KDrama App :: SBS Hidden Catch

I love my kdramas when I found this I just had to share!

SBS Hidden Catch

This app is pretty simple. All you have to do is find the differences between the two kdrama (and even variety show) scenes given.Before you start a game it lets you select which level you want [Easy, Normal, Hard] and even on the easy level I thought it was kinda hard >_< You can zoom in & out but must find all the differences before time runs out.

While this app really isn't anything new or innovative, I really like the fact that you have to find the difference between kdrama scenes. lol. If you get tired of the free version, you can always buy different drama "packs" (there's a City Hunter Pack, Athena Pack, Protect Boss, etc).. anyways I though this was a neat app. Had to share!

 

Currently Watching :: A Lot

I think I am going to start doing this "Currently Watching" post once a week... what I'm watching always changes and I like sharing it with you guys so I can get your opinions/feedback.

Still Watching

Bachelor's Vegetable Store :: The season finale of this series will air on Friday night. I wish I could say I'm sad to see this drama end but frankly I'm not. Barely anything has happened in the past 16 episodes and I felt like the last two episodes I watched were overflowing with "progress." Its super unfortunate because I really wanted to love this drama but it just sucks. 

Too many tears. Too little character development. No real connection anymore - just annoyance.

Last Episode Watched - 18

Shut Up Flower Boy Band :: Still loving this drama but I'm beginning to wonder where they are going to go with the storyline. Six episodes in and a lot has already happened but what now? 

But hey there are like 6 hot guys in this drama and awesome music. Not gonna complain.

Last Episode Watched -  6

Just Started Watching

Iris :: I feel dumb for taking this long to watch this drama. Despite being a budget breaking blockbuster this drama could have been all talk, but instead it had my heart racing from the first moment. I definitely get a City Hunter action vibe from this series and am really intrigued to see if there will be a romance factor just as fiery. 

Not to mention the all star cast! 

Last Episode Watched -  3.

Princess Jellyfish :: After watching a bit of Fruits Basket the other day I was missing anime - badly. Being out of the anime game for a bit I really wasn't sure what to watch. Luckily @WelcomeGhosts was able to give me a few suggestions and Princess Jellyfish was one of them.

This is a nice change of pace from all the dramas I've been watching. Super lighthearted and great animation this series is making miss anime!!! Maybe its time to re-watch Peach Girl too! lol.

Last Episode Watched - 4

New Podcast Episode

A new episode of Suchi is now out! 

:: click here to listen::

 

Its been really fun recording with Loc. The first episode of Suchi was actually really hard to record since we were still getting to know each other [it took three nights!], so the fact that we were able to record this episode of Suchi in one take - like it was nothing - was exciting! PROGRESS! yay!

My editing, on the other hand, still needs some work. For the first episode I used GarageBand which was relatively user friendly. However for this episode I used a program called Audacity.  I really think Audacity records better but it wasn't exactly super obvious when it came time to edit. Guess I need to play with it more.

Anyways I hope you take a listen and tell me how it is. I feel like I'm too vague and should give more details about the dramas but don't want to make it boring either. I dunno. Feedback is definitely appreciated!!

 

Currently Watching :: Shut Up Flower Boy Band

Geez these drama names are getting longer & longer!

I was definitely not going to watch this drama. After suffering painfully through the last flower disaster [Flower Boy Ramyun Shop] I was so skeptical that this too would be just a big fluffy pile of fluff.

Here's how it happened.

I follow Gummimochi on Twitter and couldn't help but notice that she kept raving on how good this show was. After going back and forth & asking her if it was worth it I decided to take my chances and watch the first episode and wow.... I almost missed out on a really good drama. 

the basic info

Six guys. Best friends. School Transfer. New Enemies. Love. Angst.

and MUSIC!

thoughts so far

 i like!!! I truly was super skeptical watching the first episode but I am really starting to love this drama. There are so many different characters that it is kinda hard to keep up with at first (though they are all sooo cute I really shouldn't complain) but each of them has their own little back story & characteristics so it makes almost everyone enjoyable to watch.

I will it admit that there is a lot of "omgeeez my life is so hard, no one gets me" moments, but it hasn't become annoying [yet]. I even kinda like the antagonist Seung-Hoon for not being the stereotypical mean guy & even has some depth to his character.

Jung Eui-Chul as Seung-Hoon

With only 4 episodes aired so far I really think you should jump on this drama while its hot. Even though it is currently airing in Korea on Mondays and Tuesdays, Dramafever does a great job getting the episodes subbed & up on their site, usually same day for US users, so you can be up to date with the latest episode.

Let me know if you guys are watching too!

PODCAST!!

The podcast w/Loc is finally finished so please check it out and let me know what you think!!

http://japancinema.net/podcast-japancinema/

Its only about thirty minutes and we cover a lot of different kdramas. We hoping to cover a certain topic each month and how it relates/affects kdramas/jdramas.

I hope you guys like it! Thanks for all your encourages. ^_^

Bachelor's Vegetable Store :: First Thoughts

A couple of days ago I told you about several dramas I was wanting to watch. Well I finally decided on one to watch - Bachelor's Vegetable Store.. Here's what I have to say about it.

Bachelor's Vegetable Store is the story about a young man's journey to create what will be later be a highly, successful franchise in Korea. I really didn't do much reading about this drama beforehand except for the fact that Wang Ji Hye would be one of the lead females. ANd wow. I was in for a shock!

I should forewarn everyone that I generally tend to watch romantic comedies. Why? Because who doesn't love a good love story with a few laughs! Seriously though, I stick to romantic comedies because I don't like being sad or seeing someone die. Simply not enjoyable to me.

Clearly I should have read a little more about this drama before I started watching. Its a MELOdrama. Therefore this drama was created to exploit the viewer's emotions as much as possible and boy does it!

While I don't want to give anything away just yet since this drama is still really new (only 8 episodes have aired so far) I will say that despite its sad and sometimes creepy undertones I can see the sunshine on the horizon. The main character, Tae Yang has an incredible spirit that is not over the top but rather just enough it be almost inspiring.  I can see that good things are coming for him and I want to do be there when they do! Plus I truly love the actors! They are doing such a great job of connecting with the viewers, especially the child actors used in the first two episodes. uh-MAZING.

Oh Jae Moo does a great job getting your sympathy!!

I will admit that this drama isn't something I would have chose to watch had I known it wasn't just a straight romance but in the end I'm glad I did. Its good to leave your comfort zone every once and awhile.

So be sure and check it out! You can watch it over on Dramafever.

Currently Watching :: OVERLOAD

Since I've been watching so much We Got Married it seems I have fallen behind on my dramas! There are so many out there that I currently want to watch I thought I would give you a heads up about what kdramas are on my "to be watched" list...

Already Aired KDramas to be Watched

Dream High

My manager swears by this drama and thats saying a lot. After watching BOF she seriously couldn't watch any other kdrama until she decided to watch Dream High. One of the reason it didn't initially catch my eye because there are no stand out familiar faces I loved. Reason I want to watch it now? Other than the fact that I will get eternal love from my manager, I also want to watch this drama because Dream High 2 will be premiering at the end of the month. Its not very often that kdramas get a second season (even though its a whole new cast) so Dream High must be worth the hype. We'll see.




Flower Boy Ramyun Shop

Again, within the world of kdramas there are very few that get sequels or second seasons. Flower Boy Ramyun Shop is actually a part of Oh! Boy Series that will entail several different shows. While the Oh! Boy Series deserves a post on its own (which I'm sure I'll get around to but you'll just have to head over to Dramabeans in the meantime) but basically all the dramas in this series will be aimed at younger audience with pretty "flower boy" leads. Honestly I didn't know all this until just the other day but it sounds like a good thing, well at least if you're a female viewer! lol. Anyways its on my to do list.


Currently Airing Drama to be Watched

Bachelor’s Vegetable Store

This drama I want to watch for the sole purpose of Wang Ji Hye. If you don't remember she is the same actress who played in both Personal Taste & Protect the Boss. While she usually plays a cutthroat, evil character I'm hoping that she will actually be his leading lady. I really have no clue but saw that she was in this drama and instantly wanted to watch.

As soon as I wrap up this post I'll probably start watching one of these dramas. Let me know if you have seen or are watching any of these dramas because its always fun to share the journey! lol. I hope you all have a great night/morning!

We Got Married :: The Basics

I recently started watching We Got Married. Since the show is so big and is currently in its third season I will be writing several posts about the series labeled 

"We Got Married :: ______"

If you visit almost any Korean entertainment site or blog its almost certain you will find some mention of the MBC variety show We Got Married. Currently in its third season, We Got Married is not a show that you can easily ignore. WGM not only has a tremendous following, but has also become the show that many idols/celebrities want to be on!

I started watching We Got Married based on the fact that I simply couldn't escape it any longer. I was getting tired of reading articles the constantly mentioned the show. [Don't get me wrong not this is not an every day occurrence but definitely something that happens almost weekly.] Thus I set out to watch this very popular variety show.

So where should should you start watching? Start from the beginning? Watch only the episodes that your favorite celebrities are in?

Where did I start? Right at the beginning with episode 1. The show is a sweet mixture of laughs & sweet moments. I don't regret starting at the beginning (first episode aired in 2008), but I probably wouldn't recommend it. I think at this point in show if you are a fan of a certain idol/celebrity I would start at the episode where they are introduced. Otherwise you might find yourself not really into whats going on and constantly wondering how many episodes are left till they are on.

Worth the hype?

Yes and No. Korean celebrities' privacy is respected more in Korea. Because of that you won't find quite the amount of candid pictures as you would in the United States. While this is a great thing for the celebrities it can leave the fans always wanting more and this is why I think WGM is quite the hit. Its almost as if you've been invited to see what they are like on a day to day basis.

There also the fact that you are seeing them in a relationship and how the act towards that person. You'd think that fact that you're watching your favorite celebrity in relationship would be such a downer (especially since fans can become rather upset when celebrities are in a real relationship) but its actually really endearing! One of my favorite examples of this is Kim Hyun Joong. Don't get me wrong, he was still Mr. Cool the entire time he's on but you also get to see his human side [like when he didn't catch fish when they spent the whole afternoon fishing or he is asking the cameraman to kill a bug for him!].

No because there are so many episodes. I mean how many times do we need to watch them try to cook or "almost kiss." Plus some of the couples are just kinda boring.

Where can I watch?

MySoju & Veoh.com both have WGM subbed. MySoju is great because since each episode of WGM is in several parts, it has the link on the right hand side of the next video you're supposed to watch. Veoh, on the other hand is somewhat of a pain because after you finish watching one video you have to search again for the next part of the episode. I will admit that lately I have been watching more on Veoh.com because MySoju has been taking forever to load and I'm not sure why.


Final Thoughts.

I am no where near being done with this series as I am currently only on Episode 20 of Season 1. I am bummed that I waited so long to jump on the WGM bandwagon though. Out of the original couples I think the only person I knew was Andy (from Shinhwa) but because  I started watching at the beginning I now love CrownJ, Solbi, Saori, and Hwangbo. 

While Kim Hyun Joong is still super cute, I'm looking forward to seeing Kangin (Super Junior), Taeyeon (SNSD), Jung Yonghwa, UEE, and Leeteuk (Super Junior).

So if you're not wanting to watch the 38493483 episodes that have aired I would definitely recommend at least checking out the episodes with your favorite celebrities. You'll probably love them even more than you already do and maybe even fall in love with a new one!

*********** Don't forget I'm having a giveaway that's still open!!! Check it out!! **************

Happy 2012

With only several hours left till 2012 (US East Coast Time) I just wanted to share with you my top three favorite kdramas and beauty products.

**some of things listed aren't necessarily from 2011 rather things I discovered in 2011 **

Top 3 Favorite KDramas

• City Hunter :: One of the hottest drama's of the year with an outstanding cast, its hard not to list this drama as a favorite. In my opinion this series had just the right amount of drama, romance, and action to keep everyone happy. Certainly a must-see.

• Marry Me Mary :: While this drama didn't come out this year it was one I watched and fell in love with.  Not only did it have lovable characters and a great love triangle, but the OST alone made this drama worth checking out.

• Protect the Boss :: While this drama wasn't my favorite it was a sweet drama with great fashion & some attractive actors! It might not have been a perfect fit for me but I can see why some people love this drama.

Top 3 Favorite Beauty Products

• Skin 79 VIP Gold BB Cream :: This was my first BB Cream. While I can't compare it to other BB Creams I can honestly say that I adore this product. I use it just about everyday. It isn't heavy or cakey, but still gives you just the right amount of coverage. Plus it has SPF and wrinkle protection. Can't hurt right?

• OPI Muppet Rainbow Connection :: This polish has become almost impossible to find. In fact most of the colors from the Muppet Collection sell out so fast you almost have to order the color you want to ensure you will be to get it. I think most girls can relate on why I love this product. Glitter + Polish + OPI = Love.

 

• Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm :: I keep this balm in my car and LOVE it. The cute container, light strawberry scent, and moisturizing capabilities make this lip balm a must have.

 

Well I have to go get ready for tonight now! I hope you all have a great New Year!!!

Just Started Watching :: Heartstrings

Last night I started watching the first episode of the kdrama Heartstrings. It wasn't till I started watching that I realized that Park Shin Hye and Jung Yong Hwa were both in it.

That was definitely a pleasant surprise. I liked them both in You're Beautiful but towards the end Jung Yong Hwa's character annoyed me to no end. Luckily his character in Heartstrings has much more confidence and isn't a huge tool.

Thoughts after watching the first episode?

I am excited to watch this series. Park's character, Lee Gyu Won, is a strong female who is attending school studying traditional Korean folk music (she plays the gayageum, a traditional korean instrument). Jung Yong Hwa plays Lee Shin, an arrogant musician who all the girls loves yet loves nothing in his life. They end up meeting through several different encounters, and eventually end up competing to see who can play music with more "heart." Thus the basis of the storyline is established. 

So far I'm loving everything. It always annoys me how in kdramas some of the female leads can be so unrealistically nice and lose themselves to their villainous counterparts, but Lee Gyu Won isn't one of those females.  She's holding her own, especially when Lee Shin keeps hurling insults and putting her down. That just makes me love her character all the more. It'll be interesting to see how the subplots work out though.

Right now I'm not really into any of the other characters in the drama but seeing as it is only the first episode I shouldn't write them off just yet.

Enough talk, got to go watch episode 2 now!


*** Read my followup post about watching this series ----> "I Cheated" ***

Sunday Night Thoughts

A few things have been on my mind this week so I wanted to share!

First off, I finally reached 100 followers =] yay! This totally made my day. My blogging has been totally inconsistant this year but I feel like I've found my groove lately and couldn't be happier. Blogging has become something I really enjoy doing, and likewise I have found some pretty amazing blogs out there that have become sites I visit almost daily! In celebration of reaching 100 followers I wanted to do a giveaway! (I'll be posting the details in the next day or so)

So thank you so much for all your visits & comments, its means so much to me!!

I also wanted to mention that I will probably start doing more series recaps of the dramas I watch. Not only will this help share my love (or hate) for whichever drama but hopefully it will help my reviewing. So just be on the lookout and feel free to let me know how I'm doing or if its something I should abandon (I don't want to punish my readers!!! lol).

And speaking of k-dramas I am kinda looking for one to watch. I keep telling myself I'll branch out and watch a j-drama but I can't bring myself to actually do so. We'll see what happens.

Thats it for now. I hope everyone has a great week! <3

Where I Watch Kdramas

When it comes to watching kdrama there are only two sites that I go to Viki.com or DramaFever.  I used to watch dramas only on Viki.com because it was simply the only place I knew I could find a big selection of kdramas subtitled in English [though they have kdramas subtitled in a TON of languages on Viki.com, not just English] but I have since discovered another site, Dramafever.

 Another bonus of Viki.com is that you can choose to have commentary subtitles on while you watch the drama. (you can turn this feature off if you want)

While initially this might seem like an overwhelming amount of text, its actually rather nice since it gives you the feeling that you're watching the drama with a friend who is saying the very things your thinking!

Whats more is that Viki has an app where you can watch some of your favorite kdramas on the go! [click here to see it in the App Store]

Lately though Viki has been freezing up quite a bit and the commercials that they run can be as long as 1 min 30 seconds [it might not seem long but when something juicy is happening it can seem like a lifetime!] This is why I have been migrating over to Dramafever.

Just like with Viki, the have an amazing selection and even an option to upgrade your membership (basic membership is free) to premium in order to watch your favorite kdramas commercial free! While the basic membership still requires you to watch commercials, its much less frustrating because they only last 30 seconds and you know when one is coming up.

While Dramafever doesn't yet have an app out yet it looks like they are in the process of getting one out but they do have a widget! I just posted it on my blog, feel free to check it out!

**Revision 12/9/11**

I totally forgot to the mention two other places you can watch Kdramas! Netflix & Hulu!! Netflix doesn't really have a huge selection but they do have some [BOF, City Hunter, Lie to Me etc.] Hulu, also streams Kdramas yet they get their videos from Dramafever so its kinda the same thing as watching on Dramafever. 

So hopefully there won't come a day when you find yourself at a loss for finding a site to watch good kdramas =] Happy watching!