Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
“The Penthouse” got a lot of notoriety because of screenwriter Kim Soon-Ok’s makjang storylines, which were both a lot of fun and over the top. That said, there are plenty of other Korean dramas that hold their own when it comes to being overly dramatic (in a good way).
“I am very lucky to have never faced racism in my life, though I have seen it,” said actor Jesse Posey. “Selena did face racism, but she also faced the troubles of being a big star. And piling those two on top of each other must have been a great challenge.”
“I remember taking the segregated train with my sister and our father from Montgomery to Atlanta.” said Martin Luther King Jr.’s goddaughter, Donzaleigh Abernathy. “I remember the train ride, the dirty ‘colored only’ bathroom and Uncle Martin and (his daughter) Yolanda picking us up at the beautiful old train station in Atlanta, which has been torn down.”
Who else screamed when Lara Jean and Peter signed a love contract for their pretend relationship and then actually fell in love? Hello?! This is K-drama Trope 101!
Lee Isaac Chung is an astute filmmaker, who pays close attention to the smallest details. With “Minari,” he has created a universally relatable film, while inserting elements that are specifically Korean.
While “To All the Boys” author Jenny Han may have no desire to write a fourth book in this series, wouldn’t it be fun if Kitty got a spinoff? She could move to Seoul to become a K-pop trainee, learn Korean, and reunite with her crush Dae (Jeon Ho-Young). TATB doesn’t have to end with Lara Jean and Peter. With a little bit of tweaking, it can go on always and forever.
“I am a first-generation American,” said “Days of Our Lives” actress Victoria Konefal. “Polish was actually my first language. I remember learning English by watching ‘Sesame Street’ and ‘Barney’ on repeat. I was a big fan. Learning other languages comes very easily to me, and I assume it’s because I was raised bilingual.”
Well written and terrifically acted, “The Uncanny Counter” is suspenseful and heartwarming. And in a rarity for Korean dramas, there is no second lead syndrome romance to mess with the plot.
“Penthouse 2” returns on Feb. 19 to continue the saga of the immoral elite who rule over Hera Palace. But what about all the cliffhangers from Season 1?!
Gloria Reuben has had quite the career. Besides acting on series such as “ER” and “City on a Hill,” the actress has toured with Tina Turner as a backup singer and written a book (“My Brothers’ Keeper: Two Brothers. Loved. And Lost”). She also is the president of the global clean water nonprofit, Waterkeeper Alliance.