pH-1 (Park Jun-Won, also known as Harry Park) is a Korean-American rapper on H1GHER Music Records, which also houses GroovyRoom and G.Soul. While people want to make harsh distinctions between K-pop and K-hip-hop, I actually found out about pH-1 from the K-pop sub-Reddit. From the 2019 release Summer Episodes, this is one of those songs…
Category: K-pop
What We Are Listening To: “Rising Sun” by TVXQ!
TVXQ! (also billed as Dong Bang Shin Ki/DBSK in Korean and Tohoshinki in Japanese) was a five member group from 2004 to 2010. In 2011, the group continued with two members (Jung Yunho – U-Know, and Shim Changmin – MAX). The group is known for their harmonies and sensual dance moves, and “Rising Sun”…
What We Are Listening To: “Destiny (우린 결국 다시 만날 운명이었지),” Mamamoo
Mamamoo is a girl group well known for its vocal talent, but the members also show themselves to be musically versatile. The group performed “Destiny (우린 결국 다시 만날 운명이었지)” for its finale on the music competition show Queendom, and the track was later included on the 2019 album Reality in Black. Kpopmap notes that “It is hard…
What We’re Listening To: 015B, 잠시 길을 잃다 (feat. 신보경)[ Lost Temporarily feat. Shin Bo-kyung/Boni]
It is notoriously difficult to find in-depth information about 015B in English. What Wikipedia and some other sites seem to agree on is that the group started out with four members and later became a duo, brothers Jeong Seok-won and Jang Ho-il. However, listening to several of their albums reveals that they are keen to…
Decennium: #TenYearsWithKPK
KPK: Kpop Kollective, the oldest aca-fansite for K-pop, celebrates its 10-year anniversary on these K-pop streets! BRIDES says that the traditional anniversary gift for the 10th anniversary is tin or aluminum, symbolizing flexibility and resiliency. It seems appropriate for KPK, because no matter if we are many or few, we are still here using our…
Who’s Better, Who’s Best: Competition and Manipulation in K-pop
Crystal S. Anderson, PhD Director, KPK: Kpop Kollective Recent developments involving award and competition shows reveal the impact of mainstreaming on K-pop. As stakes increase for industry and media, accolades and competition are perceived as metrics for quality. However, they largely measure popularity, which is subject to manipulation. While many K-pop acts are managed by…
JYJ: Kings or Princes?
JYJ (originally known as Junsu/Jaejoong/Yoochun in Japan) includes members Junsu (Kim Junsu; Xiah), Yoochun (Park Yoochun; Micky), and Jaejoong (Kim Jaejoong; Hero). After performing for several years as members of extremely popular male group TVXQ!, in 2009, the trio brought forward a lawsuit against their management company SM Entertainment, alleging significant problems with the contract’s…
ZE:A: Idols of Empire
ZE:A (Children of Empire) is a nine member male group. Currently signed with the Star Empire Entertainment, group members include Kevin (Kim Ji Yeop), Kwanghee, (Hwang Kwang Hee), Siwan (Im Si Wan), Jun Young (Moon Jun Young), Tae Heon (Kim Tae Heon), Heechul (Jung Hee Chul), Minwoo (Ha Min Woo), Hyungsik (Park Hyung Sik), and…
Miss A: A Touch of Class
Miss A is a four-member female group that was formed by famed producer Jin Young Park (JYP Entertainment. Predebut, the group was originally known in China as “Sisters,” and had five members. Eventually, the fifth member joined Wonder Girls (member: Lim), and further auditions solidified the current group. As Miss A, members Fei (Wang Fei…
Park Hyo Shin: The Soulful Voice of K-pop
Park Hyo Shin is a solo artist who performs rhythm and blues and is well-known for his deep, rich and versatile baritone voice. Currently signed with Jellyfish Entertainment, Park often performs with other Korean soul singers, including Brown Eyed Soul, Wheesung, and Gummy. . . Click here to read more at KPOPIANA.
KPK: Kpop Kollective 