4Minute's New Mini is "Crazy" Good

I'm going to lay it all out now: this is the first 4Minute album I've ever listened to. I know it's shameful and trust me I feel embarrassed, but it's the harsh truth. It is weird though because I've been such a huge fan of their earlier title tracks, but since I actually starting following them their title tracks haven't been good enough to make me want to to check their albums out. This time however, it was quite the opposite.

Amber Serves A "Beautiful" First Record

I probably wouldn't have bet my money on Amber being f(x)'s first soloist, but somehow it still makes a lot of sense. Amber has been gaining much popularity recently thanks to her appearance on reality show "Real Men" and is additionally known to have many talents in both singing, dancing and rapping. She is, however, probably most famous for being a social butterfly and a very likable one indeed, so even though she's not my bias I'm still a fan of her cool, grounded personality.

Glorious Photo Shoots - February Round-Up

Prince Jung Yonghwa looks ethereal for "Céci Magazine"

Former Baby Kara Member and DSP Trainee Sojin Passes Away

My heart broke in half this morning when I read that former DSP trainee and member of reality show "Kara Project" Ahn Sojin had passed away. She was found dead in her apartment and as of now the suspicion of the cause of her death is suicide, which makes me all the more upset. I did watch the show as it aired and I instantly took a liking in Sojin, as she was both talented, humble and hardworking and it pains my heart to know she might have taken her own life.


As for the reasons why she might have done it, I don't think we'll ever find out but it doesn't really matter. I did hear that she had only recently parted ways with DSP and was therefore not part of the new DSP girl group April's line-up, and I'm sure that must've been difficult for her. Naturally there could have been many other factors as well, but it wouldn't be the first time an entertainment worker had decided to end their life as a result of the pressure of the industry.

I sincerely hope that she's in a better place now as I send my condolences to her friends and family whom I assume are struggling at this difficult time. I will always have fond memories of Sojin, even though I didn't get to see enough of her while she lived. May she rest in peace.

Quick Update

Hello everyone!

As you've probably noticed; my blog has been kind of dead this past week. The reason it has been so is because I've been away skiing in the Alps, and thus haven't had time to post anything. Usually when I go away I want to prepare and schedule posts in advance, but I didn't have the time to do so this time around since school has literally devoured all my free time.

Anyhow, I'm back now and will make sure to get this thing running again as soon as I can,
Cheers!

4Minute Go HARD for their "Crazy" Comeback

Seriously folks, how long haven't we been waiting for another badass 4Minute comeback? I mean, these girls did actually start out with a fresh, powerful yet sexy concept that set them apart from other girl groups. "Hot Issue", "Muzik" and "Huh" are just a few examples of their signature femme fetale concepts, and that's the kind of genre I wish this group would stick with

Lately however, there's been a serious decrease in musical quality and originality, and I blame most of it on Brave Brothers. Well, their company too I guess, for working with him, This time however, there's no sight of him anywhere and for that I feel truly blessed. 4Minute has decided to return to their roots, but with a sexier, harder sound.

"Pretty" is the Word for Infinite H's New Video

The first sub-unit of Infinite debuted a little over two years ago (it's crazy how time flies, guys) with a concept pretty much no one had ever associated with the main group: hip-hop. Still, it made perfect sense because both Hoya and Dongwoo are good enough rappers, and since they're also the group's best dancers and possess some decent singing skills, it would be stupid not to let them shine on their own. Seriously, if you have not one but two triple-threats in your group, you should allow them some alone time in the spotlight.

Video of the Week #1

Because sometimes, I really want to share a video or two with y'all. Seriously, what would us international K-pop fans be if we didn't have video platforms to watch cute clips, funny variety shows or amazing performances? Probably nothing. Thanks to all the brilliant, hardworking sub-teams out there, we get to understand what they're saying most of the time too.

Jonghyun on Yoo Hee Yeol's Sketchbook

[ENG] 150123 Jonghyun at YHY's Sketchbook by msiashawol

YHY's Sketchbook is honestly one of my favorite programs, as it regularly puts some well-deserved spotlight on South Korea's music scene, and not only idols. I've discovered plenty of amazing singers, rappers and groups thanks to this show, and I also happen to love Yoo Hee Yeol himself and his charming way of hosting.

Freshly debuted solo artist Jonghyun visited the show on his own for the very first time, and performed not only his title track "Crazy (Guilty Pleasure)" but also a shorter version of SHINee hit "Juliette". He also gave a great interview, talking about the process of writing song and his musical influences among many other subjects.

 My main reason for showing this clip though, is his live singing and performing. This version of the title track featuring the new love of my life Iron, was lifted to a much higher level than I've ever witnessed before. The live music added a well-needed push to the otherwise somewhat weak instrumental, and the clear sound system gave Jonghyun a chance to show everyone what he's made of. All in all, it was a stunning performance

Enjoy!

Jung Yong Hwa Explores A New Side In "One Fine Day"

Oh, Yonghwa you brilliant man. Having been CNBlue's main composer for quite a few years now, there's no doubt he's got talent, and now he's been set free to use it only for himself. I don't think that Yonghwa in any way dislikes writing for his band, but I know he has said that when doing so he still has to have the group's sound and image in mind and can't do exactly what he wants. Finally, the big moment has arrived.