Whilst watching a YouTube video of someone reacting to BTS, I realised I was crying.
I wasn’t sad or upset, in fact, it was for the opposite reason. I was incredibly moved and proud. I call myself a fan of BTS, but I’ve never been able to decide whether I’m a true member of their ‘ARMY’, which is the name of their fan base. I’ve heard all these stories of how passionate and dedicated BTS fans are, so I wasn’t sure if I was at their level. But this incident kind of reassured me.
In the reaction video, not only were they watching several music videos, but also paying attention to the lyrics and interpreting the messages BTS were trying to convey. They also learnt a bit about what they stand for and the positivity they’re trying to bring to the world around them. It was incredible to see them genuinely impressed after discovering how BTS are using their platform and popularity to help others. From speaking at the United Nations, to partnering with UNICEF to help end child violence. These guys never cease to amaze me.
The reason why I felt the need to write about this is because I was reminded of a conversation I was having with a group of people recently. They couldn’t understand these ‘crazy’ fans of BTS. Why people would spend so much money to go see them live, especially at a stadium jam packed with people? They couldn’t understand why these young girls were crying their eyes out. They didn’t ‘get the hype’.
I remember feeling mad, but mostly frustrated. How could they not understand this? In that moment I wasn’t thinking clearly, so I ended up getting defensive. But since then, I haven’t stopped thinking about it. How I would present my argument in a more intelligent and constructive way if I had that opportunity once again…
The truth is, not everyone is like me and the rest of BTS’ ARMY. I developed an interest a couple of years ago, so I did seek out more information about them. That’s how this admiration grew to what it is today. They started off as ordinary boys dreaming to make it big in the world of music. They went through the grueling training and hardships that all K-pop artists experience as a trainee. They sang and danced their way into the charts and started to gain popularity amongst fierce competition. But as they started to grow as songwriters, they also started to differentiate themselves from other K-pop idols.
They poured their heart and soul into lyrics; speaking about their struggles and the unjust they see and experience in the world. They shared their inner thoughts; feeling lost and trapped. But as time went on and as they evolved, they started to see promise and hope for positive changes to come. Their songs developed into messages of encouragement – believe in yourself; love yourself. They became the voice of the youth.
The more people started learning about BTS, the more they wanted to explore the lyrics. With their songs mainly being in Korean, it meant that people no longer just watched music videos for the impressive cinematography, catchy tunes or choreography. They also looked into the meaning behind it all. The number of fans that have shared stories of how BTS’ songs affected their lives in a positive way, is outstanding. They lovingly explain how it helped them get through some really hard times, no matter how old they are.
It’s really up to you how much of this you want to believe. You don’t have to take my word for it or blindly accept all of these facts and stories. But have a think about this…
They’re a group of young adults who have more than enough money and power to do whatever they want. They can live their lives in a completely individualistic way, like those in the Western society. Yet they choose to use their platform to spread positive messages, as well as reflect on all the things they’re grateful for and support those in need. They take their responsibility as role models seriously and it shows.
If they don’t deserve the love and praise that they’re receiving right now, then I don’t know who does!
I was watching an episode from the first season of Hyori’s Bed & Breakfast, where Hyori and IU are sitting on the rocks by the beach watching the beautiful sunset. The colours took my breath away. The sun looked vibrant and vivid; so close, yet so far.
It reminded me of my trip to Jeju Island back in September 2018. I remember just how stunning the sunset was when I witnessed it with my own eyes. It blew my mind how we all share the same sun, yet experience it in so many different ways.
I wanted to share a photo from that day. Unedited and without any filters. This is what you call natural beauty. Oh how I miss it. Our day on Hyeopjae beach was so chilled. I felt at peace after a very long time.
This is less of a review and more of an opportunity for me to gush about how talented and amazing Epik High are. I’m in no way qualified to be a music critic, but I have lots of thoughts on their new album.
But first, a little introduction…
For those of you who don’t know, Epik High are a hip-hop trio composed of Tablo, Mithra Jin, and DJ Tukutz. Their sound is a bit different to what you may normally associate with the genre of hip-hop, but that’s what makes them stand out in my opinion. I’ve seen them being referred to as ‘Alternative Hip-Hop’ – whatever that means! They’ve been around since the early 2000s and, until recently, were a part of the well-known YG Entertainment label. I have to admit, I’m not as familiar with their earliest work, and actually fell in love with them when I came across the last two albums they released: ‘Shoebox’ and ‘We’ve Done Something Wonderful’.
‘Shoebox’ was a great introduction to their sound, and their song ‘Born Hater’ was probably the first time I came across their music, which made me want to know more about them. That song had so many great people feature on it, but that was just a taster for the rest of the album, which I listen to a lot even till this day.
‘We’ve Done Something Wonderful’ was THE album of collaborations for me. I still cannot get enough of ‘Home Is Far Away ft. Oh Hyuk’ and ‘Here Come The Regrets ft. Lee Hi’. I never get bored of any of the songs on it to be honest. It’s also the album I refer people to when I want to get across the point that Korean music is so diverse and more than just Kpop.
Track List
01. Sleepless
02. In Seoul (Feat. Sunwoo Jung-a)
03. LOVEDRUNK (Feat. CRUSH)
04. Eternal Sunshine
05. No Different (Feat. Yuna)
06. Rain Again Tomorrow
07. Lullaby For A Cat
Here comes the review…
A sound that is timeless. As soon as I downloaded the album, I played it on loop for hours because I instantly fell in love with it. And the strange thing about it was that it felt like it had been in my collection for years (and not because I’d overplayed it). So quickly it became so familiar; I couldn’t imagine the time before I’d heard it. Is that a weird statement to make?
The first track, Sleepless, is an introduction to the mini album. I never know what to make of these intro tracks – regardless of the artist. But I suppose that’s just one of their ways of telling a story through music. Interestingly, I watched a video clip where they explained that the name of the album has 10 underscores after ‘Sleepless in’ so that you can fill it in with the name of the place you live. It’s an album for those who share a similar feeling.
As soon as you move onto track 2, In Seoul, that’s where the magic begins. It features singer Sunwoo Jung-a, who until recently, was unknown to me. I realised that I’d heard of everyone who had featured on their previous albums. But Sunwoo Jung-a’s voice was a beautiful addition to the song. The lyrics focus on the hustle and bustle of the city of Seoul. They talk about the expectations and inequality in society, and basically the daily struggles people feel in this city. Resulting in the inability to fall asleep; feeling miserable and lonely. Even though I don’t live in Seoul and don’t face the same expectations of the South Korean society, there are definitely some aspects I could relate to when it comes to living in a big city, like London.
What I also found interesting was that the last 50 seconds or so of the song was the continuation of just the music. I hadn’t even realised this until I was looking up the English translation of the lyrics on YouTube. It just goes to show how well produced the song is; it flows so well.
LOVEDRUNK featuring Crush, the title song of the album, is a gift that keeps on giving. This song has so many layers – I don’t even know where to start! First of all, Crush is one of my ultimate favourite Korean musicians, who I was fortunate enough to see live in London earlier this year. His voice makes you melt like butter and his feature on this song is pure perfection.
The song portrays the emotion one feels when going through heartbreak and the dependence on alcohol to get through it, yet making it worse. Wanting to erase someone from your memory, but ending up losing yourself. Although I can’t relate to this scenario of heartbreak and alcohol, I can certainly understand the sentiment.
“Forgetting someone is the most difficult thing in the world.”
Tablo explains the story behind the song and the music video in a clip from the making of the MV. The video they’ve released is so powerful and the cinematography is breathtaking. It also helps that it stars a much loved figure, singer/actress, IU. It truly is a mini movie. When I was listening to my music on my commute into work and LOVEDRUNK suddenly came on, I instantly got all the feels. I forgot where I was and where I was going for a brief moment. You must watch the music video to this song, with the English subtitles on!
Eternal Sunshine is interestingly produced by SUGA of BTS. I heard about this even before listening to the song, so I didn’t know what expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. An upbeat, yet chilled vibe for a song that shook me. When I looked up the translation of the lyrics, I started tearing up. I didn’t realise it would strike a chord with me.
“Do you get lonely? Sick with anxiety? Can’t trust nobody? Well, same here.”
I urge you to look up the lyrics to this song too. It’s so deep and relatable for so many reasons. I don’t know if it’s something that comes with age, but it’s not the first time I’ve heard talks of wanting to hide from the world, because the world outside is darker than under the blanket. This song is clearly about anxiety, and the ups and downs that come with it. When feeling so venerable, yet trying to persevere.
Mithra’s verse impressed me a lot on this track. I love rappers who can spit bars so clean and effortlessly. It also features a female singer on the track who I wasn’t able to identify, even though she sounded quite familiar. Her soothing voice added that chilled vibe that I mentioned earlier. I can see why the world can’t get enough of this unexpected collaboration between BTS member SUGA and Epik High.
No different is the only full track in the album that is all in English. It features Yuna, my favourite Malaysian singer who I’ve also had the pleasure of seeing live in London a few years ago. As soon as heard her voice, I fell in love with the song. She has a beautiful tone, whether she’s harmonising or singing. Once again, Epik High hits it out of the park when it comes to collaborations.
“I might not be the one, could you settle for half?”
The lyrics are so clever and well put together. The track was also jointly composed and arranged by CODE KUNST – a very talented and trendy music producer from the record label AOMG. It totally has a CODE KUNST feel to it, which I’d describe as a catchy slow jam, with impact.
I’m putting it out there, Rain Again Tomorrow has to be my favourite track on the album. I contemplated between this and LOVEDRUNK for ages, but as magical as LOVEDRUNK is, I always found myself looking forward to this song coming on further down the playlist. I just love the rhythm and beats on this track. I even taught myself the key part of the chorus (in Korean) so I could sing along to it (in my head, of course).
There are three parts in the lyrics that I really liked (from the translation, of course):
“The work I do, they give it a likeable name ‘creation’, But I’m building and climbing over my own walls”
This is probably something a lot of people in the creative industry can relate to. Being a creator of any kind is not easy.
“They say tomorrow is another sunrise, those rainclouds tell me otherwise.”
I mean, if that’s not talking about life in the UK, I don’t know what is! Okay, so I know this most probably has another meaning, but I’m going for the literal one in this instance.
“I know it’s my fate to disappear after emptying myself to fill up others.”
Wow. Sometimes I feel this too.
I was fascinated how all of a sudden it switches to a slower pace near the end of the song and seamlessly switches to the final amusingly titled track, ‘Lullaby For A Cat’.
Lullaby For a Cat is like the outro of the album. I’m sure there’s a story behind the name, but the lyrics don’t exactly give you much of a hint. It also samples ‘In Seoul’, with a rather nice addition of a violin.
Overall…
What can I say? If you’ve made it this far into my review, well done and thank you. You may have already gathered how obsessed I am about this album. I can’t remember the last time I was this invested in an album to tell you the truth. I’ve looked up the English translations for all the songs. I’ve taught myself some of the chorus’ in Korean. I’ve also raved about the album to anyone who will listen to me!
It took me best part of a week to put this review together because I wanted to give it the full attention it deserves. I need more people to understand the importance of the messages they convey through the songs on this album. We’re all going through something, we’re not alone in this, but we will get through it with a little perseverance.
And the cherry on the cake is that I am going to see Epik High perform live in London! A dream come true.
When I left the gig, I was feeling pumped! I’d ended up going on my own because I don’t know anyone else who knows PLT. This saddens me more than the fact that I had to go alone.
For those who don’t know, PLT consists of 5 or 6 artists who belong to Planetarium Records. They produce their own solo music, as well as collaborating together. Their album Planetarium Case #2 is a personal favourite of mine, which I discovered last year. I can’t even remember how I came across them – it must’ve been a suggested video on YouTube. But as soon as I heard their song Hocus Pocus, I was hooked! Then I went on a mission to discover and download all their previous music.
Standing in the queue, I felt really out of place. Everyone around me was basically half my age. And here I was standing on my own, feeling like an old granny.
But once in, I got in position and couldn’t stop smiling throughout. I’m a fairly new fan, so I’m more familiar with their group songs, but I came away with the desire to go home and listen to their solo music too.
It struck me how young they were, yet talented AF. They all sang 3 songs of their own for the first half of the show, rounded off with a collection of songs they’ve collaborated on. That’s when I lost it (a little bit) in my head.
Their songs are so catchy and the crowd were ‘lit’, singing along with them. They were definitely loving and feeding off that energy.
Before I went to this gig I didn’t even know all of their names, but that soon changed. I was looking through some of the videos I took and got excited all over again. I haven’t stopped listening to their songs since!
They were all amazing, but my favourite has to be Jung Jin Woo. I cannot get enough of his most recent album ‘Rotate’ and could happily listen to every single track on repeat. His songs ‘She’s Got Everything’, ‘Problems’ and ‘Color’ are only a few that I love.
And a new favourite of mine is Villain’s album ‘Bank Robber’. One of the lines in his song ‘Manitto’ goes ‘People never get that villains have another feeling, they always tryna tend to focus, hocus pocus, on the heroes, not the villains.’ I don’t know why, but I loved that.
I love that their sound is more RnB and different to the Kpop style songs that most people are familiar with. But they can still easily appeal to the masses. I just wish more people knew about these guys. If you haven’t heard their stuff, change that – stat!
Before you get ahead of yourself, I’m referring to the wonderful Korean musician, Crush. I was so overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions after leaving the Crush concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, on a cold Sunday night in January.
I had been waiting for this day for so long, and it was everything I could’ve dreamt of. It was one of those concerts that you couldn’t help but enjoy, because Crush’s personality and passion was just infectious.
He had the whole stage to himself, with DJ support from friend and fellow Fanxy Child member, Milic. He sang the classics, as well as the newer hits, and kept us entertained and laughing throughout. The silly side of his personality, which everyone may not be aware of, was on point! It made me fall in love with him all over again.
The love for Crush in the room was no joke. People around me were jumping up and down like excitable little kids, screaming and shaking their hands in the air, like they just don’t care – and that was just on the balcony level. Imagine the state in the mosh pit below?
I soon realised that I didn’t mind which of his songs he sang because I truly loved them all. And I think all my fellow audience members would agree on this. It would’ve been challenging for him to sing all of his hits anyway, so whatever he was able to perform was pure gold.
He spoke about his love for London, and his fond memories of performing in this city 3 years ago, and how great it was to come back. The thing that touched my heart was how much he didn’t want the show to end himself, because he was loving the energy from the crowd. He mentioned how music transcends languages, and this concert was a testament to that. The audience was so diverse, many of whom probably don’t understand Korean, yet they all shared the same love for Crush as much as the next person.
Crush even gave us an unexpected treat by singing his first ever song written all in English, ‘Lay Your Head On Me’. It was magic. He didn’t think many people would know it as it was fairly new, but the whole crowd sang along with him and that took him by surprise.
I was transported to my happy place with that warm, fuzzy feeling (despite the freezing cold temperature outside). Crush actually apologised for the weather too and that resulted in the crowd erupting in laughter.
When he sang ‘Beautiful Life’, it gave me all the feels. And even with a few people being ‘extra’ and not savouring that precious moment, it still gave me the chills. It’s a song that really put Crush on the map for me and I’ll never forget it. I love how he joked and played along, and generally had a blast himself.
That’s how you put on a great show and entertain people for nearly 2 hours straight, and still leave them wanting more. Buying tickets to see Crush was one of the best decisions I made last year, so here’s to even more incredible experiences to come in 2019!
If you’re interested in Korean music, drama, TV, film, food or culture; or maybe even similar topics of other Asian countries, then this could be for you. But it’s mainly for me.
I found that I absolutely loved something that other people around me didn’t understand or weren’t interested in, and that frustrated me a lot. When something ‘big’ happened (in my opinion), I had no one to share that news with or discuss it with. I have friends who get updates regardless of whether they care or not, but I wasn’t satisfied with that, so I needed another outlet. So here we are. Not many people read long blog posts anymore, so this is really just for me to get all my mind ramblings out there.
How did it start?
You could say that my interest got reignited in 2016, and my intrigue escalated quickly into an obsession within a very short period of time. Surprisingly to some, it wasn’t due to Kpop, but because of K-dramas and Korean TV shows. However, I actually got my first proper introduction to anything Korean back in 2009, when my best friend came back from her travels and told me to watch this K-drama called ‘Boys Over Flowers’, or ‘Boys Before Flowers’ as we knew it back then (BBF is actually how we referred to it). The love/hate relationship between Gu Jun Pyo (Lee Min Ho) and Geum Jan Di (Ku Hye Seon) was addictive. Their school life seemed so different to mine, yet there were so many elements of their life that I could relate to. It was the emphasis on culture, their upbringing and the pressures of society, that I had no idea would strike a chord with me.
Even though I forgot about it for a good few years, all of a sudden in 2016, I revisited BBF and it brought back all those memories. I remembered how much I liked the lead actor back then, and I wanted to watch another drama he was in… and that’s where the madness started. I got introduced to more interesting characters and talented actors and wanted to explore their previous work too. One thing led to another, and I’m sure I’ve now watched well over 100 K-dramas to date – that’s in the space of 2 years! I was a little bit shocked myself when I did the maths. I’ve actually written down each of the dramas I’ve watched as I went along, and maybe I’ll put a list together so you can take a look if you’re interested. It’s definitely a mix of some really good, as well as some really bad ones out there.
How did I get into Korean music?
I was already familiar with some Kpop, mainly the legends that are Bigbang. I wouldn’t say I was that much of a serious fan back then either. And like everyone else, I was also ignorant when it came to Korean music and didn’t really know there was more to it than Kpop, until I discovered Jay Park. He blew my mind with his song ‘Drive’ at the time. I didn’t understand all the words, yet I couldn’t stop listening to it. In the past, I had only heard PSY’s Gangnam Style, and although it was fun and catchy, I didn’t take Korean music seriously, and also (shamefully) labelled it all with the Kpop paint brush.
I think I actually saw the meme that JRE posted on Instagram via the discover page, which made me laugh a lot. The beautiful colours and well produced music video hooked me enough to look it up on YouTube, and the rest is history. When I was going through my iTunes to research this, I found the very first Korean album I downloaded… Jay Park’s ‘Everything You Wanted’, which is still one of my favourite albums to date. My fairly new fan status might make you judge me and you may even think that I can’t be a die hard Korean music fan, especially as I haven’t put in the years of dedication like others. But trust me… I’m an all or nothing type of person and I probably know a bit too much about all things Korean compared to some fans out there.
So, what can you expect?
I’m really fortunate enough to be able to go to a lot of the Korean gigs and concerts that have been taking place in London over the past couple of years, so I’d really like to share some of my experiences – from stories to photos and videos. I also love discovering new music, so expect some reviews.
I went on my dream holiday to South Korea in Aug/Sep 2018, so I’d love to share those experiences too – I have enough photos and videos to last a lifetime! Photography is a passion, and I’m hoping to build on my video editing skills too, so watch this space.
I enjoy cooking and trying out Korean recipes – you may even get a few of those on here. I’ve learnt so much about the culture through TV and music, so I’m sure I’ll have a thing or two to talk about on here.
And I also enjoy watching dramas from other Asian countries – Chinese, Taiwanese and Thai mainly. So now and again, I’d love to share my thoughts on those too.
So here’s to officially starting this story about my life right now… untitled.
Life Untitled 