Bunny, I propose that we make room for a Sungyeol Appreciation Corner. What do you say? He won't replace Taemin or anything, I just feel like he has really earned himself a spot of late...
Personally the owner/girl/whatever-you-want-to-call-her doesn't really bother me in this video. However, there is the fan-made option of 55 seconds solid Sungyeol for the die hard appreciators.
Don't worry, I am not trying to pillage him as my favourite Infinite member or anything, I just think he needs more appreciation. That's all. It's rare that we get to enjoy such high quality acting talent, and that fact that he is the new face of an animal abandonment charity should be the only justification we need, right??? Just to seal the deal...
screw face
aegyo
puppy love
charm of the boy next door
♥ Puppy in a papoose ♥
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDIT: Barely a week after writing this, Sungyeol really proved himself once and for all.
And so it began. This morning (Christmas eve when I started this) I was happily greeted by this:
A delightful rendition of the timeless Candy by none other than Boyfriend. What a way to kick off Christmas eve! Happy, happy thoughts.
So Excited!!!
And then I realised that of course pretty much every music show has special performances. Of course!!!
And this also includes a cover of my favourite Christmas song ever!!! AA singing Last Christmas on TBC's Music on Top. The joy of it!
I really am once bitten and twice shy! I didn't expect so much from some rookies that I really wasn't sure about, but look at them - so good at Christmas. Well done AA.
edit: I just saw that SHINee also covered this song, the little cherubs, but it is not getting embedded as I only have a fancam of Jonghyun and no other memebers. No fair! But here, please do listen.
Also, my three favourite maknaes of Dalmatian clubbed together to produce a clap-happy medley. I would embed it, but I don't think I can have even a cover of Mariah Carey's All I want for Christmas is You on here. What a conflict of interests! Sorry, maybe go here to see it.... I could have done with some more Christmas knitwear too, but I wouldn't want to sound greedy. Oh, and speaking of clap-happy, this intro <3
It makes me happy also that Christmas is a time for the creation of new fan art...
Evidently Yejun of F.Cuz liked this "band" portrait so much that he retweeted it personally on Christmas eve <3
So yes, I hope you enjoy all the Christmas specials, both the one-off stages and the extra feathers and furs and sheen on the standard ones.
From Bunny and I over here at Nunas Know Best HQ,
A Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year!
We will be hanging out our grotto, complete with festive idol wall, playing some games just like these B1A4 boys here, who clearly know exactly how to have fun!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
CAP's cap? Definitely not. Drum and Bass Jingle Bells remix? OK then. Teen Top and Infinite sharing a stage? 100 times yes!
I have long been observing Infinite's maknae Sungjong closely in an attempt to ascertain which other male idol it is that he reminds me of.
But I don't just mean in terms of looks, as that would probably be a more successful search should I peruse the numerous girl bands proliferating the K-pop scene. As Bunny mentioned in her post about 'best cross-dressed' Dongjun, there were genuine questions as to Sungjong's natural sex at the time of his debut. Rather, what I was looking for was more of a personality match, another boy that I'm already well aware of, and that he totally reminds me of. But I just couldn't put my finger on it.
It is common knowledge that Sungjong loves to impersonate girl band dances - it is his forte. He doesn't care if he's at sports day or recording on the radio. And I thought for a short time that it may be SHINee's Key that he reminds me of. But he is not sassy enough to be like Key. Not quite. And then I thought he was maybe a bit like Kevin from U-KISS. But somehow Kevin is just that much camper than Sungjong, who just seems more like a sweet young boy most of the time. Then, could it be Kwanghee? No way, he resides way too much in a world of his own to even have comparisons made to any other living beings. Take that comment as you will. As does Super Junior's Heechul ♥ who is on a whole other level.
Today, however, I finally realised who it is - how could I have been so blind - and I am kicking myself. Of course, it's none other than 2AM's Jo Kwon!!! Just look at this, where Sungjong tempts Jo Kwon up with a flick of the finger to join him in dancing to Hyuna's Bubble Pop - what a pair of divas!
It all makes sense now. Case closed! I think it's something to do with their facial expressions whilst dancing, and the precision of their moves. Whatever it is, I am relieved to have made the connection finally.
As a bonus, here is one of my favourite ever Sungjong "cross-dressing" dances.
Note that is was his normal hair - no wig - as he is only wearing a coat, which technically could be unisex...
And the live Dalmatian performances are even more adorable, with full house set as their stage or even with the sofa alone, them lot of them in baby blue suits. Youngwon is such a show stopper, blue hair or not. Day Day is the wrong kind of show stopper - why does he have to sit next to Youngwon?! He dampens the mood.
Sungyeol may not have any lines to sing, poor child, but he is the star of the video. And he really is a bright, sparkling, darling star. Besides, he gets to sing the chorus with the others.
Oh ZE:A, I take it all back. I don't care what I said, I already love your song. Siwan has me singing 'Girl 넌 나의, butterfly, butterfly...' round and round and round again. He is transfixing. And who thought Dongjun would actually be able to cope so well with his lines live. Well done maknae, really well done. Though I would prefer a few less winks from you - somehow they are creepy and I don't like them, too sure of yourself, and you're not wearing a nice suit either (I've never been one for blazers and v-neck T-shirt combos. Why isn't he pretty in pink in the live performance like everyone else??). Siwan, on the other hand, you are literally killing me in your pink denim jacket and powder pink trousers. What a vision you are. Everyone's dancing is so much better than the silly narrative video, with that girl wasting precious screen time - there's nine of them don't you know! Looking forward to the dance version MV. Anyway, ZE:A, this is my public apology. Forgive me? I promise to watch all your live stages and love you a lot.
And like all these GIFs above, I'm pretty sure that this is how my brain is going to remain all day, on loop.
I don't know why I was so not bothered about their debut before, when clearly I should have been. Bunny unnie always knows best. With the comeback I was on board from the teaser - we all know how much I love a bit of playfighting when it comes my way. But I never thought to revisit the original music video and debut song, Come back again. If I'm honest, I still don't love the song, but I have finally found my peace with the music video.
All thanks to L ♥
Thank god I fell in love with him dancing for the hundred millionth time today and was encouraged by Bunny to return to the original MV. What would I do without her? Or him? Or Hoya? Or Sungyeol for that matter!
How happy I am to see you fighting, hwaiting (try(-ing) your best chant in Korean). It is always an excellent start to the day for me when I get to see some live action fights in K-pop. Don't ask why, just take my admission and run with it. Or if it's necessary to say a word or two on the subject, let's just say that Japanese dramas and films are what got me hooked on it. Full of young violent boys they are. Take Gokusen, Blue Spring, Crows Zero, Go... So I guess it's not just me that appreciates it.
Watching the video reminded me of this so much that I feel I need to make a written note of some of my most favoured fighting MV's. So let's make this a Top 5, in no particular order:
Christmas is meant to be over, but what is this appearing on my screen, angels sent from the high heavens, in the form of none other than more teasers!!
I'm not over the GTOP drop yet, not even close, and I'm already being made to come to terms with the fact that Infinite (please not just this ballad boys) and MBLAQ and Teen Top are coming right back into my life, and in no time at all. Not even time to breathe! Golly S.Korea, you may have to slow it down. And not to mention I've got BEAST duets coming out of my ears (I have a bone to pick with whoever put Yoseob and Junhyung together! Such a wasted BL opportunity. Bet Bunny isn't complaining with DongwoonXDoojoon) as well as the prospect of the new SHINee live in Japan DVD. What a busy time of year this is.
Really, I know there are lots of teasers sent out together often, but I love it when I trace the feeling of a new tread, one that matches my own sentiment. The official terming for 2011 has become 2000 and heaven, and I think S. Korea agrees.
------Angelic beauties alert---------
Without further ado, I will let them speak for themselves:
Hey Teen Top! Can't wait to have you back! Aaaaand opening SBS Gayo Daejun 2010 and seeing you dance battle with ZE:A no less. Yiiiiikes. Dancing boy Ricky, I hope you are ready to take magnae Dongjun on!
And MBLAQ, boy oh boy have I been worried - I thought I may never see you again. I was getting myself ready to write to Rain oppa or something, ask what the hell is going on. But now you are being looked after by JYP? Oh god, if he touches you I will kill him, mark my words. Not a single hair on your head (unless it's Thunder's...).
SHINee, literally shining Key, star of David. Cannot wait to see a full on Johnny's style bonanza, but actually done fashionably!! (As I can't sign into Tumblr at home this was also my way of reblogging, Bunny).
I think that this is going to be a very happy new year. Roll on the New Year Performance Spectaculars, all three of them!
Lastly, my new years resolution 1# To neglect Nunas less.
새해 복 많이 받으세요 seh heh bok mahn ee bahd euh sae yo Happy new year!
Basically, Bunny and I had big ideas for our evenings, we honestly did, but then we got chatting, exchanging videos, and before we knew it, we were deep in a whirlpool of related videos. I'm not even going to try to claim that they were things we had never seen before - for most of them we have. But this makes them no less joyous upon viewing. And there were certainly a few I hadn't seen at least.
It all started with a viewing of the maknae line covering Orange Caramel on one of the numerous Chuseok specials out this week. Quite innocent, with some fabulous Dongho (UKISS) and Dongjun (ZE:A) action, sadly Sungjong (Infinite) may have been a little too much, but over all a bloody good show. But as we basqued in this glory, the memories came flooding back, aided but discussions of TRAX and Oh! My goodness. Memories of what I hear you ask, well, of Heechul and Jungmo...(note Heechul sticking out his tongue afterwards)
So obviously, we both wanted to reminisce about the wonderful fan video, compiled but a most dedicated netizen, of Heechul's rainbow history. A whole 4:20 worth. "I'm in heaven when you kiss me" - I'll bet it's what they all say, for sure.
Heechul gets so much stick, or at least he used to, about being a bit too keen on the boy love, but I am here to run to his defence. Seriously S. Korea, what the hell do you expect! The games you "force" (I'm sure it's not really) these boys to play. They already live together, sleep together (in the same dorm), what more do they have to give? Their dignity too? I'd say so.
So, I ask, what is the name of this game?
"Kiss me darling, kiss me tonight....stay by my side, stay here a while". Just look at it, look at it from the outset, some fab Khun X Wooyoung action. The lady dancing around in joy - it is me, it is a projection of myself. Over spilling with unfettered delight! I think it may be the Christmas jumpers that knocks it over the edge. Boys in knit, with greaseproof paper...the mind boggles.
I think in England we call this "Suck and Blow", no? I can assure you that this is no festive one off though, I'm not clinging at straws here. All the kids are doing it these days!
So, as you may have guessed, it really has been a busy evening. I even got taught about a game that I never knew existed...
"Rip the paper" game? Well, OK then. To be honest, I've never really thought much of ZE:A, but as of tonight I will be thinking of them a lot more. I think I may even have to attempt learning their names. Same goes for F.Cuz.
Really, my absolute favourite games are when they decide to mix the groups up a little, like on Shin PD(R.I.P). You can only imagine my delight when, just as we have decided enough is enough, ZE:A and UKISS combo pop up on my screen playing yet more un-namable games. And such a fun looking game. It would almost work for Halloween, something I'm getting pretty excited about.
The more K-popped costuming I see the better. Bunny has merely wet my palate!
In all honesty this was a last attempt to 'save' an evening from lacked productivity. I know I will regret this tomorrow when the BL haze has cleared. But right now, I feel just like Kim Jae Wook, and I had to let it all out.
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 romanticsettings 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.
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.
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 morningyesterday 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:
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?
screw face
aegyo
puppy love
charm of the boy next door
♥ Puppy in a papoose ♥
