K-Wave Stateside: K-Pop Stories In American News (Week Of March 24 - March 30)

Girls' Generation Sits Down with News Media Noisey for an Interview

News media Noisey sat down with awesome and popular group Girls' Generation has they released their new single, "Mr.Mr."

Here is the interview:

"Noisey: Mr.Mr. is your eleventh major release since Girls’ Generation debuted in 2007. What do you think sets this one apart from the rest?"

"Seohyun: Every time we release a new title, we try doing something different, something more challenging and fun. Mr.Mr. has exciting R&B sounds with cool, simple melodies that people can easily remember, dance, and sing along to. We tried to send a supportive message to all the misters out there!"

"Describe your new concept for the “Mr.Mr.” video, and what it was like to perform and film?"

"Sunny: Our new music video is about reviving the confidence of men that have lost courage and encouraging them to let go of their apprehensions. One interesting experience is that while filming our dance choreography, one of the lighting adapters overheated and burned. There was fire crackling and smoke coming out of it! It could’ve turned into a dangerous situation, but it actually created a cool campfire-like atmosphere."

"Being “the Nation’s Girl Group” in Korea, do you feel a constant pressure to set and break records? Or do you feel like you’ve accomplished enough not to have to worry about that anymore?"

"Sunny: We don’t always work to set or break records, but we also cannot stay comfortable and satisfied where we are right now. We want to work hard and bring something new and better with each release."

"The intensive “trainee” system used in Korea to refine talent and form pop groups is virtually unique. Tell me a bit about what it was like to come up through such a demanding regimen."

"Hyoyeon: I remember how we had to stay up the whole night together rehearsing over and over before our debut [with] “Into the New World.” We even had to practice each other’s step distance to create the perfect choreography."

"In 2009, you helped start what many people consider the golden age of K-pop with “Gee.” How do you feel about Korean music today? How has the industry and music changed?"

"Sooyoung: Thank you for the compliment! K-Pop is definitely the mainstream music in Korea. We’re excited to see the level of interest in K-Pop spreading all over the world. And as K-Pop is growing, we are starting to see a growth in sub-genres as well. So we hope that K-Pop fans will support not only mainstream K-Pop groups, but indie bands, R&B, and other genres coming out of Korea."

"Being a star anywhere is hard work, but Korean promotional schedules are famously demanding. How do you keep from getting exhausted or overwhelmed?"

"Yuri: There aren’t any special ways, and it varies from member to member and the situation too. Sometimes we listen to R&B or ballads and read books to relax. I also like to exercise and watch movies."

"K-Pop has had a big interest in the American market for years now. You did a media tour here in early 2012 yourselves, including a performance on Letterman. Looking back, how do you feel about that time promoting in America?"

"Tiffany: I was extremely excited since I grew up in the States and knew how popular the Letterman Show is. We thought this was a really good opportunity and felt honored to be able to perform on such a respected show. We were really excited and overwhelmed at the same time. Looking back, there were so many grateful moments and fun memories."

"Nine members still seems pretty big for a girl group. What’s that like?"

"Taeyeon: We definitely feel more assured and confident when we are performing together. All the girls are cheerful and outgoing, so there’s never a dull moment!"

"K-Pop or not, what are some things you personally enjoy listening to these days?"

"Taeyeon: We enjoy all different types of music!"

"Sunny: I’ve been listening to Lorde―particularly "Royals" and "The Love Club."

"Where do you imagine each of you would be if Girls’ Generation had never happened?"

"Yoona: Even if we were not members of Girls’ Generation, we would probably be using our talents and be in the entertainment industry. But since we are all about students’ age, we could be studying and living ordinary lives too."

"What are your plans for the rest of 2014 so far? Anything you're looking forward to?"

"Seohyun: After quite a long hiatus, we’re back with Mr.Mr. and we are definitely having a lot of fun. As of now, we are planning to do a concert tour in Japan from April till June. Till the end of this year, we are planning to perform as a group, as well as show our individual talents in various fields of entertainment. We are always thinking of how to delight our fans. Please continue to show your love and support!"

What Happened on the Month of March

News media PopMatters did a recap on what occurred on the month of March. So, this is what happened, numerous stars made their returns as well released new music videos. Not only with the stars returning, 2NE1 and Girls' Generation battled it out together.

Stars who released their new singles were 2NE1. Their new single, "Come Back Home," was supposed to be released on 2012, though their "album kept getting delayed." The single has an amazing blend of "reggae and trap."

Toheart, who are comprised of members INFINITE's Woohyun and SHINee's Key released their "Delicious" video. The song has a "catchy melody" which fans of the two will love listening. "Delicious" tells about the guys competing for a woman and winning her love as it is "so delicious." Woohyun and Key shows off their choreography by wearing bright suits. Who loves their music video?

Orange Caramel released their seafood frenzy "Catallena." Orange Caramel is a sub-unit for female group After School that features Raina, Nana, as well Lizzy. "Catallena" has a blend of "contemporary pop with an Italo-disco style" to it. Another is that there is a modern "Punjabi folk song" as well. "Catallena" has been "banned" on 'KBS' because it is thought to be one that "makes light of human life." What do you think about their music video?

4Minute are back with their catchy new single that will make you dance. Their new song is "Whatcha Doin' Today?" Their single is already racking points by being number one on various music charts. The single shows each of the members unique voices that contributes to the song. Gayoon as well Sohyun and Jihyun "lead the verses with a light and fun tone." Including this, Jiyoon tells 4Minute fans that is a "better rapper than HyunA." What do you think about this single as it blends style, sexy, as well a combination of fun which 4Minute does.

Male group Super Junior-M is back by doing the "Swing." This awesome group who is popular globally, this is a sub-unit as the "M" stands for "Mandarin" which they hope to market the "Chinese audience." "Swing" has an electro-beat to it which will make anyone dance. There is also some "dubstep breakdown" as well. Super Junior-M fans, are you dancing with this guys?

2NE1 and BTOB are Going to Appear on Tyra Banks "America's Next Top Model"

News media Billboard featured an article regarding 2NE1 and BTOB going to appear on Tyra Banks show, "America's Next Top Model." The show is going to be filmed in South Korea. 2NE1 is going to appear on the "season finale" of the show. The girls has been appearing on air in the US and are getting international recognition. 2NE1 has already appeared on "The Bachelor." 2NE1 is not the only one appearing on the show, male group BTOB will be as well. The show will initiate "airing" on August. Are you looking forward to seeing 2NE1 and BTOB on the show?

4Minute are Hitting up the Charts with their new Single

News media Popdust featured an article regarding how female group 4Minute. The girls has been "together for five years" and with their new single "Whatcha Doin' Today," 4Minute are hitting the charts. Their previous single, "What's Your Name?" was also number one as well. Their new single, ranks number one on the 'Gaon Chart.' Other stars who ranks this week is Im Chang Jung by being ranked number two for his single, "Ordinary Song." Number three is 2NE1 for "Come Back Home." Other stars who ranks is SISTAR's Soyou by being ranked number five for the beautiful duet, "Some," Orange Caramel is number six for "Catallena." Busker Busker ranks number ten for their single, "Cherry Blossom Ending" which is perfect for the spring season now in South Korea. "Miniskirt" by AOA ranks twenty-eight; while Ga-In's new single, "A Tempo" is ranked twenty-two. Lastly, TROY's "Green Light" single ranks thirty-two.

JJCC Released Their Music Video and are Making Waves in Korea

News media Billboard featured an article regarding how Jackie Chan's group JJCC released their music video "At First" this week. Their new single was just released and already, their single is making waves in South Korea. Not including Korea, the group is gaining popularity in "globally" as well. Their single "combines a melancholy hip-hop beat." There is also an R&B to it as well. What is your opinion about JJCC and are you loving their music video?

Tags
K-Pop
Orange Caramel
Girls Generation
Toheart
Super Junior M
4minute
JJCC
2NE1
BTOB
Busker Busker
AOA
Im Chang Jung
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