Popular South Korea fried chicken chain, BHC Chicken, is finally reaching Singapore’s shores. It will officially open its first store here on 26 Apr (Wed) at Marina Square.
Prior to its official opening, the well-loved fried chicken chain made a short soft launch in Singapore last year at the ZoukOut festival. It was one of the food partners at the two-day fiesta.
BHC Chicken is well known for their unique flavours and toppings – like their cheese, onion and garlic seasoning offered in their Bburinkle chicken.
Other flavours served include the Red King (spicy), Gold King (soy sauce based sweet chicken) and Macho King (soy sauce based spicy chicken).
They quickly gained popularity and is now South Korea’s largest fried chicken chain by volume of sales. As part of the brand’s expansion into Southeast Asia, the upcoming Singapore branch marks their fourth overseas restaurant.
There is one in Malaysia, which opened last November, and two stores in Hong Kong.
To better cater to the local crowd, there are also plans to launch a new flavour to better suit the palettes of the Singaporean audience.
Leading up to the opening of their store at the end of the month, the brand is holding a giveaway contest.
Two lucky winners will stand a chance to walk away with a BHC Eat For Free voucher worth $100 if they are able to count the number of Ppuzis, the brand mascot, holding the Singapore Flag.
Blackpink’s Jisoo is finally letting the world meet her solo project. She dropped her first ever solo album today (31 Mar).
And that must have came with a good amount of pressure.
Afterall, her bandmates Jennie, Rosé and Lisa have made successful debuts previously with tracks that fit them to a T.
For the 28 year-old vocalist, her first solo album is titled “Me”. Fair enough, since it’s her first solo drop, the album should be all about her anyways.
And it seems like Blackpink members prefer simplicity when it comes to their solo ventures. Case in point: rapper Lisa’s first single was named after herself, Lalisa (2021), and Jennie’s solo track was titled Solo (2018).
Her first solo album contains a total of two tracks – namely Flower and All Eyes on Me. The former served as the title number.
Unlike most of Blackpink’s tracks, Flower is lighter on its backing instruments. And it is mainly fuelled by periodic finger snaps.
This might perhaps be a deliberate move to put more focus on Jisoo’s vocals while she sings about her heartbreak, where there is “nothing left but a scent of a flower”.
“Crimsonly burned down you and I / I’m okay, would you be as well,” she sings. Jisoo is successful in bringing out the despair the track requires, unlike her usual cheery self we mostly see.
Unfortunately, Flower isn’t particularly addictive per se, especially on the first listen.
But if its aim is to showcase Jisoo’s wide vocal range and the way she delivers the track to the audience, then it has well achieved its goal.
Her b-side, All Eyes on Me, is a little more flirtatious in nature. After all, if she’s making her long-awaited debut, all eyes should be on her.
“Make me feel alive / Don’t fill it up with meaningless words / Focus on me now / So that I can know your mysterious heart,” she sings.
Something surprising to note though – the chorus doesn’t pack much vocals.
Instead, it is filled up with a dance break to offer a refreshing change since the vocalist has been casting spotlight on her vocals throughout the album.
He established the one-man agency Human Made last December after entering a public dispute with his previous management company which was home to him since his debut in 2004.
Lee is expected to tour various cities like Tokyo, Taipei, Manila and neighbouring Kuala Lumpur before dropping by Singapore after.
His upcoming tour is titled The Dreamer’s Dream – Chapter 2, named after his solo track which dropped in 2020. But when loosely translated from its Korean title, it gives a boy, who walks on the road.
The 36 year-old actor last visited Singapore for a fan meet to promote his drama series Vagabond. In the series, he played a stuntman whose nephew was a victim of the plane crash. And terrorists and governmental conspiracies attempted to cover it up.
The fan meet, which was held at the Singapore Expo, was aptly titled Vagabond Voyage.
Then, he played interactive games, prepared some food for fans and even performed some of his originals live, like Losing My Mind (2010) and Smile Boy (2007).
The upcoming show is likely to put more focus on live performances and his vocals, given that it’s a full-scale concert.
Live: Lee Seung-gi Asia Tour The Dreamer’s Dream in Singapore Date: 14 June 2023 (Wed) Time: TBA Venue: Resorts World Sentosa
This article was updated on 31 Mar to reflect ticketing details and the seat map.
South Korean girl group Red Velvet will be bringing their fourth concert, R to V, to Singapore next month, on 21 Apr (Fri). The concert will take place at The Star Theatre.
The quintet is slated to kick off the tour in Seoul this weekend, from 1 Apr (Sat) to 2 Apr (Sun). They will be coming to Singapore thereafter later in the month.
Singapore is the first overseas stop for the tour before they move on to Asian cities like Yokohama, Manila and Bangkok. In May, they will also be touring various parts of Europe, like Paris, Berlin and Amsterdam.
Like any other Gen-Z fan now, South Korea’s first virtual influencer Rozy is keeping herself abreast of music trends. And she’s a fan of K-pop girl group NewJeans.
Some tracks on her playlist include OMG (2023), Ditto (2023) and Attention (2022), the 22 year-old influencer told HallyuSG in an exclusive interview done via email.
Fun fact: Rozy doesn’t age. That means she’d remain as a 22 year-old being forever. “I never get older, but I’m growing through experience instead,” she said.
“Instead, I’m looking forward to seeing myself, who will be 22 years old in 5 and 10 years”.
Perhaps, thanks to her forever youthful outlook, she’s been able to engage in a plethora of sports and activities. In her free time, she indulges in tennis, golf and even skateboarding.
“I can’t stay still even in my free time”. Other than exercising, “I often travel or [vlog],” she added.
For instance, she dropped by Singapore last June. Then, she visited the iconic waterfall at Jewel Changi Airport. She also toured some places of attraction, like the Merlion Park, Chinatown and Gardens By the Bay.
Like the environmental advocate she is, she stayed at Parkroyal Collection Pickering, plastered with green walls. “It was impressive, I was amazed that hotels could be so eco-friendly,” she said.
Even when engaging in her personal activities, Rozy boasts a keen sense of fashion. And she’s always glamorously dressed.
She has been exploring opportunities in the virtual fashion realm recently too. As a virtual influencer, “virtual fashion is the area that I can best pull off,” she said.
But much thought goes into her outfit. Rather than merely pulling off pretty clothes, she wants to wear something that represents freedom and challenge.
“I boldly mix and match patterns or colors or create my style through new challenges without distinction between men and women, without physical and digital restrictions”.
Fortunately for Rozy, her interests in both fashion and environmental advocacy could converge.
She recently participated in the upcoming Metaverse Fashion Week 2023, where she paraded runways with pieces from her own virtual fashion brand: OHROZY.
Most, if not all, of her pieces contain a message relating to being environmentally conscious. For instance, she designed a coral-bleaching and a melting glacier dress that could seem unfeasible to be physically tailored.
“I’m sure digital fashion can be an eco-friendly fashion field that does not require fabric,” she said. “It does not need to run factories, and does not generate trash since there is no packaging,” she said.
Rozy aims to continue her quest to spread environmental awareness this year through digital fashion pieces.
Make no mistake – South Korean rookie girl group NewJeans is taking the world by storm. They made their debut just less than one year ago with their lead single Attention (2022).
But some members are already brand ambassadors of various luxury fashion houses.
The band’s singer, Danielle, is no exception. She is now the new global ambassador for Burberry, which earned her the opportunity to grace the cover of the March issue of Vogue Korea.
The 17 year-old was spotted with a different aesthetic compared to her typical makeup look, which served as a delightful surprise for fans.
HallyuSG takes a closer at her look, and here’s how you can achieve the high fashion look like Danielle:
1. Brows
Having a nicely drawn brow is a key step in achieving the high fashion look. Her brows are filled from tip to end, framing her face nicely.
A brow gel or a brow pomade will do the trick by combing and setting the brows in place, giving it a nice tint.
Achieve this look with the Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW® Pomade in shade Chocolate.
2. Defined features
No doubt about it – Danielle has a flawless facial bone structure.
To enhance her nose, cheekbones and jaw, contour is essential. Having a well defined facial structure boasts extra dimensions, making her features stand out even more to give her an even more sculpted look.
Achieve this look with Too Cool For School Art Class By Rodin in shade #2 Modern.
3. Muted Colours
To match Burberry’s brown and beige theme, Danielle opted for a more muted look.
Warm cocoa brown shades were used on her eyelids and her cheeks were dusted with a mauve shade to bring a subtle pop of colour. A word of advice: refrain from applying an intense amount of pigments onto your face. Light swipes across is sufficient to accentuate your features.
Achieve this look with Rom&nd’s Better Than Palette in 05 Shade & Shadow Garden.
4. Warm nude shade lips
Everybody needs a nice nude shade lip colour to tie the entire look together, to not look over the top. A warm coral shade was used on Danielle to make her lips look pouty.
The gradient effect was also prominent too. There are two ways to achieve this.
You can apply a larger amount of lipstick on the inner lip and dab it outwards for a more airy look. or use a darker colour on the inner lip and a lighter colour on the outer lip, blending it to give your lips a seamless gradient.
Achieve this look with Make Up For Ever’s Rouge Artist Velvet Nude Lipstick in shade 105 Warm Mocha.
Lee Je-hoon at his inaugural Singapore fan meet. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
South Korean actor Lee Je-hoon is in town to engage his fans and perform live for them at the Singapore leg of his Vacation fan meet.
He visited other cities like Manila and Jarkata earlier this month.
Held at the Stephen Riady Auditorium at NTUC Centre, there were a total of two sessions for his fans to choose from – one at 2PM, and the other at 7PM.
Lee Je-hoon in the interactive segments with fans at his inaugural Singapore fan meet. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
Other than bringing a live cover of Lany’s Thick and Thin (2018), the fan meet largely revolved around his latest work, Taxi Driver 2. He played Kim Do-gi, a deluxe taxi driver, who delivers revenge call service for his clients.
Revenge may well be a dish best served cold. But the 2-hour session was definitely a warm one as Lee served up plenty of surprises – sharing many of his personal and intimate moments.
Here are three highlights from the actor’s inaugural Singapore fan meet.
1. Rather than taking public transport or private hire, he prefers walking
Pay slightly more attention the next time you spot a good-looking Korean hunk walking along the streets in a shirt and shorts. That man could just be Lee Je-Hoon.
He played a seasoned driver in Taxi Driver. But he confessed that he actually prefers walking around, as opposed to taking public transport or private hire, for instance.
“This could sound weird, but I really love walking around when travelling,” Lee said.
I walked around the Marina Bay Sands area across the bridge [past midnight]. It was so quiet and walking helps me calm down, it helps me sort out what I think”.
A press conference was held in Sentosa a day before the fan meet.
Lee Je-hoon at a press conference held prior to his fan meet. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
And Lee said that he had never been to the island, but that would be on his itinerary the next time he’s here. Universal Studios too.
2. He’s more Singaporean than we think
Lee Je-hoon is no stranger to Singapore. In fact, he was here on multiple occasions post pandemic.
When quizzed on the types of Korean food Singaporean fans should try in Korea, he even flexed on how well he knew the city state.
Lee Je-hoon at his inaugural Singapore fan meet. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
“There’s no need to come to Korea for Korean food. I walked around Chinatown (Neil Road) before and there are streets full of Korean food around, I was really shocked to see that you can eat [Korean cuisine] here”.
At this point, is Lee really a foreigner?
Lee also revealed that he has friends living in Singapore, whom he will visit when he’s in town.
3. A tease of upcoming drama projects
Lee did not shy away from giving spoilers for his local fans.
“Lately the dramas which I’m casted in are mainly action-based, but my next one is about financial crime, so I will be wearing suits and speaking a lot in English,” he teased.
Meanwhile, his ongoing series Taxi Driver, which is currently streaming on Viu, is keeping fans waiting with bated breath.
Lee revealed that his character could find himself in a more dangerous and precarious situation soon, and could even end up at a funeral. There were audible gasps from fans right after.
Kim Do-gi (played by Lee Je-hoon) and Ahn Go-eun (played by Pye Yi-jin) in a still from Taxi Driver 2. Photo: Viu
But when quizzed about his love-line with his female lead Pyo Ye-jin, who plays Ahn Go-eun in the series, he remained tight-lipped.
Lee speaking at the press conference before his first fan meet in Singapore. Photo: HallyuSG
Ahead of his first fan meeting in Singapore, South Korean actor Lee Je-hoon met members of the press at a closed-door press conference.
Lee looked dapper in a black ensemble, paired with leather high-cut boots.
Lee poses for the press, looking dapper in a black ensemble. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
The 38 year-old last visited Singapore for work in 2017, where he promoted his drama Tomorrow With You. But little did his fans know, he has been travelling to Singapore quite often post-pandemic.
Travelling was very much restricted during Covid-19. And since “Singapore eased up travel restrictions relatively earlier, I came here once last year and another time early this year,” Lee said in Korean via an interpreter.
But if he’s coming back for another fan meet, the press conference might just be held at a nearby beach instead, the emcee teased.
“I’m going to exercise really hard,” Lee joked.
Chinatown? Check. But he hasn’t been to places like Joo Chiat and Sentosa, where the press conference was held.
“I’ve been moving around the city on foot,” he confessed, which makes it difficult for the actor to drop by these places.
At times, Lee commutes via private hire, especially when he has free time after his official schedules. And he gets recognised by these drivers who ask him for a photo.
In his latest work Taxi Driver 2, Lee plays Kim Do-gi, a deluxe taxi driver under Rainbow Taxi Company with a little twist.
The company offers a revenge call service. And when called upon, Kim will execute the revenge alongside the Rainbow Taxi team.
The Rainbow Taxi team in a still from Taxi Driver 2. Photo: Viu
For Lee, filming the second season “was hard but enjoyable”. “It was difficult because I struggled to contain my excitement and keep in character as I was having so much fun,” he added.
Like the dedicated actor he is, he went off-track from what was planned for the press conference and performed an impromptu impression of Kim Do-gi.
Lee performs an impromptu impression of Kim Do-gi. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
Lee also played an alter ego of Kim Do-gi, Wang Tao-zi, who happened to be a Chinese businessman who swooned female mafia boss Lim Bok Ja (Madame Lim), played by Shim So-young.
If Lee was given the chance to only play a role for the rest of his career, he told the press that he’d still choose Wang Tao-zi.
It’s mainly because of the unrequited love that Wang experiences with Lim, and “I think it will be interesting and entertaining to put a conclusion to that in a spin-off series,” he said.
Catch Taxi Driver 2 on Viu, with new episodes released every Friday and Saturday.
SINGAPORE – Following Dynamic Duo’s explosive show in Singapore last December, it’s clear that fans love Korean hip hop artists. A bonus if they’re performing at Drip Singapore, Singapore’s biggest underground club.
Two Korean hip-hop artists, JUSTHIS and Mirani will be staging their first show here in Singapore come May.
This is the second installment of The Trilldon, a series of specially curated live experiences for fans of live hip-hop.
Its inaugural edition saw Korea’s largest hip-hop duo, Dynamic Duo play at the same venue, Drip Singapore.
But the upcoming duo has something else to offer. JUSTHIS, born Heo Seung made his debut at age 19. He was later known for his unique rapping style, one which blends in elements of jazz, soul and boom bap.
His self-discovered style of music also won him Best Hip-Hop Song at the 2018 and 2019 Korean Music Awards.
When he later became a producer at the ninth season of reality programme series Show Me The Money (2020), Mirani was part of his team. And that’s how they got acquainted.
While Mirani, born Kim Yoon-jin, is relatively newer to the industry, she quickly gained public traction and pushed out her first album Uptown Girl (2021).
If you’re looking for a night of Korean hip-hop goodness, don’t miss out on this one.
Tickets to the show go at $128 for general admission and $148 for early admission. They can be purchased online via Ticketmaster, or all Singpost outlets from 25 Mar (Sat), 12PM.
Show Poster
Live: The Trilldon: JUSTHIS & MIRANI
Date: 25 May 2023 (Thu)
Time: 8PM
Venue: Drip Singapore
B.I performing at the Singapore Expo for his first solo concert. HallyuSG Photo: Mirza Abdul Halim
B.I 2023 Asia Tour – L.O.L The Hidden Stage in Singapore Singapore Expo 18 March 2023
Following the release of his first EP last November, South Korean rapper B.I, born Kim Han-bin, is now staging his titular Asia tour. The Singapore leg was held yesterday (18 Mar) at the Singapore Expo.
Kim held an intimate fan-meeting in Singapore last July. So it comes as a pleasant surprise that he’s back for a solo concert just seven months after that, since most K-pop idols visit only once a year at best.
Here are four highlights from his first solo concert in Singapore – one packed with bass-filled audio. And it was occasionally sprinkled with confetti sprays to perfect the concert-going experience.
1. Simplicity is key
B.I is one artist who prefers to keep things simple. He first appeared in a full monochromatic look, with a white outerwear and a black sheer singlet, topping off his look with a silver necklace.
B.I performing at the Singapore Expo for his first solo concert. HallyuSG Photo: Mirza Abdul Halim
There were only a few outfit changes throughout the approximately two-hour set.
Despite a no-frills stage setup, he has got his own way to get up close and personal with fans. He toured the entire hall as he performed Numb (2021), a track off his debut studio album.
Along the way, he also stopped by to snap a photo or two with them.
2. His live performances don’t disappoint
Having made his debut in 2015, B.I has got quite the experience onstage.
Some of his tracks are heavy on rap, but some are physically demanding due to the nature of its choreography, like Waterfall (2021) for instance.
He had to pause for a good while to catch his breath after the intense dance sequence to address the crowd: “It’s been a while [since I last came right]”?
B.I talking to fans present at his Singapore concert. HallyuSG Photo: Mirza Abdul Halim
It is apparent that he is now more at ease on stage than months ago where he primarily interacted with fans via interactive games in the fan meet session.
Halfway into the show, B.I strayed away from the setlist he performed for previous cities.
B.I performing at the Singapore Expo for his first solo concert. HallyuSG Photo: Mirza Abdul Halim
He let Singapore fans in on a secret: “I will be releasing a song in April”.
“It’s not going to be an album. It’s going to be a single with another rapper Reddy,” he revealed.
Reddy, born Kim Hong-woo, is a South Korean rapper signed under 131 Label, the brainchild of B.I. He is now the CEO of the record label.
He performed one of his tracks titled Chicken Dinna (2022), and an unreleased track together with B.I.
“There are more songs that Hanbin (B.I) and I are preparing,” rapper Reddy teased.
4. He sings live, no doubt
For naysayers saying that B.I doesn’t sing live, he can well prove them wrong.
As he served up a live rendition of one of his top hits illa illa (2021), his microphone malfunctioned.
But he makes up for the lack of vocals by posing for cameras and interacting with fans, like the seasoned artist he is.
Throughout that minute of awkwardness and tension, fans only heard accompanying vocals played though. That itself is a testament to the fact that everything was performed live.
Winner posing at the photo call for K-pop mega festival HallyuPopFest in 2019. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
South Korean boy band Winner will be screening their 2022 flagship concert, The Circle, exclusively in selected Golden Village cinemas from 16 Mar (Thu).
The quartet, comprising Jinu, Hoony, Mino and Seungyoon, announced last February that they will be making a group comeback.
Shortly after, they staged a two night show, from 30 Apr to 1 May, at the Olympic Hall, located at Seoul’s Olympic Park.
Winner performing at the KSPO Dome in Seoul for the Cross tour. Photo: YG Entertainment
They “delighted fans in a memorable performance that spanned career-defining hits and solo music work,” according to a press statement.
But even for fans who caught the concert last year, the movie will offer a deeper insight into the quartet.
In a media release sent by local film distributor Golden Village, the movie “will showcase the members’ journey leading up to their comeback performance and features energetic concert scenes, rehearsals, exclusive interviews and much more”.
This marks the group’s first concert as a whole after their two year hiatus, following members Jinu and and Hoony’s military discharge in last January.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Singapore leg of their Cross tour was called off. It was slated to take place in early 2020.
Fans of the group can purchase tickets to catch the movie here. Tickets are priced at S24 for Golden Village members and $26 for the public. The film runs for 191 minutes.
Promotional image for Winner’s upcoming The Circle: The Movie film. Photo: Golden Village
A check on the ticketing site by HallyuSG showed that there are screenings open at GV Bugis+ on 18 Mar (Sat) at 5PM. There are also screenings available at other cinemas like GV Paya Lebar and GV Plaza.
pH-1 performing at the Singapore leg of his About Damn Time world tour. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
South Korean rapper pH-1 performed in Singapore for the first time ever, kicking off the Asian leg of his world tour at the Capitol Theatre.
Aptly titled About Damn Time, the show was definitely well worth the wait, as fans were served up a spectacle yesterday (11 Mar).
Unlike most other K-pop acts, pH-1 invited some local acts for his show.
Homegrown rap duo The Cold Cut Duo opened the show while local hip-hop artist ShiGGa Shay came by to belt out a track or two.
But truth be told, pH-1’s English was so fluent that he could well be mistaken as a local too. It’s no surprise though, as he studied and lived in the United States before his debut.
Throughout the two-hour set, there was no shying away from his infectious energy and stage presence. With stall seats removed, the theatre was instantaneously transformed to a mosh pit party.
The ground floor of the theatre transformed into a mosh pit party. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
“I’m very happy and honoured to be here to share my experience, my favourite songs and performing them for you guys on stage – it is a very special moment for me,” he shared.
They were an enthusiastic bunch, and it’s evident that pH-1 loved that energy. But at times off-stage, he confessed that some alone time is needed too.
pH-1 spitting out rap verses to an enthusiastic crowd. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
He just completed the North America leg of his World Tour last month and is now on the road again in Asia. “I miss my home and my dog, Holly,” he revealed.
That could also be why he always brings along a polaroid camera when he’s on tour, to keep and share these precious memories.
“I do something for every city that I come to and I bring my Polaroid camera with me today,” he said.
He then took three photos on stage, which were later distributed to several lucky fans.
Without interrupting the flow of his set, he also performed a non-stop medley of Olaf (2019), Achoo (2020), Orange (2018) and The Purge (2020). His electrifying set served as a timely reminder on why he’s one of the rap masters on Boys Planet, an ongoing South Korean reality competition show.
He delivered a flawless and tireless display of his repertoire of works that night. And there’s just an unexplainable charm to him that leaves both fans and neutrals craving for more.
pH-1 performing live for Singapore fans. HallyuSG Photo: Nicole Quek
If this was a litmus test for pH-1’s burgeoning popularity and recognition for his talent in the scene, he undoubtedly passed.
