marle: nervous kiddo that lurks a lot, but is very friendly if you decide to talk to her. a choice by choice — kpop stan (mostly boy groups) — anime/manga weeb — video game nerd — always excited for christmas all year round
trying to find out the maximum number of questions uquiz will let you have in a single quiz and so far it has not stopped me at 76 and i do not think it will stop me at 77
This week, we’re highlighting five-member boy group A.C.E to celebrate the release of their new mini-album, SIREN:DAWN. We caught up with them about their new single, “Higher,” which was released on Wednesday, their inventive underwater photoshoot, and the first songs they remember loving. Check out our full interview below!
How does the sound and concept of your new mini-album, SIREN:DAWN, and single, “Higher,” differ from your previous comebacks?
JUN: The last album was a Korean goblin concept, and this time it is a mermaid concept. In this album, we tried our best to show you more sentimental and sad feelings as well as aesthetic aspects. You can find these things in the music video, but especially the lyrics.
In terms of visuals, there are touches of the mermaid in our outfits’ see-through material, plastic pants, and different accessories for each member. There’s a real difference of feelings from the traditional Korean visuals of the last album.
Your album photos are always so inventive. Can you tell us a little about shooting underwater? Do you have a favorite concept from your photoshoots?
KIM BYEONGKWAN: The underwater shooting was more difficult than I thought. I had more respect for Jun and Chan, who shot underwater in the last album; their photos were amazing. They were like my mentors for this underwater shooting. My favorite pictures are the ones I took on the water.
CHAN: Jun and I already had an experience from the last album. So, this time, we proceeded in a skillful and relaxed situation. I like the “MOON” concept photos: I could express the energy that I wanted to express in that concept, so I hope you look forward to it.
Outside of music, what are you most passionate about? Are there any hobbies you use to de-stress?
DONGHUN: Staying home alone and relaxing is my thing. Occasionally, I’ll write songs with lyrics about stress and worries.
WOW: I relieve my stress by browsing the Internet. I get a lot of inspiration from watching fashion-related videos.
What’s the first song you remember loving?
JUN: “A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men.
I’ve always loved R&B songs. Among those R&B songs, this song touched me a lot when I came across it with lyrics that could show my love and respect for my mother. I used to sing it a lot, too.
DONGHUN: “Nocturn” by Lee Eun-mi (“녹턴” by 이은미).
The lyrics of the song and Lee Eun-mi’s emotions touched my heart and comforted me. I played this song whenever I was having a hard time.
WOW: “Timeless” by SG Wannabe.
This song introduced me to SG Wannabe, but it also became my go-to song.
KIM BYEONGKWAN: “Lovely Sweet Heart” by SeeYa (“사랑의 인사” by 씨야).
When I was really young, my friend recommended this song—I thought the atmosphere and lyrics were so beautiful!
CHAN: My father used to run a record store, so I’ve been listening to many songs since I was young. I don’t remember any particular first song, but the kind of music I listen to a lot these days is “Let’s Go Picnic” by George (죠지). This is my favorite kind of music genre, and the lyrics are so pretty.
Lightning round! Describe each of the following in one word: Who you are, what you value the most, and what you’d be if you were a food item.
JUN: I am Jun of A.C.E.
My family, A.C.E members, CHOICE❤️, and staff at the management are what I value most.
I would be Kimchi stew.
DONGHUN: I am Donghun of A.C.E and the vocalist.
Music, A.C.E, and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be sushi.
WOW: I am WOW of A.C.E.
A.C.E and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be a fortune cookie.
KIM BYEONGKWAN: I am BK of A.C.E, an artist and performer.
Everyone that I have a relationship with and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be gorgonzola pizza.
CHAN: I am Chan of A.C.E.
All A.C.E members and CHOICE are what I value the most.
I would be ramen or rib-eye steak.
In the four years together since your debut, how have your relationships changed with your group members?
CHAN: In the beginning, we came from different backgrounds and cultures. After the long years of being a team, the relationship has become more comfortable and more than family now, so we can rely on each other, support each other, and be indispensable.
What’s your favorite lyric from your discography and why?
JUN: Track: “Stand by You.”
(“Inside the many worries I lived while being tied up Oh, I’m sending a letter to myself like this I will stand by you”)
It’s so refreshing to listen to in the summer or when you’re tired. It’s one of the happiest songs to sing on stage for me.
DONGHUN: Track: “5TAR.”
(“I believe that happiness comes in little doses”)
It was my favorite lyrics when I was writing the lyrics. And it is also a mindset that values life as the most important thing.
CHAN: Track: “5TAR.”
(“In the night sky, I can see a particular shining star. To me, it’s exactly like you”)
Those lyrics remind me of CHOICE a lot, and the image of me looking up at the night sky with the members makes me emotional.
WOW: “If You Heard (들린다면).”
(“Even if everything changes, will you be by my side? No matter how tired I am, I’ll smile looking at you”)
Because the lyrics are from the bottom of my heart. And it’s the lyrics that give me strength when I think of CHOICE, so it’s my favorite.
KIM BYEONGKWAN: “If You Heard (들린다면).”
(“Shout out loud, Shout out louder”)
It’s the most memorable part when we toured and sang with our fans. I can’t wait to get the feeling again by singing together with fans soon.
Want more from A.C.E? Check out their new album, SIREN:DAWN, and the video for “Higher” here.
i made two new friends yesterday!! it was terrifying and i only typed in the chat despite it being a voice call, but i’m proud of myself for socializing despite the nerves
itch.io is doing another massive bundle, this time for palestinian aid and you can buy 1020 items for just 5 dollars HERE
[quoted from the page]
This is a grassroots bundle by indie devs who want to help Palestinians.
All profit from this bundle will be donated to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The UNRWA has provided food assistance for over one million Palestinians, and continues to do so in the territories with heavy destruction. They also provide emergency mental and physical health protection for those in the region. https://www.unrwa.org/gaza-emergency
Indie games are unique in that they can tell stories not seen in AAA or other games. We pour our life experiences into our games and share a piece of ourselves with the world. Palestinian game developers are no different in this aspect, but have the added challenges of limited access to basic services, like clean water, electricity, medical care, and food security. They live under Israeli authority that discriminates and subjugates Palestinians to the point of persecution and apartheid, simply for being Palestinian. Furthermore, they develop games without all the resources that come with being in a western hub for game development.
Palestinian game developer Rasheed Abueideh did exactly that when he made Liyla and the Shadows of War, which tells a story of a little girl who lives in Gaza during the 2014 war, in which 30% of civilian casualties were children. Liyla and the Shadows of War was showcased at IndieCade and A MAZE and earned numerous award nominations, including a win in Excellence in Storytelling at the International Mobile Gaming Awards Middle East/North Africa.
This bundle is pay-what-you-want (above $5 U.S. dollars) for Liyla and the Shadows of War, and you will receive hundreds of additional games, assets, and soundtracks graciously donated by game developers and media creators around the world for free. The bundle will run through Friday, June 11th. Together, we can raise funds for UNRWA for food and medical assistance for Palestinians AND highlight a game developer who is directly affected by the cause we are rallying behind.
here’s the link again: https://itch.io/b/902/indie-bundle-for-palestinian-aid
you can get games like: pikuniku, minit, longstory, VVVVVV, a good snowman is hard to build, gnog, glittermitten grove, smile for me, cook serve delicious 2, and way more, along with countless ttrpgs, soundtracks, and programing resources. check it out if you have the time
Cells at work! White - Chapter 1: Longing Seniors (Part 1)
Okay, so...I originally planned to translate just the first 6(?) pages of this manga...but then I thought why not try to translate as much as i can (note: I'll probably end up translating the first 2 chapters since they are the only chapters of the raw manga that I can view for free)
I'll try to update weekly but we'll see
Again, these are just rough translations I made with google translate
kaledo-art
janainaart
snowghoul
germansingergirl
jbbartram-illu
