“AND VIXX”

Some more news that has become a week old (since I was off playing mother auntie for a month) is the whole VIXX situation. VIXX has been hit hard this year for more reasons than one but lets’ start with the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) thumbnail blunder for Show! Music Core

*It looks  like this–>

Now, this would be a perfectly acceptable thumbnail design to use IF it were solely a TWICE comeback, but it wasn’t the six-membered group VIXX, was also performing comeback stage. And if we look at the (sloppy) red box I have drawn, we can see were the words, “AND VIXX” were added in a very small font. To anyone who doesn’t know why this is a problem (other than the fact that it’s a little demeaning to be treated as an after-thought) VIXX are TWICE’s seonbaes by three years and seniority is a big deal. First, before I continue let me preface the fact that I am well aware that this was done by the people at MBC and not TWICE or their fans, Onces. Okay!

With seniority in mind, there were obviously people who were upset about this. VIXX’S fans, Starlights, a lot of non-VIXX fans, and even some, Onces were calling for MBC and Music Core to issue an apology for the disrespect that was shown. Exploring Twitter, I saw hashtags like #VIXXdeservesbetter, #JusticeforVIXX, and #RespectforVIXX some of which directly, ‘@’ to Music Core’s official Twitter.

 

 

And of course, the memes did come out and some fans even created their own designs to show that both groups could be represented equally. (I am personally a big fan of the reference to the Titanic door.)

 

 

This incident came right in the midst of a string of plagiarizing scandals which added a little more insult to injury.  According to other Kpop news and gossip sites, VIXX or VIXX LR has had at least one of their songs or performance pieces plagiarized every month since the beginning of 2017.  I did look into the copyright issue from may, and the song that is claimed to strike against the copyright on VIXX LR’s Beautiful Liar is eerily similar to VIXX LR’s original song, so I believe that each of the claims is very possible.

Ravi, the VIXX and VIXX LR member who composed and wrote Beautiful Liar, thought it sounded like his song  had something to say about the whole thing,

 “When I say ‘I want to become a trend’, I didn’t mean to take my music, copy it, ignore my fans and hurt them. There is a definite difference between taking a song as reference and inspiration, and just copying, and there is also a difference between being confident and being blatant. You can experience your words not matching your actions as a creator, and you can be proud of your work, but I believe that how you say things makes a big difference. It’s very distasteful to see your actions ignoring and hurting the fans who love and support both me and my music. Even when people said there was plagiarism, I tried to think of it well by thinking we influenced someone, since we also gain inspiration from others. I hope everyone who is influenced by our contents think well, and don’t hurt our fans or us.”

Now in regards to the ‘and VIXX’ issue, in my opinion, I think that this was the fault of MBC and not TWICE (and this is coming from someone who personally doesn’t care for TWICE as a group, I like VIXX much better). However, I don’t think that TWICE’s management or company paid extra money for a better promotion because VIXX’s company, Jellyfish Entertainment is known for being a wealthy company (granted not one of the biggest but a very wealthy one), so I don’t think money had anything to do with it and I don’t believe that most Starlight’s think that TWICE is at fault for this. I think most people are in agreement that the people who really messed up were the ones at MBC. Maybe I’m wrong and I’m the only person that has this opinion, but I like to think that fandoms don’t all assume the worst of each other.

June 17, 2017July 17, 2017 by worldkpopculture Categories: UncategorizedTags: #JusticeforVIXX, #RespectforVIXX, #VIXXdeservesbetter, comeback stages, copyright, disrespect, entertainment, http://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/05/ravi-has-a-stern-word-for-the-chinese-musician-who-plagiarized-beautiful-liar-jellyfish-will-be-taking-action, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBTuwt5KNDA&list=PLTg1CsVhMwNqEDILLhKFn4OCLXOwy46R3&index=31, Music, MusicBank, plagiarism, Senioriety, singing, South Korea, Twice, twitter, VIXX Leave a comment

Killer Choreography

If someone types ‘difficult choreography into the Google search bar, most of the results are going to have Kpop in the name as shown below. I even had my roommate, who has a deep personal hatred towards Kpop ever since her brother came back from Korea and would force her to listen to it, to double check my search results to make sure that they were not biased. They were not. (Here are screen shots of the results below.)

One thing that it seems any Kpopper can get a nonKpopper to admit is that Kpop has some noteworthy dance moves. Some may argue that it’s the difficult and unique choreography that has been aiding in the steady increase of views of Kpop music videos over recent years.  When Kpop was first starting to develop, many routines were heavily based on traditional dances or didn’t include any choreography at all. However, in the early to mid-1990’s, the influence of western music and dance began to flood Korea and the choreography of Kpop began to morph into the art form it is today.And funnily enough, western music doesn’t really include dancing the way it did back in the early to mid-1990’s (the entire era that influenced Korean choreography). Three main styles of dance make up the core of the Kpop choreography world; B-Boying, Freestyle, and Hip-Hop.

It may be called B-boying in Korea but break dancing originated in the Bronx, NY in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. B-boying became a staple in the U.S. choreography industry and influenced more modern modes of dance, such as hip-hop. It consists of the top or up rock, footwork, spinning moves (power moves), and freeze.  A prime example of a Kpop group that is probably known for using B-boying the most, is JYP’s Got7 who combine B-boy with martial arts to add flair, appeal, and uniqueness to their choreography.

Freestyle originated from the early days of disco in the 1970s on street corners and public places where dancers would show off their improvisational skills.

Some performances are choreographed or partially choreographed, but improvisation is the main force behind freestyle and many people prefer the freedom of Freestyle dancing to other conventional types of dancing.

The roots of Hip Hop were informal and group-based, but today the art form has become so popular that audience cultures informal performance venues started developing during the 1990s. Popular hip hop dancers can not only ‘rock a club scene, but they can also mesmerize an audience of dance experts or wow national television audiences.

So, the real question remains… what Kpop group or Idol has the most difficult choreography? There is no unbiased source for this information so I watched thirteen very different countdown videos for most difficult Kpop choreography with over 237 choreographies in all thirteen videos. And because no list is ideal, some videos were male groups, some were female groups, some dated back to a few years ago and some dated back to as recently as a month ago to balance each other out. I also looked at different list people made online, but at least with videos, I can see the dances too, so I promise I did my best to make the lists as fairly as possible and they will probably be out of date by the time I finish it. With that many videos a person is bound to get a couple different answers, so I’ll have two lists.The first one, (list 1) will just be groups who had multiple songs throughout the different videos the more videos a group or an Idol had and the more often each video appeared the higher their rank will be. The second (list 2) will be the songs and groups that appeared the most often and they won’t be ranked because there are a lot of ties for some of these songs.

List 1-groups with the most difficult choreography based on how often and how many of their songs appeared.

List 2-Songs that had the most difficult choreography based on how often they appeared.

March 5, 2017August 14, 2017 by worldkpopculture Categories: Blog post, Kpop, South Korea, UncategorizedTags: 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, B-boying, captivating, choreography, culture, dancing, difficult, entertainment, footwork, Freestyle, freeze, google search results, Hip Hop, http://dance.lovetoknow.com/History_of_Hip_Hop_Dance, http://www.dancedirectory.co.za/content/articles/articles.asp?Section=Freestyle, http://www.hellokpop.com/editorial/kpop-magnetism-what-pulls-in-the-fans-and-why-the-choreography/, https://www.globaldarkness.com/articles/historyofbreakdance.htm, idols, Korea, Kpop, list 1, list 2, Music, perfection, power moves, respect, South Korea, Top, up rock, western influence 1 Comment

A Comeback Countdown

This post is going to start a little different from ones in the past. It has been a while since I have had enough time to compile a post on this site not that there is anyone waiting with baited breath for the research I have done or whatever I have to say next.

Me right now

But, to the few of you all who do manage to stumble your way onto my blog, I  want you all to know that I honestly, do enjoy creating these post. It relaxes me, but it is also time-consuming because I want to make sure that I have made each post the best quality that I could. With that said,  college is a killer. I feel like I barely have time to take care of myself sometimes; however, one of my classes ends early so I am hoping that will give me more time to create posts. It probably still won’t be as often as before, but I only have seven weeks left in the semester until I go home for my off track (the time between semesters). Also, I already had a different post started so maybe there will be another post soon, again not like anyone is dying from anticipation.

 

Now into what really matters, Korean Entertainment. Visitors who have been here before can probably tell that I am quite partial to Kpop but that is mainly because I know more about idols than the actors and actresses from Korea, but if there is news or if something that inspires me then I’ll post on that. Now, I try not to be too bias. When I post about one group it’s because I know that they have been doing significantly well. If another group or idol does extremely well, I’ll do my best to make a note of it and give it the attention that they, he, or she deserves.

With that said, I’ll try to keep this short. Bangtan Sonyeonda scheduled for another comeback this month. On January 11, it was reported that BTS would not only be adding a comeback to their already busy schedule for 2017.With a world tour already on the group’s plate, many ARMYs wondered how and when this comeback would fit into the 2017 calendar. Imagine their surprise as the new teaser images for BTS’  WINGS Extension comeback You Never Walk Alone. The fan theories were already emerging before the group’s official comeback date was even announced. And now, fans have been left with two teaser videos; the air is just buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Call this a late post if you will, but it has now been announced that the official comeback date will be February  13 a mere four months since BTS’ last comeback.

 

Not Today Teaser

 

 

Spring Day Teaser

 

Now, I’ll break my professional tone for a minute and discuss something; I’m American living in one of the later time zones as I’m writing this it’s 10:45 p.m. on February 11 where I am, but currently it’s 2:25 p.m on February 12 in Seoul. For anyone that hates doing the math, Seoul is a whole 16hrs ahead of any town that’s in the Mountain Time Zone here in America. Why did I include this? If anyone out there is among those who like to be there right when their favorite group post, make sure you know the time difference otherwise you’re going to be waiting longer than necessary to see the comeback. It’s easy to forget that everyone across the globe is in a different time zone; it’s not usually something people think about every day.

 

February 12, 2017April 22, 2020 by worldkpopculture Categories: Blog post, UncategorizedTags: Army, BTS, Comeback, culture, entertainment, February 13, first post in a long time, foreign, global, Korea, Kpop, Music, music industry, Not Today, singing, small change, South Korea, Spring Day, teasers, Time Zomes, WINGS, You Never Walk Alone 2 Comments

You Reap What You Sow

Music blaring, adrenaline surging and clothes completely soaking through with sweat; these are some the elements of a zealous passion-filled performance. No matter what kind of performer or genre of music a musician performs, the most important thing is to make a connection with the fans, make them feel important and make any event an experience that fans can’t forget.

In order to accomplish this, it means artist/artists must invest their time, energy and creativity. When these three qualities are equally invested, it creates a recipe for the perfect performance. The problem is performers who follow this recipe are a dying breed.
It is more likely that we will find stories about our favorite artist venturing out to the clubs with his/her latest fling, throwing a party for whatever holiday is closest or being captured in the middle of his/her latest scandal, plastered across the tabloids or sliding across our news feeds. And while our loyalty may belong to our favorite musician/ group, the effort that they’re willing to invest into practice, fan events and performances the stronger our loyalty will remain.

Unlike most Western musicians, the likelihood of finding a slanderous scandal about a Kpop idol is a lot less likely to be found in the latest news. Although scandal in the world of Korean entertainment isn’t impossible and does occasionally happen it is very rare that it makes it to the public. Kpop idols may occasionally be seen at clubs, but the chances of anyone finding them in a club under improper or disreputable circumstances are about as likely as seeing a real-life unicorn trotting across your bedroom in the next five minutes. They are called Idols for a reason.

Idols are expected to have the most respectable and professional behavior while in public while working and while speaking to fans; in fact, often times cameras may capture members of a group reminding each other not to curse because they care being recorded live. The companies that sign these idols expect not only for them to maintain spotless reputations, they expect strong vocals, flawless choreography, and well-rounded entertainment skills. That is what sets Kpop idols apart from Western musician.

*Kpop copyright composer, songwriter, and arranger master-list*

 

 

For Sister Whitlock: what-I’ve-learned-about-blogging

December 10, 2016August 14, 2017 by worldkpopculture Categories: Blog post, UncategorizedTags: behavior, companies, contracts, culture, dancing, difference, entertainment, expectations, foreign, global, idols, Korea, Kpop, Languages, Music, music industry, musicians, perfection, Records, reflection, respect, scandal, schedules, singing, skills, South Korea, training, You Reap What You Sow Leave a comment

A Rasputin in South Korea’s Blue House

South Korea has been plunged into a political scandal that has engulfed the presidency of Park Geun-hye and led millions of protesters to take to the streets in the one of the largest demonstration since the Great Workers’ Struggle in 1987.

The drama surrounds Choi Soon-sil, Park’s friend, and informal adviser. Though she never held an official position, Choi was given access to secret government documents and allowed to intervene in state affairs. Following the accusations, Prosecutors issued an arrest warrant on charges of abuse of power and attempted fraud. Choi has also been accused by local media and opposition parties of abusing her relationship with the president to force companies to pay $8billion won ($70 million US dollars)to foundations Choi runs.

A family of Rasputin’s

“The family has had an extraordinary influence over Park Geun-hye for essentially her entire adult life. It’s much more than simply, ‘oh she knows this person,’ it’s deeply intertwined, almost like they’re Rasputin and Park Geun-hye is just a puppet,”David Kang, a Korea expert at the University of Southern California, told CNN.

Park’s controversial relationship with Choi and her family started following the death of Park’s mother at the hands of a North Korean assassin in 1974 while Park’s father was president. Then Choi’s father, Mr. Choi,  “approached Ms. Park by telling her that her mother had appeared in his dreams, asking him to help her.”

After Park’s father was assassinated in 1979 by the then director of the Korean CIA, his killer cited that one of the reasons he killed Mr. Park was what he called, “the president’s failure to stop Mr. Choi’s corrupt activities and keep him away from his daughter.”  Even members of Park’s family expressed concern. Her younger sister Guen-ryong and brother Ji-man filed a petition in 1990 to then-president Roh Tae-woo expressing concerns that Choi was manipulating Park.

Calling for resignation or impeachment

Professor of political science at Duksung Women’s University, Cho Jin-man said, “President Park is apparently seeking ways to remain in office as long as possible. However, at this point, there is no choice but to step down. Unless she heeds public sentiment, it will be inevitable that she will face a confrontation with the people. But she will not be able to win them over.”

(video: ALJAZEERA, anti-Park protests)

With Park refusing to resign, the Assembly, including members of her own party, are beginning to call for her impeachment. Rep. Park Jie-won hinted at impeaching the head of state saying, “The three opposition parties will hold a leaders’ meeting to discuss ways to oust President Park.”  Park Wan-joo, the DPK’s deputy floor leader, also said, “Unless she announces her resignation, there are only two options — impeachment or a campaign to force her out.”

It might be too late for Sorry

In a televised apology, Park said Choi looked at “some documents” for a certain period of time after Park took office, but didn’t specify what they were. “I am shocked and my heart is breaking for causing public concern,” Park said.

 However, this didn’t seem to stop her approval rating from dropping to meager 5% and
a non-existent nil% (zero) among younger demographic. On November 12th, around 1million people rallied for hours in the countries capital, Seoul, to demand Park’s resignation. The people filled the Gwang Hwa Mun Square with lit up candles in a peaceful protest chanting for  Park’s resignation.

November 18, 2016September 12, 2017 by worldkpopculture Categories: Blog post, polictics, South Korea, UncategorizedTags: ." It might be too late for Sorry, 5% approval, A family of Rasputin's, A Rasputin in South Korea's Blue House, abusing power, accusations, ALJAZEERA, assasination, attempted fraud, Blue House, Calling for resignation or impeachment, Change, Choi Soon-sil, CNN, Cult, culture, dropping approval rating, foreign, Great Worker's struggle, http://cyberspaceandtime.com/, impending impeachment, informal adviser, intervene in state affairs, It's much more than simply, 'oh she knows this person,' it's deeply intertwined, almost like they're Rasputin and Park Geun-hye is just a puppet,, libcom.org, mass protests, Music, Park Geun-hye, peaceful protests, politics, president, public outcry, public outrage, puppets, Rasputin, scandal, secret government documents, South Korea, www.koreatimes.co.kr, www.nytimes.com Leave a comment

Maybe Not Organic but Definitely Real: Part 1

Perhaps K-pop idols singing well is not enough for some people to overlook the fact that he/she cannot understand them, or maybe can’t stand, as some have put it the quote, “cheesy pop style of music” (granted Kpop isn’t the typical style of pop it’s much closer to hip-hop, but the fandoms will forgive) every person has their own musical preferences. However, one thing that cannot be said about these Kpop groups is that they are not hard-working.

Unlike artist from the U.S or western Europe, who can go into recording studios to audition, be discovered on social media or win the hearts of a nation on national television, the process of getting into the music industry in South Korea is much different and arguably more difficult. The Korean entertainment industry requires near perfection and only the most talented and most attractive people will succeed in the industry. There is a lot of information to cover, so in this post let’s just cover the leading companies in South Korea and the first step to becoming a Kpop idol.

The first step in becoming a Kpop idol is to join a company and become a trainee. Companies are the equivalent of record labels or entertainment companies, but it is important to mention that in South Korea the most successful companies will never just be recording labels; they will be talent agencies, publishing houses, fashion companies, film production companies, and any number of other things. In South Korea, there are five major companies that a person trying to become an idol, actor/actress, model or anything in the entertainment world will want to join.

1. SM Entertainment
2. YG Entertainment
3. JYP Entertainment
4. FNC Entertainment
5. Starship Entertainment

Link to more about each company

An idol-hopeful can join a company usually one of three ways,

• Auditions (talent). companies will hold auditions every year (sometimes maybe more than once) all over the world because the larger companies will have offices set up in China, Thailand, America, the Philippines, and all major countries that CEO’s think there could be talent. Thus several people from all around Asia show up and have to compete with talent from across the globe if there isn’t something that stands out about a person auditioning the chances of passing auditions is basically a zero. An audition is the most probable chance a person has but even then it’s slim to none.

• Street Casting (looks). This system is a little unfair because it doesn’t rely on a person’s talent. In order to get street casted, a person has to be beyond good-looking (have the star look) because only the most beautiful/handsome get chosen.  This is also how a lot of trainees and Idols from countries outside of Korea (like America, China, Thailand, and even Canada) are selected. After being chosen for his/her looks, the company will have a person audition to see if they possess any real talent. As crazy as it sounds the entertainment companies in south Korea still street cast, and they can get away with it because there is a position in every Kpop group called the “visual” whose job to draw and bring in attention with their good looks.

• Winning a Sponsored Contest (talent/luck). Sometimes companies will sponsor or put on their own singing contest and the prize might be a contract with the sponsoring company. This one is probably not recommended because idols who get signed this way usually aren’t treated the best. In 2008, EXO’s Xiumin (Kim Minseok) won 2nd place on SM’s Everysing Contest and won a contract with SM entertainment, but it’s been said in a video, that has since been taken down that, that he receives fewer lines in each song, placed in the back for choreography (even though he has been praised for picking up the dances quickly), and less screen time in music videos than any other member (It can be seen by just watching a few of EXO’s music videos).

 

 Link to Maybe, not Organic but definitely Real: Part 2

October 15, 2016August 14, 2017 by worldkpopculture Categories: Blog post, Kpop, South Korea, The Big Five, UncategorizedTags: Auditions, companies, culture, dancing, entertainment, Everysing, EXO, FNC, foreign idols, good looks, Hardwork, JYP, Kim Minseok, Korea, Kpop, lanuage barriers, Maybe not Organic but definitley Real: part one., Music, music industry, perfection, pure luck, singing, SM, South Korea, sponsored contests, Starship, street casting, training, video links, Xiumin, YG 1 Comment