Watch Out For Double JC

JJCC (pronounced as Double JC) is a South Korean hip-hop boyband, created by Jackie Chan. The group was signed under the label, Jackie Chan Group Korea, making the first time that the chinese actor formed a boyband and debuted them in Korea. JJCC consists of 5 members: SimBa, E.co, EDDY, San-Cheong and Prince Mak, they debuted officially on Mnet’s M! Countdown, back in the 20th of last March.
The name of the band combines the words, ‘’Jackie Chan’’, with ‘’Joint Cultures’’, therefore, ‘’Jackie Chan Joint Cultures’’. However, the band’s name pronunciation, ‘’Double JC’’, stands for ‘’Double Joy Creative’’. Overall, Chan just wanted to spread K-pop, since he’s a fan of it and sees its potencial and development, while uniting cultures and creating the double joy, through Asia. So, for that reason, JJCC also symbolizes all the effort that Jackie Chan put on the group.

 

Each of the member received an individual training, especializing their own personality, stunts, vocal abilities, dancing skills, songwriting and, off course, rapping. There were no boundaries, Chan always made sure they knew every type of dances they could, including popping, b-boying or ballet. Will they only sing in Korean, you ask? No, aside from singing in the Korean language, JJCC also trained English and Chinese, so they could appeal to different countries. As for the members’ nationality, four of them are Korean (SimBa, E.co, EDDY, San-Cheong), and the other one is a mix of Chinese with Australian (Prince Mak). Do you wanna know a little more detail? Eddy competed on 2012’s ‘’Master Chef Korea’’, proving his good cooking skills, while Prince Mak participated on the Chinese version of the talent show, ‘’So You Think You Can Dance’’, back in 2013. SimBa was also at a TV show, he appeared on the second season of ‘’Let’s Go Dream Team!’’, this year.

 

But if you think Jackie Chan is all alone in this project, you’re totally wrong! Veteran producer-composer, Choi Jun-Young, helped the boyband with their songs while serving as their executive producer. Sha-Sha Lee also, helps the Chinese actor, being the official CEO of his record label.

 

Korean music is still very unknown in western cultures, however, with Chan’s presence on the management of the group, JJCC received some attention from American media prior their debut. They appeared in traditional papers and news outlets, such as, New York Post, making a possibility that, because of JJCC, K-pop can become more mainstream in USA or beyond.

 

The band has only one single, until this day. Their official debut song is called ‘’첨엔 다 그래’’ (which can be translated to “Everyone Is Like This At First”), however, the international title was shortened to simply ‘’At First’’. It’s a track that combines a melancholy hip-hop beat with bits of R&B. Unfortunatly, member Prince Mak doesn’t appear on the song’s music video due to injuries during the shoot.

 

The group promoted ‘’At First’’ on music shows, such as, Music Bank or Inkigayo, however, they also performed on a charity event, created by Jackie Chan, called, “2014 Peace, Love and Friendship”, in Beijing, on the 6th of last April.
A proposed new single may be coming out mid-July, 2014 with the possible title “Heart Attack”. We can only hope that it is true.

 

For many, K-Pop is more than just music: It’s a lifestyle. People choose different music for a variety of reasons, but the main reason is because it speaks to them in a whole different way other genres cannot. But why dislike a person or a particular genre just, because it’s something you may not listen to personally?

 

Dear K-Pop, We Hate You Because…
Many international K-Pop fans greet this issue. When some say K-Pop is their favorite genre or name a Korean artist as their favorite singer or group, sometimes this is met with sneers and snarky comments.

 

“I hear ‘how can you listen to that ching-chong music?’ all the time from my family. ‘How can you understand it? It’s not in English,’” a commenter said via an anonymous Survey Monkey survey. The survey drew over a hundred responses from people between the ages of 13-30 years-old. The majority of participants were female (80%), but some of the male participants also had plenty to add.

 

“I had a friend once who said he loves all music,” a male participant said. “I asked him if he liked K-Pop like I did and he said ‘heck no! Ew, who listens to that crap?”

 

Over the past decade, K-Pop’s popularity has grown with international fans. Many of them jumped onto the K-Pop bandwagon through listening to J-Pop and K-Pop artists who’ve crossed-over into that market; whereas others learned of K-Pop through Starcraft, online radio, and YouTube. However, while the international fandom continued, and continues, to grow, so does the number of “haters” who feel K-Pop is “over-processed,” “plastic,” “disgraceful,” and “not music.” With this, those who dislike the music extend the disdain to the fans, calling them “close-minded,” “racist,” “annoying,” and “defensive.” Online, many Facebook groups, Tumblr pages, and online forums document people’s dislikes.

 

On one Facebook anti-K-Pop page, some of the many reasons they list for hating K-Pop and its fans include:

• How some male performers look female
• Plastic surgery the idols undergo
• Auto-tuned vocals
• Fans are viewed as narrow-minded, “delusional,” and racist toward other country’s music
• Annoyed by fans using Korean words
• Annoyed by fans who feel K-Pop is superior to other genres
• Dislike how obsessed fans get over their idol biases

 

Only Connected to K-Pop?

Many of the issues brought up on many hate-forums are often issues that are not solely unique to the K-Pop industry, though.

 

For decades, all music genres have experienced their share of fanboys and fangirls. For example, when the Beatles and the “British Invasion” occurred in the 1960s, women would swoon over John, Paul, George, and Ringo and dress in British fashion; men would have their hair and clothes styled after many British boy bands for a touch of cool. During the 1980s when “hair bands” and glam rock were all the rage, men grew their hair to mimic the likes of Poison and Guns n’ Roses. And, Bon Jovi posters graced the walls of many females.

 

Today, most music is processed and auto-tuned so artists can bring their best voices forward; and young fans scream and cry over the likes of Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and One Direction, even avidly defending them for their missteps. In fact, even non-Korean stars have their share of “sasaengs” and people who will do anything to feel closer to their idols.

 

“Plastic Barbie Dolls on Stage”

For many, K-Idols seem to go too heavy on plastic surgery. Even K-Fans will agree that the K-Pop industry and their need for idols to look perfect and fit a certain beauty ideal is a bit excessive.

 

Destinee, 36, a Reddit commenter, said “While I like the music, I can’t stand the plastic surgery. There’s too much! A lot of these people are nice-looking pre-debut. K-Pop is a business, yes. But, why take the business to people’s faces and bodies? This is what turns me off to K-Pop a lot of times. Why not just let talent speak for itself?”

 

South Korea is the leading market for plastic surgery, so it’s no surprise many idols undergo plastic surgery to achieve the right “look” from double-eyelid surgery, jaw shaving, cheek implants, and eye-widening surgery. Many feel that the image South Korean artists bring forth helps perpetuate impossible beauty ideals, especially for K-Pop’s preteen and teen target demographic.

 

“Each country has ideal beauty,” K-Blogger Maria Sanchez said on Tumblr. “While many see K-Pop as plastic Barbie dolls on stage, the same can be said for Hollywood actors and actresses. Even singers from across the globe may feel pressure to look or act a certain way by their companies. I do feel the K-Pop industry should allow more artists to be natural. It would be nice. In fact, if this happened, perhaps people will take K-Pop seriously as a musical genre as opposed to a fad.”

 

The Polarizing Genre

In the Survey Monkey poll, many participants said friends and family made them feel weird for liking K-Pop. Many said they had parents who felt K-Pop was the new “stage” for kids growing up; parents who commented were confused by the whole concept. As one participant said, “I am really not a fan of K-Pop. It all sounds alike to me. Is K-Pop, like, how the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC were for us in the 1990s? If so, kids will grow out of it in a few years, and this conversation won’t matter. If these kids turn out like me, they’ll laugh someday and wonder why they even listened to it or spent money on the merchandise.”

 

One comment that cropped up often was how listeners were made to feel as if they were turning their backs on their own country’s artists and music. Those who experienced these comments said they felt like they weren’t supposed to enjoy something they loved in fear of being ridiculed or bullied. Sammy, 18, was one of these people. She took down her K-Pop-related content on her Tumblr and Facebook pages because of the comments she received.

 

“Because of some attitudes people have with K-Pop, I feel like I should be locked in a closet,” said Sammy. “If I say anything or post a video on Facebook from B1A4, my bias group, I get teased. ‘Oh, that one looks like a girl!’ ‘The lyrics make no sense!’ Why should any of that bother anyone? I also, hear ‘Sam, why don’t you listen to American music?’ I do listen to American music! Just because I like K-Pop, it doesn’t mean I don’t like everything else.”

 

“I guess I’m one of those fans antis hate,” said Tumblr user D’Ante, 22. “My half-sister introduced me to Epik High about, maybe, five years ago? Since then, I haven’t listened to any American music. People stare at me funny since I am 6’2” black man in college, but who cares! I’ve even had my friends razz me and say I turned my ‘back on my roots’ according to them.”

 

But, K-Pop-hater Yumi feels differently: “People who like K-Pop act like they’re elitists, like they are cooler than everyone else. No, you’re not cool. You’re trying to be something you’re not. You’re not Korean. Your country has its own music, you should be supporting that and trying to make that music number one. Then, everyone is like ‘Oh! K-Pop is so cool! Saranghae, oppa!’ These idols aren’t your ‘oppa.’ And because of K-Pop’s rise, everyone forgets about their roots. Other countries’ music is forgotten too. A lot of these people who are like ‘wee, K-Pop everywhere!’ used to like J-Pop, now they hate it and act like Korean is perfect.”

 

Yumi’s comments are echoed on many anti-K-Pop sites, too. A lot of antis do not like how some K-Fans place K-Pop above other music, often without giving another music genre a chance or being open-minded toward other country’s music. Anti-fans would like to see K-Pop placed on a pedestal,l less. With this, they hope fans will not force the music upon them.

 

It’s Okay to Hate It… to a Point

While some of the anti-fans have great points in asking K-Pop fans to be more open-minded and less forceful, on the same token, many K-Pop fans feel antis could be nicer about stating their opinions.

 

Kelsey Pierce, 17, said “I respect anti-fans. I have many friends who are antis. However, these ones who hate for shallow reasons, these ones who call those of us who are fans ‘stupid,’ ‘blind,’ ‘deaf,’ and ‘foolish’ are the ones who get to me. Why am I all these things because I like Korean pop? If you have a good, valid reason for hating the music that makes me feel so happy and alive, then I am willing to listen. But don’t insult and put down others. What are you trying to achieve by being nasty? Are you hoping your meanness will make me stop loving my music?”

 

While antis feel those who love K-Pop are far from open-minded, this is also a sentiment shared with fans as the feel those against K-Pop should be less close-minded.

 

“My way of being open-minded is to make it a goal to figure out why a group is liked,” one survey responder said. “Open-mindedness is a much better alternative to hating other groups for getting so much attention. We could do with less hating in this world.”

 

Another responder said, “I don’t like K-Pop. I don’t want to like it. Don’t force it upon me. If you don’t, then I will accept your taste in music more.”

 

Find a Common Ground

Like with anything in life, there will be lovers and haters. Just because people are on opposite ends of the K-Pop-Love spectrum, it doesn’t have to be a fight to the death. If someone doesn’t enjoy it, don’t force them to, but on the same token, don’t make someone feel bad for loving something. Music doesn’t have to be polarizing.

Things I Learned While Watching Asian Film– Joelle Halon

Asian cinema has a lot to offer from weepy melodramas to outlandish comedies guaranteed to make you say “what the heck did I just watch?” That’s part of its beauty: There’s something for everyone, and most will keep viewers on their toes. Many of us eat these films up without a second thought.
Recently, I went to an Asian film marathon and engaged the part of my brain that spent years in school learning how to analyze and see the deeper meaning in things. As it turns out, I did not need to tap into these skills because Asian media often has a spill-over of life lessons for all to see, if they care to pay attention. It’s easy to learn something from these films as I found out. Here is what I discovered.

Trying to be Perfect May Not be Worth It
There are too many times we try to be perfect, fit into an ideal, or try to change in order to feel accepted in society. But, by trying to adapt to what people may want or expect from us, we get further away from who we really are. We should accept our flaws and let our beautiful selves shine! Remember, it’s okay…

 

 

…To Be Ourselves
You may be quirky, a tomboy, or an extreme girly-girl. You may be obsessed with a band, a hobby, or even a job. You could be like me: Dropping everything and struggling to chase the dream of becoming a writer, but you may want to be a singer or an actor. You may question your decisions. You may want to throw in the towel, scream your frustrations from a mountain, or even run away from it all. Some days, you may feel like the world wants you to conform, but it’s your responsibility to let your personality and every unique element that makes you who you are take center stage. You only have one life (YOLO!), so be you! No one else can take that from you, but keep in mind,

 

 

 

Life is Crazy-Unpredictable!
We can make all the plans we want, but fate may have something else in store. Always keep an open mind and never feel like your plans are cemented. Something will always come along to make you wonder why you planned anything at all and that fate’s plan may be the right path for you.

 

 

 

But it Really Depends on What Path You Take
According to movies, cars are pretty squirrelly and they will dramatically hit you during pivotal moments of your life. Fight with your boyfriend? Watch for them cars. Life-changing decisions need to be made? Perhaps it’s best to stay indoors in the comfort of your home under some comfy blankets and cushions. You need to run across town for a life-bettering job? For the love of puppies, look both ways before crossing the street! Otherwise, you will get hit and possibly die! Maybe you’re better off talking about things with friends.

 

 

Good Friends Will Hear You Out After All
You don’t have to deal with life’s struggles alone. If you have good friends, no matter how strange or indifferent they may be, they’ll have your back and may even help you fight the good fight. Don’t be afraid to be open!

 

 

 

 

If You’re Feeling Down, Your Friends Will Pick You Up
Great friends know when you’re in need. Even if you may need a shoulder to cry on, don’t forget that friends will make you laugh, helping troubled times feel better even if it’s a temporary high. You don’t have to be alone when you have amazing friends who may drop everything for you. But if you lack these types of friends,

 

 

Sometimes Family Will Lift You Up
With some families, if one person is struggling, everyone else will struggle with you, creating a unified front. In some instances, family may be the only people you can count on when your world feels like it’s falling to pieces. They may help you,

 

 

Even If it Feels Like They Don’t Accept You
You may be surprised how much a family can help, if something is awry. You may not always agree on lifestyle choices and different topics such as politics, religion, whether a raw food diet is acceptable for children, or even, if getting a tattoo on your face is a brilliant idea, but that doesn’t mean love isn’t there underneath all the differences.

 

 

 

Families are Quirky
Part of what makes different families unique is that they’re all a bunch of different people—blood relatives, adopted individuals, foster kids, furbabies, or even friends who feel like family— thrown together under one roof. Everyone is on a separate journey trying to find his or her place in the world. Not everyone can see eye-to-eye, but we can learn to accept each other’s weirdness in order to see the whole picture of what our own life roles may become.

 

Love Comes in All Shapes and Sizes
Sometimes, friends and family may not be enough, so choosing a mate is in order. When choosing a partner, love comes in many forms. Never settle, but don’t set your standards so high you may miss out on some wonderful adventures. The right person may be there in front of you, but you may miss that person, if you keep hoping for someone who looks like TOP and has Bang Yong Guk’s heart, brains, and creativity, and Himchan’s sense of style and goofy sense of humor. Trust me, if this person existed, he’d be mine anyway, so stop looking for this person. Just kidding, but seriously, love doesn’t have a standard.

 

 

 

Love Truthfully and with an Open Heart
Sometimes, we tend to close off aspects of ourselves when it comes to matters-of-the-heart. We may fear being judged by our partners, because of our pasts, our secrets, and our insecurities. Sometimes we feel that by closing off, we’re helping the other party, but we may end up pushing them away and hurting them despite our best intentions not to do so. Be open and truthful; you may
find you’re more of a team than you think.

 

 

 

 

Keep Promises
Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep. In relationships of any kind, promises are important and could mean a lot to the other person. Of course, if someone confesses a crime or something dangerous and asks you to promise to never tell, then all bets are off. Other than that, never bail on a promise.

 

 

 

Cherish Memories
Memories—good and bad—are important and help make you who you are. Memories are your story, so never hesitate to tell anyone your tale, so your memories will live on. You never know whom your tale may impact, and you may not realize how important these memories are until…

 

 

 

…You Realize Too Late
Then you don’t realize what you had was important until it’s gone. Do you ever wonder what your favorite memory is? Do you ever wish to continue to relive that memory repeatedly?
We all experience loss, heartache, and pain. Usually when this happens, we realize all the things we should have said and miss all the memories we could have made with loved ones. Instead of living with regret, try creating memories worth reflecting upon later on in life.

 

Most Importantly, Never Forget to Say “I Love You”
These small words carry so much weight. They’re so small, yet they can mean so much to someone even if they may not mean much to you. One day, you may miss your chance to say them, but by then, you may not have another chance.

 

 

Life is a Journey
Despite the melodrama, craziness, and times where we may understand where we’re headed, life is a journey, and we need to grasp it. This is what I learned.
Looking back, did you learn anything from watching anything in Asian cinema or television? What could you discover?

“What are the most popular Kdramas of all time?”
Juyeon Oh

For those of you who are very interested in Korean dramas, but can’t decide what to watch let me introduce you to a list of top 5 most popular Korean dramas of all time with a short summary of what they’re about.

First drama I would like to introduce is called ‘Boys Over Flowers.’ This story starts off as the main character Jan Di, who is an ordinary girl whose family owns a dry cleaning store, which is located by the luxurious and very well known Shin Hwa High School. Jan Di gets admitted to Shin Hwa High School by a swimming scholarship. In school, she tries to stay away from the four richest, and the most spoiled boys known as the F4, because she knows bad things will happen, if she gets involved in a situation with them. However, this all changes after she helps out a friend of hers who accidentally spilled ice cream on one of the members of the F4, Goo Joon Pyo. He treats her like she’s nothing and Jan Di sticks up for her friend, which gets her more involved with the F4. Now, I don’t want to give out all the details, so if you want to know what happens next, you’ll have to watch the drama.

 

Second drama I would recommend is called ‘Secret Garden.’ In this drama, Kim Joo Won is from a wealthy family. He runs a large company, which his family owns. Kim Joo Won’s cousin Oscar is a popular singer and he’s also a womanizer. Oscar asks Joo Won to pick up an actress Park Chae Rin from a shooting set, but Joo Won mistakes a stuntwoman Gil Ra Im for Park Chae Rin and takes Ra Im to a hotel. When they arrived at the hotel, Joo Won realizes that the woman he picked up isn’t the actress. During this time, he starts experiencing feelings towards the stuntwoman, even though she wasn’t his type. He tries to get her out of his mind, but he can’t stop thinking about her. One day, they end up switching bodies due to a magical accident and now they have to get use to each other’s lives.

 

 

 

 

 

The third drama I’d like to suggest is called ‘My Love From the Star.’ This drama is about an alien named Do Min Joon, who arrived on the earth 400 years ago during Joseon Dynasty, but he couldn’t go back to where he came from, because he missed his “flight” back home. He tries not to get involve with humans, but this soon changes when a new neighbor moves in next door, who is a famous actress named Cheon Song Yi. Do Min Joon has many different kinds of powers such as powerful strength, great hearing, able to stop time, visions of the future, telekinesis, teleportation, and more. He also has many degrees and has studied law, psychology, medicine, astronomy, etc.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The name of the fourth drama is ‘I Hear Your Voice.’ It’s a thriller/romantic comedy drama. Jang Hye Sung becomes a lawyer after she overcame her painful childhood memory. Park Soo Ha is another important character in this drama and he’s a 19-year-old boy who has the ability to read other people’s thoughts. Jang Hye Sung became Park Soo Ha’s first love after she went to court as a witness of Park Soo Ha’s father’s murder case 10 years ago. He promised to protect her from any danger and they reunite 10 years after the case and what they don’t know is that there is more danger coming their way.

 

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, the fifth drama I’ll be introducing today is ‘That winter, the Wind Blows.’ This is a melodrama about a man and a blind woman who both believe there is no such thing as love. Oh Soo is an orphan who was left heartbroken after his first love passed away and he becomes a gambler. Oh Young is a lonely character that feels like she has to look after herself and others after her parents get divorced. But, she slowly finds herself becoming blind. After these two come together, they find the true meaning of love.

 

You probably have your own favorites. Tell us your favorites.

5 Life Lessons To Learn From Korean Dramas

With the upward trend of Korean fever, otherwise known as K-fever, Korean songs and dramas have been spreading like fire. Even Korean cuisine has garnered its likes and is sprouting across almost every other street internationally. Gone are the times of Japanese dramas with Korean dramas becoming the IN thing. Those eye candies combined with beautiful scenery and the addictive nature of the storylines means a great audience base. Who knew that you could actually learn a thing or 2 from Korean drama amidst the lovey-dovey cast and addictive plot? Here are some things I picked up while watching Korean dramas.

1. Change is desired
Whether it’s the makeup, outfit, or hairstyle, a change would always do you good. It could change the way people look at you, the way you feel about yourself, thus changing your life forever.

Lesson learned- Embrace changes instead of sticking to your comfort zone. You may never know what to expect, but positive things will come along the way, because of your mindset and attitude.

 

 

 

 

2. Forgive and forget

 

 

 

 

 

No matter how annoying the ‘enemy’ may seem in those shows, Korean drama always teaches us to shake hands and make up in the end. Even if they seem all-out evil, unrepentant and even unbending, they usually back down no matter how difficult it seemed initially. Therefore, learn to forgive and forget and make up as two always works out better than one.

Lesson learned- Keep your peace and calm. It’s easier to not make enemies than forgive and forget. Learn not to take things to heart as each individual has their own viewpoints. If you have already established bad terms with people around you whether it may be your colleagues or friends, learn to take the step to work things out, so that there won’t always be that hatred and anger consuming you.

3. Being rich doesn’t make you happy

Let’s put it this way. If you watched the Korean version of Boys Over Flowers, the F4, they were rich spoiled brats. They were a bunch of rich and elite kids who only stuck to people of their own status and had literally no idea how to interact with others. What made the drama bearable was that the seemingly plain Jane female lead would appear and transform their lives and make them learn how to be part of the world.

Lesson learned- Being rich and having the money is desired by all, but it doesn’t instantly make you a good or better person. It also, doesn’t mean that being rich will make you happy. Learn to be content, live and like where you are currently. Achieving that entire monetary goal may give you the materialistic items you want, but eventually, being happy is of the utmost importance.

4. Get out More
In these dramas, there’s always beautiful scenery and wonderful sights. The cast are always going somewhere. Whether is it camping, watching stars, going to the beach or just driving the car to Busan or taking a domestic flight to Jeju, they were always getting out.
Lesson learned-Get out more and learn to appreciate the beauty of the world with new eyes. Even going to the same place twice with different people could allow you to learn and discover new wonders. Sometimes, it just reminds you of how beautiful your life is and how the problems you were facing now seem so small.

5. Don’t Worry, be happy
The most important lesson that Korean drama teaches is this. Whatever situation or fixes you get into, whether it’s falling for an alien, being that poor kid in town and lusting after the rich hot kid, a birth secret, amnesia, coming across stalkers, falling in love with the enemy’s son, sickness, or whatever it is, Kdramas always manage to find a way to end the drama happily 99% of the time.

Lesson learned-Whatever happens, learn to take it positively and things will eventually turn out well for you. It doesn’t help anyone or any situation to be mopping around when nothing is done about it. Why not get out there with a positive attitude and attract the positive to come your way!
Other than the hot bodied shower scenes and eye candies, what attracts you to watch Korean Dramas? Feel free to share with us on your takeaways from these shows!

Travel to Korea in Kpop Style

Are you a self-proclaimed fan of all things Korean? Be it, because of the country, the cuisine, the dazzling celebrities, wide array of skincare, flawless makeup, amazing scenery, pop music with great dance moves, Korea is sparking a huge spike in tourist visits.

Being a tourist in a foreign country with just an address in hand, it’s easy to get lost while trying to hunt down the popular Korean drama filming locations or celebrity spotting café. Here, we share some popular locations to visit, with details and addresses, so you can easily execute your trip in Kpop style!

SM Entertainment Location Guide

Are you a fan of SNSD, Super Junior, SHINee, f(x), EXO or Boa? Try your luck if you could spot some of these faces around their office building.

Subway: Apgujeong line 3 Exit 2
Take bus number 4419 and get off at the 3rd bus stop.You can actually see the old SM Ent Building across the street.

Follow the map below and walk to the new SM Ent Building.

Cheongdam-dong, 106

Hakrim Coffee – You From Another Star ??? ? ??

With the popularity of this show, it’s no wonder this little known café shot to fame.


Details:
Hakrim Coffee ????
?? ??? ??4? 94-294-2
Myeongnyun 4(sa)ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Opening Hours: 10am to 12:00 mid night
Nearest Subway: Hyehwa Line 4 Exit 3
The Café is located along the main street and look for the signage

 

Coffee Prince Cafe in Hongdae

Were you a fan of this popular show? Then drop by to have a look when you go Hondae!


Directions:
Subway: Hongik Uni line 2 exit 8

Kang Gary 2nd Restaurant – Pocha Center ???? ?

Running Man’s Kang Gary opens his 2nd Restaurant. Take the chance to see if you can spot him there!

Directions:Name: POkka Center
Tel: 02-543-5882
Address: ????? ??? ??? 536-6
Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 536-6
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 05:00
Subway: Sinsa station Line 3, Exit 8

Miss A’s Suzy Caffe Soo ? in Korea,GwangJu

Fan of Miss A’s Suzy? Try spotting her here.

Here’s the OVERVIEW map

Step 1: Take a KTX Train from Seoul to GwangJu.
Step 2: Take bus number 47 in front or back of GuwangJu Station. Bus Stop name: ?????

Step 3 : Get off at the 6th Bus Stop (Bus stop name: ?????). ( not counting the GuwangJu station bus stop )

Step 4: Walk straight and turn left. Caffe Soo is located opposite GwangJu Library.

Finally you should be able to see Caffe Soo. The picture below is still show the old shop but you should be able to see the new shop – Caffe Soo

Do share with us some of the filming locations and celebrity cafes you would like to visit, and we will come out with a Part 2 just for you!

A New Shining Star Emerges
J. Chung

 

Most of you would recognize and know Lee Michelle from the audition program K-pop Star back in December 2011. She certainly is the kind of person who sticks to one’s memory a long time.

Michelle took the stage away with her singing (Although some of the judges had to put in a few harsh words to criticize) when she sang Aretha Franklin’s ‘Chain of Fools’ for her first audition. She certainly had a different level of volume to her voice that made her stand out from a crowd, which is practically her trademark: Her ability as a singer.
Michelle was born on 9th of September 1991 in Paju, South Korea to a Korean mother and an African American father and her parents divorced just before Michelle was born. Michelle has one brother and three sisters (two of them now live in America) and she’s the youngest member of the family.

Michelle must have had a lot of hardships while growing up in Korea. Growing up is hard for anybody, but being an interracial child in Korea must have been more than challenging. On top of that she had to experience poverty and would frequently go to school on an empty stomach.

But amidst of all her troubles, Michelle knew she loved to sing from an early age. She recalls her childhood saying she can never forget listening and singing to Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton’s cassette tapes her mother owned and trying to match the singing pitch with her sister.

K-pop Star gave her a chance to have a shot in a singing career she expressed that she found the kpop Star experience exciting and really enjoyed herself and was able to sing as much as she wanted to.

After K-pop Star, Michelle was signed to YG Entertainment as a girl group Supearls’ member along with her Kpop Star peers Lee Jung Mi, Lee Seung Joo, and Lee Ha Yi, but later in 2013 it was reported that the Supearls had disbanded for some unknown reason. The real reason behind the disbandment is not told by either any of the former band members or YG Entertainment, so we have no way of knowing what happened exactly except there was some kind of dispute. Since leaving YG Michelle has kept herself pretty busy singing in live stages in Hongdae areas and performing gospel songs at her church.
In March 2013, Michelle signed to her current label DIMA Entertainment, to finally undergo training to become a solo artist officially, as we wished she’d done years ago. And this isn’t just my personal opinion, she has fans from all over the globe who have been waiting for her to emerge as a solo artist since day one.

Lee Michelle’s first digital single, ’Without You’ has been out since 21st March. The song’s lyrics might not be what everyone could relate to, but nevertheless her voice is so beautiful and soothing to listen to. Like the lyrics to the song, she is beautiful and meaningful and she certainly knows it.

The music video also made a massive impact on the viewers. I took the time to watch some of the reaction videos from the fans and many of them got very tearful and some even cried out loud. How one person’s work effects and tells stories of others is amazing.
The child actor who appears in her music video is of mixed race like Michelle and she plays a part. And, she draws, writes and colors banned racist words on the wall and later… well for those who haven’t yet watched the music video please take the time to check it out.

And don’t get me wrong. ‘Without You’ is not about misery and loneliness but Michelle releases her emotions she’s had for so long, overpowering her weaknesses and standing up to everything that was hurting her in life. Michelle has said in one of her interviews how she doesn’t like to express and show her emotions because she knows she’ll be in pieces if she does. She says shed a lot of tears after she watched her music video. I hope they were happy tears because she made her fans thankful and happy hearing her song.
When I first saw the title I wondered who the “You” from ‘Without You’ really was, but after seeing the MV I came to the conclusion that it does not matter at all. The lyrics are about yourself and overcoming your fears, obstacles and everything that hinders you.
Lee Michelle is an inspiration for the people who are from mixed or diverse background and she takes pride in giving her hope for others. No one should be alone and the world still has a lot of educating to do.

Everyone needs to know they are beautiful and loved, I really love the fact that Michelle is doing something great to make an impact and she’s speaking out for herself and others which is something vital for the Korean society. And, of course, for the rest of the world.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Lee Michelle, although I wasn’t lucky enough to meet her face-too-face since she was so busy. I contacted her management and, because I needed an interview within three days, they were decent enough to reply within the time limit with Michelle’s answers via email. I could feel she was such a warm and humble person through merely reading her words and I was very touched. For some of you who are wondering, her Korean is perfect as any Korean you’ll meet. And, her English is very proficient. She is definitely a full package to become a successful singer. She is so grown up for a 22 year old with such a modest and caring personality and she’s bound to shine like a star.

Hope you guys all enjoy the short interview from Lee Michelle and wish Michelle a great career.

GOT7 – Hot and Dedicated to Success  –  J Chung

Got7 is a seven member boyband who made their debut officially on Mnet’s M! Countdown on 16th of January this year.  Got7’s members are named JB (the leader, who appeared in Dream High 2) Mark, Jackson, Jr, Youngjae, BamBam and Yugeom. Unlike most other typical Korean boybands, three members of the band consist of guys who are not originally Korean.  Mark is a twenty year old Taiwanese American from Los Angeles.   Jackson is also, twenty years old from Hong Kong.  BamBam is from Thailand, and he is 17.  The rest of the members JB, Youngjae, Jr, Yugeom are born and raised in Korea.

On 10th January 2014, JYP released Got7’s debut teaser video on YouTube.  On January 15, 2014, Got7 released the music video for their debut song “Girls Girls Girls” from their first album Got it?

The album was released on the 20th, featuring six tracks including their first single “Girls Girls Girls”,  which later reached number 1 on many sites.  And, songs like “Hello,” “Playground,” “I Like You,” and “Follow Me”, also did well.  The album reached to the top on the Billboard World Album Charts and number 2 on Gaon Album Charts.  Got7, also has their own reality web show running called the Real GOT7 .

Their first single “Girls Girls Girls” was written and produced by Jin-Young Park, a.k.a JYP, the CEO who signed them.  One of the Got7 members, Jr- has the same name as JYP, thus the management decided on renaming him Junior to avoid any confusion.

GOT7, also signed a contract with Sony Music in Japan, then on 4th of April they held a showcase called “GOT7 Showcase 1st Impact in Japan” in Ryougoku Sumo Hall, Tokyo in the presence of a crowd of 10,000.

A unique point about the group is that Got7’s dance performances display moves derived from martial arts combined with b-boying and since the boys are highly proficient in b-boying and martial art tricking, it makes it all the more interesting to watch them perform.

Got7 has their official fan club called ‘I Got7’, which the boys indicate, because number 7 is considered lucky, they want the fans to say they are lucky to have all the members in the group.

Their next album will be out in late June of this year.  We managed to get their interview, and it seems that they worked extremely hard to bring this to fruition.  We wish the guys would enjoy themselves in bringing new kinds of music to the Kpop industry.  And, that they would have a massive success and stay 7.

 

Hello Got7 members!  Was becoming a singer your childhood dream, or did you have other careers in mind?

Jackson:  I used to be a fencer, getting the gold medal was my dream. I became interested in hop hip while being a fencer, so I was also interested in becoming a singer.

Bambam:  Yes, I wanted be a singer since I was young.

Mark:  I had no idea I would become a singer.  After getting cast and going through various trainees’ show cases, I really wanted to become one.

Yugeom:  My dream was to become a singer since childhood.

Youngjae:  I enjoyed cooking and art at first, but as I stared singing, I built my dreams to become a singer.

Jr:  I wanted to be a singer since I was young.

JB:  No, my initial dream was to be a B-boy. But, now my dream is to become a singer who makes good music.

 

Who do you most respect in the world.

Jackson:  I respect my parents. They were both athletes.  Their sincerity, and their mind to do their best is very outstanding.  I thank my parents for giving birth to me.

BamBam:  My mother.

Mark:  My parents.

Yugyeom:  My parents.

Youngjae:  My father.

Jr:  My father.

JB:  My family, because I learn a lot from my parents.

 

Are there any places in the world you want to travel in the future?

Jackson:  I’ve traveled a lot when I was an athlete.  Right now, I’d like to visit Thailand where BamBam lives.

BamBam:  Want to travel to Dubai.

Mark:  Paris.

Yugeom:  The U.S and the U.K.

Youngjae:  Africa.

Jr:  France, the U,K, the U.S.A.  There are so many other countries besides that  I’d want to visit.

JB:  The U.S and Japan.

 

Which color do you like the best?

Jackson:  I like black. Most of my outfits are black.

BamBam:  I like gold, pink and black.

Mark:  Red.
Yugyeom:  I like all the pastel toned colors.

Youngjae:  Red.

Jr:  I like blue.

JB:  Saint blue.

 

What kind of food do you like to have usually?

Jackson:  I like pizza and pasta. I also like Chinese and Korean food.  I am not picky with food, but I can’t eat spicy stuff that well.

BamBam:  Stewed chicken.

Mark:  I like types of stewed soups.

Yugeom:  I like rice and meat.

Youngjae:  I like chicken.

Jr:  White rice.

JB:  Korean food, I like types of stews and rice.

 

Do you have any bad habits?

Jackson:  I don’t have any bad habits in particular. I use my computer with the light switched off, but I want to fix that habit, ‘cause it’s bad for my eyesight.

BamBam:  I keep rotating my neck, because I have pain at the back of my neck.

Mark:  I don’t have any bad habits.

Yugeom:  I don’t have any habits.

Youngjae:  Biting my lips. I wanna fix from getting annoyed easily.

Jr:  I have a lot of sleep in the morning.

JB:  I tend to have the habit of sticking my chin out a lot.

 

Do you have any complaints about the other members, or any requests you would like to tell them?

Jackson:  There isn’t any.

BamBam:  Our members talk to each other often, so there isn’t anything to complain about.

Mark:  There isn’t anything to complain about.

Yugeom:  There isn’t any.

Youngjae:  Nope.

Jr:  I don’t have any complaints.

JB:  There isn’t anything so far, our members get along so well.

 

Are there any bands you consider a rival to Got7?

Jackson:  15&, who is also a new band in our company.  I wish we’d both try very hard, and later get recognition as artists.

BamBam:  I think the fundamental thing is to win against yourself.

Mark:  No.

Yugeom:  No.

Youngjae:  There isn’t anyone we consider as rivals.

Jr:  No, there isn’t.

JB:  Because, we are still new comers, the best thing for us right now is to just try our best.

 

What kind of person is your ideal girl?

Jackson:  A woman who is healthy.  And, someone suited to me.

BamBam:  I like women with short hair.

Yugeom:  Just someone I like.

Youngjae:  My ideal is someone I like.

Jr:  Someone who goes well with me, who loves to do her own work, would be my ideal.

Jaebum:  Someone who catches my eye.

 

Has anything changed for you after your debut?

Jackson:  I began to see more of what I lack and thought I should put more effort into work.

BamBam:  People recognize me when I’m out and about.

Mark:  When I’m walking in the streets, sometimes I get recognized by people.

Yugeom:  I feel that I have to get down to more practice!

Youngjae:  On anything I do, I act out more carefully.

Jr:  There’s more stuff to prepare for in the morning than before.

JB:  I began to think we need more practice.  And, that our skills still need more work.
We will try our best.

 

Do you have any wishes for the future?

Jackson:  I wish Got7 will be able to show a more elaborate performance with better music.

BamBam:  I really want us to get the new artist award. We’ll put in a lot of effort.

Mark:  I wish our group, Got7 will do well.

Yugeom:  I wish I could become a singer like Chris Brown and be recognised in every field.  And, also, I want our team members to be together forever.

Youngjae:  I want to become really good at singing.

Jr:  I want Got7, myself and everyone around me to become successful and live happily.

JB:  I want to understand music more and be extremely good at it.  And, learn to love it more.

 

What kind of songs or genres are you into?  Do you have any artists you like?

Jackson:  I like hip hop.  And, the artist I like is Ludacris.

BamBam:  My role model is G-Dragon.

Mark:  I like R&B and hip hop.

Yugeom:  I like hip hop, R&B.  And, Chris Brown is the artist I like the most.

Youngjae:  I like R&B.  And, I like Luther Vandross.  And, I want to sing like him.

Jr:  R&B, jazz are my favorite genres.  I like artists like Michael Jackson, Usher, Justin Timberlake.

JB:  I like genres like R&B, Soul.  And, D’angelo is the artist I like.

 

Could you state the school subjects you were confident in or really poor at?

Jackson:  I was confident in economics, but I wasn’t so in science.

Yugeom:  I was very good at Korean language, but I was the least confident in math.

Youngjae:  I was the most confident in Korean language and least confident in math.

Jr:  I was the most confident in math and not as much in social science.

JB:  I was the good at math and science, but I was not so strong in other subjects that require memorization.

 

Which performance do you remember the most?

Jackson:  The first performance Got7 had I remember the best.

BamBam:  I remember the performance we had on M Countdown in Yokohama, Japan, because it was the first time we were performing in front of a crowd that massive since our debut.

Mark:  I remember our debut performance the most.

Yugeom:  The first performance we had as our debut.

Youngjae:  The first showcase we had in Korea.

Jr:  Our debut performance.

JB:  The first performance we had was the most memorable.

 

What is the one thing you can be the best at?

Jackson:  I never give up on anything I am doing. I’ll try my best until the end.

BamBam:  Taiwanese rapping.

Mark:  Martial arts tricking

Yugeom:  I can do the best free style dance.

Youngjae:  Singing.

Jr:  I’m best at dancing and speaking.

JB:  I am good at making an effort continuously.

 

What is the most important to you?

Jackson:  My family and Got7 are the most important to me.

BamBam:  My family and Got7.

Mark:  Family.

Yugeom:  Our team, family and everyone whom I consider precious to me. And the fans.

Younjae:  Family, friends and the group members.

Jr:  Family.

JB:  Family, music.

 

Could you say a few words to the fans in America?

Jackson:  I’m going to work hard and never give up!!

BamBam:  SEE YOU SOON ^

Mark:  I hope that we can see you guys soon…

Yugeom:  Really wanna meet you.  Want to come see you with a great performance in the future.  Please hold on.  I LOVE YOU!

Youngjae:  We’ll come back with a great song soon.  We wish you’ll stay around.

Jr:  I love you.  See you soon!

JB:  We will strive to become artists who work hard.  We ask for a lot of interest and love from you guys. ^^

 

Listen to this interview or article on your Alexa device or app: https://amzn.to/34t7TUt

Got7 ‘Girls Girls Girls’ lyrics and English translation           Lyrics and music by Jin-Young Park

JB)노력하지 않아도 왜 그런지 몰라 나만 보면 자지러져 놀라 내 Look 내 Style 내 Swagger

E.T) I don’t even try and I don’t know why, but when they see me they go crazy
My look, my style, my swagger

Jr) Oh 아무것도 안해도 그냥 내가 좋아 쳐다보면 가볍게 다가가 그냥 Hey girl, How’re you doing?

E.T) Oh even when I’m doing nothing, if I look and glance at them to casually say “Hey girl! How’re you doing?” (hey)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love meJackson) 나는 왜 몸이 이러는 거니

(E.T) What’s up with my body

All) Girls Girls Girls They love meYugeom) 어릴 적부터 계속 쭉 영원히

E.T) From birth until forever

BamBam) 나는 나타나기만 해도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I just show up (oh my)

Mark) 그를 바라보기만 해도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I just glance (oh my)

Yugeom) 그냥 숨쉬기만 해도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I’m just breathing (oh my)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love me JB) 살짝만 웃어도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I only smile a little (oh my)
Jr) 몸을 살짝만 흔들어도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I just move my body slightly (oh oh my)
Jackson) 나는 아무것도 안해도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I do nothing (oh my)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love me
JB)좋은건지 아닌지 아직 잘 몰라매일 유혹이 너무나도 많아

E.T) This girl That girl 하루종일
Don’t know whether it’s a good thing or or not

So many temptations everydayThis girl.

That girl. All day long.

Jr)Oh 마음을 아주 착하게 한명만 골라 만나보려고 해도나를 놓아주질 않아 어쩌면 좋아
E.T) I wanna pick one nice girl to meet but they simply won’t let me go. What should I do (hey)

All)Girls Girls Girls They love me
Jackson) 나는 왜 몸이 이러는 거니

E.T) What’s up with my body

All) Girls Girls Girls They love meYoungjae)어릴 적부터 계속 쭉 영원히

E.T) From birth until forever
BamBam) 난 나타나기만 해도 (어머나)
Even if I just show up (oh my)

Mark) 그를 바라보기만 해도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I just glance (oh my)
Yugeom) 그냥 숨쉬기만 해도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I’m just breathing (oh my)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love me
JB) 살짝만 웃어도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I just smile a little (oh my)

Jr.) 몸을 살짝만 흔들어도 (어머나)

E.T) Even if I just move my body slightly (oh my)

Jackson) 나는 아무것도 안해도 (어머나)
E.T) Even if I do nothing (oh my)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love meBamBam) Yo uh! 과장하지 말라고 과장이면 좋겠어 제발 노래 가사라고 생각하지 말고 내말 있는 그대로 믿어줘아 꼬아서 듣지말고 내 얘기 잘 좀 들어줘아 이해가 될진 모르겠지만 난 자석을 먹은 것처럼 주위여자를 내 몸이 그냥 혼자서 잡아당기는걸 되는걸 어째오늘 벌써 몇번째 그랬는지 몰라식을줄 모르는 이놈의 인기는 대체 어째

E.T) Yo Uh! But I’m not exaggerating, I wish I was but unfortunately I’m not. This is not a lyrics from a song, just believe my words as they are. Don’t regard it twisted, please listen to me. Don’t know if you’ll understand, but it’s like I ate a magnet. My body pulls the girls around me, can’t do a thing. So many times already today? I’m just too damn popular

Mark) 맞아 나이가 많건 적건 동생이건 누나건 날 잡고 붙잡고 좋다고 같이 놀자고 날 알던 모르던 어쨌건아 뭐하냐고 잠깐만 좀 얘기하자고 쌍둥이라도 있으면 좋겠어 정말 매트릭스처럼 복제라도 할까 날 내 몸은 하난데 요구는 계속 있으니

(E.T) Right, every lady wants a piece of me. Whether they’re young or old, they grab me and say let’s play. Whether they know me or not they say “Whatcha doing?” “Let’s talk for a while “I wish I had a twin or should I clone myself like Matrix. I only have one body, but they keep demanding me. Every lady wants a piece of me

BamBam)나는 나타나기만 해도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I just show up (oh my)

Mark) 그를 바라보기만 해도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I just glance (oh my)
Yugeom) 그냥 숨쉬기만 해도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I’m just breathing (oh my)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love me JB) 살짝만 웃어도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I just smile a little (oh my)

Jr) 몸을 살짝만 흔들어도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I just move my body slightly (oh my)

Jackson) 나는 아무것도 안해도 (어머나)

(E.T) Even if I do nothing (oh my)

All) Girls Girls Girls They love me

 

Interview with Lee Michelle
J. Chung

 

Tell us about you and your family while you were growing up.

Because my mother was the head of the family, she was very strict and at times kind of stern. My siblings’ personalities were nearly all like that as well but when it was time to play, we had lots of humorous laughs and fun.
The youngest of my older sisters played a mother’s role for me a lot particularly on my character building.

 

How old were you when you started singing and when did you discover you had a talent?

Since I was 5~6 years old I used to sing along to the songs playing on TV or the radio and used to sing harmonizing with my sister. When I was a freshman in High school I learned singing at a practical music academy for a short while and the teacher there said I had talent. I started learning singing properly when I became a junior in High school.

 

Could you name some of the singers/ entertainers you admire?

For Korean artists, I admire Moon-Sae Lee, Yong-Pil Cho and Lyn. (She added선배님 after each of their names. Sun-bae is a respectful term meaning ‘senior’)
For oversee’s artists I admire Beyonce, Idia Arie and Ledisi.

 

What is your favorite song?

It always depends. Nowadays I listen to ‘Treasure’ by Bruno Mars the most.

 

Are you satisfied of the reactions from your fans of your ‘Without you’ music video?

I am just so grateful rather than just being satisfied. I’m just very thankful ‘cause I hadn’t thought there would be so many fans are out there liking and supporting me. All the more I’m just happy because of the people who are content from listening to my music.

 

If you were to have three wishes, what would you wish for?

I don’t have any wishes, I am just content with the current life God has given me.

 

Do you have any special skills?

I am able to think positively in any given situation, even if it’s the gloomiest state. I am at times more naive than I need to be.

 

What is most important to you?

In meeting with God.

 

Do you have a boyfriend or a crush?

I sometimes make one up when I sing.

 

Tell us more about your ideal person.

I like someone who is like a bear. My ideal is someone who is heavy and attractive, rather than a tall person with good looks.

 

What are the kind of clothes you enjoy wearing normally?

I like wearing shirts, Man to Man T-shirts and jackets. It’s always the best to dress casually.

 

In the past, have you had part-time jobs or other kinds of work while you were at school?

When I was a high schooler I had to earn the tuition fee for the academy so I got a job at a fast food restaurant. I took orders, worked as a cashier and made burgers.

 

Michelle, you are so busy these days but what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to watch videos of other artists on youtube, I can also watch concerts I couldn’t go to in person. When I listen to diverse music I often feel that I want to make better music.

 

What are your dreams and plans for the future?

When I first started music I had in mind that “I must make music if there is even just one single person in this world who is happy, encouraged or be comforted through my music.” I wish I would continue without losing that in mind and make music of diverse genres and contents.

 

Currently the craving for Kpop in the U.S is huge. Please say a few words to the American fans and also the fans from everywhere else! We wish you the best for your career and hope you’ll only have great things coming your way.

First, I thank you all very much. I’ve always considered myself a very small person, thank you very much for loving me and my music.I sing about something not everyone can sing about, but I hope make music that anyone can sing along to easily. Please root for me, I am going to try to be that kind of an artist.A singer who sings about life. Thank you!

 

 

Michelle Lee is a Korean female singer and music instructor from Paju, South Korea. After successfully auditioning for K-pop Star Season 1 in 2011, she eventually was signed to YG Entertainment as part of a new girl group called Su:Pearls. However, after two years of training, the group was suddenly disbanded before they could debut, and Lee’s contract was nullified.

This is Kcrush first magazine issue. you can buy it for $6.75 .

Bulgogi beef, a staple in Korean cuisine, is a dish that is made with thin slices of marinated beef. Bulgogi translates to fire meat in Korean since it is usually cooked on a grill.**
According to CNN, bulgogi was named one of the tastiest meals in the world in 2011. It’s easy to taste why! The grilled meat is rich in smoky warmth due to hints of cayenne and serrano peppers with just enough honey-sweetness to temper the taste.  Served over rice, this dish is a filling, delightful meal.

While bulgogi is a favorite for many Koreans and International food lovers, one of the qualms people may have is the soy sauce used to marinate the meat. Some people may not like the taste, and others may be allergic. If you fit into either category, bulgogi may seem like a food that needs to be avoided. It doesn’t have to be the case!

After some trial-and-error, a recipe does exist to make bulgogi that tastes just as good as the soy sauce version, and all it takes is a few simple ingredients you may have in your house right now.

**This recipe will use a cast iron skillet.

Main Dish

 

Marinade Ingredients

· 1 ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper

· ½ tsp Serrano Peppers (optional)

· 2 tsp Paprika

· 2-2 ½ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

· 1 tbsp. Garlic Powder OR Six Medium Cloves of Garlic, Minced

· 1/3 Cup of Sugar

· ½ tsp-1 tbsp. Honey

· ½ tsp Sea Salt

 

Additional Ingredients

• 2 lbs. of Flank Steak, London Broil, OR Equivalent
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

 

Side Dish:

• 2 Cups Jasmine or White Rice
• 3 Cups Water

 

Tools

• Meat Tenderizer
• Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Plate or Cutting Board
• Large Serrated Knife
• Ziploc Bag
• Microwave Safe Baking Dish
• Cast Iron Skillet
• Tongs

Preparation

• In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients together with a spoon. Ingredients should form a rust-colored paste. 1
• Take meat and drizzle it with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Massage the oil into the meat so it is evenly coated.  This preps the meat to help it stay tender and moist.
• Use the meat tenderizer to pound the meat until it is a half-inch thick. This will help beat the oil into the meat better to prepare it for grilling.
• Rub the marinade paste all over the meat, coating it generously. Massage the ingredients into the meat well in order to make sure it is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
• With the serrated knife, cut the meat into strips. The strips should measure half-an-inch in thickness; length does not matter.
• Rub the meat with more marinade if you desire to coat the cut sections.
• Place the marinated meat in a Ziploc bag and place it in the fridge for 24-hours to enhance the smoky flavors.

 

 

 

 

 

Side-Dish Prep

20-minutes before cooking the beef, cook the rice. Since the meat will cook quickly, you don’t want it to burn or get cold before the rice is ready.

• Place two cups of rice into the microwave safe dish.
• Add three cups of water to the rice and mix it up.
• Place the rice in the microwave to cook by setting the timer on two cycles: One with the timer set to seven minutes on power setting ten; the second set time for 13 minutes on power-level seven. Start the microwave to allow rice to cook.

• Spray the skillet with a nonstick cooking spray in order to prevent the meat from burning and sticking.

• Turn the stovetop dial to high heat and allow the skillet to heat up.

• When the pan is hot, place the meat in it; the meat should sizzle as it hits.

• Let the meat brown on both sides, stirring and flipping it using the tongs to make sure it doesn’t stick. When meat is brown, slice a few pieces to see if it cooked throughout. Meat should be just slightly below well-done. 3

• Remove from heat.

• Serve the bulgogi immediately over rice, spooning the cooked marinade onto it.

There you have it: Tasty, delicious bulgogi that is tasty for all foodies! Just wait until you try it!
Is there any Asian cuisine you want to learn how to cook? Let us know so we can create a reader-friendly recipe for you!

While many great new K-Dramas exist, sometimes a nostalgia trip is in order to visit dramas forgotten over time.
2011-2012’s musical drama “What’s Up” was the ticket. With melodrama, music and relatable characters, the initial story captivated. Toward the end, abrupt shifts caused one to scream “what’s up!?”
The drama follows several first-year musical students trying to find success. “What’s Up” feels like a Korean version of “Fame” with the individual subplots. Each student has to overcome hardship: Do-Sung (Big Bang’s Daesung) and Doo-Ri (Lim Ju-Eun) search for identities outside family secrets and expectations; Jae-Hun (Lim Ju-Hwan) wants to escape his criminal past; Tae-Yi (Kim Ji-Won) remains haunted by her father’s death; Byung-Gun (Cho Jung-Seok) battles stage fright; and Chae-Young’s (Jang Hee-Jin) star faded long ago.
Each character’s growth made the plot realistic. It was like watching close friends find their identities.
Two storylines shined: Jae-Hun and Tae-Yi’s sadness-marred romance and Doo-Ri and teacher Sunwoo’s
(Oh Man-Seok)
ill-fated, one-sided love. The series’ writers excelled since both stories brought a good share of laughter and tears given Tae-Yi’s sweet awkwardness and Doo-Ri obsessive tendencies.
However, Do-Sung and Chae-Young’s plots felt incomplete. Writers needed to focus more on why Do-Sung had to hide his identity and deny he’s his mother’s son. With Chae-Young, viewers can assume the entertainment industry treated her poorly, but this doesn’t explain her manipulative tendencies.
One questionable inclusion was Cho Jung-Seok’s Byung-Gun. Byung-Gun served as comic. His scenes felt irritating since his humor came across as forced, but that might be the character’s personality. His inclusion may be good for viewers who can relate to his fears, but the writers could have done more with him than a few great

“TWO STORYLINES SHINED: JAE-HUN AND TAE-YI’S SADNESS-MARRED ROMANCE AND DOO-RI AND TEACHER SUNWOO’S (OH MAN-SEOK)
ILL-FATED,
ONE-SIDED LOVE.”

“WHAT’S UP” HAD MANY MUSICAL TRIUMPHS. EACH SONG HAD MEANING AND MOVED THE PLOT FORWARD, ADDING A FUN ELEMENT”

telling her parents’ story to Jae-Hun. Doo-Ri’s cover of Four Non-Blonde’s “What’s Going On” may seem out of place, but it makes sense in setting up a poignant scene with Sunwoo viewers may not soon forget.
The showstopper, however, was Tae-Yi and Byung-Gun’s cover of Laura Pausini’s “It’s Not Goodbye.” The actors portrayed the emotion in the song, making it undeniably haunting. The song set the bar high for the others in the drama. Sadly, while the other songs were great, they did not reach the epic level of “It’s Not Goodbye.”
“What’s Up” was intended to be a multi-season drama but was dropped after not having a network or a timeslot. This issue caused the series to suffer since there are many loose ends, especially given Chae-Young’s and Do-Sung’s deal and the sparks Tae-Yi and Jae-Hun had despite two massive obstacles in their way. The last two episodes felt like there was a huge “to be continued” sign looming overhead. But, it seems the audience will never know what could have been.
Overall, strong acting, great songs and good writing make “What’s Up” an unforgettable drama. However, it would be nice to have some closure for the stories that began the final two episodes. “What’s Up” is a rough diamond, but well worth the time to get involved.
Despite weak points, writers did well with character development and casting.
Lim Ju-Hwan’s Jae-Hun was perfect. His skills made the ex-criminal sympathetic. Equal parts bad boy and sweetheart, Jae-Hun wore his heart on his sleeve when conning and caring about people. Lim Ju-Hwan transitioned to each complex side of Jae-Hun with ease. When paired with Kim Ji-Won’s Tae-Yi, magic happens.
Kim and Lim Ju-Hwan have amazing chemistry. They have the ability to be cute together, yet, the agonizing heartbreak they experience can tear a person apart. It’s easy to root for these two considering how much Jae-Hun and Tae-Yi grew up when they realize one tragic night tied their fates together.
The same can be said about Lim Ju-Eun’s Doo-Ri and Oh Man-Seok’s Sunwoo. Lim Ju-Eun perfects Doo-Ri’s wild-eyed look and emotional neediness in a borderline creepy way. Her need to be loved is evident, but her desperate attempts like camping out at Sunwoo’s place may make viewers cringe.
Oh portrays Sunwoo’s drunken stupor and obstinate but wise nature effortlessly. Combined, Doo-Ri and Sunwoo are oil and water, but this makes their interactions more believable.
One questionable inclusion was Cho Jung-Seok’s Byung-Gun. Byung-Gun served as comic. His scenes felt irritating since his humor came across as forced, but that might be the character’s personality. His inclusion may be good for viewers who can relate to his fears, but the writers could have done more with him than a few great songs and weak story.
“What’s Up” had many musical triumphs. Each song had meaning and moved the plot forward, adding a fun element. Tae-Yi’s “Stupid Cupid,” for example, did a nice job telling her parents’ story to Jae-Hun. Doo-Ri’s cover of Four Non-Blonde’s “What’s Going On” may seem out of place, but it makes sense in setting up a poignant scene with Sunwoo viewers may not soon forget.
The showstopper, however, was Tae-Yi and Byung-Gun’s cover of Laura Pausini’s “It’s Not Goodbye.” The actors portrayed the emotion in the song, making it undeniably haunting. The song set the bar high for the others in the drama. Sadly, while the other songs were great, they did not reach the epic level of “It’s Not Goodbye.”
“What’s Up” was intended to be a multi-season drama but was dropped after not having a network or a timeslot. This issue caused the series to suffer since there are many loose ends, especially given Chae-Young’s and Do-Sung’s deal and the sparks Tae-Yi and Jae-Hun had despite two massive obstacles in their way. The last two episodes felt like there was a huge “to be continued” sign looming overhead. But, it seems the audience will never know what could have been.
Overall, strong acting, great songs and good writing make “What’s Up” an unforgettable drama. However, it would be nice to have some closure for the stories that began the final two episodes. “What’s Up” is a rough diamond, but well worth the time to get involved.

“WHAT’S UP.” IS A ROUGH DIAMOND, BUT WELL WORTH THE TIME TO GET INVOLVED”

K-Pop Rookies January-June 2014: The Best and Most Notorious Debuts

Joelle Halon

The first half of 2014 started out with a bang with major releases from EXO, Infinite, Girls’ Generation, and 2ne1. Often lost in the shuffle are the potential next generation K-Pop stars. 2014 hasn’t had a shortage of rookies—43 officially debuted so far—generating a lot of buzz of who could be “the” next big group.
Some groups appear to have what it takes, others not so much. Here is a ranking of some of the artists who have potential and some who need a little more work.

The Best

Akdong Musician| Debut: April| Songs: “Melted,” “200%,” “Give Love”
Dubbed “super rookies” by many K-Pop websites, Akdong Musician have maturity past their ages. At aThe Best
Akdong Musician| Debut: April| Songs: “Melted,” “200%,” “Give Love”
Dubbed “super rookies” by many K-Pop websites, Akdong Musician have maturity past their ages. At ages 18 and 14 (Korean ages), siblings Lee Chan-Hyuk and Lee Soo-Hyun have a special something that helped them dominate the charts.
Their emotion-packed ballad “Melted” showed a remarkable deepness and ability to understand humanity through simple lyrics and haunting vocals. “200%” and “Give Love” showed their youth and abilities to have fun. Expect the duo to pick up many awards at the end of the year.

Mamamoo| Debut: January| Song: “Don’t Be Happy”

“Power” is the buzzword associated with Mamamoo because they have it all. The girls provide something fresh to the K-Pop world with their jazzy voices and throwback style.
Since their debut, Mamamoo has already gained an international following despite minimal promotions on music shows. Of course, following up their debut single with “Peppermint Chocolate” with K.Will and Wheesung didn’t hurt their potential surge.

 

 

 

Kiss&Cry| Debut: January| Song: “Domino Game”

Kiss&Cry thrilled with robust vocals and stage presence. They came bursting out of the gates with vocals unmatched by many other rookies, and with Dia releasing single recordings, Kiss&Cry is doing what they can to remain ever-present. “Domino Game” caught the attention of many listeners, and the fun dance made the video enjoyable. Weakness is not in Kiss&Cry’s vocabulary, which is why they have the ability to stand tall in the K-Pop world.

 

 

 

Lee Michelle| Debut: March| Song: “Without You”

Lee Michelle has enough depth to her soul, she could challenge the deepest ocean. “Without You” was an explosive debut, and one that definitely deserves more love and attention.  Her deep vocals and ability to tell a story make Lee stand out. The one downfall was minimal promotion. If she was promoted more, “Without You” would have earned the attention it deserved.

 

 

 

 

Solid Starts

GOT7| Debut: January| Song: “Girls, Girls, Girls”

GOT7 already earned a large fanbase, and it’s easy to see why. Good-looking and charismatic, the boys definitely charmed their way into many a female heart. They dance well and have the talent, so it’s unfortunate their debut song didn’t show their vocal talents. The song was a bit bland, but their mini album had many other songs that suggest the boys have what it takes.

 

 

Lip Service| Debut: March| Song: “Yum, Yum, Yum”

Bipa and Kora are going to be a fun group to watch. They’re spunky with a wicked sense of humor. What’s not to like? While they appeared on a few of the music shows, some more appearances will really help the girls because they are quirky and enjoyable.  Plus, “Yum, Yum, Yum” endeared itself to K-Pop fans with food-themed lyrics. It will be interesting to see what lies beneath this potential winner of a duo.

 

 

BTL| Debut: May| Song: “Too G”

Beyond the Limit (BTL, not to be confused with Bacon, Tomato, Lettuce) have amazing visuals and a nice track in “Too G” due to its addictive chorus. They’ve already impressed on their Music Core and Inkigayo debuts, so they will earn fans, and video teasers promised a nice treat for fans looking for beefcake.
While they have some positives, they risk falling into the generic boyband category if they lose steam with their concept. Some fans see some similarities between BTL and EXO during their “Mama” days, so they may have to work harder to prove themselves.

 

Scarlet| Debut: February| Song: “Do Better”

Scarlet debuted with little hype, and it took a while to find out what the girls’ names are, but despite this, they show a lot of promise. “Do Better” was a solid song that quickly developed a niche group of fans. The song’s MV was riddled with awkward English (what’s a “boggy slushie”?) and cheesy graphics, and the dance left a lot to be desired. There’s still room for Scarlet to “do better.”

 

 

 

Weakest Links

Aila| Debut: January| Song: “Pretty Pretty Pretty Girl”

Aila’s debut stage was painful to watch on Music Core before they disappeared somewhere. The girls, Ra-Hee, Shi-Yeon, Yena, and Kelly, looked too old to be flouncing around in cute Lolita dresses, and their vocals were all over the place. It was difficult to take them seriously. It was hard to not feel bad for them as there was little crowd reaction as the “thumbs down” mounted on YouTube.

Hopefully their company, Plane Entertainment, thinks of a new concept or else these girls do not have a chance at survival.

 

M.O.A| Debut: February| Song: “I’ll Call Ya”

The M.O.A girls unfortunately, have little chance to make waves. KBS banned their first attempt at the “I’ll Call Ya” MV due to poor quality; the second attempt wasn’t much better. Professional Entertainment is not very professional.
The girls have pitchy vocals. Their song, while catchy at some parts, lacked finesse and could easily annoy listeners with the high-pitched, jilted chorus.
If the company can get their act together, get the girls a better choreographer, vocal coach, and perhaps a budget for a real video, they may have a chance.

 

JJCC| Debut: March| Song: “At First”

JJCC should have been more impressive considering they are Jackie Chan’s group. Instead of a charismatic, action-packed debut, the boys performed a mediocre song that was barely memorable. However, they are handsome men, and Jackie Chan is behind them, so one weak start will not wipe them off the map. They may do just fine in upcoming promotions.

EXO-K’s Overdose has Highs, Lows

Joelle Halon

Since 2012, EXO has amazed the K-Pop world with their quick rise to stardom. Since then, fans have eaten up every release from “Mama” to “Growl” to “Miracles in December.”

In May, EXO released their long-awaited second mini-album Overdose following a delay to mourn the lives lost during the Sewol Ferry tragedy.

Even though it only has five songs, it is sure to please any EXOtic.

EXO-K’s album lit the music charts on fire even before its release, ranking high on many music charts and winning many of the music shows once it officially came out. But, did EXO-K live up to all the hype with Overdose, or is the group losing steam?

Track Reviews

“Overdose”

“Overdose” has an exciting, heart-pounding beat that makes it worthy of being the title track.

“Overdose” isn’t shy. For dance-track lovers, the song has dubstep layers with an addictive chorus. It has a strong electronic sound, adding to the fun.

While the chorus is outstanding, the rap portions feel weak. Part of EXO’s appeal when they released “Mama” was the bombastic, electrifying rap. EXO stood out then because of the hardcore influences, but with “Overdose,” the rap didn’t stand out from what other K-groups are doing.

Of course, “Overdose” wouldn’t have worked with a metal-type rebel yell, but it felt like something was missing in the rap portions. A little more power could have made an already great song become amazing.

“Moonlight”

SM songs usually have weak lyrics, but “Moonlight” breaks the mold and stands out as a lyrically-impressive piece.

Based on the title alone, “Moonlight” sounds like it would be a continuation of the wolf theme carried out in “Wolf” and “Growl.” It isn’t, but it is a heartbreaking tale of the one-who-got-away: “A place where I can’t touch you and can’t even hold you.”

Given the lyric’s beauty, the song failed to impress once put to music. It’s a ballad as come to be expected given the tone of the lyrics, but it’s nothing special. “Moonlight” comes across as a forgettable, throwaway tune. It has a nice R&B beat, and the echoes provide a haunting touch, but the music makes the song unmemorable.

“Thunder”

Like “Moonlight,” “Thunder” has a strong lyrical presence. However, the two songs are almost too similar in content to the point the lyrics feel almost interchangeable. But, “Thunder” takes the theme from both songs a little further by covering finding lost love.

“Thunder” has a significantly better sound; the mid-tempo beat saves the song. EXO also exhibits great falsettos, and the “ooh, ooh, ooh” portions just sound amazing when heard through headphones. EXO-K’s voices blend well with the “boom” and “thunder” repeats, and the last verse has a solid bass, adding a nice feel to the song.

“Run”

If “Overdose” wasn’t the title track, “Run” definitely should be! This song is just addictive fun. It’s an awesome dance track with a bit of a ‘90s feel mixed with some Spaghetti Western soundtrack nuances. Hopefully, EXO-K chooses to release this one prior to the summer months because it has the potential to earn plenty of air time as a great summer tune.

The lyrics aren’t as spectacular as “Thunder” and “Moonlight,” but it doesn’t matter because the beat and sing-along-factor win for this song. The lyrics reflect a summer fling and recalling those memories. Besides being fun, it’s a simple, cute song.

At times, the music does drown out EXO’s voices, especially at the bridge. If the music was toned down just a tad, the overall song would have been perfect. However, this minor issue is easy to overlook.

“Love, Love, Love”

After a few listens, the title looked like EXO was begging fans to “love, love, love” this track. It didn’t work since this is the weak-link on the album and a hot mess. It felt like two songs spliced together with the tempo shift that came with “‘Cause, you’re my earth, air, water, fire (You’re my) earth, air, water, fire” line. This just didn’t fit with the song as a whole.

Another element that didn’t work was how the chorus’ beat and EXO’s singing reflected the old children’s song “Nana, Nana, Fufu.” This made the song feel more annoying than enjoyable because of how childish it sounds. Few artists can pull off these elements, but they are usually female and walking the fine aegyo-line, much like Fiestar did with “I Don’t Know” with the “Ten Little Indians” beat. Male groups cannot pull this off as well.

One of the better elements of “Love, Love, Love” is how the music featured traditional Asian instruments. This was awesome considering how the elements of nature played a part in the actual song. In a way, the song recalls EXO’s “Mama” and “History” days when each member reflected a different element of nature. This was a coy nod to their past, making the song slightly better than what it is.

Overall

While Overdose has a couple of great standout songs in “Overdose” and “Run,” the overall album wasn’t as impressive as their debut or first full-length albums. They have improved lyrically, but the overall album felt like something was missing.

Of course, it still sold thousands and it is dominating the charts, so fans are thrilled and that’s what matters. Overall, it was just not as exciting as expected.

 

Joelle Halon

[dropcap size=big]K[/dropcap]-Pop’s diversity knows no bounds, which is why it’s such a great genre of which to be involved. While many focus on the mainstream music, there is a K-Music world many tend to ignore.

The K-Indie scene is rich with strong vocals, meaningful songs, and artists that deserve recognition. Some K-Indie artists like Nell and Park Ji Yoon managed to transition to mainstream well, and other artists have potential to do so too!

If you’re new to the K-Indie scene, here are five artists you should know to start you on your K-Indie journey!

Neon Bunny
Originally a keyboardist for ???? (Black Shirts), Kim Yu-Jin debuted as a solo act in 2012 with Seoulights. She shocked the K-Pop world when she nabbed the Best Pop Album Award from IU at the Korean Music Awards that same year.

Neon Bunny’s soft voice adds a retro touch to her electronic sound in songs like “Plastic Heart” and “Bubbles” from her 80s-inspired album Happy Endings, which serves a great introduction to her music.
Besides her retro-electronic sound, Neon Bunny isn’t afraid of edgy lyrics. “Oh My Prince” features some swearing which many mainstream artists tend to shy away from, but this is part of her appeal.

 Standing Egg

Acoustic group Standing Egg is one of the quintessential K-Indie artists. Since 2010, the trio and sometimes quartet has had a rotating roster of Indie artists playing for them including Clover (Vocals, guitar), Han Kyul (Double bass), and Hana (Djembe). Sound-wise, they are a Jack-of-all-trades group, often experimenting with jazz, Bossa nova, folk, R&B, punk, and reggae!
Standing Egg’s music is rich in beauty and simplicity. Listeners may find they’re influenced by John Mayer and Maroon 5 among other artists in their sound. Their newest song, “?? ?” has a John Mayer-type groove, so even Western-music lovers may fall in love.

Humming Urban Stereo

Since 2004, Humming Urban Stereo has proven why they have mainstream appeal. The electro-pop group released thirteen full and mini albums total, making them one of the most productive Indie groups!
Once a trio, “humming girl” Lee Jin-Hwa passed away in Japan in recent years; she had heart disease. Even in her absence, Humming Urban Stereo remains strong.
While classified as electro-pop, Humming Urban Stereo also experiments in Acid Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Jazz. Some of their most-loved songs include “Hawaiian Couple,” “You That Day,” and “Give Me Your Tonight.” In May 2014, they released a song with G.NA, “Scully Doesn’t Know,” closing the gap between Indie and mainstream K-Pop.

 

Fans of the first generation of modern K-Pop should fall in love with J-Walk, an Indie made up of two former members of Sechskies: Kim Jae Duc and Jang Su Won. The duo drifted slightly from their pop roots to perform softer songs that float along the ballad line.
Kim and Jang’s voices blend beautifully, which gives them their strong soothing quality. While they haven’t released many songs, they do have several memorable jams under their belts including the coffee-shop ballad “Frappuccino” that is worthy of play on a lazy Sunday morning.

 

 

 

 

Blue Near Mother
Rock band Blue Near Mother has been making a lot of noise lately, and for good reason! With songs like “Change” and “I Believe” earning radio play on Arirang Radio, they are gaining the right attention at the right time.
Blue Near Mother has a lot of heart and soul. Their lyrics contain positive messages about bettering one’s self. In today’s world, a little positivity can go a long way.
The group’s vocals are rich and lack the hard edge many K-Indie rock groups like Toxic have. If they were more mainstream, they would compete with groups like FTIsland and CNBLUE since they have more of an all-ages appeal.
K-Indie has something for everyone. If you need a break from today’s K-Pop, hit the Indie scene to see what you find. With many genres covered, it won’t be hard to find something appealing!

Humming Urban Stereo
Since 2004, Humming Urban Stereo has proven why they have mainstream appeal. The electro-pop group released thirteen full and mini albums total, making them one of the most productive Indie groups!
Once a trio, “humming girl” Lee Jin-Hwa passed away in Japan in recent years; she had heart disease. Even in her absence, Humming Urban Stereo remains strong.
While classified as electro-pop, Humming Urban Stereo also experiments in Acid Jazz, Bossa Nova, and Jazz. Some of their most-loved songs include “Hawaiian Couple,” “You That Day,” and “Give Me Your Tonight.” In May 2014, they released a song with G.NA, “Scully Doesn’t Know,” closing the gap between Indie and mainstream K-Pop.

Korean women are known for their fresh, glowing, youthful skin. Looking at actresses in many K-Dramas like “You Who Came from the Stars,” women often look like they barely wear makeup due to their luminous skin. According to Linda Moerch, author of “The Price of Beauty in South Korea,” the better one’s complexion is, the more highly thought of that person is in society since clean, clear skin is a symbol of purity.
Seoul and other big cities in Asia like Shanghai and Beijing have issues with pollution, too. A strict moisturizing routine helps protect skin from the harsh elements, prolonging one’s youthfulness.
Watching actresses on screen is enough to give anyone skin envy, but how do they achieve such flawless skin?

The “Inside” Scoop
Koreans work hard to maintain 물광피부 (mul kwangpi bu) or “radiant, dewy skin.” The saying “beauty is skin deep” is true as the moisturizing process begins. Since skin reflects one’s health, drinking plenty of water helps with skin elasticity and dryness, providing a youthful appearance. A good diet prevents skin from aging quickly, creating a gorgeous glow. Many feel these steps even slow the aging process.
Taking the time to consider a healthy diet and the multi-step process of moisturizing is beneficial. That’s why so many Korean women look so young regardless of age.
Cleanliness Before Moisture
Cleansing and exfoliating is a valuable part of a healthy skin regime. Not cleansing enough clogs pores, impeding the moisturizer’s ability to soak into skin. Exfoliation unclogs pores, but doing this too much may damage skin, causing red scaly patches. Exfoliating every two days may be ideal.
When cleansing, celebrities like singer/actress Suzy Bae swears by 4-2-4.
Four-two-four involves using cleansing oil for four minutes. The oil breaks down makeup while replenishing skin. Next comes a foam cleanser for two minutes to clear pores. Finally, rinsing with cool water for four minutes removes impurities while closing pores. Cool water also increases blood circulation, creating rosy cheeks and reduces puffiness. Besides cool water, some celebrities even rinse with cold lemon water to tone and tighten skin while the lemon dissolves toxins.
While following this method seems cumbersome, on “Get It Beauty,” Bae and her makeup artist, Hong Sung Hee, swears it helps makeup glide on better for a more natural appearance.

Moisturizing: A Multi-Step Process
Across Asia, moisturizing is a timely but serious process. Celebrities may use between ten-to-20 moisturizers on their face to lock in moisture! Why so many? Paired with a balanced diet, the two work together to create a flawless, bright complexion.
Layering moisturizers is the best way to achieve flawless skin. Since celebrities use so many, there is an application method.
When applying moisturizer, start with the lightest ones like water-based serums and moisture sprays first. Medium-weight creams like day or night creams and eye serums would be next, followed by the heavier creams like wrinkle reducers last since they are the heaviest. Layering lightest to heaviest helps skin absorb moisturizer better.
Celebrities also have their own methods for application. Actress Go Hyung-Jung, author of the book “Texture,” suggests warming moisturizer to help it soak into skin. Other actresses and skin specialists suggest applying moisturizer in an upward fashion to lift and tighten skin.

Anyone Can Do It
While moisturizing methods seem difficult, there is a reason why Korea is revered as one of the world’s skin care leaders. Anyone can follow this method regardless of how many products they have in their makeup cabinets. Just remember good cleansing skills, exfoliation, and layering moisturizers, and anyone can have the healthy skin of the stars!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrities also have their own methods for application. Actress Go Hyung-Jung, author of the book “Texture,” suggests warming moisturizer to help it soak into skin. Other actresses and skin specialists suggest applying moisturizer in an upward fashion to lift and tighten skin.
Across Asia, moisturizing is a timely but serious process. Celebrities may use between ten-to-20 moisturizers on their face to lock in moisture! Why so many? Paired with a balanced diet, the two work together to create a flawless, bright complexion.
Layering moisturizers is the best way to achieve flawless skin. Since celebrities use so many, there is an application method.
When applying moisturizer, start with the lightest ones like water-based serums and moisture sprays first. Medium-weight creams like day or night creams and eye serums would be next, followed by the heavier creams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child actress and “Music Core” host Kim Sohyun uses Teenage Nature (tn) moisture cocktail cream. She demonstrated how she uses it in a 2013 episode of “Get It Beauty.” The moisture cocktail cream is available through ibuybeauti.com for under $25.

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