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…
Tag: K-pop
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…
“Dance is the Most Essential Part of K-pop” – In Conversation with Sea Ni, a South Korean Choreographer and Dancer
“I started [my dancing career] as a backup dancer for K-pop idols”, says Sea Ni while sipping his drink in one of the restaurants in Tower Bridge, London. Despite the fact that it wasn’t the exact kick-start he wished for, this first opportunity marked the beginning of his career and helped him to become a…
MCND Brings Cosmic Energy to London’s O2 Islington – Concert Review
“They were truly born to be on stage”, one of MCND’s fans exclaimed after the gig. [twitter handle: HUIJUNLVR]. And she was right! It is very rare for me, a person who is quite particular about the K-pop music they enjoy, to be absorbed by a new up-and-coming boy-group’s performance. But let’s start from the…
“Singing Is About Feelings” – In Conversation with CHOA, a South Korean Singer
K-pop holds a specific place in the Korean music industry, and if one wants to survive in such a place, they have to make sure that they won’t become a star for just a single season. Unfortunately, this often happens to idols who decide to leave their groups to focus on solo careers or at…
BTS Take Japan: “BTS, The Best” – Japan Album Review
BTS debuted in Japan on 12 June 2014 with the single album No More Dream. Their first full Japanese Album, Wake Up, was released on Christmas Day of the same year. Since then, the group has released 9 further single albums and 3 additional studio albums. The single albums contain Japanese versions of lead singles…
Smooth Like Butter: Boys Just Want to Have Fun – BTS’ “Butter” Single Review
Butter is BTS’ second English language single, following their 2020 smash hit Dynamite. It is written by Jenna Andrews (who is also credited on Dynamite), Alex Bilowitz, Sebastian Garcia, Rob Grimaldi, Stephen Kirk, Ron Perry (the chairman of Columbia Records) and RM. Vocal production is by Jenna Andrews and Stephen Kirk, while vocal arrangement is…
In Conversation with W.O.W, a South Korean Idol Group
There is no denial that the speed at which K-pop groups pop out on our screens is immense. Having said that, not all groups are memorable, they come and go regardless of their talents. However, a huge collage of colours, themes, odd fashion choices and adaptable skills [dancing, singing, rapping, playing the instruments] still make…
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