Céci reveals alluring pictorial of EXO + interview

Céci magazine has unveiled a set of enticing images featuring idol group EXO in its latest June issue. The introduction to summer begins with a floral pictorial and individual questionnaire, entitled Mr. Seductive, with the members from both EXO-K and EXO-M.

EXO-K member Baekhyun is seen wearing a beige jacket with back print, a floral graphic shirt, and striped shorts by KWAKHYUNJOO, SOLID HOMME, and kai-aakmann. Chanyeol dons a fine patterned jacket with a black shirt and geometric-print pants by WOOYOUNGMI and Gunt. Member Kai sports a floral-print pullover sweater and black pants by Blindness by Kud and SIM Z WAITZ. D.O. dons a delicate green textured shirt, a white shirt, and white jeans with a European retro pattern by Jehee Sheen, Greyhound, and Pearlygates. Sehun is seen wearing a beige fedora, a pastel green button-up shirt, and simple black jacket by Kimseoryong Homme, and Via by Leejungki. Leader Suho is featured in an animated cloud coat, a graphic t-shirt, and black pants by WOOYOUNGMI, 8 Seconds, and SIM Z WAITZ.

EXO-M member Luhan dons a fine patterned jacket and vest, a white turtleneck shirt, and white pants by Kwonohsoo classic and kai-aakmann. Xiumin sports a beige vest, a simple striped t-shirt, and black slacks from MVIO, MUNSOO KWON, and KATENKELLY. Leader Kris is seen wearing a beige jacket and matching beige button-up shirt by WOOYOUNGMI and Jehee Sheen. Lay dons a pattern newsboy hat, a fitted gray suit with hand stitch-like lapels, a floral shirt, black jeans, and canvas shoes by SYSTEM HOMME, WESC, PLAC Jeans, and Dr. Martens. Member Chen wears a fun print black-and-white jacket, black vest, striped graphic button-up shirt, and black jeans by AM.WE by Kud, Kwonohsoo classic, and MUNSOO KWON. The last but not least individual spread is of member Tao. He dons a simple and sleek black jacket and navy blue floral button-up shirt by Time Homme and WOOYOUNGMI.

The interview responses documented of each member in Ceci are as follows:

KRIS

Charm appeal: Looks sharp, but sloppy and dumb in reality. Seems cold, but fiery in the inside. A handsome person. Nationality is China.
In leisure: Visited family and friends in Canada. Next time I hope to go skydiving or play actively and roll about at sea for an entire day. As much as I enjoy traveling, I’d need to make plans every chance I find.
Advantage to a job as an idol: Too many to count, but one of its blessings is being able to visit one country after another.
Recent style transformation: Went through a transformation because Iw anted to be wreckless with the new comeback album. The advatange is styling time has been reduced. A downside is the limit to various styles. I want to cry because at the latter.
Current passion and interests: Hair styling, hats, electronic music.
Prize possession: Letters from fans, always.
Privilege of the dramaphile: I’ve been deeply absorbed in “Nice Guy”, as if I am main character Kang Maru. Resilient scenario. All of the actors were admirable.
3 Things you need when in love: Love, Love, Love.
If you were to propose?: “I like you, what can I do?”
A reaction you expect from her: 0_0, ^_^, ^0^, <3
Self-made compliments: Mandarin, English, Korean available. These skills are crucial for me because I participate in promotions abroad.
Time to compliment other members: Suho is brilliant at whatever he does. Baekhyun’s great at uplifting the mood, Kai dances well, and Chen is great at singing. Tao is empathetic of his hyungs’ feelings, Xiumin is helpful, and I’m grateful to D.O because he looks after the members very well. I thank Lay who cooks well, I thank Lu Han for being good at soccer so I can take charge in basketball, and I’m thankful to Sehun for being attentitive to his maknae responsibilities. And Chanyeol, the Chicken Nuggets were tasty. Thanks.
Something you would improve: Nothing. I’m good-natured so I’ll watch on for a little longer. I love them all.
To the fans: Thank you for waiting and encouraging us through it all. We’ll return the favor with a good album.
Kris instructional manual: He functions if he eats and sleeps sufficiently. You may not have known this, but he’s slightly cute, too. And if you love him, he’s a good man who’ll love you twice as much back.

BAEKHYUN

Charm appeal: A bundle-of-fun vocal who is well suited to eyeliner.
5/6 (day of interview) birthday thoughts: I’m very pleased that promotional interview and shooting coincides with my birthday. If I were to pick out a song on a day like this, I’d say Soul Star’s ‘Happy Birthday’. It’d be even better if the fans would sing it for me.
Comeback album hint: A group dance that took 8 hours to learn day by day, and practiced individually for four hours each day. As long as it took to complete it, I wish they’d acknowledge that it took just as long and just as much preparation to make it.
A compliment you’d like to hear: Just as I thought! They didn’t take so long for nothing!
When I search ‘Baekhyun’ on the internet: It was fascinating to see all the photos that were collected from debut up to now. Seeing them, I realized with tears that my ch e e k s are getting plumper.
Have you ever commented? No?: I’ve been hit with such temptation when people assume I’m shorter than Suho hyung and Chen.
Every time you look into the mirror: I check if my face is swollen. Especially when I look at Chanyeol I agonize over why my eyes are so small, but I think it’ll do.
If I were to introduce a female cousin to a member: I’d introduce her to the mature, smart, and exemplar leader Suho hyung. I’d feel bad for the other members I can’t introduce her to, so I’ll just keep my opinion to myself.
A type that makes you swoon: A straight-set, virtuous mind, well-mannered, and a woman who smells nice.
If I were to propose: After I purchase her favorite flowers in fake ones, I’ll kneel and say ‘These flowers are johwa (T/N: fake). I joh-ah (T/N: like) you so much. Will you go out with me?’
If you can live as a character in a movie for 7 days: I’d be a childish second generation millionaire. I meet a sober, diligent, and wise woman and turn over a new leaf and mend my ways. It’ll be a movie with a synopsis of a Baekhyun who succeeds at work and love and everything else.
Member’s secret: When Suho hyung gets a slight scratch, he’d whine and pine over it for a month.
A request for all the members: Can we live more neatly?
Baekhyun instructional manual: If you befriend him, he may chatter on and on without giving you a break. When that happens, don’t stress out and quietly put your hand on his mouth. During hard times he may be dazed and blank. This means he’s recharging, so please don’t touch. 10 minutes should be sufficient to recharge.

TAO

Charm appeal: The second maknae that likes playing around although different from his image. My nationality is Chinese.
While resting: I ate, exercised, and prepared for the album. I repeated, repeated, and repeated these three.
Thoughts on EXO 12 members all joined together: The scale of the performance arrangement has gotten a lot larger. The energy has gotten a lot intense. Because we gathered all together, the practice times are twice as much fun and enjoyable. Thanks to it, I feel like our timeworn has gotten stronger.
A report that (Tao) has a lot of tears: In the past I had a lot, but not anymore. The most recent time I cried was a couple days ago but it was because recently I visited China for a vacation, but on the airplane back, I cried at the thought that I won’t be able to see my family and friends for a while. To be honest, this is a secret.
If you were to use the time control power: When I see people who do bad things. I would catch them and send them to the police or I would reason with them so they cannot do bad things. Also, If I see a pretty girl I wish time would go slower. Because then I could keep looking at her.
A power that you would like: No matter how much I think about it, I think time control is the best.
Yaja* game time: I will have to tell Suho hyung “Suho-yah, will you give me some food?’ Cooly using informal speech is the point. To be honest, hyung treats me really well. Because I just like him, I want to talk to him again.
An ideal type that shakes your heart: I would like it if she was pretty and kind. I become interested in a girl that shows no interest in me. I wonder why the reason is.
3 reasons why Tao would be a good boyfriend: I have nice manners, I’m sexy, I can do martial arts well. Also on top of that I am rich in heart and bank account. I can show the special charms that a blood type AB’s bad boy possesses. Like a roller coaster, dynamically, every day so one won’t be bored.
Selca technique that Tao can pass down: An abundant production. One must find their own selca’s angle.
Sexiness to Tao: I was naturally born with it?
Dark circles to the sexy Tao: Without dark circles, I am not Tao.
To the Tao in one year: All your dreams are going to come true. Fighting.
Tao manual: I can’t go up to you first. That is why, passionately come up to me please. I don’t know if it might take time in order for you to become my person. However, please try it. Please.
t/n: Yaja is basically when the eldest and youngest switch roles.

LUHAN

Charm appeal: A singing and dancing two job holding person with the name ‘dawn’s dear’ in Chinese. My nationality is Chinese.
Thoughts on EXO 12 members all joined together: Every day by day, our hiatus time was fun like a classroom. However the distraction of the practice room is times 12. But once we actually start practicing, everyone’s gazes change and the hotness is also times 12.
A needful of bragging for the comeback album: The performance is extraordinary. But because it’s a performance pressed with a secret Shhh!
While resting: a while ago I went to my home in China. After a long time, I finally did the deeds of an only son, profitably.
A lacking point whenever I look at the mirror: I am satisfied with myself that my parents gave birth to.
Times when I myself think I am manly: always. However, when I play soccer, the manliness quotient goes up.
The nickname crazy frog: That is Tao, his thoughts.
Right this moment if you were to send a telepathic message to member (Sehun): After this interview, do you want to go drink bubble tea?
Luhan’s Korean class, a word that you are hooked on these days: ‘Aigoo.’ when I get surprised, when I become regretful, when I’m worried. It was a multiplayer that was suitable when used anywhere. Another word I use often is ‘hul.’
An item I treasure: the computer that lets me use the internet and has the roleplaying games that I fell into recently, my bed that is my own area, the closet that is packed with treasurable things. Especially my bed, I wish other people would avoid going on to it.
When I use the Internet: I look up my own photos. I feel good when I see the pictures that the fans took so well. I’m thankful to everyone.
If I were to propose: An empty street during night time, flowers together with a kiss.
If I were to receive a propose: I would like it if the girl gave me food that she made herself. If I were to think about the menu, because I am the meat eating group, if it is meat, I like it all.
3 reasons why Luhan would be a good boyfriend: I have a good personality. Whenever, wherever, I am able to be a reassuring protection. I am good looking. Of course the last point is a joke.
To the fans: Thank you for waiting throughout a long period of time. With all my heart, I love you.
Luhan manual: When my body and mind is out of control, please give me a little bit of interest. It takes only the words ‘You’re tired right? Gain strength.’ Then I am a person that really gains strength. Basically, although I am very bashful and shy, I wish people to know that I am warmer once (we) get closer.

KAI

Charm appeal: I am a humorous man in charge of the dancing and the sexiness in EXO.
Describe EXO with 10 characters: The twelve strongest flower boys from space. (T/N: He said it with 10 Korean characters)
When resting: Suho hyung worries about something all day long. Chanyeol hyung is laughing, Baekhyun hyung, Chen hyung and Sehunnie are talking continuously. Behind them, Kris hyung is joking seriously and Luhannie hyung goes back to the living room. Next to them Xiumin hyung is tidying the room and Lay hyung is spending time blankly. Next to him, Tao is looking in the mirror.
3 nicknames you like: Kim Kai, Kkamjong, Jongdalsae (T/N: Skylark in Korean)
Your current background picture: On my phone it’s a picture of Luhannie hyung and I watching the football match ‘Manchester United FC vs Chelsea FC’. A proofshot of my happiness when Chelsea won with my thumb up. My SNS main background picture is the same. My SNS status is ‘Chelsea won ㅋㅋ’
The gene you want to thank: I like everything about the person called Kim Jongin. It’s hard to find something I don’t like. Hoot.
Even I think I am sexy when: I see myself in the mirror when I go to change clothes after they got drenched in sweat while practicing in the practice room. Hoot.
An ideal type that shakes my heart: A woman pale like snow, I want her to have pride and passion in what she’s doing even if she’s not the best in her field.
If I proposed: Proposing with flowers at a meaningful time she wouldn’t expect. Very unexpectedly! Pak!
The reaction you expect from her: I want to see her totally surprised as she didn’t notice anything before.
A proposal you want to receive: If she’s totally honest and sincere, I’m ok with even just a word.
A member’s secret: Kim Jongin really has a pale skin. And even on EXO Planet, people don’t kow that EXO are from their planet.
Kai’s user manual: Don’t be embarrassed at my excited self when watching . Don’t touch me when I’m sleeping please. Except when the chicken order is here. When I’m focused on something, even if you make a loud noise, I won’t hear you. If you stay with me for a long time, you will learn that I’m a man with a pattern easy to know. It’s simple.

YIXING

Charm appeal: warm man, healing boy. My nationality is Chinese.
A compliment you want to hear: I did bright yellow hair for the first time. I’m anticipating half, worrying half on whether or not I will be able to hear it matches me well.
While resting: I spent time personally composing/songwriting, and taking lessons in the areas that I’m lacking. Of course those songs are not in this album. In order to show a perfect side, I want to let everyone listen after pulling it all together tighter.
Lay’s own song production: Ever since I was thirteen, I made them as a joke. Especially, Baekhyun and Luhan hyung are my encouragement team that like my ballads, Kris is the assistant that helps with rapping in between. To everyone, thank you.
A composition to Lay: I consider the most important thing to be a person to person’s heart in the relationship. Because I am one that is rich in emotions, I gain inspiration through passable easy details in small experiences, the emotions going on between my loving family and friends, and while playing the piano.
A respected musician: Beethoven who had strong determination, Mozart who is a naturally born music genius.
Something I’m better than them at: I’m dance a little well.
SM seniors: They always tell us good things. Whether it is actual choreography or camera walking, very detailedly. They’re all angels.
A hidden talent that no one knows: gag instinct. It’s a shame that people don’t know it well.
Dancing machine’s waist situation: Thanks to the interest I’ve received, it has gotten a lot better. I’m only thankful.
A treasured item: It’s not an item but a person. Because, since there are fans there is the current me. Of course I have to treasure them a lot.
If I were to propose: ‘I will make you the happiest girl in the world. Trust me.’
3 Reasons why Lay would be a good boyfriend: I can love only one with all my heart, I can do anything for this woman, I can hug her warmly.
3 Things you desire from this woman: Even if I call you ‘pig’ don’t get hurt, but instead be cute. Love and understand only me, sometimes do aegyo to me.
Lay’s aegyo: zero. Instead I am manly.
To the fans of Asia: Thank you for always watching over us, wherever you are. For your health and mind to always be healthy.
Lay manual: I don’t eat food if there is no coke or sprite. But even still, please tell me that you love me. And if you tightly hug me warmly, I like it even more.

KYUNGSOO

Charm appeal: is my clean voice.
While resting: written the same on all the members faces was ‘concentration’. We were always like that. While concentrating, we definitely concentrate, and while playing, we definitely play (here I would want to show member’s expressions through drawings but since I don’t have paper, I don’t have a way to express it so it’s disappointing).
If I were to compliment the all of the members, without leaving one out, I’m just so thankful that all of the members are nice people. Especially thank you to Suho hyung who cooly leads us like a leader would. And also thanks for having a lacking sense of humor like me. Because it would be lonely if it was just me alone. Opposite, something I would ask of all of the members, as we live as EXO, if something happens that makes you upset or disappointed, not to hold it in but to vent through a conversation at that moment would be good. So that you don’t have any wounds left given from anyone in the future.
Ideal type that shakes my heart: is someone whose face is pretty when they smile, an innocent person, and a girl with white skin.
If I were to propose, the place or moment wouldn’t be important. Just my heart. ‘Can I be your boyfriend?’
3 Songs I recommend that match as background music for a proposal are 1) Jeff Benet’s ‘Ms. Seductive’, 2) Justin Beiber’s ‘Catching Feelings’, 3) Bruno Mars’ ‘When I was Your Man’. All three of the melodies are sweet and the lyrics are pretty.
The thing that I want right now: is first place.
In 10 years, the image that I have a goal for is a secret. Won’t the members all be living cooly in ‘ing’? And after 11 years, I believe that we can have a concert while celebrating our anniversary.
A member’s secret: is something that should be kept a secret.
D.O is a man who: is quietly (clean), when you look at him (he’s shy to strangers), as you become closer to him (he becomes comfortable), as he becomes excited (is someone who saves his words).
D.O’s user manual: Rather than spending his time boisterously, he prefers to spend it quietly. He regards being honest as something important. When tired the words ‘have strength’ seem to be the ones that hit home the hardest. Ah! Kind of hides his face. If you approach him first he’ll welcome you even more.

SUHO

Charm appeal: I am a serious and calm leader who brings the members together with charisma. I am Suho.
Your thoughts about the comeback: I want to show to even more people a new music and a new performance. We will work as hard as people waited for us.
If you had another superpower: The ability to be invisible. Because I can go anywherer this way. (Next to him Chen said ‘But you can’t tell honestly where this anywhere is’.)
Airport pictures are: A runway in its way. At the airport, I’m walking with strength in my eyes. If they take pictures of me with my eyes closed, even I find it funny.
The thing you fear on airport pictures: A pimple suddenly appearing in front of the high definition cameras. I’d be busy hiding it with my hand all the time.
EXO’s way to accord their opinions: A meeting we had every weekend for an hour even before debuting. We solve the big and small problems by talking, may it be the things that disappointed us during the week, the things we regret. When we don’t have anything to talk about, we compliment eah other. It’s a loving time where we say thank you about the things we’re thankful of.
EXO’s get-together: Not too long ago, to give us strength for the comeback, we gathered to eat beef intestines. Since they’re still growing children, they ate on average for 2 or 3 persons each. Maknae Sehunnie kept going here and there busily to cook the meat, and even when Tao was putting on his coat to go home, he was cooking meat and eating. These cool kids.
If 1 million won fell from the sky: I would invite the members to eat somewhere of course. Kids, just tell me. Hanwoo (T/N: Prime Korean beef)? Sushi?
The ideal type that makes my heart shake: On the outside, girl with long hair and literary interests and on the inside, a wild and cheerful girl. Because I am a man, a girl with this kind of reversal.
If I proposed: I would announce it loudly in the middle of a crowded place like Myungdong. I’d say ‘I love you, accept my feelings’.
For a successful proposal: I think that if you sincerely love that person, it will always be successful, also if you put efforts in it.
If I didn’t become an idol: I honestly didn’t think much about getting another job. No matter what I do and where I do it, If I set a precise goal and work hard toward it, it’s going to get better.
As a leader, to the company: I will work hard. And to the members, let’s love.
Suho’s user manual: You’re doing well, you’re doing well, woojjujju (T/N: Sound you make to babies), praise me a lot please. Because compliments make Suho dance cheerfully.

CHANYEOL

Charm appeals: EXO’s person in charge of infinite positivity and voice with mood.
While resting: I did dance and rap making with Kai, Baekhyun, and guitar practice with D.O. The newly started studying of composition and songwriting is fun as well. I’m enjoying it because I feel like what I can show is gradually increasing.
Thoughts on comeback: I longed for the fans and the stage the most. As much as I longed for it, I became firm so rather then saying I will work hard I want to show a completed stage.
Comeback album hint: forest, tree, cave.
A happening that made your heart hot recently: A while ago we went to an orphanage to do some volunteer work. Every time we go back, I feel like my heart’s warmness is getting charged, I was happy. Thanks to them, I also gained a precious chance to look back upon myself.
A treasured item: Because I am a cautious buyer, I can brag that I never regret after shopping. An even bigger pride is the desk that I cautiously bought recently. A not brag that because of that, the room got smaller.
Parents’ genes: I inherited my positive energy from my mother, and sensitivity from my father. I feel it stronger, now after I turned twenty years old. I love you. ♡
Definition of ‘manly’: A man that carries unexpectedly strength in the midst of softness. Can I say with my own lips ‘For me, when I’m a jokester and when I am focusing on something, like playing different instruments or rapping, I will be quite…manly.’
An unexpectedly good thing because of living as EXO: A miracle that a sloth like me can wake up in the dorm without an alarm. Thanks to that, my mother is happy.
An ideal type that shakes your heart: A person that matches the same laughing code and music preference. My heart beats when I hear ‘I like this music too.’
If I were to propose: I would like to play a song that I like while giving her a flower in a live house that only has us two. Our love that becomes one through music.
Chanyeol is: quite (delicate), if you get to know (adult-like), the closer you become (a person whose playfulness becomes more severe), when excited (voice gets louder), to the person he likes (endlessly friendly) man.
Chanyeol manual: When you are bored, if you speak to (me) a fun happening will occur. I like chatting. Just talk. Wherever the place is, like a jukebox I will play music for you. For future reference, I don’t bite.

XIUMIN

Charm appeal: cutie eldest hyung.
While resting: I played together with Luhan at the cafe and enjoyed (my) individual time while shopping.
Xiumin’s shopping technique: Of course impulse shopping is the truth.
Cheeks that disappeared diet TIP: Become chic in front of food. Don’t ever look at it first. Although, the me that has a hard time with that, will soon go back to the full cheek baozi.
Pros and cons of being a baby face: The danger of hearing informal speech from someone younger than me at our first meeting. I don’t really know about pros. I’m not sure if the physical age of 24 years is passing correctly as yesterday and today are different. cough cough.
Danger of being the eldest hyung: The I.D. ranking hyungnim is a pretty important area amongst men. If there is a SOS, there are many times that I have to take charge. Of course it’s very, extremely, often trivial matters.
Xiumin’s conversational habits: I answer well to questions asked and I carry an ear that listens well. I take the role of EXO’s troubles counselor with a serious personality and rich reactions. Recent trouble content is no comment.
Xiumin’s Chinese class, a recently learned word Dui bu qi, wo bu hui (I’m sorry, I can’t do it). Because heavy lips* is also a counselor’s role.
Recent interests: We received a bunch of comic books for our first anniversary present and even now I am reading them well.
3 of Xiumin’s charming points: A man that is solitary, a man that is chic, but to my person, a soft man. In conclusion, a charming person.
3 reasons why Xiumin would be a good boyfriend: I’m strong, I have an innate sense, I’m considerate. To prove my strength, I will hold the example of overpowering all the members in arm wrestling.
If I were to propose: In a concert hall that is filled with many people, I would cry out to her ‘We are one, we can’t fall apart, I love you.’
Bragging about the award won in China: Recently in China, at ‘13th Annual Music Billboard Award Ceremony,’ we won most popular group. Just as it states, best! Oh, yeah! Thankful to the fans that gave us this big award. Along with that, deep thanks towards the parents of EXO who gave birth to these cool sons. xie xie.
An award you want to win a year later: ‘image transformation success award,’ now becoming a matured and sexy man.
Xiumin manual: is easy. As long as the surroundings are kept clean, always happy smile. I’m kind of tidy.
t/n heavy lips means that you keep your mouth shut.

CHEN

Charm appeal: Main vocal, a skinny pig.
‘Skinny pig’ definition: I’m worried that I don’t gain as much weight as I eat. On the other hand of not gaining weight after eating and eating, I shed weight at the same time. So I’ve put a lot of care into managing my weight so my face would look nice.
In leisure: In fear I may grow lax, I’ve set my mind straight. I try to work twice as much as the fans had to wait for our comeback.
A type that makes you swoon: Charming eyes, diligent personality, A big heart that will pet me and tolerate my grouchiness.
When I propose: I’ll pretend to pick up some berverages during a night parade at an amusement park and surprise her in an entourage. And then I’ll step forward and say “Will you marry me?”
A reaction you expect from her: I wish she’d run into my arms.
If SHE proposes?: Doesn’t matter. It’d be enough to hear that she loves me.
If you were to acquire a million dollar insurance?: My vocal chord. I want to sing my whole life.
EXO’s office dinner: Cluttered and noisy, a chaos. Even when all 12 members say one thing each, it’d be a mouthful.
Member’s alcohol tolerance ranking: The strongest is Xiumin hyung. Then Chanyeol-Chen-Kris hyung-Lu Han hyung, in that order. Besides that, the rest are on similar levels, but Lay, whose face fires up after one shot, is surely the last.
3 Wishes to God: I’m curious about the afterlife. I’ll just look around. If there are extraterrestrials, please bring them to me. I want an elixir that can cure any disease.
Chen’s 3 charming points: Thick earlobes that lure sin good fortune, a mole under my neck, a masculine character, and as a bonus, a mounted loyalty.
Baekhyun, Chanyeol, Chen’s ‘Beagle’ theory is?: A rumor, a misconception. Compared to Baekhyun and Chanyeol I’m a strictly plain kid.
A skill you want to steal from another member: Lay hyung and Kai’s dance instinct.
Today’s highlight choreo is?: No comment today. I’ll show you soon on stage.
Chen’s instructional manual: He’s brimming with vivacity as long as he’s fed at every meal and is allowed to snack frequently in between. Don’t worry about leaving him alone by himself. He’ll do fine. He likes to watch movies. If you want to hang out with him, take him to the cinema, please.

SEHUN

Charm appeal: the required default option of the maknae is aegyo.
Amongst 12 men, maknae’s road is thanks to the hyungs I recieve a lot of cuteness. Even if I’m reborn again, I call being EXO’s maknae. Yaja time game a while ago at a birthday party, in the given 10 minutes of yaja time, without looking back, I roughly stepped forward. If I go on, because I feel like I will no longer be a person of this world, I need to return as the precious maknae.
If I have a super power: I would want to be able to control emotions and feelings. Showing people you love your tired side is kind of sad.
Ideal type that shakes my heart: is someone who sincerely worries about me when she hurts me and approaches me first to spread medicine on me. (And Miranda Kerr ♥).
If I were to propose: on a quiet night with the sun setting playing with firecrackers on the beach. After that, I’d grab her hand and if I say “I don’t think I can be without you. I’ll love you until I die” it makes your hands curl up doesn’t it? When I get older will I be able to say it in a more okay way?
A member’s secret: is that Suho hyung can’t watch scary things. If he can watch a horror movie he makes a lot of noise, but the uncomfortable truth is that he’s on the internet and he can’t actually watch.
If I go to a convenient store, snacks and chocolate, Jelly corner are first.
If I were to steal an ability from a member: I would take Baekhyun’s sense of humor, Kai’s exposing of white skin, Chanyeol Hyung’s happy personality, D.O hyung’s pretty smile, Suho hyung’s honesty. The representative of a stiff body, Suho hyung. (…hyung I’m kidding) I’m a selfish person who wants to steal everything, but I have to withstand with my lacking charm.
A recent concern I have is before sleeping and after waking up worrying. Today what clothes and how should I wear it so it’ll look nice. I am sexy after a shower standing in front of a mirror with no make up on and making a pose. It’s not really sexy, but it’s really kind of cool. I’m just looking at myself alone.
Three of my charming points: are that I smile well, my warm heart, and my collarbones.
Sehun’s user manual: If I’m excited, it’s hard to control myself. I would be thankful if you could understand even if I’m loud. I will become calm soon. Because my blood type is O, if I receive many people’s criticism at once, I get really hurt. Please look after me well in the future.

Check out EXO’s individual member spreads, group images, and fun image collages below.

Sources: News & Photos – exochocolate; Translation - Juliana, Emilie, Nahbit, Zesha at exok-trans and exom-trans via XOXOJUK and peach_blossom_

Quick Reviews: Nah Youn-sun, Lee Soo-young, Pinodyne, Zion.T, Kwon Soon-kwan, CHEEZE, Taru, Lucia, Cho Yong-pil, Dear Cloud, Kim Bada, 4minute, SHINee, Geeks, and Younha

During the five weeks over which I’ve taken a break from reviews, we’ve seen some major releases make waves. In case you’ve missed some, here’s an even-quicker-than-usual overview of fifteen notable albums from that time period. (Full-length reviews and regular Quick Reviews will return next week.)

Nah Youn-Sun – Lento

Release: March 12, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Hub Music/Vitamin Entertainment
Genre: Jazz, blues
Reviewer Rating:

Nah Youn-sun‘s vocals are more charismatic and incisive than ever. The veteran jazz vocalist is a dazzle as she refuses to be outdone by an instrumental supporting cast as intense (Momento Magico) as it is exotic (Soundless Bye). She burns with passion, celebrates in fashion, laments with aridity, and evokes with acidity. There are enough breathtaking moments here to fill an entire discography; taken as a whole, it’s one of the most forceful, deliberate vocal performances in the history of Korean jazz. This eighth album is a spellbound moment and an early candidate for album of the year.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Lento
2. Lament
3. Hurt
4. Empty Dream
5. Momento Magico
6. Soundless Bye
7. Full Circle
8. Ghost Riders in the Sky
9. Waiting
10. Arirang
11. New Dawn

Lee Soo-young – 클래식: 더 리메이크 두번째 (Classic: The Remake, Second)

Release: March 28, 2013
Producer/Distributor: T Entertainment/Neowiz Internet
Genre: Ballad
Reviewer Rating: 

Has it really been nine years since the first one of these? Lee Soo-young returns to pure ballad as she tackles another set of (newer) classics, and she’s as fluent as ever in the language of massive orchestration and gliding melodies. The sequel isn’t quite as good as the original: there are glimpses of ambitious instrumentation (most notably 희재 (Hee-jae) and 인연 (Serendipity)), but the exquisite balance enjoyed by the first Classic: The Remake (2004) is missing here, as is a mold-breaking curve ball like that album’s 누구라도 그러하듯이 (As It Is For Anyone). But while we’re waiting for Lee’s tenth studio release, this tender collection will do nicely.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. 사랑하면 할수록 (The More I Love) – Original by Han Sung-min, 2003
2. 희재 (Hee-jae) - Original by Sung Si-kyung, 2003
3. Donde Voy – Original by Tish Hinosoja, 1999
4. 제3한강교 (Han River Bridge #3) – Original by Hye Eun-yi, 2006
5. 인연 (Serendipity) - Original by Lee Seung-chul, 2004
6. 모처럼 (For Once) - Original by Yoon Jong-shin, 2000
7. 눈의 꽃 (Snowflake) - As remade by Park Hyo-shin, 2004; original by Mika Nakashima, 2003
8. 옛 이야기 (Old Story) – Original by Kim Kyu-min, 1991

Pinodyne – PINOcchio

Release: April 2, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Hi-Lite Records/Genuine Music
Genre: Hip-hop
Reviewer Rating:

Soul Fish and Huckleberry P both have sleek, easy-going styles, but production of the former kind is becoming more common (and even expected) in this scene. The lyricism is what sells this sophomore album, so it’s a great thing that Huck P is thoroughly entertaining. 걸리버여행기 (Gulliver’s Travels) puts cheeky metaphor and allusion to satirical use, while 손만 잡고 잘게 (I’ll Sleep Just Holding Your Hand) has a believably playful dynamic of sexual tension. When the rapper is not being funny, he excels at injecting listeners into a persona. We see from the perspectives of an allegorical Huckleberry Finn; a hitherto-sheltered young adult taking his first step outside; a younger brother who can’t live up to expectations set by his sibling; a single mom fighting for her child; and so on. It’s Huck P’s vivid language that makes these characters come alive and portray a snapshot of our lives.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Chapter 2. 다음 장으로 (To the Next Chapter)
2. 걸리버여행기 (Gulliver’s Travels) Part 1 – Featuring Evo
3. 캥거루 (Kangaroo) – Featuring Jerry.K, NuSoul
4. 허클베리 핀의 모험 (The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn) – Featuring Koonta
5. 오후 2시 (2 P.M.) – Featuring B-Free, Soul One, Paloalto
6. The Lotto
7. 토요일 밤 (Saturday Night) [Skit]
8. 손만 잡고 잘게 (I’ll Sleep Just Holding Your Hand) – Featuring Kwan, Satbyeol
9. 쓰다 (Bitter) – Featuring Kim Sa-rang
10. 벽 (Wall) – Featuring Ben
11. Re: 허풍쟁이 (Boaster) – Featuring Crucial Star
12. Pain – Featuring Junggigo
13. 고마워서 (Because I’m Thankful) – Featuring Soulman

Zion.T – Red Light

Release: April 9, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Amoeba Culture/Loen Entertainment
Genre: R&B, hip-hop
Reviewer Rating:

How do you stop something that’s unstoppable? It’s a legitimate question when it comes to this ridiculously prolific, uniquely gifted vocalist. Zion.T‘s long-awaited debut album meets all the hype and then some; it’s got bold directing, imaginative and polished beats, and freedom of flow without losing focus. Tying it all together is, of course, the man’s golden voice. He wields that inimitable croon like a motor boat, floating and bobbing along for the most part but sometimes steering with gusto. He often switches styles multiple times in the same song, and isn’t afraid to recruit a little electronic help to fill up space. We knew Zion.T had mastered the voice; now it seems like he’s mastering everything else. He’s still just twenty-four, by the way.

Tracklist (recommended tracks in bold)

1. O
2. Doop – Featuring Verbal Jint
3. 도도해 (Sassy)
4. She – Featuring Beenzino
5. Neon
6. Babay – Featuring Gaeko of Dynamic Duo
7. 지구온난화 (Global Warming) – Featuring YDG
8. 뻔한 멜로디 (Predictable Melody) – Featuring Crush
9. Doop – Instrumental
10. Neon – Director’s Cut
11. Click Me (2013) – Featuring Dok2

Kwon Soon-kwan – A Door

Release: April 11, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Happy Robot Records/Neowiz Internet
Genre: Pop, ballad
Reviewer Rating:

Almost every track on A Door is engaging within the first ten seconds. That’s a testament to the power of Kwon Soon-kwan‘s brilliance with instrumentation. Into a broadly pop-rock base, he brings in brass and strings, staccatos and fuzz. Under Kwon’s direction these become dense, highly complex tracks – for example, note the background activity in Keep Going - that still remain accessible for anyone by way of broadly stroked melodies and efficient layering. This sophistry sets the No Reply vocalist’s solo debut apart from other albums in the genre, and gives him a better stage to what he does just as well: tell fascinatingly evocative stories.

Tracklist (recommended in bold)

1. Home Again
2. 그렇게 웃어줘 (Just Smile Like That)
3. 우연일까요 (Is It Coincidence)
4. Keep Going
5. 건너편 (The Other Side)
6. 긴 여행을 떠나요 (Go On a Long Journey)
7. Tonight
8. 별 (Star)
9. One More Time
10. 변하지 않는 것들 (Things Unchanging)
11. A Door

CHEEZE – Recipe!

Release: April 16, 2013
Producer/Distributor: RealCollabo/CJ E&M
Genre: R&B pop, jazz
Reviewer Rating:

Recipe! is, I imagine, exactly the kind of album that RealCollabo was created for. CHEEZE examines slices of daily lives, ranging from love at first college project to falling asleep while getting over an ex. Vocalist Dalchongi‘s performance is appropriately sweet to accompany the two producers’ muted, sleek pop-ballad beats. The supporting cast (including Winterplay trumpeter Lee Joo-han) is discreet but adds crucially to the album’s quality. Recipe! is delightful through and through.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Intro – Narration by David a.k.a. Kim Sung-won
2. Have A Nice Day
3. 조별과제 (Group Project)
4. 망고 (Mango)
5. 개와 고양이 (Dog and Cat) – Interlude
6. 우리는 네발로 걷지 (We Walk on Four Legs)
7. 이 밤 (Tonight)
8. Sleep
9. 결혼해주오 (Marry Me)
10. 빠빠빠 (Ba ba ba) – Featuring Brothersu
11. From – Featuring RealCollabo
12. 누가 우리 치즈를 옮겼을까 (Who Moved Our Cheese)

Taru – Puzzle

Release: April 17, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Sony Music
Genre: Pop, ballad
Reviewer Rating:

Puzzle is decidedly more rock-focused compared to Taru‘s previous works – there’s a modern-rock and alternative undercurrent lasting the duration of the album. As a result, the album gains some of the driving power that was lacking in those older works, but it loses the moments of rawest emotion that 100 Percent Reality (2011) evoked. To me, this is a net loss. 기침 (Cough) does not quite replicate the gut-wrenching impact that 지금이 아니면 (If Not Now) or 여기서 끝내자 (Let’s End It Here) delivered. If we ignore this, Puzzle has some great moments (mostly in its up-tempo pop-rock variants) amongst a few duds. Encouragingly, she’s still sticking to her motto – making “music that comforts”.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Puzzle
2. Rachel
3. Kiss You
4. My Sun
5. 새벽의 저주 (Curse of the Morning)
6. 기침 (Cough)
7. Carrie
8. 너와 사귀어 주지 말걸 (Shouldn’t Have Dated You)
9. Bad Commenter
10. Ending

Lucia – 꽃그늘 (Flower Shade)

Release: April 18, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Pastel Music/Danal
Genre: Ballad, pop
Reviewer Rating:

Lucia doesn’t really seem to do sad songs – melancholy, sure, but not full-on minor-chord sorrow. (Here’s exhibit 1 and exhibit 2.) So it’s surprising to see a somber lead single from her: 그런 계절 (Such a Season) opens with a desolate intro not out of place in a tragic historical drama and builds with Lucia’s characteristically delicate lyrics. Before long, we have an impeccably detailed and aching waltz. Lucia returns to regularly scheduled programming soon enough, but with no true killing track out of those, Such a Season leaves a very lasting impression.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. 사과꽃 (Apple Bloom)
2. 그런 계절 (Such a Season)
3. 실편백나무 (Real Cypress)
4. 5월의 당신은 (You in May)
5. 담담하게 (Serenely)

Cho Yong-pil – Hello

Release: April 23, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Pil Records/Universal Music
Genre: Pop, ballad, rock
Reviewer Rating:

There’s not much more I can say about the artist; Cho Yong-pil is hands-down the greatest legend in Korean music, the country’s most famous and most widely respected musician. But for that matter, that’s not much new for me to say about the album, either. As one of the most anticipated albums of the last decade or so, Hello has produced quite a bit of informal literature to go along with explosive popular reactions. Let me say this, then: people are right that Mr. Cho’s 19th studio release is not the kind of masterpiece they were hoping for. Others are also right that his boldness in embracing electronica and pop-rock and his deftness using them are both impressive. Hello is still an excellent album, displaying in many ways the marks of an artist who most definitely knows what he’s doing. I think this album is likely to end up being transitional: a release that shows Cho Yong-pil’s creative juices haven’t gone anywhere and that he can adapt to changes, to be followed up by a 20th album that is the masterpiece that people are waiting for. That’s also the hope.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Bounce
2. Hello – Featuring Verbal Jint
3. 걷고 싶다 (Want to Walk)
4. 충전이 필요해 (Need Charging)
5. 서툰 바람 (Clumsy Winds)
6. 말해볼까 (Shall I Say)
7. 널 만나면 (When I Meet You)
8. 어느 날 귀로에서 (One Day on the Way Back Home)
9. 설렘 (Flutter)
10. 그리운 것은 (Things I Miss)

Dear Cloud – Let It Shine

Release: April 24, 2013
Producer/Distributor: MY Music/Mirrorball Music
Genre: Modern rock
Reviewer Rating:

Let It Shine is not too different from Bright Lights (2011); dreamy guitars, expansive melodies, and Nine9‘s reassuring husky tone all return here. Perhaps there’s a little more shade of post-rock, a little more shoegaze effect, a little more synthesizer. They are welcome additions, giving Dear Cloud’s music all the more scale and exhilaration. It’s not a real ambitious album, but that’s okay - See the Light and U are moving regardless. This band is already used to dreaming big.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. See the Light
2. 12
3. U
4. 하루만큼 강해진 너에게 (To You, Strengthened by a Day)
5. Polaris
6. 그대와 춤추는 밤 (A Night Dancing with You)

Kim Bada – N. Surf Part 1

Release: April 25, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Evermore Music/Mirrorball Music
Genre: Rock
Reviewer Rating:

As the man himself says, Kim Bada‘s EP is not of his more experimental ilk. It’s not quite like his Art of Parties work, either; N. Surf Part 1 is more mainstream-oriented, embracing electronica, pop-rock, and even a slow-jam ballad. It’s an unexpected turn for the power vocalist, and individual results are pretty impressive. Searching marries industrial and new wave into a heady mold, while 푸르게 떠나 (Leave in Blue) sees Kim subduing his edge and letting the Rhodes timbre fill the space. I think it’s too eclectic to be a cohesive body of work, but this EP manages to endow a 20-year veteran with the perception of limitless potential.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. N. Surf
2. Searching
3. 베인 (Cut)
4. 푸르게 떠나 (Leave in Blue)
5. 베인 (Cut) – Radio Edit

4minute – Name is 4minute

Release: April 26, 2013
Producer/Distributor: Cube Entertainment/Universal Music
Genre: Dance pop
Reviewer Rating:

As much as I seem to rag on the producer, I’ll grant that What’s Your Name? is leaps and bounds better than Brave Brothers’ other lead-single work of late. It’s got more life than Sistar19‘s Gone Not Around Any Longer and Son Dambi‘s Tears Flow put together. It inexplicably throws away all sustained buildup whenever it gets to the chorus, but there’s a good amount of tension elsewhere. That’s keeping in line with 4minute‘s return to aggressive club tune. Whatever allows Hyuna to show off some of the charismatic rapping she’s refined through Melting (2012) while also featuring the EP’s strongest vocal contributions. Gimme That and Domino are also relentless synth baths, which means this is a rare no-ballad release; that’s just as well, since ballads have often turned out to be filler for 4minute. Name is 4minute is loud and flashy – and thankfully, it doesn’t try to hide that.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. What’s My Name?
2. 이름이 뭐예요? (What’s Your Name?)
3. Whatever
4. Gimme That
5. Domino

SHINee – SHINee The 3rd Album Chapter 2. ‘Why So Serious – The Misconceptions of Me’

Release: April 26, 2013
Producer/Distributor: SM Entertainment/KMP Holdings
Genre: Dance pop, synthpop
Reviewer Rating: 

The follow-up component of SHINee’s third album is qualitatively on par with its predecessor. Just as in The Misconceptions of You, it’s hard to pinpoint any real weaknesses in either SM Entertainment’s game (flawless instrumental polish and effective sonic devices) or SHINee’s (ability to do anything asked of them and increasingly convincing vocal acting). The Misconceptions of Me is more theatrical, starting with the zombie-themed adrenaline of Why So Serious? to scene-setting Excuse Me Miss, and it’s certainly emotionally darker. That means there’s a bigger onus on the vocalists to deliver more persuasive performances, and everybody – I mean everybody - passes with flying colors. I think this is actually a collection of better songs, if not a better collection of songs, compared to Chapter 1. I see now that throwing these parts together into one album really wouldn’t have worked, although a part of me does want to see an 18-track idol album in the 21st century. It’d be like H.O.T.‘s I Yah! without the talk tracks.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Nightmare
2. Why So Serious?
3. SHINe (Medusa I)
4. 오르골 (Orgel)
5. Dangerous (Medusa II)
6. Like a Fire
7. Excuse Me Miss
8. Evil
9. 떠나지 못해 (Sleepless Night)

Geeks – Backpack

Release: April 29, 2013
Producer/Distributor: WA Entertainment & Grandline Entertainment/KT Music
Genre: Hip-hop
Reviewer Rating:

There’s hip-hop lite and rap ballad galore in Backpack, which doesn’t exactly give Geeks the best genre advantage towards being taken as heavyweights. The duo seems okay with that, though, because they show remarkable focus in making this debut album as friendly and accessible as possible. Wash Away and 집앞에서 (At the Front Door) bring the impact early, but the remainder of Backpack is mostly laid-back production and mellow lyricism. Not a terribly interesting release just yet, but their passion is palpable.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Lights On
2. Wash Away – Featuring Ailee
3. 집앞에서 (전화 받지 마 Part 2) (At the Front Door (Don’t Pick Up the Phone Part 2)) – Featuring Crucial Star
4. It’s Raining (Skit #1) – Song by Stella Jang
5. 비가오네 (It’s Raining) – Featuring Park Su-min
6. Backpack
7. Getting on You – Featuring DJ Dopsh
8. 아마 (Maybe)
9. 어때 (How Are You) – Featuring Harim
10. 잉여인간 (Waste of Space) (Skit #2) – Song by Stella Jang
11. 잉여인간 (Waste of Space)
12. Siren – Featuring Swings
13. Love, Life 그 한가운데서 (In the Midst)
14. 헌신 (Sacrifice)
15. 유언 (Last Words)

Younha – Just Listen

Release: May 2, 2013
Producer/Distributor: wealive/CJ E&M
Genre: Ballad, modern rock
Reviewer Rating:

It’s two consecutive bold moves for Younha. Having carved out a modern-rock template for her future in Supersonic, she branches out a little further in this breather of an EP. Three tracks – Fireworks, 우리가 헤어진 진짜 이유 (The Real Reason We Broke Up), and 바다아이 (Ocean Child) – appear to be direct extensions of Supersonic’s atmospheric and driving musical themes, and these are all powerful. The one new trick displayed here, the reggae infusion in Just Listen, offers treats in the form of visceral groove and sophisticated arrangement. The other tracks are more predictable and bog the EP down, but this is another solid addition to a burgeoning discography.

Tracklist (recommended tracks listed in bold)

1. Just Listen – Featuring Skull
2. Fireworks
3. 우리가 헤어진 진짜 이유 (The Real Reason We Broke Up)
4. 봄은 있었다 (There Was Spring)
5. 아니야 (That’s Not It)
6. One Fine Day
7. 바다아이 (Ocean Child)

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely of the reviewer and not of hellokpop as a whole.

Agree or disagree? Or have a recent release that you’d like to see reviewed? Let us know with your comments below! Requested albums will be considered each week and may be selected to be reviewed in the subsequent week.

Sources: Photos – Daum Music

Hebat-lah! Lunafly shines at ‘F.Y.I on Stage in Malaysia’

Devoid of fancy special effects, pyrotechnics or any other visual gimmicks,the charm in Lunafly lies in their passion in music and performing, but their definite magnetism is Lunafly’s honesty as they give it their all on stage.

Performing for a 250-strong crowd at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, the intimate showcase was a great opportunity for Lukies to interact with Lunafly, and to experience their amazing live vocals in person. Lunafly also attained the privilege to be the very first Korean group that FYI has brought over for a series of international events. Consisting of Leader Sam Carter, Teo and Yun, it was obvious that the boys have a very solid fan base here in Malaysia.

Local up and rising YouTube star, Enessa, who rose to popularity as one of the  Malaysian representatives of TvN’s Kpop Star Hunt Season 2, was the opening act for Lunafly. She won the crowd over with her performances of her original song Hatiku, and rendition of 2NE1‘s Lonely. She was also joined on stage by Tasha, her friend and fellow Youtube star, who provided the instrumentals to the songs she sang.

All the Lukies went into fits of wild screaming when Lunafly first appeared on stage, dressed in chic monochrome outfits reminiscent of their styling portrayed in their second mini album, Clear Day Cloudy Day.  Each of the Lunafly members got a little help during their introduction, with the crowd finishing off their sentences with utmost gusto. The boys were taken aback about how well-received they were in Malaysia, and Sam commented about how lively and enthusiastic everyone was before kicking off the first song of the night, the mellow yet emotional Clear Day Cloudy Day.

After the last note of the song resounded around the theater, Lunafly wasted no time launching into a high energy cover of Justin Bieber‘s Baby, one of their pre-debut song covers that garnered them quite an amount of hype and attention in the industry. Lunafly enjoyed the fans’ participation in their songs, encouraging all those present to sing along with them, with Teo constantly giving the crowd a chance to bring out their inner songbirds.  Sam too noted the crowd’s enthusiasm in singing, remarking that everyone there were good singers.

After a brief break, Lunafly teased the fans by saying that each individual member had prepared something special just for their showcases- individual solos, and the mere mention of it sent all the Lukies in an excited frenzy. Leader Sam took the lead and performed a soulful cover of Rihanna‘s California King Bed, which definitely left the crowd swooning over his voice. Before the spotlight shone on Teo, Sam revealed that his solo song,  Shontelle‘s Impossible,  held a lot of significance to Teo and it was a very emotional song for him to sing. Teo definitely gave a heart-wrenching performance, embedding his emotions in every word as he sang. Lukies applauded him for his bravery and performance, lifting and yelling out their support banners and phrases after he concluded his solo. Yun turned the emotional atmosphere into a lighthearted, upbeat one with his bubbly cover of Jason Mraz‘s I’m Yours, another song that got the crowd singing along as well.

Lunafly then took a brief break to rest and conduct a quick fanchat. When asked about their namesakes as ‘Favorite Youtube Icons’ and what advice they would give to people who were aspiring to be singers or artists through their videos on YouTube, Yun said that because it wasn’t that long since they started (debuted), he really didn’t know what to say, which garnered laughter from the crowd for his cute reply. Sam added that it was important as a singer to have your own color, and to work hard for it as well.

Teo then proceeded to showcase his skills in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language of Malaysia, wowing the crowd with his surprising fluency. Sam then noted that Teo had written several phrases on his hand for quick reference, showing off how determined he was to learn Bahasa Malaysia. Moreover, Teo became the ‘Bahasa Malaysia Lecturer’ for both Yun and Sam, teaching them phrases such as Saya kacak (I am handsome), Saya comel (I am cute) and hebat (awesome), much to the glee of the crowd. Sam was apprehensive of the phrases Teo had taught him,  stating his reason as “he(Teo) always teaches me the wrong Korean!”

Teo had also added a bit of Malaysian flavor into his sentences throughout the fantalk, adding the suffix -lah to everything he said, which gained the crowd’s approval. (Lah is a type of Malaysian slang that most Malaysians use to end their sentences.)

Prior to their duet of Justin Bieber’s As Long as You Love Me with Enessa, Lunafly revealed that they were impressed with her singing and vice versa. Their duet was a crowd favorite as there were equal amount of cheers for both Enessa and Lunafly. In addition to these songs, Lunafly also sang Superhero and a cover of Maroon 5‘s Payphone and This Love before retreating backstage for costume change.

During the break, Charger Outfitters goodie bags were given out to Lukies who were up to the challenge of singing the chorus from one Lunafly song in front of the entire crowd.  The response was overwhelming and the host, Malaysian personality Max Lim, had trouble picking out the lucky Lukies.

Lunafly then returned to the stage, now dressed in quirky pink themed outfits, to perform their other songs off their first and second mini albums such as One More Step and Seeing You or Missing You.  Sam suddenly requested all media and fans present to stop recording, as they were going to reveal two tracks from their yet-to-be released first full length album, Fly to Love, which will only be unveiled on the 3rd of April. All Lukies present were ecstatic as they got a exclusive preview of Fly to Love and Innocent and Young.

They also performed Bruno Mars‘ Locked Out of Heaven and Just The Way You Are, along with Olly Murs‘ Troublemaker. Their set ended on an energetic note with Train‘s 50 Ways to Say Goodbye, but as Lunafly waved and returned backstage, more surprises were in store for the Lukies.

Lunafly reappeared on stage for the third time of the night, donning the t-shirts gifted to them by MyLunafly, Malaysia’s official Lunafly fanbase. They performed a Malay song entitled Bila Terasa Rindu for the crowd, before initiating their Q & A session with the fans. Sam was asked about what English phrase he would teach the other members in particular. When Teo was requested to say what phrases Sam had taught him, he’d coolly replied “I Love you” and “Will you marry me?”, much to the delight of the fans. Sam denied ever teaching Teo these phrases, claiming that the latter had searched them up on the Internet. As for Yun, he sang a line from Bruno Mars’ Marry You, which Sam had taught him. The entire crowd was soon in peals in laughter because of their cheekiness.

Fans then vehemently requested Lunafly to do kiyomi player with Teo doing it with full gusto, while Sam needed more coaxing before reluctantly agreeing to do it after being pressed by fans and Teo.  Yun did it willingly and even sat at the edge of the stage to enhance the overall feel that kiyomi player projects.

Lunafly then pulled Max and Baki, who is also a Malaysian TV personality, to perform kiyomi player, Teo as the ringleader, much to the chagrin of the two TV personalities. They ended the fantalk session with a One Direction medley, performing several of One Direction’s hits such as One Thing, What Makes You Beautiful, and Live While We’re Young. They performed off stage and approached the fans, ending the setlist of the night with a show-stopping performance.

The three-hour showcase concluded with the autograph and photo-taking session for everyone present.  Although small in numbers, the fans made Lunafly feel their love, support and appreciation- just as how Teo had dubbed the event, ‘hebat-lah!’ (it’s awesome!) We hope to see Lunafly on Malaysian soil again soon!

Special thanks to the event organiser, M.E Malaysia and official event presenter, Chargers Outfitters 

Event covered by clarissa@hellokpop
Photos edited by Seckvoon@hellokpop

YG actress Yoo In Na cast as IU’s sister for new drama

It has been confirmed that actress Yoo In Na has been cast in the upcoming KBS weekend drama series You’re the Best, Lee Soon Shin (최고다 이순신).

The upcoming drama, which is scheduled to air its first episode on March 9, will be led by director Yoon Sung Sik, who made the top viewed KBS drama Bridal Mask, and author Jung Yoo Kyung, who worked on the Marry Me script. Not only that, the current weekend series, My Daughter, Seo Young, has hit the 40% mark of viewership in Korea. The drama You’re the Best, Lee Soon Shin will be the follow up drama for My Daughter, Seo Young, and is expected to continue on the hot popularity of KBS’ weekend drama series.

In the story, Yoo In Na will be acting as Lee Yoo-shin, the second older sister of Lee Soon-shin, who is the show’s protagonist and also IU‘s character. Lee Yoo Shin is a freelance author with many talents and a very smart and set personality. In real life, the two celebrities IU and Yoo In Na are well known for their close friendship, close enough to be called IU-InNa (아이유인나).

Yoo In Na’s new act will show what it means to find real happiness and tell the story of being the second child in a family using her own charms to unfold the character.

After leaving a great impression during High Kick season 2, Yoo In Na continued to appear in bigger drama pieces, such as Secret Garden, The Greatest Love, which enjoyed top ratings in Korea.

Her last piece was with tvN‘s time-slip romance drama Queen Inhyun’s Man, in which she played the main female character for the first time. She put forth a very lovable emotional character, received lots of love from viewers and showed her growing potential as an actress.

Yoo In Na stated, “The character Lee Yoo Shin is very different from any other character I’ve received before, so I’m very excited and looking forward to being this character. I will try my best to show a new charm that I have. I’m very honored to be part of a drama with such veteran actors.”

Source: news and photo- YG Family

Korean Dramas: 2012 Best of the Best, Part 1

When we talk about the Hallyu Wave, our immediate thoughts jump to the spread of K-pop worldwide. However, while popular Korean music is making strides in global awareness with mega-hits like Fantastic Baby by Big Bang and sensational magnetism of Gangnam Style by PSY, the Korean drama and worldwide fascination over it has become a cornerstone of the Hallyu movement.

K-dramas run the gamut of every possible scenario, from amnesia and assassination to love triangles and time travel and everything in between. As the K-drama industry has grown in creativity and suspense over the years, so has the world’s addiction to it. Every year, dramas produced in Korea get more dramatic, complicated, heartwarming, heart-wrenching – and more popular.

Cinematography and sound techniques have taken a step up in recent years and continue to bring an element to Korean dramas that seems more on par with major motion pictures. With filming locations that span all over Korea, including destinations like Jeju Island and Bongeunsa Temple, the Korean drama has not only brought to the worldwide stage the wonders of Korea and Korean culture, but has also increased tourism to the country by an estimated 3.8% – 4.2% in just the last year, according to the Korean Tourism Organization. With ever-growing interest in the Hallyu wave and the spread of K-pop and K-dramas, it’s safe to say that Korea has become a beacon of interest around the world and within the global entertainment market.

Just like ice cream stores that boast that they have every flavor under the sun, Korean dramas do as well. Dramas, just like K-pop, have a little something for everyone. Some K-drama fans prefer fantasy-based dramas like this year’s big hit, Faith, which starred the highly talented and sought-after actors Lee Min Ho and Kim Hee Sun, while others prefer romantic comedies like A Gentleman’s Dignity starring veteran actors Jang Dong Gun and Kim Han Eul. No matter what your favorite flavor, this year’s drama releases definitely had you covered. While trying to narrow down the best of the best K-dramas of 2012 is quite a daunting task, we’ve selected our top 10 dramas of the year (in no particular order.)

K-dramas and K-pop often go hand in hand, as is the case with our first three ”Best of the Best” dramas of the year. First up is Rooftop Prince, which became an international sensation overnight before even the first day of filming simply because of the cast. Boasting one of the biggest K-pop fandoms in the world, former TVXQ member and current JYJ member Park Yoochun stars in this time-shift romantic comedy/mystery alongside actress Han Ji Min as Park Ha.

In the drama, Crown Prince Yi Gak (Park Yoochun) finds himself transported from the Joseon Dynasty to the present day after the mysterious death of his young wife. Accompanied by his three retainers – scholar Song Man-bo (Lee Min-ho), personal bodyguard U Yong-sool (Jung Suk-won), and palace eunuch Do Chi-san (Choi Woo-shik), Yi meets Park Ha (Han Ji Min),  a strong self-determined reincarnation of the prince’s sister-in-law and owner of the rooftop apartment. With an overwhelming sense of compassion, Park Ha decides to help the weary time travelers adjust to their new surroundings and gives them a safe place to stay. Through a miraculous twist of fate, the Crown Prince comes across the reincarnation of his dead wife Se Na (Jung Yoo Mi), and decides to try to solve the mystery of his wife’s death in the present day while also trying to solve the mystery of the disappearance of his own reincarnated self: namely, Yong Tae Yong, the heir to a multimillion-dollar company.

Rooftop Prince blends mystery, fantasy, crime solving, revenge, and complicated love stories with a seamless flow that leaves fans begging for more. The mystery of the queen’s death in the past and the disappearance of Tae-Yong in the present are at the heart of this time travel drama. This part of the plot pulls the viewer in as the story begins to unfold from both sides of each mystery, and as a viewer, you find yourself playing detective in your own right. Mysteries are always a fun addition to any drama and Rooftop Prince hits it out of the park. Even though you already know what happened to Tae-Yong, thanks to a scene at the beginning of the drama, when it comes to the mystery of the queen’s death, you are left in the dark until the very end. And may I say, what an ending!

With comedy that runs from utter silliness to situational, obvious to subjective, and reoccurring themes to great one-liners, Rooftop Prince repeatedly leaves the viewer in stitches. Many of this dramas iconic scenes are centered around the comedic aspects of the story. From the beginning when our time travelers first arrive in the present day, they have to adjust to the oddities of their new surroundings, deal with social and language differences, and learn a new way of thinking and even dressing. Like the proverbial fish out of water, our four heroes experience situations that delivers comedy as well as poignancy. The elevator scene has become an iconic scene from Rooftop Prince, and as any fan of the drama will tell you, it’s absolutely hilarious.

The onscreen chemistry between Park Yoochun and Han Ji Min is palpable, causing the viewer to be drawn into their love story and making one want to scream ”Just tell her you love her already!” and ”Please let this drama have a happy ending!” Park Yoochun has been quite active in acting in the last year or so, and every time he picks up a new drama we get to delve further into his acting abilities and potential.  As a fan of his music, I cannot say I didn’t go into this drama unbiased; but as I took a step back and analyzed this drama as a K-drama watcher and not as a K-pop fan, I found that I was seriously impressed with how well Yoochun’s acting has improved in the short amount of time from his last drama. Han Ji-Min gives an excellent performance as Park Ha and brings to the screen her great emotional acting alongside great comedic timing.

The underdog smash hit of 2012 definitely belongs to tVN’s  flashback-centered drama Answer Me 1997 (Reply 1997). Set in the present day, the drama tells the story of Yoon Yoon-je (played by solo vocalist Seo In Guk), Sung Shi-won (Jung Eun-ji), and four of their friends from Pusan who reunite in 2012 and reminisce over their times as high school students.

Flashing back to the 90′s, the era when artists like H.O.T and Sechs Kies were the kings of the K-pop movement, the drama examines the extreme nature of the emerging fan mentality of first generation K-pop fans while telling a great story about how the six friends have changed and evolved since their high school years. Yoon-je and Shi-won have been close since early childhood. Always together, always having each others back, they each consider one another as their true siblings.

As they begin to grow and mature into their teenage years, Yoon-je realizes that Shi-won has now become his first love, and even though she doesn’t feel the same, Yoon-je pursues her. After a disagreement and misunderstanding between the two, they go their separate ways and reunite years later. More mature yet still harboring his latent love for Shi-won, Yoon-je starts trying to just ignore her, but as time passes he can’t help but be drawn back to her.

Answer Me 1997 is a veteran K-pop fan’s dream. Incorporating true-to-the-period set designs and props, paired with a phenomenal soundtrack, this drama brings back the memories of K-pop in its infancy, and makes the viewer remember and miss those times with a renewed passion that is rarely seen this day and age. Touching base on the idealism and raging passions of K-pop fans from that era, the drama brings to the screen an accurate depiction of the fiercely loyal fans of H.O.T and Sechs Kies and all the rivalries and fan wars that constantly occurred between even the best of friends.

The fact that Answer Me 1997 has flashback motif is definitely a huge draw. The flashbacks show how each character grows and matures in the realms of careers, personal relationships, and love. While ever hinting that the main leads Yoonje and Siwon will eventually end up together, the writers keep you guessing until the very end. This type of suspense-building writing is one of the cornerstones of Korean dramas and Answer Me 1997 wins, hands down, as the best drama of the year to make the viewer go “OMG are they going to end up together?”

The drama also touches base on a secondary, over-the-edge bromance relationship between Yoon-je and his best friend Kang Joon-hee (played by INFINITE‘s Hoya), where Joon-hee has fallen in love with his best friend and must deal with the implications of his feeling and the ultimate choice of letting him go. The dramas secondary character arcs are quite complex and leave the viewer, at times, more interested in their progression than the main characters’.

The second of this year’s time travel based dramas, Time Slip Dr. Jin quickly became a worldwide fan favorite and one of hellokpop’s most beloved dramas of the year. Unlike Rooftop Prince where the main character was transported to present day, Dr. Jin tells the story of neurosurgeon Jin Hyuk (played by actor Song Seung Hun), who, after removing a strange fetus-like tumor from the brain of an unknown man, falls off a rooftop and is transported 150 years into the past. Waking up to find himself in the Joseon Dynasty, lost and alone in the woods, Dr. Jin must find a way to get back to his time.

Through his relationships with Young-rae (played by Park Min Young) and Lee Han-eung (played by Lee Beom Su), Dr. Jin is quickly drug into the messy world of Joseon politics and finds him self in many sticky situations that put his life in danger. As Dr. Jin and Young-rae’s feelings for one another begin to blossom, they find themselves having to deal with Young-rae’s own personal destiny, namely military officer Kim Kyung-tak (played by JYJ‘s Kim Jaejoong), who is Young-rae’s betrothed and illegitimate son of Minister Kim (Kim Eung-soo), the drama’s villain.

Trying to adjust to an era where medical practices were rudimentary and sometimes barbaric, Dr. Jin tries to fit in as best he can and begins treating the medical needs of the poor people of Joseon with the help of Young-Rae. In a time where medical procedures and instrumentation are in their infancy, he is forced to develop tools and medicines that haven’t come to existence yet to treat his new patients, and slowly begins to realize that his actions in the realms of medicine and politics are gravely affecting history.

Time Slip Dr. Jin’s intricate storyline, paired with its phenomenal costume designs and breathtaking cinematography, make it not only one of the greatest stories of the year but one of the most beautifully shot dramas as well. For fans that love Joseon era clothing and sets, Dr. Jin is definitely a great drama to watch.

All the actors give a fantastic performance and exude the very essence of each character’s complex personalities and story arcs. Song Seung Hun brings a heroic and admirable context to the character of Dr. Jin, accurately portraying not only the characters internal struggle between right and wrong but also showing the desperation in his desire to return back to his time. Park Min Young as Young-rae was probably the best decision that the casting director ever made. Her demure and innocent looks paired with her impressive acting skills make the viewer fall in love with her from the very beginning. You become interested in Young-rae’s interactions with her fellow characters more often than with any other character. My favorite character from Time Slip Dr. Jin has to be Lee Ha-Weung (Lee Beom Soo), a distant member of the royal family and social outcast. His character not only is Dr. Jin’s partner in crime but brings a comedic aspect to this drama that is quite refreshing. Lee Beom Soo does an excellent job in this roll and through his performance as Ha-Weung, he has gained our attention as an actor to look out for in the future.

We have to admit that Kim Jaejoong looks absolutely spectacular in this drama and delivers a performance to make any Cassiopeian proud. His character, Kyung-tak the son of a corrupt politician, has been madly in love with Young-rae for a very long time, and when he is granted permission to marry her, he goes out of his way to make her happy. When Dr. Jin enters her life, her feelings of duty – the betrothal to Kyung-tak – becomes a hindrance to her growing feelings of love for Dr. Jin and her new purpose in life: to become not merely a wife but a great doctor. Kyung-tak picks up on her feelings, feels threatened by the doctor, and becomes more adamant to keep Young-rae all to himself. Kim Jaejoong gives a depth to the Kyung-tak character that surprised us. With his limited acting history, it was rumored that his placement in the role was simply to draw in the K-pop fan crowd – with or without any real acting talent. However, those rumors were quickly destroyed after the drama began airing. We were pleasantly surprised by not only his onscreen presence but his acting ability as well.

With sweeping camera shots of the surrounding landscapes and overhead shots of the village and palace, the drama takes the grand visual aspect that is synonymous with historically based dramas and kicks it up a notch. The beauty of this drama is quite reminiscent of other great historical dramas like Warrior Baek Dong Soo but brings an element to the screen that is not only breathtaking and spectacular but also symbolic and poignant as well.  Nowhere in this drama does the cinematography fall under the category of filler material.

Did you watch these dramas? What did you think about their stories? Did your favorite drama make our top ten list? Stay tuned to hellokpop for our next installment of Korean Dramas: 2012 Best of the Best Part 2, coming soon.

Sources: [Video] – YouTube (1, 2, 3); [Photo] – (1, 2, 3)

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