Now let me see you sha-shake that around

Whilst watching Dream Team, totally true to its name, featuring Chansung, Junho (2PM) and Minho (SHINee) among others, I not only got to enjoy viewing them all as pilots, in full uniform, but I also got to revel in seeing them fling themselves through a short obstacle course and slide under a 'space shuttle' to complete it before the thing crushed them. All in a Korean variety show days work of course.

But even better than this, I discovered this week's feature screen dialogue:

As said by the MC to Junho and some kid from the Aeronautical university opposing team (based on a little dance from start of this segment). I like this MC, I like him a lot. Right out of my mouth.

Of course, the only question to ask on such an occasion. It's been on the tip of my tongue for some time too. Note Junho's sincere face as he listens diligently.

Bless him, the absolute cherub. Could he have come out with a better answer? Not unless is it was "it's beauuutiful", in the most adorable English your ears will ever be graced by, and not irrelevant at all if you appreciate it the way I do, i.e. it's NEVER irrelevant.

So anyways, top this sequence off with Junho groping the other guy to check out his competition, whilst this kid is bent over double, and then a "booty" shaking dance off, and you are well on your way to a fantasy which I myself could have dreamed up. The wonder of variety television.



P.S. In case you wanted to hear this exquisite English I talk of, here it is:

See 51secs and 1:36.

Honestly, I couldn't care less for the rest of this interview and Chansung and Wooyoung's lack lustre fained interest, and we won't touch either on the embarrassment that is Junsu. Just focus on the other worldly being that is Junho. "Hello everybody..."

WHAT A NICE BOY!

Orange Caramel - sickly or sweet? 어떡해

Yes i'm going to talk about a girlgroup, that isn't 2NE1, but stay with me here:

After School Brief history: 8 member girl group who debuted at the very start of 2009 with a Pussycat Girls type concept and then added a member (Uee, better known as that meddling bitch Yoo He Yi in the undisputed greatest K-drama ever "You're Beautiful"), then lost a member, then added 2 more, released a few singles, guested on MBLAQ's Idole Army - She's Coming and more recently had a hit with marching band drumline party tune BANG! complete with micro mini military uniforms and majorette hats.

After School have recently debuted their first ever "sub group" Orange Caramel, consisting of the 3 newest and youngest members Nana, Lizzie and Raina, showing a never seen before "cute and lovely" side of them:

It's cute, its lovely, it's probably so cute and lovely that I'm sure a lot of you are throwing up a little bit in your mouths already, but no not me, I love me some cute and lovely, and look matching miniature doll versions of themselves! and how about some BOWS and CUPCAKES and PASTEL COLOURS and BALLOONS and lovely smiling eyed cutie CN Blue drummer MINHYUK (he does nothing for me but for the sake of trying to convince you watch this MV i'm going to make like he's a total dreamboat, and sure a bow tie and a bicycle is making him a lot easier on the eye, I just replace his face with Ki Kwang...)...

Well that was something right?! He liked her so much he gave her a bunch of balloons that lifted her up and away just to get the hell away from her, bit of a plot flaw in the romance stakes. You might say being lifted away by balloons is a plot flaw but i'm guessing Nana weighs little more than a small bag of sugar so i'd say its feasible. At this point some of you probably have a few questions like, maybe, "what the hell was that?" you see that's not the usual k-pop sound, its not ballad, its not sexy girl group, but its not bubble gum pop girlgroup either, it was even cuter, even sweeter , it was apparently a new genre of k-pop "candy music" or as I like to call it... J-POP. Yes, Japanese manufactured girlgroup pop (which ranges from tambourine banging terror tunes like this one to guilty pleasure catchy sweetness like this), Hello Project staples like Morning Musume, Berryz and C-ute. In fact their was even a plagerism accusation based on similarities between Orange Caramel's "Magic Girl" and C-ute's "Hare no Platinum Doori" but *yawn* whatever, plagerism in k-pop doesn't seem like news to me, k-pop emulating an entire genre of j-pop and people pretending like its this new thing is more my point. I'm not either for or against this, i'm just surprised some k-poppers went this route. J-pop idols are a huge industry and male fans and otakus are willing to shell out some major funds to snap up everything their favourite girl's do, but k-pop already had Girls Generation with a huge male fanbase, that whole dancing for our creepy uncle's vibe and the trading cards to boot, I don't see why they needed this too? Obviously somebody wanted to go all the way, the Japanese way and use the tried and tested formula that dressing like 12 year olds going to a birthday party in 1987 + cutesy CKYOOOT voices + irresistible/annoying dance beats/music that sounds like its a cheap keyboard demo song + accompanying arm motion dance moves = a big hit with middle aged men. Witness the Hello Project Summer Tour 2009 in action and listen to those thousands of chanting MALE fans (there's like a minute long into where it sounds like it's going to kick into the Big Breakfast theme song, but don't skip it or you ruin the anticipation and miss some chanting..):

The formula seems to be working with Orange Caramel, just take a listen to the manly fanchants on their live stage, Ajushi power!!

Despite the fact that this is all pretty ridiculous, the fact that Nana is slowly morphing into some kind of fake ScandinavianXAsian hybrid android and there is some pretty terrible singing going on (like that high note thats in the song about 5 times, yet none of them can ever hit it), I kind of like it, but really this should come as no surprise, as I am Bunny, my motto is "too much is never enough", my love of cute and bows knows know limit, my tolerance for sickly pop is built up on a lifelong obsession with novelty music and a more recent unhealthy Johnny's Jimushu habit, I have already made an outfit that is eerily perfect for my debut as the 4th member of Orange Caramel and I have even already made a minature doll version of myself. I didn't stand a chance, don't look at me like that...

"힐끔힐끔 날 보는 너 눈이 닳아 버리겠어 어떡해 어떡해

(Your eyes that keep glancing at me will be worn out, What do I do, what do I do?)

부끄부끄 부끄럽게 뚫어져라 쳐다보면 어떡해 어떡해

(If you keep staring at me embarrassingly What do I do, what do I do?)"

- BUNNY 

I just knew it was going to be an A!

So, the results are out, from my blood test that is, and I finally have proof - I am 100% an A+.
I always knew I was going to be an A, ever since reading my dearest Bunny's low down:

"Type As may seem calm on the outside, but inside, you’re filled with anxiety and worry. You’re perfectionists and often shy and sensitive. Usually introverted, you’re stable and thoughtful. You make good listeners and are sensitive to color and your surroundings. You like to be fashionable and are up on the latest trends, but never flashy or gaudy. You like romantic settings and often shun reality for fantasy worlds. A is most compatible with A and AB in the love department. Common career choices: accountant, librarian, economist, writer, computer programmer, and gossip columnist" (a.k.a. k-pop obsessive?)

Funnily enough, you are an A too, right Bunny? Though a negative rather than positive, we really are two peas in a pod babes.

Living in Japan, I cannot count the times I have been asked to relate my blood type. At first it was an embarrassment because I never knew what anyone was asking me, but it soon developed into the shame of simply not knowing.
Luckily, however, I enjoyed the benefit of a free company health check this year (one of the few perks of my terror company), so when I was at the clinic I requested that they check my blood type too (for a mere 500 yen fee). So, ever since then (3 weeks ago), I have been waiting with baited breath...and my patience has finally paid off.

So, upon discovering this, though I am unsurprised, I have been checking out who is my "perfect" match, and who is simply the same as me and who is an AB. Obviously, as this trend in blood types is really not something that is followed in England (the themes of eugenics ringing rather loudly), I have turned to my one and only K for the comparatives I so desire.
In all honesty, I've wanted to be a B for a while, with the dream of matching T.O.P (Big Bang), JinSwoon(2AM), Chansung (2PM) and Taemin (SHINee) no less. Really I knew these chances were very slim. So here is my attempt to feel better about these losses.

Who is up for grabs then???

GD (Big Bang):
Of course, he has forever been one of my ichibans and will continue to be so. I already feel the pain easing. Both perfectionists, no doubt we can churn/turn it out fo' sho.

Taeyang (Big Bang):
Wonderful Taeyang. We are so alike, so sensitive and appreciative of romantic settings. I'm a little worried about your forthcoming album, but I will try my bestest to love it thoughtfully.

Jaebeom (previously in 2PM):
Calm on the outside, but inwardly filled with anxiety; I'll bet that stands for you too my love.

OK Taec (2PM):
How happy I am to have you in the pack (as I'm sure you are too Bunny). Fashionable but never flashy or gaudy? I wonder... "fashion terrorist"

Junho (2PM):
How I love to imagine what a good listener you are (with that wonderfully fluent "Let's go" English), so stable and thoughtful always!

DooJoon (BEAST):
A leader who is always so tough and directive to his dongsangs, I bet you are really very sensitive, especially to colour, deep down.

Ki Kwang (BEAST):
Yes, yes, yes! A, A, A! This totally helps me get over not being the B that I so wish I was.

Jonghyun (SHINee):
For some reason I was surprised to find you here, but I am happy none the less. I have been fostering this love gradually for some time now, so maybe now it really has a basis for blooming.

Hoya (Infinite):
You may be a new boy on the block, but I am very see you in the ranks. "Introverted" dance machines and rappers always go down well with me. Welcome aboard.

Sungjong (Infinite):
Oh maknae, why do you have to be so young yet so compatible!

Sungmin (Super Junior):
I wonder if you have fantasy worlds like mine? So near yet so far. Here your expression suggests that this may be the case - I wonder if your dreamt up scenarios resemble mine in the least...

Jo Kwon (2AM):
I don't believe that you are an A, not one bit. Introvert and shy, bitch please. This shot doesn't fool anyone, especially not me!

All of MBLAQ:
What a consellation for losing out on T.O.P and JinSwoon etc! I'm not sure that I really believe they are all A's, but I'm going to take it an run!

What I have noted about is merely a select sample of a few personal favourites, and it in no way provides and exhaustive list. The tip of the iceberg I like to think. Overall then, I'd say it's been a pretty good day. I may have lost out on a few gems, but really I shouldn't complain so. Go A-type!

*Sadly, I'm not sure how trustworthy all my sources are, so please don't be mad if they are incorrect. But if they are good enough for me I hope they are good enough for you.

Throw Your Elbows Up!

Sometimes I can tell that i'm going to like a song by the title alone, i'm a sucker for a catchy, repetitive, alliterative named tune, and onomatopoeia is a shoe in. "Sorry Sorry" (SuJu) "Ring Ding Dong" (SHINee) "Bang Bang Bang" (U-Kiss) all did not disappoint and so the track "Dang Dang Dang" (or Deng Deng Deng if you prefer) by Supreme Team caught my eye a couple of weeks ago. They're a Hip Hop K-pop duo so not necessarily on my radar, but the title got me to watch their MV and I liked their rapping, but then somehow completely forgot about them moments later (probably got distracted by some "American style pelvic dance" or a fresh faced maknae).

Supreme Team's Simon D kept cropping up in my subconscious, well he was cropping up in my Twitter stream to be more accurate, apparently he's one of Heechul's BFFs and Heedictator was on a wild Twitter picture frenzy with all his Simon D dates, (this one is probably the cutest, and when I say cutest i'm merely talking Heechul and bromance, sorry Simon D, you give me a slightly grumpy smug vibe, Heechul might be into that but i'm not). I didn't realise he was the Dang Dang Dang guy until I saw their comeback performance, the song was still catchy, the performance relied on a load of "rap pose" leaning on each other, again it didnt blow my mind, but this week on M Countdown they did something that earned them this blog post, a constantly moving backstage, green room, control room performance incorporating a lift, guest appearances from Infinite and MBLAQ and a inexplicable amount of bananas:

Throw your elbows up! look at Infinite those darlings, and then Simon and his dancers give G.O a bit of fright and Mir gets a chance to play up to camera with some attitude (i'm pretty proud of him not getting so excited he let out a trademark involuntary scream , a la Idol Army, but it seems only females get that response from Bang Mir) and there's some ultimate rap appreciation gestures going on, then Infinite again so pure and eager to please their hyungs they follow behind like a band of puppies, DongWoo clutching his bunch of bananas, Hoya has one too as Simon D reaches down to a table and plucks a whole bunch, whats this all about? Bananas everywhere, I notice my favourite Infinite boy L was reluctant to get involved initially, lurking at the back, but can be seen to be throwing at least a few elbows up by the time we've got rapper to rapper, bunch of bananas to bunch of bananas in shot, maybe the fact that L was dressed like a giant banana that day didn't fill him with confidence. Simon D maintains hold of the bananas throughout, he enters a lift, we cut to other Supreme Team guy "E-sens" (had to look up his name, poor guy who isnt Simon D...) in the control room, hes got dancers too (carefully guiding backwards past desks and machines I notice) until the both wind up coming out on stage (still with bananas) in front of an audience that looks positively... dead, what was up with that audience? Anyway, I liked it, largely because of Infinite, and MBLAQ and random banana prop, in the world of kpop music shows where the same flashing dazzling stage sets are polished to perfection each week, it was really nice to see something different. Its like when I watch the wrestling and they have a parking lot brawl or any scene set outside of the ring or the locker room, its exciting! Imagine you were watching Top of the Pops and the band performed in the editing suite, it would be a pleasant surprise. Well done Supreme Team, I enjoyed it and I now can't stop singing DANG DANG DANG.

Bananas. K-pop loves bananas. Time to roll out my favourite livejournal post ever which is a lengthy collection of the k-pop X banana phenomenon. I think the number one contender for the crown of Banana King is still 2PM Chansung, or Chanana as he is affectionately known. I'll leave it at that:

P.S. I'd been wondering for a while if Heechul & Lee Hongki are really such good friends (so tempting to put "friends" whenever its Hee related... but i'll control myself) then how come I never get a Twitter pic of them together?? Well my wishes were granted, he was also hanging out with Simon D and the crew and then later, one on one? date night.

P.P.S I have to write some more about Infinite! those boys! If it wasn't for a tangible way to include the epic banana picture post then I would have been writing only about Infinite today, Supreme Team wouldn't have even made it onto my maybe list. In case you missed it, Infinite performed Girl's Generation "Gee" (yes that textbook boys covering a girl's song classic, but it's always a showstopper!) and Wonder Girl's Tell Me, and HOLY SMOKES their dancing was perfect and beautiful Maknae has a princess voice to match (hes not going to help clear up those silly netizens remarks anytime soon), and then another damn fine rendition of my favourite coat tail flicking mashed potato dancing matching sockstravaganza Come Back Again. I've made my bed with Infinite (sadly only metaphorically) and now i'm happily laying in it.

- BUNNY 

How can I possibly follow that?

Anyone for a cup of T ... O ... P ?

(dearest JJH - in a perfect world you would win some kind of k-pop blogging dazzling crystal award for that PERFECT MASTERPIECE of a blog post, there would of course be an awards ceremony, you'd be decked out in your best (2NE1 evening style) and the man himself would be there to present you with the award, a eyebrow raise and smirk combo, a 2 finger salute and of course some Dom Perignon Pink, always xxx)

- BUNNY 

My sexy agony for so fresh rap

Bless your mind, body and soul, T.O.P.

He thinks he has sexy agony for so fresh rap - he as no idea. None.

Is this the face of a taunted or taunter, i wonder.

I have been waiting, killing time, pining for the release of this one track. I feel as though my life has been experiencing a week long hiatus - unable to concentrate on anything other than thoughts of this Turn It Up drop date. I feel like I can finally stop holding my breath!


In the middle of this hot mess which is my current state, I will make one rational decision. I will issue the lyric translation first. Why you ask? Just so you can see him not only from the very pinnacle of aesthetic pleasure and aural seduction, but you can also know the wonderful wonderful workings of his mind:

I take the innocence of your ear drum
this is the message to tempt you
Turn it up loud
Turn it up loud
Monkey magic that you can’t see with your eyes opened
Listen well. This is the message to make you annoyed
Turn it up loud (Lalalala-)
Turn it up loud (Lalalala-)

I am The Official Pi** T.O.P
Hope of the older women is to meet me once [Bunny, he knows!]
The difference between you and me is superiority
In the end, she will be near me [And I guess you are on to a promise]
To warm ourselves, have a warm tea

[As if him being a Nine Inch Nails fan didn't make him once and for all my perfect match, he has to go and say this. YIKES!!]
together listening to Ray Charles music [god help us all]
I make flowers that cannot bloom bloom
Already just with my rap she is already rough [rough is not even close, remotely]
Kung kung kung the heart is beating
all the things that you been waiting for all at once to your ear

[he knows, doesn't he. Of course he knows]

Take it! What you have wanted
I am different from a loser rapper wannabe
This is sweet. No joke. Because of the fluttering heart, you won’t be able to sleep 100%

[This has been near on my entire week, and not to mention the aneurysm I had over the phone about the teaser alone]
the time has passed and the signal is coming
My sexy agony for so fresh rap

I take the innocence of your ear drum
this is the message to tempt you
Turn it up loud
Turn it up loud
Monkey magic that you can’t see with your eyes opened
Listen well. This is the message to make you annoyed
Turn it up loud (Lalalala-)
Turn it up loud (Lalalala-)

I’m John Galliano, Dior, Louis Vuitton,
Kris Vanassche, YSL, Dolce & Gabbana
Givenchy Alexander McQueen Tuxedo and Shoes
always Dom Perignon Pink

Big head. Cursed body form [Look at this shade!]
I’m on a totally different level from you
I will pay you back soon in multiples
Bring it if you are jealous. Be careful! Pater of the dream [actually a poet]
This is sweet. No joke. Because of the fluttering heart, you won’t be able to sleep 100%

Lalala I am ta-ta-TOP
(Hey Hey TOP of the all people) [Yes, yes, YES!]

Always hold a fist be more hospitable
it is too plain. There is no oil or foam
I’m dignified (Turn it up loud)

There’s no Bing Gu

I take the innocence of your ear drum
this is the message to tempt you
Turn it up loud
Turn it up loud
Monkey magic that you can’t see with your eyes opened
Listen well. This is the message to make you annoyed
Turn it up loud (Lalalala-)
Turn it up loud (Lalalala-)

I wanna be satisfied with my life. My future is mad bright [I would agree]
work hard and enjoy. It’s simple. Its harder than the broad and level road
I wanna be satisfied with my life. My future is mad bright
work hard and enjoy. It’s simple. Its harder than the broad and level road

AoAo AoAoAo
AoAo AoAoAo
AoAo AoAoAo

All together-

AoAo AoAoAo
AoAo AoAoAo
AoAo AoAoAo

Lord have mercy on my soul. I feel like a Freudian mess. I want him as my brother, my friend and my lover. All of them, all at once (I know you understand this predicament Bunny). So wise, so sensual, such a fun time guy. When you merely read the lyrics, these things can be characterised, put into words, you can recognise these different yearnings. But match this with actually hearing it and the images, essentially watch the video, and there are only sensations of the most epic proportions. I really don't know if I can put into words (as I barely managed above) any portion of the infinite pleasure this MV gives me. I will try, but I warn you, I don't think it will be pretty and it's certainly going to be a rough ride. Stream of consciousness here we come...

YIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKES. Opening shot. We may have seen it in the teaser but it has lost NONE of its power. The mere rear mid shot of TOP has me in an absolute flutter. Knowing he will turn, knowing that this is what is to come. So stylish, so chic. It may be the checker board, that wonderful design. I think I associate such fantasticly great things with this pattern, GD being one of them:

Best new years present I could have ever hoped for. An outfit change from hooded monk no less.

Back to TOP though. Seriously. SO EXCITED, and we are seconds in. The shots that cut away from him hardly steady my pulse either, with a smoking hot lady banging her drum like she definitely means it. Such a welcome change from the overwhelming cutesy dolls that love to abound in the K-pop scene (2NE1 and a few special others not included).

So yes, at the start, and though most of the video, TOP doesn't really dance. He moves his head from side to side, a little over his shoulders, as a friendly bird might, and rocks his gigantic rings right up to the camera a lot at the start. And does some sweet arm actions. And just that is enough to get me riled. All the other K-poppers seems to have such a hard time of it(him in Big Bang included), but here he simply rides on his own personal ability to weaken the knees of near on every viewer with the mere slight of a glance.
But boy when he dances, YIKES indeed. We will soon get to this.

Also, only after about 10 views did I hear the spider lady's "ahhh" fashion grunt of evident satisfaction. It took at least this many times to quieten my own equivocal reaction to be able to hear I think. I guess if any viewers are in doubt of what their reactions should be, they are soon pointed in the right direction.

The ladies, I love the ladies, almost as much as I love TOP. I want to know who the stylist of this video is and I want to know now. Long sleeved pleather swim suits. I love it. And their make up is fierce. Hot clown cheeks with some serious brow and lash combos. Dab and swirl my friends. They have a look and in the words of a great friend, they are giving me all i need.

At the outset of this appraisal I should note I have a bit of a thing for TOP's two-fingered/any fingers gestures. And this video has certainly not disappointed me here. Just for a warm up for what is to come:


The piano lady is great too. The is something about such a well positioned monochrome combination that hits all the right buttons. This is true for the whole MV i guess, but here combined with her low lunges it's excellent.

Skipping forward a few seconds, more of the TOP's loveable traits, the fingers raised up to the temples. Such images will forever have me playing out the entire Haru Haru GTOP drama inadvertently in my head.

THE APPLICATION OF FUR. Wow.

His upwards glare. THE DECADENCE. It's like eating dark chocolate; it's almost too potent, but not, really not. And again, the women, head phones and all. The only way the this could be better is if it were i who were allowed to apply this stole (overlooking the obvious fact that this is blatantly real fur, which would have me reeling back upon first contact).

The table scene when the camera pulls back from this is also something I have a lot of time for.

It's like watching something out of Buñuel's Viridiana crossed with Fellini's La Dolce Vita. It's basically the Last Supper reincarnate, and I love it. Highly sculpted figures, dressed to the nines i might add, writhing around as if possessed. We all know who holds this power over them. I pretty much think that this is how my body would react if i were to come within 20 metres of the man.

Next up, the dog style petting.

I'm not sure why I don't have a problem with this, when I feel like I should. Something degrading is hinted at, but it doesn't quite follow through in my eyes. I guess as it's something I can only dream of it is elevated in status?

Anyways, no negativity will be finding its way into this post, I can assure you. Especially not as we reach my favourite scene. The espresso.

MAJOR YIKES.

Remember what I said about the two fingers, well here they are in all their glory. And he's in a robe, drinking coffee, DOING A TWO FINGERED WAVE. Raised eyebrows as the perfect accompaniment. This scene is all I needed.

Not to forget that he is IN a giant coffee mug, with 'hoes' and bubble no less. What a genius. If women can flaunt it in a large glass prop, be it usually a Martini glass, why don't men? This is certainly the first time i've seen it.
With the ladies either side too, this scene is painfully post-coital in it's overall flavour. As if he needed to top it all off with a lick of the lips.

Sorry to go on about it too, but more Haru Haru-esque fingers to the temple. I don't even care about the giant jewel. Not one bit.

The teeth. What a joker. Ever the fun time gal, even when he means serious business.
And then there are a series of shots with him leading his head on the base of his hand and wrist. It is literally the opposite of all the high energy K-pop videos, but the reaction in me just as strong if not stronger. It's all in his eyes, and often eyebrows too.

A furrowed brow can speak volumes!

I will resist more screen shots, but the chorus relapse to "Turn it up now" that shortly follows boasts yet two more perfectly timed finger gestures. It almost as if this MV is some type of show case for them. He certainly gives Jan Geun Suk a run for his money.

And here is comes. The piano playing over the back and buttocks of that lucky lucky woman. See Bunny's GIF on the teaser for this on loop. I really hope that this was his idea. I like to tell myself that this is the kind of thing he'd do often in the privacy of your home.

Monkey and guitar? I guess I'm not surprised, considering the lyrics. I like it whatever. It in some small way reminds me of Basement Jaxx? But actually it is 10 times cooler that their use of monkeys ever was. Probably because it's holding a ukulele!

Now comes the designer list and banner. I really didn't hear these names properly when I saw the ahead of release dodgy fan recordings of this video. Amazing. No wonder this song is so utterly avaricious. Such a style icon, and all this time we thought it was GD who was top of the game.
Speaking of which, THE FUR HAT!

I always think of GD in the With U album booklet rocking the best fur hat ever. But TOP may have just taken the biscuit - clutching at champagne no less (we will ignore the clam? ring).

God, not more, here is it, TOP in glasses.

With the recent Tell me Goodbye release I feel like we may have been slightly spoiled with seeing so much of TOP in them of late. But it doesn't take away at all from the happiness that rises up within me. Sat among his designer luggage he looks just the picture.

As he also does in the chair having a little sleep after obviously having too much fun perching on the side of it just previously.



Cue sports car scene. It's at this point that I really remember I am watching a hip hop video. And we have all the women and sexy dancing we need, the excessive accessories, and now the car.

But of course it had a twist, or at least for me. This car scene more than anything else reminds me of how much he can resemle Spock. Which makes me deliriously happy. In all seriousness though we do next get him lounging across the boot of the car, smooth as anything, just after. Maybe the Spock association exists only for me and a select few. Either way.

The Wallace and Grommit face I feel speaks for itself.

The head nods become really apparent just after this too. I had been noticing them thoughout, but here they do get really numerous. He just has too much attitude to be able to keep it all sucked in.

Ok, I won't say the f-word again, but you know why this is here:

The terror expression, everything, it kills me. This time I even like the skull ring. It's like he's playing peek-a-boo or something. Mischevious little tyke that he is. The bejeweled pig(?) purse has even grown on me by this point!

The mic-gun face off. TOP against TOP. Wonderful. If I could make a film, I would possibly have him play every character (with a few extra parts thrown in for JinSwoon, GD, Chansung, Junho, Taemin and the like). It's almost as if he is like some type of Henry 8th character. He can do anything he wants, overule the pope, whatever. This is a world I too would love to live in. I think it's the attitude that proliferates through this scene that makes it so pleasurable. The gestures and expressions, coaxing 'each other' on, always the one to pick a fight is TOP.

At the end of this video I find my modern day Gene Kelly:

So, I may have been saying there wasn't too much of him dancing, but what there is is GOLD DUST. TOP jiving around in black and white brogues, still in specs. I never thought I could expect something so wonderful, not after being gifted the Elle Korea shoot and Tell me goodbye video so recently. I could watch this one skit all day.

The bird flap dance, as I have come to see it, is also super:


Finally, the ending. We have made it, or at least i think that i have. What an oddysey! To finish though, one last finger comment and the exemplary eye brow raise. I'll tell you why I get so excited about this last finger as he heads off into the void. Two words, Baby Baby. This is the gesture in the video of the boy in the club as he walks off and leaves the girl. This is it, the spitting image. And I'm sure TOP knows this. Which means he deliberately leaves me with the feeling that I have been dancing up against him all night and that my time in now up. That's my lot. And it couldn't be more true by the end of this video. As if i could take more. However, with that, he does indeed suggest that I can, with the last little eyebrow lift. Could this be what he meant when he said the song is meant to make you annoyed?

Bunny's Screencap quote of the Week

Junho - "it's because I have no eyes"

...said with a smile on "Happy Together" in response to Nickkhun identifying him as the No.1 competitive guyliner abuser in 2PM.

I love him, and I love that he has no eyes. and that he looks like Rain and Rain has no eyes. He looks perfect to me.

ps. someone should tell him that if he's trying to maximise what he's got then the black eyeliner is only going to make his peepers smaller and he needs to get to work with some white liner on the inner bottom lid...

pps. I don't know who they're trying to kid 'cause we all know Junsu is the main guyliner suspect. This must have been some kind of cover up.

- BUNNY 

OUR PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED

MAXIMUM YIKES!!!!!!!

WE HAVE WAITED (NOT SO) PATIENTLY FOR MONTHS! MONTHS! AND FINALLY...

T.O.P - TURN IT UP
DIGITAL SINGLE 21.06.10

TEASER RELEASED TODAY:

YIKES YIKES YIKES YES YES YES OMG OMG OMG !!!

WE NEED A CLUB BANGER
WE NEED A CLUB BANGER
WE NEED A CLUB BANGER
WE NEED A CLUB BANGER

This morning the combination of the worst nights sleep + still constantly drilling builders + culinary mix up + anxious brain almost had me in tears before breakfast, but then I see this news and IT SOOTHES ME.

TURN IT UP LOUD.

(sorry for all the capitals but if I was telling you this news in person and not through a blog I would basically be SHOUTING WITH JOY IN YOUR FACE)

EVERY TIME I WATCH THIS TEASER IT GETS MORE AMAZING! I MIGHT HAVE DIED OF PLEASURE BEFORE I EVEN REACH JUNE 21ST.

- BUNNY

"He was dubbed by Korean media as the next Rain..."

And I'd say that there is some validity in this statement, Ki Kwang.

What a wonderful young man he is, all 20 years of him. I'd fairly say that he delights me on an equivocal level to Rain. How could he not, with such a mulitfaceted personality. I wont go into it in depth here, but after study of his in MTV B2ST and MTV BEAST Almighty along with other things, he is no one trick pony.

He is, at the very least, both infinately adorable

and unabashedly sexual

Really he ticks all the boxes. When an idol gets his own 'free time', though on camera it may be, I think I can safely say they are few and far between that desire most to cycle along the riverbank alone as he does. Dreamboat central. And he never once comes across as big headed or conceited, even though he has already had (though it was short lived) a solo career (as AJ), is clearly the most attractive memeber in BEAST and is the only one to also be acting, in the successful High kick through the roof.

This setting the scene, I am always pleased for him to pop up in my google reader, and today was certainly no exception to that rule. Cue SEXY DANCE so titled video:

Really, I love it when video titles don't lie.

So yes, SEXY DANCE it is. The funny thing is that it starts off with Rain's Love Song of course. How else better to commence a sexy segment. And this is what brought the Rain comparative to mind. But really, here I think he is merely getting his mind in gear for what is soon to come - the latter showcased ‘American style’ pelvic dance. Oh yes. Ki Kwang is no stranger to the pelvic thrust as you have already seen, but this is to another level i'd say.

As i said then, the Love Song debut is short yet sincere. Note here before we get carried away the use of a perfectly charming neck-tied scarf. This is the kind of accessorising I love, none of that studded collar jazz.

This sincerity of feeling is soon to be re-worked a la Chris Brown for what I will call 'Phase two' though. Look at him go. Dropping straight to the floor only to rise up for the delivery of multi-directional impassioned thrusts - he changes just like that! "I hope you're ready baby cuz here we go." - thank you for the lyrical warning Chris, just in time for the floor thrust section. If only it wasn't intercut with so much audience response. To finish up round two, a gentle wipe on the motuh and some spirit fingers.

'Phase three' then, where not only his sexual qualities are displayed, but his comical ones too. Meet Kwang the jovial tyke. Maybe not even a tyke, more a fun time boy with wit in equal measure?
Clearly very easily influenced, Kwang is soon up and out of his seat to gently grind and thrust towards the side of his team mate as he performs his own song. What a way to brighten up any dull old ballad. And to then drop down to the floor in his wonderfully high pitched giggly laugh - first phase Kwang joining forces with second and third, a killer combination. Such an array of varying thrusts, and some Rainism 'Otter' shimies thown in too. A perfect variety show segment I'd say. It captures a number of his sides just right.

So, who knows if he will be the next Rain for the whole of Korea. I can only say that for me this could certainly be the case. If we get to the point of him pole dancing in true Rain fashion I will be there, at my new found Rain.

Until then, at least we know that he makes good use of his ridonkulously styled outfits and that he is, more importantly, a shirt ripper.

My whirwind romance with Infinite

I've been struggling to get back into the swing of things post holiday and whilst I have several planned pieces in line with screenshots and GIFs ready and waiting, but they all got pushed aside for something I only discovered with my breakfast this morning yesterday Thursday morning, yet more new kids on the block....

INFINITE

7 member boyband signed to "Woolim entertainment" (its a new one on me...) and "produced" (both the music and in general? but they deny this and say they are just "hyungs" who knows..) by popular kpop indie hip hop group Epik High, consisting of Tablo (cute, interesting, Canadian Korean,I highly recommend a read of his wikipedia entry, particularly the bit about the time he was kicked out of his school orchestra for playing the Jurassic park soundtrack whilst the rest of them played Brandenburg Concerto No.3...), Mithra (the loveable kind of chubby guy with a beard who had a love 'scandal' with Kim Heechul..) & DJ Tukutz (who I don't really know anything about but that's cause he's currently in the army). Anyway Infinite, all it took was one look at the video and I was SOLD. I'm a blogging dilemma here, do I tell you why I like them and then show you the video? or let you watch the video and then argue my case? chances are you've already seen the video (I mean i've watched it about 15 times already myself) so lets just go for it, and then i'll discuss (by discuss I mean, tell you how it is...).

All you need to know in advance is that there is no real "point" or "making sense" in this video (aside from various methods of communication summon the members of Infinite to travel by various ludicrous methods of transport to somewhere), so just go with it, and the youngest is a 93-er so no need to beat yourself up for feeling like a complete dirtbag (well, not too much) and the song is GREAT and if you're not to taken with it then give it another 14 watches and you'll be whistling it at the bus stop in no time :

Now THAT is a debut video right there, and now i'm going to tell you why its so great...

Consider first that the average kpop MV standard is a video compiled of either option A - 2 different minimal glossy stage sets (filmed inside a studio somewhere with a lot of fancy lighting) with different outifits (sometimes one features the dancing more, and one features the singing more) and then some additional close up shots filmed somewhere else or on part of one of the previous backgrounds OR option B - same as option A but one of the minimal glossy stage sets is replaced by some kind of party/liveshow/streetscene/storyline maybe with some extras but either way it is 90% dancing in a minimal glossy space with fancy lighting. Infinite shake things up, we have dancing in the rain in the street, dancing in suits in the dark street/dockyard?, the group shots in the limo, the shots/storyline (?!) in the houses, the multiple methods of transport action shots, and then close ups on said mode of transport, and the final ending comedy scene. This is a far cry from some black suits in a white room and some white suits in a black room type of deal.

Lets look further, the dancing in the fake rain shower in the street is not only a great idea (rain showers on K-pop boys is always appreciated) but you'll notice they are wearing polo shirts without a popped collar in sight! and buttoned to the top! what preppy beauties!

In contrast the fringed back suits with ankle grazing trousers and stripey socks are the "cool and sexy" component of the video, i'll also take this moment to tell you that I LOVE the dance and all the coat tail swishing and shoe shuffling joy and after my 5th or so viewing I was practically begging for their debut stage to arrive so I could see them dance the whole song (Ive been writing this post for so long that I eventually got my wish and they sure did not disappoint!)

Now we all saw it, but in case you thought it was all a beautiful dream I'd like to confirm for you that the video you just watched did indeed include teleportation, a golf buggy, a segway, a limo, a quad bike, a motorbike with sidecar, and awful lot of ridiculous / bordering on inappropriate fashion items and of course a fennec fox wearing a necklace.

A round of applause for whoever wrote this video treatment please, and I forgot to mention we even got a brief but very much appreciated shower scene:

I'm sorry I think my bias is showing.

That "ridiculous / bordering on inappropriate fashion" really deserves some screen captures of its own, but I could be here another 5 hours if I start that so instead just take a look at this promo shot of the boys and you'll get the general idea:

SOCK TERROR

One I really can't let slip by unmentioned would be the "leather daddy punk" on the segway who fresh from the shower puts on his "LADY PINK PUNK" t-shirt, studded choker (!!!YIKES!!!), 3 bracelets, diamonte skull king belt buckle on tartan punk pants with triple chain and tops it all off with a (yet further) homoerotic pseudo nazi officer's hat. God damn this boy is lucky he's my favourite because really there is enough fodder there to make him my k-pop laughing stock until the end of time, and really the green yankee doodle dandy hat in the limo (and the promo photo, and the press conference...) is not helping his case much.

This anxious lip biting conveys how nervous we all feel about this outfit and riding a segway down a major road.

Oh and my eagle eyed boy pointed out this weird nazi S.S M&Ms character badge:

Just look at all that accessorising going on with these two, it's no wonder they're a "couple":

To tell you the truth they remind me a lot of SHINee, the nostalgic preppy polo shirts, the beauty defying too skinny maknae, the ridiculous novelty over accessorising concept, the super tight dance synchro formations, the overall fresh contemporary feel, autotune only in the right places and a song that is just past perfectly uplifting edgy pop and on its way to party banger, and I suppose a similar age range, yes! Shinee! Shinee! SHINee! Boy oh boy do I love SHINee and it may seem like a whirlwind romance but boy oh boy I think I love Infinite.
I mean its only been 3 days but I've rewatched that video religiously, I downloaded the mini album and was pretty into it, I eagerly awaited their debut stage and then squealed with excitement and was blown away, I even watched the first 2 episodes of their reality show ("Infinite, you're my oppa" Epik High arrange for a 18? yr old school girl "little sister" to move in with the 7 members of Infinite to their shared house with one bedroom and they have to make her food, take her to school, look after her etc) if any more had been subbed I would have watched it all (marathon style) and if this wasn't proof enough, I HAVE LEARNED THEIR NAMES ALREADY! Super Junior had to wait 7 months or more, Infinite took me 3 days.

Here's an intro compiled from my intensive 3 day research, and these name spellings seem to vary all over the place but i'm going with the official website version:

SungKyu/SungGyu
LEADER
Powerful vocals and seems like the lovely kind hearted elder hyung leader we have come to expect from our k-pop. From "you're my oppa" he comes across as in charge but kind of giggly. He reminds me of sterner looking Jay Park but with Junho's apologetic eyebrow/eye expressions? He's kind of easy to identify because... well he's the one who's the leader! Not the biggest fan of the too short mini mohawk hair, but then as we all know sometimes they start out with one of those ugly crops and end up with perfection, or they have something wonderful going and then they ruin it all, either way, a softer look and a fringe is ALWAYS prefered.

L

"in charge of VISUAL" / the "FACE"
Yep, his name is "L" just like in Deathnote... ok so his real name is MyungSoo but apparently its also L, and he's charismatic but mysterious, and dark and brooding and shy, and I totally fell for it all and hence he's already got 3 screen captures. I like him, he seems to be be able to sing, dance, act, look emo, and be "in charge of visual" whatever that entails. He doesn't take any crap from the little sister on I,YMO either. I'm not like head over heels in lust or anything, just, this one's my favourite (and the thought of future Deathnote themed photoshoots excites me no end, L as Kenichi as L!)

DongWoo
RAPPER
He's the one I haven't really warmed to, which is a nice way of saying, he's not cute at all, in the TV show he is weird and not in an endearing way, all this being said, its some nice RAP! good work on that. In performances he's great, in the reality show not so much, in the video i'm not sure, but then he does get of his skateboard and hold hands with the baby member so i'll give him a break. Oh and at certain angles he totally reminds me of muscle face.

Hoya
"DANCE machine" and rapper
His real name is something else I don't remember but that's his name and hes so cool he gets to a mononym. I think he might be my second fav despite his habit of slightly crooked facial expressions, I'd say the charm is in the powerful eyebrows. Also I realised he looks pretty much like the cutie in Z:EA whose name I just learned today, oh shit I forgot already and had to look it up again, ah! Dong Jun. and maybe a bit like Xiah?

WooHyun

MAIN VOCAL
Considering he's the "main vocal" (although i suppose the leader is really on this song) it was pretty hard to get a clear shot of his face, lots of shots of his beautiful hair though bouncing in the breeze as he runs. Another good looking boy, and I could be mixing them up now but i'm pretty sure he seemed like the "gentleman" one on their TV show. He reminds me of someone else too but I'm not quite sure who it is.

SungJong
MAKNAE

Another milky white skin teen dream, what a doll, he's no Lee Taemin, but no one can ever compete with perfection. Even though it could be nauseating when he could borderline be a girl, I like them playing up his cuteness. I wonder how long before they find a reason to put a wig and some make up on the poor boy, im guessing not long. Also from their debut stage he doesnt get much of a chance to sing but has that cute earnest maknae expression like he's just happy to be there.

SungYeol
"Beautiful" & "Tall"...?
I'm not sure what his official role is but his teleporting skills will no doubt be remembered. He kind of looks like DongHo (ukiss) whilst also reminding me of Thunder and CN Bass Player. He's the one that seems nice, but I don't feel like i'm that attached to him yet and his fringe is too short. I felt sorry for him because he had to dance in gum boots on the debut stage.

Here's that debut stage I keep going on about:

Seriously though, I think that's impressive, they seemed like pro's not rookies, and the dancing was tight and the vocals were great. A+ for Infinite. HWAITING!

Would you like to join me and my intense 3 day love Infinite adoption program? want more? here are the best bits i've found:

OFFICIAL WEBSITE WITH GALLERY OF WONDER

SOME PICTURES FROM THEIR SHOWCASE

TRANSLATED INTERVIEW IF YOU WANT TO "GET TO KNOW" THEM

UNLIMITED INFINITE

oh and maybe I should have put this at the start not the end but apparently:

"Infinite is an idol group, but they are going to bring the trendy songs in the pop world to life and will try their best to get rid of autotune and will try their best to break free from songs that provoke people’s peripheral nerves.” source

I thought I liked having my peripheral nerves provoked?? make of this what you will.

PS. Will it be terrible if I'm really fickle and loose all interest in these guys as soon as SHINee are back on the scene? Infinite VS SHINee dance battle?

 - BUNNY