f(nation)

Issue 1

The first f(x) magazine

made for fans, by fans.
 Table of Contents

d A n n i v e r s a r y
Happ y 3 r

3 Editors Note
4 f(x) News
feature
10 Meeting f(ans): How I Became an f(x) Fan
We asked fans from iheartfx.com to tell us how they first started
to love f(x). From their pre-debut teasers, to falling in love with Vic
umma on We Got Married, we got all sorts of stories about how
these fans came to love f(x).

feature
12 Happy 3rd Anniversary, iheartfx!
This year marks the third year that iheartfx forums have been
around! As a bit of a tribute, were showing you some highlights
from the amazing projects theyve done over the years.

16 Language Corner
17 Fan Guide: SPAO
feature
18 Editorial: The Growth of f(x)

iheartfx forums!
In our first editorial, we have sparklypoga chart the growth of our
favorite ladies! Its a more critical look that what fans may expect,
but even our girls (and SME) need some tough love every once
in a while.

21 My Style
23 Maknae Corner
2
Editors Note
Hello
f(nation)!
Welcome to the opening issue of
f(nation), a fan-driven project that
is the culmination of years of love,
support, and dedication to f(x)!
We look at this issue as the first of
many to come and, in concurrence
with this idea, is our theme, which
very much embodies the idea of a
beginning. In this edition, you will
find stories of how people first
stumbled upon this awesome, quirky
group they would come to love.
You will also find analyses of how
f(x) and its members have grown
and evolved in these last four
years. More than that, however,
you will find exactly what you have
been asking for; within these pages
are a f(x) fans guide to Seoul, a
basic Korean 101 lesson, fashion
spotlights, game sections, and more.
f(nation) really came to be from
the desire of fans - you wanted
more original content, more creative
projects, and more ways of
re-discovering and loving f(x); we
wanted to find aninteresting and fun
way to put this all together.
3 4
The result is this magazine, a
project that is both for fans and
by fans. This is a project meant
to be embraced by, and in itself
embrace, all of the fandom, and
because of this, we welcome
everyone to participate in its making.
In the future, we hope to add
even more fan-driven works,
whether through fanart, fan-
accounts or fan-written reviews. If
you do wish to contribute to us
in any shape or form, please
contact us via either e-mailing
fnation.magazine@gmail.com or
commenting on the iheartfx forum.
Finally, we really wanted to bring
something new to a fandom that
often finds it hard to express
itself. As we all know, being part of
any K-pop fandom is a tumultuous
journey and being part of the f(x)
fandom is no exception. We hope that
this magazine can become a source
of not only new ideas, but also of
cooperation, dedication and friendly
interaction among all fans.
- f(nation) staff
f(x) news
i n g N e w s !
Break
Contributors
Editor/Magazine Coordinator: drfaith101 @
iheartfx.com
our monthly round-up of all things f(x)
Editor/Editorial/Introduction: sparklypoga @
iheartfx.com
Contributors: darkesteyes @ iheartfx.com
destined2bebossy
NayNay05
Jessesca
Foreveranoodle
Language Class/Anniversary Message:
spiceshoe @ iheartfx.com
Translations: 0wonhee
spiceshoe Luna and Kyuhyun Duet for sung by Owl City and Yuna,
The Croods OST and the cheery tune and
Magazine Layout/Design: Mia (beloverly) underlying positive lyrics are the
In their first duet, Luna perfect way start the spring.
and Super Juniors Kyuhyun In a press release prior
teamed in the OST to the release of the music
Shine Your Way for the video, the pair asked for much
animated film, The Croods. love for the movie as well
Help Wanted! The music video was as the OST. Without a doubt,
released on April 13th and we here at f(nation) love the
Since f(nation) is brand new, we dont have features clips from the song! The OST is planned for a
many contributors right now to fill our pages animated film as well as May 16th domestic release.
with awesome content. behind-the-scenes footage
The good thing is that because of this, of Luna and Kyuhyun in the Source:
recording studio. The English Financial News
were looking for contributors of all kinds to
make this magazine the best it can be! version of Shine Your Way is
If you wish to help us out, were looking for
the following types of contributors:
writers
graphic designers
editors
artists
If you have any questions about what
were looking for, please feel free to email us
at fnation.magazine@gmail.com!
Krystal Joins Instagram!
Much to the surprise and
excitement of many, f(x)s mak-
nae has opened an Instagram
Disclaimer: account!
On April 9th, Amber took to
This magazine is a fan-run magazine and has Twitter to confirm that Krystal
no intention of making any kind of profit off of was now on the photo-sharing
distribution. Those contributing to the magazine site. It seems that many had
are not paid and are not receiving any kind followed Ambers follow the
of monetary or other physical compensation princess on insta advice because
for creating content for the magazine. Any in under a week of joining
photos sourced have been credited when the site, Krystal has gathered
need be, or are still retaining the watermark a cool 176,351 followers.
left by the original source. For any original KJUNGXOX so far has
image content featured, the appropriate note proven to be good at uploading
has been left, stating that no one is to use cute pictures and if you havent
the images unless properly credited. already, go follow our princess!
f(x) news

Amazing f(x) the first since Ambers return, fans

are looking forward to what hijinks SXSW Although the stage was
Much to the delight of f(ans), the five girls will get up to. a lot smaller than those of
it was announced on the 8th With a video of Krystal f(x) became the first KPOP act the weekly music shows
April that f(x) was heading and Luna emerging online to appear at South by Southwest in and the SM Town concerts,
to New Zealand to begin on the 12th, excitement has Austin, Texas back in March. Amber was able to summarize
recording its new reality series. only continued to grow. The group was invited the experience perfectly:
Many of the details remain iheartfx will keep you up-to- to headline an event sponsored I think SXSW is a
under wraps, including the date as more information regard- by the Korean Creative must for K-pop idols. Its a must
scheduling and timing details, ing the show is released. Content Agency. Performing because it is such a different
but this has not prevented fan favourites NUABO, venue. K-pop idols are used
expectations from soaring high. Source: MyDaily via Nate Pinocchio, Hot Summer and to big stadiums. Its the
Considering Amazing f(x) will Electric Shock, f(x) charmed the intimacy with fans that makes it
mark f(x)s third reality show, and audiencewith an energetic and special. It was a crowd of people
enjoyable performance. that were curious about K-pop
Resident crowd rouser Amber along with K-pop fans. SXSW
jovially interacted with the definitely broadens horizons.
audience in English with the
occasional thrown in. Source: Billboard

New Choreography? as Britney Spears and Justin

Sohey Sugihara and Kevin
Maher teased fans with photos
of f(x) in a studio rehearsing
for their new song.
Between them, the pair have
worked with popular artists such
Beiber. The girls of f(x) flew to L.A
following their appearance at
SXSW and have been working
with the choreographers on an
unnamed song.
We hope we get to see the new
choreography soon!

Funny or Die than she initially anticipated,

f(x) joined Pitch Perfect and
Twilight star Anna Kendrick in
web-comedy series Funny or Die.
The video, released on March
28, followed Anna on her quest
to become a K-pop idol. Joining
f(x) appeared to be more difficult
but she soldiered bravely through.
A few failed dance
steps, hilarious mispronunciations,
cup demands and pink wigs
later, Anna officially became the
sixth member of f(x). You can watch
the video HERE.
Sulli Becomes Endorsement
Model for Jardins Cafe Real Ice
Coffee
Do you like coffee? If not, could
Sulli possibly change your mind?
The representative of Jardin,
a corporation specialising in
coffee, commented that Sullis
healthy and lively image will Sullis Birthday
attract those in the workforce
and college demographics. Sulli celebrated her 20th
Congratulations to Sulli on (19th) birthday on March 29th.
her new endorsement - we cant Updating her me2day with
wait to see the adorable pictorials an adorable series of
that will surely follow! pictures with her little brother,
Sulli thanked fans for
Source: MyDaily via Nate their congratulations. Fans
banded together on Twitter
to trend #HappySulliDay starting
from 12am KST.

5 6
f(x) news

Sullis Cell Phone CF with SNSDs Yoona

Joining representatives from Super Junior,

Girls Generation and SHINee, Sulli became
a representative for SK Telecoms LTE Service.
The label-mates will come together to
10 Corso Como
introduce ways of giving, receiving, making
and sharing data through CFs depicting
SM Entertainment partnered
humorous stories.
up with label 10 Corso Como to
A CF featuring Yoona and Sulli has already
celebrate its fifth anniversary.
been released and we here at f(nation) cannot
The collaboration includes a
wait to see the new unfolding stories!
compilation album featuring the
Congratulations to Sulli for adding another
remixes of five SM artists, f(x)
endorsement deal to her collection!
headsets and a 40-page spread
in W-Korea. On March 28th, f(x)
attended the fifth anniversary
launching party in Lotte Mall, Seoul.
You can find the W-Korea
spread below.

Victoria Featuring SHINee for High Cut

SHINee and Victoria teamed up once again!

Regretfully filling in for the injured Jonghyun,
Victoria took part in a rather mature and
Images from W Magazine
sophisticated photoshoot for High Cut.
Korea
In the corresponding interview, Victoria
impressed the SHINee members with her
From top to bottom: Amber,
proficient Korean (a stark contrast from the
Krystal, Luna, Sulli, Victoria
Replay recording days) as she reminisced
about their earlier days.
The full shoot with Victoria can be located
on the iheartfx website!

Krystal and KARAs Jiyoung at SKK

University Event

On April 16th, Krystal and KARAs Jiyoung

supported their fellow Sungkyunkwan students
by distributing support packs containing
refreshments and study books.
Despite the rather strong wind, both girls
appeared to be in good spirits. Laughing and
chatting away, the two members of the 94 line,
once again showed off their close friendship.
We here at f(nation) wish them and anyone
else either starting university or approaching
the end of their term, GOOD LUCK!

7 8
f(x) news meeting f(ans)

Krystal + Adidas for Vogue Girl

For the latest edition of Vogue Girl,

Krystal teamed up with Adidas for an athletic
inspired pictorial.
Decked out in colourful sports apparel,
Krystal demonstrates a few basic stretching
techniques that can be attempted by anyone.
Posing alongside her fellow models, Krystal
charms readers through her effortless chicness
and prettiness.
Its been a while since weve been treated
to athletic-Jung but this pictorial definitely
made up for it! The latest issue of Vogue Girl
is now available!

How I Became
an f(x) Fan
W e here at f(nation) magazine thought that for
our first issue it would be a great idea to reach
out to f(ans) and ask them how they came to love
f(x).
We were lucky enough to get some wonderful
responses and so were sharing them here for
our readers to see.
We would like to thank the f(ans) who sent us
their stories and we hope you all enjoy reading
them!

- f(nation) staff

Foreveranoodles Story
It wasnt until 2010 that I developed an
interest in kpop.
I was first introduced to 2NE1 and after
enjoying their releases, I decided to search
around on YouTube for any potential additions
to my newly created kpop playlist.
The very first f(x) music video that I
remember watching was Lachata; it had a
cool dance and a catchy hook - everything
that I look for in a song.
Naturally, I hopped around a huge amount
of f(x) related videos, from music videos to
fancams of live performances to variety
appearances, and I was quickly won over.
Their charms, the cuteness and their funky
style continually affirm that I made the right
decision in becoming a f(x) fan.
I think what really makes me enjoy f(x)
is the groups genuinely odd and goofy
personalities. Its refreshing and enjoyable to
Many f(ans), like foreveranoodle, first fell in
witness. They are down to earth and just really
love with the catchy pop hook and fun dance
adorable.
moves from f(x)s La Cha Ta.
I am glad to consider myself a nameless
During a year when many girl group debuts
f(an) and continuous supporter of f(x). Heres
included the likes of 2NE1 and 4minute, f(x) won
to many more wonderful memories to
over many fans with not only their music, but their
come and cheers to a (hopefully) awesome
dorky and down-to-earth personalities.
2013 comeback!
- foreveranoodle

9 10

NayNay05s Story
I became a fan after watching live
performances of La ChA TA and NuABO,
which really captured my attention.
I enjoyed watching f(x)s stages, and the
groups dance routines are always great.
Eventually, I fell in love with their personal style.
Like many, I watched We Got Married
and that was the official beginning of my girl
crush on Victoria. I just loved the way she
interacted with the girls when they appeared on
the show.
I guess my process was a little backwards,
but after that episode I went searching for
more interactions between the members. This
was when I discovered Koala! It was a hilarious
series and their antics still bring tears to my
eyes when I reminisce.
As much as I loved their variety appearances,
however, it was their ballads that firmly secured
me in their web.
I love that f(x) is diverse. The girls have many
Jessescas Story
My journey in becoming a fan of f(x) is like
how buses take the long route home.
The Jonas Brothers was actually the
group that marked my entrance into the world
of K-pop. How, you ask? Well, it all started
back in 2009, when the Jonas Brothers had
Bieber-style fans and the Wonder Girls had
just arrived in America.
This was during my pre K-pop days,
when I knew little about K-pop and less
about this Korean group called the Wonder
Girls. However, since they were opening for
my favorite group, I thought, If the Jonas
Brothers like them, they must be awesome.
I was right - I looked up their title song
Nobody and instantly fell in love. This was
the start of my winding, somewhat bumpy, and
surprisingly interesting bus ride to K-pop.
My next stop was Big Bang, and it was here
I began to really go through all their songs,
even searching up English subtitles to sing
along. It was at 2PM, however, that I began
to watch variety shows and my bus took the
first exit to the nearest rest station called,
We Got Married.
If this was the pit stop, being introduced
to Victoria through this show was that
amazing restaurant, spotless bathroom,
and refreshing stretch right before that final
home stretch.
It was this in-between place where I
tentatively met the group f(x).
Little did I know, this would become a
never-ending journey of amazing scenery, the
occasional rocky road, incessant frustrations,
and the best entertainment ever.
If Victoria was awesome enough in WGM
that she slowly took up all my attention,
then her group had to be as well, right? So I
11
different styles and whether they are cute, sexy,
dorky or fierce, they pull it off with an ease that
never feels anything less than f(x)-like. Each
member is awesome and I like them all for being
true to themselves.
- NayNay05
headed straight from the transfer to my
destination: f(x). My first stop on this road?
Discography, of course!
I have to admit, this was a rough first
leg of their journey. When first listening to
their songs, I didnt immediately fall in love with
them.
This wasnt like the other K-pop trips I
had, with typically catchy songs I could quickly
get into. This was a trip that was slightly
odder, with a few more jerky turns than usual
and a couple of stops I didnt quite recognize.
However, I quickly began to head to the
NuABO stop. With the quirky chants, easy
na na na na chorus and dance moves
everyone in K-pop seemed to be able to
do, I was instantly hooked. It was here I truly,
and immediately, became a Nameless.
Home is where the heart is, after all, and
despite the crazy journeys we f(x) fans go on,
theres always five amazing girls waiting for us
at the end.
Oh, and the rest of the journey, you wonder?
Well, as they say - the rest, my dears, is history.
- Jessesca
forum spotlight
f(x)s second tv show, Koala, featured f(4)
travelling all over the world in order to both learn
about other cultures and share Korean culture.
Unfortunately, Amber could not participate
due to her ankle injury. All the more reason for us
to anticipate Amazing f(x)!
Victorias role as one-half of the wildly
popular Khuntoria couple on MBCs We Got
Married saw an increase in people discovering
f(x).
This increase in popularity helped secure
their first music show win during their Pinocchio
promotions.
d A n n iv e r s a r y
Happy 3r
r u m !
r t f ( x ) f o
ihe a
A pril 9, 2013 may mark the third year of our
forums existence, but as a team weve been
around for much longer than that.
Ever since the end of 2009 (the year of our
lovely girls debut), iheartfx.wordpress.com has
been the fastest f(x) multimedia-updated source
for fans all around the globe.
It had been the most well-known blog for
the f(x) fan community when this small group of
dedicated people decided that they wanted
to build a larger, friendlier community where
fans alike could share their many thoughts, ideas
and comments (read: a place with more people
to spazz with).
The number of staff has now multiplied, and
so has the community. Even f(x) has heard of
In order to celebrate iheartf(x)s anniversary,
we wanted to share with our readers images of
the gifts the forum has sent the girls over the
years.
us -- iheartf(x)s first mini project was delivered
directly to Sulli, Luna has been seen wearing
the watch we hand-picked, and several pictures
of our specially made munnies were spotted in
several different f(x)s haunts.
Over our three years, we have established
a number of strong and important connections
with f(x) fansites scattered worldwide, with whom
we have been able to deliver the best support
possible for the girls.
We pride ourselves in our complete and
up-to-date multimedia vault, which includes
pictures, videos, and the ever-anticipated
subs. Our dedicated team has always enjoyed
spreading the f() as best it can, and we
warmly welcome new members at any time.
From message books to dolls, the forum has
had its amazing contributors deliver incredibly
creative works to gift to f(x).
We hope you enjoy looking back on these
projects as much as we did!
We would like to use this opportunity to
especially thank all the members for their
support and contribution to this community; be
it a simple thanks, a posted fanaccount, a thread
of fanfiction, or an attempt in translation, we
are always thankful. Weve said it once on the
classic Heartbox, but well say it again: were
nothing without the members of the iheartf(x)
community.
Lastly -- despite the fact that were still
nameless -- we all know that we heart f(x)!
Spread the f(),
the iheartf(x) team
First Anniversary Project: The Message
Book, Playing Cards & Jenga
The 2010 1st Anniversary book compiled
messages from our international members
congratulating f(x) on their first successful year
as a group.
Wanting to do something slightly different,
we had each message perforated so the
members could take them out, keep it with
them and stick them anywhere they choose.
Long airplane rides can be really boring,
so iheartf(x) came up with the idea of making
customized iheartf(x) playing cards for the
group to enjoy while traveling to cement its
title as Asias pop dance group.
100 words that we associate with f(x)
were also permanently inscribed onto Jenga
Blocks.
12
forum spotlight

Even though the tower might crumble, we

fans are always there to remind you that we
love and support you.
Besides, why play with ordinary blocks when
iheartf(x) ones exist?

Christmas Theme
First Mini Project - Message Book & Lunas Birthday
Back in 2010 we had a wonderful Christmas-themed series!
Please do not edit or alter these for personal use. If you redistribute or post elsewhere, please give credit to iheartfx.com! Thank you!

13 14
forum spotlight language corner
Munnies

Pororos
iheartf(x) collaborated with DCfxgallery and
other Korean sites for f(x)s 2nd anniversary back
in 2011.
Along with a donation and message
book, we also started the Mini Munny Auction

Multilingual
project. WILDBEAT (one of our talented
designers!) worked really hard to make
these awesome f(x) munnies for the girls. We
hope they love them as much as we do!

Style By spiceshoe (iheartfx.com)

When diving into an f(x) special, additional f(x)-related words

the fandom, Kore-
an is always a big deal,
especially if youre still unfamiliar with the
language the fandom revolves around. But
worry no more! Our special language corner
is here to save your day.
Provided below are basic conversational
phrases youll hear a lot. Also, since this is
will be added to this awesome list.
If youd like to learn han-gul (the
Korean alphabet), theres a helpful post on the
forums to help you out.
Format: Word in Korean - Romanized Word -
Translation (Extra information)

Invincible Youth

Although it came to an end, the

memories and laughter the show
brought us are ever-lasting. In
appreciation of the girls hard
work and in an effort to give
back, we at iheartf(x) made
personalised hoodies as a
remembrance and celebration of
their time on Invincible Youth!
iheartf(x) Forum Valentines
SXSW
f(x) performed at SXSW in
March 2013 for the K-POP Night
Out Showcase. iheartf(x) made sure
to send out a clear message of love
and support for the girls through the
free distribution of pearl periwinkle
balloons at the venue.
Basic Phrases
- Annyeong Haseyo - Hello (Formal)
- Annyeonghi gaseyo - Goodbye
(Formal; said to the person who is leaving)
- Annyeonghi gyeseyo - Goodbye
(Formal; said to the person who is staying)
- Annyeong - Hello/Goodbye (Informal; said
to friends or close people around you)
/ - Gamsahapnida/ call Victoria noona because Victoria is older
Gomapseubnida - Thank you (Formal)
() - Gomawo(yo) - Thank you (Informal)
/ - Joesonghapnida/
Joesonghaeyo - Sorry (Formal)
() - Mi-anhae(yo) - Sorry (Informal)
How to Introduce Yourself
To say Hello, Im f(x)s American fan:
1. Start with - Annyeong Haseyo -
Hello
Addressing People Other Words/Phrases
- Unnie - Older sister (Said by a girl to ! - Jjang! - The best!
someone older than her. Krystal calls Jessica
unnie because Jessica is her older sister. - Daebak - Big hit
Sulli calls Tiffany unnie also, even though - Maknae - Youngest (amongst the group;
Tiffany isnt her real older sister) Krystal is f(x)s maknae)
- Oppa - Older brother (Said by girls. Minho - Aegyo - Cuteness/charms
is Sullis oppa because Minho is older than her)
- Babo - Stupid/idiot (In Korean (and most
- Hyung - Older brother (Said by boys to older Asian countries in particular), it is not rude to say
babo unless the tone says so. Its normal to pick
boys. Amber likes to playfully refer to the boys in around with friends with that word)
SM as hyung)
() - Saranghae(yo) - (I) love (you)
- Noona - Older sister (The SHINee boys (Literally, its the verb to love. If you want to say
I love f(x), just put f(x) in front of the phrase
than them) and you get f(x) saranghaeyo)
! - Hwaiting! - The Korean version for
(/) - (Nam/Yeo) Dongsaeng - Younger fighting! (Since Koreans dont pronounce the
brother/sister (Usually people just say letter F)
dongsaeng. Use nam (boy) or yeo (girl)
when you want to be specific) ! - Yeolshimi Hagesseupnida
- (I/We) will work hard (Subject depends on the
speaker)
() - Seonbae(nim) - Senior (SHINee is
f(x)s senior) - Nun-useum - Eye-smile
- Hoobae - Junior (EXO is f(x)s juniors) - Assa! - Hooray!
introduce the subject
So, together, to say Hello, Im f(x)s American
3. Then add your nationality here. America = fan, its:
= Miguk. You can do a quick Google for the name
of your country in Korean. . f(x) .
Annyeong haseyo. Jeoneun f(x)-ui Miguk
4. f(x) - f(x)-ui - f(x)s paeniyeyo.

2. And then use - Jeoneun - I am to 5. - Paeniyeyo - Fan.

15 16
fan guide: spao
Located in the busy shopping district of
Myeong-dong, SPAO is a must-see destination
for any f(x) fan visiting Seoul.
While not everyone can meet f(x) in
person, anyone can go to SPAO and see
their larger than life advertisements of
SM artists.
Since f(x) joined label-mate Super Junior
last year as the promotional models for
this Korean clothing band, the girls faces
can be found on posters, videos, shopping
bags and wall displays throughout the store.
And, unlike in concert venues or some
other f(x)-oriented areas, its fine to take
pictures at SPAO. In fact, there are even
specially marked Photo Zone spots where
customers can take selcas beside a floor to
ceiling image of their idol.
Although the staff rearranges the store
every week, there should always be something
at SPAO for an f(x) fan to spazz over.
SPAO has several stores across Korea,
but the Myeong-dong branch is probably
the biggest. There are three floors which
feature women and mens clothing as well
as accessories.
Targeted towards younger people, the
brand offers a range of casual outfits in
an assortment of bright rainbow colors.
SPAO carries all the basics at low prices,
with the cheapest pair of socks starting
at 3,900 ($3.50 USD) and the most
expensive mens jacket topping out at
129,000 ($116.50 USD).
The combination of the simple designs
and the affordability makes it really tempting
to buy a single item, like shoes, in more
than one color.
However, foreigners should note that
Korean clothing and shoe sizes are different
than in other countries.
It can sometimes be difficult to find shirts
in Large or Extra Large, and womens shoes
above size 255 (US 8.5, Europe 39) are
almost nonexistent.
In a neighborhood overflowing with tourists
and street vendors, where faces of K-pop
appear at every turn to distract you, its easy
to get lost in the crowd.
However, its fairly simple to get to
SPAO: simply take the subway to Myeong-dong
Station and leave through Exit 6. Head left
out of the exit and pass by Uniqlo. Turn left
at the first intersection by Nature Republic.
Walk straight for a short distance and SPAO
will be on the left, next to Smoothie King.
TIP: Be sure to stop by one of the half-dozen
Etude House stores in Myeong-dong, as well
as the SM EverySing thats on the fourth floor,
directly above SPAO.
LOCATION: 24-23 Chungmuro 1-ga, Jung-gu,
Seoul (Myeong-dong Station, Exit 6)
Hours: 11:00AM - 10:00PM (Monday
Thursday), 11:00AM - 10:30PM (Friday
Saturday), closed on Sunday
For other store locations and hours, go to
www.spao.com
17
f(nation) editorial
The Growth
of f(x)
t o . . .
G u i d e
Fan
By sparklypoga (iheartfx.com)
f(x) at their debut showcase. Photo via Daum
f(x) debuted on September 5, 2009 as take a careful build-up of strong material it will inevitably lead to comparisons and
the newest group of label giant SM and little even when paired with an already clouded judgments. What f(x) needed at
sister to numerous K-pop idol legends. strong group. this point was something to set it apart, to
By darkesteyes (iheartfx.com) It is no surprise that their teasers f(x) had the potential to do much more, carve the group its own niche separate of
were met with a lot of anticipation from but in the following months and years SM that of its SM seniors, and to show off to
people allacross the board and SM didnt gave this potential little to work with. the world.
Left: SPAO has five levels, including a play area where customers can sing disappoint with the hype, labeling f(x) as Chocolate Love did manage to show
along to their favorite SME song in the Every Sing area.
Asias Pop Dance Group. However, 2009 off f(x)s maturity and sound, foreshadowing
Below: SPAOs SM Every Sing area advertised from the street. was also the year of the image it would one
some of the biggest girl day come to conquer,
groups we know today and even if it didnt make the
f(x) came in late facing waves SM might have
heavy competition. wanted it to.
With both these It was song that
exceedingly high expectations meant people would
and the pressure to beat keep an eye on f(x)
out all else, LA chA TA after all, their talent
was perhaps a different wasnt something that
introduction than what some was easy to forget.
may have expected.
The song itself was
catchy and the music And so, just
video served as a fresh one month later on
companion to it, showcasing November 9, we were
multiple fun sets, a somewhat met with f(x)s first single
Left and below: Advertisements featuring f(x) eclectic sense of fashion, album, Chu~.
and members of Super Junior lure customers
and a choreography full This song is perhaps
in from the streets and can be found throughout
the store. of the interesting formations the official beginning
f(x) would become known for. Just a month after their debut in of what I call SMs utter confusion of what to
f(x) was a strong group with capable October, f(x) came out with electro-pop do with f(x).
dancers and vocalists, and their debut song single Chocolate Love. Without a doubt, lead single Chu~ was a
was solid. It was a step away from the On one hand, this was a somewhat curious and somewhat lackluster step that
CUTE that had dominated girl groups of strategic decision by SM: use a song by Girls did nothing to cement f(x) as either Asias
previous years, but that was exactly the Generation and rework it, because if one Top Dance Group or the next IT group.
problem - it was only a step away, when song is popular then another version is sure What we got with Chu~ was a song
many other debuting girl groups had taken to be, right? with an intense identity-crisis; it tried to
entire leaps away. Unfortunately, something like this works juggle cute and cool with its overly cute
When placed next to the powerful and just as well as a double-edged sword because sing-song chants, aggressive synths and
fiery debut of 2NE1, a girl group from
Below and bottom right: SPAOs basics are another label giant often considered a rival
available at many price points. From inexpensive
of SMs, LA chA TA was good but not good
to moderately expensive, they have a wide
variety of items for customers to choose from. enough.
The only downside is the lack of sizes, Ultimately, it didnt make the impact that
especially for tourists from the US and Europe.
was necessary to launch f(x) into that next
it group.
Perhaps it was the years it had been
- since SM had launched a girl group, because
- the company seemed to have forgotten the
age-old adage: Rome was not built in a day.
Very few groups, whether from SM or
otherwise, become it groups upon their
debut; popularity is one thing, legendary feats
are another.
Lasting hits and legends take work and
18
f(nation) editorial
then this odd rap right in the middle of it.
This confusion was echoed in the
choreography, which tried to make hip but cute
moves and only succeeded in a confused mix
of shakes and acrobatics.
After the fun music video of LA ChA TA,
the music video for Chu~ seemed childish
in comparison.
Calling it a horrible song is an exaggeration,
but calling it a horrible choice of a song at
that time is not. Two months into f(x)s
debut, there were many still curious about
the group, expecting a lot from this skilled
combination of talents.
Chu~ was a confusing pick that was
enough to turn some people completely
off, when it should have been a song and
a single to end the year with a bang.
I know many fans will meet my
judgment with protest and disagreement,
arguing that f(x) would soon become a
popular group and that Chu~ was hardly a
bad song.
f(x) would indeed come to be a fairly
popular group and sure, Chu~ wasnt
necessarily a failure. Of course, this in part
had to do with the lasting impression f(x)s
September 2009 showcase had left on
many minds, showing that this group had
something many others didnt - talent.
However, for a group that debuted with
such intensely high expectations and a title of
Asias Pop Dance Group, SMs introductory
choices for f(x) seemed to pale in comparison
to its hype.
19
It was into this
atmosphere that f(x)
came back with their
first mini-album, Nu
ABO, in May of 2010.
The song Nu ABO
made a point in that it
gave f(x) a Sound. It was
undoubtedly electro-pop
and funky, which are both
aspects f(x) has become
known for.
The choreography
had returned to showing
off the interesting
formations f(x) had
started with and had
the addition of catchy moves that almost
anyone could imitate.
The song, itself, was also fairly popular,
and few couldnt resist singing along to the
repetitive na na nas.
Even the fashion had developed a new,
bolderimage and the
music video echoed
this in its interesting
angles, edgy haircuts,
and fun, mirror-like close-
ups.
All of this, howev-
er, does not change the
fact that this song was
once again a mass
confusion of heavy beats,
high-pitched chants, and
sparse actual singing.
Today, were used
to this oddness from
f(x), but the difference
between then and
now is not only
how we view the group, but also the
execution of the songs.
Nu ABO wasnt executed well in any
sense, and Mr. Boogie did little to change the strength of Danger and went much
anyones mind.
Of course, it didnt help that it was with this
mixed bag of impressions that f(x) went into an
almost one-year hiatus.
In this one year, f(x) managed to keep
itself on the forefront of peoples minds undoubtedly enjoyable.
through varied and countless individual activities.
From mid-2010 to April 2011, we saw
the members in various variety shows,
sitcoms, and live performances. However,
other than the occa-
sional OST release by
Luna and Krystal,
there was little sign of
musical activity from f(x).
Unfortunately, the
rest of K-pop was quite
different and there was
an explosion of new
groups, comebacks,
and hits. This was the
atmosphere that f(x)s
first album, Pinocchio
(Danger), found itself
in when it dropped on
April 20, 2011.
Out of all the lead singles f(x) released by
that point, Pinocchio (Danger) was the best.
It carried much more strength than
previous releases, even if it was somewhat plain
in its repetitiveness and showed little of their
actual talents.
Although the song was far from solid, and
the album itself saw a repeat of Chu~s
identity crisis, it firmly set into place f(x)s
niche and place within K-pop (offbeat, quirky,
and somewhat bizarre).
It also gave f(x) something important
to show SM: wins. Lots and lots of wins,
in fact, because f(x) didnt just win for the
first time ever in weekly music shows it
won a total of eight times throughout the
promotional period.
This strength and position was carried through
to f(x)s June 14 release of Hot Summer.
The fact that Hot Summer was a cover
of a popular song by German band
Monrose, that it had been a cover of a
well-known song, meant that many fans
were somewhat wary for this release.
However, Hot Summer grabbed onto
further with it to give us a catchy, addictive,
and sexy song that carried with it its own
f(x) taste to set itself apart from the original.
It had the heavy synths, strong
electronic beat, and bright chorus we
expected from f(x), but with a coherence
we hadnt seen before that made this song
Also, we had finally stepped away from
the cutesy, sing-songy chants that had
dominated f(x)s lead singles since Chu~.
Hot Summer was fun and the girls
live performances showed this. Their
choreography may have stepped back a
little, but the odd wipe-sweat-shake-leg
dance was distinctive enough to at least
catch attention and did little to diminish
the overall, positive effect that this song had
for f(x).
It was a good song to end 2011 with,
especially considering we had to wait another
entire year for the groups next release.
After this period of anxious waiting, with
yet another wave of solo projects in
between to hold our interest, f(x) greeted
us with its most powerful work yet on
June 10, 2012.
Electric Shock, without a doubt, appeared
as a culmination of all that f(x) has made
theirs - from quirky lyrics to odd chants - except
it did this so much better than any other
song of theirs had before.
The teaser introduced the song as
something with a powerful bass and
interesting beat behind it, and the song
itself didnt disappoint.
This lead single was everything lead
singles Nu ABO and Pinocchio (Danger)
tried to be, but in a much more interesting
and upbeat way.
The strong beat and synths were steady
but not boring, thumping aggressively as
they expanded and lessened as needed to
complement not only the girls singing but
also their chants throughout.
The edginess of this bass-driven beat
meant that this song was energetic and
fun, rather than repetitive and dull. When
listening to Electric Shock, you cant help
nodding along and moving because its just
that awesome. f(x) has grown in talent, strength, and
The dance was full of the clever confidence to show us a group that can be
formationsand intricate position changes called a contributor to the Hallyu wave and
that f(x) masters like no other group, and K-pop itself.
even SMs persistent boxes in the music Not only that, f(x)s group dynamic and
video could do nothing to take away from unique personalities have stayed strong
this song. throughout it all.
Im not saying this song was epic, but I With 2013 less than halfway through
am saying this song was exactly what f(x) and many more years to come, fans of
needed to confirm its talents as a leading f(x) anxiously await the next release this
girl group. electro-pop group will bring.
With Electric Shock, f(x) told the world Editorial Note: opinions to not attack the writer or the magazine.
it deserved to be noticed and through In fact, some of the staff members of the
the rest of 2012 and the beginning of We at f(nation) magazine understand magazine disagree with some of the opinions in
2013, weve seen this. Something most that the editorial presented was full of what this article.
evident by their recent performance at many consider unpopular opinions, or even We decided to have it in the magazine
international music festival, SXSW, and viewpoints that shouldnt have been in a fan because we felt that while we love f(x) and all
their collaboration with actress Anna Kendrick magazine in the first place. that they do, they (and SM) are not free from
for Funny or Die. We would like to point out that the writer criticism and we feel that fans are allowed
Despite its struggles, f(x) has been a of this article is fully aware of the opinions to voice opinions that are not always positive.
group that worked with the little material it she presents and goes so far as to state in If you do disagree, feel free to use this
was given and even less direction to stand the article that she is aware of this. article as a way to start a respectful conversation
powerfully within the K-pop craze. Due to this, we kindly ask our readers on the group and SM Entertainment.
The group has even managed to step that should they disagree with the writers
out of the shadow of its SM seniors to carve
out a different niche and identity from before.
Wanna write for us?
Got an opinion on f(x)? Or do you just love to
write about your love for f(x)?
Let us know! Were always looking for fans
to contribute their views via articles for the
magazine.
If youre interested, please e-mail us at
fnation.magazine@gmail.com.
20
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maknae corner

Game Time
with the maknaes!

word search

crossword

spot the difference

Can you spot the difference between the first
image and the second one?

Hint #1: There were FIVE changes made to the

second photograph.

Hint #2: ONE change has been made per

member.

23