Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own flaws. Where will this agreement lead them to, and can two total opposites and flawed individuals overcome their personal demons?
Another year is passing us by, although it seems not too long ago that we considered 2018, a brand-new year.
The year of 2018 has brought so many cases of ups and downs pertaining to various positive and negative financial, political, social issues in the Korean peninsula. Korea’s entertainment industry also went through so much (as usual) grief and lost many talents who were much loved and admired by their friends, family members and the public.
We would’ve liked to cover every Korean celebrity or public figure who are no longer with us since this year but with limited information, retrieving all the necessary information was not possible, plus a few of the birth dates of the listed have not been identified or verified so the best we could do was to omit the dates. Nevertheless, we put an effort to include most of them on our list of deceased Korean celebrities in 2018.
We express our sincere condolences to everyone who have lost their loved ones this year and wish our readers all the best in the coming new year.
Jun Tae-soo (March 2, 1984 ~ January 21, 2018)
Jun Tae-soo (March 2, 1984 ~ January 21, 2018) was a South Korean actor who made his acting debut in 2007 and gained recognition for his role in the TV series Sungkyunkwan Scandal in 2010. He was the only brother to actress Ha Ji-won.
In February 2011, Jun was arrested after assaulting a taxi driver and two police officers while intoxicated. He received treatment for depression and when his health seemed to improve, he planned to return to acting. In January of 2018, Jun took his own life at his residence.
Kim Han-il (June 4, 1990 ~ February 6, 2018)
Kim Han-il (June 4, 1990 ~ February 6, 2018) was a South Korean singer and actor who had an active music career in China under the name, Jack Kim since winning a survival audition program in 2009. In February of 2018, it was reported by Weibo that Kim had unexpectantly died due to a sudden illness at age 27.
He was survived by his Chinese wife of less than a year.
Lee Ho-yeon (January 18, 1954 ~ February 14, 2018)
Lee Ho-yeon (January 18, 1954 ~ February 14, 2018) was a South Korean record producer and Entertainment company DSP Media’s founder. He was credited for discovering Korean pop acts like Sechs Kies, Fin.K.L, SS501, and KARA and in 2015.
Lee had been suffering from various symptoms and was receiving treatment for many years before he took his last breath in the emergency room at the hospital.
Cha Myoung-wook (May 18, 1972 ~ February 21, 2018)
Cha Myoung-wook (May 18, 1972 ~ February 21, 2018) was a South Korean actor who appeared in several movies since 2010.
In February of 2018, it was reported that Cha had died from a heart attack while hiking in the mountains.
Sim Jin-bo (Nov 4, 1983 ~ March 5, 2018)
Sim Jin-bo (Nov 4, 1983 ~ March 5, 2018) was a South Korean actor who made his theater debut in 2002 and later went on to acting in TV roles.
In March of 2018, Sim was reported to have died due to a sudden heart attack at age 34.
Jo Min-ki (November 5, 1965 ~ March 9, 2018)
Jo Min-ki (November 5, 1965 ~ March 9, 2018) was a South Korean actor, known for his roles in TV series Love and Ambition, Queen Seondeok and Flames of Desire. He was also an active photographer, author and former assistant professor.
Following numerous accusations of sexual misconduct from his students; he was soon dismissed at his university. In March, Jo was found dead at an underground parking lot, in an apparent suicide – just three days before he was to be investigated by the police. He left behind six pages of apology.
Seo Min-woo (February 8, 1985 ~ March 25, 2018)
Seo Min-woo (February 8, 1985 ~ March 25, 2018) was a South Korean actor and a member of South Korean boy band 100% which is signed under the label TOP Media. In March 2018, Seo was found at his home in a state of cardiac arrest and emergency responders declared him dead on arrival.
There are speculations that the cause of death may have been a suicide attempt.
Soon-Tek Oh (June 29, 1932 ~ April 4, 2018)
Soon-Tek Oh (June 29, 1932 ~ April 4, 2018) was a Korean-American actor best known for being the voice of Fa Zhou in Disney’s Mulan and the sadistic Colonel Yin in Missing in Action 2: The Beginning. He starred in many films and TV series, including Stargate SG-1, MacGyver, M*A*S*H, Charlie’s Angels, Hawaii Five-O, Touched by an Angel and etc. Oh died in Los Angeles on April 4, 2018 at age 85, after battling many years with Alzheimer’s disease.
Tani – Kim Jin-su (July 5, 1997 ~ April 14, 2018)
Tani – Kim Jin-su (July 5, 1997 ~ April 14, 2018) was a South Korean singer who made a name for himself by his memorial songs for the victims of Sewol Ferry disaster back in 2014. On April 14, Kim unexpectantly died in a car accident at around 2 a.m., while on an expressway when his vehicle bumped into a structure.
One other unidentified passenger also lost his life on the spot. Kim was 21 years of age.
Choi Eun-hee (November 20, 1926 ~ April 16, 2018)
Choi Eun-hee (November 20, 1926 ~ April 16, 2018) was a South Korean actress who was extremely popular in the 1960s and 1970s era, in both North and South Korea. In 1978, Choi and her ex-husband, film director Shin Sang-ok were abducted to North Korea and were forced to remarry and make films by the orders of the leader. In 1986, the couple sought asylum at the U.S. embassy in Vienna and returned to South Korea.
In April of 2018, Choi passed away in hospital at age 91, where she was due to have a kidney dialysis that day.
Hwang Chan-ho (February 24, 1986 ~ April 26, 2018)
Hwang Chan-ho (February 24, 1986 ~ April 26, 2018) was a South Korean actor who appeared in plays, musicals and TV series during his 12-year acting career.
In April of 2018, he died of a sudden heart attack at the age of 32.
Kim Jae-geun (?? 1980 ~ April 30, 2018)
Kim Jae-geun (?? 1980 ~ April 30, 2018) was a former K-pop boyband O2R that made their debut in 1999. The act quickly disbanded after failing to meet much success from their album. Kim worked as a dancer and later was hired as part of a camera crew.
On April 30, 2018, Kim’s vehicle collided into a truck which instantly took his life. The truck driver was injured and the police investigated the cause of the accident. It has also been reported that Kim had lost his wife to cancer three years prior, and was raising their 6-year-old son alone.
Kim Min-seung (?? 1971 ~ May 20, 2018)
Kim Min-seung (?? 1971 ~ May 20, 2018) was a South Korean model and actor who made his modeling debut in 1994 and later appeared in plays and movies.
In May of 2018, Kim was found dead at the age of 47. The cause of his death has not been revealed but it was later reported that he had been suffering from an unidentified illness for several years after wrapping up his modeling career.
Kim Tae-ho (?? 1967 ~ June 17, 2018)
Kim Tae-ho (?? 1967 ~ June 17, 2018) was a South Korean comedian who gained recognition since 1991. He received many awards for actively hosting various TV shows and events.
In June 17, while visiting Gunsan in Jeollabuk-do for a charity golf tournament, he was at a bar with his acquaintances after the event when a drunk customer got rowdy with the owner over the payment for his drinks, then lighted the place on fire. The perpetrator had the gasoline ready three hours prior and had blocked the front door of the bar to prevent people from escaping. Kim died in the fire at the age of 51.
Lee Jong-eun (?? 1969 ~ July 18, 2018)
Lee Jong-eun (?? 1969 ~ July 18, 2018) was a South Korean model, TV presenter and lawyer. Lee was majoring in Political Science and International Relations when she was cast as an MC which led to other TV presenting positions and commercials. She was fluent in English and German, having grown up in several countries. Lee married and moved to New York, where she passed the bar exam and was hired at a law firm.
In 2012, Lee moved to work in the Middle East at a law firm and converted to Islam. Years prior her death, she was treated for breast cancer and passed away at dawn of July 18.
Kim Dong-yoon (June 3, 2018 ~ July 27, 2018) 
Kim Dong-yoon (June 3, 2018 ~ July 27, 2018) was a main rapper of the new K-pop boyband Spectrum and a contestant on MIXNINE, a reality show hosted by YG.
The night before his death, he had been communicating with fans and posted photos of himself on his social media that showed no signs of any illness.
It is of common knowledge that Kim was very underwent for his height and was pressured to do too much work but the cause of his death still remains a mystery.
His family requested for an autopsy on July 30 which was not made public.
Choe Hui-jun (May 20, 1936 ~ August 24, 2018)
Choe Hui-jun (May 20, 1936 ~ August 24, 2018) was a South Korean singer and former politician. He started his career in music as soon as he graduated from Seoul National University in 1959 – in those days, it was uncommon for singers to own a degree and Choe was a law graduate.
Choe died from a chronic disease on August 24 of 2018, at age 82.
Shin Seong-il (May 8, 1937 ~ November 4, 2018)
Shin Seong-il (May 8, 1937 ~ November 4, 2018) was a South Korean actor, director, producer, and former politician. Kang Shin-young (his real name) starred and featured in 500 films during his career and was considered as legendary in the film industry.
In November 2018, he died of lung cancer at the age of 81.
Kim Wooyoung (?? 1996 ~ November 6, 2018)
Kim Wooyoung (?? 1996 ~ November 6, 2018) was a South Korean model.
The cause of Kim’s death was due to an accident while riding on his motorcycle across Mapo Bridge in Seoul at around 5:30 p.m. Details about the accident has not made public by Kim’s management and his Instagram account has since been deactivated.
— J.Chung.
Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own flaws. Where will this agreement lead them to, and can two total opposites and flawed individuals overcome their personal demons?
2018 Kcrush K-Pop Music Awards
The cold and dry Winter air got your skin drying or breaking out? During such a skin battle season, is it safe to scrub the nagging dry scales off the skin for a baby-skin, smooth face?
This routine will help your skin maintain its youthful glow and radiance by keeping it moist, rejuvenated, and healthy.
Oily Cleansing
Remember those oily cleansers you ignored at the stall shelves during summer? Well, it is high time you grabbed one, including the oily and combination skin fellows. Start the routine by using a cleansing oil to clear make-up or accumulated dust from the skin. You may opt for a cleansing balm as the cleansing oil’s substitute or use both. I would recommend using the balm to the oil for those with sensitive or dry skin. Reminder! First wipe off any lip or eye makeup with cotton pads or other recommended removers before initiating cleansing to avoid coloring your face into a rainbow mess. For the cleanse, allow the oil/balm to rest for a few seconds before rubbing it in by gently massaging the face in small circular motions. I would recommend using a cleansing foam, especially after a heavy makeup removal, to ensure the face is clean and free from beauty product traces. Tip! Avoid too hot or cold rinsing water as it could instigate skin irritation.
Benefit! The cleanse will not only keep your skin moisturized, but also ensure the pores are clean thus reducing blackheads.
Gentle Exfoliation
Should you exfoliate during the cold Winter season? Yes, as much as possible. However, the initiative should be gentle as the visage of the face is thinner than that of other body parts. The dry and flaky Winter skin relates to more dead cells that necessitate scrubbing. Dermatologists advise that individuals of all skin types should exfoliate to get rid of the excess dirt inform of dead cells, which the cleanser is incapable of removing, to make room for development of fresh cells. For Winter, I would recommend the exfoliation scrubs, masks, and cleansers compared to exfoliation brushes as they are rather harsh tools. Reminder! Compared to those with dry skin, the oily skin people can exfoliate more often and can handle stronger exfoliants due to their thick skin. Tip! Avoid using harsh exfoliators as the skin is prone to dryness and wind burn from the cold air. If you have a sensitive or dry skin, go for exfoliants with smaller granules to avoid over-exfoliation. Consider your skin’s reaction and response to the exfoliator type and frequency of use to establish that which suits you best. Benefit! Exfoliating helps the skin absorb the applied skin-care products, including the serum and moisturizers, which are crucial for the winter period. It also reduces incidences of skin breakout by speeding up the cell renewal process hence restoring its radiance.
More than “Just Hydration”
All skin types, particularly the oily ones, benefit from hydration. In their order of application, toners, mists/face masks, essences, serums, and ampoules are hydration products that helps avoid skin dryness, especially after cleansing and exfoliating. Applying the toner first, particularly the pH balancing toners, determines the success of your cleansing in removing all dirt. Moisturizing commodities (including creams) and layering of hydration products helps lock in moisture and increases the skin’s water content thus avoiding its flaky winter nature. Throughout the day, you can use a mist to replenish skin hydration while for the night a facemask ensued by a moisturizing cream is more preferable. Reminder! Drink the recommended daily water dose of 8 glasses for additional skin hydration. Tip! Apply the products starting with the thinnest to thickest consistency. Choose face mask depending on your complexion. Benefit! Hydration fosters oil control and nourishes the skin thus reducing appearance of wrinkles (including decreasing the visibility of fine lines) and acne outbreak.
Sunscreening
Sunscreen for Winter? Although not part of the night routine, applying sunscreen in the morning is not just for the scorching Summer days but for the chilly Fall as well. The UV rays also come to play in the cold and dry Winter session instigating skin pigmentation. Reminder! Wear sunscreen to maintain a well-balanced skin color. Tip! You can reduce the amount of sunblock applied in Winter to that used during other seasons. Benefit! Sunscreen products reduce skin pigmentation instances.
For each of the skincare routine steps, observe your skin’s response to various brands of products to determine your perfect match. Some of the re-known Korean skincare brands include Dear, Klairs, MISSHA, Blossom Jeju, Banila Co, IOPE , Skinfood. Narrowing down to a particular brand can be time consuming and sometimes cause problems to the skin. However, by not taking the risk of encountering a negative experience, you might not achieve the possible utmost positive occurrence. Nonetheless, I would recommend that you consider researching prior to experimenting with any beauty product. The ball is now in your court. All the best. 화이팅!
Note: The items mentioned have not been evaluated or reviewed by us.
—-Pe Arlkh
A photo of the original six-member lineup of G.IAM from their ‘Brand New World’ promotional photo. From left: Vega, Kyulsil, U1, A-Tom, Paulo and Eun Yul.
Getting to know G.IAM
Originally a six-member all male Kpop group formed in 2011, G.IAM or Global I Am comprised members A-Tom (Choi Yeong Kyu), Eun Yul (Joo Dae Hyun), Kyulsil, Paulo, U1 (Im Yoo Won) and Vega (Bae Jung Kyun).
The group released their first single ‘Only You’ in 2011 with little fanfare so their official debut was considered to be in 2012 instead when they released the single ‘Brand New World’ which also included the ‘Only You’ track.
True to the ‘global’ in their group name, their promotions and activities were mainly concentrated in Japan and overseas, which limited their recognition and success in their home country.
In 2013, they re-commenced activities in South Korea with the release of the single and music video for ‘I’ll Be There’ followed by more overseas activities including a concert in Shibuya, Japan, and shows in Malaysia, Singapore, and China.
The group’s 2014 comeback saw a distinct change in concept and lineup with only three members – A-Tom, U1 and Paulo remaining. Former members Kyulsil and Vega left to form a new group with new members from Japan while Eun Yul did not return for the group’s comeback for personal reasons.
Their comeback single and music video ‘You’re My Everything’ showcased the husky vocals of Paulo, complimented by U1’s soulful rapping and leader A-Tom’s powerful dance moves. They released a final single ‘Propose’ later that same year and have not had any other releases or activities until early this year.
End of the group’s hiatus
In 2018, the group’s social media channels came alive again with postings indicating their imminent comeback. Although we last heard from the group four years ago, there was no official announcement of a disbandment and the group was presumed to be on indefinite hiatus by hopeful Globals – their fandom’s name.
The announcement of a spring 2018 comeback featured four members – U1, former members Vega and Kyulsil and new member Jun, and was quickly followed by activities in Japan such as fan meetings and shows throughout the year where they performed their previous releases such as ‘I’ll Be There’.
The latest lineup
The group’s latest lineup. From left: U1, Vega, Jun and Yuha .
G.IAM’s latest member lineup change announced on December 2nd, includes new member Yuha joining U1, Vega and Jun. A video of Yuha showing his impressive dance moves to a BTS song was also shared on the group’s Instagram account on the same day so fans can look forward to this talented member’s dance execution in the group’s future performances.
Meanwhile, fans who are curious about Kyulsil can check out his twitter (@ukyul) and Instagram (@ukyul2) for his updates as it appears he now works with LSAC Model Management.
G.IAM is currently busy with multiple dates for shows scheduled right up to January 2019 in Osaka, Japan. The group appears to have built up a good momentum for this comeback and the reception from fans have been positive with some even sharing videos they captured of the group during their Japan performances on YouTube
Looking at the concentration of activities in Japan, the focus of the group looks set to remain on overseas activities this time around as well and after four long years, fans will be expecting releases of new songs and music videos from this latest reincarnation of G.IAM.
—-Fie Fed
Note: Some videos and images contain graphic content.
On December 22, 2018 local time, Anak Krakatau—which means “Child of Krakatoa”—near Krakatoa on Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, erupted, triggering a tsunami that has, so far, killed over 300 people and left over 1,000 injured. The numbers are expected to climb, and there are fears that the volcano—which continues to erupt—may cause an additional tsunami.
“We are cautioning the people to remain cautious,” Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, a spokesman at Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said. “Agencies are still continuing to analyze the root cause … the Krakatau volcano continues to erupt, which could potentially trigger another tsunami.”
The eruption occurred around 21:30 local time. According to Accuweather, the tsunami struck areas around the Sunda Strait 24 minutes later. The tsunami and any additional tsunami caused by the eruptions are as a result of underwater mudslides. According to CNN, over 500 homes, 350 boats, and 60 restaurants were destroyed or heavily damaged. Carita, Pandeglang, South Lampung, the Serang district, and Tanggamus have reports of damage and people missing and deceased.
The tsunami was not a large one, but it occurred on a full moon which causes higher tides.
“Actually, the tsunami was not really big, only one meter,” Gegar Prasetya, co-founder of the Tsunami Research Center Indonesia, said via the AP. “The problem is people always tend to build everything close to the shoreline.”
Many parts of Indonesia lack an adequate tsunami warning system. Currently, areas around the country rely on a buoy system to alert authorities if a wave may be coming. According to authorities, the outdated system has not worked since 2012; it’s also blamed for why more than 2,000 people were killed in Sulawesi in October 2018 when a tsunami struck Palu. A lacking warning system is also to blame for why over 230,000 were killed in a tsunami December 26, 2004.
“We need a multi-hazard early warning system,” said Nugroho. “And we need lots of it. We used to know that a tsunami happens after an earthquake. There was no quake last night. That is why there was no warning.”
Pop-Rock Band Seventeen Among Victims
Indonesian pop-rock band, Seventeen (not to be confused with the K-Pop group Seventeen) were among the victims in the December 22, 2018 tsunami. The band—which was formed in 1999 in Yogyakarta—was performing at the Tanjung Lesung resort when the wave wiped out the stage from behind.
While lead singer Reifian “Ifan” Fajarsyah survived, groupmates Herman Sikumbang, Windu Andi Darmawan, and M. Awal “Bani” Purbani along with a crew member and an on-road manager were killed. Fajarsyah’s wife, Dylan, is missing and presumed dead.
“So long my beloved drummer, Andi Seventeen, Allah loves you,” Fajarsyah wrote in an Instagram post. “Be at peace my friend. Endless prayers for you, Bani and Eman. It’s been an honor and a pride to share a stage with you. We were not just work partners, we were family in life and death.”
On Monday December 24, 2018, funerals for the group members were held.
Recovery Efforts Impacted
Showers and thunderstorms are expected in the impacted regions throughout the week, potentially thwarting recovery and rescue efforts. Temperatures are expected to soar into the 80-90-degree Fahrenheit range, adding to the muggy, damp conditions.
Hopefully, conditions will improve to assist in recovery efforts. Additionally, hope needs to exist that more people are found alive to provide good news for a region that desperately needs it.
—-Joelle Halon
Sometimes, winning medals aren’t the only indicator for what makes a champion. Often, all it takes is a little perseverance, a can-do spirit, and a love of a sport that makes someone a champion not only for themselves, but for a country and for any young woman who’s ever had a dream.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) figure skater, Zahra Lari, 23, is a champion in the purest sense of the word. Lari’s commitment to the sport helped the UAE become the first Arab nation to join the International Skating Union (ISU), but her dedication to her family and traditions make her an admirable figure. If there were pictures in the dictionary for “role model,” Lari would be in the top three to represent the term. Here are some reasons why Lari should be on your watch list if you love figure skating or just adore trailblazers.
Lari is the First Hijabi Figure Skater
For a sport that’s dress code is revealing outfits adorned with sequins, Lari stands out. In keeping with Muslim traditions, Lari hits the ice adorned in a hijab and attire that covers her arms and legs. As the first Hijabi skater, in 2012, judges once deducted points from her score for an outfit violation.
“Although I didn’t see that coming, I didn’t judge them because I knew they had never seen someone covered before,” Lari told Emirates Woman. “They saw it as a prop and a health and safety issue, fearing it might fall off, but then I proved to them that it stays on and it wouldn’t be a liability. Everyone is the same, we are all equal and we should be judged on our talent, not based on where we come from or what we wear.”
According to The Independent, Lari campaigned to have the rules changed. Her hijab is not considered a violation currently, but there’s yet to be a permanent change to the skating attire rules that state headscarves are not a penalty. The ISU is performing an “assessment of the rule and whether it needs to be more specific for the future is ongoing.”
Skating in a hijab also takes courage in today’s society where an ultra-conservative Muslim community may condemn her for participating in a sport (on some YouTube comments, some comments state she is committing haram, or a sin), while some ultra-liberals may say she is oppressed due to her scarf. To choose to skate in a hijab takes courage in the face of these opposing views, making Lari’s position as the first Hijabi skater an important, historical role.
She Started the Sport Late
Many professional figure skaters usually begin skating from the time they’re toddlers, but Lari didn’t start skating until she was 11-years-old after watching the movie Ice Princess. While her family was initially against her taking up skating, she began skating at the only ice rink in Abu Dhabi within Zayed Sports City. Within three years, she was performing triples and spins like some of the pros. Her determination and consistent practice have led her to winning four UAE National Titles, a personal best combined score of 80.09 (Cup of Tyrol 2017), and her highest placement at an international competition: A fourth place finish at the FBMA Trophy during the 2014-2015 season.
She Marries Tradition into Her Skating Outfits
Initially, Lari’s parents weren’t keen on letting her skate.
“My father felt that it went too much against our normal traditions and culture for a girl to compete in sports,” Lari told CNN.
The UAE is a conservative Muslim country, so there is an expectation for Emirati women to wear abayas —wide fitting robes—and headscarves while out in public. In figure skating, covering the body is an oddity as many outfits feature short skirts, bare arms and backs, and thin material that allow for flowing looks that make female skaters look like dancing flowers. Lari’s outfits feature opaque fabrics, matching hijabs, and leggings to create striking looks while staying true to her Muslim roots, thus showing that young women can stay true to their chosen faiths while still chasing their dreams.
“People may think or tell you that you can’t do certain things, but I’m going to show them you absolutely can. I am covered, I am Muslim, I am from a desert country, and I’m doing a winter sport,” Lari told Vogue Arabia.
She Comes from a Supportive Family
Lari’s Facebook page and Instagram show the true beauty of her soul, especially since she often speaks about the love she has for her family. Knowing her back story and how she almost wasn’t allowed to skate makes a figure skating fan root for her more.
“My dad actually stopped me from competing in the beginning, not because he didn’t accept me, but he was scared of what society would say about his daughter doing the sport” Lari told Vogue in 2018. She said that after watching her sadness while watching her friends compete, he relented and allowed her to skate.
“He was like, ‘You know what? Forget about what colleagues say at work,’” Lari told the Washington Post. “‘Forget about whoever tells him anything.’ And he was like, ‘I know it’s something that you love. You’re not doing anything wrong. Then why not? Just go and work hard.’ Because my Dad, at work, he’s got people telling him, ‘Why do you allow your daughter doing this?’ But I mean, he just ignores it. He’s like, ‘It doesn’t matter what they say. I’m your father. I want the best more than anyone. And if I knew this was something wrong, I wouldn’t let you do it.’”
Her mother, Roquiya Cochran, serves as Lari’s manager. As shown by their interactions on social media, Cochran serves as a strong supportive shoulder. Seeing the love and support her family gives is an inspiration, especially since women in international sport is a new concept in the Middle East that still has a long way to go before being entirely accepted.
She’s an Inspiration
“In my country women don’t do much sport and even less figure skating…” Lari said in Shelina Janmohamed’s Generation M: Young Muslims Changing the World. “I want to encourage girls from the Emirates and the Gulf to achieve their dream too and not to let anyone tell them not to do sport, not only figure skating but all sports.”
While she’s making headlines by being UAE’s first female figure skater, behind the scenes, she’s an inspiration for children and women who aspire to chase their dreams.
“I tell Emirati women to follow their dreams and to try to find that thing that they are really passionate about and to give it 100 per cent,” Lari told The National. “There will be bad days and good days and on those bad days they have to think about why they love it and that will make them stronger in the future. Just follow your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you love to do.”
“There’s a reason why girls don’t get into sport here – it’s a cultural thing,” Lari told Abu Dhabi World. “You get married, you cook, you stay at home and raise your children. These days, girls want more. They don’t want to stay at home, they want to get out there, get an education and do something they love.”
Lari hopes that her struggle to get started in the sport will make the path easier for future generations who want to skate or participate in other sports. By showing her conviction and proving that a hijab should not restrict what women do, she’s on her way to paving a good path for others.
“People should know that Emirati athletes are strong,” Lari said in her Vogue Arabia interview. “We’re confident women who know what we want to do, and we work very hard to accomplish what needs to be accomplished.”
Her Parents Founded UAE’s First Skating Club
Her love and practice of the sport led her father to found the Emirates Skating Club; her mother is the club’s CEO. The club currently has 100 members and six staff, but there’s hope the club will continue to grow. Besides skating, the Emirates Skating Club hopes to foster “an atmosphere of mutual respect and social interaction, while promoting positive role models, good sportsmanship and lasting friendships. We hope to inspire strong qualities of discipline, poise, and self confidence that will continue throughout the members life” while following and implementing “all standards, rules and regulations required by the United Arab Emirates Ice Sport Federation, UAE sport authorities, International Skating Union and International Skating Institute of Asia.”
She’s One of Nike’s Spokeswomen for the Pro Hijab
Recently, Nike announced the release of their Pro Hijab line. Nike has created a hijab that uses a breathable fabric perfect for sport but still follows Islamic rules for covering hair. The hijab has small, breathable holes, and it’s longer in the back so it does not fall off during competitions according the USA Today. However, it should be noted that Nike is not the first to create a sport hijab as Dutch company Capsters did so in 1999. Canadian company ResportOn also has a sport hijab that has been embraced by the International Taekwondo Federation.
Representing an international brand like Nike helps thrust Lari and her empowering mission to the forefront. She has been featured in ads in not only her country, but in other countries as well to help show that Muslim women do have a place in sports.
She’s Been Featured on ESPN and in an Upcoming Documentary
In 2017, ESPN featured Lari in an episode of Flying the Flag. In the episode, Lari talked about her journey and goals as well as how she wishes to inspire others.
Additionally, it has also been announced that a documentary about Lari is in the pre-production stages. The film, Zahra Lari: The Story of an Arabian Ice Princess and the Disney Film That Inspired Her, chronicles Lari and the film that inspired her. U.S Olympian and national figure skating champion Mirai Nagatsu is part of the production team as a presenter and an associate producer. So big things are still in-store for Zahra Lari!
She has Huge Dreams!
Lari has several goals she hopes to reach in the next few years. Currently, she is skating in the Challenger Series as well as other international competitions, but she hopes to reach the championship ranks like the World Figure Skating Championships, the next Four Continents Figure Skating Championships and the Asian Winter Games and ultimately the 2022 Olympics.
Lari’s story and beginnings are an inspiration for us, and we hope she inspires you too! We wish Zahra Lari the best as she pursues her goals and helps others along the way.
Kcrush America reached out to Zahra Lari’s camp for an interview, but she could not be reached at press time.
—-Joelle Halon
Tired of indoor Winter activities? Just because temperatures are hovering to single digits, fun can still be a part of your vocabulary. South Korea offers you various activities that inspire you to ensure your Winter is as busy and lively as other seasons. Here are the engagements that you can choose from.
1. Skiing
Did you miss the Pyeognchang Winter Olympics, probably due to the tickets being sold out or being engaged at work? Not to worry. You can make up for it and the better part is that you will not be just in the audience, but will ski where the Olympics’ stars treaded. Among other regions, Pyeongchang County offers a wide range of popular skiing resorts including Yongpyong, Phoenix Park, Jeongseon Alpine Center, and Alpensia.
Why ski? Getting out in the fresh mountain air will invigorate your well-being by recharging your energy system. Moreover, as you ski down the landscape, the breathtaking sceneries help reduce your daily life stress, especially through the exhilaration experienced upon a grid over fresh snow. Needless to say, skiing is an exercise that is beneficial to your health, particularly your mind. This is since it engages your body’s core muscle groups to help improve your posture and balance while increasing your body strength. Skiing also gives you a chance to connect with nature. When skiing, you experience the amazing sites from the mountain tops before sliding down with breakneck speed and maneuvering over the rough terrain as the crisp cold air brushes over your entire body. As if not enough, due to the overnight snow, early birds can afford to make fresh tracks on the mountain terrain. Leaving a trail in the smooth white field imprints wonderful memories of the twists and turns made during the skiing adventure.
2. Outdoor ice skating
Apart from the year round indoor skating arenas such as Bundang Olympic Sports Center, Korea University ice skating rink and Lotte World indoor ice skating rink, South Korea has other outdoor Winter arenas for ice skating including the Seoul Plaza ice skating rink, Olympic, and Grand Hyatt Seoul ice rink.
The Seoul Plaza ice skating rink; commonly known as City Hall’s rink, is the most popular among Korea’s outdoor skating arenas. The rink usually opens in mid-December and closes late in February. The open arena guarantees you fun as you mingle with people from diverse cultures given that the rink is located in the heart of South Korea, Seoul. The best part is that the experience costs you- as an individual- only a dollar inclusive of the skating gear plus an additional $0.5 dollars for gloves if necessary. Moreover, the offered passes allow you to switch between the small and big rinks throughout your allocated time. The many diverse levels of skaters ensures that everyone enjoys themselves based on their skating experience, including children. In case you tag along with a friend who has probably not skated since the year’s first snow and is taking a break from the activity, the library adjacent to the rink would be an option for him or her to enjoy the warmth and read a book while watching you guys enjoy your skating sessions.
3. Ice fishing
Ever thought of prancing on a river’s subsection with just a thin layer of ice separating you from the freezing water below? Then, ice fishing festivals will fascinate you. Although one might have to be patient enough to catch a fish or experience fear due to the possibility of sinking into the freezing waters, the involved thrill, intricate technique and effort is worthwhile. All you need is to follow the guide’s precautions given that the safety team constantly examines the ice to ensure its thickness can withhold the pressure before allowing people to fish.
Tired of day fishing? The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, Korea’s 7th Winter wonder, offers night fishing, including the ice, bare and rod fishing. The festival is coupled with snow experiences and cultural events making it a must-attend occasion.
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival is also another event that offers you a chance to walk along ice walls, and fish for trout fish from below the frozen waters while in the comfort zone of your chair. You can also fish from tents using fish rods, or be brave enough to indulge yourself in the Winter cold and fish using your bare hands from a pool of fish provided by the management. After fishing, you can enjoy available recreational activities such as ice sledding, riding four-wheel motorcycles and spinning rail cars on ice and snow.
4. Ice diving
If you have tried Summer diving, this activity should top your list since ice diving during the Winter is more thrilling compared to during the Summer. The South Korean diving experience is unique due to the mix of South China Sea’s warm Summer and colder Winter currents that make its waters rather refreshing. Sites where ice diving can be experienced include Jeju Island, Dong Hae & Gangneung, Nam Hae, and Uljin. Among these, Jeju Island is the most popular site due to its abundant marine life, and the diverse and extensive soft corals that would delight you. Moreover, when done with ice diving, you can enjoy the sun’s reflection on the partly frozen waterfalls. Some of the well-known ice diving sites in Korea include Bum-Sum, Iron Tower, Bongpo and Chuam.
5. Heated Spa
For hot spas, Korea offers them in diverse and unique designs including open air and traditional spas. For those looking to enjoy their free time while surrounded by an aesthetic view, open air spas would fit them best since they offer additional breathtaking views to the high water quality. Most of these spas are situated deep in the nature, mostly the mountains, and surrounded by a clean and clear water body to allow an interaction with the environment that soothes one’s body and mind. Some spas to visit are Resom ocean castle, Bugot hot springs and Spa Land Centum city. One could also opt for the traditional spas, which are beneficial to health matters. Such spas include Deokgu Spaworld and Hurshimchung hot springs spa. One can also enjoy health spas, including Seorak Waterpia, which are accredited by the government to provide scientifically-based benefits to the body. If you have a busy schedule you can try the urban such as the Marquis Thermal Spa and Dragon Hill spa, which also offer aroma oil massages.
In addition to these outdoor activities, you can enjoy the Korean extra spicy, winter street cuisine to keep your body warm. If you are the type to engage in challenges, I would recommend eating the spiciest toppoki (rice cakes) you find, just ensure you have milk at your side to quench the burning sensation in case you cannot hold it.
Make you winter outdoor engagements in South Korea as memorable as possible.
—-Pe Arlkh
A Tribute To Jonghyun – A Year Later
Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own flaws. Where will this agreement lead them to, and can two total opposites and flawed individuals overcome their personal demons?
Are you trying to decide where to go skiing or snowboarding in South Korea this Winter? Hopefully, this article may aid you to make up your mind.
The ski resorts in Korea, open from November and close around early April, so we are currently in a good season to ski or snowboard. (During the seasons of Spring until early Autumn; most of the resorts will offer outdoor swimming pools, spas, golf courses and numerous other great facilities.)
There are 17 ski resorts that are currently operating in South Korea (plus, two are under development) but for this article, we will only focus and introduce 9 of the resorts that we’ve selected.
The following list is not in any order of ranking since we are aware that each resort has its own pros and cons – we’ve also added the website link under the brief description, if you should want to discover more about the resorts in detail.
YongPyong Ski Resort | Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
YongPyong Ski Resort located in Pyeongchang, is the oldest and the largest ski and snowboard resort in Korea which also offers golf during the summer season.
It is also famous for hosting the technical alpine skiing events at the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Konjiam Ski Resort | Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Konjiam Ski Resort is conveniently situated less than an-hour-drive from Seoul and features a rather small-sized ski area but boasts of a massive hotel, condo buildings, top-notch facilities and a golf course for the summer season.
High1 Ski Resort | Gohan-eup, Gangwon-do
High1 Ski Resort is one of the largest ski parks in Korea that covers three mountain peaks. It takes approximately 3 hours to get to from Seoul, not just by car but the train as well. The ski resort has the highest elevation in the country. A casino is also available with plenty of other accommodations for the whole family to enjoy.
Deogyusan Ski Resort | Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do
Deogyusan Ski Resort offers the loveliest scenic view at the highest summit of any ski resort in Korea. Muju also has the only Nordic ski terrain – a 48 km jaunt from Muju to Chonju. It is rail-accessible and the only major ski resort located in south of Seoul.
Oak Valley Ski Resort | Won-ju, Gangwon-do
Oak Valley Ski Resort is believed to be the most family-friendly resort in Korea, due to many reasons. Since some of the slopes are wide and inclined; beginners or infants can also enjoy practicing and there’s also a sled slope available for younger children. This ski resort is usually less crowded than you’d expect.
Alpensia Ski Resort | Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
Alpensia Ski Resort was featured and also hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. It offers six slopes for snowboarding with an advanced area, as well as a 1.4km slope for beginners. This resort owns a multi-functional facility that can be enjoyed all throughout the year. Alpensia is a 5-minute car ride to the Yongpyong Ski Resort.
Elysiun Gangcheon Ski Resort | Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort is one of the nearest ski resorts located from Seoul. The resort has a few steep runs, a unique location that offer great accommodation and is rail-accessible. Because the resort is located in a stunning valley, you can enjoy the view while gliding down the slopes.
Daemyung Vivaldi Ski Resort | Gangwon-do
Vivaldi Ski Resort which was named after the Baroque musical composer, Antonio Vivaldi, has been the most visited ski resort for nearly a decade and the largest ski resort in the Seoul metropolitan area. It features 12 slopes for all levels with new facilities being installed each year. This ski resort has 10 lifts and due to its operation hours from 8:30 am until 5 am, it is great for night ski lovers.
Phoenix Snow Park | Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Phoenix Snow Park is probably the most snowboard-friendly resort in Korea. It is also environmentally-friendly, created with the minimum disruption to nature. With a 5-star hotel, a condo, ski slopes and a golf course; this resort provides various recreational and amusement facilities for everyone.
— J. Chung.
Welcome to our December edition of “What’s in Our Beauty Bag?” December is the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, so it’s time to take extra care of our skin. In our November edition, we recommended skincare products for extra moisture, so this month, we’re all about protecting hair. Let’s keep static and dryness away with some our favorite products!*
Komenuka Bijin Natural Rice Bran Moisturizing Hair Shampoo and Conditioner
Bijin’s natural rice bran shampoo and conditioner is Ph-balanced, paraben-free, and safe for color-treated hair. The scent is clean with a hint of oatmeal, so it’s not overpowering or odorous. The oatmeal and rice also help with keeping dandruff at bay, so it is a powerful duo that can help almost anyone get through the winter months.
While it claims to work for all hair types (oily, dry, normal, and fine hair), for oily hair, the shampoo may not be the best as it may make hair too soft, thus negatively enhancing the look of oily strands. However, the conditioner does work well. The combo leaves hair feeling soft, smooth, and silky with a nice, clean shine. Since many ingredients are natural, hair’s natural oils are safe, and over time, fly-aways and split ends look less noticeable. While it is one of the pricier choices on this list ranging from $28-$32 depending on retailer, it’s worth the price for the multi-layer benefits it provides.
The shampoo and conditioner are $28 a piece on the Komenuka Bijin website.
La’Dor Tea Tree Scalp Clinic Hair Pack
If dandruff is an issue all winter, the La’Dor tea tree scalp pack may be the product you need. After shampooing, massage the hair pack onto your scalp and hair for one minute. Then, let the product sit on your hair for one-to-two minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse the product out of your hair.
The tea tree will make your scalp tingle, but it feels good. Tea tree is a natural astringent that does help with dry, flaky skin because it assists in neutralizing bacteria and fungus. It may also help neutralize oil, but it can be drying if used too much, so this hair pack is a great once-a-week treatment.
While this hair pack assists in treating the scalp, it does improve the overall hair. The tea tree smooths hair and helps create a healthy shine.
The hair pack is available on Soko Glam for $19.
Kracie Ichikami Soft Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner (Orange)
If your hair isn’t color-treated but is dry or damaged, Kracie Ichikami’s soft moisture line is a good bet. The shampoo and conditioner leaves hair soft, manageable, and easier to detangle thanks to its ingredients: Brown rice extract, cherry blossom extract, Camellia oil, blackberry extracts, and olive oil. Even though there are a lot of pros, if your hair is dyed (especially if it’s temporary or semi-permanent hair color), the shampoo does make color fade quickly.
The apricot scent s also a plus for this set. While the scent is strong, it isn’t perfumey or cloying. It’s a nice burst of summer in the middle of winter. The shampoo is silicon and sulfate-free, while the conditioner is only sulfate-free (the silicone in the conditioner helps lock in moisture). With continued use, your hair will look visibly softer while improving the condition of your scalp.
Kracie Ichikami soft moisture shampoo and conditioner is available on Amazon for under $25.
British M Organics Hydrate Hair Butter
If you need a deep conditioning mask, this hair butter will moisturize while providing a luxurious spa experience for your locks. Shea butter and argan oil are the main ingredients in this deep conditioning cream, so hair follicles are wrapped in moisture following treatment.
To use, wash your hair. When hair’s damp, smooth the product onto hair and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly. You can also use this butter as a leave-in conditioner by using a small amount on the ends of hair.
The one drawback of this product is that it has a musk scent. The product would be a “win” all the way around if the natural scents of the shea butter and argan oil were at the forefront. However, the scent does wear quickly, so it will be noticeably absent soon after your shower.
This product is safe on all hair types.
British M Organics hair butter is available on Soko Glam for $34.
Skinfood Argan Oil Repair+ Treatment Mask
If your hair is brittle, dry, and damaged from dyes and pollutants, the argan oil mask, which is infused with silk extracts, will help improve hair’s quality if used the recommended twice a week. This product deeply penetrates the hair during the 10-minute setting process, and once rinsed out, it leaves behind shiny, smooth hair.
To use, wash your hair like usual. Then, with hair still wet, apply the mask from the mid-length of your hair until you reach the ends. Secure your hair in a shower cap and let the product absorb for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse it out of your hair. One recommendation is, while hair is secured in the shower cap, use the blow dryer on low heat to help hair absorb the product more. Doing this always yielded great results.
Skinfood products are always a favorite, and this is no exception.
This mask is available on Soko Glam for $15.
Do you have any favorite products you want us to review and try? Let us know! We love to try new products and share what we love! Tell us in the comments or on Facebook!
* Products that are reviewed and/or recommended are purchased by us. We do not receive kick-backs or samples from companies in exchange for reviews. All reviews are 100 percent based on our experiences and perceptions.
—-Joelle Halon
A still of Jonghyun from his solo MV – Shinin.
This December 18th, 2018, marks the one year anniversary of Kim Jonghyun’s passing. Best known as the former main vocalist of Kpop boy band SHINee, he was also a prolific singer-songwriter, solo artiste, record producer, radio host, and author.
Since his shocking death late last year, there have been numerous articles detailing the incident, his alleged depression, his achievements and accomplishments as a gifted performer and music creator and the impact he has had on highlighting the pressures of the Kpop industry and the importance of addressing mental health issues.
Even now, fans and audiences worldwide continue to mourn his loss, leaving comments on his MVs on YouTube expressing their sadness and sense of loss, underlining the void he left. To those of you who are thinking of him during this time and also to those who are just getting to know his past works, here are the things we loved and still love about Jonghyun.
SHINee
Group pic of SHINee from their official Facebook page. From left: Onew, Taemin, Jonghyun, Minho and Key.
Known as one of the best live vocal and dance groups in Kpop, SHINee was where we were first introduced to Jonghyun and his soulful vocals. He was an integral part of the group from the beginning but later progressed further into composing and producing songs on the group’s hit albums like Lucifer and Sherlock before debuting his own solo works and working on songs by other notable Kpop stars like IU and his member Taemin’s solo album.
His songs and lyrics
Simple yet honest, heart-wrenching yet comforting, Jonghyun’s multi-faceted lyrics never shied away from his dealings with depression and views on relationships. He was not afraid to reveal emotions that would resonate with his fans who find solace and support in the beautiful melodies and impactful lyrics.
The Jonghyun game
A welcome guest on variety shows, he never spared himself when participating in games and sketches on the many variety shows he guest-starred in over the years, even cross-dressing as ‘Jong-mi’, his female alter ego on an episode of ‘Knowing Brothers’ – a popular Korean variety show.
He also introduced a game he created where players guess the song title from lyric snippets while he was on the show, which guests continued to play on subsequent episodes of the show.
Just him
Jonghyun once replied to a listener on his radio show when asked whether it’s too late to be in search of a dream – “Aren’t dreams to be searched for your entire life? I don’t think it’s too late, and having attained your dream isn’t everything either. It’s the process that’s more important.”
Similar to his insightful lyrics and writings, he often revealed sides of himself during interviews and radio and TV appearances which devoted fans have cherished and shared online over the years. His humility, sensitivity and caring nature often came through whenever he shared his thoughts on issues close to his heart. Here are some notable excerpts from his interviews and radio show throughout his career.
No matter what I say, honestly, people would only judge me the way they want to.
— Jonghyun, Mnet’s 4 Things Show 2015.
My love for music is one-sided. I don’t want anything back. I would be very grateful if someone would enjoy and love it when I show something. But then, I am not going to aim at the music others would like. I want the main thing in my life to be something I like and want to do.
— Jonghyun, Elle magazine 2015.
To me, as a songwriter, when I write with a certain intention which I don’t reveal, and let listeners figure it out and interpret it themselves – that’s also a guilty pleasure to me.
— Jonghyun on his song ‘Guilty Pleasure’, SBS Pop Asia 2016 interview.
I think when comforting someone, we should consider what might be happening that we can’t see with our eyes.
— Jonghyun on his radio show Blue Midnight 2017.
Tell us what you love about Jonghyun!
—-Fie Fed
On December 7, 2018, it was revealed that BTS won the Time Magazine’s Reader’s Poll vote for Person-of-the-Year.
BTS, who debuted in 2013 with “No More Dream” under Big Hit Entertainment, have earned worldwide fame and recognition steadily since 2015 when they released their Most Beautiful Moment in Life Part 1 EP. 2017 and 2018 marked the group’s most successful years so far as they’ve been recognized by the several award shows (Billboard; Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico; Radio Disney Music Awards; Shorty Awards; Teen Choice Awards; YouTube Awards; Yinyuetai V Chart Awards; iHeartRadio Music Awards; Japan Golden Disc; Kazz Awards; MTV Europe Music Awards; MTV Millennial Awards Brazil; MTV Video Music Awards Japan; MTV Millennial Awards; BreakTudo Awards; E! People’s Choice Awards; the American Music Awards; and the BBC Radio1 Teen Awards), charted high internationally, and held successful world tours. Leader RM (formerly known as Rap Monster) even gave a speech to the United Nations.
For the Time Magazine Reader Poll, BTS placed first with nine percent of the vote, beating out second place Planet Earth. The Thai cave divers—the divers who rescued 12 junior soccer team members and their 25-year-old coach from the Tham Luang cave in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand —came in third.
The Reader’s Poll is not a final vote; the poll is to determine who readers believe had the greatest impact on the events of the past year. Given BTS’ large fanbase, voting was in their favor. However, Planet Earth was a close second with a .12 percent difference between them and BTS.
Time Magazine editors will choose the Person-of-the-Year December 11, 2018. While BTS won the Reader’s Poll, they may not win the editor’s vote. They, along with Planet Earth and the Thai cave divers, are in the running against South Korean president Moon Jae-in; undocumented children; former First Lady Michelle Obama; Mohammed Bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia; Brazil’s new president Jair Bolsonaro; Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh accuser Christine Blasey Ford, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller.
Congratulations to BTS on the honor.
—-Joelle Halon
“A thriller” normally refers to a movie genre which involves elements of suspense, tension, black humor, mystery, crime, shocking twists and endings that capture, excite and perplex its audience.
For this article, I’ve introduced just 5 Korean movies that I’ve watched and enjoyed over the years that fall in the category of any or all of the elements just mentioned. The three of these listed movies are well-known and commercially successful mega-hits, while the other two failed to become as big. However, I would not hesitate to recommend any of these movies.
*All the listed movies are not suitable for viewers under 15 years of age due to the nature of the contents.
Lady Vengeance
Director: Park Chan-wook
(Release date: July 29, 2005 – South Korea)
If you enjoy black comedy, vengeance, crime mystery, satire and various genres that complete a great thriller movie – this would mostly probably be a good movie for you.
Lady Vengeance is the third movie from The Vengeance Trilogy by Korea’s favorite director and screenwriter, Park Chan-wook.
Since Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance (2002) and Oldboy (2003) from the trilogy did so well at the box office and received much praise from the critics domestically and internationally, Lady Vengeance garnered a lot of buzz from the public even before its release. Actors Choi Min-sik and Yoo Ji-tae who played the main characters in Oldboy also feature in this, although the role for Yoo is quite unnoticeable and limited.
Lee Young-ae plays the main character, Geum-ja, who has been released from prison after serving 13-year-sentence for kidnapping and murdering an infant. In the first scene, Geum-ja walks out of prison alone, in a pompous manner, wearing a summer frock with a pair of dark sunglasses when it is evidently snowy winter.
Geum-ja gets a job at a bakery since she mastered the art of baking in prison and prepares to avenge her ex-lover, who turns out to be the real culprit who should have been imprisoned in her place. The reason why she let herself become “the fall guy” is later revealed in the film and as Geum-ja carries out her long-awaited plan, much blood is shed and some of these scenes shown are very explicit and graphical.
The color, red is also seen throughout the whole movie: the eye shadow Geum-ja applies, the lanterns lit in her room and the cake she brings out to the parents of the murdered children are all bright red. Although Geum-ja succeeds in getting her well-planned vengeance to fruition, the ending scene shows her telling her young daughter to live a good life but she laments over her own words since she cannot seem to find atonement for herself.
Antique
Director: Min Kyu-dong
(Release date: November 13, 2008 – South Korea)
This Korean movie is based on Japanese manga artist Fumi Yoshinaga‘s manga, Antique Bakery.
Antique may not be conventionally categorized as a thriller but it does have elements of mystery, crime and suspense as the movie progresses due to the unsolved mystery that is intertwined with the characters’ trauma and tension from the past.
The main character, Jin-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon) detests sweet pastry – due to a traumatic experience of being forced to consume so many sickly cakes when he was once kidnapped during childhood.
But this doesn’t deter him from opening his very own cake shop in his neighborhood in any way, because his goal is to attract female customers. He has all the funds that he needs, since he has affluent and supportive parents to rely on for investment but hiring a skilled chef who can produce the same type of delicacies that a top notch pâtissier can accomplish, is a difficult assignment.
With much difficulty and persuasion, he ends up hiring Sun-woo (Kim Jae-wook) a prodigy chef who seems to have all the tools necessary to run a very successful cake business.
It turns out that Sun-woo is also a homosexual who used to have a crush on Jin-hyuk when they were in high school. Sun-woo’s former lover named, Jean (Andy_Gillet) visits from France and the movie covers quite a lot of same-sex love scenes.
This film managed to attract one million viewers in Korea within the first two weeks of its release, making it one of the most commercially successful Korean movies ever.
Handphone
Director: Kim Han-min
(Release date: February 19, 2009 – South Korea)
Seung-min is a boisterous and hard-working celebrity manager who is in a lot of debt but trying hard to make ends meet; hoping to make a career breakthrough with the actress that he’s representing. Ji-na is on the verge of making a name for herself but fate abruptly turns for the worse when Seung-min receives a sex clip via his phone; sent from Ji-na’ ex-boyfriend as blackmail.
The clip shows a content that would ruin Ji-na’s career and reputation if it ever got leaked. Seung-min is livid but succeeds in tracking the culprit – only to end up losing his own mobile phone.
(The term, Handphone is refers to a cell phone in Konglish.)
The moment Seung-min loses his phone, everything from his job to his relationship with his wife head south and he’s faced with so many other issues.
A certain man calls and claims to have found Seung-min’s cell phone. He tells Seung-min’s wife meet him to collect it but fails to show up despite being contacted numerous times, which leaves Seung-min very frustrated. He tries everything in his power to get his phone back (since it contains stuff that shouldn’t get exposed) but the only information he has about the mysterious man, is his voice. After being manipulated and blackmailed for some time and having to sort out other complicated problems, Seung-min is nearly out of his mind.
The setting of the movie is around 2009, and locating the mobile phone was not as easy as it is today. The moral of this movie is evident as it is written on its poster – Never lose your phone. However, once it is lost; retrieving it isn’t easy in this particularly movie.
A Million
Director: Jo Min-ho
(Release date August 6, 2009 – South Korea)
Eight random people are personally invited to enter a reality TV show, for a chance to win a prize of a sum equivalent to about a million U.S dollars.
None of the contenders know each other and they also have no idea why they were chosen to participate in such a show.
They are informed by the TV director that if one of them can succeed in surviving one week in the Australia, one winner can claim the cash. This seems like a fair offer so the contenders are eager to win and become competitive, until they find out one person gets ruthlessly killed during every task.
They are made to believe the first few killings were accidents at first, however, this cruel routine continues, so the surviving contenders attempt escape to save their lives but this proves to be a near-to-impossible task since the scene takes place at an outback in Australia.
They had no idea that this reality show is a life-threatening trap planned by the crazy TV director who wished them all dead for one reason, which is not revealed until the very end.
Mother
Director: Bong Joon-ho
(Release date: May 28, 2009 – South Korea)
If you wish to find a thriller that is well-scripted, funny and heartbreaking at the same time, this should be a good watch for you.
A widow, played by veteran actress Kim Hye-ja, resides in a rural town with her only son, a mentally challenged(?) young man named, Do-jun (Won Bin).
She makes a living by selling herbs and secretly practicing acupuncture without a license to treat people who are sick or infertile. The overall scenery of the neighborhood is very bleak and outdated and it could’ve easily been a convincible setting in the 60s.
Do-jun is probably in his 20s but can just about hold a conversation of a 5-year-old, or possibly younger. He and his best pal, Jin-tae who is a neighborhood thug, hang out regularly to end up usually at the police station. Their actions grieve Do-jun’s mother but she’s always right there to rescue her son. Because Do-jun can’t effectively stand-up for himself, he is often manipulated and teased by the people around him.
One late night, Do-jun tails a high-schooler named, Ah-jung, bothering her if she wants to spend time with him. The next day, the whole neighborhood sees her corpse hanging over the balcony of an abandoned home. People immediately point the blame on Do-jun because a golf ball he was carrying around (with his name on) is found at the location where the girl had been killed.
Certain neighbors witnessed Do-jun stalking(?) Ah-jung that very night, so the detectives are convinced they’ve caught the right man. Do-jun quickly becomes the prime, or possibly the only suspect of the crime. But a rumor goes around that a lunatic (?) has escaped the priory, but the police don’t pay much attention since they think they have the killer.
Due to the inattentive policeman’s driving, the police car carrying Do-jun, gets into an accident. No one is hurt, but I reckon that this was the point where Do-jun recovered some of his forgotten, childhood memories. Do-jun gets locked up but this all seems like a game for him because he clearly fails to realize what trouble he got himself into – or he was just acting?
Do-jun’s mother goes out to attempt everything (and anything) so she can do to clear his name. I mean, anything.
Since she is convinced of her son’s innocence, she crashes the dead girl’s funeral to defiantly inform her relatives that her son didn’t kill anyone and with much persistence, manages to hire a snobby lawyer (whom she couldn’t afford) only to hear him say that they should let Do-jun serve minimum of 4 years in prison since there is no way out for him. Desperate but not let down by the circumstances, Do-jun’s mother sets out to find anything concerning Ah-jung and obtains information that she was reluctantly prostituting herself to support her senile grandmother. She also learns from a high-schooler (whom she and Jin-tae tortured) that Ah-jung kept all the photos of the boys on her flip phone.
I’d hate to ruin the movie by divulging the overall plot for those who haven’t seen this movie, however do check the few vague but vital points below.
*Do-jun had never any displayed physical violence or cruelty, except when someone called him, “stupid” – he’d lash out and do the unthinkable if anyone did.
*Do-jun’s mother carried a tin of acupuncture needles wherever she went, and would say that by inserting a needle into an area of the thigh, unwanted memory can be forgotten.
*While Do-jun’s mother visited her son frequently at the prison, his best-friend, Jin-tae never once came to visit him.
*Do-jun’s charges are later dropped and he’s released from prison because someone else confessed to the murder. The question is, who?
*Towards the end, Do-jun doesn’t act as “dim” as he was at the start of the movie and claimed to remember something that happened to him when he was 5 years of age.
—– J.Chung.
Stills of HISTORY from their 2016 Queen MV. From Left to right: Sihyoung, Yijeong, Dokyun, Kyungil and Jaeho.
HISTORY – Their story
This five member group featuring Kim Sihyoung, Jang Yijeong, Na Dokyun, Song Kyungil and Kim Jaeho, was the first male idol group formed under Loen Entertainment (now known as Fave Entertainment), the same agency which brought us IU. They debuted in April 2013 with a teaser featuring IU followed by singles ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Tell Me Love’ in the same year.
After eight singles and four EP albums, their final album ‘Him’ released in 2016, represented the peak of their success – reaching number 3 on the Korean Gaon Music Chart. However, right at the cusp of this success, the band officially disbanded in May 2017 due at the time, to the coming mandatory military enlistment of Kyungil and in view of the other members’ upcoming enlistments as well.
Writing the next chapter
Storias – the name of History’s fandom, believe the group is simply on hiatus and will return once the members complete their enlistments – relying on the fact that the members remain with the agency as individuals as a reason to keep their hopes alive.
Meanwhile, we searched the internet to bring you the latest updates on the members’ activities below.
A photo of Kyungil from his time as a policeman shared on his Instagram account @_ilstagram and a poster for his upcoming fan meeting in Japan..
Song Kyung Il recently completed his military duty as a conscripted policeman last September and is now embarking on solo activities. Fans can next see him in person in Japan this 16th December in a fan meeting held in Tokyo.
Dokyun in a pic from his Instagram account @na__dokyun.
Na Dokyun enlisted in November 2017 and is now serving in the army. No news yet on what he’ll be up to once he’s discharged but he continues to update his Instagram account regularly so fans can check out his latest activities and pics there.
A recent photo of Sihyoung on his Instagram account @rlatlgud.
Kim Sihyoung is another member who’s been quiet in the entertainment scene though he does update his Instagram from time to time, posting photos of himself and places he’s been. He was also seen in streams on AfreecaTV, at http://afreecatv.com/midnight24 but the site shows his last stream was in May this year. The Korean site which mainly re-transmits TV channels, also allows users to upload their own videos and shows.
A poster of Jaeho’s mini album and his recent pic shared on his Instagram account @nnano92.
Kim Jaeho has debuted as a solo artiste under the name of Nano with the song “Forever You and I” on the 20th of February, 2018. He is currently working on a new mini album project as the producer and singer-songwriter. Fans can also check out his Youtube channel Nano for his latest works and covers.
A photo of Yijeong and screenshots of his tweets showing his latest work with BTS credited under his pseudonyms J.Pearl and El Capitan.
Jang Yijeong, the maknae (youngest member) of the group has been active in producing music for other acts under his pseudonyms J.Pearl and now El Capitan. He updates his twitter (@_jangyijeong) and Instagram (@elxcapitxn) with his latest pics and body of work frequently and has even worked with Kpop mega act BTS and producing team Devine Channel.
Would you like to see HISTORY return as a group sometime in the near future? We wish each one success in their current endeavors.
—-Fie Fed
The K-Pop industry will be bidding farewell to yet another artiste set to fulfill his military duty for a short period. On 4th December, Jaehyo’s agency Seven Seasons confirmed to the public regarding his decision of going into public service, which will run for two years. This will be after Jaehyo completes his basic training scheduled to start the 20th December at the new soldier recruit training center.
Jaehyo was evaluated for alternative military duty owing it to health issues. In its statement, Block B’s agency asserted that since the artist opted to enlist without raising much attention, he would engage in no official events regarding his duty. The agency further asked for the fans’ support towards Jaehyo’s wishes and assured that he would earnestly fulfill his duty.
Meanwhile, the Block B member has been up and about, as he is hosting “Momento” –a charity photo exhibition-, which started from 28th November and ends on 19th December. The exhibition comprises one of Jaehyo’s personal diary entries that details his past depression struggles and suicide contemplations.
We wish him well and will be awaiting his return after his mandatory two years.
Source
https://web.facebook.com/190951800954033/posts/1966605713388624/?_rdc=1&_rdr
—-Pe Arlkh
(From left to right, Jeonggyu, Taeyoung, Hangyeom, 2Soul, Hyun)
Seven O’Clock (Hangul: 세븐어클락) is a K-pop boy group formed by Staro Entertainment and KDH Entertainment in 2017. The group made their debut in March of the same year with their first single, Echo (시계바늘) from their first album, Butterfly Effect. (The band also goes by the name, SOC as their abbreviation.)
In September 2018, it was officially announced that former member, Vaan departed from the group and that the remaining Seven O’Clock members will be managed by a new management company, Forest Network.
Forest Network was founded in 2018 by Oh Joon-sung, who was the director and composer of various K-drama’s original soundtracks including, “Boys Over Flowers,” “Hwarang,” “Master’s Sun,” and etc.
The group now consists of five members, Hangyeom (Formerly known as, A-day), Hyun, 2Soul (Pronounced Yi-Soul, and formerly, Young-hoon), Jeonggyu and Taeyoung.
On October 8, 2018, Seven O’Clock members had a showcase with their second mini album, #7.
We wish to thank the Seven O’Clock members for taking their time out for a great interview and hope that our readers will enjoy getting to know more about the group.
*Hello, would you introduce yourselves to our readers please?
Hangyeom: Hello, everyone. This is Han-gyeom, the sexy one of Seven O’Clock.
Hyun: Hi, I’m HYUN, the attractive one of Seven O’Clock.
2Soul: Hello, I am 2Soul, the happy virus of Seven O’Clock.
Jeonggyu: How are you all? This is Jeonggyu, the energetic one of Seven O’Clock.
Taeyoung: Hello, I am the Maknae (the youngest) vocalist, Taeyoung.
*Tell us how you became the members of the group. And was it your childhood dream to be in the show biz?
Hangyeom: I actually wanted to be a badminton player when I was younger. By chance, I got to watch Lee Gi-kwang sunbaenim dance and I began thinking to myself that I wanted to learn and become a singer as well. That’s how I stared going to auditions and because I wanted to make my debut as soon as possible, I chose to sign with this company and joined Seven O’Clock.
Hyun: My dream was to become a computer programmer when I was growing up; I was very interested in handling devices and programs. But I loved to sing as a kid as well and that is how I got to take an audition which made me Seven O’Clock’s last member.
2Soul: I had many dreams and aspirations while growing up. I’ve wanted to become a singer, a figure skater, a chef… Then I found out that I was the best at singing, so I started attending an academy. A teacher there recommended that I take an audition which enabled me to become a member of Seven O’Clock.
Jeonggyu: I wanted to be a teacher when I was younger… Then I wanted to become a singer and went around doing auditions and was recommended by a person who was also training to become a singer, to take an audition at the company and that’s how I got into this group.
Taeyoung: While growing up, I wanted to be a police officer like my father. Later on, I also wanted to become a pilot, anatomist and the various. I’ve always enjoyed listening to music while I was at school and it suddenly occurred to me that I wanted to be like Park Hyo-shin sunbaenim while I was listening to one of his songs. I started attending an academy to learn how to sing and that’s how I met 2Soul. He advised to me to take the audition to become a member of 7 O’Clock and the rest is history, I guess.
*Tell us how you came up with your group’s name, 7 O’Clock. And when is your favorite time of the day?
Hangyeom: We initially had many options to choose from, when it came to the name of our group but we ended up with 7 O’Clock (SOC). We could’ve been named “Mazinger” to reference that we’re zealously trained at the region of Mapo but we after numerous meetings we decided on our group’s name, 7 O’Clock. My favorite time of the day is when I go home when all the day’s work is done.
Hyun: The name of our group was formed because people normally start their day from 7 am until 7 pm ~ So we wanted to make you guys happy during those hours. I think I am the happiest when I lie down to spend my own free time after the long day is over.
2Soul: My favorite time of the day is when I sleep because it’s a time when one can truly rest, isn’t it?
Jeonggyu: I enjoy meal times the most because I can talk to the other members about things all sorts of things while we eat, plus I get to relax.
Taeyoung: I’m probably the happiest when I’m lying in bed, just before I fall asleep.
*How did the fandom get its name, Rose? Do you have any favorite flowers or plants?
Hangyeom: Our fandom is called, Rose which basically means the Romance of SOC. My favorite plants are the Boxwood trees because we had lot of those planted in our apartment complex where I used to live growing up, so I feel like going back to my childhood whenever I see those plants.
Hyun: We had other names to choose from when we were naming our fans but we came up with that name because the fans voted for that one. My favorite flowers are Evening Primrose.
The reason behind it is that my birthday is in August and Evening Primrose is my Birth flower.
2Soul: I like Cherry Blossoms because I find them so pretty and they bloom only for a little while before they fall – I think that’s what makes them more precious.
Jeonggyu: The Rose of Sharon because I love its scent.
Taeyoung: Roses for me. Because I get reminded of our fans when I look at the flowers.
*Which 7 O’CLOCK song, are you the most attached to and why.
Hangyeom: Time machine is a song that I wrote the lyrics to, which was based on my story. I love the song because this kind of takes me back to my childhood.
Hyun: I like Halley from the album. Hangyeom was the one to do the choreography and it turned out really beautiful. When I first came for the audition, I got to hear the demo as the guide and I really loved it back then as well.
2Soul: Echo (시계바늘) is the song for me. I think I feel attached to it the most since it was our debut single.
Jeonggyu: I like the track called, Eyes on You from our Butterfly Effect album. I listen to it often because I enjoy the rap part by Hangyeom.
Taeyoung: I’m very attached to Nothing better since we were given the song after a long hiatus and it has a special sentiment because we performed the song all throughout our recent activities.
*Do you have any specialty, interests or hobbies that you’d like to share with us?
Hangyeom: My dancing is my specialty, in my opinion. And I’ve always had an interest in writing lyrics and composing since I got into doing music. These days, I am absorbed in writing and composing songs.
Hyun: I recently got very interested in skincare. Due to the humid weather and the fact that we have to apply make-up often when we have our schedules, got me naturally interested.
2Soul: I’m interested in singing for obvious reasons. I consider myself to be a good singer so I am searching and trying to find what kind of songs suit me well.
Jeonggyu: I am always into sports. Especially, baseball. So I’m always looking up things related to the sport.
Taeyoung: Like 2Soul, I like to watch other senior artists perform and listen to songs.
*Who do you respect the most in the music industry?
Hangyeom: BTS sunbaenims and Jay Park sunbaenim.
Hyun: Jungkook sunbaenim from BTS and Dean sunbaenim.
2Soul: BTS sunbaenims, Taeyeon sunbaenim and Baek Yerin sunbaenim.
Jeonggyu: BTS sunbaenims.
Taeyoung: BTS sunbaenims and Park Hyo-shin sunbaenim.
*Sunbaenim or sunbae literally means “senior” in Korean. In Korean society, when someone is older than yourself at the school, hometown or workplace, you call them “선배” (senior).
“님” (nim) is a suffix to any name or title as a form of respect.
*Introduce us to a song or an artist that you’d like to recommend to our readers.
Hangyeom: X by Chris Brown and Turn off your phone by Jay Park.
Hyun: Euphoria by Jungkook of BTS.
2Soul: Taeyeon’s Fine, and Park Yerin’s Lay me Down.
Jeonggyu: All the songs by Roy Kim.
Taeyoung: Gift by Park Hyo-shin.
*Do you have any color preference? Do you have a certain fashion style you crave?
Hangyeom: I like black and I enjoy wearing Hip-Hop style streetwear.
Hyun: I like black as well and I like to dress in Amekaji style. (*Which translates as ‘American Casual.)
2Soul: I like pastel tones and because I’m quite small in stature, I like loose clothing and attire.
Jeonggyu: Red is the color that I like and I enjoy wearing comfortable training suits and hoodies.
Tae-young: I like pink and any style of clothing, as long as it suits me.
*Name your favorite food and beverage.
Hangyeom: I like burgers and as a beverage, iced coffee.
Hyun: I don’t eat rice very much and the cuisine/dishes that I like are usually made of flour. My favorite drink is Milkis.
2Soul: I like Korean foods and don’t like to drink beverages particularly but I drink a lot of water frequently.
Jeonggyu: I enjoy foods that have red beans as ingredients and I enjoy drinking milk.
Taeyoung: I love meat and like drinking chocolate milk.
*Please share any films, books, musicals that you’ve enjoyed recently.
Hangyeom: I very much enjoyed watching Avengers: Infinity War.
Hyun: I read a book called, “Lesson on Self-esteem” (자존감 수업) which I’d like to recommend.
2Soul: I enjoyed The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion a lot.
Jeonggyu: Mission: Impossible – Fallout.
Taeyoung: I’ve watched On Your Wedding Day recently that I would like to recommend to you.
*Are there any game characters that best describe your personality or traits?
Hangyeom: Battlecruiser – StarCraft.
2Soul: Patamon – Digimon Adventure.
Jeonggyu: Garen – League of Legends champion.
Taeyoung: FRIENDS POP for Kakao – Apeach.
*Do you have any bad habits that you want to get rid of?
Hangyeom: I have a bad habit of impulsive shopping.
Hyun: I have a bad habit of shaking my legs.
2Soul: I want to stop trying to gobble down food so fast during meals.
Jeonggyu: I habitually wet my lips often.
Taeyoung: I keep touching the back of my head.
*How do you maintain your health and deal with stress?
Hangyeom: These days, I take Noni that my mother sends me. I’m told that it’s effective for the blood pressure.
Hyun: I don’t do much in particular but put in an effect to always eat well.
2Soul: I take multivitamin supplements and also Lactobacillus.
Jeonggyu: I am trying to manage my health from now onwards.
Taeyoung: I make sure I take dietary supplements.
*Where would you want to perform the most in the world?
Hangyeom: All the big and small venues in Korea and Time Square in the States.
Hyun: Citi Field in the U.S.
2Soul: All the main and large arenas and domes in each country.
Jeonggyu: I want to perform in South America.
Taeyoung: Anywhere in the world where we can find our fans.
*Please let us know your hopes, dreams and or goals for next year, 2019. And add something nice to your fans too.
Hangyeom: We want to meet more “Roses” in the year of 2019 than we did this year. Roses, we’ve missed you so much lately…
Hyun: We hope that 2019 will become a busier year for us so we can meet more Roses – we love and are always grateful to you all!
2Soul: In 2019, I wish that all our members and the Roses could always be healthy without any of us getting sick.
Jeonggyu: We want to meet all the Roses all around the world and would like to thank you for making a way for us.
Taeyoung: Roses, we should meet up often and next year in 2019… Seven O’Clock’s will work extra hard to become more mature in order to enhance ourselves. Thank you!
Thank you for the great interview, we wish you all the best in your endeavors!
J.Chung.
While figure skating has declined in popularity over the years due to corrupt judging, changes in scoring, focus on jumps over artistry, and an overall lack of liveliness (how many times do we have to listen to “Swan Lake” or selections from Carmen?), there are skaters that do manage to save the sport from completely slipping into oblivion thanks to their skill and likeable personalities. Recent-era skaters like Yuzuru Hanyu, Nathan Chen, Evgenia Medvedeva, Shoma Uno, Javier Fernandez, and Alina Zagitova are household names in the Figure Skating world with good reason. Now, another name is looking to join the list: South Korean teenager, Cha Jun-Hwan!
Cha, 17, is the first South Korean male skater to earn a spot in the Figure Skating Grand Prix Final. He joins fellow countrywoman and Olympic medalist, Kim Yuna, as the only Korean to earn this distinction.
Cha, who trains in Canada at the Toronto Cricket, Skating, and Curling Club, is coached by former Canadian figure skater, Brian Orser. Orser is an eight-time Canadian national champion, the 1987 figure skating world champion, and a two-time silver medalist at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic games. He is also Kim Yuna and Adam Rippon’s former coach, and he currently coaches Hanyu, Fernandez, Medvedeva, Jason Brown, and Gabrielle Daleman. With that pedigree and roster, Cha is in good hands.
The 2018-2019 figure skating season is Cha’s second season on the senior-level. During the 2017-2018 season, Cha experienced injuries and boot problems, but it didn’t stop him from winning his second consecutive Korean national title and representing South Korea in the men’s event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics where he placed 15th. Cha was also the youngest competitor in the men’s event and had the highest finish for a Korean male at any Olympic event.
While the new figure skating season is still young, Cha has proven that he is a worthy contender in the rink. So far, Cha’s won a silver medal at the 2018 Autumn Classic, silver at the 2018 Finlandia Trophy, and bronze medals at his two assigned Grand Prix events at Skate Canada and the 2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki. During the 2018 Autumn Classic, Cha even earned a higher score than his training mate Hanyu, a feat that should not be taken lightly since Hanyu is the best in the world and an insurmountable wall due to his skating prowess and work ethic.
While skating his way to the podium, Cha has earned some notable distinctions:
- He is the first South Korean man to qualify for the Grand Prix Final after earning 22 points with his two bronze medals at Skate Canadaand the 2018 Grand Prix of Helsinki
- He is the first South Korean man to earn medals at two consecutive Grand Prix events
- He is the first male South Korean medalist at an ISU-sanctioned Grand Prix series.
Cha’s achievements aren’t just for the senior-level. While he skated at the junior-level, Cha became the youngest man to land a quad salchow when he was 14-years-old. In 2016, he set the record for the highest combined score at the junior-level with 239.47 points. Unfortunately, those records no longer stand as Canada’s Stephen Gogolov (age 13) and Russia’s Dmitri Aliev (a score of 240.07) broke those respective records. During the 2016-2017 figure skating season, Cha also became the first Korean male to earn a medal at the Junior Grand Prix Final. Not bad for a skater who was a former child actor, model, and ballet dancer!
Now, Cha looks to make history again at the 2018-2019 Grand Prix Final, which will be held December 6-9, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Cha seems poised to be the first South Korean man to make the podium at the elite event, but he has stiff competitive in training partner Hanyu—who is injured—Nathan Chen, Shoma Uno, Russia’s Sergei Voronov and the Czech Republic’s Michal Březina. Hanyu, Uno, and Chen are predicted to medal as they are currently the powerhouses of men’s figure skating with several records to their names. Cha and Voronov could be dark horses at the competition, while Březina may play spoiler. The men’s event is set to be an impressive, exciting competition!
Other Notes
Team Asia is represented well at the upcoming Grand Prix Final. For the Ladies’ event, it’s Russia versus Japan as each country holds three spots. For Pairs, China’s Peng Cheng and Jin Yang will have to battle it out against France’s Vanessa James and Morgan Ciprès as well as Italians Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise and several Russian pairs, including favorites Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov. Asian athletes and athletes of Asian-descent did not qualify in the ice dance event.
—-Joelle Halon
Life’s tough, and in today’s overly political and problematic society, it’s easy to feel burdened by all the negativity society has to offer. Let’s take a load off and spend five minutes together looking at cute animals just because we need something to distract us sometimes. While we’re here, let’s take some time to learn about these adorable critters.
Asiatic Black Bear
Known as the Himalayan Black Bear, the Asiatic Black Bear can be found in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar, the Himalayas, and parts of South Korea, North Korea, Japan, and China. The bear’s most recognizable feature is the white “V” on its chest which is said to resemble a sliver of moonlight, thus its nickname of “Moon Bear.”
In the wild, the bears are diurnal (out during the day), but near villages and cities, they’ve taken on nocturnal characteristics. They are herbivores, but they have been known to attack humans to protect themselves and their young.
Unfortunately, populations of the Asiatic Black Bear are dwindling due to poaching as different body parts are used for traditional medicines. Deforestation is also contributing to their plummeting numbers. China, Japan, parts of India, Taiwan, Russia, Korea, and Vietnam consider it a protected species.
Asian Small-Clawed Otter
Out of the 13 native otter species in Asia, the Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest. Located in Southern China, Southern India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, they share their habitats– small streams, rivers, marshes, rice paddies, seacoasts, mangroves—with three other otter species: The hairy-nosed, Eurasian, and smooth-coat otters. The otters live in “families” of 10-15, although they are solitary hunters.
The otters are listed as a “vulnerable species” due to habitat loss, hunting, and water pollution.
Bamboo Bat
While cute in the creepy sense, the bamboo bat has three sub-species: The pygmy bamboo bat, the lesser bamboo bat, and the greater bamboo bat. One of the species was discovered in China in 2007.
The bamboo bat’s indigenous to Borneo, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. South China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The marking characteristic of this bat is its flat head and fleshy foot pads, the latter of which helps it cling to bamboo stalks. Luckily, this little cutie has abundant populations, so it’s not listed as a vulnerable species yet. However, deforestation could soon threaten the critter.
Calamian Deer
Located in Palawan, the Calamian deer is an endangered deer species that’s also known as the hog deer. Unlike other deer, this species runs and hides in brush instead of jumping to get away. Like other deer species, they are active at dusk and dawn. While other deer species have long legs, Calamian deer have short legs that make it easier for them to run through brushy regions.
Calamian deer are considered endangered due to the increase of housing and urban structures, deforestation, and hunting and trapping. The deer are used as food, specimen collections, and even jewelry and other trades. Even with conservation in-place, the population still continues to dwindle.
Clouded Leopard
Many encounters with the clouded leopard mostly come from viewing them at the zoo. Since it was discovered in 1821, the clouded leopard still eludes people in the wild, so it is unclear what numbers exist in the leopard’s natural habitats. However, there are an estimated 10,000 clouded leopards in Southeast Asia, specifically in Malaysia, Vietnam, South China, and the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo. This big cat—which is among the smallest of the big cats—is considered a vulnerable species. As far as researchers can tell, they also live solitary lives.
In China, the clouded leopard is known as the “mint leopard” because its spots look like mint leaves. In Malaysia, they’re known as tree tigers. In 2006, a new species of clouded leopard was discovered in Borneo and Sumatra. The neofelis diardi variety is darker and has longer canine teeth than its mainland cousin, the neofelis nebulosa.
Dhole
Native to central, South, and Southeast Asia, the dhole—which is also known as the Asiatic wild dog, the whistling dog, Indian wild dog, red dog, and the mountain wolf—is an endangered species in the canidae family. Sadly, diseases from domesticated animals, loss of prey and habitat, species competition, and being killed off by farmers contributes to their population decline. It’s estimated only 2,500 are left in the wild, making them more endangered than tigers. Unfortunately, conservation efforts aren’t strongly in-place for the whistling dog of Asia.
Dholes are about the size of a small German Shepherd, but they have features and markings that resemble a fox. This wild dog has a wide-range of vocalizations that range from clucking like a chicken, meowing, screaming, and whistling.
Ezo Fukuro
Considered a sub-species of the Ural Owl, the Ezo fukuro is an owl that is unique to the Japanese island of Hokkaido. This cute, fluffy owl is visible year-round and is recognized by its “hoh-hoh, guruk-hoh-hoh” call. When asleep, the little fluff looks like he’s blissfully smiling. The name Ezo fukuro translates to “Hokkaido owl.” Ezo is the old name for the Hokkaido prefecture, while fukuro means “owl.”
Ezo Momonga
Also known as the Siberian flying squirrel, the Ezo momonga is another cute critter that’s unique to Hokkaido. Recognized by his round, chubby appearance and large eyes, the Ezo momonga been chief among the adorable animal residents in Hokkaido.
This little flying squirrel can glide silently for up to 100 meters (328 feet). They are primarily nocturnal as to avoid natural predators. During the day, groups of them nest in trees.
The Ezo momonga is considered to be Hokkaido’s unofficial mascot and appears on the island’s regional railroad tickets.
Ezo Naki Usagi (Hokkaido Crying Rabbit)
Hailing from Hokkaido, the Ezo naki usagi, or Hokkaido crying rabbit, is a sub-species of the Northern pika. This little herbivore, like its pika cousins, loves to dwell in mountainous regions. He’s the most active during dusk and dawn.
There is a belief that the crying rabbit is the inspiration behind the popular Pokémon character Pikachu. The resemblance is there!
Fishing Cat
Listed as vulnerable by the International Society of Endangered Cats, the fishing cat’s numbers have sharply declined due to the destruction of its wetland prowling grounds. Commercial fishing and hunting also contribute to the decline, and they are believed to be extinct in Kerala, India.
The fishing cat has population “pockets” through South and Southeast Asia including Nepal, the Himalayas, India, Cambodia, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, and parts of Thailand. Pakistan also has some records of the cat. However, in some places, namely Thailand, the cats are rarely seen. While they are believed to be found there, there are no confirmed sightings in Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
In Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, hunting the fishing cat is prohibited; in Bhutan and Vietnam, people can hunt the cat outside of the protection zones.
Like the name implies, fish are the fishing cat’s main diet, even though it has been observed to eat rodents, insects, reptiles, snakes, and some cattle.
Giant Panda
One of the world’s most-known and most-loved animals, the giant panda is a well-known symbol of friendship and often recognized as one of China’s most famous symbols. The panda was once considered endangered, but wild panda populations have increased. In 2016, the International Union for Conservation of Nature upgraded the panda’s status from endangered to vulnerable (conservation reliant).
Pandas are found in the mountains of Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces in China. They are omnivores. In China, they are known as 大熊猫 (dà xióng māo), which translates to “big bear cat.”
In captivity, pandas struggle to mate as it is believed they have lost interest in mating. In order to breed more pandas, scientists use artificial insemination, sildenafil (Viagra), and even “panda porn” to try to encourage mating. Successful births have been recorded.
Malabar Giant Squirrels
Also known as the Indian giant squirrel, the Malabar giant squirrel is a large, colorful tree squirrel found in India. The squirrels are double the size of its American squirrel cousins, and it’s only active in the forests, making them a rare sight for those in cities and towns.
This omnivorous squirrel is a showy creature known for its brightly-colored coat. His fur ranges in color from cream to black to even orange and purple, the latter of which being a rare coat color for any mammal. Their colorful coats serve as an effective camouflage, helping them to hide from predators. Unlike other squirrels that run off when a predator is near, these giant squirrels freeze on trees to avoid detection.
Out of the animals listed here, the Malabar giant squirrel isn’t in danger yet. While numbers are dwindling due to habitat loss, the squirrels are not considered a vulnerable species.
We have other cute critters still to come! Stay tuned for our next installment!
—-Joelle Halon