On August 18th, Yoon MiRae held a fansigning at Seoul’s grand 4-floor mall, Times Square Mall. Although the signing only lasted an hour and a half, she was warmly greeted by over 500 fans waiting for an autograph. The fansigning was part of her endorsement for HP, and HP set up a special oversized keyboard and integrated it into a dance-like game for her (think DDR/Pump It Up… with 26 steps!)
While Mirae was greeted by fans young and old (and some weird), the real highlight of the day came later when she, Tiger JK, and Bizzy met with Dr. Dre for an informal meeting. Dre, who was touring with Eminem, was simultaneously promoting his successful line of headphones, Beats By Dre. Dre specifically asked to meet with the representatives of Korean hip-hop, and being JK was the first Korean artist to receive his own Beats line, it was no surprise he and his wife were invited. Coincidently, Eminem’s touring DJ, Alchemist, is a close childhood friend of JK’s, and the meeting resulted in talks about a possible cross-cultural collaboration.
The good news did not stop there.
On August 22nd,XXL’s Eye Candy column highlighted Korea’s best female rappers, with Tasha rounding out the listed. What a good week for Mirae!
In their native town of Uijeongbu, a small city an hour out of central Seoul, Tiger JK and Yoon MiRae closed their city’s 20th International Music Festival with a special concert. While they were the main names on the bill, the two surprised the 1000+ fans by bringing fellow label mates, JoMoonGun, and new hip-hop group, MIB, to perform an extended Jungle Entertainment-only concert. As a result, their performance differed from their normal set, with even MIB members rapping the first verse of “I Want You/난 널 원해” with Tiger. Below are exclusive front row HD shots/video from the performance.
“엄지손갈락/Thumb”
“Get It In” with Bizzy, Jo Moon Gun, MIB
“I Want You/난 널 원해” with Bizzy, Jo Moon Gun, MIB
In other news, Tiger JK, Yoon MiRae, Bizzy, and MIB are to perform at Music Matters Live 2012, an annual music industry conference. This year’s conference is being held in Singapore, and will broadcast live at 9PM Korea time (8AM EST, 5AM PST).
On May 6th, a eyeraising tweet appeared on Far East Movement’s twitter stating, “Wow, Tiger JK and Yoon MiRae killed that verse.” A few minutes later, both Tiger and Yoon MiRae were caught mentioning “dirty bass (a trademark saying of FM)” and trending “livemyliferemix” (in reference to FM’s latest top 10 hit). Could fans be seeing Tiger and MiRae on a FM track soon?
April 28th, Hongdae Subway Station— With the fastest Internet in the world and a population open to new cellphone technology, many of the world’s wired mobile advancements are first launched in South Korea. The country’s largest cellphone carrier, SK Telecom, recently announced its phones will now offer the largest LTE (4G) data service in the country. SK’s LTE service also allows its members to stream free music from Korea’s largest online streamer, Melon, directly into their phones without using up data. SK teamed with Tiger JK to garner fans to their website, offering free concert tickets to select fans who partake in one of their online promotions.
In an effort to continuously stand out above its competitors, SK held its promotional concert in no ordinary venue. Korea is well known for its timely and convenient subway, but commuters often complain its service is not 24 hours. SK used this to their advantage, holding JK’s show at Hongdae subway station after hours. Of course, fans invited were oblivious as to how the company would pull this off. How and where would you pull off a concert in an ordinary subway station?
Outside the turnstile exits of Hongdae’s airport subway line stood a group of fans and random signage with JK’s face. The exits are wide, but still fans were left in the dark where the actual show would be. Around the ticket tables are pseudo red carpets where concert goers could take pictures with a life size JK cut out.
Fans are distracted by the cutout until 12:00pm, when the subway shuts down for the public. They are then instructed to line up near the East bound train turnstiles. At 12:30pm, the crowd is directed downstairs into an empty train, which a few minutes later suddenly closes its doors and takes surprised passengers to the next station (Digital Media City).
As the train pulls into Digital Media City, fans anticipate getting off and going to a secret location for the concert. However, the doors remain close and the lights suddenly shut off, throwing some into a panic. Dance music starts to play and SK staff walks through the train cars announcing everyone is going to a concert/party soon. Still, fans are left questioning if the concert where the venue actually is.
The train suddenly moves back west to Hongdae station, this time arriving on the West bound side of the train tracks. The doors open and a shrill of screams lets out as concert goers realize the show is on the actual platform. A mad dash to the stage occurs, passing through a now JK branded subway platform.
Fans are treated to promos featuring JK and a DJ building anticipation with recent dance hits. Around 1:30pm, JK’s DJ, DJ Juice, appears on stage and hardcore fans scream knowing the show is starting.
As usual, Bizzy starts the set and builds the energy. Bizzy’s set usually starts with “Run,” a track from Yang Dong Geun’s 4th album which him, JK, and Tasha featured. Veteran fans know the sight of Bizzy at a show surely means JK will follow, and then after wife, Tasha/Yoon MiRae.
JK doesn’t disappoint as his joins Bizzy to perform a DT’s classic, “Do You Know Hip Hop?” As JK comes out, the barrier holding the fans back shakes. JK is the first to fully step out to the crowd, causing a panic for his bodyguards. After performing “Monster,” and entertaining the crowd with jokes, Tasha joins the crew for True Romance.
The husband/wife duo always treat the crowd to a small dance in the middle of the set.
With its peaceful melody, True Romance calms the nerves of the crowd, but gets them ready to start jumping as the trio starts the hyped “Pay Day.”
However, the highlight of Tasha’s set is her online single, “Get it In.” Regardless of the crowd, “Get It In” guarantees the crowd will be jumping along with the crew mid song. (Warning: I was close to the stage, almost too close. As a result, the lights affected my camera’s focus and there are parts where it’s hard to see. I apologize!)
“Get It In,” is the apparent show closer, but fans demand the crew come back to the stage for an encore.
Soon after, the crew comes back to close with another Drunken Tiger classic, “I Want You.” Seeing the crowd enamored in the performance, JK takes the opportunity to step off stage and embed himself into the crowd. Midway through, his adrenaline tells him to take a fan’s cellphone with him, leaving her in uneasy excitement. (Again, light warning.)
Fans are always happy that JK is willing to mingle.
The crew leaves the crowd in high spirits. One fan’s love for JK is reignited to the point she wants to kiss his lifesize cut out.
And as the show ends, the subway station empties, but remnants of JK’s presence and a unique concert remain. Kudos, SK Telecom, I definitely will remain a loyal customer after this show.
Three years ago, I met with JK in a VIP balcony of the Wiltern. Dressed in a casual black jacket and jeans, most would’ve never guessed he was an honorary special guest that night, and other than a brief appearance on the red carpet, he was escorted in and out just like any other guest. The Wiltern has such historical meaning for the city of Los Angeles, with its classic Victorian structure and an array of all-star artists that have sold out its 2,300 seats. Though JK never said it, I knew his LA roots fueled his desire to be on stage that night, and it was relieving to see him fill the theater the way he did last week.
Thanks to Drunken Tiger veteran music video director, Dave Kebo, and numerous other attendees, we got some great shots. From guest appearances from JK’s musical entourage (Ann, Styliztik Jones, Dumbfoundead, Jay Park) to Linkin Park’s Joe Hahn tweeting pictures of JK himself, it was truly an unforgettable night.
The Jungle Team was on a high last Friday as the day started with JK featured in the daily issue of Los Angeles Times. The artist scored a major win as the acclaimed newspaper called him, “the most popular Korean rapper in America, Asia, and the world.” As the day continued, Jungle had more to celebrate about as fans raved about how great the team performed in their first label wide US concert.
The good news did not stop there.
The next morning, Pulitzer Prize winning arts paper, LA Weekly, featured a full on review of the show. Loaded with an ensemble of guest appearances (Dumbfoundead, Ann, Styliztik Jones, and Jay Park), it is no wonder Twitter was loaded with “OMG!” comments from concert goers.
To read the full review (and see some amazing photography), go to LA Weekly’s blog.
The name Drunken Tiger has not headlined a US concert in nearly 7 years. So on the eve of his much anticipated Los Angeles concert, the Los Angeles Times has also taken notice of the artist whose name will be highlighted on The Wiltern’s distinguished marque tonight.
Only a few Korean artists have had the opportunity to have their own feature article in prestigious publications, with the singer, Rain, taking the crown after his frontpage feature in the New York Times in 2006. However, JK’s extensive interview in the LA Times comes close for the win. The article highlights how Drunken Tiger, despite facing censorship in their initial debut in Korea, became one of the first artists to be successful with overseas fans. While the international market’s interest in K-Pop has evolved so quickly and made it easier for fans to learn about him, JK also expresses his mixed feelings about its success.
Jungle Entertainment will finally make its entrance into the United States with its first ever family concert. CJ E&M, along with several other top agencies, have created M-Live in part of the K-Pop global concert expansion.
On December 2nd, “M Live by CJ: The Jungle Concert in L.A” will be the first Korean hip-hop concert held in the United States. The concert will feature Drunken Tiger (Tiger JK), Yoon Mirae (Tasha), Leessang, Bizzy, and Jung In at the Wiltern.
With K-Pop expanding globally, Korean hip-hop will begin to find footing in the middle of the global Hallyu Wave.
The Wiltern, where Jungle Entertainment’s concert will take place, hold close to 3,000 seats and has seen performances held by Jay-Z&Eminem, Adele, Smashing Pumpkins, Tears for Fears, and other international artists.
POWERHOUSE has recently announced that they will begin selling the tickets for the family hip-hop concert on November 7th at 10AM PST. Ticket prices are as follows: $120, $100, $80, and $50.
Update! Tickets started going on sale on November 7th, with the pit being $120. Even though the pit is the closest you can get, it is standing room only, so go early! Buy tickets.
On September 23rd, MTV’s international spotlight blog, MTVIggy, released their list of international female rappers dominating the world. Tasha took the #12 spot, with the title of “The Queen of South Korean hip-hop.” Alongside her on the list are UK’s Lioness and New York’s underground princess of hip-hop, Jean Grae.
Just 3 weeks later on October 14th, RollingOut.com, a digital magazine, released their own list of international hip-hop artists to know, with JK named in an unranked position.
It’s evident Korea’s hip-hop power couple is reaching beyond borders previously untouched by the Korean industry.
Times Square Mall will hold a 4-day celebration as part of Korea’s biggest mall’s 2nd year anniversary. For it’s Friday celebration, 1000 selected participants will be treated to an exclusive concert.
Who Will Perform: Drunken Tiger JK, Yoon MiRae,360 Sounds, RRM, Conan & Goldtea
Where: Times Square Mall, via train Line 1, YeongDuengPo stop. Underground exit and follow signs for Times Square Mall. If in doubt, exit towards the front of mall and enter to basement floor (LL2).
When: Friday, September 16th starting at 9pm.
How To Get a Ticket: Here’s the tricky part. Tickets will be randomly given to those signed up on the Times Square website, which is a challenge for non-Korean readers. [Note: You will need a Korean national # for this.]
On the bottom middle part, click off any of the circles. This is just asking how you heard about the party.
Click the picture link below [벙커파티 싵청하기]
You will be sent to a new screen asking to sign in. Click the blue button [회원가입]. This will allow you to create a username/password.
The next screen will have two buttons in the middle. The left button will be for 14+ nationals. The right button is for foreigners [외국인회원]. Click the right button if you hold a foreign visa of any type.
Next screen are just member agreements. Click all boxes. Don’t worry, you’re not selling your soul. Click blue button on the bottom.
On the next screen, type your name exactly as is on your ID card (WITHOUT SPACES). Type in your ID # in box 2 (part 1) and box 3.
Now at this point, you’ll need a friend to help you if you don’t speak Korean because I cannot go back to this screen since I had membership. However, from memory, I believe it will first ask you to type a username, a 6 unit password (letters and numbers included), email, your Korean address, your house # (type in 02-random 8 numbers if you don’t have one), and then cellphone #. The last line will ask if you would like to receive emails and texts. Click the right buttons if you would like to opt out of this option. Click blue button on bottom to complete sign up.
Sign in. Repeat steps 1-3.
Repeat step 1 on September 14th to see if you won tickets. Each person gets 2.
Note that this sign up process is pretty standard for most Korean sites, so definitely take a lesson from this and apply it to any Korean site where you need to sign up!
Good luck and hope to see everyone there!
–MissDrunkenCamp
The official English source for MFBTY & Drunken Tiger
DT MFBTY INTERNATIONAL 