[DRAMA REVIEW] Secret Garden (2010)

[Read On UnitedKPop].

Clearly, this drama is not exactly new, but it is arguably one of the most popular Korean series of the 2000s. With Hyun Bin’s release from the army at the start of this month, I was feeling nostalgic for his previous work. I’m sure that most Korean drama fans have seen this series, so continue reading and see if you agree with this review. If you have yet to watch it, see if this coverage ignites your interest for it at all!

[EDITORIAL] Idols just don't date, okay?!

[Read this on UnitedJpop!]

Here, I intend to add a little to an editorial piece posted on this site a short while ago regarding how much we, as fans, really know about Japanese idols. It got me thinking about the whole “secret-dating” world that is so much a part of the entertainment industry – Japanese and South Korean especially.

The South Korean Entertainment Industry and the LGBT Identity

[Also read this on UnitedKpop - here].

My mother has become quite the K-Pop fan, probably partly due to my almost daily chattering about the genre to anyone in my family who is kind enough to open their ears to the noise.

[FILM REVIEW] Gyakuten Saiban (2012)

[Also read this on UnitedJPop - here!]
Gyakuten Saiban (meaning “Turnabout Trial”) also known as Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney is a 2012 film based on the first instalment of a Nintendo Game Boy video game of the same name that gained a lot of success in its native Japan as well as in the USA. This film adaptation was directed by Takashi Miike.

Get the Look: Miss A - 'I Don't Need A Man'

[Originally posted on UnitedKpop - read it here!]

Miss A have recently made a great comeback with the catchy, reggae-style single “I Don’t Need A Man”!
As you may have expected for a song all about female independence, the girls take on a very dominant and masculine style for the concept. However, they also parallel this with a much more girly look that emphasises their right to be beautiful and feminine.
Want to know how you can emulate this look at British High Street prices? Keep reading!

ALBUM REVIEW: G-Dragon - 'One of a Kind'

[For UnitedKpop! - Read original here]
With G-Dragon’s last solo album being one of the largest selling of South Korea in 2009, the announcement made by YG Entertainment way back in March that he would be returning again as a solo unit left many fans waiting with baited breath.

Get the Look: Ga In - 'Bloom' MV

[Originally posted in UnitedKpop - read the original here].

Brown Eyed Girls’ Ga In has made another recent successful solo endeavour with her latest mini album ‘Talk About S’.
She has, once again, shown her great amount of talent and glamour in the first single release – ‘Bloom’.

Will the open nature of K-Pop construction hold up on the UK music scene?

[Originally featured on UnitedKpop - read it here]

I think it is fair to say that my whole family has been affected by my K-Pop consumption. They will now often sing along to the songs that come blaring from my iPod or ask me to put on a certain track. My parents even persevere to learn different group members’ names and ask what area of talent they specialise in. This leads to many hilarious mistakes on my family’s part, such as my Father calling TOP of BIGBANG “Glonk” for some peculiar reason…
In any case, they are incredibly accepting and have even begun to enjoy parts of it for themselves. A while ago though, my brother expressed his incredulity at the fact that he enjoyed the genre so much.

He said that he disliked the fact that the groups were so “obviously manufactured”, but that at the same time, he found the training systems of South Korean entertainment agencies very interesting.

SONG REVIEW: G-Dragon - 'Crayon'

[For UnitedKpop!- read original here]
This time we are holding the magnifying glass over one of South Korea’s most extravagant fashionistos – G-Dragon! Most would be likely to agree, his latest release ‘Crayon’ is certainly an interesting thing to behold.

FILM REVIEW: Tekkonkinkreet (2006)

[Read this on UnitedJpop - here!]
Tekkonkinkreet is an anime film adapted from the manga series of the same name by Taiyo Matsumoto. The title mimics a child's mispronunciation of the words "Tekkin Konkurito" which mean "Steel-reinforced Concrete".

FILM REVIEW - 71: Into the Fire (2010)

[On UnitedKpop too - read it here]

I will be the first to admit that my knowledge of Warfare and History in general are seriously lacking. It has never been something that has interested me, which I know is terrible because our history has led us to where we are today and millions of people have fought in wars for the freedom that I currently take for granted.
Even so, you would probably have to tie me down and tape my eyes open for me to sit through a film about a true war story.

FILM REVIEW: Paprika (2006)

[Read this here on UnitedJpop too]
Paprika is a Japanese animated Sci-Fi film based the 1993 novel of the same name by Yasutaka Tsutsui. The film was directed by Satoshi Kon, who was famous for his work on many successful Japanese films.
The piece is said by Director Chris Nolan to be one of his main influences when creating the hugely successful psychological thriller Inception.

G-Dragon - 'One of a Kind': Semiotic and Lyrical Analysis

[On UnitedKpop too! - read it here]

G-Dragon finally made his long-awaited comeback with the release of the song and music video 'One Of A Kind'.
I am a big fan of GD and I was really excited to see what he would come out with. One of the things I like about YG Entertainment is their ridiculous extravagance and creativity in their productions - and GD is probably the craziest of all in this respect.
Honestly, I was not sure what to make of the song and MV at first, it was all a bit shocking. However, it took just a couple more watches before I began to love it.

I think this may have been because it initially comes across as nothing but sheer arrogance in both the images that are presented and the small amount of English lyrics given.
After looking at the English translation of the lyrics though, I began to see things a little differently...

SO, here is a semiotic and lyrical analysis of G-Dragon's latest offering! (Yep. I'm a geek).

'Gangnam Style' Goes Global: What can this mean for the future of Hallyu?

[Originally for UnitedKpop - read it here]
 

You will probably had to have been living under a rock for the last month or so if you have not managed to come across K-pop singer PSY’s summer smash single ‘Gangnam Style’.

ALBUM REVIEW: BoA - 'Only One'

[Originally for UnitedKpop - read original here].
BoA is an extremely well-known name on the K-pop scene, with many referring to her as the ‘Queen of Korean Pop’. She has been doing her thing for twelve years and has still remained one of the most familiar faces of the genre.

Get The K-pop Look: SISTAR - 'Loving U' MV and 'Lead Me' Live Performance

[Originally written for and featured on the UnitedKpop website. My first "Get the K-pop Look" article! - read it here]

SISTAR have made an explosive summer comeback this year, pulling off an incredibly simple yet feminine style to match the hottest season of the year. Here are a few suggestions for any readers that would like to mimic their bright and energetic style.

Don’t worry, all from affordable British fashion chains!

LOOK ONE: 'Loving U' MV: Casual Beach Style

Regarding Nickhun's Drink Driving Controversy

Another day, another 'scandalous' going on in the K-pop world. This time involving 2PM's "Thai Prince" Nickhun. I just wanted to do a quick post here to express my feelings on the matter as I realise it would be a futile effort to do so on any K-pop fan forum (that's like screaming in space -pointless as no one hears).

ALBUM REVIEW: Super Junior - Sexy, Free and Single

[Originally written for and featured on the UnitedKpop website - read original here].

Many would be likely to agree that Super Junior is a veritable Hallyu K-pop superpower and that they have remained so for quite a few years. The group have one of the most dedicated fanbases around (ELFs) that have stuck with them throughout the various hardships they have faced since their debut back in 2005.

SONG REVIEW: Jang Wooyoung - "Sexy Lady"

[This review was originally written for and featured on the UnitedKpop website - read it here].
This week’s review focuses on 2PM’s Busan boy Jang Wooyoung and his debut solo track “Sexy Lady”!

Japanese Media and its Moral Lessons

[Originally written and featured on the UnitedJpop website - Read here!].

When I first started watching Japanese films and television series, it took me a little while to adjust. I have never been one of those people that refuse to watch anything that has subtitles because I cannot be bothered to read along, however foreign films and series were often not my first choice, and I would pounce on the dubbed choice over the subbed one straight away.

Brighton Japan Festival – Asahi Anime Festival (30th June 2012)

[Originally written for and featured on the UnitedJpop website. Read here!].

The eight-day Brighton Japan Festival drew to a close last week, but here is a little personal coverage of the Asahi Anime part that took place on the penultimate day!

Brighton Japan Festival – Moshi Matsuri (23rd June 2012)

[Originally written for and featured on the UnitedJpop website. Read here!].

The Moshi Matsuri was held outside the sushi restaurant Moshi Moshi in Bartholomew Square in Brighton on 23/06/2012. It was comprised of many different stalls that showcased various parts of Japanese culture for people to take part in or purchase.
The festival is still ongoing – set to run from 22nd June to 1st July 2012. Taking place all over Brighton.

It's all Variety!: A South Korean Variety format in the UK?

[Originally featured on the UnitedKpop website - read it here].

South Korean variety programmes (along with most Eastern Asian variety programmes) have something very unique in their make-up.

"Why are humans so evil?"

A few nights ago, I was sitting around and staring into space as usual. (This is a common pass time of mine, especially during the Summer break from University - it comes second only to stuffing my face with food).
I was thinking about how lazy I am, and how lazy the human race can be in general.
Since I have gotten into Japanese and Korean culture and media productions, the laziness of the Western races compared to the Asian races has really made itself obvious.
I'm making it clear now, I DO NOT think every Westerner is lazy, nor do I think that every Asian is hard-working and productive. However, one cannot deny a clear cultural difference here.

I typed the question "Why are humans so lazy?" into Google. I was hoping to filter through the rubbish to see if I could unearth any scientific theories on the subject.
A related question had popped up underneath the search-bar as I typed: "Why are humans so evil?"

REVIEW: GANTZ 2: Perfect Answer. [Live-action] (Japanese Movie, 2011)

 

[Read this on UnitedJPop!]

As I mentioned in my review post of the first GANTZ film, I was incredibly excited for the sequal DVD to hit the shelves in the UK. So much so that I pre-ordered it soon after watching the first one. (That's a big deal for me - I can be pretty stingy with what I spend my money on!)

So, I had big expectations when I ripped open the packaging to find the cool-looking DVD staring back at me...

ALBUM REVIEW: Shinhwa - THE RETURN

[I originally wrote this review for the UnitedKpop website! - here it is]

Shinhwa are best known as the longest surviving K-pop boy band in history and have gained great popularity over the years. Since debuting back in 1998 under SM Entertainment, they have each made separate moves as solo artists, variety guests and actors but have fiercely held on to remain a six member group.
The members have been through many hardships together (such as the group’s shifts to different entertainment companies) and despite each member finding great success on their own, have all spoken up about their wish to remain as one unit forever.
After a four year hiatus, in which all members completed their mandatory military service, the group has returned to the scene with their 10^th album entitled “THE RETURN” (Bet you can’t guess why they chose that title!)
In an industry now littered with countless Idol boy-groups (many of whom cite Shinhwa as one of their main influences), and the fact that most of these new boys do not even break the 20 year old barrier, will these K-pop veterans be able to use their advanced, knowledge and great wealth of experience to help them make their mark once more?
[CLICK READ MORE!]

East meets West: The (Un)happy Marriage in Hallyu?

[I originally wrote this as an editorial that featured on the UnitedKpop website - here!].

For a University assignment last year, I wrote an essay on K-pop fandoms. This obviously required research into the area, which actually has very little academic coverage. One of the few pieces I came across was about the Hallyu Wave and the effect it is beginning to have on a global scale. The essay defined the Hallyu Wave as:

“...a new hybrid culture that has captured the influences of both the West and the East.”  - (Kim and Ryoo, 2007)

Scandalous K-Pop: K-Pop controversies under the microscope.

[I originally wrote this as an editorial that featured on  the UnitedKPop website - read it here]

If any K-Pop fans think back to when they first discovered the genre, it probably was not so long afterwards that they read about a “scandal” of some kind.

It tends to become something that the average K-Pop fan is used to seeing. Yet you can find yourself hoping vehemently that the latest controversy does not involve your favourite group or personal bias. If it does, it can be fairly upsetting, especially if it seems to be an honest mistake.

ALBUM REVIEW: GD&TOP - GD&TOP

[Originally written for feature on the UnitedKpop website! Read it here]
G-Dragon and T.O.P are best known as the main rappers from one of the biggest idol groups on the K-Pop scene today – BIG BANG.

Individually, they have also each found success in many different areas of the entertainment industry, outside of BIG BANG’s borders.

T.O.P established his acting career quite a few years ago and managed to make his mark despite his idol status. Meanwhile, G-Dragon has become the model for so many different advertising campaigns you can barely count them and has found a enormous level of success pursuing his solo career.

It seemed that the pair wanted to pursue a slightly different sound to BIG BANG for a while; they began to fully embrace the Hip-Hop genre they love so much, adding their own flavour resulting in that self-titled “Ghetto Electro” sound they are now synonymous with.
Was it worth it or should they remain within the comfortable parameters of their original group?

REVIEW: GANTZ [Live-action] (Japanese Movie: 2010)

[You can also read this on UnitedJPop here!]

As soon  as I saw the promotional photos for this film, I knew I wanted to watch it...SEE HOW COOL IT LOOKS?!

Add to that, the fact that it has one of my favourite actors in it (Ken'ichi Matsuyama - still love him after his portrayal of L in Death Note)...as well as Nino from Arashi...and I am well and truly SOLD!