Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
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.
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.
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.”
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.
In this op-ed, writer Jae-Ha Kim unpacks the racist comments of German radio host Matthias Matuschik towards Korean band BTS in the larger context of the rise in violence toward Asian people globally. Content warning for discussions of racism and use of a quoted slur.
Because Korea has a long and complicated history with the purity of bloodlines and a general disdain for adoptees, I had always found it strange that so many Korean dramas dealt with issues that the mainstream media was reticent to cover. But in some ways, K-dramas can be very progressive in covering touchy topics. Hopefully, seeing orphans and adoptees depicted simply as children who deserve to be loved and cared for — like any child — is helping to lessen the stigma of kids whose biological parents are no longer in their lives.
“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.
K-pop’s CRAVITY sat down to chat about K-dramas, “Running Man” and … Lee Dong-Wook! Read our exclusive interview with the young idols right here on KOCOWA!
Some of the best K-drama characters are the ones who cause trouble, show no remorse and have zero regrets about all the chaos they’ve caused.
“I didn’t understand how important Salt-N-Pepa were to the hip-hop game as female artists until I got to know who they were personally and (after) learning my script,” said GG Townson, who portrays Salt in the Lifetime biopic.
“For me, traveling is like healing,” said CRAVITY’s Hyeongjun. “I think it allows me to get rid of (fatigue) and hardships that I experienced. I love listening to my favorite songs, eating delicious food and making new memories while I’m traveling.” Meet all nine members of the K-pop group.