K-celebs Love Mukbang!
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.
Category: Reviews
“Run On” (런 온)
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.
The Racism BTS Continues to Face Is Part of Larger Anti-Asian Xenophobia
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.
“A Good Supper” & Other K-dramas about Orphans
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 2: War in Life” and More Makjang K-Dramas
“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).
The K-Drama Tropes We Love in the “To All The Boys” Trilogy
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!
“Minari”: Deconstructing the American Dream
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.
“To All the Boys: Always and Forever” Review: A Beautiful Vacation
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.
“The Uncanny Counter” (경이로운 소문)
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.
How Will “Penthouse 2” Handle All the Cliffhangers?
“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?!
CRAVITY Talks to KOCOWA About K-Dramas
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!
K-drama Characters You Love to Hate
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.
Go Away With … CRAVITY
“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.
“Penthouse: War in Life” (펜트하우스)
“Penthouse” starts off with the most makjang storyline of the year. This deliciously gripping female-centric series revolves around rival classical singers and includes a (dun dun dun!) switched-at-birth plot twist. Did I mention that one of male characters has a torture chamber in his home, because, why not? Mixed in with the outrageous content is a parable about the haves and the have nots.
Watch Classic Episodes of “Running Man” Streamed LIVE
Classic episodes of “Running Man” are available on KOCOWA’s LIVE.
KOCOWA’s Exclusive Interview With P1Harmony
P1Harmony recently made their K-pop debut with a single, EP and a film! Meet the boys in the band in a KOCOWA exclusive interview.
“Kairos” (카이로스)
“Kairos” starts off promising and is reminiscent of the best elements of “Signal.” But where the latter kept the suspense going until the end, “Kairos” fizzles out midway, with redundant story arcs and some characters that are not only irredeemable, but highly unlikeable. And I’m not talking just about the villains.
We asked K-pop star Alexa about K-Dramas and her X-Mas plans!
Born in the U.S., K-pop star AleXa took time to chat with me about her music, love of Korean entertainment, and her loyal fandom, A.I Trooper.
“Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula” (반도)
What “Peninsula” lacks in humanity is made up with spectacular car chases and firearms. Is it as good as “Train to Busan”? No, but it’s good enough, in a Hollywood shoot-em-up kind of way.
“Start-Up” (스타트업)
“Start-Up” has a second male lead (Kim Seon-ho) who is so charismatic that his storyline often overshadows that of the very handsome lead (Nam Joo-hyuk). Ultimately, the K-Drama reinforces the idea that no matter how broken a family is, the ties remain – for better or worse.