Category asian

Jun 15 2018

Meteor Garden 2018 – Interesting Bits from the Trailer

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!

Trailer

Trailer with English subs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiesmxjQozk

Here’s why:

Original Soundtrack – Qing Fei De Yi (情非得已)

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

-chipskjaa (“,)

Nov 15 2017

I’ve Just Discovered BTS… and… I get why fans adore them

Truth be told I am an old soul when it comes to Kpop. I became a fan back in 2008 when DBSK / Super Junior / Wonder Girls / Big Bang ruled the industry. Back then I could recognize the idol group, their members and name their songs.

I have been out of sync with the Kpop world for a few years and when I started listening to Korean music, I cannot by the life of me, recognize the artist or their songs anymore. In the past 4 years, it’s amazing how the Korean music industry grew. It’s even more accessible to the public now.

Anyway – going back to this post.

My friends have, for the longest time, been persuading me to listen and check out BTS ( 방탄소년단). I just keep saying – I will soon. There was still a lot more of catching up to do for groups, singers and shows that I’ve shelved in the past 4 years. And then finally, last Saturday I had time to listen to BTS and… I am MINDBLOWN! (Don’t believe check out this week’s Spotify playlist -it’s BTS baby!) 

I’ve just discovered BTS – and I absolutely get why fans adore them.

If you didn’t know yet, this is BTS:

7 (handsome and charming) boys who debuted in 2013
– who are now taking the world by storm!

I still couldn’t recognize who is who (sorry – this eonni’s memory is not so good anymore). But their names are Jin, J-Hope, RM (formerly Rap Monster), Suga, Jimin, V and Jungkook. Honestly, I only know V (because I saw him on Celebrity Bromance and his friendship with Bogum) and RM (because I saw him on a show rapping).  For their extensive profile, check this link: BTS Profile.

I’ve just discovered them but I adore them because:

Their songs are different!

Kpop is a genre that I love – but one reason why I refrained from listening in the past years is because they’ve become too CUTE and too similar. Don’t get me wrong – I still listen to some of them – Twice’s Cheer Up and IOI’s Very Very Very are some of my new found favorites. I guess there was a time when the industry just followed the cutesy trend.

But listening to BTS – I found their songs different from the norms. Their songs were definitely more edgy. It kind of gave me Epik High / Big Bang / Block B vibes – something I think this industry should have more. It was pop – but definitely had hip hop tones. I could listen to their songs all day.

My top 3 songs would have to be:

Spring Day  (봄날)
(I absolutely die when they say bogoshipda. I am a sucker for songs that sound like this. It reminds me of Kpop songs circa 2010-2012)

Blood Sweat and Tears (피 땀 눈물)
(By far, the one with the best beat for me. Makes you want to bob your head up and down)

Just One Day (하루만) 
(It’s more pop than hip hop but I like the rap. It’s one of their earliest tracks.)

Their Greeting

In an industry where competition is fierce, a groups greeting should (1) be distinct and (2) recognizable so people can easily remember it. Super Junior has mastered this with their “Orinuen Super Juni – O – R” greeting.

BTS’s “Bang Tan” with its matching hand gesture is one greeting that is recognizable and distinct from others. And I love how simple the greeting is – and because of it’s simplicity it can be changed to different languages – while sounding the same… don’t believe me – check out the video below and listen to the English and Japanese versions.

BTS A.R.M.Y

A group is only as strong as their fandom – I am a firm believer of this. The support the fans give a group fuel a group’s performance.  I should know being part of a fandom that has been existing for years (E.L.F).  So I cannot not notice the group’s fanbase.

BTS is blessed with what I could consider as a great fandom. If there is one word that I could use to describe BTS A.R.M.Y (an acronym for Adorable Representative MC for Youth) it would be DAEBAK!

Fans are instrumental for the rise of a group. I commend how well they support BTS – especially through fan projects. I love it when fans do something like this:

I’ve just discovered BTS and I truly get why their fans adore them.

I still have a lot of catching up to do these boys and their music – but I have definitely become a fan and I cannot wait for them to be on the Late Late Show!!!

Credits: 1theK (원더케이)@yt + ibighit@yt + Naekoma _@yt +@JKCorden(twitter) + Taehyungpic  + Thai BTS Army + as tagged

Are you a BTS fan? Let us know in the comments why you adore them.

-chipskjaa (“,)

Nov 1 2017

Super Junior 슈퍼주니어 Black Suit MV Teaser

Countdown to Super Junior  슈퍼주니어 comeback: D-5.

I got a message earlier today on LINE reminding me of Super Junior’s comeback. Just a few days more to go.

That message also told me that they’ve just released the first Teaser Video of Black Suit‘s MV.  When that message came, I was out with friends, I couldn’t wait to watch it. Now fast forward to (an agonizing) 12 hours later, I finally get to see it.

Looking at the video, I cannot help but think how mature they’ve grown after their respective military services. It’s often said by several artists in the past that military service brings a change in them. Maybe it’s just probably me, but somehow, there is something more manly in the way they project themselves now.

There must be some story in the MV as each member is assigned a persona (the Security, the Appraiser, the Transporter, the Millionaire, the Client Representative, the Decoy and the host). I’m guessing it has something to do with transporting the all important Black suit somewhere – I mean there’s a decoy (Oh ye Hollywood, you’re making my imagination work!). Just a thought though – I’d wish Yesung’s Transporter had Jason Statham vibe. Yep, I’ve definitely been watching too many action movies!

There will be 2 more teasers released tomorrow and on the 3rd. And on November 6 (Suju’s anniversary) their 8th album will be released.

It’s a pity though that Siwon will not be able to participate during broadcast promotions (SM released a statement yesterday about this). As my bias, I was anticipating him being on music shows. It was sad to only have 7 of them participate in the album, now it makes me sadder that Siwon won’t be performing.  But although he will not be in the broadcasts, we can still catch him in his new drama Revolutionary Love.

It must be hard on the rest of the members. But I know they’re see it through
Now it’s up to us ELFs to show them our undying support!

Super Junior fighting! 슈퍼주니어 화이팅!!!

**credits: Naver + Dispatch + SMTOWN@youtube + as tagged

-chipskjaa (“,)

Nov 1 2017

BlackPink in your Areaaa…

Raise your hand if you’re a BlackPink fan!

BlackPink
I am the type of person who loves music not by what it means but by its beat. I became an instant Blackpink fanatic when a friend of mine gave me a link on Spotify with all the Kpop Music, and while playing it I fell in love with Stay and Boombayah. Their music video is the bomb! The colors, the setup and everything is on point. All of the members are also good dancers and singers – you’d wish you’re part of their group! (dreaming) 😀

All of the members are pretty too <3. See below :

Lisa – Main Dancer ,  Lead Rapper , Sub Vocalist

Lisa

Jisoo – Lead Vocalist , Visual ,  Face of the Group

Jisoo

 

Rose – Main Vocalist , Lead Dancer

Rose

 

Jennie – Main Rapper , Lead Vocalist , Center

Jennie

Let me introduce you to their songs with my favorite lines:

1. Stay

 

(music) 

eoduun bami nal gadugi jeone
nae gyeoteul tteonajima
ajik nal saranghani na mamgwa gatdamyeon
oneureun tteonajima
guji neoyeoyaman haneun iyuneun mutjima
geujeo nae gyeote stay with me

(It goes a little something like)
Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala
Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala
jigeum dangjang manheungeol baraneun ge anya
geujeo nae gyeote stay with me
(music)

English Translation:

Before the dark night traps me in
Don’t leave me
Do you still love me? If you feel the same
Don’t leave today
Don’t ask why it has to be you
Just stay with me

(It goes a little something like)
Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala
Lalalalalala Lalalalalala Lalalalalala
I don’t expect a lot right now
Just stay with me

 

2. Boombayah

(music)  Boombayah
Yah yah yah boombayah
Yah yah yah boombayah
Yah yah yah yah
Boom boom ba boom
Boom ba oppa  (music)

The way they deliver the word Oppa is the sexiest thing I’ve heard.

 

3. Whistle

(music) Make a whistle like a Missile bomb bomb (music)

Nahh, I’m just amaze by how it rhymes. (hahahaha)

 

4. Playing with Fire

(music)
uri eomman maeil naege malhaesseo
eonjena namja joshimharago
sarangeun machi buljangnan gataseo
dachinikka Eh
(music)

English Translation:

My mom told me every day
To always be careful of guys
Because love is like playing with fire
I’ll get hurt

 

5. As If it’s your last

(music)

Baby nal teojil geotcheoreom anajwo
Geuman saenggakhae mwoga geuri eoryeowo
Geojitmalcheoreom kiss haejwo naega neoege
Majimak sarangin geotcheoreom

Majimakcheoreom mamamajimakcheoreom
Majimak bamin geotcheoreom love
Majimakcheoreom mamamajimakcheoreom
Naeil ttawin eopsneun geotcheoreom
(music)

English Translation:

Baby, hold me till I explode
Stop thinking, what’s so hard about this?
Kiss me like it’s a lie
As if I’m your last love

As if it’s the last, as, as, as if it’s the last
As if it’s the last night, love
As if it’s the last, as, as, as if it’s the last
As if there’s no tomorrow

There you go my BlackPink my loves. Comment below if you’re one of us. 😀

-kimyoonjoy :D-

Oct 30 2017

One More Chance (비처럼 가지마요) – Super Junior (MV)

It’s the perfect time to be for my Asian madness to come back! Perfect because my boys are making their comeback!!!!

I’ve been watching them on VLive for some time and I have been highly anticipating Super Junior’s 슈퍼주니어 new releases. Although it has been decided that their title track will be “Black Suit” (it was also my favorite among all those samples they’ve reviewed), they’ve release an MV ballad 비처럼 가지마요 (One More Chance).

I know Super Junior is mostly known for their dance tracks but I’m so much pleased that they’ve released a ballad first! In one of their VLives Heechul was convincing them to release a ballad – just like what Sechskies did. And I totally agree with him. This ballad shows the mature side of Super Junior. It’s high time that they release something like this – it’s time to tell the world that it’s not only Super Junior KRY who does the ballads!

Although it’s kind of sad that there will only be 7 members who will be making the comeback this time – it’s better than them not releasing at all. On the brighter side of things, having only 7 members participate in the comeback mean they get to showcase more of their singing chaps. I’m especially thrilled in that this song has Shindong singing lines – not just the adlibs (like he did for Bonamana). With the absences for Ryeowook and Kyuhyun (since both are in the army), Donghae, Siwon, Heechul and Leeteuk have longer parts. But it must be a burden for Yesung. I just wish Eunhyuk sang – but there has to be a rapper so that’s fine.

My boys have become so much cooler after their army days!

Now I can’t wait for their come back! Just a few days more! Super Junior fighting! 슈퍼주니어 화이팅!!!

**credits: SMTOWN@youtube

 -chipskjaa (“,)
Oct 30 2017

Perhaps Love – Eric Nam and Cheeze (Lyrics)

Joy mentioned in her previous post that one of the reason why we are so KILIG for Kdramas is the OST. Each one of us has their own favorite. Mine – to this day – has always been  사랑인가요 (Perhaps Love) from the drama 궁 Goong (Princess Hours).

This OST has always made my heart flutter every time I hear it. It’s the first song that I learned to sing in Korean and it has always been a go-to noraebang song for me (because I know the lyrics by heart). Memorized much? you bet – since at that time I wasn’t able to read Hangeul yet.

I couldn’t recall of a remake of this song – and it hasn’t been sung much on Korean shows. However – early this year – March 24 to be exact, Eric Nam (에릭남) sang it in a show called Duet Song Festival.

Thank you Eric Nam and his duet partner for bringing LIFE. It has been so long since this song was played on broadcasts. I’m pretty sure that a lot of people aren’t familiar with the song. So for that THANK YOU  for  reintroducing this song to Kpop audiences again. [By the way – Eric Nam if you’re reading this, I’ve been a fan since your release of Heaven’s Door (천국의 문)].

Another reason to thank Eric Nam is because he released a track fro this song with Cheeze.

Although the video is quite short, but you can listen to this full track:

The song has a different vibe and style from the original one. The original one was a classic OST song, while this is a trendy one. I’m not really a fan of covers because at times they don’t give justice to the song. But with this cover – I’m not complaining (though Howl and J’s version would always remain a classic).

I’ve posted the lyrics to this song when I first started this blog (back when I didn’t know much what I was doing).  Because my obsessive compulsive tendencies on this blog are complaining, I’m re-posting lyrics for this song.

Perhaps Love (사랑인가요) – Romanization

Eonje-yeotdeongeonji giyeok-najin anha
Jakku nae meoriga neoro eojijeopdon shijak
Han dubeonssik ddeo-oreudeon saengak
Jakku neuleogaseo jogeum danghwangseureo-un i ma-eum
Byeo-liri anil su itdago sasohan ma-eum irago
Naega nege jakku (nege jakku)
Mareul haneun-ge eosaek-hangeol

Sarang-ingayo geudae nawa gatdamyeon shijak-ingayo
Mami jakku geudael
Saranghandaeyo on sesangi deud-dorok sorichineyo
Wae ijeya deullijyo o –
Seorol man-nagi wihae ijeya sarang chajat-dago

Jigeum nae ma-eumeul seolmyeong-haryo haedo
Niga naega dwi-eo mameul neukkineun bangbeop ppuninde
Imi nan ni-ane itneun geol
Nae ane niga itdushi
Urin seoro-ege (seoro-ege)
Imi gildeuryeo-jinji molla

Sarang-ingayo geudae nawa gatdamyeon shijak-ingayo
Mami jakku geudael
Saranghandaeyo on sesangi deud-dorok sorichineyo
Wae ijeya deullijyo o –
Seorol man-nagi wihae ijeya sarang chajat-dago

Saenggak-haebomyeon (saenggak-haebomyeon)
Maneun sun-gansoge (soge)
Eolmana maneun seolle-im isseotneunji
Jogeum neujeun geu mankeum nan
Deo ja-rae julkkeyo

Hamkke halkkeyo chu-eogi dwil gi-eokman seonmul-halkkeyo
Dangshin naegyeoteseo ttonaji mayo
Jja-reun sunganjochado buranhan georyeo
Naege mamulleojyeoyo o –
Geudael ireoke mani (geutorok mani)
Saranghago isseoyo (geudae hanaman) imi

 

Perhaps Love – Translation

Since when has it been? I can’t remember…
When my head became dizzy with thoughts of you
Once or twice, these thoughts would pop up in my mind
I feel anxious as my heart opens more towards you
“It’s nothing”, “My heart is insignificant”
If I keep telling you, it would be – kind of awkward

Is it love? If you feel the same way, is it the beginning?
My heart keeps saying it loves you
It yells until the whole world can hear
Why has it taken so long for me to hear it?
We’ve finally met, Love has found us right now

I want to explain what’s in my heart now
(But) You’d have to become me, it’s the only way you’d feel it
I’m already inside you, as you’re inside me
With each other… (With each other)
Already, that we’ve been too familiar, we have no idea

Is it love? If you feel the same way, is it the beginning?
My heart keeps saying it loves you
It yells until the whole world can hear
Why has it taken so long for me to hear it?
We’ve finally met, Love has found us right now

If I try thinking about it, (If I try thinking about it)
At many moments,(At them)
How often did my heart flutter?
It might be a little late, but I’ll surely make it better

We’ll do it together, I’ll only give you memorable memories
Please don’t leave my side ever again
Even a shortest moments make me uneasy
Please stay with me
So much like this, (Much until that point)
I love you (Only you) already

사랑인가요 (Perhaps Love) – Hangeul

언제였던건지 기억나진 않아
자꾸 내 머리가 너로 어지럽던 시작
한 두번씩 떠오르던 생각
자꾸 늘어가서 조금 당황스러운 이 마음
별일이 아닐 수 있다고 사소한 마음 이라고
내가 네게 자꾸
말을 하는게 어색한걸

사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈
사랑한대요 온 세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠 우 –
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고

지금 내 마음을 설명하려 해도
니가 내가 되어 맘을 느끼는 방법 뿐인데
이미 난 니안에 있는 걸
내 안에 니가 있듯이
우린 서로에게 (서로에게)
이미 길들여진지 몰라

사랑인가요 그대 나와 같다면 시작인가요
맘이 자꾸 그댈 사랑한대요
온 세상이 듣도록 소리치네요
왜 이제야 들리죠 우-
서롤 만나기 위해 이제야 사랑 찾았다고

생각해보면 (생각해보면)
많은 순간속에 (속에)
얼마나 많은 설레임 있었는지
조금 늦은 그 만큼 난
더 잘해 줄께요

함께 할께요 추억이 될 기억만 선물할께요
다신 내곁에서 떠나지 마요
짧은 순간조차도 불안한 걸요
내게 머물러줘요 우-
그댈 이렇게 많이 (그토록 많이)
사랑하고 있어요 (그대 하나만) 이미 –

Please credit chipskjaa@wordpress.com for romanization of the song
For the translation of this song, I decided to mash up 2 translations and edited them, if you would be using the song please credit the following:  “mrs jung ji joon” + liquidfir@soompi forum +TV-People@youtube + chipskjaa@wordpress.com.

**Other Credits: sherry312@youtube +  1theK (원더케이)@youtube.com + as tagged

Enjoy!

 – chipskjaa (“,)
Oct 22 2017

6 Reasons Why Korean Drama Make us Kilig <3

Hi I’m Joy. I’m a fan of Kdrama and Kpop.
I’m currently into While You Were Sleeping & BlackPink.
I’ve always wanted to blog and so I couldn’t believe I’m posting my first post ever! Enjoy

——

First off let’s define Kilig!

** KILIG **
Noun:
– A sudden feeling of an inexplicable joy one gets when something romantic or idealistic occurs.

When a person is at the state of Kilig,  one may experience the following symptoms:
– butterflies in one’s stomach
– heart melting 
– shivers down one’s spine
– irrepressible noises from one’s mouth
– uncontrollable smiling
– an inner conflict between hope of something wished for and reality

Here are 6 Reasons we think Korean Drama’s make us KILIG!

Reason #1 : Back Hug
Most of Korean Dramas have this action of affection. In my fangirling point of view back hugs not only made us kilig it made us smile and weep.

Here are my back hug favorite moments:
The Heirs
That time Kim Tan back hugs Cha Eun-Sang

giphy (1)

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo
Who doesn’t love it when 4th Prince Wang So back hugs Hae Soo
scarletheart

Love In the Moonlight
Hong Ra-on back hugs Lee Yeoung (Oh Bogum.. your smile makes us melt)
love in the moonlight

I still have many back hug memories in my mind I can’t enumerate. 😀
What are your favorite? You can comment below. 😀

 

Reason #2 : Grab and Kiss

Ahhh, who could resist feeling kilig when your favorite love team do this in drama you love. Like you can screeaammm your lungs out because you could do nothing but to scream! Your first impression usually: it’s harsh for a guy to grab the girl, but then you’ll realize it is romantic that after he grab her he make her feel protected then will kiss her. Sometimes it is a sudden kiss that our heroine could do nothing but to close her eyes and feel the moment!

 

Reason #3 : Cold Outside but deep inside super inlove

Most, but not all of Kdramas I’ve seen, has it’s lead actor treat the heroine with coldness but this treatment will eventually change into love. Then towards the middle of the drama, this harsh guy will eventually become the knight of the shining armor of our lady in waiting. Isn’t it kilig? It’s like you feel emotional outburst —  butterflies in stomach you can’t handle.

giphy

 

Reason #4 : Cutie Actor

When they smile or wink or just simple gesture make our heart melting.

Lee Min Ho, Park Bo Gum, Ji Chang Wook, Kim Bum, Song Jong Ki and other hot korean actors, there appearance make you kilig for no reason. We all have our favorites… whose yours? Comment below 🙂

Awww whose hearts wouldn’t melt when you see these:

We’re guilty including them in our prayers to be loved by the character we fall in the drama.
If you need a daily dose of kilig to light your day, best to follow your favorite Oppa in social media!

 

Reason #5 : The Scene itself

Setting is one of the vital component in drama. What i like about South Korea is there place is so romantic and their seasons (Spring,Winter,Summer,Fall) are the best. So let’s go back with our kilig topic. When you witness your favorite love team kissing under the falling cherry blossom tree plus the slow motion, your not just feeling kilig but also day dreaming it was you. HAHAHA

Or when our heroin feels cold in winter and then the leading man offers his hand for her to feel the heat. Ahhhh!! No wonder there are a lot of people visit each filming location of there favorite Kdrama and one day I will. (Crossing my fingers to this one!)

 

Reason #6 : OST (Original Sound Track)

Let’s not deny that after an episode, we can’t stop to hum the OST played with the vivid vision of what we saw and feel. Well, for me an OST can be one of the factor we feel kilig, the soundtrack when it is played especially on the scene that they are confessing there love for each other (heart bursting ahhhh).

It is in the OST that when it plays the feels of the Kdrama comes back (sigh).

My favorite has to be Davichi’s This Love (이 사랑) from Descendants of the Sun.

 

So there you go, my 6 Reason why Kdrama makes me Kilig I’m always hooked!

We want to hear what’s your favorite Kdrama and what makes you kilig. Comment down below.

**Credits: urbandictionary.com + as tagged + MUSIC&NEW 뮤직앤뉴@yt

-kimyoonjoy :D-

Oct 16 2017

Once an ELF always an ELF – My Super Junior Love Story

There is no age limit when it comes to FANDOM – and this is proven by this Lola (Filipino word for Grandma) who recently went to a Seventeen concert in Manila.
Note: Me was super impressed! You go Lola Carat!

Also, once you claim yourself to belong to a certain FANDOM, you will find yourself being pulled back no matter how hard you tried to shake it off because you were “adulting”. This is basically – in a gist – my love affair with Super Junior.

I did not start out to be a Super Junior fan. The first time I was hooked to Kpop was because of DBSK – and it was during their Mirotic days back in 2008. Also, I was hooked to Jpop then (oh Arashi!). And since DBSK was heavy on doing Japanese promotions, I kind of liked them immediately. Their sound had a Jpop influence (at least to my ears). Fandom at this moment was still at it’s early stages – but I never really considered myself as Cassiopeia (in case your wondering, that’s what DBSK fans call themselves).

I had a friend who was studying in China in December 2008. While Skyping her one day, she convinced (more like forced) me to watch a show of a group called Super Junior. She knew I was interested in Kpop and she wanted to introduce me to the craziness of the group.

Her bias? Hangeng
The Show? Explorers of the Human Body (인체탐험대)

Truth be told, I was a bit indifferent at the time, also because I just discovered a little group called Big Bang and I had Haru Haru and Majimak Insa on repeat. Also, when I asked how many members the group had, I wasn’t prepared for the answer she gave me – 13! I faintly recall telling her that it was ridiculous – I couldn’t even distinguish 5 boys in a band – but 13?? How long would their parts be?

But since my friend can be very persuasive (she works in Sales!), I watched an episode. And one episode turned into 2 and then 3 and then I finished all of them. And since I rather enjoyed the craziness of these 13 boys, I looked for more of their videos and then their songs. (There was a site called super-legacy.com that fed this addiction but I guess it doesn’t exist anymore). I was hooked!!! And then in March 2009 they released Sorry Sorry – I was more than addicted! I couldn’t stop the fandom – I (un)officially considered myself as an ELF.

To me Super Junior was the funniest, most talented (I mean 13 boys, each bringing something to the table) and most real Kpop group at the time. They didn’t seem as untouchable as other groups. Their hardships were very those one that can relate to (Kyu’s and Teukie’s accident) and they were one of the most hard working groups. Who wouldn’t love them? (Yes, this is my bias talking).

But who could write about their love for Super Junior and not talk about ELF (Everlasting Friend)! Oh my Sapphire Blue friends 🙂

I started this blog in 2009 – pretty much when blogging wasn’t a popular as it is now. I posted a lot and did not really care what I posted – so long as I think it was interesting. One time, I saw a post on a forum a frequent about It’s You leak. Because I wanted to be one of the first to tell the world about it, I posted it on my blog. No more than 2 hours after I published the post, I received comments from ELFs telling me to take down the post. (Don’t believe me, this was a post I wrote after deleting the leak).

I was pretty freaked out by the incident. Didn’t really occur to me that someone would be monitoring my blog posts. But then it dawned on me – that only shows how much love and respect ELF has for Super Junior. They were willing to protect their oppas whatever means they can. From that day, ELF has earned my respect and I can say I’m proud to be one!

If you haven’t read on my post already, it has been 4 years since I swore off anything Kpop / Kdrama. The last Super Junior song I remember was Sexy, Free and Single. I was adulting. I missed out on a lot of their songs – or during the time when my boys went to the army and came back out. But this year, I sure am very excited for their comeback in November. My love for these boys are eternal. I’m ready to be an Elf again!

And like Lola Carat – I shouldn’t be afraid to admit it because Fandom has now age limit! I’m Tiny and I’m in 32 – and will always will be proud to be called an ELF!

We’d love to hear your FANDOM love story. 🙂 Share it with us in the comments below.

**Credits: as tagged + happycheek@redbubble.com + TaMiTokki@yt
(Note: was not paid to advertise, but the design above hits the spot for every ELF!)

-chipskjaa (“,)-

Sep 3 2017

Battleship Island – A Review

It’s no secret that I am a fan of Song Joongki. I was totally hooked on him the moment I saw him on a drama called Triple. He has since become my favorite Korean actor.

Although I haven’t gone Joongki gaga in the last 4 years – I’ve been keeping tabs about him. I knew he got out from the army. That he starred in Descendants of the Sun and that he was marrying Song Hyegyo (yes, like any fan I was crushed at first but now I don’t want anyone else to marry him but Song Hyegyo!)

So when I heard he had a new movie – I was psyched! And when I heard it was going to be shown internationally – in the Philippines especially – I went crazy!!! You see, Korean movies aren’t really released in cinemas in my country. So having Battleship Island in movie theaters is such a treat for Filipino hallyu fans.

And that’s what me and my friends did yesterday – we watched Battleship Island (군함도).

I couldn’t get over how good the movie was and so I decided to rave about it and perhaps entice some hallyu fans to watch it.

The Trailer

Synopsis

As the movie is new as of writing this blog entry, I’ve decided not to include the story as it will create spoilers. But this movie is the story about the Korean laborers who were working in Hashima Island – Battleship Island – and their attempt to escape from the island. The movie was set in 1945 as World War 2 was coming to a close.

The movie stars Hwang Jungmin, Kim Suan (the same little girl from Train to Busan), So Jisub, Lee Jonghyun and Song Joongki.

Why I Liked the Movie?

I didn’t really expect much from this movie especially because it was a historical one and truthfully I am not a big fan of war movies. War movies are exceptionally painful and sometimes a little gory to watch. And yes, this movie had all the violence, blood and action you would expect in those movies.

But I did like this movie because the scenes had me convinced of the struggles of the laborers. The acting in this movie was top notch! Kim Su-an stole the show once more for me. She did that in Train to Busan and did it again here. This girl has a great career ahead for her. My second favorite character was Hwang Jungmin’s Kang-ok. His portrayal of a dad who would do anything for her daughter just tears my heart apart.

I also liked the action scenes and the effects. I was cringing the whole time. It was bloody and gory but these effects had me on the edges of my seat the whole time. The action scenes were real enough for me to cover my eyes at time. Spilled guts, amputated bodies, dead bodies – looked true to me. The set and the casts costumes transported me to another era – very different from today. The colors schemes of the scene were perfect for the dialogue. I loved how the contrast was between the dirty dark tones during the laborers scenes and the clean bright tones when the Japanese were on.

I was wide awake in the cinema during the whole 2 hour plus run of the movie. Even my “sleepy, tired, overworked” friend who sat beside me didn’t fall into slumber.

However…

Although the movie was wonderfully executed, I think they could have done something better.
I am no expert – I am just a movie buff and these to would have made the movie better:

1. Story and Character Development
While acting was topnotch, there were some parts that I felt was rushed. Like the introduction of characters. True there were a lot of them, but it would have explained the movie better. Also, there were characters who appeared but I wasn’t sure who they were or why they were there.
Case in point: Joongki’s introduction (wait when did he arrive on the island?), Lee Jong Hyun’s and So Jisub’s characters (their story was nice but it wasn’t well developed)

2. A waste of So Jisub’s talent
So Jisub is to me a great actor – but movie, what happened?  Something was not right about the way he portrayed the Seoul ganster. I don’t know why, but though this movie is a drama, and we know So Jisub is good at dramas, it was a bit lackluster. An ingredient or two was missing.

3. The Japanese
I realize a lot of people might get angry at this comment – but I think the portrayal of the Japanese might be dramatic / exaggerated for me. It’s true that some of them really had twisted minds during the world war. But there were times when the acting was a bit over the top. It didn’t seem realistic – as with the other elements of the movie. I kind of get that it was so movie goers can better understand the emotions of the coal laborers, but it was too much for me.

Overall, this movie was a good watch. I did get my money’s worth and to top it off it had Song Joongki.
I do encourage you to see it – especially all Pinoy hallyu fans. If we you watch, it will open up opportunities for having more Korean movies shown in the Philippines. And on that note, thank you Viva Films for giving us the opportunity to see Battleship! Cheers to more Asian movies shown in the future! You rock!!!

If you’ve seen the movie, let us know what you think!

**credits: New Trailer Buzz @yt

-chipskjaa (“,)

Aug 30 2017

Good Doctor ON ABC

Hi I’m Mikay! I’m new to this blogging thing.
This is my first post so bear with me. 🙂

I’m a huge fan of Joo Won – since 2013. That’s when I saw the 2nd episode of Good Doctor.

For those of you who don’t know the drama – its about Park Shi-on (Joo Won), a resident doctor with autism who specializes in Pediatric Surgery. He has the amazing ability of 3D visualizations of a Human anatomy thus making him quite special.

I’m not biased (I totally am :P) but Joo Won is a really great actor. I didn’t like him in Baker King but I have appreciated him in this drama. He really gave justice to the character. I mean having taken the role of an autistic person would be harder than any other role – the mannerisms, the actions – he totally nailed it!

I am in awe with the writers and the production team of this drama. They’ve made such a beautiful drama that I haven’t seen in a long time. Watching one episode makes you long for the next one. I like that the drama does not only focus on the character’s misfortunes and success as an autistic doctor. But it also let’s us peek inside the lives of doctors – it makes us understand them more – the struggles, the comedy, the fun.

 

Park Shi on (Joo Won) as Peter Pan  (gwiyeopda!!!) 😉 😉

 

That headband though ^_^

aigoo! aigoo! 😎

Omo! Omo! Then  I heard that ABC will remake GOOD DOCTOR in America which will release its pilot episode this September 25, 2017.

 

I am very much excited for the remake because I miss Good Doctor.
And it’s going to star Freddie Highmore – I say no more
I even am planning to watch Good Doctor over the weekend again. (It’s not really Asian – but I’m excited!)

I do have my  doubts for the remake cause American productions tends to make changes. Case in point: Sassy Girl and The Lake House.
Anyone agree with me?

I’m still hoping they will give the  same impact as what Joo Won’s Good Doctor has given to me.

 

Good Doctor will always have a part in my heart.

To all the readers,

I highly recommend you to watch Good Doctor(Korean). Even my mom got really attached to this drama. You’ll have mixed emotions watching this. It was funny at the same time romance and you’ll learn more about medical field. And don’t forget to prepare tissues as there will be parts where you might get teary-eyed

See you in my next blog 😀

Credit: Images as tagged (Images are not mine) + ABC Television Network

–mikayT12 😛 —