Art doesn’t come from someone who takes the shortcut. Only by taking the longest and most strenuous path can art send forth its fragrance. Truth is only realized and expressed through suffering. Yun Hyong Keun Strictly speaking, Indigo is not Namjoon’s first solo album, as prior to this he had released two free mixtapes, RM…
Category: K-pop
Landmark BTS POP-UP: SPACE OF BTS IN LONDON To Launch at The O2
PRESS RELEASE: 21st-century K-pop icons BTS are bringing an exciting retail experience to Europe in the form of a pop-up that will take place at The O2 in London later this week. The retail experience will run until the 31st of January 2023. Launching on 9th December in London within Icon Outlet at The O2,…
Yoon Seo-bin on Music, Acting and Korean Cinema
Who is Yoon Seo-bin? Born and raised in South Korea, Yoon Seo-bin found his love for music during his teenage years. After being discovered on the streets of Seoul, the singer trained for over a year and seven months. Despite leaving Produce X 101 (2019 – reality survival show), he decided to wait for a…
“The fans are the 11th member of Golden Child, and we don’t [and wouldn’t] exist without them” – In Conversation with Golden Child, a K-Pop Idol Group
Golden Child distinguish themselves by their musical variety. Although they represent K-pop in its pure form, the group finds it easy to combine the genre with funk, disco, and electronic sounds. Visually, when it comes to their music videos, the group values simplistic aesthetics blended with satisfying choreography instead of the flashy, complex music videos…
Where Words Fail, Music Speaks – Wonho Takes Over Indigo at the O2 in London
What makes K-pop such a global phenomenon? There are many reasons: ingenious approach to music videos, sophisticated choreography, the charming personalities of idols, and catchy songs. Although lyrics might not always be relatable, the melody itself can be enough to hook listeners. But what about vocal abilities? While I am strict in my judgement when…
Let the Music Play! Let SUNMI Sing! – SUNMI Brings Refreshing Energy to London’s Troxy
Troxy, London. The clock strikes 8 pm, the lights fade away, and music begins to play. SUNMI, to the piercing cheers of her fans, appears on stage alongside her dancers. She commences her performance with Siren, an enchanting song from her 2018 EP, Warning, which is inspired by the retro beats of the 80s. Following…
“When I Listen To Music That I Like, My Heart Beats Way Too Fast” – In Conversation with SUNMI, a Singer, Dancer and Record Producer
What makes a great singer? It is hard to answer such a question. We all have our own music preferences, so it can be difficult to stay objective when discussing our favourite artists. However, when you find a singer who is able to deliver every note, every word, and every emotion, you will instantly know…
“I Wanted to Describe My Emotion and Experiences with “blanc” Album.” – In Conversation with JUNNY, a Singer-songwriter
When I first met Kim Hyeong-Jun, a.k.a JUNNY, it was a scorching day in Seoul. We met nearby Hongdae, sat down on a white sofa, and spent hours chatting like we had known each other for a really long time. By then, I was already aware of what a one of a kind talent JUNNY…
Pure Vocal Perfection – Kim Woojin Takes Over O2 Academy Islington
Kim Woojin, a 25-year-old South Korean K-pop singer, is well known for his great vocals. Whilst he began his career as a member of an idol group, he later chose a different path in life and began a successful solo career. In August of 2021, Woojin released his first mini-album, The Moment: 未成年, a Minor,…
“For Me, Performing Live Is Vital” – In Conversation with Woojin, a K-pop Idol
“My career towards music has been very natural. I always knew music was [something] I wanted to do. I also went to an art-centric high school, and [in all honesty] I have never considered any other career apart from being an artist”, Woojin confesses when asked about the role of music in the early years…
MIK Festival 2022: K-Pop Day Review
The UK has always been famous for its incredible music festivals. Since the 1960s, the country’s outdoor music events have boasted diverse line-ups and a variety of music genres to offer fans. Whether it is Pop, Jazz, Hip-hop, Rock or Metal, there is always something for everyone. But what about K-pop? This particular music genre…
“[In the Future] I May Experiment with Music, but I Want to Find My Own Path Even Though That Is a Long Way Journey.” – In Conversation with Paul Kim, a Singer-songwriter
“I have never done a show in English before, that was a big challenge for me,” Paul Kim candidly admits when asked about his performance during the HallyuPopFest at Wembley Arena. Although English is not Paul’s mother tongue, he surely has an excellent command of the language. His entire performance in London was conducted in…
MIK Festival, the 1st and the Largest Outdoor K-pop Festival is to Take Over Southwark Park in London
The largest Korean music festival, the MIK Festival, is coming to London. Taking place in Southwark Park on the 30th and 31st of July, the festival will feature acts such as Red Velvet, SUHO of EXO, Pentagon, VIVIZ, CHUNG HA, Golden Child, Cherry Bullet, and Billlie, as well as showcasing some of South Korea’s finest…
In Conversation with Sam Kim, a Singer-songwriter and Producer
Who is Sam Kim? Born in the United States, Sam attended a high school in the state of Washington. At the age of 15, he moved to South Korea where he participated in a talent show, K-pop Star. After placing second in the competition, the singer signed with Antenna Music, a record label that is…
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