Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
“My experience in Ghana was like nothing else,” says “Why Didn’t We Riot?: A Black Man in Trumpland” author Issac J. Bailey. “Even amid some devastating pockets of destitution, the smiles and greetings residents there had for visitors like me made it feel as though I had returned to Myrtle Beach.”
To accommodate the coronavirus pandemic, the “Idol Star Athletics Championships” is offering a different format: a dog agility contest and eSports. Both competitions will be held outside.
Former Girls’ Generation member Jessica Jung tackles the world of K-pop in her Young Adult novel, “Shine.” “I took a lot of inspiration from what it was like for me,” says Jung. “I wanted it to be entertaining and authentic at the same time, so there’s a balance of real details and escapist fictional elements.”
BTS speak at the United Nations (again!); Shin Min-A talks about female empowerment; and Ji Chang-Wook and Kim Ji-Won will co-star in a new K-Drama!
It has been 13 years since “Coffee Prince” premiered, making a star out of Gong Yoo. Here’s a look at what the lead stars have been up to, as well as a memoriam for an actor who died much too young.
Cho Seung-Woo and Bae Doona are superb portraying a taciturn prosecutor and an intuitive police detective, respectively. He is aloof and shows no emotions. She is thorough and unafraid to go against her superiors’ orders to ferret out the truth.
Musician Cheryl B. Engelhardt said working on “Luminary” in Greece was an experience she will always cherish.
Big-name stars are always a bonus when you want to attract viewers. But “Once Again” proved that an intriguing storyline can compensate for household names.
Korean food culture as depicted in K-Dramas is based on real life. But how much of it is spot on?
Im Si-Wan, Park Hyung-Sik, Krystal Jung … Who’s your favorite idol turned actor?
“K-Pop Confidential” author Stephan Lee said his numerous trips to South Korea helped him when it came time to set the tone for his young adult novel.
What “Misaeng” does so very well is that it depicts how difficult life can be when everything is stacked against you, and you begin to believe that you don’t deserve more than the scraps people are willing to throw at you.
“I love camping,” says “The Vanishing” actress Lily Anne Harrison. “I’m from Oregon, so I love anything that takes me outside. I grew up appreciating the outdoors. Also, I just love the adventure of an RV trip.”
“Save Me” depicts how a cult ensnares members to join them. Are these people stupid? No. But they do want to believe in something so badly that they are wiling to overlook all the signs that something is amiss.
Almost all K-Drama actors start out as second leads. But some find themselves elevated to leading man roles. Here’re five of our favorites.
Pop star Wonho has traveled the world. But the Korean musician says once this pandemic is over, he would love to travel around the United States with his family: “I want to show them all the great things I experienced.”
“Running Man” fans unite! Who’s in for a classic episode watch party this Sunday?
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” is an unconventional love story that also focuses beautifully on mental health. It depicts how the aftermath of abuse and abandonment affects the psyche, but reaffirms that no one is a lost cause — and that seeking help is self love.
“My Love From Another Star,” “Coffee Prince,” “It’s OK, That’s Love” … those are just three great Korean love stories. What are some of your faves?
“Traveling reaffirms my belief in humanity and that as a species, we are worth saving,” says “The Last Story of Mina Lee” author Nancy Jooyoun Kim.