The legends are back!

The wait seems forever but Super Junior is back in full force (almost), better and stronger than ever before.

For those who went “KAMP-ing” with SUJU, you certainly would have felt the difference in the aura they exuded, as compared to “Hallyupop Fest” earlier in May this year.

两个字: 霸气

全体回归后的气势&磁场完全不同了。人数一齐,大家都能发挥浓厚的团体精神和在各自的岗位上散发独特的魅力。的确,团结就是力量 (Unity is strength)。

As these guys emerged on stage, the hall instantly turned into a sea of sapphire blue. The euphoric cheers that went round the stadium like Dolby Digital Sound ringing in your ears, adrenaline and excitement gushing through your entire body, was just SUPER DUPER Shiok! Just like the inertia that gravity has on us, they channelled our innermost excitement.

Exuding high confidence level and being in their tip-top conditions since they embarked on their Super Show 8 World Tour, they are definitely ready for the world now as a full unit. Just like the lyrics in “The Crown”, they will continue to shine and take on the world while bearing the weight of that crown. They will remain to be the “Last Man Standing”.

It felt like propelling us back to their peak days during SS4.

They are veteran boyband superstars with the vigor of new kids on the block. It also means that they are still pretty boyish and childish at times.

3 Cheers for ELFs worldwide who have been their greatest source of strength and support all these years. There’s no holding back in showing their utmost support for these guys who finally made it back.
It had never been easy, neither is it easy now, but they will continue to forge on strong.

We’ll always remember this quote from Lee Teuk “Until the day the world is covered with pearl sapphire blue balloons, it’s not an End, but an And.”

It’s still an “and” despite all the hardships, obstacles, losing of members and members going in and out of military the past 9 years.

Nothing can beat the joy, satisfaction, solace when you watch these guys shine on the stage where they belong.

SUJU survived the ordeal; ELFs survived the wait and prove to be their greatest support as the world’s biggest sapphire blue ocean. That sea of blue can catch their backs when they fall, providing them the most quiet but embracing support.

As the guys danced to their latest retro-pop hit, fan chants from the crowd were in sync with their latest hit “Super Clap”. The choreography and sequence of the fan chants for “Super Clap” were circulating wildly online, so that fans could memorise their parts before the performance.

SUJU is best at bringing ENTERTAINMENT to the audience, be it their singing, dancing, pranks or crappy talks. These guys know no boundaries.

在这群人的世界里, “没有最疯,只有更疯”…

They would not end their show without much bantering that would make you experience cramps from laughing so much.

From changing the lyrics of “Super Clap” to chili and pepper crabs to dancing a little skit with “Sing, Sing, Singapore”, reading out a prepared speech in English, joking around with broken English and relatable Singlish asking “We handsome?”, these guys were out to 自娱娱人.

You can’t deny that Kyuhyun is mainly the source of joy and laughter among the hyungs. It feels so different with the energy that evil and playful maknae brings to the entire group.

When all 3 main vocalists of Super Junior are back, you are in for a splendid eargasm feast. The so ever familiar harmonization of low, medium and high notes blended so perfectly, be it the ballads or fast tracks.

Yesung’s vocals have been catching much attention in recent years. His husky, sexy, low vocal can hit some uniquely high pitches that are so easily distinguishable. Kyuhyun can execute and navigate between his low and high notes so beautifully. His high notes are soothing to the ears, while his low notes warm your heart. He has absolutely great control over his own vocal. 可以说是收放自如。

You probably miss Ryeowook’s high pitch. The image of him doing his ultra high pitch “Jashini Isseo” (I am confident) would pop up in your mind whenever you listen to him sing.

It’s a picture perfect when the main vocalists + main dancers and everyone else doing their thing on stage.

Old is Gold, or perhaps Diamond here.

They’ve still got it going on.

LeeTeuk mentioned at the Asia Artists Awards that “Nothing is forever and as time passes, we will grow old and wilt but as compared to a beautiful flower that blooms, Super Junior will be a group that always stays by everyone’s side like weeds. We will always be a group that will repay everyone’s love, talks about the start rather than the end and talks about now, rather than the past.”

They have proven their intent with their actions all these while. Being in tip top conditions in their mid 30s and running around, dancing on stage like this is definitely be more exhausting than in their 20s, especially when you see them panting heavily, but they are still going on strong.

While you may have your favourite members, you will find all of them lovable and irritating in their own ways.

正因为他们放得开”偶包”,才能走进大众的心里。他们一开口说话,什么”气势”都消失,有的就是”疯癫”两个字。

What is their role at their KAMP appearance this time round?

Hyukjae – The crappy guy (full of crab)
Lee Teuk – Most 长气 guy as usual but we love him anyway
Shindong – Commendable effort for reading an English script
Kyuhyun – Evil Maknae with relatable Broken English / Singlish,
Siwon – The so ever-ready-to-be Politician feel
Yesung –Blooming confidence with his vocals and visuals and we love how he smiles more now
Ryeowook – The gentle one with a glowing complexion
Donghae – Sweet talker and good looker

It was more than mere pink bubbles around Yesung’s head when he took his solo stage. Look at those wide grins and smiles. Bliss was in the air. We are glad that this blooming confidence has made him a happier person and more ready to open up.

It’s even a prouder moment, like an “Omma” moment when you watch these guys finally “all assembled” and performing right before you.

Songs of yesteryears like “Miracle”, “Mr Simple” would jolt your memories.

Hearing Kyuhyun taking the lead on vocals once again has never felt more complete. 9 years it has been and they have all completed their military service.

We do not know if the guys ever got sick of performing “Sorry, Sorry” or “Bonamana”, but these songs represent their best at their peak.

SUJU was in a beautiful mood, while the ELFs on an excited mode.

We will never forget the best leader who takes care of his members and fans at all corners of the stadium, who cheekily did a “Sing, Sing, Singapore” skit. Because of your hard work and sacrifices, the group managed to continue to this day.

No idea how many more years Super Junior would continue as a group, but am sure they will continue as long as the ELFs are here for them.

希望从此之后,你们都只走花路。但就算路上铺满障碍和荆棘,我们都一起向前走吧。

Till the world gets covered in Sapphire Blue, it’s an “and”.Read More →

BLΛƆKPIИK is a force to be reckoned with.

With only 9 Korean singles (+1 song collaboration with Dua Lipa) & 1 Japanese studio album on their discography, these lasses have swept up a storm in Asia and are now stirring a hurricane in the United States.

The quartet showcased spectacular showmanship and remarkable energy, lashing out hit after hit with their high-octane vocals & impressive dance grooves at their 1st sold-out SG concert, to a 9500-strong crowd.

Decked in shimmery pink outfits and white knee-length boots, the quartet blew the audience away with the immensely popular “Ddu-Du Ddu-Du”.

SG BLINKS’ response was more than overwhelming with the resounding roars of cheers. The quartet was greeted by thunderous cheers & hoot calls, bobbing pink heart-shaped light sticks, with fans singing aloud to their dance hits, shouting fan chants as these lasses lapped it up with their energetic, sexy, feisty dance moves.

Their vocals are entrancing, dance moves bewitching. You will find yourself grooving along with the infectious rhythm of the songs.

Indoor Stadium was filled with fervent BLINKS of all ages, many clad in BLACKPINK Official Tees, holding placards to honour the arrival of their Queens.

The general association of pink is demure & feminine, while black amps up the fiercely cool images with a tinge of suaveness. Black is bold & distinctive, which perfectly sums up how these girls create a unique style, amidst the cutesy-girl-groups-dominated KPOP scene.

Their appeal lies in their dominant, distinctive flavor – flaming hot like chili, yet (not overly) sweet like dark chocolate-coated strawberry. It’s no easy feat to be different, while maintaining a strong foothold. These girls have fiercely dominated music charts since.

There is an uncanny resemblance between 2NE1 & BLACKPINK, in terms of their hip hop, funk & pop music genre & members’ international backgrounds. To avoid being labelled as “2NE1 Version 2.0”, BLACKPINK needs more original songs to distinguish themselves.

What’s lacking is the number of songs to uphold a barely 2-hour long concert. While it’s not uncommon for YG artistes to repeat songs for Encore, we sincerely wished a deserving girl group like BLACKPINK, can have more songs to call their own.

These ladies have unleashed their potential and versatility, to grow into something bigger in the music industry. They can carry off sexy, edgy, punk, clubbing or dance tunes but at the same time also being cutie pies & sweethearts.

BLACKPINK’s dance choreographies are not overly provocative, done with a tasteful demeanor that both male & female audiences would find it attractive and alluring. 他们的台风稳健,气场和气势都非常霸气,很有女王风范。They were brimming with comfort & confidence on stage.

They shone even in their solo performances. Jisoo showed her prowess with a powerful rendition of Zedd’s ‘Clarity’, Lisa slay as she twisted and swayed her way to MISO’s ‘Take Me’ and Jason Derulo’s ‘Swalla’, Rosé performed a lovely medley of The Beatles’ “Let It Be”, Park Bom’s “You And I” and Taeyang’s “Only Look At Me”, while Jennie rocked the stage with “SOLO”.

Their vibrant, exuberant, youthful energy can be felt and transmitted to all present. Such is youth and living your dreams.

The members spoke of their excitement to be in SG for their very 1st concert. The very thoughtful Rosé assured that they could see everyone and hope that fans would stay safe. Jennie expressed her wish for fans to put down their phones, so that they can enjoy the concert and see one another’s faces.

Jisoo proclaimed her love for our famous Chili Crab. Rosé suggested for the big crowd to do a Mexican wave, which they gladly obliged. BLINKS also sang a surprise BD song for Rosé whose birthday was on 11 February.

After watching Jisoo perform Zedd’s “Clarity”, you would agree that her slightly husky voice is pretty sexy & alluring.

Lisa the “Dance Queen” was feisty & sassy with her enchanting dance moves & sleek punches. That overflowing sense of confidence in owning the stage and capturing all of the audience’s attention.

Rosé’s distinctive honey, sweet voice allows one to distinguish her quite easily. She’s got a demure & gentle disposition. Listening to her sing was an enjoyable heart & mind soothing process.

Jennie the fashionista, exudes a very cool “icy princess” image, but swoons many with her adorable smiles and strong stage presence.

We do not need something too polished from BLACKPINK at the moment, such as Mariah Carey’s high-octaves dolphin pitch range. They are awesome as it is for their maiden concert.

We look forward to new tracks with stronger BLACKPINK flavor & a more “complete” world tour.

There’s no reason why these ladies with high-spirited performances, zestful vigor and distinctive stage presence, would not sell out albums or concerts.

So here they are, to take the world, step by step.

Make way cutesy girl groups, the BLACKPINK era has arrived.

It makes one ponder in anticipation, which is the next card they would play?Read More →

CNBLUE said it was “Shiok” to be back in Singapore. We say, it was “Jinjia Shiok” to watch their gig!

The all so-familiar “Everybody, CRAB CRAB CRAB” playful boys were back in town, to give Singapore audience yet another memorable & electrifying night.

It was dazzling not because of the stage lighting or the confetti, but these down to earth guys’ focus on the fundamentals & returning to basics.

They won and warmed hearts with their sincerity, just purely them, their instruments and their music.

Sometimes, Simplicity is more.

What more could we ask for when they tried to act aegyo, speak Singlish and made everyone laugh so hard?

Oh yes definitely, COME BACK SOON!Read More →