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Summer’s FINALLY here! I’m free and getting down to enjoying some dramas from summer’s awesome new lineup. Thought I’d give you a little review of what some of these are like.

Well, this one’s called ‘Big’. All you Coffee Prince fans are probably checking it out cause of Gong Yoo, while I, the horrid person who never watched Coffee Prince is watching it because I really adore Lee Min Jung :P Add Suzy and cutie Shin Won-ho to the list and voila! Here’s a drama anyone would want to watch. (side info: Shin Won-ho is debuting in the band Cross Gene!)

But let’s get to the main story now. The drama starts off a bit funny and excessively exaggerated, what with Da Ran (Lee Min Jung) falling down the stairs and all. The beginning is sort of a blur but we understand pretty much that this aspiring teacher is about to get married to Seo Yun Jae (Gong Yoo), the doctor who, well healed her after her little accident. Into the picture comes a transfer student, Kang Gyung Joon, who just came back from America. His past hold some secrets, but all we get to know is that he’s an orphan and is now living on his mom’s inheritance. There’s also some mystery as to how his mom died. These things will probably be revealed as the drama moves along. 

The main crux of this drama, however is the big switching of souls. Now, we don’t yet know what exactly happens but an accident between Seo Yun Jae and Gan Gyung Joon causes their souls to be switched with Gyung Joon waking up as Yun Jae and Yun Jae still unconscious(hopefully inside Gyung Joon’s body). This soul-switching is yet to cause major chaos - with Yun Jae’s secrets being revealed and Gyung Joon understanding what his aunt and uncle really care about. 

There definitely is a huge storyline about to reveal itself here, like why the souls switched and all but along with all that, this drama is super hilarious; Gyung Joon trying to fit in as Yun Jae and the entire Gil family trying to make sense of this future son-in-law really make this drama very enjoyable. Gong Yoo’s acting as an 18 year old is quite commendable, cute and really makes me want to continue watching this drama! And hey, Suzy’s about to make her entrance in the third episode, so I’m definitely making time for this drama. You should too! :)

-Wally

So, we’re back, after a VERY LONG unofficial hiatus…..And this review is going to be under a new weekly column I’m deciding to start since I love DBSK that much :p 

This time, I’ll start of with a review of Tohoshinki’s new Japanese album, ‘TONE’!

With Japanese versions of their Korean single,’Keep Your Head Down’ and the ever famous former DB5K song, ‘Maximum’ as well as some awesome new tracks, this album is a definite 9/10 for me.

Some of the tracks were released earlier, ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know’ and ‘B.U.T’. Now out of these ‘B.U.T’ is definitely my favorite. The choreography in the PV is seriously epic, and Changmin’s dancing seems a whole lot smoother. Also, anyone think that Yunho in this MV could seriously play the most awesome Goku from Dragon Ballz ever?!

Although ‘Superstar’ and ‘I Don’t Know’ are great songs, they aren’t their best, imo. I love Changmin’s phenomenal screams though! Some things never get old do they?(‘Purple Line’ ftw!)

Now lets get to the new tracks! Out of the new ones, my personal favorites are ‘Duet’ and ‘Easy Mind’. ‘Duet’ is just a really sweet song. Yunho and Changmin’s vocals melt right into the song. It just makes me super happy cause I see soo much improvement in Yunho’s vocals since DBSK’s breakup. 

‘Easy Mind’ is such a great track for anyone whose upset! literally, you don;t even need to understand what exactly their singing about cause the song’s mood just gives off the exact feeling, no explanation needed! This song honestly makes me forget my issues for a moment and makes me super excited!! :D

Two more great tracks are ’Thank You My Girl’ and ‘Back to Tomorrow’. I’ll tell you exactly why they’re great. Its cause I can imagine these two being sung by all five of them. Its funny, there are lines in both songs that fit the exact pitch for either Jaejoong, Junsu and Yoochun. It really brings me near tears. T.T

One thing that kind of was hard to digest was the 2011 version of ‘Somebody to Love’ that was on this album. Its a rerecorded version of a DB5K song. Now with only HoMin. I mean I like it and all, but something tells me that SM and Avex will re-record all old DBSK songs and release them in the future to erase any trace of DB5K. T.T Cassies will cause an uproar though…

Truth be told, I like this album more than ‘Keep Your Head Down’. It’s more diverse, and definitely more like how TVXQ should actually be. Although it pains me that they aren’t together anymore, Yunho and Changmin are doing their best. They are working so hard, and I see it. I’m proud to still be a Cassie. I just wish that Yunho and Changmin get some credit for their music. SM seems to be still keeping them going only to either spite JYJ or just to not lose profits from fans who will always support HoMin. I just want to see HoMin get an award. And soon. They really deserve it. Why? Cause both of them have tried to improve areas of their weakness and they really have blown my mind with how much they have improved. Take Changmin’s dancing for example or Yunho’s vocals, both are infinitely better because they both put their heart and soul into that. I really respect them for that. I just hope others start showing them the admiration and respect they deserve.

Be sure to check it out if you haven’t yet! Also go ahead and tell us what you thought of this album in the comments section below! :)

-Wally

Well HyunA’s back with another solo single that’s just right for the summer! Looking as great as ever she’s really making her place in the k-pop world, solid!

Her mini-album, ‘Bubble Pop’ just dropped and the tracks off the album are pretty decent. Her single, ‘Bubble Pop’ is a fun track although very different from ‘Change’. I really personally love it when an artist can expand their comfort zone. Like HyunA, who we all know as the person that rocks the 4Minute concept and the sexy concept pretty damn well. And here although her MV still retains the normal sexiness that’s always associated with HyunA, it still begs to differ. For one thing, there’s loads of color everywhere. For another, there’s Lee Joon there…LIKE OMG! :D But back to the point, the MV still features HyunA’s classic (a.k.a you know what I mean) dancing.

On a side note, is it just me or does she really look like Lee Hyori in this MV? The hair color matches, even the hairstyle does and there’s a ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ feel to the song or maybe it’s just me.

Out of the other tracks on the album, I love, love, love ‘A Bitter Day’ and ‘Just Follow’ because what HyunA does best and what I love about her too is that she’s the perfect person for collaborations. ‘A Bitter Day’ features the vocal queen, G.Na and B2ST’s epic rapper, Junhyung a.k.a the perfect mix of talent for a decent track with steady rap parts and a beautiful chorus. ‘Just Follow’ is another perfect blend of HyunA and DJ Doc’s rapping. I have a thing for songs which give off a hip-hop feel. It’s that kind of song that can get me up and make me freestyle to it.

The other track, ‘Downtown’ is pretty decent. What I love is the chorus but I’m not that in love with the verses. But all in all it’s a track you should definitely have on your party playlist.

Overall, the album definitely good and HyunA’s MV already has more than 8 million views on YouTube, which btw is more than 4Minute’s ‘Mirror Mirror’ MV views. HyunA really has amazing popularity. I wonder why :P

[I’ve only seen the first two episodes of this new drama so I’ll try to put aside my love for the Yong Hwa-Shin Hye couple and properly review this! :P]

Set in an arts college, the story revolves around two individuals, both studying music. Park Yong Hwa plays Lee Sin, the heartthrob of the school band, The Stupid [no comment on the name, seriously, what were they thinking? O.o, I’ll be waiting for a good explanation of this name in later episodes] who is studying in the Applied Music Department, a.k.a the modern or western type of music with more mainstream instruments. On the other hand, Gyu Won played by Park Shin Hye studies in the Traditional Music Department and plays the traditional ‘gayageum’.

The clash of modern and traditional music really sets this drama apart from the other music-based dramas. I particularly love the fact that the background music features a mix of guitars, drums and traditional instruments.

As far as the acting goes, Park Yong Hwa has improved slightly from ‘You’re Beautiful’. Only slightly though. But the character he portrays is supposed to be pretty distant anyways so I guess he’s doing pretty alright. Park Shin Hye’s acting was epic in ‘You’re Beautiful’, in this drama however, we see her in a completely different light. She’s a clumsy yet cheerful and dramatic girl (ah the typical k-drama girl lead) and so far I like her too. 

There’s a lot of mystery involved in the drama as to what happened to Lee Sin’s dad? Why Gyu Won’s grandfather hates western music so much? What role will Gyu Won’s dad play in future episodes? 

There’s so many things that yet to be revealed in later episodes that I’m definitely going to continue watching this! [no, this is not my Yong Hwa-Shin Hye bias speaking!…I think] But I’m really looking forward to the amazing background music and the unveiling of the plot , besides the gorgeous Yong Hwa strumming away on his guitar XD.

But anyways, if you guys love it when the lead guy and girl bicker all the time and end up in love with each other, then you should DEFINITELY watch this. On an ending note, Lee Sin’s character kinda reminds me of Kim Hyun Joong’s role in ‘Playful Kiss’, the ‘narcissist prince’ part. I don’t know, maybe that’s just me, but do watch it! :D

-Wally

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So,2NE1 just unleashed their single,’I Am The Best’ and I must say I love it way more than their ‘To Anyone’ album songs. They’re definitely back on the track they debuted with. This is the 2NE1 that I fell in love with. Both ‘Lonely’ and ‘I Am The Best’ are epic tracks.

Truth be told, I wasn’t a fan of their ‘To Anyone’ album. It was just too much auto-tune for me. But this song; it’s the PERFECT party track and definitely makes you jump up and dance! I’m so psyched for the MV!

The song, along with having the perfect amount of auto-tuning also really shows their vocals too. I love how CL’s singing is slightly different in this song. The catchy chorus line will get anyone addicted! The bridge is particularly interesting, and I’m loving the vocals here. These woman really can do wonders with their voices!

Bom’s vocals as always are superb. Dara adds that extra much-needed touch and Minzy, I love her vocals, especially after her performance in ‘Lonely’.

I don’t know about you but the song kinda reminds me of their debut single, ‘Fire’; which is a good thing, cause I loved that song too!

Anyhow, the song’s epic, can’t wait for the MV and their comeback.

P.S: The song definitely made me go, “Oh my god!”

:P

-Wally

As Kpop gears up for more and more debuts this year, among the monotonous girl group debuts, the male groups really do stand out. Finally, in my opinion, Kpop is getting somewhere again. Being a good, successful artists isn’t just about being able to sing. In the Kpop world, concept and charisma counts for ALOT! So now I finally see some groups with enough potential to become the next top Hallyu stars.

First up is the group Block B, aka the group that Cho PD produced. Pre-debut, he was making sure that everyone knew about how awesome they were. Well, he wasn’t wrong. In the midst of all the girl groups and their cute concepts, I really was happy that these guys debuted. They are definitely fresh of the block. Their debut single, “Freeze” was really worth the applaud. The group really snatched a fan-base easily, with their dominating stage presence. As far as vocals go, these guy are pretty good. To top that of, they’ve got Zico (who reminds me of Shikamaru from Naruto..:P) whose deep voice just gives this group their unique touch.

Apparently, a lot of people are saying that these guys are like Big Bang…i.e: they’re copying them. I really don’t get that. I find no real similarity between Block B and Big Bang, except maybe the fact that both groups have a member with a really deep voice, but that’s just about it. These guys don’t dress like Big Bang, their songs have way more rapping than any Big Bang song and their concepts are too different from each other’s. 

What I like the most about this group is that these guys aren’t staying stagnant in their music. They’re the kind who’ll keep improving with each single. Their second single, ‘Tell Them’ just got released and man is it something. The song is just pure fun and so addicting. It’s fast paced, has got the right amount of auto-tuning and I LOVE THEIR FUNKY CLOTHES!! The funky jumpsuits are really eye-catching and definitely make the MV even more enjoyable. Block B is definitely a force to be reckoned with. In the near future this group will for sure be the one leading all the charts and bagging all the awards, I just know it!

The second group with bursting potential is B1A4. They introduced themselves via a web cartoon and wow, that was a genius idea. I love that they had a unique way of coming into the Kpop world. These guys literally have CUTE written all over them. They’ve definitely swooned A LOT of fans with their sweet vocals and the catchy “Yo-oo-uu-uu…”. I really adore them. Their debut song, ‘O.K.’ was just really hyper and made you want to sing along and dance. It’s pretty rare to find such songs where you can just fool around. But these guys just presented that with ease. They’re natural artists; that’s for sure. Although ‘O.K.’ doesn’t completely show off their vocals but the other tracks on their mini-album make you love them even more. My personal favourite song off the mini-album is ‘Only One’. I just love how the song has a Backstreet Boys feel to it and they really show just how strong their vocals are in this song. The only thing that makes me cringe sometimes while I listen to it is as always the bizarre ‘Engrish’; “I pray, no tears in your eyes. I know you’ll fly high in your life.” Yeah, this doesn’t make much sense but you know what the funny thing is, I still get what they’re trying to say and I love the song still :). 

As far as their concept goes, they debuted with so much colour! I really loved it. Their video was cutesy and their smiles really just captivate you VERY easily. The major thing I loved about their concept and style were those plain white tees with the pink crowns, and it really emphasized their ‘cute’ concept. Even though girl groups usually tend to go with the cute concept, I must say, boy groups should really try it once in a while :P

B1A4’s second single, ‘Only Learned the Bad Things’ is a pretty decent track, which again showcases their vocals. The MV follows a cute little love story which increases their cuteness factor by hundreds really. Their clothing style is simple yet really cute. (Sorry for saying cute all the time but I really can’t help it. They are SO CUTE :P) But the fact is these guys know their style, and they know how to sell it too and that makes them another group who has the potential to become one of the next top Hallyu stars very soon.

Who doesn’t love a good round of successful debuts? And what’s more exciting is that these groups aren’t coming from the ‘Big 3’ [SM, JYP, YG] and they’ve debuted at a good time so their fan-bases are bound to be developing worldwide. I just can’t wait to hear their future music. Really, I haven’t spotted any new, good boy bands in a long time and FINALLY I’m at peace and very excited! What do you guys think? Do you see these two groups becoming future superstars? 

Check them out if you haven’t already!

- Wally

Review: The 1^st Japan album by Shoujo Jidai (or more commonly known as SNSD)

Firstly, the agencies are REALLY trying hard for SNSD. The album promotion photos are freaking gorgeous, yet still unique. They took elegance to a new attitude in those photos man. And the deluxe edition of the album comes with a ton of goodies-including a glittery pink make up bag-wonder how the fanboys feel about dishing out so much money for THAT…

Okay, so now we come to the songs, instead of reviewing it track by track in order, I’m going to group them together into sets and review them.

Set 1:  Mr. Taxi, Genie, Run Devil Run, Gee and Hoot

These are the songs we have heard before, and with the exception of Mr. Taxi, are all Japanese remakes of their Korean hits. Personally, I didn’t like Mr. Taxi a lot (I found the dance was kind of ridiculous, but hair and makeup was fabulous-Taeyeon looked especially like this concept was made for her). Genie and Run Devil Run was not anything specifically different from their Korean versions. Gee sounded odd in Japanese-I can’t address why, but it was really awkward for me to listen to it. However, Hoot really suits being Japanese! It sounded great.

Fav. Track of this set: Hoot

Set 2: you-aholic, Bad Girl, Beautiful Stranger, I’m In Love With The HERO and The Great Escape

These are the auto tuned upbeat songs from the album. They go with the music trend right now and I guess that’s where SNSD’s music is gonna be like from now on. You-aholic is your typical SM song with all the ‘-ic’s (like fantastic elastic, hypertonic supersonic, bionic supersonic energy, hysteric mysteric …). A decent like-able track. For some reason I hear a lot of Jessica in this song-not that that’s a bad thing. And quite a bit of English too. Beautiful Stranger actually sounds like they are trying too hard to hit that husky voice-it sounds a bit forced-or maybe it is just the auto tune… and I think they pronounce “senses” as “sensis”. Not kidding-I don’t think it is not that SNSD can’t pronounce it; it just rhymes better with the song.  I’m In Love With The HERO is a great track. One of my favorites out of this album actually, even with the electronic beat and auto tune it still showed off their vocals. (The first 20 sec might as well come out of a horror movie though-like someone is being strangled and yelling yeah. LOL. Me and my odd imagination.) And HERO makes me think of Jaejoong, who I’m obviously in love with insanely :P  01:40 onwards is just AMAZING. Yes, this track is definitely my favorite of this album. The girls are promoting The Great Escape, I haven’t seen it yet *guilty* but I’m not really digging it, the beginning sounded awkward, and it kinda gives me the feeling it’d go well with the Mirotic and Break Out MV………. LOL. But I guess it would give the choreographer an easy time :P. The bridge was really good, but it felt like a completely different song. Overall, the song kinda sounded repetitive and the last 30 sec felt boring for me.

Fav. Track(s) of this set: you-aholic, I’m In Love With The HERO

Set 3: Let It Rain and Born To Be A Lady

The compulsory ‘slow’ songs of an album-functions to prove that the artists and actually talented and can sing without auto tune (or obvious auto tune that is). Let It Rain is a good track. Despite a really electronic feel to the beginning of the song, it is one of those really beautiful tracks. It is also where the main vocalists take up around 70% of the song. And the rest harmonize at the back mainly-the part where they sang “over over” seemed over stressed though-like someone’s pushing too hard to reach that note.When I first heard the name of Born To Be A Lady, inwardly I was like o.O okayyyyy. But it is a decent track. It is also one of those tracks when you listen, like it, and forget it the next second. Easy listening and above average, but nothing really special.

In general, this is one of the better albums of SNSD. However, Gee and Genie didn’t exactly felt like they belong in this album-they don’t really fit. It is also alot more electronic and auto tune than the usual cute and sweet for SNSD (even RDR came out with Echo-which is a really cutesy track)… But the general music trend is that way so it is not just them.

Fav tracks: I’m In Love With The HERO, Let It Rain, you-aholic and Hoot.

Rating: 8.5/10

-lammy

Review (Drama): City Hunter

Synopsis

‘City Hunter’ is an original script based on the world-famous novel by Japan’s Tsukasa Hojo. Since it became public that Korea would be the first remake of this story into a drama, ‘City Hunter’ has been receiving worldwide attention. ‘City Hunter’ has switched the setting from Tokyo 1980 to Seoul 2011, and according to the original story structure, the protagonist becomes a city hunter and his character develops while resolving gratifying cases.

Lee Yoon Sung (Lee Min Ho) works at the Blue House’s National Communication Network Team and received his Ph.D at M.I.T. Kim Na Na (Park Min Young), a former judo athlete who works as a bodyguard for the President’s residence, the Blue House. Kim Na Na will eventually be involved in a love triangle with Lee Yoon Sung and prosecutor Lee Joon Hyuk (Kim Young Joo). The drama also marks Goo Ha Ra’s acting debut and she will play the role of the President’s daughter, Choi Da Hye.

Cast

Lee Min Ho as Lee Yoon SungPark Min Young as Kim Na NaLee Joon Hyuk as Kim Young JooHwang Sun Hee as Jin Soo HeeGoo Ha Ra as Choi Da Hye

cre:http://www.koreandrama.org/?p=8010

I have only seen the first two episodes, but I really like this drama. It is a little bit like IRIS-actually the first episode was exactly like IRIS. And I loved IRIS.

Lee Min Ho is damn sexy.

I always wonder how people manage with all that hair in front of their face though.

But even he looked ridiculous in his bright purple skinnies.

Park Min Young’s acting is really good. Really convincing and touching.

Goo Hara’s acting is surprisingly good. She REALLY suits the character as a spoiled rich kid. AND she looks like a kid too.

Will I be continuing this drama: YES.

Review (drama): Lie To Me

Synopsis: Gong Ah Jung, a level 5 Ministry of Culture official, gets entangled in a web of lies when she mistakenly lies that she’s married to Hyun Ki Joon, a hotel manager from an affluent family. Their relationship is further complicated when Ki Joon’s ex-fiancée and a close friend of his brother’s, Oh Yoon Joo, reappears in his life.

Main cast:

This drama is actually quite good.

It is your typical drama though with a weird female lead and  cranky super rich male lead. There is Yoon Eun Hye (YUH) though-who is famous for her roles in Goong and Coffee House.

But is it just me, or YUH’s really annoying? Yes, I don’t like her. I couldn’t stand Goong coz of her. Even though I gotta admit she is good as a comedy actress, she still annoys the hell out of me.

That, coupled with the fact that there are just too many good dramas right now to watch, is why I won’t be continuing this drama. If it came on my TV, I would, but just not worth the trouble of downloading.