In a journey to make sense of the world's incoming diseases of engrish and excessive hip thrusts and lip swipes, the members of Zahra, with undeniable competence in the fields of keyboard smashing and professionalism in reblogging, have united... to basically do what we do best: fangirl. listed in the: temp Kpop Directory
LUNAFLY - THINKING OUT LOUD (Ed Sheeran cover)
Even though I donât actively follow Lunafly, I always knew they were talented. BUT THIS! This cover was absolutely breath-taking. I love this song by Ed Sheeran, and his music video for this was sweet and adorable. Lunafly has definitely capture the feeling of the song, and recorded the music video in a sweet and simple manner like Ed Sheeran did in his.
Love this cover and highly recommend all kpop fans to listen to this cover.
Or I would like to call it Kpop-ocalypse (if that can roll off your tongue).
This year has been a long roller coaster ride of feels.
From this...
to this...
to this...
to a whole bunch of these...
and then back again to these...
Yep it definitely have been hectic...
So to organize all the craziness that has happen this year, here are the categories...
Top Favorite Rookies
Top Favorite Comebacks
Top 10 Tracks
Top Breaking News
All of the answers of each category are in my own opinion. Readers are open to disagree... LET'S BEGIN!
TOP FAVORITE ROOKIES
Ah yes... That time of year again where the Kpop audience is introduced to new singers who brings freshness and a new taste to our Kpop palates (and eventually make us cry about how empty our wallets are and how they become wreckers to our so call "solid" bias list).
Here are my favorites:
GOT7
I was excited to hear that JYP was debuting a new boy group. I was happy that JYP was introducing some new faces due to their lack of comebacks and promotions of their current group. When the boys debut with their song "Girls, Girls, Girls", I had somewhat a mixed reception regarding the song. The song didn't really hit me at first, but after giving it a few listen, I eventually liked it. The group had a great mix of boy-next-door, cute (looking at you Bam Bam), and subtle manly image. Though I have to admit that I fell out of GOT7 shortly after their debut, I jumped right back on when I had a sudden urge to listen to their debut mini-album again ("I Like You" is absolutely wonderful to listen to). The song that solidified my love for the group was their comeback single "A". Despite the mix reception of the track among the fans, I personally loved the track. I didn't know what got me hooked to it. Was it Mark's "It's not working?" or Youngjae's amazing pipes? I don't know, but all I know, they are one of the top groups I have to listening to actively and looking forward to their progress in the future.
Akdong Musicians
Even though I didn't actively follow them since their participation and win on K-Pop Stars. They haven't disappointed me at all during their singing careers. I love their cover of "Officially Missing You" and their pre-debut single "I Love You". I was a little skeptical when they decided to sign under YG Entertainment. Throughout my Kpop years, YG was always the Hip-hop Entertainment to me. I was a little scared that the duo might have to conform to the hip-hop image that the company had. HOWEVER! They proved me to wrong. They kept their usual image and debuted with amazing tracks like "200%" and "Give Love". Out of all the cover and rendition of Taeyang's "Eyes, Nose, Lips", their cover was by far my favorite of all. Though I am disappointed in the lack of promotion of the brother of the duo after their promotion (not complaining in the sister's talent), I hope he gets the same amount of attention like his sister is getting. I look forward to what else they are going to come out with.
HIGH4
Since their debut collaboration with IU in the track "Not Spring, Love, or Cherry Blossoms", that song has been on repeat throughout the spring season for me. Their second collaboration track with Lim Kim was equally as good! When they "officially" debut with the single "Headache", I had a 'meh' kind of reaction. I liked the song, but it wasn't up to par in comparison to their previous tracks. I hope their next song makes up for it.
Lovelyz
THE LONG WAIT HAS ENDED! For the debut of Woolim's new girl group! Woolim has been a complete tease with solo debut of few of the members. The group's image definitely reminded me of when Infinite debuted. It was fresh and a great break from the constant promotion of the "sexy" image that the other girl groups were coming out with. Their debut track "Candy Jelly Love" definitely matched their innocent image, but it didn't really catch my attention as much. I hope that Woolim keep the innocent image until the girls are at the right age to move on to the "sexy" image in the future.
Can't forget some honorable mentions: JJCC, Mamamoo, Red Velvet
TOP FAVORITE COMEBACKS
I think everyone can agree that comebacks are like an all year-round birthday or Christmas present. It gives us something new to listen to on our music playlist when we heavily exhaust the previous tracks.
Here are my top favorites:
B.A.P - 1004 (Angel) [February 3]
This wasn't my favorite single from the group (personal fav: Coffee Shop), but I have to say it was really impressive. Once the song started out with the acoustic guitar and then ripped in with the electric rock tune, it definitely caught my attention. The music video caught me by surprise too (especially Himchan's scene - BRAVO!). This single also got the boys their first win! So proud of you guys! *wipes tears from eyes*
APink - Mr. Chu [March 31]
Something about this song brought out my inner Kpop singer. Every time I listen to this song, I just end up singing and dancing along with it.
Taeyang - Eyes, Nose, Lips [June 2]
I have to say this was my top favorite track out of all the songs Taeyang came out with this year (sorry Ringa Linga fans). As much as I love Taeyang getting into the Hip-Hop groove, I feel like Rn'B suits him more. This track made me realize how much I miss him doing these types of songs (Still listening to "Only Look At Me" & "Wedding Dress").
GOT7 - A [June 23]
Previously mentioned in the previous category, something about this song man! Don't know if its Mark's "It's not working!" or Youngjae's beautiful pipes, this song got me after the first listen. The music video was hilarious and the boys look so happy when they sing this song live. The remix tracks are great too (personal fav - Acoustic version)
Sistar - Touch My Body [July 21]
This song brought out my inner sexy. It reminded me of their previous summer track "Loving U" but with a hint of sexiness thrown into it. I still listen to this song despite being winter right now.
Zhang Liyin - Agape [August 6]
I was so happy to have her back. She is totally underrated and need some attention from SM Entertainment. I have anticipating her comeback since FOREVER! What I love about this track is that it was dedicated to victims and survivors of the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake. For those who don't know, Zhang Liyin is from Sichuan Province, China. Her vocals are just amazing, and I still gets chill down my spine. The music video didn't fail to put me in tears (like her previous music videos). I hope she continue to get some love and win a whole bunch of awards in the future.
Super Junior - This Is Love [October 23]
My first and eternal love. Super Junior is the reason why I got into KPop. I've supported them through the whole Forever 13 ordeal when Zhoumi and Henry were added to the group (technically they were added into the sub-group); Kibum inactive status; Hangeng's lawsuit and departure; and Kangin's hit-and-run incident & bar fight. I have been through thick and thin, and I still love this group. "Mamacita" didn't really capture my attention, but this song definitely did! When I listen to this song, I break out into a little giggle fit and feel all shy. The music video was really good. The video was shot amazingly~
Honorable mentions: Red Velvet - Be Natural; Girls' Day - Darling; GOT7 - Stop Stop It; Eric Nam - Ooh Ooh
TOP 10 TRACKS:
GOT7 - A
Soyu & Jung GiGo - Some (ft. Lil' Boi)
Sistar - Touch My Body
Super Junior - This Is Love
Akdong Musicians - 200%
S.M. The Ballad - Breathe (Chinese Version)
K.Will - Day 1
Hyosung - Goodnight Kiss
Mamamoo - Mr. Ambiguous
HI SUHYUN - I'm Different (ft. iKon's Bobby)
 TOP BREAKING NEWS
I believe everyone can agree this year was a hectic one. The news that was coming out was definitely breaking because I can tell you it left my heart broken.
Here are some of them:
Ladies' Code Car Accident:
It was definitely devastating to hear that two members of the beloved group past away (Eunbi dying on site and Rise dying shortly after in the hospital). Like any idol singer, they gave up part of their lives and left home to pursue their dreams of being a singer. Despite the crazy schedules and constant practicing, they barely showed signs of hardship to their fans. They were always optimistic even though their singles didn't sell well like they hoped it would. I personally didn't follow the group actively, but the news definitely broke my heart. They were so young and left too soon. RIP Eunbi & Rise, and a healthy recovery to the other members.
EXO Kris & Luhan's Lawsuit Against SM Entertainment:
Both members lawsuit were filed separately, with Kris filing suit first before EXO's big concert, and Luhan filing months after. I love EXO, but when I heard that they filed lawsuit, my heart broke so much. Though I was disappointed myself, I don't hold any grudges against any of the boys. My view of the boys completely shattered after the lawsuits. I was already aware and knew that no groups are perfect, and that they all have their differences. HOWEVER! They either learn to fix their problems, or just disband because the issues are too much to handle in the end. But when news broke out that Kris filed lawsuit, members took it to social media to show their disappointment and anger in a subtle manner (though Suho's whole on-air after win expression of disappointment was just immature and a sad move, in my opinion), it made me realize and wonder how much did the boys act on air and behind the scene. Luhan's lawsuit somewhat caught me off-guard, but wasn't surprised when I read the reasons.
It's pretty clear that SM overworked the boys. A few members had pre-conditioned health problems, and a few developed it due to the crazy schedules. I understand the business aspect of the entertainment world. A company invests money and they want to see profit in return. However, I think SM shouldâve learned its lesson after their Hangeng and JYJ lawsuits. Not only were the boys overworked, the company showed favoritism on some of the members over the other. Itâs pretty clear that EXO-K members get more promo time then EXO-M member does. I mean, sure Luhan got his movie debut, Lay gets his appearance on Chinese shows; Chen gets some singing; Tao gets featured on a survival show; and Xiu Min⊠Iâm not quite sure about what he got⊠BUT the EXO-M members rarely get any music promotion done in China since their release of Wolf (I still think that song was stupid). NOW, there are rumors of another Chinese member and a Korean member leaving the group.
I still love the boys but SM⊠You need to get your shit together⊠seriously!
EXOâs Baekhyun & SNSDâs Taeyeon Are Dating:
To be honest, Iâm happy that they are dating. Baekhyun has always said Taeyeon was his ideal type. Now, he is dating his ideal type, so âHAYYYYYYY LILâ BACON! YOU GO GET THAT GIRL!â But I was disappointed in the fans reaction to the news. The fact that the fans went as far as accusing the two for secretly making fun of them on social media about their private dating life, Iâm just going bury my face in my hand. I seriously applaud the fans for taking their accusation to another level. The two doesnât deserve such hate. If Baekhyun and Taeyeon like each other then express your disappointment in a mature way and be supportive because this wonât affect the way they work (maybe slightly). If they werenât celebrities, people wouldnât give a crap about how they express their lovey-doviness on social media. They are just like you and me. They just want to show off their love.
SM Kicking Jessica out of SNSD:
You are absolutely stupid SM. Really, really stupid. Jessica has given up majority of her life to SNSD and this is how you repay her when she begins to express interest in moving into fashion world? That is just sad. Jessica is 25 years old and its only natural that she thinking about expanding her career. Letâs face it! SNSD isnât always going to be SNSD in the future. Eventually the girls are going to want to go their separate ways and expand their careers as an individual, but they have express their desire to stay together as SNSD when the time comes (Look at Shinhwa. All in their mid-30s, each with their own individual careers, and they still find time to promote together as a group). WHY CANâT SNSD DO THE SAME? You let Yoona have her acting career, but you canât let Jessica have her fashion career? B-S! I CALL ON YOUR B-S SM! If it was scheduling conflict, that couldâve been solved with putting Jessica as an inactive member for a time being. When she fully solidifies herself in the fashion industry and she has time to return to doing SNSD activities, make her an active member again. I see no problem in that, and Iâm pretty sure that the fans wouldnât have that problem either! If it was Jessica wanting to use SNSDâs name to promote her fashion, well the company is out of luck then. The SNSD name is branded onto Jessica forever. She is going to be known as SNSD Jessica for the rest of her life. It really doesnât make a difference if Jessica was kicked out of the group and her SNSD title was taken away. She is automatically known as SNSD Jessica and in the future Jessica Jung!
B.A.P Lawsuit against TS Entertainment:
My heart completely broke at this news. In all honestly, I didnât like B.A.P from the start. I was an EXO stan, and it took me forever to memorize each B.A.P members name. Eventually, I fell in love with the group (all because of Bang Yonggukâs gummy smile). I was utterly sad when I couldnât go to their concert when it came to my city. Now, Iâm completely broken because one of my top favorite groups lost their trust in their company. I am angry with the company. They blatantly ignored the membersâ requests for their financial files; brushed off the membersâ parents when they came to the company with complaints; forced the members to perform when the doctors instructed that they shouldnât; and finally paid the boys their share of the profit after 3 years of endless promotion and concert tours, which by the way turned out to be a shitty pay. This makes me wonder if the other artists and the soon to debut new girl group also got these type of treatment. The only thing Iâm happy is that the boys decided to file the lawsuit TOGETHER. It shows that they are sticking together no matter what and that they are supportive of one another. The only thing Iâm worried about is the uncertainty of the groupâs future. I hope that whatever the outcome may be, that I get to see these boys on stage again and that they are treated with respect.
That is the end of my (very long) overview of KPop 2014. Just a reminder again, this is just my personal opinion. You are open to disagree with it. (Just don't verbally attack me and tell me I'm stupid and that my opinion is invalid because that is not mature what so ever).
Now let us all let go of this crazy 2014 and welcome 2015 with open arms with hopes that the craziness doesn't consume it.
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