iKon

iKON

SEPTEMBER 2014

FAB ON

Korean Beauty Brands

BUZZ WORTHY

BUZZHallyu WORTHY Korean Korea’s Hallyu Culture Culture

Up Close and Personal with GOT7 EXCLUSIVE KPOP next sensation

WINNER 1

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iKON

CALL OF THE WILD Korea’s top beauty brands MUST-HAVE ITEMS Style tip from IU

6 7 GOT7: NOT YOUR ORDINARY B-BOYS Exclusive interview

CONTRIBUTORS

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EDITOR IN CHIEF Jane Piedad ART DIRECTOR Hazel Malagonio MANAGING DIRECTOR Belle Yambao WRITERS Janey Aniban Paola Ebora Jed Gregorio Eunice Lucero RJ Roque Tatin Yang Mavy Yupangco PHOTOGRAPHERS Mark Buenaobra Rxandy Capinpin Patrick Martines Arlo Misa Ryan Ong

WHAT’S UP, KOREA! The seasons’s hottest trends and culture

10 MONTSER ROOKIE Get to know the boys of WINNER, YG Entertainment’s newest boy group

12 HALLYU STYLE STARS Introducing K-pop’s fashion icons and trendsetters

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EDITOR’S LETTER Dear readers, Most people love music. I’m near-deaf because of it.

Garage rock, classic rock, ‘90s hip-hop, alternative, Brit-pop—I listened it all, went to the shows (often, alone), collected the albums and fell asleep to it blasting from my headphones. In college, I went punk—(the commercialized type, not the scary, authentic, antiestablishment type)—but nonetheless, I shaved my head, pierced my lip and found comfort in the armpit of American rock: the mosh pit.

After my hair grew out, I spent a summer in Korea and stumbled onto the neighborhood of Hongdae, an arty pocket of Seoul that I found refreshing given how I felt about the capital: homogeneous, mainstream and much too normal—with virtually every woman wearing the same pair of crystal-encrusted sandals.

Hongdae, in 2014 was already a hub for the young, indie and alternative set; students were prevalent due to the nearby Hongik University, and because this was an art school, they dressed differently and carried portfolios rather than schoolbooks. The cafés and clubs were plentiful, but what I enjoyed most was walking through Hongdae streets, catching glimpses of pink hair or a studded collar, and falling in love with Korea even more because of it.

Seven years later, I’m excited to see this burgeoning indie music subculture break out from the confines of Hongdae. It’s going international. In this month’s Music Issue, Oliver Saria introduces readers to the atmospheric shoegaze of Vidulgi OoyoO, the electro-punk noise of Idiotape, the psychedelic rock of Galaxy Express, and the post hardcore sonic assault of Apollo 18. These bands, some of whom will tour the States, and plug in at South by Southwest in Austin and April’s Coachella Festival in Indio, Calif., are using social media—as well as vocal cords and instruments—to prove to the world that there is “more to Korean music than bubblegum ballads,” as Saria writes.

Not that we’re hating on K-pop either. After all, our cover story features fresh boy band from YG Entertainment - WINNER, who just recently made their successful debut and released album. In Jaeki Cho’s story, the rookie group talks their released album and self-composed

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K-NEWS SUZY for MLB Sports clothing brand “MLB” has released new pictures of miss A’s Suzy for Fall 2014! Departing from her usual sweet girl image, Suzy changed into a stylish tomboy dressed in letter jackets and baseball hats for her latest pictorial. Despite wearing tomboyish clothes, Suzy’s ever present feminine beauty still shinest. Suzy’s photos from her “MLB Korea” pictorial can be viewed on the special “MLB SUZY APP.” More information about Suzy’s 2014 Spring/Summer pictorial and related

CONGRATULATIONS G-DRAGON! Amongst other successes, Big Bang’s leader G-Dragon has achieved two more milestones at the annual World Music Awards!

Winning the title for both “World’s Best Entertainer” as well as “World’s Best Album” for “Coup D’etat” – both via online votes from fans – G-Dragon has reaped further rewards for his self-compositions of music and performances that has amazed V.I.P’s over the years. C. Diverse performances from Big Bang’s leader over the years have continued to make his name known as well – most recently in KCON 2014 just one week ago.

EXO’S CHANYEOL TO MAKE ACTING DEBUT EXO’s Chanyeol will be entering the world of acting, as he is planned to debut on the big screen. It was recently revealed that Chanyeol is to star in Director Kang Jaegyu’s new movie “Jangsoosanghaye” or “Jang Soo Shop.”

“Jang Soo Shop” is centered around a neighborhood store, JangSoo Mart, which is run by a stubborn elder, named Jang Soo, (Park Geunhyeong). Chanyeol is to play the character, Min Seongyeok, who is the boyfriend of the mart owner’s daughter, Ayeong (Moon Gayeong).

JYJ’S YOOCHUN REVEALS HIS HONEST FEELINGS ABOUT TVXQ JYJ’s Park Yoochun recently revealed his feelings about TVXQ and its remaining members, Yunho and Changmin.When asked about how he felt about his former band and members, he said, “I hope the five of us can do well in our position. I don’t know when, but it would be cool if all of us could come together to drink soju.” He also said that he was happy with his current career and life after TVXQ, but he did not always feel that way. “As time goes by, I questioned myself … What was all that for? Each of us made own choices for our lives. I no longer hate them. I hope we all could be happy.”What do you think of the current situation between JYJ and TVXQ?

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BEAUTY

call of the wild

Take cues from your furry friends and check out these goodies with some beauty bite

Swirl this butterfly-shaped buuble bar around the tub for a relaxing, rose-scented soak Madame Butterfly Reusable Bubble Bar, P295, Lush This super cute pocket-sized lip balm includes a tiny mirror in the cap. It’s perfect for gals on-the-go!

Max in Pocket, P605, Too Cool For School

If there’s one facial oil you should try, it has to be emu. Not only is it a rich source of skin-regenerating vitamin A, it has loads of antiaging antioxidants that keep your skin in tiptop shape Emu.thology 100% High Grade Pure Emu Oil, P599, Snoe

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This hydrating eye cream uses salmon roe extracts to help nourish and brighten your delicate area Salmon Brightening Eye Cream, P1450, Skin Food

With the help of bee venom to help banish wrinkles and whiten skin, this BB cream is anything but toxic Black Bee BB Cream, P1098, Tony Moly

With royal jelly to nourish your skin and tiny reflective particles to help add sheen, this body lotion is you go-to product for a head-to-toe glow Radiance Body Lotion with Royal Jelly, P750, Burt’s Beest

Show off your Queen of the Jungle status when you dress up your nails in the absolutely purr-fect nail stickers Sticker Art Nails in Trendy Leopard, P259, The Face Shop

MUST-HAVE ITEMS Leopard Patterned Nerd Glasses, P599, UNIQLO

Juicy Cocktail Gradation Nails #8 in Lime Squash, P348, Etude House

Tint Bar Geltini Lip & Cheekk Tints, P495, VDL

IU

Brush up on your style homework with IU’s cutesy school girl chic

Scuba Skirt, P899, H&M

Powder Blush, P575, Revlon

Yellow Pretty Petal Dress, P2850, Debenhams Chinese Laundry Next To Me Mary Jane Pumps, P2756, Macy’s

Lolly Pop Pens, P295, Me&Ut, Sakox

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GOT7 : NOT YOUR ORDINARY B-BOYS

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ebut on January 15 through a showcase.

Even if we consider how much anticipation there has been built up by JYP, their popularity is like a bomb. Their photos and profiles are blowing up on internet searches. After GOT7’s filming, the staff felt the generational gap between them and the idols after offering some industry tips. But no matter what, these 7 boys are warm and working hard!

Even in front of the broadcast camera that follows their every move, GOT7’s energy as they played excitedly and talked and danced was infectiously strong.

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Q: You showed off fancy performances with martial arts tricking for your debut track ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’, but this song ‘A’ is more cute and lively.

And it’s more appealing to the public.

JR: Last time, we had to look cool, but this time we paid a lot of attention to our facial expressions. Did I and Jaebum-hyung give help to our members since we’ve acted before? Not at all. They all have lots of talent. Especially Youngjae upgraded a lot.

YoungJae: I think my facial expressions are awkward so I don’t monitor my performances lazily. I also worked hard to lose weight. Instead of paying

attention to the numerical amount of weight I lost, I lost weight until my face had a V-line shape. I always ate lunch, and when eating lunch and dinner, if I got the feeling of ‘I’ll gain weight if I eat more’, I stopped right there.

Q: In both tracks, the lyrics show you as men that are full of confidence in front of women.

How are you in real life?

YugYeom: I’m really shy.

Someone has rarely expressed that they like me. There have been lots of times when I’ve liked someone though…

BamBam: I haven’t ever really felt that a girl likes me.

Jackson: The lyrics and

performances are all just acting.

Q: Do you all have a clear preference in music that you want to do?

Mark: I like slow hip hop.

JR: I’ve enjoyed choreographing since I was young. I also think it would be fun to be a producer that also performs. It’s a different area but I also want to do theatre.

Jackson. I want to do hip hop and R&B. Youngjae: I want to do R&B ballads but want to both compose and write lyrics. I like music that demands for lots of singing ability.

JB: I like R&B and soul. I want to do lots of different genres of music like indie music or James Morrison style. I also want to write a movie scenario if the opportunity comes.

BamBam: I like Korean hip hop.

I also like designing homes, clothes, etc.

YugYeom: I like hip hop and R&B, and also want to do them well.

Q: Yugyeom and BamBam that were born in 97 are the maknaes in the team but seem like they have very different characters.

Jackson: Unlike Yugyeom’s manly appearance, he is very tenderhearted and innocent.

BamBam has cute behavior but his personality is manly.

JR: Yugyeom grew 2~3cm while promoting. Sometimes it’s embarrassing when he comes near me when we’re taking pictures because of the height difference.

Jinyoung. Jackson has a height insecurity.

Q: Do you spend free time with members, too?

JR: We usually sleep. We also play games on Play Station, or make music in our own rooms.

We also watch movies together.

We watched Miracle in Cell No.7 together and bawled.

Mark: When our schedule allows, we want to go watch Transformers!

Q: While the average training time for the other members was 3-4 years, Youngjae debuted 7 months after entering the company. What kind of effort did you put in to become closer with the members quickly?

YoungJae: None. Because they all have lively personalities.

JR: We’re very easy guys. So it’s easy to become close with us (laughs).

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WHAT’S UP, KOREA! Find out what’s trending and happening in the homeland of hallyu culture.

A for

Alphabetising Body Shapes

F for C for

Koreans are really creative at coming up with alphabets to describe different body parts and shapes.

Apart from the commonly mentioned S-Line used to describe the side view of the body, there is also the M-line for six-pack abs, X-line for hourglass figures and U-line, the exposed view from low-back

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Couple Spotting

Couples aren’t afraid to show that they’re paired off! They usually have at least one matching item on their person, whether it’s clothes or accessories. That’s why eagled-eyed fans often keep a close watch on what their idols put on!

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C

D

Frozen

This Disney production easily became the highest grossing animation film (over $94 million) in Korea, spawning tons of covers from the likes of SISTAR Hyorin, Ailee and Sungha Jung, not to mention commercials from Samsung showing Yuna Kim the professional

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F

D for

Delectable Desserts

B for

Blind-dating Craze

You may get at the idea of getting set-up, but many Koreans are really enthusiastic about blind-dating!

They’ve even categorized the dates into four kinds. The “kookiest one” being ‘bungaeting’, which literally means lightning meeting, where both parties discuss the context of the date beforehand so minimal time is wasted!

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Korean loves their sweet treats, as can be shown by the desserts places popping up by the dozen in the department stores, and the crazy queues that follow. Even though they’re not exactle affordable – costing about 400PHP per shaved ice – Koreans don’t mind splurging on such small luxury items to destress!

E for

Eye spy with my little eyet

It’s certainly not easy for celebrities nowadays! Technological advances have given stalkers the ability to watch their idols 24/7 (such stalkers are called Sasaeng fans and they’re the bane or every celeb’s life!) We heard that D.O’s EXO underwear got stolen and offered up for auction! Can anyone say creepy?

G for

Glamping

What is that? Glamping stands for ‘Glamour Camping’, where you spend time outdoors without actually roughing it out. The ‘tents’ have luxurious amenities like beds, kitchens, and bathrooms.

Places like The Shilla Jeju in Jeju Island offers glamping, but of course, prepare yourselves – the prices definitely aren’t as dirt cheap as traditional camping!

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K for

Keeping Plugged-in

I for

Idol-shipping

It’s been around ages but it’s not dying out. Idol-shipping is the act of supporting imaginary relationship between celebrities, regardless of their gender or age. Fans go all out for their One-True-Pairing and go sleuthing for many clues relationship that might ‘expose’ the secret relationships they’ve been fantasizing about.

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I

Seoul is often referred to as ‘the most wired city’, but there’s a growing problem – one in five South Korean teenagers are addicted to using their smartphones for more than seven hours a day! With the burgeoning reliance on apps (used to make payments or as student IDs to sign in at school), and mega-fast internet speed, this is a classic case of having too much of a good thing!

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K

L

H for

Happy Alone Day

Black Day, which is the anti-Valentine’s day in Korea, is when all singletons who didn’t receive presents on V-day or White Day (more on that ahead), gather and eat JjajangMyeon (black bean paste noodles) to commiserate.

J for

Joyful 100 Days

Forget the monthly or yearly anniversaries. Koreans usually celebrate important occasions on the 100th day mark. They even have apps to help them remember once 100 days are up!

L for

Let’s talk honesty

Koreans often take a Twitter to bare their true feelings after dark, posting morose stuff like “I feel lonely... I don’t know why”. It’s always easier to release pent-up emotions behind an online mask!

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FEATURE

MONSTER ROOKIE Meet WINNER, K-Pop’s next big thing

WINNER is a new boy group produced by YG Entertainment, home for BIGBANG and 2NE1, for the first time in nine years after BIGBANG. The team was selected as YG’s next boy group directly by the public, through cable channel Mnet’s survival audition program “WIN: WHO IS NEXT” before their debut.

even before their debut, by appearing in “WIN”, getting complimented for their musical talent with their own songs.

People even say that WINNER’s “debut feels like comeback”, as they have been standing under the spotlight for a long time, with many people’s high expectations.

They have been drawing a big attention, just because they debut as an YG artist. Plus, they built a strong fandom

It is a very rare case for rookie group’s debut album take No.1 on all music charts and for all the songs in the debut album

enter top places on charts.

Notably, considering the fact that it is hard for even top singers to make all songs in an album enter top places on charts, WINNER has achieved an unusual feat for a rookie.

Their debut album is all the more meaningful, because WINNER members themselves took part in writing the lyrics and melody of all songs.

Members exerted their musical talent, taking part in writing the lyrics and melody of all 10 songs in the album. That proves that WINNER’s long-time efforts for their debut have borne fruit.

“Empty” is a rap and hip-hop song that expresses an empty feeling after breakup, whose lyrics were written by Song Minho. The lyrics of another double title track “Color Ring” were written by Kang Seung Yoon, Song Minho, and Lee Seung Hoo. The members have now established their solid foothold as singer-songwriters.

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Plus, WINNER’s debut is creating sensation not only on music-streaming websites but also on search engines and entertainment BBS. WINNER took No.1 places on searchword list of search engines upon the release of their debut album, and key words such as “WINNER empty” and “WINNER Color Ring” are sweeping top ranks on search-word lists, showing high expectations for WINNER’s debut. A series of rave reviews for WINNER’s debut album are posted on entertainment BBS. The sophisticated feel shown in the music video, which is not like that of a rookie group, is catching the eyes, too. The double title tracks both talk about the sorrow of breakup, but they deliver different feels, appealing to the public. While “empty” depicts loneliness after breakup, “Color Ring” is talking about regrets for behavior

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toward lover. WINNER members also catch eyes for their matured acting in the song’s music video, which expresses the feelings after breakup.

Notably, NAM TAE HYUN is leaving a strong impression with his crying performance in the music video.

PROVING THEIR STRONG PRESENCE ON THEIR DEBUT WINNER became a runner for the top rank in cable channel Mnet’s music show “M-Countdown” that was livebroadcasted on the 21st in the afternoon, upon their debut.

The record was achieved within 10 days from the release of their debut album “2014 S/S” on the 12th and within 5 days from their debut performance in SBS’s music show “INKIGAYO” on the 17th. Such an achievement is a very rare case for a rookie, so they came under a big spotlight.

Winner maintained their No.1 on music charts for a week. They defended the place on Korea’s biggest music-streaming website Melon despite fierce challenge by new songs, and other songs in the debut album including the other double title track “Color Ring” have been enjoying a great popularity, too.

They have set a record which is very rare for a rookie singer, living up to the big expectations for their music.

Furthermore, they also took the No.1 on the weekly download chart, digital chart, and album chart on the 34th week’s Gaon chart (August 10 to 16). On the download chart, the No.1 to 3 were taken by “Empty”, “Color Ring”, and “Don’t’ flirt”, making the past week the week of “WINNER”. Notably, as all the songs in their debut album were ranked in top 20, the total number of download recorded 1,688,521. That is not an easy

"We don't fit into a certain genre, but we produce our own music and write our own lyrics, people tend to relate with us better" achievement for a rookie group.

Winner has also been standing under the spotlight on the global stage. Their debut album took the No.1 on the iTunes album chart of five foreign countries: Cambodia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and Indonesia. Plus, WINNER topped China’s Dien Fung chart’s popularity index, which is automatically produced by calculating the variability in the number of streaming cases within a given week. Winner will soon to make an official debut in Japan, too.

As such, they’ve created sensation and garnered extraordinary achievement for 10 days after their debut.

They are to further boost their popularity, through their No.1 in music show, which was recorded in the shortest period of time in history, from their debut. People are paying keen attention to how WINNER’s next step will create a new history, while strengthening their position day after day by setting

new records after their debut with an emotional hip-hop song.

ADDS NEW COLOR TO YG WINNER unveiled the double title tracks “EMPTY” and “COLOR RING” at 0 hour of August 12. Previously, the Executive Producer YANG HYUN SUK commented, “I don’t want to create a misconception that WINNER is a dance group.”

Like he said, WINNER was not, and also was completely different to other YG groups like BIGBANG, EPIK HIGH and AKDONG MUSICIAN.

beyond a simple idol group.

In another words, WINNER is an unprecedented one in YG. YG has been showcasing dynamic artists from early this year, starting from the charismatic 2NE1, charming AKDONG MUSICIAN, the R&B champion TAEYANG and the unrivaled world star PSY. WINNER took the role of embedding a whole new pillar in YG, showcasing a groundbreaking sentimentalhiphop to the world.

WINNER, who has been garnering much popularity even before the debut, left a strong first impression. Not only did their debut album “2014 S/S” top various charts, but also the songs from the album were lined up on charts.

This is quite rare for a new group. Their popularity seems borderless as their excellent achievement is also seen on iTunes around the world.

YG Entertainment commented, “Unlike other YG artists who were restrained to branch out “COLOR RING” is a sentimental to different fields, WINNER one. The first line reads, “The will expand their area of work. blue sky is beautiful but why am KANG SEUNG YOON may be I becoming so insignificant and involved in acting while other shabby,” drawing in the listeners members appear on variety at once. Instead of an upbeat, programs.” Expectations addictive song, WINNER grow for the all-rounders who focuses on the quality of music will showcase themselves in that can relate to the listeners. different colors in the future.

In the song by Kang Seung Yoon, Song Minho, and Lee Seung Hoon, Kang Seung Yoon solidifies his musical talents by being in charge as the main producer. The members go far 15

K-CELEBRITY HALLYU STYLE STARS Celebrity are idols for a reason-not only do they excel as their careers, they manage to look impeccable while they’re at it.

Lee LeeChaerin Chaerin(2NE1) (2NE1) When it comes to fashion, the word ‘fierce’, ‘bold’, and ‘glamorous’, fit the leader of 2NE1 to a T. With her to-die-for wardrobe and unique choices, she’s undeniably the Queen of Style.

G-Dragon G-Dragon(Big (BigBang) Bang) his pretty boy is definitely on our list! His fashion choices border on the avant-garde and he’s definitely a trend-starter with his bad boy looks and daring use of texture and colour.

Swag? Definitely checked!

Fei Fei(Miss (MissA) A) We love Fei’s shoe collection, and the way she pairs beautifully designed heels with garments that have interesting twists to them, adding dimension to her outfits!

Heo HeoGayoon Gayoon(4Minute) (4Minute) This girl oozes style right from the getgo – Not only is she responsible for the styling of 4 Minute’s ‘‘Watcha Doin’ Today’ MV, she’s also hailed as the Queen of Airport Fashion.

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Son SonGa GaInIn (Brown (BrownEyed EyedGirls) Girls)

Lee LeeMin MinHo Ho

Whether it’s a dating cut-out dress, fitted leather number or an attention-grabbing coat, this fashionista certainly knows how to make head turns!

This fine specimen grabs our attention no matter where we spot him. His wardrobe compromises preppy, fitted pieces that show off his tall build and he never leaves home without his favourite pair of sunnies!

Lee Lee Hyeri Hyeri (Girl’s (Girl’s Day) Day) Her personal style is the epitome of minimal street-chic, with standout pieces of intriguing designs showing her flair for fashion. Hyeri’s perfectly-coiffed hair also shows us how versatile short hairstyles can actually be!

Key Key (Shinee) (Shinee) His punk style shows in his outfit choices, with beanies covering his golden locks, skinny jeans and flunky sweaters. We really like how he manages to look charmingly boyish without looking like a kid.

Jay Park Park Jay He’s a style chameleon who lays his roots down in hip-hop flavour.

We love how one day he’s wearing quirky shorts and leggings from Givenchy, and the next he’s all binged up with a fitted leather jacket and gold chains around his neck.

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K-CHART SISTAR The album is backed by a superstar producer lineup that includes Choi Kyu Sung, Rado, Duble Sidekick and Kim Do Hoon. Title song Touch My Body, a fun and hip-hop dance number, embodies unique appeal.

Touch & Move 01. Wow 02. Touch my body 03. Naughty Hands (feat. 버벌진트) 04. But I Love U 05. OK GO!

block B h.e.r 01. Rare Woman 02. HER 03. 이제 날 안아요 04. JACKPOT 05. Very Good (Rough ver.)

06. JACKPOT (inst.)

The new mini-album H.E.R. Produced by Zico includes the title song H.E.R and the new tracks “Rare Woman” and “Hug Me Now.” Their last single Jackpot and the “Rough Version” of Very Good are also on the list.

TAEYANG His second full-length album Rise comes with nine tracks including last year’s G-Dragon hit single Ringa Linga with Stay With Me. Tablo also contributed lyrics to multiple tracks on the album.

rise 01. Intro (Rise) 02. Eyes, Nose, Lips 03. 1AM 04. Stay With Me 05. Body 06. RINGA LINGA 07. This Isn’t It 08. Throw Away 09. Love You To Death

Girl’s day Working on the new title song Darling, the refreshing summer jam has a light shuffle rhythm and explosive brass section.

David Kim composed and features in the club dance intro track Summer Party.

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Girl’s day everyday 01. Summer party (Intro) 02. Darling 03. Look at me 04. Timing 05. Darling (Inst.)

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