Almost a year after I (Part 1), NINE.i is back with NEW MIND. Not only is it the group’s third mini-album, but it is also the third instalment in their five-part series, where each release starts with the letters of NINE.i. NEW MIND contains six songs, with each song fulfilling the brief of transporting i.ENIN…
OHL: Redefining J-Pop with Independent Artistry
OHL (One Hundred Liminal), a dance and vocal group, has become a little sensation in Japan’s music scene. Comprising of seven members: Junya (Vocalist/Leader), KTA (Vocalist), Nao (Rapper/Performer), Shuru (Centre), Kanna (Rapper/Vocalist), Ryusei (Raper/Dancer) and GEN (Vocalist), the group has taken a bold step by establishing themselves as an independent idol group. This opportunity gave…
NINE.i Reflect on Their 3rd Mini-Album, “NEW MIND”, Song-Writing and Their Favourite Song of the Mini-Album
NINE.i debuted in 2022 with their 1st mini-album NEW WORLD and have since gone on to impress the audience with their unique worldview as they combine humanities with science, technology and culture. The members have built up their fan bases in Korea and Japan through performances such as at the 29th Dream Concert in Busan…
“December”: Crime, Redemption, and Second Chances – In Conversation with Shogen, Ryo Matsuura, and Film’s Producer, Mina Moteki
December, directed by Anshul Chauhan, is a powerful drama that, hypothetically, delves into the Japanese justice system while exploring the possibilities of offering a second chance to criminals. It does so through the story of prisoner Kana (Ryo Matsuura), a young woman who killed her classmate a decade earlier and whose case is being brought…
Discover RIKIMARU’s Newest Hit – “TALKING ‘BOUT”
From being a young boy with a passion for dance to becoming a singer, dancer, and choreographer, RIKIMARU‘s journey to success is nothing short of inspiring. RIKIMARU’s artistic roots can be traced back to his family. His mother, a jazz dancer, likely sparked his early interest in the art form. On the other hand, his…
XEED Welcome Two New Members and Gear Up for the Release of Their 2nd Mini-Album, “Blue”.
When in January of 2023 we spoke to XEED, we were quietly hoping for the group to make it into the big world of K-pop. Despite facing challenges as older idols, DOHA, BAO, and Jaemin told us that they are determined to make their mark in the K-pop industry. The members shared their dreams of…
Non Smokers Club on Music Careers and Latest Release
In a refreshing departure from conventional norms, Non Smokers Club is outlining an exciting musical journey in the Korean music scene. Composed of the lively duo Zuo and Herr Nayne, they embraced the name “Non Smokers Club” as a representation of their commitment to a healthy lifestyle and crafting songs, showing the endless potential of…
La Biennale di Venezia – 80th Venice International Film Festival; Official 2023 Venice Immersive Selections Revealed
The selection process for Venice Immersive, the XR – Extended Reality segment of the 80th Venice International Film Festival (30th August – 9th September 2023) organized by La Biennale di Venezia, has been concluded. The official program will unfold on the Venice Immersive Island (located on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio), just a short distance…
“Step by Step” Sure Knows How to Take it Slow – Thai BL Drama Review
Warning: This Review Contains Spoilers If there is only one thing that viewers of Step By Step can agree on, it will be about how the show stuck true to its name. The show has an almost agonisingly slow burn with viewers having to wait until episode ten to watch Pat (“Ben” Bunyapol Likhitamnuayporn) and…
Jungkook Comes of Age: “Seven” – Single Review
Seven is the first official solo single by Jungkook of BTS. Like other members of the group, he has released solo singles either as part of concept albums or as gifts to ARMY on Soundcloud. Unlike the other members – Jin, J-hope, RM, Suga (as Agust D), and Jimin, he is the only one to…
“Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS” – How an Idol Group From a Small Agency Shook the World of K-Pop (Book Review)
While much has been written and/or documented about BTS’s unprecedented rise to global fame, most of these have been “unofficial” narratives designed to cash in on BTS’s popularity. Through their reality TV shows including In The Soop (2020 – ) as well as the documentary TV series, Bring the Soul (2019) and Break the Silence…
Calvert Tay on His Musical Journey, Latest Single “Hold You Close” and Life
Calvert Tay is a multi-talented Singaporean artist who has transitioned from the world of acting to a vibrant career as a singer-songwriter. Calvert’s passion for music led him to make the daring decision to pursue it as a full-time career. He is also the son of established actors Hong Huifang and Zheng Geping and acknowledges the pressures and joys that…
Korean Art London 2023: Showcasing the Vibrant World of Korean Contemporary Art (Part 2)
In recent years, Korean contemporary art has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity and recognition on the global stage. This rise can be attributed to several key factors that have propelled Korean artists and their work to the forefront of the international art scene. One of the main reasons behind the ascent of Korean contemporary…
Korean Art London 2023: Showcasing the Vibrant World of Korean Contemporary Art (Part 1)
Korean Art London 2023 has officially opened at the Mall Galleries. The exhibition will run until July 22nd, bringing together a carefully curated collection of artworks from over thirty established and emerging artists, including Lee K, Jun Won Lee, J Ryu, Min Chan Kim, Sang Woon Nam, Anikoon, Ellyyang, Ha Jin Lee, NA RI CHOI,…
VIEW OF THE ARTS 