Excited
A lot of blogs out there seem to be following K-pop jailbait: the Wonder Girls and Big Bang Seungri’s abs have been written about by Perez Hilton, and SNSD — also known as Girls’ Generation — has been covered by Marc Ecko’s Complex Blog as well as FourFour. I’d like to scoop everyone and introduce the latest addition of the decidedly non-jailbait variety to the K-pop scene: After School.
Why hello there, sexy dance move at the 37 second mark.
Modeled after the Pussycat Dolls, After School brings a breath of fresh air to the K-pop scene currently saturated with gag-inducing cutesy sugar rot. As a fan of K-pop, it’s really irksome not to see adult women having adult-like fun, so it was really interesting to watch artists known for being sexy like Jewelry and Son Dambi perform after the 10pm watershed time during the year-end awards. Likewise, it was also interesting to see the other cutesy girl groups try “sexy” in comparison – and seeing how they have no idea how to pull it off properly.
After School’s members are under Pledis Entertainment, the same company as Son Dambi. Judging by all their performers, I would imagine they have a height requirement of at least 167cm. (You must be THIS tall to audition.) Their image, while sexy, is directly geared towards women – making men even more hot for them. People were initially skeptical when rumours swirled about Son Dambi joining the group, abandoning her solo success late last year. All of that was put to rest when the group debuted last week (January 17, 2009) with a jaw dropping performance.
I have NEVER seen a debut group take such command of the stage followed by sexually charged fan-girling on a forum. It’s GIRL POWER on a whole other level and something the Korean viewing audience seems to crave. They haven’t even been around for two weeks and already the dance craze is beginning. My office for the last week has been a repeat of Son Dambi’s ‘Bad Boy‘ feat. After School’s Park GaHee and After School’s Play Girlz and AH (see above).
I showed their debut performance to a male co-worker who immediately asked, “Are they all legal?” followed by “Pass the tissue box.”
(Hat tip: 8A’s Jun, who’s a closet K-pop fan, sent me the link from Complex perhaps in hopes that I would talk about Girls Generation (SNSD), so he wouldn’t have to … sorry bud – not a fan.)
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no matter what, i should say that I've always been entertained by this group since i listened to them and when i saw their video. ( i listen to them like every time i turn my ipod on,even if i cant understand their language,hehe ) as an entertainer or performer, that should be enough to be watched all the time. not all performers can capture our attention. Good job to them!
no matter what, i should say that I've always been entertained by this group since i listened to them and when i saw their video. ( i listen to them like every time i turn my ipod on,even if i cant understand their language,hehe ) as an entertainer or performer, that should be enough to be watched all the time. not all performers can capture our attention. Good job to them!
"Artists who are around my age doing dance pop music are either missing in action (Chae Yeon), on vacation now (Jewelry) or releasing ballads (CSJH). "
My impression was that you think CSJH isn't releasing dance pop music. They released a new Japanese album that does contain dance songs. Or if you mean by releasing, did you mean their most current singles? Then I understand.
"Artists who are around my age doing dance pop music are either missing in action (Chae Yeon), on vacation now (Jewelry) or releasing ballads (CSJH). "
My impression was that you think CSJH isn't releasing dance pop music. They released a new Japanese album that does contain dance songs. Or if you mean by releasing, did you mean their most current singles? Then I understand.
@jun
there should be a shrine dedicated to that woman due to her being so scorching hot. Even when Kahi (which is how she writes it, and so shall I) danced back-up for numerous other artists, she danced as if cameras were only pointed at her. Charisma like hers can't be contained - I think the music shows have asked her to tone it down a little - which she sort of does, but replaces it with something else. She's such a bad ass.
JungAh will grow on you eventually ...
@ Korea ...
I know ... I'm a fan:
http://www.8asians.com/2008/01/18/youtube-fridays-...
@jun
there should be a shrine dedicated to that woman due to her being so scorching hot. Even when Kahi (which is how she writes it, and so shall I) danced back-up for numerous other artists, she danced as if cameras were only pointed at her. Charisma like hers can't be contained - I think the music shows have asked her to tone it down a little - which she sort of does, but replaces it with something else. She's such a bad ass.
JungAh will grow on you eventually ...
@ Korea ...
I know ... I'm a fan:
http://www.8asians.com/2008/01/18/youtube-fridays-...
CSJH does actually release dance songs as well as ballads.
CSJH does actually release dance songs as well as ballads.
Well actually CSJH does both ballads and dance songs, they just have a different style than the other groups.
Well actually CSJH does both ballads and dance songs, they just have a different style than the other groups.
upon further review...
Park Gahee is smokin'... goodness gracious...
the other 4 im not too sure about...
and for some reason I dont find women who gallivant sexually on stage that appealing...
I think dancing skill is sexy... the girls from Kaba Modern are sexy and so is HyoYeon from SNSD, but these girls, the dancing seems rather generic too me...
but as I said, throw all that shit out the window when it comes to Gahee...
upon further review...
Park Gahee is smokin'... goodness gracious...
the other 4 im not too sure about...
and for some reason I dont find women who gallivant sexually on stage that appealing...
I think dancing skill is sexy... the girls from Kaba Modern are sexy and so is HyoYeon from SNSD, but these girls, the dancing seems rather generic too me...
but as I said, throw all that shit out the window when it comes to Gahee...
Thanks for everyone weighing their opinion as Ernie and I have discovered that the consensus is split right down the middle - you either like'em or don't. Kinda like how I like'em and Ernie couldn't care less - they're not meant for everyone.
From my perspective, and judging from the numerous forums and K-pop gossip blogs - It is actually surprising how welcomed they are to the scene. The only negative comments I've heard are in the comments thread of the blogger's post (as in the case here as well). So, like originality in the world, I'm not the only one who thinks this and neither are some of the kind people who've taken the time to post their opinions.
As for Norman's comment feeling that I'm slightly oversensitive about age - which I'm not exactly too sure what he's referring to - I'll say this, I'm far too old to be fans of most of the idol groups in current circulation (SNSD, WG, KARA, etc). I see how they serve their purpose, but it's certainly not directed to my demographic (more like Jun's and those about 10 years younger than me.)
Artists who are around my age doing dance pop music are either missing in action (Chae Yeon), on vacation now (Jewelry) or releasing ballads (CSJH). After School's over all image reminds me of the era that TLC introduced in the early 90s - sexy and opinionated feminism - so it's slightly nostalgic for me. It's different from the rest of K-pop because watching them, you get a sense that if you mess with them, they WILL kick your ass - I like that in a girl group. (To be fair, Jewelry's Seo In Young and Park Jung Ah would also kick your ass, CSJH's Dana would talk down you to and Chae Yeon would flip her hair and walk away.) This is opposed to the other cutesy girl groups that evoke the predatory instincts of a pedophile. (Although that one girl in Kara shouldn't be messed with either.)
As a woman, I look at Park Gahee's body and I actually want to hit the gym ... and I never want to go to the gym.
Thanks for everyone weighing their opinion as Ernie and I have discovered that the consensus is split right down the middle - you either like'em or don't. Kinda like how I like'em and Ernie couldn't care less - they're not meant for everyone.
From my perspective, and judging from the numerous forums and K-pop gossip blogs - It is actually surprising how welcomed they are to the scene. The only negative comments I've heard are in the comments thread of the blogger's post (as in the case here as well). So, like originality in the world, I'm not the only one who thinks this and neither are some of the kind people who've taken the time to post their opinions.
As for Norman's comment feeling that I'm slightly oversensitive about age - which I'm not exactly too sure what he's referring to - I'll say this, I'm far too old to be fans of most of the idol groups in current circulation (SNSD, WG, KARA, etc). I see how they serve their purpose, but it's certainly not directed to my demographic (more like Jun's and those about 10 years younger than me.)
Artists who are around my age doing dance pop music are either missing in action (Chae Yeon), on vacation now (Jewelry) or releasing ballads (CSJH). After School's over all image reminds me of the era that TLC introduced in the early 90s - sexy and opinionated feminism - so it's slightly nostalgic for me. It's different from the rest of K-pop because watching them, you get a sense that if you mess with them, they WILL kick your ass - I like that in a girl group. (To be fair, Jewelry's Seo In Young and Park Jung Ah would also kick your ass, CSJH's Dana would talk down you to and Chae Yeon would flip her hair and walk away.) This is opposed to the other cutesy girl groups that evoke the predatory instincts of a pedophile. (Although that one girl in Kara shouldn't be messed with either.)
As a woman, I look at Park Gahee's body and I actually want to hit the gym ... and I never want to go to the gym.
That's definitely not fresh. For years, popular Korean music has pushed the exact same product to its audience, though under different medium, shape and form.
After-School is a mere instance of that product. There's absolutely nothing that makes them any different from any other girl-group out there. The industry is already saturated with girl-groups singing k-pop, dressing up cabaresque-ly, and doing provocative moves. I don't see how this can be called a "breath of fresh air." Regarding to age, I think you're slightly oversensitive about it.
I think there's a lot of work to do to actually get this much needed intake of freshness.
That's definitely not fresh. For years, popular Korean music has pushed the exact same product to its audience, though under different medium, shape and form.
After-School is a mere instance of that product. There's absolutely nothing that makes them any different from any other girl-group out there. The industry is already saturated with girl-groups singing k-pop, dressing up cabaresque-ly, and doing provocative moves. I don't see how this can be called a "breath of fresh air." Regarding to age, I think you're slightly oversensitive about it.
I think there's a lot of work to do to actually get this much needed intake of freshness.
They really took my attention for a debut. They really are something.
Hmmm.... I think they're gonna be the next big stars from Korea. Or is it just my prediction?
They really took my attention for a debut. They really are something.
Hmmm.... I think they're gonna be the next big stars from Korea. Or is it just my prediction?
music sounds like Spice Girls B-sides.
music sounds like Spice Girls B-sides.
You show your male-coworker this video, Lady - Attention.
You show your male-coworker this video, Lady - Attention.
LOL
actually, if school wasnt kicking my ass, I would have written about the whole "K-pop jailbait" issue...
but you wouldnt believe me anyway... lol
LOL
actually, if school wasnt kicking my ass, I would have written about the whole "K-pop jailbait" issue...
but you wouldnt believe me anyway... lol
that is considered "a breath of fresh air"?
wow.
that is considered "a breath of fresh air"?
wow.
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