the lyrics of the song makes “Rosinante” just one of the many non-title track songs that deserves praise. With some falsetto thrown in and a stand out performance by the seven members of INFINITE, “Rosinante” is one of my favorite songs by the group.
–Tamar
What’s your favorite song by INFINITE? Let us know your picks 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.
In early 2005, SM Entertainment’s founding chairman Lee Soo Man announced his plans for a rotational twelve member boy group – ten years later that group is still going strong. SM has long since scrapped the rotational concept, but we still witnessed the comings and goings of its members. At their peak, the group boasted a total of a whopping fifteen members, becoming the largest Korean act at the time. Not to mention that over the course of a decade, the boy band also managed to achieve international fame and numerous music awards. Of course, who else can this be but none other than the talented and well-rounded Super Junior?
In light of their upcoming album “Devil” and their tenth anniversary since debut, let us take a walk down memory lane and look at their past hits that crafted them into the successful entertainment giants they are today. Since their debut in late 2005, the group released dozens of music videos, including those from their Chinese (Super Junior-M), trot (Super Junior-T), ballad (Super Junior K.R.Y), and “happy” (Super Junior-H) subunits amongst many others. Unfortunately, it would be nearly impossible to cover all bases, so we can only give attention to their original singles (still, do check out their other works!). Even after all these years, Super Junior demonstrates to ELFs – their fandom – that they are a group that knows how to have fun while maintaining the stern and unyielding side to them that they debuted with.
“Twins (Knock Out)” (2005)
Super Junior made their official debut with “Twins (Knock Out)” under the name Super Junior ’05, indicating that this would be the first wave of Super Junior before their turnover the following year. Given the time period and resources available to them, the music video featured many black backdrops, unconvincingly edited flames, and slow-motion animation, all in an effort to create a strong, beastly image for the fresh faces. It also matches well with the fighting spirit of the rock-inspired song. The members, donning their best baggy jeans and bird’s nest hair, are what the female fans look for in a man and what male fans aspired to be circa 2005. Although the song is quite forgettable among the many titles to come, it left a lasting impression and gave fans a taste of what Super Junior had to offer.
“Miracle,” “U,” and “Dancing Out” (2006)
Super Junior continued to promote as Super Junior ’05 with their happy-go-lucky song “Miracle.” Flashing their most adorable smiles and displaying their humorous personalities during the dance break, it was a total 360 degree from their debut song. The song celebrates the joyous moment when one is with his/her lover, and condenses it into one phrase: “life couldn’t get better.” The little jumps in the air and the “heys!” in the background were borderline High School Musical, but showed that they are more than just intense glares. Instead, they are budding teens capable of understanding love, putting the junior back in Super Junior.
Following that we saw the induction of Kyuhyun, the thirteenth and youngest member, into the group later that year. SM decided hey, maybe the rotational concept was not so great after all, and ditched the ’05 suffix for the simple Super Junior we all know today. The company never looked back since and, as a result, fans were able to watch the fixed members grow with an easy heart.
With the addition of Kyuhyun’s tenor vocals, the group came back with “U” and “Dancing Out.” “U” revisits the cheesy editing style and fashion of “Twins (Knock Out)” as seen in the members’ vanishing gimmicks and in their cargo pants paired with camo print. The song is heavy on the acoustic guitars and, unlike “Twins (Knock Out),” has more of an R&B feel. As they sing and dance to woo a young Girls’ Generation’s Yoona, they present yet another new side to them, a suave side.
On the other hand, “Dancing Out” keeps in line with their other song “Miracle” from the previous year. Set to funky beats and a bit of gospel back-ups, it’s an entertaining song to listen to during the summertime (or anytime of the year, for the matter). Again, the members could not look any happier dancing on the streets of Malaysia, where the music video was shot. In regards to the cinematography, everything is blue – from the sapphire pearl color of their clothes to the clear skies and waters of the lush city. Blue, as ELFS would know, is Super Junior’s official fan club color, but here it also serves to create a crisp and beachy aura. Indeed, this is one music video that utters tropical getaway.
Off of their second studio album, “Don’t Don” is an edgier, more hardcore version of “Twins (Knock Out).” It retains the same fire motifs, yet here they look more legitimate. The rock influence is even stronger in this song about our artificial world as well, as evident in the electric guitar riffs and low-key screams at the outro. Some of the members even traded in their bed hair for a shaved head or side shave cuts, a more macho digression from past concepts. Despite receiving some mixed reviews, the song is actually well put together, especially with the violin interlude played by the soon to be Super Junior-M member, Henry Lau. The boys are forever working hard to show fans their tenacious demeanor.
Also from the same album is “Marry U,” a sweet, slow tempo tune about the unconditional love in marriage. It takes a step back from the either aggressive or upbeat nature from their previous singles, and focuses on a more heartwarming theme. The effortless harmonies of the members, accompanied by their all-white suits and rings of iridescent lights, lets us know that they are tough guys, yeah, but they are also inwardly romantic individuals. The music video is very charming in itself, following the daily life of Yoona – again the female lead – in a miniature paper town. Little did we know that this is the Super Junior that we will continue to see more of in the future…
“Sorry, Sorry” and “It’s You” (2009)
This is it. This was what made Super Junior blow up into THE Super Junior they are today. In March 2009, Super Junior released their third studio album, “Sorry, Sorry” and with it the lead single of the same name. “Sorry, Sorry” is Super Junior’s declaration into manhood – their hair is considerably less voluminous and their fitted plain black and white suits need not the chains and prints from a time long forgotten. While some may be critical of their excessive use of autotune, they would be lying if they did not find it the least bit catchy.
Moreover, the black and white, stripped-down box set in the music video actually works in the group’s favor since it focuses viewers’ eyes onto the choreography, the main attraction. The iconic “apologetic” and tutting dance was emulated all throughout the world by fans and dance enthusiasts alike that year, and was what I considered the definition of a collective body in K-pop. Super Junior never came off as a dance group, but with this comeback that turned thirteen individual bodies into one synchronized force, it is difficult not to reconsider that notion.
Apparently, the success of “Sorry, Sorry” was not quite enough for Super Junior when two months later, the group revealed the music video for their second promotional single, “It’s You.” Up until this point, this track is probably their most melancholic and passionate. In a song that uses lots of synths and mishmash of other sounds, the power vocals of the main vocalists were never once lost. The chest pumps, the lens flares, the washed-out videography, the meaningful lyrics about faith in love… this song and dance really could do no wrong. Even the early attempt at a one-take camera style reflects the group’s status as a trendsetter. As much of a treat as “It’s You” was for ELFs, it would also be the last time members Kibum and Hangeng feature in their albums and music videos.
“Bonamana” and “No Other” (2010)
“Bonamana” rides on the success of “Sorry, Sorry” and is an obvious effort to recreate the success of the latter song. With its monochromatic cinematography and upbeat autotunes, the song and music video is nothing particularly experimental. And considering how two members had left the group and Kangin was missing in action due to his mandatory military service, playing on the safe side is especially crucial. Regardless of their dwindling numbers, the boys-turned-men still managed to carry over their charismatic flair from the previous year to the production of this music video and song. “Bonamana” went on to even outsell its predecessor “Sorry, Sorry.”
Refreshing is a word that is overused to death when it comes to describing K-pop concepts, yet that is the only term that comes to mind when I think of their other hit from 2010, “No Other.” Just when the group had their fans fooled into thinking they are now mature men, they return back to their youthful roots with a brightly lit music video about the different ways we show love. Plaid, acid washed denim, and muscle tees take over this pleasant dance-pop track; without a doubt the members had come a long ways in terms of fashion and musical genre.
2011 saw a funkier side to Super Junior with the release of “Mr. Simple,” the synthpop lead title track off of their award-winning fifth studio album. The song encourages us to live life, well, simply. To put it another way, think of it as the lyrical rendition of the Latin aphorism, carpe diem, or to seize the day. With this music video, we also notice Super Junior’s introduction into bold colors and statement pieces. Consider the fuchsia and baby blue jackets which add a pop of color to the always drab box sets or the colorful cords of rope hung around their necks. The Kings of K-pop? More like the Kings of Vogue.
Super Junior’s fifth studio album was a repackage edition of ‘‘Mr. Simple, titled “A-Cha”. They released music videos for “Superman” and “A-Cha” within exactly a month of each other. The former featured new sounds, including influence from Gregorian chants and powerful trumpets that parallel the resolute attitudes of the members. I mean which other group refers to themselves as self-proclaimed supermen in their own song? Though the music video is just a highlight reel of their annual Super Show tour and behind the scene footages of the “Mr. Simple” album jacket photoshoot, it is nevertheless still fun to watch.
In contrast, “A-Cha” harks back to their familiar and reliable “Mr. Simple,” “Bonamana,” and “Sorry, Sorry” synth lines, making for an extremely addictive track. Even though it is not that much different from their previous hits, the members remain looking chicer than ever. Again, whoever styled them needs to be commended as the music video brandished the bedazzled suit jackets and diamond encrusted half-gloves of each of the members.
“Sexy, Free, and Single” and “Spy” (2012)
For those fans who were continually disappointed at Super Junior’s lack of sexy concepts, “Sexy, Free and Single” was the answer to their prayers. In this empowering Eurohouse single, the members describe the freedom that comes with being single. In good old Super Junior fashion, the vocalists and rappers all deliver a dynamic performance, not to mention a sexy one too as some of the members bare all in leather armor-esque pieces. The style here is a bit questionable, then again it might just be too avant-garde for me to understand. Props to SuJu for experimenting with different looks though!
The group then followed up with “Spy,” whose bombastic and brassy chorus draws from the James Bond soundtracks and whose verses throws interesting carnival-like horns to the mix. Once again, the members offhandedly give off sensual vibes in another black and white production, this one highlighted by the occasional deep crimson backdrop. This music video, which makes use of espionage themes, only marks the beginning for more concept-centric productions to come.
“Mamacita,” “This is Love,” “Evanesce” (2014)
After making rounds on their world tour and promoting in Japan in 2013, Super Junior came back even sillier than before (if that’s even possible). Each member took on different personas, from bartender to sheriff to fruit shop owner, in the comedic Western styled music video for “Mamacita.” After being in the music industry for nine years, this is probably their first music video that closely followed a plot of any kind, so kudos to the group. Furthermore, the unique song is a paradigm of how one can infuse two totally different sounds – jazz and Latin – to yield a K-pop hit. Is there anything the guys have not tried yet?
Finally, the most recent music videos we have seen from Super Junior were “This is Love” and “Evanesce” from the special edition of their seventh album. The two were shot using the same set and both editing styles allowed for monochromatic and red hues, yet, other than that, could not be any more different.
With “This is Love” the members are seductive and masculine, gently caressing the microphone stands before them. They casually walk from one fancy room to next, singing along to the soulful tune about how love is embedded in the small things in life. It’s a nice departure from their more recent heavy stuff and takes us back to the old soulful sounds we know and love from them.
“Evanesce,” however, did not feature that same leisurely presence we observed in “This is Love.” There are lots of broken pieces – loose petals, dead twigs, leaves – on the once pristine set. It’s as if to say that this is the aftermath of the love they spoke of not too long ago in “This is Love.” The song is wrought with emotion. As the guys leave us on this depressing note, we cannot help but wonder what is next from them.
It is now 2015 and to commemorate ten years of accomplishments and good music, the group has revealed their plans for a special album release. Titled “Devil,” it is a medley of works from all their subunits, including those we have not heard from in a while (here’s looking at you, Super Junior-T). “Devil” launches on July 16, but in the meantime check out the official trailer and teaser for their lead single of the same name. Updated
We have watched them grown from idols to MCs, actors, and radio hosts, from young teens to fully mature men. We’ve heard them shout out “urineun syupeo juni-eyo” (we are Super Junior) countless times. Seeing how far the members have come since their debut days only makes the group all the more deserving of their success and their future endeavors. Congratulations Super Junior on a long ten years!
Which Super Junior era was your favorite? Are you looking forward to “Devil?” Leave your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr so you can keep up with all our posts.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Super-Junior.jpg7681024Shelley Foohttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngShelley Foo2015-07-11 20:17:472016-01-13 05:50:17Super Junior’s Music Video Evolution
When it comes to the Korean entertainment industry, most K-pop fans know about some of the top entertainment companies. SM Entertainment, YG Entertainment, JYP Entertainment… The big three have their own unique styles, but so do many of the smaller agencies, like indie label Antenna Music or FNC Entertainment with its preference towards band concepts. And don’t forget about Starship Entertainment, Woollim Entertainment, Loen Tree, and all the rest of the agencies. With so many options, there’s a place for everyone!
If you’re a fan of K-pop, you’ve likely wondered which company you’d like to be signed with. Don’t know where you would belong? That’s where we come in. There is no sorting hat for Korean entertainment agencies (unless you count a competition show like Superstar K), but here’s our latest KultScene quiz for you to determine which Korean entertainment company is the best for you.
What did you think of your result? Did you get into the Korean entertainment company that you thought you would? Let us know what other quizzes you’d like to see from KultScene! Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/FNC.jpg8111280Tamar Hermanhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTamar Herman2015-07-10 16:33:332015-07-10 17:09:39Which Korean Entertainment Company Is For You? [Quiz]
It’s always fascinating to see artists singing in a foreign language that are not their own. Not only does it require a lot of practice, but also a lot of persistence and self-motivation. It can be rather difficult trying to learn lyrics to a song in a different language when the pronunciation of some of the words in that song doesn’t exist in your own native tongue. At KultScene, we decided to name a few of our favorite different language covers sung by K-pop artists.
How would you feel if one of your favorite singers sung a song in your native language? Thrill? Joy? Exhilaration? I felt all three and more when I saw the video of Chunji (from Teen Top), Key (from SHInee) and JB (from Got7) singing a cover of a Vietnamese song, “Yeu Lai Tu Dau”, at the recording of Music Bank in Hanoi. I was taken aback at their pronunciation, especially JB and Chunji. You can tell that they practiced extremely hard to remember all the lyrics and how focused they were on pronouncing everything to the best of their ability. On top of that, as a Vietnamese fan, it was rather breath taking at times being able to understand them and being able to feel the raw emotion, which is always a plus. If these guys didn’t have Vietnamese fans before the show, they sure do now!
Even though I strongly believe that music (K-pop in particular) transcends all languages and boundaries, it’s still nice when my favourite K-pop singers sing in my mother tongue. It gives me a sense of familiarity and makes me happy that I can fully understand what they are singing. During their last world tour in 2014, 2PM made a stop at Nanjing and it was during their concert there that Jun. K sang this amazing cover of a well-known Chinese song, “唯一“. It must have been difficult for him to sing this because of the language barrier, but he still tried his best for his fans, who immediately demanded an encore.
— Anna
When haters say that EXO can’t sing in English, what do they go and do? Wow us in Spanish. In a special stage for KBS’s Music Bank in Mexico, EXO-K, the Korean unit of EXO, performed “Sabor a Mi” live in front of 12,000 fans who were all singing along to the familiar tune. Though Spanish might not be my first language (or anywhere close for the matter), I was absolutely impressed by their pronunciation and by the way they were able handle a completely foreign song in its entirety. The boys rolled their R’s like a native and each member was able to contribute a fair amount to the song. Even member Chanyeol lent his warm vocals to the song in such a sure manner that I would never have guessed that he was a rapper line! And of course, the song would be no where near complete without Chanyeol’s soothing acoustic guitar accompaniment, making it the perfect lullaby to fall asleep to on a warm night.
— Shelley
Leave it to the king derps of Super Junior to turn a seemingly sexual song like “Eu Si te Pego” into a cheesy, goofy cover. Two years ago when they toured a few South American countries, they picked the Brazilian mega hit heard all over Latin America as the song to perform on that leg of the tour. While only Kyuhyun and Ryeowook sango most of the song, all of the members did the signature hip thrust move at the chorus followed by prancing — yes, prancing — and hand flopping around the stage as if they were bumblebees. It was the ultimate fan service, making ELF lust and cringe after them at the same time. And while Brazilian is not my native tongue nor can I speak it, I, for one, found it incredibly cute how they pronounced “delicia” as “delisha.”
When SHINee toured in Mexico City with SHINee World III, I had the privilege to witness their funny rendition of the Latin classic “La Macarena” live in concert. Not only is this song in my first language, Spanish, but this one of the of most danced songs at every wedding, Quinceañera, and basically every party around the world. It became very popular in the ‘90s, and hearing them perform it gave me absolute life. Seeing Jonghyun with a zarape (like a poncho) and mariachi sombrero just made it even funnier. Everyone in the crowd was so happy and excited to see them having so much fun with this Spanish cover. This is definitely one of my favorite moments that I have witnessed in my life.
— Alejandro
Music Bank in Mexico is a mine of performances if you want to see idols singing in different languages. That is if you want to hear them singing in Spanish. But still it’s a novelty for any listener. Ailee’s performance of Tish Hinojosa’s ‘‘Adonde Voy’’ sticks out for me for a number of reasons. Mostly because unlike the rest of the idols she nails the pronunciation. That may be unfair since she is American but it gives her the edge nonetheless. More interestingly is the thematic undercurrent of the song being sung by Ailee. It is the story of an immigrant who misses her lover (or country) dearly. As Ailee herself is not a total native to Korea it makes for a more meaningful performace. The last reason is her voice. Wow.
–Joe
What’s your favorite foreign language cover by a K-pop artist? Let us know your picks 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/2015/07/11715863_10155978455525019_1854866803_n.jpg720960KultScenehttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2015-07-05 16:52:052015-07-05 17:09:44Playlist Sunday: Foreign Language K-Pop Covers
Kim Jihyun better known as G.Soul is a man of little words but he’ll charm his way to your heart with his confidence and melodic voice. Since debuting in January of this year, after training under JYP Entertainment for 15 years, with his first EP “Coming Home”, promotional wise, G.Soul’s been very quiet.
With the recent release of his second EP “Love Me Again” on June 29th, G.Soul’s growing fan base, including this KultScene writer, is hoping to see one or two potential music videos and a great deal of live performances. Because he doesn’t promote his music on television and radio shows, there’s little that we as listeners, know. Why is G.Soul so mysterious? Let’s take a listen to G.Soul’s velvety voice as he sings about romance, heartache and the beauty of love and goodbyes, with a featuring of his first English track and my analysis on it all.
1. “Love Me Again”
They say you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone and that can be applied in many different situations and scenarios. For a number of people, it hits home when that phrase is applied towards a relationship. There can be a lot of deciding factors that comes into play with one’s relationship; whether it ends up being an everlasting love or ends up with either one or both of you heart broken.
I didn’t know love back then Baby love me again.
There’s usually always a reason as to why a relationship goes sour and/or abruptly ends. In rare cases, the break up can be a mutual decision or maybe you two were too young and tried condensing five years worth of experience and love all into a matter of months or a year. Granted, depending on how long you’ve been with your significant other and how young or old you were during the time period of that relationship, may or may not decide on how much havoc it’ll cause when it ends.
What if the relationship did indeed blow up in flames? What if the last things you were able to say to one another were distasteful phrases like “I hate you” or “don’t ever talk to me again”? But what if that’s not what you really meant? What if you bump into this person again, years down the line, and realize you never settled and put your feelings away? Would you try to re-pursue, even if they were already in a new relationship? Are you willing to set your pride aside and ask them to love you again? Read more
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/G.Soul-Love-Me-Again-EP.jpeg500500Tam Huynhhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-07-01 17:43:382015-07-01 17:43:38G.Soul Wants You to Stop Running From Love
