The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

 

Having watched the movie adaptation, I decided to pick this book up to find out more. ‘The Hunger Games’ is the first book of this trilogy, and seems to be a popular hit with the general youth, but is it worth all the hype?

The Hunger Games is set in the future, where there is 12 (or 13 actually, until it’s totally demolished) poorer districts set round the main Capitol. The capitol is as its name suggested: skyscrapers with rich people dressed in flamboyant, vibrant colours. This is where all the filthy rich lies, and with each further district, it gets more rural and poor. Our female protagonist Katniss Everdeen lived in district 12, the poorest of the poor and is a strong-willed survival in her hometown. 

In ‘commemoration’ of the huge riot that happened many years prior, in which was eventually squished out by the Capitol, an annual game has been designed to let the districts remember that their struggles are futile and to always pledge their loyalty to the Capitol. The winner walks away with great rewards. The rules are simple: stay alive.

Katniss Everdeen is one of the 24 tributes in the 74th Hunger Games, stepping in as a volunteer tribute in place of her younger sister, Prim. A hunter in her home district, Katniss is great with a bow. Most of her kills were a favourite because of the precision, like hitting a squirrel square in its eye. Katniss might not have that much confidence in her skills, but she knew she had some chance — at least more than Prim, her precious younger sister that she vowed to protect at all cost.

From the same district, Peeta Mellark is the male tribute who had a certain connection with Katniss. As the baker’s son, he had watched Katniss several times from afar, but never ever worked up the courage to talk to her till their selection for the bloody games. Ever since he proclaimed his love for Katniss, the duo played the ‘star-crossed lover’ theme, which made them a popular bet for sponsors in the games, prolonging their survival and eventually, played a part in claiming victory.

The highlight of the book is of course, the game, which is filled with its fair share of gore and unexpectedly, heartwarming moments: Katniss’ dedication to Rue, her little companion, the chemistry between Katniss and Peeta and more. I think this is one portion that sets itself from Battle Royale, one of the most often mentioned comparison whenever this book is mentioned.

Having watched the movie before this, I can’t help but make comparisons. Of course, the book stands out more than the movie in terms of details and making the ends meet, but to my surprise, the movie isn’t too bad either. Unlike Harry Potter, I wasn’t wholly unsatisfied with the amount being cut from the story (one of the reasons could be that I actually read the books first), though there are still some missing links that I would really have loved to be included. [For some of the major differences, click here]

One of them is definitely the ‘dog mutation’. Recall the huge wolf-dog like animals that appeared at the end in order to end the game? In the movie, they were nothing more than genetically modified mutts that aim to…torture more than kill. In writing, they seemed to be genetically modified, mutt-versions of…the dead tributes. Now that’s horrifying. Readers can almost feel the intensified fear experienced in Katniss upon the realization; imagine a duplicate of your precious sister that you came to like and protect turn into an oversized, mutant mutt that is now trying to chew your limbs off. 

The second is the missing Avox girl: a mutilated servant that has had a past with Katniss. As a punishment for being a ‘traitor’, the anonymous girl had her tongue removed. As fate would have it, she served Katniss during her stay in the training period, and invoked many thoughts from the protagonist, most of which were guilt and anxiousness. 

What I like about the movie though, is the increase in the ‘behind-the-sceens’ featuring. The talk of the game-maker with President, the way they snap their fingers to create things out of nothing just show how heartless the Hunger Games is. How demeaning the tributes are, and how easily they could be removed. It made me wonder how the people from the capitol (and district 1/2) are brainwashed into thinking of it as a celebratory event. That is just foolish, and sickening.

I also liked the part where they show district 11 revolting because of Rue’s death and Katniss’ signature goodbye and final dedication to district 11. While the riot wasn’t fully discussed in book 1, I believe it would be in further books after reading the synopsis for the other two. Still, the scene was impactful and brought tears to my eyes. It also seemed to set the bait for the upcoming series for those who did not read the book, and I applaud their efforts in doing so.

Overall, the book is a relatively enjoyable read, and something to think about: is the future going to be an authoritarian society that reverts us to our barbarian nature in which the rule ‘survival of the fittest’ plays a big part? Where the rich-and-poor gap widens to a brand new level? In fact, the basic themes of war, advancements in technology, rich vs poor isn’t that new nor far from reality; in fact, it is very real, which is probably both an attractive and yet horrifying aspect of this book.

However, the characters of the books are not as well elaborated, and there are some loose ends in the book that I hope would be tied in the series. The characters are likeable, but they just seem to lack that one factor that makes you fully attached to them. Maybe it’s just me, or the fact that the book isn’t targeted at audiences my age (seeing how the writing is relatively simplistic). Yet, I applaud Collins efforts in attempting to introduce horrifying yet relatively realistic concepts in a book targeted at younger audiences. 

I would still read the other two books (after I’ve watched the movie adaptations; don’t want disappointment from the lack of details…), but frankly though, it is not in my top choice of books. I’d recommend it to someone who is looking for a little thrill (and a little gore) with a more mature theme, but at the same time not looking for anything too complex.

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep 13 [Re-cap]

Meeting up with President Jang, President raises the suspicion that Team Leader Han is seemingly non-chalent about the scandal. He then asks her ideas on the issue, and she in turn blurted out that the photos were the reason for In Young’s transfer. President then goes on to point out that it’s weird if In Young’s going to expose all of these herself, and Team Leader Han attempts to evade the suspicions by taking her leave, not before telling President to stop taking so much coffee. President then states fondly that he kinda miss Team Leader Han’s naggings, but the latter told him not to say such jokes again, determined to act as she ‘promised’.

In the car, In Young’s manager is deflecting all reporters’ comments, while In Young commented about believing in Team Leader Han this once. Meanwhile Junior talks about Woo Hyun’s luck and their probable posponed debut when Seung Yeon burst out in slight frustration about the one who’s suffering the most is actually Woo Hyun. Tae Kwon talks about artistes not being able to have a personal life, and asks Dong Woo to destroy his old pictures of him being chubby as a slight joke, but sensitive about personal lifes and privacy, Ki Bum strode off, angry.

Seung Yeon went away to call Woo Hyun, as the two showed their obvious concern for each other. After the call, Team Leader Han caught up with Seung Yeon, and starts talking to her about Woo Hyun’s series of scandals, insinuating the danger of Woo Hyun’s career. Meanwhile, Woo Hyun escaped from the horde of reporters by exchanging clothes with his manager, and went straight to President, asking if the company’s going to give up on him. Team Leader Han appears right, then and told him of her proposal, warning that if he don’t do as she says, it’s possible that his career ends there: he have to go official with In Young, but was rejected by both Woo Hyun and President.

Back at home, Woo Hyun met with Seung Yeon as he tries to find comfort in her, when she remembers Team Leader Han’s ‘advice’ of asking her to persuade Woo Hyun to go with the lie, and told her that she knew of their relationship, and that the only solution is to go official. Seung Yeon then made up her mind, and suggested the idea to Woo Hyun, as he went mad and asks her if she really meant what she said. After she states that she does, Woo Hyun got really angry, but told her that because he liked her, he would promise her, and end it there.

In the bar, Team Leader Han asks herself how did she ended up in that plight when President turned up. He went on to say that it’s not Team Leader Han’s style, when she went and ask him how much he actually knew about her. At the end, a little drunk, she outrightly tells President Jang off, that he should be too nice to someone if he doesn’t mean it. But before he can state that he was being serious, Team Leader Han pass out.

At home, Woo Hyun was working out his frustration, telling Seung Yeon not to regret her decision. At the same time, Seung Yeon was working ou ther frustrations, and Jae Ah told Ji Woo to leave her alone for the time being. The next day, at an interview, Woo Hyun and In Young have revealed their ‘relationship’. While Woo Hyun looked worn out, forcing a smile, In Young conducted the interview on her own, and turned the scandal into a ‘positive’ turn for Woo Hyun, while Junior muses about how great they look. 

In the dorm, Ji Woo turns to comfort Seung Yeon when they just happen to meet up with Woo Hyun and In Young, coming back from the interview. Upon hearing seung Yeon agree to In Young’s question about how good they look together, Woo Hyun was mad as he slung his arm over In Young for a show, but was hurt when he turn around to see Ji Woo and Seung Yeon walking away hand-in-hand.

In the office, Team Leader Han talks about a new CF offer for the two, and states that it’s a great promotion while Woo Hyun just watch on as In Young suggests the MV to change into a love story. On the other side, President Lee felt upset about the scandal and got to know that it wasn’t In Young that expose the photos, and immediately guessed that it’s a handiwork of Team Leader Han. While Team Leader Han pretends not to know President Lee’s words, President Lee have revealed that he pretty much guessed the whole thing, and advice Team Leader Han to be even more careful.

Back in the office, Tema Leader Han is very sure about including Woo Hyun into M2, telling President Jang that only that way, M2’s popularity would definitely increase. As President Jang left, Team Leader Han looks on sadly and confesses that if Woo Hyun were to leave her as well (leaving M2 etc), she would have had no reasons to stay behind in Sunny Ent.

At the MV shoot, Junior watches as Woo Hyun and In Young flirt with each other for the shoot as reporters took pictures all the way. Even though he didn’t wanted to, under the pressure, Woo Hyun had to kiss In Young right in front of all of them, including Seung Yeon. Seung Yeon ran off to the washroom feeling hurt, and Woo Hyun went to chase after her, but told her off instead. When he wanted to catch up with her again, he walked out to spot reporters everywhere, and had to abandon route.

In the office, President Jang received news that it was most likely that Team Leader Han that exposed the photos. While Team Leader Han rattled on in slight fondness, all Woo Hyun could think off is the little memories of him with Seung Yeon. In the dorm, Junior were talking about Woo Hyun wanting to quit M2, but Team Leader Han having revealed that Woo Hyun is staying. As Team Leader Han strode into President’s office, he decides to hold the confrontation by giving an urgent excuse and running out. President Jang meet up with Hae Young to confront his feelings, stating that he was one of the reasons for Team Leader Han’s change.

At the dorm, Tae Kwon was commenting and praising himself online when he and Dong Woo found something about ‘Junior’s X-files’. At the same time, Woo Hyun and seung Yeon brushes their teeth while recalling the things they wanted to forget about each other. Later that night, the two rolled on the bed, getting irritated about each other’s ‘closeness’ with Ji Woo and In Young respectively.

Junior was taking their lessons as Teacher Park told them that their 3rd showcase is very important, and started their lessons on high note. At the same time, In Young meet up with Team Leader Han to propose her idea of having a fanmeeting, and to invite Woo Hyun. After agreeing to that matter, Team Leader Han warns her not to push Woo Hyun’s limits. Leaving the office, she happens to meet Seung Yeon in the lift. when Seung Yeon looks at In Young, and told her that it’s because she finds her pretty, In Young bursted out, annoyed that she knows that, and complimented herself while stating that at the end of the day, Woo Hyun still didn’t come to like her (but not stating Woo Hyun’s name), leaving seung Yeon confused at the outburst.

Later that day, Hyuk Dol rushes into Team Leader Han’s office and tells her that Junior’s now involved in a ‘scandal’: Ki Bum’s involved in a murder scandal. Tae Kwon then goes on to talk about the conspiracy theory online, that Junior’s existence is for the sake of M2 disbandment. Seung Yeon then goes off saying that she’d get President to sort it out as Ki Bum gets prepared to leave without proper explanation. President Jang on the other hand had already found out that Ki Bum is involved in a violent scandal, but he’s innocent, that’s why he’s released.

In the waiting room, In Young told Woo Hyun to treat her better, because she’s returned her debt to him, for she would too, get hurt, and says that he should know better because he is in love right now. While Woo Hyun asks if she knew who he liked, she denies and says that she isn’t interested, but asks him for his help one last time, for she really wants to become the superstar Oh In Young that her fans had learned to love.

However, Woo Hyun received a call that Seung Yeon was hurt, because she was involved in helping out Ki Bum when a bunch of fan-girls start abusing Ki Bum by stating that he’s a murderer. 

At the office, President got to know that Team Leader Han pretty much planned everything, but she refuses to say the reason for it. Back at the waiting room, In Young’s manager told her that Woo Hyun ran off because Seung Yeon got hurt, and now the lies are on the verge of being exposed, leaivng In Young to throw a fit again because it could very well ruin her last chance to become a singer. At the house, Seung Yeon asks if Woo Hyun’s mad for running out to her when he’s supposingly dating In Young then, when Woo Hyun confess that he don’t want to lie anymore, and wants to stop the fake relationship for he don’t want to pretend liking Seung Yeon. Even if Seung Yeon don’t like him anymore, it doesn’t matter: he just wants to like her freely.

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep 12 [Re-cap]

In Young watches as Woo Hyun and Seung Yeon drives away. On her way back, she recalls all the times Woo Hyun rejected him while having smiles with Seung Yeon, and vows not to let them go so easily. Reaching the dorm, Woo Hyun asked Seung Yeon not to go online to read all the negative comments of him. Seung Yeon states that it’s fine; when she wasn’t on great terms with him, she had done her fair share of scolding too, she teased. 

In the room, Seung Yeon was feeling all flustered about the kiss with Woo Hyun, when she recalled that she left the bandage at Woo Hyun’s house. Meanwhile, as Woo Hyun was cleaning up, he start cleaning his hands when he realised that he’s not using a towel…but Seung Yeon’s bandage. Embarrassed, he flung it away immediately. Later that night, Woo Hyun is working ong a new song [omg, I hope that it gets released as an ost too!], while a fan war is raging online.

At the office, everyone was discussing about what happens to M2. Team Leader Han then suggests for the teachers to choose only 3 Juniors as candidates, while using the showcase to promote the 3, for she has decided to let Woo Hyun stay. However, President Jang is still skeptical about Woo Hyun staying as part of M2 (for it’s Team Leader Han’s decision).

Ignorant of everything, Woo Hyun and Seung Yeon goes on a movie date. Inside the theatre, Woo Hyun says that he learned all these dating tips from previous sunbaes, leading to a heart trembling moment as Seung Yeon mouthed the word ‘date’ with a flustered expression. 

In the office, Junior members were working out at the gym, when Tae Kwon says that because of that, it’s good for them, and says that he probably stay on. After taking that into account, they realised that the ones being eliminated would add by another count, and starts working out even more. Ji Woo went in search for his missing wallet, only to find that the picture is gone (taken by In Young).

Back to the date. Woo Hyun starts falling asleep, and Seung Yeon pulls Woo Hyun’s head over to her shoulders. However, as she continues to stare, Woo Hyun, eyes-closed asked her to stop staring, and the two started engaging in an embarrassing, lovey-dovey squabble. After the movie, Seung Yeon went to the female toilet and got stucked in a situation where there’s a long queue outside. Woo Hyun, after knowing the situation by calling her to ask why she’s taking so long, decided to save her by revealing his identity in the mall, and once the news is out, all the girls ran out to see him, thus Seung Yeon managed to get out ‘safely’.

Team Leader Han was shocked at realising Woo Hyun’s appearance, and called him, asking to see him. After Woo Hyun hung up (promising to meet them in the office after lunch), Team Leader met with the PD that Woo Hyun was working with a program, and told him that Woo Hyun is to withdraw. When he releases a new CD as part of M2, they would definitely consider going on their program first, and told him about Woo Hyun and Junior’s appearance in In Young’s new music video.

Back in the house, Woo Hyun whipped up a meal. However it gets into another squabble due to Woo Hyun’s jealousy of Ji Woo, making Seung Yeon extremely happy. In the office, Ji Woo was just talking about the missing picture when Seung Yeon appeared, and told her about it. Meanwhile, Woo Hyun talks about his graduation from M2 junior with President, leading to loud opposition from Team Leader Han. President Jang told Woo Hyun not to put Team Leader Han’s words to heart, for she did make who M2 and Woo Hyun where they are today. Woo Hyun states that he understands and then apologizes to President, leading him to be surprised because Woo Hyun’s known for his…arrogance and stubborness. 

In the interview, In Young starts baiting Reporter Oh about possible scoops, and states to herself that she would never hand Woo Hyun to Seung Yeon. Meanwhile, Seung Yeon was moping about what to write for a rap as Ji Woo mopped about the missing picture. Seung Yeon then reassured him that it’s fine, jokingly showing aegyo to say that the picture was taken because someone thought she was ‘cute’. Woo Hyun however, saw everything and in his childish jealousy, sent Ji Woo packing as he takes his seat.

Woo Hyun tried to contact Jun Hyung and the rest to no avail, while Team Leader Han starts saying she should have let Seung Yeon go back to England back then. At the music video arena, Woo Hyun turned up, and upon seeing Seung Yeon and Junior members, went really happy and states that it seems like he won’t be lonely now. After Team Leader Han sent Ukiss off by telling them that she’d help them ask President about turning up for In Young’s music video, she caught Hae Young who was visiting the office.

In Team Leader Han’s office, Hae Young states that she’s there to bring food over, but miscalculated as President went out. She also bought Team Leader Han’s portion, and explains that President is very dependent on her. Team Leader Han then took the chance to ask Hae Young’s true feelings for President, and she admits that if only president could stay by her side, it’d be the best.

During the meal break, Junior members ask In Young about the kiss scene with Woo Hyun, and she states that it’s a real kiss as Woo Hyun looks at Seung Yeon for her reaction. As she chokes when she heard In Young says that it’s not the first time, and walks out. While she starts saying that she shouldn’t be so sensitive, Woo Hyun caught up and told her that it was a fake kiss, and showed her how he did it. However, saying that she was waiting for the kiss, he went on to kiss her for real as In Young watched by the side. 

At the flower shop, President is helping out as she was getting ready for closing. President then says that he’d need to make a quick call, and realised aloud that Team Leader Han isn’t picking up, which is weird. As Hae Young ask him to give her a ride, she thought back about Team Leader Han’s confession: she liked President Jang. However, Team Leader Han told her not to worry, for she isn’t one who would tie someone who doesn’t like her down. Seeing President’s reaction, Hae Young guessed that President must have liked Team Leader Han to some extent.

In the bar, Team Leader Han starts telling her story: she joined Sunny Entertainment when it was on the brink of falling apart, but now they are all doing well. She went on to continue that she kinda regret it now, because she wondered why she’s staying there, as the guy listened to her attentively, telling her to say whatever she needs for she’d listen.

 Meanwhile, President Jang went to Hae Young’s house. When Hae Young was preparing coffee for them both, he received a call from Team Leader Han. As Hae Young listened to the conversation, she missed the cup and poured coffee over her hand instead. Hearing her shout, President dismissed Team Leader Han and went forth immediately to help her. Hearing that through the phone, Team Leader Han sent a new message to president:if he don’t reach within 30 minutes, she’d give up. After sending Hae Young back to her apartment after the check up, Hae Young muses that it seems like she can’t live without a him, as President went to find Team Leader Han. However, she had left with the guy, and it seems like she have decided to leave, for President and M2, both have left her side after 7 long years. [D: I can get Team Leader Han sometimes. She practically slaved for her loved, and gave birth to M2, giving up everything else: her youth, her time, her social life…it’s at times like this that you want to give up and walk away from everything. D:]

At the music video, In Young said that she won’t take his hand if it means they’d be only friends and left. As they all wondered how to go back, Woo Hyun says that he’s be able to take a few of them, while Seung Yeon insisted that all of them could fit into the car if they squeeze. All of them manage to get in, with Seung Yeon beside Ji Woo, leading Woo Hyun to flare up and change all of their seating positions: pulling Seung Yeon right beside him. After sending them off, Woo Hyun decides to pay the 3 graduating members a visit. Dispite being turned away, Woo Hyun left a curt apology and his parting gift: the last song he made for them.

The next morning, President appear outside Team Leader Han’s apartment, preparing to fetch her to work. Team Leader Han then states that she went for an arranged meeting, and left for Woo Hyun’s house. President Jang, flustered at the new info, attempted to tell her about being wary and all but was all ignored. [Sorry…but I think you kinda…deserve it. :P] 

The discussion with Team Leader Han got heated, as she told him to stop meeting Seung Yeon while he retailated by saying that he’s not going to continue with M2. While meeting with the reporter, In Young ultimately gives up on giving the scoop that Seung Yeon’s a girl, as repaying a debt that she once betrayed him. However, she got a call realising that someone had released the pictures of both In Young and him online. While everyone is suspecting that it’s In Young’s work [we all know it isn’t]. It turns out that Team Leader Han did it. At the office, In Young confronts her, and ask her if she wants to bury her or Woo Hyun, or both. Team Leader Han then told In Young to prepare for the conference where she would declare that the two are now dating.

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep 11 [recaps]

As Ji Woo and Jae Ah walked out of the restaurant, they happen to see Seung Yeon being hugged by Woo Hyun, before Jae Ah pulled him away, not to disturb them. It turned out that they’re not the only ones, for Team Leader Han too saw them both, and started to piece out the various instances Woo Hyun showed concern and pretty much suspected Woo Hyun’s feelings for Seung Yeon.

At the dorm, Jae Ah and Seung Yeon was lifting Ji Woo onto his bed; apparently he got inself drunk after seeing Seung Yeon and Woo Hyun. [I like how caring Jae Ah is for them, and treats Seung Yeon all the same even though he knew that she’s a girl now <3]. Seung Yeon then recalls Woo Hyun’s words: accepting and thanking her for not running away. However, seung Yeon thought that Woo Hyun only liked her as a hoobae.

The next morning, Seung Yeon woke the whole house as she’s set on cleaning the dorm as promised. Tae Kwon walked out, unhappy about having been woken up and through his slur he finally managed to make out that Seung Yeon had washed all their clothes already…including their underwear. Embarrassed and flustered, he immediately hide his pants, especially hearing she cleaned them with her bare hands, telling her never to touch his underwear ever again. Jae Ah too, asked rather amused, whether she’s really a girl, as the members got up one by one, with exception of Ji Woo.

In the office, Seung Yeon clash into President Jang, before forgetting and called him ‘uncle’ instead. After sending her off with a nag, he happened to meet the secretary, who informed him that Team Leader Han wasn’t in the office.

At the salon, Woo Hyun was getting his make-up done as the stylists compliments Junior’s performance at the concert, and asked about him being in M2 when Team Leader Han steps in. With coffee in hand, she uses ‘breakfast’ as an excuse and asks Woo Hyun’s true reason for his concern and care for M2 Junior. Woo Hyun goes on to state, truthfully, that he is a singer after all, and didn’t want to lead a group that uses the fans anymore (having to hide under the facade of an idol and provideing fanservice etc) and has no stage ettiquette. Team Leader Han then goes on to say that while it is true, Junior can’t take on the stage as of yet and asks him to take care of M2 as of yet. 

At the office, Tae Kwon and Dong Woo exited the building, thinking that the group of fans are there for Woo Hyun only to get mobbed by them in an instant; it turns out that they are their new fans, as they start stuffing them with gifts and compliments. Flustered, they return to the dorm with hands filled, informing the rest the good news. Thinking it’s a lie, they dismissed it at first, but when Tae Kwon asks them to go and confirm themselves, the members rushed out in a frenzy.

In the waiting room, the graduating members came in and starts telling Woo Hyun off, saying that he’s living well on his own without the rest, calling him a betrayer. Woo Hyun told them to talk another time, for its time for rehearsals. Not willing to be pushed aside again, the member grab hold of Woo Hyun, asking him if he’s going to take the side of those punks (Junior) over his members. On the way to the waiting room, Hyuk Dol saw Ukiss members, and all of them walked in at the wrong moment: Woo Hyun, having enough of members engaged them in a first by punching them first. However, damage is done as many of the staff saw the incident through the open door, including President Lee and his sidekick.

Junior were having their rap lessons at the office. After telling them to have the groove and beat and all those neccessary feelings, Junior left the office, when Tae Kwon proudly showed off what he has learn by asking Ki Bum to ‘bring the beat, man!’. As Dong Woo and Tae Kwon squabble over the fans, Seung Yeon pulls Ji Woo aside, asking him what’s wrong only to get dismissed.

In the President’s office, President Jang received news that Woo Hyun and Jun Hyung has gotten into a fight from Team Leader Han. The news is spreading fast through SNS. Junior too got the info from the net as Tae Kwon starts telling them about Woo Hyun’s nickname: ‘dog-baby’. Seung Yeon got a little upset at that, and told them to be nice, for Woo Hyun helped them have a successful showcase.

The next day, Junior walked passed the lobby to hear that 3 members (graduating members) have joined President Lee’s office, stating that they wish to leave M2, and insinuated that Woo Hyun’s violence as one of the reasons for their departure. As the reporter asked about being labelled as a ‘betrayer’ for departing, Jun Hyung protested by saying that the only betrayer is none other than Woo Hyun, before his squabbles was stopped by President Lee, and asked Jun Hyung to remove his glasses, revealing a black eye [wait a min, I swore woo Hyun hit him on his jaw. :O]

In Team Leader Han’s office, Ukiss members were discussing the same event, who said that they were there, but that doesn’t sound like what really happened [refering to the black eye. HA. I bet it’s drawn on]. Team Leader Han then dismissed them, leaving them to do their music video discussions with the director himself for she needs to handle this as soon as possible. As she called President Jang about it, he missed the call because he was busy fixing Hae Young’s ceiling. Finally getting through, Team Leader Han immediately informed him that Sung Min, Jun Hyung and Jo Won was taken by President Lee.

After that, Woo Hyun spent his day in the studio, ignoring everyone else as he refuse to face the situation. At the same time, Junior starts talking about the transfer being a total shock when they met In Young. And then, In Young asks them about a rap feature, where Tae Kwon states that if she wants a guy, Seung Yeon wouldn’t make the cut. In face with the sudden blurt, he savages teh situation by stating Ki Bum would fit the bill better with his deeper voice.

In the office, Team Leader Han starts setting out a plan to control the situation as In Young strode in. Ready to dismiss her, In Young promptly ignores Team Leader Han as she requests for Woo Hyun to be featured in the MV along with Junior members. I think Team Leader Han asks her if she really liked Woo Hyun, and In Young gave an ambigious answer, [but her fondness suggested that it’s a ‘yes’] and left. As she left, Team Leader Han starts wondering where the hell President disappear…

Apparently, he turned up at President Lee’s office about the transfer. Ignoring President Lee’s sacarcism, he asks him to take good care of the kids, and not to throw them away whenever he feels like it. While infuriated, President Lee continues to throw his threats (with his sidekick butting ever while and then about the problems), but President Jang pays no heed to it as he left.

At the riverbank, he parked and got out, recalling his days as a singer when his scandal with Hae Young broke out. Apparently, it was President Lee who told President Jang to lie about the scandal [opps, sorry, I couldn’t remember the face till now! OMG!], which ultimately cause Hae Young to faint and be hospitalised with the impending pressure put onto her by the media, and Hyun Suk to drop out of the entertainment industry as a singer. Then, he was crowded by numerous reporters about the incident, which caused him to be traumatized in front of the press (recall ep 1/2? It was his first press appearance since then.) He returns to the flower shop and hugged Hae Young, saying that he’s sorry about what had happened back then. However, Team Leader Han saw everything as she was preparing to find him at Hae Young’s flower shop. Hurt, she left immediately.

In the training room, Seung Yeon was practicing with Ji Woo, albeit a little half-heartedly, presummably because of the the recent incidents with Woo Hyun. Seeing that, Ji Woo asked Seung Yeon that if she’s really worried, she should just go to find him about it. Seeing Ji Woo’s expression, she said that she’s just worried as a hoobae, for it’s valid for a hoobae to worry for her senior. Handing her his wallet, she said its fine for she’s got change. As she ran off, Ji Woo states to himself, that he’s glad that Seung Yeon has finally found someone to like, throwing the wallet onto the couch.

On her way out, she saw Jae Ah who then offered her a ride. On the way, they spotted Woo Hyun’s car, and Seung Yeon immediately called him and got Woo Hyun to pull over as she get into his car without invitation, stating that she’s relieving her promise of being his no.1 friend: to be there for him when he needs it. Besides, Seung Yeon continues that she could not get out right then because they’re on a deserted road, and proceeds to place a cross over her body as if re-enforcing the fact that she’s a girl. Speechless, Woo Hyun let her be as he started his car.

In the practice room, Chang Min walked in on Ji Woo’s practice as he was there to his practice, and then the duo decided to go back to the dorms, but Ji Woo had conviniently forgotten the wallet in the room.

Meanwhile, Seung Yeon took over the driver’s seat as she drove him to a path, leaving him to go (alone) for a stroll, stating that it’s her gift for him. As Woo Hyun walked, he looked back and manage to catch the beautiful view of Seoul’s street lights, and recalled the past few days’ events, asking himself about his actions. As he walked back, he saw Seung Yeon dancing in the car, blasting hip hop music as he furrowed his brows. After kicking her to the passenger seat, he drove them off. Like how Seung Yeon kicked him out, he got Seung Yeon to carry all the things with her and ask her not to ask questions but to just follow him.

He then brought her to a dance studio, where one of the ex-M2-to-be trainee is helping out with. As Seung Yeon eats with the team, Woo Hyun and the guy talked, with him saying that he had expected something like that to happen to Woo Hyun with his temper, and asks if he’s in love, and if it’s Seung Yeon. Woo Hyun then asks him if he’s ever regret it. He replies that he is happy now. If he did make it to M2, he’d be as famous as Woo Hyun, he joked, but that’s probably not a life he wanted. 

After they exit the building, with Woo Hyun a little mad at Seung Yeon stating about his friend being able to stand Woo Hyun’s temper, they found that it was raining. Seung Yeon then states that she would go and an umbrella and asked him to wait, but Woo Hyun refused. Instead, he took off his jacket and shielded the both of them to the car [CUE cute music]. Embarrassed, he states that the two of them shall run at the count of 3, or he’d leave her behind, the both of the squabbling all the way to the car (and even in the car, XD). 

In the pub, Team Leader Han was treating Reporter Park in regards to Woo Hyun’s violent assault, asking him to take care of them. He agreed, on the condition that he gets to interview Woo Hyun (?), which Team Leader Han readily agreed.

Back in Woo Hyun’s house, he called Seung Yeon out to have some hot cocoa after she’s done changing. Seeing her in his oversized shirt, Woo Hyun let out a smile of…glee. Seeing his smile, Seung Yeon asked if that’s funny, and asks if she looks like a scarecrow/pumpkin (?). Flustered, he states that it’s because…she isn’t wearing the chest band, and then hurries to tell her to drink before she gets a cold. Embarrassed, Seung Yeon did as she told, all the whole pulling at the shirt.

In the company, In Young entered the dance studio. While she states that she felt a little stiff, she found the wallet on the counch. Wanting to find who’s the owner, she pulled out the picture from Ji Woo and Seung Yeon’s trip the other day, and noticed that the girl in the picture is Seung Yeon. Wondering if Woo Hyun knows, In Young immediately sets for Woo Hyun’s house.

Woo Hyun starts telling Seung Yeon about his problems, and upon request to answer as his friend, Seung Yeon states that since it’s a lie, he shouldn’t be worried about it (not very sure about this part). She then asks if he wants to play a ‘game’, and brought two pots out to the front, along with slips of paper and a pen. One would throw paper with things that he want completely out of his life into one pot (the one with a skull), and things that he would retain (the one with the recycle sign). Suspicious at how this works, Seung Yeon told him to just try it out, and the two set out to write. Seeing Woo Hyun threw ‘M2 Junior’ into the skull pot even after she warned him that he couldn’t take it out ever again, she takes revenge by attempting to write Woo Hyun’s name (with a big fat heart) and throwing it into the same pot. However, Woo Hyun was curious at what she wrote, and finding out after snatching it from her, dump it into the recycle bin for her, restating his ‘confession’. As they got into another squabble, Woo Hyun stamped it out with a kiss.

As In Young arrived, Seung Yeon was getting ready to go home. Woo Hyun then offers (or rather, STATES) that he’s driving her back. A little shy, she states that she can go back alone. While he states that what kind of girl could be out at that time, she states that, ‘well, who’s girl am I now’ [OMG.OMGGG FANGIRL SQUEEEEEEAL]. Then in his mean way, he asks Seung Yeon to give him her hand, and proceeds to drag her out. In Young watched in anger as the two strolled out hand in hand with smiles. Hiding behind the wall [I liked how Seung Yeon hid behind the wall back then when she saw In Young going up to the house when Woo Hyun’s hand was hurt, and now it’s the opposite. :O] As they drove off, In Young got reminded of the times that Woo Hyun’s gentleness was reserved for her [bitch, you broke up with him. D:].

Villain - Shuichi Yoshida

Picture Credits: Vintage Books

I picked up this book while I was queueing up at PageOne’s closing sale, and at  half-price this book’s a steal. The 3 factors that had me purchase is (1) the intriguing cover, (2) the fact that it’s a Japanese-translated crime-fiction and (3) the reviews printed at the back of the book suggests a promising read.

Villain is a story of how a murder of Yoshino Ishibashi, a young lady that works as a insurance company, on a remote mountain road (that is constantly said to be haunted for its dark and scary pathway) has lead to a web that entangles each and every one involved.

There’s Keigo Masuo, the rich college student that Yoshino was supposing to meet  on the day of the murder (which turned out to be a fabricated lie in her delusional world in a way to inflate her ego) was the prime suspect on the run that however, harbours no actual guilt and manners and has an ego the size of his head. Yuichi Shimizu, the blond-haired construction worker who’s a car fanatic, who is actually better with the keypad than his mouth, a guy that is lonely and just want to experience the whole notion of relationship, but has never been really emotional attached before. Then there’s Yoshino’s parents, simple folks that opened a barber’s shop in their home-town. And another woman named Mitsuyo Magome, another woman who met Yuichi through the online dating site.

Now, I won’t consider myself totally new to the genre of crime-fictions nor Japanese Literature, so when I picked up this book I’ve already braced myself for certain things, all of which appeared as expected as I read. 

The first one: unveiling the various characteristics of Japanese society at ground zero. The book talks (or rather, insinuated) at many times the expectation of women, talks of sex, youth and online dating, prostitution, rich and the poor, violence and blackmail, and generation gaps. What sets each book apart is how much they’ve decided to focus on the selected issue and how they’re set to pursue it from different angles. 

Yoshida included many of the issues here. The generation gap between Yuichi and his grandparents are further fuelled by Yuichi’s lack of communication, prefering to keep to himself and his car. Yoshino, the nice daughter her parents thought she is was not who she says she is: she lies to her friends, she’s thick-skinned and prideful, and takes money for sex (the only difference between her and a ‘prostitute’ is probably the fact that she enjoys the process, and is taking the money as a form of possible self-empowerment). Keigo’s ego and attitude is no doubt a blown up of problematic youths: rich, prideful, and flaunts whatever he has and turns what ever negativity as a form of coolness. He taunts, laughs and looks down on others, when he’s just a coward at the end of the day, and a runner. 

There’s alot of side-characters and their little stories in the book. Like Mako, Yoshino’s supposedly passive friend that hides a little fantasy of her own. Or Hayashi, one of Yoshino’s ‘clients’ who paid her for sex, and also, I believe, for thanking Yoshino’s effortless words of encouragement, even though he too knew that she would never have remembered what she said. All these little stories made much connection to the main story, albeit having no effect on it more than nothing, helped to make the story more engaging. It’s interesting how the author makes the death of a supposedly Jane Doe to a stranger on the streets, could have had such a snowballing effect as it extends its tangled webs. It brings about the question whether one is all she ever seems. The answer is no, very well demonstrated in the story.

However, this book isn’t going to be a favourite of mine. Yoshida had us believing that A is the suspect, only to go one big round with its twists and turns to imply otherwise, and ending up with stating that well, A did the crime. This roundabout isn’t something I really appreciate. When I see twists, I get elated because I didn’t expect the twist, and now I expect something else than the original idea. (Read any of Otsuichi’s books, like GOTH for example) For that, Villain didn’t seem to bring about that final element of surprise at the end. The excitement kind of died out for me.

The author’s precisions in directions might have aimed to give us a better picture of where the characters are at the point in time, but after a while the words just slipped through my mind. All I had remembered was that it’s a forested path, it’s near a sea etc. kind of descriptions. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been a little road idiot, for the names didn’t stuck much with me.

It wasn’t really that much of a thriller for me. Jeffery Deaver’s Lincoln Rhymes series managed to get me gripping onto the pages as I read. But Villain? Not really. I wouldn’t say that it’s bland, but I guess the switches of points of view between characters and 3rd-person to 1st-persona narratives have me double reading to identify who’s story it is right then can be quite a put off sometimes.

The ending reminded me a little of George Orwell’s 1984, and isn’t an ending that I was fond of. It felt as though the love Yuichi and Mitsuyo had never really existed; that Yuichi needed a sense of thrill and Mitsuyo, too, had allowed herself to be used and in turn used Yuichi. Their emotional attachment sounded strong till the end, where they (try to) convince themselves that well, it shouldn’t be love, it couldn’t be. The concept didn’t leave the book on a good note for me, I feel. I wouldn’t call it a disappointment, but I wished Yoshida had given me a better, more concise ending that this.

It is an enjoyable read overall, I would admit. It wasn’t a total bore, nor a frustrating read. It’s just that I’ve expected more, and I didn’t get that extra feat. Personally, I was a little confused about the authors’ true motive of this book. I can’t help but feel that Yoshino’s death is merely a prologue to setting the introductory at the problems faced by youth society in Japan today.

It wasn’t that much of a crime-fiction, maybe. If you’re looking for a hard-core crime solving/ criminal escapade, you won’t find it in this book. If you’re looking for a book that touches societal problems at a close look, I’d try Natsuo Kirino instead. If you’re looking for genius twists and turns, (and could take some grotesque details at the same time), Otsuichi would be a better bet. Human-relations, ideas of sex and self-identity? Go to Murakami. 

But if you’re looking for a crime-thriller that has bits of everything, without all those nifty-gritty details while having enough elaboration of the main characters, Villain would definitely be worth your time.

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep 1o [recaps]

Shocked at the relevation, Woo Hyun left when Seung Yeon finally admitted by apologizing. Admist everyone’s silence, Seung Yeon got up in attempt to catch up with Woo Hyun to explain, but Ji Woo stopped her, leading Team Leader Han to suspect the relationship between Woo Hyun and Seung Yeon. 

After Team Leader Han left, the members sat around, showing their different comments on the whole ideal. Tae Kwon felt embarrassed about the various instances of meeting her in the bathroom, while Dong Woo talks about the reason why Team Leader Han is always diverting her away during showers and changing of outfits. Ki Bum and Jae Ah however showed indifference to the whole matter, stating that there’s nothing to be sorry about, for she’s still able to get into Junior with her skills, as a girl at that. Tae Kwon then remarked that she didn’t get in with skills but with relations, while Seung Yeon immediately defended herself and President Jang that President Jang didn’t even know she’s joined the second auditions till the end, and Ji Woo laid his support in this case. However, he too got a chiding from Dong Woo for hiding her identity. Seung Yeon went on to apologized again, stating that she wants to be a singer so badly. Hyun Seung was unable to accept that reason, telling her that it’s not a valied enough reason. Without any excuses, Seung Yeon apologizes yet again.

On the way back home, Woo Hyun starts questioning himself if he’s crazy as he pieced the various instances with Seung Yeon to one complete picture, probably realising how foolish he looks back then, as Hyuk Dol watches a tad worried through the mirror.

Seung Yeon left the dorm in search of Woo Hyun, wanting to explain her reasons. After a long while, she took up the courage to press the doorbell, but Woo Hyun was in the shower and didn’t hear a thing, even her phone call. Seung Yeon stares on sadly at the gate, asking Woo Hyun to forgive her and listen to what she has to say. Finally, Seung Yeon decides to enter the house using the password that was never changed, and caught Woo Hyun who just came out of the shower. Angered, Woo Hyun started to chase Seung Yeon out because he didn’t want to hear any excuses from her. It turns out that he thinks Seung Yeon was playing around with him, calling him her friend, but making him feel like a fool, telling her all about him, as well as worrying about falling in love with her when he thought she’s a guy. Seung Yeon could only apologize at Woo Hyun’s outburst, realising his source of anger, but was eventually kicked out of his house as he changed the password immediately. Crying, Seung Yeon left the house.

At 3am, Ji Woo is pacing around the room, waiting for Seung Yeon to come back. Seung Yeon however, spend the night sleeping outside Woo Hyun’s house. She stares longingly at his house, feeling helpless about the situation. 

At the company, the boys talk about having to wake up early for a meeting, and Tae Kwon says it must be because of Seung Yeon. Worried, Jae Ah asked if they’ve gotten in contact with Seung Yeon but no one has. Tae Kwon then says she must be feeling guilty, that’s why. Ki Bum then states that it’s a waste to end right there, for she’s put in lots of hard work too, getting a chide from Tae Kwon that he shouldn’t be thinking like that. Seung Yeon heard everything as she hid behind a M2 poster. Dong Woo then states that it be hard to face her as a member in the future, because he don’t know to treat her as a guy or as a girl. Hyun Seung went on to say the top problem is the fans, for it’d give all of them a negative mark because of her lies.

In the conference room, President Jang asked them about their thoughts, and admitted that Seung Yeon is a girl and is his niece. He then tells them that he definitely did not put her into the group because of their blood ties. Junior members accuses President and Team Leader Han for lying to them, and that it is hard to trust them anymore, while Team Leader Han just told them that if the fact that Seung Yeon is a girl got out from the start, Junior wouldn’t even exists. President added on that they should believe in their members and not just the management. However, listening to the members’ opinions, President Jang thus decides to withdraw Seung Yeon from the group.

Walking out from the meeting, President Jang told Team Leader Han to arrange for M2 Junior’s showcase to be after M2’s performance for Sunny Entertainment’s anniversary concert, as Team Leader Han asks if he’s making any sense, since it’d mostly be M2 fans in the audience. President Jang told her that they have to try it out to know, and left, leaving Team Leader Han to deliver the news to M2.

Hyuk Dol went to pick Woo Hyun up from his house, and asks if he actually slept well or not because he looks pale. Woo Hyun flipped him off as usual, and was sleeping in the car as Hyuk Dol starts asking him about their performance, but received no response from him. 

Ji Woo called his grandmother if Seung Yeon’s at his house, to find that she is, and she’s actually looking really depressed, for grandmother asked if she eliminated. Grandmother than assured Ji Woo that she’d take care of her for the time being. Woo Hyun heard Ji Woo’s part of the conversation, and then strode off to Team Leader Han’s office where the other M2 members are waiting. Apparently, Team Leader Han already told them about M2 Junior’s showcase is to be their concert’s ending performance, which somehow seems like M2 has becomed an opening act for Junior [n concerts, the last performance is the most importance, while the opening act is regarded, not the least importance, but shows a lower rank than that of the last performer] which was largely rejected by the members. rritated, they told Woo Hyun to keep himself in check for he’s M2 too. Woo Hyun then states that they are just being irresponsible as singers, but refused to persuade them either way, nor be involved in management.

Before leaving, he asked Team Leader Han what’s to happen to Seung Yeon. She then tells him that she’s probably eliminated, and that she’s no where to be found (that she escaped, in literal translation). She then proceeds to ask what’s their relationship, for Woo Hyun to be so concerned about her. Woo Hyun brushed her off, telling her that rehearsal time is coming and left, when Team Leader Han received a phone call.

Lunch date with President turned out to be lunching with President and Hae Young. Team Leader Han turned stiff immediately as Hae Young goes on to say that she’s treating her because Hyun Suk said that she’s been a great help. President Jang told Hae Young that Team Leader Han actually likes those food stalls more than places like this, which she retorts, forcefully, that she absolutely loves pasta. [hahaha, that’s so cute!] As she slurps on the pasta, President commented that she must have really love to eat it, and proceeds to give her his portion as she dug into it a tad too forceful, showing her ’appreciation’.

Just then, photo-clicking sounds of a DSLR shocked Hae Young as she looks for the source, to find that it belongs to a couple taking pictures of themselves. Team Leader Han looked at her with sympathy as she explains that she still don’t feel good about camera sounds. President Jang then starts to escort the shocked Hae Young out, much to an upset Team Leader Han.

Seung Yeon recalls Woo Hyun’s accusation of lying while cleaning the fllors, when  Grandmother told Seung Yeon to sit down after she fussed around the whole morning. She then asked her if she’s already gotten forgiveness, to which Seung Yeon admits that she hadn’t. Grandmother then explains that lies hurt people, especially when the people love you. So she have to try harder to get their forgiveness, and Seung Yeon recalled the time Woo Hyun had believed her, thus she decides to go ahead and do it.

In the waiting room, Woo Hyun told the staff of the programmes show to get out. Shocked at the change in attitude, they were ushered out as one of them starts telling them the rumours M2’s possible disbandment and of Woo Hyun’s true personality — a cold, heartless and rude person, that he’s violent and all when they caught sight of Hyuk Dol. Right in the lobby, President Lee heard everything with glee as he commented that he liked Woo Hyun’s nickname ’Dog-tempered Woo Hyun’ and decides to fuel the issues further.

Seung Yeon turned up at Woo Hyun’s house for the second time, asking him to give her a chance to hear her reasons at the very least. He told him to hurry up and get in, for he don’t need any unneccesary attention of her as in female outfit. [And yay, she’s not flattening her chest!Looking good!] Woo Hyun gave her only 5 minutes to explain, and Seung Yeon starts with apologizing, and telling her that she wanted to tell him the truth but backed out at the last minute. She goes on to say that she really wants to be a singer, and thus no matter what, she held this chance when she finally got it, and asks for forgiveness. Woo Hyun then tells her to leave, as he’d pretend that she never steped in, for he felt disappointed and angry at her because he felt that the people that she needs forgiveness from is not him (but Junior), as he too knows that he has his faults for chasing her out.

In the dorm, Ji Woo decides to give up, because he thinks that he can’t do it  anymore, feeling that if he stays he’d be betraying Seung Yeon because he knew the facts. Jae Ah too stats that as compared to Seung Yeon, he thinks his violations isn’t fair as well, so he decided to eliminate himself and left after Ji Woo.

Leaving Woo Hyun’s house, she was resting at the playground when her uncle popped up. Once again, she apologizes, but President Jang asks her if she’s giving up right now. He continues to say that she managed to go so far when he had been opposing to it at the start, and asks her to believe in Junior. 

Meanwhile, Team Leader Han is drinking at a bar, moaning over the fact that President Jang isn’t worth expecting after all, and unfastens the bracelet she got as a gift.

Back in Ji Woo’s house, Seung Yeon found both Ji Woo and Jae Ah in the living room. Jae Ah commented that she looked good in female clothings, but that didn’t distract her from asking their true reasons for firing themselves, and treated themselves to a meal as Seung Yeon sighed. On the othedven talks about understanding Seung Yeon’s plight [like finally, haha]. Tae Kwon took the chance to stab at Chang Min again, saying that all’s fine if Chang Min didn’t expose it. In the end, Seung Yeon and the rest appeared, as both Seung Yeon and Ji Woo begged for forgiveness and another chance on their knees. Jae Ah admits that he won’t kneel what ever, but he asks for another chance, and Junior decides to forgive them and welcome them back into the group. Chang Min though, is unhappy as he don’t thinks they’re a team, and left. Tae Kwon took the chance to get Seung Yeon to run errands for them as punishment again, which she accepts.

The next day, all members of Junior went for classes in a relatively good mood, as President Jang and Woo Hyun looked on (happily at Seung Yeon) from the door’s window. At Woo Hyun’s appearance, President asks him how’s the preparations for the concert going, when Woo Hyun states that so In Young’s also part of the program, glaring at him. Flustered, President looked for an excuse and ran away, stating that he needs to see Team Leader Han. Then, Chang Min was once again pointed out in lessons, infuriating him again when Seung Yeon appeared with a handkerchief for him as a form of truce. 

Alone, Chang Min asks what wrong has he done, for always being unable to fit in. Seung Yeon told him that he’s not wrong, he just lacts that determination, the thought that they have to do whatever it takes to get it, She told him that it’s just her thoughts, and told him not to think too much about it.

On the other side, In Young’s asking Woo Hyun what he thinks of their song, while Woo Hyun has no interest at all, and even told her to pick another song when he spot a hiding Seung Yeon and gave chase. Seung Yeon on the other hand believe that Woo Hyun did not really said that he liked her, and ran off.

On the day of the event, President Lee talks about M2’s popularity being great, but management being bad behind President Lee’s back. Woo Hyun however, was in the waiting room when he heard the news about M2 members not picking up their phones, possible a trick done by President Lee, leading Woo Hyun to says that he has no interest to be with that group, and thinks that with those guys, M2 might as well give up its place to Junior for their irresponsibility.

Seung Yeon enters the changing room to find Chang Min missing (as the members usher her to exit the room for they need to change, resulting in her dissing them that there’s nothing to see anyway). In the dorm, she finds Chang Min sitting in his room with his bags packed, ready to leave. After much thought, he realised that all this while he’s been living his mother’s dream and wishes, and decides to try living the way he wishes: to stay and find if he could do well as a singer. As Seung Yeon pushes him to the waiting room, the concert has started.

Woo Hyun and In Young’s singing a duet [Nagging, original by IU and Seulong. Someone make a cut of this, it’s awesome]. At the same time, Junior’s talking about how good the two look, before realising that the M2 members should be doing the act instead of the duet. Team Leader Han informed President Jang about the unexpected information, and President Jang in turn asked Junior to go up next as a back up plan, for it’s not possible for Woo Hyun to do M2 performances alone, when M2 appeared.

As Junior release a deep breath at hearing that M2 has finally appeared. It turns out that they have had another plan: the fans were to leave after their performance, so that they will leave an empty auditorium for Junior. However, Woo Hyun got reminded of Seung Yeon’s words, and decides to help them yet another time by promising the audience a free autographed CD. 

Finally, Junior’s performance ended successfully [and anyone caught Hyun Seung being one beat late at most points? :O] as the company ate at a restaurant together. After the dinner, Seung Yeon was attempting to catch a moon outside the restaurant when Woo Hyun appeared, asking her if she’s not treating him as a friend, and thanked him for staying back. Ending up in a hugging position when he pulled her over from a rushing motorcyclist, Woo Hyun took the chance to give her a tight hug. [AWWW YEAHHH]

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep o9 [Recap]

Woo Hyun went home, not understanding Ji Woo’s confession to Seung Yeon. Meanwhile, Seung Yeon, confused about the complexity of the issue, left the dorm in the middle of the night for some beer, not knowing that Ji Woo was trailing her. Seung Yeon herself was already troubled about seeing In Young’s kiss with Woo Hyun, and as she looks at her reflection, she moans over the fact that she looks like a guy, and what can she expects, for Woo Hyun treats her as one too.

In the room, Chang Min was browsing through his old photos [Bwahaha, sorry, but anyone else thought that the flattened-haired Chang Min was rather cute? :D] when he caught sight of a familiar figure: Seung Yeon, who was in the same awards ceremony as him. Jae Ah then enters the room, and upon receiving no response from Chang Min during his greetings, tried to peer into the phone only to get put off by the latter. Chang Min then says out loud that if caught by the company, she’d be fired for sure, and asks himself where did she get the courage from. Not knowing that Chang Min was talking about Seung Yeon, Jae Ah commented that he doesn’t care if he got fired, for he isn’t looking to sing his whole life, unlike someone.

The scene jumps to the next day, where President Jang is helping Hae Young with her flower shop. Apparently her car broke down, and the first person she asks was him. In the office, Team Leader Han was musing about President Jang’s recent weird actions, and called him only to get hunged up almost as soon as the phone got through. She then caught the advertisement on the newspaper, and commented rather sadly that it would be Woo Hyun if only he decides to extends the contract. 

After reaching Hae Young’s flower shop, she calls Woo Hyun, telling him to make a trip to the office after his exercise to talk about advertisement contracts. In the car, she sees President Jang helping Hae Young at the flower shop, the two acting really close together. Upset, she drove off.

At the gym, Woo Hyun refuses to stop on the threadmill, trying to forget the previous’ day’s event (of Ji Woo’s confession to Seung Yeon), and asks himself what has that got to do with him, making him so worked up. Meanwhile, In Young is giving Seung Yeon and Ji Woo vocal lessons, as Seung Yeon broke her voice halfway, thus getting a chide from In Young about singer’s responsibilities to maintain their vocal cords. To stop her from worsening the condition, she dismissed her, asking her to check it out at the hospital. 

In the male’s toilet, Seung Yeon was washing her hands as she checked her vocals, sighing when she realises she better take a trip to the hospital when Chang Min strode in. Upon realising that Seung Yeon’s inside, he told her that he’d come back later as he rushes out, leaving Seung Yeon puzzled. Behind the wall, Chang Min talks about how Seung Yeon enters the male washroom so naturally that it is no wonder they’ve taken her as a boy for granted.

In the lobby, Seung Yeon poured herself a glass of water as a ringing phone caught her attention. As she picked it up, Jae Ah came running, as if looking for something [Jae Ah’s running was just…hahaha]. Jae Ah thanks her for the phone, and asks her if she’s alright, when Seung Yeon told her that he’s got a call. Immediately, he called back, and apparantly his brother’s been caught in a bout of food poisoning.

Leaving the lobby, Seung Yeon saw Woo Hyun leaning on the balcony and proceeds to wave a greeting when In Young popped out, linking her hands immediately with Woo Hyun’s. Irritated, Woo Hyun starts to shrug her off, when Ji Woo appeared, pulling Seung Yeon to the hospital. In Young casually remarked that the two looked really close, and if she didn’t know the two were boys, she’d thought they are lovers. Annoyed, Woo Hyun said that he doesn’t care, and told In Young to let go. In Young, told Woo Hyun that he’s mean, for they could be friends. At the mention of the word ‘friends’, he got reminded of Seung Yeon’s promise to him, and muttered under his breath ‘what kind of friend is he, bastard’, and left.

In the office, President Jang was telling Woo Hyun how good the pot of lavender smells when Team Leader Han entered, and President Jang immediately gives the pot to her, telling her that its a gift he himself bought at a flower shop that morning. Smiling weakly, Team Leader Han set the plant down as she remarked that she don’t like plants, and added that it’s troublesome to water them too. President Jang, persistent, told her that lavender needs a dry condition anyway. Team Leader Han then remark bitterly that he could well open a flower shop now, while President Jang replied saying that being sensitive, Team Leader Han needs lavender for its calming effect, and Woo Hyun joined in, agreeing to President’s statement, much to her displeasure.

Deciding to switch topics to the reason they were gathered, Team Leader Han states that Woo Hyun has been dropped from various cFs, and asks if there’s a need to lower the prices for Woo Hyun’s modelling fee. Woo Hyun then commented that if it’s lowered, every company would be asking for a lower price. President Jang then comments that it’s also cheating to lower fees, and Team Leader Han rebutted by saying there’s no such thing as ‘cheating’ in this field, and listed the example of a fellow star. Not wanting to deal with this, Woo Hyun told them to handle it anyway they please, and left. Team Leader Han told him to just not get into any scandals, for it’d lower his chances of landing a CF. President Jang then says that he wouldn’t, for people were telling him that they hadn’t seen Woo Hyun with a girl for so long that he might just like guys. Sensitive to this topic, he bursted out, saying that it’s ridiculous, shocking the duo. Team Leader Han says that it must be because of him dropped from the CFs that he’s in a bad mood, and President Jang nodded, thinking that Woo Hyun too needs a pot of lavender [LOL, haha].

At the rooftop, Woo Hyun is rehearsing his scripts with his manager, which includes alot of aegyo before he had enough and states what the hell is wrong with it. His manager then tells him that there’s no choice, for his image as the ‘cute little prince’ is well loved. He then notices Seung Yeon and Ji Woo, and commented that they look pretty good together, and because of their closeness it’s no wonder that they’ve got a scandal, and asks Woo Hyun if they’re dating for real. Upset, Woo Hyun continued the script, but in an obviously angered tone. Ignorant, his manager continued to ramble on, and Woo Hyun told him to shut up in anger. Seeing the closeness, he eventually threw his script on the ground in anger.

In the lobby, Seung Yeon tripped as Ji Woo caught her, and after checking that she’s fine, Ji Woo told her that he’d promised to protect her didn’t he? Seung Yeon then took the chance to tell him that she wanted him to continue to be her friend, for they’ve been good friends for 20 years. For the 20 years, she’s been protecting Ji Woo as a friend, and she couldn’t accept him being like that all of the sudden. Ji Woo then asks if he’s wrong, and upon Seung Yeon’s denial, he continues to say that he thought he’d continue to be Seung Yeon’s only guy, until someone comes along and he felt torn apart. Seung Yeon then told Ji Woo to think if he liked Seung Yeon as a girl, or as a good friend, when Ji Woo told her that he’s not a fool to not know the difference, effectively ending the conversation.

After Team Leader Han brought the lavender to her office, she found a card and read it, realising that it’s written by Hae Young, stating that lavender helps to release stress. In anger and jealousy, she crumpled the paper and commented that President Jang shouldn’t lie to her about buying the plant, or at the very least, throw away that pice of paper.

Woo Hyun dismissed the stylist and his manager at the end of his event, being unable to shake Seung Yeon from his thoughts. Seung Yeon was practicing her song ‘Dream’, and got reminded of Woo Hyun as Ji Woo watches sadly.

In Young was at the wedding photoshoot when her managers told her that they left the necklace. Angered, she asks them where the hell is it, and realises that it’s with Woo Hyun, who should be sending it on their way to the airport. At home, Woo Hyun stares suspiciously at his manager, and his manager immediately confessed that about the jewelry. Tired, he told him to do what ever he wants and walks off.

In the office, Junior was talking about some photoshoot, and can’t believe how Jae Ah is missing at this point. Seung Yeon then comments that someone in the band fell sick, so he’s probably helping them out. Seung Yeon then asks if they can’t help him, since he has a reason for doing so. Chang Min took the chance to ask Seung Yeon if there’s a reason for her doing it, leaving her all flustered.

In the car, Woo Hyun asks Hyuk Dol if he’s dating Mi Jung, otherwise he wouldn’t have decided to send the jewelry himself, much to his manager’s denial. Flustered, he asks Woo Hyun if sticking to each other everyday means dating, for if so, then he and Seung Yeon must be dating for they seems like inseparable twins, angering and flustering Woo Hyun as he burst out for Hyuk Dol to just drive properly.

At the photoshoot venue, Woo Hyun sent his manager off as he starts to play around his phone, which ended up in him looking at Seung Yeon’s picture he took at the hospital. In the toilet, Seung Yeon muses that he won’t look as good as In Young no matter what, and looks at her phone, sad that she didn’t receive any calls what-so-ever from him. Walking out of the toilet, she met President Jang, who asks her if she’s mad from walking out of a female toilet, which she replied that she merely forgotten about it. President Jang told him that he’s growing old handling her, and she remarks that well, ‘uncle, you’re orginally just that old anyway’. However, Chang Min was in the male’s washroom and heard it all, wondering what kind of audition they’re in, thinking that she got in with relations.

Woo Hyun, getting sick of waiting, decides to head into the venue only to find Hyuk Dol wolfing down pizza at the doorway. He then notices Seung Yeon, smiling when he saw he looking so happily with two pizza slices on each hand. Team Leader Han broke him out of his reverie and asks if he’s eaten, and told him to go in for a meal first. As he strode in, Junior immediately greeted him as he glared at Hyuk dol, who meekly replied that he’d be out in a moment. In Young, ignorant of everything, thought that he’s there to visit her photoshoot.

Just then, Seung Yeon choked on her pizza slices, and Woo Hyun got jealous at Ji Woo’s close affections for her that he agreed to take a photo with In Young. President Jang agreed readily, stating that it’d be good to use in the future [duet album…? OMGOSHNOOOO], while Team Leader Han wonders the reason for his sudden cooperation with In Young. Seung Yeon looks really upset as Woo Hyun even took to hooking his arm around her, obvious that he just wants to make Seung Yeon comment on something.

In his way to the airport, Woo Hyun comments unhappily that Seung Yeon didn’t even bothered with him anymore. Hyuk Dol, hearing that, said that he just wanted to grab a bite and he’d be out, when Woo Hyun cut him off, continuing to say that he don’t need him anymore, just nice, shocking Hyuk Dol as he thought he’s going to get fired. Seeing Seung Yeon’s disappointment, Ji Woo told Seung Yeon to go and confess to Woo Hyun and get it over and done with. Even if she got rejected, at least she tried. He then congratulate Seung Yeon, for finally falling in love for the first time. Touched, Seung Yeon thank him and ran off to find Woo Hyun [AWWWWWW. Haha, that’s such touching moment!!!].

At the airport, Seung Yeon managed to find Woo Hyun, who’s waiting for his flight in a private lounge. Shocked and a little angry/jealous retaining, he asks Seung Yeon to hurry up and say it. Seeing her being uneasy, he comments that he’s busy and if he doesn’t say anything just leave. Seung Yeon, not knowing what to do, grabs Woo Hyun as he tries to leave and kisses him [cue wide eyed Woo Hyun again! HAHAHA]. After she lets him go, she apologizes, but before she could get the words out, Hyuk Dol comes and told them that Woo Hyun’s plane is leaving. Shocked, Woo Hyun acknowledge and strodes off in a zombie-fied mode, feeling heated up as Seung Yeon regrets not being able to vocalise her true thoughts.

In her way back to the company, she met Jae Ah, who asks her to borrow some money. At the dorm, they gathered as Seung Yeon asks them if they could perform in place of Jae Ah’s band, for they’ve already accepted the event fee. Chang Min continues to prod at Seung Yeon, wondering her motive for helping Jae Ah […me wants to flatten his hair and makes him look like the modest kid in the past]. Hyun Seung then comments that it’s not possible for them, and proceeds to leave when Seung Yeon asks them if they’re a team or not, for a team should help each other out.

On the way to the company, Chang Min crash right into Team Leader Han, and after mumbling an apology, proceeds to help her with the fallen files. It was then that he caught his assessment grading by the company, with a huge ‘F’ marked at the top. [I guess this is the bomb for him.] As he returns, he found the dorm empty.

At the event, Jae Ah is only there with one of the band members, who worries about whether the two of them could make it. In attempt to dissuade Jae Ah, he told him that he could be dropped if found out, and Jae Ah says that it’d be fine with some make-up [haha, Jae Ah! you don’t slap on some foundation powder and becomes a totally new person you know?] when Seung Yeon and Ji Woo turned up in a tow with masks.

As they prepared to go up, the rest of the members turned up, touching Jae Ah. Tae Kwon then smugly tells Jae Ah not to ‘thank’ them for they’re doing what they should do, and Ki Bum comments that for once, he kinda like Tae Kwon. They then puts on the maks to perform Stand Up! (without Chang Min), as Chang Min turns up in a hoodie [no one finds him suspicious, really?] and videos the whole thing. In the dorm, they ordered pizza and chicken to celebrate as Tae Kwon and Dong Woo talks about Chang Min doesn’t seem to fit in the team. Tae Kwon then tells them that apparently Chang Min’s the no.1 candidate to be dropped, voted by both their vocal and dance teachers (hence the F), while Chang Min heard everything fron the stairs. [Damn creepy kid, be a man and do something right for once.]

In the hotel room, Hyuk Dol asks Woo Hyun if he’s feeling fine, and Woo Hyun comments that it’s fine, for he’s far away now. Hyuk Dol then left him alone, not really understanding his words though. However, when he thought of what happened, he couldn’t get over it. In the dorm, Ji Woo asked Seung Yeon if she’s confessed, and she said she did, but missed out the part that she’s a girl. Ji Woo, sighing, asked her to rest well when its apparent that she doesn’t want to say anything else.

In the middle of the night, Chang Min left a CD of their allerged ‘illegal’ dance video on President Jang’s office. Wondering what it is, President Jang opens it in shocked, and asks for the members immediately.

At the photoshoot, the staff are gushing over how good Woo Hyun looked. As the camera man asks him to show an expression of being kissed by a loved one, he immediately thought of Seung Yeon, and smiled unconciously, before trying to shrug it off. Hyuk Dol then tells him during the break, that the feeling of missing someone only happens when one’s in love, and Woo Hyun told him to push the flight timings forward as he thinks over his words, wanting to confirm his feelings when he gets back.

In the office, Junior members are gathered as President Jang asks them about the video performance. Hyun seung then admits that it’s them, when Chang Min told him to say it properly, indicating that he has no wish to be part of it. Jae Ah then told President Jang that he would take full responsibility for it, while President Jang looks at chang Min suspiciously. 

At the dorm, Tae Kwon long figured that it’s Chang Min, for it’s not easy for one to place the video to the president. Faced with the members’ accusations of being a betrayal, Chang Min then points his finger at Seung Yeon. In the office, President Jang asks Jae Ah the reason for standing on stage, and without excuses, he admits that it’s all for money. President Jang looked amused, and much to Team Leader Han’s displeasure, said that he’s got a clear objective and integrity for admitting it.

Back to the dorm. When Jae Ah returned, he told them that he’d take full responsibility. Seung Yeon then commented that if he’s going to get punished, then they all should, and Tae Kwon took the chance to snap at chang Min, stating that well, everyone except the betrayer. At Seung Yeon’s childing about him not being loyal to the team. Team Leader Han then walks in in time to break up the impending fight, and Chang Min took the chance to say it’s time to kick those guys that deserved to be kicked, pointing out that Seung Yeon’s a girl to the team, shocking the rest of the team. Not stopping a beat, Chang Min contines to say that Seung Yeon’s the niece of the president, when Woo Hyun strode in, hearing everything.

4 Minute — Volume Up
Video Credits: TheKpopSubber3 @Youtube 

After a long while, the five sexy girls of 4 Minute are back with a brand new song and concept. With a vampirish theme, Volume Up features the girls in a Victorian-grandeur back drop and with sultry, slightly gothic make-up and a catchy beat that is bound to get stuck in your head.

[[ Song ]]

As compared to their previous title tracks, Volume Up is a brand new sound to 4 Minute. Unlike the usual strong electropop beats that booms at your ears from the start to the end (From Hot Issue to Mirror Mirror, with the exception of Heart to Heart and probably Huh), the strong saxophone intro had perked my ears right from the start. However, the loud beats were evident, with the claps and the background boom, something that I’ve grown accustomed to hearing in various Cube dance tracks. 

The song talks about the guy that has abandoned a girl after using her (going so far to saying that she’s easy behind her back). In denial/anger, the girl asks for the music to be pumped up, drowning her cries as she has had enough hearing all about her unreturned feelings. At the end, the girl realises that she could probably never get the guy to understand her, or rather, like her beyond her superficial beauty, and I felt that the last cry was probably an anguished cry, and last one before she is ready to move on.

I would say that the lyrics were pretty alright; it’s not meaningless (besides the repetitive ‘uh uh uh uh uh’) but it’s not exceptionally tugging at your heartstrings. Well, most dance tracks aren’t aiming for that anyway. 

Hyunah’s ‘rap’ appeared twice in the song, and I love how they put Gayoon’s crescend-ing high notes with the lines to strength the feeling of the girl wanting to throw everything away, as in the up-pending chorus. It’s a pretty nicely-done leading to the chorus where Jiyoon calls for the need to throw everything away and be lease from her burdens and despair. 

I do like how the fast beat transits to Jihyun’s solo, singing the lines of how the guy would never understand her in a slow, melo manner as she did a waltz-like dance with her partner (I’m no dance expert, so yeah). I also love the various times they used the Saxophone to introduce this dream-like atmosphere; it was as if I was lulled into this antique setting where I was to party all night long. 

[[ Music Video ]]

That said, I was wondering why the vampire concept for this song? Knowing the lyrics, the only thing I could think of is probably a girl going clubbing, but a group of people dancing in the empty, but grand, hall. 

I do love the set though: the vintage classic, the fashion (oh gosh, the clothes and accessories~!). I just don’t get how the set connects with the lyrics. Still, the luxurious set costs a whooping $130,000 to create, and since this video hadn’t had much storyline, let’s talk about the props. 

When I say ‘props’, I’m sure the first thing most would have thought is Gayoon with the snake, sitting on the couch with a crown. It is somehow…melodramatically beautiful: she’s there, well-dressed and looking pretty, but her male escort is standing a visible distance behind her, looking out of the window, disinterested (you’ve never taken a proper look at me). She’s dressed and looks like a ‘queen’, but all she has is the faux authority and the faux attention.

Another scene that caught my eye is Jihyun’s solo, where she did some ballroom dancing with her partner. It seems like she was asking to be carefully handled (when the lyrics suggests that she’s getting broken because she’s being abandoned). 

The vibrant clothes all 5 of them wore for the chorus was from  D&G’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The bright prints of red, blue and yellow gives them a luxurious feel that is not the least awkward in the grand backdrop. I found it a little weird at first, but the more I looked at it, the more I like it. (I guess after what TVXQ has done to me in KYHD with that peacock outfit, nothing will ever come close to scarring me anyway.) The other black and white outfits were pretty as well, the sheer cloth that the girls throw in the wind really creates that seductive, dreamy feel.

The loud accessories both give a bold statement (and for some odd reason, a delightful splendour to the neutral colored clothings) that fitting of a princess (or even a queen). They all had pretty huge chunks of accessories on them throughout the video, but it looked classy. The boldness of it seems to imply the need they have to be stronger, while not over-doing it and retaining some of that feminine elegance. 

[[ Overall ]]

I actually pretty liked the song. Most of the old 4 Minute songs don’t stick with me for too long, but this saxophone sound and the ‘pump up the volume, up up!’ has been stuck in my head since its release, and it hasn’t been driving me crazy yet. I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of too many autotunes or loud electro-riffs, which is why this song is my recent favourite dance track. Looking forward to see them perform this song live!

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep o8 [Re-cap]

Seung Yeon eventually failed to appear for the team mission, leaving her team to perform as a trio. At first, President Yang rejected the performance, stating that a team no longer functions when a member is not present, and proceeds to leave. However, Hyun Seung stood out and announce that they’ll take full responsibility of her disappearance, and that they shouldn’t give up the performance just because of that. Instead, they will be performing with Seung Yeon’s heart, and ask the President for a chance to protect the team. Team 1 gave their applause as an encouragement, and President Jang eventually sat back down.

Halfway through the performance, Woo Hyun left the audience, wondering where did Seung Yeon went as In Young followed suit. It turns out that she’s asking Woo Hyun to compose a song for her, and that she’s asking this as the role of a ‘friend’. As Woo Hyun asks when did she become her friend, she merely went on and states that she’s giving up on the duet album, so write a song for her. Woo Hyun in turn told her that to be a friend, she’d have to understand him more, for he don’t write songs that wouldn’t be his [so that’s why he’s so mad at Ji Woo being able to sing Seung Yeon and his composition! That makes sense. It wasn’t just plain old jealousy for Seung Yeon, but the pride of an artiste/composer. :O], and begun to leave to see Team Leader Han, albeit unwillingly.

In the office, Team Leader Han asks carefully if Seung Yeon is being pulled out from Junior, for she’s likely to be sent back to London under current states. Awkwardly, she starts to say that it’s too bad, for she’s the most popular member in Junior, just as Woo Hyun strode in. Team Leader Han then proceeds to ask if he’s considering the MC position for a Kpop program, as President Jang listens to her half-heartedly. Woo Hyun went on to refuse the position, saying that he didn’t have the confidence, as Team Leader Han continues to ask him to reconsider. Taking the chance to be alone, Woo Hyun asks Team Leader Han what’s up with Seung Yeon, for he’s curious that he didn’t even turn up for the team mission.

Back in the dormitories, Ji Woo is trying to contact Seung Yeon but to no avail. Hyun Seung happens to enter, asking if Seung Yeon has been contacted, and felt a little mad that she left without saying anything. As he turns to leave, telling Ji Woo to inform them when he knew what happened, Ji Woo stopped him and thank him for enabling them to perform and for standing up for Seung Yeon. Hyun SEung rejected the thanks, stating that he’s only doing it for his own benefits, and left Ji Woo to muse over the disappearance of Seung Yeon.

Back in Seung Yeon’s home, she’s still locked up in her room, crying out in frustration. Knowing that Ji Woo must be worried, she moaned over the fact that her handphone has been confiscated and there’s no way to contact him…and Woo Hyun as well [coos~]. On the other end, Woo Hyun dismissed his manager, telling him that he won’t turn up for the hospital event the next day and looks at his handphone for any messages, wondering what really happened to Seung Yeon. Before his manager left the house though, Woo Hyun stopped him and asked if the whole company would turn up at the charity event, even Junior.

In the end, Woo Hyun did turn up at the hospital to take a look, much to the manager’s surprise. While preparing for the event, Team Leader Han’s secretary asks Ji Woo if Seung Yeon’s really quitting, and Ji Woo denied it all as Tae Kwon heard the conversation. Ji Woo got a little mad, denying it all as he strode off, leaving Tae Kwon alone as he muses over the fact that Seung Yeon is missing. Woo Hyun’s appearance caused a little commotion at the hospital, and as Tae Kwon laments the fact that Woo Hyun’s arrival meant the Junior’s going to be pushed aside, he also mentions that he heard about Seung Yeon’s departure from the group. Woo Hyun immediately called Team Leader Han aside, suspecting that it’s Team Leader Han that caused her departure. And then Team Leader Han states that she’s going back to London.

At Seung Yeon’s house, Seung Yeon begs for another chance before he goes back to London. At this moment, President Jang appears at the house and got on his kneels, asking his brother (Seung Yeon’s father) to give Seung Yeon a chance and his support, for Seung Yeon finally took the courage to chase his dreams. Finally convincing her parents, President Jang drove them back for the charity event, where Junior is performing Stand Up in front of the unresponsive audience. 

Woo Hyun left the hospital and was on his way back when his manager saw President Jang’s car, driving Seung Yeon. Immediately, he asks his manager to turn back and tail the car, effectively returning to the hospital. Sending his greetings to President, Woo Hyun rushes back into the hospital as President receives a call from someone. It turns out that President had received a phone call from Hae Young (the girl from his scandal). He then turns up at Hee Young’s flower shop to take a look. After the performance, Team Leader Han then visited Hae Young’s flower shop, watching President Jang talking happily with Hae Young inside the shop.

The audience remained rather stagnant as Seung Yeon appears, with Woo Hyun right behind him, immediately catching the audience’s attention. As he smiled to Seung Yeon, all he got was a cold response, making him a little mad as he went on stage for his turn. He then went on to say that he made a song for his newly made friend, whom he had happy memories with, and went on to sing a solo version of ‘Dream’, as flashbacks of the duo appeared, touching Seung Yeon.

After the performance, Junior was asked to go into different rooms in groups of twos and threes to entertain the patients, while Seung Yeon was called to the side by Team Leader Han. Seung Yeon then told Team Leader Han that President had help her to get a chance to stay on in Junior till the survival’s over. On her way back, she’s stopped by Woo Hyun, who asks her if she’s got anything to say to him (about the disappearance). At that point, In Young turned up, thanking Woo Hyun for writing a song for her, leading Woo Hyun to exclaim what madness is that when a nurse turned up, asking Woo Hyun to please entertain the little patients. In the end, all three of them visited the room, and took pictures with them. However, In Young keep barging into the photos. While Seung Yeon took the picture of them altogether, Woo Hyun took initiative to cut In Young out with zoom.

They then played the blind mice game, where In Young volunteered to be caught by Woo Hyun, much to his displeasure. As In Young put her blindfolds on, Woo Hyun pulled Seung Yeon behind the curtains in attempt to hide from her. In the end, Woo Hyun even pulled Seung Yeon out of the room quietly, leaving In Young alone with the kids. Alone at the staircase, Woo Hyun asked Seung Yeon yet again if she’s really got nothing to say to him, and it turns out that he admittedly states that he’s worried about her (in his own, Woo Hyun, I-don’t-care-alright way.) Seung Yeon told him that she’ll tell him the reason next time, and turns to leave when Woo Hyun told her never to disappear without a word again. Feeling embarrassed, he left the staircase, and Seung Yeon followed soon after, not knowing that Ji Woo heard it all.

Back to the company, Tae Kwon states that as a punishment, Seung Yeon would be treating them for dinner. At Seung Yeon’s silent plea not to eat anything too expensive, Tae Kwon shook his head, saying that Seung Yeon shouldn’t be sayings she’s poor before their suggestions. Seung Yeon then asks Hyun Seung to make the decision, but Hyun Seung is meeting someone else, and left the members on their own. They ended up eating at a small snack stall, where Tae Kwon continues to complain about not having a better meal. Dong Woo then says that Tae Kwon always flaunt about his income from song’s copyrights, but have never even treated them to spicy rice cakes, and Tae Kwon immediately fient ignorance, pretending not to hear anything.

Halfway through, Jae Ah talks about Hyun Seung’s unhappy state from earlier on, and Tae Kwon then goes on to say that Hyun Seung is probably troubled about whether to return to ‘B4’ or not. Apparently, he came to Sunny Ent. because he was angry about being kicked out last minute from that B4 group, but recently the guy who was supposed to replace him had caused some trouble. At the same time, Hyun Seung is talking to a representative from his previous agency, confirming what Tae Kwon said was true: B4 wants him back. However, Hyun Seung wasn’t happy and rejects him, though the representative states that with that guy’s damaged vocal cords, there is no way Hyun Seung would be kicked out again.

President Jang then visits Team Leader Han in a bar, where President Jang tells her that he’s recently met a ‘friend’ that he owes an apology to, and have even gotten her forgiveness, thus he’s happy. Team Leader Han, seeing that, decides to keep what she had in mind to herself, even possibly that she won’t ever say it.

In the dorm rooms, Ji Woo is angry at Seung Yeon’s secrets, while Seung Yeon was upset at his reaction. In the car, Woo Hyun’s manager was commenting on Woo Hyun’s unexpected appearance to all his schedules when Woo Hyun wasn’t even listening to him. In the end, he asks his manager if he’s got a close hoobae. Being curious, he asks that would his heart would tremble when he sees that hoobae, and think about them when he couldn’t see them. Woo Hyun then went on, cutting his manager’s words when he heard that he too would feel the same, telling him that he could go home after dropping him off, for he’s had a hard day too, shocking his manager. At his happy reactions, his manager is feeling extremely unsettled and scared. In the end, Woo Hyun convinced himself that it was only a natural reaction to a hoobae that he takes care of alot, and he had worried over it the whole afternoon for nothing much.

The next day, President Jang muses about the company being empty with Junior all gone, but soon heard music in one of the dance room. It turns out that Hyun Seung was practicing on his own. After giving him some advice, President Jang left him alone to think about his words. On the other side, Team Leader Han appeared at Hae Young’s flower shop, and learned that she had filed for a divorce recently, returning to Korea alone. She told Team Leader Han not to tell President Jang about it, because she wants him to continue to have a good image of her. As Team Leader Han is driving back, she got mad and states, with jealousy, that her being divorce shouldn’t have anything to do with President Jang [then tell him you like him!! Gah!!] 

Woo Hyun chased his manager out of his car after knowing that he was to be driven back to the company, calling his manager to just go back on his own as he drove off. On the day off, Seung Yeon and Ji Woo went shopping. Seung Yeon wore a dress, shocking Ji Woo, and even told him that she’s going to have to make sure she’s still a girl once in a while. Ji Woo couldn’t get over how pretty Seung Yeon is, gushing at the photo (taken as part of extra service by the shop for cute couples) on their way to a park. Woo Hyun called halfway only to learn that Seung Yeon was with Ji Woo, when he actually wanted to go out with her.

At the park, Seung Yeon and Ji Woo went on a couple biking, when Woo Hyun turned up in a bunny outfit and kidnapped Seung Yeon when Ji Woo went to the washroom. Upset that Seung Yeon is more worried about Ji Woo than playing with him, Woo Hyun left. Not knowing that he left, Seung Yeon went forth to the bunny outfitter, asking him if he would like to play with them, only to realise that it’s not Woo Hyun, but a part timer. On his way back, Woo Hyun states to himself that he shouldn’t be a child and be jealous of the kid, instead, he should be meeting more girls, when In Young called telling him that she’s taking that song (dream) [Gosh, is she deaf. Don’t they heard that the song is exactly the same as SY-JW has sung in the showcase?! /angry fangirl mode turned on].

Hyun Seung visited his former agency, watching as the representative scolded the idol members for wasting their time on stage preparations than meeting their fans. Hyun seung got reminded of President Jang’s words, when the representative walked out. Meanwhile, Kevin sat alone at the auditorium of his college, watching the staeg with longing as his professor walked in. He then asks why so many people are interested in that field of career, saying Seung Yeon, Professor Ji’s DAUGHTER, is also heading towards this field when she’s talented in piano. Upon hearing the name, Chang Min was shocked at the sudden relevation confirmed by his professor.

At the dorm, Ji Woo and Seung Yeon met with Hyun Seung, and Ji Woo asked if he’s going to join them till the very end. Hyun Seung recalls that he had rejected the representative because of his wish to stand on the stage (rather than just being an ‘idol’), and remarks that obviously he’s going to stay till the end, because like Ji Woo mention, they’re a team after all. Walking up the stairs, Seung Yeon heard that Woo Hyun’s in the studio with In Young. In the studio, Woo Hyun denied that te song is written for her, but didn’t mention who the song was for. Refusing to give up, In Young continues to pester him, and Woo Hyun asks if she wants to confirm it herself, letting her kiss him, but Seung Yeon saw everything, and went off crying. 

Upon seeing Seung Yeon cry, Ji Woo statest that he’s angry at seeing how Seung Yeon is crying for some other guy instead of him, and tells her that he wants to be her guy. As Seung Yeon had taken it as a joke, Ji Woo burst out that he likes Seung Yeon, and Woo Hyun heard everything from behind a wall, looking as shocked as Seung Yeon [Way to go, never thought I’d see it in you Ji Woo!]. 

Strongest K-pop Survival Ep o7 [Re-cap]

Ji Woo pulled Seung Yeon away from Woo Hyun in slight anger, asking Seung Yeon what exactly is her relationship with Woo Hyun to even sleep on his shoulder. Seung Yeon, flustered, started to say she was tired, only to give up and admit to Ji Woo that she promised Woo Hyun to be his friend. [Sounds so childish, haha] Angry, Ji Woo strode off, leaving Seung Yeon all confused at his reaction, before screaming in anguish that she shouldn’t have slept on Woo Hyun’s shoulders no matter what (and worried if she drooled) when Ji Woo barged back in, telling her that they’ve got to visit grandmother.

On the other hand, Woo Hyun recapped the day’s events, and despite his remarks, his happiness is evident. [KYAAAA. That. SMILE.] Ji Woo and Seung Yeon visited grandmother to check on her leg, and told her that their showcase ended successfully. Ji Woo then mentioned that he’d be alright if Seung Yeon’s there, leading to grandmother’s rather exasperated claim: what if Seung Yeon’s not there anymore, and asks if Ji Woo plans to follow Seung Yeon’s tail all his life. Seung Yeon, though embarrassed, stated rather confidently that she’ll take responsibility for him. On their way back, Ji Woo asked her if she truly meant what she said, and Seung Yeon replied of course, for who else would, and pulled him off for their stop.

The next day, M2 Junior underwent another day of extensive practice, but was chided for being too slack and lack the proper attitude of a singer, using the showcase as an excuse to get a break from practice. After that, Junior’s fancafe exploded with many comments and feedback from the showcase, with Seung Yeon and Ji Woo’s performances as one of the most popular ones. A little bitter, Chang Min said that they should perform individual solo stages instead of a collab, and Jae Ah shrug it off, stating that all’s well for the showcase’s successful.

Team Leader Han is also looking at the fancafe comments in her office, when one of the staff offhandedly commented that Junior would be fairly popular even before debut. Woo Hyun was in the waiting room when he started checking his phone, disaapointed that Seung Yeon didn’t bother to even give him a call after proclaiming to be his fan. His good mood was aruptly put to a stop as In Young strode in, giving her ideas of their supposed duet album, going with a couple concept alike ‘Troublemaker’ [NO WAY. D:<] Woo Hyun, angered, told her that he have no wish to make a duet album and ask her to stop dreaming. In Young then proceed to say that with Junior’s successful showcase, his graduation is impending, and the infuriated Woo Hyun told her to keep her hands out of his business and to leave. Seeing Woo Hyun’s ignorance towards her, she muttered under her breath that he’d eventually do what she wishes.

During lunch break, Junior ate together as Dong Woo pointed out comments of people asking if Seung Yeon and Ji Woo are women, and in shock, Seung Yeon spitted her rice all over Tae Kwon’s face. Jae Ah lightened the mood by saying that even he wonders if Ji Woo’s a female, being so sissy at times, and Seung Yeon immediately added on (to Ji Woo’s displeasure and embarrassment) that Ji Woo’s childhood nickname is ‘sissy-boy’. Dong Woo then commented that they’re having a popularity vote, and Tae Kwon immediately asked for the phone, albeit bits of rice sticking on his face. 

On their way to their next lessons, they met with Woo Hyun and In Young, and while Seung Yeon greeted him with a smile, Woo Hyun, upset with the lack of phonecalls and the extra trouble of In Young tagging along, merely muttered an acknowledgement and left. Chang Min then state that it was rare for Woo Hyun to acknowledge their greeting, and Tae Kwon goes on to explain that it must be love, for love can change people’s perspective, and even bet his 7 years of being a trainee that Woo Hyun and In Young must be dating. Hearing that, Seung Yeon felt unwell and headed to the toilet. After being complimented that by a newbie for looking good on the showcase stage, she started to tuck her hair behind her ears to see if she looks more feminine, only to give up. Woo Hyun then strode in at the moment, and Seung Yeon strode out immediately, trying to avoid him.

Unhappy that he got ignored, Woo Hyun ask Seung Yeon why she’s avoiding him, and Seung Yeon states that she wasn’t angry and prepared to walk away, not before throwing the sentence that he looks good with In Young [cue cute music and WH-SY moment. :DD]. Woo Hyun chased after Seung Yeon, effectively stopping her, asking her what’s up with saying that he looks good with In Young. Seung Yeon merely states that, she felt that way because she saw the two of them walking into the company together, and Woo Hyun immediately tried to explain himself: he just finish his recording as In Young pestered him, eventually getting onto his car stating that she’s got no ride, then stopping himself as he asked why should he have to explain. Seung Yeon rebunk by stating that she never asked him to explain, and he then goes on to say that well, Seung Yeon’s the one that’s angry at the moment [classic couple-fight. But I love it. Muahaha]. She then states that she’s not displease, but neither is she pleased, and Woo Hyun, having enough, strodes off saying that he feels the same too. But when he left, Seung Yeon looks disappointed, as Woo Hyun mutters that her saying to be his friend is just talk, and at that moment he met Team Leader Han.

In Team Leader Han’s office, he told her to keep In Young in check, and never to let her talk to him about any duet album, or he’d walk off, M2 or not. Team Leader Han says that she’ll fix that, and told Woo Hyun to keep himself in check, for Junior’s showcase ended successfully only with his help, and asks for his reasons. He states that it’s because of her obvious interventions, that he’s helping because he didn’t want to seem so heartless, and Team Leader Han promises not to intervene with Junior’s business anymore, as long as he does the same too. 

In the dormitory, they realised that Seung Yeon’s rank first on the popularity poll. Chang Min once again made bitter remarks, before Dong Woo states that, with her popularity, she is undoubtably the ‘star’ amongst them all. Dong Woo then states that with the poll, it’s evident who’s taking the lead (for the last 4), and offhandedly states that Tae Kwon’s ranked last, and then they realised that he’s gone. 

Team Leader Han and President Jang went to a night, road stall (for beer), with Team Leader Han chiding that President Jang can’t even handle his alcohol, while his excuse was to go on a date with her. As they walked into the tent, Team Leader Han saw Tae Kwon, and before she could tell him off for drinking, President Jang pulled her out, and told her that the date’s cancelled while he went in to find out why. Depressed, he ask if he’s suitable to be a singer, for he can’t sing as well as Ji Woo, nor dance as well as Ki Bum, and his looks even lost out to Seung Yeon, and ask what exactly did President Jang sees in him. He went on to say that he’s been in the company for 7 years, and all these while he’s watched numerous hoobaes debut, even composing songs for them, and wonders his talent as a singer. President then encourages him by saying he’s yet to even show half of his abilities, when he moan that he still doesn’t get why Seung Yeon’s ranked first.

In the room, Seung Yeon toss and turn on her bed before sitting up, wondering if she should send an apology sms for saying those things that she didn’t mean to say, before deciding that well, it was Woo Hyun’s ‘fault’ for walking with In Young in the first place.[CUTE MUSIC. That makes me blush. :D] In Woo Hyun’s house, he paced around, and realised that Seung Yeon probably isn’t apologizing soon, so he took the initiative to text her, telling her that he’d forgive her if she apologize [If it’s a normal guy, I’d say he’s a jerk. But it’s Woo Hyun, so…:D]. Rebellious, Seung Yeon states, angrily, what’s wrong with what she’s done. Woo Hyun, noticing it, states that she’s angry, to her denial. Seeing that they’re not going to carry on a proper conversation, he says that they aren’t going to become friends, and Seung Yeon readily agreed, adding ‘Sunbaenim’ at the end of her text. The text conversation grew even more heated [in terms of anger, anger, so don’t take it the wrong way], and Seung Yeon cut off the convo by saying that she’s going to bed.

The next day, Woo Hyun appeared, smiles and all, with a bicycle, and states that he’d be taking over the morning exercise for a ‘light revenge’. In the end, he brought them to run all over the Han river, then offhandedly states what kind of dance singers are they going to be if they can’t even handle this distance, but let them go eventually. Before ending, he states that ‘someone’ said he had a short temper, and he asks Junior if he really is like that. Immediately, Tae Kwon and the rest states that ‘of course not!’. Seeing that Seung Yeon kind of refuses to answer his question, he states that if that’s the case, he’d show them what exactly is having a short temper/bad attitute (by continuing the morning run), and Ji Woo pleaded for Seung Yeon to give Woo Hyun the answer he wants to hear. Before finally leaving, he left the bicycle with Junior, telling them to return it (it’s borrowed at where they started the run), and left by car, leaving them to continue their jog back to the office.

In the office, the traing staff met with Team Leader Han and President Jang on further training for Junior. Teacher Park (vocal teacher) suggests a standard-division kind of training, but President Jang interrupted her by stating his idea for that week’s mission: 4 to a team, and they will compete each other. The team members won’t change what-so-ever, and Teacher Park told them to just live with it and come up with something that can incorporate all of their plus points together.

In Team Leader Han’s office, In Young went forth in attempt to push her ideas for the duet album, and Team Leader Han told her that instead of a duet album, to go with her solo album first. In Young, seeing that it is an opportunity as well, states that she’d think about it. And then she went on to ask In Young to be Junior’s vocal teacher on behalf of the president (aka, it’s president’s idea, and Team Leader Han’s obvious twitch at that shows her displeasure). Seeing that it’s President’s idea, she too decides to think about it, just as Team Leader Han’s secretary waltz in, giving her an invitation for the movie premiers, telling her that it’s for Woo Hyun, and In Young heard it all.

In the gym, Woo Hyun heard that he’s got a new schedule, and after the initial displeasure and refusal, decides to call Seung Yeon and ask her if she likes movies, and hanged up right after that, leaving Seung Yeon a mi of confusion and anger for having to answer such a lame question. As she walked back, she met In Young on the way, who noticed her to be the one that Woo Hyun’s looking at during the showcase. She then proceeds to ask her out for a ‘movie’ date. Later, Woo Hyun sent his manager to look for Seung Yeon, only to find out that she’s out. When Woo Hyun turned up at the theatres, he found out in both shock and anger, that Seung Yeon was there with In Young.

On the other hand, President Jang is giving Team Leader Han a ride [cue their usual flirting. Me likey. Haha], when Team Leader Han received a phone call from President Lee (In Young’s ex-agency president). President Jang then goes on to tease her about having a boyfriend, and states that he’s getting jealous which is a ‘bad thing’. Team Leader Han, a little hurt, asks him why is that a bad thing, to which he flusteredly tries to avoid the topic.

Inside the theatres, Woo Hyun’s manager was delivering his coffee when he tripped, and trying to prevent Seung Yeon from getting scalded, he put forth his hand as he try to hold his manager, only to get himself scalded. Escorted out, In Young boarded his car only to get kicked out, and for once, In Young decides to leave so that Woo Hyun could hurry and seek treatment. Before going to seek treatment, Woo Hyun sents his manager to search for Seung Yeon. On the way, he saw that she’s giving out autographs, so decided to leave her alone. 

Later on, Seung Yeon pops by Woo Hyun’s home to check on him, but before she could enter, In Young arrived and she decides to hide. Watching In Young’s back, Seung Yeon muses that that should be the way [pretty girl-pretty guy kind of thing, but I thought Seung Yeon’s prettier], and went home to cry [and she’s starting to realise that she’s got feelings for Woo Hyun]. In the room, Woo Hyun starts kicking In Young out, and In Young states that she’s got a chance with him because she could invoke a reaction from him (thinking that he got scalded because he tried to help her), and left. Woo Hyun then tried yet again to call Seung Yeon, but Seung Yeon switched off her phone.

Seeing no messages from Seung Yeon, he sent her a picture of his bandaged hand. Seung Yeon decides to ignore the message, and Ji Woo felt left out of Seung Yeon because of her increased number of secrets. Outside the room, Seung Yeon watch as Ji Woo helped Ki Bum with his bandage, realising that tying a bandage on one’s own is hard. Seung Yeon then paid Woo Hyun a visit, tying his bandage much to his glee [That. Smile. KYAHHH], before stating that Seung Yeon need not come over for that ‘childish picture’ as she dubbed it. She then goes on to say that she knew it was not meant for her, for he had got his hand hurt because of In Young, much to Woo Hyun’s anger, and he immediately told her to get lost. 

On her way out, she met with Woo Hyun’s manager, and then realised that the one Woo Hyun is trying to protect isn’t In Young but her, and she had just talked a whole bunch of ‘what-ever’ to him. [Cue funny music, XD]. Realising that now it is indeed her wrong, she re-visits his house with food, sending him out of the kitchen by ‘cooking’ microwavable food. Woo Hyun then proceeds to pick up food with his left hand, and seeing his state, Seung Yeon decides to feed him. [That. Smile. Again. MUAHAHA. And the bg music! Even I’m blushing]. And then she went on to thank him. Embarrassed, he states that he’s just atheletic and has good reflex, and tell her to wash up the dishes as he muses over her eventual discovery.

His happiness didn’t stay for long, as his manager entered with In Young in a tow, who has decided to bring him breakfast. Noticing Seung Yeon, In Young wondered out loud for her appearnace, and before his manager could tell her the actual reason for him being hurt, Woo Hyun snapped and told her that he was the one that called Seung Yeon over [to protect her, in some ways] and sent In Young off, telling her that he had enough of seeing her in the room, and scolded his manager for letting people in without permission. AS his manager escorted In Young down, he told her that Seung Yeon and Woo Hyun are pretty close lately, letting her sleepover the other day even.

Chang Min visited his vocal teacher at the college, the professor asking if he’s returning to college soon for the competition in Italy. He then asks Chang Min if he last came with Professor Ji’s daughter, and Chang Min merely statest that while Seung Yeon’s surname is also ‘Ji’, Seung Yeon’s a male. Chang Min then heard that Professor Ji’s daughter is studying in London, and he starts to wonder about Seung Yeon, but couldn’t make much sense out of it.

President Lee had sent someone to find Team Leader Han, and attempted to bring Team Leader Han with force. President Jang appeared right then, asking him to bring the message that Team Leader Han will not meet him ever again, and let the guy go. At the end, she let out a slight smile at President’s thoughtful gesture and followed after him.

Back at the dorm, Ji Woo suspects that Seung Yeon is falling in love with Woo Hyun. As he tries to ask her about it, she tells him to wait a minute, for Woo Hyun is texting him. Infuriated, Ji Woo snatched the phone away, asking her if she likes Woo Hyun more then him now [that’s…kinda childish and cute actually, haha], and Seung Yeon started to fluster. Unhappy, Ji Woo jumps into bed to avoid confrontation. At this moment, Seung Yeon received a phone call from her house, and immediately ignoring the previous argument, Ji Woo popped out of his blanket and told her to pick up the call.

Meanwhile, President Jang met up with President Lee, determined to find out why he’s contacting Team Leader Han persistantly. President Lee outrightly tells him that he wants Team Leader Han. President Jang, not willing to back down, threatens that if he ever takes Team Leader Han away, there’s consequences to pay (in smiles, of course) and left promptly after.

Seung Yeon had told President Jang that her family knew that she’s currently not in Europe, for the school had contacted her family. She then asks President Jang for help, and when he states that he decides not to intervene because it’s her mess, she shouted ‘Uncle’ in anguish, and immediately he went forward in attempt to hush her for they’re in the company right now. Seung Yeon then feels strange that her family got the call only after a month of leaving the school.

It turns out that it was Team Leader Han that had contacted someone in the school to inform her parents. She states that it has to happen so that it wouldn’t snowball, and she wouldn’t have to go to this extend if not for Woo Hyun’s continuous help to the Juniors.

On the day of the Junior’s team mission, Tae Kwon tells Chang Min to be responsible if the last minute change of song didn’t work, and in retaliation, Chang Min promptly ignores him as he starts singing. The other team were getting nervous too, as Seung Yeon is still uncontactable. Ji Woo tries to reassure them by stating that Seung Yeon should be back soon. Outside, Woo Hyun turned up to watch the mission as In Young told Team Leader Han that Woo Hyun’s especially close with Seung Yeon, shocking her.

At home, Seung Yeon was harshly told off by her father, as he tries to send her back to London immediately, while the team mission has started. Seung Yeon was locked at home in her room, begging her mom to open the door to no avail. Without Seung Yeon, the team was unable to perform, and President Jang said that there is not choice but to wait for her arrival, the announcement shocking everyone there.