Korean space western film, “Space Sweepers (Korean: 승리호),” drew over 26 million household viewers during the first month of its worldwide release (From Feb. 5) via Netflix.
“Space Sweepers” which stars Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri and Yoo Hae-jin, dominated the streaming service’s daily top 10 rankings in 80 countries since its premiere.
The film is the first Korean sci-fi movie that is set in space in the year of 2092. It follows a crew of a junk-collecting spaceship who collect to make profit from selling debris. But they suddenly find themselves stuck in a risky situation when a humanoid called Dorothy is discovered.
Song Joong-ki plays the shuttle’s pilot called Taeho, Kim Tae-ri’s role is Captain Jang, Actors Jin Sun-kyu and Yoo Hai-jin play the role of Tiger Park and a former military robot respectively. Director Jo Sung-hee had worked together with Song Joong-ki back in 2012, in the box office hit “A Werewolf Boy”.
About the success of the film, Song commented, “I don’t really know where the data that Space Sweepers ranked first on Netflix charts comes from, but I’m sort of dazed that it’s really our film that people are talking about. Last night I talked with director Jo Sung-hee and we both wondered if it was really our film.”
Director Jo Sung-hee came up with the film’s storyline about 10 years before the film’s release, after hearing about the dangers of space junk from a friend.
He said, “It started with the idea of space travelers collecting space junk. I heard about how these fast-moving fragments of space debris are growing and leading to in-space collisions. I realized that this subject has already been dealt with in animations and games, but never in a film. I started writing the script wondering how Koreans, who possess a tenacious mentality, would approach this problem.”
Netflix plans to invest up to $490 million to produce original Korean content in the future. In 2020, Netflix had approximately 3.8 million viewers in South Korea, but its revenue more than doubled as the viewership quickly grew amid the pandemic. Netflix is presently the most popular streaming service in South Korea, with over 10 million users and growing.
— J.Chung.
#SpaceSweepers #Netflix #Streaming #moviestreaming #SongJoongki #KimTaeri #YooHaejin #KoreanseriesonNetflix #JoSunghee #Scifi #spacewestern #Koreandrama #kfans #koreanactor #koreanactress #asiandramas #kdramafever #kpopfans #koreantop
Kpop artist and SHINee’s member, Taemin (27), recently announced the date of his military enlistment during a V Live Broadcast, titled “Thank you for 13 years.”
Taemin announced to his fans that he will be enlisting on May 31st, but will be hosting a solo live concert prior, to express his thanks to his fans.
He is the last remaining member of the band, SHINee, to complete his military service.
In South Korea, it is mandatory for all able-bodied males to serve in the military from the age of over 18 for around 20 months – unless he is eligible for an exemption.
Exemptions from military service have been given to award-winning athletes, classical musicians, and dancers, but not to Korean pop acts.
However, at the end of 2020, South Korea’s parliament passed a bill (at times referred to as the BTS law) allowing selected Korean pop artists to defer military service until the age of 30.
Under the revised Military Service Act, the ones who are allowed to postpone their service until the age of 30 must be a pop culture artist recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism and have greatly enhanced the image of South Korea both within the nation and internationally.
Lee Tae-min (born July 18, 1993), also known as just Taemin, is a South Korean singer-songwriter, actor and dancer. He made his debut at age 14 as a member of the group ShINee in 2008.
Taemin began his solo career in 2014 with his first extended play, Ace, which peaked at the top on Gaon Album Chart. His first studio album, Press It (2016) charted at No.1 on the Gaon Album Chart.
In 2016, he made his solo debut in Japan with the release of Sayonara Hitori.
In 2018, he released his first Japanese album, Taemin. In 2019, Lee released his second Korean mini album, Want, with a title track of the same name. That year, he was made a member of SM Entertainment’s supergroup SuperM.
J.Chung.
MacDonald’s has announced its plans to collaborate with K-pop megastars – BTS.
BTS fans around the world will soon be able to grab their McDonald’s orders in almost 50 different countries. This will be the first time that MacDonald’s will provide a celebrity’s favorite order in more than one market.
The “BTS Meal” will launch on May 26 in America, Canada and Brazil and soon after in nearly six continents and consists of the “superstar band’s signature order”, with 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium World Famous fries and a Coke.
There will also be a debut of two dipping sauces – Sweet Chilli and Cajun, inspired by McDonalds in South Korea. The meal goes on sale in the band’s home country of South Korea, a day later on May 27.
“We’re excited to bring customers even closer to their beloved band in a way only McDonald’s can – through our delicious food – when we introduce the BTS signature order on our menu next month,” Morgan Flatley, the chief marketing officer of McDonald’s said in a statement.
McDonald’s team-up with the South Korean icons follows the success of its meals with artists J Balvin and Travis Scott.
The Travis Scott meal last year was so popular that some locations ran out of ingredients. Scott netted around $20 million from the deal, according to Forbes. The chain also sold a J Balvin meal with a Big Mac, fries, and an Oreo McFlurry, though the accompanying merch collection was later canceled.
However, McDonald’s could probably surpass its prior success with the upcoming BTS collaboration. The band is well-known for its millions of supporters – the Army, who made the K-pop group reach beyond just Asia.
J.Chung.
An interesting feature that you will find in many historical, and some current, homes in Korea is a heated flooring system. The Korean hot water flooring, or Ondol (Hangul: 온돌), is a type of underfloor heating system that uses circulating smoke (previously) or currently water to transfer heat. Experts say that it ondol was already used in dwellings during the Neolithic Age around 7000 years ago. The first recorded use of ondol was from the Goryeo Dynasty in the 13th century. Ondol became prevalent during the Joseon Dynasty in 15th and 16th century. In historical Korean homes, gorae is an important component of ondol, which allows smoke from the kitchen to pass under the house. There are also gudeul (wide stones) and a red mud clay layer that prevents the smoke from seeping into the house. Gudeul absorbs the heat from smoke and radiates it throughout the house. This keeps the house warm all night, after the kitchen fire is extinguished before the occupants go to sleep.
Modern Ondol Floor Heating Systems
The old ondol system that used fire and smoke, had a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if the mud layer dried up and cracked after prolonged use. The current Korean ondol system uses electricity and circulating hot water under the floor. Because it’s a closed system, modern ondol is highly efficient, while a typical fireplace transfers only 20% into the inside of the house. Heat is stored longer under the floor after you turn off the system. Recently, many architects and home builders around the world have recognised the efficiency of the modern ondol system. From South Korea, the system has been implemented in Japan, China, Europe, and North America. It’s being recognized as a new alternative in home heating system.
Ondol System Controls
When staying in a modern Korean house during winter, you will likely find an ondol thermostat on the wall. When you turn it on, hot water will flow under the floor within a network of small pipes. There are dozens of ondol manufacturers in South Korea and the basic usage of the system is generally similar. The ondol thermostat has a power button to turn on and off the system. There’s a display to show the current temperature and to indicate whether the system is turned on or off. There are usually temperature pre-sets, such as low, mid, and high. You may also find buttons to manually adjust the temperature in Celsius (not Fahrenheit). The system will turn on and off automatically to meet your preferred temperature level.
Contact KCrush America
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—-Julie Luong
#Ondol #hotwaterflooring #Korea #woodenflooring #historicalhousing #Asia
#ondolmanufacturers #kpopcommunities #kfans #kpop #kmagazine #rooftopliving #Koreanhousing #kcrush #Koreanrealestate #buykoreanbuildings
Start-Up is one of the few dramas I’ve seen some of my friends buy merchandise for and now I totally understand why. This drama was such a blast to watch! There are very few downer moments in this show, despite some heavier themes. I highly recommend this after a more weepy K-Drama or if you need some extra sunshine in your life! Warning: Spoilers Ahead.
Plot:
This show centers around Dal-mi, a young entrepreneur who wants to walk in her late father’s footsteps. As a child, she wrote letters to a boy named Nam Do-San. Turns out, they were actually written by a young man her grandmother knew, using the name of a boy in a newspaper so that she wouldn’t find out. Dal-mi years later goes in search of Do-San and finds him! But the now successful business man, Ji-pyeong, who actually penned the letters finds him first and convinces Do-San to pretend to have been writing the letters all along.
I loved the tension in this drama. Who would Dal-mi choose!? Her first love or the new Do-San? The lies create unrest in the characters of Ji-pyeong and Do-San as well. Ji-pyeong knows he is Dal-mi’s first love and starts to fall for her, but is blocked by her affection for Do-San. Do-San on the other hand is always trying to live up to the man in her letters. What a whirlwind.
The reveal of Ji-pyeong as the letter writer was done very well. I like that Dal-mi was starting to sense something wrong as well. I originally thought she would find out by comparing the handwriting of her letters to the handwriting of Ji-pyeong’s notes in their counterfeit handwriting system. I still think that could have been cool, but this reveal made it more impactful. She was able to talk to Do-San on the phone whilst being with Ji-pyeong holding her letter. It was a good shock!
The one moment I hated was when Do-San asks Dal-mi why she likes him after he returns from America. He looks at her with pleading eyes. She tells him she doesn’t know. And that was so disappointing for me! Even though she says that she just likes him—and he feels comforted by that—it didn’t feel satisfying at all. Why not say because he came to her rescue with the hackers, told off the CEO who insulted her, or how he was always supportive of her dreams? There are so many amazing qualities about Nam Do-San and just saying “I don’t know, I just like you” felt lame to me.
I liked how Ji-pyeong tells Dal-mi that he had 15 years to reach out to her and he never acted. Whereas the first day Do-San met her, his feelings propelled him to act. In the end, Do-San was the one who was meant to be with Dal-mi. Although, it was also fruitful that Ji-pyeong fell for Dal-mi. He started smiling and being more sincere after his affection grew for Dal-mi, and this led him to fund that youth organization at the end of the series. It was a great way to wrap up the show for him. Plot: 9/10
Setting:
The Sandbox is a pretty cool place. The café, modern offices, and casual lounge area—it gives entrepreneurs a creative space to experiment. I like that they spent so much time here.
The layout of the house Dal-mi shares with her grandmother is homey! Its cozy vibes show the family warmth that Ji-pyeong is so attracted to. On the flip side, Do-San’s family home is darker and more serious. This helps us to experience the heaviness that he feels as a son who carries weighty expectations.
I also loved the old office that housed Samsan Tech in its beginner days. It’s a sweet scene when the team goes back one last time, with tears in their eyes at their humble beginnings. Setting: 7/10
Characters:
I like that we saw Dal-mi as a child because it set the scene for us to understand her as an adult. She is sweet, happy-go-lucky, and carefree. Her personality was perfectly crafted for this role as she navigates her sharp sister and falls for the dream of Do-San.
Do-San has a great character arc in this series. He starts insecure but becomes strong after living on his own in America. This shows how impactful being around others’ expectations can be. Although his personality doesn’t change, he becomes sure of himself and his value. He doesn’t need words of affirmation from Dal-mi or his parents. This was a beautiful thing to see and it made his relationships better in the end. I also love that he married Dal-mi, too!
Ji-pyeong was an interesting character. He was closed off, well-to-do, and confident. Despite his firm appearance, he is soft inside. His love for Dal-mi’s grandmother, the way he chooses to tell Do-San the truth (that he should shoot his shot with Dal-mi), how he chooses to put professionalism above his emotions—this all displays his strength of character. Due to the difference in age and status, he made for an interesting and compelling rival to Do-San, even despite his backstory with Dal-mi.
I found the side characters to be fun, but a little less compelling. Characters: 7/10
Theme:
“She likes my hands”—the main theme in this show is authenticity. Nam Do-San continually questions why Dal-mi likes him. He knows he is living a lie, but still hopes that this misunderstanding can become reality. He wants to be loved for who he is and likewise, he deserves to be! He holds onto the one thing that Dal-mi actually likes about him, not the Nam Do-San from the letters.
This theme shows us that we need to be ourselves. If we project someone other than who we are, we will forever be questioning our self-worth. Do others like me for me, or just what I project? This gave me some good self-reflection during the show. Theme: 8/10
OST:
When I hear this OST, I get excited! There’s a sense of hope, adventure, and fun love. My favorite upbeat tracks from this soundtrack are “Future” by Red Velvet and “Running” by Gaho. For emotional songs, check out “Day & Night” by Jung Seung Hwan, “One Day” by Kim Feel, and “My Love” by Davichi. OST: 9/10
FINAL:
I totally binged Start-Up. It’s such a rush of good feels, interesting plot lines, and humorous moments. There’s a reason so many people were talking about this show! I only teared up three times, and two of those were happy cries—perhaps a record for the K-dramas I have seen. If you need a pick-me-up, don’t hesitate to watch Start-Up! FINAL: 8/10
—-E. Boyd
K-pop heartthrob singer Kim Hyun Joong is coming back to the big stage with a concert series spanning seven shows, [2021 KIM HYUN JOONG Monthly Concert ‘Prism Time’] starting in May. The first online concert will be held on May 1 at7pm, with the theme of RED.
Along with the release of his second full length Korean album last October, Kim Hyun Joong connected with his fans from all over the world through his first online concert [2020 KIM HYUNJOONG From The Distance Concert].
Despite the barriers that COVID-19 brought, his online concert last year made it possible for fans from all over the globe to meet with him. The show was broadcast live to over 100countries, with fans coming together online to cheer, displaying the true power of music no matter the obstacles.
After the success of his last online concert, fans were eager for more, and Kim Hyun Joong and his company did not disappoint. In response to the excitement of fans, Kim Hyun Joong is preparing to meet with his fans throughout 2021 in the best way an artist could: music. This year is packed with gifts for the fans, the first one coming in the form of the long-term project that lasts for seven months, starting from May – ‘Prism Time’.
The upcoming concert series aims to showcase Kim Hyun Joong in seven different colors with music as the connecting bridge. Each concert will have its own theme within the seven colors, packed with dynamic stages that differ each month. Fans can look forward to various performances from Kim Hyun Joong as he takes the audience on a message filled journey with music.
Beyond his work as a singer, Kim Hyun Joong has garnered attention for his YouTube channel. His releases of colorful content like ‘MUSIC IN KOREA Season 1’ that focuses on his abilities as a singer, allows for him to communicate with his fans despite the distance. He is also known for showcasing the natural sceneries and promoting the beauty of Korea on his channel. This next long term project will further push Kim Hyun Joong forward in his potential as a solo artist.
Tickets for the first of seven concerts from [KIMHYUN JOONG Monthly Concert ‘Prism Time’] are available on MyMusicTaste, where they can be purchased as a single showing with merchandise, or as a season pass to enjoy all seven shows throughout the next months. The first concert, RED, will be broadcasted live for ticket viewers to watch on May 1st.
Further information regarding ticketing and the show itself can be found through https://mmt.fans/Mn8Oor through MyMusicTaste’s other social media channels.
김현중Kim Hyun Joong [KIM HYUN JOONG Monthly Concert ‘Prism Time’] May 1, 2021, 7:00PM KST – MyMusicTaste
About MyMusicTaste:
MyMusicTaste is a fan initiated live event making service that brings fans, artists and promoters from all over the world together in one place to create a valuable and meaningful concert experience for everyone involved. MyMusicTaste puts the power in the fans’ hands, allowing fans to request their favorite artist’s concert in their city. With the mission to connect and amplify the voices of fans all over the world, MyMusicTaste successfully promoted concerts of artists such as EXO, GOT7, MONSTA X, The xx, Machine Gun Kelly, and more in over 57 different cities. With the simple idea–empowering fans to bring their favorite artist’s concert in the city of their choice based on fan demand–MyMusicTaste is challenging the $27 billion concert market through cutting-edge technology and sophisticated, user-friendly service. Currently, www.mymusictaste.com supports more than 30 countries and offers 15 different languages.
About HENECIA MUSIC:
Established in 2018, HENECIA MUSIC is a South Korean record label and entertainment agency founded by the artist Kim Hyun Joong. With the new direction of Kim Hyun Joong’s music, the company was established to better aid all his solo activities and support the dreams of artists that aim to create content and connect with fans at a global level. Some major artists that stand along Kim Hyun Joong in the label are Atom Music Heart and Julia Dream. As a label that focuses on a sense of “togetherness” with fans, they are gaining recognition for the success of their work with K-pop indie artists to reach fans from all over the world.
K-Pop Board Game Launches with 20% Discount and Exclusive Cards
KPOP: Becoming an Idol has launched on Kickstarter! The Kickstarter page is live (Link Here) and backers are already putting their orders in for the highly anticipated board game.
2 promotions have been announced that will run through the end of the Kickstarter on May 6th:
- All copies of KPOP: Becoming an Idol are discounted until the end of the campaign on May 6th. Single copies are 20% off, while any backer purchasing the “Me and a Friend Pack” with two copies will receive 25% off the retail purchase price.
- All Backers will receive a Mystery Outfit to add to the Clothing Card deck! Exclusive to the Kickstarter Edition of the game, these 4 matching Clothing Cards give you a unique look on your way to becoming the next K-Pop Idol!
The Kickstarter Campaign runs from April 13th to May 6th. Further details about the board game including contents, rules and a video trailer can be found on the Kickstarter page.
The Augusta National golf tournament wrapped up April 11, 2021 with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama taking home the green jacket. Matsuyama finished 10 under par during the tournament, scoring Japan’s first ever Master’s win.
The 29-year-old golfer is a popular figure in his native Japan; so much so, he even had to hide that he has a wife and a child, although Matsuyama would say it’s because no one asked.
Outside of Japan and golf circles, Matsuyama is a relative unknown. However, he already has a winning pedigree since entering the professional golf circuit in 2013. Since turning pro, he’s won six golf tournaments including the 2014 Memorial Tournament and the 2017 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. As an amateur golfer, he won the 2010 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and won a Silver Cup in 2011.
Matsuyama started golfing when he was four-years old. His father, Mikio, who is also a golfer, bought a driving range and named it Hideki Golf Garden. Here, Matsuyama learned how to golf.
“He grew up passing through this place, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that this is a place that raised Hideki,” Mikio told ESPN in 2014. “And so, my gratitude alone isn’t enough to repay the people who have warmly cheered on Hideki since he was a child.”
“Since his childhood, he came here together with me,” Mikio said. “Clutching his club, practicing every day, and receiving the warm encouragements of the people he met there.”
Following his Masters win, Matsuyama received praise from fellow golfers on social media, including Tiger Woods who sat out the tournament due to injuries sustained following a single car crash in February.
Making Japan proud Hideki. Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment for you and your country. This historical @TheMasters win will impact the entire golf world.
— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) April 11, 2021
Matsuyama now looks forward to the next steps in the golf world and building his legacy.
“It’s thrilling to think that there are a lot of youngsters in Japan watching today, and in five, 10 years when they get a little older, hopefully some of them will be competing on a world stage, but I still have a lot of years left, so they’re still going to have to compete against me,” Matsuyama said. “But I’m happy for them and hopefully they’ll be able to follow in my footsteps.”
Congratulations on history, Hideki Matsuyama!
Photo cr. Sportscasting
—-Olivia Murray
Megan Lee is a Korean-American singer-songwriter, actress, and YouTuber. She was a member of XO-IQ of the Nickelodeon series Make It Pop, and has also written for K-pop artists like EXO’s Baekhyun and Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon. In May 2019, Megan released her debut extended play, I Am.
We’d like to express a massive thanks to Megan for taking the time out for an interview with us. We wish her all the best and success.
Hello! Thank you for your time. Please introduce yourself to our readers.
Hi! I’m Megan Lee. I’m an Actor/Singer-Songwriter.
How were you initially influenced to do music and performing at a young age? Tell us a little bit about your childhood as well.
My family is very musical and did music in church and loves karaoke so naturally being surrounded by music I have always loved it. I grew up watching musicals with my mom and siblings and loved to sing along and discovered that I also have a passion for performing in front of people. I would create little shows for my family members at gatherings with singing, dancing and character impressions. I just love making people laugh and happy.
How would you describe your musical sound and personality in three words?
Neon electric pop? 😀 This is just my vibe, haha.
You have an incredible voice. Can you share some tips on how to preserve and take care of the voice/vocal chords?
Thank you very much! I’m actually struggling with a vocal condition called MTD (Muscle Tension Dysphonia). I got diagnosed in 2019 after I got laryngitis and pretty much my voice has been pretty unpredictable. My biggest advice honestly is to not overwork your voice. Practice makes perfect yes, but rest is also SO important. Constantly monitoring your voice when you speak and try to avoid talking loudly helps maintain a healthy voice.
Did you enjoy performing at the Joy Ruckus Club Festival recently? What did you most like about performing there?
It was a great time! Interacting with fans on top of watching the live stream of other performers was a really cool experience. Would definitely love to join an in- person stage one day when it’s safe 🙂
Name some of the artists that you’d like to collaborate with in the future.
Jon Bellion. Hands down one of my most favorite singer-songwriters. I look up to his writing and style a lot.
How do you usually select songs to cover on your YouTube channel and what are some of your fav covers?
I just go for whatever song is stuck in my head usually and switch it up and make it my own!
What do you like to do in your free time? How has the pandemic changed your lifestyle?
I love playing video games! I’m a huge Nintendo fan and have also been playing tons of Valorant. The pandemic definitely let me embrace my homebody self.
Please recommend a book, film or musical that you’ve enjoyed recently.
I got to see the Book of Mormon before the pandemic hit and it was SUCH a great time. I can’t wait for the theater to come back! Definitely recommended checking that show out when it’s back.
*It’s already the third month of 2021. Please share with us some of your hopes and plans for the year ahead.
I hope to recover from my condition and do more music. I am planning to release a single this year actually and also would love to make a short film.
This year I plan to make more content online as well as streaming. I’m constantly auditioning for Tv shows and movies, too. I hope something bites this year so that I can work on another cool project!
–J.Chung.
When you are in love, people say that it does not matter what you do with your loved ones, because everything and every moment becomes special. Today we will be learning about places around South Korea that may make that experience even more meaningful and enjoyable.
We will be talking about and looking into different places around the country. And all these places will have their own appeal in making your dates extraordinary. When you need that cherry on top when you spend time with your special someone, try to check out these Top Dating Spots in Korea ranging from fun activities, great food, sites, and so much more!
Let’s start with some places around Seoul, the capital of South Korea, with the N Seoul Tower! Commonly known as Namsan Tower, it is location on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul and along with a plaza, food establishments, observatories, there is a lot to do.
The tower is right in the middle of the busy Seoul city, but being on top of a mountain, you will be surrounded by greenery such as trees and lots of nature. There’s a bit of a walk going up to the actual tower, with routes that make the whole mountain seem like a park. But if you aren’t the type to walk up a mountain, don’t worry! There’s a cable car that’ll bring you up to the tower plaza in a matter of minutes.
Now, let’s talk about what you can go when you get to the tower plaza.
First of all, you need a moment to fully enjoy the view! The view of the city is gorgeous any time of the day, as the tower even lights up during nighttime.
After the view, you and your loved one could do the the “Locks of Love” activity. You get to hang padlocks around the terrace of the N Plaza of the tower. You can purchase or bring your own padlock write your initials or messages and lock the padlock to show that your love will stand the test of time!
You can head up to the observatory, or get some food, check out the souvenir shop, check out the Pakgakjeon Pavilion (팔작정) and the ancient walls, but most importantly, take a lot of pictures!
The N Seoul Tower and the Palgakjeong Pavilion (남산팔각정) at night
Love padlock trees on the N Tower Plaza area
From a mountain top, now let’s go over to the river in Seoul, the Han River, which is another Top Dating Spot in Korea!
The Han River is very symbolic of Seoul (fun fact: Gangnam means “nam” (south) of the “gang” (river), the Han River). Some areas of the river are lined with walkways, bicycle paths, parks, restaurants, and more. Regardless of the time of the day, looking over at the river, and feeling that breeze is very comforting.
The Banpo Bridge Park, which is in the area of the Han River where the Banpo Bridge is located, has longest fountain in the world. At night, LED lights brighten up the bridge, and the sides become a fountain, which has different shows depending on the time of the day. So, you can have a lovely picnic at the park, and enjoy the fountain show as well!
And if you aren’t that keen on packing a picnic, there’s nothing to fret! You can always call and get food delivered to you! Chicken, Beer, the river, your significant other, if that doesn’t spell romance, I don’t know what could! But if you aren’t keen on delivery as well, don’t worry! Just a little around, and you’ll see vendors, restaurants, even convenience stores right where you need them.
After the fountain, after the river view there are also playground, basketball courts, and if the weather’s in your favor you could even see some people busking! Sit back, enjoy the view, the music, and your loved one right beside you.
Banpo Bridge Park Fountain
The I SEOUL U sign on the Yeouido Park
Moving away from Seoul on the next spot, this Top Dating Spot in Korea is about 2 hours away from Seoul, called Nami Island (남이섬 – Nami Seom).
If you are a fan of K-dramas, you’ve probably seen the beautiful scenery where the leading male and leading female enjoy a date and everything seems magical, you can have your own version in Nami Island.
Famously being featured in the popular K-drama, Winter Sonata, Nami Island is gorgeous regardless of season. During Spring or Summer, the greens are stunning, on Autumn the fall foliage will leave you breathless, and during Winter? Watch Winter Sonata (the K-Drama) and you’ll understand.
Since it is an island, you’ll have to ride a ferry and would have to get a “visa” by paying and admission fee, but once you get there, you’ll be in K-drama heaven. Aside from the scenery, there are cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions that you can enjoy.
Also, if you fall in love with the small island (only about 430,000 square meters in area and approximately 4 km in diameter), there’s even accommodation available for you to spend the night.
Straight out of a K-drama, the staple Nami Island walkway
Moving on to another city in the country, let’s take a look at Busan. Busan is the second largest city after Seoul, and it is located in the Southeastern side of South Korea. It is a center for economy, culture, and education as its port is the busiest in the country. A center for various international conventions, sports tournaments, it even is home to the world’s largest department store. It is no surprise that you’ll be experiencing something new and different in Busan compared to other areas around Korea.
To start, since Busan is a port city, it is well known for its seafood. You can even see vendors that will sell their fresh catch of the day. And being a larger city, there is much to see, including the largest department store, the areas that hosted sporting events, and if you want to sit back and relax, there are a number of beaches just around the corner.
And there’s also Gamcheon Cultural village (감천문화마을), a colorful village on the hills of Busan, a little away from the beach.
Korea’s Machu Pichu, the Gamcheon Cultural village
There are still more Top Dating Spots in Korea we did not get to talk about, among them include: Jeju Island, which is known as a honeymoon destination (can it be any more romantic?); Jeonju City known for its food, and traditional cultural villages; Gyeongju City where so many historical sites are present (a favorite for students to go on educational trips), so if you can mix education and romance, it’s perfect for you!
Depending on what you are looking to enjoy on your date, there is always a place for you to go around Korea. And like we mentioned earlier, being with a loved one already makes everything great, all you have to find is the place to add the cherry on top.
—-Eun Oh
UP10TION member, solo artist, and actor Lee Jin-hyuk has released his 3rd mini album, [SCENE26]. The record contains 7 tracks 5K, Silence, Asteroid, HATI-HATI, Be half-awake, Wave, and Coup d’État – Lee Jin-hyuk having participated as a composer and lyricist in 5 of the songs.
We would like to thank Lee Jin-hyuk for this great interview and wish him all the best in all his ventures!
Hello, would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hello! This is Lee Jin-hyuk the baby sun!!
Tell us about your album that is about to be released soon.
The MINI ALBUM [SCENE26] is an album where you’ll be able to meet the more mature Lee Jin-hyuk, now aged 26. There are two versions. The Reel version’s concept has a fashion pictorial showing a side of being urban, chiq and full of confidence. The Roll version shows Lee Jin-hyuk transitioning from a boy to a man, in a witty and casual analog-like way.
Which song on your new album are you the most attached to, and why?
I am attached to all of those songs on the album… However, “Asteroid” is a song that was a new challenge for me. It was the first time for me to sing the whole song without any rap.
How do you normally select the first single?
It depends on which song fits the best with the overall concept of the entire album, and we decide after discussing in depth with our team at the company on which would be the most memorable to the public.
How do you like to get inspired when writing lyrics?
I go on walks while listening to songs to figure out what goes well with the theme.
Since I don’t get to go on walks very often these days, I do it in the car on the way to work or while I’m walking around in my room.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a solo singer and actor. Also, tell us about the things that you find difficult.
I think there are both the enjoyable aspects and also difficult ones. Being able to grow and mature in the process is the most enjoyable aspect, I think. It makes me happy when I become the way that I want as I grow, but to keep learning and developing myself are the most difficult.
Name a book, movie or a musical that you were inspired by recently.
I don’t get much time for any leisure nowadays, so I didn’t really have the chance to see a lot. I’m preparing for a musical while I watch On Air: The Secret Contract.
You’ve mentioned in your last interview with Up10tion that you love the color blue. Is blue still your favorite color?
I still love the color blue.
What kind of food or beverages do you enjoy the most?
I love kimchi-jjigae (kimchi stew)! Probably because it’s something that I’ve always had since I was a child. It’s also something that keeps me healthy.
Could you lend a word of advice for people who are dreaming of becoming idols?
Trying your hardest at something isn’t always the only method, but I think if you experience a lot of things, you’ll be given an opportunity one day! Try accumulating a lot of experiences!
Please tell us about your future plans and hopes. And a message for the fans too.
I’d like to show you guys the side of me that you’ve never seen before. Especially since we’re living in such difficult times, I want to become an idol and actor who is able to shine a light on everyone.
–J.Chung.
Rolling Quartz is a South Korean rock girl band signed under Rolling Star Entertainment. The band consists of five members, Jayoung, Iree, Hyunjung, Areum and Yeongeun. Rollin Quartz made their official debut in December of 2020 with the single Blaze.
We would like to express a massive thanks to the members of rolling Quartz for this great interview. We also wish that the readers will get the opportunity to learn more about the band.
Thank you for offering your time for this interview.
Would you briefly introduce yourselves and tell us about your roles in the band?
Jayoung: I am Jayoung. I write songs and sing.
Iree: Hello, I’m Iree, the guitarist of Rolling Quartz.
Hyunjung: Hi, I am Choi Hyungjung. I am a guitarist and known for being the prankster of the band.
Areum: Hello. I am Areum, the bassist.
Yeongeun: Hello, my name is Yeongeun. I am the drummer of Rolling Quartz.
Jayoung
Tell us about the inspiration behind the name, “Rolling Quartz”. How did that come about?
Iree: Before Rolling Quartz was formed, Areum and I were in a band, “Rolling Girls” and the rest of the three members were in a band called “Rose Quartz”. When we decided that we should form the two teams, we thought for days on what to call our band. Since we couldn’t think of a great name, we chose to combine our former band names and call our band “Rolling Quartz”.
Hyunjung: The name derived from our former respective teams “Rolling Girls” and “Rose Quartz”.
Yeongeun: Our band’s name was combined from Rose Quartz and Rolling Girls.
Most find Rolling Quartz’s sound and image very refreshing, we are curious on how you initially got into doing rock music and how you all got to join the band. Was it also your childhood dream to become musicians?
Jayoung: I think because our personalities dislike being frustrated and like cool things, which affects the genre of music that we like. Whenever I listen to rock music I love, I get emotional and think to myself that I made the right choice by choosing music. I always dreamt of doing art-related work and made the decision to become a singer in middle school.
Iree: I have loved band music since I was growing up. I was attracted to the unique and grand sound that can only be found in rock/metal music.
I befriended Areum at a live club in Hongdae – although I can’t recall when our first meeting was – at the time, she was performing as a musician at the show, and I was a part-timer selling tickets for the performance. It never occurred to me when I was young that I would be doing music.
Hyunjung: I was asked by Jayoung and Yeongeun to join Rose Quartz, so I joined them after an audition. Jayoung and Yeongeun then got to know the Rolling Girls, so we joined forces with them. It has always been a dream of mine to be a musician.
Areum: I used to be a bassist in a band called Red Dot in Hongdae, then I got into a project group called Rolling Girls and later joined Rolling Quartz.
Yeongeun: I watched a band perform by chance when I was younger, and wanted to do music from then onwards. I am still doing music to this day. I got into metal music at the age of 20, and started playing rock and metal music that I love. I was introduced to Rolling Quartz by my drums teacher when I was in high school, that’s how I joined the band.
Iree
What do you think has changed the most since you had your debut?
Jayoung: So many people have shown their support and love for me, which had a big effect on my mindset. I also want to affect the fans in a positive way.
Iree: We now have more people who are viewing our online performances on YouTube live.
Hyunjung: My mindset has changed, I think.
Areum: We currently spend more hours practising.
Yeongeun: Thanks to the love and support from Diadem, I received the strength to do music. My mind and thoughts have also become more positive.
Name some of the musicians/artists that you respect the most, and why.
Jayoung: ONE OK ROCK and Jessie J. ONE OK ROCK’s music is my ultimate favorite. I love Taka’s light but husky voice and vocal style. I love Jessie J’s powerful vocals and cool performance.
Iree: Crying Nut, who has their 26th anniversary this year! I’ve loved and respected the band since I was in high school. I love their explosive energy while performing.
Hyunjung: There are just too many…
Areum: Watching Miyavi’s guitar performances makes me want to play base.
Yeongeun: I love One Ok Rock, Bring Me The Horizon, Crossfaith and other metal and rock bands, the type of genre that I love and want to play.
Hyunjung
Which song do you enjoy the most to perform and play?
Jayoung: Misery Business!
Iree: Blaze!
Hyunjung: Blaze.
Areum: Blaze! It’s a song that I really like.
Yeongeun: I like our debut song, Blaze the most.
What is your most prized possession?
Jayoung: The comic books that I’ve been reading since I was a child.
Iree: I have a pink wallet with an ivory tassel that my grandma got me. Before that I carried around a really worn out one. My grandma passed away in January, earlier this year.
Hyunjung: I can’t think of anything right now.
Areum: My cell phone.
Yeongeun: My phone that holds all my memories.
Areum
What do you enjoy during your spare time?
Jayoung: I read animations, work out and draw.
Iree: Play computer games!
Hyunjung: I game, work out and read books.
Areum: I’ve recently got really into resin art.
Yeongeun: Diamond painting cross stitch, miniature craft and other types of crafts are fun to do while watching entertainment shows.
What is usually the first thing that you do when you get up in the morning, and how many hours do you approximately spend on practising daily?
Jayoung: I check my phone and start stretching. We don’t have a set amount of hours for practice. We continue practising until we get the sound that we’re satisfied with.
Iree: I sit down with all my cats and say good morning. I then start cleaning up the mess that the cats made during the previous night. We do practice every day but the hours of the schedule differ each day.
Hyunjung: I eat breakfast first. The hours of practice depends on the schedule.
Areum: I drink coffee first. We practice for about 2.3 hours a day, maybe?
Yeongeun: I prepare to head to the studio. We don’t really have a set amount of hours for practice but we spend time until we achieve what we’ve planned. We usually spend the whole day in the studio, where we eat and rest in between.
Yeongeun
Rolling Quartz seems to be getting a lot of attention from all over the world, share with us any interesting stories that you’ve experienced while interacting with the fans.
Jayoung: I’m really into pictures and art, so when fans send me pictures they drew of me, I get so happy. ㅠㅠ
Iree: On Twitter, someone commented something in English that we couldn’t decipher. It looked like a code of some sort, so I tried to figure it out. Later, I was told it was just something typed randomly on the keyboard with no meaning…
Hyunjung: There have been some interesting comments made by the fans that I recall.
Yeongeun: People have drawn pictures of us and edited our photos so beautifully, which makes us uplifted every time.
What do you wish to be doing 5 years from now?
Jayoung: I want us to do a massive performance in venues like the Olympic Stadiums.
Iree: Festival tours abroad?
Hyunjung: I want to meet with Diadem and hang out with them.
Areum: Watch movies all day at home.
Yeongeun: I wish all the Diadem around the world would unite in one space and be able to communicate with us.
We’d like to know your future plans and hopes and a nice comment or two for your fans would be appreciated as well.
Jayoung: We’ll be back with a new project very soon!!! Please stay fit and don’t get sick. Be happy!
Iree: We’re preparing to release a single album in late summer this year. I wish the coronavirus would die down, so we will be able to hold our concert.
Hyunjung: I wish to become rich. Diadem Hermosa!
Areum: A new album release is our goal. Thank you so much for making each day for us a happy one. I love you.
Yeongeun: We’re currently working on our next album, so please stay with us. We are so happy because of Diadem – we also hope they are happy because of us. We will repay you with better music and performances. Thank you. Love you. ♡
–J.Chung.
Who knew a story about a pub owner would be so intense!? Itaewon Class is a story of revenge, self-sacrifice, and ambition. It is full of deep emotion and themes. I’m still not over it, and here’s why. Warning: Spoilers.
The plot is so interesting and at times, unpredictable. Itaewon Class is about Park Saeyori who suffers an injustice that results in his father’s death. For the rest of the show, he works for restitution. He does this by trying to build up his career to take town the man who covered up his father’s death.
One of the most heart-wrenching scenes is where Saeroyi is visiting his father’s grave. He takes a sip of liquor and starts crying, saying that it is bitter. The way we continue to see him interact with his father’s legacy (and let’s not forget his near-death scene with his father in the afterlife!) is an amazing addition to this show. The writers knew how to hit those emotional notes!
My favorite scene in the show is when Park Saeroyi finally bows before Director Jang and says how it was the easiest thing he had ever done! This was such a powerful moment and tears definitely fell from my eyes! Love truly does conquer all.
I love how the show didn’t surround a romance, but rather the main relationship that the show centered on was between Director Jang and Park Saeroyi. It truly was all about getting justice. Though I appreciated how Yi-seo added to the plot and was so faithful to Saeroyi, it was refreshing to see a drama’s plot driven by this theme. Additionally, the pacing was great and there were very few moments that didn’t matter. Plot: 9/10
The narrow alleyways of Itaewon, the bright lights of Seoul at night, the pretty scenery by day—it all made me want to visit this section of South Korea! The diversity that you can find there and the unpredictability of it made it so magical and the perfect setting for the ambitions of our main characters. I also love DanBam so much! Not only is it cozy, but it also has some amazing interior décor. Let’s not forget that rooftop view of Seoul. Setting: 9/10
No character is wasted. Everyone in this show has a purpose and incredible backstories. Each character has a vice that they have to overcome, and in doing so each plays an intricate role in the plot. There are no characters here simply for comedic relief or fluff. There is diversity in the cast too— with Tony, a black man, and Hyeong-yi, a transgender. Very few dramas have I seen either in, and I’m glad that some social issues were brought into play. This also helped solidify how Park Saeroyi focused on the individual and not their stereotype.
As far as our leading man, Park Saeroyi had a personality I had not previously seen in a story or drama. He is so calm and unexpressive on the surface but has many emotional layers. He expresses himself mostly in his action, whether it is the quiet support of his employees or his determination. Because of this, it makes moments when he does outwardly emote that much more impactful. Saeroyi is ambitious, faithful, kind, self-sacrificing, and strong. My favorite trait was his quiet strength and his love for others.
The rivalry is insane in this show. They crafted Director Jang to be the perfect villain to oppose our protagonist! Additionally, Soo-ah was infuriating and Yi-seo made it all better every time she got in her way! Characters: 10/10
This show made me walk away wanting to be a better person. Park Saeroyi always puts others first above his business. That taught me that people are the priority above all else. As mentioned earlier, he saw each and every person’s strengths. He also supported them through their weaknesses. What a man!
An undercurrent of sorrow and unfinished business is carried throughout the entire show as we long to see justice for Mr. Park. This unrest propels the intensity and depth of every episode. It leads to his son wanting revenge, rather than just success in honor of his father. As Park Saeroyi rivals Director Jang, we see how his anger leads him to make poor decisions. Thankfully, in the end, he is able to see his error. This is a great message to see played out—motivation matters. Theme: 9/10
This is my favorite OST of all time! You really can’t go wrong when putting it on shuffle. Some of my favorites are “Sweet Night” by V (BTS), “Our Souls at Night” by Sondia, “Start Over” by Gaho, “You Make Me Back” by Woosung, and “Still Fighting It” by Lee Chan Sol. My top song choice is “Someday, The Boy” by Kim Feel. OST: 10/10
Final Score:
This show is near perfection. I sobbed when it ended because I loved it so much and hated to see it go. It was the first K-drama I ever watched and it got me hooked! I always recommend Itaewon Class to others because it is the perfect balance of romance, suspense, and action. My nights were always sweet when I watched this show, and I’ll likely re-watch it again in the future. Final Score: 9/10
—-E. Boyd
Run River North is a 3-piece American Korean indie folk-rock band from Los Angeles, California. The members are Alex Hwang, Daniel Chae, and Sally Kang. The band was formed in 2011 and has since released 3 studio albums, the latest being “Creatures In Your Head” was released in February of this year. We would like to massively thank RRN for this great interview and wish them all the best in their careers.
Hello, thank you for taking the time out for this interview with us.
Please briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Daniel: I play guitar for the band.
Alex: I sing and play guitar for the band.
Sally: I sing and play keys for the band.
Tell us how you came to name your band “Run River North” and how you guys initially met.
Sally: We were first called “Monsters Calling Home” and had a song that Alex wrote which we all came together for/to perform, compete, and lose at a competition called Kollaboration. We kept creating music together and changed our name to Run River North after we realized the story of “Monsters Calling Home” could live on in the song.
How would you define the sound and philosophy(?) of Run River North?
Daniel: Picture this. A hummingbird flying at the speed of light. This is what we hope to capture in our sound and philosophy.
Alex: Folks singing about their folks and other folks and using as many or as little instruments as needed.
Sally: We love all types of music with all three of us having different stories/interests. Our music reflects that but also doesn’t restrict us to just one genre of rock or folk. We’re a dancey-rockin’-catchy tuned-bass heavy sounding band.
Where and how do you like to get musically inspired?
Daniel: I very much appreciate all of the uploads of musical guests and late night shows. Old Letterman and Conan have some gems.
Alex: Live shows and youtube videos. Also, books, movies and tv shows.
Sally: Looking back, I’ve definitely been inspired during live shows when the artists have intimate moments that draw the audience in. You can sense the pure emotion and life of the song in those 3 minutes of just them and their instrument.
Do you think that Covid-19 had any effect on your music/performances in any way or form?
Daniel: The beauty of a live show is the interaction of two parties: the band and the audience. Yes we’ve been able to adapt via Zoom and Live YouTube shows, but it feels like one of our legs got chopped off.
Alex: Yes. It really sucks not being to play a show in a venue to fans. Or touring. I miss all of it. The shitty driving, the gas station bathrooms, well maybe not those so much.
Sally: We’ve had to learn and adapt to live performances that still gave us those pre-show jitters, whether streaming live or being recorded earlier. It’s been amazing to still meet up when we can and pick up a guitar or set up our gear and look around and think, “Yeah, we still can make music!”.
What do you like to do for leisure, other than the music-related?
Daniel: Recently, filling jars of those little paper stars.
Alex: Yoga, cook dinner and watch Netflix with my wife. Sleep early.
Sally: Baking has been a past hobby of mine, but something I’ve found much joy and peace in. Lots of cookies, breads, cakes are made in my home.
What would be your fav song by Run River North, and why?
Daniel: “Growing Up” has been consistently included in our live set since the start of the band. The song has a magical way of absorbing more and more meaning as time passes.
Alex: “Monsters Calling Home” – it feels like a river running north sonically and it requires everything I have to sing it correctly.
Sally: “Lying Beast” is a favorite of mine. It always holds a sentimental place in my heart of me back in the early years of the band and overcoming a lot of my own fears/insecurities. It’s such a beautiful song that incorporates “Arirang” as well throughout.
If you could perform at any venues in the world, where would it be?
Daniel: I’d love to play more shows in Korea.
Alex: Glastonbury, UK. Watching (on YouTube) the Arctic Monkeys perform Mardy Bum at Glastonbury 2007 was life changing. I go back to that once in a while to remind myself of why I wanted to write and perform a song in front of folks to sing along to – I mean, they start yelling out the guitar melodies and it gives me goosebumps.
Sally: I would love to play in Korea, Australia, everywhere!
Do you have any advice or encouragement for aspiring musicians who are dreaming of making music?
Daniel: Don’t do music if you want to make money or be famous. Do it if music gives you a feeling and a drive that nothing else could replace.
Alex: What Daniel said.
Sally: Have the grace and humility to treat yourself and others well and be prepared to have all parts of you exposed during this journey of making music and playing shows. It’s really a beautiful and freeing thing if you allow it to be.
Thank you for this great interview. We have one last question for you. What do you have planned for 2021 and beyond?
Alex: Make some more songs. Maybe play a few shows.
Sally: Getting married to Daniel! We had a Covid engagement so hoping to have a fun and safe wedding along with continuing to make new music with RRN.
–J.Chung.
HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment) has made it public that they are acquiring a 100 percent stake in Ithaca Holdings, which includes SB Projects and internationally successful artists like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Demi Lovato.
Scooter Braun, the founder of SB Projects, is joining the board of HYBE and Scott Borchetta will remain the CEO of Big Machine Label Group.
HYBE also shared its plans to purchase an additional 950 million shares in Big Hit America for $9.5 billion US dollars to acquire an overseas label to accelerate its entrance into the global market.
HYBE’s chairman and CEO Bang Si-hyuk stated, “The inevitable joining of HYBE and Ithaca Holdings marks the start of a new adventure that no one could have possibly imagined. The two companies will work closely together leveraging our proven track records of success, know-how, and expertise to create synergy, transcend borders and break down cultural barriers. Please look forward to the endless possibilities of HYBE and Ithaca Holdings, and the new paradigm the partnership will establish in the music industry.”
Allison Kaye, the president of SB Projects said, “For 15 years, I have worked alongside Scooter helping him build a best-in-class entertainment company and phenomenal team of which we are both immensely proud. We have launched amazing careers and brands and released incredible content into the world. We are ecstatic to have this new opportunity to partner with Chairman Bang and Big Hit to further the global reach of both companies and the artists with whom we have the privilege of working as we continue to grow our company and their careers across entertainment, technology, commerce and content. Thank you to Scooter, Chairman Bang and everyone involved. We are beyond grateful for the opportunity.”
Founded in 2005, Big Hit Entertainment began as a small company in South Korea, was met with many challenges and failures until it made a name for itself when the Bangtan boys started gaining global fans in recent years. Due to the enormous success of the group, their creator and producer Bang Si-hyuk was able to pay off his immense amount of debt and currently receives recognition as a successful CEO and producer.
–J.Chung.
BTS’s music video “Film Out” has also been unveiled, from the group’s upcoming Japanese-language album BTS, the Best.
The song was written by BTS members with Iyori Shimizu, the vocalist of Japanese rock power trio Back Number.
“The new song ‘Film Out’ is a track we wrote together with Back Number, and we were drawn to the beautiful melody when we first received the demo from Mr. Shimizu,” they shared. “We fell in love with the song while we were working on it, so we hope you all like it, too. It’s a ballad with a poignant melody and lyrics, and we’re sure it has the power to touch many people’s hearts. Please enjoy our song along with the movie.”
“I had some reservations because I’d never written a song that someone else besides myself would sing,” Shimizu said. “But I’m happy that we’ve completed a very lyrical, yet powerful track thanks to our experienced staff, our co-arranger UTA’s efforts, some exciting exchanges with Jungkook, and the personal qualities and power of expression each of the BTS members have.”
“Film out” will be featured as the ending theme tune to the Japanese film, Signal the Movie Cold Case Investigation Unit, which is out in Japanese theaters on April 2.
BTS, the Best will be a compilation of the Japanese-language songs the group has released since 2017. The album is set to be released on June 17th.
The super K-pop group has had a lot going on recently – they’ve just been nominated for a Brit Award, and snagged two awards at the 2021 GAFFA-Prisen, a prestigious annual music ceremony in Denmark.
Here are the lyrics to Film Out:
“BTS – Film out (English Translation) Lyrics “
[Verse 1: Jungkook, Jimin]
You, in my imagination
Are so vivid, oh-oh
As if you are right there
But I reach out my hand
And you suddenly disappear
[Chorus: Jungkook, V]
From all the memories stored in my heart
I gather up the ones of you, link them together
Gazing at them projected across the room
I feel you with every burst of pain
[Post-Chorus: All]
Oh-oh
La-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la
Oh-oh
La-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la
La-la-la, la-la-la
[Verse 2: RM]
Decay too far gone absorbing no light or water
Sealing my wounded heart with a rootless, leafless vow
Two glasses placed side by side, their role
Never fulfilled, ah, just as thеy were
Since you last touchеd them
Primis Player Placeholder
[Chorus: Jin, Jungkook]
From all the memories stored in my heart
I gather up the ones of you, link them together
Gazing at them projected across the room
I feel you with every burst of pain
[Verse 3: SUGA, J-Hope, Jungkook]
Don’t have to be right
Just wanted you to stay the way you are
Kind hearted, always smiling, but
If tears can be measured, it took this long but
I’ve barely made it by your side (By your side)
And found you
[Chorus: V, Jimin]
From all the memories stored in my heart
I gather up the ones of you, link them together
Gazing at them projected across the room
I fall asleep with you vivid in my arms
[Bridge: Jin, Jimin]
The words you whisper, the resonance
Wander aimlessly around the room
The fragrance I smell, the warmth I feel
As long as it lasts, as long as it lasts
[Outro: Jin, V]
You, in my imagination
Are so vivid
As if you are right there
But I reach out my hand
And you suddenly disappear
–J.Chung.
Words cannot express how incredible the message and imagery of Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon are, but it’s worth a shot!
Raya and the Last Dragon (Raya from this point on), which was released via premier access on Disney+ and limited theater release on March 5, 2021, is a sweeping tale that marks the return of Disney’s stirring storytelling. The story takes place in Kumandra, a land inspired by Southeast Asia’s glorious landscapes and culture, 500 years after the land split into five distinct kingdoms: Heart, Fang, Spin, Tail, and Talon. The main protagonist, Raya (Kelly Tran), journeys the lands to find the last dragon, Sisu (Awkwafina), and pieces of the dragon gem in hopes of beating the Druun and reuniting the clans to become Kumandra again.
At the heart of Raya lies the message of trust. The message opens the film and radiates until the end. The message is one adults and children can see and absorb, so it isn’t a message that is “over the head” of younger audiences. Through Sisu, Raya, Namaari (Gemma Chan), and the rest of Raya’s rag-tag gang, the theme of trust crops up often as the true way for each nation to reunite as one. The message is timely given how we live in an era of unrest between different races and cultures. In its simplest form, having each character come together to fight for the common good is a great discussion point for children to help them understand how people can and should come together to overcome prejudices. While shown explicitly at first, the message shows how not trusting everyone can break down a society and continue to cause rifts.
In its subtleness, the issues with trust between two of the main characters, Raya and Namaari, show how people can have protagonist and antagonist roles as reflected in internal turmoil each character navigates as the story unfolds. Raya and Namaari serve as Âm dương (Vietnamese), or Yin and Yang. The characters bring out the best and worst in each other starting from their youth until their adult years. As the two run into each other and navigate through feelings of hope, betrayal, faith, hurt, and anger, their growth as characters embody the concept of learning to trust even when the odds are against people. Their dynamics are one of the strongest elements in Raya, and their character developments are handled gracefully without being heavy-handed in the overall message.
With the Druun, the concept of a plague sweeping the land and stopping at nothing reflects the story of how the lack of trust destroys humanity. The concept of Druun, a plague born from human hate and conflict, isn’t new as it’s a theme that has shown up in children’s films over the years. Fans of The Neverending Story and Harry Potter may recognize the concept as it appears in the form of The Nothing and Dementors, respectively, but it’s still relevant today as people are consumed by hate and fear. The Druun, in this case, erupts when there is conflict and will stop at nothing until all of humanity is turned to stone. The way the Druun’s animated can be a bit scary for younger audiences, especially toward the end of the movie as it consumes people en masse, but the representation serves as a visual reminder on how division and hate have consequences.
Beyond the characters and message, Raya shines in many areas. The musical score and scenery serve as epic backdrops and enhance the stories in ways that touch the heart.
In Raya, the larger-than-life music moves the story to new, emotional heights. While Raya didn’t have any singing, the music stands alone. Raya marks the return of composer James Newton Howard to the Disney fold; he is responsible for the scores used in Atlantis: The Last Empire and Treasure Planet. The music does well capturing the Southeast Asian vibe as it uses some traditional instruments including the gamelan to help set the mood. Howard’s arrangement of the music is pure magic! The rises and falls of the notes and the intense build-ups in “Running on Raindrops” and “Return” provide tear-jerking moments, while the land-themed tracks like “Storming Fang” provide excitement. Raya has one of the best soundtracks from any recent Disney film and stands alone beautifully even without the film.
Raya also presents some of Disney’s most stunning landscapes. The world Raya’s set in calls upon different cultures beautifully. Talon, for example, is heavily influenced by marketplaces present in Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia; whereas the river at the end of Tail calls upon the landscape along the Mekong River. Fang utilizes a more geometric appearance reminiscent of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, while Spine’s landscape echoes Vietnam’s bamboo forests. The animation team did a solid job pulling different elements from different regions in Southeast Asia, so world-building earns a well-deserved kudos.
Beyond the landscapes, Disney incorporates other elements from the different cultures present in Southeast Asia. For example, when the characters pray or greet each other with their hands in a circle, it’s similar to nop (Laos) and wai (Thailand). In Kumandra, the level of respect given to a character is shown by where the hands are placed; the higher the hands, the more respect that’s present for the individual. Even when the Druun turns people into stone, the people stand in a pose that is reminiscent of someone giving a gift (gift-giving is a theme present in Raya and a polite gesture in East Asian culture). The poses of the stone people are an important image, and when the realization hits that everyone has that pose except the six main characters in the end, it holds a deeper meaning for viewers who recognize the theme of unity and togetherness.
Raya and the Last Dragon is a film that is child-friendly and an experience for the adult viewer. This film is a great reminder that Disney’s storytelling abilities are still sound, but it’s a brave, deep piece along the lines of Disney-Pixar’s Soul where the viewer is also required to think in addition to enjoying the stunning visuals. Raya is an awe-inspiring film that earns a rare 5/5!
What were your thoughts on Raya and the Last Dragon? Please share!
Further reading:
Raya and the Last Dragon: The 5 Regions of Kumandra Explained
How Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon Found Inspiration from Southeast Asia
East Eggs You Missed in Raya and the Last Dragon
Things Only Adults Notice in Raya and the Last Dragon
—-Olivia Murray
The rock influenced septet walked the boundaries between reality and fantasy with their third online concert [DREAMCATCHER CONCERT CROSSROADS] that streamed on the MyMusicTaste platform. They left fans in awe with their limitless talents showcased in their two-night show on March 26th and 27th with separate themes on each night.
Alongside a live band on both nights, Dreamcatcher reminded audiences why they’re a top tier group that will turn any stage into a utopia for fans. They brought to the table everything InSomnia were hoping for and more, including songs that had never been performed before.
With each concert, Dreamcatcher proves their musical prowess with new arrangements of popular songs from their discography. Unlike their previous concerts, this two-night show focused on duality and the outstanding live vocals of the girls. They excitedly told fans, “ You’ll be able to experience double the various charms of DREAMCATCHER over the next two days.”
As their first online concert of 2021, Dreamcatcher was looking forward to meeting their fans again. Their two-night show was packed with performances that emphasized their all-around skills as performers and musical artists.
SOOTHING THE HEARTS OF FANS WITH UTOPIA
The first night, March 26th, showed a side of Dreamcatcher that touched the hearts of fans and melted any iced hearts leftover from the winter. Pt 1. Utopia opened with “Dear’, and all seven members softly singing a tune that mesmerized fans.
Their outfits on the first night portrayed a forest fairy theme against a set that played off a wonderland concept. The backdrop was fitting for their hypnotic vocals that enchanted the InSomnia watching as they fell down the rabbit hole that only Dreamcatcher could take them through as they sang “Dawn”, followed by “And there was no one left”.
Dreamcatcher’s excitement to meet fans from all over the world in one place connected with fans through the screen as they energized each other with songs and support.
A highlight of the night came in the form of one of Dreamcatcher’s most popular game soundtrack songs that had never been performed live before: “R.oS.E Blue”. Even before the concert, fans had hoped the seven would finally perform the song in concert. As usual, Dreamcatcher exceeded expectations and performed the song with a new arrangement that immediately made it to the top of fans’ favorites lists.
Songs from the Dystopia series like “Scream”, “BOCA”, and “Odd Eye” were given an acoustic twist that had fans cheering for a live acoustic soundtrack to enjoy the concert again after.
The setlist had fans on an emotional ride with “Daydream” and “July 7th” before they performed an encore that saw tears and hugs with “Full Moon”, “Over The Sky” and “4 Memory”. The girls showed their love for Handong with video birthday messages, but the biggest surprise came in the form of a video letter from Handong’s parents, who wished her a happy birthday.
Both Handong and the fans were touched by the beautiful video letter, and the encore came with tears and tissues that reminded everyone of the connection between the members and everyone who loves and supports them.
VVIP ticket holders even had the lucky chance to spend some more time with the girls after the concert for a mini party event where Dreamcatcher read some comments from fans and talked about their feelings after performing.
BATTLING THE SCARS OF THE PAST WITH DYSTOPIA
After an emotional night with Dreamcatcher in Pt 1. Utopia, Dreamcatcher took to the stage on March 27th with Pt 2. Dystopia. They started with a bang, opening with “Chase Me” and diving into “Good Night”.
This night was vibrant with the sound that InSomnia are familiar with and hold dear to their hearts, Dreamcatcher’s rock music influence on full blast. They performed songs like “PIRI”, “Poison Love” and “Wind Blows” that had fans screaming for more.
They performed all three Dystopia series songs on Saturday night as well, with arrangements that differed from the first night. Dreamcatcher performed their songs with powerful dance moves and supreme vocals that had fans showing their support with hearts and comments.
Much like the first night, InSomnia and Dreamcatcher were able to connect with each other despite the concert taking place online. The energetic performances and the strong show of support streaming in through live comments from fans pushed this show to the next level.
While the first night showed a more emotional side, Dreamcatcher took on a different approach on the second night with unit performances that had fans reeling. JI U and SIYEON made the “DoWonKyung (Shangri-La)” team, while DAMI and YOOHYEON performed “Baby Don’t Stop”, and SU A, HANDONG, and GAHYEON covered “Twinkle”.
When the girls asked for hearts and support in the chat box, fans were quick to show it as much as possible, flooding the chat room with hearts that scrolled up faster than the eye could catch.
Dreamcatcher wrapped up a successful two-night show with “Tension” and “New Days”, signaling a new journey to begin with their fans by their side in all their future activities.
The members of South Korean pop group BTS shared their feelings about racial discrimination and criticized the recent rise of hate crimes against AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) in an emotional statement via Twitter. They also revealed their own experiences of prejudice and discrimination.
They began the statement by saying that they are sending deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones (this would refer to the Atlanta shootings earlier this month) due to the growing number of criminal attacks against Asians in the American society, and expressed that they’re against racial discrimination and condemn violence.
On March 16, eight people had their lives taken away in several shootings which happened at three spas in Atlanta – six of them were Asian females. Since 2020, Anti-Asian hate crimes have increased by almost 150%, according to the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism.
The septet stated, “We recall moments when we faced discrimination as Asians. We have endured expletives without reason and were mocked for the way we look. We were even asked why Asians spoke in English. We cannot put into words the pain of becoming the subject of hatred and violence for such a reason.
Our own experiences are inconsequential compared to the events that have occurred over the past few weeks. But these experiences were enough to make us feel powerless and chip away our self-esteem. What is happening right now cannot be dissociated from our identity as Asians.”
A couple weeks ago, trading card manufacturer Topps launched a sticker card illustration of BTS bandmates’ faces getting hit and bruised by a Grammy trophy on sale. Although the company issued an apology and later removed the card, many would still agree that this example only shows that anti-Asian violence and hate occur commonly and taken too lightly.
The K-pop group ended the statement by stating, “We stand against racial discrimination. We condemn violence. You, I and we all have the right to be respected. We will stand together.”
Asian celebrities including Sandra Oh, Steven Yeun, Eric Nam, CL and many others have spoken up and condemned the rising social issue of Anti-Asian hate.
–J.Chung.
They have already racked up a variety of hits featuring guest vocalists from around the world. And on, March 19, Japanese production duo AmPm released ‘Tokyo’ – a new track that pays homage to the dance music of their roots, expressing their vision of their home city in the form of house music.
The song is being used as part of a campaign for CONVERSE×BILLY’S latest sneakers, ALL STAR J HI “SPARK”, and already it is turning heads within the dance music scene. Although it can be broadly classified as house music, this full-fledged dance track also flirts with tech house and deep house along with AmPm’s unmistakably Eastern vibe, resulting in a track that shows a new side of the two masked producers.
‘Tokyo’ is out on by Sushi Muzik, a Dutch label that was founded in Amsterdam in 2020. Despite being a new label, Sushi Muzik has already released tunes from dance music legends such as Norman Doray, Roland Clark, Kryder and Eddie Amador. As a European imprint named after a Japanese dish, it is a highly acclaimed label that is taking its own brand of dance music to the world.
‘Tokyo’ holds a special meaning for the members of AmPm, as they explain in the following comment.
Message from AmPm
“Up until now, we have released lots of tracks based on the dance music that we consider our roots, but we have never released a traditional dance track. Now, in our fourth year since our debut, we have taken on this new challenge.
“2020 was the start of an unimaginably long and difficult period. With everything that is going on, we felt that the word ‘Tokyo’ has taken on negative connotations both domestically and overseas. Since Tokyo is our home, this is a terribly sad situation for us. There is a limit to what we can do about it, but we hope that everyone can try to remember the positive perception they once had of Tokyo. We hope that you can even discover a new impression of Tokyo, and spread that impression to the world through dance music. Since it’s a dance track without any lyrics, it might ignite your imagination. We hope it’s not long before we can all get back to enjoying music at a loud volume again, and to dancing without concern. These are the things we thought about as we released ‘Tokyo’, so we’d love you to listen to it!”
In addition, AmPm will publish their previously unreleased track ‘Intro’ as a limited NFT, with an auction running March 19-31. NFTs (non-fungible tokens) are one-of-a-kind digital codes verified by blockchain technology, and each one is completely unique. The auction for ‘Intro’ will be held on a special site, and only the winning bidder will be able to receive and play the song. This is the first time a Japanese artist has sold their music as an NFT – look out for AmPm as they release ‘Tokyo’ in the real world and ‘Intro’ in the virtual one!
● Release information
Title: ‘Tokyo’
Release date: March 19, 2021
Listen:
https://ampm.lnk.to/tokyo_digi
For Asia: https://ampm.lnk.to/tokyo_digi
Title: ‘Intro’
NFT auction from March 19, 2021
Only one NFT file available!
Auction begins March 19, 2021, at 00:00 JST, and ends March 31, 2021, at 00:00 JST.
Auction site: https://opensea.io/accounts/AmPm
Special site (Japanese text only): https://musicnft.herokuapp.com/
CryptoGames Inc Twitter account: https://twitter.com/CryptoGamesinc
● About AmPm
AmPm are a masked production duo from Japan who made a major global impact with their March 2017 debut track, ‘Best Part of Us’. The same year, they were the only Japanese artist to perform at Spotify On Stage, a festival in Indonesia hosted by Spotify. In 2018, they dominated stages around the world, from Ultra Miami to shows in Korea and Japan, and even a headline concert in New York. In addition to releasing their own original music, AmPm have remixed tracks by popular overseas artists such as Afrojack, R3HAB and Nicky Romero, along with remixes for renowned Japanese artists like Gesu no Kiwami Otome (‘Black Parade’) and MONKEY MAJIK (‘Tokyo Lights’), and production for Ken Hirai’s track ‘Holic’. Collaborating with a plethora of dance-music vocalists, they have released more than 20 tracks to date. In March 2019, they were recognized at the Digital Contents of the Year 2018 / 24th AMD Award, winning the Special Jury Award. In June 2019, they produced V6’s ‘All For You’. Today AmPm are one of Japan’s most in-demand music production exports, with fans among artists and music lovers alike.
Download and streaming links: https://ampm.lnk.to/ampm
Official website: http://ampm.tokyo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampm.tokyo/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ampm_tokyo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ampm.tokyo/
note (Japanese text only): https://note.com/ampm_tokyo
● About NFTs (non-fungible tokens)
NFT is a one-of-a-kind digital token that certifies a file as being completely unique. Introduced in 2018, the NFT format utilizes blockchain technology to allow the creation of a digital file that cannot be copied, but that can be freely enjoyed by the owner. NFTs are currently mainly used for blockchain-enabled videogames and crypto art, but the format is expected to become more widely used in future as more and more products become digitized. In the art world, sales of NFT works exceeding hundreds of thousands of dollars have become a hot topic overseas this year, making it a trend that is attracting widespread attention.
Images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/di3n9lx9y1odcg7/AADWWFMMDcVOjSDmVIgwono0a?dl=0
H&M, Nike and international brands are currently being boycotted by the people of China, due to their stand against the nation’s use of harsh labor in producing cotton by Uyghur people in Xinjiang, China. (Xinjiang is home to 11 million Uyghurs and produces 85 percent of China’s supply of cotton – 20 percent of the global supply.)
The United States called China’s act as “genocide” and said it will stop all imports of cotton from Xinjiang, due to allegations that they “may have been made by slave labor in some of the most egregious human rights violations today.”
H&M, Nike, Burberry, Adidas and other brands have publicly expressed that they do not condone the forced labor practiced to produce cotton in Xinjiang, for past months. A statement made by H&M last year recently infuriated the Chinese government and its citizens when it surfaced online this week.
The Swedish fashion retailer had said that it was “deeply concerned by reports from civil society organizations and media that include accusations of forced labor and discrimination of ethnoreligious minorities in Xinjiang.”
H&M has now been completely excluded from the internet in China – no search results for H&M’s 500 stores or their map locations in mainland China can be found.
Nike’s statement from months ago was also made known to the public that outraged Chinese consumers. It had said, “Nike does not source products from Xinjiang and we have confirmed with our contract suppliers that they are not using textiles or spun yarn from the region.”
Numerous videos of Chinese citizens burning and trashing piles of footwear and clothes from the brands they are boycotting, can easily be found all over the internet.
So far, about 11 brands are facing boycotts for making a statement that they are concerned for any use of forced labor. Other than H&M and Nike, brands like Calvin Klein, Adidas, Converse, Burberry, Under Armour, Tommy Hilfiger, New Balance, Gap, and Zara were added to the list of brands to boycott by Weibo.
However, this type of boycott isn’t something new in China. With support from the ruling communist party, the Chinese have boycotted products from Japan, South Korea and the States numerous times during the past decade or so, due to political, social or nationalistic reasons.
For years, many human rights organizations have criticized China for persecuting Uyghur Muslim minority and putting them into camps in Beijing to do hard labor, like picking cotton by hand under dreadful conditions.
According to the testimonies from those Uyghurs – over one million Uyghur Muslims are believed to be forcibly held in the camps, while closely surveilled by government workers and police, they are made to study Marxism, do forced labor, and give up their religion.
The Chinese government continues to deny all claims of forced labor are false and refutes that such camps are just “vocational training centers” to correct and fight extremism.
Earlier this week, the United States, EU, Canada, and UK placed sanctions on China for “repressive practices against Uyghur Muslims and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups in Xinjiang.”
For those who may not be aware, the Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group originating from Central and East Asia. The Uyghurs are considered native to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in China.
–J.Chung.