‘BGH to’ unveils “Cotton Candy” music video

Rookie girl group ‘BGH to‘, who were previously awarded a rookie award for the month of June by Cyworld, have returned with their second digital single, “The C.C. – Cotton Candy“!

Like their lovable debut track, “I Love You! I’m Always Happy!“, their second single’s lead track, “Cotton Candy“, is another song that aims to bring joy to listeners with its easygoing melody and sweet lyrics. Composed by Kim Doo Hyun, the song is a medium tempo ballad with an acoustic guitar sound and a rap featuring T-ara’s Eunjung.

Director Chang, who’s known for his work with the movie “Death Bell” and BGH to’s debut music video, took up the megaphone for “Cotton Candy”.

A representative stated, “T-ara’s Eunjung, who’s currently on a roll with ‘We Got Married‘ and ‘Roly Poly‘ promotions, actively set out to support the girls to further perfect the song.”

Just a day into its release, the song is currently ranked in the top three on caller ring charts and in the top 10 on digital music charts.




source: allkpop

2NE1 wins Inkigayo Mutizen + other performances

SBS’s Inkigayo is back once again, and this week’s show was full of amazing and fun performances from the top participating K-pop artists!

Inkigayo had another theme for this afternoon’s show – Summer Concert, where PSY, 2AM, K.Will (featuring Hyorin and Simon D) put on their respective special stages.

The ‘Take 7‘ nominees for this week’s show were 2PM (“Hands Up“), 2NE1 (“I Am The Best“), SECRET (“Starlight Moonlight“), Min Kyung Hoon (“She“), Mighty Mouth (“Fiesta“), HyunA (“Bubble Pop!“), and T-ara (“Roly-Poly“). All of them were present to perform their hits.















We had a new winner this week as it was announced that 2NE1 had won the Mutizen award. This was their 1st win for “I Am The Best” on music shows since its release. Congratulations to 2NE1!





















source: allkpop

Trailer revealed for new Doraemon movie!

Recently, a trailer for the new Doraemon movie , a popular Japanese animation series, was revealed through their official site. Titled, “Doraemon Nobita to Kiseki no Shima: Animal Adventure“, the movie will hit theaters on March 2012, and will celebrate the 100th year before Doraemon’s birth (September 3, 2112).

Check out the movie trailer below!



source: tokyohive

[Review] “One More Chance” by CSJH-Dana & Sunday

Miraculous things occur in K-pop on the daily – one of those being unprecedented comebacks by long-long idols. As a nod to this wildcard phenomena, this review takes on a comeback from a forgotten pop star (in this case, pop stars), CSJH The Grace!

It’s a thrill to hear that a veteran girl group has planned to rejoin the masses, because, as of late, it’s only been the boy-bands that have come back.

However, for those readers reminiscing over CSJH’s past activities as a foursome, I’m afraid to say the nostalgia will be met halfway, because only two members have returned. Hence the new sub-unit, CSJH-Dana & Sunday.

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It’s bittersweet, given how CSJH has been dubbed as one of the best girl groups ever employed under SM Entertainment as far as vocal strength and performance is concerned. They’re also SM’s female answer to TVXQ, and while CSJH’s success in K-pop had a shelf life of only a few years and they weren’t nearly as historic as TVXQ, they still managed to leave their mark amongst the mass populations of girl groups.

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CSJH is a four-member ensemble comprised of Dana, Lina, Stephanie, and Sunday. They were – or for most of us, still are – known for having strong vocals, which they showcased right from the beginning with their 2005 debut ballad, “Too Good“. The song highlighted their technicality and control, but the true test of those skills came with their up-tempo tracks. “Dancer in the Rain” in particular reassured CSJH’s position on their now high pedestal, thanks to its intricate composition. The song itself was one-of-a-kind, for it combined today’s prominent concepts – sweet and fierce – into one song. When was the last time you heard conflicting styles coexisting in harmony? CSJH proved they had the vocal acrobatics to make it work. One other thing they proved was the human capability to deliver epic vocals whilst dancing one’s derrière off. (Case in point: Live performance of “Dancer In The Rain”).

Now, listening to their 2011 comeback single, “One More Chance“, it’s interesting to hear exactly what CSJH have done to that mold we created for them, that we remembered them for, and to hear if they’re as compelling as they were during their prime.

Given that this is a mere sub-unit, and not the whole package, the approach to that has been slightly skewed, and may or may not be the source for the obliqueness of their new song.


“One More Chance” has present-day SM Entertainment written all over it. Obviously, it ought to, since it spawned from the company, but to hear how precise the company’s production team has become in their style and execution is impressive in a ‘whoa, why does this sound freakishly familiar‘-kind of way.

By now, K-pop enthusiasts have come to recognize an SM tune the moment it plays, and “One More Chance” is no different. SM has developed a style combining grungy synths, catchy beats, and quirky bells and whistles. Rather than focusing on the intricacies of composition and songwriting, SM has been well aware that their audience would rather lather, rinse, and repeat with songs a lot simpler and faster to stomach, so they’ve delivered.

In Dana & Sunday’s case, who come from a period in pop music that favored pompous songs with varying degrees of difficulty and flash, have re-entered that same music scene, but now must conform to its new rules to stay relevant. Which is interesting, because that’s what this song is all about.

Lyrics aside, “One More Chance” serves a plate of the trite and rudimentary aspects of SM’s 2010-2011 musical style, which was surprising, since this is Dana & Sunday we’re talking about. But there are two extremes at play here: one humorous, and the other quite sad.

It’s no secret this song is awfully simple, especially when any member of CSJH could handle anything ten times as difficult. Dana & Sunday are singing with very little effort, exactly like their juniors, except the thing here is they’re exemplifying how ridiculously easy it is now to pull off a pop song. Dana & Sunday are given the exact formula of today’s SM pop stars, and are showing them how easily it’s done. The best bit of the song is the last third, in which they seem to shake off most of the heavy processing from the first couple minutes and start dabbling in more than the one note they had to work with through the verses (which is probably two more, tops).

Dana & Sunday have executed today’s pop song to the best of their ability, considering its banal design.

Yet, it’s that conventional aspect of “One More Chance” and overbearing SM aura that slightly knocks the song down, because there’s something oddly formulaic about it that almost keeps this tune from being too unique and particular to Dana & Sunday as a girl group; replace the vocals in your head with those of f(x), and suddenly you have a hit on your hands.

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SM Entertainment could have potentially made this an explosive summer for Dana & Sunday had they stepped out of their comfort zone and put some thought into giving them the proper, mind-blowing female song they deserve.

Instead, the public received a couple week’s notice of Dana & Sunday’s comeback with very minimal promotional effort. Which pales in comparison to the time and work they invested in TVXQ’s valiant return to K-pop. Of course, words cannot amount to the continuous flow of revenue SM receives from their golden boy-band, but it’s an underwhelming truth to see Dana & Sunday stuck with a song that doesn’t show half of their vocal talent to today’s Kpop fan base.

K-pop fans have multiplied tremendously over the past couple years, and most of them aren’t familiar with Dana & Sunday or CSJH. SM gave TVXQ a song that showcased both their amazing production style, as well as one that showcased the boy’s vocal power, even as a duo (“Why? Keep Your Head Down“). Lamentably, Dana & Sunday could have really come back with an explosive song as well, one that SM seems to have plenty of within their arsenal, and put today’s girls groups to shame.

When all’s said and done, however, “One More Chance” itself is witty, playful, and quirky. If one ignored the politics behind the song, the production is top-notch, and as catchy as it should be. Dana & Sunday, welcome to Kpop 2011.



source: allkpop

2AM cheers on ‘runaway member’ Changmin’s comeback with Homme

In anticipation of Homme’s return this month, the members of 2AM uploaded a special video on Big Hit Entertainment’s official YouTube channel to congratulate their oldest member, Changmin, on his comeback.

The members playfully nickname Changmin as the ‘runaway idol’ since he’s always “running away to Homme” every time summer rolls around. Jo Kwon says, “As his fellow members, we promise to show our support for ‘runaway idol’ Changmin hyung.”

He playfully concludes, “Changmin mommy, make a lot of money for us~.”

Homme will be releasing their “Man Should Laugh” single and music video on July 19th!



source: allkpop

GP Basic makes their “Jelly Pop” comeback on Music Core

And now for the post of the day that makes me feel old….The youngest girl group GP Basic makes a comeback to the music scene with their third single “Jelly Pop“.

GP Basic’s six members are Mui (vocal), Leah (vocal), Amet (vocal), Trinity (vocal and rap), Zion (vocal), and Janey (rap). The girls were all born in 1996 except for Janey who was born in 1998


Former member, Hannah, left the GP Basic for academic reasons and Mui was added to the group. Mui’s powerful vocals have been nothing but an upgrade.

The group’s third single, “Jelly Pop” is an electronica infused hip-hop track created by GP Basic Entertainment’s producer Cat P., who is known for working with Cool, SpinEL, Girlfriends, and Baek Ji Young. Check out their Music Core comeback stage below!




source: allkpop

Kim Hyun Joong follows up with ‘Kiss Kiss’ on Music Core

After a successful promotion with “Break Down“, SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong is continuing his promotions with another track, “Kiss Kiss” from his debut album on today’s MBC Music Core.

KeyEast Entertainment explained, “Kim Hyun Joong thought that ‘Kiss Kiss’, a pop dance track with an upbeat rhythm, would be the perfect fit for the hot summer.”

“Kiss Kiss” will be a special treat for fans since it features sweet lyrics written specifically for them. Having captured the ladies’ hearts with his powerful and charismatic “Break Down” image, Kim Hyun Joong will be returning with a more romantic side.

Check out his follow-up stage below!



source: allkpop

Music Core performances from July 16th

MBC’s Music Core is back once again with yet another fun and exciting show!

Besides the usual stages, MBLAQ, and GP Basic made their respective comebacks while Kim Hyun Joong begun follow-up promotions with “Kiss Kiss“.

With SHINee’s Minho and Onew on a temporary leave of absence, 2PM’s Chansung and Nichkhun became special 1-day MCs alongside Suzy and Jiyeon.


































source: allkpop

TVXQ releases short version of “Superstar” MV

After numerous previews through Japanese TV programs earlier, idol duo TVXQ has unveiled the short version PV for their “Superstar” song!

Dressed in crisp white suits, the boys delivered slick dance moves in what appears to be a subway station. They also gave fans some serious eye-candy with their black outfit shots.

Check out the short version PV below!



source: allkpop

B2ST’s Dongwoon imitates Girl’s Day’s Minah

On a recent episode of MBC’s “Radio Star,” B2ST’s Dongwoon showed off his ‘aegyo’ by imitating Girl’s Day’s Minah during their “Twinkle Twinkle” promotions.

Dongwoon does a pretty damn good job and provides us with lots of laughter.

Check it out below!







source: allkpop

T-ara releases their choreography video for “Roly-Poly”

Fans the world over have been asking T-ara for a “Roly-Poly” choreography video, and that request has finally been granted today!

On July 14th, Core Contents Media announced, “After ‘Roly-Poly’ came out, many fans from all over the world showed interest in the choreography. This video was made so that fans could learn exactly how to do the dance.”

Choreographer Seo Byung Goo himself is in the video and teaches all the steps with full detail. The video is not a how-to video per se; rather, it documents the girls learning the dance themselves, so it’s both entertaining and informative.

Check it out below!




source: allkpop

T-ara wins #1 on M! Countdown

Having been pre-empted last week for the 2011 Mnet 20’s Choice Awards, Mnet’s “M! Countdown” is back with another episode of great performances and musical treats.

Besides the usual stages on the show today, MBLAQ, CSJH, HyunA, Girl’s Day, and ZE:A all made their respective comebacks. Elsewhere, Jang Woo Hyuk and Kim Hyun Joong begun follow-up promotions while HITT made their debut.

With regular MCs Tony An and Shin So Yul away on vacation, T-ara’s Eunjung and Soyeon were recruited to be special MCs for today.



It was a hot battle for the #1 spot on “M! Countdown” today, but in the end, it was T-ara who got the win!





source: allkpop

Kim Hyun Joong follows up with ‘Kiss Kiss’ on M! Countdown

After a successful promotion with “Break Down“, SS501’s Kim Hyun Joong is continuing his promotions with another track, “Kiss Kiss” from his debut album on today’s Mnet M! Countdown.

KeyEast Entertainment explained, “Kim Hyun Joong thought that ‘Kiss Kiss’, a pop dance track with an upbeat rhythm, would be the perfect fit for the hot summer.”

“Kiss Kiss” will be a special treat for fans as it features sweet lyrics written specifically for them. Having captured the hearts of women with his powerful and charismatic “Break Down” image, Kim Hyun Joong will be returning with a more romantic side.

Check out his follow-up stage below!



source: allkpop

MBLAQ makes a “Mona Lisa” comeback on M! Countdown

Having released their their 3rd mini-album “Mona Lisa” earlier this week, the MBLAQ boys begun their comeback promotions on tonight’s Mnet M! Countdown.

Their title song “Mona Lisa” is a Spanish electronic dance track that was produced by Ji In, Wontag, and Rado – the head producers of MBLAQ’s entire comeback album.

Instead of using synth instruments, the song is filled with analog instruments to differentiate itself from the styles MBLAQ previously performed. Living up to their nickname of being ‘chic idols’, the song’s characteristic is its chic charm.

The lyrics itself compares an unattainable woman’s facial expression to the Mona Lisa and expresses one man’s passionate desire for her love.

Check out their comeback stage below!






source: allkpop

ZE:A plays around with helium balloons on “Watch Out!” MV set

ZE:A revealed earlier that when they were shooting the MV for “Watch Out“, they aimed to have as much fun as possible in order to bring an authentic energy to the video.

It looks like the boys definitely had a blast on set, as they were documented inhaling helium from balloons. They ran around the set, talking in high-pitched voices and laughing over how ridiculous they sounded. Check out the video clip below!



source: allkpop

Real 2PM reveals Junsu’s “musician side”

2PM’s Junsu has become a hot topic after his practice video for ‘Immortal Song 2‘ was revealed.

On July 12th’s broadcast of ‘Real 2PM‘, Junsu is seen practicing day and night for his one stage on ‘Immortal Song 2′.


The idol pays close attention to every detail, from the song arrangement to the actual performance. The video clip of him taking meticulous efforts to prepare for his stage showed fans the “musician Junsu”.

With his own subtle style, Junsu gave a fresh feel to Hyun Jin Young’s “You In My Faded Memories” and Min Hye Kyung’s “The Face That I Miss“. He received particular admiration from his singing practice, where he showed off explosive vocals that caused goosebumps.




source : allkpop

miss A reveals teaser for “Good Bye Baby” MV feat. Min

After releasing an exciting audio clip for their comeback track, “Good Bye Baby“, through their official website yesterday, miss A continues their trail of teasers with a screencap from their new MV!

The teaser shows member Min delivering a strong slap to the man in front of her. Min has shed her trendy, youthful look for something more elegant and mature to better suit the mood of miss A’s upcoming song. Though she still possesses a bold attitude, Min is ready to emerge as a sophisticated woman.



source: allkpop

YG Entertainment fans in London hold a flash mob asking for a concert

On July 9th, London reflected the power of the Hallyu wave, thanks to a flash mob event asking for YG Entertainment to bring their artists over for a concert.

Amazingly, the person behind this large-scale event was none other than an 18-year-old Korean girl, Katy. Impressed by her passion, reporters from Star News sat down for an interview with Katy to hear her thoughts on the K-pop wave. Check it out below!


Q. “Why did you decide to open a flash mob event?”

Katy: “I was in charge of running a K-pop contest at our Culture Center. I noticed that the most performed songs were from YG Entertainment artists. After finding out that there was a Big Bang fanclub in London, I decided to prepare this event.”

Q. “Was the recent SM Entertainment concert in Paris an influential factor?”

Katy: “I mustered the bravery to start my own after seeing SM. I heard that there were talks of inviting YG artists at a world-famous cultural festival, so I wanted to hurry up and start one to raise awareness.”

Q. “Realistically, how many people listen to K-pop in London?”

Katy: “Koreans talk about it a lot to their friends. Before, it was usually listened to by people who switched from listening to Japanese music to Korean music, but now that videos like 2NE1 are featured on YouTube’s main page, the number of listeners is growing at a faster pace. People my age look at YouTube, Facebook, and other Hallyu sites for K-pop.”

Q. “What is so captivating about K-pop to fans there?”

Katy: “They think that English music has been here for such a long time and that it’s becoming repetitive. Korean music carries a new language and a new style, so it’s exciting when you encounter it. From performances to visuals, we feel that they exceed English artists. Everything that goes into one album, like the fashion, is really charming. There are bands here, but no idols. It’s difficult to see a group like Big Bang where five members are dancing together.”

Q. “Were the dress code and other details for the flash mob all your ideas?”

Katy: “I collected ideas and opinions on the songs and themes, and made a decision from there. We were only going to do Big Bang and 2NE1’s songs at first, but there were also a lot of 1TYM fans. We also recently found out about MBC’s ‘Infinity Challenge‘ songs, so we included those as well.”

Q. “What do you think is so charming about YG’s music?”

Katy: “I think that there’s a nice musical balance. It’s not Western, it’s not Eastern, it’s just a nice blend. 2NE1’s ‘I Am the Best‘ and GD&TOP’s ‘High High‘ are both popular songs. They call Big Bang’s Taeyang ‘Taeyang-nim’.”

Q. “The language is obviously different, so what makes people fall in love with it?”

Katy: “It may be unfamiliar because of the language, but I think that’s what makes K-pop all the more charming. We’re also able to learn the Korean language while listening to Korean music.”

Q. “What about competition from other genres or artists?”

Katy: “Fans here aren’t fans of just idols, but the entire YG label. From Teddy to Jinusean, and even 1TYM, we’re all fans of them. The popularity of other artists is also growing.”

Q. “What do you think is necessary to raise awareness about K-pop to the general public in England?”

Katy: “Having Korea CDs available for purchase in record stores and not just online will be of great help. We’re very open to new cultures. There aren’t books or CDs here, but the potential is still definitely there.”

Q. “Are you planning any other projects to spread K-pop?”

Katy: “If the concert actually happens, I want to work as a promoter. If Korean artists try just a bit more, I think we can make a big wave. Big Bang even recorded a video for their fans here, and it’s gestures like that which touch the hearts of international fans.”

The fans also remembered to support Big Bang’s Daesung by singing “Baby Don’t Cry” in unison.




source : allkpop

HyunA’s “Bubble Pop” video goes viral, rakes in 5.5 million views

It’s been less than a week since 4minute’s HyunA dropped her solo music video for “Bubble Pop!“, but it’s already accumulated an astounding 5.5 million views on YouTube!

The video boasted every look and image concept imaginable for an idol – sporty, sultry, sexy, and cute, whatever your personal taste, HyunA rocked it all for “Bubble Pop!”. The results were explosive, as viewers from around the globe chattered about how they couldn’t get enough of HyunA’s new video.

The video hasn’t only been explosive within the K-Pop fandom though, as American pop blogs have also been raving about it, adding onto its viral popularity. HyunA’s definitely bringing more awareness to K-Pop on a global level, and this MV definitely highlights all the things we love about K-pop.

Which look did you like best from HyunA’s “Bubble Pop!” MV? Toss us your thoughts below!



source: allkpop

Performances from celebratory Pyeongchang Olympics Concert

Earlier, we reported that the city of Pyeongchang snagged the 2018 Winter Olympics bid from France’s Annecy and Germany’s Munich. To celebrate the joyous moment, many of Korea’s top idols congregated for a massive concert on July 9th that set the pace for the upcoming festivities ahead.

T-ara, SECRET, Brave Girls, 4minute’s HyunA, Jang Woo Hyuk, CSJH’s Dana & Sunday, and SISTAR/SISTAR19 all gave enthusiastic performances that had fans screaming from start to finish.


Check out their performances below!
















source: allkpop