Kpop Cheat Sheet: The Bands To Know Before They Blow Up
Okay, we're calling it, right here, right now. Kpop is going to be 2012's hottest trend. Straight out of Seoul, these acts are already bringing their edgy, high-end style and infectious tunes all over the world. Asia knows what we're talking about. Europe is already obsessed. South America goes gaga for these multi-talented superstars. And North America? The craze has already started with the hottest Korean acts selling out Madison Square Garden in NYC, the Staples Center in LA, and the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas — just to name a few places. For those of you who haven't yet become ingrained, we're here to present to you a little primer to get in on the action. We're giving you the rundown on four of the hottest Kpop artists that are headed for world domination, the songs you need to hear, and, of course, the styles you're going to want to copy. Big Bang, 2NE1, Shinee, Girls' Generation. Memorize these names, people. Let the obsession begin.
The Lowdown
Big Bang has been on quite a journey in the five years since their debut. Starting out as a hip-hop group in 2006 (complete with oversized sweatshirts and some unfortunate cornrows), they've since incorporated their heavy beats into much more lyrical, R&B-influenced tunes that showcase all of the five members' distinctive voices while still not losing their urban bite. Members G-Dragon, Taeyang, T.O.P, Daesung, and Seungri each also have their own successful solo careers, which allow their own unique music styles and aesthetics to shine. But, as good as they are individually, together they are unstoppable — Big Bang recently beat out Britney Spears for MTV EMA's Best Worldwide Act award, which makes a nice addition to the 60+ awards they've already accumulated. And while they haven't had a concert in the US yet, they've already worked with the likes of Diplo and Ludacris. But, just in case you guys are planning to make your NYC debut any time soon, just know that you're welcome to hold your first concert at 30 Cooper Square, okay?
Their Style
Big Bang are Kpop's ultimate style chameleons — they've literally worn (and rocked) it all. You might see them in preppy sweaters and button-down shirts in a magazine, in sharply tailored suits in a music video, neon skinny jeans and puffer vests on a TV show, and in full leather ensembles and piles of jewelry on stage. They've also graced the pages of countless magazines, including Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, and are the faces of everything from The North Face to Calvin Klein in Korea. Big Bang's leader, G-Dragon, in particular is known as one of Korea's leading fashion icons, who is frequently seen in the front row of fashion shows and is maybe one of the best-dressed people to ever go through airport security.
Their Songs
Tonight — A relaxed, melancholic song that has an addictive beat and a dance-y chorus. The video was shot in Las Vegas, making it one of Big Bang's first projects done in America (though we're still waiting for the tour, guys).
Sunset Glow — This song is playful and upbeat, like something you'd listen to get you pumped up to go on a road trip. Looks like Big Bang thinks the same, as the video sees them rally their fans for a fun-filled day, which ends in an impromptu sunset concert on top of a bus.
Haru Haru — Although Haru Haru is a somber song that deals with the pain of letting go of someone you love, it's by-far a fan favorite and one of Big Bang's most popular songs, ever. The video portrays them as neighborhood roughs fighting over a girl who (spoiler alert!) kicks it in the end.
Source: www.refinery29.com (via soompi bigbang)
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