Kpop Star 3: 1020 - Something

For Round 4, the group Something has to compete against All Chae. Well, they both come from a different genre. I just think the judges shouldn't be so bias towards All Chae as I don't see they are good in singing. But then again, All Chae win against Something.

During the elimination period, Jung Sae Woon was being so honest. He admitted that Ah Hyun noona contributed more for the song. It was her idea in terms of the concept and the style of the song. Ah Hyun felt sorry and tried to cover up that they equally worked on the song. (Ah~ My sweet 'Something'~)

For now, I know Jung Sae Woon was eliminated. The judges had no choice since that's the rule. At least one person has to go from the eliminated group. Let's just hope he'll come back after competing against all the other eliminated contestants.

[UPDATE] Jung Sae Woon is back! Yoo Hee Yeol used his wild-card!

1020 - Something

SW:
Sunday to Saturday
I have no concept on days
I burn my youth way at study halls at night
It's funny
How the clock is round

AH:
24 hours a day
I have no concept on time
I'm told I need a license
For my unknown future
It's funny
How the clock is round

Both:
Everyday
It's the same
That's how it is
Even if I live life to the fullest
Oh
I can't have a good night sleep
We can't go back or forward
The hands of the clock, silently

SW:
I want to stay at the internet cafe past 10 pm
AH:
I would like to wear a school uniform again
SW:
I want to buy 15 lottery tickets
AH:
When did I have a student bus card

Both:
Even if I live life to the fullest
Oh
I can't have a good night sleep
We can't go back or forward
The hands of the clock, silently
The hands of the clock, that always..
Tomorrow comes, but again..

Download mp3: 1020 - Something

Kpop Star Season 3 : Bernard Park

[Latest update: Bernard Park won Kpop Star 3!!! He chooses JYP as the company he would like to be signed to. Congratulations!!!  I♥U]

Where is this guy during the audition round? There's only a short clip showing him singing the song 'Gravity', originally by John Mayer.

"I love wearing cardigan because it's comfortable" - Bernard Park

I started to have some interest in him since JYP showed a keen interest in his voice. It was pure curiosity, at first. But when he sang 'End of The Road', originally by Boyz II Men, my heart melted. He really delivered the emotions of the song. It sounded as if he is begging someone to come back to him. As JYP said, "He has a soulful voice".

Download mp3: End of the Road - Bernard Park.

Well, I found out a bit about him. He is 21 years old and his birthday is on 29th January (according to his Youtube fancafe). He was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He started having an interest in singing since he usually sings in church. He likes to sing a lot of R&B and Soul. He participated in Kollaboration Atlanta 2012. I assumed that he's a sophomore in college (since he was a freshman in 2012). During the interview session for Kollaboration Atlanta 2012, he did sing a bit of '6,8,12' originally sang by Brian McKnight. So, I would have guessed that he was the one who choose the song for one of EQ performance.

During the Team audition, Bernard was teamed up with Sam Kim and Kim Ki Ryun and they named the group 'E.Q'.

Download mp3: 6, 8, 12 by EQ

For team audition round, EQ has to compete against The Shorties & Peter Han which is like a nightmare for both of the teams. Both of the team did really great but the judges had to choose the winner. Unfortunately, EQ lose and Kim Ki Ryun was eliminated. So, only Bernard and Sam were left.

Download mp3: My Everything by EQ

Audition round: Bernard and Sam (BnS) performed 'It Hurts' by 2NE1. They thought it's better to perform a more recent song that can appeal the judges and viewers. However, they had a hard time during practice since Sam usually plays by ears and Ki Ryun would be the one to help him identify the chords. Nevertheless, they did well on D-day! Sam Kim was casted by Antenna Music while Bernard Park was casted by JYP.

They had a simulation of the battle round and Bernard was chosen to represent JYP team. He performed 'Lately' originally by Stevie Wonder.

Then, during battle audition, he performed 'I love you' by i-don't-know-who.. I'm sorry to say that I didn't enjoy it much but he managed to win first place and proceed to be in the TOP 10 spot! Congrats! I bet he'll be in TOP 3 as well but it's hard to say he'll be No. 1 because I'm rooting for Kwon Jin Ah, Something and The Shorties too.

For TOP10 performance, Bernard performed 'What I Want to Say' by i-don't-know-who.. I guess because I don't know the song much so I can't really enjoy it the first time I listen to it. During the interview session, he did say that his goal is to reach TOP10 and if he didn't, he might throw away his dream to be a singer. He was hesitant to come to Korea as he was supposed to help his parent and financially, he needs money to pay for his tuition fee. You can check out the video below. JYP said Bernard was able to make 8 chords song into 4 chords but he questioned whether he'll be able to do the opposite. In short, JYP wants Bernard to come out from his comfort zone and challenge himself more for him to grow.

What I Want To Say - Bernard Park

Bernard revealed that it was hard for him to be away from his family and friends. Well, it seems all the Korean-American contestants have the same problem and maybe that would make them bond even more. He was so disappointed in himself after the previous performance since he almost got eliminated. But not to worry.. Bernard Park is back! (I was thinking that before Yoo Hee Yeol said it) The Bernard I know from the beginning is back! I think it was a great song choice this time. He said this song relates to his situation now. So, enjoy~ TOP6 already woot woot!

Home - Bernard Park


(I'm quite busy right now. I will update this page properly ASAP)

TOP 6 interview & performance:

TOP 4 interview & performance:

Bernard is singing one of my fav songs! I'm not sure whether this was from Kollaboration Atlanta or pre-record live stage for Kpop Star or what..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqfM0r0BqI4

Kpop Star 3: Something (Jung Sae Woon & Kim Ah Hyun)

For Round 3 in Kpop Star 3, they are doing some grouping. Kim Ah Hyun (21 years old) chooses Jung Sae Woon  as her teammate. Good job there! Since both of them are singer-songwriter, they go well together. Kim Ah Hyun lived in Incheon while Jung Sae Woon lived in Busan. So, they couldn't meet often. They did the arrangement when they met and kept sending voice messages to each other afterwards. They named their group as 'Something' because they have this strange feeling about each other.

[UPDATE: 'Something' was eliminated after the TOP 10 performances along with Nam Young Joo. You guys will be missed by a lot of people.. (T_T)]

Something by Kim Ah Hyun (AH) & Jung Sae Woon (SW)

SW: One day, when we first met
AH: Our gaze crossed
SW: Something unexplainable
AH: Something~

AH: Oh boy, I tried to be calm
SW: But I hear in your voice
AH: Something I can't hid
SW: Something~
AH: What's your blood type?
SW: When is your birthday?
AH: What music do you like?
SW: Do you want milk?

SW: With questions we tried
Both: To fill the awkwardness
SW: I bite my lips
AH: My legs shake
SW: I bite my nails
AH: My heart is racing
SW: There's something
AH: The feeling
Both: Is strange

Both:
I'm strangely drawn to you
You've got something
I want to know you more
More some more
I have  a good feeling
About you and me
Someday
Are we dreaming the same?

SW:
The day when I first met you
I forgot to brush my teeth
I bought mouthwash I never bought
Even chewed 4 sticks of gum
But there's this uncomfortable feels
I think about it on my way home
Tonight, I won't fall asleep

Both:
Mom, wait a minute
Just leave me alone

AH:
I'm strangely drawn to you
You've got something

Both:
I want to know you more
More some more
I have  a good feeling
About you and me
Someday
Are we dreaming the same?

One day, when we first met
Something unexplainable

[Download 'Something']

Check out lyrics for 1020, Confused and Excuse Me Sir + Come Back Home.

K-pop Star Season 3: Jung Sae Woon

I am a big fan of this guy already..
I am dying to listen more of his voice
It's like when I first heard Akdong Musician's voice

I don't have much information to share about this guy
Except he is being known as 'Busan Guy' and 'Korean Jason Mraz'
He is just 17 years old (Birthdate: 31 May 1997)!
But for those who is dying to understand what he was saying
     during the audition
Well I have some rough idea of it..

He usually went back late from school (10 pm)
The 40 years-old uncle (ahjushi) who lives below his apartment
      don't like him playing guitar at night
He ask his mom if they can move out from there
Since the apartments are so close to each other
     everyone can hear everything
So he end up playing guitar at park or on the roof
Also, he found his father's guitar and took interest on it
He self-taught himself to play the guitar
He wish to have fun while playing music

[UPDATE: 'Something' was eliminated after the TOP 10 performances. Good bye Jung Sae Woon! Hope to see you again! (T_T)]

Download the song here!

As for the song: 'Mom, wait a second'
[SING}
These days, you are supposed to rap while playing guitar
Oh really..
It's probably because of Akdong Musician
Then maybe I should try rapping as well?
Even though I don't know how to rap
Let me first give it a try, I want to try
It's seems like fun

[RAP]
I think the rap part should start here
What do I do?
What should I say?
I don't know!
Even writing this lyrics took me 3 days
I really respect all those rappers
Oh right..
I remember what I wanted to say
I come home from school at 10 at night
The man downstairs has a sensitive personality
So I can't play guitar
Mom wait a second.. I have something to say

[SING]
Mom, I wish I could sing more at night
Can we move out quickly
Let's pray together
Mom, I really want to sing at night
Let's at least move to a 5-pyeong (=16.5 sq meter) apartment
As long as I can sing at night, I like it~


p/s: Click the label for 'Jung Sae Woon' to download his other songs.

Plan Trip to Korea (part 2)

Places to visit in Seoul Korea:

1. N Seoul Tower

2. Love padlock at N Seoul Tower

3. Teddy Bear Museum at N Seoul Tower

4. COEX Mall (Indoor aquarium and Kimchi Museum)

5. Gyeongbuk Palace

6. Ganghwamun Plaza

7. Cheonggyecheon  Stream

8. Yeouido Park near Han River

9. Banpo Bridge

10. Traditional Market (ex: Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, Insadong)

11. Itaewon (Multi-cultural zone)

12. Apgujeong Rodeo Street

13. Hello Kitty Cafe at Hongdae

14. Theme park (Lotte World, Everland, Caribbean Bay etc.)

15. Nami Island

Check out Visit Korea website for more info.

Plan Trip to South Korea (part 1)

"I really want to go to Korea!!!"

Here is a list of things that you need to think about when you want to plan a trip to Korea:

• What is your budget?
• How long are you going to stay there?
• Where do you plan to go? - Jeju Island? Busan? Seoul?
• Where to stay? - Guest house? Motel? Hotel?
• Where to go?
• What to wear? (depends on the season at that time)
• What to eat?

Does this list overwhelmed you? Not to worry.. You don't have to answer it right away. You have to plan slowly and carefully. 

This is my advice to you: Decide when you are going first! I mean.. What season? 

• Spring    : March to May
• Summer : June to August
• Autumn : September to November
• Winter   : December to February

Spring and Autumn are the two best time to go to Korea, I would say. It's not too cold and not too hot. Plus the scenery would be so picturesque during those seasons. Summer would be scorching hot especially in August. While during the winter season, it's exciting to do winter sports but not so enjoyable to go for sight-seeing (based on my experience). But I am not saying it's impossible to go sight-seeing. If you come from a tropical country (like me), you might be a bit uncomfortable with the cold weather. Your hand and face would freeze! But you are not going to die. Don't worry.. It's a good experience though. Besides, when else can you experience snow.

Second, make sure you have enough budget! 

It's hard to say for certain what is the correct amount you need to have. Sometimes you have to plan your trip based on the amount that you have. 

• No matter what, buy your two-way flight tickets first! If you have enough money to buy the flight tickets and still have a few thousand in your bank account, you are safe. Another thing you could do is save more money after you had bought the flight tickets. I bet you would have a few months of time gap before the actual vacation right?
• Then, choose where to stay. If your focus is just Seoul, you can stay at one place. If you are on a tight budget, opt for guest house. It's really cheap. But take note that some of the guest house required you to share the room and bathroom with other guests. Depending on your preference and budget, check out the guest house's website first. <A list of guest houses>  
• Now, the most exciting part would be to decide where are you going to visit. You can just Google to see the recommendations. Easy-peasy.. However, don't forget to check how to go to (and come back from) this places and check if there's any entry fees and what's the opening hours. 

It's not that bad.. Planning your own vacation is more exciting. Although it is a lot of work, it's worth it! This entry is just meant to make you get started. I'll be posting more stuff! ;-)

[Review] Master's Sun

I have to admit that I was not interested to watch this drama since there's ghost..
But..
I have a lot of free time in between this Monday&Tuesday and the next Monday&Tuesday
So I can't stay still.. I was anxious..
I end up reading Master's Sun recaps from Dramabeans.com
Then I tried watching episode 6 since the recap talks about some romance
Rule of thumb: Good drama involves love and romance
I didn't know the theme is romantic comedy!
I thought it was a horror drama
Plus the ghosts in the trailer ARE scary!

Cha Joong Won (So Ji Sub) is the CEO of Kingdom Mall. He was born with a golden spoon in his mouth. His father is rich and I am not sure since when they were rich. Cha Joong Woon's mother died from when he was little. Not sure when and what happened. Cha Joong Won has a past that still hunted him. His first love died from a car accident. All his marriage arrangements were 'disastrous'. People said it's his first love curse. Also, he has a prickly attitude that kind of explain what's the reason actually. He don't believe that dead spirit exist and he would just 'step on people' to get what he wants.

Tae Gong Shil or Tae Yang (Gong Hyo Jin) on the other hand had lived while seeing dead spirits. She starts seeing dead spirits after some accident happened and she was in coma for 3 years. Before the accident, she was considered a pretty and smart student. Everyone expect her to have a bright future. But now, she is even afraid to go out to the world. She couldn't get a proper job without being bothered by ghosts or being called a lunatic. The ghosts always come to her to ask for a favor and won't leave until she does it.

And then! This two characters' fate crossed.. On a rainy night, the CEO had just convinced a house's owner to sell his house and was on his way back to Seoul. Tae Yang was by the roadside. She needed a lift back to Seoul herself after she had done a favor to a ghost granny. The CEO refused to let Tae Yang to get a lift on his car and asked his Secretary to just keep driving. However Secretary Kim was surprised by a lightning and immediately stopped the car. Tae Yang thought they stopped to give her a lift. So she just jumped in the car. (What a shameless girl.. That's what make her so 'irresistible'.)

Of course she was being chased by another ghost then. The ghost was standing in the middle of the road. She screamed. Secretary Kim was startled and stopped the car. Ok, now the ghost is inside the car looking straight on her face! Gosh.. It's creeping me out. She screamed and touched the CEO by impulse. Puff~ The ghost is gone.. That's weird because that's the first time it happened. Ghost had never leave her alone even when she asked them to. The second time she encountered a ghost, the ghost disappeared again once she hold on to the CEO. The CEO didn't like it at all: people touching him. He abandoned Tae Yang at a train station (if I was not mistaken).

But then.. Taeyang starts to get a job in Kingdom Mall. Somehow, she gets to convince the CEO that she actually sees ghost. One ghost in particular, which caught CEO's attention. His first love, Cha Hee Joo. So, they have an agreement. The CEO becomes Taeyang's shelter while Taeyang provides information about Cha Hee Joo.

What makes this drama is so exciting is that the CEO initially play hard-to-get while he actually enjoys Taeyang being around. He's the bad-guy type of boyfriend. He started to care about Taeyang in a shy-cute-adorable way. Ahh~ Who wouldn't fall for it? Well, Taeyang has already had feeling for the CEO since the beginning. It's so hard to get this two together because they both said the wrong things and misunderstood each other. Gosh... Typically Korean drama that make us hooked!

Let's not spoiled the whole story. It's worth for you to watch and squeal..