Friday 29 June 2012

It's all Variety!: A South Korean Variety format in the UK?


[Originally featured on the UnitedKpop website - read it here].
South Korean variety programmes (along with most Eastern Asian variety programmes) have something very unique in their make-up.

Monday 11 June 2012

"Why are humans so evil?"

A few nights ago, I was sitting around and staring into space as usual. (This is a common pass time of mine, especially during the Summer break from University - it comes second only to stuffing my face with food).
I was thinking about how lazy I am, and how lazy the human race can be in general.
Since I have gotten into Japanese and Korean culture and media productions, the laziness of the Western races compared to the Asian races has really made itself obvious.
I'm making it clear now, I DO NOT think every Westerner is lazy, nor do I think that every Asian is hard-working and productive. However, one cannot deny a clear cultural difference here.

I typed the question "Why are humans so lazy?" into Google. I was hoping to filter through the rubbish to see if I could unearth any scientific theories on the subject.
A related question had popped up underneath the search-bar as I typed: "Why are humans so evil?"

Wednesday 6 June 2012

REVIEW: GANTZ 2: Perfect Answer. [Live-action] (Japanese Movie, 2011)

 

As I mentioned in my review post of the first GANTZ film, I was incredibly excited for the sequal DVD to hit the shelves in the UK. So much so that I pre-ordered it soon after watching the first one. (That's a big deal for me - I can be pretty stingy with what I spend my money on!)

So, I had big expectations when I ripped open the packaging to find the cool-looking DVD staring back at me...






Friday 1 June 2012

ALBUM REVIEW: Shinhwa - THE RETURN


[I originally wrote this review for the UnitedKpop website! - here it is]

Shinhwa are best known as the longest surviving K-pop boy band in history and have gained great popularity over the years. Since debuting back in 1998 under SM Entertainment, they have each made separate moves as solo artists, variety guests and actors but have fiercely held on to remain a six member group.
The members have been through many hardships together (such as the group’s shifts to different entertainment companies) and despite each member finding great success on their own, have all spoken up about their wish to remain as one unit forever.
After a four year hiatus, in which all members completed their mandatory military service, the group has returned to the scene with their 10th album entitled “THE RETURN” (Bet you can’t guess why they chose that title!)
In an industry now littered with countless Idol boy-groups (many of whom cite Shinhwa as one of their main influences), and the fact that most of these new boys do not even break the 20 year old barrier, will these K-pop veterans be able to use their advanced, knowledge and great wealth of experience to help them make their mark once more?
[CLICK READ MORE!]