“My Happy Ending” (나의 해피엔드)
There is a lot going on in this K-drama that could’ve been resolved if the protagonists had a long conversation to discuss misunderstandings.
TWICE is determined to keep rising — but they’ll never stop having fun
The K-pop sensations and TODAY’s latest cover stars open up about self-care, sisterhood, and their new project, “With YOU-th.”
“Marry My Husband” (내 남편과 결혼해줘)
Though Ji-won’s physical transformation is showcased with each new outfit change and makeup application, it’s really her inner self that was liberated from the shackles of the pathetic life she thought was the best she could ever have.
Go Away With … KEEHO of P1Harmony
“When you’re in a new country by yourself, there’s nothing greater for character development than putting yourself out there,” said P1Harmony leader Keeho. “Having traveled so much as a kid helped me adapt to new environments. Honestly, it was not difficult for me when I moved to Korea. There was some culture shock, but it was overall just fun for me.”
“A Killer Paradox” (살인장난감)
By Jae-Ha Kim Substack February 15, 2024 ☆☆☆☆ Lee Tang (played by Choi Woo-shik) Jang Nan-gam (played by Son Suk-ku) ↑Note: Korean names denote the surname followed by the given name. In Korean, the literal meaning […]
Go Away With … Aliyah Turner
Some people love filming on location so much that they return there for a vacation. Actress Aliyah Turner took it one step further: “I traveled to New York to work on ‘Power Book III: Raising Kanan’ and I enjoyed the city so much that I made it my new home.”
“A Shop for Killers” (킬러들의 쇼핑몰)
This fast-paced K-drama kills off its protagonist (Lee Dong-wook) early on, but we see him throughout the show in flashbacks. He was the owner of a mysterious online mall where buyers could order mundane gardening hoses.
Go Away With … Susan Gallagher
“[‘A Taste of Love’] was mostly filmed in the charming beach town of Dunedin, Florida, which is near Tampa,” said Susan Gallagher. “It is the perfect backdrop for a Hallmark movie and the audiences are going to love the beautiful cinematography and Florida beaches.”
Go Away With … Pictoria Vark
“My favorite memory from my travels was when we were on tour in 2022 in Ventura, California, and I went paddleboarding by myself between load-in and soundcheck,” said Victoria Park, who performs under the moniker Pictoria Vark. “It was in this weird harbor and I thought it wasn’t going to be that cool because it wasn’t out on the ocean, but there was a whole family of seals resting on the docks and barking at each other. I got to be way closer to them than I would’ve otherwise. It’s a cherished moment I have just with myself.”
“Welcome to Samdal-ri” (웰컴투 삼달리)
Set in Jeju-do/제주도, “Welcome to Samdal-ri” explores the relationship between childhood best friends Yong-pil (Chang-wook) and Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun). From the time she was a child, Sam-dal wanted to escape her small town and make a name for herself as a photographer in Seoul. The two dated for a while, with Yong-pil happy to follow her to the bit city and support her dreams.
“My Demon” (마이 데몬)
“My Demon” begins in Joseon. Gu-won (Song Kang) makes a deal with an indigent fisherman. This demon will ensure that the fisherman has prosperity and food for the next decade. But, there’s a catch. In return, the fisherman will give his soul to Gu-won.
IU’s Evocative “Love Wins All” Music Video (featuring V) is Thought-Provoking
It’s not easy for two well-known celebrities to immerse themselves in their roles so well that we don’t see them, but rather their characters. But watching IU’s music video for “Love Wins All,” I didn’t see pop stars IU and V, but rather a pair of anguished characters who were trying desperately to survive in this post-apocalyptic inferno.
Go Away With … Park Inje
“When I was young, I wanted to go to Hollywood to shoot movies,” said Park Inje, who directed “Moving” and “Kingdom.” “I always learned from and studied Hollywood movies. But I think right now my dream is very simple. And it’s just to keep working on projects.”
“Forgotten” (기억의 밤)
Kang Ha-neul stars in “Forgotten,” a film that tackles murder, memory loss, and mayhem in a clever way with lots of twists and turns that keep viewers intrigued. It centers on two brothers, neither of whom are as they seem, and a tragedy that ties them together. Written and deftly directed by Jang Hang-jun, it’s an enjoyable movie with a what happened now?!! ending that offers closure for both the characters and the audience.
Sistar19: Inside the K-Pop Duo’s Comeback
Hyolyn and Bora talk about their first new music in seven years, how K-pop has changed over the years, and their dreams for the future. My latest article in Rolling Stone magazine.
Go Away With … Mitch Grassi of Pentatonix
“We always love to tour in Japan,” said Pentatonix’s Mitch Grassi. “The Japanese culture itself is so beautiful and welcoming to us, and the crowds are so full of love.”
Go Away With … Shoji Morimoto
“The percentage of my personal life has decreased considerably,” said Shoji Morimoto, author of the international bestseller “Rental Person Who Does Nothing”. “This is because I need to have more time outside for my work, rather than spending quiet time at home with just my family. However, it does not mean that I prefer either time more than the other. Both ways in which I spend time are equally important.”
South Korea is reckoning with the death of beloved ‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-kyun
NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe speaks to syndicated columnist Jae-Ha Kim about the scandal that led to the death of beloved South Korean actor Lee Sun-Kyun. Note: This conversation has mentions of self-harm.
“Arahan” (아라한 장풍 대작전)
Sang-hwan is a police officer who is too much of a ‘fraidy cat to be a standout on the force. But through his friendship with Eui-jin, who has extraordinary fighting skills, he learns that he has untapped super powers of his own.
They Call Us K-Culture
I was the first guest of 2024 on Phil Yu and Jeff Yang’s podcast, “They Call Us Bruce.” We discussed K-dramas, BTS, Lee Sun-kyun’s tragic death and how annoying it is when non-Asian members of the media co-opt our stories.