Month: May 2018

How BTS Are Breaking K-Pop’s Biggest Taboos

Jae-Ha Kim

In modern South Korea, pop stars and politics don’t often mix. While some hip-hop acts (such as Epik High) address controversial topics, many idol groups stick to a slick, apolitical formula with a proven record of success. BTS, who just became the first K-pop act ever to top the Billboard 200 album sales chart, have become a record-setting success story in part because of their willingness to buck this convention. My latest essay for Rolling Stone.

Go Away With … Scott Helman

Jae-Ha Kim

Canadian musician Scott Helman says that touring has taught him to be patient and to go with the flow. “I know it’s corny, but whatever happens will happen. Be on time, pack well, stay hydrated. These are things we can control. Everything else is for the world to decide. My most memorable experiences are when things go wrong while traveling. It’s when you find the kind ones and when whatever is wrong becomes resolved, you can count on them to bring your life more meaning and joy knowing they’re in the world.”

“Healer” (힐러)

Jae-Ha Kim

A smart, 20-episode series that was well cast, it offered intrigue, action, comedy and a bittersweet love story that ends in such a way that the viewer is left assured that the couple stays together forever. This is also one of the rare Korean dramas I’ve seen where the lead characters aren’t involved in a love triangle (though there is a sub-plot where unrequited love between secondary cast members plays a role).

Go Away With … Tiffany Boone

Jae-Ha Kim

“The Chi” actress Tiffany Boone recalls a childhood trip she took with her mother: “I was 8 years old and we went to Walt Disney World in Orlando. In preparation for my trip, I would watch a travel video about Disney World every single day. It was my very first time on an airplane and I was slightly nervous, but my excitement gave me courage. We had the time of our lives! To this day, it is still one of my favorite travel memories.”

“Suspicious Partner” (수상한 파트너)

Jae-Ha Kim

A legal thriller filled with comedy and romance, “Suspicious Partner” is an addictive K-Drama that will keep viewers engaged. Don’t let the 40 episodes put you off. Each episode is less than half an hour long. And the plot is so engaging that the 20 hours goes by quickly.

Go Away With … Kirk Acevedo

Jae-Ha Kim

Growing up in New York, actor Kirk Acevedo says he learned early on to be self-reliant. “Having lived on my own since I was 16 in a big city taught me to be very self-sufficient,” says Acevedo, who portrays Ricardo Diaz — aka The Dragon — on the CW series “Arrow.” “I trust people very slowly. And then I suffer no fools. And for these skills I have to thank New York City. I always know who’s walking 20 yards behind me and then who’s 20 yards ahead.”

“BTS: Burn the Stage”: Episode 8

Jae-Ha Kim

Moreso than any of the previous episodes of “Burn the Stage,” this finale is a love letter from BTS to their fans. The eight-part docu-series ended with “Spring Day” playing over the credits. As many of you already know, that song touches my core every single time I hear it, so I’m a little verklempt as I write this.

Go Away With … MAX

Jae-Ha Kim

“The best travel memory I have is a proper Sunday lunch with my wife’s family in Brighton, England, where she grew up,” says MAX, 25. “It was just beautiful and magical to feel so at home in a place I just got to that day for the first time. The worst vacation memory was in Puerto Rico with a terrible ex of mine when I was 16. We were in a massive fight and two guys walked past hollering at her, so I cursed them out. They (started) yelling that they were gonna shank me. Definitely thought I was gonna die. It made me learn not to curse people out, especially in foreign places.”

“BTS: Burn the Stage”: Episode 7

Jae-Ha Kim

Having your music cut out mid-song is a living nightmare for musicians. But if you have the wherewithal to go with the flow with the good and the bad, those moments also can become a highlight of the evening. During a concert in Osaka last year, J-Hope was faced with exactly this dilemma. He describes it as the worst thing that can happen at a show. But he handled it with aplomb.