Journalist, Author & Syndicated Columnist
At the Latin Grammy Awards in November, Andrés Cepeda won his fourth trophy. His record “Décimo Cuarto” was honored as the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The popular musician said that while he’s gearing up for his upcoming 2024 tour, he’s also looking forward to relaxing with his family during the last few weeks of 2023.
There is a lot to unpack in “Castaway Diva.” On the surface, it’s about a teenager who has been trapped on an island for 15 years, is rescued, and pursues her dreams of becoming a K-pop idol. And that is an interesting enough premise as it is. However, the real thrust of this K-drama is the long-lasting ramifications of abuse, even after the victims have grown up and have long been separated from the abusers.
A reminder that it’s really gross to tell people that their identity is determined by what language they speak — or what language they choose to sing in. Part 2 of my coverage of that problematic NYT K-pop podcast.
“South Koreans are very serious about their skincare,” said SMD Cosmetics Intl. founder Lauren Ing. “Many liken it to exercise and eating healthy. It is seen more like a lifestyle with long-term results from a lifetime of dedication versus a quick fix. I feel like many women in the U.S. want skincare to be quick results from a single use. The approach is more like a fast-food approach.”
The thesis of the New York Times’ podcast questions whether K-pop is still K-pop if sung in English. It also questions whether Korean artists should even be singing in English, since there are so many Western artists who already sing in, you know, English…
Split into two parts, this 21-episode sageuk – or historical drama – showcases the amazing chemistry between lead actors Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin. Set during the Qing invasion of Joseon, this K-drama is as much of a story of resilience as it is about love.
As with “The Killing Vote,” this K-drama centers on the intersection of criminals and their corrupt police counterparts — all of whom benefit from the quid pro quo exchange.
Dinah Manoff won a best actress Tony Award for Neil Simon’s “I Ought to Be in Pictures,” starred in the iconic TV shows “Soap” and “Empty Nest,” and will always be remembered as a Pink Lady in the film “Grease.” She’s also an author, who recently released an audiobook of her novel “The Real True Hollywood Story of Jackie Gold.”
Each of us has our own favorite K-dramas that are informed by our own personal experiences (and access). For instance, I was never able to get my hands on South Korea’s early dramas like “Death Row Prisoner,” which premiered in 1956. Therefore, my picks are influenced by what I’ve seen, which are primarily shows from 2000 onward.
“Bob [Saget] and I went to London, Paris and Sicily and it was all just spectacular,” on-air host Kelly Rizzo said of her late husband. “Thankfully, memories were made that would last a lifetime. He was so happy on that trip. It made me so happy to see him so happy. I’m so forever grateful for that trip. It was truly the trip of a lifetime.”