Last Saturday, Ulan-Ude turned into the Siberian capital of K-pop. The city hosted the largest and most important Korean music and culture festival of the year.
“K-pop world festival. Siberian preliminary" is being held in the capital of Buryatia for the fourth time and is gaining more and more scope every year. It was organized by the King Sejong Institute at BSU, with the support of the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Irkutsk and the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Came especially for the broadcast of the concert film crew largest television and radio company South Korea– KBS. The headliners of the festival were real idols, and the festival itself was held at the largest venue in the city - in the Physical Culture and Sports Complex, but even it could hardly accommodate everyone. The complex began to fill up three hours before the main event - those who wished could play traditional Korean games and take part in various competitions.
From more than 60 applications, the jury selected only 13 best performances. This time, teams from Novosibirsk, Omsk, Irkutsk, Tomsk and even Moscow competed for the chance to go to Korea. Buryatia was represented by 4 teams.
The participants presented covers - their own dance interpretation of famous numbers by K-pop performers. Well-honed choreography, powerful energy and sometimes outrageous costumes - the teams were in no way inferior to the Hallyu Wave stars.
Spectators could see performances by such performers as Black Pink, NCT, F(x), BTS and others.
The level of the teams' performance was also appreciated by the invited stars of the festival - the singer of Korean traditional songs in the "trot" style Hye Jin Yi and the Russian-Korean idol group "BAIKAL".
You dance like real pros! It’s an honor to perform on the same stage with you,” the band members shared.
The headliners performed two numbers, leaving the audience completely delighted. In addition, foreign guests were taught to greet and introduce themselves in Buryat.
Interestingly, the leader of the group, Dokka, as well as Hye Jin Yi were part of the jury! The winners, as they admitted, were difficult to choose. So, the best team of the festival Mon_star from Novosibirsk with a cover of NCT “Boss” were recognized. The team from Tomsk Infires took second place, and the group Luminance took the diploma for third place to Omsk.
All speakers received certificates and memorable gifts from sponsors. But the main prize was, of course, the chance to represent Russia in the finals of the festival in South Korea.
Asian pop music is becoming increasingly popular in the world show business arena. There are videos that are known and recognized all over the world, for example, Single Ladies by Beyoncé or Thriller by Michael Jackson. Now Asian performers are increasingly stepping on the heels and coming to the same level as the West. Just look at the example of the artist PSY with the song Gangnam Style, who conquered a huge number of fans around the world. In this article, we will introduce you to a popular Korean music group called BtoB, which is no less famous and popular.
About the musical genre
To form a more or less objective opinion about Asian music, it’s probably worth going to Asia and living there for a couple of years. Even living in Europe and being vaguely interested in new products, one cannot fully notice the trends that the Asian industry is experiencing. contemporary music. But the whole problem is that there is very little information, because while cinema has long occupied the cultural market of Europe, Korean music is moving towards the West less successfully, with the exception of only a few performers.
The three countries that dictate fashion in Asian show business are China, Japan and South Korea. It would not be an exaggeration if we say that it was in South Korea that the most ambitious branch of Asian pop music emerged. K-pop appeared in the late 90s and is a kind of... musical genre, which managed to grow into a global subculture. To any foreigner who first encountered K-pop, such creativity may seem a little strange and unusual.
This unusualness is the unique feature of Korean pop music. In Korea, this style is usually called any work of all domestic musical groups, singers and singers. This genre occupies a huge niche in entertainment world show business. There are special agencies that search for and promote young singers. What is noteworthy is that South Korean pop culture is oversaturated with performers and youth groups. Due to the constant struggle for first places in the charts and charts, the quality of the songs is at the world level.
Korean pop music - what is it?
In fact, K-pop began its development on our planet quite a long time ago, since it is not only musical style, which combines electrodance, hip-hop and European pop. main feature it is that it is more likely not a musical, but an audiovisual style, since dancing, fashion and fans play an important role in this culture.
Scouts of the largest Korean record labels all year round They travel all over the country in search of young talents from 10 to 16 years old in order to sign a contract with them. And from this second, the chosen ones are doomed to become artists. They spend the next couple of years in academies, where they study vocals, dancing, the basics of stage movements, makeup and other areas close to this culture. This is done in order to become part of a popular group in a couple of years. youth group, conquering the entire world show business. All such groups consist of 5-9 very attractive and bright guys or girls who sing, dance and behave naturally and openly on stage. About 60 such projects appear in South Korea every year and, as a rule, they consist of either only boys or only girls and are incredibly popular.
Dancing in this direction plays a predetermining role, since K-pop cannot exist without them. As soon as a new single is released, a video is released with it in a dance version, an instructional video on choreography, and so on. During training young stars spend much more time in choreography classes than in vocal classes. Companies tend to hire the most popular Asian and European choreographers. Another feature in the pop style are “chips” - simple marker movements that coincide in meaning with the text. It is from them that in the future it will be possible to easily recognize this or that song, and any fan will be able to repeat the movement, even if he does not remember other moments of the dance.
So it turns out that the Korean pop style is little by little conquering the whole world, provoking a large number of people to actively dance. And before, many did not know about the existence of this culture. No one could have imagined that K-pop would become almost the main trend in music industry. Korean K-Ror, which originally emerged as a musical genre, has gradually grown into a huge subculture that has millions of fans in Asia and beyond. Despite this, behind the sweet faces of handsome young people singing and dancing to unusual music, in reality there is a lot hidden.
What’s so fascinating about BtoB’s biography?
The world of K-pop never ceases to delight and surprise fans around the world with memorable projects. The South Korean boy band consists of seven artists. The name of the group itself stands for Born To Beat, that is, “Born for the Rhythm.” It’s hard to call them newcomers, since their performances on stage have been going on for almost 4 years. But fans are anticipating the release of the album with the same enthusiasm as the first single. Why did this happen, what is the uniqueness and spontaneity of these guys?
In March 2012, CUBE Entertainment showed all BtoB members to the public and presented the official debut teaser video. To introduce the audience to the performers, the guys starred in the sitcom I live in Cheongdamdong, where they showed extraordinary talent and showed excellent vocal and dancing skills. The song, which was performed in the series I Stole Those Lips, instantly captivated both the youth and the adult generation. From this moment on, the popularity of this youth group is gaining momentum, it becomes one of the most recognizable in the whole world. Who is part of the BtoB group? The guys’ biography says that in their development they passed the same milestones as members of other teams: they learned everything that others know and worked hard every day.
Debut of a new youth group
Already on March 22, on the eve of their first performance, the guys released new clip to the INSANE track. Officially Korean musical group debuted on stage at M! Mnet Channel Countdown. The guys captivated the audience not only with their appearance, but also with their bright vocals, excellent rap parts and amazing choreography. On April 3, the participants released their first mini-album, which included two tracks from the first single and two new songs. And in order to completely captivate its listeners, an Amazon reality show will be released on April 4, where fans are introduced to the members of the BtoB group. The biography of each performer, of course, interests fans, and the curiosity of grateful spectators was fully satisfied.
In May of the same year, a re-released mini-album was released, with two new and two old hits. The guys perform at different concert venues and starred with other groups in the program “Video Diary with BtoB,” which provides information about the lives of idols outside the stage. In October, after the show ended, the directors launched another “diary” project with BtoB. The biography of each of the guys in this project is revealed in even more detail and interestingly.
In September the guys are releasing a second mini-release, main song Wow confidently holds the top lines of the music charts. And the group was recognized as the strongest newcomer of this year. Except musical activity, the guys turned their attention to cinema and starred in the youth drama “Monstar”. Despite their episodic roles, they were still able to become noticeable and further captivate their fans around the world. Yook Sung-jae's acting career begins with this series.
In 2014, the band released 2 more albums: Beep Beep and Move. In October 2014, the group finally had solo concert tours, where they attracted full houses. And in November, the guys performed on the Japanese stage and ended up at the top of the Oricon chart.
But I would like to note that the activities of BtoB members do not end only with album promotion and performances. In 2015, in addition to participating in various shows, the guys signed a contract with the famous clothing brand TBJ and released a new, 5th album called I mean.
TV show
2012 - SBS MTV The Show 2, Weekly Idol, SBS MYV Studio C.
2013 - NBC Gangnam Fell Dance, Weekly Idol.
Members of the popular boy band
Lim Hyun Sik - vocals, dancing.
Lee Min Hyuk- vocals, rap.
PENIEL D. Shin - vocalist, rapper.
Seo Eun Kwang - group leader, vocalist.
Lee Chang Sub - vocals.
Jung Il Hoon - vocals, rap.
Yook Sung Jae - vocals, rap, maknae.
Let's get to know each performer in more detail.
Seo Eun Kwang
Seo Eunkwang was born on September 22, 1990 in a simple working family. Has a younger brother, whom he tries to teach all the charms musical creativity. According to the zodiac sign Scorpio, height - 173 cm, weight - 62 kilograms. He occupies a leading position in the group and is the main vocalist. Seo graduated from the following institutions: Seoryong Elementary, Dongshin University. The young artist is interested in football and billiards, and is excellent at playing the piano. By nature, he is a little shy, modest, and also kind and sympathetic. When asked how he became a member of the group, he replies: “If I couldn’t sing, I wouldn’t have been accepted into the group.” The ideal girl for So should be wise and a sweet talker. The guy also has a bad habit of jerking his legs, which he often mentions.
My childhood idol is Kim Bum Soo, and the music I like is primarily emotional, the kind that touches the heart. In clothing he prefers the avant-garde style. Many people are interested in knowing what the artist’s favorite dish is. Seo prefers traditional Korean dishes of Nurungji burnt rice, as well as Baek-Sook chicken soup. The vocalist's favorite movie is the Harry Potter saga, and his favorite color is blue. So has a life motto that goes like this: “The higher you can rise, the weaker you will become.”
Lee Min Hyuk
Lee Minhyuk was born on September 29, 1990. According to the zodiac sign Sagittarius, he also has an older brother, in whom he dotes. The guy's height is 173 cm, weight - 63 kg. In the group he holds the position of vocalist, rapper, and is the face of the group. Lee graduated from Dankuk University and writes poetry, music and rap on his own. By nature he is caring and attentive, he will never pass by someone in need. IN ordinary life loves watching movies.
When asked how he got into the group, he answers that he passed the audition. The artist’s favorite music is k-pop, hip-hop; in clothes he prefers a laconic dandy style, and the color is black or white. He only dates cute and charming girls. The most delicious dish considers miso soup, soybean paste soup. Films that he can watch several times without getting tired of them: “The Dark Knight”, “Inception”. Lee's motto in life: "Always be humble."
Lee Chang Sub
Lee Changsub was born on February 26, 1991. According to the zodiac sign of Pisces, he has an older brother, whom he considers the hope and support of the family. Our hero's height is 177 cm, weight - 64 kg. He holds the position of regular vocalist in the group. The guy successfully graduated from Universidad Howon, which he is very proud of. Plays the drums and piano very well. He loves coffee very much. By nature, Lee is a calm and sincere guy. According to him, he doesn’t know what an ideal girl should look like, but maybe that’s because he hasn’t been very keen on someone yet. Lee always wanted to be like Michael Jackson, which is why his favorite music is associated with this legendary artist.
Our hero also has a bad habit - biting his nails. In clothes he prefers a loose style, close to hip-hop. He loves everything that is tasty and beautiful in food, so it is very difficult to single out just one thing. The guy adheres to a motto in life that sounds like this: “It’s only hard now.”
Shin Dong Geun
Shin Dongeun, pseudonym - PENIEL D. Shin. Born on March 10, 1993, under the zodiac sign of Pisces, he has an older sister who supports him in everything. Height young man- 175 cm, weight - 63 kg. He holds the position of vocalist and rapper in the group. Received a good education: Montessori - Prairie Elementary - Chejngdam High - Hayang University. In normal life, free from touring, he practices shooting and American football. He knows how to play the guitar and dreams of mastering the piano. By nature, Shin is cheerful, bright, in general, the life of the party. The guy has bad habits that he wants to get rid of: he keeps his hands in his pockets all the time and shakes his legs. He loves absolutely all genres of music, so his playlist is very diverse. In clothes he prefers a casual style, but with triangular cutouts, he loves jeans and glasses. Sheen has a life motto that is: “Selected Bible Verses.”
Jung IL Hoon
Jung Ilhoon was born on November 4, 1994, under the zodiac sign of Libra. The family has an older sister who helped raise Chon as a child, of which she is now very proud. Our artist’s height is 176 cm, weight is 64 kg. He holds the position of main rapper in the group. Chon graduated from the Hanrim Art Institute, he himself composes beautiful poems and writes songs. By nature, the singer is very active and eccentric, but can stop in time if necessary. In his understanding, the ideal girl should be cheerful, pretty and always with in a hoarse voice. He considers his bad habit to be that he constantly writes down his impressions, no matter whether they are positive or negative. He loves hip-hop and music that is pleasant and easy to listen to without loading your head with serious thoughts. Likes in clothes dance style, but now he has started wearing bright and catchy things that make him stand out from the crowd. Favorite food is meat in any form: fried, stewed, baked. The film that left a deep imprint on the soul and influenced the consciousness is “The Pianist”. Chon also has a life motto, which is: “Try and then you will feel the result.”
Yook Sung Jae
Yook Sungjae was born on May 2, 1995, under the zodiac sign of Taurus. The family has an older sister who was and is for him true friend and an adviser in difficult times. Yuk's height is 180 cm, weight - 68 kg. In the group he holds the position of maknae, vocalist and rapper. Owns in a beautiful voice and sings very well, which is why he got into the team. In his free time from the stage, he enjoys snowboarding and fishing. Successfully graduated from Hanrim Art Institute. By nature, Yuka is a very shy, but very positive and good-natured person. Ideal girl, according to our hero, should be caring, sweet and charming. In clothes he prefers dandy style. Bad habit available: constantly walks around with bruises. He considers miso soup to be the most delicious dish; his favorite color is black and red. The film that captivated him once and for all was “Bruce Almighty.” Yuka lives by an interesting motto: “Live and die like a man.”
Lim Hyun Sik
Im Hyunsik was born on March 7, 1992, under the zodiac sign of Pisces. There is an older brother in the family who will always lend a friendly shoulder and advise on how best to act in a given situation. Our hero's height is 177 cm, weight - 66 kg. He occupies the position of vocalist in the group. Im graduated from Sanghaehyagmyeong Middle School and Baerseok High School. He can sing beautifully, play the guitar, piano, and is involved in writing lyrics and composing. By nature, He is cheerful, positive and relaxed, completely non-conflict, and will always come to the rescue of a friend.
Favorite music: African-American, R&B, Soul. There is no specific style of clothing; he prefers to combine things himself, without following any particular fashion. Favorite dish- sushi, chicken in any preparation. Im's life motto is: “Thoughts can become reality.”
At first glance, the K-Pop industry seems to be exclusively Korean, but as time goes on, more and more idols with mixed heritage are emerging. Introducing these talented K-Pop idols who are not completely Korean:
Mixed roots Somi can be traced all over the world. This Candian-Korean K-Pop idol has roots in both of her ethnicities. Her Candian father and South Korean mother immigrated to South Korea when she was about a year old. Although she's not a shy person, Somi admitted that she experienced difficulties as a result of her mixed heritage.
SEVENTEEN's Vernon born in New York to an American mother and Korean father, who seem to support his career. Vernon also admitted that he experienced discrimination as a result of his background and when he lived in America and in Korea. His fair skin and features attract many people to him when he is in Korea.
His father is Korean and his mother is Japanese. Although Gangnam Born in Japan, he lived in Hawaii and eventually came to South Korea for a singing career. Gangnam admitted that there were difficulties at school, but that is all behind us now.
Beautiful Yoon Mirae was born in America but was raised in South Korea by her African-American father and Korean mother. She often mentions that her racial characteristics meant that she did not fit into any standard, American or Korean. As a result, she claims to have felt discriminated against and unduly targeted.
Apink's Hayoung also has mixed heritage, as her grandmother is Filipino. She was born in South Korea and is talented singer and an actress who achieved fame due to her talent in Apink.
Dok2 is a rapper who has gained fame in the music industry with his smart lyrics and great performances. Dok2 also has mixed roots. His nationality is a mixture of Filipino, Spanish and South Korean. Dok2's mother is a resident of South Korea, and his father is a mixture of Filipino and Spanish blood.
Maybe because the pronunciation of "gossip" was simply wrong or that their debut was too typical and simple compared to others women's groups, who debuted in the hot year of 2009 (2NE1, After School, T-ara), but Rainbow's track and video "Gossip Girl" did not do well.
9. Wassup - Wassup
Has anyone added this track to their playlist and listens to it daily? It seems oversaturated with sound effects and vocal parts, superimposed on one another - something like a hodgepodge! The same applies to music video. Besides the music, Wa$$up marketed themselves as South Korea's twerking group, but we didn't really see much twerking in the choreography.
8. ZE:A — Mazeltov
It's a typical K-pop video, typical K-pop outfits, and not-so-special vocals. This debut was even worse because of the song's chorus. "Latin girl, Mexican girl, Korean girl, Japanese girl." "Mazeltov, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Friday, Saturday, Sunday)"
7. Block B - Freeze!
Oh my god, this was another one of those videos that everyone had gotten tired of: all the new K-pop groups showed the same outfits, pretentious cars, bright and shiny scenes in the videos. Besides, just look at all those gestures and movements that you're all too familiar with, right? But what a transformation now!
6. Stellar - Rocket Girl
Stellar gained attention even before their debut due to being Shinhwa's Eric's group. However, expectations were not met. The futuristic electronic debut track "Rocket Girl" was pretty good in itself, but the rap at the beginning itself killed the whole song. It didn't have the power to impress audiences that were bombarded with idol group debuts at the time.
5. U-KISS - Not Young
U-KISS debuted in 2008 with “Not Young,” and it was so terrible that even the members themselves admitted that they never want to remember it.div>
4. Nine Muses - No Playboy
When Nine Muses debuted "No Playboy", any positive feedback they were not worthy. Myself CEO stated that the problem was the incorrect selection of songs and choreography, as well as the girls’ lack of practice and confidence.
3. Girl's Day - Tilt My Head
Girl's Day?! Really?! Yes. In 2010, Girl's Day created a lot of hype for their upcoming debut, and people expected too much from them. But their debut was actually one of the biggest disappointments. It wasn't just a disappointment due to high expectations, however. The song "Tilt My Head" was quite boring, and the clown outfits raised eyebrows.
2. Super Junior - Twins
We all respect Super Junior and believe that they are one of the most legendary K-pop groups of this generation. But how legendary was their debut video? Legendary and terribly funny if you watch it now. K-pop in 2005 was in a transition phase from the G.O.D/H.O.T style with their crazy hairstyles. But let's check out Heechul here.
1. M.O.A - I'll Call Ya
Among all the groups that had a bad debut but were able to bounce back with different concepts, there are some that never really found their groove... This is a perfect example.
