Now that the first batch of 2015 K-dramas have shaken out the ratings rankings and audience feedback – wins for Punch, Kill Me Heal Me, Shine or Go Crazy, losses for Hyde, Jekyll, Me, Blood – the media is looking ahead to the possible big name castings to come. One drama that just got a leading man is Yoochun for … Continue reading →
I’ll believe this casting will happen after I see the signature on the dotted line. Until then, any drama (or movie) casting mentioning Kim Soo Hyun gets taken with a huge grain of salt from me. Even one like this, which sounds like it could happen, as opposed to the random Dr. Frankenstein offer from late last year. K-ent is … Continue reading →
If anyone offered to make a life-like replica of me, whether life-sized, doll-sized, or robot-sized, I would scream and run the other direction. Never been a fan of human fascimiles in any form or shape and that includes the popular wax figure attractions that make up the Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum tourist attraction. When news broke this week that popular … Continue reading →
I can never understand why being disappointed with certain performances and projects by an entertainer suddenly gets my fan status revoked. Sorry for not being blind and delulu to the point that even if oppa/unni farts I’ll proclaim it sweet smelling. Just like some acting talent can coast for a long time on goodwill from one major successful role, my … Continue reading →
I’ve noticed that over the years I’ve been writing about C-dramas, and C-entertainment more and more due to the rise of both the quality as well as the increase in cross-border collaborations. Some folks new to C-dramas, or haven’t even dipped a toe in, sometimes enjoy my posts without a clue of who’s popular and why certain stars seem to … Continue reading →
Most of the attention on exporting K-dramas have shifted to Mainland China in the last two years and for good reason. It’s the largest audience market by size and K-dramas are more naturally digestable due to the similar Asian entertainment tastes than marketing to the Western audience. Japan remains a solid and steady market for Hallyu entertainment whether K-pop or … Continue reading →
With the 2014 SBS Drama Awards, another prolific if underwhelming in quality year wraps up in K-dramaland. There wasn’t an underlying reason I saved this network for last in coverage, MBC went first and I only had time to write about the KBS awards before passing out sick as a dog after watching the new year’s fireworks light off. I … Continue reading →
After a few weeks of who’s going and who’s not going, the year end major three Korean network drama awards shows have ironed out the attendee list. There are surprises and expected absences so I’ll started with the upside first. Jeon Ji Hyun is the shocker of the night, coming out of her beauty hibernation to attend the SBS year … Continue reading →
The SBS year end drama awards was shaping up to be the most star-studded of the big three since it led the way in splashy prime time dramas. A few weeks ago there was media attention on the biggest stars of the 2014 SBS dramas maybe not attending which would be a blow to the ratings for the show as … Continue reading →
Another year end list has come out and this one is pure people power speaking. Gallup Korea released the year end poll for most popular entertainers in the four major categories: movies, dramas, variety, and music. Topping the list, to the surprise of no one in each of the categories, are who the domestic Korean audiences loved in 2014. Variety … Continue reading →
Whether you like them or not, I think it safe to at least agree that the new generation of Hallyu kings are here and the overall consensus includes Kim Soo Hyun, Lee Min Ho, Lee Jong Seok, and Kim Woo Bin. Sure a few other popular around Asia twenty-something singer-actors like Lee Seung Gi and Jang Geun Seok could be included, … Continue reading →
This latest news about the upcoming year end drama awards doesn’t surprise me but I am still disappointed. While the awards don’t validate what I think is good acting, I’ve enjoyed the year end drama awards for the parade of stars and the fashion. Hearing that what was to be the most star-studded banquet over at SBS will likely get … Continue reading →
Wah, kyeopta my boy! Finally. As Kim Soo Hyun finishes up what is his best career year with awards aplenty and the most buzzed about K-drama of the year, I’m just happy that he appears to have emerged unscathed from all the heightened scrutiny. He looked waifish thin to play Do Min Joon in You From Another Star, and months later … Continue reading →