Here we are with another brand new feature: Thursday 13! Every Thursday we will bring you our top 13. Different topics every week, and we’re starting out with our favourite memorable moments of 2013. You ready? Let’s go!
1. The concerts.
Teen Top, Jay Park, Super Junior and Infinite. It has most certainly been a helluva year! Let’s just accept it: They’re either your best or worst memories of 2013, depending on whether you were lucky enough to get tickets, or like me was sat at home on Tumblr trying hard to ignore the excitement. If so: Better luck this year!
2. KBEE – 2NE1 as ambassadors and honorary performers at the Korea Brand and Entertainment Expo.
Not only a concert, a full on ambassadorial visit! Along with 2NE1’s live performance, the Expo held a hologram performance of PSY, and was a wonderful opportunity for those of us hoping to make connections in work and professional terms.
3. Speaking of PSY – Hands up those who doubted if he could really pull it off again!
With Gentleman, PSY once again proved his worth, making another international hit. Albeit less of a phenomenon than Gangnam Style, Gentleman still made the rounds, playing in clubs and awarding him with an even higher status internationally and even hosting the MMVA’s with Glee star Naya Rivera.
4. Back to the UK: 2PM’s comeback teaser at Piccadilly Circus.
Were you one of the Hottest’s who turned up in London for the big reveal of 2PM’s comeback trailer on the big screens at Piccadilly Circus? While short, it was a great little way to recognise the groups international fans. Well done JYP!
5. Girls Generation winning Video of the Year, at the Youtube Awards.
Beating not only PSY’s Gentleman, but also Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and others, Girls Generation was awarded Video of the Year at the Youtube Awards.
6. EXO winning “Most EMAzing stars” at the Europe Music Awards.
While sadly missing out on the Best Worldwide Act prize, EXO still didn’t leave Amsterdam empty-handed, which is particularly impressive for such a young group. We’re looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings!
7. Western & Korean music collaborations at the Mnet Asian Music Awards.
This year’s MAMA saw several collaborations between western artists and Korean idol singers, including Stevie Wonder, Icona Pop and Ylvis. A new trend maybe?
8. Little Mix’s Korean version of Wings.
One thing is our favourite idol groups covering songs in English, or even releasing their songs in English… but this is the first time I’ve heard of it working the other way around! We love it. Check out British pop sensation Little Mix’s impressive attempt at singing in Korean.
9. Korean stars filming in London: Hyorin, GD and Donghae & Eunhyuk.
London was a popular travel destination in 2013, with several Idols coming to film MV’s, do Photoshoots and simply see the City.
10. K-pop in UK media
2013 was a great year for K-pop in the media. Several articles from Dazed and Digital, as well as features in The Guardian and The Independent, confirming the ever-growing audience in the UK.
11. The Gloss with European member Olivia.
The first ever K-pop group with a European member! Perhaps there is hope still for the rest of us?
12. Tom Hiddleston visits Seoul and on date with Girls Generation Tiffany.
Most adorable moment of the year? This takes the award in my humble opinion. How many of you have a new OTP after watching these two on their adorable trip around Seoul?
13. Dazed and Digital interview 2NE1
Another milestone for the power group of k-pop, as Dazed and Digital once again dote on 2NE1 to talk about their plans for their comeback this summer.
And that’s it for this weeks Thursday 13. I can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store for us!
Did we miss anything? What were your favourite moments of 2013? Let us know in the comments below!
