Like each week, the KultScene team mused a bit this weekend about our favorite releases from South Korea over the past seven days. With comebacks from some popular boy bands, including B.A.P, and long overdue releases from male idol group members, like Highlight’s Lee Gikwang and Super Junior-M’s Henry Lau, there was a lot to appreciate.
“Honeymoon” by B.A.P (Released Sept. 5)
This week B.A.P served us a plate full of aesthetics with “Honeymoon,” a mellow yet trance inducing EDM track off of their seventh single album Blue. Even without watching the music video, the song and beat painted a beautiful picture (seriously, all that blue). Each member played a valuable asset in this song, and as much as I bias leader Bang Yongguk (his rap verse in “Honeymoon” was the smoothest transition of all time), vocalists Himchan and Jongup’s voices and parts stood out the most. This was a wonderful song to end the summer and to start off the fall.
-—Tam
“That One (Live Band Ver.)” by Henry (Uploaded Sep. 6)
Although Henry had that horrible music video a few months ago (I don’t even want to reference it by name), as an ELF, I’ve been cautiously keeping track of this new journey of rebranding he seems to be on. The previous single, even though the song wasn’t that bad, was a mess, so I was excited when he came back with “That One.” This track is also R&B but sans the tryhard-ness of The Song That Shall Not Be Named. This week, Henry released a live version of “That One” complete with a full band in a ver BBC Live Lounge kind of way. On this version, Henry shows that he’s been working on his singing chops and that he’s done with the gimmicky pop stuff (although I love his previous singles). SM has always sold Henry as a true musician, always making him incorporate his violin playing on every opportunity, so seeing him perform with a live band like this makes sense and seems organic. With “That One” and this particular version of it, I think fans have a better picture of where Henry’s going with his music these days and what he’s capable of doing.
-—Alexis
“What You Like” by Lee Gikwang (Highlight) (Released Sept. 4)
I’ve followed Gikwang (aka LEEGIKWANG) since the beginning of his career, and when I heard that he was having a solo comeback, I was thrilled. His EP One is his first since a short-lived solo career as AJ, aka Ace Junior, before BEAST’s debut in 2009, and the lead single “What You Like” is one of the most addicting future bass R&B tracks out there. With a carefree sense of sultriness, it’s a track built for body rolls, which Gikwang is all too happy to deliver during his performances. The song demands repeated listens with subtle sound effects lying beneath the bouncy melody. And while it’s not reinventing the wheel since “What You Like” sounds like much of the music popular in South Korea right now, and it’s essentially a male version of Chung Ha’s “Why Don’t You Know,” Gikwang is in his element and he makes the musical style his own.
—Tamar
What was your favorite K-pop release of the week? Tell us what you think 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.
Every Sunday, KultScene writers highlight some of their favorite new releases. This week, we enjoyed new music from Loona and Highlight, the revamped BEAST.
“Love & Live” by LOONA (Released Mar. 13)
I could write about a LOONA track every week if there was enough songs. March is so far the first month where a new girl has not been revealed, despite the teasers for them. It’s a little worrying given that it’s probably easy to mess up such a grand scheme as theirs. March is not over yet though so there is still hope and they were clever enough not to leave us with nothing. “Love & Live” brings together the four girls we’ve seen before, Heejin, Hyunjin, Haseul, and Yeojin for a sweet little Monotree ditty. Monotree are just so good at lifting up typically cute tracks into something a bit more substantial. The orchestral details of the verses are gorgeous and allow the synths in the chorus to pop that bit more. “Love & Live” also shows a previously hidden strength to LOONA’s marketing method: since each of the girls has had her own solo track, each of their voices are clearly distinguishable. Learning the members of a new group is always a part of getting into one but LOONA skips right past that, adding a texture to their rookie music that no others have.
”It’s Still Beautiful” by Highlight (released March. 13)
There is so much about Highlight’s first pre-release single that I could praise, but mostly it’s the optimistic message. Before releasing the fun upbeat “Plz Don’t Be Sad,” Highlight, aka the artist formerly known as BEAST, released “It’s Still Beautiful.” Ostensibly a simple ballad that shows off the band’s vocal prowess, the love song is all about remembering how wonderful a relationship was even after breaking up. As someone who was absolutely heartbroken to hear that Beast had to give up their name and begin again essentially as rookies–they reportedly are unable to perform any of their previous hits– the positive approach to looking at something that could just make you want to sit around and mope seemed like a well-intentioned message directed at Highlight’s fans, and it’s one that I appreciate greatly.
–Tamar What was your favorite song of the week? Share your picks thoughts in the comment section below. Be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/K-POP-8.jpg?time=16712280407681024KultScenehttps://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2017-03-19 20:34:522017-03-28 17:00:09Weekly K-Pop Faves Mar 13-19
Think you are a K-pop genius? That may very well be so, but our latest K-pop quiz will put that to the test. There’s nothing as simple here as “what group is Umji a member of?” (Gfriend) or “what year did 2NE1 debut?” (2009). Know how many members there are in Super Junior? Too bad!! Oh no, this is all about the little facts, that only the most fanatical K-pop lovers will know.
Take the quiz and let us know how well you fared in the comment section! A word of warning: Most of KultScene’s very knowledgeable team of writers did pretty poorly when taking this quiz so… Take your time while answering the questions!
What was your favorite (or least favorite!) question? Have any other random bits of trivia you think we should have included? Share your thoughts and results in the comment section below or on Facebook, or Tweet us your results @KultScene. Be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/IMPOSSIBLE.jpg?time=16712280407681024Tamar Hermanhttps://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTamar Herman2016-11-14 18:03:392016-11-14 18:11:11This is the hardest K-pop quiz ever
K-pop is full of addicting hooks and songs that will get stuck in your head, but not every popular Korean song is going to stand up to the test of time. There are those special songs that every person can listen to on repeat wherever, whenever. This week’s Playlist Sunday is dedicated to all the songs that make our team press the replay button.
Could it be Doojoon’s sudden but mesmerizing intro that sets the mood in Beast’s “Fiction?” Or maybe it’s the addictive “fiction, fiction” chorus? Whatever the reason may be, it’s clearly a replay favorite. According to my iTunesI’ve played this song 783 times since January of 2012. Whoops! Although “Fiction” is about a broken relationship that the members wished they could rewrite, I can’t help but rather feel a sense of warmth and tranquility. And if the song itself doesn’t already bewitch you with it’s obsessive melody on its own, the music video, which shows off their popular “penguin” dance, will make even the non-dancer (like myself) get on up in an attempt to try it out. If you haven’t already, check out their original music video for “Fiction” and also their live orchestra version at the MAMA 2011 awards!
From the moment the retro drumroll began and led to the unique synth sounds that identify this as an INFINITE song, “The Chaser” stole my heart away. When the song was released, I vividly recall thinking “I need to be sedated” because my heart was filled with such euphoria upon hearing this oh-so-perfect song. Fast forward to several years later and “The Chaser” is still the INFINITE song nearest and dearest to my heart. If I’m having a bad day, I’ll turn to its belting, uplifting melodies. Each member gets their moment to shine throughout the song as it’s one of INFINITE’s most expressive performances to date, which isn’t easy to do amidst a dance song. And, vocal performances aside, the song’s musical arrangement is unique amongst K-pop songs and easily one of the best songs by a K-pop group ever. The live orchestra version of “The Chaser” from SBS’ 2012’s Gayo Daejun is still one of the best year-end show performances ever, and each year I find myself watching it multiple times just to admire how extraordinarily versatile this pop-synth song truly is as it seamlessly changes into a rock power ballad. The song also has one of INFINITE’s most subtly sensual performances to date, and four years later, I’m still madly in love with every aspect of “The Chaser.”
— Tamar
Hands down, my favorite song of 2014 was BEAST’s “Good Luck.” It’s perfection, case closed. However, the next best thing was the other song they promoted alongside the single, “We Up.” While “Good Luck” tugged at your broken heart, “We Up” was simply a fun jam. So fun that even the members seemed like they visibly looked amused performing it and being playful with the dancers — a rare sight for music shows and K-pop artists altogether. Not to mention it is almost impossible not to sway your shoulders and follow the choreography at the chorus.
Look at those guys above me listening to old songs. Get over it, guys. It’s all about the new in K-pop, didn’t you know? On replay for me is “Deepened” by the newly revamped Brave Girls. The silky smooth trap R&B is a popular sound nowadays that the girls have executed to perfection. The Calvin Klein-esque styling and lushly simple choreography as well show a confident new direction for these brave girls. Best of all is the rap which comes halfway through the song. The way the rapper turns it into a high pitched vocal, the way it goes on that bit too long. I love its excess and emotional delivery. The new Brave Girls is where it’s at.
— Joe
What’s your favorite K-pop song to put on replay? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.
https://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/playlist-sunday-replay.png?time=16712280407681024KultScenehttps://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngKultScene2016-02-28 18:27:562016-03-02 12:14:38Playlist Sunday: Press The Replay
Life can get overwhelming real fast –that’s no surprise. But in the midst of it all, we shouldn’t forget to unwind, let loose, and live in the moment, you know, just say YOLO from time to time. That’s why for this week’s Playlist Sunday we’ve decided to carpe diem –seize the day– and compile a list of songs talking about exactly that.
2PM’s single Go Crazy! is the perfect example of living for the moment. The song is a party song accompanied by a party music video. Sometimes you just have to let go all of the stress and work and negativity and let loose. Their lyrics urge you to let it all go and enjoy yourself: “Go crazy, Tonight, We are determined to go nuts, Just for one night, go all out.” And if 2PM’s lyrics aren’t enough to get you in touch with your crazy side, then their music video will surely inspire you to have an unforgettable night complete with an arsenal of stories to tell for years to come. So go out and enjoy yourself and go crazy!
— Tara
JYJ’s In Heaven may seem a bit depressing, but along with being vocally beautiful, the message of the song and music video are really “live for the moment.” The music video is about a man, played by member Junsu, who is in love with a woman. But he is so wrapped up in his work that he doesn’t have time for her and doesn’t notice her enough, leading to her walking in front of a car and dying. But then time rewinds, and he is given a second chance. Things take an interesting turn, but at the end of the day, everyone is happy because they did what they wanted instead of what they did the first time around. We don’t all get second chances, so let’s learn the lesson from In Heaven and live our life to the fullest!
BEAST is a group that brings us the best heart-wrenching break up songs; it’s like their staple or something. So of course a party song by them is a bit odd, but absolutely fantastic. And there’s no better message for a party song than to let loose and live in the moment like in We Up. Sure, the song is directed at a specific girl, but still, we can just imagine the boys are singing this to us personally, telling us to go wherever without thinking of manners and etiquette and be the night’s heroine. Moreover, BEAST also performed this song during Good Luck promotions, and their performance was always fun and infectious; they even interacted with the dancers in a playful manner (I’m looking at you, Doojoon!). Groups mostly always look almost robotic when performing, but with this song, BEAST let loose and actually had fun with it, and what’s more YOLO than doing your own thing at a music show?
–Alexis
Having fun with your friends and going all out with no regrets is one of the best feelings in the world. There’s nothing better than the feeling of letting go, we only live once after all and we have to live our lives to the fullest. The perfect track to go crazy with is G-Dragon’sMichi Go. BIGBANG’s leader is the king of crazyness and knows how to belt out a perfect party song. The crazy beats in the track create a very chaotic sound that fits perfectly with the feeling of the song. And who can forget that, “Dirty nasty as f***” that he spits out subtly throughout the song. As soon as you press play to this song it will instantly make you want to get up and dance like crazy.
If you’re really going to go all out YOLO on a night, it is a priority to have some killer tracks at your disposal. Up and Down by Korean producer Smells is a perfect addition to this playlist. As was the trend last year Up and Down is a dance track by way of the British house scene in the 1990s. He mixes this with commercial synths, which sound straight out of Ibiza, to create an exciting, danceable, and euphoric track. Son Seung Yeon features to provide some typically generic but soulful, effective vocals. It all comes together to form something typically Korean in that it mixes old and new, west and east to create the ultimate modern club banger. As a bonus the video features a group of people in a bedroom, YOLOing it to the max, which you can take your cue from.
–Joe
What are your dreams and aspirations? Have you thought about how you’re going to go about making it happen or are you too nervous at the thought of possibly failing? B.A.P’s One Shot is a reminder to us all that even if the high walls try to block you, jump over it all, even if you fall every time. How will you ever know what the outcome might be like if you’re too scared to give it a try? This is the present, you’ve got to grab that opportunity right then and there and seize the moment!
–Tam
Share your favorite YOLO songs and moments with us 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.
There are lots of K-pop groups out there, but not all of them are popular. What’s more, within a group, some members are always no more popular than others. But this doesn’t mean that some are greater than the rest, I mean, who doesn’t love an underdog? That’s why we’ve listed a few members from underrated, ocassionaly neglected groups that deserve the spotlight. Here are our picks of a few personal favorites that a lot of K-pop fans may be underestimating.
5. Yoon Doojoon (윤두준) known as Doojoon from BEAST (비스트)
After having a formidable comeback with their sixth mini album Good Luck this past August, BEAST found a way to make a great comeback with their newest mini album TIME. This highly successful K-Pop group takes the listener, hence the name, back in time with their sounds and through a rollercoaster of emotions. If you pay close attention to how the group arranged their tracklist, you can really appreciate how they build a story with this album: The nostalgic journey of a man longing for his lover.
12:30
The first track of the album is the lead single, 12:30. The ballad starts out with a beautiful and soothing piano. As the drums kick in, they lead the way for Yoseob to open the song. Then, every member gets their own part and demonstrates their beautiful vocals. The tone in their vocals seems very melancholic and gives a feeling of sorrow that pairs well with the meaning of the song.
As time goes by, the hands of the clock start separating, and they are used throughout the song as a metaphor of a relationship that has grown apart and become distant, thus leading to the inevitable breakup. Even if the song is a ballad, the chorus gets very subtle yet powerful electronic beats and dubstep sounds that reference the chaotic relationship described in the lyrics. And so the story begins…
Drive
After the inevitable breakup on 12:30, the next chapter for this story is Drive. BEAST buries us into a man’s feelings after breaking up with his lover. The guitar riffs give a sense of masculinity along with Junhyung’s rap, which is predominant in this song, and his voice really lets us know of the frustration and anger inside this man. The riffs continue throughout the song, but they range from powerful to very soft riffs, which let us know about his unstable emotions. The trumpet and drums in the chorus give off a jazz feel, taking the listener on a trip to when this genre was at the height of its popularity.
The jazz in the chorus allows for an exaggerated nostalgic feeling of the driver. What he really wants to do is just drive and forget about everything, but even driving doesn’t let him have a time to reflect on himself and forget about his lost relationship. From his GPS with his lover’s house as a favorite location to that time he put on her seat belt to protect his love, a drive that was supposed to make him forget has become a very nostalgic trip down memory lane.
It’s All Good (좋은 일이야)
The previous song really took the listener on a journey where a man was having trouble dealing with his recent breakup. It’s All Good (좋은 일이야) places him in a reflective and accepting stage when dealing with his emotions and breakup. The guitar at the beginning of the song creates a very cool acoustic vibe. Right after the first “It’s all good,” drums and synths come into the song. The music arrangement really states how this man really believes that everything is good and how determined he is now of accepting the breakup. It allows the listener to paint a picture of the story where this man is alone in his room reflecting on his past relationship. He understands now what the problems were in the relationship and how they are better apart than together. He wants to let his lover know that it’s all good now.
The harmony in the chorus is perfect; it even seems that there is only one member singing it. This perfect harmony reinstates one more time how this man’s believes after his reflective time.
Close My Eyes (눈을 감아도)
This track fast forwards the storyline to a few months after the previous song. This man thought he was ready to move on, he had accepted not having his lover in his life anymore, but he was wrong. He saw his ex-lover with her new relationship and all his feelings came back. The different range of vocals, instruments, and sound effects create a confusing feeling. There are a few trova and R&B rhythms on the song that create a state of confusion, but they enhance this man’s confused feelings and frustrations.
He is angry and confused. He thought that he had moved on but his feelings came back after looking at his lover. He doesn’t know what to do and starts pondering on those questions that everyone asks themselves after a breakup. Do they think about me even if they are with someone else? Do they still feel the same way I do? Did their feelings come back again?
Stay
TIME’s last chapter comes with Stay. It’s been a few months or maybe years now, and this man hasn’t had any contact with his ex-lover. He still thinks about her and wonders where they would be if they had stayed together. He states that even if he knows that his lover doesn’t have any feelings for him anymore, he really wants to be with her again, stay by her side, and wishes for his lover to not forget him as time passes. He wants his lover to reflect on what he had that her new lovers would not give her. He just really wants her back.
The track takes the listeners back to the ‘90s and continues with the nostalgic theme of the album. The song starts out with an intro that is very similar to the chorus of the song. The placement of every part of Stay (the chorus, the bridge, and the climax) is what really makes this song reminiscent of the great classic ‘90s songs. Back in those days, most songs started with a few words from the chorus and then the bridge, the chorus, and then lead into the climax at the end, ending the song with the chorus (i.e. Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time).
Stay sticks to this formula and gives a very fresh and modern twist to it. Its flow conveys the overall feeling of the album. This is the only song on the album that is very upbeat, but it sums up the emotional rollercoaster of the man of the story that BEAST created with TIME.
So Hot (Physical Album Bonus Track)
This bonus song talks about a man and woman having a one-night-stand. So Hot has a very sexy feeling in the music and BEAST’s vocals. It still continues to have a nostalgic feeling that makes the listeners think that this song is the beginning of this man’s story. If we think about this song as the beginning of this man’s relationship with his longing ex-lover, we can finally know how this couple met. We get to picture his flirtatious ways and everything he does to attract the woman that he felt attracted to. There is something about her that makes him lust and desire this woman, and he wants her to enjoy and get rid of her inhibitions.
After hooking up his lust turns into a more intense attraction that makes him want to turn this one-night-stand into a relationship. This ultimately leads us to the title track, 12:30, the inevitable breakup that started this man’s emotional journey.
Concluding Thoughts
I have always been attracted to albums that tell a story and have a very clear concept to it. With TIME, BEAST really went back to creating an album that flows very well and has a story that can be very relatable to the listeners. The album is produced impeccably and the use of the ‘90s formulas for music gave a fresh yet known feel to it. This album really showcased the group’s maturity with more up-tempo ballads and having their classic “BEAST moments” with songs like Stay and 12:30. TIME is the perfect companion when dealing with a break-up. The emotional rollercoaster that the music and lyrics take you through could really help any listener that’s going through the same as the man depicted in the album.
BEAST's "TIME"
4.8
Did you love BEAST’s new mini album TIME? 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.
With the release of their individual photos and group photo, Beast has announced its official fall comeback. October 16th is the day of their comeback, which also happens to be the date of Beast’s fifth anniversary since debut.
The images of the guys show them on an empty beach at sunset and dusk. The warm glow from the sun contrasts beautifully with each member’s fall-inspired wardrobe. Sweaters of gray, black, and white are worn and give off the feeling of the cool fall air. Boots and hats are also used in the photos, which again alludes to the fall season and gall weather. The setting offers a romantic feel to the photos with the warm lighting and, of course, the handsome men in each photo.
Each individual photo, as mentioned above, takes place on a beach. Either the members have large rocks as their backdrop, or the actual ocean. Both backgrounds are simple while highlighting the natural beauty of that particular beach. Each photo utilizes the textures found in nature, which adds substance to the otherwise simplistic photos.
via Beast Official Facebook
via Beast Official Facebook
via Beast Official Facebook
via Beast Official Facebook
via Beast Official Facebook
via Beast Official Facebook
A video teaser was also released, which focuses on the same beach as the teaser images. Written on the beach is Beast’s comeback date, “1016” as well as, presumably, the time of release, “1230.” The music in the teaser is again simple, like the photos, and the musical notes have a minor quality to them, but toward the end of the teaser there is a possibility of those somber notes turning into major notes.
The waves of the ocean are also included in this teaser, which helps set the scene for the song. Yoseob sings the only lyrics in the teaser, “drive, drive” clean and crisp and beautifully teases fans. Whether the teaser is for their single or just a general teaser, fans can expect a great comeback.
Based on the teaser we can speculate that the song might be titled Drive and will be either a ballad or a mid-tempo song. It could be along the lines of Midnight or Shadow, that type of style and tempo, which have both slow and faster moments in the song. Also there’s the question of whether or not the ocean sound is included in the actual song or if it’s just there for the teaser. If it is in the actual song I can’t perceive it being continued throughout the song. Maybe only in the opening and/or ending of the song. No matter how the song turns out, it will be worthwhile.
Beast’s Good Luck comeback garnered a lot of music show wins for the group and further showcased the producing skills of Junhyung. The group’s fall comeback will hopefully play off of the success of Good Luck and give fans more wonderfully-produced hits. Beast’s 7th mini album may take a completely different direction from Good Luck, which will allow the group to further showcase their talents and that the members can effortlessly pull off different styles.
There is also another group teaser photo with the word TiME in the middle with 12:30 beneath it. The way TiME is stylized implies that it is the title of Beast’s 7th mini album. 12:30 is still ambiguous because both TiME and 12:30 are separate hashtags. 12:30 could still allude the time of release or the title of the song. In the top right hand corner is the date: 2014.10.20, which is the date of release.
via Beast Official Facebook
It also says Special 7th Mini Album. I did mention earlier in the article that October marks Beast’s 5th anniversary in the business. Maybe there will be bonus tracks, or a track specifically dedicated to their fans, or a golden ticket to meet Beast in each hard copy… we can dream, right? We’ll have to wait until October 20th when all of our questions will be answered.
Are you looking forward to Beast’s Fall comeback? Everyone here at KPOPme is excited! Leave your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.
https://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Beast-Comeback.png?time=1671228040670800Tarahttps://fmb8e9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/KULTSCENE-LOGO-2018-TRANSPARENT-RED.pngTara2014-10-07 17:57:512014-10-08 10:44:41Beast Excites Fans for Fall Comeback
You may remember our past article on BEAST‘s music video fashion in Good Luck, but I think it’s imperative to go back in time and take a look at their overall comeback. Once you really look into the music video, you’ll get caught off-guard at how symbolic it is!
Music Video
This may not be the most amazing video in the world, but it’s near the top of my favorites list. You see, it combines intense choreography with a meaningful plot that really ties into the song; watching this music video was quite the pleasant experience.
The video wastes no time on dropping the mood on you; right from the beginning, the dark, cool colors and scenes of cheating and dischord. At some parts, the coloring is almost completely unsaturated, which does partners well with the atmosphere. Other scenes focus on a blue and orange color scheme, with pops of green and red now and then. Implementing complementary shades definitely works well for the conflicted feeling you get from the idols, acting as the foundation for this well-executed video.
The introduction, with an orchestra playing a Gothic sequence, also serves as the warning seriousness and reflects the dark emotions experienced by the members. Add the repetition of the “make you mine” and “good luck to you” wording during their street sequence to the camerawork that ebbs and weaves through their expressions, and you realize how hard it is for them to accept this reality of a break-up.
Plotline
I generally see the same story in these break-up videos with male groups: there’s a girl whom everyone loves, but she’s cheating on all of them. So yeah, the plot is a tad typical. However, that doesn’t mean that this is a typical video. There’s a complex mix of emotions that are heartbreaking when you figure out what’s going on, especially with Jonghyun’s scene at the dinner table.
But first, let’s observe the numbers, 2046 and 2047. They’re most likely used as time markers, but I like to do a little research just in case there’s a hidden meaning. I managed to find some interesting tidbits: 2046 was a Hong Kong-Chinese film that dealt with an affair, while, in 2013, researchers predicted that a climate departure would occur in the year 2047, in which the average temperatures around the globe will be significantly higher than those in the past.
At 2046, Doojoon puts back the woman’s heel as she lies motionless on a bed; this appears to indicate the aftermath of an affair. At 2047, Kikwang finds out about the promiscuity of his beloved, and that’s when the heat begins to rise, and the action picks up.
If you go by American time, 2046 translates to 8:46, which was the approximate time that 9/11 occurred and the first airplane crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Even extending from time alone is 8:47, corresponding to John 8:47, which states, Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.
When you look at the music video through those perspectives, the amount of shock and horror resonates as the BEAST members find out the truth. After catching onto the affair, Kikwang most likely doesn’t see his sweetheart in the same light, as she is no longer with him.
Of course, these is merely me being extremely analytical and pulling out a tad too much meaning. However, I’m not going to ignore the obvious Biblical allusion that comes at the 3:30 mark of the video:
At first, you think it’s just representing the feeling of betrayal that Jonghyun feels from the girl. However, it’s not a shallow feeling; the dinner table alludes to the Last Supper, after Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty silver coins, and before Jesus was ultimately arrested in Gethsemane.
That’s a pretty awful sense of betrayal, and the video makes it worse by showing you how the girl stabs Jonghyun in the heart, with no fighting back from him. This resonates with Jesus accepting his fate and still forgiving Judas while awaiting his demise at the cross: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
That pretty much ties everything together with this song; the members know what their love has done to them, and, while they hate the act, they still love the girl and wish her good luck.
It’s been a while since I’ve watched such a heavy-laden video!
Makeup
As uber fashionista and fellow writer Alejandro already went into detail about the fashion, I’ll just talk about their makeup. This darker concept made good use of the pale skin, black eyeliner, slightly smoky eyes, and finely groomed, straight brows that reflect the emotions of each member. A matte, light BB cream was most likely used for their faces, although the color editing probably affected our perception of their looks. Nude and light pink lips showcase the rawness of the video, and that’s basically their makeup for the video. Simple but effective!
Choreography
This video was roughly about 60 percent plot and 40 percent dancing sequence, which means that we got a pretty good glimpse at the choreography. I definitely liked what I saw, from the high energy to the sharp movements. There were moments of restraint, especially at the chorus when they say good luck:
They pause when they give the victory sign, as if they’re still unsure about letting go. The focus on the legs and arms represent their chase of of this love and the eventual release of such love:
I think watching their live performance is a better example of the choreography (plus they’re great at singing live):
Song
I really like this song, from its flow to the way it picks up the tempo to the fluid transition to and from the raps. You don’t just feel sad from listening; you feel regretful, betrayed, and angry, and that amount of depth is always wonderful.
Instrumental
Although I was pulled into the video because of the orchestra, the instrumental is still beautiful. They may rely on electronic sounds, but the moments when they use the piano and guitar are played very well. I’m also adoring the tempo, especially when there’s the pause right at the chorus. It’s addicting, and, even though that moment doesn’t have instrumentals, you still get pumped up because it’s a build-up factor.
Lyrics
The lyrics may have more of a bitter aftertaste, but you can still understand how much they loved and how much they lost. Here’s the English translation from pop!gasa:
Why why you leave me alone baby I’m still still loving you You’re leaving me right now but I hope you’ll be happy You always had a habit of telling me our looming farewell (the last) I always had a habit of telling you I’ll do anything to protect you
(I wanna) Hold you tight Make you mine Never leave me alone I only want you, that’s all I need Eventually everything fell apart Why are you leaving me like this
Good luck baby Good luck to you You better be happy if you’re leaving me, the one who only knew and looked at you. Good luck baby Good luck to you No matter who you meet you better be as happy as the amount of pain you’ve left me with.
I hate you love you Several times a day Up and down Feels like an elevator Heal me I’m heartsick There ain’t no cure for my disease I’m worn, because of you I can’t uphold the immense pain you’ve left me with In this situation I find myself putting my hands together for you. I pray for ya, Good luck to ya
(I wanna) Hold you tight Make you mine Never leave me alone I only want you, that’s all I need Eventually everything fell apart Why are you leaving me like this
Good luck baby Good luck to you You better be happy if you’re leaving me, the one who only knew and looked at you. Good luck baby Good luck to you No matter who you meet you better be as happy as the amount of pain you’ve left me with.
You have to be happier, just remember this no one will love you more than I did I might be just one of your many farewells but you will be my first and last.
Good luck baby Good luck to you You better be happy if you’re leaving me, the one who only knew and looked at you. Good luck baby Good luck to you No matter who you meet you better be as happy as the amount of pain you’ve left me with.
Ouch! Even if this ex doesn’t know the amount of pain, you can feel it from the lyrics alone. What’s even more heartbreaking is that they wish her happiness; a lot of people want their exes to suffer for their betrayal and break-up, but it’s so depressing when you see how they’re the ones accepting the pain.
Style & Vocals
Yoseob is known for being a great vocal, but the wonderful part about this comeback is that everyone gets to shine! Each member gets a decent amount of lines, and they’re not the easiest notes to hit when you’re dancing as hard as they are. This style is something that BEAST has done before, with Fiction, but there’s more energy this time around, with more layers to the song. It combines ballad, pop, and rap well; this ranks just as high as Fiction on my favorites list.
Overall Ratings
Do you really need me to explain my ratings?
MV: 9/10 Song: 9/10 Both: 10/10
Did you notice all the allusions in this video? How did you feel about BEAST’s release? Be sure to share your thoughts and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.
For those of you who follow Showtime, you are aware that for the first season, SM Entertainment’s EXO was the focus. It was announced earlier in 2014 that Beast, of Cube Entertainment, would take over for the second season. I was excited for Beast to have their own reality show, although after watching EXO’s Showtime, I wasn’t sure how it would match up.
After watching the first nine episodes of Showtime Burning The Beast, I can’t help but become completely enthralled with it. I don’t think there were any intentions of comparing EXO’s Showtime to Beast’s, and I don’t intend to do that in this article. I want to focus on the overall feel of the show and occasionally add in how I feel it differs from EXO’s Showtime.
To begin with, let’s discuss the title of the second season: Showtime Burning the Beast. Is that ‘burning’ as in embarrassing the members throughout the show, is that ‘burning’ as in a rebirth of Beast’s variety presence, or is that ‘burning’ because it’s a fun English word and it’s decent alliteration? I’m not sure, but to be honest it could be all three based on the episodes aired so far. In each episode, at least one member is momentarily embarrassed, mostly due to the fact that the other members make fun of them or dwell on a mistake they made.
The best friends episode (episode 7) saw Kikwang and his friend fail the mission and therefore complete the punishment, which was to go to the center of Myungdung and do a Gosa for Beast’s new album. Then in episode 8, Beast could have had an embarrassing outcome for their telepathy missions, but they managed to squeak by with a minor punishment, but not before picking out what style of underwear Yoseob would most likely buy. Obviously these embarrassing punishments make for good television and ratings.
Looking at ‘Burning the Beast’ in a rebirth sense is also plausible. During the first episode, the members voiced how this was a chance for them to show their improved variety skills and show a different side of Beast to their fans, the human side. Considering their last reality show was years before, clearly the members have changed in looks, confidence, and personality. From episode 1, it is clear that the members just want to be themselves and have a good time.
And let’s be honest, Burning the Beast does have a nice ring to it. Whereas the first season was called EXO’s Showtime, which was simple and to the point. Burning the Beast, at least to me, is more elaborate than Beast’s Showtime, and also makes the second season theirs as opposed to constant comparisons to the first season with EXO. Maybe that’s why the show isn’t always going to be titled [insert band name here]’s Showtime.
The content of the show is based around Q&A provided by fans and relayed to the members by the PD, which makes me wonder how much shows like this are scripted. However, in this instance, I don’t think the show is fully scripted. Or it’s just my blind love for Beast that’s clouding my judgement?
After each episode I watch, the member’s emotions, actions, and conversations feel genuine (although I’ve never met any of the members and therefore have no previous interactions to use as a basis). But it’s the light-hearted joking and poking fun at each other that you can’t script.
All of the members are active in their own ways throughout each episode. Hyunseung further solidifies his 4D image, Junhyung isn’t afraid to show his love for the camera, Dongwoon is just Dongwoon, Doojoon acts as the leader/MC and is competitive, Kikwang shows his variety show experience, and Yoseob is constantly smiling and making smart remarks. Frankly, they all make smart remarks and their camaraderie and banter with each other just seems like something so organic that it cannot be scripted.
That’s one thing I enjoy more about season 2 of Showtime in comparison to season 1, that I, as a viewer, feel that there is more of a brotherhood among the Beast members as opposed to the members of EXO. I’m not saying EXO doesn’t have brother-like bonds, but it’s easier to show the true personalities of six guys as opposed to twelve and Beast has been in the industry since 2009 and are more comfortable with themselves, each other and in front of a camera and crew. They’re more natural and tend to ignore the cameras. And they definitely don’t mind if they make fools of themselves.
The way the show is shot, and due in large part to the members’ closeness with each other, at times, it really seems like we are witnessing a group of friends just hanging out and having a good time. That is really all that Burning the Beast is about. It shows the camaraderie and fun the members have with each other and allows fans to get a glimpse of their envious relationship with each other once a week.
Are you guys enjoying the second season of Showtime or do you prefer the first season with EXO? Be sure to share your thoughts and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.
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