Has Rock music suddenly taken over Pop as the most popular Music Genre in Korea?

After 4 years in exile, Seo Taiji (36) makes his official comeback in to the Korean Music scene on the 15th of August. Similarly, after 2 years of promotions in Japan, DBSK are headlining the SMTOWN LIVE 08 on the same day.

In the media its been seen as a battle of the generations. Seo Taiji being an idol star of the 20th century and DBSK the 21st Century idol stars.

ETPFest is an annual festival held by Seo Taijis company where plenty of World Stars participating on an annual basis. It started in 2001 and past acts have been Tommy Lee from Motley Crue, and Hide from X-Japan. After 2005 it was cancelled, to commemmorate Seo Taijis comeback its back and better than ever. Check out the headliners:

SMTOWNLIVE is not an annual event organised by SM Entertainment, instead its supposed to be a treat for fans, since there was no ‘Summer SMTown Album’ this year. All their popular artists are meant to perform (with some exceptions). This years show lineup is as follows:

On paper and judging by the Korean Music Scene, one would assume that because of the crazy youth fandom in South Korea, SMTOWNLIVE would be the packed concert, winning the so-called ‘Battle of the generations’.

Apparently not.

Let me educate you on this matter. Both concerts will be held in ‘Jamsil’ stadiums. ETPFest in the ‘Jamsil Baseball Stadium’ and SMTOWNLIVE in the ‘Jamsil Olympic Stadium’. Tickets for both have long been available, but only one is SOLD OUT.

Yes, ETPFEST is sold out. While only 70% of SMTOWNLIVE ticket sales have been issued. The problem also isnt in price. ETPFest tickets all sell for a pretty hefty amount of 132,000 KRWs (around $133), while the most expensive for SMTOWNLIVE is 66k. The sales for the latter predict it will be sold out, but the significance in its availability is obvious.

What has happened to all those crazy fangirls/fanboys? Is it possible that they’re Seo Taiji fans too? And his comeback is more valuable to them?

Only Heaven knows We only have our theories.

As an afterthought, It was ridiculous for SM to organize their concert on the same day. Why? I think the sales figures can answer that question.

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Full Credit When Posted Elsewhere
Source: MyDaily, Wikipedia, etpfest.com, smtown.com
Credit for ShenYuePop.com: noonoo_shoo

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Seo In Young is out with her MV “Cinderella” and if you are thinking it’s going to be like the fairytale we all know and love………Well clearly you don’t understand Kpop very well and their use of English words or (well anything that has to do with English period).

In the MV Seo In Young is portrayed as the “modern day Cinderella” (I am clearly given them the benefit here by saying that because it’s more like ugly step-sister pretending to be Cinderella). Throw away all those things like innocent, caring, helpful, unspoiled traits that are known of Cinderella are long gone.

But instead, we have a sexed up crazed high-heel-jewelry-materialistic-mini-skirt-mini-dress-high-rise-crotch-suffocating-hot-pants-loving Cinderella with back-up dancers. No prince charming (I’m not including the guy she molested in the elevator, THAT JUST DOESN’T COUNT), no mice (or rats besides Seo In Young herself), or fairy godmothers.  In other words the total opposite of Cinderella; see I told you it has nothing to do with being Cinderella or what Cinderella is all about.

Besides destroying the image of Cinderella she is also throwing around Crown J’s “A” sign or upside down “V” sign, which ever way you like to see it. She doesn’t even do that right because half of the time her fingers are turned in the wrong direction so the camera doesn’t catch it good enough.

Now for the song (to my ears) it’s not even catchy or shows anything new that we haven’t already seen, but you can listen for yourself.

Also you’ll see a cameo from the other Jewelry members, but let me tell you…..you wouldn’t know that they are Jewelry members because they fit so well with the back-up dancer and extras, and trust me that is not a good thing.

I see that someone is shining more than the others *glaring at Seo In Young*. Now I am off to listen to some Lee Hyori *singing* “Hey hey, u go girl” *blah blah blah (I don’t know Korean)*.^^

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Credit: jaeurazn@youtube

Source: soyboy

SYP credit: cjlatina

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I’m sure most of you are wondering what happened to Se7en’s new album that failed to drop on July 7th. So, here’s some updates on what he’s been doing lately.

Key Closet, an American clothing company, recently released a new collection of diamond-studded jeans. On June 26th, SE7EN attended the Summer Splash Runway Show at Boulevard 3 in Los Angeles, and was the only attendee who showed up wearing the $10 000 jeans. The jeans are made with over 1000 Tiffany-set Swarovski crystals and the graphics are hand drawn with water-based paint. There is also a one carat diamond on each back pocket. But don’t worry, 30% of the profit made from the jeans will be donated to help build schools in Uganda.

If I was rich, I still wouldn’t buy those jeans. Yeah, they look really nice but if a crystal or the diamond on the back pocket fell off….it wouldn’t be too great. Also, I think the paint would wash off after a few rinses in the laundry. But then again, if I was rich, the jeans would probably be dry or steamed cleaned and $3000 is put into good use!

Also, there has been reports of SE7EN being spotted with holding hands with a girl at Knott’s Berry Farm in California. Whether it’s a girlfriend, a friend or an acquaintance, we’ll never know. But holding hands does say something, right? Se7en once said on Yashimanman that if he has a girlfriend, he wouldn’t tell it to the public because he wants to protect her…so let’s just keep his private life private. As to when his album is dropping…I guess we’ll have to keep waiting, but I’m sure it won’t be long from now. I’ve been waiting for almost 2 years for the album and he’s busy with a girl??!! Choi Dong Wook, it’s over between you and me!! Haha, just kidding! Just as long as I get an album in my hands soon, it’s alright for him to date, after all he is human just like the rest of us and it is tough for him to be by himself, who’s trying to make it big in America.

Red Queen Media, Se7en’s management company, is trying to get the fans involved with his debut, by getting fans to submit designs for t-shirts. But in my opinion, i think it’s best if Se7en himself gets involved too with the fans ^^

Hey guys!

I’ve noticed that some of you have designed your own Se7en Tshirts. We here at Red Queen Media have initiated a Merchandising campaign for Se7en beginning with creating a design for tshirts and posters to be sold on his Myspace and US fan club website. I would love to see any design work you might have. Sure, it would be easy to pay someone big bucks to design something. But, I think it would kinda neat to use something designed by a true Se7en fan and would be a better representation of what other Se7en fans want to see. If you want to submit a design and are willing to let us use it in possibly creating a official Se7en t-shirt, please feel free to email me here or at mchoi@redqueenmedia.com.

Thanks,

RQM

Credits: RedQueenMedia@Se7enth Heaven forums

Oh and also, last quick note! I think Se7en’s debut is coming up really soon, as his Myspace is currently being updated. So in about 1 1/2 weeks, go and check it out…I’m hoping for something really good, since his assistant sent out a notification on the update and sounded really promising ^^ I just hope it won’t be disappointing…

Hey everyone,

This is SE7EN’s assistant letting everyone know that his myspace is under construction. It will take up to a week and a half to complete the whole new interface.

Sorry everyone but you won’t be disappointed…everything is right around the corner so please be patient.

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Full Credit When Posted Elsewhere
Source: Key Closet, Marketwire, She Knows Best, Se7enth Heaven Forums, The Official SE7EN Thread @ Soompi, Se7en’s Official Myspace
Credit for ShenYuePop.com: Michelle

Big Bang released the teaser for their title song “Stand UP” in their upcoming 3rd mini album, which is slated for release on August 1st. The music video was shot secretly in the alleyways of Korea, showing a darker, tougher image of Big Bang. They definitely took off their cute, flashy image from the “Lies” and “Last Farewell” days to show their maturity from boys to young men.

Fans are eagerly anticipating their new album. There is also a song that G-Dragon composed and produced  with Daishi Dance, which is a surprising collaboration due to their different music genres.

Big Bang 3rd minialbum teaser - STAND UP

Credit: the7REAL

Source: Newsen

SYP credit: soyboy

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Ok, so I enjoyed my last newscast, and I thought it’s best to go that way from now on. So you don’t see the difference between this structure and my first? Well… whatever, I just like to type my thoughts out for the world to see. And it makes it looks like I have more than seven readers when I talk out directly.

Let’s get cracking with this weeks news:

Hallyu Hunk off the market

Gorgeous man that is Kwon SangWoo has officially spoken out via press conference that he is set to be married late this September. I think it’s time to start sobbing in to those hankies ajummas, and I say it fondly because I’m going to join you. Sexy SangWoo is set to marry Miss Korea second runner up Son TaeYoung. Apparently not many people are pleased. Not just with the fact that he’ll be off the market (not that many people had a realistic chance), but with whom he will be marrying. Netizens went nuts and started anti-ing up Ms. TaeYoung. SangWoo obviously hurt by their remarks spoke out to those people directly. “I, Kwon Sang Woo am not in love and getting married with a Miss Korea. I am really in love and getting married with a woman.” Now after the initial shock, I genuinely felt really happy for him. Ok, it was sudden, and it came with a very random person, but if that means happiness in the cold sad world of showbiz, I support it 100%. You with me ajummas? Afterall, this news wont change his position in our dreams.

KARA Comeback

Kara are coming back within days, the 24th if I’m gonna get specific. As a lot of people know they’re back with two members to the one they lost. The 5 member idol group format is known and most successful, so I was all nodding and interested at their upcoming debut until I saw their new members. Now, call me a cynic, because that’s what I am, but damn. One of their new members is like a child and the other is 17. What happened to the days where we used to look up at idol group members and wish were a little older so we could date them. Now that’s when I was 12-14. Now that I’m 21 and could date all the guys I used to have a crush on, but have since reconsidered since now theyre all weird, gay, married, insanely promiscuous and/or crazy. Anyhoo, back to the topic at hand, the girls are Gu Hara (1991) and Kang Jiyoung (1994).

Nam GyuRi leaves SeeYa

funny her debut movie is a horror flick…

To be honest, Nam GyuRi kinda scares me, I mean I would never like to meet her in a dark alley or see her in the dark. Her smile and her “doll” image freaks me out a little. Nevertheless, shockingly to me she has gotten most of the attention out of the singing trio that is SeeYa. And her acting in their music video was mediocre, but people loved it nonetheless. I have no understanding of how they think, but it seems to have blown up her head a little (you’d think she’d be more humble after her ‘wardrobe malfunction’). Anyhow, she’s left SeeYa to pursue an acting career and a solo singing career. I don’t think her voice is ear-pleasing enough to go solo, but I will be looking forward to her new single. What will happen to the group now? Hmm… Mnet?

Is Elly still Sexy?!

Elly is Seo In Young if you didn’t know. Constantly a part of the gossip mills, Ms. Inyoung is going back to her solo singing for a wee while. Though she seems to have plenty of people hating on her (as we previously covered this week), she is funnily enough a seriously in-demand entertainer. Now I have a little confession to make, it doesn’t happen so often, but I would watch a show just because Seo In Young is in it. I wouldnt watch an ad though. She is entertaining and her joining ‘Ya Shim Man Man’ is proof enough of peoples interest in her. I hate her hair, hate it, hate it, hate it, with an unbelievable passion, her new mini-album is called “Elly is Cinderella”, so perhaps Fairy God Mother can give her a hairstyle worthy of Crown Prince J.

Here’s an ‘officially’ released teaser for a refreshing change.

Credit: jaeurazn

Lee Hyori

Like how I mentioned her right after the officially released teaser??

Little Miss Lee HyoRi, has made everyone crazy about the Hyorish. Her music is inferior in my opinion to Uhm JungHwas (yes I must mention them together), but goodness is she really leveling the playing fields. I didn’t like ‘U Go GRRL’ to begin with, or the other leaked songs as much as JungHwas mini-album, but after her comeback I’m getting second thoughts. With performance after performance I keep watching and that bloody “GRRL” keeps playing over and over in my head. That song is a grower and HyoRis awesome stage presence and performing abilities livens up the song so much more. I must admit I prefer her debut performance at Music Bank than the rest, but I still continue to tune in. Though I am a part of the “Dress women up and undress men” Kpop movement, I must concede this one and say, enjoy it guys. I also am, but not for the same reasons. I for one will be rooting for both the sexy divas, just because it’s refreshing seeing such great performances on stage. Viva la entertainment! I’m finally getting seriously entertained. How’s about you?

Credit:jaeurazn

As if being back in singing action and being awed wasn’t enough, Miss HyoRi is getting smooches from the Big Bang boys.

Lovable wrestler wants your money

Well, not yours or mine but talent agencies. And he bloody well deserves it. Mr. Kang Ho Dong and his crazy laugh have been entertaining people for ages. He’s come a heck of a long way from his wrestler days, he’s lost weight, got hitched and has scored successful shows on all major television networks. As well as of course winning awards, so now that his contract with Phantom Entertainment has ended, everyone wants a piece of him. Word has it he can ask for and get 2 Billion Won (a cool 2 million US). Wow, I wonder if he’s up for adopting any young adults….

No post is complete without shameless plugging of ones favourite idol….

Seo Taiji goes classical

Yes, with his comeback slowly reaching us, we get news that Mr. TaiJi is going to be going classical. On the 27th of September (a day before Kwon SangWoos wedding), “2008 Seo Tae-ji Symphony” will take place. How about that for experimentation? Well, ok classical music has always been used in various genres, but it’s exciting to see how Seo TaiJi is going to incorporate it to his music. He’s flying in classical conductor and composer Tolga Kashif, who once conducted the Royal Philharmonic and London Philharmonic orchestras, both critically acclaimed and admirable in the world of Classical Music. Come on guys, tell me you love him too?? Say it now before he’s officially back and everyone mindlessly joins the TaiJi troupe….

Thanks to Mr. Edward1849 of Soompi for the weekly charts
Weekly Music Chart - 3rd Week - July
1. Brown Eyes - 가지마 가지마 (Don’t Leave Don’t Leave)
2. Wonder Girls - So Hot
3. Mighty Mouth (feat. Sun Ye) - 에너지 (Energy)
4. Sung Si Kyung - 안녕 나의 사랑 (Goodbye My Love)
5. Shinee - 누난 너무 예뻐 (Noona’s Pretty (Replay))
6. Alex - 그대라면 (If It’s You)
7. V.O.S - Beautiful Life
8. Tae Yang - 나만 바라봐 (Watching Only You)
9. Ok Ju Hyun - Honey
10. Super Junior Happy - 요리왕 (Cooking? Cooking!)

And Epik High are going to drive everyone wild with an upcoming tour…

For more news just head over to our forums. Check out exclusive celeb photos and videos by becoming an SYP member >>>
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Full Credit When Posted Elsewhere
Source: Youtube, Soompi, Empas
Credit for ShenYuePop.com: noonoo_shoo
SYP Forums list full credits.

Super Junior’s leader, Lee Teuk, left a sour comment on his mini-hompy about Korea’s performing arts culture and of its audience on July 19, which is causing strife amongst netizens once again.

Leeteuk wrote,

 “You people who nit-pick idol culture and fandom should go think about it yourself. You can’t even see your own self, and you are pointing fingers at other people.. Go look in the mirror.. I really hate this.”

His surprisingly harsh tone has got many fans and netizens alarmed and curious why Leeteuk exploded. Many are attributing his invective at the recent “Cass Tok Concert” held on July 18, while others are blaming anti-fans who left him rude and hurtful messages on his mini-hompy; I’d say it’s an culmination of both and Leeteuk got fed up. But his message is more relevant to the recent “Cass Tok Concert,” where some of the audience left their seats when Super Junior was performing.

The Incident (Testimony from a concert-goer)

The “Cass Tok Concert” was a concert restricted to people over 20 years of age, which meant that teens, who make up the majority of SUJU’s fanbase, were no present. Therefore, most of the concert-goers were adults in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s who were mostly intoxicated from a few drinks. Many hip-hop artists were lined up to perform for this event, which makes Super Junior stand out with their teen-pop genre. But SUJU-Happy was lined up to perform last. A few jaded concert-goers decided to leave early because it was getting late; however, there was a segment of the audience who cussed out SuJu Members as they left their seats, emptying the front rows. Despite the shelled-out front rows, SUJU members had to continue with their performance, and SUJU’s leader Leeteuk could not face the crowds as he performed. Acknowledging the fact that the concert was open, allowing revelers to exit freely, the members of the audience who left early are not at fault. Therefore, Leetuek wrote his sauerkraut message, addressing the few members of the audience who left shouting obscenities at SUJU members.

Looking at Leeteuk’s message, we can notice the conspicuous prejudice against idol culture that many older generations hold. This incident also harks back to the SNSD silent treatment at the Dream Concert, which shows Korea’s problematic fandom culture. But it all comes down to a generation gap. The emerging trend of idol fandom has caused a significant rift between the social and cultural customs of Korea’s younger and older generation. The older generation is not able to understand the rapid, transient pop culture of the youth, which leads to conflicts pertaining to behavior and manners. This SUJU-Happy incident proves once again that Korea’s performance culture is still in its developing stages (and should I dare say, is still low-class).

Many ELF fans were outraged at such ill-mannered behavior by adults. They left messages, such as “Even though we were at fault for the silent treatment during SNSD’s performance, we did not leave the performance hall; instead, we just did not respond to the performance” and “It is not the appropriate conduct to leave the performance hall during performance intervals.” The 10’s generation ELFs condemned the immature actions of these adults and took it upon themselves to point out their blatant hypocrisy.

I must testify that I’ve read various blogs and comment boxes and a lot of older netizens leave condescending messages that attack fandom culture. Part of their reason is that they fear fandom is consuming the time and attention of the youth and causing unnecessary ruckus. The recent vendetta between crazy fans and anti-fans has generalized to a condemning of the fandom culture. This over-generalization has caused many idol groups to come into scrutiny and attack because an attack on fandom is an indirect attack on the idol groups themselves. Yet, these idol groups are innocent from the violence that arises due to obsessive fans. And thus, Lee Teuk is just sick and tired of fans fighting, pointing fingers and accusing the next fan of being more aggressive and rude than themselves. But it’s always hard to define the “normal and acceptable” behavior of a fan when there are so many gray areas.

However, one thing is certain – the glaring hypocrisy of either generation. The younger generation is ignorant of their obsessive-compulsive behavior that drives fandom into a blood-stained path. Then the self-righteous adults chide these “immature” young kids for being foolish. Yet this recent event allows one to wonder whether the older generation – the very people who judged unfavorably against the “immature” young fans – is at the greatest fault by setting a bad example.

Source: Naver blogs, sookyung.wordpress
Credit: soyboy

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DBSK is back in the Anycall Haptic Colorful Love CF - Pink, White, Blue & Red. Actress Jeon Ji Hyun (My Sassy Girl) takes on the role as DBSK’s love interest, showing the three stages of their relationship - amor, jealousy, and depression. Poor Jaejoong was crying from heart-break.

For more pictures and translations, check out our forum>>>>

Pink, White & Blue - Colorful Love with Haptic [Eng Sub]

PINK - Junsu & Yunho - “Love is always sweet Pink”
WHITE - Yoochun & Changmin - “Blinded by jealousy, my love is White.”
BLUE - Jaejoong - “My heart is Blue”

Full credit to mickytoho @ Youtube

Thanks to cho, here’s the RED version of Jae Joong’s part that’s blood chilling:

[Edit] Sorry to all readers, there was some confusion on my part. The red version for Jae Joong was made by a fan so it is not the official CF. Repeat, the below CF is fan-made. (To be honest, the RED version is quite sinister and loaded with nightmarish connotations. On another note, many Cassies have noticed that Yunho’s love interest, Jeon Ji Hyun, also stars opposite to DBSK. Unfortunately, Jeon Ji Hyun filmed separately and then her CG was placed into the scene. So Yunho’s dream didn’t come true.

RED - JaeJoong - “My heart is Red”

Credit: phutran1981vn @YT

Picture credit: http://blog.daum.net/gmlgus4552/10908069

SYP credit: soyboy

Nothing .. just be yourself !
This seems to be Seo in Young’s method … and we all gotta learn it from the girl!
I donno of anyone has been criticized this badly as she has in Kpop so far!
and What do you know … she is coming back with her 2nd solo album soon!

Wonderful wedding pictures of her with Crown J are finally out!
i was so much looking forward those “LOVE IS” ones .. where are they?

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“That” day finally arrived, Kpoppers! It’s now getting official that since earlier this year your man was dating the former Miss Korea (these days an actress).
Seems like they met through mutual friends

and parents of both side already approved of their relationship!
Sang Woo’s parents call her sincere! Who wouldn’t be in her shoes?

I know her from TOP drama, “I AM SAM” the truth is .. she was reminding me so much of Hyori! Now, don’t kill me .. might be that she is Hyori’s big admirer .. but from her smile to her body language suggested me that way!

Yeah, my friends we all knew this day would’ve come sooner or later!
Thank God, he finally end up with a woman *rolling eyes*
Wonder what jamilia is doing now LOL!

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Lee Hyori finally released her MV for her title song “U Go Girl”. The story line is about a nerdy, naive girl who decides to get plastic surgery and comes back as a glamorous diva. Hyorish adds some special touches, like the dance break in the middle, just to show that she’s still got the groove. She managed to prove that she’s definitely the “IT” girl of kpop, with an explosive number of hits on her MV and preorders for her album.

Hyori’s MV also dispelled all rumors of plagiarism, exonerating the MV producer of his faults. Good thing I trusted the adamant Mr. PD because I bet a lot of people will be sheepishly admitting that this “copy-kittish scandal” was blown out of proportions. I also noticed that the soda-pop bar scene was a parody of a Burger King commercial, not a copy of Christina Aguilera’s “Candy Man”. In celebration of Lee Hyori’s vindication over the hot-headed netizens, the picture above is a witty touché and I’m proud of it. Anyway, look forward to the popdiva’s comeback performance on July 18. Lee Hyori, you go girl! or should I say ‘U go gur!’

Credit: coolsmurf and lazenca0 (thanks for Eng. translation)

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SYP credit: soyboy

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