In honor of JYP Entertainment’s announcement confirming a comeback from one of the most iconic K-pop girl groups, Wonder Girls, KultScene is dedicating the Playlist Sunday this week to all of the wonder girls out there, whoever they are. Whether it’s a song about being a cool girl, female empowerment, or our favorite Korean female singers, they all make it to this KultScene curated list of wonder girls.
Kicking the playlist off is nobody but, who else? The Wonder Girls themselves. The group’s song “Tell Me” created a dance phenomena throughout Asia, but the music video for it is actually really empowering and features a literal wonder girl. Former member Sohee plays an average school girl who is secretly Wonder Woman and who rescues her classmates from bus accidents, perverts, and more. The song is a bit old school, but it’s one of the most iconic K-pop songs of the late 2000’s and we absolutely love it. It also introduced us to the fierceness that is Yubin for the first time, after HyunA left Wonder Girls.
True wonder girls are girls who are independent and strong. They’re confident of their own abilities and do not require the approval of the people around them to go on living their own lives bravely. Miss A demonstrates this independence through the song, “I Don’t Need a Man”, which is dedicated to “the proud women who refuse to make easy-money, who don’t like to live on the money of their men or their parents”. The song is really empowering and with its catchy chorus also becomes one of our favorite Miss A songs.
–Anna
SPICA released their first american single “I Did It” and it was all about female empowerment. The song is all about doing everything for yourself not for anyone else and having fun with your friends. Musically, the song is very refreshing. It has that vintage brass feeling and the hip-hop beats make the song very modern. The track is very upbeat and it’s the perfect song to go out and party with the people you love. The vocals from the band are always impressive and hearing them sing in English was great. The chorus is super addicting and what’s more empowering than saying “I did for me”.
–Alejandro
Wonder Girls are the true and original superwomen in K-pop, whether it was by pushing the envelope sound wise or opening doors for other groups to popularize overseas. I’ve never been a big fan of this group, but even I can’t deny their greatness. When their songs are good, they’re good. And one of my favorites is “SuperB.” The Sohee and Yubin solo is all sass and attitude about knowing your worth. And even if it puts down other people, the track says there are different types of success and that it’s not for everyone. For them, however, it is.
While Wonder Girls may be known for their many popular hits and dances, including “Tell Me” and, of course, “Nobody,” their B-sides receive much love from us too. Like “SuperB,” another great girl power themed song off of their second studio album “Wonder World” is “Stop!” It’s all about having respect for oneself and knowing when a guy’s interest is genuine. Despite what others say might say about someone’s character, your judgment is final so trust it! The track opens with a Western cowboy sound, but don’t let that fool you since that will quickly develop into a fun and loving pop song. Not only do the girls spread important messages that every girl need to hear, they also put out wonderful music while doing it.
–Shelley
What are your favorite ‘Wonder Girls’ song, from the actual group or figuratively? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts. Read more
To celebrate Fathers’ Day today, at KultScene we wanted to put together a playlist in dedication to the leading men in our lives, whether it be our fathers, uncles, or grandparents. Although they are rarer than songs dedicated to mothers, there are still a few touching and meaningful K-pop songs for our fathers.
It won’t take much for tears to well up in your eyes when listening to Insooni’s “Father”. Whether you understand the lyrics or not, just knowing that this song is written about a father, whether he was a present one or if not, will automatically tug at your heartstrings. We loved each other, we hated each other, but you held me precious more than anyone and I miss you; what child doesn’t bicker with their parents, what child doesn’t have moments of fury and resentment towards their parents? And at the same time, what father wouldn’t want to protect his child? It’s all a part of growing up; it’s all a part of learning. No matter how much you guys may argue and bicker with one another, just don’t forget to say your “I love you’s” at the end of it all.
The lyrics for the song “Sorry” by f(x) really stand out because of how honestly and clearly they express a relationship a lot of us have with our father. Maybe it’s because our fathers don’t always understand us or because they do things which irritate us, but we constantly find ourselves doing things to hurt our fathers, intentionally or not, and sometimes it’s difficult to open our mouths to apologise. The constant repetition of “Sorry, I’m sorry” brings across this meaning very well.
–Anna
He’s a mother, father, gentleman, that everyone knows, but Psy’s actually a really big daddy’s boy, or at least he makes the case for everybody being one in his song, “Father.” The song is about Psy’s father, who stands in as a representative of all hardworking fathers who work so hard for the success of their children. “Father” describes the admiration and pain of a son looking to his father who worked hard all his life, but due to the amount of time he has spent focusing on work he is disconnected from his children. The song ends with Psy saying “don’t be lonely anymore,” urging people to recognize how hard their parents work for them.
I can’t be the only one who cried reading the lyrics right? Off of the Asia special edition of their album “Born to Beat,” BTOB’s “Father” is an obvious addition to any Father’s Day playlist. The heart wrenching song describes the fatherly love that we often take for granted as a youth and emphasizes the sacrifices our fathers make for us. His wrinkled eyes, his beaten hands, his lonely back. Why is it that these things only become apparent as we grow up? The lyrics are very poetic, and the powerful notes of the seven members could not convey the pain any better. These are the words we all felt, but never been able to voice out loud. The ballad ends with the very sentimental line “I love you forever my father,”and after a listen, it’ll have you repeating the same.
— Shelley
When we first picked this theme, I was nervous because I didn’t know any K-pop songs about fathers. That didn’t improve much after everyone else picked the ones in existence, so I had to get creative. And the most that my imagination allowed me was Psy’s “Gentleman.” Yes, it’s not about dads or anything even close. It does however say “mother, father, gentleman,” and that’s close enough for me!
— Alexis
What’s your favorite K-pop song about father’s? 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/2014/11/KultScene-Playlist-Sunday-Holographic-2.png600800KultScenehttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2015-06-21 16:30:472015-06-21 16:30:47Playlist Sunday: Father’s Day
How did you discover your favorite artist? Was it through a TV show, or by word of mouth? Surprisingly enough, a lot of my favorite artists, whether they’re solo artists or in a group, I discovered on YouTube. Usually while rummaging through random song covers. It starts off with a cover that they’re singing from another Korean artist and eventually I’ll find them singing a cover of an English song and immediately fall in love. And while YouTube is filled with them and we’ve already talked about five other covers we love, here are the latest picks of English covers by Korean male singers. Read more
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Cover.png7681024Tam Huynhhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-06-17 18:35:042015-09-02 07:59:305 English Covers by Korean Male Singers Pt. 2
Newer artists doing covers of famous songs by beloved artists of the past can be a tricky thing to pull off, not just in K-pop. However, why focus on the negative when we can just enjoy what we’re getting, new music by the artists of today that we like. That’s why for this week’s playlist we’re putting together a list of our favorite K-pop covers of ’90s hits by contemporary groups.
Although I was barely old enough to appreciate the good music at the time, H.O.T’s 1997 hit single “We Are the Future” is forever one of my most adored ‘90s jams. So when I discovered that their junior group under the same company EXO delivered their own contemporary take of the single, I seriously thought that I had hit the jackpot. For the 27th Golden Disk Awards held in Kuala Lumpur, EXO paid homage to their predecessors by performing a remix version of the song that stripped many elements of the original, such as the chimes and futuristic reverbs, and replaced it with some new sounds, like a piano melody which gave the song a bit of a cleaner feel. And while remixes can be risky business, EXO was still able to maintain the nostalgic boy band feel of the era with the electronic instrumentals and synchronized choreography. But above all, what I love about this cover is the vocals distribution. Members in the past who have largely gone unnoticed, such as lead vocalist Xiumin, were finally given solo parts and were able to showcase their talents, which I am sure fans are very appreciative of. The only sin here is that EXO has not released an official full version of the hit yet.
What better way to pay your respects to those (idols) who came before you than to cover one of their most notorious choreography? With their polished suits and alluring visuals, the six members of B.A.P took the audience in a time machine when they covered Shinhwa’s infamous “Wild Eyes” on Korean pop music TV show, “You Hee-yeol Sketchbook” in 2014. There have been a number of idol groups, both male and female, who have covered “Wild Eyes” throughout the years; some were able to mimic the choreography pretty well, but lacked the intensity and charisma and vice versa. Whereas in B.A.P’s case, they evenly distributed their energy into both their singing and dancing. Although this may be wishful thinking, but it’d be pretty darn spectacular if Shinhwa were to cover a B.A.P song somewhere down the line. I would definitely pay to see that!
— Tam
Before I knew that H.O.T had originally made it, I was already in love with Super Junior’s “Happiness.” It’s one of Super Junior’s early songs from 2007, and when I first discovered it way back when, I was obsessed. The video for “Happiness” is tons of fun and one of the few prior to Kyuhyun joining Super Junior, so I particularly enjoy it because some other members get a chance to shine vocally (even though I do love Kyuhyun’s voice). The song is an amazing pick me up, and will cheer anybody up from a gloomy day. The Super Junior version of the remake is essentially the same thing as H.O.T’s original, but the two groups are so different that the remake is just as much Super Junior’s song as it is H.O.T’s.
— Tamar
I always found it weird that Girls’ Generation had a song titled “Girls’ Generation,” but assumed it was their manifesto or something. It wasn’t until much, much later that I learned it was a cover, and even more that it’s originally sung by Lee Seung Chul, a man. The song came back in 1989, and the girl group used it as one of their lead singles in 2007 for their debut album. The contrast between the two versions is stark, with SNSD making it uberly sweet, while Lee Seung Chul is a rock anthem. The girls tried to embody his persona by mock playing instruments as in a band, which they mostly pulled off.
I always think releasing a cover of a classic song is a lazy route for groups to go. Even though pop music is not exactly the go-to for originality, it’s still frustrating that there are covers of songs only twenty years old. That being said, I did enjoy Red Velvet’s second single, a cover of S.E.S’s ‘’Be Natural.’’ The strange thing about it is that they did not change a single thing about the song. Usually, this would annoy me even further, but here, it’s not necessary. The song sounds thoroughly modern and at ease in today’s environment. Maybe tastes have come full circle and we are merely listening to the same music as back then. Whatever the reason, the song holds up. It’s the sultriest piece of lounge R&B you’ll ever hear. Red Velvet’s whisper sultrily over slinking guitars and horns. It’s probably SM Entertainment’s most outwardly sexy concept ever and the girls can pull it off despite being relative newcomers.
— Joe
What’s your favorite ’90s K-pop cover? 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.
Just about every K-pop fan living in the United States has been waiting anxiously to find out who will be heading to KCON 2015, held this year for the first time on both sides of the continental U.S. Now that we know a few more acts, here’s KultScene’s second annual fantasy versus reality playlist for KCON. The convention heads to Los Angeles’ Staples Center on July 31-August 2 and Newark’s Prudential Stadium on August 8. KCON Los Angeles will feature Super Junior, Shinhwa, SISTAR, Got7, Roy Kim, Block B, and AOA, while KCON NY, held in New Jersey, is in its inaugural year and will star Girls’ Generation and VIXX.
1. Super Junior Fantasy: “Can You Feel It?” is a song by Super Junior D & E (Donghae and Eunhyuk,) which is technically just a subunit of the group, but it’s honestly one of the most fun songs from 2015 and it wouldn’t be difficult for the group to sing together. A lot of fans may not know the dance, but if Super Junior wants to get the place moving, a quick lesson will get everyone at the Staples Center standing up and flailing their hands all over the place. We wouldn’t be adverse to oldies like “Miracle” either.
Reality: “Mamacita” is super Junior’s latest title song, so unless the group throws a curve ball and announces a comeback before they come stateside, it’s a safe bet to say that everybody at KCON LA will be shouting “HEY! Mamacita” by the end of the night. Also Expect: “Sorry Sorry” and “This Is Love”
2. Shinhwa Fantasy: “Eusha! Eusha!” is old fashioned, but any old school fan of Shinhwa will want the group to play some of their iconic songs. We’d also kill for “Wild Eyes,” or a newer song that we at KultScene personally love, “On The Road.”
Reality: “Sniper” is Shinhwa’s most recent song and is absolutely amazing, so we won’t mind that they’ll perform it. They may perform “T.O.P,” one of Shinhwa’s most popular songs ever, but due to the age of many of the fans, the group may pick to some of the newer, arguably safer, sexy songs. Also Expect: “Venus” and “This Love”
3. Roy Kim Fantasy: A new English song. Yes, it may be asking too much, but Roy Kim is talented and spends part of the year in the United States at Georgetown. So it wouldn’t be such a stretch for him to debut a brand new song at KCON, like the ones that helped Roy Kim achieve success as a singer.
Reality: “Home,” there’s no question about it. Roy Kim will definitely sing this beautiful song about the feelings of being home. Hopefully he’ll bring the dog from the music video. Also Expect: “Love Love Love” and “Spring Spring Spring”
4. SISTAR Fantasy: While it was popular in 2014, it’s unlikely that SISTAR will perform “I Swear,” since “Touch My Body” was a much more popular song. If they do, it will be a nice chance to hear them focusing on their vocals more than some of their more sultry dance tracks.
Reality: We’ll likely see a performance of SISTAR’s yet-to-be-released summer track. The girl group is making a comeback in June. Also Expect: “Alone” and “Touch My Body”
5. AOA Fantasy: It would be absolutely fantastic if AOA performed “Get Out.” The girl group used to perform as a band, and have done so occasionally, but it’s unlikely that we’ll see a band performance from them. We’d also love to see “Confused” performed.
Reality: Since hitting success, AOA has a lot of successful songs (and a new song coming out so we’ll see that,) but nothing is as defining for the group as “Like A Cat,” their sexy, dark song. Jimin may also perform a solo song. Also Expect: “Short Hair” and “Miniskirt”
6. VIXX Fantasy: Let’s see VIXX perform “Love Equation.” It’s a remake of R.ef’s song from the 1990’s, but this 2015 release went under the radar and is too cute to be ignored. “G.R.8.U” would also be a nice way to lighten up the stage from some of VIXX’s darker songs.
Reality:Whatever VIXX performs will be good and be filled with an interesting concept.The group will definitely perform “Error,” one of their most dynamic songs to date. Also Expect: “Eternity” and “Voodoo Doll”
7. Block B Fantasy: “Conduct For Zero” is another song by a subgroup that we love. Block B’s Bastarz subgroup is just three members, but we’d be fine if Block B’s other members left the stage to see the trio perform this dynamic song. And if they refuse to perform a song by a subgroup, Block B should attempt to silence the Staples Center by performing their vocally impressive song, “Be The Light.”
And can Zico please perform at least one solo song?
Reality: “Her” is a slightly psychotic, fun to dance to song and the audience at KCON LA had better join in on clapping along with Block B’s song. Also Expect: “Jackpot” and “Very Good.”
8. Got7 Fantasy: Got7 is still a new group and a lot of their lesser known songs deserve some love. If the seven member group performs “I Like You” or “Gimme,” the audience at KCON may be surprised, but we’ll be pleased.
Reality: There’s no doubt that Got7 will perform “Stop Stop It.” The group is widely popular among American fans, so expect many people to be singing along. Also Expect: “Girls Girls Girls” and “A”
9. Girls’ Generation Fantasy: “I Got A Boy,” because they didn’t perform it at KCON LA last year and we still can’t get over that.
Reality: Their brand new song that we’re eagerly waiting for, and perhaps a few new songs off of their new album. And “Gee.” Because they wouldn’t be Girls’ Generation if not for “Gee” Also Expect: “Catch Me If You Can” and “Mr. Mr.”
What songs do you want to see performed at either KCON this summer? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts. Read more
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/소녀시대-7.jpg16002400Tamar Hermanhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTamar Herman2015-06-11 22:08:492015-06-11 22:08:49Fantasy Vs. Reality Performances To See At KCON 2015
At KultScene, the predominant female staff has never tried to hide their biases for boy groups, but in an effort to be inclusive, we decided it’s time to give the girls some love as well. On a previous installment, we compiled our favorite boy groups covering girl group songs, so now is the time to make a playlist the other way around.
Newly debuted idol girl group The Ark has done a number of dance covers on their YouTube channel, but the girls looked like they were having the most fun covering boy group BTS’s Boy In Luv. Aside from their black and white outfits, which gave them an edgier look, their choreography was clean, and mimics BTS’s original version quite well, even with fewer members. A large portion of Boy In Luv includes synchronized choreography, while some parts are of the members jumping around and over one another; it looks like a fun song to dance to. It’s nice seeing a girl group covering a forceful song, one where they don’t have to worry about upholding a cute image, but rather showing off how well they can dance.
You don’t understand you guys… When “A.D.T.O.Y” by 2PM came out, it was my jam. And now with miss A delivering their own cover giving it a female angle for the JYP Nation One Mic Tour, it’s just beyond stellar. Even if it’s a breakup song and 2PM performed it with a lot of sensuality, miss A took it to a whole other level with their sultry voices and dance moves that extended the sense of longing in the song. The ladies of miss A are already sexy in their own right, but if they were to pursue this overtly sensual route as a concept, I’d be all for it! Sorry 2PM, but miss A beat you at your own game.
–Alexis
It’s no doubt that within the YG Family idol groups, Big Bang and 2NE1 are very close to one another. Naturally, this affinity would result in the brother and sister group to cover one another’s hits, offering their own respective flair in the renditions. This was the case in 2NE1’s take on Big Bang’s award-winning title “Last Farewell,” performed at SBS’s “Inkigayo” just a few months after their debut. It’s pretty hard to believe that during this time the four-member girl group was still considered a rookie group, seeing as how they absolutely owned the dance track. Leader and rapper CL was able to deliver the energy that was needed to fill up the barren stage with her nimble and confident raps that would even make her Big Bang counterpart G-Dragon proud, while the collective harmonies of the four work in adding a feminine touch to the song. The original club sound that followed a throw-your-hands-up choreography still remains in this cover, and the members genuinely look as if they are having a blast as they fiercely sing along to their label mates’ song.
— Shelley
It certainly seems like dance covers of 2PM songs are really popular among girl groups, because here’s another one! After School’s version of 2PM’s “Again and Again” adds a whole new charm to the song, with precise dance moves and vocals that are on point. The dance break in the middle of the song was the highlight of the performance for me, as their powerful dancing and flexibility were showcased. 2PM is well-known in the K-pop world for their dancing abilities, but After School rose to the challenge and nailed it, making this one of my favorite covers of all time.
2PM is a group that a lot of girls want to cover, and this collaborative performance of their hit “Heartbeat” is one of my favorites. After School’s UEE and former leader Kahi, 4MINUTE’s HyunA, and Former KARA members Nicole and Seungyeon took on the roles of 2PM for this hypnotic, puppet-like dance. Their dancing is up to par with 2PM’s, and their singing isn’t perhaps as mysteriously dramatic as 2PM’s but is a really nice take on the original song. Also, ignore the title that the uploader used. It’s not HyunA featuring the rest, but a collaboration.
–Tamar
What’s your favorite cover by a girl group of a boy group song? Share your picks 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.
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On May 28th, Shinhwa Changjos (fans of the group) across the U.S. were jumping in joy and shedding happy tears with the unexpected announcement that Shinhwa, Korea’s longest running idol group, was added to the lineup for this summer’s KCON LA. Read more
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/SHINHWA-KCON2.jpg13831850Tam Huynhhttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-06-01 17:30:222015-06-02 07:34:435 Reasons You Should Be Excited for Shinhwa’s Appearance at KCON LA [UPDATED]
If you had to choose your favorite girl group debut of all time, which group would it be? With an increasing number of girl groups debuting left and right, it’s hard to keep track, isn’t it? At KultScene, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite debuts, new and old.
miss A made its debut in 2010 with “Bad Girl, Good Girl,” during a time when the music industry was pumping out male groups excessively. These ladies brought a whole lot of personality, sass, and charisma for their debut song. Since they’re a multicultural group (two of the members are Korean, Min and Suzy, and two are Chinese, Fei and Jia), each member is able to attribute different distinctive characteristics to the team. Aside from being talented (and silly) young women, it’s admirable seeing the unique bond communicational skills that the members have with one another, especially with Fei and Jia, considering how they’ve had to adapt to the Korean lifestyle. In an imaginary world, if I could be apart of a Korean girl group, I’d want to join miss A!
f(x) is another notable multicultural girl group with members from China (Victoria) and the United States (Amber), and they made a formidable debut in 2009 with the song “La Cha Ta.” 2009 was a year that marked the debuts of several other girl groups such as 2NE1 and T-ara, but f(x) stood out with this release because of its catchy melody and strong choreography. This debut song also showcased the various talents of the five members well, paving the way for their future releases and growth as a group.
–Anna
Oh My Girl debuted in April with “Cupid,” joining the 2015 rookie debuts. Rather than getting lost in the lineup with something trying to gain attention for being too sweet or too sexy, Oh My Girl did exactly what was expected of B1A4’s little sister group. They took a cute, slightly offbeat concept, showed off excellent vocals and dancing skills, and debuted with a funky song that would get stuck in the head’s of listeners. “Cupid” has a drumline that offers a nice change of pace and keeps the sweetness of the member’s vocals from becoming too cloying. WM Entertainment appears to have put a lot into making the video cute without being cloying, and the styling and talent of Oh My Girl put this group on top of my best debuts of 2015 list.
–Tamar
Debut songs tend to be not so great, but rather establish precedent for a better song later on. However, this wasn’t the case for Purfles, who debuted last year with “1,2,3,” an electro banger and a sexy concept. Not only were the girls gorgeous and vocally talented, but the choreography was on point and the song, well, incredibly catchy — exactly what makes a great K-pop girl group. Unfortunately, Purfles flew under the radar with their debut song and have yet to release new material. Hopefully they’ll stick around and dish out just as awesome songs in the near future. While K-pop is not in need of more sexy girl groups, it is, however, in the need for girl groups who can do it all and do it well.
— Alexis
Listening to ‘’Bad Girl’’ these days brings a sadness to me that I never thought I could feel while listening to K-pop. That’s the reality of listening to Ladies’ Code now. When it first dropped, though, I was stunned and obsessed. I think it was one of the first times I ever really loved a debut single from a girl group. Even the biggest groups that some time to come into their but Ladies’ Code smashed it from the start. They announced themselves as Wonder Girls’ replacements with an orchestral led sound and across the board great vocals. The level of musical arrangement and vocal ability is what set them apart from all other rookies. Each voice was distinct and they played off each other so well. Especially the contrasting lead vocals of the husky So Jung and serene Ashley. It’s poignantly sad that a group who started off so well, ended so early.
2NE1 debuted on May 6, 2009 with “Fire,” and watching their debut performance gives me a lot of joy. It’s amazing to see how powerful their stage presence was since the get go. The girls have kept their fierce persona throughout their successful career and have remained true to their brand. With “Fire,” 2NE1 showed us a new side for girl groups. The girls were influenced by Hip-Hop and Reggae that created their signature style. 2NE1 still remains one of the most loved and influential K-pop girl groups out there and we just can’t wait to see what’s next for them.
–Alejandro
What’s your favorite girl group debut song? Tell us what you think about this band in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
Jojo Hung, also known as a Ga-in of Brown-eyed Girls look-alike, is an average Singaporean adult with an extraordinary love for K-pop. Currently a dance instructor at Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts, this special 25-year-old was a participant of the second season of CJ E&M’s “Miss Korea” alongside 19-year-old Julia Wu, and is also a participant of ongoing reality competition ”Chinh Phục Ước Mơ.”
Not to be confused with the beauty pageant, Lee Hyori song, or the 2013 drama with the same name, “Miss Korea” is a reality program produced by Mnet and Mediacorp which followed the two talented individuals in their three months spent in Korea together. They received vocal and dance lessons from professionals and had the opportunity to audition at several entertainment companies such as Soulshop Entertainment. From this program, the girls learned a lot and had several memorable experiences, some of which Jojo shared with Kultscene, while also discussing her friendships, challenges, and dreams.
Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Could you introduce yourself to the readers who may be hearing of you for the first time?
Hi everyone! My name is Josephine (Jojo), and I’m from Singapore. You might have seen me recently on two reality TV programs, “Miss Korea” S2 by CJ E&M and another K-Pop singing competition currently airing in Vietnam! I’m currently a dance instructor at Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts – a pop music school based in Singapore!
What made you decide to audition for “Miss Korea Season 2”?
As someone who loves travelling and the performing arts, I saw “Miss Korea” as an opportunity to challenge myself. Being part of a reality TV series was something that’s new to me, and when the producers of the program met up with myself to discuss, I knew it was going to be a platform where I could take on another adventure in a foreign land!
When did your interest in K-pop and dancing start?
I had begun performing from a young age, and my interest in K-pop started around the same time as the debut of the boyband TVXQ. A friend had shown me their video back then, and I was blown away by their ability to sing and dance, plus their awesome stage presence. I haven’t looked back since!
What were some challenges you faced during this show?
In the midst of filming ”Miss Korea”, I suffered a bad fall which required stitches just above my lips. The doctors said it was quite serious, and I wasn’t allowed to sing or dance for 2 weeks. I remember then I had an upcoming singing exam as seen in the episodes, and the injury affected me physically and mentally as I felt rather unprepared as the exam day drew closer.
Being primarily a dancer, having to focus on my vocals – and sometimes song-writing, threw me out of my comfort zone at first, but on hindsight, I really do appreciate the opportunity given to me to grow in these areas with the help of industry experts, not forgetting the help from my partner Julia!
One of the biggest differences is that I’ve been getting encouraging messages from both new and old followers, telling me that they have watched the show, in and turn inspiring them to go out there and chase their dreams! I’ve had people on the street also recognise me, coming up to have a chat about my experiences, and wanting to find out more about what I’ve been up to.
Most memorably, I met a lady on the train who was hearing-impaired, and despite her difficulty in communicating with me, she made the effort to type out a sweet and meaningful message to me.
Ultimately, I cherish the fact that I’ve managed to help people see that chasing one dream isn’t that far off an idea. Because of their encouragement, I too have gathered more courage to continue pursuing my dream.
What were some memorable experiences you had during the show?
The long lasting friendship I’ve gained with my partner-in-crime, Julia. Being locked in a house together with her for over 3 months, and then touring the sights and sounds of Seoul is something I’ll always fondly look back on. We grew really close during our time spent there, and during the last few days of filming, we would both get really emotional knowing that our experience was going to be over soon!
I had a lot of fun making the music video as seen in the series’ last episode, where we had to write and record the song “Bad” within two to three days. Almost immediately, we headed out of Seoul to a place known as Gangwondo, where we filmed the scenes, and had plenty of amazing bonding time with the production crew as well!
The trip was always going to be special as there was Julia alongside me. Two strangers crossing paths, so different from one another, yet hitting it off so well. Plus we were constantly creating havoc everywhere we went. We still keep in touch, and we know we’ll always be supporting each other in whatever lies ahead for both of us!
Jojo & Julia (the other “Miss Korea” participant) during their stay in Korea
How did you start working at CJ?
Celine Jessandra School of Performing Arts is an establishment of Pop Entertainment, a company that is well-known for pioneering the vocal and dance K-Pop wave in Singapore. It was founded in 2006, and I had the opportunity to be part of their performance crew shortly after. After training, I started teaching my first class around 2008, and I’ve been here ever since! Being here, I’ve been able to perform in front of groups like B2ST, BtoB, and several other groups who’ve performed in Singapore, so it’s been awesome.
I’m currently focused on both teaching and performing with CJ, as well as catching up on several other passions like learning new languages – Korean and Japanese. I’m rather busy but definitely fulfilling!
Could you tell us about the singing competition that you are currently participating in?
It’s a singing reality program – a Joint Korean / Vietnamese collaboration known as “Chinh Phục Ước Mơ,” where six contestants representing the five ASEAN countries were selected to compete in Korea, with Vietnam serving as the host country.
What is your greatest takeaway from this experience?
I had the opportunity to be trained in the FNC training academy, where I worked with renowned instructors who have trained successful groups such as VIXX, BTS and G-friend amongst many others. I’ve also learned a lot from many of the other competitors, some of whom are recognised artistes in their own home country.
What are your plans for the future? Have your dreams/personal aspirations changed in any way because of “Miss Korea”?
I’m still very much into the whole singing and dancing concept, and I haven’t changed much. Maybe it has spurred me on towards working harder and better in order to be where I want to be. I’m currently working with my management company on my upcoming blog where I’ll be sharing my experiences with my followers soon and it’s going to be exciting so readers should watch out for it!
Any final words for Kultscene readers?
I definitely hope that “Miss Korea Season 2” has provided the readers with ample laughs and entertainment, and that they have gotten to know both Julia and myself better! Most importantly, I wish for all the readers with dreams like myself to continue to work towards them, and never give up. Cliche as it might sound, it’s still very sound advice!
Check out the first episode of “Miss Korea Season 2” right here, along with the music video created by Julia and Jojo.
Continue to look out for Jojo in the K-pop industry, and one day we may see her making her debut in Korea! What do you think of reality programs like “Miss Korea” ? Do you think there are ample opportunities for ordinary people to train and become K-pop artistes? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/jojo-feature-image-e1432915453265.jpg410722Anna Cheanghttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAnna Cheang2015-05-29 15:55:242015-05-30 02:42:20‘Miss Korea’ Season 2 Contestant Jojo Hung Discusses Trying To Make It As A K-Pop Star [Interview]
Fan service has to be the greatest invention in K-pop. For some reason, fans go especially crazy with the type of fan service where male idols act cute or dress up and dance to girl group songs. We can’t really explain the psychology behind it and won’t try to. Instead, we’re just going to list our favorite instances of boy groups covering female groups for this week’s playlist.
Putting together the divas of multiple K-pop groups and having them perform the biggest hit of the day is brilliant. Having a group of male idols from different groups perform one of the biggest Korean hits ever is pre-genius. Way back in the day, members of 2PM, Super Junior, SHINee, and 2AM performed Girls’ Generation’s Gee and it was fabulous. 2AM’s Jo Kwon and SHINee’s Key shone in their spastic dancing, while all the other performers also joined in on the fun. This is also a little bit poignant, as took place before Jay Park’s departure of 2PM.
— Tamar
It came as no surprise when I saw GOT7 cover A Pink’s Mr. Chu, which was titled Ms. Chu for their stage at Music Bank’s end of the year show in 2014, I was ecstatic. GOT7 is naturally cute, so it was only right that they covered this bubbly song. Not only did they stick to the original concept by keeping the performance delightful and youthful, they also incorporated their own charm into it: Jackson’s little sexy wave, Mark flying midair flip, and BamBam’s reference to their Stop Stop It choreography. It’s a shame the guys didn’t perform this at their recent stops on their fan meeting tour in the USA. I’m sure all the iGOT7’s (fan club name), would’ve all fallen over due to their bewitching charisma!
–Tam
Jo Kwon’s second job is covering girl band songs, but that can’t be said for the rest of 2AM. When it comes to male groups covering the girl ones, you can’t expect them to take it completely seriously, especially when they do it for a variety show. That’s why their interpretation of miss A’s Bad Girl, Good Girl, but in this case Bad Boy, Good Boy, is awesome, because even if they wore similar outfits, sang, and did the choreography, they were acting a fool the whole way through. The cherry on top of the sundae? miss A was right there to watch them slay their song.
— Alexis
These two groups are popping out all throughout this playlist, but 2PM& 2AMare undeniably good at girl group covers. This parody/cover of Brown-Eyed Girls’ Abracadabra is hilarious, because the members of both groups really go all the way out in imitating BEG, be it in acting out the music video storyline or in the costumes that they don. They even went on to name themselves Dirty-Eyed Girls as a parody of BEG.
–Anna
When your favorite boy band covers your favorite girl band it could be the most hilarious thing ever. Thankfully when BIGBANG covered 2NE1’s I Love You for the YG Family concert, they gave us a very funny rendition of the song. From their sexy girl dance moves to T.O.P.’s screams, the boys were having the best time of their lives. Taeyang’s vocals were so on point that it made us even want a real studio version of this cover. Since BIGBANG and 2NE1 are label mates and friends they weren’t afraid to make fun of the song and have a lot of fun with it. This is one of my favorites covers of all time.
–Alejandro
Maybe I’m picking this cover because half of it is Girl’s Day performing Something as supremely as they usually do. Or maybe I’m picking Boy’s Day because it gives NU’EST’s Ren a chance to show off his true colours. I mean that boy is a beautiful woman, no doubt about it. The hair and makeup are flawless and the dress seems to fit his figure perfectly. Even his movements and expressions are quintessentially feminine. Ren completely outshines the rest of the boys which even includes VIXX’s Hongbin who is also known for looking pretty in drag. Unfortunately it is lip synched but at least it lets them concentrate on performing the dance.
–Joe
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/PLAYLIST-SUNDAY-15.png600800KultScenehttp://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2015-05-24 12:23:482015-05-24 12:23:48Playlist Sunday: Boy Groups Covering Girl Groups
