MFBTY Talks To KultScene About ‘Wondaland,’ Watching Reaction Videos, K-Pop as Escapism, and More

/in , /by

MFBTY talks to KultSceneWhen Korean music royalty releases an album, it’s worth taking note of it and MFBTY’s latest album, Wondaland is one of the most, if not the most, outstanding albums to come out of Korea in recent years. As a creation from the minds of Korean hip hop royalty Tiger JK, Yoonmirae, and Bizzy, Wondaland offers elements of hip hop, rap, electronica, reggae, and more to create an eclectic, otherworldly experience for listeners. With an ample amount of English, the message of Wondaland is highly accessible to music lovers around the world.

MFBTY, an acronym meaning “My Fans [are] Better Than Yours,” is comprised of married couple Tiger JK and Yoonmirae, also known as Tasha, and producer-songwriter Bizzy. The three have worked together throughout the years, collaborating on solo projects, Korean hip hop groups like Drunken Tiger and Movement, and started performing under the MFBTY name in 2013.

KultScene had a chance to talk with MFBTY regarding their album and the Korean music industry.

How does it feel to make a comeback two years after the release of The Cure?

Yoonmirae: It’s exciting and nerve–racking! It’s the worst and best feeling.

Tiger JK: I was in a deep funk for a while and I wanted to quit music. In a way, this project helped me get out of that funk and I realized that I need to thank those who have love for me.

Bizzy: This time has been more challenging for me because it’s MFBTY’s first full-length album and has 16 tracks.

The three of you have worked together for several years. How has your music changed over time?

Yoonmirae: I don’t think we’re ever fully aware of the changes we’re making or have made at the time. Personally, I would say that I’ve started to focus on myself more in terms of what makes me happy musically and a lot less on what’s going to sell.

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: Yoon Mirae

Tiger JK: I’m a product of my environment when it comes to writing. I think I’m going through a terrible stage as an 8-year-old right now. Actually my son is a bit more mature than me. I dig what my son digs at the moment, but I think I will soon grow out of this stage.

Bizzy: Music is my best friend and is always there for me. So are my group members. I’m still willing to change for ghood and express my feelings with Feel Ghood Music.

Your group has members of different ages and experiences, and two of the members are married. What’s the most challenging part in working together?

Yoonmirae: Musically we always come together so I don’t feel there’s ever really a problem. The problem with us – and I’m sure the others will agree with me – is we suck at TV and interviews! There’s something about being in front of the camera that rattles us. You’d think that after all this time we’d be used to it but it just get worse for us! Poor JK has no choice but to try and answer everything because Bizzy and I just freeze. And let’s not even get started on our stage fright!

Tiger JK: Tasha is a meanie and she doesn’t understand my struggles.

Bizzy: From time to time I feel left out because I’m not married. Maybe I should get out and look for a wife right now!

Other than Bang Diggy Bang Bang and Buckubucku, which MFBTY released music videos for, if you had to pick one song from Wondaland for people to listen to, what would it be and why?

Yoonmirae: I’d rather people go through the whole album. I believe there’s a song on this album for everybody.

Tiger JK: I recommend Half Time, Rebel Music, Angel, and everything else on the album. But if you’re into “real” hip-hop or are expecting to hear that, maybe this album isn’t for you.

Bizzy: There are so many different styles of music in this wondaland so the choice is yours.


What would be your ideal reaction from someone who hears Wondaland?

Yoonmirae: Hearing that someone appreciates your music is always wonderful! Whether it helped them in some way to get over whatever struggles they are dealing with, or they like it just because it’s something they can dance to, it’s always a blessing! And may I add we are all addicted to watching the reaction videos of our videos and it has been the best gift ever! Watching those videos alone made me feel like we did a good job and reminded me of all the reasons I love music so much. So thank you to everyone who makes those.

Tiger JK: A big priceless smile … a very genuine smile preferably while they are blushing. Then some stank face, like you are taking a big ol’ shit after being constipated for days!

Also on KultScene: EE Are South Korean Performance Artists Fitting Outside The Box [Interview]

There were a lot of artists you worked with on the album, including Tiger JK and Yoonmirae’s son Jordan. What was that experience like?

Yoonmirae: Everyone was so nice and so humble. It’s always cool to see how other people work and everyone definitely put in work! With people’s hectic schedules, a lot of times artists just record their vocals separately and send the files in, but everyone drove an hour out of Seoul, stayed till I don’t even know what time, recorded what they needed to do, and just hung out. It was ghood times!

Tiger JK: Interacting with others is always a healthy experience for me.

Bizzy: Everyone who took part in this album, I really thank them from the bottom of my heart. This journey is just beginning, so get ready.

[KultScene note: Rock band Deulgukhwa, BTS member Rap Monster, Beast member Yong Jun Hyung, Dok2, EE, Son Seungyeon (Sonnet Son), Kim Banjang, Yoo Heyeol, Dino-J, and Jordan were all featured on Wondaland.]

You worked with K-pop idols BTS’ Rap Monster and BEAST’s Yong Jun Hyung and I saw an interview where you described Wondaland as a K-pop album. K-pop is often trivialized for being too manufactured. Do you think that’s changing?

Yoonmirae: I don’t trust myself enough to answer this question in the “politically correct” way I should!

Tiger JK: It is manufactured. Some trivialize it and others idolize it. There are side effects to all things manufactured. But as long as y’all know the right dosages, it’s fine. Healthy escapism is what I call it. Just be able to snap out of it when needed perhaps.

How did you decide to go K-pop with this album, and how do you feel like it’s different from your past music?

Yoonmirae: As MFBTY we’re making pop music. And I guess since we are from Korea, it’s K-pop. We’re not trying to emulate anything, we’re just trying to have fun with this album.

K-pop has been popular throughout the world for several years, but recently we’ve seen growing interest in Korean hip hop. Shows like Show Me The Money and Unpretty Rapstar are extraordinarily popular. How do you feel about the current state of Korean hip hop? Can you see your influence on it?

Yoonmirae: I’m going to stick with the answer I gave before – I don’t trust myself enough to answer this question in the “politically correct” way I should!

What does Yoonmirae think about being an inspiration to young female rappers and being practically the only established female rapper?

Yoonmirae: I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel good. But it’s also a lot of pressure, which I try to take as a good thing because it keeps me on my toes.

Wondaland contains a lot of English. Do you think MFBTY would ever release an English language album?

Yoonmirae:I would love to do that.

Tiger JK: Yes. Hopefully we can do it very soon.

Bizzy: It’s going to be a new challenge for me.

And the last question, which many people are interesting in hearing the answer to… Why ARE your fans better than mine?

Yoonmirae: Because they are mine!

Bizzy: Because they know me. To me, that’s the best.

If you haven’t taken a listen to Wondaland, now’s your chance to do so. Purchase the album on iTunes or at your local Korean music retailer. MFBTY announced that all proceeds will be donated to charity, so there is absolutely no reason not to buy Wondaland right now!

What do you think of Wondaland and MFBTY? What’s your favorite song by the trio? 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.

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

/in , /by

Twenty, directed by Lee Byung-Heon, premiered in New York City on April 14th  and quickly filled the theater with laughter and praise for the coming-of-age film. Twenty, starring Kim Woo Bin, Kang Ha Neul, and Lee Junho of K-pop idol group 2PM, is a story of three extremely different friends who struggle with first loves, family issues, sexual urges, and career paths.

Kim stars as playboy slacker Chi Ho who is obsessed with sex and has no goal other than to breathe. Kang plays type A college student Kyeong Jae who falls in love for the first time with someone already in a relationship, and Lee rounds out the crew as cartoonist Dong Woo who works part-time to support his mother and brothers after his father goes to jail on corruption, leaving the formerly wealthy family penniless.

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons ‘The Girl Who Sees Smells’ May Be This Year’s Surprise Drama

Essentially, the movie is about three men who have no idea what to do with their youth and who are nowhere ready to be adults, leading to many humorous situations.

The movie is a comedy with many poignant moments, highlighting the struggles and strengths of being twenty years old: Old enough to have responsibility, but young enough to make mistakes and learn from them. The three friends antics were full of humor but dealing with tough situations (bank account balances at zero, enlisting in the Korean army, heartbreak) kept Twenty grounded in reality.

Even while the situations are sometimes ridiculous, such as Chi Hoo deciding to hit a woman with his car in order to get her sleep with him and a memorable scene where he pitches a movie idea to a director, Twenty portrays these things as normal craziness from twenty-year-old men in Seoul who don’t really know what they’re doing with their lives.

Also on KultScene: 5 Korean Movies to Watch Over Spring Break

The three leads dominate the film, but out of the primary four female characters in the movie, Lee Yoo Bi’s character So Hee is the most captivating. So Hee, the younger sister of Kyeong Jae, brings youthful innocence to the film, a counter to the other women who tend to be a bit more bitter about their lives. She makes fun of her brother and his friends for things twenty-year-old men find natural, like masturbating and drinking, while still showing wisdom despite being a high school student. She puts the whole film into perspective in one line: “The three of you remind me of dumb and dumber, and dumb again.”

Director Lee Byung Heon, who was a screenwriter for Sunny and the director of indie Cheer Up, Mr. Lee, used familiar elements from his previous works including fight scenes and characters working on the set of films to help portray the confusion and exuberance of the three men in the beginning of their roaring twenties. The film utilizes a bright palate of colors, but some of the more serious scenes hint to Lee’s indie elements. The choice of songs for the soundtrack, particularly during a memorable fight scene towards the end of the film, adds some depth and additional humor to the comedy.

Twenty takes itself seriously enough to have a point as Dong Woo, Kyeong Jae, and Chi Hoo figure things out, but doesn’t do so in a way that makes it anything other than a feel good, laugh-until-you-cry film. CJ Entertainment and MOI’M worked to bring the film to the US, and there will be several showings throughout North America on April 17.

What do you think of Twenty? What other Korean films would you like to see in theater? 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.

‘Gangnam Blues’ Delivers Beautifully Gory Cinematography & Stellar Lee Min Ho Performance

/in , /by

gangnam blues gangnam 1970 review lee minho

[Disclaimer: This post contains some spoilers]

Before Gangnam was synonymous with opulence for PSY to satirize it, Seoul’s most affluent district was mostly dirt poor farms in the ‘70s. And in Lee Min Ho’s first starring role in the film Gangnam Blues (also known as Gangnam 1970) we get to see exactly what the skyscrapers and luxury residential areas were built on: blood and corruption.

The plot follows Kim Jong Dae (Lee Min Ho) and Baek Yong Ki (Kim Rae Won), two guys bound together after growing up in an orphanage, in their journey from rags to gangsters to, ultimately, their demise. Shot in noir, the cinematography and the plot work together to show the violence and the decadence of the city and its characters. Similar to director and writer Yoo Ha’s predecessor films Spirit of Jeet Keun Do and A Dirty Carnival, Gangnam Blues deals with the good old themes of violence and conspiracy by the powerful. As well as ambition and survival within an urban setting in a developing country.

And because it deals with violence, the film is obviously gory and explicit. Because just as Kim’s boss Kang Gil Soo (Jung Jin Young, Love Rain, Miracle in Cell No. 7) forewarns and foreshadows before war between gangs erupts, gangsters are for using and throwing away, and that’s the most prominent theme in all of Gangnam Blues. Gangsters die left and right all throughout the film to show just how expendable people were at the hands of those in power or in the pursuit thereof.

 Also on KultScene: 10 Epik High Songs To Get You Ready For Their North American Tour [UPDATED]

Yoo Ha emulated the classic Scorsese gangster story by glamorizing the hustler’s lives to a point, but not depicting them as good people. The characters are not one dimensional — either innately good or pervasively evil — they have depth and stories and purposes. While Kim Jong Dae genuinely cared about Kang and Seon Hye (Kim Seolhyun) and looked after “his boys” and Baek protected Kim, they were both cold blooded killers who didn’t second guess committing the most gruesome murders.

But even if murder is a terrible sight, it was — I can’t believe I’m saying this — beautifully shot. Actually, the entire cinematography in Gangnam Blues was stunning. Pause any moment in the film and you can get an amazing picture. The close up and medium shots throughout the film were used exquisitely to show detail and give insight. The cinematography favored clarity over gimmicks and it worked perfectly. But getting back to the topic of murders, they were shot in a very vivid manner, breaking the noir to show bright reds in either the blood or neon lights in the scenes where Kim and Baek committed crimes together, making the violence more garish, over the top, and significant.

Moreover, with Gangnam Blues being Lee Min Ho’s breakout movie role as a lead actor, a lot of expectation was placed upon him. And while it may be a little hard for K-drama fans to divorce from the chaebol, flower boy image normally associated with him, there was no trace of it in this film (other than his good looks, of course, which, c’mon, he can’t escape that). At the beginning, he gave us a major Faith throwback with his long hair, but once cut his hair and became a gangster, all of Lee Min Ho’s previous characters went out the window. He showed pretty much every emotion in the book without looking fake or too theatrical. Even his fight and murder scenes suited him; you completely believe this guy’s trouble. In Gangnam Blues , Lee Min Ho proved that he’s ready to move into the movie industry.

gangnam blues gangnam 1970 review lee minho

Curtesy of DramaFever.

Taking everything into account, it’s perfectly understandable why Gangnam Blues topped the box office on its opening day in South Korea last year. The movie is beautifully shot, the characters excel with their performances, and the plot properly addresses and conveys all of its messages. The only negative aspects are the abundance of secondary characters, given that it was hard to keep up with who was in what gang and who died and who didn’t. Also, the ending was a bit disappointing. If it had ended with the voice over as the camera zoomed out of the tunnel, it would’ve ended in full circle. The shot of modern day Gangnam was a bit unnecessary since audiences know what the district looks like today. The tunnel shot was a hundred times more compelling. But other than that, Gangnam Blues is a clear winner, offering an original take on the gangster movies.

 Also on KultScene: 5 Korean Movies To Watch Over Spring Break

Check out the movie’s trailer here:

<
Read more

5 Korean Movies to Watch Over Spring Break

/in , /by

Are you one of the many who are about to enter their spring break? Or are you already in it? Regardless, if you’re bored and looking for some entertainment over your break without having to leave the comfort of your own room, check out one or all five of these Korean movies. Whether you’re into romance, comedy, action or looking for all three in one, I’ve got a movie for you! Even if you’re not in Korea, you will still probably be able to find these movies online. Websites like Pirate Bay normally have a huge selection of different movies to watch, so it might be worth checking on there. To get onto that website, you may need a private proxy (click here to find one). Hopefully, that website will have these movies, allowing you to watch them in the comfort of your own home.

1. A Millionaire’s First Love

Starring actor Hyun Bin, known for his roles in dramas such as Secret Garden and most recently Hyde, Jekyll and Me, and actress Lee Yeon-hee of East of Eden and Gu Family Book, A Millionaire’s First Love is built around a sorrowful love story. Kang Jae-kyung, played by Hyun Bin, lost both his parents in a terrible car accident when he was younger, which left a hefty scar in his heart and mentality. Jae-kyung’s wealthy grandfather took guardianship of him after the accident and with the typical rich kid syndrome; he grew up to be arrogant and snotty. Jae-kyung was set to inherit his grandfather’s fortune, under the condition that he transferred to a new school in Gangwon Province, to focus on his studies and graduate. Choi Eun-hwan, played by Yeon-hee, is a vivacious and spunky orphan, who attends the same high school that Jae-kyung is sent to.

No matter what Jae-kyung does and where he goes, he always runs into Eun-hwan; not only is she their class president at school but she’s also the cashier at a convenience store that he frequents and she also works at their local gas station and even delivered gas to his broken down car once. Little does Jae-kyung know though, that this isn’t all coincidence but they both actually share a deep past together, a past in which he’s tried extremely hard to block out. Eun-hwan clearly remembers and knows exactly who Jae-kyung is, but he on the other hand doesn’t have a clue as to who she is or as to why she keeps sticking to him like glue. I suppose hanging around him all the time must’ve worked out, because as time passed, they grew closer and they eventually grew to love one another; only for Jae-kyung to discover that Eun-hwan’s days are limited. But what’s a Korean movie without someone being diagnosed with a terminal illness?

What’s going to happen to these two young lovers? And what exactly is their history? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out!

Also on KultScene: 10 Epik High Songs To Get You Ready For Their North American Tour [UPDATED]

2. A Moment to Remember

A Moment to Remember is based on the Japanese television show, Pure Soul. It follows the unexpected love story of Su-jin, played by actress Son Ye-jin, known for her roles in The Classic and Summer Scent, and a man named Chul-soo, played by actor Jung Woo-sung, known for his roles in Athena: Goddess of War and Padam Padam…The Sound of His and Her Heartbeats. Su-jin and Chul-soo both come from two different worlds; you have Su-jin, this upbeat, bright, always perky and happy girl, who’s lived her entire life doing things her way, and who also happens to be the daughter of a CEO of a construction firm, and Chul-soo, a quiet and reserved guy, who’s an aspiring architect, that works at one of Su-jin’s father’s sites as the construction foreman.

Once she spotted him on her father’s work sight, she knew she had to have him. Due to her outgoing personality, Su-jin wasted no time in trying to court Chul-soo; and Chul-soo didn’t put up too much of a fight either, seeing how he was just as interested in her as she was in him.

Although Su-jin’s father disapproved of their relationship, that didn’t stop them from moving in with one another and eventually getting married. Their love for one another was undeniable and everything in the world seemed perfect, as if nothing could ever go wrong. That is, until Su-jin is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Su-jin is in denial; she is nervous and feels burdened that she’ll eventually forget her beloved husband one day, but with the help and unconditional love from Chul-soo, the two fight through the oncoming obstacles, together.

Did Su-jin end up forgetting Chul-soo? Did they stay together? Everything from their first meeting to the beginning of their relationship was unorthodox and completely unconventional, but if things were meant to be, if it’s true love, then they’ll always fall into their rightful place.

3. 200 Pounds Beauty

Are you tired of those typical sad love stories? If so, here’s a refreshing comedy for you! 200 Pounds Beauty is about an overweight girl, Kang Han-na, played by Kim Ah-joong, who undergoes a number of extreme plastic surgeries to become a pop sensation. Han-na doesn’t want to get the procedures done just so that she can be considered beautiful, but she wants them done so that they can help boost her self-esteem and confidence, so that she can finally live what she deems as a normal life.

In order to live up to her new look and to prevent anyone from finding out who she is, Han-na creates a new identity for herself, she is now a Korean-American from California named Jenny. In an attempt to make Han Sang-jun, played by Joo Jin-moo, fall in love with her, Jenny auditions to be a ghost vocalist for an old rival, Ammy, in order to get close to Sang-jun. To everyone’s surprise, Jenny’s voice resembled one of someone else that they used to know, Han-na, but without anyone detecting that it was in fact her, she was able to score her own record contract and now she would no longer have to live in anyone else’s shadow. With this new identity and body, not only is she a star on the rise and receiving love from the public, but she’s also finally gaining the interest and love of Sang-jun.

Ammy is certain that something fishy is going on with the disappearance of Han-na and with the new and sudden arrival of Jenny. In order for her revival in the industry, Ammy tries everything to seek Han-na out. Sang-jun had already turned his back on her, so she was desperate more than ever. Those around Jenny also begin to question the identity of this mysterious woman who appeared before them, with the eventual discovery that Jenny is Kang Han-na the entire time.

What was Sang-jun’s reaction to finding out that he’s been lied to by Han-na? And whom was he actually falling for, Han-na or Jenny?

4. Spellbound

I’m a big Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ki fan, so when I found out they filmed a movie together, I knew it was a must watch. Spellbound is a horror romantic comedy, based around a street, turned big time, magician, Ma Jo-goo, played by Lee Min-ki, and Kang Yeo-ri, played by Son Ye-jin, who has the unfortunate ability of seeing ghosts. These ghosts continuously seek out Yeo-ri in order to receive closure, and until she helps resolve the issue for them, they’ll always hang around her. Due to this, she’s unable to have a social life and isolates herself from the outside world because she’s scared those around her will be harmed. This includes only having phone calls with her best friend in which she hasn’t seen in ten years.

Her quiet life takes a surprising turn when she encounters Jo-goo. He is completely unaware of the crazy occurrences that go on in her life, but insists on making her be a part of his big magic show. Although she’s a part of the staff and is constantly around other people, she wants nothing to do with them once her shift is over. After declining to go out for many company dinners, Jo-goo finally drags her out for a drinking session and discovers her (drunken) and unique personality. The more he see’s her, the more he’s intrigued by her; he wants to know everything about her but Yeo-ri is terrified of letting anyone get close to her, since it might put them in danger. As their feelings blossom for one another, Jo-goo discovers the difficult and lonely world that Yeo-ri’s been living in, and wants to be there to protect her, although the thought of being followed by these ghosts terrifies him out of his wits.

Do you think Jo-goo will stick around long enough to help Yeo-ri chase these bad guys out of her life, or will he be chased out before he gets the chance to even come close enough?

Also on KultScene: EXID ‘Ah Yeah’ Music Video & Song Review

5. Secretly, Greatly

Over the last couple of years, there’s been a number of films based around North Korean spies, but Secretly, Greatly is probably the most light hearted out of all of them. The film is an action packed comedy and drama, starring Kim Soo-hyun who plays Lieutenant Won Ryu-hwan, which is his North Korean alias but his new identity in South Korea is Bang Dong-gu. He’s dubbed as the top agent in North Korea with a full set of skills; he’s fluent in 5 different languages and has a remarkable ability of reading people. He’s disguised as a village idiot while in South Korea. Park Ki-woong plays Rhee Hae-rang/Kim Min-su, son of a high ranking North Korean official, who’s in the south as a singer wannabe and Lee Hyun-woo plays the role of Rhee Hae-jin, the youngest North Korean secret agent in history, who is disguised as a south Korean high school student.

The three are sent to South Korea in hopes of unifying Korea. They’re set to acculturate the small town, quiet lifestyle in South Korea, while awaiting their orders from the North. One of them waited months, while another has been waiting years to receive any orders. Due to the extensive wait period, these spies gradually start to get used to their life as ordinary neighbors in their small towns. Dong-gu grew very fond of the grandmother that he works for; he even had a crush on a neighboring girl. Dong-gu and the other agents are aware that there are others like them in South Korea, but there hasn’t been a reason for them to meet or bump heads.

One day, Dong-gu, Min-su and Hae-jin are assigned the secret and great mission that they’ve been eagerly awaiting. This is it, this is what they’ve been waiting for, it was right in front of them; until a sudden change in events, the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, put a halt on the long awaited mission. The North is promised financial aid from the South, under the condition that they’re given the names, location and rank of the North Korean spies that are active in the South; the North must turn in their spies in order to reap the benefits. To prevent their spies from falling into enemy hands, the North orders that Dong-gu, Min-su and Hae-jin abort their mission and take their own lives before the government gets to them. Coming from the North, it’s instilled in these spies to forever be loyal to their one and only leader and country, therefore, they must do whatever it takes to protect their beloved country.

Will these agents heed their new orders or will they turn their backs on those who have turned their backs on them?

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m usually drawn to the love orientated and sappy it took us so long to finally be together but unfortunately one of us is going to die Korean movies (and dramas). Although I’m fully aware that I’ll get emotional and probably cry in all the scenes, I still watch them anyway! I’m not crazy with gruesome scenes so I tend to stay away from the intense action movies. Most of the time, the ones I watch have very predictable synopses and I’m usually able to uncover the ending a fourth of the way into the film, and if I like it, I’ll continue watching it and if it becomes too much then I’ll stop. Is this the same for you?

Have you already seen these movies? If not, what are you waiting for?! 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.

EXID ‘Ah Yeah’ Music Video & Song Review

/in , /by

Coming back after a term of great success can be a surprisingly tricky thing to pull off. EXID faced this after their sleeper hit Up and Down. The members and Yedam Entertainment alike always said they would stick to the formula that brought this unexpected rise to fame and they have remained true to their word. Up and Down’s trademarks like saxophone solos, pelvic movements, jarring tonal shifts, and Hani front and centre are all once again present on new single Ah Yeah. But EXID has not merely adopted the Up and Down formula without first reflecting on it.

Between the music video and song‘s interesting elements come up which are cause for a closer look. Not only has EXID they taken the time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, but the Up and Down elements themselves have been kicked up a notch.

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

Song

Ah Yeah is an incredibly frantic song. It sounds like it is structurally all over the place like Girls’ Generation’s I Got A Boy but it actually takes an average pop structure and packs it to the brim with clashing elements. Ah Yeah’s through line is a hip-hop drum beat which changes in intensity depending on the corresponding music. The song houses four separate vocal styles throughout its runtime: Hani’s sweet, alluring verse and its counterpoint, LE’s blistering, angry rap, Junghwa’s nursery rhyme like pre-chorus and Solji and Hyerin’s chorus. Thrown together these all seem incompatible but somehow the song makes it out in tact.

The best of these is definitely the competing verses of Hani and LE. The two make up the bulk of the song and carry it so well. Hani’s simple melody and slightly affected voice plays up to her charming strengths perfectly. Put beside LE’s forceful rap though, which is accompanied by the reintroduction of the sax and an intensifying of the drums, it seems like a parody of what brought EXID to fame in Up and Down. In many ways this what Ah Yeah is really about.

EXID’s new song reuses and makes comment on Up and Down, or rather the strange success of it and turns it into something new. LE’s rap inUp and Down wasn’t contrasting enough? Let’s have her rap on five separate occasions in Ah Yeah.

The same can be said for Junghwa’s odd pre-chorus. In Up and Down she had a small part which had a nursery rhyme vibe to it which was probably a way of getting around her seemingly weak vocals. In Ah Yeah her part is similar enough except this time it’s repeated twice and has its own twinkly melody. Again, an element from before is being reused and brought up a notch. I think this is the most jarring part of the song, nearly bringing it into incoherence. This fits into the idea of the self parody as Up and Down wasn’t exactly straightforward itself but lets down the song as whole.

The chorus is the most straightforward part of Ah Yeah. Not changing much of the original formula, it does not however, come as a surprise since we already know it so well. It shows the dearth of options EXID have at hand when a vocalist as amazing as Solji is restricted to a chorus. Amongst girl groups, I’d put her in the top five working right now and thought she’d be the person that dragged them to success; it would be nice to see her do something more than the chorus.

Also on KultScene: Primary’s ‘See You’ Song Review

Music Video

The self-reflexion of EXID doesn’t end with the song though. The music video, like the song, uses different elements to comment and react on EXID’s rise to fame.

Again, Hani and LE’s parts work wonderfully together. 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 interesting 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.

This duality theme continues with Junghwa, Hyerin and Soljin’s parts of the video. Junghwa seems to be playing a cam girl of some sort, similar to what you’d see from the Babestation Babes, with pixelated images dotted around her. She appears to engaging in some explicit activities before being revealed to be a news anchor or something like it. The same goes for Solji and Hyerin who are in generic rooms with pixelated images which are revealed to be cartoon images of animals. It also features some clips of EXID’s pelvis movements pixelated. They know they are likely to be censored so went one step ahead and did it themselves, exposing the ridiculousness of TV censors. The pixelation, in a way, makes the situation even worse since it comes across as more explicit than it really is. It wouldn’t seem any way explicit if it was never censored.

Rating

EXID took a slight risk reusing nearly the identical formula as last time. Unfortunately, Ah Yeah could be mistaken as a mere rehash of Up and Down.

It could also have been a failure on the charts as Up and Down was. While Up and Down is a great song, that was not the main reason for their popularity. EXID really went for it though and came out with something very similar but on a different level. Self awareness in pop music is a rare thing and really helps a group feel more invested in their music.

This is in large part thanks to the songwriting prowess of LE. Not only is she one of the best Korean female rappers working today but she has had a hand in writing every one of EXID’s songs. Her level of artistry lifts EXID from possible flash in the pan success to a group that could become one of the all time greats.

Read more

Playlist Sunday: Korean Competition Show Songs

/in , /by

Big K-pop groups from big agencies get all the attention abroad most of the times. But in Korea, the songs performed by contestants participating in competition shows chart regularly alongside established idols and artists and are immensely popular. That’s why we’re dedicating this week’s playlist to the songs that came out of our favorite shows.

A lot of contestants go on these shows to sing and sometimes most of them do just strictly that, which is understandable since it is a singing competition and they’ll want to showcase their voices and any other potential talent that they may (sometimes, may not) have. But every now and then there’ll be a contestant who’ll not only blow the judges mind away with their heart rending voices, but they’ll also leave not only the judges but the audience as well, feeling touched, with tears in their eyes. Jung Seunghwan proved to be that person. Whether you keep up with Korean singing competition shows or not, I’m sure you’ve heard about or read articles surrounding K-Pop Star 4 contestant Jung Seunghwan. He became a hot item back in December for his rendition of I Want to Fall in Love originally sung by Kim Johan. It was my first time hearing this song and I had no idea what the song was even about, but Seunghwan delivered it with so much warm and raw emotion that it truly felt as though he wrote that song from his own personal experiences; he owned that stage. With so much artistry in his voice and presence, I know K-Pop Star won’t be the last time we see of him.

— Tam

Also on KultScene: Primary’s ‘See You’ Song Review

This year K-Pop Star 4 brought us incredible talent. The Top 10 was filled with completely different singers, but one of my favorites since the beginning of this season has been Lee Jin Ah. Not only are her piano skills wonderful but she has such an unique voice that moves people and make the judges go crazy every time she performs. Her original songs have witty lyrics that make you feel nostalgic about past lovers, friends, and childhood memories. For a special stage during the competition, Lee Jin Ah had a duet with Kwon Jin Ah from K-Pop Star 3, who is currently signed with Antenna Music. Both singers gave a rendition of two of the most celebrated tracks from Lee Jin Ah and they made an incredible performance. Both of their voices fit perfectly with each other and the crowd went crazy when Lee Jin Ah hit the melody for Slow Down Time, the first song she auditioned with and made the top spots in the Korean music charts.

— Alejandro

Bobby’s performance of L4L (Lookin’ For Luv) with Dok2 and The Quiett on Show Me the Money 3 was what made him an actual contender and threat in the competition. Because up until that point, the YG Entertainment trainee had skated his way through based on his idol popularity, but with this performance, he surely turned skeptics into believers. Following a series of losses, Team Illionaire, Bobby and his mentors Dok2 and The Quiett, decided they were going to go big or go home. That’s why they basically went all out with this performance. From the girls in tight clothes and dancing sexily to the catchy EDM beat to the exuberance of swag and, of course, the featuring of the mentors, they brought the house down. L4L (Lookin’ For Luv) earned twice as much money as his opponent, Olltii, Tablo, and Masta Wu of Team YG. This track is not only a winner because it eliminated team YG, but because it’s quite a jam.

— Alexis

Kihyun of upcoming Starship Entertainment group Monsta X is a vocalist who literally leaves his competition out of breath while trying to keep up with him. After less than satisfactory ranking in the beginning of No.Mercy, Kihyun proved his worth throughout the show and made the final cut to debut as a member of Monsta X, but to be honest it didn’t even seem like a question after his first debut mission performance of SHINee Jonghyun’s solo song Hyeya. During the performance, not only did Kihyun get to show the softness of his vocals prior to building up to a massive crescendo, but the emotion of his voice brought expressions of awe to the faces of the judges and the other trainees alike, even as those very same trainees knew that he was nearly impossible to compete with.

— Tamar

I don’t watch much singing competitions so I’m drawing from a small pool of songs here. I doubt, however, there would be much that could compete with my choice, Cheetah’s semi-final Unpretty Rapstar song Coma 07. The track is a raucous but straightforward enough piece of EDM to give the lyrics centre stage. It includes a beeping line throughout which acts as a heart monitor constantly following Cheetah’s every move. This parallels the lyrics of the song which are about a coma Cheetah was in. It’s at the same time a vulnerable outpouring of emotion and a defiant statement of her character.

— Joe

Also on KultScene: Bang Yongguk Wants You To Know That Everything’s Going To Be All Right

Like Joe, I don’t watch any singing competitions. I would love to, but unfortunately my work life does not provide an ample amount of time for me to become invested in competitions and other shows. With that, I’m going to go back a few years to K-Pop Star’s inaugural season in 2012. Park Jimin was the shows first winner and she clearly has done quite well for herself. She is one half of the successful duo 15&, she has co-hosted After School Club, and she just recently released her solo debut album. Jimin’s charisma and pure talent are what brought her to the final of K-Pop Star and it’s no wonder she won the show. Her vocals are absolutely stunning and her English skills are impeccable, and her personality is friendly and goofy. She has it all! her performance of Adele’s Rolling In The Deep is the perfect evidence of the talent Jimin had in 2012. Now that she’s with JYP Entertainment and her voice has matured, she sounds even better. I can’t wait to see what else this talented young woman has to offer.

— Tara

What’s your favorite song out of a competition show? 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.

10 Epik High Songs to Get You Ready for Their North American Tour [UPDATED]

/in /by

epik high new york dallas vancouver los angeles chicago toronto songs information shows

After slaying SXSW last month, Epik High will come back to this side of the pond with their North American tour. And while a lot of K-pop acts only come to one or two cities in the U.S., the YG Entertainment group will embark on a real mini tour hitting cities such as Vancouver and Dallas.

And since we’re all very excited for the tour, we figured we would put together a list of their top songs to get you ready and excited.

1. Don’t Hate Me

If anyone can put on a show, it’s Epik High, made evident at the 2012 MAMA Awards when they performed Don’t Hate Me with one of the most memorable acts of the night. Decked out as iconic Batman villains, the group turned up the whole venue with their hate brushing-off anthem. You can expect lots of jumping around, by the members and the audience, during this song.

2. Wannabee

Is this Daft Punk? No, it’s Epik High! Even though the song’s sound is very dated now, it won’t stop fans from jamming out to this high energy, epic (pun intended) song. Once again, jumping around is a must during Wannabee.

3. One

Another jam in their extensive repertoire that, despite the Euro-pop beats, still sounds relative today. Or maybe it’s nostalgia? Either way, One’s comforting message will hit you right in the feels and you’re probably going to have a moment there…

4. Love, Love, Love

Epik High are the best at taking their emotional songs and performing them with such great energy that they seem like party tracks. And how cute is it when they sing the featured artists parts like in Love, Love, Love and even do a little dance (I see you Tablo!).

 Also on KultScene: Amoeba Culture Tour 2015 With Dynamic Duo, Zion. T, Crush, Primary, & DJ Friz Turn Up New York City

5. Umbrella

The good part about Epik High’s tracks with other artists singing their choruses is that at concerts, it’s the audience who will most likely get to sing it. Umbrella is another heart-wrenching song that will demand a moment from you; it tugs at your feelings even if you don’t exactly know what they’re rapping about.

6. Fan

While Fan is seemingly sweet, it’s actually about obsession, but with that mid-tempo beat and the soft vocals at the chorus, all you’ll be doing is grinding a bit to the track. The song is a tad… well… old, but it still sounds very relevant.

7. Over

In order to have a great show it doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to keep the audience jumping and dancing. Sometimes in order to really connect with fans you need to go deeper. Epik High does so with songs like Over, which with its English lyrics, it would be perfect for North American attendees to sing along. Besides, with it’s very relatable lyrics, it just might be the perfect pick.

8. Run

Run is one of those songs that takes you back to the times pre-YG when Epik High was more experimental with their sound than traditional hip hop. The empowering track will surely have everyone in attendance jumping with their hands in the air.

 Also on KultScene: Top Seoul Fashion Week F/W 2015 Collections

9. Fly

Watching DJ Tukuz spin is a spectacle of its own, but with such good punchlines, you can expect the group to turn the audience up with Fly. Not to mention they engage with the audience a lot, so their shows always feel very dynamic.

10. Born Hater

One of the most awesome things about Born Hater is the roster of rappers Epik High called upon to collaborate with them. Sadly, it’s impossible to have them all in every show. However, that does not detract from the awesomeness at the least. The group is all about the anthems, and this jam is no different. Born Hater is one of their songs with the most prominent hip hop feel, so you know the energy will be at one hundred.

Thanks to Siva Group, Epik High will hold shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Dallas, New York, and Toronto on May 28, 29, 31, June 5, 12, and 14, respectively. Tickets will go on sale on April 15th at noon (each city’s respective time zone) on Siva’s site. However, you must hurry in order to score VIP tickets and Meet-and-Greet packages! For more information, visit the same site or follow them on Twitter.

epik high vancouver dallas toronto los angeles san francisco chicago new york locations dates north american tour 2015

More shows added:

June 1 – Vancouver, B.C. – Vogue Theatre *encore show added*

June 2 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SODO *venue changed*

June 4 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

June 7 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

June 13 featuring guest Masta Wu – New York, NY – Best Buy Theater *encore show added*

The May 31st, June 2nd, 12th, and 14th are sold out.

Are you going to one of Epik High’s shows? What’s your favorite song by them? 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.

Primary’s ‘See You’ Song Review

/in , /by

Primary‘s latest release See You sticks to a funk style that will engage you from the opening notes. Kim Bum Soo lends his absolutely beautiful vocals to the song with Gaeko making an appearance toward the end of the song. Spring is the season when love is in the air and See You tells a story about a potential relationship.

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons ‘The Girl Who Sees Smells’ May Be This Year’s Surprise Drama

Vocals:

Kim Bum Soo’s (BSK) vocals are smooth and a perfect fit for this style of song. His high notes are effortless and he sings each word with such ease, which makes for an enjoyable listening experience. BSK’s vocal range is also showcased in the song, with moments of low and very high notes. It’s clear that he is a talented singer with a mix of pop and R&B style vocals that will make listeners swoon.

Gaeko has a brief rap appearance in the final third of the song (he also wrote the lyrics). And if Gaeko is behind the rap it’s bound to be good, and it is. It perfectly fits into the break of the song and continues with the funk style for continuity. The rap may be brief, but it adds an extra element and more depth to the song without changing the concept or style.

Lyrics:

The lyrics of See You depict the starting stages of a crush that one party definitely wants to turn into a relationship. BSK sings the narrative of the male’s point of view. The lyrics show the beginning stages of a crush from the awkward silence to the vague “see you soon” phrase. The excitement of a crush makes the narrator question when he’ll see his crush and whether or not he should call her and make it seem like he dialed her by mistake. Then at the realization that nothing more will come of the crush, the narrator becomes confused and angry and wishes he could share all of his feelings and that they’d be reciprocated by the girl.

The Music:

The song starts similarly as other Primary songs, letting us know that primary is behind the production. Then it goes into a funk inspired sound with the bass and the horns. The percussion and keyboards work well with the funk style to incorporate a pop style as well. The two styles compliment each other and there are enough elements of both so as not to overpower each other or take away from the vocals. The music only adds to the overall story of the song and acts as the perfect backup for BSK’s vocals.

Also on KultScene: Best K-Pop Girl Group B-Sides Of 2015

Overall Thoughts:

Being a Primary fan, See You is a great song. Kim Bum Soo has the perfect voice to deliver the lyrics of the song. The music and production of See You is high end and has created an addictive sound. See You has a great vibe for the Spring season and is a great song to add to your music library.

Primary's 'See You'
5

Are you loving Primary’s new 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.

Bang Yongguk Wants You To Know That Everything’s Going To Be All Right

/in /by

Bang Yongguk of B.A.P teased fans with a 15 second clip on Instagram on March 26th, 2015 of what was to eventually become a music video titled AM 4:44, which was later released on April 3rd. This sudden announcement had a lot of fans in a sudden state of shock and excitement.

For those who may not be aware, B.A.P filed a lawsuit back in November of 2014 against their label TS Entertainment to nullify their contract due to unfair conditions and profit distribution. It’s been an on going battle between the two parties; TS Entertainment refuting the claims made, stating that “there have been neither such maltreatments to the artists nor unfair clauses in the contract,” basically brushing off any claims of them creating slave contracts for the members.

BYG AM 4:44

via krnmusick @ tumblr

There have always been talks behind closed doors of Korean companies creating “slave contracts” for their trainees, a contract which basically locks them into long exclusive deals, with no wiggle room or control of musical creativity, and little financial reward. It was only in 2014 that a number of members from various K-pop groups, Kris and Luhan from EXO-M and Moon Junyoung of ZE:A started to come forward to attest these claims. B.A.P shortly followed.

There were rumors and a lot of speculation going around weeks before B.A.P filed their lawsuit that something was terribly wrong; fans were convinced that it wasn’t a problem within the group and that whatever it was that was going on was hugely based on the fact that TS was strenuously overworking the members. In the weeks prior to TS cancelling B.A.P’s South American leg of their Live on Earth Tour, there were photos of the members looking weary and clearly worn out from their nonstop schedules. There were reports of members fainting and being rushed to the hospital, but only to be pulled back out by TS staff, so that they could go on to perform. Their health was quickly declining and there were multiple visits to the clinics with documentation to prove of their deteriorating health, and some of the member’s parents even made their way to TS Entertainment’s office to try and resolve these recurring issues.

Even with all that at hand, TS was not going to let health issues be an excuse as to why they’d have to lose out on money just because their income earners weren’t feeling well. Clearly, as entertainers, you’re not allowed to be sick and feel unwell, because once you sign that contract, you’re no longer considered a human being. With tickets sold, venues set, and thousands of fans awaiting B.A.P’s stops in Latin and South America, you can only imagine how the disappointment when they found out the bad news. TS tried to explain that the cancellation of the tour was all due to their concern over B.A.P’s health, and how the artist condition is the top priority. Did TS already sense that something was brewing and was about to erupt from B.A.P? Were they trying to walk away from the situation as heroes because they cancelled the tour before B.A.P’s health worsened?

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

You’d question where and how one would store all these feelings, fury, rage and resentment; but after the lawsuit, this was probably the best opportunity for Yongguk to put it all into a song and present it to world.

As the fearless yet soft spoken leader of B.A.P, Yongguk is notorious for his deep and insightful way of thinking. AM 4:44 is a prime example of him trying to convey an unspoken message. The music video starts off by showing a hand watch. A watch can symbolize many things; a clear and simple meaning would be time doesn’t stop; no matter what you’re going through, you’ve got to keep fighting your way through those obstacles to make it out onto the other side. In Yongguk’s case, he’s fighting with his inner thoughts and emotions along with all the negativity that’s been building up inside him.

Nobody would know how scary the mask I wear is.

BYG AM 4:44

via mybutterflyfact @ tumblr

To be in this kind of industry, it’s like the three wise monkeys: you see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. No matter how many crazy things you see and encounter, as an artist under an agency, you just have to bite your tongue and act like nothing ever happened. It’s a never-ending cycle, at least not until you’re completely free from the company. And even then, there’ll still be things that come around that’ll try and haunt you. No one’s going to protect you; you have to fend for yourself. To continue with the theme, Yongguk’s face is never fully shown in the music video, rather we were just given his silhouette and quick glimpses of his profile. It’s almost as if he’s shielding himself with whatever it is that he has left to protect himself with.

BYG AM 4:44

via its-happycherry @ tumblr

He goes back and forth a lot throughout the song and he questions a few things here and there; how could it be that something that started off as a passion all of a sudden turn into a spiraling dark hole? for what am I insisting on trying so hard for to keep on running? Rather than this being considered a rap, it’s more like story telling. Yongguk is laying it all out there in the open for the world to hear and as for the audience; you can interpret it however you want.

The a**holes who ruined this are living with their bellies full
Just as they don’t pay attention to the victim mentality they have left behind.

To say that this is just true is a complete understatement. Not only does this apply to the industry in Korea, but it also happens in the music industry across the board in any given country and any franchise, big or small. There’ll always be the big guys who will forever step all over the little guys, until they get to not just the top but the very tip top of the chain. It doesn’t matter how they do it or how long it takes them to do so because it’ll just be a matter of time before they’re able to push their way up to where they think they belong, to live a lavish life and what not, while you’re stuck doing the dirty work. Yongguk didn’t hold back in AM 4:44 and I’m more than positive that he could’ve said so much more but that’ll probably be for another track.

When you’re feeling the loneliest and having a hard time from this world,
I will pat your shoulder you can lean into me then.

One of the worst feelings one can experience in life is loneliness; the feeling of emptiness and abandonment. There are those who can be in a room filled with people, whether it’s friends or family, but rather yet, feel like they’re surrounded by strangers, and feel like they’re the only ones who exist, or there are those who literally have no one, those with absolutely no shoulder to turn to and cry on. Even though Yongguk is filled with anger, his arms are still wide open. He’s thinking about those around him; those people who have stuck around, whether it’s his B.A.P members, his family, the fans, or just people who care enough, in general. Yongguk wants to break this cycle; he’s dealt with a few bad apples in his life and if possible he’d like to help someone else who’s been dealt a bad deck of cards if he can.

Also on KultScene: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Of ‘Tazza: The Hidden Card’

I for one am a BABY and I’ve followed B.A.P since the beginning. And as BABY and as appreciative as I am of all their constant comebacks, World Tour’s, and all the hard work, time and labor that these guys put it, much like many other groups out there, I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t expect for all of this to happen one day. It’s unfortunate that it happened, but I’m glad the members decided to file the lawsuit as a group. I guess you can say that AM 4:44 was a sudden treat to the BABYZ, but it’s also a song that is jammed back with extremely powerful messages.

I am just doing my thing, everything is going to be alright.

What are your thoughts on Bang Yongguk’s AM 4:44? Do you think everything’s going to be all right? 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.

5 Reasons ‘The Girl Who Sees Smells’ May Be This Year’s Surprise Drama

/in , /by

Some Korean dramas are set up to be successes. This year’s Kill Me, Heal Me was one such drama that started well and ended well, complete with great actors and great plots. Some dramas, however, surprise everyone and end up smash successes despite seemingly weak plots and unknown actors. Other Korean dramas look like they’ll be huge hits due to the cast and crew behind scenes, and then sadly fail. The Girl Who Sees Smells is somewhere in between all of this, which means that it has room to grow and shine. The new SBS drama, also known as Sensory Couple, isn’t just like every other drama, and that means there’s a lot going for it.

[Disclaimer: This article contains a few spoilers]

It Has Everything That a Good Drama Needs

With dark comedy, supernatural abilities, a great soundtrack, and a murder plot to keep us from focusing for too long on how ridiculous the whole thing sh/bould be, The Girl Who Sees Smells is reminiscent of award winning 2013 drama, I Can Hear Your Voice. The Girl Who Sees Smells takes itself seriously when it needs to, like when focusing on murder cases, and gives the audience steady breaks from the darkness by making the lead female character a comedian who is trying to get her first break in the industry.

Plus, it’s based on a webcomic that is widely popular, so the plot’s already set and has an audience.

Shin Se Kyung is Believable As The Girl Who Sees Smells

As the title character Oh Cho Rim, Shin Se Kyung pulls off acting as a woman who wakes up from a coma with the ability to see smells. After a reasonable freak out in the first episode, Shin’s character steps into the role perfectly, acting like a human hound as she hunts trails of scent.

Also on KultScene: Best K-Pop Girl Group B-Sides Of 2015

She’s goofy and innocent, but Shin’s acting during small moments when Oh Cho Rim is flustered or disturbed by something reminds the audience constantly that she is more than just a hunting tool, but in fact the hunted.

Park Yoochun Is Her Perfect Foil

If Oh Cho Rim has too many senses, Choi Moo Gak has too few, and JYJ’s Park Yoochun thrives on not letting his character show pain due to medical condition. Even after guzzling coffee or being kicked by a superior, Choi/Park doesn’t flinch and acts as the opposite of Shin. Choi is motivated by one thing, to become a homicide detective and avenge his sister’s death, while Oh wants to just succeed in the here and now.

There’s a lot of bickering early on, and their romantic chemistry isn’t the best by the end of the second episode, but the two characters learn to trust each other and as they do, so does the audience. Rather than building a perfect romantic relationship, The Girl Who Sees Smells builds the camaraderie first and it’s perfect for a drama of this type.

The Opening Five Minutes

A screencap of my reaction (that Alexis had to read) as I watched the opening of The Girl Who Sees Smells:

Reaction to 'The Girl Who Sees Smells' KultScene

With three murders in the first five minutes, two families broken, a murderer revealed, a case of mistaken identity, amnesia, and supernatural abilities, The Girl Who Sees Smells could be extremely makjang (over the top dramatic, pushing realism for the sake of drama.) But this is SBS. SBS publicly announced in 2014 that it would tone down makjang after coming under fire for making dramas too unbelievable. The Girl Who Sees Smells isn’t supposed to be believable; people don’t see smells. But the show is compelling, gives the characters drama within the realm of that unbelievable world, where actions have reactions and Park and Shin’s character’s responses to things, despite ridiculous situations, seems rational and utterly realistic. Wouldn’t you scream if you woke up in a hospital and the world was glittering?

Also on KultScene: Miss A “Only You” Music Video & Song Review
Pretty Yet Simple CG

Speaking of, the sparkles that depict the scents that Oh Cho Rim sees are gorgeous. The colors and shapes are pretty, and if most people were asked to describe scents in color and physical terminology, this definitely beats gaseous wafts.

via ry-ra on Tumblr

via ry-ra on Tumblr

But Can This Drama Really Pull It Off?

The Girl Who Sees Smells is, despite the humor and magic, all about a series of murders and a pair of people who are inadvertently linked to them. Right now, it is filled with questions. Why does the murderer do what he does, what caused Choi and Oh’s afflictions, why, why, why? But if the questions are answered soon, The Girl Who Sees Smells may feel stale old. But with a team of directors and writers who worked on popular dramas like Tazza (no, not that one starring T.O.P) and Rooftop Prince on board, that seems unlikely. So expect some plot twists, and join us on a bumpy ride as we watch.

What Korean drama do you think will be the surprise of 2015? 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.