Page 42 – KultScene

’20 Once Again’ vs. ‘Miss Granny’: Which One Is Better?

January 28, 2016/in Entertainment, Movies /by Anna Cheang

Korean comedy film “Miss Granny” was released in 2014, and due to its massive popularity, a Chinese remake “20 Once Again” was produced in 2015. Both the movies received a lot of international attention, partially due to its engaging storyline but also because many famous stars were casted for the films. Remakes and adaptations are not new to both Korea and China; there have been many K-dramas based on Chinese source material and vice versa, but there is a constant debate about the quality of these remakes.

It is a common and unqualified generalization that “the original” is always better; K-dramas are often compared to the original dramas or webtoons and receive negative reviews purely because on this comparison. While unfair because each version of the story should be evaluated separately, I do admit that when a remake has exactly the same plot and characters as the original, it is very difficult to watch the remake without subconsciously comparing it to the first version.

Though both of these particular adaptations they were very alike, there were minor points about each show which defined and differentiated them. This raises the question: which one is better? Let’s examine them.

Plot

As mentioned above, the plot for both movies were identical and there were even scenes where the dialogue was exactly the same. Sure, “20 Once Again” is a remake of “Miss Granny,” but was it really impossible for the scriptwriter to inject even a little bit of creativity into the script?

The plot on its own though, while mildly fantastical, is a winning one. It empathizes the importance of filial piety and sends out a strong message to viewers to treasure their youth. This message is relatable in both Korea and China because both societies are currently facing the problem of an aging population; the struggles experienced by the various elderly folks in the show and the conflicts within a family with various generations living together are all familiar and realistic. By giving the main character Oh Mal-Soon (played by Shim Eun Kyung)/Shen Meng Jun (played by Yang Zishan), a 70-year-old grandma, a new lease of life by allowing her to become 20-years-old again she pretty much embodies the hopes of everyone who has ever wanted to return to a particular period of time. That’s probably why these movies felt so engaging; viewers were all drawn by this imaginative idea. In reality however, with a length of around two hours, the plot moved along very slowly in the movies and felt very long. There were many scenes that I found entertaining but highly useless to the overall development of the plot.

Moreover, there were also some supporting characters who were left underdeveloped. A good example would be music producer Han Seung Woo (played by Lee Jin Wook)/Tan Zhi Ming (Chen Bolin). He was supposed to be Mal Soon/Meng Jun’s love interest in the movies. However, in both movies, the ending left viewers not knowing anything more about him apart from the fact that he has a bad temper and has retro music tastes. It’s hard to root for the main couple (if you can even call it that) when you know nothing about the male and the couple barely had any romantic interactions before they were separated.

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Even if the main point of the story was not about the romance, it was way too rushed and unsatisfying, especially in a show that delivered in almost every other aspect.

For all its flaws, however, the plot definitely had great humor, whether it was through the situations that the characters landed themselves in or through the often witty dialogue. A 70-year old grandma in the body of a 20-year old young lady? Cue hilarious scenes with a young lady standing in the midst of a crowd of elderly folk and doing slow morning exercises with them. To its credit, “20 Once Again” did change scenes like these to fit in with the local culture, for example the old folks in the movie watched a Chinese period drama rather than a Korean one which was used in the original movie.

Also on Kultscene: Which Song from BTS’s ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life’ Albums Are You? [QUIZ]

Cast

Perhaps the most defining difference between these two movies is the quality of their cast. While all the actors did a decent job in portraying their characters, all in all, “Miss Granny” had a better cast. This was especially evident for the main character Mal Soon/Meng Jun. Both Shim Eun Kyung and Yang Zishan did well and brought a lot of life to the character. They also succeeded in showing both the tough and vulnerable sides of this character’s personality, making Mal Soon/Meng Jun a very endearing protagonist whom viewers felt and rooted for. Both actresses really mastered the art of acting like old women and created amazing comedy even at the risk of ruining their personal images.

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They enjoyed a good chemistry with the rest of the cast as well, in particular with the actors who played their sons, Sung Dong Il (for “Miss Granny”) and Zhao Lixin (for “20 Once Again”). This was especially important in the movies because the mother-son relationship was a very touching one, despite the lack of scenes together, this relationship worked very well in both movies.

As Mal Soon/Meng Jun was supposed to be a good singer, Yang Zishan really lost out on this aspect. Shim Eun Kyung’s singing voice was a pleasant surprise, she could not just carry a tune but she had a certain level of skill which made her singing scenes enjoyable to watch. Yang Zishan’s singing, while mildly decent, was quite unstable and emotionless, making Meng Jun’s instant popularity unbelievable and ultimately detracted from the film’s enjoyment.

“Faintly Sweet Memories” – Yang Zishan

“White Butterfly” – Shim Eun Kyung

For the role of Seung Woo/Zhi Ming however, the actors had to put in extra effort because the script barely helped them with their character development at all. Both the actors casted are relatively famous and have a nice resume of past projects but Lee Jin Wook added way more depth to Seung Woo as compared to Chen Bolin’s Zhi Ming, who basically remained boring and stagnant throughout the entire movie. Seung Woo’s relationship with Mal Soon also didn’t feel as forced as Zhi Ming’s and Meng Jun’s, which made it enjoyable to watch even though there wasn’t much romantic development.

Soundtrack

This seems like an odd and trivial criteria to compare the movies with, but it’s not weird when the movies are largely centered around music. After turning back to her 20-year-old self, Mal Soon/Meng Jun gets invited to join her own grandson’s band and subsequently encourages the band to start playing old hits because those are the only songs she likes to sing. The band thereafter goes through a transformation and starts to produce quality music. This transformation was definitely illustrated more clearly in “Miss Granny,” because the movie started out with the band playing really horribly — discordant chords, lousy lyrics and so on. When Mal Soon joined them however, they were soon playing lively and catchy oldies. They sounded really good as well.

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For “20 Once Again” however, the band started off with a relatively good song, so it was hard to believe that they were doing badly. As a result, the transformation was not apparent, making the storyline unbelievable.

Both soundtracks had some outstanding songs though, but the main theme song from “20 Once Again,” which was sung by Luhan, was really amazing. Apart from having a beautiful melody, the lyrics captured the essence of the movie and was a perfect way to end the show.

“Our Tomorrow” – Luhan

Also on Kultscene: 5 Vocally Impressive K-Pop Girl Groups

Final Result

Although both movies had its strengths, ultimately “Miss Granny” was a better version because the story was brought to life in a very moving and heartwarming fashion, aided by the wonderful performances of the cast members and a great soundtrack.

Premium subscribers at Dramafever can check “20 Once Again” out on the newly launched CJ E&M Movie Channel. “Miss Granny” is also available on Dramafever so you can check both movies out and compare them yourselves!

Have you watched these two movies? Which version do you prefer? 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.

Which Song from BTS’s ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life’ Albums Are You? [QUIZ]

January 27, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by KultScene

By Sana Parvayz

BTS, aka Bangtan Sonyeondan, has risen to fame within a short span of time, especially coming from a small entertainment company. The group debuted with “No More Dream,” on June 13, 2013, and since then, they have accomplished a lot. Last year, the group came back with their fourth mini album ‘The Most Beautiful Moment in Life Pt. 2,” a follow up to part one of the series released six months prior. Divided in two, both EPs emphasize youth. Part one portrays the difficulties, insecurities, and issues faced by youngsters. Whereas part two expresses the adventures and joys of being a young adult. “The Most Beautiful Moment in Life” portrays the intensity of emotions youth feel, either happiness or sadness, and how being a young-adult is the most pleasing moment in life.

These albums proved to touch upon the inner feelings of fans and overall youth, given that their fourth mini album stayed on the top of Billboard’s World Albums Chart for straight four weeks. And with two flawless albums, Bangtan Boys definitely deserved it. The songs on these albums range from euphoria to desolation, narrating through several emotions that an average adolescent and young adult goes through. And since they’re about youth, we can all pick one we can relate to. However, we’ve taken the liberty of finding that out for you. Take the quiz to see which one of the songs from both EPs best embody you.

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching ‘Infinite Showtime’

Did you agree with your result? Share them with us on the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

5 Vocally Impressive K-Pop Girl Groups

January 25, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Tamar Herman

In a world where K-pop girl groups can have anywhere from two members to 100, it’s a given that not every single one of them is made up of award winning vocalists. Despite this, each K-pop idol brings something to the table and has crawled their way past other trainees to get where they are today. But from amongst the crowd of the beautiful and the talented, there are those surprising vocally impressive K-pop girl groups whose combined singings skills are outstanding.

SPICA

This female quintet stands out from amongst the K-pop crowd even before they debuted in 2012. Bohyung, who nearly was part of 2NE1’s final line-up, and Bora, a vocal trainer of many K-pop stars, alone would make SPICA outstanding as a group, but Sihyun, Jiwon, and Narae’s skills are also nothing to overlook. There’s no vocal hole within the girl group, where each of these singers would be phenomenal on their own as a soloist. Put them all together and you get one of the most overlooked K-pop acts of all time. 2014’s “You Don’t Love Me” is one of SPICA’s particularly outstanding songs, that gives each of the ladies her own moment to belt her vocal colors in the best way possible while showing off her retro-inspired assets.

Also on Kultscene: 5 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching ‘INFINITE Showtime’

Mamamoo

If SPICA is all about the bombast, Mamamoo is all about the sweet, girly vocal power. This girl group has done everything, including cross dressing to singing about having a “Girl Crush,” all while making South Korea take notice of them from amongst all of the K-pop competition. Without a major agency, getting people to notice another girl group in South Korea would be nearly impossible without these talented vocalists. While Solar is all around perceived as the best singer in the group (and one of the best female idols in K-pop overall), Hwasa, Moonbyul, and Wheein have all stood their own over the years. Each member of the girl group has featured on countless songs by other artists. And that’s without even touching Mamamoo’s own songs, like the groundbreaking “Um Oh Ah Yeh” and “Mr. Ambiguous.”

EXID

EXID is that K-pop girl group that just has it all. It took them awhile, but this quartet shot to fame overnight thanks to a viral video of their dance from “Up & Down.” And then only afterwards were they recognized for their vocal talent. We already highlighted how all of KultScene’s staff was impressed by EXID’s vocal performance in “Thrilling,” but it’s not just a one off. The girl group’s range overall is insane, with even rapper LE’s vocals being entirely unique. Solji’s vocal range is the very backbone of EXID’s latest songs, but Hani, Hyerin, and Junghwa aren’t just there to look pretty. Instead, the three add their own powerful, melodious voices to the mix. Need proof that this girl group is more than just “Up & Down?” EXID’s impromptu acoustic, drunken rendition of their latest single “Hot Pink” is out of this world.

Brown Eyed Girls

If you’ve somehow missed out on how phenomenal Brown Eyed Girls is, just take a look at this 2009 ballad rendition of their hit song “Sign” featuring. K.Will. Brown Eyed Girls originally debuted in 2006 as a faceless R&B group, and kept their faces unknown by the public, even after their song “Hold The Line” became a hit. Ten years later, Brown Eyed Girls have remade themselves numerous times, and explored numerous genres of music, but they’re still very much the five women who just own their singing.

Also on Kultscene: 10 Baby- Making K-Pop Songs

Lovelyz

While they’re still rookies, Lovelyz garnered international attention after a video featuring the eight members singing an a capella version of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” So far, Lovelyz’ songs have been cutesy and sweet, and have yet to grasp the attention of South Korea overall, but the member’s vocal talent just can’t be denied. 2015 brought us a lot of great female K-pop rookie acts, but Lovelyz just has that vocal talent that we have our eyes on.

Honorable Mentions

When we make lists like this, it doesn’t mean that there are no other talented K-pop girl groups. Stellar, Sunny Hill, Bestie, Wonder Girls, Ladies’ Code, and many more are also some of our favorite groups with truly talented members.

Which of these groups are your favorite? Did we miss anyone? 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.

Playlist Sunday: Idols in the Army

January 24, 2016/in Fans, Playlist Sunday /by KultScene

Any longterm fan of the Korean entertainment industry knows that every once in awhile, it’s time to say farewell to some of the most popular men in the K-pop world. Due to the ongoing war with North Korea, all able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve a period of around two years in the South Korean armed forces or public service. Which means, unfortunately for K-pop fans, some of the most popular singers are currently serving. This week’s KultScene Playlist Sunday is devoted to all of those idols in the army.

Technically speaking, Lee Seung Gi isn’t serving in the army yet, but as of the first of February he’ll be enlisting as a Private and will be serving for the next two years. He will join thousands of other men and women who will be serving for their own countries, protecting them from the ongoing wars that are occurring all around the world. In fact, many of their families even decide to purchase something like these army flags for sale to show their support for all the serving soldiers, as well as those who have unfortunately lost their lives in combat. Lee Seung Gi will be doing his country and family proud. As a farewell to his fans, this actor-singer released a single “I’m Going To The Army” when his enlistment date was announced. With its melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics such as “It’s only for a moment, I’ll be back soon” and “I’m leaving behind the words, I love you, I love you,” this song will surely bring tears to the eyes of listeners as it wholly expresses Lee Seung Gi’s love for his fans who will be missing him. The structure of the song is typical and even borders on boring, but these were Lee Seung Gi’s roots as a ballad singer and his strong emotive voice really made this song a moving one. The repetitive lyrics (especially in the chorus) also empathizes the fact that he will return soon and this promise is a great comfort to his fans. It’s going to be difficult surviving these next two years with his absence in the entertainment scene but I’ll definitely be a loyal fan and eagerly await his return.

— Anna

Also on KultScene: 11 Korean Idols Who Overcame Hardships

Who told Park Yoochun (JYJ) that it was okay for him to hit me with all the feels the way he did while listening to “How Much Love Do You Have in Your Pocket?” This song was dedicated to his late father and brushed on their relationship. You live only to end up dying but what makes the biggest difference and what matters the most is what you do in between those two stages. Sometimes we can take those around us for granted, whether it’s a friend, siblings, parents, or any family member. The world is constantly revolving and we’re always moving at such a fast pace that there are times in which we’ll lose out on the opportunities to truly cherish the little things and the people in our lives. As if the meaning wasn’t deep enough, the song itself was even more heartwarming seeing how these were Yoochun’s inner and raw feelings before enlisting. Hopefully he’s not having too hard of a time on his own in the military and is able to channel his mind on happier thoughts!

— Tam

Super Junior is many things, but it’s also one of the only K-pop groups that has seen the most members heading off to the military. As an ELF (Super Junior fan), anytime a member goes, it’s a bit of a heartbreak for me personally, but luckily they’ve given us quite a few beautiful songs before going to the military. “A Short Journey” was released shortly after Kangin went into the army, and many of the members who are currently enlisted were featured on the song. “A Short Journey,” a melodious song dedicated to Kangin’s leave from the group, and a promise that the separation would be “short,” is a beautiful ode to a couple who is unable to be together at the moment. The song, which also acted as a way for Kangin to express his desire to regain the trust of his fans who he had disappointed (“I’ll go back to the place I once was”), is the epitome of Super Junior’s determination to return from the military to their fans once again. It’s a bit trite, but it’s beautiful and even years after Kangin’s return from the military, and the departure of several others, “A Short Journey” still makes me think of that first temporary exit.

— Tamar

Also on KultScene: 10 Baby Making K-Pop Songs

Before member Heechul enlisted in 2011, Super Junior released their “Mr. Simple” album. One of their b-sides, “Oops,” was his “see you later” song, and featured fellow SM Entertainment group f(x) and bandmates Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk, and Donghae, who wrote their raps themselves. Prior to his verse, Heechul states, “2 years, I’ll be back,” and while enlisted, Super Junior regularly performed the song at their concerts and featured a VCR of Heechul rapping while everyone saluted as they watched the screen. Out of the members featured, everyone except Heechul and Leeteuk, who already completed their stint, are serving their time in the military right now. Out of all the songs Super Junior has released prior to a member enlisting, “Oops” is the most fun and features Heechul as he is best known for: a narcissist. It also allowed Super Junior’s rap line to have a go at rapping, which is not always featured on most of their songs.

— Alexis

What’s your favorite song from an artist currently serving in the army? Share your picks and thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

5 Reasons Why You Should Be Watching ‘Infinite Showtime’

January 23, 2016/in Entertainment, VARIETY SHOWS /by Anna Cheang

“Infinite Showtime” premiered mid-December last year and is currently gearing towards the second half of the season. As the sixth season of “Showtime,” the show is an example of great variety which is at times entertaining and at times extremely meaningful. Even if you are not a fan of Infinite, there are many reasons why this show is worth watching, and here are five of them.

1. The Variety Skills of Infinite

I am an acknowledged Inspirit (Infinite fan), but I am definitely unbiased when I say this: They are wonderful at variety. By this I do not mean that they are all extremely comical or that they attempt body gags whenever they get an opportunity to, rather that as a group they are able to complement each other to create entertaining conversations, activities and situations. There are quiet members in the group (namely L and Hoya) but even they get their moments to shine through the show, whether it’s L being unusually focused on eating or Hoya doing some really weird aegyo.

via kang-junhee on tumblr

These moments work because of how the other members react (or don’t react) to them; there is this sense of friendship and camaraderie between them that I love to watch. Of course, there are also the vocal ones like Sunggyu and Sungyeol who always create a lively atmosphere for the rest of the group, even at the risk of embarrassing themselves.

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All the members of Infinite, for that matter, are willing to destroy their perfect images for the sake of playing a game or completing a challenge successfully. Take pretty face maknae Sungjong for example, after he lost a game his punishment was to get made-up by his fellow members. Though he looked pretty hilarious at the end of it, he still had the confidence and grace to go out to the convenience store and buy food as per the requests of his members. Variety shows would be very boring if the cast was too concerned about their images so I’m glad that Infinite was willing to go all out for this program. It certainly makes watching this show more fun.

2. The Great Production

Perhaps it is because this show is in its sixth season, but everything about it seems more refined and well-planned than in previous seasons. (“EXO Showtime,” “EXID Showtime”). The activities that have been carried out so far in the episodes all had a lot of significance and meaning to the Infinite members as well, be it an individual midnight drive or the surprise meeting of L and Dongwoo’s beloved teachers. The members even had an entire episode devoted to the activities that they personally wanted to learn about (driving, DJ-ing, fortune-telling, boxing).

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“Showtime” isn’t just a show for viewers, it’s also a time for the members to relax and have fun even though they’re still being filmed. The editing for this show has been very good so far as well. In particular, I really enjoy the hilarious captions and animations that pop up frequently throughout the episodes. For some reason this show also seems less scripted than the other Showtimes and previous Infinite variety shows (“This Is Infinite,” etc.) because of how the activities and conversations of the members progress.

As the show had been advertised, it showcased another side to the group and showed off the “natural interactions” between the members. They were able to talk lightly about serious and potentially controversial issues, they resolved conflicts by playing “rock paper scissors” and so on. It felt like an accurate reflection of how they were in real life. The most memorable example of this would be in episode six, when the members played an alternate version of “Never Have I Ever” and Dongwoo, Sunggyu, and Woohyun talked about previously being asked to leave the group.

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It was a serious and shocking revelation for fans when the episode was broadcasted but the members talked about it light-heartedly, as if it were a humorous memory. They even made jabs at L jokingly, mentioning how he would never be asked to leave the group because he was so handsome. In another show, I believe that conversations like these would have been edited to more dramatic effect, to create more conflict and tension, but I love the fact that this production team seems more concerned with empathizing Infinite’s friendship and closeness more than anything else. While it may not be as suspenseful it is definitely sweeter, and viewers like myself are constantly touched by these moments.

Also on Kultscene: ‘Infinite Effect’ in Los Angeles Was Anything But ‘Bad’

3. MC Sunggyu

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Infinite’s leader Sunggyu has been getting more and more recognition these days for his emcee-ing and variety abilities, something which is also very evident in “Showtime.” He’s always been outgoing and hilarious in his own way, but he has a new aura now. He’s able to initiate and guide the conversation, to take control of potentially awkward situations and turn them into funny moments but yet still maintain his grumpy grandpa persona that he’s always had in Infinite.

Thanks to his short stint at “Weekly Idol” he also became a better MC, as can be seen in episode four, when he carried out a surprise for L and Dongwoo, involving the teachers that they were grateful for. For the entirety of the episode he had to entertain the two teachers despite not being close with them but he did all this very respectfully, so much so that the two teachers had many praises for him.

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This might be a stretch at this moment but there are times when Sunggyu reminds me of popular comedian Yoo Jae Suk, who is recognised not only for being humorous but also for being very charitable and generous. Yoo Jae Suk is also very careful, he never goes overboard with his antics in an effort to remain respectful and thus controversy-free. Likewise Sunggyu has shown a lot more restraint and has become more balanced in this program, he definitely has the makings of a successful variety personality.

Apart from just being a good emcee though, Sunggyu also reminded viewers how great of a leader he was. From the thoughtful messages he gave over the radio to each member during their midnight drive to the effort he put in to let his members meet the people they missed, he showed his love for his members and how much he understood them. Infinite is a group that has been through alot together and at the head of it all Sunggyu has been guiding them very well.

4. Infinite’s growth

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There were many funny challenges that the members had to complete in the show which made for great entertainment but there were many times that the mood was more contemplative, in the sense that the members were learning more about themselves and about each other even as the viewers were learning about them.

The desire that the members had to develop themselves and as a group was evident in this program as well because they constantly showed a passion for improvement.They’ve been through so many ups and downs both as a group and as individuals, whether they released albums and went on world tours or worked as soloists/in subunits/acted in dramas/appeared individually on variety programs. It’s great to see that the members are all developing themselves beyond their group but at the same time are still united as one Infinite. Whether or not it was intentional, the show did a great job of bringing this message through all the separate platforms given to the members to show off their individual charms.

Also on Kultscene: 10 Baby- Making K-Pop Songs

5. Heartwarming

This point is a reason all by itself because Infinite’s close relationship is the main highlight of this show. It’s evident in everything they do, even when they’re not together (Sungyeol missed two episodes because he was filming “Law In The Jungle” but the other members kept bringing him up and talking about him). Through this show they had opportunities to talk honestly with each other and to reconcile the various differences between them; this essential open communication was lovely to watch because the members were definitely growing closer and we also got to learn more about them.

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The members also knew each other very well and about the problems that each member was facing at the time, so it was extra heartwarming to watch the members being concerned about Woohyun, who was (and probably still is) going through a slump. Be it Sunggyu’s attempts at understanding and caring for him to Sungyeol’s attempts to help him receive more luck by going to a fortune teller, the members all showed extra love for him during the show. Yes they still play around and disturb each other but at the bottom of it all, their love for each other can truly be felt and is a key reason to why this show is so enjoyable to watch.

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Showtime has been great to watch so far, and I’m certainly excited to see how it will continue. Have you been watching Showtime? 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.

10 Baby Making K-Pop Songs

January 21, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

Undoubtedly, there is no shortage of sexy K-pop songs out there. Whether we’re talking about sultry choreography and imagery in music videos or racy lyrics that would make even Westerners blush and would be perfect to play for NC strippers while they dance. The reality is that sex is everywhere in K-pop, no matter how much you cling to your cutesy and pure groups. Because even those are pretty hebephilic, to be honest, but that’s another story…

However, no matter how little clothing a group wears, how lascivious their moves are, how lustful the lyrics are, or just how much sex the idol drips, if the song is a banger — see Stellar’s “Vibrato” or Junsu’s “Intoxication” — it will only be sensual to the sight and not really the rest of your senses. And true sensuality is something you feel everywhere. So, even if we have yet to watch a K-pop music video with the actual act (U-Kiss, I see you though!), it doesn’t mean that K-pop artists aren’t releasing songs perfect for some baby making.

So without further ado, here are 10 of the best K-pop songs to do the nasty to. Or, you know, just imagine it. Or incorporate some X rated movies from sites such as Nu Bay and more in with your K-pop steaminess.

t.o.p. top big bang my body is ready gif

via Tumblr

1. “Sexy Beat” by MBLAQ

Spitfire question time. Name one of the sexiest Korean male groups ever…… If you didn’t automatically think of MBLAQ, or are at least now considering it a good second choice, I feel sad for you. Sad that you’ve been depraved of the smoothest male groups in years. I mean, just with Lee Joon’s dancing we could write an entire smut novel — but that’s beside the point. MBLAQ does (or did, *ugly cries*) sensuous unlike others. Maybe it’s because they are older and better seasoned than most or, most likely, because they were trained by K-pop’s prince of sex himself, Rain. MBLAQ consistently put out sexy concepts and songs — Seriously, go listen to their B-sides. But if we’re to pick one of the stand out baby making songs, it is definitely the intro to their album by the same name. “Sexy Beat” has a dark and mysterious hotness to it. The pairing of the percussion and the falsettos and harmonies perfectly set the pace for a sensual experience whether with your partner or even using one of these pocket pussies while letting your imagination run wild. Too bad it’s only a little over a minute long, which only leaves us craving more.

by adinaaa04 @ Tumblr

2. “Sorry Sorry Answer” by Super Junior

While Super Junior is not a group devoid of sexy members, that is not their overall concept. Consequently, they also don’t have blatantly sexy songs but veer for upbeat (occasionally cheese) dance tracks or ballads. However, Super Junior’s sexiness comes from the suits they wear and the sophistication with which they carry themselves. So take that image, let subgroup K.R.Y. lead in vocals, add a mystery soulful vocalist (SM Entertainment producer Yoo Young Jin), and we have the group’s sultriest song to date: “Sorry Sorry Answer.” “Sorry Sorry,” the original version, with all its electro components, catapulted Super Junior to stardom, so why they stripped the song of its catchy chorus and intricate hand moves and opted for an R&B version (especially when they don’t have the vocalists to carry a song like that) is a mystery, but a blessing nevertheless. “Sorry Sorry Answer” has that let’s-have-a-drink-after-this-black-tie-party-in-my-penthouse-which-will-then-lead-to-sex feel to it. You know, classy af. Moreover, thanks to Yoo Young Jin, the song is so soulful that the listener can actually feel the intensity portrayed and the now classic takes on a new meaning.

sooyoung snsd girls generation gif sexual sexy blow job

via mrkpop

Also on KultScene: 5 Everyday EXO Looks We Love [+ North American The EXO’luXion Tour Information]

3. “You Know (feat. Okasian)” by Jay Park

Coming from another one of the most prominent sexy K-pop male groups of our day, Jay Park stuck with the same vibe that he had while with 2PM and took it even farther with his solo career. Taking on a Chris Brown type of persona, Jay Park raps and sings on his tracks and, it seems, his favorite theme to touch on is sexuality and everything it entails. And while we could list every other of his tracks on here, we’re going with “You Know” because it’s the most genuine and doesn’t rely on ass shaking and its derivatives. Unlike, for example, “Sex Trip,” where Jay’s high pitched hook ruins the mood, “You Know” creates a suave environment and has a nice bump to it. It’s also more organic and lets the harmony and beat do the talking, whereas “Sex Trip” actually tells you what you’re in for and how you’ll be doing it.

via kpop amino

4. “Odd Eye” by SHINee

SM Entertainment generally steers clear of the overtly sexy territory when it comes to their groups and singles. However, the B-sides and solo concerts are a whole other story. In SHINee‘s case, leave it to the thirst trap (a.k.a. Jonghyun) to write the group’s most sexual song to date. “Odd Eye” is SHINee’s testament that they’re no longer the innocent dongsaengs after their cute noona. For this song, SHINee goes R&B, and — unlike Super Junior — pulls it off flawlessly with it’s own members: Onew’s falsettos, Jonghyun’s lustful howls, and Minho’s smooth talk rap. It’s incredibly smooth to the point that their vocals caress the listener’s senses delicately. “Odd Eye” also showed that the guys, all in their mid 20’s, are just like the rest of us young and sexual beings.

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5. “First Love” by After School

Sexy K-pop girl groups are a dime a dozen; it’s sad, but true. Groups often compete with each other to see who can go the farthest without being banned or purposely crossing “the line” and then adjusting choreography for promotions on TV. And with so many sexy girl groups, it’s difficult to be innovative. After School, however, proved they’re queens and blew everyone’s minds with their impeccable pole performance for “First Love.” Racy? Of course, but also hella powerful, for pole dancing is no easy feat but they made it look like it was in the classiest way possible. And not only did these girls perfectly spun on poles like true pros while looking hot as hell, but the song is full of sultry yearning. It comes off as an 80’s stripper song a bit, but without the cheap cheesiness. On the contrary, “First Love” is danced by the empowered stripper Victoria Wolfe, the girl putting herself through medical school who is smart enough to work with what she has while being ahead of the game. Moreover, the breathy vocals and overall R&B sound set the perfect ambiance to get hot and heavy.

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6. “I Love It (feat. Dok2)” by Dean

At this point in the list, let’s just acknowledge that when it comes to baby making music, it has to be R&B. And while a lot of K-pop artists explore the territory sometimes, none can replicate the soul behind an exclusive R&B singer. With that being said, last year, out of seemingly nowhere, came this singer called Dean who slayed us all with the handful of lustful singles he released. One of them was “I Love It,” a delicate and smooth slow jam about — you guessed it — sex! But, as mentioned before, just because you describe the act, it doesn’t mean it’s sensual by default. However, with “I Love It,” everything from the beat to Dean’s toasty vocals to even featured artist Dok2’s colorful verses makes the whole experience thing beautiful. If Jay Park represents unattached sex, Dean is a committed relationship with a freaky edge.

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7. “Honey Funny Bunny” by U-Know Yunho of TVXQ

TVXQ‘s Yunho is a sex god. That’s an undisputed truth. However, we could hold a debate on which TVXQ song is the sexiest, or which performance impregnates you just by watching. But given that I have the platform, I’m just going to go ahead and declare Yunho’s solo “Honey Funny Bunny” the victor. The mid-tempo R&B ballad has that cute yet sexy edge we’ve all come to love about K-pop idols: Naughtiness veiled behind a sparkling mask of innocence. But make no mistake. Yunho’s high pitched vocals are the perfect serenade to lead us all towards a happy ending.

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Also on KultScene: Get Excited For History’s Live Tour In Europe

8. “Paradise Lost” by Gain

In the K-pop monarchy, the sexy and sexual crown is a coveted one. However, the reigning queen is Gain, and she has her solo releases to show for. Among her many sex odes, “Paradise Lost,” like “You Know,” properly conveys the feeling of sensuality and eroticism rather than explicitly giving it to you — although Gain does indeed put it all up in your face as well. Gain pulled a Madonna in the sense that she plays with biblical themes and tropes and makes them sexual. And while controversial, we can’t deny the sensuality behind, in front, and all around it. Gain’s yearning vocals paired with the macabre organ creates an interesting, even freaky, experience that highlights pleasure above all and will surely lead you to find said paradise. And this is ideal for getting it on, some of those songs just get us in the mood and turns us into fucking machines!

sexy sex gif kpop korean choreography dance

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9. “I Fancy You” by Crush

Getting back to the R&B singers, you didn’t think we’d actually leave Crush out, right? As one of the most prominent and soulful figures in his genre, it’s a given that Crush has a sensual jam under his belt, and that is none other than “I Fancy You.” In order to properly make babies, a deep longing is a must and a sizeable amount of lust helps, and that’s exactly what “I Fancy You” brings to the table. Nothing like telling your partner just how attracted you are to them to get them in the mood. Moreover, Crush’s sweet yet naughty falsettos make it feel as if he’s staring right into your eyes. Yeah, apparently, that feeling can be recreated with music, and Crush achieved it.

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10. “Bond (feat. Beenzino)” by HA:TFELT

For her solo work, HA:TFELT encapsulated sensuality in one song, and that was “Bond.” Drawing from the film franchise that made guns and spies sexy, “Bond” further conveys the allure of liking it rough. For this track, Wonder Girls member Yeeun turns into a Bond girl, haunting over the on loop theme song with her sultry vocals full of desire for that homme fatale who’s no good. But who can resist a bad boy, amirite? “Bond” represents a mischievous and lustful affair, and oozes sex appeal. And to pull off a sensuous concept, one has to commit, and on this track, HA:TFELT is completely unapologetic for her craving. One could argue that she moans the song rather than sings it, since “Bond” sounds like what true pleasure is.

jessica snsd girls generation orgasm climax gif

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What’s your favorite sexual K-pop song? Share your picks and thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

[Renders: HikariKida, KseniaKang, fleursdecerisier, thisisdahlia]

Stellar’s ‘Sting’ Music Video & Song Review

January 20, 2016/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Joe Palmer

At what stage do we stop considering pop groups as lesser artists and allow them to be considered amongst the pantheon of great modern artists? The distinction between pop and art consistently clouds how we consider pop acts in a critical vein. This means that the possibility of truly great pop groups does not really exist they can only be appreciated on certain terms, as fun, wacky, maybe good to sing along to. Pop music isn’t given a chance to subvert itself because it isn’t given proper time within criticism.

Now I’m not saying that Stellar are to be considered one of the great musical acts of our generation. I am saying that if we consider any K-pop act as high art, that it should be Stellar. Their consistency in vision and sound is unparalleled right now. It shows no sign of stopping either, as their latest single “Sting” brings them back to the forefront of what being a sexy girl group means.

Song

The rumors that Stellar were coming back with an innocent concept were quickly (and thankfully) squashed when the first teaser photos were revealed. Maybe their company meant the song would be more innocent-sounding as there is more of an argument to be made with regards to the sound of “Sting” being toned down. Even then, though, that’s quite a surface level reading as there is a lot going on here that could hardly be seen as innocent.

At its simplest “Sting” is a pop song through and through. The amount of different sounds used to build it are what make it so interesting. The main synth riff is bouncy and light. It’s immediately fun and enticing. To say it is the main riff isn’t entirely accurate though. The song jumps from a simple bass groove and guitar verse to a completely electronic chorus helped by a transition from a wailing synth. If you listen to any point of this song there is nearly always something new going on from the “Vibrato” like electro screams to the funkiest guitars. It all comes together because of the more subdued production. By making the song laid back each element can come and go as it pleases without disturbing the flow.

This combines with the vocals and lyrics to create an inquisitive mood. The musical tones blend together well while still being somewhat disparate. They lead to a chorus that directly asks questions of a lover (or listener?). Stellar continue using each members vocal for individual parts of the song. Swapping rapping and singing duties is something that Stellar usually does, but here it’s a bit more nuanced. Instead of just reversing the order in which they sing, they come in and out with smaller spurts. Where Joonyul raps the small pre-chorus part in the first verse, Hyoeun delicately whispers it in the second. Best of all Gayoung has found a sound that best fits her voice, a sort of playful conversational rap.

Also on KultScene: The Stellar Trilogy: Slut-Shaming & Double Standards

These conversations she’s having are with a boyfriend who seems to be tired of their relationship. The lyrics themselves are more accusatory than that simple story though. References to finger tips, being a defendant, and a guilty conscience conjure up images of netizens and Stellar’s reaction to them. Similar to their last four songs, Stellar are examining the things that female idols go through when releasing a song that has anything sexy about it. This time they are saying that the ones who criticize them the most are the truly pitiful ones. “Judge as you wish” they say, inviting those to make their ignorant judgements about who these women are. “Your fingertips can’t do anything” they warn as netizens rush as fast as they can to their computers to thrash Stellar for their skimpy outfits. After controversies like that of IU last year. (where were those haters when PSY’s video for “Daddy” came out?) this is a story that needs to be told. Unfortunately coming from Stellar it is not likely to be heard and if it is few would give it more than a passing listen.

Most interesting of all is the repeated “Judas Kiss or what?” line. The Judas kiss, of course, being the signal that Judas gave to the Romans to single out Jesus in order for them to arrest him. In this case, we can see it as a betrayal of the boyfriend who kisses his girlfriend but clearly feels nothing. In the context of the netizen, though, it is criticizing their constant state of having their cake and eating it too. They insult these girls for being sluts but will be the first in line to slobber at them when a new video comes out.

Music Video

For Stellar it is the video where it all comes together. They team up once again with Digipedi, a production team from Seoul responsible for many of the best K-pop videos of recent years. Their speciality is imbuing regular dance videos with images and symbols that build on what the song was already trying to say, like “Vibrato” or Fiestar’s “One More”. The visual comparisons are clear too, they use a lot of boxed frames, fetishistically singling out certain body parts for inspection. It threads a thin line between completely fetishizing and empowering the women of the video. Given the subject matter of Stellar’s songs-the male gaze- it works to do both by allowing them to express themselves while also criticizing how they are looked at. Hence the many mirrors and magazine within the video.

Also on KultScene: 11 Korean Idols Who Overcame Hardships

The prevalence of computer mouse icons in the video work to reinforce the ideas from before: The sting of the song comes from these pointy symbols and the nasty things they can do. They stick to the girls seemingly impossible to remove, much like the constant clicking of netizens.

The photo of Clark Gable is a lot more ambiguous. Maybe serving as a reminder of what these girls are apparently supposed to be striving for, the perfect man. Gable was considered the manliest of men in his time, and Life magazine called him “All man… and then some.”

Similar to “Vibrato,” the video opens up around the two minute mark. Digipedi’s boxed frames drop away as Stellar embrace the full screen with a fierce catwalk run. The mouse icon’s finally begin to peel off. Minhee and Gayoung move directly towards the camera looking right down the lens. Minhee considers herself in a mirror. Gayoung stares and asks, “Are you tired of me?”

Well, are you?

Overall

“Sting” is just one of many reasons I think Stellar deserve to be recognized for their artistic merit. Not only are all of their singles since “Study” great, each of them is unique. Even better they are taking issue with societal norms of the day, asking you to consider how you consume female entertainers. Release after release, they are creating great music with something to say.

So maybe you buy into everything I’m writing or maybe you don’t. What’s really important is that we can consider pop music like this. “Sting” is a great place to start. Marrying form and theme while still being an incredibly fun pop song.

Stellar

4.5

What do you think of “Sting”?” 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.

11 Korean Idols Who Overcame Hardships

January 19, 2016/in Entertainment /by Shelley Foo

No one ever said being an Korean idol was easy. Starting from predebut, trainees endure endless hours of choreography and vocal training (and sometimes even language and personality training), and pressure from others to succeed. Dieting is almost inevitable, and while some companies grant their trainees the right to date, there is barely any time to, what with studies on top of everything. But all this pales in comparison to the anxiety that probably every trainee has felt when they let the reality that debut is not for everyone sink in. Even after all the hardships, what could remain are wasted youths and dead dreams.

Or, on the other hand, you made it. Congratulations on surmounting the first hurdle. Your bank account isn’t in the red anymore and you got your own Wiki page now. But that also means there is more expected of you. Idols seldom escape the diet treatment, and looks will always remain a factor. What’s new are the demanding schedules and fans, some of them sasaengs who take their passions to an extreme. All idols have their fair share of sob stories to tell, but some really take the cake. Whether it’s coming from humble beginnings or a dysfunctional family or just a stroke of sheer rotten luck, these are the fighters who truly deserve their place now.

Girl’s Day’s Sojin

Growing up in the countryside where residents admonished those who wanted to become a celebrity, Girl’s Day’s leader Sojin ran away from home when she was 20-years-old in order to pursue her dreams. The idol’s parents were against her wanting to become an idol as well, which was also exacerbated after they were victims to a ghost company who promised to train the starlet but ended up scamming them for 2 million won. With nothing but her bags and a note she left in her father’s shoe explaining her decision, she set off to Seoul where she stayed at a friend’s dorm. In order to support herself and her aspirations, Sojin was forced to take up various and often arduous jobs, with everything from being a phone consultant to a server at a pub to factory worker. Ultimately, the Girl’s Day member was able to enroll herself into an academy to learn singing and dancing professionally and join Dream Tea Entertainment, her present label.

Super Junior’s Kyuhyun

Super Junior just would not be Super Junior without their evil maknae (youngest member) Cho Kyuhyun, but that’s the reality that almost happened back in 2007. After a near-fatal car accident, which also involved fellow members Leeteuk, Shindong, and Eunhyuk, and two managers, Kyuhyun was rushed to the hospital where he spent four days in a coma and six days in the ICU. As the member who sustained the most damages with a fractured hip, pneumothorax from broken ribs, and facial bruises and scratches, he had a slim 20 percent chance to live. And, as if the odds were not already against him, his career as a singer almost came to an abrupt halt as well when doctors proposed an operation in which they make an incision in his neck in order to save his damaged lung. Needless to say, the doctors looked for another alternative after his father adamantly refused the procedure. Fans only have Papa Cho to thank for all the ballad songs that Kyuhyun continues to bless us with with his warm voice.

Royal Pirates’ James

In a similar vein, Korean American pop band Royal Pirates almost lost their talented bassist James Lee after a freak accident involving a steel door and glass walls. The member was out eating at a restaurant when he opened the door and the infrastructure fell on him. Lee lost consciousness and needed an eight-hour surgery to reconnect his wrist. Although Lee was also offered the use of prosthetics due to the intense pain from nerve damage if he did not sever the wrist completely, he turned it down. Prosthetics do not provide the same fine motor skills as the human body does, and if he could not continue his career as a musician, then it was futile. Unfortunately, even following his surgery it became clear that James would still be unable to play the bass that he has been playing for over a decade. For many people, this would result in them claiming disability insurance as they would no longer be able to do their job and make money. To learn about “what is disability insurance?“, people could always read online to see how it would help. Luckily, James was able to regain some income when he learned to play the keyboard. Since the injury, Lee has taken up keyboards, which he played for their November comeback for “Run Away.”

Also on Kultscene: VIXX or GOT7? Which Toronto K-Pop Con Headliner Are You? [QUIZ]

Super Junior’s Leeteuk

Everyone has their reasons of why they want to pursue the idol life, but Super Junior‘s leader Leeteuk‘s is probably one of the most moving. Before his five years as a trainee, his misfortune started when he was a child. Raised in an unhealthy family under poor conditions, his parents frequently fought and his father often physically disciplined the singer. Leeteuk harbored many resentments and fear towards his father, which only hardened his resolve to become successful. By pursuing happiness, he hoped to change his situation. And as the face of one of South Korea’s most popular boy groups, among other things, he did exactly just that. Unfortunately, Leeteuk’s father committed murder-suicide while taking care of Leeteuk’s grandparents in 2014, causing the idol much anguish but he has been able to show a happy face for his fans.

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JYJ’s Jaejoong

It’s hard to believe that such a pretty face once toiled away at various odd jobs. But JYJ‘s Jaejoong life has been filled with anguish. After being adopted and raised without knowing he wasn’t his family’s biological child, and confirming it with a DNA test from somewhere like Health Street (https://www.health-street.net/location/springfield-ma-dna-testing/), Jaejoong moved to Seoul by himself at the young age of 16 in order to take part in the SM Entertainment auditions, but as it became apparent life in Seoul was not going to be easy. In order to make ends meet, he became a movie extra – playing the role of a Chinese Red in “Taegukki” – and sold chewing gum in restaurants to pay off his 150,000 KRW rent. Other ways he would cut back included walking instead of taking public transport and eating the leftovers at the restaurant he waited at. With the wages he earned, he first and foremost paid for his training lessons before setting some aside for basic needs. A great exemplar of how someone took their dreams into their own hands, Jaejoong definitely earned his fame.

2NE1’s Sandara Park

Sandara Park‘s dark past is well known, yet it doesn’t make it any less depressing. Before she rose to fame in Korea as a 2NE1 member, the idol was already well-known in the Philippines after finishing second in the reality-based talent show “Star Circle Quest.” After some years, however, her popularity waned, and when it did, her father stole their family money and left for another woman. Since she was the eldest of her siblings, Dara became the breadwinner of her family, paying for the education of her brother (formerly a member of MBLAQ) and sister and providing food for everyone. She even bailed her father out of jail in 2007 after he failed to pay back P390,000 to a businessman. Despite her father’s betrayal, Dara proves that she still has a heart of gold. Perhaps her good karma might have something to do with how successful she is today.

Also on Kultscene: ‘INFINITE Effect’ in Los Angeles was Anything but ‘Bad’

Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany

Much like many idols, Girls’ Generation’s Tiffany‘s father was against his daughter’s childhood dream of becoming a singer. That didn’t stop the young 15-year-old from hopping on the next plane to Korea when she passed the 2004 SM Auditions in Los Angeles, though. Since she became independent so early in her life, she resorted to teaching English in order to support herself. Moreover, growing up in the States, her Korean was not as polished as native speakers, so she also had the additional task of practicing the language. Of course, her efforts paid off in the end. Upon debut, she chose the stage name Tiffany – her real birth name is Stephanie – because that’s the name her mother preferred for her. For much of her early career, she sidestepped questions about her family back home in America until in late 2009 when she revealed that her mother had actually already passed two years before she became a trainee. Taking that into perspective, along with the fact that she did not have much of a support system other than the other members and their family while she was alone in Korea, it only makes Tiffany all the more admirable.

iKON’s Bobby

If there is one thing everyone must know about iKON’s Bobby, it’s that he is as filial as it gets. Counter to the bad boy façade that he puts on stage, he is actually a momma’s boy at heart. Following elementary and middle school, the rapper arrived at Korea alone after passing a YG audition in the States. He did not know much people while he was there and missed his family back home, so naturally, he spent his days communicating with his mother online. In the past, through his lyrics and his variety show appearances, he has expressed how important his mother is to him and how he swore he will come back for her despite their economical situation. Everyone must have known of his circumstance, including his company who requested that all the earnings from his win on the South Korean rap competition show “Show Me the Money 3” be given to him without any deductions from agency fees so he could support his family. With the 100 million KRW from his win, he was able to move his family from their home in Virginia to their new abode in Seoul last year. For the first time in five years, Bobby and his family were finally reunited.

Lee Joon

Actor and former MBLAQ member Lee Joon came from very humble beginnings in order to get to where he is now. Due to his poor family background, the Seoul Art High School student was unable to go on his school trips and was only able to afford one dancing outfit and a single pair of worn out dancing shoes, which often smelled from not drying properly from the night before. Ashamed, his situation only fueled him to work harder. The idol went into high school at the lowest of his class, but by the time he graduated, he placed second in his school. He even got accepted into one of the best art schools in Korea, the Korea National University of Arts, which prompted his friends who once out casted him to view him in a new light.

Seventeen’s Vernon

Born to an American mother and a Korean father, Seventeen’s Vernon struggled with racial discrimination not only while he lived in the States, but also in South Korea. In 2008, when the rapper was only 10 years old, he sat down to record a video about how he has been alienated, being called a “halfer” in the United States, and being stared at for his Western features in Korea. But even at such a young age, Vernon was able to show his maturity, ending on the note that people should give others more respect and should not judge others based on their appearances. Besides his personal hardships, his group as a whole has also endured a lot, who finally debuted last year after an expected debut in 2013 and after losing several members during their four years of preparations.

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2AM’s Jo Kwon

As one of the longest-serving trainees in the K-pop industry, 2AM’s Jokwon has done enough time to have a term coined after him, “the Jo Kwon Effect,” which credits success to a successful driving force. The idol, who chased after his dream of becoming a singer in order to help his less-than-well-off family succeed, overcame 2,567 days, or eight years, of being a trainee. With a debut that was perpetually being postponed, he admitted to feeling embarrassed when others would ask him when he was going to debut and lying about his debut date. Jo Kwon, who spent his entire adolescence training for an uncertain debut, also confessed that his teen years were full of pain, slumps, and depression. Fortunately, his endeavors were not all for naught, as 2AM finally made their debut in 2008 with Jo as their leader.

Did we miss any other hard working Korean idols? Whose story would you like to include? 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.

Playlist Sunday: Kara Tribute

January 17, 2016/in Fans, Playlist Sunday /by KultScene

After a long, successful run with numerous hit songs, the iconic K-pop girl group Kara announced their disbandment last week. As one of the most notable girl groups over the past 10 years, this week’s Playlist Sunday is a look back of some of our team’s favorite Kara songs to celebrate their awesome career.

“Step” was the Kara song that the group needed after garnering major attention for hits like “Mister” and “Lupin.” While it’s not a Great in the sense that other Kara songs were, “Step” is Kara at their very best. The upbeat 80’s inspired disco track had the retro synth elements and a catchy hook that Kara’s perfected over the years, with the majority of the song dedicated to the chorus. Those elements paired with a catchy melody and some outstanding vocal performances from the Kara ladies make it impossible for someone to listen to “Step” and not immediately get the song stuck in their head; this is what Kara does best. “Step” features some electro-funk elements that were ahead of their time for K-pop, and an extremely good example of Kara’s vocal prowess about a minute and fifteen seconds into the song. “Step” is perhaps the last Kara song released from their dance-hook era, and their next release, “Pandora,” is a sadly overlooked example of K-pop experimentation at its greatest. But just because it’s last doesn’t make “Step” boring. Even in 2016, this 2012 hit is still a fresh-sounding song that will get everyone “Step”-ing.

— Tamar

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: April

We can’t have a playlist remembering KARA without mentioning some of their Japanese releases. Considered the first big crossover group and are probably the only Korean group to really establish themselves in the Japanese market, not seeing it as just another possibility for success but as equally important as the Korean market. After leaving KARA in 2014 Jiyoung went on to become an actress in Japan showcasing exactly how popular Kara had been over there. My favourite of their Japanese songs is the impossibly sugary “Bye Bye Happy Days”. The first thing you’ll think when you listen is that this has to be an anime theme song and you’d be right. It was used for KARA The Animation, a show portraying each of the members pursuing different careers. The synths are in full flow, the smiles behind the vocals beam out, and the girls are pulling their best aegyo. A song like this should be irritating but somehow it worms its way into your head and heart. Just like KARA did all those years ago, *sniff*.

— Joe

Most people probably don’t know or remember that KARA was once a four member group. This was pre- Hara and Jiyoung, and certainly well before their latest member Youngji, during a time when the group was struggling to get their name out there after being considered a commercial failure (their first album was not well received by the general public). I suppose that’s why their single“If U Wanna” is still so underrated. But what’s not to like about it? The strong female image they debuted with is evident here in the spunky and collective raps and percussive claps, which at times come off as cheer-like. It’s girly, but in no way like the bubblegum sweet way that other girl groups often went for. There’s a youthful pep in their vocals that gives away their rookie group status, but it’s endearing especially when you consider how much the group has evolved over the past nine years. Back when K-pop was still trying to gain a foothold internationally in 2007, KARA was already off to a great start… well, at least in my books.

— Shelley

Also on KultScene: The Other Top 10 Korean Songs of 2015

By far, my favorite KARA song is “Step,” but at a close second is 2014’s “Mamamia,” which was also KultScene’s second favorite song of the year, by the way. “Mamamia” is a electro pop and disco extravaganza full of my favorite attitudes a girl can have: fierceness and sass. And not only is the jam fabulous, but the four girls look absolutely flawless with their gorgeous styling. Not to mention the killed the choreography. I will miss KARA’s ability of dropping banger after banger and how they achieved the perfect formula of femininity, sexiness, and strongness. Other girl groups may try to fit into one or another category, but only KARA mastered them all at once.

— Alexis

What’s your favorite Kara song? Share your picks and thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

‘INFINITE Effect’ in Los Angeles was Anything but ‘Bad’

January 16, 2016/in Events /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

Three years ago, INFINITE got one of the worst — if not the worst ever — send offs for the U.S. leg of their first world tour “One Great Step” in New York. Crowds of fangirls in the pit pushed and shoved each other to the point that some fainted and the members themselves had to try to appease them in between songs. With the Los Angeles stop of their INFINITE Effect world tour at the Microsoft Theater on January 10, the first of two shows in the States, the stakes were at an all time high to start off in a good way, both for the fans’ behavior and the group’s smooth performance.

The evening started out the usual way: INFINITE’s music videos were played on the screens, which fans sang and danced to while they waited for the show to begin. But after the “Bad” music video and the opening concert videos (VCRs) played, the lights went out and the member’s silhouettes appeared behind a white screen. Screams and loosing-of-shit ensued. When the curtain finally fell, the INFINITE boys, decked out in white costume suits, immediately proceeded to perform “BTD,” “Paradise,” and “Be Mine” together with a live band.

In K-pop, the usage of live bands in concerts is rare. Bringing musicians and their instruments along for the trip with the rest of the crew is expensive. In my experience, I’ve only seen huge groups like 2NE1 and BIGBANG have musicians play their songs live during their shows. Plus, most K-pop songs are produced entirely in computers that only require a sound engineer to hit play. INFINITE’s sound, however, lies somewhere in between the two spectrum of eclectic instrumentals and retro beats. Believe me when I say you have not fully experienced songs like “Destiny” and “The Chaser” until you hear it with live instrumentals. And INFINITE’s management knows this for they’ve continuously brought bands on their world tours, like any world class artist would.

Also on KultScene: Video of the Top 25 Korean Songs of 2015

If the live music is what brings INFINITE’s songs to life, their vocals are what nourishes them. They were simply too damned good. In fact, I thought they were lip syncing throughout the show until Woohyun was noticeably caught up in his feelings during “Footsteps” and “Love Letter.” Actually, all of the members seemed visibly tense throughout the first portion of the show. It wasn’t until the solos and sub-unit performances that the guys finally loosened up. Sungkyu kickstarted our feels with “Kontrol,” Woohyun poured his soul onstage with his self-composed song “Everyday,” INFINITE H got everyone pumped with “Sorry I’m Busy” and “Pretty,” while INFINITE F sent us into diabetic coma with “Heartbeat” and “My Girl.”

Throughout their career, INFINITE has been known for their elaborate costumes. However, with their latest comeback, the guys are being styled in a more modern and urban style. That look carried was carried the tour as INFINITE was decked out in several Versus, Off-White, and Astrid Andersen numbers. The only other costume look they wore was for the encore and it was a simple black and red blazer and pants look. Truth is, when wearing the casual outfits, the members seemed more relaxed and delivered fun performances of “Nothing’s Over” and “Entrust.” For “Cover Girl,” INFINITE even risked their lives and came off the stage and onto the different aisles of the venue where fangirls mobbed them. It was cute, completely unexpected, and nerve-wrecking, considering American Inspirits’ notoriety.

Actually, the members didn’t shy away from interacting with fans throughout the whole show. Dongwoo sang to fans directly, held their hands during songs, and even had conversations while the other members spoke to the audience. L kept it cool and swooned more than one fangirl with his winks. Hoya thanked fans for their support through his recent knee injury and assured he was fully recovered. Sungjong and Sungyeol took many phones from the audience to record videos, and Sungkyu even took selfies with a few others. Woohyun, who started out the concert looking a little down, was all smiles and seemed very proud of himself when talking about “Everyday.”

For the last part of the show, INFINITE definitely saved the best for last for they delivered stellar performances of their recent hits “Back” and “Bad,” and, of course, the classic and ethereal “The Chaser.” And even if the set list excluded jams like “Man in Love,” we got a good compromise with “Moonlight,” off of their newest album. Moreover, they performed only a couple of ballads. But rest assured, INFINITE only needed one shot to show their vocal strength and growth, and that was with the flawless interpretation of “Between Me & You.”

But, as we all know by now, the show doesn’t end when they say it does. Quite fittingly, the boys came back for their encore to the sound of “Come Back Again” and bade farewell with “Together.” For their closing remarks, the boys thanked everyone involved in “INFINITE Effect” and the fans as if they had won an award. They even hinted at an INFINITE F comeback and promised fans they would come back sooner than they did this time.

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I’m sorry for other K-pop acts for saying this, but INFINITE is the real deal. Not only do they sing really good live, but they dance in perfect synchronization without missing a beat or ruining a note. Moreover, the live band enhances the whole experience by bringing out the elements of what makes Infinite’s sound great. With all this in mind, it’s impossible to limit them to the generic and plastic box of the forgettable boy bands that are just pretty faces who barely sing. INFINITE are true artists and performers, and “INFINITE Effect” is the testament of it.

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