Carly Miller: Music Monday: K-Pop Edition,

Okay, I know I'm gonna get a ton of crap for posting this genre this week, but I really don't care. K-pop has been a genre I've loved since I graduated high school, and I've grown to become totally okay with embracing and expressing that to the public. Besides, 90% of the talent in Korea are probably more hard working than many of the musicians in America's entertainment industry today. These guys have long days and nights, sometimes hardly eat, 14 hour training days, and award shows practically every day. I'm gonna post some of the groups I've grown to love in the past three years, and I would love to know what you guys think. And no, none of these are "Gangnam Style". There's way more to K-pop than "Gangnam Style" and Girls' Generation. This is actually good music, I promise.

1. "Growl" by EXO

I'm a sucker for fantastic choreography. I'm also a sucker for a guy with great vocals. Put those two together and you have EXO, a group of 12 fine, talented young lads that put a whole new meaning to a one-shot music video. These boys are rookies, only in their second year in the business, but they're surely going to go places in the future. This is the Korean version of the song, but if you wanna check out the Chinese version (cuz the group is supposed to be split up in Korean and Chinese speaking members), click here.

2. "Please Don't..." by K.Will

It's been over a year since this video has been released and it still makes me want to cry/throw things/rip my hair out. It just makes me really emotional and equally pisses me off. K.Will's vocals are absolutely smooth, like chocolate, because DAMN I could listen to him all day. And though you can't see his face throughout the entire thing and the song is driven by a story-heavy video, it's definitely one of the most beautifully shot videos in Korean media.

3. "Heaven's Door" by Eric Nam

Okay, we're getting into the cute segment of "What Carly Likes in K-Pop". And no, I'm not talking about the boys (maybe). But I'm talking about Atlanta born and raised Eric Nam, discovered by a few talent agencies by a cover he posted on Youtube. After appearing on "Birth of a Great Star 2" and releasing his album last year, this guy has blown up. And though he's not a star in America, I'm so proud of him for getting recognized for the talent that he is.

4. "The Chaser" by INFINITE

Again with the fantastic choreography and perfect harmonies. INFINITE is one of those groups that likes to play with different sounds, not wanting to sound like the normal group, and actually do it well. Plus, these guys are all so talented, their company made two sub-groups: a rap duo and a solo act with the leader of the group, Sunggyu (I will say that his album was extremely underrated and it's one of the greatest albums in my collection at the moment). "The Chaser" reminds me of some 80's electro soundtrack, and the choreography is on POINT. Like, so technical and complicated and precise... my inner dancer is screaming with how much I love this choreography. Now if only someday I can dance as well as these guys.

5. "Something" by TVXQ!

Oh, the veterans of K-pop. TVXQ! has been around since 2004, and with all the turmoil their group has been through, from losing three members to legal lawsuits, Yunho and Changmin have risen above it and have released such great music the past few years. Their recent single, celebrating their 10 year anniversary together, kind of has a 50's swing vibe to it, and the technical footwork in this is absolutely phenomenal.