K-DRAMA REVIEWS (INDEX)
SUBSTACK is the space where I curate my reviews and views about Korean-centric things happening in the pop culture realm (and beyond) that pique my interest…and I hope yours, too. Won’t you join me?
J-Hope on How His Military Service Influenced His New Solo Music: ‘Experiences are Invaluable’
The BTS rapper J-Hope opens up about his new single “Sweet Dreams,” staying in touch with other members, and more in an exclusive Q&A. My exclusive interview for Rolling Stone magazine.
How Hannah Bahng Created Her Own Path
The Korean-Australian singer-songwriter Hannah Bahng is winning fans with her confessional indie-rock songs. My latest exclusive for Rolling Stone.
Go Away With … Five for Fighting
John Ondrasik – better known as Five for Fighting – has been touring for decades. But rather than being jaded by life on the road, he said he considers it a perk that has yet to grow old. “One of the beautiful things about being in a touring band is seeing all aspects of America,” said the California native. “My favorites are the small towns between the big cities.”
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
True story: When I was in college, we didn’t have access to The Internets like all you young whipper snappers today. So, instead of drooling over all the photos of food on Pinterest and Instagram, I used to look at recipe books and imagine that I could be eating that instead of the dorm food my parents had paid for.
Go Away With … Paul Rappaport
“When traveling with artists, I tended to fall into their lifestyle,” said “Gliders Over Hollywood” author Paul Rappaport. “If it was reggae legend Peter Tosh, that meant a healthy lifestyle of nuts, berries and mint tea with honey – plus a fair amount of ganja. When I went on tour with The New Barbarians, a band put together by Ronnie Wood to promote his solo album featuring Rolling Stones bandmates Keith Richards on guitar and Bobby Keys on sax, I barely ate or slept for an entire week!”
Music, music, music
I’ll be updating this page periodically to include music that’s piquing my interest at the moment. Song of the day: “Pretty Baby” by Blondie.
Go Away With … Madison Elise Rogers
“I love visiting Lisbon,” said “1923” actress Madison Elise Rogers. “The city has such a rich history and incredible food. I fell in love with pastéis de nata. I loved trying food from small local cafés. I visited Belém Tower, Praça do Comércio and wandered Alfama’s historic streets. I first visited Portugal when I was 17 years old and hope to return soon.”
Go Away With … Josh Plasse
“The Baxters” actor Josh Plasse is a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, co-screenwriter/actor/producer of the C. Thomas Howell film “Ride” and the author of his recently released fantasy novel “Dust” (Resolve Editions). Though the book is a work of fiction, Plasse said he utilized some of his travels as inspiration.
Interviews (Celebrity Index)
David Bowie, Keanu Reeves, Britney Spears, PSY, Idris Elba, BTS, Matt Damon, Justin Timberlake, Venus Williams… Just a few of the notable folks I’ve interviewed. Click on the photo or the title to read my profiles. Enjoy!
Go Away With … ONE OR EIGHT
While hip-hop is a strong element of ONE OR EIGHT’s sound, the Japanese group also appreciates a good pop song. Their best collaborations are a fusion of both musical styles. Big Sean rapped on their song “Kawasaki,” while “Don’t Tell Nobody” – written and produced by Dave Stewart and One Republic’s Ryan Tedder – harkens back to the lush vocals of the ’90s boy bands.
Young Posse’s Music Video for “Cold” Addresses Abandonment & Objectification
The K-pop girl group Young Posse released the stunning music video for “Cold” on March 2. It’s by far one of the most meaningful videos I’ve watched in a long time — maybe since K. Will’s “No Sad Song for My Broken Heart” and IU’s “Love Wins All.”
All-Time Best K-dramas
Each of us has our own favorite K-dramas that are informed by our own personal experiences (and access). For instance, I was never able to get my hands on South Korea’s early dramas like “Death Row Prisoner,” which premiered in 1956. Therefore, my picks are influenced by what I’ve seen, which are primarily shows from 2000 onward.
Go Away With … LØLØ
“My band and I each have our own dedicated tub of Ben & Jerry’s, which we enjoy with peanut butter at night after the shows,” said Canadian musician LØLØ. “It’s the perfect combination.”
An Exclusive Interview with AMPERS&ONE
How does the multinational K-pop group AMPERS&ONE communicate? “Konglish all the way!”
Go Away With … Gavin Rossdale
Gavin Rossdale is the lead singer and songwriter for the British grunge rock band Bush and an occasional actor (“The Trainer,” “Constantine”). He’s also the host of his own VIZIO WatchFree+ cooking show, “Dinner With Gavin Rossdale,” where he has conversations with guests like Serena Williams, Brooke Shields, Selma Blair, Common and Sir Tom Jones over meals that he prepares for them.
Hotels (Index)
Traveling soon? These are some of the places my family and I have stayed. Some were amazing, while others were just meh. If you’ve got a recommendation for me, be sure to leave a comment and let me know.
Go Away With … Chung Ha
“My trip to Paris was extra special because it was my mom’s first time seeing me perform overseas, and it was right around my birthday, ” said “Alivio” musician Chung Ha. “I have so many good memories of wonderful trips. New York. Florida. The small towns in Italy were so beautiful, like a fairytale. And Jungfrau in Switzerland. The scenery there felt unreal.”
“Bogotá: City of the Lost” (보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅)
There is a lot going on in “Bogotá: City of the Lost” — shootings, explosions, backstabbing. But when it’s all over, you realize that it was mostly much ado about nothing.
Go Away With … Adrienne Rose White
“Sometimes I’ll write a TV or feature project for a specific location, just to have an excuse to go stay there,” said “Nightbitch” actress Adrienne Rose White. “I co-wrote a feature script set in Salton Sea after I saw these gorgeous photos of this lake in a desolate desert. And now that you’ve asked, I think I’ll set my next feature in Fiji.”
Teo Yoo: The “Past Lives” and “The Recruit” Star Gets Real
An interview with the Korean German actor on why he joined the cast of “The Recruit”