The 10 Top Moments You’ll Want to Re-live in “Let’s BTS”
We pick our Top 10 favorite moments in “2021 Special Talk Show – Let’s BTS.” What are some of yours?
Category: Reviews
On BTS, Anti-Asian Racism, and Reliving Trauma
In this essay, writer Jae-Ha Kim examines BTS’s recent statement calling attention to anti-Asian racism. Content warning for discussions of racism and use of a quoted slur.
Watch Classic Episodes of “Running Man” on KOCOWA!
You asked for it and KOCOWA has you covered. Watch classic episodes of “Running Man” starting with the first episode!
BTS Gets Real with “Let’s BTS”
Let’s get real. BTS doesn’t need to do much promotion these days. But knowing that their fans are missing them big time, the septet have gifted ARMY with a special talk show called “Let’s BTS.”
Are These K-dramas Makjang Enough for You?
If you like kimchi slaps, switched at birth and secret identity storylines, you just might be a makjang fan!
Korean TV’s Unlikely Star: Subway Sandwiches
The New York Times interviewed me for their piece about product placement (like Subway!) in K-Dramas.
“Sweet Home” (스위트홈)
“Sweet Home” has some incredible highs. But unlike “Kingdom” or “Uncanny Counter,” where action supplements the storyline, “Sweet Home” has too much mediocre filler to make it a truly great K-drama.
Celebrating International Women’s Day with “The Penthouse 2” Actresses
Happy International Women’s Day to the cast of “The Penthouse 2.” These amazing actresses prove that you don’t need a Second Lead Syndrome — or any kind of romance — to keep viewers coming back for more.
“Lovestruck in the City” (도시남녀의 사랑법)
Most of the characters in “Lovestruck in the City” would’ve benefited with some therapy to work things through and move on from unhealthy relationships that should’ve been severed early on.
“Kingdom” (킹덤)
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.
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.
“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?!