Mina's Top Ten Female Idols/ Groups Ranking & Explanation

I tend to get good feedback when I do explanations for my rankings, and I wanted to post something.  If there is a subject you want me to weigh in on let me know.  I'm always looking for something to talk about.  The reason I'm not including guys in this is because boy bands can be a little inconsistent.  The majority I only care for their singles.  Arashi and Super Junior are probably my top two, but I haven't heard much from Super Junior and Arashi hasn't been as good since 2010.  Arashi, seriously what happened to those amazing singles.  (Their most recent album had some great songs, but really lacking when it came to hit singles.)


I think you guys will enjoy this because I explain why I like who I like.  I hope you find someone new that you like.  I tend to find being called 'biased' offensive because I don't follow groups based on looks or the members.  For me if I don't like the music then it is really hard for me to follow a group.  Personality and looks help, but I don't listen to music for their personality.  


1. AKB48
Why do I like AKB48 so much?  There are a lot of factors that play into it, but the main reason is that I enjoy a significant amount of their music.  The fact that they release so much, through singles, subgroups, and stages, likely increases the probability that I'll like some of it.  I also adore the variety in styles.  Yes, the majority is standard Pop, which is perfectly fine by my book, they also have songs that incorporate Rock and Hip-Hop.  Akimoto went through a little latin phase (Team A's 6th Stage).  I have a wide range of music I enjoy (from Nicki Minaj to Florence + the Machine, and so on).  Plus, a lot of the songs have nice lyrics.  They've also challenge themselves creatively.  Even their earlier singles had captivating promotional videos and choreography.  They are using their popularity to their advantage by working with some amazing artists and directors for their releases.  I'm looking forward to see how the new lyricists will do.  (If you haven't heard, Akimoto is hiring people to help him write music.)  With new influences coming in I hope to see the music develop.   


When I consider the interesting concept of 'a classroom' and watching the girls develop (Akimoto's CNN interview), I can overlook that some of the members aren't as talented as I would like them to be.  This is a major negative to me.  It also hurts the group because there are some strong vocalists, but the weaker members make them look bad.  Another thing that makes up for that is the range in members.  They have different personalities, and looks; there is pretty much someone for everyone.    



2. Brown Eyed Girls
Brown Eyed Girls are quite different than AKB48, which is probably why I am tempted to put them on top.  First off, the fact that they have members who are in their mid-twenties to thirties is lovely.  The entertainment industry in a lot of countries, especially for women, is very youth-orientated.  They are likely the most talented K-Pop, female, idol group.  They are the perfect kind of sexy.  (Confident and powerful sexy, not look-at-me and buy-my-music sexy.)  Both their singles and solo work tend to be spectacular.  My issue with them is, besides their singles, I don't like their music all too much.  Also, they don't release music all too often.  However, that is mostly the 'comeback' system in their industry's fault.  So basically, they are more talented than AKB48, equal in personality, but AKB48 has more music that I like.  However, the songs that I do like are so superb that they beat out SKE48 (who also have more songs that I like than BEG).  


3. SKE48
I have similar reasons why I like SKE48 compared to AKB48,  not unexpected since they have the same concept.  What surprised me was how different stylistically they are.  Their singles often make me imagine a lake or some body of water. They also tend to be more energetic dancers, this might be a Team S thing though.  SKE48's members have a different look compared to AKB48.  I really recommend watching their Zepp Nagoya (042910) and (122509) concerts; after I watched those I became a big fan.  They lack a variety show like AKBingo!, which is why I don't know their names or personalities well.  They've also improved the last couple of years.    


4. Perfume
I don't blog much about Perfume.  I don't have anything interesting to say about them.  I believe they are the definition of idols.  They seem perfect at all times, and reflect an ideal for women.  They also follow the guideline of being popular.  Perfume also has a good chance of continued long-term success, which is usually limited to male units.  Perfume's musical style, while unique, isn't my favorite.  I love it in the same way I love Enya.  It isn't exactly party music or something I would listen to often, but it is relaxing and enjoyable.    

5. NMB48
I had some trouble deciding where to place NMB48 on this ranking.  Their singles have been good, but nothing outstanding.  The members are surprising, considering how new they are to the industry, good performers.  I originally placed it lower, but then I considered their stage.  If you don't recall, I raved about their first stage.  This is partly due to AKB and SKE's debut stages weren't as good, in my opinion.  I can also see the Osaka flavor.  I didn't care for the song or PV for Oh My God!, however their performance made me like the song.  I think that is a good quality.  It was a really bland song, but they were so adorable.  They made me associate the two together.  Now I actually want to listen to the song.     


6. Morning Musume
You know how I said the main reason I love AKB is because of their music, that is what is hurting my interest in Morning Musume.  After viewing the PV for Renai Hunter, I've decided that I like the 10th generation.  (not as much as 9th gen.)  Plus, with Takahashi and Niigaki gone I adore all the members.  So, idol-wise they are in a great spot.  (there is a concern about talent because as far as I know Reina is the only strong vocalist, but I don't know about 9th and 10th gen.)  They just need to be more consistent with releases (that I like).  Renai Hunter was in the right direction.  (still want something more on the level of 10 MY ME and Maji Desu Ka Ska.)  I'm still hanging on because it wasn't too long ago from when I really enjoyed their releases.  Although, I'm impatient so I'm getting sick of waiting and disappointment.   


7. Tokyo Girls Style
I wasn't expecting much after their debut single, but they've done an amazing job thus far.  Their singles and albums have been good or better.  I like how they infuse the typical idol sound with other genres.  Keep it up ladies.  


 8. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Kyary had me at hello.  I find her singles addicting, but I wouldn't love them as much without the packaging.  Her PVs are spectacular.  Each one is different, but you see common imagery.  Kyary is not the most talented idol walking around vocally or in terms of music.  Excluding her singles, I don't care for her songs.  Her selling point is her concepts and creativity.  She knows how to sell it, and that is why I am always at the edge of my seat waiting for a new single.

9. Chocolat
I know this may piss off K-Pop fans when I've ranked this rookie group higher than most major groups like SNSD, Kara, and 2NE1.  I just like them better.  Their singles have been improving.  The fact that three members are biracial interests me.  Their dance practice videos are fun to watch.  I enjoy their performances.  Chocolat, especially my favorite Melanie, has strong vocals.  I root for them.  They also have the best English version for a Korean song that I've heard.  (I think SNSD's sucked.)       


10. Fairies
This is another rookie group, but from Japan.  They could surpass some of the above groups if they divided up the singing more.  I reject the E-girl groups because only two or three members sing when they have like seven members.  On that point, they've been improving.  Their dancing is wonderful.  I also adore most of their singles.  I also love their professional image.  (older groups could perform in the same clothes.)


Honorable Mention: Super Girls, C-ute, BiS, Momoiro Clover Z, 2NE1, and Kara.

Mina's K-Pop Hottie Picks (Girls Edition)

Since I'm still a noob when it comes to K-Pop I've yet to find a variety show to watch with English subtitles so that I can get to know the personalities of the various idols.  Therefore, what I'm going to do is  pick out who I find the most attractive of each group.  I will also provide a runner-up.  I'll remind you guys, like my wifey/BFF post this is based on my personal preferences.  I'm not saying any one member is definitely better than the rest because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  I thought I would do something fun in between my serious posts, plus I don't have too much time to spare today.  I'm not including explanations because this is based on looks.

Girls Generation (SNSD) - Sunny
Runner Up: Taeyeon

KARA - Jung Nicole
Runner Up: Han Seung Yeon

F(x) - Sulli
Runner Up: Amber

4Minute - Jihyun
Runner Up: Jiyoon

Chocolat - Melanie
Runner Up: Juliane

2NE1 - Minzy
Runner Up: CL

Wonder Girls - Sohee
Runner Up: Yubin

T-ara - Jiyeon
Runner Up: Boram

Brown Eyed Girls - Narsha
Runner Up: Gain

Miss A - Suzy
Runner Up: Min

Nine Muses - Hyemi
Runner Up: Kyungri

SunnyHill - Seung Ah
Runner Up: Ju Bi

The Meaning Behind BEG's Recent MVs

Let's begin with the recently released music video for Cleansing Cream.  This beautifully shot drama features no cameos from the actual members.  Due to the comments on YouTube over the confusion of the events that transpire, I will reveal my interpretation.

The tale follows the relationship between a married couple and the wife's younger sister who lives with them due to her disability(s).  I've considered other people's opinion that she is mentally impaired and faking her blindness, due to the fact that the sisters make eye contact towards the end.  But, after closing reviewing it I disagree.  It would seem odd, yes, that a blind girl would blindfold herself, however I believe it is because she is losing her sight.  I based this mostly on one particular sequence:

The sister seems to be thinking about something while staring at something, similar to how some people while pondering will look like they are staring cooly at something.

 This is followed by a cut to her eyes being covered, the transition.  She no longer has the ability to see.

The last segment of the sequence is her staring blankly, as if not looking at anything, like someone who is without the ability to see.  This assumption is reassured by the fact that while her sister and her husband are sleeping she still acts as if she is blind.  I would think that someone who can see would not be as careful or even put up this facade while no one is watching.  Plus, I think we unknowingly try to look at something as a natural safety measure.

But why is she behaving like this?  I assume that the odd behavior is either due to her losing her sight, which is an understandably difficult transition physically and mentally.  Or she may also have a slight mental handicap.  She loves and or looks up to her older sister.  This is clear due to her obsession of her older sister and her things.  She doesn't go to her sister husband first, but her sister.  She is euphoric near her older sister.  Her husband is an after thought, and only a curiosity due to her inability to see.  He just happens to be there; she never seeks him out.  Another scene is the younger sister in the closet.  She bypasses the husband's garments in order to caress her sister's.

Unfortunately, her older sister is plagued with doubt in her relationship with her husband.  When we first view the couple we see them facing away from each other, a strained marriage.  The older sister is surprised to see her sister touching him.  This causes her to be suspicious that they are having an affair.  While watching her sister and husband through the mirrors we see her face broken into pieces.

The final climatic scene is a collision between the two sisters.  The younger sister puts on make-up to emulate her idol.  The older sister is already on edge.  She is jealous of her younger sisters happiness while she is tormented.  Her pent up emotions boil over and she takes her little sister to the bathroom in order to wash off the make-up.  We can see the younger pleased by the attention unable to see her sister's frustration.  It is not until she is thrown into the tub that the younger realizes that something is wrong.  The older stops when they make eye contact, yanking out of her rage.  And that is where we are left in the story.

_____________________

Let me start with the disclaimer that my interpretation of this music video is not the 'official' meaning behind the imagery. According to the representatives from NegaNetwork, "Their title track is an expression of the limitations of experiencing music with only five senses, and it asks people to feel it instead with their sixth sense." This matches the lyrics well, but I find it does not come across naturally. Immediately after viewing it I believed it to be a metaphor for North Korea including their relationship with South Korea.

The imagery is reminiscent of North Korea.  The lights are focused on the soldiers, watched over by a hidden man seen through a video screen.  Soldiers stationed on the DMZ, on the Northern side, are watched by fellow soldiers to prevent them from crossing into South Korea.  The mask symbolizes Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung and how they are portrayed to their people is not a true portrayal.  (Example, North Koreans believe Sung could fly.)  The building is prison like with red flags.  The flags are symbolic of socialism and communism.  The building represents North Korea.  Across the gap is South Koreans with messages of resistance and encouragement to escape.

We see Ga-In, hands tied, beaten, in a dark room.  I thought this scene was an allusion to North Korean concentration camps.  Her hair is sleek, possibly from sweat.  Beatings are a common occurrence within the forced labor camps.  The darkness of the room suggests the lack of awareness about these conditions.  Products produced there are even exported to foreign countries like France, Russia, and Poland.  

Narsha's situation is equivalent to the famine and other poor conditions that humanitarians struggle with.  She is crawling around in sand, representing the barrenness of the land.  Her behavior becomes more desperate.  Animalistic instincts kick in when there is limited food like eating food off the mud.  Lights flash around her like how media attention to these issues flicker.

Jea's section symbolizes religion.  The branches reminiscent of the thorny crown that Jesus wore.  Pyongyang was once the heart of Christianity in Korea during the first half of the 20th century.  After the rise of the workers party it has been suppressed, however it is believed that there is a number of underground Christian groups.  Jea seems to be in pain or at least discomfort struggling in the water.  Rain continues to pore down on her, perhaps suggesting the persistent prosecution in North Korea of Christians.  (Possession of a bible is enough reason for arrest and deportation to a prison camp.)  

    

We see a soldier peak.  The conflict between desiring freedom and fear of the state.

The last BEG, Miryo, gains our attention.  I think the beautiful architecture and greenery symbolizes Pyongyang, the show capital.  Miryo is chained, forced to preach the state's ideology.  Koreans who receive the honor of living in the capital are only party loyalists.  

What some people say is inevitable is North Korea's collapse.  We see that possibility when the soldiers decide to revolt against the state.  

However, that is not the current situation.  Instead we see strained relationships between North and South, with aggression from the North.  Displayed as the soldiers charging at Brown Eyed Girls.

On a happy note: The dot above an i is called a tittle.  (happy face)  If you are interested about learning more about the situation in North Korea I happen to have a documentary series that I came up with.  Hey, it is better than reading a book.
1. National Geographic: Inside North Korea (An Overview)
2. A State of Mind (State Ideology)
3. Kimjongilia (Forced Labor Camps, the Lives of Soldiers, and tales from Other Escapees)
4. Seoul Train (The Underground Railroad)

BAMF of the Week

Brown Eyed Girls!

Yeah, I am biased.  However, the music industry is shallow and they have one member who is 30 and two are 29.  Ga-In is youngest at 24, which isn't young in terms of idols.  They come out with powerhouse vocals and performances as sexy, powerful women and not the stupid sexy, cute girl thing that a lot of those female K-Pop groups do.  They are one of the, if not the most, talented girl groups in Korea you probably can include Japan there as well.  LIKE A BOSS.

Mina's Back with her Top Ten Idol Ranking

I'm baaccck!  Thanks to having a set deadline because of midterms I caught up with all my classes.  After also getting over the worst cold I've ever had, as far as I can recall, I'm doing much better.  Since I still have a lot on my plate I spend every school night and Sunday in the library.  However, I need study breaks and this works well.  Anyway I got some stuff for you guys.  I am ranking my top ten idols of all genres (K-Pop, J-Pop, men and women).  I'm also starting a weekly series: BAMF of the Week.  Ideally it will be based on recent events, but if I don't pick up anything I'll use some that I want to recognize.  I'm thinking Fridays.  I decided to do it because it will be an easy way to keep blogging and I love me some bad-asses.  They won't always fit the general definition, but idols who do something spectacular or boundry-pushing.  Safe is boring.

1. Mii-chan (AKB)
She isn't always the frontrunner within AKB48.  She also seemed to settle for the comedian role within the group.  I miss her cute, cool, frontgirl presence she had.  That is what I get from watching her variety.  Put her in a single, concert, any kind of musical performance and she shines like she used to.  She is beautiful dancer and singer.  I think she should put her hair up more often because at the General Election she looked like perfection.  At the moment I just want to see her as and idol.  I'm not ready for her to become a comedian/ variety talent just yet.

2. Nino (Arashi)
The lonely, sexual powerhouse, handsomely cute, acting lyricist is Arashi's Nino.  I half loved, half wasn't too impressed, compared to the one before it, with their album.  However, one of stand-outs was Nino's solo which was absolutely lovely.  He is gifted in so many ways.  While I was in Japan my first host had a TV and Nino was on every other commercial break.  I never got sick of it because he was refreshing.  He got Oscar buzz for his role in Letters from Iwo Jima.  He has written music for Arashi.  He has a reputation as sex craved.  Maybe it comes from him being lonely, which is how he identifies himself.  Not to mention his TV personality is hilarious, sassy little bitch.

3. Narsha (BEG)
I'm quite anti-plastic, but I have a amnesty policy to those who are upfront about it.  It lets us know that they are not a realistic image.  Narsha always looks amazing, which mainly focuses around hair.  I worship her solo singles and her singles with Brown Eyed Girls.  Have you seen her hit that high note in Sixth Sense?  Damn BEG, that is why I desperately wait for your resurfacing.  I've watched some clips of Narsha on YouTube and I enjoyed watching her effervescence.  Girl, you fierce.

4. Acchan (AKB)
I was tempted to put her as my number one, but I didn't.  I just gravitate to her.  She is relatable, introverted, hardworking, and awhhh desirable!  I want to meet her more than Mii-chan.  I don't know what I would do if she wasn't center; she would probably be forever my oshi.  I am a bit disappointed that her next single sounds like another singer-songwriter track.  I am one for variety, which is why AKB is my favorite artist.  Infinite, well it is called a hyperbole, variety.

5. Riida (Arashi)
Ranking the rest of Arashi after Nino was difficult to say the least.  I almost had them all at number five, but I beat myself down because ties are unacceptable (if you've looked at number seven well then that's better than a four way tie).  Ohno is a great dancer, a wonderful singer, and adorably entertaining.  He is definitely one of the more American-guy friendly member (her fishes).  MatsuJun and Nino are both dedicating to getting in his pants, lolz.  I adore his rawesome, spiky dragonball hair.  Just look at his facial expression.  

6. Sho (Arashi)
I think the picture says it all. . . ok not really, I'm not that shallow.  I find it amusing that he is the rapper of the group and he is the one with the prestigious education.  My parents want me to attend Keio while I'm abroad, but Nanzan has a better Japanese and homestay program.  He is a good dancer and singer.  Plus, he has a belly button piercing.  He always does these over-the-top reactions/ facial expressions.  He is unfortunate when it comes to animals, with the exceptions of small, cute ones.  He reads the newspaper often, which is an attractive trait in guys.  Hey I like 'em smart.  Then again, with that body I wouldn't mind if he was dumb.  I give idols who attend college tons of points.

7. MatsuJun and Aibaka (Arashi)

Come on!  Aiba is hysterical (best person to watch for Engrish).  Jun is amazing in dramas and has a nice butt.  They are the weakest singers within Arashi.  I've been talking too long so I'm running out of steam, plus I'm trying out The Vampire Diaries to see if I'll dig it.  I can't even describe it.  

8. Sayaka (NMB)
I was skeptical when she was pushed as NMB48's center.  However, once I watched her perform Bird I was impressed.  I enjoyed it more than Takamina's performances.  She had an aura around her in their first stage.  I've enjoyed the glimpses of her in AKB48's single PVs.  I hope to see more of her.

9. Ga-In (BEG)
Meet the dark and sexy Ga-In.  Watch Brown Eyed Girls version of Gee and you'll see it.  She is a great dancer, one of my weak spots, that and being a bad-ass.

10. Takamina (AKB)
Wow, I know.  All of a sudden she has just been spectacular.  Before she was more of a comedian in my eyes, but she has been a bit more fashionable (without losing her personality) and has experimented with her hairstyle.  She is one of the best singers in AKB48, and she isn't a bad dancer to boot.  She has a complete package which is why she makes so many solo TV appearances.  I respect her because of her terrific leadership.

BEG Releases Epic New Music Video: Sixth Sense

Mina's favorite K-Pop group.
Update: I've cut down my work shifts and I will let myself start full-on blogging again once I catch up with my classes (preferable get ahead as well).