#IFNTECT_SG: The Best 2 Days Of My Life

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Infinite effect cover

I knew that I had to get my hands on INFINITE’s concert tickets once they announced their second world tour, ”INFINITE EFFECT”. As a relatively new Inspirit (INFINITE’s fan), I had missed the chance to see them two years ago, when they visited Singapore as part of their first world tour, “One Great Step.” The desire to attend their concert intensified further when the details for their Singapore stop was officially announced, especially because the concert was to be held at a smaller venue as compared to the previous time, thus propelling my friends and I to go for priority booking (at an extra cost of about 20 dollars), all in the hopes of getting to see our beloved idols in a closer proximity — and see them we did.

Press Conference

INFINITE has always been known for their outstanding fan service and constant gratitude towards their fans, but this was clearly highlighted to Singaporean Inspirits when they decided to have a public press conference in a mall, rather than a quiet one with only media representatives present. Needless to say, it became more of a crazy fan meet rather than a press conference as 1,500 teenage girls huddled together to get a glimpse of the dashing INFINITE members. Although the press conference only started at 7:30 p.m., most fans had been camping at the venue since early that morning despite the hot weather and the subsequent rain. I joined the crowd slightly later than the rest but still enjoyed a good long wait of about four hours. It was well worth it though, that was for sure. INFINITE had only arrived in Singapore that morning but they were all dolled up to perfection in their black suits and there was no sign of tiredness on their faces as they interacted with the fans. They came very promptly as well, which showed their love and consideration for their fans, who had been waiting for them for a long time. L even looked shocked at the number of fans who were gathered there for them.


video credits @PINGGVAELE

It was my first time seeing them live, and though I was constantly being blocked by the flailing arms of the fangirls in front of me, it felt amazing to see them with my own eyes and to be in the same venue as them. When they started to speak, I literally couldn’t breathe because of how surreal the situation was. Watching their interaction with the fans and with each other felt like I was watching a fancam or a video of them at an event or a concert, but the reality was that I was present with them, and this realisation made my heart pound even more rapidly than usual.

It was a tiring 30 minutes, having to squeeze with tons of other fans in a suffocating atmosphere, constantly screaming and cheering while desperately trying to balance my camera, tip-toeing for the entirety of the press conference in order to get a better view; but it was all worth it to listen to their adorable answers to the reporters present and to sense their sincere gratitude and love for their fans. Maybe the reason why INFINITE remains so dearly loved by their fans five years after their debut is because of how charming all the members are, not just in terms of looks but also the way they speak. Take for example, this question which came up at the press conference.

Reporter: What is the biggest challenge that INFINITE is facing?
Hoya: The biggest challenge that I’ve had is that I haven’t been able to see my Singapore fans for the past two years.

How could anyone not fall for them? Though I had never seen INFINITE in real life before, I had attended “Running Man” fan meets before and I was used to such crowds. I also knew the best way to get a good video of the INFINITE members, and that was to rush to gather around their exit route before the press conference ended. While I wasn’t the first to think of that idea, I did make it there before most of the other fans did, and that enabled me to stand at a distance of less than five meters away from the members as they exited the venue. It was a precious experience, and it thoroughly hyped me up for the concert that was to take place the following night.

Also on Kultscene: INFINITE’s ‘Reality’ Album Review

Concert

It was the 13th of November, also known as the day I had been waiting for for the past five to six months! Though I was exhausted from the previous night’s fervor, I was also very excited to finally attend the concert. Once again, the concert started right on time with a thrilling trailer that ended with the appearance of the seven INFINITE members. Though the concert venue was small and the capacity of the place was limited to 3,000 people, the deafening screams of the fans more than made up for the lack of numbers. The energy was very high, both for INFINITE and for the fans as the group started off with three of their hit releases, “Before The Dawn,” “Paradise,” and “Be Mine.” Unfortunately, Hoya (main dancer and rapper) was injured so he could not participate in most of the dances during this concert and had to remain seated at the side of the stage. Despite his absence, the rest of the members managed to fill up the stage and still performed their dances with much synchronicity and precision.

My favourite moments during this concert were probably when the members gave speeches because they were all so sincere and their true personalities really shone through. For one thing, they all made an effort to speak as much as they could in English, and some of them (L and Hoya) were actually pretty proficient in the language. From photos of the press conference the day before, I could tell that the members were all pretty tired, especially since they had hectic schedules and another concert lined up in Jakarta after Singapore. However, this did not show during their performances and speeches because they gave their all and brought a lot of energy to their stages. Dongwoo in particular was seriously high throughout the concert and his wacky actions made fans laugh out loud several times in the night. The best line of the night probably came from L though, and he repeated the same line two more times at the end of the concert and on his Instagram post: “I’m your darling L!”

After the energetic performances came some slow ones as the members performed their newest ballads “Standing Face to Face” and “Love Letter.” These two songs were the ones that I looked forward to the most, partly because I am a huge ballad fan and partly because I wanted to hear their voices live. The performances sent chills down my spine because of how good they sounded in real life, if it was possible they sounded even better than on their album. To watch their emotions, to hear the strength of the voices, to hear their high and skilful notes, no words could express how overwhelmed and blissful I felt in that moment. This is a phrase that I’ve been repeating a lot but INFINITE’s love for their fans really shined through their rendition of “Love Letter,” and I’m thankful that I got a chance to experience it.

Also on Kultscene: Touring With BIGBANG, Fangirl Style

 

The special stages put up by INFINITE H, Woohyun, INFINITE F and Sunggyu were fantastic as well. I especially loved the subunit performances because they went around doing fan service and interacting with the fans. Though they nearly got mobbed in the process, the members bravely stuck it out and continued throwing adorable stuffed plushies to their fans. They even gave sweet reminders for fans to stay safe even while rushing to catch the presents they handed out. This fanservice continued through other performances of songs from their latest mini-album “Reality” and they even performed their newest unreleased song, “For You” with a great choreography. I can’t wait for this song to be released!

The concert “ended” with a bang with their latest title tracks “Back” and “Bad,” and the reason why I’m using these inverted commas is because they obviously had an encore prepared for the fans. After about five minutes of fans alternatively chanting “Encore, encore” and “돌아와“(Korean for comeback), the members reappeared in fresh outfits and performed their debut song, “Come Back Again.” It was a nice throwback to their earliest days and started the members off on a sentimental note for their final speeches. I’ll be honest, I started tearing up during these speeches, not just because they were touching but because I couldn’t believe that the concert was ending so quickly. It had already gone on for around two hours and there was hardly a moment when the members were not on stage, but it was so fast-paced that I thought the concert had just begun. It might be a delusion but I had the impression that the members felt the same way. During their speeches, it was evident that they felt sad about leaving Singapore so soon after they had arrived, especially in the case of Woohyun and Dongwoo, who came close to tears as they spoke and sang their final song, “Together.”

I knew from watching concert videos that INFINITE would definitely perform this song at the end, but nothing prepared me for the emotional rollercoaster that I would feel as I heard them sing. A simple and heartfelt song written by Woohyun after the first world tour, I fell in love with it the first time I heard it, but it’s definitely different when you hear it live. Woohyun’s extra high note at the climax of the song gave me goosebumps and it was so beautiful, the way the members sounded when they sang in harmony. The song carried the concert to an emotional high, and that’s when it truly ended with white confetti falling from the ceiling. Together, they took a deep bow as they thanked the fans who had gone to the concert and the amazing band who had played for them the entire night. As I was furiously snapping photos, tears were also running down my cheeks because of this show of unity. The reason why I love INFINITE so much is because of the strong friendship between the members, and this bow reinforced my belief in them. No matter what may face them in the future, I know that they will always have each other along with the support of all their fans, including me of course.

Infinite effect

All in all, as my first K-pop concert, INFINITE EFFECT really set the bar for me and I can’t wait for them to come back already. These two days that INFINITE was in Singapore were really two of the best days in my life, and they really reminded me of why I became an Inspirit in the first place. Even as INFINITE continues their world tour till next year, I hope that they will continue to receive the support of all their Inspirits and that they will continue to achieve great success.

Have you ever attended an INFINITE concert? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Playlist Sunday: Best Absolute Perfect

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boy group covers kpop

After a lengthy hiatus and lawsuit, the K-pop idol group B.A.P is back in the game with their new album, ”Matrix.” To celebrate their comeback, this week’s KultScene Playlist Sunday is inspired by B.A.P’s name. All of these songs fall under the category of being best, absolute, or perfect.

While it’s hard to pick a personal favorite, one of the songs that I think falls under the category of being absolutely perfect is HISTORY’s “Dreamer.” The group’s 2013 debut song is a retro-inspired dance tune that really gave HISTORY’s members a chance to shine vocally and stand out from amongst the crowded K-pop boy band world. The upbeat swing sounds and harmonizations are reminiscent of show tunes. I honestly think it’s a pity that HISTORY hasn’t put out more songs along the lines of “Dreamer,” because the song truly goes places that are rare to find in K-pop.

— Tamar

Also on KultScene: Here’s Why The Wall Street Journal Is Wrong About K-Drama Fans

It’s virtually impossible to choose my favourite K-pop song, but if you twisted my arm I would have to say “Tarantallegra.” For me, Xia Junsu has the best voice in Korea and there’s no doubting his 100 percent commitment to his craft, whether or not the song is to your taste. The scope and execution of the video are breathtaking, so in my opinion Junsu’s vocal talents plus his breadth of vision equal absolute perfection.

— Eve

For me, best, absolute, and perfect came this year in the form of Brown Eyed Girls’ “Brave New World.” Everything about this song is larger than life and in true BEG fashion. The music video –with all its colors and glitter and amazing fashion — is visually stunning and that beat, I mean, sampling a Michael Jackson song was genius. They took a classic like “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” and gave it a fresh spin to make it sound contemporary. And, of course, it goes without saying that the girls absolutely slaaaaaaaay everything from their vocals, to the choreography, to being their fantastic selves. Overall, this is, in my humble opinion, one of the, if not the, best comeback package of 2015 so far. I’m actually bummed out they’re promoting the other single rather than this one. “Brave New World” crosses over the K-pop boundaries into the worldwide pop spectrum that should be as relevant as our favorite Western pop divas.

— Alexis

As of writing I still have not listened to the new B.A.P song, so I figure I’ll add their best moment to make up for it. When I heard they were finally coming back, I hoped that they would come back strong and angry just like in “Badman.” Anger is an uncommon sight in K-pop so when it’s executed as well as it is here, it makes an impact. Never before has the distinct tonal shifts in seemed so appropriate. Yongguk’s crushing rap moves abruptly into serene vocals from Daehyun and Youngjae, creating dissonance that perfectly mirrors the weariness of the lyrics. This is all even before the siren synths of the chorus that signal impending doom or saviour depending on your mood. This is what B.A.P bring to the K-pop world and I’m glad they’re back to hopefully shake up a comfortable environment.

— Joe

Also on KultScene: 5 Songs to Get You Ready For Beenzino’s North American Tour [UPDATED]

B.A.P always finds ways to surprise their audiences with their various music styles. Since they are heavily influenced in hip hop, these guys are always trying to incorporate portions of that genre into their music, while still bringing different elements to the table. “No Mercy” offers a great blend of their universal skillsets, everything from members Yongguk and Zelo’s unique satoori (a certain accent/dialect from South Korea) raps, to Daehyun’s stellar vocal stamina and Jongup’s weightless yet forceful dance moves. The song reels you in the second the first beat drops; the addictive “boom clap boom boom clap” will make even the most terrible of dancers, I’m guilty as charged, get on up and prance around like they’ve been dancing for years!

— Tam

What are your best absolute perfect K-pop songs? 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.

5 Reasons Why ‘Bubblegum’ Is Addictive

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Bubblegum cover

tvN’s latest drama “Bubblegum” premiered two weeks ago and has gained many fans since then. Although it seems to be a standard romantic comedy about two best friends who fall in love with one another, its plot definitely stands out among other such dramas and there is just a certain charm about it that I can barely put into words. It may not be suspenseful or full of plot twists, but what is it about this drama that keeps fans hooked onto it? Here are the five reasons why “Bubblegum” is so addictive.

1. The Chemistry between the Two Leads

It’s a given that the two main characters, Haeng Ah (Jung Ryeo Won) and Ri Hwan (Lee Dong Wook), are bound to have a special chemistry, since they have spent most of their lives together since childhood. They know each other so well that they can even identify on one glance which items belong to each other. Not to mention that they hang out in an adorable playground a lot and when they are around each other they suddenly revert back to their child-like selves, complete with a lot of headlocking and playing catch. The two actors pull off this relationship very believably and this allows fans to become engaged in their relationship as well. This couple is truly adorable to watch and their romantic scenes are just sizzling with chemistry, so much so that they really make me want to watch all the episodes at one go.

2. Park Ri Hwan

I had never watched a Lee Dong Wook show before this drama but him as Park Ri Hwan is literally perfection, both because of his ability as an actor and also because of how Ri Hwan was written. Granted, he may not be very realistic because of how perfect he is but he has all the character traits that could seriously make him the best male lead in K-dramaland. He has a goofy and childish side, especially in front of his bestie Haeng Ah and his mother, but as an Oriental Medicine doctor he also has a serious one as well. He knows what he is doing and is professional when he treats patients but at the same time he utilizes his friendly nature to better communicate with the patient and sometimes even ends up solving more underlying problems for them. He is also a cute and filial son to his mother, Sun Young (Bae Jong Ok), and they share a sweet relationship. Perhaps it is because he is familiar with the actress, having previously lived with her during the second season of “Roommate,” but he enjoys a comfortable chemistry with Bae Jong Ok and I look forward to their scenes as well.

Above all, Ri Hwan’s best trait is that he is a very straightforward and direct person. He isn’t blunt, but he knows clearly what he wants, especially in regards to his feelings for Haeng Ah. To me, there’s nothing more annoying than a male/female lead who is always wishy-washy about their feelings (sadly this appears in almost every drama), and his directness felt like a breath of much needed fresh air. Even if Haeng Ah is going to be more hesitant about her feelings in the future, at least he will be around to push for their relationship and they will not be going around in circles getting confused about their own feelings (think “The Time We Were Not In Love”). He’s even direct towards the second female lead for this drama, a dentist named Hong Yi Seul (Park Hee Bon). She’s a pitiful character who falls for Ri Hwan after meeting him on a blind date because of his sensitive nature, and I actually enjoyed watching their developing relationship even though I knew that it probably would not end well. It’s just amazing to watch Ri Hwan help Yi Seul gain some self-confidence, especially because she definitely deserves it, and his thoughtful actions just make me love him as a character so much more.

bubblegum screen cap

Also on Kultscene: What We’re Watching This November From Korea

3. Kim Haeng Ah

At first glance, Haeng Ah definitely seems like a typical “Candy” girl. You know, those girls who are poor, who don’t have parents, and who are always smiling even if they are sad. “Candies” are also pushovers, and they tend to get bullied by everyone else in the show. That was my initial opinion of Haeng Ah, to be perfectly honest, because she was such a smiley person even while going through a breakup and having lots of negative emotions pent up within her.

She also seemed to lack confidence and treated everyone around her amiably. The only time she seemed to come alive was when she was bickering with Ri Hwan, and through the flashbacks the show provided at the end of the first three episodes which showed her lively nature. I was even more impressed when she grew a spine and told her ex boyfriend firmly that she really wanted a breakup. She still spoke docilely but I could tell that she meant it, and for someone to have so much courage to reject empty promises she was a person with a strong spirit. Haeng Ah is a character with many layers and I’m really looking forward to see those layers being peeled back as this drama progresses.

4. “Family” Relations

For a girl who has lost both her parents and has no siblings, Haeng Ah really does have a lot of “family” members who love her and care for her like their own. Of course there is Ri Hwan, who was somewhat like a brother to her since young, then there is the “Secret Garden” family who runs a restaurant by the same name and feeds Haeng Ah daily, there even is a sister in the form of her close friend Tae Hee (Kim Ri Na) who houses her whenever necessary and is always there to help her. Ri Hwan also has a fantastic relationship with his mother and their interactions are always touching because they are acted in such a heartfelt manner. These relationships are built upon years of experiences and they make this drama really heartwarming to watch.

Also on Kultscene: 4 K-Dramas That Need To Be On Your ‘To-Watch’ List Right Now

5. OST

This seems like a weird reason for a show to be addictive but the OST for this drama is really stellar. As this drama has an overarching theme of a radio show (Haeng Ah is a radio program PD) soothing music and songs are always played throughout the episode. The songs will all be relevant to the storyline at hand and it just gives off such a nice and relaxing vibe that will allow viewers to just enjoy watching the drama. The meaningful lyrics of the songs being played sometimes also brings more insight to the situation being played out and I appreciate the space that the drama gives viewers with these subtle moments. It is because of these songs that viewers are able to better empathize with the emotions of the characters, and this keeps us more invested in the show.

All in all, this is really a romantic comedy done right, and it touches my heart in all the right places. Even though it’s still early into the drama, I’m very excited to see how it will turn out and I trust that I will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to watch how the relationship between Haeng Ah and Ri Hwan will be developed and I really need more episodes right now.

Are you watching this drama? What is your take on the romantic K-dramas nowadays? 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.

6 Songs to Get You Ready For B.A.P’s Comeback

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B.A.P, BAPisBACK, B.A.P Comeback

B.A.B.Y’s worldwide can finally rejoice because B.A.P’s long awaited comeback is finally underway! After a turbulent and what felt like a never ending 12 months, the guys are finally back and is set to release their latest music video for “Young, Wild & Free” on November 15th. In order to properly prep you for this overdue comeback, here are six songs to get you ready for it!

[Disclaimer: As a B.A.B.Y myself, I suggest you seclude yourself in a room with a box (or two) of tissue, seeing as you’re about to experience some serious “feels” with these songs.]

1. “Warrior”

B.A.P sure knows how to make an entrance! They set the tone for the rest of the 2012’s rookie groups the moment they released their debut music video and track, “Warrior.” Most people’s first impressions were probably something along the lines of, “who are these six blonde newbies?” Sure, it was probably hard to tell them apart in this music video, considering all the uniformed outfits and non stop choreography that prevented the viewers a chance to take a peek at their faces. But that was it! There was something about all of that that reeled potential fans in.

During the time of B.A.P’s debut, it was beyond uncommon to see Korean boy bands or “idol” groups in general tampering with hip hop as much as they did. This song came out during a time where other boy bands were all about that flower boy image and cute concepts, whereas “Warrior” was the polar opposite. It showed strength, determination, and power; it was refreshing and completely unexpected. Not only did B.A.P set the bar high with their debut for the rookies that followed, but “Warrior” was a way of them setting their own standards, raising the bar sky high for their own comebacks. Read more

What We’re Watching This November From Korea

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Big Bang "Made" There are so many options out there when it comes to television shows and movies to watch that sometimes it’s a bit overwhelming to figure out exactly what you should be watching this November. But don’t worry, KultScene has you covered. Check out a few of these great Korean dramas and Korean movies that we’ve enjoyed this month, including an exclusive documentary from BIGBANG’s recent MADE tour via DramaFever and a dramedy about a bunch of friends starting a rickshaw business from Viki.

“Riders: Catch Tomorrow”

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a good story about people going for their dreams, and that’s exactly what “Riders” offers us in the 12 episode series. Starring Kim Dong Wook, Lee Chung Ah, and Choi Yeo Jin, the show is about Kim’s character who decides he’s bored of working in a corporate company and starts a business pedaling people around in rickshaws. The story is about people discovering happiness and romance while dealing with the struggles of everyday issues. With a lot of jokes, “Riders: Catch Tomorrow” is making us smile and cry right after one another. This is an exclusive to Viki, so make sure to take a few minutes and fall in love.

Also on KultScene: Here’s Why The Wall Street Journal Is Wrong About K-Drama Fans

“BIGBANG MADE 2015 CONCERT”

As someone who attended one of BIGBANG’s stop in New Jersey, I can’t say enough how everyone needs to go watch this documentary. It’s DramaFever’s first original production and brings BIGBANG’s recently ended tour to viewers around the world. If you didn’t get a chance to see them while they were traveling the world, don’t worry, here’s your chance. The documentary will feature moments from BIGBANG’s most recent North American tour, and include both concert performances and behind the scenes. It just went live today, so definitely sit down, grab your VIP light, and start jamming out right now!

“Reply 1988”

I’m going to be honest, I haven’t even started watching this and I know it’s amazing, mostly because other KultScene staff members have said so. That and the fact that the other “Reply” series were absolutely amazing. This time, the retro drama brings us back to 1988 and stars Girl’s Day’s Hyeri as the lead female and Ryu Jun Yeol and Go Kyung Pyo as the main male leads. Everyone’s favorite “Reply” parents Sung Dong Il and Lee Il Hwa are back, playing Hyeri’s parents as we get the 1988 version of a bunch of young people struggling with changes in the world. And try to figure out who Hyeri will get married to, of course!

Also on KultScene: 6 K-Things To Watch This October: Big Bang, ‘Answer Me,’ INFINITE, Lee Min Ki & More [UPDATED]

“Oh My Venus”

So Ji Sub and Shin Min Ah star in this upcoming drama that I’m super excited about. The two are stalwart actors, and are acting as a personal trainer who falls in love with his client. It’s sure to be sweet, cute, and develop some emotional curves in there that will make you be unable to tear your eyes away from the screen. It doesn’t start airing until next week, but if you’re interested in “Oh My Venus,” let us know in the comments what you’re excited to see!

”Sassy Go Go”

Jung Eun Ji of APink (and “Reply 1997”) stars as the go-getter dancer who is one of the worst in her year at a prestigious Seoul high school. Lee Won Keun is the top of their year, and the two clash in this fun drama after two school clubs are forced to combine, bringing the top students together with the less educationally inclinced students. With all the lightheartedness of the typical high school drama, “Sassy Go Go” also deals with depression and suicide that accompanies the high stress to succeed.

Read more

How Beenzino Differs To Other Korean Hip Hop Artists

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Beenzino, Beenzino North American TourThere are two prominent types of Korean hip hop artists; the one group of artists who are lyrically deep and poetic in their rhymes and the group that’ll immensely try to mimic and imitate American hip hop. Korean hip hop artists are either swagged out from head to toe — rocking snapbacks, sporting various designer brand name clothing, an array of tattoos running down their arms and across their bodies and with the occasional ones that wear their custom made gold grill sets — or chill and solely focusing on producing impactful pieces with meaningful lyrics caring less about the new Air Jordans or whether they’re seen around town driving in an adorned Maybach.

So let’s make this more specific. What are your immediate thoughts when you take a first glance at Beenzino? Is he some hard ass wannabe American rapper? Does he prance around showing off his notoriety? Does he keep his sunglasses on at all times, whether indoors or outdoors? Or is he a delicate flower? Does he shyly look away when he’s being made direct eye contact with? Read more

boys republic artist spotlight profile kpop korean boy band

Artist Spotlight: Boys Republic

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boys republic artist spotlight profile kpop korean boy band

In an oversaturated market of male K-Pop idols, many aspiring boy bands face intense competition every year to make an impact. One such group currently vying for success is Happy Tribe Entertainment and Universal Music Korea’s five member boy band, Boys Republic. The group comprises leader and eldest member Won Jun, main vocalist Sun Woo, rapper and dancer Sung Joon, fellow rapper and dancer Min Su and Su Woong, vocalist and the youngest member.

The group trained together for two years prior to debut, after which their exemplary work earned them an endorsement deal with Jeju Air, a budget airline, which adopted Boys Republic’s Orange Sky as its company theme. Three of the members also had previous showbiz experience; in 2010, Sun Woo (known then as Da Bin) had a brief stint in boy band Touch and subsequently joined Cube Entertainment, Su Woong was a trainee at Big Hit Entertainment and Sung Joon was under the wing of JYP Entertainment.

Thanks to their manager, Jung Hae Ik, Boys Republic have an outstanding musical pedigree. He is a former SM Entertainment executive who ensured the massive success of such illustrious groups as H.O.T, S.E.S, G.O.D and Shinhwa in the mid 90s and his vast experience was put to good use when Boys Republic made their much anticipated debut on 5th June 2013, with the highly addictive anthem “Party Rock.”

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: ZPZG

It is a heavily auto-tuned and synthesized dance song with a colourful and quirky music video, in which Won Jun tries unsuccessfully to flirt with a girl. She rebuffs him and disappears into a cardboard box which the members proceed to throw around, much to her annoyance. Boys Republic and their fellow party goers are then seen dancing in the box, whereupon the girl emerges, angrily steps on it and walks away.

“You Are Special,” the group’s second single of 2013 (which coincided with their first mini album Identity), saw a complete change of image for Boys Republic. They become edgy rockers in a music video filled with such standard K-pop devices as the members looking angst ridden, Sung Joon breaking a concrete wall with a sledgehammer and assorted wild dogs! Boys Republic also showcase some impressively athletic choreography on what appears to be a freezing cold day, then the video culminates with a scene of them all walking towards a burning door frame.

At the beginning of 2014, Boys Republic’s management announced the group’s “fantasy trilogy” concept, which would aim to fulfill their fans greatest wishes. “Video Game” formed the first part of the project and the story version of the song features the members wearing virtual reality helmets, which enable them to participate in a game. The heavy EDM sound of “Video Game” proved a winner with fans and the choreography, by Nana School, marked Boys Republic’s most demanding routine to date. Incidentally, the song received increased exposure when a video of Girls Generation members listening to it was uploaded to the SM Town YouTube channel.

The group followed this up in the summer with the release of “Dress Up,” a catchy 90s style pop song, which showcased Boys Republic’s lovable and humorous side. With a plot which involves a female friend receiving a confidence boosting makeover, this music video has a worthwhile message, which strongly condemns superficial beauty standards, after their friend becomes the target of bullies who judge her harshly due to her perceived lack of style.

Also on KultScene: 10 Songs To Celebrate A Decade Of Super Junior

Towards the end of the year, Boys Republic surprised and delighted their loyal fans, affectionately known as the “Royal Family”, by unveiling their second mini album “Real Talk” and promoting the music video for its title track, “The Real One.” It involves all five members, smartly dressed in suits, engaging in a dance off with themselves and features choreography far more suggestive than anything they had previously attempted. All of these elements, plus a funky and danceable song, combined to give Boys Republic a solid winner.

Prior to their European “Royal Tour” in July 2015, the boys released the melancholic ballad Hello, in June, to commemorate their second anniversary since debut. The group’s first ballad single showcases the members sensitive side and is accompanied by an anguished music video, in which the boys mourn the loss of a previous love who has abandoned them. Boys Republic’s strong vocals are evident here and the change of pace clearly demonstrates that the band’s management is not afraid to try new approaches

Apart from their obviously close friendship and down to earth approach towards their fans, Boys Republic are well known for their philanthropic work. They have been appointed ambassadors for the Korean Federation of Youth, participated in a Salvation Army charity fundraiser and Sun Woo has even knitted hats for a Save The Children project.

Recently, Sung Joon, Su Woong and Sun Woo demonstrated their versatility by starring in the web drama “Alchemist,” alongside Kara’s Young Ji. With this kind of exposure, Boys Republic can surely look forward to a rapid increase in the size of their fan base in the near future.

Do you like Boys Republic? What’s your favorite 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.

Here’s Why The Wall Street Journal Is Wrong About K-Drama Fans

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You Who Came From The Stars“A study by Seoul National University researchers in 2013 found that loyal fans of Korean soap operas tend to be less educated, and therefore more susceptible to the genre’s unrealistic plot twists, which include old standbys like the car accident-induced bout of amnesia or the twins who are separated at birth,” reads a recent Wall Street Journal (WSJ) article titled “Psy-chology 101: Academics Put Spotlight on Korean Pop Culture” by Jonathan Cheng. It was published on November 1 and covered the academic study of Korean pop culture including, but not limited to, the Hallyu (Korean Wave) phenomenon.

Having studied Hallyu in both American and Korean universities, I expected to not really come away with any particular feeling other than elation about the fact that my field of study was being highlighted in one of the most respected newspapers in the world. So imagine my surprise at being insulted as “less educated” because I am a “loyal fan” of Korean dramas, or what the WSJ calls, “soap operas.”

I’ve been watching them since I was in high school, throughout college and studying abroad, and now as a post-grad. But the Wall Street Journal quotes a study then lets it hang as fact without further discussing it at all throughout the rest of the article, insinuating that I’m uneducated because I’m currently binge watching “She Was Pretty,” a 16-episode show about a childhood friends who don’t recognize one another after they’ve been separated for nearly 20 years.

Siwon "She Was Pretty"

Credit: MBC, gif via irrational obsessions gottcha78 on Tumblr

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I spent a few minutes looking up this study, only to find a Wall Street Journal article from 2013 titled “South Korean Soap Operas: Just Lowbrow Fun?” that first introduced the survey to WSJ audiences. The survey they based their research on was conducted in China and had a small sample size, with only 400 Chinese candidates between the ages of 20-60 answering about their television watching preferences.

However, there are multiple issues with this survey and the Wall Street Journal’s recurring use of the results determined by Seoul National University staff in 2013 to insult K-drama fans. In fact, more than just a few people are upset by being fit into this neat, uneducated box; Chinese K-drama fans took offense with the survey, and protested the results in 2014.

The international use of a survey that utilizes such a limited sample size to represent the millions of Korean-drama fans around the world belittles the wide range of international popularity dramas have. Similarly, the point of the survey was unclear. Were the researchers trying to find out how popular Korean dramas were in China or were they trying to see international viewing trends among Chinese nationals? The difference may seem minimal, but the WSJ does not offer readers any further information about the intention of the survey or the type of questions posed to surveyees that may shape their responses.

Many Chinese students study abroad in the United States because English is important and studying abroad is perceived as something elite and a way up in the business world (Korea is similar). It seems far more likely that highly educated people in China would pick American, English-language television over Korean shows. Of course they would. Why would any educated person have incentive to pick Korean dramas, which are similar to Chinese dramas in all but production value and language, over the American, Hollywood productions? 

Most of China, actually. The Seoul National University’s results don’t seem accurate anymore, since Korean television shows are immensely popular in China today. In 2014, branches of the Chinese government met to question why Korean dramas are so popular following the wide spread success of the Korean drama “My Love From The Stars,” even as Chinese cultural products were lacking local and international appeal. In fact, members of the government considered K-dramas as such a threat to China’s cultural prowess that one called the Korean soap operas “the distillation of traditional Chinese culture.”

Regardless of perceived flaws in the survey itself, when it comes down to it it is highly problematic that the WSJ is continuously implying that Korean dramas are lowbrow based on a (limited) study that featured a handful of highly educated people dismissing Korean dramas in favor of “The Big Bang Theory,” a show about a sexy, uneducated woman who manages relationships with four highly intellectual, socially awkward nerds.

That’s how it works in California, right?

Putting the realm of reality on hold for a moment, “The Big Bang Theory” has just as many intellectual issues as Korean dramas, and maybe even more. Korean dramas are created in the imaginary Disney-esque world of Cinderellas, Prince Charmings, and Evil Stepmothers, where there are usually happy endings for all. In comparison, “The Big Bang Theory” is very much set in a stereotypical version of this world, where the blondes are dumb, the scientists have few social graces, the Jewish character (Wolowitz) is small and often thought of as “disgusting” by the other characters, and the Indian character fits into longstanding views of the effeminate Asian: Raj’s Indian background is not only used for jokes, but he fits into the stereotypical idea of the emasculated Asian male. Raj is always somewhere between straight, gay, and asexual depending on each episode, and never the most powerful person in the room but almost always the subordinate in every situation on “The Big Bang Theory.”

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Perhaps the 400 Chinese nationals who were surveyed missed out on the nuances of American (stereotype promoting) humor, but if they pick racist comedy over unrealistic drama plots, I have to question their emotional intelligence and legitimacy as the yardstick for all fans of internationally popular television shows. (That does not mean that I think anyone who is a fan of “The Big Bang Theory” is racist. The show perpetuates stereotypes, and I am questioning the survey’s validity as an accurate reflection of K-drama viewers around the world).

Sure, Korean dramas are dramatic, silly, pretty ridiculous, and nowhere near the pinnacle of fine arts. But the audience is not innately any dumber than any other fandom. Saying that a person is “less educated” because of their preferred form of entertainment, their preferred form of escape from the banality of everyday life, is a bit absurd and honestly offensive.

Watching K-dramas requires putting your grasp of reality on hold. I don’t believe that the unrealistic situations can occur, but I still laugh, gasp, and cry in a way that I don’t when I watch many other television shows. Why should one preferred form of storytelling make the audience innately less educated than others? It doesn’t, and quoting one, small survey time and time again does not change the fact that K-dramas are watched by people from all walks of life.

Korean dramas are watched in South Korea as prime time television. Yes, they’re soap operas. No, not every person in South Korea is watching them, but they are immensely popular. South Korea has one of the most literate, educated populations in the world with more than 80 percent of adults going on to university, according to The Economist. But you say “loyal fans of Korean soap operas tend to be less educated”?

Outside of South Korea, maybe you can suggest that the audience is less educated, but that’s not remotely true. According to 2013 statistics from DramaFever, one of the most popular sites for international audiences to watch Korean dramas, 53 percent of their audience had college or grad school education in 2013. In 2015, DramaFever reaches around 20 million viewers. Viki, another site where many people watch Korean dramas, goes above just having educated viewers and actually has audience members build the subtitles, including translation and editing, for entirely free.

But, after all, these are the “less educated” fans of Korean dramas.

What do you think about the Wall Street Journal’s use of this survey? How do you feel about Korean dramas? 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.

Playlist Sunday: Nonsense K-Pop Songs

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kpop songs k pop playlist nonesense engrish

Fans of Korean music don’t need to know Korean to love the songs, but once in awhile there’s a tune or two that just doesn’t make sense. We still love those songs, but let’s be honest: Nonsensical K-pop songs deserve their own special genre. For this week’s Playlist Sunday, the KultScene staff members picked their favorite completely over-the-top nonsense K-pop songs for your listening pleasure.

You can leave it up to BIGBANG to having some of the most interesting and mind boggling concepts. Let’s take one of their latest song and music video “Bae Bae” for example. Lyrically, the song takes the generic route and talks about being blinded by beautiful girls and infatuated with her angelic looks and how she’s glamorous from head to toe. The music video on the other hand is strange from the get go. There were a lot of hidden meanings, a few that only those a certain age would understand, some of it was a bit rated if I say so myself. Everything from Taeyang, with that atrocious long haired wig, riding a horse, to Daesung laying in a body of water, stranded on his lonely island, to Seungri’s relationship with a dominatrix-like female was extremely odd, especially for a song that talked about a female’s beauty. The video might be understood by and even appealing to those couples in a similar sub/dom kind of relationship who are looking for that extra bit of teasing, sure, but it’s not something I can say I enjoyed. It doesn’t matter how many times I watch the music video, I find myself saying “what the hell?” every single time. As questionable as the music video for “Bae Bae” is, it’s one of those videos that’ll you’ll find yourself watching time and time again out of curiosity.

— Tam

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U-KISS‘s “0330” is a great song, and the music video is really beautiful and heart wrenching. But that math equation halfway through the song, well, that is simply unforgivable. U-KISS has several members who speak English, so there is absolutely no excuse for “Don’t deny our r ²Ï€ (r squared pi).” Seriously, I’m looking at you, Eli and Kevin. What does that mean even? “Don’t deny our r ²Ï€” would literally mean, “don’t deny our circle.” WHAT? I’m not even going to try to explain away this line. “0330” came out in 2011 and I still don’t think I can get over this Engrish faux paux.

— Tamar

BIGBANG’s Taeyang has released some great songs such as “Wedding Dress” and “Eyes Nose Lips” as a soloist but he has also released some weird ones as well. What does “Ringa Linga” mean even? The music video is pretty weird as well, with cars flying backwards and glow in the dark dance scenes. The chorus is essentially made up of Taeyang repeating “ringa linga” over and over again, but as a song it’s pretty addictive and catchy, so it is a no-brainer that this song was a huge hit. Its title may not make much sense, but it’s a definite ear worm and will get stuck in your head in no time.

— Anna

On their 2011 “In Heaven” album, three piece vocal group JYJ featured “Mission,” an up tempo number merging dance beats with a prominent classical string section. Unfortunately, this accomplished composition of Junsu’s also showcased some of the most bizarre English lyrics to be heard in K-pop. For example, during his rap verse, Yuchun states: “Probably your money is unpublic/Try to save my life like a puppy and cream.” In the same rap, he continues “F**K off no more talk,” which was taken by fans as a response to the group’s detractors, given JYJ’s well documented struggles in recent years. It is impossible to know if JYJ are attempting to be avant-garde with this song or simply out of their depth with a foreign language but, given that they previously tried to target the U.S. market, such grammatically muddled lyrics are unforgivable.

— Eve

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For being the richest entertainment company in the K-pop industry, SM Entertainment does not spend enough money on their lyricists. Or even a fact checker, for that matter. SM has made its groups release some really questionable songs with random English phrases, but one of the most wtf-worthy came with Super Junior and their 2012 song “Sexy, Free & Single.” I mean, I’m with you SuJu. You’re all in your mid to late twenties and early thirties; a song about being young and available and virile is adequate. One question though, what does “bingo” mean in “Sexy, free, and single/I’m ready too, bingo?” Are you trying to make “bingo” into a thing or…??? Help this ELF out here.

Recently, it was reported that the Swedish lyricists behind Britney Spears’ iconic “… Baby One More Time” thought that “hit me” meant “call me” in English slang. So when Britney sings “hit me baby one more time,” in the minds of the lyricists, it actually means “call me baby one more time.” And given that “Sexy, Free & Single” was written by fellow Scandinavians, maybe “bingo” means one or another slang phrase to them as well.

— Alexis

APink‘s “Bubibu” is a bubbly and adorable song about a shy girl’s infatuation with a boy, which, upon first listen, is nothing odd. I mean, it covers the themes that are expected to go with such adoration, such as the daydreams and the confession (or lack of it)… but then we get the chorus: “Slowly, on your two cheeks, BuBiBu/I want to hold your hand tightly and BuBiBu.” I’m sorry, but what? From what I’ve gathered, it sounds like the term “BuBiBu” might refer to a more saccharine way of saying “to brush against” or an onomatopoeia for “to touch,” though it still doesn’t make much sense when we consider the line “You are my everything BuBiBu.” And the babble talk does not stop there. In a similar vein, we have the ingenious “Looking at you and I go lululala” and “rub dub, rub dub I tremble,” which still has me scratching my head. But then again, can I really be overly critical of the song? It never claimed itself to be profound or academic; it’s a pop song for Pete’s sake! So despite its nonsensical nature, “BuBiBu” quickly became and still remains as one of my favorites.

— Shelley

What’s your favorite nonsense K-pop 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.