So, episode 15 and 16 of 'The Heirs' got aired recently! Lo & behold! The war has begun. Among the brothers, their father and shockingly, the sacked but may-get-promoted Secretary! Not that I couldn't figure it all out. I was just waiting for the outburst from Kim Tan towards his Father and Brother, Kim Won. BUT. Up till now, I'm just praying for a change in Kim Won and his treatment to Kim Tan. Afterall, blood is thicker than water, how can Kim Won be so mean!
Kim Tan's engagement got called off, that's good. Kim Tan going against his father (same plot as Boys Over Flowers), that's good. And the best thing? Young Do saved Kim Tan and the two of them seemed to be getting better! I just can't wait for the two tall, handsome and model-like dudes to fist bump and parade down the school hall like they used to be. Then add on the probability for Kim Won and Kim Tan to have a real bro-hug. Not those hugs that are just for show to the interviewers.
From this drama, it seems like not all rich kids enjoy life like what we thought they would be. Yeah, they're rich, famous and good-looking but all good things come with a great price. Family. Hyo-Shin is the one I sympathized with the most. Okay, the family situation for both Kim Won and Kim Tan is equally bad, but Hyo-Shin's situation is the ultimate. I understand that the parents are very eager to have their child to become as great as they are. However, I think it's going to be out of hand. Hyo-Shin has his talents, but his parents fail to recognize that and kept on pushing him to enter Law school. Time and time again, they fail to realize that they have been putting too much pressure on him. I know that if you put in effort, your efforts will pay off (You reap what you sow). But to me, sometimes, you just have to admit people's shortcomings and accept them for who they are. Not everyone can be as brilliant as Einstein. Not everyone can be as talented as Michael Jackson. However, even if they lack talents in certain field, there's bound to be something they're interested in and will do well for sure. Like for Hyo-Shin, he has his talents and his parents should recognize them.
For Kim Tan and Kim Won's Dad. Real strict, real mean, real bad. I couldn't stand how he looked down upon Eun Sang from the very beginning. I didn't like how he sent P.Is to track his 2 sons affairs and even the secretary. I didn't like his way of handling the situation. Right from the start, it was his fault for having an affair. He broke the rule first. He broke the rule, got a mistress and made her live in the house, unable to attend any social events. Basically he didn't even treat his mistress well, let alone his lawfully-wedded wife. The father, broke the rule and made the events worst. All for the sake of money. Yeah money may be the root of all evil as the saying goes but it's the greed in humans that made and inanimate thing to be the root of all evil. For the sake of money, you have thieves and pirates. For the sake of money, there'll be ugly scenes when family fight for inheritance. For the sake of money, you see family torn apart. What's the point?
Greed. That's what all humans have. It can't be removed, it'll always be there. It's just whether you have the ability to control the greed within you.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The Heirs Korean Drama
Gather all the fangirls! This is THE mega drama comprising of actors and actresses from various different fields. The Heirs is one of those 'chaebol' dramas with all the rich and mighty. Although the cast and plot is fantastic, the ratings still lacked behind another Korean Drama 'Secret' (I think) on the wed-thursday drama time slot.
'The Heirs' is about the hardships of an 18 year old girl named Cha Eun Sang who had a mother who couldn't speak. They communicated via Korean Sign Language. (Well, I learn sign language as well and when I look at their Korean version of sign language, it seems very different to me. Most of the signings of the words are barely alike. I couldn't get the signings if not for the English subtitles.) Eun Sang and her mother lived a frugal life and to me, they're just having a hard time to make ends meet after the debt they incurred from Eun Sang's Father's medical bills. Eun Sang had an elder sister living in California, who left her mother and Eun Sang behind in Korea and cheated them all those years when she was living in US. I've no idea what the sister was thinking when she snatched all those money and left her younger sister behind in California. That was insensitive to the maximum.
Then here comes Prince Charming, who held lots of secrets and hardships since young, Kim Tan. He saved her from the streets of California, let her stay at his humongous mansion and brought her around California. He got jealous of Chan Young, a friend of Eun Sang, and even tried delaying Eun Sang from leaving his house. But all good things must come to an end... sadly.
A few days/weeks later, Tan took courage and flew back to Korea, back to the family who banished him to California for 3 years. Then, we met Tan's brother, Kim Won, who was the hardest person to read in the drama. On one hand, I doubt he would be that cold-hearted to ignore his younger brother; but on the other hand, from the way he forbade Tan to attend or be involved in any Jeguk Empire's business made me think otherwise. I mean even though Tan was your half brother, it wasn't his fault for being born as well. Up till episode 14, I'm still barely grasping what Kim Won was thinking and if he's really intending to kick Tan out from the Jeguk Empire's share. However, I have to admit both half brothers are equally handsome and kind of look like siblings.
Then in Jeguk High, there was the cute couple, Chan Young and Lee Bo Na. Initially I didn't really like Lee Bo Na cause she seemed to be bullying Eun Sang all the time. However, she's not the bully I thought she was. She's actually the cutest and most sensible rich kid in the school. I know it must have been a shock when her bestie, Kang Ye Sol, cheated her. However, sweet sweet Bo Na still accepted Ye Sol and forgave her, even inviting her to her 'Get-Back-Together-with-ChanYoung' party. So KUDOS to Lee Bo Na for that job well done. I really like her feisty character and think that Chan Young really should treat her well. Chan Young was from the 'Welfare category' but cause he's smart and held the position as the Class Representative, he was denied of the chance for bullying from anyone. He was not all that bad anyway. His father was the secretary of Jeguk Empire and they had a nice single family. So all those rich kids in Jeguk High were seriously too snobbish. Chan Young-Lee BoNa pairing is the best in the drama. Love the cute jealousy and Chan Young's smirk when Lee BoNa became jealous.
Then there's always the classic bully and in this case, it's actually Choi Young Do. Even though his actions were really disgusting at times, but from the way he would do anything to protect Cha Eun Sang, it's really thoughtful. Till now, I don't understand why both Choi Young Do and Kim Tan were still on bad terms. I have no idea why Young Do wanted to use 'illegitimate' as a way to agitate Tan. I mean what's the point? Tan didn't reveal Young Do's father's affairs to anyone anyway. If not for him using that to bully Tan, Tan wouldn't have retaliated by delaying to inform Young Do that his mother was leaving. Then all the rivalry wouldn't have begun. Young Do ah Young Do, you who has high IQ, what were you thinking?
Tan's fiancee, Rachel Yoo, well, she's a princess used to bullying others just to see them suffer. I think deep down, she's just as vulnerable as those she bullied. She needs a guy who knows her well, but first of all, she should let go of her ego and really reflect on what she had been doing to those around her and especially to herself. She's making everyone around her detest her even more. I doubt there's anyone she can turn to for help seeing her lack of friends and even an entourage. Snobbish? Checked. Ego? Checked. Empathy? None. That's the issue with Rachel, she couldn't ever put herself in other's shoes and understand their plight. She's only thinking about herself. Young Do was right. She violated the arranged marriage by falling in love with Kim Tan. Kim Tan did nothing wrong and he didn't lead her on in the first place. An arranged marriage is an arranged marriage. There's no mutual feelings between the two party in the first place. Rachel should know that but I guess she was just alone and needed someone to love her back and cause of the so-called 'marriage' she thought that Kim Tan could be the one who would love her. Plus the fact that Kim Tan is handsome as well.
Then there's the sad story Hyo Shin who, like any typical famous family, was forced to study law just so his family could uphold the honor they had been having. This can be seen in every family especially those whose parents are politicians, doctors, lawyers or attorney generals. They were brain washed to do well and succeed just so the family could continue to enjoy the honor. However, what's the point of pushing Hyo Shin up that path he had no interest in? He committed suicide before and yet, his mother refused to let him be and still pushes Hyo Shin to his limit. Poor Hyo Shin, I wonder what the ending will be for him...
The Heirs has a great cast and the stories are extremely typical, yet cause of Choi Young Do and Kim Wons' character, I got attached to the drama. I'm still waiting for the end and see what will turn out for the different characters. If Kim Tan and Eun Sang will be together, if Young Do and Rachel will amend their ways, if Hyo Shin will fulfill his dreams, if Kim Won is not that mean after all. And of course, if Kim Tan and Young Do will patch up and be buddy buddy again.
The Heirs kind of remind me of Ouran High Host Club mix Boys Over Flowers. Add on the fact that Lee Min Ho is the lead guy and is acting as a chaebol too. All the hardships the rich people face are similar compared to Ouran and Boys. Well, let's just wait and see.
'The Heirs' is about the hardships of an 18 year old girl named Cha Eun Sang who had a mother who couldn't speak. They communicated via Korean Sign Language. (Well, I learn sign language as well and when I look at their Korean version of sign language, it seems very different to me. Most of the signings of the words are barely alike. I couldn't get the signings if not for the English subtitles.) Eun Sang and her mother lived a frugal life and to me, they're just having a hard time to make ends meet after the debt they incurred from Eun Sang's Father's medical bills. Eun Sang had an elder sister living in California, who left her mother and Eun Sang behind in Korea and cheated them all those years when she was living in US. I've no idea what the sister was thinking when she snatched all those money and left her younger sister behind in California. That was insensitive to the maximum.
Then here comes Prince Charming, who held lots of secrets and hardships since young, Kim Tan. He saved her from the streets of California, let her stay at his humongous mansion and brought her around California. He got jealous of Chan Young, a friend of Eun Sang, and even tried delaying Eun Sang from leaving his house. But all good things must come to an end... sadly.
A few days/weeks later, Tan took courage and flew back to Korea, back to the family who banished him to California for 3 years. Then, we met Tan's brother, Kim Won, who was the hardest person to read in the drama. On one hand, I doubt he would be that cold-hearted to ignore his younger brother; but on the other hand, from the way he forbade Tan to attend or be involved in any Jeguk Empire's business made me think otherwise. I mean even though Tan was your half brother, it wasn't his fault for being born as well. Up till episode 14, I'm still barely grasping what Kim Won was thinking and if he's really intending to kick Tan out from the Jeguk Empire's share. However, I have to admit both half brothers are equally handsome and kind of look like siblings.
Then in Jeguk High, there was the cute couple, Chan Young and Lee Bo Na. Initially I didn't really like Lee Bo Na cause she seemed to be bullying Eun Sang all the time. However, she's not the bully I thought she was. She's actually the cutest and most sensible rich kid in the school. I know it must have been a shock when her bestie, Kang Ye Sol, cheated her. However, sweet sweet Bo Na still accepted Ye Sol and forgave her, even inviting her to her 'Get-Back-Together-with-ChanYoung' party. So KUDOS to Lee Bo Na for that job well done. I really like her feisty character and think that Chan Young really should treat her well. Chan Young was from the 'Welfare category' but cause he's smart and held the position as the Class Representative, he was denied of the chance for bullying from anyone. He was not all that bad anyway. His father was the secretary of Jeguk Empire and they had a nice single family. So all those rich kids in Jeguk High were seriously too snobbish. Chan Young-Lee BoNa pairing is the best in the drama. Love the cute jealousy and Chan Young's smirk when Lee BoNa became jealous.
Then there's always the classic bully and in this case, it's actually Choi Young Do. Even though his actions were really disgusting at times, but from the way he would do anything to protect Cha Eun Sang, it's really thoughtful. Till now, I don't understand why both Choi Young Do and Kim Tan were still on bad terms. I have no idea why Young Do wanted to use 'illegitimate' as a way to agitate Tan. I mean what's the point? Tan didn't reveal Young Do's father's affairs to anyone anyway. If not for him using that to bully Tan, Tan wouldn't have retaliated by delaying to inform Young Do that his mother was leaving. Then all the rivalry wouldn't have begun. Young Do ah Young Do, you who has high IQ, what were you thinking?
Tan's fiancee, Rachel Yoo, well, she's a princess used to bullying others just to see them suffer. I think deep down, she's just as vulnerable as those she bullied. She needs a guy who knows her well, but first of all, she should let go of her ego and really reflect on what she had been doing to those around her and especially to herself. She's making everyone around her detest her even more. I doubt there's anyone she can turn to for help seeing her lack of friends and even an entourage. Snobbish? Checked. Ego? Checked. Empathy? None. That's the issue with Rachel, she couldn't ever put herself in other's shoes and understand their plight. She's only thinking about herself. Young Do was right. She violated the arranged marriage by falling in love with Kim Tan. Kim Tan did nothing wrong and he didn't lead her on in the first place. An arranged marriage is an arranged marriage. There's no mutual feelings between the two party in the first place. Rachel should know that but I guess she was just alone and needed someone to love her back and cause of the so-called 'marriage' she thought that Kim Tan could be the one who would love her. Plus the fact that Kim Tan is handsome as well.
Then there's the sad story Hyo Shin who, like any typical famous family, was forced to study law just so his family could uphold the honor they had been having. This can be seen in every family especially those whose parents are politicians, doctors, lawyers or attorney generals. They were brain washed to do well and succeed just so the family could continue to enjoy the honor. However, what's the point of pushing Hyo Shin up that path he had no interest in? He committed suicide before and yet, his mother refused to let him be and still pushes Hyo Shin to his limit. Poor Hyo Shin, I wonder what the ending will be for him...
The Heirs has a great cast and the stories are extremely typical, yet cause of Choi Young Do and Kim Wons' character, I got attached to the drama. I'm still waiting for the end and see what will turn out for the different characters. If Kim Tan and Eun Sang will be together, if Young Do and Rachel will amend their ways, if Hyo Shin will fulfill his dreams, if Kim Won is not that mean after all. And of course, if Kim Tan and Young Do will patch up and be buddy buddy again.
The Heirs kind of remind me of Ouran High Host Club mix Boys Over Flowers. Add on the fact that Lee Min Ho is the lead guy and is acting as a chaebol too. All the hardships the rich people face are similar compared to Ouran and Boys. Well, let's just wait and see.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Who Is Next: WIN
With the results out long ago, I wonder how long we have to wait before Team A, WINNER, will make their official debut with the release of an album. I know YG is always teasing fans and making us wait. With the recent opening by WINNER for Big Bang at their dome concert, I wonder if WINNER are back on their homeland and preparing for their album soon.
When Yang Hyun Suk first introduced this reality tv program where the trainees had to fight it out and battle, I thought that well, at least one will debut before the other but with no changes made to the members at all. Then after a few episodes, Yang Hyun Suk revealed that the losing team may be disbanded or have a member change. NO WAY came to my mind. Look at the trainees! They have worked so hard as a team and you wanna disband them? Please no. The fans like us won't allow you to do so.
WINNER and Team B have put in great effort into perfecting their vocals, choreography as well as song writing. To throw all these jobs to a bunch of trainees is YG's way. I remembered an interview with G Dragon long ago, where he said that he was trained to write lyrics from a yearly basis to monthly to weekly and then now, daily basis. Lyrics will flow through him almost instantly. But not everyone is as talented as G Dragon and I'm sure a bunch of newbies wouldn't be able to come up with their lyrics within a few weeks. The fact that they could come up with their song arrangement and lyrics, is already a huge step for them.
On the final episode, which I watched the video clip where swarms of fans turned up for the finale with banners and all, I feel that WINNER and Team B didn't have much to lose. I mean both groups have garnered legions of fans from all over the world and for trainees to have fans before they debut is already a damn good thing. I'm pretty sure those new groups that just made their debut are not as famous compared to these YG trainees.
But what makes them so popular?
I think YG has brilliant marketing skills. YG already knew both groups are equally awesome in their own traits (WINNER with vocals and Team B with dance choreography) and maybe he just couldn't decide on who to debut. If based on the choice of judges, Team B would've won. However, the winning team was based solely on the voting done by public and Team A snatched that.
In a sense, WINNER is already getting old and they should be the group to debut before Team B, but Team B can seriously show their moves and entertain the crowd with their acrobatics and stunts. Like I said, both groups are good in their own way. I took a long time to decide who I should really be rooting for and I finally made my decision on the finale. I rooted for Team A because they have really good vocals and there's a vibe within them that made them stood out form Team B. Initially right at the start, they made a mistake of not having a leader. Without the leader, there's no core. So YG was smart and he quickly appointed one- Song Min Ho. However due to his injury, YG quickly changed the leader position to Kang Seung Yoon. It was devastating to Song Min Ho but the group was able to take things in their stride, include Song Min Ho in their choreography even though he was injured. WINNER has this mixture of people with different character and they just blend in with each other perfectly. Team B on the other hand, is so used to one another, they look like siblings to me, with B.I as their eldest brother.
Well, I'm not saying Team B isn't as good as WINNER. But to me Team B still has room for improvement. I wouldn't want to see talents like B.I and Jin Hwan go to waste. B.I has a really good leadership potential, Jin Hwan reminds me of Taeyang, good vocals and humble, Bobby is just wacky and happy go lucky, Joon Hwae has vocals to die for, Yoon Hyeong and Dong Hyuk also have good vocals, but their talents are slightly obscured by the Big 3. The finale song 'Climax' by Team B, was a really touching song, depicting their biggest dream to win the title as WINNER. B.I's rap was daebak! And it was this song that made me realise Joon Hwae's vocals. Even though the song was good, I thought that it was somewhat messy.
Overall, I believe YG should retain Team B and debut WINNER soon. Both groups are really talented. Team B, we'll wait for you to make your debut soon. Hwaiting!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
30 Seconds to Mars
"I've been dreaming of things yet to come. Living, learning, watching, burning. Eyes on the Sun."
I got to know 30 Seconds to Mars from the song 'The Kill', thereafter they released 'Up in the Air'. Initially, I had some doubts about the trio seeing how horrifying the MV for 'The Kill' was. However, the MV for 'The Kill' kept playing in my head and it intrigued me. Like 'why were there twins, why was there a mysterious lady' and all. Then I googled+wikied and it turns out Jared got his muse from a movie. And Bartholomew Cubbins is actually him.
Subsequently, I fell in love with 'Up in the Air' and 'Closer to the Edge'. I'm a fan of One Direction and One Republic and their genre is far different from 30 Seconds to Mars. But I'm still gonna talk about 30 Seconds to Mars instead of the other 2 band/group.
The recent release of 'City of Angels' was absolutely beautiful and touching. The initial release of the lyric video was awesome! Just a lyric video and it generated so much feelings in me. It's a really nice song and I kept it on repeat for the rest of the day (not week-that'll be too much for my brain to handle). After which they released the actual 11++mins long MV and woah! It's a brilliant MV! There's artistes and street artistes and normal LA citizens featured in it. The way they depicted LA sounds so surreal and beautiful. For a moment, I could really imagine 'a boulevard of hopes and dreams, streets made of desire'. It's really really nice. The view of LA looking ever so charming as the sun sets, and the Hollywood sign looking over the people of LA. The artistes they interviewed provoked my heart and make me think a lot. All the hardships every people face are undesirable and unavoidable. The prejudices the artistes face everyday is not easy to handle at all.
Then there's 'Do or Die' and many other MV which touched my heart loads. The MV featured all the echelons from all over the world, getting crazy and united for 'Music'. Like what they wrote in the MV, it's a cult and I don't like it (Pun). Well frankly speaking, I'm not in the stage to join the 'cult' but I still admire the love from all the echelons. And needless to say, being called an 'echelon' sounds cool. Imagine calling yourself an 'echelon'. Hmmm, sounds like some ancient European god or warrior. It's a cool name.
Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars is really talented and their fan base is huge. All the echelons out there be proud of 30 Seconds to Mars! Imma be one too after being a VIP (Big Bang) for so long. #echelon be brave and continue to listen. Music is all you need.
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