Crazy 4 ‘K-Pop’

The Korean pop craze, popularly known as K-Pop, is now becoming a part of Filipino pop culture. With a community of more than 5,000 members and growing, a trend has indeed become a standard lifestyle wherein Filipinos express their passion for all things Korean in various ways. Some are fond of Cosplay (costume playing), some can’t get enough of Korean dance choreography, and most, if not all, just love the music ‘Hot Issue.’behind these emerging wonders.

One can’t help but wonder what caused this phenomenon to happen. It might be because of the influx of several Korean nationals who pave their way to local shores to learn English. Perhaps cable music channels also contributed to its tipping point. Yet, no matter what the reason is, K-Pop is here to stay, and fortunately, news of this has reached the hottest Korean groups, including the charming, irresistibly infectious all-girl quintet from South Korea: Ji Hyun, Ga Yoon, Ji Yoon, Hyun A, and So Hyun – collectively known as 4Minute!

Ji Hyun Nam is the group leader. She took ballet lessons at Sangmyung University’s dance program but took a leave to concentrate on her musical career.

Ga Yoon Heo has been preparing for her debut upon graduating from a girls’ high school. She is 4Minute’s lyricist.

Ji Yoon Jeon graduated from high school and has also been preparing for the debut of 4Minute. She is also fond of writing songs and cooking.

Hyun A Kim was formerly a member of Wonder Girls, before quitting in July 2007 due to health reasons. After recovering her health, Hyun A switched over from JYP to Cube Entertainment to fulfill her dreams of becoming a singer. Now she is the resident rapper of the group.

So Hyun Kwon, 14 going on 15, is the youngest in the group. She has received vocal training since childhood; even debuting in a young girls’ group called Orange at the age of 11. Despite her early debut, she is very smart and is able to maintain top grades in school, ranking first or second in her classes. Many have also accustomed her to Sandara Park due to their undeniable physical resemblance.

Here in the Philippines, they just recently released their first hit song “Hot Issue” under MCA Music Inc. which has received positive feedback and support from fans, radio stations and music channels nationwide.

The group is also set to release two of their other songs, “Muzik” – a dance craze that gives a laid back, hip-hop feel that features the rapping prowess of Hyun A and Ga Yoon. Their third single “What A Girl Wants,” on the other hand veers away from the typical fast – paced beats of the K-Pop genre. It is an infectious and adorable power pop track that features the girl’s vocals and creative choreography with their teeny bopping moves.

The group describes their music as Candy Funky which in detail means Candy (colorful and sweet) + Funky (defiant, retro and free). With their looks, talent, and adorable over-all Korean image, it is no doubt that 4Minute is bound to be one of the biggest names in the industry today – a spark among a blanket of Korean pop stars that never fail to make the Filipino K-Pop community bigger and more known to the masses.

Watch out as 4Minute visits the Philippines this Feb. 4-8 for a series of mall shows around Metro Manila. They shall also release their album in CD + DVD format in time for their scheduled promo tour.

On to OMP Acoustic Pop

In more girl group news, we swing things back to homegrown talent as the Philippines’ newest and freshest teen acoustic pop-duo Krissy & Ericka make headlines once again!

Featuring their current single “Up Up Down Down,” Krissy & Ericka recently launched their debut self-titled album in “ASAP ’09.” Joined by their fellow Cornerstone Talents Emman, Jaco and DJ & Micah, Krissy & Ericka wowed audience with their special live performance.

As young as 15 and 16, Krissy & Ericka are already excellent guitarists, singers and songwriters.

Being exposed in various shows and performing alongside big names such as Richard Poon and Sam Milby, the girls have had their share and exposure of performances which fully inspired them to really put their hearts into music. Both have also taken formal music lessons from the UP school of music for voice, classical music and flute. They are continuously honing their craft by continuing to do their own compositions and exploring unchartered territories.

Krissy & Ericka’s debut album features fresh and exciting tracks and massive hits such as “Game of Love,” “Runaway,” “Baby Now that I Found You,” and the M2M Hit “Don’t Say You Love Me,” which are all given a refreshing sound with a tinge of country feel! Talented as they are, these girls have also composed originals “He’d Look My Way,” “Hope for Humanity,” “Surf’s Up,” “Sisters” and of course their carrier single “Up Up Down Down”!