It’s been a year of K-pop madness in Singapore — and dare we say, around the world — with the dozen or so acts that stopped by our shores. Hordes of fans across the island braved the elements and human stampedes each time for a chance to catch their idols in action, and are always rewarded for their dedication with jaw-droppingly elaborate stage sets, heart-pounding dance moves and catchy singalong tunes. So we today we spotlight the hottest K-pop performances in Singapore who, like kimchi, are so tantalising and spicy that we just can’t get enough of them.
Their Alive Galaxy World Tour 2012 Singapore in September blew fans away and converted newly-initiated K-pop fans into VIPS almost instantly. We appreciate their irreverence and their streak of rebellion compared to other more manufactured boy bands. Each one has their own charm – Seungri’s boyish cuteness, Daesung’s smile, Taeyang’s hot bod, GD’s androgynous good looks and TOP’s smouldering gaze. Plus, they never play by the rules when it comes to their style. Throw in a huge chunk of talent and their penchant to produce chart-topping hits and we’re sold.
Technically, Psy will only be here in town tomorrow, and we know he’s not your run-of-the-mill K-pop star. However, Park Jae-sang — better known as Psy — didn’t just bring a new hit song to the table, he is practically a phenomenon with his now-iconic Gangnam Style song and dance routine and “Dress classy, dance cheesy” catchphrase. Taking the world by storm, Psy has been invited on talk shows internationally and has played surprise guest at a number of live performances. We respect a man with determination and perseverance, and are so proud that he’s achieved almost overnight success after years in the industry. You show them how it’s done, Oppa!
If you were at the recent SM Town Live World Tour III, you would have caught more than a glimpse of JongHyun’s ripped bod. His band mates Onew, Key, Minho and Taemin, joined the sexy vocalist as they serenaded and showed off their hot dance moves to hordes of screaming girls. We can’t decide who we like best, with charismatic Minho, sexy JongHyun, boyish Key, shy Taemin, and the humourous Onew – can we have them all? Plus, they love Singapore so much, they’ll be back again next week for a concert!
How can we get enough of Super Junior? The many-membered band is made up of so many different types of guys, there’s bound to be one that’s your type. Although Siwon was missed during the recent SM Town appearance, the rest more than pulled their own weight. Their synchronised dance routines and catchy tunes make sure the songs stay in our minds long after their performance. Shindong, EunHyuk, Kangin, Sungmin, Ryeowook, Donghae, KyuHyun and Yesung, thank you for entertaining Singapore.
Changmin and Yunho, who make up TVXQ – also known as the Kings of K-Pop – are named so, for good reason. Their recent album Catch Me made major waves in Korea and according to South Korea’s Gaon Chart, the album even beat out Psy’s hit single “Gangnam Style” in October. But album sales aside, we can’t help but think the duo complement each other to a T, especially when we caught them at the recent SM Town Live World Tour III – with Yunho’s nifty footwork and Changmin’s soaring vocals, they’ve got our attention. We’re definitely not complaining about Yunho’s rippling biceps and Changmin’s puppy dog eyes either.