On BTS, Anti-Asian Racism, and Reliving Trauma
In this essay, writer Jae-Ha Kim examines BTS’s recent statement calling attention to anti-Asian racism. Content warning for discussions of racism and use of a quoted slur.
Month: March 2021
Watch Classic Episodes of “Running Man” on KOCOWA!
You asked for it and KOCOWA has you covered. Watch classic episodes of “Running Man” starting with the first episode!
Go Away With … Lexie Duncan
“I feel like New York’s my home away from home,” said Australian actress Lexie Duncan, one of the stars of “Young Rock.” “I come from a musical theater background, which is how I initially got into acting professionally, so I love Broadway! Live theater is already so special, but there is nothing like a Broadway show.”
BTS Gets Real with “Let’s BTS”
Let’s get real. BTS doesn’t need to do much promotion these days. But knowing that their fans are missing them big time, the septet have gifted ARMY with a special talk show called “Let’s BTS.”
Are These K-dramas Makjang Enough for You?
If you like kimchi slaps, switched at birth and secret identity storylines, you just might be a makjang fan!
Go Away With … Georges St-Pierre
“Like Bruce Lee once said, you need to be like water,” said MMA champion turned actor Georges St-Pierre. “I believe the best fighters and the best actors are very good at adapting at any situation they are faced with.”
Go Away With … Mark McKinnon
“My wife and I were scheduled to go to Barcelona for our anniversary and we were so excited, but we had to push our dates back due to the pandemic,” said “Blue Bloods” actor Mark McKinnon. “Hopefully, we will be able to take the trip (this year).”
Korean TV’s Unlikely Star: Subway Sandwiches
The New York Times interviewed me for their piece about product placement (like Subway!) in K-Dramas.
“Sweet Home” (스위트홈)
“Sweet Home” has some incredible highs. But unlike “Kingdom” or “Uncanny Counter,” where action supplements the storyline, “Sweet Home” has too much mediocre filler to make it a truly great K-drama.
Go Away With … 3 Pairs of Boots
“Food is such an insight into the local flavor, the local scene,” said 3 Pairs of Boots vocalist Laura Arias. “It gets one quickly into the vibe of a place.”
Celebrating International Women’s Day with “The Penthouse 2” Actresses
Happy International Women’s Day to the cast of “The Penthouse 2.” These amazing actresses prove that you don’t need a Second Lead Syndrome — or any kind of romance — to keep viewers coming back for more.
“Lovestruck in the City” (도시남녀의 사랑법)
Most of the characters in “Lovestruck in the City” would’ve benefited with some therapy to work things through and move on from unhealthy relationships that should’ve been severed early on.
“Kingdom” (킹덤)
Like “Train to Busan,” “Kingdom” was released well before the coronavirus outbreak cause pandemonium worldwide. Both are sociopolitical projects disguised as zombie horror thrillers, where those in power don’t try to prevent the outbreak, so much as they try to stop news of the outbreak from being released. The public’s ignorance suits their own needs.
K-celebs Love Mukbang!
Celebrities are like all of us. When we’re hungry, we can’t function. But Korean celebs are extra when it comes to eating — it seems like they’re starring in their own mukbangs.
Go Away With … Art Bell
Comedy Central founder Art Bell says that Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska is a wonderful vacation spot: “Because cars weren’t allowed in the park, we had to take a four-hour bus ride to get there. We hiked every day, avoided a confrontation with a grizzly bear and met some remarkable people. The view of Denali mountain was spectacular.”
“Run On” (런 온)
There are several subplots percolating in “Run On,” but the most interesting was the bullying, especially in light of the accusations of real-life bullying scandals surrounding idols and actors. This K-drama offers a perspective that bullying is a part of Korean hierarchy, and those with wealthy and powerful parents won’t be punished. Those who are poor and powerless won’t get justice.