Intermezzo // 07

I am in a coffee shop right now. 

I have just whipped off a bowl of pork donburi while waiting for a friend of mine to arrive here. As I am writing right now, I am secretly hoping that my laptop's battery will not die so soon because their source of electricity is too limited. The place is really nice though. 

Anyhow, here is a quick update before I get into writing the more serious and longer posts later.

1. I am on leave from work for a couple of days from last Thursday up to today. Ah, how nice is it to stay up late, laze around, curl up on the bed, work on personal stuffs and just generally be there for my own self.

2. One of the reasons I took leave was because of the Chinese New Year celebration. I did not really go anywhere though, but I took time to clean up my house slowly ((part of working on my 2017 resolution)), send parcels to family friends and visit my extended family.

3. I finished watching Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo ((pictured above)) and they are the CUTEST thing on dramaland, omg. It has been a while since I finished watching drama and felt so satisfied. I feel like I want to rave about everything about Kim Bok Joo, but alas, I need to write about something else first.

4. I also finished watching Goblin. I have a mixed review towards this drama, It is bearable but I do not like it as much as how it get so hyped.

5. I found out about this Adobe Creative Residency, it's a very amazing program and I really really wish I could join. But for now, they are only open for US, Canada and Germany residence. I wish they would expand to Asia and especially Indonesia in the future. The competition must be very tough I know, but at least it can be a good experience to apply for it.

6. A blog that I have been reading for a long time, A Beautiful Mess, is opening up a job for contributor writer. It is said that applicants can work remotely. But then again, should I or should I not give it a try?

7. I have been playing this game called SuperStar SM Town religiously. Haha! It's a fun music tapping game with music from SM Town artists. They also have this card grading system and special events which made a lot more fun!

8. Have you heard the new album from Akdong Musician? The songs are all adorable, I love them even more now. My favorite from the "Winter" album is the song "Reality", watch the live performance here.

9. Now that I think about it, I have also finished the drama Age of Youth. It is an intriguing drama that showcased the dynamic friendship of girls who were once strangers who turned into roommate. I love how the characters are so different but still complement each other. I also love how the friendship of the girls is more highlighted than the love story.

10.Last but not least, La La Land. I don't know what's wrong with me and hyped stuffs. It might be because I came in the cinema with high expectation, unlike when I came to watch Cek Toko Sebelah. I spent the first half of the movie wondering, which part of this movie that made people get so hyped about it. I knew it was wrong of me to come up with high expectation, but can't help it right, when everyone is talking about it.

I did love the visual though. The colors, the costume, the scenery, they are all soooo awesome. The songs are fitting with the story and Emma Stone, dang, you are one fine actress! But when I was there watching the movie and when the scene hit The End, I was like ??? I swear right there and then, that I can not comprehend how I actually felt about this movie. It is a good-to-watch movie especially with the beautiful visuals, but other than that, I am not very sure.

That's it for the Intermezzo. This somehow ended up as the compilation of movies, dramas, and stuffs that I have enjoyed as of lately. But that's the point of Intermezzo, isn't it? Haha.

'Til next time! 

I'M BACK!

I have been in the mood of writing lately and all I can think of these days are writing, writing and writing. I wrote stuffs inside my head and thought of numbers of interesting opening sentence ((because honestly it can be very hard sometime)). I went back to twitter and twit a lot, especially now that I am watching more and more Korean drama and movies in general. I also wrote numerous cards for greetings and well wishes and whatnot so I feel like it is a great momentum to go back to blogging and actually write something out of my mind, or in this case, type. 

I know I should be doing my thesis and not rambling stuffs on the social media but I have always always stated this so many times and I think it is the right time for me to actually take an action. I am turning this blog into a K-POP / K-DRAMA BLOG!!! Not that any of you will surprise I guess. Lol. I also want to compile stuffs I typed while I am watching drama ((these days, Cheese In the Trap)).

So, I will still blog in my main blog here. But things there are more, how to say it, more categorized and niched toward creative living and personal stories. But here, it is me and my fangirl life! LOL.

I am gonna be talking anything related to entertainment be it music, movie or drama. But mostly, I believe it will revolve around Korean Entertainment, lol.

That's it for now. Let's see how this blog will turn out in the future. I might be a bit lazy to search for picture or take screen capture from any scene so the post will turn out having so many texts. But then again, this blog has now turned as my media to ramble and type for fun, so, we'll see.

Fangirl Friday #6: Debut

Hello everyone, sorry for my absence (again), I have been pretty busy catching up subjects to make up for my semester break last year. 

Anyway, there has been undoubtedly lots and lots of good music lately. Some of the songs that capture my attention even come from a new debut singer(s). Here are some songs that I really love lately.

Please note that I am NOT a music or k-pop expert. Anything stated in this post is based solely from my subjective opinion.

 

Akdong Musician - "200%"

I have been watching them since the K-Pop Star 2 era, they are sooo cute and not to mention, naturally talented. I love their music very much, I love their voices and the boy is so talented in composing. Oh and they are even younger than me!!! Woot. Anyway, I have been waiting for their debut and it is not disappointing at all. The whole album is just amazing. I thought they will include most of ChanHyuk's self-composed songs from K-Pop Star, but it turns out that he composed even more wonderful songs for this album. And the dance /squeals/ they are sooo cute and cheerful.

HIGH4 ft. IU - "Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms"

 

I have no idea who they are or which company they are from. But I have been seeing the news about them lately, and I am also a fan of IU, so I gave this song a try. Oh my, best decision ever! The song is light and relaxing, also it has some kind of cheerful beat that makes me feel relieved. While HIGH4 comes from relatively average company, I believe they are all talented, I mean, listen to their voices, so relaxing. 

Eddy Kim - "2 Years Apart"

 

Thanks to Lim Kim, I have had a soft spot for Mystic89. Even though not every artist is my liking, but it turns out that Eddy Kim, their newest artist, is not bad. I love songs with music that is not so complicated, just like Eddy's "2 Years Apart". I have not yet listen to all his songs but this is certainly a good beginning.

2000Won - "I Don't Like Seoul Anymore" 

 

Just like Akdong Musician, I have also seen 2000 Won before in the survival audition, K-Pop Star. While this song is not really to my liking, I am pretty sure they have a lot of potential. I actually kinda like the concept of the MV, like they are incorporating things around them to move from one scene to another. 

And....what's a fangirl friday without bits of EXO and/or SHINee? LOL

While typing this blog post, my phone suddenly buzzed, and when I checked it, I just couldn't contain my feeling because, EXO Comeback Teaser is out!!!!

asdfghjkl, I am going to keep my mouth shut now, and we have now all known what will be discussed on next week Fangirl Friday.

Cheers!

Fangirl Friday #5: Comeback

In this part of Fangirl Friday, I am going to talk about the artist who are coming back to the K-pop scene. Of course there are a lot of artist, so the ones who I will talk about are the one that I know or the one that catches my eyes.

Please note that I am NOT a music or k-pop expert. Anything stated in this post is based solely from my subjective opinion.

 

Taeyang - "Ringa Linga"

 

 

Even though I am not much fan of Big Bang, I pretty much follow them when they comeback (or when one of the members comeback). This song is a bit different with Taeyang's previous solo singles, like "I Need A Girl" and "Wedding Dress". In my opinion, this song really sound a lot like Big Bang, doesn't it? But of course, Taeyang is a talented singer, and I guess he wants to try something new.  

 

M&N (Miryo&Narsha) - "Tonight"

 

 

A sub-unit from Brown Eyed Girls (BEG) !!! Just like Big Bang, I am not much a fan of BEG. But it is a really great group, and I adore their voices. The first time I heard the song, I am hooked. Narsha has an angelic voice and Miryo's rap is no doubt, awesome. I can't wait to see they perform it live (will they promote this or?) 

 

Davichi - "The Letter"

 

Davichi is well-known for their beautiful voices. This song too proves just how beautiful their voices are. This song is not particularly my jam though, because it sounds so ballad (and reminds me of sad OST). 

Miss A - "Hush"

 

I have a mixed feeling about this song. Like, this song is good, but it feels like it is missing something. Or is it just my odd feeling? When I first heard the song, I am not that intrigued. But, the more I listen to it, the more I think that it is actually pretty good.

 

NC.A - "Oh My God"

 

 

Even though her stage name is quite weird (like i thought it was read en-ssi-ei but it is actually en-ssi-(y)a) and she is very young (sixteen!!!), but she has a unique voice and she is too cute. I watched a lot of her live performances back then and I think she still has to work on that aspect. But of course, she's got lots of potential. Tbh, I was a bit confused whether NC.A is a solo singer or a band because she once performed with a band.

Bonus! 

 

I am too excited for EXO Showtime! I think I should start a new feature to discuss about EXO (or SHINee) weekly, but that will be too much. So, that's a wrap for now, bye!

Cheers,

Filicia

Fangirl Friday #4: The Boys Are Here

I missed out the Fangirl Friday last week because I was busy with other things. No worry, I am back  again ^^ Because I talked about the girls previously, I think it's just fair to talk about the boys now.

Please note that I am NOT a music or k-pop expert. Anything stated in this post is based solely from my subjective opinion.

Kim Jaejoong - "Just Another Girl"

The first impression: neither the song nor the video is my favorite. The song sounds more K-rock rather than K-pop I guess. Jaejoong truly shows which path is he walking, continuing his music choice with "Mine". The song kinda reminds me of C.N.Blue songs, or probably it is because of the band, I don't know. His English, well, I believe he missed some of the pronunciation. Now that I have listened it few more times, it actually doesn't sound that bad. But still, I don't like the music video.

K. Will - "You Don't Know Love"

I have the urge to say this. This song this video, it is sooooo K. Will (who else will it be). K. Will and ballad love song with a touch of R&B are match made in heaven. The video is super cute even though the model's acting is not that good, but I still like it. And I love the room though, oh how much I wish I have that kind of bedroom (and house) haha. K. Will's songs always make me feel like all the flowers are blooming and it is forever spring.

Trouble Maker - "Now"

When this duo first debuted, I thought they will only be a one-time-project. I never expected that they will do a comeback. When I watch music video, to be honest, I am distracted to focus only on the video that I don't remember the song at all, partly because this kind of video is quite rare in K-pop. but the scene where two cars are drove in circle and they both dance in the middle is kinda odd though. The song is pretty good though I prefer their debut song. I watched the live performance, and they seem so tired because the performance is not that powerful.

While we are at it, I have some more to talk about. I can't can't wait for the full video of this teaser to be released.

JIN - "Gone"

The teaser excites me due to the fact that Xiumin is the main actor here with Yujong (she is so pretty). The music video looks very very interesting, I just can't wait to see the whole MV. The song though reminds me of drama soundtrack, but let's wait til the full song (and video) is revealed. 

Bonus of the day is the hilarious Taemin randomly covers EXO-K's MAMA song featuring Key's ridiculous laugh.

And, if you aren't aware, EXO is going to have their own reality show!!!

EXO SHOWTIME

Cheers,

Filicia

 

 

Obsessed

I am obsessed with red. Yes, that's my favorite color. I am obsessed with EXO. Yes, they are my current favorite idol. So, what happens when I combine my obsessions?

I doodle! Haha, and I refuse to use any other color beside black and red. Don't ask me why. The answer is there in the first sentence.

I drew these on my A5 sketchbook with cheap black and red markers. I am saving money to buy copic (someday, hopefully). I scanned them in my A4 printer-scanner and that's why there are grey area around the doodles. Initially, I wanted to crop the grey area, but I think the grey area has its own charm so I leave it just like that.

Cheers,

Filicia

Fangirl Friday #3: GIRLS' ATTACK part 2!

Because the previous post was long enough and I don't want you to get bored, let us now talk about the female solo artists! They all stand by themselves but they all have their own charm and power to shine.

Please note that I am NOT a music or k-pop expert. Anything stated in this post is based solely from my subjective opinion.

 Seo In-Young (feat. Gaeko of Dynamic Duo) - 'Love Again'

Okay, moment of truth, at first, I don't know who she is, at all. I first watched her performance in Music Bank and she performed nearly the end of the show, proofing that she must be a popular or senior actress. Turns out to be both. I did a little research and apparently she is the former member of Jewelry, a female group. 

Because I first hears this song through live performance, I get more and more attached every week. I think this is a cheerful song and the dance with the handkerchief is cute. Now that I have watched the MV, it turns out that it has no dancing scene at all. The lighting is so beautiful and Seo InYoung herself is so pretty. All in all, a song that you won't regret to hear.

KAHI (feat. Dumbfounded)  - "It's ME'

Even though I am not a big fan of 'After School', but I know some of their songs and Kahi has always been my favorite member. I love how she shows the mature side of a woman not just by being sexy. I haven't watched the live performance though, but I saw a lot of boyish concept in the outfit and I think it suits Kahi really well.

The music, even though it is not really my jam, I think it sparks out Kahi's charm and talent aside of After School. I don't know what kind of genre is it called but I guess this is more like hip hop than pop. And no doubt that she is a great dancer, so, I am looking forward to watch more live performances.

Lim Kim (feat. Swings) - "Voice"

I fist heard her from the song 'All Right'. The first impression was, what? The song was odd and addicting at the same time. But she attracted me with her unique voice. Her voice has a character that is different with typical k-pop singers.

So I did a little research about her background. It turns out that she is one of the Superstar K3's finalist and her real name is Kim Yerim. She is actually in a duo called Two Months with Do Daeyeon. I believe they are supposed to debut together but due to some issues, she ended up debuting first.

Though she has just debuted, she has a unique charm and she is doing pretty well in music charts. Even though I like 'Rain' more than this song, still, this song is worth to hear. I am looking forward to Two Months debut. 

Cheers,

Filicia

Fangirl Friday #2: GIRLS' ATTACK

We are back with my favorite feature of the blog! Yay! This October, the K-pop scene undoubtedly is graced by the girls' power, either it is group or solo artist, they have all worked hard in order to show the best performance to us, fans.

For this week's feature, I am going to discuss about the female artists that I am actually not very familiar with, meaning that I won't be able to match a name with a face because sadly I am not good at memorizing. I didn't always follow the latest MV teaser or MV released. Most of the time I listened first through music shows (most of the time Music Bank) or download it then watch the MV later if I feel like (or sometimes I don't watch the MV at all).

Please note that I am NOT a music or k-pop expert. Anything stated in this post is based solely from my subjective opinion.

T-Ara "Number 9"

So, T-Ara is back with the original debut team with 6 members. For some Queens, this must be like going back to good ol' days, isn't it? Back then, when they were promoting one of their hit songs, I happen to watch their performance in a music show, I have to be honest no offense that their performance back then was sucks. I mean the dance is fine but the singing is just a big no. With this comeback, I don't have that high expectation. It turns out that their live performance is much better than before. Just one little thing that I would like to suggest is their facial expression. I don't quite get what image are they trying to show? Sexy? Creepy? Party? I don't know.

Music wise, the song is quite catchy, and the dance, although the choreography is not that complicated, it suits the song very well. I especially like the part where they put their hands near their ears. The weirdest part though is when one of the member sings "I'm headache, I'm headache, I'm headache" uhm, okay?

AOA - "Confused"

This time AOA is back with a sexy concept. Actually I have never known what are their concepts before because I have never watched any of AOA music videos before. BUT, I really really love their music. It is very rare because usually when I like one artist's music, I will watch their MV and learn their names (well I do know their names but I don't remember which one is who). I have AOA songs, from their debut song, 'Elvis', and then 'Get Out' (my favorite!) and then 'MOYA' (my super favorite I can listen to this all day) from AOA Black.

Compared to their previous songs, I think this is a little bit different than usual. Maybe because I have been too attached with 'MOYA' while this one emphasize more to the dance side of the group. This song though in my opinion is just a typical female K-pop song where the members wear same clothes and dance with the sexy moves. Not that the song is bad, it is a good song but I am not really into it.

Some parts that I like is the beginning where one member sings in English. Oh, and I like the rappers' voice. And I like the set where the girls wear black outfits with the yellow lights coming from the square holes on the back. 

9MUSES - "GUN"
 

Though I am not very familiar with 9Muses, I think I should discuss about this group too. They are known as a group consists of models, but I guess they are underrated, because their voice and dance are also good. Because I am not really into this group, the last song I recall hearing from them is 'Ticket' and no matter how much I deny it, the song is actually addicting.

For this song though, even though the music video does me no justice, I think the song is fun and this might be another addicting 9Muses' song that will stuck in my mind. The outfits in the MV though is kinda mixed up with the vintage one, the sexy one, and the rest. Nonetheless, the refrain is very addictive, 그렇게 만지작 만지작~

Unexpectedly, I have written such a long post, I will then talk about the female solo artist in the next part.

See you!

Cheers,

Filicia

Fangirl Friday: SHINee and IU

Hello fellas, I know it has been a long long time since I wrote here. But hey, I am back! I have been thinking about some new features for this blog and I believe this will be appropriate for my love towards K-pop.

Please note that I am NOT a music or k-pop expert. Anything stated in this post is based solely from my subjective opinion.

Anybody who has known me either in real life or stalk me in internet must have known just how much I love these guys, SHINee. They have just come back earlier this year and promote two albums which are 'Dream Girl' and 'Why So Serious?' in a row. After that, they release the second Japanese album with the single 'Breaking News' and promote a summer single, 'Boys Meet U'. Compiling 'The Misconception of You' and 'The Misconception of Me', SHINee released an album 'The Misconception of Us' which consists of songs from both album plus two new songs. SHINee too featured in the OST of Queen's Classroom with a cheerful song called 'Green Rain'.

I thought all Shawols have been spoiled enough.

I was wrong.

I didn't know what SM had in their mind but SHINee made another comeback this year with 'Everybody'. I have to say that I have a mixed feeling towards this. As much as I love SHINee, I think the boys had done so much and they should have taken rest or prolong the hiatus before the comeback.

Nonetheless, 'Everybody' is a very good song. One thing that I love from SM is how they explore SHINee with various genre and at the same time to show another mature side of SHINee. The song is not really my jam BUT the choreography is so damn awesome. No, you can not deny that SHINee is one of the boy group with best best best choreography and live performance. Period.

On the side note, prior to the release of  'Everybody' music video, SM released a lyric video of 'Symptoms' which happens to be a very beautiful beautiful song. 

I have no idea that this song will have a choreo, but it does! And it is one of the best follow-up song SHINee has ever had. Of course compared to 'Beautiful' and 'Sleepless Night', this song is much better.

If you haven't watched their comeback, then you should now.

Apart from SHINee, I really want to talk about IU too, but this post has been long enough so I will make it short. IU is one of my favorite female singer (beside Ailee!)

I really love her comeback and I always adore her voice and her songs. Even though her live performances are not always good, especially ones that requires her dancing.

I haven't listened to all the songs from the album, but I watched all 7 teasers that Loen gave prior to the release of the MV. I love the song 'Between The Lips' and I thought it will be the promoted song, then I realize it was too ballad. And oh yes, I am biased but the song 'Depression Clock' written by SHINee's Jonghyun and also featuring him is also a good song.

To have a sneak peek of her performance, watch the showcase here:

That's all for now fellow fangirls and fanboys. See you!