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Odds and Ends: Dramabeans at KCON (again)

javabeans: In case you haven’t heard yet, KCON has announced its dates and new location for this year (July 31 through August 2 at Staples center in LA), and we’ve been invited to return as panelists.

girlfriday: Indoors! It’ll be indoors!

javabeans: Oh thank the merciful drama gods.

girlfriday: For the uninitiated, KCON is a ginormous convention with panels and workshops in the daytime and concerts at night. It’s all things Hallyu, so lots of k-pop, dramas, and random celebrity events.

javabeans: Every time we’ve gone things have been a little different as the organizers tweak things from year to year, but the core program remains the same. Last year, the daytime convention stuff was expanded so that aside from panels, you could wander a large marketplace area with food options and vendor booths. There were also a few side stages hosting various interviews and performance-type things throughout the day.

girlfriday: Also the chance to meet/stalk your favorite celebrity, if that’s your kind of thing.

javabeans: Girlfriday, despite all her big talk, is actually a terrible stalker because Seung-gi was there last year and she didn’t even try to see him!

girlfriday: They scheduled his meet-n-greet thingy at the same time as our panel! I was being loyal and stuff!

javabeans: A true fan wouldn’t have been stymied by mere scheduling.

girlfriday: I’ll make up for it this year, just you wait.

javabeans: By which I hope you mean you’ll be extra fangirly, and not that you’ll ditch our panel to go stargazing.

girlfriday: I make no promises.

javabeans: This year the convention will be over three days, and it sounds like there’ll be an increase in drama-related things, which is probably welcome news for anybody reading a site named Dramabeans.

girlfriday: What, you’re not going for the idols?

javabeans: All my favorite idols are ajusshis now. It’s just not the same.

girlfriday: You’re telling me. Anyway, we’ll be hosting two panels this year, one as moderators and one as the main speakers. HeadsNo2 and Gummimochi will be there with us again this year, as our trusty minion moderators.

javabeans: We don’t know yet which day our panels will be scheduled, but we can tell you that it’ll be really really fun, we promise! (…as soon as we think up a topic. It’ll happen. Soon.)

girlfriday: Our problem is that we want to talk about everything, and choosing just one seems so limiting.

javabeans: We’ve had fun in past years — two years ago, we were participants on Viki’s “World of K-Dramas” panel along with our KCON buddy Sean Richard, and I remember that was a lot of fun but flew by so fast that I was disappointed when it was over. Last year, Viki invited us (and Sean) back for their “K-Drama Trends” panel, and we also hosted our own Dramabeans panel, “Why Do Dramas Do That?” That was super fun, because it was like what the four of us talk like when we’re in a living room together, only with a little more focus maybe.

girlfriday: Yes, because we can’t drink while paneling. (Or can we?) We’ll definitely do something like that again this year, with Heads and Gummimochi throwing out questions to keep us on our toes.

javabeans: And if you guys have suggestions or questions you want us to answer, go ahead and ask ’em in the comments!

girlfriday: Yes, tell us what you’d like to know! And come see us at KCON!

 
For info on ticketing and scheduling, refer to the following:

http://www.kconusa.com/attend/la/#tickets
http://www.kconusa.com/kcon-2015-twitter-ticketing-faq/

 
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Too bad I live on the other side of the world (Australia)...

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Yeah, me too. I'd love to go, it sounds amazing.

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Ditto. Living at the ends of the earth does have its drawbacks...

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Me four...i wish the Hallyu scene in Australia/NZ was big enough for something like this to be organised. There certainly is increasing interest from what I've seen at my korean language class!

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Ooooh! Thanks for this news and how I wish I could be there!!! I think I'll stalk you girls more than I'd stalk the idols. LOL! I'm glad it's getting better and better. I must sort of align my family holidays in around July-Aug in future and so somehow manage to be in the same continent as KCON at least. :) I know you'll have fun, JB and GF and I'm looking forward to more news about what you come up with for your talk/discussion.

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I HEARD SHINHWA WILL BE THERE!

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YUp the ajusshi-dols!

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Are they confirmed? The latest news I heard that they won their name through lawsuit and no mention about this event. I wanna see Eric and Shinhwa so badly though.

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It's confirmed. Shinhwa's listed as one of the artists on the KCON website.

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Kim Roy too! :)

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uhm, Roy Kim. I have a hard time to put his surname behind his name...

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They just call him Roy Kim in Korea. A different case from buddy Jung Joonyoung who I cannot and will not ever call Joonyoung Jung ew

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Hi! I would love to come to KCON and hear you guys! :D

I have a topic request/suggestion - Can you guys use a part of your time to talk about the Top 10 (or any number, really) dramas Kdrama fans can use to HOOK their friends onto Kdramas?

I know that it depends on the individual, of course, but seeing as you two are experienced with analyzing both American AND Korean shows, I would love to hear about what aspects of Kdramas might pull someone in. I think it would be a fun topic, too!!

Anyway, I'm really glad you're coming! :) Best wishes!

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I would really like to go to watch my Sinhwa oppas but it's so far awaayyy T.T why why whhyyyyyy!!!

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How about discussing the significant change in the way Koreans watch dramas. Seeing how the TV ratings are only getting lower since years now, I'm curious at the way drama lovers in Korea follow dramas. And if there are other ways they would monitor the ratings. It's a bit disheartening seeing how good shows get such low ratings.

And how do you girls think about noona relationships, or the pairing of older actresses with younger actors?

Hope there will be live streams! Have fun and good luck.

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I heard nowadays in Korea many people use live streaming since smart phone or such kind of technologies are developing significantly. And there are pretty many live streaming and online TV facilities that korean use by payment every month so they could easily watch it again. Maybe that makes TV ratings drops. And nowadays beside TV ratings, they also consider about IPTV ratings. That makes some of average TV programs such as It's Ok It's Love, Pinocchio or Discovery of Romance got many recognitions last year (due to those dramas had high IPTV ratings). That's what I heard and read in some articles around.

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YEEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!! I have been crossing my fingers AND toes that you'd be coming again this year. I actually get to go this year!!! So excited for dramabeans panel WHOOP!!!

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SINHWA CHANGJO!!! ♥♥♥♥

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This I have to attend once in my life.

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aww I wish they'd film this and put on viki or something. US why are you so far?

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Talk about remakes. The success rate of remakes, did any of the recent remakes met your expectations and its hits and misses.

Which among the cult classic Kdramas would you want to be remade.

Also talk about the growing numbers of webtoon-turned drama.

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How about kdrama recap blog play important role for international fans to watch dramas. Or maybe they should do a k-entertainment blogger conference too.

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I really wish the panels would be filmed and put online!!

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Ikr, I'd prefer to watch it online or on tv even if I have to pay. I live here in Ca and I hate the traffic plus the long freaking lines on the hottest time of the year. If I was a K-pop fan I'd go but I'm ok with reading JB and GF's K-Con recap after lol.

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"...the long freaking lines"-- it's GREAT that it's gonna be indoors this year, but I hope they're also using a different company to manage the entrance, because it sounds like a lot of people had to wait hours and hours in line just to get in, and then had to wait in another ridiculously long line to get a goody bag. Does anyone know if they'll be using a different system this year?

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If only I didn't live halfway across the country! KCon is on my bucket list, one year I'll plan an LA vacation around it. I never even look at the guest list because it will probably make me cry. They should start a KCon in Chicago!!!!

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KCon in Chicago. Genius. You've got my vote.

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Mindy and Hannah, I second this! KCON in CHICAGO!!! YES!

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Can you please do some fun quiz thing or tape a bits of your talk and post it online? I mean, there's only so many times I can re-watch the fun quiz you guys have done(the only video I've found of Javabeans and Girlfriday online) Please, please, please do something similar and put it up for us fans who live ridiculously far away >.<

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I would be interested in knowing your all-time favorite drama and also of list of your top 5 favorite dramas.

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Yes, please... and also your reasons why they are your favorites.

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Glad to hear Dramabeans will once again have a presence at KCON! Yay!

The event wouldn't be the same without you guys!

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Maybe you guys can turn this coming trip into some type of documentary? Please? hehe Just bring any ole video camera. Since I am in no condition to go to KCON, I've always wanted to see it through your eyes.

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Dramabeans and Girlfriday , please take a lot of pics and put it up here , I'm one of your fans and really love to see you guys have a good time there even though I can't go.

Can anybody please tell me if there is somewhere that they list the actors/actresses or idols/bands confirm they would be there and not just considering it ? ( if you a KDrama fan you know there a huge different lol ) I'm in New York but definitely would try to ditch work and go if the cast of Running Man there ( I don't think so but just cheking )

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If only I lived in US, I'd definitely see you guys!! You're my idols, well, in terms of kdramas and blogging!

I want you to talk about ratings, and how much it changes recently with the rise of cables and more dramas/shows available.. Will there ever be a prime time drama reach 30%-50%? And how about PPL? Or lucrative TV rights deal with China? Will it change dramaland's landscape right now?

Or you could just talk about 10 things on your wish list, regarding kdramas, and elaborate more on them...

Good luck on your panel guys!

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Definitely will be at KCON-la and am thrilled with the opportunity to see the DB team (leaders/minions and all) in person.

I love how this site acts as a bridge.

I would like to hear your advice to non-Korean drama watchers. General advice, from your experience interacting with them. You must see/understand all kinds of things. :-) What would you like to say?

Cheers.

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gasp are the new minions going to go?? how awesome would it be to see a bigger group!! please make this happen!!

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Man, too bad I'm nowhere near the US!

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Hahahahaha ajusshi idols hahahha lol you made my day

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I'm very curious as to how actors and actresses are selected for their roles; is it just the visuals or ability? More often than not it seems the former.

I'd also want to ask regarding the wardrobes; almost every heroine and hero suddenly seem to get rich and wear amazing and what seem like expensive garments at some point during the show. Is it just products placement or something else?

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nado! me too!

1. How are actors selected? Do the producers send out the script to actors that they want? Do the agencies "pitch" their people? Do agencies fund/sponsor programs to get their people cast? Do the actors have any say as to who their co-leads may be? Could they tentatively show interest and not commit to a drama until the co-lead is cast?

2. How are the OSTs and the singers selected? Some OSTs really add to the drama experience, and others are a hoot. (Sometimes, I'll watch a drama on Dramafever because it's out quicker and the I'll rewatch it on Viki because Viki often subs the background songs.)

3. How much creative freedom do the actors have in creating their character and ad libs? Does it depend on the PD or the caliber of the actor?

4. Will the Korean drama industry ever move away from the live shoot? Does your March 2011 article still reflect the industry? There are shows that could have been so much better if they cast and staff had more time.

Thanks for the chance to ask.

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Yes! They are confirmed. It's on the KCON website.

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Uh. This was supposed to be a reply to another comment. Stupid phone posting randomly =(

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This is very random, yet I could not help not notice the huge brand logo, which has me puzzled in terms of image. Why would a Japanese company sponsor a Korean event on the US soil. If it were, say, LG or Samsung or Hyundai, that'd probably make much more sense to me. If a marketing sunbae would kindly explain the reasoning for such a move, I'd appreciate it.

Like many Beanies, I look forward to reading your post-endeavor summary. And greetings to Shinhwa, whom I haven't seen irl again for way too long. I might be monitoring the event closely, so ladies (including mods minions) do not get too close to Eric.

:D

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Toyota does huge business in US and advertises/sponsors events across the entire socio-economic spectrum. Plus, doesn't hurt to grab lead sponsorship away from Korean car companies Hyundai and Kia.

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Thanks for the explanation. Makes sense, now. :-)

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I hope Spica is invited again...

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YES, SPICA!! They're great, aren't they? I'm not from the US so there's no chance I could go to KCon but I can still watch the fancams and I'm in for anything SPICA. Haha!

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I have a question!
Fate seems like a big deal in the plots of many Kdramas. As a white anglo-saxon protestant American, I don't understand it. Its the one thing that keeps niggling at me. Where does this idea come from? Can you help me? My go-to reaction is saying, "Love is a choice you make, while destiny is conjured from imagination," and I instantly disrespect the story line. But I do love Kdrama.

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Not entirely imagination. It is also a whole belief system that sees life as a cycle of rebirths until you attain enlightened state. Rebirth can be a choice too by the kind of life you lead. This is by no means expert opinion and an understanding based on my curiosity and desire to learn more about other people that I may live in peace and harmony with others, without judgement.

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If I come, can I meet you guys? Lol.

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Is anyone else way excited about the concerts but wants to have other ajummas around them to feel more comfortable? I'm so conflicted, I want to go see especially Shinhwa and Super Junior in LA but I'm embarrassed to be the age of their mom's and grandmas. I'm gonna buy tickets and then say where here on open thread, and all you other ajummas who are coming alone or who feel the same way can join me and we'll rock the place with our mature fangurlishessness! We have to be fairly close (how about P3) 'cause I can't see that far...

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I sat by myself at the concert and am a halmoni! I sat next to super adorable Korean American teenagers who were so nice and had a great time. Plus I'm sure you will find other people on here who you can meet up with. That is half the fun!

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You're right, I always over-plan...thanks for the encouragement!

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I'm an old lady and I am coming by myself, too.

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Sigh i'm from in new caledonia ,but good luck Dramabeans team !

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Ohhhh First it was SJ, now it's you ladies! I really have to go now.

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hopefully this year i will get to listen to your panel. last year was so crazy just trying to get in the gate.. didn't see seung gi, or eric nam, etc. kind of a disappointment. hope you do get to greet all your followers and enjoy the interactions! and stalking!

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Yeeeees! Just hours ago I was telling my boyfriend "If Dramabeans dont go to kcon, i'm not going" And now my confirmation has arrived!

Last year was great. I went to Kcon because of you guys (of course) and because of the things related to dramas, but I ended up knowing more about kpop and korean food (I hadn't tried korean food until that day despite I have years watching dramas). Im so happy that this year will have more drama related things.

Although the peso is really losing versus the american dollar (freaking economy) I'm planing to buy the P1 ticket (the platinum is to much). My conexion to the Hallyu is mostly through dramas, but the kpop fans are so passionate that they their joy is contagious, so I'm looking forward the fan engagements to see all the fangirling.

So if nothing happens, see you in August!!

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I wish there were KCONs in Egypt ... *sigh*
Love you Dramabeans team !!
FIGHTING !!

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INSIDE!! Game changer. Last year I was wearing my swimsuit inside of my apartment; it was freaking hot. I may finally fulfill my dreams of ajumma cougardom AND get to see DB team on panel. OH YEAH.

For those beanies who can't make it-- maybe everyone in attendance can agree to use IG and religiously mark w #dramabeans #kcon ?

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I will be at your panel! As long as it is not at the same time as Shinhwa's fan activity. Priorities!

Too bad I can't get my e-book autographed.

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Any chance you will have a panel at the east coast kcon? This is my first year going and I was really hoping you would attend both. I have been reading your posts since my very first drama 4 years ago. I think you fed my addiction.

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