4th generation idol MCND will open its first K-pop concert in Europe!

 

[1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022′ will be held in 6 European countries and 7 cities in April.
– Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there are a lot of love calls due to the rising interest in K-pop and K-content in Europe. MCND will open its first K-pop performance in Europe since the Corona Pandemic.

MCND, the representative idol of the 4th generation idol., will hold its first offline performance since its debut and hold its first European tour ‘[1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022’ to solidify its position as a global idol.

When the news of the tour was announced on MCND’s official SNS on the 12th, interest in the first face-to-face concert poured out from global fans not only in Europe but also around the world, raising expectations for the first European tour. Starting with Amsterdam the Netherlands, from April 9th to 17th, MCND will visit six European countries and seven European cities, including London of the United Kingdom, Budapest in Hungary, Cologne in Germany, Paris and Toulon in France, and Lausanne in Switzerland to meet European fans.

In particular, MCND’s performance is raising expectations in Europe as it is the first K-pop performance to be held as most of the sanctions on COVID-19 in Europe are eased amid growing interest in K-pop and K-content in Europe despite the Corona Pandemic. Immediately after its debut, MCND has already received many love calls from overseas promoters such as Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and plans to realize meetings with global fans in earnest, starting with the European tour.

MCND, which debuted during the non-face-to-face period, has strengthened its position as 4th generation talented idol group by holding an online solo concert with a setlist of more than 20 songs in 2020 and 2021, and has been steadily communicating with global fans through various contents such as its own music projects.

Meanwhile, detailed information on MCND’s first European tour ‘[1ST] MCND EUROPE TOUR 2022’ will be released sequentially from February 15.

Photos provided = TOP Media

 

 

#MCND #1stMCNDEuropeTour2022 #kpop #MCNDofflineperformance #kpopgroup #kpoptour2022 #newtour #kpopidol #EuropeTour #MCNDSNS #facetofaceconcert #koreanpop #koreanmusic #EuropeanTour

 

Album BAD MODE debuted at #1 on digital charts in Japan and also significantly ranked in various charts in 21 countries and regions around the globe. The album will soon be available on CD, including the Single-run Limited Edition, on February 23.

While we wait eagerly for the CD release, Hikaru has shared the music video for one of the bonus tracks from the album, “Face My Fears (A. G. Cook Remix),” on February 10!

The music video has been released to celebrate the launch of the KINGDOM HEARTS series cloud versions on Nintendo Switch. Created by the video production team from REAL ROCK DESIGN, it features famous scenes from the series edited anew to sync with the music. A world-wide audience has been sending rave comments since the video release was announced, as proof, once again, of the global popularity of the Kingdom Hearts series and its theme song.

 

 

The original “Face My Fears (English Version) / Hikaru Utada & Skrillex　“KINGDOM HEARTS III” Opening Theme Song” charted in the US Billboard Hot 100, and the new version was remixed by A. G. CooK, who co-produced “One Last Kiss” and “Kimini Muchuu,” also on the album BAD MODE, turning out the brand-new banger.

The album will include three versions of the song: Japanese and English versions of the original and the A. G. CooK remix. Check out all of them!

※Face My Fears (A. G. Cook Remix)　YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/SbT55Ggd__E

KINGDOM HEARTS Series Official Website: https://www.kingdomhearts.com/home/us/

 

 

Hikaru Utada

Joins “The Zane Lowe Show” on Apple Music 1

 

Hikaru Utada is proactively interviewing with various media not just in Japan but also overseas including Billboard and MTV NEWS for her new album, BAD MODE.

Now we are super excited to announce that they will be interviewed on Apple Music’s radio station, Apple Music 1’s program “The Zane Lowe Show” for the first time! The episode starts streaming live at 3AM (JST) on February 11! Fans can enjoy Apple Music radio wherever they listen to Apple Music as well as online at music.apple.com. The episode will be available to listen to on-demand after it airs.

Zane Lowe has interviewed many of the world’s top artists, including Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, and Kanye West, so be sure to tune in on the convo and check out what they talk about!

Apple Music 1: https://music.apple.com/us/radio

Listen to The Zane Lowe Show on Apple Music anytime on-demand at apple.co/_Zane (This is case sensitive)

Hikaru Utada Artist Page:

https://music.apple.com/artist/%E5%AE%87%E5%A4%9A%E7%94%B0%E3%83%92%E3%82%AB%E3%83%AB/18756224

 

<Release Info>

[New Album]

BAD MODE

Release Date:

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 (Digital)

Streaming & Download: https://hikaruutada.lnk.to/badmode

 

Wednesday, February 23, 2022 (CD)

Single-run Limited Edition: CD+DVD+BD 6,800 JPY (incl. tax)

Standard CD: 3,300 JPY (incl. tax)

 

CD Tracklist

1. BAD MODE
2. Kimini Muchuu  (Main Theme for TBS Friday Night Drama Saiai)
3. One Last Kiss  (Theme Song for EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME)
4. PINK BLOOD  (Main Theme for Anime Series To Your Eternity)
5. Time  (Main Theme for NTV Sunday Drama Bishoku Tantei Akechi Goro)
6. Kibunja Naino (Not In The Mood)
7. Darenimo Iwanai  (SUNTORY Tennensui CM Song)
8. Find Love  (Featured in SHISEIDO’s Global Campaign “POWER IS YOU”)
9. Face My Fears (Japanese Version) / Hikaru Utada & Skrillex

(Opening Theme for Action Role-Playing Game KINGDOM HEARTS Ⅲ)

10. Somewhere Near Marseilles

 

Bonus Tracks

11. Beautiful World (Da Capo Version)

(Theme Song for EVANGELION:3.0+1.0 THRICE UPON A TIME)

12. Kireina Hito (Find Love)
13. Face My Fears (English Version) / Hikaru Utada & Skrillex

(Opening Theme for Action Role-Playing Game KINGDOM HEARTS Ⅲ)

14. Face My Fears (A. G. Cook Remix)

 

Single-run Limited Edition DVD/BD Tracklist

・”Hikaru Utada Live Sessions from Air Studios”

1. BAD MODE
2. One Last Kiss
3. Kimini Muchuu
4. Darenimo Iwanai
5. Find Love
6. Time
7. PINK BLOOD
8. Face My Fears (English Version)
9. Hotel Lobby
10. Beautiful World (Da Capo Version)
11. About Me
12. Face My Fears (Japanese Version) [Bonus Track]

・Behind The Scene “Live Sessions from Air Studios”

・Music Videos

1. Time
2. One Last Kiss
3. PINK BLOOD
4. Kimini Muchuu
5. BAD MODE

 

CD Pre-Order: https://erj.lnk.to/0UsH19

Special Website: https://www.utadahikaru.jp/badmode/en/

Purchase Benefits: Original Postcard

 

 

<Vinyl>

March 10^th Releases

First Love　2LP　UPJY-9202/3　5093 JPY (incl. tax)

Distance　2LP　UPJY-9204/5　5093 JPY (incl. tax)

DEEP RIVER　2LP　UPJY-9206/7　5093円 JPY (incl. tax)

 

April 27^th Releases

ULTRA BLUE　2LP　UPJY-9208/9　5093 JPY (incl. tax)

HEART STATION　2LP　UPJY-9210/1　5093 JPY (incl. tax)

Fantôme　2LP　UPJY-9212/3　5093 JPY (incl. tax)

Hatsukoi　2LP　 ESJL-3125/6 5093 JPY (incl. tax)

BAD MODE　2LP　ESJL-3123/24 5093 JPY (incl. tax)

 

*Limited press / 180g heavy weight vinyl

*Entry ticket enclosed for original T-shirt giveaway

Purchase Benefits: Original Sticker (Album Cover Art)

 

【To Enter the Giveaway Campaign】

Paste the entry ticket onto a postcard and send to enter a draw for 200 lucky winners to receive one of eight different original T-shirts!

*The number of T-shirt is limited, and the giveaway will end as soon as it has run out.

 

<Spotify Special Program>

Listen Spotify official playlist Liner Voice+ Hikaru Utada BAD MODE

English: https://spotify.link/HikaruUtadaLinerVoicePlusEN

Japanese: https://spotify.link/HikaruUtadaLinerVoicePlusJP

 

 

<Instagram Live Program>

Title: Ask Hikaru Paisen!

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 23, 2022 / Starts around 9 pm (JST)

Instagram link: Hikaru Utada Instagram account @kuma_power

https://www.instagram.com/kuma_power/

To send a question: Post the question on Twitter with the hashtag #AskHikaruPaisen2022

To enter the giveaway: Make sure you have also followed the Hikaru Utada Staff Twitter account (@hikki_staff) to be eligible.

 

 

#HikaruUtada #BadMode #Japanesesinger #JPOP #Hikaru #TheZaneLoweShow #AppleMusic1 #Billboard #newmusic #newalbum #Aprilmusic #FaceMyFears #kingdomHearts #RealRockDesign #JRock #Japanesemusic #AGCookremix

 

On February 11, the highly-anticipated soundtrack “Stay Alive” for the BTS-inspired Naver webtoon – 7Fates: CHAKHO – sung by Jungkook and produced by SUGA of BTS, topped a record-breaking number of iTunes charts worldwide in just 14 hours since it dropped.

“Stay Alive” has now become the first song by a Korean artist in 2022 to debut straight at No.1 on the worldwide iTunes chart and the European iTunes chart at the same time.

It also set a new record for the fastest song by a Korean soloist to top the iTunes Top Songs charts in all eight of the largest music markets in the world: U.S, Canada, Germany, France, U.K, the Netherlands, Japan, and Australia.

“Stay Alive” is a heart wrenching ballad produced by Suga with vocals by Jungkook, which is a soundtrack to the animated Naver webtoon “7Fates: CHAKHO” that follows the seven members’ mission to avenge their loved ones. The urban fantasy fiction set in the near future is said to be an interpretation of the chakhogapsa, the legendary tiger hunters of the Joseon Dynasty period – which lasted from 1392 to 1897.

The Bangtan Boys label HYBE described the new soundtrack as a “nod to the characters in the story as they try to survive in a vicious world with the lyrics exploring an isolated boy’s earnest heart and message to himself and friends that he meets in that vicious world.”
HYBE went on to state that the track has a “dreamy, sublime energy that compliments the storyline and atmosphere of the urban fantasy story that portrays confrontations between humans and the Tiger tribe in a corrupt world.”

As soon as “Stay Alive” dropped, it reached No. 1 on iTunes top song charts in 93 different countries, including the U.S, U.K, Ireland, Germany, France, Finland, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Italy, Poland, Spain, Bulgaria, Canada, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, malaysia, Japan, Australia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, and many more, approximately a day after its release.

The soundtrack is also the first and the only solo song ever to top the iTunes charts in more than 90 regions on its first day, and the first song by a K-Pop act to dominate the U.S. iTunes song chart with a 2022 release.

 

 

J.Chung.

 

 

 

#StayAlive #BTS #JungKook #Suga #Itunes #CHAKHo #bangtan #kpop #kpopmusic #newsong #newsingle #topofcharts #kpopidol #kcrushnews #ARMY #BTSARMY #Koreanpop #Koreanpopculture #Asianmusic #BTSfans

 

The album version of the song ‘Shock/Shogeki’ by Yuko Ando, which is the ending theme song of “Attack on Titan, The Final season Part 1” has been released. It is great timing because the TV anime “Attack on Titan, The Final Season Part 2” has just started to air and has been getting so much attention.

When “Attack on Titan, the Final Season Part 1” began, fans who had watched the music video of the song ‘Shock/Shogeki’ noticed that Yuko Ando was not singing the last lyrics of the song. So people have been curious about this mysterious missing line.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAuwzw_5JU4

The reason why the last line of the lyrics was not sung at that time was because the story was still continuing after ‘Attack on Titan, The Final season part 1’, and the last line was too revealing to include at that time.  But since the original manga has finally ended when Yuko Ando released the album, she recorded this same song again with the last line of the song added, and she included the whole completed song into her new album.

Are there any other songs which can be the theme song for ‘Attack on Titan’ rather than the song ‘Shock/Shogeki’ ?  Please check Yuko Ando’s new album to find out !

It seems that there are more songs about ‘Attack on Titan’ sung by Yuko Ando, rather than ‘Shock/Shogeki’ which was the ending theme song of “Attack on Titan,The Final Season Part 1”.

‘Children of the Forest/ Mori No Kora’ and ‘Goodbye Halo’ are also songs Yuko Ando tried to create for the world of ‘Attack on Titan’. When she first released the album in November there was no official information about the connection between these two particular songs and anime story.

But through some interviews Yuko Ando herself admitted that she created these songs after she read the manga ‘Attack on Titan’. It is quite obvious when you read the lyrics that she created the songs inspired by the story.

Many fans of the song ‘Shock/Shogeki’ pointed out that the song ‘Goodbye Halo’ is about Eren and Mikasa on SNS.

Both the opening and ending songs of ‘Attack on Titan’ are great as usual and please enjoy the final season of the TV anime ‘Attack on Titan’ with the great songs by Yuko Ando. She hopes to complete the world of ‘Attack on Titan’ with her song by adding the missing words.

 

——————————————————————————————————————————–

Reference source：KEP https://kyodo-osaka.co.jp/kep_online/detail/301

(Interviewer) The first song of the album, ‘All the little things’ is a very lively song and seems to be full of positive energy.

(Yuko Ando) Actually I was thinking of creating a little bit of a dark feeling song at the beginning.

The last song of the album ‘Shock/Shogeki’ is the ending theme song of the ‘Attack on Titan, The Final season part 1’. When the last comic book of the ‘Attack on Titan’ series was published I felt that I wanted to create a song which will show the real ending of the story. Then I created the song,’Goodbye Halo’ . So when I started making the song ‘All the little things’ , I was thinking of keeping the same tone, like a self reflection, which ‘Goodbye Halo’ has.

——————————————————————————————————————————–

 

 

‘Shock/Shogeki (album ver.)’ is included in the album “Kongtong Recordings” by Yuko Ando so please listen to it again while watching the exciting “Attack on Titan,The Final Season Part 2”.

https://lnk.to/Kongtong_recordings

 

■■Information about the album

Release date : On Wednesday, the 17th of the November 2021

【Title】Kongtong Recordings

【Release link】https://lnk.to/Kongtong_recordings

【Tracks】

01.All the Little Things

02.ReadyReady

03.UtU

04.Babyface

05.Koi wo Mamotte

06.Children of the Forest/Mori No Kora

07.Shojo Kobanashi

08.Toiki

09.Boku Wo Utsu Ame

10.teatime

11.Goodbye Halo

12.Shock/Shogeki（album ver.）:The ending theme song of TV anime ‘Attack on Titan, The Final season part1’

 

 

【Product number of the CD】PCCA.6075

【Price of the CD】3,300 yen (Tax incl.)

 

■■ Official site

▼Yuko Ando Official site

https://www.ando-yuko.com

▼Yuko Ando Official Twitter

https://twitter.com/yukoando_ucad

▼Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/yuko_ando/

▼Yuko Ando Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuJOS7FFIeXCFHEKRpWXubw

 

#YukoAndo #AttackOnTitans #ChildrenOfTheForrest #ShockShogeki #breakingnews #Japanesenews #newalbum #newmusic #worldnews #internationalnews #GoodbyeHalo #tvanime #kcrush

 

MONDO GROSSO, the solo project of Japanese musician Shinichi Osawa, returns with a new album of incredible collaborations featuring the cream of the Japanese music scene. Released digitally today (February 8), ‘BIG WORLD’ boasts a lineup including Ryuichi Sakamoto, Hikari Mitsushima, Mika Nakashima, Takao Tajima (Original Love), Yoshie Nakano (EGO WRAPPIN’), Asuka Saito (Nogizaka46), suis (Yorushika), PORIN (Awesome City Club), CHAI, DONGURIZU, ermhoi (Black Boboi/millennium parade) and RHYME.

 

Download and streaming links:

https://asab.lnk.to/mondogrosso_bigworld_digi

 

MONDO GROSSO ‘BIG WORLD’ special site:

https://www.shinichi-osawa.com/bigworld

The advance release in January of the track ‘IN THIS WORLD feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto’ was welcomed by fans around the world, racking up over 2 million views on YouTube. A miracle collaboration, the track features a piano performance from Ryuichi Sakamoto, with lyrics written by UA and sung by Hikari Mitsushima. This was followed by ‘FORGOTTEN (Vocals: ermhoi [Black Boboi/millennium parade］)’, a song about remembering what has been forgotten. And now, a video has been released for ‘STRANGER (Vocals: Asuka Saito [Nogizaka46])’, which shows a different side of Saito than Nogizaka46 fans might expect.

 

‘STRANGER (Vocals: Asuka Saito [Nogizaka46])’ music video:

https://youtu.be/Leraccmh6UI

 

Read on below for special messages from all of the participating artists!

IN THIS WORLD feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto (Vocals: Hikari Mitsushima)

“At first I was not sure what I could contribute to a song like this, but I moved my hands as I was led by the melody.” – Ryuichi Sakamoto

“When I first heard the music and read the lyrics, I was moved by how wide-open and natural they felt, and I tried to carry that feeling into my vocals and sing with love. And in the music video I got to fly, too. It’s a bittersweet but happy song filled with endless sensitivity.” – Hikari Mitsushima

FORGOTTEN (Vocals: ermhoi [Black Boboi/millennium parade］)

“A few years back, I was captivated by Hikari Mitsushima’s beautiful voice and the cool music on her previous collaboration with MONDO GROSSO, and I never imagined I’d get to participate in their wide world – but I dreamed it may be possible someday if I really believed. The lyrics ‘We’ve forgotten how to be loud, how to be proud’ are melancholic, but they resonate with me somehow, and I sang them while calmly feeling the weight of expectation. Thank you.” – ermhoi

 

B.S.M.F (Vocals: DONGURIZU)

“I’m so happy I could produce music with MONDO GROSSO. When I first heard the track, I felt it was a little cool, but it grew more intense and energetic as we worked on it. It’s a track that sounds great in the dark with the volume up loud, but it’s also good for sunny days. You could even blast it from your car speakers on the way to the beach with your friends.” – DONGURIZU

 

OH NO! (Vocals: CHAI)

“We’ve had one surprise after another since Osawa-san sent us this track! The song made us feel so many emotions; it made us consider what we wanted to express, the image of MONDO GROSSO and how we could subvert it, and how to make the song as interesting as possible. We thought about how CHAI could scream from our hearts like children, and express something ‘fun!’ and ‘strong!’ on this track. The themes on the album are extremely timely, including some parts that echo our feelings as CHAI, so it was a super exciting production. I was reminded how much fun music can be ♡ MONDO GROSS is the best! ♡ – MANA (CHAI)

 

LAST HEART (Vocals: suis [Yorushika])

“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. When I first heard the demo for this song, I remember feeling an atmosphere I had never felt before, clenching my fist and saying, ‘This is a new challenge!’ Then when I received the lyrics, I felt intensely close to the music, and I felt the joy of singing something so true to my own life. I hope the lyrics I sang will reach all kinds of people, so that they can each lose themselves in the song in their own way. I’m happy to have been able to sing ‘LAST HEART’, and to have the opportunity to be heard as I really am.” – suis (Yorushika)

 

STRANGER (Vocals: Asuka Saito [Nogizaka46])

“The last time we collaborated was such a wonderful experience, but I didn’t expect to have the chance to work together again. ‘STRANGER’ has a shoegaze sound that is different from our previous song together, ‘Wakusei Tantra’, but I loved it from the first time I heard it, and the lyrics written by Osawa-san were easy to relate to and easy to sing. Between the song and the music video, I got to show a different side to myself than in Nogizaka46, and I’m thrilled to see how listeners react. It was a joy to participate in this project!” – Asuka Saito (Nogizaka46)

 

LOST PEOPLE (Vocals: Yoshie Nakano [EGO-WRAPPIN’])

“While respecting the feelings of the singer,

the singer’s thoughts,

and the best way to reach the listener,

how should the lyrics of the singer intertwine with the music?

Osawa-san knows the answer.

Because every sound in the song

exists in its right place,

there is also a right place for the lyrics.

That’s where the act of singing becomes free,

and the singer can start to dance, to smile,

to be sad, to rejoice, to tremble.

Such skill

cannot be achieved simply by hard work.

It’s a world born of Osawa-san’s strong love for music.

Having the opportunity to sing lyrics

that have their own place in the music,

I swung like a fish in the ocean.

Without hesitation,

I saw the translucent blue bottom of the universe.” – Yoshie Nakano (EGO-WRAPPIN’)

 

ILLUSORY REFLECTION (Vocals: Takao Tajima [Original Love])

“How long had it been since I last saw Osawa-san? It’s been so long that I don’t know how long it’s been. And yet when we reunited for this collaboration, we soon started talking about cars, and while we were in the studio we spent half the time talking about cars and the other half talking about recording! It’s surprising to me that this was only our first time to work together. Either way, it was fun, and I was happy that we are both still working hard at making music. Thanks for the nice track, Osawa!” – Takao Tajima (Original Love)

 

CRYPT (Vocals: PORIN [Awesome City Club])

“Collaborating with MONDO GROSSO was a major ambition of mine as a vocalist. I first met Osawa-san in 2017 when a mutual friend introduced us at a club. I proclaimed that I would do my best to reach a level where I could work together with him, and about four years later, the offer finally came. At last! I wish I could brag about it to my younger self. On ‘CRYPT’, I was able to absorb Osawa-san’s color completely, and to express myself in the exact opposite of my usual style singing pop music. It’s an ephemeral and addictive song. I hope you will hum along and move your body together with us.” – PORIN (Awesome City Club)

 

OVERFLOWING (Vocals: Mika Nakashima)

“It is a great honor to be able to participate in MONDO GROSSO’s new album, ‘BIG WORLD’. I’ve received songs from Osawa-san in the past, and they are always extremely, extremely cool. They are songs that my fans and I love, and they are a real treasure. It was so exciting to be able to sing a new song for the first time in a long time. I hope the album can be enjoyed by many people.” – Mika Nakashima

 

BIG WORLD (Vocals: RHYME)

“Wherever you are in this big world, however you heard about MONDO GROSSO, whenever you listened for the first time or the ten-thousandth time, this new album will hit your core and revive memories from the time of your childhood to this exact moment, today. This is the right time to say, ‘I love you’.” – RHYME

 

About the new album ‘BIG WORLD’, Shinichi Osawa comments:

“The background and the process of producing the album ‘BIG WORLD’ have become an important part of my life as a musician. I can’t even imagine where I will go from here, but I have no doubt this will be the starting point for my ‘next journey’. To everyone who was involved in making this album and to everyone who will listen to it: Thank you.” – Shinichi Osawa (MONDO GROSSO)

 

 

MONDO GROSSO ‘BIG WORLD’

Digital release: February 8, 2022

Download and streaming links: https://asab.lnk.to/mondogrosso_bigworld_digi

 

Physical release: February 9, 2022

CD+Blu-ray: 4,500 yen (plus tax), RZCB-87060/B (first press limited edition Digipak)

https://shop.buyee.jp/mu-mo_shop/item/rzcb-87060a

https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/RZCB-87060?s_ssid=e33ace61d9016ed636

 

CD: 3,000 yen (plus tax), RZCB-87061 (first press Digipak)

https://shop.buyee.jp/mu-mo_shop/item/rzcb-87061a

https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/RZCB-87061?s_ssid=e33ace61d9016ed636

 

CD tracklist

*Details are the same for RZCB-87060/B and RZCB-87061

1. INTRO
2. IN THIS WORLD feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto (Vocals: Hikari Mitsushima)
3. FORGOTTEN (Vocals: ermhoi [Black Boboi/millennium parade])
4. B.S.M.F (Vocals: DONGURIZU)
5. OH NO! (Vocals: CHAI)
6. LAST HEART (Vocals: suis [Yorushika])
7. STRANGER (Vocals: Asuka Saito [Nogizaka46])
8. LOST PEOPLE (Vocals: Yoshie Nakano [EGO WRAPPIN’])
9. ILLUSORY REFLECTION (Vocals：Takao Tajima [Original Love])
10. CRYPT (Vocals: PORIN [Awesome City Club])
11. OVERFLOWING (Vocals: Mika Nakashima)
12. BIG WORLD (Vocals: RHYME)

 

Blu-ray tracklist (RZCB-87060/B only)

1. IN THIS WORLD feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto (Vocals: Hikari Mitsushima) music video

2. STRANGER (Vocals: Asuka Saito [Nogizaka46]) music video
3. FORGOTTEN (Vocals: ermhoi [Black Boboi/millennium parade]) music video

 

MONDO GROSSO profile

MONDO GROSSO made their major-label debut in 1993 with Shinichi Osawa as the band leader and bassist, touring Europe as part of the worldwide acid-jazz movement. The band broke up in 1996, and Osawa continued to use the name as a solo artist. Since then, he continued to innovate musically and released hit albums such as ‘MG4’, which included ‘LIFE feat. bird’, and ‘NEXT WAVE’, which included ‘Everything Needs Love feat. BoA’, before halting activities in 2003. 2017 brought the first new album release in 14 years, ‘Nando Demo Atarashiku Umareru’. Unconventional collaborations with Hikari Mitsushima, Asuka Saito (Nogizaka46) and AiNA THE END (BiSH) captured the attention of music fans, and the music video for ‘Labyrinth’, sung by Mitsushima, gained over 31 million views on YouTube. In 2021, the hits collection ‘MONDO GROSSO OFFICIAL BEST’ traced the trajectory of MONDO GROSSO over the past 30 years.

www.mondogrosso.com

 

On February 10, Korean actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin surprised their fans by announcing that they are getting married next month, in March.

Son Ye-jin shared a photo of a miniature wedding dress on Instagram with a heartfelt message. She wrote a message in both Korean and English that she and her boyfriend Hyun Bin will be tying the knot.

 

 

“I thought long and hard about how to share this story because it’s an important one.

I found someone to spend the rest of my life with.

Yes… it’s him.

 

Boy meets girl,

recognizes each other in the crowd,

promises to build a future together…

I couldn’t imagine!

 

It happened so naturally…

But, isn’t that destiny?

 

Just being with him, I feel warm and protected. Please help us celebrate the beginning of our future.

 

And to my dearest fans,

I have received unconditional love and for a long time now,

I thought, there’s no way to repay it.

Please know that I’m infinitely grateful and

I also wish you all happiness!”

 

 

Soon-to-be-husband Hyun Bin also sent a handwritten letter to the fans to address the news.

The K-drama couple confirmed to be dating back in December of 2020 after starring together in the hit drama series, Crash Landing on You.

On the same day, T-ara’s Ji-yeon announced her marriage to Korean baseball player Hwang Jae-gyun. They’ve been dating for 5 months since last year after first meeting each other through a mutual friend.

 

 

Both Ji-yeon and Hwang Jae-gyun shared handwritten letters along with several photos of themselves. Ji-yeon wrote:

“Hello, it’s Ji-yeon. There was something I wanted to say to the fans directly, so I took up the courage to write this. I debuted in my teens, and time has passed, and now I’m already in my 30s. After debuting when I was young and afraid of everything, when I was going through anxiety in my teens, when I wanted to give up in my 20s, when I wanted to give up during difficult times, I am where I am today because you always reached out and rooted for me to overcome all that.

To the fans who believe in me and support me, I want to tell you first and foremost, not the words or writings of other people. I have a boyfriend I met last year through an acquaintance that I am dating with good intentions.

I promised to get married to him in the coming winter with a boyfriend who’s like a gift in my life, who always cared for me, cherished me, and taught me what happiness is. I will live a happy life with him, since he firmly held me when I was unstable and gave me a shoulder to lean on.

I’m worried you may have been surprised by the sudden news. The day will come when I can share this happiness with you, so I’m very shaky and nervous as I write each letter. I’ll continue to repay you in the future for the support and love that you have shown me.

Thank you, and I love you.”

 

 

K-pop power couple HyunA and Dawn, who have been together for about 6 years, also revealed their marital plans on February 3 via their Instagram.

Dawn posted a photo of their rings with the caption ‘MARRY ME’, and Hyuna replied in a post with “Of course, yes.”

The couple showcased a pair of customized opal rings with different colored and shaped diamonds.

Unlike the other couples, Hyuna and Dawn’s announcement came with slight controversy, and their agency didn’t seem to have been aware of their engagement.

Congratulations to all couples who are planning to get married this year, it’s always great to hear such news during such times when things may not seem very stable or promising.

 

– J.Chung.

 

#Marriage #SonYejin #HyunBin #Hyuna #Dawn #Kpop #Jiyeon #Koreancouples #upcomingmarriage #Koreanactors #Koreanactress #kcrushcontent

 

 

The Asian peninsula is eminent for maintaining its ancient traditional cultures and practices. Its perpetual serving of traditional cuisines, despite the sweeping effect of globalization and modernization, has glorified the Asian foods on a global scale. The Japanese cuisine is one of the highly accorded nourishment associated with improving one’s health while maintaining a youthful look. Japan has numerous originally grown vegetables and fruits; of a wide variety, whose uses an intake have spread on a global scale. Below are some of the original fruits and vegetables grown in Japan.

 

 

1. Musk Melon

Referred to as the king of fruits in Japan, the suspicious fruit distinguishes itself from other melons owing to its distinctive scent and shape. The musk melon’s net-like patterned smooth surface, pleasing fragrance, colorful appearance, high nutritional value, as well as its sweet, tender and juicy flesh culminates to the melon’s eminence. The melon; which exist in numerous varieties including Yubari an Ibara king melons, has gained a global popularity and is often associated with class and novelty thus attributing to its wide usage as a gift ware.

 

 

2. Citrus

Popularly known as Shikwasa limes, these Japanese native citrus fruits are renowned for their oranges-reminiscent scent that is countered by a tart sour mil sweetness. This layered fruit, which turns yellow upon ripening, is often used in its immature green taste for flavoring purposes. Shikwasa lime juice is used in various instances including fruit salads and marinades. An eminent application of the lime is in the brewing of Awamori drink; a famous alcoholic beverage from Japan’s Okinawa island.

 

 
3. Shine Muscat

This is a seedless green berry of the grape variety eminently known for its high sugar content. Developed from a cross breed of two fruits, the shine Muscat falls more on the expensive side of fruits given its larger size, high sugar content, and luxury status. The berries have a unique musky flavor resembling that of a mango and mandarin and can be consumed together with the skin.

 

 

4. Peach

Japan is also known for its wide variety of the famous white peaches with the native and most reputed ones being the Shimuzu and Hakuhou white peaches. Grown in Okoyama, these two varieties – with a pink and milky white hue- are known for their extremely tender texture and sweet taste immersed in a syrupy fragrance. The Shimuzu white peach reigns supreme in Japan’s white peaches category in matters juiciness, taste, tenderness and scent. In addition to the white peaches being consumed raw and made into jam among other uses, the premium fruit is widely used in gift boxes in Japanese culture.

 

 

5. Pears

A pear is a crisp fruity of grainy texture and high water originates from the East Asian peninsula. Japanese pears have a crunchy sweet and juicy feel; characteristics of both an apple and pear, and come in numerous varieties with the famous and unique ones being Nansui, Kosui, and Nikkori. Compared to Nansui and Kosui, Nikkori is the largest Japanese pear variety credited for its sweet, juicy and soft flesh.

 

 

6. Akebia

The flavorful fruit; whose pod skin turns purplish upon ripening, is famous for its sweet white flesh. The gelatinous pulp has a mild sweetness balanced by the existing seeds. The fruit’s complex flavor is said to resemble that of various fruits including passionfruit and lychee. Akebia’s pod is also used as a vegetable in various recopies with a notable one being its stuffing with miso flavored minced meat. Additionally, Akebia leaves are used to make tea infusions while the plant’s vines are used in basket-weaving crafts.

 

 

7. Strawberries

Strawberries consume a substantial status in Japan’s fruit kingdom. Some of the varieties unique to Japan include Amaou, Tochiotome and Skyberry with Tochiotome being most eminent for its use in sweets production and its top rank in Japan’s strawberry production levels. However, the most iconic strawberries are the white strawberries which have taken the world by storm. As the name indicates the white strawberries; a resultant of an extensive strawberry crossbreeding research, have a white skin and flesh coupled with colorful red seeds. Compared to the red strawberries, the white ones are sweeter; with a pineapple taste ensued by a candy-like after-taste, and are a bit expensive owing to their labor-intensive production process.

 

 

8. Eggplant

The Japanese eggplant’s uniqueness stems from its elongated and slender shape. It is more preferable for its thin skin; which cooks well into a residue that does not overwhelm a dish, and porous flesh; which readily absorbs a dish’s accompanying flavors. Moreover, the eggplant -which is a source of vitamin C, potassium and nasunin- pairs well with various aromatics and also retains its purple color thus adding a vibrant color to the food.

 

 

9. Negi

This Japanese onion is increasingly gaining reception in the global market. Compared to other spring onions, Negi is thicker and longer; with a larger portion of the white stem. Negi is used for various dishes based in its part; for instance, the crisp green part for aromatics, white part for simmered dishes, and the roots for soups.

 

 

10. Wasabi

Wasabi is a unique vegetable that is best enjoyed as a seasoning or condiment compared to a roast or sauté as other vegetables. This cruciferous vegetable is among the hardest to grow commercially due to its demanding extreme weather conditions as those of Japan. The deep flavored wasabi paste is made from its finely grated/crushed stem that is then used with other dishes, especially sushi.

 

—-P. Earlkh

 

#originaljapanesefruits #originaljapanesevegetables #wasabi #negi #Shikwasalimes #japaneseeggplant #akebia #Amaou #Tochiotome #Skyberry #Tochiotome #muskmelon #whitepeaches #Okoyama

 

On February 7, YG Entertainment delighted the BIGBANG fans around the world by announcing that “BIGBANG will be releasing a new single this spring. BIGBANG has already completed recording their new song and are preparing to shoot the music video.”

YG Entertainment also revealed that T.O.P would be leaving the agency after being with the company for 16 years.

“T.O.P’s exclusive contract with YG has ended, and he will be taking on a wide variety of new challenges as an artist and an entrepreneur. We respected T.O.P’s desire to broaden the scope of his individual activities aside from BIGBANG, and he successfully came to an agreement about this with the other members. As long as the conditions are right, he will always participate in the group’s activities whenever he is able.” stated YG Entertainment, and added that T.O.P would be “taking on a variety of challenges as both an artist and an entrepreneur.”

BIGBANG’s long-awaited comeback this spring would be their first new music in over four years since the release of “Flower Road” back in March 2018.

 

 

Via social media, T.O.P went on to share how he feels after leaving the management company he has been with since his teens that helped him shape his career in the business. It is still unknown whether he has signed with a new agency or set up his own.

Since this big announcement by YG Entertainment, T.O.P also shared an update on Instagram Stories by posting the meaningful text of “HAPPY,” and later with a his own photo claiming, “I’m so HAPPY.”

 

 

YG Entertainment stressed that T.O.P will still be active as a member of BIGBANG and participate whenever he is able to, which includes their upcoming comeback this spring.

For those of you who may not be aware, BIGBANG is now a four-member group, following Seungri’s retirement from the entertainment industry back in 2019.

 

– J.Chung.

 

 

#TOP #Bigbang #YG #YG Entertainment #YG #leavingyg #kpop #kpopgroups #kpopidols #GDragon #Seungri #FlowerRoad

 

 

Lyson debuted in 2019 as the main vocalist of K-pop band SIGNAL and was active in Korea and Japan. After the band disbanded, Lyson launched a new career as an R&B singer-songwriter in August of 2021, and he has returned with his new music.

A big thank you goes out to LYSON and his team for setting up this first KCRUSH interview of 2022. We wish them all the best and the best of luck in the new year!

 

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, this is LYSON and I am back with my second single Lost Star.

 

How did the name LYSON come about, what kind of meaning does it hold?

I added “Y” to the word “listen” and changed the spelling up a bit to make it sound more smooth. The meaning behind the name indicates that I wish many people would listen to my music.

 

We are curious to learn how you started music.

When I was young, I took part in all the singing contests and festivals as I could, and after being recommended to become a singer many times, I got more interested in music.

 

If you were to use one word to describe your vocal sound and music, what would it be and why?

I’ve been told that my sound makes people ‘comfortable’ when I sing, so I think it would be ‘sweet.’

 

Tell us more about the new released single “Lost Star” and what it signifies to you.

The message it conveys is ‘finding that one ray of starry light past this dark and empty life.’ It’s a R&B track that has my own unique vibe and sound to it.

 

What do you find different now compared to when you were in a group, and what are the advantages in being a solo artist?

When I was in a group, the other members would fill in what I lacked, but I’ve come to realize all that myself, so I make more efforts to make up for what I lack as a solo singer, which makes me more attentive to each detail.

 

Who is that one person that you admire the most in the world?

My mother. She’s always inserting positive energy into me, and I think she’s the coolest person in the whole world.

 

 

Which artist do you want to work/collaborate with in the future?

Zion.T sunbaenium.

 

Please recommend any music that you listen to most frequently these days.

Peach PRC – Heavy.

 

Tell us what you love to eat and drink the most.

Pork belly and ice cream.

 

Share with us what your goals and hopes are for the new year, and please add a comment for your fans.

I will be coming to you with uplifting music that you can relate to during the pandemic, so please watch this space. And please show a lot of love and support for LYSON – Lost Star.

See you soon, guys!

 

 

– J.Chung.

 

#Lyson #Lost_Star #Kpop #RnB #Koreansinger #koreanrnb #ZionT #newsingle #newrelease #kcrushinterview #koreanidol #CrepeSound

 

 

 

Many Koreans, including celebs like BTS’s leader RM, are rooting for the South Korean team competing at the Beijing Winter Olympics 2002, which kicked off February 4, not without many controversies.

Since the men’s short track semi finals, BTS’ Instagram has been bombarded with hateful comments in Chinese, along with negative emoticons directed at Bangtan Boys leader RM, since he posted an Instagram story video clip of the Korean athlete Hwang Dae-heon winning the short track semi finals.

On February 7, the short ice track 1000m race for the semi finals was held, in which South Korean athlete Hwang Dae-heon won first place in the men’s 1000m semi-final group 1 race.

Aftering winning the race with ease – despite the aggressive actions from the Chinese skaters – people were shocked that Hwang failed to advance to the finals because he was given a “controversial” penalty for a late pass that caused contact. Details were not even specified.

Soon after, RM showed his support via an Instagram story video showing clapping emoticons and a thumbs-up emoticon towards the South Korean athlete.

 

 

BTS members’ own Instagram accounts only allow comments from those that they follow, so the Chinese netizens chose to spew hate and a series of distasteful emoticons on BTS’s official Instagram instead.

In return, BTS ARMY are currently responding with purple hearts that symbolizes the fandom of the biggest band in the world, to drown the loading hateful comments.

Korean netizens gathered on an online community to point out that the Chinese skaters were allowed to make the semi-finals despite foul play throughout the race, and included videos showing Chinese athletes cheating during the race, and being unruly to the other athletes, but receiving no penalties.

However, the ISU said the referee rejected the protest. “As a matter of fact, in line with the applicable field of play principles, no protests against the officials’ decisions concerning disqualification or non-disqualification for violation of any racing rules are allowed. The chief referee reviewed the incident once more with the video referee and stands by his final decisions.”

South Korea’s short track speed skater, Kwak Yoon-gy also made a comment after the short track speed skating mixed team relay, in which China survived the semifinal race only when the Russian Olympic Committee and the United States were disqualified – both had ironically finished ahead of China. ROC earned a penalty for causing obstruction, and the US for “blocking.”

“Looking at the way China won the gold medal, I felt bad that my younger teammates had to watch something like that. I thought to myself, ‘Is this really what winning a gold medal is all about?’ Things all just felt very hollow.”

Kwak went on to question whether the results would have stood “if it had been any other country than China in that situation.” This also caused the athlete a lot of backlash from the Chinese netizens online.

South Korea plans to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the top international sports tribunal.

 

 – J.Chung.

 

#2022Olympics #BTS #netizens #Korea #China #Instagram #ARMY #kpop #kpopstars #koreansinger #kpopgroup #BIGHIT #HwangDaeheon #BeijingWinterOlympics #mensshorttracksemifinals

 

If you’re into K-dramas, you might have noticed that Korean actress Lee Yoo-mi has been getting a vast amount of popularity lately for her memorable supporting roles as Ji-yeong in Squid Game (2021) and Na-yeon in All of Us Are Dead (2022).

As of February 5, the 27-year-old actress currently boasts 7.2 million followers (still counting) on her Instagram account (@leeyoum262) in a short span of time. Last year in September, Lee had just over 40,000 Instagram followers – but she has gained 175 times more followers since then.

All of Us Are Dead star’s sudden rise to popularity and international recognition would be largely credited to the massive success of her latest two Netflix projects and her impressive acting ability to engage the audience.

 

 

Lee Yoo-mi started off as a child actor for a Duracell commercial while in third grade at elementary school. Since then, she’s come a long way, embarking on various dramas, films and commercials, and she mostly received praise from critics for her impactful acting skills.
Lee’s acclaimed works from back then include Park Hwa-young, Voice Season 2: Generation of Disgust, and Just Dance.

Still, Lee Yoo-mi was relatively an unknown actress to the public – since she mostly took on supporting or minor roles – until her career took a different turn in 2021, that is.

Through her supporting role in Squid Game, Lee captured the hearts of many for her sacrificial death but was overshadowed by the other actors on the hit show – so it wasn’t until she showcased a completely transformed image as a villainous character on All of Us Are Dead that the viewers got more intrigued and shocked by her acting.

Lee played the character of Na-yeon, a selfish high school student who is willing even to murder her classmates to survive or to prove a point. Her character managed to draw much hate from the viewers for being uncooperative and unruly when the school gets bombarded by zombies.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan Korea, Lee expressed how she was not able to hate the character and defended her. “Na-yeon is someone who’s really faithful to her own emotions. If you dwell on it, you would come to understand about why she acted that way.”

The actress also stated she was proud of the reaction from fans, as she hoped it reflected on her skills as an actor to embody such an honest character.

“If she’s really mean, that means I acted well, right?” she said. “If I receive hate, I will think that I did as well as the amount of hate I receive. It’s fine for people to hate or pity her.”

 

-J.Chung.

 

#LeeYoomi #AllOfUsAreDead #Kdrama #SquidGame #Netflix #Koreanactress #KPOP

 

Eric Nam just keeps getting better and better! His latest album, There And Back Again, is a lovely culmination of Eric’s sheer talent and musical expertise. He is no stranger to the pop world but is especially making waves as he is currently touring the globe with this release. There And Back Again is full of laid-back tracks, dance grooves, and haunting vocals. With it being an all-English record, I do wonder about the doors this could potentially open for Nam. He certainly has the chops to chart with some of these tunes and There And Back Again is bound to score him an additional fanbase.

 

Lost On Me: 10/10

With an interesting melody and intricate instrumentals, “Lost On Me” is a strong opener for this album. Eric’s vocals are magic in this track. His musical maturity is made plain in this tune as it is so well-crafted and delivered. The lyrics are wonderful as well. I’ve had a line from this song mulling around my head for weeks: “I’m still finding silver linings in all your writing on the wall.” That is a brilliant line and just one of the many deep lyrics.

 

I Don’t Know You Anymore: 10/10

“I Don’t Know You Anymore” is bound to get in your head with its groovy beats and catchy lyrics. But don’t let the upbeat nature fool you–this song is deep. Check out some of the lyrics:

 

I can’t tell you where we went wrong

Maybe it’s not anyone’s fault

All I know is I don’t know you anymore

Nothing even left to take back

Can’t lose something you never had

All I know is I don’t know you anymore

 

Any Other Way: 8/10

The echoed, airy vocal harmonies in this song are enchanting. “Any Other Way” has a great vibe and even contains a whistle hook. The track is about falling in love again after being heartbroken. He sings:

 

I didn’t know why

Why happiness was fleeting in my life

‘Til you, my butterfly

I found you and you led me

To the light

 

Wildfire: 8/10

“Wildfire” is a haunting ballad. With a chorus that features nothing but Eric’s vocals, this is a standout on the album. His range is on full display in “Wildfire” and Eric proves he is a real talent. This track also includes a big instrumental segment at the end, which is a lovely explosion to enhance the melancholy of the song.

 

 

What If: 7/10

“What If” is not only an extremely catchy track, it is also incredibly relatable. Some of the lyrics include: “I can’t help but wonder where your head and heart is// Maybe that’s the reason why I’m scared of calling//Oh did you find someone new? (Did you find someone new?)//Or do you still miss it too?” The fast pace of the song imitates how one feels when trying to navigate all of these questions.

 

Admit: 7/10

“Admit” is different from any other song on the album. It begins with a soft guitar and a slower rhythm. The smooth tune has lyrics that really hit home:

 

But I think I need ya

More than I’d like to admit

‘Cause you got deeper

Than anyone else ever did

When the storm rolled out

And the rain came down

Swore you’d be a face I’d forget

But I can’t unsee it

And now I need ya

More than I’d like to admit

 

The lyrics are the star of this short track and the toned back instrumentals allow for them to shine!

 

 

One Way Lover: 6/10

Another laid-back track that makes the vocals the focal point, “One Way Lover” is all about previously being in a relationship with someone who takes but never gives. And yet, for some reason, you still miss being together with that person! He sings, “How you living?//Bet it’s not so different//Don’t you ever wanna miss me at all?//You’re a one way lover//Now it makes me wonder//Why I’d ever wanna miss you at all.”

 

Total: 8/10

This album starts incredibly strong and slowly teeters off as it progresses. None of the songs are bad, by any means, but there are certainly standouts on this record! The personal nature of this record is bound to be a fan favorite. There And Back Again is sure to wow audiences and be a helpful soundtrack for everyday life.

 

—-E. Boyd

 

#EricNam #ThereAndBackAgain #kpop #koreansinger #newrelease #newalbumrelease #OneWayLover #LostOnMe #IdontKnowYouAnymore #kcrush #kcrushalbumreview #newalbum

 

As one of the lead singers for The Rose, Woosung is an incredible vocalist. With a unique and recognizable sound, he has made waves with his first solo full-length album. I first encountered him on the Itaewon Class OST for his track, “You Make Me Back.” Proving he cannot be boxed into soundtracks or a boy band, Woosung carves his own path with Genre.

 

Hangover (Explicit): 8/10

“Hangover” has a laid-back vibe with plenty of falsetto.  This track has a good amount of soft synth that is perfectly placed, as well as a bit of trap. It’s a great opener and full of Woosung’s playful vocals. The lyrics describe waking up with a hangover and regrets. Check out the chorus:

 

The things I said yesterday

It’s a lie, I’m sorry

Let’s be honest, we honestly

You made me say oh no, no, no

You’re only poison to me

Everything I promised

With nothing, bye, bye

 

Lazy (Explicit): 10/10

“Lazy” is my favorite song on the album and my favorite Woosung track overall. It was released as a single and quickly became a song I would put on loop. It is the perfect mix of groove and chill. The yell of frustration in “Lazy” is my absolute favorite part! I have admittedly yelled along several times in my car and I love that Woosung not only expressed this feeling in his vocals, but he allows all of us to feel the release of a good yell. This song makes me feel empowered and calm at the same time which is exactly the mood of “Lazy.”

 

 

Dimples: 10/10

This song is a bop, in all sense of the word. “Dimples” is retro, groovy, full of synth, and has a funky beat. The lyrics are fun too! Here’s a peek:

 

Loving you got the best of me now

Loving you makes me typical now

Loving you’s not the best for me alright

I’m getting shaken by you

I’m getting swayed by you

I tumble into the traps on your cheeks

 

Oh: 9/10

“Oh” is not marked as explicit but does contain a couple of curse words in it. Besides the jolt of that, if you weren’t expecting it, the song is incredible. Even before looking up the English lyrics, this song resonated with me. In particular the line: “Bye bye bye, only 26.” I don’t know what it is but it always makes me feel a bit sentimental when I hear it. “Oh” is upbeat and is a collab with Ashley from Ladies’ Code. Something unique to this song is there are moments with just the vocals and the instruments cut out. It highlights the intricate melodies and intentional crafting of the track.

 

No Strings Attached: 8/10

“No Strings Attached” has lyrics that you’d imagine. It’s essentially a friends with benefits song. The chorus echoes with “Cut it loose” repeating between some groovy instrumentals. The lyrics say, “Can it be forever with no strings attached?” and “I want your body, I want nobody. I want to dance with you and somebody, can I just go dance with anybody?” This track is meant for dancing and not taking yourself too seriously.

 

CWS (Explicit) : 7/10

“CWS” stands for California West Side and involves heavy bass and a feature from KARD’s BM. This track is optimistic and laid-back. Woosung is from California and thus this is a great nod to the personal nature of this album for him. Here’s a look at the chorus:

 

California let’s ride

Walking on pink sky

Got me feeling fucking high

It’s a different type of vibe

California west

 

 

island: 8/10

“island” is a relaxed track and is the perfect send-off for Genre. One of the most recognizable parts of this song is when he sings, “cry like a baby//wah wah.” Woosung’s vocals really shine in this track due to the minimal instrumentals and his soft, breathy melodies.

 

Total: 8.5/10

No two songs on this album were the same and it was a breath of fresh air! Woosung’s honest lyrics, emotional vocals, and musical variety make Genre fantastic! Even though the tracks are all unique, it still fits seamlessly together. Woosung is going on tour this spring of 2022, opening for EPIK HIGH. I was shocked and immediately bought tickets to see this incredible artist live. Have you ever seen him perform!?

 

 

—-E.Boyd

 

#Woosung #Genre #newrelease #newalbum #TheRose #Koreansinger #albumrelease #CWS #Lazy #kpop #kpopgroup #kpopsinger #kpopdancer #WoosungTheRose #2022tour #kcrush #kcrushalbumreview

Fresh off her recent success collaborating with Doja Cat and Saweetie, the K-pop star delivers an eye-catching music video for her all-English single

 

 

LISTEN TO “PITY PARTY” HERE

WATCH “PITY PARTY” HERE

South Korean singer and songwriter JAMIE releases her latest single Pity Party today on all digital platforms via Warner Music Korea. For her all-English single, the globally recognized artist delivers her most personal and expressive work to date.

The single starts off with a catchy and disco-like beat before a dynamic chorus gets listeners up on their feet and dancing. As the song starts,  JAMIE sings about being in a situation that’s made her emotionally vulnerable. She ignores the negative influences around her and builds her confidence towards what lies ahead by having fun and throwing herself a pity party. Lyrics like “I’m feeling sad, I’m spiral falling all the way down, the only way is up UP!” encourages the message of bouncing back stronger from any setbacks or obstacles. Her listeners will relate to this song on many levels, but especially the ones who are going through tough times and hope to motivate and bring them inspiration this coming year.

Accompanying the new single is a bewitching music video. After a brief introduction to the song, the camera pans to JAMIE as she lounges on a chair in an eye-catching, black ensemble– a perfect outfit for a pity party. The story of the music video then thickens as the camera pans onto a man dressed in a white suit as he walks down the hall filled with ghosts and sits at the head of an extravagant table. Dancing in front of the man, JAMIE proudly sings and passionately dances to the chorus alongside masked female dancers. After giving the observing man an elixir, the pity party takes a frenzied turn towards a celebration, ending the tantalizing music video with a heightened sense of self-confidence and pride.

While she’s only released a handful of songs over the last two years, she’s grown into one of the most featured artists in Korea, keeping herself quite busy as she navigates the music industry. In early 2021, JAMIE was included in the remix of American hip-hop artists Saweetie and Doja Cat’s Best Friend alongside South Korean-Japanese rapper CHANMINA, garnering over 13 million plays on Spotify. Her recent collaboration was for the single Family by David Guetta, Ty Dolla $ign and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie; dominating the charts on it’s release. K-pop star JAMIE has built an unparalleled repertoire, showcasing her chameleonic musical abilities and maturity in EPs like the coming-of-age 19 to 20 and genre-hopping jiminxjamie. With buoyant, charismatic, mischievous charms, and inimitable vocal talent. The critically-acclaimed singer-songwriter continues to enchant her growing international fanbase (under Warner Music Korea), as she currently boasts 1.6 million followers on Instagram and millions of streams on multiple platforms.

 

Press Photo (Credit: Warner Music Korea)

 

ABOUT JAMIE

JAMIE, also known as Park Jimin, is a multi-faceted South Korean singer and songwriter. She rose to fame at a young age of 14 through winning the first season of the South Korean talent survival show “K-Pop Star” in 2011, and became a member of the K-Pop duo 15&. In addition to her activities in the vocal duo, JAMIE also released two well-received solo extended plays, 19 to 20 and jiminxjamie in 2016 and 2018, respectively. With her vibrant and playful personalities, JAMIE has further found success in the hosting world as she has won a place in the heart of K-Pop fans all around the world through her role as the MC on the long-running idol variety show, After School Club. In August 2019, JAMIE signed to Warner Music Korea as the first Korean artist to join the roster, where she continues to share more of her music and stories through her stunningly powerful vocal performances. She’s since then released a plethora of global music hit collaborations which only cements her reign in the K-Pop genre.

 

#JAMIE #ParkJimin #15and #15& #Englishsingle #Koreansinger #kpop #19to20 #AfterSchoolClub #MC #koreanvarietyshow #newsingle #newalbum #WarnerMusicKorea #PityParty #JamiePityParty #kcrush #singersongwriter

 

Korean soloist, Lee Michelle returns in January 2022 with the digital single, “No More Cry” showing how understanding and caring can bring harmony between couples in any season.  She released her digital single, “Lost In You,” in the U.S. and worldwide on December 2, 2021.

Streaming now on Apple Music, Spotify and iTunes at this posting with many other music platforms coming onboard within days.  Listen for “No More Cry” on Big B Radio, Aewen Radio, Box Radio and other radio stations.

Do not forget Lee Michelle’s heart felt album, “Day By Day” released in 2020, can also be heard on Spotify and other platforms.

 

#LeeMichelle #KoreanSingerLeeMichelle #LostInYou #DayByDay #pop #kpop #krandb #kindie #digitalsingle #newrelease #LeeMichellenewrelease #spotify #applemusic #itunes #koreanartist #koreansinger #koreanidol #LeeMichelleWithoutYou

 

All of Us Are Dead (Korean title: 지금 우리 학교, which translates to Now at Our School) is the latest South Korean zombie/apocalypse horror series on Netflix, featuring Park Ji-hoo, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, Park Solomon, Yoo In-soo, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Byung-chul, Lee Kyu-hyung, and Jeon Bae-soo that is trending right now.

The 12-part Netflix series was released on January 28, 2022, and shot straight to the No. 1 spot for the most-watched show in more than 25 countries, including Australia, France, Italy, Jamaica, Brazil and Japan.

The Korean drama already garnered 124.79 million hours views, marking the most hours viewed in the premiere week for any Korean production since Netflix began releasing its data last year. Whether it will reach the level of Squid Games, which is currently the most watched show ever on Netflix, is still to be seen.

All of Us Are Dead was adapted by writer Chun Sung-il from an Naver webtoon, Now at Our School by Joo Dong-geun – serially published from 2009 until 2011.

The story takes place at Hyosan High School in South Korea as a virus created by a mad Science teacher gets spread in the school, resulting in a zombie apocalypse, turning anyone who gets in contact with the infected – into lethal zombies.

Netflix said, ‘With thousands of students immediately contaminated (depicted in the most realistic and heart-racing visuals), it leaves only a few remaining alive on campus. This series revolves around these students who are linked by a desire to survive along with betrayal and friendship in its most unlikely forms.’

Since the trailer for the series dropped in mid January, many viewers were hyped to discover what this K-drama would bring, and the majority of them were not disappointed with what they got to watch. Some even claim that Netflix is breathing new life into the zombie genre, and the best one ever.

The drama overall is highly entertaining and will have the viewer constantly glued to the screen, since it’s fully packed with stimulating scenes that are totally unexpected, gruesome, overwhelming, and all of that.

All of Us Are Dead is a very well-produced series that is highly recommended to anyone who is a fan of works such as Train to Busan, Kingdom, or anything regarding zombies.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN5TD4VRcSM

 

—-J.Chung

 

The MusiCares Charity Relief Auction took place on January 30, 2022, in Beverly Hills, as the official GRAMMY Week event precedes the 64th Annual GRAMMY awards, and the profits from the auction will be donated to MusiCares, the music industry charity which set up the Recording Academy.

The items that were up for the auction were mostly of unique instruments, wardrobe, and memorabilia, which were donated by some of the major figures in the music industry including Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, Amy Winehouse, and others.

 

 

This year, the Korean boy band BTS had donated their custom-made Louis Vuitton worn at their first 2021 GRAMMY awards performance, an Epiphone brand 56 Les Paul Pro ebony electric guitar signed by the members themselves, and the three rings of J-Hope’s worn during the 2021 GRAMMY performance (that he had thought were lost) were also added to the auction.

BTS’ contributions sold for a total of $248,320, the custom-made GRAMMY performance ensembles brought in $160,000, much higher than what was originally estimated at, which was $30,000 to $50,000.

Two of J-Hope’s rings sold for $6,400 each, while the third ring sold for $11,520 – originally estimated at $3,000.

BTS’ signed guitar got sold for $64,000, which was originally estimated around $5,000.

 

 

 

In total, BTS brought in the highest bids at the auction ever.

However, this isn’t the first time that the boys have fetched a staggering sum at the charity auctions. In February 2021, their outfits worn in the Dynamite music video, sold for around $162,500.

Meanwhile, the 64th annual Grammy Awards, which had been scheduled for Jan. 31, will be postponed due to a spike in Covid-19 cases. It will take place later on April 3, 2022 instead.

 

-J.Chung.

Thank you for voting for this year’s Kcrush K-Pop Music Awards! This is the fifth year we’ve held voting recognizing K-Pop’s best. Your votes decided our winners.

This year presented us with several close races with only one runaway winner in the Artist of the Year category. Check out below to see your winners of this year’s awards!

 

After working with top songwriters from the United States on his previous solo single, ‘Forever With You’, released in September 2021, CAELAN from Japanese-American mixed-culture boyband INTERSECTION had a hit on his hands. In China, the music video was played more than 10 million times within 24 hours of its release, taking the No.1 spot on music platform Tencent’s weekly chart as well as its monthly Asian artists chart.

His long-awaited second single, ‘TOTM’, is released today, January 19, 2022. The song was written for CAELAN by his team of US songwriters, and released in both English and Chinese versions. The track was produced by Earl On The Beat, a rising young hitmaker who has written for artists including Migos, Lil Yachty and Megan Thee Stallion. The song blends the producer’s trademark hip-hop sound with CAELAN’s singing style and rap bars, along with a brilliant pop finish.

 

CAELAN / ‘TOTM’ music video:

https://youtu.be/eRSPMy1YC-k

 

In 2021, CAELAN appeared on the Chinese version of ‘Produce Camp 2021 (CHUANG 2021),’ a massively popular audition show broadcast in China and around Asia, with over 5 billion views. He quickly won over the audience with his skillful performance and charming character. On Chinese social platform weibo, he has amassed over 1.76 million followers. His cute personality has helped him to become a household name in China, and he won the grand prize in the Idol category at last year’s InStyle Icon Awards in Shanghai.

‘TOTM’ shows a new side to this hot young artist, as he sings about a breakup in a voice laden with sex appeal. The music video showcases his trademark dance skills and seductive charm as he performs in the rain. Fans from around the world have praised this new side to CAELAN with excited comments on weibo, Facebook and other social platforms. Keep an eye out for CAELAN as his star continues to rise worldwide in 2022!

 

—

“I would like you to listen to this song when you feel sad about your lost love. I’m sure it will give you the strength to move on when you lose your confidence!”

– Caelan –

 

 

Release information

Title: ‘TOTM’

Artist: CAELAN

Release date: January 19, 2022

Download and streaming links: https://avex.lnk.to/totm_caelanTW

 

Social Media Links

CAELAN Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/caelanmoriarty/

 

INTERSECTION YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4NV2P_DEw7GI7s50Z_BIAA

INTERSECTION official website: https://intersection-tokyo.jp/

 

The virtual concert series starts on January 29 and will be held every month with a different K-pop artist exclusively via LIVENow

LIVENow , the premium streaming platform that recently livestreamed virtual concerts with Black Eyed Peas and Lizzo to a global audience, announces a monthly series of virtual K-pop concerts. Each month will feature a different K-pop star streamed live from Seoul, South Korea.

On January 29, ONEUS will host a live streamed concert exclusively through LIVENow. Fans can watch the show 24 hours after purchasing a general admission or upgraded viewing package. Fans will be able to enjoy their electrifying, high energy performance as they power through their notable hits. Since their debut in 2018, ONEUS have become one of the most prominent boy bands in the booming genre. Recently, they participated in the hit reality TV show “Kingdom” which further catapulted them to prominence.

Their growth can be seen through their ever-growing discography, from studio album Devil to their six extended plays and several singles. Just last month, ONEUS sold 130k copies of their latest sixth mini album ‘Blood Moon’ within the first three days, surpassing the sales of all their previous albums. ‘Blood Moon’ also reached #2 on Gaon Album Chart and debuted at #5 on the United World Chart. The music video of ‘Luna’ had 10 million views in the first 48 hours and is now at 22 million views on YouTube and increasing.

ONEUS is the second K-Pop band to perform exclusively on LIVENow, MAMAMOO’s virtual show streamed on the platform in 2021, which was followed by a string of successful international shows by Maroon 5, SZA and more. Fans can purchase tickets for this amazing performance, as well as a VIP/premium package for the opportunity for a meet and greet via LIVENow’s interactive features. Fans can also invite up to four friends to watch the show together from anywhere in the world using the platform’s ‘Watch Together’ feature.

LIVENow gives fans unparalleled access to live and on-demand content across music, sports and entertainment. LIVENow were recently awarded ‘Live Music Innovation of the Year (Platform)’ at the 2021 Music Week Awards for the landmark streams of Dua Lipa: Studio 2054, Ellie Goulding’s ‘Brightest Blue’ and Gorillaz’ ‘Song Machine Live from Kong’. The premium streaming platform has also broadcast live exclusive events with Lizzo, Black Eyed Peas, Maroon 5, Russell Brand, and more.

Link to concert page to purchase ‘watch together’ packages and individual tickets: https://www.live-now.com/en-int/page/oneus

 

 

Ticket Packages:

TICKET TYPE	PRICE	PACKAGE DESCRIPTION
Standard Pass	$15.00	Pass to stream the performance
Premium Pass	$25.00	Pass to stream the performance Behind the scenes mini-movie
Watch Together Pass (3x tickets for the price of 4)	$45.00	Pass to watch the show live with up to 3 friends, and share a private chat as you enjoy the show together.
VIP Pass	$60.00	Pass to stream the performance Behind the scenes mini-movie Virtual meet and greet with ONEUS