By: DoHyun NamEdited & Published By: Neena Rouhani
Infinite Challenge is recognized as the
first "Real-Variety" show in Korean television history.The
program is mostly unscripted and follows a similar format of challenge-based reality programs,
familiar to some audiences in the West. The challenges are often silly, absurd,
or impossible to achieve, so the program takes on the aspect of a satirical
comedy variety show rather than a more standard reality or contest program. In
earlier episodes, the show's six hosts and staff would continuously proclaim
that, in order to achieve its comedic purposes, the program was 3-D: Dirty,
Dangerous, and Difficulty. (Wikipedia) Infinite Challenge is one the longest
running programs in Korea. This program started in
2005, starting with tug of war versus a cow and swimming versus a duck. For
eight years, they have they have done many challenges including becoming
fashion model, chef, rowing boats, ice skating, participating in a singing
festival, wrestling, cheerleading and more.
Dad! Where are we going?
Dad! Where are we going? is reality show featuring five fathers and their
child as they travel to rural places. People find it interesting by looking
celebrity father’s act same as regular people.
Hidden Singer
Hidden Singer’s
mechanics are a famous singer and several impersonators of singer each sing one
measure of a song behind the blinds for four rounds, then audiences vote on who
is the real singer. Last man, survives wins the price. People find interesting
because audience can actually participate guessing while the round is running.
By: Neena Rouhani Edited & Published By: Neena Rouhani Whether in South Korea or the United States, sex sells. This is evident and essential when it comes to the success of music artists, in this case: girl groups. So who made it to the top and plummeted face first? Here's a list.
HIT: Girls' Generation (SNSD)
One
of the most well-known groups of Korean artists throughout the world is Girls’
Generation. This charming nine member, all girl, pop group has earned worldwide
fame through their angelic harmonies and killer dance moves. Girls’ Generation
has been featured on shows around the world, and right here in the U.S., such
as Late Show with David Letterman and
Live! with Kelly and were the first Korean
musical acts to perform on those shows (Wikipedia). Part of their claim to
international fame was their usage of English lyrics within their songs and
their hit song “The Boys” which was released in both English and Korean. They
have done international tours and have been endorsed by various companies such
as Samsung, Christian Dior, and Lipton Tea (Wikipedia). They also have been
involved with charity organizations such as the Make a Wish Foundation of
Korea. It may come as a shock to American fans that the group has been around
for about 7 years with no member replacements or group fallouts.
Girls' Generation's latest track released in Japan, "My Oh My".
MISS: Danity Kane
It
may come as a shock to American fans that Girls' Generation has been around for about 7
years with no member replacements or group fallouts. Many famous American
groups, with the exception of a few, fail to exist shortly after being
established due to internal disputes. U.S. made girl group, Danity Kane is a key example of why the American population has little to no hope for girl groups. DK was a five-member
group created by P. Diddy on the 3rd season of MTV’s Making the Band. The group came up on
top, initially selling over one million copies of their first album and having
three top 10 singles, however after 4 years, the group fell apart. So, where are they now? Aubrey O'Day (far right), has done some modeling for magazines such as Playboy and has been featured on broadway. Despite her plummet from fame, O'Day has been featured in various tabloids for less than desirable reasons. Aundrea Fimbres (center) continued on to be theexecutive producer of J-Live Entertainment's Next Big Thing Talent Show. D. Woods (second from right)left the group shortly after it's establishment. Dawn Richards (far left) went on to pursue a solo career and lastly, Shannon Bex went on to pursue a country career. Over the past week there has been gossip of the return of Danity Kane.
Danity Kane's chart topper "Damaged".
HIT: TLC
On
the other hand, we have groups such as Destiny’s Child and TLC. TLC was a trio including Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapperLisa "Left Eye" Lopes and singer Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas thatlasted
fourteen years, and may have continued if it wasn't for the untimely and tragic
death of group member and raptress Lisa Lopes. Prior to Lopes’ death, their fame
was untouched, considering their certified diamond album CrazySexyCool which topped 23 million sales worldwide as well as
their worldwide tour. Their hits included "No Scrubs", "Waterfalls" and "Unpretty", songs that continue getting play today. This year, a movie was released titled "CrazySexyCool" about the life of the three women and their road to fame and the aftermath.
TLC's emotional video for their hit single "Waterfalls".
MISS: 3LW
3LW, another famous trio, also achieved fame however after 4 years, similar to
Danity Kane, stopped releasing music and eventually disbanded. The members included Adrienne Bailon (right), Kiely Williams (left), and Naturi Naughton (center).Their break-up
was not as messy as that of Danity Kane, however there is debate that Naughton was kicked out. Williams as well as Bailon continued on to Disney Channel to become Cheetah Girls and Naughton went on to pursue an acting career in movies including Notorious and Fame.
3LW's first hit, "No More".
HIT: Destiny's Child
Destiny's Child - Version #1
Destiny's Child - Version #2
Destiny's Child - Version #3
Destiny’s Child began as a quartette comprised of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett. The group’s history was tainted by member swaps, and lawsuits however, this did not affect their worldwide stardom. Their peak of fame occurred when they were three (Williams, Rowland and Knowles), with their album Survivor which had four #1 hits. The group lasted roughly sixteen years and after, Rowland and Knowles went on as solo artists. As we all know, one of those two reigned supreme.
Arguably the most famous Destiny's Child song, Say My Name which peaked at #1.
