Andy Lee (real English name is Jason Lee) from Shinhwa released his first album this month. I’m wondering if I should buy it. Andy is my favourite member from Shinhwa and I want to support him. Apparently he has a number of people featured on his album, like Chae Yeon, Byul, Amin.J (who was featured in Epik High’s song, Fly), and of course his fellow Shinhwa members. That’s pretty impressive, but who would decline the offer of being on Andy’s album. ^o^
I’ve been thinking about the numerous protests by E.L.F. lately and I’ve realized something. It is exciting at the thought that consumers can directly enforce their wants on a company. Some might see this as illogical, but I think it is revolutionary (somewhat). I love the idea that regular people can make a difference, even if it is for something as stupid and frivolous as preventing sub-groups of Super Junior to be formed. Companies should be accountable to members of society and their customers. Doing so would prevent them from exercising too much power in society and prevent the cultural, environmental and societal genocide that so many corporations have previously and are currently doing. There should be more protests against companies (although I would prefer that it wouldn’t be for silly things like adding more members to an existing boyband).
Exercising the right to free speech is something I value regardless of whether or not I agree with what that speech being expressed is. Even though I think E.L.F. members who are involved in these protests need something better to do with their lives, I respect them for exercising their right to free speech. Now if only the same motivation could be used towards protesting against environmental genocide, poverty, martial abuse, and other causes that require protesting, this world would be a better place.
And now for a little rant: JYP is having a concert tour in the States (LA and NYC). Why of all artists does it have to be him? Remember how I ranted about SUJU not coming to North America? Well I guess I have to settle for JYP *cringe*. Life is not fair. =(
Links:
1. ShenYuePop: E.L.F. latest protest
2. ShenYuePop: JYP concert information
It’s that time again. Time for Hollywood Bowl tickets to start going on sale. And just like last year, it’s a depressing time for me because I can’t go. But I’m putting up the infor for those of you who can. Think of me when you’re there!
For anyone who doesn’t know what the Korean Music Festival is, it is an annual concert where Korean artists perform in Hollywood. It is (as far as I know) the biggest Korean concert that takes place in North America. They usually have a range of music styles for different age groups and genre lovers. They had a pretty good line-up last year. This year they are keeping the performers list top secret. I guess it’s their way to ensure that they will make as much money as possible =P. Anyway, here is some info about it.
When: Sat, May 17, 2008
Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA
Site: Korean Mustic Festival official website
Purchase: Korean Mustic Festival, (323) 692-2068 or (323) 692-2070
SOOMPI:
Buying/Selling Hollywood Bowl Tickets
Soompi Meet Up
I was so sad to find out that YSMM was “temporarily” ending. I think they are taking a season off to reformat the show due to low ratings. It really sucks. I enjoyed watching that show (well, more like the subbed versions). Here are the links to the last episode (eng subbed) which aired on January 14, 2008.
YSMM Last Episode:
Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6
I also just found out that Park Myung Soo (PMS) has a girlfriend. Say what?! Haha, I’m glad though. He’s cute ^_^. Apparently she’s a doctor and has studied in America. What’s up with the prestige that comes from studying in America? *cough* So anyway, he toasted to her during the 2007 Entertainment Awards which was held in in December. I’m guessing that’s the first mention of her. I did find one thing a bit odd though. She posted pictures of the two of them on the hospital website that she works at. Kinda weird…but not necessarily wrong in an ethical sense. Perhaps just poor judgement, since the hospital’s site exploded from the overload of hits. Anyway, here are the pictures of her with PMS (on the left) and another Korean comedian/host Yoo Jae Suk (on the right). =)
References:
1. Muishie @ youtube: Uploading and subs
2. Shenyue @ Shenyuepop Forum: Notification of links
3. Soyboy01 @ Shenyuepop Forum & Coolsmurf: PSM & girlfriend information
My sister and I have been watching My Boss My Hero whenever we get time to see each other (we got to universities in different cities). We only have two more episodes to go! Well, she’s seen it before so it’s not that big of a deal for her. The drama is quite enertaining. You know…stupid high school teenager humour. There are a lot of singers in it too. Well…not A LOT, but three (that I know). One of them is Nagase Tomoya (長瀬智也) who plays the main character Sakaki Makio. Tomoya has the most humorous expressions I’ve seen in a while. I love his demon face (that’s what I call it). Anyone who has seen this drama will know what I’m talking about. At first it scared me, but it’s just so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh. I’m laughing right now…hahaha. *cough* So anyway, in his wiki profile he looks similiar to Mithra Jin from Epik High. See!
Mithra Jin
I know they’re not the best comparison pictures, but I really don’t want to look around for a better pair. But does anyone else see it? I DO!!! Haha. Anyway, this post doesn’t really have a point…other than I’m almost done watching the drama. =P
P.S. I just found a blog by a fangirl living in France. I’m going to try reading it to improve my French. =P
I think I should clarify something, especially with regards to my last post. When I criticize a decision or action a person/ party makes it does not mean I hate them. I actually do like Wonder Girls and Ayumi. The South Korean army..well I don’t have any particular feelings for them. My last post wasn’t supposed to give the impression that I hate the parties. I just think that they made foolish decisions. It’s just my opinion and should be taken with a grain of salt. I’m obviously biased just like everyone else.
I have noticed that I have been posting more negative posts than happy ones. So here is a happy one. Coolsmurf subbed the second part of Wonder Girls (Ye Eun) on Happy Shares. I enjoyed watching the cuts. Here are the links to both episodes. =)
Episode 197: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
Episode 198: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3
References:
1. Coolsmurf: Cuts and subs
2. Coolsmurf’s Youtube account: Video links
Sometimes I am baffled at how stupid people/parties can be. First off the South Korean army is using the Wonder Girls and their popularity from their song Tell Me to promote the Army’s theme song in hopes to seem friendly to the public. WTF?! The only thing I take the army to be after this move is a joke. Who can really take a military organization seriously when they use five minor girls who shake their booty to stardom as their ‘friendly’ representatives. Especially when they are scared of soldiers because they all look the same. I bet the rest of the world’s militaries are laughing at South Korea’s army, because I certainly am.
Another piece of stupidity that I read about was Ayumi Hamasaki’s decision to continue performing despite completely losing her hearing in her left ear. She has known about her condition since last year and has stated that “Nevertheless, I would like to continue as a singer. That’s why I would like to continue singing until I reach the limit with my remaining right ear…I won’t stop. I won’t make excuses. As a professional, I would like to deliver the best performance for everyone” (source). At what point does being a profession equate to being a dumbass? As an individual if you want to be stupid and sacrifice your hearing completely then that is your decision. But as a role model, what kind of message are you sending to your fans and to the public? That it is acceptable to abuse your body for the sake of popularity, fame, and respect? I’m sorry, but that is nonsense. I would think that as an adult Ayu would be more intelligent. I don’t think it is a healthy message to send out and I do not see her as being loyal or selfless for her decision. To be selfless is to sacrifice any personal benefits from your actions, which she is not. She is being praised by mindless parties which results in increased respect, and is using her hearloss as publicity for her Asian tour. She is definately business oriented, which comes at the price of being a responsible human being.
References:
1. Asian Bites: Wonder Girls army song information
2. Wonder Girls Wonderland: So Hee scared of soldiers information
3. Asian Bites: Ayumi Hamasaki’s hearing loss information
