K-pop 粉丝 may remember 2014 as a dramatic, and at times heartbreaking, year. Members left groups 粉丝 envisioned them in for years, tragedy struck the live scene and the dark sides of the industry were brought to light in the wake of mourning one of the scene's most promising acts. But there's a shining light when 粉丝 recall what first attracted them to K-pop -- the music.
Drama aside, South Korean 音乐 remained stronger than ever this 年 with everyone from domestic legends to adorable newcomers all proving that they had something to offer our ears. Like in 2012 and 2013, the Billboard staff once again sifted through the charts and beyond to bring the 20 songs that break language barriers, push conventional 音乐 boundaries and best highlight all the K-pop scene has to offer.
20. Apink - "Luv"
The sweet girl group's latest single keeps their signature bright melodies, but adds a drop of melancholy in their voices as they long for a 迷失 love. The complexity of the track is upped with its peppy, bubblegum-pop production at times waxing nostalgic on '90s hip-hop tracks -- think early hits 由 Will Smith and TLC.
19. Akdong Musician - "200%"
Power rookie duo Akdong Musician’s bouncy, folk-inspired, pop-rap debut was an enormous chart success. Even as newcomers, the brother-sister duo’s froth and lighthearted innocence on 最佳, 返回页首 of their can't-look-away talent displayed in “200%” helped them land accolades and a growing fanbase.
18. Girls' Generation - "Mr.Mr."
The phenom's slick, R&B-pop confection stealthily grows 秒 由 秒 with 更多 embellishments, ad libs and clapping on each section. While it's not nearly as sonically jarring as brilliant 2013 single "I Got a Boy," the outfit's latest is still infused with musical subtleties, they're just baked deeper inside.
17. B1A4 - "Lonely"
B1A4's "Lonely" is a R&B/hip-hop ballad where the boys rap and croon over a subdued emotional melody. With a fascinating mix of '80s synths and Southern hip-hop styling, the melancholic track became one of the rising male act's biggest hits.
16. Girl's 日 - "Something"
Riding high on the success of their 2013 smash hits, "Expectation" and "Female President," Girl's 日 released its sexy, disco-inspired pop piece “Something” earlier this year. It quickly raised the quartet to prominence, helping them becoming one of the most successful female K-pop groups of 2014.
15. Park Hyo Shin - "Wild Flower"
After years on hiatus, Park Hyo Shin exploded back into the scene with "Wild Flower." For the wound-licking ballad, Park employs his powerful vocals with tantalizing sincerity over a lavish 50-piece orchestra to tell a story of one surviving through struggles.
14. 15& - "Can't Hide It"
The teenage vocal duo proves that less in 更多 with this slick, '90s R&B-inspired single that keeps the production simple and lets the girls' voices take the spotlight.
13. Loco Featuring 松鸦, 杰伊, 杰伊 · Park - "Thinking 'Bout You"
A buzz track off Loco's latest EP Locomotive, the addictive, ratchet banger is competitive with today's biggest hip-hop hits with its head-bopping brass beats and cowbell elements -- all topped off with Jay's elastic vocals and ad-libs.
12. 橙子, 橙色 焦糖 - "Catallena"
Quite possibly the oddest track of the year, the quirky trio's hit combined a Bollywood-inspired disco beat, Pakistani folk song, Nile Rodgers-esque 吉他 work, melodious baby coos and a renouncement of K-pop's heteronormative lyrics. It shouldn't work -- and, at first listen, it's rather jarring -- but somehow it all combines to one of the one of the year's most genius releases.
11. MC the Max - "Wind That Blows"
"Wind That Blows," is a classic, all-consuming rock ballad that devours a K-pop listener on first listen. Vocalist LSU's explosive, aching vocals over the dramatic production soared straight into the hearts of 音乐 粉丝 this 年 for the best ballad of 2014.
10. SISTAR - "Touch My Body"
The most accessible tune to come out of Korea this year, this sexy, sassy 果酱 hit on all of pop's music's trend notes (there's loads of saxophone) for a summer anthem that didn't lose its sparkle as the weather grew colder.
9. Dynamic Duo & DJ Premier - "Animal"
After 15 years on the scene, hip-hop heavyweights Dynamic Duo made yet another game-changing 移动 由 releasing a collaboration album with legendary producer DJ Premier, aptly titled A Giant Step. On the standout single "Animal," Dynamic Duo brings their immaculate rhyming over Preemo's lyrical scratches and aggressive loops.
8. Hyolyn & JooYoung - "Erase"
Put together two prodigiously talented vocalists on a richly produced, jazz-inspired track and 你 have an instant hit. Newbie JooYoung reveals a silky tone that perfectly complements and counters Hyolyn's smoky vocals.
7. INFINITE - "Back"
"Back" opens with ballad-style 钢琴 as harps, 808s and siren-like synths are added to this slow-burning sonic mix. The beat drops and the single takes a drastic, energetic turn as synth-heavy breakdowns are infused with orchestral strings (best heard at the 2:23 mark) as if the seemingly disparate parts are working in tandem to be heard as one collective sound.
6. Nell - "Four Times Around the Sun"
This track is an exciting display of Nell vocalist/composer Kim Jong Wan's knack for sophisticated songwriting. He uses force of gravity as a metaphor to describe one's inability to forget past 爱情 over a soundscape of driving drums, luscious 吉他 strums and lively 钢琴 chords.
5. San E & Raina - "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness"
Duets between hip-hop stars and K-pop idol sweethearts were a major trend this year, but none hit the mark as well as San E alongside Raina of After School. The two bounced off each other's energy as the girl-group diva added harmonies to San E's verses while the rapper ad-libbed on her unforgettable, hook-laden choruses.
4. TVXQ! - "Something"
With a big-band concept in tow, TVXQ! celebrated their 10th 年 on the K-pop scene with a swing-pop track to help make this the most sophisticated release of the year. Yunho and Changmin bring their signature energy and harmonies to the game, but the unexpected bebop break and jiving breakdown boasting Jimi Hendrix-esque 吉他 显示 the veterans still have 更多 than enough tricks up their sleeves.
3. G-Dragon & Taeyang - "Good Boy"
G-Dragon and Taeyang's collaborative effort, a trap-inflected banger with heavy 低音 and pulsating synths, is 2014's most addictive single and guaranteed to be a new club anthem. The song structure is familiar and accessible, but the BIGBANG boys blur the line of rapping and 唱歌 as the guys trade off lines. GD x Taeyang hardly feels like a collaboration, but 更多 like a cohesive artist.
2. Seo Taiji & 李知恩 - "Sogyeokdong"
Both the Korean rock legend and K-pop sweetheart 鸽子 into new sonic territory with this synth-pop spectacular. In a complex combination of sounds and emotions, IU's melancholy coos and honeyed harmonies detail South Korea's dictatorship days in the '80s amid Seo Taiji's symphonic storm of crunchy synthesizers. There's a lovely dreaminess to the track, but there's also a dark history in the lyrics and instrument choices.
1. Beast - "Good Luck"
From big band to EDM to '80s synth-pop, some of the best K-pop songs of the 年 came from honing in on and perfecting a particular concept. But 由 pulling fresh 音乐 inspirations while still retaining their band's signature energy, Beast truly nailed it with this lovelorn breakup track that spans 360 degrees of entertainment and emotions.
Emotional 钢琴 lines and heartfelt croons evolve into fierce kiss-off lyrics over fizzy electronic production. Meanwhile, ominous cellos, sneering violins and other orchestral elements creep in before they're trounced 由 throbbing EDM and trap beats as the guys showcase their singing, belting and rapping skills. There isn't much 更多 你 could ask -- 或者 that could fit -- in this meticulously put-together tour de force.
Crafted 由 member Junhyung and his longtime collaborator Kim Taejoo, "Good Luck" feels like the singer/rapper is truly at a point where he understands how to make his band's dynamics shine while pushing himself to create bigger and better productions, undoubtedly a trend that will continue as Beast moves into the 秒 half of their first decade together stronger than ever.
cr: Billiboard
Drama aside, South Korean 音乐 remained stronger than ever this 年 with everyone from domestic legends to adorable newcomers all proving that they had something to offer our ears. Like in 2012 and 2013, the Billboard staff once again sifted through the charts and beyond to bring the 20 songs that break language barriers, push conventional 音乐 boundaries and best highlight all the K-pop scene has to offer.
20. Apink - "Luv"
The sweet girl group's latest single keeps their signature bright melodies, but adds a drop of melancholy in their voices as they long for a 迷失 love. The complexity of the track is upped with its peppy, bubblegum-pop production at times waxing nostalgic on '90s hip-hop tracks -- think early hits 由 Will Smith and TLC.
19. Akdong Musician - "200%"
Power rookie duo Akdong Musician’s bouncy, folk-inspired, pop-rap debut was an enormous chart success. Even as newcomers, the brother-sister duo’s froth and lighthearted innocence on 最佳, 返回页首 of their can't-look-away talent displayed in “200%” helped them land accolades and a growing fanbase.
18. Girls' Generation - "Mr.Mr."
The phenom's slick, R&B-pop confection stealthily grows 秒 由 秒 with 更多 embellishments, ad libs and clapping on each section. While it's not nearly as sonically jarring as brilliant 2013 single "I Got a Boy," the outfit's latest is still infused with musical subtleties, they're just baked deeper inside.
17. B1A4 - "Lonely"
B1A4's "Lonely" is a R&B/hip-hop ballad where the boys rap and croon over a subdued emotional melody. With a fascinating mix of '80s synths and Southern hip-hop styling, the melancholic track became one of the rising male act's biggest hits.
16. Girl's 日 - "Something"
Riding high on the success of their 2013 smash hits, "Expectation" and "Female President," Girl's 日 released its sexy, disco-inspired pop piece “Something” earlier this year. It quickly raised the quartet to prominence, helping them becoming one of the most successful female K-pop groups of 2014.
15. Park Hyo Shin - "Wild Flower"
After years on hiatus, Park Hyo Shin exploded back into the scene with "Wild Flower." For the wound-licking ballad, Park employs his powerful vocals with tantalizing sincerity over a lavish 50-piece orchestra to tell a story of one surviving through struggles.
14. 15& - "Can't Hide It"
The teenage vocal duo proves that less in 更多 with this slick, '90s R&B-inspired single that keeps the production simple and lets the girls' voices take the spotlight.
13. Loco Featuring 松鸦, 杰伊, 杰伊 · Park - "Thinking 'Bout You"
A buzz track off Loco's latest EP Locomotive, the addictive, ratchet banger is competitive with today's biggest hip-hop hits with its head-bopping brass beats and cowbell elements -- all topped off with Jay's elastic vocals and ad-libs.
12. 橙子, 橙色 焦糖 - "Catallena"
Quite possibly the oddest track of the year, the quirky trio's hit combined a Bollywood-inspired disco beat, Pakistani folk song, Nile Rodgers-esque 吉他 work, melodious baby coos and a renouncement of K-pop's heteronormative lyrics. It shouldn't work -- and, at first listen, it's rather jarring -- but somehow it all combines to one of the one of the year's most genius releases.
11. MC the Max - "Wind That Blows"
"Wind That Blows," is a classic, all-consuming rock ballad that devours a K-pop listener on first listen. Vocalist LSU's explosive, aching vocals over the dramatic production soared straight into the hearts of 音乐 粉丝 this 年 for the best ballad of 2014.
10. SISTAR - "Touch My Body"
The most accessible tune to come out of Korea this year, this sexy, sassy 果酱 hit on all of pop's music's trend notes (there's loads of saxophone) for a summer anthem that didn't lose its sparkle as the weather grew colder.
9. Dynamic Duo & DJ Premier - "Animal"
After 15 years on the scene, hip-hop heavyweights Dynamic Duo made yet another game-changing 移动 由 releasing a collaboration album with legendary producer DJ Premier, aptly titled A Giant Step. On the standout single "Animal," Dynamic Duo brings their immaculate rhyming over Preemo's lyrical scratches and aggressive loops.
8. Hyolyn & JooYoung - "Erase"
Put together two prodigiously talented vocalists on a richly produced, jazz-inspired track and 你 have an instant hit. Newbie JooYoung reveals a silky tone that perfectly complements and counters Hyolyn's smoky vocals.
7. INFINITE - "Back"
"Back" opens with ballad-style 钢琴 as harps, 808s and siren-like synths are added to this slow-burning sonic mix. The beat drops and the single takes a drastic, energetic turn as synth-heavy breakdowns are infused with orchestral strings (best heard at the 2:23 mark) as if the seemingly disparate parts are working in tandem to be heard as one collective sound.
6. Nell - "Four Times Around the Sun"
This track is an exciting display of Nell vocalist/composer Kim Jong Wan's knack for sophisticated songwriting. He uses force of gravity as a metaphor to describe one's inability to forget past 爱情 over a soundscape of driving drums, luscious 吉他 strums and lively 钢琴 chords.
5. San E & Raina - "A Midsummer Night's Sweetness"
Duets between hip-hop stars and K-pop idol sweethearts were a major trend this year, but none hit the mark as well as San E alongside Raina of After School. The two bounced off each other's energy as the girl-group diva added harmonies to San E's verses while the rapper ad-libbed on her unforgettable, hook-laden choruses.
4. TVXQ! - "Something"
With a big-band concept in tow, TVXQ! celebrated their 10th 年 on the K-pop scene with a swing-pop track to help make this the most sophisticated release of the year. Yunho and Changmin bring their signature energy and harmonies to the game, but the unexpected bebop break and jiving breakdown boasting Jimi Hendrix-esque 吉他 显示 the veterans still have 更多 than enough tricks up their sleeves.
3. G-Dragon & Taeyang - "Good Boy"
G-Dragon and Taeyang's collaborative effort, a trap-inflected banger with heavy 低音 and pulsating synths, is 2014's most addictive single and guaranteed to be a new club anthem. The song structure is familiar and accessible, but the BIGBANG boys blur the line of rapping and 唱歌 as the guys trade off lines. GD x Taeyang hardly feels like a collaboration, but 更多 like a cohesive artist.
2. Seo Taiji & 李知恩 - "Sogyeokdong"
Both the Korean rock legend and K-pop sweetheart 鸽子 into new sonic territory with this synth-pop spectacular. In a complex combination of sounds and emotions, IU's melancholy coos and honeyed harmonies detail South Korea's dictatorship days in the '80s amid Seo Taiji's symphonic storm of crunchy synthesizers. There's a lovely dreaminess to the track, but there's also a dark history in the lyrics and instrument choices.
1. Beast - "Good Luck"
From big band to EDM to '80s synth-pop, some of the best K-pop songs of the 年 came from honing in on and perfecting a particular concept. But 由 pulling fresh 音乐 inspirations while still retaining their band's signature energy, Beast truly nailed it with this lovelorn breakup track that spans 360 degrees of entertainment and emotions.
Emotional 钢琴 lines and heartfelt croons evolve into fierce kiss-off lyrics over fizzy electronic production. Meanwhile, ominous cellos, sneering violins and other orchestral elements creep in before they're trounced 由 throbbing EDM and trap beats as the guys showcase their singing, belting and rapping skills. There isn't much 更多 你 could ask -- 或者 that could fit -- in this meticulously put-together tour de force.
Crafted 由 member Junhyung and his longtime collaborator Kim Taejoo, "Good Luck" feels like the singer/rapper is truly at a point where he understands how to make his band's dynamics shine while pushing himself to create bigger and better productions, undoubtedly a trend that will continue as Beast moves into the 秒 half of their first decade together stronger than ever.
cr: Billiboard
An affiliate of Loen 树 told Newsen on February 3, “The reports claiming that IU’s album will be released in April are not true. It’s too early to discuss the comeback date.”
The affiliate added, “The usual sequence of making a comeback involves deciding on the artist’s concept and collecting the songs. But IU’s songs 或者 concept have not been decided on.”
李知恩 released the remake album A 花 Bookmark in May of 2014 and has been carrying out her schedules of filming commercials.
source: link
Recently, Unionbay released a set of 照片 of the pair getting close and comfortable with each other while they modeled apparel from the casual clothing brand. The stars wore jeans of every shade and even a few bright colored shirts and jackets. The well known celebrity 老友记 recommended each other for the modeling gig, and now they are both reaping the rewards.
李知恩 and Hyun Woo even admitted that they would like to work together if a good project comes their way.
I don't know about you, but I'm wholeheartedly rooting for these two to date. They are adorable together! The young stars, who are both 21 years old, are already good friends, so 爱情 should naturally come next.
credit: DramaFever
Best 老友记 are there for one another, even when separated 由 long distances 或者 simply being a part of different K-Pop groups. Here are 8 famous friendships to celebrate.
Check out these best 老友记 of K-Pop in this 列表 of 8 Famous Friendships Between K-Pop Idols
SHINee’s Taemin & Exo-K’s Kai
BTOB’s Minhyuk & Vixx’s N
Infinite’s Woohyun & SHINee’s Key
EXO's 鹿晗 & Lay
Miss A’s Suzy & IU
BEAST’s Doojoon & MBLAQ’s Lee Joon
f(x)’s Amber & Miss A’s Min
source: koreaboo
Check out these best 老友记 of K-Pop in this 列表 of 8 Famous Friendships Between K-Pop Idols
SHINee’s Taemin & Exo-K’s Kai
BTOB’s Minhyuk & Vixx’s N
Infinite’s Woohyun & SHINee’s Key
EXO's 鹿晗 & Lay
Miss A’s Suzy & IU
BEAST’s Doojoon & MBLAQ’s Lee Joon
f(x)’s Amber & Miss A’s Min
source: koreaboo
