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FEATURES K-DRAMA LATEST STORIES VARIETY

Why Has Squid Game Invaded the World?

Kpoplife -squid game -netflix (3) (1)
Still from behind the scenes of Squid Game. Picture credit: Screengrab from Netflix

As of the moment, it seems that the world has gotten addicted to the Korean Netflix show Squid Game. Not that anyone’s complaining though, because the show is really something. Plagiarism claims aside, the show manages to captivate everyone’s attention, not just those who have gotten bitten by the K-drama bug. And that’s good since the show’s universal appeal means that nobody can argue that its popularity only stems from K-drama fans crazily streaming the show non-stop.

A still from the shoot of Squid Game. Picture credit: Screengrab from Netflix Youtube

Netflix has actually not just shown a lot of K-dramas, but has actually broken through the Korean market in 2013 by being the sole distributor of Kingdom, a show produced by Korean production company AStory, but was solely shown on the streaming platform and not on any Korean TV channel, free-to-air or cable. It then struck a deal with producers NEW (Next Entertainment World) and JTBC to release the Lee Jungjae-headlined Chief of Staff on the same day as its premiere on the cable channel. Since then, Netflix has not only distributed K-dramas and movies but has also dabbled into producing content that would make up the company’s Korean-language original programming.


But even with the original content they produced, it always felt like Netflix’s Korean original programs catered to a niche audience. True, a good number of the shows they produced and distributed had become famous even internationally, but as mentioned earlier, most of them, even Kingdom, were still confined to an audience with an affinity for Korean-language content. 

So, even if there are a lot of people overseas who have watched Kingdom, it was assumed that these viewers were Korean-Americans or those who have already liked Korean dramas in the past. It seemed that the audience the show connected with continued to be limited to Korean drama fans, unlike other foreign Netflix shows like Lupin, Elite, and Money Heist, which have amassed huge followings from countries that aren’t French or Spanish speaking, plus haven’t had any particular loyalty to French or Spanish language content. 

That is until Squid Game came along. 

The website FlixPatrol, which analyzes streaming figures on the world’s leading online streaming platform, claims that Squid Game topped global charts on Friday, September 27, only a week since its release on September 17. It has since then kept the top position. As of press time,it still holds the top position, keeping other Netflix shows such as Sex Education, Maid, and Lucifer at bay. The fact that it has dislodged English-language shows on top of the charts and is keeping its #1 placement even in countries with very particular audiences such as the USA shows that it has really won over a huge audience, especially those that are not particularly fond of content not in English. 

 

In fact, the show has now gone down #2 in markets that are known to consume a lot of Korean language content such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines because of the weekly episodes of the Kim Seonho drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (which coincidentally also has Shin Mina, who was also part of the aforementioned Chief of Staff), while maintaining the top position in other countries that are not that keen on following the shows of Hallyu stars.    

So, what is it exactly about Squid Game that has audiences from all corners of the planet wanting more? Everyone, from armchair TV critics to cultural researchers, has had their opinions amplified on mainstream and social media, and it seems to boil down to three factors: 

 

The storytelling is unique yet universal.

A lot of concepts of the show’s story may be distinctly Korean but they are exactly the same elements that hit foreign audiences hard in their feels. For one, Squid Game is about people who are psychologically and financially desperate – something so many of us can definitely identify with since the start of the pandemic, with job losses and mental health struggles abound. 

While it may not be true that the rest of us outside Korea get hounded by gangsters working for loan sharks when we run away from paying our debt (though according to Koreans themselves, that actually happens, but is not an everyday occurrence), we can relate to the desperation Gihun (Lee Jungjae) and the other 455 players feel when they are willing to risk life and limb to take home some serious money. We can relate to how Gihun’s feelings toward childhood friend Sangwoo (Park Haesoo) turned from idolization to disappointment after the former realized throughout the game how morally iffy some of his hometown hero’s decisions were. 

Finally, we can all relate to the sense of nostalgia playing those childhood games brought to the participants, particularly to mastermind player 001 Ilnam (Oh Yeongsu). Although we have resumed a lot of our activities, we have to admit that things have not been the same as they used to be, so it is inevitable that we long to remember simpler and more comfortable times when we did things such as playing just for the fun of it and not because there are consequences to our every move.

The show tapped into people’s psyche. 

Speaking of relatability, the show works not only because we can relate to the plight of Gihun and the 454  other players in terms of their desperation and police officer Junho’s (played by Wi Hajoon) urgent attempt to fight his brother, but we can also relate to the foreign VIPs, The Front Man (played by Lee Byunghun) and beloved old man with a twist Ilnam. 

Wait, what? Are you saying we have things in common with the game’s disconnected spectators?   

Of course, as the audience, we occupy a similar position to the VIPs as spectators of the game, as we satisfy our base instincts of voyeurism in finding out who survives in the rounds and who ultimately wins. It’s like an unfortunate accident happening right before your eyes that you’re telling yourself to look away, but you simply cannot. 

Allowing us to sympathize with the players and yet having a safe distance from them as we watch their activities from the comforts of home has given the show’s producers a perfect formula on how it can get us audiences hooked to the social message of the story while not making us too uncomfortable. 

With Squid Game, while we sympathize with the characters, the line between them and us is very clear, as they are the ones playing the games. We have the option to sympathize with them and at the same time be guiltless spectators just like the VIPs. After all, the VIPs are only spectators just like us; they are not the ones running the game – the workers in pink jumpsuits are actually the ones rolling out the games and dealing with all the dirty work. 

In horror movies, even those set in a game theme like Battle Royale or the Saw series, there are no spectators, so we cannot help but actually have 100% of our sympathies to the players. And it is only later when the games are through when we start to really consider if we could carve the perfect shape out of the honeycomb cookies or if we can distinguish which glass can hold human weight and which will break. In Squid Game, we are constantly reminded that we can also be detached spectators just like the VIPs. Squid Game is escapist entertainment masterfully done.

The production values are off the charts.

It cannot be denied that the production of Squid Game is just fantastic. From the secluded island where the players were confined to the playground where they played the first couple of games, the sleeping quarters that looked like a storage facility, there was nothing that was spared to make the series believable and exciting.  What’s great about the sets they used for the show is that there were some easter eggs hidden in them that keen-eyed viewers may have noticed while watching the episodes. 

The fact that most of us have seen something like Squid Games’ premise in Hunger Games and Battle Royale has not deterred us from watching the show because the scenes have been filmed in such an attention-grabbing manner.  

For example, while the sequence of games was told in advance to the Doctor (Yoo Sungjoo) the evening before the game as they helped them harvest organs of the players who were killed, there were actually murals on the walls of the players’ sleeping quarters that show the major points of the games. So, players who were more aware of their surroundings should have noticed that. But then, since they were constantly tired and paranoid of their fellow players who may attack them when the lights go out, they may not have the energy to be that sharp.

For most of the past year, we have been confined to our movements and activities, so watching shows and movies from other countries may give us some sort of comfort and pleasure that we can experience the cultures, places, and ways of living of people far away from us. We may be awed at how we have actually a lot of things more in common with people from other countries, but since they have different customs and environments, there are also interesting twists and differences that we should look out for. So for now, we just need to enjoy the show while learning some lessons from it.

Featured Image credit: Still Watching Netflix Youtube

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FEATURES LATEST STORIES

For your listening pleasure: I Say Mamamoo: The Best

MAMAMOO's mumumumuch official music video. Photo: MAMAMOO/YouTube.

Mamamoo is known for their vocal prowess and their jazzy, retro-infused sound not commonly found in the K-pop scene. Since they debuted in 2014, the quartet continuously released hits that ranged from energetic to theatrical to soulful.

In the seven years since their debut, Mamamoo has firmly established themselves among K-pop’s vocal powerhouses. And when singer-rapper Hwasa sings “I’m ready for some action / Are you ready for perfection” in her deep and sultry voice for Piano Man, you know she’s just spitting out truth bombs about their music, which makes their latest release even more exciting for Moomoos.

On September 15, the ladies dropped their first compilation album, I Say Mamamoo: The Best. This is the group’s first album after Wheein left RBW Entertainment and signed on with TheL1VE. The 23-song album features remixed and re-recorded versions of their hit songs and popular B-sides. It also includes two new tracks: lead single mumumumuch and Happier Than Ever.

https://twitter.com/RBW_MAMAMOO/status/1438065396045672448

I’ve always enjoyed Mamamoo’s music, and for the most part, I was pleasantly surprised by this album. The lead single, mumumumuch, is a light disco track that makes for easy listening and has echoes of their signature sound. To be honest, I was expecting their title track to have that hard-hitting, let’s-bring-the-house-down energy that makes full use of their formidable pipes. But my personal thoughts aside, I can say it’s still a good song.

The ladies promised a fresh spin on their most popular songs, and they delivered. Their re-recorded version of Piano Man turned up the sensuality, while Decalcomanie, Mr. Ambiguous and You’re the Best ramped up the jazzy, big band sound that’s rare in K-pop. Even their 2021 versions of A Little Bit, Wind Flower, and Words Don’t Come Easy sounded clearer, fresher, and had more depth.

Hip, Mamamoo’s clapback for their haters, gets an even more energetic re-do in the remix version, while Gogobebe’s tropical sound gets a rock-infused makeover. My personal favorites, though, would have to be the orchestra versions of Starry Night and Paint Me. The originals already showcased the foursome’s vocals, but the use of strings and the piano gave the rearranged tracks added drama and intensity.

Overall, the album showcases the group’s versatility, reminding everyone that Mamamoo can own every genre they try and must not disband. This album is an excellent introduction to those who are just discovering them, and a beautiful present for the group’s loyal fanbase.

Mamamoo’s discography is timeless, and this compilation album proves that their songs will stay on Moomoos’ and casual fans’ playlists—mine included—for a long time.

Featured image: MAMAMOO’s mumumumuch official music video. Photo: MAMAMOO/YouTube.
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BLACKPINK’s Lisa Shares First Impressions of Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé

The "Lovesick Girls" of BLACKPINK. Photo: BLACKPINKOFFICIAL/Twitter

BLACKPINK has been together for more than five years and the bond between the girls is truly strong. But what was it like meeting the members for the first time? Lisa shares her first impressions of Jennie, Jisoo, and Rosé when they met as YG Entertainment trainees.

Lisa is currently promoting her solo single Lalisa, and she loves talking about their group during interviews. In a conversation with Rolling Stone, the girl group’s maknae opened up about her first impressions of her fellow BLACKPINK members.

But who was the first fellow trainee that Lisa met? The BLACKPINK main rapper revealed that it was Jennie. “I met Jennie first, and then after that, I met Jisoo and Rosé,” Lisa said.

That first meeting easily left a lasting impression on the young Lalisa Manobal. The Thai rapper stated that she remembered Jennie right away because of the way the future BLACKPINK member greeted her.

“I remember Jennie, she was the only one who like, said hi to me in English because other people can’t talk in English,” Lisa said before adding, “We were super close.”

Speaking of lasting impressions, meeting Jisoo was also very memorable for Lisa. The youngest member of BLACKPINK revealed that Kim Jisoo had a favorite hoodie that became her personal uniform during rehearsals.

“Jisoo unnie I remember that when I first saw her she wore like a red hoodie. She always wore that. Seriously, every day she wore that to practice,” Lisa shared.

We can’t really blame Jisoo for sticking to her most comfortable clothes when it’s time for practice. After all, rehearsals can be grueling and you want to wear something comfortable during those long hours.

But what did Lisa think when she met Rosé? The On The Ground singer was clearly an impressive person to Lisa because of how she walked into the room.

“For Rosé, she had a guitar with her,” Lisa said before admitting she was fascinated with the fact that Roseanne Park was also a foreigner who happened to be her age.

“I remember and I was like, ‘Wow, she’s from Australia.’ She’s the same age as me, which was really cool to have a new friend come in,” Lisa said.

There is little doubt that all of the members of BLACKPINK were already impressive when they were just trainees. The friendship and bond between Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa is proof that first impressions last and an important aspect of the girl group’s success.

A BLACKPINK comeback?

But when can we expect to see BLACKPINK as a group again? Lisa is still focusing on her solo outing and the other members are also working on their own projects. Although it might take some time, BLINKs will always be ready for the idol group’s return in the future.

The “Lovesick Girls” of BLACKPINK. Photo: BLACKPINKOFFICIAL/Twitter
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BTS FEATURES LATEST STORIES

Coldplay x BTS Reminds Us We’re Not Alone With My Universe

Coldplay x BTS's My Universe official lyric video. Photo: Coldplay/YouTube

The song starts upbeat, reminiscent of early Coldplay when frontman Chris Martin was around the same age as BTS. It was more gaining-awareness-of-the-world Parachutes than a had-everything-in-the-world-but-did-not-know-what-to-do-with-it confused Mylo Xyloto. Think their Til Kingdom Come from X&Y remixed with BTS’s Mikrokosmos (which has always been an emotional ending stage, be it for their Map of the Soul tour in Seoul or BTS Festa 2021).

The buildup of My Universe is hyped yet soft and steady 20 seconds in—a clear feisty claim that sets the tone of the collab of the century: You are my universe.

It then cuts to the intro after “and I,” just as how our minds pause when we are consumed by strong feelings (such as love that moves people beyond boundaries and makes us see things exclusive to us and our beloved). It praises the poignancy of everyday things and the surreal, as Jungkook eloquently sang in Korean.

매일 밤 네게 날아가 (가)
꿈이란 것도 잊은 채
나 웃으며 너를 만나 (나)

I fly away with you; When I’m without you, I’m crazy. Please hold my hand.

Matched with its upbeat tune that hits the right spots, My Universe touches on this ode of love that trespasses hardships—and what can be harder than love that cannot be together—and leaves it as that.

And they said that we can’t be together.

No fixing. Just a quiet understanding that such is a special bond that transcends all barriers. At the same time knowing that when—as Kim Taehyung sings—darkness used to be more comfortable, someone gets the audacity to make our world light up inside.

Suga and J-Hope rapped it the best:

What brightens me up
Are the stars embroidered with your love
In my universe, you
Make another world for me
Because you are my stars and my universe
These hardships are just temporary
Just shine as bright as you shine now
We will follow you to adorn this long night

My Universe then ends in total technicolor surrender, as we do in real life. At the end of the day, when the world can’t help but be pitch-black, we somehow default to the safe space that is love. After all, how can we be alone when we are made of each other?

Coldplay x BTS’s My Universe is now available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and on CDs that got sold out within minutes on Weverse. Following its much-awaited release on September 24, 2021, we can now also hear a My Universe – Acoustic Version and an acquired taste My Universe – Supernova 7 mix. The My Universe official music video drops midnight ET, September 30, 2021.

BTS’s rap line—J-Hope, RM, and Suga—are credited as songwriters for My Universe, along with Chris Martin and the Max Martin. (He is partially responsible for numerous iconic 90s pop culture songs, including ones performed by Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, and Britney Spears; and more recent languishings such as Ari’s Thank U, Next album; Ed Sheeran’s “and you’re making me feel like I’m loved by somebody” I Don’t Care; and even TayTay’s “you look like my next mistake” Blank Space.)

Featured image: Coldplay x BTS’s My Universe official lyric video. Photo: Coldplay/YouTube
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FEATURES K-POP STYLE LATEST STORIES

K-pop’s Massive Influence Threads High Fashion

Blackpink's Jennie Kim after the Spring-Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear Show — CHANEL. Photo: Chanel/YouTube

The Hallyu wave isn’t just limited to K-pop and K-dramas anymore. K-pop has gained massive popularity and grown its influence in the last few years, and many are standing up to take notice—including the fashion industry.

Today, K-pop acts are dominating the global music scene—from BTS to Blackpink, EXO to Twice, and more—breaking records and capturing the hearts of fans everywhere. Not only are these extremely talented and gorgeous artists crushing records and topping music charts; they’re also smashing the proverbial glass ceiling of beauty and fashion.

K-pop idols making waves in the global fashion industry

K-pop stars are now among the world’s biggest influencers. Their huge fanbases and social media following has helped brands reach a wider, more diverse audience and boost the sales of luxury goods.

For example, the four members of Blackpink alone have a combined 205 million followers across their individual Instagram accounts as of September 21, 2021. Lisa has 60.1 million followers, followed by Jennie with 51.7 million, Rosé with 46.7 million, and Jisoo with 46.5 million.

The Kai x Gucci capsule collection sold out quick after its launch earlier this year. And BTS’ Louis Vuitton outfits ran out of stock almost immediately after their most recent airport photos came out online, proving that idols’ popularity and global reach do wonders for brands and the industry as a whole.

Rolling out the red carpet for K-pop’s biggest stars

Bigbang’s G-Dragon, one of K-pop’s original fashionistas, paved the way for idols to discover and explore their own styles. The K-pop legend has always been a style icon in South Korea, with his bold, brave, and experimental take on fashion. But his appearance at the Chanel show at Paris Fashion Week in 2015 and his appointment as a brand ambassador for Chanel cemented his spot among the upper echelons in the world of haute couture.

Since then, Korean celebrities, especially idols, have become ambassadors for various luxury brands. They have also started to grace runways and red carpets. Two years ago, Winner’s Mino walked the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2020 show. And just this September, the Baddest Female CL and Blackpink’s main vocalist Rosé made a splash on their MET Gala debut.

14 K-pop idols and groups that are the face of luxury brands

The fashion world has, indeed, embraced K-pop stars wholeheartedly. Here are some of the global fashion and beauty houses that have tapped our favorite idols to be their brand ambassadors:

BTS for Louis Vuitton

Global superstars BTS became the Louis Vuitton house ambassadors in April this year. All seven members made their debut as models in a stark, futuristic fashion film that also showcased their individual styles.

Watch their Louis Vuitton Men’s Fall/Winter 2021 fashion film below:

EXO Kai for Gucci and Bobbi Brown

EXO’s Kai first made his presence known when he attended Gucci shows as one of the fashion house’s brand ambassadors. In 2019, he was appointed as the first Korean male global ambassador for Gucci Eyewear. Just two years later, Kai would release his very own capsule collection with the brand. Kai also represents cosmetics brand Bobbi Brown as its first male muse.

Kai was also recently named the global ambassador for the 2022 S/S Seoul Fashion Week, to be held online from October 7 to 15, 2021.

IU for Gucci

IU is one of the most sought-after celebrities in South Korea, and Gucci has fallen for her charms. Just like Kai, IU is also a Gucci ambassador. She signed on with the brand in February last year.

IU most recently starred in the brand’s Beloved campaign.

Bigbang G-Dragon for Chanel

Bigbang’s leader has been loved by Chanel for years; he’s been a house ambassador since 2017. His style continues to inspire everyone, from fellow idols to VIPs around the world.

Watch G-Dragon with his fellow house ambassadors in the teaser video for the Chanel Fall/Winter 2021/22 Ready-to-Wear virtual show:

Plus, the rapper talks about the one piece he would love to get for himself from the Chanel Spring/Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear show in the video below:

Blackpink Jennie for Chanel and Calvin Klein

Blinks have affectionately dubbed Jennie as the “Human Chanel”—and it’s easy to see why. She has been a house ambassador for the brand since 2018, and the brand’s classic, feminine style perfectly matches the idol’s image.

Listen to Jennie as she shares her thoughts on Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear show:

More recently, the star made a stunning debut in the Calvin Klein Fall 2021 campaign.

EXO Chanyeol and Red Velvet Irene for Prada

SM labelmates Chanyeol and Irene were both appointed as brand ambassadors for Prada in 2020. Both idols showed off their stunning visuals while decked out in the house’s designs.

Hyuna for Loewe

Hyuna’s sexy, daring, and charismatic style has not escaped the attention of Spanish fashion house Loewe. The brand introduced the “I’m Not Cool” singer as their newest global ambassador in July.

EXO Sehun and Blackpink Jisoo for Dior

Dior appointed Blackpink’s Jisoo as its global ambassador for fashion and beauty earlier this year. Watch Jisoo try out the latest pieces from the brand’s Cruise 2022 collection before settling in to watch the virtual show in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QgLDiA-0UM

And, EXO’s Sehun shows off his stunning visuals as the face of Dior Men.

Watch Sehun sporting Dior Men’s Fall 2021 collection in this video for GQ Korea:

Blackpink Rosé for Saint Laurent and Tiffany & Co

Rosé has been Saint Laurent’s muse since 2020. In one of her first shoots with the brand, she modeled key pieces from the Fall/Winter 2020 collection. Watch the chic clip below:

The “On the Ground” singer also became a brand ambassador for jewelry brand Tiffany & Co this year.

Blackpink Lisa for Celine and MAC

Blackpink’s main dancer and rapper Lisa was appointed as Celine’s first official brand ambassador in 2020. The idol is often seen and photographed looking her Parisian chic best, decked in head-to-toe Celine.

The Thai superstar is also the face of MAC Cosmetics. Watch Lisa as she shows her MAC must-haves in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA2p8GYBNhU

Red Velvet Seulgi for Salvatore Ferragamo

Red Velvet’s main dancer Seulgi is loved by fans, not only in South Korea but all over the world. But this multi-talented idol is also loved by Italian fashion brand Salvatore Ferragamo! Seulgi’s unique personal style, passion, and creativity led the brand to tap the star as their new global ambassador.

Aespa for Givenchy

Rookie group Aespa, with their breathtaking visuals and unique avatar concept, has caught the attention of French luxury brand Givenchy. In February 2021, the brand announced Aespa as their newest global ambassador.

The K-pop and haute couture crossover isn’t just a passing fancy. As idols continue to gain popularity in and out of South Korea, global luxury brands and K-pop stars will continue to make beautiful music together for a long time.

Featured image: Blackpink’s Jennie Kim after the Spring-Summer 2021 Ready-to-Wear Show — CHANEL. Photo: CHANEL/YouTube
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15 Female K-pop Idols on YouTube You Need to Follow

SNSD Yoona's personal YouTube channel, So Wonderful Day. Photo: Yoona's So Wonderful Day | 임윤아 오피셜/YouTube

South Koreans love YouTube—so much so that they spend an estimated 25 hours and 40 minutes on the platform every month. In recent years, the number of YouTube creators—from home-based business owners promoting their products to cat owners uploading their pets’ adorable antics to mukbang stars hosting live broadcasts—increased exponentially, giving audiences in Korea and around the world endless content to dive into.

Even idols are quick to set up their own channels as a way to showcase their interests and express themselves. These days, we’ve got idols uploading song covers, vlogs, cooking tutorials, Q&A sessions, and more!

Previously, we’ve featured the male idols who are showing off their charms in their respective YouTube channels. Now, it’s time to take a look at female idols with YouTube channels that are worth watching!

GIRLS’ GENERATION

Taeyeon

In Taengoo TV, Taeyeon has uploaded a mix of vlogs featuring her travels, concert rehearsals, and random moments in her daily life. It’s been two years since her last video, but SONEs everywhere are looking forward to the day Taengoo TV becomes active again!

Watch Taeyeon run errands for her mom:

Yoona

Yoona’s So Wonderful Day is just the ray of sunshine you need when you’re feeling down. In her channel, Yoona shares snippets of her wonderful days on and off work.

Learn how to bake lemon cake with Yoona below:

Sooyoung

Sooyoung shows off her quirky personality and tells stories through her vlogs in her aptly-titled YouTube channel The Sootory. In her channel, she documents her travels, food trips, conversations with fellow idols, and more.

Watch Sooyoung celebrate Girls’ Generation’s 14th anniversary by baking a cake:

Yuri

It seems the members of Girls’ Generation really love to cook! Yuri’s channel, Yurihan TV, features the idol’s kitchen adventures. She also uploads exercise vlogs, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from her dramas and photo shoots.

Check out her latest video, where she cooks and shares a meal with fellow member Yoona:

BLACKPINK

Jennie

Blackpink’s Jennie celebrated her birthday in January this year by launching her own YouTube channel, Jennierubyjane Official! In her intro video, the star says that she opened her channel to give Blinks everywhere a glimpse of her daily life. She even included a cover performance of Mandy Moore’s “When Will My Life Begin” from Tangled!

Rosé

Like fellow member Jennie, Rosé just opened her own channel, ROSÉ Official, earlier this year. Her first video is an interview film where she shares stories from her childhood up until her preparations for her solo debut.

Lisa

Want to see more of Lisa’s show-stopping dance moves? Head over to her Lilifilm Official channel! Aside from her performance videos, Lisa also uploads vlogs from Blackpink’s concert tours and her travels.

Lisa recently debuted as a soloist with LALISA, and in her latest video, she gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at her album jacket shoot.

MAMAMOO

Solar

Mamamoo’s leader Solar shows off her bright, cheerful personality in Solarsido. In her channel, she shares how she spends her weekends, takes on various challenges, and goes on mukbang battles. She also uploads quick exercise routines that Moomoos can follow!

Follow her Solar Fit 10-minute hip workout below:

OH MY GIRL

Hyojung

There’s something about idols cooking and eating that makes it interesting to watch—and Oh My Girl’s Hyojung does not disappoint in her Jjungi eonni channel. Her videos are pretty chill, even when she holds eating broadcasts! Fair warning: do not watch while hungry!

GIRL’S DAY

Hyeri

Girl’s Day Hyeri has also jumped onto the YouTube train! Her channel, I am Lee Hyeri, has a wide variety of content that fans can watch. Watch her fun and healing solo trip to Jeju Island below:

APINK

Bomi

Bomi’s Bbom Bbom Bbom channel is a mixed bag of treats that can keep fans entertained for hours on end. The Apink member uploads vlogs of her daily life, travels, mukbang, and snippets of her broadcast activities. She also does beauty tutorials and game and product reviews. Watch Bomi drive away the heat with her cold noodle mukbang:

AKMU

Suhyun

Lee Suhyun from the sibling duo AKMU is not just a soulful singer; she is also a well-known beauty YouTuber! Her channel features beauty product reviews and makeup tutorials.

Suhyun announced on her channel that she would be taking a break from YouTube to recharge. Fans don’t need to worry, though because she has promised to return to creating content—so do not press unsubscribe! In the meantime, catch up on her videos, such as her holiday makeup video with LeeHi:

DARA

Dara TV is just as colorful and quirky as Dara herself! In her channel, she uploads everything from song and dance covers, to local and international trips, and even the secrets to her ageless beauty!

It’s been a while since her last upload, but now that Dara has joined a new agency, fans are hoping she will be back soon for more entertaining content! In the meantime, watch her hunt down her birthday ads on the subway in the vlog below:

IU

Check out IU’s official YouTube channel if you want to know more about what the soloist does off-stage. In her channel, IU posts behind-the-scenes clips of her in concerts, album recordings, and fan meets. She also uploads interviews with other celebrities in her own web talk show, IU’s Palette.

Watch IU sit down for a chat with ITZY below:

HYUNA

Here’s something not commonly seen among idols’ YouTube channels: idol couple videos! In HyunA’s official YouTube channel, the idol posts her vlogs with her boyfriend of six years, Dawn.

The couple recently released a new song together. Watch their behind-the-scenes album photo shoot:

There’s something for every fan on our list, so make sure to check out these ladies’ channels! We know there are more female idols who have their own channels—but we’ll never get to the end of this article if we include them all (so maybe we’ll do a part two!). Which female idol YouTuber do you like most?

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Is Lisa’s Lalisa a Hit or a Flop?

BLACKPINK LALISA special stage. Photo: BLACKPINK/YouTube

After more than two weeks since Blackpink’s Lisa dropped her debut single album, it may now be safe to assess its merits. There are currently two schools of thought when it comes to Lisa’s solo effort – those arguing that it was a resounding success and those claiming that it was a downright flop. So, which is which? To view things objectively, we need to weigh all the points of both sides.

LALISA special stage

Spelling success with L-A-L-I-S-A

Arguing that Lisa’s debut was a hit would definitely bank on the achievements it has claimed. Let’s count them up:

  • Broke the record for 24-hour YouTube views for a soloist previously held by Adele;
  • Broke the record for 24-hour YouTube likes for a soloist;
  • Only female K-Pop artist ever to be number 1 on iTunes in 71 countries;
  • Biggest streaming week by a K-Pop soloist on Spotify;
  • Biggest first-week sales for a female act on Hanteo (quick cheat sheet: Hanteo tracks real-time sales while Gaon tracks shipments and pre-orders);
  • First foreign soloist to get a win on a Korean music show (Music Bank on September 17);
  • Number one on Gaon album charts.

With achievements on Spotify, YouTube, Hanteo, Gaon, iTunes, and physical sales of over 700K, you can argue that Lalisa is an unqualified hit. Or is it?

LALISA on SBS Inkigayo

The rest of Korea hasn’t been loving Lalisa

On the flip side, many also argue that Lisa’s debut isn’t as successful as her fandoms, the Lilies and the Blinks, make it appear.

One facet in this entire scenario where Lisa has been severely underperforming is in the digital charts. On Gaon, while she has proven her dominance in the album charts, she has been struggling with her single Lalisa, where she is currently #88 in the streaming chart, #10 in the download chart (falling six places from last week), and #64 in the digital chart.

This is further emphasized by her absence in the instiz chart, a compendium chart that combines the charts that South Korea uses to rank music sales (MelOn, Genie, Bugs, Flo, and Naver’s Vibe). It is also what fans use to determine an “All-Kill” (a song that charts at #1 on all real-time charts) and “PAK” or “perfect all-kill” (a song that charts at #1 on all real-time and daily charts).

Lisa bowed out of the instiz charts three days after Lalisa was released on the 10th. As of press time, the song is out of MelOn’s Top 100. MelOn is Korea’s largest online music store and streaming service.

In contrast, both Jennie and Rose stayed on the instiz charts for months, with Jennie topping the charts in November 2018 and Rose only getting blocked by digital monsters IU and Brave Girls. In fact, Jennie even achieved a certified all-kill on November 14.

That Lisa is underperforming in Korean song charts despite having huge album sales is indicative of one thing: Koreans outside the Lily-BLINK fandom are not supporting her songs. In fact, they do not like the song at all.

The digital charts are more informed by what the general public likes, which makes Lisa’s success more or less fandom-driven. Considering that not 100% of BLINKs are supportive of Lisa, that she has been breaking records means that her own personal fandom is massive enough. This is why the album and streaming figures are mind-blowing. But for digital sales and downloads that restrict every single account to be counted as one download, the two fandoms can be limited in taking their idols’ singles to the top to as far as the number of multiple accounts one member of the fandom can handle.

The song has been dismissed by several of its listeners as overtly repetitive and dependent on its hoo that just lets Lisa her name countless times. And to top it off, YG is very selective of its artists’ promotional activities, it’s highly doubtful that a substantial number of people outside the bubble of Lisa’s fandom will be converted

To answer the question in the title, it can be argued that Lalisa as a debut song has its limitations, but it cannot be denied that Lisa is currently one of the most popular musical artists in the world.

Featured image: BLACKPINK LALISA special stage. Photo: BLACKPINK/YouTube
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Mamamoo Must Not Disband

Mamamoo performs mumumumuch. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter

As someone who has followed MAMAMOO since their 2014 release Peppermint Chocolate with one of my favorite make singers, K.Will, I have dreaded the day the group releases a “greatest hits” album. After all, it is a common perception that a “greatest hits” or “the best” album would usually be for artists who are already riding their careers off the sunset. But then, I am game for any MAMAMOO release, so might as well give this one a listen.

I have divided the tracks into the must-listens, the good, and the negligible. Without further ado, here are my no-holds-barred, thoroughly honest thoughts of the 23 songs included in the I Say Mamamoo: The Best album:

The Crème de la Crème

Gogobebe (Rock Version)
Something I could listen to regularly. The original song is already one of my favorites; the rock arrangement only enhanced my listening experience.

Egoistic (Blistering Sun Version)
Something very concert-worthy, like listening to the girls in one of their concerts or live performances. The arrangement gives the song a tad more oomph, and who doesn’t like MAMAMOO with more oomph?

Hip (Remix Version)
This is one version you’d wish was the original version. Earworm alert.

Décalcomanie 2021
This reminds me of the rearranged version the group performed in awards shows and end-of-year concerts the year the song was released. Just outstanding.

You’re the Best 2021
I was too busy listening to the girls to note the changes to the song’s original arrangements. But then, this is THE quintessential MMM song, so unless they did something overly drastic (which they didn’t really), You’re the Best continues to be… the best.

Yes I Am (Funk Boost Version)
Funk boost, indeed. Versions of the group’s songs done like this remind us why we love MAMAMOO and why they are the queens of power vocals in K-pop.

Starry Night (Orchestra Version)
Better orchestral rendition compared to Paint Me. Starry Night is one of those songs that are dramatic from the onslaught, so any added drama to this one is always welcome.

The Good Calls

Destiny (Extended Version)
Very reminiscent of their Queendom victory. Best listened to live.

Aya (Traditional Version)
Reminds me of the ballsy move Oh My Girl did to the Lovelyz track Destiny in the reality show Queendom, which MAMAMOO won. Another great reinterpretation of their song, although I wished for the traditional elements to have been pushed just a bit more.

I Miss You 2021
The rearranged version has additional musical breaks, which allowed the girls to display their prowess – vocal runs galore.

Piano Man 2021
That this bordered on being overly produced suits the song to a tee. It’s exactly what the song needs: a pinch of camp and an overamplification of its jazzy elements.

Mr. Ambiguous 2021
This harkens back to the classic MAMAMOO of their debut. Thoroughly enjoyable.

Um Oh Ah Yeh 2021
This sounded more of a polished version to me. But then, I’ve always liked this song, so a streamlined-cum-live arrangement doesn’t change my love for this song.

Peppermint Chocolate (MMM Version)
I remember liking the original version of this song with K.Will. The new version still reeks of MAMAMOO excellence, except that I would have loved a little more energy in the choruses like some harmonies, perhaps?

Wind Flower (Dramatic Version)
Not really a dramatic version, more of a loungy, lazy Sunday afternoon track with a weird tempo change towards the last 3rd of the song. I was so ready to add it to my favorites until the tempo change, which was jarring to me.

Paint Me (Orchestra Version)
Too many orchestral breaks, it felt like they just added orchestral elements (and quite a lot at that) to the original song.

Mumumumuch
This feels like a pre-release, like Star Wind Flower Sun or Midnight Summer Dream. Beautiful song but not particularly as strong as their other title tracks.

The Negligible Ones

Don’t be Happy 2021
If there is a template for a MAMAMOO song, this would be it. It’s just fine.

Happier Than Ever
It was okay; not something that pops out on the first listen.

Heeheehaheho Part 2
The original version features Louie and Lil Boi of Geeks, so this new version had some huge shoes to fill. Unfortunately, not as effective as Part 1.

Ahh Oop! 2021
The song sounded rushed and also didn’t do much to change my thoughts about the original version.

Words Don’t Come Easy 2021
A bit redundant; reminded me of why this was a B-track. The update didn’t do much to make the original version.

A Little Bit 2021
Filler. You’ve been warned; this is a thoroughly honest review.

So, with this conspicuous release and Wheein’s move to THE L1VE, say it with me: MAMAMOO MUST NOT DISBAND!

Featured image: Mamamoo performs mumumumuch. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter
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We are Mamamoo: Familiar Meets Fresh in “Best Of” Album

I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST album, out now. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter

The year 2021 was supposed to be scary for MooMoos. It’s MAMAMOO’s seventh year in the industry, and, coincidentally the dreaded time when the quartet must decide about contract renewal. We all know what that means: the 7-year curse.

No one could have predicted what’s to come for the group. No matter what decision, though, MAMAMOO’s success is undeniable. Despite being from a relatively smaller company than the likes of the Big 4, MAMAMOO steadily rose to fame throughout the years and carved their own unique space in K-pop.

https://twitter.com/RBW_MAMAMOO/status/1438065396045672448

Mamamoo is known for serving some of the best vocals in the industry. You can hear the harmonies as early as in their group intro. The group also got more popular after their win in the idol survival show, Queendom. They also broke barriers in KPOP by bravely taking on sexier and more mature concepts. Not to mention their push for body positivity, women empowerment, and feminism among their fans.

Meanwhile, their solo careers are never a miss. Every member carries hits, OST singles, and mini-albums under their arms—Hwasa’s TWIT and Maria, Solar with Spit It Out, Moonbyul’s Selfish and Eclipse, and most recently, Wheein with‘water color. Everything’s going well for the ladies, right? But then again, success and constant activity can’t really determine the group’s fate. (Missing GFriend and IZ*ONE!)

News about each member’s contracts didn’t come in one go: Solar and Moonbyul acted fast and renewed with RBW Entertainment back in January 2021. Then, Hwasa followed them last March. As for Wheein, though, she decided to leave the company last June. Wheein then signed with VIXX Ravi’s label, THE L1VE.

Luckily, this didn’t trasnlate to bad news for Moomoos. Wheein’s exit wasn’t the end for MAMAMOO’s OT4. Despite leaving the company, Wheein agreed to stay in the group and to promote with the girls ‘til 2023.

MAMAMOO breaks the 7-year curse

Back in June, they gave fans a full-group comeback with the mini-album WAW. And the group didn’t stop there! On September 15, they celebrated their seven years together with the release of their I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST album.

Named after their group intro, MAMAMOO’s 23-track compilation album is made of new songs, genre-shifting renditions of fan favorites, and 2021 versions of their hits. With the combination of reimagined tracks and fresh, new ones, it feels like every song brought something new, each standing out in their own ways. Both old and new Moomoos would also be able to listen through the evolution of the group’s music through this album.

The album starts with the new mumumuch, a chill track that’s full of funky beats, smooth runs, and fun parts that feels like their onstage adlibs. This is followed by the mellow and sentimental Happier Than Ever, another new song with lyrics that looks back at the good days of a newly ended relationship.

MAMAMOO did genre exploration for their songs, which felt reminiscent of their Queendom performances. Paint Me and Starry Night were accompanied by an orchestra, gogobebe felt like a rock concert, HIP went with a hipper remix, and AYA had traditional instruments in the background.

And those are just a few of the tracks! Unsurprisingly, every version showcased the group’s amazing vocals in different ways.

It’s amazing for a group this young to release a jampacked compilation album. Usually, Western artists would wait decades to compile golden tracks to put on their “Best of” albums. But then again, if we look at Mamamoo’s discography, they already gave us 3 studio albums and 11 mini-albums, which can be considered as enough material for a “Best of” compilation.

With every album run-through, it felt like hearing details that you didn’t notice last time. The compilation also veered away from merely being a group of old songs strewn together. MAMAMOO rearranged and rerecorded everything to create a diverse addition to their discography, giving Moomoos a familiar yet refreshing plunge.

Featured image: I SAY MAMAMOO: THE BEST album, out now. Photo: RBW_MAMAMOO/Twitter
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K-pop in Met Gala: A Wishful Thinking List of Idols to See at the Fundraiser

EXO's Kai named global ambassador of 2022 Seoul Fashion Week. Photo: Seoul Fashion Week Official - 서울패션위크/Facebook

With Rosé and CL making their debut appearances at the Met Gala—one of the fashion industry’s biggest events—the floodgates may have opened for other K-pop idols to also attend the event. Here are some names that may be great ideas to grace Met’s steps in May next year.

BTS’ V

Given that the Met Gala is already one of the most important events in the fashion industry’s calendar, just imagine the commotion it would cause if some of the members of the world’s biggest band to date would attend the event! Maybe having all seven members attend the event would be a bit too much, so we’re thinking the V would be great representatives for the band. Kim Taehyung has long been considered to be the most fashion-savvy among BTS members, and it would be great to see him grace the Met steps, with all the world’s red carpet photographers capturing his unique fashion sense.

Blackpink’s Jennie


When people got wind of news that a Blackpink member was going to attend the Met Gala, most of them made the quick assumption that it was going to be the first member who also launched her solo career. But lo and behold, it was the face of Saint Laurent, Rosé, who was on the grounds of Met, becoming one of the first two female K-pop idols to attend the event. So, if we are to think of the next Blackpink member who needs to be seen in the Upper East Side’s most famous steps, then it may be high time for Calvin Klein’s most recent brand ambassador to make her appearance But then we wouldn’t mind at all if it were Celine’s muse, Lisa, who would be next in line. Since the next Met Gala will be in May next year, we may think Jisoo might not make it because she should be too busy preparing for her solo release, cross fingers.

EXO’s Kai

If we’re on the subject of fashion, it simply is a must to mention EXO’s main dancer Kai. Since being a global brand ambassador of Gucci, Kim Jongin has appeared in countless fashion spreads and pictorials for the brand, as if we still need convincing that the group’s visual (not that the group lacks in this respect) can hold his own with the fashion world’s movers and shakers. That height, those chiseled features, and that camera-ready aura would be such a refreshing sight to see in Met’s fabled steps. With tennis queen Serena Williams and red carpet mainstay British actress Sienna Miller wearing Gucci in last Thursday’s event, I say let’s go for Kai attending next year’s event in full Gucci regalia.

Red Velvet’s Seulgi

It can be argued that they would rather see the Red Velvet’s original visual Irene in fashion’s biggest event, but I’d rather see Seulgi in attendance. With those sharp features that scream high-fashion and commanding presence, Red Velvet’s main dancer would no doubt be a hit in New York. Also, it should be noted that Seulgi has been Besides, shouldn’t Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo may want to push its muse to attend the event? This needs to happen, ASAP!

SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu (and Vernon)


Blessed with a fashion model’s height and matinee idol features, SEVENTEEN’s visual-cum-rapper Mingyu would surely create waves should he appear in the Met Gala. Everything looks good on him and luxury fashion houses would love to give him something to wear. Besides, he has walked several runways for Korean fashion designers and is one of the busiest idols every Seoul Fashion Week, so he shouldn’t have any problems going head to head with other bigwigs in the fashion industry. But then, Mingyu is also known to be a bit awkward in social situations, not to mention he is quite a klutz, so being escorted by the group’s resident Leonardo di Caprio-lookalike and English speaker Vernon should be a great idea.

Let’s hope for more K-pop idols to make their appearances in next year’s event.

EXO’s Kai named global ambassador of 2022 Seoul Fashion Week. Photo: Seoul Fashion Week Official – 서울패션위크/Facebook
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