FASHION > GET THE LOOK : SHINHWA > SPRING MAKEUP BAG REVIEWS > TUNE IN: WE > DRAMA: KILL ME HEAL ME + THE UK KPOP INVASION + COOKING: NAENG MYUN + 10 BASIC EXPRESSIONS
INTERVIEW
UKP MAGAZINE
+ SEOUL SPRING SIGHTS + SPOTLIGHT: A-PINK + REPLAY: FEBRUARY
> PARK JUNG MIN > HENRY BLOOMFIELD
CONTENT
CONTENT 4-5
Editorial: THE UK KPOP INVASION
6-7
Replay: February
9
Idol Spotlight: A-Pink
10-11
Cosmetics: Spring necessities
12-13
On The Radar: Park Jung Min
15
Tune-in: WE
16-17
Star Style: SHINHWA
18-19
Drama review: “Kill me Heal me”
20-23
Interview: Henry Bloomfield
24-25
Exploring Seoul: Spring Sights
27 28-29
Language: 10 Korean Expressions Recipe: Nengmyun
DESIGN: FREYA BIGG, MICHAEL EAST, STEPH MCSTEA, LORE WALSH, MAI VABO WRITING: MAISIE DUFF, ELLA KAILL, STEPH MCSTEA, DONNA SHEFFIELD, HOLLY SMITH LORE WALSH, MAI VABO
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PARK JUNG MIN
ince his debut in 2005, Park Jung Min and his group SS501 have become part of the Kpop world known as the elite. Those idol groups who have been around for long enough to know what it was like before the “hallyu wave” swept across the western world. When going “overseas” was a quick trip to Japan, and a “world tour” meant adding three stops in China, Taiwan and - if you were really successful: Malaysia. 10 years later, the members of SS501 have gone their sep-
arate ways, exploring solo careers and actively promoting their own passions without the shackles of being part of a group. Park Jung Min is a multitasker without comparison and has since 2011 touched on everything from musical theatre in Japan, to acting on the small screen in Taiwan. In 2012 he debuted his very own alter ego to promote a new style of music in Japan, and with ROMEO, Park has toured the world from Japan to South America and Europe.
Photo: Mai Vabo
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Park Jung Min takes a few moments from his busy schedule, talking about his plans for the year and the transformation from Park Jung Min to ROMEO Mai Vabo “AFTER completing a world tour, I am planning to enlist in the army this year,” he says. But first, he is going back to South America in March, performing for fans in Peru, Bolivia and Chile for the second year in a row. “When I get to go abroad, I can feel closer to my foreign fans, because our hearts are close even if we are far apart,” Park says about his world tour. “It’s very touching seeing my fans supporting me so passionately, and I always hope that I will get to meet everyone again in the future.” Aside from looks however, he doesn’t find his foreign fans any different from those in South Korea or Japan: “The passion, the support I feel and their shiny eyes are all very similar. When I perform as ROMEO they shout, but when I perform as Park Jung Min they just smile at me. They love me regardless of ROMEO or Jung Min.” As a performer from South Korea, a country largely unknown to the average westerner, Park spends a lot of time thinking about what it is he represents, not just to his fans, when going to a new place.
“I’d like to show the good parts of Korea, with the pride of being Korean,” he says. “When I’m out in foreign countries I behave, even if it’s just a little thing, so that I don’t embarrass Koreans. I’d like to show people about the fancies, tastes and entertainment of South Korea.” He is excited to travel more, and has expressed a desire to travel to the Middle East and India. According to Park, he is curious to see how they would react to his music and style as a performer. But, the singer turned actor has a place he would like to return to first: “The UK. I really liked it when I went there last time,” he says, confidently assuring his fans he is returning. “First of all, I’d like to meet with all my fans. And if I have time, I’d like to check out the musicals. I’ve seen some of them when I travelled to the UK alone before, they really taught me a lot for my own career in musical acting.” As a member of SS501, Park was confined to the world of being an “idol”, with high expectations and strict rules of what was and was not appropriate. As a solo artist, those reservations are no longer as strict. “I’ve never considered my-
self as an idol after being with the group, but I appreciate that I used to be one,” he says, thoughtful. “Isn’t it a good thing that I can be a bit freer on a stage? I think it’s tough having to show only my good sides, so I’ve created ROMEO to express my inner sadness.” Over the past two years, Park has been taking more responsibility for his own songs, vital in all aspects of production himself, from composing the music to writing his own lyrics. Especially his lyrics as ROMEO have drawn a lot of attention, dark and mysterious - a clear contrast to the sweet and happy sounds we are used to hearing from Park. “I have a switch which I turn on for ROMEO’s songs. The difference is in the charisma. My ROMEO switch is on when I write lyrics for ROMEO’s songs and Park Jung Min switch is on when I write lyrics for those songs,” he says about the differences in character. “I draw inspiration for my lyrics from everything. Every little thing, abstract things and feelings inside me.” According to Park, it varies if he composes melodies or writes the lyrics to a new track first. But more often, the lyrics will come from hearing
a melody: “I imagine words I think of from melodies and then finish it by adding my own experiences.” In the 10 years since his debut, Park has evolved as an artist and as a person: “I think I’ve gotten better by facing things on my own. Being one out of five group members to start solo activities, I felt a lot of pressure, so I worked very hard. I had a lot of difficulties finding my own voice, but I practiced a lot, gaining confidence on stages little by little.” SS501 and their fans have been known for their close relationship, and their solo activities have not changed this fact. Park now refers to his fans as KAZOK, the japanese word for family. “If I could have any superpower, I wish to have all the time in the world, so that I can meet all my fans one by one, and tell them to be happy.” He has a special message to his European familymembers: “Look forward to a better version of Park Jung Min and please support my all activities beside music. I can’t wait to see you guys, until then, please support me. I’m sharing all my love with you guys.”
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SHINHWA is on target with Sniper Mai Vabo LIKE a fine bottle of wine, the “legendary” SHINHWA only get better with age. Topping off an impressive 17 years in the industry, the 6 member group have released their 12th album, WE, and are sweeping the charts with Sniper: a sophisticated and confident dance track playing off the group’s experience and maturity compared to their younger rivals on the market. As an album, WE boasts a wide range of styles including emotional ballads and upbeat sexy tracks, binding the album together with a continuous jazzy and mature vibe. SHINHWA has taken it a step up from recent albums The Return and The Classic, focusing heavily on clear, confident raps and allowing their vocals to merge with smooth melodies. Creating a basis from which each song evolves to new heights, the vocal backdrop is consistently strong as bass voice Kim Dongwan and lead vocal Shin Hyesung takes care of the vocal points of each tune. Meanwhile, Lee Minwoo pleasantly surprises with his range, going from an impressive Michael Jackson-like falsetto in Icy Moon and back to his own familiar smooth voice in Sniper. While in the last few years SHINHWA has released consistently new and modern beats, WE is something else, with synths reminiscent of our favourite 80’s classics in Never Give Up - the last of ten tracks. That being said, promotional tracks Sniper and Alright are both refreshingly modern, mature and relaxed, pulling off a sexy and confident vibe, appropriate for the group who have reached their mid 30’s. In a group where there are equally as many rappers as vocalists, it can be difficult to find a style complementing each of their qualities while staying true to the album flow. But rappers Eric, Andy and Junjin have had years to figure out how to best
compliment each other and hold their own in each songs, especially coming out strong on sensual RnB track Give It 2 Me, written by vocal Lee Minwoo. SHINHWA has managed to compile a list of songs which are playful, smooth and sexy, but balance them out with ballads, sticking to a pop ballad style which has become somewhat of a brand to their name. While remembering previous successes like On The Road and Breathing, the group would be hard pressed to top themselves, but once again SHINHWA prove their worth with the sweet and nostalgic White Shirts. Remembering a lost love, the song reflects a maturity and growth which is rare to find in your standard Kpop ballads, but of which you’d expect nothing less from SHINHWA. On the topic of pop ballads, Memory can certainly not be left out. Promoted as a song for the fans, it invites reflection into SHINHWA’s past, remembering highlights and downfalls through their long career, and thanking fans for the memories which have come from it. It is a heavily vocal song, with a bass heavy beat and dreamlike melody, accentuating the emotional lyrics and the groups strong vocal harmony. WE is an album that brings with it stunning compositions and melodies, and a few surprises along the way. Ice moon is a clear highlight with its daring transitions and a reckless sensuality in its tone, masterfully accomplished by the group without losing a single beat. Meanwhile, Sniper sells as a mature and sophisticated choice for a promotional track, drawing listeners in with its enticing whistle sound and smooth and catchy beat. Had WE been a western release, it would be a strong competitor for a Grammy award… though with the current standing of Kpop as a world genre, it will take another few years before member Kim Dongwan bags that particular goal for the group.
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GET THE LOOK:
SHINHWA
March is a month to look chic and cool while staying warm. MAI VABO knows just how with inspiration from MEMORY: layering up in white and black for a sophisticated and mature style.
Black Long Sleeve Cropped Sweater £12.99 - NewLook
Black Chunky Embellished Neck Half Sleeve Shell Top
Black Crochet Mesh Scallop Hem T-shirt £17.99 - NewLook LADIES: a bit of feminine flare is all it takes. Switch the layers for a bedazzled blouse or crop top and pair it with high waisted trousers for the same effortless look as SHINHWA. Top it off with white flats of even better a pair of sleek heels, and anyone can be ready to rock the runway. Black Bengaline Slim Cropped Trousers
Dark Grey Check Turn Up Slim Leg Trousers £19.99 - NewLook
Navy Mesh Bomber Jacket £34.99 - NewLook
Black Quilted Slip-on Plimsolls £14.99 NewLook
Cream Platform Peep Toe Heels £27.99 - NewLook
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UNITEDKPOP EMAG SPRING 2014
White Contrast Long Sleeve Shirt £10 - NewLook
Navy Mesh Bomber Jacket £34.99 - NewLook
Black Regardes Moiz Sweater £6 - NewLook
Black Heritage Knit Lace Up Plimsolls £7 - NewLook
GENTS: This style is all about layers. A printed jumper layered over a white shirt gives a relaxed and approachable look, while sticking to a black and white colour scheme adds maturity. Make sure your trousers are well fitted - the road from gentleman to failed hipster is short and dangerous.
Chinos Skinny Fit £14.99 - H&M
Chinos Slim Fit Cream/White £14.99 - H&M
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Henry Bloomfield talks music, breaking
into the Korean market, and differences between the Korean and American music scene
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Henry Bloomfield is quite the new phenomenon in the world of Korean music. His music is described in his own words as “energetic, rhythmic, and spunky,” and classes itself somewhere between K-pop and indie style music. Mai Vabo
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MAN of many talents, Henry writes and arranges his own music, he plays the piano as well as singing. He grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Berklee College of Music there until 2013, where he met his Korean friends and the start of a journey began. “I attended a welcoming concert during my orientation at Berklee and sat a couple seats away from a Korean drummer named Sungtaek Oh,” Henry explains. “Soon after, I started a band with him and his two friends, Changmin Jun (bass) and Bumsuk Lee (saxophone). I was so impressed by their musical expertise and learned so much from their experienced advice. We gigged all around Boston and Cambridge and, before long, I was learning a lot about Korean culture and meeting my bandmates’ Korean friends.”
Sometimes, I still get a rush of reality just realizing that yes, I’m actually living in Korea! Now, the singer teaches English to support his music, and spends his free time shooting music videos and exploring Korean culture. But how does one musician go from Berklee College to dropping everything and moving to Seoul in just one year? Well, his new friends turned out to be some very well connected... “One of their buddies, in particular, Hoon Choi, was a true musical mentor to me. Hoon is a well-known session bassist in Korea, having recorded and performed with the likes of Dynamic Duo, Clazziquai, and Brown Eyed Soul. After having such positive exposures to Korean musicians, their culture, and work ethic, I decided to move to Seoul to try to fully develop my music career.” It is quite the leap for the young American-born musician (both literally and figuratively speaking). It could be argued that South-East Asian culture is as far
from modern western as it gets, but Henry is not deterred. Even after two years he is still amazed and excited over living in Seoul, and it is clear he loves his new home to the point of questioning whether he will actually ever return to the US. “Korea, Seoul in particular, is an amazingly exciting place to live in. Sometimes, I still get a rush of reality just realizing that yes, I’m actually living in Korea! When I look at a map and actually see how far away I am from my home in Massachusetts, I feel it,” he says and raves on about the food and the places to be. “I’m a huge fan of bibimbap and tofu stew. Korean food is so great because of the wide array of flavors that you can experience in one meal. I live in Sinsa, which is a part of Gangnam, and it’s a terrific place. There are a lot of places to eat, hang out, and enjoy with friends. Areas like Itaewon, Noksapyeong, Hongdae, and Hyehwa are also some of my favorites in Seoul. I think anyone visiting Korea would dig these spots!” But there are challenges to uprooting so completely and starting over in an entirely new country. Especially one with a whole new alphabet, a new language and a whole new culture to learn. “Of course I experience language barriers - simply because I haven’t yet fully dedicated myself to the Korean language, and the natural difficulty of pursuing a career far away from home. In fact, I feel fortunate to have been treated very respectfully by almost everyone I’ve come in close contact with in Korea. If anything, given this kind treatment, I feel all the more responsible to make the most of my experience here and to succeed,“ Henry admits.
Many K-pop tunes feature English hook lines in their tracks, I’m interested in employing the reverse-linguistic strategy in my own songs
While his lyrics are largely English, Henry plays with languages and flips the style familiar to most Kpop fans, along with the Korean music scene on its head. Instead of the, sometimes embarrassingly terrible, English we all love to hate from most Korean pop songs, Korean phrases are sprinkled throughout Henry’s lyrics, and are particularly noticeable in his choruses. “Just as many K-pop tunes feature English hook lines throughout their tracks, I’m interested in employing the reverse-linguistic strategy in my own songs. I’m a beginner but I am interested in trying to learn more, as quickly as possible. My friend Janett Kim was completely integral to the lyric translating process for Ms. Mary and Overtime,” Henry admits.
Many people are happy to hear something that is unquestionably different and unique, while some others are turned off for this very reason While the korean music scene is no stranger to new debuts and releases, Henry’s heritage and general new style has turned heads on the market. And with Korean music becoming increasingly popular across the world, he has even had reactions internationally. “I write songs because I get supreme joy from creating them. That is, not just the melody, but the chords, the instrumentation, and the arrangement. Pursuing music in Korea is really exciting because, given the growing popularity of K-pop, the Korean market is more international than it has ever been,” He says. Henry’s last two releases were by the major CJ Entertainment label, and uploaded to their channel on youtube. The channel is known within the k-pop community for uploading a wide variety of music videos, and is a popular place to find the latest releases. However, this cre-
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22 ates an expectation of what exactly will be in their videos. Henry’s music and videos do not necessarily meet these expectations. He is more fascinated than bothered by the attention: “When so many people experience my songs with this predisposition, it seems to create strong feelings, in both the positive and the negative, and I am equally driven by both. Many people are happy to hear something that is unquestionably different and unique, while some others are turned off for this very reason.” Whether bothered or not, Henry’s debut and success has sparked comparisons to other westerners active in the Korean music market. In particular references to Chad Future, the youtube sensation who has made a name for himself in covering popular k-pop songs in English and has received a lot of hate from avid fans, claiming he is simply copying their favourite stars.
I am trying to create music that might not so obviously fit into one single genre “To tell you the truth, and no offense at all towards Chad Future, I have become aware of him only through these types of comparisons. So, given that I’m unfamiliar with his tunes, style, and background, I think it’s safer to let other people make
those observations. He seems to be interested and more knowledgable in the wide world of K-pop, while I am trying to create music that might not so obviously fit into one single genre all at once,” Henry says of the comparisons.
My favorite part of the Korean music market is, the interconnectedness within it Before his move to Korea, the young musician spent a few months touring with American rapper Hoodie Allen around America. With experience from both markets, he has noted the key differences. “Right off the bat, there is clearly a significant difference between the Korean and American music markets by virtue of the two countries’ respective sizes. America’s vastness has allowed for so many different artists to become successful in so many different genres,” he says. “On the other hand, my favorite part of the Korean music market is, the interconnectedness within it. I have met so many great musicians thanks to mutual friends, and it really feels like one doesn’t have to extend out too far before hooking up with talented Korean performers and writers. In my mind, this opens the floodgate doors in terms of opportunities for collaboration and networking. A musician’s dream.”
Henry is confident in his style and sound, and seems content to simply go where the world takes him. While he is currently happy in Korea, he is not opposed to returning and expanding to the western music market, should the opportunity arise. According to himself, he will take his music to those who want to listen, and, it seems, where it wants to go. Likewise, he supports the recent wave of Korean artists pushing towards the American market. “I think any artist breaking into any market is great. It is a testament both to the artist’s versatility and to the given culture’s open mindedness. Who’s to say that an artist doesn’t have the right to have his or her music exposed in certain places? Music, by nature, is always borrowing from what has come before or what is happening at present, so I think it only makes sense to honor this truth by giving any type of music or artist a fair listen.” On the topic of K-pop, we would be ashamed of our site name if we did not ask a few questions about his preferences on the korean pop music market. “In terms of Korean artists, I’m currently very drawn towards the likes of Dynamic Duo, Primary, and Zion. T. I really dig their blend of hip hop, R&B, soul, and jazz. Their tunes are so smooth and hip. It would be a real thrill to collaborate with any of them,” he states. And with his recent success, who is to say it’s not to be in near future? We are sure whatever would come from the collaboration would blow our minds.
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“I would like to thank you all so much for your interest and for supporting my music! It means so much to me. I hope that you feel the joy and life that I pour into it and that it can make you feel happy and good. Be on the lookout for my new upcoming track, “Kiss a Gumiho” and please get in touch with me whenever about anything and everything. Best wishes!”
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