Category: Features

K-Pop Idols as Artists: Songs You Didn’t Know They Made

In the past, idols were often thought of as tools for management agencies to make money. Many teenagers were picked up by agencies because of their good looks and were trained to dance and sing to songs provided by the companies. However, this stereotype of “factory-produced robots” has been disproved by efforts of some idols to… Continue reading K-Pop Idols as Artists: Songs You Didn’t Know They Made

The Finale: “Dad! Where Are We Going?” Episode 104

After two years of up-and-down popularity, “Dad! Where Are We Going?” has just aired its final episode. (Rumors of season 3 have been wide and varied, but we don’t know for sure what the future holds.) Fitting for a grand finale, the final installment of the origin of celebrity-father-and-kids shows ended with many tears and… Continue reading The Finale: “Dad! Where Are We Going?” Episode 104

Congrats, You’re a Break-out Star. Now What?

Every year K-dramas produce a cluster of fresh-faced actors and actresses that make a bang in the K-drama universe. These are the newly arrived stars, the nobodies suddenly turned somebodies whose faces no one can escape, appearing on every kind of commercial and magazine advertising the latest brands of outerwear and soju, and everything in between.… Continue reading Congrats, You’re a Break-out Star. Now What?

Top Ten K-Drama Moments Of The Week – January Week 3

What would we do if we didn’t have K-dramas in our lives? Well, this top 10 wouldn’t exist, and we’d probably get a lot more stuff done in real life. In all seriousness though, we wouldn’t even want to imagine our world without our favorite shows. Sadly, this week, we say goodbye to one of… Continue reading Top Ten K-Drama Moments Of The Week – January Week 3

Why Park Jung Min Is a Name You Should Know

What do you do with an actor like Park Jung Min? Hire him. Park Jung Min (not to be confused with the crooner from SS501) first caught my eye in “Bleak Night,” the admirable 2010 feature film debut of helmer Yoon Sung Hyun. I’d suggest watching it while not wearing socks – because they will, in fact,… Continue reading Why Park Jung Min Is a Name You Should Know

Part 2: Songs You Should Have Listened to in 2014 (But Probably Didn’t)

These days, the average, popular K-pop video reaches 3 to 5 million views within the first few months. For the heavy-hitters of K-pop like BIGBANG, Super Junior, and Girls’ Generation, the views quickly reach 10 million views on their official channels. While some of the songs on this list are from popular artists, their videos didn’t… Continue reading Part 2: Songs You Should Have Listened to in 2014 (But Probably Didn’t)

Noona Says: Lawsuits, Jail Time, and Religion, Oh My!

The Korean justice system was very busy this week dealing with the Korean entertainment industry, with several cases ending and a few new ones coming up as if to take their place. The driver who was responsible for the car crash that killed EunB and Rise received his prison sentence, and so did Lee Byung Hun‘s blackmailers.… Continue reading Noona Says: Lawsuits, Jail Time, and Religion, Oh My!

Highlights: “Pinocchio” Episode 20 (Final)

It’s time to say goodbye to Dal Po, In Ha, and company after 20 episodes of lies, laughs, and tears. The final episode of “Pinocchio” doesn’t hold a lot of surprises, but it’s a fitting ending nonetheless. These were my five favorite scenes of “Pinocchio” episode 20: 1. Cha Ok’s advice If you had told… Continue reading Highlights: “Pinocchio” Episode 20 (Final)

Highlights: “Pinocchio” Episodes 18 and 19

Finale week starts out with a double-header for “Pinocchio,” and I’m pleased to report that after last week’s less-than-stellar episodes, we’re back to the compulsive, occasionally dark fun that characterized the drama earlier on. With the end in sight, it’s time for our heroes to decide how far they’re willing to go, and how much… Continue reading Highlights: “Pinocchio” Episodes 18 and 19