Mulan 2020: Something Old Something New

Editor's note: Originally published on MacGMagazine, July 19 2019

As a ’90s baby, I grew up watching much of the pantheon of Disney‘s animated movies. I actually remember watching the trailer for the 1998 “Mulan.” The animation was unlike anything I had ever seen, the story full of elements I was semi-familiar with but still felt brand-new. Fa Mulan was also groundbreaking because she was actually inspired by Hua Mulan, a Chinese warrior and heroine. The whole thing rocked my world. Mulan quickly dethroned Belle and Cinderella as my favorite Disney princesses. It’s been 20 years, and the movie still holds a very dear place in my heart.

MACG Playlist: Great Debut Tracks

Debut songs are a tricky thing. You have to introduce yourself, as a group or a soloist, to the public after months of waiting. Yes, you are much more than one song, but you still want to make your best impression. Today, I want to take a trip down memory lane and discuss some of my favorite debut songs. These artists hit the ground running with stellar debuts that captured our attention and love..

Kang Daniel’s Debut Album

While the series Produce 101 has aided many careers, Kang Daniel is easily one of their biggest successes. His appearance on the second season and the subsequent debut with the group, Wanna One, launched the young idol’s career to new heights.

Kang Daniel quickly became a household name, appearing on numerous variety shows, magazine photoshoots and even breaking world records. After Wanna One disbanded, fans everywhere eagerly awaited his next move.

MACG Playlist: Black Producers

Playlist time! My editor recently told me that June is (among other things) Black Music Month. Between the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement and producer Tiffany Red‘s allegations of SM withholding payments from her, this felt especially timely.

Today, we’re going to focus on the Black artists and producers working behind the scenes of some of your favorite Korean songs. Before we get started, I want to give a special shout out to The Band 6, Big Bang’s tour band. While they’re not technically producers, they are a great band and deserve love. As someone who’s seen “Doom Dada” live, they deserve all the love.

Current Shifts in K-Pop

On May 7, Super Junior’s youngest member, Cho Kyuhyun, was discharged from the army. As a Super Junior fan, this is exciting news as we eagerly await for his future projects, both solo and with the group. But the news left me with some interesting feelings.

For starters, this is the first time in nearly 10 years Super Junior hasn’t had a member in the army. Think of all of the idol groups that have debuted and disbanded within that time. I’m sure you could measure how long they’ve been in the fandom by what member of Super Junior was in the army when they joined (Heechul for me). Yes, I’m happy that they’ve all finished their service, but a moment of silence is needed. It was the end of an era, everyone. We must pay our respect.

Secondly, I’m struck how much the scene of K-pop is changing.

Rapid Review: Geeks' "Backpack"

 For this edition of “Rapid Review,” I wanted to revisit one of the first Korean hip-hip albums I heard. I actually listened to more hip hop and rap than mainstream pop when I first got into Hallyu. I still listen to a few songs from this album but haven’t listened to the album in its entirety in a few years.

Kevin Feige Marvel’s New Creative Chief? Now What?

On October 15, Disney announced that Kevin Feige has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer. Previously the President of Production, the new position puts Feige as not only head of Marvel Studios but of publishing, animation, and live-action Marvel productions.

I’ve been on board for the MCU since the beginning. At this point, I had already fallen in love with superhero movies and am eager for more. However, I also had my hopes dashed by the cruel harbingers called Studio Interference and Rewrites. After experiencing “X-Men: The Last Stand,” “Superman Returns” and “Spider-Man 3” in a single year, you’re hardly the same person.

Rapid Review: Ladies Code's "Pretty Pretty" and "Bad Girl"

Welcome to another Rapid Review, dear reader. Continuing our journey into 2nd generation Kpop, we’re checking out Ladies’ Code. Today, I’m reviewing their first two albums, “Bad Girl” and “Pretty Pretty.” I initially planned to only review the first album, but the run time isn’t even 15 minutes.

Ladies’ Code debuted as a five-member group in February 2013 under Polaris Entertainment. Interestingly, some of the ladies had already made a name for themselves prior to debut. Sojung was a top-eight finalist of “The Voice of Korea” season one, and RiSe represented Japan in the Miss Korea competition in 2009. The other three, EunB, Ashley and Zuny, all trained in various other companies pre-debut.

LAY Zhang Release 2nd Half To “LIT” Album

LAY Zhang has released the final six tracks of his “LIT” album, much to his fans’ delight. Teaming up with influential producers Scott Storch and Murda Beatz, LAY strives to leave his revolutionary mark on the international music scene.

Rapid Review: "Busker Busker's First Album"

 Welcome to another round of Rapid Reviews! Lately, I’ve been focusing on girl groups from the 2012-2014 range. I did that because frankly, the boys get plenty of attention. However, I’m taking a brief break from mainstream K-Pop to talk about Busker Busker! Busker Busker was a 3-member indie rock band that formed around 2011.

Lay Zhang Releases Summer Anthem ‘BOOM’

With summer upon us, the race for the song of the season is heating up. While there are numerous artists working for the title, a new rival enters the competition: Lay Zhang. And if I’m being honest, none of us are prepared for this album.