First off – let me start by saying – I am not an expert in the Korean language. (So I might not be able to answer grammar questions) Like you who is reading this post – I am trying to learn Korean.
한국어 학생이다.
So why am I doing this? As an English / Filipino speaker – learning Korean was a bit difficult at first. Even until now, there are times when I get confused with all the grammar and vocabulary. So I’ve decided to create some posts which I think are useful for Korean language students. I am sharing lessons that I think can help.
For this first post, I’ve decided to write about Korean vowels.
Pain Point: English Vowels and Korean Vowels sound differently.
When I enrolled in my Korean class, I’ve noticed that one of the difficulties for English / Filipino speakers is the pronunciation of Korean vowels. Although some Korean vowels have an equivalent English sound – there are some that don’t exactly have the equivalent – like 어 and 으 . Even most romanizations don’t do justice – some sounds are faintly different.
So how did my teacher teach us? She made us do the Korean Vowel Song:
What did my teacher do? She played this to us 5 times and then asked us to repeat it. Then she made each one of us (students) rap one by one.
Why do I think it’s effective? First – it’s in rap! Korean style rap! As a Kpop fan – this format reminded me of Korean rap songs that I liked. Also, songs do help learning languages and sounds – remember your ABC’s. Second – repetition! The more you repeat it, the more it get’s retained. The nice thing about this type of repetition though is I did not feel boring.
This song helped me learn the differences between Korean vowel pronunciation. I hope this helps you too.
Disclaimer for these post series..
I am not the one who created most of these materials and they are widely available online.
I only choose those which I have used myself and I found were effective for me.
Since people have differently learning styles, not all of these materials might work for you.
This was an interesting conversation between my friend and her high school Kpop fan student.
Kpop Fan Student: Teacher, do you like Kpop? My friend: Of course I do! Kpop Fan Student: Really? Who is your favorite girl group? My Friend (in a very excited tone): I love 2NE1 and 4Minute!!! Kpop Fan Student: 4 what? 2NE who? Teacher, who are they?
When I heard this from my friend, I was shookd! (You have to understand, I’m an unnie Kpop fan and am proud of it!) This anecdote made me realize that there are lot of Kpop fans who do not know a lot of the old Kpop songs. Well – it’s been 10 years since 2ne1 and 4minute debuted – and they’ve since disbanded.
So we – pinayunnies – have decided to make Backtracks a staple of the blog. In the past – Backtracks was published whenever we feel like it, this time we are going to make it (and we really hope we can do this!) a weekly article. Backtracks will introduce Asian songs (Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Filipino) from the past to all Asian fans.
It wasn’t hard to decide the song I am publishing this week because it has always been a personal favorite of mine. It’s called She Is by Clazziquai.
If you have seen the drama My Name Is Kim Sam Soon, I’m sure you’ve heard of this song. It’s part of the drama’s OST – along with another Clazziquai song, Be My Love. This drama might be considered a bit old fashioned compared to those today – but it’s one of the classics I recommend you to watch. If you’re contemplating on watching it, here’s a recommendation post I made. If you’re a Daniel Henney (yes that Asian guy from Criminal Minds) watch this! He’s so swoon worthy in this drama.
Clazziquai 클래지콰이 (aka Clazziquai Project 클래지콰이 프로젝트) on the other hand is an electropop band in Korea. To me I wouldn’t really consider them Kpop – because their music is a bit different. This was the song that introduced me to them and I have been a huge fan since then.
I think I’ve blabbered too much – here’s the lyrics to She Is by Clazziquai.
She Is – Romanization
Sumgyeowatdeon naui sujubeun ma-eum modu nege julke
Chaga-un nareul umjigineun neoui miso
Dachyeo-itdeon naui eodu-on ma-eum modu nege yeolke
Jidokhan nege uimireul jun neoui sarang
Cheo-eumen al su eobdeon neomanui hyang-giga neukyeojyeo
Shigani heureulsurok naneun byeonhago byeonhane
O nae sesang gadeuk bicheul naerigo
She is the girl What she is the one
Modeun geon neoro-inae byeonhae
Dachyeo-itdeon naui eodu-on ma-eum modu nege yeolke
Jidokhan naege uimireul jun neoui sarang
Chaga-un naege ongireul jun neoui miso..
She Is – Translation
I’ll give you the nervous feelings I’ve hidden
Your beauty moved my coldness
I’ll open up my tightly shut feelings to you
Your love gave your strong personality a purpose
I didn’t at first, but now I can feel your presence
As time passes, I’m changing more and more
Oh this world shines down bright light
She is the girl What she is the one
Everything changes for you
I’ll give you the nervous feelings I’ve hidden
Your beauty moved my coldness
Gonna gonna give my love to you
Gonna gonna give my love to you (2x)
I didn’t at first, but now I can feel your presence
The world only changes with you in it, Let it change
I’ll open up my tightly shut feelings to you
Your love gave your strong personality a purpose
I’ll give you the nervous feelings I’ve hidden
Your beauty moved my coldness
I’ll open up my tightly shut feelings to you
Your love gave your strong personality a purpose
Your beauty moved my coldness..
She Is – Hangeul
숨겨왔던 나의 수줍은 마음 모두 네게 줄게
차가운 나를 움직이는 너의 미소
닫혀있던 나의 어두운 마음 모두 네게 열게
지독한 네게 의미를 준 너의 사랑
처음엔 알 수 없던 너만의 향기가 느껴져
시간이 흐를수록 나는 변하고 변하네
오 내 세상 가득 빛을 내리고
She is the girl What she is the one
모든 건 너로인해 변해
숨겨왔던 나의 수줍은 마음 모두 네게 줄게
차가운 나를 움직이는 너의 미소
Gonna gonna give my love to you
Gonna gonna give my love to you (2x)
처음엔 알 수 없던 너만의 향기가 느껴져
세상은 네가 있어 변해, Let it change
닫혀있던 나의 어두운 마음 모두 네게 열게
지독한 내게 의미를 준 너의 사랑
숨겨왔던 나의 수줍은 마음 모두 네게 줄게
차가운 나를 움직이는 너의 미소
닫혀있던 나의 어두운 마음 모두 네게 열게
지독한 내게 의미를 준 너의 사랑
차가운 내게 온기를 준 너의 미소..
See you in the next backtrack post!
Romanization done by chipskjaa@pinayunnies. Please credit when copying it. thanks 고마워요 🙂
credits: MBCkpop@youtube + Clazziquai project @bandcamp + aheeyah @soompi + as tagged
Earlier this year I felt pretty sad when I’ve read that my favorite Japanese boyband ARASHI 嵐 will be going on hiatus in 2020. I’ve been a fan for almost 12 years and I cannot believe that their era is coming to an end.
However for their 20th anniversary ARASHI 嵐 have decided to finally open a youtube channel.
I remember it was very difficult looking for their music videos in the past. And if there were any unofficial videos on youtube, it would be removed immediately after some time. It was a challenge watching their videos.
Although they’ve open the channel 2 weeks ago, I still could not help but create this post!
As of posting this there’s not much video on their channel yet. There is however 5 music videos on the channel. I wish there would be more — I mean they did have like 56 singles (according to Wikipedia) which I image each of them has an equivalent music video. The only thing I m disappointed about the channel is that the music video for “Wish” has not been posted.
But we did get the video to their debut single A-RA-SHI.
And to all the Hana Yori Dango fans (like me) they’ve uploaded Love So Sweet.
So as a request to Arashi’s youtube channel – please do upload more! So we don’t feel sad when Arashi takes a hiatus.
Nowadays in Kpop, I don’t really pay much attention to new groups debuting as there are just too many! Honestly, this unnie couldn’t keep up (yep age is kicking in). About a few days ago, I met with a fellow Kpop enthusiast and she was fawning over JYP’s new girl group.
“Unnie you really have to listen to them. They’re absolutely different! And I know you will love them unnie – you will be reminded of the Kpop era you like. Also unnie 2 of them were part of the BTS film we watched!”, she said.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or to be insulted but what she said was absolutely true. I am an old-school 1st/2nd generation Kpop fan and I do miss Kpop music from 2007-2011. These days I don’t watch music shows much like I did before (and like you I used to record them! and I never got bored even if the artists performed the same dance and the same song each week) and I am more contented just listening to iTunes or Spotify for the latest Kpop songs. But because this dongsaeng recommended this group – I decided to check them out.
The new girl group that I am talking about is ITZY있지. A five member girl group of JYP that officially debuted on February 12, 2019. Their debut song 달라달라 was published on Youtube on 10th of February.
I don’t know much about the girls yet so this post will be a little bit of a review of their song and their image.
Debut Song: 달라달라
Their song is called 달라달라. It’s spelled as a word. I don’t exactly know if there is a significance about this, but with my limited Korean, I do know that 달라 means different.
Honestly, I was almost put off by the songs introduction. It reminded me too much of Meghan Trainor’s “Me Too” – those drum / bass sounds. When I got past that, it started to sound better. I think it was the chorus that saved it for me as well as the parts at the end because it reminded me of Wonder Girls / Miss A songs. I played it about 2 more times and I was hooked.
The lyrics and message of the song was also a bit refreshing. I have nothing against other Kpop girl group songs but in the recent year or so, most of them would either talk about love or heartbreak or something related to boys. So this song’s lyrics is nice as it’s all about being different and loving oneself (we have BTS to thank for starting this trend). And their lyrics reminds me so much of my dear 2NE1s songs. Gosh I miss them the most.
It’s nice to have these kind of songs once in awhile. After all there’s nothing most important that loving oneself before extending that love to others (BTS you did this to me!)
This song is catchy and definitely different as from current releases. And the more I listen to it, I don’t even mind it’s similarity with Me Too.
The Girl Group ITZY 있지
From the Information I can find on the internet, this 5 girl group is indeed really young. The oldest was born in 2000 while their maknae (youngest) in 2003. Since the debuted early, it would mean more time for them in the industry to promote.
In terms of visuals, I think the ladies have got the looks. I still cannot distinguish who’s who – might take sometime but I can see one girl looks a lot like Irene (Red Velvet), while another reminds me so much so Sohee from Wonder Girls.
I like that the concept that they are going for is the strong, fierce, independent woman type. It’s been awhile since 2NE1 has promoted this kind of concept. It is indeed refreshing in the overly cuteness we see in Kpop groups promoting these days.
My dongsaeng wasn’t lying when she said that the group would indeed remind of my favorite kpop groups of yore. Watching them is like watching the powers of Wonder Girls and Miss A combined together. Oh how I miss those groups. They had Wonder Girls charm with a dash of strong independent woman concept of Miss A (when they did Good Girl, Bad Girl). If you’re an old soul like me – you would get what I’m saying. They’re concept is really different.
In terms of talent – maybe for now it’s a little difficult to tell. It’s way too early. But I do get the feeling that they would stand out especially with their strong debut. As of writing this blog the MV already was viewed 46M times. As for their debut – I’m a bit happy about it because to me they delivered.
Conclusion
As an old Kpop fan – I find Itzy refreshing and now in my eyes, they stand out a lot! That’s why I mentioned in the title of this post that they are different. I haven’t posted in a long time about Kpop debuts because for the past few years, they all had the same. I sincerely hope that this concept and the songs they choose in the future will remain that of a strong, fierce, independent woman.
You have just garnered an unnie fan.
(Side Note: And this is truly the time when I miss 2NE1 the most. Sigh)
I don’t know what’s with zombies but every time I see a drama or a movie I seem to enjoy it so much – even with all the gore, blood and brains. Truth be told I’m very uncomfortable at the sight of real blood but with zombie films/drama I don’t really mind.
So when Netflix released Kingdom 킹덤 I was excited because it was a drama about zombies!
Finally Korea you’re doing it!!!
As of writing this blog I have seen it and it did not disappoint me as it was like watching Walking Dead’s sageuk 사극 (historical drama) version.
Netflix Kingdom is drama set in the Joseon era. A king has suddenly acquired small pox and has been rumored to be dead. His son, the crown prince, has been accused of treason wanting to overthrow his father’s position to claim it as his own. Desperate to visit his father, the Crown Prince Lee Chang sneaks into he King’s chambers one night only to find an ghastly figure resembling a monster. Curious and determined to uncover the what is happening, he travels to Dongnae to look for the doctor who came to treat his father’s illness.
Why should you watch it:
1. It’s a Saguek Zombie drama
Although I watch a lot of romcoms and slice of life dramas, sagueks are my favorite. If you are like me – who adores traditional dramas and if you like zombies then this drama has the right recipe for you. Like I mentioned earlier in the post – it felt like watching Walking Dead the saguek version. Of course don’t expect the story to be like the Walking Dead. This saguek zombie drama has a story of it’s own.
On a side note, this genre (zombie saguek) has never really been explored that much in Korea. To the best of my memory, the only drama/movie I can think of is Rampant. Train to Busan was indeed zombie themed but sageuk zombies are more fun and definitely scarier! It’s refreshing to see Korean dramas venturing into genres like this – times are definitely changing.
2. The Writer is Kim Eun Hee
A lot of people don’t really pay attention to who wrote dramas. But after so many years of watching dramas I’ve placed a value on writers and their works. Kim Eun Sook (who wrote Secret Garden, Goblin and Descendants of the Sun) and the Hong Sisters (My Girl, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and Hwayugi) are my top 2 favorite writers of all time. My top 3 writer is Kim Eun Hee. I’ve been a fan since I saw the drama Sign (2011) and I loved her work more when I saw Signal. She’s not really a romcom / romance writer but her stories are very engaging and keep you hanging until the last moment.
After you watch Kingdom I recommend you watching Signal.
I am anticipating her popularity as a writer will be on a rise because of this drama.
3. The Actors – need I say more.
Allow me to post the posters of the actors here…
Joo Ji Hoon 주지훈
Aw my crown prince Lee Shin. Princess Hourswas his first leading role – his acting that time was far from amazing. However through the years he has greatly improved. His expressions are definitely better and they convey more emotions now.
Bae Doo Na 배두나
I first saw her in a Hot Potato 고백 Confession MV. Then she caught my eye in Host and Cloud Altas. Then she became my favorite character in Sense8. I couldn’t imagine someone else playing her character Seobi in this drama. She fit the role and I love her even more.
Ryu Seung-ryong 류승룡
In the whole Kdrama world, he is my favorite anti-hero! I am not sure if I am describing it properly but to me he looks like a villain but deep inside he is just a kind guy with a big heart. First time I saw him was in the move My Love. If you’ve been wondering where you saw him, he was the dad in the movies Miracle in Cell No. 7 and Psychokinesis.
4. It’s quite short for a Korean drama
Typical Korean dramas last for 16 – 24 episodes. Kdrama fans are quite used to this. But if you are a first time Kdrama watcher, you might be a little put off by how long it is. Kingdom on the other hand is pretty short for a kdrama – it’s only 6 episodes long. You’re not investing a lot of time to watching this drama. It’s pretty short — but spoiler alert — you definitely have to wait for Season 2!
5. It’s on Netflix!
Yep! If you have been subscribed to this service, this drama was produced by Netflix. And for that thank you Netflix for bringing this drama to life and for making us wait for Season 2! Hahaha… By the way I wasn’t paid in anyway to promote Netflix but I am glad that this service exists and that they have recently been adding a lot of Asian titles to their site. It feeds Asian addiction to users like me.
Overall this drama did exceed my expectations and I do recommend it to Kdrama fans. You cannot not watch it – or you’re missing a lot!
So when I saw the post of BlackPink on their IG Page that they will have a concert, I screaaammmed because:
My sister and I were planning to travel to South Korea
It’s BlackPink 1st Concertttttt in South Korea
Ticket Price is not so $$$
There ticket price is 110,000 won. An is available in an auction ticketing site. Link Here
If you haven’t booked a Concert Ticket on an Auction site (or in any other site) here are Tips!
Sign Up & Log In. It was my first Kpop concert and that meant that it would be my first time booking a ticket. When the time the tickets open I clicked the Buy Button but I was informed to sign up 😦 so there was a slight delay when I bought the tickets. So it’s really important to sign up first, then Log In before the ticket opening. Well, for a group that has A LOT of fans, it is really important to be fast so you can have that concert slot you want so badly.
Click that Buy Button when the clock hits the time — as in — Press and choose your slot. I clicked the button on time, but I was shocked when slots are getting fewer.
Keep Calm. Believe – You’re definitely going to get that ticket (wink wink) 😀
Make sure you have your card handy – You will use this in buying your ticket.
Select Your Preferred Seat
Don’t Overthink and Pay that ticket!– Well don’t overthink. If you really want it, YOU WANT IT!
The concert event…
November 11, 2018
The concert I have long been anticipating for!
I was so excited because it’s my very first K-Pop concert. I really (literally) felt the butterflies in my stomach, I can’t hide my excitement!!! The concert was held at Olympic Stadium. There were Blackpink merchandise being sold at the venue, we bought our Lightsticks @ 20,000 won.
In all fairness their opening .. is so Lit!
Opening Video Below:
Sharing my video. PS: Don’t mind my background voice 😛
Other says that BlackPink only has 9 songs – How can they handle a concert. Nahh-ah the concert was 2 hrs+ Enough for you to Enjoy!
They performed (Not In Order) :
1. Ddu-ddu-du
2. Stay
3. Sure Thing
4. Kiss and Make Up w/ Choreography
5. Jisoo Solo – Clarity
– Jisoo is the non english speaker in the group. But she sings Clarity so well on English and Korean language. What a voice! Soo Pretty.
6. Lisa – So Hot Dance Number
– I screamed during the “almost kissing” scene. HAHAHA. Lisa! your father is watching. But Really, I never saw anybody dance like Liza. So Hot Hot. Seriously though, her father was at the concert 😀
7. Rose – Angelic Voice ..
– I really love the voice of Rose and she is my Bias. By the time she opened her mouth to sing I really felt goosebumps all over my body. What an angel.
8. Jennie – Performed her Solo Album
– Jennie’s album was released on Nov. 12 and the concert was on Nov. 11. I was not really expecting that they would show the Full Music Video during the concert, like I was so happy that I’m one of the many who saw it first. And Jennie also performed it at the concert, so YAY!! She is so hot, pretty a total performer.
9. So Hot
10. Boombayah
11. Playing with Fire
12. Whistle
13. Zion T (Guest) – He Sings. I didn’t know him. But Korean fans cheered for him so loud.
(Don’t hate me – I really did enjoy the song)
14. Really
15. Forever Young
16. They even have a dance performance, Four of them SLAYED IT as usual.
The audience/fans also sang along during the chorus part of Forever Young and Stay. I’m one of them who sang. And that’s the nicest way of showing love. Go Go Blinks.
Stay was one of there closing performance, and Jennie was crying maybe because she was overwhelm by the love of the fans, or maybe because it was the last day the InYourAreaSeoul Concert. I Feel You Jennie.. ;(
Conclusion :
You know they say : “Life so short, so buy that Concert ticket!” It doesn’t matter if you have the VIP or The General Admission ticket, the Important thing is you got to experience the music of your favorite group LIVE!!!1
It’s really a experience different when you see it live – to cheer for them with your lungs out! Seeing them in person even if your far away.
And one thing I noticed with the Korean fans is that they cheer peacefully (which I realized is a nicest way). HAHHAHA. I mean when you compare them with the PH fans. (peace) – don’t hate me 🙂
One thing that I can say is that IT IS SO MUCH FUN!!
Blinks! It’s time to buy your concert tickets now 🙂
**When sharing our videos, please don’t forget to credit pinayunnies.com!
I’ve recently been binge watching a lot of Chinese Dramas – especial historical, wuxia and xanxia ones. Ten Miles of Peach Blossom did this to me!
The one I am most anticipating for this year is Legend of Fuyao (扶摇).
Edit: Watch Legend of Fuyao on Viki! <— Click this link for the first ep.
Legend of Fuyao is a drama adapted from novel Empress Fuyao (扶摇皇后). It’s the story of Meng Fu Yao, a woman born from a divine lotus petal. She journeys through the five continents towards the heavens in search of a secret order and to reveal a conspiracy originating from the heavens. In the process, she falls in love with the crown prince Zhangsun Wuji. (credits: mydramalist.com)
The drama will star Yang Mi, Ethan Ruan (Juan) a Vengo Gao.
Why am I Anticipating this drama?
1. It’s a Yang Mi drama
Like I said in another post, I haven’t gotten over Ten Miles of Peach Blossom. I am still reeling the after effects of Ye Hua and Bai Qian’s love story. Since Yang Mi played Bai Qian in that drama, I am binge watching on her past dramas. Yang Mi is not really my favorite Chinese actress – but I think her style works well in historical dramas – like Palace. As the drama title’s namesake, we will surely be seeing a lot of Yang Mi in this drama.
2. Ethan Ruan (Juan) plays the male lead
I was a very big Fated to Love You (Taiwanese version) fan. I loved how quirky Ethan Ruan was in that drama. If I am not mistaken that was one of his dramas that shot him to stardom. In the past years, I have not watched a lot of Taiwanese dramas (Korean dramas has me busy :)) – so I have not seen him in dramaland for a long time. I can’t wait to watch this drama because of him – and I can’t wait to see him do some action!
3. Familiar Ten Miles of Peach Blossom Faces
Hello Donghua Dijun (Vengo Gao) and Senior disciple Die Fung (Lai Yi)! It’s nice to see you both are in the same drama. Both will be playing important roles in the drama. Although I would love to see more familiar faces with Yang Mi in a drama – but having 2 of them is enough
4. Oh those Fight Scenes
I am totally loving the fight scenes in the trailers. It might be because the drama’s martial arts choreographer – Li Cai – worked in productions like Hero and House of Flying Daggers. These 2 movies – Hero especially – are some of my favorite wuxia movies. I can’t wait to see them fight scenes.
5. Every Female Crew, Every Hardworking One is Fuyao Trailer
In the past 6 months a lot of Fuyao trailers came out – there was the Pure Heart version (posted above), the action trailer and the valentine trailer. But my favorite trailer is this:
The marketing team of this trailer is smart to have made this trailer – because one they know that their main viewers will be women and two because they know how to touch women’s hearts. I love this trailer because it recognized the women behind the scenes of making this drama. The main character Fuyao is a strong woman. This trailer is saying that there is a Fuyao in every women.
This drama will start airing tomorrow, June 18, 2018 until August 23.
Edit: Watch Legend of Fuyao on Viki!
As of writing Episodes 1 and 2 are subbed (yay! thank you subbers)
Although some shows in Viki are not available in the Philippines but I am glad I could watch this!
(ps. I was not paid by Viki to post this)
**credits: mydramalist.com + Viki Global TV @yt + movie.douban.com + 偶像剧场 Idol & Romance @yt
BLACKPINK just released their new mini-album SQUARE UP. And while everyone is talking about the title track 뚜두뚜두 (DDU-DU DDU-DU), I decided to write about the second single from the mini-album Forever Young.
I did enjoy listening to the title track, but every time I listen to Blackpink’s Square Up, my heart is with FOREVER YOUNG.
Why I like it?
I have to be honest, my first impression of the title track 뚜두뚜두 was kind of mixed – I wasn’t sure if I liked it or not. Mixed probably because it was different from Blackpink’s music in the last year. I mean if you listen to Boombayah and As If It Was Your Last (마지막처럼) it’s different. But the more you listen to it the more the rhythm sinks in – the more you like it.
However, I think Forever Young is more the sound of the Blackpink I know and like. It’s more familiar to my ears. I am not saying it’s not a good thing to have a change in style. I actually think that it’s more advantageous to be more versatile in music – to not just have one style. But I’m someone who need time getting used to something that’s new. Also, Forever Young is more my kind of music – I’ve always preferred upbeat hits when it comes to Kpop groups.
Square Up has been anticipated by a lot of fans. I’m not a Blink – Sorry Blackpink but I will always be a Blackjack by heart– but I am kind of disappointed that YG only made a mini-album for them. I mean it’s been 2 years since they’ve debuted – I think they deserved a full length 10-12 track album by now. Four songs are not enough for their fans. But then again – this is YG’s style (remember how many mini-albums Big Bang had before they had a full length one?).
I was late in the Three Lives, Three Worlds Ten Miles of Peach Blossom / Eternal Love craze.
The drama was released earlier last year – but I just finished watching it 3 weeks ago. And I still haven’t gotten over it!
Ye Hua and Bai Qian story is still pulling heartstrings. I haven’t rewatched the whole drama but I’ve been rewatching a few of my favorite episodes. Because of that I cannot NOT post this!
This post is short but it is definitely a dedication to my favorite song in the drama.
The song is called Bracing the Chill (Liang Liang 凉凉)and it was played in the drama over and over again. Whenever I hear this, my heart is being pulled into a hundred different directions! Talk about having an effective OST for a drama!
It will take another blog post for me to share to you my thoughts (and love) for the drama, but for now I will make this post short.
If you haven’t seen the drama, go to Youtube or Dramafever to watch it! I promise you sitting through all 58 episodes is worth it!
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted something. I’ve actually been itching to blog but I couldn’t find the right time and the right subject to write about. Today, I’m sitting here waiting for my friends to finish work when Youtube suggests the Meteor Garden 2018 trailer.
Perfect! Perfect subject – perfect time to write a blog post!
Before I continue talking about the (fairly) new trailer, I have to add a disclaimer that I have always been a fan of the Meteor Garden / Hana Yori Dango / Boys Over Flowers. Although Meteor Garden (Taiwan) was the first Asian drama that got me hooked, Hana Yori Dango (Japan) will always be my favorite version. Probably because it’s the closest adaptation to the manga (in my opinion). But because Meteor Garden (Taiwan) opened my eyes to a whole new world of Asian dramas – it will always hold a special place in my heart. (Not to mention Vic Zhou is still my ultimate Taiwanese actor crush! Zai zai ai ni <3! lol)
I’ve been anticipating the trailer of the new Meteor Garden drama since it was announced then Shen Yue (A Love So Beautiful) will play Shancai. I just finished watching A Love So Beautiful and I was quite impressed with her so I am quite pleased with the casting. When the trailer came out – my anticipation reached it’s peak!
Hearing the original guitar rifts of the OST from the original Meteor Garden will sure bring back memories to those who’ve seen the original drama. I think it’s great strategy for them to use the original opening theme because it definitely brings nostalgia from the fans of the original drama. Makes them curious to watch the new drama.
That Volleyball Scene
Oh yes – there was a volleyball scene in the original drama. I still remember how cringe-worthy it was watching it but – hey 4 cute (handsome for some) guys playing volleyball in one scene is too much to handle for a teen watching the drama. But I am not sure if I find the new F4 cute – just not my type now (still rooting for Zai zai!)
Similarities with Hana Yori Dango
I’ve mentioned in the beginning of this blog that Hana Yori Dango is my favorite among all the adaptations. The trailer has snippets of scenes very reminiscent of the Japanese TV version – like Ski Resort scenes, the mansion looks similar with Domyouji’s mansion and the emphasis on Hua Ze Lei’s (Hanazawa Rui’s) violin playing skills. If I remember correctly, the original Taiwanese version had some changes in the story that made it different from the original manga. Although these were ok – I am still a gal who prefers faithful adaptations. I do hope that this version will stay true to the drama.
Adapting the Story for Millenials
The first Meteor Garden version was released in 2001. That was almost 20 years ago from today. Fashion, fads, language and culture has changed since then. Although Meteor Garden’s story can be retold a hundred times – the setting indeed has to be changed. I’m glad they’ve changed it to adapt to the new generation.
Location Location Location
Meteor Garden’s story involves bringing the cast to a different country. In the new trailer – I see that they went on 3 different locations – the Ski resort (it’s probably in another country), England (I see one scene where the English flag is flying) and Shanghai. We might be seeing more than just those 3 places. This production is indeed a big one!
This trailer makes me excited for the new reboot! However, I am not quite sure yet whether I would like the drama or not – because it will still be the same Meteor Garden story and because deep inside I will be comparing it to the older versions. But I do have faith in Shen Yue! Although Barbie Hsu Shancai was quirky and strong, I think Shen Yue’s Chen Xaioxi was more effective in A Love So Beautiful. As for the male leads – I am not as familiar with them so it’s difficult to give a commentary.
Are you excited for the Meteor Garden reboot? Comment below to let us know!
The New Meteor Garden 流星花园 will start airing on July 16, 2018.
credits: Reine Redine@yt + blobfishy128 1@yt + as tagged
