Featured Archives - Page 11 of 12

K-Pop Fashion Icon: SHINee’s Key

June 5, 2014/in Fashion, Style /by Alejandro Abarca

SHINee‘s Key is already a K-Pop Fashion Icon among international fans since he’s definitely one of the most avant-garde fashionistas who stand out in the industry.

And even though most of the idols’ looks are curated by fashion stylists (Choi Minhye has been in charge of SHINee’s styling for a few years now), Key is one of the few that you can genuinely tell loves fashion. But can we really say that Key has his own style, even if it was advised by a stylist? Yes, we can! Not everyone has the opportunity to have a stylist advising them and he surely takes advantage of its perks. So how can we define Key’s style?

Throughout the years, we have always seen Key stand out from the rest of his band members. When he’s not part of a performance or music video, he always takes the fashion runways to the streets. Key’s style is a perfect mixture of new and old trends, and he not only follows them but sets them. Key is not afraid of mixing a classic Burberry coat with ripped denim jeans, a KTZ shirt, and Underground creepers. He loves to mix different styles like punk, preppy, and Gothic together to create a very fun and original look.

Check out these cool articles around the web

In order to properly define his style, one word does not suffice for he’s constantly changing and mixing his looks. He loves his androgynous features and embraces his feminine side. He is not afraid of wearing women clothes and making them his own.

Key’s wardrobe contains many designers that he loves. You can always spot him wearing Jeremy Scott, KTZ, Givenchy, Moschino, Cheap Monday, CassettePlaya, and many more.

SHINee’s busy schedule never stops Key from attending Fashion Week. He even walked the Jarret show at Seoul’s Fashion Week alongside his on-screen wife Yagi Arisa.

Every time I see a new episode of We Got Married Global Edition, or SHINee at the airport, I can’t wait to see what Key is wearing. He has become a fashion icon for many fans around the world. There are series of Tumblrs and fan pages dedicated to his style and many fashionistas acknowledge him as an inspiration.

The mixture of styles in his looks makes it easy for anyone to recreate them. Websites like YesStyle and Virgin Black carry amazing Korean fashion at very affordable prices.

When it comes to his hair, Key has done it all. From pink to blonde, from black to brown, and every other color of the rainbow. And not only does he change the color of his hair constantly, but he is always changing his hair styles. My personal favorite one is the blonde parted in the middle look à la Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic.

He even dyes his own hair sometimes. Here’s footage from SHINee’s One Fine Day:

Need more proof of Key’s undeniable fashion icon status, or just want to delve in cool pictures of him? Check out this gallery of my favorite looks:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

There is no stop for Key! His fashion is so fun, and we can’t wait to see how his style continues to evolve!

Share with us your K-Pop Fashion Icon in our comment section below, we might showcase her/him too! And don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

U-KISS’s “Quit Playing” Music Video Review & Rundown

June 4, 2014/in Entertainment, MUSIC VIDEOS /by Tara

Well, let’s get right to it. Within the first 10 seconds of “Quit Playing,” we have already seen numerous amounts of bare skin, male and female. U-KISS has definitely set the tone for this music video and comeback. The opening shots are quick cuts of numerous scenes. Some with fully clothed individuals and some with not-so-fully clothed individuals.

Right from the beginning we see Hoon and Kiseop in a room with a woman. Kiseop takes off his shirt as Hoon (already shirtless) caresses the woman in a seductive way. As the music video progresses, we see the the three of them… interacting… at a club and other locations. Toward the end of the video, we see the shirtless shots of Hoon and Kiseop with the woman, as both of them hold and seduce her at the same time.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that Hoon and Kiseop are the only shirtless ones in the video. Hey, with bodies like theirs, why not show it off, right? Aside from the bare skin, Hoon, Kiseop, and Eli are the only three U-KISS members that have intimate scenes with a woman.

And speaking of intimate, Eli… Whew, those bed scenes. Eli was the only member that had steamy scenes, yes they were both clothed, albeit underwear for the girl, but still. He also had the most close up face-to-face shots with his female lead.

Along with the bed scenes and kiss shots, he had a few scenes of the woman seducing him as she sat atop the bar, which lead to her wrapping her legs around his torso as they are, presumably, about to go to second base. Eli’s individual shots showed the seduction and lust between a man and a woman erotically.

Now let’s focus in on the last scene of Eli exhaling smoke. In many films (mostly older ones), characters in steamy scenes (hardcore make out session that undoubtedly leads to sex) are often times seen smoking afterwards. The good ol’ post-sex cigarette, if you will.

Now I may be pushing this symbolism too far, but it’s a 19+ video with plenty of steamy scenes. As I mentioned before, Eli is the only member with bedroom scenes and he ends the video exhaling smoke from a cigarette. Moments before we see him laying down with his female lead, in another steamy scene. So I’m sticking to this theory, you don’t have to agree with me on it.

Kevin and Soohyun also had their solo shots in the cinderblock room and hallway/corridor/alley, respectively, as they sang and danced with a backup dancer. But neither of them had any individual one-on-one shots with a woman that did not include the choreography.

With this music video, KISS ME got their first official look at new member Jun in action. Although there were not many shots of him, I think he held his own in the music video. It will be nice to see more of him as time goes on.

A lot of fans and other people are asking the question how can U-KISS have a 19+ rated music video when their maknae is only 17? If you watch the music video, Jun’s individual scenes are definitely PG-13. The only time he’s with a girl is during the group dance parts and when he’s in the yellow Hummer. There are three girls around him who run their fingers and hands up his arm and on his fully-clothed chest. In my opinion his scenes were done tastefully and realistically in regards to his age.

The choreography was pretty good. I like the interactions with the female dancers, it obviously suits the song. I love that each member has their own back-up dancer to dance with as well. The dance definitely fits the sexiness of the music video is done very well. The guys are strong partners for the girls and the girls know how to move their bodies and make the dance look sexy, not trashy.

I hope they release a dance version of the music video so we can see the whole dance from start to finish without any interruptions. Unfortunately we won’t be able to see the dance on music shows because U-KISS’ choreography was deemed inappropriate for the televised music shows.

I also liked the muted color tones throughout the video. The color schemes were tones of blues, grays, and greens, which fit the tempo and lyrics of the song. There wasn’t an over abundance of bright colors or peppy objects in the scenes. The muted tones reflected the sentiments of the song.

Obviously, in some scenes there were pops of color. For instance, the yellow Hummer and the red lipstick, red hot pants, and red velvet wall. Red lipstick pops whether it’s highlighted in a black and white scene or surrounded by color. The dance scenes were mostly black and white, which really allowed for the female dancers’ red hot pants to really be the highlight of the scene.

The lyrics to “Quit Playing” express a man’s desire for the woman he loves, and tells her to stop with the mind games, hence the title of the song. He doesn’t like that other men give her attention and the she welcomes all of the attention and reciprocates by flirting with these men. The man wants her for himself and all she is doing is playing with him. These lyrics clearly state what the man feels:

That smile you only showed me
Why are you showing it so easily to others?
Words that I held in but can’t anymore
If you love me, then stop.

It is clear that the man is far more into the woman than she is into him. She enjoys the attention from other men and doesn’t seem to mind that she’s toying with one or more of them. Clearly these two are not on the same page.

As for the music of the song, I enjoy the acoustic guitar that begins the song and it goes into a modern, mid-tempo beat. You can hear chimes and some funk guitar thrown in there as well. I think the music suits the style of song quite well. In all honesty it took a few listens for me to like the song. The chorus is where I got hooked.

Overall, the music video is steamy and sexy. I enjoyed watching it and seeing a more grown-up concept for U-KISS that reflects their age better. Check out the music video and let us know your opinion:

Do you guys like the song and music video, or was it too much? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Let’s Talk About: Psy, “Hangover,” & His ‘Craziness’

June 2, 2014/in Features, OPINION /by Tamar Herman

We’ve all seen the music videos for “Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman,” and now Psy’s about to be back with “Hangover.“

The song features Snoop Dogg, and there’s no news about whether the song is in Korean or English. It’s probably in Korean, since none of the 2 billion people who watched “Gangnam Style” seemed to mind. And most of those people will probably, at least, take a glance at “Hangover,” so the song is probably going to be a major hit.

Will it reach 2 billion views on YouTube? Probably not. Megahits can launch careers, but it’s hard to follow them up. Snoop Dogg’s appearance will probably make “Hangover” more successful to English-speaking audiences, but could also backfire—Snoop Dogg, also sometimes known as Snoop Lion (?!), is popular, but it may look like Psy is trying too hard to be a success.

Which is funny, because Psy isn’t just about being funny and a global sensation. “Gangnam Style” makes fun of a type of the Gangnam lifestyle and “Gentleman” makes fun of dating in Korea and sexism in the country). I bet “Hangover” will have some deeper meaning also.

Korea’s gained a lot of attention lately because Koreans drink more alcohol than almost any other culture, so perhaps he’ll be discussing that and the consequences of drinking too much? If that’s the case, “Hangover” will surely be ridiculous. Although, we all expect Psy’s craziness at this point.

But is he actually that much of a Psy-cho?

Check out these cool articles around the web

Obviously, he’s not. Psy’s in the music industry to make it big and he’s not going to go down without trying. But his music isn’t as goofy as we think, either.

The Korean audience gets Psy’s satire, which often mocks Korean society, but most of the world just thinks, “Oh, he’s a funny fat man who doesn’t look like he should be famous.”

But Psy isn’t just a comedian; his songs aren’t just meant to be funny. They’re meant to make you laugh, yes, but also to make you think about what exactly is Psy doing here?

Why is he sitting on a toilet in “Gangnam Style” while wearing a suit? Why is he being disturbingly raunchy towards Ga-In in “Gentleman?” You’re supposed to laugh at how ridiculous it is because you’re supposed to recognize the absurdity of the situation in Korean society nowadays.

Sadly, the meaning is lost on most foreign viewers since they don’t pay attention to the lyrics of the songs, but instead just watch the hilarity and get the chorus stuck in their head.

But with Snoop Dogg singing in English on “Hangover,” it may be interesting to see how people react. Will Snoop Dogg’s part of the song be as crazy as Psy’s? Probably. But it will be understood by more listeners, and it may resonate with them.

Then again, the song may just be a party song about drinking all night and getting a hangover.

What do you think? Will “Hangover” resonate with Psy’s fans? Or is this his last hurrah? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Playlist Sunday: Mixed Emotions

June 1, 2014/in Fans, Playlist Sunday /by KultScene

For this week’s K-Pop playlist, we recompiled a group of songs that convey lots of deep and mixed emotions. It explores both positive and negative feelings we all have. Check out our picks:

G-Dragon always surprises us with his music. When he released his second album Coup d’état, the physical edition contained two extra songs, one of them being “Window.” The song was produced by GD himself, Choice37, and Teddy.

“Window” talks about accepting that you have to let go of your loved one. This makes me wonder what happened to GD that made him write this very emotional song… He sings it in a very low tone that really conveys his feelings of sorrow. He really kills me when he sings, “This might be the last time we say goodbye.”

I’ve been listening to the live version of this song because GD’s performance is amazing. It really highlights the sadness of the song.

— Alejandro

My pick this week is EXO‘s “Baby Don’t Cry,” one of my favorite songs from the group. As I have a bias towards Luhan, I prefer the EXO-M version of this song. However, both languages sound beautiful.

Ever since I heard a snippet of this during their first showcase, I’ve been frantically trying to find a full version. The piano instrumental sounds just as amazing by itself. All in all, this is a song I listen to on repeat whenever I’m in the mood!

— Thuc

Two years ago when Jo Kwon’s released his solo album I’m Da One I immediately fell in love with it because the sounds of it were right on trend. While I still enjoy many of the non-released gems like “Wingardium Leviosa” and “Lipstick,” this week’s pick is “Awesome Girl.” It’s a very club friendly track and I can perfectly imagine myself dancing to it with all my awesome friends. You can’t help but move and feel uplifted when you listen to it, you just can’t!

In my fantasy, I picture Jo Kwon in full drag à la Priscilla Queen of the Dessert (the musical he’s gearing up to star in) while performing it. Although this is highly unlikely since the song is about the girl he likes being super cool, that’s what I envision. Can Jo Kwon have another solo album and come to the States, please?

I think that what I love most about the song and the whole album is that you can feel that this is the real Jo Kwon. You know, in Jeffrey Campbell heels performing “Animal” rather than the signature soul wrenching songs by his group 2AM. See if you can share my vision by listening to the track below:

— Alexis

Dynamic Duo’s “Three Dopeboyz” featuring Zion.T, enough said. This song boasts a strong and addictive beat with flawless rapping, as expected from the veterans. Zion.T’s unique voice adds to the awesomeness of this song. Ever since I heard this gem I can’t stop listening to it on repeat. To add to the amazing song is an equally amazing music video.

The music video is a work of art. It is simple in a complicated way. Dynamic Duo doesn’t focus on props or different sets. Instead, they stick with the black background and shots of themselves rapping. The effects are really what makes the video (aside from the rapping of course). The final shot of the music video is my favorite. The silhouettes with the red backlighting as the camera pans out is pure gold.

– Tara

Speaking about mixed emotions, Dickpunks‘ “Sunglass” is a ridiculous mess of confused emotions. The lyrics speak about wanting to know what someone is like without the dark, smooth facade that they hide behind-the so-called sunglasses.

Ever since I saw Dickpunks live, I’ve loved their sound and the meaning in all of their songs. This song has a goofy music video and doesn’t take itself all too seriously, but the topic matter is a somber one. People try too hard until their very soul is hidden from the world, and now people can only look at them through the dark, shaded sunglasses.

The fact that Dickpunks approach a topic like this and make it into a catchy summer song, getting it stuck in my head while I still think about the subject matter, is simply amazing. And then the silly outfits, toys, and actions of the members? What can make you not love this group and song?

–Tamar

What song best describes how you felt this week? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

4 Female K-Pop Idols With Unique Beauty

May 31, 2014/in Beauty, Fashion /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

There’s one image that comes to mind when we think about female K-Pop idols: super skinny and very feminine. And while we may like and respect the predominant image in the genre, there are also other women who stand out for their unique beauty and are equally loved and accepted by the public.

Of course, not all artists want to be role models for fans, but being an idol comes with responsibilities, given that they have influence over large groups of impressionable kids. Here’s a list of four women who set good examples in terms of embracing their unique and natural beauty:

In an industry plagued by the über feminine and lady-like image, f(x)’s rapper stands out for being a tomboy and one of the very few you’ll ever see in the field. You will always find Amber wearing shorts or pants with loose shirts and short hair, even when the rest of the group members wear short skirts and heels.

Amber not only stands out within f(x), but in all of K-Pop.

Coming from the same company that produced Girls’ Generation, I find it fascinating how SM Entertainment decided to show the llama’s personal style and personality as is, rather than overwrite it completely and sell us something generic. Amber goes against the conventional K-Pop female idol image, “what works,” and guess what? She’s one of the most popular members among international fans! She’s the perfect example that there’s a market for every style and that individuality also works.

This rookie group’s company also decided to go against the current and debut a group who dances, sings, and looks different than most. But the one who stands out the most is Nada, Wassup’s rapper. This girl was blessed with an S line even Western artists can envy. Moreover, she flaunts what her momma gave her with flattering, form-fitting ensembles that are also very badass.

And this might not be twerking per se, but she does make movements with her booty no other female group attempts yet.

Let them haters hate and eat their hearts out.

Sadly, WASSUP deals with the scrutiny of a culture that doesn’t fully embrace sexy images and is often slut-shamed. But just as one equally criticized and fierce diva once said,

Can’t nobody stop the fire. Let them haters sit n’ stare.

So grab your popcorn and pick a comfy seat because it doesn’t seem like the group’s stopping anytime soon. Curvy Korean girls can now be represented in the K-Pop sphere without having to turn to Western artists who might resemble them better.

Ga In has lots of things going for her, including a great body and being very sexy. In a country where getting double eye-lid surgery is equivalent to getting a new iPad in the West for good grades, Ga In embraced her small eyes by opting out of the procedure and showing off her iconic smokey eyed makeup.

Her eyes are adorable and convey as much emotion of those with double eye-lids.

While this woman is not shy in flaunting her sexiness, she joins Soo Hyun in promoting self-image acceptance, which is crucial for young fans who look up to them.

I fully understand that the K-Pop Star winner is only 15-years-young and she still has a lot of growing up (mentally and physically) to do, but it seems like she and her brother have a good idea or the route they want to embark within the music industry.

Akdong Musician revealed on an interview the plastic surgery clause in their contract with YG Entertainment. Chan Hyuk, Soo Hyun’s brother, commented that they amended their contract to include that they would not undergo any plastic surgery. And while there really isn’t anything wrong with K-Pop idols with plastic surgery, it’s really refreshing to see artists with enough self-esteem to accept how they look naturally. Soo Hyun’s super cute as is right now and she still has to finish puberty, but the fact that she’s taking precautions with the possibility of her agency making her alter her looks is commendable.

Precious and perfect just the way she is.

The siblings’ success goes beyond their looks, for they have just formally debuted and have slayed all of K-Pop with their hits “200%” and “Play.” Soo Hyun is the best example of how talent triumphs looks any day.

Who do you think stands out for their non-conventional looks? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Let’s Talk About: U-KISS’s Comeback & Its Member Changes

May 30, 2014/in Features, OPINION /by Tamar Herman

U-KISS has been around for several years, but it has gone through numerous member line-ups. As of today, only three original members are still part of U-KISS. But in spite of these line-up changes, the group still has a loyal fanbase. Let’s take a look:

Timeline

2008: U-KISS debuts with Soohyun, Kevin, Eli, Xander, Kibum, and Dongho.

2009: Let’s add in Kiseop!

2011: Bye Kibum and Xander. We’ll miss you!

2011: Oh, hi, AJ and Hoon. You guys seem pretty good!

2012: AJ will randomly be going to Columbia University once in a while? Okay!

2013: And now Dongho is leaving because of his health.

2014: But we have Jun joining now!

So What’s Going On?

U-KISS debuted in 2008 with a goal of being the most approachable group for international fans, with members like Xander, Kevin, Dongho, Kibum, and Eli who spoke multiple languages.

But the problem is that U-KISS never really gained popularity in Korea before going to other countries, like how most groups do that. Even though U-KISS has loyal fans throughout the world, in Korea and outside of it, it isn’t considered to be one of the most popular K-Pop acts. Members may be in variety shows, dramas, movies, etc. but they, unfortunately, are simply just not gaining the love that they deserve.

Let’s go over the facts: The group may go around the world touring, but Korean fans didn’t love U-KISS automatically, and the group hasn’t won any major awards over the years. This means that something is a bit off, since U-KISS still isn’t appealing to the average Korean K-Pop fan. Even among international fans, U-KISS lacks the numbers of groups like EXO and INFINITE have.

So how do you fix something that’s a little bit wrong, but is still working to some degree? You try to change things up.

First, Kiseop was brought in, an ulzzang (best face), who was popular among ulzzang fans. It was an obvious attempt to gain Korean fans, since Kiseop was already pretty popular.

Furthermore, Kibum and Xander’s contracts were terminated, apparently because U-KISS’s company believed the two of them to be lacking. Fans were disappointed and worried that U-KISS may be dissolved.

Instead, two new members, Hoon and AJ, replaced the two positions. Both Hoon and AJ had already debuted, one as a solo artist and the other as a member of former idol group Paran. Like Kiseop, this also seems to be an attempt to bring in an already-built fanbase for U-KISS.

When Dongho left, fans all over the world were really sad, considering that Dongho left due to health issues. But because Dongho was not only a rapper but also the youngest member (and AJ is away at school for half of each year,) U-KISS had a void- every group needs a resident maknae (youngest member). So Jun came in. He’s still a wild card, but there’s some speculation that it’s U-KISS’s attempt at once again reaching out to a new fanbase.

Hopefully U-KISS will get all of the attention that they deserve not only because of Jun but also because of:

The Amazing, Sexy Concept!

Yup, I love it and everyone else should too. My first reaction when I saw the Mono Scandal video teaser was: Wow. U-KISS is really trying hard this time, coming out with a sexy concept that’s a bit different from what we’ve always seen from them in the past.

The group has definitely done sexy, but their song style has generally been the same, synthopop, dance sound. 0330 was a sharp change for them, and gained a generally good response, but since then the group returned to the type of sound that has treated them best.

But Mono Scandal seems to be a song that incorporates flamenco-style elements, opening up a whole new variety of music for U-KISS. Considering that the group has an extremely large Latino fanbase, and was the first K-Pop group to tour South America, this may be a conscious decision.

The music video will also be rated 19+ for it’s sexy concept, hinting to U-KISS’s maturity as an artist. And, of course, the members. Moreover, the group released extremely sexy teaser images, showing off the member’s bodies and not a single fan around the world is disappointed.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I, for one, love the sound and can’t wait for the full video. This may be able to turn around everything for the group, launching them to stardom in their own country!

U-KISS is an extremely hard-working group that has persevered despite the fact that it’s not gaining the recognition that it’s worked so hard for.

What do you think? Does Mono Scandal suit U-KISS? Or should they go back to synthopop? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Artist Spotlight: 15&

May 29, 2014/in Artist Spotlight, Entertainment /by Tara

Yerin and Jimin make up the talented duo 15&. They quietly debuted in 2012, and since then they have been relatively scarce in the music scene. It wasn’t until April of this year that I became interested in 15& when they made a comeback with Can’t Hide It. Not only did the two come back with a new single, but JYP Entertainment’s official YouTube released a number of teasers, live performances, and music videos to promote 15&’s comeback.

I really wanted to highlight 15& this week because: 1. JYP has been promoting them much more this comeback than in the past and 2. these two girls are extremely talented.

They may only be 16-years-old, but 15&’s member’s voices boast maturity and control. When Can’t Hide It came out, I was immediately drawn to the powerful vocals and the R&B feel of the song. But it really wasn’t until I saw Yerin and Jimin on After School Club that I became a fan. These two girls are not only talented in the singing department, but they speak fluent English and know how to have a good time. Throughout the entire episode all they did was joke around and enjoy themselves. Not only that, but you can tell that these two get along with each other and work well together.

The videos on JYP Entertainment’s YouTube really showcase the vocal talent of these young women. Not only are their talents highlighted in these videos, but as I mentioned before, their personalities truly come out.

Jimin is extremely outgoing and quirky. She just loves to have a good time. Yerin is a little more quiet than Jimin, and shy when she is the only one on camera. But she still knows how to joke around and enjoy herself.

An added bonus is the relationship between 15& and other JYP artists. For example, throughout the After School Club episode, Jimin constantly (and innocently) poked fun at GOT7’s Jackson. Her sarcasm is something that I locked in on right away. Even in 15&’s behind the scenes video for Sugar, we see Yerin and Jimin joke around with 2PM’s Chansung and GOT7’s BamBam, among others.

These kinds of attributes draw fans in because Yerin and Jimin seem more personable, approachable, and more human as opposed to untouchable idols. It is clear from their actions, personalities, and overall demeanors that fame has not affected them and that they are in this industry because they love music and they love to sing.

To be honest, I would love to hang out with these two. I imagine we would laugh and make fun of ourselves all day and then they would hold a mini concert so I could hear them sing in person. As I keep emphasizing, Yerin and Jimin are a talented duo whose power vocals will blow you away. As if having amazing vocal talents weren’t enough, Yerin and Jimin will also draw you in with their fun and addicting personalities.

If you’re new to 15&, check them out on JYP’s official YouTube account. If you’re already a fan of 15&, what’s your favorite song by the duo and are you enjoying their recent comeback? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

What’s Wrong With “Plastic” K-Pop Idols?

May 28, 2014/in Beauty, Fashion /by Thucydides

Far too often have we seen a tabloid published about an idol‘s “shocking” confession of plastic surgery, whether it’s a full-on transformation or a tweaking of the nose. While some fans support their idols’ decisions, others resort to complaints and hate messages. Given that South Korea is one of the top countries in terms of the best plastic surgeons and the most cosmetic surgery procedures, why are people surprised when they find out about these “scandals?”

Granted, just because a country is popular for a certain practice, it doesn’t mean that such a practice is justified. However, when it comes to cosmetic surgery, people tend to have a negative perspective on the matter. But just what are their reasons for this negativity? Will it change if they had a look at the 2020 cosmetic surgery statistics? Or would it be the exact same?

In my opinion, plastic surgery should not be considered a crime. First of all, it is generally an individual’s decision. What they choose to do with their bodies should be their choice, not yours. There are loads of highly reviewed cosmetic surgeons in Costa Rica, to name just one place, that can help people feel better about the way they look. Different people have different levels of self-confidence and if surgery is one way they can increase it, why stop them?

As long as they make sure they’re aware of the risks involved such as potential leaks in breast implants, but even these can be easily rectified with local treatment like Breast Implant Revision Surgery in New York City. Second of all, unless they plan to go through drastic measures (like injecting cooking oil into their face) that may be life threatening, they should be allowed the right to change the way you look and change what you don’t like. Yes, some people may be able to live with their flaws, but self-esteem varies. Just because you can handle that your nose is a little flat, or your eyes a little uneven, doesn’t mean that your idol should be able to handle it too. They are not the same person as you, and they will never be, so why expect them to have the same rationality as yours?

Honestly, a lot of the work done on South Korean idols tends to improve their aesthetic appeal; in a country and career field where looks can mean everything, it should be no surprise that people fix some of their flaws. Sometimes they are persuaded by their agencies to get surgery, and sometimes they choose that road themselves. This does not mean that you should stop supporting their work!

Many K-Pop idols have no qualms about plastic surgery, and some even go out of their way to tell their fans that they’ve gotten work done. Just take a look at Kwanghee from ZE:A and Goo Hara from Kara:

They’ve admitted that they had a some help in the beauty department. Kwanghee himself occasionally jokes about his multiple cosmetic procedures, giving a lighthearted air to the touchy subject.

Does this mean that all idols need to get plastic surgery in order to be popular? No. But they should not be judged for trying to make a living out of their looks! Even extending from idols, there are many actors and actresses of whom have gone under the knife. Like I said, given that the entertainment business is highly focused on appearances, this should not be a surprise.

The plastic surgery trend branches out to high school students looking towards improving their looks for a better social life, more job opportunities, or just a plain old self-esteem boost. I myself have a friend who went through double eyelid surgery after our sophomore year (to set matters straight, she is Korean), and she perceived the ordeal as a perfectly normal thing to do. Did it change her appearance? A little bit, but her personality remained the same.

Some may argue that this may prove to be detrimental to the fragile self-esteem of young people, but I believe that a cosmetic surgery is just like more intense makeup, or a tattoo, or a new change in style. Everyone has their reasons for wearing makeup; to look pretty, to clean up their appearance, or to capture the attention of someone special. Those very reasons can correlate to plastic surgery all the same.

One of the issues I can see, besides the dangerous aspect of some plastic surgeries, is how certain idols are promoted as “all-natural” when it’s obvious that they have had work done. But, once again, that is how the industry works. What you see on the screen may not be who that person is in real life, and that’s reality. One of the functions of popular culture tends to be the advertisement of ideal people and values in a world that is far from ideal.

Am I saying that everyone should accept plastic surgery? No. If you have issues accepting it, then that’s ok. What’s not ok is forcing your belief on someone who thinks differently than you. If a friend decides to get surgery, and the result turns out pretty well, do not be a sour grape and tell them that they looked better before. Sometimes it’s better to just be a kind human being.

What are your thoughts on idols with plastic surgery? Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

The Hot Men Of “Roommate”

May 27, 2014/in Features /by Alejandro Abarca

SBS’s newest reality show Roommate is full of eye-candy. If you are currently addicted to it, you will definitely agree with me.The cast includes 11 hot men and women. Here at KPOPme we want to emphasize this time on the men. Shall we take a look? The male cast for Roommate consists of EXO’s Chanyeol, actors Seo Kang Joon, Lee Dong Wook, Park Min Woo, Shin Sung Woo, and comedian Jo Se Ho. There are tastes for everyone, from flower boys to the non-conventional handsome type. The Roommate house truly has it all.

Lets start with the youngest male member of the house: Seo Kang Joon, a member of actor/idol group 5urprise. He got inmense recognition with his role in the drama Cunning Single Lady, and after living with his fellow members he decided to move in to the Roommate house.

With only 20 years of age, this rising star is capturing everyone’s hearts. His hazel eyes make us want to stare into them all day. I can’t talk for everyone, but every time his face appears on screen, he takes my breath away. Even if he is not the smartest member of the house, his clumsiness is very appealing. And who can forget his amazing piano skills? It was so Romantic! He definitely is the perfect flower boy.

Next up is EXO’s Chanyeol, the 21-year-old rapper who captures everyone with deep his voice. Not only can he drop amazing lines on EXO’s songs, but he is very talented with instruments. As we saw on the second episode, Chanyeol plays the guitar and piano. He is also interested in producing music. Who can say no to someone this talented? Chanyeol’s tall stature is the cherry on top. He could be a perfect model with his thin 6’1 statuesque figure. Moreover, I really love when he wears his hair up, since it shows his beautiful face. His charming smile and ears are to die for as well.

Park Min Woo had his first acting gig on Flower Boy Ramen Shop. With 26 years of age, he graces our screens with his beautiful dimples and big smile. In the show, he shows a very caring side for his junior Seo Kang Joon. He looks very sexy when he wears his baseball cap backwards. His style is amazing; Min Woo looks like a really cool kid straight out of the ’90s. It seems like he could be the man that will not only be your lover, but also your best friend. Jo Se Ho is definitely a funny man; you might remember him from the drama You Who Came From the Stars. Although he is not the conventionally handsome type, he charms you with his sense of humor. He shows his gentleman side with all the ladies, and takes care of his fellow roommates. We fell in love with his charisma when he lip-synched Frozen‘s, “Love Is an Open Door” alongside Lee Dong Wook. He also showed how smart he was, and even his lip synch partner got jealous of how much he knew. He’s so cute, he reminds me of a teddy bear. Lee Dong Wook gathers a lot of attention from the women of the house. Even 2NE1‘s Park Bom fell for this gorgeous man, for she asked a fortune teller if they where a match. Lee Dong Wook is one of the best actors in Korea and has appeared in many dramas since 1999. The 31-year-old actor likes to take care of his body. We have seen how sexy he looks without a shirt on and working out. He is currently on a very strict diet and hasn’t been able to enjoy all the meals that his roommates prepare. Last but not least, is the oldest member of the house, rocker Shin Sung Woo. He has earned himself the nickname of Mama Shin, since he’s in charge of cooking. The 44 -year-old singer was forced by Park Bom to shave his facial hair. Shame on you Bom, he looked very handsome with his facial hair! He hadn’t shaved his facial hair since he started the musical “The Three Musketeers” five years ago. Shin Sun Woo is one of those men who looks really tough from the outside, but has a very soft and caring nature on the inside. He really takes care of all the members and has started a special connection with his roommate Chanyeol since they have similar tastes in music. Furthermore, who wouldn’t love to take a ride with him on his motorcycle? As you can see, there are many different types of men in the house, so there’s someone for everyone. We can’t wait what happens next with the members of Roommate. Let us know who your favorite male cast member is and why you like him. Share it with us on the comment section! Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

8 K-Pop Girl Power Anthems

May 26, 2014/in Entertainment, MUSIC /by Alexis Hodoyan-Gastelum

K-Pop’s filled with love and break-up tracks that we enjoy, but what about girl power anthems that make you feel empowered for being a woman? Not all girl groups’ songs revolve around boys all the time. Some female artists have great lyrics about being confident, sticking up for yourself, go about getting what you want, and friendship. Here’s a list of eight songs that cover those subjects:

K-Pop’s Queen of Sexy Pop begins the list with “Bad Girls,” a song that teaches you what a bad girl is and how she acts. It’s all about being confident as a woman and letting the world know why and just how bad you really are. You’re sexy? That’s great. You like to get your hair and makeup done? That’s fine too. You’re determined and strong? Yep, definitely a bad girl by Hyori’s standards.

Following Hyori’s mantra, CL reinforces the “being your fierce self” concept with her first solo song. Like her bad predecessor, 2NE1’s leader sings about embracing your ability to be a strong woman. Yes, “Baddest Female” might seem like a vain manifesto to some, but if you look past the “I am,” you’ll see that she acknowledges her worth and is confident in herself enough to flaunt it. This is the perfect anthem for all the grown women, as Beyonce would put it, out there.

Miss A delivered a strong anthem for all the women who have been slut-shamed by a guy before with their debut song. The track calls out the ex-boyfriend for enjoying the girl’s freeness, let’s say, when they were together, but then talked ill of her when they broke up – the classic trope many of us go through after a break-up. “Bad Girl, Good Girl” says that there’s nothing wrong with being confident, forward, and sexy, and that what’s actually wrong is men’s hypocrisy.

This song might not be a single, but it’s definitely one of f(x)’s most meaningful songs. “Toy” talks about not letting men mistreat you, not needing a man in order to live, and being your bright self. The concept is definitely a more mature one than what we regularly see from this group; I hope they continue this path in the future.

Orange Caramel consistently delivers cutesy and weird style concepts, but “Lipstick” is a perfect example of being a go-getter. You know, a girl who doesn’t feel the need to act shy and is confident enough to pursue any man she likes. The song is the boy crazy type, but since it talks about going up to a boy and kissing him and tells him to stop playing hard to get, it’s inevitable to recognize the guts behind a woman who would do this. The girls seem coyer in the music video than what the lyrics say, but it makes the list nevertheless.

Similarly to “Lipstick,” “Female President” is also a boy crazy song where the girl asks the guy what’s wrong with them being forward, I mean, they do have a female president in South Korea, so what’s the fuss? This song brings up the topic of it being modern times, and tries to normalize girls who seek out men and don’t just wait around to be pursued. Furthermore, in contrast with Orange Caramel, Girl’s Day did deliver a sexy music video, even if member Yura got in trouble with netizens for her nude colored dress.

“I Like That” is a breakup song, but that doesn’t mean it’s full of bitterness and spite. No, this track talks about being ok with and actually liking doing couple things by themselves. The girls sing about going to eat BBQ for two, singing karaoke, getting home when drunk, etc. all by themselves. It’s a great song because it addresses a woman’s ability to be independent without having to be rescued by men.

While this might be in Japanese, it doesn’t minimize South Korea’s most successful girl group’s message of the fun and happiness of being a girl. Moreover, the music video is a big party with lots of fans and drag queens at an amusement park.

Do you know of another girl power anthem? Share it with us on the comments section! Don’t forget to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Bloglovin’ so you can keep up with all our posts.

Posts

Check these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles around the web

Check out these cool articles across the web