What Happened to Kim Sae-ron was a Tragedy
Two things can be true: You can commit a crime, and you can atone for your actions without being harassed to death. But that wasn’t the case for actress Kim Sae-ron.
Tag: Substack
Young Posse’s Music Video for “Cold” Addresses Abandonment & Objectification
The K-pop girl group Young Posse released the stunning music video for “Cold” on March 2. It’s by far one of the most meaningful videos I’ve watched in a long time — maybe since K. Will’s “No Sad Song for My Broken Heart” and IU’s “Love Wins All.”
“Study Group” (스터디그룹)
Being No. 1 certainly is an achievement. But what “Study Group” tells us is that the process of learning is the true achievement, and that these small victories are worth celebrating.
An Exclusive Interview with AMPERS&ONE
How does the multinational K-pop group AMPERS&ONE communicate? “Konglish all the way!”
“Melo Movie” (멜로무비)
This emotionally-engaging show is less of a rom-com than it is a slice-of-life K-drama that explores how familial loss greatly impacts who we are today.
“Bogotá: City of the Lost” (보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅)
There is a lot going on in “Bogotá: City of the Lost” — shootings, explosions, backstabbing. But when it’s all over, you realize that it was mostly much ado about nothing.
Teo Yoo: The “Past Lives” and “The Recruit” Star Gets Real
An interview with the Korean German actor on why he joined the cast of “The Recruit”
Musician KINO Had to Lose Himself Before Figuring Out Who He Really Is
“Eight years in this industry, I think I lost myself,” said KINO, who first found fame as a member of the K-pop group PENTAGON. “And right now, I am trying to figure out who I really am.” Read my exclusive interview with the Korean artist, who just released “Skyfall.”
“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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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!
“Cyber Hell: Exposing an Internet Horror”
The Nth Room targeted Korean women in a lower socio-economic class who needed money. They also set their marks on underage girls, who were too young to handle what they had been tricked into. These crimes are continuing, but now with with teenage boys at the helm.
Suga’s ‘Perp Walk’ Wasn’t Necessary
Suga’s ‘perp walk’ wasn’t necessary: Due Process vs. Freedom of the Press
Has the Korean Press Learned Nothing After Lee Sun-kyun?
Suga isn’t stupid. He knows he’s one of the most famous men in South Korea, and that the news media and the public would literally love to catch him in a scandal. And since he hasn’t been caught in a dating scandal or a bankruptcy scandal or a family scandal, the news is making do with what they have: scooter-gate.
“Like Flowers in Sand” (모래에도 꽃이 핀다)
A mystery thriller as much as it is a wrestling saga, Like Flowers in Sand is set in a small town where everyone is obsessed with ssireum, traditional Korean wrestling.
Does Racist Vintage Art Get a Pass?
This is how stereotypes work. Westerners have depicted Asian men as being effeminate since forever.