Okay, this is way later than I’d like but oh well. Things came up at work so I wasn’t able to post this up as quickly as I’d like.

First up, here’s the set/event list at the first ever SKarf official showcase in Singapore:

• Luv Virus
• Oh! Dance
• Bye Bye Bye
• ??? (couldn’t catch the title and Ferlyn was playing the guitar)
• video
• Ferlyn + Tasha special stage: dance
• Hana + Jenny special stage: dance to “Barbie Girl” (Aqua) and “Gentleman” (Psy)
• JooA special stage: singing performance of “On My Own” (Les Miserablés)
• game
• birthday celebration for Hana
• game: facts about SKarf
• My Turn
• Telephone, cover of Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé
• My Love
• Thank you video
• ENCORE: dance performance

Firstly, I’d like to say a big congratulations to SKarf for surviving one year in the business. It is not an easy feat and it’s only going to get tougher and tougher.

This will be my first proper look at SKarf’s performance as a musical/idol group. The performance at the New Year Eve thing doesn’t count coz it was a made for TV thing and not a proper performance/showcase of what SKarf can do.

I’ll skip the stage and sound bit of the review and go straight to the girls. I’d like to state that I’m actually scrutinizing more than usual towards SKarf because there are 2 homegirls in there. Don’t get me wrong, I want SKarf to succeed and I do wish them all the best so while I’m scrutinizing extra, I harbour no ill intentions and hope it would be constructive feedback.

Firstly, Tasha and Ferlyn do need to speak up and out more. On stage, when they are not singing and/or dancing, they are actually quite bland to the point of almost having no personality and character on stage. Frankly, if Tasha and Ferlyn are not Singaporeans, I wouldn’t give a hoot about them because they are quite forgettable they way they carried themselves.

I also get the sense that both of them are actually holding back a lot and are not truly comfortable/really nervous on stage as they do not speak freely. Yes, it is that obvious (to me).

Remember, looking pretty doesn’t mean you’ll make it in the showbiz. Entertain or you’ll be sure as hell that people will move on to something more interesting/exciting. Own the stage when you’re on it.

Hana on the other hand was naturally cute and gives off a really innocent vibe. She is actually the one who makes all the day-to-day/behind-the-scenes videos watchable because she goes on and on and is very comfortable in front of a camera. And Ferlyn avoids the camera whenever possible; and I spotted it all girl.

As for Jenny and JooA, I’ll say that JooA has a really strong voice and both Jenny and JooA don’t get to say a lot because in Singapore, the focus was obviously on Tasha and Ferlyn. In fact, I hardly even heard Jenny speaking.

However, I must say that I like Jenny because she does take the time to pose and look into your camera until you nod to signal that you got the shot (during the press conference and fan sign).

All in all, I’d say that for a group who has been around for 1 year or so, SKarf is actually one of the better groups. I’ve seen much worse. I’ve watched some rookie groups and thought, “You mean you can debut like that!?” and I’m pretty sure that I can do better than them.

That said, SKarf really needs to work on their confidence and public speaking.

Also, I wish that they’ll change their image and concept soon. I know that in the k-pop world, almost every female idol group starts with the cute/sweet image/concept. Being Singaporean, I know how cute doesn’t work well on like 98% of the Singaporeans above the age of 10. Lol. We can’t pull off cute effectively the way a Korean can. I am not kidding.

If I get to choose, I think a sassy 21st century girl image/concept would work better on them (think a slightly less flamboyant look like 2NE1/SNSD in I Got A Boy). It would definitely work well with Tasha, Ferlyn and Jenny.

Oh well. Once again, I have no ill intentions towards SKarf and I want them to succeed (hey, it’s bragging rights for us Singaporeans too). I’m still going to keep an eye on their progress and I do hope to see a better and stronger SKarf the next time I see them.

Girls, fighting! Aja! Aja!

Finally, here are the photos from the showcase. Enjoy!