SS501 Rebirth!

Thanks to a friend who sent me a blurb today, I found out that SS501 is coming out with a new mini-album. I know, I'm such a bad fan.  I didn't even know about this ahead of time.  Anyways, this is the first time that everybody will be back together recording, after Kim Hyun Joong's working on Boys Over Flowers and various other members were also having different projects.  Titled Rebirth, this new mini-album was highly anticipated and has been well received when it first hit the stores today.  The special edition of the album (with a poster, etc) is out in Korea today, October 20th, while the regular edition will be released October 22nd. The album follows as thus:

01. WASTELAND
02. Love Like This (네게로)
03. 하루만(Only One Day)
04. Obsess (중동...)
05. 완.두.콩.

DSP worked hard to make this a successful album, bringing in famous songwriters as well as the amazing producer Steven Lee, known for winning 15 Japan Golden Disc awards.  He has also produced many top artists in both Korea and Japan, including DBSK, Bi-Rain, and Super Junior.  Ken Lewis, who has worked with Usher and Kanye West was also brought in to mix the songs.  With so much talent brought on board, it's no wonder than the album has been a huge hit so far.

SS501 has had some good luck as well.  Their main song, Love Like This, was apparently a hot item wanted by many other artists.  Thankfully, SS501 was able to successfully bid for the song and use it to bring us another great album.  I don't know if this occurred to anybody else but the opening of Love Like This really reminds me of Justin Bieber's song One Time.  The fact that SS501 can change styles so dramatically, especially from the Triple-S heavy electronic beat filled UR Man, really shows SS501's skill across the board.

Although I have loved the the mini-albums SS501 have brought us, I am dying for another real full album.  How much longer must our fans wait?  I hope that all of the members and the team stayy healthy, especially in the midst of news of exhaustion.  I know that I am anticipating another great album.

While I know that the album has only been out for a few hours, I must say that I was rather disappointed that I could not find the complete album out online yet.  I want to listen to it now!  However, watch for an update as I will make sure to post it right here, on Asian Media Ramblings.




Cover Art for SS501's Mini-Album Rebirth

Love Like this


Album Previews (Out of Order)

Lee Seung Ki Spotting!

While browsing YouTube recently (and I bet that you do it too), I came across this cute video for some random song. This is what happens when you randomly click on interesting looking "Related Videos" suggested by YouTube. The endeavor paid off. The video was amazingly heart touching and the song wasn't bad. However, I could not place the main protagonist. He looked so familiar yet. At first, I thought that he just looked somewhat like some Lee Dong Gun but then I soon realized that it couldn't be Lee Dong Gun. Who was it? It was not until the end of the video that I realized: It is our good friend Lee Seung Ki from Shining Inheritance. I was amazed at the transformation from his hot, bad attitude, idol boy look in Shining Inheritance to this kind and dorky high school student. It just shows how versatile he can be and how talented he is. I must say that I rather like the feel of this character he portrays, though who could ever dislike the cute boy in Shining Inheritance? Does anybody know who sings the song and what it is titled?

Video with Lee Seung Ki

Where U At?

For anybody who did not know, I have a new-found obsession with the Korean group Big Bang. While I will do a complete entry on them in the (near hopefully) future, I just wanted to share some news I heard today. Imagine my delighted surprise when I heard that Tae Yang has come out with a new song and MV! This was such a great relief from the endless work that I have been piled under (hence the sporadic posing). However, I could not pass up on notifying all of you on this great news. I must admit that the ending is kinda of weird. Check it out and tell me what you think!

Where U At By Tae Yang Ft. Teddy

BoA Minute!

So, this is way overdue but for everybody who doesn't know, BoA Kwon, extremely talented Korean pop star has come out with an English album, now for sale at retailers such as ITunes and Amazon.  She is now focusing her efforts on dominating the American market.  By the looks of it, she is the most successful of all Korean artists who have attempted to dominate the American market.  The list of those who have *ahem* not done extremely well just goes on and on: Se7en, Bi-Rain (who is apparently the new desire of Megan Fox's heart), Wonder Girls, etc.  So why is BoA able to do it?  Extreme popularity back home, amazing dance moves, hard work, good image, smart decisions by her management company, and her pretty looks just may have something to do with it.  What has most surprised me is the fact that she has caught the attention of many, not just Asian Americans.  Teenagers and adults all over the world are dancing and bopping to her catchy lyrics.  Recently (depending on how you define that term), BoA was featured on Imeem's Single of the Second playlist, which just further shows how much attention she has garnered.  She has been able to snag a cover shot of NYLON magazine and performed at the San Francisco Gay Pride Festival.  Wondering if all of this will last?  Let's watch and see.

For all those wishing to listen to her American album, it can be found on Imeem.com.

BoA Kwon's American Album

BoA