Dcochanz Asian

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Comment on The Phenomenon Of The 9 Ladies Is Analysed In “Lifestyle” Magazine by 占美 (Jamie)

Well, it seems that the influence of Girls’ Generation on the Singapore entertainment scene is still being strongly felt, despite the fact that they are no longer physically present here on the fair shores of this island nation. Call it what you will, but you have to admit that our favourite angelic 9 ladies have certainly caused quite a positive stir in the music entertainment scene worldwide. From topping the music sales charts in Japan, having sold-out concerts wherever they perform (Paris, New York, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and, most recently, Singapore), to being featured on news programmes and magazine articles around the world, the young ladies of SNSD have certainly come a long way from their debut in 2007 (and their initial dislike for their group name “Girls’ Generation”).

Being such a significant influence everywhere they go in the world, it is only natural that analytical articles will be written about their success formulae in the “cut-throat” environment that is the K-Pop music industry (where the average lifespan of a K-Pop music group is about 4 years ).

The fact that the ladies are into their 5th year, with the end of their career in this industry nowhere near in sight, speaks volumes about their success in the world today. To top it all off, the largest group of fans belong to the world population demographic that speaks little or no Korean .

So, what is the secret to the irresistible attraction that is SNSD (aside from the fact that they are all gorgeous earthly angels personified ) ? Well, according to the author of the “Lifestyle” article, believe it or not, it is the “Power of 9″ . Yes, 9 dorky, adorable, beautiful, studious, sexy, talented, cute, health-conscious, lovable ladies that make up “Girls’ Generation”, and that appeal to all demographic of fans (SONEs and casual fans alike), everywhere in the world, regardless of race, language or religion (especially language ).

“Less Isn’t More” is the title of the article and it speaks volumes about how 9 is somehow the perfect number that works to ensure success for our favourite ladies in their bid for worldwide recognition.

Together with the power of the Internet and digital music websites, the members of SNSD have managed to be at the forefront of the Hallyu wave that’s sweeping across the world at a phenomenal rate in recent times.

The author of the article theorizes that each of the 9 members of Girls’ Generation have been conditioned and taught to behave in a certain way to appeal to a particular fan demographic, in order that the group,as a whole, will be successful in the long run (something which the girl groups of the Western hemisphere have failed to grasp) as all “personality tastes” will be catered for.

Personally, I disagree on that point as I feel (as do most SONEs, I believe) that the reason we find the 9 ladies so attractive and irresistible, personality-wise, is because they are themselves, whether on- or off-camera (especially the latter ). This makes them extremely likeable to all and sundry, and that, in turn, contributes tremendously to their popularity with everyone, casual fan or SONE alike. No amount of training or indoctrination can replicate what these 9 wonderful ladies display, day-in and day-out, without someone noticing that it is all just an act to please the fans. These 9 ladies are as real as it gets, and that is a fact.

So, do read-on for the verbatim article printed in this month’s (January) issue of NTUC’s “Lifestyle” magazine and be amazed by the “power of 9″ . From the looks of things, the author of the article itself is now a SONE, after attending only 1 live concert performance (albeit a full one ) by our 9 talented and beautiful ladies. SNSD Jjang !

by: Kenneth@snsdkorean

sources: NTUC Lifestyle magazine (January 2012 issue), Soshified.com (main header image)

Comment on Yoona Made Honorary Ambassador ! by 占美 (Jamie)

Yes, it’s official. Our “Deer” Yoona is now holding an ambassadorial post in Korea. Of course, being the young lady that she is, it’s always good to start with something small . So, to prepare for her future role as a representative of the Korean Republic, Yoona has been appointed an honorary ambassador for Joong-gu, Seoul.

The official ceremony took place on the 9th of January 2012, with the mayor of Joong-gu, Mayor Choi Changsik personally presenting the appointment certificate to Yoona at the local press office.

The Mayor quipped: “I am overjoyed that a busy Hallyu star like Yoona accepted the position for Joong-gu. We have brought the greatest star to promote what is fittingly the heart of Seoul”.

After accepting the appointment, Yoona stated, in her acceptance speech, that it is indeed a real honour to be appointed to such a prestigious position. She was quoted as saying: “I am grateful to be appointed an ambassador of Joong-gu, the center of Korea’s top tourist destination, Seoul. I have heard that Joong-gu will be creating a street dedicated to Hallyu stars and I hope to visit with all of the Girls’ Generation members. As honorary ambassador, I will work hard to promote the beauty of Joong-gu, where tradition and modernity co-exist, far and wide.”

In the coming year ahead, as part of her duties, Yoona will be charged with promoting the various tourist destinations of Myeongdong, Namdaemun, Bukchangdong, Dongdaemun fashion district, in addition to other popular attractions of Joong-gu, as well as specialist local businesses in that region.

Congratulations to our dear Im Yoona for this prestigious appointment ! Being the well-known “face” that she is in Korea, I am pretty certain that she will do an excellent job in promoting that part of Korea to the rest of the world.

Personally, I’ll definitely try to visit that region now that a member of our favourite K-Pop group is promoting the place as a tourist destination (more so since there is now an off-chance that I may get to see the Girls in person whilst I am there !).