K p o p e u r o p e 2015. February WE BRING K-POP TO EUROPE! Issue #1

IS BACK? Z I O N -T AND CRUSH New album YG: iKON DEBUT K-POP IN SERBIA Intro to Hangulija EUROPEAN UT $4.50 ET $5.00 COVER DANCERS00 Reports about00000 TopGirls0000 & Ellipsis COMEBACK! K-POP IN SERBIA An introduction to Hangulija choose the song they have enjoyed to find supplementary explana- the most during the past month. tion of certain grammar points. Hangulija [pronounced: - ee-yah] is a blog for people who In 2013, the blog has started off as In 2014, Hangulija was joined by enjoy and want to learn more a place for its creator, Hangulija, Hallyurina, her real-life friend and about the and to share her experience of learn- an expert in K-music and K-dra- culture. The blog is written by two ing Korean language and help oth- mas, who shares the same passion girls from Serbia who love the Ko- ers who are learning it in Serbia for the Korean culture. Hallyurina’s rean language and tradi- and the Balkan region where there posts about her trips to tion, as well as good music South Korea give you a and dramas. For the time great overview of what being the blog is writ- to expect when visiting ten in Serbian, although this faraway country. there are plans for writing She will also give you posts in English as well. her piece of mind about burning K-pop scandals The readers have a variety as she knows the K-pop of topics to choose from, industry very well. At like the regular monthly the end of 2014, the columns “Dašak jutarnjeg two bloggers prepared mira” (Breath of morning their first giveaway and calm) about Korean tradi- their very own Hangulija tion and customs, DOND awards 2014 with the aka “Drama OST-a nikad help of the regional Face- dosta” (Can’t get enough book K-pop community. of these drama OSTs) that fea- is not much exposure to this fasci- tures great drama OST songs you nating and melodic language. That Hangulija and Hallyurina hope for shouldn’t miss, “Otkrivamo za vas…” is why Hangulija decided to make more fans to join them on their (Discovering for you…) where the flashcards with interesting Korean journey of learning about Korean bloggers recommend a movie of phrases that were picked up from culture and language, and enjoy- their choice, talk about a certain K-dramas, variety shows and K-pop ing quality Korean music and dra- K-drama type or Korean artists of a songs, including their translation mas. They welcome comments specific music genre, and “Hangu- in Serbian. All the Korean language from people who share similar in- lija noraebang” (Hangulija song of blogposts are followed by commen- terests as they do. Visit their blog on the month) where the two bloggers taries and additional links for readers http://hangulija.wordpress.com!

IMPRESS are a team, a group of people, who copyright infringement intended. Kpopeurope is Europe’s largest are in interested in Korea and Ko- All sources are available on the inter- multi-lingual K-pop network. The rean popular music.” In our team we net for public use. Please report any page was created by K-Pop fans have experienced authors, who have missuse of the given content to us. for K-Pop fans. The basic idea is to previously written for other Euro- Authors of this issue: Kelisi, Kerenza, promote various facetts of the Ko- pean news magazines and websites. rean pop culture in Europe. We Hangulija, Hallyurina, Adam, Rina, Slavo unite fans and writers from sev- Do you want to know more about us or Our contact details: eral countries to spread news in share the latest information with us? Email: [email protected] different languages. We want to Send us critics? Or just have chat with Web: www.kpopeurope.eu motivate K-pop fans to share their us about your favorite idol? Drop us a Facebook/Kpopeurope.eu interests with us to create a larger message or visit our Facebook page! Twitter/Kpopeurope_eu audience for K-pop in Europe. “We Picture copyright information: No Copyright 2012-2015 Kpopeurope

2 Kpopeurope 4MINUTE COMEBACK Flirting with the lunatic concept

For weeks now 4MINUTE has release of the teaser images comes will make you sing along: C-R-A- teased us, video being es- days after 4MINUTE released a bal- Z-Y! Michin geotcheoreom geu- pecially mysterious: “4min- lad song, “Cold .” “Cold Rain” rae michin geotcheoreom (Like ute Revamped.” Now they was pre-released from the “Crazy” you’re crazy, yeah, like you’re are back! And fans are going mini-album in January, and showed crazy)”. This might be the per- “Crazy” for their new video and a different side to the . fect song for your daily workout! images for the mini album. Could this comeback prove to be Check out all the other songs

Cube Entertainment released the their best yet? The first song is the too. The tracklist is as follows: 1. six teaser images and a video teas- mad-as-a-hatter title track “Crazy.” Crazy, 2. One Verse, 3. Tickle and er right before 4MINUTE’s mini Framed by a frantic melody, the 4. Stand Out. We have collected album, “Crazy” that was released raps come fast and furious. Gay- the teaser photos for you on the in February. The images feature oon’s beautiful vox soften the piece. next pages in case that you have the members, but the video hints Jihyun really kills it here, belting out missed their release. further to the concept and style the pre-chorus with Jiyoon. This of the upcoming title song. The track has incredible energy and

Amber f(x): Solo Debut clusive report by X Sports News, that f(x) member Amber is gearing up With shortened promotions for f(x)’s to release her very first solo album last album release, fans of the group in February. According to a source were left wondering what would be- in the music industry, Amber will come of the members. With recent be releasing the new album during spotting’s of Suli at media events the second week of February before and individual members activities setting out on her promotions. It is – Amber joining the TV Show “Real said that SM Entertainment is cur- Men” – it seemed the worst of it was rently on standby for the official re- over. And fans can now look forward lease, after wrapping up all of the to something very exciting for the song recordings and music video group, it has been reported in an ex- filming for the f(x) member’s solo.

Kpopeurope 3 THE FASHION FREAK

HyunA the fashionista Ever the fashionista, rocks this black and white theme, show- ing us why she’s always the centre of attention!

4 Kpopeurope THE HIPSTER

JiYoon the hipster She’s street, she’s hip, with looks that will send you to the moon! Yes, it’s the one, the only, the sexy JiYoon

Kpopeurope 5 THE KEEN THINKER

The keen thinker Check out GaYoon, striking a pensive pose, mulling over what killer note to hit next. Don’t be challenging her to a game of wits, because there will only be one winner.

6 Kpopeurope THE FEISTY LION

What’s up JiHyun? She may look puzzled, but she’s just toying with us. Like a feisty lion toys with its prey. We’re all yours!

Kpopeurope 7 THE COOL MISS

You are Miss Cool SoHyun proves that she’s Miss Cool with this stylish off-the- shoulder look, sport- ing enough bling to make anyone jealous.

8 Kpopeurope EUROPEAN COVER DANCERS

4 Minute’s “Crazy” - dance cover by TopGirls

There are seriously a lot of makes you special as a dancer cover dance group out there! and performer. You need to Recently, we got a message be unique or special in order from a new girl group from Po- to develop a commercial ca- land called TopGirls. The three reer. For example, you may girls (Kasia, Natalie and Gos- be able to do difficult dance ia) are presenting us a dance moves, you may be excep- cover of 4MINUTE’s „Crazy“. tionally limber, you may be a great jumper or you may be Here’s a personal message from an extremely sensual dancer. the girls: “Hello!! We are cover- ing group from Poland and we If you don’t have a signature just made dance cover of 4min- dance style or persona yet, ute - crazy. We really hope you work on one. You will also de- will enjoy our cover. Thank you velop your skills and value so so much for support!” Try to when you audition for high watch the video in HD if you can. profile dance roles on the stage Also, if you enjoyed their cover or for a film. Generally, you like their video as well! Check will need to find out famous out their YouTube video on our places where you can receive Facebook or YouTube channel! the right training. If you are interested in dancing profes- If you are now interested in be- sionally on the stage, you will coming a famous dancing star need to go to different places, too, we are trying to give you then e.g. if you are interested some hints for that: “Before you in dancing for movies, TV or can become a famous dancer, music videos. Continue to im- you need to be a good dancer!” prove your dancing skills and You can develop your dancing to develop your uniqueness. skills by taking classes and en- Train hard and develop your tering competitions. Another talent - but last and most im- thing that you should question portant: Have fun! A lot of fun! yourself is to determine what

Newcomer: Ellipsis Poland is not only famous for the Krowka candy, but also more and more talented K-pop cover groups emerge from this country in the center of Europe. Today, we are honored to introduce Ellipsis, a 5-member girl group from Krakow who received significant YouTube attention with their 4MINUTE cov- er for the K-pop Dream Concert in the Netherlands! Check them out and support/like/share their tal- ent if you feel their groove like I do. Kpopeurope 9 EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

K-Pop Korner in the UK

Some of you might have already heard of K-Pop Korner, the awe- some online radio program that broadcasts K-pop within Europe! Each week on Wednesday 7 PM, they have new interviewees on, from mainstream stars like Nell, Kim Greem, , and , to cool indie singers like Gonne Choi and Morrie, as well as other groups that really deserve lots of attention, such as Mogavi and Love X Stereo, plus there are special guests like Sam Hammington. This year they even had ’s sister on, Minyoung Gong! Adam who is the founder and moderator of that show has a personal statement for the fans out there: “Hi everyone, Adam from K-Pop Korner here. Just

wanted to say a quick thanks to With 원영조, The Burgundy and Hyuna Choi. all those that have supported the show since it started in 2013, and rock, indie…any genre! It’s not all line up NU’EST, Dami Im, IU,and for those of you that haven’t heard about , you know?” U-KISS, amongst many others. of us before, we’re Europe’s only ra- Watch out for more great music Keep yourself up to date by fol- dio show dedicated the wonderful and interviews in 2015. Plans al- lowing them at http://www. world of Korean music – pop, dance, ways change, but we’re hoping to facebook.com/kpopkorneruk.

CUBE’s CONCERT IN THE NETHERLANDS CANCELLED - ANOTHER SETBACK FOR K-POP

Another bad news for K-pop fans though it’s been cancelled, they’re Korean have contacted us exhibiting in Europe. After the K-Culture Fes- looking at organizing it for a later their interest in the European mar- tival 2014 was cancelled last year date. Due to the disappointment ket. (...) Although this is a setback for due to miss-organisation, another of many fans AM ENTERTAINMENT all the K-pop fans in the Netherlands event had to follow that destiny. published the following statement: and Europe, we are positive that Just recently by end of January, the eventually we will make it happen.” organiser of the so-called “Kpop “We regretfully have to announce that Dream Concert” in the Netherlands, the concert will not happen on the 4th This setback is again question- AM ENTERTAINMENT, announced of April. Unfortunately we were not ing the businesses that are done that they had to cancel the promis- able to overcome the indifferences with K-pop in Europe. It seems ing event. The concert, originally set we’ve run in to. We will still be work- that obstacles within the market to star idols A Pink, BTOB, 4 Minute, ing hard to make K-pop happen in or differences between involved and G.NA has been cancelled due to the Netherlands; after the successful concert organisers are not easy to some disagreements between the campaign and the great responses of overcome. In either way, this won’t organizers and the company. Al- the fans several parties from South- comfort the disappointed fans.

10 Kpopeurope BIG BANG COMEBACK

Are they still alive?

In terms of controversies over for the upcoming Big Bang album, he has been working on the comebacks, I think Big Bang takes and confirmed speculation that Big Bang album and admit- the cake - preferably not Red Vel- the group would finish out the ted that it may seem like he is vet – for the most anticipated year without a comeback. “I think making excuses about the de- comeback in Korean pop for this the Big Bang album will be post- lay. On January 1st, G-Dragon decade. VIP’s may have cause for poned until next year,” G-Dragon made another statement about complaint, but the group has responded when asked about the group’s upcoming return. been consistently active over the the group’s highly anticipated “We have very big plans this years, concerts in Japan and the comeback. He then went on to ad- year. BIGBANG will be back groups solo activities have kept dress the concerns of fans, whose with a new album, new tour, the Big Bang love alive for the anticipation for Big Bang’s next good music and good perfor- wait. But with “Fantastic Baby” as album increased after G-Dragon mance,” he said without unveil- overplayed as it gets, rumours of previously stated that it would ing an exact date for the group’s a Big Bang comeback have given be released in 2014. According to comeback. Excuses aside, this way to suspicion and excitement Enews, G-Dragon kept the exact does look promising, and with from VIPs. G-Dragon and time frame vague. “I’ve been talk- the group members near to recently participated in a round- ing about the comeback since the age of military enlistment table for media outlets in South last year, and because of what I – could we be expecting the Korea as part of their promotions said, I’ve been getting cursed at, last Big Bang album this year? for their sub-unit GD x Taeyang. so I can’t exactly say when it’ll be,” During the interview session, G- he explained. He followed this re- Dragon addressed the timeline sponse with the explanation that

Kpopeurope 11 ZION-T AND CRUSH iKON DEBUT New album release YG’s next unsure promise

Many readers of Kpopeurope are fans ed by the vocals and composition. YG Debuts are often the topic of of the singer Zion.T and his fantastic Zion. T and Crush released their proj- conversation in the Korean music work, his smooth and charismatic ect album “Young” through numer- industry, with many a broken prom- voice has taken not only Korean fans, ous online music distributers and ise of returns from their big artists. but international K-pop enthusiasts revealed the music video for their With Winner’s debut delayed and a by surprise. Much to fans delight title song “Just” through Amoeba girl group that was supposed to be Zion.T has collaborated with Crush Culture’s official YouTube. Classi- near to debut too – iKON seem quite to produce an album that will sweep cally brilliant and effortlessly cool, a way off from their intended release. up R&B fans. Their latest collabora- these two from VV:D give more On October 22nd, CEO Yang Hyun tion “Just” leaves listeners astound than you can imagine. [kerenza] Suk of YG Entertainment, confirmed to Star News that, “As soon as ‘MIX & MATCH’ is over, iKON will spend just a little more time on production and preparations and will debut right away in January of 2015 with a debut track… iKON will only be debuting with a single track and will continue to release singles for a while in or- der to shorten the time it takes for them to debut compared to Winner.”

With January over, and the start of the new year in full swing, we can only hope that YG will release the boys in the first half of this year. With iKON member appear- ing across media outlets in Korea – the group has already received hype and a growing fan base. With YG though – is anything certain?

EXO COMEBACK Endless waiting for the second full album

After reports that EXO would be best to prepare for the second full al- fans is the promise of a near come- making a January comeback, SM bum, and is working hard to meet the back due to the teaser that SM re- Entertainment has denied the ru- expectation of fans.” an agency repre- leased at the start of this year. With mours. They did, however, con- sentative told media outlets. Further- two members leaving last year, we firmed that EXO is working on their more it has been reported that EXO’s can expect to see the group back as next album. “EXO has been prepar- second full-length album will have 10 – EXO-L’s are surely looking for- ing for their comeback, but the date both Korean and Chinese versions; as ward to a far more drama-free year. has not yet been set,” the entertain- of yet unknown whether EXO will be ment agency’s representative told making a comeback in the first quar- media outlets. “EXO is doing their ter of 2015. However, what fuels EXO

12 Kpopeurope Copyright (c) 2012-2015 Kpopeurope.