Sistar19: Inside the K-Pop Duo’s Comeback
Hyolyn and Bora talk about their first new music in seven years, how K-pop has changed over the years, and their dreams for the future. My latest article in Rolling Stone magazine.
Author: Jae-Ha Kim
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Go Away With … Mitch Grassi of Pentatonix
“We always love to tour in Japan,” said Pentatonix’s Mitch Grassi. “The Japanese culture itself is so beautiful and welcoming to us, and the crowds are so full of love.”
Go Away With … Shoji Morimoto
“The percentage of my personal life has decreased considerably,” said Shoji Morimoto, author of the international bestseller “Rental Person Who Does Nothing”. “This is because I need to have more time outside for my work, rather than spending quiet time at home with just my family. However, it does not mean that I prefer either time more than the other. Both ways in which I spend time are equally important.”
South Korea is reckoning with the death of beloved ‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-kyun
NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe speaks to syndicated columnist Jae-Ha Kim about the scandal that led to the death of beloved South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun. Note: This conversation has mentions of self-harm.
“Arahan” (아라한 장풍 대작전)
Sang-hwan is a police officer who is too much of a ‘fraidy cat to be a standout on the force. But through his friendship with Eui-jin, who has extraordinary fighting skills, he learns that he has untapped super powers of his own.
They Call Us K-Culture
I was the first guest of 2024 on Phil Yu and Jeff Yang’s podcast, “They Call Us Bruce.” We discussed K-dramas, BTS, Lee Sun-kyun’s tragic death and how annoying it is when non-Asian members of the media co-opt our stories.
Go Away With … Alanna Ubach
“We filmed ‘Ted’ on the Universal Studios lot in Los Angeles – about a stone’s throw away from my all-time favorite theme park ride, Jaws!,” said actress Alanna Ubach. “I kept pinching myself every time I’d hear screams and laughter coming from the trams.”
How South Korea’s stringent anti-drug laws played a role in the death of “Parasite” actor Lee Sun-kyun
Following Lee Sun-kyun’s death, you are going to read a lot on social media and in newspapers about how South Korea has the highest overall suicide rate of all countries. And while someone will surely write a think piece about South Koreans being predisposed to dying by suicide, it’s important to remember how South Korea came to be an economic powerhouse and how its citizens’ well being was secondary to the country’s greatness.
Go Away With … Malea Rose
“I’m currently planning a trip home to Kauai,” said Vie En Rose founder Malea Rose. “I haven’t decided my New Year’s Eve plans. I’m a last-minute gal. But I’ll be traveling to the most beautiful places in Thailand in February to visit the set of [the third season of] ‘The White Lotus.’ I’m super excited!”
“Gyeongseong Creature” (경성크리처)
The gore in this K-drama is intense and unrelenting — so much so that it ironically begins to lose impact. But amidst all the violence are well-developed stories of families, love and patriotism — and that’s what prevents this series from being just another horror show.