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Friday, December 13, 2019

[lyrics translation] Starry Night

Why is the excitement I wore for you
so bright and sweet? always always
My pocket is full of warmth, hold my hands
The paused time,
the night where only two of us exist

Starry night
at the end of this beautiful night (baby)
Under the starlight shining upon us yeah
In this cold winter, I come into your
warm arms that melt me in
baby baby baby baby baby

So soon once again
It’s the season where the world turns white
The colder wind, thicker coats
We got closer
With a flower that bloomed
at the end of the cold winter

The playful scribbles we left
on the frosty window
Only I know that

Starry night
at the end of this beautiful night (baby)
Under the starlight shining upon us yeah
In this cold winter, I come into your
warm arms that melt me in
baby baby baby baby baby

Under the moonlight just the two of us
A scene I’ve imagined at least once
Remember this moment
Come closer to me
so that I can come into your arms
This lovely night and
The moment only we share
Feel it more baby baby baby

Oh Feel the night
at the end of this beautiful night
Snowflakes falling down as if the sky is blessing us
Before our own memories that are naturally left
The warm excitement is rushing in
baby baby baby baby baby

The flowing moments in the time
The precious couple
Forever like this babe

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

[hangul lyrics] Starry Night - The 2nd Mini Album

1. Starry Night (feat. Crush)

작사 보아(BoA) , Crush 작곡 이종훈 , K.imazine , Crush 편곡 이종훈 , K.imazine

널 위해 꺼내 입은 설레임은
왜 이리 밝고 달아 always always
따스한 온기 가득한
내 주머니, 손 잡아봐
잠시 일시 정지된 시간
우리 둘만 존재하는 밤

Starry night 아름다운 이 밤 끝에 (baby)
우리를 밝혀주는 별빛 아래 yeah
차가운 이 겨울도
나를 녹여주는 그대의
포근한 품 안에 안겨 난
baby baby baby baby baby

어느새 또 한번
세상이 하얗게 변하는 계절
차가워진 바람 두꺼워진 외투
더욱 좁혀진 우리 사이

시린 겨울 끝에
피어난 꽃을 내밀어
뽀얗게 서려진 창문에 남겨둔
장난스런 낙서
나만 아는 걸

Starry night 아름다운 이 밤 끝에 (baby)
우리를 밝혀주는 별빛 아래 yeah
차가운 이 겨울도
나를 녹여주는 그대의
포근한 품 안에 안겨 난
baby baby baby baby baby

달빛 아래 단 둘이서
한번쯤은 상상해봤던 scene
기억해 이 순간을
내게 조금 더 가까이
다가와 안길 수 있게

사랑스런 이 밤 그리고
둘이서만 함께 나누는
시간을 조금 더 느껴봐
baby baby baby

Oh Feel the night 아름다운 이 밤 끝에
저 하늘도 축복하듯 내린 눈꽃
자연스레 남겨진
우리만의 추억 그 앞에
따스한 설레임 밀려와
baby baby baby baby baby

흘러가는 시간들 in the time
소중한 두 사람
지금처럼 영원히 babe



2. Black

작사 보아(BoA) 작곡 보아(BoA), Shaun Kim 편곡 보아(BoA), Shaun Kim3

널 이해하지만 Waiting (waiting)
But you know why (why)
나름대로 노력하고 참아보잖아 (ay)
모두 다 Say it (say it)
부정은 못하지만
너와 나는, 우리 둘,
그래 색이 다를 뿐

너무 짙은 둘이 얽혀서
검게 타버린 것뿐인데
We just turned out black black

배려 없던 시절에
철없는 아이들 장난 속에
쓰라림도 어떤 아픔도
몰랐던 나 그리워

이 Track 위에 너와 나
다시 Go back
갈라진 Crack
메꾸지 못한 채 Black
원한 건 분명해
근데 왜 대답은 No
Already know,
gone faraway,
we can’t go back

지루하고 기나긴
이 게임이 끝나갈 무렵에도
When we all done yeah

행복했던 미소도,
따스하게 오가던 그 말도
검게 타버린 추억의 재로 남겠지
It’s all in me with black

가진 게 많아도 늘 부족했었지
원하는 게 너무나 많았지
아무리 애를 써도
널 만족시키지 못할 뿐 였지
아무런 말이라도 내게 좀 꺼내봐
If you so, 거짓말이라도
Boy you gotta tell me

이 Track 위에 너와 나
다시 Go back
갈라진 Crack
메꾸지 못한 채 Black
원한 건 분명해
근데 왜 대답은 No
Already know,
gone faraway,
we can’t go back

검게 타버린 우린 Black
모래시계를 Black
돌려놓을 수 있다면 Black
기억 속에 우리가 반짝이던 시간

검게 타버린 우린 Black
미워하는 마음 Black
이젠 내려놓고 싶어 Black
잠시 선을 긋고
우릴 천천히 돌아보고 싶어

번들어진 조명 Woo
그 속에 보잘것없는 모습
감추고 지우고 난
짙은 화장 속에 내 맘을 가려

난 멀리 도망쳐 Woo
누구도 찾지 못할 곳으로
이제서야 끝을 맺을 것만 같아
Baby 이제 Goodbye

이 Track 위에 너와 나
다시 Go back
갈라진 Crack
메꾸지 못한 채 Black
원한 건 분명해
근데 왜 대답은 No
괜찮은 척 아무일도 없었던 척

검게 타버린 우린 Black
You and me going back

Black,
Come and go 그리고 Gone

Black,
You and me going back

Black,
And there you go
Baby 이제 Goodbye



3. Butterfly

작사 조윤경 작곡 Tha Aristocrats, Sophia Pae, Dashawn Happie White, Yusuke 편곡 Tha Aristocrats

어지럽게 내 맘에 날아든 향기로움
나도 모르게 계속 피어나는 건
또 다른 꿈

외로움도 잊게 불어온 바람에
펼쳐진 두 날개 끝이
떨려오잖아 yeah

저 높은 하늘을 그리며 날아올라
날아가

새하얀 Butterfly 지금 날아 봐
눈부시잖아 좀 더 멀리, 좀 더 멀리
Butterfly 빛을 따라가
멈출 수도 없는 걸
아름다운 Butterfly

좀 더 높게 자유롭게 날아가
Butterfly Butterfly Butterfly
날아가

알 수 없는 내일이 닿을 듯한 거리에
아른대는 꿈
아찔하게 거센 비가 내려도
지나면 그뿐인 걸

저 높은 하늘을 그리며 날아올라
날아가

새하얀 Butterfly 지금 날아 봐
눈부시잖아 좀 더 멀리, 좀 더 멀리
Butterfly 빛을 따라가
멈출 수도 없는 걸
아름다운 Butterfly

좀 더 높게 자유롭게 날아가
Butterfly Butterfly Butterfly
날아가

저 멀리 날 불러주는 이 느낌
따라가는 걸 다시 새롭게
찾아가면 돼 yeah
Higher

Butterfly 다시 깨어나
너를 찾아가 좀 더 멀리, 좀 더 멀리

Butterfly별을 따라 간
기억마다 머물던 나의 작은 Butterfly

좀 더 높게 자유롭게
날아가 Butterfly yeah
Butterfly Butterfly
날아가 My butterfly yeah




4. I Don't Mind

작사 제이큐(JQ), 박지희(makeumine works) 작곡 The Stereotypes, Maxx Song, Rodnae 'Chikk' Bell 편곡 The Stereotypes

Woo Ohnanana
Ay 나를 표현할 색이 있다면
세상을 온통 나로 마음껏 칠해볼 텐데
푸른 바다를 다 물들일 텐데 Ah-yeah

Love 사랑이라는 색은 무얼까?
빨갛다는 건 너무 뻔해 재미없잖아
말해봐

봄바람 타고 종일 흩날리는 꽃잎을 닮은
향기로운 분홍빛도 잘 어울려
어떤 색이라도
I really really really really
really really really really
really really really don’t mind Oh-oh

정오의 햇살처럼 타오르는 우리의 청춘
한 여름의 초록빛도 잘 어울려
어떤 색이라도
I really really really really
really really really really
really really really don’t mind Oh-oh

I really don’t don’t mind
(I don’t mind, I don’t mind, I don’t mind)

부드러운 Pastel color oh yeah
내 맘속에 녹아 번져
네게 스며들어 점점 네 마음도 점점
둘이 섞여 하나가 돼 Ah-yeah

And 행복이라는 색은 어떨까?
어떤 색깔을 입혀 난 행복이라 말할까?
말해봐

천천히 스며들듯 깊어지는 우리의 사랑
짙게 물든 노을빛도 잘 어울려
어떤 색이라도
I really really really really
really really really really
really really really don’t mind Oh-oh

순수한 어린아이 눈을 가진 너는 내 행복
새하얗게 내린 눈도 잘 어울려
어떤 색이라도
I really really really really
really really really really
really really really don’t mind Oh-oh

I really don’t don’t mind

우리가 만나 함께 한다는 건
새로운 색을 만들어 가는 것
Beautiful Beautiful
And that’s the reason I find

봄바람 타고 종일 흩날리는 꽃잎을 닮은
향기로운 분홍빛도 잘 어울려
어떤 색이라도
I really really really really
really really really really
really really really don’t mind Oh-oh

정오의 햇살처럼 타오르는 우리의 청춘
한 여름의 초록빛도 잘 어울려
어떤 색이라도
I really really really really
really really really really
really really really don’t mind Oh-oh

I really don’t don’t mind




5. 보여 (Think About You)

작사 Kenzie 작곡 Kenzie, Sophia Ayana, Caesar & Loui 편곡 Caesar & Loui

밤이 서늘해지네
노을빛 계절 위에
변하는 것들이 있어 yeah
모른 채 지나가는
그런 순간 말이야

하지만 그거 알아?
우리도 달라졌단 걸
I know crazy things I really wanna do

편했던 우리 농담들이
재밌기만 하던 장난이

유치해져 더 이상
재미없어
난 갑자기 널
생각하기 시작했어

Yeah I only wanna think about you
Yeah I only wanna think about you
너만 보여 너만 들리고
Yeah I only wanna think about you
Hey Hey

그래 이젠 네가 보여, 보여
모르겠어 너만 보여, 보여

가끔 내가
꿈속에 있는 사람
같다며 놀려대던 너
그럴 때 난 널 보고 있는 걸

왜 달리 보이는 걸까
내 안의 뭔가 달라진 걸까
뭔가 넌 말하는데 블라블라
Cause’ I only wanna get to you

편했던 우리 농담들이
재밌기만 하던 장난들이

Yeah I only wanna think about you
Yeah I only wanna think about you
너만 보여 너만 들리고
Yeah I only wanna think about you
Hey Hey

그래 이젠 네가 보여, 보여
모르겠어 너만 보여, 보여

우린 알아
뭔가 달라지는 밤이야
감춰지지 않아

모른 채 지나가는
그런 순간을 잡아
그래 그렇게 어느 날
널 생각하기 시작했어

네가 보여
모르겠어 너만 보여

Yeah I only wanna think about you
Yeah I only wanna think about you
너만 보여 너만 들리고
Yeah I only wanna think about you
Hey Hey

그래 이젠 네가 보여
(네가 보여 네가 보여)
보여
(네가 보여 네가 보여)
모르겠어 너만 보여 보여




6.말린 장미 (Dry Flower)

작사 보아(BoA), 조윤경 작곡 보아(BoA), Recep Uenel, 김진훈 편곡 Recep Uenel, 김진훈

너의 부드러운 말
투박한 두 손에 가득했던 꽃
내게 내밀어 주던 순간
눈물이 툭 터져버린 나

낡은 책 몇 권으로 채운 좁은 방 안
빨간 장미는 혼자 유난히 눈부셔
널 생각하며 바라볼 때마다
내 맘 너머에 빛이 가득해

Oh 참 이상하지 또 어느새 천천히
무뎌지다가 조금씩 바래져가듯
우릴 둘러싼 너무 아름다운 기억이
아무 말 없이 멀어짐이

오랫동안 널 간직하고 싶어
햇살이 잘든 곳에
늘 볼 수 있는 곳
향기 가득할 수 있게

어느샌가 항상 그곳에
그저 익숙한 내 일상의 하나가 되어
아파했던 이별 속에도
여전히 그 자릴 지켜왔겠지

Oh 참 이상하지 또 어느새 천천히
무뎌지다가 조금씩 바래져가듯
우릴 둘러싼 너무 아름다운 기억이
아무 말 없이 멀어짐이

내 맘속에 기억 속에 Woo

흐릿하게 벤 것만 같은 향기들은
진짜인지 아님 행복했던 잔상인 건지
긴 시간 속에 왜 이렇게 아직 여전하니
빛을 잃어 말라버린 기억에 yeah
Yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah
(You’ll always in my heart)

유난히 더 싱그러웠던 네 모습이 날
더 눈이 부시게 만들어
너와 날 감싼 빛을 가득 품은 꽃잎이
바람을 타고 멀어지지

Oh 참 이상하지 또 어느새 천천히
무뎌지다가 조금씩 바래져가듯
우릴 둘러싼 너무 아름다운 기억이
아무 말 없이 멀어짐이

Yeah yeah yeah
Yeah yeah

Sunday, November 3, 2019

「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood in Seoul 」191026 fanaccount


I was lucky enough to attend the Oct26 #mood in Seoul concert. Things have become so easy now, my fellow Jumpings. See, if only you have the money to spend, it's super easy for international fans to go to BoA concerts now! (at least the ones in Korea)

First, I got my ACE membership (from yes24) of course. Ace members got to buy the concert tickets in advance (again from yes24 gosh how I love this site for accepting overseas address and overseas credit card. Japan should learn from this) 

When I logged in yes24, I saw the floor seats labelled as STANDING, so I spent precious minutes choosing between standing and sitting seats (because I'm not quite young lol and probably would have a hard time standing for 2 hours straight) damn it! I eventually went with sitting seat in D1 section below. From the chart, it appears my seat is in row 8 from the stage at the side. Because row 1-7 were mostly booked, this is the best seat for me.

my seat: the blue dot right there

But but but!!! The real seating is different! The chart is so misleading. You have to rotate (clockwise) the chart! My seat is actually in 2nd row and 2nd seat from the left. The 1st row has only 3 seats and empty spaces for the 3 (non-existent) wheelchairs and no one is sitting in the 1st row so no one was blocking my view! wow!

Comparing to the standing blocks, my seat would be about their 11th row or so though. But!! most important of all! The standing seats have folding chairs! I feel so stupid damn it! T-T What can I do but to kick myself?  From my seat, I can identify BoA's body and limbs with naked eyes (LOL I could do that from the last row, 2nd floor in ZEPP too though) but can't see her face. With my terrible eyesight, I had to rely on the screens for her face. I can see her movements clearly though which is a bless in and of itself. ^^ 

Anyway, I was very impressed with the official lightstick. This is my first time going to a concert with such system. The light color and blinking are controlled centrally. Some people have the #mood lightstick (from JPN concerts) and these lightsticks stand out because they're always yellow with no blinking and stay on when all the others went black. I got my official lightstick from sm store at COEX early in the day as I wanted to make sure I got it (since lightsticks always sold out fast at JPN concerts) Batteries are sold separately though so don't make a mistake. hehe

I'm always out of my mind whenever I see BoA and naturally cannot remember much. But this concert went by so fast! It felt like only half on hour. I was in constant fear of the concert being over soon. (poor me) BoA didn't talk much compared to her JP concert. She even asked for topics from the audience. The audience didn't talk to her much either and I think it's because of this instruction not to throw personal comments to BoA. Read the instruction below. It was printed in the back of the fan event picket. This was placed in every seat before the concert started.



fan event picket - front





BTW, did you catch that this is taken from Milky Way lyrics? 'me' is changed to 'us' (We need you. please always be by our side)

The slogan for the 2nd day is taken from Someday Somewhere lyrics. (Being able to love you is our good fortune) again 'my' is changed to 'our' here

fan event picket - back
 Did you see? The last line said we are not to talk to BoA except it's something not personal and what is and what is not? Who's to judge? It's ironic how BoA was more comfortable talking in her JPN concerts. But Korean fans are more energetic and passionate when it comes to cheering/screaming. I got ringing in my ears several times because of the screaming. lol and they stood up from the start without BoA telling them to. It was fabulous. and I was sitting at the side too. Imaging if I sit in the center of the standing block. Maybe I'd go deaf for a few days. lol


The first day encore call was a mess though. It was really confusing. After the fan event pickets were printed, they had a change of plan so they printed additional instruction in a little piece of paper and placed it in every seat along with the picket. See if you can figure out what to do for encore?

additional instruction for encore
I must admit after reading (I read the English) I was under an impression that we are to sing Milky Way after the first encore song (Wishing Well) but instead of the short version as printed on the picket, we'll instead sing the longer version as printed in the supplemental piece of paper.

When the time for encore came though, people were doing different things. Some started singing Milky Way (I thought they misunderstood the instruction and sang too early). Some started calling Bo-Ah repeatedly. And some started calling B-o-A. Bo-Ah and B-o-A quickly merged together to Bo-Ah-B-o-A loop. Some time along the way, Milky Way overpower and won. After that it went back to  Bo-Ah-B-o-A.

After the concert, I tried reading the Korean instruction and finally came to understand that the plan was for us to start singing Milky Way instead of chanting Bo-Ah-B-o-A. So those who sang Milk Way right after BoA went in were actually correct to do so.

About the concert itself, as many have already talked about it, I don't know what to write anymore lol I was definitely ecstatic to see Irreversible and Don't Know What To Say live (What a pleasant surprise!! I mean why am I so lucky??!!! words can't describe how privileged I feel >_< )

I was a little dejected about kiseki and kimochiwa tsutawaru not being performed though >_< oh also a little disappointed that the shot silver strips didn't have any BoA's handwriting's on it too.  They were blank. (unlike the ones in JPN)

The peak of the concert was Rock With You, if you ask me. A rather unpopular opinion perhaps? Everyone was on fire for that song, I feel.

Hope you have fun reading my fanaccount and also hope that everyone can attend BoA's concerts in the future. She's here to stay so don't feel discouraged. IT WILL HAPPEN!! (low key wishing for a Bangkok stop for her 20th anniversary tour next year. wi-wi-wishing well hahaha)



Saturday, November 2, 2019

[lyrics] Wishing Well

Lyrics: Chica
Music: Andy Love, Ludwig Lindell

あれからどれくらい経っただろう
見上げた空は静かに広い
月は満ちて 街照らして 行き交う人達の中
佇み一人身を焦がし探す君の姿

瞳を閉じて何度も祈ってみたけど
思いは届かない

君と二人で踊る夢を見た
名前も知らないけど
もう一度だけ君に会いたくて
願いをかける いつか届けWishing Well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

"Just a dream"
人はそういうけど
触れた時の感触すら超鮮明に覚えてる just like real
君の肩に 頬乗せ妙に 早まる鼓動のリズム
少し口をつけただけのリカー 濡れたグラス

瞬きの後 映る世界に
君はいない

どうか覚めない夢の中でまた
君と踊れますように
今度はきっと名前を尋ねよう
願いをかける いつか届けWishing Well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

できることなら 君を
この世界へ 連れ出したい
なんて 夢のまた夢?
諦めない

君と二人で踊る夢を見た
名前も知らないけど
もう一度だけ君に会いたくて
願いをかける いつか届けWishing Well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well


Romaji 

(credit: http://kpoplyrics2you.blogspot.com/2019/10/boa-wishing-well-lyrics.html)
are kara dore kurai tatta darou
miageta sora wa shizuka ni hiroi
tsuki wa michite machi terashite
yukikau hitotachi no naka
tatazumi hitori mi wo kogashi sagasu kimi no sugata
me wo tojite nando mo inottemita kedo
omoi wa todokanai

kimi to futari de odoru yume wo mita
namae mo shiranai kedo
mou ichido dake kimi ni aitakute
negai wo kakeru itsuka todoke Wishing well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

“Just a dream” hito wa sou iu kedo
fureta toki no kanshoku sura chou senmei ni
oboeteru Just like real
kimi no kata ni hou nose myou ni
hayamaru kodou no rizumu
sukoshi kuchi wo tsuketa dake no rikaa
nureta gurasu

mabataki no ato utsuru sekai ni
kimi wa inai

dou ka samenai yume no naka de mata
kimi to odoremasu you ni
kondo wa kitto namae wo tazuneyou
negai wo kakeru itsuka todoke Wishing well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

dekiru koto nara kimi wo
kono sekai e tsuredashitai
nante yume no mata yume?
akiramenai

kimi to futari de odoru yume wo mita
namae mo shiranai kedo
mou ichido dake kimi ni aitakute
negai wo kakeru itsuka todoke Wishing well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well


Translation

How long was it since then?
The sky above is silently wide
Full moon is lighting up the streets. People crossing each other
But I stand alone, burning myself, trying to find you.

I tried closing my eyes and prayed numerous times
But my thoughts couldn't reach you

I saw a dream of me dancing with you
But I don't know your name
I just want to meet you once more
I'm making a wish. Hoping it'll reach you someday Wishing Well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

"Just a dream"
People always say that
But the touch I felt, I still remember very vividly just like real
Putting my cheek on your shoulder, my quickening heartbeat rhythm 
The liquor I drank a little and the moist glass

After a blink, in the world that appears to my eyes
You are no longer there

Please, please let me dance with you
In the never ending dream
I'll definitely ask for your name this time
I'm making a wish. Hoping it'll reach you someday Wishing Well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

If I can, 
I'll bring you to this world
But perhaps it's a dream on top on another dream?
I won't give up

I saw a dream of me dancing with you
But I don't know your name
I just want to meet you once more
I'm making a wish. Hoping it'll reach you someday Wishing Well

Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well
Wi-wi-wi-wi-wi-wishing-we-we-we-we-well

「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood -」in Seoul 20191026-27 Set List

Opening VCR

1. Dangerous
2. Hurricane Venus
3. Girls On Top

MC

4. Kiss My Lips
5. Irreversible
6. Encounter

Band Performance

7. Don't Know What To Say
8. Love and Hate
9. Only One

MC

10. Like It!
11. AMOR

MC

Medley
12. Sweet Impact
13. Amazing Kiss
14. Rock With You
15. Dakishimeru

VCR (BGM : Your Song)

16. ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT
17. Woman
18. NEGA DOLA

MC

19. No.1
20. VALENTI
21. MASAYUME CHASING

Encore
22. Wishing Well
xx. 七色の明日~brand new beat~ (Only on Oct27)
23. Feedback








Friday, September 27, 2019

ELLE SINGAPORE OCTOBER 2019



In an industry where the life span of one’s career, along with fame and recognition, can be as ephemeral as seasonal fashion trends, BoA, one of Korea’s pioneering popstars, is seemingly eternal.

At just 32 years old, it is hard to wrap one’s head around the fact that South Korean singer- songwriter BoA’s 19-year career is older than many of the Generation Z youths, the ones who fill the concert stadiums of other newly minted K-Pop stars. Most 20- and 30-somethings would recall her omnipresence during the early aughts; from picking out her albums at HMV and bobbing to its dance-pop tracks on a silver Discman, to her stage name (a stylised abbreviation of her first name, of which both are enunciated in the same manner) often being uttered in the same breath as fellow turn-of-the-millennium rising stars Ayumi Hamasaki and Jay Chou when asked about one’s favourite musician.

Today, going by the metre that is the power and prevalence of K-Pop (and K-Beauty, and K-Drama) in global culture, the monumental depth of her imprint might be unintentionally dwarfed. Idol groups such as GIRLS’ GENERATION and SUPER JUNIOR that collectively dismantled geographical borders for K-Pop in the last decade — paving the way for current bands like BTS and Blackpink to reach even the furthest-flung corners of the world — tend to overshadow BoA’s feat as a solo Korean pop act. One that commanded Asia’s attention, without the reach of social media, nearly two decades ago.
Like the letting up of a downpour the moment you’re due out the door, or the train arriving just as you set foot onto the platform, her beginnings in the music industry can be considered a happy coincidence. BoA had followed her older brother to a talent competition organised by SM Entertainment in 1998 and in the process, ended up getting signed on herself. Two years later, at just 13 years old, she released her first full-length album ID; Peace B. Although it wasn’t until the singer set her sights on Japan, that the “BoA effect” would realise its full potential.

With a new audience in mind, she released her first Japanese album Listen To My Heart shortly after the first, which topped the Oricon Albums Chart, Japan’s domestic equivalent of the Billboard Charts. Nominations and wins at the Japan Record Awards followed, along with recognition at South Korea’s own Mnet Asian Music Awards. Treading both genres of K-Pop and J-Pop subsequently, her succeeding releases would mark major milestones of her career — albums like Valenti (2003) and Best of Soul (2005) moved over a million copies in Japan — and fortify her popularity.
Then came the time when BoA ventured out of her comfort zone, Asia, making a move across the Atlantic. “When I was younger, becoming a singer was somewhat of an obscure dream. Something unrefined, and not well thought out. Now, it is the way I can give satisfaction to a bigger audience, and create greater expectations,” she says. This was between 2008 to 2010, and while her American takeover was brief, it was during this time that she left an indelible mark on Korean music history; alongside Wonder Girls, she became the first Korean pop act to make it onto the Billboard Charts.


The recent years have seen her fill bigger shoes in the music industry, lending her expertise to aspiring acts as a judge on singing competitions. But at the same time, she’s still keeping score, and tirelessly augmenting an already prolific repertoire with a constant flow of fresh music. “Music can be healing for some people and it can give energy to others. It can also be a way to share and heal one’s pain. Through this, I also feel the emotions they feel when listening to my music, which is a large part of why I find music so charming,” BoA muses, on her dedication to the craft.
The eponymous single of BoA’s latest album, Woman, sees her proclaiming in that ever so slightly sultry voice of hers that she’s beautiful, stylish and modern — just the way she is. It’s an ode not unlike a Bruno Mars anthem, but the lyrics are self-penned and of course, in reference to herself. As the song starts off with the sound of high heels clicking against the floor, its strides purposeful, one can’t help but think it’s as if BoA has only just arrived. Even 19 years on.

You’ve been in the music industry for a long time now. What do you think is music’s greatest appeal?
Music can be healing for some people and it can give energy to others. It can also be a way to share and heal one’s pain. Through this, I also feel the emotions they feel when listening to my music, which is a large part of why I find music so charming.
And what does it mean to you?
Music, without doubt or hesitation, goes hand in hand with my life.
How has your perspective towards being a singer evolved?
When I was younger, becoming a singer was somewhat of an obscure dream. Something unrefined, and not well thought out. Now, it is the way I can give satisfaction to a bigger audience, and create greater expectations.
How do you hope your fans perceive your music?
I always tell my fans that they are friends who I share my time with. I hope that my music, and me as a person, can play the same role to them.
Fashion and style play a huge part in music, and to you as well. Why do you think it’s important?
You can tell the personality and character of a person by the way they are dressed. For example, my professional persona has to show the type of music I’m about in a single photo.
How does your personal style differ from that of your professional persona?
My style as BoA changes a lot depending on the songs. When it comes to just me, I tend to wear similar things consistently… And that’s workout pants (laughs).
What does having a healthy mind mean to you?
Living optimistically. I’ve been working for a long time now, and I often think [in the face of difficult situations], “This will pass.” I also try not to get angry, and to be understanding and more open-minded. When I realised that there is no one in the world that thinks and acts the same way as I do, everything became easier. Thinking negatively isn’t good for your mental and physical health.
What would you like to say to your past self?
I’d like to say, “Thank you very much.” Honestly, if you asked me to do everything I did in the past, I really don’t think I would be able to do so now. I had worked very hard, and I think I’ve lived that life to its fullest potential.

Interview: Lee Kyung Kim | Photographs: Yong Bin Choi | Creative Direction: Jack Wang & Jumius Wong | Styling: Suk Won Kim | Hair: Min Young / Kim Hwal Ran Musee Neuf | Makeup: Su Min Jo | Producer: Lee Kyung Kim
This article first appeared in ELLE Singapore’s October issue.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood -」MC translation

Sagamihara first day 190922 

credit: @nitt_1105

"Good evening everyone. It's BoA! ehh..  Welcome to BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 #mood las..t...first day!"

(BoA was going to say last day but realized her mistake first.)

"Tour rehearsal was quite long so in my mind, it feels like the last day already."

"Isn't it raining?"

(Sure thing. It did rain.)

"A certain part of  a certain song was embarrassing."
(referring to "I'm no longer a girl but not yet a woman." talk part in Dakishimeru)

"Since it's the first day, I'm a little nervous. Please forgive me."

"I'm not good at MC." to audience who comes for the first time
(BoA keeps saying that but every fan says her MC is funny, at least from all the tweets that I read.)

BoA talks with Sakurai during MC

Staff always prepare MC topics but "I never follow them."

To a child who just woke up from a sleep in the audience "Kid! Have fun!"

"Set list was purposefully made to remind you of your youth... LOL Did it work?"

BoA asked a young dancer that she didn't know this song, right? The young dancer replied that her mother listened to it! BoA said "That's painful to hear..."

BoA talked about Bangkok (KCRUSH concert the day before) "My head is all jumbled up."



Sagamihara second day 190923 

credit: @nitt_1105

BoA "Tokyo, are you ready?!"
Everyone "??(what)?? wooooo!!!!"

Even though it's not Tokyo (Sagamihara is in Kanagawa) but everyone went along with BoA. Such a warm and kind atmosphere.

BoA talked about embarrassing lines in Dakishimeru again. This time, longer talk. LOL

BoA "It's just that my career is long but I'm still young!"

A fan asked about lunch
BoA "I had shin-ramen"
(instant noodles)

Recently BoA's alcohol tolerance has been dropping. She gets a hangover just by drinking one can of beer.
So BoA's new favorite drink is Wilkinson carbonated water. She'll drink some with ice after concerts to refresh herself.


BoA talked to Higechan (drummer) during MC but Higechan didn't have a mic set up so BoA will have one set up for him starting from Fukuoka concert.

BoA talked about how the band and dancers get along really well and audience can feel it during band and dancer introduction.



Fukuoka 190928

credit: @s47741666

Crowd went wild starting from the first 3 songs "Fukuoka danced and sang with me since the beginning. This is the best opening ever."

After singing SUKIDAYO -MY LOVE-, BoA said she was told by her manager that she made a mistake and sang "sono te"(that hand) instead of "kono te"(this hand) at the Sagamihara concerts.

Yesterday at airport arrival, a highschool fangirl handed her a letter written in Korean (the fan is actually Japanese). BoA's manager stopped the fan from taking pictures. "My manager is so cold."

Heavy rain started right before the concert start time.
"It was raining cats and dogs, right? Let's sell umbrella as tour goods next time. The kind that can be used for both sun and rain."

fan "Make the goods cheaper"
BoA "Staff, please make them cheaper"

fan "What toner do you use?"
BoA "It's a secret."
another fan "What about foundation?"
BoA "Why are you guys so stubborn? I'll ask my make up artist next time."
BoA said she usually didn't do make up herself.

BoA saw a fan holding Wilkinson bottle "It tastes better cold!"

MC during medley, as she tried to work the crowd "I'm not really good at working the crowd. Can you make louder noises?" <-- direct order to the drummer.

BoA confessed she had mentaiko with beer after saying she's stopped drinking only a few days ago. LOL



Saitama 190930

credit: @astrodice0130

BoA was so cute twirling her ponytail while saying she was bad at MC-ing.

There was a kid sitting in the front and BoA went crazy over him/her! "Are you having fun? Will you come to my concert again? You are so cute!!"

BoA "Next is the last song."
fan "ehhhhhhhhh?????"
BoA (twisting her body while mimicking fans) "ehhhhhh???????"

BoA "Today is DVD filming day! I'm so nervous. On DVD filming day, I tend to make mistakes I normally don't."
BoA said she was nervous because of DVD filming but MC today is the longest ever.

BoA made a mini heart and big heart and a lot of peace pose at the end of nanairo no ashita.

BoA "Recently I'm drinking apple juice."
fan "really?"
a kid "Is it 100% juice?"
BoA (can't hear)"eh??... ah" (in kid's voice) "yes it's 100 percent"

Concert is on work day so BoA was a little interested about the fans' work hours.
BoA "Did you guys come from work? Did you take a half day leave? Work until 5pm? Not until 7pm?? It is 5pm in Japan? So do you guys run out when the bell rings? You cannot? ..."

BoA asked band members whether they were nervous because of the cameras. Sakurai(pianist) said he was nervous and planned not to speak but eventually did anyway.

Higechan(drummer) who BoA wanted to have mic installed for him since Kanagawa did have his mic in Fukuoka concert but didn't get to say anything at all in Fukuoka. BoA confessed she totally forgot to let him talk. lol Anyway he did get to talk in Saitama so it's all good.

Guitarist (or was it bassist) said he carefully made his face for the camera.
BoA: "show me!! .... LOL you look 90's"

BoA told fans about the SUKIDAYO -MY LOVE- lyrics mistake again.
BoA: "I'm still not used to camera. Into my 19th year and there're still things I'm not used to: camera, lyrics, dance left-right direction. It's the opposite in the video so when I dance following the vdo, it's left-right reverse."
fan: "..." (silence)
BoA: "Who am I talking to!?"

BoA had MOS Burger's Chili Dog for lunch and said it was spicy. Fans asked her about the chili sauce.
BoA: "chili?"
fan: "mustard!!"
BoA: "mustard? but there was no yellow sauce. only red sauce!"
fan: "honey mustard"
BoA: (never heard of honey mustard)

fans asked about alcohol
BoA: "Now I changed from 'no alcohol' policy to 'drink only once in a long while' policy. LOL This year, I didn't drink at all up until this live tour start date."
fan: "really?"
BoA: "Come to think of it, I might have had some twice." LOL

BoA: "Alcohol doesn't taste as good as before. What's good now?? Apple juice!! I'm not trying to be cute. It's true! I had some on the flight from Fukuoka and it was delicious."

New song (wishing well) is a digital single. Fans are disappointed.
BoA: "I'll release another song in CD format. What if I release 10 types of CD jackets?"
fan: "We'll buy all of them"
BoA: "Just kidding. I'm not doing that. LOL"

BoA's skirt during encore was very short.
BoA: "I usually don't wear skirts so take a good look now, alright? LOL I don't have skirts at home. They're not convenient to wear. LOL"


Nagoya 191003

credit: @s47741666

BoA talked about how she was confused about Nagoya concert start time. (which was 18:30)
When her manager told her, BoA was surprised "Really? Is there such a thing as starting at 30min, not 18:00? not 19:00?"

 Fan: BoAchan do you still drink alcohol?
BoA: No
Fan: If you don't then you're not BoA.
BoA then turned to complain to the band about fans wanting her to drink alcohol.

Fan: Will you have a drinking party after concert?
BoA: (to Higechan, the drummer) Can you drink alcohol?
Higechan: only a little
BoA: I'll beat Higechan at the party then.

BoA: What's honey mastard?
Fan: Mc chicken's mustard sauce
BoA: ah I love that sauce. I like to mix it with BBQ sauce. It's more delicious that way.

After the first 3 songs
BoA: Tokyo, Fukuoka, Omiya, and now in Nagoya~
(to BoA, it seems like Kanagawa is Tokyo)
(Sagamihara is in Kanagawa prefecture which is definitely not Tokyo lol)

Fan: Did you eat hitsumabushi (an unagi dish, Nagoya's famous food)?
BoA: I once had bones stuck in my teeth when I had unagi. I was afraid i'd get bones stuck in my throat before concert. ah but it'd be ok if I chew it well enough. didn't think of that. but I did have kishimen(another Nagoya's famous food) for lunch.

Since stage and audience seats are very close
BoA: (to front seat audience) you have to look up constantly. Aren't your neck tired? When I go to the movies I absolutely won't sit in the front row because my neck will hurt.
Fan: It's ok. Since you are close, we are happy
BoA: That's good to hear.

Behind BoA, there's a big screen on the stage.
BoA: I can't tell but when I sing, do you look at me on stage or do you look at me in the screen? lol
Fan: Of course we look at you.




Osaka day1 191013

credit: @solt1217

BoA: I arrived Osaka at 1AM today
Fan: How?
BoA: Usually I fly from Gimpo airport but this time (because of the typhoon) I flew from Incheon airport to Fukuoka.
BoA: I ate mentaiko in Fukuoka first before coming here ❤️


BoA: I always eat Curry Udon whenver I come to Osaka
Fan: But Curry Udon is famous food in Nagoya!
BoA: eh? Nagoya? but where I frequent (in Osaka), the chef always serves Curry Udon.

BoA: What dish would you recommend in Osaka?
Fan: Okonomiyaki! Takoyaki!
BoA: I always eat Okonomiyaki when I come to Osaka
Fan: Which restaurant?
BoA: I always have someone drive me there and get off the car in front of the restaurant. Since I can't read Kanji, I don't know the restaurant's name. LOL

BoA: Next is the last song.
Fan: eh????????? no!!!!!!!!!!
BoA: Shut up!!

(so many fans tweeted about this "Shut up!!" apparently the way BoA said it was so cute!)

BoA promised to post her dinner dishes on instagram later.

Osaka day2 191014

credit: @s47741666 @LuvBoA

BoA: (After singing the first 3 songs) Good evening everyone. Welcome to BoA LIVE Tour #mood (after thinking a bit) It's 4PM now so should I say good afternoon instead?

Fan: Do you still drink alcohol?
BoA: No I don't.
Fan: Will you have a party after this?
BoA: No. We still have Korea concerts left so we won't have one until then.

Band members and dancers did went out together last night though. BoA didn't join them apparently.

At a certain song, BoA sang while waving her hand to the audience and missed part of the lyrics
BoA: sorry!

Talking about Osaka food (carrying on from yesterday)
BoA mistakenly called kushikatsu "ushi-katsu" (ushi means cow)
Seems like BoA didn't know "kushikatsu"(deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables) before. She confused it with tonkatsu.

Fans asked about last night food BoA posted on instagram. The pics are hard to pin point what food they actually are.
BoA kindly explained the food as satsuma-imo okonomiyaki, spinach white cream, and tororo soba
BoA: I used iPhone11 to take close up shots of the dishes. Actually I took a selfie too but was told I looked too tired with no make up so I didn't post my pic. Next time I'll work hard for a presentable selfie face. ❤️

Fan: What's your dinner for today?
BoA: Japanese food (according to the staff)
Fan: Please post to instagram again
BoA: Even if I post the pics, you guys will ask what they are again anyway. *peevish*

BoA: Tomorrow you must go back to work, right? Let's release all the stress, sing, dance and have fun together now!

After encore,
BoA: I sang a lot of nostalgic songs this time, but is there any specific song you guys would like to hear?
Fan: (shouting various song names but mostly) konoyo no shirushi
BoA then sang a verse from it "chizumo nainoni...." and everyone sang along with her and end with "konoyo no shirushi"
Everyone: ❤️❤️❤️


「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood -」Set List


1. LOSE YOUR MIND
2. Shout It Out
3. Dakishimeru

- MC -

4. Kiss My Lips
5. AMOR

- Band Performance -

6. Milestone
7. SUKIDAYO -MY LOVE-

- MC -

8. Smile Again
9. Only One

- MC -

- Medley -
10. Sweet Impact
11. Amazing Kiss
12. Rock With You
13. Shine We Are!
14. kiseki
15. kimochi wa tsutawaru
16. nanairo no ashita ~brand new beat~

- VCR: YOUR SONG (feat. Junoflo) -

17. ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT
18. WOMAN
19. NEGA DOLA

- MC -

20. No.1
21. VALENTI
22. MASAYUME CHASING

- ENCORE -
23. Wishing Well
- MC -
24. Feedback






flower stand credit @115BkwonA

Saturday, September 21, 2019

『BoA THE LIVE 2018 “X’mas”』 DVD/Blu-ray Purchase Bonus at 「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood-」Concert Venue

choose between
1. Not for sale B2 Poster
2. Original Postcard
Not for sale B2 Poster

Original Postcard

20190921 KCRUSH in Bangkok Set List


1. WOMAN
2. ONE SHOT, TWO SHOT
3. Only One
4. My Name

ฺBoA MC #KCRUSH2019 "Even though it rains, thanks for coming today. I get to perform first because actually tomorrow my concert tour will start overseas. Even though it's short, I want to spend time with you guys so I decided to come."

[translation] 190920 NACK5 Hit Hit Hit

BoA: My hall tour is starting. Autumn is season of eating and I plan to eat each city's famous dishes throughout the tour. Of course, I'll sing at Omiya Sonic City near you too.(NACK5 Hit Hit Hit is broadcasted in Saitama area and Omiya is in Saitama) Together with the band and dancers, we are preparing cool stages for you guys. I'll perform songs I haven't performed in 10 years and I'm a little worried if you guys still remember them. I'll also perform the song played at the end of this message so be sure to practice so that we can sing loudly together. I'd be happiest. Let's meet at Omiya Sonic City! 

to listen:
https://twitter.com/BoAtheKOREA/status/1175256268761485312

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood-」Fanclub only event「SOUL Special Lottery」

Present your SOUL member card (physical or digital) at the tour venue to win

■1st Prize
BoA-signed Goods

■2nd Prize
SOUL Trading Card Complete Set (3 card set)

For All Prize (every soul member is guaranteed to get this)
SOUL Trading Card Random 1 card (out of 3)

SOUL Trading Card Complete Set (credit: @Beauty-of-Asia)

Saturday, September 7, 2019

「BoA LIVE TOUR 2019 - #mood -」Official Goods

■Pen Light 1,700yen


T-Shirt(M/L/XL) ¥3,200(税込)

Sweatshirt (M/L) ¥4,500(税込)

Face Towel ¥2,200(税込)
■Tote Bag ¥3,000(税込)

Mini Wallet ¥3,500(税込)

■Thermal Bottle ¥4,500(税込)

Clear File ¥600(税込)

Film Sticker ¥1,000(税込)

Liquid Pen ¥1,500(税込)

Mini Penlight Keyring ¥2,000(税込) 
※to start sale on 9/22(Sun) at Sagami Women's University Green Hall 
 


★Bonus for purchase at tour venue★
For each purchase, get free Bandana for every 5,000 yen spent on first come first serve basis.


※Cannot combine receipts. 
※Purchase made at fanclub booth, CD/DVD booth not included.
※Limited supplies
※Only available at tour venue. Not available at mu-mo shop.


◆Sales start time
Sep22 Sagami Women's University Green Hall START13:00
Sep23 Sagami Women's University Green Hall START12:00
Sep28 Fukuoka International Congress Center Main Hall  START14:00
Sep30 Omiya Sonic City, Big Hall START15:00
Oct3 Nagoya Tokushu Tougyou Shimin Kaikan (NTK Hall), Village Hall START14:30
Oct13 Osaka NHK Hall  START14:00
Oct14 Osaka Mielparque Hall  START12:30


【Online Sale】Start from Sep6 18:00~
★mu-mo SHOP
★SOUL OFFICIAL SHOP