Blaↄkpink is indeed the revolution.

The Pink Rangers just hit you with the infectious “Ddu Du Ddu Du”, igniting a widespread of Pink Venom across sunny island over the hottest weekend we had in May 2023, and rained a Pink Confetti snow storm in Singapore’s biggest concert arena.

If they had you going “krra-ta-ta-ta, I bring the pain like…” after the concert, fret not. We’ve got you covered with a review of the “Born Pink” gig to reminisce with lots of photos and wonderful memories.

Hop on in as we navigate through the interesting and exciting bits of the biggest KPOP concert in SG since the pandemic.Read More →

The legendary Hallyu Kings are FINALLY back with Super Show 9 after 1681 days since Super Show 7.

SS9 was nothing short of being entertaining, engaging, heart thumping and heartwarming.

It wasn’t just the showmanship, stage choreography, their sincerity, wit, humour and some dorkiness, but the assurance that SJ and ELFs are still united in heart and spirit, that made it truly special.

Hop on the vagabond with us as we go down the memory lane of our favourite bits of this long-awaited concert!Read More →

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 →

Why a SUJU Special?

Simply because the legends are back, and this teases a long-anticipated reunion for the upcoming Super Show 8..

If 15 years in the KPOP scene weren’t enough to show you what they are capable of, just look at the source of immense strength behind them – that sea of sapphire blue which weathered through the storms. It’s been an extremely long wait for ELFs since 2010 for all SUJU members to be discharged from military service. That unwavering love is worth applauding for.

Much talk has been going on about SUJU appearing as a complete group in the 2nd half of 2019. To our dismay, they were lacked of Kyuhyun, Siwon & Heechul at the Hallyupop Fest 2019.

As the hall turned into a bobbing sea of sapphire blue when the intro music started playing, the flashing red lights and silhouette of these guys rising on stage, it propelled you into a moment of Déjà vu. That familiar moment when they emerged on stage to perform the 1st song “Superman” during Super Show 4, sprung back to mind instantaneously.

A voice inside of you would go “The Kings are back!”

Performance List
• Sorry, Sorry
• Bonamana
• One More Chance
• It has to be You (Yesung’s Solo)
• Drunk in the Morning (Ryeowook Solo)
• ‘Bout You – D&E
• Miracle

The sextet took the stage with their most classic hits “Sorry, Sorry” and “Bonamana”. The one thing you will love about a Super Junior performance is that ELFs know exactly when to execute their fan chants so perfectly.

即使卸下了王冠,那锋芒依然四射。他们是创造”韩流帝国”的元老,有着数不尽的光辉史,却也饱受无数风霜。从古至今,没有不老的人们,只有不老(甚至幼稚)的心,所以他们才会被粉丝称为”老少年”。他们现在都以比较”优哉”的姿态,在夹缝中求存的韩国音乐市场继续行走着。这或许就是他们屹立不倒的秘诀。这走尽坎坷路的团体,究竟有什么大风大浪没见过的呢?

可以看他们那么悠然自得地瞎胡闹,闲聊着,其实对粉丝来说,是一大欣慰和快乐。

他们扛得起,也懂得如何应对这世上无常的变化。

It was apparent they were not on form that day as there were varying pitches or notes that they couldn’t hit well. Age has certainly caught up with them as they panted heavily after 2 dance tracks, but their will power is commendable.

What’s a Super Junior performance without their impromptu, funny banter? That’s one of the main highlights. They just couldn’t stop talking once they open up their chatter box.

Can we have a Super Talk Show series coming up too? We can just listen to them talk about anything under the sun and laugh for 3 hours.

From how they attempted English, Mandarin, professing their love for chili and pepper crabs and asking one another to smell their fingertips, attempted quirky dance moves, you would just shake your head but smile in agreement that “Dorks will be Dorks”.

嘴巴最甜的 Donghae started addressing the fans as “亲爱的,宝贝” etc and praising them to be “漂亮,可爱,Sexy”. What a sweet talker he is! It undoubtedly melted many ELFs’ hearts.

Yesung was in an exceptionally bright mood that day, as he could be seen beaming from time to time and responding to fans who shouted his name. Eunhyuk started speaking in English, saying a Big Hello and how much he misses Singapore and sending some flying kisses, while an unimpressed Yesung mimicked him with an annoyed “Tsk”.

After a few good minutes about eating crabs, Lee Teuk tried to pacify the audience saying that they are better than any of the crabs that they had. Should fans feel happy being compared to a delicious local dish?

The Tom & Jerry Duo (Yesung and Eunhyuk) who were nearest to Lee Teuk, began loosening the laces on Teuk’s top to reveal some chest muscles and cleavage, while Teuk proudly said “big size”.
These guys are just one of the most hilariously funny lot.

Teukkie took the longest time to say his heartfelt words on stage, but he also let the cat out of the bag that Eunhyuk would extend his stay to tour around SG. Ain’t he such a SABO King or BAOTOH King?

Donghae described “One More Chance” as an emotional song and requested fans to switch on their mobile phones’ flash light, while Eunhyuk added on “If your cell phone’s battery is OK”. While the sea of blue and white “starlight” is not uncommon during “One More Chance” performances, it still warmed your hearts as the hall lit up in a sea of blue and white, just for these guys.

As KPOP fans may know, “Bout You” is a lively and chirpy track from Super Junior D&E’s previous album. There’s one part of the dance that got the crowd laughing in stitches, especially when you watch how Ryeowook and Lee Teuk execute those moves in the quirkiest manner.

While Leeteuk was expressing his gratitude to the fans for being with them all these years, he quipped that “Hallyupop Fest 2000” is an important event whereby artistes would showcase their best works. He said “Two Thousand” so confidently in English. It was not long before the members burst into laughter as he realised that it should be “Twenty Nineteen”! It appeared that Leader was too head over heels with the crabs in Singapore, that he had lost track of the year we are currently living in.

It was then when he talked about how they have been through 15 years because of their fans. They created a miracle back then called “Super Junior” and here they are still shining like a miracle.

We can’t say that SUPER JUNIOR is just a miracle without their hard work or ups and downs. They have been through much pain and sacrifices over the years, received tremendous love but also hurt and scrutiny with much fame.

As they bounced energetically around on stage and running across the runway, it felt as if time had stood still. They are still the young guys at heart that we know.

Whenever you see Lee Teuk going to every single little corner to make a 90-degree bow and thank the fans, it still warms your heart.

Nothing’s changed.

You will love Super Junior, not just for their performances, funny banter, sportsmanship, dorkiness, but also sincere nature. Not forgetting, they are the Kings of Fan Service.

They may not be the HOTTEST in town right now, but it is unlikely that those who are into KPOP have never heard about Super Junior. They have always kept their promises to leave no one behind.

While we hope to see a COMPLETE SUPER JUNIOR for Super Show 8, their label confirmed recently that it would only be a 9-member comeback.

Despite all that SJ is going through, there’s no obstacle that SUJU could not handle. To see SUJU complete and whole again, is the biggest wish that ELFs have all these years.

Someday, it will happen.

But for now, we will hang on tight till we see you guys back in Super Show 8.
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 →