V-POP SUPERSTAR SON TUNG M-TP UNVEILS NEW SINGLE “MAKING MY WAY”

photo credit: M-TP Entertainment

Following his landmark foray into the U.S. market last year with his first ever song in English—“THERE’S NO ONE AT ALL”—Son Tung M-TP, one of Vietnam’s biggest stars, is back with his much anticipated follow up “Making My Way.” Listen HERE.

“This is a song that means a lot to me because it makes me forget about everything that’s wrong in my life,” the artist says. “And reminds me that I should do whatever my heart tells me to do and go wherever my music tells me to go.”

Often referred to as the “prince of V-pop,” the superstar has become a household name his native Vietnam over the past decade. Now, the singer and actor is going worldwide. His music draws on elements of R&B, hip-hop and EDM, as well as traditional Vietnamese instruments.

Son Tung is the recipient of multiple highly coveted awards including an MTV Europe Music Award for Best Southeast Asian Act and the Mnet Asian Music Award for Vietnamese Breakout Artist. Son Tung has also been named one of Forbes Vietnam’s 30 Under 30.

With over 10.2 million YouTube subscribers and steadily climbing, Son Tung currently holds the title for artist with the most music videos that have over 100 million views. He is the first Vietnamese artist to have a tour documentary on Netflix, Sky Tour: The Movie, as well as the first to appear on the Billboard Global Excl. Chart for his song “Muộn Rồi Mà Sao Còn;” read HERE.

In 2019, Son Tung released a collaboration with Snoop Dogg, “HÃY TRAO CHO ANH,” the video featuring Snoop Dogg himself as well as Madison Beer—the video trended at #9 on YouTube in the U.S.

“There’s No One At All”

 

 

#SonTung #HayTraoChoAnh #SkyTourTheMovie #Netflix #kcrushnews #SonTungMTP #VPOP #kcrushamerica #RnB #hiphop #EDM #TheresNoOneAtAll #single #Vietnamsinger #princeofVPop #newsingle #MakingMyWay #VPopSuperstar #kcrushmedia #kcrush #firstVietnameseartisttohaveatourdocumentaryonNetflix #ForbesVietnams30Under30 #VietnameseBreakoutArtistSonTung #SonTungandSnoopDogg

Photo Credit: ChoCo Entertainment

 

ChoCo, the protagonist of the new “K-Pop 5.0” era, has revealed its reality.

On the 3rd, ChoCo Entertainment announced that Jake, the leader of ChoCo1, and Anpan, the leader of ChoCo2, will appear in the Korean version of the reality show “ChoCo in Hollywood“.

“ChoCo in Hollywood” is ChoCo’s first reality project, showcasing its global debut. It introduces a new K-Pop incubation system to viewers worldwide, capturing the sincere human touch and musical growth of the talented ChoCo artists.

Jake and Anpan are the leaders of ChoCo1 and ChoCo2, respectively. They will come together to form a group called ChoCo1&2. They possess exceptional skills and musical talents beyond their young ages, making a strong impression on domestic and international viewers of this reality show.

Jake, the 16-year-old boy, is not only proficient in dancing and rapping but also excels in drumming; showing his all-rounder abilities as the eldest member of ChoCo and his capability to lead the group responsibly.

Anpan, the 14-year-old girl from Thailand, is a former social media dance influencer, always radiating bright and positive energy, and taking on the role of being the moodmaker for ChoCo.

In addition to Jake and Anpan, viewers can also get a glimpse of other talented members of ChoCo1, such as TJ and Sean, as well as trainees from ChoCo2. The reality show will showcase their journey from the time of auditioning, including four years of trainee life, their debut preparation, and activities, as they strive towards their dreams.

ChoCo, which is gaining attention for its new concept, is produced by ChoPD – a first-generation Korean hip-hop legend who opened the door to digital music in South Korea. They plan to engage in various activities without boundaries set between the possibility of solo and group activities, aiming to become the “K-Pop 5.0 Icon” that sings about the dreams, lives, concerns, and identities of the Alpha generation.

“ChoCo in Hollywood”, the Korean version of ChoCo’s reality show produced by Sole9 Media (which utilizes their achievements from “Mnet Asia Music Awards (MAMA)” and “Produce 101” to conduct Asian auditions) will be premiered on May 12th at 7 PM KST on CJ E&M’s music channel Mnet’s subsidiary digital channel M2.

 

About ChoCo Entertainment

ChoCo Entertainment is an ultimate IP entertainment company geared towards leading the next Hallyu wave. With a focus on individuality, collaboration, and growth as its core values, ChoCo Entertainment encourages its artists to find their passions and follow their originality to create music that matters. The company’s unique artist incubation system is designed to foster independent and self-sufficient artists who have a thorough grasp of music and can explore their creativity without being constrained by the prevalent culture of competition in K-Pop. With the aim of creating a truly global K-Pop group, ChoCo Entertainment is preparing to debut ChoCo in 2023.

 

About ChoPD

Junghun Cho, also known as ChoPD, is the founder, executive producer, and CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) of ChoCo Entertainment. Known as the “pioneer of digital music”, ChoPD is a multi-award-winning artist and has attained legendary status in the K-Pop industry with his trailblazing innovation and impactful contributions to the globalization of K-Hip Hop. He is the genius mastermind behind launching artists like PSY, ZICO, Dok2, and more, and now, he is producing his very own K-Pop group – ‘ChoCo’ – preparing to usher in the 5th generation of K-Pop.

CONNECT WITH ChoCo Entertainment

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

 

 

#ChoCoEntertainment #realityshow #kcrushnews #koreanpop #kpop #Jake #Anpan #M2RealityShow #Hollywood #kcrushmedia #kcrushamerica #ChoCo1 #TJ #Sean #ChoPD #dancer #rapper #KPop50 #ChCo2

Download & streaming links

Music video

Japanese group NAQT VANE will hold their first ever fan event on May 20, titled ‘Greetings from NAQT VANE’. During the event, fans will be able to enjoy the group’s first ever live performance, along with a talk by vocalist Harukaze and overall producer Hiroyuki SAWANO.

Now, it has been decided that this special event will be livestreamed, to reach fans all over the world! A brand new song will also be unveiled for the first time.

Greetings from NAQT VANE

Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 18:00 JST

Further details: https://l-tike.zaiko.io/e/naqtvane

NAQT VANE released their first digital EP ‘NAQT’ in April 2023. The six-song EP gathers the group’s first four singles – including ‘TOUCH’, the ending theme song to the drama series ‘Yazuka Lover’ which is currently streaming on Disney Plus – as well as two brand new songs, ‘Odd One Out’ and ‘Reminiscing’.

NAQT VANE regularly update their social media accounts with the latest information, so be sure to sign up!

 

NAQTVANE profile

NAQT VANE is a music project that aims to “create an uplifting tailwind to guide those who have a challenger spirit”. The group features vocalist Harukaze, who spent eight years living abroad before returning to Japan’s music scene, along with overall producer Hiroyuki SAWANO and art collective Classic 6.

NAQT VANE are dedicated to reaching everyone who lives in the era of the wind – a flexible world rich in freedom and diversity, with a lifestyle unbound by material things or status. The members hope to breathe a wind of change, building their own space together where new stories can shine.

Harukaze | Vocals

Born in Hokkaido in 1998, Harukaze left Japan at age 15 to attend high school and college abroad. While studying Music Business in Los Angeles, she got a taste of a music culture that was different from what she’d experienced in Japan, and began to make music with people she met in the local scene.

In 2018, she released her first single ‘Summer Time (Feat. Roz)’, followed by her second single ‘Mr. Secret’ and in winter 2020 the EP ‘Best Regards’, before returning to Japan to begin the next phase of her music career. She became involved in NAQT VANE after meeting Hiroyuki SAWANO in 2021.

Hiroyuki SAWANO | Overall Producer

Born in Tokyo in 1980, Hiroyuki SAWANO is a highly celebrated composer and producer, providing compositions for music artists, TV shows, anime and movies.

In 2009, he released his first original album, ‘musica’.

In 2014, he began the project SawanoHiroyuki[nZk], undertaking star collaborations with renowned artists such as Akihito Okano (Porn Graffiti), Takanori Nishikawa, SUGIZO (LUNA SEA, X JAPAN), Sukima Switch, Sayuri, Aimer, Jean-Ken Johnny (MAN WITH A MISSION), Anly, ReoNa, Aina the End (BiSH), Yuuri, Taiiku Okazaki and more.

In 2019, he held a solo performance at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, China, with an audience of more than 10,000 fans, marking his advance to the global stage.

After meeting vocalist Harukaze, he launched the team project NAQT VANE in September 2022, participating as overall producer. The group plan to release original music in Japan and around the world.

Classic 6 | Artwork

Classic 6 are a creative collective active in Japan and overseas. They undertake art direction and overall production for fashion, art, graphic design for music artists, video and venue production. With a focus on visual branding that emphasizes stories and concepts, they are constantly exploring new creative outlets as a collective across a wide range of genres.

 

Further information

BIO | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE

 

 

#NAQTVANE #Classic6 #Artwork #livestreamfanevent #Japanese #kcrushnews #Harukaze #HiroyukiSawano #liveperformance #YazukaLover #DisneyPlus #sixsongEP #kcrushnews #kcrushamericamagazine #anime #music

 

On Friday, April 21, 2023, Infinite Prospects Entertainment launched its inaugural event, WeBRIDGE: Now. New. Next., at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The exhibition and music festival focuses on the growing interest and influence of Asian culture across various scopes of the arts and entertainment and centering the culture through celebration. The views and opinions expressed are those of our individual attendees and not necessarily shared by Kcrush America Magazine.

Choosing to host this experience at Mandalay Bay is a statement of intention on its own. As one of the largest resorts in Las Vegas, the resort is an exclamation of intentional growth for WeBRIDGE. It’s befitting of the various hosts’s ambitions but the Mandalay Mile was still relatively quiet as early as 11:00 a.m. on Day 1 of the event.

For those not acclimated to the area, entering most general areas in Mandalay Bay meant that a long trek with a handful of signs to confirm you’re heading in the right direction awaited you. That aside, the registration area had friendly team members at check in and the process was relatively swift.

Logistically, setting the check-in area in a space that wasn’t behind the main entrance to the exhibit floor would create more anticipation for arriving, versus seeing a little bit of what’s in store before your ticket is in hand. By Day 2, the crowd was noticeably larger and filled with many fans of ENHYPEN in attendance, but all three days saw manageable foot traffic and never felt too crowded or overwhelming.

Exhibition Experience

The expansive floor was divided into several experiences, covering various aspects of Asian influence. From Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to those visiting on a visa from various areas of South Korea, the intention to center the creativity of this community was clear and exciting to see. The exhibition floor was divided into seven areas, providing engaging activities for all types of fans. These were:

• Bg1n (“Begin”), an interactive path at the entrance of the exhibit where life-size cutouts of all the idols scheduled to perform were available
• Boot1k (Merch shop), a space to shop event attire and other Asian-founded merchandise lines
• L4b (“Dance Lab”), a zone where attendees could learn some of the hottest K-pop choreography
• G4mRz (“Gamers”), an arcade lounge with various rhythm and dance games
• RE (“Gallery”), an immersive zone where visual artists created new works of art before attendee’s eyes
• m4Rkt (“Market”), a space to sample new treats for foodies, and
• GRAMMY Museum® Stage, a place to observe artist interviews, panels, and experience hi-touches with select artists

Art & Fashion

The two artistic exhibitions were immediately visible as the gal.RE (gallery) area was one of the largest and most immersive. A line of “smart merchandise” – that’s patented technology with NFC chips embedded in the design/garment for unique features – was available in collaboration with some of the artists onsite, such as SAMBYPEN and Mawz. Likewise, you could watch these artists, including N5bra, create large murals all weekend of their work. This, along with a dedicated D-I-Y arts & crafts stations with all the things needed to decorate free, customizable posters to celebrate the idols performing all weekend were truly memorable compared to other large U.S. events.

Clothiers were available with characters stylized for the expo, such as Los Angeles-based favorites KORELIMITED (a.k.a. KORE) prominently displayed unisex items and exclusives from their collaboration with E-sports team T1 Entertainment. They remained the busiest fashion spot on the floor, as many guests were overheard speaking about their familiarity with the line at other U.S. events.

Food & Fun

No entertainment and culture festival is complete without a foodie moment. The market had sample sizes of most items but might have underestimated the interest attendees would have for food within the exhibition area. Given that dining within the casino area could be pricey, there’s no shock that most of the exhibitors ran out of food before the exhibit closed! Filipino, Japanese, and Korean treats competed for fan’s taste buds from companies like Four4Corner and Boba x Ice Cream.

There were also two prominent album and lightstick retailers, on opposite ends of the exhibit floor, which could not have been a smarter way to handle potential crowds. Mixed within these areas was an arcade where I left my lungs on the Dance Dance Revolution floor, a space to learn parts of choreography, and plenty of comfortable space to chat with newfound friends.

GRAMMY Museum® Stage

The GRAMMY Museum hosted exciting interviews with most every act in attendance as well as hi-touch engagements and panels. On Day 1, the stage immediately requested a moment of silence in honor of the recently departed, ASTRO’s Moonbin. The somber moment set a considerate tone for the  idol interviews, as questions about stress management and wellness were asked for most panels. All acts participated in various capacities but it allowed fans to see their faves before the concert, front and center. The first-ever lineup included KANGDANIEL, ONEUS, DREAMCATCHER, Jessi, MONSTA X, CIX, VIVIZ, BE’O, BamBam, and ENHYPEN.

When artist engagements, performances and hi-touches weren’t taking place, thought provoking panels featured conversations between various tastemakers who discussed the cultural impact of not only South Korea but of Asia on entertainment.

There are areas of opportunity for this event but the potential is high. With an estimated 15,000 reported in attendance over the course of the weekend, WeBRIDGE will hopefully be able to return with experiences that place a well-deserved spotlight on the diversity of Asia. I’d personally like to see if they could bring The Last Rockstars, Atarashii Gakko! or Lay Zhang could be future options. Time will tell if it can endure but I’m excited that we were there at the beginning!

Ashley is a content creator, educator, and public speaker. As an authority on the Hallyu phenomenon, she has collaborated on projects and events with various domestic and international companies and brands as a music historian. As the host of An Album a Day, she leads an English-language podcast promoting commentary on South Korean pop music. Learn more about her at https://meetashley.carrd.co/

 

#WEBRIDGEMUSICFESTIVALEXPO #kcrushnews #KangDaniel #ONEUS #MONSTAX #VIVIZ #kpop #AsianCulture #AsianEntertainment #BEO #Jessi #DREAMCATCHER #ENHYPEN #LasVegas #SAMBYPEN #Mawz #KORELIMITED #KORE #expo #festival #khiphop #BamBam #kcrushamerica #CIX #T1Entertainment #Esports #AAPI #Four4Corner #BobaxIceCream #N5Bra #kcrushmedia #hitouch #panels #lightstick #kpopalbum #foodvendors #kcrushamericamagazine #kcrush

Curating the programs for film festivals isn’t as easy as you might think. It requires a discerning eye, the ability to be impartial, critical, discerning and most of the absolute love of film.
During the Busan International Short Film Festival, I spoke with festival programmers Sébastien Simon about what it took for him to create the Hub of Asia Program, which was comprised of the Asian Americana program, The Death of Cinema(s), and the Rendez-vous AFiS, a special screening showcasing the work of young filmmakers from across the Asian diaspora who are learning the methods necessary to navigate the business side of the film industry at the Busan Asian Film

It’s interesting that there will now forever be a world “before the pandemic” and afterward, and this phenomenon as we know it has had significant and permanent impact on the lives of every single person on earth, and industry, including film.

During our discussion we shared our perspectives on the past, present and future state of Korean, North American and global cinema, and if there will ever come a time that cinema might die.

 

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

 

 

#Sébastien Simon #kcrush interview #2023 Busan International Short Film Festival #k-crush #2014kcrush #kcrush america #Korean film festival #2023 Busan International Short Film Festival #Carolyn Hinds film critic #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 interview with Festival Programmer Sébastien Simon #k^crush kpop #kcrush film review #k+crush drama review #k=crush drama clips #Seoul #Korean shows #Korean movies #Korean dramas

 

The next-generation global K-Pop group ‘ChoCo‘ ushering in the start of the “K-Pop 5.0” era, is gearing up to greet fans for the first time through the upcoming reality show “ChoCo In Hollywood”.

On 28th April, ChoCo Entertainment announced: “The Korean version of ‘ChoCo”s reality show “ChoCo In Hollywood” will be released for the first time on CJ E&M’s music channel Mnet’s subsidiary digital channel M2 on May 12th at 7 PM KST“.

The reality project “ChoCo In Hollywood”, is set to be produced in 2 versions: Korean and US. The Korean version is helmed by Sole9 Media, which boasts experience from producing “Mnet Asia Music Awards (MAMA)” and “Produce 101”, thus raising expectations for an impactful production.

In addition, through “ChoCo In Hollywood”, ChoCo Entertainment will introduce a new and unique artist incubating system to global fans, which focuses on the growth, talents, and personalities of its artists. Thus, by revealing the candid humanity and sincere dreams and aspirations of ChoCo by following them on their journey to debut right from the moment they auditioned, ChoCo aims to build a genuine connection with fans worldwide even before their official debut.

ChoCo, which is gaining attention for its new concept and preparing to introduce themselves as a global K-Pop group, is produced by ChoPD – a first-generation Korean hip-hop legend who opened the door to digital music in South Korea. With the goal of leading the next generation of K-Pop, ChoCo will reinvent the conventional norms of the industry and plans to expand their activities beyond the boundaries of group and solo promotions. With this, ChoCo aims to be a “K-Pop 5.0 Icon”, representing the ideals, concerns, and identity of the Alpha Generation.

 

 

Meanwhile, the US version of “ChoCo In Hollywood”, targeting international fans, will be created by veteran star producer JoJo Ryder who has delivered 11 #1 shows in his illustrious career of 22 years, earning him 4 Emmy nominations, and released separately. JoJo Ryder’s participation in this reality project is generating great buzz among overseas fans.

 

About ChoCo Entertainment

ChoCo Entertainment is an ultimate IP entertainment company geared towards leading the next Hallyu wave. With a focus on individuality, collaboration, and growth as its core values, ChoCo Entertainment encourages its artists to find their passions and follow their originality to create music that matters. The company’s unique artist incubation system is designed to foster independent and self-sufficient artists who have a thorough grasp of music and can explore their creativity without being constrained by the prevalent culture of competition in K-Pop. With the aim of creating a truly global K-Pop group, ChoCo Entertainment is preparing to debut ChoCo in 2023.

 

About ChoPD

Junghun Cho, also known as ChoPD, is the founder, executive producer, and CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) of ChoCo Entertainment. Known as the “pioneer of digital music”, ChoPD is a multi-award-winning artist and has attained legendary status in the K-Pop industry with his trailblazing innovation and impactful contributions to the globalization of K-Hip Hop. He is the genius mastermind behind launching artists like PSY, ZICO, Dok2, and more, and now, he is producing his very own K-Pop group – ‘ChoCo’ – preparing to usher in the 5th generation of K-Pop.

CONNECT WITH ChoCo Entertainment

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

 

 

#ChoCo #ChoCoEntertainment #JunghunCho #ChoPD #CVOofChoCoEntertainment #pioneerofdigitalmusic #kcrushnews #KPopgroupChoCo #newgroup #Koreanboygroup #5thgenerationofkpop #KHipHop #ChoCoHollywood #kcrushamerica #kpopmusic CJEMmusicchannelMnetssubsidiarydigitalchannelM2 #MnetM2 #Sole9Media #CJEandM #kcrush

 

TWO-MIX is a musical duo formed on April 29, 1995 featuring Minami Takayama, who performs main vocals as well as composing, and Shiina Nagano, who writes lyrics, composes music and arrangement.

The duo has been responsible for the theme songs of a great number of anime and TV dramas, such as ‘NEW MOBILE REPORT GUNDAM WING’ and ‘Detective Conan’, to name but a few.

Coinciding with the 28^th anniversary of their debut, on Saturday, the April 29^th, 2023, 17 of their singles and 9 albums are now available worldwide.

While listeners around the world can enjoy ‘Just Communication’, the opening theme for the first part of ‘NEW MOBILE REPORT GUNDAM WING’, they can experience other major hits, such as ‘Rhythm Emotion’ the opening theme for the second half of the series, ‘White Reflection’, the theme song for the straight to video animation (OVA) ‘NEW MOBILE REPORT GUNDAM W Endless Waltz’, ‘Last Impression’, the theme song for the theatrical movie ‘NEW MOBILE REPORT GUNDAM W Endless Waltz -Special Edition-‘, and ‘Truth～A Great Detective of Love～’, the theme song for ‘Detective Conan’.

With the release of the ‘TWO-MIX Tribute Album “Crysta-Rhythm”’ on July 27^th the duo is continuing to attract attention, even 28 years after making theirl debut. Don’t’ miss their expansive catalogue of famous songs available around the world.

 

▼Download/streaming links available here:

https://king-records.lnk.to/two_mix

 

[Playlist of Original and Cover Version]

https://king-records.lnk.to/twomix_kikikurabe

 

[Official YouTube Channel]

https://www.youtube.com/@two-mix-25th

 

[Special 25^th Anniversary Website]

https://cnt.kingrecords.co.jp/two-mix25th/

 

[Official Twitter Account]

https://twitter.com/TWO_MIX25th

 

<Profile of TWO-MIX>

TWO-MIX was formed in 1995 by Minami Takayama, who performs main vocals as well as composing, and Shiina Nagano, who writes lyrics, composes music and arrangement.

The name of the duo comes from the term ‘TWO-MIX’. which is used in recording to describe the process of mapping a sound source between left and right in stereo.

Their music videos have been created using computer graphics and animation. Because of this, the image of the artists was not well circulated in the media. In addition, owing to the fact that they did not proactively perform live concerts, they were sometimes thought of as virtual artists.

TWO-MIX has also been responsible for creating the theme songs for many popular anime and TV programmes such as ‘NEW MOBILE REPORT GUNDAM WING’ and ‘Detective Conan’.

In 1998, they released a CD on which they collaborated with orchestras from Paris and Warsaw.

Throughout the noughties the group diversified their activities, crossing genres with the release of the dance mix project CDs in collaboration with night clubs.

In 2021, they released their 25^th anniversary greatest hits album, ‘TWO-MIX 25th Anniversary ALL TIME BEST’. As of April 2023, their total sales are more than 7,000,000 units.

 

＜Latest Releases from the TWO-MIX 25^th Anniversary Project＞

‘TWO-MIX 25th Anniversary ALL TIME BEST [FILES]’

Download/streaming links available here:

▶ https://king-records.lnk.to/TwMNXt

 

‘TWO-MIX Tribute Album “Crysta-Rhythm”’

Download/streaming links available here:

▶ https://king-records.lnk.to/Crysta-Rhythm

 

 

#TWOMIX #NewMobileReportGundamWing #kcrush #KingRecords #DetectiveConan #AnniversaryProject #kcrushnews #MinamiTakayama #ShiinaNagano #Japanesemusicalduo #newmusic #CrystaRhythm #AllTimeBestFiles

We’re back with the sixth edition of our popular series! Thanks to your response, we have discovered many more celebrities to include in our database.

Back in 2018, 2019, and earlier in 2022 , Kcrush published articles about biracial celebrities with Asian backgrounds. We’re revisiting those articles and including more celebrities that have Asian backgrounds. Of course, we encourage our readers to share others we may have missed!

 

Anna Shay

Bling Empire (which was recently canceled) star and heiress Anna Shay is of Japanese, Russian, and American descent. Shay’s mother, Ai Oizumi, is Japanese-Russian, while her father is from Chicago. Shay is the daughter of billionaires, her parents having developed their wealth through the arms and defense trade since 1955.

Shay, who is a fan favorite on Bling Empire, has had an interesting, quirky life. She once managed a Cuban salsa band and learned Spanish so she could help them. When she was younger, she and three of her friends were robbed, but the robbers only took her friends’ wallets. She called them back and gave them her wallet because “three girls equals three wallets.” She also has nine golden retrievers and discovered Target was a store in 2019. Shay’s also been married four times and enjoys doing home DIY projects. Shay’s also known for her sense of humor and propensity to give back.

 

Avan Jogia

Actor, writer, director and musician Avan Jogia is British Indian Gujarati on his father’s side and English, German, and Welsh on his mother’s side.

Best known as playing Beck Olivier on the Nickelodeon show Victorious, Jogia has held roles in Twisted, Tut, Ghost Wars, Now Apocalypse, Zombieland: Double Tap, and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City among other film and TV credits. Jogia’s music credits include pairing with his brother, Ketan Jogia, as part of the band Saint Ivory. Jogia also authored Mixed Feelings, a book about growing up with a mixed-race identify.

Jogia is also the co-founder of Straight but Not Narrow, an online LGBT community that encourages teens and adults to share perspectives on LGBT matters.

 

Bella and Gigi Hadid

Models Bella and Gigi Hadid are Palestinian Jordanian thanks to their father, Mohamed Hadid, and Dutch on mother Yolanda Hadid’s side.

Bella Hadid is 2022’s British Fashion Council’s Model of the Year. She is also on Time Magazine’s top 100 influential people list for 2023. She is also the co-founder of Kin Euphorics, a nonalcoholic adaptogenic beverage brand.

Gigi Hadid was 2016’s British Fashion Council’s International Model of the Year.  Gigi also dabbles in singing and television work, having provided background vocals on Josh Groban’s Noël Christmas album and has appeared on the television shows MasterChef, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Beat Bobby Flay, and Next in Fashion. She’s also appeared in several music videos including Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood,” Cody Simpson’s “Surfboard” and “Flower,” Halsey’s “Gasoline,” DNCE’s “Cake By the Ocean” (which she also directed), and Zayn Malik’s “Pillowtalk.” She and Malik also have a daughter together.

Bella and Gigi also have a younger brother, Anwar, who is a director and model. They also have older half-siblings, Marielle and Alana, from their father’s first marriage.

 

Camden Pulkinen

American figure skater Camden Pulkinen is Finnish-French and Thai.

Pulkinen began figure skating in 2005. In 2018 and 2019 as a junior, he set two short program world records at the 2018 JGP Czech Republic and 2019 World Junior Championships, respectively. At the senior level, Pulkinen is the 2022 CS U.S. Classic bronze medalist and the 2022 CS Golden Spin of Zagreb gold medalist.

 

Conrad Ricomora

American actor Conrad Ricomora sports Filipino, German, and Irish heritages.

While Ricomora is primarily active on the theatre circuit, he has appeared on television and film over the years. His film credits include roles in The Light of the Moon, Over the Moon, and Fire Island, while his TV credits include roles in How to Get Away with Murder and The Resident.

Ricomora is openly gay and has been awarded the Visibility Award by the Human Rights Campaign in 2016. He’s also been nominated for several theatre awards including two Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical for his portrayals of Ninoy Aquino in Here Lies Love and Xue Xing in Soft Power and two Best Musical Theater Album, Principal Soloist awards for The King and I and Soft Power.

 

Daniel Henney

Actor, model, and perennial heartthrob Daniel Henney is of South Korean and American and British descent.

The former Criminal Minds star is active in both the United States and South Korea. In South Korea, he’s known for his roles as Dr. Henry Kim in 2005’s My Lovely Sam Soon, Philip in Spring Waltz (2006), Robin in Seducing Mr. Perfect (2006), and James in My Father (2007). In the United States, he’s held roles in The Fugitive: Plan B and Three Rivers, and he is the voice behind Big Hero 6’s Tadashi Hamada. He currently stars in Amazon’s The Wheel of Time as Lan Mandragoran.

Between 2005-2022, Henney’s been nominated for several South Korean drama and film awards for his roles in My Lovely Sam Soon, My Father, and Confidential Assignment 2: International.

 

Darren Barnet

Of Swedish and Japanese descent on his mother’s side and Cherokee and German descent on his father’s side, Darren Barnet made his acting debut in 2017. The grandson of swing musician Charlie Barnet, Barnet has always wanted to be an actor, but didn’t seriously pursue the career until college where he dabbled in plays and short films.

Barnet is known best for his role as Paxton Hall-Yoshida in Netflix’s Never Have I Ever. However, fans of the NBC show This is Us may recognize Barnet as young Jack Pearson!

Since Never Have I Ever, Barnet’s acting career has taken off. He’s set to have roles in the upcoming films Gran Turismo, Apophenia, and Road House. He’s also set to lend his voice to the Netflix anime series Blue Eye Samurai.

 

Enrique Iglesias

In the 1990s and early 2000s, Enrique Iglesias was, arguably, one of the biggest music stars. The son of Spanish singer Julio Iglesias, music is in his blood. However, on his mother’s side, acting is the dominant trait! Iglesias’ mother is Spanish-Filipina journalist and socialite Isabel Preysler, whose aunt is Filipina-American actress Neile Adams, who was Steve McQueen’s first wife.

When Iglesias started his music career, he did not want to advance his career using his father’s name. When he promoted his demos in the 1990s, he went by the name Julio Martinez among other names. In 1995, Iglesias’ self-titled Spanish album was released, selling over half a million copies, kickstarting his career and overall recognition in the United States, Mexico, and Europe. Each subsequent album in the 1990s helped bolster his career to where his music was used on Spanish soaps while earning awards along the way.

From 2000-2004, Iglesias’ career blossomed thanks to popularity of “Bailamos,” “Rhythm Divine,” “Can I Have This Kiss Forever,” “Be with You,” “Hero,” and “Escape,” all of which played on heavy rotation on MTV and VH1, especially the popular music show Total Request Live. Iglesias’ performance during Super Bowl XXXIV, which also had performances from Christina Aguilera, Phil Collins, and Toni Braxton, also furthered his popularity in the United States.

Since 2004, Iglesias has been a force in the global music industry. However, in 2021, he signaled he would stop releasing albums starting with Final: Part 1. Final: Part 2 has yet to be released.

In addition to music, Iglesias has done some acting in the mid-2000s, appearing on Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Since 2001, Iglesias has been romantically involved with Russian tennis player Anna Kournikova. They have three children together: Fraternal twins and a daughter.

 

Hannah Simone

British-Canadian actress, VJ, and television personality Hannah Simone is of Indian, Greek Cypriot, German, and Italian descent. The New Girl actress spent her childhood globetrotting, having spent time in Calgary (Alberta, Canada), Cyprus, New Delhi, and British Columbia.

As a teen, Simone was a model in Cyprus. Upon graduating from university, Simone was a show host on HGTV Canada before working as a VJ on MuchMusic. She then moved to Los Angeles where she was a cohost of SYFY’s WCG Ultimate Gamer before landing the role of Cece on New Girl.

Between 2005-2023, Simone’s held several television and film roles. From 2020-22, she voiced Pinky on Mira, Royal Detective. She also plays Sam on Not Dead Yet.

 

Jade Thirlwall

English singer and songwriter Jade Thirlwall is of Yemeni, Egyptian, and English descent.

While known as a member of Little Mix, Thirlwall has impressive credits as a songwriter for TWICE, Nayeon, Britney Spears, and Iggy Azalea. As a member of Little Mix, Thirlwall has almost 20 top-ten singles (five singles ranked number one) and six top-five albums on the UK music charts. Since 2022, she’s signed as a soloist with RCA Records while Little Mix is on hiatus.

Thirlwall initially auditioned for The X Factor UK in 2008. She was eliminated during the boot camp stage, but unsuccessfully tried the show again in 2010. She tried again in 2011, making it to the boot camp stage before failing a challenge and being placed in the group Orion. After being eliminated again, she, along with the other future Little Mix members, were called back to be in the group Rhythmix, later renamed Little Mix.  They were ultimately the first, and so far only, girl group to win The X Factor UK.

Thirlwall is also an LGBTQA+ advocate, working as an ambassador for Stonewall, an LGBT advocacy charity. Her social activism activities include fighting against transgender conversion therapy and supporting Black Lives Matter. In 2021, Gay Times awarded Thirlwall with Honour for Allyship because of her charity work.

 

Janel Parrish

Singer, songwriter, and actress Janel Parrish has Han Chinese roots on her mother’s side. The Hawaiian-born Pretty Little Liars star is also German, Irish, and English on her dad’s side.

Parrish is a familiar face in the TV, film, and theatre spheres, having appeared in To All the Boys series (Margot Covey) and Les Misérables (young Cosette). She’s also known for her roles in Bratz (Jade), High School Possession (Lauren), and the 2017-18 production of Grease as Sandy. From 2009-2019, she’s also released several singles as a singer. She was also a Dancing with the Stars contestant in 2014.

Parrish married chemical engineer Chris Long in 2016.

 

Jessie Mei Li

English actress Jessie Mei Li is English and Chinese. She is best known for her role as Alina Starkov in the Netflix series Shadow and Bone, but she also appeared in the film The Last Night in Soho. She also has roles in the upcoming series Havoc, Pork Scratchings, and Kukeri. She has been active on screen and stage since 2018.

 

Jordan Fisher

Actor, singer, and dancer Jordan Fisher has a Cameroonian, South African, Cambodian, Tahitian, Italian, Nigerian, Greek, and Scandinavian background.

Fisher is active on stage and screen, having started his career in school productions and ultimately scouted while performing with the Red Mountain Theatre Company. He began appearing on TV in 2009 with roles on iCarly, The Hustler, The Secret Life of an American Teenager, and Liv and Maddie among many other notable television roles.  In 2014, his music career kicked off on Radio Disney before signing a record deal with Hollywood Records in 2015.

In film, he portrayed John Ambrose McClaren in To All the Boys I Loved Before: P.S I Still Love You, Robaire in Turning Red, and Aidan in Hello, Goodbye, And Everything in Between.

On stage, Fisher’s appeared in Hamilton, Rent: Live, MJ the Musical, Sweeney Todd, and Dear Evan Hansen.

Jordan, who uses he/they pronouns, married his childhood sweetheart Ellie Woods in 2020. They welcomed their first child in 2022.   

 

Karrueche Tran

American actress, model, and producer Karrueche Tran is African American and Vietnamese.

As a producer, Tran has won several awards including a Daytime Emmy for the online soap The Bay. She also received an acting Daytime Emmy for The Bay, making her the first person of Asian Pacific American descent to win a best actor/actress Emmy!

In addition to The Bay, Tran’s held main cast roles in Vanity, Claws, and Games People Play. She’s also held roles in the films PrXde and Child’s Play among others.

On a personal level, Tran is also known for her contentious on-and-off relationship with singer Chris Brown, whom she had a five-year restraining order against beginning in 2017.

 

Is there anyone we may have missed? Let us know in the comments! Stay tuned for Part Seven coming soon!

 

Related:

• Korean Celebrities who are Biracial or of mixed Korean Heritage
• Black History Month: Notable Biracial Celebrities
• Biracial Celebrities with Asian Backgrounds: Part Three
• Mixed Race Celebrities with Asian Backgrounds: Part Four
• Mixed Race Celebrities with Asian Backgrounds: Part Five

 

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

 

 

#MixedRaceAsianCelebrities #BiracialCelebritiesWithAsianBackgrounds #AnnaShay #JapaneseRussianAmerican #kcrush #BlingEmpire #AvanJogia #BritishIndian #EastIndianActorAvanJogia #Twisted #Tut #GhostWars #NowApocalypse #ZombielandDoubleTap #ResidentEvilWelcometoRaccoonCity #BellaHadid #GigiHadid #CamdenPulkinen #kcrusharticle #ConradRicomora #DanielHenney #DarrenlBarret #EnriqueIglesias #HannahSimone #JadeThirlwall #JanelParrish #JessieMeiLi #JordanFisher #KarruecheTran #kcrushamericamagazine #AfricanAmericanVietnamese #Chineseactress #LittleMixMember

 

On April 28, 2023, Bomi, Chorong, Hayoung, and Namjoo opted to depart IST Entertainment after 12 years following the expiration of their exclusive contracts. Eunji, however, re-signed with the agency.

The group still plans to be active despite the departures.

IST Entertainment released a statement confirming the departures of Bomi, Chorong, Hayoung, and Namjoo while reiterating APINK will still be a group.

Hello. This is IST Entertainment.

We sincerely thank all the fans who care for and support APINK.

We are making an official announcement regarding APINK’s future activities.

Ahead of the end of APINK’s exclusive contracts with our agency, we and the members put our heads together and carefully discussed the matter. It was ultimately determined that for the sake of each member’s new growth in the future, Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung will end their beautiful 12-year journey with us, which began with their debut, at the end of April.

We recently renewed our contract with Jung Eun Ji, and we will be continuing our relationship. In addition to her activities as a singer, Jung Eun Ji also plans to greet you soon with a new acting project, and we plan to consistently support her so that she can stand out in a wide array of fields.

Regardless of their contracts, all of the APINK members are firm in their love of the group and their determination to continue their group activities, so they have promised to carry on with their group activities without disbandment. Our agency will cooperate with APINK after discussions regarding their future activities, and we plan to work together with them so that they can stay together as a group.

We sincerely thank all of the APINK members, who spent a long 12 years racing together with us and making their mark as one of the representative girl groups of K-pop.  We ask that the fans continue to give their unchanging love and warm support to APINK, who is preparing for a new journey.

Thank you.

안녕하세요. IST엔터테인먼트입니다.

그룹 에이핑크의 향후 활동과 관련해 공식 입장을 전달드립니다. pic.twitter.com/QyHtUgjNzH

— IST ent (@ist_ent) April 28, 2023

After Bomi, Chorong, Hayoung, and Namjoo departed with IST, they signed with Choi Creative Lab, making them the label’s first K-Pop act.

Hello. This is Choi Creative Lab.

We would like to announce the signing of exclusive contracts with APINK’s Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung.

These four members will continue their activities under their new agency Choi Creative Lab.

We plan to spare no support for both the individual and team activities of Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung. Through warm and embracing leadership, we plan to help the members grow further and create many happy memories.

As all members have a strong will and affection for APINK group activities, we promised to continue their team activities without disbanding the group. We will continue to cooperate with IST Entertainment in relation to APINK’s future activities.

As the members told their fans, “APINK will continue to be APINK.” We would like to ask fans for their unchanging warm support and love for Park Chorong, Yoon Bomi, Kim Namjoo, and Oh Hayoung who will embark on new journeys at a new agency.

Thank you.

After the departure and signing news, Eunji was the first to assure fans saying, “Nothing has changed!! You don’t have to take it too seriously. We’ll still be APINK in the future.”

On Weverse, she further added, “Although change is full of fear and thoughts because we are not sure of the time ahead of us. Let’s spend today well while believing in the time we have spent. People who talk provocatively have their reasons, but me and my people do not have to listen to them.🙂I cherish you a lot. Sincerely!”

Bomi, Chorong, Hayoung, and Namjoo released handwritten letters reassuring fans that APINK will be fine.

 

 

Bomi wrote:

My love PANDA ♡

I’m aware that you’re always worrying about us, so you’re probably surprised and finally, it’s my turn to be worried…

Just as you’ve seen us come this far for a long time, APINK is still right here, and I think that PANDAs know better that even in the future, our wish to stay together for an even longer period, becoming bigger and stronger! Although it’s a little scary and feels surreal to bid farewell to the staff who have been with us for the past 12 years, I hope you’ll still support the new side of us when we go to a new place and adjust slowly!

More than anything, our APINK members will also walk on the warm, flower path in future healthily! just as we are now! enjoyably!

Our PANDAS will also walk together with us, right? Let’s spend even more time together and be even, even happier in future!

In her message, Chorong said:

Hello, this is APINK’s leader Chorong. I’m here to relay my firmness to many PANDAs who are surprised, that you don’t have to worry at all. I think that the affection and responsibility our members, as well as fans, have towards the team we have built is extraordinary. I will not let go of the memories we have worked hard to make this easy! Don’t worry about the useless things because I’m/we’re going to work hard to meet PANDAs more often!

Although it feels surreal and scary to leave the company I was in for the past 20 years, it’s a tough decision that was made after multiple considerations of what was best for every one. I hope you can support me in this new challenge! Let me promise you once more that APINK will always be with PANDAs, to show you good performances and I would like to thank the company staff that have worked hard alongside APINK.

Our PANDAs, don’t fall sick, have your meals on time, and wait just a while more! In future, we’ll still be APINK! In the future, I’ll still be APINK’s leader Chorongie!

In the future, we’ll still be APINK!

Eunji added:

PANDAs! This is Eunji 🙂

You’re shocked after seeing the news, right? Although there may also be fans who may have guessed it to a certain extent, every change is followed with fear, which is why I’m writing this in a worried manner.

In a generation where a decision has to be made in every aspect, our thoughts become even more firm as we look at our members and as we meet PANDAs. It’s confirmed that if our thoughts and hearts are together, nothing will change. As we promised on stage, APINK will still be APINK in the future. This is what I really want to convey to the people who were my everything in my 20s. Although the thought of members leaving and leaving only me in the company sounds empty already, I’ll talk about this calmly 🙂

You know that we’re good at keeping promises, right? That’s why. Don’t worry and you be a PANDA in the future. There won’t be any upsetting matters. The members will go live shortly! We’ll talk more then🖤

See you soon, my people!! ❤️

Hayoung wrote:

Hello, this is APINK’s maknae Hayoung 🙂

We’re writing these as we’re thinking about how shocked our fans are after seeing the news^^

While figuring out on how to retain our precious members, team, and fans for a very, very long time, we met a place that is necessary and a place we’re grateful for. Together with that, I would like to extend my gratitude to the many people who have been with us and worked hard with us so far.

We will show you and promote with even more APINK- like songs so I hope you can trust us, keep a lookout on and look forward to the APINK now, and in future!

We will show you more sides of us instead of using words, so let’s make even more memories! Together!!

Thank you, and I love you ♡

-Hayoung 🙂

Finally, Namjoo wrote:

Hello, this is ‘APINK’s’ Namjoo!

Our PANDAs must have been shocked, right? Sorry for causing you to worry! But I really, honestly wanted to quickly tell you that the fact that we as ‘APINK’ will not change because it’s the most important! Just like what we have been shouting with all of you, me, together with Chorong, Bomi, Eunji, and Hayoung will still be ‘APINK’ in the future and, our promotions will stay this way too ^_^ The only thing that’s changed is just the company names! It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the company that I put my entire self in for 13 years since I was a high school student, but I will work even harder so that we can show and approach everyone with more exciting and enjoyable performances as we promote as APINK in a new challenge and new environment! I love you and thank you.

APINK debuted as a seven-member group in 2011 with Seven Springs of APINK and the song “I Don’t Know.” Their most popular tracks include “Hush” (2012), “NoNoNo” (2013), “Mr. Chu” (2014), “Luv” (2014), “Remember” (2015), “I’m So Sick” (2018), and “Dumhdurum” (2020). On April 14, 2023, they released their tenth mini album SELF along with the single “D N D.”

 

Original members Hong Yoo-kyung left in 2013 and Son Na-eun left in 2022.

We wish APINK the best as they embark on their new adventures together and separately!

 

 

—-Olivia Murray

 

 

#APINK #ISTEntertainment #kcrushnews #APINKleavesISTEntertainment #kcrushmedia #kpop #kpopnews #SevenSpringsofAPINK #IDontKnow #Hush #NoNoNo #MrChu #kcrushamerica #Luv #Remember #Dumhdurum #SELF #ParkChorong #YoonBomi #KimNamjoo #OhHayoung

 

Day two of We Bridge turned out to be the most emotional of the three-day expo. The muralists have nearly completed their creations; the food vendors unsurprisingly run out of their wares early. (If there’s one thing people are going to do it’s gravitate toward free food.) The fan engagements were also wrought with emotion. The world’s bestselling K-pop group, ENHYPEN, has a fanbase that could choke the oxygen out of a room with the level of their screams. ENGENE is a force to be reckoned with. Their screams when their heroes come on stage are deafening. The members can’t even hear themselves…and they’re sitting right next to each other! Things certainly ramp up during the concert.

ONEUS opens the night. And…Holy Mother of Everything Righteous and Good! If it’s possible, the group has even more energy than day one. Every song has an added kick, as if someone whispered in their ear that the previous night belonged to the ladies. They came out with something to prove. Their repeat performance of “LUNA” was anything but an average experience. The song and their performance of it is elegant, a beautiful display of their immaculate lines and incredible synchronicity extended with the use of hand fans. “LUNA” bleeds into “LIT,” and the use of traditional imagery and even aspects of martial arts in the choreography has an edge. Their movements are sharper, more powerful. With this pair of songs, ONEUS fully commits to integrating traditional elements with a renewed level of aggressiveness. Not since VIXX has a group embraced the fan as an artistic extension quite the way ONEUS has. They take it a step further by fully leaning into the grandeur and theatricality of infusing traditional sounds and performance into their stages.

 

 

That penchant for the high octane doesn’t diminish their vocal discipline. When Seoho’s mic pack fails during their vigorous dance performances, he simply takes the moments before “No Diggity” to retrieve a microphone. Without missing a beat, he brings the mic to his lips and sings full-voiced and with even more power, and the crowd loses its ever-loving mind. He pulls a full flex on concertgoers and officially establishes ONEUS as the undisputed heroes of We Bridge. The young man clutches that mic and sings as if he wants to make a point: “Yes, our mics are on!” It’s obvious even before Seoho slaps everyone in attendance in the face. One can hear the aspirations behind hard consonants and the sighs when members breathe into their vowels. When Seoho’s famous belted high note before the dance break rings out, the entire audience falls into hysterics. Without a doubt, ONEUS makes their first time in Vegas count!

The night takes a more somber turn with the introduction of VIVIZ. If you’re not familiar with the circumstances surrounding the all-woman trio’s appearance at the expo, I implore you to dig a little bit. With a backdrop of devastation, these women take the stage. After the first song, they ask for grace, a moment to collect themselves. Those in attendance, of course, understand. They take a few minutes, then come back to the stage and run through their set. After the performance, they thank everyone in the audience for being graceful and understanding. No group or artist the entire weekend has embodied “the show must go on” more than VIVIZ. It is beyond admirable that these young women even took the stage. That they did as much as they did is something we did not deserve.

 

 

BAMBAM follows the women of VIVIZ. This young man begins to bloom right in front of us, with charisma that drips to the stage floor, spilling over into the audience. From his charming fan engagement earlier in the day, to his performance that night, BAMBAM showcases just how far he’s come as a confident artist. It’s truly wonderful to see him come into his own, stepping out and really leaning into what he himself calls “sour and sweet.” Both bombastic and genuinely full of the most incredible joy, BAMBAM lifts a bit of the dark haze cast over the concert.

 

 

And then…ENHYPEN. If the fans’ enthusiasm was overwhelming at their fan engagement at the GRAMMY Museum, in the 7,500-seat Michelob Ultra Arena, it’s absolutely suffocating. The group’s first song comes and goes as well as one would expect from a world-class K-pop group. What follows is nearly seven minutes of MC time, which is pretty much a lost cause because the interpreter is incapable of actually hearing what they’re saying on stage. Hard as it is to believe, when the young men begin to speak individually, the crowd’s screams raise exponentially in volume. A peculiar throbbing sensation begins in the ears. By the time the second song ends and they start another extended MC session, the screaming is so oppressive any new or casual fan, unfortunately, has lost the ability to enjoy the experience. ENHYPEN takes everything in stride and performs to the best of their abilities under the circumstances. However, what was billed as the biggest draw to the convention ends up, sadly, disappointing.

 

 

Thus ends the second concert night of We Bridge. The potential is here for something truly expansive. More than the typical convention promising die-hard fans the opportunity to meet their favorite Hallyu entertainers, We Bridge has revealed a desire to create a truly pan-Asian and diasporic experience. It will be interesting to see how Infinite Prospects Entertainment expands this concept to include Japan, Thailand, The Philippines, India, and lesser-celebrated Asian countries like Nepal, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey. If the goal is truly to forge a connection between the planet’s largest continent and the rest of the world, We Bridge’s inaugural event certainly made an intelligent and bold step forward.

 

By Cy White

 

 

#WeBridge #TheHeroesofWeBridge #kcrushcoverage #kpop #WeBridgeMusicFestivalandExpo #kcrushnews #BAMBAM #ONEUS #VIVIZ #kpopgirlgroup #ENHYPEN #kpopmusic #kpopconcert #funfans #kpopfans #kcrushnews #kcrushamericamagazine #GrammyMuseum #GrammyMuseumState #LasAngeles #kcrushmedia #ENGENE #InfiniteProspectsEntertainment #Asianculture #Asianmusic #WEBridgeInauguralEventLasVegas #festival #expo

In this interview for the Busan International Short film Festival , I spoke with award-winning and Oscar nominated filmmaker and documentarian Jay Rosenblatt about his films How to Measure a Year, an intimate and surreal examination of the growth of his daughter Ella. We discussed the changes in Ella’s emotional psychological intelligence over the course of 16 years of filming, and Jay’s own perspective as a filmmaker and father.

For his film When We Were Bullies, Jay shared the ways in which the film made him think about his life as a child and adult, and learning accountability for actions he did decades ago, and the importance of being vulnerable as a filmmaker.

 

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

 

#Jay Rosenblatt #kcrush interview #2023 Busan International Short Film Festival #k-crush #2014kcrush #kcrush america #Korean film festival #2023 Busan International Short Film Festival #Carolyn Hinds film critic #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 interview with Jay Rosenblatt #k^crush kpop #kcrush film review #k+crush drama review #k=crush drama clips #Seoul #Korean shows #Korean movies #Korean dramas

 

On the weekend of April 21, Infinite Prospects Entertainment presented their inaugural We Bridge convention, a three-day expo held at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay and MGM’s Michelob Ultra Arena.

Molded in the same spirit of KCON, the We Bridge experience gave attendees much to consider on its first go-’round. Despite having a corner on the market for a decade, KCON isn’t the only festival to offer fans an opportunity to interact with South Korean culture. Where We Bridge differentiates itself from the Hallyu juggernaut is in the breadth of cultural interaction: live mural paintings from gifted painters, an array of culinary offerings from East Asian-owned shops and restaurants, a variety of fashion brands and fan engagements and, of course, a two-night Hallyu concert. The intention and execution certainly lay the groundwork for something with astonishing potential.

Though the convention aspect of We Bridge is unique in its ambition, the concert is straightforward. With the shadow of its predecessor looming, the folks at Infinite Prospects certainly had a heavy lift. What they manage to pull off is nothing short of incredible.

Night One: The Ladies Carried

The first night is essentially the testing ground for this grand experiment. How will this concert stack up against the multitude of festivals and solo concerts that crop up around this time of year? With a lineup featuring some of the most recognizable and bestselling fourth-generation K-pop artists in the past few years and venerated second- and third-generation acts, forget a tentative step. We Bridge kicks the damn door open.

First up, CIX. The five-member group opens the evening with undeniable energy. Even the group’s interpreter is fully invested in the moment, translating each member’s interactions with the kind of enthusiasm you’d expect from someone standing center stage instead of off to the side.

Next is ONEUS. Their energy is just as infectious as CIX, but there’s a surprising aggressiveness to their stage. Mics are fully on. The audience can hear the proof of their exertions after each song, the heavy inhale-exhale of the effort they put into every aspect of their performance. That being said, their vocal dexterity shows zero signs of diminishment despite their power-forward choreography. But hold that thought.

 

 

Dreamcatcher alights the stage and proves to be the first true highlight of the night. This high-octane all-woman septet is immaculate. Their voices are impressive, powerful even in the obvious loveliness. Harmonies that would put many girl acts to shame and make some of the vocal-forward second-generation artists beam with pride. Their pop-tinged rock stage shows the duality of what it means to be a woman in the industry. While aesthetically erring on the side of expectation (cute, bubbly personalities), when the music really comes to life, these industry veterans are absolutely activated. Their nearly ten years of experience means when they hit the stage they light the f*cker up! Their voices were built to do damage, and they have concertgoers in a chokehold from first note to last.

 

 

Kang Daniel is next, and he has quite a task ahead of him. (Dreamcatcher didn’t leave much when they walked off the stage, the mics left in cinders.) It’s clear from the second song that Daniel’s a little worse for wear. Up until that point, every single act’s mic was on. The audience audibly hears them huffing for breath after each song; however, after his first, Daniel struggles. The lingering effects of an aggressive bout of COVID-19 late last year make their presence known as he attempts unsuccessfully to catch his breath after the fast-paced opener. Unfortunately, that colors the rest of his performance. He relies more heavily on the backing track than any other artist, eventually allowing it to do most of the vocalizing for him. It’s truly heartbreaking to witness.

 

 

After his final song, his face carries his disappointment. He exits the stage quickly, more of an attempt to find a way to regain oxygen after giving his all. Daniel is a talented young man who, like his peers, only wants the best for his fans and the audience. He’s undeniably in love with performing and gives so much of himself on the stage. Here’s hoping his next foray is less physically traumatic.

Then…Jessi. Again, we’ll get back to her. Just know that this woman has earned every ounce of adoration and respect she’s spent the better part of two decades cultivating. Jessi is nothing to play with.

 

 

MONSTA X is night one’s headliner. Down two members due to conscription (one of whom was discharged the day before the concert), they had to do a bit of lifting. Turns out fans of the sextet needn’t have worried about their ability to own the stage. Their performance was high-octane from start to finish. After their final track, it was clear they were not ready to relinquish the stage. MONSTA X is the only act to gift fans an encore. They reprise party track “ZONE,” and the crowd is more than happy to match their energy.

 

 

Now, when I say the ladies carried, I mean the ladies carried. The groups certainly brought immense energy, and Kang Daniel did his very best. However, Dreamcatcher changed the game with their performance (no doubt being an unconscious catalyst for what happens on night two). They came out swinging from note one, tight harmonies wrapped around gut-twisting guitar riffs, head banging that would give traditional rockers a slipped disc. They obliterated that stage.

So, Dreamcatcher left the mic smoking; then Jessi came to make sure the damn thing was broken. She opened her performance with “What Type of X.” ’Nuff said. From the start, she had the audience positively gagged. Louis Vuitton outfit on full display, an attitude that could paralyze a body-builder, when Jessi laid into a string of her most notable hits, it was like a punch to the face. She was relentless. Despite some self-deprecation about her age, she gave all the younger performers that came before her a run for their money. However, don’t mistake her self-confidence for arrogance. There are few redemption arcs in K-pop more inspiring than Jessi’s. She has the humility of someone who’s had to struggle to get where she is, and now that she’s here, she refuses to give up her spot. She takes everyone in the Michelob Ultra Arena along for the ride, interacting with fans one-on-one, reading signs, proclaiming her love to her supporters.

 

 

Without the combined Girl Power of Dreamcatcher and Jessi, the concert would’ve been nice, but these women made night one unforgettable.

 

 

By Cy White

 

#WeBridgeMusicFestivalandExpo #kcrushcoverage #kcrushnews #MONSTAX #JESSI #DREAMCATCHER #KangDanial #BamBam #festival #expo #Asianfestival #inaugural #kpop #kpopmusic #GrammyMuseum #GrammyMuseumStage #twonighthallyuevent #hallyu #kcrushamerica #InfiniteProspectsEntertainment #MandalayBay #LasVegas #MGMMichelobUltraArena #CIX #ONEUS #newasianevent #Asianculture #kcrush

The 2023 F/W Seoul Fashion Week took place at Dongdaemun Design Plaza from March 15 to 19. This year marked the event’s 22nd anniversary, with 31 brands, including 23 Seoul-based designer brands, seven up-and-coming designer brands, and one domestic company brand, showcasing their work. Compared to the previous year, there was a 60% increase in order consultations, with the largest number of overseas buyers ever.

The show’s highlights included the emergence of next-generation brands, which diversified the portfolio of K-fashion. There were many differentiating points from the designs of existing Korean brands that focused on ‘colorful printing.’ The show’s composition underwent a positive change as well. Instead of a linear stage design, a circular shape was introduced to present a lively show that maximized visual beauty. Each brand completed a comprehensive art through stage directing such as concept, music, and model selection that fit the message, composition, performance, and lighting to enhance the message delivery power and double the impression. Music played a crucial role in determining the overall impression of the show. “Beyond Closet” selected music that fit the brand’s image, and “Ul:kin” placed the ending performance of “Christian,” a trending song by the hottest musician “Zior Park,” to stamp the brand image. According to Korean media, the top five shows that buyers paid attention to and would like to see again included Ulkin, BLR BLUER, Beyond Closet, Seokwoon Yoon, and Ajobyajo.

Fashion is a comprehensive art. As a means of expressing ourselves, fashion is deeply intertwined with all elements such as K-pop and K-drama. After watching the five-day Seoul Fashion Week, I could clearly feel that Korean fashion designers have put in a lot of effort to lead the trend based on pride and responsibility for K-Culture. While all shows were held offline for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Dongdaemun Design Plaza was crowded with fashionistas, officials, citizens, and celebrities from all over the world for five days.

K-fashion designers spread Dongdaemun’s sensibility to the global market, providing fashion with fast and trendy sensibility unique to Korean culture, and expectations are high that the era of K-fashion will come. Dongdaemun is one of the must-visit places for foreign tourists. It is a place where many foreigners quickly reflect trends at an affordable price and enjoy the unique busy and friendly vibe.

 

 

Below are the major shows that the author personally observed and interviewed:

 

Beyond Closet

Beyond Closet, launched in 2008 by designer Ko Tae-yong, is based on the American classic and preppy look, with the signature style of ‘various colors and witty graphics and details’.

This season, Beyond Closet unveiled the 2023 FW collection ‘Gallery NoWhy’ of the collection label ‘N archive’. ‘N Archive’ is a line that reinterprets elements of the 1990s American Ivy League with a modern sensibility unique to Beyond Closet. Under the theme of ‘Every piece of ART is a serendipity’, it awakened a special sense of improvisation.

Through the show, it introduced various styles of outerwear, adding vintage details and handmade patchwork to show its unique brand heritage. The mix and match of conflicting things, such as tailoring coats, camouflage pants, tuxedo suits and filing jumpers, and military coats layered over pea coats, attracted attention with classic elements in various variations. Overall, there are many designs that people want to wear on a daily basis, and they have received a good response.

In terms of the composition of the show, fashion was expressed as an artwork and directed with a concept similar to the Sotheby’s auction house, conveying love and excitement for art. The music also stimulated sophisticated emotions and left a long aftertaste. Actors Si-yeon Park, Wook Go, Ji-so Jung, and Tae-seon Lee watched the show.

 

 

Holy Number Seven > KCRUSH Interview

A brand launched in 2017 by designer Choi Kyung-ho from menswear and designer Song Hyun-hee from womenswear based on the bible, and with the brand philosophy of eco-friendly zero-waste, they present collections made using recycled and upcycling materials every season.

The theme of this collection, “Talent,” was inspired by a passage from the Gospel of Matthew and contains the message “Let’s live a fruitful life by growing our talents without burying them in the ground.” The brand reinterpreted old school uniforms with various emotions from the wearers’ school days, as only 650,000 school uniforms are thrown away in Korea in a year. Gray was the main color this time, with monotones such as white and black harmonized with point colors such as green.

Pleat details of the authentic preppy look were used throughout the skirt, top, and jacket hem, adding boldness with unbalanced cutting. The brand paid meticulous attention to all aspects, from the show composition to consideration for visitors, such as leaflets, and the designer finale. Many celebrities attended Holy Number 7’s show, including broadcasters Seo Dong-joo, Ahn Hye-kyung, T-ara Qri, EXID Hye-rin, and f(x) Luna.

 

 

 

Big Park > KCRUSH Interview

Big Park is a fashion brand launched in 2011 by Yoonsu Park, a first-generation Korean designer who has worked in the fashion industry for over 40 years and has set a record of 66 collections. The brand is known for its original and innovative designs.

Big Park decorated the finale of this fashion week, showcasing outfits inspired by men’s clothing mixed with women’s clothing, expressing one color, almost black, in different outfits with only material and design variation. Big Park’s outfits were in contrast with the concepts presented by two Korean fashion giants, Caruso and Park Yun-soo, who interestingly just contradicted each other. Caruso conceived of women’s clothing and broke the limits of men’s clothing, whereas Park Yun-soo changed the femininity of women’s clothing by incorporating the characteristics of men’s clothing. After the fashion show, the finale fashion show was held to show off three representative works of all the brands participating in this fashion week.

 

 

Iryuk > KCRUSH Interview

Iryuk is a fashion brand launched in 2018 by designer Woo-jun Lim. It rebels against mainstream fashion culture and expresses its uniqueness through creative ideas inspired by the number 26 and the word “takeoff.” The brand aims to destroy gender and age customs and promotes an androgynous genderless look as its main characteristic.

Iryuk develops its brand through steady research and experimentation in pattern elements, fabric mix-match, and sewing techniques. It rejects habitual rules and stereotypes and destroys conventional things and compositional methods of making clothes. The brand’s experimental motive of communication between fashion and philosophy results in designing new and creative ideas each season.

The models in the show maintained a genderless look, resembling wolf boys/girls raised in the wild, and expressed a strange charm as if they had digested the urban style of the city. The youthful beauty and mature feel of the suit were well mixed, creating an attractive look. The brand mainly used gray, khaki, and beige tones to create an urban feel. Overall, Iryuk continues to experiment with its unique ideas and pushes the boundaries of fashion.

 

 

Ul:kin

Ulkin is a luxury upcycling brand that was launched in 2014, with a focus on eco-friendly values and using discarded paintings in their designs.

This year, the brand’s opening stage received the highest score from the judges for selecting participating brands, and Ulkin’s emotions were expressed well through the finale performance by Zior Park, the hottest musician in Korea these days.

Ulkin’s stage created the feeling of announcing the birth of a new era. The stage was staged with an expressionless yet strong concept, as if expressing the surviving generation remaining in a dystopia devastated by zombie attacks. They showed strong and dynamic fashion, as if choosing clothes as a means of expressing oneself in a world where emotions should not be expressed through facial expressions. The main items used military patterns, and the brand experimented with a minimal style with black, white, and gray achromatic backgrounds.

At the show, B.I. from iKon, Risabae, Seo Ji-su from Lovelyz, and Dancer Cheetah attended.

 

 

Seokwoon Yoon

Seokwoon Yoon is a designer who launched his brand in 2017 and entered the Busan Creative Studio of the Busan Institute of Design Promotion.

This season, the brand showed a concept that reminds us of the Revolutionary Army and introduced black, white, and gray-toned outfits with unique creative draping and emphasized details. The collection showcased a modern and commercial sensibility.

 

 

Caruso

Caruso, led by designer Chang Kwanghyo, has been Korea’s leading menswear brand since its establishment in 1987, and is celebrating its 32nd anniversary this year. The brand, which broke the dominance of women’s fashion in Korea, has produced stage costumes for top stars like Cho Yong-pil, Seo Tai-ji, and Fire Truck, and has made a significant impact on the Korean fashion industry.

This year’s collection is inspired by Chang’s passion and effort to revitalize fashion as a newcomer, and features the concept of “Almost Magenta” infused with the latest trends and sensibilities.

The 23SS collection’s theme of “Genderless and Sportism” continues in this season’s designs, which blur the boundaries between genders. The collection includes unconventional items such as long skirts, tops, fur hats, and wedding dresses inspired by hanbok scrolls, as well as long skirt pants made by disassembling and attaching jeans with intense colors such as red and violet. Actor/Entertainer Hong Seok-cheon and trot singer Song Ga-in were among the attendees.

 

 

Tibaeg

Tibaeg, a women’s fashion brand launched in 2011 by designer Cho Eunae, features emotionally layered prints in a feminine atmosphere. The brand’s offline stores, such as Doota, helped it evolve into a collection brand, and it began exploring overseas markets in 2015.

Tibaeg’s theme for this season is Euljiro, a space that has been attracting attention from young people over time. Tibaeg expresses this space, which connects Seoul’s past and future, with a sympathetic and romantic aroma that transcends generations. This season’s collection adds street sensibilities to romantic fashion, creating a mysterious style by mixing old and new charm. The overall girlish design is presented in an oversized silhouette, with items that exude a girlish yet idyllic atmosphere. Singer Eugene from the 1st generation girl group SES and her daughter Rohee, as well as Kwon Jian (Solbi) and Nancy Lang, attended the show.

 

 

 

—-Jiyoung Lee

 

#FashionWeek #2023FallWinterSeoulFashionWeek #kcrushnews #kcrushinterview #DondaemunDesignPlaza #KFashion #kcrushmedia #genderlessfashion #BeyondCloset #designerKoTaeyong #GalleryNoWhy #kcrushcoversfashionweek #NArchive #SiyeonPark #WookGo #Ji-so Jung #TaeseonLee #actorswatchedtheshow #HolyNumber7 #ChoiKyungho #menswear #DesignerSongHyunhee #womenswear #basedonthebible #Talent #broadcasters #SeoDongjoo #AhnHyekyung #TaraQri #EXIDHyerin #f(x)Luna #BigPark #kcrushamericamagazine #YoonsuPark #firstgenerationkoreandesigner #IRYUK #designerWoojunLim #takeoff #expermentalfabrics #ULKIN #ZiorPark #luxurybrand #iKonB.I. #iKon #Risabae #LovelyzSeoJisu #Lovelyz #DancerCheetah #SeokwonYoon #BusanCreativeStudiooftheBusanInstituteofDesignPromotion #Caruso #designerChangKwanghyo #23SSCollection #genderlessandsportism #Actor/Entertainer #HongSeokcheon #trotsingerSongGain #Tibaeg #designerChoEunae #Doota #Euljiro #transcendsgenerations #romanticfashion #SingerEugene1stgenerationgirlgroup SES and her daughter Rohee #KwonJian #(Solbi) #NancyLang

Stream [Down to Earth] HERE

 

Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK) Official M/V: https://youtu.be/NFnAuiklEug

Seed Official M/V: https://youtu.be/-8jAmDvO64E

Today, global superstar TAEYANG (of BIGBANG fame) releases his long-awaited second EP album [Down to Earth]. Listen HERE via THEBLACKLABEL/Interscope Records. The 6-song set includes “VIBE (feat. Jimin of BTS)“ a smash hit collaboration that reached #1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart, and the just-released “Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)”. Stream HERE.

His first project since 2017’s WHITE NIGHT, TAEYANG’s latest solo offering is truly worth the wait as TAEYANG partook in the entire process of creating the EP and has songwriting credits on every track on the album. [Down to Earth] opens with the sultry, ’80s-90s R&B-inspired “VIBE (feat. Jimin of BTS)“.  A cross-generational release that unites superstars of different eras which debuted at #76 on Billboard’s Hot 100. Needless to say, the track generated massive buzz upon release — racking up more than 120M Spotify streams and 100 YouTube views.

The project’s second single, the LISA-assisted “Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)” is destined to be every bit as big. A booming trap anthem that showcases TAEYANG’s smooth vocals and his collaborator’s crafty raps, the duet is an undeniable event for fans around the world who love BIGBANG and BLACKPINK. In addition to uptempo A-list features, [Down to Earth] also includes moments like the deeply personal ballad “Seed” and the unabashedly romantic, ’70s-inflected “Reason”. While “Inspiration” is a nod to all of the artists who have inspired TAEYANG and features rapper, Beenzino, and “Nightfall” fittingly closes out the EP with a feature from THEBLACKLABEL’s own, Bryan Chase.

“This album comes from various emotions and inspirations that I felt underneath my skin as I gazed at the sunset,” TAEYANG says of [Down to Earth]. “The sunset, which decorates a day’s end, welcomes the dark night and not a new morning. Just like the sunset, my world is colored with beautiful memories of the past, but what came back to me was the ceaseless night that followed. Thus, I began to realize that the image of myself over the past 6 years was not much different than the sunset.”

He continues, “In a way, I was deeply touched and felt relief by the silent sunset and how it greets the night, fulfilling its role in the most beautiful way possible. The repetitive and burdensome times that I could not overcome alone guided me ‘back to the drawing board’. Thus, this album allowed me to capture my heart that was ready to jump back up into a fresh new start.”

TAEYANG reflects on the personal and creative struggles he has faced in recent years. “I now have an understanding that the prior experiences and stages of my life were indeed necessary as I prepare to open this new chapter of my life.” he says. “To the producers and staff members at THEBLACKLABEL, who offered me a new home, and to my fans, who waited all this time without any guarantees, I want to express my infinite gratitude.”

It’s impossible to talk about K-Pop’s global ascent without discussing BIGBANG, one of the most influential and decorated acts in the late 2000s and 2010s. They were the first to gain global recognition, performing at stadiums worldwide for millions of fans in record-breaking numbers and have influenced countless acts in the genre for their various musical styles and self-production. Dubbed the “Kings of K-Pop, BIGBANG is one of the best-selling boy bands of all time, winning over 100 awards, landing on the New York Times “Best Concerts List“, and picking up “Best Worldwide Act” at the MTV Europe Awards.

 

 

In addition to making history with the band, TAEYANG is also an accomplished solo artist, releasing four massively successful albums including two that have gone #1 on Billboard’s World Albums chart with a string of hits including “Eyes, Nose, Lips” which won Song of the Year on all the major Korean award shows. Now, with [Down to Earth], TAEYANG is ready to reclaim his throne as one of K-Pop’s most influential artists.

 

[Down to Earth] tracklist

1. VIBE (feat. Jimin of BTS)
2. Shoong! (feat. LISA of BLACKPINK)
3. Seed
4. Reason
5. Inspiration (feat. Beenzino)
6. Nightfall (feat. Bryan Chase)

 

TAEYANG– Down to Earth (eAlbum)

Retail: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth

Amazon Music: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/AmazonMusic

Apple Music: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/AppleMusic

Deezer: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/Deezer

iTunes: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/iTunes

Pandora: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/Pandora

Soundcloud: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/Soundcloud

Spotify: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/Spotify

Tidal: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/Tidal

YouTube Music: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/DownToEarth/YouTubeMusic

 

“Seed” Music Video: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/SeedMV

“Shoong” Performance Video: https://TAEYANG.lnk.to/ShoongMV

 

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

 

 

#Taeyang #DownToEarth #TaeyangNewAlbum #kcrushnews #Seed #Lisa #BlackPink #BlackPinkLisa #kpop #koreanartist #koreansinger #Shoong #ShoongfeaturingLisa #kcrush #kcrushamericamagazine #kpopidol #BIGBANG #EyesNoseLipsTaeyang #kpopnews #kcrushannouncements #TaeyangsongwithLisaofBlackPink

Photo Credit: ChoCo Entertainment

 

As the upcoming K-Pop group ‘ChoCo’ nears its debut, ChoCo Entertainment has revealed a brief look into the company’s groundbreaking production system.

ChoPD, known as the “pioneer of digital music”, is gearing up to welcome a brand new paradigm of “K-Pop 5.0” through a unique system that includes song camps, world-class collaborations, and ‘ChoCo In Hollywood’ – a reality project that introduces the sincere humanity, dreams, and aspirations of ‘ChoCo’.

By focusing on values like harmony, collaboration, and growth that are integrated into the company’s original artist incubation system, ChoPD will open the door to the 5th generation of K-Pop that is free from restrictive competition and elimination.

On the 24th of April, ChoCo Entertainment announced: “ChoPD, as the Executive Producer, will lead the next-generation global K-Pop group ‘ChoCo’ in a distinguishable way that will bring a new wind to the K-Pop scene“.

ChoCo Entertainment will hold song camps with leading artists in the music industry from different corners of the world to create music that is suitable for the next generation of K-Pop. These song camps will be attended by globally renowned production teams behind top artists such as EXO, TWICE, NCT DREAM, Beyonce, Drake, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, and more.

It was also previously announced that star producer Francis Kim, who has worked with K-Pop powerhouses like TWICE, NCT DREAM, and more, will be jumping on board the ChoCo production team.

Through this, ChoPD, the head of ChoCo Entertainment, has revealed his aim of securing ‘ChoCo”s global musical identity by establishing a fresh and new music production system that is unique to the group. In particular, by creating a self-sufficient production ecosystem within ChoCo Entertainment – which includes songwriting, composition, arrangement, mixing, mastering, and so on, ChoPD aspires to curate a distinct musical niche for ‘ChoCo’.

 

Photo Credit: ChoCo Entertainment

 

‘ChoCo’ is slated to debut in 2023 and will be first introduced to the world through a reality show called “ChoCo In Hollywood”, scheduled to be released in May in South Korea. It will be produced in two versions – Korean and US. The Korean version will be helmed by Sole9 Media, and Emmy-nominated producer JoJo Ryder is in charge of the American counterpart, raising expectations for a grand debut.

 

About ChoCo Entertainment

ChoCo Entertainment is an ultimate IP entertainment company geared towards leading the next Hallyu wave. With a focus on individuality, collaboration, and growth as its core values, ChoCo Entertainment encourages its artists to find their passions and follow their originality to create music that matters. The company’s unique artist incubation system is designed to foster independent and self-sufficient artists who have a thorough grasp of music and can explore their creativity without being constrained by the prevalent culture of competition in K-Pop. With the aim of creating a truly global K-Pop group, ChoCo Entertainment is preparing to debut ChoCo in 2023.

 

About ChoPD

Junghun Cho, also known as ChoPD, is the founder, executive producer, and CVO (Chief Visionary Officer) of ChoCo Entertainment. Known as the “pioneer of digital music”, ChoPD is a multi-award-winning artist and has attained legendary status in the K-Pop industry with his trailblazing innovation and impactful contributions to the globalization of K-Hip Hop. He is the genius mastermind behind launching artists like PSY, ZICO, Dok2, and more, and now, he is producing his very own K-Pop group – ‘ChoCo’ – preparing to usher in the 5th generation of K-Pop.

CONNECT WITH ChoCo Entertainment

Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

 

 

#ChoCoEntertainment #ChoPD #KPop50 #pioneerofdigitalmusic #newkpopgroup #5thgenkpop #kcrushnews #kcrushmedia #Sole9Media #JoJoRyder #ChoCoHollywood #khiphop #Koreanmusic #globalkpopgroup

(Credit: One Cool Jacso)

 

WATCH “THROW A DICE” MUSIC VIDEO HERE
LISTEN TO “THROW A DICE” HERE

 

Hong Kong-based entertainment agency, One Cool Jacso announced nine members from OCJ NEWBIES, their 17 member trainee group, as the new K-pop boy band, XODIAC. Members LEX, HYUNSIK, ZAYYAN, BEOMSOO, WAIN, GYUMIN, SING, DAVIN and LEO stand out in XODIAC’s official debut single “Throw A Dice”, now available on all streaming platforms. The first K-Pop band to land four major magazine shoots including Cosmopolitan, ELLE MEN, Harper’s Bazaar, and Men’s Uno – from Hong Kong – before their official debut and winning at the global Weibo Account Festival held in Japan on December 20 is unprecedented. The group as a collective received an award for “Potential New Boy Group”, and XODIAC leader LEX is one of the first solo pre-debut artists to receive the “Fashion Rookie” award.

“Throw A Dice” is a musical journey from an Ocean’s 13 film vibe with high stakes and winner at the end, featuring XODIAC’s gentlemen in sharply dressed visuals. The music is a perfect blend of pop and rap elements that delivers high energy and powerful rhythm to get listeners moving. XODIAC’s singing style is a fun and light pop sound, contrasted with a lower and more mature rap beat, adding depth and variation to the song. Each member performs their best moves smoothly and effortlessly, making a strong impression of their highly-skilled choreography. Overall, “Throw A Dice ” music video is a feast for the eyes, and a perfect complement to the catchy and upbeat song. Throw A Dice is a fusion of dance and hip-hop that creates a catchy and electric beat that flows the upbeat tempo perfectly.

The outfits are shown with all members in high-fashion attire such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Fendi. Fashion plays a huge role for XODIAC as a group, so it is only fitting for them to have a youthful, modern, yet mature look. Although, now stepping into the K-pop scene, they show a lot of promise with their crisp and precise performance skills. The sextet checks all the boxes in Korean culture with their upbeat and classy sound, precise dancing, fashion sense, and overall visuals.

Dazzled in gold and luxury, XODIAC introduces fans to a world of glitz and glamorous roulette. Opening the video with LEX, who exudes an aura of mystery and allure, he presents himself as the Gamemaster who will lead us through the journey that is beginning to unfold. Adorned in designer suits and slicked back hair, the suave members are preparing to enter a high stakes game that’s more than meets the eye. Seemingly meeting for the first time, in an ocean’s 8-esque reveal, the members size up one another as they partake in a match of deception. Though as the video progresses, we witness shots of the members meeting with one another in secret and it makes the audience ask, are they really strangers and who can we trust? Approaching the midpoint of the video, the intentions of the players are slowly revealed and the once elusive end-game is in sight, there can only be one winner in this elite game of cat-and-mouse. Closing out the video with an intense dance break that echoes the climax of the story, the audience is left on the edge of their seats. With each throw of the dice, fans are drawn deeper into the world of XODIAC.

 

(Credit: One Cool Jacso)

Talent is served in abundance with these boys. Group and dance leader LEX has been learning modern dance since he was a child and has won several national dancing awards in Korea. XODIAC is one of the most highly-anticipated boy groups set to takeover as rookies in 2023 as they prepare to visit fans overseas in Amsterdam and London on 30th May and 1st June respectively.

 

 Connect with XODIAC: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

 

 

#XODIAC #LEX #OCJNEWBIES #kcrushnews #kpop #kcrushamerica #17membertraineegroup #newKpopboyband #LEX, #HYUNSIK #ZAYYAN #BEOMSOO #WAIN #GYUMIN #SING #DAVIN #LEO #ThrowADice #newgroup #newsingle #kpoprookies2023 #GlobalWeiboAccountFestivalJapan

 

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a story about a competent secretary on the journey of ending her 9-year career in pursuit of achieving a lifelong goal of searching for a lost friend. The meticulous and self-centered boss cannot fathom losing such a diligent worker and goes beyond his norms to understand her secretary’s decision while trying to persuade her. The boss confides in his divorced psychiatrist friend and ends up being the psychiatrist’s genie pig on love matters. The boss’s unstable relationships, especially with his brother whom he rivals on every matter, trap the secretary in a roller coaster of events that culminate into an unfathomable ending.

 

Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon)

Lee Young Joon’s childhood traumatic experience builds up to his strained relationships and narcissism. His secretary, the only person who seems to understand him, decides to suddenly give notice of resignation. In attempts to understand her secretary, an ensuing entanglement of past and present incidents come to the surface rocking Young Joon to the core.

 

Kim Mi So (Park Min Young)

9 years of working for a perfectionist and narcissistic boss is a hustle that Kim Mi So had to endure on her journey to gaining financial freedom. Finally, she can afford to quit and fulfill her dream of looking for a boy that showed her kindness during one of her most traumatic childhood moments.  Nonetheless, the needy boss uses every technique possible to keep her by his side which unveils hidden and traumatizing truths causing mayhem.

 

Lee Sung Hyeon (Lee Tae Hwan)

Lee Sung Hyeon’s strained relationship with Young Joon, his brother, goes way back to their childhood. Sung Hyeon’s jealousness is the root of Young Joon’s narcissistic character. This malicious being uses his best-selling author factor to further crush his nemesis of a brother including creating pandemonium in his blooming love life.

 

Park Yoo Sik (Kang Ki Young)

This divorced psychiatrist juggles between being a love guru and a sucker at love. Park Yoo Sik journeys towards the pains of divorce and hopes for a better future, hopefully, characterized by a reunion with his lover. Being Young Joon’s only friend is a pain in the neck and a blessing in disguise. The bromance between the two friends in their strife to conquer love is a thrilling and comical expedition.

 

My thoughts

This drama is a perfect blend of romance and humor intertwined with sentiments that run deep into one’s emotional core. flawless. The divergent emotions in this drama were flawlessly carried out, especially Young Joon’s narcissistic and vulnerable sides. Kim Mi So’s diligence, Yoo Sik’s amusing bromance with Young Joon, and Sung Hyeon’s abhorrence towards his brother could not be oozed out any better. The other supporting characters further heightened this comical and romantic drama’s aura making it spellbinding. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim will lift your spirits and leave you rolling in the aisles.

 

—-Karen Mwenda

 

 

#WhatsWrongWithSecretaryKim #kcrushmapping #kcrush #ParkSeoJoon #KangKiYoung #LeeTaeHwan #kdrama #ParkMinYoung #kdramastorymapping #kcrushamericamagazine

 

We’ve got the good groove! Check the latest tour schedule below from Kpop Club Night  and DJ Yuka K coming through your city along with a few shows featuring Vancouver’s DJ Aero, let’s go!

 

 

WINNIPEG 04/21 The Rec Room discount code: VIBE valid until 4/20
OTTAWA 4/27 Hyde & Seek discount code: CUPID valid until 4/22
MINNEAPOLIS 4/28 Varsity Theater
WASHINGTON 4/29 Union Stage
TORONTO 5/5 The Rec Room discount code: CUPID valid until 4/22
NEW YORK 5/6 Gramercy Theatre
SEATTLE 5/12 Hard Rock Cafe discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29
VANCOUVER 05/13 The Rec Room discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29  
MAUI 5/18 da Playground
HONOLULU 5/19 HB Social Club
DETROIT 6/24 El Club discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29
ALBANY 6/30 The Fuze Box discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29
MONTREAL 7/1 Ausgang Plaza discount code: LIKECRAZY valid until 4/29
DALLAS 7/7 Deep Ellum Art Co.  (18+ tickets now available!)
OAKLAND 7/13 Crybaby
LOS ANGELES 7/14 Catch One (Disco & Loft)
EDMONTON 7/21 The Rec Room WEM (with DJ Aero) discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29
PHOENIX 7/21  TBA  on sale soon 
ALBUQUERQUE TBA 7/22  on sale soon
CALGARY 7/22 The Rec Room (with DJ Aero) discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29
MIAMI 7/27 Oasis Wynwood
ORLANDO 7/28  Level 13 discount code: CUPID valid until 4/29
ATLANTA 7/29 The Loft 
PHILADELPHIA 8/5 The Foundry
NEW ORLEANS 8/11 Toulouse Theatre
UPCOMING SHOWS TBC IN AUGUST+ SEPTEMBER:
CHICAGO + BOSTON + CLEVELAND  + COLUMBUS + SAN DIEGO + ???
Most tickets on sale now (or soon) from http://kpopclubnight.com 

Stay loose everyone and see you on the dance-floor!

Don’t forget to tag us in your posts and stories! http://Instagram.com/kpopclubnight
Make requests one week before the show on http://tiktok.com/@kpopclubnight
Listen to past DJ sets on http://mixcloud.com/kpopclubnight
Watch live streams on twitch.tv/kpopclubnight

 

 

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Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Busan International Short Film Festival is one of the premiere film festivals in the world. The festival which runs for one week from April 25th to May 1st, will be featuring the work of emerging and veteran filmmakers from South Korea and around the world, BISFF is the perfect place for cinephiles with a love of short films in every genre, both past and present.

As part of its annual program BISFF highlights the work of creatives from a selected country, and for 2023 the United States has this honor. World renowned filmmakers such as Oscar-nominated Documentarian Jay Rosenblatt will be presenting three of his award-winning short films, How to Measure a Year, When We Were Bullies, and Human Remains in the Guest Country, USA Documentarist Program.

Created to highlight the work of emerging and veteran filmmakers from South Korea and around the world, BISFF is the perfect place for cinephiles with a love of short films in every genre, both past and present. With dozens of films scheduled to screen, there’s plenty for attendees to enjoy in-person and online. Below is a short list of some of the films available for audiences.

 

How to Measure a Year? by Jay Rosenblatt (USA) Opening Film

 

Nice to See Your Face by Sun Namkoong (South Korea) Korea Shorts Program 1

 

 

Holiday by Minseo Kwak (South Korea) Interactive Shorts Program

 

The Tea is Cold by Naomi Aspara (Sri Lanka) Hub of Asia: Rendez-vous with AFiS

 

Bird in the Peninsula by Atushi Wada (France, Japan) International Competition Program

 

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

 

 

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On Friday, April 21, 2023, Infinite Prospects Entertainment launched day 1 of its inaugural event, WeBRIDGE: Now. New. Next. at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The exhibition and music festival focuses on the growing interest and influence of Asian culture across various scopes of the arts and entertainment and centering the culture through celebration.

 

—-a3daypodcast

 

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Photo Credit: ChoCo Entertainment

 

The era of “K-POP 5.0” is upon us, and it is being led by 1st generation’s legendary K-Hip Hop artist and producer, ChoPD – the genius behind artists like PSY, ZICO & more. Known as the “pioneer of digital music”, ChoPD is once again revolutionizing the industry by shifting the paradigms of K-Pop as we know it, this time with ChoCo Entertainment.

Towards this end, ChoCo Entertainment announced on the 18th of April: “ChoPD has long planned and prepared to bring the next generation global K-Pop group ‘ChoCo’ in front of fans worldwide this year.”

This is especially exciting, considering that ChoPD’s own debut through the PC Communication Library in 1998 made him one of the first Korean artists to go digital, paving the way for the future. ChoPD’s trailblazing vision for the 5th generation of K-Pop will be realized through ChoCo, increasing anticipation among fans worldwide.

As the head of ChoCo Entertainment, ChoPD aims to introduce the new concept of ‘Articon (Artist + Icon)‘ with MZ & Alpha Generations in mind, and foster collaboration rather than competition in the market by providing active support to artists for creating the music that they want.

With a focus on the ‘harmony of individuality,’ ‘collaboration,’ and ‘growth,’ ChoCo Entertainment’s unique artist incubation system will cultivate self-directed artists who can produce their own music and expand their artistic horizons based on a deep understanding of music, instead of being pressured by the spirit of standardization, consumerism, and elimination that is prevalent in K-Pop.

In light of this purpose, ChoCo will be a ‘timeless icon’ representing the Alpha Generation as a true ‘cosmopolitan group’ that embraces various identities, cultures, genders, and generations. Additionally, the ChoCo members are set to widen their range by stepping outside of traditional group and solo activities and exploring new avenues of expression that we’ve never seen before.

Choco Entertainment explained: “ChoCo combines the new music energy and growth process developed by traveling between Korea and abroad with the sensibility that teenagers hold, completing its unique K-POP style. ChoCo will showcase ‘glocal’ (global + local) music that can appeal to global K-POP fans while also gaining popularity in the home of pop, the United States.”

 

 

In addition, ChoCo will be unveiled to the world for the first time through a reality show titled “ChoCo in Hollywood” that follows the artists’ journey from audition and training to debut, introducing ChoCo Entertainment’s novel artist incubating system.

It will be available in two versions – Korean and US. The former will be produced by Sole9 Media, which utilized production experience from “Mnet Asia Music Awards (MAMA)” and “Produce 101” to hold Asian auditions, and will be released as the first part of the K-POP 5.0 project in mid-May.

The US version will be produced by Emmy-nominated star producer JoJo Ryder. With over 22 years of experience in the business, JoJo Ryder will impart a global spin to the reality format, raising expectations for his next #1 show.

By sincerely highlighting the human side of K-Pop and the natural growth of ChoCo Entertainment artists, “ChoCo in Hollywood” aims to give global viewers an honest glimpse into the creation of the “K-POP 5.0 icon” who will lead the next generation.

 

CONNECT WITH ChoCo Entertainment

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