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. 

Backstage with B1A4

Through my work I've personally encountered B1A4 many times. Since their debut, to the time when they reaped almost all the year-end rookie awards up to their most recent comeback with the single "Baby Good Night." So I'll have this entry regarding my encounters with them

First Interview
      Last year I met them backstage in a music show's recording. At that time they were already considered one of the most promising rookie groups. When they arrived they were wearing this colorful outfits which made them really outstanding. We went inside their waiting room to start the short interview. They suddenly counted 1-2-3 and greeted us 안녕하세요 B1A4입니다. A greeting usually done by all idol groups. Since they were new, before meeting them I've researched their names and some whereabouts about them. Then I explained to them what to do. I was actually only talking to the leader Jinyoung while other members were just listening and nodding. Then they planned how to answer or do the interview. They practiced their greetings and there were few bloopers which made the interview funny.

      After the interview I talked to CNU and told him that my friend at school was his classmate in high school. So he suddenly got excited. I told him who and he said it's nice to know. In Korea the concept friend means you have to be in the same age with the person. Since I look way older than CNU, Jinyoung was like "How did it happen?" with a smile in his face almost telling me "you look way older than CNU you can't be in the same age?" So I told him CNU's friend is my hoobae (junior) at school. So they were like "Ahhhh!" Jinyoung asked me where I study and then when I answered them they said wow again. Sandeul asked CNU Hyung you have a friend who studies at SNU? Daebak. (FYI: SNU is known as the best university in Korea)

Second (long) encounter
        Most encounters I have with them are just hellos and byes or depending on the event I don't even get a chance to greet them since as a reporter I just go to the event to take pictures. But the other week I was able to talk to them again. I didn't interview them so the encounter was in a more relaxed environment. Talked to CNU again. He was like this "Oh! How are you? It has been a long time." He asked how's his friend doing at school. He said he also wanted to meet his friend if he could find some time.  We also talked about the I Need a Fairy sitcom where he was part of. CNU is actually very polite in person. When I asked him why he got thinner he said he got sick and busy for their comeback.

   Gongchan in the washroom? If you're a female reporter then probably you'll not have this experience. hehe. The first time I met the group I don't know but every time I go to the washroom Gongchan was also there or I got in the washroom first and he also gets in after few seconds. Since it happened many times I think the last time it happened we just laughed inside the washroom. Then the other week, strangely it happened again. hahaha. We talk for a bit after that. The faucet inside wasn't working at that time so we were trying to figure out to make it work. Gongchan is actually very quiet even backstage. He just sits in the corner but sometimes his funny side comes out like the one you saw in the article about him imitating G-Dragon and role playing as a bartender.

   I uploaded a video of Baro speaking English before so I told him about it. He just laughed. Then I told him about his English lines in the new song. He laughed again and said he needs to practice more. Sandeul on the other hand I guess is the funniest member. He's close to all the staff at the set and he's an aegyo boy, making everyone inside the studio smile and laugh every time he greets.
     By the way CNU practices these lines all the time 오늘 하루만 그댈 속일게.... 오늘이 지나면 돌아갈게...." backstage. Sometimes he will just sing those lines out of the blue. In the case if Jinyoung, we talked a lot the first time we met but when I saw them the other week I wasn't able to. And to be honest I have nothing to ask him. So if you're reading this, maybe you could put some questions below and I'll ask him next time we meet. hehe Anyway so that's it for now. I don't know which celebrity I'll feature next time I find time kkk

 

 

B1A4's Guerrilla Performance in Hongdae

B1A4 had a guerrilla performance in Hongdae last Jan. 4th. It will be shown today on Mnet Wide Entertainment News at 5pm.

Please watch the video and you'll see how powerful the group is! They were able to gather hundreds of fans in a short span of time not to mention the freezing weather that time. Warning: be prepared for the scream and shouts!

Bad thing was their guerrilla performance caused some traffic but it made many fans happy!

They performed Beautiful Target and OK. And also made all the fans sang the songs for them because the sound wasn't audible. 

Related article: Korea.com

B1A4 Short Interview at Hallyu Week Concert

As requested by some of my readers, here's another B1A4 load for you! hehe

After performing in Malaysia for MOA Live, B1A4 rushed back to Korea for another performance at Yongpyong Dome, Pyeongchang in Gangwon for the Hallyu Week Concert. After performing their epic hit song Beautiful Target there was a short interview conducted by the emcee, Sohee (if I heard her name right)

Sohee praised B1A4 for being able to capture the hearts of many fans in Korea and abroad. She also mentioned that before coming to the concert she received a lot of messages from B1A4 fans. Then she asked the group what B1A4 stands for

Why B1A4?

I know that everyone is already aware but let me tell you what happened during the interview. So Jinyoung answered and said that it’s based on the blood types of the members, B is for Baro and A for the other four members, Jinyoung, Gongchan, Sandeul and CNU so B1A4. Then Sohee smiled a lot and said she’s also type B.

FYI: There is a famous movie in Korea entitled B형 남자 or Type B Man. Most of my friends would be 'proud' to say that they’re Type B especially if they wanna project a 'cool' aura to girls. Sometimes I just wanna be Type B too. Haha. Unlike in other countries blood types in Korea just like Japan are considered ‘indicators’ of personality. Of course not everyone believes in it.   

Awkward Moment

Anyway, back to the topic, so after Sohee said that she is also Type B the awkward moment happened. Baro tried to reach her for a high five but she was kinda busy emceeing so she didn’t see Baro gesturing the high five. So Baro ended up doing with Sandeul. hahaha Cracking up the crowd. (Check 1:34)

Sprout Dance

Then they were asked about their very own sprout dance. If you happen to be not aware of this dance, it’s the dance step that B1A4 is popular for. They performed it many times in TV programs, fan meetings etc. It even has a lot of “cover dance” from fans all over the world! Then Sohee asked them whose idea was it. Baro proudly answered that it was his idea.

More Praises

So more praises came in from Sohee. She praised Baro and said Type B people are very talented and attractive. Knowing that she’s also Type B. They were also praised for selling out their showcase tickets in Japan in one minute and for having a cola commercial in Thailand just months after their debut. 

Promise

The group made an ‘official’ promise to their fans that they will practice harder for their next comeback.  So expect a huge surprise from them!

B1A4's Performance at the Hallyu Week Concert

B1A4 has been receiving a lot of attention from fans abroad and of course for foreigners who are in Korea. Many of my Korean friends are not even aware of them. haha. However, many of my foreigner friends are PhD holders of B1A4 whereabouts.

Anyway so here are some fan taken videos of B1A4's performance during the Hallyu Week Concert at Yongpyong Dome, Gangwon. The concert was organized by the Korea Tourism Organization and it was mainly dedicated to foreigners who are in Korea and abroad.

OK


My Love


Beautiful Target