Mnet’s “Unpretty Rapstar” has certainly raised some heads this season. In particular, one of the contestants, Truedy, has garnered much attention for both her talent and resemblance in musical style to the famous Yoon Mirae (Tasha). However, netizens and fellow “Unpretty Rapstar” contestants alike have also called out the gifted, but perhaps unaware rapper for… Continue reading Cornrows, Feathers, Face Paint, Oh My: Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation in K-Pop
Category: Features
Opinion: Why Sasaengs Happen in Korea
Let’s talk about sasaengs. Sasaengs are one of the most peculiar features to K-pop and one that leaves many western fans scratching their heads. What motivates fans to wait in the rain for hours outside an idol’s house, hack into Twitter accounts, or break into dorms? Furthermore, how do sasaengs even know where idols live,… Continue reading Opinion: Why Sasaengs Happen in Korea
Introducing TWICE: Why Each Member Is Unforgettable
Jaw-dropping visuals, top-of-the-line dance moves, powerful vocals, and a killer, unique, debut music video make TWICE one of the top rookie groups to keep an eye on in the future. Each of the nine members has her own unique appeal that separates her from the others and makes it impossible for fans to choose a bias. Nayeon… Continue reading Introducing TWICE: Why Each Member Is Unforgettable
Soompi Says: Korean vs. American K-Pop Concerts
Concert season is fast approaching in Seoul, while lately in the United States there has been a steady stream of K-pop groups coming to tour stateside. Here at Soompi, we’re no strangers to the concert grind — though our K-pop concert experience has usually been separated by something called the Pacific Ocean. Recently, our staff… Continue reading Soompi Says: Korean vs. American K-Pop Concerts
“Ship” Building: 7 Amazing, Potential Girlfriends for Lee Kwang Soo
Out of all the Korean celebrities currently on television, there is perhaps none so well-loved by international fans as Lee Kwang Soo. Hailed as the “Prince of Asia,” the actor and model is a member of the immensely popular variety show “Running Man.” Throughout the show’s many episodes, Lee Kwang Soo has shown a funny,… Continue reading “Ship” Building: 7 Amazing, Potential Girlfriends for Lee Kwang Soo
These 6 Stereotypes Are Always in High School K-Dramas
When I started watching “Sassy Go Go,” I initially started watching it because I had been craving a high school K-drama for a while. With its ending recently, I can confidently say that the drama satisfied my craving because it was filled with what I would expect from a high school K-drama – youthful splendor,… Continue reading These 6 Stereotypes Are Always in High School K-Dramas
Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2015 – November Week 3
f(x) remains No. 1 for the second straight week with their song “4 Walls.” This song won on “Music Bank” last week and was also among the top songs in all other sources. Congratulations again to f(x). IU’s “Twenty-Three” also remains at No. 2 but closes the gap considerably to the No. 1 song. “Twenty-Three”… Continue reading Weekly K-Pop Music Chart 2015 – November Week 3
10 of the Best Story-Based K-Pop MVs
It’s no secret that killer dance moves and vibrant visuals play a huge role in what makes our favorite K-pop music videos so iconic. But what about the music videos that take a different approach and value a great story over eye candy? They can often get lost in the haze of usual flashy editing.… Continue reading 10 of the Best Story-Based K-Pop MVs
10 Korean Celebrities That Are So Smart They’re Sexy
An extremely popular slang expression in Korea these days is the word “뇌섹남” (nue-saek-nam), an acronym literally translating to a “man with a sexy brain,” with its female counterpart “뇌섹녀” (nue-saek-neo), a “woman with a sexy brain.” In the Korean entertainment industry, there has been a recent trend that emphasizes the intelligence of celebrities. Programs such as… Continue reading 10 Korean Celebrities That Are So Smart They’re Sexy
10 K-Pop Acts With Outstandingly Lavish Stage Sets
Sometimes, in the world of televised K-pop music shows, a great song and killer dance moves aren’t enough. Mainly because just about everyone who appears on a K-pop music show has great songs and killer dance moves. Oftentimes the only way to really make a lasting impression is to go gung-ho with your sets, props,… Continue reading 10 K-Pop Acts With Outstandingly Lavish Stage Sets