Today, let's talk about Korean girl groups. Specifically, let's start with the new kids on the block.
BLACKPINK are a somewhat manufactured band that debuted in 2016 with this video. From a Global chart standpoint, few Korean acts have done nearly as well, and they've done all this in a very short time. With names like Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, very easily translated to English, it's my suspicion that this was always the plan.They were always meant to take over the world.
Mission accomplished. Their songs historically perform stronger on the US Global Chart - with all five of their singles thus far making the top 5 on that chart, with 3 #1 hits - than even in Korea. But let's be fair - they're big stars back home. too.
This song is catchy, even in Korean. I mean, there's a fair amount of English in here. You'll be singing about BLACKPINK in your area before you know it!
14 May 2018
14 May 2018 - HYUN-A (현아) - '빨개요 (RED)
Let's start our K-Pop week with Hyun-a, Korea's Madonna - the big diva of their music scene. We've featured her here in the past.
In pop star terms, she's been around forever. Really, it's only been about 10 years, but in the K-Pop world, that's a long time. As someone who appeared in the video for PSY's worldwide hit "Gangnam Style" (and, if you are a long time reader of this blog, you know she recorded her OWN version), she's also arguably the first female Korean artist to have worldwide recognition.
This song isn't "Gangnam Style" and not even "Bubble Pop". It's a more mature pop song from a serious artist. Who likes to shock people in her native country (this video is borderline risque and Korean broadcasters refused to air what Rolling Stone called one of the ten best videos of 2014).
All in all, it's a great tune with both electronic and Middle Eastern influence. Give it a listen.
In pop star terms, she's been around forever. Really, it's only been about 10 years, but in the K-Pop world, that's a long time. As someone who appeared in the video for PSY's worldwide hit "Gangnam Style" (and, if you are a long time reader of this blog, you know she recorded her OWN version), she's also arguably the first female Korean artist to have worldwide recognition.
This song isn't "Gangnam Style" and not even "Bubble Pop". It's a more mature pop song from a serious artist. Who likes to shock people in her native country (this video is borderline risque and Korean broadcasters refused to air what Rolling Stone called one of the ten best videos of 2014).
All in all, it's a great tune with both electronic and Middle Eastern influence. Give it a listen.
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