Today marks the first day of Spring for us here in the Northern Hemisphere (although it certainly doesn’t feel like it here in New York City) and as some of you know, I like to mark the changing of the seasons by taking a stroll down memory lane and featuring songs that were popular during that season in the past. Last year’s list was a good start but there are definitely more songs that we can add. Some of these you may know, others might be new but without further ado, here are some more songs you can add to your way back spring playlist.

Seo Ji Won – Gathering My Tears

For the vast majority of you, this is probably not a name you’re familiar with but Seo Ji Won was one of the more promising young singers until his tragic suicide in 1996. The song might be a little more recognizable as it was one of the best ballads of that time and has since been covered frequently including a version by Kim Kyung Ho on the show ‘I Am a Singer‘. For you variety show fans, the music for the song was also written by Jung Jae Hyung who’s recent popularity can be traced to his appearances on ‘Infinity Challenge‘ and ‘Immortal Song 2‘.

Kim Jung Min – Final Promise

Before he was a variety show MC, Kim Jung Min was a gravelly voiced crooner who belted out a number of hits including this one. Another tearjerker (I guess I’m in a ballad mood today), “Final Promise” is probably his most popular song and the song has to be in the Noraebang Hall of Fame for the amount of times some guy has sung this to a girl he’s trying to impress.

Uhm Jung Hwa – Betrayal of the Rose

Legendary diva Uhm Jung Hwa has been the center of this column before but it’s impossible not to include this, her breakout hit. This song was the her first to reach number 1 on the music charts and solidified her place as one of the leading ladies of K-pop.

SES – Oh My Love

Because SES‘ debut single “I’m Your Girl” was such a success, it can often overshadow their follow up single “Oh My Love“. This song will forever be remembered as the jeans, white shirt, and change-of-hair song as the trio changed up their look from their debut and their styling would spark fashion trends among fans. The song is a more mellow song but kept the cuteness that made them famous.

Baek Ji Young – Dash

The song that put the singer and the Latin sound on the K-pop map, “Dash” is an important song in K-pop and one of the legendary hits. Baek Ji Young has said that she absolutely did not want to record the song and didn’t like the new sound but lucky for her, her managers and label execs were able to convince her to do it and of course came her breakout song.

Lim Chang Jung – My Lover

You might remember that during the late 1990’s into the 2000’s, singer/actor Lim Chang Jung had a string of ballad hits that seemed to never end. This song was a part of that tidal wave and was one of my personal favorites. Bringing up noraebangs (karaoke) again, guys who are a bit older and want to impress a girl but want to seem like a connoisseur of music will often select this as their song of choice. Beware of these guys ladies; this isn’t their first time doing this if you know what I mean.

Jinusean – A-Yo

This song has become more popular over time more for the music video which features a whole cast of YG characters like 1TYM’s Teddy, a young Taeyang, and a fur coated Yang Hyun Suk. The song itself takes a page from the Los Angeles hip hop culture and sound but incorporates some very Korean-centric elements as well. A great song for the warming weather and one I used to play a lot back in the day.

Fin.K.L – Forever

Not to be confused with another of the group’s hits “Forever Love“, “Forever” was a mid-tempo ballad that was riding the Fin.K.L wave in 2002 and like most of the group’s songs, was anchored by the vocals of Ok Ju Hyun and complemented by the other three members. The ladies had numerous hit songs during their heyday and this is up there with their most popular with fans.

Se7en – Come Back to Me

Goodbye Se7en (2 years to the military), but this is the debut single that introduced K-pop to the silky smooth vocals of the YG crooner. “Come Back to Me” was actually very different from the music that YG Entertainment was making at the time with other artists so it was a pleasant surprise for many fans. I’m sure with Se7en‘s enlistment into the military for his service, his fans will be appropriately singing this song to him for the next two years.

TVXQ – Hug

The catalyst for the first mega-group of the new generation of idol singers. I’m sure everyone reading this knows more about the song and the group than I do so instead of preaching to the choir, why not just enjoy the finger-curling cuteness that is “Hug“.

What are some of your favorite songs to listen to in the Spring?

If you’ve read the Way Back Wednesday columns before, you know that I frequently mention my affection for noraebangs and usually call out a song or two that are tried and true favorites for fellow norebang fans. I don’t know what it is about those little rooms with the flashing lights, over-reverbed amps, and spit-protector covered microphones, but as often as I’ve been, it’s always just as fun the next time I go. While many of you have probably frequented these establishments, there are some that have never been to one. So, with that thought, today’s article will be an ode to the noraebang; a few tips and proper etiquette guide for newbies, and a refresher course for the old pros. And then of course, we’ll take a look at some of our favorite songs from back in the day. Everyone has their own that I’m sure we’re missing, so grab some friends and go sing a song this weekend. You can be a K-pop star, even if only for a couple of hours.

Rules of the Norebang:

1. Share the microphone. The #1 pet peeve of anyone who’s ever been to a noraebang has to be the Mic Hog. That one person who just grabs a hold of the mic and has like six songs lined up in a row. No matter how good of a singer you may be, no one goes to a noraebang to listen to a mini-concert of you singing. So, share the microphone. Let others have a chance to belt out their favorites and have their turn. The general rule of thumb is two songs in a row, you’re good to go. If you have three, let the mic go free.
2. Don’t cut off people’s songs. The 2nd pet peeve of norebang enthusiasts: You know who I’m talking about; that one friend who’s decided that you’re singing just isn’t good enough so they cut you off and end the song. How rude! The chances of you or your friends becoming professional singers are slim, so relax. Maybe your friend can’t hold a tune, but it’s OK. Let them have fun.
3. Singing is never required but it’s encouraged. Some people just don’t want to sing. Whether it’s because they’re just not into it, shy, or they are a little embarrassed by it, some just have an aversion to the microphone and that’s understandable. But try to sing at least one song. Norebangs are kind of a communal experience and you’ll have more fun if you participate. Who cares about the score (which can be removed!) or whether your intonation is correct. Cut loose, have fun, and sing. You’ll feel better if you do.

Now that we know the rules of the road, here are a few suggestions for anyone interested in some classics to enjoy at your local noraebang.

Seotaiji and Boys – “Come Back Home”

There’s really not much you can say about this song other than that it’s a classic. One of the biggest hits of the greatest group of all-time is always a staple, and should be high on anyone’s song list. Anyone who can do the dance gets extra credit.

Kim Jung Min – “Last Promise”

While known more today for his role as a commentator on the popular MBC show ‘We Got Married’, Kim Jung Min used to be one of the more popular rock balladeers of his day, and this song was one of his best. His growling style was very 90’s, but the song still holds up today.

Turbo – “Goodbye Yesterday”

Maybe the 2nd most popular song from their third album, “Goodbye Yesterday” was a reintroduction to the group following a few controversies and also welcomed new member Mikey to the mix. The song is a classic high-energy track with Kim Jong Gook’s octave shattering singing. The chorus will get the crowd singing along in no time.

Turbo – “Reminiscence”

If “Goodbye Yesterday” is the second most popular song, then this has to be the first. You haven’t really lived until you’ve crooned this classic with your friends. It’s got some ballad in it, some rapping, and is up there as one of the best songs to sing along to.

S.E.S – “I’m Your Girl”

As much as I love Fin.K.L, I was always an S.E.S fan at heart. It’s kind of like that first love versus the cute new girl at school. Ok, maybe not exactly like that but the trio and this song have a special place on my noraebang playlist and you can’t actually sing this song without doing the famous jumping jack/wave dance along with it. Fun fact, H.O.T member Moon Hee Jun actually choreographed this dance for the ladies and lucky for them, as it’s still one of the best down dances in K-pop.

Drunken Tiger – “Good Life”

Drunken Tiger songs are notoriously hard to sing… because they’re freaking hard. Keeping up with Tiger JK and DJ Shine‘s rapping is like trying to catch flies with chopsticks (well Mr. Miyagi did it so it is possible). Anyway, this song is one the group’s best and always a crowd pleaser if you can pull it off. Keep practicing!

Psy – “Champion”

Psy’s been in the news lately with the global popularity of his newest song “Gangnam Style“. But almost ten years ago, Psy unleashed his biggest hit to date with “Champion“. This song is still as good today as it was back then, and is one of the most fun songs you can sing with your friends.

Wax – “Oppa (Older Brother)”

While I’m sure everyone’s got their own personal anthems, I think many will agree that this song could be considered an unofficial anthem for the ladies in the audience. Wax’s 2000 debut album included this song that was made famous by Ha Ji Won and her cowboy hat and went on to be a huge hit for Wax and noraebang singers for years.

Lim Jae Bum – “Confession”

If Wax provided the unofficial anthem for all the girls, then Lim Jae Bum’s “Confession” from his 1998 third album is the anthem for all the boys. It is one of the most famous ballads in K-pop, and is also one of the hardest songs to sing. Lim Jae Bum’s voice was maybe the perfect vehicle to convey the pure surrender and emotion in the song. I guarantee that in some noraebang somewhere this weekend, a guy will try to impress a girl by taking on the challenge of “Confession” and more likely than not, he’ll come out on the losing end but so what; it’s always worth a try.

What are some of your favorite classic songs to sing at Noraebang?

With the members of SS501 busy with their own individual activities, the public has been unable to see the group together since 2010.

However, Triple S fans in Seoul were able to see the five members all together this weekend, when Hyun Joong, Young Saeng, Jung Min and Hyung Jun made special plans to attend Kyu Jong‘s final fanmeet before his army enlistment.

According to reports, Hyun Joong flew in after hosting his own fanmeet in China, and Jung Min looked on from the audience for unannounced reasons.

While Kyu Jong’s enlistment means that SS501 cannot be fully active as five until 2014, many Triple S fans have been ecstatic about finally seeing the group together for the first time in two years. The five-man fanmeet energized Triple S fans around the world, with Hyun Joong reassuring, ”SS501 will never disband, so please wait for us!”

Although official photos have yet to be released, online fan communities and social media websites have exploded with messages, with the hashtag #SS501Reunited reportedly trending on Twitter in Indonesia, Singapore and other parts of Southeast Asia for some time. Fanmeet attendees have also begun to post photos of the five men together at the event  on the internet, sharing the experience with eager Triple S fans worldwide.

In related news, Young Saeng just made his solo comeback on ‘Inkigayo‘ last night with his latest song, “Crying“, and Hyun Joong recently topped Oricon’s DVD chart as the second international solo artist since Michael Jackson,

Images: as tagged

Starship Entertainment has revealed new profile pictures of Jung Min, the fourth member of their upcoming boy group, Boyfriend!

Immediately upon the release, netizens not only marveled over his handsome, pretty boy looks, but also over his resemblance to actor Yoo Seung Ho.

Some went a step further by comparing their pictures and leaving comments like, “They’re both like little So Ji Sub“, “A cute version of Yoo Seung Ho”, and “Boyfriend seems to have a lot of good visuals.”

Boyfriend is currently comprised of six members, and the profiles revealed so far include Min Woo, twins Youngmin and Kwangmin, and Jung Min. 

The boys will be making their debut on May 26th, so stay tuned and you can check out their teaser here.

Source + Photos: Sports Chosun via http://www.allkpop.com/2011/02/mnet-to-broadcast-lunar-new-year-special-for-m-countdown

Source: My Daily via Daum Media

SS501‘s Park Jung Min released the official teaser video for his MV 2 days ago, and fans were in awe over his sophisticated (if slightly dark) new image.

The full music video to Jung Min’s title track, ‘Not Alone‘, was just released on major music websites. With the combination of his great vocals and his new image, the music video is sure to be a big hit.

Check out his music video for ‘Not Alone’ below, and support him by purchasing the music.

Do You know

Everyday is a Merry Christmas

[Many thanks to everyone who sent in a tip.]

SS501′s Park Jung Min recently visited fellow member Kim Hyung Joon at his musical, where they snapped a photo together and documented their close friendship.

On November 28th, Park Jung Min attended the ‘Caffeine‘ musical to show his support for his fellow SS501 member. The idol also presented Hyung Joon with a humidifier as a surprise gift, showing the close brotherhood between each other.

Park Jung Min sent a tweet to Hyung Joon on the 26th which read, “Hey~! You’re doing well, right? I’m going to go and watch you so you better be nervous! I don’t know when I’m gonna watch~! I might not watch it either…Or I might even just send 6 pans of pizza!”

When Hyung Joon replied, “Come Come Come~”, Jung Min replied, “I see you’ve gained confidence! That’s good! I’m not going to tell you when I’m going to watch~! So that you don’t need to stress!”

Source: Star News

On November 28th, SS501 celebrated their 2,000th day anniversary by leaving messages for their fans via their personal Twitters.

Maknae Hyung Joon: “It’s already 2,000 days~ I pray that all five of us work hard and are filled with happy events. And to the peas, thank you^^ Hooray, hooray, hooray!”

Lead vocalist Young Saeng: “Is today already our 2,000th day?? Time sure flies fast~ You, me, all of us are getting older~ keke”

Kyujong: “Thank you!! Let’s congratulate each other!!!^^”

Jung Min: “It’s our 2,000th day! Hyung Joon was with me and he cried all by himself keke Thank you to everyone who has loved us for 2,000 days!!^^” Regarding Hyung Joon’s musical, “Caffeine“: “I’ll be anticipating it! Strength! ^^ Please give a lot of love to ‘Caffeine!‘”

After previous rumors regarding the group’s disbandment, fans have been expressing their joy over the members affirming that the group will indeed be staying together. Fans congratulated the group’s anniversary, leaving comments such as, “Thanks for mentioning all five,” “Not just 2,000 days, let’s stay together for 20 years,” and “Please show us a stage with all five of you.”

Source + Photos: Star News
Tip: So-in

Watch the hilarious SS501 cuts from the episode below, as Kim Hyun Joong talks about Kyu Jong losing hair despite his young age, Hyung Joon who smells, Youngsaeng who gains weight easily and Jung Min who although looks old, doesn’t get any older!

Starts around 1:05-3:00

For the full SS501 cuts:
Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Video credit: fumiemey

The teaser for his solo “하면은 안돼… (If You Cannot…)” is finally out. The song is very smooth and nice, something I could definitely hear Shin Hye Sung singing. I suppose that’s a good thing. The teasers look great, and it’s got fans all worked up and excited for the full release of this 20 minute drama-like MV. I’m especially looking forward to see how they will put them together.

Without further adieu, here is Jung Min‘s teaser for “If You Cannot…”. I’ve always thought Jung Min was a cutie, but just something about his nose screams plastic surgery..

video credit: hoonfami

Thanks to harrow-s2 for the tip!