Jukebox #21 Hello ♥

Another weekend song recommendation! The songs haven't been chosen randomly by the shuffle mode in iTunes for some weeks now as I've decided to feature some of my favourites that aren't really that well known. Or at least I think these songs need more love. Haha.

Let's get started! I'll be recommending SHINee's Hello this week!

This song was released in 2010 and though that seemed just like yesterday, it's already been 4 years 0.0 No wonder the boys were sporting strange hairdos though nonetheless still very handsome. Hahaha. I thought that SHINee deserved their own special feature too! Thus the special feature this week! I tend to pay more attention to Super Junior and even EXO now that I forget SHINee - the group that first got me started on KPOP. So I guess if I really wanted to blame someone for getting me hooked all these years. SHINee... That's you!

Haha but the point of this post is not to blame anyone! So let's move on with the actual topic. I think many people haven't paid attention to this song somehow. If I were to ask someone what their favourite SHINee song was, it definitely wouldn't be 'Hello'.

To support my point, I asked some friends what their favourite SHINee song was and here are their responses:

F: Replay.
L: One.
V: Aside.
J: Jojo.
D: Sherlock.

So you see. Nobody really pays attention to this song. Though I'm quite sure people don't really pay attention to SHINee anymore nowadays. Though it's something I really don't want to admit.

The lyrics of the song tell of well, the usual love story. Just like how the title is, the song talks about a guy building up the courage to greet a girl he likes. It's also the story line the MV has. Of course, the way the boys acted it out, it's totally adorable! Who wouldn't want the SHINee members to secretly have a crush on them right? Hehehe. At the same time I think that the most edited photo would be of Onew in the MV. I've seen so many edits of Onew holding chicken instead of a bouquet of flowers. I can't seem to find the edits now but it's seriously funny! Haha!

If you're reading this... Please give SHINee some love. It's kind of sad that they're popularity here dropped a lot. There used to be many SHINee fans here and unfortunately now I think people just lost interest and companies aren't willing to bring in SHINee World concerts anymore. I can't say it's any better for Super Junior. On a side note, I really hope they bring in Super Show 6.

Many apologies the post got a little sad. Stay tuned for next week's song recommendation! I haven't decided which group to feature yet so I might return to the usual way these posts are written!

Drama Discussion: Angel Eyes ♥

Back with another drama review! If you've clicked on the 'Coming Soon' tab on the top, you would have noticed the amount of drama reviews I'm going to write. I've watched like a great deal of dramas ever since I started work. I think nothing seems to be more relaxing than drama watching. Hahaha. Maybe because Korean actors and actresses are like super pretty and super handsome. Total eye candies!

The drama I'll be discussing in this post is none other than Angel Eyes!

It aired earlier this year from 5th April to 15th June 2014 on SBS. Honestly, I've always thought that SBS had good dramas. They've had dramas like You Who Came From the Stars, The Heirs, You're Beautiful, Secret Garden, etc. I'm not saying that other channels don't have good dramas though. It's just that SBS seems to have quite a few popular dramas over the years.

So let's begin talking about the drama! I'll try my best not to spoil the drama for those who are considering watching it.

The characters.

I think this part is a little confusing, maybe, since the actors do change after the first 2 episodes. The drama starts off with introducing the 2 main characters. Park Dongjoo and Yoon Soowan. Park Dongjoo is played by Kang Haneul in the first 2 episodes and Lee Sangyoon afterward. Yoon Soowan is played by Nam Jihyun and then Goo Hyesun later on. I thought all 4 actors portrayed their roles really well.

Initially, I began watching the drama for Kang Haneul but ended up falling in love with Lee Sangyoon instead. Hahaha. Yes, the main reason why I start watching some dramas are for the actors.

Back to the characters! Honestly, I thought it was pretty interesting showing the shift from the young to the grown up version as it gave us a detailed look into their background story which has a great importance in the whole drama. It was a unique addition that made this drama quite different from the rest.

The plot.

As compared to the dramas I prefer watching, I would think this drama has quite a heavy story line. There are more serious scenes as compared to funny and comical scenes. But of course, with the serious context of the story line, it would be weird too if it were lighthearted and funny.

It focused mostly on the past of the two main characters and though it was pretty complicated, I thought it was rather predictable. From the beginning I could guess how it would end up. Maybe there would be some people finding it unpredictable and surprising too. So it's really up to the viewers. Haha. I think I've watched too many dramas already >< 

With such a story line, I'm not even surprised that it was a tear jerker. I think I've never cried so much watching any other drama. In my defense, most dramas are sad only at certain parts and they're usually a pretty small percentage of the whole drama. So with the nature and story line of this drama... And with the convincing acting of the actors... You'll probably need a tissue box!

The ending. 

I actually liked the ending. Of course, I'm a sucker for happy endings. But then again, there are happy endings that suck too. I really liked the last two episodes though it was predictable, it was very sweet at the same time. I liked how they ended the dramatic aspect of the drama earlier on so that there was enough time to develop the ending. It didn't give the feeling of a slipshod or rushed ending so I thought that was something they did well.

On the whole, I managed to finish watching the drama although it was really totally not my kind of drama. I prefer romance and comedy over romance and melodrama. Anyhow, don't you think Lee Sangyoon is like totally handsome? So tall, such a nice smile and dimples!! Teeheeeee.

Till the next drama review! Do click follow for more drama reviews! 

Jukebox #20 Rewind ♥

Still attempting to get the weekly song recommendation posts out on time >< Obviously I haven't been paying much attention to blogging though I'm sure things would be picking up soon! I've so many drafts waiting to be written. I just realised that in the span of a few months, I've watched a huge amount of Korean dramas. Do look forward to those drama reviews!

So this week's song recommendation is none other than Zhoumi's solo debut, Rewind!

Stop, Rewind, Play!

Honestly, I was quite surprised with Zhoumi's solo debut. I totally didn't see this coming though I wasn't that surprised since Henry made his debut as a solo singer as well. Both Henry and Zhoumi deserve their own stage and their own limelight, so I'm totally happy for them! Though at the same time, I can't help thinking about Kris and Luhan as Zhoumi's from China too. Did SM offer them a different contract? Nonetheless, I'm thankful that Zhoumi is being treated well ^^

Moving on to the song! It's super catchy! Of course, I checked out the song sometime after it was being released. As per usual. I'm always checking things out later than others. At least I didn't do that for Kyuhyun's solo debut. Hehehe. Totally not biased.

I really like the dance! Don't hate me for saying this but I've always found Zhoumi's dancing a little strange. Hehehe. I think it's because he's tall though. He's definitely a good dancer otherwise. The MV is really pretty cool too though I've no idea why they decided to have a caucasian lady as a female lead. I think they used caucasian ladies in the MV of DBSK's Something as well. Maybe they're trying to include different races and countries?

So the Korean lyrics talks about wanting to go back to the past and I guess it's not that much of a happy song. I'm not surprised though since most of the songs I've written about are about relationships and they're usually like full of regret, emotion, frustrations and are just plain upsetting. Hahaha. But I guess, Rewind is a chic kind of breakup song? I thought that the images the lyrics gave were pretty good. Maybe the lyrics translator was good as the English translations actually made sense.

The Chinese lyrics tell of a similar tale and it's quite interesting that the lyrics of both version are actually quite similar to one another. So the meaning and story behind the song don't vary that much. In fact, I think some of the words are even translated to be the same. But I guess with a title like, "Rewind", there isn't really much leeway allowed for a variation in the story of the lyrics.

And of course, I'm totally not surprised that Chanyeol, Tao and a few other SM artistes were featured in the album. SM is a company that has um... a lot of company pride? Hahaha. I'm not complaining though. I seem to like more than one SM group despite all the negativity ><

So that's all for this week's song recommendation! Next week, I'll be recommending a song by... *drum rolls* SHINee! Do stay tuned!

Jukebox #19 At Gwanghwamun ♥︎

This week's song recommendation is once again a totally unbiased choice. Hahaha. As if! It's Kyuhyun! How can it be unbiased! Haha. I apologise in advance as this post might be more crazy fangirl like than usual.

By popular demand, people have suggested I wrote about this song instead of 'Rewind'. Although I'm pretty sure I'll write about 'Rewind' soon. Maybe next week? Hehe.

You probably can't imagine how shocked and excited I was when they announced Kyuhyun's solo album. I totally did not see this coming! But of course, I don't doubt Kyuhyun's ability. And I thought SM did the right thing by releasing his album only now though they were planning it for 2 years. Kyuhyun has gained popularity over the years with his musicals and made a name for himself (slightly bad name at the start) through various variety shows. I think releasing it earlier wouldn't have been as successful as releasing it now. So, probably this one rare time, I applaud you SM.

The lyrics speaks of well, a rather sad story. It speaks of someone thinking back on a past relationship. Waiting for his previous girlfriend at Gwanghwamun? Hoping that she would show up and maybe she would be standing there waiting for him.

I thought the lyrics were well written. Along with the music, it painted a really sad picture. Well I guess that's what you can expect from ballads right? I don't think I've ever heard a happy ballad. Is there a happy ballad out there? I currently can't think of any but if anyone knows of one, please let me know.

It was really another love at first listen kind of song. I think I've mentioned in other posts that there are a few songs that I've fallen in love with at the first listen. It doesn't happen often but it does happen. I decided to be like on time for once and follow Kyuhyun's solo debut (I don't usually follow the whole process; teaser, photos, highlight medley, MV). So when I checked out At Gwanghwamun's teaser video, I had already fallen in love with the song! This song is playing on replay as I'm writing this post hehehe ♥

I'm glad that his song is doing pretty well on the charts! Hehe. I think that he has a chance of topping the charts and winning. This coming week I'm hoping to hear good news. Though it's a sad song. But it's really nice. Totally worthy of first place.

So, that's all for this week's song recommendation. A little more spazzing than usual. Next week I will be writing about... Super Junior! Hehehe. Seems like once and awhile choosing songs to write about is quite refreshing. The following week, I will go back to recommending songs from my library that shuffle randomly chooses. Till then!

Work Talk #5 ♥︎

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (Philippians 4:13)

I think I've a lot of things to think about and reflect on. I think like although I'm happy on the surface, there are many things I'm actually worried about. But then again, it's normal to worry cos I'm the type that worries. Hahaha. Not the first time I'm mentioning that I'm sure.

Firstly, the concert. I think this is the 3rd or 4th concert I've taken part in. Honestly, I'm always excited for these events but then when the event is over, I'm totally drained and I feel like I've aged. But nonetheless every concert is a good experience. As I think back and reflect on the recent one, I feel like I had a lot to learn. It's a little like, 'expectations versus reality' and there's this thin line separating the two. Sometimes we forget that there's that thin line and expect too much.

Anyhow, I strongly believe in children and their work. So I'll be proud no matter the outcome. But of course, they didn't disappoint! The show was great and everyone enjoyed their performance. I'm really proud of them and am really going to miss them when they leave :(

So...

The teams for next year have been announced. I'm quite thankful for my team. I was worried and all before but God always provides and there's a reason behind everything he does. So I'm actually looking at next year positively and I'm sure I'm able to handle whatever comes my way!

Looking forward to meeting the new kids and improving at what I do. Hopefully, slowly but surely, I'll be able to get better and get more confident with the experience I'm gaining. Although it's not always smooth sailing, I'm sure it'll be fine ^^

Actually, there are a lot of things I'm starting to think about. Mostly about what I want to do in the next few years. There's career progression to think about and also future studies. Surely, I'm not stopping at my degree. So I'll have to begin doing research on a suitable masters course. I've been thinking about taking a course on child psychology but it definitely doesn't sound easy at all. I don't know why I'm entertaining this thought but it always makes me curious as to why children would say something or do something a certain way. Hmm. I guess these are all things I've to pray about and think about some more.

Looking forward to a new beginning and hoping for a great 2015! It may sound early but the year starts early in this line of work. In fact, I might even lose track of when the year ends and begins because every year is just like a cycle.

Jukebox #18 This is Love ♥︎

This week's song recommendation won't be something chosen randomly by iTunes shuffle. I think it would be the same for the next few weeks as well. I'm totally not being biased here. Hehehe. Though I probably am. But well, Super Junior is too awesome to not have a special feature right?

This week's song would be This is Love by Super Junior!

The lyrics of the song tells a love story. Well, don't all songs talk about love? Haha. I don't think it's meant to be a sad song but maybe a soulful one? It mostly talks about like how they've come to realise that this is what love is all about. I'm only using 'they' because Super Junior sang the song as a whole. I'm not sure if I should use 'he'. That's the confusing part about the lyrics for group songs. Are they all singing about the same person? 0.0 You see what I mean...

But I'm really glad that they no longer have a box set MV and I really like the whole beginning. Hahaha. My bias is totally showing again. Of course, I really love the dance as well! Though sadly I haven't had the time (and energy) to watch any of the live performances for this song yet. I'll be sure to do so when I have the time. It's difficult especially since weekends aren't even a proper break ><

I know it's supposed to be out in time for the weekends but it's out late again. Apologies! Nonethless, I'm so proud of Super Junior for making it this far! It's been 9 years since their debut! It's been a long time and they've worked so hard to make it where they are right now. I hope they continue to stay together for a long long time! Hehehe. 사랑해요 우리 슈퍼주니어! ♥

Alright! That's the end for this week's song recommendation! Stay tuned for next week's post on well... Super Junior! Hehehe.

Drama Discussion: It's Okay, It's Love ♥

괜찮아, 사랑이야 It's Okay, It's Love

This post has been in my draft folder for like the longest time and I think I finished watching this drama quite some time ago as well. But recently my drama watching technique has been quite strange. Hahaha. I would chiong (local slang for rushing) as much as I can and if I can't wait, I would end up reading the recaps. Then, if it seems interesting enough, I would continue watch from where I left off or skip the boring episodes and continue from wherever I like. Haha.

Nonetheless, it's counted as I've watched the whole drama! And since "It's Okay, It's Love" is pretty recent, I did manage to watch quite a bit of the show as compared to those already completed dramas that I would be blogging about soon.

I started watching this drama, well, because of Kyungsoo of course. Hahaha. It's his acting debut and I would usually watch like the first few episodes to decided whether I really liked the drama or not. I guess you probably can tell whether I liked the drama or not. If I don't like a drama, I wouldn't watch it even if I liked the actor ><

So, moving on...

The characters.

The show opens by introducing the male lead, Jang Jaeyeol (Jo Insung) and it gives us a brief look at his character and his background. He is a writer and also a DJ. So basically Jaeyeol's character is pretty complicated and there'll be more being revealed about him and his family background throughout the show. I won't reveal it here just in case there are people interested in watching the drama.

The female lead, Ji Haesoo (Gong Hyojin) is a psychiatrist and at the start she doesn't get along well with Jaeyeol but you guys probably already can guess what would happen between the two. Haha. Typical of Korean dramas. She, too, has some sort of background story that would be revealed. I think her background story isn't as significant compare to Jaeyeol's. His story is really like the main gist of the drama.

I think Han Kangwoo (DO) has quite an important role in the drama as well. You'll find up what's up with this guy when you start watching the drama. I do think his role kind of ties the whole drama together and it makes the drama special, in that sense. For those who have already watched the drama, you'll probably understand what I'm talking about. Hehehe.

The plot.

I guess it's probably obvious if I were to say it's a complicated drama. Haha. Of course, the title doesn't make it sound like it's complicated and maybe some sort of the usual love story, romance kind of drama but in actual fact, it's far from that. It's quite an unusual story line actually. I think that's what drew most people to watching and following this drama closely.

Sure, there's romance. But there's also the totally complicating and grown up side to the whole drama. From the start, viewers would get thrown into the crazy world of psychology and all the mental issues.

I thought that it was good though. Instead of the usual Korean dramas, this was pretty unusual. We also got to see like the struggles patients faced and get exposed to all these issues around us. It's very real! Especially since psychological issues like these are becoming more and more common everywhere. So I thought that a drama exploring such issues, it's pretty fresh.

The ending.

Of course, they all lived happily ever after! Don't worry, that's all I'll say for those who want to watch the drama. I mean the drama takes viewers on quite a emotional roller coaster so nothing but a happy ending would suffice. I'm pretty satisfied with how it ended compared to other popular dramas that were good throughout but disappointed viewers with a lousy ending. So I definitely recommend this drama if you love a happy ending!

Catch this drama soon if you haven't already watched it and let me know your thoughts too!

Jukebox #17 Winter Child (겨울아이) ♥

Weekend. Shuffle. Play.

This week's song recommendation is going to be a pretty old song. It's Winter Child from the Dream High OST soundtrack.



This song was sung by Suzy from Miss A and it was released through the drama which was like in 2011. Whoa, time really does fly, doesn't it! At that time Kim Soohyun was just starting to get known and look where he's at now! Super popular actor!

Even my mum likes him. Hehehe.

The lyrics of the song basically talks of a child born in Winter. For those who've not watched the drama, Suzy's character is basically singing the song to Taecyeon's character. Suzy's character supposed to be very emotionless and even when she sings she doesn't show emotion so by singing this song that she used to sing to her childhood friend, Taecyeon's character, on his birthday years ago. So, she learned how to inject emotion into the song when singing. That's the gist of the scene you saw above.

If I remember correctly, I think I did a cover of this song for my 2 best friends' birthdays. They're both born in Winter, though we don't have any seasons here. Hahaha. I quite like this song except for the 'happy birthday' part. Hahaha. Awkward~

So that's this week's song recommendation! Keep a lookout for a new song recommendation every weekend!