In just a matter of days, KCON makes its way back the City of Angels to celebrate all things hallyu. This year’s two-day convention will be filled with workshops and panels and culminate in a star-studded concert and filming of the popular Korean music show, M Countdown.
Excited yet? We know we are!
But just in case you aren’t yet, us here at Audrey wanted to give you taste of what to expect for this year’s show through our musical go-to guide of some of this year’s featured artists!
EXO
The newest boy group to come out of mega-label SM Entertainment (and an Audrey favorite!), EXO is a 12-member Korean-Chinese band made up of two subgroups, EXO-K and EXO-M, who promote in both Korea and China. Though they just debuted last year, they have made a name for themselves in the K-Pop industry, already winning an Mnet Asian Music Award (MAMA) for “Best New Asian Act.”
For their latest comeback, the two sub-groups have reunited and have gained notice with their cool, R&B-inspired single “Growl.”
“MAMA”
https://soundcloud.com/exczill/exo-mama
Other notables: “XOXO (Korean Ver.),” “Don’t Go”
G-DRAGON
Starting his training at YG Entertainment at the tender age of 13, G-Dragon is known as a K-Pop multi-hyphenate as the leader, a rapper and producer of mega-popular boy group Big Bang. Alongside projects with Big Bang as well as a duo project with fellow Big Bang rapper T.O.P., GD launched his solo career in 2009 with the release of his first album. After his hugely successful “One of a Kind” world tour this past year, he has recently announced the release of his third solo record, “Coup D’Etat,” which will have a feature from hip-hop heavyweight, Missy Elliott.
“Heartbreaker”
https://soundcloud.com/kjmjung/heartbreaker-g-dragon
Other notables: “Missing You (ft. Kim Yuna of Jaurim),” “Light It Up (ft. Tablo & Dok2)”
TEEN TOP
Debuting in 2010 with TOP Media (the media company founded by Andy of K-Pop legends, Shinhwa), Teen Top broke onto the scene with their first single, “Clap.” With a string of hits under their belt, including “Supa Love” and “Crazy,” the young teen idols will be releasing their new album, “Class,” in the coming weeks.
“Supa Luv”
https://soundcloud.com/epicnimo/teen-top-supa-luv
Other notables: “Clap,” “Be Ma Girl”
https://charactermedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tgm-300.jpg
F(X)
With a distinct electronic pop sound, f(x) has become known as one of the hottest girl groups in K-Pop today. With songs like “NU ABO,” “Hot Summer,” and “Electric Shock,” the girls are nothing short of a K-Pop powerhouse. Composed of members Luna, Krystal, Amber, Sulli, and Victoria, this SM Entertainment quintet has continued to surprise and delight fans with their unique style.
“Electric Shock”
https://soundcloud.com/user8170883/f-x-electric-shock
Other notables: “Nu ABO,” “Hot Summer”
HENRY
Henry Lau, known just as Henry, is multi-talented member of Super Junior’s Chinese sub-group, Super Junior-M. Knowing a wide range of languages, including English, Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese and French, this 23-year old has a penchant for music. He is able to play both the violin and piano and has composed songs. Earlier this year, he released his first solo mini-album, “Trap” and has just released the song “1-4-3” featuring fellow SM Town family member, Amber of f(x).
“Trap”
https://soundcloud.com/kpop-world-tm-7th/henry-trap-ft-kyuhyun-and
Other notables: “1-4-3 (Acoustic ft. Chanyeol of EXO),” Henry Playing Trap & Chopin on Piano
2AM
From JYP/Big Hit Entertainment comes 2AM, a popular ballad group made up of members Seulong, Changmin, Jo Kwon and Jinwoon. Winning their first Mutizen award in 2010 for “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die,” they have melted hearts with their sweet harmonies and outstanding voices. Earlier this year, they made their Korean comeback with the release of their second full-length album “One Spring Day.”
“Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die”
https://soundcloud.com/user4344711/02-cant-let-you-go-even-if-you-die-ihoneyjoo-com
Other notables: “I Was Wrong,” “You Wouldn’t Answer My Call”
YU SEUNG WOO
At just 16 years old, Yu Seung Woo first began to catch people’s attention when he appeared on Mnet’s popular singing audition program, Superstar K4. His soothing guitar playing and gentle voice have made many a fan, especially on tracks like “You and I” and “Hello,” off of his recently released album, “First Outing.”
“You and I”
https://soundcloud.com/the-kpop-fanboy/yoo-seung-woo-you-and-i
Other notables: “TroubleMaker (Cover, starts at 1:02),” “Gangnam Style (PSY Cover, Superstar K4),” “I Love You (2NE1 Cover, ft. Kim Jung Hwan)”
DYNAMIC DUO
This team, made up of long-time friends Choiza and Gaeko, have become one of the most respected acts in South Korea’s hip-hop scene. Active since 2003, they have released a number of hit albums, including “Taxi Driver” and “Enlightened.”
“Hot Wings (ft. Hyorin of Sistar)”
https://soundcloud.com/twolimes/dynamic-duo-hot-wings-feat-of
Other notables: “Without You,” “Trust Me (ft. Supreme Team)”
MISSY ELLIOTT
As the only female rapper to have six platinum albums, to say that Missy Elliott is a major player in the hip-hop scene is an understatement. A five-time Grammy Award-winner, the rapper-producer-singer-songwriter has sold over 30 million records worldwide. With a discography that boasts six albums and 70 singles (including 43 features), including hits like “Work It,” “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” and “One Minute Man.” Her connection to the K-Pop scene? She’s recently collaborated on G-Dragon’s latest album, to be released at the end of this month.
“Work It”
http://youtu.be/zm28EEeyLek
Other notables: “Lose Control,” “Get Your Freak On”
DJ KOO
A former member of ’90s dance duo Clon, DJ Koo is a popular electro-house DJ who made his debut in 2003. Playing festivals like Miami’s Ultra Music Festival, DJ Koo has demonstrated his immense skill and creativity in arranging, mixing and producing electronic dance hits, even mixing for some of K-Pop’s biggest names including f(x) and SHINee. In 2013, he released his latest single, “BOB BOB DEE LALA.”
Other notables: “K-Pop Shuffle Remix,” “Electric Shock (Intro Remix ft. DJ Koo)”
HEEJUN HAN
As a finalist on the 11th season of American Idol, Heejun Han caught America’s attention with his soulful voice and funny antics. Recently singing with Polaris Entertainment in Korea, he will soon be releasing a single in the US entitled “Bring the Love Back” with Pusha T.
Other notables: “How Deep Is Your Love,” “Treasure”
Who are you most excited to see this year? Let us know in the comments below!
