GOKPOP | Exclusive K-News in Malaysia & Singapore

The Dubai Fountain Performs First-Ever K-pop Song, 'Power' by EXO

Monday, February 12, 2018

The Dubai Fountain, the tallest and largest choreographed fountain in the world in Emaar’s Downtown Dubai, premiered its first K-Pop song on 16 January. The hit song ‘Power’ from Korean supergroup EXO was introduced to audiences as part of a spectacular dancing performance at 5:30pm.

K-Pop boyband EXO made its debut in 2012 and has enjoyed phenomenal success both in Korea and across the region ever since. The song ‘Power’ is EXO’s newest hit; it was released in September 2017 to great success and has topped the charts in various K-Pop markets. ‘Power’ will now stay in the rotation, as the first K-Pop song to ever be included as part of The Dubai Fountain’s world-renowned repertoire.

Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “We are dedicated to bringing world-class entertainment to visitors of Dubai. We are also committed to continually innovating and are extremely excited about the addition of ‘Power’ to The Dubai Fountain’s repertoire. We hope to continue to offer visitors to Dubai a truly memorable experience through spectacular performances set to world-famous music, and we are pleased to be able to provide our Korean visitors with a unique rendition of one of their country’s most popular songs.”

The band members of EXO were present at The Dubai Fountain on 16 January to witness the inaugural performance of ‘Power’.

Describing their feelings on seeing the show for the first time, EXO commented: “We are delighted to introduce global audiences to our song ‘Power’ at this world-famous site. It is a true honour for our song to have been chosen as the first ever K-Pop to be played by The Dubai Fountain; not only is ‘Power’ a dynamic song, but the lyrics describe how music can make people stronger by uniting us all. This ties in with the very essence of The Dubai Fountain itself, a place where visitors from all around the world gather together in one spot to enjoy the truly spectacular fountain show. Watching The Dubai Fountain dance to ‘Power’ was a truly magnificent experience for us. We would advise everyone to visit this amazing attraction when they are in Dubai.”

Widely recognised as one of the most impressive musical fountains of the world, artistically interwoven with music, lasers and light, The Dubai Fountain is one of the world’s ‘must-see’ attractions. It has a rich, dynamic collection of performances encompassing many musical traditions, each one being uniquely expressive in its interpretation.

Commenting on the newest addition to the Dubai Fountain’s playlist Ahmad Al Falasi, Executive Director – Group Operations at Emaar Properties, said: “As one of the world’s popular leisure attractions, The Dubai Fountain in Downtown Dubai offers visitors a truly uplifting experience. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of spectators every week, the fountain presents a diversity of musical choices that reflect the cosmopolitan outlook of our city. The addition of K-Pop’s Power adds to the repertoire of The Dubai Fountain’s musical selection with the vibrant beats of the song set to appeal to a large cross-section of people.”

With its vibrant musical and visual experience set on the 23.81-acre Burj Lake within Downtown Dubai (equivalent to that of 18 football fields), The Dubai Fountain can reach a height of 140 metres (450 ft.) and is equipped with powerful nozzles capable of shooting water higher than a 45-storey building. The beam of light shining upward from the fountain can be seen from more than 30 kilometres away. Different combinations of water-forms created by 6,000 WET Superlights and 25 colour projectors perform to selected musical pieces – chosen from a range of classical to contemporary Arabic and world music.

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AN AMAZING NIGHT IN SINGAPORE WITH IN2IT

Thursday, February 08, 2018

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7 KPOP Idol Groups Headlined the 1-Night KWAVE2 + KWAVE3 1st Line-up: MONSTA X

Thursday, February 08, 2018

K-WAVE2 Music Festival (KWAVE2), one of the largest K-pop Music Festival in Malaysia organised by MacpiePro has successfully drawn more than 10,000 fans filling the sold-out venue, Stadium Merdeka on 13 January 2018. Following the mega-success of KWAVE2, a brand new K-WAVE 3 Music Festival is coming this year with first line-up announcement, Monsta X.

Back to the all-star line-up KWAVE2 which a total of 7 Kpop idol groups - Super Junior, Girls' Generation's TAEYEON, NU'EST W, MAMAMOO, HALO, Tahiti and A.C.E were all together in Malaysia and headlined the 1-night K-WAVE 2 Music Festival.

The talented rookie group, A.C.E took the stage with their energetic opening dance and continued with "Cactus" and "Callin" performances.

A.C.E, a group of 5 members visited Malaysia for the first time amazed the fans with their outstanding performances. Their rock version of BLACKPINK's "Playing with Fire" has received lots of applause.

A.C.E singing to Blackpink’s Playing With Fire 😍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #KWAVE2MusicFestival pic.twitter.com/F7QJttbFwC

— gokpop (@goKPOP) January 13, 2018

Before KWAVE2, we managed to have a quick chat with A.C.E and talked about their recent participation in the survival programs 'MIXNINE' and 'The Unit'. Check out the interview HERE.

After A.C.E's opening set, the lovely girl group, TAHITI appeared in the sky blue uniform outfits and performed "Phone Number", "Oppa You're Mine" and "Skip". The fans were surprised when TAHITI's Ari revealed her elder brother is currently lives in Malaysia and working as a tour guide!

The shining 6 members boy group, HALO appeared up next and heated the stadium with their debut track 'Fever'. HALO expressed their happiness for being able to perform in Malaysia and not forgetting to thank the fans for the continuous support.

Asides, HALO greeted fans at the Meet & Greet held on the next day of KWAVE2 at NU Sentral. Member Ooon was filled with happiness during the day as Malaysia fans prepared a birthday surprise for him.

Malaysian fans giving the birthday boy OOON a surprise celebration! #HALO #kwave2musicfestival 💛 pic.twitter.com/yLMuBrAoD8

— gokpop (@goKPOP) January 14, 2018

The temperature shot up when TAEYEON's VCR played on the screen. TAEYEON shared her mix feelings during the talk session and said it was actually difficult for her to come due to her personal reasons. But thanks to fans who gave her strength, she felt better and able to perform and meet the fans. TAEYEON pulled the heartstrings of most of us during 'I', '11:11' and 'Fine' performances.

Her emotional yet powerful voice melted our hearts. The atmosphere changed when TAEYEON cracked up after listening to the translator translating into English.

"I thought the translation will be in Malay but it's in English. I would have prepared something in English if I knew earlier!" - TAEYEON.

Although greetings in English was not prepared but TAEYEON's version of 'Apa Khabar Sayang KL' and 'Aku Cinta Pada Mu' would definitely cheer you up. Check out her adorable greetings in Malay:

TAEYEON then ended her solo stage with 'Make Me Love You' and 'Hands On Me'. Before leaving the stage, TAEYEON expressed her wish to return to Malaysia for a concert. (ps: please return soon as we know Malaysian SONEs are eagerly waiting for it!)

NU'EST W who shined the most in 2017 returned to Malaysia and performed our all-time favourite song 'Hello'. The 4 members can't hide their excitement by sharing their thought on returning to Malaysia.

The fans were impressed by their ability in speaking in different languages - Korean, English, Malay and Mandarin. Aron, the English speaker was seen interacted with the fans in English all the time. However, Baekho, the Chinese speaker of the day, showed off his Mandarin skills "We miss you, did you miss us?" in Mandarin. Ren then received the loudest response from the crowd when he shouted "Malaysia Sayang".

MAMAMOO wowed the audiences with powerful vocals when performing 'Yes I Am' and 'Decalcomanie'. Their vocals with well-blended harmonies made the fans went wild chanting for them. While indulging in MAMAMOO's powerful performances, fans were worried about Solar at the same time, as she was seen seated throughout the performances due to her back injury. Solar even apologised to the fans as she was not able to show her best. (ps: Solar, get well soon!) This was MAMAMOO first visit and so Hwasa thanked the fans for supporting them although this was their first time in Malaysia.

Malaysia frequent visitor - Super Junior returned as 7 members and took the stage with the never get bored, 'Sorry Sorry'. This was Super Junior first overseas performance after Eunhyuk, Donghae and Siwon discharged from the military and re-joined the group. The venue was filled with Sapphire Blue lightsticks as soon as Super Junior appeared on stage with the black and white suits.

Super Junior never failed to bring laughter to the audiences. Check out the members showing their 'creative' way speaking in Malay. Leader, Lee Teuk even took out his phone and started to show off his Malay language skills.

To our surprise, not only group performances there are also solo and sub-unit stages. Donghae and Eunhyuk reunited as Super Junior D&E and performed 'Oppa Oppa' & 'Growing Pain'.

The lead vocalist, Yesung, however, serenaded the audiences with 'Here I Am'.

Super Junior then ended the night with their latest track 'Black Suit'. Asides, what's more exciting when Super Junior teased about their return for Super Show 7? "Treat this performance as a preview of Super Show 7 in Malaysia", said Super Junior. (ps: ELF will be waiting for Malaysia stop, so please return as promised ><)

Let's rewind what happened during the night:

*photo & video credit to Macpie Pro

Jenn Chia

Malaysian YouTubers Do What They Never Imagined at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018

Thursday, February 08, 2018

The ancient Greeks considered fire to be a divine element as it not only had the power to destroy, but was also essential to create and sustain life. At every Olympic opening, the event that often receives the spotlight is the Torch Relay event, which sees the passing of flames from person to person. This significant event symbolises the passing of historical Olympic cultures from one generation to the next, and would often see people of note proudly holding up the torch and honouring traditions.

In light of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018, Samsung Malaysia Electronics had the opportunity to select three inspiring Malaysians as its representatives to be torchbearers at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018. Local famous YouTubers Jin Lim, Jenn Chia, and Josephine Yap did the honour of relaying the prestigious flame and conveying the spirit of Do What You Can’t.

Jinnyboy can't hide his excitement at the Torch Relay event held at Incheon

At the Torch Relay event in Incheon, Korea, Jin or better known as Jinnyboy by fans in Malaysia, was sure to express his pride in being a part of the momentous occasion. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would personally be a part of such an immense event. It is amazing to see Samsung’s significant role in the Olympic Games, and I am extremely grateful to Samsung for allowing me this incredible opportunity.”

Jenn Chia exlaiming her pride over being a part of the Olmypic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018

Jenn Chia, the beloved singer, songwriter, host, and YouTuber, echoed Jin’s sentiments, adding that this was one of her dreams come true. “I have always been a huge fan of the Olympic Games, especially the ceremonies and rituals that take place, before and after its officiating. Being a part of this is just surreal, and will be something I will never forget,” she said.

Josephone Yap holds up her flame during the torch relay march

Josephine Yap also made sure to express her gratitude for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “I have always been a big dreamer, but this was totally unexpected. Thank you Samsung Malaysia for recognising me as a worthy representative to bear the iconic Olympic torch,” she said.

As a presenting partner of the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018, Samsung had selected these three Malaysians with inspirational background in pursuing and achieving their dreams in the Malaysian entertainment landscape. Mr. Yoonsoo Kim, President from Samsung Malaysia Electronics said that he hopes this will set a positive example for Malaysians to set out and achieve their dreams, regardless of the hurdles.

“Samsung Malaysia helps the Olympic spirit extend beyond the arena to inspire everyone. Our nominations of Jin, Jenn, and Josephine are meant to encourage everyone to actively take part in and enjoy not just the Olympic Games, but the things that we are most passionate about in life as well,” said Mr. Kim.

As Samsung Malaysia’s picks to be torch bearers, all three have exhibited strong resolve in achieving their dreams, true to Samsung’s theme of Do What You Can’t. In his early twenties, Jin tirelessly worked several part time jobs so that he could afford his first camera to create videos. Now, he is known as one of the country’s pioneering YouTubers with over 800,000 subscribers, and he has never looked back since.

Jinnyboy passing on his flame to Josephine Yap

Josephine had social anxiety in her earlier years but through opportunities with Jin and his YouTube channel, managed to completely step out of her comfort zone and thrive. Jenn, on the other hand, was a self-declared awkward person with self-esteem issues who never enjoyed social gatherings or even making eye contact.

“I couldn’t stomach the thought of being crippled by fear for my entire life. To overcome that, I started saying ‘yes’, first with smaller things like learning to make eye contact with people. Next was to say yes to singing and song-writing, and finally, to making YouTube videos and performing live,” said Jenn. “I learned that you have to take ownership of your choices. If you choose to hide from the world because you’re afraid, don’t complain when you realize you’ve done nothing with your life. That’s one thing I wanted to overcome and avoid.”

Josephine talks about her involvment with Samsung at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018

Josephine agreed, adding that her involvement with Samsung at the Olympic Torch Relay PyeongChang 2018 has helped to motivate her to achieve bigger things in life. “I see this as inspiration to step even further out of my comfort zone and aim for higher goals. Like many others, I’ve failed in many things but have learned to never give up. To me, ‘Do What You Can’t’ means keep trying despite all odds. There are plenty of things that most would think you can’t do, but I’d rather try than regret it later,” said Josephine, whose next dream is to design and establish her own clothing brand.

Jinnyboy shares his thought about the upcoming Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018

Jin added that he hopes the rest of the world, especially Malaysians, to join in on the full Olympic excitement and continue to support our participating countrymen. "You don’t have to be in PyeongChang to witness or get into the spirit of the Games and that is the beauty of technology! Technology brands like Samsung have innovated tirelessly to turn this world into a globally connected community to allow us to experience what we previously couldn’t. I hope that everyone around the world would take the opportunity to witness the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 and to cheer on for these athletes who unwaveringly do what they can’t. This event is doubly significant to me, as not only was I able to hold the Olympic torch, but a personal friend of mine is here, representing Malaysia,” he said.

Jenn passing on her flame to Jinnyboy

Samsung’s three picks extended their well wishes to Julian Yee, a participating Malaysian taking part in the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018’s figure skating event this year. “All the best, Julian! By bringing the Malaysian flag to this esteemed global event, you’re already making Malaysia proud. As they say, they harder the battle, the sweeter the victory. Malaysia Boleh!” they echoed.

It has been a long, tiring and meaningful journey. The milestone has been achieved and Malaysia will for sure be at the 2018 Winter Olympics! I've finally made it! Thank you to everyone who has supported me and given me the strength. Without you guys it would be impossible. 🇲🇾 ⛸️🏅❤️ . . . . . . . #MalaysiaBoleh #Olympics #WinterOlympics #WinterGames2018 #PyeongChang2018 #KoreanDreamProgram #TeamMalaysia #TeamMK #EdeaFamily #TEAMMAS #RoadToPyeongChang #RoadTo2018

A post shared by Julian Yee 茹自杰 (@julianyeeee) on Sep 29, 2017 at 1:32pm PDT

Julian Yee is a 20-year-old, who won a SEA Games gold medal in the first-ever figure skating event in 2017. A true symbol of Samsung’s Do What You Can’t ideology, he was determined to make it big in the figure skating scene ever since he can remember. After overcoming the different challenges and conquering the figure skating landscape in Malaysia, Julian now aims for something much bigger – taking over the global stage – starting with the Olympics Winter Games PyeongChang 2018.

photo credit: Samsung Malaysia Electronics, Julian Yee's Instagram