Classifications of K-Pop Boy Groups in 2014

I saw this image posted on Instiz site, a popular and influential online community in Korea that discusses happenings in the Korean entertainment world. According to the posted image, it's a ranking or level of different K-Pop boy groups for this year, 2014.  I don't know what was the basis for the ranking or the classification but I'll try to explain it based on my understanding of the Korean language and how Koreans explained it to me. Based on the classifications, it only "measured" the groups' popularity in Korea.

 Out of this world (넘사벽): Shinhwa, GOD, TVXQ, JYJ

These groups are considered to be undefeated, incomparable and were able to stood the test of time. No matter what activities they do it will "always" be successful. Other possible translations for the word could be "the best" "second to none."

Nationwide (전국구): Bigbang, Infinite, B2ST, Shinee

This means that anyone in Korea knows something about the group or that these groups exist. Some Koreans, especially those who are not into K-Pop, may not particularly know the names of each member but they would definitely know that these groups are existing in the idol world. So their scope is "nationwide." Many of the comments under this post says Bigbang should be part of "out of this world" level.

Mania Level (마니아층): EXO, B1A4, BAP, Block B, CNBlue

The word mania is commonly used in Korea. It usually means, person who's very passionate in doing one and only thing. So this could mean that the groups in this classification have very strong fan bases or fandom. They are extremely popular but not everyone knows about them yet. Many commented that EXO should be part of "nationwide" category. 

Popularity is in Maginot Line (인기 마지노선): 2PM, Super Junior

This means that the popularity of these groups has gone or going downhill. Many of you may know that Maginot Line was the failed line of defensive fortifications constructed by France before WWII to protect its eastern border. It failed big time as Germany was able to easily invade, outflanking the said line. The term is being used as a reference to something you expected to be effective but turns out to be a failure. 

2%: ZE:A, U-Kiss, MBLAQ

This is saying that only 2% of the Korean population knows they exist. Literally or not, it means that these groups are only known to only few people in Korea.

Rising Star (떠오르는별): VIXX, GOT7, Winner

I think the name of the classification itself is already self-explanatory. Many of the comments on the post says BTS should be included in this category.

Knowing that there are already a gazillion of K-Pop groups in the market, many groups were not even given a chance to be classified. If you were to add groups in each category, which groups would it be? Do you agree with the classifications or labels ? Do you think your favorite groups got "classified" properly? Please write your comments below.

11 K-Pop Male Idols Who Almost Debuted in Another Group

Behind the colorful and exciting glow of K-Pop, the road to stardom for many of your favorite idols has never been easy.  Although, I think these challenges, made them earn respect from fans all over the world and also seemed to have led them to their fated group. Here are some of the male idols I know who were supposed to be part of another team other than their current groups.

 B2ST Hyunseung - Bigbang 

 Block B Jaehyo - B2ST

 B2ST Doojoon - 2AM

Doojoon was part of Mnet's reality show called Hot Blooded Men (Ep.1). The program was like a documentary- reality search kind of show for the debut of JYP Entertainment's male idol groups 2AM and 2PM.

 N-Sonic Minki - B1A4

Fans said he was a WM Entertainment trainee and was supposed to debut as B1A4's leader. 

 Block B B-Bomb - Infinite

 A-Prince Woobin - BAP

If you check girl group Secret's music video for Starlight Moonlight (Link), Woobin is actually one of the boys in the background together with other BAP members. He also joined other BAP members as back up dancers during the promotion of the said song (Link).

 BAP Himchan - CNBlue

 C-Clown TK - BtoB

Before he became TK he was Lee Min Woo. He was set to debut as part of Cube Entertainment's new boy group, BtoB. He was one of the casts of JTBC's I Live in Cheongdamdong (Ep.11 BtoB cut) together with 4 current BtoB members Eungkwang, Minhyuk, Ilhoon and Hyunsik.

 BAP Youngjae - GOT7

Winner Minho -  Block B

Minho did not just train together with Block B members before, he actually already debuted as a member of the vocal group BOM before, together with 2 current BTL members Jisu and YuA. Even before he is already know for his impressive rapping skills. 

Top Dogg Nakta - VIXX

Nakta took part of the search of members for Jellyfish Entertainment's very first idol group later on called VIXX. The search was broadcasted as reality show on Mnet called Mydol. He was using his real name Yoonchul at that time. (Mydol Ep.1)

Do you think they are in the "right" groups already? Can you imagine them to part of other groups? I'm sure there are still many of them out there. If you know some please comment below. The K-Pop idols' community is relatively really small. Almost all idols know each other because they were co-trainees at the same company/ies before. Although they have to part ways to chase their dreams. 

VIXX on After School Club

Finally I find time to make an entry about VIXX on After School Club. As many of you know, VIXX members were special guests on the show last June 5th, yep 2013, so last year... (Check HERE for the video)... It was their first time to guest on the show and as you can see in their costumes, they were still promoting Hyde at that time (correct me if I'm wrong though).

VIXX is probably considered one of the most popular K-Pop groups these days. Literally, the group is already part of the "elite circle." By elite circle I mean, K-Pop groups that make all the news, groups you always see on TV shows-dramas etc. Needless to say, I am really proud of what they've achieved though. I could personally attest that they've worked so hard.

VIXX is one of those groups I'm friends with. It's hard to say since they're "celebrities" and I'm just a nobody. I've known them ever since their trainee days not because I'm a stalker/ sasaeng fan or something (haha) but because some members were Brian Joo's back up dancers before. Leo, Ravi and N to be exact. I was already working in one of Brian's shows at that time. Back then I got to talked to them backstage. Ravi told me they'll be debuting soon..this and that... and the next thing I know they were having this myDOL reality show-ish on Mnet. I remember the teaser of the show was very popular HERE see it for yourself.

Back then, even when they were doing the backup dancer gig, Leo was already popular to the girls like even when Brian was performing the young girls would scream for Leo (haha..uhm). Anyway so yeah many things happened...We've met several times backstage on many many shows. I've became closer to Ken and Hongbin since they've always been really kind and always the first one to approach me and greet and say what's up or anything. FYI Ken's brother also sings really really good according to him, Ken. (But I guess all Starlights out there already know).

I've also interviewed them before (HERE) days before N's birthday. (Forgive me it was one of my first interviews so editing sucks big time ㅠㅠ).

Anyway so yeah... I'll tell more stories next time haha... for the meantime enjoy the pics!

A-PRINCE paparazzi photos

I was in Hongdae covering a K-Pop related event when A-Prince member Seungjun called me saying they're also in the area having a photoshoot for a magazine. So I went looking for the place. As expected A-Prince members were "shining brightly" in the streets of Hongdae. kkkk Like if you also happen to be in the area you'd probably make a stop and also take pictures. Since I had my camera with me, I've decided to take some shots and it came out like paparazzi photos because these were taken from a relatively far distance to be discreet.

Siyoon

The rest were fine with smoky make up I guess except for Siyoon. Siyoon's smoky make up was a bit too much... that it made him look like someone else.... Just sayin kkk 

Seungjun was still blonde that time.

Minhyuk

Woobin

Sungwon

They told me the name of the magazine is Hallyu Magazine, a US based magazine about Korean entertainment and culture. A-Prince fans out there should grab their own copies because A-PRINCE is the main cover! Check the online version HERE. You can purchase your own copy online HERE