[ALBUM REVIEW] 2016 Picks!

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Wow, 2016 has been quite a year! Ask anyone about the past 12 months and you will probably get a long list of sad happenings in response. However, it is also important to focus on what has been positive about this year - for example, some brilliant K-Pop releases!

[WEEKLY IDOL] IMFACT

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IMFACT are a five member, male idol group under Star Empire Entertainment. They debuted in January of this year. The members are: Jeup, Taeho, Jian, Sang and Ungjae.

[GET THE LOOK] VIXX - 'Milky Way' MV

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VIXX recently released an MV for their track ‘Milky Way’, in which the members don baby pink colours in their wintry jumpers, coats and cardigans. Let’s see how we can fit some pink knitwear into our wardrobes this winter!

[VIDEO] A way to deal with setbacks in life.

A short video inspired by me falling on the ground...Yes, that's right!

Hope you enjoy! :)

 

[WEEKLY IDOL] Voisper

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Voisper are a four member, male idol ballad group that debuted under Evermore Music back in February this year. The members are: Kwang Ho, Kang San, Dae Kwang (leader) and Chung Ki.

[VIDEO] Survival Tips for University Students!

Just a few tips to hopefully make your time at university a little bit easier! I speak from experience! :P



Apologies for my slightly blocked up voice - on the end of another cold!

Also, if you are interested in learning more about self care, here is a great article to start with.

[WEEKLY IDOL] ASTRO

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ASTRO are a six member male idol group that debuted back in February this year under Fantagio. The members are: Jinjin (leader), MJ, Eunwoo, Moonbin, Rocky and Sanha.

[ALBUM REVIEW] BTS (Bangtan Boys) - 'Wings'

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Last month, BTS (Bangtan Boys) released their second full-length album entitled ‘Wings’.  The album quickly achieved an ‘all kill’ across the South Korean music charts, and has reached number one on the iTunes charts in 26 different countries. It also debuted at number 26 on the Billboard 200, ranked in the Official UK Album Chart, and has recently topped the World Albums Chart.

The title track ‘Blood, Sweat & Tears’ broke the record for highest amount of views within 24 hours of release on YouTube for a K-Pop group MV. The MV on YouTube currently stands at over 40 million views.

With such high levels of success, we thought we would take an in-depth look at the 15 track album.

[WEEKLY IDOL] SF9

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SF9 are a nine-member male group that debuted under FNC Entertainment early last month. The name SF9 is shortened from ‘Sensational Feeling 9’.

The members are: Youngbin (leader), Inseong, Jaeyoon, Dawon, Rowoon, Zuho, Taeyang, Hwiyoung and Chani. Their ages range from 16-23 years old.

[WEEKLY IDOL] Davichi

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Davichi are a female pop-ballad duo that debuted under Core Contents Media in 2008. The members are Lee Haeri and Kang Minkyung.

[GET THE LOOK] Crayon Pop - 'Doo Doom Chit' MV

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Crayon Pop have made a comeback with ‘Doom Doom Chit’, and we are looking to their MV for some fashion ideas today!

[VIDEO] The Importance of Accessibility (+ a few tips!)

[WEEKLY IDOL] Cosmic Girls (WJSN)

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Cosmic Girls, also known as WJSN (an abbreviation of the Korean - Wu Ju So Nyeo), are a thirteen member girl group that debuted in February this year. They are a collaborative project of Korean and Chinese agencies Starship Entertainment and Yuehua Entertainment respectively.

[VIDEO] Tips on offering assistance to a disabled individual.

Recovering from a cold, so please excuse the blocked up-sounding voice.

Hope you enjoy!

[WEEKLY IDOL] MASC

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MASC are a male K-Pop group that debuted under JJ Holic Media just last month! There are four members: WooSoo (leader), 26, A.C.E and HeeJae. The name ‘MASC’ is an abbreviation for the word ‘masculine’.

[GET THE LOOK] NCT Dream - 'Chewing Gum' MV

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NCT’s brand new sub-unit NCT Dream have made their debut and released their first MV - ‘Chewing Gum’. Here’s how you get the look!

[VIDEO] Accepting disability.

I've been wanting to try out recording videos for quite a while now. I only have a rubbish webcam and Windows Live Movie Maker at my disposal though!

Anyway, see what you think.
All feedback is welcome!

[WEEKLY IDOL] Homme

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Homme are a male duo that debuted in 2010 under Big Hit Entertainment. Lee Hyun and Lee Changmin are former members of the groups 8Eight and 2AM respectively.

The importance of being open about menstruation

Olympian Fu Yuanhui
Image source: scmp.com

Recently, a Chinese Olympic swimmer Fu Yuanhui caused quite a stir when she opened up about menstruation. Yuanhui told reporters that she did not feel her best because she had come on her period the night before and event. Her openness took many people by surprise, but also started a really important discussion on being honest about that monthly visitor.

[WEEKLY IDOL] BLACKPINK

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BLACKPINK are a four member girl group that debuted this year under YG Entertainment. YG had been teasing about their debut for around four long years, so fans had to endure a lot of frustrated anticipation before the girls finally came out as a group!

[PLAYLIST] Dance Practice Videos!

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Dance practice videos are part and parcel of the K-Pop genre. They give fans a chance to see complex choreography in it's entirety with no interruptions. It also means that we can see a little snippet of the K-Pop artists' behind the scenes work, and relationships with one another.

We have compiled a video playlist of some of our favourites, this list is by no means exhaustive though, so be sure to comment with your favourite dance practices too!

[GET THE LOOK] 9Muses A - 'Lip 2 Lip' MV

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It’s summer time! But it won’t be around for much longer (can you believe that it’s September next month?!) So, let’s enjoy it while we can and get some style inspiration from 9Muses sub unit group 9Muses A and their recent MV release for ‘Lip 2 Lip’!

[WEEKLY IDOL] Zhou Mi

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Zhou Mi (often stylised as 'Zhoumi') is a Chinese singer that debuted as a member of Super Junior sub-unit Super Junior M in 2008. He also made his solo debut in 2014, and is signed to SM Entertainment.

Travelling to Japan: Extra tips from a foreigner!

Image Source: mtwjapan.com

It has been over 3 years since I travelled to Japan with my sister, and despite my initial anxiety (it was my very first holiday abroad) it remains one of the best experiences I have ever had. I recommend Japan to anyone who wants to experience a very unique world and culture, even if you have never previously considered going there.

Given that I had an interest in Japanese culture, film and television for quite some time before booking a holiday there, I felt pretty confident that I knew almost all there was to know. However, when I actually spent time in the country, I started to learn even more!

Here are some extra tips from an inexperienced gaijin (foreigner) to try and help ensure your time in Japan goes as smoothly as possible!

[WEEKLY IDOL] John Park

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John Park is a Korean-American solo singer that debuted in South Korea in 2010. He is known for his R&B, soul, and blues style of music and is signed under Music Farm Entertainment.

UKP Summer E-Mag!

The UnitedKpop Summer 2016 E-Magazine is a joint effort by the entire UKP team!

The articles I contributed to the issue are:

• High Street Buys.
• Get the Cover Look: Tiffany's Solo Debut.
• Fan to Celebrity Attachment: The case of Teen Top's Niel.

Please read and enjoy! (It may take a moment or two to load. Try refreshing the page if it doesn't work the first time!)

[GET THE LOOK] Taeyeon - 'Why' MV

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With many high street shops holding their summer sales right now, it is the perfect time to get out there and stock up on some more summer clothes. Especially if you have a summer holiday coming up and want to pick up a few extra bits for your ideal holiday look.

Today, we are taking our hot and summery inspiration from SNSD/Girls’ Generation leader Taeyeon and her MV for ‘Why’!

[WEEKLY IDOL] NCT

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NCT are a male K-Pop group that debuted under SM Entertainment this year. They are a group that will have an unlimited number of members and multiple sub units to be based in various cities all over the globe.

[FASHION] K-Pop Idol Earrings

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Earrings are great fashion accessories that are often over-looked in many fashion articles. They can be the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae in terms of finishing touches to your look, and can help you match whatever mood you are in that day.

[WEEKLY IDOL] Zion. T

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Zion. T (real name Kim Hae Sol) is a hip hop and R&B singer. He has been active since 2011 and he is signed under The Black Label, a sub-label of YG Entertainment.

[GET THE LOOK] Baek A Yeon - 'So So' MV

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Today, we are getting some romantic style inspiration from Baek A Yeon’s ‘So So’ MV!

[WEEKLY IDOL] Park Bo Ram

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Park Bo Ram is a female solo singer that debuted in 2014 under MMO Entertainment. She was a contestant on Mnet talent show ‘SuperStar K2’ back in 2010. She came in at 8^th place and signed with Jellyfish Entertainment before moving to MMO.

[WEEKLY IDOL] I.O.I

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I.O.I (which stands for ‘Ideal Of Idol’) are an 11 member female idol group that debuted earlier this year under YMC Entertainment/CJ E&M. The members are: Lim Na Young (leader), Kim Chung Ha, Kim Se Jeong, Jung Chae Yeon, Zhou Jieqiong, Kim So Hye, Yu Yeon Jung, Choi Yoo Jung, Kang Mi Na, Kim Do Yeon and Jeon So Mi.

[GET THE LOOK: UNISEX] BTS - 'Save Me' MV

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Bangtan Boys (a.k.a BTS) have been enjoying an awful lot of popularity lately, so what better way to celebrate than by using their latest MV for our fashion inspiration?!

[WEEKLY IDOL] OH! MY GIRL

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Oh My Girl (often abbreviated to OMG and stylised as OH!MYGIRL) are an eight member girl group that debuted in April last year under WM Entertainment. The members are: Hyojung, JinE, Mimi, YooA, Seunghee, Jiho, Binnie, and Arin.

[WEEKLY IDOL] CLC

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CLC are a seven member girl group that debuted in 2015 under Cube Entertainment. Their name stands for CrystaL Clear. The members are: Seungyeon (leader), Seunghee, Yujin, Sorn, Yeeun, Elkie and Eunbin.

[GET THE LOOK] Oh My Girl - 'LIAR LIAR' MV

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Today, we are getting our fashion inspiration from the very cute girl group Oh My Girl and their recent MV release ‘LIAR LIAR’!

[WEEKLY IDOL] M.Pire

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M.Pire are a seven member male group under C.M.G Chorok Stars. They debuted in 2013 with Taehee (leader), Yooseung, Haru, Red, T.O and Jerry. Seventh member Lumin then joined the group a few months later.

[WEEKLY IDOL] Laboum

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Laboum are a six member, female K-Pop group that debuted under NH Media and Nega Network in 2014. The members are: Yujeong, Soyeon, ZN, Haein, Solbin, Yulhee.

[GET THE LOOK] Hong Jin Young - 'Thumb Up' MV

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Hong Jin Young is a female soloist and Korean trot singer. She has recently made a comeback with her super happy track ‘Thumb Up’. We are looking today at how to use her MV outfit style as an inspiration for our own looks!

[WEEKLY IDOL] April

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April are a five member girl group that debuted under DSP Media in 2015. The members are: Chaewoon, Hyunjoo, Naeun, Yena and Jinsol. Former member Somin debuted with the group, but left a few months after in order to focus on her studies.

[EDITORIAL] The dangers of a skin-whitening culture

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Growing up in England, in the UK, I notice that there is a fairly commonplace desire for tanned skin here. Sunbeds and fake-tanning are big business in Britain, with many people wanting that sun-kissed, just-got-back-from-the-beach look.

[REVIEW] Tony Moly 'Egg Pore Nose Pack'

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This week, we are looking at Tony Moly's 'Egg Pore Nose Pack' which is designed to get rid of those pesky blackheads and impurities the can build up in the pores of your nose.

[WEEKLY IDOL] Monsta X

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Monsta X are a seven member male group that debuted under Starship Entertainment last year. The members are: Shownu, Wonho, Minhyuk, Kihyun, Hyungwon, Jooheon and I.M.

[GET THE LOOK: Unisex] Taemin - 'Press Your Number' MV

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SHINee member Taemin has made his solo comeback, and this time we are taking our style inspiration from his MV for ‘Press Your Number’! Taemin is known for his quite adventurous style – even when in the company of the other SHINee members, he often stands out with his crazy clothing (though, it could be argued, Key gives him a real run for his money here).

[WEEKLY IDOL] Lee Hi

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Lee Ha Yi, more commonly known by her stage name Lee Hi, debuted back in 2012. She was a runner up on the first season of SBS singing talent show ‘K-Pop Star’, just losing out to fellow female contestant Park Jimin.

Despite not winning the talent show, Lee Hi was quickly snapped up by YG Entertainment CEO Yang Hyun Suk. She was initially set to debut as part of a girl group called SuPearls, but after plans for the group fell through, she debuted as a solo artist.

[WEEKLY IDOL] Purfles

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Purfles are a three member girl group that debuted under Crescendo Entertainment in 2014. The members are Geon Hee (leader), Eunyong and Wooyoung.

[EDITORIAL] Should idols express their sexuality openly?

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Recently, there was an article written covering fans’ displeasure at BEAST member Hyunseung concerning his allegedly half-hearted attitude and his activity on the photo-sharing platform Instagram. For this editorial though, we will be focusing on the latter and exploring the question: Should K-Pop idols express their sexuality openly?

[WEEKLY IDOL] UP10TION

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UP10TION are a 10 member male group that debuted under TOP Media late last year. TOP Media is owned by Shinhwa member Andy Lee and features other male groups Teen Top and 100%.

The 10 members are: Jinhoo (leader), Kuhn, Kogyeol, Wei, Bit-to, Wooshin, Sunyoul, Gyujin, Hwanhee and Xiao.

[WEEKLY IDOL] 100%

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100% are a male K-Pop group that debuted under TOP Media in 2012. There are seven members: Seo Min Woo (leader), Kim Rok Hyun, Jo Jong Hwan, Kim Chang Yong, Woo Chang Bum, Jang Hyuk Jin and Lee Sang Hun.

[FASHION] Choker necklaces

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In 2015, there was quite a resurgence on '90s fashion'. Things like colourful hair braids, bucket hats and choker necklaces started to become popular again across Europe and Asia.

For this edition of our new fashion feature, in which we explore prominent trends throughout the world of K-Pop, here's a look at how some K-Pop stars have showed off choker necklaces!

[GET THE LOOK] Purfles - 'Bad Girl' MV

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Purfles returned with ‘Bad Girl’ back in November, and the super sexy look they sport in the MV is the focus for this GTL!