Tag: Korea

My Pictorial|Poster Faves: Ladies of Red Velvet

This post will showcase some recent editorial photos of Red Velvet’s Irene, Yeri and Seulgi.

(Please Note: none of these images are mine. I got them from official magazine websites and social media sites.)

First off is Irene for VOGUE (Korea). She is so beautiful 😍.

Yeri’s recent photoshoot with DAZED (Korea) is so adorable. I love how she pouts in some of the pictures.

Finally, here is Seulgi for ELLE (Korea). Flowery concepts are always a beauty to see.

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My Pictorial|Poster Faves: A Kim Go Eun & Kim Hee Sun Exclusive

(Please Note: none of these images are mine. I got them from official magazine websites and social media sites.)

First off is the beautiful Kim Go Eun for Marie Claire (Korea). I love the clean-cut feel of these photos.

Next, is Kim Hee Sun looking absolutely gorgeous for a VOGUE (Korea) photoshoot.

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DAWN – DAWNDIDIDAWN: Album Review

On October 9th, DAWN released his 1st mini-album titled DAWNDIDIDAWN. This EP has five songs, including the title track “DAWNDIDIDAWN (Feat. Jessi)”

To read a brief profile for this artist, use this link 👉🏼 DAWN – MONEY: Music Review.

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

Reaction to Title Track/MV:

  • I have heard a bit of the chorus and seen the dance because I follow PNation, DAWN and Jessi on Instagram. It seemed catchy, now let’s see what the full song has to offer.
  • I have my English captions, and I’m ready to get my groove on💃🏼.
  • Okay, 15 seconds in, and I can officially say that “DAWNDIDIDAWN” is a BOP. No second opinion needed here; I SAID WHAT I SAID.
  • With that out of the way, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is time to PARTY!!!
  • I love the whistling + the black/white pallet for the music video.
  • The choreography is so tight and slick. DAWN and the dancers were killing from the first second.
  • I can’t even pay attention to the lyrics because I’m too busy dancing.
  • The chorus is very catchy and addictive. It’s the type of tune that could stay stuck in my head for days.
  • It’s an excellent marketing strategy to have his name as the album’s title and dropping it all over the promotion track.
  • I adore DAWN’s quirky/edgy personality.
  • His outfits are also perfect for this concept. My favourite is the first piece he had on at the beginning.
  • Yessss, Jessi…“Hey DAWN, What’s going on?” I was waiting for her, and I love the beat switch up for her part.
  • “DAWNDIDIDAWN” is simply a feel-good song, and I am here for that vibe. I LOVE THIS SONG.

Album Review:

Highlight medley –

  1. DAWNDIDIDAWN (Feat. Jessi) – PARTY!!! 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼
  2. Still (Feat. Crush) – This is more on the chill side. I love the groovy beat; it makes me want to body roll. DAWN sounds excellent on this track. I am happy that he made sure to include catchy melodies in these songs. This is essential to push out his music to a broader audience. Yessss! Crush came in smooth like butter on hot toast + his vocal runs in the background add in such a sweet touch. “Still” is a vibe, and I am loving every bit of it.
  3. Tantara – I am living for this trumpet and guitar intro. What the heck is this production? The beat is fat on this track, and I am grooving 💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼. The progression into the chorus is a whole mood. Ooo, DAWN, did not come to play with anyone. You all better wake up and dance. The chorus!!! WHAT? I am so pumped, and it’s 12:10 am right now. Sorry for the people living upstairs because it’s a club up in my apartment right now.
  4. Butterfly – I love the intro, and I feel it’s about to be another BOP. The rhythm of this one is insanely good. A few times, I’ve mentioned how EDM/trap has become quite a repetitive sound in the K-pop scene, and I was getting tired of it. Nonetheless, when someone does it this tastefully, I always enjoy and have a good time with the song. “Butterfly” does have elements of that genre, but it can slightly lean towards the hip-hop department as well, so I LOVE IT. Good Job, DAWN👏👏👏.
  5. Ordinary Night – Another song with whistling, and I love the guitar intro. The subtle beat switch up for the pre-chorus threw me off for a few seconds, but I’m good. Is it just me, or is this song an intense pop-EDM mix? I still like it, but if I was to rank the album, “Ordinary Night” would be last on my list. DAWN sounds amazing, + the entire EP stayed solid till the end.

Here is the album on Spotify:

Final Thoughts:

Honestly, this was a feel-good album and the perfect way to close my day. I will be listening to this EP on repeat throughout this weekend. I’ve been in a very hyper mood recently, and I want to maintain the momentum. Every song was a jam, but I do have my favourites, which happen to be the first three tracks. Thank you, DAWN, for such a solid fifteen minutes and fifty-one seconds of continuous dancing. My rating for his 1st mini-album, DAWNDIDIDAWN, is 10/10.

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Ailee – I’m: Album Review

The vocal queen is back, and I’m super excited!!!

On October 6th, Ailee retuned with her 5th mini-album titled I’m. This record has five songs, including the title track “When We Were In Love”

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

Reaction to Title Track/MV:

  • Okay, this is an eleven-minute music video. That’s a lot of minutes but let’s see what it has to offer. Luckily, I have English captions.
  • The keyboard intro is beautiful. I am a sucker for piano entries on songs. So if this title track is a ballad, I will be really pleased.
  • The dog is fluffy and adorable.
  • Ailee looks beautiful in this music video.
  • I thought I had subs, but it seems to be only available for dialogues.
  • The serenity of this song just gave me goosebumps all over my arms.
  • Plus, the visuals for the MV are stunning.
  • Woah, I’m still getting chills all over. The melody + Ailee’s voice is pure bliss.
  • I’m guessing “When We Were In Love” is about longing to spend more time with the people we love, but we can’t always keep in touch due to work and other commitments.
  • Is he giving the dog away for adoption? Why?
  • Awww, this is sad. At least take proper care of the dog.
  • Wow, so she broke off contact with her former lover. Started focusing solely on her career and got a whole new man that proposed to her. After being broken for so long, her ex travelled abroad, and Lui is now a stray dog who happened to find his way back to his former owner’s house.
  • THIS IS TOO SAD😢. At least she reunited with the dog.
  • This reminds me of the Chinese film – Adoring. That movie is so beautiful. I even reviewed it; here’s a link 👉🏼 Adoring: Movie Review. Pet lover or not, you’re bound to cry a few times while watching.
  • I truly enjoyed this music video; it’s heartwarming. I also love the song. Here is a live performance for anyone interested –

Album Review:

Highlight medley –

  1. One Day by Chance – This song also has a beautiful keyboard entry. I absolutely adore ballads + Ailee is going to serve vocals, so I am already in awe. This track is soothing, and the orchestra backing adds to the tranquillity. I missed Ailee’s voice. The power/control this woman has is beyond words. If you need a smooth ballad, “One Day by Chance” is for you.
  2. When We Were In Love – This title track is another excellent relaxation song. Ailee sounds lovely, and I love how the tempo was intensified towards the end with the introduction of drums and the orchestra’s full volume. I also noticed that the orchestra dropped out often to allow Ailee’s voice soar. The instrumental progression/production on this song is incredible.
  3. Beautiful Disaster – This is slightly upbeat than the previous two, but it still has some classic ballad properties. Thus, why I believe that I’m is a ballad album. I love how rhythmic the piano sounds on this track compared to the previous songs’ flowy/smooth feel. “Beautiful Disaster” has a captivating melody, and I think it might be my favourite so far. Also, Ailee’s voice on this track is A++++++.
  4. What about it – Now we’re back to a soft ballad song, but this is slightly on a higher tempo than the first two tracks. The pianist keeps replaying the same notes, and Ailee’s vocals seem very breathy. I think this my second favourite on the album because the melody is so charming. Ooo, the shallow drums introduced for the second chorus are insane. Did I just get a modulation? Wow, Ailee’s vocal runs on this song are superb. I love the production.
  5. What If I – This is the gifted soft R&B track, and I ain’t complaining. It stands out from the rest due to the guitar entry and is also on the groovy side. Ailee is serving smooth vocals consistently. The chorus is catchy – “so sad, so sad…” Plus, her falsetto notes are blessing my ears. I am in love with this song, and I think it’s a perfect closing. At this moment, let us welcome “What If I” into the hall of BOPs 👏👏👏.

Here is the album on Spotify:

Final Thoughts:

I love how this album started out slow and gradually progressed into higher tempos with each track. It showcases a well-thought-out and beautiful arrangement. Production-wise, I’m is an excellent album. Although I haven’t checked out the English lyrics, I believe this record gave the best in all departments. From vocals to instrumentalization, I rate it an A+. Even though Ailee gifted me with a sweet R&B track, I still consider I’m a solid ballad record. Therefore, it will be going on my playlist immediately. I genuinely enjoyed listening to all five songs. If I was to rank them from this first listen, this would be my list – 

  1. Beautiful Disaster
  2. One Day by Chance
  3. When We Were In Love
  4. What about it
  5. What If I

Alright, with all that said, Ailee’s 5th mini-album titled I’m, gets a 10/10 from me.

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CHAI – Alright: Song Of The Week

The song I’m sharing with you all this week is from the beautiful artist – CHAI. “Alright” is my favourite track from her 2019 single album titled Give and Take.

Crystal Yi, also known as Lee Soo-Jung, is a Korean-American singer born in 1993. She goes by the stage name CHAI and is currently signed to Antenna Music. In 2016, CHAI flew into Korea to participate in the fifth season of K-pop Star and emerged as the winner. After the show, she returned to the States and completed her senior year of University. On June 19th of 2019, CHAI officially debuted with the single album – Give and Take. A few people might recognize this singer from the song “Oh My Angel”, an original soundtrack for the Korean series – Angel’s Last Mission: Love.

“Alright” is a chill song, and that’s one of the main reasons I enjoy listening to it. Take the relaxing vibe + CHAI’s beautiful voice and the reassuring message that everything will be okay; What else is needed? It truly has it all.

I usually leave this song on replay while working at home or right before going to bed. I even listen to it while on the bus. It’s a very peaceful track, so I hope you all find some comfort in it as well. Also, feel free to check out more songs from CHAI because she has the voice of an angel.

💕💕💕

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Catching Up With September Comebacks: eaJ|MOONBIN & SANHA(ASTRO)|TREASURE| punchnello

(Please note – This is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

“It just is” by eaJ x Seori (Feat. Keshi’s Strat)

Reaction to Official MV:

  • I’m super excited about this collaboration. I’m new to Seori, I discovered Keshi through Jae, and I love his music + you all should know that Jae is from my favourite band ever, DAY6.
  • Alright, just from the intro, I can tell that I’m going to enjoy this song.
  • “It just is” has such a chill vibe + Keshi is serving excellence on that guitar.
  • Seori has a beautiful voice, and this animated music video is charming.
  • Wow, the background vocals/layering for Seori’s section is captivating.
  • This beat, this melody…PURE BLISS!!!
  • Also, Jae’s voice sounds way shallow than usual, and I love the sultry feeling he’s giving off.
  • It’s official, I AM IN LOVE with “It just is”
  • The production on the track is tight and perfect. I can’t just listen to this song once; there has to be a replay before giving my rating.
  • No more needs to be said, “It just is” by eaJ x Seori (Feat. Keshi’s Strat) gets a solid 10/10 from me.
  • Now all I need is for them to put this song on Spotify.

IN-OUT by MOONBIN & SANHA(ASTRO)

Reaction to Title Track – Bad Idea:

  • This is my second time checking out something from ASTRO, so I’m kind of excited.
  • I love the guitar riff intro; it’s catchy.
  • Right off the bat, the shallow drumbeats are giving me life.
  • The visuals for this music video are absolutely stunning.
  • The vocals!!! Yessss!!! serve it like it’s hot, boys.
  • The black outfits and Moonbin in that suit is perfection + the choreography is smooth.
  • I honestly wasn’t expecting to love this song this much. It’s such a cool BOP.
  • The lighting and overall cinematography for the MV are incredible.
  • Moonbin’s voice on this song is pure eargasm. Can he sing me to bed every day?
  • Now I am even more pumped for the album.

Album Review: IN-OUT is MOONBIN & SANHA‘s unit debut EP, and it has 5 songs. Here is the highlight medley –

  1. Eyez On U – Odd but exciting intro. Of course, their voices came in beautifully. The progression on this track is quite unpredictable. I love that it keeps giving me surprises at every corner. WOW!!! Lovely falsetto notes + well-placed backing vocals. I love this song.
  2. Bad Idea – This here is my jam. I’m just going to groove.💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼
  3. Alone – Ooo, this is about to be a BOP. The intro beat says it all and, once again, the vocals!!! I am living for the production quality and calm vibe of this song. Plus, the piano on this track is superb. “Alone” is my second favourite after “Bad Idea”
  4. All I Wanna Do – I love the continuous finger snaps. At this point, I sound like a broken record, but there is something about their harmonization that melts me. Wait, the chorus on this song should be made illegal. I wasn’t expecting a slow body roll section, but I LOVE IT. At this point, I’m adding the entire album to my playlist.
  5. Dream Catcher – A slow song to close things, and I don’t mind. I want to stop ranting about vocals, but once again, the harmonies!!!😳🥰. What did I do to deserve such beauty this night? Okay, enough of me being extra lol, but honestly, this song is lovely. Moonbin and Sanha are serving pure bliss on this track.

IN-OUT by MOONBIN & SANHA(ASTRO) is the perfect album to play on a chill day or whenever you need some relaxing R&B goodness. I love every single song on this EP. Therefore it gets a solid 10/10 from me.

This album is available on Spotify –

THE FIRST STEP: CHAPTER TWO by TREASURE

Reaction to Title Track – I LOVE YOU:

  • I enjoyed the songs from Chapter One, so I have high hopes for TREASURE this time around.
  • The intro is beautiful, and I love the boyish vibe of this song.
  • Wow, the video graphic during the chorus is insane.
  • Whoever came up with the idea of adding that into the MV is brilliant.
  • The chorus is groovy, and the rap sections that came after were smooth.
  • HARUTO!!!🤩🤩🤩 EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! This boy keeps coming for my neck.
  • I am not that invested in TREASURE yet, but Haruto is officially my bias because his flow and voice get me in my feels.
  • Their rappers are very impressive, and I’m sure they will get even better with time.
  • I love the little choral section to close off. It’s quite catchy.
  • Okay, TREASURE. I see you, and I love this energy.
  • I can see myself coming to “I LOVE YOU” once in a while, so it gets a 9/10 from me.

Reaction to B-Side – B.L.T (BLING LIKE THIS):

  • This also had their classic boyish charm.
  • I love the melody for the pre-chorus.
  • Compared to “I LOVE YOU”, this doesn’t have such a massive chorus drop, and I appreciate the variation.
  • Even in this song, Haruto tried to come for my neck😂.
  • The melody for the pre-chorus is absolutely lovely, and the vocalists are killing that section.
  • Overall, “B.L.T (BLING LIKE THIS)” isn’t exactly my vibe, so I’ll have to give it a 7.5/10.

“fine!” by punchnello (Feat. Kid Milli)

Reaction to Official MV:

  • The soft drumbeats that started this song are super catchy.
  • Punchnello came in so smooth + the follow-up beat is such a chill groove.
  • The music video is slightly weird, but I love it.
  • I’m enjoying myself . “fine!” is right up my alley.
  • The entire song feels good, and the rap flows are blessed.
  • I’m so glad I checked this out because I would have missed out on a good playlist addition.
  • This song was made for me. Thank you, punchnello👏👏👏.
  • “fine!” by punchnello (Feat. Kid Milli) gets 10/10 from me.

Alright, and that’s a wrap. Have a goodnight, everyone.💕💕💕

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My Pictorial|Poster Faves: Goodbye Summer, Welcome Fall!

(Please Note: none of these images are mine. I got them from official magazine websites and social media sites.)

Although I couldn’t enjoy this year’s summer to the fullest, I’m grateful for life. Being able to see a new season is a blessing.

Jung So Min for Marie Claire.

Summer came, I basked in the sun for a while. Taking in all the heat I could.

Visited some interesting places and kept in touch with a few friends and family.

As the heat slowly fades, the cool breeze begins to blush through.

Kim Ji Won for Marie Claire.

Bringing us the most beautiful autumn colours and preparing us for colder days.

With each new season, there’s hope for something new. After all, we are still alive witnessing the wonders of nature.

So Embrace The Change 🍂🍂🍂

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My Pictorial|Poster Faves: A Baekhyun & Beenzino Exclusive

(Please Note: none of these images are mine. I got them from official magazine websites and social media sites.)

Recently EXO’s BAEKHYUN posed for the October 2020 cover of Harper’s BAZAAR (Korea), and he looks good!

Next is the October 2020 cover of ARENA Homme+ Magazine that showcases Beenzino and his girlfriend, Stefanie Michova.

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BLACKPINK – THE ALBUM: Review

Earlier today, BLACKPINK released their 1st full album titled THE ALBUM. There are eight songs on this record, including the title track “Lovesick Girls”

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

Reaction to Official MV/Title Track:

  • Their pre-release single – “Ice Cream” wasn’t exactly my cup of tea.
  • I have my fingers crossed for “Lovesick Girls” or any other track on the album to completely blow me away.
  • Already, the visuals for this music video are stunning.
  • They all seem to be in some sort of toxic relationship and are fully aware of the dangers. The girls want to break away from the poisonous circle but are not strong enough to do so yet?
  • That’s the message I’m getting from the MV.
  • So far, this song isn’t doing much for me but let’s continue.
  • Jisoo seems to be the only one not in a relationship, while Lisa, Rose and Jennie are stuck with the wrong men.
  • The bridge section with Rose and Jisoo is the only part of this song that I love. That melody when Rose starts singing – “love is slippin’ and fallin’, love is killin’ your darlin’…” is quite catchy.
  • My issue is that although this song has a retro sound, it’s still too pop-ish. I have a love/hate relationship with the classic pop sound.
  • I’m going to listen to “Lovesick Girls” again without the video and see how I feel.
  • After my second listen, I think “Lovesick Girls” isn’t my cup of tea.
  • However, I love the bridge section. The vocals/rap are beautiful as expected from the ladies of BLACKPINK.

Album Review:

Here is the album preview –

  1. How You Like That –I listened to this song once it dropped, but I’m still going to give some thoughts on here. I absolutely love the instrumental build-up, and vocal progression on this track + the chorus is very catchy. When I first heard “How You Like That”, I wasn’t into it, but it stuck after a few replays. I think it’s a great dance song that I wouldn’t mind going back to once in a while.
  2. Ice Cream (Selena Gomez) –Still a no for me. In my review for “Ice Cream”, I mentioned that only one section of the song stands out. If you would like to know what I’m speaking on, read my review 👉🏼 BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez – Ice Cream: Music Review.
  3. Pretty Savage – Interesting start and melody + the trap beat 🔥🔥🔥. Now, this is more up my alley. FINALLY!!! a song that I love right off the bat. “Pretty Savage” is a BOP. The chorus is groovy with those sultry vocals in the background. The girls sound beautiful and powerful. The whistling at the end is a perfect touch. I LOVE THIS SONG!!! It calls for body rolls.
  4. Bet You Wanna (feat. Cardi B) – I’m listening to the enhanced album on Spotify, and I just saw a note that this song has the same producers as “Ice Cream”. I don’t know how to feel about that. Already, I’m getting a similar vibe, but this sounds way better. I love the deep drumbeats, + the chorus has a lovely melody. The background vocals are top-notch, and Cardi fits nicely into the song. Right now, I’m 90/10 on “Bet You Wanna”, but I will be sold entirely after my second listen because this is a well-produced track. 
  5. Lovesick Girls – This marks my third listen, so let’s see if my opinion changes. I love the melody on the verses/rap/bridge sections, but the chorus ain’t for me. Kudos to Jennie and Jisoo for taking part in the writing of “Lovesick Girls”
  6. Crazy Over You – The intro does give the oriental feel they mentioned in the notes + the hip-hop beat that comes after is perfect. I also hear some Arabic influences. Lisa’s rap on this track is so good. Jisoo’s vocal tone always stands out to me in all of BLACKPINK’s songs. She has a rich tone. Wait, I wasn’t expecting a low tempo chorus drop, but I love it. I thought it was going to be a massive drop. “Crazy Over You” has a lot of surprises, and I am enjoying the production choices on this song.
  7. Love To Hate Me – Jennie is always a good starter for BLACKPINK’s songs. She has a way of making her voice sound different and very befitting for each track. The way “Love To Hate Me” started, I thought I wouldn’t be the biggest fan, but the pre-chorus stole my heart. The instrumental is a bop + a nice message. Anybody who is always hostile towards you isn’t worth your time or effort. So throw their drama and attitude into the galaxy and live your best life. This song is perfect. 
  8. You Never Know – Looks like we are getting a soft song to close off the album. Rose sounds like a breath of fresh air. Excellent progression. I love how that it doesn’t stay on one tempo throughout. The switch-up is a perfect way to keep listeners intrigued. “You Never Know” is a beautiful song that I see myself coming back to every now and then. Rose nailed this song because, wow, she sounds lovely.

Final Thoughts:

Honestly, I was a bit scared after hearing the title track, but thankfully, the B-sides saved the day. My favourite song on this record is definitely “Pretty Savage”. I also enjoyed listening to “How You Like That” – “Bet You Wanna” – “Crazy Over You” – “Love To Hate Me” & “You Never Know”

Six out of eight songs is an excellent ratio, in my opinion. The girls worked hard on this, and I am glad that they finally have a full album on their discography. With all that said, my rating for THE ALBUM by BLACKPINK is an 8.5/10.

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John Park – March Lover|Thought Of You: Songs Of The Week

This week I have three songs to share with you all. They are some of my favourite records from John Park.

John Andrew Park, known by the stage name John Park, is a Korean-American singer born on September 13th, 1998. He is currently managed by Music Farm Entertainment. John Park’s official debut was on February 22nd, 2012, with the album – Knock. He was one of the semi-finalists on the ninth season of American idol and finished as the runner-up on the second season of Superstar K (Korean audition program).

My first recommendation is “March Lover” –

I can’t remember how I discovered John Park, but I absolutely adore his deep and rich voice. This song was released in 2020 as a single, and I live for its jazzy vibe. “March Lover” is quite upbeat but still a chill groove. Whenever I need to relax, this is one of the records I always reach out for. So I hope you all enjoy it as well.

Next up is the single album – Thought Of You, which has two songs –

I stumbled on “Thought of You” first, but once I heard “Higher”, I knew this single album was a must for my playlist. John Park’s tone and the melody for these records are pure bliss. There is never a time when I can just play both songs once and move on. I somehow end up listening to them on repeat. Hence why I think a good number of people will enjoy both songs.

Woo!!, it feels good to be back to posting. That’s all for this post, so take care, everyone💓💓💓.

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My Pictorial|Poster Faves: BLACKPINK IN YOUR AREA

Hello everyone, 😊

How are you all doing? I have been quite busy recently. I had to take a few days off to focus on essential issues. Due to my absence, I couldn’t give the usual song recommendations for the past three weeks. I should be back with that starting next week. Recently I have been gravitating towards blues, jazz, and afro songs; my upcoming weekly picks will be unique.

Alright, for this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite editorial photos from the ladies of BLACKPINK. They will be releasing their first full album titled THE ALBUM on October 2nd. Hopefully, it comes through with good songs.

(Please Note: none of these images are mine. I got them from official magazine websites and social media sites.)

First off is BLACKPINK’s photoshoot from their interview with ELLE Magazine (U.S.A). They all look gorgeous in this set of photos.

Next, is BVLGARI’s announcement photos introducing Lisa as their new brand ambassador. She is effortlessly beautiful.

Jennie for ELLE Magazine (Korea). She served face and simplicity in this shoot.

Up next – Jisoo for DAZED Korea’s 155th edition – 2020 Issue. My favourite aspect of these photos is the colours and stunning makeup looks.

To round up – Rosé for W Korea. The elegance and beauty of these photos are remarkable to see. She is rocking this purple-platinum hair to the core.

That’s all for this post. I am really looking forward to BLACKPINK’s first full album. Finally, YG Entertainment is doing right by them.

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TAEMIN – Never Gonna Dance Again: Album Review

On September 7th, TAEMIN released his 3rd album – Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1. This record has nine songs, including the title track “Criminal”

Lee Tae-min, known by the stage name, Taemin, is a South Korean singer-songwriter born on July 18th, 1993. He is a member of the boy group – SHINee, which debuted in 2008 and is managed by SM Entertainment. He is also a member of SM’s joint project group – SuperM. Taemin made his solo debut in 2014 with the single – “Danger” and became one of Korea’s best-selling artists with his following solo releases.

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

Reaction to Official MV/Title Track:

  • The visuals!!! Already I am interested to hear this song.
  • Of course, the choreography is on point. It looks like a theatre performance.
  • Taemin’s soft voice and this beat are doing something incredible for my ears. The rhythm is quite catchy.
  • The chorus is perfect. It makes me want to bring out my few Michael Jackson moves.
  • Taemin and the dancers are slick but also sharp with every movement.
  • Wow, this is perfection. I am genuinely enjoying myself here.
  • I need to go back and take in the chorus drop one more time.
  • The visuals for the MV make it seem like an apocalypse just occurred, and Taemin  appears to be the one who orchestrated everything.
  • The chorus is too beautiful. I don’t have more words to describe how unique Taemin’s voice sounds in that section. I’m in awe.
  • The instrumental progression is also on point. Every beat fits perfectly.
  • The inclusion of news reports was a great way to intensify the bridge.
  • Excellent use of silence. I almost thought the song had finished but nope, one more chorus drops.
  • I LOVE THIS SONG.
  • I was expecting a solid track because come on, it’s Taemin, but this has completely blown me away.
  • I am overly impressed with “Criminal”, and it’s going on my playlist right away.

Album Review:

Here is the album preview –

  1. Criminal – This is a certified BOP and no one can change my mind. I’m just going to play it a few times before moving on to the next track.
  2. Black Rose – I love the beat, and the rapper’s flow is good. Taemin’s voice on this track is enchanting. I don’t know who Kid Milli is, but I will check him out after this review because he brought the right sauce to this song. “Black Rose” is beautiful. The high notes and background vocals are top-notch. I love this song.
  3. Strangers – The three songs so far seem to have a similar siren-like vocal, and I am enjoying it. The intro for this one is very soothing and beautiful. “Strangers” is another song with a fantastic instrumental. I love that the intro siren notes stayed throughout the track as backing vocals. Nice song.
  4. Waiting For – The melody for this song is catchy right off the bat. The dense keyboard notes and heavy bass drums are such a perfect combination. “Waiting For” is another favourite for me. I love the rhythm, and the way the chorus drops is pure 🔥. I don’t even need to talk about vocals because Taemin kills that department regardless. This track is a BOP and a half. I had to replay it before moving on.
  5. Famous – Korean Version – The composers for this track are geniuses. Didrik Thott and Daniel Kim, you both served because the beat for “Famous” is incredible. I am listening to this song with headphones, and the way every sound bounces on my ear is pure bliss. I might have heard the initial Japanese version, but I probably wasn’t paying enough attention then. Anyways I love it mainly because of the instrumental. 
  6. Clockwork – This seems a bit slower compared to the rest, and the instrumental is intriguing. I hear a periodic synthetized section, and there are continuous clock ticks that make this song unique. Taemin sounds lovely on this one. This album stays giving me hit to hit, I am impressed. The vocal layering on “Clockwork” sounds quite eerie but enchanting at the same time. I love the production on this song.
  7. Just Me And You – Now, we’re back to an upbeat track, and I love the melody. It’s so beautiful💓. I have been quite repetitive about this album’s remarkable instrumentals, but the composers are just that good. This song is getting me in my feels. I think “Just Me And You” is another favourite for me. I might as well favourite the entire album at this point because I am enjoying myself.
  8. Nemo – The entry on this is quite haunting. Also, is the title a reference to the fish in Finding Nemo?😂 Anyways, “Nemo” is more on the sultry and groovy side. Songs with this type of vibes are right up my alley. Taemin’s voice on this one is like butter. It’s just melting into my ears, and listening to this with headphones makes things even better. The vocal runs on this track is taking me to heaven.
  9. 2 KIDS – I already reviewed this song 👉🏼 Catching Up With Recent Comebacks: TAEMIN|(G)I-DLE, so I don’t need to say much here. “2 KIDS” is an excellent close to the album –

Final Thoughts:

Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 served hit to hit. Although I have my picks, no song was a letdown. I could play the entire album on repeat and never get bored. In my opinion, this record is on an A+ level. From the vocal quality to music composition and production, everything was well fitted. My favourites on this album in no chronological order are – “Criminal” – “Black Rose” – “Waiting For” – “Clockwork” – “Just Me And You” – “Nemo” and “2 KIDS” – Seven out of the nine songs. Is there more to say?

TAEMIN’s 3rd album – Never Gonna Dance Again: Act 1 gets a solid 10/10 from me. I am impressed.

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HA:TFELT – La Luna: Music Review

On September 10th, Yeeun, also known as Ha:tfelt, released a new single titled “La Luna”. I always wanted to check her out, so this is an excellent opportunity.

Park Ye-Eun, popularly known as Yeeun or Ha:tfelt, is a South Korean singer-songwriter and composer born on May 26th of 1989. In 2007, she debuted as a member of the famed girl group – Wonder Girls, managed by JYP Entertainment. She later debuted as a solo artist with the name Ha:tfelt in 2014. After the official disbandment of Wonder Girls in 2017, Ha:tfelt left JYP to sign with Amoeba Culture and pursue a full-on solo career.

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to this song.)

Reaction to Official MV:

  • First off, she is gorgeous and has a beautiful set of pipes.
  • I’m getting strong Spanish music vibes from this song.
  • This beat, though!!!
  • The beat is groovy, and it makes me want to body roll.
  • I love the gloomy visuals for the music video.
  • Unfortunately, I don’t have English captions, but I will have to check for them later.
  • I’m glad I checked Ha:tfelt out because this song is 🔥🔥🔥.
  • The instrumental on this track is top-notch perfection. Whoever wrote the music and produced this is super talented.
  • Wait, did that teddy bear just become a human-size doll? That’s creepy, and the big black pupils on it aren’t helping.
  • She has a beautiful voice, and the progression for this song is serving her vocals so well.
  • The human-size teddy is still creepy.
  • I love that she’s not busting out complicated dance moves but just grooving to the beat.
  • Teddy bear aside, the visuals for this song are classy and stunning.
  • I LOVE “La Luna”
  • This song will be on repeat for a while, and it gets a 10/10 from me.
  • Now I’m off to check out the English lyrics and officially dive into Ha:tfelt’s discography.
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MAMAMOO – WANNA BE MYSELF: Music Review

On September 10th, Mamamoo released a new digital single titled “WANNA BE MYSELF“, and of course, I’m here to check it out.

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to this song.)

Reaction to Official MV:

  • They are all stunning. I still can’t pick a bias in Mamamoo because these four ladies serve beauty and talent equally.
  • The soft echoing effect they used for the intro is intriguing.
  • The music video has lovely colours.
  • The vocals!!! They give the best vocal delivery in every song.
  • I love how the instrumental switches up for each lady’s come in.
  • It looks like everyone has there designated colours. Wheein got pale green, Solar has nude-ish pink, Hwasa’s is blue, and Moonbyul got yellow & red with hot green.
  • I love the retro chorus. Plus, the bass beat during that section is perfect.
  • Wheein’s falsetto notes during the chorus are enchanting.
  • Okay, this is a BOP with a great message about loving yourself and being original.
  • Their outfits are simple but very fitting for each member.
  • Nice switch up by making Solar took the falsetto notes in the second chorus.
  • That brief guitar riff before the bridge is pure bliss. I LOVE the production on this track. It is well-thought-out.
  • Yes, the vocal intensity towards the end plus the drums is the perfect closing touch.
  • “WANNA BE MYSELF” is a CF song. The ladies of Mamamoo are the new brand ambassadors for ANDAR. They made this song and MV to model some clothes from ANDAR.
  • There’s nothing more to say, this song is playlist worthy, and it gets a 10/10 from me.
  • Mamamoo has done it again. They never disappoint.
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Do You Like Brahms?: Drama Review – Episode 1 – 2

Do You Like Brahms? is an ongoing Korean series that stars Kim Min Jae and Park Eun Bin as leads. It started airing on August 31st and will run for sixteen episodes.

Synopsis: In defiance of her family’s opposition, Song Ah gets accepted to the same university’s music school, where she previously majored in business. As she’s seven years older than her classmates, she finds her new academic life daunting and struggles to find strength. One day, she hears Joon Young playing “Traumerei,” which comforts her. Joon Young is a talented pianist who started playing the piano when he was six. He’s been friends with Jung Kyung, Kyunghoo Group’s CEO’s granddaughter, for a long time, and is in love with her. When he decides to keep his distance from Jung Kyung, he meets Song Ah. (source – Viki)

Expectations: I saw the trailers for this drama all over Instagram. Plus, I enjoy the acting of both leads. Hence I decided to check it out and see if it’s worth my time.

(warning – spoilers ahead)

Review: 

First off, I adore the serene atmosphere of this show. The calm nature makes for a relaxing watch. From what I’ve seen, Do You Like Brahms? is going to be a slow burn romance story. I don’t mind this because we are getting quite realistic interactions. Chae Song Ah and Park Joon Young are so awkward and overly careful around each other. Hence why it will be interesting to watch their relationship progress out of that stage. I’m super excited to see them become friends and gradually fall in love because the subtle glances at each other, in just these two episodes, are screaming chemistry!!!

Another thing I genuinely appreciate about this drama is that Song Ah and Joon Young are friendly and also respectful to others. We all know that a male lead that starts nice is quite rare in the K-drama scene. That’s why when I meet these occasional gems, I remain tuned. Also, the OST line-up is promising. The one from Punch – “Close To Me” is simply beautiful –

Now let’s discuss the existing love triangles holding our leads back –

  • Chae Song Ah Vs. Yoo Dong Yoon & Kang Min Sung:
     I don’t think this triangle will get messy, but there is tension to unfold. Chae Song Ah lacks confidence due to her academic standing, but she’s brave for pursuing her dream. Maybe the writer plans to use this situation of being in love with her friend’s ex-boyfriend to impact growth and boost her confidence level.
  • Park Joon Young Vs Lee Jung Kyung & Han Hyun Ho:
     Now, this one will not end well. This triangle is the literal definition of – “it’s about to go down.” Park Joon Young has always done things to please others and provide for his family, hence why I believe this situation might be a device to let him out of his shell. The major problem here is Lee Jung Kyung. She seems quite jealous already, and I’m not looking forward to what will cook up once Joon Young starts shows vital interest in Song Ah.

Although this drama does not have many funny moments, I laughed out loud when Song Ah asked Joon Young – “Do You Like Brahms?” at the airport. I instantly had a flashback of the iconic line from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo – Do You Like Messi? 😂😂😂

I am very excited about the upcoming episodes, and if anyone else is interested, new episodes of Do You Like Brahms? are uploaded every Monday & Tuesday on Viki 👉🏼 https://www.viki.com/tv/37214c-do-you-like-brahms

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Heart Signal 3 (Korean Version): Watch Progress Update

Since I started writing a recap/review of this program here, I thought it would be only right to update why I stopped.

Honestly, I wasn’t enjoying it. Usually, Heart Signal can be frustrating, but as a viewer, I still enjoy trying to guess the love lines or just watching the housemates interact with each other. This third season of the Korean version wasn’t doing it for me. I tried to push through and give them chances to evolve. But even down to episode 8, I was still dealing with the same unfair allocated screen time issues. Then I noticed that this season had 16 episodes, which doesn’t make sense because halfway through had been a full drag.

I read a few reviews, and many people enjoyed it, and some said it got better towards the end after the housemates started communicating their feelings appropriately. However, I don’t feel inclined to go back, so I will no longer document Heart Signal 3 (Korean Version). Maybe one day, when I have a lot of time, I can watch it personally to get closure.

Currently, I am looking forward to the third season of the Chinese version. I sincerely hope this one doesn’t disappoint me as well. Tencent has announced the new panel line-up.

Returning Panel Members –

  • Yang Chaoyue
  • Du Haitao

New Panel Members –

  • Zhang Han
  • Qi Wei
  • Ding Yuxi
  • Blogger Alex

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DAY6 (Even of Day) – The Book of Us : Gluon – Album Review

On August 31st, DAY6’s new sub-unit – Even of Day, released their debut mini-album titled The Book of Us: Gluon – Nothing Can Tear Us Apart. This unit includes Wonpil, Young K, and Dowoon. Being that I am a My Day, I couldn’t skip writing a review for this album.

The mini has seven songs, including the title track – “Where the sea sleeps”

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to each song.)

Reaction to Official MV/Title Track:

  • I always enjoy animated music videos, and the plushies are adorable.
  • The plushies are DAY6’s animal characters – The fox (Kke) is Young K, the rabbit (Pil) is Wonpil, the dog (Don) is Dowoon, the bear (Bang) is Sungjin and the chicken (Jje) is Jae.
  • Wonpil soft vocals coming right after Young K’s more resonant voice is just perfect.
  • The melody for the song is smooth and soothing.
  • From the lyrics, I think they’re singing about friendship. The members are going to keep supporting each other through the stormy and happy moments. 
  • I was hoping to hear Dowoon’s voice, but maybe he might come in later?
  • Young K’s vocal range/control is incredible, and Wonpil’s voice is simply beautiful.
  • No, their spaceship crashed. What happens now?
  • The instrumental variation for the bridge is excellent. I also love the occasional synthesized beat in that section, and the harmonization/riff between Wonpil and Young K is pure bliss.
  • Yeah, the denimalz are safe and still together.
  • I LOVE THIS MUSIC VIDEO. It’s cute, somewhat sad, and the storyline is engaging.
  • I noticed that Sungjin and Jae’s plushies are in the video. 
  • Honestly, I wasn’t expecting a slow song, but as expected of anything related to DAY6, they came through.
  • “Where the sea sleeps” is a lovely song with a fantastic message. The production on the track is superb, and the vocal quality deserves an A+++++++
  • I LOVE IT, and I will listen to a live version before moving on to the album.
  • Even the live performance is heavenly –
  • “Where the sea sleeps” is such a touching song. I don’t have enough words to describe how much I love it.

Album Review:

Here is the highlight medley –

  1. Landing -Intro- (with DENIMALZ 3) – I believe Denimalz refers to DAY6’s animal characters. I’m not sure how they plan to input them into the audio tracks, but let’s see🧐. Alright, 0.34 seconds in, and this is weird but funny😂😂😂. I guess this is supposed to be the denimalz talking in the spaceship. Too cute and creative. The beautiful harmonies layered over such intense instrumental makes for an intriguing opening.
  2. Landed – As expected, the drums on all DAY6’s songs are A+++. Dowoon is an epic drum, and yes, I said drum. The music for this track is hugging their vocals so tightly instead of just being in the background. The production is impressive. I love the falsetto backing vocals, and this song has a lovely melody. “Landed” makes me want to move from side to side. I need to check out the English lyrics later.
  3. Ocean -Interlude 1- (with DENIMALZ 3) – At this point, I know that DENIMALZ 3 refers to the animated plushie’s voice. “Ocean” is an excellent track for bedtime. The whistles are beautiful. The vocal layering on this one is perfect and very soothing.
  4. Where the sea sleeps – I have said it all already. 
  5. Forest -Interlude 2- (DENIMALZ 3) – Yes, come through with that soulful harmonization. Oh, the serenity of it all. I AM IN LOVE. 
  6. Thanks to – Why does this sound retro-ish? I might be wrong about the retro vibe because I’m no music expert, but I love what I hear. “Thanks to” is another song with a lovely melody and incredible vocals. It makes me want to dance, but I hope the lyrics are not sad. Is that Dowoon’s voice in the background, or is it just Young K singing in a lower pitch? Anyways, Young K went off good on his guitar towards the end.
  7. To be continued -Outro- (Sung by DENIMALZ 3) – The denimalz singing is too adorable, I can’t deal. Cuteness aside, this is a good song. I love the ending keyboard note.

Final Thoughts:

I don’t mind that there are only three main songs on this mini-album because the interludes are equally beautiful. I enjoyed every minute, and I will be replaying the entire record for a long time. Young K and Wonpil served incredible vocals, and the overall production is fantastic. I only wish they had included more of Dowoon’s voice, but I’ll take what I got.

The maknae-line did an admirable job with this debut album. Therefore The Book of Us: Gluon – Nothing Can Tear Us Apart by DAY6 (Even of Day) gets a solid 10/10 from me.

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SuperM – Tiger Inside: Music Review

It took me a while, but I’m here now. Let’s check out SuperM’s latest digital single – “Tiger Inside” 

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to this song.)

Reaction to Official MV:

  • Starting with Ten always gets my attention. HE LOOKS FINEEEE!!!
  • “100” wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, so I have my fingers crossed on this one.
  • I love the entry beat and melody.
  • Nah, does Mark have a mullet?
  • Honestly, mullets are either a hard no or a subtle pass for me.
  • I love the instrumental. It’s giving me a dark/martial arts vibe.
  • I’ve noticed that the melodies in most SuperM songs change too quickly. I don’t know if it’s just me, but before my ear can adapt to a sound, new sections come in with totally different rhythms.
  • These sudden changes make it hard for me to enjoy the song on my first listen, but I appreciate the experimental production style.
  • I’m just 0.43 seconds into “Tiger Inside” and am hoping they serve.
  • Okay, Mark is rocking the mullet. I’m not mad.
  • Taeyong was disrespectful with that growl during his rap.
  • This pandemic is causing SM Entertainment to go back to their box music video ways. 😂😂😂
  • I still love the visuals, though. It’s perfect for the theme of this song.
  • That deep black eyeliner on Mark is fire.
  • Baekhyun is always going off in all their songs.
  • My favourite outfits are the black/blue and gold ones –
  • I’m going to listen to this song again without the visuals before giving my final thoughts.
  • After paying more attention to the vocals and music, I can see myself getting down with “Tiger Inside”. My ears love it more with each new listen.
  • I enjoyed a few melodies here and there. I absolutely love the rap flows, but I’m not in love with the entire song yet.
  • Therefore it gets a 9/10 from me.
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The Rose – Black Rose: Song Of The Week

I finally decided on my song for this week. It’s The Rose’s latest single titled “Black Rose”

For a short profile on this band, use this link 👉🏼 The Rose – Dawn: Album Recommendation.

The Rose released this song on Sunday. I don’t think they plan to promote since some members are off for their mandatory military service. All the same, I am delighted to hear something new from them. I missed their beautiful voices so much. “Black Rose” is a chill and soulful song. It makes me sad, but at the same time, I feel comforted. I love the message that everything will okay, so don’t be afraid. Also, Black Rose is the fandom name, which makes this song extra special. I pray that the boys stay healthy and continue to strive for their dream because they are super talented.

I hope you all enjoy listening to this song as well. If you will like to keep up with The Rose’s activities, here are their new official platforms:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/therosesound/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/TheRoseSound

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/therosesound

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtAVRsk51HikP2jrVHCWb7Q

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BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez – Ice Cream: Music Review

Earlier today, BLACKPINK released their collaboration single with Selena Gomez. It is titled “Ice Cream”

(Please note – this is a real-time review, meaning I am typing down my exact thoughts while listening to this song.)

Reaction to Official MV:

  • I love the teaser images for this comeback, and I feel it’s going to be a softer concept compared to “How You Like That”
  • They all look adorable, and I love the hot pink. Not my favourite colour but it looks beautiful in this video.
  • I love this short bob on Lisa, and Jennie is rocking that black shoulder-length hair. She is stunning.
  • Rose came in nicely, and I see my bias, Jisoo, is serving face.
  • I don’t know how I feel about the song yet, but I love the heavy drums during Rose’s first entry.
  • Whoever does BLACKPINK’s makeup deserves a raise. They are all stunning.
  • As of now, the only section I enjoy is – “it looks so good, yeah, it looks so sweet. Looking good enough to eat… Baby, you deserve a treat.”
  • The remaining parts of the song fall short for me, but I love the music video. It’s colourful and catchy.
  • Oh, I wasn’t expecting a solo rap section or Lisa with long hair.
  • “Ice Cream” is a cute song, but aside from the section, I pointed out, nothing stands out for me.
  • I will listen to it again, but this does not enter my top songs from BLACKPINK.
  • After my second time, it does sound better, but I’m not in love. 
  • Therefore “Ice Cream” by BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez gets a 7.5/10.

Before I wrap up, let me get something off my chest.

The amount of hate that BLACKPINK gets is unreasonable, and the ones from within their fanbase are even more ridiculous. In this video’s comment section, the highest things I could see were spam messages and sickening comments. On twitter, I see some blinks bashing one member for getting more parts this time around. Yes, most groups have unfair line distributions, but in my opinion, BLACKPINK isn’t one of them. I think this time, the producer was going for a certain vibe, which led to Lisa getting a rap section added to her regular lines. What’s wrong with that?

This type of individuals need to grow up, and the offensive fan wars need to stop. These girls are humans and deserve respect. They put in work just like every other group, hence why keyboard warriors shouldn’t try to undermine their effort. I wonder if these so-called warriors have tried dancing and singing live. It’s easy to mind your business if you don’t support a group or what they put out. Ain’t nobody forcing you.

Rant aside, I finally figured out how to switch back to the classic editor, but I’m also enjoying the block editor. I’m happy😊. That’s all I have to say. Enjoy the rest of your day, everyone.💕💕💕

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