Neko Atsume: Where Cat Lovers Unite

Cute and quirky games are just one of the reasons people love Japan. Their latest game import by Hitpoint, Neko Atsume, available on iTunes and Google Play, recently became an obsession for many even though it was released October 20, 2014. In 2015 and 2016, Facebook groups, Reddit, and Twitter feeds dedicated to the adorably addictive game emerged, and the app became one of the top-rated games by GameSpot despite the game’s simplicity.

The creator, Yutaka Takasaki, even admitted he doesn’t understand the game’s popularity, but that he created it with children in mind so they could operate the game without a lot of “investment and time” (CNN Japan, 2015). Whatever the intentions, it turned into a winning formula that yielded over 10 million downloads as of December 2015.

For fans of the popular 1990s toys Tomogotchi or Gigapets, Neko Atsume would be right up your alley. The kittens need fed, and they need toys in order to be coaxed into your yard, so this is similar to how both of the aforementioned work: You need to care for the cats. Unlike the aforementioned games, you don’t have to clean up messes and the cats don’t die. The game doesn’t end.

Neko Atsume’s objective is simple: Buy toys and food, set it out, attract cats. The more toys you put out, the more kittens you collect. Users purchase toys with gold and silver niboshi, which can be purchased as an in-app purchase (.99- $3.99 USD), or the kittens give them to you after they interact with the toys. The latter makes the game child-friendly because real money doesn’t have to be involved.

What’s nice about Neko Atsume is how it doesn’t require a lot of thought or time. For a minute or two periodically throughout the day, all you have to do is open the app, check in, then go about your day. One thing to keep in mind is the more you take care of your cats, the more they stop by and the higher chance you have of getting gifts early on from them.

In all, there are 49 cats users can lure to their yard, with some of those cats being rare. Different objects lure different cats, so it takes some playing around to figure out which toys and food attract what. For example, the cat metropolis will attract elusive cats like Peaches and Bob the Cat, but other rare cats may stay away from it. This is part of the fun!

While the cats visit, make sure to capture images of them, especially the rare cats. Each kitty has a “catbook” that needs filled, adding another layer of cute. Each Catbook can store 18 images, while the free album holds 72 photos.

As you continue to gain more cats in your yard, you’ll have options to upgrade your garden or expand in order to house more cats.

While Neko Atsume is fun for all ages, young kids and some older audiences may enjoy it the most because of it’s simple-to-use platform. Users don’t have to learn a lot of complex methods to complete the game. Neko Atsume is just a cute, time-waster that has a lot of charm.

Now, if we can just get a Nintendo 3DS version that involves playing with the cats, building a kitty city, and unlocking more cats and toys…

Neko Atsume is available for free on the iTunes app store and Google Play.

—-Joelle Halon

 

 

2015 gifted the K-Pop world with well over 100 group debuts. Of course, it’s safe to assume many of these groups will fade into obscurity if their names aren’t GFriend, OMG, iKON, Day6, or Seventeen among others. However, there were some under-promoted gems that also debuted this year that need attention. Here are a handful of the best rookie debuts you may have missed!

A-Daily | “If You Don’t Tell Me” (January), “Spotlight” (October) | DK Entertainment

Even though they’ve already had member changes between “If You Don’t Tell Me” and “Spotlight,” A-Daily are a strong group with impressive vocals. Despite their rookie status, they don’t look and sound like rookies at all, giving them an advantage over other 2015 freshman. Their MV for “If You Don’t Tell Me” features similar styling to Chi-Chi’s “Longer,” so it harkens back to a group many international fans miss. “Spotlight” demands attention, and it does a great job pleasing the ears while grasping to the hope of earning fans.

ATT | “Temptation” (October) | Broad Entertainment

ZZBest debuted earlier in 2015 with “Temptation,” but the song was all wrong for them given their youthful sound and appearance. The now-disbanded ZZBest’s company sold the rights to “Temptation” to Broad Entertainment, and the song landed with a group with the vocal capabilities to make it work. The styling and sound fit ATT well. Their huskier vocals assist the song in sounding mysterious, sexy, and tempting. What worked here is that ATT looked more classy with the sexy concept than some of the groups that debuted before them. If this is a concept they stick with and the vocal line doesn’t change, then there’s a winning combination.

Awe5ome Baby | “Why Should I?” (July) | TN Entertainment

This five-member group, visually, may remind fans of f(x), especially the beatboxing leader, Jun, who looks similar to Amber. Then there’s Da Hee who looks vaguely reminiscent to ex-KARA member, Goo Hara. Even though they look like other groups, Awe5ome Baby definitely stands out with impressive vocals layered over beatboxing and glorious harmonies. Awe5ome Baby have a smooth aura that make them a top-notch group.

Dawg’loo | “Oh” (January) | Dawg’loo Music

A mature group with mature, smooth, sexy vocals, Dawg’loo is a group for those on the more mature end of the K-Pop fandom. Fans of 1990s Western groups like Boyz II Men and All 4 One will love Dawg’loo because of the sound and makeup of the group. The beauty and sensual nature of “Oh” is a perfect introduction to their music and will leave you begging for more.

Hexe | “Maybe Baby” (April) “I Might Be Crazy” (October) | tv 포액터스

Hexe feel like a sister group to Apink or Lovelyz with their cute vocals. In “Maybe Baby,” their cuteness shines, while “I Might Be Crazy” takes on an R&B vibe, showing some versatility. Each of their releases were quiet and didn’t earn a lot of YouTube vibes. Hopefully this sweet group will find their fans.

I.C.E | “Over U” (November) | HS Entertainment

What’s pleasing about I.C.E is how they sound like a throwback to 2009. “Over U” may be a weaker song compared to others in today’s market, but for those who remember past K-Pop hits, the song is right up their alley. The MV is low-budget and nothing impressive to look at, but it does a great job introducing the girls (literally) and highlighting their vocals. With more songs like this and stronger, I.C.E could gain steam if given a chance.

Rebro | “I Do, I Do” | C2K Entertainment

Rebro initially debuted as a five-member group. Now as a trio, they found themselves a nice niche. Their Encourage album shows a range of their abilities, but “I Do, I Do,” the lead single, has plenty of layers to it. From rich low notes and captivating high notes, Rebro has an ability to cover different genres from Rock to R&B well if given the chance to do so. Like with Dawg’loo, Rebro are made up of 30-somethings, so they’re great for older audiences.

The Starz | “I Like You” (November) | SHIN Entertainment

The Starz are a cute concept group that exude joy with their cheery performance. While their debut MV has a sad quality to it, their cute personalities still shine. “I Like You” is good debut song that helps show off their personalities and positive attitude, and that is something to pay attention to moving forward.

TWEETY | “Mr” & “Hug Me” (May); “Casual Boy” (December) | Danal Entertainment

TWEETY spent 2015 promoting via street performances, so there are plenty of fancams available on YouTube. Their singles, however, are hard to track down unless you purchase MP3s on Bugs. TWEETY had a few member changes too, but vocals remain strong and consistent. While they appear awkward during performances, they do have an effortless, subtle sexiness to them. “Hug Me” is the strongest of the three songs and has a unique sound. While they’re not the most refined, there’s something about them that makes them an interesting group.

 

What were some of your favorite underdogs this year? Share in the comments below!

—-Joelle Halon

 

 

 

 

 

5. Ducky

One of the first successful International B-Boys from Korea. He was a former member of the dance crew, Expressions, and won the international Battle of the Year in 2002. In 2003, he earned the second spot of that same competition. Now, he has become the leader of Drifterz crew, where he stayed as an active member. With Drifterz, he won a lot of international titles. The last battle they won was the 2013 Red Bull BC One World Final, South Korea.

4. WING

Heon Woo Kim aka Wing, saw b-boying, for the first time, in his junior high school and on korean TV as well. He was just 12 years old when he started break dancing with his older brother, Skim, his biggest influence in the world. Wing used to watch Skim practice and tried to learn every step his brother made. Together, they won the 2008 Circle Kingz battle, in Switzerland, and the 2008 RED BULL BC ONE, in Paris. Now, they are both in the same crew, Jinjo Crew, which they consider their second family. Jinjo Crew signed a contract with LG Mobiles so they could perform around the world. Wing is a complexed b-boy dancer, he likes to create patterns of movements with a lot of details and even incorporates difficult choreographies and their flow to his dance moves, while featuring elements from B-Boying, such as footwork. The name WING comes from his mentors, it was inspired by the lightness of his hardcore moves. Even though Wing is a very well known B-Boy, he has concerns about B-Boying in Korea, he sees it as a hardworking job, where you have to work every single day to make it perfect. His goal is proving to adults and elders that B-Boying isn’t a bad thing. He wants to be a proper rolemodel because he believes that his message of mutual love and respect for each other would be well given. Wing also won, as a solo, RED BULL BC ONE Championship.

3. Physicx

Physicx or HyoKeun Kim is considered one of the best b-boys in the whole world. He is a member of Rivers Crew, one of the best Korean crews, and a former member of Project Soul. He found a passion for b-boying in 1998, after looking up to other legend b-boys. Even though his parents disapproved b-boying, he never stopped trying to make his dream come true. After his graduation, he moved to Seoul, South Korea, to pursue his dream to become a professional b-boy. He became viral after winning the UK B-Boy Championship, as a solo, in 2004. He even started judging at some competitions after becoming famous and winning many awards. His signature moves include: Elbow spin, Spinning flag/’60s, Flag 2000/River’s 2000, Air Walk/Kicks, Airflare 1.5/Air windmills into Darkhammers, Waistbreakers, Unkeyed handhops into Hollowback swing, Gainer into Icy-ice, Hanging Airbaby, among others.

AWARDS:
R-16 Korea
Bboy Unit Korea (2011)
UK B-Boy Championship (2002, 2004, 2005) [with Rivers Crew]
UK B-Boy Championship (2004)
Red Bull BC One (2005)

2. Hong10

His nickname is a pun of his own real name, Hong-Yeol, as the second syllable is pronounced as 10, in Korean. In 2002, he became famous after his dance crew, Jinjo Crew, won two of the biggest dance competitions in the world: Battle of the Year International and the UK B-Boy Championships. In 2006, he started competing as a solo b-boy, won some awards and even was a judge in some competitions as well. His signature moves are: spinning airchair, switching halos, handcuff mills to headspin drills, chair flares, and his signature freeze “the Hong 10 Freeze”.

AWARDS:
Red Bull BC One (2006, 2013)
Battle of the Year (2002, 2010)
UK B-Boy Championships (2002, 2004, 2005)
R-16 Korea (2011)
Freestyle Session (2015)
Silverback Open Championship (2015)

1. Born

Hyun Yoo aka BORN is a member of Rivers Crew, a famous Korean B-Boy crew and participated in the 2005 RED BULL BC ONE, in Berlin, Germany. He has been b-boying for twelve years. The first time he witnessed B-Boying was in 1998, when the kids from his neighbourhood were break dancing on the street. He was blown away by their crazy and powerful moves, since then he knew he wanted to become a B-Boy. Due to his great dance skills, someone started calling him ‘’Natural Born Dancer’’. When he joined Rivers Crew, he changed it to ‘’Newborn’’ however, as he got better and developed his own style, he finally ended up being officially called BORN. His biggest inspirations are: his family, YuKu, Rivers, MZK, Floorgangz, and especially, B-Boy Goguma.

AWARDS:
– 2007, 1st place
Korea R-16 World Finals (Crew)
– 2008, 1st place
Evolution Korea (Crew)
– 2009, 1st place
Hawaii Freestyle Session (Crew)
Evolution Korea (Crew)
Urban Konnection, Reuinon Island (2 on 2)
2010, 1st place
OutBreak, Korea (Crew)

 

Mokbang is an abbreviation of Muk (from Mok-Dah, which means, ”to eat”) and Bang (from ”Bang-Song”, which means, TV broadcast). If you add Bang to Mok, you get Mokbang, which literally means, eating broadcast. It’s as simple as that, celebrities that show themselves eating large amounts of food, on-screen, for an hour or more. Not only celebrities but regular people started doing it, on Youtube, becoming stars themselves. The start of this trend is unknown but it’s noticiable that the korean pop culture has a big influence on it. The speculation is that Mokbang started to become famous after reality TV became big in Korea. Reality TV shows sometimes broadcasted people eating and the viewers thought some celebrities looked cute or funny while eating. That became entertainment and started to sell.

It started to sell simply because Korean viewers felt very entertained by Mokbang and sent money to these performers. An example of a famous Mokbang performer is Park Seo-yeon, a beautiful lady who quit her day job after her online success. Monthly, she earned an average of $9,400, broadcasting for three hours a day. In 2014, it was reported that around 3,500 people live-streamed themselves eating (many used AfreecaTV, others Youtube). This phenomenon went global when the Youtube duo, The Fine Brothers, from the US, uploaded a video of Westerners reacting to Mokbang. Many explain that Mokbang is very popular due to the fact that South Korea has a big percentage of families with only one child. So it’s usual for them, when they get older, to live alone. When they watch the live-streams, they feel like they’re not alone anymore. So it’s like a mutual company. Many families also get together to watch Mokbang performers to give them some company.

Another Mokbang well known star is Benzz, who live-streams his eating time to be with his ‘’dinner mates’’. It’s a companionship, after all. He got into Mokbang when he went to college. He wanted to improve his presentation skills, so he started filming himself doing what he likes: eating. His audience is anywhere between 3,000 to 10,000. They feel connected with Benzz and even leave messages while seeing him eat. Comments go from ‘’that looks delicious!’’ or ‘’I envy you!’’. Benzz always communicates with his audience as well, introducing what food he’s going to eat. A lot of Mokbang stars are exaggerated, they eat in a fast pace, gobbling down all of the food. However, Benzz is known for his relaxed and calm eating. He eats at a normal pace with no funny gestures whatsover. Some Mokbang stars move a lot and do a lot of gestures, just for the sake of comedy. Benzz keeps his natural behaviour because he wants his viewers to feel natural too. He wants them to feel like they are really eating with a friend. But doesn’t Benzz have real friends? Well, people in Korea are always busy, they work until late at night. Benzz only sleeps three to four hours every night, after spending the day eating, exercising and attending classes.

The audience of Mokbang is hungry for something real, it’s their desire. At least that’s what the professor of East Asian studies, Kyung Kim, from University of California, Irvine, says. He states that “eating is something one activity that is strongly identified as being natural, and spontaneous”. So, when people watch Mukbang, they feel confortable seeing something natural happening. Westeners may think it’s strange to watch people eating a lot of food. However, Koreans find it very entertaining and interesting!

Only one question is left: how is it that most of these Mokbang hosts stay so slim and fit? Well, according to Gabie Kook, food vlogging star and finalist in MasterChef Korea, “the secret is to eat once, and not eat the next day or eat really little. Some exercise as much as they have eaten”.

What do you think about the new Mokbang craze?

Yujin Chang is a Korean artist who is beginning to flourish as one of the most innovative and inspirational young craft artists in South Korea.

Chang is a recent graduate from Hongik University, which is one of the most prestigious schools for art in Korea; she completed her master’s degree in Textile Art.

She has been known for winning art awards in Korea and Japan during the past several years, as well as participating in numerous team exhibitions and private exhibitions successfully each year.

She emanates her love for art by producing work influenced by Korean traditions as well as creating up-to-date and modern hand-crafted ornaments, accessories and tools vital for everyday use.  

We interviewed Yujin Chang to get a glimpse of her art and life as an artist and we’d like to express our gratitude for the precious time she has offered for this interview; we are aware of how busy she is working on new projects. We wish Ms. Chang all the best in the future.

 

 

 

Thank you very much for taking the time out for a KCRUSH interview. Have you always wanted to be an artist? Tell us what made you want to start your career path in art please.

At school, I had a teacher who was always fond of me since I was very young.

One time, I happened to see a ring my teacher was wearing on her fourth finger; it didn’t look like a typical ring you see normally but it was hand-crafted. My teacher then told me her husband had hand-made the wedding ring especially for her. At that moment, I felt a strong respect for the act of producing something for others and that left a massive impact on me.

From then onwards, I began wanting to produce hand-crafted art that eventually got me to take the path of becoming a craft artist.

 

What kind of work is required for a craft artist?

I don’t think the process of the work is something that can be easily defined into words exactly. Art for me is about producing tools that are useful in our daily lives and to express them in the most beautiful way possible.

Anything related to the concept of designing could be defined as recreating not merely from traditional resources, but by connecting the work with digital science, humanities, industrial art and all different areas altogether to create a new kind of art. This would mean that a craft artist is a person who creates original art combined with different types of fields.

 

Please introduce us to the work you’ve produced that you feel particularly attached to.

I’ve currently worked on two different types of work; the first is a display of traditional Korean flowered shoes using the method of bleaching.

The second is a 3D work involving crystals. I have a liking for creating prunus vases and decanters when it comes to using crystals.

The pale white porcelain, prunus vases and decanters give out a traditional Korean sentiment. Back in the day, they were considered attractive without having to show off many intricate decorations.

The work involved attaching the crystals onto the monofilament to reform as one sculpture. When you look at just one side of the crystals, they’d seem hard, sharp and delicately cut in form but when you take a closer look, so many of those stones are set in order to show a voluminous cubic effect of the work.

I wanted to show that the aligned crystals in a beautiful curved form is delivering the message that they are kind of equivalent to the society we live in, since we are living in a society where we should depend and help one another, rather than being isolated and alone.

 

A shot from Chang’s recent exhibition

 

In what kind of environment do you usually do your art?

Most of the work I do is done at my house; I don’t have a special environment created exclusively for the work process. But the place has to be extra clean for me when I’m undertaking tasks of handling crystals and bleaching. I don’t have a separate workshop since I prefer to work at my home.

 

Would you like to tell us about your most recent art exhibition?

The word pronounced in Korean as Yeoja (Hangul: 여자 and in Oriental characters: 麗姿) indicates a tender and pretty poise, the homophone to the word is more widely used which also means ‘Woman’ so the topic of the most recent exhibition covered both of the two meanings.

Because the standard of beauty has changed completely from what it used to be in the past, before the modern technology of aesthetics and plastic surgery came onto the scene. This made me think about how the Korean women expressed themselves in the past, during the generation when they had less fabricated ways to show their beauty than today. I assumed the most basic traditional ornamental accessories would include various kinds of colourful Hanbok and binyeo – which is a traditional Korean hair pin, rings and the various.

The reason I decided to work on the flowered shoes (꽃신) was intended to express the beauty of the shoes when they barely show under the long skirts of the Hanbok when the wearer walks by. I wanted to express the beauty and emotions of a woman through the fabric, color and the way the shoes are placed.

 

 

The black shoes with red linings represent a desolate woman who is waiting for her man she misses deeply in sorrow, and the pair of shows in pink and green belongs to an owner who is a lovely and high-spirited female.

But I should expect that the viewers’ point would depend on how they are feeling at the time they’re looking at the pieces.

 

 

You’ve produced a lot of art that has a traditional Korean influence, how do you think Korean traditional art is evolving compared to the art work from other Asian countries?  

I feel as though the overall traditional Korean art is somewhat underrated compared to the work of art from other Asian countries.

The current situation is that there have been a large increase of recreations of traditional art but the overall art still needs a lot of improvement in terms of the financial and cultural aspects.

 

If you were to express your art work in a few words, how would you like to state it?

I would like to express my work as “Shining art of Korea.”

 

What do you like to do for leisure and in your free time?

The hobbies I had for leisure used to be sports, working out or going on trips but the most recent hobby I got myself into is making new fragrances.

Having read the novel Perfume by Patrick Suskind a while ago, I have always wanted to create my own perfume.

These days, people can easily find the necessary ingredients to produce their own perfumes, diffusers, candles and such – I regard making my own perfume a very good way to spend free time.

Because I am used to spending time on art projects, I also wanted to own a one of a kind perfume that I created, which is unique to any other fragrances that currently exist.

 

What is the most positive aspect you should have to become a good artist?

You need to have a solid determination and patience to be able to work on tasks for a long period; also need the right kind of emotion and personality to communicate with other people effectively.

 

Thank you very much for a great interview. May we ask what your plans and wishes are for the future?

I would like to be an artist that creates art that I can share with other people, by communicating with them, instead of regarding the process of work is done alone. Because art really is a big part of cultural living generally, I’d like to be a part of that in a healthy and positive way.

 

—-J. Chung

Cosmic Girls/WJSN (Korean: 우주소녀, Chinese: 宇宙少女) is the first binational girlgroup, which means they will be managed under two agencies: the Korean company, Starship Entertainment (Sistar, Monsta X, K.Will, among others), and the Chinese company, Yuehua Entertainment (Hangeng, Zhou Bichang, Zhang Yao, and others). This collaboration represents a symbol of cooperation between these two countries. The name WJSN stands for Wu Ju So Nyeo (Cosmic Girls translated to Korean). The girls are going to debut “early” this year. Some teaser pictures are already out.

Cosmic Girls will have twelve members and they will also be divided in four units: Wonder Unit, Joy Unit, Sweet Unit and Natural Unit. No other information whether they will promote together or separately was given. There are two members already recognized: Exy, the rapper, who participated in the second season of the Korean reality-show, Unpretty Rapstar, while she was still a trainee; Dayoung, one of the main vocalists, who auditioned, in 2011, at SBS’s audition program, K-Pop Star.

This wasn’t the first time that Yuehua Entertainment partnered with Starship or with other companies. They have partnered with Starship Entertainment before, to debut the Chinese-Korean boygroup, UNIQ, and with Pledis Entertainment to promote K-Pop groups, like After School and NU’EST, in China.

The Members:
Xuan Yi (dancer/vocalist, Joy Unit);
EXY (leader/main rapper, Sweet Unit);
Seol A (main vocalist, Sweet Unit);
Bona (vocalist/visual, Wonder Unit);
Luda (main vocalist, Natural Unit);
Eunseo (vocalist, Joy Unit);
Cheng Xiao (dancer, Wonder Unit);
Yeoreum (vocalist, Joy Unit);
Soobin (main vocalist, Sweet Unit);
Dawon (main vocalist, Natural Unit);
Mei Qi (main vocalist/dancer, Natural Unit);
Dayoung (main vocalist/maknae, Wonder Unit).

Here are their nationalities:
Korean – EXY; Seol A; Bona; Luda; Eunseo; Yeoreum; Soobin; Dawon; Dayoung
Chinese – Cheng Xiao; Mei Qi

 

Great news for Day6 US fans!

The 6-member rock group will be holding 3 fan meetings in America this April, organized by Jazzy Group.

Day6 debuted September 7^th, 2015 under JYP Entertainment. Their first release, a mini album called The Day, was well received peaking at number 2 on the Billboard World Music chart. Their single “Congratulations” sold over 38,000 times.

Day6 began their first solo concerts November 20^th and 21^st, less than 3 months after their debut, selling out the venue where they took place. Since then the group has traveled to Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

Dates and ticketing information has been released as following:

Date: 13th April 2016
Time: 8pm
Venue: Club Nokia, Los Angeles

Date: 15th April 2016
Time: 8pm
Venue: The Warfield, San Francisco

Date: 17th April 2016
Time: 7 pm
Venue: House of Blue, Orlando

Ticket Prices:

VVIP: 200USD (group photograph included)
VIP: 180USD (hi-touch included)
ZONE A: 130USD
ZONE B: 80USD

Tickets go on sale January 16^th at 10 A.M. local time for Jazzy Group cardholders and January 17^th for public ticket purchases. Check out Jazzy Group’s official Facebook page for more information!

It seems North American EXO-Ls wishes are finally being granted: EXO will be embarking on a 5 date tour, visting Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Vancouver and New York.

EXO has been on their ‘The EXO’luxion’ tour series since January of last year, visiting China, Taiwan, Thailand and Japan.

The dates and venues are as follows:

February 10^th: Dallas (Verizon Theater)
February 12^th: Vancouver (Thunderbird Arena)
February 14^th : Los Angeles (Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena)
February 19th: Chicago (Rosemont Theater)
February 21^st : New York (Prudential Center)

Unfortunately, it was also announced that LAY would not be attending these dates due to scheduling conflicts. The remaining 8 members will be attending all these dates so far as planned.

EXO are also scheduled for concerts in China and Philippines in March.

MyMusicTaste, the event organizer, has announced that ticketing information will be released very soon. For more updates, check out MyMusicTaste’s official Facebook page.

2015 was a strong year with many considering it one of the best since 2009. There were many great songs this year, so it was hard to narrow down this list to just 50 songs. Some may be surprising additions, but with any list, it comes down to opinion. Our top 50 may be different from your top 50, and that’s okay! Let’s take a look at we have as the best of 2015!

50. Ladies’ Code “I Smile Even Though It Hurts” | September 7, 2015

The remaining members of Ladies’ Code released “I Smile Even Though It Hurts” in tribute to EunB and RiSe. Every note has sadness laced in them. It’s difficult hearing the song knowing two voices are forever silenced. It’s beautifully written and performed despite the reason for the song to exist.

49. Berry Good “My First Love” | September 23, 2015

Another song with a tragic backstory, “My First Love” is imperfect but beautifully performed. Berry Good make up for where they lack with impeccable emotions and delivery, helping “My First Love” to quietly become an underrated tune.

48. U-Know “Champagne” | July 20, 2015

Released prior to his military enlistment, “Champagne” shows TVXQ’s U-Know’s fun side. The chorus is a misheard-lyric-landmine, however; so for unrefined ears, there’s sophomoric humor. It’s a catchy song that some may have missed.

47. iKON “Rhythm Ta” | October 1, 2015

“Rhythm Ta” is one of those songs that easily gets stuck in the listener’s head. The deeper vocals help add strong dynamics. iKON need to work on their nasally vocals because they’re not for every listener despite how well-designed a song may be.

46. Girl’s Day “Ring My Bell” | July 7, 2015

Girl’s Day have their fair share of lovers and haters. That’s the case with this song as well. While it’s not their strongest song, it provided a different look at them as they continue to shed their innocence and head into sexier tracks. They still maintain their fun-factor as they continue to blossom.

45. Royal Pirates “Run Away” | December 1, 2015

Royal Pirates have a small but loyal fan base that always rallies behind them through thick and thin. Royal Pirates haven’t had an easy road toward “making it” in the industry. Recently, James got injured, so he currently can’t play the bass, but it hasn’t stopped him or Royal Pirates. “Run Away” is one of their strongest, if not the strongest, comeback. On-point vocals and instrumentals draw the listener into the song over and over again. Live performances are even better!

44. Block B Bastarz “Zero for Conduct” | April 14, 2015

Block B and its members have grown a lot since debut. Even when members do solo or subunit activities, they have a distinct sound that is uniquely Block B. “Zero of Conduct” has that hard-hitting, in-your-face quality many love from Block B, but it’s nice hear something not as Zico-focused. It’s clear every member has talent.

43. SNSD “Lion Heart” | August 18, 2015

Many would agree SNSD have lost steam in recent years, but they’re still the top girl group. The loss of steam isn’t because they lack talent, but it’s due to song choices not being as on-point as they were before. However, “Lion Heart” is a great song for them as it highlights vocals well. The retro styling makes “Lion Heart” memorable while reminding fans of why SNSD is a beloved group.

42. Lim Kim “Love Game” | April 27, 2015

Kim’s vocals are among the most recognizable in the industry; her songs always sound refreshing. “Love Game” can be considered repetitive and nonsensical if listened to once due to its sing-songy nature. Kim proves she can take a song and make it work no matter what.

41. VIXX “Chained Up” | November 10, 2015

“Chained Up’s” instrumentals sound like something straight out of Magic Mike, and that’s part of the charm. VIXX’s vocals continue to improve with each song as they continue to manage to walk the line between sexy and dark.

40. CNBLUE “Cinderella” | September 14, 2015

“Cinderella’s” “somebody help me” hook has great execution for a song that isn’t among CNBLUE’s best. Yonghwa and company make the song rock with strong beats and harmonies that make “Cinderella” stand out.

39. Huh Gak “Snow of April” | March 17, 2015

As far as recent ballads go, Huh Gak is one of the best for creating emotional, beautiful songs. With every waver of his voice, he has an ability to make someone pause and listen. Fans consider “Snow of April” a favorite, and it’s easy to see why.

38. Jinusean “Tell Me One More Time” | April 15, 2015

Jinusean made their long-anticipated comeback this year with a song that’s both modern and distinctly 1990s-to-early-2000s. “Tell Me One More Time” is a good indication they haven’t lost their touch. Plus, the song is just as addictive as their previous hits.

37. Click-B “Reborn” | October 21, 2015

Another first generations idol group made their return with the under-promoted “Reborn.” The mature vocals make the song enjoyable easy-listening. It’s a shame it went virtually unnoticed.

36. Shinhwa “Sniper” | February 26, 2015

The whistling portions in “Sniper” verge on iconic. “Sniper” contains Shinhwa’s smoothness and maturity while being unique enough to compete with today’s musical artists. Previous years were better for Shinhwa (think “Venus” and “This Love” eras), but they’re still among the best.

35. Oh My Girl “Closer” | October 8, 2015

OMG had one of the strongest debuts in 2015, but their second single, “Closer,” made them a group worth cheering. “Closer” sports dreamy, ethereal vocals that are haunting and pure. The angelic theming showed OMG’s strengths and made fans excited for what’s to come.

34. EXO “Call Me Baby” | March 28, 2015

EXODUS was a high-quality album that yielded several songs that could have easily been promoted. “Call Me Baby” was the chosen song, and while good, it wasn’t the best representation of EXO’s strengths as it sounds like their previous releases. It is a strong dance track that represents SM Entertainment’s makeup and culture, and EXO-L’s loved it.

33. Rainbow “Black Swan” | February 23, 2015

“Black Swan” divided fans with people either loving it and considering it one of Rainbow’s best, or people hating it so much they gave up on Rainbow altogether. Well, boo to the latter because “Black Swan” is a work of art that plays upon the ballet Swan Lake and the film Black Swan in gorgeous detail. “Black Swan” has strong but simple lyrics, but what stands out is the song’s arrangement.

32. GFriend “Me Gustas Tu” | July 23, 2015

GFriend caught the ire of some K-Pop fans due to many thinking they were clones of APINK and SNSD rolled into one package with the release of “Glass Bead.” Since then, they’ve endeared themselves to fans with hard work, dedication, and catchy, cute, addictive music like “Me Gustas Tu.” The song has plenty of charm and some J-Pop elements, but it’s different enough to help set GFriend apart in their current rookie class.

31. VIXX LR “Beautiful Liar” | August 17, 2015

Ravi and Leo pairing here is nothing short of pure poetry. Ravi’s, at times, harsh rap and Leo’s smooth high notes make “Beautiful Liar” a lyrical portrait of heartbreak.

30. 4Minute “Crazy” | February 9, 2015

“Crazy” had 4Minute revisiting their roots, but with more Western flair. 4Minute went a little more hard-edged to show their growth as a group, which is why “Crazy” was more popular with Western audiences than the Korean audience.

29. EXID “Ah Yeah” | April 13, 2015

Fresh off their surprising run with “Up & Down,” EXID returned with the equally addictive “Ah Yeah.” One of the best aspects of EXID is that each member gets a chance to shine in the song. It seems EXID finally found their path to success.

28. Elsie “I’m Good” | May 1, 2015

T-ara’s Eunjung is quite the vocalist! Her duet with K.Will is equal parts sadness and artistry to show her strength and power. While some people in the Korean market still hate T-ara, in China, “I’m Good” helped solidify Eunjung’s and T-ara’s growth and popularity.

27. Hong Ki “Insensible” | November 18, 2015

For his solo debut, Hong Ki proved he’s a solid storyteller. “Insensible” has a lot of life breathed into it due to Hong Ki’s grasp on emotional content and vocal scale.

26. 9Muses “Hurt Locker” | July 2, 2015

While it didn’t win any music shows, “Hurt Locker” was the surprise sleeper hit of the summer. 9Muses keeps proving they deserve attention for their vocals and music. “Hurt Locker” allowed them to throw down the gauntlet, but will people notice?

25. Junsu “Flower” | March 3, 2015

Junsu has a flair for the dramatic! “Flower” sounds theatrical and epic despite its uber-simplistic lyrics. What makes “Flower” bloom is Tablo’s feature, which helps add depth to a song that is already magnificently arranged and composed.

24. Red Velvet “Ice Cream Cake” | March 18, 2015

At times, “Ice Cream Cake” verges on the creepy side with the monotone la, la, las; other times, it’s a cute dance track that is age-appropriate and bright. While it’s a weird track and oddly arranged, it’s a memorable one.

23. EXO “Love Me Right” | June 3, 2015

“Love Me Right” is the strongest EXO release this year. Its catchy chorus and beat make the song enjoyable and worth a listen.

22. Mamamoo “Um Oh Ah Yeh” | June 19, 2015

2015 was the year Mamamoo emerged as a next generation top-tier contender. “Um Oh Ah Yeh” isn’t that special of a song, but Mamamoo managed to make it work with great vocals and genuine personalities and quirkiness. They know how to have fun, which is why they continue to win over fans.

21. B.A.P “Young, Wild, & Free” | November 16, 2015

After nearly two years, B.A.P are back, and they came prepared with an anthem track. Daehyun’s high notes and Yongguk and Zelo’s recognizable raps top the song nicely, but the song’s real bread and butter are how Jongup, Himchan, and Youngjae add depth.

20. Ailee “Mind Your Own Business” | September 30, 2015

Ailee always has the ability to bring the house down. “Mind Your Own Business” has strength and power in more ways than one. Like “Don’t Touch Me” before it, “Mind Your Own Business” screams female empowerment.

19. FTISLAND “Pray” | March 23, 2015

“Pray” brought the return to FTISLAND’s rock roots. “Pray” is dark and edgy with strong guitar riffs and superb musicality. It’s the FTISLAND many love and an amazing comeback that had soul.

18. TWICE “Like Ooh Ahh” | October 20, 2015

TWICE already have been dubbed a super-rookie due to their reality elimination program. “Like Ooh Ahh” is a bit of a mess, but TWICE have fun with it and surprisingly make it work. It’s quirky with instrumentals that sound like they come from a 1990s-era teen comedy, furthering its charm.

17. SHINee “View” | May 18, 2015

“View” was one of the songs of the summer with its warm tone and easy-going beat. The chorus is an earworm and easy to recall, so it’s fun to sing along to and get absorbed by the music. SHINee are emerging as SM’s most versatile male group, and “View” is one of the reasons why.

16. PSY “Daddy” | December 1, 2015

People worldwide waited for PSY to return. He didn’t disappoint. His humor is still intact in “Daddy,” and it has viral hit written all over it. Sadly, that’s one of the downfalls: Everything PSY does now will be compared to “Gangnam Style.” It would be nice for newer fans to get acquainted with PSY from his pre-Gangnam era. We need another song like “Right Now.”

15. Day6 “Congratulations” | September 7, 2015

Day6 had a solid album and debut song, but non-traditional promotions may have hindered them slightly since they didn’t get music show exposure. Their light rock sound, friendly appeal, and down-to-earth vibe make “Congratulations” a quiet force in the 2015 scene.

14. BTS “Run” | November 30, 2015

The second part to “I Need U” packs a wallop. The lyrics and instrumentals pair nicely while helping to solidify 2015 as BTS’ year despite going up against EXO and BIGBANG.

13. f(x) “4 Walls” | October 27, 2015

Like SHINee, f(x) take risks and do different sounds with their music. Fans worried if they could maintain momentum without Sulli, but it seems they only got stronger in order to help compensate for her loss. The EDM, experimental sound makes “4 Walls” a standout song because of how different it is compared to other releases this year.

12. Wonder Girls “I Feel You” | August 3, 2015

Another long-awaited comeback, the Wonder Girls impressed with their heavily 1980s-influenced tune that makes listeners nostalgic for past music. Lim’s breathy vocals add a layer of sweetness to an otherwise sexy song.

11. GOT7 “If You Do” | September 29, 2015

In 2014, GOT7 had the displeasure of being gifted some weak songs like “Girls, Girls, Girls.” They had fans, but not as many as they could have. Fast forward to 2015, and GOT7 emerge as a legitimate group thanks to “If You Do.” The song is smooth and ripe with great vocal performances. This is the GOT7 we knew could exist!

10. BIGBANG “Bae Bae” | May 1, 2015

Sexy, humorous, and oozing with personality, “Bae Bae” shows that sexual themes don’t have to be all serious! The song is sinful and delectable, so much so a listener can feel the greasiness dripping from the speakers.

9. BTS “Dope” | June 23, 2015

A few people didn’t like that BTS stated they are among the best in “Dope,” but actually earned the right to do so this year. “Dope” is in-your-face and has been used in promotions on American TV. Even advertisers know a “dope” song when they hear it.

8. BIGBANG “Let’s Not Fall in Love” | August 5, 2015

“Let’s Not Fall in Love” doesn’t get as much love as other BIGBANG songs this year, but it should. It’s a glorious song that has pieces of each member’s soul in it. T.O.P sings; G-Dragon tones it down… it’s just soft, raw perfection.

7. Taeyeon “I” | October 7, 2015

While it may be an unpopular opinion, but if Taeyeon ever decided to permanently become a solo artist (gasp!), she would be really successful. Of course, many want her to be an SNSD member until the end of time. “I” is a piece of her heart and beautifully written and performed. It has an Indie quality to it that helps separate Taeyeon the singer from Taeyeon the SNSD performer.

6. Hyukoh “Comes and Goes” | May 28, 2015

Hyukoh put K-Indie on the map this year with “Comes and Goes.” The song found itself on the international stage with Billboard and other Western media singing its praises. Of course, when a song becomes popular, the plagiarism claims start to fly. They were unfounded, so “Comes and Goes” was safe to become a member of K-Pop lore.

5. Turbo “Again” | December 21, 2015

Another 1990s group made an impressive comeback this year. “Again” sounds very 2015 while the group stayed connected to their early-years roots. Turbo definitely proved they can still rock!

4. SHINee “Married to the Music” | August 3, 2015

Wonderfully weird and addictive, “Married to the Music” embraces SHINee’s vocals and individuality. “Married to the Music” is distinctly SHINee with recognizable versus and chorus. The song is joyful and high in fun and may remind listeners of something Michael Jackson and similar artists may have had at some point in their careers.

3. Super Junior D&E “Growing Pains” | March 6, 2015

“Growing Pains” came out early in 2015, but it quietly had staying power. Its memorable chorus, solid lyrics, and heart combine to form a timeless, everlasting song.

2. BIGBANG “Bang, Bang, Bang” | June 1, 2015

“Bang, Bang, Bang” quickly emerged as a party anthem and a companion to “Fantastic Baby.” “Bang, Bang, Bang” has elements fans love from BIGBANG including T.O.P and G-Dragon’s familiar raps and Taeyang’s recognizable vocals, to high replay ability. This is one of the songs that cements BIGBANG as a global group.

1. BTS “I Need U” | April 29, 2015

2015 was BTS’ year, and it all began with “I Need U.” Strong rap, solid vocals, and emotion link together to form this memorable, beautiful track that unleashed BTS’ full potential. “I Need U” was the song they needed to cement their emergence as an up-and-coming top group for their generation. Congratulations!

 

What were your favorite songs for the year? Let us know!

 

2015 has come and gone, so that means it’s time to start looking back on the events, stories, and media that made 2015 worthwhile. To kick off our look back, here are some of our favorite MVs from the year (of course, in no particular order).

Xia Junsu “Flower” | March 2, 2015

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, “Flower” tells the story of Kronos in artistic fashion. The beauty of the MV shows stark contrasts between destruction and luxury complete with references to The Terminator and the Four Horseman as well as the beginning of humanity. Junsu’s ability to tell a story is the most eye-catching element of “Flower,” but it’s a shame it didn’t get enough recognition.

GOT7 “Just Right” | July 12, 2015

For fans who grew up with N*SYNC and their song “It’s Gonna Be Me,” “Just Right” is right up your alley! The GOT7 boys are miniature versions of themselves and telling a young girl she’s perfect as is. “Just Right” is equal parts cute and charming, but it’s full of nostalgia. It doesn’t focus on power and in-your-face action, so it’s subtleties are much appreciated. The MV is just sweet and, well, “Just Right.”

Gain “Paradise Lost” | March 11, 2015

“Paradise Lost” exudes artistry as it paints a tapestry of lustful sin. Interpretive dance and beautiful scenery juxtaposed against light and dark sets help create the contrasts between innocence and embracing sin to tell a story. “Paradise Lost” capitalizes and Gain’s effortless sexiness to generate an interesting video worth watching on repeat to catch all the subtleties you may have missed the first time.

Jihoon Owl’s Project “Fly to Your Dream” | July 2, 2015

Straight from a storybook, “Fly to Your Dream” utilizes animation and whimsy to create an MV that’s different and magical despite some of its bleakness. The animation doesn’t have a lot of movement, but the detail it includes makes it heartwarming and hopeful.

BIGBANG “Bae Bae” | April 30, 2015

As our sister-blog states, “Bae Bae” should be an acronym for BIGBANG’s Acidic Euphoria, Big Arousal Experience. Pretty much everything in “Bae Bae” references sex in a fun, colorful way. It’s like erotic art come to life. There are so many wild references and scenery that “Bae Bae,” although contemporary, has a timeless quality to it.

Red Velvet “Dumb Dumb” |September 8, 2015

Colorful, cheerful, and trippy, “Dumb Dumb” is a visual treat although headache-inducing at times due to scenery shifts and the duplicity effects. “Dumb Dumb” shows off Red Velvet’s youth and maturity factors flawlessly with bright pops of color, storybook charm, and adult takes on life. However, why does SM insist on making Red Velvet verge on the creepy-side with same-y appearances and expressionless faces?

F(x) “4 Walls” | October 26, 2015

While it may be difficult to follow at first, “4 Walls” is an adventure of an MV as Amber, Krystal, Luna, and Victoria seemingly exist on a different plane to experience a Butterfly Effect. In simplified terms, they experience an event as it happens and see the chain reaction it causes, but the event hasn’t happened. They do, however, get an opportunity to fix the occurrence before it happens. Set to muted colors and gorgeous shots of nature, “4 Walls” has an ethereal feel to match it’s mystical, EDM beat.

Wonder Girls “I Feel You” | August 2, 2015

Wonder Girls, while currently a four-member group, made their long-awaited comeback with “I Feel You.” The MV is perfectly 1980s thanks to the stylists and directors, matching the strong synth the song presents. While it’s not the most exciting MV, its nostalgia-factor makes a difference.

SHINee “Married to the Music” |August 2, 2015

Many agree that SHINee is one of the true SM Entertainment gems, and for good reason: They’re not boxed into one concept. When SHINee makes a comeback, it’s almost guaranteed it’s going to be different. “Married to the Music” takes a bizarre turn and is unusually dark for a SHINee MV with beheadings and body parts randomly disappearing. Its dreamlike eeriness set to one of the year’s most addicting tracks makes it a memorable MV.

Lizzy “I’m Not an Easy Girl” | January 22, 2015

“I’m Not an Easy Girl” gets creativity points for the almost seamless additions of Lizzy into the 1961 film Seong Chunhyang. When paired with the movie’s story, the song’s spot-on theme feels oh-so-right. The MV gets credit for (hopefully) introducing new fans to the film, and that cannot be ignored.

Rainbow “Black Swan” | February 22, 2015

The black and white aesthetics and theming from the film Black Swan make Rainbow’s “Black Swan” a beautiful and severely underrated MV. The girls’ acting in the MV is spot-on with subtle facial expressions that express insanity and inner turmoil, while the artistry add more depth and soul to what seems like a simplistic MV on the surface.

Anda “Touch” | June 3, 2015

While unintentional, “Touch” is progressive as it’s LGBTQ-friendly due to its portrayal of seemingly female-female relations. “Touch” has a guerrilla-style quality that adds more authenticity to the MV. The dark scenes, muted colors, redundancies, and dance help enhance an MV that could have been boring, but it has plenty of layers to it.

Mamamoo “Um Oh Ah Yeh” | June 18, 2015

The gender-bending MV for “Um Oh Ah Yeh” has spunk and shows off why Mamamoo is a girl group on the rise with many devoted fans. Mamamoo is not afraid to smash expectations and play it safe like other new female groups. They’re far from boring

VIXX LR “Beautiful Liar” | August 16, 2015

In this dark and lovely MV, Ravi and Leo have more chemistry then many other couple in a K-Pop MV. There are two ways to view this MV with one interpretation focusing on Ravi being Leo’s lie and the other where Leo represents the lie. The passion and electricity that power this MV should be of particular focus because it makes for great storytelling.

TWICE “Like Ooh Ah” | October 19, 2015

Often overdone, the zombie motif still crops up a few times a year in the K-Pop world. For “Like Ooh Ah,” the visuals are campy as he MV plays tribute to teen horror flicks while the TWICE ladies play different character stereotypes. It’s a cute introduction to the group that combines elements from Warm Bodies and many other zombie and teen films to give it 1990s flare with modern touches.

EXID “Ah Yeah” | April 12, 2015

“Ah Yeah’s” appeal is due in part thanks to EXID poking fun at beauty-obsessed culture in a time when censorship strongly runs rampant. The contrasts make “Ah Yeah” a social commentary piece in addition to showing off how multi-faceted and quirky EXID are. We’re happy they’re finally getting attention.

PSY “Daddy” | November 30, 2015

While it’s downright disturbing at times (PSY’s head on a child’s body anyone?), “Daddy” is 100 percent PSY complete with iconic dancing. Even though it still feels like he’s stuck in a loop since “Gangnam Style” took off (we seriously recommend checking out “Right Now” era and anything prior to get a sense of PSY’s layers), “Daddy” is all at once humorous and terrifying.

 

Joelle Halon earned her MFA in English in 2010. While teaching a college humanities course, she woke up one morning realizing she was unhappy. She had a crazy plan: Leave teaching to become a writer. She’s now here at KCrush, so it seems to have all worked out since she writes about what she loves: K-Pop and Korea (although Indiana is far away from Korea).

K-Pop consumed her in the late 1990s, although she’ll tell you Baby V.O.X was the first group she truly loved. B.A.P is her ultimate bias, and she considers Bang Yongguk and Himchan her inspirations to do good. One day, she hopes to thank them for inspiring her. She once got to talk to Nu’est’s Aron and Lunafly’s Sam Carter through their Arirang radio programs, which caused a fan-girl explosion.

In her free time, Joelle loves to draw, write fiction, and engage in other crafty endeavors.

—-Joelle Halon

 

 

Skincare is important. A good skincare regimen and plenty of water can keep your skin glowing, healthy, and youthful for years to come. As we age, sometimes we need to add or eliminate different products to keep skin dewy and fresh. We tried different products over a period of a few weeks to months in order to come up with fair, honest recommendations to share with you. If you’re looking for some new products to add to your skincare regime, here are some suggestions!

Goodal Waterest Lasting Water Oil

For ridiculously soft, glowing skin, the Waterest serum does the trick. This fresh-smelling oil absorbs into skin quickly and does not leave a residue. In fact, skin is left so soft, you may have to resist the urge to touch it!

We found this oil works on a freshly-washed face that’s been rinsed with cool water. Place the serum in the palms of your hand and pat–don’t rub–it into skin. Patting or pressing helps it absorb better.

The serum’s beneficial oils help improve skin’s overall appearance. One ingredient, fermented red rice yeast oil, helps calm skin and supposedly improves elasticity. Licorice root helps ease inflammation. We found that it helps reduce monthly skin issues while reducing overall redness. While this may not be the case for everyone, it does deserve mention.

What we liked about the serum was how the moisturizing effects can be felt for several hours. While the effects don’t last for the full 24-hours as the product promises, we’ll say it’s good for a good 8-12 hours. Furthermore, while it’s a good serum to wear under makeup (makeup literally glides on!), it works best as a nighttime oil because skin looks more refreshed and well-rested come morning.

$26 on Amazon.com.

Skinfood Black Sugar Perfect First Serum

The first thing you may notice about this serum is how it smells like warm sugar cookies with a hint of liquor. The scent helps with soothing qualities of this Skinfood product, making it enjoyable.

One of the things that jump out about the black sugar serum is the ingredients: Black sugar extract, cheongju (a Korean wine) and several fruit extracts like apple and papaya. There is also some salicylic acid which is supposed to aid in redness and pimple reduction, but it’s in a small quantity. While the serum eliminates redness pretty well, breakouts weren’t lessened, especially in the T-zone. So do not look for this product to be a cure-all for all skin issues because it is not that.

This serum has a special application method. If you order from some online retailers, you will receive special pads that are rough on one side and smooth on the other. Apply the serum with the rough side so skin gets exfoliated, then use the smooth side to finish the application. For those who don’t get the pads, you can pat it into the skin like you would the Waterest oil (above).

With both application methods, skin may feel slightly sticky, but layering a moisturizer after application eliminates this feeling.

Skin will feel better after multiple uses, so don’t expect instant results. While it can be used alone, we found its effects are enhanced when paired with a moisturizer or an essence. We recommend Etude House’s Collagen Moistfull live.

$21.51 on kpoptown.com

 

Mizon Collagen 100

Probably one of our favorites we’ve tried, the Mizon Collagen 100 oil delivered some nice results during our trial period.

The oil has an eyedropper lid, which helps with getting the perfect amount every time, even though you can easily get away with using half the amount it measures out. To apply, use the eyedropper to place the oil on your fingertips, the tap or massage the product into your skin while working in an upward motion. Around the eye area, lightly dab the oil using your pinky finger.

Mizon Collagen 100 promises to improve skin elasticity and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Within a month of using the product, skin did appear firmer and fine lines did appear more filled in, so we’re excited to see what further use may do. Of course, results may vary.

The oil is refreshing and lightweight, and feels best when applied after the face is rinsed with cold water. Doing this, we found the oil seems to absorb into skin better, but it could just be our imaginations. However, skin felt softer and suppler for a longer period of time over using warm water.

We recommend the collagen oil specifically for dry winter skin because it does seem more moisturizing. The tester found the usual dry skin issues around the nose, eyes, and cheek area she experiences during the winter seems to be less of an issue. However, we do recommend using this as a night oil on days where it’s predicted to be sunny or during the summer since the ingredients are more concentrated, so it is easy– especially for sensitive skin– to get sunburned if used alone and used right before heading out for the day. If you want to use this during these times, we recommend layering it with an SPF moisturizer.

$13 on Amazon.com

Skinfood Egg White Foam Cleanser and Mask

The egg white foam cleanser replaced the Innisfree volcanic ash cleanser as the tester’s favorite face wash. While it has a weird scent (which almost smells like real egg whites), the cleansing properties are pretty solid, especially when used with a cleansing brush.

The lather with the cleanser is rich and creamy. While cleansing, the foam turns a bright white, and it almost tingles. For the most part, it feels like using a cleansing lotion, which is one of the reasons why it’s recommended. When it’s rinsed off, skin feels soft and tight.

The softness and tightness are enhanced with the mask. Like the instructions indicate, apply the mask onto clean, dry skin and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The mask hardens, but not as much as traditional clay masks, so you will still have use of your face. Once time is up, rinse off with warm water. The mask may leave behind a chalky feeling, but rinse with cold water if this is the case since the cold water tends to get rid of this feeling. The instructions suggest using cold water turns the mask into an astringent, so it’s a win-win.

One recommendation is to NOT smile while wearing it because the whiteness of the mask only enhances the look of stained teeth. It’s not pretty. This is one of the few downfalls. Additionally, if you’re allergic to eggs, this product should be avoided.

$24.20 for the set on Amazon.com

 

—-Joelle Halon

Holiday season 2015 is upon us, and that means it’s time to think about gifts for those who celebrate. If you need a little help looking for gifts for the Japanese culture and pop culture enthusiast, here are some of Kcrush’s suggestions to get you started!

Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX for the Nintendo 3DS

For fans of the famous vocaloid, Project Mirai DX is a fun edition to the Nintendo 3DS lineup. The game is set to Hatsune Miku’s music as players tap their way through in order to match the beats and rhythm. Players can play as different characters and decorate their rooms and outfits. Users can also make their own videos. From beginner to novice, this game is fun for everyone! $29.99, Amazon

 

Tokyo Adorned by Thomas C. Card & Simon Doonan

Japanese street fashion has always been nothing more than mesmerizing. Card looks at different street fashions through his camera lens to given viewers an inside look at the vibrant Japanese fashion scene. Even though photos are somewhat repetitive, it’s a nice coffee table book that will be an interesting conversation starter. $12, Amazon

Sunfelt Doll Kits

For the crafty Otaku, Sunfelt kits come in a variety of simple-to-make, super-cute animals and dolls to keep her busy. From macaroon coin purses to Disney dolls, there are many kits to choose from at an affordable price. Even for children, these are perfect gifts! $9.99, Etsy

 

Tokidoki 10^th Anniversary Barbie Doll

Tokidoki is a Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand filled with cute characters, pop art, and images of Japanese geisha, samurai, and sumo wrestlers. This brand has collaborated with Skull Candy, Hello Kitty, and Fujitsu among others during its ten-year run. The anniversary Barbie is covered in many of Tokidoki’s well-known images which will fascinate any lover of this iconic brand. The doll comes in pink or purple. $45, Amazon; $75, Mattel

Japanese Snack Sample Pack

Most people like snacks, so why not stock up? For under $25, Amazon has a decent selection of different Japanese snack packs ranging from the sweet to the savory to appease any taste. From Pocky to macha green tea Kit Kats to squid chips, you can definitely impress with a variety of treats.

Cosplay House Gift Certificate

Do you have a friend who likes to cosplay? Than a gift certificate for Cosplay House may do the trick! A gift certificate in any amount can be sent to a cosplaying friend or family member so they can purchase outfits, wigs, shoes, or accessories to help make their costumes complete.

Tatcha Indigo Essentials Discovery Kit

For the beauty-minded, give Tatcha’s Indigo Essentials a go. The discovery kit comes with a hand cream, body butter, and a hydrating face cream formulated indigo extract and anti-aging agents. The blue cream absorbs into skin beautifully and shows positive results within a few weeks. It’s the perfect addition to a beauty regime or to get someone started on higher quality products. $39, QVC.com

Tokyo Otaku Mode e-Giftcard

Tokyo Otaku Mode has so many gift options it’s difficult to choose what to gift someone! Adorable plushies; anime, manga, cosplay, and gaming items can be found here. Instead of choosing one item, gift a certificate so the receiver can choose whatever he or she wants (hopefully it’s a llama plushie!).

With the holiday season upon us, what are some gifts you’re hoping for this year? Let us know!

—-Joelle Halon

 

 

On December 2, 2015, Hong Kong hosted the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMAs) for the third year in a row. This year, the show was held at the AsiaWorld-Expo Center. Like with past years, the show was a bit on the predictable side with only a handful of surprise winners. The evening had some highlights, but it also had plenty of lowlights and awkward moments.

Highlights

2NE1 Returns- The moment many Blackjacks hoped for finally occurred at MAMA: 2NE1 is back together! Following months of speculation regarding whether they disbanded or if Park Bom would ever return, the girls are better—and prettier—than ever. Minzy slayed during the performance and Park Bom sounded good. It was a happy moment that fueled speculation that 2NE1 will release an album in early 2016. Of course, that depends on if Papa YG uses the calendar the rest of us use or his own special calendar.

BIGBANG-EXO Interactions- During BIGBANG’s stage, the best part came when Seungri sat in EXO’s Sehun’s lap to perform. The sight of legendary performers mingling with the rising idol group was one to behold, and VIPs and EXO-Ls had a brief “Kumbaya” moment. Sehun was a good sport too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmX4gM4aHNE

PSY- PSY made his return with “Bell Bottoms” and “Daddy” to close out the show. He was his usual colorful self and brought much-needed life into the performances this year.

Fanchants- This year, the crowd was livelier than past MAMAs. While the enthusiasm waned from time-to-time, whenever EXO and BIGBANG appeared, the arena was deafening! Thankfully, this helped keep home viewers engaged and awake during the wee hours in the US.

The Stages- The performance stages were BEAUTIFUL this year! The use of the screens and high-definition technology made a huge difference from the basic performance stage. Taeyeon opened the show with “I,” and the scenery was ethereal and larger-than-life. However, the best stage goes to Crush and Zion.T for “Yanghwa Bridge” for the interactive imagery.

SHINee- One thing that can always consistent for MAMA is SHINee performances. SHINee usually have dynamic stages and great vocals; this year was no exception.

Lowlights

Everyone Left During the Artist of the Year Award- When BIGBANG won the UnionPay Artist of the Year Award, all the seats were empty except for Monsta X. Fans were already quick to defend SM artists citing busy schedules and needing to catch flights, but SM artists stayed throughout the entire awards show up until that point; an extra few minutes wasn’t going to kill anyone. The gesture seemed rude and even Taeyang noticed during BIGBANG’s speech. Would the scene have been different if EXO won?

Innuendo Everywhere- From CL to Jolin Tsai to J.Y. Park, sexual innuendo was everywhere, even to the point where J.Y. Park simulated sex on stage and the K-idol audience even looked a bit embarrassed. K-Pop has gotten sexier over the years, but this year’s show made it clear that double-standards exist. Wasn’t it just last year and the year before 4Minute’s HyunA and BEAST’s Hyunseung’s Troublemaker subunit was chastised for their “sexy performance?”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjgO2xc-oWc

Sound Quality Issues- As with Hong Kong-held MAMAs past, the sound quality was terrible. Some stages had good sound, like in the cases of BIGBANG and iKON; but others weren’t so lucky. Poor f(x) were almost inaudible during their stage with the Pet Shop Boys.

EXO Win Best Asian Style Before Arriving- They arrived toward the end of the Red Carpet show; yet, they won the award before they exited their vehicle. Here again, we have proof that viewers aren’t actually voting for what is there but just out of popularity. Monsta X and Seventeen looked sharp though.

Awkward Presenters- The presenters for the awards this year were off-kilter. The banter lacked flow and cohesiveness, so it was clear everything was scripted (especially since they were reading from cue cards) from the beginning. Some of the presenters, without naming names, were just painful to watch. Plus, the fake surprise over the winner-reveals was way too obvious.

Advertising V-App- Throughout the show, V-App advertising kept popping up on the screen to show viewers can watch live behind-the-scenes interviews during MAMA. Viewers are either going to watch the awards or the BTS material, but not both. This was a fail.

Winners

Next Generation Artist: Monsta X

Best Asian Style Award: EXO

Best New Female Artist: TWICE

Best New Male Artist: iKON

Best Collaboration Performance: Zion.T & Crush “Just”

Producer Awards: J.Y. Park (Korea), Gao Xiaosong (China), & Phuc Bo (Vietnam)

Best Asian Artist: Jolin Tsai (Mandarin), Dong Nhi (Vietnam), AKB48 (Japan), Stefanie Sun (Singapore), Potato (Thailand), & RAN (Indonesia)

Best Engineer: Hyun-Jong Ko (Korea), Yoshinori Nakayama (Japan), & Lupo Groinig (China)

Best Live Entertainment: Wu Qan Da (China), In Jae-Jin (Korea), & Vit Suthitnavil (Thailand)

Best Vocal Performance (Male): Zion.T “Eat”

Best Vocal Performance (Female): Ailee “Mind Your Own Business”

Best Band Performance: CNBLUE “Cinderella”

Best Female Artist: Taeyeon

Best Male Artist: J.Y. Park

Best Music Video: BIGBANG “Bae Bae”

Best Rap Performance: San E “Me You”

Best Solo Dance Performance: HyunA “Roll Deep”

Best Male Dance Performance: SHINee “View”

Best Female Dance Performance: Red Velvet “Ice Cream Cake”

Best Female Group: Girls’ Generation

Best Male Group: EXO

Best International Artist: BIGBANG

Song of the Year: BIGBANG “Bang Bang Bang”

Artist of the Year: BIGBANG

Album of the Year: EXO EXODUS

SONY MDR Worldwide Performer: BTS

SINA Weibo Global Fan’s Choice (Male): EXO

SINA Weibo Global Fan’s Choice (Female): f(x)

Worldwide Inspiration Award: Pet Shop Boys

iQiYi Worldwide Favorite Artist: BIGBANG

What were your favorite performances during MAMA? Do you agree with the winners? Let us know!

—-Joelle Halon

In recent years, V-pop has been influenced by so many young singers. And among them, the top 4 prominent names are: Son Tung M-TP, Dong Nhi, Tuan Hung, Ho Ngoc Ha, whose many popular songs and fan clubs with millions of people.

Son Tung M-TP, a young singer, songwriter and actor. Born in 1994, he is considerably the most favorite singer of teenagers. He can combine the fusion of Vietnamese traditional music, K-pop and US-UK pop in his songs to create a unique style himself. He has 8 million followers on his Facebook Fanpage (M-TP), and each of his new songs always reaches million views and achieves the top position on Z-Chart. His latest song named “Buông đôi tay nhau ra” (Leave Your Hand Away) attracted more than 5 million views in just 10 days on Zing MP3 website. His hit songs from 2012 are Cơn mưa ngang qua (“The Rain Gone By”), Em của ngày hôm qua (“You of Yesterday”), Chắc Ai Đó Sẽ về (“Someone Will Come Back”), Không phải dạng vừa đâu (“I’m Quite Something”), Âm thầm bên em ( “A Silent Love”).

 

Dong Nhi, born in 1988, has a longer singing career and is known for many songs composed by herself. From 2007, with 2 songs named “Chàng Baby Milo” (Baby Milo Guy) and “Đu quay tình yêu” (Love Wheel), written for teen, she became the singer whose top requested songs on radio of the year. Since then, she has always maintained her fame as she can follow different music trends. She received many awards of MTV Video Music of Vietnam, Yan Vpop 20 Awards, Zing Music Award for her songs. Dong Nhi also starred in some teenager films and she was a judge for many music competitions in Vietnam. Now she has a fan club of 6.5 million people on Facebook. Her latest song “Vì ai vì anh” (Stop Loving You) reached more than one million views and became the top song on Z-Chart within the first day of release on May 15, 2015.

 

Tuan Hung, born in 1978, is not a young singer, but he still has many hit songs for the youth. In 1998, he started his career as a member in “Quả dưa hấu” (The Watermelon) musical band with three other members (one of them is Bang Kieu – another famous singer), which gained a lot of love from fans in Ha Noi. Then he decided to leave the group and go to Ho Chi Minh City. In his 17 years of singing, he still holds a stable place in the hearts of fans with his gruff voice in many romantic songs like “Dĩ vãng cuộc tình” (The Past Love), “Cầu vồng khuyết” (Half Rainbow), “Tình yêu lung linh” (Sparkling Love), “Vẫn nhớ” (Still Missing You), “Tìm lại bầu trời” (Back To The Sky),… Tuan Hung has released over 12 albums in his whole singing life, with the first album named “Vũ điệu thần tiên” (Fairy Dance) released in 2001 and most recently is “Tìm lại bầu trời” (Back To The Sky) in 2012. Now he has a Fan club of 3.8 million people on Facebook.

New music video from September 2015

 

Ho Ngoc Ha, born in 1984, became famous when she won first prize in the supermodel contest of Vietnam in 2003 and 2004. From 2004 to 2009, she was an actress in many films: “Hoa cỏ may” (The Foxtail), “Chiến dịch trái tim bên phải” (Heart-on-the-right-side Campaign), “360 độ yêu” (360 Degree of Love), and released her first 4 music albums: “24 Giờ 7 Ngày” (24 Hours 7 Days), “Và Em Đã Yêu” (And Then I Love), “Muốn Nói Với Anh” (Want to Talk with You), “Khi Ta Yêu Nhau” (When We Love), but she got little attention from the audience. Her fame started just after she got married to Cuong Dollar in 2010 and got financial support to create many outstanding albums: “Sao ta lặng im” (Why We Keep Silence), “Sẽ mãi bên nhau” (Invincible) as well as many beautiful music videos which reach international standards, and then she really became the top famous singer in Vietnam. Recently, she was the judge in many musical competitions: The Voice, Got to Dance and X Factor. She also has more than 4 million fans on Facebook page.

New music video as of November 2015

–Nhu Hoang

Do U Wanna B? Block B!

In early October, it was announced that Block B would be coming to America for a special, three date tour. Block B’s last appearance in America was at KCON 2015 in Los Angeles.

 

BBCs in Chicago were treated to a 22 song long setlist including “Nice Day”, “Her” and “Very Good” and several special stages. Zico performed “Okey, Dokey” while Bastarz(B-Bomb, U-Kwon and P.O) performed “ (Conduct for Zero)” from their Bastarz special album.

 

Fans from many different states and even countries all travelled to see the group.

“BLOCK B are so amazing in real life, all members were sexy and talented, I screamed a lot, danced a lot, sang a lot as well. Since I’m a French BBC and Kpop fan over 9 years, I will always bring my French flag to represent FRENCH BBC in USA! I enjoyed the show so bad which I could be longer and forever but hope to see them really soon. FRENCH BBC always to support and love them!” – Jen Jenni Jennifer Dzenana, Iowa/France

One of the best parts of the show was seeing the absolute joy on the faces of fans as they sang along to the final song performed during the encore, “Movie’s Over.” Block B could definitely feel the love from all of their fans.
Block B’s “Block B in USA” tour kicked off in San Francisco before travelling to Chicago and finishing off in Los Angeles.
Thanks to SubKulture for putting on a great show and bringing Block B state side once again.

—-Ke’Anna Bullard

B.A.P made their triumphant return to the K-Pop scene November 15, 2015. For the Baby fandom, it was the moment we’ve all been waiting for since the lawsuit announcement last November. While the wait was long—perhaps too long for some fans—B.A.P did their best to remind their fans why they’re one of the strongest male groups in the industry due to their power and unique color.

International fans had an opportunity to watch the comeback showcase at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Art Hall 2 on V-App. While watching on V-App didn’t provide the same rush as being in the actual crowd, it provided an opportunity to experience the show without feeling crushed or without dealing with poor acoustics that some concert venues have. Watching the show on the mobile app, however, did bring some glitches given how many people were watching, but the computer version was far more stable, enhancing the experience.

Prior to the show starting, there was a strong sense of anticipation from worldwide Babyz viewing the app and the 3,000-or-so fans at venue. This anticipation exploded when the opening segment began and the green Matoki lights switched on to create an ocean of light. Then, B.A.P appeared and started the hour-long showcase with their debut track “Warrior,” which was followed by “No Mercy” and the swagger-heavy “Excuse Me.”

Even though B.A.P have been gone for one year and nine months (this excludes concerts and appearances that occurred through October 2014), it was like they never left. Choreography was still sharp and vocals were clear. B.A.P didn’t miss a beat. Watching them on the stage was bittersweet because of how healthy and happy they all appeared. Yongguk flashed his trademark gummy smile, while Himchan exuded his cheery charm. The usually chill 4D member Jongup was chattier and glowing. Zelo looked thrilled to be able to dance and rap again, while Youngjae’s smooth voice and Daehyun’s signature honey vocals floated across the sea of light sticks effortlessly. Fan were treated to the hardworking B.A.P they all knew and loved.

During the talk segments, B.A.P expressed joy and gratitude their fans. Watching them, it was clear they missed their fandom and the stage, especially since they looked teary-eyed at some points during their conversations.

After some older hits, fans were treated to the new MATRIX tracks. The excitement over hearing the new tracks caused the V-App chat to freeze temporarily, and hearts (V-App’s “like” system) soared from three million to 10 million in just minutes.

The set started with their title track “Young, Wild, & Free.” The track, which has strong rock and hip-hop elements, got viewers pumped. Jongup and Zelo worked on the choreography, so kudos goes to them for a strong sense of musicality and well-maintained moves. The song is a strong comeback hit that has an anthem quality. One of the best moments was when Daehyun and Youngjae’s voices combined to create a super high note.

The next track to be unveiled was “BLIND.” “BLIND” is highly emotional and beautifully composed. The one element that stood out is the well-done vocal distribution. Each member got ample opportunity to shine, including Himchan who has the raspiest vocals out of all the members and often doesn’t get enough lines. The track shows his growth as a stronger singer. Jongup, too, has more opportunities to shine, and it’s clear he’s a stronger vocalist as well. “BLIND” quickly established itself as a fan favorite on V-App.

“Take You There” was the third new song. B.A.P revealed the song is for the fans, and that radiated in their stage presence. The track is more poppy than the usual B.A.P-flavor. It has hints of R&B as well. It was fun watching how B.A.P performed the song because they looked legitimately thrilled. The choreography was also cute and charming, adding more depth to an already enjoyable track.

The final new song was “Be Happy.” For “Be Happy,” the B in B.A.P stands for babo since the group became loveable dorks. The youthful dancing and flat “la, la, la” parts made the song an easy earworm. It’s impossible to not feel happy with “Be Happy” because it has addictive instrumentals and a catchy chorus. “Be Happy” was just too adorable.

The showcase wrapped with other classic B.A.P songs, “1004 (Angel)” and “With You,” a fan-favorite. There was significance with wrapping the show with these two songs: “1004” brought B.A.P some music show wins, and “With You” is dedicated to fans.

The one downfall of the event included too much focus on video montages. While it was nice to see footage of past B.A.P MVs, it would have been better if one or two more songs were incorporated in the montages’ place. While I’m all for seeing my boys’ precious faces, after not seeing them for over a year, hearing the music was more of a priority.

With the above considered, the MV for “Young, Wild, & Free” could have waited until the end of the showcase instead of playing directly after the live performance of the track. This created a sense of repetition that disturbed the flow of the showcase. By unveiling the MV at the end, there could have been a deeper sense of anticipation and elation. Fans could have absorbed the imagery better instead of seeing it and moving forward to other new material.

Even though there were some moments that impacted the showcase, it was well-done overall. The flaws could be easily overlooked because of the enjoyment. Their return made a lot of people happy, and in the end, that’s all that matters.

Welcome back, B.A.P!

—-Joelle Halon

Timed perfectly with a ‘UFO’ sighting in the US, B1A4 landed in Dallas on their B1A4 Great Adventure Tour for a special one-night-only performance November 8^th. This special concert took place just one year after their last visit to Dallas and gave BANAs a good night to remember.

Before the show, 50 lucky BANAs were chosen for a special Meet & Greet with the group. There was a special Q&A session where fans were able to have their questions answered directly by B1A4 and got to take a photo with them as well!

B1A4 performed a 20 song setlist including “O.K”, “Baby Goodnight” and “이게무슨일이야(What’s Going On?”. The crowd was very excited to greet B1A4 after the amazing stage they put on last year. One of the best parts of the show was B1A4 performing “You Are My Girl” in animal onesies.

B1A4 promised they would be back soon and I hope they make a Dallas performance a yearly occurrence.

Thanks to Jazzy Group for bringing them back and putting on a great show!

—-Ke’Anna Bullard

Photo Credit: Jazzy Group

On October 30, 2015, Mnet unveiled the nominees for the 2015 Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMAs) which are to be held December 2 in Hong Kong. Like with past years, fans can vote for their favorite artists on Mnet’s designated voting page. So who are you voting for this year? Here is the list of nominees!

Best New Male Artist

• iKON
• Monsta X
• Flying
• Seventeen
• Up10tion

Best New Female Artist

• CLC
• GFriend
• Oh My Girl
• TWICE
• Lovelyz

Best Male Artist (Soloist)

• Y Park
• T
• Kyuhyun (Super Junior)
• Jonghyun (SHINee)
• Jung Yonghwa (CNBLUE)

Best Female Artist (Soloist)

• Taeyeon (Girls’ Generation)
• Ailee
• BoA
• IU
• HyunA (4Minute)

Best Male Group

• BIGBANG
• EXO
• BTS
• SHINee
• Super Junior
• Shinhwa

Best Female Group

• SISTAR
• Wonder Girls
• AOA
• APINK
• Girls’ Generation
• Miss A

Best Dance Performance (Solo)

• Y Park “Who’s Your Mama?”
• GAIN “Paradise Lost”
• Niel “Lovekiller”
• Amber “Shake That Brass”
• HyunA “Roll Deep”

Best Group Dance Performance (Male)

• BIGBANG “Bang Bang Bang”
• EXO “Call Me Baby”
• VIXX “Love Equation”
• SHINee “View”
• Infinite “BAD”
• Got7 “If You Do”

Best Group Dance Performance (Female)

• AOA “Heart Attack”
• Girl’s Day “Ring My Bell”
• Red Velvet “Ice Cream Cake”
• EXID “Ah Yeah”
• Sistar “Shake It”
• 4Minute “Crazy”

Best Male Solo Performance

• SGWannabe “Love You”
• Kyuhyun “At Gwanghwamun”
• T “Eat”
• Huh Gak “Snow of April”
• Lim Chang Jung “Love Again”

Best Female Vocal Performance

• Taeyeon “I”
• MAMAMOO “Um Oh Ah Yeh”
• Davichi “Cry Again”
• Baek A Yeon “Shouldn’t Have”
• Ailee “Mind Your Business”

Best Rap Performance

• Gary “Get Some Air”
• Mad Clown “Fire”
• Dok2 “I Will”
• Jay Park “Mommae”
• San E “Me You”

Best Band Performance

• Hyukoh “Comes and Goes”
• CNBLUE “Cinderella”
• FTISLAND “Pray”
• JJY Band “OMG”
• Nell “Green Nocturne”

Best Collaboration & Unit

• VIXX LR “Beautiful Liar”
• Block B Bastarz “Zero for Conduct”
• T & Crush “Just”
• Soyou & Kwon Jeongyeol “Lean On Me”
• Infinite H “Pretty”

Best Music Video

• SHINee “Married to the Music”
• F(x) “4 Walls”
• BIGBANG “Bae Bae”
• Infinite “BAD”
• Wonder Girls “I Feel You”

Union Pay Artist of the Year

• Seventeen
• AOA
• Kyuhyun
• iKON
• Apink
• BIGBANG
• EXO
• Lovelyz
• Monsta X
• Miss A
• CLC
• TWICE
• Flying
• T
• Y. Park
• BTS
• BoA
• SHINee
• Sistar
• Shinhwa
• IU
• Girls’ Generation
• Super Junior
• Ailee
• Up10tion
• GFriend
• Oh My Girl
• Wonder Girls
• Jung Yonghwa
• Jonghyun
• Taeyeon
• HyunA

Union Pay Song of the Year

• Taeyeon “I”
• AOA “Heart Attack”
• BIGBANG “Bang Bang Bang”
• CNBLUE “Cinderella”
• EXID “Ah Yeah”
• EXO “Call Me Baby”
• FTISLAND “Pray”
• Gary “Get Some Air”
• Got7 “If You Do”
• SG Wannabe “Love You”
• T “Eat”
• T & Crush “Just”
• GAIN “Paradise Lost”
• Girl’s Day “Ring My Bell”
• Kyuhyun “At Gwanghwamun”
• Nell “Green Nocturne”
• Niel “Lovekiller”
• Davichi “Two Lovers”
• Dok2 “I Will”
• Red Velvet “Ice Cream Cake”
• MAMAMOO “Um Oh Ah Yeh”
• Mad Clown “Fire”
• Jay Park “Mommae”
• Y. Park “Who’s Your Momma?”
• Baek A Yeon “Shouldn’t Have”
• Block B Bastarz “Zero for Conduct”
• VIXX “Love Equation”
• VIXX LR “Beautiful Liar”
• San E “Me You”
• SHINee “View”
• Soyou & Kwon Jeongyeol “Lean On Me”
• Sistar “Shake It”
• Ailee “Mind Your Own Business”
• Amber “Shake That Brass”
• Infinite “BAD”
• Infinite H “Pretty”
• Lim Chang Jung “Love Again”
• JJY Band “OMG”
• Taeyeon “I”
• 4Minute “Crazy”
• Huh Gak “Snow of April”
• Hyukoh “Comes and Goes”
• HyunA “Roll Deep”

 

—-Joelle Halon

For many visiting the Chicago area, especially fans of Asian culture, Chinatown is often on the list of must-sees. The welcoming Chinatown gate that reads “Tian zia, wei gong”—“Everything under the heaven, for the people”—is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Chicago area. Located between Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road, Chicago’s Chinatwon has been around for 103 years as of 2015. The 30-block town has plenty to see and do, and it’s easy to spend a full day here… it’s also easy to drop a lot of cash! If you choose to visit, here are some recommendations for some must-sees and experiences.

SHOPPING

The K-Pop Store

2223 S. Wentworth Avenue

Chicago, IL

 

If you’re a K-Pop fan, this is the shop for you! The K-Pop Store sells just that: All things K-Pop. Here, you can find clothing, CDs, posters, and official goods like light sticks without having to deal with the shipping costs and wait associated with ordering out of the country. The staff is generally friendly, and they are knowledgeable about what they have and what’s expected to arrive in-store. Be warned: Staff are strict about having bags and cameras in-store, so don’t take these items inside.

 

AJ Housewares & Gifts

2125 S. China Place

Chicago, IL

AJ Housewares & Gifts is one of the most chaotic stops in Chinatown. Narrow aisles are stock-piled with gifts and treasures for anyone looking for traditional or eclectic items at affordable prices. Patrons can find anything from kitchenware to lanterns to plushies in this store—but it’s not easy given the cluttered appearance. Anime and manga fans may be surprised to find a lot of goods related to those hobbies, too. Just to see what this store has to offer can easily kill an hour or two.

 

Evergreen Jewelry

2263 S. Wentworth Avenue

Chicago, IL

Evergreen is opened every day but Wednesday, so it’s worth fitting into your itinerary. Evergreen is a fitting name since the pretty adornments are fad or costume jewelry, so this isn’t a place for patrons looking for an inexpensive present. Evergreen has a nice selection of jade and diamond necklaces, rings, and bracelets fit for engagements, weddings, and collectors. Their gold and watch selections are something to behold as well. Additionally, the Buddha statues are something to see and one of the most affordable gifts.

 

Giftland

2212 S. Wentworth Avenue

Chicago, IL

 

If you have kids in your traveling party, Giftland (along with Aji Ichiban) is a must-stop! While there are gifts like Beanie Babies you can purchase elsewhere, there are some really sweet surprises in-store. For the Hello Kitty-lover, there is a nice selection of dolls, pillows, and collectibles that are oh-so-cute. For fashionable tots, the brightly colored parasols and traditional Chinese dresses and shirts are too delightful. Even for adults, the range of wall scrolls, fans, lucky cats, and other wares and statuary make this a kitschy, exciting stop.

 

Judy’s Cosmetics

2136A S. Archer Avenue

Chicago, IL

 

For beauty lovers and fans of Shiseido products, Judy’s cosmetics will make you delirious. Face masks, mascara, foundation, lotions, and serums from China, Korea, and Japan can all be found here. Products from Shiseido and their sub-companies are the most prominent items; Judy’s proudly state they are one of the largest Shiseido carriers in the Midwest. Staff are friendly and knowledgeable about products and skin and what products work well for different skin types, which is a definite plus. But, just like the K-Pop Store, they’re not too fond of bags in the store.

 

NIGHTLIFE

POPKTV

2002 S. Wentworth Ave.

Chicago, IL

 

From 2pm to 2am, enjoy karaoke with friends and strangers alike in this futuristic karaoke lounge. Staff and patrons are encouraging and enjoy a good laugh, so sing as well or as terrible as possible—no one cares! If you’re less adventurous, you can rent a room for under $50 to sing alone or with a small group of friends. If you don’t want to engage in karaoke and just want to watch from the sidelines, do so while enjoying chicken and beef dishes. No regrets here!

 

Sakura Karaoke Lounge

234 W. Cermak Road

Chicago, IL

 

Sakura is a true nighttime destination where spirits and bar food flow and near-drunken karaoke is encouraged. Visitors can experience a good mix of Asian and Western music to help further the karaoke shenanigans. For $50 an hour, private party rooms can be rented and are highly recommended for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

 

FOOD

Lao Hunan

2230 S. Wentworth Avenue

Chicago, IL

Lao Hunan is as quirky as it is tasty. The Mao Zedong-themed restaurant features servers in Mao-era military uniform, and images of Mao are seemingly everywhere. Signature dishes are made from free-range chicken and pork and smoked to mouth-watering perfection. Food is affordable and plentiful.

 

Lao Sze Chuan

2172 S. Archer Avenue

Chicago, IL

Perhaps one of the busiest restaurants in Chinatown, Lao Sze Chuan provides inexpensive fare for heatseekers. The orange beef tenderloin is the stuff dreams are made of due to its sweet, spicy, tender, juicy goodness. Egg-drop soup is a perfect comfort food on a cold day. For more adventurous palates, squid, frog, pork blood, pork intestine, and octopus dishes reside on the menu.

 

Aji Ichiban

2117A S. China Place

Chicago, IL

Brightly colored candy all in a row! Aji Ichiban is every little kid’s dream of the ideal candy shop with candy lined up by color and type in adorable bins. Caramels, cookies, Japanese sodas, savory crackers, and chocolates are everywhere. Visiting here is enough to tempt visitors to try anything placed in front of them.

 

Chiu Quon Bakery Chinatown

2242 S. Wentworth Avenue

Chicago, IL

Established in 1986, Chiu Quon is the oldest bakery in Chinatown, and they’re set to open another location on Archer Avenue. The bakery specializes in cakes, buns, dim sum, and a variety of other baked goods, and you may even get an opportunity to watch them get made. Wedding cakes, especially, are delicate and beautifully crafted. BBQ pork buns are one of the many reasons to visit, but the mango mousse cake may tempt you to never leave. There’s a strong sense of love and family at Chiu Quon between staff and patrons because the staff really care about their customers.

 

PLAY AND LEARN

Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute

2121B S. China Place

Chicago, IL

One of the top must-experience locations in Chinatown is the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute, which strives to help Chicagoans learn and understand more about Chinese culture. The exciting element is that visitors can take classes to learn more about the Chinese language and culture including how to cook Chinese dishes. Visit to learn something new while making friends in the process.

 

Chinatown Square

The ‘Town Square is the hub where everything happens. Chinatown Square features statues of the Chinese zodiac animals and is designed to look like an imperial court. On any given day, visitors may experience otakus sparring, families chatting in their native language, and college students cheerfully sipping bubble tea and catching up. It’s the perfect place to experience how East-meets-West.

 

Ping Tom Memorial Park

300 W. 19^th Street

This peaceful park is one of Chinatown’s—and Chicago’s—gems. Enjoy kayaking on the Chicago River or take advantage of the fieldhouses. There are plenty of places to sit and lots of trees to enjoy. It’s the perfect spot to unwind.

 

Chinese-American Museum of Chicago

238 W. 23^rd Street

Many experiences in Chicago cost a lot of money, but the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago only charges $3 to $5 for admissions. The exhibits are educational and well thought out. One of the current exhibits—Chicago’s Families: Rites of Passage—looks at Chinese and Ethiopian (yes) marriage, death, and birth rituals; another insightful exhibit focuses on China’s influence and spread into the Midwest. The museum also hosts different film, music, and cultural programs throughout the year, so it never gets old.

 

Of course, there is plenty more to do in Chicago’s Chinatown. While these were our favorite experiences, yours may be vastly different. Just head out and explore and have fun!

 

—-Joelle Halon

As we head into the fourth quarter of the K-Pop season, it’s time to look back on the third quarter and its highlight songs. The third quarter (July-September) gave us comebacks from BIGBANG, HyunA, 9Muses, Girls’ Generation, Infinite, Girl’s Day, APINK, Ailee, Got7, SHINee, Wonder Girls, and Red Velvet among others, as well as debuts from LoveUs, Unicorn, April, Up10tion, iKON, and Day6. However, were their songs good enough to make our top 30 for the third quarter? Read on to find out!

29. GD&T.O.P “Zutter” | August 5

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8t8A8E_Tqc

“Zutter” was a nice return for the GD&T.O.P pair many love. “Zutter” has a more old-school hip-hop vibe to help it be a memorable song. T.O.P has the right tone which tempers GD’s sometimes off-putting sound. GD’s lower tones do match T.O.P better so everything balances.

28. BIGBANG “If You” | July 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WJZkfw19TM

T.O.P’s voice is perfectly imperfect; Seungri is raw and heartwarming; G-Dragon’s chorus is on-point. “If You” has issues with pitch and tone with Daesung and Taeyang feeling like they’re yelling more than singing and the lines being slightly shaky overall. The song is supposed to be emotional with many praising it for being one of BIGBANG’s best. The song is good, but it’s not great. However, it shows BIGBANG’s softer side, earning a spot on the list.

27. D-Holic “Chewy” | July 7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-a8lPAphSE

D-Holic’s comeback wasn’t widely announced, so it went unnoticed for the most part, which is a shame because “Chewy” is a strong song with a great beat. The one downfall is the music tends to drown out the girls’ vocals. The overall composition made “Chewy” a legit summer track.

26. Super Junior “Devil” | July 15

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOwERHxXcTs

Super Junior can still do youthful, relevant music even though their vocals have matured. The combination provides a strong dynamic to help “Devil” stick around as an earworm of epic proportions. While it’s obvious there are voices missing due to military obligations, the remaining members do a great job covering for their absences.

25. Infinite “Bad” | July 12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1oTSAhdzNQ

“Bad” tends to be one-note during the chorus. However, it maintains Infinite’s signature sound and gives each member enough time to shine. It’s a powerful dance track that gives fans the appropriate Infinite fix.

24. Wonder Girls “I Feel You” | August 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9QXQz6uE0M

The 1980s are alive and well for “I Feel You.” Wonder Girls’ much anticipated comeback sported amazing vocals by Lim, Yenny, and Sunmi. Lim’s slightly breathy, sweet vocals somehow make the song feel more retro, while Yubin’s rap provides a modern sound. “I Feel You” is good, but other songs on Reboot were better.

23. April “Dream Candy” | August 23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2T1yZbTMzo

April’s sweet vocals and adorable song make them a breath of fresh air. The song feels like an opening to an anime, but that’s part of the charm. Songs that have innocent charms have more appeal because they feel more nostalgic. “Dream Candy” has the right amount of vocal strength and cuteness that made it stand out in the rookie rush.

22. Purfles “A Bad Thing” | September 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN4F02aA6rU

Purfles are one of 2014’s most underrated groups, which is a terrible tragedy given how amazing “1, 2, 3” was. They show how underrated they are again with “A Bad Thing.” The tone and feel of the song is perfect for their vocal abilities, and enough to keep their cult following thirsting for more.

21. Ladies’ Code “I Smile Even Though it Hurts” | September 7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtIqA6TY8Q4

Zuny, Sojung, and Ashley perform a lovely tribute to EunB and RiSe in this highly emotional song. It’s easy to feel their heartbreak one year following the accident that took their friends’ lives. Ladies’ Code’s vocals are just as gorgeous as always, but the song does hit the heart hard.

20. Up10tion “So Dangerous” | September 10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cBQ9DzpQRk

“So Dangerous” is a nice debut for Up10tion. The song isn’t too complex, so it provides a chance for fans to learn how to distinguish their vocals. The track follows a similar beat as LU:KUS’ “So Into U” at times, so it isn’t 100 percent original, but it’s enough to help Up10tion get noticed.

19. Monsta X “Rush” | September 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSo7gYXp-bA

This is Monsta X’s first comeback since debut, and it’s a good one! Their first song was more hard-hitting, while “Rush” is slightly lighter while maintaining their hip-hop abilities. Each member is talented and helps carry the group well because they are multi-faceted. Monsta X proved they have staying power.

18. Red Velvet “Dumb Dumb” | September 8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGdbaEDVWp0

“Dumb Dumb” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s part of the appeal. Red Velvet tend to take songs and concepts that probably shouldn’t work and manage to turn them into hits. Yeri’s addition only strengthens the team, so we can expect more hits in the future.

17. Hello Venus “I’m Ill” | July 21

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtSS4xcdXpI

It’s amazing how Hello Venus became a relevant group in a matter of a few months, even though songs like “Would You Like Some Tea?” will always be a cornerstone of cute perfection for them. But, as the saying goes: Sex sells. “Wiggle Wiggle” and “Sticky Sitcky” helped get them noticed and earned them fans, so it worked. “I’m Ill” tones down the sex while providing a fun dance track that’s impossible to ignore. Hello Venus found their groove, so here’s to hoping they continue to gain traction.

16. The Legend “Shadow” | August 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nSisgBXPlw

Taking out the “lose your head now” portion, “Shadow” is a solid song with one of the best choruses in a K-Pop song this year. The higher notes in the chorus are like warm, smooth honey. “Shadow” is easily one of the best songs this summer.

15. BIGBANG “Sober” | July 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBNQgq56egk

G-Dragon’s vocals tend to be too high-pitched for the song. However, everyone else steps up to the plate to provide power and fun. The lyrics are interesting and ear-catching. The subtle rock elements strengthen the song nicely.

14. GFriend “Me Gustas Tu” | July 22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-CKVr6Z1Tw

GFriend caught a lot of flak from SONES when they debuted with “Glass Bead” due to its similarities to SNSD’s “Into the New World.” “Me Gustas Tu” fared better, but some noted how it sounded similar to a number of APINK songs. GFriend can’t seem to win anywhere. However, they’re cute, cheerful, and bright. The song is refreshing and provides some much needed softness in the idol industry.

13. Yunho (TVXQ) “Champagne” | July 20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQQajFf6IYQ

Released prior to his enlistment, Yunho’s “Champagne” is addictive and catchy. Even though the chorus is a misheard lyric landmine, this song didn’t get nearly enough recognition. Too bad we have to wait nearly two years before TVXQ come back.

12. GOT7 “If You Do” | September 28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0iPB_JyS5g

“If You Do” changed a lot of people’s minds about GOT7. “If You Do” has a different soul about it that highlights what many knew GOT7 were capable of anyway. Hearing it puts a whole new light on the group and hopefully marks a shift to stronger songs that can reach multiple audiences.

11. Girl’s Day “Ring My Bell”| July 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4sN05-xIs4

Girl’s Day have a lot of haters that’s for sure, but that shouldn’t detract from the past three years where they’ve constantly put out good, memorable singles. Their vocals have gotten stronger also. “Ring My Bell” combines all their charms, vocal abilities, and fun personalities into one song.

10. CNBLUE “Cinderella” | September 13

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkY8I7s_TOA

It took a while for the song to grow on some K-Pop fans, but that’s okay. The chorus is catchy and enjoyable, but the “somebody help me” lines sound the best. Jonghyun’s vocals are golden perfection, so it’s a shame he has so few lines. However, everything works well for the tune.

10. Girls’ Generation “Lion Heart” | August 16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVCubhQ454c

SNSD has a large fan base, so they can do no wrong. However, some of their songs haven’t been as sharp as older hits. This isn’t due to their singing abilities, but a lot to do with songwriters and producers. “Lion Heart” is a nice return to some of the magic that makes SNSD who they are. While there are some cutesy elements incorporated that many of the members are too old for (Translation: It would be nice to see more mature concepts), the song focuses on their vocals beautifully and provides some amazing choreography. Besides, Taeyeon and Tiffany sound awesome.

9. VIXX LR “Beautiful Liar” | August 16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKTaIsFkCcY

The plot! The chemistry! This song wasn’t promoted enough and definitely didn’t get the love it deserved. The lyrics are incredible, and Leo and Ravi carried them so well. “Beautiful Liar” is beyond perfection.

8. Beast “YeY” | July 26

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JQJ83aFNo8

While it isn’t the strongest of Beast songs released the past few years, “YeY” provides strength in its dance beats and addictive qualities. It should have been the song that could have dominated summer, and it might have if it wasn’t for groups with much larger fan bases making their comebacks. However, Beast usually has two comebacks per year, so the best may still be yet to come!

7. Day6 “Congratulations” | September 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3sFsHrUyLQ

“Congratulations” should have been promoted on the music shows. Out of the tracks that came from JYP Entertainment artists this year, “Congratulations” is refreshing, different, and memorable. JYP has rock charm and infuses some Jason Mraz-type vocals. If you needed a song to introduce your friends to K-Pop, this is the one to pick because it is East-meets-West in the most positive of ways.

6. Ailee “Mind Your Own Business” | September 29

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mYCjGdlqxE

Ailee always brings down the house with her fierce concepts and powerful vocals. There’s always a sense of empowerment in her music that helps her stand out. The instrumentals matched her vocals amazingly. The only shame in “Mind Your Own Business” is that Ailee couldn’t give 100 percent in live performances since injury prevented her ability to dance. We did get to focus more on her vocals: A definite plus!

5. 9Muses “Hurt Locker” | July 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sna6j078eOw

2015 has been 9Muses’ year as they’ve crept up the charts and earned more attention (finally!). “Hurt Locker” was a surprise hit this summer and even charted internationally. While the MV concept wasn’t original, the song was, and it showcased some of the best 9Muses have to offer. Hopefully, they earn more attention as time goes by.

4. Berry Good “My First Love” | September 22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHz-7cUQKNQ

“My First Love” is one of the prettier songs to come out this year. Berry Good’s vocals touch the heart, so it’s hard to not feel emotional while listening. The songwriter, Ju Taeyeong, passed away before the song came out, so it has an additional layer of emotion. This was the song Berry Good needed to gain attention, but it sadly hasn’t happened yet.

3. SHINee “Married to the Music” | August 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcu7yZBeSKw

SHINee is quietly the best group SM Entertainment has to offer. Their concepts are always new and refreshing, and each member has a different style. “Married to the Music” provided one of the most creative moments in a K-Pop MV this year, and the song is just pure enjoyment! The song only gets better the more you listen to it.

2. BIGBANG “Let’s Not Fall in Love” | August 4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jTo6hTZmiQ

“Let’s Not Fall in Love” brings the return of perfectly-imperfect-singer T.O.P, and he starts the song off so gloriously, it’s soul melting. BIGBANG’s best vocals are present in what is, by far, their best representation from the MADE series. It’s soft yet powerful while taking BIGBANG to a whole new level in their legacy.

1. Nell “Star Shell” | September 17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgB219Noobk

“Star Shell” is probably a surprise number one, but it is that good. Nell never disappoints with their music on any level of production, quality, story, and performance. “Star Shell,” like other Nell songs before it, has incredible heart and soul. Nell is one of those groups that set the standard for superior music. What’s best about Nell is that they produce amazing music quietly without the glitz and glamour of K-Pop idolatry (that’s because they’re not a K-Pop band).

—-Joelle Halon

A little more than a year after their concert in Dallas, B1A4 will be returning for their “B1A4 Adventure In Dallas” concert. The show will be taking place at the Verizon Center in Grand Prairie, TX on November 8^th, 2015.

B1A4 was founded by WM Entertainment in 2011. The group is made up of members Jinyoung(leader), Baro, Gongchan, Sandeul, and CNU. B1A4 recently had a comeback with “Sweet Girl” after a long break and their sexy concept drew the attention of many.

I attended their show last year and let me tell you, you do not want to miss out on this one. B1A4 put on one of the best shows I have ever seen and even if you aren’t a huge fan, I suggest going so you don’t miss out.

This is also a one-night-only event so if you want to see them, you better get tickets soon! Be the One, All For One!

Tickets are currently on sale on AXS and the ticket information is as follows:

VVIP – USD200 (***HI TOUCH PASSES for first 500 VVIP ticket holders only)

VIP – USD180 (SIGNED POSTER for 100 VIP ticket holders only)

ZONE A – USD150

ZONE B – USD100

 

For more information and all the latest updates about “B1A4 ADVENTURE 2015 LIVE IN DALLAS”, please stay tuned to Jazzy Group US’s official website at www.jazzygroup.com as well as Jazzy Group US’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Weibo accounts.

—-Ke’Anna Bullard