My Birthday

My birthday is today, and with it, comes a time of happiness and reflection that I'm another year older.  I have some negative/sad thoughts on my mind, but the past year was mostly positive with everything that happened, and the few wonderful people I met.  Because it's my birthday, I thought I'd play this song "Thank You For Being Born/Thank You For Your Love", a ballad by the K-Pop group VIXX, which is a beautiful and sweet song about a guy surprising the girl he loves on her birthday.  It's my day, but I can't help thinking of certain people, friends, loved ones, etc on my birthday.  They're the reason why I am who I am, and helped me make it another year.  I can't thank them enough.  Anyways, I hope you all enjoy!

Bad Boy

As I've been expanding my K-Pop repertoire, one thing I've done is avoid popular artists like PSY, since I want to discover artists for myself on my own, and I already know what most of his music sounds like.  But one group that I've changed that rule for is BigBang.  They're one of the most popular K-Pop groups out there with their members G-Dragon, T.O.P, Taeyang, Daesung, and Seungri (V.I), and their eclectic music and sound.  They're K-Pop, but their music is a mix of so many genres, it's almost as if a symphony is playing together as one.  The first song I listened to by them is "Bad Boy", a song about a guy a who treats his girl badly.  In the past, their music was too loud, or hip-hop and R&B for me, but this song is beautiful, smooth, and has me thinking about so much.  Enjoy, and take it all in!  It's genius! 
 

My Favorite K-Pop Music Video Reactors

One of the best things about K-Pop, besides the artists/idols, fashion, and music are the dedicated fans.  There's obviously the fans in Korea (who are great), but I always found it cool that their music stretched to all corners of the globe.  And that most artists and groups have fandoms, such as Hottest for 2PM.  But another thing I love about K-Pop fans is when they make music video reactions.  I like to watch people do things, such as play video games, but usually, I can't stand watching someone watch something, but with K-Pop, it's different.  Maybe it's the music that attracts me to it, but regardless of the reason, I love watching them because it's a chance to see how other people feel about something I enjoy.  Not to mention, the various personalities, which are entertaining, and the fact they're all doing it because they love K-Pop too.  I still consider myself new to the music, but it's great to see people so dedicated because it makes me realize that K-Pop is more than what it is.

So here's a list of a few of my favorite music video reactors (in alphabetical order).  I hope you check out their work if you can because they're all great, unique, and add something to K-Pop with their knowledge and diehard loyalty.  My favorite reactors are...

• 2MinJinJongKey
• Beemelon Ful
• FreshlyFlipped
• heyitszaners
• JREKML
• KingZodi16
• KPOP DERPS
• KSpazzing

My Dream K-Pop Groups

As I've been listening to more and more K-Pop, I've come to a few realizations.

• K-Pop is awesome and a mixture of just about every genre.
• I'm surprised more people don't like it.
• I wish I could be a K-Pop idol.

The first 2 realizations are probably pretty obvious if you follow K-Pop, but the 3rd one is one most don't usually expect because of the stigma of being an idol (especially a pop one).  But to those naysayers, I ignore them because being a K-Pop idol is great.  You sing, dance, go on tours to different countries, get lots of royalties, etc; it's something I dreamed about to some degree as a child since after loving the Backstreet Boys, I always wanted to be in a group myself.  Yes, there are negatives like the so-called "slave contract", and idols virtually have no free time or privacy, but it's not like that for everyone, and most look like they enjoy that lifestyle.  Alas, I know that will never happen to me.  I'm too old, can't sing, and can't speak a lick of any other language.

This got me thinking though, if I couldn't be in a group, what if I could make dream groups assembled with my biases/favorite members?  I know my dream groups could never be assembled in real life, but even if they couldn't, it'd still be cool to think about, so I thought of my dream male and female idol groups.  I have to admit, since I'm still relatively new to K-Pop, the lists and groups are small, but it's a start, and it gives you a taste of the groups that I like.

My only criteria is that I can't pick more than one member from a group, which is tough since I like multiple members from groups, but that's the only way to make it fair, and keep the members at a reasonable total.  Usually I have explanations for the choices I make on lists, but not this time, since these people are all my biases, which explains why I chose them in the first place.  With all that being said, here are my dream male and female K-Pop idol groups.

Male Group

• Jun. K (2PM)
• Bang Yongguk (B.A.P)
• L (Infinite)
• Key (SHINee)
• Jo Kwon (2AM)

Female Group

• Hyolyn (Sistar)
• Suzy (Miss A)
• Amber (fx)

Question: What are your favorite K-Pop groups, and if you could make a dream group, who would you pick to be in them?

Jun. K Solo

Within' the past two weeks, it was announced that 2PM's Jun. K will embark on his first solo tour.  It will only be in Japan and last a few days, but that doesn't diminish how amazing it is that one of my favorite K-Pop idols will finally do what many have wanted him to do, which is release solo songs.  His Korean solo songs are alright, but his Japanese song "No Love" is an experience for the ears.  And if that doesn't blow you away, the teaser is something to watch.

Hope you all enjoy!  Let's wish for a successful year for Jun. K and of course, 2PM!  Can't wait for their comeback.  HOTTEST <3

f(x) And miss A

The beautiful women of f(x)

I listen to K-Pop constantly and post about it on this blog (as many of you probably know).  But one thing I sparingly ever talk about is female groups.  It's not because I don't like female groups; it's just because I'm still new to K-Pop, and with so many artists out there, it's hard to find a good group to focus on.  Luckily, I was able to find a few groups I liked, thanks to the help of my brother and the internet.  Although, these groups should come as no surprise to people, since they are two of the most popular female groups out there: f(x) and miss A.  Right now,  I have to say miss A is my favorite female group because I like and listen to more of their songs, and I can actually name all their members, but f(x) is a close second.  Sadly, I'm still trying to learn everybody's name in their group, but I know Victoria, Amber, and Krystal for sure, so I'm making progress.  Since I just started listening f(x), I don't know all of their songs, but I like what I've heard, even though their stuff is a bit harder and more club/dance-orientated than I'm used to.  But when it comes to K-Pop, I'm always willing to be open minded.  I love 2PM, 2AM, SHINee, K.Will, etc., but it's nice to listen to female groups like f(x) and miss A, who are strong independent women, and most importantly, good role models.  I wish more American artist were like that, but what can you do?  That's why I'm listening to K-Pop and my girls.  I love them, and can't wait to see what they both have in store for 2014. 

The strong women of miss A

No Love

My past few days have been a train wreck, trying to deal with things at home and at school.  At times, it can be overwhelming, so I do what I always do when I'm feeling stressed now and listen to some 2PM.  I love all their songs, regardless of language, but their new Japanese album stands out a lot to me.  Not just because it sounds different than their last album Grown, but because of the solo song by Jun. K called "No Love".  I wish I had/knew the English translations, but I don't, so I'll just enjoy this man's great song and talent. Can't wait to see what 2PM has in store this year.

Hottest <3

This Song

Since I've been in a K-Pop mode for the past few months, I've been exposed to many different types of artists and songs.  2PM, the "Beastly Idols" from South Korea are still my favorite group, but not far behind are 2AM, who specialize in ballads, my favorite type of music.  They have lots of powerful and soft ballads I enjoy, but recently, no song of theirs has affected me as much as "This Song", which was their debut song.  It's very simple, and is sort of like "You Song" by Elton John, but in Korean.  A guy wants to buy his girl something pretty and wonderful, but doesn't have much, so he hopes his love and the song he has made for her is enough.  It's very beautiful, sweet, and is definitely on my mind as I think about all the people in my life!  Hope you all enjoy!

Jun. K's Birthday

When it comes to birthdays, I'm always excited for them because they're days to celebrate and reflect.  I usually look forward to mine (barring any personal thing I'm dealing with), and definitely look forward to my friend's birthdays.  But when it comes to people I don't know or celebrities, I don't pay much attention since I don't know them at all.  Sure, we "know" them now that social media is everywhere, but it's not the same as getting to know that person in real life.  This time, though I'm making an exception. 

In case you didn't know, Martin Luther King's birthday is today, but he already has his own day Monday, so I'm not focusing on him.  Today, I'm celebrating the 26th birthday of Jun. K, the main vocalist of my favorite K-Pop group 2PM.  He's a great writer, and has a voice which is angelic and very unique to K-Pop.  I won't get into that too much since I have in the past, but if you haven't heard him sing, check him out.  You won't be disappointed.  Now, I don't know Jun. K, so technically he does break my rule, but his music with 2PM has affected me so much, it's like I do know him and have a connection with the group.  I know some of you may think I sound crazy saying that, but if you follow K-Pop and have a favorite group, it's hard not to feel connected to them.  They're very different than other artists in the world.

With all that said, Happy Birthday Jun. K!  I hope 2014 is a good year for you and the group, and can't wait for all the new music coming out with the rest of the guys.  I'm only one fan, but know that we HOTTEST support you!

2pm FIGHTING <3

   2PM's song "At Times/Suddenly", which Jun. K wrote.  I've posted this beautiful song before, but this is a different version with English subtitles

One Day

With K-Pop on my mind, as well as lots of other things, here's a song by 2AM and 2PM, called "One Day".  They're both from the same company, JYP Entertainment, so when they collaborate together, they're called The One Day, and their fan base is combined together to say IAM HOTTEST, which is pretty cool.  I've looked up the lyrics for "One Day" before, but to me personally, I think the song speaks of togetherness, and doing things in life on your own.  It's a wonderful song, and memorable to me because it has all the guys I love, so I hope you all enjoy it too.

IAM's and Hottest <3

Holiday Traditions

With Christmas here today, I'm filled with nostalgia.  Even though my family doesn't celebrate it as much as they used to, I still feel happy for it because of what it entails.  The lights, the presents, the sports, but what really stands out to me are the music and films/shows since they encompass what the holidays are really about in their own unique way.  Many people are tired of Christmas songs and specials at/by this time, which I understand, but for someone like myself who doesn't experience the holidays the same way as others, I find them very entertaining and reassuring, since even though life may change, they never do.  So, with that in mind, here are some songs I hope you all enjoy, which have become tradition to me on Christmas.  I'd mention specials, but there are tons of those out there (and they're hard to find clips for).  Happy Holidays!

The first Christmas song I fell in love with.  Just a beautiful ballad to listen to overall

The newest Christmas song I discovered, but amazing because of its message and all the singers involved

But, who can forget the classic...

Confession Of A Friend

Because I'm busy today, there isn't much time for me to say anything, so with that in mind, here's a song by 2AM I've been in love with for some time called "Confession Of A Friend".  It's a beautiful ballad song talking about what happens when friends like each other or become friend-zoned.  It's pretty sad, but very powerful at the same time.  And because of the topic, it's safe to assume everyone has been here before.  Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the song like I have. 

2AM

Just when I thought I was done finding new K-Pop stuff to listen to since 2PM, SHINee, and miss A haven't released anything new I haven't heard yet, 2AM comes out of nowhere into my life.  And I have to say, they're now my second favorite K-Pop group after 2PM.  Why?  Well, for one thing, I love ballads, and since 2AM is a ballad group, they had me won over from the start.  Also, they have great vocals and sing with such heart.  I'm not saying 2PM or SHINee don't have great vocals because they do, but there's no doubt there are members in their groups that have stronger voices than others, while in 2AM, their voices are in unison, which makes sense since again, they are a ballad group.  After listening to them, I can see why some people call them the Korean Boyz II Men.  A stretch perhaps, but I love all their songs, and love their members, Jo Kwon, Seulong, Jinwoon, and Changmin.  I know it sounds like I'm being a JYP Entertainment homer because I like most of their groups, but give their songs a listen, and I think you will be touched like I've been.  It's a shame they don't get more publicity because they don't do as much dancing, or ripping their shirts off, but that's what makes them distinct.  And as I always say, that means more for us true fans.

Enjoy IAMS!

This is 2AM's song "You Wouldn't Answer My Calls".  I'm not sure if it's my favorite song by them, but it's one of their earliest hits, and one that leaves such a vivid image in my mind.  POWERFUL!

Classic

Today has been a great day so far for a number of reasons.  I got through one class that I wasn't looking forward to, did better on an essay than I thought I would, and am inching another step closer to being done with school for the semester.  I think the reason I've been most happy today though is because of another new K-Pop song I just discovered, called "Classic", which is a very cute video about love, starring a bunch of my favorite artists/idols.  They have three members of 2PM appear in the video, and while that's not everyone like I would have wanted, Wooyoung, Taecyeon, and Chansung are better than no members.  And while I'm new to Miss A, I have to admit, I love Suzy and think she is adorably beautiful (if that makes sense).  Can't get much better than that, so I hope you all enjoy this music video that is more like a film, and prepare to feel good inside. 

Copyright 2012 to JYP Entertainment.  All Rights Reserved

My Color

Another day, another song by 2PM stuck in my head.  I enjoy their ballads mostly, such as "Forever", "At Times", "I Will Give You My Life", and "Just Like The Movies" cause as I've said before many times, anyone can do a dance/R&B song, but few artists can perform ballads.  Despite my preference, I also like their harder, edgier stuff like "Without U".  I've heard all their music, but I recently heard a song of theirs I hadn't heard before.  It's called "My Color", and was supposedly just a onetime promotional song/video for Corby cell phones.  The video is colorful and kind of weird since one person dressed up as a joker, but with the boys singing, it's always a good time.  Hope you all enjoy!

HOTTEST <3

Selene 6.23

It seems as though for every K-Pop group I listen to, there's always a song that moves me to the point of emotions, from happiness to tears.  Jay Park has "Joah", while 2PM has too many songs that I can count.  SHINee is the newest group I've gotten into recently, but while I've just discovered them, they're nothing new.  They're just arguably the top Korean group in the business.  They have strong vocals, an eclectic and visual style of fashion, and some of the best choreography I've seen.  Not to mention, their music is very good as well.  Since I only started started listening to them about two weeks ago, I've only heard their well-known stuff, such as "Sherlock", "Dream Girl", and "Lucifer", but I'm expanding my range of their music.  One song of theirs I absolutely love though is "Selene 6.23", which translates to The Distance Between Us.  It's a orchestral ballad by the group about unrequited love, which is not their usual forte (Whose forte is ballad?), but it sounds absolutely amazing nonetheless!  Give it a listen, and I think you guys won't be disappointed. 

SHINee and other K-Pop groups may have a reputation to Americans as being loud or only dance music because of some people like Psy, but they can do ballads as well.  I just wish sometimes their music label's promoted it as much, but the plus side is, we get to discover the magic for ourselves.  Enjoy!

JOAH

I don't have much to say today because I'm so busy with schoolwork, but I thought I'd post this song by Jay Park called "Joah", which is one of the best K-Pop songs I've heard in a long time.  Jay usually does hip-hop and R&B music, so I was surprised to hear a song of his that actually sounded pop orientated, but there's no doubt he has the skill to do anything.  I'd say more, but I don't want to spoil the beauty of the song.  The translation is the best part, so I hope you all enjoy the song that defines how I feel right now, and has instantly become one of my favorites.

Jun. K's Rendition

It seems like monthly I post something that relates to 2PM or K-Pop, but I can't help it.  Lately, they've been the only music I've been listening to.  This time though is a bit different; I thought I would shine the spotlight on one of 2PM's key members Jun. K (or Junsu as others call him).  He's the main vocalist of 2PM that composes amazing songs whenever he tries and has a beautiful singing voice to boot.  It's hard to pick my favorite member of 2PM since I like all of them, but if I had to pick one, it'd be Jun. K all day!  In the group, he is great, but he sounds great on his own as well, which is why I'm posting this video of him singing Dionne Warwick's "That's What Friends Are For".  Yes, I know I could have just posted the original version, but you can find the original version anywhere, and few people know about Jun. K.  Also, his singing of the song really made me think of my friends and all the other important people in my life, which was important during this tough transition back to school.  Jun. K sounded so good that it brought tears to my eyes.  My only wish was that he sung the whole song, but a few minutes of Jun. K singing is better than none.  Anyways, I hope you all enjoy one of the best voices I've ever heard, from one of my favorite groups currently.  To all the HOTTEST out there, <3!

Falling In Love

From the title of this blog post, you probably think that I'm going to write a long piece about love.  And while I'd love to do that, today is not the day for it.  I just want to take this small amount of space to post yet another video by 2PM, which is their song "Falling In Love".  It's a recent song of theirs that I have really enjoyed listening to, so hopefully you do to, to end the night.  I know I will, and it represents how I'm feeling right now perfectly.  Good Night everybody!

Backstreet Boys: My Top 8 Songs

"The Boys Are Back In Town" is a classic song by the rock band Thin Lizzy, but for today, I'm thinking about it because of the Backstreet Boys.  They're back with their newest studio album in 4 years, and the first with the whole group since the "Never Gone" album, which was 8 years ago.  It's hard for me to believe that the Backstreet Boys have been around for 20 years because I grew up with them like everyone in my generation.  A lot of people I know can't stand them, but you have to show them respect for changing the pop genre forever, and being one of the few groups to still be around after all these years.  I admit, their sound isn't the same anymore since pop has changed, but they still look and sound good to me.  Yes, Brian, Nick, Howie, A.J, and Kevin may be older now, but they're still the Backstreet Boys.  And in honor of their 8th studio album, I thought it fitting to make a list of their top 8 songs.  This list was tough since they have so many songs, but I think I narrowed it down.

To start, I'll begin with...

8. "Get Another Boyfriend": There were other songs that were harder and louder than this song that almost made my list, such as "Everybody (Backstreet's Back), "Larger Than Life", and "The Call", but I picked this one over it since this was the first song of there's that I thought was so bad-ass.  I love the message behind the song, and I love their live performance of it.  So much swagger!

7. "Anywhere For You": A song from their first American and European album that didn't get as much publicity as it should have.  The song is about a guy who likes a girl that he's willing to go anywhere for.  The song screams pop, and is definitely sweet with its lyrics.  I like both versions of the song, but the European version is better because of the ending, which has an added bridge, so it sounds so much better.

6. "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely": This song makes the list since it's one of the Backstreet Boys most powerful songs.  The lyrics are sad and powerful because they're so tragic, and the music video is so moving.  Whenever I watch it, it makes me think of the difficulties I have in life, so I reflect a lot, which is a mix of good and bad.

   
5. "The One": The title of this song alone would be enough.  The One symbolizing that one girl who's the one, but this song makes the list because of the music video, which is montage of clips of the group.

4. "I'll Never Break Your Heart": Along with one other song later in the list, this song is one of the ones I sing along to the most.  The sound is smooth, the video is romantic, and the lyrics represent something I hope I'll never do to a woman, which is break their heart. 

 
3. "Shape Of My Heart": I listen to this song constantly, and sing along with this song the most out of any Backstreet Boys song, which is why this makes my list.  Of course, the lyrics are great, and the music video which is tinted black and blue is unforgettable.  Vocals are outstanding here.  I just wish everyone had a part in the song since I think that's when the boys are at their best, but I can't complain here.

 
2. "As Long As You Love Me": "As Long As You Love Me" is the first Backstreet Boys song I fell in love with.  I remember the first time I heard it, which was on "Sabrina The Teenage Witch".  That was so long ago, but I remember it so vividly.  Hearing the song now though, I get the same feeling I had back then.  And now that I'm older, I agree with the lyrics, that no matter what a person did back then, I'll love them as long as they love me.  It's so sweet!  And the chair moves were fantastic too.

1. "If I Don't Have You": This song may have most of you scratching your heads since this song was never released in the Unites States.  It's only on their European album, but if you give it a listen, you'll love it too!  It's amazing!