“Absolute Boyfriend” (절대 그이)
At its core, “Absolute Boyfriend” isn’t about whether the female lead would choose a robot over a human being. Rather, it’s about longing for the robot’s human traits that are lacking in too many people today.
Month: August 2019
Kim Soo-Hyun Is Otherwordly!
Just two months after his military discharge, Hallyu superstar Kim Soo-Hyun is ready to get back to work. But before he has his official comeback, he’ll make an appearance in the finale of the K-Drama “Hotel Del Luna” (set to air on Aug. 31). Production is being hush-hush, so we don’t know if his role will be that of a mortal or a ghost guest.
Idols Could’ve Played That Part
One of the things that really impresses me about Korea’s K-Pop idols is how many of them are exceptional actors. And that got me wondering … What would it be like if some of our favorite singers had been cast in some of our favorite K-Dramas?
Do You Remember Me?
The old amnesia plot device isn’t new, but it’s something that K-Drama fans have come to love (to hate, sometimes). While it’s a trope, I must admit that many scriptwriters do an admirable job of keeping viewers guessing as to what will happen next.
Go Away With … David Archuleta
David Archuleta was just 16 years old when he became the runner-up (to David Cook) on “American Idol.” Since then, the singer — now 28 — has released a steady stream of music, including his brand-new single “Paralyzed.” A perk of his career is getting to travel. “I’ve recently gotten to see Russia for my first time for a youth conference,” says Archuleta, who resides in Nashville.
K-Drama Tropes: Love them or hate them?
I love Korean Dramas for a variety of reasons. And although I have a love-hate relationship with all the K-Drama tropes, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t waiting for them to appear every time I watch a series. Here are some of my favorites — and also some that I love to hate.
BTS wins Best K-Pop Group at MTV VMAs
To no one’s surprise, BTS – one of the world’s most famous boy bands – won the MTV Video Music Award’s inaugural award for Best K-pop group for their song “Boy With Luv.” The septet didn’t attend the ceremony to accept their Moon Man trophy. While the new category appears to be a nod to the popularity of Korean music in mainstream U.S. pop culture, fans have been vocal that the category is suspicious at best and borderline racist.
“One Spring Night” (봄밤)
It’s not surprising that “One Spring Night” has the same melancholy vibe as “Something in the Rain” (aka “Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food”). Besides the same leading man, the series reunites screenwriter Kim Eun and director Ahn Pan-Seok. While the storyline is different, the main thrust remains the same: The central male character is deemed as unsuitable to be with the female character, because of an unforgivable character flaw that isn’t a flaw at all.
“My First First Love” (첫사랑은 처음이라서): Season 2
I knew going into this series who she would end up with (and so will you, because you’re not stupid). I have no problem with that. But what I thought was a cheap cop-out was the way Do-Hyun went from being an upstanding, fun and thoughtful young man in the first season, into a suspicious and jealous boyfriend in this second season.
Go Away With … Roger Mooking
Once best known as MC Mystic in his group Bass is Base, Roger Mooking is recognized by foodies worldwide for his work on television (“Man Fire Food,” “Heat Seekers,” “Everyday Exotic”) and cookbooks. Born in Trinidad and raised in Canada, Mooking is based out of Toronto. The chef and restaurateur says that one of the small pleasures of life is finding ice cream and gelato spots wherever he travels. “I would eat ice cream every single day and after every single meal if I could get away with it, says Mooking, whose latest album is “Eat Your Words.”
“My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho”
Written by the Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran), “My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho” tells the tale of a young man who accidentally frees a gumiho (a nine-tailed shape shifter that often takes the form of a woman). Gumihos are known to be voracious carnivores, who crave organs. Gumihos are known to be voracious carnivores, who crave organs. Gulp.
BTS is Taking a Short Hiatus, But We’ve Got You Covered!
BTS’ label Big Hit recently released a press release stating that the world’s most famous boy band would take an “extended hiatus.” While the guys take a few weeks off for some well-deserved rest, they won’t be releasing as much content on social media and Vlive as fans are accustomed to. But there’s still a lot of material for fans to get caught up on (or rewatch).
Go Away With … Jeannie Mai
It has been a busy year for Jeannie Mai. Besides co-hosting the talk show “The Real,” she is a correspondent on Stephen Curry’s ABC mini-golf competition series, “Holey Moley.” Whenever she can carve out some free time, the on-air talent says she enjoys exploring new cities. One of her favorite memories is a childhood trip she took with her family. “We went to Yosemite and I absolutely loved it,” said Mai, 40. “We lost my little brother for a second and set bear traps, thinking he was bear napped. But that story is for another time.”
Ahead of KCON Los Angeles’ Kick-Off, a Look at Korean Pop Culture in 2019
Created to celebrate South Korea’s soft power, KCON has grown into the Coachella of Korean culture. Debuting in 2012 as a one-day festival in Los Angeles just months after Psy’s “Gangnam Style” became a worldwide hit, KCON attracted 12,000 curious fans. Flash forward to 2019, when one of the world’s most-famous groups is the Korean boy band BTS, Korean beauty products are all the rage, chefs are incorporating kimchi into western cooking and streaming sites including Netflix are premiering buzzworthy Korean shows such as the zombie serial “Kingdom.”
You Can Now Enjoy KOCOWA in Portuguese!
Brazilians said they wanted KOCOWA and guess what? On August 1, the streaming service officially launched in Brazil with Portuguese subtitles. Maravilhosa!
Are They Really Dating?!
Since the beginning of time, celebrities have tried to hide their dating status. Part of it was for privacy issues. But there was also a business element. Managers wanted to make it appear as if their clients were available to fans. Certainly, this holds true for K-Pop and K-Drama stars, who are forced to spend an inordinate amount of time evading questions about their love lives.
Young Hollywood Impact Report 2019: Blackpink
2019 is shaping up to be Blackpink’s breakthrough year. The all-girl Korean quartet kicked off the U.S. leg of a world tour with a concert at Coachella that was livestreamed in New York’s Times Square.
Go Away With … Roselyn Sanchez
Actress Roselyn Sanchez says when she thinks of the perfect vacation destination, Puerto Rico is always on her mind.
I Came for the K-Drama & Stayed for the Food!
Unlike some U.S. shows where the actors clearly look like they don’t want to eat the meal in front of them (I’m looking at you, “The Big Bang Theory”!), K-Dramas are full of amazing food scenes where the actors eat with gusto. They make whatever they’re eating look like it’s the most delicious thing on earth. And, not for nothing, but I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I always want to eat along with the characters.