20 years and still going for 1st-gen idol kpop group G.O.D

First generation kpop idols- i believe most of you would have heard of H.O.T, Sechs Kies, Shinhwa, NRG, S.E.S, Fin KL and g.o.d. They were mostly popular in the late 1990s and debuting straight to 2000. I am proud to say they were my generation and I am not shame to say I am old...whatnot..age is just a number, it's okay.

I listened to many of their songs.. well mostly H.O.T, Sechs Kies and g.o.d. Of course the lead singers of the kpop groups were outstanding. But one I had to point out was g.o.d as their main vocalist Kim Tae Woo was a bit of an ugly duckling. Haha! He even admitted in many interviews when the group debuted in 1999, they shocked the nation and broadcasted their first song 'To Mother' on the TV stations. His eyes were small and creepy whereby he looked nothing like H.O.T's Kang Ta, Sechs Kies' Sung Hoon or Shinhwa's Hye Sung. But the group slowly gains its fame and momentum when JYPark became their mentor and producer. They were like the beggars of kpop group as they were so poor and often starving (this was mentioned a lot in interviews).

Of course the two main members Son Ho Young and Yoon Kye Sang shined the brightest in the group with their visuals and singing skills. They became popular after starring in the variety show g.o.d's baby diaries whereby they were babysitting a 11 month baby boy Jae Min. Nevertheless with JYP producing their songs such as Lies, Road, One Candle- they quickly shot to stardom. Just when everything went well, in 2004 Yoon Kye Sang decided to leave the group- he entered military and ventured into acting. The eldest member Park Jun Hyung went back to US for acting, Danny Ahn went into acting and radio DJ as well, Son Ho Young and Tae Woo remained as singers. And so the group just went to hiatus.

Aww...aren't they cute with adorable baby Jae Min?

Of course in 2014, the group members were reunited and held their concerts. Yoon was already by then established himself as a great actor. The group have been actively holding concerts until 2019. Park has his own channel Whassup Man which cracked viewers up with his antics. Ho Young and Tae Woo formed a subunit and continued singing till today.

And so far what has changed? Nothing really, an average age of these men are around 40 years. Hah! They are still the same, dorky as usual and often gone ballistic in many ways esp when they are together. Though Tae Woo and Jun Hyung are married with kids, they are still adults with a kiddy inside them. And you wonder why Yoon Kye Sang has ventured into acting, it was actually Cha Tae Hyung who told him to do so. LOL! I do feel it was a good thing Kye Sang went into acting as he has the best visual in the group. When he was younger, he definitely looked boyish and even dons the comical character. These men (ajusshi) aged like fine wine...I have no doubts they will grow old and well together. So as a fan- will support whatever they do.

g.o.d fighting! :D 

My thoughts of JTBC's drama Chocolate 초콜릿

JTBC has recently released its new melo-romance drama Chocolate 초콜릿  starring Ha Ji Won and Yoon Kye Sang. The 16 episode drama has been also released on Netflix. It might start off rather slow with a happy child Lee Kang (YKS) living with his mother by the sea and operating a seafood restaurant at Wando. He then meets a little girl Moon Chae Young (HJW) who was hungry and ate something wasn't for human. Kang decides to serve her the best food that made her so touched. He even promised to make some chocolate dessert. However she didn't return to see him and Kang suddenly moved straight to Seoul with his estranged family whom he has never seen before.

Many years later as everyone grew into adults- Chae Young is now a brilliant chef who has an annoying troublesome brother Tae Hyun who often got into debts. She is still trapped in a trauma where she was buried in a collapsed departmental store when she was a kid. As for Kang, he is now a skilled neurosurgeon in Geosung Hospital. He often looked sad and had to obey whatever his rich Grandma tells him to do. His half Aunt and Uncle were greedy to take over Geosung Group but felt threatened when Kang is excellent in his job. Their only son Lee Jun is brought up to always have nerve fights with Kang. Though Jun might not be as skilled as Kang, he is often compared with him. 

When Chae Young stumbles across Kang in the hospital, she is thrilled to know he is the little boy who fed her lunch and scalded his left arm from making the chocolate dessert. But Kang doesn't recognize her at all and thought she is just a typical stalker on rich handsome doctors. Things start to grow worse when Kang's bestie Min Seong is in love with Chae 
Young. 

When Min Seong started to date her, she was sadder learning the two are besties. She left for Greece with Kang demanding her reasons for leaving Min Seong. On one incident left Kang couldn't operate on patients anymore, he is transfered to Geosung Hospice Centre. Chae Young starts to work in the hospital cafeteria and bumps into Kang again who was rather spiteful towards her thinking she left Min Seong for another guy!

Some people might find this drama very slow paced, boring or non exciting at all. But this drama has lots of meaning behind it. Patients who are terminally ill are trying their best everyday to live to the fullest, meeting their family and friends and learning as they go.
The hot tempered Kang eventually tames down seeing the environment he's working with, gets along with the patients and understanding what life is. 

I kind of like the OST of this drama. They were sung in English and some were Korean as well. Ha Ji Wong and Yoon Kye Sang also contributed to the OST for a special song entitled You and I. It's a soft warming song on this couple who went through hardships, heartaches and to finally find happiness in their life. It might not be a strong character for Ha Ji Won's character as she is often seen as damsel in distress- waiting for the main lead to save her. It's been almost few years since I last seen Yoon Kye Sang in a drama. It's great to see him on small screen again after The Good Wife drama. And for those who are unaware, Yoon Kye Sang is a member from the 1st generation idol kpop group G.O.D. 
He is still currently active with the group members and even participated in G.O.D concerts. 

And to think both actor and actress are in their 40s, they still looked good and well maintained. Well done! :D 

To be honest, I was always looking forward for Fri-Sat night for this drama. Now that it has ended, I am glad I chose to watch it from beginning to the end.

Rate: 7.5/10 stars

KBS weekend drama Mother of Mine review

After the success of My One and Only One weekend drama with UEE and Choi Soo Jung, the TV station has prepared another 50-episodes heart wrenching family drama Mother of Mine but it has another meaning in Korean 세상에서 제일 예쁜 내 딸- which literally means My World's Prettiest Daughter. Mother of Mine has A-List actors starring Kim Hae Sook, Choi Myung Gil, Park Jung Soo, Kim So Yeon, Hong Jong Hyun, Yoo Sun, Kim Ha Kyung, Ki Tae Young and Han Ki Woong. 



Widow mother Park Sun Ja (Kim Hae Sook) works hard day and night bringing up 3 lovely daughters- Mi Sun (Yoo Sun), Mi Ri (Kim So Yeon) and Mi Hye (Kim Ha Kyung). Among three, Mi Ri is the most intelligent and works as the youngest GM Marketing in Hansung Group.
Mi Sun is married with a daughter Da Bin living with her useless husband Jin Soo under the grip of the meanest mother in law on earth (Ha Mi Ok). Mi Hye inspires to be a novelist but she has no talent until she meets Chief Editor Kim Woo Jin (Ki Tae Young)

Mi Ri is actually adopted into the Kang family when her biological mother Jeon In Sook (Choi Myung Gil) left her and married into a rich family. In Sook brings up the naive and obedient Han Tae Ju (Hong Jong Hyun) grooming him to become the next Chairman of Hansung Group. Often Mi Ri and Tae Ju have misunderstandings at work but he was very patient with the hot tempered Mi Ri. Mi Ri hates In Sook who is now the new CEO of the group who doesn't recognise her own daughter. Old Chairman Han is still well alive and dislikes In Sook but grits his teeth for the sake of his late son and Tae Ju.

I do have a love-hate thing on this drama. Hong Jong Hyun serves as an eye-candy in this drama (main reason I wanted to watch this drama) as his pure innocent relationship with Mi Ri - which is a "noona-dongsaeng" thing will be interesting to watch further. But meantime I dislike watching the nonsense from Mi Sun and Mi Hye's story lines. Their parts are mostly irritating where one can never understand how these two daughters can treat their mother after all she has helped them so much. And worst part why can't Ki Tae Young have a decent better hair cut- he looks awful in this drama...at first glance I thought he was the older version of 2AM's Im Seulong. LOL! 

And to make your blood boil further is the worst mother in law, Ha Mi Ok that Mi Sun has to put up with. What kind of mother in law demands her other side to do everything while she plays golf, lazes at home and pampers her good for nothing mama boy's son? Grrr...

However it's something to watch when you have nothing else to do during the weekend nights so it's good to pass time with it. After all weekend dramas are mostly popular with housewives and families watching at home. He he! 

BTS comeback sweeps global music charts

BTS has done it again by sweeping over all the global music charts with their latest comeback on new album Map of Soul: Persona. 

Their latest album has topped iTunes charts in many countries including US, Japan, Brazil, India, Canada. Their latest hit single 'Boy with Luv' featuring female vocalist Halsey has already garnered 100 million views after been released on YouTube within 2 days. 

The group was invited to perform at SNL (Saturday Night Live) NBC show and the boys did a little extra of their other song Mic Drop which they collaborated with Steve Aoki. 
The small gig has somehow received overwhelming response from audience and fans around the world. While SNL was hosted by Emma Stone and Michael Keaton, it was the army who were thrilled to the group once again on US stage.



Their fashion has somehow made another statement with audience wondering who are these Korean guys in bright coloured hair and clothes! New fans kept tweeting requesting for their  names as they do catch their attention with their new trends, dance moves and charms.

There were high expectations on BTS as everyone is focused on them since they have performed at Billboard Music Awards. But they have proven they were really Hallyu global group and slayed well with a non-English song.

BTS is scheduled to perform Boy with Luv together with Halsey on 1st May at BBMA.

BTS to appear 3rd time consecutive in Billboard Music Awards.

Global Hallyu K-Pop group, BTS will be performing on stage with world class female singer Halsey at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards in US.

        

It has been announced that the US Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1st through the official website and SNS channels.
As a result group BTS will be participating for the 2nd time while it's their 3rd consecutive year the guys have attended the grand music event.

BBMA has announced that BTS will be performing their latest song "Boy With Luv" with sing-songwriter Halsey which has already taken a big toll on the music charts. The group has topped the top 10 on the Billboard single 'Hot 100' with the single- 'Fake Love' and won the 'Top Social Artist' award for two consecutive years at the Billboard Music Awards in 2017 and 2018. This year BTS is nominated in two categories- for Top Duo / Group and Top Social Artist. 
This is sending all the armies in the world go frenzy. 

Their albums Love Yourself: Her and Love Yourself; Tear was ranked top in the BBMA charts- many thanks to their love and support from fans all over the world. Their fandom has also send them straight on Social 50 artists for being on social media with strong influence in it.

Worldwide artists will be gathering in the BBMA including Mariah Carey, Sam Smith, Kelly Clarkson, DJ Khalid. The awards ceremony will be broadcast live through NBC.

'Billboard Music Awards' will select candidates and winners by compiling album and digital music sales volume, number of radio broadcasts, streaming, performance and social participation index over the past year. The 2019 Billboard Music Awards will announce winners based on charts from March 23, 2018 through March 7, 2019.

Will the group be aiming for the 3rd time in Top Social Artist award in 2019? We wish them all the best. Now Armies around the world- start tweeting and vote for BTS to win for the 3rd time!

SHINee Minho and INFINITE Dong Woo enlist.

What's in the news of K-pop world? 

Well, SHInee's Minho and INFINITE's Dong Woo bid farewell to fellow fans as they prepare to for their enlistment in the marine division. Minho will join the Marine Corps through the Gyeongbuk Pohang Marine Corps Educational Training Center. He has received support from the Marine Corps at the end of January and a final acceptance notice from the Military Manpower Administration. SHInee's leader Onew, who joined in last December while the 3rd member Key (Ki Bum) was also enlisted last month.

Minho made a statement to fans that he made his debut on May 2008. It was real good and happy times where he had unforgettable moments with fans. Meanwhile INFINITE's Dong Woo has also wishes his Inspirit fans for their lovely support. He was joyful with positive greetings to all that if he were to reborn, he'd be reborn as an INFINITE member.

We wish the two all the best and good health for safe return from army.

Cheers! 

Jung Il Woo's first drama after comeback from military

Jung Il Woo has returned to drama land with his first sageuk drama after completing military. Seriously he hasn't changed much before and after military. He appeared in SBS Running Man promoting his latest SBS drama "Haechi" and busy filming with his co-stars Go Ara, Kwon Yul and Park Hoon.

Haechi is considered a mystical legendary creature in those days and now it's a symbol whereby one can see the statue in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace and even on the taxis around Seoul. The drama entitled Haechi is about Prince Yeoning (Lee Geum) played by Jung Il Woo who has never been acknowledged as a royal member in the Palace due to his mother's low status. The other kind brother Prince Yeon Ryung often hangs out with him. Since Yeoning is never been loved by his family, he takes life easy and doesn't bother much about the court issues. Even his first wife is annoyed with him. 

                        

His father King Sukjong is looking frail and has illness. The Noron faction is supporting the violent Prince Mil Poong who is on a verge of killing everyone against him due to his anger issues. Queen Inwon looks disturbed is Mil Poong becomes the crown prince. A scholar Park Mun Su is determined to get a place in the state exams aiming to become a minister. However he is angered upon seeing Yeoning sitting as a substitute in the exams. He chases Yeoning around to find out how he could scoff out easily.

An investigation team in the palace is working hard to have justice in the public and court. However they are pissed out seeing the ministers corrupted to the end. One of the female investigator is Yeo Ji (Go Ara) who is skilful in martial arts and knowledge. She discovers that Mil Poong is harbouring a dark secret and Yeoning accidentally heard there is a death ledger recording the names of deceased people. There is no way they are allowing a dangerous ruler on the throne. Mun Su is shocked upon finding out Yeoning's true identity. Sukjong summons Yeoning and wishes to see his son lived up to his expectations. He knows there is no one else more suitable to be a King than Yeoning. 

Lurking in the market place is a clown Dal Moon who seems to be rough at the edge but he's pretty spot on. He knows there's something amiss in the royal court and appointment for future Crown Prince. Investigator Han Jung Suk (Lee Pil Mo) is very desperate to catch Mil Poong's evil deeds but without any higher ups, he can't move further. Surprisingly Yeoning steps into the court to prove that he is worth as a Prince and time to put a stop to corruption & discrimination.

I find a liking towards this drama...partly because it's Jung Il Woo's first drama comeback after military. Secondly the characters are very interesting and it reminded me a lot of his previous drama Diary of a Night Watchman. 

K-Movie review: Warriors of the Dawn (대립군)

As some might have seen this familiar character been played over and over in dramas and movies- yes indeed Prince Gwanghae is the famous role for a movie. In the 2017 sageuk period movie Warriors of the Dawn (대립군), the Japanese are invading Korea in 1592. The useless King Seonjo leaves his country and runs to China. He leaves his Crown Prince Gwanghae (Yeo Jin Goo) in charge of the country to fend off the invasion from Japanese.

Gwanghae is not used to face people and rather timid. He is often looked after by his Eunuchs and beloved maid Duk Yi (Esom). With the help of the proxy soldiers led by To Woo (Lee Jung Jae), the entourage went through deep across the mountains to Pyongyang. The Japanese soldiers came interrogate Prince Imhae requesting for Gwanghae's whereabouts. Gwanghae was lost for words when his close Eunuch turns out to be a spy and sending hints for soldiers to kill him. In fact they were orders from King Seonjo to kill his own son! The citizens and followers shook their heads realising Seonjo is hopeless and has abandoned the country for his own sake. 

          

Gwanhae learned everything through the hard way, fighting to survive and learning the real truth that his father despise him after his mother died during childbirth. He realised that he needs to stand up for his people and fight to the end. But he didn't want to put the proxy soldiers in danger. He told them to go after they escorted him safely to Pyongyang. The King suddenly sends a message instructing Gwanghae to abandon the city and leave for his safety.

The useless King is a big joke! First he sends assassins to kill his son, then when his son is safe he wants him to leave again and go somewhere else! The ministers want Gwanghae to leave his citizens behind but he refused. To Woo came back with his other buddies to help the Crown Prince and people. They escaped to a ruined fortress to shelter while the Japanese came to confront them. They are so determined to capture Gwanghae but he fought hard to the end. Many soldiers died and even Duk Yi was shot to death. Gwanghae's tears rolled down upon seeing his people have been sacrificed for the royal family. He changed his clothes to a commoner to avoid the enemies. 

The people and Gwanghae were about to board the boat to escape when the Japanese came to look for them. To Woo and his gang decided to remain- fight to the end. However the Japanese have guns so they have won the battle. But Gwanghae, his ministers managed to escape safely to another side of the region. He went to a nearby General camp battleground seeking for refuge. Nobody could recognise him as a Crown Prince but as soon as he handed the Royal Flag and letter from the King, everyone was shocked. Who would expect a Crown Prince dressed like a peasant with bruises and dirt, arrive at the battleground. 

Flash back when Gwanghae asked why there were 2 dragon motifs on the royal family flag. To Woo answered humbly that one dragon symbolise the King, another represents the people...
What a meaningful movie...

Choi Min Soo scares the butlers in Master in the House.

The four butlers arrived at the destination whereby there's a van waiting for them to transport them to somewhere to meet their new master. First of all, they teased each other on their clothing as Se Hyung wore a beanie, Sang Yun wore a long winter coat while Seung Gi and Sung Jae are in thick padded jackets. It was cold and it's Christmas Eve, the four men are excited to meet their master on the special day.

The first hint provided by them is via emcee Kang Ho Dong where he started screaming Seung Gi's name throughout the entire call. Of course the two worked together in 1N2D and Strong Heart, nevertheless Ho Dong was like Seung Gi's mentor in his youth days. Ho Dong was a chatterbox and he mentioned the new master is quite terrifying. Even Ho Dong turns into a meek lamb in front of him. Another hint is the 'watch'. Immediately the three faces froze except for Sung Jae who looked clueless. Seung Gi exchanged glances with Se Hyung if their guesses were correct, this master is definitely no joke. 

The bus arrived at a closed prison and the butlers didn't like the atmosphere. What a day to spend at a prison looking for their new master. Se Hyung complained he wanted to go home. 
Their task is stand in front of an ice block, break the ice block to find a hint card. The message says 'break it'. They didn't understand at all. Master instructed them to look for him around the prison grounds. In groups of two, they started searching for their master while grunting away.
Se Hyung screamed after bee captured by the master Choi Min Soo and then instructed to get the rest in front of the pile of sand. Se Hyung pretended not to remember anything while Choi laughed at them behind the door. Immediately they bowed upon seeing him. Se Hyung tatters about Seung Gi complaining to get him in trouble. While they worked hard to dig the treasure box in the pile of sand only to find a popping up clown. What the...the expression on the faces were priceless! 

Next Choi brought them into a room filled with scary gadgets while asking them to face their biggest fears. Four butlers were blindfolded while Choi pretends to cut their hair with razor with fake hair...etc. Se Hyung and Sung Jae opened their eyes so they failed the fear test. The two winners sat in another room watching Choi bringing the two losers for Chemical, Biological, and Radiological (CBR) gas test. Se Hyung and Sung Jae were horrified as Choi asked the rest of the staffs to leave with the gas coming in the room. He insisted he will not wear the mask while the two struggled to wear it. After a while, Choi started coughing and collapsed on the floor. Se Hyung panicked and immediately sprung up to his aid. Choi then laughed and said it was all a prank! The two just looked speechless. At another end, Seung Gi and Sang Yun laughed their hearts out. Se Hyung has proven to be very helpful and kind heart when he offered his mask to Choi. Choi mentioned it's their fear in their minds thinking it's real tear gas. In fact it's just normal smoke with his acting skills, the two feared for their lives! 

               

Another session with Choi is telling him truthfully about their biggest fears in life. Seung Gi started first but saying he's afraid of making wrong decisions in life resulting in failure. Choi nodded and poured 3 glasses of tea. One is green tea and another two is the bitter sumac tea. Seung Gi goes flustered when he's deciding which glass to drink. Sung Jae reckons all are green tea as Choi is just tricking them. Choi remained his poker face while asking Sung Jae to drink the last cup without any reaction. However Sung Jae lied that it was green tea while all of them drank the bitter sumac tea! Choi's lesson is life is all about choices- there is no right or wrong choice. Humans tend to perceive in a way that the other path is wrong. Next up was Se Hyung who poured out his biggest fear- Death. All were surprised. His father's side = most men tend to die early diagnosed mostly with cancer. Whether it's hereditary, Se Hyung fears his time is up soon. Choi hesitated for a while and then advised him to take the fear as an advantage. Choi was once diagnosed with a serious illness on 8th grade- his heart is like a time ticking bomb. He has never feared so much in life. However he accepted it as a gift to realise the joy of living life to the fullest. 

                               

Night was getting super chilly so Choi brought the butlers back to his home. They slowly crept to the attic where there is a nice fireplace with sofa..etc. Seung Gi whinged that this should be the place to spend Xmas eve, not at a prison playground! They started roasting marshmallows at the fireplace...not to mention they look like thieves at their own home. June Kang who is Choi's wife went up the attic; only to be shocked to see her guests been kept out in the cold! She reprimanded her husband for ill-treating their guests, immediately he stood firm like a kid in front of her. The butlers laughed as their scary master has a 180 deg change in personality. They knew June would be their protector so they continued feeding her information how Choi made them suffer so much at the prison. June acknowledged her husband is rather eccentric in attitude and dressing. So she carefully planned with the butlers to prank Choi back. She instructed Choi to cook ramyeon for the hungry guests and slowly she went to his wardrobe to start packing some flashy clothes and gears. 

Choi followed her orders and even washed up the dishes. June gets the butlers to pick whatever they like in the room- they belong to Choi. His flashy jackets, motorbike gears, sunglasses, hats...etc. Rather interesting to ruffle through the wardrobe! Ha ha! Seung Gi picked some of the unique clothing complementing himself looking like Bradley Cooper.
Sung Jae looked nice in a cap with studs while Sang Yun wore Choi's favourite helmet. It was like a fashion parade to them scaring the hell out of Choi. His eyes start wavering when June says it's Christmas-  a time for giving and sharing so she decided to give away these clothes, shoes and gear to the butlers. The shocked expression on Choi as he treasures those items though he is very eccentric. 

A good funny Christmas eve to spend with Choi Min Soo and June Kang... what an experience. 

tvN's The Crowned Clown drama proven a hit.

The remake of the 2012 film Masquerade, the new title The Crowned Clown (왕이 된 남자) is a period drama set in the Joseon dynasty where the characters are mostly fictional. It opens with a dying King (cameo by Jang Hyuk) is feeling relentless as he is passing down the throne to his Crown Prince Lee Hyeon (Yeo Jin Goo). The King knows that Lee Hyeon will not spare his younger brother's life when he takes over. 

                         

Indeed after the coronation, Lee Hyeon banishes those ministers against him and promotes the evil Minister Shin Chin Soo in the court. Shin is trying every means to please the new King and even pushes his niece Seon Hwa Dang as a concubine. The poor Queen Yoo So Woon (Lee Se Young) just looks unhappy in the palace while trying her best to upkeep her image. Shin frames Minister Yoo to beheaded. Meanwhile the Queen Dowager keeps her vengeance inside plotting to assassinate the Lee Hyeon too. 

Outside a bunch of clowns are performing on the street. One of them is the happy go lucky Ha Sun (Yeo Jin Goo) who lives earnestly with his saviours. They often mock the Royal Family members in their performance causing laughter among the public. One day Minister Lee Kyu (Kim Sang Kyung) is enraged hearing the performance mocking the Queen. To his surprise, he was taken back by Ha Sun's striking resemblance to the King! Immediately he brought Ha Sun by force to the palace showing his face to Lee Hyeon. The King laughed hysterically that he needs a replacement to die on behalf for him while he secretly recuperates in a temple as he's high on drugs. 

Poor Ha Sun takes the big responsibility as the puppet King as slowly he realises there are more to wealth, power, struggle and love behind the palace doors. He bears a deep grudge against Shin's son who brutally violated his adopted sister. 

I must say I like almost every drama that Yeo Jin Goo has starred in. He has grown up so well from a child actor to a brilliant lead role in most dramas and films. He's definitely portraying both roles very well in this drama. No regrets of watching this drama.