Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Managing Stress
Stress is a normal part of life and usually comes from everyday occurrences. Here are some ways you can deal with everyday sources of stress.
1) ELIMINATE AS MANY SOURCES Of STRESS AS YOU CAN
For example, if crowds bother you, go to the supermarket when you know the lines won't be too long. Try renting videotape rather going to crowded movie theaters. Clear up the clutter in your life that get in your way. A garage sale is one effective way to do this.
2) IF YOU ARE ALWAYS RUNNING LATE, SIT DOWN WITH A PENCIL AND PAPER AND SEE HOW YOU ARE ACTUALLY ALLOTTING YOUR TIME
Say it takes you 40 minutes to go to work. Are you leaving your house on time? You may be able to solve your problem (and de-stress your life a bit) just by realistic. If you can't find the time for all the activities that are important to you, maybe you are trying to do too much. Again, make a list of what you do during the day and how much each activity takes. Then cut back.
3) AVOID PREDICTABLY STRESSFUL SITUATIONS
If a certain sport or game makes you tense (whether it's tennis or bridge), decline the invitation to play. After all, the point of these activities is to have a good time, If you know you won't there's no reasons to play.
4) IF YOU CAN'T REMOVE THE STRESS, REMOVE YOURSELF
Slip away once in a whole for some private time. These quiet moments may give you a fresh perspective on your problems. Avoids stressful people. For example, if you don;t get along with your father-in-law but don't want to make an issue of it, invite other in-laws at the same time you invite him. Having other people around will absorb some of the pressure you would normally feel.
5) TRY DOING ONLY ONE THING AT A TIME
For example, when you're ridding your exercise bike, you don't have to listen to radio or watch television.
6) LABOR-SAVING DEVICES, SUCH AS CELLULAR PHONES OR COMPUTER HOOKUPS, OFTEN ENCOURAGE US TO CRAM TOO MANY ACTIVITIES INTO EACH DAY
Before you buy a new equipment, be sure that it will really improve your life. Be aware that taking care of an equipment and getting it repaired can be stressful.
7) COMPETING WITH OTHERS,WHETHER IN ACCOMPLISHMENTS, APPEARANCE, OR POSSESSIONS IS AN AVOIDABLE SOURCE OF STRESS
You might know people who do all they can to provoke envy in others. While it may seem easy to say you should be satisfied with that you have, it's truth. Stress from this kind of jealousy is self-inflicted.
8) REMEMBER, SOMETIMES IT'S OKAY TO DO NOTHING
9) IF YOU SUFFER FROM INSOMNIA, HEADACHES, RECURRING COLDS, OR STOMACH UPSETS, CONSIDER WHETHER STRESS IS PART OF THE PROBLEM
Being chronically angry, frustrated, or apprehensive can deplete your physical resources.
10) IF YOU FEEL STRESS (OR ANYTHING ELSE) IS GETTING THE BETTER OF YOU, SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP- A DOCTOR OR THERAPIST.
Early signs of excess stress are loss of loss of a sense of well-being and reluctance to get up in the morning to face another day.
11) IF YOU THINKS YOUR INTEREST CAN REDUCE YOUR STRESS, JUST DO IT
For example, you love all about K-Pop and Korea. Just do it. Listen their music or watch their MV, variety show or Korean Drama. Share with your friends that have same interest with you.
Monday, November 26, 2012
BEAST - Midnight
Midnight is another favourite song of mine.. just lovely..
Romanized (with individual parts):
[DooJoon] Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
I wanna sleep tonight
In the Midnight, Midnight, Midnight
[DongWoon] Geudaeneun eotteongayo
Gakkeumeun nareul saenggakhan jeok innayo
I gin bame dasi nuneul gamgo
Geudael saenggakhago jamdeulji motago
Geuraeyo
[HyunSeung] Jogeum yunanhi gineyo geudae eomneun bami
Aswiwojineyo geuttae bonaen geu nari deo~
[DooJoon] Gyesok mudyeojigetjyo jeomjeom ichyeojigetjyo
[DongWoon] Eonjenganeun geudaega
[GiKwang] Jami oji annneun bam
So sad tonight
Geudaewa hamkkehal su eomneun i bam
In the Midnight-igh-ight
Midnight-ight
Ni saenggage jam mot deuneun Midnight
[YoSeob] Dasi chajaon i bam
So sad tonight
Geudaega eobsi dasi matneun i bam
In the Midnight-igh-ight
Midnight-ight
Niga eobsi jam mot deuneun Midnight
[JunHyung] Nungamatda tteuneun saiboda deo ppareuge nal chajawatda tteonaga beorin sarang dangsin
You can‘’t do this to me
Chungbunhada chungbunhae geuman jom haera nal apeuge naege miryeoniran ireume bameun kkeutnaji anha
[HyunSeung] Da jinan yaegi dasi hago sipjin anchiman
Naega geudael manhi johahagin haenna bwayo~
[DooJoon] Gyesok saenggangnagetjyo deo geuriwojigetjyo
[DongWoon] Sigani jinalsurok
[GiKwang] Jami oji annneun bam
So sad tonight
Geudaewa hamkkehal su eomneun i bam
In the Midnight-igh-ight
Midnight-ight
Ni saenggage jam mot deuneun Midnight
[YoSeob] Dasi chajaon i bam
So sad tonight
Geudaega eobsi dasi matneun i bam
In the Midnight-igh-ight
Midnight-ight
Niga eobsi jam mot deuneun Midnight
[JunHyung] Jeogi banjjagineun Little star
Nal wirohaejura
Gidael got hana eobsi sseureojineun oneul bam
[DongWoon] Jeogi banjjagineun Little star
Nal wirohaejura
Gidael got hana eobsi sseureojineun
[DooJoon] Byeol heneun bam
Gyejeori jina
Jogeumssik dallajyeoganeun i bam
Hajiman nan
Yeojeonhi nan jam mot irun bam
[YoSeob] Dasi chajaon i bam
So sad tonight
Geudaega eobsi dasi matneun i bam
In the Midnight-igh-ight
Midnight-ight
Niga eobsi jam mot deuneun Midnight
[DooJoon] Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na
I wanna sleep tonight
In the Midnight, Midnight, Midnight
English Translation:
How about you? Do you ever think of me sometimes?
On this long night, I close my eyes again
As I think of you, I can’t go to sleep
It’s especially a bit longer, this night without you
I’m getting sadder about the day I let you go
You will become buried, you will become forgotten
Someday
* A sleepless night, so sad tonight
This night that I can’t be with you
In the midnight a a a midnight
At thoughts of you, I can’t go to sleep at midnight
** This night that came again, so sad tonight
This night I face without you
In the midnight a a a midnight a
You’re not here so I can’t go to sleep at midnight
Faster than my eyes blinking, love came to me
Then left me – you can’t do this to me
Enough, it’s enough – stop hurting me so much
This night isn’t ending because of this lingering attachment
I don’t want to talk about things that have passed but
I guess I really liked you a lot
I keep thinking of you, I keep missing you more
As time goes by
* A sleepless night, so sad tonight
This night that I can’t be with you
In the midnight a a a midnight
At thoughts of you, I can’t go to sleep at midnight
** This night that came again, so sad tonight
This night I face without you
In the midnight a a a midnight a
You’re not here so I can’t go to sleep at midnight
The twinkling little stars, please comfort me
Without a place to lean on, I break down on this night
The twinkling little stars, please comfort me
Without a place to lean on, I break down
The star-counting nights, the seasons pass and the nights change too
But it’s still the same sleepless night
** This night that came again, so sad tonight
This night I face without you
In the midnight a a a midnight a
You’re not here so I can’t go to sleep at midnight
Credit
Hangul: pop!gasa
Romanization: starraecer @ princessoftea.wordpress.com
Translation: pop!gasa
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Innocent Man @ Nice Guy
Title : Innocent Man/Nice Guy
Country: South Korea
Type: Drama
Network: KBS2
Aired: September 12, 2012 to November 15, 2012
Number of Episodes : 20
Genres: Melodrama, Romance
Cast: Song Joong-ki, Moon Chae-won, Park Si-yeon, Kwang Soo, Lee Yoo-bi, Kim Young-cheol....
Synopsis
The drama is a melodrama which depicts the story of a man called Kang Ma Roo (Song Joong Ki) who has been hurt by a woman he loves called Han Jae Hee (Park Si Yeon) and how he continues his own life by using several women. He sacrificed his well being for his girlfriend only to be dumped by her for another man. Then, he sets off to take revenge on her. He approaches Seo Eun Gi (Moon Chae Won), the daughter of the chaebol group executive in order to execute his revenge.
Trailer:
Opinion:
I don’t know where to start in order to express my feeling towards this drama. If you manage to watch it from beginning till the end , then you will understand how I feel.The word that comes to my mind is “DAEBAK! ”.
Overall: Innocent Man or Nice Guy is not ordinary love story that you see nowadays, because the leading characters both are smart, not easily fooled around and they both having strong personality. You will love them ,no matter how intense and cruel the situations were.
From the very beginning , this drama has good pace. While watching it, I wonder,if we do need to sacrifice so much for someone we love? However, the story line justified my question.
Acting: Song Joong Ki as Kang Ma Roo, is well known for his cuteness ( If you watched Sungkyunkwan Scandal, you know why I said that) . However, I was surprised on how well he transformed into the character of Maru in the Innocent Man. The coldness in his eyes, changed my perceptions toward him. He is talented and was flawless in his acting, His acting in seeking revenges against someone he loves so much was so raw. Things were too complicated on how he endured mixed feelings, but yet he never fails to convinced me "Maru".
Moon Chae Won as Seo Eun Gi also succeeded in portraying a smart, arrogant, and stubborn young lady and the only daughter of Taesan Group owner. She is an awesome girl who can be in any personalities and she did it well, funny thing about her, no matter how rude and harsh she is but I bet you still love her for being bold and strong.
Park Si Yeon as Han Jae Hee also doing very good in acting although I hate her character in this drama but she succeeds for being ‘femme fatale” in this drama. Her character confusing me from the start. I tried to understand her but I’m still confused about her true feelings toward others.
Supporting roles like Jae Gil , the funniest, Choco the warmest, Attorney Park the shy ones and Attorney Ahn, the mysterious lawyer on earth were all fitted in perfectly .
Friday, November 16, 2012
Music for Soul
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
G-Dragon- One Of A Kind
G-Dragon(Kwon Ji Yong) is arguably one of the most colorful idols in K-pop today, both literally and personality-wise. Having led Big Bang to become an immensely popular group both in South Korea and overseas, GD ( is known for his musical talent in composing and lyric arrangement, his rapping, and of course, his signature style. He released his debut solo album, Heartbreaker, in 2009, and returned his focus to group activities soon after. So, it’s not wonder that V.I.Ps were nearly falling out of their chairs with excitement when GD’s solo comeback was announced earlier this year.
G-Dragon - One Of A Kind- 1st Mini Album
Release Date: 2012.09.14
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap
Language: Korean
The word on the street was that One Of A Kind was going to be very hip-hop-centric, but after all the trolling YG has done this year on the K-pop scene, I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this release. One thing was immediately clear to me upon listening to the first track on the mini, aptly titled “One of A Kind”: the direction GD had chosen for this set of songs was vastly different from Heartbreaker‘s direction. Instead of trying to fuse electro pop and his raps together, he chose to put the electronic aspects of his music on the back burner and worked his songs from another angle, focusing instead on hip-hop elements and acoustic melodies that really made his lyrics shine.
“Crayon,” GD’s follow-up track to “One Of A Kind,” is a complete 180 from the style he had adopted for the title song. Energetic to the point of disorganization, “Crayon” is filled with electronic beats and one-liners that seemed overwhelming when I first listened to it (but perhaps the colorful music video complete with GD in girl form contributed to that). As fun as “Crayon” tries to be, I just feel like it missed the mark by a little bit. The synthase in the background and all the sound effects layered on GD’s raps distracted me from his voice and it just felt like too much to handle at once. I did like the wordplay though; “Why so serious?” is one of my favorite lines in English from K-pop right now and I can’t help but picture GD with his sassy expression when performing this every time I heard it.
After the semi-hot mess that was “Crayon,” GD slows things down with a ballad, “In The End,” featuring YG’s new girl group. GD’s rap at the beginning of the song really set up the song with a beautiful piano melody in the background. His vocals were surprisingly smooth and matched well with the female soloist’s voice, which was pleasantly clear. GD’s vocal ability always impresses me, because it shows that not only does he work on improving his rapping skills, he also doesn’t neglect his singing. “In The End” is captivating with its musical qualities that I’m not quite used to hearing from GD. The gentleness of this ballad really won me over, and I can’t wait to see him record more tracks like this one.
The aftertaste of the sweetness in “In The End” was still lingering in my mind when GD burst that bubble with “That XX,” an acoustic track about loving a girl whose boyfriend is a… well, “XX.” I immediately fell in love with this song because of the obvious “less is more” approach GD took with it. It’s a bit unexpected to hear his voice paired with an acoustic melody, but his pitch was perfect in “That XX.”
Another thing that really sold me on this track was the arrangement of the lyrics. His rap had emotional depth (contrasted with his raps from “One Of A Kind” and “Crayon”) which really helped draw his audience into the overall song.
Another thing that really sold me on this track was the arrangement of the lyrics. His rap had emotional depth (contrasted with his raps from “One Of A Kind” and “Crayon”) which really helped draw his audience into the overall song.
After the subtle angst in “That XX,” GD moves us right along through his favorite genres with “Missing You,” his spin on a mellow pop track. With a whimsical touch added by pitch-perfect vocals by Jaurim‘s Kim Yuna and the whistling in the background, “Missing You” is fun yet relaxing to listen to. It’s a different style for GD, but he’s mature enough as a musician to tackle something like this and make it sound like he’s been recording tracks in this style for years.
It’s an understatement to say that GD has grown musically since his last solo release, and while he experimented with more than just a few genres on One Of A Kind, hip-hop and rap elements in most of the songs still make it very clear what he’s the most comfortable with. Being a well-established artist in K-pop, I don’t think GD was ever worried about the response to his solo mini-album, but I’m glad to see that the effort he put into making it is apparent. The lyrics are well-written and the melodies composed artfully and simply.
Overall, GD’s One Of A Kind does not disappoint and instead shows us that he truly is “one of a kind” among his peers in K-pop.
Overall, GD’s One Of A Kind does not disappoint and instead shows us that he truly is “one of a kind” among his peers in K-pop.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Priest's Graveyard
Ted Dekker left me asking for more after this one!!!
Synopsis:
Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man. Soon, their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.
Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother's life. Now he's a priest who lives by a law of love and compassion. It is powerful men and hypocrites who abide by legal law but eschew the law of love that most incense Danny. As an avenging angel, he believes it is his duty to show them the error of their ways, at any cost.
Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.
But when Danny and Renee's paths become inexorably entangled things go very, very badly and neither of them may make it out of this hunt alive.
Judge not, or you too will be judged.
What is this book is all about...
The characters in this story are as complex as they come, but yet they are simple enough for anyone to understand, identify with, and love. This is one story where you will love the "bad guy". As strange as it sounds, you will cheer him on and demand that he do more. Yet, for the main female character, he will be both her savior and her tormentor. This is one story where the end will leave you with more questions than answers. However, questions are good for the soul. They force us to stop and take a closer look at decisions we make. Are we making choices that only benefit ourselves, or are we making choices that will help those around us more and in turn benefit us to a much greater degree by transforming us into a better version of ourselves?
No matter where you are when you begin reading this book, you will not be the same after you have finished it. You may not notice it at first, but it will make a home in your heart and begin to influence your thoughts, your questions, your decisions, and you. It will give you a broader view of the other humans you share this plant with. It will encourage you to look past yourself and straight into their eyes for a full view of their life, their heart, and how they are not much different then you.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Will MBLAQ Ever Stop Suffering??
I came upon this article about MBLAQ in Seoulbeat and it was about their "type" of music which shows anger and frustration towards LOVE.
As much as I will LOVE to see MBLAQ coming out with " happy" songs, I do like them for being able to show the different side of KPOP music.
MBLAQ.
The group has been in the industry since 2009, originally beginning with the reputation as a group made of five Rains: masculine yet sophisticated, even with Lee Joon‘s skin-flashing. Though their variety image is one of goofballs all around, the group’s music image has kept along those mature ways in their three years together, developing a polish with time. But how does that image for their music relate to the lyrics of their songs? Here’s we’ll be looking at primarily title songs–after all, these do influence a fan’s primary perception of a group–and seeing the relation between the music and the image of MBLAQ.
The group’s debut was with “Oh Yeah!” off of debut single album, Just BLAQ. Already it’s possible to see the development of the theme of a possessive and single-minded love in hindsight. But by itself, the song is harmless accompanied by the occasional Latin strum. The song radiated the raw energy that the group has continued to bring, and it’s a memorable debut.
Yo, there’s saying "love changes"
And those words others cautioned me
Is hitting like a bull’s eye at this very moment
And my mind is spinning, and spinning and it spins.
I like it like that
Crashing down like a broken pair of wings
As I see faded picture of flowers
My heart crumbles down without any beat
And I’m Running towards you for you
The following release of EP Y in 2010 brought us the title song, “Y,” which takes a drastically darker and vengeful turn. Expounding on the initial base of “Oh Yeah,” “Y” takes that single-minded focus on a woman and warps it into a dangerous revenge battle.
Now nobody can stop me
I don’t want to be played by you anymore
I’m slowly starting to clench my fist
To begin my revenge
What will you even be able to do once you leave me
I’ll give you the same amount of pain that I received
I’ll give you one last chance
I’m slowly going towards you….
The pain and suffering are clearly expressed through the lyrics, but it’s taken a step further to the point where malevolent intent is desired on the woman causing the pain. While a softer extent of this pain is imaginable in a relationship, the more extreme side does send out a worrisome message about the idea of love. In relation to the group’s image, “Y” retained the masculinity the group possesses while raising their emotional and dramatic factors by quite a bit. This song also brought out the group’s first run-in with South Korea’s ban-hammer for their music video and with MBC for some of the lyrics above.
2011 brought out the group’s first full-length album, BLAQ Style. Headlining the act were both “Stay” (upper lyrics) and “Cry” (lower lyrics), both of which try to retain an already lost love.
I’m a blind man who’s in denial of the love that’s trying to leave.
I’m just a visiting guest.
I’m stuck in this threatening maze of yours
I’m crazy because of this inconsistent love of yours.
Don’t make me cry (don’t make me cry).
My tears keep falling, please don’t do this to me.
I can’t breathe, can’t think, ’cause you’re not here with me. (Oh)
You’re the only one I care for in my life.
Both songs retain the sadness over love. Can’t MBLAQ just catch a break? And I hate to say it, but it seems as if their songs are mourning a loss. “Oh Yeah” brought out some hints of denial, “Y” and “Stay” some anger, and “Cry” some bargaining. Will they end up going through the entire cycle? If anything, these two songs, and BLAQ Style as a whole, added a tad more sophistication and artistry to the group’s reputation, though more for the visual impact of the choreography than the lyrics themselves. Also, though the lyrics for songs up for promotion lay on the sad side, it must be acknowledged that there’s a sense of beauty around some of their English translations. Whether or not this is also present in the original Korean lyrics, I’m not sure as my Korean skills are unfortunately close to nonexistent.
Later in 2011, the group released EP Mona Lisa with a title track of the same name.
I can’t take my eyes off you,
Even if I can’t have you.
I’m like this for the first time. Look at me.
Where are you looking? Even if I call you,
There’s no answer from you. You’re like Mona Lisa.
And we’re back to the sad. There’s a sense of longing for a woman that’s just out of their reach. This song was closer to the days of “Oh Yeah” purely music wise, playing around with outside influences. Accompanying this morose attitude was also “I Shouldn’t Speak” on the same mini-album. Follow-up song “I Don’t Know” provided a lighter song, but was still fraught with troubles.
2012′s 100% Ver. brought back the dramatic side of MBLAQ with “It’s War.”
Shut up, I don’t even wanna hear it.
Beg until your tears dry up.
I will see the end of this, just watch.
You messed with the wrong person.
I will curse you from now on
Will you please shut that dirty mouth
I will give back these painful tears to you
Engrave this in your ear – I will never leave you alone
Once again, the revenge is back, but this time revenge on a person other than the significant other. “Scribble” and “Hello My Ex,” both also on the mini-album, also bared quiet insecurities in softer forms. The title track brought out some aggression and stayed with that music image that MBLAQ has maintained over three years. Also coming with these lyrics was more confidence in one’s own abilities, especially in comparison to the previous “Mona Lisa.”
It seems that MBLAQ has taken to promoting songs of aggression, pain, and overall suffering, with the follow-up songs–”G.O.O.D Luv,” “I Don’t Know,” “Run”– having lighter sides. When it’s broken down, the lyrics tend to relate back to lost loves, confusion, and revenge for the pain incurred. It’s in a way impressive that MBLAQ has managed to cover as many styles of music as they have while keeping the overall same subject matter. But what this has done is established a very clear impression of MBLAQ’s music, even more so for Korean fans because of the nature of the lyrics. Polished and strong music accompanied by pained lyrics equals MBLAQ. This is an equation that soundly meshes with MBLAQ’s music image: a tough bringer of revenge that is just as ready to cry or bemoan love. Is that something that needs to be changed?
Not necessarily.
Would I like to MBLAQ promote something happier and less angry? Absolutely. But would I be full of sorrow if they came out with another pained title song? Most likely not, considering the group’s track record.
While MBLAQ isn’t the most well-known of K-pop groups, they have been chugging along well enough. They have an established sound, do well in variety, and have a couple of music show wins under their belt. Each member has their strengths, whether musically or in other fields. The theme of their lyrics tends to be repetitive, but the lyrics themselves tend to be written well, going for more unique phrasing or attitude. Their performances are still intriguing and different enough from one another to keep at bay accusations of repetitive material. And that is a large part of the group’s image, their performances are. With movements comparable to the music, their dances have also had a part in upholding that masculine image til the end. And in the end, this music image that is that 180-degree spin from their variety image provides the group with multiple facets of attraction.
MBC Every1‘s Idol Manager with MBLAQ hinted at a potential comeback for the group before the end of this year. Whether or not that’s true–considering variable comeback dates–, I’m looking forward to seeing if MBLAQ continues along this lyrical path of suffering..
As much as I will LOVE to see MBLAQ coming out with " happy" songs, I do like them for being able to show the different side of KPOP music.
MBLAQ.
The group has been in the industry since 2009, originally beginning with the reputation as a group made of five Rains: masculine yet sophisticated, even with Lee Joon‘s skin-flashing. Though their variety image is one of goofballs all around, the group’s music image has kept along those mature ways in their three years together, developing a polish with time. But how does that image for their music relate to the lyrics of their songs? Here’s we’ll be looking at primarily title songs–after all, these do influence a fan’s primary perception of a group–and seeing the relation between the music and the image of MBLAQ.
The group’s debut was with “Oh Yeah!” off of debut single album, Just BLAQ. Already it’s possible to see the development of the theme of a possessive and single-minded love in hindsight. But by itself, the song is harmless accompanied by the occasional Latin strum. The song radiated the raw energy that the group has continued to bring, and it’s a memorable debut.
Yo, there’s saying "love changes"
And those words others cautioned me
Is hitting like a bull’s eye at this very moment
And my mind is spinning, and spinning and it spins.
I like it like that
Crashing down like a broken pair of wings
As I see faded picture of flowers
My heart crumbles down without any beat
And I’m Running towards you for you
The following release of EP Y in 2010 brought us the title song, “Y,” which takes a drastically darker and vengeful turn. Expounding on the initial base of “Oh Yeah,” “Y” takes that single-minded focus on a woman and warps it into a dangerous revenge battle.
Now nobody can stop me
I don’t want to be played by you anymore
I’m slowly starting to clench my fist
To begin my revenge
What will you even be able to do once you leave me
I’ll give you the same amount of pain that I received
I’ll give you one last chance
I’m slowly going towards you….
The pain and suffering are clearly expressed through the lyrics, but it’s taken a step further to the point where malevolent intent is desired on the woman causing the pain. While a softer extent of this pain is imaginable in a relationship, the more extreme side does send out a worrisome message about the idea of love. In relation to the group’s image, “Y” retained the masculinity the group possesses while raising their emotional and dramatic factors by quite a bit. This song also brought out the group’s first run-in with South Korea’s ban-hammer for their music video and with MBC for some of the lyrics above.
2011 brought out the group’s first full-length album, BLAQ Style. Headlining the act were both “Stay” (upper lyrics) and “Cry” (lower lyrics), both of which try to retain an already lost love.
I’m a blind man who’s in denial of the love that’s trying to leave.
I’m just a visiting guest.
I’m stuck in this threatening maze of yours
I’m crazy because of this inconsistent love of yours.
Don’t make me cry (don’t make me cry).
My tears keep falling, please don’t do this to me.
I can’t breathe, can’t think, ’cause you’re not here with me. (Oh)
You’re the only one I care for in my life.
Both songs retain the sadness over love. Can’t MBLAQ just catch a break? And I hate to say it, but it seems as if their songs are mourning a loss. “Oh Yeah” brought out some hints of denial, “Y” and “Stay” some anger, and “Cry” some bargaining. Will they end up going through the entire cycle? If anything, these two songs, and BLAQ Style as a whole, added a tad more sophistication and artistry to the group’s reputation, though more for the visual impact of the choreography than the lyrics themselves. Also, though the lyrics for songs up for promotion lay on the sad side, it must be acknowledged that there’s a sense of beauty around some of their English translations. Whether or not this is also present in the original Korean lyrics, I’m not sure as my Korean skills are unfortunately close to nonexistent.
Later in 2011, the group released EP Mona Lisa with a title track of the same name.
I can’t take my eyes off you,
Even if I can’t have you.
I’m like this for the first time. Look at me.
Where are you looking? Even if I call you,
There’s no answer from you. You’re like Mona Lisa.
And we’re back to the sad. There’s a sense of longing for a woman that’s just out of their reach. This song was closer to the days of “Oh Yeah” purely music wise, playing around with outside influences. Accompanying this morose attitude was also “I Shouldn’t Speak” on the same mini-album. Follow-up song “I Don’t Know” provided a lighter song, but was still fraught with troubles.
2012′s 100% Ver. brought back the dramatic side of MBLAQ with “It’s War.”
Shut up, I don’t even wanna hear it.
Beg until your tears dry up.
I will see the end of this, just watch.
You messed with the wrong person.
I will curse you from now on
Will you please shut that dirty mouth
I will give back these painful tears to you
Engrave this in your ear – I will never leave you alone
Once again, the revenge is back, but this time revenge on a person other than the significant other. “Scribble” and “Hello My Ex,” both also on the mini-album, also bared quiet insecurities in softer forms. The title track brought out some aggression and stayed with that music image that MBLAQ has maintained over three years. Also coming with these lyrics was more confidence in one’s own abilities, especially in comparison to the previous “Mona Lisa.”
It seems that MBLAQ has taken to promoting songs of aggression, pain, and overall suffering, with the follow-up songs–”G.O.O.D Luv,” “I Don’t Know,” “Run”– having lighter sides. When it’s broken down, the lyrics tend to relate back to lost loves, confusion, and revenge for the pain incurred. It’s in a way impressive that MBLAQ has managed to cover as many styles of music as they have while keeping the overall same subject matter. But what this has done is established a very clear impression of MBLAQ’s music, even more so for Korean fans because of the nature of the lyrics. Polished and strong music accompanied by pained lyrics equals MBLAQ. This is an equation that soundly meshes with MBLAQ’s music image: a tough bringer of revenge that is just as ready to cry or bemoan love. Is that something that needs to be changed?
Not necessarily.
Would I like to MBLAQ promote something happier and less angry? Absolutely. But would I be full of sorrow if they came out with another pained title song? Most likely not, considering the group’s track record.
While MBLAQ isn’t the most well-known of K-pop groups, they have been chugging along well enough. They have an established sound, do well in variety, and have a couple of music show wins under their belt. Each member has their strengths, whether musically or in other fields. The theme of their lyrics tends to be repetitive, but the lyrics themselves tend to be written well, going for more unique phrasing or attitude. Their performances are still intriguing and different enough from one another to keep at bay accusations of repetitive material. And that is a large part of the group’s image, their performances are. With movements comparable to the music, their dances have also had a part in upholding that masculine image til the end. And in the end, this music image that is that 180-degree spin from their variety image provides the group with multiple facets of attraction.
MBC Every1‘s Idol Manager with MBLAQ hinted at a potential comeback for the group before the end of this year. Whether or not that’s true–considering variable comeback dates–, I’m looking forward to seeing if MBLAQ continues along this lyrical path of suffering..
Sunday, November 4, 2012
TVXQ - Catch Me @ Music Bank
TVXQ is finally back with their sixth Korean album, ‘Catch Me‘!.As reported earlier, the album contains 11 tracks including:
1. Catch Me
2. (Viva)
3. Destiny
4. (Like a soap)
5. I don’t know (Korean version)
6. (Dream)
7. How are you
8. Getaway
9. I swear
10. Gorgeous
11. Good Night.
Catch Me is one of my favorite song in this album. I happen to see "Music Bank" , where they performance live.
Romanized:
(with individual parts)
[Yunho] Catch me, girl!
[Changmin] Catch me now!
[Yunho] Catch me if you wanna
Catch me if you wanna
[Changmin] C-C-C-C-Catch me if you…
[Yunho] Han beon dan hanbeondo kkeutkkaji naege mameul yeonjeok eobseo
Nan machi byeogeul bogo seon deutan gibuniya geugeo aranni?
[Changmin] Gyeote itjiman deo oerowojil ppun tonight tonight tonight
Neol gidaryeotjiman igeon jom aniya ijen neol tteonanda
[Yunho] Gajima han madil motanda i baboga
[Changmin] Naega wae i baboman bwasseulkka? Cham motnan neol
[All] Baby catch me. Catch me. Catch me, girl, tonight
Tteona beorigi jeone (I’m serious I’m serious)
Nareul japgo makgo ulgo ttaerigo
Iyureul malhaejwotdamyeon (I’m serious I’m serious)
[Yunho] Oh, moreugetda neoui mame naega gipi isseowanneunji tto, aninji
[Changmin] Geuge gunggeumhae jichyeobeorigi jeone malhaejwo malhaejwo daedaphae
[Changmin] Siganeun neol geureoke mukkeo dulgeoya jigeum geu jarie
[Yunho] Nareul bonaejima huhoehage dwae miryeon jom tteoljima
[Yunho] Gajima han madil motanda i baboga
[Changmin] Naega wae i baboman bwasseulkka? Cham motnan neol
[Changmin] Handongan naegen neoman gadeuk chan gibun
Cham manhi haengbokhaetdeon gieogi na
[Yunho] Nugudo namankeum gidaryeojul sarameun no!
Eopdaneun geol [All] neon itjima
[Yunho] Aewonhaejugil barae nan gidarilge
Ijenajeojena nal tteonajima, mallago malhae
[Changmin] Neomu neuryeo, ni mameul jeonghal ttaekkaji
Neoman bonda nan dodaeche wae?
[Yunho] Aewonhaejugil barae nan gidarilge
Ijenajeojena nal tteonajima, mallago malhae
[Changmin] Babo naega wae neoreul saranghaetgenni?
Neo bakke eobseo dodaeche wae?
(dance break)
[Yunho] Gajima han madil motanda i baboga
[Changmin] Naega wae i baboman bwasseulkka? Cham motnan neol
[All] Baby catch me. Catch me. Catch me, girl, tonight
Tteona beorigi jeone (I’m serious I’m serious)
Nareul japgo makgo ulgo ttaerigo
Iyureul malhaejwotdamyeon (I’m serious I’m serious)
[Yunho] Catch me if you wanna
Catch me if you wanna
[All] C-C-C-C-Catch me if you wanna
Live Performance:
English Translation:
Catch Me, Girl!
Catch Me Now!
Catch me if you wanna
Catch me if you wanna
C-C-C-C-Catch me if you…
You’ve never opened your heart to me, not even once
I feel like I’m looking at a wall, you know that?
You’re next to me but I’m even lonelier tonight tonight tonight
I waited for you but this just isn’t it so now I’m leaving you
This fool can’t even tell me not to go
Why did I only look at this fool, at pitiful you?
Baby Catch Me. Catch Me. Catch Me, Girl, Tonight.
Before I leave (I’m serious, I’m serious)
If only you held onto me, stopped me, cried, hit me and told me the reason
(I’m serious I’m serious)
Oh, I don’t know if I’ve been deep inside your heart or not
That’s what I’m curious about – Before I get too tired, tell me, tell me, answer me
Time will tie you to that spot right there
Don’t let me go, you’ll regret it – stop being so foolish
This fool can’t even tell me not to go
Why did I only look at this fool, at pitiful you?
For a while, I felt like I was filled with you, I remember those happy memories
Don’t forget that there isn’t anyone to wait for you like I have – no!
I want you to beg for me so I’ll wait for you
Tell me, “Don’t ever leave me”
You’re too slow but I’m only looking at you till you make up your mind – why?
I want you to beg for me so I’ll wait for you
Tell me, “Don’t ever leave me”
Fool, why did I love you? I only have you – why?
This fool can’t even tell me not to go
Why did I only look at this fool, at pitiful you?
Baby Catch Me. Catch Me. Catch Me, Girl, Tonight.
Before I leave (I’m serious, I’m serious)
If only you held onto me, stopped me, cried, hit me and told me the reason
(I’m serious I’m serious)
Catch me if you wanna
Catch me if you wanna
C-C-C-C-Catch me if you wanna
Translation Credits: pop!gasa
Romanizations by: kpoplyrics.net
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