MBLAQ in Japan

Originally posted at my personal blog Bunny Bissoux. so the tone might not be at full on NunasKnowBest intensity and only beginners level k-pop comprehension needed.

The time that I was in Japan just so happened to be the same time that one of my most beloved Korean groups were having their Japanese debut.  My k-pop trained eye spotted advertisements and promotions in a few places and I had a heartwarming holy MBLAQ moment in the AM/PM convenience store when I heard a familiar song playing but I couldn't remember who it was, I was thinking "oh this song is really great... who is it again... it sounds like a Johnny's song but... better... a really good Johnny's song... its not NEWS is it??... who can it be?... i've heard it before... wait ... a .... minute... it's MBLAQ, yes! j-pop MBLAQ ! yes!" and then I realised I had been stood static with a creepy smile on my face and chocolate biscuit snack in hand for the duration of the song. Its possible I was swaying, who knows.

You see i'm very happy with MBLAQ's tactic for debuting on Japanese shores, all the previous K-pop groups to head further East either release a Japanese version of their big K-pop hits like Kara-Mister, Girls Generation - Gee etc (which is fine, it just means no new songs) or they try to 'tone down' the K-pop and conform to some of the less wonderful traits of J-pop such as watery ballad pop, awful synth use, all white outfits in a white space and unnecessary twinkling sounds (for example that horrible ZE:A song, the majority of Tohoshinki/JYJ, and most recently SHU-I...).

MBLAQ have gone for a new option, adapting their own 'chic-dol' dance style for J-pop but actually having a good song and keeping to the fundamental success and appeal of their group dynamic. One negative thing of note is that it seems that wherever MBLAQ go, then can never escape some disappointing satin stage clothes. The subtle use of a vampire gimmick is also appreciated, there just aren't enough concept looks in South Korea right now, everyone is trying so hard to look flawlessly pretty they're completely overlooking the opportunity for themed pirate/sailor/cowboy/farmhand/whatever promotions.

MBLAQ even had some kind of meet and greet handshake event in Osaka right when I was in Osaka! Obviously I would love to tell you that I was there, and that I held Seungho's hand for an extraordinarily long time whilst we stared into each others eyes and fell uncontrollably in love, or a variation of that story with Joon, G.O or Mir... (in order of preference) sadly not, I was somewhere else in Osaka oblivious to the relative proximity of MBLAQ. I found out about the event a day too late, and in fact I also got the date of release wrong and strolled up to Tower Records to buy the CD only to find it SOLD OUT from the day before (they later restocked and put up the special promotional header - see above), and then they made it to number 2 on the Oricon Chart! which is a pretty big deal in Japan so well done MBLAQ, well done indeed.

Now i'm back to my usual K-pop stalking internet access and I've been watching them promote on Japanese TV shows, which I could have been watching live, if only I knew! Although if I had it would have undoubtedly spoiled the latter part of my trip and the wonderful hospitality of a dear friend when I refused all social interaction and demanded to stay home commandeering the television set. So, its probably all for the best really. Just like its probably for the best that I found out too late to do anything about getting tickets to go and see 2PM perform in Osaka whilst I was there... or Big Bang even... probably for the best,  that's what I keep on telling myself.   Y_Y

Here's MBLAQ on breakfast TV with a short version of "Your Luv" and some struggling Japanese. I know i'm biased in my continued dislike of Thunder, but really, Thunder fans, tell me if i'm wrong but that haircut was a TERRIBLE decision. So much awkward bowing でも、かっこいですね！！

- BUNNY

K-POP Book Club - A Literary Review with life lessons

This is not current news or relevant to anything in particular aside from me stumbling across the screen captures in a untidy folder of all kinds of forgotten and unwritten blog post fodder. I'd even edited the screen captures together already, in a "here's one I made earlier" type affair.

Super Junior's Miracle Show (aka "Human Network Super Junior’s Miracle") was a TV show broadcast in 2009 presented by Super Junior members Leeteuk, Shindong, Eunhyuk and apparently also Sungmin and Kangin (although 2009 was when Kangin met some trouble with the law... and Sungmin isn't in the only episode i've seen).  The premise of the show is SuJu "plant hopes and dreams for teenagers troubled with hardship by giving them support and encouragement" and find role-models and mentors for these trouble youths (I'm guessing bar fights and hit & run accusations didn't make Kangin the ideal role model...)

I'm not sure if it always follows the same formula, but the feeling I got was this is still very much an idol variety show, with amusing talk segments, silly games and challenges with the added heartwarming sentiment and human life story angle thrown in their for good measure. It's also interesting becasue Leeteuk, Shindong and Eunhyuk are the MCs, there's no comedians and comediennes shoved in to bulk up the numbers or help out with some amateur idol hosting,  of course this is because those three are basically pros, successful radio shows, years of tv experience (compared to current influx of rookie groups stumbling over their cue cards) and they even have their regular comedy "Teukigayo" spot on "Strong Heart" (another very popular celebrity talk/variety show) - I suppose wisdom and experience really do come with age, but i'd like to think SuJu are just naturally gifted. If only Heechul had been there.

Ok the real reason I chose the watch this show was because the other idol guests were MBLAQ, SHINee and Brown Eyed Girls. Its rare and exciting enough to get a fourway idol group interaction but somehow this combination struck me as a MUST SEE situation, despite the fact that all of them are missing a member during filming. In case you're wondering, BEG's Ga-in is filming elsewhere, MBLAQ's Joon is sick with a cold (why oh why couldn't it have been Thunder...) oh poor Joonie, at least they let him have a day off as this was 2009 when MBLAQ are relatively newbies (they have to give full rookie style member introductions) not like these days where the poor boy works through his insomnia, casually mentions he's bipolar, performs a day after a random vomiting fit and falls off a stage during and elaborate twirl (he's had a tough time) and finally SHINee are missing Minho (sorry but its not the greatest loss, its not like they're filming Dream Team) as he's at school - nice to know they make it their sometimes.

After some introductions and the mandatory promotional dance performance we meet the first kid who wants to be a news reporter. Everyone is on their best behavior for his 5 minute interview and giving encouraging nods and sympathetic "ahhs" to his story and his good grades and good intentions and after imposing on him a forced dance lesson of Brown Eyed Girl's Abracadabra "hip dance" the entire cast unites in a "HWAITING!" cry and promises to find him a suitable mentor, before sending him on his way for now.

Time for an idol talk segment and really, its a good one.  "scholarship quiz" - "it raises your IQ!" oh really?! Discussion time - Narsha define's "mentor" for us, Taemin describes the programme we're watching for us, and then something I really did not see coming ...

"What book became a mentor for you?" 

Now I don't want to undermine anyone's intelligence here, but I had never considered a k-pop literary review appearing in a tv show,  i'm still coming to terms with seeing T.O.P reading / holding a copy of and pretending to read "Mama Makes Up Her Mind" in the "Knockout" video:

Whether or not he can read that is besides the point, its a hip hop video and that screen shot above is promoting two things, firstly - MCM Luxury monogram leather goods, and secondly - LITERACY.  Way to go T.O.P.

Anyway back to the Miracle Show.  BEG's Miryo talks about a book called "You're Lonely, Aren't You" which helped her through a difficult time in her mid twenties and gave her hope. Now we turn our attention to Mir. What kind of books does Mir read?

Mir reads Death Note, an excellent manga of course, but what valuable lesson has Mir learned from the teachings of Death Note?

I see.  Let's move on...  but not before a quick joke at the expense of G.O and his creepy debut image, moustache and all:

G.O then introduces his mentor book Lee Oisoo's "Even women don't know women" which despite its title is apparently about "how people can become poets through tough ordeals". MBLAQ fans may recall the group actually go visit Oisoo at his home in their first reality show, so I wasn't too surprised by G.O's poetic revelations. And as the cast imply,  he's got a moustache, he looks a bit like an author, so y'know, he probably reads and stuff.

As for SHINee, this is when things started to get interesting...

Key starts us off in full Mother Teresa mode talking about Kim Hyeja's "don't hurt them even with a flower" that helped him to overcome an attitude problem, realise he was a happy person and worry about all the helpless children in the world.  God bless you Saint Key.

Is your mind blown yet?

Taemin chimes in with "I read Bernard Werber's - les papillion des etoiles" (I looked it up, French philosophical science fiction, I don't think its been translated into English, just french - korean..), I would love to know if this is a set text at school or something he just picked out for himself on his weekly sunday browse at the bookstore,  either way, Minnie has some brilliant philosophical advice for us all:

The wisdom of a 16 year old pop star. Justin Bieber doesn't even know where Germany is and Taemin's gaining life lessons from French Sci-Fi. You lose Bieber.

Of course Jonghyun reminisces about reading Kafka in high school, i'm not even making this up... and still somehow they manage to turn it around to talking about perving on a girl's bathroom...

Finally what is Onew reading at the moment? Jo Hyeryeon's "Future Diary" (Korean comedienne) and of course he too is learning valuable lessons about modern society,  and in particular such a heartfelt message of optimism:

He is then made to deliver a video message to his future self and then book club is over.  I was going to stop the post here but I feel like you also need to know about the idol's troubles segment, or at least you need to know that Key admits to being a bitch on national TV:

Please be my friend Key, please. I don't even mind if you phone me up and tell me i'm fat like you did to Nicole. I know you're just being honest, and that's why I love you.

Shindong gives Key some great advice that he puts to use, kind of relunctantly, later in the show - basically Shindong suggests any criticism of a girl can be smoothed over if you end it with "...but you're still pretty", when the second average normal person youth looking for a mentor arrives she tells us she wants to be come a Herbal Doctor, "one who combines intellect with looks" priceless Key cuts in with "just go for intellect..." Shindong prompts him "and..." and Key finishes "...but you're still pretty".   GOLD DUST MOMENT.

You think this program is over now? they just go off in two teams and look for a mentor for these kids? no no no. This is South Korea and that would be no fun, they must play "Sudden Wealth Jump Rope" - "Let's Earn our Travel Allowance", charades whilst skipping rope to amass petrol money for their bus trips to find the mentors...  yup.  You should probably watch this for yourself, i'll just mention highlights include Taemin's dance animal impersonations and a questionable action as G.O mimes Lord of the Rings.  I'll admit I didnt even look for the next episode to see if they found any mentors for these kids and helped them with their dreams,  I kinda felt like this show wasn't really going to surpass its own brilliance of k-pop book club, Baby Dino reads Kafka and SuJu/SHINee/MBLAQ/BEG skipping games.     and Key you can be such a bitch... but you're still pretty.

You can watch the entire episode I watched here in parts 1 2 3 4 5 (book reviews in 2 & 3, skipping charades in 4 & 5)

- BUNNY

A lesson in Korean honorifics.

"Ssi" (씨) pronounced "shi" is attached to the end of a person's full name (or first name if you are friendly with them) if they are of equal social / speech level to you. Used very similarly to "san" in Japanese language.

For example: "tomorrow Jessica-ssi and I are going on a double date with KimJaewook-ssi and No Minwoo-ssi"    (just a random example that sprang to mind...)

or "my favourite members of MBLAQ are YangSeungho-ssi and LeeJoon-ssi"

LeeJoon-ssi  & Seungho-ssi.  Extremely relevant photograph.

LeeJoon-ssi.  Lee Joon-ssi. Say it with a Korean accent. eee-jooon-she. ijhoonshe. isn't she. 

LeeJoon-ssi lovely,  LeeJoon-ssi wonderful.

Now let's try singing it to the tune of "Isn't she lovely" by Stevie Wonder 

♪ ♫ ♪ ♫ LeeJoon-ssi lovely ~~ LeeJoon-ssi wonderful ~~ ♪ ♫ ♪ ♫♫

and now lets all sing it together and have beautiful blonde Joon-ssi dance around and then slide down a child's slide in the corner of the classroom set.... really....

Thank you South Korea,  thank you.

I think that come close to rivaling "Seungho - God of Eating" for best video existing on the internet today, but I can't be sure of anything right now.

- BUNNY

Your request for one more try was successful!

In (public) response to your "verdict please" request Bunny, the official answer is yes. For reference and in case anyone else reads this, this was in relation to my thoughts on what occurs at 1:35 of this video. I.e.

For a bit of extra context I should let you know that both Bunny and I have an oddly ambivalent feeling about Thunder, a.k.a. Cheondung of MBLAQ. I probably have always liked him a bit more than Bunny, mostly due to the influence of a certain K-sensei. I guess my rule when he debuted was that he had to be wearing the hat. Without the hat was out of the question, with his horrid spiked-on-top footballer's hair.
After watching him learn yoga in Raising the idol last year though I definitely warmed to him. Nevertheless, he has always remained last place in my personal fantasy MBLAQ line-up.
But it seems that Again, and its aptly phrased lyrics, have bought new hope:

Try-y-y-y-(Try) No matter how many times I bump
Try-y-y-y-(Try) even if it becomes my last time
My closed heart and my hidden love
it can no longer be patient
Try, Try even if I forget you and forget you
Try, Try even if it rips my chest and rips
Bye, Bye
But, Give me, Give me one mo’ try
Try-y-y-y- Try-y-y-y-

Really, when I look at it objectively, Thunder's hair is the best it has ever been, and his shirt lifting antics reveal what is near on identical to that which lies beneath Lee Joon's lovely knitwear at this very point in time.

I cannot deny it, it has to be a YES.

Seungho eating follow up.

Following on from my post the other day, I present to you the greatest video existing on youtube today,, Yang Seungho eating food: 

*ROUND OF APPLAUSE PLEASE*

Thank you the internet.

- BUNNY

2000 + heaven (= 2011)

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!

Happy Haroween!

With the awe-inspiring abundance of aigo (cuteness) in the K-popping world, I feel that I am hard pushed to present you with any top-notch horror frights or teen-terrors (and I mean that purely in the theatrical sense). We occasionally do get to enjoy the gothic delights of our part time princes of darkness, but sadly not often enough if you ask me. To be honest some days there are few things that could thrill me more than vamped-up 2AM or zombified 2PM. Anyways, I have gathered just a few things that made me go more "Ohhh" or "Ahh" than "Wahhhhh", but I guess I will claim a lose and rather vague Halloween theme.

Need I tell you that this is, of course, the party I ventured to last night. Obviously I don't need to mention how, as I entered the room, Taec took great joy in 'sucking my blood' as some form of dramatically enacted initiation-type ceremony.

2NE1 were there too, Dara with her super fierce hair and CL with epically feathered hunch on.

Ki Kwang popped along for a bit after recording too, and did some touching with his hands. Maybe I should say we all played the game where one person wears a blindfold and they must rely on their sense of touch alone to guess who the person posited opposite them is...


Junhyung accompanied him too. Again, he was just working with what he'd got. These boys and their busy schedules!!

Taemin snuck his head round the door. And I should tell you that he won best costume hands down.

I think that these boys may have run out of time with getting ready... I guessed they were going for the sasquatch look? No prizes for this one.

As 2PM were indeed the hosts of the party, they decided to do a special stage once everyone had arrived and was in full swing. Let's just imagine that they were inspired by Daesung, as the carried out their very own mini-performance of Cats.

However, let's just say that some of the other guests thought they could do better. And what is Halloween without thriller anyway?

So with Kwang with his 'American pelvic thrust' and crotch cupping, Taemin with his robot-inspired jerks and limp waves, Chansung and Wooyoung trying to steal back the show and finally Minzy showing us all how it's really done, we got right back on the party track.

And then it started getting late into the night, so the 'entertainment' arrived... Yes they appeared jumping out of the box, and it was a duo performance none of us would have wanted to miss...

Need I say that it was the best party that could have followed on from my birthday, and we danced and danced until our feet could hold us up no more. It was a sleepover though, all the best parties are, so 2PM took the lead once again in getting ready for bed - and they watched over us like this until we fell to sleep.

I worry that I may have failed to describe anything of any real scary substance here whatsoever. I guess it just goes to show that some of the worst fears we all face are in the real world of K, and not the imaginary costumed one. コワイ！

Show me your lips

Yikes, MBLAQ. It's not even your comeback hit and I love it. I will rock on, rock on, show you my lips, lips and anything else really! Such a great intro by Thunder - I knew we were on a winner from the synth alone, but then "This is how we do.." - no "it", too cool for school. Reminds me of T.O.P's, "I wish it weren't so." In fact, the whole intro is super:

"Yeah, this is how we do,
yeah, rock on, rock on, ohhh yeah,
Hey girl, you know,
Just wanna kiss your lips.
Show me your love.
Show me your lips.
Can I kiss you?"

Well, when you ask for forcefully, I may even say yes to you Thunder. There are plenty of "saranghae's" in this song, and it is literally peppered with the best English snippets!!! A fab sign on any K-hit favourite of mine. I don't need or want to understand anything much - this is more than fine:

"You never know
ㅅㄷㅌㄷㅎㅂㅍㅍㄷㅅㅊㅇㅎ
Show me your lips, lips
ㅍㅍㅇㅈㅂㄱㅍvㅅㄷㅂㅎㄴㄷ
You never know
ㄷㅍㅍㅂㅅㅂvㅌ빋vㅌ빌턽ㅅ
Let my kiss, kiss"

And the bit that sounds like "nom nom nom nom" soon after this is amazing, truly devouring.

Such a happy morning!!
And just in case the song is not enough, you get a CF for each individual too!!
(in only a vague order...)
Seungho
Mir
Joon
Thunder
G.O. (who is even willing to apply it for you)

And the B-side isn't even bad! I think in this one it's "Lady, I just want to get your lips."

What was the name of that game?

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!

And, then there's this game:

Variation on a theme? Cleverly titled "Passing the card game", but this isn't fooling anyone I don't think! And, it's not even as if this is a recent thing.

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.

Sorry unnie!

お久しぶり。

Golly has it been too long. So long that the fear has set in. How to start, what to say - I need a big important post because it has been so long, too long.

Having lacked consistent internet for almost 6 weeks, I feel blighted with a patchy and un-up-to-date awareness of what is most important to me in this world. I was almost two days late to see my first screening of SHINee Lucifer, and god knows how long over due my first live performance viewing of Se7en feat. T.O.P Digital bounce was (which finally came shamefully in the company of non-sympathisers - the pain of it). I have a gap of at least 4 Khuntoria episodes, and I have only just cleared the backlog of my 1000+ google (k-pop) reader, half the videos I am so desperate to study no longer active. Woe is me. From here on out I will be a better yeodongsang, Unnie, I promise.
With the excuse that I currently only have the use of my fathers pre-historic laptop, lacking screen shot/video download facility, the dilema of what to post is heightened. Feeling the need to comment on so many things all at once, and as a result gargling and choking on my own over-enthusiastic thoughts/words, a catch-up run down is, I think, my best option. So, please dont mind my lack of in-depth analytical spirit - you can always rely on Bunny for the best and most thorough modes of education anyway.

In no particular order, here are some things that have delighted me most in my painfully drawn out weeks long hiatus:

The SHINee Lascoste shoot. Wow, just wow. I want to put in all the pictures - I shalln't, but boy oh boy is it tempting. Instead, I have opted for the one which blew my mind most substantially. There is no Taeminnie, I hear you say. But for me this was one of those occassions where Onew once again stole the show.

I'd say that Key and Minho are really just here for good measure. I like the dog leash-esque set up a lot. I think it's good for Minho.

Really, if we want to talk about some good Minho, then he we are:

I feel that I can confidently say, Minho at his best.

How? Why? did I discover what 'Oh mona FFAF' (live journal Oh mona they didnt free for all Friday's) really meant so late in the day ---- the best excuse to post GIFs, images, videos, you name it, forty plus pages worth, for no reason other than that you love it! Basically, let's just call this post my personal FFA.

Something else to be had from the real FFAF then, hand picked by Bunny herself:

Cloak + Taemin + Bike = perfection.

I will take that this is the same era as Minho's bowl, Juliette or JoJo maybe, and run with it. This is not to say that I don't love them now, but just to ensure we don't forget our roots, and their fabulous pasts.

Now, I know I'm no F. Cuz fan (heaven knows I wish I could be), but I couldn't let this slide away unnoticed. Call me fickle, shallow, unethical, I have no pride. But forget their terrible music (sorry bunny) and F. Cuz (focus), and look, just look:

Taken from I love pets, maybe the best k-concept for a programme ever. Flawless boys kissing small costumed mammals. This can't be my official reason for liking a band, can it? I am willing with my whole heart that the next mini-album has at least something that I can work with. I just need something, anything, to musically justify my 'liking' this band.

I'm also looking forward to something new from U-Kiss soon, and I'm really hoping that they pull a BEAST style Shock comeback out of the bag. We need something drastically new, I feel - I hope you are listening diligently Eli. Or maybe, if that is too much to ask, can we just have something like this?

And if they were always eating, and never talking, then maybe we could forget about the problematic pitch of their voices?

Back to SHINee again, I just can't keep away, they have truly be excelling themseleves of late. So many images and GIFs I want to archive here, so that they are NEVER lost.

:

and then theres this:

A summer holiday I dream of having. Imagine Key's snaps. The amount of nude male torso's on his film would surely deserve a look.

and did I mention how much I liked this?

The ever zealous Minho, with fully recovered pins.

Or this?

Welcome to my Korean post-punk dream.

and lastly, this?

Exquisite bowl movement. This slow-mo GIF satisfies me to the extent Muybridge's Running horse probably did the Victorians.

But, to be honest with you, SuJu have also been doing a really great job of late:

But why would they then go and cut this fringe off you Donghae, WHY?!

And my new favourite Maknae to confirm his place, adding to the long list, is none other than Kyuhyun:

His ShinPD performance pretty much made my week. The fear in his eyes and self reference to himself as hospital boy, in combat with MBLAQ’s Muscle Boy.

There has also been a lot of love between the members, some healthy skinship, which never fails to warm my heart:

And to be honestly, Eunhyuk just seems to be sexually abounding these days:

All has been a little to quiet on the 2AM front for my liking, but a few things have come up which has raised a smile:

Jinswoon rocking the ever hot onew-esque comb over. I wish I could say that it is just the hairstyle, but we all know this would be a lie.

Seulong, just SO LONG!

Thankfully, 2PM have been slightly more active these past few weeks and they have enjoyed a few photoshoots of note:

I never thought I could appreciate such jogging attire to this extent. Maybe the quiff helps?

And this is probably one of my all time dreamteam bands:

Junho on drums, OF COURSE. But let's not get me started on drummers, let's not even approach that pandoras box just yet.

Wooyoung as a cat. I told you, boys and small animals - any combo works.

So, yes, everyone has been working hard this summer, working up a sweat, and not least of all Big Bang, with their new Japanese release. Though my nerves are nearing their wits end awaiting the new full length Korean album, which was originally for 'this summer', I would be lying if I didn't admit the Japanese single, Beautiful Hangover, wasn't a wonderful concelation. And of course all the outstanding Japanese interviews and TV performances that have come along with it. T.O.P and GD's Japanese pretty much has my on my knees. Not wanting to go into too much detail on this, or the songs, this being an overview and all, and me feeling slightly late on the subject, let's just watch what I feel to be THE most important shoot of the summer, which just managed to pip Lacoste to the post:

There are no words.

Finally, let's wrap up with a little MBLAQ, just for good measure. Old news to everyone else, but not to me, Seungho and Mir's English:

Obviously with sound is best, but really, you must concentrate on these expressions too.

So these would be just some of the things I would have posted and expanded upon in the recent weeks. Please accept this as my apology.

To close, round up if you will, my top 3 news items:

1. Sungmin's (SuJu) sick ink - I never suspected he had it in him! And just look at this voile (Bunny, think Antique):

2. The Human Centipede has just hit cinema screens here in England. But you know what I'd rather see surgically conjoined (mouth to anus) to be one MBLAQ super-being:

3. L. Joe (Teen Top) is going to be in Mnet Scandal (dating programme)!! Now, honestly, they are just asking for trouble:

It has been a pretty great few weeks I'd say, at least in the world of K. I will leave you with my favourite headline of the whole summer.

Anyeong