Park Jin Young has released his new mini album which is titled 'Spring - 5 Songs For 1 New Love'. The album has JYP's signauture music and feel.
JYP is an amazingly talented singer, songwriter and producer he is constantly making great songs for his artists. It's nice to hear him singing his own songs for a change. His music is different to normal KPop songs it has a slight Americanised influence which give it a more RnB feel.
One of my favorite things about JYP's songs is that all his songs make sence and have a meaning behind them, it's not a song which has random phrases or word but it's a some which tells a story.
On the album JYP has collaborated with Ga-In from Brown Eyed Girls for the song titled 'Someone Else'. It shows the story about a man and women thinking about each other while their with new partners showing that they still have feelings for one another.
The focus of this weeks class was traditional Korean music. Since I've heard Arirang (아리랑) a couple of times before, I decided to research about it for this weeks homework.
When I first read the lyrics, I thought it was a simply sad song about a woman losing her love but the more I researched about it, understood the true meaning of the song. This song is used to express the feeling of Korean sorrow and oppression (한) as well as bringing people together and trying to lift the spirits of the nation.
Therefore, I attempted to do a storyboard about Arirang. It was pretty big so it took a while to stick up but here's the finished product. (It's surprising how much time I spent on this when I'm meant to studying for my last year uni exams. Yikes~!)
Story board about Arirang
Posing with the big storyboard
Additionally, I was fascinated by the Korean fusion songs I heard in class so I attempted to make one myself by combining the traditional Arirang song with Poison Gas (독기) by LeeSsang (리쌍). As the lyrics of Poison Gas also express the feeling of hardship and trying to overcome difficult obstacles in life, I thought it would go well with the meaning of Arirang.
The English translation of the song is:
Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo
Arirang over the hill we go
(from Arirang)
I get up from this life that is like a ditch
I live by achieving what I want
I go up more more more, go up
(from Poison Gas)
I used the storyboard in the video to illustrate the story told in the Arirang song. This is my first ever attempt at mixing a song so I hope you guys like it~! ^^
Anyone who know me well knows how much I love E.via. With a unique flow and fast paced rapping, she is definitely one of the most underrated Korean rappers. Today she released her lastest album E.Viagradation Part 1 so I'm curious to hear that the songs sound like.
Although there are 7 songs on the album, technically there are only 2 proper songs as there are 2 instrumentals, an intro, an outro and a monologue which was a little disappointing. Regardless of this, I'm keen to see what these songs are like.
E.Via feat. Isoo- Crazy Fate (미친 인연)
As expected, the speed and flow of E.Via's rapping is incredible, living up to her nickname as the 'Female Outsider'. The violins add to the solemn and and eerie feel of the song. Even though E.Via's rapping and Isoo's singing sound good, there's still something missing in this song.
E.Via feat. Baekyeong - Bleeding Rose At Night (밤에 피는 장미)
This song has a vampire-esque feel to it. So many K-Pop stars have opted for the vampire concept recently so it feels a little cliché but after playing this song a couple of times it is starting to grow on me. The way E.Via switches from fast paced rapping to singing displays her versatility.
Honestly I really didn't want to give E.Via's album a bad review, because as an artist I believe she has a lot of potential, but this album is a bit of a let down. As well as lacking proper songs on the album, the 2 'proper' songs were OK. However, I was probably expecting too much. Although E.Via's rapping is awesome as usual, the songs lack substance and I don't think I'll be playing them on repeat as I did with her other songs unfortunately.
If you like what you heard you can purchase this album at: iTunes Daum
Even though my review was a little negative, don't let it put you off finding out more about E.Via as she does have some brilliant songs. My favourite songs are:
E.Via - My Medicine
E.Via feat Sori - Diary
I literally love these two songs and play them on repeat to this day~! ^^
The topic for this weeks class was traditional Korean music. Since we all love K-Pop, learning about the roots of Korean music gives us an insight into how K-Pop might have came about.
As we entered the lecture room there was a traditional Korean instrument in the middle of the room so I was intrigued to find out more.
First, we were given a lecture by Dr Keith Howard, a lecturer at SOAS university. He talked us through the change in Korean music over time. The oldest piece of Korean music was made in 1116 so listening to how the music evolved was great. Some of the instruments played in the earlier pieces actually reminded me of the Bangladeshi music.
After hearing samples of Korean music, we had the chance to hear it being played live by Jung JiEun. She played us 5 pieces: Sanjo, Shimhyangmu, Daraji variations, Arirang and Amazing Arace. She played the Gayageum so effortlessly and beautifully. It made me want to learn, even though I am awful at playing instruments.
During the second half of the lesson, we had the chance to play Korean instruments ourselves. Yay!
We were taught to play Sameulnori which is played using 4 different instruments: the Kkwanggwai, Ching, Changgo and the Puk. All these instruments together create a wonderful fusion of sounds. So the K-Pop Academy became the K-Pop orchestra as we were taught by Nami Morrisght how to play the instruments.
The Changgo
We were each asked which instrument we want to play and then shown how to play it properly. Initially I was playing the Kkwaengari which was pretty simple to play. But I thought I'd be creative and switch to the Changgo. Then we had to play a simple song. Well I say simple, but I started to get a little confused with the rhythm after a while but I had a lot of fun.
K-Pop Academy students eager to play the instruments
Overall, it was another awesome day. I learnt a lot about Korean music and it was nice to hear someone play it live as well as learn a bit myself.
I complied bits of footage from this weeks class to give you guys a taster of what we get up to in class and during our breaks so check it out. ^^
I have a soft spot for Korean indie groups so when I heard Busker Busker's (버스커 버스커) first album I loved it. As much as I love K-Pop, I really like other genres and Korean indie, or as me and my sisters call it 'cafe music', is right up my street. So I thrilled when Busker Busker recently won on M! Countdown a few weeks ago.
Usually I'd write my view on all the songs but since I'm short on time today and there are 11 songs on the album, I'll just tell you about my personal favourites.
Busker Busker - Cherry Blossom Ending
So if you've never heard of Busker Busker up until now, I urge you to listen to their awesome title song Cherry Blossom Ending (벚꽃 엔딩). Once you hear it you will instantly know why they won.
Since spring is just around the corner, this is the perfect song. It has such a happy feel to it and the video never fails to make me laugh.
Busker Busker - First Love
This is such a cute love song and the beat gets me bopping my head. In the first verse, it sounds like the lead singer is practically just talking which sounds really cool.
Busker Busker - Calling You
The guitar intro at the start sounds so good and the drum goes so well with it. I can definitely imagine this song being played in a cafe in Korea.
Overall the album is pretty good for their first album. I'm sure they'll have more awesome albums in the future! ^^
As I'm sure you all know, from my numerous posts about Korean Cultural Centre UK events, the KCCUK hard to make people aware of Korean culture. Saturday's All Eyes On Korea event is a prime example of this. The focus for this weeks lesson was Korean culture and events so as part of this weeks homework I made a video about another 5 possible events the KCCUK could hold to promote Korea further.
If there are any aspects of Korean culture that you would like to learn more about, feel free to leave a comment. ^^
The dress-code for the K-Pop night was Taegukgi (태극기) so to ensure I stuck to the theme, I made (with the help of my sisters) a Taeguki tank top.
Taeguki tank top
We made it by mixing paint with PVA glue. I tried to paint it but even though I was trying really hard I was just making a mess and my sisters had to clean it up. Ooop, art isn't my forte.
I love nailart so Afsana painted the Taegukgi flag on my thumb and used white, black, blue and red on the other nails to match the theme.
On the 17th April, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) organised the 'All Eyes on Korea' to mark 100 days till the Olympics. This event involved various flashmobs, a funky double decker bus and a K-Pop night. I was lucky enough to be a supporter for the event and get involved in all the epic madness.
As there were flashmobs scheduled, the day started at 9am with a dance rehersal. Although I had practiced most of the dances previously, there were a few I didn't know well so this ensured I knew the dances well.
We then got on a eye-catching double decker bus that was decorated especially for the event. For an hour the bus drove around central London while we were on the top deck singing and dancing to K-Pop songs like true diehard K-Pop fans.
The bus we rode to promote the event and show our support for Korea
Us supported on the bus
The bus driving past Oxford Street
Here's a video Korean Class Massive recorded of the bus passing through Haymarket:
The atmosphere was lively with the bus attracted a lot of attention with many people stopping to take picture and waving. Some people were even dancing as we sang. After screaming till I almost lost my voice, we had a break before heading to our next location, the OXO tower. As we walked to the OXO tower, passers by were intrigued to know about what we were promoting.
Supporter and our fury mascot near the Millenium Bridge
When we arrive at the OXO tower we performed a brief flashmob which consisted of the Sunny and Victory Korea dance. It was the first time we had all performed together in front of large crowd but everyone tried their best.
Dancing near the OXO tower
After the flashmob we were all feeling full of energy so we headed to out next location, the London Eye. When we got there we handed out baloons and leaflets about the upcoming Korea events that will take place during the Olympic. People seemed keen to know more about the events. Even street performers were asking what we were promoting and dancing along as we sang 2NE1's I Am The Best.
Then made our way to Trafalger Square. Before we even started performing, a crowd had formed eager to see what we had in store. I would too if I saw a large group of people dressed in yellow T-Shirts and waving Korean flag. Haha.
We then performed the full routine in front of the crowd and this time it was longer than the previous one as we also had to perform the K-Pop dance too. I was excited to see the crowds reactions.
Us supporters performing the full routine in front of the National Gallery in Trafalge Square
Source: KCCUK
In Trafalger Square
Source: KCCUK
Source: KCCUK
It felt food to see the crowd clapping and cheering us on. They took a lot of interest in the event and several people requested to take pictures with our adorable mascot.
In front of the Olympic clock
We headed back to the KCC for a brief break and then headed back onto the funkiest bus ever enroute to Picadilly Circus where we were supposted to perfrom another flashmob.
Source: KCCUK
However, unfortunately the weather wasn't on our side and it raining like crazy so we were unable to perform. We tried to keep our spirits up, singing along to the songs despite the awful weather and made our way back to the KCC.
Because it was raining too much we had to stay in the KCC so we watched a video of the Dream Concert . The perfect way to keep K-Pop fans occupied.
Supporters watching the Dream Concert
A good way to kill time: take pictures =P
At 6.30pm before the K-Pop Night was under way, we had to perform our last flashmob of the day infront of the KCC where there were lots of people waiting and several passersby.Seeing as it was our last performance, I put in 110%. There is a video of the flashmob:
You'd think that after only 3 hours of sleep and constantly dancing, cheering and singing throughout the day, that I'd be tired but I felt the opposite. The KCC was almost unrecognisable with amazing disco balls and chandeliers which completely transformed the place into the perfect dancing environment.
Source:KCCUK
With all my favourite songs playing, I couldn't help but dance. I met a lot of my friends that I hadn't seen in a long time so it was really nice being about to hang out with them. As well as this, lots of K-Pop Academy students were also present which made the atmosphere electric. When we heard Fantastic Baby, we formed a big circle and performed the routine we learn.
Group picture of the supporters
All in all, I had such a wicked day. From start to finish the day was so fun with so much going on and making great memories along the way. I felt so proud representing Korea and expressing my passion to others.
I think I speak on behalf of all the support when i say, thank you KCC UK for allowing us to have thsi experience! ^^
Media coverage of the event
Well, if having an awesome day wasn't enough, it appears the event received a lot of media coverage in Korea. To read new reports of the event and watch news coverage click on the following links:
A few days ago I learnt a new Korean colloquialism:
쌩얼
Pronounced: Ssaeng-Oel
This word is used when someone's face is make-up free. 쌩means 'saint' and 얼 is an abbreviation of 얼굴 which means 'face'. I've seen this word being used a lot when Korean celebrities upload makeup-free pictures of themselves on Twitter.
This week was the 'Hot and Cold' class where members of our family and friends were invited to come to our class to discuss their opinions, about K-Pop and Korean class. It was a chance for the students to show their loved ones why they love K-Pop culture so much and for some, it was a way for people to convince their parents that K-Pop was helping them for the better.
Class started with a performance from Katrina, a fellow K-Pop Academy student. She composed an amaing song about the K-Pop Academy and her experience so far. She performed so well, Its a shame I don't have a video of her performance. After her performance, the lyrics were displayed on screen and we all sang along.
Katrina singing the song she composed about the K-Pop Academy
Source: KCCUK
The song was a brilliant way to display all the students experiences and how much fun we're having so far. A short presentation was then given about K-Pop in the UK and what we've done for the past 6 weeks at the K-Pop Academy. All the guests were engrossed in the video as it gave them an insight into the various task we've done so far.
Source: KCCUK
In the second half of the class, students were required to make a short pitch why they are passionate about Korea and K-Pop. The guests then scored the teams on how convincing the team was in persuading them to become interested in K-Pop and Korean culture.
My group decided to talk about how we were first introducted to Korean culture and we prepared a K-Pop dance to 2NE1's Clap Your Hands. We tried to go for the entertaining perspective rather than being very perssuasive. Other groups has really convincing pitches about how they met a lot of their good friends through an interest in K-Pop and it helped them to be movitvated in academic studies. The best 2 groups were given a prize.
A group giving their pitch
Source: KCCUK
Guests scoring the pitches
The last activity of the day was a quiz for the guest to test their knowledge about K-Pop. As some o the guests were K-Pop fans themselves, the groups were split equally with a mixture of K-Pop fans and people who had never heard of K-Pop.
Guests taking part in the quiz
Source KCCUK
Afsana looking eager to answer a question
Source: KCCUK
Us students then joined our guests team to help them answer the question so I joined group A. It then turned into a game of 'who can get their hands up the fast'. Haha. In the end, the winning team was Team B. Congratulations guys~! =)
Overall, the day was really enjoyable as it was useful for both us students and the guests. I'm glad my sister had the chance to see what I do in the K-Pop Academy because after every class I always tell her what an awesome time I've had~! ^^
Recently SISTAR, a four member K-Pop girl group released their album 'Alone'. I have been a fan of them since their debut song 'Push Push' and they have improved as a group with every song.
As ever, their new concept is oozing sex appeal. So let's take a listen and see what the songs on the album are like.
SISTAR - Come Closer
Come Closer is the intro for this album and although it doesn't sound too bad, when I first heard this song I though it was Hyorin's solo because her voice dominates this song. With that said, she does have an amazing voice which is hightlighted in this song.
SISTAR - Alone
This is SISTAR's title song and I was really anticipating it as I watched all the teasers. It is produced by Brave Brothers, a very well-known Korean producer. To be honest, I was starting to think Brave Brothers songs were all starting to sound too similar before this song was released. This song is a concoction of different sounds which makes it infectious and will have you singing along to it.
SISTAR - No Mercy
This dance song has a way of drawing you in with it's catchy repetitive lyrics and funky beat.
SISTAR - Lead Me
Wow. Just wow. Lead Me is definitely my favourite song on the album. Everything flows so well in this song: from their voices to the beats. Chance from One Way, actually produced this song which explains why it's so great.
SISTAR - Girls On Top
This song is probably my least favourite song on the album. It sounds like a typical K-Pop song but I like the way it's promoting girl power. =B
SISTAR (Hyorin) - I Choose To Love You (널 사랑했어)
When I first heard this song, I was busy doing work and it suddenly played so I had to check my playlist for the song name. It's is Hyorin's solo OST song for Dream High 2. Hyorin's incredible control of her voice makes this song a beautiful soothing, ballad-esque song.
Overall, this album definitely has some amazing songs especially Lead Me, No Mercy and I Choose To Love You.
CN Blue have released their 3rd mini labum titles 'Ear Fun' it consists of 6 tracks including their title track 'Hey You'.
CN Blues music style is indie/rock, the members each play their own intrusments and have amazing vocies which makes them more appealing to others.
I've been a fan of CN Blue's label mates FT Island so I was excited to hear another indie boy band would be coming out. CN Blue did not fail to disappoint me since their first debut single 'I'm A Loser' I've become hooked onto their music. When I heard they would be releasing their 3rd mini album I was anticipating what new songs they had instore for use.
My favorite song on the album is 'Dream Boy', the song starts of with a soft and mellow start with leader Yong Hwa singing at the start followed by lead guitarist Jong Hyun. The song is uplifting and bubbly.
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