Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Happy ending for tvN's 100 Days My Prince drama.

Since the first episode of tvN's 100 Days My Prince, i was totally sucked into this drama. While it can be totally common for one to be hooked into a drama but not when it's a drama starred by mostly young idols and actors. I don't mind a bit at all. 

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The 16-episodes drama has ended on Tuesday 30th October with tears and laughter.
 Yul has finally remembered what happened to him, his 100 days memory living with Hong Shim and her adopted father and how his father in law Vice Premier Kim Cha Eon tried killing him.
Hong Shim is guilt ridden finding out the truth from her brother Moo Yeon that he is assigned by Kim to kill the Crown Prince. However Moo Yeon was killed while trying to rescue the pregnant Crown Princess So Hye out from the palace. 

Together with Governor Jung Je Yoon, his close bodyguard Hyuk they pretended to lure Kim into believing that they are coming to his trap. Kim was shot down to death by arrows as he passed a letter to Yul. The King was relieved to know the tyrant VP is dead for good while his Queen is still scheming against Yul. For once he told her off and wanted to step down from the throne. Hong Shim somehow didn't want to follow Yul as she knew her brother has done bad deeds in the past. So Hye left the palace and gave birth to a baby boy naming him Seok Ha.

For a year, everything was peaceful in the country and Songjoo Village. The palace ministers start questioning if the Crown Prince has changed his lifestyle and preference. He seems to be spending more time with Je Yoon and his Eunuch Yang is also worried for him. The King tries every noble lady and even to maids to flirt with Yul but the plan backfired! King hands down an order that every single man-woman must tie the knot before he goes to recuperate in the mountain...that order doesn't exclude any royals including Yul! Je Yoon came up with a plan tricking Yul that he is marrying Hong Shim from the royal order of the King. Yul comes in time to stop the match making event but was embarrassed when Hong Shim picked Je Yoon. Of course she was brought to tears reading Yul's daily journals how much he missed her, it was miracle for him to meet her...etc. He comes as an identity of Won Deuk asking his wife Hong Shim to follow him to the palace. 

Do Kyung Soo brings out the cold, lonely Crown Prince Yul along with his double character the sarcastic remarks and comical reaction of commoner Won Deuk. Nam Ji Hyun being a senior in the industry is nevertheless has polished character Hong Shim/ Yeon Yi Seo. I must say the supporting roles of Je Yoon, Goo Deol, Kkeut Nyeo, magistrates and villagers really brought out the story to life. Their friendship is so close and the villagers will do anything to help each other. As for So Hye and Moo Yeon for it's a typical Romeo-Juliet where they have to be separated. 

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The happy ending for Yul and Yi Seo has proven the statement from the King saying Yul is definitely different than the former rulers. His strong determination and action regardless of what others say has earned him the respect. We are going to miss the the cute couple Won Deuk and Hong Shim for time being...


Congrats to the writers, staff and cast for bringing such a great story for the viewers.
And I think I'm going to be a bit 'uncomfortable' on Mon-Tue without these bunch of casts... LOL! 

Monday, October 15, 2018

BTS makes their mark at UN and meets President Moon Jae In.

It's rather unusual for a K-pop Hallyu group to be performing in the arena in US, meeting famous talk show hosts, performing at American Music Awards and even giving a speech at the United Nations. But BTS has done it all. The quirky group started with no name and became an International name in their home country and in US. 

As their leader Nam Joon (RM) gave a motivating strong speech at the UN, he says love yourself, speak for yourself and find yourself. He admitted they were nothing at the start, with no sense of direction and even were told there was no hope for the group. However he hasn't given up, learn from mistakes and embraced whatever came to them. This has brought the 7 members across the globe marking their footsteps in US and EU. Their music videos in YouTube surpassed millions of viewers after the release within days! Concert tickets were sold out instantly and fans are camping in front of venue for days to catch a glimpse of them.


Fame was something else for the members. They are still the same ordinary guys from South Korea. During the recent Korea-France friendship tour, the members performed in front of many important and distinguished guests. The multicultural program has brought fans, visitors and guests know more about South Korea.  Of course the highlight was upon BTS. Guests were busy filming their performance via phone cameras...screaming and singing along with their songs. After the performance, South Korean President Moon Jae In and his First Lady personally came to greet the boys. He shook their hands, congratulating and had a little chat with them, photo shoot as well. Jin and Jung Kook even received autographs from the President himself. 

It is rather interesting the 7 members have made their country proud. They have also been featured in the Asia's TIME magazine as the front cover with their story. 
So where's the next stop after US, EU? Japan is their next place to mark their music...
Congrats to the guys for making the nation proud. 

100 Days My Prince kicks off strongly on first few episodes

tvN has been constantly churning out great dramas with strong two digit viewer ratings.
With Mr. Sunshine drama peaking at its most, nevertheless the newest baby drama 100 Days My Prince has started off smoothly with steady viewers ratings too. Everyone is anticipating highly on Mr. Sunshine since it has big veteran actors in the drama with famed writer Kim Eun Sook for its story line, but 100 Days My Prince is no stranger to viewers as well.

EXO's Do Kyung Soo (D.O) plays the lead role as Lee Yul, the Crown Prince leading a sad life behind the palace doors. He witnessed how his childhood friend's father was murdered by the current PM Kim Cha Eon played by Jo Sung Ha. His loving mother vanished from his childhood days, he is forced to marry the Crown Princess So Hye who is cunning and even pregnant with someone else' child. 

PM plotted every way to get rid of Yul. So Yul fell into a big accident and is suffering amnesia. He is saved by a gentleman Yoon. Yoon adopted the noble lady Hong Shim who happens to be Yul's childhood friend. 

Keeping her identity safe, she is trying hard to search for her long lost brother. Yul gets a new name Won Deuk living in the simple village and is forced to get married to Hong Shim due to an order from himself as a Crown Prince! Unable to work and live comfortably since he is a Royal family member, he bosses people around. He doesn't remember anything and Hong Shim is annoyed to the end that she married a useless bum. D.O has certainly played well in the character as meanie Lee Yul who holds a high IQ and strong demeanour. His tone of voice and actions are funny in every way when he plays the helpless Won Deuk. Nam Ji Hyun is plucky and courageous woman who doesn't stand idly been bullied by men. 

And as we see the romance blooming between Won Deuk and Hong Shim, it gets a bit messy. The current King wants to protect the new Crown Prince SeoWoon and tried to get rid of Vice Premier Kim. In order to protect his own sake and his daughter Crown Princess, he finds Won Deuk/Yul at the Seongjoo Village and kneels down pleading him to return to the Palace for good. Hah! How confusing...the one to get rid of him and the one to beg him to go back. 




Monday, September 17, 2018

Block B's ZICO goes solo.

It is not confirmed or yes as to where rapper Zico from idol group Block B is leaving the group.
He has not decided to leave the group or so.

However his contract with Seven Season agency is coming to an end. Zico is always prepared to stand alone and perform solo. He has not made up final decision to leave or stay with his fellow members. Zico, who made his debut in 2011, ended his contract with his agency in November. He is also the current Block B leader and hottest hip-hop singer. He has been focusing more on solo activities rather than team activities.

He has successfully produced many hit songs for newbie singers. And every song he has released has became a hit. Notable songs are Artist, Eureka, Yes or No and so forth. He has also produced the song entitled Kangaroo sung by Wanna One sub unit group.

He collaborated with female vocalist IU for the song Soulmate ranking first in the music chart.
Last November, the Mayor of Seoul held an interview regarding the program. It is included in the list of the special summit talks of the third inter-Korean summit scheduled for from 20th.







Thursday, September 13, 2018

Jo In Sung, Nam Joo Hyuk promote in Radio Star program

It is definitely rare for actor Jo In Sung to appear in variety shows. The viewers ratings shot up tremendously when he appeared in 1 Night 2 Days as Cha Tae Hyun's guest friend. This time again Jo In Sung agrees to appear in Radio Star program due to his close friendship to Cha Tae Hyun who is co-hosting the program along with Kim Gu Ra, Yoon Jong Shin and Guk Jin. 


Jo In Sung along with his fellow casts- Bae Sung Woo, Park Byung Eun and Nam Joo Hyuk from the latest movie The Great Battle (Ansi Fortress) were guest stars for the latest episode. 

The historical movie is about the siege of Ansi Fortress of 88 days battle. Warrior and hero Yang Man Chun together with the Goguryeo troops fought against 500,000 Tang soldiers from invading the country.

During the session, Jo In Sung and Bae Sung Woo were like Tom and Jerry roles. They even dissed on each other while teasing on other cast members such as Park Sung Woong.

The movie is due to be released in cinemas on 19th September 2018.



Song Ji Hyo, Park Shi Hoo in rom-com ghostly drama.

Park Shi Hoo returns to the screen after his big success return of drama My Golden Life.
This time, he is paired with Song Ji Hyo in the new romantic-comedy ghostly drama Lovely Horribly under KBS production.



I must say the first 2 episodes caught my attention and now I am totally hooked to it.
Park Shi Hoo plays the famous actor Yoo Phillip who has everything a man wants. Fame, wealth, career and women. Oh Eul Soon is a struggling drama script writer who went through riches to rags. Both of them share the same birth date however their fate twists when something happens. If Phillip enjoys his life, Eul Soon suffers.

A rookie PD Lee Sung Jung played by Lee Ki Kwang is Eul Soon's neighbour childhood friend. After Eul Soon's family went down, his family bought over their house and he has been keeping the place in good state hoping to show to her. Many years later, she couldn't recognize him at all. He was devastated to see that Eul Soon suffered so much. He learned that Phillip and Eul Soon must be sharing the fate.

In fact Phillip's mother who is a shawoman took over Eul Soon's destiny and lucky, transfering to her son. She left her home and went to look after Eul Soon after feeling guilty. Phillip has always been wondering why his mother left him. He learns from PD Lee that a strange mysterious strong spirit is wondering between the two of them. 

The other characters such as Writer Ki, Ra Yun and Yoon Ah are bit mysterious to my end.
They are somewhat connected to Phillip via jealousy, revenge and weird surroundings.
Yoon Ah is very possessed with Phillip while Ra Yun- the ghost is acting strange as she haunts around the two main leads. Writer Ki is such a meanie towards Eul Soon too.
I must say Phillip's two followers- his manager and Dong Man cracked me up. They are scaredy cats and scene stealers. His big manager is funny in a way as he wore 2 bulletproof vests in the middle of summer afraid being shot after Phillip been ambushed. LOL!

Lee Ki Kwang is being cute in all ways as the young rookie PD. He being the 2nd lead has definitely got my approval. I wish he would get his girl but somehow that's not the ending seems to be... 




Tug at heartstrings with My ID is Gangnam Beauty.

As JTBC's drama My ID is Gangnam Beauty is reaching the end, it is leaving viewers wondering how the ending is going to be. Whether it's going to be similar to the webtoon and will the main characters get a happy ending?

 First of all, I'd say it's not an overly fantastic drama. It's mostly played by idol singers and young rookie actors/actresses. However with Im Soo Hyang being the most veteran actress in the cast, she is definitely holding the drama on her shoulders as the timid and shy University chemistry major student, Kang Mi Rae who was once shun off by the society due to her looks. By undergoing plastic surgery, she thought her life would be better however she meets more problems in University when her rude seniors called her plastic monster. 




Nevertheless she meets her high school friend, Do Kyung Suk who is a handsome and most popular student at the same field. Kyung Suk has never laughed or looked down on Mi Rae despite her looks. Instead he carries a strange cold demeanour. He hardly talks to anyone due to his parent's divorce. Coming from a strong family background, he often lives in his own world and ignoring others. Meanwhile there's a senior graduate and teaching assistant, Woo Young who is gentle and sweet. Woo Young is nice towards Mi Rae and harbors feelings for her. Mi Rae's bestie, Hyun Jung being a pscyhology major keeps her one sided love for Woo Young. 

The cunning, scheming Soo Ah is perfect in all ways on the front but is very superficial. She kept pursuing on Kyung Suk for popularity and fame. She is cynical and pretends to be nice to Mi Rae. After being rejected many times by Kyung Suk, she gets on Mi Rae's nerves. 

The storyline is rather simple. The ratings were around mid 4-5% due to the private TV station. It is true that Astro's Cha Eun Woo is the main visual in this drama. He typically looks as if he is cut out from a Manga webtoon. Indeed I have to admit this fact. He just looks stunning in everyway even without any conversation. *swoons*.

The romance is a bit slow in this drama but it shows that Kyung Suk is not a hasty person and is giving Mi Rae a chance to open up. I have to say Kyung Suk's mom - CEO of Kelun is the coolest mother on earth. She finds herself happier after Mi Rae managed to have both her children at her side due to a misunderstanding. 

The lesson to learn from the drama? No matter how much one fix their appearance, it doesn't bring much happiness. It's one's personality and character that matters the most. Everyone will age at the end of the day. Beauty doesn't last forever. True beauty lies deep in one's character. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Yoon Do Jun up for enlistment services.

First it was BTOB's Seo Eun Kwang...now HIGHLIGHT member Yoon Do Jun has been called to enlist on 24th August.
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It spells trouble for the singer/actor since he has already delayed his enlistment due to knee injury and now he's in midst of shooting tvN's drama Let's Eat Season 3. And out of sudden the government has decided to call the actor for enlistment.

His fellow member Yang Yo Seob who has also been called for enlistment passed the exam to serve as a police officer but Yoon Do Jun failed in his test. 

Yoon is placed in the military base for basic military training for five weeks after entering the training camp. The place and time of admission were not disclosed. Due to the sudden notice without preparation, Yoon will be concentrating to finish up his filming and getting into the army. 





Monday, August 20, 2018

INFINITE Woo Hyun solo album on 3rd Sept.

Group INFINITE member Nam Woo Hyun will be releasing his 2nd solo album on 3rd September 2018. He has been hiatus for almost 2 years and 4 months,

Nam Woo Hyun won the first major mini-album title song "Nod Nod" released in 2016. Through this album, he is determined to establish himself as a solo singer.

He has been performing various music programs such Two Hearts as a sub-unit with SHINee member Key in 2016.


Recently, he has been acting as Barnum's associate 'Amos Skater' in the musical 'The Greatest Showman' performed at the Chungmu Art Center Grand Theater.


BTOB's Eun Kwang enlist.

BTOB's leader Seo Eun Kwang has enlisted for military on 21st August 2018.

On this day, the 27th Infantry Division of Gangwon Hwacheon will be admitting Eun Kwang as a recruit of troops. He said he wants to join quietly therefore is no fans or events held. After receiving basic military training for five weeks, he will serve as an active army officer.

Eun Kwang has written in social media, "For the past 7 years, I will remember beautiful precious memories. Till we meet again, fighting."


Seo Eun Kwang made his debut with his members in 2012 with  the single 'Secret', Missing You,' 'Prayer,' 'Without You'.

He has also showed a strong presence in musicals. Staring in 2013 for musicals 'Monte Cristo', 'The Bachelor's Vegetable Shop', 'Hamlet', 'Goddess is watching', 'Three Musketeers', Great Showman' and so on.

We wish him all the best and good health until he returns back. 

Sunday, August 19, 2018

Kim Jae Joong shines as a guest in Comedy Big League.

JYJ member Kim Jae Joong appeared as a special invited guest among the audience in the Comedy Big League program.

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tvN  has released a video and a viewing point for Kim Jae Joong as 'super-invited guest' at the 276th 'Comedy Big League' broadcast on 19th September. 


Kim Jae Joong will be playing as the first love of gagwoman Lee Guk Ju (32), who appears in the 'Mega Study'. In particular, he has raised expectations by foreshadowing the real reasons for the comedy big league.

It has been a while since JYJ members have appeared in the limelight. Ever since the members entered and finished military services, it seems Jae Joong is one who is still actively promoting himself in Japan. Yoo Chun is currently lying low after his scandals and Jun Su is still actively serving the army.




Friday, August 17, 2018

Ahn Sung Ki, Park Seo Joon in new movie The Lion.

Veteran actor Ahn Sung Ki (66), Park Seo Joon (33) and Woo Do Hwan (36) are the main casts in the upcoming movie entitled The Lion.

Park Seo Joon plays the role of a world champion in the fighting world. After losing his father in an accident during his childhood days he is a person who has distrust and grudge against the world.

Ahn Sung Ki plays the the role of Priest Ahn while Woo Do Hwan plays Ji Shin with excellent ability to penetrate and exploit his weakness.

PD Kim Ju-hwan (37), who directed 'Guide Dog' (2016) and 'Youth Police' (2017 is taking charge of the director's chair. They will start filming on the 14th. The movie will be released next year.

Wanna One World Tour Concert 2018- Melbourne

17th August is the day I marked in the calendar after purchasing the concert ticket via Ticketek when tickets were released on 25th May 2018. Last year Wanna One came to KCON Australia 2017 gig in Sydney. This year they made it to Melbourne for a world tour concert. Patiently I waited for 2 over months to see the 11 guys who made it through to the final under Produce 101:S2 program. 

Avid fans started queuing up at as early as in the morning at Hisense Arena on the day. I don't see the purpose people pitching a tent to camp outside- there's not a single chance to see the guys. I arrived at 5.00pm, stood at the VIP Reserved Seating row where we even had to wait for 2 over hours in the cold- %^&@#! Strict security- no glow sticks, restricted bag sizes, videos/cameras are to be kept aside in cloak room, small banners, no knives, explosives.etc..what not..as if fans are going to blow up Wanna One in the areana! 
Mind you- this is just a KPop gig- not even a big MCG football match. Pfft! 
Fan club started distributing out some small banner for everyone to keep as a remembrance. No official merchandise are sold at the venue too. 
(How silly! This is a way to make tons of $$, talk about business minded people!)

At last everyone was gathered in the arena waiting for the guys to come out to perform. Some fans were dressed up in weird costumes, carrying official glow sticks..etc, home made banners. Security guards were tight and kept repeating that no video, photography during the concert otherwise the person and phone will be escorted out from the venue. Being obedient, I didn't take out my phone to snap any photos at all. I was around 20 feet from the main round podium..good seat. 


The starting of the concert was rather long with various MVs and photos of the members. Each time a members' face appear on the screen, the young fans started screaming ooh...aah! First up was Burn It Up with fireworks shot out from the rear stage heating up the arena. Fans screamed again and waving glow sticks. I sat quietly enjoying the moment. It was then followed by Energetic and Boomerang..etc. There were various solo songs from sub-groups where they performed different genre from their normal thing. 

Solo dances performed by Ji Hoon and Woo Jin made everyone screamed. There were ballad songs by Ji Sung-Min Hyun-Sung Woon. Dae Hwi and Seong Woo belted out Lean On Me single. Chit chat sessions among 11 guys were kept short and simple. But the translator was rather annoying with even inaccurate translation from the guys. Weather was cold for the guys heading from Korea which is summer now. Finally Dae Hwi and Daniel communicated with the fans in English with the familiar saying- G'day Mate! Well as you can guess the rest aren't that fluent in English by just repeating thank you, i love you, hope you enjoy tonight...etc. Fans swooned when Seung Woo commented that the night sceneries in Melbourne are beautiful but the Wannables are more beautiful...ah...sweet talk.


Other songs performed including Always (a nice ballad), they came to the round stage closer to the fans standing below, they sang Beautiful, Twilight, some other songs...I really can't remember most of them. As they stood at the round podium, they looked at the VIP seating fans and waved. But the minute they started the triangle formation, everyone knew it was the song that shot them to stardom- Pick Me (나야나) The song was cut short a bit. I must complain that the music director in this arena was rather inefficient in his job! The background music was so loud that I can't even hear most of their voices. At times I noticed some parts were lip sync but some were sung originally. No doubt Jae Hwan is the best vocal among all...he sang well in his solo song. 


Honestly, Min Hyun,Jin Young and Dae Hwi were looking so thin and gawdy. I am not sure if this is tiredness or overworked with the non stop gigs. Daniel, Ji Sung, Sung Woon, Jae Hwan and Woo Jin looked chirpier-healthier- sometimes winking at the camera. 



Triple Position consisting Daniel, Woo Jin and Jae Hwan with Zico's produced song Kangaroo made everyone jumped around. After all it's Australia- all they can think is Roo Roo. Fans started throwing kangaroo soft toys on stage amusing them. Solo dances continued by Daniel, Lai Kuan Lin, Jin Young and Woo Jin. Ji Sung turned into some music deejay at one point rusting out some party songs to get the crowd going. The security guards continued to be a pest by warning fans not to snap any photos or recording the concert. Still some fans are persistent to do so, some were told off, some were told to get out from the concert- a bit harsh? Yes..I would think so.  I understand that performance times might be distracting with flash lights..etc. Look...fans bought those expensive tickets- at least give us a chance to snap some photos during their chit-chat session. 

Last song came with the guys performing IPU (I Promised You), waving to the fans happily and bidding farewell. It was a near 3 hour concert. Some fans quickly left. Before they said bye, I managed to snap some photos as it's near end of the concert. Security event guards were a bit relaxed since it's over. Immediately I rushed out as I had to walk another 10 minutes to catch a train- which was packed like sardines with fans coming out from AAMI and MCG concert after a football match. Anyway it ended well, we bid farewell to the guys and hope to see them soon. We just never know what lies in the future when they go on separate ways after this project boy band ends. Good luck to all of them...

Overall, IME Australia has done a lousy job in organising the concert. It's a bloody shame that the tickets were way overpriced resulting smaller turnout with fans buying cheaper tickets getting better seats because some of the arena was covered up with black cloth and curtains. How embarrassing for Wanna One members to notice the arena is not full during the sound check session! Sighs... tragic! for the tour and concert organisers for in AU! 





Tuesday, August 14, 2018

Yu Jun Sang serves up as the happiest Master in the House.

As the four butlers from Master In the House awaits for their next master, little did they expect their new Master is a show-man. His daily schedule is packed with activities including dancing, singing, practising, music instruments, jazz, ballet, art, drawing, boxing...etc. Everything you named it! They were instructed to change to tight fitting tops and leotards as what ballet dancers would wear. They felt so embarrassed but nonetheless received an important hint from Miss A's Suzy who tells them the Master is an inspirational person to her. The Master has even walked on the red carpet in Cannes Film Festival.

Some guessed who the identity and some looked confused. They were brought to a warehouse they heard people singing away and their new Master is no other than actor/musical singer Yu Jun Sang. He has appeared in numerous hit dramas and movie flicks. Now he is concentrating hard on his musical career. On the spot, he tested the butlers on their singing skills. Sung Jae found himself immersed in musical while Seung Gi and Se Hyung were just cracking up. Sang Yun the awkward duckling is lost at words and didn't know how to sing. Jun Sang brought them to his lovely big home where they met his wife actress Hong Eun Hee. Their age gap is pretty big still they are a happy couple. Jun Sang literally has a man cave his basement where he has tons of music instruments to art calligraphy. The four butlers were given assignment to draw and write whatever they have reflected in their lives. It turns out Sung Jae is rather poetic and talented. Next assignment is preparing the 10th year anniversary friendship party for Jun Sang's fellow musical friends- Uhm Ki Joon, Min Kyeong Gi and Kim Bup Rae. Fans named them as UmYuMinBup club. So butlers named themselves as SangSeungHyungJae using their own first or second names.The event was prepared within 24 hours in a rush whereby Seung Gi and Sang Yun accompanied Jun Sang practising his scripts until 3.00 am. Sung Jae and Se Hyung tucked in to sleep early with sweet dreams. The next day they arrived at Chung Am Art Hall whereby 10 years ago, the four friends performed together in the musical stage of Three Musketeers. Until today they remained as good and close friends. Sang Yun's role is a waiter serving drinks, Sung Jae escorts the VIP and also a photographer while Seung Gi and Se Hyung are the emcees. One by one turned up with Min and Kim laughing away knowing the reaction from their crankiest member Ki Joon. Though Ki Joon is the youngest, but he can be negative but puts his best when he does things.

The butlers tensed up wondering how Ki Joon will react upon seeing this laid out. Indeed he was flustered and kept laughing away. They predicted right- the first thing he ever said was 'What is all this?' while laughing away in embarrassment. He even pointed out Jun Sang has calculated wrongly as it's only their 9th year together...not 10th! Aah... the two emcees were surprised. Asked how were they feeling, the three just laughed out of embarrassment. Even with Jun Sang's teary message to his friends, Seung Gi pointed out none of his members even shed a tear, instead they just shook their heads. It's Jun Sang who is the over emotional one. Hah! 

The friends were expecting some special performance from girl group or so. Ki Joon hoped Suzy will come while Min pronounced wrongly Blackbank instead of Blackpink! 

However the lucky draw special performances were actually all the same- it's 3 Musketeers theme song 'We are One'. But the veteran singers gave their best to perform in front of all.

Next is game time- sound decibel for each team. The higher the decibel sound the team wins. Both tie for the first round so second game is drinking Sumac tea. Oh-oh!

Go-Sam cha is bitter enough to drive one insane...however Sumac is certainly an upgraded version. Sung Jae brought out two bowls of Sumac tea with some drinking hose! They laughed thinking where the straws have been! Ki Joon tested and his whole expression was shocked with how bitter the tea was! Butler team smirked because they have Sang Yun who is Mr. No Pain as he can easily chew through lemons and drink bitter tea like water! The veterans were just lost wondering why on earth are they drinking bitter tea and doing funny things with the younger generation. 

But nothing can stop the 10 year friendship of 4 friends who drank the tea so fast winning over Butler team. Seung Gi and Sung Jae hardly sipped it while Sang Yun was nice enough to drink a fair bit of it. 

As they celebrate their 10th...oops...I mean 9th year anniversary, the butlers also celebrated their 200 days together in this program. Wow! Time really flies.

The average age between the four friends were like 47 with Jun Sang being the oldest hyung among all but Ki Joon holds the power between them. 

And this show makes me wonder and reflect how many true friends we have in life that we have stayed sincere together through thick and thin. In life, we don't have that many great friends but wouldn't it be lovely to have such wonderful people to support and love you to the end?






Monday, August 13, 2018

Mr. Sunshine viewers ratings continue to rise steadily.

In the most recent episodes of tvN's Mr. Sunshine, the viewers ratings continued to peak steadily whereby we see further how painful the relationship between the American patriot Eugene Choi (played by Lee Byung Hun) and the Joseon noblewoman Go Ae Shin (played by Kim Tae Ri)

The social class status divided their love for each other however Eugene was an understanding man who persuaded Ae Shin to go forward with her plans to save Joseon. He will continue to take a step back to do his own thing. 

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Also the curiosity of the identities when both Ae Shin and hotel owner Kudo Hina (played by Kim Min Jung) raised some eye brows suspecting each other's intention. The little sweet romance between Eugene and Ae Shin was short and cute. Also when Kyle received a transfer letter for Eugene, he immediately grabbed it and tried to digest into his mouth cracked up the viewers. Bits of comical scenes in the story line somehow brought a smile to the TV viewers. 

The ratings rose steadily to 13.2% mostly from female viewers aged in the forties.


Group H.O.T having concert in October.

After disbandment for 17 years, group H.O.T are gathering back again and doing a concert for their faithful loyal fans (who are now mostly adults and married with kids!

H.O.T was the first generation idol group in the late 90's will be holding a concert in October.
It will be the first time since the performance of the main stadium of Seoul Jamsil Olympic in 2001 that five members are gathered and formally stood in front of the fans.

The 5 members were reunited again via MBC's Infinite Challenge program that brought their fans to happy tears, singing along with their favourite hit songs from the 1990's. Since then fans were constantly requesting for a concert. Whether the members will form again and to relaunch a new album is yet to be determined.

H.O.T members consists of Moon Hee Jun (40), Jang Woo Hyuk (40), Tony Ahn (40), Kang Ta (39) and Lee Jae Won (38). Since debuting in 1996 with their first sing;e "Warrior of the Descendants," they have enjoyed explosive popularity. Along with hit songs such as "Candy," "Happiness," and "We're the Future." H.O.T was then disbanded in 2001. 


More information, including concert ticket openings will be released later.
Stay tuned, H.O.T fans! 

BTOB's Yook Sung Jae rumored dating DIA's Joo Eun.

BTOB member, Yook Sung Jae along with girl group DIA member Joo Eun have rumours floating around stating both of them are seeing each other especially they are in the same age group. On 13th August, the rumours broke that the two are nurturing and seeing each other. It started that they met at an acquaintance's meeting and have developed into relationship since January.

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But both sides have denied it. It's true that the two of them were in the meeting with our friends, but they are not seeing each other" said Cube Entertainment rep.

In 2002, BTOB has debuted as an artist. Yook Sung Jae has then been actively appearing in variety shows and also debuted as an actor. He was in the popular tVN hit drama Goblin.







Monday, July 16, 2018

Kim Jae Won, Nam Sang Mi in Let Me Introduce Her.

I began watching the new SBS weekend drama by Kim Jae Won and Nam Sang Mi playing the main leads in the drama. The title seems a bit quirky as it means 'Let Me Introduce Her'- 그녀로 말할 것 같으면.  

The story opens where a young woman, Ji Eun Han is running for her life. She is hiding from mysterious men who are trying to kill her. She ran into a plastic surgeon Han Kang Woo and begs him to change her entire face. Kang Woo was reluctant at the start but she kept begging her with tears and seeing that she has saved him once, he returns the favour. 

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However the surgery that went well turned horribly wrong with Eun Han waking up losing her memory. Kang Woo is the only person holding the key to finding her true identity. Supporting leads are Jo Hyun Jae who plays the snobby news anchorman Kang Chan Ki and happened to be Eun Han's husband. 

Kang's mother President Min (played by Lee Mi Sook) is a rather elegant yet rich entrepreneur on beauty cosmetics. She is desperate to hire in a cosmetician Song Chae Young (played by Yang Jin Sung) in her company. Chae Young is another selfish woman who thinks for herself tries to get back to her ex-boyfriend Kang Woo. In this story there's a mysterious secretary Jung Soo Jin (played by Han Eun Jung) who works for President Min and her son. She is trying hard to locate Eun Han who has disappeared.

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Lee Si-Ah plays the original Eun Han who is younger but soon she is transformed to Nam Sang Mi who definitely looked older. Kim Jae Won who has always looked very boyish has definitely changed his fashion and looks too. 

I'd stick around to watch the plot why Kang Chan Ki is desperately looking for his wife and how Kang Woo will get tangled into the messy problems with Chae Young hounding on him too.

tvN's Mr. Sunshine proven a hit drama with A-list actors.

As expected, viewers are almost glued to the latest tvN's drama Mr.Sunshine with the beautiful background of Joseon dynasty set during King Gojong's era whereby the invasion of foreign troops including America, Japan and Russia are fighting among themselves in another land.

Scriptwriter Kim Eun Sook has so far never failed to garner so much attention in her big hit dramas. As far as we know from Gentlemen's Dignity, Descendants of the Sun, The Goblin and now to Mr. Sunshine- there is always A-list actors lined up as the leads. This round Lee Byung Hun takes the lead of Eugene Choi- a runaway slave from Joseon to America. He survived in a bleak period while joining the US forces but the memory of him seeing how the Kim noble family killed his parents haunted him.

After many years, Eugene returns to his homeland but calls himself an American patriot for he is yet to set his revenge on the family who ruined his life. He meets a noble woman, Go Ae Shin played by the rookie actress Kim Tae Ri. Ae Shin's grandfather is one of the most influential minister to the King. Her late parents were considered rebels and fought against the Japanese. Ae Shin's grandpa had no choice but to send her for gun training secretly to protect herself. 

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There's Yoo Yoon Seok and Kim Min Jung as second leads. Yoo plays Dong Mae- a butcher's son who also shared a painful childhood past. He ran away with Ae Shin's help and stowed off to Japan. He returns as a powerful Japanese Yakuza to seek revenge on those who killed his family. Kim Min Jung plays Glory Hotel owner Kudo Hina who seems a bit mysterious as she has an interest on Eugene while she is friends with the Japanese.
Byun Yo Han plays Kim Hui Sung- the rich grand kid of the Kim's family who tortured Eugene's family.He is also betrothed to Ae Shin. 

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The cinematography is great I must say...the backgrounds and I think Lee Byung Hun did well in his role with his expressions and his English skills as no one else could do that role.
David Lee McInnis plays his buddy Kyle - an American friend who is often seeing joking around.   

But I must say the big age gap between Lee Byung Hun and Kim Tae Ri is quite weird.
He can easily pair off with other actresses but the vibe of Kim Tae Ri as his younger sister would be more appropriate rather than love line.
Anyway- I must say this drama is presented well- more of a movie than any normal Korean series. The stylist and designer of clothes have done a good job.

The first episode has already recorded one of the highest ratings of any tvN dramas.






Monday, June 18, 2018

Are You Human too? brings out kindness from AI robots

KBS2 releases its latest pre-production drama Are You Human Too? with the story of human kind and Artificial Intelligence. 

Oh Ro Ra (Kim Sung Ryung) is a brainy scientist who has the intelligence and fame from creating android robots. Her husband committed suicide and her one and only son Nam Shin (Seo Kang Joon) has been abducted by his wealthy grandfather since small due to inheritance to the global PK Group. For years Oh Ro Ra lived in loneliness creating Nam Shin 1 and Nam Shin II robots resembling her kid-teenage son. She missed Shin terribly and after many years she developed Nam Shin III who is her current adult son and heir to the 
conglomerate company.

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The real Nam Shin pretends to be a jerk and arrogant in every way. He doesn't talk to Grandpa Nam (Park Yeong Gyu) and annoys his aunt while disrespecting Director Seo Young Gil (Yu Oh Seong) who is eyeing his position in the co. His only close ally and friend is Secretary Ji Young Hoon (Lee Jun Hyuk) who often helps him and bears all the insults from the top management. 

Shin leaves to Czech Republic in search of his mother. However Seo sends some men to finish off Shin at the scene. However real Shin meets up with Shin III at the street. After a mishap, human Shin falls into coma while Ro Ra scatters around trying to save her son. Ro Ra instructs her robot son to return to Seoul to protect Shin's position in PK Group while real Shin recuperates. Young Hoon trains robot Shin to be the arrogant human Shin, face recognition and dissed those whom he was instructed to. Bodyguard Kang So Bong (Gong Seung Yeon) is money faced so she pretended to act along with real Shin only to be discovered snapping illegal photos and selling them to press. She was slapped in public and fired only to later realise that it was trap set by Shin for the public to see. 

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Robot Shin returns to Korea with Young Hoon, played along well as real Shin as a Vice President of PK Group, doing presentations and even saving So Bong from various incidents. She is flustered to find out the real heir is in coma while Ro Ra begged her not to inform Seo about this matter otherwise Shin's position will be coveted. So Bong realises Shin III is doing what he is told as an AI robot and protecting those he loved. 

Robot Shin somehow has to fend off Ye Na- his current fiancee and cunning father Seo. Grandpa Nam's health is slowly deteriorating due to slight Alzheimer. Robot Shin still requires So Bong's protection from the baddies though he can see many things that humans can't do so.

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A very interesting drama with how Shin III will overcome all difficulties, finding his 'love' (though he's a robot) and protecting those he cherishes dearly. 


I am liking this drama as Shin III is lovable and kind to start with. We know that real Shin is also a nice guy but been raised in a terrible environment without parents' love.
So Bong is proven to be a super pest at the start but she will slowly change her attitude to protect Shin III from harm.



Swordswoman in Mask King finally reveals her identity.

After winning 8 streaks in a row in MBC's The Masked King, female vocalist Son Seong Yeon is the person behind the mask of Swordswoman. She has a powerful voice where she sat on the throne for 18 weeks- near to breaking the record of Music Commander- Ha Hyun Woo who was the King for 9 times. However Swordsdwoman lost to a low margin of only 3 votes to the new mask king Bob Ross. Hah!

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Audience were quite surprised to see Wanna One's vocalists have mostly appeared in the program. First was Hwang Min Hyun (Terris) , followed by Kim Jae Hwan (Royal Guardsman) who challenged Swordswoman in final and this time was Ha Sung Woon who wore a cute Lesser Panda mask.

Also featured Block B's Park Hyung who was Operation Z (similar to David Hassleholf) in Knight Rider. Notable female Queens on the show were Gummy, Cha Ji Yeon, So Hyang and now it's Son Seung Yeon. 


JTBC Hidden Singer kicks off at 6.5% ratings.

JTBC music show Hidden Singer: Season 5 has kicked off with a good start of 5% viewers ratings for first episode.

According to TNMS media data on the 18th June, "Hidden Singer 5", which was broadcast on the 17th June has recorded 6.4% of ratings on the first episode, which was the first place in both the main viewing rate and the non-terrestrial viewing rate.

This is also the result of the first audience rating (3.6%) of 'Hidden Singer 4' on Oct. 3, 2015 and the 16th 'Hidden Singer 4' broadcast on Jan. 16, (Audience rating 5.0%) and 2.8% points and 1.4% points respectively.


On this day H.O.T members Tony Ahn, Lee Jae Won along with Sechs Kies' Eun Ji Won and Kang Sung Hoon were part of the main guests trying to figure out the real and hidden singer of H.O.T main vocalist Kang Ta (Ahn Chil Hyun). MC was Jeon Hyun Moo. 

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Kang Ta is the first generation idol group member of H.O.T formed by SM Entertainment.
Being a vocalist and solo singer, their group hit songs include Candy, Light, Hope and Happiness.

Member Tony Ahn was rather surprised to hear the similar voices of the contestants as the original singer. It's the first time after 22 years he has heard many voices of Kang Ta in one room! 

Kang Ta agreed stating he was shocked to hear the voices of the other contestants similar to his. The contestants were so talented and no one would know if that's the real singer or doppelganger.  He felt as if he was listening to a CD from their real voices.



Produce 48 spins off 95 contestants from Korea and Japan.

The talk and hype of the town is Produce 48 which has the collaboration of mNet Produce 101 and Japan's largest girl group AKB48mNet TV has successfully held and produced two great project bands- I.O.I and Wanna One from Season 1 and Season 2. This time they collaborate with Japan TV with the theme song It's Mine (Pick Me).
I.O.I girl group has their song Pick Me and Wanna One's biggest hit song was 나야나 (Pick Me).

Jang Geun Suk and BoA hosted the first two seasons. Singer/actor Lee Seung Gi is the new presenter for Produce 48. With special hosts of past winners of Produce 101 S1 and S2-  Jeon So Mi with Kang Daniel are assisting Lee in the show. Their new mentors for Produce 48 are FT Island's Lee Hong Ki, SISTAR's So You, rapper Cheetah, choreographers Bae Yoon Jung, Choi Young Jun and May J Lee training the contestants for performance. 

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Trainees from various agencies including YG K-Plus, FNC, Cube, MMO, YeHua Ent, HOW Ent, RBW Ent, MND17 Ent, Pledis, Stone Music, Woolim Ent, Music Works, CNC Ent, individual trainees and Japan's AKB48, HKT48, NMB48, SKE48 participated in this show. 

There are many notable performances and acts from the trainees to segregate them to Team A to Team F. Some were very tall like models, some have pretty faces, great vocals, superb dancing skills but many were quite disastrous too.

Surprisingly most of the Japanese trainees received harsh critics from trainer Bae Yoon Jung. 
The Japanese and Korean culture have a big difference in terms of culture, dancing and skills.
Korean trainees gave it all- perfect angles, synchronised choreography and great voices.
However the Japanese trainees somehow lack of coordination, stumbling in dancing moves, some sang off tune (due to nervousness) and a handful of them managed to deliver energy and lovely vibes on stage. Choreographer Young Jun noted Noe Yamada from NGT48 reminded him of Momoland's Joo Yi who is very vibrant and comical. 

A trainee danced well in Sunmi's Gashina in freestyle event. She even looked like the younger version of Sunmi! The Japanese trainees were in awe seeing how well Korean trainees have worked hard to show what they've got to the mentors. Pledis Ent. send out two girls who were very tall. So You remembered seeing Lee Ga Eun as ex-member of After School. Kahi who was also sitting as one of the mentors smiled at her. After School hasn't actually disband but they were on hiatus for many years. Trainer Bae praised Ga Eun for her dancing which hasn't diminish at all after 5 years. Ga Eun gained her courage after seeing NU'EST members worked so hard in Season 2 to get their feet back on stage. 

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Only 2 notable Japanese trainees made it to the top ranks- Miyawaki Sakura and Matsui Jurina. Indeed the two are prettier in looks and somehow impressed the judges. Regarding the voting- I am not too sure how the citizens have voted. If it's inclusive Japan, it's obvious their viewers would be rooting for them after those lashing on their poor performances. 
Ahn Yu Jin, Jang Won Young, Lee Ga Eun, Jang Gyuri, Choi Yena, Lee Si An, Jo Yuri, Wang Yi Ren, Miru Shiroma and Mako Kojima were so far in the top 12 by the online votes.

Japanese trainees bawled their eyes out after harsh critics from mentors for their poor performances (non-synchronised dancing)- their culture emphasises on acting cute, lovely and making fans happy. Oh dear...these trainees have a long way to go in terms of dancing and singing. 

What kept me watching on for the first episode- reminded me so much of the chit-chatting event from MMO trainees, great dances in Season 2- and what's more?- Eye candy from Daniel...

Good luck to the rest of the trainees. Only 12 will make it to the top to form a girl group.


Thursday, June 14, 2018

What's With Secretary Kim scores highest ratings.

tvN's newest drama What's With Secretary Kim? has scored the audience highest ratings.

According to TNMS media data on the 14th June 2018, "What's with Secretary Kim?" was aired  from 9:30 pm on the 13th June has so far recorded the ratings of 8.3% nationwide and 10.9%. 

It is 3.1 percentage points higher than the nationwide ratings of 6.3% recorded on the first broadcast on June 6 and 2.8% points higher than the metropolitan audience rating of 7.8%


This was followed by KBS2TV 'Suits' with the second highest audience rating in the entire time zone. The 15th episode of "Suits" broadcast at 10 pm on June 13th has recorded 9.1% of the nationwide and metropolitan audience ratings. When the 'Suit' goes for its finale on June 14th, it is predicted that What's with Secretary Kim will take over.

          

It is a light comedy refreshing drama where the dashing, rich Vice President Lee Young Joon panics when his long time PA Kim Mi So decided to resign. He gets flustered when his friend throws a question to him whether he really requires Secretary Kim to do his daily duties or does he really like her as a woman? It's obvious Young Joon thinks he's too good for any women out there. Over the time he feels jealous seeing male colleagues getting close to Mi So. Sometimes he gets icy cold telling Mi So off in training his new PA but the next thing he gets very sweet by showering her gifts and attention. 

     

To make things worse, Young Joon's elder brother returns from overseas as a famous novelist immediately gains Mi So's attention. Having a mysterious secret, Young Joon is determined not to lose Secretary Kim over to his brother. 

Oh-well, we are thrown into another situation whereby two male leads are almost charming and dashing with a pretty female lead. Who are we to choose? It's obvious that Park Seo Joon being the main lead will eventually ends up with the heroine of the drama. But I do hope Lee Tae Hwan gets his own girl as well. 

There are various scenes where Young Joon is rather tacky and does embarrassing things. His over possessiveness on Mi So is somehow making her uneasy but at the same time she does her best as a PA. She is slowly feeling her boss is acting strange and comes in another nice mannered brother into the picture. I really can't tell who to choose... mmm...