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anemoiawithatouchofobsession · 4 months ago

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"Kang Hong-sik (강홍식;姜弘植), also known as Kang Jin-hun (강진훈;姜秦薰), was a theatre actor in the 1930s..."

Kang Hong-shik??? Wait.... this name is familiar. Isn't he...THE Kang Hong-shik, a.k.a. Choi Min Soo's maternal grandfather?? If you look at the picture from far away, you will definitely recognise Choi Min Soo when he was younger. They literally have the same nose and lips

Kang Hong Shik Choi Min Soo

@papaya2000s can you check if this is the same Kang Hong Shik who is married to an actress called Jeon Ok (전 옥)? Because if yes, we just spotted Choi Min Soo's grandfather, and that's pretty interesting to see him pop up in this post and that he was a folk music singer too! Choi Moo Ryong, Choi Min Soo's father, used to sing various movie songs too - no wonder Choi Min Soo has some serious pipes himself.

The History of Korean Girl Groups' evolution over time - Before Liberation to Girls Generation (SNSD) -> Part 4

The way i am explaining the History of Girl Groups' may be a bit confusing again, as this project is still ongoing as I'm writing this, and I hope this will make sense. :) <3

In my previous post, I discussed the training of Kisaeng's before and during the Japanese colonial period, which eventually led to the formation of the first girl group in Korea. In this post, I will explore the activities of Kisaeng's after they completed their training.

How Kisaeng influenced the Entertainment Industry

Prior to delving deeper into Girl Groups, it is important to discuss the venues where their performances took place, as this marked the beginning of the transition from groups of girls performing to the emergence of Girl Groups. Furthermore, it is worth noting that the manner in which they performed has also evolved over time.

Group picture of IVE on stage. An example of a Girl Group on stage.

Numerous Kpop enthusiasts are familiar with the venues where their beloved idol groups and soloists showcase their talents weekly, providing the option to witness the performances either in person or through online streaming.

Watching live performances of idols has evolved significantly over time, influenced not only by technological advancements but also by the desire of many fans to witness their favourite artists in person. Personally, I have had the privilege of attending live shows of some of my favourite artists, and the experience is truly unparalleled.

Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938 (2023) Episode 3 He said "A Mermaid". The song this is being played above is called Love Song by Kei if anyone wants to know.

The landscape of watching idols perform live, whether on grand stages, through busking, or at intimate venues, had transformed with the debut of new acts and the annual comebacks of of established groups and soloists.

Various music programs such as Inkigayo, Music Bank, Show! Music Core, M Countdown, Show Champion and the The Show continue top provide platforms for artists to showcase their talents. With each broadcasting company having its own show aired on different channels, the opportunities to witness live performances are abundant and divers.

I won't be addressing shows that are still on air or those that have already ended, as they are not relevant at this time.

The origin of the all-round were Kisaeng's

Kisaeng, the predecessors of today's celebrities, were known for their immense talent and ability to create scandals, which contributed to their enduring popularity. Despite their fame, Kisaeng always had retirement in mind, seeking a stable life and striving to expand their own influence, much like a multiplayer in a game. A prime example of this can be seen in their success as record singers, appearing in movies, and even making appearances on Gyeongseong radio broadcasts.

However, Kisaeng were also very protective of their private lives and would go to great lengths to maintain their beauty. During that time, magazines and newspapers treated them as modern pop stars rather than objects of feudal overthrow, highlighting their status in the entertainment industry.

During this era, Kisaeng belonging to Gwonbeon, a specific class, were prominently featured on radio music broadcasts. Some even recorded gramophone records, propelling them to become popular singers.

Fashion world embraces Korean style - Choi Eu-don and Im Sang-kyun. While the two names may not be familiar in Korean fashion circles, these designers are proving their potential in the larger landscape of the international fashion world.

Early movies also revolved around Kisaeng stars, showcasing their entertainment skills in various exhibitions and fairs. This responsibility fell upon Kisaengs from different classes. A clear illustration of their attempt to showcase themselves as a specialty of Joseon can be seen in their participation in the Paris World Exposition in 1900.

If anyone is wondering what the Paris World Exposition is, its a world's fair, its a large global exhibition designed to showcase the achievements of nations. These exhibitions vary in character and are held in different parts of the world at a specific site for a period of time, typically between three and six months.

An advertisement poster for the exhibition. Chōsen Industrial Exhibition (朝鮮物産共進会) was a colonial fair held in 1915 to mark the 5th anniversary of the establishment of Japanese Korea, and was the first official event of the new government. It was held in Keijō (Seoul) at Gyeongbokgung. Source Link - 1915 Seoul Exhibition

This event highlighted the significance of Kisaeng in the entertainment industry and their efforts to establish themselves as a unique aspect of Korean culture.

In my opinion this reminds me of how modern-day Kpop idols nowadays do modelling/acting in commercials, movies and series/being brand ambassadors and attend fashion events like Paris Fashion Week representing there country(s).

Kisaeng busking near Subway Stations

In the early days of the Gyeongin Railway, the company faced difficulties attracting passengers due to low customer numbers. To tackle this issue, they resorted to placing signs with the names of Kisaeng at major stations and organizing live performances to entice people to ride the trains. Moreover, Kisaeng themselves would travel in each train car, going between the departure and destination stations to further attract passengers.

Fusan railway station circa 1920-1930s. *Fusan also known as Busan. This article is about two foreign travellers in the 1920-30s that used the train while in Korea under the Japanese colonial period one being about a woman, Audrey Harris, a British travel writer who travelled by train from Antung (Dandong (단동;丹東), a Chinese city on the Yalu River, to Seoul, and John Patric an American and traveling to Seoul but got on the wrong train. I would give it a read as being able to read the perspective of two foreigners that visited Korean in the 1920-30s experienced while there.

During the Japanese colonial period, Kisaeng played a significant role in advertising, especially for beauty-related products. Their image as advertising models held great importance in quickly conveying messages. They were considered a social class that met the necessary criteria, and their presence in newspaper ads, magazines, event posters, and wave perms was widespread.

Before the perception of Kisaeng changed, they were seen as glamorous figures, similar to today's celebrities, with their beauty, singing, dancing, and intriguing life stories becoming popular topics of public discussion. They were trendsetters in terms of beauty, fashion, and makeup, surpassing ordinary women and being recognized as equivalent to today's female celebrities.

Pyongyang famous writer Kim Ok-ran's (김옥란) Ondan advertising poster. In Korean - 평양명기 김옥란의 은단 광고 포스터

It's evident that regular women in Joseon were envious of these individuals and desired to imitate them, which advertising agencies quickly picked up on. Initially, print ads didn't include photos, but models soon started appearing in ads during the 1920s and 1930s. By examining the products they endorsed, we can gain an understanding of the perception of Kisaeng that prevailed among the public at that time.

Kisaeng who worked as advertising models

Advertisements inspired by Kisaeng have a striking resemblance to today's marketing tactics. In the modern era, brands often choose female celebrities who perfectly embody their product image, even if it means paying a premium. One example of being worthy of being the best advertising model was the ‘Ulzzang Kisaeng’(얼짱 기생) Jang Yeon-hong (장연홍).

Jang Yeon-hong, a member of the Pyongyang Kwon clan, displayed her beauty and musical talents in the Changan region during the 1930s.

Jang Yeon-hong's photo, says, "With just one or two coats, rough spots, gaps, and wrinkles disappear like a dream, and the makeup is so dazzling that it suits anyone's skin."

The Yeocheon cosmetic beauty is expertly crafted to make you appear younger, with the advertising message creating a direct and personal connection by implying a whisper from a clean and pure image. The use of models like Jang Yeon-hong and other popular Kisaeng's such as Kim Young-wol (김영월) and Kim Hwa-jung-seon (김화중선), along with phrases like "My favourite non-activated soap," further reinforces the idea that the models themselves use the product, leading to envy and admiration for their flawless skin.

Kim Young-Wol's soap advertisement. I couldn't find any information about Kim Young-Wol only that she was maybe had the role of being dong Composition and arrangement for Kim Chun-Hee's (김춘희) song "Bouquet of hopelessness" and that she belonged to the Dongrae Association in 1918 with many other famous Kisaeng's.

The Mihwal Soap advertisement cleverly taps into the desire for youthful beauty, with the gisaeng models symbolizing the ideal of pure white skin that was highly coveted during that era.

By associating the soap with these renowned beauties, the ad effectively communicates the message that using the product can help achieve the same level of beauty and radiance that was admired by all women at the time.

Hair ad star that looks like Jeon Ji-Hyun (전지현)

I couldn't find anything in Jeon Ji-Hyun (전지현), if someone finds something about her pleas tell me.

Who was Noh Eun-hong (노은홍;盧銀紅)?

Limited information is available about her, aside from the songs she performed with Kang Hong-sik during the Japanese colonial period, such as "Customer in the Wilderness" (孤客) and "Purification." (情花). These songs were popular at the time and were released on Columbia Records in Japan, with some recorded in collaboration with the Columbia Orchestra.

Kang Hong-sik (강홍식;姜弘植), also known as Kang Jin-hun (강진훈;姜秦薰), was a theatre actor in the 1930s who worked as an exclusive singer for Columbia. Born in 1907 or 1902 in Pyongyang, he passed away in 1971. He recorded new folk songs like “Joseon Taryeong” and “The Long Dawn Is Coming” during the Japanese colonial period. Kang Hong-sik mainly sang new folk songs composed by Jeon Ki-hyeon (전기현;全基玹), as mentioned in [Samcheonri] (1935). He was known for his work as a theatre actor and exclusive singer for Columbia, leaving a mark in the music industry during the 1930s.

The Kisaeng's exquisite beauty was not the only thing that caught people's attention, but also their lustrous hair, which became a focal point in advertisements. Noh Eun-hong (노은홍;盧銀紅), the model for the 'Hwawang Shampoo' advertisement, revealed her secret to achieving gorgeous hair with the Hwawang Shampoo.

The advertisement boasted that using this shampoo for just a week would not only uplift your spirits but also give your hair a radiant glow.

During the 1920s and 1930s, women relied on a limited range of cosmetics for their beauty needs. These included camellia oil, white powder, and rouge. Camellia oil, primarily used as a hair oil, was particularly important as it provided moisture without causing dryness. It played a crucial role in styling and maintaining long hair, eventually leading to the development of branded shampoos.

In the advertising landscape of that era, beauty-related product advertisements often featured popular Kisaengs. These advertisements predominantly showcased upper body or close-up photos that highlighted the face. The Kisaengs were dressed in hanboks and had their hair styled in a one-parted ponytail, even in shampoo commercials that aimed to emphasize silky hair.

Noh Eun-hong, a Pyongyang gisaeng who advertised Japanese Hwawang Shampoo (「Dong-A Ilbo」, August 14, 1935, advertisement). In Korean - 일본 화왕삼푸 광고를 한 평양기생 노은홍(「동아일보」 1935.8.14. 광고)

During that time, the Gwonbeon Kisaengs were actively involved in various fields such as broadcasting, music, movies, advertisements, and event assistance, much like today's celebrities. Kwon Beon played a role similar to that of a modern entertainment agency or manager.

Moreover, the Kisaengs were required to obtain a 'Kisaeng Business License' from the authorities, which can be compared to today's 'individual business registration certificate'. The similarities between the Gwonbeon Kisaeng's and today's celebrities are numerous, as Gwonbeon represented the artistic talents of the Kisaeng's who entertained through laughter and arts, dividing the profits in a 7:3 ratio.

During that era, Gwonbeon's Kisaeng's were easily found as models for both oriental and western paintings in art colleges. It is even said that when Idang Kim Eun-ho (김은호) painted the portrait of Chunhyang for the Chunhyang Shrine in Gwanghallu, Namwon in 1939, he used Kim Myeong-ae (김명애), a Kisaeng who had been associated with Gwonbeon during the Joseon Dynasty, as his model.

The portrait of Chunhyang

Kim Eun-ho (김은호;金殷鎬), a renowned painter, was born on June 24, 1892, during the 29th year of King Gojong's reign. He passed away on February 7, 1979. Notably, Kim Eun-ho's artistic talent flourished during the Japanese colonial period, where he created notable works such as 'Golden Tea Bonnapdo' and 'Chunhyangsang'.

During his early years, Kim Eun-ho pursued a short-term surveying course at Inheung School in 1908. To support himself, he worked as a surveyor's assistant in Seoul and also engaged in copying old books at Yeongpoong Seogwan. In 1912, he joined the Gyeongseong Calligraphy and Painting Art Society as a second-generation student, graduating from the Painting Department in 1915 and the Calligraphy Department in 1917.

Notably, he painted portraits of prominent figures like Song Byeong-jun (宋秉畯) and Yoon Deok-yeong (尹德榮), as well as full-body seated statues of Choi Je-woo (崔濟愚) and Choi Si-hyeong (崔時亨) from Donghak(東學). After his graduation, Kim Eun-ho actively participated in the Joseon Calligraphy and Painting Association, which was established in 1918. However, during the March 1st Movement in 1919, he was arrested for distributing the 'Independence Newspaper' and served a five-month prison sentence, as he was a Pro-Japanese and anti-nationalist.

The portrait of Chunhyang for the Chunhyang Shrine in Gwanghallu.

There are three portraits of Chunhyang displayed at the Namwon Folk Museum in Eohyeon-dong, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do. The first portrait, created by artist Kang Ju-su in 1931, was made during the construction of the Chunhyang Shrine.

In 1939, the first painting by Idang Kim Eun-ho was donated by Hyun Jun-ho and placed in the museum. Unfortunately, the Portrait of Chunhyang was damaged during the Korean War, but it was later restored by Idang Kim Eun-ho in 1961. This restored version was donated by General Song Yo-chan, who was the head of the cabinet at the time, and it remains enshrined at the museum. The original copy of the portrait is preserved at the Namwon City Museum.

Characteristics of the portrait of Chunhyang

The Portrait of Chunhyang embodies the ideal of beauty for Korean women and aims to depict a historical female figure. Kang Ju-su from Jinju crafted this unique piece in 1939, with the collaboration of archaeologists, sculptors, cultural historians, and directors. Kim Eun-ho utilized the Joseon gisaeng Kim Myeong-ae as a model to create a lifelike representation.

This artwork not only serves as a symbol of Korean femininity but also showcases the collective effort of various professionals in its creation. The Portrait of Chunhyang stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, making it a significant cultural artifact in Korean history.

#vintage #actor lineages #actor families #90s kdrama actor #choi min soo #actors #30s #8090s talents #korean pop culture

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neodreamgirl · 9 months ago

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My First Impressions of NCT Before I Became an NCTzen (Part 1: '94-96' Liners)

Taeil: For some reason I thought he was the leader. I didn't think he was the oldest, probably thought he was in the middle. I thought he was very serious, definitely thought he was a vocalist. You know what...He definitely gave me Jongho from Ateez vibes without the cuteness. Could definitely knock a bitch out for some reason. He definitely gave off that vibe. Something just told me he could.

Johnny: I did NOT think he was the second oldest member of the group. Hell, I didn't even think he was in the hyung line...He gave me major goofy vibes, very sexy though. Idk he just has a super goofy look. Before I got into NCT, I knew of him but I couldn't tell you what I thought his role in the group was.

Taeyong: I had no idea why his face was everywhere. At the time, I didn't even know there was a center role in K-Pop groups (or in any group) so I was just like damn...SM got a favorite! Rightfully so because I thought he was so cute and unique looking. In terms of the vibes that he gave off...I couldn't tell you what they were. He was so hard to read, I remember just thinking he was cool as fuck. Hear me out...Remember when Justin Bieber went through that Bizzle phase? That's what he reminds me of. Not the lightskin delinquent part, but rather the swagger and the fact that mf was EVERY. WHERE. Unreadable but was fine as hell, the hot topic, in every hit song, and a lot of tattoos. But Taeyong style. With a unique sense of fashion. I didn't think he was the leader.

Yuta: Super quiet yet sexy. I didn't think there would be much to him in terms of humor for some reason (I was proven wrong as HELL). Tell me why I thought this mf was a rapper? He doesn't have that niggaboo shit going on so I'm not sure why I thought that? I guess because he just gave off a certain edgy vibe, I thought SM would assign him as a rapper? I'm not sure tbh. I'm glad he wasn't chosen as a rapper, though, because he has a gorgeous voice like wtf...Also this is so funny but he gave me the impression that he wouldn't hurt a fly. Like, as in he would never fight someone but...LMFAO we know damn well he would beat the dog shit out of somebody.

Kun: I first saw Kun in one of those little skit thingies where he was with Jeno,Jaemin, Haechan, Renjun and I forgot who else, and they had to find out who killed somebody. You know what I'm talking about? Kun's role in that was a police officer (or security guard) and he looked FINE AS SHIT. He had long hair at that time. Anyway, I thought he was so damn sexy and smart. He gave off major serious, don't fuck with me, vibes. Like if he was my coworker, we would only speak from 9am-5pm. Not before or after. He didn't strike me as the kind of person that would go up to a coworker in public and say hi to them, but would politely smile if the coworker noticed him first and greeted him. Would hate California, but would prefer New York. IDK that's the vibe I had gotten from him.

Doyoung: I thought he was a nerd. I would have guessed he was a vocalist 100%. Definitely gave me the vibes of someone that sang in his church's choir when he was growing up. He definitely took it very seriously and was a snitch. He gave me the impression that he was sweet. Idk he just has the face of someone that is a major sweetheart. Very adorable cheeks.

Ten: Ten is an interesting individual because he was the member I saw the most aside from Taeyong. I remember thinking he took dancing very seriously and wasn't here for the nonsense. He seemed very likable but to himself. Like the type of person that everyone in school knows, but he only knows the people he associates with. I couldn't tell you if he was a singer or rapper in the group, but obviously I knew he was a dancer. I think there was a time I assumed he was the leader. I remember being surprised that he's younger than Johnny.

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