4minute Heart To Heart -Japanese-

4minute is beginning promotion for their Japanese version of “heart to Heat.” The girls revamp their video and made it more low key.

Girl’s Generation Bad Girl Full MV

Girls Generation (Shoujo Jidia)  release their Japanese single “Bad Girls.” The sexy young girls wear biker and show off a more dangerous but sultry side. Do you really like this new image concept or are you so over it?

 

K-pop Battle For Japan: Who Will Win?

No secret K-pop is invading Japan aggressively for the past couple of years. Yet many have enter but only the elite stake claims to Oricon victory.

While K-pop is on the path to globalization thanks to the greatest universal promoting tool of the world music. The whole year of 2011 is a mix blend of dynamic Korean comebacks with Japanese ambition.

While summer Japanese comebacks is coming to an end with TVXQ,2pm, MBLAQ and Big Bang  on the cool down. Winter will keep the coils burning as more K-pop idols bump heads,put on some glitter and try to sing in their best listenable Nihongo.

Girls Generation (SNSD/Shoujo Jidai)

Consider them the leaders of the pack next to Kara. These 9 fierce  ladies dominated Japan without fail. By unleashing  the Japanese versions of “Gee” and “Genie.”  Which usher in the new era of Hallyu wave performers. Within this year alone  their first self title Japanese album is certified platinum by RIAJ in physical sales exceeding over  500,000 + plus units sold. Charted Oricon Daily and Weekly at #1. Ending on Oricon Monthly  at #2 and also snagging #1 on Billboards Japan. Raising the bar even higher for other K-pop groups who wish to enter. To continue with their Japanese promotion SNSD has  release a teaser for “Bad Girl.” Which shows off a more sexier bolder side of  SNSD.

Bad Girls Full Audio -Japanese-

 http://youtu.be/GjYmS56Bb6A

Bad Girl MV Teaser

Super Junior-M

Beaming from their success with ‘Perfection” ranking #1 for 60 consecutive weeks in Taiwan. The Chinese division of Super Junior will try their luck with a collective album schedule to debut in Japan August 24th. The album will contain the Japanese versions of “Perfection” and “Destiny.” Along with the Chinese versions and Korean version of “Perfection.” Also other known songs from the mini album. The Japanese version of Perfection will have Type A ( CD and extra bonus CD) and Type B (CD +DVD). Both version are currently available for pre-order on yesasia.com

Perfection Audio Teaser -Japanese Version-

Destiny Audio Teaser -Japanese Version-

B2st (Beast)

Please don’t consider them a rookie group no longer as B2st(Beast) tackles expansion. Last year during November B2st shock their Korean critics when 20,000 plus fans showed up for their Japanese showcase. In May B2st drop the Japanese version of “Shock”  ranking #2 on Oricon Weekly. But could not follow up with promotions do to 2011 Tōhoku earthquake. Despite the set back B2st  surpassed their senior male group Big Bang upon their first Japanese debut. Now on the eve of their So Beast Japanese album there is only hope for major success. The album includes the Japanese version of “Mystery,” “Fiction” (also orchestrated), and “Bad Girl.”  Along with known Korean favorites “Soom,” “On Rainy Days” “Beautiful” etc.. This albums has 3 types Type A  (CD+DVD), Type B (CD+DVD+32 page Photobook) and Type C (CD Only) available on yesasia.com

Fiction Full Audio -Japanese Version-

2ne1

Certified bad ass in their own right 2ne1 reenter Japan  still under YG flag. In an  attempt to maintain artistic colors YG created a sub-label with Avex Entertainment called YGEX. This new sub-label will debut all YG base artists that includes Gummy, PSY,Se7en and Big Bang. 2ne1 will be the first to debut under this new joint label. Earlier this year 2ne1 debut back in May (against B2st) but do to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake promotions were called off. It was suspected that 2ne1 would debut with the Japanese version of “Go Away” on Music Station but it was canceled. Two weeks later 2ne1 release a collective Korean album through Avex that did not contain previous planned promoted songs “Go Away” Japanese Version and “Can’t Nobody” English version. The album sold 9,000 copies upon its release. YG consider the whole situation a “disappointment” and instead focus on a Korean mini comeback. A stream of 6 songs plus MVs that were certified all-kills on digital charts in Korea.This comeback also will showcase the group’s first  concert on August 27th  at Chamsil Olympic Park in Seoul,South Korea. Tickets for the event sold out in minutes.

2ne1 plans to tackle Japan in September with the release of “I Am The Best” and “Hate You” already in rotation. There is no information leading whether or not 2ne1 will drop a mini album for their revamp Japanese debut.

I Am The Best Full MV -Japanese Version-

Hate You Full MV -Japanese Version-

SHINee

Some people would say SHINee is the next big thing and others stress THEY ARE. SHINee release their first Korean to Japanese single “Replay” in May of this year. Which turn certified gold by RIAJ with 100,000 copies sold by June. The group is on the verge of releasing Juliette Japanese album. With “Kiss Kiss Kiss and their smash hit “Juliette” set for Oricon conquest. SHINee Juliette will have 3 types Normal Edition (CD+ DVD+ 40 page Photobook +postcards)  Type A Limited Edition (CD+DVD+Playbutton) Type B Limited Edition (CD+DVD) available for on yesasia.com drops August 29th.

KISS KISS KISS Audio Preview  

Secret 

Still fresh from their Korean promotions of Starlight Moonlight and Jieun solo debut single “Going Crazy” these ladies still have fire for Japan. Secret debut with their female empowered funkadelic tune “Madonna”  which Japanese fans respond positive with 13,000 units sold upon release. Secret will continue promoting in Japan well into August.

Madonna Full MV -Japanese Version-

4minute

Once group member Hyuna is done promoting her solo mini album Bubble Pop, 4minute will return back to Japan. The group plans to promote Japanese version of “Heart to Heart”  schedule to drop September 7th. Along with their DVD Emerald of 4minute. In the meantime 4minute duet with Japanese pop princess Thelma Aoyama in “Without You.”

Without You -Japanese Version-

Speed Little Dancer

Japanese veteran group Speed is releasing a new single album Little Dancer. It’s an up beat tempo pop song that will put a smile on your face. Even if you don’t know what the hell they are singing about. This is their 2oth single that will follow CD and CD+DVD combo. The Little Dancer drops August 10th. In the meantime group has release their PV.

Little Dancer

Speed Little dancer available for pre-order on yesasia.com  CD and CD+DVD (Both are Japanese Versions)drops August 10th DVD region code 2

Tracklist

CD

01 リトルダンサー  (Little Dancer)
02 PRIDE feat.大神:OHGA
03 リトルダンサー (Instrumental)
04 PRIDE feat.大神:OHGA (Instrumental)

DVD

01 リトルダンサー(Music Clip)

 

Kat-Tun Run For You -Teaser-

I like Kat-Tun in this song despite me not full understanding the words has my curiosity. The song and MV is schedule to drop August 4th, so not to far long.

 

2ne1 Hate You teaser

2ne1 is gearing up for their 4th single release “Hate You” originally title “Fuck You.” YG decide to change the title do to Minzy minor age but stress the overall context of the song hasn’t been change. Maybe YG should admit “Fuck You” would seem more childish without the right lyrics. YG also stress this new single “Hate You” will have an English course line for global appeal. Now that makes perfect sense if 2ne1 plans to make “Hate You” global. They wouldn’t want their single compare to Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You.”

Although the genres maybe completely different but it is very crucial for 2ne1 to make their stamp and not suffer mistaken identical song titles. To add more craze YG stream line fist episode of 2ne1 TV Season 3. Than shortly after release the teaser “Hate You” as the follow. The MV features animation art constructed by Mari Kim.

2ne1 domination in Korea will continue  into August with their first group concert already sold out.

Hate You teaser

In the mist of their Korean promotion 2ne1 will head off to Japan in September with “I Am The Best.” The ring tone of this song will be available on Recochoku July20th.

Note: YG decide to keep the course in Korean, very testy move on their part.

Do International Fans Support Asian Pop?

There is a heated debate among Asian pop fans who are non-native or international. In recent efforts SM Town hold their first ever concert in France. Featuring  Girls Generation (SNSD), Super Junior, TVXQ, Boa Kwon,SHINee and F(x). To connect with fans all over the world SM open a Facebook account and shared their performances via Youtube. The two biggest social networking catalyst sites that have catapulted K-pop to a much wider diverse audience. For years Japanese artist tour Europe and America to further expand beyond  Asia and enter neighboring music markets.

Everyone from Miyavi, Utada Hikaru, Dir En Grey,X-Japan, to former Kat-Tun member Akanishi Jin have toured or performed state side. Unlike their Korean cousins the ambitious spirit to place on America music charts whether via iTunes or on Billboards is becoming the primary focus for K-pop idols/soloist. From Se7en to Boa Kwon most recent Wonder Girls, K-pop is the most determine to usher in Asian pop wave to the west.

The admiration for Asian pop stars debuting state side is a mutual feeling for industry heads in America. Producer Teddy Riley team up with Raina for “Mr.Feel Good.” While Black Eyed Peas Will.I.Am producing tracks for 2ne1 for a possible state side debut. Wonder Girls currently working with Claude Kelly on a new American single. A follow up to their mini tour back in 2010 for “Two Different Tears.” Even JYJ team up with Rodney “Darkchild” Jenkins and Kanye West for their first English album The Beginning release last year.

Despite big name producers showing interest in Korean base artist native fans doubt international ones will support. Already available on iTunes anyone from Epik High to Big Bang have place top 10 on charts but not Billboard . Only Boa, Wonder Girls and former YG artists Stony Skunk have successful place on Billboards genre base charts and/or TOP100/200. Regardless if it was briefly or the TOP 100 of the year. The potential is their but will international fans make sure it happens?

V-blogger diskea disclosed the same excitement but concerns that maybe lingering over international fans on making K-pop successful on foreign soil.

Although K-pop has found success via Youtube outside it seem very concentrated. In America areas like Washington,New York, Los Angles and Seattle have warm up to the recent Asian pop wave. Other neighboring nations Valenzuela and Brazil have shown fan support and request for their favorite K-pop star to perform in their nation. On iTunes (America) the increase of K-pop is becoming more evident. Everyone from Beast(B2st), MBLAQ,2pm,etc… have released Korean singles via iTunes for state side fans to download.

The level of fandom differs for international fans verse native. While South Korea is the spic center of K-pop. Fan clubs of major K-pop idol groups have made it their goal to make sure their bias is #1 on something. Doesn’t matter if its on Melon,Bugs,Navar,Monkey3,Mnet,Gaon, Hanteo or music shows like Inkigayo,Music Core,M!Countdown to Music Bank. Making them a popular topic trend on Twitter and top view videos on Youtube. The level of commitment is far more important to Korean native fans verse international in some aspects.

For Koreans they have the option to view their favorite bias idol perform live on TV. Enabling them to be #1 creating this competing spirit among fan clubs. For international the only connection is through Youtbe and other social networking sites. The only other way international fans can show support is by buying music available  in their nation. Youtube has spark popularity with some K-pop MVs with 20 million hits but sale wise K-pop falls miserably flat.

Earning less then what normally a K-pop idol can create staying on native soil. Far less than on Japanese making the Americas and Europe risky business that may cost greatly. Only time will tell if international fans are ‘all in’ or just fascinated by a trend.  The only way K-pop will have any pedestal to stand on from international fans is by supporting them beyond the web. Radio request, downloads and free publicity has proven to be essential for an idol group/soloist success in Asia. Fans on the western side need to realize they must work harder to create some type of foundation and media notoriety for their favorite Asian idol or group.

At the end of the day if music is the universal language of the world, us international fans need to show it more greatly verse Asian native. I feel international fans are caught up on ‘who would have the most success‘ verse ‘wanting to support those who do debut.‘ Only time will tell if a group is destine or not but this power is created by the fans and not always determine by the media.

Kara Go Go Summer

Kara has release their fourth Japanese single “Go Go Summer.” The MV captures Kara care free, positive feminine spirit that J-poppers respond warmly and support. I find “Go Go Summer’ to be a classic Kara song that would also fit for Korea but is it a chart topper…hhhmmm fans will decide.

Go Go Summer Full MV

Kara Go Go Summer available for pre-roder on yesasia Limited Press edition A (CD+DVD) Limited Edition B (CD+Photobook) and Limited Edition C (CD Only)-drops June 29th  All DVD Reginal Code 2

Tracklist

CD:
01 GO GO サマー！
02 ガールズ ビー アンビシャス！
03 GO GO サマー！(Instrumental)
04 ガールズ ビーアンビシャス！(Instrumental)

DVD:
01 GO GO サマー！Music Clip
02 GO GO サマー！Dance Shot Ver.
03 GO GO サマー！Music Clipオフショット

Kara Go Go Summer Radio Sneak -Japan-

Korean girl group Kara is returning with a new single “Go Go Summer” just for Japanese fan. Although the group is coming to agreeing terms  with their company DSP media (South Korea) over profit distribution. The fab four keep a united front. There new Japanese single “Go Go Summer” doesn’t drop until 29th of June. Oh course this will consist three limited editions A (CD+DVD), B (photobook) and C (bonus track.)

Go Go Summer Radio rip sneak

Jero Tada… Namida

Enka singer Jero is making a comeback with Covers4:Kyou no Ikkyoku featuring “Tada…..Namida drops June 22.