MV Review: "Checkmate" by Jung Yong Hwa feat. JJ Lin

Once again I am back with more news on my favorite rocker Jung Yong Hwa, who is releasing songs at an astonishing rate (how that guy even sleeps, I will never know). The most recent in his new lineup is a song called "Checkmate", featuring Chinese artist JJ Lin. Check the video out below!

What I loved:

~ The song. 

One of the best partnerships I have ever seen. (Image via Google)

As a good friend mentioned while we were discussing the song and watching the video, it sounded like Jung Yong Hwa has returned to his CNBLUE style, which is GREAT!! I love the rockin' feel of this song and the positive, encouraging message it has of standing together with your friends - so much better than the sleepy, lovelorn tones of the previous song...

~ Three languages.

Oh, did I forget to mention the song is sung in three separate languages at the same time? I cannot express how awesome I find that. Ever since I entered the world of KPop the multilingual facet of it always amazes me. Artist needs to learn Japanese to perform in Japan? Sure! Actor needs to learn Chinese to appear in Chinese drama? Of course! The fact that these artists are not afraid to learn a new language if it means increasing their fanbase and bringing their work to the world clearly demonstrates their care for their audience.


~ The setting.

Yes I know, the office setting seemed kind of weird to some people and may not have entirely made sense. Recently, however, I have been watching Misaeng (An Incomplete Life) which is set in an office and details the struggles in a white-collar job. The message of the song also fit really well with what I have watched in Misaeng so far (sadly the drama is already finished so this song can't be part of the OST T_T). Anyway, it just reminded me of all the feels I have for that drama so far (and there are a lot of them), but I'll save them for the review. ;)

~ This guy.

THIS GUY. (Image via Google Search)

 While describing the video to same good friend mentioned above prior to watching it, I mentioned that it was a collaboration between Jung Yong Hwa and "this guy JJ Lin". "What do you mean, 'this guy'?! JJ Lin is super popular and he has really great songs," remonstrated my friend, and I can see why. His voice perfectly complements Yong Hwa's vocals, and they make a really great team in terms of how the song turned out. Other people can worry all they want about the fate of CNBLUE - this is a partnership of which I wholeheartedly approve.

Meh, could have been better:

For once I am at a loss, so have another picture:

(Image via Google)

Did not like:

Seriously, for me nothing was wrong with this video - it was AWESOME.

These guys are serious about their music. (Image via Google)

I definitely don't think I'll be getting this song out of my head for a while - that is, until Jung Yong Hwa comes out with a new song... ;) Definitely looking forward to more from both of these artists!

Until the next song!

~BeanSprout