https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WUZYewLvxM&index=111&list=PLQOD7tCzKnYPYtwtFkgZRore5YzcuXduc
Song recording of When I was your Man.... All dressed up, sounding great.
Fighting! Melody ♥ BTOB
2015/12/21
2015/12/19
Welcome to KPOP, I start with: BTOB Born to Beat
This is Born to Beat or BTOB. Interestingly enough my daughter got into KPOP by watching a youtubers react and seeing an EXO video. No, EXO is NOT one that we listen to on any regular basis; however, she showed her cousin who started looking into groups, found BTOB and the rest is history.
BTOB is not as widely known as most KPOP groups and it makes us sad, they are all really, REALLY talented guys. There are 4 vocalist and 3 rappers; however, the rappers sing incredibly well also. A few have branched out into acting also, we are hoping that they will become more popular and yes, I admit, we fan girl whenever someone acknowledges them as a group or one of the members.
Hey, I know how weird it sounds, I'm a 45 yr old married woman with a married son and my youngest the obsessed teenager with KPOP. It just happens. Honestly there is no other way to describe it, one day your daughter is showing you a KPOP video and because it isn't your culture or normal, you may at first glance wonder why they look like girls. After about the fourth video you've stopped that, then she shows you a couple of them singing in English by themselves, she only watches their videos when you are together and now it is everyday life. Now, seeing them without their eyeliner is weird to me, there is no way in HELL I would ever call these hot Asian men girls and I myself admit to having a few favorite groups and some biases. Sigh... it happens.
http://misskpop.weebly.com/btob-profile.html This lady does a great job at introducing people to groups, giving their profiles.
The leader/vocalist/oldest of BTOB is Eunkwang or affectionally known in our house as Ducky. (no not like NCIS) We had a hard time at first saying and pronouncing some of their names so they received pet names from my daughter and her cousin. Eunkwang is the blonde, 3rd in from the right and my bias in this group. Certain people have voices that just grab me and his is one. I found a couple of videos on my own of him competing in like a "blind voice" type thing, yes I fan girled when they introduced him and opened the doors so he could finish the song, he said he had done it so that others would hopefully start taking him seriously as a vocalist, he took 3rd place. (smile)
The lead rapper/2nd oldest/face of BTOB is Lee Minhyuk. He is the very center of the picture above. There are actually three other Minhyuk's that are in KPOP groups so we like to keep him separate. I don't remember his nickname as he is my daughter's bias in this group (2nd bias overall) and he has always been Minhyuk. Before he became a trainee and joined BTOB, he was an underground rapper by the name of Heota. It is rumored he is bringing back a bit of Heota, it is evidenced in his season 3 I'll be your Melody. Minhyuk is my preferred bias for my daughter - don't get me wrong, I have enormous respect for ALL these idols of these groups, they work harder than anyone I've ever heard of or seen reports on. For this mom though, the fact that he doesn't have tat's (I like tats don't get grumpy with me!), has no piercings - states he will never have either- tells me a level of dedication and respect for his body most just don't think to have. He does many sports, self proclaims his talent to be seeing a dance once and being able to do it after. He seems to be a perfectionist and seems to have an innocence about him, so, yeah, he would be my preference. His voice singing or rapping makes my daughter smile on a bad day - can't ask more than that. (smile)
2nd Rapper of BTOB Ilhoon. He is directly behind Minhyuk on the left. He is my niece's bias in this group. Ilhoon's older sister is also an Idol, a talented, close family as seen on one of the award shows as his sister ended up next to him and he held her hand and walked with her off the stage. (smile) He has started doing raps for other idols singles, he is very talented and I used to HATE rap. The fact that these men have me listening to rap says PLENTY - I listen to all music and used to add, except Rap - well, I can't say that anymore. I hate to give the other group members less talk time than another but honestly, I know the most about Minhyuk (obviously), then Eungwang and Ilhoon.
3rd Rapper of BTOB Peniel, first on the right. He's AMERICAN (smiles), no that isn't the only good thing about him but as an American it does mean we gladly claim him.
Vocalist of BTOB, Sungjae - first on the left. I have to admit I didn't know much about him, he is one that has grown on me and won me over. He is the macknae (youngest) of the group. He is also an amazing actor and extremely humble and dedicated young man. How man American actors do you know that were in a boy band would introduce themselves at an acting interview as, "I am Sungjae from BTOB". That started it, then I heard his cover of Junsu's (another of my bias) Yesterday - it was amazing and I melted, he's won me over.
Vocalist of BTOB, Changsub, 2nd in from left. Again, a member that grew on me. I can only claim naivete with him he and Sungjae. Too many times listening to the songs and not knowing who was singing. Like I said, all these guys are so talented, could have solo careers if they so wanted. I've started paying closer attention now to who is singing and hey, it's only taken me 9 months but I can finally tell them ALL apart. (amazing for me, don't knock it, I'm still working on other groups)
Vocalist of BTOB, Hyunsik, 2nd in on right. Favorably known in my house as kitten, lol. Hey, its not an easy name for us but we have overcome our disability with saying it. (smile) Confession time, it was Hyunsik's Moondance in English that won me over to KPOP. Yep, again, these voices, I just can't explain.
I posted video's if anyone is still with me and reading, I know that there are things that people just sort of roll their eyes at and don't explore any further. That is fine, for those that are still here and click on any of the video's below, you are in for a treat. BTOB call their fans Melodies. Each year when they do a "comeback" (America's version of releasing a new album) each member releases an I'll be your Melody song for their fans. sigh ♥ enough fangirling enjoy BTOB, maybe you'll become a Melody. (smile)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqKk_B40y3c (Hyunsik singing Moondance)
(Changsub I will be your Melody Season 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui1v1oqizRE (Sungjae I will be your Melody Season 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvYULh4YCoQ (Minhyuk I will be your Melody Season 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erJ1lzOxN-s (Peniel I will be your Melody Season 2 - Jason Mraz cover)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC3c2jdGozY (Ilhoon I will be your Melody Season 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpbutHmMgUE (Eunkwang I will be your Melody Season 3)
My daughter and I differ on which video to show first lol - I pick this one, from their Complete album.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4rN5Y7Dx_I (It's Okay)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXcUXWL1mJA (WOW, Pressplay album) My favorite.
A group with many faces and for all ages as you can see by the last video. Yes, KPOP groups like animal onsies... hmm, Eunkwang is Donald Duck(ie) (wink). One of the things I love about them, that they are versatile for multiple ages.. they pretty much just rock in my house. ♥ a Melody
My Oldest Son
I believe myself safe to post this here since I really think that my son, actually all of my family have forgotten that this blog exists. Lol, what happens when you don't post for years.
I started blogging, honestly I don't remember how many years ago, it was supposed to be therapy; however, I didn't have a thick enough skin to say what I wanted to and not care how others responded, I still don't. I am getting there though and that is a good thing. Due to not having a thick skin, my oldest son going on a mission, I do believe I have 4 blogs.... none where getting updated except my son's mission blog until he came home this past January.
Many things have happened since January in his life. His best friend came home from her mission also, their planes landed - not exaggerating or joking - within 10 minutes of each other. Both families were able to greet them both, it was great. 4 months later the two married. He is the age I was when he married; however, even though I was the partner with the job, the apartment, etc - I think he feels more the burden and responsibility of being the "man of the house". The adult world has settled on their shoulders within a short time with all the fun things it brings: car breakdowns, car mishaps with poles, learning about leases and that people are human and sometimes make mistakes that affect you. However, they are very much in love and best friends so even while they are adjusting to each other, they have kept firm in their minds that this is their best friend, their eternal companion - we couldn't be prouder of them. My daughter in law asked for all of us to vlog something for my son for Christmas. I wrote mine out first and thought I'd write more, thoughts clearer if I write it again here. My son is too much like his mother with a mix of his dad so while he feels everything and it affects him like his mom, he has a hard time expressing his feelings like his dad. I am thankful for his wife that see's this and is taking steps to help him see that he isn't what his brain is telling him. ♥ She wanted me to email her my vlog, I will send her this link, pretty sure its obvious that I will be crying while I type. Here's my "letter" to my son.
This is my baby boy. He often thinks he is not good enough but I know the truth. My son is and always has been, MORE. In therapy I've learned that words others use to hurt us have two sides, good and bad - any words I use are in no way meant in the bad form, never to any of my kids.
He is:
MORE excitable
MORE leaderish
MORE stubborn
MORE emotional
MORE aware
and
MORE talented.
This talented man can cook, sew, bake, play the piano, the drums, percussion instruments, make movies out of nothing but legos, is an Eagle Scout, and can make friends wherever he goes. I am and have always been so proud of him and often wondered why he tries to hide these things but I will just continue to name them as achievements he has.
He is MORE excitable. He gets this from my side of the family, when we got married my husband was astounded at how happy my mom was at something he'd done or accomplished. The more his creative juices flow, as his ideas form, the louder and more animated he becomes. =] In 6th grade I had to explain this to his teacher, he was getting in trouble for it. Others were following his lead and the teacher was at a loss. When I explained my son to her it was like a light bulb went off, she took his excitement and started using it to her advantage. Here is the "leaderish" part my son denies... she used it to get the class excited because whether my son believes it of himself or not, when others copy you or imitate you, you have become a natural leader and an example. The class started doing better and by the end of the year Anthony was her favorite student. Wow, what understanding does right?
He is MORE stubborn. The "not good" comment on this was always the Terry family saying that "Terry's aren't stubborn" followed by eye rolls and laughs. He received this gift and it is one, from both of his parents and their families. How is this a gift? Being stubborn is seen as a fault by those that don't possess the quality or by those that cannot convince you to their way. It is a gift to be able to withstand the temptations of man and peers. This quality became obvious around 18 months old. I believe my kids were saved for the last days and these so called "bad" qualities will actually bless them and assist them in what they have been sent to accomplish. Once Anthony has something in his head, you cannot remove it. It is part of what made him a wonderful missionary for the church, he believes and has an unshakable faith. My only problem with his stubbornness was figuring out how to get the right and good things into his head.
He is MORE emotional and aware. Again, such a blessing while on his mission and in reality, when dealing with the public. He understands, he's empathetic, and he tries to do something about it. Anyone that tells him it isn't manly is struggling being a man themselves. A true man admits to his feelings and isn't afraid to show them as he watches his feelings assist those around them to better themselves and their situations. Through out school and his mission I received comments from neighbors, teachers -both in school and church, and people from his mission field. They all want to tell me about how wonderful he is, the little things he does that make a difference to them that others don't think to notice or walk past. Whether he wanted to do it or not in the first place doesn't stop him doing a service with a smile and by the end, a laugh and good feelings all around.
My baby boy is human, he has faults, so does everyone; however, I would rather he focus on his numerous good points and talents. It is too easy to be dragged down by the world we live in, the day to day little things can pick at you until you want to throw your hands in the air in defeat. When you have, Satan has won. Why is this world the way it is? So much fear, hate, families falling apart... because it is the only way he can drag the righteous down, if they let him. Our true purpose here is, as a wise return missionary once told me, "men are that they might have joy, not stress". He only wins if we let all the little things in life drags us down, the Lord has not sent us here to fail but to overcome the world and Satan. My scares Satan more than when my son wakes up each morning feeling good, ready to face the day with determination and his natural abilities.
I love you baby.
Mom ♥
I started blogging, honestly I don't remember how many years ago, it was supposed to be therapy; however, I didn't have a thick enough skin to say what I wanted to and not care how others responded, I still don't. I am getting there though and that is a good thing. Due to not having a thick skin, my oldest son going on a mission, I do believe I have 4 blogs.... none where getting updated except my son's mission blog until he came home this past January.
Many things have happened since January in his life. His best friend came home from her mission also, their planes landed - not exaggerating or joking - within 10 minutes of each other. Both families were able to greet them both, it was great. 4 months later the two married. He is the age I was when he married; however, even though I was the partner with the job, the apartment, etc - I think he feels more the burden and responsibility of being the "man of the house". The adult world has settled on their shoulders within a short time with all the fun things it brings: car breakdowns, car mishaps with poles, learning about leases and that people are human and sometimes make mistakes that affect you. However, they are very much in love and best friends so even while they are adjusting to each other, they have kept firm in their minds that this is their best friend, their eternal companion - we couldn't be prouder of them. My daughter in law asked for all of us to vlog something for my son for Christmas. I wrote mine out first and thought I'd write more, thoughts clearer if I write it again here. My son is too much like his mother with a mix of his dad so while he feels everything and it affects him like his mom, he has a hard time expressing his feelings like his dad. I am thankful for his wife that see's this and is taking steps to help him see that he isn't what his brain is telling him. ♥ She wanted me to email her my vlog, I will send her this link, pretty sure its obvious that I will be crying while I type. Here's my "letter" to my son.
This is my baby boy. He often thinks he is not good enough but I know the truth. My son is and always has been, MORE. In therapy I've learned that words others use to hurt us have two sides, good and bad - any words I use are in no way meant in the bad form, never to any of my kids.
He is:
MORE excitable
MORE leaderish
MORE stubborn
MORE emotional
MORE aware
and
MORE talented.
This talented man can cook, sew, bake, play the piano, the drums, percussion instruments, make movies out of nothing but legos, is an Eagle Scout, and can make friends wherever he goes. I am and have always been so proud of him and often wondered why he tries to hide these things but I will just continue to name them as achievements he has.
He is MORE excitable. He gets this from my side of the family, when we got married my husband was astounded at how happy my mom was at something he'd done or accomplished. The more his creative juices flow, as his ideas form, the louder and more animated he becomes. =] In 6th grade I had to explain this to his teacher, he was getting in trouble for it. Others were following his lead and the teacher was at a loss. When I explained my son to her it was like a light bulb went off, she took his excitement and started using it to her advantage. Here is the "leaderish" part my son denies... she used it to get the class excited because whether my son believes it of himself or not, when others copy you or imitate you, you have become a natural leader and an example. The class started doing better and by the end of the year Anthony was her favorite student. Wow, what understanding does right?
He is MORE stubborn. The "not good" comment on this was always the Terry family saying that "Terry's aren't stubborn" followed by eye rolls and laughs. He received this gift and it is one, from both of his parents and their families. How is this a gift? Being stubborn is seen as a fault by those that don't possess the quality or by those that cannot convince you to their way. It is a gift to be able to withstand the temptations of man and peers. This quality became obvious around 18 months old. I believe my kids were saved for the last days and these so called "bad" qualities will actually bless them and assist them in what they have been sent to accomplish. Once Anthony has something in his head, you cannot remove it. It is part of what made him a wonderful missionary for the church, he believes and has an unshakable faith. My only problem with his stubbornness was figuring out how to get the right and good things into his head.
He is MORE emotional and aware. Again, such a blessing while on his mission and in reality, when dealing with the public. He understands, he's empathetic, and he tries to do something about it. Anyone that tells him it isn't manly is struggling being a man themselves. A true man admits to his feelings and isn't afraid to show them as he watches his feelings assist those around them to better themselves and their situations. Through out school and his mission I received comments from neighbors, teachers -both in school and church, and people from his mission field. They all want to tell me about how wonderful he is, the little things he does that make a difference to them that others don't think to notice or walk past. Whether he wanted to do it or not in the first place doesn't stop him doing a service with a smile and by the end, a laugh and good feelings all around.
My baby boy is human, he has faults, so does everyone; however, I would rather he focus on his numerous good points and talents. It is too easy to be dragged down by the world we live in, the day to day little things can pick at you until you want to throw your hands in the air in defeat. When you have, Satan has won. Why is this world the way it is? So much fear, hate, families falling apart... because it is the only way he can drag the righteous down, if they let him. Our true purpose here is, as a wise return missionary once told me, "men are that they might have joy, not stress". He only wins if we let all the little things in life drags us down, the Lord has not sent us here to fail but to overcome the world and Satan. My scares Satan more than when my son wakes up each morning feeling good, ready to face the day with determination and his natural abilities.
I love you baby.
Mom ♥
2015/12/06
South Korean KPOP Culture
I have always loved different types of music. I consider it a gift from my parents and a voice teacher that tried to train me in Opera. I would only ever say that I would listen to anything except Rap.
Then my daughter,
, developed a talent for being able to memorize raps. More recently she has fallen in love with KPOP and now I listen to Rap. Why? Pretty much most KPOP songs have melody and rap. Each group has vocalists and rappers, some rappers sing as well. She would love to be able to do the KPOP raps but is still trying to learn Korean. Needless to say, everyone on her Bias list is a rapper, her ultimate bias is more a vocalist but has rapped a few times.
Bias what?!?! I am still learning about the kpop culture that has taken over my daughters life and I will admit that it has taken over my music genre. What has changed in our home? 1. We have Korean food in the cupboard, we have a Korean SnakBox that comes once a month to introduce us to different things. 2. We have purchased KPOP songs on Itunes, made our own CD's so we can hear it in the car, have discovered that Spotify and SoundCloud have the KPOP genre. 3. If it is my daughter and I or she and her cousin, any and all YouTube will be KPOP related - M/V's, dance practices, weekly idol chats, Korean entertainment variety shows, you get the idea. 4. Her wardrobe is now 70% KPOP merchandise.
Now people would think this is overboard but let me explain why of all the obsessions she has, that I am perfectly fine with this one and am slightly obsessed also. For explanation purpose I will tell you that a Bias is a celebrity (idol) from each group that you love the most. An Ultimate Bias is an idol that has pretty much decided he is who you should fan girl over lol.
Culture is sooooo different and I have a lot of respect for who these idols are. No, they aren't perfect, yes I'm sure they have faults, they are human but they are also not her hero's. Korea is very, VERY big on respect - that is a major plus in my book since here in the US it is becoming a rare commodity. Some idols work for YEARS before they can debut. Years without their family as when you are accepted as a recruit you move into the entertainment companies dorms. You sleep, eat, and study with strangers until you get to know them. They will place you with your group that you will debut with and that is who you live with. The competition between groups is extreme which means they want themselves out there as much as possible, there isn't much you cannot find out about a group or specific idol. Talk about glass houses, these people get ridiculed and called out if they don't smile or Aegyo (cute expressions) when in public. Anyone that is a current idol you know two things; they work very hard and are smart. A few entertainment companies will send recruits home if they don't have or keep good grades. I look at these as admirable traits, who doesn't want their child to have a good work ethic, to get good grades, and be successful?
I found out the other day that unlike in America, in South Korea you pick one group and stick with them until they have made a name for themselves. Again, because there are so many and they can use all the fans they can get. They actually love their fans over there and have been known to give gifts to fans that come out to filmings, meet and greets, etc. The fans make or break them. Therefore, each group has a "pet name" I call it for their fans, for example: BTOB's are Melody's, BTS's are Army, Got7's are IGOT7, and 2pm's are Hottest. We are happy that we are in America where we can like multiple groups and support them. I don't know that I could choose just one.
In order to do my part in getting recognition for these talented people, I have been wanting to do several blog posts with each one dedicated to one of our favorite groups. Therefore, there will be a blog about BTOB: Born to Beat, GOT7, BTS: Bangtan Boys, 2pm, and possibly Block B and Big Bang.
The craziest thing about becoming immersed in this culture? Half the time you don't realize that you have no idea what they are saying and the half you are waiting for the Eng sub titles to be done.
Then my daughter,
, developed a talent for being able to memorize raps. More recently she has fallen in love with KPOP and now I listen to Rap. Why? Pretty much most KPOP songs have melody and rap. Each group has vocalists and rappers, some rappers sing as well. She would love to be able to do the KPOP raps but is still trying to learn Korean. Needless to say, everyone on her Bias list is a rapper, her ultimate bias is more a vocalist but has rapped a few times.Bias what?!?! I am still learning about the kpop culture that has taken over my daughters life and I will admit that it has taken over my music genre. What has changed in our home? 1. We have Korean food in the cupboard, we have a Korean SnakBox that comes once a month to introduce us to different things. 2. We have purchased KPOP songs on Itunes, made our own CD's so we can hear it in the car, have discovered that Spotify and SoundCloud have the KPOP genre. 3. If it is my daughter and I or she and her cousin, any and all YouTube will be KPOP related - M/V's, dance practices, weekly idol chats, Korean entertainment variety shows, you get the idea. 4. Her wardrobe is now 70% KPOP merchandise.
Now people would think this is overboard but let me explain why of all the obsessions she has, that I am perfectly fine with this one and am slightly obsessed also. For explanation purpose I will tell you that a Bias is a celebrity (idol) from each group that you love the most. An Ultimate Bias is an idol that has pretty much decided he is who you should fan girl over lol.
Culture is sooooo different and I have a lot of respect for who these idols are. No, they aren't perfect, yes I'm sure they have faults, they are human but they are also not her hero's. Korea is very, VERY big on respect - that is a major plus in my book since here in the US it is becoming a rare commodity. Some idols work for YEARS before they can debut. Years without their family as when you are accepted as a recruit you move into the entertainment companies dorms. You sleep, eat, and study with strangers until you get to know them. They will place you with your group that you will debut with and that is who you live with. The competition between groups is extreme which means they want themselves out there as much as possible, there isn't much you cannot find out about a group or specific idol. Talk about glass houses, these people get ridiculed and called out if they don't smile or Aegyo (cute expressions) when in public. Anyone that is a current idol you know two things; they work very hard and are smart. A few entertainment companies will send recruits home if they don't have or keep good grades. I look at these as admirable traits, who doesn't want their child to have a good work ethic, to get good grades, and be successful?
I found out the other day that unlike in America, in South Korea you pick one group and stick with them until they have made a name for themselves. Again, because there are so many and they can use all the fans they can get. They actually love their fans over there and have been known to give gifts to fans that come out to filmings, meet and greets, etc. The fans make or break them. Therefore, each group has a "pet name" I call it for their fans, for example: BTOB's are Melody's, BTS's are Army, Got7's are IGOT7, and 2pm's are Hottest. We are happy that we are in America where we can like multiple groups and support them. I don't know that I could choose just one.
In order to do my part in getting recognition for these talented people, I have been wanting to do several blog posts with each one dedicated to one of our favorite groups. Therefore, there will be a blog about BTOB: Born to Beat, GOT7, BTS: Bangtan Boys, 2pm, and possibly Block B and Big Bang.
The craziest thing about becoming immersed in this culture? Half the time you don't realize that you have no idea what they are saying and the half you are waiting for the Eng sub titles to be done.
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