Ever since I have expanded my Korean music listening experience beyond K-pop and, specifically, towards Korean R&B, I have been low-key keeping tabs on music crews who roll in that lane. Why? Because on occasion those crews have ties to K-pop idols who ride among them. This is how I became acquainted with vocalist Xydo and his latest (and first) EP release, X.
I am a little late in posting news of Winner’s Lee Seunghoon’s enlistment on April 16, 2020 but part of me is still trying to wrap my brain around the fact that 50% of my beloved Winner is now enlisted. Fans knew it was inevitable but as with Jinu, news of Hoony also going still came as a shock.
Ok, raise your hand if you decided to watch a drama because you saw an actor in another drama who piqued enough interest to make you put all of the said actor’s filmography on your watch list no matter how big or small the role. This is exactly the situation I currently find myself in with Lee Do Hyun and hence, why the 2018 drama, Clean With Passion For Now ended up on my list.
If you were to ask me one word to describe the Korean group, Winner, I would say FAMILY. I would challenge anyone to show me a closer-knit group. To me, Winner has elevated past the general colleague-based relationship most professional groups have. Moreover, this feeling of family is not exclusive to the group itself. No. I think the group’s fandom Inner Circle would agree that it not only encompasses the relationship Yoon, Jinu, Hoon and Mino have with each other but, that it also extends further to their fans. Winner’s latest, the title track Remember on their newly released full album, brings the family together, soothes my fangirl heart, and waxes nostalgic in a way only Winner can.
It is never easy to say good-bye to our favorite Korean entertainers when they leave to complete mandatory military service, even when we know it is temporary. Winner’s Jinu left for training camp on 2 April and for some reason, it was a lot more emotional than I expected.
When I said I was opening up to other artists, somehow I knew I would end up somewhere east of the eclectic highway. I never thought it would mean getting lost on Bang Yongguk’s Orange Drive, but indeed it was . . . and I am loving it.
I do not even know where to begin. Because, in all honesty, I am not sure I have been this wrecked by an artist. I don’t know when it happened or even how it happened because I was adamant after I slowed my pace with my all-encompassing support of MBLAQ’s G.O. I was staunch in my belief that I would not fall deep ever again for an artist. I wanted to keep my interest and involvement varied, light, mild and carefree. But the more I watch, listen and experience GOT7’s enigmatic leader, Lim Jaebeom (JB), the more I descend into his artistic lair. I am trapped my friends. And, if he continues to write, produce and record songs like today’s offering, Fade Away, there will be no escape.
Friends, I’m shook. You know when you listen to a song on an album and yes, it sounds and feels good but you never fully understand the impact of it until you watch and listen to it by way of a live performance? You know, when the visual concept coupled with aggressive choreography, stinging lyrics, and powerful vocals take the song to another level, whisk the group with it and make you pause a moment to say, ‘oh my god, what just happened?!’ This is exactly the mind-blowing experience I had when I watched Winner performed Mola from their latest EP release, We.
I need a moment.
I know that Winner is getting ready to drop new music like any second now, but in waiting for new music it is always fortunate when a group or artist has a catalog of exceptional work in place to keep fans satisfied while they wait. In my opinion, one of those past offerings has to be one of the most beautiful love songs ever written but, to my knowledge, never officially released: Kang Seung Yoon’s 0 더하기 1 [0+1] from the web drama series We Broke Up. Seriously. The first time I heard this song was in the context of the drama and it left a deep and emotional impression on me, one that remains to this day.
Guess who’s back? Yes, indeed, Winner will return on May 15th with a new EP, We along with an MV for their title song, 아예 [Ah Yeah].
Sounds energetic, catchy and fun . . . perfect for the summer!~ヽ(⌐■_■)ノ♪♬
