Author: magjaeblogs

A 19 year-old Counselling and Psychotherapy student at University of Derby exploring the Korean music industry.

My favourite March (2020) comebacks!

First of all… I got to apologise for how L A T E this is. I don’t even really have an excuse, maybe I can blame me doing university work but… I’ve been lacking with that too. I guess I am at that point where motivation is getting hard to find in quarantine, but you guys and this blog is important to me so here we goooooo!

5. 강다니엘 (KANG DANIEL) – 2U

I have to start this one off with how funny the music video for this actually is. However, I do really enjoy the dance for this and the song itself is nice and smooth. Definitely very Kang Daniel vibes, a song that you can listen to while chilling and relaxing.

4. SUHO 수호 – ‘사랑, 하자 (Let’s Love)’

I was so excited for this to come out, and Suho did not disappoint one bit. This is such a ballad and I am so in love with it and him. If you have not yet listened please do, it is really worth it, then come back and tell me how amazing this is.

3. DONGKIZ – LUPIN

BEAT. BEAT. BEAT.
This makes me wanna get up and dance along. They are a group that I really wish would get more recognition because they are genuinely so good why is the Kpop industry sleeping on them! Honestly really like the concept and if you have a spare minute this a good group I very highly recommend!

2. Stray Kids – “바보라도 알아”

Feel like it has been a hot minute since I have had Stray Kids on this blog, but this slower version of them is something I have really enjoyed. This was definitely a grower, a few listens and I was in love with how it all sounded.

1. ITZY – “WANNABE”

ICONIC. This has been on repeat, and I really mean on repeat. I am in love with the lyrics and how positive it is about just purely being yourself, and I highly support it. The music video is so strong and please get me a few of these outfits I need them! Also, the dancing is so good and on point, this months favourite was not hard to pick!

So what has been everyone’s favourite in March?

Review: GOT7’s DYE mini album

This is a comeback I have been building up my excitement for, from the preview photos to the preview of the song and mini album the boys were already impressing. Now the comeback is actually here, let’s look slightly deeper and review the all 6 tracks that are available on Spotify.

The title track ‘NOT BY THE MOON’ is definitely one that will get stuck in your head. It’s only been out a couple of hours and it has not left my mind. There are some crazy theories from what I’ve seen on Twitter, but mostly it follows the deeper story of Romeo and Juliet (or so it seems). The storyline is well thought out and the boys look as dashing as ever. We should also focus on the dance, from what the video gives away (this is written before any dance practise has been released), it looks so energetic and smooth. GOT7 serve looks well, and can we all appreciate Jackson with his crown?

I know a lot of fans were upset because once again, J.Y.P himself has written, composed and arranged their title tracks. We all know how quite often on albums their side tracks are more suitable for the title track but hey, we can’t change that unfortunately.

Even though there is a much deeper meaning to the video, the lyrics work so well with it. The whole album gives me some proper chill vibes, an album I would have on replay while doing university work or sitting in the garden chilling with my family and pets. Personally think that the line distribution throughout it has been pretty good too.

AURA

Written and composed by Choi Youngjae (also known as ARS), I was definitely expecting a masterpiece and our boy definitely delivered well. I like the rhythm and flow of the rappers within it.

CRAZY

Written and composed by our Jaebeom (also known as DEFSOUL), I think that this is one of the most catchy songs on the album. The chorus is so nice and upbeat, making you want to have a little dance along with it. I am really impressed (once again) with how well the rappers fit into this track, and for once they’re not given cringey English lines… we will get to that later ok.

LOVE YOU BETTER

This one is one that really hits me vocally, really enjoyable… though were we expecting any different? However, this is one where I wish our ‘double b’ got rid of the cringe lyrics, just personally don’t think it fits that well, GOT7 are at that stage where I’m sure they don’t need to do that. But hey, I’m no lyrics writer and Jinyoung did so well here, he’s definitely coming for me isn’t he..!

TRUST MY LOVE

Definitely one of my favourites on the album, since the preview this was one I was waiting impatiently for. It’s probably because music wise it’s the most up my street, let me get up and dance! I really hope to see it performed one day, let it make it a possible future tour, please. Vocals are so on point too, everything about this track just really works for me… I think it’s easily identified that it is my favourite.

POISON

BEAT. That’s all I want everyone to know. Please, Mark’s rap in this is something I am living for and want to see more of!

I am aware that there are 3 more tracks which are only available on the CD, if you guys would like then eventually when my albums do arrive I can add my review of those.

But for real, what did you think and which is your favourite?

My favourite February (2020) comebacks!

Hello everyone,
Before I fully start I would like to wish you all well, please stay safe and if you are self isolating I am a message away! Expect a lot more posts in the next few weeks, it’s time for me to stay inside as much as possible.

5. iKON –  뛰어들게(Dive)

No matter what YG puts these boys through, they still resurface as strong as ever. Even without B.I, you can still tell he has had his part in this. The boys just keep going and remaining strong, the song is definitely a calmer one than some of their previous work but I like that.

4. Weki Meki 위키미키 – DAZZLE DAZZLE

These girls always make me smile, and I just love the aesthetic of the video. I have had this on repeat and even my little brother bops to this! Definitely recommend them if you’re looking to get into a girl group.

3. KARD – RED MOON

KARD – do they ever disappoint? Each time they have a comeback I just get more hooked and more impressed. I have mad respect for BM too, he’s been ever so helpful and understanding towards monbebes, thank you. The song itself has a hard beat to it and the music video is full of visuals. We’re definitely lucky to keep receiving such bops.

2. MCND – ICE AGE

Not going to lie to you guys, this is the first I have seen of this group and can I just say, I am older than pretty much all of them – wish I was this talented. The visuals are a yes, the rap is a mega yes and the song hits well. I will definitely be looking more into this group, if anyone wants to send me helpful guides I would appreciate it!

1. PENTAGON – Dr. BeBe

CAN THEY JUST CHILL FOR ONE COMEBACK PLEASE! Pentagon will forever remain one of my favourite groups, even though the drama with Yanan is not over (by drama I mean the fact that he wants to come back but CUBE won’t let him), they just keep releasing new songs that everyone falls in love with. Their fandom (universe) are so sweet and am so proud to be a part of it. Am very much in love with the vocals and visuals and love the way the music video has been put together.

What were your favourite February comebacks? Have I missed out on a gem? Do let me know!

Review: SuperM in London

End of February, what a roller coaster ride that was. Wanted to just say a massive thank you before I begin to my friend Hissa, who made it possible for me to attend SuperM in London.

SuperM came to tour Europe and included London in one of their two dates… It is safe to say that there was much disappointment with such little amount of tour stops, but it has to be understood with all of their busy schedules. Either way, this was an opportunity to see some of the boys who I have been following for many, many, many years.

Photographs taken by me from section 103 at the O2 arena on the 28th of February 2020.

It was great to see the amount of fan projects and support for each of the boys as well as the whole group. Fans would queue to purchase unofficial goodies, pick up pre ordered goods and get their free banner projects. Unfortunately, during the show not many people actually used it from what I could see, but the thought behind it was sweet and supportive.

Their stage layout was interesting, they had the main stage, then a ‘L’ shape runway as well as a small runway on the other side. Depending on where in the arena you were sat determined what part of the concert you had the better view of. From section 103 you could see each part of the stage, however the runway coming out was the closest and therefore the clearest.

The concert itself was full of energy, screams and laughter which filled the arena. The set list included everything that a fan of these boys would want to see with solos stages, group stages and unreleased songs there was plenty of diversity. Each of the stages showed the individuality as well as the bond of the boys, and personally my favourites were ‘Baby don’t stop’ and ‘Can’t stand the rain’ which we got to hear twice due to some minor technical difficulties, though of course nobody minded.

A slight criticism for the lighting team, as the lights were so harsh at times you couldn’t see the boys who were wearing white as it just reflected off of them, making it hard to film or capture any good photographs.

I would love to see these boys come back together again, as well as in their own groups. It’s amazing to see the amount of support KPOP has gained with a lot more gigs lined up. Did you guys go and see them? What stage was your personal favourite?

Review: Wonho’s birthday event at Gaza Cafe in London

Happy birthday Wonho!

For Wonho’s birthday, @ukmonbebe and @london_mobebe (Twitter) collaborated together to organise an event at Gaza cafe Soho in London. Since I was already in London for SuperM (review coming soon) it was definitely on my to do list before I left.

It was well organised and not overcrowded as they only let in a few people at a time. That meant that you did have to queue a couple of times, but it was definitely worth it once you were inside the cafe. Before you even entered, the windows were decorated with banners and posters of Wonho, allowing those who walked past to wonder what’s going on. While in the queue, a few people did actually ask what was going on and what it was we were celebrating.

The moment I walked in I felt in awe. Honestly, it’s safe to say I shed some tears a few times… but it was beautiful. Little Wonho displays everywhere, tv playing ot7 performances and the atmosphere over all was so nice and relaxed. Many fans came to visit, ages ranging from children to adults showing the diversity of fans that Monsta X actually have.

A few photographs taken by myself and my friend Hissa at Gaza cafe in London on the 1st of March 2020.

For the day they had a special drink called ‘strawbunny melon ade’ which was very delicious. All the staff at the cafe and those working with the Monbebe accounts were ever so friendly. They even had post it notes and pen so we could write messages to Wonho which were going to get mailed to Starship (apparently), it was definitely a day fully dedicated to showing our love and support for our bunny boy Wonho.

  • A strawbunny melon Ade with the cup sleeve.
  • Some of the messages left for Wonho.

If you pre paid you were able to collect some Wonho goodies such as cup sleeves, photocards and badges. We were told that the wristbands would be mailed out to us at a later date.

For me personally, this was the first birthday event that I have attended and it’s easy to say that it’s left me wanting to attend more. My goodies are pinned on my board and in the back of my clear phone case. Thank you for all the hard work that has been put in to make this a visit to remember.

Here is a blurry moment to show my happiness at the cafe.

Did you go? What was your favourite part? Many thanks to those who organised it, and everyone who came and enjoyed it.

My favourite January (2020) comebacks!

I cannot believe that we are in 2020 already, but did anyone else feel like January has lasted forever? Honestly, so glad that we are in February.

What a crazy month it has been for K-POP, and honestly I have been living for it. This one has been tough to organise into top five if I’m honest with you guys, so I’m ever so curious to see what you guys would of done for January and your top picks!

So, let’s get into it.

5. TAEYEON – 태연 ‘내게 들려주고 싶은 말 (Dear Me)

To start of January, I really enjoyed Taeyeon’s new full album repackage, but this song specifically. I love how positive the song is and the actual melody is so calming yet energising, does that make sense to anyone else?

4. SUPER JUNIOR – 슈퍼주니어 ‘2YA2YAO!’

They came, they conquered, they won.
Honestly, I couldn’t be more proud and happy with all these boys have put into this. They all look so good, and if you haven’t yet listened to this song, you’re really missing out I promise you.

3. DUSTIN – BURN

I have been waiting for this group to debut so I could talk about them for a while! The build up to their debut has been amazing, and the support from their international fan base has been crazy. The song may take a few listens for some people, but it’s a grower and I really really love it. If I could bring these boys to the UK I so would! Their vocals are fab, rap is totally on point and over all I have been hyping these boys up on all my socials!

2. ATEEZ (에이티즈) – ‘Answer’

Were we expecting anything else other than an absolute master piece? The answer is no.
ATEEZ have once again come and completely smashed it out the bag. I have read some crazy theories about the music video and everything and honestly I love the creativity. Also, the lightstick is an absolute master piece. The song itself is nice and energetic and the music video is so well shot/directed.
Are any of my readers going to their tour? If so, which stop?

1. SF9 – ‘Good Guy’

Watching these boy get wins for this absolute banger was all I could of asked for, maybe I even teared up. This song personally really speaks to me, kind of reminds me of older Kpop songs. It has been on repeat, both versions of the album bought and overall just rate this a strong 11/10. It’s been hinted that these boys will return to Europe, please pray that they’ll still include the UK!

I am ever so sorry about how late this blog post is, settling back into university after Christmas break off has been kind of hard, but look out for Monsta X’s album review and February comebacks soon!

My favourite December (2019) comebacks!

Happy (late) New Year everybody! I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has made 2019 good for me and this blog. Thank you for all the support that I was given and therefore allowed to continue to create content.

2020 has already opened it’s doors so much wider for me, and I can’t wait to share my new experiences with you guys and let you all know the exciting things in which you can take part in too! It’s going to be a crazy ride, but I’m here for it.

So let’s get into the last month of Kpop in 2019, and see what my favourites have been.

5. Lee Jun Young(이준영) – Curious About U

He has done so well, and the beat is so catchy. It’s been a song that I have really liked since listening to it for the first time, I wish more people were supporting him like he deserves! He is so talented, and the music video is so bright. A big thumbs up from me.

4. CL – +ONE AND ONLY180228+

Guys, you have no idea how happy I am to see her making music again. This song (lyrics wise anyway) is definitely taking a dig, and she is proving that there is really no one else like her. This is so creative and still a lot like her style, am so happy she didn’t give up.

3. 혁 (HYUK) – ‘겨울나비 (Winter Butterfly)’

Hyuk has worked really hard on this, and he is definitely one of the most improved vocalists. In VIXX there were times he’d get little lines, and now to see him with his own comeback is amazing. The song is nice and slow, full of emotion and his vocals just smash it honestly, couldn’t be more proud of him. If you haven’t checked his album out, I definitely recommend that you do!

2. MOMOLAND(모모랜드) _ Thumbs Up

I love so many of the outfits in this music video I just had to rank MOMOLAND high! Of course, the song is extremely catchy and leaves you singing it for most of the day too. I think they are so unique, recently they really stand out for me.

1. Red Velvet – ‘Psycho’

Question, how could this not be my favourite of December? This is honestly absolutely everything that I have wanted Red Velvet to give me. The lyrics, the music and the video all just satisfy me so much. Each of the members shine in their own way, this era is doing good for them all. I wish Wendy steady recovery, and am looking forward to what 2020 has in store for them as a group.

So, those were my favourites from December, do you agree? What were your favourites? I will try to be more active in 2020, I know I have more planned but it’s more to do with this blog and this genre, so I will be bringing you some exclusive content in the future!

(There might be an ATEEZ and SF9 unboxing on the way…).

My favourite November (2019) comebacks!

Another busy month is over, and even a busier one is starting. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this month is definitely full of giving. I am celebrating my birthday this month~

I think that November has been one of the best months of comebacks for KPOP, there were so many good tracks to choose from, both from the girl groups and boy groups. I wish for more months like this one!

5. ASTRO – Blue Flame

Can we first of all address how grown up Sanha looks? Like he has grown up so much recently, am so proud of his progress, as well as the whole group. This comeback has really done it for them, and even though Moonbin was taking time to himself they smashed promotions so well. Please support these boys, they really deserve everything that they can get.

4. MAMAMOO – Hip

What. A. Banger. I mean, were we really expecting anything less? I am so happy with how well this has done, but like, someone talk with me about that performance Hwasa did with JYP… yikes.

3. HyunA – Flower Shower

If I am honest with you, I couldn’t of been happier when I finally saw Hyuna drop something and it being so good, I lowkey cried. Seeing her back and doing what she adores, with the support of fans after everything she has gone through, it’s what she deserves. I am so proud, if you haven’t listened yet, please do. Really, cannot wait to see what she does next!

2. EXO – Obsession

Now we are getting to my top two of this month, and let me tell you that this was an extremely close call. Obsession is such a bop, and I cannot believe how many times I have listened to it and the album. Even though it’s weird seeing so little members, it doesn’t stop them from coming back with such bops.

1. GOT7 – You Calling My Name

Now this is my favourite GOT7 comeback in a while, to the point that I went as far as attempting to learn the choreography to this song. If I am honest with you, the side tracks on this album are definitely worth a listen to as well, especially Crash and Burn. Youngjae (and the rest of the members) look so good, and I couldn’t be more proud of how well they are doing with how bad their company is treating them…

So, that’s my favourite November comebacks, but what are yours? I’m intrigued to see what you guys think!

Concert Review: VAV returned to London!

The wait for UK Vampz (VAV’s fandom name) was finally over, when VAV finally announced that they would be returning to Europe, including London, in November. Of course, this was an opportunity I personally could not miss since I saw them last time they visited, it was time to see how they have developed as a group. Plus this time, all seven were able to make it, meaning we finally got to see Jacob live.

Going to this concert I managed to grab a VIP ticket, as well as their special event which was available to those who had enough coins to purchase it on their VAV fan app. This is a great way to give back to the fans that go that extra mile for them and check in every day, complete tasks and interact with them through live chats.

The evening started with the fans being queued in the order that they have purchased their tickets, which was both good and bad. It was good because it meant that fans did not camp or queue from really early hours, however it also meant that you were stuck with whatever number you managed to get. Either way, I was number 54, not too bad.

Once we were finally in the venue we were queued up in our groups of 7 or 8, and already we could see the boys sitting down at the table waiting for us. In an ideal world, the photo layout would of been better, since they were sat down and we just stood behind them and took the photo, giving us not much choice of how to pose or anything. Am still waiting for the picture to come out… wanted to not post until I had it but in reality… we could be waiting for a good few weeks so…

Once the photos were clicked, we each received a poster and got told to write our name on a post it note, which Lou then translated into Korean (as in wrote it in Hangul) so all the members were able to say your name when you had your meeting time with them, which I think is quite cute. It was relatively slow, you could talk to each member briefly, hold their hand and make eye contact – VAV are doing it right, or should I say K Events.

With my number, I have managed to get second row, towards the middle left side and a good enough view. The stage was high like last year, meaning that no matter where you stood you were able to see the boys. The favourite that they have performed for me was definitely ‘Give me more’ and ‘Thrilla Killa’.

Full video of Give me more, Thrilla Killa and Señorita can be found on my YouTube channel!

VAV are definitely a group that focus a lot on interactions with fans, both on and off stage. Their focus was constantly on interacting and sending hearts to fans while performing as well as in between members talking and explaining. There was a translator at the show too, though not sure how many people were keen on that.

Small snippets from the concerts can be found on my Twitter thread!

The ending was emotional of course, they did the slower songs and prepared us for their exit, however on popular demand did do another version of Give me more which was definitely nice, though they could of done a song that wasn’t already on the setlist and surprise us that way;).

My experience is as always amazing, being able to further attend the after event for only 100 fans was great, it included another photo with the 100 people who attended as well as an additional hi touch as a goodbye.

Overall, I would definitely rate this highly in my list of concerts I have attended. The venue was small but accommodating enough, the group performing were breathtaking and the overall experience was more than satisfying.

P.S: I will edit this post with the photographs once we get them!

My favourite October (2019) comebacks!

When will I ever post on time? Can I maybe get away by saying it’s been a lot to deal with in the fandoms this past month? I actually wrote this update a few days ago, it’s just uploading that I’ve deffered. I’ll say what I have to when it gets to the right song.

5. Youngjae – Forever Love

I’m forever thankful that this man is making music by himself. He never disappoints and his music is right up my street. Definitely even prefer this one to his last comeback, which is a lot.

4. ATEEZ – Wonderland

I know what you’re thinking. ATEEZ at number 4? Are you okay? Now listen, this comeback definitely SLAPS. The title track for sure is one of their best yet, but the rest of the album I’m not sure how keen I am personally. These rookies stole my heart back then and they still have it, can’t believe it’s already been a year since I’ve stanned.

3. VAV – Poison

Can I just say how proud I am? Not only is this song a proper tune but they’re also coming and touring Europe again. I am so excited to see them in London, if any of you are going and want to meet just let me know!

2. Bz-Boys – YESSIR

I’ve stumbled on this group by accident and I already want to stan just from this one song? Honestly I’ve had this song on replay and I highly recommend you guys give this group a chance! (If anyone stans and wants to teach me please do!).

1. Monsta X – Follow

Now this is a difficult one. I mean this comeback should of been one of Monsta X’s best comebacks to date. Everyone loved it, side tracks were amazing. But the fandom was so hurt by news and how everything was dealt with. Never the less we’ve supported and got wins, but we’re all still hurting as we remain unsure on the future of the group. Monsta X is OT7 in our hearts, and I can do nothing but support the boys, pray for the best and wait to see what the future holds. Please, don’t leave our boys.

So better late than never, if anyone needs a chat please do find me on my twitter @ SunlitYoungjae.