First of all, I want to state that I am a huge fan of K-Pop, at least from the golden era of the 90’s and early 2000. Glorious were the days of H.O.T., FinK.L, S.E.S, Sechskies, Seotaiji, etc. However, I don’t know about you all, but I generally find most Korean pop music these days to be almost borderline unbearable, and I’m not sure I really like the direction of where it’s going (although I will admit that I GENERALLY feel they are more talented in terms of vocals and dancing compared with current western pop music, but that’s a whole another can of worms that is up for debate, and I do not wish to walk down that road).
Maybe it’s just because I’m getting older now…sort of like the old grandpa that yells at all the youngin’s for listening to devil music.
Despite the plethora of Idol groups that is over-saturating the music industry in Korea, there are a few gems here and there that pop up that I subconsciously find myself singing along or dancing to (sometimes embarrassingly in public, where I try to cover it up by pretending to do something else…. like stretching. Seriously. I’ve done it while I was in Korea -_-). As much as I try to tell myself I hate K-Pop of this generation, every once in awhile I find myself being drawn back to some songs that gives me an overwhelming sense of guilt that aches my heart to the point of self-abuse.
So here are my top 5 guilty pleasure K-Pop songs. Some of them aren’t too bad actually, but the others will probably make those who aren’t as accustomed to Korean pop culture to cringe. But hey, haters gon’ hate right?
#5) Taeyang - Only Look At Me
I decided to start off with a relatively safer video, because this one isn't too hard on the eyes/ears compared with the other songs. But coming from a perfectly straight/heterosexual male, man... Taeyang is a stud, and if you've seen his "Where U At" video, you can definitely see how much swag this guy has. Girls go crazy over him, and being a guy, sometimes I'll be a bit hesitant before finally admitting how much I wish I could be like him. But yeah, while this song can be considered an anthem for douchebags, it's got a nice flow to it and has merited a high number of play counts on my iTunes. Damn you Taeyang.
#4) 2NE1 - UGLY
For the most part, I would also say this isn't too embarrassing to like, because I personally feel that 2NE1 is probably the one female Idol group that has alot of potential. I was always a fan of their very distinct and edgy style that REALLY sets them apart from the multitude of cute/sexy girl groups. Not to mention that Park Bom is so adorable, especially in this sad, yet catchy, video. But man, these girls have ATTITUDE. So badass.
Park Bom...you are so cute.
#3) After School - Because of You
I'm actually not a big fan of this particular girl group, but this one song has a bit of sentimental value for me. I remember listening to this song on a bus towards Seoul during a rainy day, and for some reason it struck a chord in me that I did not expect. Weird how music does that to you.
The music video is whatever...but at one point while watching I thought those girls were going to make out....but no dice....sad. But always +1 for sexy girls and pillow fights!
Rawr.
#2) Kara - Rock U
Okay...now we're starting to get into some shameful territory. This might be a bit "over the top" and ridiculously colorful for some, but I still find this song so damn addicting. I remember when this debuted the summer before I left for Korea back in 2008 and thinking to myself "Man...are all Korean girls like this? I can dig that". I get such a warm feeling whenever I hear this, but I just make sure to lower the volume on my iPod whenever I listen to this song in public.
"ROCK YOUR BAHSAY!"
#1) Girls Generation - Gee
Okay haters, give it to me. I love this song. I KNOW the dance. I have a pair of colorful skinny jeans that I impulsively bought at a Uniqlo in Korea. Screw you all. This catchy song actually holds a special place in my heart and is near and dear to me. This is because right when I arrived in Korea, this was the hit song at the time, and was playing EVERYWHERE I went. Cafes, restaurants, department stores, clubs, you name it. I mean, hell, when they played this song in the clubs, EVERYONE was doing the dance, even the guys! This song has such a lasting impact on Koreans there, that it has moved the people in surprising ways. For instance, even middle-aged Korean businessmen have appeared on television programs to say how much Girls Generation's music was so uplifting and helped them to get through their day. How cool is that? And with over 49 million viewers, and climbing, I think this song will continue to have an impact on people. So to me, this sweet melody essentially represents the Korea I know while I was there for 2 years. Whenever I secretly blast this on my headphones, I am immediately confronted with a flood of memories, both good and bad, of my meaningful time in a beautiful country.
It’s funny how I stated previously that I didn’t like current mainstream K-Pop music, and yet the very things that make me hate it also makes me love it at the same time, even if it makes me want to kill myself. Oh well. I’ve been listening to a lot of Indie/underground Korean artists as of late, which I will probably do a post about sometimes in the future.
So yeah, you all can make fun of me now. I can take it. I do what I want.
