Moolah.

And so there's been this frenzy going on with a journo from Strait Times in which I didn't catch.
(Well, sorry that I have not been in touch on my Twitter [which I have moved as a Specialist on KLOUT yay! Not that it matters to you], nor Facebook).

Well, a day after this, I have an announcement that this post is updated. I just finished watchin KBS Entertainment Weekly. They were talking how K-Pop lyrics are so boggling on how empty the meaning and all their glizy blitzy music. They too, are talking and critical about it but can't do anything as it is such a major contribution into the pop culture and arts wave, in which why Singapore is getting some moolah thanks to this too.

Pop Critic Im Jinmo states that this situation with the English wannabe and weird lyrics that you force English inside the song makes "K-pop deem shallow and cheap..." and another media person says, "but when you see pretty faces and cool dances, you forget everything about the lyrics."

So Ms Chia, before you regurgitate your inmost opinion on national paper, you should know that Koreans themselves actually are anti-kpops. You're not alone. Or, the Koreans I know, such as my classmates and peers that are around me 95% they seriously do not like K-Pop, as it's rare to find a Korean outside of Korea who is a crazy fan like me. That explains how 80% of MAMA votes are overseas. Teenage years onwards and ones who live overseas hates K-Pop so much, and they reward me the label of walking K-Gossip dictionary when I asked a new scandal news which they just give a shrug over.


This new move I think, is because why I ditched western pop in the first place when I first met K-pop.

Sick of K-pop Cult [in Singapore]

The headline first greets.

It's a local media here in Singapore and the journo, Adeline Chia (which I am surprise she's got her fan page, maybe I should start making one for pictures and videos which didn't make the cut for OUR favorite K-Pop and J-stars, who's up? I'M HEARING YOU BELOW. LOL /hangmealready)

 Let's break down her rants in this first ever utterubishing of the year before you can try and comprehend how do you say whutderrfakqizvat.

 

It's seriously been a long time since I utterubbish, a column here on my blog to say concrete opinions, no-offence taken.

I found whatever picture I had uploaded here, this must be DBSK when they were at their glorious days, but like what Chia says, they don't "live a life that's like a movie" which caused their 13-year contract to end and move out and to form JYJ.

 The plastic fantastic making machine (read: trinity of the Korean entertainment, and latest new ones for the new fresh too-young-to-even-sing-or-act-or-have-low-voice boy groups that has been sprouting like wild mushrooms) has only one aim: MOOLAH MAKING MACHINE.

Don't you know how much they rake in MERCHANDISES (which I fell that when I was younger, now I know better to not spend... NOT) and SINGLE SALES (seriously not worthed but it is because how beautifully packaged it is and the PHOTOBOOKS) and PHOTOBOOKS (for further emphasis). I BET TONS OF GIRLS MELTED OVER THAT JAEJOONG SCENE (that's why I screenprint and I was oogling over it.  Couldn't find the post of where I used this pic but I found this EPIC one instead for good)

Everyone still with me and agrees?

Now I'm a fan here, I've been in the Hallyu Wave since late 2005, which makes me a proud veteran to support and enjoy this entertainment, but I am rational and I'm in the middle. Continuing my profession to upgrade myself as a 'professional fangirl' by being a journalist, my previous and upcoming background in media and culture studies proved further for me to make a point and to lead everyone, young and old, to please see both sides. Don't get rushed off, see left and right when you cross or you'll get hit.

"To any disinterested observer, it was a blatant rip-off. To the fans, it was like communing with the gods. It was a uniquely depressing experience but during the show, I couldn not put my finger on the reason."

I cannot agree more. But this is a movement called ˆsafest way to do business, 110% guarantee REVENUE" event. I was at one last year and I've forgotten to multiply the ticket price to my home country's currency which I usually do becuase I am blinded by the news that my gods are coming (Haaaaail JYJ). It was like VVVIP ticket if it were to be back home and I got like faraway seats for a friggin' showcase. But well, since we love them so very much we will support them till the end, right?

#AKTF

That's the power of fans. Without us, the entertainment industry will never start.

General rule, people, there's a demand, there'll be high-octane selling supply. Hot cakes, krispy donuts, you name it.

Ms Chia, didn't you learn this in business class?

Don't tell me you're loosing to me in knowing the world of competitive stocks and loan sharks.

"A lot has been made about the Hallyu Wave, the unstoppable South Korean pop culture tsunami that has washed up on the shores of the world, conquering music charts, television ratings and the wall space of adolescents’ rooms.

I am heartily sick of it. Every bit of it. The manufactured sounds, the ersatz emotions, the clone-like stars, the cult-like, weepy fandom."

 I understand. It's because how Singapore is such a lucrative city to make the moolah churn for all K-pop. Remember the days where we whutderrfakq Thailand back in 2007-2008 because all K-pop stars seem to go there and greet fans and never in Indonesia and rarely in Singapore? I know I did lament it every time I met my Thai friends.

And then I was crying and screaming of joy when K-POP NIGHT CONCERT 2008 as the first ever concert in Singapore, without any tickets that are sold but is pretty full house to my mom, "MOM I CAME TO SINGAPORE AT THE RIGHT TIME RIGHT PLACE RIGHT MOMENT. Fandom support finally pays off after watching religiously every night of ArirangTV, I now get to see Wonder Girls 'Nobody' live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

And Nobody was, in fact, the song of the year in 2008, and in Bugis street today, it is still repetitively, on the loop, played by that juice stall.

 I have to stop reminiscing as my fangirl spaz keeps on surfacing...

At any case however, I wonder why you are even sick of it in the first place... if you only see us trending it on Twitter, and see overnight queues, and you hear it once in a while because it's well, JOB CALLS, you can't push it on your culture vulture - you're already making negative comments in this contemporary culture that we all agree it's taking over the world. I know - why don't you kindly decline the offer to cover the event - and pass the job onto a colleague who I would believe would appreciate it more?

I 've met the press peeps as in the same position as you and I are - some of them are totally clueless about it, in which the general remark is "they look all the same!!!!!" which I totally understand. Unless you're an actual fan, all the girls are like hot off the taiyaki pancake making at ION B4.

Unless otherwise stated, I would have to take sides with K-Pop now that if you're writing this because you're only a person who's examining us from the reflective bubble surface, you're only seeing yourself. If you're inside the bubble, that means you have already been exposed the ins and outs, and finally pop the bubble to get out of the 'ridiculous' cult group you say but so at least your say is much more substantial than what it is now, a recycled grey paper, in the bin by this hour.

You are sick of it - then please explain what Beliebers are. Beiber is a good competitor in his seventeens, and arguably has bigger fanclub than what Cassiopeia (TVXQ) is.

"This seems to be the drill: Train some nice-looking kids in a star factory. Assemble a group of them. Give them a name that is an abbreviation for something or just a random collection of letters and numbers.

The girls must have stick-thin arms and legs and the boys must look a bit like girls. Next, produce a song that is the demon child of lady Gaga and Black Eyed Peas. Throw in Autotune, hip-hop beat and strong synth lines. Make a video that is a mini movie, featuring the stars doing synchronised dance moves while the back-up dancers gurn at the sides.

Voila! You have a viral hit."

Only one explanation Ms Chia.
MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-LAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

(OH! It works. I didn't plan this post to have this title beforehand and this pun worked! Sasuga, watashi-wa, hyahahahahaha)

Let me explain how the K-Pop works - leave talented Wheesung, Leessang, 8ight, VOS, SG Wannabe, etc. alone, they're not part of K-Pop we're talking about here - they focus on spur of the moment boom.
A quick escalation to popularity, and to find a long downhill after 3-4 weeks. Senior groups would last longer as their popularity soars and most music channels keep them up 1st place due to votes. Once in a while, a song of the year appears. The last time I know, it's a fight between Nobody and Abracadabra...
This year's song of the year, 2NE1, though I voted for them, have to say it's short-lived. But it is song of the year because not only I hear the song is used at GAG Concert and aptly fits well, it also is a stance for the girl groups to be so dominant and have the guts to say 'I AM THE BEST." Maybe your perception can change if you were to watch YG Concert hopefully next yaer as their concept is far then the 'Formuta T' you're talking about. And which this formula is implemented.

"I worry about these starlets who are worked to the bone and whose careers last as long as their good looks. Then they are discarded like rag dolls."

I feel you Ms Chia. I feel the very same way that this industry is so about the looks and popularity and not judged by the real vocal skill and how big their lungs capacity is. Sadly, it is the world we are at, and it goes in the same for fashion. I feel bad for the boyband "Boyfriend" as it so doesn't appeal to me but  a lot to younger girls because they're "SO CUTEEEEEEEEE."

Once they're not cute, they are down the drain. Should know that this K-Pop is the tapao entertainment - takeaway, instant and quickly be discarded once you're done with it. Fans ages 17 and above should start reasoning well on why they like other than "because they're handsome!" and I sure to believe to hope that they will stick to them till the end, sometimes even until they disband.

"Recently, watching a sea of red lightsticks keeping beat to a song made me and my companion grab on to each other. Eyes wide in terror, we communicated wordlessly for fear of persecution. Our faces said this: ‘Are we at a cult gathering?’

K-pop is also unique in inspiring extreme behaviour from fans and generating psychosis. Cyber-bullying and online smear campaigns are common practices by anti-fans who target a certain entertainer they hate."

Aww, please don't say that, I am a bit offended by this. We're not a cult, we're a family who supports one group. Isn't it the same if you loved Brad Pitt when you were in your teenage years? Or watching your Keeping Up with Your Hollywood nutty-empty-headed stars every week and gape over them?

Since we're proud Asians, we do things our way to show our support. I have been in this 'underground' weird cult then since I first met it in 2005 and I am proud that I have stuck and went through with it in the nightmare of highschool where I was the only one going balls with K-Pop and dramas and all things Korean - and here it is, payback time. I have reaped my hard work. And I am still a proud Cassie, VIP, Blackjack, Fluxus girl, whatever you call, and even more proud that I am part of the hot movement of the year.

Overnight Q's and restless nights with tents on the street isn't new - it might be for you, but if you were to travel and have seen the world the worst and best of East and West, Harry Potter fans queued like hazzard 1 WEEK BEFORE, worst than us K-Pop (which I still think it's ridiculous). But that's how we show our love.

Now please save me from a sea of PINK LIGHTSTICKS tomorrow (one down today) full of boys, and not girls. The cheers, Ms Chia, should I state the obvious, isn't the high-pitch scream from the cult you went to, but tenor to bass-pitched, or more like lions roaring, in the sold-out, full house Indoor Stadium. I think SNSD's voices will drownnnnnnnnn because hunters are on prowl for your not-so-juicy lean-cut thighs.

So yeah, deal with it, we're making a tsunami.
F4 from Taiwan last time made a serious damage to even domestic' helpers everywhere, why hsould this be any different?

Westlife, all went crazy too.

After that, so sad that boybands died down in the West.

Then, came along FINKL, HOT, GOD... and the rest is history when it slowly climbs to popularity and now sky-rocketing so fast that it will hit its Maturity peak soon, so don't you worry Ms Chia. Singapore, will get over it next year, when I leave. Next year will be the final year before fangirls grow up, saying its 'oh another K-Pop act' and not '!@3$*()&#%(*@#&%)(@*&)!@(*&$)(*& they're coming!!!!!'  and wasting about $150 average per event, tax and service and hardship not included.

*taps blackboard furiously*

Fellow students and fangirls and fanboys, let us recap what we have learnt today.

Behind all creatives, unless labelled on our foreheads 'dying artists', is a COMPANY.

Where it is a company, it would only sustain if there are positive revenues.

If there are no profits created, then it is a NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.

So, before you even try and say we are weepy crying fans all over made boys who lasts only how pretty they look, and vice versa for fanboys all over SNSD goddesses today and tomorrow, without us making hype, without them making idols, without the world to have a place, WE JOURNALISTS AND REPORTERS WILL HAVE NO LIFE IF IT ISN'T FOR THEM. HALLELUJAH FOR FREE EVENTS FOR ME although a few I don't have a clue at all what or who I'm watching (I don't support rookies until I see them live and they impress me then OK).

Thank goodness for events in this tiny country, what if there's no K-Pop? Your advertising media rates won't rise high during MAMA 2011 live screening raking millions, and local magazines who just puts any K-Pop star for its cover gets a boost of 30% sales higher, well, see the good side. If you have war, Singapore can drown any single time. You got no lions to take care of you now Ms Chia, because,

quote unquote a pal of mine, "you've messed with the biggest fan group in the world of K-Pop."

Then in my speculations, MAMA 2011 is a joint effort of CJ and YourSingapore. Of course, tourism in Singapore has gotten a slight boost and name now. And they're trying to seriously make a 1 trillion won deal or so. But if let's say they're signing the deal on Monday, and this article you have written is published, I wonder what the Ministry of Tourism have to say by reading their citizen writing in a negative point of view of regurgitating the obvious facts of the industry.

They would ring you to death and will shrill that 'SO WHAT THEY'RE LIVE-BARBIE AND KEN-MAKING FACTORY, WE WANT THE MOOOOOOOOO LAH!"

Oops, you've screwed a 1 trillion won deal.

See you at Super Show 4! (Maybe)

Lucky.

        It's been long overdue, so I'll keep it short. I'm supposed to do my moodboards for Project TWO NOW yet instead have the urge to archive this. For SE7EN's showcase back in early February (read it all here! Be sure to comment on and say hi!) me and Shirley went in to enjoy the little showcase and go ring ding dong over his Di gi tal boounce... Di gi tal sooound, di gi tal exxxx... welcome to my digital world!

Goofing around is the best thing we do, or I do when I'm halfly interested. Not a Lucky 7 but hey, listening Digital Bounce for free, LIVE?! Who doesn't want that I love that tune. Met Hajar of Sharing Yoochun /coughs when she also appears to many many other K-Pop un-TVXQ!/JYJ events but I love her anyways. Super cute and nice unni! Will try to catch up with you at SMU Koufu sometimes.

If you see this Hajar unni, Where's our photos from your camera! See mine's blurred out.

OK, it's more for Mr. 7 now - shall post the funny unedited ones. He's still nice and human don't worry so still love him!

Second picture is hilarious, the sudden rocker all hair-up. His passion people! It's there. Love him still. :)

And to show that I was there rockin' the seven...

peekture perfect!

(my hair still looks good here. Fresh from the first week)

So, here's the lowdown on SE7EN in Singapore on MY article!

(ahem. the MY there is actually how fast people take of course by crediting but only to Korea.com instead with me too TT^TT but then it shows how fast the news go but how come there's no discussion going on! So quiet! You all fangirls chirp and start commenting or else I won't go to another event! /liar)

•wearing Since Always 8-way (or more) top, Paul Direk drop-crotch pants, Zaha Hadid x Melissa wedges. Accessories: Turquoise necklace, from Yunan, Bossini anti-water bag•

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outfit post - did try to look nice since it was an event after all minus the press con but it was at VIVO on a weekend. Why not! Pulled out my new Zaha darlings all the way from the USA. It came across the seven seas finally, finally here, since the day I bought online on Gilt in July.

•well well, this is 7. Next hype would be FAREAST MOVEMENT & Park Jung Min!•

Ch-ch-ch-change.

Another round up of things with two special famous people I met this week on covering events, another transformation from me for a new season, and scoring a dinner!

That was the most amazing successful food photo I've ever taken, with my useless phone camera. The tricck is in daylight for sure but hello - the ice cream texture can't be tantalizing enough! I ordered a Big Dipper from Marble Slab to get the member card - with the ultra chocolate mix whatever - which now I know after checking their menu, Swiss Cocoa Buttercup. I'm always a chocolate sucker when it comes to ice cream. Yes! Now I'm a member. 10% off each time. The chocolate was as luscious and sinful as usual with kitkat break bits and Reese buttercups. Truthfully, they don't really have to do all that yakiniku move, do it like Baskin's Rocky Road putting in all marshmallows+almonds+chocolate syrup together. Nonetheless, we keep coming back for the richness of the sweet milk chocolate. Heaven.

Anyhow, back to a non-planned Sunday was unintended shopping spree going out with Clarisse. Iluma had a Thai Fashion fair, hence the bargain prices given (it's marked up for our market) in Thai market - I bet the tops I got were only less than $10 over there! I freakin' spent a round of $100 - don't blame me - for 6 pieces, and the last time I shopped was in July with UNIQLO and... *thinking hard* I'm sure I bought something.

Hail Paul Direk - a Thai designer brand sold at JJ market, where all cool bargain fashionable things are in Thailand. He studied in Bunka Japan OMFFFFFG and sojourned back home to build his very much affordable line. The three tee tops which nicely fits me is from Manythings. Sadly, no online portal yet but it's pretty girly line. The person selling was the designer's brother saying "ah no, I'm helping my sister to sell"

That is so kind of him!

I wanted a brother and still wants one! *Sorry my brother-complex rises again*

Monday was... blah. Cancelled class and verrrryy sluuuuuurrrreeed photography class. LMAO, that's how my unintentionally witty (or intentional) lecturer. Ridiculously funny when he doesn't mean it.

Tuesday night was with Bobby Chinn in Clarke Quay!

Because of TLC, the new revamped Discovery channel of Travel & Living Channel, and Chinn has a new show titled 'World Cafe: Middle East' airing starting this Monday at 10PM.

Adith's Lick 'N' Tell's tagline is so touche. Do pop by and see the chef wonderboy and all the glorious food he has tried/made. Most welcome, monsieur! :) Then there's me the happy oily kid getting Chinn's book, signed. I know that he wants it more and is more worthy, but, I love to keep as a keepsake! Get his recipe book and his tidbits in travelling around Vietnam/Hanoi titled 'Vietnamese Food'.

*Last photo taken in my room, with a new dusty mirror! Finally! I have a mirror! And an extra drawer top. OK that's it for room/life updates.

Friday night was the whooooo-hoooooooo, anyone declining my offer should be squriming in my seat now to not see Jung Junho in person. The actor who looks clueless in 'Righteous Ties' and had a one-sided love in the drama IRIS, looks dashingly handsome in person. No kidding.

Really really really no kidding.

Sadly, my camera sucks at night time. I really have gotten bad angles and just bad shots due to hard flash. Someone lend me a good DSLR! Sigh. T___T

 Is one of the lucky people among ajummas and other girls/ladies - I should be the youngest from the rest to get a picture with him! But a bad picture. My face is - egad! - bigger than his?!
I WANT DSLR (BORROW!)!
Plus, I was LMAOing at myself as I appeared again in RAZOR TV for the photoshoot. Hey, I look better there compared to the interview stint for the K-Runway... *satisfied*

See the whole report of the event only in Korea.com!

On the fateful Saturday, it was Korean Pop Night Concert 2010 however the long-awaited e-mail didn't come at all (to have photography pass for the show) but I was still hoping for it to come. Nonetheless, to not repeat the face disaster last week in JYJ which I look horrid not Kim Tae Hee pretty while I asked a question and the trio (yes Jeje-Junsu-Micky) looked at me, I forced myself in to the salon in the morning to be ready at night (with attention grabbing hair so my divas GD and Key will see my way! kekeke~)

Say goodbye to that untamed wavy dry versus sleek straight undirectioned hair because...

The 4 hours from 11AM gave me a tamed transformation instead of the avant-garde layered cut I wanted.

This was what I wanted - saved and showed to the stylist:

Wanted layers like No. 1, hair color No. 2, Style of Dyeing No. 3 or No.1, Hair cut layer addition No. 4.

Ended up with pretty dangling curls and... what, black hair!?

Wait, the only part I like is that streak of red, placed at THE BACK. THE BACK. D:

Can't even see from this angle!

Nevermind. I have bangs! Bleached! Under the visible layer though. Goodness. I paid $*** for this instead of just $**. I am happy with the new cut but well, yea-a-a-a-h, I wasn't going on for cuuuute....

Will upload a outfit post next week in celebration of the new hair - promise. I'll suspense ya'll to the new look...

I have to wait for a change next year - another new season! Arrrghhhhh. So this is my new hair ch-ch-ch-change in... OH GOODNESS since last December '09 before my Japan trip which I haven't finished blogging! Ha ha ha ha (trails away running away)

So, I missed the K-Pop Night. SO WHAT.

•bye boys! BB/SHINee left immed. at 1AM - I know Key couldn't sleep well without Jjong by

his side so they gotta go catch the earliest plane possible because he can't bear to be part with him•

Well, that's what I THOUGHT until...

Sunday. 

I was totally WRONG. Fangirl session with Peggy was crucial because I left her (planned to go to concert together but I didn't get pass/sold ticket already) and while enjoying the sweet peanuts she passed me from her hometown, she brought the fateful camera who went with her and captured the BIGBANG! S-H-I-N-ee-SHINEY! and FTISLAND ROCKS! moments.

We were screaming in PS' Kopitiam didn't care anyone looked and all I could say each time was, "anjing!"countless times throughout the video - whether it's very very close record of Taeyang, Key, Minho, Taemin, GD and Top (of course Minhwan the drummer is always the hardest to catch) all I screamed was "anjing anjing anjiiiiiiiiiiiiiiing"

So the week ended with lots and lots, pouring, big drops of dogs. 'ANJING! They're sooooooo fineee'

And dang it dang it dang it THEY DID HAVE A MINI-PRESS CON DANG IT 아이구오! 진짜 아이ㅆ후! >; \

Only opened for Xin MSN and RAZORTV. Ah, Minhwan/Key/GD/Top/Youngbae looked so fine~

*Do-oh, the header logo is noneother from                                             which I introduced previously.