Confessions of an Uncle Fan: The Series (episode 32)
Happy Tuesday K-poppers. The Uncle Fan is on a mini-diet as I prepare for the all-out gluttony that is Thanksgiving with my family. But before the holiday plans, we have to do another Confessions of an Uncle Fan to see what's happening in the world of girl groups (and other things as you'll see).
Cool Things of the Week
2NE1's New Single Coming Soon... But We Want More!
The tag team duo ofPark BomandSandara Parkannounced on their 'Double Park' TV show that the ladies of 2NE1 would releasing the new single "Missing You" this Friday, November 22 (YG Entertainmenthas also been releasing audio teasers featuring each of the girls which you can findhere,here,here, andhere). That's great news but honestly, that's not what fans want. Well, speaking for me at least, what I want is a full album with more than 5 songs and a full return for the baddest female and crew. Stop rehashing year old singles ("Do You Love Me" comes to mind) to try and appease the unruly masses because we're not falling for it (although, I kind of did when it first came out)! I've made my feelings known on the way YG conducts their business and how they consistently push back start dates and make announcements without ever backing them up and it's come to the point where I don't ever believe anything that YG says until it actually happens. 2NE1 is the ultimate underutilized asset and that needs to change.
Celebrities Gambling with Their Careers
There have been a number of celebrities in the news recently but for all the wrong reasons as some of the biggest names in the Korean entertainment industry (Tony An,Andy, andBoomto name a few) have been the target of a large scale investigation of illegal gambling. While there are some exceptions, gambling is prohibited in Korea and these celebs have been accused of betting in the hundreds of thousands of dollars U.S. All of this really got started with well known MCKim Yong Man admitting to gambling earlier this year and has now reached a peak with the latest indictments. Law enforcement loves to go after celebrities because they're high profile which brings attention to the law and sets an example for the rest (think Martha Stewartand insider trading). We'll see how this plays out but the trickle down effect has already started with many of the accused taking a "break" from working to "reflect" on their actions; which is code for: "I screwed up and need to get me a lawyer".
'Reply 1994' Hitting Its Stride
After a slow and boring start to the much anticipated drama 'Reply 1994', the show is finally starting to get good. With the increased drama and love lines between the characters, we're beginning to see some of the couples form which is setting the stage for what will happen in the future. One of my main problems though is still with the "present" scenes which are largely based on hiding the husband ofGo Ara'scharacter. For those who don't watch the drama, scenes will go back and forth from the present day when Go Ara is married to one of the characters to the past when that relationship is starting to form but the catch is, the audience isn't supposed to know who it is. I just think that plot is a little tired but I'm still watching so I guess I don't have that big a problem with it. Overall, I still don't buy the chemistry among many of the cast which I think is the main problem but as I said a few weeks ago, my expectations were just too high so I can only be but a little disappointed.
Previews for K-pop Star 3
The 3rd season of 'K-pop Star 3' premieres this Sunday and I'm looking forward to what has become my favorite of the audition shows. I am sorry to seeBoAleave the show because I think she was a critical element but am excited to see whatYoo Hee Yeolwill bring to the table. Let's see if the show can find the next big star.
Girl Group Variety Round-Up
A list of all the girl group appearances on variety shows (that I saw) last week
- 'Spring Summer Autumn Winter' -Sojung
- 'Happy Together' -Suzy, Fei, Minah, Eunji - I have a bone to pick with this episode. If you heard this guest line-up, you would naturally think that the episode would have been an uncle fan's dream but let me tell you, it was quite the opposite. Instead of focusing on the girls, the show invited actual uncle fans of the groups and devoted the majority of the show to them... What a waste!!! You have some of the most popular girl groupers in the world and you throw it all away by featuring these uber-nerds and their oily skin?! Uncle fans don't want to see other uncle fans, we want to see the girl groups! What a monumental letdown for what could have been an amazing episode.
- 'Weekly Idol' -IU
- 'Star King' -miss A, SPICA, Girls' Day, Crayon Pop, Hong Jin Young, Kahi