BTS fashion dolls to be released this summer >>>
Wednesday, June 17
Korean Hip-Hop Crew Rock Bottom Set For London Show
For those of you who are up-to-date and in the know about the Korean hip-hop scene an announcement that the Rock Bottom Crew are coming to London is possibly a dream – well this dream is about to come true with members Kidoh, I11evn, Supreme Boi, Don’t Call Me a Dog, Hashmate, and Type-C performing at The Underworld in Camden on Thursday 14 April.
Formed as a great mix of former idols, underground starlets and a few name familiar from “Show Me The Money” a lot of these guys will be familiar to fans as members of “Daenamhyup” who have solidified their position as a hip-hop crew not to be messed with.
They’re renowned for their highly skilled productions, stylish camera work, dynamic lyrics and music that hits home from the underground scene, so this gig is an opportunity not to be missed. Offering you the chance to see some of the best rappers to come out of Korea, the night is going to be one hyped, pumped and jumped-up event that everyone interested in Korean hip-hop cannot miss!
Korean hip-hop fans will be used to hearing the works of Illevn with his recent release “SIWI” really showcasing his skills in terms of lyrics and going against the grain to achieve his own style. Many people will recognise the vocals and the name of Supreme Boi for his collaborations with label mates BTS (Bangtan Boys); his release “Hawaii” from 2014 is a song not to be missed, and remains an enduring classic.
Kidoh is a name that anyone into their K-pop music will know. He was originally part of K-pop boy group “Topp Dogg” but decided to leave to pursue his own personal goals. Back in 2015 he released a solo video titled “Ain’Goin’Back” which certainly showed he was just as strong alone as he was in a group. He also seemed more confident and looked like he was enjoying himself a lot more. As part of DaeNamHyup Kidoh had proved himself a high roller; his collaboration with Supreme Boi on the song “Out Of My Mind” showed production skills along with lyrical prowess.
Promoters say tickets will go on sale on 29 February. More information is available below:
Where: The Underground, Camden
Address: 174 Camden High St, London, NW1 0NE
Nearest Tube Station: Camden Town Tube station is just across the road, which you can reach on the Northern Line.
Tickets:
Pre-sale: £15
Standard: £25
Early Entry: £35
Main show + After party: £45
Be sure to keep checking back as MCMBuzz will try and keep you all updated with any developments as they are released by Beatcraze Events. In the meantime be sure to show the guys some support and prepare yourself for their London show by checking out their performance at FEGGY MIN‘s Korean fashion debut and hip-hop show back on the 1 May 2015.
People go "Kimchi Crazy" for F(x) at the London Korean Festival
On August 9th 2015 London held its first ever free to attend London Korean Festival within the iconic Trafalgar Square, boasting the talents of K-pop girl group F(x), K-rock band Guckkasten and an array of cultural experiences throughout the event. The entrances to the event opened at 12 noon, but from around 8am fans were already seen queuing to get a prime spot at the front of the main stage. They were accompanied by the many Korean food stalls based around the perimeter preparing their stock ready to be devoured by the masses.
 |
 |
There was a lot to offer in terms of small tents around the festival perimeter, from Korean snacks at the H-Mart stand, travel information by the KTO (Korean Tourism Organisation) and an assortment of cultural stands which allowed visitors to try traditional Hanbok clothing, Hangul writing lessons, as well as an introduction to the many Korean games and products for you to own at home. Not being able to resist the smells of the famous Korean fermented pickled cabbage known globally as “Kimchi”, I decided to have a try at the many different types that were available – which to my delight was extremely scrumptious, especially when accompanied with some Bulgogi and rice from the stall next door.
 |
 |
The number of people that attended the event was on scale much larger than I thought. There was a feeling that there would be the usual K-pop loving crowd, but seeing as the event was free and open to the public, the amount of passing visitors made the festival a bigger success than anticipated. The organisers believe that a turn out of 35,000 people was achieved. The full impact of the attendees were felt about an hour before S.M. Entertainment’s girl group F(x) took to the stage; there was no floor space at all and the crowds were even building up outside of the perimeter. The stage area was busy throughout the day with traditional dance and music performances, as well as a Psy “Gangnam Style” flash mob performance which was greatly received by the audience.
 |
 |
The event was a success in entertaining and educating those who wouldn’t generally have known anything about South Korea. When talking to the general public they were surprised by the beauty of the traditional costumes, and by how healthy and beneficial Korean cuisine is for the body. A small family I had the pleasure of taking to had travelled from Scotland to be at the event as they wanted to introduce their children to the different types of culture from around the world. It turned out that the children really enjoyed all of the hands on events while the parents were really surprised at how friendly the K-pop fans had been with their family by giving them balloons, banners and hand fans.
 |
 |
The London Korean Festival proved that there is a lot more to South Korea than just K-pop and Kimchi. Seeing as this was the first event of its kind in the UK (and going by number of people that turned up), I believe the market is there to possibly make this an annual event. If anything is to go by, the hosts final words mentioned the likes of Big Bang, 2NE1, Super Junior, BTS (Bangtan Boys), Girls Generation, 4Minute, VIXX and B1A4, meaning that there could already be cogs turning in the system to make the next festival bigger and better. It was really nice to see the UK open their arms to South Korea and help promote cultural diversity, something I wish to see more of in the near future.
 |
 |
Be sure to pop onto the MyM Buzz Facebook page where you can look at some images from the day’s festivities. And make sure you come back to MyM Buzz to see our coverage of the Guckkasten and F(x) press conference.
People go “Kimchi Crazy” for F(x) at the London Korean Festival
On August 9th 2015 London held its first ever free to attend London Korean Festival within the iconic Trafalgar Square, boasting the talents of K-pop girl group F(x), K-rock band Guckkasten and an array of cultural experiences throughout the event. The entrances to the event opened at 12 noon, but from around 8am fans were already seen queuing to get a prime spot at the front of the main stage. They were accompanied by the many Korean food stalls based around the perimeter preparing their stock ready to be devoured by the masses.
|
|
There was a lot to offer in terms of small tents around the festival perimeter, from Korean snacks at the H-Mart stand, travel information by the KTO (Korean Tourism Organisation) and an assortment of cultural stands which allowed visitors to try traditional Hanbok clothing, Hangul writing lessons, as well as an introduction to the many Korean games and products for you to own at home. Not being able to resist the smells of the famous Korean fermented pickled cabbage known globally as “Kimchi”, I decided to have a try at the many different types that were available – which to my delight was extremely scrumptious, especially when accompanied with some Bulgogi and rice from the stall next door.
|
|
The number of people that attended the event was on scale much larger than I thought. There was a feeling that there would be the usual K-pop loving crowd, but seeing as the event was free and open to the public, the amount of passing visitors made the festival a bigger success than anticipated. The organisers believe that a turn out of 35,000 people was achieved. The full impact of the attendees were felt about an hour before S.M. Entertainment’s girl group F(x) took to the stage; there was no floor space at all and the crowds were even building up outside of the perimeter. The stage area was busy throughout the day with traditional dance and music performances, as well as a Psy “Gangnam Style” flash mob performance which was greatly received by the audience.
|
|
The event was a success in entertaining and educating those who wouldn’t generally have known anything about South Korea. When talking to the general public they were surprised by the beauty of the traditional costumes, and by how healthy and beneficial Korean cuisine is for the body. A small family I had the pleasure of taking to had travelled from Scotland to be at the event as they wanted to introduce their children to the different types of culture from around the world. It turned out that the children really enjoyed all of the hands on events while the parents were really surprised at how friendly the K-pop fans had been with their family by giving them balloons, banners and hand fans.
|
|
The London Korean Festival proved that there is a lot more to South Korea than just K-pop and Kimchi. Seeing as this was the first event of its kind in the UK (and going by number of people that turned up), I believe the market is there to possibly make this an annual event. If anything is to go by, the hosts final words mentioned the likes of Big Bang, 2NE1, Super Junior, BTS (Bangtan Boys), Girls Generation, 4Minute, VIXX and B1A4, meaning that there could already be cogs turning in the system to make the next festival bigger and better. It was really nice to see the UK open their arms to South Korea and help promote cultural diversity, something I wish to see more of in the near future.
|
|
Be sure to pop onto the MyM Buzz Facebook page where you can look at some images from the day’s festivities. And make sure you come back to MyM Buzz to see our coverage of the Guckkasten and F(x) press conference.
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Bangtan Boys at the "RWEL8?" showcase in Berlin
Bangtan Boys are a group of young men with some amazing talents ranging from rapping, dancing and singing. Consisting of members Jin, Rapmonster, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, they created a whole new generation of Korean hip-hop music and their own combination of old-school hip-hop with modern day K-pop idols. After debuting under BigHit Entertainment in 2013 they set their style with “No More Dream” followed by “N.O” which secured them an award for Best Newcomer at the Golden Disk Awards.
Recently BTS have released two Japanese singles for “No More Dream” and “Boy In Luv” along with a compilation album “2 Cool 4 Skool/ O!RUL8,2?”. They have starred in their own SBS MTV variety show Rookie King: Channel Bangtan and are currently airing their very own show American Hustle Life where they learn the ways of American hip-hop stars through the tutoring of “Gangsta Paradise” legend Coolio. It’s safe to say that within a very short one year time span, the Bangtan Boys have achieved some amazing feats, and it seems things can only get better from this point onwards.
After attending the press conference in the Korean Culture Centre for their “RWEL8?” showcase concert in Berlin, we were invited outside into the beautiful sunshine to host our own exclusive interview with all of the members. The atmosphere was very bright, and it seemed as though these young men and their staff were old friends of ours. We gathered around a table full of smiles and laughter, greeted each other, and with a deep breath took the opportunity to hold a relaxed and fun filled interview.
Before going to interview the Bangtan Boys I didn’t really have a clue as to how it would all go. There is always a worry about meeting someone like a brick wall, but the boys took the lead and really held their own very well.
Jin you are known amongst your fans as the mother or chef of the group after you shared some of your recipes online. Would you ever consider creating your own cookbook? What is your favourite food to cook?
JIN: I think that to publish a book is a bit hard and I would like to continue using our blog to share all of our recipes to our fans. I like healthy foods, like salads, and chicken, but the food I don’t like is something I have to cook for all of our group members. Especially when it’s for all of the members, as it’s very hard.
As for Rapmonster, being the leader of the group you must have more difficulties than the other members. What is the most difficult thing as a leader?
RAPMONSTER: For me to handle all seven people is a bit hard as I myself am a hard to handle person, and it is really hard when we are all together and for me to lead.
During one of your Bangtan Bomb videos (Lets Test BTS’s Nerve) J-hope was the only member who jumped out of his skin. Do you have any big fears?
J-HOPE: After our new show “American Hustle Life” I think I come off as more of a coward. I’m afraid of lots of things, but when someone shocks me suddenly it’s a bit scary, and I really don’t like things that jump out suddenly.
Suga has shared photos and shown off his photography skills to his fans. Whilst other idols have created their own photobooks do you have any plans to release your own?
SUGA: I like taking pictures and posting them on the blog and online, but for a photobook I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to make it yet. After I study and learn more I could possibly think about it and give it a go, but for now I have no plans to publish anything. I’ll just use the blog.
Jimin is known as being the dancer of the group and throughout your videos you share with your fans you are always seen dancing. What is your favourite dance style and dance move?
JIMIN: I like lots of different dances, like popping, hip-hop and urban dance. But my most favourite dance movement is the gun dance we use during “We Are Bulletproof”.
During the practice video for “Just One Day (Appeal Version)” V is seen laughing throughout the whole recording. What happened to make you laugh so hard? It looked like you was having all the fun by yourself.
V: During the video I was laughing a lot because of Jimin, Rapmonster and J-hope as they were making faces and messing around. I wanted to stop laughing myself, but it was too funny.
This question is for Jungkook. You have already reached a point in the Korean music industry where your name is known worldwide. This has been achieved in very little time (one year). Where do you see yourself in the future and what would you like to achieve by then?
JUNGKOOK: Thank you for knowing that we have worked hard for a short time and that you like us a lot. I am curious about many things in my life and in the future I will continue to be curious and explore other areas and do other things.
You each have your own background as rappers, vocalists and dancers. If you could swap your position with another member of the group who would you choose and why?
SUGA: I would choose J-hope because he just does what he has to do and is bright and funny, and he dances really well.
J-HOPE: I would change with Rapmonster because he is a nice cool guy, his rapping is great and he can also speak great English.
RAPMONSTER: I would change with Jungkook because I’d love to try to be the vocal within the group.
Through your Bangtan Bomb videos online you have given fans a glimpse of your lives, but if you could feature as a group or as individuals on any Korean variety shows, which ones would you pick?
J-HOPE: I want to be in some realistic shows or a programme that gives us our own show. Like American Hustle Life.
What about the variety show Running Man? It’s very popular within Europe. Would you go on that?
J-HOPE: No, I get tired, very tired (decides to act out his tiredness with some very exaggerated hand movements and panting, which was followed by all of Bangtan laughing).
Everyone has someone who inspires them to be where they are today. If you could choose someone who you look up to and who has inspired you to follow your dreams, who would you pick and why?
RAPMONSTER: Kanye West, Nas, all because they do amazing rapping.
JIN: Kanye West, yes.
SUGA: I have lots of people who inspire me, but through Kanye West I learned the culture of hip-hop.
V: Yes, I’m the same, same!
Your music and fashion style started off a new generation of music in the Korean music scene, but what kinds of songs are you all listening to at the moment? Who are your current music obsessions?
RAPMONSTER: Do you know Kendrick Lemaar and Ab-Soul? Trey Songz as his new album just came out.
V: And Tenashar.
JIN: And Chris Brown.
After a little bit of chatter whilst we packed away our gear the boys lined up against the wall ready to take some group photos. They posed professionally and well rehearsed, until we asked for a silly pose, then all hell broke loose ending with laughter all around. We bowed and said our goodbyes. I was upset that 30 minutes alone with them didn’t feel like enough. They each had their own stories they wanted to talk about, and it seemed that they were relaxed and just as happy to be meeting us as we were to meet them.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to BigHit Entertainment for allowing us some time with the boys, and for treating us like one of the crew members. To the staff of Kpopnonstop and Kpopmagazin for inviting us and for the absolute amazing organisation of the interview and showcase on a whole. The Korean Culture Centre of Berlin for allowing us the use of their beautiful garden to hold the interview, and for showing us around the centre filled with the majestic history of South Korea. And of course to the Bangtan Boys themselves for working extremely hard in the very hot weather, for laughing and joking with us, and for giving a moment of their busy and tiring schedule to hold this interview with us. It was also a nice touch that they all tried to speak English, and for that they have our respect.
Be sure to check out our Press Conference coverage and look out for our “RWEL8?” Berlin Showcase coverage which will be coming soon. For now be sure to pop onto the MCM Buzz Facebook Gallery and check out the rest of the pictures taken during our interview!
EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Bangtan Boys at the “RWEL8?” showcase in Berlin
Bangtan Boys are a group of young men with some amazing talents ranging from rapping, dancing and singing. Consisting of members Jin, Rapmonster, Suga, J-hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook, they created a whole new generation of Korean hip-hop music and their own combination of old-school hip-hop with modern day K-pop idols. After debuting under BigHit Entertainment in 2013 they set their style with “No More Dream” followed by “N.O” which secured them an award for Best Newcomer at the Golden Disk Awards.
Recently BTS have released two Japanese singles for “No More Dream” and “Boy In Luv” along with a compilation album “2 Cool 4 Skool/ O!RUL8,2?”. They have starred in their own SBS MTV variety show Rookie King: Channel Bangtan and are currently airing their very own show American Hustle Life where they learn the ways of American hip-hop stars through the tutoring of “Gangsta Paradise” legend Coolio. It’s safe to say that within a very short one year time span, the Bangtan Boys have achieved some amazing feats, and it seems things can only get better from this point onwards.
After attending the press conference in the Korean Culture Centre for their “RWEL8?” showcase concert in Berlin, we were invited outside into the beautiful sunshine to host our own exclusive interview with all of the members. The atmosphere was very bright, and it seemed as though these young men and their staff were old friends of ours. We gathered around a table full of smiles and laughter, greeted each other, and with a deep breath took the opportunity to hold a relaxed and fun filled interview.
Before going to interview the Bangtan Boys I didn’t really have a clue as to how it would all go. There is always a worry about meeting someone like a brick wall, but the boys took the lead and really held their own very well.
Jin you are known amongst your fans as the mother or chef of the group after you shared some of your recipes online. Would you ever consider creating your own cookbook? What is your favourite food to cook?
JIN: I think that to publish a book is a bit hard and I would like to continue using our blog to share all of our recipes to our fans. I like healthy foods, like salads, and chicken, but the food I don’t like is something I have to cook for all of our group members. Especially when it’s for all of the members, as it’s very hard.
As for Rapmonster, being the leader of the group you must have more difficulties than the other members. What is the most difficult thing as a leader?
RAPMONSTER: For me to handle all seven people is a bit hard as I myself am a hard to handle person, and it is really hard when we are all together and for me to lead.
During one of your Bangtan Bomb videos (Lets Test BTS’s Nerve) J-hope was the only member who jumped out of his skin. Do you have any big fears?
J-HOPE: After our new show “American Hustle Life” I think I come off as more of a coward. I’m afraid of lots of things, but when someone shocks me suddenly it’s a bit scary, and I really don’t like things that jump out suddenly.
Suga has shared photos and shown off his photography skills to his fans. Whilst other idols have created their own photobooks do you have any plans to release your own?
SUGA: I like taking pictures and posting them on the blog and online, but for a photobook I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to make it yet. After I study and learn more I could possibly think about it and give it a go, but for now I have no plans to publish anything. I’ll just use the blog.
Jimin is known as being the dancer of the group and throughout your videos you share with your fans you are always seen dancing. What is your favourite dance style and dance move?
JIMIN: I like lots of different dances, like popping, hip-hop and urban dance. But my most favourite dance movement is the gun dance we use during “We Are Bulletproof”.
During the practice video for “Just One Day (Appeal Version)” V is seen laughing throughout the whole recording. What happened to make you laugh so hard? It looked like you was having all the fun by yourself.
V: During the video I was laughing a lot because of Jimin, Rapmonster and J-hope as they were making faces and messing around. I wanted to stop laughing myself, but it was too funny.
This question is for Jungkook. You have already reached a point in the Korean music industry where your name is known worldwide. This has been achieved in very little time (one year). Where do you see yourself in the future and what would you like to achieve by then?
JUNGKOOK: Thank you for knowing that we have worked hard for a short time and that you like us a lot. I am curious about many things in my life and in the future I will continue to be curious and explore other areas and do other things.
You each have your own background as rappers, vocalists and dancers. If you could swap your position with another member of the group who would you choose and why?
SUGA: I would choose J-hope because he just does what he has to do and is bright and funny, and he dances really well.
J-HOPE: I would change with Rapmonster because he is a nice cool guy, his rapping is great and he can also speak great English.
RAPMONSTER: I would change with Jungkook because I’d love to try to be the vocal within the group.
Through your Bangtan Bomb videos online you have given fans a glimpse of your lives, but if you could feature as a group or as individuals on any Korean variety shows, which ones would you pick?
J-HOPE: I want to be in some realistic shows or a programme that gives us our own show. Like American Hustle Life.
What about the variety show Running Man? It’s very popular within Europe. Would you go on that?
J-HOPE: No, I get tired, very tired (decides to act out his tiredness with some very exaggerated hand movements and panting, which was followed by all of Bangtan laughing).
Everyone has someone who inspires them to be where they are today. If you could choose someone who you look up to and who has inspired you to follow your dreams, who would you pick and why?
RAPMONSTER: Kanye West, Nas, all because they do amazing rapping.
JIN: Kanye West, yes.
SUGA: I have lots of people who inspire me, but through Kanye West I learned the culture of hip-hop.
V: Yes, I’m the same, same!
Your music and fashion style started off a new generation of music in the Korean music scene, but what kinds of songs are you all listening to at the moment? Who are your current music obsessions?
RAPMONSTER: Do you know Kendrick Lemaar and Ab-Soul? Trey Songz as his new album just came out.
V: And Tenashar.
JIN: And Chris Brown.
After a little bit of chatter whilst we packed away our gear the boys lined up against the wall ready to take some group photos. They posed professionally and well rehearsed, until we asked for a silly pose, then all hell broke loose ending with laughter all around. We bowed and said our goodbyes. I was upset that 30 minutes alone with them didn’t feel like enough. They each had their own stories they wanted to talk about, and it seemed that they were relaxed and just as happy to be meeting us as we were to meet them.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a very big thank you to BigHit Entertainment for allowing us some time with the boys, and for treating us like one of the crew members. To the staff of Kpopnonstop and Kpopmagazin for inviting us and for the absolute amazing organisation of the interview and showcase on a whole. The Korean Culture Centre of Berlin for allowing us the use of their beautiful garden to hold the interview, and for showing us around the centre filled with the majestic history of South Korea. And of course to the Bangtan Boys themselves for working extremely hard in the very hot weather, for laughing and joking with us, and for giving a moment of their busy and tiring schedule to hold this interview with us. It was also a nice touch that they all tried to speak English, and for that they have our respect.
Be sure to check out our Press Conference coverage and look out for our “RWEL8?” Berlin Showcase coverage which will be coming soon. For now be sure to pop onto the MCM Buzz Facebook Gallery and check out the rest of the pictures taken during our interview!