Page 31 – KultScene

13 Things We Learned at GOT7’s ‘Fly in Los Angeles’ Show [PHOTOS]

July 17, 2016/in Events /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

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.

by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

Also on KultScene: Seoul-Based Punk Band …Whatever That Means Talks Music & Multiculturalism [INTERVIEW]

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.

[Editor Note: … But she’s not biased at all!]

Also on KultScene: IMLAY Remix of Jonghyun’s ‘Deja-Boo’: Exclusive Premiere

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.

Music Video Director Ian Gallagher on Working with Neon Bunny for Free, Co-Directing WINNER, and Dreamlike Images [INTERVIEW]

July 15, 2016/in Features, Interviews /by Joe Palmer

Music videos are a huge part of what entices international fans to K-pop thanks to their accessibility online. The work of music video director Ian Gallagher is not exactly the dancing in box or love stories that are so typical to the genre. His work with the queen of South Korea’s electro-indie scene, Neon Bunny is some of the best in the country and shows an entirely more abstract image than the average K-pop music videos (or MVs as they’re commonly known).

In celebration of Neon Bunny’s return with her new album, “Stay Gold,” and his latest work on her video for “Room 314,” we caught up with Gallagher for an interview about his creative process. The director sheds light on his inspirations, his ongoing collaboration with Neon Bunny, working with YG boy group WINNER, and his work in film.

I’d like to start by asking how you got into film and music video directing?

I had two main interests in high-school, writing fiction and playing music. Playing in bands naturally led me to create images for the band, mostly cover designs and stickers, which led to an interest in visual arts. It was hard for me to stick to one thing though. I loved all the different mediums and how they related to each other, the differences and similarities. I wrote a lot of short stories and attempted a novel, while continuing to play music and study a bit of graphic design in college. It took awhile, but I came to the slow realization that films utilized all these different elements to create something else. I think this was like 7 or 8 years ago. I began writing screenplays and bought a cheap DSLR and went from there.

Were there any films or videos you had seen that made you want to do work in cinema?

The greatest push was watching Andrei Tarkovsky’s “Stalker.” It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. The film has a simple elegance to it, in story and in cinematography, yet it delves into some deep questions about being human. After watching the film I knew that that was what I wanted to do. To make something like that.

How did you end up working in Korea? Any advice for other foreigners who might want to do the same?

I’m a rare case actually. I’m half-Korean, half-American, and pretty much grew up in Korea speaking both Korean and English. [I] went to a Korean elementary school, but then went to an international school for high-school. So the culture of Korea is not foreign to me. I’m not exactly an expat, yet I’m not Korean. I’ve always been sort of in the middle of two cultures. My advice to foreigners is come on over, learn the language, be nice and have a great time. It’s a great place to work; a lot of interesting things are happening in art. I think Korea is just now breaking into a post-modern era, and it’s really amazing witnessing the change.

What’s it like to make films there compared to anywhere else you might have worked?

Koreans have the most intense work ethic I’ve ever seen. I love working with a Korean crew.

What is your process for directing a music video?

I have to love the song. I need to really feel something from the music. It’s a pretty simple process though. Once I have a song, I just listen to it non-stop and try to figure out a visual mood for it. Looking back on my videos, I think I’m more focused on capturing a certain overall tone than individual images. Especially for music videos, I try to mimic the process of writing music and go with what feels right at the time instead of anything too intellectual.

Your collaboration with Neon Bunny started in 2011 with “Together With Me.” How did it come about?

I think her first album had just come out and she already had another video. I heard “Together with Me” and loved it. So I e-mailed Neon Bunny saying I’d make her a video for free with no budget, and sent her the idea. I don’t know what she thought about me, but for some reason she accepted and it turned out to be great fun. I was still learning all the technical aspects of filmmaking and it shows in the video, but it was a blast to do.

Also on KultScene: Seoul-Based Punk Band …Whatever That Means Talks Music & Multiculturalism [INTERVIEW]

What made you continue that collaboration with Neon Bunny?

She’s a truly great musician. Her songwriting abilities are just amazing. It’s no easy task to create pop music which also has depth, it’s one of the hardest things to do in music, but Neon Bunny seems to do it so effortlessly. So I’m pretty much honored to be allowed to create videos for these songs. A music video is only as good as the music. Also, Neon Bunny produces her own music on her own label, so it’s really great to be able to make decisions without having a committee to water down the ideas.

How has your relationship grown over the years?

We’re good friends now. I think we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and that helps when we are trying to create something together.

What is your process for making a music video with her compared to with others?

Much more laid back. There’s definitely a trust that’s developed over the years. Shooting videos is usually a tedious and difficult process, a lot of stress, never enough money or time, but with Neon Bunny it feels like we’re actually having fun. For the video for “It’s You” we just travelled around various places in Seoul and shot whatever we felt like. There was an overall structure but instead of extensive storyboarding, planning, and having a big crew, we let it go loose and it was a lot of fun. It would be hard to propose shooting a video like that to another artist.

Your work with Neon Bunny, from the soft focus of “Together With Me” all the way up to the crystalline views in your latest work “Room314,” has almost always had an impressionistic quality to it. Is this a particular style you like and what draws you to it over a straightforward narrative?

I’ve never really been a fan of narrative music videos. Of course there are great videos that use narrative devices, but I like to be closer to the abstract nature of music. To me, it’s about feelings and moods, and a kaleidoscope of emotions. The nature of dreams also take up a large portion of my work. I love hazy ill-defined things, and it ends up in the videos. I’m not trying to create any kind of deliberate style though, I think it just happens because I try not to intellectualize the work and make decisions based more on instinct. Anything I do will inevitably have my stamp on it because it’s come through the filter of my brain, so I try not to think of any personal kind of style. The whole process is a discovery really, seeing what happens, how certain elements give unexpected results. This happens throughout the entire making of the video, from the first idea, to shooting, and especially in the editing.

Do you think it works especially well with music videos?

Yes. For films I take a completely different approach. Narrative films are about the story and characters, but with music videos it is a good opportunity for me to explore the more abstract and impressionistic aspects of filmmaking. The works of Stan Brakhage, Jonas Mekas, and Chris Marker have also been a great revelation and influence on my own stuff. In my mind it’s like the relationship between prose and poetry, and playing with the gray area between the two forms.

I also noticed a certain digital edge to a lot of your work. The affected colours of “Romance in Seoul” comes to mind, is that a conscious effort to replicate Neon Bunny’s electronic music?

I like to play with the imagery of more mainstream K-pop videos, and the idea came out of re-appropriating the super saturated color schemes of many of those music videos. Like a twisted version of a dance video, but still poppy and colorful to look at. The electronic aspect of the music definitely pushed the visuals in that direction. The basic idea behind “Romance in Seoul” was a fever dream recorded digitally and played back with glitches and errors. The dancers were amazing to shoot. All the dancing in the video was improvised on the spot.

Also on KultScene: Yoo Seung-Ho Shines in Comedic Caper “Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River”

What was it like working with WINNER? At the time they were a potentially huge debuting group and you have the task of creating a video from an instrumental song of theirs, not exactly standard idol fare. Is your approach to a song like that different to something more straightforward?

Actually, the song was written and performed by Min Woo Kang, a really great electronic musician, specifically for the teaser video. There’s a bit of a misconception that it is a WINNER song. The co-director, Kim Zi Yong, and I decided we wanted to try something different with the music. Usually for teasers a song from the band is used, or a song is licensed. I think because WINNER was still in production on their album, maybe in the mixing process, it wasn’t possible to use one of their songs, so we decided to hire a musician to basically score the teaser. It was the first time we worked like that and I am really proud of how that came out. The song was written as the editing of the video was taking place, so the editing changed with the song, and the song changed to the edit if we needed anything at a certain part.

Working with WINNER was great. They are a great group of guys, really nice and very passionate about their work. I was pleasantly surprised to see how professional they were even though it was one of their first videos. In fact everyone over at YG was great, with more of a collaborative atmosphere than the other companies.

“The Visitor” is also another example of your impressionistic work, what sort of story did you try to tell with it, if any?

The story aspect came from co-director Kim Zi Yong. The basic premise is the end of a night of partying, with each member being in a different situation. My involvement may have added a little bit of that impressionistic aspect to it, but when collaborating like that it becomes hard to tell what element came from who. Those are the best collaborations too.

How was it working with Kim Zi Yong?

It was probably the most fun I’ve had. It’s great being able to bounce around ideas like a tennis ball, adding a bit here, changing some there, always coming up with something else that you couldn’t have thought up alone. We were good friends before working on the video so it just became an extension of that. Playing around with ideas and seeing where that leads. The editing was also collaborative, with each of us taking a pass at it over and over again, riffing on what the other one did. He’s a really great director and I’m always excited to see what he’ll come up with next.

I watched the trailer for you new short film “망” (“MAHNG”) and am very intrigued. Can you tell me a little bit more about that? Where can we eventually see it?

“MAHNG” is a period piece, and though it’s not based on anything specific, I wanted to take aspects of Korean folk tales and try to spin a new story out of that structure. The basic storyline is of a young woman who has lost her husband, and she drags his body across the land to a shamanistic shrine, and prays for the spirits to bring her husband back to life. At night, a spirit comes to hear her speak, but things don’t work out the way she wanted. We’re still in the process of sending it out to film festivals, but after that run we plan to put it up online for free.

Do you have a preference for making films or music videos?

Though related, the two are vastly different in execution so it’s hard to say which I prefer. Each medium offers something different in creative satisfaction. I’d like to eventually make feature films, but it’ll be a long and slow process getting there, especially since the films I want to make won’t fit perfectly in the mainstream. Music videos offer a great outlet for me, but I plan on doing more diverse work. More short films, more videos that aren’t exactly music videos but something else. The goal is to keep plugging at it and always having fun.

What are you working on at the moment?

We just finished a video for Neon Bunny for the song “Room314.” We’re probably going to do another track off the album but it’s still in the preliminary stages. Working on screenplays during the down time.

Thanks so much for the interview. Is there anything you would like add or ask in return?

Thank you for the interview. I think it’s great that you guys are covering some Neon Bunny related news. More people need to hear the music. Buy the albums. Support the artists that you love so they can make way cooler shit.

What do you think of Ian’s work? 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.

Yoo Seung-Ho Shines in Comedic Caper “Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River”

July 14, 2016/in Entertainment, Movies /by Lisa Espinosa

Park Dae Min’s latest film “Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River” premiered in Korea July 6^th and makes its North American debut on July 15^th. The comedy-driven period caper film delivers 121 minutes of face-paced hilarity, a few tide-changing emotional punches, and a hearty cast of characters to drive the straight-forward plot to its fitting end. Director/Writer Park (“Private Eye”) has written a piece that follows the basic layout of the caper film genre. What makes it stand out from the pack is the comedic element and the acting of scene-stealing star Yoo Seung-Ho, whose bold confidence and awareness of nuance creates a memorable character in the form of Kim Seondal/Kim In-Hong.

Spoilers to follow.

“Seondal” is the story of a con man, Kim In-Hong played by Yoo Seung-Ho, who has seen ugliness in his time and decides to live life by having fun. What is fun? Conning the rich, powerful, and not-so-bright of Joseon-era elite out of their inherited riches. Joining him on his adventures are Bo-won, played by the enormously funny Go Chang-Suk, puppy-like Gyun-yi played by EXO’s Xiumin , and chameleon actor Ra Mi-ran as Bodhissattva Yoon. The foursome’s cons are presented in a fluid stream of action. Costume changes flow into one another as In-Hong escapes from those who pursue him, his handsome face accompanied sharing satisfied smirks with the viewers. The con men run through stunning sets and landscapes as they take advantage of the idiocy of the noble class and the gullibility of the chief-of-police.

The major enemy of the film is the governor of Pyongyang province (currently the capital of North Korea) Sung Dae-ryun, played by actor Jo Jae-Hyun who can take any villain on paper and bring him to life in the most terrifying of ways. Jae-Hyun is the only clever opponent the con men have faced and he is to whom they decide to sell the Daedong River.

While most of the cons involve great fun, amusement, clever lines, and wonderful physical comedy, where the film weakens is in the quantities in which they are presented. The first hour is nearly all cons until the sudden catalyst midway through arrives and changes the game for In-Hong. Pacing changes after that, feeling sluggish until the end during the final showdown. What makes up for this sudden shift is the background music. “Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River” makes use of mixing musical genres, including throwing in Bach’s “Air on the G-string,” modern caper film orchestra scoring, and classical/traditional Korean music fusions. Such a combination makes the mood of the film solid no matter how pacing waxes and wanes.

The romantic elements in “Seondal” were off-putting. It felt like it should have been left out. The state of the relationship is dubious in its sincerity and never clearly defined, which slowed the pacing. Luckily, Yoo Seung-Ho is a charming suitor and saved the romantic scenes from entirely flopping.

Although young, Yoo Seung-Ho is a veteran actor whose powerful presence on screen shows both his experience and carefully-shaped raw talent. His comedic skills were nonetheless pleasant surprises after his more serious roles in “Remember” and “Imaginary Cat.” EXO’s Xiumin chose a role that mirrored his bubbly personality to make Gyun-Yi a good character and a great place for the idol to take his first step into the film world. Go Chang-suk was also a pleasure to watch as he bolstered every scene with his energy and he balanced out Yoo well.

Are you planning to watch “Seondal: The Man Who Sells the River”? It will be shown in six North American locations: Los Angeles, New Jersey Atlanta, Dallas, Honolulu, Toronto, and Vancouver. For the full theater list, please visit: http://www.cj-entertainment.com/. Check out the movie trailer for a peek at the zany fun and hilarity:

Share your thoughts about the flim 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.

Snuper & Vromance: Review of the Stupidly Named K-Pop Boy Groups

July 13, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Joe Palmer

As every new girl group we see these days seems to be in someway infected by “Produce 101,” the boys are going about business as usual. ‘80s loving Snuper are making their second comeback of the year after their mediocre ode to getting out of the friendzone “Platonic Love.” The other group of boys are the anticipated brother group to MAMAMOO, Vromance. They are debuting with a similar style to MAMAMOO and Hwasa is on board to help out in the video. What I love most about both of these groups is there wonderfully silly names. Snuper is apparently a mix of “supermen” and “super,” and Vromance is “bromance” with a “v” to signify vocalists.

”You=Heaven” by Snuper

Speaking of stupid titles, Snuper’s latest single is called “You=Heaven.” Iconic. It also has nothing to do with the lyrics. I imagine the songwriter thought it was a cool enough title to ignore the actual content of the song.

True to their first two singles, Snuper deliver an ‘80s inspired synth pop track but with more of a twist than the previous times. Produced again by the legends we see far too little of these days, Sweetune, “You=Heaven” is part ballad part summer bop. Sweetune have only produced for Snuper so far this year, so they must have some sort of deal but it seems they are ready to give up entirely. “You=Heaven” has the structure of a potential K-pop classic. Mixing genres and sudden tonal changes are a great part of what K-pop does, yet here it feels tired. The individual parts of the song need to be equally dynamic but in different ways. Starting off with a ballad slows everything right down and this isn’t even an interesting ballad. It’s even more cheap sounding and dull than OST tracks.

Also on KultScene: IMLAY Remix of Jonghyun’s ‘Deja-Boo’: Exclusive Premierec

There are light synths that play under it, preparing us for the chorus which is a total switch up. “Stop” they shout as the song turns to motivational cheesy pop. The moment it changes is exciting; it feels like it could become something interesting with these genre changes. The synths are naturally crystal clear and could be used for a group better suited to something like this. Snuper’s raps and their apparently stronger vocalists are actually quite weak. Hearing them even on the track ruins any momentum they might have had.

From the chorus on, “You=Heaven” sticks with the synth pop, not letting up until the very end. It’s an interesting structure as it feels like the chorus never actually comes to an end. Without the opening and with a bit more work into giving it some sort of ebb and flow, it could have been great. Yet, by the end, I almost wished they would go back to the ballad. The cheesiness goes past any kind of infectious fun to plain annoying.

Also on KultScene: Battle of the Underappreciated K-pop Groups: A.cian vs. Lip Servicec

”She” by Vromance

A lot more was expected of Vromance. RBW Entertainment’s latest group come hot off the sassy heels of MAMAMOO, one of the biggest breakout stars in K-pop at the moment. Recreating that spark would be difficult but they have started to attempt it by going for a similar sound.

Their debut single “She” is a soulful, R&B track for the summer. It recalls MAMAMOO through the strong vocals and copious use of horns. The comparisons end there, however. I don’t want to continually compare them to MAMAMOO, but it is the best way of explaining why “She” doesn’t work. While MAMAMOO’s charms come from not just their music, their unique aspects permeate everything. Their sense of humour and individuality can be heard in their voices and how they work with the structure of their music. Vromance unfortunately have nothing of this quality. Their voices are fairly indistinguishable and the song maintains its laid-back nature throughout. Almost the opposite of Snuper’s problems yet it still doesn’t work. Their vocals are strong but the instrumentation is flat and does nothing to support them. Even the endlessly wonderful Hwasa can do nothing for them.

Verdict

Having a silly name has turned out to be not as fruitful for boy groups as I had hoped. 2016 is turning out to be another weak year for K-pop boys. Without exciting new groups (Seventeen being the exception) to galvanize things, it doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon either. Snuper and Vromance do nothing to help by sounding like tired veterans so early into their careers. Even with an exceptional producer like Sweetune, Snuper have shown their mediocrity. In the shadow of MAMAMOO, Vromance have done the same.

The obvious verdict is that they are equally bad and we all lose.

Who do you prefer Snuper or Vromance? 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.

IMLAY Remix of Jonghyun’s ‘Deja-Boo’: Exclusive Premiere

July 12, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Tamar Herman

We are very excited to reveal our first premiere, the official remix of Jonghyun’s “Deja-Boo” by EDM artist IMLAY. Over a year after the original release of the song, the 21-year-old IMLAY built on Jonghyun and featured artist Zion.T’s award winning song. The new abstract bass-styled remix turns things up a notch for a funkier version of the track that’s a summery take on the jazz original.

“I had a great time making my first K-pop remix,” IMLAY told KultScene. “Initially, I thought Korean lyrics would not match well with EDM sounds. But it turned out better than I thought. I hope everyone enjoys!”

If you don’t know IMLAY, now’s a good time to get to know the rising producer: he worked on BoA and Beenzino’s recently released “No Matter What” and performed an opening set at Jonghyun’s release party for “She Is” earlier this year. He will appear at SM Entertainment’s Spectrum EDM festival in October so if you’re in Korea check the festival out. SHINee, Marshmello, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and other popular EDM artists are also featured in the lineup.

Listen to IMLAY’s EDM twist on “Deja-Boo” for the first time right here:

What do you think of the remix? Which version is better? Share your pick in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Seoul-Based Punk Band …Whatever That Means Talks Music & Multiculturalism [INTERVIEW]

July 11, 2016/in Features, Interviews /by Tamar Herman

Like something straight out of the 90s, …Whatever That Means is a full-fledge punk band. With Korean, American, and Polish members, they take their influences from all over the world to express the emotions and disgruntlement of the generation. While they sing in English and about global themes, their songs are shaped by their home base of South Korea: “Peace of Mind (The Communist Song)” and “Asian Prodigy” reflect the socio-political situation in Seoul.

…Whatever That Means is set to embark on their 2016 US west coast tour later this month so ahead of their trip we spoke to guitarist Jeff and bassist Trash, who share both vocals and a marriage.

How are you guys feeling ahead of your US tour?
Jeff: I think we’re all just really excited to stop preparing for the tour and actually be on tour. There is so much work that goes into planning and preparing for an international tour, and at least for us, there is a huge feeling of relief once we’re finally sitting in the van, and our only responsibilities are to get to the next town and play a show. I can’t wait for that.

You were here in 2011. What’s changed for …Whatever That Means since then?
Trash: We’ve gone through several member changes since then. That’s the main reason it’s taken us almost five years to get back. Thankfully, despite all the frustration that goes along with searching for a stable lineup, we’ve come out the other side of it with the best lineup we’ve ever had. I think people who saw us back in 2011 are going to be surprised by the big step forward we’ve taken.

Also on KultScene: Kim Tae Woo Brings a Night of Soul to NYC

You are all about punk, which isn’t exactly mainstream in Korea. What does punk mean to you?
Trash: Punk rock is about thinking for yourself, and living your life the way you think makes the most sense. It’s about questioning the things you’re surrounded by and forming your own opinions about them. Those definitely aren’t mainstream concepts in Korea.

How did you guys end up forming a punk band? Indie rock is hard enough in Seoul but punk…?
Jeff: Seoul has had a great, growing punk scene since the late 1990s. Trash and Daewon grew up in that scene. Bialy and I purposely searched it out when we got here. It’s a great community of fairly like-minded people. All of us had played in punk bands before except Bialy, who had always played in metal and hardcore bands. Coming together to form …Whatever That Means just happened kind of naturally.

You’re releasing a collaboration with the Seattle band Burn Burn Burn. How did that come
about?

Also on KultScene: NCT 127 ‘Fire Truck’ & ‘Once Again’ Song Review `

Jeff: In 2011, we played at Nemesis House in Tacoma, Washington. It was one of the coolest shows we’ve ever played. Drew, Burn’s singer, and I struck up a bit of friendship that night and stayed in touch over the years. We’d talked a few times about releasing a split album, but when we decided we were definitely coming back to the US, we agreed the time was finally right.

With members from all over the world, what are the difficulties being part of a multicultural indie band in South Korea?
Jeff: It’s not as strange as people may think. I’m the only one who doesn’t speak Korean really well. Daewon is the only one who doesn’t speak English really well. There are certain situations where we’d all like to handle things differently than other members, but that happens in every band no matter where you’re from. When it comes down to it, we have all chosen to live and build our lives in Korea. Part of that is playing in the punk scene, so in the end, we have a lot more in common than we do different.

The indie scene in South Korea’s is clearly filled with a lot of talent but I’ve heard from several musicians that the support just isn’t there for non-corporate music acts. What’s your band’s take on things?
Trash: It depends what you mean by “support.” Are there corporate sponsors and big labels supporting the extremely talented independent musicians here? No. If that’s a band’s goal, then they’re kind of out of luck. But when you go out to a show and see all the kids that come out and spend their money on entry fees, CDs, t-shirts, and merchandise, when you see how many independent bands have crowd funded thousands of dollars to put out albums and tour, I’d say there’s a lot of support where it really counts.

Two members are married. Does that ever make for any difficult situations? How do you, or do you even, separate your personal and professional lives?
Jeff: This is always a very popular question, and the simplest way I’ve found to put it is that when it’s good, it’s pretty much the greatest thing on Earth, but when it’s not good, it can be the absolute worst. There was a lot more conflict at the beginning when we were trying to define our sound and learning the personalities and roles of all our members. These days, there’s not much conflict at all. And I think not trying to keep these different parts of our life separate is actually the key. It’s always important to remember that your band mates are your friends first and foremost. That becomes even more important when your band mate is your spouse, and you know that whatever is said at practice, in the van, or at home on the couch could spill over into any other aspect of life.

What does the name …Whatever That Means actually mean?
Jeff: Well, when Trash and I got married, we had a pretty normal wedding and reception. After the reception, we had a big punk rock show at our favorite club in Hongdae as the after party. At that point, Trash was playing in a band named BB Lucky Town. I didn’t have a band at the time, but knew I wanted to throw something together for that show. When my buddy Ric was making the poster for the show, I still wasn’t sure who I’d be playing with, so the poster listed all the bands and then at the end said, “and Jeff….whatever that means” and then once I’d put a lineup together for the show, we decided to call ourselves …Whatever That Means so we could pretend our name was on the poster. None of us actually liked the name. It was kind of a joke, and the band was only supposed to play that one show and be done. Now, it’s more than seven years later, and we’re stuck with it. Oops!

Are there any Korean artists you guys are fans of nowadays that KultScene readers should check out?
Jeff: Oh definitely. Some of our favorite bands in Korea are SkaSucks, Billy Carter, Chain Reaction, Burning Hepburn, and Animal Anthem. Everyone should definitely check out our label mates, Full Garage, too. Actually, as I’m typing this, they’re on a plane to the US for their first American tour. They’ll be playing all up and down the West Coast from July 7 through the 22nd. You can find those dates, along with our tour dates, on our label’s site.

Any last words for KultScene’s readers?
Trash: Thanks for taking the time to check out a local band from Seoul, Korea. Hope to see you
at a show!

Thank you, Jeff and Trash, for speaking with KultScene.

West coast fans can check out …Whatever That Means this summer as they hold a four-state tour:
July 23 Las Vegas, NV @ The Double Down Saloon
July 24 Fresno, CA @ TBA
July 26 Corvallis, OR @ The Interzone Café
July 27 Seattle, WA @ The Kraken
July 28 Tacoma, WA @ Real Art
July 29 Portland, OR @ Foggy Notion
July 30 Reno, NV @ PB&J’s
July 31 Berkeley, CA @ 924 Gilman Street
August 1 Los Angeles, CA @ The Redwood Bar

Are you going to see …Whatever That Means? What do you think of their music? Share your picks in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Weekly K-Pop Faves: July 3-9

July 10, 2016/in Fans, Playlist Sunday /by KultScene

Each week, the KultScene team puts their heads together and discusses their favorite songs of the past week. This time around, K-pop saw new songs released by INFINITE, Glen Check, and Wonder Girls and they completely blew us away.

“That Summer (Second Story)” by INFINITE (Released July 7)

When it comes to fanservice, INFINITE has always done a lot of it and their latest release is just that: “That Summer (Second Story)” (also known as “Hey Hello”) was originally released as a hidden track on their “Season 2” album and dedicated Inspirits (the group’s fan club) have eagerly been anticipating the official version. INFINITE unveiled the full take of the song at their recent concert in Seoul and the rock-pop track, plus it’s accompanying music video, is so heartwarming for the summer time that it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with INFINITE again. That said, there was some upset about the fact that INFINITE’s summer return was merely a clean version of what was previously revealed. Here’s to hoping for this actually being a pre-release of their upcoming summer comeback and that this was just dedicated to their “That Summer” concert series.

— Tamar

Also on KultScene: Kim Tae Woo Brings a Night of Soul to NYC [PHOTOS]

“Fakin’ (feat. Kim Ximya)” by Glen Check (Released July 6)

After joining a new agency, June One Kim of the indie electro duo Glen Check released “Fakin’” to commemorate the event. And while the other half of the band Hyuk Jun Kang sit this one out, Jun recruited the help of the XXX’s rapper Kim Ximya. True to Glen Check’s sonic aesthetic, “Fakin’” is a lounge-y and refreshing track that features a myriad of trap and deep house beats and sounds. Plus the addition of the rap instead of Glen Check signature sweet vocals creates an interesting and on-trend mix perfect for the summer.

— Alexis

Also on KultScene: The I.O.I Debacle: K-Pop’s Newest Conundrum

“Why So Lonely” by Wonder Girls (Released July 5)

Since its release on July 5^th, “Why So Lonely” has been making K-pop fans everywhere say “they still got it!” with newfound excitement and pride. After some fans were disappointed by “I Feel You” last year (personally, I loved it, but that’s beside the point), the future of the Wonder Girls, as well as their new band concept, was left in the balance. But “Why So Lonely” put all of those worries away for good — the girls killed it with a catchy reggae-inspired retro track to cool you down on these hot summer days. This song is one of K-pop’s many breakup anthems, but adding a unique sound to an already more emphasized instrumentation makes this one stand out from the rest. Not to mention, the girls had a very large part in composing and writing this song themselves. Props to you, Wonder Girls — thank you for reclaiming your seat on the throne where you belong.

— Kushal

What was your favorite song of the week? Share your picks in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

NCT 127 ‘Fire Truck’ & ‘Once Again’ Song Review

July 9, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Joe Palmer

SM Entertainment’s most confusing group to date has come back to shed a little more light on what they do. NCT’s latest incarnation,NCT 127, consists of all the members from NCT U minus Ten (so that’s Mark, Doyoung, Taeyong, Taeil, and Jaehyun), plus new members Yuta, Winwin, and Haechan. I think it’s best to not even try keep up with the boys in this group. Their lineups are likely never going to be the same twice. It’s the perfect representation of a capitalist pop group, a name brand that attracts with interchangeable parts. Whoever is in the group doesn’t really matter, as long as they’re pretty and can dance (a good voice is optional).

NCT 127 do show somewhat of a different side to the NCT amalgam though. The brooding “7th Sense” and dull “Without You” gave us two sides without any real connection. With two new releases “Fire Truck” and “Once Again,” NCT 127 go closer to what we expect from rookie groups. A child-like sense of fun can be heard in both and works to save what could have been a bad release.

“Fire Truck”

“Fire Truck” is sort of like if “7th Sense” was produced by a child on a sugar rush. It was in fact produced by a bunch of SM regulars: LDN Noise, Tay Japser, and Ylva Dimberg. This time, they went for a much heavier hip-hop, EDM based track. “Fire Truck” bumps and crashes with bassy synths and trap beats. Sonically, it’s little more than generic though, despite the business of it all. At times it’s even grating to the ear, as it progresses with little intricacy or interest in transitions that are not breakdowns.

It has two saving graces, however, the first being that youthful mania. All of the vocals have a demented strain to them. The raps are delivered with a punch as if their lives depended on getting these words out. The “hey yay yay” build part is probably the most annoying of the whole song, yet works like a chant from a bunch of kids. The autotuned whining that follows is also probably very irritating for a lot of listeners, but I love the brazen attempt to make it as silly as possible. These guys are kids, so it makes sense for them to perform a song like this.

Also on KultScene: Kim Tae Woo Brings a Night of Soul to NYC [PHOTOS]c

It makes just as much sense that they’re using a fire truck as a metaphor for burning love. “Where are you looking at, Mr. fireman on the floor, Let’s make a fire, I’ll cool down this heat” Taeyong raps at the opening, making very little actual sense. It’s playful and stupid and almost makes me like this song. If Red Velvet are that kid you see running around screaming and feel jealous that they can be that free, NCT 127 are the kid sitting near on an airplane that cries, then sleeps, then cries again, then laughs, and finally sleeps again.

The second saving grace is the choreography. After re-watching a “7th Sense” live show, the thing that really stood out for me was the choreography. These are some talented kids who obviously spend a lot of time with choreographers figuring out the most inventive ways of performing a song. This might be a reason that “Fire Truck” turned out to their lead single. It is a weak track but is very danceable, and did they dance to it or what? It mirrors the crazed silliness of the song by having an inordinate amount of moves within small amounts of time. Taeyong, for example, has so much to do just in his own rap (so he can be forgiven for not rapping live).

What I like most is the SM signature of group interaction. This style is becoming more prevalent with groups like VIXX and Seventeen using it for all of their songs, but its roots lie in SM groups like EXO and particularly SHINee. Thematically, it works for NCT as highlighting the group rather than individuals. There’s a kinetic energy between them that seems like second nature to them. It also gives them big moments for their choruses, including cartwheels, a flying person, and a sort of puppet-like move which looks eerily natural. Best of all, they don’t wallow in these moves but immediately after continue with just as difficult synchronized dances.

Also on KultScene: NCT U’s ‘The 7th Sense’ & ‘Without You’ Music Video & Song Reviewc

“Once Again”

NCT 127 take a different route with “Once Again,” the song they are promoting alongside lead “Fire Truck.” Produced by SM Swede regulars Andreas Oberg and Chris Wahle, “Once Again” is an R&B tinged bubblegum pop track that harkens back to other SM classics;it reminds us of Super Junior and SHINee’s more low-key moments. It’s expertly produced horns and funky guitars are so refreshing beside “Fire Truck.” The vocals as well are far superior and all so smooth and clean. The layered vocals in the chorus especially delight; these vocals are something SM are particularly good at and it’s great to see it hasn’t stopped.

It bustles with a wonderful summertime energy, which the lyrics are also about: young summer love. It’s the perfect fit for these young boys. Between this and “Fire Truck,” two young identities are shown. NCT go someway to representing the many contradictions of what it means to be young. Musically compared to “Fire Truck,” “Once Again” can seem a little flat or crystal clear in execution. I guess it depends on your current outlook on what it is to be young. Right now, the laidback freedom of “Once Again” appeals to me. Although I can see myself getting tired of it and looking more toward the twisted state of “Fire Truck.”

What do you think of “Fire Truck” and “Once Again”? Also what are your impressions of NCT as a whole? Share your picks and thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us onFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Kim Tae Woo Brings a Night of Soul to NYC [PHOTOS]

July 8, 2016/in Events /by Katherine

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.

by Katherine Villalon

Also on KultScene: Kim Tae Woo Talks His Upcoming NYC Show, Career, and More [Interview]

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.

by Katherine Villalon

Also on KultScene: Inside KCON 16 NY [PHOTOS]

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.

5 Things To Know About ‘Uncontrollably Fond’

July 7, 2016/in Entertainment, Television /by Tamar Herman

Every few months, there’s a big K-drama that garners a lot of hype either because of the popular actors taking a roll in it or because the plot is something truly innovative. Right now it seems like everybody in the K-drama world is talking about Unaccountably Fond, the new show featuring Kim Woo Bin and miss A’s Suzy. The show premiered yesterday, so before you start watching we have a few things we think you should know.

1. Kim Woo Bin is a Rising Star

Rising? He’s already here according to many die hard Kim Woo Bin fans. But in actuality this is Kim Woo Bin’s first time as the main lead of any Korean drama; he was relegated to the second male lead role in both “The Heirs” and “School 2013.” After years of modeling and impressive roles in film (including my personal favorite “Twenty”), Kim is ready to transform himself into a swoon-worthy K-drama male lead who is set to romance a certain K-pop princess.

2. Suzy is the Reigning Darling of South Korea

The miss A member and actress Suzy (Bae Suji) had a breakout role in the film “Architecture 101” in 2012 and has been in demand ever since. “Uncontrollably Fond” is the fourth drama that Suzy takes front and center in, her first since she partnered with Lee Seung Gi in 2013’s “Gu Family Book.” Suzy has charmed the hearts of many South Korean and international fans of K-pop and K-dramas, and now it’s time to see if she can win over the heart of Kim Woo Bin.

Suzy also released the “Ring My Bell” as part of the soundtrack so make sure to take a listen.

Also on KultScene: Let’s Discuss: Park Yoochun & The Changing Perception Of Leading Men in K-Dramas

3. Writer Lee Kyoung Hee Is A Queen of Melodrama

While “Uncontrollably Fond” appears to be a simple K-drama romance featuring two popular actors, that’s not all there is to it. Lee Kyoung Hee wrote the heart wrenching 2012 drama “The Innocent Man” featuring Song Joong Ki, Moon Chae Won, and Park Si Yeon. If that drama had anything to show for it, it was that the writer had no qualms stomping on the viewers’ hearts and putting characters in difficult positions If this lives up to Lee’s reputation, prepare to keep a tissue box close. Warning: Be cautious of getting too fond of Kim’s character based on a life-altering issue we find out about in the first episode.

4. Director Park Hyun Suk Loves Spies

While “Uncontrollably Fond” doesn’t appear to be a spy drama, director Park Hyun Suk has a reputation as a bit of a spymaster between 2015’s “Spy” and 2011’s “Perfect Spy.” Does that mean that we want this drama to have spies? Definitely not. That would be altogether too dramatic, even for K-dramas. But it’s just something to keep in mind considering that the show is setting itself up to deal with mistaken identities, terminal illnesses, and who knows what else.

Also on KultScene: ‘Twenty’ Is The Korean Coming of Age Film That Will Make You Laugh Until It Hurts

5. Watch Until the Very End

As far as Korean dramas go, “Uncontrollably Fond” starts a bit slow. But within the last few moments of the first episode, things pick up and set the tone for the rest of the series. This is a spoiler-free list, but let’s just say that you’ll be itching to watch the next episode right away so you can see what past connection the main characters share.

“Uncontrollably Fond” is available on DramaFever, so head over there and check out the first episode.

Are you watching? Are there any other dramas you’re watching right now? 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.