Top 20 Korean Music Videos of 2015

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top20kmusicvideos

K-pop is good, but the importance of music videos is what really makes Korean music stand out from other international music scenes. Countless hours are spent creating music videos for K-pop songs, and 2015 did not disappoint. This year had a lot of new, experimental aspects included in K-pop music videos, with more emphasis on cinematography than in past years, while some music videos just surprised us with their unique attitudes. We also saw a lot of groups coming outside their boxy, dance-driven music videos for ones with actual plots or being more interactive. The music videos have been awesome but an honorable mention must go to the sound quality too. Although, my preamp must help a lot! There were many videos to choose from, but we narrowed down our top 20 Korean music videos for you to celebrate the greatness this year brought us and to ring in the new year with the right foot.

20. Super Junior – “Devil”

One day, sometime this year, someone in the SM Entertainment building decide that Super Junior’s members were ready to star in a blockbuster film. After last year’s spaghetti Western-inspired “Mamacita,” “Devil” gives us a smoother, more debonaire Super Junior while still giving the audience a lot to look at and stories to think about. With explosions galore and a mini-film set up for individual members, “Devil” is a bit of a WTF in the best way possible. The film noir elements, the stunts, and the movie posters intercut into the dramatic scenes are new for Super Junior, but not unwelcome for the group, who take their mini-films in dashing sartorial style. With shoot outs, poker matches, and a variety of other cinematic tropes, “Devil” gives the story of a seducing female in a variety of settings and does it in a way that allows viewers to get a bit of individuality from each member before also offering some shower-oriented group dances. Super Junior is first and foremost known for their synchronized dances, and the plot-based music video of “Devil” offers up a taste of that without taking away too much from the fun action of the rest of the video. “Devil” was the first music video celebrating Super Junior’s tenth10th anniversary since debuting, and it definitely didn’t disappoint.

19. INFINITE – “Bad” (360 VR)

I loved the original music video of “Bad,” but when INFINITE released this 360 VR, it instantly became my favourite version. It’s not often that K-pop music videos have interactive features and the idea that the viewer can look all around the music video set by simply playing with your mouse or your screen is a really cool one. It enhances the video because we can see sides to it that we are unable to through the original one. Take for example a scene where the INFINITE members are standing in a pink hallway. In the original video, we could only see the member who was singing, but in this VR one, we can also see the other members who are standing in parallel hallways waiting for their turn. It’s a fresh perspective and one that I hope we’ll be able to see more often in future K-pop music videos.

18. BIGBANG – “Let’s Not Fall In Love”

BIGBANG is generally known for having two types of music videos: party-like flashy ones or lonely emotional ones. “Let’s Not Fall In Love” does not fall into either of these categories as it goes for a more subtle and dreamy feeling; from the pastel color scheme of the video to the adorable actions of the members throughout the video. The video complements the somewhat mellow song well too, especially in the choruses, which were more toned down than in normal BIGBANG songs. It’s fun and refreshing to watch the members playing around in the video in contrast to their normal cool and serious images. I mean, how often do we get the chance to watch T.O.P making cute faces?

17. GOT7 – “Confession Song”

GOT7’s music video for their latest holiday song “Confession Song” is as sweet as the title suggests. This has got to be their cutest music video to date, and they’ve had a lot. Despite the reindeer mascots the boys donned, they actually play wingmen and cupid as they go to schools and drag students to a school gym, where they are greeted by their secret admirer. The opening features a hidden camera type cinematography, which enhances the realness factor that is supposed to make the video so heartwarming. What’s even more heartfelt was the fact that the members arrived early to personally decorate the set, transforming a mundane gym into a festive and romantic Christmas wonderland. There’s also a bit of a suspense buildup too; the music cuts off as the masked lovers reveal their identity and confess their feelings to their significant other. The atmosphere becomes very still as we wait for the inevitable reciprocation. Despite whether the acceptances were real or not (it’s hard to say no when a dozen cameras and expectant faces are on you), we still cannot help but celebrate with GOT7 when we hear that “yes.” Just be sure to have a tissue on hand.

Also on KultScene: Top 50 Korean Songs of 2015

16. Super Junior D&E – “Can You Feel It? (Chok Chok Dance)”

The kings of K-pop dances are back, but with the most unexpected hit of the year. Super Junior’s subgroup comprised of just Donghae and Eunhyuk surprised all of us this year with the music video that literally had the entire KultScene staff dancing. This video has no flashy aspects, it actually looks like it was filmed on a variety of cameras and cellphones, but this all-in-good-fun dance video made us want to shout “JUST GET UP AND DANCE.” The practice video of D&E formally learning the dance and the pair playing with one another with some of the silliest hairstyles they have ever sported make the video seem pretty normal before it turns into Super Junior, SM staff, EXO, BoA, TVXQ, Girls’ Generation, f(x), SHINee, Red Velvet, and just about everyone else dancing any and everywhere. The easy dance moves are upbeat tune are addictive, and the antics shown throughout the video just show D&E, and everyone else in the world, having a fun time. Sometimes, simple is simply the best.

15. Beenzino – “Break”

Do you know what makes a music video truly enjoyable? It’s when you can see the artist having a ball of a time filming it, something that can be clearly seen in Beenzino’s “Break.” This guy is hysterical; everything from his nonchalant facial expressions to his self-body gags. Beenzino is always trying something new; his conceptual styling is different every time, making it the reason why his music is more entertaining than others. His lyrics speak wonders and always have a strong message, as does his music videos. Zino’s an artsy man, with a lot of out of the box ideas, which surely shows considering no one else would probably have filmed a video of them head banging against a wall. The moral of the story was of him breaking out of this shell that others were trying to box him in; he wants to be whoever he wants to be, dream of whatever he wants to dream, all without being told that he can’t. There’s always a silver lining hidden in Beenzino’s music videos, you’ve got to analyze as you watch. On a lighter note, “Break” makes me wonder how many takes it took and/or if those involved died of laughter while filming the less than serious scenes.

14. SHINee – “View”

For the first time in quite some time, SHINee was let out of the SM box only to be kidnapped by a group of fangirls on “View.” Sound familiar? Only because it’s, well, every fangirl’s (cough, cough, saesang) dream to kidnap or rescue our favorite boy band from the greedy hands of their management companies that overwork them in order to give them a much deserved fun-filled day. The music video follows SHINee’s journey — from being chloroformed and taken against their will to developing Stockholm syndrome for their captors to the point of almost getting hot and heavy with them–, giving us an actual plot with scenes of them dancing the choreography at a bar webbed in there. The fact that we got a plot, let alone someone at SM being sadistic mind readers, is a feat in itself, for we’ve grown accustomed to SHINee’s performance videos. Don’t get us wrong, those are awesome too, but “View” is on another level. Moreover, the cinematography, color palette, and styling were all as chill as the song itself, which overall gave us a new and fresh side to the boys that impress with every comeback. SHINee, indeed, never disappoints.

13. D??N x Anderson .Paak – “Put My Hands on You”

For a smooth jam like “Put My Hands on You,” Dean could’ve gone down the road most traveled and given us a generic intimate bedroom music video. But for the sonic masterpiece that this song is, the actual video is anything but. With mesmerizing visuals, the video is more like an R&B video game featuring all the parties involved in the song (including producers Mr. Carmack and esta.). Together with Dean’s enchanting vocals, the music video takes the viewer into a trance, guiding us through colorful waters, vibrant skies, an overall psychedelic paradise. More than explicitly showing Dean and the subject of his infatuation getting freaky, the video is a representation of the emotion and feelings behind the song. “Put My Hands on You” is not just another song with its music video, but a surreal and artistic experience in itself.

12. IU – “Twenty Three”

When you hear that a video might be based on Alice in Wonderland, you might immediately yawn like me. Yet if you were to avoid the video for IU’s “Twenty Three” you would miss out on something so much more than another take on an old story. The video borrows from a number of other surreal sources, like artist Rene Magritte, to tell a story about IU. Thanks to this, it brilliantly portrays the confusion of IU’s transitionary period in becoming an adult. It mirrors the song’s lyrics in increasingly interesting ways from the literal fox and bear moments to the controversial Barbie image. This execution of ideas has created what is probably the most conceptually effective song of the year. From the music video all the way to the lyrics, no one has made such a singular piece in K-pop.

11. Shinhwa – “Sniper”

I don’t know about you, but I’m completely okay with middle aged men dabbing on some eyeliner, especially if it’s being used as a form of expression like in Shinhwa’s “Sniper.” For this music video’s concept, the members opted to go down a rather mysterious and vampy road versus their usual lighter hearted videos. The members displayed a sexy, yet perplexing side of them in “Sniper,” which included a series of rebellion and dark moments. Their gazes are intense and although you’re watching the video through a monitor, it almost feels as if they’re piercing your souls right through the screen. Shinhwa looks classy, sexy. and sleek, like the suave men that they are. Although it’s a bit on the slower side, the choreography for this music video is ultra smooth, so good that it deserves a dance version video. Say what you will, but “Sniper” is simply just another reminder to the viewers and listeners that although they’re in a “boy band,” Shinhwa are a group of fully-grown men who mean business.

10. EXID – “Ah Yeah”

EXID came back after the surprise success of “Up and Down” with what at first seemed like a complete rehash of it. The “Ah Yeah” video begins to tell us a different story though, with blurred out pelvises and a number of abstract images. It’s a reflection of the self on EXID’s part. They are responding to the circumstances of their fame. This is seen most clearly through Hani and LE’s roles in the video. Hani essentially playing herself, is seductive as she makes eyes with the POV camera similar enough to her famous fancam. LE also could be playing herself, or maybe just another side of the argument. Her angry counterpoint plays like a musician’s reaction to EXID’s fame, not happy that a sexy video brought them there over music written by LE herself. She also addresses the POV camera, but this time in an accusatory manner. The video is giving us both sides of the story, letting us know there’s more to EXID than sexiness.

9. Primary – “Don’t Be Shy (feat. ChoA & Iron)”

Most people’s first reaction to Primary’s music video for “Don’t Be Shy” was probably along the lines of, “Wait…what the hell is going on?” Don’t deny it, we were all extremely confused. The concept for this music video was everything but normal, leaning very much so on the more peculiar side. Things stay at an all time creepy throughout the video, but that’s what makes things 10 times more intriguing. Every time something odd happens, it just makes you want to find out what’s going to happen next even more. I really couldn’t help but continuously wonder what does a girl’s sleepover, Pokémon cards, and voodoo dolls really have to do with one another. Doesn’t it make you wonder, “Who really won that Pokémon battle” too? “Don’t Be Shy” definitely differs from any of the other videos that came out during the summer, and as weird and dark as the music video was, it was refreshing not having to see something bubbly and cute — especially coming from an AOA member.

8. BTS – “Run”

It’s easy to say that each of BTS’s recent videos needs to be seen together to fully be appreciated. That sentiment takes away from the single achievements of the videos though. “Run” brings back much of the images of “I Need U,” but uses them in different ways. Their use of actual sets brings a much needed sense of reality to music videos. The set details of BTS’ little home gives it great life and brings them closer together as characters. For the hundreds of different theories that fans project onto them, this is what I like most about BTS’ videos. The camaraderie of all the members, their energy, and the lack of self consciousness.

7. TWICE – “Like Ooh-Ahh”

Just by their music video alone, it’s near impossible to tell that TWICE only made their debut this year because everything, from the song to the dance to the cinematography, was as if this fresh JYP Entertainment girl group were already experienced artists. Vibrant, colourful, and energetic, the music video for “Like Ooh-Ahh” was the perfect way to introduce the group because it represented their diverse personalities and their youthful energy. Though it featured zombies (it was released around Halloween), the rest of the video was fun with the creative usage of environments like a school and the back of a truck. The styling of the girls was on point too as they were dressed in bright colors like red, which not only suited their music, but also showed off their individual charms. I don’t know what I expected from TWICE after watching them on their pre-debut show “Sixteen,” but I do know that we can look forward to more great work from now on.

6. BTS – “Dope”

Not exactly a literal one-take music video, BTS’s “Dope” is still nevertheless shot in a way that only accentuates the dynamics of the dance and song. In particular, it tries to emulate the popular one-take style by green screening and splicing various clips into an effortless production. One member sings his part and runs off the screen, revealing the next member who does the same. Besides how well choreographed it all is, the video also uses an interesting set. Interesting in the sense that the production value seems rather low – the whole video looks like it is shot in the same dark brick room – but somehow it works. Again, it’s mostly because of the way the video was shot, which incorporated interactions between the members and the camera, or us as viewers. But most importantly, it’s also because the members do not need any flashy set to distract us from their talents. The focus is constantly on the members, who look like they are having genuine fun dressing up as detectives, police officers, doctors, officer workers, pilots, racers, and bell boys. Overall, it appeals to a wide audience and it’s no wonder why, statistically speaking, it is their most popular music video.

5. SHINee – “Married To The Music”

SHINee’s retro-funk song “Married To The Music” was really good on its own, but it’s “Rocky Horror” throwback-styled music video is where the real fun begins. The horror-lite music video shows the members of SHINee at a party that’s straight out of someone’s nightmare. Drinking the punch has never been so dangerous, and someone is out to make a Frankenstein monster out of the members. The editing is also notable, with the CGI coming across as more realistic than most other instances in K-pop videos, and the cinematography really harkens back to the horror films and television shows of the 1970’s. SHINee is also given the chance to show off their precise choreography that the group is known for. But, while all these parts come together as a whole for an enjoyable video, it’s the hilarity and carry through of the concept — ranging from headless members to another vomiting confetti to singing cakes — that makes “Married To The Music” really enjoyable and one of our KultScene top music videos of 2015.

Also on KultScene: 8 Apink Songs to Hype You Up for their North American Tour

4. GOT7 – “If You Do”

A song full of melancholy and angst needs a just as melancholic and angsty music video, and that’s exactly what we got with GOT7’s “If You Do” — which is our favorite song of 2015, by the way. Since their debut, we’ve grown accustomed to GOT7’s cheerful and vibrant energy from “A” and “Just Right,” but for this single, we got a glimpse of a whole new side of the guys and it wasn’t cute. Ok, maybe it was still cute, but through the song and video, they conveyed a more mature and rawer image, dealing with their inner demons and taking it out on inanimate objects. Moreover, even though the group has excellent dancers, choreography has never been a focal point for them. However, this changed with “If You Do,” where we got fancy footwork and a more ferocious overall choreography on par with the sentiments behind the lyrics. With an emphasis on the powerful dance moves and their rageful portrayals, “If You Do” allowed their individual and group talents to shine through without any gimmicks. With this song, GOT7 let everyone know what they’re really capable of and that they’re in it for the long run, and we’re all super excited about what 2016 will bring from them.

3. BTS – “I Need U” (Original Ver.)

It’s such a shame that the original version of BTS’s “I Need U” was banned from broadcast because of violent imagery since it is easily the group’s best music video. With this rendition we see a more comprehensive story as opposed to the PG version that was – let’s face it – nothing more than a highlight reel. This one actually follows the misfortunes and angst of the seven members, covering themes such as depression, loss, and self immolation, all problems that plague the youth that the group is known to target. But other than the dark themes, there are still a lot that needs to be explained, including the relationship between the members and what led to their individual downfall. This was the start of all the numerous fan theories, which continued into the ensuing prologue video and even up until their “Run” music video released six months later. From getting viewers to think critically to the grungy yet gorgeous cinematography of the video itself, the original version is absolute art. The members’ acting were more than convincing, especially V who had the honor of executing the murder scene. Even without having read the theories, it’s a very depressing video taken at face value. But its ability to tug at viewers’ heartstrings is also exactly why it still remains as a fan favorite.

2. GOT7 – “Just Right”

Leave it to the boys of GOT7 to pull at our heartstrings and make us all feel like squeamish middle school girls with their fun song “Just Right” and the equally playful and uplifting music video for it. Reminiscent of NSYNC’s classic “It’s Gonna Be Me,” the guys play dancing mini dolls(?) in an insecure little girl’s bedroom who try to make her feel good about herself by telling her she is more than enough as is. From the guy’s expressions, to the actress, to the dance and the very kawaii color pallette, everything is meant to enhance the cuteness of the song. And what otherwise could be the cringiest music video ever — with Jackson coyly laying in a powder compact or them fooling around in a Mini Cooper car — is actually miraculously just the right amount of sweet and cheesy. “Just Right” is the biggest fan service ever from them, but instead of being one of those “only fans can love” tracks, it’s fun and catchy and meant to stay in your head for hours, lyrics and point dances wise; anyone and everyone can love it. The music video is one of the best of the year given its adorableness and playfulness that you just don’t get in K-pop anymore. And not that you need a guy to tell you that you’re beautiful or awesome, but there’s just something endearing and reassuring about Mark hanging from your clock and telling you to step off of the scale and onto his back for a piggyback ride. Sounds like quite the deal to me!

1. BIGBANG – “Sober”

It’s impossible to turn away from the beautiful cinematography of this trippy music video, making BIGBANG’s “Sober” our favorite video of the year. The music video for “Sober” is one of the most bizarre music videos out of Korea this year with brilliant settings and an important message through its psychedelic images. Throughout the entire video, the members of BIGBANG are running around, acting like crazy people, just doing their thing as they chase their dreams and hallucinate. The electronic melody of “Sober” diverges from the idea of being sober and takes a stab at emphasizing the struggles of BIGBANG as individuals: G-Dragon’s fast-paced antics belie his loneliness, Seungri’s grasping at paper with the words “this is your god” shows the singer’s attempt at being happy via money, T.O.P just wants to play all day and return to the innocence of childhood, Daesung struggles with having too many things to do and just wanting to play his music for the sake of music, and Taeyang struggles trying to find a way out of the world he’s trapped in. The video ends with the individuals coming together to enjoy a good time running through a field, highlighting the fact that BIGBANG’s members are individuals at their best when they’re all together. With a meaning that relates to the personal struggles of BIGBANG but also reflects the difficulties of life that everyone faces, “Sober” is a fun-filled, philosophical, soul-searching video. BIGBANG had a lot of good music videos this year, but the deeper meaning, the creative scenery and videography, and the hilarity of the situations and actions of BIGBANG just gives “Sober” that extra nuanced details something that makes it our number one music video of the year.

What was your favorite music video this year? 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 Underrated K-Pop Solo Debuts of 2015

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5 Underrated Solo Debuts of 2015

2015 was a year chock full of K-pop goodness, both for groups and for solo artists. In particular, there were many idols who made their solo debuts this year. While some of them were well-received in Korea and on international charts, there were also some others who didn’t garner so much attention. As with most K-pop related things, album sales largely have nothing to do with the quality of the music produced, so here are five underrated solo debuts that deserve more love.

1. G. Soul

At the start of the year this soloist made headlines when he finally made his debut after 15 years as a JYP Entertainment trainee. With his album “Coming Home,” G. Soul thoroughly showcased his vocal abilities and charmed listeners with his silky emotive voice. His lead single “You” was also a strong track complete with wonderful composition and a catchy chorus. He even released an acoustic version of the song subsequently, which further highlighted his amazing voice, and it was this version that made me a fan of his.

Unfortunately, despite releasing three EPs and singles over this year (most recently in September), he is still relatively unknown in the K-pop industry. With almost zero promotions on music programs and variety shows, it’s not very surprising that he’s unable to compete in popularity with other idols who are very active in the entertainment scene. However, one of his newest songs, “Beautiful Goodbye,” has been gaining attention recently because of EXO’s Kai, who performed a cover of the song during their concert.

Hopefully this trend will continue in the future and he will become more well-known. With the quality of music that he’s been creating and his voice, he certainly deserves all the respect and more that he’s getting now. In fact, he recently made Kultscene’s Top 50 Songs List for the year with his latest release “Crazy For You.” 

2. Mckay Kim

I’ve watched this soloist since his early days on “K-pop Star Season 2.” Mckay Kim‘s voice was so charismatic that I fell in love with it (and him) almost instantly. From his wonderful partnership with Brian Shin and Kim Min Suk (Raccoon Boys) on the competition to his solo debut earlier this year, his music has always been amazing. He debuted with a collaboration with Jeff Bernat, a Filipino-American singer songwriter who is quite well-known in Korea, and their voices blended together perfectly through the song “Angel 2 Me.” Kim, in particular, has a soothing and smooth voice that is so comforting to listen to. Whenever I listen to this song, I feel relaxed even if I’m on a crowded public bus or doing math problems in my room. The harmonies and chill beat of this song are therapeutic but still alluring and charming.

Mckay also came back with another track in June, appropriately titled “Month of June,” but this release gained even less attention than his previous one. It’s a sweet song filled with the light-heartedness of summer and being in love. On his own this time, Mckay was able to show off even more of his vocal skills and musical ability, which is why it’s even sadder that this song wasn’t as well-received. Both in terms of natural talent and music quality, Mckay has the potential to become a mega star in this K-pop industry, he just needs a chance to break out now, and the sooner the better. I can’t wait for his future releases (he really needs an album) and I’m confident that he’ll continue releasing great music.

Also on Kultscene: 5 Underrated K-Pop Rookie Songs

3. Park Jimin (15&)

A member of K-pop girl duo 15&, Park Jimin made her solo debut in March this year with her title track “Hopeless Love.” Despite having amazing vocal talent and good songs, she has been an underrated singer ever since her debut in 15& and as a solo artist. Another alumni of “K-pop Star,” she won the first season of the show in 2012 but has been relatively low-profile since then. With “Hopeless Love” however, she brought something new to the table with this ballad that isn’t really a ballad. With her strong high notes and charismatic voice, Park Jimin brought out the various emotions that are presented through the lyrics of the song. In particular, one line that sums up the pain of having an one-sided love: “Even though it hurts I just can’t turn away.” It’s a great release and solo effort so it’s such a pity that she didn’t get more attention for it. As of August this year, she formed a project group called M.O.L.A with Seungyoun of UNIQ and another rapper Nathan with whom she released tracks showcasing her rapping skills as well. For a singer as talented as Jimin, she deserves so much more success in her career so I’m hoping that this won’t be the end of her solo efforts!

4. Minah (Girls’ Day)

Unlike 15&, Girls’ Day can’t be said to be unknown or underrated, not by a long shot. So what is Minah, the popular main vocalist of the girl group doing in this list? She has made her name as a soloist a long time ago with the various drama OSTs she has released and has already acted in several dramas herself but her solo debut earlier this year largely went under the radar of most K-pop fans. While she did debut at a time filled with several other hot comebacks like EXO and Miss A, I fail to understand how she received so little praise and attention from the public.. With “I Am A Woman Too” Minah showed off her impressive vocal talents and her ability to sing strongly and yet gently at the same time. However, her release received criticism in regards to the choreography, which netizens complained looked awkward. In terms of song quality however, this song was produced well and is catchy. While Minah does shine even within the rest of her group, her solo effort was a chance for her to showcase different sides to herself and in my opinion she managed that. I hope that this debut’s lack of commercial success would not affect her chances for a comeback in the future because I’m eagerly waiting for it!

Also on Kultscene: 8 Korean Shows To Cuddle Up With This Holiday Season

5. Lee Junho (2PM)

I’m not saying this just because I’m a Hottest but Junho’s solo debut was one of the best and yet most underrated debut I have ever seen. As the lead vocal of 2PM, Junho’s charming voice has been showcased ever since their group debut but he’s been continually improving his vocal skills over the years, something which is evident in their later releases. Apart from just working on his singing, he’s also been composing and writing songs for the group, the most recent of which is “Nobody Else” from their latest Korean album “No. 5.” As a solo artist, he debuted in Japan two years ago and has produced three Japanese albums since then. He only made his solo debut in Korea this year however, with his album “One,” which he promoted for a short period of music shows. This album, with title track “Fire,” displayed not just his amazing singing but also his compositions because he wrote almost all the songs on the album.

With an addictive chorus “Fire” isn’t just a good song it also thoroughly shows how self-aware Junho is as an artist. He knows his voice and abilities very well and is able to present the best side of himself through his songs. In this album he also tried more rapping to very satisfying results, as evidenced by tracks like “Pressure” (the rap starts around 3:12).

Thankfully for Junho it seems like JYP recognises his potential as a soloist so here’s to more amazing albums in the future!

What do you think of these underrated soloists? Who else do you think should have made the list? 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.

8 Apink Songs to Hype You Up for their North American Tour

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apink north america tour 2016 pink memory

Becoming a popular K-pop girl group is hard. Not only does a new group debut every other day, but female artists have to compete with male groups who get most of the attention from the fan girls. Definitely, not an easy task. However, Apink stood the test of time and is now one of the most popular girl groups and Korea. Said popularity has spilled abroad recently, with them touring China, Japan, Singapore, and now their “Pink Memory” North American tour is just around the corner!

The lovely girls of Apink are headed to the US and Canada early next year. Their stops are Vancouver on January 5 at the Orpheum Theatre, Dallas on the 6 at the Verizon Theatre, San Francisco on the 8 at the Regency Ballroom, and Los Angeles on the 9 at Club NOKIA. Tickets have been on sale since November and they go from $50 for general admission, to $250 in Vancouver and $215 for the US stops for the VIP meet and greet. You can buy them here.

Thanks to big shows and festivals like KCON and the Korea Times Festival we’ve been able to see a wide arrange of Korean acts over the years, but Apink’s concert will be the first time since 2012 that a female K-pop group holds a solo concert in the States and fans are ecstatic. But to add to the excitement, let’s revisit eight of their songs to get us hyped up for the upcoming shows.

1. “Mr. Chu”

Among the standouts release by the sextet, the one that shines the brightest is no doubt “Mr. Chu.” While still sticking to their overall cute and feminine concept, “Mr. Chu” is one of those feel-good dance songs you can’t help but cheer up when you listen to it.

 Also on KultScene: Top 50 Korean Songs of 2015

2. “No No No”

Apink has its fair share of earworms, but none gets into your brain and refuses to leave like “No No No.” The chorus and the point dance moves, of course. “No No No” is one of those songs you just can’t sit in your seat and clap along to. You must get up and sing and dance along with the girls.

3. “Hush”

After becoming one of the standout rookies when they debuted, they came back with “Hush.” Unlike a lot of Apink’s singles, “Hush” relies a lot on the electro pop beats that were very popular in K-pop when it came out. Even if the song differs from what we’re used to from them, it’s a nice change that breaks the sameness of their cute and girly songs.

4. “I Got You”

This B side from “UNNE ANNE” followed the same sound as “Hush,” being an electro pop extravaganza. In true Apink fashion, the song is incredibly catchy and easy to sing along to. However, the song stands out for being a cool mix of their usual concept with this new electronica concept. “I Got You” would’ve made an awesome single. But since this wasn’t the case, we’re left with a true hidden gem only fans or people who take the trouble of listening to the whole album know.

5. “Like a Dream”

But not everything is a dance party. With such talented vocalists, we obviously have to include a mid-tempo ballad. It’s a little reminiscent of Rihanna’s “Take a Bow,” but with Apink’s signature sugary and youthful vocals.

6. “My My”

When one thinks of Apink, songs like “My My” is what comes to mind; innocence, femininity, and a bit (or a lot) of cheesiness without tapping into the ridiculous. “My My” is a complete throwback for its bubblegum pop reminiscent of S.E.S or other ‘90s Western pop acts. The melody goes perfectly with their sugary vocals, creating an uplifting, feel-good song.

 Also on KultScene: 6 INFINITE Songs That Will Prepare You For INFINITE Effect

7. “Luv”

Fast forward a couple of years, the girls of Apink are not so young anymore, and we got a glimpse of their transition into womanhood with “Luv.” Still cute, still feminine, but this song has a touch of maturity we hadn’t seen before from them, stating that these girls are growing up. The girls are now singing about deeper kinds of love and seem more in tune with said feelings. “Luv” is a nice break from the lively tunes, showing us that Apink is not only about the rainbows and unicorns in life.

8. “Remember”

Having their cake and eating it too, “Remember” starts off as a sweet ballad but then turn into a fresh pop synth symphony. It sounds completely different from anything Apink has done before, but at the same time, it’s familiar. After “Luv,” the girls went back to their cute concept, but the flavor in “Remember” is seasoned differently. Like it was left to marinate longer and now has a more flavorful and rich taste to it. It’s a great summer jam, making it a great song to dance and have fun to at the show.

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

8 Korean Shows To Cuddle Up With This Holiday Season

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December is the holiday season throughout much of the world, and even if you’re not celebrating anything and Dec. 25 is just a normal day, there’s something about holiday films and television shows that just fit this time of year. Christmas in South Korea is more of a couple’s holiday and Christmas (let alone Chanukah or Kwanzaa) is not particularly popular in K-dramas and Korean reality shows. But the ideas of the season – being with family and friends- is easy enough to find. So if you’re with your loved ones, or trying to hide from them, this December it’s time to watch some of these seasonal Korean dramas.

”Winter Sonata”

The title says it all, but this drama is more than just about the snow. “Winter Sonata” was the start of all things Hallyu, or at least the K-drama portion of it. Released in 2002 featuring Bae Young Joon and Choi Ji Woo, this drama is all about first loves, memory loss, evil mothers, and all the good things that will take you off into a wintery K-drama wonderland.

”Answer Me 1988”

If you are watching this show, you know that the first snow is the perfect time for a kiss. And if you’re not watching it, why not? “Answer Me 1988” is a feel good, family-oriented drama filled with nostalgia. The characters don’t celebrate Christmas, but do celebrate the new year and it’s like the winter, and family bickering, never ends in this feel-good show.

Also on Kultscene: Top 50 Korean Songs of 2015

”She Was Pretty”

This and “Answer Me 1988” were two of the dramas that multiple members of KultScene’s staff just couldn’t stop watching this year. “She Was Pretty” put a large emphasis on the greater realm of relationships, which is exactly what you want to snuggle up with in the dark days of the winter. The lovable, laughable relationships between the characters played by Hwang Jung Eum, Choi Si Won, and Go Joon Hee is just the thing to make you value friendships during the winter months and holiday season, beanies and all. (“She Was Pretty” is also part of Viki’s 12 Days of Oppa, so definitely don’t miss out on all of their offerings!)

”You Who Came From The Stars”

The story of an alien and actress falling in love surpasses time and the seasons, but much of this drama takes place in winter months. A key moment takes place as the two main characters (played by Jun Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun) freeze their butts off ice fishing. There’s support from friends, mysterious villains who could easily double for the Grinch, and just a lot of shiny things that look like they’d fit right in place on a Christmas tree.

”The Return of Superman” & “Dad, Where Are We Going?”

These two family-oriented reality shows aren’t dramas, per say, but… We’ll throw them on this list anyway. The variety shows are all about family’s playing around together, enjoying one another’s company. And the kids are freaking cute. You can watch summer episodes if the winter months are getting you down, but when these adorable children stars play in the snow with their dads… Our hearts just go to mush.

Also on Kultscene: K-Drama’s Latest Trend: Alzheimer’s Disease

”The Winter, That Wind Blows”

This heart wrenching drama about mistaken identities and disabilities takes a backdrop to the winter weather. The warm family relationships, and the lack of, will make you look towards those around you and appreciate all the good things in life. And you may even find yourself hoping that some of the jewelry Song Hye Kyo wears makes it way into a prettily wrapped box this holiday!

”White Christmas”

What better way to end this list than with something called “White Christmas”? But this drama isn’t all about the presents and religious aspects of Christmas. “White Christmas” may take place during the last week of December, but it’s also the least feel-good holiday cheer drama. Which could be the perfect recipe for some people! No, this 2011 drama is a school-based murder mystery featuring young stars like Kim Woo Bin, Sung Joon as more.

What’s your favorite holiday-oriented K-drama? 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.

Top 50 Korean Songs of 2015

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Compared to last year’s K-popcalypse, artists in 2015 came back with a vengeance and with something to prove. This, of course, was awesome for fans, given that we were treated to a year filled with some of the best Korean songs released in recent years. 2015 saw the return of many esteemed groups, the rise of non K-pop genres in the mainstream and popularized abroad, fresh debuts, and a lot of vintage sounds in the songs, a nice detour from the heavy electronic trend from recent years. So after a long consideration period and fights and disagreements among the KultScene staff, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of 50 of the top songs out of Korea this year. And without further ado, here it goes.

50. 9Muses – “Sleepless night”

9Muses scrape onto our list with their last single of the year “Sleepless Night.” At first listen, “Sleepless Night” is difficult to get your head around. Its chorus is not immediately obvious and the members sing in a hushed tone that is unusual to modern pop music. With each new listen, the song grows though; the drum beat intricacies and vocal infections become more pronounced. This is a group making great use of their weaker vocals, it gives the deeper voiced Sojin a chance to sing a chorus, but not go beyond her own vocal means. The structure brings the song together conceptually, making it jittery and restless. Matching a concept when it’s something as unsatisfying as a sleepless night is not exactly a great commercial choice, but thankfully it works so well artistically.

49. BoA – “Kiss My Lips”

K-pop’s queen BoA is known for her eternally youthful voice and image, but this year she changed things up with “Kiss My Lips” by trying something sexier. As a result, we got a dreamy, minimal electro-pop song that featured the diva singing provocative lyrics in a sultry, deeper voice more adequate for her age bracket. Because in an industry where the sexy girl groups are a dime a dozen, this woman put out a smooth jam that enchants the listener with her sultry vocals full of yearning — with SM Entertainment’s signature feminine and discreet sexiness. Hopefully the singer will stick to this mature concept and won’t make us wait another three years for a comeback.

48. Zion.T & Crush – “Just”

Zion. T quickly sets the tone for “Just” with his smooth R&B voice. From the moment that he starts singing, hearts instantly melt. Zion. T’s honey vocals are divine and sweet, easy to make just about anyone fall for him. And that’s what Zion. T does, he gets in your head and makes sure to stay there. If you’re slightly or very much so acquainted with Crush, then you knew he was going to fully deliver with his singing, but his rapping was a complete surprise. It was fresh, different, and he did a marvelous job. The feelings that were behind the lyrics as he rapped and sang were properly presented. Everything from the harmony and the way the two play off of one another through the transitions of choruses truly bring joy to our ears (and heart). Moreover, there’s always that possibility that when two solo artists collaborate, one will outshine the other, but this wasn’t the case. These two compliment each other very well; it’s almost like they’re the missing pieces to one another’s puzzles.

47. MFBTY – “Buckubucku (feat. EE, Rap Monster, Dino-J)”

The hip-hop legends, Yoon Mirae, Tiger JK, and Bizzy, who together form MFBTY will have you saying “Buckubucku” while awake and even in your sleep. The backbeat puts you in a trance, one in which will have you continuously bobbing your head, so much that it’ll feel like you’re doing an intense neck exercise. Each artist’s flow is spot on and the transitions are perfect. Usually, the only female, Yoon Mirae, always shows up to win, and she did indeed do that. Her rhymes are absolutely flawless and she always shows great strength and women empowerment. On top of this already head banging track, the featuring of artists like EE, Rap Monster, and Dino-J gave this track an extra oomph to an already killer song. This is where the term “squad goals” comes into play because, seriously, wouldn’t you want a to be around a group of people like them all the time? Right? Right.

46. Red Velvet – “Dumb Dumb”

If you could find a song of the year that is more addicting than Red Velvet’s “Dumb Dumb,” you’re deluding yourself. With the repetitive chorus and the highly danceable bridges, the brassy song is a mashup of colorful beats and vocal belting. The tip of the nod to Michael Jackson and his countless songs make it clear that the song is influenced by American retro pop hits, and it’s the perfect move for a song that was built to be blasted from the radio. It isn’t dissimilar to Jesse J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj’s “Bang Bang” with it’s building, ‘80s driven sounds, and this is just the thing to be listening to at a summer dance party. Each member is given their moment to shine, and Wendy’s belting in particular brings “Dumb Dumb” to another level. Red Velvet is still new to the K-pop scene, but their talent and hit-making factor can’t be denied and you’d be a “Dumb Dumb” to not take a listen.

45. Cheetah & Jessi “My Type (feat. Kangnam)”

What’s a producer to do when you have the best two contenders on “Unpretty Rapstar” competing for a feature on the same track? You put both artists on it, of course. That’s the route Verbal Jint took with “My Type,” having Cheetah and Jessi drop bars while Kangnam lent his mellow vocals for the chorus. What made this song interesting was the stark contrast between the lively and fun beat as a backdrop for Jessi’s husky voice and Cheetah’s fierce rap and lyrics about dating a confident and strong woman. However, Kangnam’s smooth verses brought the song together and made for a cool gender swap, having two women rapping and a guy singing the chorus about loving his boss lady and being ok with the criticism. “My Type” allowed listeners to see and hear a new side to Jessi and Cheetah. Because even if they killed it with their raps and they were still their fierce selves, they gave into a fun and quirky song about dating.

44. Keith Ape “It G Ma (feat. JayAllday, Loota, Okasian, Kohh)”

While everyone was eagerly awaiting CL’s crossover to the American market, Korean rapper Keith Ape came out of nowhere on the first day of the year and dropped fire with “It G Ma” and ultimately beat her to it. “It G Ma,” a Korean-Japanese homage to American rapper OG Maco’s “Bitch You Guessed It,” features Korean rappers JayAllday and Okasian, and Japanese rappers Loota and Kohh, together with Keith yelling about money, clothes, and weed, making it probably the most authentic and trendy piece of Korean hip-hop to date for its sound and theme. The track spread like wildfire in the US for its Southern trap beat, but was largely ignored in South Korea. However, that didn’t prevent it from starting a trend there, where every other Korean rapper “emulated” OG Maco and Keith’s style (um, Zico, anyone?). The success of “It G Ma” abroad even lead to a remix featuring American rappers A$AP Ferg, Father, Dumbfoundead, and Waka Flocka Flame. One could argue the political connotations of “It G Ma,” both the original and the remix, featuring rappers from different countries, especially Korea and Japan with their grim history, but, in essence, it’s just a ratchet song to turn up to.

43. Super Junior D&E – “Can You Feel It? (Chok Chok Dance)”

Super Junior has long been known for their addicting dance tunes, and this year’s “Can You Feel It?” courtesy of two of the group’s main dancers is just what the doctor ordered. The song fits very safely in Super Junior’s discography, offering up a highly danceable beat with a fun-filled dance routine, with some nice vocal melodies from Donghae and Eunhyuk. Along with being a pump up song that will have everyone throwing their hands over their head doing the dance, the electronic, arcade-style beats sets “Can You Feel It?” firmly into the “this is weird and experimental but I love it.” The song’s a fan favorite, and was performed by the entire group at KCON LA 2015, because it is absolutely impossible to sit down when you hear the first “chok” coming out of Eunhyuk’s mouth to kick off the retro-synth dance tune.

42. Red Velvet – “Automatic”

Going off of the “Be Natural” vibe under their red side, Red Velvet came back this year with another ‘90s R&B track titled “Automatic.” Like its predecessor, the song has a jazzy, sultry feel, which they paired up with their honeyed vocals to sing about how a guy made them feel. Yes, let your imagination run wild with that one. Because before they released their title single “Happiness 2.0” (that would be “Ice Cream Cake”), the girls put out a mature, womanly, and elegantly sexy song that offered an interesting alternative to whatever the overtly sexual girl groups and the overtly sugary ones (or their other personality, for that matter) were doing this year. It also served as the introduction for new member Yeri. And even if her purpose in the group is not clear yet, the rest of the members carried that song perfectly and she seems to fit in nicely.

41. Hyukoh – “Wi ing Wi ing”

If “Comes and Goes” was the song that shot Hyukoh to fame in South Korea, “Wi ing Wi ing” was the band’s representative song of 2015. The song, with a slightly softer sound and the gentle “wi-ing w-ing” and “bing bing” chorus, is a more mellow take on the beach-gaze style that Hyukoh does best. The song begins with simple crisp guitar tunes and Oh Hyuk’s melancholic voice before picking up and turning into a jazzier take on a rock break up song interwoven with the tale of someone with nothing to do with their life. Hyukoh’s style and straightforward storytelling makes you feel like you could write this song and play it with a bunch of your friends, but the quiet complexity of the musical arrangement meshed with Oh Hyuk’s outstanding, building vocal performance makes “Wi ing Wi ing” something so simple and yet so out of the ordinary.

 Also on KultScene: Whales & K-Pop: EXO, BTS, & The Loneliest Creature In The World

40. G.Soul – “Crazy For You”

I read something a little while ago as someone was trying to describe G.Soul’s voice. They said, “his voice is smoother than a baby’s bottom,” to which I couldn’t help but be in awe as to how accurate that statement really is. G.Soul as an artist is a beautiful blend of The Weeknd, Years & Years, Michael Jackson, and Zion. T, vocally and musically. The usage of his buttery voice in “Crazy For You” almost seems effortless. Each word uttered along with the accompaniment of the smooth electronica beats will captivate your soul and will leave you yearning for more. The song has a retro, house music kind of vibe, one in which can be heard while shopping at clothing stores like Zara, H&M, and TopShop. Nevertheless, “Crazy For You” is incredibly smooth and overall yummy to the senses.

39. Twice – “Like Ooh Ahh”

The latest craze to come out of JYP Entertainment is spunky rookie girl group TWICE. After appearing in their very own survival contest show SIXTEEN, the lucky girls that were chosen went on to debut. Their debut track, “Like Ooh Ahh,” is a color-pop dance song that is young and vibrant. Each girl does their small part to contribute to the group as a whole, but it’s their leader and main vocals Jihyo that slightly outshines the other girls with her powerhouse voice. That doesn’t go to say that the other girls are lame in comparison, especially with the chorus and hook of the song, which makes you want to get up and jump around. The girls do an excellent job reeling in the listeners, getting them addicted to the light and fun song. In the short time since the group has have risen in popularity rather quickly; not only reaching almost 20 million views on their “Like Ooh Ahh” music video in only two months since debuting, but also snagging best new female artists and other rookie awards on award shows. TWICE definitely has the potential to become a great group as they grow and mature; they certainly are on the right path to do so.

38. Lim Kim – “Awoo”

This isn’t a Primary song, per say, but the heavy-handed producer’s style appears clearly in this cat-themed take on the modern girl’s guide to flirting. The pounding, dub beats and horns beneath Lim Kim’s sultry voice create a heavy sound before the playful, catcalling chorus kicks off, giving this pop-dance track a feeling unlike most other releases from 2015. The lyrics describe a person playing coy while flirting, pretending to make mistakes, and the naughty, confident tone of Lim Kim’s hallowed voice brings across the song’s meaning even without a translation. The song is one of the best electronic songs of 2015 by far, and contains distorted EDM elements without being overwhelming to create a whimsical, trippy banger. “Awoo” is a little bit electronic pop, a little bit R&B, and all good.

37. IU – “Twenty Three”

Apart from the nation’s little sister, controversies were relatively rare this year. IU had to contend with more hate from Korean netizens, thus meaning her music was overshadowed somewhat. This is a shame as “Chat-shire” was one of the best albums of the year and its lead single “Twenty Three,” one of the best too. “Twenty Three” is a song about growing up and the significant trials this poses a female celebrity. IU’s growth is evident also in her music. The song sounds like an updated more mature version of her usual songs. She mixes scratchy disco guitars and keys in the verse with joyous strings in the chorus, allowing a diversity to grow in the song much the lyrics. Conceptually, all of these elements combine to show an artist at work, someone who is ready to take risks in order to make a point. We think those risks were well worth it.

36. Super Junior-D&E – “Growing Pains”

For their first full-length Korean album “The Beat Goes On,” the Super Junior subunit Super Junior-D&E blew us away this year with “Growing Pains.” With Eunhyuk being one of the main group’s rappers, Donghae a non-main vocalist, and together forming the dance line, we’ve come to love their funky pop releases like “Oppa, Oppa” from back in the day, mainly focused on the choreography and the fun of it all. However, this time around, D&E released — not another dance track — but a medium tempo ballad co-written by Donghae and pulled it off. Songs featuring the rapper and backup vocalist singing doesn’t always work out, much less in a ballad, but “Growing Pains” with the guys’ airy and pretty vocals paired with the strumming guitar and piano melody proved that Suju’s dance line is able to hold their own, even with a style atypical to them.

35. Kim Sung Kyu – “The Answer”

While the year is filled with high energy fist-pumping dance songs and overly sexy concepts, Kim Sung Kyu decided to go a different route. From his sophomore solo album, Kim Sung Kyu (better known as the leader and main vocalist of Infinite) released two title tracks; one of them being “The Answer.” The song is a mid-tempo ballad that starts out pretty mellow but gradually builds as the song progresses. The melody of the track is beautifully simplistic which allows the vocals to shine. Sung Kyu does a good job conveying the emotion of the lyrics with the dynamics of his voice, mixing just the right amounts of gentleness and power at just the right moments. And although the ballad is full of heart-wrenching lyrics of longing, the music sounds bright and uplifting, leaving the listener feeling hopeful for whatever may come their way.

34. CL – “Hello Bitches”

After a whole year of waiting for her highly anticipated American debut, CL is still not ready. However, she threw eager fans a bone by releasing a “street single,” “Hello Bitches.” If this track is a teaser of what we’re all to expect from this album, we can see that CL plans on mixing the East and West in every form possible. Whether it’s with her lyrics, CL sings and raps alternatively in Korean and English about jet setting around the world and even mentions Korean and Asian products (Kakao, Hello Kitty). Musically, “Hello Bitches” is another now classic YG Entertainment resident producer Teddy trap hip-hop hybrid with massive stompers. CL is sticking to her roots and displaying them on the world stage instead of leaving them behind, as many fans dreaded would happen with a crossover. Moreover, the 2NE1 leader is known for her self-empowering anthems, both with the group and solo, but “Hello Bitches” saw a freer version of CL and offered a unique take on pop in the West.

33. Seventeen – “Mansae”

Seventeen encapsulate everything I love about K-pop. From the infectious personality of all thirteen members, to the sheer invention they bring to a live stage; I’ve loved everything they have done this year. However, none more so than their second single “Mansae,” a song as fun as the boys themselves. Like their debut “Adore U,” it is a song in the traditional pop vein. Glittering guitars lead orchestral sounds in short sharp bursts throughout and it has two obvious hooks to be found in the chorus and chants of the song. In a year that saw the best releases since I began listening to K-pop, even if it was also littered with a multitude of new sounds, Seventeen were a reminder of what got me into K-pop. Despite not being the best song of the year, no song made me happier than “Mansae.”

32.Primary – “Don’t Be Shy (feat. ChoA & IRON)”

Deny it all you want, but how often do we come across a Korean song with such straight forward and borderline provocative lyrics as that in Primary’s “Don’t Be Shy?” As a producer, Primary created a great masterpiece. Not only are the lyrics suggestive, but there’s something immensely addictive about this reggae-influenced beat. You will find yourself swaying to its gentle rhythm and mesmerized and wrapped up in ChoA’s seductive voice. Although “Don’t Be Shy” felt more like ChoA featuring IRON, his voice played well with the reggae beat. And despite his part being short, he left a lasting impression and delivered an impactful message. Both ChoA and IRON’s attractive and sensual voices delivered the lyrics in a way in which will have the listeners feigning for more.

31. Brown Eyed Girls – “Brave New World”

2015 saw a lot of funky releases by male K-pop groups, channeling their inner Michael Jackson and even Bruno Mars. However, Brown Eyed Girls slayed them all by actually sampling the king’s “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” while still making the song their own in their comeback single “Brave New World.” Like the original, “Brave New World” is a throwback to the early ‘80s, late ‘70s with its groovy disco influences paired with fantastic violins and electro beats. And even if this mix sounds like it can be an outdated catastrophe, the production had a contemporary spin and BEG pulled through with their amazing vocals and ferocious sass. It’s a shame that “Warm Hole” was the single, given “Brave New World” is flawless and less gimmicky. Not to mention it makes you instantly want to get up and dance.

30. BIGBANG (GD & T.O.P) – “Zutter”

This year, BIGBANG released a slew of awesome hits, but a nice surprise was “Zutter,” marking the return of the subunit GD & T.O.P after four long years. “Zutter” is zutter, meaning “dope” or “sick” in Korean, with its throwback hip-hop beats mixed with trap snares. The song, like most of the other releases by the subunit, focuses on the guys’ contrasting spit and flows. This was definitely a nice gem and change in mood among the rest of BIGBANG’s releases this year.

29. Teen Top – “Ah-ah”

Teen Top continues to grow with their release “Ah-ah”. This song is the embodiment of what you would think a nice breeze on a hot fun summer night would sound like, cool and refreshing. The funky electro-pop track is highlighted by Teen Top’s quick foot-work; reminiscent of the dance from their 2013 release “Rocking.” But unlike the more frantic sound of their previous release, “Ah-ah” is smooth and relaxed with upbeat raps from L.Joe and C.A.P laced throughout the song. If this mature sound is what we can continue expect from Teen Top, there is no doubt that their future will be bright.

28. U-Know Yunho (TVXQ) – “Champagne”

TVXQ has always been a stalwart of K-pop, but this year’s “Rise As God” album was the first time that each member of the duo was given a chance to really shine. Once known as the rapper of TVXQ, leader U-Know Yunho had everyone tapping their feet to this funky drinking song. With clapping and brass beats, “Champagne” continues the trend of last year’s TVXQ songs, while also bringing in a bit of a Michael Jackson dance feel, which perfectly suits Yunho’s style. The jazzy rhythm of the song utilizes Yunho’s vocal range, offering falsetto at one point but mostly utilizing his deeper range. As a fun, drunken look into what Yunho is capable of as a soloist, “Champagne” was released a day before the TVXQ member enlisted in the Korean army (mandatory for all able-bodied men) and is the perfect way to send him off while he fulfills two years of military service.

27. Super Junior – “Magic”

If “Devil” was their statement that they are now a group of mature, well-seasoned artists, then Super Junior’s follow-up “Magic” is their return to their fun and boyish roots. The funky song has the members mystified as they try to figure out their dream girl, using magic as a trope to do so. It also uses a very standard band ensemble – horns, pianos, bass, drums – as its backing; nothing sounds computerized, which is a rarity in today’s K-pop. Perhaps this is why the song sounds so fresh and polished. Of course, the members’ clear and smooth vocals might also have something to do with this as well. I mean, the whole track just falls into place, and while this might mean that there is not any great build-up, it’s still a stalwart in its own right. A pretty classic song from the boys to celebrate a pretty great 10 years.

26. OH MY GIRL – “Cupid”

By the time “Closer” came out, it felt like OH MY GIRL were hardened veterans of the K-pop world. The maturity shown there was clear, and showed why they are the best rookie girl group of the year. The highlight of their year, however, was their debut single. “Cupid” is a raucous blast through adolescent love with marching drums, chanting, and surprisingly impressive rapping. The drums steal the show, they give the song an unhinged quality, seemingly always ready to tumble into hysterics. It holds together though, leaving us with one of the best debuts in recent times.

25. SHINee – “Married To The Music”

After diverging from their normal dance tunes and introducing the lighter house track “View” earlier this year, SHINee followed up with this fun dance track. The funky, retro-inspired dance track “Married To The Music” is like an ode to the ‘70s and ‘80s (and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show”), and only a group as skilled as SHINee could pull this off. The vocal harmonies and random strings and brass elements are in line with what SHINee’s agency, SM Entertainment, has been producing in the past two years. However, the introductory hip-hop elements and strong beats slipped into “Married To The Music” grounds SHINee in the R&B roots their early songs were inspired by. “Married To The Music” is SHINee at their best, with multiple musical influences coming together with their vocal harmonies and raps to create a perfectly bouncy hit.

24. Yezi – “Solo (feat. Jay Park & Loco) (Remix)” + Jay Park – “Solo (Feat. Hoody)”

Without a doubt, the revelation of the year was Fiestar’s rapper Yezi, who took everyone by surprise by actually being a good rapper and lyricist and showing her skills on “Unpretty Rapstar 2.” And even though she didn’t take first place, she did land one of the songs the contestants were competing for, a remix of Jay Park’s “Solo.” On “Solo Remix,” Yezi and Loco rapped on Cha Cha Malone’s beat and kept Jay’s vocals on the chorus. Yezi, known for being a “crazy dog” and dropping hard hitting bars, kept it softer, rapping about hoping the person she likes is single. Coming from an unpopular girl group, Yezi blew everyone away by being hella talented, which led to her releasing her solo song this month, but her work in “Solo Remix” showed she can adapt to anything.

Moreover, we couldn’t just exclude the original. Even if the remix is better, Jay Park’s original “Solo” showed a softer and rawer (yet still douche-y lyrically) side to the AOMG boss. On this version, Jay featured female singer Hoody, who’s vocals provided a tender touch that made the track a lot smoother. Besides — dare I say it? Jay’s better at singing than as a lyricist and rapper, which makes “Solo” one of his best songs to date.

23. MFBTY – “Bang Diggy Bang Bang”

MFBTY is truly a family affair. The intro of “Bang Diggy Bang Bang” is of Jordan, Yoon Mirae and Tiger JK’s son, cutely setting the vibe for what’s to be an upbeat and fun song. “Bang Diggy Bang Bang” had great usage of hip-hop and incorporation of Indian music, because as soon as the music started, as someone who does not dance whatsoever, I wanted to get on up and start moving my arms, hips, and get fancy with my footwork. It’d even be great as an OST for a Bollywood film one day too, wouldn’t it? What’s so inspiring about MFBTY is the fact that their music is universal; it’s suitable for everyone and anyone. But even with that said, they still maintain and stick to their unique hip-hop roots. These guys are pure geniuses and it definitely transcends into their music.

22. EXID – “Ah Yeah”

EXID makes an appearance on our list with their sexy moves in “Ah Yeah.” Like their previous breakout hit, the song contains a catchy hook accompanied with sexy dance moves. The song bounces back from coquettish vocals to LE’s intense rap verses, keeping the song interesting while the chorus of the song explodes with strong vocals from Hyerin and Solji. The group seems to have found their niche style and no one should be complaining. With their fun and sexy releases, EXID will be around for a while.

21. INFINITE – “Bad”

This year must have really been a popular year to explore new sounds as even INFINITE went down this road. The group came back with “Bad,” an orchestral and trap laden track that strays away from the retro sounds they’ve adopted over the years. But traces of the INFINITE we have grown to love still remain when we consider how theatrical it is. The dramatic strings and flitting synths cue in the verses, in which both the vocal and rapper line powerfully deliver their lines about a femme fatale. Even the pre-chorus, whose augmented cadences varies with the fast paced verses from before, mesh well in creating a climactic performance. Perhaps this is one song in which its build-up actually shadowed the hook, which was nothing more than a flat repetition of “bad bad bad bad bad girl.” “Bad” was not bad, but in comparison to their other works of art like “Last Romeo” and “The Chaser,” it was also not INFINITE at their best. Lucky for them, their artistic intentions (i.e., their emotional vocals) were able to save them and land them a place on our list.

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20. EXO – “Love Me Right”

After losing yet another EXO member Tao, the group decided once again that a change of atmosphere was much need with their synth-y pop track “Love Me Right.” Something inherent in the dance number, which features blaring horns and a thumping bassline, sounds dated, but in the charming ‘90s Seinfeld-type of way. It’s a sound that is not popular in the K-pop industry, so when it comes to originality, the boys deserve a star. But at the same time, it took some couple of listens before the song could grow on me because it was so different from what we’re used to hearing from them. In any event, the upbeat chorus begging you to love them right will eventually grow on you. And fans are sure to appreciate the equal line distribution (for once!) in this one. I mean, just check out member Sehun’s lengthy rap at 0:37. If there is one upside to the diminishing size of the group, it would certainly have to be this.

19. DAY6 “Congratulations”

After appearing on programs such as SBS’s “K-POP Star” and Mnet’s “WIN: Who is Next,” the highly anticipated members of DAY6 made their debut with “Congratulations.” Unique to the usual instrumental band, almost all of the members have active vocal parts, which creates a more dynamic sound with their different vocal ranges and sound. The members take turns singing their verse in the sad pop-rock song about overcoming heartbreak, showcasing each of their talent and musicality. The song starts off soft and slow then picks up as it reaches the climax of the song where the boys sing with so much emotion that the lost and hurt can almost be felt by the listener. With their popularity soaring despite not actively doing broadcasting promotions, DAY6 is definitely a group to keep an eye on.

18. miss A “Only You”

It was a busy year for many JYPE artists and miss A was no exception. Breaking away from the ultra-sexy image of their last release, “Only You” is a catchy pop song where the girls show their cute girly side while still emitting that bit of sass that they are known for. “Only You” starts out with a sexy and demanding vibe but quickly turns upbeat and flirty. The only thing that took me off guard was the random screeching noises throughout song. They are a bit strange, and the first time I heard them, I thought I was witnessing some sort of paranormal activity. But once you overlook the out of place background noises, the song remains bright and fun making it still a good listen.

17. 4minute – “Crazy”

I think it was when 4minute released their trap banger “Crazy” that I realized K-pop had recovered from the disaster that was 2014. The song’s energy is quite obvious, but what made it so palpable and essential was how it seemed to reinvigorate a whole genre of pop music in less than three and a half minutes. This type of dance music had become prevalent not only in K-pop, but in world music. Thanks to Gayoon’s measured vocal, Hyuna and Jiyoon’s biting raps and all manner of electro sounds, “Crazy” became an instant dance classic.

16. Wonder Girls – “I Feel You”

In a year full of throwbacks, nobody did it better or more comprehensively than Wonder Girls. “I Feel You,” their take on ‘80s synth pop, has details that somehow immerse you in a retro setting while always retaining that modern touch. An intoxicating riff carries the song and serves as its chorus over any vocal flourishes. The fact that they used period correct instruments pushes this song into truly great status. The electronic drums, keytar, and flattened guitars add a layer of texture that some over-produced songs of today can miss out on. It’s a staggering modern twist on older sounds.

15. Big Bang – “Bae Bae”

Big Bang’s was probably the most anticipated comeback of the year and was the most expansive in terms of singles, yet they rarely disappointed. One of the major highlights was “Bae Bae,” where the five boys brought a weirdness to their sound that was always present in their visuals. The song’s mix of hip-hop beats, pianos, and even country-like guitar riffs don’t give off particularly romantic images. But thanks to its tender, sexual lyrics, “Bae Bae” becomes sweet in its own way. Most of all, it’s a surreal trip to Big Bang’s sexual fantasies, which could not be anything but amazing.

14. Super Junior – “Devil”

To mark their 10th debut anniversary and the return of their main vocalist Yesung after his mandatory enlistment, Super Junior released “Devil” this year. With all of its members being well over their mid 20’s and even early 30’s, SM Entertainment has to find a way to market this massive boy group and make it compete with the younger groups each year and they have found it. Suju’s thing is the dance track as a single, and much like “Mamacita,” “Devil” showcases a more mature and cool side to the guys, both musically and personality-wise. However, “Devil” stands out on its for its funkiness and the members’ smooth harmonization at the chorus, devoid of any cheesy, though endearing, gimmicks as seen on “Mamacita.” This song was Super Junior’s statement that they’re not a bunch of guys in a boy band anymore, but a group of mature, well-seasoned male artists who have fun with their music.

13. Seventeen – “Adore U”

2015 was not only the debut year for Seventeen, it’s also been the perfect year for this multi-membered K-pop boy band. With thirteen members, Seventeen’s debut track “Adore U” could be a pop mess, but is anything but. The guitar-based dance track is bright and energetic and perfect for a new group. The light, powerful sound of “Adore U” is refreshing in the world of electro-synth music that’s been most popular in K-pop in 2015, and “Adore U” keeps itself from becoming too much of a bubblegum pop song by throwing in raps from numerous members. “Adore U” is filled with a back and forth style of singing and raps that isn’t common in K-pop groups. Rather than distracting from the music, this playful interplay between the members reinforces the group’s unity despite its large size and helps distinguish the members’ individual skills before coming together in an upbeat, hook-filled chorus. “Adore U” is an adorable, lovesick song that is K-pop at its very purest.

12. BTS – “Run”

Probably one of the most anticipated comebacks of the year, BTS’s “Run” definitely lived up to expectations. It continues the same hopeless romantic thematic that “I Need U” employs, but rather than wallowing in love’s misery, this song encourages us to push ourselves forward and harder. Musically, it contains some rock undertones, as evident in its use of guitars and gruffer vocals. I want to single out leader Rap Monster’s part in the beginning in particular, because while he is known for being able to rap like a champ, most are still unaware about his singing capabilities. Yes, his range isn’t as great as the other members, but he was able to use his deep voice to the song’s advantage. There’s something very alluring in his tonal color that helps set up the rock infused track, captivating listeners right away. The other members’ passionate raps and vocals all seem genuine enough as well, performing the rest of the magic to hold our attention. “Run” is all around pretty solid, and is one of those tracks that would be a quick favorite upon first listen.

11. Hyukoh – “Comes and Goes”

Hyukoh could do no wrong this year as the garage band that took South Korea by storm. “Comes and Goes” was the song that first captured the attention of South Korea. Vocalist Oh Hyuk’s expressive voice acts as the perfect venue to tell the story about growing up, while the clearly resonating band elements are so different from the normal highly-produced Korean songs that it’s almost impossible to turn away from “Comes and Goes.” The unique artistry of Hyukoh is most well-described as laid back rock, and “Comes and Goes” makes the most of this, adding in some wailing, tapping beats, and a message about growing up and getting used those we love leaving us. “Comes and Goes” is a dreamy, energetic song that offers something for even the most discerning music fan.

10. Monsta X – “Trespass”

The aggressive, rap-heavy “Trespass” introduced many people to Starship Entertainment’s newest group earlier this year. Monsta X’s rapper Jooheon takes center stage in “Trespass,” with powerful horns and synths creating a backing to the rest of the group’s melodies, particularly Kihyun’s smooth vocals. While Jooheon and Kihyun set the tone for Monsta X’s style, “Trespass” gives each member a chance to shine (except perhaps Wonho) and gave this rookie group their claim to fame for this year and hopefully many other years to come. The song is all over the place, in the best way possible, with a building chorus that only comes after the tone of the song is well under way and bridges that seemingly make no sense but go oh so well together. Shownu’s dance break, I.M’s song-ending rap… This song is a warning to Monsta X’s future rivals in the K-pop world.

9. BTS – “Dope”

After coming back with “I Need U,” it seems that BTS could not ditch their dynamic and energetic sound that they are best known. Released as a follow-up track, “Dope” is an entertaining number about the trials and tribulations that the group undergoes while their peers are out partying in clubs. And while it would be easy to complain about their situation, the members spin the song into one brimming with life lessons and encouragement. Sure they are overworked now, but ultimately, they are the cash cows, so who are the real winners in life? The instrumentals, which make use of exotic saxophone sounds and rhythmic claps, also back up their bold statements and help keep momentum going. Even member Park Jimin’s high note during the bridge is monumental in itself. Considering how the hip-hop group rose to fame after debuting from a relative small company, “Dope” is truly a testament to their success.

8. GOT7 – “Just Right”

Leave it to Park Jin Young, Mr. Asian Soul, to create a cute and playful pop/hip-hop song that actually works. But don’t get it twisted, the excellency of “Just Right” lies solely in the hands of GOT7. After releasing the futuristic sounding “Stop, Stop It” last year, GOT7 went back to their cute concept we saw in “A” and released “Just Right,” a silly track about telling a girl she’s pretty just the way she is. The genius of this song lies in JYP finally distributing the song verses in a way that allowed each member’s fortes to shine; Youngjae’s angelic vocals and high notes at the hook and JB and Jr.’s sugary voices on the chorus is truly the perfect formula for them. Not to mention that the group’s non-Korean members finally eased into their raps and don’t sound so unnatural anymore. “Just Right” is no doubt a fan service song. But even so, the catchiness and overall happy vibe it emits captures the listener immediately, repeating the chorus and the-easy-to-follow oh oh oohs. The beat is sweet, the vocals are sweet, even the music video is sweet, but instead of giving us a diabetic coma, it does the exact opposite and revives you of the mundanities of life.

7. EXO – “Call Me Baby”

Following the departure of members Kris and Luhan, EXO came back earlier this year with the ‘90s boy band inspired pop track “Call Me Baby.” With this song, EXO delineates away from their signature overproduced sounds and experiments with classic brass, finger-snaps, and bass lines, perhaps in an attempt to announce a fresh start to a bad year. That is not to say that “Call Me Baby” is not up to par with EXO standards, though. Quite the contrary, the catchy “call me baby” of the chorus is an earworm of fun and exactly the hook needed to have listeners returning to the song time and again. Production-wise, it is beautifully held together by shortened string plucks, subtle at times but noticeably audible during the verses, and terse harmonies. With the exception of the slow tempo bridge that was needed for added interest, everything about “Call Me Baby” is exciting and flashy. If this is the rebranded EXO, then I think I will be sticking around for more.

6. f(x) – “4 Walls”

With the departure of former member Sulli, f(x) came back stronger than ever with the synth-pop track “4 Walls.” The group has made their way in the K-pop world with their unique electro pop brand of music, and “4 Walls” introduces the listeners to a house track that lets the four members show off their vocal harmonies in a way that has been lacking from their previous singles. Amber’s raps are tighter than ever and vocalists Luna, Victoria, and Krystal have their own moments to shine before the group comes together as the tone drops to make way for the sleek chorus. The anxiousness of the lyrics are depicted by the building, raspy voices of f(x), then hidden behind a bass-synth mashup during the chorus. “4 Walls” has an element of slightness to it that keeps it firmly in the realm of house dance music while also being the most chill single f(x) has dropped since their debut in 2009.

5. SHINee – “View”

SHINee’s reign of stand-out singles continued in 2015, starting with “View” off of their album “Odd.” The electronic-house song is a more mellow take on their previous dance tracks, but the song is very much a SHINee song, with an addicting chorus. It helps that “View” was composed by SHINee’s Jonghyun, a step in the right direction for the idol group to prove its worth as artists. The techno elements offer us a retro infused dance track that feels like SHINee’s matured from past hits like “Ring Ding Dong” and “Lucifer” to something much more. “View” keeps the danceability factor that SHINee’s fans have learned to love, but the smooth electro tune is able to keep the attention of even the most discerning pop music fan.

4. Block B Bastarz – “Zero for Conduct”

Not to be outshined by fellow members’ solo releases, Block B’s first sub-unit BASTARZ made up of B-Bomb, U-Kwon, and P.O exploded onto the scene with their title song “Zero for Conduct.” With the title track being composed by Block B’s main composer, fellow member and leader Zico;,the song mimics Block B’s style but has a more stylish and dark sound and image that makes them a completely different entity. The song opens to sirens and a very addicting in-your-face beat that mellows out and builds back up, molding to each member’s different style and comes together for a great track. BASTARZ does well to stand up without the other members, incorporating each of their unique styles to create something that is loud and refreshing.

3. BIGBANG – “Sober”

For a song that doesn’t sound like anything we’ve come to expect from BIGBANG, there’s a lot of depth and personal meaning to “Sober.” It sheds light on the most inner and deepest thoughts of each member, reworded in a way to sound a little less depressing than what it really is. For a song that seems to be filled with such high energy from beginning to end, the lyrics are rather gloomy and disheartening. “Sober” can have one feeling all sorts of emotions; it’ll make you feel sad and empty on the inside, wind and hype you up, lighten your mood and put a smile on your face when you’re having a hard time in life. Even though this song gives off a number of different feelings, some good, some bad, in the end you know, you can always count on it to make your day somehow.

2. BTS – “I Need U”

Since debut, BTS has been known for their hard-hitting songs centered on themes such as rebellion, passions, and hormones. So when the septet came back this year with “I Need U,” it was a pleasant and perhaps needed change from the hip-hop sound we are used to hearing from them. The melancholic song about loving alone in a dying relationship features a synth line that ebbs and flows with a percussive hook throughout the song, setting the tone for the just as equally back and forth quality of the lyrics. As much as you can hate your significant other for letting things fall apart, you still keep coming back. Each of the members immaculately convey either the pain or the vulnerability that comes attached to the words “I love you,” a phrase they were careful not to use in their prior songs but made an exception for in this one. Indeed, the members are maturing and developing a more mainstream sound in the process. The song was so well received that the group was even able to snatch their first win on a music show. Without a doubt, “I Need U” will always hold a special place in both the hearts of BTS and their fans.

1. GOT7 – “If You Do”

Topping our list we have the ever so charismatic boys of GOT7 again, this time with their manly track full of angst “If You Do,” which is probably their best song to date. It starts off slow as Jr. slowly reels you in with his lustful voice, to a distressed JB in the chorus, an aggressive rap shared between Mark and Jackson, then to a sorrowful Youngjae who’s afraid of getting close to love. It doesn’t matter whether or not the members of GOT7 have encountered the problematic situations with relationships like the lyrics are stating because you can feel the raw emotions and genuine feelings in their voices, and that’s what makes this song great and cements their position in the K-pop game. They can successfully convey emotions they most likely haven’t experienced in a long time or even ever. “If You Do” incorporates the diverse set of skills that each member already excels in: vocals, dance, personality, and charisma. Moreover, this song showed off their maturity, sound and personality wise, and that they’re able to take on different concepts and not just the typical cutesy image that K-pop usually is. 2015 saw some of the best releases by male groups to date, so the competition was fierce. Regardless, GOT7 excelled with a melancholic, dark bass-driven dance track which showed that they can do any and every concept out there. So, other male K-pop groups beware, for there’s no stopping GOT7 now. 2015 truly was their year.


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Playlist Sunday: Holiday Tunes

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christmas songs playlist kpop

With Christmas and Kwanzaa right around the corner, and Hanukkah ending recently, we’re all feeling all kinds of cheery and warm inside. So for this week’s playlist, we’re listing all the holiday songs we love — or at least the ones we can stomach — by our favorite Korean artists.

GOT7’s formula for releasing singles since debut seems to be to release a powerful dance song, followed by cute and playful one. So after the release of their manly single “If You Do,” it’s time for the cute one. And since tis the season, the boys put out a Christmas song, “Confession Song.” The cool thing about it is that it’s not another lame holiday song about Santa and reindeer and all that nonsense. Instead, they take the non-Christian Korean concept of Christmas, a day to spend with your significant other, and give us a sweet song about writing a love confession to the person of their interest. But to still keep that Christmas cheer, bells ring throughout the track. In true GOT7 fashion, “Confession Song” is just the right amount of cute and cheesy that never taps into the ridiculous. It’s just a cute song that will make you feel like a middle schooler again.

— Alexis

Taetiseo made a relatively low key comeback recently with Dear Santa and still managed to make one of the best K-pop Christmas songs. In fairness, there’s not a lot of competition for this crown but Girls’ Generation’s subgroup TTS stuck to what they’re best at and slayed the concept. The opening harmonies are some of the best vocals they have ever done, and offer us something different to the saccharine that is to come. It is almost sickeningly sweet but this is Girls’ Generation meets Christmas. It had to be like this. There’s sleigh bells jingling, plenty of piano, and vocals that are as fun as Mariah Carey’s to belt out on Christmas day. In keeping with the more western version of Christmas they are portraying here, TTS also released an English version of the song, to make sure we don’t mess up the lyrics. How thoughtful.

— Joe

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Usually I don’t expect much of K-pop holiday songs. Because, let’s face it, they all follow the same boring, slow ballad formula that it has become quite the science. But INFINITE’s “Lately” is the only exception to this. If it were not for the nutcrackers in the music video and the bells in the instrumentals, it probably could pass for any old K-pop track. The festive tune retains the same classic INFINITE sound, what with its guitars, chic raps, and warbly vocals, that it’s unmistakable who it belongs to.The rise and fall of the harmony gives the song actual contour, as opposed to the one flat mess of a song that is common nowadays. The video itself is also very endearing and warm, as it avoids the “let’s pretend we are having a blast around the Christmas tree and yule log” bit. I want to believe that the members actually exchanged gifts over a company dinner. I want to believe all the interactions in the streets with the civilians are genuine. Its low production cost is exactly what makes everything seem so much more relatable. Since its release in 2011, there has really been no other K-pop holiday song that has done it as well as INFINITE’s “Lately” has.

–Shelley

Being that there will never be a K-pop song for Chanukkah, picking my favorite K-pop holiday song is like picking a pair of shoes I’ll never wear. They’re all good, but I’m not personally invested. But Nell never disappoints, and their “White Night” reminds me of the winter holiday season (and not only for the title!) The romantic, building rock ballad depicts the perfect picture of this time of year. The twinkling, tapping sounds remind me of snow, and the lyrics describing someone you want to be around is just like every holiday film about not spending the season alone. It may not be conventional, but Nell’s ardent expression of being with the person they love, even if it means trying to turn back time, is something I just adore and listen to each December.

–Tamar

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EXO came back recently with their winter special album “Sing For You” and while all the tracks on the album are amazing, their title song of the same name was the one which really touched me. It’s a ballad, which may seem typical of this season but with the soothing guitar instrumental and the wonderful voices of all the EXO members the song stands out and becomes something special. It’s a song about being in love and wanting to confess but always missing the chance to do so. The lyrics speak of regret and reflection, a feeling we’re all prone to experiencing at this time of the year, even amidst all the bright lights and hearty Christmas celebrations.

–Anna

What’s your favorite holiday themed K-pop song? 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.

K-Drama’s Latest Trend: Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer's

Memory loss is a pretty common K-drama trope that has been used many times over the years. It’s used to create some emotional angst for the drama’s plot, but it’s also been widely recognised as a very cliché and boring plot device, resulting in its lessened use in the past few years. Memory loss is slowly making its way back into dramas nowadays however, as evidenced by a few dramas that are currently airing in Korea, namely the new SBS drama “Remember – War Of The Son” and tvN’s melodrama “Bubblegum,” albeit in a different manner than it was normally used in the past. Instead of having a main character suffer amnesia to create a star-crossed romance, Alzheimer’s Disease is the medical condition that the drama characters are diagnosed with.

As the most common form of dementia, many people suffer this condition as they grow older. In fact, in 2012, around 9 percent of Koreans over the age of 65 were found to be suffering from this disease. Since then, Korea has been taking active action to counter this problem, with measures such as training children to recognise dementia symptoms and to learn how to take care of the afflicted elderly. Yes characters having Alzheimer’s would make for really good drama conflict and angst, but if there was a greater purpose for the use of this disease I believe that these K-dramas are possibly being used as tools to spread awareness about Alzheimer’s. But first, let us take a look at how it is being shown in the dramas.

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[Disclaimer: Article contains minor spoilers]

In “Remember,” this memory loss is a matter of life and death. The main conflict of the drama thus far has been about Seo Jin Woo’s (Yoo Seung Ho) struggle to save his father, Seo Jae Hyuk (Jun Kwang Ryul) who has been falsely accused of murder. To make things worse, Seo Jae Hyuk has gradually lost his memory due to him having Alzheimer’s and he is no longer able to remember whether or not he actually committed the crime, let alone be able to defend himself. As a lawyer with a perfect memory, Jin Woo took on the task of defending his father but it is an uphill battle, with rotten villains such as Nam Gyu Man (Nam Goong Min) placing obstacles in his way at every juncture.

While the premise of the drama is interesting, as a viewer, I was more drawn to the tragic relationship between Jin Woo and his father. From the start, they were a duo that I rooted for because of how much they loved each other, and it shattered my heart to pieces when four years down the road Jae Hyuk no longer remembered the face of his own son. This is perhaps the most common symptom of Alzheimer’s, a sign that shows that a patient is at a moderate stage of the disease. This is because there is greater damage occurring in the areas of the brain that control a person’s reasoning and conscious thought, affecting their ability to recognise even their closest friends and family.

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On the other hand, the loss of memory in “Bubblegum” doesn’t cause anyone to be at risk of losing their lives, but it is no less impactful and devastating. What used to be a drama about a sweet romance between childhood friends morphed into a realistic portrayal of how life changes when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Park Ri Hwan’s (Lee Dong Wook) mother Park Sun Young (Bae Jong Ok) suffered early onset Alzheimer’s Disease and started to lose her memory progressively in the drama. From forgetting to put the yoghurt in her smoothie to wandering around and getting lost, Sun Young showcased the various stages of Alzheimer’s throughout the show. In a particularly heart-wrenching scene, she woke up from a sleep and even forgot that she ever had a son, despite the fact that she shared a very close bond with Ri Hwan.

I’ve never had experience dealing with patients who have Alzheimer’s, so I don’t know for a fact that this is a realistic portrayal. But in any case, it helps viewers to get an idea of what goes on in the patients’ heads and how their memories are lost or distorted. The physical and emotional pain that the family members go through is also poignantly displayed through these dramas. While it is something scary to think about, both dramas definitely empathize the value of our memories and how they are the basis for our identity. For now, it’s an interesting trend for K-dramas to take on, and I’m excited to see how these dramas will turn out, especially in a country with a rapidly aging population.

Have you watched any of these dramas? What are your thoughts on K-dramas using Alzheimer’s as a plot device? 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.

9 K-Pop Songs for Twerking Pt. 3

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kpop korean pop k-pop twerking twerk songs playlist

As previously stated in the first and second installments of this list, sadly, K-pop idols and twerking don’t generally go together. Maybe because their images are more reserved or maybe because very few of them have the body to make the appropriate movement, but idols “twerking” is mostly reserved to a loose interpretation of the dance or while doing fan service. So some have tried, and yet, most of them have failed. But that doesn’t mean songs coming out of Korea aren’t hard enough for people to twerk to. Sure, if committed, one can find a way to twerk to pretty much any beat, but we’ve narrowed the list down to another nine specific ones that work best when shaking your moneymaker.

1. iKON “Rhythm Ta”

To start off and slowly build momentum, iKON’s mid-tempo song “Rhythm Ta” is perfect give that its beats that don’t hit as hard, but still let you groove to the music. Moreover, when the boys sing, “Bounce, get on the rhythm” — what exactly do you think has to bounce? Exactly.

min missa kpop twerking gif twerk songs

via sexyhoneythighs @ Tumblr

2. f(x) “Diamond”

Following the same pace, f(x)’s song about equating one’s worth to money and material goods, “Diamond,” also builds up towards the chorus. While the group has other twerkable b-sides, this song is probably their most urban-sounding yet. It’s an interesting spin that instead of flossing about 44 karat jewels, like many hip-hop twerk anthems, they talk about their 44 karat self-worth. But, hey, it works! And what’s more empowering than that?

kpop twerk twerking nari wassap

by fiddle.se

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3. BTS “Silver Spoon”

In BTS’s “Silver Spoon,” the bars definitely hit harder than the actual beat, but that doesn’t mean it’s an impediment for twerking. In true Bangtan fashion, this song criticises older generations for seeing millennials as entitled and having it easy, even though they were the ones who messed everything up for the rest of us. Once we put the song into context, it could be off-putting to twerk to a political song. But in some cases, twerking can be an act of protest, so why not?

kpop korean twerk twerking songs playlist

via Tumblr

4. Jay Park “Mommae”

For a music video with lots of girls shaking their booties and twerking, Jay Park’s “Mommae” is also pretty calm to twerk. It’s more of a song to mix in a few booty pops in between body and hip rolls. However, lyrically, “Mommae” is truly a twerk anthem given it’s basically an ode to a girl’s body. While the song and music video are a bit objectifying, a girl could own the song and make it about being sexy af.

wassup twerk twerking kpop songs korean playlist

via yellowslugreviews

5. Hyuna “Roll Deep”

But if we’re going to talk about self-empowerment and recognition of the bad girl you are while being vain, your jam is Hyuna’s “Roll Deep.” This song is meant to show off your best pretty girl moves to. When she sings, “you are you, I am me” at the hook and then proceeds to slay with the choreography at the bridge, even doing a little twerking herself, that’s her saying she doesn’t care and will do her always. And Hyuna, girl, don’t ever apologize for being dope. Nor do you.

korean twerking twerk kpop songs waveya

by twerkgifs

6. INFINITE H “Sorry, I’m Busy”

INFINITE H is INFINITE’s hip-hop sub-unit, and no song had showed this was true until they released “Sorry, I’m Busy” featuring rapper Swings and singer Champagne. LIke the title says, members Hoya and Dongwoo are unavailable for girls, jealousy, and pretty much anything that doesn’t line up with reaching their goals. So why not twerk along to a song about how goal-oriented you are? Moreover, the jumpy beats make it easy to follow.

kpop korean twerk twerking songs playlist

by twerkgifs

7. Heize “Don’t Make Money feat. Chanyeol”

Speeding things up a bit, Heize’s “Unpretty Rapstar” semi-final song about planning to become so successful her family doesn’t have to work anymore is yet another self-empowering anthem. “Don’t Make Money” changes beats a few times, allowing listeners to change their pace of their twerk and even turn up the sexy.

mommae jay park park jaebum kpop korean playlist songs twerk twerking rap hip hop krap

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8. Lip Service “Too Fancy”

Taking a more realistic approach at the theme, Lip Service released a song with hip-hop elements, both musically and conceptually, about everything being too damned expensive and not having enough money. And let’s be real, who’s honestly not in this situation? Not everyone can relate to artists flossing about their money and cars and travels, so a song that let’s you own your financial situation while twerking is the best.

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 Also on KultScene: ‘Hello Bitches:’ Choreographer Parris Goebel Talks CL & Women Empowerment Through Dance [INTERVIEW]

 9. BIGBANG “Bang Bang Bang”

For most of their recent releases as a group, solo, or sub-units, BIGBANG has made sure to include at least one trip-hop song on their repertoire. So after talking about “Good Boy” and “One of a Kind” and a couple others, now it’s time to amp the volume and drop the heavy beats and moves with “Bang Bang Bang.” Like “Fantastic Baby,” this is a party song to let loose to. And given it features a rollercoaster of different beats and tempos, it’s one of the funnest songs to twerk to. I mean, they do tell girls to “get down,” and we all know what that means.

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

[Renders: yssietwilighter, amy91luvKey, KwonLee, Jadenblackdragon]

Beenzino Made Boston ‘Boogie On & On’

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Beenzino, Beenzino North American Tour, Beenzino In Boston

by Tam Huynh

Boston was the fourth and also the second to last stop on Beenzino’s five city North American Tour sponsored by CHL Entertainment and PlatinumKShows. December 11 marked the first time that a non-American Korean hip hop artist was performing not only at Royale but Boston in general and, boy oh boy, were the expectations high! As a fellow Bostonian, I can’t begin to tell you how long this crowd has waited for a show like this to hit town, and to have Beenzino be the first was an absolute honor.

Not that I ever doubted Beenzino’s ability to work the crowd, but damn does this guy know how to get his audience hyped. He has this artistic aroma that naturally fills the air, on and off the stage, which the crowd feeds off of. There was nothing that could’ve prepared us for what was to come; starting from the few seconds before he hit the stage whilst teasing the audience with his deep voice peeping through the dark shadows from the side of the stage, to that very second that the beat dropped as he came out leaping and started with “Jackson Pollock D*Ck“ as his opening number. It didn’t take much before the crowd lost their minds; it honestly really only took a simple subtle “hey Boston” before the room ruptured into a frenzy. That’s how you know it’s going to be one hell of a show if all the artist has to do is crack a “hey” into the microphone which then causes automatic madness.

He went hard the instant he stepped foot on that stage, with a drink in his hand, already gleaming with that “Asian glow.” I thought Beenzino was going to start off slow and ease the crowd in with his set but nope, Zino meant business and absolutely wanted to waste no time whatsoever. With ShimmyTwice as the DJ, the Jazzyfact duo were pulling out all the stops and took us back in time with oldies like their very own “A Tribe Called Jazzyfact,” “각자의 새벽(Each One’s Dawn),” “Slow Down,” “Summer Madness,” “Boogie On & On,” “Mitch As F*Ck,” including his featuring tracks “Nike Shoes,” “I Get Lifted,” “Welcome To The Show,” and “The Color.” Among the crowd favorites were “How Do I Look?,” “Up All Night,” “Break,” and his latest single “We Are Going To.”

Also on KultScene: ‘Hello Bitches:’ Choreographer Parris Goebel Talks CL & Women Empowerment Through Dance [INTERVIEW]

The energy was nonstop and was always at an all time high. Beenzino fed off of the crowd, which was clearly well received considering he put in 200 percent throughout the two-hour and some extra minutes show. Zino was way more interactive (in both Korean and English) with the crowd than I had expected; he told us about all the good food he had eaten since being in town and the sheer look of excitement that was on his face as he talked about his first trip to Dave & Buster’s was incredibly cute for this 28-year-old. He also made a quick shout out to his friends that came along for support while being on tour and to his girlfriend, Stephanie, who was watching the show from the second floor. As he was saying that the crowd all looked to the right, zoomed in and focused on her, to which Beenzino exclaimed “No, don’t do that… It’s kinda weird. Focus on me okay, focus on me, focus on me. It’s my night.” At that moment he looked like a sad puppy that just had his chew toy taken away from him. Ah, what a cutie. A majority of the crowd were rowdy fan boys, to which he responded along to quite playfully with, at one point even telling one of the guys that kept screaming things at Zino every time he started to talk, that “he needs help.”

Although about 80 percent of the audience was Korean, Beenzino made sure to make that extra effort to crank out all the English that he knows, even in moments where he struggled to translate transitional words from Korean to English, as he chuckled in semi embarrassment. But the fan interactions didn’t stop there, as he continued to smile and respond to those who shouted random and funny things at him. The utter shock on Beenzino’s face when a male fan told him to take off his shirt could leave one gasping for air from laughter due to the response that he gave “No man, I’m not taking off my shirt! Why would you say that? You’re not a girl!” But then he pulled his printed Givenchy hoody, quickly exposing his belly button; pure hilarity that Zino. While in transition for his next stage, he asked some fans in the front row what their favorite song of his was and a few people responded with “Break” and with a mischievous smile he said he hates that song and continued asking for songs until someone said “Aquaman,” which then ended up being the song he was waiting to play. Read more

Playlist Sunday: Roaring Twenties

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kpop songs playlist 1920s 20s

2016 is less than a month away, which means that the roaring twenties will be closer to us than the 2010’s. KultScene’s staff is always excited when it comes to throwback elements in K-pop songs, and you can hardly get more retro than the 1920’s jazz and swing music. This week’s Playlist Sunday is dedicated to the roaring twenties, and to all the brassy jazz songs we can’t but help to love.

Every other K-pop song nowadays incorporates soul and funk into their hybrids, but TVXQ mixed in jazz and a swing elements to their 2014 single “Spellbound.” And while the choreography is meant to seem as a magic show to fit with the song’s theme of love as a spell, it’s the ‘20s style of it all that stood out most to me. The dancers wearing what a “Sexy Mobster” Halloween costume would look like and the modern art deco-lite casino room made me think of the Prohibition era in the US, when citizens were constitutionally barred from drinking alcohol and Al Capone and the likes terrorized cities like Chicago over bootleg alcohol and drugs. Not to mention the music video starts out in grayscale and eventually changes to color, even though the palette remains mainly black and white, hinting at when subtractive color in film was first introduced (which was also in the 1920’s). But of course, “Spellbound” isn’t that deep. Regardless, it’s a gem of a song and choreography and should be recognized.

— Alexis

Also on KultScene: 6 K-Drama Girl Friendship Goals

Brown Eyed Girls are the purveyors of jazz in K-pop. In particular, their album “Sixth Sense” is full of jazz tracks that burst with retro excitement. Each one is single worthy but right now my favorite is “Vendetta.” It is, naturally, about a girl out for violent revenge against a boy. Ferocious acid jazz accompanies the passionate vocals of Brown Eyed Girls who bite and snarl every line to great effect. Drums roll at lightening speeds and horns blow loudly in a song that updates the ‘20s jazz as a soundtrack for bitter women. Also the way Miryo says ‘vendetta’ at the end of her rap is the coolest.

— Joe

Most people’s first impression when they hear Lee Hi sing for the first time is “wait, how is that voice coming out of a little girl like her?” I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel that same shock the first time I heard her voice. How can one possess as much pizazz and soul at her age? A number of Lee Hi songs contain a jazz element but “Rose” in particular is a beautiful blend of jazz and R&B, both genres in which she excels at. It’s always refreshing to hear a K-pop song that isn’t under the influence of dubstep and auto tune. It’d be great to see more musicians who were able to apply their great vocals and deep emotions like Lee Hi towards all their songs in order to improve it metaphorically. Like many others, I’m just waiting for a Lee Hi come back because it’s been way too long!

–Tam

Also on KultScene: OWOL’s ‘Dream On You’ Music Video & Song Review

You can’t get more jazzy than the princess of K-pop, IU herself. Recent scandals aside, IU’s voice was practically built for jazzy, all-over-the-place numbers and she does it the best in “The Red Shoes.” The song is technically (at least according to its official information) a bit more like the big band swing of the 30’s than the roaring 20’s, but the brass elements and tapping beat would have any flapper getting her game on. IU’s voice goes all over the place in accompaniment to the spiraling, twisting and turning elements of the song and music video, and throws in some nice onomatopoeia elements for good measure. If Gatsby was Korean, he’d probably be as in love with this song as I am.

–Tamar

What’s your favorite 1920’s themed K-pop song? Or maybe any of the other cities? 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.