Ride the Korean wave

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE INSTRUMENTAL PIECES

Teenage acoustic guitar whiz Sungha Jung (right) has performed here every year since 2012, proving that good instrumental covers never go out of fashion.

The 18-year-old Internet sensation - he boasts more than three million subscribers on his official YouTube channel - has covered some of today's biggest names like One Direction, Coldplay and Bruno Mars, but what we love most is his unique take on K-pop songs such as Akdong Musician's Melted, 2NE1's Come Back Home and G-Dragon's That XX.

WHAT: Sungha Jung Live In Singapore 2015

WHEN: May 30, 7.30pm

WHERE: Esplanade Concert Hall

TICKETS: $48 to $98 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555)

FOR LONGTIME K-DRAMA FANS

You might not recognise the names Baek Ji Young (above) and K.Will, but if you have been habitually binge-watching Korean TV soaps like Secret Garden, Rooftop Prince, Iris, Brilliant Legacy and Pinocchio, chances are you'd find their voices extremely familiar.

Both powerhouse vocalists are performing here for the very first time. It is amazing how they have literally made a career for themselves singing weepy, sentimental songs for the small screen.

Catch the duo at the aptly-titled ensemble concert Korean Drama OST (Official Soundtrack) Night, which is bound to be a sobfest, so prepare those tissues.

WHAT: Korean Drama OST Night

WHEN: April 22, 8pm

WHERE: The Star Theatre

TICKETS: $68 to $228 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555)

FOR CNBLUE DIEHARDS

The entire band isn't returning to our shores - CNBlue last played here in May 2014 - but for hardcore local fans of the pop-rock quartet, getting to see pretty boy frontman Jung Yong Hwa (above) in the flesh is surely just as good.

Jung, 25, made his solo debut earlier this year with the soaring emo ballad One Fine Day.

His EP, featuring collaborators like rapper Verbal Jint, folk musician Yoon Do Hyun and local Mandopop superstar JJ Lin, emerged a chart-topper.

Who knows? Lin might just pop up on stage as a guest performer at Jung's upcoming Singapore concert.

WHAT: Jung Yong Hwa Live "One Fine Day" In Singapore

WHEN: May 30, 7pm

WHERE: The Star Theatre

TICKETS: $138 to $288 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555)

FOR GUYS WHO STILL LIKE THEM SWEET

These days, being sexy seems like the way to go for K-pop girl groups.

For instance, AOA, Girl's Day and Rainbow Blaxx think nothing of wearing high-slit skirts and executing titillating dance moves in their music videos.

While the in-your-face sexiness is targeted at the male population, we are sure there are many guys who yearn for the wholesome yet sassy appeal exemplified by pioneers Girls' Generation.

And this is where Apink (below), one of Korea's top girl groups, fill the void.

The six-member outfit, whose hits include Mr. Chu, Luv and NoNoNo, hark back to a more girlish time when Girls' Generation ruled the airwaves with hits such as Oh! and Genie.

Unlike their sexed-up contemporaries, Apink, who last performed in Singapore as part of Korea Festival 2013: Vizit Korea in 2013, are proof that tight choreography, solid chemistry and smiles are all that you need to get to the top.

WHAT: Apink Pink Paradise In Singapore 2015

WHEN: March 22, 6pm

WHERE: The Max Pavilion @ Singapore Expo Hall 10

TICKETS: $98 to $288 from Sistic (www.sistic.com.sg or 6348-5555)

FOR STRESSED-OUT OLS (OFFICE LADIES)

Admittedly, K-pop boy band Super Junior (above) are a little old - all 11 members are in their late 20s and early 30s - and passe for the youngsters of today.

Teenage girls will pick the fresh-faced boys of Exo, VIXX and Got7 over these men in a heartbeat.

But for hordes of corporate high-fliers and flustered working mums, the days of dancing to Super Junior's addictive earworms like Sorry, Sorry (2009) and Bonamana (2010) remain the best memories of their lives.

If you remember clearly the heartbreak brought on by Hankyung leaving the group amid an ugly lawsuit as well as the tears you secretly shed when Heechul, Leeteuk and Yesung enlisted for the army, Super Junior's upcoming concert - it will be their fifth full-length concert here; their last show was Super Show 5 in July 2013 - will allow you to unleash your maniacal fanatic side.

WHAT: Super Junior World Tour "Super Show 6" in Singapore

WHEN: May 1, 3.30pm

WHERE: National Stadium

TICKETS: $138 to $288 from Sports Hub Tix at www.sportshub.com.sg/sportshubtix

Otokae? Otokae?

That means "What should I do?" in Korean, and we are pretty sure it is a sentiment running through the local K-pop community now with five concerts heading our way in the next few months.

From bubblegum pop to emo balladeers, Singapore fans will be spoilt for choice.

Here is M's totally subjective - and unapologetic - guide to picking the K-pop concert that will give you the best bang for your buck.

This article was first published on March 11, 2015.
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