German Hip-hoppers Pay Tribute To Kim Kwang Seok

Stumbled upon "Die Orsons", a German hip-hop group on youtube. In this globalised age, it shouldn't surprise me that a group of European youths would dedicate an MV to a Korean, an ocean and a generation apart but I am still filled with wonder. Sorry to "Die Orsons", but the music doesn't do much for me but the earnestness of the lyrics and the 2010 MTV directed by Stephen Richter and shot in Vienna are something else. ( please watch the whole video ).

Some Koreans may grind their teeth over the reference to the dog in the lyrics but I think they'd be missing the bigger picture. ( BTW, sorry if so many of my postings of late seem to be about suicides in Korea but it wasn't intentional. It's just that so many stories seem to be cropping up this summer.)



Thanks to chimperator for uploading the video and posting the English translation of the lyrics:

In a country
where your vita is even more important than here
and you obey your boss almost like a dog
which they eat in restaurants there

There was a singer, pretty young
who did not like to sing on the radio or on TV
but in front of the audience
Like we do right now - hello

Let's get back to the story - he sang the saddest songs in the world
when he came back from his 1000th concert
everything was silent - 'cause he killed himself.

He "Curt Cobained" himself in 1996
Enter his name on youtube and cry

We spell him for you:

K - I -M - K - W - A - N - G - S - E - O - K

You've been the Bob Dylan of Korea
you've been Korea's Kurt Kobain
Your voice sounds like eternity
like Tears - please wait


After his 1000th concert
he locked up his room
He was only 32 years old
He sang about our happiness, sadness and our holiness
But nobody understood
because he sang Korean
and there was no youtube before 1996

He sang about the little people, like us
And we listen carefully right now
How is your name spelled, Kim?

K - I -M - K - W - A - N - G - S - E - O - K

For an earlier posting on the late, great Kim Kwang-seok, please click here.




Source
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRxDuRLC8d4:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSJ-IfrgNDA&feature=related

Which is the most popular song in the noraebangs for 2009?

Which K-pop song is the most often sung in the noraebangs across South Korea? Turns out it’s not just the No.1 most played song for 2009 but also for 2008. Lee Eun-mi’s “I Have A Love” also has the distinction of remaining in the top 100 of the Mnet Music charts for an unprecedented 64 weeks straight.



So what explains its staying power and incredible popularity? It’s not an easy song to sing but obviously it resonates with many Koreans, whether or not they have unspoken loves. Put it down to the intense vocal performance by the Korean diva ( whether she turns on the glamour or not), a strong sentimental streak among Koreans plus the fact that it was reputed to be the late Choi Jin-shil’s favourite song.

Source:
http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_chart_detail.htm?No=11052

'Tis the Season To Be Nostalgic, Part 3

Nothing to do with Christmas but I'm in the mood to listen to something old. In Kpop terms, SG Wannabe's hit from 2008, La La La, might fit the bill. Have a thing for no frills MVs with the singers just enjoying themselves in front of the mics.
For more info on SG Wannabe, click here.  Didn't realize the SG stood for Simon and Garfunkel.

One Candle by g.o.d. can dispell the winter blues

What better way to shake off the winter blues than to light one candle by g.o.d.? Here's Kim Tae-woo's solo take on the song by the former boy-band.




Credits to g.o.d - JYP - Sidus HQ

Lyrics
In this world,
There are many people who have less than we do.
For those who are struggling even now, we sing this song.
"Stay strong!"

Why is life so hard?
Who said that life was beautiful??
Since I was born, all that life gave me was more trials to overcome.
During those times, I looked into the mirror and asked myself,
"What did I do wrong? What did I do to deserve this only happening to me?"
It feels like it'll never change.
Not tomorrow, or even the day after.

Don't say that
Don't crumble under the pressure
Whatever life gives you
Whatever you receive
Whatever this unfair world offers you
If you just accept it
Wouldn't you be fighting it?
Would you give up?
Would you surrender to the life that fate dealt you?
Don't bow your head to the world, don't lose strength,
Look at us.

Chorus
When you're tired and exhausted, lean on me
I will always be by your side
So that you never feel like you're alone in this world,
I'll be right beside you, holding your hand.

It's too dark, I can't see the road
All I have on me is one match and one candle
What could I do with this one small candle?
How could the darkness leave by lighting this one candle?
I see the bright light far away in the distance
And here I am making vain efforts alone in the dark
I want to fly towards that bright light
But I can't - my wings fail me.

But that's not the case
So much can happen by lighting that one small candle
I believed that there was nothing else around me
But I discovered another small candle
And when I lit it, they became two
By the light of two candles, I can find more
And two becomes three, and three becomes four
And the darkness disappears

Do you remember?
We fought life without a father
That was the story of my childhood
It was true, and it was hard
But I didn't give up there,
I didn't lose my dream, I didn't lose my courage
I kept trying, and here I am now
Now I want to tell you
You can do it, too.



For an earlier posting on g.o.d. , click here.
source:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgzcssEPtX4

Which Korean Is Singing In Carnegie Hall Again?

Kim In-Soon, otherwise known as Insooni, has had her fair share of hard times. As the child of a Korean and African-American, and raised by her mother single-handedly, it wasn't easy to overcome prejudice and discrimination.

Still, the battle against other kinds of prejudice remains. Apparently she can't sing in the top-end cultural hall of Seoul because her brand of fusion music isn't high-brow enough. Yet she's performed in Carnegie Hall and has been invited to do so again.

One can only hope the elitism that holds some Koreans back from being able to contribute to their country and global culture will be a thing of the past soon.

Click here for another inspiring song by Korea's great RnB singer.

source:
http://www.internationalreportingproject.org/fellows-editors/blog_detail/1175/

Want to be a DJ for a Day on KBS World Radio?

The deadline for the KBS World Radio DJ for A Day Contest is around the corner - 4th October, 2009!

If you've ever fantasized about being a DJ for a radio show that features K-pop songs, send your ideas or theme for your own show on K-Pop Connection to kpop@kbs.co.kr ( with heading : DJ for a Day Contest)
Remember to include your phone numbers.

Here's the message from the KBS World Radio website:

Hey K-Poppers! It’s hard to believe, but KPOP Connection is turning  TWO years old on November 12th!!
Last year, KBS World Radio invited Serene from Malaysia, Steven from Malaysia/US and Paul from the US to co-host the show with Sarah Jun and Chris Dykas. It was such a success that we’ve decided to hold the “DJ for a Day” contest again! Like last year, we’ll hold a week of special shows and contests. From November 10th-12th, Young Kim and Sarah will co-host the show with one of you listeners!

So, if you would love the chance to sit down and host KPOP Connection here at our KBS studios in Seoul, Korea, enter the contest!All you have to do is email us at kpop@kbs.co.kr with your idea for a show (for example, last year Serene did a show on her top Korean film picks and songs from their OSTs, Steven did a show on Korean songs that were meaningful to him and Paul did a show on noraebang songs). Those who send in the best ideas will be brought to Korea to guest DJ for the day!"

**If a listener outside Korea is chosen, KBS World will provide airfare and accommodation**

Source http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_bbs_read.htm?No=67200

How did Yiruma Get Mixed Up in Twilight?

Rumour had it that this piece was featured in the movie, Twilight. Wrong. Still, whether or not you're a fan of the film based on Stephanie Meyer's books, you can enjoy the music here.
For more about this pianist-composer from South Korea, click here.

KBS World Radio – 2nd Anniversary DJ for a Day Contest

Ø Do you fantasize about being a DJ for a K-pop show?
Ø Do you like listening to and talking ( in fluent English) about K-pop songs?
Ø Do you have great ideas to pitch to the producer and hosts of K-Pop Connection?
Ø Can you be reasonably comfortable in front of the mic?
Ø Do you have an international passport with 6 months validity?
Ø Are you old enough to travel unaccompanied?
Ø Can you be in Seoul before the 10th of November to record the show if you’re chosen?

If you are and you can and you do, send your ideas or theme for your own show on K-Pop Connection to kpop@kbs.co.kr ( with heading : DJ for a Day Contest)
Remember to include your phone numbers.

Deadline : 4th October, 2009.


**If a listener outside Korea is chosen, KBS World will provide airfare and accommodation**

For more information, click here.

Source http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/entertainment/enter_bbs_read.htm?No=67200

Later but more colourful than usual

Oh, to be in Korea now that autumn is here! It's my favourite season and here are some reasons why you should be there this year:

1. You may not trust the weatherman much but it's worth paying attention to the predictions of the Korean Meteorological Administration. If you're planning a trip to South Korea this October or November, look out for the details that the KMA will issue later.

The change in autumn foliage will be later this year but the good news is that the leaves will be more colourful than usual. Apparently, that depends on the summer temperatures as it affects the colour chemistry in the maple trees. According to KBS, "Autumn foliage will reach its peak on October 20th at Mount Seorak and on November fifth at Mount Naejang."


2. KBS reports top male singers like Kim Tae-woo, ( formerly of g.o.d. ), Park Hyo-shin, Wheesung, and Hwan-hee (formerly of Fly to the Sky) will hold concerts this autumn. Ajumma's fantasy: to have front-row tickets to all their concerts.

Wait a sec: just being there to see them 'live' is fantasy enough.

3. It's Festival Season in Korea. Check out the list of festivals here. UPDATE ( 17 Sept 09): Apparently at least two  international festivals have been cancelled because of the H1N1 scare. Don't tell me they're going to cancel concerts as well.

source of photos: KNTO Website http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_4_13_3.jsp

Why a Goose's Dream?

Can someone please explain to me why that particular bird is in the title? Not that I've anything against geese but am just curious as to what the bird means to Koreans. Anyway, whether it's a goose, duck or swan, it's a great song and delivered impeccably by Insooni. The song is also featured in Beethoven Virus.

A Goose’s Dream / A Swan’s Dream
Translation by x3Yesung of Soompi

I have a dream, Even if I’m thrown away or ripped to shreds
Deep in my heart, I have a dream as precious as gem
If by chance, without a reason,Somebody ridicules me behind my back
I should be patient, I would wait just for that day.

As you always worry, You say that foolish dreams are poisonous.
Just like a book that tells us about the end of the world
There’s the reality that we can’t turn back already

Yes I have a dream.I believe in that dream
Please watch over me, Standing in front of that cold wall called fate
I can firmly face it, One day I will pass over that wall
And be able to fly, As high as the sky
This heavy thing called life can’t tie me down
At the end of my life, on the other day that I can smile, let’s be together

Hangul Lyrics
거위의 꿈
인순이
난 난 꿈이 있었죠
버려지고 찢겨 남루하여도
내 가슴 깊숙히 보물과 같이
간직했던 꿈

혹 때론 누군가가
뜻 모를 비웃음
내 등뒤에 흘릴때도
난 참아야 했죠 참을수 있었죠
그 날을 위해

늘 걱정하듯 말하죠
헛된 꿈은 독이라고
세상은 끝이 정해진 책처럼
이미 돌이킬수 없는
현실이라고

그래요 난 난 꿈이 있어요
그 꿈을 믿어요 나를 지켜봐요
저 차갑게 서 있는
운명이란 벽앞에
당당히 마주칠 수 있어요
언젠가 난 그벽을 넘고서
저 하늘을 높이 날을수 있어요
이 무거운 세상도
나를 묶을순 없죠
내 삶의 끝에서
나 웃을 그날을 함께해요
그 꿈을 믿어요
나를 지켜봐요

Which Kpop stars appeared on the cover of TIME magazine long before RAIN?

Which Kpop stars appeared on a TIME magazine cover long before Rain?
Answer: g.o.d. ( Groove Overdose) made of five guys before they became a 4 man group.

The TIME article was actually about the entertainment industry in Korea in the 1980s. I forgot that I had heard of g.o.d. and had actually seen their faces on the cover of TIME magazine long before I was swept up by the Hallyu Wave and long before I had actually heard their music.

They were also proteges of JYP and unfortunately, I only started listening to them just before they disbanded because of national service commitments and efforts to develop solo careers.

They're great entertainers and I'm keeping my fingers crossed they will regroup to record new albums. Check out some bio-data from KBS although it needs to be updated.

Pic : Taken near Ssangyesa, Hadong

GIL ( Road or Path )

Translation of lyrics by seohee ( Gamsa-hamnida to you!)

Where is this road I'm taking leading me to, where that place is.
i don't know i don't know i don't know but i'm walking this road today also
i wonder if people all have their chosen way to go or if they make their own ways.
i don't know i don't know i don't know but i'm walking this road like this again

i wonder why i am standing on this road i am at right now
if this is the right way to go. if my dreams will come true at the end of this road.
i wonder what really gives me pleasure, money, reputation, or the ones i love
i want to know i want to know i want to know but i can't figure it out yet

i want to say that this is my road with confidence
and believe in my faith, and never turn back, never regret my choices..
i want to walk like that i want to walk like that i want to walk like that but i still don't have any confidence

what am i dreaming of, who is that dream for
if those dreams come true would i really be happy
oh~ where am i.. really going right now what do i really have to live for

i wonder why i am standing on this road i am at right now (why this road)
if this is my right way (is this really my right way)
if my dreams will come true at the end of this road.. (will my dreams come true)

what am i dreaming of, who is that dream for (what am i dreaming of)
if those dreams come true would i really be happy
oh~ where am i.. really going right nowwhat do i really have to live for