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Song of the Day: 사랑이 무서워 - Afraid of Love

Nothing beats a good Bobby Kim song to make the soundtrack of a drama come to life with subtext.

Today I'm listening to "사랑이 무서워" (Afraid of Love) from the 스파이 명월 OST (Spy Myungwol OST), and now you can too!

아니 이미 너에게 미쳐 버렸는지 모르지
이러다 죽어버릴지 몰라
아니 이젠 너 없인 살 수 없는지도 모르지

이 세상엔 안 되는 사랑
사랑해선 절대 안 되는 사람

너를 돌아설수록 더 너무 보고 싶어서
자꾸 겁이나 사랑이 난 무서워
그림자까지도 그리운 사람
그게 너라서 너무 두려워

널 스쳐 갔어야 했는데
사랑하지 말았어야 했는데

너를 돌아설수록 더 너무 보고 싶어서
자꾸 겁이나 사랑이 난 무서워
그림자까지도 그리운 사람
네가 너무 두려워

가르쳐 줄래 어떡해야
이 운명 앞에서 벗어날 수 있을까

너를 사랑해 사랑해 죽을 만큼 사랑해 (사랑해)
가슴이 아파 미칠 것만 같은데
쉴 새 없이 눈물 흘러도 너를
사랑할 수 없어도 사랑해

Filed under // Afraid of Love Bobby Kim Korean Music Korean drama Love is Horrible television 바비 킴 사랑이 무서워 스파이 명월

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Review: The Truth Is Out There (And So Are Creative Dramas!)

Review originally written for The Korean Quarterly

The cable drama “Secret Investigation Record” (기찰비록, or Gichalbirok, and popularly known as “Joseon X-Files”) makes a promise to be addictively mysterious early on in episode one and keeps true to its mission throughout the entire 12-episode run.

This is a highly ambitious drama; it time-shifts the premise of aliens and supernatural beings to 17^th century Joseon Korea, with a wink and a nod to the popular Fox sci-fi series, “X-Files.” “Secret Investigation Record” looks to the source materials for inspiration and makes the concept feel both homage and yet at the same time an original work of fiction.

The events recounted in the drama occur in the early 1600s and purportedly recount (in part) a series of inexplicable and bizarre events recorded in historical documents of the period. The most significant of these are the recorded sightings of UFO-type shapes occurring in various locations around Asia. The story, in fact, begins with a scheduled execution about to take place in the province of Gangwon-do. However, before the prisoner can be dispatched, a brilliant light splits the sky and a familiar (to viewers of sci-fi everywhere) saucer-shaped machine appears in the heavens, creating chaos on the ground. This event is duly recorded by the governor, against the advice of his staff, and sent to the king.

Unfortunately, no one appreciates that the truth “is out there,” least of all a group of mysterious figures at court. They see the news of this kind of phenomena as something that must be suppressed at all costs. The governor is brought before the courts and tortured to make him recant and an investigation is called for to discount the claim and therefore find a reason to execute the governor as a liar (therefore guilty of treason against the king). The investigator chosen for the assignment is the stolid, duty-oriented and grounded Kim Hyung-do, played by Ji-hoon Kim. Those choosing him for the task no doubt assume that they’ve picked the kind of investigator who will be not predisposed to flights of fancy, and would dismiss the seemingly illogical reports of space machines readily. Unfortunately for them, and fortunately for the viewer, Hyung-do is not one to let an unexplained experience go; he’s like a dog worrying a bone over things that cannot be reasoned through and soon he finds himself on the ground in Gangwon-do province, sneaking into the former governor’s rooms (now off-limits), stealing private diaries as evidence, and basically doing the opposite of what officials hope he’ll do to put this case firmly to rest so that they can go ahead with their plans. If you’re looking for a comparison to “X-Files,” you could say that Hyung-do is the more grounded, fact-based observation and detail-oriented Scully of the story, with a dash of the occasionally more impulsive Fox Mulder thrown in when the situation warrants it!

He’s accompanied in this investigation by his assigned officer, Jang Man, played by character actor Hee-bong Jo. Jang Man is a cross between the canny civil servant who knows how to keep his head down, an aide who will follow orders loyally when asked (even if he really, really doesn’t want to do so), and an outright bumptious coward. He doesn’t like any of the situations they increasingly find themselves in, and voices that alarm most readily, but in general he’s surprisingly loyal and as dogged in his own way as Hyung-do, and in that makes a good sidekick.

During the first episode, Hyung-do has a brief encounter with a young woman, Heo Yoon-yi, played by Jung-eun Im, the owner of a bookshop. He’s startled to see in the materials she’s dropped, images similar to those drawn and described by the governor, however there is no opportunity to pursue this discovery – until they meet again. Yoon-yi is destined to become his partner in investigation, they are brought together later through the machinations of Ji Seung, the head of a covert organization known as Shinmuhwe. Ji Seung, played by Kap-soo Kim, is a top-class puppet master, and Kim plays him with a steely eye not unlike his role as the spy agency head in “Time Between Dog and Wolf.” But our first glimpses of Yoon-yi show her to be influential, a member of a group gathering to discuss the appearance of the flying saucers, and an expert of sorts in the subject – or at least as a librarian of the arcane. Her interest and knowledge in this field is impressive, as is her calm, intelligent manner. As the drama progresses, she is also much more than that; she is an equal to Kyung-do in terms of contributing to an investigation. She is not there as the romantic interest; there is actually very little in the way of romance within the various story arcs, but there is a definite connection that speaks more to partnership and understanding.

To recount more of the story would diminish the discovery aspect as Hyung-do pursues one mystery after another and tries to make some semblance of logic out of his experiences. It would also involve an overuse of the word “mysterious.”) However, it is worth noting that each episode introduces multiple hints – sometimes just the briefest glimpses of a face, an action, or an object – that will have significance later in the drama. The plotting is carefully laid out to reveal information; this is one drama where it would be worth watching all the way through and then, after finishing, going back and watching it from the beginning to see the many clues placed throughout. The strongest story arc of the series begins with episode 7 and continues through episode 9 – it’s some of the strongest writing, acting, and production work I’ve seen in Korean dramas, and it stands out for its uniqueness in tone as well – though there are small flashes of clues earlier in the series. It’s that level of intricacy and detail that make this drama a standout.

Of course, this may not be the drama for everyone. A fellow devotee of Korean dramas was watching it at the same time and struggled with some of the plot. The biggest complaint was directed at the actions of some characters in given situations. Why, for example does Hyung-do persist in his investigations (when there is another government squad that comes in to clean up and hide all evidence of the supernatural phenomena, including killing all who know the answers). Is the ‘wet-work’ cover up squad working in parallel or does the work that Hyung-do inadvertently lead them to their victims. If so, why doesn’t he stop? My answer: he can’t stop until he finds the truth. It’s his personality and his obsession since his own first encounter. It is who he is, right or wrong. The other criticism was that there was not enough attention paid to the back-story for Hyung-do and Yoon-yi. Even if this were not intended as a sci-fi driven romance, the emotional ties to the lead characters would have been stronger if the viewer knew more about their pasts. How did Hyung-do come to be who he is? How did he know that governor? Yoon-yi knows nothing of her past, we learn, but how does she come to know so much about the arcane? The series sheds no light on these questions, but for this reviewer (and her spouse), the lack of information was not a detriment. In a way, not being so closely tied in to the history of Hyung-do or Yoon-yi meant that you could focus on the story as it unfolds. You are, in a sense, experiencing the emotional jolts and shocks to reason that the characters do, as they experience them. You “live in the moment.”

The final criticism is that after the incredibly strong story arc running through episodes 6 through 9, episode 10 was out of place in tone and the two-episode arc to close the series was weaker and left more to many questions. This is a valid criticism, though one might argue that after the intensity of the previous episodes, the relatively lighter tone of the tenth episode calms the story down in order to set up the climax. The ambiguous ending allows for personal interpretation – just what does happen to Hyung-do in those final moments? What was the truth to his relationship (past and/or present and/or future) with Yoon-yi? This decision is up to the viewer, though the series cries out for continuation. Unfortunately, with Ji-hoon Kim entering the service shortly after the drama wrapped, such plans are out of the question.

It’s worth noting that, as a cable drama, the production team used the opportunity to up the ante on style, camera direction, and occasionally the gruesome. The hand-held camera work may generate some criticism, but for this reviewer it added that sense of things being off-kilter in a way that was perfectly in keeping with the shocking discoveries, fearful moments, and palpitating heartbeats of those involved. Much of the set decoration and costumes were exceptionally lovely; the color palette and tones for this drama are particularly notable. A particularly humorous bit of wardrobe creativity comes in the form of Hyung-do’s gat coming in for regular beatings. The increasingly shabby and crumpled look of his headgear is a subtle running theme throughout the drama and it becomes a part of his detective persona, not unlike the rumpled raincoat worn by Peter Falk’s detective, Columbo.

“Secret Investigation Record” deserves much praise for the imaginative setting, fresh and compelling characters, and yes, risk-taking, for gambling on a sci-fi tale that is willing to look to a cult classic and marry it to the familiar setting of Joseon Korea. The success of the project is undeniable; months after watching this series, my non-drama-watching spouse still brings up how he wishes there were more episodes to watch! And in writing these details I find myself longing too for a revisit to this world, and this time to pay even closer attention to the clever clues laid throughout the piece. This is one tale that’s not going to be “written and filed away” forever; it’s going to be watched again soon and no doubt many times in the future.

Filed under // Drama Gichalbirok Jo Hee-bong Joseon Joseon X-Files Kim Ji-hoon Kim Jung-eun Kim Kap-soo Korea Korean drama Secret Investigation Record drama review review 기찰비록

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Review: "Iris" Brings Big Hollywood Style Action to the Small Screen

This review originally appeared in the Korean Quarterly

The production team for “IRIS” (KBS 2009) spent every penny of their reputed $20 million budget wisely because this drama shines with class and sophistication. Every episode brings suspense, action, and yes, romance to the screen, providing something for every adult viewer. (Note: scenes involving violence make this drama inappropriate viewing for younger or more sensitive audiences.) And like many Hollywood blockbusters, the gloss hides some flaws.

The ambitious plot combines spy games, betrayal, political moves for and against reunification, assassinations and conspiracies, and oh yes, a love triangle, all told in 20 episodes. The principle players in the very large and talented cast are: Byung Hun Lee (“All In,” “The Good, the Bad, and the Weird”), Tae Hee Kim (“Stairway to Heaven”), and Joon Ho Jung (“Last Scandal”) as NSS agents Kim Hyun Joon, Choi Seung Hee, and Jin Sa Woo, respectively. Hyun Joon and Sa Woo meet in the service and are recruited by the NSS, with Seung Hee, an expert profiler for the agency, part of the team vetting the two men. Both fall for her but it is Hyun Joon’s bad boy charm that wins her heart. But there is little time for romance in a spy’s world, not with the threat of North Korea possibly ready for a successful nuclear weapons program. Rounding out the main cast members are Seung Woo Kim (“How to Meet a Perfect Neighbor,” “Hotelier”) and So Yeon Kim (“Gourmet”) as Park Chul Young and Kim Sun Hwa, members of the North Korean national guard, Young Chul Kim as Baek San, head of the NSS, and T.O.P from the pop group Big Bang in his first role as IRIS assassin, Vick. Other familiar faces in the cast include Je Moon Yoon, Joo Sang Yoon, Jung Gil Lee, Jyu Ni Hyun, and Gab Soo Kim.

The action sequences are where the drama really shines. There’s a dash of “24,” a smidgen of James Bond, a pinch of “Time Between Dog and Wolf,” and a nod to “The Fugitive.” And the drama kicks off with some outstanding location work and a series of dramatic action sequences. Given an unusual “wet work” assignment to assassinate a key figure in the North Korean government by spymaster Baek San, Hyun Joon (Lee) sets up the operation in spite of the high risks involved. The setting at the Budapest History Museum captures that classic spy versus spy element of Cold War dramas, as he tours the massive stone building and narrow streets of a central European capital that has seen many intrigues in its long history. He narrowly avoids contact with the North Korean security service, headed up by the sharp-dressing Park Chul Young and his stern sidekick, Kim Sun Hwa on several occasions, and manages to complete his task and eliminate the target, but not without consequences. In his escape, he is wounded and narrowly avoids capture, but with his wound as severe as it is, he will need backup from his fellow NSS agents. Only that help is not coming…

From the "Iris OST," sung by Kim Tae-woo

The story takes a step back at this point to identify the major characters, provide the back story for the friendship between pals Hyun Joon and Sa Woo, their recruitment into the NSS (in a harrowing sequence involving physical, chemical, and mental torture to test their endurance), and to set up the romance between Hyun Joon and Seung Hee, leaving Sa Woo on the periphery and jealous. We learn that Hyun Joon is an orphan and his parents, scientists in South Korea’s nuclear program, died mysteriously. And, that he’s driven, intelligent, loyal to a fault, and yes, very charismatic. (Of course.)

After the successful resolution to a mission in which the president’s life is saved, Hyun Joon and Seung Hee take off for northern Japan to get away from the deadly seriousness of espionage and play in the snow. They spend an idyllic time playing in the snow, enjoying the hot springs, bonding with a local family, and getting to know each other. At one point in their explorations, they come across a statue guarding a lake and Seung Hee explains the legend behind the figure. Her story reveals a fear she harbors that the work they do may turn them into monsters, and her vulnerability. He too recognizes this, but at this point in his career, feels that they will always be able to walk away at some point in the future. But then, he’s not become involved with IRIS. They return from their vacation to head to Hungary on assignment and from there, Hyun Joon is on a trajectory with fate.

While the plot of “IRIS” is not so complicated that one needs to take notes to keep straight what is going on at any given moment, or who is on what side, but to explain further the plot points would rob the new viewer of the thrill of wondering what will happen next. With only a few episodes just past the midpoint of the drama occasionally bogging down in exposition, most hours end with a cliffhanger that forces the viewer to continue on with the next one. There are more than a few surprises along the way, and not always pleasant ones. This is a deadly serious business, with consequences for those involved.

The performances from the cast make this drama worth watching as well, with few exceptions. Critics have weighed in both positively and negatively regarding Tae Hee Kim’s capabilities as a leading lady. Although she excels as in commercial work, there are times when she is given to overacting – particularly when she is called upon to perform in a high-tension scene – and this makes her less compelling as a leading lady. However, when she is relaxed and playful in her romantic interludes with Byung Hun Lee, she is much more credible.

She does not, however, come across as strong as So Yeon Kim, as the loyal Kim Sun Hwa who throws in her lot with vengeful fugitive Hyun Joon. So Yeon Kim’s large, luminous eyes shine convincingly with emotion. Her expressions are perfectly scaled for the small screen; whereas Tae Hee Kim’s broader facial expressions might be more at home on the stage. The role of Sun Hwa understandably became a fan favorite during the show’s airing, and many a viewer secretly hoped that Hyun Joon might see her true worth and toss over Seung Hee for Sun Hwa.

Another performance that received some buzz in pop circles was that of T.O.P (real name Seung Hyun Choi) of Big Bang. As the stone cold killer Vick, he certainly has a glamorous bad boy vibe down and this plays well in some scenes with the impressionable junior NSS officer, Yang Mi Jung. However, in some sequences with the more experienced Lee, it’s clear that – while this is a promising start – he has some work to do yet to be completely convincing for an extended period onscreen. It will be interesting to see what he does with his considerable potential in future efforts.

The other performances from the major cast members, as well as supporting players, are generally excellent. Joon Ho Jung as Sa Woo brings a wealth of film and television experience to play here and is highly credible as a very intelligent yet ultimately weak and conflicted agent. His interactions with Byung Hun Lee illustrate how good the level of professional acting is in Korea: both men bring a dynamic personality, conviction, and physical presence to the screen. It is impossible to watch their performances and not be moved. As mentioned earlier, Lee also has tremendous rapport with So Yeon Kim, and his dealings with Seung Woo Kim as the North Korean agent Park Chul Young also reveal two mature and professional actors at the peak of their game.

One of the interesting aspects of “IRIS” for this viewer is the role of North Korea and its agents and how varied and interesting they are. From the moment you see Seung Woo Kim in his crisp, elegantly tailored attire, neatly groomed mustache, and intelligent demeanor, you realize that this is not your typical communist-bashing plot. His character is thoughtful, balanced, resourceful, and ethical. His junior, Sun Hwa, with her modern, angular haircut and neat, black, Hillary Clinton pantsuit, is equally passionate, loyal, and true. There are unethical types on both sides of the border, looking to advance their own agenda by whatever means possible – and hang the consequences. This makes the viewing more balanced and ultimately more rational.

Is “IRIS” a perfect drama? Not entirely. It does reveal some plot weaknesses in some moments of repetitive themes. Hyun Joon takes (and survives somehow, uncrippled) some horrific beatings and the story as a result treads a little too far into the unbelievable. But the action-driven plotting, the beautiful use of location shoots, and the efforts of a highly capable and talented cast push this into the “Must See” list for lovers of action-oriented drama. It’s also the perfect drama to introduce a skeptical male into the world of dramas – you’ve got “take no prisoners” action for him and the romance for the traditionalist!

Finally, what or who exactly is IRIS? Well, that would be telling… You’ve got to get to the bottom of that mystery yourself!

Filed under // IRIS Jung Jun Ho Kim Seo Yeon Kim Seung Woo Kim Tae Hee Korea Korean drama Korean durama Lee Byung Hun drama review television

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Review: Time between Dog and Wolf

(This review originally appeared in the Korean Quarterly)

Imagine the lowering sun at day’s end, painting the sky a mixture of red and violet, and evening approaching. Over the hill in the distance you see a shape, but in the strange, fading twilight you cannot tell if it is the friendly dog you have raised or a wolf… This is a described by the French as “l'heure entre chien et loup,” or, the “time between dog and wolf,” a time when uncertainty reigns and you cannot tell trusted confidante from foe. “Time between Dog and Wolf” is also the title of a 2007 MBC series starring Lee Jun Ki. (Original title: 개와 늑대의 시간 “Kae-wa neuk-dae-ui sikan.”) Few drama titles set the scene for what is to come as aptly this does.

On the surface this is a straight action-oriented drama with a little romance thrown in for good measure, but to dismiss “Time between Dog and Wolf” as a lightweight but thrilling piece of entertainment is to do it a disservice.

The story begins with an explosive car chase and shootout at the wharves in Incheon. Lee Jun Ki’s character aggressively maneuvers through shipping containers and dock traffic to protect the frightened and confused woman beside him (Nam Sang Mi). He diverts the pursuers and orders her from the car, then sets off to lead the attackers away from her, only to be hit by gunfire and his car plunge into the harbor. A carved wooden elephant floats nearby as his apparently lifeless body sinks deeper and deeper. The shaken woman collapses into the arms of an NIS agent she recognizes, telling Kang Min Ki (Jung Kyung Ho) in a dazed murmur that she’s seen Soo Hyun.

Have we seen the setup for the dramatic finale of the story, such as was done with “Damo”? What’s going on here? Immediately you sit up and realize that this is not going to be your typical drama. The production looks and feels expensive, the cast is young and attractive, and the story begins with a Hollywood-style action sequence. Your next thought is, “This is going to be good!” And you’re right. Sit back, but forget about relaxing — that’s for other dramas. This one is going to grab you and hold you.

After the exhilarating pace of the opening sequence, the story shifts to lush and tropical Bangkok, Thailand and a time some ten years earlier. Here is where we meet the central characters to the story: young Lee Soo Hyun (Park Gun Tae plays the role as a boy, Lee Jun Ki as an adult) who lives with his widowed mother (Kim Jung Nan), an intelligence agent, Ari (Jung Min Ah plays the young Ari, Nam Sang Mi as an adult), and her father, Mao (Choi Jae Sung). Soo Hyun and Ari meet by chance and become friends, spending an idyllic time together playing in temples and parks.

The happiness of that friendship is soon cut short. Ari informs him that she will soon leave Bangkok and the friends vow to see each other again someday. Soo Hyun gives her a carved wooden elephant he’s made for her, with the promise to complete it when they next meet. Little do either know that their lives are more closely bound than they could ever imagine: Soo Hyun’s mother is on the trail of the Cheongbang drug cartel and Ari’s father, Mao, is a key member of the cartel. In a stunning sequence of events, Soo Hyun witnesses his mother’s assassination at the hands of a masked assailant, the only recognizable feature being the intricate tattoos on the man’s wrist. The casting of young Park Gun Tae as Soo Hyun was an inspired choice. Not only does he suggest a younger Lee Jun Ki, but also he is able to bring great emotional depth to the frightening events portrayed in this scene. The traumatized boy is taken in by Kang Joong Ho (played by Lee Ki Young), an NIS agent and brought home to Korea.

A close colleague to both the boy’s mother and father, another agent killed in action years earlier, he adopts Soo Hyun and considers him a son and brother to his own boy, Kang Min Ki, raising them to be strong and intelligent young men (with a healthy sibling rivalry). Both enter the NIS, following in the footsteps of their fathers, and are assigned different roles in the agency that will lead them to a confrontation with the Cheongbang, looking to expand operations into Korea.

During the first few months of their work in the agency, Min Ki meets a young woman, Soo Ji Woo, who is working as an art dealer and is smitten. He arranges to meet her but has to break their date and sends Soo Hyun in his place. The two don’t connect until he chances to see the name “Ari” in Thai script on her date book and this triggers his memory of his former playmate. The friendship blossoms again, but he holds her at an emotional distance because he’s focused on work, and more specifically, the work of avenging the death of his mother. Refreshingly, Min Ki is not the stereotypical jealous brother, full of envy and resentment that the woman he loves only has eyes for another. Instead, although he’s seen as lazy and a bit of a goof-off, he’s also intelligent and good at his job. He encourages Soo Hyun to take the relationship seriously and does his best to be a supportive brother.

So, where in all this does the “time between dog and wolf” come in? Initially, the description of this mysterious time or impression of circumstances comes about because of a painting of the same title; Min Ki does a little research and does his best to impress Ji Woo with his newly acquired art knowledge. But the layers peel off the onion as the story progresses. Lee Soo Hyun comes into contact on assignment with Mao and in a fateful moment, recognizes the telltale tattoos on the man’s arms — those of the man who killed his mother. His actions in that meeting lead him on a fateful path towards disgrace, dismissal from the NIS, and recruitment to work as an undercover, or “black” agent. His mission is to infiltrate the Cheongbang in Thailand. To do so, he must postpone his revenge and insinuate himself into Mao’s life and work operations. He must be seen as the loyal dog, but is in truth the wolf coming to destroy Mao. In Thailand (with no doubt a symbolic nod from the writers), he assumes the name “Kay,” and works his way into the gang through his skills in muay thai, Thai kickboxing. All the while he is unaware of Mao’s connection to Ji Woo.

To provide more details of the story would be to rob it of its impact. Each episode of the story builds on the prior episode at an increasing pace, most ending with an exciting cliffhanger. With the availability of this title on DVD, you won’t have to suffer the agony of waiting to find out what happens next, you can continue on as longer as your eyes hold out, but it must have been sweet torture to watch this live and to be kept in such suspense. There are also a number of excellent performances worth mentioning, such as that of the always-interesting Lee Ki Young who adopts and guides Soo Hyun. Burly and taciturn Choi Jae Sung as Mao strikes the perfect tone as the businesslike but ruthless drug lord who takes in Kay (Soo Hyun) seeing in him a possible successor and treating him like a son. Kim Gab Soo is the shifty and cunning NIS director Jung Hak Soo, a veritable puppetmaster calling the shots, and Suh Dong Won has a memorable turn as Choi Il Do, an ex-NIS agent now operating under the name of the “Roadrunner,” specializing in secrets for sale.

As Ji Woo, Nam Sang Mi does a credible job, though fans of romance will complain that she and her costar do not share enough time onscreen together. However, it’s Lee Jun Ki who really makes this drama succeed. The role of Soo Hyun also allows him to showcase his skills in the martial arts, both in traditional combat defense moves and in the muay thai matches in which Kay competes. And it must be noted that the stylist for this production deserves extra credit, as does the production scheduling team for creating a film plan that allowed for Soo Hyun/Kay to model a wide variety of hairstyles, each one completely suited to the character at that point of the story!

It’s not just the physical appeal of Lee Jun Ki, which is considerable, but his ability to convincingly portray someone who is living life undercover, always on edge, trying to stay focused on his task and to wait for the perfect moment to avenge his parents. One thing that was particularly satisfying was that he managed to portray all of the aspects of his character so fully. There was the emotionally traumatized young boy, the self-contained man on a mission, the tormented failed agent in deep cover, suffering from amnesia (watch the story for how this comes to pass), and then most intriguingly of all, his portrayal of Soo Hyun with memory recovered and horrified by what had happened and who he’d become in his time as Kay and yet he manages to hold on to residual bits of Kay at the same time. He had become both Kay and Soo Hyun! It is no wonder Mao cannot tell if it is the dog or wolf: it is both.

There are a few elements of the drama that are less than completely successful. Some of the technical workings of the agents at the NIS come off flatfooted and unprofessional. (Just a tip: if you’re working undercover, spring for a couple of different vans to mix up the look. If you’re working a concession counter undercover know that it’s not typical to have an earpiece and cord snaking down your shirt and forget about speaking into your shirt cuff radio!) That said these are minor complaints when the overall action and pace of the story are considered. Add to that the thrilling cliffhangers — don’t miss the one where Kay is called to go to this art center and in the basement the phone rings, and it’s for him… as Lee Soo Hyun! — and you’ve got a highly entertaining drama.

Ultimately, the key to whether a drama is good or not is whether you find yourself unwilling to say good-bye to the characters and want to know what happens in their world long after “The End” comes up on the screen. That is definitely the case with “Time between Dog and Wolf.” No doubt after watching it you will too find yourself sitting in an imaginary twilight, hoping to see a familiar shape coming over the hill… and picturing what happens next in the continuing story of Lee Soo Hyun, Soo Ji Woo, and Kang Min Ki.

Filed under // Drama Korean durama Lee Junki Nam Sang-mi Time between Dog and Wolf drama review 개와 늑대의 시간 남상미 이준기

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Song of the Day: "Pabo" by Park Hyo-shin

While Park Hyo-shin is off serving his country (an inevitable heartache for fans of actors, singers, celebrities, and just ordinary folks is that there is mandatory military service for young men in South Korea), I have been searching out some of his earlier works. Thanks to my Soribada subscription, I've come up with a few particular gems that have my fingers reaching for the "Replay" button every time they come up. This is one of them.

바보 (Fool)

너무 모르고 있죠 이미 떠난 사인데

언젠가 올 거란 생각에

마냥 웃고만 있죠 슬픈 상처뿐인데

곁에 있을거라 믿었죠

걱정돼요 내가 없으면

어느것 하나도 할 수 없던 사람인데

*꼭 한번(또 다시)만날 수 있다면

아직 남겨진 내 맘 전하고 싶은데

내가 부족한가요 당신을 원한 이유로

이렇게 날 외면하려 하나요

단 한번 사랑을 믿어요

볼 수 있다면 나 웃고 살 수 있는데

허나 다른 사랑 찾아가란 말은 말아요

날 버리진 않겠죠 그럴리 없잖아요 you

부탁해요 곁에 없어도 몸조심하세요

참 힘겨워 했잖아요

* Repeat

언젠가 잠시라도 기억할 수 있다면

난 그걸로 돼요

Filed under // Fool Korea Korean Music Music Park Hyo-shin Song of the Day Soribada 바보 박효신

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Top 10 Challenge

After a discussion about favorite actors, a friend and I decided we'd try to name the 10 most attractive, talented, and/or sexy Korean actors — those that most make our eyes light up and our hearts flutter. The rules were simple: a firm limit of 10 and no need to place in any sort of ranking.

It turns out that it was much harder than expected! But after much deliberation, here are my top 10:

Top: left to right
Chun Jung-myung
Hyun Bin
Kang Ji-hwan

Row 2:So Ji-sub
Oh Ji-ho

Row 3:
Kim Joo-hyuk
Lee Jun-ki
Lee Min-ho

Bottom:
Cha Seung-won
Gong Yoo

Filed under // Korean actors Korean drama Korean movie

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Song of the Day: "元気 perfect issue"

This is the kind of music I wish Akanishi Jin (formerly of Japanese pop idol super group KAT-TUN) would do as he branches out and does solo work.

元気 perfect issue is part of the album created for the movie "Bandage," starring Akanishi as the lead singer of a rock band, LANDS. The title of the album is "Olympos."

Filed under // Akanishi Jin Bandage Japanese music KAT-TUN LANDS Music Olympos Song of the Day 元気 perfect issue

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Bobby Kim: The Heart of a Performer and Soul of an Artist

Note: This article was written for The Korean Quarterly and relates the events of a concert attended by this author in September, 2010.

It’s a Sunday afternoon in Wonju City, about a 2-hour drive from Seoul, and the first of the two concerts that will close out Bobby Kim’s “Heart & Soul” tour is about to begin. The lights come up, and with the audience in eager anticipation; he takes to the stage, trim and urbane in a light-colored double-breasted jacket, open-necked shirt, with an elegant flair reminiscent of Sammy Davis Jr.

Kim opens the show with “Hotel California,” the signature hit from 1976 for country rock legends, the Eagles. And immediately you know, this is going to be a very personal journey into the musical world of Bobby Kim.

Photo credit: Oscar Entertainment

After the concert, Kim graciously spared some time from his rest period before the final show to respond to a few questions about his career, sharing both past experiences, his professional philosophy, and future aspirations.

Once introductions were out of the way, our attention immediately turned to the extraordinary range of the concert’s set list. After opening with the Eagles’ number, Kim ventured into Motown territory; later he engaged the audience in a sing-along of McCartney’s “Let It Be,” one of the last songs recorded by the Beatles – selections revealing his culturally diverse background and tastes. He spoke of how artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and others influenced him and shaped his musical vocabulary while growing up in California. Rock, soul, reggae, Kim professed a passion for a wide variety of musical genres. Throughout the concert he’d demonstrated this versatility, letting his warm and flexible voice soar through the R&B and soul-tinged songs from his latest album, “Heart & Soul,” and prior releases, such as the well-received “Love Chapter: 1.” In a later set, Kim traded the elegantly tailored look and sound for well-worn jeans, tee, and jacket and hit back hard with the rap numbers. In both instances he was equally at home and had the audience at his command.

Another important contributor to his musical story is his father, Yong-geun Kim, a professional trumpeter, who moved the family to the States to pursue his own vision, and in doing so, exposed his son to both a wide musical world and different cultures. This eclectic sampling of genres from an early age has taken root in Bobby’s talented mind. One of the things he expressed great pleasure in was borrowing from this broad spectrum and incorporating it in new ways in his melodies. A perfect example of this can be found in one of the numbers performed during the concert, the lovely “소나무” (“Pine Tree”), which borrows from the German Christmas melody, “O Tannenbaum,” and develops it into a poignant ballad.

Photo credit: R Nystrom

Apparent during the concert and supported by his remarks, Bobby Kim is a generous artist, ready to share the stage with those who bring the same passion to the music. The concert featured Kim sharing the spotlight with Ghan-D and Juvie Train, performing a number of songs from their Buga Kingz releases that pulsed with energy. Their joy in performing together was visible and set the audience to dancing in their seats and in the aisles with equal abandon.

This is due, perhaps, to his appreciation for the struggle to be heard. Debuting in 1994, Kim’s entrée to the professional world was not an easy one. Often referred to as the “grandfather of rap” for his early work in that genre, he admitted that being on the leading edge did not translate into success. Highly respected by his peers, he collaborated with a number of artists in the Korean music industry. In a voice that was modest and low-key after the efforts of the concert, Kim recounted how his solo recordings came about: while writing and shopping songs produced for other artists, he was encouraged by those who listened to the demo tracks he’d cut to record the songs for himself. His work as a solo artist was favorably received and in 2004, his recording of the song, “고래외 꿈” (“The Whale’s Dream”), topped the charts.

Bobby Kim singing "The Whale's Dream" (R Nystrom)

Along the way Kim has made conscious choices as a performer and a professional. He doesn’t want to take the path of the idol singer, performing on endless array of variety shows. He’s worked diligently to craft his music and wants to earn the respect of his audience through his music. The path he’s chosen has been at times slow and he’s met with his share of frustrations and disappointments, but his voice reveals both pride in the way he’s achieved his goals and a measure of determination to continue his journey in a way that is emotionally and creatively rewarding. Upon hearing his story it was evident that Kim’s music must indeed come from both his heart and soul. The words to the opening track of “Heart & Soul” are part anthem, part mission statement for Kim: “Free, so free, I do.”

What does the future hold for Bobby Kim? He is currently working on a single that he is featuring on with Korean rapper Double K and will be produced by a famous Japanese producer. Several months ago it was also announced that Kim will be releasing an album and holding his first concert in Japan, with a targeted dates in mid-November. What will this mean for the artist? With the growing interest in Korean music evident in Japan, the potential exists for a successful expansion into a new fan base of some of the largest consumers of music in the world. This represents a new challenge for Bobby Kim, and one that he has the talent and determination to take on.

When asked about plans to return to the States and an opportunity for fans here to enjoy his performances, Kim welcomed the possibility and expressed an interest in doing so. All that’s required is the right invitation to make that a reality. In the meantime, Bobby Kim’s fans will have to content themselves to enjoying his growing body of work on CDs.

Bobby Kim Discography*

Solo Albums

Heart & Soul (2010)
Love Chapter: 1 (2009)
Follow Your Soul (2006)
Beats Within My Soul (2004)
Holy Bumz Presents (1998, reissued in 2005 as Ground Zero)

Buga Kingz

The Menu (2008)
The Renaissance (2005)
Bugalicious (2001)

* Bobby Kim is also featured on recordings of other artists such as Drunken Tiger and the Brown Eyed Girls, and is featured on the OSTs for a number of Korean drama series, most recently for “Dr. Champ.” A smartphone application for “Heart & Soul” is also available on iTunes. Bobby Kim is represented by Oscar Entertainment.

Filed under // "Heart & Soul" tour Bobby Kim Buga Kingz Korean Music Korean Quarterly Music Oscar Entertainment South Korea Wonju concert review 바비 킴

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Drama obsession of the month: Jade Palace Lock Heart

I love the clothes, I love the cast, I love the drama, and... surprisingly, I love the hair! These actors commit to the role too: no bald pate wigs for them. Nope, they've shaved their heads for the roles.

A young woman finds herself mysteriously cast back in time to the era of Emperor Kang Xi and ends up a maid in the palace. Two of the Emperor's sons (he has so many that they're referred to by their birth order) fight for her affections.

"Jade Palace Lock Heart" is a 39-episode drama from mainland China. It also goes by the title "Gong." Check it out!

4th Prince

8th Prince

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Striking out of my musical comfort zone

Now generally my musical tastes when it comes to offerings from Japan run more to the likes of Gackt and yes, for my sins, one of the groups out of the notorious idol jimusho, Johnny's Entertainment, TOKIO, but I like to support efforts to bring Japanese culture to Chicago so last Tuesday night, a friend and I took in the annual Japan Nite offerings at the Empty Bottle, in Chicago.

This is becoming an annual event at Empty Bottle, with Japan Nite in its fourth year and I was excited to be able to make it this year, having had schedule conflicts previous years. I knew almost nothing about the 4 groups who would be playing, other than the brief blurb on the Empty Bottle site and a quick spin of the various bands' web pages, and I purposely chose not to sample any of their music in advance because I wanted to experience them first live and in-person.

First up was Hystoic Vein, a 4-girl group billed as Garage / Glam / Punk on their My Space page.

(Left, vocalist Inko, Right, drummer Lyn)

Is it wrong to call them charming? But I did, enjoying their somewhat quirky vibe.

Next up were the Zukuna Sisters, aka Zukunasi, a female foursome specializing in blues and funk. They were, for me, the highlight of the evening. They brought a true Chicago sound to Chicago, and delivered it with great style.

Following their energetic set was Lolita No. 18, four deceptively cute girls (sense a theme here? ...three groups, each of 4 women?) who combined chipmunk vocals and hardcore punk. We'd retreated to the bar area for refreshments so were to far removed for iPhone video or pics — and even more fortunately, to avoid the spray of water distributed courtesy of lead singer Masayo Ishizaka over the adoring fans!

The evening was capped off by the biggest name on the bill, Mo'Some Tonebender (4 guys, for a change), billed as alternative punk. (More info here)

They certainly had the crowd pulsing and the floor shook with almost alarming intensity. Thanks to my trusty foam earplugs (don't laugh; you hear the music perfectly without the damage from high amplification, especially the vocals, and my ears don't ring for two days — I never go to a concert without 'em!), I was really able to enjoy the musicality of the group, and their passion. I was also amused by the quirky "banter" (and I use that term as loosely as possible) of the lead singer, and I quote: "Are you drunk? (pause) Are you drunk? (pause for a swig from his beer bottle) I'm drunk." It wasn't so much what was said as how it was said, like the way you might say casually to someone sitting next to you, "Do you like baseball?" (or some other non sequitur-type like).

Best of all, the evening also served as a fund-raiser for Japan earthquake relief efforts with the proceeds from sales of some drinks and donations going to the Japanese Red Cross!

I'll leave you with a sample of "Aishitereu" by Zukunasi, from their album, "Lovin' & Feelin'."

Filed under // Chicago Empty Bottle Hystoic Vein Japan Nite Japanese music Lolita No. 18 Mo'Some Tonebender Music Zukuna Sisters Zukunasi

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Song of the Day: 사랑이 무서워 - Afraid of Love

사랑이 무서워

이러다 미쳐버릴지 몰라

Review: The Truth Is Out There (And So Are Creative Dramas!)

Review: "Iris" Brings Big Hollywood Style Action to the Small Screen

Review: Time between Dog and Wolf

Song of the Day: "Pabo" by Park Hyo-shin

Top 10 Challenge

Song of the Day: "元気 perfect issue"

Bobby Kim: The Heart of a Performer and Soul of an Artist

Drama obsession of the month: Jade Palace Lock Heart

Striking out of my musical comfort zone