When you haven’t checked your twitter and instagram feed all day, and you saw Daniel Henneyposted that he was in Mactan, what your reaction be?
Since I read it at 8PM Philippine time (he posted it 9 hours ago) with one hell of a migraine – I couldn’t help but smile! (Although part of me wants to cry because I missed the chance of stalking him lol)
For those who are unfamiliar who Daniel Henney is – once starred in Kdramas like My Name is Kim Sam Soon, Spring Waltz andFugutive Plan B. And he was the guy in the movie Seducing Mr. Perfect. (Ye older Kdramas and movie for newly converted fans)
He’s also in US Shows like Criminal Minds and was Agent Zero in the Wolverine movie.
Although he hasn’t been in Korean TV or movies, I still think he is one of the handsome Kstars.
From your fans in Cebu: We do hope you enjoyed your stay and that you ate a lot of seafood and mangoes!
**Credits: danielhenneyofficial@IG + marvel wikia + as tagged (Note: Images are not mine, they’re from the web)
I’ve finished sorting the comments on my blog about an hour ago when I noticed someone requesting for the lyrics of Yim Jae Beom‘s “If This Night Passes” (or After This Night– which is a more literal translation).
I know this post is 2 years too late (it was posted on 2015 – so sorry @J-rome) but here it is.
I am a fan of older Kpop songs. I enjoy listening to them especially when they are sung in shows like I Am a Singer or in King of Mask Singer. Kpop Backtracks was supposed to be one of the features I wanted to post on my blog before the blog hiatus. I believe the first article I did was Holding On To the End of the Night by Solid.
And so thanks to shows like Reply 1997, Reply 1994 and Reply 1988 – this feature is here to stay! Because of dramas like this, older Kpop tunes have been popular again.
Anyway, Yim Jae Beom to me was always the Korean singer who had a husky voice. I wasn’t really familiar with this tune. I am more familiar with the song “Confession 고해”. But after listening to this, it sounded good and faintly familiar. Then I remembered seeing one episode of King of Masked singer contestant Kim Yeon Woo singing this.
This is Kim Yeon Woo’s version.
While this Yim Jae Beom’s version.
Who sung it better? Both hahaha. Before I blab too much again here’s the lyrics of the song.
I-bami jinamyeon urin
Ddo dashi he-eojyeoya haneunde
Amureon mareobshi idaero
Geudeal ddeonabonaeyaman hana
I-bami jinamyeon urin
Ddo dashi he-eojyeoya haneunde
Amureon mareobshi idaero
Geudeal ddeonabonaeyaman hana
I-bami jinamyeon urin
Ddo dashi he-eojyeoya haneunde
Amureon mareobshi idaero
Geudeal ddeonabonaeyaman hana
I-bami jinamyeon urin
Ddo dashi he-eojyeoya haneunde
Amureon mareobshi idaero
Geudeal ddeonabonaeyaman hana
If the Night Passes – Translation
This night, full of light
I’m staying with her alone
And I’m just staring at her
A sad tear flows
From her lovely eyes
It hurts my heart
After this night
We have to split up again
Without saying any words
Should I let her leave like this
This night, full of light
A sad farewell is coming closer
She was beautiful in my past memories
I love her
Do not say farewell
I wanna feel more of your love
I still have a lot to say
After this night
We have to split up again
Without saying any words
Should I let her leave like this
After this night
Should we have to split up again
Without saying any words
Should I let her leave like this
After this night
We have to split up again
Without saying any words
Should I let her leave like this
After this night
We have to split up again
Without saying any words
Should I let her leave like this
If the Night Passes – Hangeul
불빛만이 가득한 이 밤
그대와 단 둘이 앉아서
그대 모습을 바라보고만 있네
사랑스런 그대 눈가에
슬픈 한 줄기 눈물이 흘러
나의 마음을 아프게만 하는데
이 밤이 지나면 우린
또 다시 헤어져야 하는데
아무런 말없이 이대로
그댈 떠나보내야만 하나
불빛만이 가득한 이 밤
슬픈 이별은 다가오지만 지난
추억에 아름다웠던 그대 모습 사랑해
이별이란 말은 하지마
그대 사랑을 느끼고 싶어
나는 아직도 하고픈 말 많은데
이 밤이 지나면 우린
또 다시 헤어져야 하는데
아무런 말없이 이대로
그댈 떠나보내야만 하나
이 밤이 지나면 우린
또 다시 헤어져야 하는데
아무런 말없이 이대로
그댈 떠나보내야만 하나
이 밤이 지나면 우린
또 다시 헤어져야 하는데
아무런 말없이 이대로
그댈 떠나보내야만 하나
이 밤이 지나면 우린
또 다시 헤어져야 하는데
아무런 말없이 이대로
그댈 떠나보내야만 하나
Romanization done by: chipskjaa@wordpres.com (please credit if used)
Also, we did some edits to the translation so please credit chipskjaa@wordpress.com when using it
**Credits: dramafever + musicmatch.com + 명 가 @lyricstranslate.com + Hong Lee@yt + MBCentertainment@yt
Better yet, he is coming to my City!!!! Yay! Hurray!!!
Anyway, if you aren’t familiar with him, he is a Korean finger guitarist. I have wrote several entries about him and his videos. I am very impressed with how he plays his guitar and I have been a fan since I saw his videos since he was about 12 playing his guitar. He has grown and his music too has evolved.
I would really really love to see this concert! The venue is just like 15 minutes maybe 10 by taxi from my house.. But first I need to find someone to go with me who is as impressed with him as I am. Did that make sense? haha… Who wants to go to the concert??
Anyway, check this poster for the ticket prices. Boy am I glad it’s not as expensive as watching all the other Kpop groups perform! 🙂
U-KISS is for me the most underrated Kpop idol in Korea! I don’t know why they aren’t as popular as they are all around the world. They aren’t rookies anymore actually.. but still they don’t have that much of a following in the Kpop world. I’m not sure why, it could be because when they debuted, Kpop was ruled by the likes of DBSK, Super Junior, SS501 and Big Bang. However, it’s been years now and I can’t comprehend why they’re not that popular. – end of rant..
I like Ukiss since I heard Bring It Back to Old School. I think they have a certain charm for me that’s why I like them. Also, as I was new to Kpop that time and I did not understand absolutely any Korean, I was kind of happy to find Ukiss that time — because some of the member can speak English. I think this was the reason I liked them from before until now. I appreciate it a lot that they were the first to reach out to the international audience using English.
So them boys have released a new single called Standing Stillfrom their album Collage and AJ is back from his hiatus! Wohoo.
The Video
Well, to me there is nothing really special about the video… just them dancing with some screens of a girl with very scary green cat eyes. I’m not sure why she is there.. but I think it might have something to do with the song or something. I am guessing that the concept of the video was to show that the person is strong after all hardships.. love I guess in the video and is standing still. It’s just my guess.
Personally, I think this is not the best Ukiss video. I mean, they’ve done this concept before. It reminds me a lot of Manmanhani (Am I That Easy?) and Bingeul Bingeul. But every time they release a video, I look forward to their dances. I don’t want to compare them to any other group, but I am just happy to see them even after all these years, they are still doing the thing they are good at.. making good songs and good music.
Ukiss fighting!
The Song
It’s a nice song! Not the best Ukiss song though.. 0330 is still my favorite, but not bad at all. When I hear this song it’s like it’s something different from their past songs, but at the same time there is some Ukiss sound that I feel I am familiar with. I can’t really pinpoint. But this song is not as strong as Stop Girl or Manmanhani. I think it would get some getting used to appreciate it fully. But it’s Ukiss just the same so I like it.
A bonus for all Kiss Me’s is that AJ is on this song! I’m sure Kiss Me’s have missed him.. but he’s back! It’s nice to see all Ukiss together.. though I still miss Xander and Kibum. Great to have him back. Also, I like that they are giving a lot more recognition for Soohyun’s talent now. I love Kevin, but Soohyun’s voice is more powerful for me.. but he’s not given too much attention.
Now… what I really like about Ukiss songs is that they pay attention to the English of the songs. Well.. maybe not all the songs (I remember r squared pi!). But at least they try to make an effort especially with the lyrics and the pronunciation. As an international Kpop fan I appreciate that little details. Although 90% of the song is sung in Korean, but at least the other English parts are done right. No biggie– no pressure on K-entertainment companies, just a friendly reminder from an international fan!^_^
Glad to have them back!
Final Verdict: It’s not the best Ukiss song, but I like it just the same. Because it’s Ukiss. They’re underrated but they are as talented as other Kpop artists. The MV is just so-so though.
LSchool here is finally ending! Hurray!!!! But I have to relocate again for further studies.. oh no! I know I have to move but I am slacking. But that doesn’t mean I don’t have time to post on my blog 🙂
The post for today is Kim Tae Woo‘s comeback song Cosmic Girl.
The Video
When this video came out, I watched it immediately. I like Kim Tae Woo’s voice and his song. Liked it since he was in G.O.D. As the video played I was holding on to my seat because it stars Lee Dong Wook. Ok so I’ve been fan girling over since being in Strong Heart! His humor one of the best, but maybe not as fast as Lee Seunggi yet. The video started just fine, promising a story for us. But when the the video ended I was like WTF! Pardon the language dear readers.. but this video is one of those moments you have to say it! Could they explain to me: What’s with the concept!
Honestly, it was such a waste of Lee Dong Wook in the video. If not for him, I would not have sat through all of it. This is one of the videos I really don’t want to see again. Big mistake! Also, the scene where Kim Tae Woo is singing with a cosmic/outer space backdrop… it was well to put it not believable. If you are going to put a green screen backdrop make sure it’s done properly and make sure it’s not too obvious. Why do I feel like this video was made with a very low budget! Not watching it again!
The Song
Hmm, how do I put it.. I like Kim Tae Woo but this song doesn’t do any justice to his voice. Comparing it to his previous songs like Love Rain and Echo, this one is really an average one. Don’t get me wrong. After listening several times, I’m liking it. But it doesn’t have that WOW factor that I had after listening to Love Rain and Echo. If you’ve just started listening to Kim Tae Woo’s music, maybe you won’t feel that way. But I know he has one of the most powerful voices in Korea. So this song.. I think is a wrong song for him. This is a miss for me… I think he deserves better songs — those that especially bring out his voice and singing style (soul).
And oh.. just a side note they really have to work on the Engrish of the song. I know it’s a Korean song, but there are a lot of people who understand and speak perfect English who are listening to Kpop songs. It’s not a biggie really, but they owe it to their international fans to at least get the correct words. Fan-service ya’ll!
Anyhow.. this song really grows on you and it’s gotten it’s roots attached to me.. I kind of like it now.
Final Verdict: It’s not really a wow-kind of Kim Tae Woo song! (blame it on Love Rain for making me feel this way) But this song kind of grows on you! WARNING:DO NOT WATCH THE VIDEO! Unless you want to Lee Dong Wook, else it’s a waste of time!!!
I am bringing back old Kpop songs to my blog. I know there are a lot of new song in the K-music industry. But it’s always nice to know the songs of the past. I think it would be nice too especially for new Kpop fans to appreciate not just Kpop but the Korean music in general.
Today, I am posting a song from the 90s. Actually you may have heard this song if you still remember Fly to the Sky, but they aren’t the original singers of the song. The song I am talking about it “Holding On to the End of the Night” (alternate title: After the End of Tonight). It was originally sung by Solid.
Solid was one of the earliest Korean R&B groups in the 90s.. right about the the same time that Jodeci or Boys to Men was popular in the Western world. I actually wasn’t a fan of Korean music in the 90s. But I liked Fly to the Sky and this I liked this song… And well through some snooping I knew they weren’t the original singers of the song. Solid is an R&B group made Lee Joon, Kim Johan and Jeong Jaeyoon. I am familiar with Kim Johan as he is one of the Korean rnb/ballad singers I really like. He makes occasional appearances on the music shows, but not as often. Anyhow, this group is know for their soulful voice. However, they didn’t last too long — so many may not be familiar with them.
There are a lot of Korean singers who did covers of this song, I think… if I remember correctly JYJ was one of them.. or was it DBSK — I can’t really remember. But I like the original song just thes same so that is why I am sharing this one.
For this post, I am putting the lyrics, if you want to sing a long. Translations were made by askakorean@blogspot. Romanizations are done by me… so please credit chipskjaa@wordpress when using it.
Holding on to the End of the Night – Romanization
Dashin neol bul su eopgetji
Naui ipsuri neoui hayan eokkaereul gamsa aneumyeo
Geureoge orin i bam-ui kkeuteul jabgo sarangheatjiman
Majimak ibmatchumi ashwi-ume tteollyeodo
Binsuneuro on naege sesangi junseonmureul
Neoran geol algi-e chamayagetji
Nae mam apeuji ange
Geu nuguboda deo haengbokhage sarayahae
Modeun geol itgo
I bam-ui ggeuteul jabgo itneun naui sarangi deo isang chorahaji ange
Nareul wihae uljima nan gwaenchana
Nae mam apeuji ange
Geu nuguboda deo haengbokhage sarayahae
Modeun geol itgo
I bam-ui ggeuteul jabgo itneun naui sarangi deo isang chorahaji ange
Nareul wihae uljima nan gwaenchana
Naui gaseumeuro neowa hamkke nanueobdeon i bameul ganjikhan jae
Jamshi neo mudeoya hagetji
Naui nunmuri neil butjabgo itjiman
Niha himdeulji ange useumyeo bonaeya getji
Naemam apuji ange gue nugubodadeo haengbokhage
Modeun geol itgo
Naruel wihae uljima nan gwaenchana
Holding on to the End of the Night – Translation
I will never be able to see you again
My lips hugged your white shoulders
Although we loved like this, holding onto the end of this night
The last kiss might tremble in longing
To me, who arrived with empty hands, the gift the world gave me
It was you, I know, so I must endure
So my heart does not break
You must live happier than anyone else
Forgetting everything
So my love holding onto the end of this night does not become more pathetic than it is now
Don’t cry for me, I am ok.
[Narration]
Yes, perhaps
We since long ago have thought the inevitable separation will come to our love
But don’t cry
I will hold onto the end of this night
You must live on, always smiling like that
Please don’t cry, smile for me
Please
The last kiss might tremble in longing
To me, who arrived with empty hands, the gift the world gave me
It was you, I know, so I must endure
So my heart does not break
You must live happier than anyone else
Forgetting everything
So my love holding onto the end of this night does not become more pathetic than it is now
Don’t cry for me, I am okay.
Keeping this night that my heart shared with you
I must bury you for the moment
My tears are holding you now but
I must send you away with a smile so that you no longer feel pain
So my heart does not break, be happier than everyone
Forgetting everything
So my love holding onto the end of this night does not become more pathetic than it is now
Don’t cry for me, I am okay.
Holding on to the End of the Night 이밤의 끝을 잡고 – Hanguel
다신 널 볼 수 없겠지
나의 입술이 너의 하얀 어깨를 감싸 안으며
그렇게 우린 이 밤의 끝을 잡고 사랑했지만
마지막 입맞춤이 아쉬움에 떨려도
빈손으로 온 내게 세상이 준 선물은
너란 걸 알기에 참아야겠지
내 맘 아프지 않게
그 누구보다 더 행복하게 살아야 해
모든 걸 잊고
이 밤의 끝을 잡고 있는 나의 사랑이 더 이상 초라하지 않게
나를 위해 울지마 난 괜찮아
[Narration]
그래 어쩌면
우린 오랜전부터 우리의 사랑에 어쩔수 없는 이별이 찾아 올지도 모른다고 생각했어
하지만 울지마
이밤의 끝은 내가 잡고 있을테니
넌 그렇게 언제나 웃으면서 살아야 돼
제발 울지말고 나를 위해 웃어줘
제발
마지막 입맞춤이 아쉬움에 떨려도
빈손으로 온 내게 세상이 준 선물은
너란 걸 알기에 참아야겠지
내 맘 아프지 않게
그 누구보다 더 행복하게 살아야 해
모든 걸 잊고
이 밤의 끝을 잡고 있는 나의 사랑이 더 이상 초라하지 않게
나를 위해 울지마 난 괜찮아
나의 가슴으로 너와 함께 나누었던 이 밤을 간직한 채
잠시 널 묻어야 하겠지
나의 눈물이 널 붙잡고 있지만
니가 힘들지 않게 웃으며 보내야 겠지
내 맘 아프지 않게 그 누구보다 더 행복하게
모든 걸 잊고
이밤의 끝을 잡고 있는 나의 사랑이 더 이상 초라하지 않게
나를 위해 울지마 난 괜찮아
Oh and if you’re wondering, this is the version of Fly to the Sky from their last album together:
It’s been a long time since I started being a Kpop fan and since I’ve been an ELF.
Last night as I was cleaning some files, I opened files from 6 years ago that I haven’t seen in ages. It’s some pictures of Super Junior. Some were even before Sorry, Sorry — back when having long hair was popular. I can’t believe how much they have changed!
So I am posting some of them here… so commence PHOTO SPAM!!!
Warning this is an incredibly long post! Sorry 🙂
Which one did you like best?
* credits: as tagged — i can’t find the original sources of the photos anymore because they’re too old.. i don’t even remember where i got it from! hahaha
Yay! their officially back with a new track. I don’t know about you but I am happy to see 2AM back with a new song.
The new track is called One Spring Day.
The MV
One thing I really look forward when I know 2AMmakes a come back is the story of their MV. I love how it always tells a story and not just a group singing the song showing their faces only.. though they did this in the past, but their concepts for their recent MVs have been different.
Most the stories in their MVs are sad, but I think to complement this song, they had to make one that is not so sad (well maybe a little bit). The MV is a bit confusing at first. But if you look at the title and if you finish the video, you would understand it. My take on the story is that there is a man revisiting different times of his relationship with the girl. It shows the happy and the sad parts of their relationships. He opens one door for each important moment of that relationship. But the catch is, he is just revisiting it and he can’t go back to the past because the girl is gone already — I think she is dead, because there are 2 scenes showing the girl that vision is blurred. Most of the time in Korean MVs, this scene means the someone is dead.. so I’m gonna make that guess. In the end, as they are all memories, he leaves and goes on with this life.
I am quite happy with this video. But not as impressed as I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me. I think that would still be the best video of 2AM in my opinion. However for this song, I like this video very much. It’s always fun watching videos of 2AM. I must be too sentimental and romantic for liking these videos!
PS… i love how innocent looking they are in white! Jo Kwon especially in his Harry Potter inspired glasses!
The Song
My first thoughts when I heard this song is that there was something vaguely familiar of the tune! I couldn’t quite place it at first, and then I later realized, it was the piano sequence in the verse. If you’re a fan of DBSK, you would remember their last Japanese song sang as 5 members Stand By U. Listen to it and you would know what I mean.. it sounds familiar doesn’t it?
I know though that Stand By U and One Spring Day are both different songs. But I think it’s because of that, I am not getting the song too much. Maybe my expectations were too high especially because I really liked I Wonder If You Hurt Like Me a lot!!! This song is good, but not as good as the last one. With the latter I had the “Oh my god I love it” reaction after I first heard it. With this, I guess it would take some time getting used to and some time to forget how similar it sounds to Stand By U (which I love by the way, so I need time to process this). But don’t worry the song is not bad at all!!
What I did realize though with this song is that 2AM is reinventing their sound again. I think that’s maybe what I like about their music because if you listen to their albums in the past and in the present, their songs are all different. To me most K-ballad groups all have the same kind of music which I find boring at times. But with 2AM I am never bored of their songs because each time it’s different. I always want to listen to their new song.
Final Verdict: I need to listen to this song again and again to forget that it sounds like another song I love. It’s not my favorite 2AM song though. But this song is a change from their past tracks. I love the MV! 🙂
I don’t know what is it with me and feeling sentimental these days, but I am on a roll of ballad and sad songs.
But I am glad I found this song. I love it! It’s the new duet featuring Woohyun (Infinite) and Lucia 심규선. It’s called Cactus 선인장.
The Video
OMG! I love videos like this. I love it that Korean videos are now exploring this kind of story telling in their videos. Such a unique video for a nice song. I love how artistic it is. Whoever thought of this is pure genius!
The video shows two frames. And if you look at it closely and slowly follow the story of each frame, you would see that the top one tells the story from the girl’s point of view and the bottom frame tells the story of the guy. Both stories start at different times, the girl from the present (or could be the future) and the guy from the past. Both of the meet at a specific moment, when the guy was trying to break up with the girl. From the girls view, you will see that she is tracing back her steps, while the guy is moving forward. My take on the story is that the guy is sick and he was breaking up with the girl to keep her from feeling the pain. On the other hand, the girl can’t take the break up but later on realizes that the guy was really trying to protect her from being hurt too much. In the end the guy died, and the cactus is there to remind the girl of the love the man had for her.
I love how beautifully the story was made into the video. Especially with the frames telling different stories past and future, but were related to each other. This is effective story telling. I still can’t get over how nice the video was and how well the director played with the symbolism in the video. And let’s not forget the reference of the cactus in the video.
I’ve read that some would have liked to see both singers in the video, but I think this video is just the right thing the song needs. If they were present, they would have ruined the concept and story of the video… I think sometimes, you don’t need to see the singer of the song to appreciate a good song or video.
The Song
I love Infinite, so I was really looking forward to this collaboration. But when I learned that the title of the song was Cactus. I had to do a double take. But after listening to it, I couldn’t believe the symbolism of the song. The lyricist’s way of telling us the story of a cactus — and giving it life is very beautiful. Who would’ve have thought of relating that feeling to the cactus! (Also, we have to thank Loenent for making the translation!)
The melody of the song though, is a bit simple. Something that we might have heard before. But, the feeling of sadness is still there. Also, though I love Woohyun’s voice, I would have loved listening to more of Lucia in the song instead of just the last part. I think the part where they did they’re blending, Woohyun’s voice was too loud that I could barely hear Lucia’s voice. Their blending would have been nice if both had the right volume.
Final Verdict: I’d never thought I’d listening to a song called Cactus. But don’t let the title of the song fool you, because the lyrics are very meaningful. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen (so far) for this year. I love that Korean MVs are trying out new concepts and not just the same old things they done in the past.
I’ve already made a post before about my feeling towards the increasing number of idol groups. I still feel the same, but I am always open to listening to their songs. I do like some of the new songs for new idol groups.. but I still don’t recognize most of them because of the increasing number.
For the year that I have been teaching here in Thailand, one group is really very popular. It’s B.A.P. I do know this group but I wasn’t really a fan of their music, though Power was a good one, but it still wasn’t doing it for me. Then there was Stop It. It sounded nice, but it was still a bubble gum pop song. When I knew they released a new song, I decided to give it one more go. And I think I quite like this song. It’s their recent single One Shot.
The Video
Boy was this one brutal video!!! And for an idol group to release this kind of video… but on the other hand, I think the video made a very good effort to tell the story. And I love the twist in the ending. I’m totally a sucker for twists in plots!! I was kind of surprised when I saw the video because of the excessive use of guns and blood! haha.. but at least it’s not the same old bubble gum pop aegyo video. Hay don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to see aegyo sometimes, just not in every idol group video!
But what I don’t get in this video is the yacht scene. Umm anyone care to explain? Sorry B.A.P fans, but I’d rather skip to the 26th second of the video. I know they are idols, but in that scene they looked too young. And the sexy girls at the back didn’t help much either. And why do I have to see that guy eating grapes that way?? Oh well I am not a B.A.P fan yet, so I guess that scene was for fan service… but what’s with the girls?
The Song
I know B.A.P is known for their power tracks. But their past singles were just too powerful and strong for me. That I couldn’t appreciate it that much. But for this song, I think it’s strong but at the same time, I could feel the vocals as well as hear the powerful rap. Although the group is known and acknowledged for their rappers abilities, they shouldn’t forget that there are some members who could belt a powerful tune.
I also liked that this song reminded me of some western hip hop tracks in the 90s and early 2000’s — think the likes of Lose Yourself (Eminem) and Gangster’s Paradise (Coolio). I guess I have to say B.A.P pulled it off. Now I kind of understand why my students go gaga over their songs — because it’s strong and it’s not the usual bubble gum pop song. I’m seeing B.A.P in a new light.
Final Verdict: I’m glad I gave B.A.P another try. I like this because it’s not only a rap track, but it’s also pays homage to the members who do the vocals. I hope their upcoming songs would be like this.. they maybe I’ll like them more!
