KDrama Romcom Top Picks First Half of 2018

Hold up kdrama fans, we’re smack in the middle of 2018 and there’s been a slew of romantic comedies coming out from kdrama land (and they’re still coming!), so let’s take a breather and take a look at the gems among the offerings so far.

Completed series:

1. You Drive Me Crazy

Summary

Friends Eun Seong (Lee Yoo-Young) and Kim Rae Wan (Kim Sun-Ho) have been each other’s support system ever since they met on a train commute during their school years but their long friendship is put to the test after spending a drunken night together. The story explores their struggle in facing their own feelings as they waver between taking a chance at love or maintaining their friendship.

Highlights

This delightful gem of a drama is short and practically movie-like with each of its’ 4 episodes running at less than 20 minutes in length. Nevertheless, it manages to provide a light but meaningful watch without boring you with a typical friends turned lovers story. Most enjoyable and full of comical moments to keep it from being too heavy, you can also look forward to a cute scene-stealing hedgehog and a swoon-worthy second love interest (Kim Sung-Joo) for the heroine.

2. I’m Not A Robot

Summary

This sci-fi themed romance features Kim Min Kyu (Yoo Seung Ho) – an eccentric, rich, shareholder of a finance company who lives an isolated life due to a severe allergy to people (yup, you read that right, he’s allergic to other human beings). He is approached by a scientist who claims to have created a human-like robot and is in need of funding to continue his research. Min Kyu is intrigued and wants to test the robot first before committing to providing the funds but unfortunately, the robot suffers an accident just before it is due for delivery and the scientist persuades his ex-girlfriend Ji-Ah (Chae Soo-Bin), who he modeled the robot after, to pretend to be the robot instead while the real robot is being repaired. Hilarity ensues as Ji-Ah spends time with Min Kyu as a robot and their relationship blossoms into something more.

Highlights

The superb acting brings the story to life despite its dubious plot and reminds us of what it means to be human. Instead of focusing on the robotics, it focuses on the basis of human relationships while injecting hilarious comical moments that will make you laugh out loud. The great chemistry between the two main leads also helped to create a realistic portrayal of the growing feelings and attachment between the lead and his supposed robot companion.

Currently airing:

Other than the top 2 picks above, here are some shows currently airing that look mighty interesting. Now, they’re all still running so keep in mind there could be some surprise endings or plot twists ahead but judging from the episodes aired so far, I’d say they’ll at least keep you glued to your screen in anticipation so stay tuned folks.

3. Miss Hammurabi

Summary

Not your typical romcom, this drama revolves around the lives of judges Im Ba-Reun (L from Infinite) and his junior colleague – rookie judge Park Cha O Reum (Go Ara) who also happens to be his ex-schoolmate and first love. Her idealistic worldview clashes with the cynical and straight-laced Ba-Reun and the story follows their interactions through the cases they handle. Each case reveals the two main leads’ personalities, prejudices and growth as individuals in addition to their relationship development yet manages to display humor through O Reum’s antics and Ba-Reun’s awkwardness in dealing with his first love.

4. Wok of Love

Summary

This kooky and highly original kdrama will puzzle you at first as the three main characters – a gangster (Jang Hyuk), a rich girl (Jung Ryeo Won) and a chef (Lee Jun Ho of 2PM) – meet in a series of coincidences but as the series progresses, the development of each character pulls you in thanks to the talented acting of the leads and interesting side characters. In short, if this was a book, I’d say it was a page-turner.

5. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?

Summary

A narcissistic Vice President of a company played by romantic comedy king Park Seo Joon finds himself in a world of confusion as his reliable and trusted secretary of 9 years suddenly hands in her resignation. Park Min Young plays the long suffering secretary in this webtoon brought to life. The two are charming and adorable in turns, making a usually cliched plot a joy to watch as the leads try to figure out their feelings for each other.

So those are my top picks so far and I’m sure you’ll have yours as well, but in case you missed any of the ones mentioned above or have been wondering whether they’d be a good watch, I hope my recommendations helped a little.

Till next time, wishing you a happy time in Kdrama land!

 

 

—-Fie Fed

[Eng Sub] FTISLAND – To The Light English Subbed

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

Many of us don’t realize that these famous actors did not start off as who they are today. It’s very common for people who are already in the entertainment industry to switch talents (idols becoming actors, or vice versa), but who would have ever thought of this route? The system runs a bit different here in the US, where famous models receive attention just as much as famous singers, actors, etc. However, Korea is not equalized like the US- their system runs differently, and unless you are already a part of the entertainment industry, it is rare to become recognized, or at least, that is how it used to be. Nowadays, it has evolved to a completely new process. The talent agencies are always in search of the “next big thing,” so the people who are widely exposed to the Internet, all have the chance of becoming “the one.” This just doesn’t involve models, but also includes ordinary people.

However, these actors have made the cut before the system started to change, making it more lenient for those who want to follow the same route today.

Lee Jong Suk
Debuted as a model in 2005, became successful and the youngest model to walk in Seoul Fashion Week. Prior to becoming a model, his passion was in acting. He was an idol group trainee, but quit a couple of months after because the agency did not keep their promise to debut him as an actor. His debut as an actor was not until 2010, where he appeared in a TV series Prosecutor Princess. Unfortunately, his debut series was not enough to receive attention. His popularity quickly began rising in late 2010, where he took on a supporting role in Secret Garden. This drama itself was enough to get him recognized because it was the most successful drama of that year. Following the recognition, he appeared in High Kick Season 3 as one of the main roles. 2013 was the peak year for Lee Jong Suk, as he starred in a teen drama School 2013 with his good friend Kim Woo Bin, who is also a former model. This drama was such a hit that if he were to pick something else, it is very possible that he might not have gained all this fame. He also starred in I can Hear Your Voice, Pinocchio, Doctor Stranger, W, etc. Lee Jong Suk is now one of the most successful actors not only in Korea, but widely known in other countries.

Lee Kwang Soo
Famously known from a popular variety show Running Man, he too, started off his career as a model. His height, and unique look made him stand out during his modeling years. He made his acting debut in 2008, in Here He Comes, a more popular sitcom followed the same year: High Kick Through the Roof. Popularity increased after joining SBS’s variety show Running Man, and his character on the show received so much love that he even got a title “Prince of Asia” from the fans. This allowed him to get better roles in dramas, such as City Hunter, The Innocent Man, It’s Okay That’s Love, The Sound of Your Heart, etc. Lee Kwang Soo has a large fan base across Asia, so the amount of views of the dramas he has been in, played a big role in making them hits. Lee Kwang Soo is an actor/model/entertainer who has the capability to gain success in a variety of fields.

Lee Sung Kyung
Lee Sung Kyung had a successful modeling career until she decided to take another route. She placed 11th place at a local Super Model Contest, and 5th place at an International Asia Pacific Super Model Contest. Lee took on a role in her debut drama film It’s Okay, That’s Love. There was a lot of controversy over this role because she took on a big role as a rookie, and she wasn’t an official actress at the time. People could not believe a model got the role over hundreds of actors who auditioned. It didn’t take long for Lee Sung Kyung to prove to them that she can, act. After her successful debut she played one of the main roles in Cheese in the Trap, Doctors, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, While You Were Sleeping, etc. She is now one of the top main actresses in Korea.

Kim Woo Bin
Former model Kim Woo Bin, made his debut in White Christmas. Many, especially the teens showed interest in this drama because the character roles contained many good-looking models. The drama came out to be somewhat successful despite the fact that it had no real actors. Kim Woo Bin started to get some recognition in A Gentleman’s Dignity, due to it being such a hit drama. The year 2013 was a jackpot for Woo Bin, as he starred in School 2013 with his friend Lee Jong Suk. The “bromance” between the two is what really made this drama stand out. In the previous School drama series, the plot was mainly focused on love between the male and female character, but in School 2013, they decided to take it differently, forming a bromance between the two friends. Such a success in the drama got him to play main roles in movies as well: Runway Cop, Friend, Twenty, Master, and Wiretap, which is still currently on hold due to his Nasopharyngeal cancer. He was also in other dramas The Heirs, and Uncontrollably Fond. In 2017 he was diagnosed with cancer. According to an update on his condition that was given back in last November, he has received 3 chemotherapies and 35 radiation therapies. Fans are giving lots of support and patiently waiting for him to make a comeback. He surely made it big before announcing his break, and he sure will make it happen again once he returns. Be well Woo Bin!

Ahn Jae Hyun

From runway model to commercial model, Ahn Jae Hyun has come a long way to become who he is today. He also starred in several music videos including K.Will, Sistar 19, and Baek A-yeon’s songs. His debut drama My Love from Another Star received much popularity. Although there were some criticisms on his acting, many were more stunned by his good looks. He continued his acting featuring in You’re All Surrounded, followed by Fashion King shortly after. It didn’t take long for him to develop to playing main roles, and in 2015, he played his first leading role in Blood, where he met his current wife Gu Hye Sun. Shortly after the drama ended, the two got married. In 2017, the couple filmed a reality show Newlywed Diary, showing their normal life outside of filming. This show received lots of love especially from women because they could truly see Ahn Jae Hyun’s love for his wife. May they have a long, loving life together and continued success in their careers.

 

 

—-Juyeon Oh

 

[Eng Sub] PRISTIN V프리스틴 V Get It네 멋대로 MV

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

Ishikawa’s capital city has stayed fairly quiet in the shadow of its famous sister, Kyoto. Like Kyoto, Kanazawa avoided bombing in World War II, and is now one of the best-preserved Edo-period cities in Japan. It offers all the shrines, temples, castles, and historical districts you would expect, along with regional draws like insight into the powerful Maeda samurai clan.

Secluded in the mountainous Hokuriku region, Kanazawa was once difficult for tourists to reach, but its popularity is now soaring thanks to the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in 2015. Kanazawa’s compact size and the abundance of tourist information printed in English and other languages make it easily accessible. It’s an ideal destination for everyone from first-timers to Japan travel veterans.

One of Kanazawa’s most enchanting pleasures is simply strolling around the city’s various historical districts. There are three photogenic chaya districts; historic entertainment areas where geisha served wealthy patrons in lavish tearooms. Higashi Chayagai is the largest, and the place to go for luxury souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. Kanzawa’s rich artistic traditions have made it a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art, so you’ll find hand-painted ceramics and hand-dyed silks, along with enough gold leaf products to rival the collection of King Midas himself.

Nishi Chayagai and Kazuemachi are smaller, less trafficked districts, where venerated businesses continue to serve the city’s affluent today. Do a little searching and you’ll find cozy restaurants and bars. There’s also the quiet Nagamachi Samurai District, once home to samurai families. Most of the buildings are private residences now and can’t be entered, but a few museums and restored homes and shops provide a glimpse into the neighborhood’s past life.

Admire the floral architecture of Kenrokuen, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan”. Though tea service can be enjoyed all around the city, Kenrokuen’s teahouses are great spots from which to enjoy the garden’s spectacular scenery. Right across the road is Kanazawa Castle Park, the former residence of the ruling Maeda clan. The spacious surrounding park contains impressive gates and stone ruins, and the exhibitions inside the reconstructed castle provide information about its history and architecture.

There’s no shortage of shrines and temples to visit, but Myoryuji stands out as an exceptionally unique attraction. If you love spies, ninjas, and secret trapdoors, make sure to reserve a guided tour of this temple to find out why it’s earned the nickname “ninja-dera”. While it officially operated as a Buddhist temple for the Maeda rulers to worship in, it doubled as a secret military post, from which hiding samurai could defend the feudal lord. The endlessly surprising tour will reveal hidden staircases, optical illusions, trick doors, and more.

Though you might not expect it from such a traditional city, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the best contemporary art museums in Japan. Its permanent collection includes unpredictable interactive pieces, and rotating temporary exhibits present the best of local and international artists. It also functions as a public community center, providing a welcoming and unpretentious place for everyone to hang out.

 

—-JNes

It’s a few days into Ramadhan and muslims around the world are fasting in adherence to this Islamic tenet. So is it the same for muslims in Malaysia? Well, here’s three things you need to know about the Ramadhan fasting month in Malaysia.

1.It’s not just about not eating and drinking.

When thinking about fasting, the first thing that comes to mind is going hungry (and thirsty) as a result of refraining from eating and drinking, for a time – in this case from dawn to sunset. While this is certainly true, it’s actually the most basic part of fasting and dare I say, the most minimal requirement.

What’s much harder to comply with are the non-physical aspects of fasting – refraining from behaviour, words and even thoughts which are against the teachings of Islam such as, lying and gossipping, amongst others, and disciplining oneself to avoid negative emotions such as anger, envy, pride, etc.

In this way, the month of Ramadhan serves as a training period for muslims, instilling discipline not only in diet and behavior but also spiritually – giving a taste of humility to those who have more and providing a sense of solidarity to those who have less. As such, it is an opportunity for muslims to reaffirm their beliefs, cultivate gratitude for what they have and fostering compassion for those who are less fortunate.

2. It’s Ramadhan for everyone, not just muslims.

What? I’m not muslim, does that mean I have to fast too? Nope, you certainly don’t. Malaysians are a multi-cultural and multi-religious lot living together in one not so big melting pot, so pretty much everyone’s involved when any one culture has a significant event (and yes, fasting for a whole month definitely counts as significant).

You may find that some government offices close an hour earlier, your favourite muslim restaurants open later than usual (closer to the time to break fast), your muslim friends don’t join you for lunch like they usually do and you’re tempted into joining them for ‘buka puasa’ (breaking of the fast) instead when sunset rolls around at one of the many buffets by Malaysian restaurants during the month.

In addition, there’ll be heavy traffic in the evenings as people rush home to make it in time to break their fast with their loved ones. All in all, you’d definitely know it when Ramadhan arrives and enjoy the pros and cons together with your fasting friends.

3.Think you’ll lose weight? Err, think again.

Remember those buffets I mentioned earlier? Well, in addition to those, there’ll also be ‘pasar ramadhan’ in the afternoons in most areas which are basically food bazaars selling tasty food with mind-boggling (and stomach rumbling) variety, not to mention multi-colored drinks to tempt the senses.

Drinks anyone? Even the drinks are tempting at Pasar Ramadhan.

Little wonder that even those who are fasting find they may have gained weight instead of losing any after Ramadhan. No need to mention those who didn’t fast but enjoyed ‘breaking fast’ anyway, right?

If that’s not enough, once Ramadhan ends and the Eid celebrations begin, there’ll be many open houses to attend where you’ll be digging into food again so any weight loss from fasting can be easily negated by overindulging. A typical Malaysian practice by all cultures, be it Malay, Chinese, Indian and others, open houses are held during celebrations whereby friends, family, neighbors and colleagues are invited to homes to join in the celebrations.

So that was a little peek of Ramadhan in Malaysia. Wishing everyone a rewarding Ramadhan and a happy eid!

—Fie Fed

Tickets On Sale Now: http://bit.ly/2IM61eO

[Announcement], [EVENT] SUMMER NIGHT OUT IN SEOUL – June 9, 2018.

Cherry Coke

 

Sophyia

 

Call Lee

 

Carmine

https://soundcloud.com/carmine_beatz/desventura

 

 

[Eng Sub] 정엽 Jung Yup 없구나 Nothing Left.

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

Broken down into eight provinces, six metropolitan cities, one special city, one special self-governing city, and one special self-governing province, South Korea has a lot to offer with activities and experiences to help make it an interesting country to visit.

Of course, for those interested in the entertainment industry and the idols that make up the industry, it might be interesting to know what areas gave the industry the most stars. There are fans that travel to Korea just to visit the home locations of their idols.

Seoul Notables
Andrew Choi	Haeryoung (BESTie)	Hyungyoung (Rainbow)	Junhyung (BEAST)	Lee Seung Gi	Ricky (TEENTOP)	Yonghwa (CNBLUE)
Ara (Hello Venus)	Himchan (B.A.P)	Jaehyung (A-JAX)	Junyoung (ZE:A)	Leeteuk (Super Junior)	Seohyun (SNSD)	Yoochun (JYJ)
B-Bomb (Block B)	G-Dragon (BIG BANG)	Jaekyung (Rainbow)	Juyeon (After School)	Lime (Hello Venus)	Seo Taiji	Yoona (SNSD)
Park Bom (2NE1)	Haeryoung (BESTie)	Jang Nara	Kangin (Super Junior)	L.Joe (TEENTOP)	Siwon (Super Junior)	Yoonjo (Hello Venus)
Changmin (TVXQ)	Himchan (B.A.P)	Jay (The BOSS)	Keonu (LEDapple)	Mika (The BOSS)	Son Dambi	Yooyoung (Hello Venus)
Chansung (2PM)	G-Dragon (BIG BANG)	Jieun (Secret)	Kibum (Super Junior)	Min (Miss A)	Sunye (Wonder Girls)	Yoonyoung (A-JAX)
CL (2NE1)	Honey (EXID)	Jiyeon (T-ara)	Kim Hyungjun (SS501)	Minha (Nine Muses)	Taehun (ZE:A)	Yoseob (BEAST)
Daesung (BIG BANG)	Hyojoon (A-JAX)	J.Min (Tiny G)	Kim Taewoo	Myeongji (Tiny G)	Taemin (SHINee)	Youngjae (B.A.P)
Dongwoon (BEAST)	Hyosuk (LEDapple)	Jiyoon (4Minute)	Kyuhyun (Super Junior)	Nara (Hello Venus)	Taewoon (SPEED)	Youngjun (LEDapple)
Eunjung (T-ara)	HyunA (4Minute)	Jonghun (FT Island)	Kyumin (LEDapple)	Na-Eun (APINK)	Tony Ahn (H.O.T)	Younha
Gayoon (4Minute)	Hyungjoon (SS501)	Jonghyun (SHINee)	Kwanghee (ZE:A)	Park Junmin (SS501)	T.O.P (BIG BANG)	Zico (Block B)
G-Dragon (BIG BANG)	Hyungshik (ZE:A)	Joon (MBLAQ)	Lee Minho	Rain	Tymee

 

Incheon Notables
Bang Yongguk (B.A.P)	Hyeyeon (BESTie)	Hyoyeon (SNSD)	Janey (GP Basic)	Minhee (Miss $)	Minyong  (LEDapple)	Ryeowook (Super Junior)
Dami (EXID)	Hyorin (Sistar)	Injun (The BOSS)	Jungah (After School)	Minho (SHINee)	Miso (GLAM)

 

Chungcheongbuk Notables
CNU (B1A4)	Hyori Lee	Hyosung (Secret)	Jieun (Secret)	Jinyoung (B1A4)	Nana (After School)	Sanchez (Phantom)	Sanghoon (100%)

 

Daejeon Notable

Park Jimin (15&)

 

Chungcheongnam Notables
Jaejoong (JYJ)	LE (EXID)	No Hongchul	Yesung (Super Junior)

 

Jeollabuk Notables
Heo Youngsaeng (SS501)	Kim Kyujong (SS501)	L (Infinite)	Noeul (Rainbow)	Sunggyu (Infinite)	Taeyeon (SNSD)	Woori (Rainbow)

 

Gwangju Notables
Baro (B1A4)	Hara (KARA)	Hwayoung (T-ara)	Minzy (2NE1)	Seungri (BIG BANG)	Suzy (Miss A)	Yubin (Wonder Girls)
Gongchan (B1A4)	HongKi (FT Island)	J-Hope (BTS)	Nam Gyuri	Sungjong (Infinite)	Yunho (TVXQ)

 

Jeollanam Notables
Bora (Sistar)	Dohee (Tiny G)	Donghae (Super Junior)	Kikwang (BEAST)	Mir (MBLAQ)	Zelo (B.A.P)

 

Jeju Notables
Baekho (Nu’est)	Heechul (ZE:A)	Soyu (Sistar)

 

Gyeongsangnam Notables
Chorong (APINK)	Go Ara	Lee Minki	Minwoo (ZE:A)	Sangmin (Cross Gene)	Sulli (f(x))

 

Busan Notables
Changmin (2AM)	Hoya (Infinite)	Jonghyun (CNBLUE)	Minhyun (Nu’est)	Simon D	Woohee (Dal*Shabet)
Daehyun (B.A.P) *Born in Gwangju	Hyomin (T-ara)	Jungkook (BTS)	Ren (Nu’est)	Siwan (ZE:A)	Wooyoung (2PM)
Dongjun (ZE:A)	Hyukjin (100%)	Kyungri (Nine Muses)	Dara (2NE1)	Sunhwa (Secret)	Young Boy (Wonder Boyz)
Eunji (APINK)	Jaehyo (Block B)	Lizzy (After School)	Sandeul (B1A4)	Taecyeon (2PM)	Yuna (Pascol)
Hanhae (Phantom)	Jimin (BTS)	Lee Jungki	Seungjin (A-JAX)	Thunder (MBLAQ)

 

Ulsan Notables
Kim Taehee	Raina (After School)	Seo in Guk

 

Daegu Notables
E-Sens	Junsu (2PM)	Karam (The BOSS)	Mika (The BOSS)	Suga (BTS)	V (BTS)
Gil Me	Kahi	Key (SHINee)	Minwoo (100%)	Uee (After School)

 

Gyeongsangbuk Notables
Kangta	Kim Taewoo	Soyeon (T-ara)

 

Gangwon Notables
Alice (Hello Venus)	Changbum (100%)	Changjo (TEENTOP)	E-Young (After School)	Heechul (Super Junior)	JR (Nu’est)

 

Gyunggi Notables
Baek Ayeon	Chunji (TEENTOP)	IU	Junho (2PM)	Niel (TEENTOP)	Sooyoung (SNSD)	Yuri (SNSD)
Bada	Dasom (Sistar)	Jokwon (2AM)	Junsu (JYJ)	Onew (SHINee)	Sungmin (Super Junior)	Zeu (LEDapple)
BoA	Dongwoo (Infinite)	Jonghwan (100%)	K.Will	Park Shin Hye	Sungyeol (Infinite)
Bomi (APINK)	Eunhyuk (Super Junior)	Jongup (B.A.P)	Lee Changhyuk (Akdong Musician)	Rap Monster (BTS)	Taeyang (BIG BANG)
C.A.P (TEENTOP)	Hyungkon (A-JAX)	Junghwa (EXID)	Lee Hi	Rokhyun (100%)	U-Kwon (Block B)
Chanyong (100%)	Insooni	Jungshin (CNBLUE)	Lee Soohyun (Akdong Musician)	Seungho (MBLAQ)	Woohyun (Infinite)

 

[BREAKING NEWS] Osaka, Japan Earthquake Dozens Injured 6/18/2018

TOKYO — A solid tremor thumped over dividers and set off scattered flames around metropolitan Osaka in western Japan on Monday morning, killing no less than three individuals and harming handfuls.

The Osaka prefectural government’s disaster administration division said two individuals were discovered dead, while the Ibaraki city official affirmed a third casualty. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said more than 40 were harmed in Osaka and close-by prefectures of Hyogo and Kyoto.

One casualty was a 9-year-old young lady who was thumped around a solid wall at her primary school as she strolled by. A man in his 80s passed away in the crumple of a solid divider in Osaka city. A 84-year-old man in close-by Ibaraki died after a bookshelf fell over him at home, as indicated by city authorities.

The extent 6.1 seismic tremor struck not long after 8 a.m. north of Osaka at a profundity of around 13 kilometers (8 miles), the Japan Meteorological Agency said. The most ground shaking was north of Osaka, however the tremor shook vast parts of western Japan, including Kyoto, the organization said.

The shudder split streets and broke water funnels, leaving homes without water. The regular drive was disturbed, as many residential flights all through Osaka were grounded.

Source: BBC

—-Denise Coley

[English Subbed] GOT7 – On The SCENE

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

On April 2, 2018, an Oh My Girl sub-unit, OMG Banhana released the track “Banana Allergy Monkey.” On the surface, it’s a cute, quirky song about a monkey who loves bananas, but sadly, he cannot have bananas because he is allergic. The cute story, music, and theme makes the track have a nostalgic feel while maintaining a sense of sweetness and innocence. The monkey and safari-themed outfits and 1990s pop-culture props is reminiscent of eccentric themes by Orange Caramel, Crayon Pop, Cocosori, and the Crayon Pop sub-unit Strawberry Milk, and for some K-Pop fans, the quirkier the group, the better.

Unfortunately for OMG Banhana, “Banana Allergy Monkey” wasn’t well-received as it was panned by several Netizens who call the track a major step back for Oh My Girl. Those who love the song and support the group have come to the song’s defense. While it is a song that has its quality oft-debated, “Banana Allergy Monkey” has another “controversy” as parent groups and Netizens consider the song “offensive” toward people with allergies.

Yes. “Banana Allergy Monkey” has been deemed offensive.

Parents of children with anaphylaxis disapprove of the lyrics and dance. The lyrics– which are in story-format addressing how a monkey discovers banana milk and how he can enjoy bananas like everyone– have a line that says “I’m a monkey who can’t eat a single banana. Even I think I’m lame.” For parent groups, this single line suggests that children with severe allergies should feel bad about themselves. The dance, which features Binnie, Arin, and Hyojung scratching, have been dubbed a negative stereotype for those with allergies. On Naver, parents have suggested that dance may lead to anaphylaxis-suffers getting bullied.

WM Entertainment responded to the comments. In the statement, WM Entertainment said, “It seems that the purpose of this song was twisted. We fully understand the worries, but we did not mean for the song to be played out like that. The song is about embracing our possible flaws and differences and staying strong with hope in our hands. It talks about staying positive in all aspects of life. Also, the song ‘Banana Allergy Monkey’ is only a small part of a bigger album. Oh My Girl’s pop up album will have other stories that connect with one another. We would be grateful if you could see the bigger picture, instead of focusing on specific words in the songs.”

WM Entertainment’s statements are accurate as the overall release does have a positive tone to it. Given today’s hypersensitivities, it’s no surprise that someone would find offense in a harmless song written ten-years by a composer who also has a food allergy.

The composer’s own allergy to apples was the inspiration behind the song.

Unpopular Opinion

Prior to today’s era, a song about a monkey with a banana allergy would be one of those songs that would be considered light-hearted and good fun. “Banana Allergy Monkey” would have been acceptable ten years ago; but today, everything is offensive when it shouldn’t be. Yes, the world needs to change to be more accepting of different types of people, but we also should be able to make fun of ourselves and joke around in non-harmful ways, much like “Banana Allergy Monkey” does, especially given how the composer is making light of his own situation. The song is not making fun of people with anaphylaxis.

The issue today is that people these days keep looking for ways to be offended. From Disney princesses to a simple song, nothing is safe from the “I’m Offended Train.” For many, it’s a rallying cry to beat people down whenever someone does something unagreeable despite the fact people should be allowed to have varying experiences. With entertainment media, nothing is off-limits because entertainment media gains its inspiration from real life and people’s real experiences. That’s why we have stories, music, movies, TV, and books. The material comes from within someone; it’s that person’s way of communicating those experiences to the world. Everyone experiences things differently. Some people choose to be self-depreciating. Others choose to joke about themselves. Some turn their stories into a song about a monkey with allergies. Others choose to be offended even if something isn’t directly about them.

Everything is not about you.

“Banana Allergy Monkey” is not about you either.

To those saying the song may encourage kids to bully other kids, kids are intelligent and have an entirely different world-view than adults. By shoving adult ideas onto children, the door toward bullying may be opened. For kids, “anaphylaxis” may not be in their vocabulary, so how would they know what it is unless the child is inflicted with it or an adult talks about it? With the cute dance, childish MV theming, and nursery story appeal contained within “Banana Allergy Monkey,” kids will hear the song and see the video and not think anything about someone’s allergy issues. That’s the thing about children: They see the joy in what’s around them. That joy disappears when the adult world and adults press into them to make them see things that aren’t there.

Along with pressing adult views onto kids, we also live in a humorless world where people must watch what is said at all times out of fear of being offensive. People used to be able to kid around—heck, that’s how comedians like Gallagher, George Carlin, and Richard Pryor made bank. Comedy and entertainment were the escapes from the real world, a true “safe space” where nothing was off-limits and no one was offended. Unfortunately, it’s becoming a society where dad jokes may be the only sense of humor that’s mildly safe for people’s pleasure. If a light-hearted song about a monkey is offensive, then, perhaps, society needs to look at itself and realize it’s gone too far down the rabbit hole.

There are things to be offended about: Injustice, racism, sexual crimes, and legitimate mocking of a disability or disabilities are chief among them. However, “Banana Allergy Monkey” is not even close to being high on that priority list. It’s a harmless song. People need to stop making mountains out of molehills. Everything is not a slight nor is everything worth being offended. Pick your battles instead of damaging any credibility for relevant change by focusing on pettiness.

Crush 잊을만하면 Bittersweet

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

Earlier in March 2018, it was reported by Sports Hochi that Japanese vocal group Kalafina were expected to disband this spring following a dispute between them and their agency, Spacecraft Produce. Those rumors were quickly debunked by Spacecraft, but they did confirm that one member would be leaving. At the time, Spacecraft did not reveal who was leaving, but it was recently reported that Keiko Kubato would be the member departing the group.

On Kalafina’s website, Kubato said:

I, Keiko, would like to inform you that April 1, 2018 marked the end of my contract with Spacecraft Production Co., Ltd – the agency that has supported me for many years.

I would like to apologize from the bottom of my heart that we are providing this information so late and thus made everyone worry.

There are so many people that have supported Kalafina for 10 years, it’s because of your very existence that, step by step, we were able to carefully work our way ahead, and it was you who made it possible that our dream of celebrating our 10th Anniversary at Nippon Budokan became true.

Thanks to all of you who supported us, the three of us were able to completely devote ourselves to music with our heart and soul.

For my entire life, I shall never forget this journey of music, a journey of believing in the power of music, of crossing the sea, of walking ahead and forever linking all of your smiling faces together.

Now that I have completed this journey, I feel like I can go forward even further while still treasuring the progress I have made together with you within my heart.

I am sincerely grateful to everyone who supported me throughout my ten years as part of Kalafina.

Thank you very much! (Trans. by SGGate)

Kalafina will continue as a duo as Wakana Ōtaki and Hikaru Masai have decided to stay with Spacecraft Produce.

In January, Kalafina celebrated their ten-year anniversary with a concert at Budokan. On March 30, a documentary was released to celebrate their anniversary. In 2017, they released “Into the World,” their final track as a trio.

Currently, Kalafina or Kubato’s future plans have not been released. We wish everyone the best.

 

—-Joelle Halon

박재범, 사이먼 도미닉, 로꼬, GRAY 그레이 뒤집어버려

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

Cherry Coke

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.

 

The spring has finally arrived in Korea, although the recent state of the chilly temperature might have indicated otherwise.

The weather has been overly fickle from last year’s winter until now; gracing us with ‘sunshine’ and ‘sudden snow’ in late January and February while it hardly even snowed during December – South Korea’s usual period for mass snow.

According to the lunar calendar, the spring season was supposed to have started from February 4th for this year. But regardless of how the weather has been, springtime in Korea doesn’t last very long (it’s actually the shortest season of the year…) so let’s just enjoy it while it lasts.

Perhaps nothing will represent the Korean spring season better than the cherry blossoms that usually bloom only ‘briefly’ during March until April.
The beautiful scenery of the colorful cherry blossoms will only stick around for a limited time; approximately ten days or three weeks at the most. And the date when the cherry blossoms will be in bloom will differ each year.

For 2016, it is predicted that the flowers will come in bloom from March 29th in the Gyeongju area (located in the Southern part of South Korea) and April 9th for the Seoul region. This is just an estimated prediction, which is similar to the weather forecast but it should give you a rough date when to expect the flowers in full bloom.

According to reliable sources, the best period to view and enjoy the cherry blossoms ‘in full bloom’ in Korea would be from April 7th until 17th this year.

Below, I have selected to list eight cherry blossom festivals that will take place in various cities in the peninsula. Other than the ones on this list, there are many other cherry blossom festivals that are held each year in Korea.

Most of the flower festivals are held annually; some festivals have been around longer and some are more famous and will attract more visitors than others. But each cherry blossom festival will be unique and enjoyable its own way and also the flowers and the buds all come in many different forms and colors.

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival (March 18 – March 27, 2016)

Location: Seomjin Village, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival takes place in Seomjin Village, home of the largest number of apricot blossom trees in Korea. At the Gwangyang International Maehwa festival, the visitors can take a stroll beneath the romantic apricot blossoms and try out some local delicacies at the village.

Gurye Sansuyu Festival (March 19 – March 27, 2016)

Location: Jirisan Mountain Hot Spring area, Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual spring flower festival that takes place in the near the Jirisan Mountain hot springs area. (Jirisan is a mountain in the southern region of South Korea.)

Events for this festival include sampling or producing the Korean traditional liquor, ‘Cornus fruit Makgeolli,’ and other programs will offer Korean folklore music, dance performances and fireworks displays during the evening.

Jinhae Gunhangje Festival (April 1 – April 10, 2016)

Location: Jungwon Rotary, Jinhae-gun, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jinhae Gunhanje Festival is Korea’s largest cherry blossom festival with a number of approximately 340,000 cherry trees, boasting of its largest number of cherry trees in the world,

This festival has a long tradition and has been celebrated since 1952 in memory of Admiral ‘Yi Sun-shin,’ who was in charge of defeating the numerous Japanese invasions during the Joseun dynasty. During the evening, the streets will be crowded with stalls, selling Korean traditional foods, souvenirs, snacks and etc.

Jeju King Cherry Blossom Festival (April 1 – April 10, 2016)

Location: Jeju Sports Complex area, Jeju Island

Jeju’s King cherry blossoms can be seen all over Seogwipo’s downtown area and the Jeju Sports Complex.

The size of the delicate petals of the King Cherry Tree blossoms is the largest among all types of cherry blossoms and they are considered highly for their splendor.

The King Cherry Trees fully blossom for only a couple of days in April but it’s needless to state that the cherry blossoms are worth seeing and very beautiful.

Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival (April 1 – April 3, 2016)

Location: Hwagae Market area, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

The beautiful snow white cherry blossom trees are definitely a lovely attraction for any visitors. One of the popular attractions of this festival is the ‘10-ri Cherry Blossom Road,’ which is nicknamed as the ‘marriage road’ – it is said that if lovers walk down the road holding hands, the couple would wed and stay together happily ‘til eternity.

Other attractions of the festival include the historic Hwagae Market and the restaurants that serve the province’s traditional seafood cuisines.

Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Blossom Festival (April 1 – April 3, 2016)

Location: Dorip-ri, Gyeongsa-ri, Songmal-ri and Baeksa-myeon, Icheon, Gyeonggi-do

Icheon’s Baeksa Village is home to a number of Sansuyu trees which have been growing naturally in the area for over a century.

In early spring, the trees turn a striking bright yellow and during the Icheon Baeksa Sansuyu Blossom Festival, the visitors can participate in Korean traditional folk games and watch the Sansuyu flower parade.

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (April 4 – April 10, 2016)

Location: Surrounding areas of Yunjungno & Yeouido, Seoul

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is held in mid-April, during the time when spring flowers like azaleas, forsythia, royal azaleas and others are in full bloom.

The area is well-known for its number of about 1600 Cherry trees.
Vehicles are prohibited to access around the National Assembly area during the festival, which makes it super convenient for visitors to enjoy themselves. The festival becomes much more vibrant at night when the cherry blossoms are lit up in different colors.

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival (Date not yet available)

Location: Seokchon Lake area, Waterside Stage, Seoul

Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual event held at Seokchon Lake, which is located close to the Magic Island of the Lotte World Amusement park in Jamsil, Seoul – which indicates that variety of performances, exhibitions will be showcased during this festival.
Occasionally, Korean pop acts may perform on the stage in Lotte World, making the area more vibrant and will offer a fun experience for its visitors.

—J. Chung

 

South Korea’s first ever female President, Park Geun-hye was the first-born to Korea’s third President, Park Chung-Hee, a.k.a the military dictator in Korean history. As the daughter of the Korean President, Park Geun-hye grew up with privileges but on the other hand, she didn’t get to experience what you’d consider a normal childhood.

Circumstances got extremely harsh for her when both of her parents got assassinated. (Her mother was shot by a North Korean sympathizer in 1974, while her father was killed by his intelligence chief in 1979) Thus, it is a widely known fact that the current President grew up with only few people to trust and call close friends.

Now, one of those friends whom Park foolishly relied to take care of excessive affairs has not only put the presidency in serious jeopardy but became the main factor for the President’s current downfall.

Since late October, South Korea has been booming and rocking with countless crowds of demonstrators demanding the President to resign.

The previous weekend, organizers said over one million people gathered in Seoul alone, (and various cities around the country) as the largest demonstration that South Korea has ever had since the pro-democracy movement in the ‘80s.

One event management claimed to have gathered over 1.9 million participants in favor of Park‘s ouster.

It was announced today on November of 29^th 2016, by President Park herself that she will relinquish her rights as South Korea’s President and let the Parliament decide on the time of her resignation and overall the rest of her political career.

For this article, I will cover some of the episodes that led to Korea’s biggest political scandal in modern history.

 

Who is Choi Soon-sil?

This woman aged 60, who goes by the name – Choi Soon-sil – and various other names, has been convicted to be the primary person (along with her siblings) responsible for making vital decisions during Park’s administration, masterminding governmental and foreign policy, extorting millions of dollars from corporations and conveniently bending the law to suit herself and her family members.

Choi, who has known the President for 40 something years, even had special access to over a hundred confidential policy documents and is also been reported to have her own set of advisers who had their hands on critical government decisions – which includes the appointment of cabinet ministers – and shutting down the Kaesong industrial park after North Korea took nuclear tests, earlier this year.

Mind you, Choi is an ordinary citizen. Not in any way a politician or someone who was hired to work at the governmental office. By normal standards, she should never have been allowed to interfere with any presidential decisions or responsibilities. As later revealed, who would have thought she would have gone as far as editing presidential speeches?

When local news media first reported allegations that Ms. Choi had edited the president’s speeches; the President’s office initial reaction was that it was “absurd” and “untrue.”

However, after the cable channel JTBC reported they had obtained a tablet computer that belonged to Choi Soon-sil that included drafts of 44 speeches and speeches that President had given as a presidential candidate and later as president. The computer’s log indicated that Choi had received the files hours or days before the President delivered the speeches to the public.

Overseeing some of the speeches was the only charge that Choi admitted to have done, she has so far denied the extortion of funds and etc.

In a televised address to the nation on Tuesday, the President also acknowledged that she had let Ms. Choi edit some of her speeches.

So this is how this scandal shook the nation and became the main story in all the media outlets in Korea, in late October of 2016.

Choi Soon-sil was staying in Germany, where she had purchased three houses, in order to primarily let her daughter, who is a dressage rider to train and reside in. Her daughter, Soora Chung also caused a stir since it was revealed in the media that Choi bribed a university to alter their admission criteria especially for her daughter to enroll in, although she was not eligible to attend.

Earlier this month, her admission was cancelled because the media had caught on that Choi’s family was getting another free ride. This resulted in the president of Ewha Womans University resigning amid accusations that she had given Choi’s daughter, a favorable treatment.

On the October 30, Choi returned to Korea sooner than people expected, because she had prior told a journalist that she would not come home to face investigators. However, she was not arrested until 30 plus hours after her arrival.

For more than a whole day, she was free to visit banks and attend to her personal (or otherwise) businesses. Some sources claimed she couldn’t hide out in Germany any longer because she was already in trouble with the police for laundering money there.

On November 20, the prosecutors raided the offices linked to Choi, and she was charged for intervening with state affairs, charging conglomerates to donate millions of dollars to foundations and businesses she owned or linked to. (Choi’s niece has recently been arrested for similar illegal activities as her aunt.) Prosecutors stated the partial of the extorted sum was spent on the Choi clan’s extravagant lifestyles.

Cult Connection

Choi is the daughter of a Korean Shamanistic cult leader, Choi Tae-min, who was the founder of a cult sect called the Church of Eternal Life.

Mr. Choi was once a Buddhist monk; then later converted to Roman Catholicism and is said to declare himself a Maitreya, or a “Future Buddha.”

This situation gets more bizarre because Choi Tae-min is a religious cult figure;

Choi was a mentor for President Park Chung-Hee and remained close to him until he was assassinated in 1979. Kim Jae-gyu, the head of the Korean Central Intelligence Unit, claimed that his motive for the killing was Park’s inability to rid of Choi’s manipulation.

According to a report by the Korean intelligence agency from that era, and later published by a South Korean newsmagazine in 2007, Mr. Choi is said to have approached Park Geun-hye by telling her that he has been having dreams about her deceased mother, and that she had asked him to help her daughter.

The relationship from then onwards have been the subject of rumors that they were in an affair or had a child together. When Choi first befriended Park, he was at the time forty years her senior, right after her mother was assassinated in mid 70s. He soon acted out as a mentor for Park as he did to her father and aided her in organizing a pro-government volunteer group, Movement for a New Mind, in which Choi Soon-sil was also a youth leader.

In a 2007, through WikiLeaks, the American Embassy in Seoul reported that there is circulation of rumors that Choi Tae-min “had complete control over Park’s body and soul and that his children accumulated enormous wealth as a result.”

During his lifetime, Choi Tae-min is said to have used seven different names, married six times and used his connection to Park to his advantage until the time of his death, in 1994.

But the gossip about the relationship (although it was always denied by the Park) has not ceased even after Choi’s death.

 

Current state

As foreseen, Choi Sun-sil was charged with extortion and abuse of power this past weekend, while Park’s two former aides were indicted on charges of pressuring companies to donate to foundations controlled by Choi.

President Park has apologized more than twice on national TV for her ties to Choi but failed to directly address the allegations or answered any questions by the press. It seemed Park was denying all allegations she was accused of and that she was not fully aware of what Choi was up to all this time.

She even refused to be investigated after initially announcing publicly she will do everything that is asked of her, in terms of the investigation. This outraged the Korean citizens and when Park publicly acknowledged her close ties with Choi, her approval ratings dropped to the lowest ever 5%.

President Park raised controversy by dismissing the key members of her office and even went as far as dismissing the Prime minister of South Korea, Hwang Kyo-ahn via a text message

One of the questions, the President cannot or will not give answer till this very day is, what she was doing during the seven hours” in the aftermath of the Sewol ferry disaster that occurred on April 16, 2014.

Suspicions linked to Choi with the unknown whereabouts of Park, some rumors even claim that the accident was related to a sacrificial ritual and the victims were actually “offerings.”

Because Choi Tae-min died in 1994 on the 21st day of the third month, according to the lunar calendar, the 20th anniversary of his death was April 14, 2014, on the solar calendar. Family members had to perform a rite marking the 20th anniversary of Choi’s death, but Sunday was not appropriate, so the rite was performed on April 16^th.

Some claim Park was in the hospital getting skin or plastic surgery even though it might not be easy to get that proof from the hospital.

Because the President was clearly absent during the first seven hours of the ferry’s sinking, (which ended up as a disaster of killing more than 300 passengers on board) people have been demanding answers.

Her spokesperson just kept repeating that the President was in her office working. This prompted public outrage for the truth. If she was working, then why couldn’t she have been giving out orders during the seven hours like any presidents would do?

The family members of the ferry disaster victims and civic group members held a press conference, demanding the President’s resignation since she is seen as responsible for the government’s belated response during the hours of the accident. They urged the government to unveil the truth about the President’s whereabouts during the first seven hours of the accident.

As the citizens gathered in front of Seoul’s City Hall and protested into the night every week, with candles lit in their hands since the very week scandal broke out, it was getting to the point where nobody could deny or ignore this outcry.

And the people have every right to be there to demonstrate because this scandal was not just a simple incident about a woman called Choi acting greedy and abusing her power in the name of politics.

Due to the outcome of this outrageous scandal, the Korean stock prices have hit a low, the nation’s financial state has vastly deteriorated, and not to mention the negative effect this had on national security.

Even the officials who supported the President through and through feel betrayed and no longer support her, while many of them sincerely advised the President it’s best to step down when she can.

 

The Speech

This very day on Tuesday 29^th November, the President made a public speech addressed to the nation. She began by saying that it has been an honor to serve the country for the past four years and that she will let the National Assembly decide the fate of her presidency.

This was her third speech since the Choi scandal.

She stated, “I will lay my course of action and the rest of my presidential term to the decision of the National Assembly. If the political circles suggest a way I may hand over authority in order to minimize chaos in state affairs, I shall step down from the presidency according to the given timeline through legal procedure. “

Park apologized for the inconveniences the recent scandal has caused but seemed to imply that she was not the sole person responsible for the scandalous events. She continued on to stress the fact that she did not take any personal advantage for herself during her presidential administration. But that she was at fault for not “properly managing” the people around her.

This President’s speech took place just days before the plans ahead of the parliament’s vote on a presidential impeachment bill and it must have pressured her since the chances of her getting impeached is very likely at this stage.

The President continued to state, “I have now laid down everything. All I hope is for Korea to get free from this state of chaos and back on track. Since I started politics in 1998 and until now as president; I made utmost effort to work for the nation and the people. I did not work for my personal interests but only worked for what I believed to be for the country.”

President Park concluded by saying, since she has announced something that was bearing heavy on her heart, she will be withdrawing without taking additional questions from the press.

 

We cannot predict at this point how the ending of the last month of 2016 will be, in terms of politics along with the various chaotic incidences that has been occurring in Korea. But I hope we are all in the same mind and desire when it comes to wishing the best for everybody, as citizens of this world.

Here is a note to wish everyone a very merry “Season’s Greetings” and hope that we can all get through the end of this year the best way we can. And we really look forward to the year of 2017 which is just a month away…

Thank you very much for reading.

 

1. Chung.

 

 

If you are a big fan of Korean food but you don’t have time to go to restaurants all the time, try making some easy, healthy homemade Bibimbap.  Bibimbap was my first introduction to Korean food. Meaning, “mixed rice,” a Bibimbap recipe is comprised of warm rice topped with different seasoned vegetables, sauce like gochujang (korean red pepper paste), and often meat and/or an egg. It’s all mixed up, and usually just eaten with a spoon (no chopsticks needed)

It always seemed wonderfully colorful and complex when a bowl of Bibimbap would be placed in front of me, and I’d get hit with the different colors of all the ingredients and sometimes the sizzling sound of the rice if it were served in the hot stone pot. Never did I imagine that it was something I’d try to make at home.

Here are the ingredients that we needed and a quick instruction for you to follow.

Serves: 4

Total time: 45 mins

 

Ingredients

• 3 cups medium grain white rice
• 1½ cups mung bean sprouts
• 1 bunch watercress or spinach
• 1 large carrot
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or dark soy sauce)
• 4 eggs
• ½ cup napa cabbage kimchi
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• Toasted sesame seeds

Start by preparing your rice in a rice cooker and getting that going. If you don’t have a rice cooker then you might have to look it up for ” How to cook rice without a rice cooker”. I am sure you will find there are different ways to make it.

You also need to use a pot to boil about 4 cups of water on the stove.

While the rice is going and your water is heating up, prepare your vegetables. Wash the bean sprouts and watercress carefully, and then slice the carrot into small stripes. After you’re done with the carrot, mince the garlic and set aside.

 

By now, your water should be boiling . Blanch the bean sprouts for about 1 minute, take them out then add the watercress in for another 1 minute then drain the watercress. Put them in separate bowls. Season each bowl (the bean sprouts and the greens) with salt to taste and a teaspoon of sesame oil. Divide the minced garlic between the two bowls, and toss to combine. Set aside.

In a skillet over medium high heat, add a tablespoon of canola oil along with the julienned carrots. Stir-fry the carrots until tender but still a little crunchy, about 1 minute. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Turn up the heat to high. Add the ground beef to the pan, and brown, breaking up the beef into smaller pieces. Stir i n the soy sauce.

Meanwhile, in a separate skillet, cook the eggs sunny side up, leaving the yolks runny.

To serve your Beef Bibimbap, divide the cooked rice among the bowls, and top with the beef, seasoned watercress, seasoned bean sprouts, cooked carrots, kimchi, and egg. Serve this Bibimbap recipe with a good dollop of gochujang, and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds. Mix well then now you are ready to enjoy the easiest and healthy homemade Bibimbap!

Enjoy!

—-Lucy Le

In a shocking turn of events, TS Entertainment founder and CEO, Kim Tae-Song, passed away April 27, 2018 according to company officials.

In a statement, the agency said, “TS Entertainment CEO Kim Tae Song passed away on April 27. In accordance with the wishes of his family, we politely decline any inquiries from the press. We ask for your understanding. Please pray that he can rest in peace.”

Kim founded TS Entertainment in October 2008. Shortly after the company’s founding, Hip-Hop duo Untouchable signed and released their debut track, “It’s Okay.” Between 2009 and 2017, TS Entertainment gifted the K-Pop world with SECRET, B.A.P, Sonamoo, and TRCNG. In 2011, TS Entertainment expanded into Japan with the formation of TS Japan.

While Kim and TS Entertainment had its share of success with SECRET and B.A.P, the company has been plagued with high-profile issues due to “slave contracts,” not paying idols, and not putting their artists’ health first. In 2014, B.A.P filed a lawsuit with TS Entertainment due to contract issues; in 2017, SECRET’s Song Ji Eun and Jung Hyoseong filed for contract nullification. With all three cases, TS Entertainment denied the artists’ claims as false.

Prior to founding TS Entertainment, Kim was the manager for SoBangCha, the group known as “Korea’s first boy group.” They debuted in 1987. In 2017, IU released a cover of SoBangCha’s “Last Night Story,” reviving interest in the group and introducing international fans to them.

Kim’s cause of death has not been revealed. We send our condolences to his family during this sad time.

 

—-Joelle Halon

 

Monogram

This Wednesday only series will provide English subtitles on select videos. We hope you will enjoy.