Page 80 – KultScene

8 Reasons To Watch ‘Love Cells’

November 13, 2014/in Entertainment /by Tamar Herman

Love Cells is a new webseries airing exclusively on DramaFever, about “a virgin trying to seduce an idol.” Does it sound fun yet? KultScene checked it out, and fell absolutely in love with Love Cells. The show is based off of a Korean webtoon with the same name, and keeps the essence of the comic that made Love Cell so endearing. Love Cells stars Kim Yoo Jung, Park Sun Ho, and 4MINUTE’s Nam Ji Hyun.

1. The Plot

Love Cells, for the lack of a better word, is original. There are a few things we’ve seen before, such as idols in complicated personal relationships, but mostly what we’re seeing is a lot of new plot points that many dramas don’t feature. The main couple is a unemployed guy and his love cell, a cell that comes out his body and turns into a woman because his body demands love. The whole thing is about falling in love and doesn’t waste any time with tangential side points; this is a story about a love cell acting like a cupid in order to save her own life. It’s great; we haven’t seen it often.

via rainbowyoujung @ Tumblr

2. Kim Woo Bin Is The First Thing We See

Unfortunately, Kim Woo Bin just makes a cameo in Dae Choong’s (played by Park Sun Ho) nightmare, but it’s a nice entryway into the drama. He only appears for a split second, but fans of the actor probably were severely disappointed when they realized that Kim Woo Bin is just a figment of Dae Choong’s imagination and only appears in the first episode.

via kimwoobinseyebrows @ Tumblr

3. It Breaks Idol Stereotypes

4MINUTE’s leader Nam Ji Hyun plays Seo Rin, a goddess-like idol. Fans adore her, and Dae Choong dreams of her being perfect. However, it turns out that her image is just a façade and she actually just wants to relax, drink soju, and eat chicken feet in her spare time. K-Pop idols are supposed to be perfect, and Love Cells loves playing up the “no, that can’t be Seo Rin. She wouldn’t eat chicken feet.” The explanation in many cases? People love Seo Rin so much that they get plastic surgery to look like her, so it’s just one of her numerous doppelgangers. Everything about it is a bit silly, but it works.

via calmlyandnaturally @ Tumblr

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons To Attend VIXX’s Chicago & NYC Concerts

4. There’s A Cell That Wants You To Fall In Love– Played By Kim Yoo Jung

Kim Yoo Jung plays Nebi, the “love cell” from Dae Choong’s body who will die if he doesn’t find love within a month. She came out of Dae Choong’s body as a pink blob and his cat Nebi ate it- then turned into Kim Yoo Jung. Kim Yoo Jung’s Nebi is hilarious, and always has a plan to help Dae Choong get his girl. She’s doing it all to ensure her continued existence, but it’s sweet to see her get excited whenever one of her ideas helps Dae Choong get a bit closer to Seo Rin. Kim Yoo Jung plays Nebi with a bit of seriousness, some humor, and enjoys breaking the fourth wall once in a while to look at the audience as if she’s saying, “these people I have to deal with.” She also loves smacking people around in comical ways.

5. Park Sun Ho’s Dae Choong Is Adorkable

Ma Dae Choong is a 27-year-old useless sort of guy –unemployed, doesn’t pay his rent, dirty, knows nothing about love or friendship, and is a little bit of a pervert. Chae Doong is described as “a dating virgin.” However, he’s played by the handsome Park Sun Ho, who makes the buffoonish Dae Choong come across as endearing. In moments when Dae Choong doesn’t know what to do, Park Sun Ho’s acting helps the audience empathize with the guy who simply hasn’t done anything with his life.

6. Magical Items That We All Wish We Had (And A Park Joon Hyung Cameo)

g.o.d’s Park Joon Hyung makes a cameo in Love Cells as the salesman who is promoting Nebi’s magical items that help Dae Choong succeed in love. Among these are a magical face cream that helps the object of your affection notice you, a guitar pick that turns anyone into a superstar, perfume that will attract any member of the opposite sex, etc. Everyone wants something like that every once in a while, and Park Joon Hyung is a really hilarious salesman who does his job incredibly well. If only those items really existed…

via Tumblr

Also on KultScene: Playlist Sunday: Raunchy Tunes

7. You Can Watch An Episode In Less Time Than It Takes To Get Dressed

Every episode is less than eight minutes long and they come out on Dramafever every day for the three weeks that the show is premiering. If you don’t believe how fast they are, check out the first episode right now:

8. Love Cells Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

Like the 1960’s kitschy I Dream of Jeannie with a similar plot of a magical creature coming to “help” someone else, Love Cells has serious moments but never forgets that its existence is to make the audience smile. Slapstick comedy is rampant in Love Cells, used in just the right places to make each episode that much better.
The short episodes usually end with cliffhangers that show Seo Rin and Dae Choong’s changing relationship, but by the next day, their problems have somehow turned into a good thing. Love Cells is well produced, entertaining, and an all around feel-good webseries.

Do you watch Love Cells? What’s your favorite thing about the drama? Be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

g.o.d 15th Anniversary Concert in New Jersey

November 12, 2014/in Events /by Tamar Herman

In 1999, a K-Pop act coming to the United States and holding concerts in two major venues would seem like an impossible act. With the conclusion of the American leg of their 15^th anniversary concert tour, g.o.d did just that.

On November 9^th, 2014, g.o.d held its second show in the United States at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The g.o.d 15th Anniversary Reunion Concert Tour began in Seoul on July 12^th, and its show in New Jersey rounded out the concert series in a big way.

The crowd at the Prudential Center was dominated by a different fanbase than most K-Pop concerts that have been held in New York and New Jersey. g.o.d’s longtime fans came out that night, making an older, more Korean audience than most East Coast shows have typically seen. And it was absolutely fantastic.

Also on KultScene: M.I.B & 4TEN Shine At The NYC Chuseok Festival

The connection between the five men performing on stage and the audience members was almost tangible, as the fanchants were sung and the sky blue balloons bobbed up and down. With few of the typical lightsticks, enterprising audience members used their phone’s flashlights the same way people used to hold lighters at concerts.

Even before the concert began, the fans were excited, itching for the show to begin. This wasn’t just fans waiting for a performance— fans who had waited for the long-promised return of all five members together filled the audience, and g.o.d delivered just that.

The concert began with a photomontage containing clips and images from each year of g.o.d’s fifteen year career, with words indicating the members’ thankfulness towards fans remaining loyal despite the long break in g.o.d’s career. Then, Son Ho Young, Kim Tae Woo, Danny Ahn, Park Joon Hyung, and Yoon Kye Sang appeared on stage and performed The Lone Duckling, their first song released together since 2005.

As they performed, fans throughout the stadium stood up, and many didn’t sit down until the concert came to a close. The live band, something missing from many K-Pop concerts, was a nice touch that had fans stomping their feet and chanting “g.o.d, g.o.d” to the tune of We Will Rock You several times throughout the night.

The setlist included all of g.o.d’s most popular songs, ranging from their debut to their most recent comeback. To Mother, One Candle, Saturday Night, Friday Night, 2♡, and many other songs that fans had been waiting for years to hear. g.o.d’s unique colors and years of experience showed as Kim Tae Woo and Son Ho Young showed off their powerful vocals while each of the three rappers (Park Joon Hyung, Yoon Key Sang, and Danny Ahn) provided their own flavor to every song.

Also on KultScene: K-Pop Fashion Predictions: Spring-Summer 2015

The five members kept the crowd, and themselves, moving nonstop. Whenever the singers came to a rest, it looked like they were absolutely exhausted. The members’ age showed (none are younger than 33, with Park Joon Hyung being the eldest at 45), but even as they joked about their aching limbs, g.o.d reassured the audience that they planned on being on stage for many more years to come.

The entire night was powerful, filled with both emotion and energy, highs and lows as both g.o.d and the audience got excited with one song’s powerful beats and then reminiscent with each ballad that brought many memories to the surface. Considering that the crowd and the group interacted throughout the show and every song was well performed, there was really no single highlight moment because the entire show was fantastic. There were some hilarious moments, including when g.o.d tried to teach the audience the dance to Saturday Night and it turned out that Yoon Kae Song wasn’t so great at the dance himself, and some heartbreaking moments, including Danny tearing up over being reunited and performing for the first time in the United States.

When it was time to go, the fans shouted out and demanded “Encore, Encore” over again. A slideshow with pictures that Danny had taken throughout the years appeared, with words thanking g.o.d’s fans for always supporting the group. g.o.d returned to stage with three songs, and new energy that had them jumping around stage looking like any other K-Pop act. Son Ho Young played with the crowd, spitting water onto the audience to cool people off, while Danny took numerous pictures on stage using his selca stick –pictures that will undoubtedly appear in another g.o.d slideshow in the future.

g.o.d and their fans have been through a lot over the years, but during the New Jersey show, one thing was apparent: even after 15 years of ups and downs, fans will never abandon the group, and, in return, g.o.d will give fans everything that they can.

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Have you ever seen g.o.d perform live? What’s your favorite g.o.d song? Be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Let’s Discover: Crush

November 11, 2014/in Entertainment, Let's Discover /by Tara

It’s been a while since KultScene has done a Let’s Discover piece. And this one may not seem like a true Let’s Discover as there are a good amount of people who already know about this young man. But for those of you who want to know more, or do not really know him at all, this article is for you. Crush is the focus for this Let’s Discover. From his vocals to his humor, Crush is an all around entertainer.

Vocals

Crush’s voice perfectly suits his R&B and hip hop style. His powerful vocals can easily show fans his finesse when singing. His falsetto is another key element of his voice. Crush uses his falsetto in almost every, if not every, song on his first album. His tone is different from other artists, which makes his voice easy to pick out among others.

There are a lot of instances where an artist’s voice does not live up to the hype when they perform live. There is a lot of production behind the scenes to create an album and in some instances the artist’s voice is altered, if ever so slightly. But with Crush, what you hear is what you get, which is a good thing. If you listen to his songs on his album and then live versions, they are just as good as the album.

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons To Attend VIXX’s Chicago & NYC Concerts

Songs & Music Videos

Something that sets Crush apart from other K-Pop idols and solidifies him as an artist, is that he writes and arranges all of his songs and lyrics. Crush debuted with Sometimes an R&B song that perfectly showcases Crush’s vocal abilities, arranging capabilities, and writing skills. The music video loosely tells a story related to the lyrics. Crush shows off some of his dance moves as well. Not to mention he holds a jam session with some well-known names in the Korean hip hop industry.

Crush released a second music video from his Crush on You album a few months after Sometimes. Hug Me features Gaeko and even has choreography featuring female dancers. Sometimes and Hug Me stick to the overall theme of his album, which is smooth R&B tracks that will draw you in with his great vocals.

Crush recently came back with his latest single, Sofa. Sofa shows a slightly different side to Crush in that they song begins with strings instead of a R&B beat and his vocals carry so much emotion.

Collaborations

Before he debuted with his first full length album Crush on You, Crush featured on many artists’ songs, such as Supreme Team, Zion.T, Gaeko, and more. His solo debut also sees the likes of those artists as well as Lydia Paek, Jay Park, Choiza, Gray and more. In fact there are only three songs out of the 11-song album that do not feature another artist.

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons To Love Kim So Eun & Song Jae Rim On ‘We Got Married’

Personality

There aren’t many videos of Crush online. He isn’t on any variety shows. But there are videos of him in 1theK’s original YouTube video series. These videos are one-on-ones with Crush so fans get a feeling for his personality and they get to know more about him through the questions he answers.

In both videos, Crush jokes around with himself and the staff off camera. It makes the interview experience more enticing to fans as they sit and watch and listen to him. His personality isn’t over the top or boring. His humor, at least in these interviews, is subtle and if you’re not paying attention you may not catch it.

Crush mentioned in the latter video that he started underground and took the time to hone his skill. If he is this good now, I can’t imagine what he was like when he started (he must be a natural). Crush’s R&B style music, multiple featured artists, and talent for writing and arranging his songs shows his passion and talent as an all around artist. His music is always worth listening to and we look forward to more music from him in the future.

Are you a new fan of Crush or an old faithful? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

K-Pop Stand Out Remixes Part 2

November 10, 2014/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Alejandro Abarca

There are so many K-Pop remixes that stand out for us here at KultScene that we just had to continue our list of stand out remixes. Whether you feel like twerking or just dancing like crazy with any of the remixes, this time around the list went a little more club influenced. Making it the best additions to your personal K-Pop dance party playlist.

1. T-ARA – Sugar Free (Aeria Remix)

When T-ARA released their comeback single Sugar Free it gained the attention of many fans and the media due to plagiarism claims. Aeria’s remix for Sugar Free really makes the listeners forget about those past allegations and enjoy the good and addicting chorus of the song. The trance remix blends in very well with the original voice track and makes it remix that is perfect for the club.

2. 2PM – Go Crazy (BOYTOY Crazy Remix)

If 2PM’s Go Crazy wasn’t danceable enough, BOYTOY’s remix gets the track ready for the clubs or a fun night out with your friends. The remix is packed with electronic and dubstep beats that create a chaotic track that goes well with the title of the song. This crazy remix includes a few clapping sounds that make the listener feel that you are watching 2PM live. If you really think about it, this could have been a very good rendition for one of 2PM’s stages.

Also on KultScene: K-Pop Stand Out Remixes

3. 2NE1 – Happy (Aeria Remix)

Yes, we have another Aeria remix on our list, but we just can’t help it. Their remixes are very well produced and they have remixes of the best songs in K-Pop. 2NE1’s Happy is one of my favorite songs from their CRUSH album, and when I found this remix, I instantly fell in love. The bubbly feeling and happy vibe of the song translate perfectly into the remixed track.

4. Mino – I’m Him (Mr. Haneul Remix)

Feeling like you want to twerk? Mr. Haneul remix of Mino’s solo song, I’m Him, from WINNER’s debut album brings out the twerking vibes from the original song. The trap in the remix makes the listeners wants to dance, twerk, wiggle, or whatever style of dance you feel like doing while listening to this track.

5. EXID – Every Night (Moises Karo Remix)

EXID’s Every Night remix by Moises Karo really brings out the sexiness of the song. He took the ringing phone theme of the song and made the listeners feel like you are in a sexy phone conversation with the ladies of EXID. If you listen carefully, the vocals and the sound of the ringing phone change to the left and right speakers through the remix creating a sense of desperation, like when you are hearing your phone ring, and you can’t find it. Which, in a way, if something is unavailable to you, it makes you want it even more. The strong bass through the track ties in the remix combined with the different arrangement of the girls’ vocals, making it a very sexy and sultry house track.

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: Beenzino

Bonus:

SAINT & G-BUCK – Gijibae

Saint & G-Buck collaborated to create a remix that samples CL’s The Baddest Female. Diplo and CL even sampled this track on their SIA 2014 performance, and it gained a lot of recognition for it. The remix uses CL’s chorus of the song and Saint & G-Buck loop it throughout the song and blend it with amazing trap beats.

Below is CL’s and Diplo’s performance in SIA 2014. CL even did a live cover of Diplo’s Revolution that slayed the original version.

Will you be adding any of this remixes to your K-Pop dance party playlist? Which one was your favorite remix? Let us know in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

[Renders:KseniaKang, bibo2203, classicluv, seouleater, milevip]

Playlist Sunday: Raunchy Tunes

November 9, 2014/in Fans, Playlist Sunday /by KultScene

Not everything in K-Pop is cuteness and sweetness and retellings of innocent first loves. The genre does explore topics on the raunchy side like sex and usage of cuss words, but the references are often obscured or just don’t make it on music shows. But since we’re all adults here on KultScene we figured it was time to address more mature and naughtier songs for this week’s Playlist Sunday.

Seungri‘s Let’s Talk About Love should actually be called “Let’s Talk About Sex,” because that’s what he and his groupmates G-Dragon and Taeyang are singing about. They obviously never mention it directly, but with lyrics like these:

Past the stage of ecstasy, we’re trembling
From your head to your toes, I won’t miss a single part
Scream louder, I want to fly
You want to climax? I be ya thriller
Let’s talk about me? Let’s talk about you
Let’s talk about love? Let’s talk about X

… It’s like they’re just trying to hide it enough for it not to be banned or censored on T.V. The song is unmistakably an invitation for sex, but a fun, nice to dance to one. Besides, if any of the BIGBANG members would want to “talk about love” (wink, wink) with me, who am I to say no to them? Sex can be a little bit of a taboo subject to discuss but it is part of who we all are, however, it can be a dicey subject if a person may be having an ‘issue’ whilst in bed. Luckily help found at https://www.blinkhealth.com/viagra can assist with this need and eventually get people to talk about sex. Maybe this music will also help that along!

–Alexis

Also on KultScene: 5 Reasons To Watch ‘Abnormal Summit’

BEAST‘s So Hot is a very sexy ballad that talks about a one night stand. Through the song the listener is taken on the journey of a man who instantly lusts about a woman he just met at a club. As soon as he sees her he is taken aback by her sexy persona and beautiful eyes. By the end it, the narrative eventually leads into a one night stand, but the man realizes that he wants to turn their encounter into a long term relationship. BEAST’s smooth and sexy vocals really enhance the sultry raunchiness of the song.

–Alejandro

Jay Park‘s Welcome is, as he states, “…a rated R love song.” The whole song is about Jay welcoming his girlfriend to his bed. He sings about what he wants to do, touch her all over, keep the lights on so he can see her body, turn off her cell phone, and more. He can’t wait any longer, she’s driving him crazy, and his emotions and lust for her are taking over. The sexy lyrics are brought to life with the equally sexy music video. Welcome is an intimate love song that clearly expresses Jay’s feelings and thoughts at that time. All he sees is his girlfriend and all he wants is,

I don’t want anyone bothering us
I want to fall into a world of our own
This bed, your pillow, your body
I want to stay like this forever, I don’t wanna go to work
Making sweet love music
This is how we how we do it

— Tara

Also on KultScene: K-Pop Idols And The Formidable American Debut

Ga In‘s Fxxk U featuring Bumkey is one of the overly sexual songs out of K-Pop ever. The song is about abuse, of someone telling their lover that they don’t want to have sex right now. The music video has the two visually representing the lyrics in a dark, raunchy film that is both shocking and exciting. Fxxk U is different from the normal K-Pop song and approaches basic emotions and desires in an artistic way that makes it a fantastic song.

–Tamar

What’s you favorite raunchy K-Pop song? Share it with us 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 to Attend VIXX’s Chicago & NYC Concerts

November 8, 2014/in Events /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

After holding a successful set at KCON this past summer, VIXX is back on U.S. soil to hold two concerts, and one is not in Los Angeles! Unlike other K-Pop groups, the cities graced by VIXX’s presence will be Chicago and New York City, and tickets are selling fast.

And while fans already know why going to a VIXX show is worth it, non-fans and/or people not acquainted with them might not know what they are missing out on. So if you’re on the fence or simply not feeling this group yet, here are five reasons to sway you into liking VIXX and attending either their NYC or Chicago shows:

1. New Set

VIXX is no stranger to holding shows in the U.S. This past summer, they opened KCON’s first night, and last year they held concerts in Texas and L.A. What’s more, they also participated in Otakon and KCON in 2012. This means that with every American show held, they’ve had new material to show fans, and this time is not an exception.

The boys recently made their comeback with Error from their mini album by the same name. In addition to all the favorite singles, VIXX will perform their newest work for American fans –so why miss that chance?

Also on KultScene: Artist Spotlight: Almeng

2. Their Dark Concept

Let’s be real. Voodoo, Hyde, On and On and pretty much all of VIXX’s music videos are weird and dark –but that’s what makes them so good! Their concept, if you can call it such, is that they’re robots in a dystopian world. VIXX definitely stands out from the rest of the guy groups because they don’t do what everyone else does; they’re unique.

via Kpopbreak

3. Powerful Performances

“Powerful” is probably the most used adjective to describe guy groups’ performances. But when you take that and add VIXX’s dark, robot concepts, it takes it to another level. Moreover, there’s also an element of theatricality that also enhance the overall picture. On stage or music videos, the boys always convey passion through their choreographies and facial expressions that tap into fans’ emotions, and that’s what makes their performances “powerful” and successful.

4. Cater to Fans

While meet and greets would be awesome, they can be awkward given the language and cultural barriers between the K-Pop artists and the fans. However, the alternative to that are the high touch events. These consists on having a given group stand and having a line of fans stroll past them to give them a high five, and VIXX is holding this event at their shows. What’s more, due to its popularity, the organizers just released more spots! You can find the information here.

With this and the fact that VIXX has performed in the U.S. at least once per year since debut, we can say that the guys acknowledge and have an interest in catering to American fans. A group that consistently comes to the U.S. with every release to make up for the fact that they can’t meet their fans here like they do in Korea is unprecedented in the industry and is bound to deliver a great show.

by hyukson via rebloggy

Moreover, the KultScene team saw lots of fan service by VIXX at KCON 2014 and have the pictures and video to show it!

5. They’re Personally Inviting You

In order to announce their Chicago and NYC shows, VIXX recorded videos for each date inviting fans. And even though the videos are not subbed (sigh), we understand the point and the sentiment behind them. VIXX is known for being caring with starlights, and even just by looking at their eyes, you can tell that they look forward to seeing those shows packed.

Here are the Chicago and New York City videos:

Also on KultScene: 4 Male K-Pop Idols Who Defy Gender Roles

Don’t miss out on an awesome and high energy show with VIXX. The boys will be in Chicago at the Star Plaza Theater on November 22^nd and you can purchase tickets here. For their NYC, their show will be at Terminal 5 on November 23^rd, tickets over here. For more information, be sure to check Limelight Entertainment regularly.

Are you going to the VIXX shows in Chicago and New York City? What performance are you most looking forward to? 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 Lovelyz

November 6, 2014/in Entertainment, Intro To /by Tamar Herman

Woollim Entertainment’s upcoming girl group Lovelyz is the long-awaited little sister group to popular act INFINITE, and the company’s first girl group. Because of these two factor and the fact that Woollim is also the company that created popular hip-hop trio Epik High and one of Korea’s most popular indie rock band’s Nell, Lovelyz is highly anticipated.

Fans have been waiting for the so-called “Woollim Girls” for a long time; one fan reserved the Twitter handle @WoollimGirls in August 2011. Because of their popularity, some people are wondering who these eight girls are, and we know about them.

Lovelyz also released a teaser video for the group’s debut song, Good Night Like Yesterday. Yoon Sang, who has written songs that IU and Ga-In have sung, wrote the song. The album will be called Girls’ Invasion.

[UPDATED TO MUSIC VIDEO]

Image credit: Woollim Entertainment

Baby Soul

The leader and vocalist, Baby Soul, was born in 1992. Her legal name is Lee Soo Jung, and she’s one of the most popular members in Lovelyz. Fans of INFINITE’s subgroup, INFINITE-H, will recognize her rapping on the songs Fly High and Crying.

Also on KultScene: Intro To WINNER

However, Baby Soul’s done more than just feature on songs. She released a solo song, Stranger featuring Wheesung, in 2011. She also released a duet, She’s A Flirt with former Woollim trainee Yoo Ji Ah in 2012. Along with several other members of Lovelyz, Baby Soul has appeared in several of INFINITE’s dance performances.

JIN

The main vocalist gained attention for her solo song Gone due to the music video featuring popular actress Kim Yoo Jung and EXO’s Xiumin. She also featured on INFINITE-H’s Life Goes On. JIN’s legal legal name is Park Myung Eun.

Lee Mi Joo

Lee Mi Joo appeared in INFINITE’s music video for Last Romeo as the love interest. She will be Lovelyz’s rapper/dancer.

Also on KultScene: Intro To Red Velvet

Yoo Ji Ae

Lovelyz’s visual and vocalist released a solo song, Delight, in 2013. She is best known to long-time INFINITE fans who watched the group’s pre-debut show, You’re My Oppa, where she acted as the group’s little sister. Yoo Ji Ae also appeared on a 2013 episode of Running Man with other trainees.

Seo Jisoo

Born in 1994, Jisoo appeared as a contestant on Korea’s Got Talent in 2011. Her special talent? Imitating animals, specifically puppies!

Kei & Ryu Soojung

The two members only appeared publicly as Woollim trainees during a year-end KBS show, where seven members of Lovelyz danced with INFINITE.

Jung Yein

The maknae joined Woollim Entertainment in July 2014 and was born in 1998.

Lovelyz also released two other videos, a teaser image video and a pre-debut video. The image teaser is Girls’ Invasion:

And their pre-debut video:

What do you think of Lovelyz’ members? Are you excited for their debut? 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: Almeng

November 5, 2014/in Artist Spotlight, Entertainment /by Alejandro Abarca

All of you who followed K-Pop Star 3 got to witness the incredible talent of the Almeng co-ed duo. In every round they delivered incredible unique performances, from arranging an established song and making it their own to creating their self-composed song. They never ceased to amaze the viewers with their talent and originality, leading them to debut under YNB Entertainment this past October.

Almeng is composed of Chae Rin and Lee Hae Yong, two friends who started collaborating due to their intense love for music. As soon as they began to work together, they found their unique voice. The duo composes and produces their own songs, and they love to inject their unique personalities in their work. All of this came together with their debut mini-album, CompoSing of Love.

The group’s album is very fresh to the K-Pop music industry. It contains elements of different music genres, and is heavily influenced by hip-hop, R&B, and pop. The album tells different stories about love and the meaning of the word through the members’ eyes. Choi Rin is in charge of the main raps, which create a fluid conversation though every track. Her flow and soft yet powerful raps mixed with Lee Hae Yong’s unique and tender vocals give you a feeling of listening to a musical. Choi Rin has also the ability to vocalize beautifully, which enables her to harmonize with Lee Hae Yong’s voice.

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They made their debut with a double single, Half an Hour and Phone In Love. The later is their first official single, and it gives listeners a modern take on blind dates. It talks about how those dating apps give a different take on the old ways of how people used to meet each other and fall in love. Almeng dwells on how the virtual world has changed the way people interact with each other to the degree that it has even changed the way that we fall in love.

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Half an Hour shows a couple complaining about those thirty minutes that could have been spent loving each other, but instead, they are used for waiting, fighting, and not paying attention to their loved ones.

Judged on K-Pop Star 3 praised Almeng for creating music and stages that were relatable to everyone. YNB Entertainment gave the duo their full trust on letting them manage every detail of their debut album. By doing so, the group was able to be themselves and continue to relate to every listener out there. Almeng only just debuted, but they sure have a long way to go with their unique take and creative minds.

Do you like Almeng? 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 Overlooked Female K-Pop Singles

November 4, 2014/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Tara

Is there anything worse than discovering a song and then realizing that it has not received the love and support it deserves? In short, yes, but for the purpose of this article, no, there is nothing worse than that discovery. Below is a short, and by no means complete, list of overlooked K-Pop singles by female artists. Theses ladies, in most respects, get shafted quite a bit and we wanted to shed light on a few hidden gems of the K-Pop music scene.

HELLOVENUS- What Are You Doing Today?

HELLOVENUS’ What Are You Doing Today? was released in December 2012. Even though it is a fun song that may not be everyone’s style, the peppy, synth-dominant music will grab your attention during your first listen. But, the girls’ vocals will either pull you in more or make you turn and run the other way. Make sure to give the song a chance! The song perfectly embodies the phrase, “bubblegum pop;” the sweet, innocent vocals are prominent throughout the chorus. Leading up to the chorus, the girls only give listeners a small fraction of the sweetness they are about to unload.

About two-thirds of the way through, the song starts to get repetitive. But there is a saving grace, the rapping. In a song like this rap verses are not expected. The rapping is perfectly placed. It breaks up the monotony of the song and adds rock guitar to the instrumental. HELLOVENUS’ What Are You Doing Today? is a fun song that should be in everyone’s music library.

Also on KultScene: What To Expect From ‘Go! B1A4 2.0 – Road Trip’

Kiss&Cry- Domino Game

From the opening musical and vocal notes, it’s clear that Domino Game and Kiss&Cry are different from the mainstream female K-Pop acts. There’s something familiar about the style of Domino Game, yet one cannot put a finger upon what it is. The music utilizes horns on top of a pop, ballroom dancing-style beat. This creates a sound that is current, but not widely used in K-Pop.

The ladies’ vocals sound great together and individually. But together they create a force of power that rings through the speakers. Domino Game is a song that does not sound like any other K-Pop song. The use of the horns, the guitar, and ballroom dancing-style music helps make the song stand out. It’s so unfortunate that the group has disbanded.

D-UNIT- Talk To My Face

There is a lot going on music-wise and in the music video, but somehow it all works. If you just listen to Talk To My Face you will notice there are a lot of sound effects and layers of music throughout the song. Although there is a lot musically, the vocals are never compromised. Even when watching the music video, which also has a lot going on, the vocals and dancing are still the highlight of the video.

Talk To My Face is a song that will make you get up and dance. You simply can’t sit still while listening to this song. The music video adds to the song, but the song is also capable of standing on its own. The music video has a fun video concept, a lot of bright colors, and a fun dance. When Talk To My Face first came out, I was surprised and impressed. The vocals are not overly sweet, but they aren’t fierce either. They fit the group’s image for this particular song and create a pleasant listening experience.

퍼펄즈 (Purfles)- 1,2,3

Who is 퍼펄즈 (Purfles) you may ask? To be honest, we’re not really sure here at KultScene. They just appeared out of no where and debuted with this amazing song. 1,2,3 showcases these talented ladies’ vocals as well as gives K-Pop fans, and music fans in general, a strong dance track.

From the opening acapella notes to the strong club beat, 1,2,3 is a diamond in the rough of constant releases of K-Pop songs. These ladies are fierce and show it through their powerful vocals and their dancing in the music video. 1,2,3 is a song that will be on repeat.

Also on KultScene: Album Review: BEAST “TIME”

Mamamoo ft. Bumkey- Don’t Be Happy

Mamamoo is one of the most underrated girl groups to come out of K-Pop. Although their debut was only this year (2014), they deserve much more recognition and popularity, hopefully in time.

Don’t Be Happy was a pre-debut release single and is actually different than the album version (Bumkey has a more prominent role on the album version). Don’t Be Happy showcases the ladies’ soulful and powerful vocals. Mamamoo’s style is different than other K-Pop groups and songs currently out. Swing and jazz are major influences,which add to the refreshing style of the quartet. I really cannot say enough about Mamamoo or Don’t Be Happy. And once you listen to the song and hear their amazing vocals, you will understand why.

There are many female K-Pop singles that have been overlooked throughout the years. What are some that you enjoy? 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.

Best K-Pop Music Video Fashion: October Releases

November 3, 2014/in Fashion /by Alejandro Abarca

October saw very interesting fashion in the music video releases that had audiences oohing and ahhing. As we’ve seen time and time again, fashion can be used as a tool, and K-Pop stylists are always surprising us with fun outfits. The favorites this month include the debuts by Strawberry Milk and MADTOWN, as well as the different sides of Zhoumi and Red Velvet.

These are our picks for the best music video fashion among the K-pop releases during October:

MADTOWN-YOLO

Images via Official MV

The newest boy group from J. Tune Camp, MADTOWN, debuted this past October with a very youthful image and sound. The boys dressed in typical idol group fashion, graphic shirts, jeans, caps, and flannels wrapped around their waists, to give them that playful and youthful image. They wore old and new Givenchy pieces scattered on their wardrobe and look quite stunning in their black and white outfits. The styling makes the boys approachable and sexy with a edgy-cool vibe. Did I mention how addicting the song is?

Red Velvet- Be Natural

Red Velvet Best Music Video Fashion October

Images via Official MV and SM Entertainment Official Facebook

Red Velvet switched their bubbly image in Happiness for a more sexy and mature look. The girls came back with a cover of the late ‘90s female group S.E.S.’s Be Natural, accompanied with a very sensual choreography. In the music video, they dressed in fitted suits and heels, while their hair went back to a natural dark brown, no longer sporting the different color ombre. This look gives the girls a sense of self confidence and a very powerful image.

And even though they executed this new image well, it was a little bit confusing for a lot of fans. Red Velvet is a rookie group that debuted with youthful and playful looks, and then came back with an image that not even their seniors like Girls’ Generation has ever done. Now, the expectations for Red Velvet’s new concept are very high, and we can’t wait to see what their next image will be.

Also on KultScene: Best K-Pop Music Video Fashion: September Releases

Epik High- Born Hater

Epik High Best Music Video Fashion October

Images via Official MV

Epik High came back with a highly successful track, Born Hater. The song not only featured a great concept for their music video but had amazing stellar collaborations with Beenzino, Verbal Jint, Song Mino, Bobby, and B.I. This music video had one of the best stylings that I have seen in a very long time. The styling concept for each character in the video are spot on. Each character represents one of the seven deadly sins, and if you look closely to each of their styling, you can clearly see how their outfits really represent what sin they are. For a deeper understanding of conceptual music video check out our review of Epik High’s Born Hater.

ToppDogg- Annie

ToppDogg Best Music Video Fashion October

Images via Official MV

The ‘90s fever doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon. Case point, ToppDogg released a new music video where the styling, the concept of the video, and the music are a perfect nod to all those acts that we loved growing up in the ‘90s. Their big baggy jeans and shirts all tie together perfectly with their hair styles. ToppDogg reminded us of bands like Seo Taiji & The Boys and H.O.T. with the choreography and styling. The song itself was also very fun and catchy. It made a few of KultScene’s writers fall in love with ToppDogg.

Super Junior- This is Love

Super Junior Best Music Video Fashion October

Images via Official MV

This is Love by Super Junior has the members dressed up in coordinated suits. This music video really showcases how the group has become more mature and left their boyish images behind. Through the song, the men of Super Junior showcase their manly charisma and took everyone’s breath away. The black and gray color blocked suits really bring out a sexy yet serious side to the group. Even Heechul with that long hair wig looks handsome, as it gives him a sultry rocker vibe along with the wide brimmed hat. But overall, who doesn’t love a man in a beautiful, tailored suit?

Also on KultScene: Album Review: BEAST “TIME”

Strawberry Milk- ‘OK

Strawberry Milk Best Music Video Fashion October

Images via Official MV

Strawberry Milk is a Crayon Pop sub-unit that debuted this past October, consisting of twins Choa and Way. The music video is an explosion of color, and the styling reminds us of that of Orange Caramel. The funky accessories and props really stand out through the video, thus creating perfect outfits that can easily be cosplayed. The overall styling of the twins is feminine and has them in flirty silhouettes, like tier dresses and puffy circle skirts that emulate fruits. There are even some cute pajamas in the music video, and all their hairstyles are cute.

Zhoumi – Rewind

Images via Official MV

There is no denying that Zhoumi is a very handsome man with a great frame. But on his music video for his solo debut Rewind he assured us of how beautiful he is indeed. The makeup and styling go perfectly well together and enhance both his feminine and masculine features.

Moreover, his tall and lean body showcase the clothes perfectly. He’s styled in various smart pieces (trousers and blazers), but they have different prints that really makes them unique. My favorite look is when he is wearing the leather biker jacket, turtle neck, chelsea boots, and leather pants with zipper and quilted details; he looks sexy and masculine in a Brit punk kind of way. Even Chanyeol who is featured in the song and music video has very interesting outfits. The printed jacket that he has over his shoulders is to die for. And can we talk about that shirtless seen at the end? It surely had us rewinding the music video just to see that scene over and over again…

Which music video had your favorite fashion for the month of October? We’d love to hear your thoughts and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr, so you can keep up with all our posts.
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