“Beauty Water” is now the first Korean animated film to be honored as the best animated feature award at the 46th Boston Science Fiction Film Festival.
As the oldest independent genre film festival in the United States, the Boston Science Fiction Film Festival runs for 10 days, showcasing over 100 science fiction features from around the world.
The best animated feature award of 2021, was awarded to “Beauty Water,” which was directed by Cho Kyung-hun. The animation, displayed mostly in 3D, tells the story of a homely makeup artist who meets horrific consequences after she comes across “beauty water” that enables her to drop weight and transform her into a beauty.
The animation was originally adapted from a hit web series called “Tales of the Unusual” by Oh Seong-dae.
“It’s quite rare for feature-length animations, especially those of the horror genre, to be successfully put on screen, not just in Korea but in the animation industry overall,” director Cho Kyung-hun said, while explaining what he thought was a main reason why festivals were in favor of the production. “The film questions the standard of beauty. When we accept our own beauty, it’s usually based on the standards set by the society. We think ourselves beautiful only when others do. This perspective itself is a form of violence, and I wanted to show that a web of such violence can become a hell for some.”
Even during the global pandemic, “Beauty Water” pulled in more than 100,000 viewers into cinemas in South Korea on its release in September 2020 – and was also screened in numerous regions including Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
Since the latest work proved to be successful, the “Beauty Water” fans could anticipate for a follow-up of another episode from the Tales of the Unusual, hopefully.
Here’s the link to our interview with Oh Sung-dae, the writer and creator of Beauty Water. https://www.kcrush.com/kcrush-interview-with-webtoon-artist-oh-sung-da
–J.Chung.
Korean singers and actors are often seen dressed in outfits worth thousands of dollars. Not only is that undoable for the average person, these celebrities hardly ever own the clothes. With this in mind, Kpop fans launched Fashion Chingu in 2018, after realizing how hard it was to find affordable alternatives to what their favorite idols were wearing. After fine-tooth combing the internet every time a style interested them, they noticed that not one website focused on this niche. Finding a single piece might have taken up to several days. Sometimes, a good enough match would never even come up.
In actuality, entertainment companies often have their stylists borrow garments from designer brands. These are meant to be featured in music videos, performances, live appearances, etc. So, idols get to wear these for free and brands get celebrity exposure. A single piece in an outfit can be worth thousands of dollars. For example, it’s said that one of Jennie’s Chanel costumes in BLACKPINK’s “DDU DU DDU DU” music video is worth approximately $20.000! And other designer brands like Burberry, Balmain, or Prada are also big favorites. Even smaller pieces like jewelry, hats and hosiery are marked up in the hundreds. With the increasing growth of the Hallyu wave worldwide, more and more fans are trying to copy the stars’ looks. The monthly average Google search requests for ‘blackpink outfits’ tops 20.000 searches. But it’s not realistic nor doable for fans to afford these heavy prices.
At Fashion Chingu, fans can find highly resembling options that are both carefully selected and great in quality. The brand prides itself in being able to sell at an affordable price point, whilst never compromising their standard of quality. They also make sure to not sell any fake or illegal items, as no protected brand names or designs are replicated onto their clothes. There’s plenty of outlets selling merch, such as printed tees and sweaters. But much like how it’s always been with pop culture, k-pop followers want to reproduce their idols’ looks, not just wear their face on a t-shirt. This is where Fashion Chingu comes in and offers their solution – idol fashion made affordable.
Trigger warning: Story discusses sexual harassment/assault. Reader discretion advised.
After three years and ten trials, Kim Himchan, 30, received his sentence for the sexual harassment allegations stemming from a July 2018 incident.
After years of back-and-forth between the defendant (Kim) and the plaintiff (the unnamed female), the Seoul Central District Court convicted Kim and sentenced him to 10 months in prison and 40 hours of sexual violence treatment.
“The evidence, including statements from the victim, is credible and backs the charges,” Judge Jung Sung-hwan said. “The seriousness of the crime and the fact that the victim did not forgive him were factored into the sentencing.”
Kim, who is a former member of B.A.P, was accused of sexual assault when he, two other males, two other females, and the female victim spent time at a vacation home in Namyang-ju July 24, 2018. During their stay, Kim was accused of sexual harassment by the female victim; the victim called the police following the incident claiming Kim kissed her against her will and fondled her breasts.
Kim, at the time, stated the events that occurred that night were consensual and that there was a “misunderstanding.”
There were feelings of interest between the two. It wasn’t explicit consent, but there was implied consent, which is why it is not indecent act by compulsion,” Kim’s lawyer said during the initial July 2019 trial. “It’s clear that there were feelings of interest between them. We acknowledge the truth of the kissing and the touching of [her] chest, but there was no other physical contact beyond that.”
In August 2019, Kim’s lawyers accused the victim of blackmail. That case was forward to the prosecution.
During the February 24, 2021 sentencing, Judge Jung did not immediately send Kim to prison.
“While the defendant is being sentenced to prison today,” Judge Jung said, “the court is not placing him in detention so that he is given a chance to seek forgiveness from the victim.”*
In addition to the charges of “indecent acts by compulsion,” Kim has experienced additional legal woes since B.A.P disbanded in February 2019.
In October 2020, Kim attempted a comeback as a singer with “Reason of My Life,” but his comeback as a soloist was cut short when he was booked for drunk driving. At the time, Kim released an apology for the incident.
Hello, this is Himchan.
First, I sincerely apologize to my fans for conveying bad news.
I once again deeply apologize for causing a controversy through the drunk driving accident that happened yesterday. I am deeply reflecting on having disappointed the public with an inappropriate and shameful incident.
I am regretting and reflecting on drunk driving, and I will earnestly take part in a police investigation if there is need for one in the future. Also, from today onward, I will be living my life with self-restraint and self-reflection.
I apologize again for causing worry and concern for my fans who always supported and loved me. Drunk driving is something that must never be done, and I must take responsibility for that. I sincerely apologize again for causing many people concern with this shameful incident.
I am sorry.
Kim has yet to release a statement regarding the sentencing or a public apology for the July 24, 2018 incident. Stay tuned for updates if any come to fruition.
*At the time of this writing, it is unclear if the forgiveness seeking period means Kim will not serve his prison sentence if forgiveness is given or if he will still serve time even if forgiveness is received. Once clarification is received, this information will be updated.
Photo cr. The Korea Times
—-Olivia Murray
Oakland-based hip-hop orchestra Ensemble Mik Nawooj unveils a new track today, “Who Would Be Born,” alongside a video, which exclusively premiered last week via Glide Magazine—watch it here. The new track is from the group’s forthcoming album, Death Become Life, out March 19. All music composed and orchestrated by JooWan Kim. All lyrics written by Sandman Produced by JooWan Kim and Christopher Nicholas. In collaboration with Asian Art Museum and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Inspired by Herman Hesse’s Demian, “Who Would Be Born” is an apocalyptic rap score on the destruction of the world and Gnostic god Abraxas. “The general idea of this piece was to portray the end of the old and beginning of the new,” EMN’s composer JooWan Kim says. “The whispers at the end of this piece are magical syllables within the Mik Nawooj universe called ‘Syllables of Transmutation,’ which allow the user to open up all five energies of internal organs and transform into a god.”
The new track follows the first offering from Death Become Life, “Beethoven on Struggle,” which premiered exclusively via Mundane Magazine and was praised by RIFF Magazine as a “masterpiece.”
Additionally, Ensemble Mik Nawooj will host an exclusive album release livestream event co-presented by San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival on March 25 at 7pm PST, featuring a 22-piece orchestra performance, the premiere of five music films documenting the recording of the album and a Q&A portion with panelists from the ensemble. Tickets are now available for purchase on the Asian Art Museum’s website here.
Furthermore, JooWan Kim and Christopher Nicholas from EMN recently appeared on Georgio Savvides’ podcast Hip Hop Orchestra Presents to discuss the group’s inspiration, method sampling and more—watch a clip here.
Death Become Life consists of ten tracks and five accompanying live performance videos. Three of the compositions—together known as the Fountainheads Suite—are a direct response to COVID-19 and its disproportionate effects on marginalized communities, meditating on concepts such as finding peace in conflict, joy in sadness and freedom in confinement and aiming to help audiences from all walks of life heal from the trauma of the pandemic. The Suite’s three compositions deconstruct classic works of Mozart (“Mozart on Joy”), Beethoven (“Beethoven on Struggle”) and Bach (“Bach on Transcendence”), and each corresponds with a principle of Greek philosophy: Ataraxia (freedom from fear of death), Apatheia (freedom from violent emotions) and Eudaimonia (blessedness).
Among the album’s other tracks are pieces about the passing of Kim’s mother and a longtime family friend in 2014, an apocalyptic rap-score on the destruction of the world and three selections from the group’s multidisciplinary theater and dance project, Death Become Life, through which they collaborate with region-specific artists to render variations in live performances. The accompanying five performance videos are co-sponsored by Asian Art Museum and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
Ensemble Mik Nawooj is led by artistic director and classically trained South Korean composer JooWan Kim, who became increasingly disillusioned with Eurocentric concert aesthetics while studying music composition at Berklee College of Music in his 20s. Eventually, Kim found the missing ingredient and his ultimate inspiration in hip-hop, describing the epiphany he had upon hearing N.W.A.’s Straight Outta Compton for the first time. “I knew at that moment, I had to examine the underlying structures of hip-hop and create concert music with them,” Kim says. Ever since, Kim has been making music with his own multiracial and multi-genre crew—consisting of classical musicians like flute, clarinet, violin, cello, bass, soprano, a hip-hop MC (Sandman) and a Turf dancer—to bridge the gap between tradition and the modern day.
ENSEMBLE MIK NAWOOJ—DEATH BECOME LIFE
1. Death Become Life
2. May Good Conquer Evil
3. May Death Become Life
4. Everything Ends
5. Hymn
6. Everything Returns to One
7. Who Would Be Born
8. Mozart on Joy
9. Beethoven on Struggle
10. Bach on Transcendence
Dancers – Yung Phil & Telice
𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 🔥 𝙒𝙝𝙤 𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝘽𝙚 𝘽𝙤𝙧𝙣 ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗖𝗞 𝗜𝗧 𝗢𝗨𝗧 & 𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗘❗
𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆: https://music.emnsound.com/uMEk8HQv
𝗶𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗲𝘀: https://music.emnsound.com/DUCxJqrr
𝗚𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲: https://music.emnsound.com/IysVMCTA
𝗪𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲: https://music.emnsound.com/iyjeaBiI
FB/Twtr/Insta @miknawooj
Composition/Piano – JooWan Kim
Lyrics/Rap – Sandman Soprano – Anne Hepburn Smith
Flute – Joyce Lee Oboe – Liam Boisset
Clarinet – Davis Hampton Bassoon – Jamael Smith
French Horn – Craig James Hansen
Violin 1 – Clare Armenante
Violin 2 – Laura Keller Viola – Ivo Bokulić
Cello – Evan Kahn Bass – Michel Taddei
Drums – Lyman Jerome Alexander II
Having performed for audiences across Asia, Europe and North and South America, Japanese rock band BACK-ON release ‘FLIP SOUND’ on February 17, an album of self-covers featuring re-recorded versions of their most popular worldwide hits. The collection includes versions of BACK-ON’s theme tunes for globally celebrated franchises such as the ‘Gundam’ anime series and PlayStation Portable game ‘Tales of the World: Radiant Mythology 2’, making it a truly special must-hear collection for fans.
Some of these songs were originally released many years ago, so these brand-new self-covers are a chance to hear classic BACK-ON tunes reborn with a modern glow-up.
Download/ streaming:
BACK-ON members KENJI03 and TEEDA made the following comments to mark the album’s release.
Comment from KENJI03
BACK-ON celebrated our 15th anniversary in October last year, and now we are excited to release this collection of newly arranged self-covers of songs from our back catalogue that we have played live around the world! Once things return to normal, we can’t wait to get back on the road and see everyone – until then, we hope you’ll enjoy this album, and let’s all get through this together!
Comment from TEEDA
While we’re excited to release this 15th anniversary album ‘FLIP SOUND’, I’m so sorry that we cannot perform these updated versions of our songs live for our fans around the world. But this situation will end eventually – and when it does, we’ll be right there, so please wait for us!
———————————-
Release information
Artist: BACK-ON
New album: FLIP SOUND
Release date: February 17, 2021
Download & streaming links: https://avex.lnk.to/FLIPSOUND
Tracklist
01. Butterfly
02. STRIKE BACK
03. flower
04. flyaway
05. Nibun no Ichi
06. DRIVE
07. Sands of time
08. a day dreaming…
09. BLAZE LINE
10. NEW WORLD
11. Hikari Sasuhou
12. Over
13. INFINITY
14. Believer
15. Ultimate Adachi
———————————-
Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BACKON.JAPAN/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/info_backon
Twitter (TEEDA): https://twitter.com/TEEDA_BACKON
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/back_on_jpn/
Instagram (KENJI03): https://www.instagram.com/kenji03_bo/
Instagram (TEEDA): https://www.instagram.com/teeda_bo/
Official website: https://www.back-on.com/
—
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rvduy2cxxvcydao/AAAbzZrDWDwjlMjWC-961BXKa?dl=0
The former CEO of Melon – South Korea’s top music streaming service – has been given three and a half years imprisonment for stealing billions of won (US$16.4 million) from musicians’ royalties. He has been arrested and put into prison since the ruling.
The Seoul Eastern District Court gave out the sentence on Tuesday to the chief of Loen Entertainment on fraud charges. Loen Entertainment was formerly in charge of operating Melon from 2009, and it was renamed Kako M Corp in 2018. The company is currently owned by Kakao Corp.
The court also sentenced the company’s former vice president to two and a half years of imprisonment, suspended for four years. And its former head to one and a half years of imprisonment, suspended for three years, for the same criminal charges.
Prosecutors indicted the three men back in September 2019 for illegally stealing royalties worth around 18.2 billion won from numerous musicians who shared their music on Melon’s streaming service.
“The defendants’ acts are highly condemnable as they deprived the victims of trust by deceiving them and taking their money away.” the court said.
In 2009, the defendants started a paper company – a record label named LS Music – and registered songs that were unprotected by copyrights, as if they had ownership to them. Through the paper company, they went on to manipulate Melon users’ download history to fabricate streamings and collected profits worth around 4.1 billion won.
It was also discovered that the convicted three men had excluded 14.1 billion won worth of unused subscription fees from inactive users, which should have been given to copyright owners, from their royalty settlement without informing the artists.
The three have deleted proof of documents to keep artists blinded, for their own financial gain.
–J.Chung.
Hailing from YG ENTERTAINMENT, the management stable behind global megahit artists BIGBANG and BLACKPINK, TREASURE are Korea’s hottest boyband right now. In 2020 they dominated the rookie category at numerous awards ceremonies, including the 2020 Mnet Asian Music Awards. Now they are blowing up in Japan, with the February 14 release of the full version of ‘BEAUTIFUL’, their first original Japanese-language track. This will be followed by a full major-label debut Japanese album on March 31, titled ‘THE FIRST STEP: TREASURE EFFECT’.
Japan digital single ‘BEAUTIFUL’ download and streaming links:
https://treasure.lnk.to/beautiful_0214
‘BEAUTIFUL’ was selected as the new ending theme tune to the hugely popular ‘Black Clover’ anime series, based on the Weekly Shonen Jump manga. When the first episode featuring the song aired on January 5, the hastag #BlackClover_with_TREASURE immediately topped Twitter’s global real-time trending chart. A mid-tempo ballad that shows a new side to TREASURE, ‘BEAUTIFUL’ features richly layered vocal melodies, and a level of vocal control and nuance that is way beyond what you would expect from a group of newcomers.
When TREASURE’s debut Japanese album ‘THE FIRST STEP: TREASURE EFFECT’ is released on March 31, it will be the fourth consecutive work in their ‘THE FIRST STEP’ series of releases that has already achieved over 1 million sales since the release of ‘CHAPTER ONE’ in Korea in August 2020. The album will include the Japanese version of ‘BEAUTIFUL’ as well as hits such as ‘BOY’, ‘I LOVE YOU’, ‘MMM’ and ‘MY TREASURE’, with all 13 tracks on the album sung in Japanese. A Blu-ray/DVD is also planned, featuring music videos for the Japanese versions of ‘BOY’, ‘I LOVE YOU’, ‘MMM’ and ‘MY TREASURE’, available for the very first time.
Japan debut album ‘THE FIRST STEP: TREASURE EFFECT’ mu-mo shop page:
https://shop.mu-mo.net/avx/sv/list1/?artist_id=TRASR
The first edition of each version of the Japanese album will include a priority lottery access code for a chance to win special exclusive prizes, including an online autograph session with the members of TREASURE. The priority lottery is open to fans all around the world. Meanwhile, the mu-mo online shop is currently accepting pre-orders for limited CDs that include an acrylic stand figure of your favorite member of the group.
Digital release information
‘BEAUTIFUL’ lyrics:
https://ygex.jp/treasure/discography/lyric/beautiful.php
Japan digital single ‘BEAUTIFUL’ download and streaming links:
https://treasure.lnk.to/beautiful_0214
Lottery campaign with exclusive prizes:
https://ygex.jp/treasure/news/detail.php?id=1089447
TREASURE – ‘BEAUTIFUL’ anime music video:
Physical release information
TREASURE debut Japanese album ‘THE FIRST STEP: TREASURE EFFECT’
Release date: March 31, 2021
mu-mo shop product page:
https://shop.mu-mo.net/avx/sv/list1/?artist_id=TRASR
Exclusive bonus rewards information:
https://ygex.jp/treasure/news/detail.php?id=1088826
About the priority lottery
TREASURE Japan debut commemorative online talk event announced! The first edition of each version of Japanese album ‘THE FIRST STEP: TREASURE EFFECT’ released on March 31 will include a priority lottery access code for a chance to win amazing exclusive prizes, including an online autograph session with the members of TREASURE. Further details of the priority lottery will be announced on TREASURE’s official website and social media accounts soon.
Tracklist
CD (all versions except for AVCY-97071, listed separately below)
‘MY TREASURE’
‘BE WITH ME’
‘SLOWMOTION’
‘BOY’
‘COME TO ME’
‘I LOVE YOU’
‘B.L.T (BLING LIKE THIS)’
‘MMM’
‘ORANGE’
‘GOING CRAZY’
‘I LOVE YOU (Piano Ver.)’
‘MMM (Rock Ver.)’
‘BEAUTIFUL’
* Total of 13 songs planned for inclusion
* Order of tracklist tbc
CD (AVCY-97071)
‘BOY’
‘I LOVE YOU’
‘MMM’
‘MY TREASURE’
… and more
* Total of 7 songs planned for inclusion
* Order of tracklist tbc
DVD / Blu-ray (AVCY-97068/B, AVCY-97069/B, AVC1-97084/B, AVC1-97085/B)
Music videos:
‘BOY’
‘I LOVE YOU’
‘MMM’
‘MY TREASURE’
… and more
* order of tracklist tbc
TREASURE links
Official website: https://ygex.jp/treasure/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yg_treasure_jp
——-
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/d31kj1x30j5iycc/AADrht6Gm0eBSTIborDztupIa?dl=0
Vicke Blanka is blowing up big, with theme songs for several anime, TV dramas and commercials in Japan, while his music has received sustained attention from around the world, racking up some 200 million plays on streaming services. February 12th, he released his latest single, ‘Ponytail’, along with an accompanying music video.
This breaking Japanese singer-songwriter, disregards genres such as pop and rock to deliver his own brand of melodic music. Among his various tracks for popular TV shows and commercials in Japan, ‘Black Rover’ and ‘Black Catcher’ – his two opening theme tunes for the anime series ‘Black Clover’ – have been especially successful, finding massive audiences both in Japan and overseas.
‘Black Rover’, which was the opening track for Season 3 of ‘Black Clover’, has generated more than 50 million plays on streaming services outside of Japan, while fan-made cover videos of the song have totaled some 100 million plays on YouTube. Among these, versions by anime-song cover artists Raon Lee and BLINDING SUNRISE have received over 10 million and 4 million plays on YouTube, respectively. Truly, the song has been performed and adored by a variety of artists around the world.
‘Black Rover’ anime music video:
Meanwhile, ‘Black Clover’ Season 10 theme tune ‘Black Catcher’ has accumulated 40 million plays on streaming services overseas since its release in 2020.
‘Black Catcher’ music video:
‘Black Catcher’ anime music video:
Amid all of this worldwide recognition, Vicke Blanke today releases his latest single, ‘Ponytail’, along with a music video. ‘Ponytail’ is a delicate mid-tempo ballad with a springtime theme tinged with the melancholy of fleeting romance. The track was arranged by Akimitsu Honma, who has produced hit artists such as Porno Graffitti and Ikimonogakari. The track’s powerful and touching sound perfectly carries Vicke Blanka’s ephemeral melody line.
‘Ponytail’ music video:
The video for ‘Ponytail’ stars Hinako Sakurai, a rising young actress who is currently attracting a lot of attention in Japan. It follows two young people as they follow their dreams; the past and the present intersect, and their story unfolds with both joy and sorrow. With themes of opening the door to something new, taking a bold step and making a fresh start, it is perfect for springtime.
Release information
Artist: Vicke Blanka
5th single: ‘Ponytail’
Release date: February 12, 2021
Download/ streaming: https://VickeBlanka.lnk.to/Ponytail_Digital_glb
Vicke Blanka profile
Five years on from his major-label debut on October 26, 2016, Vicke Blanka is a singer-songwriter whose memorable and melodic music crosses the boundaries between pop and rock. His songs have been used on numerous popular anime series, TV dramas and commercials in Japan, while also enjoying runaway success overseas, with over 200 million total plays on streaming services. In addition to his success as a recording artist, Vicke Blanka is also a songwriter for other musicians, a radio DJ, an advertisement model and an esports streamer.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VickeBlanka
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/VickeblankaTV
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vickeblanka/
TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@vicke_blanka
Official website: https://vickeblanka.com/
The 41st Blue Dragon Film Awards ceremony was held on February 9 at Paradise City in Incheon, South Korea. Actress Kim Hye-soo and Actor Yoo Yeon-seok were the presenters for the annual film event for the third time. The nominations were selected via a survey of film industry experts and ordinary movie watchers on Korean films released from October 11, 2019 until October 29, 2020.
We congratulate all the winners!
Best Picture: The Man Standing Next
Best Director: Im Dae-hyung (Moonlit Winter)
Best Actor: Yoo Ah-in (Voice of Silence)
Best Actress: Ra Mi-ran (“Honest Candidate”)
Best Supporting Actor: Park Jung-min (“Deliver Us From Evil”)
Best Supporting Actress: Esom (Samjin Company English Class)
Best New Director: Hong Eui-jung (Voice of Silence)
Best New Actor: Yoo Tae-oh (Vertigo)
Best New Actress: Kang Mal-geum (Lucky Chan-sil)
Best Screenplay: Im Dae-hyung (Moonlit Winter)
Best Cinematography and Lighting: Hong Kyung-pyo (Deliver Us From Evil)
Best Editing: Han Mi-yeon (Beasts Clawing at Straws)
Best Music: Dalpalan (Samjin Company English Class)
Best Art Direction: Bae Jung-yoon (Samjin Company English Class)
Best Technical Achievement: Jin Jong-hyun (Ashfall – visual effects)
Best Short Film: Lee Na-yeon, Cho Min-jae (The Thread)
Popular Star Award: Yoo Ah-in, Jung Yu-mi
Audience Choice Award for Most Popular Film: Ashfall
Valentine’s Day is almost upon us and that means finding the perfect date for a romantic evening on the town. Unfortunately, the pandemic has put a damper on the Valentine’s Day date plans of people all over the world. With many restaurants and pubs closed, lockdowns, and the threat of a deadly virus, more and more people are choosing to stay at home for Valentine’s Day and find ways of making the most of their date’s in.
K-Pop fans have a different idea, however. Rather than sitting at home feeling down about their situation, they are playing a game of ‘What if’. What if you could spend Valentine’s Day with your favorite K-Pop artist? While mostly fantasy-based, it can still be a lot of fun and a great way to spend Valentine’s Day 2021.
With that in mind, which K-Pop artist would you spend Valentine’s Day with? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular K-Pop artists that would make perfect Valentine’s Day dates:
Taeyeon- Kim Taeyeon, known simply as Taeyeon, is one of the most prominent South Korean female artists alive today. As a former member of the K-pop group Girl’s Generation, Kim started her solo career in 2015 with the release of her extended play “I.”
BoA- BoA, born Kwon Bo Ah, started her career at the age of 11 and has since become one of the biggest names in K-pop. With many hit singles and a Hollywood role, BoA is a K-pop star success story.
BTS- a Valentine’s Day date with BTS? Yes, the entire group, please. While it would be a remarkably busy Valentine’s Day, BTS could escape their fanbase for just a day to spend it with you, their most loyal of fans. RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook are among K-pop’s most popular and well-known supergroups.
Chungha- Kim Chan Mi (commonly known as Chungha) is best known for being the main dancer and sub-vocalist of I.O.I. Today, she is known for her dynamic vocals and amazing performances upon going solo in 2017.
Park Jihoon- Park Jihoon is a former member of Wanna One and has had a successful solo music and acting career.
Rain- Born Jung Ji-hoon, Rain was the first K-pop star that broke onto the Western scene. He has starred in two Hollywood productions, was voted one of the “100 People Who Shape Our World” by TIME magazine in 2007 and has even served in the military.
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—–Julie Loung
WATCH FOR FREE AT:
HTTP://SESSIONSLIVE.COM/JOYRUCKUSCLUB
OVER 180 ARTISTS CONFIRMED FOR ONE OF THE LARGEST ONLINE MUSIC FESTIVALS EVER CREATED!
Headlined by superstar South Korean idol HYOLYN, this 6-day free music festival features 9 separate stages featuring over 180 different performers of Asian descent from around the world to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Feb. 17th is a special focus on Canadian talent presented by The KCN Agency featuring top DJ’s including CTRL ZERO and YUKA K, and live performances from HMLT & KEI-LI, FOREIGN FLOW, AIKO TOMI, EMI CHOI and many others. The Canada Stage will be hosted by celebrity streamers KAIA (www.twitch.tv/kaia) and WING CHEUNG (www.wingcheung.org).
For the full schedule please refer to joyruckusclub.com
South Korea has again landed first place in Bloomberg’s list of innovative countries, which is ranked annually. South Korea is the only country that has been placed in the top spot in seven out of the nine years since the index has been published. The country also scored 90.49 points on a scale from 0 to 100, as the only country with more than 90 points.
The index evaluates various criteria, including research and development spending, manufacturing ability and concentration of high-technology companies.
Bloomberg stated, “The 2021 rankings reflect a world where the fight against Covid-19 has brought innovation to the fore –- from government efforts to contain the pandemic, to the digital infrastructure that’s allowed economies to work through it, and the race to develop vaccines that can end it. Much of the Bloomberg data comes from before the virus crisis. Still, it’s notable that many countries high on the index –- like Korea, Germany and Israel –- have been world leaders in some areas of fighting the pandemic, whether it’s contact-tracing or speedy vaccination.”
South Korea’s return to the top of the list is much credited to an increase in patent activity – which leads as the world’s top, solid performance in R&D and manufacturing.
Professor Lee Kyoung-mook of Seoul National University’s Business management commented, “R&D is essential to have a future. It’s sandwiched between more developed nations, which still outperform them in technology, and China that is catching up fast relying on lower labor costs.”
Germany’s losing out of the top spot this year follows a warning two years ago by Juergen Michels, chief economist of Bayerische Landesbank, who expressed that Germany lacked proper strategy for future generation technology.
Although the U.S. and China both influence much of the world’s innovation, they’re also currently locked in a battle over issues like intellectual property rights. This year, both nations declined in the ranking.
–J.Chung.
Kassy (Kim So-yeon) is a Korean singer who debuted in 2015 and competed on Unpretty Rapstar Season 3 in the following year. She has so far released the extended plays, I Want Love (2018) and Rewind (2019).
We would like to thank Kassy for this great interview and wish her a lot of success in the future.
Hello, thank you for taking the time out for an interview with us. Please introduce yourself to our readers please.
Hello, I am a Korean singer called Kassy.
Tell us about the process of how you became a singer.
I wanted to become a singer since I really loved the fact that I could record my story, voice, emotions and expressions that change over time, like a form of a diary. And also because I could share emotions with others and comfort them through music.
Due to the coronavirus, your activities will somewhat be limited nowadays. How are you spending the time?
I really miss performing. But it’s not possible to do that right now, so I am focused on doing covers and uploading them online. I communicate with the public through V app on a weekly basis as well. I’m currently working on preparing for future performances.
How would you describe your vocal sound and music?
I think it sounds somewhat very natural. I like to sing in a way that sounds natural and honest without fabrication, like I am telling a story naturally.
Which song or album are you listening to the most nowadays?
These days, I am listening to a lot of Ashe – The moral of the Story a lot. I love the lyrics, the sound and even the mood of the song so much, so I uploaded a piano cover of it recently.
What kind of food/beverage do you particularly enjoy?
Ice cream coated with chocolate. If nuts are added to it, then perfect.
What kind of person is your ideal?
Someone that I can communicate well with. I’d like to be with someone who understands what I’m saying in a telepathic way.
Other than music-related, what kind of hobbies or interests do you have?
I have several hobbies – I bake cookies, make accessories and knit bags. I write too. I usually write when I can’t go to sleep at night, and usually I find that it’s done when I wake up the next day.
Is there a special venue or a location that you’d love to perform in the future?
Just anywhere! I would really like to go somewhere to perform. I used to go anywhere to sing with just an amp but because of the coronavirus, busking is not even allowed. If i can, I’d love to go somewhere to perform! My dream for later on, is to go far away to perform.
Thank you for taking the time with us. Our last question to you is, what are your plans and hopes for the year of 2021?
I don’t know if performing will be allowed this year but it’s definitely the first on the wish list for me. Even if it’s prohibited, I will work hard to prepare myself and work on my music for 2021. Meanwhile, I want to spend the days happily while waiting for the day.
–J.Chung.
BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE unveiled the video for their latest track ‘Animal’ on February 1, following a countdown to its premiere release on their YouTube channel. Today (February 3), they release the full version of the ‘Animal’ single, including bonus tracks. There’s a lot to check out, so read on for more info!
The video and song show a sexier and more mature side to BALLISTIK BOYZ, while the lyrics express the members’ feelings about the women they admire. In the video, these emotional lyrics are represented on-screen with rich scenes that were shot using film cameras. The video has already received comments from excited fans all around the world.
BALLISTIK BOYZ are a dance and vocal group who are aiming big. Since their April 2018 formation, they have set their eyes on one goal: Their ambition is to go on a global stadium tour.
BALLISTIK BOYZ are a global-standard boy group who are leading the next generation of stars with authentic music and impressive dance performances, touring extensively not only in Japan but also in Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam on the road to world domination.
Produced by DJ and producer Cory Enemy, who has previously worked on music for Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Carly Rae Jepsen, ‘Animal’ is an R&B song with a minimalist beat and multiple layers of rich vocals and rap from the seven BALLISTIK BOYZ members. The track’s smooth backing groove stands in contrast to the group’s emotional vocal performances and passionate lyrics. Listen out for playful production tricks and samples such as coins spinning on a desk.
While ‘Animal’ was already recently released as a digital track, the full version of the single is available from today as a digital and physical release, including bonus tracks ‘Life Is Party’, ‘HIGHWAY’ and ‘WAY TO THE GLORY (BALLISTIK BOYZ ver.)’, along with instrumental versions of three of the songs. A CD set including a bonus DVD featuring the ‘Animal’ video and footage of BALLISTIK BOYZ performing at a-nation online 2020 is also available.
And if you’d like a chance to get up close and personal with BALLISTIK BOYZ, now’s your chance! A campaign is being held on social media for fans from overseas, and 30 lucky participants selected by lottery will be invited to join an exclusive online talk panel with the members. Details of the campaign can be found on the ‘Animal’ special website below.
‘Animal’ download and streaming links:
https://avex.lnk.to/01Animal27
‘Animal’ music video (YouTube Premiere):
‘Animal’ special website:
https://page.buyee.jp/ballistik_boyz/
Profile
BALLISTIK BOYZ’s self-titled debut album was released on May 22, 2019, and took the No.1 spot on the Billboard Japan Top Album Sales chart, the Billboard Japan Hot Albums chart and Spotify’s Viral chart, sweeping the rankings for both CD sales and digital streaming.
Three of the group’s seven uniquely individual members – Miku Fukahori, Rikiya Okuda and Masahiro Sunada – spent three years living in New York so that they could become highly bilingual English speakers. As finalists in the VOCAL BATTLE AUDITION 5 (VBA5) competition held by music collective EXILE, Ryuta Hidaka and Yoshiyuki Kano are natural talents who sing with a deep sense of groove. Riki Matsui, a finalist in the VBA5 rap category, is fluent in Chinese, and was initially self-taught. Also a finalist in the VBA5 rap category, Ryusei Kainuma has a Brazilian mother and is a native Portuguese speaker with multicultural roots.
With their refreshingly authentic music and strong live performances, BALLISTIK BOYZ are a talented group with an ever-growing international audience. Exploding out of Japan with a global-standard level of quality, this Japanese group are finding new fans around the world.
BALLISTIK BOYZ links:
Official website: https://m.tribe-m.jp/Artist/index/195
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOB1X12CH6XJpgzOXZ2jqMw
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ballistik_fext
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ballistik.boyz.official
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballistik_fext
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ballistikboyz.official
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Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jjc1ctaqehxo1nj/AABcjSC1QYq57R_vgu-kEJGwa?dl=0
K-pop band BTS has been honored as “One of the 10 best pop bands of all time” by Esquire magazine. The American magazine has a proud history of 87 years in the publication industry.
Esquire stated, “BTS is arguably one of the vanguard acts to pioneer K-Pop’s immeasurable worldwide success. With a fanbase that is aptly described as “ARMY,” BTS’s beloved septet has rapidly redefined boy bands, fandoms, and pop music itself. Their hits “Dynamite” and “Life Goes On” offer a blend of pop, hip-hop, disco, and R&B, with catchy melodies that are often laced with social commentary-based lyrics.”
The other 9 acts that were selected by the magazine as the best pop bands of all time (the list has no particular order) were the Supremes, the Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Sly and the Family Stone, the Beach Boys, ABBA, the Temptations and Destiny’s Child. The listed groups, except for BTS, were all prominent during the 1960s~2000s era.
When the top list got released, Esquire commented on the website that “Pop is a genre as expansive as the term popular suggests, which is how you end up with a list that ranges from The Supremes to BTS.”
BTS was the only Asian act to make the list.
–J.Chung.
Korea’s veteran actress Youn Yuh-jung has so far collected 20 Best Supporting Actress awards in the States, for her role in the highly-acclaimed film “Minari,” written and directed by Korean-American film director Lee Isaac Chung.
Minari is a Korean word that indicates a “water dropwort,” which is an edible deep green plant that can grow in the water like weeds.
“Minari” had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020, and tells a heart-felt story about a first-generation Korean immigrant family that moves to a farm in Arkansas from California to pursue the American dream during the 80’s era.
Youn Yuh-jung – who plays a very eccentric grandmother in the film who came to America to babysit her grandchild – received her 20th trophy for Minari, as she achieved the best supporting actress title from the National Board of Review.
Lee Isaac Chung also won the best original screenplay category from the organization. The National Board of Review is known to highly influence winners to receive Oscars.
Since the 73-year-old veteran actress has won so many awards for her first non-Korean film in America, she is currently anticipated by many film critics and experts to be the likely contender to snag an Oscar at Academy Awards, which is to be held this April. We shall have to wait and see if the actress could become the first ever Korean actress to gain the prize. If she does, it will certainly become one of Youn’s most memorable accomplishments in her acting career of 55 years.
“Minari” has thus far won almost 60 awards from film organizations and festivals, and was honored to be named one of the 10 movies of the year by the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review. The film has also been nominated in five categories at the Film Independent Spirit Awards – including best supporting actor – which is to be held in April.
–J.Chung.
T1Entertainment & Sports debut their League of Legends theme song titled “Runner” today, which is a collaborative record by DJ/producer Raiden, K-Pop vocalist BAEKHYUN, and rapper/producer CHANGMO. The song incorporates a sophisticated mix of rock, trap and EDM, and consists of magnificent ambience, eerie string sounds, and dreamy vocals, perfectly deliveringT1’s resolution to start the new chapter of their dynasty in the year 2021.
RAIDEN – DJ/Producer
T1’s CEO Joe Marsh said, “We’re thrilled that we had the opportunity to start this season’s journey by collaborating with some of the best artists in the music industry. I hope fans enjoy T1’s theme song as much as our players do, and we can’t wait to hear ‘Runner’ blast throughout stadiums with every T1 win.
”The song “Runner” is now available globally on all major music streaming service platforms and can also be heard as the theme song for T1’s LoL team during LCK matches and throughout digital content produced by T1. The official music video of “Runner” accompanies the song release and is available on T1’s official YouTube channel. The video stars both artists of the song and T1 LoL players, capturing the essence, charm and synergy of the T1 athletes and artists. BAEKHYUN debuted as a member of EXO in 2012, and is now a popular Korean solo artist, listed as the “Million Seller” years with the 2020 release of his second mini album “Delight.”
BAEKHYUN – EXO
BAEKHYUN’s first online concert “Beyond LIVE” gathered nearly 110,000 viewers from 120 different countries. CHANGMO, as a rapper and a producer for Ambition Musik, leads the popularization of the Korean hip-hop scene with his unparalleled music style. Performing at world-renowned festivals such as “Ultra Music Festival” and “Tomorrowland, ”Raiden is a leading South Korean artist with a wide range of music styles and diverse portfolio of collaborative production work. Raiden closed the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics alongside Martin Garrix and released the hit collaboration “Yours” in 2020.
CHANGMO – RAPPER/Producer Ambition Musik
The T1 League of Legends team is the most decorated in history, winning the League of Legends World Championship three times, becoming the only team to earn the title more than once. T1 has their sights set on a fourth trophy, recently securing Yang “Daeny” Dae-in and Lee “Zefa” Jae-min, previous coaches of the current World Champion title holders. T1’s unprecedented success in League of Legends has seen the organization expand with top performing rosters of the biggest esports titles in the world, and a network of global content creators.
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About T1Entertainment & Sports
T1 Entertainment & Sports is a global esports joint venture that owns and operates the ultra-successful T1 League of Legends (LoL) Champions Korea (LCK) team, along with teams and players in competitive gaming segments that include Valorant, Fortnite, Dota 2, PUBG, Super Smash Bros., Hearthstone, Apex Legends. The T1 LoL LCK team, previously known as SK Telecom T1, has won three LoL World Championships (2013, 2015, 2016). T1 unites esports enthusiasts around the world through its gaming culture and lifestyle, content creation, entertainment and merchandise. SK Telecom and Comcast Spectacor launched T1 in October 2019 and have global operations based in Seoul, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. For more information on T1, please visit T1.gg.
The South Korean government has just announced its schedule for vaccination provision for Korean citizens and foreign residents in South Korea.
The first round of vaccination – set to begin next month in February – will go towards the health care workers based in Seoul who are working to fight the pandemic. Starting from March, the elderly citizens and employees at care homes will receive their shots. The government is in plans to have 1.3 million of the population vaccinated by March.
Citizens aged over 65, residents residing in homes, and health care employees will be vaccinated in May. By July, police officers, firefighters, people in education, and those suffering from health issues like diabetes and other severe diseases will be vaccinated. Citizens under the age of 50 would also likely receive their vaccination within the last few months of this year.
The government’s plan is to have 75 percent of the vaccines available to the public by the latter half of 2021, in order to achieve immunity from the deadly virus by November. Those receiving the vaccines will be advised to rest for 15 or so minutes, in case of any health complications or reactions.
The government also stated that a total of 22 medical employees – which consists of a minimum of four doctors and eight nurses – would be assigned for vaccinating 600 people.
So far, it is estimated that the coronavirus has brought infection on approximately 76,926 people in the territory of South Korea, and is reported to have resulted in over 1,300 deaths.
The government said that the vaccinations will be available free of charge for all Koreans and foreigners residing in South Korea. The funding for the vaccinations will be financed by the Korean National Health Insurance Service and the South Korean government.
–J.Chung.
Vietnamese Street Food Vendors
Street food is the heart and soul to many of the Southeast Asian countries and Vietnam is certainly one of them. Have you ever visited Asia and experienced the street food adventure where you are literally enjoying your food right on the street with those famous tiny plastic chairs and table? If you did than you would agree with me that Vietnamese street food is nothing like the others. So, what makes Vietnamese street food so unique and special?
Simple and uncomplicated food, these Vietnamese street foods will beckon your tastebuds and sneak their way into your heart.
It’s true that Vietnamese street food cuisine is an integral part of Vietnamese culture. Out of 10 million+ people living in Saigon, over one million of them sell street food for a living. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain said that he would rather eat at one of Vietnam’s delicious and authentic street food stalls than most 5-star restaurants any day. It has even been said that Vietnam’s street culture is a microcosm of the country’s culture in general. For visitors, exploring the scene is one of the most popular things to try in Vietnam. For locals, it is a way of life.
Tell me if your tummy is not growling for some food when you see these pictures of the noodles’ bowls!
Pho Bo
Bun cha
Along with the fresh, tasty food, common drinks like fresh juice, mixed fruits smoothies, especially Ca phe sua da (Iced coffee) are to be found on every street corner in cities in Vietnam. Being fortunate enough to have tropical weather, Vietnam offers a massive variety of fresh fruits. They are hand- picked and transported to big cities where most of their customers are. It’s one of the best things that this country has to offer.
It is common knowledge that street food is cheap and convenient. But the fact that it is so popular in cities throughout Vietnam is due to more than just accessibility. In fact, street cuisine provides a tastier and ultimately more satisfying dining experience than a restaurant can most of the time.
Why is this?
Firstly, street food cuisine tastes better because it is fresher and uses more hearty flavors. It makes excellent use of fats, acids, and crunchy vegetables to achieve its desired flavors and textures. More so than restaurants, street food vendors focus on using only fresh ingredients just bought from the local market that very morning. Successful stands do not have a choice, in fact, because they have massive turnover and sell everything they stock. It is not uncommon for a particularly popular street food location to close up shop a bit early because they run out of ingredients due to demand.
The smell of a Vietnamese street food experience is another thing that helps it get the leg up on restaurant eating. The olfactory aspect of the dining experience is often overlooked, but the truth is that the smells hanging around you while you are eating will drastically alter the perceived taste. Street food establishments do not have a separate kitchen to keep the cooking smells away from the diners, and customers can have a more immersive dining experience because of that fact. Vietnamese street food locations tend to be clustered together, too, so customers can take in the aromas of multiple foods being prepared while eating.
Possibly the biggest reason most people love Vietnamese street food, though, is because of the atmosphere. Street food stalls offer a more “authentic” feel, and they are simply more vibrant than indoor dining. You get to see your food made, the cooks are usually “real people” rather than restaurant workers, the storefronts are more often than not local residences… tourists agree that eating on the street is the best way to experience the real Vietnam through food.
Although nowadays many Vietnamese street food vendors could afford to move into a more permanent establishment if they wanted to, mobile street eats are now such a big part of urban Vietnamese culture that they choose not to. Vietnam’s street food culture may have been born out of necessity, but locals have grown to love it. The most successful of these “new wave” street food sellers are able to make a fantastic living, in fact. Not only do they bypass a lot of red tape by selling on the street, but they are also able to charge just as much as an indoor restaurant if their food is of especially high quality. Multiply the cost by the huge amount of in-and-out customers that street food can attract, and you’re looking at a pretty impressive nightly income.
Locals also have more money, so a sidewalk meal is not just for celebratory occasions anymore. In fact, most Vietnamese people (and most visitors to the country) enjoy street food at least once per day. It is a part of the country’s cultural fabric and a necessary inclusion on any list of things to try in Vietnam.
—-Lucy Le
Korean TikTok and social media sensation, CHANGHA has appeared on a TikTok advertising billboard in central Tokyo- sending his fans into a frenzy. The famed content creator, who is most widely known for his entertaining short-form videos, is reportedly “honored and touched” by the support of the TikTok community for featuring him on a famous billboard.
In addition to being one of TikToks most-followed creators, CHANGHA also has a huge following on Instagram and YouTube that cater to an audience comprised predominantly of Gen Z and Kpop fans.
With a wide reach and a charming personality, CHANGHA makes content that resonates with his generation.
After launching his TikTok account in December 2018, He had a fan meeting in Thailand and became the official mascot of Hallyu Com-on Swiss 2020.
He has built his career by performing and recording song covers on his social media of popular Korean pop songs.
He recently collaborated with some of Koreas biggest and rising stars including BAE173, DKB, Cherry Bullet, and JESSI, one of the most famous K-Pop stars in South Korea.
ChangHa looks forward to creating even more entertaining content that connects with his fans and is looking forward to producing even more enjoyable, entertaining content that connects with his followers around the world.
KREAON:
A Global Multi-Channel Network Management Company that specializes in the spread of Korean Content.
Kreaon consists of an international team working across content & music production, artists collaboration, event management. We are based in Seoul and Busan but our network spans across Southeast Asia, Europe, South America, and more. We work with your business to provide the most creative and commercial opportunities that align with your company’s goals. Our services include assisting our clients with content creation, planning e-commerce solutions for expanding their brand and strategizing about client branding to maximize global audience reach.
Big Hit Entertainment just announced plans for a stock exchange with Naver Corporation. Naver is South Korea’s main internet platform – launched in 1999. Naver is the world’s first operator to feature a search engine that compiles search results from on a single page.
Naver has decided to invest around $371 million dollars into beNX (Big Hit Entertainment’s subsidiary) that operates Weverse. In result, Naver will own a 49 percent stake in beNX, and Naver’s V LIVE business will be transferred to beNX.
Big Hit Entertainment has revealed that it will invest $63 million dollars in YG Entertainment. Big Hit Entertainment and beNX will specifically invest their funds into YG Plus. YG Plus, which is an affiliate of YG Entertainment, is a lifestyle company which distributes music, merchandise, and promotes fashion models and actors signed under YG Kplus.
beNX is an affiliate of Big Hit entertainment that operates the community platform Weverse and Weverse Shop. YG Plus will rely on Weverse to pull in a wider audience domestically and internationally to support Big Hit’s music distribution and related businesses.
Big Hit and YG are both said to be very much looking forward to their business endeavors with one another. It was also announced that beNX will be switching its company name to Weverse Company Inc from onwards.
Big Hit commented, “We look forward to the synergy that YG Plus, which is a powerful network in many fields like distribution and merchandising production, and Big Hit and beNX, which are strong in artist intellectual property and platforms.”
Big Hit and Weverse would respectively be gaining 7.7 and 10.2 percent stakes of YG Plus, from this investment.
Big Hit Entertainment was founded in 2005 as a comparatively small entertainment company, but has since evolved into one of Korea’s top entertainment companies. Since the success of BTS, the company has acquired various Korean entertainment labels.
YG Entertainment was established in 1996, and currently operates as one of Korea’s most successful entertainment labels, talent agency, event management, music publishing house and homeground to many thriving artists.
–J.Chung.