Frozen in Time

Fly High: Subaru Dance! movie review

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:25:21 GMT

Subaru has lived most of her life very much like a wild street cat: surviving each day on her own while trying to overcome the tragedies in her life. But there is one thing that keeps her going---her passion for dance. Will she remain hidden in the dark alleys or will her talent shine through for all the world to see?

Konichiwa minna!~ Sorry I just had to greet like that LOL. Lately I've been having my Japanese fix with new and vintage stuff I missed watching. Everyone's in the Holiday mood and I'm seizing every opportunity to sneak in some fangirling. Goodness I miss JPOP so effin' much!!~ I had been so distracted with Korean men and their hot chocolate abs that I forgot for a moment that my first loves were Yamapi, Nino, Ryo, Shun Oguri (and a whole lot of others that may not fit in this post) and I remember the late nights I've spent watching Jdramas and movies. Not saying JPOP is better than KPOP, but I just feel like I've been missing out on the former. Anyways! Sorry I digress. The first time I saw a preview of Subaru Dance! I immediately thought that it was interesting, considering that Japanese dance movies are quite rare. And it's about ballet to be exact! Not really a fan of such movies as "Save the last dance" and "Step Up," but I did like that one ballet movie called Center Stage (where Mandy Moore sang the OST). But with the beautiful Kuroki Meisa and Go Ara in the cast plus the amazing Momoi Kaori (who played the okasan in "Memoirs of a Geisha") and the handsome Hiraoka Yuuta---this film must be worth checking out!

The plot: Kuroki Meisa plays Subaru, a girl who has a twin brother Kazuma, both of whom love ballet as influenced by their mother who used to be a dancer. Unfortunately, their mother died and they were left with their dad who does not care much about dancing. Following Subaru's misfortunes was Kazuma falling terminally ill with the same disease that killed their mother (brain tumor). She would dance around his hospital room to make him happy, and help him remember things he's forgotten because his memory was slowly deteriorating. In between wanting to go to dance school and taking care of her brother, Subaru became frustrated because their father would not allow her to attend classes. In an argument, she wished Kazuma "would disappear," an act which she would regret after his death. She would eventually attend classes with Mana, a girl whose mother is a ballet teacher, and who's always jealous of her skills. Subaru then accidentally stumbled upon a strip cabaret/ comedy club ran by a former dancer (Kaori) who will teach her unconventional dance and take her under her wing. One night, after performing "Bolero" amidst dirty old men and a jeering drunken crowd, Subaru encounters a beautiful Korean-American girl named Liz Park (Ara) who will lead her to the world of competitive dance---in a face off that will determine their fate.

Directed by (Hong Kong-based) Lee Chi Ngai, Subaru is an adaptation of a manga of the same name. The lighting of this movie reminds me of classical Shanghai films, even the settings and characters were beautifully shot in a slightly dark backdrop. Kuroki Meisa displays astounding skills in this movie as a ballet dancer and it's amazing how well she displayed technique and grace. She was not quite convincing as a street/ hip hop dancer though as in one scene where she is introduced to an underground club as part of her exploration of dancing. Her character is stoic, most of the time arrogant because she has to toughen up after the deaths of her brother and mom, though she still displays weaknesses and gentleness with the people she is close with. I love Meisa, I think she's one of the most beautiful faces in Japan and she's really elegant, but in this character I found it difficult to get attached to her. She had this dense, I-don't-give-a-shit attitude about her which made sense what with all the things she went through---but she didn't quite effectively display her supposed "passion" for dance. Idunno, maybe it's the weird, messed up storytelling that forced to cram tons of misfortunes and dance sequences in a two hour film, or maybe her character wasn't meant to be liked at all. But her dance sequences were stunning, especially her final performance where she had to do an interpretative dance despite her high fever.

Sano Miku plays Mana, a girl in Subaru's neighborhood who has always been jealous of Subaru. Her character's pretty typical---an overly striving dancer who is pressured to excel by her mother. Overall she did well, but she used the same expressions most of the time. She was quite forgettable, but at least she achieved what her character was supposed to be---the second lead who was always outshone by Subaru.

I have to admit, one of the reasons why I watched this was because of Go Ara. Love her! She just lights up the screen with her smiley face and bright eyes. BUT her character and motivations were messed up---one day she's a friend to Subaru and the next she was plotting a hidden agenda. It's like this: she thinks Subaru is her rival so she "trains" her and gives her the opportunity to compete against her in Shanghai to ignite her passion in dancing and to fulfill a bet she made with a teacher in New York. I was like.. WTF. Her motivations were not really clear and her portrayal was very flat---though props to her for speaking Japanese so well!

Hiraoka Yuuta plays his usual role of the guy who falls in a one-sided love for the girl. He didn't bring much to the story and it was hard to believe that he is friends with a group of hardcore hip-hop dancers. Too bad though, I'm sure Yuuta is more than just eyecandy.

One of the perks of having SM Ent. and Avex in this film was that DBSK was in it! For like 20 seconds or so as a group that was singing in a club. That was quite exciting to see though they were completely irrelevant to the scene. Like when SS501 (Triple S) performed in a club scene in Boys Over Flowers. You also get to hear BoA's "Eat You Up" get overplayed and the other OST were sang by CSJH and Koda Kumi.

DBSK with Meisa. Junsu looks so bored like he's thinking, "the hell, get me outta here" while Yoochun looks lost as always. The rest just looks dead tired. Come on dudes! You're sitting next to Japan's most coveted girl! Couldn't hurt to fake even half a smile. Love these guys but sometimes it's better for them to just take a breather (SM!!) than have them looking like this.

Showdown of beauty: Which would you prefer, Meisa's sharp beauty or Go Ara's soft, lady-like features? Hmmm... Tough choice. I wanna root for Team Go Ara based on appearances but for the whole package it's definitely Meisa.

In the end I think Subaru is a good movie but with many flaws and unanswered questions. It's overly melodramatic and there were parts of the plot that just didn't make sense. Again, the movie was trying to be everything all at once. The scene where Go Ara arrives leaves the question, what the hell was she doing in a cabaret? Why was she part of the "in crowd" of hip hop dancers when she's a professional/ famous talent from NY? The whole part where she was rooting for Subaru because she's her rival got me all lost. They were trying to show her as a backstabbing bitch who was at the same time nice and gentle. I would understand if she was pretending to be nice but that was not the case. Her transition from being nice to being bad was just confusing. Plus the random arrival of characters with different background stories convolutes and makes the film lose focus. Even the part where Subaru was flown to Shanghai all of a sudden for a competition was a blur. But this is a must-watch for those who want to see stunning, show-stopping dance performances. In the end, Subaru just did and kept doing her twin brother's last words, "Subaru, dance!"

Hero on Edge: Buzzer Beat review!

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 07:03:03 GMT

Finally!! I have finished watching Buzzer Beat! After having lots of hesitations even considering to watch it and I know this review might be a little late, but after the last episode I feel like it deserves a some space in this blog. Does this mean that "boozer beat-o" is slam dunk? Or should we call a foul?

The plot: Yamapi plays a professional basketball player named Naoki who seemed to have it all: good looks, the perfect girlfriend (Aibu Saki), and a promising career. He has what it takes to become a basketball star---if only he doesn't crack under pressure. You know how some people have this ability to do really well at the last minute even though they were doing crap the whole time, Naoki is the complete opposite. He starts amazingly (in everything, even in his personal life), but only ends up failing halfway; which is why everyone is starting to give up on him. He then meets a free-spirited violinist, Riko (played by Keiko Kitagawa) who sees something in him that no one else does. Then there's the head coach Kawasaki (Ito Hideaki) who falls in love with Riko, a situation which will endanger his and Naoki's professional relationship.

Sound interesting? Hmmm... Not much. For me, it seemed a bit like "One Tree Hill," which by hype was built up as a story about basketball, but will end up drilling teeny bopper love stories around characters who exchange boyfriends and girlfriends. Thus my hesitation. But this weekend I was on house arrest and was too lazy to move a finger that I popped in Buzzer Beat. The first episode didn't really grab my attention, but by the second, third and fourth, I had to smack myself for not giving this drama a Halelujah Chance! (sorry lame pun)

***

The CAST

Everyone and their grandmother knows how Yama-goldfish has these mannerisms when he acts (or lack thereof), so I started watching not expecting anything. I mean, why force the guy to be all expressive when it has been carved on stone that he is, and will always have dead fish eyes. He's got like a total of three facial expressions: (1) When he's angry = furrowed brows. (2) When he's sad = staring into outerspace. (3) As for all the other emotions, he just does this (sometimes adorable, sometimes overdone) mouth thing, as though he's saying chu!~

So I resigned to just focus on the eyecandy and stop whining. Hotdayuuum they had Yamapi and the rest of the basketball-playing cast walking around half nekkid for a good half of this drama and I just couldn't peel my eyes away.

Pi and Ito in a tub of "strawberry bath." I swear, there's probably like 10 or more scenes were Pi was either taking a shower or sitting comfortably in a tub. Can't say no to that, right?

Plus there's this EPIC scene where Pi was being teased by his teammates for his manboobs for being bigger than a girls' and he goes and touches it LOL

BUT. I have to say, in complete honesty and seriousness, Pi has very much improved in this drama. I know I may not be an expert in figuring out if an actor's really good or not, but having watched most of his previous dramas---Nobuta, ProDai, Kurosagi, Stand Up---he's definitely delivered more expressions and heartfelt scenes in Buzzer than any of his other works. Somehow, as I watch him, I felt a bit nostalgic and a little sad, remembering how he literally grew right before my eyes---from a scraggly, skinny, awkward boy to the man he is now. Maybe I should stop calling him Pi or Yamapi. He's a man now and apart from his occasional fail/dorkiness, you can see that he's really matured.

There's this part where he had his heart broken by his girlfriend (Aibu) and he was trying so hard to contain his emotions (because he didn't want Riko to hear over the phone), crying inside so much that it hurts. That scene was heartbreaking, it's almost as if I felt his pain. He really played his character well. Naoki was insecure and always hesitates dilly-dallying at the most crucial moments; the type who would just shrug off annoying incidents for fear of confrontation. He was living in a bubble where all he had were his basketball and his dreams. Little did he know that the world outside of him is crumbling---his girlfriend is losing interest, his contract, team and company were not doing so good and he's slowly realizing that maybe, just maybe he was not meant to pursue his dreams.

Saki Aibu plays Natsuki who is everyone's dream girl. She's nice, gentle, very pretty, prim and proper---but ONLY on the surface. She and Naoki had been dating for 2 years but as time goes by she gets unsatisfied with him and feels like there's no stability between them. Little does everyone know that she's a BAD GIRL smoking Seven and even going as far as sleeping with a guy who's on the same team as her boyfriend. OUCH. But really, I LOLed hard at Japan's association of "smoking" and being badass. Anyways, at first I didn't really understand what the hell she was bitching about. Naoki has told her of his plans of marrying her and he's an all around super nice guy. He sends her long, cheesy text messages with pictures of the sunset, he cooks and cleans for her... Yet she calls him a big "loser." So what gives?

Then slowly I understood how she felt. There WAS something lacking in Naoki. His good point became his bad trait. He's got no passion (see lame kiss above). He's nice, but TOO nice. This scene was when Natsuki asked Naoki to kiss her again, and when he did, it was just plain flat. Pathetic to say the least. Bore. Not that she was asking for him to grab her by the hair and start making out with her hardcore (okay, maybe she was asking for it a little) but all she wanted was for him to put a little more feeling to it. She tried her best to feel something for him, to ignite her feelings from when they first met, but everything just fizzled. A girl can only do so much when all she and her boyfriend ever does are eating french toasts and playing video games.... at a sleepover. But that didn't justify her cheating and lying to his face. Overall, Aibu gave a good performance, considering the fact that she's always played goody-tooty roles.

Bad girl indeed. Caught in the act cheating.

Keiko as Riko Shirakawa. I've always been a fan of this girl, I think she's not your typical cutesy actress. She's chosen her roles pretty well and the characters she's played are diverse. Here she plays a violinist who's working part time while at the same time failing every other audition she goes to. So in a way she and Naoki had something in common---they were both at a crossroad where they had to decide whether to face reality or keep on going for their dreams. She's really good in this drama, especially in the scene where she was saying goodbye to Naoki, she was crying like it was the end of the world. And she's got this natural appeal that lights up the screen. Though her character is pretty stereotypical for a lead actress---free-spirited, a bit quirky, messy yet adorable at the same time. Oh and now I get how some people think she looks like Ariel Lin. But she's a cross between Leah Dizon and Ariel for me.

Ito Hideaki was the cardboard character for the perfect guy who gets dumped for the lead who's obviously more messy and unfit for the girl. Snore. I almost forgot he was even there. Sorry but Hideaki can do better. He's done lead roles in other dramas, which is why I wonder he even considered taking this. Even his character as a former-player-now-coach was as dry as cardboard.

I did like the supporting cast though. Maya Miki playing Naoki's mother? Felt like she was a bit young for that, but it kinda made sense. She was a divorcee and a cool mom who gives good advice. Though that's always what Maya plays. Kanjiya Shihori who plays Mai, Riko's best friend, was hilarious in this drama. If not for her (and Junpei's) randomness and comedic relief the whole thing would've been one big sapfest.

***

Favorite scenes!

Even though it's a breakup scene, I like this part because the way they were sitting just told the whole story of how their relationship went.

Scenes at the park. A lovely setting. The "Love makes me strong" billboard is the theme of the story.

Signature salute goodbye.

Damn. Can you belive Pi's waistline?

They kiss again. And again.

And again. I was surprised, Pi, or rather Yamashita kissed so good! It wasn't the typical forced brush on the lips kinda thing but real, heartfelt deep kiss. They really had great chemistry. They are SO dating. Well, at least I hope the rumors are true!

And there's a bed scene! Well, not really, but lots of cuddling involved.

Can't go without the obligatory piggyback ride scene.

My fave scene of all! You should watch this part, it was really touching!

***

The bad parts: Some parts seemed a little too rehearsed, Idunno, like it just didn't seem natural. While Pi and Keiko's acting has improved, there were still parts where they lacked depth. The ending was pretty much disappointing. The part where the violin instructor goes "Love makes us strong" was a complete WTF moment for me. You know the drama's gonna end cheesily when at the end either the title or some overused phrase will be mentioned at a crucial moment. And I'm not gonna deny, the drama is ridden with cliches. So many "so-near-yet-so-far" moments. Lots of missing each other by a fraction of a second. The basketball scenes were a little dragging (as some of the other parts) and I still find it difficult to believe that Pi as playing a professional basketball player. For a basketball drama there was little to no sports action. He did look like he worked hard on it, but his idol looks (and hair) were a bit distracting. Come on, he was playing basketball with trendy cropped pants and really nice polo/ plaid shirts! Loved his Nikes though. Anyways, I did like how they were able to connect basketball and music (with Keiko hearing Pi's dribbles as the note "do"). Buzzer Beat reminded me of another coming-of-age drama "Orange Days" starring Satoshi Tsumabuki and Shibasaki Kou. But it wasn't able to achieve the effect of youth standing at a crossroads towards adolescence, of the dilemma about growing up or sticking to ideals. Overall, the drama was good, albeit being a little forgettable. A must watch for Pi-Keiko fans. B'Z's OST is a killer! The way each episode ends was exciting, it's just a shame that they had to resort to such an ending.

Yamato Nadeshiko: New JE-filled drama to look foward to!

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:20:53 GMT

JE has always hammed it up for the TV screens when it comes to dramas, pairing JE idols like Kame and Pi, Takky and Ryo, Jin and Taguchi... But Uchi, Kame and Tegoshi in ONE drama? Let the JE fangirl-dom implode! More picspam and drama info under the cut!

From Tokyograph:

"The live-action drama adaptation of Tomoko Hayakawa's manga "Yamato Nadeshiko Shichihenge" was confirmed on Sunday. KAT-TUN's Kazuya Kamenashi (23) will play the lead role and will be joined by Hiroki Uchi (23) and NEWS member Yuya Tegoshi (22).

The comedic story revolves a group of handsome young men who are offered free lodging if they can turn the owner's niece into a proper lady. Kamenashi plays the short-tempered Kyohei Takano, while Uchi and Tegoshi play two of his housemates. Aya Omasa (18) has been cast as the niece Sunako, a solitary girl with low self-esteem. As the men work together to change Sunako, she and Kyohei begin to form a romantic relationship.

The cast also includes ballet dancer Shuntaro Miyao (25). TBS will premiere the series on January 15, airing every Friday at 10:00pm."

OMGSPAZZ. I LOVE THIS MANGA. I also watched the animation and it was friggin hilarious. Imagine Hana Yori Dango, only more morbid and twisted. And without the stereotypical evil, rich-ass mother. I mean, it's got all the elements that would definitely make it a hit: four bishounen (flower boys) and one odd, creepy girl.

"Four handsome young students (Takano Kyohei, Oda Takenaga, Toyama Yukinojo and Morii Ranmaru) are offered free use of a house on the condition that they transform the girl who already lives there into a lady. But there's a catch! Nakahara Sunako, is a gloomy, morbid, weird girl who is also an avid horror movie maniac."

***

Pics of the cast:

Kame plays the lead male role named Kyouhei, who's always had a "problem" with his crazy, dazzling good looks. Girls flock him from all over, perhaps even more so than a celebrity. With his prince-like appearance, everyone just wants a piece of him! But behind closed doors, he's very temperamental, a glutton and does not care about anything else but earning money. I was a bit taken aback when I heard that Kame was chosen for this role. No offense to Kame, but looks wise he may be good looking and charismatic, but Kyouhei is in a different level on its own (plus he's REALLY tall in the manga). He's the very definition of manly and cool. Kame may be able to pull off his arrogant vibe, but Kame's more of an "emo" actor (well, except for his role as a goofy boxer), if you know what I mean. Whereas Kyouhei is more of a schizophrenic LOL. Idunno, we'll see.

Tegoshi Yuya plays Yuki, the incredibly cute and innocently sweet boy whose idea of fun is cuddling with pandas and teddy bears. LOL he literally dreams about them! He cries when he's scared, and eating ice cream makes him one happy puppy. Because of his girly looks, he is often forced to dress up as a girl (depending on the situation), which gives Yuki esteem issues. Totally the opposite of Kyouhei.

I think this role is MADE for Tesshi. He's practically a girl!

Uchi plays the role of Takenaga, a rich, cultured and smart guy (bookworm!) whose idea of fun is having tea and doing flower arrangements LOL. Again, Idunno, I can see Uchi playing the pimp role of a character named Ranmaru!

Ballet dancer Shuntaro Miyao (rumored to have dated Keiko Kitagawa) plays Ranmaru, the cassanova slash playboy who can seduce any girl with his dashing good looks and sweet words. He likes older women and often gets into trouble for his polygamous nature. Sounds very Akira of HYD, eh? I think it's quite random that they pick this guy for this role. He obviously looks a bit more mature than the other boys in the cast. But the drama hasn't been aired yet so we'll see if this cast rumors are true.

Aya Omasa (18) plays Sunako a very creepy girl whose best friends consist of an anatomical mannequin and a skeleton couple. She spends her time holed up in her dark room watching "Splatter" bloodshed banned movies and gets serious nosebleeds when she meets "dazzling" people---thus her relationship with the four becomes a riot. But there's a reason for her "creepiness" as we'll find out throughout the drama. Finally a new face! I thought for a second they're going to cast Maki who played a similar role as Kotani in Nobuta!

***

"Yamato Nadeshiko" means personification of an "ideal woman," ideal in the historical context of patriarchal, traditional culture of Japan.

This is gonna be a fun drama!! OMG can't wait! I couldn't believe it myself, but here's the preview: THE WALLFLOWER!

Creds: Tokyograph, anime.mikomi.org, Wiki

Caught in the act! Japan's hottest new couple?

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:11:34 GMT

Rejoice Buzzer Beat fans! The onscreen chemistry and love affair of two of today's hottest Japanese stars goes far more than the drama?

Just wanted to share this news. Everyone and their mother knows I'm a HUGE Keiko and Pi. Heck, I even watched the trash-tastic film called Tokyo Drift all because of her. And I even endured Pi's dead-fish-eye acting. But who cares, both look so good together! Back then when they were attending the same university, rumors have been swirling around these two already. So they had it coming, and we all know where that leads.

"After appearing together in the drama Buzzer Beat, Yamashita Tomohisa and Kitagawa Keiko's onscreen romance has blossomed into real life. Last month, Japanese magazine Josei Seven took photos of them holding hands in the rain. Afterwards, Yamashita clarified that it was only the angle of the shot, as they are only friends. However, this month's issue of the magazine once again caught them on a date earlier in the month.

On that day, the two were seen leaving Kitagawa's place. Afterwards they went for a meal together. It was evident in the photos that Kitagawa was holding onto Yamashita's arm. They seemed very comfortable with each other and looked like an actual couple on a date. Approximately two hours later the two left the restaurant. Reporters found out the pair had switched their jackets. Even if they are insistent that they're 'only friends', their actions seem to prove otherwise."

Yamashita Tomohisa and Girlfriend Exchange Clothes
Source: Mingpao
Translated by: sparkles_n15 @ asianfanatics.net

***

Pics or it didn't happen? You judge for yourself:

I do hope Pi sticks on to this one. He's been dating around lately what with all the halfie-model and Abiru drama just happening.

SHINee JoJo performance review

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:56:12 GMT

When you think of SHINee you think: over-the-top costumes, crazy, unique hairstyles, strong performances and of course, those tight PVC pants that hug them in all the right places. But then they come out with "Jojo," which is more toned-down and a bit laid back. Like it or not?

First of all, out of all the songs in SHINee's Year of Us, I liked "Jojo" at first listen. It takes quite a few replays of "Ring Ding Dong" before I got past its ridiculous title, occasional "elastic, fantastic!" lyrics and totally confusing vid to actually listen to it. Whereas "Jojo" is more easy to the ears, unlike Ring Ding Dong which can give you a heart attack if you listen to it at full volume LOL. Jojo has that retro feel to it, it's almost like an 80's song but not really. And I was so excited when they performed it live this weekend with a new look---but what's this? They actually look very simple and this time I didn't have the urge to come all the way to Korea to give their stylist a beating.

***

Anyways, let's take a look at their "toned-down" style:

Granted Jonghyun was wearing red pants but colored tighties has always been their trademark, and at least now we don't have to bet how many feathers will fall off his shirt. His jacket looks a little retro and one that he could've have worn during practice time but whatevs. He looks mighty fine.

Ahhh Key!!~~ Thank goodness he got rid of that vampire-esque style and purple-gray hair! Key's always the unlucky one when it comes to the stylist (remember the Juliet strawberry-blond perm?) but now he's looking pretty normal. Actually, SHINee has always been styled with high fashion clothes courtesy of Ha Saeng Baek, but it's good to see them look as real boys this time.

Although I liked Minho's look in Ring Ding Dong (if anyone knows where I can get that scarf tell me!!!) again, they are looking very simple and clean here, even with the hint of fur.

Leader Onew!!~ He looks good, but why do they always make him wear the dark/gray shades? Check GDAs where everyone else was wearing red-black combo but he was the odd-man out with head-to-toe gray.

Taeminnie added a splash of color which would look weird if anyone else wore it---but because he's young kid and cute as hell so he was able to pull it off.

***

Performance wise, I think Jojo looked like it re-hashed some of their previous dances---we get to see a move they did on Replay and some from Juliette. However, what's amazing about SHINee is that the make every dance move so precise while at the same time maintaining their vocal skills intact. Idunno, some people may see Jojo as a little mediocre compared to their other releases and perfs but for me, less is definitely more. AND what's more important is that SHINee really looked like they were enjoying themselves at that time. What do you think?

WTF photo of the day!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:51:00 GMT

Can you guess who this sexy lady is?

LOL can't get over the shiny gold leggings under short short leather shorts! WTF.

Is this pretty enough for you? (He kinda looks like Akanishi Jin! *gets bricked*)

This person really let himself go for laughs. LOL must impress SHINee oppas!

It's FTI's Seunghyun from the variety show Idol Maknae Rebellion!

It's amazing how pretty guy idols can be made as girls!

BUT! No one can beat the prettiness that is...

Princess Heechul as Heesica!

P.S. Hairy-legged Eunhyuk for the win!

Poll: Brothers from another mother! Mir vs Hongki!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:32:52 GMT

Okay, we haven't done polls for a while so it's time to make a difficult one! FT Island's Lee Hongki and MBLAQ's Mir have always been recognized as looking really alike---but which one do you like more?

I think both do not only have similar facial features, they also have similarities in personality. Let's see how!

HONGKI!

The many faces of the adorable aegyo-filled Jeremy!

Looking pretty as a girl! Hongki looking like an otaku bait! He could pass off as a member of AKB48! LOL at Jonghoon!

Goofy and always joking around!

Yet so pretty!

***

MIR~!

The many faces of Mir!

Definitely cute and likes doing aegyo stuff! LOL~

Always the jokester and likes to bother his hyungs alot!~

But still so pretty!

***

More similarities:

BOTH LIKE TO CUDDLE!~ asdasfadf *dies* nosebleed*

Hongki is officially in love with hyungnim!~

Mir is Mr. Friendly! So cute with his hyung Joonie!~

LASTLY... Both have their own sexy charms:

P.S. You can only choose one! Why's life so hard!?!! So tell me! Who do you like more and why?

It's time for a new joint right here! It's MBLAQ!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:37:05 GMT

MBLAQ fangirls, get your right-click function ready 'cause here's an early Christmas treat brought to you by yours truly for y'all! G.O.O.D. Luv mv screen caps and more MBLAQ goodies!

I don't think I can count how many times I watched GOOD luv vid at 2 friggin' am. I've been out of it for so long and it's TGIF so I got to catch up on all things MBLAQ. So, to make up for all my absences, here are stuff I managed to collect and had my print screen function overused LOL. Please credit/comment when taking! Major thanks to abmsubs for all the hard work in subbing MBLAQ shows and interviews. Mad props to you guys!<3

What do you get when you put together cute kids + hot guys? One deathly fangirl spazzing combination, that's what!

MIR!

This mv is definitely maknae biased. But I'm not complaining! He's really showing more and more of his goofy I-don't-give-a-damn-about-image self LOL he's a noisy, dirty, corny, crazy guy---he's so full of FAIL! love~

But on certain times when Mir is not going all bonkers, the guy is actually VERRRY pretty.

Okay back to crazzy! Mir spazzing!

CUUUUUTTTEEEE! I just have no other word for it!~

Don't you just wish you're that kid who Mir throws around like a rag doll?

Bad Mir! Get your ass in here and Imma give you some spankin'! RAWR!

Adorkable!

***

JOON!

Joonie! *sings* It's getting hot in here! So take off all your clothes! (okay that was a lame pun)

When Mr. Smex is not busy being smexy, we get to see a different side of him---a gentle, cute, kid-loving Joonie!~~ I swear whoever had the idea for this mv is a genius! It's fail-proof and guaranteed to tug on noona's hearts!

Camwhore! Joon has this uncanny ability to detect cameras and know his perfect angles LOL

I just HAD to screen-cap this. He's got vampire fangs LOL bite me anytime! *Okay I notice too much*

Don't you just want to make him your baby daddy?

***

LEADER SEUNGHO!!

OBLIGATORY SCREEN-CAP of Seungho's Starburst lips! A MUST! HOT damn. You know coincidentally I was reading a magazine and I read in this health section saying that the lips are indicators of youth and fertility. Seeing this.... you know what that means. heeehee!

I'm actually a bit disappointed in this mv because it just NEEDS MORE LEADER!! Come on! He's just too good to be ignored!

***

G.O.!

G.O.'s chicken dance!~ You'll know why later!

Sing it, baby!~

***

THUNDER!

This guy is actually growing on me more nowadays. Before I was a bit indifferent towards him because he just seemed always lost and lacked energy unlike the other members who just can't sit still. He's always prim and proper, and awkward. But I guess that's his charm! Really. You can't hate on the guy. He's got that quiet charisma and occasional goofiness about him. Funny though, in Idol Army previews he's the one who's considered as the "crazy beauty" like Khun. PD bias is biased!! Can't wait to see that!

***

LOLfest moments in the mv!

Banana (or whatever that thing is) in pajamas the newest member of MBLAQ?

Everyone wants a piece of Mir!

G.O. and Mir goofing around

This is actually one of my fave couple screenshots! They both look like puppies! I mean that in a good way LOL

Awww...

Maknae gets abused!

LOL at Joon's mic and Thunder's expression!

Fave Joon moments!

***

ART OF SEDUCTION EP 4 CAPS!

Why ep. 4? It's my fave episode because it showed my two faves, Seungho and Joonie doing some mischief by stealing the company car and going to the cemetery to buy noodles? Makes sense? No, but it was all sorts of awesome!

Creeper shots!

Seungho: "I just heard Rain-hyung came back from the US and is on his way to get us for revealing to everyone how he ignored us for 4 days!"

....

SQUEEE!~

Mir captured at a very incriminating shot LOL! You gotta give mad chops to the netizens!

With G.O's feather-duster performance costumes...

Thus his famous chicken dance.

OH Yeah, Oh, oh OH YEAH!~~

Credits also to kpop gifs!

POP QUIZ!

Can you guess who this is?

Idol fandom turns bloody hell?!!

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:54:40 GMT

I was about to go home and shut down my laptop when I saw yet another news about a fan taking her so-called devotion to an idol too far. We've heard about Taecyeon's bloody "period letter," and now, it's MBLAQ's Lee Joon receiving some hemoglobin. WTF, fandom, just WTF?!!

Here are the complete news to Taecyeon's letter specially delivered at THAT time of the month: Period. and Joon's letter that's got creeper written all over it: Scarlet letter. I don't even want to post the pics, because I get chills just looking at them.

The Taec letter was a nasty/repulsive and a bit on the funny /embarrassing side...

But this wrist-slitting... I can't even make up some kind of logic behind these actions, I would've wanted to give them at least some benefit of a doubt that they might have just made some kind of mistake or that it's just some phase that teenagers with intense hormonal imbalance go through. BUT NO. When Taec's letter came out then it was followed by this, it's clearly not just some temporary insanity or phase---it's dangerously becoming a trend. I can't, for the love of humanity understand what or how fandom has come this far.

Fandom taken to the extreme has serious consequences not only for the fan involved, but also to the artist as well. I wrote about this before in my fandom of doom post, where I put the SuJu fan suicide and Yunho's glue poisoning incident as some of the worst cases. But apparently, there are still some crazy shit going on in KPOP and it's come to a point where you can't even pass it off as a joke anymore. Seriously, idol obsession is all sorts of crazy, creepy and dangerous---a deathly combination!

CRAZY. Can't think of another word.

I have no more words. I'm scared for these people. Even Taec and Joon are scared. Or should be.

Moral of the story: Get your shit together fandom! They're just idols! You're life DOES NOT and SHOULD NOT depend on them! They're human beings just like the rest of us, only with better hair and better clothes. STOP with the crazies before this turns into one massive cult... (I don't even want to say, might give people some ideas). Respect is key---to yourself and to the idol.

Feel the Good vibe on Asian music

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:24:46 GMT

This year has been a great year for Asian talents to crossover and conquer the US music and movie scene. We've seen Lee Byung Hoon, Daniel Henney and most recently Rain kicking ass in the box office while BoA, Se7en, the Wonder Girls, Utada Hikaru and Crown J's make attempts to be heard in the land of the free. Let's take a look at this phenomenon in this short but sweet K blogger feature and let some Goodvibe give Music for your Soul!

Name: Call me D ^^

Age: 24

Mental age (^___^): Age ain't nothing but a number! I believe I'll always be young at heart ^^

Location: Cali (Bay AREAAAA! Stand up!)

Nationality: half Viet half Chinese

"Real job" : Student teacher/Personal Banker. Nice combo right? Hahaha.

If you're in the middle of a huge crowd & a friend is supposed to meet you, what do you think is your distinct attribute that will make your friend recognize you from afar?

My purse. I've collected a lotta unique purses over the years so it's pretty easy to spot me with it. Especially this one: I'm pretty proud to own it :D

D's unique purses!

***

Background of goodvibe.wordpress.com:

I actually started the blog on a whim, more of my outlet to spazzing everything Asian. I actually had no big intentions for the blog LOL, but it was definitely after I started noticing people coming by and leaving comments that I thought I should do something more. I did cover K-entertainment for awhile but it was a little too much for me to handle, so I just wanted to concentrate on my first love, music ^^. As for future status, anything can happen right?

How is Asian music different from the rest of the world?

Asian music (to me) has all the elements of music but just sung in a different language. I think we all are entranced on how awesome it sounds even though we don't understand it. It's definitely either a hate or love though.

What genre of music are you most interested in?

I'm actually most interested in underground music. Either hip hop or live punk bands or DJ's on the move, I love hearing new music. For some artists, their raw/beginning stages are what hooks me the most!

First song you play when you wake up in the morning [at the time of this interview]:

Right now, it's UVERworld's Shamrock

Last song you listen to before sleeping: It changes a lot but right now it's SHINee's In My room [Madame B Salon Jazz Version]

***

What are your thoughts on:

Asians making it in the US

Even before other artists made a run for the US, Rain began his journey way back in 2006. Here he is with JYP and Omarion in NY.

The Wonder Girls making waves in Wendy Williams show

Totally progressing! I think we've come a long way and are, slowly but surely, getting some limelight. I know it will probably take a long time for Asians to have an impact on the U.S. but so far it's been positive! The language barrier is one thing that causes a lot issues because no matter how you look at it, it's got a huge disadvantage to those who want to crossover. I hope with more time Asian Americans will be able to be fully mainstream-ed and we'll get to hear them everywhere just like other US artists.

Se7en with Lil Kim

BoA with Sean Garrett and Akon

It's already hard for Asian Americans here to get into mainstream media so it's double hard for overseas actors/singers to cross over. Everyone is rooting for them to succeed but it will be a while before it will we see a huge impact in the industry. (I hope no one misunderstands me on this because I'm all for more Asian artists to make it big here but I'm just sharing my opinion realistically speaking .)

Which Asian artist do you think has what it takes to make it internationally?

Epik High without a doubt. Their enthuaism for new music and different trends spark and ignite crowds everywhere. Their Map The Soul Worldwide Tour proved that they could handle crowds across continents :D

List down 3 must listen to songs of all time:

M-Flo loves melody & Ryohei - Miss You
Yoo Seung Jun Feat. Yuki Hsu - Can't Wait
Michael Jackson - Rock With You

***

Dream collaboration

Which Korean artists would you like to see do a song together? I would love to see old with the new. Kim Bum Soo with Big Bang? Son Ho Young with DBSK? Uhm Jung Hwa with Girl's Generation? Ivy with 2NE1? LOL. I would love to see if the new could keep up with the veterans and vice versa ^^

Name that artist of the year: MYK! (unofficially?) LOL watching him @ Epik High's Map The Soul tour was amazing. With a doubt, so talented! Officially I totally say Epik High! The way they make music is undeniably hot and they always have great collaborations!

Best singer: There are wayyy to many. Either English or Asian I couldn't possibly just name one.

Best album: Soulstar Vol.1 - I've played that album so many times and I've never gotten sick of it. EVER.

Worst singer: Hahaha. I really can't answer that without getting hurt. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, so I'll just plead the 5th on this one.

Worst album: Oof, I would say but I just can't. =]

***

Message for your blog readers:

To all the readers spoken or silent thank you really for taking time out and reading my blog. It means a lot to any blogger to have avid readers and commenters! I hope to share more good music and bring you even more interesting articles to read! ^^;; Thank you so much! (bows)

FLOATINGSTARS Recommendation: If you're looking for the latest updates in music, goodvibe@WP is the place to be. D's updates have little snippets of her own reviews so you can count on that before you buy a new album. Plus it also has updates on new releases, it also has news on what's happening in the music biz. She writes really short but very informative, unlike me who keeps on blabbing without getting a point across LOL. So check goodvibe out! Follower her at Twitter (Music4ursoul)!

When the Wonder Girls were still "cool"

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:57:54 GMT

Not that they're not "cool" now, but I mean "cool" as in they had the look and vibe that gave them 'nuff street cred. And yes, even before their hyped up image of glittery, frilly dresses, wigs, stockings and their annoyingly addictive sound, the Wonder Girls made real good music.

There's not a space in this world (at least in the fandom) that does not know how to do the finger-pointing dance and you'd be considered deaf or stoic (or completely living under a rock) if you haven't yet been infected by the "Nobody" craze. That was about a year ago, and it's still going on until now. There are even talks about making a Spanish version of the song. Say what.

It was pretty nice for quite a while, I wouldn't mind listening and watching their style that was a good throwback to Hollywood retro 50's---but at some point my head exploded from all the "Nobody, nobody but chuu~" until my brain melted into a pile of goo. Enough is enough.

Okay, the main reason for this post is that I had my IPOD on shuffle when it suddenly played "This Fool." Hearing the first few verses, I had to check again who sang it---surely this is not the Wonder Girls? The funky beats, hip hop sounds, fierce rapping, and what's this? The song is NOT actually repetitive? I was hooked, and I immediately dug out their old singles.

So let me take you down memory lane and tell you a bit about the songs I really liked in their previous releases, particularly “The Wonder Years.” First off, before their megahit “Tell Me,” they had a slew of songs that had a very distinct sound: a little mature, hip hop that’s not too fast, not too slow---just right to get you in the groove. JYP has been credited for bringing in the repetitive song and easy-to-follow dance steps, but when the Wonder Girls debuted, I think he had something different in mind for their image.

In “Irony” they were going for the strong, femme fatale yet still retaining lady-like appearances (in modified school girl outfits). They were trying to find a balance between what boys would drool for, but also a look that female audiences would like. Unlike now, they’re all glammed up, girly and too conceptualized.

“This Fool” is signature JYP style---with sexy and experimental with beats. It does not really stand out, but it’s less dramatic and less fruity than their title tracks. Actually, I think WG’s unpromoted songs are way better than their more popular songs. Another song that’s similar to this one is “Move feat. Lee Min Woo.” Again, it starts off real slow then builds up to the chorus. It talks about “losing control and partying.” LOL. It’s a really hot track! I can imagine this song playing in the clubs when the night is about to cap off and everyone’s all intoxicated. Lee Min Woo had a bit part in the rap but it made the whole song a little more interesting. Then we go to my fave track “Bad Boy.” It sounds more upbeat---and angrier as it cries out, “Don’t come back to me!” Something that you’d rarely see in WG. It’s catchy enough without being annoying, and, dare I say it, it’s pretty damn COOL. While the previous tracks I mentioned are more dance-y, “Take” is a mid-tempo ballad reminiscent of what Jojo would sing.

Remember this fashion disaster? Pink ear muffs and volleyball knee pads?! LMAO

While I’m happy for the girls’ established fame and I don’t think they’ll be successful had they stuck with their “Irony” image, I’d love to see WG in a “less is more” image---one that focuses on the girls’ skills rather than what would sell. JYP has found a niche market for WG and it seems like he’s sticking with it, marketing the girls as “the nation’s little sisters.” All respect to the man, he knows what will make them big. However, I do think it’s time for them to grow up. I mean, Kara grew tired of being “Pretty” and even SNSD had to hang up their “Gee” colored pants. I’m not expecting them to go all Abracadabra either. Granted, So Hee is too cute and SunMi is a little awkward and goofy (but lately she’s done quite a sexy solo perf). I do think that the other girls are definitely downplayed.

SunYe was a trainee for 8 years and her dancing is superb. There’s a reason why she was paired up with hottie sex-on-legs Taeyang in their WonderBang collaborations. I don’t think their dance routines are pushing SunYe’s dancing skills.

Same thing with YeEun, whom I think is the most confident in the group. Even the way she speaks she seems like she’s taking charge. Don’t pitchfork me SunYe fans, but for me, YeEun would make more sense as a leader. Remember the way she pawned that brainless foul-mouthed racist anti over at Twitter? And during US interviews, YeEun seems more at ease, and I’m not talking about being familiar with English. Even in US red carpet events you’ll see her look really comfy with the camera.

YeEun was the only one who didn't look scared of Miss Jay.

Then there’s Yoobin, the queen of fierce. I think she upped the ante for WG when Hyun Ah left, and at first she looks like she’d look better in another firecer girl group. She’s in a league of her own. But sadly, “Nobody” happened.

Anyways, I’m not a WG anti. I guess I just want to see something new from them, and I think they can do better. David Stewart is said to be working with them, so here’s hoping they’ll make it even bigger in the US. And please no more “Nobody!”

Cutting edge: Ninja Assassin Review

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 10:54:32 GMT

The red carpet has been drawn and we've all seen the blood and gore, and now we're left with one conclusion about Ninja Assassin, starring Korea's very own Rain: It's a KILLER movie. The question is, does it mean "killer" as in it's-damn-kick-ass-good, or did it leave audiences feeling assassinated after watching?

Let me begin with an explanation as to why I've been MIA in this blog a lot lately. The reason is that well, not only because I've been terribly busy, but more importantly, the company where I'm working at is making a huge CRACKDOWN of websites such as Twitter, Facebook, wordpress, basically every site that allows us to have a life. IT SUCKS. Before I could sneak in a post or two when I'm on breaks, but now... nada. Oh well, I'll try my best to keep the fangirl in me alive, 'coz I'm seriously starved and craving of hot idol eyecandies LOL.

***

Rain in Training

On to the review! For those who haven't seen it yet, here's a rather simple breakdown of the plot: Ninja Assassin is about Raizo (Yoon Sungwoon, Joon Lee, Rain) who was kidnapped at a young age and trained by the Ozunu clan to become a killing machine in exchange of gold. In other words, he was in a ninja-producing factory where the outputs are buckets of blood and decapitated bodies. He was one of the most promising students and does not know life and love outside their closed quarters, until Kiriko (Anna Sawai), a female ninja showed him unconditional kindness. But when Kiriko was killed because she tried to escape, Raizo wages war against the clan. On the other side of the fence, a Europol agent, Mika Coretti (Naomi Harris) begins investigating the secret world of the mythical ninjas to find out---is Raizo really a ninja assassin (a ninja who is an assassin) or one who assasinates ninjas?

Before we answer that question, let's first ask, "Just what exactly IS a ninja anyway?" Urban Dictionary gives hilarious definitions: Ninja's tears cure cancer. Too bad they never cry. Bullets dodge ninjas. Ninjas created the Internet. Ninjas invented the wheel-- twice. Ninja don't smoke, but they do use smoke bombs. Ninjas put pants on 2 legs at a time. When ninjas do push-ups, they don't push themselves up, they push the world down. LMAO.

The young Raizo

Played by a familiar kid who appeared on Star King as the little Jaejoong!

I swear, I cried a lot when his feet got slashed and whipped! How can you do that to a little kid??!

With the real Jaejoong and little Yunho. LOL how very fitting

Being his first-ever leading role in a Hollywood film, Rain carries with him tremendous pressure, despite having had a bit role in Speed Racer. Critics wrote: "The performances do little to help matters. Korean pop star Rain doesn’t display any of the magnetism that presumably made him a star in the first place, instead turning in a performance best described as Keanu-esque," and "And our action hero moves well, although he’s more Mist than Rain when delivering dialogue." Ouch. I've seen one too many Keanu movies and no matter what character he portrayed, he always had this surfer dude monotone, almost emotionless voice. Considering English is not Rain's first language, this might have hampered his delivery of the lines. BUT I think his style was just fine. I mean, you can't have a ninja with a piped up/cheery voice, right? It's all part of his mysterious aura. Then again, there were some parts where his lines seemed garbled and his lines were so limited you can almost count them all. In this case, Raizo would be better of as a man of action instead of words.

As for Joon Lee as the teenage Raizo, I have to say, even with all my MBLAQ bias, he was real good. He was able to express emotions with just one look of his eyes, and you can see he brings something fresh to the screen. His acting conveyed fear, wonder, confusion and resentment---you can tell this guy is on to something.

***

Brothers separated at birth

Yes, this is Lee Joon. I had to do a double take because he gives off that vintage Rain feel.

Like I said before, I never saw the resemblance between him and Rain, but their mannerisms and acting style are quite similar. Though Rain acts better in his home base, and somehow, Joon seemed just a little more at ease. Perhaps he didn't want to disappoint Papa Rain. I've never heard anyone say "Liar" so sexy!

Then there's this issue about blood splattering everywhere, almost every other minute of the story. When you watch a movie with the words "ninja" and "assassin" thrown together, that's to be expected. But personally I'm not fond of a bunch of guys in a catfight where one ends up with a limb detached while the other swims in a pool of blood. In this movie, the fight scenes were artistically done, especially the one where Raizo battled a ninja in Mika's room, and the final score between him and his master. That was literally hot. I would say that the hottest fight scene would be the one where Lee Joon had his eyes blindfolded, but I'm thinking about another scenario where I spank him while he screams for more. heehee.

In one of the rare humorous scenes in the movie, Mika was caught lying about her size. I would too if Rain was buying me clothes!! Add a lingerie to that please! ROFL

Despite these "cool" action scenes, the movie has garnered a reputation of being "brainless," a movie that requires no thinking. A word from the critics: "As a viewer, your only task here is to watch, eat popcorn, and laugh, jump or shriiek---whichever works for you whenever you see heads roll, limbs fly or or hemoglobin spurting," and "This movie knows exactly what it is: Gonzo silliness about bodies turned into human salsa." Lastly, "Turn your brain off and turn up the blood splatter." While I agree about not overthinking, there is more to this movie than throwing up blood.

Here we can see the question of freedom, oppression and of course, the proverbial battle between good and evil. How can one be "good" when your methods include slashing someone dead with blades or make a human slushie using washing machine? Can you still consider it good to fight using the same method of violence your enemy is known for? Then again, Raizo was doing the only thing he knows, and that is everything he was taught as a ninja. About the topic of freedom, it was expressed in a witty way by Kiriko when she was put inside a bamboo cage: "Why am I in here? Or... Why are you out there?" *is jealous when Joon fed her water with a straw* *raises fist*

For me, the film just lacks a little fine tuning and some fight scenes fall flat. Though I love the effects when ninjas come closer and Raizo hears their thoughts. Very Harry Potter dementor-esque. One thing's for sure, I agree with what this critic had to say, "the audience is treated to lovingly photographed training sequences in which a glistening, shirtless Rain performs, for example, handstand push-ups on a bed of screwdrivers. With his long hair and matinee-idol looks, he cuts quite a profile in Ninja Assassin.

***

Too fly for the red carpet!

Here's to wishing Rain being the star of Hollywood red carpet events!

P.S. To kindhearted people out there, please help me Tweet this post 'coz I can't!!!:)

See you After School!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:40:35 GMT

Recess is over and it's time to go After School. Back with a new, more mature look and with two new students in tow, the girls are set to heat things up in the KPOP campus.

Managed by Pledis Entertainment, After School was said to be a combined force of five Son dam Bi's and were known as the Korean Pussycat Dolls. With their first single "Ah," they showed a sexy-sporty image that was quite new in the cutesy-infested KPOP scene at that time. Their whole premise borrows from the idea of Hello Projects where girls graduate at a certain time and they go off to other activities, by then another member arrives---this rotation keeps the group interesting. I doubt this works in KPOP. In Japan it's okay because girl idols from Hello Project are completely saturated. Anyways, I love After School because they were able to make the sexy concept not trashy and you can tell they really work hard. They don't look like the typical skinny girl idols and these women know how to work their curves. What's more, their age varies from the youngest to the oldest and they've come different backgrounds and training. It's been quite a while since After School debuted (January of this year), and now they're back with a more empowered femme fatale image with their new mini-album "AS 2nd Single." Following Soo Young's departure of the group, two new members were introduced. Will they fit in with the club?

Mini album review:

Because of you - With this title track, AS decided to go the opposite route of their typical routines. Usually you'd see them do some hard core/ almost athletic yet dancing (dunno how they do it, but it works!) --- now their sound and performance are totally different. The song is more melancholic and slow-paced as compared to "Ah" and "Diva," and their dance routine focuses more on the girls' facial expressions. Kinda like 2PM's "I hate you" performances where their dancing is a bit toned down (minus the acrobatics) but still very very strong. Pledis is making it work!! This change of pace gives the girls more substance---there's more to them than just being sexy girls. They can work those suits all covered up, yet you can still feel their sexiness and charisma. It's not about how skimpy their clothes are, it's their attitude. Damn, when I look at them I can't help but feel envious LOL. They're simply gorgeous. Okay back to the song. This time the rapping has REALLY improved! And the addition of Raina the vocals became much much better as well. Finally someone's taking some singing parts away from Jung Ah! Nana, on the other hand, is cute but she doesn't come off as strong. But I guess it's to balance off the whole dynamics of the group. I just don't like how Pledis keeps on drilling into our heads that the song is made by them. It's a good thing the robotic "Pledis sound" is put at the end of the song.

Live comeback performance - As much as I love the girls, I was a bit disappointed with their comeback stage. The clothes, hairstyles were beautiful. The dances steps were sharp at point and their facial expressions were really good and suited the mood---but the singing, goodness, was kinda distracting. It was not in sync at all. I don't want to pinpoint one particular person but I ripped the audio and I swear, there's like one or two girls who were just belting it out in all the wrong places. Beckha's rapping is hot but Ga Hee's was a bit weak. Raina's vocals were real good, UEE looked stunned as always, Nana has a pretty sharp voice and Jung Ah was a bit pitchy, sorry to say. I just wish there was more JooYeon.

***

MV

A love triangle among Ga Hee, JooYeon with UEE in the middle, plus a mysterious man?

I had to re-watch the mv thrice to kind of formulate some kind of sensible explanation for it. At first glance it kinda seemed like BEG's Abracadabra which made it seem like Narsha and Ga In had this ~love~ relationship in the end but their only connection was the cheating guy both of them were seeing. But AS' vid was more complicated as it seemed like UEE has a close relationship with Ga Hee and JooYeon, where one looked jealous when UEE is with the other. ~INTERESTING~

UEE, JooYeon in a tub + Ga Hee and UEE in a pillow fight = A dream come true for men

This is quite a weird scene were UEE was floating then Ga Hee rushes to her, and JooYeon also approaches her, then she breaks into pieces and vanishes into thin air.

Then there's this mysterious guy who's like a voyeur peeping in a hole and observing everything that happens with the three questionable star-crossed lovers? The whole thing is probably a figment of the guy's imagination or something. In the end it was shown that he was just watching the girls on TV. That or there could be some kind of connection with all of them as he is seen with Ga Hee in one scene:

However, you can see that his image is a bit faded, like he's in a dream sequence. This vid has got me all curious LOL. What do you think? Is there some other meaning to it or am I just reading too much?

And PLEASE can someone tell me who this guy is? CRUSHHH! He looks like the amazingly beautiful guy in Antique Bakery.

Can I just give a hands down to Bekha? She looked madd fierce and gorgeous in the vid! Totally a stand out!

***

When I Fall - LOVE LOVE this song!! It's totally unexpected from After School. I was expecting a more dance-y, upbeat song since the title's already a bit mellow. But this song is even more soft and mellow! It definitely brings out the feminine side of AS! They used guitar strings and a really sweet melody. Vocals are great! And it doesn't have rapping parts!

***

More pics of the members!

Leader Ga Hee

Flawless. On some angles she kinda looks a little like BoA (whom she back-danced for).

Ulzzang JooYeon!

Lead vocals Jung Ah

Love her better with the long hair.

Rapper Bekha!

My fave member!

UEE

Okay. Here's the deal. I know a lot of people have already noticed her expressionless Yamapi eyes. And how she gets all the attention. I myself don't get it, but I guess it's the innocent-meek-lamb kinda image. But she just does not fit the AS concept. But I gotta admit, the girl CAN dance. She's really good. But her facial expression just seems like she's mad or she just does not wanna be there. (see pic in Diva perf LOL)

Two new members Raina and Nana

I'm starting to really like Nana. She looks so JPOP.

P.S. What do you think of their new mini-album, new members and new look? Is it an A or an F? Tell me your interpretations of the vid! [Screen caps by me]

From boys to men: U-KISS

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:19:25 GMT

Just when you think KPOP's got more than enough boy bands, U-Kiss comes along with a stronger image to make themselves stand out from the rest of the pack. They went from tweens singing "Not young," to being teeny boppy, fruity, old school kids---and now, they're crooning about being pissed off at a girl to going clubbing after being single. Talk about going complete full circle!

Like I mentioned before, I wasn't really into U-KISS when they first debuted with "Not Young." I watched the mv and I was like, "Awww. Look at these kids trying to be all tough and gangsta." Maknae Dongho was cute but I wanted to pat him on the head and say, "Cornrows aren't enough to give you street cred, dear." Plus, I thought Kevin and Alex were wearing wigs LOL. I mean, seriously. It was the typical, sorry to say, fobby concept---basketball jerseys, loose pants, doing gang poses/ finger signs. And the single sounded like a recycled Lil Wayne song or they've been getting notes from Crown J's "A." Not hating on them back then or anything, but they just looked too cute and sweet, it didn't match the concept they were going for.

U-Kiss stands for Ubiquitous Korean International Super Star. You can add that to KPOP's most complicated idol acronyms. And I though MBLAQ was hard enough to memorize LOL. But U-Kiss really has a very interesting mix. They have a member from Hong Kong, LA, Washington and a lot of them are multi-lingual. Eli can speak about 7 languages! And KiBum is fluent in Japanese. Pretty impressive. Right now they're dominating all over Asia, and are already signed on a huge deal with a Japanese company, and U-Kiss is known to have signed an exclusive belonging contract with East Asia (Andy Lau's Hongkong-based entertainment company). OOOHH SNAPS.

Tootie frootie! Just. Can't stand Kevin and KiBum's hair! [both in the middle]

Then Man Man Ha Ni came along. They were maddd fierce. Like all boy bands, they had to go through the usual cutesy patootsy routines (just ask DBSK why they had to bop around in costumes in their Balloons vid LOL) and now it's like they're on a right of passage to manhood.

***

Conti U-Kiss mini album review

Intro - Very different from their usual sound. They're really going for the club scene with the strong drum beats, almost no music accompaniment at all, just them singing and that beat. And they're going all badass with the random gunshot in the middle of the song LOL.

Man Man Ha Ni [title single]- U-Kiss worked with Brave Sound this time around and you can see how much of a difference it made. I've always thought that Brave was the one that introduced heavy synths and autotune as a trend to KPOP lately (I may be wrong). Sometimes their songs are a miss but when they hit it, they'll really hit it big. With U-Kiss, surprisingly, Brave made their famous imprint with a catchy and fierce sound but at the same time, the boys gave it their own touch as well. Kinda reminds me of how Super Junior pulled "Sorry Sorry" on us. Definitely an upgrade, even their concept and dance steps. They mixed all the happening trends/concepts in one look: tons of guyliner, hair color, dark themes and military-inspired costumes. HOT HOT HOT. Love the dance move where they look like they're gonna smack you in the face! I was even surprised at myself. I mean, when I watch them I can't help but feel so pedo, but hey, some of them are already legal LOL. Love the theme of the song---there's nothing worse than a man scorned. "You make me pissed off!"

O.K. - I kinda like this track better than their title song better. It talks about being "back in the market" after breaking up with a girl. It's a different way of looking at a break up. Instead of moping, they're like celebrating and are actually excited about going to a club. LOL. The English lyrics go, "I don't love you no more, hope you find what you're looking for." "I can go to club again." I guess boys will be boys!

***

Not young all right!

ELI

Eli. WHEW. *wipes sweat* Probably the hottest makeover ever.

KEVIN

How can a guy be this pretty? IT'S NOT FAIIIIR.

DONG HO

Isn't he just the most adorable thing alive?

Okay, he's 15. Kinda wrong to get him all tied up like that LOL

***

SooHyun and Alexander

KiBum. Not a fan of the purple hair. Amazing how much he looks like his older brother.

Newest member ulzzang Lee Ki Seop. Like him better without the guyliner. Really cute.

More Yaoi/Boys love

Reminds me of the SHINee photoshoot where they were all wearing white and on the bed together. LOL how subtle?

So! What do you think about U-Kiss' new image?

Best and worst hairstyles in Johnny's Entertainment!

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:38:43 GMT

Best hairstyle and Johnny's in the same sentence, you ask? Yep, you heard it right! We all know JE boy groups ain't known for their fashion choices (or non-choice for that matter), and their hairstylists always seem like they came from outer space. For a change, I decided to also compile the best looks but of course, it ain't Johnny's without the LOLZ, right?

Kanjani8's Yokoyama Yuu be looking good lately! Looks like he's been working out, too! I can never keep a straight face whenever I watch funny man Yoko, the best Kansai import ever. But seeing his recent pics... *jaw drops*

Speaking of HOT...

Multi-talented and multi-tasking Kanjani/NEWS member Nishikido RYO always had that classic hairstyle that's not too long but not too short either. His personal style is very simple yet sleek too. Smexy.

Akanishi Jin

Jin actually looks real good when he's sober. LOL

Jin taking the lead in the made-for-movie rock band LANDS. His hairstyle fits the part. Very charismatic.

But when Jin's got it bad, he's really got it worse.. Idunno if that's really how he looks like these days but he seems to be out of it like he hasn't slept for years.

Kamenashi Kazuya

Ah yes, Mr. slinky guy. Somehow his clothes and hairstyle, which would look horrible on others always work with Kame.

***

Takki and Massu

These guys guys don't really change their hair that much, but it's what really looks good on them. Plus Massu's hair looks really soft!

Yamapi

It's Pi!!! Not digging his perm nowadays but back then he looked real hot with black hair and ponytail.

Love his pulled back hair!

Very stringy.

Dragon Zakura hair! Reminds me of FTI's Jaejin~

Code Blue nest hair. FAIL.

Speaking of FAAAIL...

Remember Taguchi's hair in Yukan Club? UGH. It Mary Sue gone wrong..

But when styled properly, it looks nice~

***

THE BEST SHORT HAIR MAKEOVERS: Here's my top 3!

3 - As his hair grew shorter and shorter, The Guch looked better and better. A lot of netizens have mentioned him having a slight resemblance with Tohoshinki's Changmin.

2 - Shigeaki Kato. Looking good, bb, looking good.

Shige before and after. I used to think that he's a bit underrated in NEWS but as he matured he got into playing lead roles and he managed to stray away from scandals/ tabloids. And he's a really smart guy.

The number one and the best short hair makeover for me is Kanjani's Shibutani Subaru! He actually looked fine with the long hair as it suited his rockstar image, but sometimes he just looks... dirty. LOL

It's just so distracting. No, I'm not talking about the hair, but the colors of the rainbow splattered on his man-skirt.

See? He looked much younger with the clean cut!

Well, HELLO THARRR!

FAIL: Tegoshi and Ueda

There's just no other word to describe these princesses.

If there's one thing that's worse than bad JE hair days, it's bad FACIAL hair: Domoto Tsuyoshi, Imai Tsubasa and Jin

Are they friggin' serious?

ZA WORST. Koki's facial expression says it all. *face palm*

***

Okay, don't burn me for the next guy who I consider as having the worst hairstyle. Naturally it should be Tsuyoshi but that's already a given. So I choose.....

MATSUMOTO JUN!

NO MATTER WHAT STYLE, HIS HAIR ALWAYS LOOKS SO GREASY. LMAO

The only thing worse than Jun's eyebrows? Jun's 'stache.

***

And ZA BEST!! TADAYOSHI OHKURA!

Tacchon!! So handsome~ Both he and RYo are my faves in Kanjani!

Love this look! He always wears this half-ponytail!

UNF.

****

P.S. No Hey Say Jump in this post! LOL they scare me. It's been a looong time since I made a JE compilation post! Worked real hard searching for these pics, you know how hard it is to find good JE hairstyle LOL. I was listening to my old JE albums while doing this and I have to say, Arashi and KAT-TUN has the best old songs ever. So nostalgic! Almost went teary when I heard KT's Someday for Somebody! So! Which ones do you think have the best/worst hair?

Let me end this post with chibi Matsujun!

Artist date: Taeyang then and now

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 23:35:13 GMT

Big Bang's Taeyang has always been known for his amazing vocals and dancing skills, perhaps even more so than the other members of the group. Being true to the meaning of his name which translates to "sun," he's hotter than ever and he's bound to shine no matter what. Here's a look at the evolution of Dong Young Bae a.k.a. Sol/ Taeyang. Better put on some shades, because this guy's sizzlin'!

It's been a while since my last Artist Date post! I suck, I know. Last time was Mika Nakashima before Epik High's Tablo. This time I decided to dedicate a post to the one and only Taeyang!!! I'm not sure if I can even write coherently because I don't think words are enough to capture his ~~essence~~ In short, my ditzy-obsessed-fangirl spazzing and drooling might get in the way.

***

TAEYANG THEN: Pre-Debut pics!

***

The evolution of Taeyang

Taeyang has always had a consistent image onstage and in his personal style. He always had that hip hop vibe about him, and he's so unlike GD whose looks and fashion change whenever and however he feels like. But both have their own thing 'coz they're just cool like that.

I have mixed feelings about Taeyang's cornrows. It was unique at that time, and he was working the whole Omarion look, but Idunno. I prefer his modified mohawk nowadays.

The thing I like about Big Bang is that each and every individual member has their own charm and personality that let fans and non-fans alike distinguish them from one another. And it's not just a "designated character" set up by the company---it just seems so natural. You know how some companies assign stereotypical roles which are a "must" in a boy band: the aegyo, the ghei one, the bad boy, the funny one in charge of gags, the odd one, etc. With Big Bang, any one of them can go solo and can definitely stand out. Leader GD is the creative, deviant-yet-cool type, T.O.P. is the sex...er... I mean, charismatic deep-voiced member whose stare can melt fangirl hearts, Daesung is everyone's best friend and mother's friend's son, Seungri is the overconfident (sometimes boredering on cocky) guy you just can help but love despite of it all. And then there's TAEYANG---who's in a league of his OWN. How else can you categorize an innately shy/introverted guy who has never had a girlfriend (or so he claims), yet he seduces women all over the world with his floor humping moves with so much ease? Kinda like he's done it a thousand times? LOL.

The so-called GD-YB Love: The next YunJae?

***

Fashion: The unFURgettable Taeyang:

Big Bang has really made it this far. I remember seeing them as an underrated group Pre-Lies era, as fellow YG artist Se7en took more limelight. I was crying with them when they won MKMF last year and it was obvious that they were really overwhelmed with their success. Now it seems like they're a bit unreachable, with T.O.P. starring in multi-billion drama production, GD outselling artists, etc. I just hope to see more of them as a group soon!

Of course, this post will not be complete without showing off Taeyang's hot bod!

***

Look at Only Taeyang

I swear, this song is probably the most addictive I've ever heard from a male artist. Well, except perhaps Rain. He's got it all---the somehwat easy-to-follow sexy moves to a very impressive video. This one's a KPOP classic! Plus you get to see all of the Big Bang members and you really can't hate on that gorgeous model!

Is this sexy or whuuut?

Who dares cheat on Taeyang?!

Taeyang the king: Winning number one for "Naman Baraba"

***

TAEYANG NOW: Cooler than ever

With Taeyang's recent comeback, he has gone full circle and put his dancing and singing skills up to the next level. He went all fierce in Where U at, but ironically went minimal in terms of the video production. He was like, "I'm back, and I don't need no bitches!" All he needed was two back up dancers and bam! His skills are MORE than enough to compensate for everything else. It was that simple, and that's how powerful he is. Sorry to compare, but it took GD pounds of makeup, bleach, numerous costume changes, and several people to make his solo vid and it only took two changes for Taeyang. I know there's no point of comparison since both have different styles but I'm just saying. Both are equally good though.

I'm a huge fan of Taeyang but I have to say, however, that in his recent live performances even though his singing and dancing are superb, I can't help but feel like there's something missing. I've followed a lot of his performances and suddenly it dawned on me. Taeyang has become a little TOO technical. Like somehow, within all that complicated dance moves he sort of lost connection with the audience. Idunno maybe it's just me. In his "Look at only me" days, his expression, his pull with the audience was very strong. Like if you're watching him, you'll immediately feel the pain he was feeling and the conceited emotion he was trying to express with the song.

***

Wedding Dress

But then this song came along! I was blown away, and it's not even his title single! It combined the old style of Taeyang's vids where there was a story and a smashing dance break. The first scene where it looked like he was the groom reminded me of Proposal Daisakusen when Yamapi was rushing to the church only to be revealed that he was just going to film his girl best friend's wedding. ~cries~

I found this scene so cool, when that circular orb thingy went down when he was dancing.

Because appropriate caption is appropriate:

Taeyang's second kiss? Doubt it.

Taeyang's first kiss in video or in real life? Well he said it was his first ever kiss, and that he kinda felt awkward to have his kiss "stolen." LMAO really now, Taeyang.

The people behind Taeyang's siiickkk dance moves

Cool cats: Lyle Beniga, Aimee Lee Lucas and Shaun Evaristo has been with Taeyang for quite a while now. I read somewhere that couple Shaun and Aimee are Filipino, though I'm not sure about Lyle. These guys are beyond amazing. If you've seen their dance/class vids you'll see what I mean. Trivia: Look out for Aimee in Avril Lavigne's Girlfriend vid!

Youngbae reading a Korean menu for Aimee. How sweet! LOL he looks so into it.

Working with the best!

***

Before I end this post, lemme treat you guys with a pic/ gif spam of Taeyang's famous eye smile!

Clueless Taeyang is adorkable. *squishes*

P.S. You may request for your favorite artist to be featured in an artist date post! Just message me here in FS or follow me in Twitter via username icecapades.

Welcome to the Idol Ponytail Club!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:57:44 GMT

In the ever-changing style of KPOP, yet another trend in hair style is sweeping the male population. Ponytails can either make a guy look girly or even more manlier, it all depends on who's wearing it and the attitude that comes along with it. Jump in the bandwagon and see if it's hot or not!

Jang Geun Seok

He's so beautiful. Sorry for the lame pun LOL. He just is. My current addiction to the drama Minami Sineyo has reached its peak, causing me to have withdrawals and violent sweating and shaking whenever I miss an episode. This guy is pure charisma! One pout is enough to send fangirls rolling on the floor!

Lee Hongki!

Speaking of the drama, Hongki a.k.a. Jeremy is so darn cuuuteee fufufufufu~~~ kekekeke~ (loss of words/ IQ drops 709132749 points) He used to wear ponytails a lot in their debut days. Look how young Minhwan baby is! First time I saw FT Island I was like, "Awww... look at these little boys and their little instruments!" I wanted to reach over the screen and pat their heads! LOL

Lee Teuk

SuJu's leader teukie always had the same style of bangs but he still rocked the low ponytail, the first pic of him just looks kinda awkward..

Lee Minho

Distracted by too much guyliner.

YeSung!

Guy needs more love! He looks so adorable even with the silly little ponytail!

B2ST's YoSeob

Another cutie maknae in the making

***

2PM

Wooyoung: The one who started it all. Trying to imitate Dara's palm tree hair. Major fail LOL.

Khun and Junho for Heartbeat promotions. OH NO THEY DIDN'T. WHYYY JUST WHYYY! I can't stand it. Why do such a mean thing to Khun, who's already so perfect?! And dear boy Junho doesn't look too happy with his stylist either! The look takes out the seriousness in their Heartbeat vid which was supposed to be all dark and gloomy. Sheesh.

BUT! Taecyeon worked his double ponytail though! He looked even more manlier and dirtier! Rough and tough! HOT HOT HOT!!!

***

In my previous posts (long, long ago LOL) I used to do some random rankings solely based on my subjective, selfish, greedy bias---as if that's not redundant enough. Here are my top 5 male idols who, in my opinion, looks hot in ponytails and actually did it right!

TOP 5: DONGHAE!

My fave SuJu member perfect from every angle!

TIED UP AT TOP 4: GDRAGON AND MICKY YOOCHUN

Finally these two fashion disasters did something right! In my previous post, both were the top bad hair day idols LOL, but when they work it, they really make it work. HUHHH ?! I don't think I'm making any sense here LMAO. I guess since GD and Micky are both artistic and individualistic (both have their own little worlds), their fashion forward sense makes it hard for us to digest. Nevertheless, they have the swagger and cocky attitude to pull it off. GD looked extra pretty in Big Bang's Japanese mv of My Heaven.

HEY HEY MICKY! The pimp is here yo!

TOP 3: KIM HYUN JOONG!

What I love about KHJ is that he's not afraid to try on different hairstyles. Well, I guess when you're a KPOP idol you're not supposed to be picky about your hair, and let your fate be defined by your stylist's hand. However, KHJ somehow gives his look his own flavor. He works whatever he's given. Idunno, his ponytail is bordering on ahjumma-ish but he's still very pretty.

TOP 2: T.O.P.

OKAY. BEFORE YOU BURN ME AT THE STAKES AND YANK ME BACK AND FORTH WITH THE RIDICULOUSNESS THAT I PUT T.O.P. AT SECOND PLACE, let me just say that T.O.P. is fierce. As in smex on legs fierce. Especially when he's holding that gun---which you can't help but want to stroke. But I don't think no one can level the number one's kind of fierceness.

***

TOP 1: HEECHUL!

'coz he's not fierce. He's DIVAAAH.

If this ain't diva, I just don't know what is.

Werk it Heenim, werk it!

***

P.S. What do you think of the varying styles of the male ponytail trend? Hot or not? Who worked it best? Whose ponytail should never see the light of day?

KPOP trends: WTF idol hairstyles

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 06:02:56 GMT

Hair, there and everywhere! Idols are made to stand out---whether it be in their music, concept or outfit. But nothing gives a really loud statement than having a hot hairstyle that will be the talk of KPOP town and will be seen on the streets the next day. But sometimes, idols are at the mercy of relentless and tyrant hairstylists who create downright atrocious looks that will make you go... "WTF!!??!!"

WARNING: The following visuals contain highly blinding and intensely colorful images that may cause you to be scarred for life. For your protection, please wear UV and LOL-ready sunglasses. Floatingstars will not be responsible for any violent reactions that may ensue. Oh, and:

****

THE DIS-UNITED COLORS OF IDOLS:

Idols change their hair color every time they make a comeback to create a bangin' impact. One thing's for sure, though. At this rate and amount chemicals washed on their hair, they'd probably go bald before the time they reach forty!

SUPER JUNIOR RAINBOW: Hit or a miss? This photo kind of reminds me of those posters you'd see in beauty salons! Sungmin, even with the weird hair actually looks pretty cute.

U-Kiss just recently made a comeback with new hairstyles and colors in tow. The silvery color worked on Eli though. The rest... Well, I don't even know all of their names to begin with. LMAO. Idunno, the boys are quite good especially with their more mature comeback (their debut was cheesy to the max good grief!?!) but too teeny boppy for my taste.

DBSK... :x Note to Jaejoong---Cher called. She wants her wig back.

FT Islands' cutie Seunghyeon. I'm pretty torn with this look. On some days it looks good on him, but sometimes it looks like he's wearing a furry squirrell-like hat.

Key, oh key. I don't even.... *sigh*

B2ST stylist must have some serious anger management issues. Just. No.

Heechul's hair is on fire!!

Spaghetti-Os Hongki!

***

THE SUPER BOWL CUT a.k.a. Mushroom head

Jaejin before and after. STILL WEIRD.

Taemin. Cute boy. But the hair is a travesty. Don't worry, noona still loves you!

Ever wonder where Kim Bum is? He's hiding behind this hideous hair. Kim Bum, Seo In Young called. She wants you to stop copying her please.

Again, no matter what Heechul wears or looks like, it's all in the attitude. He works it!

Key's upgraded mushroom hair.

***

THE UH... JUST PLAIN WEIRD.

DBSK Triangle era. AIIISSH. This is an injustice to them. This is making me angry yo.

You tell their stylist Rain!!!

Speaking of injustice...

WHAT. THE. HELL. Earth to TOP, please come back to earth LOL.

Hongki, bb, I know you're going for the prince-like look, but this is so much fail.

Kang In: EVEN MORE FAIL.

Someone posted this at KPOP secrets, and I must say, I laughed for a good 10 minutes. It's so true!!

****

Okay, these last two idols deserve a category of their own.

MICKY YOOCHUN

I'll ignore the weird skunk hair just because Micky looks real good sweaty in his come-hither look.

AHJUMMA CHUNNIE!

I had mixed reactions about this this Mirotic hairstyle of Micky. I think he rocked it, and I don't think the other members will be able to carry it the way that he did.

WTF Micky, WTF?!!!!

And of course, this list will not be complete without....

G-DRAGON!!

I'll shut up now and let the images speak for themselves.

Good or bad hair days, we still love our idols. Off-topic: I'm in love with Joon. More than I should. Seriously. It's not normal anymore.

P.S. Who do you think had the worst idol hairstyle? Watch out for part 2 of this post! A new male idol hair trend is on the rise!

2PM: Time to move on?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:27:42 GMT

Barely two months after leadja Park Jaebeom left the group, 2PM is back in action once again busier than ever---filming CFs, doing interviews, releasing their new full album, music video and gearing for their most-awaited comeback stage. Already they are topping online charts and gaining much interest from netizens. With packed schedules and slated TV/concert appearances, is it safe to say that it is time for them AND us to move on?

2PM's first official appearance as a 6 member group at the dream concert left a bittersweet taste among their fans, as an apparent empty spot seems to signify that Jay's non-presence BECOMES his presence.

Their latest chocolate brownie CF shows a sexier 2PM, with Khun on the limelight for his more toned abs.

2PM in OnStyle interview

This interview showed a more lively side of the boys that we all know and love. They were laughing, joking around, Wooyoung's ssanti-ness, pants get torn (Junho's), more jabs at Khun's perfection, talking about how they "honor and respect GDragon," elite Junsu's sense of style, Chansung being Chansung (he can just sit there and look pretty) and as always, fashion terrorist Taec fails as the spokesperson of the group.

Khun's "sweat tissues." Khun: "The stylist put these tissues so my makeup won't get smudged or get ruined." Junho teases Khun: "It's not because he's sweating. Even if it looks like it." LMAO!!!

HOT GUY ALERT.

Comeback teaser caps:

The teaser was actually very intriguing. You get to see the boys in a hospital-like setting (half-naked of course) and looking all gloomy, asking the question: "What makes your heart beat?" I think it's a really good concept, it's kind of like a well-made ad for some big company that sells insurance or something LOL. But I have to say, I found the teasers for Again and Again even more intriguing, interesting and innovative with the guys spinning arrow boards in a crowded Myeongdong. Talk about attention grabbing tactic!

Taec's teaser was especially interesting:

"The people I love makes my heart beat.
The love I give, the love I receive.
My family, friends AND OUR 7 MEMBERS.
The more I think of them, my heart gets warmer.
I want to be with you guys forever."

***

ALBUM REVIEW

JAEBEOM USED AS MARKETING?

"As much work has been put into the song, they have put in a lot of effort into the marketing as well. As they have gained a lot of attention through the '01:59PM' 'Tired of waiting' 'I was crazy for you' as well as the teaser marketing, they have completed the image marketing with the connection between 'Heartbeat', the idea of 'waiting' and the actual pulse of the heart. Anxiety, fear, yearning and various other meanings have been attached to the song 'Heartbeat' and has been coupled with the sound of the actual pulse creating an image sound for this whole album's concept." The result of many fans discussing how the album's title, '01:59PM' has been used to call 2PM without Jaebum, along with how the songs, 'Tired of Waiting' and 'I was crazy for you' seems to reflect the 6 members' and Jaebum's thoughts are all a result of how the marketing point has hit its mark.

DISCLAIMER: To be fair to the boys, I will make this review by temporarily putting the whole Jay issue on the shelf. I know it's really hard to talk about 2PM without mentioning Jay, as it took me quite a while to figure out how to begin. But I decided to base my review on the music/output itself---so regardless of whether Jay is in 2PM or not, here's what I think:

Chansung had the best comeback look, methinks.

My Heart (Intro/Prelude) - Before this album was released, JYP said in his tweets that he has made something that no one has ever heard before, even showing twitpics of him playing the piano and working on the mixers. But will it really sound unique? This intro sets the whole tone of the album---dark, melancholic, mysterious. JYP made an experiment by incorporating a "monologue" of Taec basically just talking (either to himself or to someone), starting off calm and ending with: "WHY, WHY?!! I don't know why I'm like this. I'm still in to you. My heart still beats for you." Idunno, it sounds pretty weak to me. The sound of their intro for Again and Again, "What time is it now," is still pretty much the same style with the talking, but the music is much more stronger. and it makes the listener even more excited. My Heart, however, failed a little to rouse that kind of interest. Even though Taec's lines were supposed to sound like a heartbroken/scorned person, maybe his intonation of the monologue didn't quite capture the whole angst-ridden sentiment.

Heartbeat (Title song) - Not a very likeable song at first listen. To be honest, it sounded a little too 80's Flash Dance for me. Again, the monologues/slow rapping are somehow not working. Chansung's beginning part was pretty good though. But the chorus is very catchy, as you can hear dramatic violin and orchestra sounds and a heart beating throughout the song. Baby Junho's vocals improved so much! Is it just me or is the whole heartbeat/ hospital flat line concept has been overused in this song? I mean, we get it. "Tired of Waiting" or "I was crazy over you" would've been a better comeback song.

Not a fan of Khun's (or Junho's) mini-ponytail.

Tired of waiting - LOVE IT!! Even though the beginning reminds me of SuJu's Norago and DBSK's Survivor, and a little of Taegoon's Betrayal. I think even though JYP wanted to experiment by creating something totally "new" or "fresh," he still stayed within the trend of auto-tunes and techno sounds. A lot of people have whined about how you can't recognize their voices, but I'm not going to complain about it, because it works for this song. It stays true to 2PM's "I hate you.' The ballad version in the teaser is quite better though, I wonder why it wasn't included in the album.

Taec still rocking his Ear Candy look---only dirtier, manlier and hotter ROFL

I was crazy over you - Again, JYP is using a formula here. By the third track it's pretty obvious that he's using the theme of "separation," "heartbreak"--- *cough*cough* Even in Heartbeat's lyrics that go, "Stop trying to get her back. She ain’t coming. She’s gone, gotta be moving on." Here Taec goes,"How will I ever know, why should I let you go? WHY?" Then he lets out a huge, manly GROWL. HOTNESS. Taec's rapping is even more rough here, I wonder if he strains his voice too much by doing that. Lovely piano arrangement. The beginning sounds pretty weird/creepy, like there's a bunch of people marching in the rain or something LOL.

Gimme the light - Very sleek and sexy slow song. Very JYP, though I'd hate to imagine him singing this seductively. *shivers* Chansung gets a singing part!! Maknae doing really well and all grown up! The slow RnB tune suits Junsu's voice perfectly. But honestly, the song is a bit forgettable. Being preceded by the last 2 tracks which were amazing, this one seems to pale in comparison.

Back 2U - If you like slow songs ala Usher and R. Kelly, you might like this one. I actually really like it. It's really cool that they're going more for a slow route with their ballads and you can barely hear any "happy" song except for some of the remix, which is all good, but a bit overdone. Which means, by going this style the album may lack some variety into it. Nevertheless, this track is really good.

All night long - Taec: "Girl, come a little closer. Let me show you what you never felt before. All night long baby" SMEXXXXY. Taec is oozing with charisma in this one! WHEW OHLORD. Especially when he goes "Sshhhhh." Then you'd hear someone go, "I'll take you to my room." *faints dead* Again, very R. Kelly "come hither lemme seduce you and give you some eargasm" kind of song. CHANSUNG!!! Pedo bear seal of approval! Okay, I'm totally not making any sense here but in short, this song is LOVE. Or should I say, MAKE LOVE. You'd get that vibe from the title alone. LOL.

***

REMIXES

Heartbeat red light mix - Wayyy better than the original mix in my opinion. Instead of the actual heartbeats you get to hear stronger piano accompaniment and less of the dramatics.

I hate you lounge mix - Meh. Has more autotune and made into a disco-techno track--- the kind of tweaking that gives you a headache when you listen to it over and over. Not digging it. Pass.

Might Come back bossa mix - This is more like it. Remember when Rain came out with three versions of "Still believe"---rock, lounge and RnB mix? The lounge one sounds exactly like this one. But surprisingly, it suited the whole vibe of I Hate You.

Only You acoustic - LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. It really made me cry~~~

10 out of 10, Again and Again - These are not exactly remixes but I wish JYP did something to them other than just add them as a filler songs. Other artists do this but I just don't see the point. Unless the album is repackaged or it's a "Best Of" album, I don't see the need to add these in just to increase the number of songs. Pretty cheap, JYP, and pretty disappointing. Good for people who didn't buy their previous releases, though.

Overall, 1:59 is quite a good album, but its overemphasis on one theme made it too monotonous and lacking in variety. Plus the filler songs were disappointing. It would've been better if those songs were included as bonus tracks aside from the newer songs. You can hardly call it a full album. Wheesung's Vocalate is a full album---all 12 AMAZING tracks of it. Or the likes of GD and Epik High's. *Jay issue back on* Regardless of the fact that Jay was not there, I think the boys did pretty well. You have to give them props for bucking up after all what happened and keep their composure intact. Except that something is indeed missing especially in their emo-tastic Thriller video. The elements were all there---some acrobatics, cheerleader formations---but it simply lacks zest without Jay. But that's just me.

For now, let's leave all the shoulda, woulda, coulda. He'll be back when he's ready, but if not, we'll just have to respect his decision. Give the boy some time to rest. He said so himself, dance is his passion, so in whatever way or form, music will come back to him... and one day, we just might see him doing what he loves best. *This is a photo manip by the way, superimposed on Junho's body*

***

On a more brighter note, 2PM IS BACK Y'ALL!! So this calls for a 2PM gif attack!

JunHOT

Taec hearts you!

Work it, ssanti Wooyoung!

Khun's that's ridiculous look LMAO

Chansung: Lick it, if you like it.

2PM FIGHTING! Your leadja Jay hyung is right behind you all the way.

***

P.S. Like the album/mv or not?

cr: (Trans of Jay as Marketing/Taec teaser) saradah@2oneday (Source) MK news, bluejaymiesky.wordpress.com for the teaser caps

KPOP dance trend: Who did the fan dance better?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:51:04 GMT

Before it was the Wonder Girls' finger pointing dance in "Nobody," Kara's cute butt moves in "Mister" and Girls Generation's famous sexy leg flicks in "Tell me your Wish." Nowadays, a new dance trend is on the rise. Who does it better?

Brown Eyed Girls "Sign" choreography

The girls are scoring it big yet again with Sign and their fierce fan dance. Right after the mega hit "arrogant hip" dance from Abracadabra, the girls are back with a more mysterious image.

Everyone's going gaga over what the netizens call "massage dance" where the girls pat their necks with the fan. Idunno what kind of massage is that LOL but props to them for incorporating the fan dance which adds to the song's mystique.

I personally love BEG's choreography since their comeback. mystique. It seems like they're coming up with new ways to present a stronger, sexier femme fatale image. Their military style outfits are also gorgeous! And what's even more amazing is that when you watch them perform, you can actually hear the sounds of the fans as they open and close them. Props to them for staying coordinated while keeping good vocals throughout the whole song! But their whole routine may not be as strong as Abracadabra in terms of attitude and vibe, but it fits the feel of Sign. Watch it here: Sign live

***

SNSD in Chocolate Love

While BEG's fan dance is more melancholic/mysterious, SNSD's choreography seems to blend a teasing sexy attitude with a little dash of cuteness. They're working the naughty-but-nice girls image. They were going for the more romantic/enticing dance steps with their feather fans. The whole atmosphere kinda reminds me a bit of Moulin Rouge.

Tiffany and YoonA doing "the cat dance," so-called by netizens because it's imitating how a cat does those scratching motions.

I seriously have a huge girl crush on Yuri. You can watch the girls on action in : version 2 of Chocolate Love

***

BoA in "I did it for love"

BoA's choreography in this song is all about technique, precision and strong moves. She did it all! The cane, chair and fan dance! Coupled with rain falling down and tight leather, it's bound to be one heck of an image! Girl is maddd talented! Very strong and fierce!

I can't find a capture of BoA's fan dance, but you can watch her amazing moves here: BoA I did it for love

So! Who do you think did the fan dance better and why?

Big boy TOP's special birthday post!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:38:23 GMT

Peek-a-boo! TOP wants you!

It seems like yesterday when Choi TOP came into this world...

He descended onto this earth with all his sexiness, gracing us mere mortals with his blinding presence. We're not worthy...

FUNNY TOP!

ALL ABOUT TOP!

Position: Rapper / Beat BoxerReal

Name: Choi Seung Hyun (최승현)

Stage Names: Tempo, T.O.P

Date of Birth: November 4,1987

Height: 181 cm

Weight: 65 kg

Blood Type: B

Education: Seoul Art College (Majoring in Music), Dangook University in Theater & Film ( starting 2008 )

Skills: Rapping, Beat Boxing, Lyrics Making

Debut: BIG BANG

Hobbies: Reading and Swimming

Likes: Theatrical Performances, Musicals, and Fashion Designing

Family Members: Parents & Older Sis

Even though BIG BANG is listed as his debut, TOP has been rapping since middle school under the name Tempo. He started doing gigs in underground clubs, sometimes with an older friend of his, NBK Gray. They never sign a label or released an album.

“Buckwild”, one of their songs was storming the internet in mp3 format. Unlike the rest of Big Bang, TOP hasn’t trained to be a singer. His only singing part so far is at the beginning of "She Can’t Get Enough". He often gets sent on TV shows alone, either as a guest or MC. In August 2007, he started acting in the drama "I Am Sam". In summer 2007, he was also featured as an actor in Red Roc’s "Hello" MV.

****

TOP'S EPIC FACIAL EXPRESSIONS

"You gotta be kidding me."

TOP saw what you did!!! "WHOA."

"PSHHHH."

"OOOOHH."

"DO. NOT. WANT."

"I WANT YOU IN MY BED. NOW."

"Damn that girl's hot!"

"How you doin' sexy?"

"I don't know what you think of me, but I hope it's X-rated."

***

SIGNATURE TOP FINGER POINTING POSE!

***

VAIN TOP IS VAIN

***

We all know TOP loves to drink. WHY SO SEXY?

Only TOP can pull this mask off.

Swagger like no other.

Master pimp.

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Is that a gun or are you just happy to see me?

TOP's cool like that.

Happy birthday TOP!

I need your help guys! CAPTION THIS!

Feel Big Bang's magic all over again with their third Japanese single

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:35:07 GMT

What do you get when you put a dash of the funky, edgy GDragon, sex pots TOP and Taeyang, a pinch of a cute (but strong) baby Seungri and the amazing vocals of Daesung?

You get magic I tell ya. Okay. Sorry about the lame Seungri pun. Big Bang just released their third Japanese single after the immensely successful "Gara Gara Go" and it seems like there's no stopping the boys. Just recently, they were featured in a Time magazine article noting their entry into the Japanese market: "The most promising of these is Big Bang, a domestically successful five-man hip-hop group formed through a Making the Band – style reality show in 2006. A Japanese-language mini-album (With U) enjoyed some success in 2008. Big Bang now hope their debut full-length Japanese-language release — having entered Japan's charts at No. 3 — will deliver the coup de grace. The good looks of the creators certainly won't harm the disc's chances."

Tracklist:

01. Let Me Hear Your Voice
02. Ora Yeah!
03. Let Me Hear Your Voice (Acoustic Version)

I don't even know where to begin with this review. The first time I heard "Let me hear your voice," I was swept away. It's a very welcome change from their autotune/techno infused Japanese dance songs. To be quite honest, I didn't like their previous Japanese mini-album. Most of the songs sounded alike, and it seems like it lost the trademark Big Bang touch. Gara Gara Go was pretty good though, and I've always liked My Heaven. Idunno how to put it. Maybe it was lost in translation, or they were testing the Japanese waters by adapting a new image---they went from hip hop to the dance-pop route. They did dance tracks before, like the epic "Last Farewell," but somehow their Japanese songs didn't have that oomph. Or probably because their album was produced by Red One, the same producer who was behind Lady Gaga's Just Dance---which is good too, but that would suit GD better than the whole of Big Bang.

Let Me Hear Your Voice - As Time puts it, the song has its "swoon factor." I CANNOT EMPHASIZE HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS SONG. CAPS LOCK IS JUST INSUFFICIENT. The song has a very smooth flow and it's not your typical melancholic song. You can feel it's a sad song but you can also detect a hint of hope in their tone and voice. Taeyang, please marry me and serenade me with that sweet voice dear goodness!! He was killing it like always! Put in Daesung's high melodies and Seungri's easy harmonizing... ~~swoons~~ And let's not forget GD and TOP's fierce English raps! Their Japanese has improved so much since "My Heaven." Before it kinda sounded like they're a bit awkward, but now you can detect their confidence and ease into the language. I swear, I love how Big Bang does their own thing and get recognized for their individual skills, but there's just no beating them when they're together as a group. Like seriously. They just have IT. They're the perfect recipe for a good song, good image and good chemistry.

The vid was very simple but beyond amazing. It really has good production value. Very classy and picturesque. The lighting was superb. I love how the camera was able to capture beautiful shots of the boys behind the natural light. This is how I love Big Bang. In a simple video that does not make me color blind. It's easier to see how beautiful they all are LOL especially TOP! That glare behind the sunlight~~~ *DIIIIEES*

Let me hear your voice (acoustic version) - I just might like this better than the other version. The guitar strums in the beginning adds more sadness to the song, but at the same time the pace of the song becomes faster as it ascends to the chorus. You can really feel the climax right there. If you know what I mean, LOL. Again, this is how I love Big Bang. Raw and unplugged. No pun intended harhar. It's really better to ACTUALLY hear them, rather than hear their voices muffled in trendy synths.

Ora yeah! - One word: TOP. I was too distracted with TOP's husky and manly rapping in the beginning. And you all know how I like TOP---rough and tough. LOL sorry dirty thoughts are hard to contain when it comes to TOP! And Seungri going "She's hot! Yabai de!" LMAO boy is growing up as a pimp real well! ~proud tears~ The beat actually sounds like Gara Gara Go a little, but it's not as catchy though. But I like how it's toned down a bit compared to Gara Go. It's a hot song.

***

More pics from the vid:

Is it just me or is GD getting more and more pretty lately? Especially when he had his blond hair clipped and wore a white polo with a ribbon. Like for reals.

Look at that lighting! Lovely. Taeyang in the fields. Mmmmmm. You know what that means. Lots of rolling around in the hay.

Seungri going all emo on top of the roof. He could do away with that weird belt he was wearing though.

Daesungiemnindaaaah!! So glad he's back!

***

TOP BIAS IS BIAS

PICTURE PERFECT.

Be still my heart!

Get the songs here: Let Me Hear your voice

Spotlight: MBLAQ's Lee Joon for Six to Five, and more spazzing!

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:02:04 GMT

HOTNESS inside!

LEE JOON FANGIRL LOVE!!!

Okay I know I just did an MBLAQ picspam, but because I'm so caught up with Lee Joon (more like mesmerized mouth-dropping-open-drooling infatuation), I feel like there's not enough of him to go around.

Lee Joon for Rain's own clothing label Six to Five

PD-nim Rain models his own line

Working the collared-fit shirt with a bow tie tend. Very casual-spiffy? If that makes sense LOL. Now I get why people keep saying Joon and Rain look a like. At first I couldn't see it, but when Joon had black hair there are some angles where they're similar, just not too much.

Joon and his hyungnim

Behind the shoot for Six to Five. This was shown in Rain's September 12 mv, and immediately Joon (left) caught my eye. Actually the other guy looks pretty HOT too! Anyone know who he is? Must be a J Tunes trainee. I thought at first he'd be in MBLAQ.

Happy together while filming Ninja Assassin! They look so close!

Sorry fangirls, a girl gets to kiss Joon in the movie!

OUCH.

Snapshots of Joon doing hardcore action stunts in the film

Lee Joon had auditioned for the movie back in February, when he was a trainee. He stated, "I sent a PR demo tape of my acting to the agency that was promoting Ninja Assassin. I didn't expect to get accepted at all, but I found out that I passed the auditions! After I got the message, I went to Germany right after. The filming was two months long, and I had to film many action scenes and had to speak in English. I acted as the younger counterpart of Ji-hoon-hyung's (Rain) character. I worked [very] hard filming this movie and you guys will be surprised."

Lee Joon gets caught sleeping by his boss Rain!! LMAO. Oh, Joon.

Uh-oh. Rain (in backpack LOL he looked like he just came back from mountain climbing) approaches Joon sleeping on the floor of their training room. Aww poor guy.

He looked so scared and embarrassed LOL.

***

Joon goes natural without the guyliner!

OFFICIAL PROFILE

Joon – Vocal, Dance
Name: Lee Joon
Birth: 07.02.1988, Seoul
Body: 180cm / 63kg
Education: Kyung Hee Cyber University – Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Attending

Specialties: Modern dancing, ballet, acting
Interests: Exercising
Career: To be released 2009.11 [Ninja Assassin]
Advertisement: Nivea, 6to5 S/S Pictorial

The infamous Joon abs roll. *DIEEES*

Perfect from every angle.

Lee Joon in wifebeater, hot and sweaty. Just the way we like it. LOL. DAMN BOY. I don't even have words right now. And it doesn't hurt that Mir's right beside him!

For some reason Joon always does this pose. LOL you know I'm totally into someone when I notice every friggin' little thing. He looks so scared of the fangirls in the middle pic! ADORKABLE!

Mischevious smile that makes fangirls hearts aflutter (or get their panties up in a knot LOL)! SHGKHGFDHFDH DUMBSTRUCK

***

He's pretty dorky too! Watch as he falls over trying to look cool while doing the MBLAQ greeting LMAO dorkface.

P.S. Watch MBLAQ's live performance of Rain's Bad Guy and see Joon in a dirty tank top: Special Stage. Joon makes me sound like such a perv nowadays. I made this post partially because Ana of Asian Pop Addict and I were practically Joon fangirling in spirit over at Twitter. It's okay Ana, you're not alone. Sending you girls some love! Holla! Check them out at asianpopaddict.com!

credits: J Tunes camp, AllKpop, asianfanatics gallery

BRB DROOLING~~

Yamapi is loveless?

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:52:13 GMT

Yamapi's newest solo single "Loveless" and its MV are out and it seems like he's taking things on a whole new level!

When I heard that Pi was releasing another single, I was not too thrilled. I mean, come on. Knowing Johnny's and its preference for recycling Swedish songs, making the boys gyrate and flail to cheesy dance steps while wearing garish outfits that seemed like it was designed by a drunken fashion coordi... Plus, it's Yamapi we're talking about here. With his infamous reputation for lacking in appropriate facial expressions, he could do better just sitting still and looking hot in front of the camera! But hey, he's my first ever JPOP crush. So I decided to check it out.

Old boy Johnny seems to be racking in the bucks these days. The MV was filmed in New York, and you can see Pi doing stuff typical New Yorkers do: Go on the subway, ride a taxi (shock!), walk around the streets... It's quite an improvement from NEWS' previous PVs that were always filmed in closed sets! And what's this? There's actually a girl in there?! Well, she had her back turned while they were doing a slow dance but that's better than nothing. I think it's quite unfair how KAT-TUN gets hot girls in their videos while all the other groups had nothing left to do but turn to each other for some boy-on-boy fanservice (which is good too, if you know what I mean). Pi was still his emotionless self, but there were parts in the MV were he actually looks distressed! WOHOO! He's looking real good in this vid, with a much more mature and manly image. But his hair looks like it hasn't been washed for days, though LOL. I do prefer his hairstyle in Proposal Daisakusen:

Anyways, on to the song! A lot of people have been commenting that it sounds like a KPOP mid-tempo ballad! Which means that it's good! I'm not sure if it really does, but I'm just glad it's not the typical JE gambatte or rock song. But I must admit, NEWS does have some pretty good songs like Weeeek, Summer Time, Cherish, etc. It has a hint of RnB, yet it suits Yamapi's limited vocal range better. It's tons better than Daite Senorita, but Daite had this guilty pleasure appeal and a very addicting chorus--daite, daite senorita, tsuyoku tsuyoku hanasanaide!!!~~ That song was a classic. Who can resist Pi grinding his hips in black leather with his chest exposed and with some road kill on his shoulder? Then again, Loveless is not as cheesy as his duet with Kame in Seishun Amigo (which, by the way was the time when Johnny had this thing with incorporating random Spanish themes/words in the boys' songs). And the dancing! OMG the dancing! *cough*twirling*cough* Sorry I keep digressing. Don't get me wrong, I love me some JE! Despite all the occasional crap the company releases. The lyrics of Loveless is really lovely: "Our hands have become cold since we parted... now we've become strangers..." Overall, it's a really good song. It shows how much Pi has matured and graduated from his earlier works. It's a given that he's not known for his vocals, but at least he's improved a whole lot. I could imagine Tegoshi singing this song and doing better, but I would just laugh my head off if I see him dancing with a girl like Pi. That would just be so wrong. LOL. I hope Pi gets more stuff like this in the future. Watch the vid with subs here:Loveless

As a bonus, here's some pics from a magazine featuring the ultimate JE OTP: TomaPi!

Backstage and behind-the-scenes series 3: Down time with MBLAQ!

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:03:29 GMT

Yo amigo's... It's MBLAQ!

Okay. Sorry for the lame intro LOL. We're on part 3 of the Backstage and BTS series! First was 4minute, next was f(x) and now it's MBLAQ's turn! Boys are getting hotter and hotter by the minute, and are proving to be the next big idols that fangirls are waiting to claw over. They've got the looks, amazing dance skills, good vocals and a world star for a producer. What more can they ask for? Oh, and that guy in the first pic is Rain's manager.

MBLAQ right before a performance at a music show:

Can you guess what they're watching? Laughing at other KPOP acts while backstage? No? LOL

Awww.. Mir looks like a tantrum baby

Leader hottie: It's getting hot in here!! Hot or hate the stylist?

***

MBLAQ and their nicknames

"How did you get the nicname 'Yang Samjoo' and 'Way Ahead of time Seungho' ?

"A few days ago on a radio show, I made the mistake of saying that it had been 3 weeks since we debuted, instead of 3 days. So the fans gave me a nickname of 'Yang Samjoo' (T/N Yang 'Three weeks'. 'Sam' means three and 'Joo' means week.), and I really like it. (the members were happy because it was a good nickname). And please put this in the article: I was considering Rain hyung's concert as well, so I thought it'd be three weeks (laughter)... But I think I was so nervous that I miscalculated the time."

You are an issue at the moment due to your sister being Sandara Park

"It's good that my sister is a singer. It's been ages since I saw the other family members, but I get to see her in the broadcasting company building. Because I'm with my sister, I'm more comfortable and light-hearted about everything. I hope that 2NE1 and MBLAQ succeed together."

You must have been at an advantage at the audition because you looked like Rain.

"I followed a dongsaeng (T/N A younger person) to an audition, seeing as I was bored. Because the auditions were already at its 2nd, 3rd stage, I didn't have faith that I'd get in. I was just in awe because I got to see Jihoon hyung, but people told me to audition. I got in at once. Jihoon was initially reluctant to choose me, but he liked the way that I smiled."

Any episodes regarding the beard?

"I debuted as a member of TYKEYS, but that didn't work out well. So I went to audition at a company which seemed the most reliable. I was growing a beard at that time, but Rain told me to shave then come back, so I did it. He thought that I looked OK without the beard, but told me at a later date to grow it back again, so this has resulted in how I look right now. I don't have any thoughts in shaving just yet." (Kim Taewoo had recently told their manager that G.O. has a similar feel to him, so he felt happy).

Mir looks so tired!

You are the youngest, but your nickname is the most mature(?)

"When I dance on stage, that part always gets exposed. That's why I have those nicknames. Whilst the hyungs get nice photos, I get captures with weird expressions or something with nipples in it. They say that I never fail to disappoint. I think it's a unique and fun nickname.

Where the nipples at??!

With Rain and the J Tunes family at Legend of Rainism concert. Can you spot MBLAQ?

Mir bias!!

MBLAQ at a radio show

Leader reading sweet nothings? That better not be a girl he's texting!!! LOL

Mir baby: "Don't let go of my hand, promise?"

Mir: "Fangirls.. HE'S MINE! GTFO!"

Okay. Leader is still my fave. Has anyone watched that radio broadcast where he played the piano? Seriously. Ear and eyecandy! And it's pretty surprising, MBLAQ's really not just an idol group with pretty-boys who can get away with a few cartwheels and ab rolls here and there. G.O is not the only one with amazing vocals. Lee Joon is actually a good singer. Dara's bro, however, needs some work in rapping. The whole image just does not suit him. [fangirls don't pitchfork me!] Despite being "the most popular member," as some people claim... Honestly, I don't think he's all that.

Yes, Lee Joon. We like your smile like that.

DAMN. MC Hammer pants or not.... Boy's gonna be the death of me!```

P.S. Who's your fave MBLAQ member?

Credits to: MBLAQ Attack, AllKpop, Asianfanatics gallery