[HanCinema's Digest] K-pop

Published on 2015/08/16

LA promotes K-pop moves with its annual convention, What is Korean 'trap music'?, Harvard Political Review tackles PSY seriously, and the New York Times exmaines Keith Ape and rap in Korea.

"Meet the Woman Who's Bringing K-pop Dance Moves to America"

The LA Convention Center recently held its annual convention dedicated to K-pop, and apparently the dance routine that by Sistar put out was a real crowd pleaser. K-pop has become a global sensation, and while not everyone will be able to sing alone, with more conventions like this at least everyone will be moving as one. "[T]he K-pop industry has helped pushed this connection between the song and the dance to the next level by releasing "dance practice" videos, helping fans learn the dances at home. Starship Entertainment, the company behind Sistar, released one such video for "Shake It" in late June".

…READ ON LA WEEKLY: http://www.laweekly.com/arts/meet-the-woman-whos-bringing-k-pop-dance-moves-to-america-5874062

"K-Pop Meets EDM: The Rise of Korean Trap Music"

What is Korean "Trap" music? Apparently, it's a trend that started back in 90s and is now tredning in the America Music industry, particular with the youth: "Originating in the South, Trap music began by using a lot of low-end 808 bass samples, snares and percussions. Today, the trap music movement has taken that original sound and turned it into "EDM Trap", which incorporates a mixture of hip-hop, dance music and low frequency dub".

…READ ON KOREAM: http://iamkoream.com/k-pop-meets-edm-the-rise-of-korean-trap-music/

"A Drunken Man Speaks the Truth"

Is PSY dropping some serious wisdom on us? This is a very interesting post by Moses Kim for the Harvard Political Review that adds a unique perspective on his success and messages: "If there is a takeaway from this, it is that empowerment is not always about dignity. Sometimes empowerment is about relinquishing dignity. Sometimes empowerment is about acting like a buffoon and owning it without regard for what anybody else thinks. Empowerment is about the confidence and strength of mind to refuse putting yourself in boxes, to be your own mess: honest and relatable and human".

…READ ON HARVARD POLITICAL REVIEW: http://harvardpolitics.com/books-arts/43704/

"Getting Rowdy: Keith Ape and Real Rap in Korea"

What does real rap in Korea look like? The New York Times takes a look at South Korean rapper Keith Ape around his first show in New York, as well as considers the rise of rap in South Korea's complex and dynamic music scene.

…READ ON THE NEW YORK TIMES: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/16/arts/music/getting-rowdy-keith-ape-and-real-rap-in-korea.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss&_r=0