Hongdae club celebrates 15 years The entrance to Club FF in Seogyo-dong, western Seoul / Korea Times photo by Jon DunbarBy Jon DunbarClub FF has proven its staying power, 15 years since its opening in 2004. It's celebrating the occasion this weekend with three days of shows presenting some of the best of Korea's underground music scene.When the venue opened, the area in front of Hongik University, known colloquially as Hongdae, was an artist community with a robust growing indie music scene. The years have not been kind, and the neighborhood's seen many live music venues rise and fall, including Club Drug, Skunk Hell, Club Spot and Club Ta, the latter which was located a couple doors down from FF. Somehow FF has outlasted them all, establishing itself as a hybrid club-live music venue with a bit more of a party vibe. Perhaps it had more appeal than its competitors, as it was open to a wide range of rock genres, emphasizing quality rather than catering to a specific community. “We love rock 'n' roll music and culture,” Eddie Hwang, owner and DJ of FF, told The Korea Times. “Our focus is rock!! We trAug 23, 2019By Jon Dunbar
Singer-actor Kim Dong-jun releases reply single to Ben's hit song Singer-actor Kim Dong-jun's reply single to Ben's hit song "Thank you for Goodbye" will be released on August 28. Capture from Instagram @super_d.jBy Lee Han-naSinger-actor Kim Dong-jun will release a “reply” single to Ben's hit song “Thank you for Goodbye” on August 28. The song, “Sorry I Can't,” is written from the perspective of a man breaking up with his lover.When Ben released her single “Thank you for Goodbye,” their agency, Major 9, did not credit Kim Dong-jun for featuring in the album's conversational lyrics. Many fans expressed their disappointment to the agency for not appreciating the work of their own artist. To the fans' surprise, the agency announced on Friday that Kim will release his own single, replying to the hit song. A netizen commented: “I loved his voice in 'Thank you for Goodbye.' I am so excited!”But as reply songs usually change the lyrics and use the same melody, some fans were unhappy. “I am happy that he will release his own single but why is it a reply song?” a fan wrote. Another onlAug 23, 2019
VIDEO Superorganism: 'Internet is crucial to our existence' From left to right, Harry, Soul, and B joins the interview after the performance at Your Summer Festival held at Paradise City, Incheon, Aug. 15./ Korea Times photo by Kim Kang-minBy Jung Hae-myoungVideo by Lee Min-young, Kim Kang-minWhat is more modern than a band with members from all around the world whose work together is based online? The genesis of the pop-collective octet Superorganism ― how the band was made ― is as intriguing as its experimental sound effects and glitzy music videos.Superorganism defines itself as a “multimedia art project,” according to Harry, guitarist, singer-songwriter and composer of the band. The multinational band consists of members from Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and South Korea. They began as a casual recording project among online friends, but developed into a more serious music project.The band has a distinct whale logo that Emily, one-eighth of Superorganism, drew while “he was working at his day job slacking off.” The whale sums up their way of working on music. They say the whalAug 22, 2019
Chungha releases collaboration single with Grizzly Chungha and Grizzly will release a collaboration single on Thursday evening entitled "Run." Capture from Instagram @chungha_official and @gombalbadakkBy Lee Han-naChungha will release the single “Run” in collaboration with Grizzly on Thursday evening. Grizzly produced Chungha's debut album “Week” with Cracker, as well as the song “Remind of You” on the album “Offset.”The new single is fresh synth pop to wash away the fading summer heat. The teaser video uploaded Tuesday shows Grizzly driving by beaches with a group of friends.Fans expressed happiness over the comebacks of their favorite K-pop artists. One netizen commented: “I got a heart attack three times, from Everglow to Red Velvet's Umpah Umpah music video. Now this!” Another said: “I love the beats already!”Grizzly debuted in September 2014 with the single “D.S.” Chungha debuted in 2016 in the project girl band I.O.I. and then went solo with the single Grizzly produced in April 2017.Aug 22, 2019
Im Chang-jung returns with more autumn ballads on 15th album Im Chang-jung is a veteran actor and singer who debuted in 1990. He will release his 15th album on September 6. Courtesy of YES IM EntertainmentBy Lee Han-naVeteran singer Im Chang-jung returns with more autumn ballads on September 6, a year after his 14th album “There has never been a day I haven't loved you.” The new album's 15 tracks will be released at 6 p.m. on that date.From the title song of his latest album to various tracks such as “Love Again” and “A Glass of Soju,” several topped major music charts. Many music lovers regard his ballads as some of the most heart-warming and remembered songs.Fans have expressed excitement about the new release. One netizen said: “Autumn is for Lim Chang-jung, of course.”Lim is a veteran singer and actor. He debuted as an actor in 1990 in the movie “Nambugun,” or “North Korean Partisan In South Korea,” and as a singer in 1995 with the album “Already to Me.”Aug 22, 2019
INTERVIEW Yo-Yo Ma hopes to connect humanity through Bach Yo-Yo Ma's is performing Bach's “Six Cello Suites for Solo Cello” in 36 locations on six continents over two years. He is set to perform in Seoul on Sept. 8. Courtesy of Jason BellBy Anna J. ParkYo-Yo Ma, one of the most celebrated cellists of the century, is halfway through a two-year project to perform Bach's “Six Cello Suites for Solo Cello” in 36 locations on six continents. Dubbed “The Bach Project,” the renowned cellist aims to build bridges for peace among various communities around the world through the special power of music. The project was also conceived to mark the 63-year-old's third recording release of Bach's cello suites last summer. He had previously recorded the same masterpieces by Bach at the ages of 28 and 43.Since the project's first concert in August last year, in Denver in the U.S., Ma has performed in 18 places, as of Wednesday. On Sept. 8, he is set to perform in Seoul. It will be the first time the cello virtuoso has played one of the greatest masterpieces of classical music ― Bach's Six Cello Suites ― at a concert in KorAug 21, 2019By Anna J. Park
'K-pop Star' vocalist Kim Do-yeon makes debut as Oyeon Kim Do-yeon debuts on Wednesday evening as "Oyeon" with the single "Stay With Me." Capture from Instagram @the_oyeonBy Lee Han-naKim Do-yeon, from SBS singing competition “K-pop Star season 2,” will debut as “Oyeon” with the single “Stay With Me” on Wednesday evening. Her stage name omits the “D” from her name, which means leader of joy.The debut song is about the miraculous process of falling in love and how lovers wish to stay together. The song also expresses the excitement and happiness of the unexpected encounter of love.It is her first collaboration with RBW and the DUCKFUSS Label. RBW, or Rainbowbridge World, is the agency of girl band MAMAOO and boy bands ONEUS, ONEWE and VROMANCE.Oyeon became well-known for her clear and calming voice and singing talent when she competed in the SBS audition program in 2013. She went into the top 10 but withdrew from the program.Aug 21, 2019
Music video teaser: Simon Dominic tunes in with Loopy and Crush Korean rapper Simon Dominic, with Loopy and Crush, in a still from the "Make Her Dance" teaser video. Capture from YouTube AOMGOFFICIALBy Lee Han-naRapper Simon Dominic is raising the excitement of fans with a second teaser video for “Make Her Dance,” a week after his comeback single “DAx4.” The coming single features renowned rappers Loopy and Crush. On the teaser video, released Wednesday, the three rappers are surrounded by women dancing in a pool. Some online users were uneasy about scenes highlighting certain parts of the women but many supported the rapper. A user commented: “Don't care about the hate comments. You cheer for American rappers like Chris Brown, Pitbull and Flo Rida but why not Simon Dominic?” Several fans said it was the choice of the women dancers to show off their bodies. International fans also were excited. “It is going to be Mommae version 2,” one said.Dominic debuted in 2007 with the single “Lonely Night” and in the duo “Supreme Team” in 2009 with the mini-album “Supreme Team GuidAug 21, 2019
Park Ji-min releases single as she leaves JYP Park Ji-min debuted as 15& with Baek Ye-rin in 2012. Capture from Instagram @jiminxjamieBy Lee Han-naPark Ji-min of girl duo 15& will release a digital single, “Stay Beautiful,” as she leaves JYP Entertainment on Aug. 26. Her contract ends this month after seven years.It has been a year since she had released mini-album, “JiminXJamie,” last September. She uploaded a teaser photo on social media, Monday, adding to the excitement about the forthcoming release. Online users are showing their support on her post, expressing their happiness.After winning the SBS audition reality program “K-pop Star” season 1, Park debuted as 15& with Baek Ye-rin in 2012 with the single “I Dream.” Park began performing solo actively in 2015 with the single “Hopeless Love.” She is well-known for her powerful and soulful voice.Aug 19, 2019
Mexico gives inspiration to singer-songwriter Sunmi Sunmi will hold a showcase for fans at YES24 Live Hall on Aug. 27. Capture from Instagram @miyayeahBy Lee Han-naSunmi will release a song entitled “Lalalay" on Aug. 27. She got her inspiration for the song in Mexico during her world concert tour “Warning.”MakeUs Entertainment uploaded three teaser photos of the album on Monday.The artist has been getting more acknowledgement as a singer-songwriter since her single “Noir,” and mini-album “Addict,” which she wrote and composed. The upcoming song is Sunmi's third production.The showcase for the album will take place at YES24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu at 8 p.m. on the day of release.Sunmi debuted in 2007 as a member of girl band “Wonder Girls” and has worked as a solo artist since 2013. Wonder Girls disbanded on January, 2017, when Sunmi and Ye-eun decided to leave JYP.A teaser image, left, for Sunmi's song “Lalalay.” Capture from Instagram @miyayeahAug 19, 2019
