Is Park Jinyoung (founder and CEO of JYP Entertainment) prepping Got7 into becoming the next 2PM? The probability is high considering the guys of Got7 are stepping away from their cute and somersaulting high kicks concepts into a more mature and sexier phase in their careers with their latest music video and song “If You Do”. Let’s see if Got7 is successful at channeling this new profound sexy concept!
Song
“If You Do” is considerably the most “low energy” and closest to a ballad that Got7 has promoted as a title track. But there’s certainly nothing wrong with that! If anything, this 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.
With so many great vocalists in Got7, the distribution of lines tends to get a bit teetered, going usually to JB, Jr., and Youngjae. So it was great hearing Got7’s maknae (youngest member) Yugyeom getting more than the one whimsical line that he usually gets. If you know Got7, then you know that Yugyeom is a dance maniac — their energetic dance machine — but he also gets cheated of lines, especially with their last track “Just Right.” Surprisingly enough though for someone who is as hyperactive as this 17-year-old is, he has a notably tender voice, which was quite pleasant to listen to. Read more
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/GOt7.png7681024Tam Huynhhttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-09-29 06:22:442015-09-29 12:50:35GOT7’s ‘If You Do’ Music Video & Song Review
YG-stans rejoice! Yup, we’re not joking here. Each week, DramaFever will bring audiences a new K-pop concert that K-pop fans from around the world can enjoy. October is all about YG Entertainment, so fans can watch “Big Bang: Tour II” on Oct. 7, “YG Family Tour” on Oct. 14, “2NE1 Concert” on Oct. 21, and “G-Dragon One of a Kind” on Oct. 28.
This drama, starring Park So Dam, Choi Minho of SHINee, and Kim Min Jae is the first ever drama series to air on the Korean channel, OnStyle. It’s a cute, lighthearted comedy about six friends and their stories. Each episode is only fifteen minutes long, and everything about the show looks so adorable, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t watch it.
This is more than just a movie for fans of INFINITE (like myself,) because it’s a documentary about their world tour and what it’s like being a K-pop star traveling the globe and performing. K-pop is well-known for its intensity, both from entertainers and fans alike, and “GROW” gives real insight into the lives of these seven K-pop idols.
Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won play a doctor and radio show producer respectively, just living their lives and seeking contentment. This slice of life drama takes place around a hospital and a radio station, as the characters of the drama sort out their individual problems to become happier. There will surely be a few serious moments, but this stellar cast will not disappoint.
I am so excited for this throwback show that I cannot express it. “Answer Me 1997” and “Answer Me 1994” were really great dramas from tvN, with casts that really outstanded and surpassed expectations (I’m looking at you, Eunji and Hoya.) Even if you weren’t alive in the late 1980’s, the latest in the “Answer Me” series will make you wish you were. Lee Hyeri (of Girl’s Day) and Go Kyung Pyo will be the showrunners, but the rest of the ensemble will surely also surprise us.
Lee Min Ki and Son Ye Jin, that should be enough for most people. Take it a step farther, and combine those two amazing Korean actors with a comedic horror film, and throw in some romance and magic? There’s really nothing more that a person could ask for. The 2011 film was one of the most popular romantic comedies in Korea, and there’s no reason it shouldn’t be everyone’s new favorite. Lee plays a street magician who spots Son’s character, and the two become business partners. The character-who-can-see-ghosts plot isn’t entirely dissimilar from the 2013 drama, “The Master’s Sun,” but this is one movie that everybody should definitely check out.
Which of these DramaFever specials are you excited to watch in October? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/null-1.png7681024Tamar Hermanhttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTamar Herman2015-09-28 10:26:232015-09-28 10:26:236 K-Things To Watch This October: Big Bang, ‘Answer Me,’ INFINITE, Lee Min Ki & More
Sept. 27 will have one of the most spectacular lunar eclipses in recent years in many parts of the world, so in honor of that, this week’s Playlist Sunday is outer space oriented. Living on Earth is all good and fun, but sometimes K-pop gets a little bit interstellar and out of this world. Some of KultScene’s writers picked their favorite astronomy-based songs including hits by Stellar, AKMU, EXO, and more. Whether you’re going to see tonights blood moon or not, take a listen to these extraterrestrial K-pop tunes.
Girl group Stellar debuted in 2011 with title track “Rocket Girl,” featuring Eric Mun of Shinhwa, who was previously the CEO of the company the girl group was signed to. In general, I’m not one to usually listen to girl groups since a majority of their songs are usually too bubbly for my own liking. But being that Eric Mun is my ultimate bias, I thought, “why not?” “Rocket Girl” was filled with auto tune, but it wasn’t as bothersome since the chorus was rather entrancing. One could probably tell without looking up the lyrics that the song is a bit on the cheesier side but mixed in with the catchy beat, “Rocket Girl” can surely put one in a good mood. Although the music video is a bit embarrassing to watch, it’s unique, a rare sight to see in an industry where people expect to see girl groups on extravagant sets and glamorous outfits. Eric’s rap was a bit random and totally unnecessary, but it adds a fun twist and will probably have you wanting to get on that “rocket space ship” with him. If you’re feeling a little down in the dumps and need a quick pick me up, take a listen and watch the music video for “Rocket Girl” — although your brain might be scrambled with a hundred different thoughts, at least you’ll feel better!
When this song was released, it was immediately touted as a Samsung advertisement because of how many times the word “Galaxy” was repeated. Sibling duo Akdong Musician (AKMU) debuted in 2014 with their album “Play” and this song caught my attention immediately. Yes, it was acoustic and adorable like the rest of their songs, but it had a great mix of lively and mellow melodies. It was a relatively short song compared to their other songs, but it was extremely catchy and I soon found myself singing along with it, especially it’s catchphrase, “Galaxy”.
— Anna
Whenever I look at the nighttime sky, I can’t help but think about how beautiful it is and that feeling was put to words in Super Junior’s “Stars Appear.” The building ballad is one of Super Junior’s best songs in the past few years, bringing together the members’ voices and beautiful lyrics in the best way possible. The lyrics talk about creating memories that will make “Stars Appear” in lovers’ eyes, comparing the brightness of love to the brightness of the nighttime sky. It sounds a bit cheesy as I’m writing this, but there are millions of stars in the world, each with their own spark and flame, and there is really nothing better than this comparison paired with the crooning, acoustic-heavy backing music.
— Tamar
With its late ‘90s, early ‘00s futuristic concept and sounds, “Galaxy Supernova” is hands down one of my favorite Girls’ Generation songs. Long forgotten are these types of songs in the anticipation of the new millennium, so of course I was ecstatic when the Girls’ came up with this cosmic concept that took us back to a time when we thought everything would be metallic and minimalistic by now. The song itself uses cheesy similes comparing their love interests to a supernova and them, the great SNSD, ruling the galaxy and being like comets and shooting stars. But as international fans, half of the greatness of the song is the overall packaging and not just the lyrics. So even though it’s cheesy, it’s a pop masterpiece.
— Alexis
It’s one thing when a song or music video is centered around a galactic space theme, but it’s another when the group itself is from a different planet… Or so the story goes. At the time when EXO debuted, we didn’t really question how laughable their EXO Planet lore is; we just ate it all up. But looking back at their music video for “History” now in 2015, it seems kinda dated and – have we used this word enough yet? – cheesy, even for a video trying to play off of the futuristic concept. The boys dance on a barren celestial body in full on harem pants and moon motifs, while the song references “this planet called earth” and the “sun that is great.” Essentially, they are made out to be like extraterrestrials who are preparing to rise up and do big things one day. But even if the members are embarrassed of their past images now, “History” and its iconic “pocket dance” choreography did do wonders for the group, paving the way for their future success.
— Shelley
What’s your favorite outer space 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.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/null-11.png7681024KultScenehttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2015-09-27 15:21:062015-10-04 12:29:02Playlist Sunday: Outer Space
The final episode of “The Genius: Grand Final” aired on the 12th of September and a new “king” was crowned. As it is produced by cable network tvN, “The Genius” is not as well-known among K-pop fans as other shows such as “Running Man” and “Superman is Back”, but over the past four seasons the show has garnered quite a large fan base both locally and internationally. “The Genius” is a variety show where 13 contestants of different backgrounds and age groups are gathered for a battle of wits that lasts throughout a season of 12 episodes where a contestant is eliminated each episode through a death match. The final winner, or the king, is given a cash prize based on the number of garnets earned by the players throughout the season. How then, you might wonder, did this intellectual show, in particular its fourth season, manage to attract so many fans? Here are five of the reasons why.
1. Complicated but viewer-friendly games
It is an intellectual competition after all, and the games that are played every episode are certainly of a high standard. Each episode is broken up into two parts, a “Main Match”, where the winners are granted tokens of life and the loser is sent into the “Death Match” along with another contestant of his choice.
Main matches take up the majority of the episode, and they range from auctions to horror races and even card games. The rules of the games are very extensive, but they are all necessary in order for the participants to gain victory. So if you’re someone who finds the thrill in exploring newly discovered casinos and you get an adrenaline rush every time the cards are dealt, you should definitely check this show out!
The show always ensures that viewers know what is going on, however, by using an animated video at the beginning of the game to explain the rules. The possible scenarios for winning or losing the game are also spelled out clearly so that both the participants and the viewers will be able to understand how the game works.
When a participant makes a game-changing move (this usually happens at least once per episode,) the show will insert a special commentary of the person’s move and how his or her move would affect the game. This is a genius move on the part of the producers because it would help viewers understand what the participants are thinking and in a way, add more personality to the participants. Once viewers are able to become invested in the games they will experience a greater thrill and excitement while watching, which is one of the greatest strengths of this show.
2. It is a real-life version of “Liar Game”
If you’re a fan of the Korean drama “Liar Game,” you’ll definitely be a fan of this show as well. Seeing as how both shows are produced by the same company (tvN), this was something quite expected in terms of the format of the show and the games that were played. In fact, when the first season of “The Genius” aired, it was criticized for being too similar to the original Japanese version of the drama. Apart from the format however, what I found the most similar was the way cast member Kim Kyungran played the games in “The Genius”. She was a runner-up in season one and returned in this fourth season, She reminded me of Nam Da Jung (the protagonist in the Korean version of “Liar Game” played by Kim So Eun) in the way she constantly advocated for mutual cooperation and trust. Kim Kyungran embodied her beliefs in her actions as well, because she never failed to keep her promises and help her teammates, all of which led to this amazing moment in episode five where five participants (including Kyungran) achieved a joint victory together. Anyone else having “Liar Game” flashbacks yet?
The unique part about this fourth season is the fact that all the participants are people who have been in previous seasons of “The Genius”. This does not just heighten the tension surrounding the various matches and eliminations, it also ensures that viewers get to enjoy the familiar banters between the participants.
The cast is made up participants from various backgrounds and occupations including Jang Dongmin (comedian), Kim Kyunghoon (graduate student), Yoo Junghyun (politician) and so on, but they get along very well together. No matter how tough the competition is, the participants are always able to find humor and joy from each other (but this definitely does not mean that they go easy on each other!), which is very heartwarming to observe. Take the last episode for example, when the finals were concluded the whole cast gathered back in the main hall and held hands. It was a sign of unity, but more than that it was also about forgiveness.
There were many betrayals that took place throughout the show but at the end of the day the friendships that they had forged with each other were more valuable than any prize money they could have won. It’s an important lesson, and one that the show brings out actively.
In addition, tvN releases “behind the scene” footage of every episode, which gives viewers an insight about how the episodes are filmed. Most of it is hilarious and fun, and these videos once again show how close the cast have gotten as they spent long hours filming this program together.
via tumblr
4. The editing is always on point
No matter how interesting a cast or a game is, it is definitely difficult for an intellectual show like “The Genius” to be humorous and enjoyable for mainstream viewers. But that’s where the production side comes in.
Everything from the captions that are used to the background music that is thoughtfully selected for every scene contributes to the delightful program that is “The Genius”. Suspense levels are kept very high with the numerous twists and turns in every episode. The best example of this would arguably be in episode four, when the tables were completely turned contestant Oh Hyunmin, who was portrayed as the most likely victor throughout the whole game, when a secret alliance was revealed at the end and Hyunmin was in last place. It was such a surprise, both for the participants and for the viewers alike, and it is surprises such as these that keep viewers engaged and excited.
The background music that has consistently been used for this program since the first season is mainly provided by a band called Idiotape. Their music is highly electronic in nature and is very climactic with a clever use of the drums, which suits the nature of “The Genius” to a tee. Idiotape’s music has become an icon of the show, much like other aspects, such as the socalled “Bandage Man” and the main dealer, Hong Jiyeon.
And finally, arguably the star of season four, is Jang Dongmin. Don’t get me wrong, this is not my personal bias speaking, but I had started out this show with a very low expectation of this comedian and my impression of him has completely changed. I had watched him in “Crime Scene Season Two” previously, but apart from being impressed at his amazing memory, I did not think that he was an exceptional participant. I certainly did not expect that he would be such a loyal yet cunning player, with good social and leadership skills.
As mentioned several times during the season by his fellow participants, Jang Dongmin has the perfect skill set and ability for this show. He may not be the best mathematician or the boldest gambler, but he knows when to show off and when to play safe. He is also very driven and determined, as can be seen by his face-off with Oh Hyunmin in a deathmatch game of Tactical Yutnori, a new take on a traditional Korean game. In season three of “The Genius,” this was the only game that Dongmin had ever lost, and it was also against Hyunmin, one of this season’s forerunners. Dongmin saw this chance as an opportunity to prove himself and show his improvement, and boy, did he succeed. Apart from proving his own abilities, Jang also desired to show that comedians were not a group of people to be looked down on, but that they are intelligent and valuable people who deserve to be respected.
The show highlights the fact that Dongmin grew up poor and less privileged than some of his fellow contestants, so it becomes a triumph even for the viewers when he succeeds in matches and challenges. By being on this show, Dongmin disproved a lot of common stereotypes and thus gained a lot of respect for it. No matter who the fans supported, they never begrudged Dongmin of his success, to which I must say kudos to both Dongmin and the show for portraying him in such a manner.
As a bonus, Dongmin’s interactions with “The Genius” constant, Dealer Hong Jiyeon are both adorable and hilarious. It’s amazing to see the normally cold-hearted dealer turn into a smiling and flustered woman in front of this charming comedian, and tvN certainly realized it, judging by the number of times she ended up featuring in their “behind the scene” videos this season.
“The Genius: Grand Final” is a show packed with humor, heart and thrill. I’m definitely looking forward to the next season of it!
Are you watching “The Genius”? What do you think about the evolving variety scene in Korea? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/1443094128847.jpg20482048Anna Cheanghttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAnna Cheang2015-09-25 05:20:592015-09-27 15:50:065 Reasons Why You Should Watch “The Genius: Grand Final”
As fans, we all love K-pop concerts. Your bias group comes into town and you save up to buy a ticket plus everything else it entails, you show up the day of, and enjoy the show, finit. However great that experience can be, it’s also very limiting. That’s not the case with festivals, especially the Los Angeles Korean Festival, which hosts an annual event to celebrate Korea’s community, culture, and entertainment. Oh, and brings K-pop stars for a slew of great performances.
This year, the Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation (LAKFF) has done it again by bringing an impressive lineup of Korean stars and expanding the festivities by offering more of everything. So if you’re in or around Los Angeles and are still on the fence about attending or are not even aware of this event, here’s a little bit of persuasion from our part as to why you can’t miss it.
1. It’s a Four Day Celebration
This year, the LA Korean Festival is a four day event filled with food, goodies, and, of course, Korean performers including talented K-pop stars, from October 1 through the 4 at the Seoul National Park. The truth of the matter is that the performers are what draw in much of the attention, but with four days, the festival will host many activities including a parade, beauty pageant, and traditional music performances. So no matter what, there’s something fun for everyone of every age and gender.
2. Food, Food, and More Food
What’s a festival without food and what’s a celebration of Korean culture without Korean food? Get ready to taste some great food from local restaurants and vendors, Korean and non-Korean alike. So if you don’t feel like eating kimchi fried rice, seafood pancakes, or garlic shrimp, you can always go for the lemonade ice bars, pipe ice cream, or waffle bites. There will be something delicious for every palate from sweet to spicy to salty.
via Los Angeles Korean Festival Foundation (LAKFF) Facebook Page
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/null.png7681024Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelumhttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngAlexis Hodoyan-Gastelum2015-09-24 05:20:512015-09-24 05:20:516 Reasons to Attend the Los Angeles Korean Festival
What makes you love a group? How do you choose a bias? Or is it in the opposite order? Do you unexpectedly stumble upon a member and then find yourself falling in utter and complete love, to later on being converted into that person’s’ actual band? Sometimes, that’s the best way to do it. Discovering Kevin Kim and seeing him singing on ”K-Pop: The Ultimate Survival” and thinking to myself, “Is this real life? Is that really him singing?” was a pivotal moment in my K-pop life, a definite game changer. Read more
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Kevin.jpg467700Tam Huynhhttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTam Huynh2015-09-23 18:51:352015-09-25 05:18:37Artist Spotlight: Kevin Kim (ZE:A)
You’ve likely heard of SXSW, but have you heard of Zandari Festa? Started in 2012, the music festival aims to bring together Korean and international musical acts and is currently Korea’s largest music festival. Zandari Festa takes place in the hub of Korean youth and music culture, Seoul’s Hongdae neighborhood, and will take place this year at a variety of venues from October 2-4.
Ahead of the festival, we spoke to six bands. Each of these indie bands – Crying Nut, su:m, Idiotape, A’z Bus, Jambinai, and DTSQ– has something different to offer, and will be playing at this year’s Zandari Festa.
In case you’re interested, we put together quick playlist for your listening pleasure:
Even if you’re not in Seoul for Zandari Festa, make sure to check out some of these bands on YouTube and their Facebook pages. (And if you are in Seoul for the festival, make sure to also check out Love X Stereo, Dead Buttons, Juck Juck Grunzie, Patients, Rock N Roll Radio, andVictim Mentality, all of whom will be playing at this year’s Zandari Festa and who we’ve previously interviewed.)
Which Korean indie band do you want to hear the most? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, andTumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/zandari_logo_fin-2.jpg12001200Tamar Hermanhttps://kultscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTamar Herman2015-09-22 10:10:122015-09-22 11:48:036 Bands To Check Out At Zandari Festa 2015
One of the first things we notice when becoming K-pop fans is the influence of western pop. Musically, K-pop blends a whole host of genres otherwise unheard of in the east. These influences give K-pop an international edge allowing it to cater to a lot more fans than their Japanese and Chinese counterparts. This fusion usually comes in a musical and visual form. Hip-hop sounds and visuals are hugely prevalent in the last few years as K-pop senses the US market opening ever so slightly. Where it is not so obvious, however, is in performance. That’s where Pledis’ new boys Seventeen come in, they’ve got something new to show us all.
As we all know, dance is a big part of what makes K-pop special. But what is it that we love about it so much and why has dance not been westernized yet? For the former, I’d say it’s the collective commitment shown by nearly every group to being synchronized, which also hints at an answer to the latter question. That answer is a historic difference in core ideals between east and west.
In the west, capitalism and democracy took strong hold early on in society. In general, it promotes individual freedom and expression. The most powerful and renowned people in western societies are self-made entrepreneurs. In group dances this translates into simple routines with the more complex movements being executed by those who can do it while the rest stay by the wayside. Think of Beyoncé in Destiny’s Child or Nicole Scherzinger in Pussycat Dolls.
In contrast, Confucianism and communism played a big part in building modern Asia, even in South Korea where it had little actual development. These systems promote the collective over the individual. Confucianism particularly promotes loyalty to seniority. This led to group dances where members work with each other, dance where each member is as good as the next. Nearly every K-pop group fits into this mold, especially any group with a large number of members. The only major exceptions would be YG’s big groups Big Bang and 2NE1. Those groups perform in a looser style allowing members with big personalities to shine, more similar to western musical acts.
So why hasn’t K-pop dance in general been affected in the same way as the music or clothing, emulating western music trends? The move into different musical styles does not actually reflect a great change of ideal within the K-pop community. Genres are merely changing ways of expressing songs that have been heard many times before. With dance, the human body is involved and usually in big numbers. It is a means of expressing societal norms. Changing this would be a fundamental change to Asian values.
This brings us to Seventeen. A group who may not be changing Asian values but are showing a new way of performing the old dance.
The choreography in Seventeen’s two singles up to now, “Adore U” and “Mansae,” has been delightfully inventive. They are pulling off a certain number of moves that I’ve never seen before in K-pop, and all with a youthful exuberance. From the human train in “Adore U” to the human crank in “Mansae,” there’s a lot to be impressed by Seventeen’s dances on a conceptual level. What makes these dances stand out though are the bits in between. When we’re watching great physical feats in the foreground, the background is always littered with other members having fun.
As a group consisting of thirteen members, naturally Seventeen are going to have a lot of big routines. Each of one of these dances are perfectly executed as they come across more like a small army than a boy band. With big K-pop groups big, synchronized routines are usually the extent of what can be delivered. Even dancing kings EXO who like to cut down members on stage at different times are always likely to stay in sync; the group always comes first. In contrast, Seventeen differentiate themselves in these moments. Each member is seemingly encouraged to bring as much personality to the stage as they can. Watch the beginning of “Adore U” where, in groups of three, the members play amongst themselves seemingly unaware that they are performing. In every break they have, members are always active, bouncing off each other, and generally being endearing. When watching them perform, even today, I still see details I hadn’t seen before. Like when, after collapsing to the floor in “Adore U”, S.Coups is revived and carried over to some other members all while the song has continued on another twenty seconds or so.
These are only a fraction of the details that Seventeen put into their performance. They signal a kind of fusion of the ideals I talked about earlier. The group effort is still there and is more impressive than ever. They move between one whole group seamlessly into smaller groups all while maintaining perfect synchronicity. It’s the blending of their smaller moments that bring in the western ideas. There’s a great sense of personality within Seventeen. Each individual feels like a full character rather than a cog in a machine.
This doesn’t mean that K-pop is going to be completely infiltrated by western ideals in the near future, getting rid of all innately Asian elements. It’s an example of how pre-existing ideas from outside your regular environment can reinvigorate something well-trodden. Western ideas have always been in K-pop it was only a matter of time before someone exploited them for performance. Let’s be grateful that they have been exploited so brilliantly.
What do you think of Seventeen’s dances? Are there any other groups that do this? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, andTumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
Rap gets a bad rep for being about materialistic things, violence, and demeaning women. But like everything else when you round them up to absolutes, there are exceptions to every rule. This concept also applies to K-rap, even if the songs about violence, materialistic things, and misogyny are rare in the genre. And while those songs might be fun to sing and dance to, let’s focus on those with meaningful lyrics that speak to us.
Korean fans are legendary with their enthusiasm towards celebrities, and Epik High’s “Fan” is one of the earliest Korean songs to address the madness of fans; the song’s official title is “Fan (Fanatics).” Tablo and Mithra Jin spit their lines clearly and frankly, expressing the insanity of fans, emphasized more so by a haunting, melancholic beat. “Even though everyone says I am crazy and the entire world disappears, Babe you belong to me, but why are the worthless multitudes talking you away?” Epik High’s newer songs have been extremely popular, but it’s the poetry of early songs like “Fan” that I really think shows their prowess as spoken word artists. The song, and it’s frightening music video, became one of Epik High’s earliest hits way back in 2007, and is still relevant as Korean musicans struggle with the love and obsession of fans.
During the latest season of the hit show “Show Me the Money,” the contestant who received most of the flack by the rest of the rappers was Song Mino. Everyone bashed him left and right and the like “Song Mino will always win” even became a thing after Black Nut said it repeatedly in all his raps. But the moment people had to take him seriously materialized with his semi-final son “Fear” featuring Taeyang. Mino decided to put his all into the song, spitting about his hardships leading up to his debut and enduring it all for the sake of your dreams and not letting your loved ones down. Moreover, he epitomized the fear of growing up a lot of people can relate to, saying “I’m much too young and fragile to be an adult/ I still don’t know the way.” Mino and allowed everyone to see his vulnerability and forced people to recognize him for something more than a plastic idol: a mere human, just like everyone else.
— Alexis
If you were to consider Simon D’s years in the underground hip-hop world and the years he spent in the mainstream music industry, he has almost two decades worth of experiences under his belt. To some, that may not seem like a long time, but to many others, he’s undoubtedly considered an “OG” in the hip-hop game. “Simon Dominic” is a prime example of his artistry as an artist, as he raps about the raw side of things, “real life” relatable situations, the trial and error of life. When you’re young, you’re not going to want to listen to what the older folks have to say. We try doing things on our own terms, it’s our way of rebelling. Sometimes, it goes our way, but they’ll be more failed plans than successful ones. It’s like a natural cycle of life; sometimes it’s almost as if we want to make things more difficult for ourselves, even when others who have gone through these difficult situations before, tells us to do avoid them, we still do it anyway just so we can say we did. But that’s okay. Why? Because you live and you learn.
— Tam
I’ve always been of the opinion that rap is the best way of personal expression in music. Its simplistic nature and almost talking style mean the words take centre stage. Super producer Primary seems to have a similar opinion which can be clearly seen on his song with E-Sens, “Poison.” Even though Primary’s gets top billing, this is an E-Sens song. It’s a song about all his insecurities, his fears of not living up to his dreams. The past spreads through his body like a poison, not letting him move on. It’s a poignant song given the trouble he would go on to have with Supreme Team splitting. Poison works because of Primary’s decision to step back with the production, stripping his form into something that guided E-Sens’ words rather than overpowering them.
When I think about meaningful raps, no other group does it better than BTS. Despite essentially being an “idol” group, the rapper line (J-Hope, Rap Monster, and Suga) does not let their status set them back from doing what they do best – expressing their emotions through their music. Like their previous songs, “Move” is one example of what happens when the three put their lyrical genius minds to work. The result is a memoir of how the members have come so far since settling into their shared dormitory three years ago, of how they are on the move again, and of how a new start awaits them. The song also depicts their attachment to their board, and how it is a reminder of their humble beginnings. As Rap Monster ends his verse with “This place smells like us/Let’s not forget this scent… Nonhyungdon, third floor, thank you,” it’s clear how much the group cherished their home. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s been there for them when they needed protection from their uncertain future during their trainee days or when they needed a container for their laughter. This is what makes a house a home, and I think this is exactly what the three are trying to get at.
— Shelley
What’s your favorite K-rap song with meaningful lyrics? 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.
If you ask me what makes a good K-drama, rather than a star-studded cast or a fresh storyline, my answer would be a good soundtrack. OSTs (original soundtracks) are instrumental to dramas because they create the appropriate mood for the various scenes which play out, thus adding a lot of vibrance and emotion to the drama. When used correctly, OSTs also have the ability to grip the hearts of viewers and carry them throughout the drama. A few years ago, that is what a special OST did to me. For the first time, I cried along with the main characters because of the anguish that I felt as I listened to the song, and since then, the tears have never stopped flowing. I started to have a great appreciation for emotional OSTs and would listen to them over and over again.
Over the years, I’ve gathered quite a collection of my favourite OSTs, but the following five that are listed have a special place in my heart and still linger fondly in my memories today. (Warning: Some drama spoilers ahead!)
5. Gavy N.J – “Rewind” (“My Lovely Girl”)
“My Lovely Girl” (2014) is one of the more recent dramas that I’ve watched and what it lacks in plot it certainly makes up for in its soundtrack. As a drama centred around an entertainment company run by Lee Hyun-wook (Rain), I expected that there would be many amazing soundtracks being used in the show. Indeed there were great songs, such as Krystal’s (f(x)) “All of a Sudden” which I enjoyed. But the first song to really touch my heart was Gavy N.J’s “Rewind.” In the drama, this song is used as a recurring reference to Sena’s (Krystal) deceased sister, which on its own is a tragic enough plot point, but the gorgeous voices and harmonies of Gavy N.J brought tears to my eyes, and caused me to care a lot more about the show than I would have originally. The song is not flashy in any way, but sometimes it’s the softest and simplest melodies which are the most poignant.
