Being forced to shelter-in-place during what is perhaps turning into one of the most incredible and frightening situations I may see in my lifetime (yes, I am talking about the COVID-19 pandemic) has given me time to reflect on the tumultuous fangirl journey I have been on these past seven years. By the close of 2019, I realized that I had burst through a rather stringent guardrail when it came to Korean entertainment and in particular, Korean music. After my honey baby bias G.O of MBLAQ completed his military service, went from AfreecaTV BJ to YouTuber and yes, even became a husband, I kind of went on a bender. I wanted to write about my explorative fangirl year of 2019 before 2019 ended but failed to actually sit down and do so. Then, I pretty much abandoned the blog altogether. Now that I am in forced lockdown, I really feel the urge to return, show the blog some love, and write again. I have truly missed writing. So, humor me if you will, and let me tell you about my 2019 fangirl adventures (albeit a little late and wordy) and my hopes for 2020.
Tag Archives: Bi Rain
The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 699
When I first discovered G.O, it was indeed his voice that held the spotlight initially. This is true. But as I began to learn more about him, the more intriguing and captivating he became. I have talked about many of his endearing and fine characteristics throughout this countdown series, often times repeating them incessantly. I cannot help it. The man has captivated me in a way that compels me to continue to discover more about him and share why he is so very special. One of the many endearing qualities he possesses is his humor. G.O has been sharing his unique wit with his fans since the beginning and he continues to do so in his own special way through today. I thought the perfect way to celebrate the next letter up in The ABC’s of G.O was to do so by enjoying a little taste of G.O’s charming humor.
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The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 525
There’s always a reason for the ddaeng!
When is MBLAQ and variety not a good match? I know I am biased. In all honesty, I have to confess that I have not watched other groups in variety shows outside of that hilarious Running Man episode with Seung Ho and Joon wherein there were other idol duos guesting along with them. So I have no real point of reference. However I do know one thing: MBLAQ sets the bar pretty high (for me) when it comes to variety entertainment. True, they have guested on many. But if you focus on the core four: Idol Army, Sesame Player, Hello Baby and Idol Manager, I think you will agree that MBLAQ owned Korean variety from 2009 through 2012. Today I am going way back to MBLAQ’s variety infancy to revisit a moment from Idol Army, Episode 10 [The Ski Resort Special] and MBLAQ’s National Music Show where bad boy G.O got to show a little vocal prowess and lots of humor with Rain’s Rainism.
The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 388
Is :56 seconds of G.O singing an excerpt from a ballad sufficient enough to place it here on the Countdown in the Vocal Virtuosity category? You bet it is. Back in May 2010, just prior to the release of MBLAQ’s second mini album Y, MBLAQ’s handsome hyung line made a stop at the MNET radio studios. In under a minute, the combination of G.O’s voice accompanied by Seung Ho’s piano continually proves to me that these two artists were perhaps always destined to work together. Indeed, this post can hold equal weight in the Heavenly Collaborations category.
The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 99
It is true that my bias towards G.O will always have me believing and subsequently declaring that he is the sweetest, most talented, indeed most handsome and yes, sexiest artist I have ever had the pleasure of supporting, adoring, and some may say, obsessing over. With this series, I have tried to balance the offerings with some cute, some intensity, some incredible music and of course some sexy. For Day 99, I offer some bad because it is so very, very good. ^.~
The Soulful Countdown to G.O’s Discharge ~ Day 72
One cannot deny that G.O and Jung Juri had a special chemistry working opposite each other. I think one of the reasons they worked well together was that they both had great comedic timing, were not afraid to push the envelope a little, and simply liked each other. G.O has a natural comfort around women (perhaps because he was raised with two older sisters) and Juri knew that G.O possessed a very special intelligence that gave him a quick and playful wit.
[series] 116 Reasons to Love Byung Hee: #10 ~ Undercover Cover Lover
When you wake one morning and realize all you want to do is sing, you hear music in everything. I have a feeling this is exactly what G.O felt when that realization hit. From that point on, he most likely became an ardent student of music. And although it was no doubt he was hearing his own compositions in his head and perhaps keeping a journal of poetry that would transform into lyrics, the first songs he sang were probably the songs of other artists. For G.O, I suspect the songs he sang in those early days were his guide and his lessons, and the artists themselves, his mentors and his teachers. It is no wonder then he would ultimately pay homage to them by covering those songs that guided him to become the incredible vocalist he is today. The beauty of his education, however, is that he did not limit himself to the songs of Korean artists. His deep respect for music (all music) and his choice to cover many songs that were sung in a language foreign to him (English) are valid and honorable reasons to continue to love this amazing man.
When Your Bias Stakes His Claim
I have to be honest. At this time last year, I thought there was no way anyone in Korean entertainment (music, movies, drama or otherwise) was going to topple Rain from the throne in my fangirl kingdom. If you would have asked me if it this could ever happen, I would have unequivocally answered ‘No’! So please imagine my own shock when it actually did happen. And, it happened with a force and fury I was not even prepared for. I have been asked by a sweet follower of the blog who has now become a treasured friend, to expound on the how, the why and the when MBLAQ’s G.O swooped in, staked his claim as my one true bias, and yes, promptly stole me away from his former mentor, Rain. So Endang, dear…I write this post for you.♥
I’m Walking On Sunshine – The Sunshine Blogger Award
An award? For moi?!! I am duly humbled and deliciously delighted that my dearest, sweetest (and inspiring) friend, Kfangurl of The Fangirl Verdict felt that I brought a little sunshine to her life and, as a result, nominated me for a Sunshine Award. And, if that wasn’t enough, my little baby MBLAQ sister, Nelly of MyMyooz also nominated me. Really, though, if ever there were rays of sunshine both here in the blogosphere and simply in general, these two darling ladies are all that and more! Kfangurl and I go way back…way, way back and I am one lucky blogger to have her in my corner as both mentor and friend. Nelly and I bonded and I mean BONDED over our mutual love, respect, and ardent adoration of MBLAQ’s main lead vocal, G.O, and this is a bond that will never be broken even in light of the latest news of alleged departure of two of the five members of the group. But…please, let’s not go there right now, because I just can’t….
So let me first say thank you to both Kfangurl and Nelly for the nom – I love both of you, lots!! Like this:
And now, what’s the deal with this award?
My Lovable Girl…This Likeable Man
I owe a lot to Rain. In fact, I owe him everything for where (and most likely who) I am today in my short, but turbulent career as a fangirl. He put South Korea on the map for me in more ways than one. He led me to MBLAQ’s G.O (and I am forever grateful – *bows* profusely to Rain). Contrary to probably the opinion (and belief) of many, I still have a very special place in my heart for Ji Hoon. And, I certainly have a deep and strong admiration for him as an actor, singer, and performer. Most importantly, however, I have a sound respect for him as a man. So when I heard he was returning to the small screen in way of a 16-episode drama entitled My Lovable Girl, my interest was piqued.