K-Pop vs. Old Pop, Halloween

I saw this sign last year when I visited Busan, and I took a picture because it cracked me up. Old Pop? Sounds like a very appealing genre.

I've heard the term come up several times this past year. Like in Summer Camp, when I was playing Jack Johnson during work time, and one of my students asked, "Teacher, this is Old Pop?" Uh...no.

I'm still not really sure what this Konglish term refers to, but I'm going to just guess and then go ahead and make another generalization. It seems there are three types of Korean music: "Old Pop," Sappy Love Ballads, and K-pop. There is a very distinct difference between Old Pop and the K-pop videos I've shared with you on this blog.

To demonstrate what Old Pop sounds like, I bring you (dubbed) Beyonce.

You will hear this type of music blasting from little radios in street markets or at the rest stops on bus trips. It always makes me giggle.

Fast forward to 2009, where K-pop groups are made up of good-looking, fashion forward kids with killer dance moves. I bring you the most requested video in my classes as of late, Shinee's "Ring ding dong." (Or "Ling ding dong," as one of my students scribbled on the assignment he was supposed to be working on last week)

Korean pop music has come a long way. Be sure to watch until the end when the boys sprout angel wings :)

Speaking of K-pop...

Last weekend was Halloween, and my two favorite costumes were K-pop stars. Much to Vicky and my delight, we spotted a pretty authentic-looking G-Dragon in Itaewon Saturday night.

Real G-Dragon:

Fake G-Dragon:


Also, a fellow S.M.O.E. Teacher made a very convincing Sandara Park from 2ne1.
Real Sandara: (She's the chick with the ponytail)

Fake Sandara:


I dressed as a Pop star as well, but an American one. I couldn't believe my luck in finding the perfect blonde wig with ridiculous hairbow attachment, but I did. Now I'm pretty sure you can find anything in Dongdaemun Market.
Real Gaga:

Fake Gaga:


I had a blast being a fake celebrity, with people calling out "Lady Gaga!" all night and asking for pictures with me. However, when my friend Chris showed up in his Waldo costume, I was totally upstaged. Everyone loves Waldo, apparently. I'm not bitter though...

Chris as Waldo/Wally

P.S. Did you know they call Waldo "Wally" in England? Crazy Brits.