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.

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.  ^^

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

K-Pop Academy [Week 12] Gradutation Ceremony

This Saturday it was the K-Pop Academy graduation ceremony. Boohoo~. Can't believe it's going to be over even though it feels like just yesterday that it started. But as usual, the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) prepared a wonderful ceremony for us.

Pictures of the students

To start the ceremony, Ambassador Choo said a few words about how successful he felt the K-Pop Academy scheme had been in helping us get a better understanding of Korean culture. His speech was followed by the KA students singing the KA song which was composed by my fellow classmate Katerina, a talented singer and composer.

K-Pop Academy students singing the KA song

A group of student performed a hilarious skit of what would happen if there was a K-Pop Academy reunion in 40 years. Pictures of popular idol groups were ingeniously edited and some of the funniest groups were 'Girls Generation' which was changed to 'Granny Generation' and '2NE1' was changed to '6NE1'.

Students performing their skit
Source: KCC

After this we each gave a little speech about our experience at the K-Pop Academy and how our views of Korea have changed as a result of our involvement in the K-Pop Academy. From my own personal experience I said how I felt that before the K-Pop Academy I thought I well-rounded understanding of Korean culture, but I realised how little I knew about the history and traditional aspects. It was great hearing what others thought and how we all had the same view.

Giving a speech about my experience

After a short break, guest speakers gave their thoughts on how successful they felt the scheme was. It was amazing hearing the positive feedback the guests said.

Brigadier Brian Parrit talking about how great he felt the K-Pop Academy was

Then it was time for our certificates to be given out. I was presented with the 'Best Director Award' which I found pretty funny. There'll be no reason for my to make dorky YouTube videos anymore. *Sigh* Haha.

Ambassador Choo and Directon Won presenting me with my award

The Director then announced the winner of the best performing student: Amy Moorfield. Congratulation Amy~! =)

As if the day wasn't filled with enough surprises and activities, it was revealed that Big Bang has a video message for us! Oh my gosh~! BIG BANG!!

After a long day, the KCC provided us with a wonderful buffet~. Definitely a great way to end the day.

Source: KCCUK

Source: KCCUK

Although we made a video showing our appreciation for all the time and effort the KCC took into organising everything for the K-Pop Academy, we felt that it wasn't enough so we brought a cake with 'Thank You KCC' written on it.

Students giving the cake to Directon Won

Overall it was a brilliant day~! I can honestly say I've enjoyed every minute of the K-Pop Academy and  I can't express my gratitude to the KCC for giving us a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Thank youuuuuuuuuu~!

K-Pop Academy [Week 11 - Homework]

Seeing as we visited the British Museum this week, our homework was based about the National Treasures of Korea. There are so many beautiful historical sites I would love to visit in Korea but I focused on Korea's intangible heritage of humanity instead.

During my visit to Korea, I saw a spectacular Taekwondo performance. From then onwards I have been in awe with Korean martial arts which is why for this weeks homework I chose to do a promotional video for Taekkyeon (택견), a form of traditional Korean martial arts. 

Here is a video of Taekkyeon:

I tried to the mimic the style of the Infinity Chanllenge's Bibimbap promotional video too:

Although I attempted to imitate various moves from videos of Taekkyeon, I added my own moves which is why I called it 'Tam-kwondo'. Check out my video below:

Mandatory Homework

In addition to the video, this week we also had another piece of homework. We visited the British Museum for this weeks class and were told there were some errors in some of the description in the Korean room.

After class, a group of us K-Pop Academy students visited the Korean room again searching like crazy for the errors. We even attempted to speak Korean to Korean visitors to ask if they had realised any errors and they attempted to help us but had no luck too.

Therefore I decided to us my best friend Google. =)

It turns out that the birthplace of the Buddha was incorrectly noted to be in India, however, the British Museum have now corrected this information.

An iron statue of a Buddha in Korean room in the British Museum
Source: KCCUK

So how could the Korean room in the British Museum improve to promote Korea's cultural heritage more effectively?

1. More about Korean traditional music

Having learnt about how Korean music has evolved, it would have been nice to see artefacts of the early instruments used in Korea. The techniques used to make the instuments in the past and now may differ a lot. Therefore it would have been great if there was more information about traditional Korean music now that Korean music, especially K-Pop, is becoming more popular.

2. More about Korean art

Although there were numerous traditional Korean ceramics in the museum, personally I would have liked to see more traditional paintings and drawings. I am aware that there are some marvellous Korean folk paintings, such as the ones below, so I would have loved to see more in the Korean room.

Painting of Taekwondo

3. More about the Korean language

Having gained a better understanding of the birth of the Korean writing system, Hanguel, through the K-Pop Academy, it would be truly amazing if there were pieces of early documents written in Hanguel.

Overall, although there were many beautiful artefacts in the Korean room, in my opinions the room would better promote Korean culture if it provided more information on traditional Korean music, art and Hanguel.

K-Pop Academy [Week 11]

This week us K-Pop Academy students took a field trip to the British Museum. Exciting~.. I've only visited the museum once even though it's so close to my university, so it was lovely going with the KA class.

First we were taken around the Korean room in the museum. The room was filled with beautiful artifacts and sculptures. We were kindly shown around the room and given information about the various artifacts.

Source: KCCUK

Not only did we see fascinating artifacts but we gained a better understanding of the Korean history: from understanding how Buddhism became more popular in Korea to the armour worn by solders in Korea.

Korean pottery was just amazing. They had a slight wonky-ness to them which showed that the pots had their own 'personality'. Rather than being perfectly designed, the imperfect nature of the vase made them unique.

Almost, one of the most spectacular pieces in the room was the Sarangbang (사랑방), typically used as a scholar's work room in the past. At first I thought SarangBang meant 'Love Room' *awkward* so I was surprised to hear about the actually use of this house. Scholars would often sit outside the room and greet guests while the women in the family would stay indoors.

Sarangbang

KA students with the exhibitor in front of the Sarangbang
Source: KCCUK

 After having a look around the Korean room, we had a quick look at the Samsung room. I had no idea there was a Samsung room in the British Museum so it was great to know that the Korean brand had grown so much

 Then we carried out group tasks. One of them was to see who could complete a jigsaw with the Korean map the fastest. Then we had to draw a campaign poster of a Korean historical building or activity. My group designed a poster about Taekkeyon, a traditional form of martial art.

My groups poster about Taekkeyon

 Overall, it was a lot of fun learning more about the Korean history through the artifacts. I'll definitely be visiting the Korean room more often to see the new pieces~..
To find out more about the Korea room in the British Museum click here or even better, visit it yourself if you get the chance. ^^

KA in front of the British Museum
Source: KCCUK

Check out the video of this weeks class:

Our next class will be the K-Pop Academy graduation ceremony. Oh my goodness, I can't believe  all these weeks have passed by so fast~.. I don't want it to end! T___T


-Tamanna

K-Pop Academy [Week 10 - Homework]

The focus of this weeks class was the Future of K-Pop. I wasn't actually able to attend this week class (because of protests in my town). Boohoo~! It felt strange staying at home staying at home on a Saturday. But the focus of this weeks class was the future of K-Pop.

So for the homework I chose to do a comic strip of what kind of K-Pop star I would choose if I was a CEO. CEO Sidika, it's got a nice ring to it. Haha. =P

The comic strip tells the story of what happens during the auditions and what the judges look for when selecting contestants.

Here's a closer look at the story:

Contestants are practicng hard in the waiting room

The judges are waiting patiently for the next act. (There's me in the pink top). Haha

The door opens and in walks..

..a contestant who is really pretty..

..but her singing is awful. So regardless of the fact that she is attractive,
which is often a must for K-Pop idols, she gets buzzed off.

The next contestant is doesn't look like a typical, doll-like K-Pop idols..

..however, she has the voice of an angel so you goes through. =)

A geeky boy walks in next. Surprisingly he has amazing b-boying skills and
since I am always amazing by b-boying he easily goes through to the next round.

The last contestant is dressed from top to toe in Indian attire. The judges don't know what to
expect but she has some amazing Bollywood moves..

..so she also goes through.

All in all, my comic strip illustrates that although I understand that beauty is seen as a must in K-Pop, there are other more important factors such as true talent~.. =) Plus, I barely see any ethnic minorities in K-Pop which is understandable since it's such a homogeneous country but a little of colour would be nice. Haha~.. =)

Hope you enjoyed my comic.. ^0^