eSNa – KPOPREVIEWED

Apologies, it has been nearly a month. Haven’t forgotten these, just been so busy with so much work and studying that I had to push this back so many times. But now, let’s get on with this. This segment recaps the news of last month (April 2015) and let me put my thoughts into each news. This is so badly worded. I am doing this prior to my bed time, so sorry if nothing makes sense. I also lists my favourite songs of the month, and it was very hard for this month. You will be very surprised. Let’s get on with it!!! (yes, I rushed the preview picture. It looks bad, I know. I say sorry in advance!!)

EXO Tao’s departure rumours

Yes, I guess it won’t be 2015 until something EXO related pops up. I believe each Rewind has featured an EXO story so far, and that I kind of concerning, because I don’t think any have been any good for the band. But unfroteutely, there are rumours with another member, Tao. He was injured during promotions of Call Me Baby and he was allowed to return China where he got his time to rest and heal. But while his time in China, there were reports that his father talking with SM Ent to cancel Tao’s contract and according to Tao’s father, Tao gave in and is now wanting the contract to be cancelled. Not that I am opposing Tao’s father, but if you are asking your son to reconsider his job after he has explicitly said that he will forever be with EXO is kind of mean considering what has happened with the band in the last year or so. I understand he is concerned and I don’t doubt him for that. But is just seems sudden like there is something else that fans the public don’t know about it. That is my idea of the whole thing. All we know now is that Tao has left for America and we don’t really have any word from any side. Let’s hope that the talks between the two parties come out with a favourable outcome for Tao, his family, EXO L’s and also the company. Maybe a little hiatus for a few months? But then again, I think that is what he is going through.

Jinusean makes their first comeback in almost 12 years

Yes, legendary duo Jinusean made their comeback with Tell Me One More Time (featuring Jang Han Na) in April. No review for it, but is is a pretty solid song. If you don’t know, the band consists of Kim Jin Woo and Noh Seung Hwan. They basically were one of the first bands in South Korea to bring out the hip hop genre of South Korea and is still managed by YG Entertainment. They did pretty well with their comeback. They topped charts and ranked quite high on charts for a very long time (until other artists made their comeback though). I like the song a lot. Just YG promised Big Bang first, so I was very disappointed, but hey Big Bang ended up making their comeback in May.

Another couple of SNSD

Yuri and baseball player Oh Seung Hwan are reportedly dating. I think it was confirmed by SM but I am not too sure. But if they are, don’t worry about fans and date comfortably. I don’t think Girl’s Generation is a suitable name for them anymore. Best of luck for the couple!!!

EXO’s Instagram dilemma

With rumours of EXO Tao’s departure, some EXO members have gone to some extreme length regarding their instagram accounts. Firstly, Kai opened his prior to the comeback, but while in promtoions, deleted it. From what many speculate that Kai’s account has nothing to do with the rumours and was just a promotion stunt to get more people aware of their comeback. But Lay deleted all his photos and Xiumin deleted his account after a very long time on the social media site. We just will never know if this is in anyway related to the rumours regarding Tao. Let’s hope not. BUT it became a bigger problem, with Tao wiping “EXO” from his profile. Ahh, EXO. What is going to happen to you guys??? Like I said, we will never know what happened, but all this makes rumours sound like they are the truth. But let’s hope not.

Top 10 songs of April 2015

1. Ah Yeah – EXID

2. Catch Me If You Can – SNSD

3. I Need U – BTS

4. Joker – Dal Shabet

5. Call Me Baby – EXO

6. Hopeless Love – Jimin (15&)

7. Aah Oop – Mamamoo ft. eSNa

8. Only You – Miss A

9. Awoo – Lim Kim

10. Tell Me One More Time – Jinusean (No Review)

Mamamoo was back for a very limited amount of time. Aah Oop! is a collaboration between the group and a very close friend of theirs, eSNa, who previously featured in one of their songs on their last mini album. As I said, they are back for only a limited amount of time, with their promotional run only lasting two weeks. I know, so short. BUT they are due back in May for a new release (from what I remember a new mini album).

This song is a pretty good, but it does not exceed the standard that Piano Man created for the band. Nonetheless, I was very impressed with the song, despite having me confused as a “fifth” member was being added to the group. All the girls of Mamamoo have really nice vocals. Wheein, is starting to emerge from the shadow and leash what she has hidden from the public for ages. Solar and Whasa, per usual, sound so freaking amazing on stage. Moonbyul, needs more parts (and she gets them, when they are not promoting the song with eSNA), but her rap is still top. eSNa has a very unique voice and it matches well with the retro style song and also the band. I guess we can say she is Mamamoo’s fifth long lost member. Though the song had me a little uneasy at first, I grew to love it and I replay it every now and then.

The music video is okay. It is obviously going for the retro concept with the colours and also their clothing reminding me of the 60s and 70s. Their hairstyles pretty much reminds me of that era as well. The sets as well. So we see a barber shop as soon the video starts and there is this dude who looks like he is very creeped out. I don’t know you, but if I were in his shoes and I was creeped out by the ladies who were observing my hair and look like they are more into being pretty and cutting their hairs, I’d leave. I like the newspaper idea as well. It is very interesting. I know it has been done before, but this video puts a lot of emphasis on it. And sorry, shaving like that is too scary. And to make it worse, her hands had to shake (or is it to represent the tough nature of the guy?). By the end of the video, he looks bored to his bones. Well, that is the case if your hairdresser took like 3 hours to cut, wash, shave and dry your hair. Overall, it was a colourful video and I didn’t mind it as much.

The dance isn’t as great compared to Piano Man. I liked it and all, but it just really lacked style and wasn’t eventful as I expected it. eSNa could have dropped the whole keyboard thing. We can clearly tell that the keyboard wasn’t on. She could have just stood there and still make the performance work.

Nice, it took me 5 days to write this review. I apologise for the lateness. I was just so busy on the weekend and I am still in uni, so it is just so crazy. Assignments here and there. Exams coming up as well. Mamamoo needs to make their comeback and live up to their promises to please me. 8/10