Feb 16 2019

It’s ITZY 있지! And they’re 달라 (Different)

Nowadays in Kpop, I don’t really pay much attention to new groups debuting as there are just too many! Honestly, this unnie couldn’t keep up (yep age is kicking in). About a few days ago, I met with a fellow Kpop enthusiast and she was fawning over JYP’s new girl group.

“Unnie you really have to listen to them. They’re absolutely different! And I know you will love them unnie – you will be reminded of the Kpop era you like. Also unnie 2 of them were part of the BTS film we watched!”, she said.

I didn’t know whether to laugh or to be insulted but what she said was absolutely true. I am an old-school 1st/2nd generation Kpop fan and I do miss Kpop music from 2007-2011. These days I don’t watch music shows much like I did before (and like you I used to record them! and I never got bored even if the artists performed the same dance and the same song each week) and I am more contented just listening to iTunes or Spotify for the latest Kpop songs. But because this dongsaeng recommended this group – I decided to check them out.

The new girl group that I am talking about is ITZY 있지. A five member girl group of JYP that officially debuted on February 12, 2019. Their debut song 달라달라 was published on Youtube on 10th of February.

I don’t know much about the girls yet so this post will be a little bit of a review of their song and their image.

Debut Song: 달라달라

Their song is called 달라달라. It’s spelled as a word. I don’t exactly know if there is a significance about this, but with my limited Korean, I do know that 달라 means different.

Honestly, I was almost put off by the songs introduction. It reminded me too much of Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” – those drum / bass sounds. When I got past that, it started to sound better. I think it was the chorus that saved it for me as well as the parts at the end because it reminded me of Wonder Girls / Miss A songs. I played it about 2 more times and I was hooked.

The lyrics and message of the song was also a bit refreshing. I have nothing against other Kpop girl group songs but in the recent year or so, most of them would either talk about love or heartbreak or something related to boys. So this song’s lyrics is nice as it’s all about being different and loving oneself (we have BTS to thank for starting this trend). And their lyrics reminds me so much of my dear 2NE1s songs. Gosh I miss them the most.

It’s nice to have these kind of songs once in awhile. After all there’s nothing most important that loving oneself before extending that love to others (BTS you did this to me!)

This song is catchy and definitely different as from current releases. And the more I listen to it, I don’t even mind it’s similarity with Me Too.

The Girl Group

From the Information I can find on the internet, this 5 girl group is indeed really young. The oldest was born in 2000 while their maknae (youngest) in 2003. Since the debuted early, it would mean more time for them in the industry to promote.

In terms of visuals, I think the ladies have got the looks. I still cannot distinguish who’s who – might take sometime but I can see one girl looks a lot like Irene (Red Velvet), while another reminds me so much so Sohee from Wonder Girls.

I like that the concept that they are going for is the strong, fierce, independent woman type. It’s been awhile since 2NE1 has promoted this kind of concept. It is indeed refreshing in the overly cuteness we see in Kpop groups promoting these days.

My dongsaeng wasn’t lying when she said that the group would indeed remind of my favorite kpop groups of yore. Watching them is like watching the powers of Wonder Girls and Miss A combined together. Oh how I miss those groups. They had Wonder Girls charm with a dash of strong independent woman concept of Miss A (when they did Good Girl, Bad Girl). If you’re an old soul like me – you would get what I’m saying. They’re concept is really different.

In terms of talent – maybe for now it’s a little difficult to tell. It’s way too early. But I do get the feeling that they would stand out especially with their strong debut. As of writing this blog the MV already was viewed 46M times. As for their debut – I’m a bit happy about it because to me they delivered.

Conclusion

As an old Kpop fan – I find Itzy refreshing and now in my eyes, they stand out a lot! That’s why I mentioned in the title of this post that they are different. I haven’t posted in a long time about Kpop debuts because for the past few years, they all had the same. I sincerely hope that this concept and the songs they choose in the future will remain that of a strong, fierce, independent woman.

You have just garnered an unnie fan.

(Side Note: And this is truly the time when I miss 2NE1 the most. Sigh)

credits: jypentertainment@yt + mnet + naver images + sbspopasia + as tagged

-chipskjaa (“,)

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Feb 10 2019

Korean Drama to Watch – Kingdom 킹덤

I don’t know what’s with zombies but every time I see a drama or a movie I seem to enjoy it so much – even with all the gore, blood and brains. Truth be told I’m very uncomfortable at the sight of real blood but with zombie films/drama I don’t really mind.

So when Netflix released Kingdom 킹덤 I was excited because it was a drama about zombies!

Finally Korea you’re doing it!!!

As of writing this blog I have seen it and it did not disappoint me as it was like watching Walking Dead’s sageuk 사극 (historical drama) version.

Netflix Kingdom is drama set in the Joseon era. A king has suddenly acquired small pox and has been rumored to be dead. His son, the crown prince, has been accused of treason wanting to overthrow his father’s position to claim it as his own. Desperate to visit his father, the Crown Prince Lee Chang sneaks into he King’s chambers one night only to find an ghastly figure resembling a monster. Curious and determined to uncover the what is happening, he travels to Dongnae to look for the doctor who came to treat his father’s illness.

Why should you watch it:

1. It’s a Saguek Zombie drama

Although I watch a lot of romcoms and slice of life dramas, sagueks are my favorite. If you are like me – who adores traditional dramas and if you like zombies then this drama has the right recipe for you. Like I mentioned earlier in the post – it felt like watching Walking Dead the saguek version. Of course don’t expect the story to be like the Walking Dead. This saguek zombie drama has a story of it’s own.

On a side note, this genre (zombie saguek) has never really been explored that much in Korea. To the best of my memory, the only drama/movie I can think of is Rampant. Train to Busan was indeed zombie themed but sageuk zombies are more fun and definitely scarier! It’s refreshing to see Korean dramas venturing into genres like this – times are definitely changing.

 

2. The Writer is Kim Eun Hee

A lot of people don’t really pay attention to who wrote dramas. But after so many years of watching dramas I’ve placed a value on writers and their works. Kim Eun Sook (who wrote Secret Garden, Goblin and Descendants of the Sun) and the Hong Sisters (My Girl, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and Hwayugi) are my top 2 favorite writers of all time. My top 3 writer is Kim Eun Hee. I’ve been a fan since I saw the drama Sign (2011) and I loved her work more when I saw Signal. She’s not really a romcom / romance writer but her stories are very engaging and keep you hanging until the last moment.

After you watch Kingdom I recommend you watching Signal.
I am anticipating her popularity as a writer will be on a rise because of this drama.

 

3. The Actors – need I say more.

Allow me to post the posters of the actors here…

Joo Ji Hoon 주지훈 

Aw my crown prince Lee Shin. Princess Hours was his first leading role – his acting that time was far from amazing. However through the years he has greatly improved. His expressions are definitely better and they convey more emotions now.

Bae Doo Na 배두나

I first saw her in a Hot Potato 고백 Confession MV. Then she caught my eye in Host and Cloud Altas. Then she became my favorite character in Sense8. I couldn’t imagine someone else playing her character Seobi in this drama. She fit the role and I love her even more.

Ryu Seung-ryong 류승룡

In the whole Kdrama world, he is my favorite anti-hero! I am not sure if I am describing it properly but to me he looks like a villain but deep inside he is just a kind guy with a big heart. First time I saw him was in the move My Love. If you’ve been wondering where you saw him, he was the dad in the movies Miracle in Cell No. 7 and Psychokinesis.

 

4. It’s quite short for a Korean drama

Typical Korean dramas last for 16 – 24 episodes. Kdrama fans are quite used to this. But if you are a first time Kdrama watcher, you might be a little put off by how long it is. Kingdom on the other hand is pretty short for a kdrama – it’s only 6 episodes long. You’re not investing a lot of time to watching this drama. It’s pretty short — but spoiler alert — you definitely have to wait for Season 2!

 

5. It’s on Netflix!

Yep! If you have been subscribed to this service, this drama was produced by Netflix. And for that thank you Netflix for bringing this drama to life and for making us wait for Season 2! Hahaha… By the way I wasn’t paid in anyway to promote Netflix but I am glad that this service exists and that they have recently been adding a lot of Asian titles to their site. It feeds Asian addiction to users like me.

 

Overall this drama did exceed my expectations and I do recommend it to Kdrama fans. You cannot not watch it – or you’re missing a lot!

credits: Netflix + Netflix@yt + as tagged

-chipkjaa (“,)

Nov 27 2018

BLACKPINK Concert: In Your Area Seoul – Day 2

So when I saw the post of BlackPink on their IG Page that they will have a concert, I screaaammmed because:

  1. My sister and I were planning to travel to South Korea
  2. It’s BlackPink 1st Concertttttt in South Korea
  3. Ticket Price is not so $$$

There ticket price is 110,000 won. An is available in an auction ticketing site. Link Here

If you haven’t booked a Concert Ticket on an Auction site (or in any other site) here are Tips!

  1. Sign Up & Log In. It was my first Kpop concert and that meant that it would be my first time booking a ticket. When the time the tickets open I clicked the Buy Button but I was informed to sign up 😦  so there was a slight delay when I bought the tickets. So it’s really important to sign up first, then Log In before the ticket opening. Well, for a group that has A LOT of fans, it is really important to be fast so you can have that concert slot you want so badly.
  2. Click that Buy Button when the clock hits the time — as in — Press and choose your slot. I clicked the button on time, but I was shocked when slots are getting fewer.
  3. Keep Calm. Believe – You’re definitely going to get that ticket (wink wink) 😀
  4. Make sure you have your card handy – You will use this in buying your ticket.
  5. Select Your Preferred Seat 
  6. Don’t Overthink and Pay that ticket! – Well don’t overthink. If you really want it, YOU WANT IT!

 

The concert event…

November 11, 2018

The concert I have long been anticipating for!

I was so excited because it’s my very first K-Pop concert. I really (literally) felt the butterflies in my stomach, I can’t hide my excitement!!! The concert was held at Olympic Stadium. There were Blackpink merchandise being sold at the venue, we bought our Lightsticks @ 20,000 won.

In all fairness their opening .. is so Lit!

Opening Video Below:

Sharing my video. PS: Don’t mind my background voice 😛

Other says that BlackPink only has 9 songs – How can they handle a concert. Nahh-ah the concert was 2 hrs+ Enough for you to Enjoy!

They performed (Not In Order) :
1. Ddu-ddu-du
2. Stay
3. Sure Thing
4. Kiss and Make Up w/ Choreography
5. Jisoo Solo – Clarity

– Jisoo is the non english speaker in the group. But she sings Clarity so well on English and Korean language. What a voice! Soo Pretty.

6. Lisa – So Hot Dance Number

– I screamed during the “almost kissing” scene. HAHAHA. Lisa! your father is watching. But Really, I never saw anybody dance like Liza. So Hot Hot. Seriously though, her father was at the concert 😀

7. Rose – Angelic Voice ..

– I really love the voice of Rose and she is my Bias. By the time she opened her mouth to sing I really felt goosebumps all over my body. What an angel.

8. Jennie – Performed her Solo Album

– Jennie’s album was released on Nov. 12 and the concert was on Nov. 11. I was not really expecting that they would show the Full Music Video during the concert, like I was so happy that I’m one of the many who saw it first. And Jennie also performed it at the concert, so YAY!! She is so hot, pretty a total performer.

9. So Hot
10. Boombayah
11. Playing with Fire
12. Whistle
13. Zion T (Guest) – He Sings. I didn’t know him. But Korean fans cheered for him so loud.
(Don’t hate me – I really did enjoy the song)

14. Really
15. Forever Young
16. They even have a dance performance, Four of them SLAYED IT as usual.

The audience/fans also sang along during the chorus part of Forever Young and Stay. I’m one of them who sang. And that’s the nicest way of showing love. Go Go Blinks.

Jisso and Rose post it in Their IG Page.

Rose IG Post

Jisoo IG Post

Stay was one of there closing performance, and Jennie was crying maybe because she was overwhelm by the love of the fans, or maybe because it was the last day the InYourAreaSeoul Concert. I Feel You Jennie.. ;(

Conclusion :

You know they say : “Life so short, so buy that Concert ticket!” It doesn’t matter if you have the VIP or The General Admission ticket, the Important thing is you got to experience the music of your favorite group LIVE!!!1
It’s really a experience different when you see it live – to cheer for them with your lungs out! Seeing them in person even if your far away.

And one thing I noticed with the Korean fans is that they cheer peacefully (which I realized is a nicest way). HAHHAHA. I mean when you compare them with the PH fans. (peace) – don’t hate me 🙂

One thing that I can say is that IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!
Blinks! It’s time to buy your concert tickets now 🙂

**When sharing our videos, please don’t forget to credit pinayunnies.com!

-kimyoonjoy :D-

 

Nov 22 2018

Morissette Amon’s Resignation (체념) Cover (with lyrics)

Annyeong! 🙂
I haven’t posted posted for quite some time – but it’s good to be back in the blogsphere.

While I was gone, I noticed that there were a lot of hits with an old lyrics post for the song 체념 or Giving Up / Resignation by Big Mama. After googling, I found out that this was sung by Morisette Amon about a month ago in Asia’s Song Festival. I feel kinda bad that I just noticed this now. She is probably one of the best Filipino singers currently – I love her. And I am a bit biased because she comes from the same Philippine province as me! Cebu represent!!!

But hey – better late than never.

So – she sang the song in English. I am kind of guessing that visitors to that post came because of the English lyrics. However, the lyrics posted there were from a translation way back. It’s not the same as her version. So because I LOVE HER (A LOT!), I decided to transcribe it. I do hope I got the lyrics right 🙂

Here are the lyrics to her version:

Resignation (체념) – Morissette Amon cover

I was happy those times I spent with you
Even though it was so hard for you
It’s not that I didn’t know how you felt in your heart
I felt it too.

Letting go, letting you leave it all behind
It’s something I just cannot get used to
You have hurt me so
And I just can’t help but fall away from you

Why’d you not tell me or you just could not?
Did you ever think of everything I feel?
You fell for me and said you loved me
But you just let me fall and never tried to catch me at all

Should I hate you and try to just forget?
Should I blame myself and live with this regret?
If I could only do it all again, I would turn back time
Back when I was yours and you were still mine

Why’d you not tell me or you just could not?
Did you ever think of everything I feel?
You fell for me and you loved me
But you just let me fall and never tried to catch me at all

Should I hate you and try to just forget?
Should I blame myself and live with this regret?
If I could only do it all again, I would turn back time
Back when I was yours and you were still mine

No, I won’t ask anymore
If you want to walk out that door
Just leave, leave and don’t look back
No, I won’t shed any tear and keep on hoping that you’re still here
I watch you walk away from me and it’s getting hard to see
We we’re never meant to be

Neol manhi geuriweohal geot gata chamayaman hagetji ijhyeojil su itdorok
Dashin saranggateungeo haji anheulrae
Nae majimak sarangeul doraseon neoege jugo shipeoseo
Haengbokhagil barae naboda jo-eun yeoja mannagireul

 

credits: Music and Me@yt

Now we can sing her version! (“,)
Anyway, should you take this transcription, please do not forget to credit chipskjaa@pinayunnies.com
Please do not take away without crediting 🙂

If you want to see the original Resignation post (Korean lyrics and translation) – CLICK HERE!

PS: Oh and yeah! we got a new domain 🙂

– chipskjaa (“,)

Jun 17 2018

Chinese Drama to Watch – Legend of Fuyao

I’ve recently been binge watching a lot of Chinese Dramas – especial historical, wuxia and xanxia ones. Ten Miles of Peach Blossom did this to me!

The one I am most anticipating for this year is Legend of Fuyao (扶摇).
Edit: Watch Legend of Fuyao on Viki! <— Click this link for the first ep.

Legend of Fuyao is a drama adapted from novel Empress Fuyao (扶摇皇后). It’s the story of Meng Fu Yao, a woman born from a divine lotus petal. She journeys through the five continents towards the heavens in search of a secret order and to reveal a conspiracy originating from the heavens. In the process, she falls in love with the crown prince Zhangsun Wuji. (credits: mydramalist.com)

The drama will star Yang Mi, Ethan Ruan (Juan) a Vengo Gao.

Why am I Anticipating this drama?

1. It’s a Yang Mi drama

Like I said in another post, I haven’t gotten over Ten Miles of Peach Blossom. I am still reeling the after effects of Ye Hua and Bai Qian’s love story. Since Yang Mi played Bai Qian in that drama, I am binge watching on her past dramas. Yang Mi is not really my favorite Chinese actress – but I think her style works well in historical dramas – like Palace. As the drama title’s namesake, we will surely be seeing a lot of Yang Mi in this drama.

2. Ethan Ruan (Juan) plays the male lead

I was a very big Fated to Love You (Taiwanese version) fan. I loved how quirky Ethan Ruan was in that drama. If I am not mistaken that was one of his dramas that shot him to stardom. In the past years, I have not watched a lot of Taiwanese dramas (Korean dramas has me busy :)) – so I have not seen him in dramaland for a long time. I can’t wait to watch this drama because of him – and I can’t wait to see him do some action!

3. Familiar Ten Miles of Peach Blossom Faces

Hello Donghua Dijun (Vengo Gao) and Senior disciple Die Fung (Lai Yi)! It’s nice to see you both are in the same drama. Both will be playing important roles in the drama. Although I would love to see more familiar faces with Yang Mi in a drama – but having 2 of them is enough

4. Oh those Fight Scenes

I am totally loving the fight scenes in the trailers. It might be because the drama’s martial arts choreographer – Li Cai – worked in productions like Hero and House of Flying Daggers. These 2 movies – Hero especially – are some of my favorite wuxia movies. I can’t wait to see them fight scenes.

5. Every Female Crew, Every Hardworking One is Fuyao Trailer

In the past 6 months a lot of Fuyao trailers came out – there was the Pure Heart version (posted above), the action trailer and the valentine trailer. But my favorite trailer is this:

The marketing team of this trailer is smart to have made this trailer – because one they know that their main viewers will be women and two because they know how to touch women’s hearts. I love this trailer because it recognized the women behind the scenes of making this drama. The main character Fuyao is a strong woman. This trailer is saying that there is a Fuyao in every women.

This drama will start airing tomorrow, June 18, 2018 until August 23.

Edit: Watch Legend of Fuyao on Viki!
As of writing Episodes 1 and 2 are subbed (yay! thank you subbers)
Although some shows in Viki are not available in the Philippines but I am glad I could watch this!
(ps. I was not paid by Viki to post this)

**credits: mydramalist.com + Viki Global TV @yt + movie.douban.com + 偶像剧场 Idol & Romance @yt

-chipskjaa(“,)

Jun 16 2018

Totally Enjoying Forever Young by BLACKPINK

BLACKPINK just released their new mini-album SQUARE UP. And while everyone is talking about the title track 뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU), I decided to write about the second single from the mini-album Forever Young.

I did enjoy listening to the title track, but every time I listen to Blackpink’s Square Up, my heart is with FOREVER YOUNG.

 

Why I like it?

I have to be honest, my first impression of the title track 뚜두뚜두 was kind of mixed – I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. Mixed probably because it was different from Blackpink’s music in the last year. I mean if you listen to Boombayah and As If It Was Your Last (마지막처럼) it’s different. But the more you listen to it the more the rhythm sinks in – the more you like it.

However, I think Forever Young is more the sound of the Blackpink I know and like. It’s more familiar to my ears. I am not saying it’s not a good thing to have a change in style. I actually think that it’s more advantageous to be more versatile in music – to not just have one style. But I’m someone who need time getting used to something that’s new. Also, Forever Young is more my kind of music – I’ve always preferred upbeat hits when it comes to Kpop groups.

Lyrics to the song: https://genius.com/Blackpink-forever-young-lyrics

Square Up has been anticipated by a lot of fans. I’m not a Blink – Sorry Blackpink but I will always be a Blackjack by heart – but I am kind of disappointed that YG only made a mini-album for them. I mean it’s been 2 years since they’ve debuted – I think they deserved a full length 10-12 track album by now. Four songs are not enough for their fans. But then again – this is YG’s style (remember how many mini-albums Big Bang had before they had a full length one?).

Anyway, here’s a link to Blackpink’s title track: 뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU)

And here’s a playlist to their Square Up mini-album in case you’re interested to listen to it

Happy Listening!

**credits: as tagged + genius.com

 

-chipskjaa(“,)

Jun 15 2018

Ten Miles of Peach Blossom OST – Bracing the Chill 凉凉

I was late in the Three Lives, Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossom / Eternal Love craze.

The drama was released earlier last year – but I just finished watching it 3 weeks ago. And I still haven’t gotten over it!

Ye Hua and Bai Qian story is still pulling heartstrings. I haven’t rewatched the whole drama but I’ve been rewatching a few of my favorite episodes. Because of that I cannot NOT post this!

This post is short but it is definitely a dedication to my favorite song in the drama.

The song is called Bracing the Chill (Liang Liang  凉凉) and it was played in the drama over and over again. Whenever I hear this, my heart is being pulled into a hundred different directions! Talk about having an effective OST for a drama!

It will take another blog post for me to share to you my thoughts (and love) for the drama, but for now I will make this post short.

If you haven’t seen the drama, go to Youtube or Dramafever to watch it! I promise you sitting through all 58 episodes is worth it!

Youtube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi8NbMnb2eFhaNro97G_rMoQLpOvA75bq

(PS: I might edit this post later for the lyrics – so I will only have the video for now)

credits: Croton MEGA HIT Official Channel@yt

-chipskjaa(“,)

Jun 15 2018

Meteor Garden 2018 – Interesting Bits from the Trailer

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted something. I’ve actually been itching to blog but I couldn’t find the right time and the right subject to write about. Today, I’m sitting here waiting for my friends to finish work when Youtube suggests the Meteor Garden 2018 trailer.

Perfect! Perfect subject – perfect time to write a blog post!

Before I continue talking about the (fairly) new trailer, I have to add a disclaimer that I have always been a fan of the Meteor Garden / Hana Yori Dango / Boys Over Flowers. Although Meteor Garden (Taiwan) was the first Asian drama that got me hooked, Hana Yori Dango (Japan) will always be my favorite version. Probably because it’s the closest adaptation to the manga (in my opinion). But because Meteor Garden (Taiwan) opened my eyes to a whole new world of Asian dramas – it will always hold a special place in my heart. (Not to mention Vic Zhou is still my ultimate Taiwanese actor crush! Zai zai ai ni <3! lol)

I’ve been anticipating the trailer of the new Meteor Garden drama since it was announced then Shen Yue (A Love So Beautiful) will play Shancai. I just finished watching A Love So Beautiful and I was quite impressed with her so I am quite pleased with the casting. When the trailer came out – my anticipation reached it’s peak!

Trailer

Trailer with English subs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiesmxjQozk

Here’s why:

Original Soundtrack – Qing Fei De Yi (情非得已)

Hearing the original guitar rifts of the OST from the original Meteor Garden will sure bring back memories to those who’ve seen the original drama. I think it’s great strategy for them to use the original opening theme because it definitely brings nostalgia from the fans of the original drama. Makes them curious to watch the new drama.

That Volleyball Scene

Oh yes – there was a volleyball scene in the original drama. I still remember how cringe-worthy it was watching it but – hey 4 cute (handsome for some) guys playing volleyball in one scene is too much to handle for a teen watching the drama. But I am not sure if I find the new F4 cute – just not my type now (still rooting for Zai zai!)

Similarities with Hana Yori Dango

I’ve mentioned in the beginning of this blog that Hana Yori Dango is my favorite among all the adaptations. The trailer has snippets of scenes very reminiscent of the Japanese TV version – like Ski Resort scenes, the mansion looks similar with Domyouji’s mansion and the emphasis on Hua Ze Lei’s (Hanazawa Rui’s) violin playing skills. If I remember correctly, the original Taiwanese version had some changes in the story that made it different from the original manga. Although these were ok – I am still a gal who prefers faithful adaptations. I do hope that this version will stay true to the drama.

Adapting the Story for Millenials

The first Meteor Garden version was released in 2001. That was almost 20 years ago from today. Fashion, fads, language and culture has changed since then. Although Meteor Garden’s story can be retold a hundred times – the setting indeed has to be changed. I’m glad they’ve changed it to adapt to the new generation.

Location Location Location

Meteor Garden’s story involves bringing the cast to a different country. In the new trailer – I see that they went on 3 different locations – the Ski resort (it’s probably in another country), England (I see one scene where the English flag is flying) and Shanghai. We might be seeing more than just those 3 places. This production is indeed a big one!

This trailer makes me excited for the new reboot! However, I am not quite sure yet whether I would like the drama or not – because it will still be the same Meteor Garden story and because deep inside I will be comparing it to the older versions. But I do have faith in Shen Yue! Although Barbie Hsu Shancai was quirky and strong, I think Shen Yue’s Chen Xaioxi was more effective in A Love So Beautiful. As for the male leads – I am not as familiar with them so it’s difficult to give a commentary.

Are you excited for the Meteor Garden reboot? Comment below to let us know!

The New Meteor Garden 流星花园 will start airing on July 16, 2018.

credits: Reine Redine@yt + blobfishy128 1@yt + as tagged

-chipskjaa (“,)

Nov 15 2017

I’ve Just Discovered BTS… and… I get why fans adore them

Truth be told I am an old soul when it comes to Kpop. I became a fan back in 2008 when DBSK / Super Junior / Wonder Girls / Big Bang ruled the industry. Back then I could recognize the idol group, their members and name their songs.

I have been out of sync with the Kpop world for a few years and when I started listening to Korean music, I cannot by the life of me, recognize the artist or their songs anymore. In the past 4 years, it’s amazing how the Korean music industry grew. It’s even more accessible to the public now.

Anyway – going back to this post.

My friends have, for the longest time, been persuading me to listen and check out BTS ( 방탄소년단). I just keep saying – I will soon. There was still a lot more of catching up to do for groups, singers and shows that I’ve shelved in the past 4 years. And then finally, last Saturday I had time to listen to BTS and… I am MINDBLOWN! (Don’t believe check out this week’s Spotify playlist -it’s BTS baby!) 

I’ve just discovered BTS – and I absolutely get why fans adore them.

If you didn’t know yet, this is BTS:

7 (handsome and charming) boys who debuted in 2013
– who are now taking the world by storm!

I still couldn’t recognize who is who (sorry – this eonni’s memory is not so good anymore). But their names are Jin, J-Hope, RM (formerly Rap Monster), Suga, Jimin, V and Jungkook. Honestly, I only know V (because I saw him on Celebrity Bromance and his friendship with Bogum) and RM (because I saw him on a show rapping).  For their extensive profile, check this link: BTS Profile.

I’ve just discovered them but I adore them because:

Their songs are different!

Kpop is a genre that I love – but one reason why I refrained from listening in the past years is because they’ve become too CUTE and too similar. Don’t get me wrong – I still listen to some of them – Twice’s Cheer Up and IOI’s Very Very Very are some of my new found favorites. I guess there was a time when the industry just followed the cutesy trend.

But listening to BTS – I found their songs different from the norms. Their songs were definitely more edgy. It kind of gave me Epik High / Big Bang / Block B vibes – something I think this industry should have more. It was pop – but definitely had hip hop tones. I could listen to their songs all day.

My top 3 songs would have to be:

Spring Day  (봄날)
(I absolutely die when they say bogoshipda. I am a sucker for songs that sound like this. It reminds me of Kpop songs circa 2010-2012)

Blood Sweat and Tears (피 땀 눈물)
(By far, the one with the best beat for me. Makes you want to bob your head up and down)

Just One Day (하루만) 
(It’s more pop than hip hop but I like the rap. It’s one of their earliest tracks.)

Their Greeting

In an industry where competition is fierce, a groups greeting should (1) be distinct and (2) recognizable so people can easily remember it. Super Junior has mastered this with their “Orinuen Super Juni – O – R” greeting.

BTS’s “Bang Tan” with its matching hand gesture is one greeting that is recognizable and distinct from others. And I love how simple the greeting is – and because of it’s simplicity it can be changed to different languages – while sounding the same… don’t believe me – check out the video below and listen to the English and Japanese versions.

BTS A.R.M.Y

A group is only as strong as their fandom – I am a firm believer of this. The support the fans give a group fuel a group’s performance.  I should know being part of a fandom that has been existing for years (E.L.F).  So I cannot not notice the group’s fanbase.

BTS is blessed with what I could consider as a great fandom. If there is one word that I could use to describe BTS A.R.M.Y (an acronym for Adorable Representative MC for Youth) it would be DAEBAK!

Fans are instrumental for the rise of a group. I commend how well they support BTS – especially through fan projects. I love it when fans do something like this:

I’ve just discovered BTS and I truly get why their fans adore them.

I still have a lot of catching up to do these boys and their music – but I have definitely become a fan and I cannot wait for them to be on the Late Late Show!!!

Credits: 1theK (원더케이)@yt + ibighit@yt + Naekoma _@yt +@JKCorden(twitter) + Taehyungpic  + Thai BTS Army + as tagged

Are you a BTS fan? Let us know in the comments why you adore them.

-chipskjaa (“,)

Nov 1 2017

Super Junior 슈퍼주니어 Black Suit MV Teaser

Countdown to Super Junior  슈퍼주니어 comeback: D-5.

I got a message earlier today on LINE reminding me of Super Junior’s comeback. Just a few days more to go.

That message also told me that they’ve just released the first Teaser Video of Black Suit‘s MV.  When that message came, I was out with friends, I couldn’t wait to watch it. Now fast forward to (an agonizing) 12 hours later, I finally get to see it.

Looking at the video, I cannot help but think how mature they’ve grown after their respective military services. It’s often said by several artists in the past that military service brings a change in them. Maybe it’s just probably me, but somehow, there is something more manly in the way they project themselves now.

There must be some story in the MV as each member is assigned a persona (the Security, the Appraiser, the Transporter, the Millionaire, the Client Representative, the Decoy and the host). I’m guessing it has something to do with transporting the all important Black suit somewhere – I mean there’s a decoy (Oh ye Hollywood, you’re making my imagination work!). Just a thought though – I’d wish Yesung’s Transporter had Jason Statham vibe. Yep, I’ve definitely been watching too many action movies!

There will be 2 more teasers released tomorrow and on the 3rd. And on November 6 (Suju’s anniversary) their 8th album will be released.

It’s a pity though that Siwon will not be able to participate during broadcast promotions (SM released a statement yesterday about this). As my bias, I was anticipating him being on music shows. It was sad to only have 7 of them participate in the album, now it makes me sadder that Siwon won’t be performing.  But although he will not be in the broadcasts, we can still catch him in his new drama Revolutionary Love.

It must be hard on the rest of the members. But I know they’re see it through
Now it’s up to us ELFs to show them our undying support!

Super Junior fighting! 슈퍼주니어 화이팅!!!

**credits: Naver + Dispatch + SMTOWN@youtube + as tagged

-chipskjaa (“,)