“Angry Mom” (엄마가 뿔났다)
“Angry Mom” brings up the question of whether it’s OK to be a bully, if you are standing up for the rights of the weak.
Year: 2019
Second Lead Syndrome
As every K-Drama aficionado is well aware, the second lead syndrome — where two men are vying for one woman’s attention — is an integral part of just about every Korean series ever made. And though we may roll our eyes at yet another one, it’s also fact that it’s something we love (and sometimes love to hate).
Go Away With … ATEEZ
ATEEZ is embarking on a sold-out tour of the United States (including dates in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York), which will be followed by a European leg. “I want to take in the sights of many cities,” says group leader Hongjoong, 20. “I want to visit the various landmarks in each city (like) Times Square in New York. If there’s time, I’d also like to attend other artists’ concerts.” Though the South Korean band is less than half a year old, their enthusiastic fan base initiated this tour via MyMusicTaste (https://www.mymusictaste.com), an online service that allows fans to request shows in their area.
“The Crowned Clown” (왕이 된 남자)
A serialized remake of the 2012 film “Masquerade” (광해: 왕이 된 남자), “The Crowned Clown” stars Yeo Jin-goo as young, immoral king Yi Heon, whose crown is constantly under threat. Drugged out on opium (initially unknowingly, and later willingly), he eagerly agrees to allow a lookalike jester, Ha Seon, to impersonate him until things are under control. In other words, let the clown be assassinated in his place.
I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar
We all know that in a perfect world, everyone would be equal. But in the real world, we’re still working towards that goal. This got me thinking about some K-Dramas that featured strong women who were trying to assert their independence. Did they succeed? Sometimes, with different degrees of success. But the important thing is that these characters didn’t give up.
Goodbye, Lee Jong-Suk!
It’s a fact of life that all able-bodied South Korean men have to fulfill their mandatory military duties for their country. Top stars aren’t exempt from this, either. Due to a severe injury he suffered during his teenage years, Lee will be enlisting as a public service worker — rather than active duty — according to his A-MAN Project. As actor Lee Jong-Suk gets ready to begin his 22-month enrollment on Friday, March 8, let’s take a look at his life … and some of his most iconic work.
Why are Western Audiences Falling Head Over Heels for K-Dramas?
Recognizing these cultural differences and relating to even the most unrelatable stories are all part of what makes watching Korean dramas so satisfying. Where else can you experience second lead syndrome (where you’re actually rooting for the other guy to get the girl and not the main guy), eat instant ramen along with the characters, and learn a few foreign words in the process? Daebak! Read more in my article for MTV News.
Go Away With … James Hunt of RÜFÜS DU SOL
“Every album we write is influenced by the location we’re in,” says James Hunt of RÜFÜS DU SOL. “It’s kind of inherent in the process of creating music to draw upon the immediate vibe, personality and feeling of a place.”
“My ID Is Gangnam Beauty” (내 아이디는 강남미인)
“My ID is Gangnam Beauty” specifically tackles South Korea’s obsession with physical looks, but the storyline carries over to many cultures, where the standards of beautiful — especially for girls and women — is unrealistic.
Childhood Romance: Sealed With a Kiss
I am a complete sucker for shows that stress the importance of childhood relationships — the kind that last from adolescence through adulthood. And K-Dramas are chock full of them.