I wanted to share a blog post I wrote for another blog, the Journal for International Policy Solutions
read it here: http://internationalpolicysolutions.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-korean-peninsula-athletes-and.html if you are interested in the topic of athletes and national identity (focusing on Viktor Ahn, Korean-turned-Russian speed skater)
Thursday, March 6, 2014
KDramas at its finest
Now when I said my last post would be short, I was lying... this one will be.
Just wanted to feature this link from buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jul13hong/21-vital-elements-of-a-fun-super-addicting-korean-drama
because I think it's hilarious (and commonly found themes in Korean dramas). And yet, why are Korean dramas so addicting at the same time?
Just wanted to feature this link from buzzfeed: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jul13hong/21-vital-elements-of-a-fun-super-addicting-korean-drama
because I think it's hilarious (and commonly found themes in Korean dramas). And yet, why are Korean dramas so addicting at the same time?
Monday, March 3, 2014
Contract expirations & group member changes
I'm traveling, so this post is likely to be short, but I just wanted to point out an interesting phenomenon in Kpop, which has actually also happened in American pop culture as well: group member changes (교체). I thought I had posted on this before, but regardless...
Most recently, it was announced that one of Kara's original members Nicole would be leaving the group after her contract expiration. Also, Jewelry's Eunjung's contract also expired recently so we will see if she will also leave the group. Davichi's contract expired, and it isn't clear what exactly is in their future (although it looks as if they are going to release an album with Core Contents Media despite the contract expiration). Long time soul/ballad singer Gummy moved companies after her contract expired. Finally, after Wonder Girls unofficially didn't-break-up-but-stopped-promotional-activities-due-to-leader-Sunye-got-married-and-had-a-baby (also known as indefinite "hiatus") Sohee left JYP and expressed a desire to start an acting career. Of course, before Sohee, Sunmi left the Wonder Girls and is now a solo singer.
I am sure there are more that I missed, but notice a trend in these group changes
Most recently, it was announced that one of Kara's original members Nicole would be leaving the group after her contract expiration. Also, Jewelry's Eunjung's contract also expired recently so we will see if she will also leave the group. Davichi's contract expired, and it isn't clear what exactly is in their future (although it looks as if they are going to release an album with Core Contents Media despite the contract expiration). Long time soul/ballad singer Gummy moved companies after her contract expired. Finally, after Wonder Girls unofficially didn't-break-up-but-stopped-promotional-activities-due-to-leader-Sunye-got-married-and-had-a-baby (also known as indefinite "hiatus") Sohee left JYP and expressed a desire to start an acting career. Of course, before Sohee, Sunmi left the Wonder Girls and is now a solo singer.
I am sure there are more that I missed, but notice a trend in these group changes
Friday, February 28, 2014
눕지 마 (Don't lay down), 만지지 마 (Don't touch), 열지 마 (Don't open): Sexy concept part 2
Just thought I would post a brief snippet about this video (posted below).
As I discussed in a previous post, there appears to be increasing restrictions on sexy concepts. The video calls this "걸그룹 3대 금기 몸짓" essentially 3 types of gestures girls groups are not permitted to do, which is listed in the title of this blog post.
As I discussed in a previous post, there appears to be increasing restrictions on sexy concepts. The video calls this "걸그룹 3대 금기 몸짓" essentially 3 types of gestures girls groups are not permitted to do, which is listed in the title of this blog post.
- Don't lay down
- Don't touch
- Don't open
Indie Music Exposure or Mainstream Meddling?
Initially when I started this blog post yesterday, I thought perhaps the word "meddling" is too strong, but it seems perhaps appropriate to shed light on people's concerns on this issue.
Summary: SM entertainment is investing in indie label Baljunso in hopes of spreading indie music. Most likely you have come across this blog because you were searching for something on Hallyu, Kpop, or Kdramas - although there is a strong prevalent indie scene in Korea (as the word might suggest) it is more underground. It doesn't cater to the constant variety TV shows, music programs, ect. and that's fine - it's also for another audience. But unfortunately this also leads to a lack of advertisements (CF's in Korea), where the main revenue stream is for the entertainment industry, and a lack of (opportunity for) greater exposure.
Summary: SM entertainment is investing in indie label Baljunso in hopes of spreading indie music. Most likely you have come across this blog because you were searching for something on Hallyu, Kpop, or Kdramas - although there is a strong prevalent indie scene in Korea (as the word might suggest) it is more underground. It doesn't cater to the constant variety TV shows, music programs, ect. and that's fine - it's also for another audience. But unfortunately this also leads to a lack of advertisements (CF's in Korea), where the main revenue stream is for the entertainment industry, and a lack of (opportunity for) greater exposure.
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