We’re back with another selection of performances from the weekly music shows! This week was the first week back for Music Bank after holding off the broadcast for the previous eight shows. Marring the normal schedule of shows, however, was the airing of the 2014 Dream Concert in place of Inkigayo. Taking home trophies were VIXX at Show Champion, Taeyang at M! Countdown and Show! Music Core, and Infinite for Music Bank. Cherry Filter, San E and After School‘s Raina, Topp Dogg, and Tahiti held comeback stages while Music Bank also held special stages for a ‘World Cup Special.’ I’ve chosen some of my favorites of the week below, but please do share your own ones in the comments!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXIQW279D6o]Baek Ji-young‘s “Still in Love,” MBC Music Show Champion, June 11, 2014
The simplicity of Baek Ji-young’s stage is welcome and suits her. Show Champion also set up a pleasing assortment of lights and backgrounds to accompany the ballad singer. All in all, captivating performance.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucaSNVeZZfs]T-ara‘s Jiyeon‘s “Never Ever,” MBC Music Show Champion, June 11, 2014
The best part of Jiyeon’s performances is how dynamic they are. The choreography uses the entire stage well and incorporates mirroring, partner work, and the typical backup dancer setup. The bat dance with the jacket isn’t my favorite, but I think I can overlook that in favor of everything else. If anything, it does give you something to remember.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J479xrkQCZM]JungGiGo feat. Olltii‘s “Want U,” MBC Music Show Champion, June 11, 2014
It’s always nice to see a vocalist enjoying himself on stage. I haven’t watched many previous performances of “Want U,” but JungGiGo looks considerably more relaxed now than he was during “Some.” But I’m going to be honest here: this song is on the list for this week primarily because of camera work. There are certain parts of the song (such as around 0:55) where there are three accented syllables in succession, and the camera proceeds to zoom in three times. For some reason, this is the funniest thing when it happens every time that pattern of emphasis occurs. Or that could be just me.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stwvDWsEMbQ]Taeyang’s “1AM,” Mnet M! Countdown, June 12, 2014
Having Taeyang freestyle it back and forth on a white stripe was probably the best decision they could have made for this song. The result is a stage so natural you can’t help but enjoy it.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MSEprfTrt8&start=99s]ZE:A‘s “Breathe,” KBS Music Bank, June 13, 2014
One of my favorite things about groups with a large number of members is when they use their numbers to smoothly work in units without making everything messy. ZE:A accomplishes that. The song’s airy quality is accompanied by similarly light movements which aid in fluidity.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oq6-sVOdtKg]Secret‘s Hyosung‘s “Good-night Kiss,” KBS Music Bank, June 13, 2014
Frankly, Hyosung has been simply killing it during her solo promotions. From her styling to her surprisingly stable vocals and interesting choreography, I’d call her solo debut a success, especially since she’s still charting relatively high a month after her single’s release. This performance was my favorite from this week because of her hair, outfit, and those fanboy chants.
