I started to think about what to write this week but realized that there hasn't been a lot of girl group news lately so today's Confessions of an Uncle Fan will be slightly modified. Instead of rehashing news stories you've already read, I thought it would be fun to do a little K-pop prognostication as we head into the stretch run of 2013. On today's episode, I'll make some bold predictions (or total guesses... however you choose to look at them) on future K-pop events that I hope happen before the end of the year. It'll be part divination and part wishful thinking but who knows, strange things can happen...
5 Cool Things That I Think/Wish Could Possibly, Maybe, Potentially Happen in 2013
- In what really shouldn't be a shock to anyone, Girls' Generation will make a triumphant comeback to the K-pop scene as their new album tries to erase the train wreck that was "I Got a Boy" from our collective minds. After touring across Asia and promoting in Japan, the girls will return to home base in Korea, return to the variety show circuit, and end 2013 with a bang. In related news, member Taeyeon announces she will be taking a break from Instagram because of creepy followers creating odd "experiments" using the pictures she posts.
- Following J.Y. Park's personal manifesto album 'Halftime', JYP Entertainment double downs and goes on a major tear debuting as many as three new groups including at least one new girl group. They (along with Big Hit Entertainment and AQE) also announce future plans for many of their artists including 2PM, 2AM, miss A, and the remaining Wonder Girls. All this news combined with their internal reorganization positions JYPE to make up some of the ground they've lost recently and get their groove back.
- SISTAR's Hyorin releases her much anticipated single album to much fanfare and the album showcases her powerful yet sultry voice. This serves as an opportunity for SISTAR to take an extended hiatus with each member working on their own careers for the time being. Dasom continues acting, Bora re-enters the world of variety programs, and Soyu makes her mark as a singer by joining the cast of a musical and being one of the most sought after featured vocals for other groups.
- KARA announces that they will renew their contracts with DSP Media and continue to promote together for the foreseeable future. Despite lingering hard feelings from their past disputes, the group is generating so much cash (especially in Japan) that it would be career suicide to break up. Nicole and Hara also announce plans to branch out into solo work in the next year.
- IU makes a major statement by taking home Album of the Year honors at most of the end of year music award shows which is still very rare for an "idol". As a matter of fact, IU begins to completely rid herself of the idol moniker and takes her place on the list of K-pop's most promising young musicians. Although… fans still don't understand why anyone makes bossa nova songs anymore.
Girl Group Variety Show Round-Up
A list of all the girl group appearances on variety shows (that I saw) this week.
Note: I did not watch a single one of those Chuseok idol athletic things. Sorry but they are pretty boring.
- 'Radio Star' - Dana (haven't seen her in a long time)
- 'Star King' - KARA (see Top 5 Favorite Girl Groupers Right Now)
- 'God of Food Road' - Ladies' Code
- 'We Got Married' - Eunji (see Top 5 Favorite Girl Groupers Right Now)
- '1000 Song Challenge' - SPICA
- 'Hello' - Nine Muses Kyung Li
The Taeyeon Experiment
Each week I'll post a picture from Taeyeon's Instagram feed in the hopes that one day she'll post a picture of herself reading this column.
Taeyeon's been quiet on Instagram lately (I really hope my fake prediction isn't coming true) but a post that I missed earlier was this video of the members playing air hockey on a table provided by their fans in Indonesia. So, fans send this kind of stuff to their concert venues? That's some serious dedication right there.
Pic/.Gif/Video of the Week
There's definitely a lot of press about this new 'The Heirs' drama coming up starring Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye and it's kind of sucked me in. It doesn't help that I have a quasi-crush on Park Shin Hye (quasi because it kind of comes and goes) but add in Krystal and I'll have to give it the 2 episode try (my philosophy is that if a drama can't get you addicted in the first two episodes, it's not worth watching).
Send me your favorite pics or videos via Twitter @KpopUncleFan or email me at KpopUncleFan@gmail.com.
Uncle Fan Mailbag
A lot of Spica love. "I think "Tonight" by SPICA is one of the best K-pop songs of the year."
-mel
That was just one of many comments showering the group with positive feedback. Hopefully it translates into more success!
I feel you. "I saw the battle between YG and JYP (on the show WIN). I actually cried."
-myreflections
I don't know about crying but I understand the emotion. Either these guys are great actors or these kids are constantly being thrown off guard by what happens in each episode. It's great drama to watch if you're not already a fan.
It's not looking good bro. "I am so devastated [by] the Redskins' two losses. I'm still crossing my fingers the boys will pull it together."
-statticstarrs
After last Sunday's game…I'm losing hope by the minute.
A Few Non-K-pop Related Things
Since we were talking TV last week, I thought I'd stay on the same subject for one more week and look at the big winners at the Emmy Awards. Here are my really quick thoughts on some of the winners:
Drama - 'Breaking Bad'
I am going to fully admit that I've only seen the first season of the show and never got back into it. SMH at myself…
Comedy - 'Modern Family'
Personally I liked '30 Rock' more but am a huge fan of MF. JAAAAAYYYY!!!!!!!
Lead Actress in a Drama - Claire Danes
Have you ever seen the Tumblr for the Claire Danes cry face? That's all I can think of now when I see her.
Lead Actor in a Comedy - Jim Parsons
How did Jack Donaghy not win?! Blasphemy!
Reality-Competition Program - 'The Voice'
The only show I've watched in this entire genre is 'Top Chef'. I don't even know what the premise of the 'Amazing Race' is other than it's people running around for something.
Top 5 Favorite Girl Groupers Right Now
- Taeyeon - She hasn't been updating as much but you know what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder.
- IU - I think the entire K-pop world is waiting for this new album
- Eunji - She needs a full time gig on 'We Got Married'
- Narae - We need more SPICA!
- Nicole - Do you remember when she used to be on 'Star Golden Bell' and how fast she would clap her hands? It was a like a hummingbird flapping its wings. She was clapping on 'Star King' this past week and I randomly thought of that.
Song of the Week
The girls of Hello Venus johnnynoh
That's it for me. Go enjoy the Autumn weather and I'll see you next week. Uncle Fan out!
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