MBLAQ (엠블랙) - Mini Album - 모나리자 - Mona Lisa - July 12 2011

01. Ojos Frios (Bandoneon By 고상지 Go Sang Ji)

02. 모나리자 (Mona Lisa) [TITLE]

03. 모르겠어요 (Moreugesseoyo)

04. 알면서 그래 (Almyeonseo keurae)

05. One

06. 말하지 말걸.. (Malhaji malgeol..)

I'm lovin the title track! Indeed MBLAQ style. As for the rest of the album.. it's okay. The MV was entertaining to watch. Thunder wearing a skirt and tights? I was like.. what the...? haha.. 

CSJH - Dana (다나) & Sunday (선데이) - Digital SIngle - 나 좀 봐줘 (One More Chance) (Na jom bwajwo) - July 11 2011

01. 나 좀 봐줘 (One More Chance)

I don't know much about CSJH. Anyways, this single has a blend of SM sounds. Throughout the song i'm reminded of SNSD, f(x) and TVXQ. It is a blend of styles. The marketing department for this project seems to have had a large budget lol.

Monday Kiz (먼데이키즈) & Gavy NJ (가비엔제이) - Digital Single - 소울트레인 (Soul Train) - July 8 2011

01. 빙빙빙 (Feat. 써니사이드 챙 - Sunnyside Chaeng) (Bing Bing Bing)

02. 빙빙빙 (inst.)

Monday Kiz & Gavy NJ collab for a second project with Soul Train. When you just see 'Monday Kiz & Gavy NJ' you wouldn't bother trying out the song but just directly download. They're two of the top ballad groups in Korea! Actually, this is a nice song~ Oh, did i mention, I'm biased - Monday Kiz fan here!! LOL

ZE:A (제국의아이들) - Single - Special Single 'Exciting' - July 8 2011

01. Intro

02. Watch Out!! [TITLE]

03. 왜요? (Waeyo?)

04. Heart 4 2

I liked ZE:A at the time they debuted. But... it seems they're going a bit off track with their cutesy songs and so on. If i could have chosen the title track, i would have chosen track 4. Track 4 although may pass as a simple song, if paired with an impressive MV, it has potential to be more successful than the above title track. That's my opinion :)

HITT - First Mini Album - Here Is The Top - July 8 2011

01. I'll Always Love You

02. Good Night [TITLE]

03. 하지마 (Hajima)

04. Run Away

05. 한참 (Feat. 이루마 Yiruma) (Han cham)

06. 하지마 (Unplugged Ver.)

 07. Good Night (inst.)

 08. I'll Always Love You (inst.)

 A new boy group. I think this HITT is trying to promote their vocals instead. Somehow, there is something lacking. Their songs don't stand out and their voices are not strong enough. Their voices are very soft.. I just noticed track 5 is featuring the famous Korean pianist Yiruma. The piano music is beautiful in that track but the track overall... not sure lol. 

W & Whale - Mini Album - CIRCUSSSS - July 7 2011

01. Burlesque

02. C'mon Yo!!!

03. 소녀 곡예사 (Sonyeo gokyesa)

04. 소년 마법사 (So nyeon mabeobsa)

05. 밤은 짧아, 걸어 아가씨야 (Bameun jjalba, georeo agasshiya)

06. Break It Down [TITLE]

I think W & Whale is getting mixed reviews. Her style of music is electronic pop and she has quite a good voice. If she sang regular songs, i think she would be a great singer. The problem is her MVs. Some a bit freaky.. I prefer track 4 in this mini album. Track 3 is alright too but the mv is for a scary movie, so don't watch if you are easily scared! 

Bobby Kim (바비 킴) - Single - 스파이 명월 Part.1 (Spy Myung Wol) - July 6 2011

01. 사랑이 무서워 (Sarangi museowo)

02. 사랑이 무서워 (inst.)

Bobby Kim ballad style :)

Post Men (포스트맨) - Digital Single - 아는 오빠 (Aneun oppa) - July 6 2011

01. 아는 오빠 (Aneun oppa)

Another ballad track. Perhaps one you wouldn't put on replay since it's a typical one. The reason why i'm listening to this is because this group was formed with an ex-M To M member. They're quite good and there's still that M To M feel :)

Hyuna (현아) [4minute] - Mini Album - Bubble Pop! - July 5 2011

01. Attention

02. Bubble Pop! [TITLE]

03. Downtown (Feat. 전지윤 Jeon Ji Yoon)

04. A Bitter Day (Feat. 용준형 Yong Jun Hyung of B2ST & G.NA)

05. Just Follow (Feat. Dok2)

Ok... how do i say this nicely... I will get whooped by readers if i do offend lol. Bubble Pop well, after trying to review this song and the mv, i've been listening to it a few few times. I don't mind the song MINUS those strange noises that she makes (and also in other songs). She's not the best singer but her company is doing a good job promoting her... um.... her sex appeal. Ok, this is where the MV comes in. Yep, shakin that ass, throwing that forced clevage in our faces, a bra or bra strap to be seen in almost every shot... no comment. Besides from that, the mv has a summer feel fit for the song. I think Hyuna does well what she does best and that's rapping as you will notice in track 5. 

Boohwal (부활) - Single - 가슴에 그린 성 (Vision In Mind) (Kaseume keurin seong) - July 5 2011

01. 가슴에 그린 성 (Vision In Mind) (Kaseume keurin seong) 

02. 가슴에 그린 성 (Vision In Mind) (inst.)

Here's a slow ballad track from Boohwal. Their lead vocalist's voice is not bad :)

2NE1 (투애니원) - Digital Single - 내가 제일 잘 나가 (Naega jeil jal naga) - June 24 2011

01. 내가 제일 잘 나가 (Naega jeil jal naga)

No need to say. These girls cause a stir for every release. HQ mvs, a zillion outfits and a tonne of attitude. What's funny is CL and her straight jacket. She scares the hell out of me LOL.

Block B (블락비 ) - Mini Album - New Kids On The Block - June 23 2011

01. Halo

02. 가서 전해 [TITLE] (Kaseo jeonhae)

03. U Hoo Hoo

04. Wanna Be

05. 그대로 멈춰라! (Radio Edit) (Keudaero meomchwora!)

06. 나만 이런거야 (Naman ireongeoya)

07. 가서 전해 (inst.)

08. 그대로 멈춰라! (inst.)

Block B's back! Been keeping an eye out on them since their first debut. I gotta say that Cho PD is doing a great job with this group. I don't usually say this but Block B members have talent that's for sure. Especially their main rapper. Their target audience i feel, a bit different from mainstream. I was impressed with their first release (also added into this mini album, tracks 4,5 & 6). When i heard the title track of this new mini album, i was a little disappointed. It's more a lighter track compared to their previous tracks. I was afraid they might, like other groups, turn all into cute pop and so on :O When you listen closely to the title track, what is good is the beats. If you can't get into their title track here, i suggest try tracks 4,5,6 first. Ah, also, their company is not cheapo with MVs. Their MVs are so far of high quality lol.

2PM (Vol.2) - Hands Up - June 20 2011

01. Hands Up [TITLE]

02. Electricity

03. Give It To Me

04. 영화처럼 (Yeonghwa cheoreom)

05. 모르니 (Moreuni)

06. Hot

07. Without U

08. I'll Be Back

09. I Can't

10. Hands Up (East4A Mix)

11. Electricity (220v Remix)

12. Thank You

13. Don't Stop Can't Stop 

8eight (에이트) - Mini Album - 8eight - June 14 2011

01. 그 입술을 막아본다 [TITLE] (Keu ibsureul magabonda)

02. 그대는 정말 대단해요 (Keudaeneun jeongmal daedanhaeyo)

03. 노래도 슬픔은 못 고치네 (Noraedo seulpeumeun mot gochine)

04. U Make Me Feel Brand New

05. Dilemma

First, let me just say that the album art is awful... It does none of them justice. Secondly, I enjoy listening to this mini album. Especially the title track! 8eight's music has a fresh feel all the time. It must be the three unique voices of the members. Very different from what you get out there nowadays^^ I was surprised with track 5 where Baek Chan sings in a really high voice haha. They're trying something different and that's nice to see! Love all their voices!

Jong Hyun (종현) [SHINee] & Yanghwajin Band (양화진밴드) - 시티헌터 Part.2 (City Hunter Part.2) - June 3 2011

01. So Goodbye - 종현 (Jong Hyun of SHINee)

02. It's Alright - 양화진밴드 (Yanghwajin Band)

City Hunter Part.2. If it wasn't until recently, people wouldn't have thought Jong Hyun could sing well. His voice is unique.. i can't really describe. You can hate and like it at the same time. Anyways, have a try yourself :)

Yim Jae Bum (임재범) - 시티헌터 Part.1 (City Hunter Part.1) - May 20 2011

01. 사랑 (Sarang) - Love

02. 사랑 (inst.)

Who here is hooked on City Hunter? I know I am! I know this was released back in May but i just want to share it with you guys since it's such a beautiful song. Yim Jae Bum is a well known veteran singer in Korea and so it is no surprise that this song has gained much popularity and is loved by many. Yay~~~!!

Jung Yong Hwa (정용화) [C.N BLUE] & 박신혜 (Park Shin Hye) - Single - 넌 내게 반했어 (Neon naege banhaesseo) - June 29 2011

01. 넌 내게 반했어 [TITLE] (Neon naege banhaesseo)

02. 사랑하게 되는 날 (Saranghage dweneun nal)

Compared to other actresses, Park Shin Hye can sing. This single has a very light feel. As this is single is for a drama, it suits quite well as an OST. Jung Yong Hwa's track as expected, has a C.N BLUE rock feel.

MC Mong denied military duty

[June 29 2011]

MC Mong, the rapper who was accused of pulling his teeth to avoid military service, cannot serve in the military - even if he wants to, according to a ruling issued yesterday.

The Government Legislation Office said that even though MC Mong, whose real name is Shin Dong-hyun, is willing to go into active duty, it is not possible because he has already been placed in the second tier of the military since he’s over the age of 31. People in the second tier serve in non-active duty.

Big Bang's GD&TOP to stop using Playboy logo

[July 1 2011]

Playboy magazine of the United States has belatedly found out that GD&TOP, a K-pop duo consisting of two members from Big Bang, used its bunny logo without its approval and recently asked YG Entertainment, Big Bang’s management firm, to stop using it.

Kim Jo Han to join '"I Am A Singer"

One of the most popular shows on Korean TV these days is "I'm A Singer". Any star that performs on the show become household names...again. The newest addition? Kim Jo-han, former member of the ever-so-popular group fo the 90's, Solid.

Kim's first shooting will be July 4th, set to be aired on the 10th. Considered to be one of the best R&B singers in k-pop, Kim's more than just a singer. He's considered the expert, the trainer, the godfather of R&B.

Only time will tell if his experience will be enough to win over the votes on the show.

Source: KBS Global

Kan Jong Wook (간종욱) - Single - 하루가 지나도 (Haruga jinado) - June 29 2011

01. 하루가 지나도 (With Raina From After School) (Haruga jinado) - Even if a day passes

02. 하루가 지나도 (With 레이나 From 애프터스쿨) (MR)

Nothing outstanding and new. I'm guessing because it featured Raina, his song turned out like this lol. Oh, and here's the MV. Actually, the MV wasn't too bad, except for the fact that i think the guy needed a proper shave hahaha

Navi (나비) - Digital Single - 다이어리 - Diary - July 1 2011

01. 다이어리 - Diary

02. 다이어리 (inst.)

Who here likes Navi~? Me~~~! lol. She has a very unique voice and has strong vocals. Unlike most artists, Navi has been consistent with her music style since debut. This track is very Navy style if you get what i mean.

화요비 (Hwayobi) - Mini Album - Reborn - June 30 211

01. 2 The Sky

02. I'm OK [TITLE]

03. XOXO (Feat. 일리닛 Illinit)

04. With U

I really liked Hwayobi's previous mini album. So... i gotta say this comes nowhere near and i'm quite disappointed.. She's adding in too many English words too.. If this is what she calls reborn, she's taking a step back.

현아 (Hyuna) [4minute] - Single - A Bitter Day (Feat. 용준형 & G.NA)

 

01. A Bitter Day (Feat. 용준형 Yong Jun Hyung of B2ST & G.NA)

Truthfully, I'm not a Hyuna fan, she scares me haha. But i do recognize she raps well in some songs. When i first listened to this song, the rap felt a bit out of place but the well written lyrics make up for it. I guess when you listen to this song on replay, it starts to flow and make sense. Hyuna's rapping portrays the girl's feelings whilst Jun Hyung's rap is the guy side. What i think is strange is that... if you listen to this song, you would automatically assume it's G.NA's song because her voice is very distinct and she has the most singing time. Overall, a good song! 

The Name (더네임) - Digital Single - 겨우살아 (Kyeou sara) - June 28 2011

 

01. 겨우 살아 (Kyeou sara)

02. 겨우 살아 (inst.)

Beautiful ballad song~ What more can we expect from The Name and K.Will? Both are well known for their singing skills and unique voices. Really happy to have come across this :)

지.오 (G.O) [MBLAQ] - First Single - 내 꿈에서라도 (Nae ggumeseorado) - July 4 2011

01. 내 꿈에서라도 (Nae ggumeseorado) - Even in my dreams

02. 내 꿈에서라도 (inst.)

T-Ara (티아라) - Mini Album - 존트라볼타 워너비 - John Trovolta Wannabe - June 29 2011

 

01. Roly-Poly

02. 진짜 진짜 좋아해 (Jinjja jinjja johahae) - Really really like 

 

What do you guys think? Just as confused as i am? haha

Work Is Biggest Cause of Stress

Koreans are growing increasingly stressed and less happy with their lives, according to a study. The Korean Neuropsychiatric Association interviewed 1,000 adult Koreans this year and found that 26.2 percent suffer from high levels of stress while scoring 68.1 points on the happiness scale, which is a failing grade.

Korean Makeup Trends Find Global Following

First there were TV dramas and K-pop, and now Korean makeup style is becoming a global fad. Already the makeup styles of Korean actresses and young pop groups influence fashions in China, Japan and Southeast Asia, where the Korean Wave first started, but recently American and European women, too, have been learning the techniques on YouTube, which features hundreds of videos promising to reveal Korean "beauty secrets."

SS501's Kim Hyung Jun Makes Front Page News in Indonesia

[June 22 2011]

 

Kim Hyung Jun, the youngest member of boy band SS501, is enjoying explosive popularity in Indonesia and other parts of Asia, proof that the Korean Wave is still going strong.

SHINee Shine in Japanese Charts

[June 29 2011]

Korean boy band SHINee's Japanese debut is off to a promising start. The band released their Japanese debut single "Replay" on June 22, and it sold 91,000 copies in the first week, ranking second in the Oricon Weekly Single Chart dated July 4.

That is the most successful performance ever by a Korean band in Japan. 

Grim news: Big Bang member Daesung found guilty in deadly car crash

[June 28 2011]

A member of boy band Big Bang has been found liable for the death of a motorcyclist last month.

Kang Dae-sung (22) was arrested after an accident on Yanghwa Bridge in northwestern Seoul in the early hours of May 31.

According to autopsy results released Friday, the victim, surnamed Hyun, had been lying on the ground for a little over two minutes after crashing into a lamppost when Daesung's car hit him and dragged his body for over 20 m.

코드브이 (Code V) - Honestly - May 23 2011

01. 솔직히 말할게 (Soljikhi malhalge)

This was released in May but just want to share with you all. Really beautiful song. Code V had actually debuted under the name 'Bless' but was unable to receive much recognition. They therefore changed their name to 'Code V' hoping for more success. Unfortunately, still, not many people know of them :( Give this ballad song a try~ I've been listening to it on replay a million times already. It's actually a full length album but this is the title and standout song :D

Welcome~

Not quite sure of the direction this blog will take at the moment. Taking it slow and seeing how it progresses. I'll try my best!!! For all those who have an interest in anything Korean, hope you will enjoy reading my posts!