KCrush BIFF2023 – Interview with Producer Song Dae-chan

 

It’s not often that I have the opportunity to speak with and interview directors of films I’ve seen, and even more rare to be able to speak to those who’ve produced one of the best action films in the last few years like A Man of Reason directed by and starring Jung Woo-sung, the found-family dramatic feature Broker by Japanese film legend Hirokazu Kore-eda, or The Guest, the intense psychological thriller feature debut by Yeon Je-gwang who’s work premises a very successful career following a successful premiere at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival (BIFF)

 

The Guest (2023)

There’s more films and dramas I could list, but needless to say, it was a very big deal for me personally to have the chance to speak with Song Dae-chan about his career in the Korean film industry. With a career that spans two decades this year, Song following the life changing decision to switch careers from being a marketer, worked his way up from being a production assistant on notable projects such as A Letter from Mars (2003), A Frozen Flower (2008), to taking the reins himself and starting Studio TAKE his own company.

As a producer, Song has led the production of films of all genres beginning with the thriller Haunters in 2010, to the 2021 feel good musically driven drama The Box starring K-pop super star Park Chan-yeol of the group EXO (one of my personal favourite groups), and of course Broker which had its world premiere at TIFF 2022 (Toronto International Film Festival), and was the first Korean produced and starring film by Hirokazu.

 

 

A Man of Reason (2022)

Following the premiere of The Guest at BIFF, and my interview with Yeon Je-gwang, I had to speak with Song about his perspective on the Korean film industry as an insider who’s spent years being a part of building it to be the impressive juggernaut it’s become. Despite the ever increasing global awareness of Korean films, there’s an almost ironic decline in financial support from the government for festivals like BIFF, and arts organisations like the Korean Film Council (KOFIC).

Song shared his valuable insight in these topics and the pros and cons of the state of streaming and how the push by American companies like Netflix and Disney+ is having a significant impact on creatives and the industry’s economy. In doing so he revealed to me that he and a collective of other producers have formed the World Content Network Agency (WCNA) to address these very issues.

All in all it was a great conversation and I gained new insight into an industry and company that fascinates me, and I appreciate Song sharing how his past experiences shaped his path, and where he sees the future of Studio TAKE and the industry going.

 

Interpreting for the interview was done by Park Chan-yeon.

 

Carolyn Hinds

Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12

 

 

#SongDaechan #SongDaechanProducer #TheGuest #Broker #ManOfReason #kcrushinterview #BIFF2023 #Koreanfilm #KoreanFilmFestival #BusanInternational FilmFestival2023 #kcrushexclusiveinterview #shortfilm #topasianentertainmentmagazine #googleindexed #kcrushamericamagazine #koreanculture #KOFIC #Korea #KoreanFilmCouncil #WorldContentNetworkAgancy #WCNA #KoreanFilmIndustry #HauntersSongDaechan #TheBox #ParkChanyeolEXO #kcrushmedia #kcrushcoverage #interviewwithproducerSongDaechan

 

This is my time learning of Vince, but it wasn’t my first time encountering his work. You likely have listened to some of the famous hits he has contributed to as well such as SUNMI’s “Gashina”, LISA’s “MONEY”, and BLACKPINK’s “Shut Down.” Though he has released a handful of singles over the past few years, The Drive is his first EP Album. With a mix of R&B, hip-hop, soul, and pop, Vince truly displays his artistry and skill as a solo artist. Let’s dive into how the tracks rank!

 

Work: 8/10

“Work” is the first solo song I’ve heard from Vince. My first impression is positive! His vocals are smooth and warm. This is a track that I could listen to on loop. I love how the melody flows and the clean production. The chorus is simple, but with the fullness of the verse and pre-chorus, it needs to be! “Work” is well-balanced and a great opening track to The Drive.

 

 

About you: 8/10

“About you” is a great R&B ballad. I’m impressed, again, by Vince’s vocals. They’re so crisp, precise, and smooth. This track is laid back but has unique instrumental elements that keep it interesting to the listener. “About you” has a wonderful groove that had me bopping my head along to the flowing rhythm. If you’re a fan of falsetto, you’ll enjoy Vince’s vocal abilities in this song.

 

GET OUT: 9/10

What an energetic track! It’s so groovy, with an incredible bass as the star. This disco-based track is all you could ask for on a night out. It definitely makes you want to get up and dance! “GET OUT” is fresh and fun, and honestly the K-Pop world can use a little more of this sound! Because Vince isn’t sticking to what seems to be the popular pattern of solo artists, he stands above the rest as distinct. And that’s exactly what you need to do on a debut album! I’ve already shared this song with a friend. That’s when you know that this is a true bop!

 

Like That: 7/10

Another ballad, “Like That” starts with a soft piano and airy vocals. Make no mistake, not every artist can pull off a simplistic production, as it highlights any and all flaws in vocals or instruments. But Vince makes this effortless. It has a good melody and beautiful backing vocals. “Like That” doesn’t stick out as the best track on the EP, but it’s a necessary one as it breaks up the sound and gives a nice landing.

 

UUU: 9/10

“UUU” is a powerful track. The song immediately pulled me in as the tension built with each line. The production on this is top-notch, thanks to 24. 24 frequently works with BLACKPINK and the quality shows! Vince also collaborated with TEDDY to write “UUU”. This song combines rock and cinematic instruments. It’s an excellent explosion of passion. I can easily see this featured on a K-Drama OST. The way Vince’s voice commands you to listen to every lyric is impressive. THEBLACKLABEL released a music video for “UUU”. The black and white visuals are compelling and match the song perfectly. I believe Vince will get good attention with this track!

 

Emergency (Feat. Zion.T): 9/10

This might not be a new track to some, as it was originally released in 2020. “Emergency” is also Vince’s top streamed song on Spotify, with nearly 4 million listens. And it’s no wonder–this song is amazing. A mix of trap and R&B, “Emergency” is a real standout track on this EP. It shows Vince’s vocal range and ability–from soft, airy vocals to powerful, bold belting. Vince didn’t come to play with this song and it’s truly impressive. The feature of Zion.T was a great choice, and really elevates “Emergency” to the next level.

 

 

MENNAL (feat. Okasian): 8/10

“MENNAL” is a powerful exit to this EP. Vince’s skill is front and center, reminding you that he is worth remembering! With falsetto, rap, and breathy vocals, “MENNAL” is guaranteed to grab attention. Like “Emergency”, “MENNAL” was previously released in 2019. It’s Vince’s second most streamed track at nearly 2.5 million Spotify listens. “MENNAL” displays artistry and skill in the delicate and intimate vocals. The melody is catchy and is an easy song to press “repeat” on.

 

FINAL: 8/10

Vince is going to become a household name for me. I really enjoyed this debut EP. He is an artist who may have been behind the scenes for a while, but he has truly stepped into the spotlight with The Drive. I really hope others can be exposed to his talents as a solo artist as well. I doubt this is the last we will hear from him!

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#Vince #VinceTheDriveEP #kcrushreview #VincedebutEP #TheDrivebyVince #Mennal #EmergencyFeatZionT #kpop #RnB #ZionT #UUU #TheBlackLabel #VinceTheBlackLabel #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #kcrushamerica #LikeThatVince #VinceGetOut #GetOut #AboutYou #WorkbyVince #musicproducer #songwriter #SumniGashina #hiphop #ballad #popmusic #kpopidol #googleindexed #findkcrush #VincehasahitEP #discobased #energeticmusic #kcrushreviewitrateit #koreansinger

 

She Her Her Hers is an alternative band consisting of the trio of Hiroyasu Takahashi, Tomasong and Taiki Matsuura. Despite the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic, the group continued to work hard, releasing music and streaming performances online, and since the start of 2023 they have appeared in numerous events and festivals both domestically and internationally, expanding their activities proactively both at home and abroad. Against this backdrop, their new album ‘Diffusion of Responsibility’ was released on Wednesday, November 15^th.

In tandem with the release of the new album, they also announced a tour to accompany the release. It is the largest tour that the band has ever embarked on so far and this will be their first ‘Asian tour’. Beginning on Wednesday, December 6^th with a performance in Guanghzhou, China and running until Saturday, January 27^th, 2024 with a show at Tokyo’s Daikanyama Unit, the tour spans 14 performances across 13 cities.

Maintaining the ethereal soundscape of the shoegaze genre, the band’s forte, the tour is also influenced by the increase in the number of large scale live performances and the fact that it is a release tour for an album that includes the new song “CHELSEA,” which dares to take a new approach in terms of groove and beat, featuring hints of club music and dance music. Expectations are growing, not only for the music but also for the group’s live performances.

The CD edition of the new album ‘Diffusion of Responsibility’, which will release digitally on Wednesday, November 15^th, will be released on Wednesday, November 29^th. When you purchase the CD at a record shop, you will receive leaf notes created by the group themselves as a special gift, and if you purchase a copy from the official homepage it will come signed by the group. Both versions of the CD are now available to pre-order.

 

【Release Info】

■She Her Her Hers

new album「Diffusion of Responsibility」

2023/11/15(wed) digital release

(2023/11/29 (wed) CD release)

 

Serial No. ：CNDT-0002

Price：¥2,200 (tax in)

Record Label: Conditioner Label

 

Track List:

1. Bystanders
2. CHELSEA
3. Ignorant
4. TROUGH
5. 364
6. interlude
7. Blue Moon Night
8. non zero sum game

 

CD / Pre-add & Pre-save

https://shhhs.lnk.to/DiffusionofResponsibility

 

Album Teaser

https://youtube.com/shorts/7Fv6sdRtm3g?feature=shared

 

■She Her Her Hers

new digital single

「CHELSEA」

 

Links to Music：

https://shhhs.lnk.to/CHELSEA

 

【Concert Information】

She Her Her Hers

“Diffusion of Responsibility” Asia Tour 2023-2024

 

2023/12/6 (wed) Guangzhou・MAO Live House

2023/12/7 (thu) Shenzhen・B10

2023/12/8 (fri) Zhuhai・DUIBAI SPACE

2023/12/14 (thu) Shanghai・VAS SHANGHAI

2023/12/15 (fri) Shanghai・VAS SHANGHAI

2023/12/17 (sun) Nanjing・1701 Live House Max

2023/12/19 (tue) Wuhan・VOX Livehouse

2023/12/20 (wed) Changsha・VOX Livehouse

2023/12/22 (fri) Chengdu・AFLAME ART CENTER Hall 1

2024/1/5 (fri) Bangkok・Mr.Fox Livehouse

2024/1/7 (sun) Hong Kong・SOHO HOUSE

2024/1/12 (fri)  Taipei・THE WALL

2024/1/14 (sun) Seoul・West Bridge Live Hall

2024/1/27 (sat) Tokyo・Daikanyama UNIT

 

and more…

 

※Information on ticket sales varies by location so please consult official websites and social networking services.

 

【Artist Info】

Official X(Twitter) https://twitter.com/shhh_s

Official Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sheherherhers_official

Official facebook https://www.facebook.com/shehers/

Official YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/SheHerHerHersChannel

Official Bandsintown https://www.bandsintown.com/ja/a/5462208-she-her-her-hers

Official Web Site http://sheherherhers.com/

 

#SheHerHerHers #newtour #newalbum #HiroyasuTakahashi #Tomasong #TaikiMatsuura #kcrushmedia #kcrushcontent #googleindexed #DiffusionOfResponsibility #alternativemusic #kcrushamerica #asiantourannounced #Chelseanewsingle #shoegazegenre #kcrushmagazine #kcrushnews #SheHerHerHersAsianTour #clubmusic #dancemusic #SheHerHerHersTicketSales #trioband #triogroup

 

 

Not every guest is welcome, and certainly not those at a creepy motel located in the middle of nowhere. Written and directed by Yeon Je-gwang, The Guest is a psychological thriller that asks what would you do if you see someone’s worst nightmare begin to unfold before you.

Based on his original short film which screened at the Cannes Film Festival and won Best Thriller at the LA Independent Film Festival, The Guest had its world premiere at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival, and is Yeon’s feature debut.

 

 

It stars Oh Hye-won, Jeong Sook-yo, and Lee Ju-seung and Han Min as Min-cheol, and Young-gyu respectively, two friends working to pay off a debt by secretly recording the private interactions between the guests of the motel.

Voyeurism is a premise that’s been used before in film, but Yeon ups the ante and layers to this already disturbing act by subtly asking the question what men can and should men do when they watch a woman be violated not only by an attacker, but they themselves when their actions of voyeurism as violations themselves.

Following the film’s world premiere, I had the opportunity to have a sit-down interview with Yeon to speak about his inspiration for the film, and how it’s premise of voyeurism and violation relate to the real world as recording women in public and private spaces are acts of violence, giving his female character an arc that gives her self-determination and agency.

 

 

Interview interpretation done by Park Chan-yeon

 

Carolyn Hinds

Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12

 

#YeonJegwang #YeonJegwangTheGuest #BIFF2023 #kcrushinterviewwithYeonJegwang #Koreanfilm #BusanInternationalFilmFestival2023 #YeonJegwangTheGuestInterview #videointerviewwithkcrush #kcrush #kcrushamericamagazine #googleindexed #kcrushcontent #OhHyewon #JeongSookyo #LeeJuseung #HanMinMincheolandYounggyu #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #CannesFilmFestival #LAIndependentFilmFestival #film #shortfilm #BestThriller

 

Stray Kids don’t miss! I had high hopes for their latest album drop, ROCK-STAR, and I have to say that I was not disappointed. Stray Kids brought their A-game and were as bold as ever! This group always has at least two or three hype tracks, as well as a sincere ballad, on their full-length albums. And don’t forget the incredible choreography that goes along with them. They met that quota on this album for sure! Here’s how I rate the album.

 

MEGAVERSE: 10/10

Opening up the album with a bassy track and Felix’s classic deep vocals, I was feeling ROCK-STAR from the first 10 seconds of this track! When that chorus dropped, I ascended. This song is an absolute bop and nothing shy of what Stray Kids is all about! Stank face out for the whole song: the vocals, rap, beat, and use of electronic elements were so perfectly executed.
 

LALALALA: 9/10

“LALALALA” continues the hype from “MEGAVERSE.” I had seen clips of this song on Instagram for a while because of the dance that accompanies it. The rhythm, the way the track is never stagnant, the way it absolutely displays technical musicality and artistry. This song is another bold hit.
 

BLIND SPOT: 6/10

“BLIND SPOT” gives listeners a different sound compared to previous tracks. With an upbeat, optimistic, and lighthearted melody, this track has some championing lyrics:

They only look at the results and success

Blinded by our glowing process

What you see isn’t everything

Hidden in the blind spot

Show them what you’re made of

Your endless nights deserve a loud ovation

Shine bright and prove them wrong

‘Cause we can feel our progress

Stray Kids have worked hard to get to where they are, and Stay can celebrate their success with them!

 

 

COMFLEX: 8/10

This song immediately caught my attention with the amazing rap in the first verse. And the rap line continues to shine in “COMFLEX.” The confidence is apparent and plays out in the bold melody and powerful, punchy beat. These lyrics are already stuck in my head:

Flexing complexes just com– (Flex)

Too bright, I’m so flashy (Ooh)

Different? No I’m unique (Ooh)

That’s right, I’m so classy (Ooh)

Nobody can stop me (Ooh)

 

Cover Me: 9/10

I like that this song isn’t in all upper case, almost as if saying this track will be more gentle. And that it is! “Cover Me” is a soft ballad, and is a welcomed heartfelt melody. This song truly shows how complex Stray Kids is as a group. They’re not just about the bangers–they can dig deep and create emotive music. I personally loved this track.
 

Leave: 6/10

“Leave” is a mellow track with a laid-back guitar as the lead instrument. The vocals plead, “Oh, baby, please don’t hurt me. Don’t make me cry. Though I still got love for you, and haven’t got over you yet, oh, baby, please stop for me. Don’t you cry anymore. This is the end for you and me. Yeah, we’re done.” Though these lyrics are sad, the track itself feels more uplifting than downcast.

Social Path (Feat. LiSA) (Korean Ver.): 9/10

This song feels like it belongs on a video game OST or at least on an anime soundtrack. It’s upbeat, catchy, and is a true anthem. Some elements feel retro, and the electric guitar really shines. LiSA was a wonderful addition, too. “Social Path” makes me want to take on the world! “Gave up my youth for my future!!”

 

 

LALALALA (Rock Ver.): 10/10

Wow. “LALALALA” in rock form really brings the fire! It’s just as hype as the original…if not possibly more!! The electric guitar, heavy drums, and bass just make this an absolute headbanger!

 

FINAL: 8.5/10

Stray Kids amazingly have lost no momentum. Many pinned “God’s Menu” as their peak, but this group has only continued to climb in success and hits. Stray Kids never cease to amaze me and ROCK-STAR is just another top-notch album from one of my favorite K-Pop groups. I’m excited to hear everything they release in the coming year because they keep getting better and better.

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#StrayKids #RockstarStrayKidsReview #kcrushreview #kcrush #SocialPathStrayKids #newalbum #newmusic #kcrushmusicreview #asiantopentertainmentmagazine #kpop #LALALALAStrayKids #LisaBlackPink #LeaveStrayKids #CoverMeStrayKids #Comflex #BlindSpotStrayKids #MegaVerseStrayKids #googleindexed #kcrushamerica #kpop #kpopidols #kpopnewalbum #newmusic #StrayKidsboygroup #koreanboygroup #kcrushamericamagazine

 

The Golden Maknae has released his debut solo album. With an all English tracklist, and plenty of features, I was curious how GOLDEN would display who BTS fans already know to be an unstoppable force. Jung Kook is a treasure, but I was disappointed with how some of this album played out.

 

3D (feat. Jack Harlow): 1/10

This track might feel a bit jarring to BTS audiences that are used to only the slightest hint of suggestive lyrics. “3D” is filled with sexual references and carries an explicit warning. Jung Kook has fully broken the “wholesome” mold and sets the tone of the album with this first track. The beat is laid-back and catchy, however, I personally did not enjoy the lyrics at all.

Harlow raps:
I had one girl, too boring
Two girls, that was cool for me

Three girls, damn, dude’s horny
Four girls, okay now you whorin’

There are plenty of other lines that make this song overly sexual. Sadly, “3D” fits in with plenty of other pop songs and doesn’t stick out with its melody or lyrics. I was hoping more for Jung Kook. If I didn’t already respect his artistry from BTS, I personally would have stopped listening to the album here.

 

Closer to You (feat. Major Lazer): 3/10

JK enters this track with breathy vocals. The lyrics are better compared to “3D”, but again, I’m disappointed by the melody. It’s an easy track to forget and zone out to.

 

Seven (feat. Latto): 5/10

This track is catchy and fits more into the melodic expectations I had for JK’s solo music. It has a great flow and rhythm, as well as a memorable chorus melody. In “Seven”, Jung Kook returns with sexually explicit lyrics. That, however, hasn’t stopped the song from reaching over a billion listens on Spotify. This track was his first single from the album and no doubt piqued fans interest for what GOLDEN would be like.

 

 

Standing Next to You: 10/10

With a big drum opening and a groovy tune, “Standing Next to You” is the first song on the album I could see myself wanting to listen to again. This track truly showcases the best of Jung Kook. That funky bass line pairs so well with JK’s effortless vocals. The song is fun, retro, and has an amazing instrumental break at the end. I wish more of the album reflected “Standing Next to You” as it’s a breath of fresh air compared to earlier tracks.

 

Yes or No: 7/10

“Yes or No” has a similar feel to early 2000s artists, like Jesse McCartney. The lyrics are relatable–“Are we falling in love? Say yes or no.” This track is laid back, but has a sincerity to it that was lacking from other tracks on GOLDEN.

 

Please Don’t Change (feat. DJ Snake): 6/10

This song is a good follow up to “Yes or No” as it continues to dive deep into Jung Kook’s feelings. The simplistic chorus is a tad disappointing, but I still like the overall vibe of this track. The EDM sound scape fits JK’s vocals well and is a nice contribution to the album, but it’s not a standout song.

 

Hate You: 8/10

Finally a ballad! I was so hoping Jung Kook would have a song like this on the album because he is such a powerful, emotive vocalist. The stripped back piano is perfect to highlight this side of JK. The song talks about the need to hate someone in order to let go– “Maybe hating you is the only way it doesn’t hurt.”

 

Somebody: 6/10

Almost like a continuation of “Hate You”, Jung Kook sings about his ex, hoping they don’t come back to him. The track has a great bass line, and continues the retro vibes of the album. Jung Kook’s vocals are front and center and although the melody is basic, it’s still a decent song.

 

Too Sad to Dance: 7/10

With a guitar entrance, the feel of this track is so different from those on the album. It feels refreshing after all the electronic, groovy, and EDM sounding songs. “Too Sad to Dance” is chipper whilst having sad lyrics, and has an authentic feel. It’s a nice place to land in GOLDEN.

 

Shot Glass of Tears: 9/10

“Shot Glass of Tears” opens strong with these lyrics:
Tell me, am I ever gonna feel again? Tell me, am I ever gonna heal again? Got a shot glass full of tears. Drink, drink, drink, say cheers.

This ballad is full of feeling and honesty. It truly stands out on the album to me as one of the strongest lyrically and memorable melodically.

 

 

Seven (feat. Latto) (Clean Version): 6/10

My review of the clean version is more or less the same as the explicit version, just slightly better because it makes the song more accessible to listeners of all kinds.

 

FINAL: 6/10

In my opinion, this album could have been stronger if it cut off the first three tracks. Jung Kook’s strength and ability as an artist are better displayed in songs like “Standing Next to You” and “Shot Glass of Tears.” Though I’m glad to see JK’s solo abilities, I think he could better use his talents in more meaningful tracks rather than the typical mainstream pop songs about sex.

 

—-Ellie Boyd

 

#JungKook #JungKookGolden #kcrushreview #JungKooknewalbum #kcrushJungKookReview #kpop #JungKookSolo #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrushreviewitrateit #googleindexkcrush #topasianmagazine #StandingNextToYou #ShotGlassofTears #ToSadToDanceJungKook #HateYouJungKook #SomebodyJungKook #DJSnakeJungKook #PleaseDontChangeDJSnake #YesorNo #SevenJungKookLatto #LattoSeven #CloserToYouJungKookMajorLazer #kpopBTS #BTSARMY #BTSfans #BigHitEntertainment #HYBE #3DjungKook #officialkcrush2014 #kpopidol #korea #kpopmusic #kpopdance #GOLDENJungKook #musicreview #popidoljungkook #JungKookGQ

 

From playing the trendiest hits to endlessly streaming performances by various K-pop acts, Music Bank has become the global go-to for K-pop gurus and rookie artists in South Korea. Fashioned back in 1988, this record chart has grown to become a global sensation broadcasted in over a hundred countries through KBS World. Music Bank took over the then famous Top 10 Songs (가요톱10) show which had debuted in 1981 and was done away with owing to a controversy.

 

Lee Hwi Jae and Song Hye Kyo (hosts – 2000)

 

Airing on Fridays at 6:30 (KST), Music Bank took Korea and the neighboring countries by storm which led to the birth of K-Chart in January 2008. K-Chart is a combination of category-based charts resembling a countdown. The K-Chart is calculated by combining a percentage of album sales, digital music charts, social media charts, number of broadcast times on KBS, and K-pop fan voting charts. With the rising demand, the show became the longest-airing music program as the show was extended to 70 minutes in June 2008 and further extended to 80 minutes in November of the same year.

 

Soobin & Arin (hosts – 2021)

 

Music Bank went viral and made a global mark in August 2010 when it started airing live in 54 countries through KBS World. With the global footage came new interactive features for international fans, especially on Twitter. The global eminence resulted in the airing period being extended to 105 minutes. Music Bank’s first English dubbed show was unleashed in August 2012 through MYX TV. However, after KBS1 went global to become KBS Global 24, Music Bank started airing for 80 minutes.

 

BTS’s V & Jungkook performing on Music Bank

 

Since its inception, Music Bank has inspired and nurtured hundreds of musicians giving them a platform to showcase their talents and gain followers. Some eminent artists whose songs have charted on Music Bank include Blackpink, Astro, Red Velvet, BTS, and IU. Blackpink’s Rose received her first Music Bank trophy for her “On the Ground” debut single in March 2021. Music Bank also buzzes with fans for its dashing celebrity seasonal hosts. Ryu Si-wo and Kim Ji Ho in 1988 as well as Lee Hwi Ja Song Hye Kyo in 2000 were among the founding Music Bank hosts. Some of the renowned celebrities who have hosted Music Bank include Park Seo Joon, Park Bo Gum, and Arin among others.

 

 

With the demand for more international shows, Music Bank created various entertainment gigs including KBS Song Festival and Music Bank World Tour. The Music Bank World Tour has taken various live performances by multiple K-pop acts outside South Korea, including to Paris and Berlin among others. This year’s KBS Song Festival was replaced by Music Bank’s first-ever Music Bank Global Festival which is expected to take place in Japan and Korea in early December. SHINee, Stray Kids, ENHYPHEN, and ATEEZ are some of the artist groups expected to woo the crowd during this end-of-year festival.

 

— Karen Mwenda

 

 

#MusicBankKorea #MusicBank #kpop #kpopstage #kpopartistsperform #MusicBankperformance #kcrush #kcrushcontent #MusicBankHistory #Asianentertainment #Korea #KCharts #kcrushamerica #newartists #newmusic #MusicBankshows #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #MusicBankvoting #MusicBank1981 #kpopshowhosts #MusicBankkpophost

Ruda (Sungjin Kim) is a professional dance coach specializing in hip-hop, with 17 years of coaching experience. He is also a popular YouTuber, running a channel named Rudakris, which features dance and K-pop.

 

1. Hello, Ruda, could you provide a brief introduction about yourself and share your experiences with us?

Hello! I’m Kim Sungin, and I’ve been teaching dance for 17 years. I also go by the name Rudakris on YouTube. I’ve helped over 20 to 30 students pursue dance-related majors, and in 2015, I was responsible for choreographing the hip-hop section of the Gwangju Summer Universiade.

 

2. I’ve been watching your YouTube videos, especially the ones where you covered K-pop classics of the early days on your channel. It seems like you have a special passion for K-pop. When did you first start engaging in dance scene?

I’m not actually a choreographer who performs on stage; I’ve always worked as a dance trainer, exclusively teaching dance. I got into choreography as a result of turning it into content for my YouTube channel.

Since I was young, I had a lot of curiosity about questions like, “Why can some people dance so well?” or “Why does a stage look this way?” So, I think my knack for understanding these aspects developed in this direction.

These days, I occasionally engage in various activities such as participating in music events and documentary shoots.

 

3. What struck me the most was your introduction of lesser-known K-pop songs, which I personally still watch sometimes. Even though these songs didn’t gain much popularity at the time, many of them are still great. How would you compare K-pop from the 2000s to today?

The advancement of media and the widespread use of smartphones have completely transformed the K-Pop market. Before the 2000s, students and teenagers didn’t have much say in their music choices. Having a CD player or an MP3 player was a privilege, and those without them could only listen to music that was played on TV programs or the radio. The control over music was largely in the hands of adults. Consequently, the music was predominantly geared towards an adult audience, focusing on the struggles of office workers, love stories of grown-ups, complicated destinies, and reflections on life. Now, the situation has changed, and teenagers can consume music as they wish. They have more freedom to choose and access music, and the industry is adapting to the needs of teenagers who spend more time consuming music than people in their 20s and 30s. So, the key difference lies in this shift in consumer behavior.

 

4. Among all the K-pop songs and artists, which one do you like the most from the perspective of dance?

If we’re specifically talking about dance only, it’s worth mentioning Yoo Seungjun’s “Nanana,” which has become quite a challenge to even mention nowadays.

 

5. Outside of K-pop, whose dance moves do you find most impressive among musicians worldwide?

For this question, the answer is unquestionably Chris Brown.

 

6. Many people are eager to learn dance these days. Could you offer some advice for our readers who are just starting to learn dance?

Dance thrives on consistency. Without consistency, you can never expect to improve your skills. As a simple analogy, think about it like putting food in your mouth but not chewing it. Learning to dance is akin to buying that food, while actually dancing and practicing is the process of chewing. So, learning is when you invest in dance, and practice is the actual work to improve. Many people who haven’t experienced dance often make the mistake of not realizing that learning is not the same as knowing how to do something.

 

7. You’ve created a lot of content related to the TV show “Street Woman Fighter” these days. I’m sure many readers are curious about fun TV shows on dance. Could you recommend some interesting dance shows and highlight their appealing aspects?

Indeed, dance programs come in various forms globally, with different languages and formats, making it difficult to pinpoint just one. Rather, I’d like to recommend a movie instead, one that had a significant influence on the Korean dance scene as well.

I suggest checking out “You Got Served.” This film showcases raw and powerful performances and captures a time when showmanship and foundational dance coexisted. It’s packed with impressive performances and is sure to offer plenty to see from a performance perspective.

 

8. Can you tell us what your interest was before becoming a choreographer and a Youtuber.

During my early years, I wasn’t very good at studying (lol). It’s not a joke; I really struggled with academics, so I was in no position to filter through what I was interested in, what I wanted to become, or what I desired… Fortunately, I had an interest in dance, so I just continued down that path.

 

9. You have an excellent understanding of dance and street culture, and I’m curious about your fashion sense. Where do you usually shop for clothes, and what style do you enjoy wearing?

I prefer not to spend a lot of money on clothing. I believe that clothing is not about the brand or price but rather about the color and fit, so I don’t usually use specific websites or platforms for shopping. However, when I do shop, it’s mostly on AliExpress, H&M, or Nike.

 

10. To achieve a hip style, one’s hairstyle is also crucial. Could you share your current hairstyle with us?

My current hairstyle is a foil perm. It’s a perm done using aluminum foil similar to the foil used in the kitchen, and it’s not too complicated. My students are the ones who actually do it for me.

 

 

11. I assume you receive numerous requests for dance analyses. Are you open to requests sent via email?

Yes, I do receive requests through email or Instagram DMs quite often. While it’s not possible to respond with video content for every request, I do occasionally create content when I come across something with a really good and sincere message.

 

12. For readers who want to experience Korean K-pop culture, could you recommend some must-visit places or experiences?

I did visit the HYBE Corporation headquarters recently for the Leserafam music event. I’m not sure to what extent it’s open to the general public, but if you ever get the opportunity, visiting the HYBE headquarters could be a fantastic and memorable experience.

 

13. Lastly, please say a few words to our K-Crush readers who love Korean content!

K-Pop has indeed been shaped by the popular groups active today, but we should not bypass that it has been formed through the diverse influences of previous generations. While the current songs and performances are fantastic, comparing them to those of earlier generations can also provide valuable insights into the evolution of K-Pop culture. Thank you!

 

—-Jiyoung Lee

 

#Rudakris #KcrushInterviewWithRudakris #kpop #kcrushinterview #kpopculture #koreanyoutuber #youtuber #danceinstructor #youtubereviewer #chorographer #kcrushcontent #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #kcrushamerica #learntodance #googleindexedkcrush #StreetWomanFighterRudakrisReview #YooSeungjunNanana

 

 

November 10, 2023 — South Korean Singer-Songwriter Vince marks his comeback with “Get Out“, the first single and music video from his upcoming debut EP, [The Drive]. Out today via THEBLACKLABEL, “Get Out” is a blend of R&B and disco-based EDM, the track sends a dual message, implicitly urging someone who can’t break free from the past to “get out” and also come “with me” (Korean translation of the title “나와”). Both charming and witty with a progression that builds up to a climatic drop, this song has an undeniable groove that makes you want to dance.

Vince also announces the release of his 7-track EP [The Drive] which will be released on November 17 alongside the title track “U U U” which he wrote alongside TEDDY and which is produced by 24. This long-awaited album finds Vince stepping out to the forefront after working behind the scenes as a Songwriter and Producer on global hits such as LISA‘s “MONEY“, JISOO’s “FLOWER“, JENNIE‘s “YOU & ME” and BLACKPINK‘s “SHUT DOWN“. Vince has also worked on almost all of the songs on TAEYANG‘s previous two albums including the hit “VIBE feat. Jimin of BTS” as well as JEON SOMI‘s “Fast Forward“. With his solo project, Vince is able to show his unique identity with his own distinct mood and style.

The music video for “Get Out” is stylish and colorful and finds Vince alongside a striking female lead as they playfully engage in a world somewhere between reality and a video game. The futuristic visuals match well with the baseline and groove of “Get Out” which was produced by THEBLACKLABEL hit-making producer, R.Tee who is known for his electronic production and work on hits from BIGBANG, TREASURE, JEON SOMI, and almost all of BLACKPINK’s catalogue.

[The Drive] is comprised of tracks that Vince has curated over the past three years while carefully vibing out to and evaluating them during his daily drives, thus making the music especially enjoyable to listen to while driving. The album combines various emotions and perspectives on love along with Vince’s exceptional songwriting and producing abilities. [The Drive] is not simply about the act of driving, but has a separate meaning defined as one’s desire, also known as one’s ‘Drive’, allowing listeners to encounter Vince’s own ambitions through this EP. The album will be released on November 17th via THEBLACKLABEL.

Also known as Joe Rhee, VINCE has written and produced for an all-star lineup of talent including G-Dragon, iKON, JEON SOMI, and BLACKPINK. He was heavily credited on TAEYANG’s record-breaking album, ‘WHITE NIGHT‘ which spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard World Digital Albums chart, and has contributed to every song on TAEYANG’s comeback EP, ‘Down to Earth‘, including the singles ‘VIBE (feat. Jimin of BTS)’, ‘Seed‘, and ‘Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)‘. He also co-wrote and co-produced one of Korea’s best-selling songs of 2017, Sunmi‘s smash hit ‘Gashina‘, which landed on the ‘Best K-Pop Song of the Year‘ list in Billboard.

In 2021 he co-wrote LISA’s ‘MONEY’ which remained on the Billboard Global Top 10 chart for over four weeks, then provided songwriting for BLACKPINK’s 2022 single, ‘Shut Down’. As a solo artist, Vince released his first single, ‘MENNAL‘, followed by ‘EMERGENCY‘ featuring one of Korea’s best-selling artists and his label-mate, Zion.T, with whom Vince had also previously worked with. In early 2023, he was featured on a project for one of Korea’s most beloved talents, TANAKA, for the single ‘Choose Me (feat. Vince)’.

Vince blends R&B, hip-hop, rock, soul, and pop to create something altogether new. He is a singer, songwriter, and producer pushing the boundaries of music.

 

 

NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO, “GET OUT” OUT TODAY 

Watch the video for “Get Out”: https://Vince.bio.to/GETOUT_MV

 

More of Vince:

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

 

#VINCE #TheBlackLabel #newEP #VinceTheDrive #VinceGetOut #RnB #hiphop #kcrushnews #soul #pop #JoeRhee #writer #producer #koreanmusicproducer #VinceDebutEP #November172023 #newmusic #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #BillboardGlobalTop10 #LisaBlackPink #ZionT #discobased #EDM #kcrushpress #kcrushmedia #kcrushindexedgoogle #googleindexed #officialkcrush #TANAKA #Sumni #kpophits #kpop #RTee #asianmusic #universalmusicsound #TheBlackLabelArtistVince

 

Celebrating its fourteenth year of celebrating Korean dance and dancers, the Busan International Dance Market (BIDAM) which was held October 13th – 15th at the Geumjeong Cultural Center, is a program that brings the world of Korean dance and music culture to the world and the world to Korea.

Created by critically lauded dancer and choreographer Shin Eun-ju whose acclaimed work spans decades, BIDAM seeks to show that creatives of all ages, backgrounds, and interests come together to showcase their abilities to speak their experiences in a medium that needs no translation.

 

 

During my trip to Korea this year it was my absolute pleasure to have the opportunity to sit with Shin who operated the Shin Dance Company of Korea, to discuss her work as the Artistic Director of BIDAM, Executive Director of the Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF), and the newly created Busan Performance Dance Market (BPAM).

There were multiple categories to the programs this year where dancers performed award winning choreographies in the Korea Young Dance Challenge, the BIDAM Pitching program where executives and choreographers from various international dance companies presented new concepts for pieces currently in development, the BIDAM showcase, which I attended and watched performances from Korea, France, and Quebec.

Following the BIDAM Pitch presentation were the weekend’s final two performances. At the BPAM groups from all over the world showcased their talents in singing, acting, dancing, composition, and writing. Some even did a combination of all like Bodytalk, a German based production company which in collaboration with SIDance presented “KOREALITY – (None) Necomancy” an almost psychedelic blending of multiple art forms.

 

Photo credit – Park Sang Yun

For our interview, Shin discussed her philosophy of using dance to connect to nature and the elements – earth, wind, water, fire, and sky – and her country’s rich heritage and her wish for others to do the same. Using music from various genres and era and different countries such as traditional Pansori, European classical music, contemporary sounds like Jazz and even animals, Shin exemplifies the diversity of Korean artists.

 

Carolyn Hinds

Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12

 

The not so cool kids in the corner Mike and Sav of the indie pop duo corner club, are back with a new EP. Some of you KCrush readers may remember listening to their interview on Candid Conversations back in August. Following up their 2021 freshman EP “little love lullabies” with “in the rearview mirror.” A beautiful rollercoaster of life’s ups and downs. Sav and Mike are no strangers to writing about experiences and man are they sharing some good ones. In the two years following their first release there has been a cross country move for both of them, losses and hurdles of love. Sav, the vocalist for corner club had this to say on the EP, “With a longer project like this one, we had the opportunity to experiment with new styles while hopefully keeping some of our usual atmosphericness and storytelling.”

The first release from “in the rearview mirror” was “dreaming.” It was inspired by a group chat where Sav’s aunt discussed a dream she had following the passing of her grandmother. It’s a very  heartfelt and gentle song with some beautiful acoustic guitar play. The next track up was  “wherever you’re ready.” I was instantly hooked after playing it. The first night I played it about five times back to back. It tells the story of the aftermath feelings following a break up. When most people part with a partner they sometimes wish their ex well, but not here. The song opens up with the lyrics “I hope you’re not ok. I hope you’re down in the dumps. I hope you think of me when you’re crying to sleep (boohoo).” Then later a really upbeat and powerful guitar riff is played. It’s a really fun song and I absolutely love the tongue-in-cheek attitude the lyrics bring. It was also released with a music video directed by Emily Lin. Mike, the guitarist and producer of corner club says, “The story of the video basically has Sav following around her ex, watching mischievously as he meets a new girl, only for things not to work out (with the help of a little sabotage from Sav). At the end, there’s a bit of a romcom trope, where the new girl meets the old girl and they commiserate over their shared experiences.”

 

 

Another standout on the EP is a song called “radiant.” It’s hard for me to pick a favorite track, but it’s certainly between “whenever you’re ready” or this. It opens with “I wish I were radiant. The kind of girl that everybody likes. I wish I were radiant. The kind of boy that everybody wants to be.” Everything about it is executed so perfectly. The lyrics are very poetic, Sav’s vocals are very sultry, Mike’s playing is very soulful and smooth.

The seven track EP comes to a close with “when i die.” A song that was inspired by Sav’s mom who said, “I don’t care if you bury me when I die…cremate me and scatter my ashes so I can travel the world forever. Just don’t throw me in the ocean because I can’t swim very well.” I found it to be a very peaceful track that brings comfort to the thought of our impending deaths. It’s another intimate song with acoustic guitar, but also with cello played by Spencer Shen and flute by Michelle Zarco. I think it was a fitting end to a very beautiful piece of music.

 

—-Cwamne Howard

 

#TheCornerClub #newmusicTheCornerClub #newmusic #newalbum #kcrushnews #InTheRearviewMirrow #kcrushamerica #Sav #Mike #newEPTheCornerClub #kcrushcandidconversations #kcrushcontent #kcrushtopasianentertainmentmagazine #kcrushcontent #indiepop #newmusicreleases #indiepopband #asianmusic

 

On October 30, 2023, former Royal Pirates bassist James Lee announced his upcoming marriage on Instagram. 

 

Lee wrote, ” I have some great news [I] am excited to share with you. I’m getting married!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by james lee (@jamesjhl)

In the post, Lee introduced his fiancé, Fafa, but did not provide details about who she is since Lee tries “to keep parts of my life private to remind myself to appreciate the experiences and moments we have [face-to-face,” but he added, “Fafa is a beautiful person inside and out with an incredible sense of responsibility, passion, integrity and loves with her entire being. She is kind-hearted and unafraid to fight and sacrifice for the people she loves. She reminds me that even though there are challenges every single day, it’s worth it to persevere, to get up and fight and be a better person.”

Lee, who is also the dog dad to Jerry the Woolf, was Royal Pirates’ bassist from 2009-2017. In 2015, Lee sustained severe injuries to his left wrist and shoulder when a restaurant’s steel door frame and glass fell on him. The accident nearly left Lee without his hand, but it was reattached during a lengthy surgery. The injury forced Lee to give up bass, and he switched to keyboard during Royal Pirates’ November 2015 “Run Away” comeback.

Lee departed Royal Pirates in 2017 due to the injury. He has been active on social media and in music since.

Lee’s marriage news is joyful news he deserves! Congratulations to Lee and his fiancé!

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

 

 

#JamesLeemarriageannouncement #kcrushnews #RoyalPirates #JerrytheWoolfJamesLee #FafaJamesLeefiance #kpopband #kpopmusic #congratulationsJamesLee #kcrushamerica #topasianentertainmentmagazine #kcrushmagazine #kcrushmedia #JamesLeeRoyalPirates

 

Tickets are on sale now at https://www.prekindle.com/promo/id/532452770265974741
We are back at the absolutely fantastic Deep Ellum Art Co, they really have a proper environment for us, 10/10 venue we can’t say enough good things about them. Let’s see you there,  we’ve got so many new songs to play!

*****Contest time!!!*******
https://www.instagram.com/p/CywtcAlATv1/
Tag 2 friends in the above instagram post who you would want to go party with and you could win a prize pack with 3 free tickets!
Like and share the post on your story for an extra entry. Contest ends Nov 3 at midnight. Winner will be drawn on Nov 4.
This event is 18+ and is limted capacity!

We expect to sell out this time, we were at 95% sold last show and it looked like this: https://youtube.com/shorts/zFA2k9Mmuss and this https://www.instagram.com/p/CuiW_L1guKv/ and this:

 

 

 

FOLLOW AND TAG

Make sure to follow and tag us in your posts and stories!
Kpop Club Night http://instagram.com/kpopclubnight 
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Watch live streams at http://twitch.tv/kpopclubnight
Listen to past mixes at http://mixcloud.com/kpopclubnight
All tickets on sale now at http://kpopclubnight.com

See you on the dance-floor!

 

#kpopclubnight #dancetokpop #DJYukaK #kpopDJ #DeepElm #KpopClubNightContest #ticketgiveaway #kcrush #kpop #kcrushamerica #KCN #DallasTX #kcrushnews #topkpopmagazine #DeepEllumArtCo #havefunwithkpop #kpopmusic

 

Korea has become the center of global attention not only from the flashy and mesmerizing K-dramas and K-pop realms. Korean food is increasingly gaining global acceptance owing to the associated health benefits.  These dishes are from centuries ago and are embedded deeply within the Korean culture, The dishes have been fused with a pinch of modernity giving them a refreshing and comforting vibe. Here are some of the healthiest Korean foods.

 

 

1. Kimchi

Kimchi is Korea’s most globally acknowledged food.  Kimchi is a fermented and salted vegetable infused with other vegetables, seasonings, and chili powder. Although there are various types of kimchi, including radish kimchi, the most famous is the Chinese cabbage kimchi. The best part about kimchi is that it can be eaten raw; just after preparation, or eaten months after preparation. Kimchi has a sweet spicy and sour taste that goes well with all foods, especially boiled rice. Kimchi is loved for its health benefits as it is filled with nutrients; including vitamins C and K, from the used vegetables. After fermentation, Kimchi is best loved for its probiotics linked to the prevention and treatment of several health conditions including gastrointestinal health and certain types of cancer. Kimchi can be eaten alongside any food including being cooked in soups.

 

 

 

2. Bibimpap

Bibimpap is rice served alongside various vegetables and pieces of seasoned ground beef. The mixture of nutrients, including proteins and vegetables makes bibimpap the go-to for a healthy balanced diet. Most of the vegetables are only stir-fried and seasoned giving them a sweet and crunchy feeling. The infused pickled vegetables also give bibimpap a sour sweet taste and probiotic properties good for one’s health. The running egg and rarely done meat further accentuate the dish’s health and taste properties.

 

 

 

3. Sundubu Jjigae

Sundubu Jjigae is among Korea’s most popular stews alongside Kimchi Jjigae and Budae Jjigae. In Korean, “Jjigae” translates to soup while “dubu” translates to tofu. Sundubu Jjigae is a soft tofu stew loaded with delicious seafood and vegetables. Tofu is a high protein with low cholesterol and contains calcium, iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B. The added vegetables and seafood also contribute to Sundubu Jjigae’s healthy status. The dried kelp and anchovy stock give the dish a rich meaty taste and aroma.

 

 

4. Gimbap

Gimbap is also known as seaweed rice rolls and is made up of vegetables, meat, and cooked rice rolled in dry seaweed. Gimbap is often confused with sushi rolls, but unlike sushi, gimbap doesn’t contain raw fish. This colorful dish contains a variety of ingredients of different nutritional value making gimbap a balanced-diet meal. Most of the used vegetables are either stir-fried or pickled giving the dish a crunchy and delicious taste.

 

 

5. Kongguksu

Kongguksu is a summertime noodle dish that is served in cold creamy soy milk broth. “Kong” means soybeans while “guksu” means soup translating “koongguksu” to soy milk noodle soup. The noodles in the dish are made from wheat flour. Soy is a high-quality plant protein and a good source of various minerals and vitamins including vitamin K1, iron, and manganese. One of the most used toppings is boiled eggs and grated cucumber which add to Kongguksu’s healthy status.

 

—-Karen Mwenda 

 

#kongguksu #5healthiestKoreanFoods #kcrush #healthykoreanfoods #kimbap #kcrushcontent #guksu #Koreanfoods #SundubuJjigae #topasianentertainmentmagazine #googleindexed #kcrushamerica #soymilknoodlesoup #bibimpap #kimchi #probiotics #gastrointestinalhealth

 

 

Mari Kim, is a contemporary Korean artist, renowned as a digital fashion designer, music video director and pioneer of the “Eyedoll” style of art. She currently serves as the CEO of Japanese immersive entertainment studio Cocone N.Y, where she is the key visionary of their innovative digital fashion offerings. At Cocone N.Y. Mari leads a team at the forefront of digital fashion and social networking with over 15 years of avatar styling experience and over 16 billion digital items sold.

Prior to her role as CEO at Cocone N.Y. Mari directed the critically acclaimed music video ‘Hate You’ for Kpop group 2NE1 utilizing her famous ‘doll eye’ style of animation, and has served as the CEO of her own popular fashion and beauty brand MARI MARI since 2018. Mari also boasts a robust background in both traditional and digital art: Her animated piece Missing and Found became one of Korea’s first art-based NFTs to sell at auction, fetching a price of 288 ETH in 2021 ($450k). Her pop art murals are prominently displayed in entrepreneur David Grutman’s premiere Komodo nightclubs in Miami and Dallas and the soon-to-be Komodo Las Vegas. Mari has had solo art exhibitions all over the world including Los Angeles, Miami, Berlin and London.

 

1. First, when we think of Mari Kim, we immediately think of 2NE1’s “I Hate You,” where your “Eyedoll” character takes the lead. We are really curious about the process of collaborating on the music video as a character artist. Could you share the behind-the-scenes story of how you got this opportunity?

Back when I was still a relatively new artist, I held many exhibitions in various small galleries. During that time, Yang Hyun Suk, who was the CEO of YG Entertainment and heavily involved in its operations, happened to purchase one ofmy paintings displayed in a furniture gallery. This led to him getting in touch with me. From the very first meeting, we had great communication, and he inquired about creating the cover art for 2NE1’s mini-album. Subsequently, I was also commissioned to produce the music video for one of the album’s tracks, “HATE YOU.”

The concept for the music video was brainstormed together with the CEO, and it was an incredibly enjoyable process. In this music video, the members of 2NE1 transformed into bounty hunters in the style of my artwork’s characters, EYEDOLL. They appeared in an animated format, and since then, countless people have watched this music video, which is still recognized as one of the best music videos to date.

 

2. I heard that you recently entered the gaming industry and assumed the role of CEO at CocoNe’s New York branch, a renowned Japanese gaming company. Were you scouted for the position? It appears to be a rapid transformation from being an artist to becoming the CEO of a Japanese gaming company in New York. We’re also intrigued by the story behind this journey.

A few years ago, I had a successful collaboration with Cocone on their existing service called POKE KOLO. Following that, I had several meetings with Cocone to discuss potential projects we could work on together. Around that time, I achieved significant success in the NFT art auction space, and this experience piqued my interest in the metaverse and sparked many ideas. During one of the meetings with Cocone, I submitted a proposal called “Centennial.” Cocone was highly impressed with the concept and promptly signed a contract.

As the development of the Centennial game progressed, I was actively involved in marketing and PR activities to ensure a successful launch. It was during this time that I was offered the position of CEO for the New York office, as Cocone recognized my ability to handle such tasks effectively. Given that my previous work on Centennial’s success could be applied to launching global games for Cocone, I didn’t find the transition too challenging. Furthermore, I saw this as a significant achievement in my journey as an artist, and the decision to take on this new role felt natural and not difficult at all.

 

 

3. As an artist turned entrepreneur, we’re curious about your role at the New York office and your daily life with the team there.

In New York, my mission revolves around successfully launching Cocone’s global services through effective marketing and PR efforts. I engage in collaborations with external companies to ensure efficient work processes, and within the company, I oversee the social media team, operations team, and CX team. As a result, I find myself closely involved in various activities related to Cocone’s current users.

Understanding the preferences and behavior patterns of global users and devising marketing activities that resonate with them is indeed a fascinating aspect of my work.

 

4. Do you spend most of your time in the U.S. or do you travel between Japan, Korea and the U.S.? What do you find most interesting or enjoyable in each one?

I am primarily based in New York for my work, and it’s my favorite city in the world. I believe it’s an ideal place for getting things done quickly and efficiently, as it’s a hub for global trends and the gathering of numerous professionals. I’m particularly drawn to the diverse personalities coexisting in this city, which adds to its unique charm.

In Korea, I have my art studio, and I’ve built an efficient system to work on art projects, thanks to my long-standing team of studio employees. It’s very convenient for me in that regard. Additionally, Cocone has its subsidiary in Korea, and I often visit to exchange ideas and collaborate.

Japan also holds a special place in my heart as it’s a country rich in tradition, and I often find artistic inspiration there. Cocone’s headquarters is in Japan, and many employees work there, making it another important location for sharing ideas and collaboration.

Overall, I’m quite fond of these countries and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work in such diverse and inspiring environments.

 

5. Many emerging artists struggle to promote themselves, especially in this era of active social media. It can be even more challenging to gain recognition in such a competitive environment. Can you please provide some advice that could be really helpful for these up-and-coming artists? How did you navigate this process yourself when you had no connections or name recognition?

I could be considered an artist who has grown alongside the growth of social media. At the time, I was one of the early adopters of sharing my artwork on social media, even though I didn’t have a background in traditional art. I didn’t know any better, so I decided to showcase my work on social media, and it turned out to be an excellent marketing tool and a turning point in gaining recognition.

Today, with the abundance of content being uploaded to social media by everyone, the impact may be somewhat diminished. However, what I believe is most important is consistency. When I first started posting my work on platforms like blogs and Instagram, the user base wasn’t as extensive as it is today, and the quantity of content was relatively low. Nevertheless, I persevered and published 700 posts and artworks over two years. Without such consistent effort, I don’t think I would have achieved the same level of success, even during the booming era of social media.

Consistency over the long term is the most effective approach, and I believe this principle applies to all aspects of life.

 

6. I also saw an interview where your NFT artwork sold for a high price recently. Many people may be curious about what factors determine the price of such artwork. Could you explain what factors come into play when setting the price?

I often find value in artworks not just because they are visually pleasing and beautiful, but more often than not, they carry significant symbolic meaning. It’s important to consider the significance of a piece in terms of representing a trend or a first in a particular era. Additionally, understanding how a work symbolizes a particular period and movement is crucial. For example, the NFT piece I sold had strong symbolic significance as it was the first NFT piece planned by a Korean artist in Korea, representing a milestone in the world of NFT art.

 

7. Many artists want to create and promote their own NFT artworks, but the NFT market is still unfamiliar to many. How do you go about creating artwork as an NFT, and how does it differ from creating non-NFT art? Additionally, once you’ve created an NFT artwork, could you provide some advice on how to market it in the NFT space?

There are countless tools available for creating NFTs, which involve applying unique identification marks to digital images or videos using blockchain technology. Once these NFTs are created, there are numerous platforms where you can sell them. Platforms like OpenSea, among many others, showcase and facilitate the sale of various forms of NFT art. These platforms are creating markets independent of the traditional art world and are offering artists endless opportunities.

 

 

8. At the Komodo Lounge located in Miami, USA, your artwork can also be seen. Were you scouted for the Komodo restaurant’s artwork?

Famous Miami entrepreneur David Grutman reached out to me after receiving my artwork as a wedding gift from a friend. Initially, we collaborated to create a digital wall for KOMODO Lounge in Miami, and it turned out to be a fantastic addition to the lounge. This year, we launched another KOMODO Lounge in Dallas, Texas, and it, too, has been beautifully brought to life.

 

 

9. We would love to hear from someone who has successfully built their own brand like you have. What do you consider the most important aspects of building oneself as a brand, and what aspects should one be mindful of?

Anyone with talent has the potential to create their own brand. It’s not about just doing what everyone else does; it’s about finding your unique style and personality. Even if it’s the same thing, you need to do it differently and discover your own distinctiveness.

As mentioned earlier, I believe that consistency is the foundation of success in everything. Nowadays, with numerous platforms available to showcase oneself, it’s crucial to consistently promote and market yourself. Through this ongoing process of promotion, your content will accumulate, expand, and eventually reach a wide audience.

 

 

10. While growing up, did you already know what you wanted to do as a career? 양식의 맨 아래

I didn’t have a clear dream when I was young, other than the one my parents had set for me, which was to become a doctor. In many households, children’s future aspirations are often determined by their parents’ opinions. However, I had a strong passion for reading comic books, watching animations, and indulging in rebellious novels. Although I enjoyed these activities, I had no idea that I would end up living the life of an artist as I do now. Nevertheless, I believe that my interests and inclinations during my early years had a significant influence on my path to becoming an artist.

 

 

11. There is still a prevalent bias in the cultural and arts sector that it is difficult to establish oneself without the financial support or background. For younger artists who may perceive high entry barriers, we would like to hear your thoughts on this. Especially, if you could offer advice on how to sustain oneself financially in the early stages? 양식의 맨 아래

The arts market can be considered relatively small, and success within it may indeed be challenging. However, nowadays, there are numerous tools for self-promotion and various platforms for exhibitions, which have significantly lowered the entry barriers. While it can still be tough to achieve success, I believe the opportunities for artists have become more accessible.

Many artists often pursue other jobs, especially in the early stages of their careers, to make a living. I, too, taught university classes for about ten years to support myself. However, it’s common to see artists eventually give up their artistic dreams to focus on their day jobs. The key to success lies in not losing sight of your own dreams and goals, and continually moving in the right direction. Balancing another job in the early stages is often necessary, in my opinion.

 

12. If you have any secrets or tips on how you’ve been able to expand your network so successfully, we’d love to hear them.

I consider myself fortunate to have started my art career during the emergence of social media, which provided me with numerous ways to promote myself. I didn’t have a formal art education, and when I began my journey as an artist in Seoul, I didn’t know anyone in the field. I didn’t have an existing network, but by consistently engaging in social media activities during the era of its growth, I naturally started building my network. This online network has also translated into real-world connections.

 

 

13. You’ve always been ahead of trends. If you were to predict the next big trend we should be paying attention to, what would it be? What preparations would you recommend for those who want to lead the way in the next trend?

The current Alpha generation was born into an era where iPhones and digital technology have always existed. For them, the line between the physical and digital worlds may not be as distinct as it is for adults who grew up in a different era.

As the digitally savvy younger generations continue to grow, the digital item market is likely to see significant expansion. In this context, I believe that Cocone’s metaverse and avatar games hold great significance and will contribute to the further expansion of Cocone’s domain. We all need to prepare for this digital world.

 

14. Could you make some predictions about the cultural and artistic keywords for 2024?

Centennial, digital world, digital items.

 

15. Do you play video games? If so, what is your favorite video gameto play personally? Also, what sports you enjoy doing?

I’m also a gaming enthusiast, particularly fond of horror games. I used to really enjoy the game “Silent Hill” from Konami back in the day. Recently, I had a great time playing a game called “Dave the Dive.”

While I’m not particularly skilled in sports, I don’t engage in traditional sports activities. However, I love spending time in the ocean, and I occasionally go snorkeling and scuba diving.

 

16. Can you share “what I love” with our readers? Please pick your top 2 favorites for each category: 1) 2 YouTube channels you’re currently subscribed to, 2) 2 songs from your music playlist, and 3) 2 favorite Korean dramas or variety shows.

Youtube: Ralral, The pet collective

Music Play list: Peggy Gou, La Havane (Sofiane Pamart)

Korean show: Doona!, The Devil’s Plan

 

 

17. If you ever have time for rest and relaxation? If so, when do you take rests and what is your favorite thing to do during the down time?

I watch a lot of tv series and movies, often continuously and without breaks. It’s a way for me to keep my mind occupied with different content and prevent work-related thoughts from entering my mind.

 

18. What kind of fashion style do you enjoy wearing? Could you briefly describe the clothing items you’re wearing now?

I mainly prefer wearing clothes with subtle patterns. I enjoy adding variety through textures or different shapes in my clothing choices. I gravitate towards chicyet simultaneously sexy styles.

For more glamorous occasions, I tend to express myself through brands like Alexander McQueen or Balmain. On regular days, I opt for casual attire like Alexander Wang or Y3. Additionally, I have a fondness for Levi’s jeans.

 

19. Do you have anything to add that you might want to share with
our readers?

Cocone’s global project, Centennial, is an exciting challenge for both Cocone and me. I believe it’s a fantastic game that offers a diverse range of experiences, appealing to everyone from the Alpha generation to Gen Z. In Centennial, you can explore my art style, K-pop style, various music, engage in various social activities, and make numerous friends in this new digital world. Your interest and support are greatly appreciated.

 

 

—-Jiyoung Lee

 

#MariKim #MariKim2NE1IHateYou #kcrushinterview #Koreanartist #YGEntertinment #Eyedoll #KomodoLounge ##DavidGrutman #YoutubeRalralThepetcollective #kcrushamerica #kcrush #topasianentertainmentmagazine

#MusicPlaylistPeggyGouLaHavaneSofianePamart #artist #kpop #KoreanshowDoonaTheDevilsPlan #CoconesglobalprojectCentennial #Cocone #SilentHillfromKonami #CEOCocone #NewYorkCocone

#KOMODOLoungedigitalwall #KOMODOrestaurantMiami #KOMODOLoungeDallas #KOMODO #MariKimartist

#MissingandFoundNFT #MARIMARIfashionbrand #Coconesmetaverseandavatargames #googleindexed #kcrush2014 #asianculturecontent #kcrushoriginalcontent

 

2023 YUE HUA Americas Tour Audition has been released.

Scan the QR code to apply now.

 

#YUEHUAAmericasTourAudition #talentaudition #AmericaAuditions #kcrushnews #kcrushannouncement #kpopauditions #koreanmusicaudition #kcrushamerica #kcrushamericamagazine #entertainmentnews #becomeakpopstar #becomeakpoptrainee

In this interview, Carolyn speaks with Park Sun Young, Programmer of Asian Cinema at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), about the importance of promoting Asian cinema at international festivals for local and visiting international guests and industry insiders.

As a programmer Park and her team have a very difficult job of sifting through hundreds of submissions each year to decide on their final selections for platforms such as the A Window on Asian Cinema platform, the New Currents platform which highlights first and second films of up-and-coming filmmakers like Pawo Choyning Dorji (The Monk and the Gun), and Yeon Je-gwang whose film The Guest premiered at the festival.

One other category Park references was the Jiseok platform, a competition program which was created in honor of the late Kim Ji-seok. Kim, who passed away in 2017, was the Deputy Director, an executive programmer and one of the founders of BIFF.

Park also spoke about how the similarities in the history of all Asian countries contributes to the universality and relatability of the stories presented, making them compelling for not only audiences, but also programmers like herself.

Despite her academic background focused on the comedic film history of Korean cinema, Park is especially drawn to films with more dramatic themes as a festival programmer which makes for an interesting perspective, and a great example of how film is a medium of storytelling brings out new sides to those involved in all aspects of the film industry, including festivals.

 

Carolyn Hinds

Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12

 

#KoreanCinema #BusanInternationalFilmFestival #ParkSunYoung #ProggrammerofAsianCinema #kcrushinterview #filmfestival #kcrushamericamagazine #AsianCinema #Jiseokplatform #KimJiseokformerDeputyDirector #kcrushmedia #topasianentertainmentmagazine #googleindexedcontent #kcrushsince2014 #koreanculture

Set in 2006, a pivotal time of change for the people of Bhutan as they prepare for the dawn of democracy, The Monk and the Gun director Pawo Choyning Dorji’s second feature film is a whip smart comedic drama about the ways westernization and modernization can both negatively and positively impact indigenous communities.

There’s a fine line between satire and pure comedy in film. Satire is used to poke fun at the expense of the subject to reveal the absurdity of their behaviors and even philosophy, whereas pure comedy is about showing the natural humor that arises through the everyday interactions of the characters.

In his second feature film Choyning Dorji (Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, 2019), very carefully ensures that his characterisations of the people of Ura, a small village in the picturesque mountains of Bhutan, are genuinely funny, rather than satirical.

This distinction is important to make as the premise of The Monk and the Gun relies on the most seemingly absurd situation, a young naive monk (Tandin Wangchuck) going on a mission to find two guns at the behest of the Lama, Benji (Tandin Sonam) a tour guide in dire financial straits taking an white American male tourist to find a collectible Civil War era rifle, and Tshomo (Decki Lahmo) a mother who sees the world around her changing, and possibly not for the best.

In our interview during the 2023 Busan International Film Festival, I spoke with Choyning Dorji, Lahmo and Sonam about the ways the film cleverly subverts the expectations audiences would have of the characters, the story, and the country of Bhutan itself. And James Bond. Trust me, the way Choyning Dorji inserts the mythos of this legendary screen character is probably my favorite meta reference to 007 ever.

 

Carolyn Hinds

Freelance Critic, Journalist & Podcaster
African American Film Critics Association Member, Tomatometer-Approved Critic
Co-Host & Producer So Here’s What Happened! Podcast
Bylines at http://Authory.com/CarolynHinds
Twitter & Instagram: @CarrieCnh12

 

 

#BSIFFInterview #ChoyningDorji #kcrush interview#k-crush #2014kcrush #kcrush america #film #movies #movie #shorts #k crush #kcrush #k^crush #k/crush #k@crush #kcrush youtube channel #k crush youtube channel #youtube channel of k-crush #youtube channel for k-crush #exclusive interview #the original kcrush youtube channel #k^crush kpop #kcrush film review #k+crush drama review #k=crush drama clips #Seoul #Korean shows #Korean movies #Korean dramas #THEMONKANDTHEGUN

 

With recently released dramas and others ongoing as well, the September Korean Drama Actor Rankings have seen a reshuffle. As compared to the August rankings, some of the actors and actresses have been dethroned as others leap closer to the top of the list. Below are the actors and actresses who made it to the top 5 list of the September Korean Drama Actor Rankings.

 

1. Nam Goong Min

Nam Goong Min took the crown in this September’s Korean Drama Actor Rankings topping with a brand reputation index of 4.824,141. His role in “My Dearest” K-drama, whose first episode aired in early August, made this rating possible. In this drama, Nam Goong plays the mysterious Lee Jang Hyun with a deep and dark secret that he strives to hide behind his cheerful nature.

 

2. Ahn Eun Jin

Ahn Eun Jun took second place behind her co-star in the currently airing “My Dearest” K-drama with a brand reputation index of 3,872,507. Being one of Ahn Eun’s highest rankings in the Korean drama actor brand reputation rankings, the September results showcases her blossoming popularity, which is expected to soar even higher with the ongoing part 2 of “My Dearest” drama. In the drama, Ahn Eun plays Yoo Gil Chae, a confident daughter of a noble family fighting her way through a political upheaval only to find love in dangerous waters.

 

 

3. Han Ji Min

Han Jin Min clinched third place with a brand reputation index of 2, 484,684 this September. Starring in the currently airing “Behind Your Touch” drama, Han Jin Min has taken the viewers by storm with her exceptional acting skills weaved in a captivating storyline. In the “Behind Your Touch” drama, Han Jin Min plays Bong Ye Bun; a veterinarian with psychometric powers to see people’s pasts which entangles her in a series of endless inexplicable murder cases.

 

 

4. Yeom Hye Ran

The fourth place went to Yeom Hye Ran for her role in “The Uncanny Counter 2” drama with a brand reputation index of 2,184,741. Yeom Hye Ran’s roles in “The Uncanny Counter 1” and “Mask Girl” also contributed to her growing popularity and impact in the entertainment industry raising her brand reputation index from the 598,022 August index. In both seasons of “The Uncanny Counter”, Yeom Hye Ran plays Chu Mae-ok whose alibi career is a chef at Eonni’s Noodles. As a counter, she is possessed by Su-ho’s spirit giving her healing abilities which are crucial for the success of the counters’ missions.

 

 

5. Kim Sejeong

The fifth place also went to another actress starring in “The Uncanny Counter 2” K-drama. Kim Sejeong clocked the top five with a brand reputation index of 2,008,169. Kim Sejong; a singer and actress, showed an increase in popularity as her brand index increased from 1,384,469 in August. In both seasons of “The Uncanny Counter”  k-drama, Kim Sejeong plays Do Ha-na whose alibi career is a server at Eonni’s Noodles. As a counter, Do Ha-na is possessed by Woo-Sik’s spirit giving her superhuman psychometric and strength. These abilities enable her to sense evil spirits from miles away as well as read and enter other people’s memories.

 

— Karen Mwenda

 

#top5koreandramaactorrankingsseptember2023 #kcrush #kdrama #koreandramaactors #TheUncannyCounter2 #KimSejeong #actorrankingsinkorea #kcrushamerica #topasianmagazine #YeomHyeRan #EonnisNoodles #kcrushkdramacontent #kdramarate #HanJinMin #BehindYourTouch #AhnEunJun #MyDearest #MyDearestKdrama #NamGoongMin #koreanactors #topasianmagazinekcrush #recentarticle #googleindexedkcrushcontent #asianentertainmentmagazinekcrush

 

2023 kicked off with a blast, especially for K-Drama fans around the globe. With the unveiling of new dramas hitting the charts and the release of new seasons for ongoing series, life could not get any better. Here are some of the most thrilling series released in early January this year that ought to be on your must-watch K-drama list.

 

 

1. Crash Course in Romance

Crash Course in Romance tells the story of sparkling chemistry fighting to rise above overpowering societal pressures. Nam Haeng Seon is a side dish store owner whose handball career was thrown under the bus when fate made her a mother. Choi Chi Yeol is a celebrity math instructor, a career that has taken him blood and sweat to achieve and maintain. Nam HeYi is Nam Haeng Seon’s blessing in disguise and whose unfortunate childhood still haunts her present forcing her to survive in the shadows. Nam He Yi’s entanglement with Choi Chi Yeol springs up endless altercations between the math instructor and side dish store owner fused in traumas, jealousy, and scandals that take the viewer into a roller coaster of emotions.

 

 

2. Kokdu: The Season Deity

Kokdu is a being who dates back to ancient times and is endowed by the gods, giving him a free return pass to the present every 99 years. His mission is to punish humans for their fragility. During his errands, Kokdu bumps into Han Gye Jeol; a low-class doctor who binds Kokdu into a spell, compromising his mission and borrowed time. Despite being an immortal grim reaper, Kokdu races against time and all odds as fate takes the wheel dragging the viewers’ emotions with it.

 

 

3. Can We Be Strangers

Famously known as “Strangers Again”, this drama took January 2023 by storm within the airing of its first episodes. Can We Be Strangers revolves around a divorcee couple who find themselves back into each other’s lives after a fascinating turn of events. Goo Eun Beom undergoes a health issue that affects his sex life which gives Oh Ha Ra a window for divorce despite having cheated on his husband with a man ten years younger than her. With the urge to survive the harsh law career world, the two former love birds are bombarded with an array of puzzles creating a thin line between the two being strangers and lovers.

 

 

4. Brain Works

Brain Works is another thrilling drama that had viewers glued to the core as it hit the screens in January 2023. This scientific-comedy series revolves around two men who despite the grueling hatred between them end up working together to solve criminal cases. The inhumane neurologist Shin Ha Ru and kind but surly-speaking Detective Geum Myung Se are forced to put aside their conflicting personalities to bring justice and sanity to their community. Kim Mo Ran; detective Geum’s overly sensual ex-wife, and the hypnotic investigator Seol So Jung also add to the mix resulting in the rattling fusion of four strange brains working towards solving criminal cases

 

 

5. Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist 2

After a thrillingly successful season one, Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist 2 once again broke the chart records upon its release in January 2023. Yoo Se Poong is a charming physician who worked for the royal family before a conspiracy against him that tinted his career and social life forcing him to seek solace in Gyesu village. The downfall is a blessing in disguise as Poong finds solitude and purpose at Gyesu Clinic thanks to his eccentric teacher, Gye Ji Han. His rebirth as a physician couldn’t improve as he finds love in Seo Eun Woon, a widow in Gyesu village. Just when everything seems to fall into place, an epidemic ravages the royal courts and Poong’s newly found happiness is put to test.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#5mustwatchkdramas #january2023mustwatchkdramas #kcrush #PoongTheJoseonPsychaiatrist2 #kcrushamerica #BrianWorks #CanWeBeStrangers #KokduTheSeasonDeity #CrashCourseInRomance #kcrushamerica #topasianmagazinekcrush #recentarticle #googleindexedkcrushcontent #asianentertainmentmagazinekcrush #kdrama #koreandrama #topkdrama #kcrushkdrama

New Jeans is the newest K-pop act in town that has everyone talking. Barely two years after their debut, the quintet girl band dethroned BTS of a Guinness World Record with their mesmerizing singles. What’s more, New Jeans members are among the youngest in the K-pop entertainment industry which further accentuates their trendy fresh vibe fused in a 1990s girl next door aura. Some of New Jeans’ most popular songs include “Ditto” (over 400 million Spotify views), “OMG” (over 500 million Spotify views), and “Hype Boy” (over 400 million Spotify views).

 

 

New Jeans debuted in July 22, 2022 under ADOR record label; an independent label under HYBE Entertainment. New Jeans is composed of Minji (19 years), Hanni (18 years old Vietnamese-Australian), Danielle (18 years old Korean-Australian), Haerin (17 years), and Hyein (15 years). New Jeans’ gruesome journey started back in 2019 as all members competed in the 2019 Plus Global Audition before becoming official New Jeans idol trainees.

 

 

A few months into their debut, New Jeans became a hot global topic for dethroning it’s sunbaes (seniors) BTS; also managed by HYBE label, as their tunes flooded TikTok and other social media platforms. Compared to their seniors BTS who broke the Guinness World Record in 409 days with Jungkook’s song, New Jeans became the fastest K-pop act to reach 1 billion Spotify streams in 219 days. On TikTok alone, #NewJeans has over 14 billion views and counting.

 

 

With going viral, came along goodies as the group secured deals with notable luxury brands. Minji secured a brand ambassadorship with Chanel, Hanni with Armani Beauty and Gucci, Haerin with Dior, Danielle with YSL Beauty and Burberry, and Hyein with Louis Vuitton. New Jeans has bagged notable awards including several instances for the Rookie of the Year and New Artist of the Year awards. New Jeans has also been featured in notable listicles including Forbes’s Korea Power Celebrity 40 and Time’s Next Generation Leaders. The “Hype Boy” and “Cookie” hit maker has also partnered with several notable brands, including Levi’s, Coca-Cola, and Apple Inc., on various philanthropical projects.

 

 

New Jeans is the newest K-pop act to beat in the entertainment industry. Given that most of the members are still in their teens, expectations are high for the “Ditto” single hit maker whose youth phase has only began. Early this month, Minji and Hanni scooped second and third place respectively in October’s Girl Group Member Brand Reputation Rankings. New Jeans also rocked the world of e-sports after the group collaborated with GODS to release the official anthem for 2023’s League of Legends World Championship. This is just but a beginning for this promising girl band.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

#NewJeans #DittoNewJeans #MinjiNewJeans #kcrush #HanniNewJeans #kcrushamerica #HyeinNewJeans #kcrushamerica #HaerinNewJeans #DanielleNewJeans #SpotifystreamsNewJeans #sunbaeBTS #googleindexedkcrushcontent #kcrush2014 #NewJeansbreakrecords #ADORNewJeans #NewJeansdebut2022 #topasianmagazinekcrush #entertainmentmagazinekcrush