Female Soloists In C-pop (Pt 1)

There are numerous female soloists in the world of C-pop. Here is a list of a few currently popular Mando-pop singers who I listen to.  They are based are based in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Each item on the list contains facts about the singer, songs, and official sound tracks. Anticipate more in the upcoming parts of this series!

1. Jane Zhang

张靓颖 Zhang Liang Ying

Chinese

A renowned singer in Mainland China and in the Mandarin-speaking world, Jane Zhang gained fame for her appearance on the singing competition show "Super Girl". She earned the nickname "Dolphin Princess" for whistle vocal register. The majority of Jane Zhang's music is in Mandarin, but she does have some English singles including "Dream It Possible" and "Dust My Shoulders Off". 

Notable Works (Albums & Singles)

Reform(改变), Seventh Sense(第七感), Dust My Shoulders Off

Bazaar

Forever (永遠)

I Am Mine(我是我的)

OSTs/Promotional Songs

My Dream (我的夢) [Huawei Theme]

Change Your World [Budweiser Promo]

心電感應 808 [Budweiser Promo]

2.  A-Lin

黄丽玲 Huang Li Ling

Taiwanese

A-Lin is a vocal powerhouse of Amis, or Aboriginal Taiwanese descent. She made her debut in 2006 and since then has released 4 full albums and an extended play. In 2015, she competed on the Chinese show "I Am A Singer" which earned her more recognition. 

Notable Works

Guilt (罪惡感), Happiness Then What? (幸福了然後呢), Fleeting Happiness (幸福太短)

All In

Guilt (罪惡感)

一直走 GO

OSTs

How Far I'll Go (海洋之心) [Moana OST]

Fleeting Happiness (‪幸福太短) [Magical Space Time OST]

Moment Of Romance (天若有情) [Princess Weiyoung Theme]

3. G.E.M

邓紫棋 Deng Zi Qi

Chinese (Hong Kong)

G.E.M. Tang, whose stage name means "Get Everybody Moving" is a Chinese singer who originated from Hong Kong. She is known for writing her own music: songs that express deep emotions and strong messages. Her latest studio album, Heartbeat, is a visual album in which every track is accompanied by a music video. 

Notable Works

Intoxicated (你把我灌醉), Heartbeat (新的心跳), Live Piano Session

Goodbye (再見)

Bubble (泡沫)

Blindspot (盲點)

OSTs

Light Years Away (光年之外) [Passengers Movie Theme]

Heart Of The Flame (心之焰) [Princess Agents Ending Theme]

Peach Blossom Promise 桃花諾 [A Life Time Love (上古情歌) OST]

4. Angela Zhang

张韶涵 Zhang Shao Han

Taiwanese

Angela Zhang rose to fame after playing the main role in two hit Taiwanese television dramas. Soon after, in 2004 she released her debut album "Over The Rainbow".

Notable Works

Angela Zhang(张韶涵), Visible Wings(有形的翅膀), Head Over Heels (全面淪陷)

Not Afraid (不害怕)

When You Live For Love (為愛而活)

Love Isn't Wrong (愛沒有錯)

OSTs

Be My Faith (把你信仰) [Find The Adventure Of Love 尋找愛的冒險]

5. Diana Wang

王诗安 Wang Shi An
Chinese

Diana Wang was born in the Netherlands but is now based in Taiwan. Her debut album "How Are You? Love Lesson" explores the nature of love and contains a cover of British singer Birdy's hit single "Skinny Love". More recently, Diana Wang has gained attention for her collaboration with R-Chord in " Love Doesn't Need To Pretend" and her English single "Home".

Notable Works
Home, I don't Know, 你好嗎 Love Lesson

Home

Heartbeat
I Don't Know

OSTs

Love Still Exists (爱存在) [Ultimate Dormitory X (终极X宿舍)]



Sources:
Info and Images

Top 20 Most Handsome Korean Actors

Here's a list of the top 20 best-looking Korean actors. They are ranked in order of their birth year (youngest to oldest). Note: This list is based on my personal opinion. Who's your favorite on the list? And who do you like that wasn't included?  You may also like: Top 20 Most Handsome K-pop Idols. & Top 20 Most Beautiful K-pop Idols

20.

Name: Lee Seo Won

Birth Year: 1997

Notable Role: Uncontrollably Fond (2016)

19.

Name: Lee Tae Hwan

Birth Year: 1995

Notable Role: W(2016)

18.

Name: Nam Joo Hyuk

Birth Year: 1994

Notable Role: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

17.

Name: Seo Kang Jun

Birth Year: 1993

Notable Role: Cheese In The Trap (2016)

16.

Name: Kim Ji Soo

Birth Year: 1993

Notable Role: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

15.

Name: Lee Hyun Woo

Birth Year: 1993

Notable Role: To The Beautiful You (2012)

14.

Name: Yoo Seung Ho

Birth Year: 1993

Notable Role: Remember (2015-2016)

13.

Name: Kim Myung Soo

Birth Year: 1992

Notable Role: My Lovable Girl (2014)

12.

Name: Park Hyung Sik

Birth Year: 1991

Notable Role: Strong Woman Bong Soon (2017)

11.

Name: Sung Joon

Birth Year: 1990

Notable Role: High Society (2015)

10.

Name: Kang Han Neul

Birth Year: 1990

Notable Role: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

9.

Name: Kim Bum

Birth Year: 1989

Notable Role: Boys Over Flowers (2009)

8.

Name: Ok Taecyeon 

Birth Year: 1988

Notable Role: Dream High (2011-2012)

7.

Name: Im Siwan

Birth Year: 1988

Notable Role: Incomplete Life (2014)

6.

Name: Kim Soo Hyun

Birth Year: 1988

Notable Role: My Love From Another Star (2013-2014)

5.

Name: Ji Chang Wook

Birth Year: 1987

Notable Role: Healer (2014-2015)

4.

Name: Song Joong Ki

Birth Year: 1985

Notable Role: Descendents Of The Sun (2016)

3.

Name: Sung Hoon

Birth Year: 1983

Notable Role: Noble, My Love (2015)

2.

Name: Park Hae Jin

Birth Year: 1983

Notable Role: Cheese In The Trap (2016)

1.

Name: Kim Kang Woo

Birth Year: 1978

Notable Role: Goodbye Mr. Black (2016)



Honorable Mentions:

***Upcoming***
Top 20 Most Beautiful K-pop Idols



Sources:
Wikipedia, Asianwiki
Images

June In Music

Summer opened with a big bang! Literally, as Big Bang's leader, G-Dragon, made his comeback at the start of the month after 4 years. Girl groups Mamamoo, Blackpink and APink made their returns as well with fun songs akin to the warm weather. This summer, what song is going to take the cake as 2017's summer anthem?

1. G-Dragon - Untitled 2014

Korean

Released: June 8th

G-Dragon released his second mini-album, titled after his real name "Kwon Ji-Yong". The songs on this album relay the artist's inner feelings and struggles that contrast with his confident persona. "Untitled 2014", the lead single, is an emotional lamentation with a piano composition and simplistic music video. This ballad is comparable to fellow Big Bang member Taeyang's "Eyes Nose Lips" but is a complete switch up from G-Dragon's normal hip-hop oriented works.

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 2/5

2. NCT 127 - Cherry Bomb

Korean

Released: June 14th

NCT 127 has taken on a very bizarre concept with their debut track "Fire Truck" and then went a tamer route with "Limitless". Now the ball is back in the court of unusualness in the swaggy and explosive "Cherry Bomb". Mark and Taeyong participated in writing the lyrics which talk about how they blow up the stage with their charisma. "I'm the biggest hit on the stage." Like always, the members deliver mesmerizing choreography but I can't help but call this a downgrade to their previous comeback. The electronic hip-hop composition of the song, albeit innovative, make it seems like two songs were cut and pasted together.

Review: Song - 2.5/5  MV - 2.5/5

3. T-ara - What's My Name

Korean

Released: June 14th

T-ara returned with their ninth extended-play to say goodbye. "What's My Name?" marks the end of the group's career as they plan to disband after its release. For this farewell song, T-ara swapped their typical EDM style for a softer approach.

Review: Song - 3/5  MV - 3/5

4. Monsta X - Shine Forever

Korean

Released: June 19th

After dropping their first full album in March, Monsta X came back with a repackaged version featuring its lead single "Shine Forever". "Shine Forever" is of the electronic genre with touches of hip-hop. It's lyrics describe being in awe by someone's shining beauty. The music video is acted out well: the group is in a car accident, which leaves Kihyun blind (as represented by the blindfold). Then in the end, after much regret and blame, the members take Kihyun to a field in the nighttime. The field is illuminated with lights and Kihyun regains his vision.
Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 3/5

5. Blackpink - As If It's Your Last

Korean

Released: June 22nd

"As If It's Your Last" is a uptempo pop track with a fun vibe perfect for summer. With this introduction to the groups' pink concept, Blackpink showcase what they haven't in their previous "black" singles. The girls show a brighter, cuter side to themselves and take on the school uniform concept. The release also features an all-English rap and a playful choreography that's easy for fans to follow along too!

Review: Song - 3.5/5  MV - 2.5/5

6. Hyolyn X Kisum - Fruity

Korean

Released: June 29th

Wasting no time since Sistar's disbandment (in early June), Hyolyn lends her vocals to "Fruity", a bright summer song about a refreshing, sweet relationship. She paired up with fellow Unpretty Rapstar contestant Kisum for this CF advertising Lipton fruit-flavored beverages. The chorus is groovy and airy, while the music video set is a vibrant fruit juice bar!

Review: Song - 4/5  MV - 3.5/5

Sources

Info:1,5

,Images:1,2,3,4,5,6