When I first saw an Asian pop music video, my response was laughter. I watched because I couldn’t look away from what appeared to be a sparkly train wreck. I gathered my friends around to witness the craziness, all under this guise of  “look how funny this is”.

DBSK’s “You’ve Got the Wrong Number “changed my life. I vividly remember hanging out in the library after high school one day watching this ridiculous video and laughing about it with my friends.

“Can you believe this?” we asked each other.

“This is so stupid.”

“Those dance moves…”

“But it’s so awesome.”

“OMG the drama. Such suspense!”

“Are you kidding me?”

“How can they sing so passionately about wrong numbers?””

“Dibs on the cute one in the yellow tub.”

“Only if I get the other shirtless one.”

“What!? Did he just drop his phone into that wine glass?”

“I think I’m in love…”

The absurd seriousness that accompanies songs like “Wrong Number” gives people false hope. Oh, you go in thinking that you only watch for the laughs, but really halfway into the video, you know it’s a lost cause. The dancing, the lights, the intensity, and the silly English lyrics make a lethal combination. Deny it all you want, you liked it. You walked away with some form of respect, if not love for the gaggle of guys that have sung and danced their way into your heart.

Following my “Wrong Number” admiration, my first true love came in the form of Japanese boy band Arashi. To this day, they remain my favorite. No matter what, Arashi, especially Jun Matsumoto, will hold a special place in my heart. You can never forget your first love.

I’m pretty certain it was love at first sight, albeit I didn’t quite know it at the time. Again, I was fooled into thinking I was making fun of them, but really the joke was on me.

For instance, the above Kitto Daijoubu is such a perfect song. How can it not be when there are boys dancing on a rainbow? Yes, Arashi, everything will be all right, but I you may need you to revive me from my awe-filled daze. How can you walk away without a goofy smile on your face after watching that gem of a video?

Sadly, all official Arashi music videos were taken off of YouTube a few years ago. Believe me, it was a very, very sad day. Instead, check it out here: Arashi- Kitto Daijoubu

Asian pop music has a fatal hook. You come for the laughs, for the ridiculous concepts, and of course for the pretty boys dancing in unison, but before you know it you can’t escape. The videos should have a warning along the lines of THIS IS A ONE-WAY TICKET INTO ANOTHER WORLD. Once your laughter converts into admiration there isn’t much you can do to help yourself.

My advice: Just enjoy the ride. It sure is a pleasant one!

-Rachel