[EDITORIAL]: Is there such a thing as privacy for South Korean idols?: Son Ho Young’s Tradegy.

 

 

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I can almost hear you now: “Oh no, yet another angry rant on something that has been debated about countless times already?!” I know, I’m sorry. But I have felt so motivated to say my piece about this situation that I simply had to write a (very) small piece on it. I hope I will be able to stimulate thought and conversation with this article, despite this well-traversed topic.

[10,000 WORD DISSERTATION] The Rise of K-Pop in the UK: How and Why do niche interests become mainstream?

Acknowledgements

Although very cliché, I would like to thank my family.  They support me consistently in so many ways that I don’t think I could ever repay them. This includes not only putting up with my obsession with Japanese and South Korean cultures but embracing them fully and listening to me chatter about it all incessantly!

Not only this, but my family have helped me keep going when I have felt like giving up and always help me occasionally battle/tolerate my worst enemy – my own mind!

I would also like to thank all the lecturers that have helped confirm to me my love for Media Studies and the more eccentric academics (most notably Tara Brabazon) that have taught me that being an ‘academic’ doesn’t mean you have to lose your energy and passion.

Lastly, I would like to thank every person that helped me along with this project, including in the less obvious ways that they probably do not realise. Also, even though they probably won’t see this, I would like to extend my gratitude to every British K-Pop fan that assisted me in my research for this project. I never expected to gain half the response I received – so interesting and helpful! What a dedicated fandom!

Oh, and thanks for all the lifts Dad! Literally couldn’t even try for this degree without you.

[EDITORIAL]: Marital Issues – ‘Shotgun’ Weddings in the K-Entertainment Industry?

When it was revealed that female singer Baek Ji Young was getting married to her actor boyfriend Jung Suk Won, I was very happy for the couple. Most fans of Baek Ji Young will be aware of the troubled past the singer had and it really seems like these two are very happy together. Most people familiar with the South Korean culture will know that it is usual for individuals over around the age of 30 to be looking to settle down and start a family (as is also the case with many other cultures), so there is also there is also that pressure to be considered.

[Get the K-Pop Look] Block B - 'Nillili Mambo' - 'Classy Pirate Style'!

Block B have had a lot of trouble as a group since their debut in 2011. It is so sad to see such young individuals having to deal with these controversies and setbacks in such a short space of time. However, the band and their fandom have shown themselves to be a very strong and resilient bunch.
Even now, as a few of the members continue with solo work, one can sense the support that is always buzzing in the background for this group. There is no doubt that BBCs will wait for the day when their favourite artists will be able to greet them as a solid unit once more. In homage to guys, I thought I would attempt to emulate on of my personal favourite concepts they have had – the ‘Nillili Mambo’ style!