Go Away With … Ruben Studdard
“When I was eight years old, I went on a trip to New York City with my aunt,” Ruben Studdard said. “It stands out to me because I went to my first Broadway show. I think that trip showed me what was possible.”
Author: Jae-Ha Kim
“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.
Go Away With … Hualālai Chung
“Coming from Hawaii where so many different cultures influence one another, I was exposed to many different styles of music and have since built a grand love for all types and genres,” said “Moana 2” actor Hualālai Chung, of his burgeoning singing career. “My hope is to release music that can appeal to the masses.”
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.
Go Away With … Wonho
After Wonho completed his 21-month mandatory military duty in South Korea this past September, the pop star had intended on taking some time off before making his “comeback” – K-pop parlance for releasing new music. But when the opportunity came up to be a part of the iHeart Jingle Ball lineup – which includes a Dec. 9 concert at the Allstate Arena outside of Chicago – he got to work, quickly.
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.
Big Ocean: Meet the Deaf K-Pop Group That’s Breaking Barriers
Big Ocean’s Hyunjin, Chanyeon, and Jiseok talk about their remarkable journey and what they want to do next. My latest exclusive for Rolling Stone.
Go Away With … Kim Suhyun
Kim Suhyun’s bestselling book “I Decided to Live as Me” (Penguin Life) reminds readers about the importance of self-care and self-love. The Seoul-based writer said that reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations piqued reader interest. And she also credits BTS member, Jungkook, for spiking interest in her book after the pop star was spotted reading it.
Go Away With … Eloise Mumford
“Between filming and traveling, I mostly just go home to water my plants and check on my avocado tree,” said Eloise Mumford, who will next be seen in the Prime Video series “Cross.” “[The show] takes place in Washington, D.C., and the city is a huge part of the fabric of the series,” she said. “We filmed pivotal exteriors there. But as often is the case, the majority of the show was filmed somewhere else to double as D.C.”
Go Away With … Diana Panton
On her latest album “soft winds and roses,” two-time Juno winner Diana Panton offers her interpretation of classic songs like the Beatles’ “Here, There and Everywhere,” Elton John’s “Your Song” and Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now.” Showcasing her beautiful, evocative vocals, the artist said her Scottish father’s record collection introduced her to jazz.
Go Away With … Devin Kawaoka
“Charlie is the kindest, most level-headed, ever-patient husband you could ask for,” Devin Kawaoka said of the character he plays on the new Apple TV+ series “Shrinking.” “He feels deeply, sees the best in people and is always up for adventure – or some quality time over a glass of wine. He’s easy! If that’s not a good travel partner, then I don’t know what is.”
Behind the Scenes of K-pop
I was one of the speakers at the University of Southern California’s “Behind the Scenes of K-pop” — an all-day symposium featuring insiders and experts who fostered conversations about the art, culture, business, and the future of K-pop.
Go Away With … Sung J. Woo
For Sung J. Woo (“Everything Asian,” “Love Love,” “Skin Deep”), favorite locations often make appearances in his books. His upcoming novel “Lines” – which deftly weaves a story of love, loss and forgotten possibilities – is set in suburban New Jersey, downtown Manhattan, Waimea (Hawaii), Portland and Breitenbush (Oregon).
Go Away With … Chiara Aurelia
“I’m lucky enough to say that my job doesn’t really feel like work,” said “Hysteria!” star Chiara Aurelia. “Filming in a new city is such an interesting experience, because you get the opportunity to see a city as not just a tourist, but also as a local. I’m originally from Los Angeles and most of my best childhood friends and family still live there. I’m lucky to have such a great excuse to visit and catch up with everyone.”
“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.
“No Gain No Love” (손해 보기 싫어서)
Starring Shin Min-a and Kim Young-dae, “No Gain No Love” falls into the contract marriage trope. But, oh, it offers so much more.
Go Away With … Iain Matthews
With a career spanning some 60 years and more than 50 albums, Iain Matthews is a veteran of touring and recording. Now based out of Horst aan de Maas in the Netherlands, the former frontman for the folk rock band, Fairport Convention, said he is looking forward to hitting the road to promote his Oct. 25 solo album, “How Much is Enough?”
“Officer Black Belt” (무도실무관)
“Officer Black Belt” is an action-packed thriller starring Kim Woo-bin. Is it predictable? Yes? But is it a fun watch? Absolutely!