Showing posts with label exo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exo. Show all posts

October 15, 2016

K-Review: EXO's Lay Goes Solo With 'What U Need?' MV

1:43 PM


Just to belatedly celebrate this awesome person's birthday and his gift of talent for everything beautiful, I just need to do a post about it! Yes! How about we talk about Lay? Yes, you Lay! Zhang Yixing the beautiful unicorn man with the power of healing!

EXO's Lay is the first ever member of the idol group to debut as a solo act. He had early on promised to the fans that he would be making a solo album in the same year (and if I remember that was during a music awards ceremony when they won?). It seemed quite far-fetched just thinking about SM Entertainment and Lay being the only Chinese member left, but you know, Zhang Yixing keeps his promises. What he says, he does. And look how he made his solo act possible!

Anyway, if you come watch the music video below, you'll see what I am talking about. This boy has the talent. His dancing skill is such a killer, the video is too adorable you will surely put it in repeat until you memorize the cute butt-slapping step he does in the clip! I must also comment SM for making sure he has a quality MV for a first and that the song is truly catchy. I don't know about the rest of the world, but right now, surely, this is my kind of jam.

Watch Lay's What U Need? MV below!


October 8, 2016

EXO's Chanyeol: CHAN by Hikoco (찬바이히코코)

9:28 AM

Howdy! Been a long while since the last K-travel post we had here on the blog, but miss me no more! Today's another day and another post to read on from yours truly, me me and me!

Anyway, since I am coming here to have a new start, I planned on featuring another idol stop! Guess What? *drum roll* Ladies and gentlemen, our latest feature will be another place owned by EXO's Park Chanyeol's family: CHAN by Hikoco! Hooray! *clap* *clap*. Sorry for the silly and exceptionally cheesy introduction, but let us begin. :)

Welcome to CHAN by Hikoco!
Here's the building (called 'Make A Good World') where Chanyeol's father's hamburger restaurant, CHAN by Hikoco is located at. At night it also highlights a performance cafe that serves avenue for good live music (from 8:30  to 11:30 PM KST). To all the fans out there, this is just one of two establishments that the Park family owns (the other one is Viva Polo).

 As a mini preview, the shop itself is a mixture of hippie, artsy and trendy style. There are tables and chairs set up where you can cozy up, keyboard, drums, guitar set in front for the live band performances, a bar at the side, you also have that fantastic menu with mouth-watering food that'll be served to you.
Check out the inside of the shop! Surely, you can't help but picture yourself being there, right?! Am I already getting to you? Visit and you might meet the owner and his son! ^^
Slick design right there, unique wall painting that'll definitely stimulate your creative brain, a collection of all types of tables and chairs, good ambiance that is perfect for chilling out at night.
You will surely enjoy the spirits and snacks that they will serve during open hours (do not forget that they are closed at Sundays) and at some weekends you could visit for the open mic performances. This will definitely be a total heaven for PCY fans since the vibe inside will surely make you feel closer and personal with Chanyeol and his family. Be sure not to miss it out on your visit and make sure to have it in your itinerary. Who knows? You might get a good glimpse of the star himself!

Hopefully when you visit, you will see this music genius!
Anyway, according to fans who had been there, food was great (although it might be a bit expensive and you have a very tight budget--still prices were said to be the standard when it came to pricing in the city), staff inside were really nice, and the performances were really to look forward to. So, if you simply want to chill at night with a mug of beer in hand or maybe with some fries to much on, please do check out CHAN by Hikoco!

You can of course check out the other treats in the store such as:





Other information about CHAN by Hikoco:


*The store is affiliated with Premium Coffee brand Hikoco

* Prices (range): 
              
                       Snacks: $15 | Spirits: $5-10

*Payment: Accepts credit card

*Address: 14 Yangpyeong-ro 12ga-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea 
                               (영등포구 양평로12가길 14. 103 Seoul, South Korea)

*Contact #: +82 70-4412-5700

* Open Hours:

Mon  18:00 - 01:00
Tue   18:00 - 01:00
Wed  18:00 - 01:00
Thu   18:00 - 01:00
Fri     18:00 - 01:00
Sat     18:00 - 01:00
Sun    Closed


How to get to CHAN by Hikoco?

Get there by METRO: line 2 or 9 at Dangsan Station







Sources: (1) (2)

Disclaimer: I am not in any way affiliated with the store nor am I getting paid for this blog feature. I am doing this mainly for entertainment purposes and because I love doing so.

June 6, 2016

The EXO Chronicles: Me's Theory on EXO (from MAMA - Lucky One & Monster)

11:10 AM

Everyone's out there typing down their own version of the story of EXO--I mean the characters, not the real life people. So, here I am laying down my own EXO theory. I am not that great with deduction but I love doing it. It makes me feel like this little fan detective whether it's a story or something like this I am trying to deduce.

Anyway, I speak in general terms. I haven't been that little detective who went into finding the smallest, probably most helpful clue in every MV or concept. I will just write here based on what I remember. I haven't skimmed the lyrics of their songs again so I am simply guessing (or probably already making a fan fiction out of  this. lol).

Well, here goes nothing:

I am not very keen about EXO in the beginning (take in consideration that I am from a different fandom), but for as long as I am watching their MVs and following them (last year I had this point when I watched all the MVs almost every freaking day *insert toothy grin here* and I am already following EXO for about one and a half year), I think I can say that the story of EXO originated from MAMA. Nothing is told backwards. The MVs, albums, and concerts are told in order of succession.

First, this marks the introduction, the beginning, to EXO--the LEGENDS;

all of this started from that story in MAMA, where they are some kind of legends with supernatural powers. I am not sure but because their world is threatened to be destroyed or was already destroyed--remember how their first tour is called 'The Lost Planet'?--they're sent to earth to do some sort of mission/preserve themselves/find if this world is a potential world to live in peace at (I have no clue what I am talking about, honestly). But then they will find this change in their life a little mocking, because life in this world isn't easy after all--what with all their powers vs. normalcy in this planet. They will see themselves as threat to the world and in What Is Love MV it is either 1) they are already here on earth travelling around to find clues on how to go back/do a mission/at least know why they are here; or 2) that was the time they're in their planet/world and that was them before their world was overcome by darkness.

In Growl/Wolf--suddenly they are a bunch of wolves/ wild beasts?!. But I guess it is just some sort of metaphor, like the powerful boys being compared to the kind of beast that they can be while holding such great power. In this time, yes, EXO probably knows about their power but they don't know yet how to control their powers well. It's either it comes when they lash out or not at all. They can't control it in their own will. 

And if you remember the EXO Drama MVs, we see Kris leaving and Luhan deciding not to come with him. Well, this is how I see it happen: the rest of EXO decided to live like a normal person although they know their nature (this is either because they found living in this world a nice thing or they just accepted that from then on they have to get used to the kind of life they have that they lived like how a normal human would) while Kris is determined to live it in another way, the savage kind of way, since he knew better that they can never have a normal life. 

And Luhan is a great friend, undecided in the beginning, but after meeting this human girl, saving her, he decided he can still have a purpose or that there is still some good in him that will stay and will help him suppress the powers in him. He transfers to the school the boys attend, and their bond strengthens. But then some shit happens, and Luhan wouldn't be able to control himself and lashes out, hurting Kyungsoo in the process. This will make EXO feel betrayed since Luhan's control couldn't be trusted, and they saw him, after all, as a threat to the normal life they are living. But then, something happens to Luhan and he needed their help, after all, so the gang comes to his rescue. And eventually they will still accept Luhan. 

At the end of the MV, we see his hair turn black (a normal color) after a tear from the human girl drops to where he wears his symbol like a tattoo. This can translate to his body finally realizing his power and that, actually, in can also be controlled. Then Kris, lashes out in the end, because he knew what happened to Luhan (it was like, by his body's acceptance, their bond crashes) and it's like he saw it as some sort of betrayal in the end, but he knew he couldn't do anything at that point. 

I actually have another theory about this, but it doesn't just make sense to me as of now, so let's skip that.

In Miracles In December, it is actually when we see them adjust to the life here. At that time, EXO must be well adjusted to the life here: they can do whatever they want, enjoy a normal life, find something or someone to love, but then, they just couldn't embrace all of this fully well because they know that this isn't their own world and they are far from being humans. They could try to be human, but they can never be one--and that is sort of an impossible problem. And it frustrates them, finds it quite unfair that they aren't human, that they are different, Then, we see Tao control time, stop it--he is the only one who uses his power mainly because all of them tried their best not to use their powers (if not use it to a minimum) in this world, and then we see those wistful looks on their faces, and them crying--their eyes filled with something like sadness, hope, love, a mixture of bittersweet feelings. It is winter, probably even Christmas, a meaningful day because it is probably one of the firsts they had here, and they are praying for a miracle--something like changing for the better, being normal, but of course, they know it is only wishful thinking that all they could do was to relish in the feeling of that moment.

In Overdose, we see them having those looks—the looks of someone under addiction (however you may want to call it). Listen to the lyrics connect it to the concept. It must be that one way or another each of them found a kind of love in this world, but because they know they are different, can never have the life they wanted so badly, can never be with this love because they could hurt them—the poisonous kind of love (because it keeps hurting them, and yet they keep looking for it, wanting it), it hurts to the point of self destruction that they wanted to call someone for help to repair them, to be normal—'someone call the doctor...' remember the lines?

Then EXODUS era--Call Me Baby/Love Me Right--comes. All I can guess about this, is that this must be the turning point to EXO. The time they are to choose what path they are to take--that they try to do everything to find a way to completely change themselves, of course, through their own interventions. I won't elaborate on this since I can't. Haha. This is the hardest to dissect for me, actually.

But let's focus on the Pathcode teasers :). Those are quite cryptic teasers. All of us tried to guess about them, for sure. And well, we noticed that the boys are in different places and seems like they lost their abilities or something. It's probably because, in my own theory, they decided it best to separate after Overdose, to lie low, try to control their powers. They don't want to be together because it is only much dangerous if they are together. By that time, people must already know about them--their true nature, that's why they are in different places anyway. They went to places where nobody knows about them--to conceal their true identity to the rest of the world, and it is after quite a long time afterwards that signs reemerges and the powers that they thought were gone/their bodies had forgotten about/didn't recognize anymore, tried to remind their owners of their existence in them, that they are perfectly still present. That after that, they go back together in the very place where it all started from.

Sing For You; they come back, try to be subtle and live in the shadows, without people knowing. But then fights/doubts/misunderstandings will happen among the members mainly because they know they aren't safe in the place where it all started from. But seeing the end of the video, EXO will probably come to an agreement, and will have decided on a final move that they thought will free them from the torture their powers and the people's unfair scrutiny brought upon them through all these years (which leads to Lucky One).

That in Lucky One, we see them in a lab. This is probably because while people already know how different they are, some of them—the doctors/scientists—either wants to experiment on them/know why they are much stronger than normal people/wants to kill them/or use them as some sort of subjects to create a serum that'll match their strength or will counter their strength or will make them weak/will determine if they can be of significant value ( a machine of destruction), that they will eventually come to EXO and convince them that they could turn them into humans—which is what EXO has been wishing to be after having a taste of this world. Only that, they are lying and just saying those to bait EXO for their own benefit. EXO of course, takes the bait, having this strong greed to change, this lust for a human life. But then of course, while in the facility, some of them will probably learn about the doctors' real intentions and they will try to escape. Some will do. Some will not—they might have been already experimented on. And Kyungsoo either doesn't know about this that he looked calm in the teaser or he knows but still wants to undergo the experiment.

Finally, in Monster, EXO will be able to escape, this will probably cause an uproar to the people though and they will try to fight EXO (or this maybe a simulation to test their ferocious strength). The boys, of course, tired of all the people's tricks, betrayal, cruelty, fight back and defeat the many people who tried to kill them. Again, Kyungsoo seems to have a cryptic character. We don't know if he was there watching because he has been transformed or he was just entertained to see the killings. We see Kai on top of the pile of bodies, signifying his morbid victory. For some reason, I find his character befitting since some hints were already dropped in the other MVs that Kai can be the most uncontrollable legend and this is him unleashing the uncontrollable savage in him. The mad beast. The unforgiving beast.

Also, in the Monster teaser, we see the screw, on their new logo, loosening. You probably are curious as well, why. I think it just only goes to show that after this fight, EXO will remain victorious, and that the screw represents the final thing holding them together, keeping them harmless to the world. And in it's loosening, EXO unleashes their real powers, their real monsters.

And if you will try to connect that concept to the title of their 3rd concert tour, The Exor'dium (I have read that it means beginning), you will realize how strong the connection of each is to one another. In Monster, we will see them unleash their powers, they will become much stronger after all that they had been through before (this gives a double meaning—to their real life story and the story line of their characters as supernaturals). And through the revelation of their strongest form is the start of something much powerful from the group. Something much explosive. Havoc. Chaos. A promise of something more powerful from the legendary beasts. Our monsters.


There! All of this will probably look stupid to you as you read them, but it's fine. I am just trying and well entertaining myself by doing some deduction. This may really sound stupid compared to all your theories, but I did it anyway. lol. Not to have lots of views but to stop myself from itching to share something that has been piling in my brain and is about to burst out if I don't write it down. 

This made up story may change after I watch the two MVs on June 9. Haha. But I'll probably re-write my deductions after a year, lol, Just to be sure.

See you on my next blog post!





Do not copy anything, hotlink my pictures, or steal anything. If reposting, please put proper credit. We all deserve some respect.




October 23, 2015

A Closer Look At SM Entertainment

5:57 PM
SM Entertainment is a premiere entertainment company in South Korea that has established a name for itself through the years with the discovery of great talents and the creation of idol groups that has captured the hearts of many and is continuing to spread Hallyu Wave around the globe.



SM houses great talents such as Kangta, BoA, TVXQ, Super Junior, Girls Generation, SHINee, f(x), EXO, and Red Velvet that are still widely known nowadays and is taking the world by storm with their great concepts, sophisticated dance steps, astounding vocals, unparalleled visuals, note-worthy songs and music videos. 

There's just no room for disappointment with SM's artists!


In order to get to know them better, of course (and I can tell you're quite excited about this~) and to feel even a bit closer with our favorite SM artists, let's first take a peek with how the place they would often hang out at look like! SM's office!

New SM Building in Cheomdamdong

About a few years back, SM moved it's office from Apgeujung to their new building in Cheomdamdong which is considerably pretty larger than their previous office. It has a much modern look and facilities. The building has two underground levels and eight levels above the ground. The ground floor houses the lobby, that is decorated with much modern and chic style, and has an enormous LED screen. The top floor is designated as the "Sky Lounge" where you can actually get a nice view of the Han River (Han Gang) through its wall space lined with glass.

Except for the lobby and the 8th floor, the rest of the building is assigned for office space which houses Global Business, Marketing, Foreign Marketing, and other departments.

Other than that, they also employs full-time baristas who serves coffee and other pastries at the company's expense.








Now, you're probably curious what actually happened tot he old building in Apgeujung, right?

Well, after moving to the new office in Cheomdamdong, SM started to renovate the old building and turned it into their "Global Artist Training Center"

SM's old office before renovation (Before)


SM Global Artist Training Center (After)


How can we get to both destinations?


*SM new office in CHEOMDAMDONG:
          
#By BUS
           
Take the bus 143, 362, 240 or 4318 and get off at Prima Hotel. Cross the street. Go into the alley next to Baskin Robbins. You'll see a four way intersection. Go straight to the alley next to JYP entertainment building. Walk straight and pass by two alleys on you left and turn left and turn right at the four way intersection. You'll see a park in front of you. Do not cross the street. Turn left and walk a little more. It's on your left.

#By METRO

Bundang (Yellow) Line, exit #3. Walk straight down until you see a bus stop in front of a Chinese restaurant. Take the bus 143, 362, 240 or 4318 and get off at the next stop (Prima Hotel). Cross the street. Go into the alley next to Baskin Robbins. You'll see a four way intersection. Go straight to the alley next to JYP entertainment building. Walk straight and pass by two alleys on you left and turn left and turn right at the four way intersection. You'll see a park in front of you. Do not cross the street. Turn left and walk a little more. It's on your left.


Address: 106-16 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact Number: +82-2-6240-9800


*SM GLOBAL ARTIST TRAINING CENTER (APGEUJUNG)

Get off at Apgujeong Rodeo station on Bundang Line and take Exit 2. Walk straight out of Exit 2, and in a minute or two you will see it right on your left. (You could also take Exit 3, in which case, walk straight, the same as Exit 2, but the building will be across the street from you)


Address: 521 Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Contact Number: +82-2-6240-9800

        




_________________________________________

sources: (1) (2) (3) (4)

April 24, 2015

EXO's Kai: KAMONG Espresso

7:59 PM
Another EXO hang out place spotted down!

Known for his tan-skin, charming smile, killer dancing skills, EXO's dancing machine, Kai, has something more to share to his fans--KAMONG!



KAMONG Espresso is in fact a cafe owned by Kai's older sister. It's located in Seoul, and fans said that the name of the restaurant came from the fusion of KAI and MONGGU's (His poodle!) names. His sister was said to name the restaurant so more or less fans find it cute that she named it that way, since Kai is known to love his dogs very much, and he is known to be very close to his older sisters too. Fans have been witnesses to that!





The interior of the cafe looks really cozy!
The cafe is located near Gangnam and Seoul University. Some people might say that it may just be another cafe but what makes it even more promising that the rest is the fact that it is owned by a rising star's sister. Fans will surely love the delicious treats in the cafe such as their coffee and baked desserts. Main desserts that are offered are wafflles cookies, and muffins. All are freshly made even just by the looks of it!

Kai's sister is often in the store. She is known to also bake for the cafe.





And since it's really proximate to Seoul University, students can actually get their caffeine cravings ready on the go along  with desserts to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Waffles. Coffee. Tea. Bingsu. and a lot more!

Of course the trip to this cafe wouldn't be complete if you don't get to take home something special right? Well, you are lucky since Kamong sells souvenirs such as:





Here is how you can get to KAMONG Espresso:

1. Find your way to the Gyodae Station/교대역 (Green Line) and use Exit 1.

 

2. Head straight towards the direction you're facing when you get out of the station. It's going to be quite a long walk since there's a few blocks to pass, but you won't need to turn left or right, so it's okay.

Pay attention to the roads. You'll pass by five blocks before you can get to the building, which is along the way actually.

KAMONG is located in a building in the corner of the main highway and Seocho-daero 64-gil (서초대로64길). 

The building looks like this:



Other information:

Address: 356 Seochodae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
                       (서울 서초구 서초대로 356)



EXO's Chanyeol: VIVA POLO

6:24 PM


Everyone have been going crazy about the new craze in Kpop, EXO! If you're a fan, of course you want to know everything about them, right? Including their family, friends, school, and even the businesses that they are involved at!

I found this one the other day. It's actually about the member Park Chanyeol, and the Italian Restaurant that his mother owns, called VIVA POLO.


VIVA POLO, is one cozy Italian Restaurant where EXO's fans can actually have quality time together. They can eat leisurely inside while looking at Chanyeol's and his sister, Yura's photos,  old and new. In fact, most of the childhood photos of Chanyeol that we see are said to be from the pictures in this place! There are also the pictures that are drawn by fans from all over the world. There is also a corner in the restaurant where real autographs of the EXO members are posted. Surely a total heaven for fans!


Chanyeol in Viva Polo!



The restaurant obviously serves Italian food, but much to everyone's delight, they can actually try the special recommendation written by Chanyeol himself in their menu. A variety of Italian pizza, pasta, risotto, and salad with a slight mix of Korean flavor can be expected from them.

Kimchi Arabiatta Pasta - is the food that Chanyeol recommended!

Many goers said that the service in the restaurant is pretty good and that the servings are large even though it's a little expensive, Food is very much likely delicious, and many people said that their pizza and salads are a must try!

*I know you're craving to go there after seeing all that, so here's how you can get to VIVA POLO:

Find your way to Myeongil Station (Line 5, Purple Line) and get off it through Exit 1.
Walk a little by following this simple guide:



Other information:

Prices: 

Pizza: 13,000 ~ 14,000 won
Gratinati & Risotto: 10,000 ~ 11,000 won
Pasta: 8,000 won
Insalata: 6,000 ~ 10,000 won
Lunch set: 26,000 ~ 39,000 won
Beverage: 3,000 ~ 5,000 won

Address: 1631 Yangjaedae-ro, Myeongil-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
                                      (서울 강동구 양재대로 1631)

Telephone: +82 2-442-7885





If you are lucky, maybe you can meet the handsome son of the owner too :)





April 22, 2015

EXO's Tao's Father writes that He wants him to come back to China

9:17 PM


Earlier, a post on weibo circulated about EXO's Tao's leave from the group, due to the letter that his father wrote. It has everything that he needed to say, and though he feels like it was a selfish wish of a father, he said that he wrote it because he just wants for Tao to stay healthy.

As of now, the fans are yet to hear Tao or SM's side on the issue.

BaiduTaoBar wrote on Twitter:



After the first tweet, the said fansite followed it with a translation of Tao's Father's letter:




The original copy of the letter from weibo and it's korean translation:




#WeAreAlwaysHereForYouTAO
#GetWellSoonTAO
#WeBelieveinTAO