'Mine' MV from Kim Jae Joong

Screenshot from Mine MV

This is the very first solo single and mv combo from Kim JaeJoong (the first single was ‘One Kiss’), and as a fan of almost five years, I had high expectations. What genre of music was he going to come out with? What sort of concept? I worried and anticipated. Finally, earlier today, the MV premeired.

At first I was drawn in with the rough, almost desperate sounding vocals, because JJ usually sounds so smooth and romantic. The heavy guitar riffs give the song a gritty feel.

Then the visuals of the video started to make an impact. Lost in a barren forest, and chained up unable to speak because of the muzzle put on him. Then he breaks the chains and casually throws them over his shoulder as if to say ‘What’s next?’. He runs through a flock of Ravens (a bird that feasts on corpses and symbolizes death to some), when he comes out on the other side he’s stronger and a predator (vampire and snake lover) in his own right, with his own space where he sprouts the wings of an owl (a bird of prey which is considered a symbol of wisdom).

Finally, the lyrics. They are filled with pain and again a bit of desperation. With lines like “You’re terrible, it’s like you’re diseased”, “Don’t come here, this is my ocean”, and “Don’t block out the sun that shines on me”. I read that the songs for this album ‘I’ were all written by JJ himself and reflect his inner feelings and thoughts. How much did he go through, to have written these lyrics??

I think everything was done so well for this. The colors were dark and minimal; the concept was consistent and created a contrast between anything I’ve ever seen him in previously, and his beautiful voice giving off emotions that I’ve never heard from him. This is the sort of thing that makes me happy that I’m already a fan. I hate feeling like I’m jumping on a band-wagon, but with no shame and with the knowledge of a long-time fan, I can confidently say that I LOVE this song and video.

If you haven’t watched it so far, please feel free to do so now.

B.A.P 'Rain Sound' MV

2013 is still very new, but the boys of B.A.P are back with a new single. 'Rain Sound is a track from their up-coming mini-album.
The teaser wasn't much, just a small snippet of the song and a metal chain with green rain falling down on it. I had no idea what to expect, only that this might be a slower track than anything they have released previously. My guess was correct, but B.A.P has continually surprised me, and this time in no exception.
Everything from the song and vocals to the video and images. For starters this is the first single that was neither fast nor forceful. This was a smooth, slightly sexy mid-tempo tune. Sweet and clear vocals from Young Jae accompany the sound of rain drops at the beginning of the song, before the bass line and Yong Guk's husky rap starts... So well done. I love that everyone had a decent length part in this song. Himchan was finally singing, not randomly yelling, although he's pretty hot when that happens... but this time we get to really hear how deep his voice is as he subtely says 'I'm drawing you again today, will I be able to erase you?

I loved the rich reds and purples before the black and white at the end. I loved the fact that there was barely any dancing in this video, it makes me look forward to their live stage. Although I'm not sure if or when they'll have one since this was a pre-release not a comeback. Obviously, I want to see a live stage for this one, but right now, I'm so happy with this video, that I'm too busy re-watching it to look for live performances.
There were just some shots in the video that I couldn't resist taking shots of. I even tried my hand at my first ever edit...

Yong Guk

Dae Hyun

Young Jae

Him Chan

Jong Up

Zelo

Baby Zelo Crying

Girl's Generation 'I Got A Boy' MV

Let me start by saying that I don't actually like GG, but every time they come out with a new song, I give the video a try and end up singing the song all day long. Their songs are just sooo super catchy, that I can never escape them. It's not that I hate GG, but besides catchy songs, there isn't much that  I actually LIKE about them. They are all very beautiful and talented, but it never seems to click for me. Call me a hater if you have to, but I'm not doing it on purpose.
Anyway, this year, GG just released their new song and video 'I Got A Boy' and once again, I can't stop thinking about it. The video was bright and fun, and the song itself was actually surprising with all the different sections. My favorite is the slow break down in the middle.

It was surprising for me to see them in sneakers and mid-drifts since they so often come out with leather and/ or high heels. It was a nice change, and I do like the video. I just don't think I can call my self their fan yet. Maybe  it'll just hit me one day like it did with Big Bang. Who knows...

King of Dramas Info and First Impressions

Picture Source: King of Dramas Official Page on SBS website

Starring: Kim Myung Min as Anthony Kim the Producer
                  Jung Ryeo Won as Lee Go Eun the Writer
                  Choi Si Won as Kang Hyun Min to Actor

Studio: SBS
Writer: Jang Hang Jun (also wrote 2009 show 'Harvest Villa')

Episodes: 18

Premise: A drama that follows an idealistic writer, a hardened producer and a hot actor as they navigate to world of drama production.

Spoilers Ahead.

The drama opens with a writer who is being pressured to write a scene in a revenge drama that includes the main character drinking orange juice before killing himself. She thinks the request made by the producer, Anthony Kim, is ridiculous , (who drinks  orange juice before commiting suicide?!) and refuses to write the scene. Her assistant, Go Eun, is then tricked into writing the missing product placement scene while working alongside Anthony, who only cares for the outcome in ratings, not the quality of the show, or the people surrounding it.

When their plan ends in tragedy, and 30% ratings, Anthony is put in a situation that even his fast talking won’t easily solve.

I am King!

I have to say bravo for creating a  scandal, not only in the first episode, but also one that makes sense. If, for example, we heard that Steven Speilberg paid a worker to transport his film over a three hour distance in only one hour, then when the worker was in an accident, Mr. Speilberg called an ambulance, but left the worker on the side of the road to his death, I seriously doubt people would just over look it.  I know if I heard of it, I wouldn’t just be like ‘Oh well, at least the movie was good’.

Gotta Go Dude!

So, I’m saying that finally, in a drama about making dramas, the writers put in an appropriate scandal to upset the public and possibly ruin Anthony's career, not just another secret romance scandal that, seriously, no one cares about as long as both people are of age and consent.

From the dialogue, music and camera angles, this may be a little bit makjang, but I’m not complaining so far. There were some moments that even though this is the first episode, I was nervous for the characters.

Anthony is mostly all a-hole from what you see in the first episode and from the ending of the episode, I think I’ll be happy to see him fall on his behind, so that he can grow up to be a human being.

*Side note Kim Myung Min's voice is pretty deep and it surprised me when I first heard it, off the top of my head I think I can only name two other KDrama actors with deep voices. It’s so rare.*

I’m loving the early stages of Go Eun's personality. She’s nice, and courteous for the most part, but cross the line and watch out! This is a character that I can relate to, not everyone is all sweetness or all spice, some of us are a bit of both.

Orange Juice just for you!!!

I have no idea, if this show will keep going with the positive elements that it’s presented, but I’m willing to continue watching to find out.

NOTE:  All photos besides the poster picture, are screen caps from the first episode of King of Dramas.