Open Thread #15

by javabeans

Wow, I totally missed my blog's first anniversary (sometime mid-January, although the actual start date's a little hazy). I don’t really think it's a big deal, except that it's...

Hong Gil Dong: Episode 10

by javabeans

The cliffhangers at the ends of odd-numbered episodes never bother me, because I can wait a day to find out what happens next. The ones at the end of EVEN-numbered...

Tags: Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, Sung Yuri

Hong Gil Dong: Episode 9

by javabeans

Episode 9 kicks off what seems to be phase two of the drama. The previous political intrigues and conflicts are still here, of course, but we introduce a few more elements...

Tags: Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, Sung Yuri

Ivy resurfaces

by javabeans

Where's pop singer Ivy's "Leave Britney alone" guy when she needs one? She's had a pretty tough year, what with the allegedly violent and angry ex-boyfriend blackmailing her regarding an...

Tags: Ivy, netizens, singers

Jang Geun Seok rocks Black ‘N Jean, “Black Engine”

by javabeans

Seriously, if there's one thing Korea knows how to do right, it's branded entertainment. They did it with the Anycall series (Anyclub, Anymotion, Anyband), and many of their commercial ad...

Tags: branded entertainment, Jang Geun-seok, music videos, singers

Open Thread #14

by javabeans

This week: People tell the truth for money (is that the only way to get that to happen these days?), American Idol is apparently under way again (I don't really...

Hong Gil Dong: Episode 8

by javabeans

First, the answer to the question I know you're all dying to know (lol): Yes, I am calm again. I know it's hard to believe, but I don't actually haaaate...

Tags: Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, Sung Yuri

Hong Gil Dong: Episode 7

by javabeans

I'll admit it. I cried. I'm also a sap. A cynical mofo on occasion, but also a blubbering sap. SONG OF THE DAY Hong Gil Dong OST - "만약에" (If) by...

Tags: Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, Sung Yuri

Hong Gil Dong: Episode 6

by javabeans

Now that the action has really gotten going, the silly humor has been curbed to manageable bite sizes, I think. There are still plenty of instances of the trademark Hong...

Tags: Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, Sung Yuri

Hong Gil Dong: Episode 5

by javabeans

Another good episode! The episode moved fast and solidified the conflicts on all sides. What really works with the story setup is that there aren't just two sides, good and...

Tags: Hong Gil Dong, Jang Geun-seok, Kang Ji-hwan, Sung Yuri