(Kim So-hyun modelling a pair of chic cat eye frames, CHAMELEON M02, and Ji Soo rocking the classy SIXBEARS KC2)
K-Drama stars Ji Soo and Kim So-hyun were in town last week (21 Feb) to celebrate the grand opening of Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The event also saw the latest launch of Gentle Monster’s 2019 collection, “13”.
The new collection “13”, seeks inspiration from a futuristic concept and features a mix of classic and advant-garde designs, perfect for both fashionistas and those looking for a trusty pair of sunnies for everyday use.
(Kim So-hyun picking out her choice of eyewear, the BAGUETTE M01)
During a short interview at the photowall, Ji Soo and Kim So-hyun answered a few questions about their personal style and how they would match their outfits with their chosen eyewear.
When asked which pair of frames the actor would recommend to someone precious to him, he chose the CHAMELEON M02 frames as it is clean cut yet striking, fitting his personal style. Kim So Hyun chose the BAGUETTE M01 instead as she feels that it is simple but has a special colour so it’s easy to use and match with different outfits.
(Ji Soo in Gentle Monster’s SIXBEARS KC2)
As Ji Soo is known to have a keen interest in fashion, he also gave a few tips on how he would match his outfit to the classic frames: Keep it simple, all black and let the focus be on the highlight of the outfit, which are the glasses.
The brand new collection ranges from S$368 to S$509 and is now available at both Gentle Monster Singapore flagship stores in ION Orchard (#01-13) and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Canal Level, B2-103).
Originally scheduled on June 8, C9 Entertainment has announced a new date for Bae Jin Young’s upcoming Fanmeeting in Singapore. Here are the details you’ve been waiting for:
Details of Bae Jin Young 1st Asia Fanmeeting Tour in Singapore: Date: July 7, 2019 (Sunday) Venue: NUS Centre For The Arts, University Cultural Centre Hall Time: 6PM (Door opens 5PM) Ticket Pricing: (before booking fees)
S$238, $198, $148, $98
All ticket holders will receive a Hi-Touch with Bae Jin Young as well as a commemorative Official Poster. There’ll also be lucky draws to win group photo opportunities and autographed posters as per the fan benefits shown above.
Tickets will go on sale on July 8, 2019 from 10am onwards via APACTix website, hotline (+65 3158 8588), Singapore Indoor Stadium Box Office, The Star Performing Arts Centre Box Office, Scott Square and all Singpost outlets islandwide.
Check out the seatmap below:
Original Article:
Former Wanna One member Bae Jin Young has made plans to embark on his solo Asia Fanmeeting Tour this year. C9 Entertainment has announced that the artiste will kick off his [IM YOUNG] Fanmeeting in Seoul this April 27 & 28, and he is slated to visit multiple cities in May and June, including Manila, Osaka, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
After concluding his activities with Wanna One, Bae Jin Young will focus on his individual projects in the first half of the year, such as the Asia Fanmeeting Tour. He is also working to debut with C9’s new boy band, CIX.
Stay tuned to more information of the Fanmeeting soon!
Korea has their fair share of delectable food but as you already know, every country has got to have their very own list of bizarre ones and Korea is definitely no exception. If Singapore has durian and France has blue cheese, I’m sure Korea also has a few items up their sleeves that are ready for us to try out too.
From interesting to just plain horrifying ones, your mouth and eyes are in for a crazy gastronomic adventure of a lifetime. Some of the items on this list are just too otherworldly so we’ll applaud you if you ever have the guts to try them out. Without further ado, we bring you some of Korea’s most interesting foods and we dare you to try them out:
1) Fermented Skate / 홍어
(Photo Credits: Seoulfoodyy WordPress)
Fermented skates are not for the faint-hearted because its gut-wrenching smell makes it difficult for even locals to even get close to it. Prior to consumption, the fish is preserved and ammonia is produced from the uric acid excreted during the process, giving it its distinctive pungent smell that is said to be reminiscent of a toilet. On top of that, it has to be eaten raw, sashimi-style so there is no way the smell can disappear.
For many, you’ll only get used to this dish after trying it out for yourself a couple of times but for the fans, it is said to go extremely well with bossam (boiled pork belly) and kimchi. So if you’re feeling a tad adventurous, how about having some for yourself someday?
2) Silk Worm Pupae / 번데기
(Photo Credits: Natsirt Banana-Q)
If you thought Thailand was the only country that ate bugs, you are so wrong. Commonly sold by street food vendors, this delicacy might seem hard to stomach but for Koreans, this is pretty solid finger food. The silk worm pupae is a crunchy protein that is first boiled, then seasoned with soya sauce, and it is exactly how you imagined it to taste – Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Some have even said that leaves a nutty aftertaste but that is something only a person with an acquired tastebud would be able to tell. Contrary to the way it looks and smells, it is a relatively popular snack, so much so that it has its owned canned version that is being sold in convenience stores country-wide.
3) Live Octopus / 산낙지
(Photo Credits: LWYang)
One of the less frightening dishes on the list is the live octopus. Straight out of the water, gutted, then cut into bite-sized pieces, and freshly served with a splash of sesame oil and seeds, this is a dish enjoyed by many. Once they get over the fact that the tentacles are “moving” of course. And no, there are not writhing because they’re alive but because their nerves are still functioning. However, despite its terrifying movements, many have said that this dish is really delicious thanks to its natural sweetness and bounce.
Try it if you dare and if you’re up for a bigger challenge, you can opt to eat a whole live octopus. Though I really wouldn’t recommend it with all the health risks and hazards it poses!
4) Live Spoon Worms / 개불
(Photo Credits: slds2.tistory.com)
This delicacy is what nightmares are made up off. Often casually referred to as the “p***s fish”, this marine animal strikes a grotesque resemblance to a certain body part but it certainly taste less weird than it looks! Boasting a very unique mouthfeel and texture, the spoon worm is commonly found in wet markets and served fresh with a side of vinegar-ed gochujang for that extra oomph.
Although it is available all year round, it is said to be the sweetest from December to March, so if you’re planning to visit the markets anytime soon, remember to keep a lookout for a plump and thick piece because those are indications of the highest quality.
5) Blood Sausage / 순대
(Photo Credits: Munchies)
To enjoy this famous street snack, you must first forget that it is made out of pig’s blood. Although blood is an ingredient commonly found in some of the world’s greatest cuisines, there are still some people out there who gets grossed out with its usage but don’t let that deter you because the soondae is said to be an enjoyable and common dish for people of all ages.
Unlike your regular sausage, the Korean blood sausage is usually made out of blood (of course), noodles, meat, and vegetables, all mixed and stuffed into an intestine before it is being steamed and/or fried to be served. After cooking, not only is it tender and soft to the touch, it is juicy and flavorful. The next time you visit a street food stand, don’t forget to try this hearty dish out for yourself.
Get ready to embrace the arrival of Spring in South Korea! Every year, tons of travelers flock to South Korea in March and April for the cherry blossoms and this year’s of no exception.
To help you plan your trip better, we’ve curated a list of popular places where you can chase after an abundance of cherry blossoms all around South Korea, including some gems in the outskirts!
(Source: Kweather)
According to the forecast calendar released by Kweather, cherry blossoms are expected to bloom 4 days earlier this year, with the first bloom expected to be sighted in Jeju around March 21, continuing to other regions such as Busan, Daegu, Jeonju and so on.
It is forecasted that the cherry blossoms will reach Seoul at the beginning of April, slightly earlier than average. Check out our recommended list of places to visit and be sure to plan your trip well so you don’t miss out on the spring flowers!
Yeouido Park (Photo: WIKITREE)
1) Yeouido Park / Yeouiseo-ro Street [SEOUL]
If you are only visiting Seoul for the spring flowers and don’t know where to start, trust me, it will be worthwhile making a trip to Yeouido for the annual Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제).
Just imagine the full bloom of azaleas, forsythia and cherry blossoms along the Yeouiseo-ro Street (also known as Yunjungno Street) and at the Yeouido Park – it’s no doubt why this place is rated as one of the most popular viewing spots for the picturesque spring flowers.
Yeouiseo-ro Street (Photo: Naver Blog @ interohrigin)
Besides enjoying a stroll along the 1.7km-long cherry blossom road, there will also be cultural performances and street food trucks to look out for during the festival. This year, the festival is planned to kick off from 5-11 April (last year it took place from 7-12 April 2018), but do note that the dates are subject to change according to bloom forecast.
It is recommended to visit here in early to mid April, so even if your traveling dates do not coincide with the festival week, you can still catch the flowers at full bloom (or close to that). Though it can get very crowded during the festival, you can easily spend half a day here just busking in the fragrances of spring!
Getting here: 5 mins walk from National Assembly Station (Subway Line 9), Exit 1 or 6. Areas of Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (Behind the National Assembly Building).
For more spring destinations in Seoul itself, check out the post below:
One of the most family-friendly parks in Incheon, the Incheon Grand Park (인천대공원) is a popular spot for locals and families to visit in Spring. During the spring season, many gather at the park to have a picnic together and enjoy the natural surroundings. Bicycles (solo/tandem/group) are also available for rental and it’s extremely popular amongst couples and families.
Besides bicycle trails, the park also houses a botanical garden, a children’s zoo, a Natural Ecological park and more. Visitors can enjoy a different view of cherry blossoms in the evening/night time when the park is lit up.
(Photo: IG @irabird89)
If you’re traveling to South Korea in late April, it’s still not too late to catch the cherry blossoms because they generally bloom later here in Incheon. Jayu Park is also another good alternative to the Incheon Grand Park.
Getting here: Alight at Songnae Station (Seoul subway Line 1), Exit 1. Take bus 103 / 16-1 / 909 and get off at Incheon Grand Park main gate’s bus stop.
For a day trip to Incheon, check out our guide below to find out where else you can visit in this city:
https://www.hallyusg.net/2019/02/12/incheonguide/
Yeojwacheon Stream (Photo: Korea Tour Bank)
3) Jinhae Gunhangje [JINHAE]
Hands down this is one of South Korea’s most famous viewing spots for Cherry Blossoms in Spring! Every year, the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival takes place for 10 days from late March to early April and it is usually packed full of visitors at its two main attractions, the Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station.
Despite so, it doesn’t stop people from flocking to this quaint town for the Cherry Blossoms because the scenery and flowers are that magnificent.
Romance Bridge (Photo: Kim’s Travel)
While you’re there, look forward to cultural performances and special cherry blossom snacks that are made only during the festival.
Make sure to snap a picture at the Romance Bridge along Yeojwacheon Stream and immerse yourself in the sea of cotton-candy pink flowers at the 800m-long railway along Gyeonghwa Station.
Gyeonghwa Station (Photo: Visit Korea)
This year’s festival is planned to take place from 1-10 April. With over 300,000 cherry blossom trees in full bloom, you can expect nothing less than a spectacular view. Even though the traveling journey is long, it is a must-visit attraction out of Seoul if you have a day to spare!
Getting here: Take an intercity bus bound for Jinhae from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal. From Jinhae Intercity Bus Terminal, go straight for 30m and turn right onto Jungwondong-ro Road. Walk straight for a further 350m and keep left at the fork. You will arrive at the festival venue in about 200m more. The entire journey here takes about 4-4.5 hours.
Alternatively, opt for a hassle-free journey when you book a day tour direct from Seoul which includes return transfers to and from Jinhae. Day tours from Busan are also available as Busan is located nearer to Jinhae. (Tip: It is recommended to book the tour early because they tend to sell out really fast when the dates draw closer!)
Samik Beach Town Apartment Complex (Photo: Busan Metropolitan City)
4) Namcheon-dong [BUSAN]
For those in Busan during the Spring season (in late March), get your feet to Namcheon-dong for an off the beaten path cherry blossom viewing experience.
Be surrounded by densely packed cherry blossom trees lined up along Namcheon-dong’s Samik Beach Town Apartment Complex, a viewing spot that has become popular among locals and tourists in recent years.
Gwangan Bridge (Photo: 10 Pictures in Pohang)
After making a trip there, head on over to the Gwangalli Beach which is located within walking distance away. The night view of the Gwangan Bridge is a beautiful sight to behold!
When in Busan, you can also visit the nearby Mt. Hwangnyeong Ring Road and Oncheoncheon Stream Park for more cherry blossoms!
Getting here: Alight at Geumnyeonsan Subway Station in Busan (Exit 5) and walk straight for 100m to arrive at Samik Beach Town Apartment Complex.
(E-World)
5) E-World [DAEGU]
If you want to skip the crowd and enjoy some laid-back time with lots of great photo opportunities of the cherry blossoms backdrop, this place is for you. E-World (이월드) is located in Daegu, and it takes less than 2 hours to travel there from Seoul via the KTX.
After admiring the cherry blossoms, hop on the rides in the theme park and don’t forget to head up to the iconic 83 Tower for a breathtaking view of Daegu. Stay on till the night time for the Starlight Cherry Blossom Festival – it’s a beautiful sight to catch when the LED lights are switched on!
E-World (Photo: Visit Korea)
E-World is known to be the filming site for a few popular K-drama scenes such as Come and Hug Me (2018) and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016), and it was featured in one of the episodes for Running Man too!
The Starlight Cherry Blossom Festival is planned to take place from 29 March to 6 April this year. In its 8th edition, you’d be surprised to know that the cherry blossom trees here are three times the amount of those along Yeouido’s Yeouiseo-ro Street!
E-World (Photo: Visit Korea)
Tip #1: Walk along the trail from the parking lot leading to the entrance of 83 Tower for the best cherry blossom shower experience. There are several photo zones on the way up too! However do note that this is not the main entrance to E-World, so we’d recommend to make your way here only after you’ve entered the theme park.
Tip #2: Before heading up the 83 Tower, try locating the iconic red bus as it’s a perfect photo zone that is super postcard worthy! For the detailed directions, make sure to grab the theme park’s map when you’re there.
Getting here: Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Dong-Daegu Station. Transfer to the Daegu subway and alight at Duryu Station. Thereafter, take Exit 15 and walk to E-World (5-7 mins).
If you’re coming from Busan (which is nearer to Daegu), check out this 1-day tour which brings you around the cherry blossom sites in Daegu including E-World.
When they say it’s a cherry blossom shower here, they truly meant it. Get ready to be blown away by the breathtaking view at the Simni Cherry Blossom Road in Hadong, a site famous for its 4km-long cherry blossom trail in the countryside.
Held annually in Hadong, the Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival (화개장터 벚꽃축제) will sweep you off your feet with its stunning scenery featuring the mountains as the backdrop.
Simni Cherry Blossom Road (Photo: 모닝스타코리아)
Interestingly, the road Simni (which means 4km) follows the myth that if a pair of lovers walk down this road hand in hand, they will grow old together and live happily ever after. What a walk to remember!
Here’s a preview of the Simni Cherry Blossom Road which was featured last year by former Wanna One members Park Ji-hoon and Park Woo-jin in K-Variety program ‘Battle Trip’ (watch from 2:08 onwards!):
The Simni Cherry Blossom Road also links Hwagae Market, one of the five biggest traditional markets in South Korea where you can find a variety of traditional souvenir and local products, and the famous Ssanggyesa Temple with over 1,300 years of history.
You can start your journey from the Hwagae Market and grab some food there before heading over to the Simni Cherry Blossom Road and Ssanggyesa Temple. It is recommended to visit here in end March to early April for the full bloom, though subject to changes according to the bloom forecast. The Hwagae Cherry Blossom Festival will however only take place from March 29 to 31 this year.
Getting here: Take an intercity bus bound for Hadong from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal and alight at Hwagae Terminal. Cross the Hwagaegyo bridge and go straight for 100m to arrive at Hwagae Market.
Bomun Lake (Photo: Naver)
7) Bomun Lake [GYEONGJU]
A city known for its historical sites, Gyeongju is where you’d want to be for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Seoul. The city first welcomed its official cherry blossom festival in 2017 and it is held annually in early April where the spring flowers are at its peak.
This year, the Gyeongju Cherry Blossom Festival is slated to take place from 1-5 April around the Bomun Lake (보문호) which surrounds the Bomun Tourist Complex. The traveling time from Seoul to Gyeongju is about 4 hours, but if you do not have enough time to spend a night here, why not consider a day trip to this city where you can experience the cherry blossom festival with a lesser crowd?
Bomun Pavilion (Photo: lovesouthkorea.tumblr)
The path surrounding the Bomun Lake is 8km-long and some nearby attractions include the Donggung Palace, Teddy Bear Museum, Gyeongju World Amusement Park, Silla Millennium Park and more.
One of the most scenic spots for photo opportunities would be the Bomun Pavilion (Bomunjeong), the landmark of the lake. You can also paddle around the lake on the duck boats, available for rental at the Hoban Square near the pavilion.
Getting here: Buses bound for Gyeongju depart every 20mins from the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. When you arrive in Gyeongju, take the city bus #10 and alight at Bomun Lake. The entire journey from Seoul to Bomun Lake takes about 4.5-5 hours.
Tip: If you’re intending to make multiple stops in cities out of Seoul, you can save up more by getting the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) that allows unlimited rides on most Korail trains. Have fun exploring!
Holler at THE Bs! You’re in for more treats because on top of the already amazing fan benefits, here are MORE ADDED PERKS for ticket holders to THE BOYZ’ upcoming Asia Fan-Con Tour in Singapore, Jakarta, Bangkok and Manila.
ALL VIP ticket holders will now be entitled to a guaranteed Hi-Touch, Photo Op, Rehearsal Pass, Official Tour Shirt, Exclusive Tour Photo Card Set (13pcs) and the Official Tour Poster!
On top of that, all ticket holders will receive Hi-Touch, Exclusive Tour Photo Card Set (13pcs) and the Official Tour Poster as well! Upgrading of tickets will be allowed for all cities and more details will be shared soon.
Note: Signed Posters and Signed Polaroids will be given away via an electronic raffle.
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss the ultimate fan experience with THE BOYZ in Singapore this June 16!
Original Article:
At the beginning of February, it was announced that The Boyz will be visiting our sunny shores this year to meet their local The Bs at the Asia Fan-Con Tour [The Castle] 2019 inSingapore. Scheduled to take place on 16 June 2019 (Sunday), 6 pm at ZEPP@BIGBOX, the long-awaited details have finally been unveiled so scroll down to find out more about their upcoming appearance!
Tickets to the Fan-Con will be priced at SGD$228 for VIP, SGD$168 for Gold and SGD$118 for Silver, excluding ticketing fees. It will be available for purchase from 23 March 2019 (Saturday), 12 pm viaAPACTIX’s website. Don’t forget to mark your calendars so you can get the best seats in the house!
All tickets holders will also be entitled to a Concert Poster and Exclusive Tour Photocard for keepsakes but for fans who purchase the VIP tickets, you are in for an even bigger treat. On top of bringing home a larger bag of goodies which include a Tour T-Shirt, all VIP ticket holders will be given a chance to take a Group Photo OR Hi-Touch the band, as well as the opportunity to win a one-of-a-kind Signed Poster OR Signed Polaroid (limited to 100 and 60 winners respectively). Check out the full comprehensive list of benefits above.
With 3 EPs and 1 single under their belt, The Bs can expect a night of good performances and spectacular dance numbers from this energetic young boy band. Fans will definitely be in for an aural and visual treat as they perform hits like “Boy“, “Right Here” and “No Air“. So what are you waiting for, don’t forget to book your tickets and catch The Boyz right here in Singapore this June!
Here are more reasons to get you kick start on your fangirling/fanboying adventure:
The Great Seungri Tour successfully wrapped up its Singapore leg last Saturday, 23 February at The Star Theatre with a big bang in the presence of over 1,500 fans.
Despite a slight delay in the show’s commencement, fans’ spirits were on an all high as they awaited for the star with much eagerness and excitement.
As the lights dimmed, roaring cheers and applauses from all corners echoed throughout the theatre as the audience gave a standing ovation in unison to welcome Seungri on stage.
The concert kicked off on an explosive note featuring BIGBANG’s chart-topping track, “Bang Bang Bang“, surrounded by a beautiful ocean of crown light sticks.
Speaking to fans after the performance, Seungri expressed much excitement to be back in one of his favourite countries for his first solo concert tour. Even though he light-heartedly mentioned that he could see empty seats in the theatre, he cheerfully brushed it off and said it did not matter to him, “because I have you guys (here with me)“.
The youngest member of BIGBANG also thanked VIPs for their support over the years, adding that this solo tour was made possible because of them.
The one-man show continued with a special rendition of Jay Chou’s (one of Seungri’s favourite Taiwanese singers) hit track, “The Longest Movie“, followed by fan-favourite songs “Let’s Talk About Love“, “GG Be“, “Gotta Talk To You” and “Alone“.
Seungri also enthusiastically bragged about the brilliant stage and lighting effects that he had prepared for the tour, which include the best speakers and bass, along with high definition LED screens that altogether created The Great Seungri show. He even cheekily gave a tip to male fans who are planning for a marriage proposal in the future, “When you propose to your girl, just bring it (speakers with a good bass sound) and she will say yes right away!“
Bringing his infectious energy wherever he goes, Seungri communicated with fans in multiple languages and shared that he enjoys learning new languages to connect with the world. The singer also performed a string of BIGBANG’s greatest hits, such as “We Like 2 Party“, “Heaven“, “Hands Up“, “Lies“, “Bae Bae“, G-Dragon’s “Crooked“, Taeyang’s “Eyes Nose Lips“, “Flower Road” and many more, much to the delight of VIPs.
At one point, Seungri made a request to VIPs to turn on their mobile flashlights as he took to stage to thank them once more with a touching message, “BIGBANG is shining because of all of you. I hope you guys will keep shining like this until we come back!“
(Source: Google)
At the concert, Seungri went on to share some resemblance photos of the members that he found on Google, such as G-Dragon’s Tamagoyaki-inspired hairstyle, Taeyang’s Kimbap-inspired hairstyle and more.
He also revealed that out of all the members, Taeyang enjoys teasing him the most. The latter even used these funny photos of Seungri as his messenger profile picture for months, the longest period being close to a year!
With his impending military service commencing next month, Seungri reassured fans that he will serve the nation well and will not gain more weight from his current form. He also hinted at the reunion of BIGBANG by the end of 2020, asking fans to anticipate higher quality stages and louder music when they return.
The final song “In My World” was dedicated to all VIPs as the show came to a satisfying closure with Seungri emerging back on stage holding the Singapore flag and bowing to the audience.
From the start to the end of the show, it was a high quality concert that fans couldn’t have asked for more. We could tell that Seungri has put in a lot of effort in his solo tour and if there’s anything else to mention, it was definitely a memorable evening to remember for all VIPs who were present at the show.
Decked in classic monochromatic suits, iKON graced the exclusive launch of Samsung’s latest innovation, the Galaxy S10, S10e and S10+, to much fanfare. Held at Resorts World Theatre last Thursday evening, the “Unleash Next Gen Bold” event was organized in commemoration of Samsung Galaxy’s decade-old milestone and in return for the amount of support they have received from their consumers over the years. Though it was a private event, local iKONICs were excited to welcome the boys onto our shores once again.
The entire theatre was blanketed in an ocean of red from the start as iKONICs raised their KONBATs even before the actual show began. But before the main stars of the night could come out, the crowd was first introduced to the brand-new Samsung Galaxy S10+, which was said to be an upgrade from its predecessors and features various new enhancements such as a triple-lens camera, Wireless PowerShare and more.
As the presentation ended, fans’ excitement could be felt and before long, the boys came onstage to greet their fans, starting off their segment with one of their greatest hits “Love Scenario”. Performing to a crowd of more than 1,500 ardent fans, the septet were all smiles as the song continues, driving the crowd into a frenzy of cheers.
Before long, the song came to an end and the boys began their interactive portion. In a 20-minute long talk session, the boys started off chattering about Chan-woo’s collaboration with Fortnite. Well known amongst fans to be an avid gamer, he was grinning as he spoke about the release of the limited-edition skin and emote that features himself.
For a limited time period, an exclusive Fortnite in-game iKONIC outfit and a Chan-woo scenario emote will be exclusively available for Galaxy S10 and S10+ customers.
Soon after, the group then talked about their favorite features of the new phone to which Jin-hwan revealed that he liked how the camera has the ability to capture selfies beautifully and how the wide-angle lenses are very useful in taking group photos that could include all 7 members.
When asked to showcase their best selfie poses, the members went all out showing it off with no bars held. Their endearing acts earned them screams from their ecstatic fans and many scramble to take a picture of this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
After taking a group photo with the crowd, the boys signal the end of their segment by announcing that they will be performing their final songs “Bling Bling” and “죽겠다 (Killing Me)”.
Though it was nearing the end, iKON was full of energy as always, some members offering to take selfies with the fans’ phones or even high-fives to those who went up front. And the screams only grew louder from this point on as the crowd became more hyper when the boys jumped and ran around all corners of the stage.
Albeit short, the one-hour event was truly a night to remember for iKONICS and though it was sad to see them leave, the event ends with the members saying that they hope to be able to visit Singapore again for a concert soon.
In related news, iKON will be returning to perform in Singapore at the Sundown Festival this April. Find out more here:
South Korean indie band HYUKOH was in town recently for the Singapore stop of their world tour, named after their latest EP “24: How To Find True Love and Happiness”. The show was held on 18 February (Monday) at the Esplanade Theatre, and this marked the quartet’s second time here after their first visit in November 2017.
The band kicked off their set with upbeat, feel-good tracks “SkyWorld”, “WI ING WI ING” and “Graduation”. After the first few songs, frontman Oh Hyuk told the audience that they could stand up if they wanted to, and everyone sprang to their feet to dance along to the music.
Oh Hyuk spoke to the audience several times, much to the delight of everyone, as the band is known for being rather reserved. Sharing that the title of their latest EP is just like what the name suggests, he wants to find true love and happiness, and on top of that, wishes that their fans would be able to do the same.
Most of HYUKOH’s songs are in Korean, but they do have quite a few ones that are entirely in English and Mandarin, such as “Citizen Kane” and “Wanli”, both of which they performed that night. This shows not just their versatility, but also their ability to transcend cultures and languages with efforts to reach out to a variety of fans, which is one of the many reasons the band receives so much love across the globe.
They also performed fan favourites “Hooka”, “Ohio” and “Gondry”, which had everyone singing along to as they put a spin on some of those songs by performing rearranged versions specially prepared for the world tour, giving fans a real treat.
It was fascinating to witness how versatile Oh Hyuk’s voice is. It was beautifully warm and soulful during mellow tracks, and effortlessly transitioned to a raw, grittier sound for the high-energy ones.
The other members, Lim Hyunje, Im Donggeon and Lee Inwoo (on guitar, bass and drums respectively), were also given their own time to shine with solo parts throughout the show, which fans loved.
During “Tomboy”, a song about uncertainty and the hardships of growing up, fans turned on their mobile phone flashlights, which had yellow stickers stuck on them, creating a breathtaking illusion of a galaxy of stars that filled the Theatre. This seemed to be an effort to provide some sort of comfort in response to the lyrics of the song, and the members were visibly grateful to fans for the surprise.
The band ended the incredible night on a high with three encore songs – “Tokyo Inn”, “Comes and Goes” and “Settled Down”, before taking a group photo with the audience. Even after the band took their final exit, the pulsating beats continued to linger in the air.
Each of HYUKOH’s albums are named after the age at which the members (who were all born in 1993) were at the point of release, making each album almost like a chapter in an autobiography of their lives. This allows them to document and express their experiences, thoughts and emotions through the music they make.
Every single release has seen the band creating different sounds no one would have thought of, and yet they are able to retain that quintessential sound that their fans love and adore. We absolutely cannot wait for the members to share yet another exciting chapter of their lives with us, and we look forward to the next time they visit Singapore.
(Article by Sarah / Official Photos by Dominic Phua)
Returning for its second year edition sooner than expected, HallyuPopFest 2019 is slated to take place over two days on May 25 and 26 this year. Held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium over three days in September 2018, the festival was celebrated with much fanfare featuring power-packed performances (evening concerts), showcases, artiste engagement sessions, global auditions and red carpet appearances.
Priding itself as South East Asia’s largest K-pop festival and the first of its kind in Singapore, this year’s festival will once again feature some of K-pop’s biggest names and rising stars, where fans can look forward to a string of activities commencing from the day time all the way till the evening concert.
(Photo Credit: Super Junior Official FB Page)
After teasing fans on social media with various hints, it has finally been announced and confirmed that Super Junior will be one of the headliners for HallyuPopFest 2019. With the impending military discharge of Kyuhyun taking place in early May, it is likely possible that he will participate in the festival with the rest of the members (if their schedule matches) — and if it happens, this will be a highly-anticipated reunion for fans to countdown and look forward to. Super Junior’s last appearance in Singapore was in January 2018 for their Super Show 7 concert.
(Photo Credits: Naver Music)
[Update: 26/02/19] The next group revealed to be taking part in this annual affair has been announced to be PENTAGON! Known to compose a portion of their own songs, the 9-membered boyband has released countless hits such as “Shine (빛나리)” and “Naughty Boy (청개구리)“, proving themselves to be a multi-talented group that’s definitely worth keeping a lookout for. Anticipations are at an all-time high as CUBE’s boy-group will be meeting their local fans here in Singapore for the 2nd time, and with so much talent on their hands, we can’t wait to see what PENTAGON has in stores for their Singapore UNIVERSEs once again!
[Update: 01/03/19] The week comes to a satisfying close as HallyuPopFest has unveiled their next act for the music festival to be (G)I-DLE! Making waves in the industry since their explosive debut last year, the group has since released successive hits, proving themselves to be one of 2018’s hottest rookie girl groups. With Soyeon at the helm composing, arranging and producing all of the group’s title tracks such as “LATATA“, “HANN (Alone)” and “Senorita“, we can’t wait to see what the group will bring to the table as they meet their Singapore Neverlands for the first time ever!
[Update: 15/03/19] It has been revealed that Monsta X will be one of the headliners for the festival! The date that they will be performing on will be announced soon.
These are the current confirmed K-pop groups who will be performing at HallyuPopFest 2019:
Super Junior
PENTAGON
(G)I-DLE
Oh My Girl
A.C.E
NU’EST
VERIVERY
GWSN
Monsta X
Hyolyn
TREI
KARD
N.Flying
KANTO
WINNER
[Update: 16/03/19] And here are the ticketing details that you’ve been waiting for! Priced from $98 to $288 per day, all tickets will go on sale on March 30, 2019 from 10am onwards via SportsHubTix website, hotline (+65 3158 7888), Singapore Indoor Stadium Box Office and islandwide SingPost outlets.
Cat 1, 2 and 3 ticket holders will also be able to top up $68 for the HallyuPass, which entitles them the Artiste Engagement experience with 1 Performing Act on the same day as their ticket at the festival. HallyuPass holders will participate in a random draw to determine the artiste you will be meeting before the Artiste Engagement Session on the event day itself.
Be sure to bookmark this page for the latest updates as it will be updated as and when there is new information about the festival. For those who’ve missed out on HallyuPopFest 2018, find out what went down last year:
After concluding yet another successful drama, Park Bo-gum will be embarking on his next Asia tour to meet and greet his fans after 2 long years.
Recently playing the role of Kim Jin-hyuk, a free-spirited book lover on tvN’sEncounter, his innocent smile and natural charisma caught the hearts of people once again, making him a hot topic these days.
Time and time again, Park Bo-gum has proven to us that he is a versatile actor capable of pulling off various roles but despite receiving a lot of love nowadays, everything wasn’t easy for the actor when he first started out.
Debuted in 2011, Park Bo-gum was featured in many smaller roles before hitting it big. From participating in supporting roles to slowly becoming the lead in his own dramas, he has come a long way since then. As his Singapore Fanmeeting draws closer, we take a look back into some pivotal moments in his career to bring you the 3 roles the actor has played that made us swoon.
1) Hello Monster / 너를 기억해
(Photo Credits: KBS)
Park Bo-gum plays the role of Lee Hyun, a man who mysteriously disappears for 20 years only to return under a new moniker, Jung Sun-ho.
Despite the drama’s lackluster ratings, things started turning out for the better as the actor received praise for his realistic portrayal of a serial killer, something unlike the usual Park Bo-gum we see on screen.
Different from anything he has ever shown before, the role allowed him to show more depth to his acting as he smoothly transforms from a naïve-looking younger brother yearning for love to a relentless psychopath in a flip of a switch.
His convincing show earned him a lot of fans and for the first time ever, a bag full of awards at the 29th KBS Drama Awards.
2) Reply 1988 / 응답하라 1988
(Photo Credits: tvN)
Riding on his popularity from before, Park Bo-gum took on the role of Choi Taek in hit series Reply 1988, playing as a down-to-earth, introverted genius that falls head over heels with his childhood friend, Deok-sun.
Soft on the outside but mature on the inside and incompetent in performing everyday things, Choi Taek’s pureness and goofy side struck a chord with the viewers as they were reminded of the joys of being a teenager in that time period.
This drama did extremely well on the charts, becoming the 2nd highest rated K-Drama broadcasted on cable television, further allowing Park Bo-gum to solidify his status as a competent actor capable of taking on a variety of roles.
His promising acting opened up a lot of doors for him and it becomes very evident as he lands another major role shortly after.
3) Love in the Moonlight / 구르미 그린 달빛
(Photo Credits: KBS)
If you ever had to introduce a drama to your rom-com loving friends, Love in the Moonlight should definitely be at the top of your head. In this period drama, Park Bo-gum plays the role of a cheeky mischievous crown prince, Lee Yeong, who falls in love with his eunuch in an unexpected twist of fate.
The drama follows him as he grows from being an ordinary prince to a powerful monarch, so viewers can look forward to his ability in developing his character.
Playing the prince charming of our dreams, his impeccable sword skills and irresistible charms are sure to make you feel all fluffy and girly on the inside. As a testament to his superb acting chops and growing popularity, Park Bo-gum embarked on his first ever Asia Fanmeet tour at the end of this film, and much to the delight of his fans.
Can’t get enough of Park Bo-gum? The actor will be in Singapore for a Fanmeeting this 9 March (Saturday), 6 pm at The Star Theatre and he will be giving a Hi-Touch to all attendees after the show. Limited tickets are still available via APACTix – find out more below:
Great news for all you readers out there because we will be giving away 5 pairs of Category 2 tickets (Worth SGD$404/pair) to his upcoming Fanmeeting! Just head on over to our Instagram page to see how you can win yourself a pair. Good luck! 🙂
2019 Park Bo Gum Asia Tour in Singapore is brought to you by StarSpeed Entertainment Pte Ltd. Stay tuned to us for the latest updates!
The final lineup for Skechers Sundown Festival2019 has finally been released and it looks like this festival is upping their K-Music game this year!
Joining the Hip-hop legends MFBTY on this annual affair are K-Pop boy group iKON, and TOKiMONSTA, the Korean-American record producer, DJ and Grammy 2019 nominee. iKON will be performing on 21 April, the third day of the festival alongside a global lineup of stars.
(Photo Credits: Sundown Festival)
iKON is a 7-member boy group hailing from South Korea. Made out of members B.I, Bobby, Jay, Ju-ne, Song, DK and Chan, the group debuted in 2015 with the hit song “My Type“. Selling out tours after tours and with an impressive track list to boot, iKON is a group that’s definitely ready to take on the world.
While you’re at it, listen to “Rhythm Ta”, “Love Scenario” and “Don’t Forget” to know just how talented the group is. Their upcoming appearance at this festival will mark the 4thtime the group will be here in Singapore.
The 3-day music festival is slated to take place at Siloso Beach, Sentosa from 19 to 21 April. For those who don’t already know, tickets cost $70 for a 1-day pass, $130 for a 2-day pass and $160 for a 3-day pass and you can get them via the Official Sundown Festival website here.
In related news, iKON will also be making a separate appearance in Singapore on 21 February for the Samsung Unleash Next Gen Bold event:
Unlike the usual hustle and bustle of Seoul, Jeonju offers you city dwellers out there with an experience unlike any other. With pockets of historical architecture scattered around this beautiful provincial city, along with an amazing café culture, the place is more than just a beautiful backdrop for your feed. Furthermore, this place did an amazing job in preserving Korean traditions and nature, so I’m sure this quaint city’s rustic beauty will charm you!
Though it is usually under the radar for international tourists, this place has always been a local hotspot and today, we will be letting you know why Koreans keep coming back for more by introducing to you a list of places you should visit on your next day trip to Jeonju!
1) Jeonju Hanok Village / 전주한옥마을
(Photo Credits: iamontheroad.net)
Transport yourself back to the past and experience what life is like for the people back then when you visit the renowned Jeonju Hanok Village! One of the more representative things of this state, the village is filled with more than 800 traditional houses and stone walls that have stood well against the test of time.
Beautifully maintained for you to take a leisurely stroll, this village is definitely one of the best places for you to start your adventure in Jeonju. To get the full experience, try renting a Hanbok nearby too!
Just a stone’s throw away from the village is Gyeonggijeon Shrine, a significant building in Korea’s history. Erected in 1410, this place houses the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, as well as portraits of the other successive kings.
For the history buffs out there, you can find historical archives detailing the administrative affairs of the king as well as his mortuary tablets enshrined there. Else if you’re a drama fanatic like most of us are, you’ll be glad to know that this serene place was once the main filming location of the popular drama “Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds” featuring Park Bo-gum and Kim Yoo-jung.
Address: Poongnamdong 3-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도전주시완산구풍남동3가) Operating Hours: 9am to 6pm (Nov till Feb) | 9am to 8pm (Jun till Aug)
⤷ Eeojin Museum closed on Mondays. Prices: ₩3,000 (Adult) | ₩2,000 (Teens) | ₩1,000 (Children)
3) Nambu Traditional Market
(Photo Credits: pheurontay.com)
If you’re curious about how the locals live, visit the Nambu Traditional Market. Established in 1905, this humble marketplace houses over 800 stores selling a variety of items from vegetables, food and even sundries. But what makes this place stand out from the rest is its “Youth Mall”.
Dedicating the entire 2nd level to startups, young entrepreneurs are encouraged to let their passion and creative run loose by starting their very own businesses. These cluster of shops are hidden gems that sell unique, one-of-a-kind items that cannot be found elsewhere and it’s a lively place that everyone should check out.
And what is a holiday without going on a gastronomic tour?! Every Friday and Saturday evening, this market turns into a youngin’s paradise that sells street eats and handmade goods!
Address: 19-3 Poongnammun 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabok-do (전라북도전주시완산구풍남문1길19-3) Operating Hours:
8 am to 8 pm (Nambu Market)
11 am to 7 pm (Youth Mall)
6 pm to 11 pm (Friday, Saturday Night Market)
⤷Closed on Mondays
4) PNB Bakery
(Photo Credits: lakipiece.tistory.com)
If there’s a piece of souvenir you die die have to bring back from Jeonju, it’s the famous PNB Bakery Choco Pie. A popular snack amongst both locals and tourists, be ready to be greeted with a ginormous queue once you reach the shop because they taste unlike any other.
Unlike traditional machine-made choco pies, PNB makes them by hands and uses a cream filling instead of the usual marshmallow, giving it a unique mouthfeel. Remember to get there early because these things are known to sell out quick! While you’re at it, don’t forget to get some senbei crackers, castella cakes, and red bean jellies too.
Address: 180 Paldal-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-shi (전주시 완산구 팔달로 180) Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 10 pm
5) Jaman Mural Village
(Photo Credits: meheartseoul.com)
For the artistic kid within you, take a trip down memory lane at the Jaman Mural Village. Many artists have left their marks behind in the humble little alley so take a quick detour to enjoy some art at this once-dilapidated area but remember to keep your voices down because there are people living here! If you’re interested, you can read more about this mural village over here.
Avoid the tourist crowd and visit the local’s favorite, Deokjin Park. If you’re there from mid-July till early August, get ready to be blown away by the sight of giant lily pads welcoming you as you enter this tranquil park and bask in its serenity as you watch the locals go about their morning routines.
If not, it’s still a picturesque sight unlike any other, and this is definitely one of Jeonju’s more underrated places that offer spectacular views, you shouldn’t miss this.
Before you leave this wonderful place, remember to also dine at some of Jeonju’s famous eateries! Going by the name “The City of Gastronomy“, how can one simply ignore Jeonju’s culinary delights!
Also known as the birthplace of Bibimbap, this dish is so iconic that the locals even organize annual festivals to celebrate this dish. So if you’re in the mood for a good bowl of Bibimbap, try out Gajok Hwegwan (가족회관). But if you’re more of a soup person, Jeonju is also well known for their beansprout soups too, and the best place to have for yourself a hearty bowl is to visit Jeonju Waengi Kongnamul Gukbap Restaurant (전주왱이 콩나물국밥전문점). With so many things for you to try out, Jeonju is definitely a gourmet’s dream come true.
Also, on top of visiting the places mentioned above, if you have the time, you can add the Jeondong Catholic Cathedral and Jeonju Hanji Museum into your itinerary as well! To get to Jeonju, the fastest and most convenient way to get there from Seoul is to take the KTX. A trip to and fro will only take 2 hours maximum and would cost you ₩32,000 maximum (depending on time).
