A Dictionary of Sorts

This is a sideblog project intended for reviews of books, movies, music and televison shows that I like and want my friends to try. In essence, it's a blog for housing reviews and recaps of my favorite things.

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Favorite K-Pop Songs (Released In) 2014

Unlike last year, there were tons of songs this year that I loved, so picking 14 of them was really hard. And arranging them in order was even harder. But here we go:

14. Catallena — Orange Caramel

I used this video in a presentation for one of my classes last spring and one of my professors emailed me weeks later and said she still couldn't get it out of her head. As expected from Orange Caramel, the video is bright and quirky, and the music and lyrics are catchy and addictive. It's hard to get the song out of your head once you've heard it, and it may be even better live.

Lyrics/Romanization

13. Don't Flirt With Me — U-KISS

I might be a little biased because I'm in love with U-KISS anyway, but this song is catchy as Hell and their vocals never disappoint. Even the rap is well integrated into the song. The music video is a little surprising, coming from this group, but am I the only one who started sweating over Soohyun in leather?

Lyrics/Romanization

12. It's You — Mr.Mr.

I wasn't a Mr.Mr. fan before this year, but I heard this song in passing and played it a million times. I like super cute songs, anyway, and this one is just soft and sappy enough to draw me in. The lyrics are sweet, and the melody is sweeter. The music video is made up of concert footage, too, which is nice if you're like me and you've never really been into them before.

Lyrics/Romanization

11. LUV — APink

It's no secret that I love APink, as "NoNoNo" was one of my favorite songs in 2013. They had plenty of singles to pick through this year, too, and I loved all of them. Ultimately, "LUV" is my favorite. Not quite as cheerful and sweet as "Mr. Chu" and "Crystal", but I prefer the nostalgic, retro vibe of this song and video. And the video for this one is absolutely gorgeous.

Lyrics/Romanization

10. Zotto Mola — Gary

Thanks to Gil's scandal, we didn't get much Leessang in 2014, but at least we got Gary's solo album (and a couple of songs with Jungin, who has a beautiful voice). Of all of them, this one was my favorite. A little less raunchy than "Shower Later", which is definitely catchy and has an...interesting...video, but I like the dark look and feel of this video + the surprisingly sweet lyrics. I was surprised by how different the style of this is, compared to Gary's usual raps, and the surrpsie made it that much better for me. I listened to a lot of k hip-hop this year, but this was my favorite out of all of it. Then again, I may be slightly biased because I like Leessang (and Gary) so much.

Lyrics/Romanization

9. I Swear — SISTAR

Just listening to this song makes me feel happy and summery all over again. I could say the same about "Touch My Body", as well, but the vocals and video for "I Swear" make it more memorable for me.

Lyrics/Romanization

8. Doll — Shin Hyesung (feat. Lim Chang Jung)

I love Shinhwa, so I was really excited about Hyesung's remake project this year, and this is my favorite. I'm also a Lee Ji Hoon fan, so the original version of this song is one I like a lot. But I love the updated arrangement and the slightly less histrionic vocals. This version is much more ~current~. Such a gorgeous ballad and the Hyesung/LCJ harmonies are too beautiful for words. I'm also a sucker for the Liveworks lyric videos (even though it would have been nice to get an actual MV).

Lyrics/Romanization

7. Day 1 — K.Will

In 2013, I was obsessed with a K.Will song. In 2014 I was even more obsessed with a K.Will song. This one came out months ago and I still listen to it at least once a day. It's so pretty and catchy, and K.Will's voice is amazing. For me, it was more of a year of girl groups and solo singers than boy groups, and this one definitely fits that theme. It's also got a slightly retro feel, like a lot of the other songs on the list. (Plus, the video is super cute.)

Lyrics/Romanization

6. Darling — Girl's Day

I was all about Girl's Day in 2014, so I was super excited for this song from the time the teasers started coming out, and I wasn't disappointed. The video is cute, bright, and fun, and the lyrics and melody are, too. So catchy and fun.

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization

5. Thinking of You — Seo In Young (feat. Zion T)

In 2013, Seo In Young's "Love Me" was my favorite song of the year, so this one fell a little short of that one, for me, but it's still incredible. Seo In Young's style makes her songs and videos so distinctly her that it's refreshing. Zion T fits well with her in this one, too. The coloring and lighting for the video are gorgeous, and the sad ballad-esque lyrics contrasted with the more cheerful sound of the song is really nice. She has a great voice and knows how to use repetition to her advantage, without letting it get old.

Lyrics/Romanization

4. Night and Day — Wheesung

Wheesung has an incredible voice, and I loved everything he released this year. But I listened to this song constantly from the time it came out in March, to this moment, 10 months later. A lot darker in contrast to most of the songs on my list for 2014, but so so good. Once again, a song that's got a dark feel, but sweet lyrics, which is a combination I love. And there will never be enough praise in the world for Wheesung's voice.

Lyrics/Romanization

3. Without You — S

It's a testament to how incredible my top two songs are, that this one is number three. At the time I'm writing this, there are 755,000 views on the music video, and I'm pretty sure 55,000 of those are me because I've been watching and re-watching it constantly since it came out in October. As I mentioned before, I like Hyesung and Ji Hoon, but it's not even my bias that makes me love this song so much. The passive aggressive lyrics and the gorgeous, heartbreaking harmonies, make this song the absolute best ballad of the year for me. You can't beat these three voices in harmony.

Lyrics/Romanization

2. Be A Man — MBLAQ

It's criminal how poorly this song was promoted. (And where the hell is the video for the other song they gave us a teaser for?) Now that two members have left MBLAQ, it seems like it was their last chance to be appreciated by music shows (as a whole), too, and it slipped away. But it doesn't stop "Be A Man" from being an incredible song. It's catchy, sleek, and well-produced. Maybe even a little darker than 2013's "Smoky Girl", and with another new, original sound that only MBLAQ would be capable of (with the help of G.O.'s amazing vocals). I'm so disappointed that this song didn't get all of the love and appreciation that it deserved, because it's easily one of the best songs of the year.

Lyrics/Romanization

1. Like A Cat — AOA

I made it my goal in life to make everyone I'd ever met watch and listen to "Like A Cat" in 2014. Even my eternal love and bias for MBLAQ and Shinhwa couldn't take the top spot away from this one. It's catchy, it's sexy, and it's cute. In fact, I'm angry at myself for not giving AOA much of a chance until this year, when they had a string of excellent singles, just because I wasn't a fan of "Elvis". This is everything you could ever want in a pop song, and the choreography is excellent. It even sounds and looks good live (and even acoustic)

Lyrics/Romanization

If there are any broken links, let me know and I'll try and fix them. Thanks for reading!

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Longing & Leaving: Korean Ballads (Part 2)

Korean ballads, all about wanting someone and/or letting someone go--part two!  Please listen to the playlist on 8tracks!

I can’t do anything, I’m just crying Like a child, I’m shedding tears and letting you go Without even giving any excuse (x) 2. I Told You I Wanna Die - Huh Gak

I can only say that I want to die My life without you is hard to live through I only wait for you to come back Though you’re not here anymore Please, I really miss you, I love you (x) 3. Hurts - Shinhwa

If the morning comes, you’ll wake up from your dream and leave I don’t want nobody else but you I have to let you go And it hurts, and it hurts so bad (x) 4. My Heart - F.I.X

My foolish heart is earnestly calling out to you Telling me to forget, to erase – that I can’t ever see you again My ripped apart love is in pain and crying If only I can see you just once (x) 5. In Heaven - JYJ

Don’t leave, don’t leave- can’t you stay by my side? Lies, all lies- I don’t hear anything I love you, I love you- can’t you show me those words? I love you, I love you- will you love me again? (x) 6. To You - Sung Si Kyung

Too many thoughts are blocking you But you smile at me (I’m just thankful) Your innocent heart is still so pretty But I don’t know why but everything is so hard (x) 7. Hello and Goodbye - Shin Hye Sung (feat. Eric)

Since I can’t erase it Since I can’t let you go 'Please, don’t go’ Holding back the tears I try to stop you with all my heart though It always starts with hello And ends with good bye (x) 8. Missing You - Fly To The Sky

Please listen to my heart just once Everyday every night I am missing you Even if you are not by my side Even if I can't see you now In my heart, you are always the same (x) 9.You Were Mine - 2AM

I, who beamed whenever I was with you I, who still smiled after watching scary movies Cried yesterday And cried today And with a hoarse voice, I keep calling your name (x) 10. Rainy Heart - Heo Young Saeng (feat. Kim Kyu Jong)

Rainy day, while looking at the rain Tears rolling down unknowingly Why does my heart cries whenever it rains Who am I missing? Today just passed by like that day (x) 11. Love Doesn't Come - Junjin

Love won't come As if my heart is all alone I've left to search for you From the many countless people, I can feel you alone If it isn't you, then I do not exist (x) 12. Let Me See - JYJ

Let me see let me see When I’m left alone in a small room on a sad night The shaking moonlight of the night Was it your hand, tempting me outside? Let me see let me see When I’m falling down because I lack, because of you Even the piercing pain seems like a signal from you (x) 13. Finding Myself - Seo IN Guk

Since when and from where did I start to like you? Maybe this person is just part of my greed At some point, without knowing, I am going toward you I am wandering inside my mixed up thoughts (x) 14. Insomnia - Shin Hye Sung

I suddenly think of you I wonder if you’re doing well these days If your days are sad like mine are When I close my eyes and think of you for a moment Even the insides of my winter cold heart are freezing (x) 15. Touch Love - Yoon Mi Rae

When you pass by my finger tips Warmth spreads throughout my cold heart I want to softly go to you and lean on you But the distance between us is not narrowing (x)

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Longing & Leaving: Korean Ballads

Korean ballads, all about wanting someone and/or letting someone go. (The first song is in Japanese but it's a kpop group so let's just close our eyes and shhhh.) Please listen to the playlist on 8tracks!

Why did I end up falling for you? No matter how much time has passed I still thought you were right here But you’ve already chosen a different path (x) 2. Words I Couldn't Say Yet - Choa (AOA)

Is it wrong if I start to miss you? Is it wrong if I long for you? What do I do if holding it in doesn’t work? There are words I couldn’t say yet Words I couldn’t say because I’m thankful Words I couldn’t say because I’m sorry The words, I love you (x) 3. When The Door Closes - BEAST (Doojoon & Dongwoon)

When this door closes When the image of you disappears I'll probably spend the day in tears Because of the memories with you, I'm left alone I wish that you'll be happier (x) 4. Don't Be Good To Me - Kim Jong Kook

Stop being good to me Don't be good to me anymore I don't have the confidence to kneel my knees and be hurt by love Although I had the whole world because of love Although i miss it, I'm unable to find the way (x) 5. My Love - Kim Dongwan (feat. Eric)

I imagined waking up with you everyday Falling asleep with you in my arms I love you, deep down, fill my heart with love Only you, forever, one & only love (x) 6. Call Me - Espresso (feat. Diani)

사랑한단 말이 듣고 싶어요 보고싶단 말이 듣고 싶어요 그리운 이밤 그대 생각에 잠 못 드는 데 missing you (x) 7. Why Did You Call? - Shin Hyesung

We were so happy in the past Us from the past, I still miss you so much I still love you so much How did we end up parting (x) 8. Are You Doing OK? - After School

Because I liked the sound of the rain as it was carried by the wind Because I wanted to wear my newly bought rain boots The place where I came out thoughtlessly and started walking towards before stopping A place I went to often with you Everything changed and it’s not the same You and I aren’t here anymore (x) 9. One More Time - Tree Bicycles

I just resent the time that’s gone by No matter how much time changes, I’m always sad One more time Even though it hurt, I should have loved a little more I’ll laugh for only you, I’ll cry for only you (x) 10. Tears - Leessang (feat. Eugene)

After you left, I’m always sad No matter how sad I am, the sadness is not enough I look for a place to hurt and hide In front of my dark house, in my stopped car, in front of your house A life without love is like poverty, the only thing remaining is an empty room (x) 11. Sad Flower - No Min Woo

My love, don’t cry, my love, look at me I miss you even when I’m looking at you My love, don’t cry, my fate, accept my heart Let go so it won’t hurt (x) 12. Because I Love You - Kim Jong Kook

If you really have to leave my side I will quietly let you go But I can't believe it The words that you're leaving The words that you're leaving because you love me I can't believe it (x) 13. I Love You, I'm Sorry - Heo Young Saeng

Trying to call you softly I close my eyes and I'm still able to see you Can you hear, can you feel, or not? (x) 14. Hover Around - Hwayobi

Are you listening? Though I always call out to you It's just an expectation without a trace Are you crying? Such a painful love that remains and hovers next to you (x) 15. A Little - Seo Jin Young

If I'm sad, I smell a flower's scent I try to remember your scent that I miss I walk on the streets It seems as if I'm reaching out to your breath in the wind (x) 16. Words I Couldn't Say - Shin Hyesung

I lock myself in the sudden sad feeling I just want to walk the streets tonight If I were next to you, I would’ve held your hands tightly And told you all of my genuine heart (x) 17. Please, Don't Go - SHINee

When I woke up from my dream, it was all too clear That your presence was nothing but a dream The tears in my eyes told me (x) 18. Let Me Be The One - SS501

Vain thoughts become wind, and tears form an ocean Even a man like me who isn't perfect, I feel so special by seeing you So let me love you baby (And give love) it’s a miracle (And let me) please accept my love Cuz I wanna be with you girl (x) 19. Severely - FT Island

Severely, I guess I loved you too severely I don't even breathe and I look around for you I don't know when I'll be able to stop Severely, I guess I loved you too severely I think letting you go is more severe than dying (x)

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Running Man Starter Pack

There are so many episodes of Running Man that I can't, in good conscience, recommend it to anyone without giving them an idea of which episodes to watch first. I started out by watching episodes with guests I already knew in them (which is a method I still recommend), but to those who aren't already fans of kpop or kdramas, these episodes are guaranteed to teach you about the show's cast. Because the show been running so long, it's gone through several stages and the episode formats have evolved, so my brother and I put this list together intending to showcase some of the main themes and formats you'll see as you watch the show.

Episode 1 (Guests: Lee Hyori, Hwang Jung Eum)

Every time I recommend Running Man to someone, I tell them not to start with the 1st episode, so this is going against my own advice completely BUT, for people who don't already have favorite idols or Korean actors, and people who are new to Korean variety, the beginning is probably the best starting point. You're introduced to the cast, which is the most important part. I think, in the beginning, the crew didn't know exactly what they were going to be doing with the show, so the episode's a bit disorganized, but it's still worth watching (Hyori helps make it especially hilarious) even though it's not at all indicative of what's to come.

Episode 12 (Guests: None)

If you've seen a little Korean variety before, you know that tricking people is often at the center of shows, and Running Man's no different. At the beginning, especially, there were quite a few episodes where one cast member(or a guest) was selected to be fooled by everyone else, and (I think) this was the first. I also love the little games they used to play at the beginning of the show (like catch the thief). Between episode 1 and this episode, Song Jihyo joined the cast as a regular, and by this point the relationships between all of them were starting to fall into place.

Episode 29 (Guests: None)

Ep 29 is one of my all time favorites for two reasons: it pits two of the show's main players (Jong Kook and Jae Suk) against each other, but also seems to bring them all together. Nothing makes me laugh like watching them play with each other, and nothing gives me the warm fuzzies like watching them come together. The way they split up the teams in this episode is a method used throughout the show, so it also introduces you to that idea, and there's a segment where the cast writes little bios, so it helps you get to know them better.

Episode 38 (Guests: None)

As I mentioned earlier, trickery is a big part of Running Man and this episode introduces a popular format: the spy mission. Not my absolute favorite, but the episode to watch if you want to understand how the game is played. And having Jae Suk as the "main character" is always hilarious.

Episode 41 (Guests: Lee Sun Gyun, Park Joong Hoon)

In addition to having Lee Sun Gyun (who I love) in this episode, it's also the first (and hopefully last) departure of a permanent cast member. It flips another frequent RM game "find the guest" on its head, and lets the guests find the permanent cast. And they go to HaHa's house, which is a fun bonus.

Episode 42 (Guests: Heo Young Saeng...kinda)

Two or three times a year, there's an episode with no guests and the cast does an "individual battle" and beat the rest of the members. This was the first of those episodes, and one of the best because watching Kim Jong Kook run down dark hallways is deliciously horrifying. There's also one of my favorite little moments, when HaHa gives his hyung some false information, then sings "One Man" (Jong Kook's song) to himself in the car. Also, Heo Young Saeng (from SS501) is in it for a little bit, and he's adorable, so...

Episode 49 (Guests: Goo Hara, Noh Sa Yeon)

Link

This episode introduces another popular format: the queen race. Occasionally they'll have a couple of ladies come on as guests, and make the male members do their bidding, and this is the first of those. It has some hilarious moments near the end.

Episode 55/56 (Guests: Park Jiyeon, Luna, Sulli, Suzy, Ahn Mun Sook, Kim Sook, Shin Bongsun, Yang Jungah)

Link to ep 56

This may not be the very first couple race, but it's the first one that stands out in my mind. The first episode pairs the members with female idols, and the second episode pairs the members with (mostly) older comedians. Like the queen races, it mostly consists of the male members being tortured.

Episode 74 (Guests: None)

The Running Man crew usually goes all out for year-end specials, and this is probably the creme de la creme. It's at the top of everyone's Best of RM lists (including the crew's) because it features some of the most well-loved RM elements: embarrassment and fantasy. And it starts with a all-member couple race and a Christmas party, so you can't go wrong there.

Episode 96/97 (Guests: Park Ji Sung, IU)

Like ep 74, these two episodes are wildly popular, and for good reason. Football (soccer) player Park Ji Sung and the nation's little sister IU come to play and the crew combines embarrassment and fantasy, again, to create a great couple of episodes. I just think both of these episodes were so well-balanced between games and little moments of the members picking on each other.

Episode 104 (Guests: Eun Hyuk, Ham Eun Jung, Jung Yong Hwa, Lee Joon, Nichkhun, Siwon, Yoon Doojoon)

Link

Idol specials are also a RM tradition, and this episode was the first "Idol Olympics." It was one of the first episodes I watched, and I knew more about the idols than the members at the time, but it's fun to take sides and root for one side over the other, because this episode plays both to the strengths of the idols and the members. One of the few episodes where you get to see just how competitive the members can really be, and how strong they are as a team. That and you get to look at pretty idols for an hour and a half. =)

Episode 178 (Guests: None)

At the time I'm writing this, ep 178 is the episode of RM that most recently aired, but I still think it deserves a spot on the starter pack for new viewers. It probably shouldn't be the very first episode you watch, but there's something about seeing the members all work together and support each other that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, and maybe just a little bit teary-eyed. Another year-end special.

Notes:

If at all possible, I'm embedding videos for all episodes, but some are linked from other sites. You can easily find most any episode of Running Man with a simple Google search, though, if those links don't work for you for some reason, and if you want to marathon it I'd suggest RunManClub which is good about describing each episode and posting videos from multiple hosts, Dramafever, for those of you who like using apps (although keep in mind that their numbering system is based off of what order they uploaded the episodes in, and not necessarily the airing date), KEngSub, which also has the videos from multiple hosts (but isn't as well-organized as RunManClub), and KShowNow, which is always the first site to have a new episode of RM subbed and uploaded. They don't have every episode, though, just more recent ones.

Also, if ANY of you: whether you know me well, or not at all, have any questions about RM (episodes, members, hosting/subbing sites, or even Korean culture or language) feel free to ask me and I'll do my best to answer your question as well and as quickly as possible. I could talk about RM forever, so it's honestly my pleasure. Feel free to tweet or DM me, or add me on KakaoTalk (my username is situationnormal). Or you can leave me an ask, if you're not in a hurry. (There are many other ways to contact me, and I'm serious about wanting you to ask me any and all questions, so if none of these methods works for you, get in touch and we'll find a way to work it out.) Happy watching!

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Favorite K-Pop Songs (Released In) 2013

Because I'm a relatively new fan, I haven't exactly been on top of all of the releases of the year—I've been too busy catching up on older music, but, nevertheless, these are my favorite songs released in 2013:

15. Unbreakable — Kim Hyun Joong (feat. Jay Park)

I got into kpop because KHJ's debut drama made me start listening to SS501, so it makes sense that he kicks off this list. "Unbreakable" is one of those songs that took me a while to get into, mostly because I'm a bigger fan of his more poppy songs (like last year's "Heat" for example), but it kept getting stuck in my head, so I fell in love with it. I'm including the video and lyrics, even though they make it more unbearably embarrassing than it has to be. But Jay Park was involved, so what can you expect?

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization

14. Turtle — Davichi

I love Davichi. Both Lee Haeri and Kang Minkyung have gorgeous voices. The video for "Turtle" is pretty and whimsical and perfect, and pairs well with the imagery from the lyrics. I discovered this one late in the year, after I'd played Love Delight a million times, but now I can't stop listening to it.

Music/Lyrics/Romanization

13. Gentleman — PSY

I know, I know, but there's something about seeing the entire Infinity Challenge cast in one 4 minute video that makes it irresistible, and the song is catchy as Hell, too. No, seriously, listen to it a couple of times and see how long it takes to get it out of your head.

Music Video      Lyrics/Romanization

12. Luv Ya — SPEED

I took the screencap from their video for "Pain" because I don't think they even made one for this song. Nevertheless, it's my favorite from their studio album, Superior Speed. This song's cute, poppy, and adorable, which is exactly why I loved it so much. Even the lyrics are sickeningly sweet, and the harmonies are a little U-KISS-esque. For once, the rap in a kpop song doesn't seem completely out of place with the rest of the song, which is also a plus.

Lyrics/Romanization

11. Please Don't... — K.Will

Everyone seems to have gone a little crazy over the MV for this song this year, and that's why I ended up watching it. Mostly because I saw Seo In Guk's face in a screencap. Who doesn't want to watch his eyebrows do some major brooding, right? Anyway, it turns out that K.Will is incredible. This song toes the line between pop and trot, with his perfect voice tying it all together. Another song you'll have to fight to get out of your head, especially the catchy English hook, "don't know whyyyy".

Music Video      Lyrics/Romanization

10. Love Right — Clazziquai

Once again, a song with no video. I'm taking this screencap for their video for "Love Recipe", which is not the same thing at all, but it's the same album so I'm pretending. It features some coffee love, though, so it's almost as good. Anyway, "Love Right", like a lot of Clazziquai songs, has a semi-techno vibe and combines catchy music with gorgeous voices. The chorus is fun to belt out in the car, too, if you can figure out which part you actually want to sing.

Romanization      Lyrics (Text)

9. A.D.T.O.Y. — 2PM

I watched the MV for this song at least six times before I realized that there was an actual song involved, much less other members of 2PM who are not Jun.K, so I had to watch it at least 50 before I processed everything that was going on. Actually, I probably still haven't completely processed everything that's going on. One of those songs you could put on your iPod and listen to without the MV, but only after you've burned the entirety of the video into your brain so you can picture it while you listen to the song? This one definitely toes the line between repetitively annoying and repetitively amazing, but I'm firmly planted on the latter side of the fence.

Music Video      Lyrics/Romanization

8. Joah — Jay Park

I didn't realize until now, after making the list, that I put Jay Park directly after (before?) 2PM, but this song is sort of ADTOY's polar opposite. In fact, it's the polar opposite of most every other Jay Park song, too, so it's probably a little sad that it's my favorite out of the bunch, but it's so cute and sugary, and his voice is so squeaky, it's hard not to love it. The MV is reminiscent of Big Bang's "Bad Boy" with Jay Park stalking some poor girl (Clara Lee) and...trying to impress her? Not impressive at all, tbh, but it doesn't stop the song from being fun.

Music Video      Lyrics/Romanization

7. DOOM DADA — TOP

Like almost everyone else I care to associate with, I've been looking forward to another TOP solo since I heard it was happening. I know I keep harping on music videos, but the MV for this song definitely creates the full experience. Borderline insane and a little childish, and everything about TOP that we love (and some things we probably didn't need to know), if you figure out what the Hell's going on, let me know. The song, too, is everything I love about TOP. It's self-referential, a little full of itself, but still ready to play around and make jokes at its own expense. It's catchy, too, but not in the same way as any other song on this list, and the more I listen to it the more I like it. It's really a shame it came out so late in the year so I couldn't listen to it more, or else it would probably work its way even higher up the list.

Music Video      Lyrics/Romanization

6. Bad Girls — Lee Hyori

Hyori's entire album was so good that I had trouble choosing which song I wanted to include on the list, but in the end I couldn't resist using "Bad Girls." This song is Hyori at her best—charming, strong, sassy, and funny. I don't know how to describe it, genre-wise, but it's just as catchy as any of the sweeter songs on the list, and it's got a riff that reminds me of the song they played me of Seto Kaiba's song in YGO, so I was instantly in love. The video takes the song to a whole new level with a comic book style—plus, Gil from Leessang makes a cameo.

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization

5. Smoky Girl — MBLAQ

It's really a testament to how much I love other songs on this list that this one fell into 5th place, because I've listened to it at least a billion times this year. In fact, I've listened to it on repeat while typing this whole post. Once again, a perfect MV that hit the nail on the head and is a pretty accurate visual representation of what the song actually sounds like. It's definitely got a dark (smoky?) feel, that's smooth and sharp all at the same time. The best part about it, of course, is that while Byunghee's gorgeous voice can tend to outshine everyone else, all of MBLAQ is in perfect balance in this song.

Music Video      Lyrics/Romanization

4. Tears — Leessang (feat. Eugene)

I love almost everything LeeSSang does, so it was completely unsurprising that this was one of my favorite songs of the year. Normally, I like Gil's parts better just because, not being able to understand Korean, the raps mean less to me and Gil has an incredible voice, but this is undoubtedly the Gary's song. He sounds increasingly more heartbroken as it goes on and, paired with a softer, sadder side of Gil, they contrast well with Eugene's angelically high, sweet voice. The video's definitely not my favorite, but the song makes me feel simultaneously sad and a tiny bit hopeful. It's weird how such a sad song can be somehow comforting.

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization

3. NoNoNo — APink

Everything about this song, its choreography, and these girls is adorable. It almost hurts your teeth to watch the video because it's so damn sweet. Out of all of the girl group songs I listened to religiously this year, I listened to this one the most, which is a little surprisng, since I was completely unimpressed by the previous EP (Snow Pink). In the midst of the other, sometimes questionable, lyrics of the songs I've included in this list, NoNoNo is a breath of fresh air. It's almost sweet enough for me to throw away my depressing and snarky songs just to listen to uplifting, cute girl groups all the time...but not quite.

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization    Bonus Oppa Video

2. BAAAM — Dynamic Duo

And we're back to (slightly) questionable lyrics! But at least it's a huge step up from most of the songs I've heard in English this year. Normally I have a hard time with duo songs because I normally like one person's part more than the other's (see LeeSSang earlier in the post), but Gaeko and Choiza complement each other really well, and Muzie's little break is perfect. It reminds me a little of a Primary song I heard this year (possibly because Choiza featured on that, too), in that it sounds like it's a much older song that somehow just got uncovered in 2013. There's definitely a retro vibe (Muzie's part for sure), and, like "Smoky Girl", the music video and the song go so well together that it's like watching a visual representation of what you're hearing. There's just no element of this song that I don't like. And it's perfect for when you're aimlessly driving around with nowhere to be and no one around to listen to you butcher the lyrics. (Also, it's nearly impossible not to watch the video and not find Gaeko and Choiza awkwardly endearing...at least if you're me.)

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization

1. Love Me — Seo In Young (feat. Gaeko)

Just when I thought I couldn't love Seo In Young any more than I already did, this song was released. Out of every single catchy song on this list, "Love Me" is the catchiest, probably has the most repetition, and somehow became my favorite. I'm not even sure how it happened, but I've listened to this song so many times that I'm almost a little ashamed of myself. Stylistically, it's a lot different from her other singles that I've loved, and it's the more complex sister of the girl group songs I've been so attached to this year, but it's still got a syrup-y sweet hook, and Gaeko fits into the song characteristically well. Plus, it's short enough to play on repeat without wondering when the Hell it's going to end.

Music Video/Lyrics/Romanization

If there are any broken picture or video links, let me know and I'll try and fix them. Thanks for reading!

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Still In The Works

I've been working on the layout and adding links here and there for the past couple of months, but no reviews yet. Since graduating in May I've been more than a little lazy. I'm kind-of-sort-of planning a kvariety intro post at the moment, but it's a big undertaking because there are so many. Nevertheless, reviews are coming soon! 

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Intro Post

Any and all information about this blog can be found in the sidebar and/or by clicking the "info" link and hovering over the boxes. Links to important tags and different pages can also be found this way (when they're added). Tags for individual posts can be found by clicking the permalinks (usually the date). If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in my ask box. 

Because the purpose of this blog is to review thing for my friends, content will be added when I watch/read/listen to something I need someone to hear, or when someone asks me my opinion on something I really love.

I'm also hoping to use this blog to highlight my favorite Running Man moments when I re-watch it in the near future—everyone should watch Running Man.