Tuesday, July 22, 2014

A Review of What I'm Watching

Trot Lovers
Well let's see...I really like this drama. First off, I want to say  that I'm not actually a huge fan of Joon Hyun and Choon Hee being a couple. Let me say though, that this has nothing to do with the fact that he was a big fat jerk for the first couple of episodes, but it has to deal with how much I happen to love Geun Woo. Obviously, I'm having SLS which I usually don't have...only slightly in You're Beautiful, and a lot more in Heirs. Overall, I'm definitely waiting every week to see the two newest videos. 
Current Rating: 8/10


Temptation
So for all who don't know, Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo are the main leads in yet another amazing drama. Or so far it's interesting. Honestly, the first episode was kind of confusing and boring, but the ending minute or two was what got me watching the second episode. I slowly started liking the drama more and more, but a lot of things are still murky to me. Roy's dad seems like a good, but bad person, you know what I mean? Then the wife is actually understandable, while Choi Ji Woo's character is still a mystery to me. Obviously, there's a lot of misunderstandings and confusions in the drama itself, but I'll continue watching.
Current Rating: 7/10

Hi! School: Love On
I must start off by saying that I'm totally jealous of the female lead...she's only thirteen! and in the drama, she has three different guys chasing after her heart...I probably don't even have one. She's received criticism and hate for being so young, but I think her acting is superb. An angel having lost her role of an angel, becoming a human, and learning things such as using chopsticks and not looking at people when they're in a shower are all things that make me wait one week just for one episode. Now that is something I don't like. Although I haven't found it to be the best drama I've watched, I definitely like how the story line is going. The sunbae's kinda a jerk, but I'm pretty sure he has feelings for her. Oh, but while I remember this, I must say the bromance is great in this drama! I like the plot and the acting, but wish that there were more episodes per week and some other small things that I'd like to be changed.
Current Rating: 7.5/10


Triangle
Love triangles and family triangles, this drama has it all! I actually was excited to watch this when I first heard about it. I was thrilled to hear about Lee Bum Soo, Jae Joong, Baek Jin Hee, and Im Siwan were going to be in the same drama. I've seen Jin Hee in High Kick 3, and I was honestly very happy to hear that she was going to become the female lead. But, a lot of things came up and I didn't think that I should watch it...until I did a few days ago when I just decided to. Why not, right? And so I did. I love it so far. Heo Young Dal is such a great character and so are the others as well. I'm only on episode 10 now, so I can't really say how much I love or hate a certain character right now...well actually I could since I really hate Soo In and her mother in Trot Lovers...back to Triangle! There are clearly triangles everywhere in this drama, the three brothers, Young Dal-Jung Hee-Yang Ha love triangle, and other friendly triangles such as Young Dal and his two friends. I also wanted to say that it was such a nice balance of light scenes and heavier scenes, too. To be totally honest, I've been watching this drama whenever I have the time and I think it's going to be one of the favorites. Probably my favorite out of this blog post! 
Current Rating: 9/10


Fated to Love You
Well, I did watch the Taiwanese version, but that was a while ago and I think I've forgotten how most of it played out. I'm slightly glad though, because I'm watching the Korean version with an open mind and just thinking it's a regular kdrama, not a remake. I like how the two main leads work really well with one another and how they play their characters so amazing. Mi Young is really lovable in this drama and sometimes you wonder how she can't realize that Daniel is not a priest..Which priest goes from his parish all day to paint cafes and talk to girls, etc. None that I know of. Although I'm curious to know the relationship between Daniel and Gun. I don't like Se-Ra, nothing personal, just don't really like her. I usually never like the second female lead, so that's not a surprise. It's a pretty good drama...not really my favorite, but I enjoy watching it. 
Current Rating: 7.5/10



That's all I'm watching right now, besides watching Roommate, Running Man, and We Got Married (mostly for the Hong Jonghyun and Yura couple). 




Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Why...?

Some people may wonder why do I aspire to become a K-Pop idol. Why not a V-Pop idol or something else a little bit more realistic. Don't need to remind me that I can't sing well or that I don't look as beautiful as Im Yoona or Bae Suzy. I'm just a fourteen year old girl, about to turn fifteen who just wishes she could do something she actually wanted to. I'm someone who grew up as an only child while living with my parents and my mom's sister and brother, aka my aunt and uncle. There was nothing wrong with that I believe. We constantly had family fights and a daily dose of bickering from my mom or my aunt. But something was strange, my family isn't like your typical Asian family whose parents always pressure the child into studying and graduating with a 4.0 GPA or higher and get a high distinction, but not only that, but also be accepted into an Ivy League and pursue a job of various medical, political, etc. My family was quite different. We're strong in our faith, so much that the only option in our future it seemed was to become a priest or a religion sister. Even though I'm the youngest of five cousins in our close extended family, I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. My oldest cousin had ambitions and dreams, but of course his parents only wanted him to join the Seminary. He left the family for awhile, still receiving negative remarks from my aunt (not his mother) from time to time. Sure, it was bad he went to foster home and other things like that. He pursued acting, modeling, etc, but he's currently doing a very different job. He's finally studying and trying to work out things on his own, but what does that get him? More negative responses. He just wants support and I understand, because that's what I wish for, too. All five of us lived in an family environment that supported the idea of religious life, but had a decrease of support when it came to marriage. I mean, they're both sacraments! What I just wanted in my life was support. Support for me whenever I needed. I wanted to hear the critique they had to say, but not in the form of more bickering, snickering, and the occasional Vietnamese swear word. So back to my original question, why do I want to become a K-Pop idol? It's because it's the thing that still motivates me. Every time I practice the piano or organ, I have to keep reminding myself that it will help me for my journey of life. Korean entertainment gives me joy when I'm feeling down and want to cry. I want to listen to "Baby Don't Cry" by EXO every time I'm on the verge of tears. Of course I can't be perfect, but I want to be acknowledged for my skills. Not to be critiqued about the smallest mistake the size of an atom. I do love my family, especially my parents for giving me life. I just wish they all would understand that becoming a K-Pop idol isn't just something I stupidly want to do, it's something that I want to able to say I've accomplished one day. To be able to inspire those similar in my shoes today. To stop being a coward who is too afraid to speak their mind, but becoming someone who is strong enough to speak out my ideas, beliefs, and wants. 

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Thank You ZE:A

ZE:A's made me realize how much I want to succeed in my dream of becoming a K-Pop idol. Not because they're good-looking or anything like that, but because I can see how hard they work and try their best even when the results aren't as good as they wished. But that's what life is all about, trying and trying until you succeed. ZE:A, thank you.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Non-Asians in K-Pop

     This post is not meant to be racist at all, this is just what I feel as an Asian growing up in the United States and knowing about the growing popularity of Asian culture and music. To start off this post, I'm just to be saying the thoughts in my mind about Non-Asians in K-Pop.
Culture/Traditions
     I don't mean that it would be hard, but as most people know, Asians that are raised in families who value respect and other important teachings such as obedience are very likely to become used to Asian traditions of China, Japan, Korea, etc. I am a Vietnamese, but I bow to elders and to people who are older than me, age or industry. For a non-Asian to do this would be sometimes awkward for the person, but I'm not saying that everyone that isn't Asian would find it difficult, but would find it less of a habit. Whenever I see someone Asian, regardless of whether they're Chinese, Thai, or whatever Asian race they are, I will bow to them, almost like an instinct of mine. Asian cultures and traditions aren't easy to learn, they have to become habits, and I'm sure entertainment companies wouldn't exactly want to spend time on teaching Asian manners, but they'd rather you know how to act with manners.
Language
     I have to admit, I think this is one of the easiest things to overcome if you're a non-Asian and you wish to become a K-Pop singer. Languages are one of the things that can be learned regardless of your race and ethnicity. It might take awhile, but if you have good pronunciation, then that's great!
Look/Image
     I always dislike when someone asks if they can get into an entertainment company just because they "look like an Asian." And they're not Asian. Just because you have similar facial features to Asian people, or you think you have looks that Asians think are beautiful is going to get you in. You have double eyelids, a high nose, v-line face, small head, etc...you're going to get accepted into SM, JYP, YG, or any K-Pop company. Maybe...but just know that there are also many Asians with the same looks. This might sound kind of weird, but some Asians can sometimes tell if someone has Asian blood in them. Weird, right? But that is sort of true, there has been times where I spot someone and think that the person must have some Asian ethnicity, and it turns out that I was right. So of course you may have an "Asian" look, but if you're no percent Asian, then for you to look Asian is probably not possible, but there are always exceptions.
How You Appeal to the Public
     The majority of Korean and Asian people prefer seeing Asians, especially Koreans in K-Pop. Why? That's because for so many years, Asian people have seen Caucasian and African artists, but hardly ever seeing a successful Asian. One of the other ways most Asians have been able to rise up in the entertainment world is through YouTube. YouTubers such as Ryan Higa, Wongfuproductions, and CommunityChannel have all brought Asians to be seen as serious people in the entertainment industry. Asians-Americans and Asians all throughout the world have a sense of pride when it comes to knowing about successful Asian music, movies, etc. To have a person who is not Asian to stand in one of the two platforms of entertainment that Asians are able to shine and become successful the most. A lot of Asians prefer Asians over non-Asians...I'm not saying me, because I actually have a lot more non-Asian friends due to the city I live in.
Other Notes
     To be honest, I don't necessarily think many Asians would enjoy it if there are Non-Asians in the K-Pop industry. For example The Gloss, I'm not about to start listening to them anytime soon, there's just something that I can't see about it. I'm not saying you should give up, but just know that you may not be perceived by the public very well. And another time when it'd be possible would be as a publicity scene. Most Asians would just wish we could have an industry in which we're able to succeed in and not be overshadowed by other Caucasian or African artists. I'm not sure if there are other people that agree or disagree with me, I've actually done some research to see other peoples' opinion. I'm sorry if I offended anyone in any way...my blog is just for me to write my most random thoughts. ^^

Monday, March 24, 2014

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

A Little Rant About Kpop Fans (Part 1/?)

     This isn't necessarily something that I should be talking about, but I've just wanted to get what I've been thinking out. I may get hated, called racist, and/or ignorant, but these are the things I think, I'm not saying you have to agree with me. So...what is this rant going to be about? A lot of things actually, mostly revolving around S.M. Entertainment and relating topics.
First off, K-POP Auditions.
What I'd like to say about this is...if you're just wanting to get into a Kpop company because of your bias and wanting to meet him and somehow end up marrying him, please don't audition. Kpop company's judges aren't there to watch you try to meet your bias, they just want to see if you have talent or not. I'm someone who can't make it to a Global Audition for S.M Entertainment or a weekly audition because I live in the Midwest. I am not here to talk about myself, but I'd just like to say that since I can't make it to the auditions, I'm going to soon upload covers onto YouTube in hopes of being recognized for my possible talents of piano or singing. If not, am I going to cry over why I can't sign into my favorite company and meet my bias? NO, I am going to keep trying...because I have a passion for music, not a dream of meeting my bias. Would I like to? Yes, yes I would.
     This brings me slightly off topic, but I find that overly proud people are annoying. I've recently looked at answers on Yahoo! and other places, but what bothers me is when people either ask "Am I beautiful enough?" or they instead just straight out say "I'm talented." Asians, myself being one, do have that sense that we do a lot of bragging, but most Asians find a humbler person more appealing. If you're just telling people about yourself such as facial features, skills, and personality, don't go overboard. Look at yourself from a humbler view, people who are humble will have this charisma to them, don't believe me? Well, most of your favorite Kpop idols may not seem humble, but they are definitely not bragging whenever they can.
     It still annoys me sometimes when people say that S.M. Entertainment is 80% looks and 20 % talent. Have you seen their idols predebut?! They don't look half as good as they do now, so of course the talent scout would've probably seen charisma and/or something special about that person. S.M isn't all about looks. So don't say that all the S.M idols are untalented and only have pretty faces, because there's more to them than just that.
   

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Dear S.M. Entertainment,

     I have some questions...First off, I'm about 170 cm and I'm only fourteen, turning fifteen in July. I weigh a little heavier than 53 kg, but I'm planning on working out and exercising to weigh less. I'm also fluent in English and Vietnamese, quite a bit in Spanish, and a little in Korean. I have been playing piano for almost 6 years and have accompanied with masses and concerts, as well as composing few short compositions of my own. I am also currently learning how to play the organ for almost a year. As for singing, I can sing very high, and have reached the high notes in IU's "Good Day." I can also rap, not extremely good at it, but I can still rap. I think I'm alright at dancing, but I'm also not terrible good at it. I do wear glasses though, so is that a problem? I don't think I have the palest skin since I'm Vietnamese, but I have double eyelids, but there's a weird difference with both my eyes, they're kind of different from each other....and I'm not sure why, it just happened one day. I was wondering if uploading my covers on YouTube would ever attract a person from a company...

WILL ANYONE ANSWER MY QUESTIONS!?

My wish is to become the first Vietnamese American trainee at S.M. Entertainment, but living in Minnesota, USA is what's stopping me from being able to audition. I really hope that I'll be able to one day enter the SM Family :)

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

EXO fans...

As I am now getting deeper and deeper into the kpop world, I realize that EXO fans receive a lot of hate, but some also hate on EXO's sunbaes which I find absurd. I'm a fan of DBSK, Super Junior, SHINee, and EXO. So basically, all of EXO's sunbaes...What I don't understand is why some people find all EXO stans to be annoying, and just downright unlikable. I saw a confession that said "American EXO fans are the worse." Well, excuse me- I've never done anything to even be considered "disgusting." I also heard some fans dislike F(x) and especially Sulli. I'm a huge fan of f(x) and Sulli because of To The Beautiful You. For people to say that ALL Exo fans are like that...no. I feel like EXO is getting a lot of hate because of their fans' actions more than getting hate for their actions. Exo is quite talented, maybe they haven't reached the level that their sunbaes have, but I'd say they're doing quite well. Exo hwaiting!
Here's that one confession I ranted about...