K-Wave Stateside: K-Pop Stories In American News (Week Of January 26 - February 2)

SISTAR's Hyolyn Hits Number One On The Billboard Charts

SISTAR's Hyolyn tops the charts for the OST drama series, "Man From Another Star." The title of her track is "Goodbye" and it is ranked number one. This makes number three on being number one as a solo artist. With her beautiful angelic voice, the song is such a perfect fit. Hyolyn joins the females of Lee Hi and Davichi in-terms of reaching number one three times with a track.

Hyolyn "Goodbye" Audio

On other news, Lyn's song, "My Destiny," is ranked number two. The track is also from the OST of the drama. Looks like the OST's songs from "Man From The Stars" is a hit.

Lyn "My Destiny"

Stars To Watch Out On

Billboard featured an article regarding what stars to look out for on 2014. 2013, it was EXO and Crayon Pop. This year, GOT7 which the boys are from agency 'JYP Entertainment' which has popular stars such as Miss A, Wonder Girls, and J.Y. Park. With their hotness for their music video, "Girls Girls Girls" and Tae Kwon Do on stage; GOT7 are popular with the ladies has they have receive numerous love calls/letters. Each of the members are unique by being able to speak a wide range of languages such as "English, Thai, Korean, and Chinese."

GOT7 "Girls Girls Girls" Performance

Other stars are Super Junior's Henry Lau for his awesome songs such as "Trap" and "I Love You."

Henry Lau "Trap" MV

Henry "I Love You" MV

With his great choreography and boyish look; fans who are teenagers are loving him. Henry is "Canada-bred" though is Chinese by being "multilingual on English, Mandarin Chinese, and Korean." He is quickly as well one to look out for as a rising star.

WINNER is another one to pay attention to even though they have not yet made their "official debut." They are gaining popularity in Korea due to their show, "Who is Next: WIN." WINNER is expected to make their debut at the end of this month. The group has received numerous "clothing" endorsements as well appeared in the US which is Fuse by having an interview.

BEENZINO is another rising star due to his track "24:27." With his fantastic rapping skills as well bringing "underground hip-hop" to Korea, it is no wonder at just twenty-six years old, this guy is becoming known.

The gorgeous Ladies' Code are getting attention for their hit songs such as, "Bad Girl", "Hate You", and "Pretty Pretty."

Ladies' Code "Pretty Pretty" MV

Ladies' Code "Hate You

Ladies' Code "Bad Girl" MV

With numerous viewers on YouTube, they are quickly rising in-terms of fan base. By blending electronic-pop as well throwbacks from the previous years; it is truly one to pay attention to. Also, with their great vocals and all, do not be surprised if Ladies' Code reaches the "Top Ten" in the months to come.

Big Controversies, Dance Choreography Were Seen at the Beginning of 2014

Noisey featured an article regarding the top controversies as well issues that occurred at the beginning of 2014. The first major news is regarding Busker Busker and how the guys will definitely be on "hiatus" forever. With Beom Jun Jang getting married to his girlfriend Jisu Song; as well she expecting their first child, it is no surprise why Busker Busker is not composing any new singles. Looks like Busker Busker will go bye-bye forever. Be sure to keep their songs in your heart. Who is going to miss Busker Busker?

The article then moves on regarding Akdong Musician and how they are quickly getting popular. Akdong is composed of "teenage siblings" Soo Hyun (14 years old) and Chan Hyuk Lee (17 years old). This two got noticed just like male group Busker Busker on the show, "X Factor- style survival show." Soo and Chan will release their single by making their debut by the end of this month.

The life of dieting in order to look great on television. SISTAR's Soyu is looking or staying slim has she explained what she does to keep her physique. What Soyu does is that on her three meals, she limits herself on certain foods. Like for breakfast, Soyu eats "one sweet potato." Once lunch approaches, she eats "three eggs and some wheat bread." Finally, for dinner, "three pieces of Kimbap." Her group member Dasom explained regarding Soyu's dieting, "live to eat and eat to live," which is why she indulges in one meal per day: a "lunch-dinner" at around 4pm. (She also eats, she says, because if she doesn't while acting on the set of popular K-drama Melody of Love, the production staff abstains in solidarity.)"

Soyu is not the only one dieting, After School explained how they keep their beautiful long legs as well figure. They said, "to eat a lot and sleep a lot." They further said, "on days we do eat a lot, we manage our bodies by skipping dinner."

Finally, the article explains about the recent female groups and their choreography modifications. Since Korean pop music is linked with the Korean government, no sexual content should be tolerated that will impact the image of the country, it's people, as well culture. Which is why Music Bank told the ladies to modify their sexy choreography. Plus, since the government is funding or providing "financial support," the Ministry of Gender Equality & Family bans millions of songs with sexual content every or "per year." The groups are AOA and Girl's Day due to the "split leg dance."

Girl's Day "Something"

AOA "Miniskirt" MV

Even though fans are getting "comfortable" with this sexy concepts, the government is not; hence why such strict modifications is enforced still whenever female groups go this route. Korea is still a conservative country, so the government will keep an eye out.

Finally, the article explained the passing away of Super Junior's Leeteuk's grandparents as well father due to a murder/suicide. This is done and his family are now resting peacefully. We said our loving condolences.

Ga-In's Music Video "Fxxk U" Stirs Controversy

News media Billboard featured an article regarding Ga-In's new music video, "Fxxk U." Her new track is catching as well stirring "controversy." Ga-In worked with her group members Brown Eyed Girls as well Psy for "Gentleman" last year. 2014 is here and she once again came out "bold" for her new single comeback. Continuing with the concept of boldness on "Bloom," Ga-In came out with this music video that has a "bouncy guitar rhythms and R&B inspired harmonies." The story of "Fxxk U" is to explain about love and the "frustrations" that comes with it. While the use of "fuuk" is heard numerous times, you can see on the video how Ga-In's relationship is frustrating with male singer, Bumkey. Ga-In's song as well music video is so provocative; that SBS Korea's broadcasting network decided not to air it around South Korea. So, since her music video is not being shown in Korea, does it mean that she will have to edit the lyrics on her performances on the major music shows? Or maybe not even promote this single?

Interview With Big Bang's member G-Dragon

News media The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Big Bang's member, G-Dragon. On the article, it explained regarding how boy G-D is popular globally. When he is promoting solo or with the group, the producer, rapper, as well songwriter said, "Before I was physically there in different countries to meet my fans in person, I didn't really realize how famous I was."

At only twenty-five years old, Kwon Ji Yong is popular globally. United States, rappers such as Ludacris went and "visited YG Entertainment." Danny Im,
who is the "former labelmate" that now "hosts the talk show of Mnet America," explained what occurred when Ludacris was at YG. He said, "We were showing him some music videos that YG came out with." He further explained that Ludacris at first did not know who G-Dragon was during that visit. Danny said, "When they saw GD, they didn't know who he was, but they went, 'Yo, that kid's a star.'" G-Dragon has collaborated with numerous American singers; the only thing though that he wishes to work with is Pharrell Williams. G-Dragon said, "Ever since I got into writing hip-hop music, he's been my only living idol." He hopes to one day work with Pharrell.

The interview goes by asking how popular G-Dragon and Big Bang are worldwide. Which he said, "When I went on the Big Bang Alive Galaxy world tour in 2012 and my first solo world tour in 2013. Before I was physically there in different countries to meet my fans in person, I didn't really realize how famous I was. Through the world tour experiences, I was able to figure out where we stand in different countries, which helped us learn how we should plan things going forward." The next question was regarding the "international market" and if G-Dragon is concerned whenever he composes a "new record." G-D's response, "Definitely. Nowadays, I can interact with my fans all around the world via SNS and YouTube, and they can monitor my daily life. I study my fans all the time and what I learn from them will definitely be reflected in my future work."

Fashion was also asked as well "frequent flier miles" in-terms of how many he has. "Millions" is what his guess was. G-Dragon and Taeyang were in a fashion shoot in Paris; so they asked what G-D wears. His response was that he does not care and just wants to look great at all times whenever he travels. Finally, for the last question, it was about his long-term goals/career. As well if Big Bang or him will compose a album for the fans here in the US. G-D responded by saying, "I've always been thinking about it but, of course, learning English comes first. I'll definitely do it when I'm really ready for it." How you hoping that G-Dragon or the entire group does a album of their greatest hits in the United States?

Big Bang's Taeyang and G-D Shows the Latest Fashion Trend in Paris

On the New York Magazine, Big Bang members G-Dragon and Taeyang were featured on the magazine. The article explained how they are showing the latest trends in Paris. "This is the first time G-Dragon has appeared at Fashion Week" while it is not the first for Taeyang. Taeyang caught attention to the camera people in Paris when he wore a "kilts of tartan-plaid and bandana-print" which matched the "bank-robber face gear." This was in the year 2012. The fashion of this two, are getting attention in Paris. Finally, KpopStarz was mentioned on this article since we do airport fashion on your favorite K-Pop stars. Have you taken a look of the photos of this two in Paris?

K-Pop Idol BoA to be in a Movie

Nerd Reactor featured an article about K-Pop singer BoA who will be cast in a movie titled, "Make Your Move." The male actor will be "Dancing With The Stars" Derek Hough which the plot of the movie is that he goes to the club and gets attracted to BoA. Kind of a simple story. Though, BoA is a good dancer and has made a name for herself in Japan and of course Korea. So, by her turning to acting, it will give her exposure in the US. The film is directed by Duane Adler who also directed the movie, "Save The Last Dance" and "Step Up." You can watch the trailer below.

So, will you watch this movie? The film is scheduled to be released in cinemas on April 18, 2014.

Spica Comes Back Sexier With a New MV

Popdust featured an article regarding on Spica's return with their new music video, "You Don't Love Me." Retro is what the ladies went for as the ladies are seen wearing dresses and bringing the seventies flare for their comeback. "You Don't Love Me" is composed by singer, Lee Hyori. What do think regarding Spica's new music video?

Tags
K-Pop
SISTAR
Hyolyn
Soyu
Dasom
Beenzino
LADIES CODE
Big Bang
Taeyang
G-Dragon
GOT7
Ga In
Psy
EXO
Crayon Pop
Super Junior
Henry Lau
Lyn
winner
Busker Busker
akdong musician
After School
SPICA
BoA
AOA
Girls Day
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