BtoB’s Eunkwang is Sunnyhill’s Kota’s younger brother?

Had this really fun experience during the recording of Studio C two weeks ago. I was gonna tell Eunkwang that he looks like a younger brother of Kota, a member of the girl group Sunnyhill. But I couldn’t for some reasons. Hahaha. However, during the recording some members of BtoB, I think specifically Sungjae said Eunkwang looks like Sunnyhill’s rapper Kota. Everyone in the studio bursted into laughter. In my mind I was like, I knew it I wasn't the only one. Hahaha. Sungjae said it after Eunkwang applied lipstick as part of the “irresistible lips” challenge on the said episode. Anyway, so there you go Eunkwang and Kota is the Part 3 of my "Look Alike Korean Celebrities" entries. By the way they’re not siblings or blood related. It's just for title sake.

( Part 1 Part 2 )

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

 

 

K-Pop Managers, Stylists and all that jazz!

I've been out of the blogging world for quite some time since there's just too much on my plate. Whew! Anyway, from now on, I think I'll be sharing more stories about my experiences as an entertainment reporter here in Korea and as a friend of some celebrities (ehem kkk). Even if I wasn't so active I received many e-mails from many readers and one question that's been asked many times, is about the idol managers and stylists.

I'm not sure if they're serious but some K-Pop fans expressed their interests in working as managers or stylists, so let me try to explain. 

Who are they?

Managers and stylists in other words could be like "personal assistants" of the celebrities. Usually managers are males. Being able to drive a van is basic and you have to be physically strong to "protect" the celebs who are under you. They usually have the same fashion, I'd say comfortable fashion, and they usually carry car keys and recording gadgets like iPad, smartphones, small camera etc. for them to record the performances of the idols. Idols especially the new ones are very eager to see how they'd do on stage. 

Stylists on the other hand are usually females. Basic requirement is knowhow on make-up and a 'sense' of fashion. You don't have to be a make-up expert, at least you know how to retouch (I'm guessing the right word haha) because make-up is usually done hours before an event in a superduper expensive hair and beauty shops, usually in Cheongdam area. I don't know but if you're a star in Korea, you should have your make-up and hair done in Cheongdam area or else you'd look cheap or whatever. (FYI, Cheongdam is a high-end place in Seoul where you could find a lot of entertainment companies. I'll probably write another entry for this). So going back, stylists are also in-charge with the outfits. Aside from make-up kits, they usually carry a lot of clothes with them. Depending on the celebrity, some stylists are given the freedom to just impose on which outfits to wear while some discuss it with the stars or even the company. 

Based on my observation, they are quite young, almost the same age with the idols or a bit older and they also have the same fashion, make-up style and even hairstyle. So it's very easy to know which ones which. Many fans envy them because stylists (depending on the celeb) can literally see (and touch) almost everything.  Because aside from make-up retouch, they help the idols change clothes, wipe sweat etc. I said depending on the celebrity. I personally know many of them and personally witness a lot backstage. Of course they are expected to be professional. As far as I know, many of them were fans before too. If you decide to become a stylist, you are at least expected to stop fandoming and concentrate on your work. 

How do they get the job and what are the benefits.

Just like any other jobs out there, there are also many ways to get this job. Of course one way is to submit your application directly to the entertainment companies but as far as I know, most of them got their jobs through connections. By connections I mean they were referred by fellow managers and stylists. They usually know each other. The pay is not that good (as far as I know) but once your celebrity gets famous, you'll get a chance to travel with them to different places, all for free. Of course they get to meet many celebrities but since it's given in this line of work, I'd never really consider that as a benefit. Just imagine the ones working for the idols who are having world concerts these days. 

So what do you think of them?

I think, they play a very important role in the success of these celebrities. They have to deal with the fans, schedule, reporters etc. and they need to have a flexible time. Of course it depends on how busy the star is. Working as an entertainment reporter, I've experience some frustrating things in dealing with these managers. Managers know if their stars are famous or not. So usually, managers of rookie groups are really kind. But there are also some who are not. Especially those who think that the idols they're handling are already popular. If you're from a "lowly" media agency, chances are they're not gonna mind you. You give them your business card but they're not gonna give back theirs. They'd tell you they left it in the car or they ran out of cards etc. But they'd do other way if you're representing a big and influential media agency. I guess no need to explain further.  Of course there are very kind managers too.

For me, I think managers have to be smart enough to understand what's going on in the business. Most of them are not aware of how foreigners get all the information about their stars. And many of them still don't know the potential of fans abroad in making their stars famous and more "powerful" so this is actually what I'm trying to change here. 

Prince managers and princess stylists

You've probably seen non celebs with your favorite idols who are equally good looking as them. One famous example is the prince manager of Super Junior. Actually there are many! To name a few that you could probably stalk (hahaha) are 4Minute, MBLAQ, B2ST, TeenTop, CHAOS, N:SONIC, Block B, IU, Lee Seunggi, Yoo Ah In's and more. And I personally think MBLAQ has one really pretty stylist ^^;; One would wonder why, well they could also be aspiring celebs but decided or for the meantime wants to get exposure in the showbiz world through this kind of job. 

If you have more questions please leave a comment below.

Photos: Managers of B2ST, IU, Super Junior, Teen Top, MBLAQ, 4Minute

Backstage: LED Apple

To be honest I did not know anything about LED Apple before doing the short interview with them last Wednesday. Even before doing the interview I never knew that they've changed members twice or three times already. I tried to "study" before doing the interview by searching members profiles but unfortunately I got the old members' profile information. hahaha A perfect example of epic fail. Even the staff who took us to their room was also confused. She told us 4 then she said ah 5 members. Then when I met the manager he said 6. Epic failure just happened so fast that I really felt embarrassed. haha But when I met the group it changed. They were very friendly. 

The first thing you will notice when you see them would be their height! I've already seen many boy groups but I think it's only LED Apple and X Five that are really tall. Most of the time only Hanbyul was talking in behalf of the group. Aside from being the leader he is also fluent in English although I asked them in Korean. haha. Sometimes Kyu Min also butts in and utter some English words like "Yeah." After the interview, I thought it was already finished but Hanbyul came out of the dressing room and talked to me. He said if it's fine to do the interview again. So I was kinda surprised because he's really working hard for the group. He thought of something else to say in the video interview so he wanted to do it again. He was even seriously conversing with Kyu Min about what to say etc. It's was nice to see them working hard for their fans. 

After the interview, since we were just in the same area, we get to use the same washroom, drink coffee and just talk to them in the hallway. I also talked to Keano about his Twitter. 

I think LED Apple fans are very lucky and I could say they've made the right choice! I like their attitude and I like how they showed their respect to everyone. I remember the program's producer was really taking care of them just like a mom. hehe. Keep supporting the group folks!

Here's a music video of their song Accidentally Met By Chance