K-DRAMA REVIEWS (INDEX)
SUBSTACK is the space where I curate my reviews and views about Korean-centric things happening in the pop culture realm (and beyond) that pique my interest…and I hope yours, too. Won’t you join me?
Tag: Substack
An Exclusive Interview with AMPERS&ONE
How does the multinational K-pop group AMPERS&ONE communicate? “Konglish all the way!”
Teo Yoo: The “Past Lives” and “The Recruit” Star Gets Real
An interview with the Korean German actor on why he joined the cast of “The Recruit”
Musician KINO Had to Lose Himself Before Figuring Out Who He Really Is
“Eight years in this industry, I think I lost myself,” said KINO, who first found fame as a member of the K-pop group PENTAGON. “And right now, I am trying to figure out who I really am.” Read my exclusive interview with the Korean artist, who just released “Skyfall.”
“Love in the Big City” (대도시의 사랑법)
Based on Sang Young Park’s bestselling novel of the same name, the K-drama adaptation was overshadowed by the film version, which stars Kim Go-eun (Little Women) and Steve Sanghyun Noh (Pachinko). But this series is so relevant as it matter-of-factly addresses homosexuality — a topic not often depicted in South Korean media in any meaningful way.
“The Trunk” (트렁크)
Adding a twist to the contract marriage trope, “The Trunk” tackles the plot device from a film noir perspective.
“Family By Choice” (조립식 가족)
If there’s one thing this K-drama gets across, it’s that keeping secrets from children about their own history is never the way to go.
What We Can Learn About Ourselves from ‘Worldwide Handsome’
Referring to himself as Worldwide Handsome isn’t about Jin’s ego. It’s the affirmation that we all need.
The Making of Jin’s Sweeping “Another Level”
Jin’s vocals on “Another Level” (from his debut EP “Happy”) blew away co-songwriter Ben Samama.
“Love Next Door” (엄마친구아들)
“Love Next Door” is written as a love story between two childhood neighbors. And it is. But it’s also about loving yourself enough to follow your convictions, despite objections from those you love.
“Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror”
The Nth Room targeted Korean women in a lower socio-economic class who needed money. They also set their marks on underage girls, who were too young to handle what they had been tricked into. These crimes are continuing, but now with with teenage boys at the helm.
Suga’s ‘Perp Walk’ Wasn’t Necessary
Suga’s ‘perp walk’ wasn’t necessary: Due Process vs. Freedom of the Press
Has the Korean Press Learned Nothing After Lee Sun-kyun?
Suga isn’t stupid. He knows he’s one of the most famous men in South Korea, and that the news media and the public would literally love to catch him in a scandal. And since he hasn’t been caught in a dating scandal or a bankruptcy scandal or a family scandal, the news is making do with what they have: scooter-gate.
K-pop Members Shouldn’t Be Forced to Participate in Every Interview
By Jae-Ha Kim Substack August 9, 2024 A few days ago, journalist Lily Dabbs shared on Twitter that she had interviewed the K-pop group ZEROBASEONE and included a link to her article. Before I go […]
“Like Flowers in Sand” (모래에도 꽃이 핀다)
A mystery thriller as much as it is a wrestling saga, Like Flowers in Sand is set in a small town where everyone is obsessed with ssireum, traditional Korean wrestling.
Does Racist Vintage Art Get a Pass?
This is how stereotypes work. Westerners have depicted Asian men as being effeminate since forever.
K.Will’s “No Sad Song For My Broken Heart” explores a one-sided gay relationship
It is easier for a cisgender man than a gay man to survive in a cutthroat society where the latter is unwelcome. This is true in just about any society, but especially so in South Korea where LGBTQ rights are still sorely lacking.
“Lovely Runner” (선재 업고 튀어)
Like “Under the Queen’s Umbrella,” “Lovely Runner” uses the 우산 to represent how our protagonists fight to protect themselves from countless obstacles — including a messy serial killer subplot that I found redundant and not particularly compelling.
“Queen of Tears” (눈물의 여왕)
It’s easy to create a happily ever after finale that makes viewers satisfied at that moment. But after they move onto the next K-drama, it’s forgotten. “Queen of Tears” has a bittersweet ending that will remain with viewers long after the credits have rolled. Honestly? I can still feel the poignancy of those final few moments, which encapsulated how beautiful even a complicated relationship can be — and also how lonely one can feel when it’s all over.
Peak Performative Activism: K-pop Edition
It’s my contention that the majority of online antagonists are adults. Why? Children simply do not care about old people’s opinions about anything.