My Music Radar! Second Year Anniversary...while the world mourns

Annyeong friends and fans, My Music Radar!'s second anniversary was last Friday, December 14, 2012, which was also the day of the Newtown shooting.
I was quite frankly too busy sobbing to think of celebrating anything that day. In fact I'm still not much in a celebrating mood, since we are based in Connecticut not far from Newtown.  We are probably seeing and hearing more than the rest of the nation and the world, due to our proximity. We will never forget.
After talking to my very good friend Erika of Oddness/Weirdness, who reassured me it was not too late, I decided to at least acknowledge our anniversary as it has been an amazing 2 years bringing Kpop to you all. 
We are mostly active on Under The Radar! these days, which is My Music Radar!'s tumblr. 
Thanks to our many friends and fans for your continued support. Saranghae!
Stormy

 
 

Hi babies! Long time no hear from me eh?
Well I'm still fairly active but mostly on 'Under the Radar' these days.
So what most of you don't know is that I was hurt in a fairly bad car accident several years ago which causes me to have nasty bouts of usually pneumonia or bronchitis.
I spend some time at hospital getting breathing treatments and pain therapy.
I never really wanted to bring this up because in my mind I'm still the dancer stage acting, active person I use to be >.> 
Reality these days is that I can't spend as much time as I use to scanning tons of web sites to find all the wonderful stuff I use to. Sad! I know....anyway, I thought all my lovely loyal friends and fans deserved to know why I am often away for gaps of time.
Unfortunately this also caused me and my faithful sidekick stormoftara to miss the recent Big Bang concert. Still kinda bummed about that T_T
So please do join us on My Music Radar!'s tumblr as I still try to post pictures and videos that you might not see as soon or at all ^^
I'm NOT shutting MMR down as I still intend to post here, just not as often.  

Stormy

Under the Radar!

Infinite Sungjong's Solo at Second Invasion Evolution 120401 - My Music Radar! Commentary

"I need a moment here......

Oh Sungjong, I have adored you for so long now,

How could you make me love you more?"

He did....

This performance had me personally in tears because its just so...Sungjong

After watching several fancams, I was at first squeeeeeeeee'ing

but, after watching several times, its the fans different reactions that got me to thinking.

You can hear some laughing, as they do for Chulie as Lady HeeHee.

Or ANY performance done by The Wonderboys.

However, and this is just my opinion...I don't think Sungjong meant this to be funny.

Sure there are lots of fan screams, but, there is an almost awkward moment of silence,

like the audience was deciding....funny? Or serious?

No matter he continues to strut and slink across the stage. Totally werkin it!

When Sunjong is lifted by the backup dancers including hands stroking his lithe body,

everyone seems to get it, and get WITH it and the fan screams resume.

The song finishes with a bang and a pose.

Now for some fancams.

Fancam 120401 인피니트 INFINITE SECOND INVASION EVOLUTION CONCERT
- Sung Jong Solo (성인식)

Uploaded by timaxjunkay on Apr 2, 2012

credit : jongwish.tistory.com

120401 (Fancam) 성종 solo

Uploaded by Cho4Kyuhyun on Apr 1, 2012

cr: daum

My only complaint with this whole thing is his hair, yes his hair.

At first I was like oh! cute! Kinda looks like a french twisty quaff,

but the more I looked at it the more it reminded me of a drag-queen  show after the wig comes off. I'm willing to bet that's not the look Sungjong was hoping for.

Other than that this was pretty much golden, the dress? Perfect. Very Andrej Pejic-ish.

I dare say if  Sungjong was a little taller he could step right into this profession.

His ability to channel his femininity is epic, and like Heechul, he does posses a certain femininity. (Unlike Key who though he is effeminate,  I have come to think of as straight gay....wait....what? Oh you know what I mean)

Sungjong has been cross-dressing since before he was an idol so don't even go there.

Okies? Good!

He obviously enjoys himself here, and certainly no one is forcing him to do this.

Hell the CEO of Woolliment even forbade him to do girl group dances at one time.

I'm so glad they have let him express himself more recently,

A diva in the making....hmmmm...with this performance?

I'd say he's pretty much there.

This IS my post and DOES represent my opinion

Stormy

Founder - My Music Radar!

T-ara Releases Cry Cry Music Video

The wait is finally over, Cry Cry is here! This is a very powerful, and long music video, so perhaps go make some popcorn before you watch it. It's not just a music video, it's a movie.



Published on Nov 8, 2011 by LOENENT

This video is only half of the story, T-ara will be releasing part 2, Lovey-dovey, at some point in the future. I hope soon!

This video was much more mature than their previous works. It is the tale of a girl who sees her father shot and killed. Ten years later, a shocking truth is revealed to her when a man who escaped from her house on the night of her father's murder is brought back into her life. It's hard for me to understand all of what's going on with my very, very, limited grasp Korean, but the story still stands on it's own even if you don't know any Korean at all.

The song in and of itself is amazing, it sends chills down my spine just listening to it. I can't wait for the next part to released!

-stormoftara :3

New Hip Hop Group We Releases New Music Video

A new hip hop group has hit the Korean scene, and they are amazing.

New rookie group ‘WE‘ has just released their first digital single “The Rain” on November 1st. The group’s dynamics are different, made up of three male members (Macho, Kang Han, Man Do), with female vocalist Rosie. Each member has worked professionally in various fields as a dancer, rapper, CF model, and musical star and have captured the attention of the industry with their undeniably powerful stage presence. The group named themselves ‘WE’, meaning the four of them must come together to be explosive, and the four will continue to look ‘up’ and are determined to reach the ‘top’. They want to show the industry what they are made of, as a powerful performance team.

Source: Allkpop



Here is their soulful music video, Rainy Days.

Uploaded by AsianDream2015 on Oct 31, 2011

The video is a bit repetitive, and I wish we could get a better look at the whole band. All in all though the song itself is amazing and moving and I love it!

I look forward to what We has in store for us next!

-stormoftara :3

Korean versus Japanese Music Videos

There is something I've been noticing as more and more Korean stars are releasing their tracks in Japanese. This may be an older song, but it shows what I am talking about.


Uploaded by iPinkSugarX on May 27, 2011

Do you see the differences? Here are some stills from the first few seconds of both videos.

Korean Version

Japanese Version

The Japanese version is much more colorful, lively, and energetic.

Now let's take a more recent release, 2NE1's Go Away.

Korean

Uploaded by 2NE1 on Sep 9, 2010

I really like this video, even if it's a bit dark. Now are you ready for this?

Japanese

Uploaded by soh0712 on Oct 29, 2011

Do you see the difference? It's amazing really. I liked the original Korean version a lot more but of course that's a matter of opinion. The Japanese version is much more upbeat and colorful, but it lacks the story and emotional connect the Korean version gives us.

Now for one last comparison, T-ara's yayaya

Korean

Uploaded by CJENMMUSIC on Apr 22, 2011

Japanese

Uploaded by OrangeAmberSky on Oct 26, 2011

Again, the Korean version is telling a story, while the Japanese version is much more colorful. I think this has to do with the vast differences between Japanese and Korean cultures. Korea is more reserved, while Japan is more free.

In the end though, which music video you enjoy the most is really up to your own personal opinion, whether you like the fun colorfulness of the Japanese music videos, or the more emotional and story driven Korean music videos. Whatever you like, it's always fun to sit back and watch these music videos!

-stormoftara :3

Lee Soo Man on his system of management, upcoming groups M1 & M2, and his dreams

by carolicity

SM Entertainment‘s mastermind, Lee Soo Man (60), recently sat down with Chosun for an interview, where he revealed his thoughts on a variety of topics, including his management system, his new groups ‘M1‘ and ‘M2‘, and his possible venture into the American market. Check out his interview below!
—
> The biggest contributing factor to Kpop’s widespread success is the long term contracts:
Lee Soo Man became the first person in the Korean entertainment industry to implement a systematic and scientific management system. He picked trainees to foster into idol stars, who all signed 13-year contracts. By doing this, he essentially became the principal of a school of talented students.
However, these long term contracts have been controversial and often referred to as ‘slave contracts’ (after negotiations with the Fair Trade Commission, the length of the contract term has been reduced to 7 years if artists are only promoting within Korea, 10 years if going overseas). 13 years is a long time to the trainees, but it’s also a long time for the management as well, since they are making a 13 year promise to take responsibility in transforming the trainees into stars.
Lee Soo Man cited these long term contracts as the biggest contributing factor to K-Pop’s widespread success all over the world.
He stated,

Even the U.S. couldn’t establish a management system like ours. Picking trainees, signing a long term contract, and teaching trainees for a long period of time, this just can’t happen in the U.S. U.S. agencies are hired as sub-contractors after an artist has grown and gained popularity on their own. As a result, the agencies only play roles of sub-contractors, and can’t make long term investments in singer-hopefuls.
However, in Korea and Japan, whose cultural industries developed later, agencies were free to make such contracts. That’s why we have been able to make these long term investments.

While on the topic of ‘industries’, the reporter took the opportunity to question Lee Soo Man about “CT”. They asked, “You came up with the word CT (Culture Technology). What is the secret to becoming the winner in the CT industry?”
Lee Soo Man replied,

“The IT (information technology) industry is often said to be a high risk-high profit industry. However, CT is an industry with an even bigger risk-profit ratio. In an industry like this, the most important thing is to avoid things that happen by chance, or only once.
To give an example, a talented artisan possesses pottery making skills that are unrivaled by anyone. His skills lie in his sense of touch and his fingertips. If you want to learn these skills, you have no choice but to train under him. However, if this skill can be recorded carefully and taught to disciples, and if he could pass this skill down successfully and receive copyright fees – this could become an industry.
This is what SM Entertainment is trying to do. Whatever skills I, or one of our employees possess, are written out and passed down through training and education. Only then can something become continuous. If this kind of system cannot be established, everything will only have happened by chance and end as a one-time occurrence.”

He also added, “People worry that without Lee Soo Man, SM will come to an end, so that’s why a ‘clone’ has been made to take the place of Lee Soo Man.”
He revealed that this ‘clone’ is a team made up of six people who are specialists in areas like dance, singing, and mixing music. He stated, “Something better than a copy of Lee Soo Man will be produced, and SM will become even bigger.”
– > Patience is Lee Soo Man’s secret to his management:
The entertainment industry is essentially about making the right choices; choosing the best singer, choosing the best staff, choosing the best music. Knowing this, Lee Soo Man handles each decision with extreme patience. Before making a choice, he looks over almost an excessive amount of options, but if he thinks that there is no answer, he will cleanly give it up. There have been many occurrences of ‘sunken costs’ that could not be recovered, but Lee Soo Man doesn’t seem to care. Rather than risking his neck for a product that is ‘so-so’, he is willing to invest the time and money until the best comes out.
Taking this into consideration, Lee Soo Man introduced the topic of his upcoming group.
SM Entertainment’s new group will be made up of two sub groups who have the same concept. One group will promote in Korea, while the other group will promote with the same song in China. The groups are currently referred to as ‘M1‘ and ‘M2‘.
In order to find the perfect title song for these two groups, SM held an event called ‘Music Camp’ in Denmark and Norway in August. The event drew 50 composers from all over the world, who came to compose a song for SM Entertainment over 3 to 6 days. SM Entertainment showed the composers M1 and M2, and once they explain the concept they wanted and the rhythm they seeked, the composers were free to come up with their own songs.
Even though they held this event twice already, SM Entertainment still hasn’t been able to pick a suitable title song for M1 and M2. Lee Soo Man stated,

“If you look at it from one point, we have thrown away a lot of money. However, we’re always doing things like that. SM Entertainment has three sources of power: training, adherence to the system, and songs. It usually takes about 4 years to launch a new group. In order to write one song for TVXQ, 50 people had gathered. It required around 4 billion won ($3.5 million USD) for TVXQ to make their debut. In addition, another 4 billion Korean Won was required for album production and promotional fees.”

–

Lee Soo Man then went on to explain how his patience and methodical system allowed him to create super idol groups, TVXQ and Super Junior.
After BoA’s successful venture into Japan, the SM Entertainment CEO wanted to create a group that could be successful not only in Asia, but all over the world. Since he had a limited number of trainees, much deliberation and focus was needed to decide how to make this group happen. Lee Soo Man decided to choose the best members out of several trainee teams to create a new group that could be considered “major league”. This group was none other than TVXQ.
As for Super Junior, Lee Soo Man revealed, “All the other groups were on the verge of being dissolved. However, since they signed contracts with us, we had to take responsibility. So out of these groups, the group that we raised to do well both in music and variety shows was Super Junior. They put in their sweat and tears to survive [in the industry], and we felt bad [watching them] so we tried to help them.”
And what about SM Entertainment’s plans for expansion into the U.S.?
The reporter asked, “SM TOWN is going to be held at Madison Square Garden in New York, are you going to be making an official venture into the U.S.?” Lee Soo Man replied,

“No, it’s not like that. Rather than venturing into the U.S., we are just holding a concert as a consolation for the people we consider a part of an imaginary country called SM TOWN. The markets of China and Asia will be bigger than the U.S. market. Thus, it isn’t really necessary to go into the U.S. In the near future, when a ‘Hollywood of Asia’ appears, the cultural center of the world will make a big shift to Asia. Asian songs are not well known in the U.S.? Totally irrelevant because Asia will soon become the center.”

– > Lee Soo Man’s dreams for the future:
Lee Soo Man is a man who is always dreaming. His current dream involves producing a musical like ‘Billy Elliot’, where he’ll draw different groups from all over the world and have them perform. He revealed that the story would be about a mom and a child arguing over classic and pop music, but end up realizing that better music can be produced when the two are combined. The musical would feature a combination of past and new songs of SM Entertainment.
As this interview was being conducted, the news about Teddy Riley composing SNSD’s new song broke out. When asked to comment about the news, Lee Soo Man commented, “It’s my dream to produce a composer that makes the most money in the world through SM Entertainment.”
Source + Photo: Chosun
Tip: puchicatos

Hmmm well, I'm not so sure I feel good about being 'consoled' by Lee Soo Man with a concert. I kinda feel like a second rate citizen of SMTown with that statement. Certainly it dashes my hopes of ever seeing much in the way of Kpop here in the states(from SME anyway). Apparently we are irrelevant.

I really don't have a problem with the 'shift' as there is not a whole lot of music here holding my attention right now, and Japan is already the second biggest music market behind only the USA.

Not to mention that current technology almost makes this a mote point, otherwise how would Kpop have spread so quickly in the first place?

Lee Soo Man is certainly smart and far thinking, however, I don't think he has a clear enough picture of global scale.

I adore the Korean culture as a whole, and I understand the want to spread it, but, as I am so fond of saying "Careful of the fandoms you tick off, we hold the cash in our hands"

BTW Lee Soo Man, hows that mansion in California?......

Boyfriend garners over 1 million views for "Don't touch my Girl'

There are odd days when I wonder why I do this...
I look around at cold half empty cups of Dunkin Donuts and Starbuck's (Rayne will kill me for that >.<) coffee. 2 laptops nestled together with a recently acquired 2terabyte external drive in-between.
Sometimes I get really tired.
Why do I do this?
Then I watch Boyfriend's just released dance version of 'Don't touch my Girl' while a BIG smile spreads across my face as I realize just how right and well done this rookie group is. You can almost see their hopes and dreams, hear their drive for success in an ever more competitive jungle of fierceness.
Boyfriend does not rely on flashy outfits or over-the-top accessories(I'm STILL looking at you B1A4*coughblowmewhistlecough*)to garner fans. They just sing and dance really well, moving forward one step at a time.
Starship, keep doing what you're doing with these boys.
Cause you're doin it perfectly.
Sometimes you do it just because....its right.
"Fighting babies!"

BOYFRIEND 보이프렌드_내 여자 손대지마 Dance Ver. Music Video

Published on Oct 12, 2011 by starshipTV

Enjoy! ^.^

[My Music Radar! Comentary] Super Junior's Heechul attempts his first day in Public Service Personnel and I'm trying hard not to rant here.

 

Super Junior's Heechul attempts his first day in Public Service Personnel
and is greeted (swarmed) by fans and Reporters.
I'm trying really hard here not to rant but I fear it's a loosing battle.

Heechul stated in several pre-service interviews that he wished to serve quietly.
Apparently this is not gonna happen, at least not right now.
And I feel so bad for him. I have a feeling that he ran away to the service,
just my own opinion.
The way things happened so quick and his attitude right before joining just, I dunno,
it was almost like 'stop the world I wanna get off'

Pictures speak a thousand words, and his clearly say 'Leave me alone!'
He seemed to enjoy the quiet time in boot camp even taking time to notice the night stars.
Can't the fans and reporters just leave him alone?
Let the man serve in peace and come back to us the more mature man he so desperately wants to be!
/rant

My Music Radar! Is back!!! Super Junior the last Men Standing!!! Superman!

Did you miss My Music Radar! ?
Back with one of the best songs of the year, Super Junior's Superman.

Have you seen this video yet?
I dunno why but this song hits me deep and hard, its got all those things that make me sit up and take notice.
Dark and melodic it draws you in, mesmerizes you with a heavy beat and releases you at the end spent and satisfied.
Narcissistic? Definitely! How much do I care? Not at all. I just can't not listen to this song!
LeeTeuk:
should I pluck the stars for you, count them
one, two, three
with the stars we've lost
we are thirteen stars
SJ Like THIS!
THE LAST MAN STANDING!

Uploaded by SMTOWN on Aug 26, 2011
Subbed Romanized and HD!

Uploaded by LoveKpopSubs6 on Aug 7, 2011
Oh SME is def cashing in and took the opportunity to release Ver B but what can I say? We fans asked for it and SME gave it to us.
I'm NOT going to complain about the video as I have seen so many outraged ELF's and fans do. Why? Quite frankly I'm all about the music, the video is just eye candy and gravy, no matter what its still Super Junior in action. Not to mention the BTS's of Mr. Simple is just freaking UNF!
Enjoy! and Enjoy the return of MMR!
^.^
Oh yes....look forward to one of my fav "corners" of MMR! "The Holiday Hook-Up"
This weekend!

My Music Radar! Update and I got your new JongKey right here!

Just to let everyone know, My Music Radar! will be back September 1st! Refreshed and renewed!
Please look forward to it!

Since I'm here anyway I have  hot NEW JongKey moment for you!
Once again I say, how can I not believe when they keep doing things like this?

Uploaded by dondontcha on Aug 15, 2011
 So happy JongKey! Both their smiles are killer!

Uploaded by MsKeybum on Aug 17, 2011
Enjoy!
And please wait a little bit, My Music Radar! will be back soon!
^.^

My Music Radar! has Returned!!!! Better tan ever!

My Music Radar! will be on hiatus.

Returned and better than ever!!!!

[MMR! Commentary]Dreams come true! The story of 5 Shinee Boys...

Part 1

[My Music Radar! Commentary]
My impressions from this, their first Solo concert.....
My friend Erika is fond of asking.....How does SME know, when looking at new recruits, who will be good? How do they know who will turn out to not only be so very talented, but who will turn out to be so very beautiful? How do they know?

A certain look in the eye? Curve of the lips? Hand position while dancing? Attitude? Divine intervention? I really have no clue. One thing I do know for sure is, some one guessed right when forming Shinee. Some one did a good thing. Not only for Korea, but for fans worldwide.

For Shinee, this concert was a Dream come true, and they have worked for 4 years to get to this place. 2 or more years in training, where Onew and Taemin 1st met, before Shinee was even an idea in anyone's mind. Jonghyun and Key were roommates before Shinee as well, Divine intervention? Taemin was added to Shinee almost as an after thought as Minho was the maknae for almost 2 years. Can YOU imagine Shinee without Taemin?

May 25th 2008 gave birth to Shinee....and now after 2 albums, 9 singles, 2 musicals, numerous variety shows and many injuries.....a Dream comes true.
During an interview on Muzits, all the boys revealed what their personal dreams were for the future. Onew wanted to sing Opera, Jonghyun wanted to DJ on the radio, Key wanted to perform music of a contemporary nature and Taemin wanted to sing New Age type music. (Minho was absent due to injuries from the Dream Team, but we all know he just wants to be hot [LOL!] seriously though he wants to act.)

Indeed this concert was a dream come true in more than one way, its every groups dream to stay popular enough to reach the day where they will have their own solo concert. Shinee did this. Its every members dream to stay long enough to embark on their own solo path. Shinee is doing this too. Indeed they have worked so very hard to get to where they are, and they have done so despite some very hard times indeed.

It was a Shawols dream to see Onew singing opera in Italian and weeping at the end for all the beauty he reveals with his voice. I wept with him. So much fun to see Jonghyun DJ'ing and singing with the powerful voice he belts out with. The Almighty Key's performance of My first kiss revealed his Diva self to the max and he was indeed contemporary in his Pretty in Pink jacket. Taemin was dressed more New Age than his song was, but of all the members, he has truly come the furthest, revealing a voice and attitude that burst out on stage and will be seared into my memory for all time. Unf! Minho? Yaahhhhh he was just Hot Hot Hot, revealing his abs when HE wanted to and not when forced to by friends. Minho's voice has also been revealed to be a strong force to be reckoned with.

Saddest moment? Watching Onew weep after his opera performance, I'm not sure if, after all this time, when his voice cracked during the most intense moment of the song, if it wasn't because this truly was his dream and he felt like he failed for that tiny little crack in his voice. Fighting! Onew! We all know that besides being the leader of an awesome group(and all that THAT entails), you are also the busiest of all the 5 doing not only musicals but all the Shinee performances as well, its a wonder you have any voice left at all.

Happiest moment? Watching Taemin singing in an awesome voice that has taken all of 4 years to develop. He once revealed during a radio interview how disappointed he was this year because he though he would be a lot further along by now. Relax Taemin, you are there! Not only revealing a lovely voice but also dancing your heart out, which is why you were first chosen for Shinee. You have arrived my love.

In closing....all I have left to say is....Saranghae Shinee and kahmsahmnida.
Thank you Thank you, for all that you have become, for all that you are and for all that you have yet to be.
And for all the many hours of joy you have brought me.

Part 2

Credit where due.

Credit as tagged.

Welcome to My Music Radar!

My Music Radar!
Enjoy updates on some of my favorite Asian Music groups.

And music in general.

Music is what feelings sound like~Anonymous

Hello and Welcome to the new My Music Radar! Blog Spot. My old page on FB was getting too restrictive and I was wanting more space to share more info so, here we go!!!! This will not be a fan site or be dedicated to any one group or genre of music in particular, more it will be about current music, from everywhere and anywhere.
You can also expect occasional comments and reviews from some of my fav Kdramas, Jdramas and funny posts from The World of Random.
Feel free to leave your comments and join in the fun! Enjoy! ^.^

Please take the time to +1 whatever you find enjoyable to share the kpop love!
You can also Follow, Tweet and share to FaceBook.
As always I welcome your comments! Even Anon's! ^.~
Just about all of MMR! stills and pics can be "clicked" to view original size, just don't forget to use your back button to return to My Music Radar!
Enjoy your stay!
Kamsahamnida "Please look after me"