MBC Culture Festival 23-06-12

Last Saturday was the day of the much anticipated MBC Culture Festival. The concert was scheduled to consist of cultural performances as well as music performances by Norazo, EXO-K and 4minute. 4minute performed in London before at the CUBE United Concert in December so it was great to see them perform here again. 

The tickets for the concert were sold out in less than 3 hours so it was clear that the demand for the concert was high. With 2,500 ecstatic fans waiting patiently outside the venue, we couldn't contain our excitement.

Tamanna and Reshma

Tamanna with her KPop Academy class mates Philipa, Sean & Roxi

Fans waiting in line

Excited fans queueing for the concert

While fans were waiting for the gates to open, the K-Pop Academy performed a flashmob. Can you guys spot Tamanna in the flashmob?

The concert started at 7:30am and it kicked off amazing performances by 4minute. Unfortunately, we were let in a little late so we missed the beginning of their first performance.

4minute performing on stage

4minute - Volume Up

4minute talking to the audience

4minute - Huh

4minute - Mirror Mirror

                                         

There was also traditional performances the a act was a guy performing martial art style moves while spinning a long rope on his head. Aswell as performances from a group of guys playing traditional Korean drums.

The second traditional act was a percussion music as well as Arirang. 

Norazo performed Happy Song, Curry, Best Salesman and Superman. Unfortunately we don't have any fancams of them but we did manage to take a few pictures of them.

A traditional Korean fashion show displaying traditional hanboks worn by royality. The detailing on the outfits was intricate and eye catching. The some of the members of 4minute also took part in the fashion show.

Hyuna, Gayoon and translator

The final act was one which everyone was waiting for EXO-K. There performance was outstanding the dancing was on point and the singing was amazing. For a rookie group they are AMAZINGG!! EXO-K performed 3 songs History, Angel and MAMA.

History

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Angel

                                      

EXO-K talking to fans

                                        

MAMA

                                        

MBC Culture Festival closing

                                 

All of the acts gathered on the stage for the closing speech. 

Another successful KPop concert in the UK hopefully there will be many more in the future. 

Let us know what artist and groups you guys want to see in the UK *fingers crossed* they might come soon.

Watch Dalmation live on Sonbadaktv

Dalmation are live on Sonbadaktv click on the link below and catch them live.

http://www.youtube.com/user/sonbadakTV/featured?v=VRmB81VF1-E

Send your messages to them via Twitter on @sonbadakdmtn

If you missed them this week tune in next week at 12NOON (GMT). You can also watch their previous appearances on Sonbadaktv via their youtube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/sonbadakTV

EXO-K, 4minute and Norazo at London Heathrow Airport [21-06-12]

Today was such a surreal day. I saw EXO-K, Norazo and 4minute (again) at London Heathrow airport.

Initially I didn't plan to go to the airport to greet them but after hearing that so many of my friends were going and as K-Pop idols rarely come to the UK, I thought why not. I couldn't have made a better decision.

Fans anxiously waiting for 4minute, Norazo & EXO-K

After having waited for over 3 hours, 4minute finally came out of the terminal. At first I thought EXO were coming out as there was a man walking in front of them whom I thought was Baekhyun but I soon realised it was 4minute. o__O Ditzy moment! Haha. As usual they looked stunning. Having seen 4minute at the airport before and performing at the CUBE United concert in December, I didn't follow them out as I patiently waited for Norazo and EXO-K.

Next were Norazo. I thought I hadn't recorded a fancam of them but it turns out I have one. Jobin was  dressed in bright clothes but Leehyuk's opted for sunglasses and a cap. Nice~.

Last to come out were EXO-K. In all honesty, althought I really like 4minute & Norazo, the main reason I was there was for EXO-K. I think that was the case for most fangirls who were there. When EXO-K the fans were so excited and even the EXO-K members seemed to be at the amount of love they were getting from the fans. They were constantly smiling. Kai's smile just makes me melt.

I'm still hyped about the whole day. Being so close to EXO-K and seeing Norazo and 4minute was amazing!

I can't wait till the MBC Cultural Festival on Saturday! Only 2 days left, eek! We'll definitely keep you guys updated.  ^^

STN Translation Service

Want to tweet your favourite K-Pop idol but you don't know Korean? Well say goodbye to Google Translate because the new exciting STN service has been launched.

STN allows you to write your message in your native tongue and then using implementation testing, the service will find the most appropriate English translation so your translation will be much more accurate.

How does it work?

1. If you want your message to be translated to a K-Pop idol, first you must select the idol you want to tweet to. However, if you just want the translation or general purposes click on 'general short translation request'.

2. Then you will be directed to a page that looks somewhat like that:

Select the language you have written your message in. There is a large drop-list of choice so if native tongue is not English, don't worry. Then in the grey area type your message. You may be asked to sign into your Twitter account. This is just so that when you want to sent your message to any given idol, it can easily be tweeted to them. Once you have finished writing your message, click 'Request to translate Korean Language'

3. Once you have submitted your message, it will appear below in the 'Requested Message' section. Here is an example:

At the moment there is a '0' next to 'Number of Paraphrasing' as no-one has translated it yet. But when people attempt to translate it, I will be able to check it.

An example of this can be seen below:

The message requested for translation was' A fan mail in your language will be translated into Korean language and sent to Korean stars'. There was an immediate machine translation but as that might not be accurate, native Korean speakers or people who understand Korean well can offer a translation. Depending on whether their translation is accurate, other users can vote it up or down. Simple!

Give it a go now and see what you think.

Click here to translate your message or you can click on the STN widget on the right hand side in the sidebar.

Let us know what you think about this amazing software.

All Age K-Pop Party [13th August]

If you love K-Pop and want to party all that exam stress away, then the All Age K-Pop Party in London on the 13th August is perfect for you!

With the K-Pop fan base growing bigger and stronger, the All Age K-Pop Party, organised by Team Invasion, is a great opportunity to dance to your favourite K-Pop songs and meet other K-Pop fans. When you're taking a break from dancing like a K-Pop idol on the dance floor, you can even check out the amazing K-Pop merchandise stall. The last party was extremely successful and enjoyable so be sure not to miss it.

Date: 13th August
Time: 6pm to 11.30pm
Venue: Raduno venue, 85 Charterhose Street, London, EC1M 6MJ (near Barbican and Farringdon tube station)
Price: £5 if you buy tickets at the door but £4 if you buy them online

To find out more information visit the official FaceBook page by clicking here.
Also, you can purchase tickets online by clicking here.

Verbal Jint's new single 'Good Morning' feat 10cm

Verbal Jint have released a new single title 'Good Morning' featuring 10cm. The song has a relaxed but yet up lifting feel.

Check out the MV for Good Morning below:

2NE1; CL Fanart

 

Here's a recent CL fanart I did the other day. I've also uploaded it on Society6 so it's available as an iPhone case too. If you have any other KPop idols you would like me to illustrate, just leave a comment below!~ ^^

http://society6.com/ReshKay/CL-Baddest-Female_Print

-Reshma

Who are Norazo?

Since the list of acts for the MBC Cultural Festival in London was released, the question we've been reading a lot is 'Who are Norazo?'. K-Pop fans in the UK are familiar with 4minute and EXO-K but they have no idea who Norazo are which is why we've decided to do a little research to help you guys learn more about them.

Norazo

Norazo are a Korean pop duo composed of Jobin (조빈) and Lee Hyuk (이혁). They are well known for their comical songs and unique lyrics. Their light-hearted nature is evident just by hearing the title of their songs, for example 'Curry' and Constipation. Very obscure.

One of their biggest hits is 'Superman' was released in 2007. When I first listened to this song without reading the lyrics, it was really catchy but after reading the hilarious lyrics I liked the song even more. An example of the lyrics is:

Be careful of fake imitations

It's supposed to be an "S" in a pentagon

Top and bottom, spandex 100%

Check out the music video for Superman:

As well as their hit song 'Superman', some of their other popular songs are 'Woman Person' 'Curry', 'Constipation'. Have a look at the eccentric music videos below:

Woman Person

Curry

Constipation

Their songs are so popular that even K-Pop idols have even covered Norazo's songs during concerts. Here's a video of Super Junior's Heechul and TRAX's Jay performing Superman:

They also performed a parody of their song 'Superman' on Gag Concert:

However although Norazo are well recognised in Korea for their hilarious songs, Lee Hyuk is actually the vocal coach for CHAOS, a rookie K-Pop group showing that even though their songs are funny and random, they do possess great vocal talents.

I hope that helped you guy get to know Norazo. Now when you hear them singing at the MBC Cultural Festival you can sing along to their awesome songs.

f(x) - Electric Shock

f(x) have released their MV for their new single 'Electric Shock'. Their mini-album titled 'Electric Shock' was released on the 10th of June.

The single has f(x)'s trademark electro/dance feel. Although the song is catchy and easy to flow like all their songs, the meaning of the song might not be as strong as other artists music but it is bound to stick in your head one way or another.

The members are all dressed in quirky and colourful outfits. The member with the most dramatic transformation has to be Victoria as she has dyed her hair blonde which we have not seem before. The blonde hair really seems to suit her.

The choreography has an SM feel to it. In our opinion, the moves are bear a resembelnce to SHINee's Sherlock dance. Nevertheless the dance flows very well and shows the groups strong dance skills.

Check out the MV for Electric Shock below:

What do you guy think about it?

A Gentleman's Dignity (신사의 품격) [Drama Review]

A new drama has started to air on SBSon the 26th May called 'A Gentleman's Dignity'. The drama airs on Saturday and Sunday 9:50PM (KMT).

Left to Right: Lee Hyuk, Jang Dong Gun, Kim Soo Ro and Kim Min Jong

The drama stars Lee Jong Hyuk as Lee Jung Rok, Jang Dong Gun as Kim Do Jin Kim Soo Ro as Im Tae San and Kim Min Jong as Choi Yoon. The female lead is played by actress Kim Ha Neul who play a high school teacher named Seo Yi Soo who also has a love for baseball and works as a baseball umpire in her spare time.

The storyline is about a Seo Yi Soo having a one-sided love for her best mates boyfriend and not being able to confess her love to him. Kim Do Jin falls for Yi Soo and decides to start his own one sided love for her trying to win her heart along the way. The drama also shows the close friendship between the four me.

Lee Jung Rok is married to an older women for money and is getting into trouble for this playboy ways. His wife keeps trying to catch him out in order to get a divorce.

Kim Do Jin is an architect who has a bad personality when it comes to listening to other people.

Im Tae San is Do Jin's business partner and is in charge of the construction aspects of the business. He has a kind heart and is dating Yi Soo's best friend Hong Se Ra who is a professional golf player who is self centered and only dates men with money and good careers.

Choi Yoo is a laywer who is the most responsible member out of the four. He helps Do Ji and Tae San when they need legal advice. He also has a relationship with Tae San's younger sister Me Ah Ri, but we are not sure on the full story as of yet.

The drama is still airing so check out this romantic comdey which will leave you wanting more after each episode.

Since the first episode we have been loving each episode. It is always unpredictable aswell as entertaining. We hope this stays throughtout the drama because I think this might be one of my top 5 dramas if it keeps going well.

Look out for our final drama review once the drama has finished.

MBC Culture Festival [SOLD OUT]

The MBC Cultural Festival tickets have officially sold out! The tickets went on sale at 9am and after initial technical problems, the tickets sold like hot cakes with people desperately trying to buy ticket. It is clear that the K-Pop fandom in the UK is huge!

Luckily, SistersWithSeoul were able to get tickets in Block D so we'll be filling you in on what happens at the concert and uploading our fancams after the event.

If you still haven't got a ticket, a FaceBook page that has opened for those who want to sell or buy spare tickets. You can visit the page by clicking here.

My Girl (마이걸) [Drama Review]

Usually I tend to watch the latest dramas so I decided to watch an old school drama My Girl instead. OK, so My Girl (마이걸) aired in 2005 and it might not seem very 'old school' but after seeing their fashion sense in their drama, it definitely earns the 'old school' title.

The lead actess in this drama is Lee Da-hae (이다해) plays the role of Yoo-rin, a compulsive liar who finds herself pretending to be the long-lost cousin of Gong-chan, played by Lee Dong-wook (이동욱) in hopes of helping his grandfather recover from a terrible illness. Yorin and Gong-chan try their best to keep the lie a secret but it is not an easy lie to keep. But Gong-Chan's ex girlfriend, a professional tennis player Seo-hyun comes back to Korea and wants to get back with him and Gong-chan's cousin Jung Woo, Gong-chan's cousin, starts to like Yoo-rin which just makes the whole situation more complicated.

How will Yoo-rin and Gong-chan handle it? And what will happen as they begin to develop feelings for each other but have to act like cousins?

I won't spoil the drama for you but I'll tell you what I liked and disliked about the drama.

Liked:

• It wasn't a typical Korean drama storyline. Yes, the lead guy is a über rich guy. But the general story line where they pretend to be cousins is different to other Korean dramas I've watched which is what I loved about the drama.
• The random busts of comical scenes
• Lee Dong-wook ;)

Didn't like:

• Yoo-rin's excessive lying. There were points of the drama that I was just shouting 'just stop lying!' But that might just mean Lee Da-hae's acting is great and she plays the role really well.

Rating: 8.5/10

I'd definitely recommend this drama.

MBC Culture Festival [UPDATE]

Although my K-Pop fans were waiting anxiously to purchase tickets for the MBC Culture Festival, it appears ticket release has been pushed forward and they will now be on sale on Monday 11th June at 10am.

Rumours have been flying around that they may be adding more acts to the list. *Fingers crossed* But nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

We'll update you when we find out more information.

Remember, ticket will now be on sale on Monday at 10am. You can purchase tickets on TicketMaster or Gigs&Tours.

MBC Culture Festival [23rd June 2012]

I've finally calmed down after hearing about the MBC Culture Festival for K-Pop and Cultural Performances in London. The concert is scheduled to be held in the O2 Indigo in London on the 23rd June at 7pm. From what we hear, the groups that are said to be coming are EXO, 4Minute and Norazo.

SM Entertainment's newest group EXO

4minute

The amazing Korean duo, Norazo

Tickets will be on sale on the 8th June 2012 from 10am. You can purchase tickets here.

Be sure to wake up bright and early for a chance to grab a pair of tickets.

All Eyes On Korea [1st June - 9th September 2012]

All Eyes On Korea has officially began. With so many exciting events from Korean art to Korean culture, there is something to suit everyone at All Eyes On Korea.

Here is an overview of all the events so far:

If there's anything that tickles your fancy, you can purchase tickets here.

We'll definitely be attending most of these events, so see you guys there~! ^^

Jeong Wa Choi [Korean Artist]

This Wednesday, several volunteers, including myself, helped blow up balloons for Jeong Wa Choi's brilliant instillation 'Life Life'.

Jeong Wa Choi gazing at his work of art 'Life Life'
Source: KCCUK

Jeong Wa Choi (최정화) is a famous Korean artists who has created amazing architecture and interior all over the world from Korea to Australia and now in London. But it isn't the first time he has come to London to showcase his art. His first project in London was way back in 2004 where he made the Happy Happy Project.

I was lucky enough to help him with his latest installation 'Life Life', a tree with an array brightly coloured balloons hanging on a tree between the South Bank Centre and Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Source: KCCUK

There are several volunteers on hand to blow up the balloons, some who even started from 9am, showing their commitment to the project and appreciation for Jeong Wa Choi's art. Luckily we didn't have to blow them up manually as there were pumps to help making things a lot easier. All the volunteers hard work paid off as the finished product looked fantastic.

Source: KCCUK

The Life Life tree
Source KCCUK

After the event, the volunteers has time to unwind and relax. Me and some of my fellow K-Pop Academy classmates, had the privilege of speaking to Mr Choi about his artwork. When asked about where he got his inspiration for 'Life Life', he replied 'in your heart' showing his art is in the eye of the beholder and depends on the viewers perception.

Source: KCCUK

Source: KCCUK

 All in all, I had a great time helping at the event and I'm sure there will be more events like this in the future.

If you want to find out more about the spectacular pieces of art Mr Choice has made all over the world, click here.