North Korea’s Low Life Expectancy

 

The latest “State of World Population 2020” report by the UN Population Fund shows that an average North Korean is expected to live 72 years, which puts the nation at 118th position in terms of life expectancy in the world. This is 11 years shorter than the life expectancy of South Korea.

South Korea is currently 9th among 198 countries with an average life expectancy of 83 years.

North Korea which has a population of 25.8 million – also has a low birth rate – with the average number of children per female estimated at 1.9 this year.

 

–J.Chung.

 

Please briefly introduce yourselves to our readers please.

Hyunduk: Hello, I am Hyunduk and I am the vocalist from TRISS.

Youngkwon: Hello, I am Shin Youngkwon, the drummer of TRISS.

Daisy: I am Daisy and I play the synthesizer.

Minkyu: I am Kim Minkyu and I am the bassist of TRISS.

 

Please explain about what kind of music TRISS offers.

Hyungduk: TRISS’ music is based on 80’s Synth music. We select a concept when we get inspiration from a scene or a picture. For example, we think of a scene – a 80’s racing animation, a tennis court in front of an apartment complex or something – then we produce a song that could be used showing the scene through sound and synth music.

Youngkwon: We use a digital instrument called a synthesizer to make unique and fun rock music mixed with fresh mood.

Minkyu: We produce a lot of diverse music. Our asset I think would be that four of us all play and perform.

 

How did you get together as a band?

Hyungduk: We formed as a band in 2017 since we wanted to create a new band that plays synth music. We began with Mingyu who was playing for a different band, then we were introduced to Youngkwon the drummer. Then we were joined by Daisy who was a frequent performer at live clubs last.

 

How often do you have sessions or practice a day?

Hyungduk: We hold sessions one or two times a week, and we practice as much as we need individually. I take once a week to write songs at the studio.

Youngkwon: We’re all busy so we have group sessions for about 4 hours a day.

Daisy: It depends on the day, but sometimes I practice all day.

Minkyu: I do a lot of work in the studio and practice rooms. Recently, I’ve been writing a lot of ballads and taking the time to work on other projects.

 

Which musician or artist do you admire the most?

Hyungduk: This is hard because there are so many. I listen to a lot of music by Tame Impala and Foster the People. Since I was young, I was a fan of Foo Fighters, Muse, Radiohead and The Strokes.

Youngkwon: I admire Foo Fighters and like Chvrches.

Daisy: Mark Foster (Foster The People)

 

Which song or album do you listen to the most these days?

Hyungduk: I’ve been listening to a lot Tame Impala’s latest album. Personally, I like to listen to new music that’s come out, but I take the time to listen to Foo Fighters – Nothing Left to Lose and Pheonix – Wolfgang Amadeus a lot since I’ve been listening to it for years.

Youngkwon: I listen to Foo Fighters – Sonic Highways album a lot. 

Daisy: I listen to a lot of classical music these days.

Minkyu: The Strokes’ new album came out, so I am listening to that. I used to listen to a lot of rock music but I’ve recently moved onto a lot of Hip Hop and R&B.

 

What are your current hobbies?

Hyungduk: I usually sit at home with my wife and play Heroes of the storm. Since I like playing console games, I play most of the recent Ps4 games that are available. I also so on walks to the park with my wife and dog. The name of our dog is Jessie.

Youngkwon: I go on walks or watch baseball.

Daisy: I do all sorts of things and listen to a lot of classical music.

Minkyu: I play games or work on new and diverse music with my friends at my home.

 

Where do you think is the best place to travel in Korea?

Hyungduk: I recommend Sokcho. It’s a small city by the East Sea – the sea is clean and there aren’t that many people around the area compared to where tourists go. There’s a lot of nice stuff to eat at the nearby market and since it’s only 2~3 hours away from Seoul so it’s convenient to visit.

Daisy: Geoje-do.

Minkyu: Korea has a lot of great places to visit since it has the oceans on three of its dimensions. On the westside, there is Incheon. On the east – Gangneung, in the southern part – there is Jeju and Busan.

 

Please tell us about your future goals and plans.

Hyungduk: We want to continue making music for a long time, if possible. To me, making music is a hobby and a challenge that helps to develop myself. I wish our first album being released this year will be something I can be proud of.

Youngkwon: We are currently working on it, and it is our goal to release an album this fall.

Daisy: I want to achieve the basics of a professional musician. 

Minkyu: I am always thinking our video contents. I want us to challenge ourselves on a new genre of music.

 

Please leave a comment for the fans.

Hyungduk: Thank you for your continued support. Please show much interest to our upcoming album as well.

Youngkwon: We thank so many people who support us and we’ll repay you with great music.

Daisy: We’re always so grateful. We’re inspired by you every time we feel like giving up.

Minkyu: We’ll always be here. Please come see us perform.

TRISS – Rolly Rolly MV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb91RXuRGN0

TRISS Brazil Tour: https://youtu.be/oORp4-_tb48

 

–J.Chung.

Clips of the true kings of the stage BTS, J-Hope and GOT7 Jackson Wang! About K-Crush We are a contemporary urban lifestyle digital and printed publication dedicated to keeping you updated on the latest entertainment news and events in Asia. Over the past four years we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes, to ensure that you receive the latest scoops and those exclusive interviews on your favorite Asian artists and celebrities. Our mission is to bring you a more in depth insight into Asian culture and the Asian entertainment scene uniting both Asian and American cultures through collaborations that will inspire present and future generations.

KPop Social Night (KPSN) and parent company, MACG Productions, will host their first-ever online festival, #KPSNPODCASTFEST! Slated for the weekend of July 18, 2020, KPSNPODCASTFEST is an online event curated to showcase the diverse voices in the Hallyu fan community. Due to the current global health crisis, most conventional festivals either canceled or postponed their schedules. Fortunately for Hallyu fans, KPSN is continuing the Hallyu experience in new and exciting ways. 

By providing a space for fans to converse with each other while being safe in their homes, KPSN shows support to Hallyu fans. KPSNPODCASTFEST will help fans worldwide break up the monotony of social distancing. 

“Hallyu commentary continues to diversify beyond what YouTube originally provided content creators,” States Ashley Griffin, President of Operations of MACG Productions. “In placing the podcast and online radio community center stage, we hope to create an event that promotes the awesome content these hosts bring to the fandom.”

For only $5, fans can participate in chats and experience live interviews of the hosts. Attendees will also receive access to live show recordings of the podcasts. Additionally, broadcasters will have the chance to interact live with listeners as well as promote themselves and charitable causes. Attendees can directly contribute if they so choose.

MACG Productions is proudly a safe and inclusive environment. To better ensure both the broadcasters and fans will have pleasant experiences, KPSN will closely screen and moderate all chats.

Interested podcast and online radio hosts and emcees can apply for registration between June 18 – June 26, 2020, at this official link. For press access, contact pressandpr@macgproductions.com.

The full lineup and schedule will be released on June 29 on Eventbrite. 

Kpop Social Night hosts Hallyu events that encourage fun and fandom pride, created by Multifacetedacg Productions, LLC.

—

That simple act of making a cup of tea has somewhat ritualistic, relaxing, and healing effect. Whether you prefer black tea, herbal tea, or tea with milk, we always prepare our current favorite picks whenever we start our day. While the global tea market is facing rapid changes of consumer demands and preferences, emerging power of Asian tea brands is highly noticeable.

The Asian region has their unique, long-standing culture of enjoying tea; even predating written history. The act of pouring tea has been elevated into the level of art, with years of training. Its sophisticated tea culture and different varieties of tea works as strong points to attain market competence, attracting tea enthusiasts all over the world.

The list below contains the most prominent 10 brands of tea in the Asia-Pacific region, among them China, Japan and India in particular. As tea is the most beloved beverage in these countries, growing demand from these countries are credited for their dominance of the global tea market. 

 

China

 

Da Yi Tea (Taetea)

Initially Da Yi (‘Great benefit’ in Chinese) was a name of a tea brand from old Menghai tea factory, one of the biggest manufacturers of ripe (Shu) Pu-erh tea in Yunnan during 1938-1950. With a group of over 90 tea professionals with origins from all over China, this factory is the oldest specialized tea factory in Yunnan Province.

Da Yi tea has a solid reputation, well renowned by Pu-erh tea lovers. Their tea leaf pancakes with white and red printed packaging are one of distinctive features you can find from Da Yi tea. Farmed in Kunming region and stored in maturation process, Da Yi patties are well known for its high-quality puerh tea bulks. Established as a group company in 2004, it is looking for global market sales with continuous R&D under the name of ‘Taetea’.

 

Bama Tea

Spanning four centuries, the former royal tribute tea from Fujian Province has transformed into a high-end Chinese tea chain with more than 1,800 stores. Their signature product is Tiegwanyin tea, known as one of the 4 precious varieties of Chinese tea with Puerh and Longjing and Jasmine tea. Its deep fruity flavor is beloved among generations of tea lovers.

Bama’s owner, Wang family has kept the lineage of providing tea for Qing emperors since the discovery of this breed in 1736. Well acknowledged in Southeast Asia, Bama started to expand its business globally with refined facilities- now exporting over 2000 tons of tea products all over Europe, North America, and Africa.

 

Wuyutai

Wuyutai holds its name from almost all of tea lovers in Beijing. First established in 1887, Wuyutai has won high reputation as one of the historical brands of China, well-known for its high-quality tea products. Wu Xiqing from Anhui province opened a tea store in Beijing during the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), naming the shop ‘Yutai’; later updated to include his family name ‘Wu’. For over 120 years, Wuyutai has been holding up its unique tea producing methods. The most beloved is its secret jasmine tea recipe – a sought-after mixture of green tea and jasmine. Rebranded as Beijing Wuyutai Co. in 2005, it now has more than 190 chain stores in China.

 

Japan

 

 

Fukujuen

Established in the Yamashiro region of Kyoto in 1790, Fukujuen has a long tea-making history. Honoring its history and tradition, ‘Iyemon Tea’ was named after the founder, Iyemon Fukui. The tea master of Yamashiro was assigned to deliver the official tea to Japanese Bakuhu governments.

Tea from Yamashiro has contributed largely to the famous “Uji-cha” (Uji tea), which is a product of Fukujuen well known in all over Japan and even globally. One distinct characteristic in their tea-farming process is that they take time to pull out the highest quality of matcha from their stone mills.

 

Giontsujiri

Its initial history dates back to 1860, but its first store – Tsujiri Tea Shop was opened in Taipei in 1902. First store in Japan was opened in 1948 after war in Gion, Kyoto. Being famous for its Uji tea and Ooolong tea, Giontsujiri’s Uji Tea is majorly sourced from southern Kyoto province. Giontsujiri produces a wide stretch of tea leaves numbering up to 12 – on top of that, Giontsujiri is growing famous for its eye-pleasing dessert products made with green tea flavors.

 

 

IPPODO

Located in the heart of Kyoto, Ippodo Tea Co. has been providing the highest quality Japanese green tea for over three centuries, cultivated in fields of Kyoto and its surroundings. This region is renowned for producing the highest grade of green tea in Japan, thanks largely to its mild misty climate, mineral-rich soil and near-perfect balance of sunshine and rainfall.

Its origin dates back to the year 1717, when founder Rihei Watanabe established a tea shop called OMIYA at Teramachi Nijo.  The shop’s reputation for providing high quality tea grew quickly, receiving recognition from royal court. In 1846, the shop was renamed IPPODO(preserve one).

 

India

 

Taj Mahal Tea

Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea initially started in 1966 in Kolkata, soon established its position as India’s first premium tea brand. Their tea farms are located in the gardens of Assam, Darjeeling and the Nilgiris.

Launching its tea houses in collaboration with Unilever in 2015, it seeks for global expansion -Their products include loose teas, whole leaf tea bags as well as their Gourmet Chai collection, with teas such as Karipatta Delight and Mint Masala tea.

 

 

The Hillcart Tales

This Kolkata-based premium tea brand was launched in by a family with over five generations in tea trade business. With 32 variants and with Green tea, Black tea, Orthodox long leaf etc. All the tea variants include no processed sugar. But what features the most of this brand is wide range of Dessert teas, known for their rich flavor – named as Tiramisu Delight, Apple Strudel, Lemon Cake, Caramel Dream, Strawberry Lime, and Exotic Mélange.

Bio-degradable tea bag made of muslin cloth is one of the distinctive features of this brand. Having supply chains to more than 40 destinations worldwide, this company has also been associated with world’s luxury Hotel chains such as Marriott, Hyatt, Trident, Westin.

 

Korea

 

 

Osulloc

Osulloc is a top-notch Korean tea brand, well known for its exquisite Jeju green tea products. their premium tea product ‘Illohyang’ and ‘Sejac’ has been awarded the first place at the North America Tea Championship and the World Green Tea Contest.

Jeju island, where Osulloc’s tea farm is located, is a best green tea field with an annual temperature over 14℃, slightly acid soil of pH4.0~5.0, and the hot and humid climate with annual precipitation of more than 1,600mm. Once a barren and rocky field, Jeju Island.has turned into the best tea field for premium green tea with Osulloc’s passion and devotion.

With its nation-wide fame and worldwide acknowledgment, it has established tea cafes at the major locations in Seoul. Osulloc is now expanding and developing its specialties, with a variety of different tea products and green tea-based desserts; including green tea icecream, green tea cookies and cakes.

 

 

Ogada

Founded in 2009, Ogada is an emerging Korean blended tea franchise, operating 131 local stores in Korea. Ogada has its passion of targeting consumers of all ages to break stereotypes about tea and encourage general tea consumption. Ogada incorporate herbs, fruits and local ingredients blended into modern tastes based on traditional tea.

With skyrocketing sales growth of around 30 percent, it is receiving the benefit of tea boom in Korea – expecting to achieve 10 billion won ($8.82 million) sales by 2020.

 

—-Uinn Peng

 

After successfully captivating audiences all over the world in 2019, DREAMCATCHER is determined to stay connected with their fans through their very first online concert titled DREAMCATCHER CONCERT GLOBAL STREAMING INTO THENIGHT & DYSTOPIA.

DREAMCATCHER’s first online concert was made possible by a technology forward platform, MyMusicTaste, that not only allows fans to request physical concerts of their favorite artists in their cities, but also provides the newly added feature of online streaming, which allows artists and fans to stay connected in the pandemic age.

This show comes after DREAMCATCHER’s successful completion of their North American, European and Latin American tours, also actualized through the overwhelming requests of fans on MyMusicTaste. In today’s reality of restricted travels and social distancing, this unique online concert will allow global fans of the Seoul-based group to experience their music and energetic performances from the comfort of their homes.

DREAMCATCHER debuted in January 2017, with the single “Nightmare” and quickly caught the attention of music critics with their unique “Young Metal” sound, and intoxicatingly enthralling choreography. Voted no.3 on Billboard’s Best New K-Pop Acts in 2017, the group’s worldwide fame has grown exponentially since; their title track, “데자부 (Deju Vu),” from their special mini-album Raid of Dream released in September 2019 entered Billboard’s World Albums Chart at no.10. Shortly after its release, Raid of Dream also topped the iTunes album charts of nine different regions—Argentina, Peru, Finland, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates—and entered the top five iTunes album rankings in ten additional countries, further solidifying DREAMCATCHER’s rapidly increasing K-pop influence.

DREAMCATCHER’s burgeoning fandom was also demonstrated by the rapid trajectory of their two crowdfunding projects. Both crowdfunding projects were launched in collaboration with MyMusicTaste and easily surpassed their respective funding goals: their first crowdfunding project opened in July 2018, and reached 555% of its funding goal, while their second crowdfunding project opened in November 2019, and reached 779% (raising $233,823) of its funding goal. DREAMCATCHER is composed of seven female members: JiU, SuA, Siyeon,Yoohyeon, Dami, Handong, and Gahyeon.

Online show ticketing info: Ticket sale is open from July 12, 11:00 AM KST, onMyMusicTaste.com. Early Bird special prices are applied on a very limited quantity of tickets.

Handong will not be participating in this show due to her activities in China.

Further information regarding ticketing and the show itself can be found throughhttps://mmt.fans/HQRW or through other social media channels of MyMusicTaste.

DREAMCATCHER CONCERT GLOBAL STREAMING INTO THE NIGHT & DYSTOPIA July 4, 2020, 23:59 KST – MyMusicTaste

About MyMusicTaste: MyMusicTaste is a fan initiated live event making service that brings fans, artists and promoters from all over the world together in one place to create a valuable and meaningful concert experience for everyone involved. MyMusicTaste puts the power in the fans’ hands, allowing fans to request their favorite artist’s concert in their city. With the mission to connect and amplify the voices of fans all over the world, MyMusicTaste successfully promoted concerts of artists such as EXO, GOT7, MONSTA X, The xx, Machine Gun Kelly, and more in over 57 different cities. With the simple idea–empowering fans to bring their favorite artist’s concert in the city oftheir choice based on fan demand–MyMusicTaste is challenging the $27 billion concert market through cutting-edge technology and sophisticated, user-friendly service. Currently,www.mymusictaste.com supports more than 30 countries and offers 15 different languages.

About Happy Face Entertainment: Established in 2008, Happy Face Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company founded by the prominent production duo E-tribe. Since the debut of its first artist Nassun, the company has grown in size over the years, producing artists and idol groups under its own name. V.O.S, Dalshabet, and Dreamcatcher are the major artists that are currently associated with the label. Recently, the company also launched subsidiary labels HF Music Company and Dreamcatcher Company, and is garnering much attention and recognition from the public as the rising creator of future K-pop artists.

 

News of yet another death of a young K-Pop star has reached us. Kim Jeong-hwan, better known as his stage name of Yohan, has passed away at the age of 28. He was a member of Top Secret (TST), a boy band formed by JSL Company and making its debut in 2017 with Time’s Up.

The agency has confirmed Yohan’s death, the cause of which is to be kept private, because of the wishes of his family to be discreet. Many of such cases tend to be suicides, although a few recent deaths of persons in the public eye in Korea have also been conjectured to be due to the recent spread of the new coronavirus. Nothing, however, is confirmed about Yohan’s death.

Top Secret started off as a seven-member group. With a member leaving and another entering military service, the group became a five-member band. Yohan was the second oldest member of the group and sub-vocal.

The TST star had recently celebrated his 28th birthday, on 16^th of April.

A wake for the singer is to be held at the Severance Hospital in Sinchon, Seoul. Then Yohan is alleged to be moved to a cemetery in Yongin on 18^th June.

A statement from KJ Music Entertainment is as follows:

“Hello, this is from TST’s agency KJ Music Entertainment.

We have come forward to tell everyone some very sad and heartbreaking news. The TST member Yohan has passed away on June 16^th.

His bereaved family is in deep mourning. We cordially ask the media to refrain from spreading rumors and speculation on Yohan’s cause of death.”

 

—-J. Chung

 

E.O.S is a 3-member South Korean group. E.O.S debuted through the album <E.O.S First Album> in 1993. They regrouped in 2018 with two new members.

We would like to thank the members for this great interview and wish them all the success in the future!

 

Would you please introduce yourselves to our readers?

Kim Hyung-joong: Nice to meet you all. This is singer Kim Hyung-joong.
Bae Young-joon: I am so happy to be featured on KCrush American Magazine. I am Bae Young-joon the producer and bassist.

Cho Sam-hee: Hello, this is Cho Sam-hee on the guitar.

 

How did the band name E.O.S come about?

Cho Sam-hee: Young-joon and I joined the band in 2018. The founding member Hyung-joong will answer the question for you.
Kim Hyung-joong: When we started the band in 1993, our name was Eos which referred to Goddess of the Dawn. However, after restarting the band in 2018 with the new members, we changed the meaning of the name to abbreviation “E.O.S” meaning – “Excuse Our Survival.” We mean to provide new and grand music even though we’ve around for so long.

 

Introduce E.O.S music to us. 

Bae Young-jun: You’ll be able to hear three records from us, including <25> which was released in 2018, <Shall We Dance> and <The Greatest Romance> released in 2019. It’s Electronica music with mixture of diverse genres, like fun EDM, rock and R&B.

 

Which musicians/artists do you respect the most?

Kim Hyung-joong: I respect Pink Floyd and like Coldplay.
Bae Young-joon: There are countless great musicians out there but I always had respect Led Zeppelin, Steely Dan, Lenny Kravitz and Depeche Mode. I always wait for their new albums to be released.
Cho Sam-hee: The Beatles, David Foster, Michael Jackson and guitarist Michael Landau.

 

What kind of songs or album do you listen to the most?

Kim Hyung-joong: Daft Punk – Random Access Memories, Coldplay – Live 2012, and Portishead – Roseland NYC Live.
Bae Young-joon: LSD – Labrinth, Sia & Diplo Present…LSD, The Chainsmokers – Sick Boy, and Rudimental – Toast To Our Differences. Oh! I am listening to Hall & Oates music again these days.
Cho Sam-hee: Old Pop, Rock, and anything that is in trend right now.

 

What do you do for leisure?

Kim Hyung-joong: I like all kinds of sports including baseball. Since I spend a lot of time at home due to the coronavirus, I’ve gotten into a habit of doing origami as a hobby.
Bae Young-joon: I love collecting comic books and reading them. Out of Korean comics, I would like to recommend Huh Young-man’s work and S.I.U – Tower of God which I like very much. I also collect figures and like Tetsujin 28-go and Mazinger Z toys.

Cho Sam-hee: I collect vintage effects units and analyze the tone. Other than that, I like to travel like everyone else. I also love to ride the bike.

 

 

If you were to compare your music to a color, what would it be?

김형중 A translucent color that can see through all colors? I think we’re on an endless journey to make music translucent.
배영준 I think yellow. Even though E.O.S is an old band – the three of us got together since about 2 years, so we’re at out earliest stage like a spring chicken. That’s why I think fragile yellow color suits the group. We expect the chick to grow into a mature rooster with brown feathers someday.
Cho Sam-hee: Blue? The third album <The Greatest Romance> that was released after I joined the band, has a track called Sweet & Sweat and in the music video, the color blue that was featured seemed to go well with the music.

 

Which food or beverage do you like?

Kim Hyung-joong: I like raw fish, yukhoe and etc. I also like drinking coffee.
Bae Young-joon: I also like coffee and noodle dishes like ramen, spaghetti, noodles – I can eat noodle dishes three time a day.
Cho Sam-hee: I like tteok-bokki and red bean bingsu.

 

Where do you think is the best place in Korea to visit?

Kim Hyung-joong: I strongly recommend Tongyeong, Sokcho, Damyang, Jeju and Busan!

Bae Young-joon: Busan, which is also where I was born. Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach are great too but places like Bosu-dong alleyways where they sell old books is also very special.  
Cho Sam-hee: Jeju Island for sure!

 

Tell us about your hopes and plans for the coming future.

Kim Hyung-joong: It is our hope to continue making great music as E.O.S and train new musicians.
Bae Young-joon: I think we will have a concert in November. Because the coronavirus hasn’t fully been terminated, I think it will be an online broadcast. Our hope is to make music that we love, without being too greedy.
Cho Sam-hee: Personally, we will keep playing at session, performances, TV shows, musicals and etc like we’ve always done. We will make sure you hear us perform through our fun and entertaining activies!

 

Please say something nice to the fans.

Kim Hyung-joong: I think it’s best to repay the fans’ love and interest with great music. We won’t stop and keep moving forward.
Bae Young-joon: I think being healthy is the best, especially in the times of covid-19. Let’s overcome this with healthy body and mind.
Cho Sam-hee: Please love our music and see you at our concerts. Keep fit!

 

–J. Chung.

Max Changmin of the male duo TVXQ will be marrying his girlfriend this September, his management revealed.

“Max Changmin will tie the knot with his girlfriend on September 5,” stated SM Entertainment. “He will continue to present excellent performance as a TVXQ member and an artist. We wish for (fans’) blessings for our singer who is about to enter a new phase in his life.”

Details of the wedding – the venue and time – will not be made known to the public.

Max Changmin also posted a hand-written letter addressing the news.

“I have kept a precious relationship (with my girlfriend), giving trust and faith to each other, and naturally have come to a decision to spend my life with her. I believe the road I will soon walk is a road requires greater responsibility than the one I have walked. I will try to be a husband of a family and TVXQ’s member Changmin who can return all the support and encouragement I have received.”

 

–J. Chung.

 

Korean Actor Seung-bum is currently planning to marry his girlfriend of three years, who is Slovakian and ten years younger than the actor. She resides in France and is an artist. She is presently pregnant with the couple’s first child.

Ryu Seung-bum’s agency, S.A.M. Company, confirmed the reports. “Ryu Seung Bum is planning to marry his non-Korean girlfriend, who is currently living in France. She is pregnant and will soon give birth. The couple had planned to hold a wedding with their acquaintances, but because of COVID-19, the ceremony would be held after the birth.”

 

—-J. Chung

 

Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers. 

Hello. I am Youngjae – I debuted as a member of a group called B.A.P and currently pursuing acting.

 

How are you doing during the coronavirus outbreak. What are you doing during the lockdown?

I spend time wearing a mask these days. I spent more time at home and usually watch TV, movies, and YouTube.

 

What kind of acting roles do you wish to play for acting?

Well, I want to play a character that has deep emotions.

 

Who do you respect the most in the world?

My father. I’ve admired him since I was a high school student, and as time goes by, my repect for him grows. I wish to become a great father and person like him someday.

 

What kind of music are you listening to the most these days?

Maren Morris – The Bones and also(!) loving the new music from Drake.

 

What do you like to do for leisure?

I’ve been working out a lot recently. And since I’ve started a new production, I’ve been thinking a lot about the character.

 

What is your fav food/beverage?

I really like tteok-bokki. I am so happy that there are many brands of the food in Korea. For beverage, I drink a lot of iced Americano.

 

What kind of fashion do you like to wear?

I like to dress clean and neatly.

 

 

Do you have a habit that you want to fix?

I’ve been biting my nails since I was young and haven’t been able to fix the habit. So, I really want to fix it.

 

Let us know about your plans and goals for the future?

I think I will be able to be back with new work. It’s written really well, and I personally have a lot of expectations for it and am sure you will also like it too. Watch this space.

 

Please say something to the fans!

It must be hard for you all during the lockdown. But let’s overcome this and meet later with smiles on our faces. Please keep healthy and happy. Thank you and I love you.

 

–J. Chung.

 

BTS and Big Hit Entertainment have donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter – the fund was transferred to the organization this week.

BTS have issued a statement on their official Twitter account: “We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together. #BlackLivesMatter.”

K-pop fans have worked to flood the hashtag with K-pop memes, footages and other content to fight anti-Black Lives Matter and racist posts.

 

—-J. Chung

 

Song Ryunjin is a pole sports athlete in Korea. We’d like to thank her for her precious time and wish her a lot of success in her future endeavors.

 

Could you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hello. I am Ryunjin from Korea. I am a pole sports athlete.

 

How did you start pole dancing?

I gained some weight and I was unhappy. I was looking for a fun activity for my weight loss. Then, I found pole dancing.

 

Tell us about pole dance – how does it benefit the body and health overall?

First of all, pole dancing BURNS lots of calories. It helps you to burn fat really fast, gain muscles fast, and you can get strong core balance as you do all those crazy tricks!

Second of all, a lot of girls find themselves by doing pole dancing. Some of the girls have depression problems, some of them have a loss of confidence. These girls always tell me pole dance CURED them. They actually used the word ‘cure’. It helps that much. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, self-confidence, and courage.

Last of all, it is so much fun! You can’t even describe it. May be you should try to see how fun it is..?

 

How many hours per day do you train for?

It depends on the competition schedule. I don’t usually train over an hour with pole tricks. But I do a lot of pre-exercises to avoid injury. I stretch like three hours a day.

 

 

Could you give any advice to pole dance beginners?

Most of pole dancers are very eager to do new and hard tricks. And they get serious injuries from it. So,

Do not be hasty and impatient with yourself. YOU WILL get there some day, somehow. Just enjoy.

 

What is your favorite food/beverage?

I like tteok-bbokki A LOT! I have a cup of coffee everyday. Sometimes I drink Coke to get a sugar rush, haha.

 

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

I listen to any music I can dance to! I like dreamy music thou.

 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I nap or watch movies. I don’t hang out at night. So, I do everything in my day time.

 

What are your future goals and plans?

I’d love to be a first Korean winner of Pole Art World Championship. It’s a big competition, athletes come to compete from over 20 countries. I will train as hard as I can, and take care of myself to become a winner of a first prize of Pole Art World Championship.

 

—J. Chung.

 

The 56th Grand Bell Awards (a.k.a the Daejong Film Awards) is organized by The Motion Pictures Association of Korea. This year’s event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Parasite” grabbed five awards at the ceremony, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress.

Here are the full list of winners:

Best Film: “Parasite”

Best Director: Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”)

Best Actor: Lee Byung-hun (“Ashfall”)

Best Actress: Jung Yu-mi (“Kim Ji-young: Born 1982”)

Best Supporting Actor: Jin Seon-kyu (“Extreme Job”)

Best Supporting Actress: Lee Jung-eun (“Parasite”)

Best New Actor: Jung Hae-in (“Tune In for Love”)

Best New Actress: Jeon Yeo-bin (“After My Death”)

Best New Director: Kim Bo-ra (“House of Hummingbird”)

Best Planning: Kim Mi-hye, Mo Sung-jin (“Extreme Job”)

Best Screenplay: Han Jin-won, Bong Joon-ho (“Parasite”)

Best Cinematography: Kim Young-ho (“The Battle: Roar to Victory”)

Best Lighting: Jeon Young-suk (“Svaha: The Sixth Finger”)

Technical Award: Jin Jong-hyun (Visual effects, “Ashfall”)

Best Editing: Lee Kang-hee (“Exit”)

Best Music: Jung Jae-il (“Parasite”)

Best Costumes: Lee Jin-hee (“The Great Battle”)

Best Art Direction: Seo Seong-kyeong (“Svaha: The Sixth Finger”)

Achievement Award: Shin Young-kyun

 

—-J. Chung

KCrush Interview With Lemon Podcast Hosts On The Subjects of Culture, Racism and Much More – thank you to Cwamne Howard for conducting the interview

 

For this article, we’ve interviewed HarryBigButton, which is a rock band from Seoul, Korea. We’d like to thank Mr. Lee for providing an insightful interview into the band and wish the band all the best in their future endeavors!

 

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, I am Sungsoo Lee, the leader, vocalist and guitarist of the rock band HarryBigButton. It’s nice to meet you all.

 

Tell us about your music and the new album.

HarryBigButton is a Post-Hard rock band that pursues both vintage and modern sound.

The new album “Dirty Harry” is an album made up of 5 tracks that was inspired by 5 different movies. “Dirty Harry” starring Clint Eastwood, “Scarface” starring Al Pacino, “Mad Max 2” directed by George Miller, “Dawn of the Dead” directed by George Romero and “Reality Bites.”

If you like movies then please check the album out. HarryBigButton’s new

album will stimulate – not just your ears – but your imagination.

 

How was the band formed? Introduce to us the newly joined members.

HarryBigButton was first formed in 2011, so it would be exactly its 10^th anniversary next year. Since May of last year, we’re joined with Inyoung Kim at the base guitar and Yeonsik Yoo at the drums as the guest member. They’ve only been here with us for a year but they’ve already been to Russia and Taiwan concerts and large festivals – also working on the new album.

 

How many hours do you practice per days?

We’ve never timed ourselves practicing but we practice every day. Our band practice is held 2 or 3 times per week. We usually practice together for about 3 hours each session but it’s always an enjoyable time and the time seems short.

 

Which artist or musician do you respect the most?

David Bowie. He was always moving forward and never stayed in the same place. His attitude to life and passion to art have left a big expression on me. I recall sobbing out loud when I heard the news of his death. We have a song on our second album dedicated to him, called Drifter.

 

What do you like to do for leisure?

I am a butler to a cat. When I am not doing music, I have the obligation to serve Koomi. ^^ And I draw a piece of drawing a day, which I think will be revealed to the public soon, if you guys want.

 

Where do you think is the best place in Korea to travel?

If you want to enjoy live music, you should come to Hongdae.

If you wish to enjoy both the nature and the city, I recommend Busan, the coastal city in the South of Korea. You can experience both the sea and the center of the city there. If you’re planning to visit Korea, don’t forget to check our performance schedule too. 😉

 

Let us know about your goals and plans for the future.

As you’re all aware, now is not the time to set too many plans. For now, we’re concentrating on preparing for the next album. Season 1 will be released on June 4^th, and we’re currently selecting movies that will motivate us for Season 2. If there are any movies that you’d like to recommend us, please write to harrybigbutton@gmail.com or HarryBigButton social media.

I think sharing music with the most people possible is the best thing an artist can hope for. We hope to see the readers to meet some day at our concert!

 

Please say something nice to the fans!

We’re currently living in a weird world right now due to the coronavirus. But we’re going to overcome it and we’ll be able to meet. We hope that our music will provide positive energy for you all. Until next time, please stay safe, stay strong and keep rocking!

 

–J. Chung.

 

Migyo is a Korean ballad singer, who was also a former member of the girl groups Bob Girls and LoveUs until their disbandment.

She made her official solo debut on January 19, 2018 with the single “You & I“. We would like to thank Migyo for this great interview, and wish her all the best in the future.

 

Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers please?

​Hello, I am Migyo the K-Ballader who is currently promoting Love Like Crazy the single.

 

How did the name Migyo come about?

My real name is Jun Da-hye which is very common, so I visited the naming center and chose to go with a name that nobody else has. It means “rise high like a rose.”

​

Which musician/artist do you admire the most?

BoA sunbaenim is my role model. She is an idol that made me dream of becoming a singer. I also want to become a great musician like her.

​

What kind of music do you listen to the most often?

I think I listen to a lot of songs from the early 2000s that has a lot of retro feel to it.

​

What do you like to do for leisure?

I read Japanese anime or go to the cartoon bookstore to read comic books. These days, I am also walking 2 hours a day for my health. It’s the best for energizing and getting rid of needless thoughts.

​

Which color would you compare your voice/sound to?

​Blue. It’s blue when the air is clean and my voice is sometimes like the sky when it is blue -the warmth of the color rather than the cold blueness. So, my voice is very much like blue!

What is your favorite food and beverage?

Kimchi Jjigae and bellflower root & pear juice ^^.

​

Where do you think is the best place to travel in Korea?

​I think Jeju Island is the most beautiful island in Korea. I have only been there briefly, so would like to revisit and take time to enjoy it properly next time.

 

Tell us about your goals and plans for the future.

​I want to sing songs that will console the listener just from the sound of my voice. It’s my goal and plan to become a singer that offers healing, consolation and the ability to start a new day.

 

Please say something nice to the fans out there!

I can exist because of you guys, my Midoong (name of my fan club)! Please stay with me until the end because I will continue singing with sincerity!

Thank you lots and I love you!

 

 

–J. Chung.

 

Big Hit Entertainment announced details for “BANG BANG CON The Live.”

“BANG BANG CON The Live” is taking place at 6 p.m. KST on June 14th, a day after BTS celebrates their 7th debut anniversary on June 13th. Please check the notice below.

Hello, this is Big Hit Entertainment.

Big Hit Entertainment is pleased to provide information on “BANG BANG CON The Live.”

[What is “BANG BANG CON The Live”?]

“BANG BANG CON The Live” is an online live concert that will let BTS and ARMY continue to nurture their special connection together while keeping everyone safe and healthy!

It’s a multi-view BTS concert experience right in the home of each and every ARMY! Are you ready for a virtual visit to BTS’s own room, specially prepared for ARMY?

Join us for ARMY’s very special “On-Contact” experience with BTS with “BANG BANG CON The Live.”

“BANG BANG CON the Live” will begin at 6 p.m. KST on June 14 via pay-per-view streaming, and will be available for purchase from 1 p.m. KST on June 1 on Weverse Shop.

 

 

—-J. Chung

 

Surfing Fun in Korea – Where to go?

Surfing is all about catching the right time. You need to read waves with all your senses, and seize the moment to take off and enjoy the pitch. Looking for surfing spots in Korea just like California ‘Sam Mateo’ or ‘Maui’ Beach in Hawaii? If you got the right time, you can find surfing points with decent waves from three sides of Korea.

 

The South Coast: best summer surfing spots

Just like skiers and snowboarders caring the quality of snow, surfers should be picky with the quality of wave. Good surfing points have less bubbles in water, with waves high and clean. Beaches of Korea in general have water that is better to surf in Fall/Winter than in Summer.

Best summer surfing spots recommended by Korean Surfers are Saekdal beach in Jeju Island and Namyeol Beach in Goheung County. In their peak season, at the beaches of Jeju Island you can witness local surfers riding waves even at dawn.

Saekdal Beach gives out good quality waves from June to October, throughout its wide surfing area of 300~400m. You’ll find wide variety of surf zones here – from ‘beach breaks’ for beginners with sandy floor to ‘reef breaks’ creating big waves with underwater reefs.

Namyeol Beach in Goheung is also famous for its summer waves. With peak season starting from mid-June, it creates best surfing spot for beginners’ lessons riding a meter-high wave. Waves for more experienced surfers are found here from July to September.

The East Coast: Hottest place to enjoy surf culture

Beaches in Gangwon-do, such as those in Yangyang and Gosung are adorned with exotic surfing cultures, where you can watch topless surfers riding waves with sun-kissed bodies – while you enjoy Pizza and Hotdogs with beer in pubs here.

Waves in Gangwon-do beaches are at their peak in Fall and Winter; with calm and serene summer tide beginners can take surfing lessons. Jukdo Beach in Yangyang County is already buzzing with Surf Shops, Surfer guesthouses and decent restaurants run by ‘original surfers’ with longest surfing history in Korea. Already staged multiple Surfing Festivals and Contests, Yangyang beach areas will be united and fostered as Surfing Leisure Tourist Zone until 2021.

 

Those who are tired of crowded Yangyang beaches visit remote spots such as Songjiho Beach and Sampo, Cheonjin Beach in Gosung County. With 4㎞ long white sand beach and clean water, Songjiho Beach is the northern end of surfing spots in Korea.

 

Spots in Busan/Ulsan/Pohang

Songjeong Beach in Busan is one of the three most beloved surfing spots along with Jeju and Yangyang. It has got a nickname of ‘Songjung-fonia(Songjeong + California)’ with its well-known year-round surfing experience. Adjacent with city areas of Haeundae, Songjeong Beach is a rare surfing spot with a high walkscore; allowing local surfers to enjoy daily surfing before and after work. High frequency of waves and gentle scopes underwater are perfect conditions for beginners’ lessons.

Living up to its fame as a ‘Surfing Mecca’, professional surfers have already settled here riding waves round the year. If you ever thought that surfing is only for 20s or 30s, here you can find wider age group such as middle-aged, teenager, and even kid surfers.

There are no big waves in summer season here. From July to August the beachfront is crowded with both surfers and swimmers, divided into ‘swimming zone’, ‘leisure zone’ and ‘military area’. The beach has 24/7 lifeguard presence, with ‘Songjeong Maritime Rescue Team’ for your safer surfing and swimming experience. Dozens of Surf shops, restaurants and amenities are just a minute far away from the beach.

You can also find surfing points in Haeundae Beach, but you still got bigger chances to find your surfboards or lessons in Songjeong Beach. Local surfers in Busan also visit Imrang Beach in Gijang County, Jinha Beach in Ulsan and Yonghalli Beach in Pohang.

 

 

The West Coast: Malipo beach

If you’re looking to surf in the West Coast, hit the road to Malipo Beach in Taean County. Being one and only surfing point in the West Coast, surfing at Malipo Beach suits for beginners. You can also have a pleasant camping experience in pine tree forest here behind white sand beach; and find tourist destinations and attractions nearby such as Zipline and Botanical Park. You can just roam around when waves are not good enough.

Some spots are available only when beaches are officially open. Surf Shops in general offer 3-hour surfing lessons for beginners in around $50~70, including safety instruction, and free surfing experience. You’d better choose a surf shop with certified specialists, and don’t forget to make sure lifeguards are there in your surfing spots. Always check beach conditions at ’Windfinder’ app, as you cannot really surf in beaches with too low or high waves.

 

—-Uninn Peng

 

JunWook Kim was one of the members for the Korean rock band The East Light. We had a pleasure of interviewing the promising guitarists and composer. We’d like to express our thanks to JunWook for this great interview.

 

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, KCrush readers! Nice to meet you ~ I am Composer Kim Junwook.

 

Tell us how you got yourself into doing music.

I loved listening to music and playing musical instruments since I was young. I recall spending time playing the guitar and the piano here and there in the house. Then I wanted to write my own songs, so since the age of 10, I’ve been composing.

 

What song/album do you listen to the most these days?

I am really into The Weeknd’s album and also listening to TXT’s album daily since I love it so much.

 

Which musician/artist do you respect the most?

My role model is Babyface, who is a producer who has produced countless hits that people love since the 80’s until now, even when the trend of music has constantly been changing.

I also really like and admire music by Park Jin-young and Black Eyed Pilseung.

 

What is your favorite genre of music?

Each genre has its own unique charm, and I love each of them because of that reason.

These days, there are many songs that are crossovers which have more than one musical genre, so I am enjoying a lot of songs regardless of the set genre.

 

 

Where do you usually find inspiration when writing songs?

I tend to sit and produce tracks when sitting at the workshop, then I get hit by great ideas and inspiration, rather than waiting to write songs if I gain inspiration. I improvise by utilizing the created ideas into my songs.

 

How do you release stress?

I normally just listen to music or watch TV dramas but if stress really gets to me; I lie down and just look at the phone all day.

If I laze about just looking at the phone, I can get recharged with new energy that way.

 

What is your hobby or interest?

To be honest, the only hobby or interest that I have is music. My hobby is listening to diverse music and studying/analyzing it.

 

What are your future goals and plans?

Music is truly a beautiful thing. Regardless of being different in ethnicity and speaking in different languages – music is one thing we can all communicate in. I want to produce music that the whole world can enjoy and listen to. It’s a big dream but I will make sure to continuously work hard make it work someday.

 

Please say something nice to the fans.

Although I am not currently active so I can concentrate on my music – I am always so very thankful and happy each time I get a message of support from you. I will work harder to get to you guys very soon with new work.

 

– J. Chung.