Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own flaws. Where will this agreement lead them to, and can two total opposites and flawed individuals overcome their personal demons?
A third member of the early 2000s K-Pop group Click-B will be getting married soon!
Oh Jong-Hyuk will join fellow members Kim Sang-Hyuk and Evan on the marriage journey when he marries his non-celebrity fiancée this coming May in Gangnam.
In November 2019 on the talk show Video Star, Oh revealed he was in relationship.
In addition to being a Click-B member, Oh performed under the stage name OJ. He’s performed in musical over the years and made appearances in the films Cheese in the Trap and Musudan as well as the drama Healer.
Click-B debuted in 1999 and have released albums sporadically over the years. The seven-member group last made a comeback in 2015 with “Reborn.” They’ve been inactive since, but individual members have had activities.
We wish Oh and his soon-to-be wife the best in their future!
Photo cr. Viki
—-Olivia Murray
With the last decade now behind us, it’s time to look back at the K-Pop songs that helped shape it. With so many great songs released between 2010-2019, it’s hard to narrow down which ones made the most impact. Here are the Kcrush staff’s choices for iconic songs that shaped the decade.
“24 Hours” – Sunmi (2013)
“24 Hours” was Sunmi’s solo debut, and it was such a solid debut that it cemented her as one the decade’s top solo artists. Her strong vocals were backed by a solid track that combined a strong dance track with tango, and if you listen closely, there’s 8-bit beats mixed in. Even in 2020, “24 Hours” is a track that many K-Pop fans recommend to others being introduced to the genre.
“A Guys” – N.O.M (Nature of Man) (2013)
Outside the hardcore K-Pop fandom, N.O.M’s “A Guys” is one of K-Pop’s best-kept secrets. “A Guys” embraced gender fluidity, but it also gives us an MV that had a lot of people WTFing for a while. The meme-heavy song, MV, and group even made it onto the once-popular K-Pop channel Eat Your Kimchi for special appearances. The song definitely isn’t the best on this list, but it’s iconic for making people feel uncomfortable. It’s also iconic for acknowledging the “third sex.”
“A.D.T.O.Y” – 2PM (2013)
The early 2000s were 2PM’s best years, and “A.D.T.O.Y” was no exception to the rule. The song showcased 2PM’s sexier side and even gave us the gloriously misheard “booty, ya” lyric that became a popular joke with K-Pop fans and K-Pop bloggers alike.
“Alone” – Sistar (2012)
Sistar, who were mostly known for their perennial summer hits, gained most of their popularity from “Alone” when it came out in April 2012. The track stayed on the Gaon Charts for six consecutive weeks and began a trend where each single since “Alone’s” release appeared within the top 20 on US music charts.
“Bad Girl, Good Girl” – miss A (2010)
miss A’s debut track proved to be golden when it was released. “Bad Girl, Good Girl” peaked at number one on Korea’s music charts and picked up a bonsang and “Song of the Year” awards at the Seoul Music Awards and Mnet Asian Music Awards, respectively. This song and the group’s subsequent tracks were the reason miss A were one of the top girl groups in the early decade.
“Bad Girl” – Ladies’ Code (2013)
When Ladies’ Code debuted, many pegged them as one of the power girl groups of the future. Unfortunately, unfathomable tragedy and being from a smaller company did not work in their favor. However, “Bad Girl” is a constant reminder that power vocals will catch enough people’s attention to create a stir and that being from a smaller company should never matter when talent should.
“Badman” – B.A.P (2013)
“Badman” helped land B.A.P a spot in Social Justice Song Walk of Fame… if, of course, such an honor existed. “Badman” touched on several social issues regarding race relations, governmental control, loss of innocence, and issues of a police state within the MV. Back in 2013, the MV seemed edgy, but now it’s more relevant that ever given the state of several affairs, especially in the United States. It’s safe to say that “Badman” grew more relevant over time.
“Bang Bang Bang” – BIGBANG (2015)
BIGBANG earned the crown as being one of the biggest influences of decade, and songs like “Bang Bang Bang” showed their staying power and immense global popularity. “Bang Bang Bang” was a popular track globally, earning the win for “Song of the Year” during the Mnet Music Awards. It, along with a few others on this list, even earned US radio play in some markets. In Japan, “Bang Bang Bang” also won “Asian Song of the Year” at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2016 and 2017. The song sold over 5 million copies making it one of the best-selling singles of all time.
“Bang!” – After School (2010)
After School’s third release is one of the group’s most memorable. The percussion and shouted chorus are iconic in their own rights, but many remember the MV and the band-inspired costumes. Unfortunately, the dance for “Bang!” didn’t come without controversy as German dancer and choreographer Camillo Lauricella claimed portions of the dance were hers and that Pledis didn’t credit her. Despite the controversy, “Bang!” stayed on the Korean music charts for several weeks.
“Bar Bar Bar” – Crayon Pop (2013)
Crayon Pop’s “Bar Bar Bar” was one of the decade’s most well-known songs thanks to its bubbly, repetitive chorus, infamous helmets, and “piston dance” that gained viral popularity and international fame. For two months, it was in the running for music show wins before taking home its first win in August (it often competed against EXO’s “Growl”). The song peaked at number one on several music charts, and it helped the group win awards at the year-end award shows. The MV sparked several dance covers and parodies that added to the fun of one of the year’s surprise hits. It, along with “Gangnam Style” and “I Got a Boy” are considered responsible for 2013’s Hallyu Wave power.
“Bboom Bboom” – Momoland (2018)
The track is considered a “sleeper hit” as it didn’t peak at number two on the music charts until two months after its initial release. For twelve weeks straight, it was nominated for the number one spot on Inkigayo, and it was the first girl group track to be certified platinum from the Gaon Music Chart.
“Bboom Bboom” proved to be a divisive song as K-Pop fans either loved it or hated it. Regardless, it was one of the biggest singles of 2018 and helped Momoland become one of the most talked about groups of the year.
“Be My Baby” – Wonder Girls (2011)
“Be My Baby” peaked at number one on the Korean music charts and even earned US airplay thanks to the English version featured on Wonder Girls’ American TV movie, The Wonder Girls, that aired on Nickelodeon. “Be My Baby’s” MV featured choreography by Jonte’ Moaning, the choreographer behind Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” The MV is reminiscent of Beyonce’s video thanks to the dance and black and white cinematography, but Wonder Girls managed to make the concepts their own.
“Black Swan” – Rainbow (2015)
“Black Song” was considered a flop in Korea, but it’s unclear as to why it flopped. The strong, memorable chorus made the song a standout, and the MV was a masterpiece all its own. The MV played on concepts from the film Black Swan all while touching on concepts of mental illness. “Black Swan” will always be an underappreciated art piece.
“Bloom” – Gain (2012)
Gain is a queen at pushing boundaries, and “Bloom” is one of the many instances where she crossed a line with the conservative crowd. Gain decided to go with an R-rated theme for the MV after being slammed with R-ratings with previous MVs.
“I felt that some of our previous MVs had received R-ratings for no apparently good reason. So for my recent MV, I decided to give them one,” Gain said in 2012. She added that her own mother suggested adding more explicit content to the MV, but we bet her mom wasn’t expecting scenes depicting sex and female masturbation, a first for a K-Pop MV! The track itself alludes to female sexuality and the female orgasm, so blessed be “Bloom” for going places others didn’t want to explore just yet in the K-Pop world and embracing female sexuality.
“Bonamana” – Super Junior (2010)
“Bonamana” marked Super Junior’s fastest rise to the top of the Music Bank charts when it was released, and it quickly became a top track in 2010. The funk-electronica/hip-hop track provided a different style for Super Junior, and the repetitive Afro-tom inspired beat caught many ears. Paired with highly stylized MV that featured strong lighting shifts and a dance inspired by moves made by speedskaters, “Bonamana” is one of Super Junior’s most recognizable tracks.
“Boombayah” – BLACKPINK (2016)
BLACKPINK’s debut song was a strong performer domestically and abroad. “Boombayah” performed well on the Korean charts, but it made an impact on the US music charts more as it peaked at number one on Billboard’s World Digital Chart. The highly anticipated debut single continues to earn views on YouTube and recognition for being one of the strongest girl group debuts in the debut.
“Boy with Luv” – BTS ft. Halsey (2019)
2019 was the year of BTS, and K-Pop fans and non-fans couldn’t escape “Boy with Luv” as it was literally everywhere. US radio stations had the song in heavy rotation, and sporting arenas blasted it as well. When you’re waiting in the pharmacy and the song comes on, it’s clear that BTS cemented themselves in music history, not just K-Pop history.
“Breath” – SM the Ballad (2014)
“Breath” is a unique song as it was released in three languages within a three-day period (February 10-12). The Korean version is performed by SNSD’s Taeyeon and the late Jonghyun (SHINee), while Chen (EXO) and Zhang Liyin perform the Chinese version, and Max Changmin (TVXQ) and Krystal (f(x)) perform the Japanese version. The Korean version charted in the top ten on the Korean music charts in February 2014.
“Breathe” – Lee Hi (2016)
When it was released in 2016, “Breathe” performed well on the Korean music charts, but it wasn’t until 2017 when Lee Hi’s hit song gained meaning following the passing of SHINee’s Jonghyun, the song’s writer. “Breathe” became synonymous with tributes that poured in for Jonghyun, making the track Lee Hi’s most meaningful one.
“Bubble Pop” – HyunA (2011)
Rich in innuendo, “Bubble Pop” was banned for being “sexually suggestive.” The fun, summery track is unassuming in its sexual tones, but when paired with the dance and MV, the innuendo slaps listeners in the face. It was one of the tracks that earned HyunA the title of queen of the sexy concept while still remaining a fun, lighthearted free spirit.
“Catch Me” – TVXQ (2012)
The chorus for “Catch Me” remains one of the most remember choruses in TVXQ’s discography. For some fans, the way the song’s chorus’ arranged, they have a hard time believing it’s just the remaining two members of the group performing it! The dance breaks and overall arrangement of the song keeps it exciting from beginning to end while maintaining that distinct SM Entertainment sound.
“Cheer Up” – Hong Jin Young (2014)
In 2014, “Cheer Up” became one of the most well-known Trot songs of the year and quite possibly the decade. The song’s hopeful message helped it become a well-known track for international audiences.
“Cheer Up” – TWICE (2016)
TWICE quickly became one of the “it” groups of the latter half of the decade, and songs like “Cheer Up” are the reason why. “Cheer Up,” which captures the flustered feelings of love, topped K-Pop charts and snagged music show wins. The MV also brought a lot of meme-worthy moments, especially with Sana’s “shy, shy, shy.”
“Cherry Blossom Ending” – Busker Busker (2012)
“Cherry Blossom Ending” was a surprise hit for Busker Busker. The track’s bouncy beat and folksy appeal resonated with many as the ideal song to usher in spring. Since 2012, the now-disbanded group’s song consistently appears on the Korean music charts as a perennial springtime hit that appeals to the masses.
“Crayon” – G-Dragon (2012)
The song, which is a play on “cray on” (crazy on) was another hit that crossed over into the international markets. The song included a lot of pop cultural references including Heath Ledger’s “why so serious?” line from The Dark Knight. Spin named “Crayon” the best K-Pop song of 2012, and it remained in the top ten on the Gaon Chart for two months.
“Crazy” – 4Minute (2015)
“Crazy” made quite the splash when it was released! The single reached number one on the Billboard World Album chart, and it peaked in the top five on Korean music charts. In 2017, “Crazy” reached 100 million YouTube views making 4Minute only the sixth Korean girl group to reach this milestone and the first girl group from a non-Big Three company to do so.
“Danger” – BTS (2014)
Back before their global group status, BTS were a bunch of fresh-faced kids serving up bops that didn’t have the pop cultural status they have now. “Danger” is one of those tracks that performed moderately well on the Korean charts, but it was one of three BTS tracks to appear on the US music charts. Looking back, “Danger” is just one of the few tracks that helped get BTS Fever started.
“Don’t Cry” – Park Bom (2011)
During her 2NE1 years, Park Bom was also on top of the world. She was a featured artist on many singles, but her second solo single, “Don’t Cry,” was a track that struck the right chord with many. “Don’t Cry” achieved a perfect-all kill in Korea. Domestically, it sold over 2.5 million copies. It was also her first track to sell in the US with over 10,000 copies sold.
“Don’t Hate Me” – EPIKHIGH (2012)
“Don’t Hate Me” was EPIKHIGH’s first release after joining YG Entertainment, and their first release following a three-year hiatus while Mithra and DJ Tukutz completed their required military service. “Don’t Hate Me” was the second release from the group’s 99 album following “It’s Cold,” which featured Lee Hi. However, “Don’t Hate Me” was the standout track as it polarized EPIKHIGH fans due to many liking the new sound and others hating the turn the group took toward what many felt was a more pop direction. Tablo stated the songs on the album were reflective of the music the group listened to growing up in the 1990s, so it was supposed to have an old-school feel. With that old-school feel, “Don’t Hate Me” had a solid chorus, but the MV is what enhanced the song’s iconic nature. Rich in pop culture references, the MV features adorable children creating havoc while dressing like Lady Gaga, G-Dragon, and Jigsaw among others.
“Dope” – BTS (2015)
While it didn’t perform as well as “I Need U” and “Run” in Korea, “Dope” experienced success in the US market. Even today, the instrumentals for “Dope” appear in television show promos and commercials in the United States, showing that a good beat will sell anything.
“Dr. Feel Good” – RaNia (2013)
Prior to the group being the hot-mess it is now thanks to DR Music’s horrible mismanagement, RaNia made waves as Korea’s “sexy” girl group thanks to the banned track “Dr. Feel Good.” Baby V.O.X’s third generation pushed the envelope with their leather-clad ensemble and provocative lyrics that struck a chord with some audiences suggesting that it was okay to be sexy. Unfortunately, it didn’t fit into a conservative society.
“Eyes, Nose, Lips” – Taeyang (2014)
Taeyang’s song was a viral hit in 2014. The song was covered by several Korean artists with perhaps Tablo putting the best spin on his cover release. Taeyang’s song was the second-best performing song of 2014 and was critically acclaimed not only domestically but abroad as well. The song sold 2.5 million copies and won several awards and music shows in 2014, and it remains as Taeyang’s top-selling track to date.
“Face” – Nu’est (2012)
“Face” was a strong debut for Nu’est, and it was named as one of 2012’s top songs. The lyrics resonated with many fans as it dealt with the topic of bullying and societal pressures, making it a rare topical song. The track remains as one of Nu’est’s most popular singles and a powerful song thanks to its timeless theme.
“Fake Love” – BTS (2018)
“Fake Love” was BTS’ first top-ten track on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart. It’s also the second-highest charting song by a Korean group in the US. “Fake Love” made its world television debut during 2018 Billboard Music Awards, making them the first Korean group to debut a new single performance on a US-based awards show. “Fake Love” was also the first introduction to BTS to many music fans who were unaware of BTS and K-Pop, so it’s marked as one of defining moments in BTS’ storied career.
“Fantastic Baby” – BIGBANG (2012)
If “Fantastic Baby” isn’t the first thing to come to mind after someone says “wow,” then you’re either lying or not a K-Pop fan. 2012 was, by far, BIGBANG’s biggest and most iconic year. Between “Blue,” “Monster,” and “Bad Boy” all being massive hits for the group, “Fantastic Baby” is the hit that defined their year. “Fantastic Baby” caused Rolling Stone to call BIGBANG one of the best groups of all time, and the song became one of the best-selling tracks all time in Asia, not just South Korea. The song spent over 100 weeks on Billboard’s World Digital Singles chart, and it was certified platinum in 2013. The track’s universal appeal remains today.
“Female President” – Girl’s Day (2013)
When it was released, “Female President” became a polarizing song for Girl’s Day. While it was praised for being “empowering” and even snagging the group their first music show wins, others felt the track didn’t live up to the “empowerment” hype and instead helped solidify that Korea is still a misogynist society due to the MV’s stylization that seemed to entice the male gaze. The lyrics call for women to go get what they want, but the MV does tend to confuse the meaning. To this day, “Female President” remains one of Girl’s Day’s most popular—and most talked about—songs.
“Fiction” – Beast (2011)
In 2011, “Fiction” was one of the biggest tracks of the year. The song is one of the reasons Beast snagged “Artist of the Year” at the Gaon Chart K-Pop Awards and “Song of the Year” at the KBS Music Festival and “Best Male Dance Performance” at the Mnet Asian Music Awards. The dance for “Fiction” is considered one of K-Pop’s most known and popular dances.
“Gangnam Style” – PSY (2013)
“Gangnam Style” is undeniably the top recognized track of the decade. With well over a billion views on YouTube, PSY’s hit song is the dictionary image of “Korean Wave” as it’s the song the crashed upon the world’s shores. What was meant as a fun summer song was the viral hit of the decade, and it was heard everywhere from baseball stadiums to the radio to several parodies online and on TV. The MV’s “horse dance” also became a viral act within itself. Thanks to PSY and “Gangnam Style,” the Korean Wave that began with 2NE1, BIGBANG, SNSD, and the Wonder Girls picked up steam to help it become the global phenomena it is today!
“Good Day” – IU (2010)
If you know IU, chances are you are familiar with “Good Day,” which is one of her biggest tracks to date. From 2010 to 2012, “Good Day” took home several awards for “Song of the Year,” “Record of the Year,” and “Best Female Solo.” To win awards two years after its release says a lot about the track that features IU’s strong vocals and an orchestra to separate it from other pop songs released that year.
“Hands Up” – 2PM (2011)
2PM’s “Hands Up” is a track that can be considered a party anthem for many. The upbeat music and memorable, simple chorus defined 2011 for 2PM. The song peaked at number one on the Gaon Charts.
“High High” GD & T.O.P (2010)
Peaking at number three on the Korean music charts, “High High” earned more praise from US fans and critics than it did in Korea. Rich in innuendo, “High High” is a Pop-Rap/Electropop song that samples from Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s “La Di Da Di.” In the US, Spin, Stereogum, and Billboard consider the track one of the greatest K-Pop songs of all time.
“I Am the Best” – 2NE1 (2011)
“I Am the Best” is one of those rare songs that got more popular as it got older. At the time of its release, the song peaked at number one on both the Gaon Chart and the Billboard US World Digital Songs chart. However, in the late 2010s, its appearance in mainstream US media enhanced the song’s cultural impact as Microsoft used it for their Surface Pro 3 ads and featured in So You Think You Can Dance when it was performed by Jenna Johnson and Mark Kanemura, and in the “Board Games” episode of South Park. CL also helped close out the PyeongChang Olympics by performing the song in front of a global audience.
“I Got a Boy” – Girls’ Generation (2013)
“I Got a Boy” is as iconic as it is infamous given it’s tempo and sound changes throughout the song and the lyrics that have also been mocked for the many misheard moments (“I got a boy on my chin, I got a boy chicken”). The song’s composition was considered a game-changer at the time and even drew comparisons to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” for its various structural changes. In the US, it was the fourth best-selling song of 2013 behind PSY’s “Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman” and BIGBANG’s “Fantastic Baby.”
“Kill This Love” – BLACKPINK (2019)
“Kill This Love” appeared on 27 music charts globally showing that “Kill This Love” had immense popularity when it was release. The song broke YouTube’s record for the most views in a 24-period when it was released, and it became the best-charting song by a South Korean girl group in the United States at the time. The track was identified as one of the year’s best breakup anthems as well.
“Psycho” – Red Velvet (2019)
Red Velvet wrapped up the decade with a bang with “Psycho.” With its release, Red Velvet became the only girl group in history to peak at number one three times on US album charts, surpassing Destiny’s Child and The Pussycat Dolls in doing so. The song also marked the first time in 2019 that a girl group received a Perfect All-Kill on Korean music charts, and it became SM Entertainment’s fastest track to 50 million views on YouTube, doing so in 19 days, 15 hours, and 32 minutes. In January 2020, rumors also began circulating that the song will also be featured in the film Birds of Prey. “Psycho” earns praise for reigning in two decades.
“Last Romeo” – Infinite (2014)
This retro Synth-Rock track marked a strong comeback for Infinite back in 2014. “Last Romeo” presented the group in a more mature light and gave them a more mature sound while remaining uniquely Infinite. Infinite songs are always recognizable thanks to the use of synth, and “Last Romeo” is one of their essential tracks.
“Like Ooh Ahh” – TWICE (2015)
TWICE came roaring into the K-Pop scene when “Like Ooh Ahh” dropped October 2015. The track not only shot up the charts and peaked at number ten on the Korean side, it peaked at number six on Billboard’s World Digital Songs chart in the US. The MV provided insights into the group’s personality and quirkiness in a fun, humorous, and colorful way. It’s one of three TWICE songs to earn well over 100 million views on YouTube, and it’s the song that kicked off TWICE’s already successful career.
“Loser” – BIGBANG (2015)
“Loser” was the Gaon Chart’s second-best performing song of the year in 2015. The song showcased a more mature sound for BIGBANG and covered themes of fear, self-doubt, and unhappiness. The track is one that resonates with many fans due to its theming, which is why it was named one of the best songs of the year by Fuse. Thanks to “Loser,” BIGBANG became the group with the most triple crown wins on Inkigayo, a record previously held by g.o.d. It also won “Song of the Year” at the Golden Disk Awards.
“Love is Energy” – Chi Chi (2012)
Unfortunately, Chi Chi was one of those girl groups that have a few bops (*cough* “Longer” *cough*) in their discography, but they disbanded quietly without getting much of a chance. However, “Love is Energy” was one of their gifts to the K-Pop world as it is the song and MV that gave birth to the iconic “hand blender” dance that appears in K-Pop dances still to this day. Tzuyu does it in TWICE’s “Heart Shaker” MV!
“Love Scenario” – iKON (2018)
B.I said “Love Scenario” was inspired by the last ten minutes of the film La La Land” in an interview. The song became one of 2018’s biggest hits, scoring several awards during awards season. The catchy, simplistic tune was also popular with young children, so much so that some Korean elementary schools banned the song due to inappropriate lyrics and children’s addiction to it. In 2018, it was also one of the top karaoke songs in Korea.
“Love Song” – RAIN (2010)
For “Love Song,” it’s difficult to tell which is more iconic: The song or the intense use of body rolls throughout the MV. The song itself oozed sexuality, but the MV quenched a lot of people’s thirsts. But then there’s that weird moment of trying to catch some sleep while someone sings over you and dry-humping the air that makes things a little awkward…
“Loveya” – SS501 (2010)
“Loveya” was SS501’s last song before their contracts expired with DSP Entertainment. The song was promoted a short period due to the contract expirations, but it performed well and took home a Music Bank win. The memorable chorus, use of violins, and overall arrangement makes “Loveya” one of K-Pop’s timeless classics. Even today, the song stands strong as a track that should be essential on any K-Pop lover’s music list because it hasn’t aged. “Loveya” is a throwback to one of K-Pop’s best eras.
“Lovey Dovey” T-ara (2012)
T-ara were the retro queens in the early 2010s. Inspired by the US and European club scenes, “Lovey Dovey” provides a late-era disco sound. “Lovey Dovey” was T-ara’s third consecutive number one track and became one of the year’s best-selling songs with over 3.7 million copies sold. The song also had a popular dance that became a viral sensation that inspired several YouTube covers. SPEED also their own version of the song called “Lovey-Dovey Plus.”
“Lucifer” – SHINee (2010)
The Lucifer mini album was the sixth best-selling album of 2010. The song itself was also a chart-topper and spent 57 weeks on the US Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales chart. The song, which was written by Bebe Rexha and Yoo Young-Jin, took home four music show wins during its run. “Lucifer” is one of SHINee’s essential classics, and even in the late 2010s, it remained a pop cultural icon. In 2018, the song was even featured in the American TV show Lucifer in 2018!
“Madly” – FTIsland (2013)
“Madly” became a radio hit when it was released. The song’s haunting melodies and chorus helped the song become one that was popular with international FTIsland fans. For months after its release, it played in heavy rotation on Arirang Radio.
“Mama” – EXO (2012)
“Mama” was hailed as one of the most memorable debuts for a group. The opening set the tone well, even though it is often mocked for some of the awkward English moments, but it helped to build excitement for EXO’s concept. The MV’s powerful dance sequences and the song’s overall arrangement set the tone for EXO’s eventual success.
“Mamma Mia” – KARA (2014)
Promoted simultaneously in Korea and Japan, “Mamma Mia” was KARA’s eleventh single. The single marked the first time Youngji performed with the group following Nicole and Jiyoung’s departure. “Mamma Mia” showcased KARA’s unique vibe while showing how they grew as a group.
“Marionette” – Stellar (2014)
“Marionette” was a controversial release for Stellar, but it helped them garner attention. The MV featured heavy sexual innuendo, and as it turns out, the girls didn’t expect to be present. Gayoung said the group was pressured into their sexy concept starting with this track’s MV, and it marked one of the many times in recent years that artists spoke out against the dark side of the K-Pop industry. While controversial, “Marrionette” was Stellar’s best-selling single and shed light on manipulation and emotional abuse.
“Mr. Mr.” – Girls’ Generation (2014)
Billboard named “Mr. Mr.” one of the best tracks of 2014, and even Time Magazine recognized it as one of the best songs of the year. “Mr. Mr.” features a retro electropop sound that was praised by critics and K-Pop fans alike. The song also caused controversy with male K-Pop group Mr. Mr. as they blamed it for why they weren’t showing on search engines. The group also released a “Mr. Mr.” diss track, and it was confirmed by the agency that the song was a diss song, but it was an intended diss toward SM Entertainment. When you release a song that receives hate from another group, you definitely reached icon status.
“Mr. Simple” – Super Junior (2011)
In Japan, “Mr. Simple” was the 85th best selling single of 2011 and was certified gold by RIAJ, thus showing off the track’s international popularity. “Mr. Simple” was one of top tracks of 2011 when it took home several music show wins and swept the award shows for which it was nominated.
“Nu Abo” – f(x) (2010)
f(x) released the catchy “Nu Abo” May 4, 2010. The song showed off f(x)’s unique style, sound, and color and quickly shot up the charts to peak at number one on the Gaon chart. The song sold over 2.2 million copies and kicked off f(x)’s best selling era that occurred between 2010 to 2012.
“One of a Kind” – G-Dragon (2012)
Considered one of the most influential Hop-Hop tracks of 2012, G-Dragon’s “One of a Kind” earned a strong amount of praise. Billboard named it one of the best K-Pop songs of 2012, while Daum named it one of the top five singles of the year. “One of a Kind” earned G-Dragon plenty of international buzz and was hailed as one of the top songs and MVs by Fuse. However, the MV did come with some controversy as some suggested that it had racist tones by featuring children of color in t-shirts that looked like chains.
“One Shot” – B.A.P (2013)
“One Shot” was one of B.A.P’s most popular tracks along with its B-side “Rain Sound.” The track peak at number one on the Billboard World Music Chart and peaked at number one on Hip-Hop charts in New Zealand, the US, and Canada. “One Shot” sold nearly 30 million copies when it was released. It’s one of B.A.P’s essential tracks.
“Pandora” – KARA (2012)
Upon its release, “Pandora” peaked at number two on the Gaon charts, and this was despite KBS leaking the song prior to its release. “Pandora” showed a more mature side to KARA due to enhanced vocals and a stronger sound. The song didn’t come without controversy as KBS deemed the choreography as “suggestive,” so changes needed to be made in order to make it “public-friendly.”
“Party (XXO) – GLAM (2013)
While “Party (XXO)” is not a well-known track in the K-Pop World as a whole, the LGBTQA+ community adopted it as an iconic song due to the girls singing to a girl (“Can I kiss you, baby girl?”) and the video’s theme of universal love. The track was hailed as being “gay-friendly,” and Fuse named it as one of the “Top 20 Proud Moments of 2013.”
“Red Flavor” – Red Velvet (2017)
Billboard named “Red Flavor” as the number two K-Pop song of the 2010s, and its easy to hear why. “Red Flavor” is an effervescent summer track that embodies everything pop music is about served up in a colorful, quirky package. The song is Red Velvet’s fifth multi-million seller, and it was their first song to chart on multiple global music charts indicating its massive appeal and popularity.
“Roly Poly” – T-ara (2011)
In 2011, “Roly Poly” was the top-grossing track ($2 million USD) of the year, and it was also the most-downloaded song (over 4 million downloads) of the year despite failing to reach number one on the music charts! The disco sound was made fresh by T-ara’s unique vocals and personalities, and it’s marked as one of the songs that started the trend of K-Pop music borrowing sounds from other decades to create fresh music.
“Severely” FTIsland (2012)
The Triple-Crown winning “Severely” earned plenty of praise from critics and fans alike. With 2.2 million downloads, it was the 24th most downloaded song in Korea in 2012. The most memorable part of the song is the MV that features Hongki receiving a chance to save his dead girlfriend. The MV played out like a K-drama which helped it become a much-loved video in 2012.
“Shadow” – Beast (2013)
“Shadow” is an art piece when the song and MV are combined. The track is well put-together, but the MV is the icing on the cake and an example of a dark concept done right. It didn’t need gore to sell itself, but the artistic nuances, cinematography, and dystopian feel enhances every part of the song beautifully. “Shadow” is one of the many indicators that 2013 was the “fine wine” of the K-Pop decade.
“Sixth Sense” – Brown Eyed Girls (2011)
In 2011, Brown Eyed Girls proved they were still the queens of the sexy concept while maintaining their empowering voices. The song was a rallying cry for freedom of expression, and it became a controversial track as it was felt the group was promoting anarchy!
“Something” – Girl’s Day (2014)
Next to “Expect,” “Something” is arguably one of Girl’s Day’s biggest hits. Not only did it rank ninth at the year-end charts, it snagged awards for best dance at the year-end awards and brought home five music show wins. The song marked a turning point for the group as they had a string of hits following its release. The dance also spawned several dance covers by idols and fans alike, and it still remains a popular track to this day.
“Step” – KARA (2011)
“Step” is one of the reasons many fell in love with KARA, and it remains one of their essential tracks. Listening to the song triggers a lot of good memories of the early decade as it was one of the defining songs. Spin identifies “Step” as the 14th greatest K-Pop song of all-time.
“The Boys” – Girls’ Generation (2011)
In 2011, “The Boys” charmed audiences globally. With “The Boys,” SNSD made their American television debut on The David Letterman Show and Live with Kelly and Michael. The song is one of the tracks that is noted as being one that helped start the Hallyu Wave prior to “Gangnam Style” Fever, and it’s still considered one of the best K-Pop releases of all-time by music critics. “The Boys” also scored SNSD their first M! Countdown win since 2008, which is surprising considering SNSD’s popularity.
“The Chaser” – Infinite (2012)
“The Chaser” is one Infinite’s 1980s throwback tracks that attracted a diverse audience and really cemented their position amongst some of K-Pop’s top groups of the early decade. The song featured their signature dance precision, and it was one that helped set Infinite apart from other male groups at the time due to its retro styling. Billboard named “The Chaser” the number one K-Pop song of 2012.
“Touch My Body” – Sistar (2014)
The Queens of Summer had another summer hit with “Touch My Body.” The song and corresponding EP, Touch N Move, performed well on the charts, but the viral “butt dance” (not to be confused with KARA’s butt dance from “Mister”) is what garnered the most attention. The song was also featured on Family Guy in season 14.
“Trouble Maker” – Trouble Maker (2011)
Troublemaker, which was a duo consisting of HyunA and Hyunseong, made quite the splash in 2011! Censors in Korea had a field day with this song as the dance and lyrics were considered too controversial, and several modifications had to be made in order to make the song mildly passable for broadcast. During the Mnet Music Awards in 2011 and 2012, the performance was heavily criticized for its sexual dance moves that involved Hyunseong grabbing HyunA’s backside and HyunA rubbing and grinding Hyunseong’s crotch in 2012, which didn’t seem to go over well according to the faces of unamused fellow idols, and in 2011, the kiss was a whole other world of controversy (Cube Entertainment stated it was a kiss on the cheek, not the lips). It’s safe to say “Trouble Maker” lives in infamy.
“Up & Down” – EXID (2014)
“Up & Down” was EXID’s sleeper hit thanks to Hani’s viral fancam video. The song initially wasn’t a hit, but then it gained traction in January 2015—three months after its release— when it hit number one on the Korean music charts. The song’s proof that success can happen even if its later than expected.
“Venus” – Shinhwa (2012)
“Venus” marked Shinhwa’s return to the music industry after a four-year hiatus. The electro-pop song debuted at number one when it was released on several real-time music charts. The MV for “Venus” cost over $170 thousand USD to produce and featured six sets. The track is iconic because it proved that first generation idols can still hang with the new generation. “Venus” took home a music show win on M! Countdown.
“Voodoo Doll” – VIXX (2013)
VIXX have been dubbed the kings of the dark concept, and “Voodoo Doll” is one of their darkest tracks and MVs. The gory MV had to be tweaked a little in order to air, but even with the changes, it’s still a gruesome horror MV that still may push the boundaries of decency for some fans. However, “Voodoo Doll” is one of the tracks that set VIXX apart from the crowd.
“Wake Me Up” – B.A.P (2018)
B.A.P were never afraid to address social issues, and “Wake Me Up” took on mental illness and race and cultural stereotypes head-on with a beautifully shot MV and timely lyrics that many connected with when the track was released. While it didn’t have the commercial success it should have had, “Wake Me Up” is the cult hit that came out during a time when issues with societal and cultural relations and mental health awareness were coming to head.
“Warrior” – B.A.P (2012)
“Warrior” has often been identified as one of the best K-Pop debuts of all time, and it was a debut that caught the ears and eyes of many as the then-blonde sextuplet shook the world with their power. B.A.P debuted at the same time as EXO, and they were worthy competitors on the K-Pop scene despite being from a smaller company. “Warrior” and B.A.P quickly gained fans and popularity, and each of B.A.P’s subsequent releases helped the group gain more traction. Then the 2014 lawsuit occurred and B.A.P’s popularity waned in part of the long hiatus and the allure of new groups in a similar style. While fans are left wondering about what could have been, “Warrior” will always remain a song that resonates with many.
“Without You” – Lee Michelle (2014)
Lee Michelle’s debut single is iconic due to its coverage of bullying and being from a mixed-race background. It’s the first MV of its kind to show the hurt someone experiences from being “different” in a homogenous society. Today, however, where race relations are fractured at best, “Without You” serves as the “look at me” anthem that hopes to welcome love and acceptance toward those who are marginalized.
“Wolf” – EXO (2013)
As another track that fans either loved or hated, “Wolf” is a symbol of how a group’s popularity and appeal can turn a track with odd lyrics into a hit. The MV features the now iconic “tree of life” pose and powerful dancing, but to this day, the lyrics are questionable. The song was a hit, though, but it’s one of those that’s still talked about for its weirdness and is lowkey a song most people like but won’t dare admit it.
“You are My Spring” – Sung Sikyung (2010)
From the K-drama Secret Garden, “You are My Spring” is a warm ballad that captures the emotions of the show. The soundtrack from the show captured a lot of fans’ hearts, and “You are My Spring” is one that still brings listeners in years later.
What songs would you identify as the most important or iconic? Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!
—-Olivia Murray
Hooray! The winners list is ready! Thank you to everyone who voted. This year, our voters hailed from the U.S, Thailand, South Korea, Canada, and Malaysia, so your efforts are definitely appreciated. THANK YOU! Breakdown of the the video: The top-three vote getters in each category are featured. In the upper right corner are the vote percentages each of the top-three received. There were a lot of surprises this year! Some races were really close, while one category had a clear runaway winner. Some categories were so close that some of the artists played leap-frog until last-minute votes pushed some of them over the finish line into victory lane. It was a fun year this year! We hope you enjoy the finished product based on your votes. Note: December’s top 30 video will be replaced with the Top 100 of 2019 Roundup. Stay tuned! Kcrush does not profit off our videos. All video clips are under 30 seconds and used to promote the artists. Fair Use is applicable.
#BTS #BangYongguk #Dreamcatcher #GIdle #MonstaX #NCT127 #Got7 #KNK #3ye #BVNDT #EXO #Lay #Chen #Yoonmirae #Heize #Kpopawards #Kpop #Chungha #Taemin #SuperM #Zelo #Daehyun #SoRi #AKMU #LadiesCode #BewhY #YG #SM #JYP #ParkBom #ZGirls #Wengie #Alexa #KangDaniel #Zico #Shaun #ATEEZ #Oneus #ITZY #Somi #TWICE #CLC
Rookie idol group 1Team will be heading to America for their first-ever tour!
On January 14, 2020, Liveworks Company announced that the male group will bring their Hello! Just One tour to five cities in the United States this March.
|
March 6, 2020 |
Chicago, Illinois |
Avondale Music Hall |
|
|
March 8, 2020 |
New York, New York |
Music Hall of Williamsburg |
|
|
March 10, 2020 |
Atlanta, Georgia |
Masquerade Hell |
|
|
March 13, 2020 |
Dallas, Texas |
South Side Music Hall |
|
|
March 15, 2020 |
Los Angeles, California |
Teragram Ballroom |
The tour is possible thanks to Studio Pav and My Music Taste. Fans of the group voted to have 1Team tour the U.S via My Music Taste, so Team One, you better show up to support your group!
—-Olivia Murray
In three separate announcements, three groups will be down a member each in order to work on their mental health.
On January 8, 2020, Blockberry Creative stated LOOΠΔ’s HaSeul will not be with the group when they promote their # comeback. Blockberry Creative stated that HaSeul’s anxiety disorder started months ago and that she tried to meet with fans despite her struggles.
“According to the doctor’s diagnosis, HaSeul is currently suffering from repetitive anxiety disorder and must receive rest as well as focused treatment in order to recover fully,” the company said. “Back on December 14, HaSeul chose to stand on stage during Premier Greeting – Meet & Up due to her strong will to meet with the fans, but as her anxiety disorder conditions continue to persist, we have come to the decision that it would be best for her to focus on treatments instead of taking part in her schedules.”
Blockberry Creative added, “It will take some time for HaSeul to fully recover, and so we have decided that she will not participate in the group’s # comeback promotions. We ensure that this decision was reached after a lengthy discussion with HaSeul as well as her parents.”
The company added that LOOΠΔ will promote as 11 members until HaSeul feels ready to return.
Then, on January 11, 2020, Starship Entertainment announced that Jooheon, who is also known as Joohoney, will go on hiatus to work on getting his anxiety under control. The company posted the announcement of Jooheon’s leave on Twitter in a statement that is written in Korean and English.
[#MONSTA_X]
몬스타엑스 주헌 관련 안내드립니다. pic.twitter.com/8BzC2jmo9l— 몬스타엑스_MONSTA X (@OfficialMonstaX) January 12, 2020
“Joohoney recently visited multiple professional medical institutions for accurate diagnosis regarding anxiety symptoms,” Starship Entertainment said. “The results of the examination showed that due to anxiety symptoms, sufficient rest and stability are essential for him to make a full recovery. We have had a thorough discussion with Joohoney and Monsta X members and have decided to take continuous treatment and stability which focus on the restoration of Joohoney.”
Since Jooheon’s health comes first, it’s unclear when he will return. Starship stated Jooheon’s return will “be based on his recovery status and professional opinions, which will also be conducted through careful consultation with Joohoney and the members.”
Then, on January 13, 2020, WM Entertainment announced that Oh My Girl’s Jiho will also sit out promotions to seek help for her anxiety. WM Entertainment announced Jiho’s upcoming absence in a statement.
This is WM Entertainment.
We would like to share unfortunate news about Oh My Girl.
Since the second half of last year, Oh My Girl’s Jiho has been visiting the hospital for treatment due to frequent deterioration in health and anxiety symptoms.
However, Jiho’s anxiety symptoms have gotten worse recently, and she will not be able to participate in Oh My Girl promotions for the time being.
In order to prioritize Jiho’s health, we decided that she should take a break for the time being.
We will do our best to pay attention to Jiho’s condition and recovery, so that her absence from the group will not be long.
We ask that you continue to show Oh My Girl your warm love and support in the future.
Thank you.
Many fans are happy that companies are starting to take their artists’ mental health seriously. We hope HaSeul, Jooheon, and Jiho receive the help they need while taking all the time they need to feel well.
—-Olivia Murray
Following yet another successful world tour, Monsta X will be coming back to North America in 2020!
The North American leg of the group’s world tour won’t be until June and July, but cities have already been announced. Tickets will also go on sale January 17.
Will Monsta X be heading to a city near you this year?
|
Tuesday June 2, 2020 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Armory – 7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday June 5, 2020 |
Detroit, Michigan |
Fox Theatre – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Sunday June 7, 2020 |
Washington D.C (Fairfax, Virginia) |
EagleBank Arena – 7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday June 10, 2020 |
Newark, New Jersey |
Prudential Center -7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday June 12, 2020 |
Boston, Massachusetts |
Agganis Arena -8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Sunday June 14, 2020 |
Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
Scotia Arena – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Tuesday June 16, 2020 |
Chicago, Illinois |
United Center – 7:30PM local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday June 19, 2020 |
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
Borgata Event Center – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Monday June 22, 2020 |
Atlanta, Georgia |
Infinite Energy Arena – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday June 24, 2020 |
Sunrise, Florida |
BB&T Center – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Saturday June 27, 2020 |
Fort Worth, Texas |
Dickies Arena – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Monday June 29, 2020 |
Denver, Colorado |
Pepsi Center – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday July 1, 2020 |
Seattle, Washington |
Showare Center – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Friday July 3, 2020 |
Vancouver, BC, Canada |
UBC-Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Monday July 6, 2020 |
San Jose, California |
SAP Center at San Jose – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Wednesday July 8, 2020 |
Phoenix, Arizona |
Arizona Federal Theatre – 7:30pm local time |
3PM local time |
|
Saturday July 11, 2020 |
Los Angeles, California (Inglewood) |
The Forum – 8:00pm local time |
3PM local time |
—-Olivia Murray
Another Korean celebrity has come out as a member of the LGBTQA+ community!
On January 11, 2020, Wa$$up’s (2013-2019) Jiae posted a message on her Instagram story that stated she loves both men and women, along with a message stating “I have a lovely girlfriend so..! happy.” On January 12, she followed up her message with a “love is love” post.
Jiae’s announcement means she joins a growing list of Korean celebrities proudly announcing their LGBTQA+ status, giving a little hope to the community in Korea. Back in August, Idol School contestant Som Hein came out via Instagram as well.
Here’s to new beginnings and acceptance into the new year!
Photo Cr. DKPopNews
—-Olivia Murray
EXO-L received some shocking but happy news on January 13, 2020 when EXO’s Chen announced he and his non-celebrity girlfriend will be getting married soon. This news was layered with news that he will soon be a father!
“It is true that Chen’s bride-to-be is pregnant,” an SM source stated.
SM Entertainment also confirmed the marriage news in their own statement.
Hello. This is SM Entertainment.
Chen has met someone precious to him and will be getting married. The bride is a non-celebrity, and the wedding will be held privately with only their families in attendance.
To respect their families’ opinions, the wedding and everything related to it will be held privately, so we ask fans and reporters for their kind understanding.
Chen will continue to work hard as an artist.
We ask you to send Chen lots of blessings and messages of celebration.
Thank you.
Chen shared the news in a handwritten message.
Hello, this is Chen.
I am writing this because I have something to tell our fans. I don’t know how to start this, and I’m very nervous. Although these words are not enough, I’m writing this letter because I want to honestly tell our fans, who gave us so much love, first.
I have a girlfriend I want to spend the rest of my life with. I was worried and concerned about the situations that would arise as a result of this decision, but I had been discussing with the agency and our members because I wanted to announce the news at least a little bit earlier so I wouldn’t surprise you with the sudden news.
Then, a blessing came my way. I am also taken aback, as I cannot do what I had planned with the agency and members, but this blessing has given me more strength.
I couldn’t lose any more time thinking about when or how I should announce this, so I mustered up my courage.
I’m really thankful to my members for genuinely congratulating me after hearing this news, and I deeply thank our fans for sending me so much undeserving love.
I will never forget this feeling of gratitude, do my best in my place without changing, and return the love you have given me.
Thank you always.
While rumors circulated online, SM Entertainment denied that Chen already married his bride-to-be and that his fiancée is seven-months pregnant. Chen nor the company revealed the pregnancy stage.
We extend congratulations to Chen and his soon-to-be bride!
—-Olivia Murray
Following Awkwafina’s historic win for “Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy, or Musical” category, another historical win occurred!
Bong Joon Ho’s global hit film, Parasite, became the first Korean film to win the “Best Foreign Language Film” award during the 2020 Golden Globe Awards. The film topped France’s Les Misérables, the United States’ The Farewell, Spain’s Pain and Glory, and France’s Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
“The film was released in October in the United States with box office results,” Bong said after winning the award. “I was surprised but thought it was inevitable.”
Parasite, which is a dark comedy about a poor household that hatches a scheme to become employees of a wealthier family by pretending to be highly qualified for the tasks.
“This film is about the rich and poor and about capitalism — and the U.S. is the heart of capitalism. I thought it was a natural response,” Bong said. “While parasite has a very political and social message, it is such a familiar and universal story thanks to the incredible charm these actors have.”
The film was a Box Office hit in the United States and abroad, and it was a hit during the Cannes Film Festival. Parasite also became 2019’s best reviewed film of the year.
Parasite also earned nominations for “Best Screenplay” and “Best Director” during the 77th annual awards show but lost to Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Sam Mendes’ 1917, respectively.
Congratulations to Boon Joon Ho and Parasite for making history!
—-Olivia Murray
Celebs, like anyone else, are not immune to illnesses and disabilities. For this article, you will find a list of some of the Korean celebrities who have illnesses of different forms. I decided not to add the ones who have not publicly declared their illnesses. Some of the listed here have lifelong conditions that need to be treated for life.
Meniere’s disease
Han Ji-min
Yoo Ji-tae
Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that is characterized by vertigo – ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and various other hearing disabilities. Usually, only one ear is affected but over time both ears may become affected. Episodes can vary, and may last from 20 minutes to several hours. The hearing loss and ringing in the ears can become constant over time.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Lee Seung-hwan
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common causes of vertigo, a disorder arising from a problem in the inner ear. Symptoms are repeated, periods of vertigo with movement of a spinning sensation upon changes in the position of the head. Each episode of vertigo typically lasts less than one minute. Nausea is commonly associated.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Kim Jung-eun
Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a form of contact dermatitis that is an allergic response caused by contact with a substance; the other type being irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).
The first sign of allergic contact dermatitis is the presence of the rash or skin lesion at the site of exposure. Depending on the type of allergen causing it, the rash can ooze, drain or crust and it can become raw, scaled or thickened. It is also possible that the skin lesion does not take the form of a rash but it may include blisters, vesicles or redness.
Sepsis
Bae Yong-joon
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that arises when the body’s response to infection causes injury to its own tissues and organs. Severe sepsis is caused by poor organ function or insufficient blood flow. Common symptoms include fever, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and confusion. There may be symptoms related to a specific infection, such as a cough with pneumonia, or painful urination with a kidney infection.
Crohn’s disease
Yoon Jong-shin
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which causes inflammation of your digestive tract that can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can involve different areas of the digestive tract in people. The inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease often spreads deeply into the affected bowel tissue. Crohn’s disease can be painful and may lead to life-threatening complications.
Hemolytic anemia
Kim Hee-sun
Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. The destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Hemolytic anemia will require regular blood transfusion.
Claustrophobia
Rain – Jung Ji-hoon
Claustrophobia (noun) is the fear of confined spaces that can be triggered by many situations or stimuli, like elevators crowded to capacity, windowless rooms, and hotel rooms with closed doors and sealed windows, bedrooms with a lock on the outside, small cars, and tight-necked clothing can induce a response in those with claustrophobia. It is typically classified as an anxiety disorder, which often results in panic attacks.
Myelitis
Tiger JK – Seo Jung-kwon
Myelitis is inflammation of the spinal cord which can disrupt the normal responses from the brain to the rest of the body, then to the brain. Inflammation in the spinal cord, can cause the myelin and axon to be damaged resulting in symptoms like paralysis and sensory loss.
Anemia
Krystal Jung
Anemia is a condition in which you lack healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to your body’s tissues. Having anemia can make you feel restless and out of energy. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can be temporary or long term, ranging from mild to severe.
–J. Chung.
If you watch award shows, you may have caught the 2020 Golden Globes January 5, 2020. If you did, history was made in the “Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical” category!
Actress and rapper Awkwafina (Nora Lum) won the Golden Globe in the category for her portrayal of Billi Wang in the film The Farewell. The Farewell, which is directed by Lulu Wang, is about a Chinese-American family that chooses to keep a terminal diagnosis from Billi’s grandmother, Nai Nai, who is based in China.
“I’d like to dedicate this to my dad, Wally. I told you I’d get a job, Dad,” Awkwafina said during her acceptance speech. “To my grandma, my best friend, the woman who raised me. And to my mother, Tia, who I always hope is watching from somewhere above, and I hope that she’s watching now.”
Awkwafina is the first woman of Asian descent to win the award in this category; she’s also the second woman of Asian descent to be nominated in this category. In 2019, Constance Wu, who starred in Crazy Rich Asians with Awkwafina, was nominated for the award but ultimately lost to Olivia Coleman for her role in The Favourite.
This year’s nominees in the “Best Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Musical” category included Ana de Armas (Knives Out), Cate Blanchett (Where’d You Go, Bernadette), Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), and Emma Thompson (Late Night).
Awkwafina’s win puts her in great company with other actors and actresses of Asian descent to win at the Golden Globes:
- Sandra Oh: In 2019, Oh won the award for “Lead Actress in a TV Series” for her role on Killing Eve. Oh became the first actress of Asian descent to win multiple Golden Globes. In 2006, Oh won the “Best Supporting Actress in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture for TV” award for her role as Cristina Yang on Grey’s Anatomy. She has also earned five Emmy nominations for the same role.
- Yoko Shimada: In 1981, Shimada, who is of Japanese descent, won the “Lead Actress in a TV Series” award for her role in Shogun.
- Ben Kingsley: Kingsley, who is British-Indian, won two Golden Globes in 1983 for his role in Gandhi. He scored the awards for “Best New Actor” and “Best Lead Actor in a Drama.”
- Haing S. Ngor: Ngor, who is Cambodian, won the “Best Supporting Actor” role for The Killing Fields.
- Aziz Ansari: The Indian-American actor won the “Best Lead Actor in a Comedy or Musical” award in 2018 for his work in Master of None.
Awkwafina’s selection is another step in the right direction for Hollywood and awards shows that often do not celebrate the talents of minority actors, actresses, musicians, and directors. Her historic win and her inclusion in a small number of other talents of Asian descent will hopefully inspire other Asians and minorities to dream big.
Congratulations, Awkwafina!
You can catch Awkwafina in the upcoming Comedy Central series, Nora from Queens, starting January 22.
—-Olivia Murray
2019 is finally gone, and if it was as bad for everyone as it was for some of us, perhaps it’s a blessing! But, the year did gift us with some decent songs. Here is our list of the top 100 songs from 2019. We didn’t rank the songs this year because that’s too hard and tastes are subjective, but we placed them in alphabetical order. We hope you enjoy our selections!
If you have Spotify, you can also check out the complete playlist!
—-Olivia Murray
2019 hasn’t been a kind year for JYP Entertainment’s super girl-group TWICE. With Momo being wrapped up in dating rumors and Mina halting activities to deal with an anxiety disorder, the girls have not had it easy. In addition to Momo and Mina dealing with their own struggles, Nayeon has been dealing with a scary situation involving a German “fan” allegedly stalking her.
Between September and October, a German “fan”* of TWICE started posting online that he was trying to find Nayeon to talk to her. At first, people found this person’s posts as harmless, but recently, his actions have become alarming as he continues to post erratically regarding his plans to find her. Since December, he’s been in Korea, and he’s even managed to “run into” other TWICE members in his pursuit of reaching Nayeon.
While in Korea, the man visited placed Nayeon has been known to visit in hopes of finding out more about her and her family, and he’s even passed out messages to shopkeepers asking them to deliver his message to her. Some ONCEs managed to get the man to identify his plans online including how he plans to wait outside J.Y. Park’s home in hopes of reaching Nayeon. He also revealed that he won’t stop pursuing Nayeon until she “gets to know him properly” while hoping she will fall in love with him, marry him, run off to Australia, and have children with him.
TWICE and Nayeon have been under police protection, but the man has not stopped his pursuit and still tries to interact with the K-Pop star on vLive and various other means.
“We have informed you that we are now under investigation for the production and distribution of malicious rumors. As soon as the final ruling comes out, we will also tell you that we are preparing to proceed with a civil action against those who will be charged,” JYP Entertainment said. “I repeat that we will continue to take all possible stern measures without any prior cause.”
However, police protection has not prevented the situation from escalating.
On December 31, 2019, TWICE were on a flight from Japan to Korea. An alarming Instagram story appeared on TWICE’s account with the message “Please go home. Please stop. I beg you.” Fans that managed to catch the video prior to deletion said the voices featured in the video sounded distressed, and fans scrambled to figure out what was going on that such a message was posted and quickly deleted.
Fans soon got confirmation of what was happening when Nayeon’s stalker posted on Twitter that he was “attacked” by TWICE’s managers on the flight while he attempted to give Nayeon love letters. JYP Entertainment also confirmed the man was on the flight in their own statement.
Hello this is JYP Entertainment.
Today [December 31] when boarding a return flight from Japan to Korea, a stalker of TWICE member Nayeon attempted to approach her numerous times after boarding. We were able to respond to the situation right away, and [Nayeon] wasn’t harmed, but she is currently quite discomfited and anxious.
Due to the incident, Nayeon is currently under police protection. We warned the stalker several times to halt his actions, but he ignored our warnings and attempted to force his way through and raised his voice, escalating the situation with problematic behavior.
As a result, we will be taking the highest level of legal action available to us against [the stalker].
Furthermore, we are also investigating the illegal dissemination of our artists’ flight schedules and information. Especially after this recent disturbance, we are searching for a way to put an end to such activity as soon as possible.
We sincerely apologize to the other passengers on this flight for the disturbance caused by this incident. We will ensure that such an issue doesn’t happen again.
Thank you.
Following the flight, it’s unclear if any legal actions were taken against the man following Nayeon. However, given how he continues to post on social media, no legal actions were taken.
Cases like this often have frightening endings. In May 2016, J-Pop singer Mayu Tomita was stabbed 60 times by an obsessed fan after police didn’t take her stalking reports seriously. She is still recovering and struggles with eating, singing, and using her hands. The incident also left her partially blind. Tomita’s stalker admitted he stabbed her because she rejected his advances.
Fans have pointed out that the man following Nayeon has alluded to serious actions, including death, on a Reddit page revealed to be his.
K-Pop fans who’ve watched the social media posts and erratic behavior unfold need to stop reaching out to this man and stop giving him attention. They are, however, encouraged to forward messages to JYP Entertainment and Korean authorities in order to help them fight this issue in a safe way.
“We ask fans to actively report to us about the issue, and we will take the best measures possible to ensure the safety of our artist,” JYP Entertainment said.
Hopefully people will do the right thing and report this man and his behaviors to the appropriate authorities in order to protect Nayeon and TWICE. Doing so may help them while also attempting to give the man any mental health help he may need.
* He will not be named as this person already has too much attention.
Photo Credit: UHD Wallpaper
—-Olivia Murray
In July 2019, Shinhwa’s Minwoo was accused of sexual harassment following an incident at a bar June 29, 2019.
According to the initial report, Minwoo went up to two women and forcibly kissed them.
“I went too overboard with jokes while using informal, friendly terms, and there were no other intentions,” Minwoo said during his police interrogation.
Minwoo’s agency, Liveworks Company, released a statement stating the police report has been withdrawn after all parties involved discussed the occurrence. However, police opted to investigate further.
On December 31, 2019, the case has officially been resolved with Minwoo being cleared of any wrongdoing. Liveworks Company released a statement confirming the news.
Hello. This is Liveworks Company.
Regarding the incident related to our singer Lee Min Woo that was reported through the media in July, the prosecution recently closed the investigation with the conclusion that no suspicions were found.
We once again relay our apologies for causing great concern to fans. Thank you.
The case was closed by the investigating prosecutors. According to the police, the case could not be closed in July because it’s hard to close a case partway through an investigation despite the victims withdrawing their complaint.
—-Olivia Murray
If you were a fan of 9Muses, you have some exciting news to celebrate as former member Sungah (2013-2017) announced she is expecting a baby this coming March!
Sungah made the announcement made the announcement on Instagram by sharing an ultrasound photo.
“Hello, this is Yoon Chuk Bok (Blessing). I’m going to be a mom in March. I’m awaiting this with an excited heart,” Sungah said in the message.
View this post on Instagram
안녕하세요 윤축복이에요? 저 3월에 엄마돼요♥️ 셀레이는 마음으로 기다리구있어요 헤헤 이제 #27주 #쥐띠맘 #극성맘예약 #임밍아웃
Sungah, who married DJ DaQ in May 2018, stated she is 27 weeks along. She did not reveal what she’s having, but we’re hoping for a strong, healthy child! Congratulations to Sungah and her husband!
—-Olivia Murray
Following months of speculation, JYP Entertainment and Label SJ finally confirmed what many fans suspected: TWICE’s Momo and Super Junior’s Heechul are dating!
Rumors surrounding the pairing started in August 2019 when Netizens started releasing “proof” and media shared insight that Momo and Heechul were seeing each other. However, both parties’ companies denied the dating rumors.
“The dating reports are false, and the two are just close friends with a senior-junior relationship,” JYP Entertainment said August 6, 2019.
On August 17, Heechul denied the rumors as well during an Ask Us Anything broadcast.
Early in December, the dating rumors heated once again, but Heechul, at the time, denied the allegations while stating he wishes to keep his relationship status private.
I just want to be careful because I don’t want to hurt my fans,” Heechul said on Where Are You Going, Ddaenchul? “[Fans] have supported me since I started my career, so I don’t want to disappoint them. I know I may break their hearts if I date or get married so I’m also thinking about that.”
However, on January 2, Market News reported the pair are dating again, and this time, the couple’s agencies confirmed the news by stating Momo and Heechul recently started dating after being good friends.
“Kim Heechul and Momo were always close celebrity senior-juniors, but recently they have begun to meet each other with good feelings,” Label SJ said.
JYP Entertainment added, “After looking into it, we can confirm that the two celebrities started as close senior-juniors, but recently developed feelings for each other and are meeting each other.”
Congratulations to the newly announced couple! Hopefully, fans will not give you grief.
—-Olivia Murray
Congratulations are in order to start off the New Year!
On December 31, 2019, former Super Junior member, Hangeng (2005-2009), married Hong Kong-American actress Celina Jade in New Zealand.
The pair met back in 2017 at the Golden Rooster and the Hundred Flowers Awards. The couple dated privately before making their relationship public in February 2018. They announced their relationship in similar “hello, my girlfriend,” “hello, my boyfriend” posts on Weibo. Similarly, they announced their marriage via “hello, my partner in life” messages on the same social media platform.
Wedding invitations for the nuptials circulated online in November, but representatives for the pair played coy when asked to confirm or deny the marriage news.
Hangeng is currently active in China as a singer and actor. Celina Jade (Celina Horan) is active in both the United States and China as an actress, singer, and model. In the US, she’s known best for her role as Shado in the CW television series Arrow.
Congratulations to the newlyweds! Finally, some good news to usher in the New Year!
—-Olivia Murray
After eight years with the agency, Lee Hi will be parting ways with YG Entertainment.
“With the end of Lee Hi’s contract coming and after considerable discussions with Lee Hi, we’ve decided to cheer on our different paths,” YG said in a statement. “We wish to express our gratitude to Lee Hi for making a name for herself for the past seven years as a YG artist, and we will always be sincerely supporting her. We ask for even greater cheers and support from fans as Lee Hi embarks on a new beginning and activities.”
On December 31, 2019, Lee Hi posted a message on her Instagram announcing her departure as well.
Hello, everyone. This is Lee Hi.
I’m here to greet you with news that is new and little unfamiliar on the last day of 2019. As of the end of this year, I will be leaving the nest of YG, a place I have been with for a long time.
As we have spent so much time together, I have so many memories when I look back. At 16 years old, I went to audition with a dream that was so big that it almost appeared reckless, I was able to join YG, an agency I’d looked up to when I was younger, and with the help of great people, I completed and released my first single “1.2.3.4” and album “First Love.” The memory of my first day in the recording studio and being amazed at hearing my own voice. That October, when I was monitoring the album I’d released with a racing heart. Everything is still fresh, like it happened yesterday.
Even when I was just starting as a singer, I thought time was going by so fast, and now I’ve gone from one album to three albums. I was 17 years old and I am now 24. It still feels like time is going by so fast, and though I feel a little sad on one hand, those times have also remained as precious memories I will never forget.
Of course, it wasn’t always easy, but I think I was actually quite lucky in a lot of ways. The staff, who always worked hard for me behind the scenes and who are like old friends and family to me, and the amazing things we built together will be something I will never forget.
As this is a decision I made after a long period of thinking it through, I want to sincerely thank the many people at YG who supported my decision and new start, and I will do my best to repay everyone with better music. As I am leaving the agency that I spent 8 years with, which is a long time, and was there for my growth, I will be even more prudent when choosing the next agency I will be with, and I hope to greet you soon with good news.
I hope the new year will be filled with even better things.
Lee Hi (Lee Hayi), who recently celebrated her seventh anniversary since debut, signed with YG Entertainment in 2011 after placing second on K-Pop Star’s first season. She was slated to debut in the girl group SuPearls, which also consisted of fellow K-Pop Star contestants including Lee Michelle, but YG disbanded the group to focus on Lee Hi’s solo career.
As we all head into new beginnings at the start of 2020, here’s to hoping Lee Hi will also find an agency that will adequately show off her talent!
—-Olivia Murray
Thank you for your time. Could you introduce yourself and your brand to our readers?
I am Ayoung Kim from Cahier. I want to state that Cahier is a brand that awakens feminine vibes for all females. We provide graceful silhouettes and intricate designs that fit well with modern people’s lifestyles, and the most feminine and luxurious style only Cahier can offer.
Ours is a suggestion of feminine and urban goods that are wearable, with variations of curvy cuts and soft, elegant silhouettes. And fine couture details using ruffles, trimmings and appliqués make up our designs, where glamorous but understated practicality and creativity coexist.
Please share with us how you became a fashion designer.
I majored in Fine Arts and moved to France for my studies after graduating university in Korea. Since I had studied Fine Arts for quite a long while, and because I had to select my major for my graduate studies, I really pondered about it, whether I could become a so-called “artist”.
As I took time to reflect on myself, I was in a world of my own and felt extremely lonely, then thought that I’d want to work on something that I could communicate with people with. Rather than be by myself away from the rest of the world, I wanted to be in touch in people through my work.
After figuring out what I can do the best, I transferred to Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la couture Parisienne and began to dream of becoming a fashion designer.
For 11 years, I studied and worked in Paris, and gained a broadened mind and sense through diverse experiences within the European culture.
How did the brand name Cahier come about?
Cahier refers to a “notebook” in French; also meaning “Exercise book”. Ever since I majored in painting, so I was habitually drawing in my exercise book – the brand indicates the passion and contemplation that are in the note book.
How were you inspired to create your most recent collection?
Each season, we pick a character for homage, according to the current social issues. For our first ever fashion show, we chose Cleopatra as our concept. Since Korea is so well-known for cosmetic surgery and the obsession on outer beauty is so competitive, appearance has become the thing to judge people on. The females only seem to have one image – one goal in mind, these days.
Cleopatra is known to symbolize beauty to all females. In reality, she was close to being homely in appearance but was considered very prolific in her speech and highly intelligent.
She was not in the way what we consider beautiful these days – so I wanted to use her to showcase a different form of beauty through this collection. I hoped that the people who were at the show to think that they want to wear the outfits.
Which designer do you respect the most?
Gabrielle Chanel. She had a definite philosophy and life embedded in her brand – had the courage to lead, rather than following the trend. I respect the fact that she has the power to draw in people and her confidence to claim that she herself is fashion – “I don’t do fashion, I AM fashion.”
Who would you want to collaborate with?
We’d like to collaborate with brands or styles that are different to our brand’s image and what we’ve never experienced before. We want to recreate a new image with the house we collaborate with.
Do you have a model that you want to work with?
We want to work with Korean actress Kim Min-hee, rather than with a fashion model. We consider her as our muse; her dreamy eyes and gestures to match. She fits in so well with the image of Cahier. Unfortunately, she’s currently not working.
When do you feel the most rewarded?
After launching my brand, by chance, I saw someone wearing Cahier… I think that was a very emotional moment for me. I feel the most rewarded each time our clients say that our outfits are lovely.
What kind of environment do you tend to work it?
We normally work during dawn when we have to prepare for a collection. I think the calm time at dawn gives out a lot of inspirations.
Could you lend a word of advice to aspiring designers?
It’s been already 5 years since the launch of Cahier. There are many brands that were launched around the same time as us that no longer exist currently. I think a lot of passion and courage are needed to run a fashion brand business. And a vast amount of endurance and mind control to overcome when you’re met with difficulties. Anyone can start a brand, but it’s important to have the strength to retain the brand’s unique style until the very end.
I currently teach classes at university, so I get to meet people who are planning to become fashion designers. But many of them tend to think that being a designer is a glamorous and graceful career. They think that way from just seeing things from the surface. However, fashion designers do more labor than an average laborer and have to spend endless time working each season.
I want to advise that you need conviction to give up on everything else to pursue this career, and only when you are fully convinced about yourself and gained trust, should you start working towards your goal.
What do you think you will be doing in 10 years-time? Please tell us your dreams and aspirations for the future.
A role of a designer is not to be swayed by or follow the consumers, but to offer a new kind of style to the people. With the latest trend in mind, I want to provide diverse moods of clothing and feminine luxury that only Cahier can express. Fast fashion is currently taking over the fashion world, but Cahier strives to become a brand that will gain more of its worth as time goes by, and something that people would want to leave behind for the next generation.
—J. Chung.
Christmas day is a holiday in Korea and an important one, not just for Christians (of all denominations) who make up approximately 30% of the country’s population but also for those without religion.
Although Christmas does not have the long history it has in Western countries, there is a convention of “Christmas cakes” established by the baking industries and a strong notion that Christmas is a time to be spent with your loved ones.
When it comes to Christmas carols, recordings of traditional carols have been frequently done since the 1960s in Korea. In surveys about favorites, it is found that Koreans prefer the more modern and secular carols. The most listened-to Christmas tunes in Korea according to a survey carried out from 2016 to 2018 were: Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas is you, Last Christmas sung by Ariana Grande, Straight No Chaser’s Text me Merry Christmas and Kelly Clarkson’s Underneath the tree.
These days, however, it is not hard to hear comments along the lines of “Christmases just don’t feel the same anymore.” One of the reasons it doesn’t feel as “Christmassy” as before is that Christmas carols are almost unheard in the streets and shops now, because of copyright issues.
It is not illegal to play music in public, as long as it is not done for free. This does not mean that shops can play music (including carols) without the fear of a fine.
Since August last year, shops must pay fees in order to play copyrighted music. This includes imported music, found on licensed files and discs.
The fees are not heavy. Shops are to pay 3 to 20 dollars every month, depending on their size. The same rule of shop size applies also to gyms. Gyms must pay larger sums, from 10 to 60 dollars, depending on their size.
There are exceptions to this law; shops of sizes under 50 square meters may play music without being charged. That would be about 40% of the cafes, coffee shops, pubs and bars, etc.
The freedom to play music without paying any fee is also given to shops of certain categories, including bakeries, convenience stores, restaurants and clothes stores. As long as these venues are “small”, that is. There is a blurred line and it is not clear how big a venue has to be in order to be imposed a fine or a regular fee for playing music.
There are several organizations in Korea, involved in work to do with copyrights. One aspect of their endeavors is to find any infringement of copyrighted material and taking legal measures.
Recently they have attempted to ban all copyrighted music from all venues, including the smaller shops. An appeal made to the Constitutional Court ended in their failure, with the Court ruling that the status quo is constitutional.
In short, smaller shops are relatively free to play music, while bigger cafes and bars should pay a small monthly fee to play music, including carols. It still stops a lot of them from playing music, so the streets of Korea are becoming quieter every year.
–J. Chung.