Playlist Sunday: Latin Sounds

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K-pop is a mixture of sounds found in all genres around the globe; nothing is too much or too little and it’s all fair game. That’s why we’ll often see songs with middle eastern sounds or Bollywood-like disco in some of our favorite hits. And for this week’s Playlist Sunday we picked a particular theme that encompases many genres from several regions: Latin America. Salsa, trova, merengue, you name it, K-pop’s tried it. Here are some of our picks that have Latin flavor.

Super Junior‘s 2014 comeback song Mamacita is the epitome of Latin-infused K-pop. Super Junior acts out a Western-themed cops-and-robbers mini-movie that is a bit analogous with the title and style of the song, but the smooth Latin beat of Mamacita works. The song’s complex Spanish-infused style is different from many of Super Junior’s pop-dance songs, but still has the catchy hook-chorus and an iconic dance for the ten members to dance. The music video is fun, the song is catchy, the vocals are great. What more is there to ask of Super Junior?

— Tamar

Also on KultScene: YG Entertainment & Authenticity In K-Pop

The opening guitar and trumpet in FT Island’s I Wish immediately tell the listener that the song will have a different sound compared to other K-pop songs. The Latin music is used throughout the song and perfectly fit the style and feel of it. The pop/rock song utilizes the trumpet and acoustic guitar for a softer beginning of the song. After the chorus, which uses the rock sound, the music calms down and again uses the trumpet until the chorus comes back around. The Latin flare mixed with FT Island’s pop/rock sound creates an appealing song to listen to and sing along to.

—Tara

In the wake of Stellar’s semi-success with the controversial video for Marionette, many girl groups tried to recreate that magic. It was 4L who pushed this to the limit. The video for their song Move was not only a complete jack of Marionette, but was much more explicit and even included some lesbian scenes. Unnecessary lesbians aside, the song was actually great. It’s a surprisingly classy slice of tango pop. Guitars and accordion are the main melodies of the song and make for a steamy but sensual three and a half minutes.

–Joe

Despite the Latin American sounds dissipating once the singing starts, the opening of MBLAQ’s Oh Yeah is lead by a trova guitar riff that sets the tone for the flavorful song. Once Mir begins rapping, the guitar turns into a synth, but still playing the same notes. And while that might have been the only glimpse at a Latin American sound influence, Oh Yeah is a song you feel at the hips and chest, much like many other Latin genres. And who better to dance to a song like this than MBLAQ, a performance group formed under the representation of sex in human form Rain?

–Alexis

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: DaeNamHyup

SHINee‘s Señorita is one of my guilty pleasure songs. Key starts off the song speaking Spanish saying, “Damas y caballeros, amigo baila conmigo. Somos SHINee!” which means, “Ladies and gentleman, my friend dance with me, we are SHINee!” The song has a very catchy chorus and the boys sound very sexy saying “Señorita.” The song has a guitar that plays rhythms that are usually heard in Latin music and are very subtle in SHINee’s song. Their vocals are stunning as usual, making it one of my favorites songs from the group’s early days.

—Alejandro

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

Intro to G.Soul

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JYP Entertainment’s newest artist, G.Soul, is about to show Korean music lovers what he’s made of. He has been a trainee at JYP for fifteen years and he will finally debut on January 19th with his first mini album Coming Home. G.Soul is JYPE’s first R&B solo artist, which is very exciting not only for JYP, but for K-pop fans in general. It’s nice to see artists who specialize in other genres than pop have a chance to promote their music at the larger entertainment companies.

G.Soul was sent to NYC for training when he was a young boy after JYP discovered him and was impressed with his talents. He was supposed to debut in America as part of JYPE USA until things fell through and it closed down. While he was training in NYC all of these years, G.Soul did perform at gigs and in competitions where some of his fellow JYPE labelmates supported him, such as the Wonder Girls, Min, Jo Kwon, J-Liim, and others. Past Christmas videos on Min’s and Jo Kwon’s Instagram accounts show off G.Soul’s soulful vocals and the closeness of the JYP artists.

Also on KultScene: YG Entertainment And Authenticity In K-Pop

He was based in Brooklyn while in the States and will undoubtedly pull from his experiences and training while there. The first teaser for his first single Coming Home shows G.Soul in multiple settings in black and white and with only the beat and music of the song. The final few seconds listeners hear his unexpected vocals. His teaser for You is very similar in style with the black and white, the music and quick shots of a certain scene. Then at the end, we hear G.Soul’s voice.

Although there is only a small snippet of G.Soul’s vocals in both teasers, it’s enough to entice listeners to pay attention to his debut. His vocal quality has similar elements to Zion.T and to Bumkey, but then there is something within in that makes it his own. From the snippets it seems that he has a great voice and that his long awaited debut will not be in vain.

In the first teaser for Coming Home there is a shot of a record cover from an R.Kelly record, which is a good indication that he is a musical inspiration to G.Soul. G.Soul’s vocals do share similar qualities to R.Kelly’s vocals and it will be interesting to hear to a full length song to really be able pinpoint his sound. After listening to G.Soul’s covers on his Soundcloud, it’s clear he is heavily inspired by R&B vocalists and soulful artists, from Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Pharrell, and more.

G.Soul wrote and co-wrote every song on his mini album, which shows that he is more than a musician, he is an artist who takes pride in creating to share with fans. Whenever an artist has a significant hand in creating their musical work it gives them a bit more credibility because it shows they feel a deeper connection to the music and the lyrics and they are proud to deliver their creations to the fans.

From his teasers, G.Soul will have a decent debut. G.Soul’s fluency in Korean and English will only aid him as he embarks on his debut. His songs will utilize both languages and could possibly attract more followers and fans because of it. Since he is not an idol and not strictly pop music, G.Soul will present a fresh sound with his cultivated vocals and Western-influenced style.

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: DaeNamHyup

Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

6 K-Pop Airport Fashion We Want To Wear

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It is well-known that K-pop artists look fabulous and their style is on point when they step on an airport ready to board their next flight. With the airports filled with reporters, paparazzis, and raving fans, their stylists, and sometimes even themselves, put on the extra effort to make them look effortlessly chic. K-pop airport fashion has been constantly making headlines due to the idols’ unique looks. Sometimes they even outfit them in the same styles as the one they are promoting for their newest comeback or show a more crazy editorial look, like BIGBANG’S G-Dragon who seems to be coming out of a runway in Paris. Once they have scheduled their private charter flights, and from the moment they step foot in the airport ready to board the plane that will take them to destinations all over the world, the idols already know that their looks will surely create a new trend and inspire many fashionistas out there. Let’s take a look at six K-pop airport fashion that we want to wear.

6. 2NE1’s Dara

Dara has a mixture of masculinity and femininity in her looks all the time, Ccreating a very tomboy chic style that fits her fun and crazy personality perfectly. She is always spotted at the airport wearing cool jeans, designer T-shirts or head-to-toe prints that make her stand out. The look that caught our attention was an all-black ensemble. Dara is not only wearing a Maison Martin Margiela beanie and Comme des Garçons skirt pants, but she is showing support of her fellow band mate and leader CL. She sported CL’s T-shirt for her first solo single The Baddest Female that features CL’s eyes and lips. She paired this look perfectly with platform converse and oversized sunglasses and bag.

Dara Airport Fashion

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: DaeNamHyup

5. WINNER’s Seunghoon

Seunghoon perfectly exemplified how to dress up a T-shirt, even if that Givenchy T-shirt is no way an ordinary nor simple! The complete look resembles London’s mod era with the black trousers and beautiful chelsea boots. He completed the look by tucking the shirt in to show the amazing statement belt, a half-up ponytail and black rim glasses. He looks cool, very modern, dapper, and, of course, very sexy.

Seunghoon Airport Fashion

4. Orange Caramel’s NaNa

NaNa is known for her airport fashion. Her look is also very tomboy (as we seen on SBS’s Roommate), but a little bit more refined than Dara. NaNa is always seen mixing jeans and simple shirts with statement jackets or shoes that make her effortless look very chic. In this particular instance, NaNa wore pushBUTTON‘s Zig Zag faux-fur jacket and paired it with a white T-shirt and gray jeans. She let the jacket be her statement piece and didn’t let any other pieces from her outfit outshine it. The only thing that could outshine that beautiful jacket is NaNa’s beauty; she is gorgeous!

NaNa Airport Fashion

3. SHINee’s Key

Key is already known for being a fashion icon. He is one the idols that loves to have fun with his outfits. His airport fashion doesn’t change from his looks we are used to see on variety shows and on stage. His looks in the airport have always interesting pieces and give a very good inspiration to fashionistas out there. Key’s outfits can easily be worn by a woman, and this one is totally on trend for this season. Ripped jeans are a must in everyone’s outfit, a red flannel in the waist, trainers, a biker jacket, white cap, and a simple long line white T-shirt create the perfect cool rocker chic outfit that can be easily recreated.

Key Airport Fashion

2. BEAST’s Junhyung

Not only is Junghyun and amazing rapper and producer, but he also has an amazing fashion sense. He is always showing outstanding looks for his airport fashion, but the look that caught our attention this time is one of our favorites yet from him. Trainers are still on trend and you can basically pair them with everything. Jonghyun let his trainers be the statement pieces and paired them with black and white pieces that coordinate very well. His wide brimmed hat paired with oversized sunglasses, coated jeans with a zipper detail, a long line white shirt, and a blazer makes a perfect example of how to dress up trainers. Even if he is wearing very common pieces, he manages to make it look fresh and avant-garde and made it to our list with this amazing look.

Junghyun Airport Fashion

Also on KultScene: Fashion Spotlight: PushBUTTON

1. BIGBANG’s G-Dragon

The number one spot is for the king of airport fashion, G-Dragon. He has transformed airports around the world into his personal fashion runways. Everytime G-Dragon is spotted, he seems like he is walking out of a fashion editorial or any fashion week runway. His outfits are amazingly curated by his stylist and has him making headlines for his outrageous fashion sense. G-Dragon paired his Givenchy dress shirt and jumper with leather joggers, Chrome Hearts shoes, and accessories that added a very cool edge to his look. Layering is a very easy thing to do and you can make it look very modern by adding different textures and prints like on G-Dragon’s look. He has not only escalated to one of the best artists in Korea but has now become a fashion icon not only in his mother country but all over the world.

G-Dragon Airport Fashion

Which look was your favorite? 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.

Artist Spotlight: DaeNamHyup

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Nowadays, it’s not just K-pop that benefits from the Hallyu craze. Korean hip hop has been on the rise for the last two years, with more and more rappers achieving international fame and recognition, like Beenzino, Dok2, and Simon D. After years of struggle, Korean hip hop is rapidly finding and cementing its way to the mainstream. And while there are big names out in the game killing it, you can’t forget where they came from or the one’s who are still underground. Hell, some of our favorite idol rappers started out in the underground in crews.

Such is the case of DaeNamHyp, short for “great southern joseon [Korea’s last dynasty] hip hop cooperative,” a Korean hip hop crew comprised of rappers and producers Marvel J, i11evn, DJ Snatch, Supreme Boi, Kyum2, Samsoon, ILLIPS, Iron (아이언), Kidoh, and Rap Monster. Yes, you didn’t read that wrong. BTS’ Rap Monster and ToppDogg’s Kidoh are still part of the collective, even though they currently focus on their idol groups. Marvel J is the crew’s leader, and their ages range from 28 to 21-years-old, with several ‘94 liner members. They have been active since 2009.

DaeNamHyup profile

via rapmon-dongsaeng @ Tumblr

DaeNamHyp, or DNH, as a group, is not signed to any label and release their music the old fashioned way, through mixtapes. Their latest release 제 1차 회동 (First Meeting) features all of the members with the exception of Rap Monster (who was really busy last year with BTS) either rapping or producing. Their sound draws influence from Southern rap (the American South, of course) and krump. While their flows and rap styles vary, they all spit with a little aggression, dropping their verses hard. As opposed to the established rappers’ albums, 제 1차 회동 lacks overproduction, and its rawness and emphasis on the members’ rap is what gives the mixtape a fresh and authentic feeling.

Their rapping styles are best represented on the tracks where they show their clique love, DNH Cypher and Crew Love. As for sound, Do It and Uranus show the range of talent DaeNamHyp has, going from the hard hitting beats to the mellow, easy-going raps, but killing it either way.

Also on KultScene: 9 K-Pop Songs For Twerking Pt. 2

However, hip hop crews are not like idol groups who are always together. It’s more of a group of friends who share the same interests that sometimes release group material, but also pursue solo work. While Rap Mon and Kidoh are the only members currently in idol groups, Supreme Boi is a producer for Big Hit Entertainment and has worked with BTS before. He recently dropped the fresh and feel-good track Hawaii under Big Hit.

Iron, for his part, came in second place on the competition TV program Show Me The Money 3 and recently delivered a rap verse for SHINee’s Jonghyun’s first solo project Crazy. He previously released his first mixtape Ixtape, and has featured on other artists tracks, such as Hyorin X Jooyoung’s Erase. Iron has a deep, hoarse voice that is reminiscent of BIGBANG’s T.O.P, but his spit and demeanor are far more aggressive than the BIGBANG member’s raps. Moreover, Iron was once part of the original BTS lineup, but is now signed with Polaris Entertainment and is slated to debut in a group called HIVE.


Marvel J and i11evn are not as active as the previous members with their solo work, but do upload tracks to their soundcloud pages. i11evn is signed to Factory Boi Records and recently collaborated with Supreme Boi on Kidoh’s So Busy at 1 o’Clock off of his solo mini album Small Album.

As mentioned before, Kidoh is part of ToppDogg, but missed out on a group promotional cycle in order to release his solo mini album Small Album last year. This release was different from what was previously seen by him under ToppDogg or DNH since he sang more than rapped. The title song, Taxi on the Phone, is a jazzy, piano and electric guitar lead song. His fellow ToppDogg member Sangdo featured on the track, but Kidoh kept DNH love flowing by having Iron appear in the music video playing a drunk. Moreover, So Busy at 1 o’Clock, with Supreme Boi and i11evn, sounds more like DNH material, being the only traditional hip hop track on the album.


Rap Monster, as A.R.M.Y. (BTS’ fanclub) knows well, uploads solo tracks to BTS’ soundcloud now and then. His verses on these tracks show a less restrained Rap Monster, spitting about topics he wouldn’t on his idol albums.

Samsoon and ILLIPS, for their part, are said to be currently inactive in DNH activities and haven’t released any solo work lately. Kyum2 is currently in the army and has released solo songs, but requested that fans wouldn’t upload them to any platform. Lastly, DJ Snatch is still grinding, uploading pictures to his Instagram in support of Supreme Boi’s recent showcase and a video with Kidoh in a studio, which suggest he’s still working with his DNH members. He is also expected to debut with HIVE.

Also on KultScene: Fashion Spotlight: PushBUTTON

DaeNamHyup’s released their latest mixtape early last year and had a showcase in March. They also held a concert with Royal Cla$$ in the summer, attended by Kidoh but not Rap Monster. And in order to bring 2014 to a close, Iron, i11evn, Kidoh, Supreme Boi, Marvel J, and DJ Snatch performed at Speakshow with other rappers like Crucial Star, GEEKS, and Giriboy.

Even if some of the DNH members are in idol groups and others are pursuing their own solo careers, the boys always support one another by holding showcases together or featuring on each other’s work. All of the members are still in their 20’s, which, contrary to K-pop idols, means they’re just getting started. Whether it’s as DaeNamHyup or as solo acts, the crew are on their way to slay the Korean rap game.

DaeNamHyup profile dnh

via dementho @ Tumblr

What’s your favorite DaeNamHyup 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.

Playlist Sunday: Fairy Tale

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Everyone loves a good fairy tale and all of us here at KultScene are no exception to that. K-pop delivers with many fairy tale-themed and styled songs that are not only attractive musically, but lyrically as well. From the title of songs to the other worldly feel to the lyrics, K-pop provides us with a healthy amount of fairy tale songs to choose from. These are just a few that of those songs that we wish to share with you in this week’s Playlist Sunday.

EXO’s love song titled Peter Pan uses the Neverland story, but instead of Peter falling in love with Wendy, he is looking for his true love, the fairy Tinkerbell. Throughout the song, EXO lets the listeners know the story of Peter and Tinkerbell. Peter starts looking back at an old diary and reminisces about all the memories that he had together with the fairy, only to realize how much he misses her and loves her. Even if he is trapped in time and still a child, he is ready to become a man for her and be with her. EXO delivered a cute ballad with soft and beautiful vocals thanks to the group’s vocalists. With Peter Pan being one of my favorite fairy tales, I just couldn’t help but love this song.

–Alejandro

Also on KultScene: Review: Sonamoo ‘Deja Vu’

With sweet, delicate vocals and an infectious electro pop beat, Neon Bunny’s 2012 song Oh My Prince sounds like a fairy tale in itself. However, the actual lyrics are another story. The singer uses “prince” to describe a guy’s negative traits rather than good ones, meaning a man who thinks he’s all that. Right off the bat, she disses the guy by telling him she doesn’t care what school he graduated from or what household he comes from, and suggests he tattoos it on his face given he’s so proud… you can imagine how the calling-out continues throughout the song. The use of the jarring lyrics and Neon Bunny’s sugary tone set a cool contrast that pokes fun at these types of guy. Because no, the idea of having a prince in your life or as your partner isn’t always a fairy tale.

— Alexis

Before Disney, L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz was the epitome of the American fairy tale, and Clazziquai’s Wizard of Oz puts music to dream-like quality of the famous story. Alex and Horan’s whimsical voices match with not only the famous story itself, but also with the hypnotic, poppy-induced tune created by DJ Clazzi. The song tells the story of how we all really live in Oz without realizing it, thanks to our dreams and adventures. The music video is also fairytale inducing; it features some of the most popular stars from 2009 including Kim Bum, Kim Ki Bum of Super Junior, Lee Yeon Hee, and Yoo Seungho.

–Tamar

In the hands of Ga-In fairy tales become a lot more adult and sexual than your usual K-pop fairy tale concept. If EXO are mischievous rascals as Peter Pan, Ga-In is a sexy temptress as Tinkerbell. Tinkerbell is about two Romeo and Juliet-like lovers who meet up at night for their fleeting but passionate sexaul encounters. Ga-In’s solo work is known for pushing boundaries, and Tinkerbell is the song that does this on her second album Talk about S. The lyrics are a great reimagining of a fairy tale with added maturity. The production is innovative and jarring. It sounds like she took the Latin guitars from Irreversible and cut out every second note. The pre-chorus is built around a strange vocal effect similar to the guitar. So if you’re looking for a more adult fairy tale, Ga-In’s your girl.

–Joe

Also on KultScene: 9 K-Pop Songs For Twerking Pt. 2

U-KISS’ Neverland is a fun song about a fantasy land where staying young and having fun are priorities. The beat on Neverland is club-ready and will make anyone feel young again. You can shout the chorus to the skies as you dance the night away wishing you were flying to Neverland. If it’s good enough for Peter Pan and for U-KISS it’s definitely good enough for the rest of us. The song doesn’t boast much lyrically or have any deep symbolism behind the words. Instead it makes us feel like a kid again as we jump around the room with the volume turned all the way up.

— Tara

What are some of your favorite Fairy Tale-themed K-pop songs? 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 Things To Expect At FTISLAND Concerts

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FTISLAND is one of South Korea’s most popular idol-bands, and the quintet is heading to the United States this month with concerts in New York and California. Whether you’re attending these events, (and spotting KultScene there) or any FTISLAND shows anywhere else in the world, here’s what you can expect.

Great Live Music

FTISLAND has been doing what they do since 2007, and the band does it well. The group has its own distinct style that can be heard in just about every song. Their live performances are filled with infectious energy, enhanced by lead singer Lee Hongki’s almost-nonstop action on stage.

Ad-Libs & Goofing Around

With as many concerts and performances under their belt, FTISLAND are pros. And, being pros, they can essentially do whatever they want mid-stage. There are tons of videos on YouTube showing FTISLAND goofing around on stage, sometimes on purpose while other times mistakenly. This is no perfectly coordinated, emotionless idol show that FTISLAND put on; this group is the real deal and comes prepared but then… Sometimes gets a bit distracted during the show.

Also on KultScene: Beenzino’s ‘Up All Night’ Party in Los Angeles

Exuberance Towards The Audience

FTISLAND always has some special words for their fans, no matter where in the world they are performing. In the case of their latest world tour, FTISLAND will likely brush up on some languages, and perhaps perform some songs from the countries that they visit. Look forward to some great Engrish at the New York City and Los Angeles shows.

Special Event

Fans are everything to musicians, and FTISLAND is great at making sure that fans know that they’re appreciated. A lot of K-pop concerts around the world have problems where the local fans feel like the singers aren’t as connected to them as they are with Korean fans, but FTISLAND doesn’t let that happen. Instead, the group always makes efforts to interact with fans in special ways. For the New York and California concerts, Powerhouse recently announced through its Twitter account that FTISLAND will be giving away signed CDs, posters, and pictures to random fans.

FTISLAND Event

You’ll get a chance to hear FT Island’s best songs, like “I Hope,” “Severely,” “Hello Hello,” “Love Love Love,” and many more.

Is there anything else more to say? FTISLAND is a talented band with great songs. Don’t miss your chance to see them when they come to your neck of the woods. In case you’re able to make it to the Los Angeles and New York City shows, you can purchase tickets here and here. Don’t forget that you’ll be entered into the contest to win the autographed goods!

Look forward to KultScene’s coverage of FTISLAND’s US shows!

Do you like FTISLAND? What songs do you want to hear them perform live? 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.

Fashion Spotlight: pushBUTTON

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Korean fashion has been in the spotlight around the world for it’s amazing eye for style and innovation. Fashionistas around the world find inspiration from Korea’s street style, Korean magazines, and artists. In this series, we will introduce you to people working in Korea’s fashion industry.

Park Seung Gun is very quiet, quirky, and artistic. There aren’t many photos of hims because of his shy persona. His brand became his alter-ego where he could fully express himself. Korean fashion house pushButton came to exist in 2003, and in 2008 he expanded its brand to Europe and created an affordable sister brand called DRESSMONSTER. It wasn’t until 2010 that the brand was named one of the leaders in Korea’s fashion industry.

Park Seung Gun distinguished himself from other Korean designers by not only creating amazing garments, but also art pieces. His creative mind and artistic sensibility has led to amazing conceptual collections that are loved by netizens and Korean artists like Beenzino, Taemin, f(x), and CNBLUE.

Also on KultScene: Why ‘Yoo Heeyeol’s Sketchbook’ Works

pushBUTTON’s creations come from the designer’s fun and distorted creative mind. His keen eye for mixing colors, prints, and textiles sets him apart from the rest. He elaborates sophisticated pieces that have fun style lines, silhouettes, and experimental designs. He sometimes even creates social commentaries through his collections. Such was the case of his spring/summer 2012 collection that talked about how people see fame and where it can lead to, while still being in love with fame and desiring it. He used Amy Winehouse as his example, creating T-shirts that read “We Miss Amy”.

He delved into another topic that is very common in society, mistaking someone’s sexuality because of the way someone dresses. He played with female and male aesthetics to create a very androgynous collection. There was even a T-shirt with a message that read “I’m Not Gay.” This collection became a favorite in the K-pop world; even if the collection was simple, it made a bold statement. Some of the pieces appeared on EXO’s photoshoot for their single Mama. Moreover, some of the plaid outfits from his 2013 fall/winter collection were used on f(x)’s Rum Pum Pum Pum music video and promotions.

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Photo via SM Entertainment

Photo via SM Entertainment

Photos via pushBUTTON.com

Photos via pushBUTTON.com

His latest collection for spring/summer 2015 was inspired by mexican artist and icon Frida Kahlo. Frida always loved to have fun with the way she dressed and played with the idea of mixing womenswear with menswear, and that’s exactly what Park Seung Gun did. This collection was seen also on tv on Korea’s Next Top Model Cycle 5: Boys and Girls, where the contestants had the opportunity to walk the runway for pushBUTTON alongside supermodel Park Soo Joo.

Also on KultScene: YG Entertainment and Authenticity in K-Pop

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Take a look at some of his past collections below.

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pushBUTTON caters to fashion innovators; people that are looking for pieces that make bold statements and give a sense of uniqueness. His collections always keep classic feminine designs while still having an edge to them. His aesthetic has made him a favorite for Korean stylists like Han Ye Yun, celebrities like Kim Won Joon and Hyuna, and fashionistas all around the world.

Did you love pushBUTTON as much as we do? 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.

YG Entertainment and Authenticity in K-Pop

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The idea of authenticity in pop music is always a contentious one. In the west, every effort is made to make sure the pop star is seen to be the real deal. While in Asia, the idol system is a transparent one in which the fans know young girls and boys train for years to debut and are almost completely controlled by their company. YG Entertainment pride themselves on their more authentic than usual idols and roots in hip-hop. From the acquisition of rap royalty Epik High to the home grown writer producer G-Dragon to the real rappers of iKon, YG has continually put its faith in authentic talent. YG still deal in pop music though, and Yang Hyun Suk and producers like Teddy and Kush are well known as big parts of the music in the company.

Money making and authenticity tend to not go together well, but all pop music is made to make money. So can there be authentic pop music and is YG it? Is their style true or a clever marketing trick? I want to examine YG’s output of 2014 to try and get at some answers. I won’t necessarily be looking at the specific quality of the songs, although it can’t be avoided, but mostly how they were marketed compared to how authentic or interesting they turned out to be.

There is no doubt as to YG’s hip-hop roots being fairly legitimate. YG has come a long way since then however, and are now the second biggest music label in South Korea. In order to get to where they are now though, they have sacrificed some of their ideals in order to get ahead. The idea of authenticity has changed within the company as it becomes more focused on idol groups. The illusion of authenticity has proven to be more effective than putting the work into originality, and 2014 was the year it all came together.

Also on KultScene: YG Entertainment Wants You To Know It’s Different

Last year, YG debuted two new groups, AKMU and WINNER, and created a new one to debut later this year, iKON. Without even getting into the details of the groups, we can see a difference between them and YG’s roots. A lot of them come from talent shows; this immediately raises alarms about the authenticity of these groups. That’s not to say everyone who auditions at talent shows is inauthentic, but it is hard to find true artists through them. There are many talented singers, dancers, and rappers, but how many are the brand of supposed authentic that YG claims it wants?

Akdong Musician were one of these, and were a huge sensation after K-Pop Star. Their music appealed to the Korean market but brought with it an interesting undercurrent thanks to Lee Chanhyuk’s compositions and the vocal dynamic between him and Lee Suhyun. After winning the show, they had the choice themselves to choose between the big three companies. They chose YG explaining that they felt they could express themselves the best there. YG’s image was working for them before even signing Akdong to their label. I have no doubt about the talents of AKMU and they had the right idea by singing with YG, but I wonder if Akdong still feel the same today.

YG has taken the soul of what Akdong Musician are and diluted it with the “YG style.” This is a disservice not only to Chanhyuk and Suhyun but to fans who came to love Akdong’s original sound and image. Their debut single 200% was a generic soft hip-hop pop song which did nothing to showcase the possible talents of Akdong. They even made them dance for the live shows which looked awkward for all involved. They even changed their name to AKMU. It’s not all bad for Akdong though, as their other big song of the year, Melted, is an incredible social critique with a stripped back piano accompaniment, and one of the best music videos of the year.

While Akdong Musician were taken from outside of YG’s doors, WINNER were created in a reality show made by the company. WIN: Who is Next? followed two different boy groups made of YG trainees as they fought to debut as the first YG boy group since BIGBANG. They were Team A and Team B, with Team A eventually winning, being christened as WINNER and given a debut.

Pop music is a business, and in business, major companies do not take risks on letting the public have a say in their next move. So when a show like this runs, I can’t help but be sceptical. YG ultimately would have total control over what was shown and it would be naive to think that they wouldn’t have made edits in accordance with their own plans. Favour was more than likely thrown in Team A’s direction to keep in line with these. The fact that Bobby from Team B, or iKon now, couldn’t make the top team even though he is the hottest property on the K-pop market right now shows there was a plan for each group prior to shooting the show. Considering that YG had the ultimate say in who won confirms this to be nothing more than a vanity project attempting to showcase their authenticity.

I realise these are completely unfounded claims, but I can’t help but feel that show was completely manipulative. Putting these aside, I want to look at WINNER’s highly anticipated debut. The promo for it was one of the best ever seen in not only K-pop but all pop in recent years. It featured micro films with each member, short documentaries about their feelings leading up to their debut and even an incredibly produced instrumental track over interesting visuals. Everything was done in a consistently stylish and artful manner. Expectation was high for something truly interesting.

… Then they released a ballad.

Ballads are the safest, most mainstream and dull kind of song in all of K-pop. Ballads from drama soundtracks consistently top the charts and have been doing so more and more recently. So when WINNER, after the amazing build up, released Empty, I was severely disappointed. That’s not to say it’s necessarily a bad song, just a completely safe one considering the teasers and YG’s talk of WINNER being more than just a Korean group. So of course Empty went on to be a huge success making WINNER the fastest boy group to win a music program award and winning more awards at the MAMAs and Melon. As soon as YG saw the success they doubled down by releasing a solo song from WINNER’s rapper Mino, I’m Him which sounded like a rejected G-Dragon album cut.

Also on KultScene: Let’s Discuss: WINNER As A New Type Of Idol

I want to save any criticism or praise for iKon for when they properly debut. I will say however that Bobby seems to be trying to make a legitimate career for himself, but doesn’t see that he is now an idol because of this. Trying to distance himself from other idols won’t help him at all as it will only make him seem like a try-hard boy group member.

All of 2014’s releases stem from an apparent move from YG to become a more global company. Even Epik High have lost the personal touch that made their earlier music so good. With CL making her way over to America and PSY already achieving huge crossover success, YG can obviously see themselves as the biggest K-Pop players –in the U.S. at least.

In order to continue attacking the western market though, they are losing any sense of true authenticity in place of a corporate illusion of reality. They put the main focus of their groups on their supposed legitimate rappers to give a sense of originality to them. Yet when music is released, it is generic and uninteresting. YG has essentially tricked their fans into believing everything they do is true artistry, that everything they release comes 100 percent from the members themselves. In the pop music world, this is impossible. This is the true quality of YG, making corporate look authentic.

What do you think of YG’s authenticity? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

9 K-Pop Songs for Twerking pt. 2

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Even if twerking is still frowned upon by people in Korea and abroad, it hasn’t prevented K-pop artists from releasing songs suited for this type of dance. The perfect track to twerk to needs to have a hard and heavy beat — bonus points for a bass drop. And in an era where hip hop is beginning to adopt EDM music more and more (um, hello Diplo!), the repertoire extends. So in order to keep the list going, we came up with a second installment of best K-pop songs to twerk to.

1. f(x) Rainbow

When one thinks of twerking, the aggressive and hard motions are the first thing that comes to mind. But in order to get to that point, we need to start somewhere. f(x) is not a sexy or even hip hop group, but the beat on Rainbow gives way for some slower, cuter twerking.

kpop twerking songs jimin

via funnykpopdotcom

2. TOP Turn it Up

In order to segway into a sexier yet still slow paced twerk, Turn it Up is a good choice. For his duo project with GD, TOP flexed his way through the whole song with his signature deep, husky voice. This together with the jumpy beat created a great contrast that’s easy to follow.

kpop twerking songs wassup

via fywassup @ Tumblr

3. EXO-K Two Moons

EXO is probably one of the most unthinkable groups to release a twerk-ready song, and yet, they released Two Moons in their first mini-album. The song is the only one in their discography with a strong hip hop influence, lead by the rapping of the members and SHINee’s Key. Two Moons is also jumpy, and the chant-like “hey’s” emphasize and set an explicit mark for twerking.

kpop twerking songs hyuna

via Tumblr

Also on KultScene: Why ‘Yoo Heeyeol’s Sketchbook’ Works

4. WA$$UP Shut Up U

WA$$UP were named “twerk dolls” since their debut, and while their first music video included a whole lot of booty shaking, there wasn’t much of twerking. Not only that, but music and vocals were a bit all over the place. That changed with their latest relase Shut Up U, which sounds like f(x)’s Rainbow with a dancehall spin. The difference in tempos in the track allow for differet twerking speeds.

kpop twerking songs top

by yellowgiant

5. MADTOWN YOLO

MADTOWN debuted last year after a few teasers with a song written by the same guy who wrote EXO’s Growl. With that being said, it came as no surprise when the guy’s debut track YOLO had great groove and flow and a great beat to twerk to. The chorus gives way to a fast tempo, fun twerking opportunity complete with “YOLO” verses.

kpop twerking songs secret

via Tumblr

6. G-Dragon Niliria feat. Missy Elliott

Having built up momentum, Niliria is where the party really begins. G-Dragon and Missy Elliott’s different rap flows and the change in beats, like Shut Up U, lets the twerking go from slow to hard to deep to slow again throughout the whole song, potentially creating a Bohemian Rhapsody of twerk.

kpop twerking songs wassup

via hungryapp

7. GD X Taeyang Good Boy

What happens when you mix EDM with R&B and rapping? A GD and Taeyang song, of course. The ‘88 liners teamed up this year to release a club banger perfect for twerking, especially the hook. The tempo is fast, the beat hard, and it calls for the volume to be turned up.

kpop twerking songs minzy

via onehallyu

Also on KultScene: Top 20 K-Pop Albums Of 2014

8. Masta Wu Come Here feat. Dok2 and Bobby

Continuing with YG Entertainment releases, Masta Wu came back last year with Come Here. Right off the bat and without a warning, the song opens with fast paced claps. Each of the guy’s verses have a more fluid flow than the hook. Other than twerking and booty clapping, there can’t be a better suited dance for this particular song.

kpop twerking songs nari wassup

via hungryapp

9. 2PM Superman

Continuing with the hip hop and EDM hybrids comes Superman by 2PM members Jun.K and Wooyoung. Yep, you read that right, not Taecyeon or Nichkhun, but the group’s vocalists. Like Go Crazy!, Superman is a fun song that makes you want to let loose. However, this song has that special beat and change in tempos and flows that make it the best canvas for a twerking masterpiece.

kpop twerking songs exo kai

via Tumblr

What’s your favorite song for twerking, even if you don’t twerk per se? We’d love to hear your thoughts and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

[Render: HaraYoung230603, ByMadHatter, Yourlonglostsister]

Review: Sonamoo ‘Deja Vu’

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Rating

TS Entertainment’s latest girl group, Sonamoo, debuted at the end of 2014, with the song Deja Vu. There was some controversy around TS debuting a new group amidst contract issues with TS popular idol group, B.A.P, and also concerns that Sonamoo’s official color is too similar to that of SM Entertainment’s SHINee. Despite the issues have with how TS Entertainment handled Sonamoo’s debut, it’s hard to deny that Deja Vu is a stellar debut song.

Song

The song is catchy and the members appear to be able to sing well (although some of their debut stages leaves room for argument). The song has powerful beats and EDM elements that wouldn’t be out of place in a club, but Déjà Vu just isn’t really memorable. It’s just another dance track with a powerful beat. Sonamoo tries really hard, but the debut song seems like just another dance song with some interesting beats dropped every once in a while in an attempt to make the song give off a more powerful vibe.

Credit: TS Entertainment

Credit: TS Entertainment

One of the major problems is that the seven girls have voices that don’t really match up with the hip-hop elements. Some higher pitched voices simply don’t seem to fit amidst deeper, rougher voices like those of the rappers. The two rappers, D.ana and New Sun, dominate the entire performance with their stage presence and stellar attempts at rapping. But transitioning from rap to a sweet sound comes off as sudden and I personally feel that it ruins the momentum.

Sonmoo Deja Vu Gif 1

Credit: TS Entertainment

 

Another problem I have with the song is that I really wish that they had gone with more meaningful lyrics rather than just singing about how love is like fate that has happened over and over again. If I didn’t know what Sonamoo was singing about, but heard the song and saw the performance, I’d honestly probably think that the seven were singing a song about female empowerment. The music video looks like it would be more about the awesomeness of girl power along the lines of Beyonce’s Run The World, but Déjà Vu doesn’t deliver that.

Music Video

The video’s sets were really cool, even though some of it reminded me a lot of B.A.P’s debut music video for Warrior. Nothing wrong with reusing sets, though, especially when the set is remade to look like the inside of an industrial factory with a chandelier. The dance stage, where the seven members of Sonamoo danced amidst scaffolding, looked really cool and futuristic, but differed a bit from the rest of the video’s style (the outfits that I take problem with also made their appearances during that part).

Credit: TS Entertainment

Credit: TS Entertainment

 

Moreover, the plot is a bit nonexistent. With a title like Déjà Vu it would seem that the music video would be about Sonamoo seeing things over and over again. Instead, it’s about the members looking for something and turning on the power, literally, and seeing a stream of energy flit about the place without any clear interpretation.

Style

The video started out really strong conceptually, rocking the hip-hop styled sporty outfits. Sports bras, loose harem pants, athletic jerseys, leather jackets… They all made appearances. But then the black and white tight fitting outfits appeared and I was less impressed that TS Entertainment chose to put the fiercer outfits aside for traditionally sexy, skin-fitting clothes. The individual style for each girl, with unique hairstyles and personalized outfits, were a nice touch.

Credit: TS Entertainment

Credit: TS Entertainment

Dance

Sonamoo’s strength is definitely its dance. The body popping and locking that several of the dancers use is rare to see in K-pop girl group’s songs, although the twerking, now a commonly seen dance move in K-pop, isn’t super exciting and kind of diminishes the powerful dance moves. Even so, Sonamoo’s dancers are really good performers, performing splits and never seeming out of synchrony. The random hand-game that the rappers perform seems kind of silly and doesn’t really add to the song, though, so I can’t really say the dance is flawless.

Credit: TS Entertainment

Credit: TS Entertainment

Rating

It’s a really good attempt at a style of girl group that’s rare– tough rather than cute or sexy, but the song, while catchy, doesn’t really seem so memorable. The vocals are good but have a long way to go, and Sonamoo’s saving grace is really the dancing.

2.5/5