8 Miles to Kpop

   Oh, I feel like smashing something. Watching drama surely has calming effects on me, and right now I'm left without any (yes, I caught up with everything), so imagine my frustration. Well, seeing The Diva in crown (yes! finally! Although it wasn't queen's tiara) made my day, that's for sure, but not until I stumbled upon the article that somehow eluded me for some time. Not anymore. We had Dream High drama about bunch of high-schoolers dreaming of becoming stars. Zero acting from the said "stars" put me off right in the middle of the first episode, so I don't know, but I presume they became hallyu stars with millions of crazy devoted fangirls/fanboys. Are you satisfied? Apparently there were some voices stating that 8 Mile was an american version of musical Cinderella, therefore Korea needs to have "the presiousssss" as well. And yes, new movie is on the way - Mr. Idol (oh what an elaborated title, I wonder how long it took them to come up with that?).

JYJ in... Germany?

  在ドイツ韓国大使館は「人気グループJYJより、10月末から11月初めにかけてドイツで公演したいとの連絡を受けている。また、Wonder Girlsや2PMなどが所属する芸能事務所JYPも現在、ドイツ公演を検討している」と説明した。

(from Chosun online)

I'm sorry, but if Korean Embassy is not pulling any joke on us all... I'm in heaven. Now, to find some extra work and save money. 

The whole article is about the music charts in Germany (VIVA Charts) being swept by Kpop: 2NE1, MBLAQ, B2ST, 2PM, Super Junior etc.

Well, if apart from YG, SMEnt and JYP they could also add some smaller agencies, like CJ E&M also, I would be on cloud number... ah hell, 12 even.

The Princess' Man

   Each and every one of us needs sometimes cathartic story. This is why Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet will never grow old. Now less and less people read it, saying: "Oh, it's so boring! They behave not like us! It's stupid!" The last sentence is somewhat true. Love makes us stupid. Especially this kind of love that comes like a storm, destroying everything on its path. Those stories are similar, no matter where they take place - Mexico, China, Greece, Korea or England. There are thousands of tragic stories - Tristan and Iseult died, Romeo and Juliet died, and this is what was called l'amour impossible. The tragedy in this drama is written all over the place, it's hiding in shadows, it's crouching in corners, it drops with morning dew.

Once in a while, we need to immerse ourselves in this kind of story, relating to people walking slowly (or not) their path to destruction.

Infinite cuteness

   Oh damn, they are young men. No kids, ah damn... Mah heart cantz take it no more...
Yes, forgot to add what this post is aboout - the interview. 

Xenophobia

According to wikipedia:

Xenophobia is defined as the "hatred or fear of foreigners or strangers or of their politics or culture". It comes from the Greek words ξένος (xenos), meaning "stranger," "foreigner" and φόβος (phobos), meaning "fear."

Xenophobia can manifest itself in many ways involving the relations and perceptions of an ingroup towards an outgroup, including a fear of losing identity, suspicion of its activities, aggression, and desire to eliminate its presence to secure a presumed purity. Xenophobia can also be exhibited in the form of an "uncritical exaltation of another culture" in which a culture is ascribed "an unreal, stereotyped and exotic quality".

This is why I present the article below. The comparison to rivers and sea is actually crushing. This should stop all nonsense, but unfortunately it won't.

This is Kim Jonghyeon post

   Deal with that.

Some people don't like this young man, and me... well, his talent puts me in sheer awe. I wouldn't mind if he started all jazzy, bossa-nova sounds and I would pre-order any. Damn, as for him, I would even become indie, dance or other crap fan. So for today, I'd like to present maybe less known, not polished and raw videos of him singing live. Because I have my theory saying that only when listening to a song performed on stage, we can judge someone's talent or lack of it. This is why I became sworn supporter of INFINITE's young men, and this is why Jonghyeon, and Junsu as well, are on my daily list. I would be a hypocrite if I didn't acknowledge also Onew's singing, they are both good in SHINee, and although I like Key, he's not a match for those two, sorry^^'

Second Twitter Crusade

   Jaejung showed class yet again. It's been few days since he tweeted:

“I don’t know if I should be saying this… I miss Yunho and Changmin… No matter what anyone says, they’re our members and I know them better than anyone else… People might say it’s pointless in saying this but… I want to see them again. It’s been a while.”

He added:

“Junsu always wakes up before the members and gets his hair and make up done before the tired members. He has always been like that for the past eight years. It’s his sincerity that has allowed us to exist, and I hope to learn from him as a friend and co-worker.
There’s a lot to learn from him in a lifetime.”
“Yoochun is always in the middle. He stands in the middle of the members and watches over everyone, which is why we never have any time to feel that we’re alone. He’s one of the most spirited members and he shares that spirit with us so that we feel comfort during difficult times.”
“I have to do better.. That’s what our Junsu and Yoochun make me think. They’re greedy, hoo hoot!”

Korean Royal Family

   I guess everyone who watches sageuk or taeha is more or less familiar with such words like seja, gongju, mama, jeonha. But in any case, a list of such terms may be useful.

Inside the palace complex, names were rarely used, and this is why those titles come in handy. 

Here is the website of Royal Family in Korea (yes, the descendants are living): http://www.royalcity.or.kr/

New ranking

Looks like Arirang is running out of the ideas to make another ranking. And, what's funnier (more funny?), Yucheon got his own ranking, muwahaha!! Ekhe, ekhe...

Dokdo again

Two articles from editorial column from JoongAngIlbo.

Countdown to org... ee... movie

   May I kyaa? May I? The teaser has been out since yesterday, but I'm slowly behind everything. Can't wait, can't wait^^

Update: July 26: two more posters added^^

Seoul Drama Awards 2011 - voting

   Here you can vote for the actor, and unlike last year (nagging works!!) they don't include any ID numbers or Korean residence numbers, only e-mail and phone. In case you win an iPad or tickets or whatever. Who cares for those when you can vote as many times as you want? Oh yes, I'm bad.

Below is the actual ranking, collected by me^^

Update: Park Yucheon: 166,141 votes, The Diva: 124,108 votes.

Concept pics

   

   As promised, some eye candy at the end... no wait, it's 12:14 AM, ok then. For a good beginning. THIS is the only circumstance when eyeliner looks good. On singers. Heard that, The Diva?

And I must say, I really like the new concept with tattoos, plus Dongwu's silver hair...

Drawing a line between sex and pop

   Found an interesting article on one of my less frequently (well, 3 times per week) visited websites: KoreaHerald. Read and decide what side are you on. Or maybe none of these?

Sorry for heavy topics lately, the next one is planned as a pure eye candy though.

Over the last 15 years, K-pop has grown from being entertainment for Koreans to being the subject of affection of fans across Asia, North America and Europe. Concerns over the increased sexualization of its performers, especially those of whom are underage, have followed the industry’s rise.

Last year, K-pop became an unlikely subject of debate at the National Assembly when lawmakers ordered an inquiry into why Korean girl groups wear such “revealing clothes” and dance with “suggestive moves and lyrics.” Particularly of concern was the age of many performers: Groups such as KARA and f(x) include minors among their members. Many other popular groups such as Girls’ Generation included underage members when they debuted.

More recently, the Fair Trade Commission announced guidelines to stop the sexualization of K-Pop teen stars and ensure reasonable working conditions. The guidelines are not binding and fail to define what constitutes overly provocative dress or content. Meanwhile, general agreement on just what is sexual and what isn’t in the world of pop can’t always be found. One fan or entertainment company’s “sexy” is another’s “cute.“

JYJ - making biiig waves

   They are even featured in latest JoongAngIlbo board. 

 I guess everyone saw that coming. Everyone EXCEPT for KBS and perhaps SMEnt. With this issue, procrastinating beyond anyone's limits of patience, both SMEnt and Korea may lose a lot. I don't think all of those eggheads there realize how strong is the support for the weak. The more they block JYJ, the more normal people will criticize them. One may not like their music, one may not be a fan or even don't really care for their career, but this case may prove that JYJ suddenly stands for something more than just their names and music.

Boys did the first bold decision by suing SMEnt and splitting from the group. Moreover, they are steady with their decision despite all shit that is coming their way. And it comes fast and it comes in great amounts.

I can only hope they will remain strong and focused. And healthy, because this is all they need. The love and support from various, sometimes music/Korea-unrelated people, they got already.

Choi Sung Bong

   A friend of mine send me the link to one article, and I thought I knew what was it about. I was wrong.

Talent from South Korea. Oh well, Korea is full of talents anyway, so I thought that nothing can startle me anymore. And since I refused to watch Korea Got Talent (duh, everyone knows that), I had no freaking idea about one contestant. Where have I been? (said with Sheriff of Rottingham's accent)

ASEAN focused on territory

The disputed territory in the Spratlys, a chain of islets in the South China Sea. Photo: AFP

 

Article from JoongAngIlbo.

Japan really should stop acting like a kid who snatched some other kid's toy and after it being taken from him, throws a tantrum.

Yucheon... poor baby.

   Oh, what a great news. As if all other problems were not enough. My patience with K-entertainment is slowly running out. Is this some survival camp? Death camp? Exploit-you-till-you-drop? Stars can be effective when they are fully recharged and healthy. He looks bad. Very bad.

Group JYJ's Micky Yuchun (25) is suffering from herpes zoster.

His management said on the 20th, "We found out that he had herpes zoster while filming MBC TV "Miss. Ripley" last week. His face is alright but his chest and back have rashes. He had filming schedules all week and it seems like they broke out due to exhaustion, stress and malnutrition".

Now that "Miss. Ripley" has ended, Micky Yuchun has been getting medical treatment while carrying out other activities. "The hospital says it's best that he stays in the hospital but he can't because of his other schedules and activities".

About having not attended the ending conference of "Miss. Ripley", they said, "He had an advertisement schedule but his condition was so bad he sweated a lot. He really wanted to go but his over exhaustion and herpes zoster didn't let him. He has apologized to the production about not being able to make it". (hancinema)

Seoul Drama Award 2011 nominees

   

   I voted last year and even though I cheated, Kim Namgil-nim didn't win. Wonder whether... oh, wait, SKKS is on the list! So we meet again, conscience... and bye!

Main Website

I planned to do something contructive this evening (night) and maybe translate another short story, but I was given some koan. And I bet no one from the great zen masters couldn't produce the answer. The koan is: "Why Marry Me Mary?". Well, I am not a zen master (and I'm sometimes faaar from being zen, organic and all that hipster talk), but I sense a satori coming my way. Yes, this satori is sparkling. A blinding light...

Chajatta!

   Ok, I'm not a big fan of this song, yes, it has nice lyrics, yes, Yucheon can sing, but his song for Miss Ripley is much, much better. But Chajatta won the first place in the The Seoul International Drama Awards (SDA) part OST, I wrote about that right here along with listing the nominees. Was it the best song? No. Was it worth winning? Yes. Why? So all broadcasts, SMEnt, Avex and who knows who else may feel totally bitch-slapped!

Finally, after all what happened to JYJ lately (and Yucheon's health problems too), some nice news.

Infinite interview

Way to go, boys! Nuna is very proud^^
Oh yes, forgot to mention - lot of text. Not two-sentence answers either. Fangirls may not like it.

Before getting known for their 'scorpion dance' and synchronized performances, INFINTE -- composed of members Sung-kyu, Woo-hyun, Dong-woo, Hyoa, Sung-yeol, L and Sung-jong -- made their first appearance on television through Mnet’s reality TV show “INFINITE! You are the One” in April of last year which featured the hardships and trials that the boys went through before making their official debut with their single “Come Back Again.”

Then after following their activities with “She’s Back” from their first mini-album “First Invasion," the seven-member boy band broke away from their boy-next-door image and returned with “Before the Dawn (BTD)” through which they displayed their growth in terms of both music and appearance. After promoting “BTD,” INFINITE returned with a softer image with “Nothing’s Over” and ballad “Can U Smile.”

(Aww, Can U Smile is so, so great^^)

And MBC this time!

   A group of celebrities have pledged not to appear on MBC in protest of the broadcaster’s decision to ban entertainers who engage in social activism from appearing on its programs.
Concert director and producer Tak Hyun-min said Monday that he and 12 others will not appear on MBC shows.
The statement came after the broadcaster banned a planned regular appearance on a radio program by actress Kim Yoh-jin, who has adamantly expressed opinions on socially sensitive issues, by blacklisting her.
“The blacklist is designed to censor people’s opinions. MBC officials said they devised the rule to maintain political neutrality, but actually it aims to oust people they don’t like,” Tak said.

KBS' "explanation"

   Lately fans also discovered that their interview and photoshoot in Anan was cancelled.

KBS representatives recently explained the official reason behind the sudden cancellation of JYJ’s appearance on KBS’s ‘Jeju 7 New Wonders of World KBS Special Live‘ that left JYJ and its many fans upset and confused.

KBS officials told Sports Korea, “Until the 3 members of JYJ finish their lawsuit with SM Entertainment, it will be difficult to appear on KBS.”

JYJ had planned to sing two songs on the stage, but on July 17th JYJ’s agency, C-JeS received notification that their appearance was canceled just 4 days before their scheduled performance. C-JeS also received notification that, “If JYJ makes an appearance, the broadcast itself is impossible“, raising concerns of the possibility of ‘backdoor pressure‘.

Daesung drama

   No, no What's Up! and I don't think it will air any time soon. Finally, after few months of battling and court orders, the sad issue is coming to the closure. In May, he was involved in a car accident when he inadvertently struck the motorcyclist on the highway. The experts said that death of the man was the ultimate result of the hitting. YG dealing with the accident was just beyond any sane mind, luckily Daesung himself has shown more class. 

I didn't report anything waiting for the final settlement of this case.

As much as it's sad that someone died, I don't think Daesung should be convicted at all.

The Princess' Man background

   A little background for the drama that starts tomorrow. From the cast we know that we'll see King Munjong, and since he died in 1452, we'll get a timeline. Or maybe this will be a mere flashback? The second option is more probable because in cast I couldn't see who will play King Danjong, and truthfully, I'm really interested in the life of this doomed boy, so I would love to see him. For those who are interested, I collected some info on the real characters. On korean wikipedia there is this Princess mentioned, as 의령공주 (official court name: Princess Ui Ryeong, called 세령: Se Ryeong) along with her sister (세정: Se Jeong), but unlike her, she doesn't have any page for herself, also the location of her tomb is unknown. So I think we all get the story now, right?
Oh yes, and she was "runaway bride" just to marry Seung-yu in secret.
Romeo and Juliet smells a mile.

My support of JYJ

   I can't do much, but... I don't like to sit idly and just complain, so I opened my photoshop and made meself a logo, using official boys font. Hope it's not the problem. And today I got my tshirt back! And I will wear it proudly all over the place! The red is in reality more vibrant, sorry for the messy pic^^'.

Next step - Infinite! Wahaha!!

Rough start

Ohshh, crap, not them this time...

With the release of their first official album in front of them, 7 membered male idol group, Infinite, found a mistake in the printing of the CDs, causing people around them to feel sympathy.
Infinite, who has their first official album to be released on the 21st, found a printing problem in the CDs, causing them to make a decision of throwing away 30,000 copies for the first time ever. This is causing a problem in the production plan.

JYJ - a slap

   And not that kind of slap they would enjoy. Remember when I posted that Comittee for Jejudo promotion has chosen JYJ as their ambassadors? Well, it looks like they used them and kicked them after usage. And KBS added its two cents. Instead of JYJ two girl groups will perform - SNSD and f(x). I'm not going to blame the groups, cause they have nothing to do with the situation, but this is just ridiculous.

According to StarNews/JYJ3: KBS Jeju Broadcast Agency revealed that they had nothing to do with JYJ’s cancellation of appearances to Star News on the 16th: “KBS Jeju Broadcast Agency did not work on soliciting/securing the appearing cast in relation to this music event.”
The affiliate said: “We just involve ourselves in the transmission of the broadcast. The securing (of the artists) and the proceeding of the event is done by Jeju Island’s local government.
On this, the affiliates to Jeju’s local government’s “Jeju Music Event” were not able to be reached.

So TV broadcast did that again? Oh, thank you for promoting our island, but you're disqualified for being JYJ!
Update!
Update 2:
KBS Jeju Says: “We Cancelled JYJ Because SNSD and f(x) Are More Effective.”

Shin Hagyun interview

   I'm in awe. Words like respect and admiration suddenly lost their meaning. It's just an overwhelming presence of this actor, yet his quiet and approachable image make him outstanding.
I probably make no sense at all.

Korean sexual education

   Is non existant. Just like gay people there. 

I say, let them watch I Need Sex... I mean, Romance, where leads behave like normal people nowadays. Fine, in 17th century holding hands was equal to orgasm maybe, but I don't believe that pairs didn't kiss. 

But to be fair, in my country, sexual education is also so poor, that kids learn about sex from the internet. And as the article below states, people may get distorted idea about opposite gender or sexual behavior.

Infinite madness

I must me slightly deranged as well to stalk woolliment's Channel on YT, anticipating Infinite's comeback (in 6 days!). Here's the teaser.

Moar dancing! Whoohoo!! And some funky sound...

I'm mad I like this state of mind^^

Woolliment website

Infinite will release their first full album on the 21st. In the meantime, the group will hold their first Japanese showcases in Osaka and Tokyo on the 17th and 19th, respectively.
Sources: overzer0

Prince Sado

   OK, so I'm a little bit confused with the drama Warrior Baek Dongsu. I mean, I have problems with clash between description and reality of the drama. In overall, it is lovely, but I have problems with pinning the time of events. And this drives me nuts. From the synopsis we got: Set in the Joseon Dynasty during King Jeongjo’s reign, this martial-arts fusion sageuk is centered around the events involving Crown Prince Sado’s conspiracy. Warrior Baek Dong Soo was a real-life legend who created a martial arts guide in Joseon. His group who defends King Jeongjo is pitted against a mysterious organization of assassins who plot to kill the King.  

SMEnt's Thank You

   Looks like a big, insensitive moloch made a move that gives a human touch to it. Nah, it's just splatter of blood on it, that doesn't make you human. Nevertheless, it's a nice move. And in the same time, I'm reading that fans around the world are demanding another concert in Machu Picchu or Samoa. I don't think most of fans know how costly is one concert like that? SMEnt doesn't do anything half-heartedly in terms of musical department. So the costs are astronomical. Even though I'm holding a grudge over JYJ issue I wanted to go, despite being close to sacrifice my whole paycheck on it (1/5 of SHINee is worth it. And here comes the end of me). 10 minutes after the opening of the sales, there were no tickets left. But I didn't demand to do another concert on the hills 5 kilometers from my place. They chose Paris because it was in the middle. So stop complaining. In November there will be another huge concert in Australia, so people from both Americas and Asia can go. And maybe, maybe there will be another? Who knows? We are living in a world that changes very quickly.

Pretty girls/boys/whatever

1. Taemin (SHINee)
2. Heecheol (Super Junior)
3. Jaejung (JYJ)
4. Dongjun (ZE:A)
5. Seongjong (Infinite)

Poor Diva, again not on the list. He should go full singer career, because now, he doesn't belong to any category, actor, singer, man, woman...

Gotta love Arirang^^

This is Kim Namgil post

   Because it's been one round chee... year since he went into military, and one year more of waiting.

Let the pictures speak! Because I lost mah werds...

About love greek style

 It's a long read, so all fangirls may skip that part, keke...Because Lidia started it^^

From Plato's Symposium

Socrates defines 'Love' by telling what he once learned from Diotima:

And now, taking my leave of you, I would rehearse a tale of love which I heard from Diotima of Mantineia, a woman wise in this and in many other kinds of knowledge, who in the days of old, when the Athenians offered sacrifice before the coming of the plague, delayed the disease ten years. She was my instructress in the art of love, and I shall repeat to you what she said to me, beginning with the admissions made by Agathon, which are nearly if not quite the same which I made to the wise woman when she questioned me-I think that this will be the easiest way, and I shall take both parts myself as well as I can. As you, Agathon, suggested, I must speak first of the being and nature of Love, and then of his works. First I said to her in nearly the same words which he used to me, that Love was a mighty god, and likewise fair and she proved to me as I proved to him that, by my own showing, Love was neither fair nor good. 

Sing along

with our dearest Jonghyeon.

OK, bad joke, there are not that many people who could accompany this enormous talent. I mean singing company because... I mean... My gutter from yesterday holds me still in its clench.

Ori, I will never forgive you that!

Double threat - YAB is looming (?)

   I read somewhere that Hong sisters are thinking about writing YAB sequel. Korea is not known for making usual drama a sequence of seasons. And gods bless them for that. They said that although they have lots of new ideas and plans, if all circumstances come up as favorable, they can think of sequel. Fine, drama had huge success online and within  the community. But after such terrific comedy that ended few weeks ago, that is Greatest Love, going back to the drama with gender-bender that inflated the ego of some people is a nonsense in my opinion. The talk of season 2 has been circulating almost 2 years, and fan(girl)s even wrote a petition. 

Warrior Baek Dongsu

   

   I'm after only two episodes (too much drama to watch, and other stuff, no time!), but after rough start with me in episode 1, episode 2 convinced me. There is a lot more fight scenes in here comparing to other sageuk, so if you don't like it, that might be a slight hindrance in immersing into the story. There is a lot of familiar faces, and huge score - typical for fusion sageuks: rock, orchestra and a great, powerful song by BMK.

Basic info:

Title: 무사 백동수 / Musa Baek Dong Soo
Previously known as: 야뇌 백동수 / Honorable Baek Dong Soo
Genre: Period
Episodes: 24
Broadcast network: SBS
Broadcast period: 2010-Jul-04 to 2011-TBA
Air time: Monday & Tuesday 21:55
Official Website
Plot:
Set in the Joseon Dynasty during King Jeongjo’s reign, this martial-arts fusion sageuk is centered around the events involving Crown Prince Sado’s conspiracy. Warrior Baek Dong Soo was a real-life legend who created a martial arts guide in Joseon. His group who defends King Jeongjo is pitted against a mysterious organization of assassins who plot to kill the King.(koreandrama) 

 

I dropped The Duo because of Cheon Jeongmyeong who was a complete miscast in here, and if I can't connect to one of the actors (especially main ones) watching of the show becomes a nightmare. So this is my first sageuk since... oh, SKKS. Hope there won't be any mistakes like this one.

Anyway, back to Baek Dongsu, I noticed funny fact how they changed the titles. Previously it had "honorable" in it, now we are left with "warrior" only. I guess writers concluded that in dark times, to be a good and loyal warrior excludes being honorable in a certain way.

Gong Hyojin - another interview

’I love [the public], but I don’t believe in them. Their love lasts about two months. So I always try to enjoy their love and prepare for the next chapter.’

Another good interview with Gong Hyojin. She expressed precisely what we've been repeating like a boring mantra for months - that fan(girl)s that claim: "It's the best drama ever!", "I love you (put any given name) oppa!" feel the hot for few months at most. Next year they have another "best drama eva >3". Next month another. 

Infinite (인피니트)

   I'm all into pop. I'm not ashamed of this. I'm not a blues fan, I find it boring almost as Lars von Trier artsy crap. I've always been a rock girl, but never had any aversion towards pop. I think talent can be found everywhere. And I prefer to listen to a good pop that mediocre rock. Last year I didn't have time to update myself as much as I wanted on kpop, I just tried to remember the names of new bands. Don't care much for girl bands, because as for me, and it's not a jealousy speaking, apart from showing cutsy, IQ 45 faces and legs, they don't have anything much to offer. Yes, I mentioned few times, 2NE1 is the only girl group that has distinctive style, music, and voices. Plus balls, they do. Boy groups, they are more complex, on the other hand. Their choreo is sometimes highly complicated, and their voices are, in general, better.

Oh yes, and I do love dancing men. I do.

Don't even look here if you judge pop by N'Sync (or however it is written). People don't want to be divided by race, gender, sexual orientation, so why divide music? And just because you don't like/listen to a certain genre, it doesn't mean it's a crap. I don't like blues, but I like some songs, because I can give that they are nice. The same goes even for a 7-member boy group.

Jonghyeon post in some time, I need to recover after what he's done^^

Jack The Ripper

  

   Article is from KoreaTimes. I read about that musical some weeks ago, I went to its official website and I watched the trailer. Apart from the great shade of the violet color, well... Jack The Ripper was a freaking killer!

Official Website

But I guess I will stalk YT again for some cuts...

Mr. Cha again

But what can I do when I read any interview with this man. Highest respect, really.

Lee Minho - way to go!

According to hancinema:

International actress Jeon Do-yeon chose Lee Min-ho as the one she wants to act with the most.

MBC "Section TV" showed Jeon Do-yeon talking about the many 'love calls' she received from other actors.

Recently Lee Byeong-Heon said he would like to work with Jeon Do-yeon again and Lee Min-ho too, said he wants to try a couple act with her.

Jeon Do-yeon chatted about how many actors wanted to work with her.

When she was asked to pick between Lee Byeong-Heon and Lee Min-ho to work with, she fell into thought. However, soon enough she said, "I prefer young ones" and chose Lee Min-ho.

   May I laugh? May I? Please! I never liked LBH, nope, so hearing something like that yesterday and having it confirmed today is like a honey for me^^. And it looks like our kid Lee Minho is having more and more serious actors praising him and expressing the wish to collaborate with him. Because he's young?

Countdown interview

   I barely managed to watch the show till the end. There is a first interview with Countdown main stars, and I... I iz lost...

Gong Hyojin

 Interview with Gong Hyojin, and I must say I really like her attitude and the way she describes either feelings or actions. 

Some MVs

   I promise, no Junsu, no Mr. Hong here as for now. So rest assured. Wandering on YT may sometimes end in some nice music to listen.

Korean sms alert sounds

   I was cleaning my HD and found this hidden somewhere in a complete oblivion. I have no idea where I got it from, but decided to share because this is just too cute. Some message alert tones and some that may be used as call rings as well.

Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang!

Oh great, 8 hours of time difference, perfect. But I'm happy too^^

From JoongAng Daily:

People across Korea were delighted at the news that the International Olympic Committee had chosen Pyeongchang in Gangwon province as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

But nowhere were the celebrations as intense as in Pyeongchang itself and across Gangwon, which was almost instantly festooned with over 100 congratulatory banners.

To watch the announcement broadcast live from Durban, South Africa, 7,000 Gangwon residents gathered at four venues, fraught with suspense. At 12:18 a.m. yesterday, IOC President Jacques Rogge held up a card bearing the words “Pyeongchang 2018,” and pandemonium broke loose.

2011 Mnet 20's Choice Awards

   This "20's" in the awards' name slightly puts me off, but anyway.

I'll try and romanize all from the official cyworld website^^

There are 20 categories, and the voting was possible until July 6th, the ceremony was hosted by teh cutie aka Song Junggi, keke.

Oh, and no "you know who" in S-Line category awards. Oh, probably he's crying right now in a pool of eels.

You're My Fa... Pet

Looks like someone didn't do their homework on japanese particles here, but never mind.

   There is only a handful j-dramas I like. I didn't watch many, so perhaps I missed few gems, and I admit that freely. I'm not the specialist. But Kimi wa Petto is one of my favorites. It was my first drama with Matsumoto Jun, and you may like him or not, but in this early work of his, he's adorable. I watched it over a year and a half ago, and around the same time the rumors about korean version of it appeared. It was decided to be a movie and not drama, and one candidate for the cast seemed perfect then. Then. Oh, those gay times of yore!

Fangirls, I strongly advise you not to read.

Historical background

   For upcoming drama Gyebaek.

Those who watched last crappy episodes of Queen Seondeok probably know the places mentioned in this article. Because about those battles both Kim Yushin and hwarang Alcheon reported standing before Queens's tomb. It was seen from the Shilla side. Now we will get Baekje side.

Oh damn, did I make a spoiler for those who haven't seen QSD yet? Mianhae, Queen dies. Bidam too.

*evil laughter fading*

Gyebaek

   

   In theory - lots of free time. Practically - few hours by night. But drama summer looks interesting enough to give up the sleep. Few dramas that started in spring or late spring will continue, of course, but the line up looks mighty impressive. When Miss Ripley ends its run, Gyebaek starts. And I find it kind of funny, because in Gyebaek one small role has also Park Yuhwan, the little brother of our international sweetie, Yucheon. Anyway, Gyebaek's actors front looks great: