To think that I wouldn't of even clocked if it wasn't for my Facebook memories of last year's first anniversary for my blog. As I opened up my Facebook memories of last year, looking back at my 1st anniversary blog... I realised how much has changed since I first started 2 years ago...
Similarly to my 1st anniversary, I'll provide you guys (and myself) a 'quick' overview of what has happened in the past year! Let's start off by rewinding back to last June or so...
Last summer, I finished my A-Levels and finally finished college. From there I was still deciding what to do, but I was able to go on my first trip with my friends without my parents or any adults with us (because well... we were adults). A spontaneous trip which was decided during a free period, led to a trip to Rome for 4-5 days with my college friends!
Thank you guys for making my time in Rome an amazing experience. We had our ups and downs during that trip but we all worked together to make it worthwhile~ It was a chance for me to be more independent and travel alone and I learnt a lot from it. You guys were great, Emily, Abi and Acer!
After I came back from Rome, I spent a lot of my time working hard at two jobs, Thorpe Park Resort along with Snowflake Gelato as a Social Media Intern. But I think one of favourite parts of summer 2016 was being able to attend the Inspire Me Korea summer meetup! Whilst catching up with old friends, I also got to meet some awesome new friends who also enjoyed the things I liked! Thank you guys for sharing a hilarious meetup with me! Gonna drop those throwback videos from 2016!!
As we drew to the end of summer, I was still deciding what I wanted to do with my gap year. Although I stopped working at both of my jobs, I still managed to have the opportunity to work on promotion work, and I was fortunate enough to work again with Arpeggios Entertainment where I assisted MYNAME for their concert in London in September!
Although it was stressful, I think it was a great opportunity - plus it was paid :') But whilst I got experience from organising, got my practice my Korean (well what I even knew of the language-) along with using my media skills e.g. photography etc. I got to share it with people who made the experience a memorable one! Whether it be conversing in Korean/Japanese/English or even supporting one another whilst still being professional. I'm ready to do it again if I get the chance to!
During September, I also applied for the opportunity to join K-Pop Academy hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre in the UK! I'd actually previously applied near when it first started running, but was unsuccessful. However, this time I was accepted onto the 10 week course, and started late September and ended around late November! Honestly, the course went by so fast, I wish I could relive it again.
The course gave me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of Korean culture - plus actually helped me get back into the routine of school - Yes we had homework... BUT! I actually enjoyed doing the homework a lot of the time, so whilst learning I was having fun :D Honestly, if you have the opportunity to do so, definitely apply for K-Pop Academy, you won't regret it!
Plus, I actually made a close group of friends who I'm still connected to till now~ We will all be re-grouping for the Korean Festival in London this July! These guys probably made my experience 10x more fun, whether it be cracking jokes during class, to our various food/dessert outings after class ahaha... And here I wonder why I spent so much money during those months RIP. To Kira (I mean I knew you beforehand girl but I'm including you anyways!), Jamila, Drew, Lisa, Natasha! Thanks for making my time at K-Pop Academy an 11/10 experience :')
Before I headed off to Korea that December, I went to my first paid-concert! Yep- I actually hadn't paid for a concert till I went to CRUSH ahaha. And there are NO REGRETS whatsoever. CRUSH was amazing, I wish I woke up early enough to actually buy tickets to his first date, but I'm glad they released an extra date because his vocals are unreal! Let's just appreciate some CRUSH vocals below:
For the second date, I went with my gals, May and Jenni (these girls are the ones I always go with for these K-HipHop, R&B concerts aha), and we had a great time! I just remember CRUSH throwing water at us LMAO, but he was so hyped, it was so sweet!
Shortly after the concerts, I was already flying off to Korea. This was a big step for me being the fact this was the first time I would be travelling so far from home, without my parents and for over a week at a time. I flew off the Korea for 2 weeks - It's funny how the idea came about when me and my friend, Aneeqa spontaneously decided we would go to Korea... And to think we would ended up going (and we will soon be going off again woop!). Despite all the obstacles we faced trying to go to Korea, we made it, and it was a worthwhile experience!
Whether it was doing touristy stuff like going to Namsan Tower and going to Hello Kitty Island (That was the best, me and Aneeqa were dying from Hello Kitty ahaha!). But also just taking in the different environment altogether... The way we decided to approach Korea was quite different because we did many things which would make you think? Damn, these guys are living like locals aha! And I'm glad to say that I'll be heading back and staying in the same area again! Aneeqa, Alix, we had some interesting experiences - Thank you for being the ones to share it with me!
After I returned back from Korea, I was already having those holiday-blues... But although the first month after Korea was probably spent partying... A lot... As it hit February, I was lucky enough to be contacted by my friend, Beatrice (from K-Online Television) who I had previously worked with regarding an opportunity to help in a music video production for 2 Korean Artists! At first I was deciding on my priorities, but in the end I went for it... And I'm actually so thankful I did!
These guys treated me so well! From my director, Maisie, to the cameraman, Michael, along with the artists, DAZE, Ray and Fatal from KIMOXAVI. Special thanks goes to Hyungmin who was wonderful to work with from UniqueTunes Records (Can't thank you enough for always treating us to food and for your kindness) along with Freya from UnitedKpop!~ You'll be sure to see KIMOXAVI's release soon~
Another thing to remember from February, was probably one of the memorable concerts to date (I say memorable but I legit just got reminded a while ago about this concert RIP) - ANYWAYS... What I was trying to say is, that this concert was probably one of my favourite concerts I've been to. I've attended various sets, but the venue, the artists just the whole event was really well planned out.
What's more, although I knew of Zion T, his unique style was captivated live, and I'm not surprised that despite having the biggest venue I've seen to date for a concert, he managed to sell out without a struggle! The whole concert presence was amazing. I'm usually quite scared at times for concerts because of how fans can be, but because of his smooth, melodic vocals, you can't help but have an amazing chill time just appreciating his vocals - with everyone's love for Zion T showing as we all sang along to his songs in harmony.
The thing about Zion T was the fact after I went bingeing through his songs, one of my particular favourites being 'Eat' (which I linked above), he manages to conquer a lot of issues within society which you can help but love him for. For this song, he's sweet to remind the girl to eat, especially with the strict beauty standards in Korea~
After I had the opportunity to participate in the British-Korean music video production, I decided that I was going to try and grab every opportunity I can get! So I went for it, and decided to apply as a writer for UnitedKpop - and guess what?! As of April 2017, I am officially a feature writer/photographer for them! If it wasn't for Freya who reminded me about the application, and just for this blog in general, I don't think I would of made it! And I can't even think to tell you how many amazing opportunities I've had because of this job. Whether it would be interviewing famous stars, to attending exclusive screenings of a film! I can't wait to see what opportunities I can earn when I put my efforts into what I enjoy doing - Writing about the things I love! Cringey as it may sound, I've learnt to really enjoy writing about Korean news!
You can check out all my posts here!
And I guess that leads me to where I am today... A year ago, I don't think I would of been so motivated to write so often. I had a momentary hiatus because I wasn't sure where to go from here... But I learnt from many people that it's just about doing it and seeing where it takes you! There's so many people that I could thank, but this would lead me to an endless essay. Thank you to everyone who supported me, who recognised my abilities, who motivated me to keep going!
Well... This also leads me to think about, what can I give you guys in this upcoming year! I'll be heading off to South Korea shortly, in less than a month. I hope I can embrace as many opportunities as possible within that month - hopefully I will be able to try and vlog and bring another media platform to my blog. Anyone interested in watching me on Youtube? - Just a thought aha! Also, from this upcoming year, I hope as I will be entering university this September, I can continue to socialise, build my connections and make my mark for real! Thank you for reading, to all my readers, my supporters, my families, friends... I'm very grateful! ❤
PS: As BTS's anniversary was actually June the 13th (just a day after mine - except it will be 4 years for these guys and 2 years for me), I thought I'd drop one their newest edition to their Festa productions. Check out their remake of Agust D's So Far Away - this time a collaboration between Suga, Jin and Jungkook (a song I discovered today - It was a song I was listening to whilst I was feeling very down, but the meaning behind the lyrics might be something you feel, but you have many people around you to support you - don't forget...) ~
As we drew to the end of summer, I was still deciding what I wanted to do with my gap year. Although I stopped working at both of my jobs, I still managed to have the opportunity to work on promotion work, and I was fortunate enough to work again with Arpeggios Entertainment where I assisted MYNAME for their concert in London in September!
A post shared by Sophia Tang 🐼 (@sophilicity) on
Although it was stressful, I think it was a great opportunity - plus it was paid :') But whilst I got experience from organising, got my practice my Korean (well what I even knew of the language-) along with using my media skills e.g. photography etc. I got to share it with people who made the experience a memorable one! Whether it be conversing in Korean/Japanese/English or even supporting one another whilst still being professional. I'm ready to do it again if I get the chance to!
During September, I also applied for the opportunity to join K-Pop Academy hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre in the UK! I'd actually previously applied near when it first started running, but was unsuccessful. However, this time I was accepted onto the 10 week course, and started late September and ended around late November! Honestly, the course went by so fast, I wish I could relive it again.
A post shared by Sophia Tang 🐼 (@sophilicity) on
The course gave me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of Korean culture - plus actually helped me get back into the routine of school - Yes we had homework... BUT! I actually enjoyed doing the homework a lot of the time, so whilst learning I was having fun :D Honestly, if you have the opportunity to do so, definitely apply for K-Pop Academy, you won't regret it!
Plus, I actually made a close group of friends who I'm still connected to till now~ We will all be re-grouping for the Korean Festival in London this July! These guys probably made my experience 10x more fun, whether it be cracking jokes during class, to our various food/dessert outings after class ahaha... And here I wonder why I spent so much money during those months RIP. To Kira (I mean I knew you beforehand girl but I'm including you anyways!), Jamila, Drew, Lisa, Natasha! Thanks for making my time at K-Pop Academy an 11/10 experience :')
Before I headed off to Korea that December, I went to my first paid-concert! Yep- I actually hadn't paid for a concert till I went to CRUSH ahaha. And there are NO REGRETS whatsoever. CRUSH was amazing, I wish I woke up early enough to actually buy tickets to his first date, but I'm glad they released an extra date because his vocals are unreal! Let's just appreciate some CRUSH vocals below:
For the second date, I went with my gals, May and Jenni (these girls are the ones I always go with for these K-HipHop, R&B concerts aha), and we had a great time! I just remember CRUSH throwing water at us LMAO, but he was so hyped, it was so sweet!
Shortly after the concerts, I was already flying off to Korea. This was a big step for me being the fact this was the first time I would be travelling so far from home, without my parents and for over a week at a time. I flew off the Korea for 2 weeks - It's funny how the idea came about when me and my friend, Aneeqa spontaneously decided we would go to Korea... And to think we would ended up going (and we will soon be going off again woop!). Despite all the obstacles we faced trying to go to Korea, we made it, and it was a worthwhile experience!
Whether it was doing touristy stuff like going to Namsan Tower and going to Hello Kitty Island (That was the best, me and Aneeqa were dying from Hello Kitty ahaha!). But also just taking in the different environment altogether... The way we decided to approach Korea was quite different because we did many things which would make you think? Damn, these guys are living like locals aha! And I'm glad to say that I'll be heading back and staying in the same area again! Aneeqa, Alix, we had some interesting experiences - Thank you for being the ones to share it with me!
After I returned back from Korea, I was already having those holiday-blues... But although the first month after Korea was probably spent partying... A lot... As it hit February, I was lucky enough to be contacted by my friend, Beatrice (from K-Online Television) who I had previously worked with regarding an opportunity to help in a music video production for 2 Korean Artists! At first I was deciding on my priorities, but in the end I went for it... And I'm actually so thankful I did!
These guys treated me so well! From my director, Maisie, to the cameraman, Michael, along with the artists, DAZE, Ray and Fatal from KIMOXAVI. Special thanks goes to Hyungmin who was wonderful to work with from UniqueTunes Records (Can't thank you enough for always treating us to food and for your kindness) along with Freya from UnitedKpop!~ You'll be sure to see KIMOXAVI's release soon~
Another thing to remember from February, was probably one of the memorable concerts to date (I say memorable but I legit just got reminded a while ago about this concert RIP) - ANYWAYS... What I was trying to say is, that this concert was probably one of my favourite concerts I've been to. I've attended various sets, but the venue, the artists just the whole event was really well planned out.
What's more, although I knew of Zion T, his unique style was captivated live, and I'm not surprised that despite having the biggest venue I've seen to date for a concert, he managed to sell out without a struggle! The whole concert presence was amazing. I'm usually quite scared at times for concerts because of how fans can be, but because of his smooth, melodic vocals, you can't help but have an amazing chill time just appreciating his vocals - with everyone's love for Zion T showing as we all sang along to his songs in harmony.
The thing about Zion T was the fact after I went bingeing through his songs, one of my particular favourites being 'Eat' (which I linked above), he manages to conquer a lot of issues within society which you can help but love him for. For this song, he's sweet to remind the girl to eat, especially with the strict beauty standards in Korea~
After I had the opportunity to participate in the British-Korean music video production, I decided that I was going to try and grab every opportunity I can get! So I went for it, and decided to apply as a writer for UnitedKpop - and guess what?! As of April 2017, I am officially a feature writer/photographer for them! If it wasn't for Freya who reminded me about the application, and just for this blog in general, I don't think I would of made it! And I can't even think to tell you how many amazing opportunities I've had because of this job. Whether it would be interviewing famous stars, to attending exclusive screenings of a film! I can't wait to see what opportunities I can earn when I put my efforts into what I enjoy doing - Writing about the things I love! Cringey as it may sound, I've learnt to really enjoy writing about Korean news!
You can check out all my posts here!
And I guess that leads me to where I am today... A year ago, I don't think I would of been so motivated to write so often. I had a momentary hiatus because I wasn't sure where to go from here... But I learnt from many people that it's just about doing it and seeing where it takes you! There's so many people that I could thank, but this would lead me to an endless essay. Thank you to everyone who supported me, who recognised my abilities, who motivated me to keep going!
Well... This also leads me to think about, what can I give you guys in this upcoming year! I'll be heading off to South Korea shortly, in less than a month. I hope I can embrace as many opportunities as possible within that month - hopefully I will be able to try and vlog and bring another media platform to my blog. Anyone interested in watching me on Youtube? - Just a thought aha! Also, from this upcoming year, I hope as I will be entering university this September, I can continue to socialise, build my connections and make my mark for real! Thank you for reading, to all my readers, my supporters, my families, friends... I'm very grateful! ❤
PS: As BTS's anniversary was actually June the 13th (just a day after mine - except it will be 4 years for these guys and 2 years for me), I thought I'd drop one their newest edition to their Festa productions. Check out their remake of Agust D's So Far Away - this time a collaboration between Suga, Jin and Jungkook (a song I discovered today - It was a song I was listening to whilst I was feeling very down, but the meaning behind the lyrics might be something you feel, but you have many people around you to support you - don't forget...) ~
