Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
Here’s the thing: Mistakes happen. Sometimes they’re our mistake. Sometimes the outlet inputs errors. Sometimes parts of the review or article are cut out due to space issues. It’s not the end of the world. And unless we specifically say that we hate your favorite member, just assume that we don’t, OK?
BTS has done its share of guest spots that follow the standard routine: perform a song and then sit on the sofa chatting about what American food they like. But ever since their appearance last May on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” some American variety shows have gone out of their way to make things more unique.
“Anytime you hear the finished version of a song, it’s exciting,” says Ellis Miah, who co-wrote a song with BTS. “I think in any language, all the creators feel something special when they hear it. A song is more than lyrics. It’s melody and it’s emotion. While I don’t understand Korean, there is no mistaking the depth that V puts into this song.”
There have been some really great K-Dramas that had baseball arcs in their storyline. Yoo Yeon-seok had the second male lead role in “Reply 1994,” where he played a baseball player. And Jung Hae-in played a college baseball player who was so handsome that Gong Yoo’s character was jealous of him in “Goblin.”
A breezy “Hey-na-na-na” precedes their declaration of nothing being able to “Hold me down/ ‘Cuz you know I’m a fighter” makes it obvious that, like this entire album, “ON” is an exhortation to their fans, but also homage to their own career.
Sweet Lizzy Project vocalist and songwriter Lisset Diaz discussed how touring has given her the opportunity to see the world. “I am always on the road with the band, which is really cool,” says Diaz. “I get to know a lot of different places.”
“BTS at this point is much more than a pop band,” songwriter Ellis Miah said. “They are a force of nature. Their energy brings smiles and excitement everywhere they go. To be involved in writing a song with them is a huge honor.”
“E-news Exclusive” follows BTS to the Grammys, covers “Parasite” at the Oscars and also nabs the first interview with Ku Hye-Sun since her very public split from Ahn Jae-Hyun.
It’s no coincidence that the release date for Monsta X’s latest project “All About Luv” is on Valentine’s Day — title aside, all of its songs explore elements of relationships. But don’t call it a love album: for as many sweet nothings as the set contains, its most powerful tracks deal with breakups and deceit.
“From the age of 12, I was on tour all across North America in a 35-foot motor home with my family’s band The Neilsons,” says Tami Neilson, “I met and married a Kiwi and moved across the world to New Zealand 15 years ago. I am lucky enough to be a dual citizen of both countries.”