Welcome spring with heart-throbbing bands
With March having arrived, the weather is slowly getting warmer and the days are growing longer. Spring approaches, and the world seems to be awakening from a long winter slumber. To match this refreshing change, following are some energetic songs from exciting bands to wake you up and fill your days with vibrant energy.
N.Flying - "Into You"
N.Flying released "Into You," a track composed by leader Lee Seung-hyub, in June 2024 while two of the five bandmates were fulfilling their compulsory military service.
With its lively guitar rhythms and catchy whistling melody, "Into You" showcases the warm yet refreshing vocals of Lee Seung-hyub and Yoo Hwe-seung. The song expresses the overwhelming emotions of falling in love, featuring an infectious chorus and rhythmic drum beats that create the atmosphere of a road trip.
Marking 10 years since the band's debut this year, N.Flying is now back as a full unit following the discharge of drummer Kim Jae-hyun in February. All five reunited on stage for the first time after their military service hiatus at the "Awesome Stage" in Busan on Sunday, thrilling fans with their complete lineup at last.
Lucy - "MP3"
Vocalist Choi Sang-yeop, bassist and producer Cho Won-sang, drummer Shin Gwang-il and violinist Shin Ye-chan, who together form Lucy, are loved for creating music that evokes childhood nostalgia.
One of the band's standout tracks, "MP3" is a B-side from the group's first full-length album, "Childhood." Blending in flute melodies, the track is a distinctly Irish-inspired tune. The youthful and pure vocals of Choi and Shin complement the track's nostalgic theme, reminding listeners of the days of wired headphones and MP3 players. The song's bright, upbeat melody adds to its springtime energy.
Even since Shin enlisted in the military last September, the remaining members have continued to stay active, performing at music festivals and engaging with their growing fan base.
Touched - "Night View"
Touched has been steadily growing its fan base, showcasing a wide musical spectrum ranging from powerful rock sounds to delicate melodies from the two women and two men.
The band, which debuted in 2021, made a name for itself the following year by winning Mnet's "Great Seoul Invasion" in September 2022. Since the victory, the band has performed at numerous music festivals, delivering memorable live performances.
"Night View" was composed by keyboardist Chea Do-hyeon and vocalist Yun Min, with lyrics written by Yun. The track serves as an anthem for youth, celebrating the brilliance of fleeting yet precious moments. Yun's powerful, intricate vocals soar over the vibrant guitar and drums, capturing the beauty of finitude.
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Korea Herald
16 hours ago
- Korea Herald
N.Flying eyes 'Everlasting' future
Celebrating several milestones, promises brighter future This year marks several milestones for boy band It marks 10 years since the group's anniversary, the first full-unit comeback after all five bandmates completed their mandatory military service and the release of "Everlasting" — the group's long-awaited second full-length album, arriving four years after the first. Leader Lee Seung-hyub took part in writing and composing all the tracks. 'It still feels like a dream that our second full album is finally out. I had been waiting for the members to return so we could complete this together,' Lee said in a group interview in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Monday. The album includes 12 tracks, each carefully selected to reflect their musical growth and heartfelt gratitude toward fans. The title track captures two keywords that stood out the most during the album's production: 'eternity' and 'moment.' 'Just like how perpetual snow exists even in the heat of summer, we wanted to express our desire to be everlasting,' Lee said. Vocalist Yoo Hwe-seung also shared his attachment to the track. 'From the moment I heard it, I knew this was the title song. Both musically and messagewise, it perfectly reflects where we are now.' Over the past two years, while Lee — exempted from military service due to a predebut injury — and Yoo — who completed his service earlier — remained active, the other three were away serving in the military. During this time, the duo kept the group's presence alive with new releases and performances. 'We didn't want to fall behind, so we kept honing our skills,' said drummer Kim Jae-hyun. 'Now that we're back, I can see how much more relaxed the others have become on the stage.' Lee added, 'Each of us has taken more ownership of our instruments and roles. It's more pressure, but we work harder than ever, trying new ways of performing even the same songs.' Now reunited, is gearing up for its first world tour under the banner "&Con4: Full Circle," covering 28 cities across Asia, US, Oceania, Europe and South America through January next year. 'Every country has its own energy and culture, so we're researching to tailor each show accordingly,' said Kim. 'We're trying to curate different set lists for each stop. It's exciting!' The tour kicked off in Seoul with three days of concerts at Olympic Hall from May 9-11 — the first time performing at the iconic venue for the band. Guitarist Cha Hun recalled, 'We performed new songs and arrangements, and the crowd's response was overwhelming. It really touched us.' Kim added with a smile, 'Fans were so into the music that some stopped recording to just enjoy the moment. That really stuck with me.' Reflecting on their 10th anniversary, bassist Seo Dong-sung said, 'It's hard to believe it's already been 10 years. As the youngest member, this journey feels surreal and I'm just thankful.' Yoo echoed the sentiment. 'It hasn't always been easy, but we've made it here by sharing stories with our fans. For the next 10 years, I want us to aim even higher and make better music.' The group still meets weekly for meals and conversations, deepening both their friendship and creative synergy. 'We're still learning about each other, still building our teamwork. At this point, we're more like brothers, like family.' Looking ahead, Kim shared his hopes: 'We've built our career step by step like a staircase — slow but steady. I want us to keep moving forward like that, one step at a time.' Yoo concluded, 'I hope this new album offers comfort and creates positive influence. More than anything, we want to be a band that gives good energy through good music.' jy@
Korea Herald
6 days ago
- Korea Herald
Promotions and packages
Grand Josun Jeju hosts Thai food-themed buffet with TukTuk Noodle Thai Grand Josun Jeju will host a Thai cuisine-themed buffet event in collaboration with Thai dining brand TukTuk Noodle Thai from June 6 to 8. The hotel's buffet restaurant, Aria, will serve exclusive Thai-inspired dishes using local ingredients from Jeju Island, including yellow crab curry, black sole and citrus salad and Thai mango bingsu. A highlight includes a hands-on cooking class led by a Thai chef, featuring authentic dishes like yam woon sen and nam jim talay. The class runs on June 6 and 7 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Priced at 190,000 won per person, the package includes the cooking class, dinner at Aria, one bottle of rose Champagne and a gift set of Jeju Island's signature omegi rice cake brownies. Kensington Resort Seorak Beach launches Goseong Healing Bus Tour Kensington Resort Seorak Beach launched the Goseong Healing Bus Tour, a curated local travel program tailored to active seniors in their 50s and 60s. Running June 12 and 19, the tour highlights Goseong, Gangwon Province. This is the second local bus tour by Kensington Hotels & Resorts, following its popular spring cherry blossom tour in Namwon, North Jeolla Province. The package includes a one-night stay, breakfast and an ocean-view barbecue dinner for two to four people, round-trip chartered bus from Seoul, guided tours to the Goseong Lavender Festival and key sites, and professional photo service. Prices start at 399,900 won for two. Guests also receive spa access and 10,000 won resort vouchers. Maison Glad Jeju launches summer 'Glad Poolcation Package' Maison Glad Jeju is offering its seasonal Glad Poolcation Package from June 1 to Sept. 30. The package includes a one-night stay, two adult passes to the outdoor The Patio Pool and a Glad-branded L-tube. Guests staying in June or September receive a voucher for two draft beers at the poolside bar, while July and August stays include two-hour sunbed access with drinks. Rates start at 146,000 won for a standard room. The resort's outdoor pool features both a family-friendly area and an adults-only infinity pool, with cabanas and jacuzzis available. Through June 8, guests can join an Instagram event to win a lunch buffet at on-site restaurant Samdajeong by commenting their summer plans in emoji. Grand Hyatt Seoul hosts 5-day Michelin chef collaboration with Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Grand Hyatt Seoul will host a five-day culinary collaboration from June 9 to 13 with Michelin-acclaimed chef Oscar Lau of Teppanroom, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong's signature teppanyaki restaurant. Lau will join chef Park Jun of Seoul's Teppan to present exclusive 12-seat lunch and dinner services each day. Guests will enjoy an intimate, open-kitchen experience featuring creative teppanyaki made with seasonal Korean ingredients and chef Lau's modern Hong Kong flair. The lunch course is priced at 190,000 won per person, with dinner at 290,000 won. Reservations are required. Andaz Seoul Gangnam launches 'Summer Collection Bingsu' with Trudon Andaz Seoul Gangnam teamed up with French luxury fragrance house Trudon to unveil its limited-edition "Summer Collection Bingsu," inspired by the brand's latest capsule, Lost in a Moment. The dessert will be available from June 1 to 30. Crafted by executive pastry chef Jang Gu-hyun, the bingsu features creamy European milk ice topped with raspberry compote, dark chocolate cream and condensed milk. Salted caramel ice cream, hazelnut crumble and chocolate sauce add texture, while pink bark chocolate and Mont Blanc-inspired decor reflect Trudon's signature aesthetic. Priced at 74,000 won, the dessert includes two limited-edition scented cameos — available to the first 150 guests. yoohong@
Korea Herald
25-05-2025
- Korea Herald
From Psy to aespa, why do K-pop acts take pay cuts for campus festivals?
Campus gigs offer more than pay — they're a springboard for fan engagement, viral buzz May marks spring university festival season in South Korea — and no matter how packed their schedules are with world tours, music shows and fan-meets, K-pop stars make time for the campus stage. At Hongik University's spring festival May 14–16, big names like Psy, aespa, Lee Seung-yoon, Beenzino and YB took to the stage. Konkuk University's lineup May 20–22 featured Psy, aespa, Itzy, Jannabi and YB. Performing at Chung-Ang University's main festival, running May 21–23, were aespa, NCT Dream, YB and Dynamic Duo. Despite the prestige of these appearances, university festival fees are generally lower than other commercial gigs. If a group normally earns 100 million won ($73,000) per event, they may settle for 50 million-80 million won at a university show. But money isn't the main incentive when it comes to college shows. Many K-pop agencies are willing to take a pay cut for the exposure and connection with younger audiences. In NewJeans' case, the group donated all its earnings from seven university festivals to the Korea Student Aid Foundation last year. Why do K-pop stars flock to the campus circuit come spring? It's simple: These events offer direct access to their core audience; people in their 20s. 'It's a rare opportunity for artists to connect with the general public, even those who aren't already fans,' an official from a major K-pop agency said Sunday. 'University festivals draw a young crowd, making them the ideal stage for artists to engage with new audiences and build buzz.' University festivals also serve as live practice ahead of world tours. 'Of all the stages, college campuses feel most like Lollapalooza or Coachella,' said former Ador CEO Min Hee-jin last May. 'The students' energy inspires the members. It's a great opportunity to promote new songs, improve stage skills and give back to fans.' This year, Itzy — set to return with new music in June — has packed its schedule with campus appearances, including at SeoulTech, Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University and Inha University. Kiss of Life, another rising girl group, was confirmed for festivals at Yonsei, Sejong and Korea National Sport University. Going viral, for free The marketing payoff is enormous. Performing in front of a crowd of 10,000 turns thousands of smartphone cameras into instant PR tools. Well before the show ends, fancams, memes, Instagram Reels, TikToks and shorts are already circulating online. For agencies, it's mass marketing without spending a dime. 'In this age of one-person media, if the performance is strong, word-of-mouth spreads naturally,' the agency official added. For groups with strong live performance skills, these shows also act as unofficial public auditions. Their vocals, stage presence and crowd work are judged in real time by the most trend-sensitive demographic. If the performance hits the mark, casual viewers are quickly converted into dedicated fans. aespa, the hottest ticket on campus The most in-demand university act this year? Aespa. Although the girl group has no domestic comeback imminent, it headlined festivals at Hongik, Konkuk, Chung-Ang and Kyung Hee universities, reinforcing its influence across Korean campuses. Aespa's popularity continues despite not having released any new music in Korea since its 5th EP, 'Whiplash,' in October. Meanwhile, rumors of a June release are swirling, fueled by a leaked music video footage that began circulating on social media in early May. Rock bands hold their ground Even in the girl group-dominated landscape, rock bands are holding their own. YB (Yoon Do-hyun Band) performed at Konkuk, Hongik and Jeonbuk National universities. Jannabi, known for its festival-ready sound, will take the stage at Sejong, Dankook and Konkuk universities. Other buzzed-about names include Lucy, Silica Gel and The Volunteers (Nasanhyunssi Band). 'The festival crowd is overwhelmingly enthusiastic,' the agency official said. 'That energy fuels the performers and makes each show a valuable experience — both emotionally and professionally.'
