Sunday, January 10, 2016

5 Surprising Idols

Hello, everyone! How’s the first week of 2016 going for you? Hopefully, you can manage the good spirit until the end of this year J

Last year, I started 2015 posts with the list of next generation boy and girl groups. It turns out to be spot on because most of them manage to become bigger or maintain their popularity in 2015. I guess I have talent on that hahaha.

This year, I will start with another list, but it’s more light and unique. I called it surprising idols. Why is it a surprise? Because in the early days of their career, nobody would have thought these five idols will get it big among their teammates. Also, it’s a surprise because some of them gain recognition in the most unusual way.

So, here is my list of five surprising idols that gain fame in these past several years………


1.     EXID Hani
           

Hani is one of a kind case. People started to pay attention to her when her solo focus fan cam went viral in 2014 and gathered 18 million viewers until now. Her alluring charisma captivated people, which also made them take interest to her group, EXID. The most surprising thing is the song in the fan cam, Up & Down became a massive hit in late 2014 despite released 3 months earlier.

Hani’s popularity skyrocketed too. She scored various endorsement deals like  with video game Clash of Kings, hosted and guested in various shows such as My Little Television, Crime Scene, and Law of the Jungle, and became cameo in drama The Producers. Her smart and funny personality is a reverse charm to her sexy personality on stage.

She started 2016 with a bang through her dating news with JYJ Junsu while also planning to become a regular member in another variety show Sibling Love with her brother.


2.     BTOB Sungjae


It took three years for Sungjae to achieve huge success like today. Since debut, he is one of the active members in BTOB. He appeared and hosted several shows while also acted in some dramas. However, not many people aware of his name.

It was until he showcased his powerful singing voice on King of Mask Singer where people began to know him in 2015. This followed by his appearance in drama Who Are You: School 2015 that created buzz because of his acting and chemistry with Kim So Hyun. Sungjae started to receive endorsement deals and offer to become variety show cast, music show host, and to act in another drama, The Village: Archiara’s Secret. His popularity also helped BTOB where their single in 2015, It’s Okay, topped various music charts upon its release for the first time.
           
2015 is surely a busy year for him and this year, he will continue his appearance in variety show We Got Married with Red Velvet Joy and music show Inkigayo.


3.     Girl’s Day Hyeri


Girl’s Day Hyeri showed that it’s possible to hit it big two times. In 2014, her aegyo video to army instructor in variety show Real Men became a hot topic. It has one million views in three days despite the aegyo only lasted three seconds. Her popularity boosted, even made her fan sign event cancelled because there are too many people who want to see her in 2014.

In 2015, she starred as a female lead in popular drama installments, Reply 1988. Hyeri successfully changed people’s negative views about her acting when she turned into the lovable and funny Deoksun, her character. Thanks to both Real Men and Reply 1988, she is now having 17 endorsement deals. There was still no information about her career plan in 2016, but it would be interesting to see whether she could maintain her popularity this year.


4.     SISTAR Soyu


Soyu used to be the least popular member in SISTAR, but now, who doesn’t know her? People began to notice her husky voice after collaborating with Geeks through a remake of Tamia’s song, Officially Missing You in 2012 and with Mad Clown for single Stupid in Love in 2013. But, it was her duet song with JungGiGoSome that made her well known. Some was a huge hit in 2014 where it won various awards and became the longest chart-topper song in the same year.

The success of Some helped increasing Soyu’s popularity. She made various show appearances, even became the new host of beauty program Get It Beauty in 2015. She also consistently releasing collaboration songs such as The Space Between with Urban Zakapa in 2014 and Closer with 10cm Kwon Jung Yeol in 2015; both of them shared similar success. She also took part in the soundtrack    of 2015 popular drama, She Was Pretty. Currently, Soyu is still resting through her injury. Wishing her speedy recovery, so she can grace us again with her   lovely voice in 2016!


5.     2PM Junho


If we look back to the early days of 2PM, we will never think that Junho will be as big as nowadays. He isn’t as handsome as Nichkhun or as funny as Taecyeon. His vocal and dance often overshadowed by other members too. But, he proved us wrong. He is the hidden gem of 2PM.

His success may seem under the radar for most K-Pop fans since his career focus is in Japan. Apparently, he is the first 2PM member to release Japanese solo album. He has three Japanese mini-albums that topped ORICON daily chart and held Japanese tours for each of his album. He then released his Korean album, ONE, and hold two days solo concert in South Korea last year.

Not only music, he also expanded his career in acting. He has acted in several movies along with popular star such as Cold Eyes with Jung Woo Sung and Han Hyo Joo, Twenty with Kim Woobin and Kang Haneul, and Memories of the Sword with Jeon Do Yeon and Lee Byung Hun. He will try his luck in drama this year through Memory along side Lee Sung Min while also prepare for 2PM Korean comeback and Japan tour.


It’s always exciting to see how these idols find a success in a most unexpected way. I think that is a part of K-Entertainment charm. I will definitely look forward to what they will bring in 2016!


Do you guys have another name, a surprising idol in your opinion?

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