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소녀시대, or Girls Generation, is a girlgroup that it seems you either love, or hate. They are often compared to the Wonder Girls (another love-or-hate situation, apparently), a comparison that I think is unfair - to both groups. Their music style is vastly different, as is their image. The plans their companies have in store for them is also incredibly different, and while on the surface pop is pop, if you look deeper then you will see that they are in fact being geared towards certain specific goals and niches. JYP has his sights set on America for his 5 member girlgroup, while SM Entertainment is quite content to keep their 9 girls doing their thing at home.

One thing both groups do have in common though, is their fair share of fans and anti-fans alike.

Personally I prefer 소녀시대. I only liked 2 songs on their debut album, but I think that vocally they are a lot stronger than the Wonder Girls. The Wonder Girls, however, have had a few more catchier hits. Tell Me, So Hot and Nobody were three songs that, even if you hated them, were pretty much guaranteed to get stuck in your head whether you liked it or not. 소녀시대 on the other hand, didn’t have anything even nearly as catchy.

Until now. Last week, 소녀시대 released a mini album. The title song is Gee, and I think the chorus alone definitely has what it takes to rival the catchy tunes of the Wonder Girls. Check out the MV below:

How can that not get stuck in your head? Oh oh oh oh oh~ Gee gee gee gee gee~

And completely unrelated but I just had to share the following with everyone:

Super Junior’s 김희철 and FTIsland’s 이홍기 (and others) doing guess-the-word. In English. Its loud and crazy, and made me laugh a lot, and also made me wish that I could be so kamikaze about my own language learning.

A friend showed me this a couple of days ago and I thought it was pretty cool, and wanted to share it with you guys. It’s a mash-up of some of the biggest songs of last year.

And at the MBC Music Festival at the end of December, there was a JYP and 비 special dance performance that I thought was awesome. Check it out!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Last week the 23rd 골든디스크상, the Golden Disk Awards, were held. I’m not entirely sure but apparently the results are calculated by a formula that consists of : 60% music sales, 20% popularity vote and 20% committee evaluation from December 2007 to November 2008. There’s a whole lot of politics under the surface though, some labels in the past have boycotted the event, and it’s all really just a big mess waiting to happen. But instead of getting into that, we’ll just take a look at who won what. There’s a few awards you can grab for yourself at the Golden Disk Awards. The biggest is the 대상, it’s the holy grail of the night. The next is the 본상 award, and then finally there are YEPP awards for various categories.

동방신기 grabbed themselves the 대상, for their album MIROTIC. Girlgroup Jewelry also got themselves a 대상, for their digital single Kitchi Island.

본상 awards were presented to 신화 (9집), 비 (Rainism), SG워너비 (My Friend), 김동률 (Monologue), 브라운아이즈 (Two Things Needed For The Same Purpose And Five Objects) (what was that, an award for longest album title EVER? XD) and 동방신기 (MIROTIC). Digital Single 본상 awards were also presented to Jewelry (Kitchi Island), Wonder Girls (So Hot), 브라운아이드걸스 (With L.O.V.E Brown Eyed Girls) and MC 몽 (Show’s Just Begun).

YEPP 신인상 (Newcomer) awards were given to 샤이니 (The SHINee World) and 다비치 (Vivid Summer Edition). There were also YEPP Awards for Nell (Separation Anxiety) and 장윤정 (장윤정 트위스트), rock and trot categories respectively. YEPP Popularity awards went to 동방신기 (MIROTIC), 손호영 (Returns), FT Island (Colorful Sensibility) and 소녀시대 member 태연 (Beethoven Virus OST).

Special Achievement Award was given to 김창완, New Trend went to 김종욱 and the Producer Award went to SM Entertainment’s founder 이수만.

And with that out of the way, today I’m going to show you something that totally made my day last week, almost more than 신화 getting themselves that 본상.

This is 박효신 on episode 4 of the KBS show 이하나 페퍼민트, doing a little bit of 나만 바라봐, one of the songs from 빅뱅 member 태양’s solo album that he released earlier this year.

I love 박효신, I love 빅뱅, I love that song, and I love it when artists I love cover the songs of other artists I love XD

You can watch 태양’s MV below (with appearances by the other 빅뱅 members!):

There were quite some interesting comments on my last post, about censorship in the Korean music industry. A few conflicting opinions, but I definitely enjoyed reading each and every comment. Thanks, guys!

Today I bring you an MV. I may have mentioned 박효신 before - he’s one of my favourites, with a smooth, soulful voice that’s perfect for the ballad style he sings.

He’s actually been pretty quiet in the music scene for quite some time now. There were a few legal issues that I’m not entirely sure about (some problem with the label he’s signed to, sueing, court battles, I don’t even know what was happening but whatever it was it sucked), and to be honest I was a little worried that all of it would mean an even longer period of silence from him.

But apparently not, as he came out with a new song at the end of last month!

It’s quite different from his usual style, but I think he did it really well. It’s such a catchy song! I love it.

The MV is a little bit weird though, isn’t it? XD I wasn’t sure what to think about it when I first watched it … and to be honest I’m still not sure!

The Korean music industry is a strict place. While America and other Western countries seem to have few problems with the content of songs as long it isn’t incredibly offensive or full of swearing, Korea on the other hand seems to have very strict ideas about what is and is not suitable for the public. Bad language is an obvious one, but what takes me by surprise every single time is that one of the things they ban songs for - or at least demand lyric changes for - is sexually suggestive content.

비’s latest title song Rainism has recently been banned in it’s original form because the the government feels some of the lyrics are unhealthy material for young Koreans, and encourage sexual behaviour. The original song has been removed from music sites and charts, and 비 can only perform the revised version on television programs. The lyrics came under criticism in late October, but passed review at first. It seems a bit late now to suddenly ban the song, after it’s been out for well over a month.

Here’s the lyrics in question:

떨리는 네 몸 안에 돌고 있는
나의 magic stick (magic stick)
더 이상 넘어갈 수 없는
한계를 느낀 body shake (body shake)

Suggestive, sure, but it’s not that bad.

As far as I’m aware, at least one television programme also banned or wanted to ban 비 from performing You, another song from his fifth album, for more suggestive lyrics.

신화 member 전진 also had two of his solo songs censored earlier this year. The first was the MV for Wa, set in a nightclub with people getting up close and personal, which broadcast stations decided was too sexually suggestive to be aired during the usual hours and shows. The second was the song 사랑한다는 그 말, featuring 신화 bandmate Eric, for having the word “bullshit” in one of the rap lines.

And yet Western songs aren’t banned or censored in Korea, no matter how sexually suggestive they are. Is it because the lyrics in question are in English? Or is it because Korea simply has different ideas of what is and is not appropriate for their own artists?

Sexually suggestive lyrics aren’t all that get songs banned or censored. Hiphop trio Epik High have also found themselves being censored in the past for lyrics that deal with social issues such as sexual crimes, war, religion and education. Last year during an interview with The Korea Times, Tablo said “if we talk about a social issue, we get censored. I don’t understand how discussing a social issue or saying that something wrong should be made right is bad for the youth… If talking about serious issues and reality and how to make it better is wrong; If we’re living in that kind of society, things are not going to get any better.” 서태지 has also in the past found his songs being censored for the same reason, with lyrics that criticised society.

These were just a few examples, but there’s been plenty of other occurences of this happening.

What do you guys think about this? Is the censorship and bans good intentions taken too far, or something that’s necessary? Should Korea lighten up, or are the rest of us just way too liberal?

Last week was the 10th anniversary of MNet KM Music Festival Awards, also known as MKMF. Award/performance shows like this generally aren’t my thing, I believed I watched it (or something similar) last year and ended up thoroughly annoyed at some of the choices and the balantant insider favouritism and music scene politics, so I decided to spare myself the annoyance and not sit through it. But I got all caught up on the end results, and thought it’d make a good (and long, sorry XD) blog entry for today.

The actual event took place on November 15th, but overseas viewers could cast their votes online on the MKMF 2008 website back in October.

Nominees for the Best Male Newcomer category were JYP’s two boybands 2AM (이노래) and 2PM (10점 만점에 10점), SM boyband and currently the latest craze SHINee (누난너무예뻐 REPLAY), hiphop/pop duo Mighty Mouth (사랑해) and yet another boyband U-Kiss (어리지않아). Unsuprisingly enough it was SHINee that won. No offence to SHINee fans but I really don’t see what it is about them that has all the girls going crazy. I think it’s just a current trend right now to be a “누나” fan, and get into the younger boybands.

Nominees for the Best Female Newcomer category was DSP’s female solo artist 선하 (Chantey Chantey), duo 다비치 (미워도 사랑하니까), 문지은 (여우가), 이현지 (Kiss Me Kiss Me) and JYP’s female solo artst 주 (남자 때문에). 다비치 were the ones to snag the award, and in my opinion definitely deserved it, I’m not too into the female artists but they are my favourite out of the nominees.

The Best Male Group category was filled with unsurprising nominations: SM boyband 동방신기 (주문 (MIROTIC)), YG pop/hiphop group Big Bang (하루하루), hiphop group Epik High (One), poprock boyband F.T Island (사랑후애) and R&B team SG Wannabe (라라라). What was surprising was the fact that it was Big Bang took the award, leaving 동방신기’s fans in total shock. I’m really proud of Big Bang for getting themselves that award, it’s a huge achievement especially up against 동방신기 who used to have such a monopoly over the boyband scene. I would have been happier if Epik High had won, or F.T Island, but that wasn’t gonna happen XD 동방신기 didn’t go home empty handed however, snagging for themselves Auction Netizen award, Best Style award, Mobile Popularity award, Overseas Viewers award and one that actually mattered: Album of the Year. Big Bang stepped all over the hearts of 동방신기 fans however when they got themselves the well earned Artist of the Year award.

Best Female Group had the nominees of JYP’s Wonder Girls (Nobody), SM girlgroup 소녀시대 (Kissing You), R&B group 브라운 아이드 걸스 (L.O.V.E), trio 씨야 (Hot Girl), and 쥬얼리 (One More Time). Another surprise winner, with the Wonder Girls taking the award. I had really been expecting either 브라운 아이드 걸스 or 쥬얼리 to take that one. Wonder Girls with Nobody also got Song of the Year, which also surprised me since I didn’t think it was that catchy or great but apparently so, and they also got Best Video if I’m not mistaken.

For Best Male Singer there was rocker 서태지 (모아이), Big Bang member 태양 (나만 봐라바), MC몽 (서커스), 김동률 (다시 시작해보자) and 토이 (뜨거운 안녕). As expected (or at least hoped), 서태지 took this award, though I also would have been happy if MC몽 had won it, since he’s crazy and cool.

Best Female Singer had the nominees of 거미 (미안해요), 서인영 (신데렐라), 엄정화 (D.I.S.C.O), 윤하 (텔레파시) and the sexy 이효리 (U-Go-Girl). Not a surprise at all that 이효리 won. I love that woman XD

Nominees for Best Mixed Group were 거북이 (싱랄라), 자우림 (Carnival Amour), Cherry Filter (Orange Road), 쿨 (사랑을 원해) and 클래지콰이 (Robotica). Does anyone know who won? Because I sure don’t o_O; I’ll put my money on 클래지콰이 though, everyone loves 클래지콰이 XD

Best Rock Song had the nominees of 자우림 (Carnival Amour), 문희준 (Obsession), 넬 기억을 걷는 시간), 서태지 (모아이) and 트랜스 픽션 (Radio). I know 자우림 is a rock group but that single was so painfully not rock, why was it even nominated for that?! Despite being up against 서태지, it was 넬 who took the prize.

For Best Hip-Hop Song, the nominees were Dynamic Duo (Solo), Epik High (One), 은지원 (Adios), MC몽 (서커스) and Mighty Mouth (Energy). Epik High won, which makes me a happy fangirl!

The Best Ballad/R&B Song nominees were 브라운 아이즈 (가지마 가지마), 김동률 (다시 시작해보자), 태양 (나만 봐라바), 박지헌 (보고싶은 날엔) and V.O.S (Beautiful Life). I’m a little surprised to see only male nominees in this one, as there are a couple of good female ballad/R&B artists floating around. 브라운 아이즈 took this award though!

Best Dance Song category had the nominees of SM’s 동방신기 (주문 (MIROTIC)), 소녀시대 (Kissing You) and Super Junior H (Cooking Cooking!), Wonder Girls (Nobody) and 이효리 (U-Go-Girl). I don’t know how Super Junior H got nominated for anything other than being set on fire, but thankfully for my sanity and faith in humanity, sexy 이효리 won the award.

The category of Best House and Electronica Song had Big Bang (하루하루), 브라운 아이드 걸스 (L.O.V.E), 거미 (미안해요), 엄정화 (D.I.S.C.O) and 쥬얼리 (One More Time). 쥬얼리 took this one.

The Best OST Song category had only four nominees: F.T Island (One Word (Drama: On Air)), SG Wannabe & 김종욱 (운명을 거슬러 (Drama: East of Eden)), 소녀시대 member 태연 (만약에 (Drama: Hong Gil Dong)) and 유승찬 (그대를 사랑합니다 (Drama: 엄마가 뿔났다)). SG Wannabe & 김종욱 won this category.

One thing I do like about the awards is that there are at least a couple of categories for the people behind the artists, like the song writers or the MV directors and MV screenplay writers. I’ll confess to not knowing any of their names or who has worked on what, but I think that their contribution to the process is immensely important and that a lot more value should be placed on the hard work and talent of these people. A bad song will obviously give an artist less chance of having a hit but a badly written or directed MV will also harm their chances just as badly. Think of it like a really sucky commercial. It’s not gonna make you remember the product or want to have it. MVs are an artist’s commercial to sell themselves and their song.

There was also a MKMF 10 Anniversary Commemorative Award, which was given to 문희준 on behalf of former boyband and pop scene legend H.O.T. And pop-ballad singer 신승훈 got given a MKMF Special Award - though I’m not sure what that is.

Oh yeah and Big Bang’s T.O.P kissed 이효리 for their special stage - clearly MKMF 2008 was the night to be either 이효리 or a Big Bang member. XD

Thanks everyone who commented on my previous post, I really enjoyed hearing about what you guys like ^^

I’ve talked about him before some time ago, but today this post is going to be about 비 again, because he’s just released his 5집 and although I know a few of you don’t like him, I’m a big fan and really happy! It’s been 2 years, almost to the day, since he last released an album, which was his 4집 Rain’s World, with singles like I’m Coming, 내가 누웠던 침대 (In My Bed) and With U.

In the 2 years since then, 비’s gone through a lot of changes in his career. He attempted a world tour that was mostly cancelled due to bad management, and when his contract with JYP Entertainment expired he chose to not ignore it - something that recieved a lot of mixed reaction, mostly because JYP Entertainment was safe, while striking out on his own left a lot of question marks.

But I believe striking out on his own was one of the best things that 비 could possibly have done. It gave him the freedom to do what he wanted - which was spending some time as an actor and working on his English. He had the role of Taejo Togokahn in Speed Racer, and while Speed Racer didn’t do too well it at least got plenty of attention (and I really enjoyed it, so shhh XD). 비 then landed himself a role in Ninja Assassin, which should be released in January. His role in Ninja Assassin is considerably bigger - he’s one of the male leads, the assassin Raizo. And it roles like this that show that 비 isn’t just a pretty face. He went through extensive physical and martial arts training so that he could do the fight scenes himself, and you’ll see some of the training if you watch the MBC Special Documentary that showed what he’s been doing for the past year. You can watch it here: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6.

And now 비 is back, as a singer, with his first album since he left JYP Entertainment. I can’t really put my finger on what it is that’s different about this album to his others, it’s still his usual R&B style but there is something about it that feels different, something that I like a lot.

I hope that this album does well! And I hope that Ninja Assassin does better than Speed Racer does - but everyone likes a ninja movie, right? XD

The first single (digital single, I think it was?) from Rainism was Love Story, and while MV’s story is rather predictable and typical, it’s worth watching at least the start of it just to see 비 being a total moron, poking himself in the eye with his glasses among other things XD You can watch the MV here.

And even better than that, is the super hot Rainism trailer. I hope this is coming out as a full MV soon. It looks so cool!

I sat my linguistics exam yesterday. THANK GOD THAT IT’S OVER. I don’t know a single person on that course who enjoyed it in the end, no matter how enthuisastic they started out. I just hope that I’ve passed, fingers crossed! Now I have 2 weeks worth of Romanticism history to catch up on … *dies* I just have to keep on reminding myself that all of this is so that I can go study Korean in my dream university.

Today, instead of talking about the music that I like, I wanted to ask, what music do you like? How did you start listening to Korean music? What are some of your favourite artists, or favourite songs? Do you listen to Korean music more than the music of your own country or another country? I’m always very interested to see what people like, and how they came to hear it. Some people’s stories are very similiar to my own, others are vastly different. So, even if you don’t listen to Korean music, I’d love to hear about that too!

여러분, 안녕하세요!

I was a happy little fangirl yesterday, because Epik High’s latest release, a mini album called LOVESCREAM, came out! I love it, it’s great! It’s got a couple of songs in their usual, upbeat hiphop style but it’s also got some instrumental tracks on there, really pretty little pieces that are melodic and somehow a little bit dark, similiar to some of the instrumental pieces on their Remapping the Human Soul and Pieces, Part One albums.

If you’ve got a Naver account, you’ll be able to listen to previews of the album over on Naver. You need to use IE though, the music player isn’t so friendly when you try using Firefox. And if you click the little orange TV icon next to 1분 1초, you’ll be able to watch the music video (or you can watch it on YouTube over here). I don’t actually like 1분 1초 too much, but the MV is so weird and backwards XD

KoME interviewed Moonshine recently, and like I always do when we interview an artist I know nothing about, I checked out some of their music. Moonshine used to be known as Deathrasher, and were one of Korea’s first death metal bands, formed back in 1993. I was a bit surprised to see that in such a long life, they only released a handful of demos and three albums, but then again the band has gone through many line-up changes. Interestingly enough, from what I’ve heard, the majority of their songs are actually in English, though they included some Korean tracks on their latest album Eternal, because apparently even some Korean fans didn’t realise that Moonshine are actually Koreans!

Funnily enough, this little hip hop and boyband lover used to be a huge metal fan about 10 years ago XD My musical tastes have expanded a lot since then, hahaha XD Moonshine, from what little I’ve heard, have some elements of the type of metal I used to like most, but also some of the elements that I hate most too, so it gets a bit of a mixed reception from me. If you’re into metal though, then you should definitely give Moonshine a try! Their official myspace has 6 tracks from Eternal that you can listen to. I really like the music for Moonshine Madness though the vocals don’t do too much for me, but I quite like Wake Up The Moon.