Every week, a number of Korean music broadcasts feature current Kpop songs on popular shows such as Inkigayo, Music Bank, The Show, and more. I recently had the chance to be part of the live audience for the filming of M! Countdown, Mnet’s music countdown show, and it was a dream come true!
MV creators have always found ways to make their videos stand out, and it’s not surprising that some great ideas catch on as trends. Yet there are a number of stylistic choices that seem a bit mysterious, from those that don’t match up quite right to the song to those that are embraced wholeheartedly by a swath of artists despite their oddities.
We may only be a few months into 2019, but there are already a number of new Kpop groups that have put out music for the very first time. These untested groups are full of energy and nervous excitement, and although they are beginners in the industry, they have a lot of talent to show.
The majority of Kpop MVs are filmed in locations close to home, so when a Kpop act decides to create their video in a foreign country it tends to stand out. While featuring an exotic location can memorably express a song, it can also inspire others to appreciate the unique aesthetic and culture of that place.
It’s been a magnificent year for Kpop, with groups new and old gaining recognition worldwide as they continue to redefine their own musical boundaries. As the year draws to a close, I want to take this chance to celebrate the amazing songs released in 2018 by revealing my top 10 favorite comebacks.
While Kpop MVs are often creative and unique, there are some ideas that are so intriguing, fun, or visually pleasing that multiple groups choose to incorporate them. These irresistible motifs span from physical objects to filming styles, and once you start noticing them you’ll begin to see them everywhere.
Studying Korean is a little bit different for everyone, but there are some common experiences that you may encounter when learning Korean as a Canadian. Here are some ways that you can represent your Canadian side when speaking Korean!
Part of the magic of filmmaking is the careful choice of sets and scenery, which can be the difference between a story that falls flat and one that comes alive. When you visit Korea, it’s only natural to be excited about the chance to see those same places in person – but first, you have to find them!
Kpop groups showcase their talent and style through MVs that dazzle and delight, but sometimes these videos include elements that may surprise you. Whether it’s something that you never expected to see or a trend that is strangely popular, here are a few unusual items to keep an eye out for.
As you learn Korean, you will often start to recognize familiar phrases or wonder about certain conversations that you hear. Even when you sit down to watch your favorite KDrama, you may find yourself paying more attention to the way sentences are formed, or noting which word was used when.
While BTS has been busy making history with their soaring popularity and expansion into the Western market, they have also been crafting a story for their fans called LOVE YOURSELF. Naturally, this detailed and captivating concept is the theme of their current world tour, which features songs from the LOVE YOURSELF albums (Her, Tear, Answer) and short film Wonder. Two of our KCB writers – Jennifer and Kelsey – had the chance to attend the tour, and are here to share their reflections on various aspects of their experience.
When you start to like a group, it’s natural to want to learn more about them, but if they have 18 members and four subunits it can prove more difficult than usual. Welcome to the world of NCT – an SM Entertainment-designed group with the innovative concept of rotating members and fluid boundaries.
Calgary is a diverse city, with a number of options for Asian markets and grocery stores. Although many of these stores have a lot of good items in stock, sometimes they just don’t have the specific ingredient or brand you are looking for. When it comes to Korean cooking, your best bet for an authentic taste is to visit a Korean grocery store – and lucky for you, there are several in Calgary.
Kpop groups come in many styles, but they often include individuals who sing, rap, and dance to produced music. Today, I’d like to focus on a rarer kind of Kpop group: Kpop bands, where the members are instrumentalists who collaborate to create their own music as well as perform it.
While watching a KDrama can be a lot of fun, if you are learning Korean it can also be a great way to practice your listening skills and broaden your knowledge! To help you along, I’ve taken a look at scenes from a couple of my favorite dramas that feature common Korean phrases and explained them here for you.
When new groups start out in the Kpop industry, they have a daunting task ahead of them: debut, their first and best chance to gain attention and connect with future fans. If they can surmount their nerves and perform well, debut can be the force that propels them to greatness.
There is something magical about karaoke: stepping into your favorite artist’s shoes to express a shared feeling or try out their musical style. Korea has fully embraced this pastime with noraebang, Korean karaoke, which turns a simple night out into a dynamic experience.
Anthems are the songs that cause you to stop and take notice of them, whether it be the powerful beat, exciting melody, or meaningful lyrics within. Perfect for everything from sports to self-motivation, these tracks are guaranteed to stir up your emotions and push you to greater heights.
Despite only gaining international popularity in recent years, Kpop has a long and impressive history. From its roots to the present day there have been numerous Kpop acts that have surpassed expectations and established themselves as legends of the industry.
Travelling to another country is a thrilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming at first. Although I did a lot of research before I went to Korea, I still found that there were many things I had to learn along the way. I’d like to share some of these experiences with you to inform your own travels!
