I love T-ara.  Their first album had more good songs than most Kpop groups or American pop singers put out in 3 years (see Like the First Time, I Go Crazy Because of You, I’m Really Hurt, Bo Peep Bo Peep, Apple is A, and TTL)… even my Mom likes to break down with the Bo Peep dance.

So, I was pretty excited about their newly released mini-album, Vol. 2 Temptastic (a name so awful it’s amazing).

They have 2 songs out right now: Yayaya and Why Are You Being Like This?

Why Are You Being Like This? is great.  It’s fun, catchy, and has a great beat… however, T-ara seems determined to hold on to their crown for the Worst Dancers in Korea.  They have really outdone even themselves in creating what must be the easiest and most pointless “dance” ever.  (They basically do the E.T. finger touch… that’s it… however, they can’t even do that when they sing live because of the microphones!)

The fantastic video blog, Eat Your Kimchi, does a great review (and interpretation) of the video.

The one good thing I will say is that because they can’t dance, there are an enormous amount of close-ups… an enormous amount.  And these girls are so cute (and really good in front of the camera) that the close-ups work well for them.

Here’s the video:

Now there’s also T-ara’s other song… Yayaya.  The video involves a plane crash, after which the unconscious pilot is kidnapped by T-ara who have been transformed into a band of indians… as in Native Americans… as in they are wearing feathers and have painted lines on their cheeks… (one also appears to be wearing a painted Star of David)…

I’m not going to lambast them for being racist… they’re not purposefully harming anyone and this is a video for 13 year old girls (and me).  Mostly, it’s just incredibly weird and funny…

Here’s the video if you want to watch… you are warned.

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Overall grade: 95
Acting: 4/5
Directing: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Filming: 5/5

I finally got around to seeing The Housemaid (2010).

Before talking about the movie, I must encourage everyone to watch the first 5 minutes.  It is one of the best dissections of Korean night life I’ve ever seen.

As for the movie, it was almost a perfect film.  Beautifully directed, written, and filmed.  I had already been impressed with director Im Sang-soo‘s The President’s Last Bang (about dictator Park Chung Hee‘s assassination by his KCIA director in 1979) and I loved Jeon Do-yeon in Secret Sunshine/밀양, for which she won Best Actress at Cannes… so I had high expectations.

Briefly, the story follows a single woman, Eun-yi, who is hired as a nanny by a very wealthy family.  Soon after her arrival, she becomes pregnant with her boss’s baby.  Drama ensues as the women of the house try to convince her to abort.  It does not end happily.

Despite Jeon Do-yeon’s amazing performance here, this movie is really held together by the performance of the elder Yoon Yeo-jeong who plays the head maid, and who also played the lead in the 1960 original upon which this movie is based.  She doesn’t say much, but she doesn’t need to.  She is the film’s moral compass, but also the catalyst for its fall.

(She just won (November 26) one of Korea’s most prestigious acting awards by taking home Best Supporting Actress at the Blue Dragon Awards.)

What I also love about this film is that it seems to avoid the pitfalls of most Korean movies.  It doesn’t have ludicrous plot twists or super-dramatic scenes purely designed to make you cry (you can barely watch 10 minutes of anything in Korea without crying).  And while the final scene does seem a bit over-dramatic to American sensibilities, it seems completely plausible to me having lived in Korea this short time… although I’m not entirely sure why I feel this way.  Perhaps I’ve just become de-sensitized to the dramatic endings of Korean movies (see Oldboy).

It also avoids the faults of American movie-making.  The sex is not overdone, there is no violence (I had to rewind the movie when one of the women got slapped because the director didn’t add a loud sound effect), and it’s not all tied up with a pretty bow at the end.

SPOILER ALERTS BELOW

The ending is incredibly powerful.  After Eun-yi refuses to abort her baby, the wife of the house, and her mother, poison Eun-yi and abort it for her.  Eun-yi vows revenge, which in this case manifests in killing herself in front of the entire family.

What follows is the deeply disturbing portrait of the seemingly-happy, rich family in which everyone appears to be fine (except for the little girl Nami, who actually cared for Eun-yi).

You should watch this clip in its entirety.  It’s beautiful and frightening.  (With subtitles.)

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I finally got around to seeing The Housemaid (2010).  Before talking about the movie, I have to encourage people to watch the first 5 minutes.  It is one of the best dissections of Korean night life I’ve ever seen.

It has almost everything: singing rooms, fish restaurants, barbecue coals, ahjummas doing back-breaking work, ahjummas speed walking, ahjummas on scooters… it also has a suicide, which while being more prevalent in Korean culture than in Western culture, it is not actually a common part of nightlife.

If you’re at all interested in seeing what life is like in Korea, watch this clip.  I see these things almost every day.

See the full movie review here.

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A few days ago I was with some friends while a TV was on in the background.  Midway through some Christian telling me how Howard Zinn couldn’t possibly be a Christian (I assume due to his anti-war, anti-poverty, and anti-slavery positions), I was given the opportunity to completely tune the guy out (allowing him, the Christian, to play hacky-sack) when this AWESOME news clip came on SBS — The Hula Hooping Hallabeoji!

It took me quite a bit of work (and some Korean friends) to get this video.  I also re-edited the clips and put it to some Girls Generation. So, here it is… as I said before, it is AWESOME.

I think my favorite part is when he spins the hoop and proceeds to do a Liza-esque fake-tap dance routine… actually, the whole thing is my favorite part.

This one goes out to Cousin Emily, who also likes to rock it Hula Style…

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When I first moved to Korea over a year ago, I did not understand all the cuteness.  Now, after succumbing to Oh! and Balloons (quite possibly the cutest thing ever) and countless other cute things, I think it’s time I fully embraced my love of Korean cuteness.

I love Girls Generation‘s new video, Hoot.  It bothered me at first because it’s so derivative of the Wonder Girls‘ 2 Different Tears.  But while it does copy them, I ultimately don’t care because it is so much better.

I used to argue about how the Wonder Girls were superior to Girls Generation… which no longer makes sense… and Girls Generation’s music continues to improve (a feat not entirely hard to do when you’re first song is Gee).

So here is Hoot… it is cute; it will make you happy.

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I went to Nami Island this weekend with two friends (who write the very funny and frank blog, Shotgun Korea).

I love the Fall.  It is my favorite season, and so happy that I get to see beautiful places like this.  The only drawback was that out of the 5,488 people there, I was evidently the only single person (well, me and kid in the stroller)… it’s kind of a couples place to go.

Here are the photos.  You can see the full set here.  (Video at the end.)

[simage=3359,max,n,center,][simage=3360,max,n,center,][simage=3364,max,n,center,][simage=3365,max,n,center,][simage=3368,max,n,center,][simage=3372,max,n,center,][simage=3374,max,n,center,][simage=3376,max,n,center,][simage=3377,max,n,center,][simage=3392,max,n,center,][simage=3386,max,n,center,][simage=3395,max,n,center,]

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I had the rare opportunity to visit Changdeok Palace at night.  The Palace is normally closed at night as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has limited electricity.  It was one of the best things I’ve done since moving to Korea.  It was incredible.

They only allowed 100 people in this tour, and in my group there were only seven of us, so it really felt like being alone in the Palace.  (This would be notable anywhere in the world, but especially in Korea where it is difficult to use the bathroom without 138 other people.)

A brief history: King Taejong had Changdeok Palace built after he had his brothers murdered in a struggle for the kingship at Gyeongbuk Palace.  Construction started in 1405 and was finished in 1412.  It’s been rebuilt a few times after each invasion/burning by Korea’s nice neighbors.

One interesting fact is that Emporer Sunjong lived there until 1926, even though he was no longer Emporer after Japan colonized Korea in 1910. Crown Prince Euimin lived there until his death in 1970 and his wife Bangja, Crown Princess Euimin, lived there until her death in 1989… more history here.

Changdeok Palace is especially renowned for its design in blending with the surrounding nature (as opposed to just building massive structures to show everyone who is in charge).

We ended the tour with a beautiful traditional Korean concert.  Here is their version of Arirang, probably the most famous Korean folk song.  You should hit play and listen as you look at the photos.

It is impossible for me to write any meaningful commentary.  The best I can say is that it was a gorgeous night and it was truly breathtaking to be able to walk in the Palace with so few people.

Here are the photos.  You can view the full set here.

[simage=3296,max,n,center,][simage=3301,max,n,center,][simage=3304,max,n,center,][simage=3306,max,n,center,][simage=3309,max,n,center,][simage=3310,max,n,center,][simage=3311,max,n,center,][simage=3313,max,n,center,][simage=3315,max,n,center,][simage=3320,max,n,center,][simage=3322,max,n,center,]

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It’s no secret that I’m afraid of other Westerners (i.e., white people) in Korea.  I don’t like being around them, and I try to avoid them most of the time.

I know I’m missing out on a lot of potentially great friendships, but I’ve had some bad experiences… The two hours before my Korean language class, I can feel my stress levels rise to points it never comes close to at work.

I just re-watched the brilliant Woody Allen movie, Vicky Cristina Barcelona.  When I first saw this movie, I thought Woody Allen was doing his typical trashing of white protestants with some of the characters — particularly Doug.  But after living in Korea for quite some time, I feel like I know Doug… I feel like I meet him every time I’m with a big group of foreigners.

Doug is why I ignore white people… so, if I’m rude to you, I’m sorry… it’s nothing personal, it’s my fear of you being Doug.

Watch the video:

Please note that I have many great white friends and this is not meant in any way to describe them.  It’s just an underlying fear/distrust I have about most white people in Korea.

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After my plans of going to the countryside were thwarted by thousands of festival-goers, I quickly went online to find the nearest cultural landmark to my house (one great thing about Korea is that you’re almost never more than a few minutes away from a National Treasure, temple, or cultural asset).

So, I went to Namhan Mountain Fortress (namhansanseong/남한산성).

[simage=3005,288,n,right,]Hiking in Korea is serious business and I was severely underdressed.  Whether you’re going 20 miles or 1/2 mile, one is usually decked out in a Gore-Tex track suit, a backpack with Korean lunch and makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine), trekking sticks, and appropriate visors/head gear.  I was a wearing jeans, a Banana Republic sweater, my Cole Haan slip-ons, and my overnight messenger bag… but I’m a foreigner.

When I got to the Sueocheong Command Post, I realized there was going to be a performance.  I mentioned a few weeks ago how easy it is to randomly run into street theater in Seoul and other cities… well, it evidently happens on the top of mountain fortresses too.

According to my friend, this is a traditional military performance used to test their skills.  I was very impressed.  Be sure to watch the last 0:40 as they start hitting each other very hard.

I was impressed with Namhansan Fortress.  The current fortress dates back to the 1600′s, but Koreans have been using this site for defense since the 7th century.  (Read Wikipedia for more info.)

There were a lot of people, but that’s always the case with hiking in Korea.

Here are some photos.  You can see the full set here.

[simage=3008,max,n,center,][simage=3010,max,n,center,][simage=3012,max,n,center,][simage=3016,max,n,center,][simage=3014,max,n,center,][simage=3026,max,n,center,][simage=3028,max,n,center,][simage=3030,max,n,center,][simage=3033,max,n,center,]

Directions: Take Subway line #8 (pink line) and get off at Namhansanseong.  Then take Bus #9 to your desired starting point.

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Can’t Nobody is my new favorite Kpop song.  I got the 2NE1 CD a few weeks ago (along with a poster and school folder!), but am just now really listening to it.

I love it… it’s fun, it’s catchy… and it’s much more interesting than most girl groups in Korea.

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A few years ago I was volunteering for a mayoral candidate in Hartford in hopes that he would defeat the now imprisoned Eddie Perez.  A friend and I asked him what his plan was to get people downtown.  His answer was “street theater.”  We both kind of stood there with our mouths gaping because all we could envision were jugglers being surrounded by homeless heroin addicts.

But one thing I love about Korea is that they are all about street theater.  I randomly run into performances all the time… there was the Korean Liza… the Christmas rapper in front of the epileptic Christmas tree… the girls who dance in front the electronic stores… and now, really really really awesome dancing/kicking/jumping taekwondo black belts.

I love Korea.  Watch the video >>>

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I love buying CD’s in Korea.  They put so much effort into it, and each one is different (at least with the kpop idol singers).

So, I was doubly excited today when I went to buy 2NE1‘s new album and in addition to the 47 page lyrics & photo book that come with the CD, I also got a free poster and a see-through folder starring the singer of my choice — I picked Park Bom of course.

Needless to say, I felt like a 12 year-old girl and was mildly embarrassed walking through the really nice “mall” with a big pink poster rolled up under my arm… these also being the same stores that already judge me because I clearly can’t afford to shop there (yesterday I gave my best “I’ll think about it” look when they told me that the puffy down jacket I liked was $2,000), while also clearly not being able to fit into any of their clothes (the puffy down jacket I liked was evidently only constructed in XXXS)… but I’m a foreigner…

Here’s 2NE1′s latest video Clap Your Hands (박수 쳐).  I love it.  It’s very different from the standard kpop girl group sound, and the video’s story line doesn’t involve them trying to look pretty for a boy.

You can buy 2NE1: To Anyone here.

And the photos (full photo set here):

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Reason #3 for moving to Seoul:

I started taking janggu (장구) lessons this weekend.  It wasn’t my first choice (I wanted to learn the gayageum), but I was pleasantly surprised after my first lesson.  It was a little harder than I expected, but hopefully not too difficult.

From Wikipedia:

The janggu… is the most widely used drum used in the traditional music of Korea. It is available in most kinds, and consists of an hourglass-shaped body with two heads made from animal skin. The two heads produce sounds of different pitch and timbre, which when played together are believed to represent the harmony of man and woman.

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The other day I posted some photos of Andong’s music fountain.  Now, I’ve finally put the video together.

It’s very short (2 minutes).  I removed the live sound and replaced it with one of my favorite Kpop singers — Son Dambi.  (I love love Son Dambi.)

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General McChrystal may not have been the most politically savvy person in the lot, but at least he had a sense of humor.

In the infamous Rolling Stones article that cost McChrystal his job, it was mentioned that some of his team referred to themselves as Team America…  Team America being the exhaustingly hilarious movie by South Park creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, that mocks everything from American imperialism to authoritarian dictators to Matt Damon.

The Team America in the movie Team America is a group of self-important white people who who bulldoze over everyone and everything (Eiffel Tower, the Pyramids) to “save” the world.

Today, Marc Ambinder posted a picture of the patches that McChrystal’s team had made up!

I’m jealous.

Here’s my favorite scene from Team America when UN Weapons Inspector, Hans Blix, visits Kim Jong Il.  Hans Blix is HILARIOUS.

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