Reviewing the Korean Film Archive: A Public Prosecutor & a Teacher

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Public Prosecutor
Between the end of World War 2 in 1945 and the start of the Korean War in 1950, Korea had a short amount of time to start finding its independent identity. As we have seen sound was introduced to kickstart the modernising of cinema there. Yet like in the west it took time to completely drown out silent cinema. The technology was nowhere near perfected so there had to be room for both to keep viewers interested. In 1948, A Public Prosecutor and a Teacher the final great Korean film of the silent film era was released. As we know silent films don’t just die out once their golden era ends, filmmakers throughout the years revive the form in a number of ways (Kim Ki-Duk did it with Moebius in 2013). It did however, spell the end for a uniquely Eastern form of cinematic storytelling, the byeonsa.

A byeonsa was a narrator of foreign silent films in Korea. It is a direct translation of the Japanese word Benshi, which were similar narrators descended from Kabuki and Noh theatre. Byeonsa’s were originally used to translate the dialogue and intertitles from foreign films. They also helped spread cinema to all of society as they translated Korean intertitles from silent films so illiterate people could enjoy. Eventually the byeonsas themselves became the most attractive thing about going to the cinema. Instead of just translating, they began to start acting out their own interpretations of lines, adding a more theatrical element to the cinema. The public would go to specific films just because their favourite byeonsa was performing; the actual content of the film was irrelevant.

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Even as the very last film to employ a byeonsa, A Public Prosecutor and a Teacher is the perfect example of why they were so popular. Directed by Yoon Dae-Ryong, it is about a poverty stricken young boy named Min Jang-Son (Lee Eob-Dong) and his generous teacher Choi Yang-Chun (Lee Young-Ae, not the one in Daejanggeum). Jang-Son is struggling to eke out a life as an orphan looking after his sick grandmother when Yang-Chun notices him and starts to help. The story flashes forward halfway through as Jang-Son has grown up to be a prosecutor and works on a murder case involving Yang-Chun and her husband.

This story is secondary to A Public Prosecutor and a Teacher’s historical and cultural significance however. It is full of coincidences and melodrama for the sake of melodrama. Even the filmmaking is as bland as can be. Director Yoon and director of photography Kim Young-Sun shot it in the plainest way possible, looking more like a filmed stage play than cinema. The acting as well is either overly dramatic or delivered as if they were reading the script for the first time.

The star of the show is Shin Chool, Korea’s last byeonsa. He has the job of not only describing all of the action taking place but also of acting out the voice of every character in the film. In this film Shin Chool sounds like an older man, possibly in his fifties or sixties. For a viewer unfamiliar with this type of film hearing him tell us everything is immediately odd but thanks to his unique delivery the viewer quickly becomes comfortable. He delivers every single line with a passion that does not echo from the screen. Even during the most mundane lines he emotes as if on the verge of tears. When the film is at its most emotional, Shin seems to be having a breakdown, his voice turning to a blubbering gurgle. He hocks and rasps as if he has a terrible cold, bringing character to a film so devoid of any personality. There are even moments in between his lines where you can hear him breathing, allowing us some glimpse into what it might have been like to see this great performer live.

Also on KultScene: Reviewing the Korean Film Archive: The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well

Some moments in particular he brings great life to. The transition between the opening and the fast forward is like a poetry break. Shin speaks of the changing seasons and “the green mountains (that) beautify summer.” Small lines stick out for being more than just expository, “Cigarette smoke is the only thing that can’t speak.” The film also has a few times when it makes use of what a camera can tell by itself. After Yang-Chun has been arrested there is a short silent moment where we see her empty house. No story is being told her but we are given a sense of how she feels inside.

Like Sweet Dream, A Public Prosecutor and a Teacher gives us insights into Korea at a historical time that it’s hard to fully understand the culture there. This film in particular shows us something unique to the east. Thematically it contains a great sympathy for those in poverty, yet again says that women’s place is at home by their husband. Yang-Chun after the death of her husband says there is no point in a woman living without their husband. It is worth a watch however, for the pure experience that few today have probably enjoyed.

Watch the film here.

What do you think of A Public Prosecutor and a Teacher? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

4 reasons why you should check out tvN’s ‘Society Game’

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society game

The latest brainchild from the creators of the The Genius, Society Game is a brand new tvN reality game show which premiered earlier this month. While the show is designed and edited in a very similar way to The Genius it’s a whole new ball game on its own and is worth checking out, even for non-Genius fans. Here are four reasons why.

The Premise

In this game show, 22 participants have to live together in an outdoor filming set designed to look like a traditional Korean village for two weeks. The set is split into three main areas, “Nop-dong” , “Ma-dong,” and the “Neutral Zone.” Participants are separated into two villages and compete against each other daily, with the losing village eliminating a member. This set-up alone allows for personal interactions between the participants within the villages since they really have to get to know each other and adapt to each other’s living habits. While such hijinks can be humorous and adorable to watch sometimes (martial artists getting scared of live chickens), living together on Society Game can get extremely tense since the participants have so many more opportunities to form alliances or trick each other. The real competition arguably takes place within the villages when each day ends, and this constant tension is what makes the show so unique and fun to watch. The “true” side of each participant is also more likely to be revealed, especially when they are placed under increasing pressure and extreme conditions (the show was filmed during a heatwave and the participants slept outdoors) so this show could be a good watch for fans of shows like Survivor.

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The Participants

Within this relatively large cast, the show’s participants are from different educational backgrounds and have varied occupations, ranging from an English lecturer to university students. This diversity makes for interesting television, since people with different life experiences and even age would naturally have different strategies and opinions. More importantly, they have varied abilities, with some of them being extremely athletic, some who are quick on their feet and others who have great cognitive abilities. These abilities are all valued equally among the participants, especially since the challenges posed to them tend to incorporate elements from all three domains.

There are a few stand-out participants however, who have already made a name for themselves in the show. One of them is mixed martial artist MJ Kim, a 26 year old woman who continually defies gender stereotypes with her physical strength and abilities. With her decisive and hardworking nature, she is shaping up to be one of the strongest participants in the show. Along with her is comedian Yang Sang-gook who successfully led a rebellion in his village within the first episode of the show and has maintained a tight rein over the villagers under his charge ever since. While he might have the manipulative skills required to ensure that he is always in an advantageous position, he also does show genuine care for his villagers. His leadership skills and initiative has won the trust of the people around him so far and with his foresight, he will probably go far in this game.

The Politics

Society Game functions somewhat like a social experiment, not just to observe how strangers live together for two weeks but also to see how successful or disastrous certain government systems can be. In the case of this show, Nop-dong is run as a democracy, with new village leaders being elected daily through a vote. Ma-dong, on the other hand, is run as a totalitarian state. Once elected, the leader will remain in power until another villager completes a rebellion successfully with the support of a majority of the villagers. Both systems have their pros and cons and create vastly different dynamics in the villages. In Nop-dong for instance, with their daily elections, the tide can turn very quickly depending on who is in power. These daily elections can fracture and divide the society so much so that it would be difficult for the village to stay united for long. In Ma-dong however, the divides are more clearly defined and the alliances more permanent, since survival can only be ensured if you are among the majority. It may thus seem more stable on the surface, but will definitely lead to more complicated problems in the future. Society Game therefore gives viewers a very exciting demonstration of these two types of governance, especially when participants of high calibre are involved. Though the show has just begun, the in-depth strategizing of the participants has already caught my attention and I’m excited to see how both villages will turn out.

Also on Kultscene: 5 Reasons Why You Should Watch “The Genius: Grand Final” 

The Editing

I expected nothing less coming from the team behind The Genius but I’m glad to report that the editing for Society Game is pretty top-notch. The background music used really sets the atmosphere for the show, whether it’s meant to be humourous or tense and climatic. Interestingly enough, a few less exciting or downright awkward scenes which would have been cut from mainstream variety shows are occasionally added as well. While this sometimes breaks the flow of the episode, they serve to build up the characters of the participants, making them more personal and relatable for the viewers. The use of time-skips and flashbacks in this show has been excellent so far as well, as it creates some truly shocking plot twists and game changers in the episodes.

Society Game premiered off with a strong start and has shown much potential in its run so far, so here’s hoping that its success will last. Check out a preview of the show below!

Have you watched Society Game? What did you think about it? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

What’s Killing ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’?

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Moon Lovers Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Time travel, betrayals, sibling rivalry, star-crossed lovers… SBS’s latest pre-produced drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo has it all. Except the South Korean viewers. Those all went to KBS2’s Moonlight Drawn By the Clouds, which managed to garner more than double the amount of viewers of its rival historical K-drama before ending earlier this week. International fans are clearly watching, but Moon Lovers is not really as popular as expected based on the fact that NBC Universal and YG Entertainment co-produced the show. But it’s more than just one show is better than another; Moon Lovers is struggling from immense flaws and the cute, safer (aka banal) drama is winning over Korean television audiences, with Moonlight dominating with more than double the amount of viewers that Moon Lovers retains in the same time slot.

So what’s going on with Moon Lovers exactly that’s making it bomb at home and causing international fans to stop watching?

Lacking Proper Direction and Editing

It’s not uncommon to get frustrated with a fantastic drama, but Moon Lovers took things to another level and truly well-done episode or scene is paired with a dozen less exciting alternatives. Because the show is spanning such a long time, it seems that the plot has been edited to speed things up rather than actually, you know, develop. Notably, we’re more than 15 episodes in and I doubt the titular lovers (played by IU and Lee Joonki) have had an hour of on-screen time together. There’s also a lot of focus on certain things, such as taking too long with determining Kang Haneul’s relationship with IU, and then rushing key moments of IU and Lee Joonki’s relationship. Some subplots, like a marriage of a prince, gets too much of a focus in order to highlight a key moment of the plot… Four episodes later. Can someone please fire the production team and replace the show so that we get the full story in a timely manner, please and thank you?

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It’s Too Short

The development is completely hindered by the length of the show. Most historical dramas are typically at least 50 episodes long, or don’t really address major lengths of time. But attempting to gloss over time… It doesn’t really work. Moonlight took place over a few months, but Moon Lovers has skipped years at a time and left characters in just about the same spot they were or, even worse, with major changes that the audience is supposed to simply… guess? There have been some lovely scenes to portray the passing of time and some just gave the characters new clothes.

Idol Stigma

Aside from the production issues, the show was hurt early on because of IU and EXO’s Baekhyun. Both singers were announced as key roles and many people, particularly the Korean media and audience, appear to have shunned the show initially because of it. And, to be honest, neither of them are solid enough actors to take lead characters in a drama produced in part by NBC Universal. A pre-produced, well-funded show should have great actors. IU and Baekhyun have each shown their potential, but they’re relative amateurs and often rely on other actors to pick up the emotional brunt of the moment. With that said, the stigma is ridiculous since the show still manages to have some of the most intriguing plots of the year despite its flaws.  Moon Lovers has such a great story with so much potential, it seems kind of silly at the end of the day that there are this many blatant flaws with it.

(And shout out to singer Z.Hera for doing a phenomenal role as the cute, yet fierce, Soon Deok.)

Pandering to International (Female) Audiences

Lee Joonki, Kang Haneul, Baekhyun, Hong Jong Hyun, Nam Joo Hyuk, and Ji Soo each play a prince, and each of them are fairly well-known and attractive young actors. While the show doesn’t lack extraordinary female characters (Woo Hee Jin deserves an award for her final scene as Lady Oh), Moon Lovers appears to be nothing but eye candy at first glance. While Korean audiences enjoy a good love story, Moon Lovers looks like the historic, updated version of the juvenile romance Boys Over Flowers. Which is a good thing to some people but also a deterrent for others hoping for a more serious show. Moon Lovers is more of a tragedy than a comedy, but it’s certainly more lighthearted than other famous Korean historical dramas, like Queen Seondeok or Daejanggeum, but it truly looked off putting at first glance.

Also on KultScene: 8 K-pop girl power anthems

Improper Distribution

Hands down, the worst thing to happen to Moon Lovers is the fact that foreign fans aren’t getting the same version as the Korean ones are. If you are watching the show and don’t know what I’m talking about, you need to start googling “Moon Lovers Korean version eng sub” or something similar, because you’re going to understand so much more of the show right now. That terrifying assault of a kiss? Still horrific, but there was actually something leading up to that which put it in perspective. But because Korea edited the pre-produced show and shipped it overseas before the air date, when the production team decided to re-edit the plot (aka LIVE PRODUCE) they weren’t able to send the updated versions. I reached out to DramaFever to see why that was the case, but unfortunately, never heard back.

So essentially, instead of pre-production ensuring the quality of the drama, it led to fans around the globe getting different versions of the show. Obviously pre-production has its positives, but it seems like it hindered Moon Lovers’ international distribution.

It’s Not Necessarily A Romance

Thanks Anna and Leah for making me realize this one. As much as a lot of South Korean dramas do well locally that aren’t melodramas or romantic comedies, those are mostly relegated to cable television and never garner incredibly high ratings. Like saccharine ballads replacing K-pop on Korean music charts, romantic shows like Moonlight will always do better than more politically driven shows like Moon Lovers. (Kind of like how Signal is acknowledged as the best drama Korea’s put out this year but more mainstream-friendly ones with straightforward plots, like Descendants of the Sun and W, pick up all of the awards).

At the end of the day, most people in South Korea don’t appear to want to watch a show about a long ago dynasty’s struggles, and that’s what Moon Lovers is at the end of the day: a succession story. The romance comes secondary, to the degree that many viewers (myself included) want there to be more time spent on the lead couple’s romance. But this show isn’t necessarily about the titular lovers. Rather, Moon Lovers about the foundation of Korea’s Goryeo dynasty.

What are your thoughts on Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo? Share your opinions in the comment section below. Be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

8 K-pop girl power anthems pt. 7

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kpop girl power songs playlist feminist feminism

As mentioned over and over in other installments of our girl power series, women empowerment songs in K-pop are rare, though they do exist. And as feminism (or a pop-packaged version of it) becomes more prevalent and “trendy,” we’re seeing more and more songs that put women in the forefront that don’t only revolve around boys or putting other women down to elevate themselves. For this new list, the anthems are all about elevating, loving, and catering oneself.

1. “Lazy Girl” by Girls’ Generation

To kick off this list, let’s start with a song relatable af: Girls’ Generation’s “Lazy Girl.” The song isn’t that deep and declares at onset, “I’m a lazy girl.” It’s crazy to think that the equivalence of grace and lady-like in K-pop is singing about not giving a damn about anything and just lounging all day. This goes to show that even the most empowered girls need time to themselves to just chill.

2. “Ms. Independent” by After School

But when it comes to returning to your #BOSS self, let After School’s “Ms. Independent” be your jam and parade your confidence around. “Liberty, just grasp it,” Jooyeon, Lizzy, and Kahi strongly declare. From economic freedom to the liberty to choose over your own body, the statement could mean lots of things women everywhere fight for each day. Preach, After School!

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3. “We Don’t Stop” by Fiestar

Girl power is not a destination, it’s a journey. And with Fiestar’s “We Don’t Stop” we have the perfect road trip soundtrack. With encouraging lyrics, like “Enjoy your awesome self,” and reminding us that we’re all pretty with or without makeup, the song definitely delivers on the encouragement front.

4. “Girl Crush” by Mamamoo

Despite Mamamoo’s “Girl Crush” not being about having a crush on another girl, it’s a proclamation about having enough confidence to consider yourself girl crush material for others. And while, at the surface, it may seem conceited, it’s actually a bold statement of knowing just how much you’re worth — even if it’s just based on looks. Just saying “I love myself” is a revolutionary statement in itself in a world meant to keep women down, whether it’s by their looks or intelligence. It’s not shallow–it’s girl power.

5. “Dream Girls” by I.O.I

Echoing the sentiment, in “Dream Girls” I.O.I sing about liking yourself as you are and believing in yourself, even if no one else does. There’s nothing wrong with being your own biggest fan; if you don’t like yourself, why would others? I.O.I may be a project group, but this self-confidence boosting song has a message to last for ages.

6. “Girls on Top” by Boa

BoA is a staple on our girl power series. With such a long career and being as accomplished as she is, it’s no surprise she spreads the empowerment gospel. This time, we’re throwing it back with “Girls on Top.” The song’s pretty self explanatory: “Don’t you tell me what to, gonna make my decisions on my own.” Alright! BoA is such a role model to her fans and even other idols; it’s awesome she uses her concepts to spread empowerment.

Also on KultScene: Song Jieun’s “Bobby Doll” Music Video & Song Review

7. “Doin’ Good” by KittiB

But girl power is not always sunshine and rainbows; it often comes from a dark place. In “Doin’ Good,” KittiB sheds light on her emotionally abusive relationship and how she’s healing from it. The rapper candidly recounts specific examples of how her former flame used to put her down. Whether the song is her way of coming to terms with the relationship or just her way of calling her ex out, it takes guts to rap about something that personal, and it’s totally badass.

8. “Fly” by Jessica Jung

To close this installment, we have to go back to the cheesiness. We all know what Jessica Jung’s “Fly” is really about… But if we take it as it, it’s a pretty strong song. It’s all about finding yourself, following your dreams, and to keep it positive. The most telling part comes from featured Fabolous, who seems to have gotten the tea on the Jessica x SM Entertainment debacle. So if Jessica can survive being dropped from the biggest K-pop girl group, we all got this too.

What’s your fave K-pop girl power song? Share your picks and thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Reviewing the Korean Film Archive: Sweet Dream

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Sweet Dream
When Yang Ju Nam’s Sweet Dream was found in a Chinese cinema in 2006, it was thought to be the oldest surviving Korean film. This title was eventually taken by Cheongchun’s Sipjaro, a silent film released two years prior to 1936’s Sweet Dream. Sweet Dream does however, remain the oldest sound film in Korea that still exists in some format. It is special for this reason, as it represents a period of Korean cinema that is almost completely unknown to us today. The Korean Film Archive believes that between 1910 and 1940 approximately 140 films were produced, of which only five are available. Sweet Dream is then imperative for those of us who are trying to come to some understanding of Korean film history. It offers a snippet of what life might have been like under Japanese rule and technically shows us that film language still had a long way to come.

Director Yang Ju Nam worked for Kyeong Sung Studio, an apparently prolific studio of the time. He worked as an editor and assistant director before making his directorial debut with Sweet Dream. After his debut however, he would go straight back to editing and wouldn’t direct again for another twenty years when he made Exorcism of Bae Baeng Yi in 1957.

Also on KultScene: Reviewing the Korean Film Archive: The Day a Pig Fell Into the Well

Sweet Dream is about a woman called Ae Soon, a housewife who neglects her familial duties and is punished for it. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of modernity and has a predictably regressive view of women. As soon as Ae Soon leaves her family nothing goes right for her, she embraces a bourgeois lifestyle of hotels and modern dance. Lessons are imparted onto her more like public service announcements than a traditional narrative film. It even goes as far as having a scene in a classroom where the lesson is about the importance of family and the dangers of the road. Views like this are to be expected from the 1930s but given Korea was under strict censorship from outside forces more hands are at play for a film like this to exist.

Korean culture under Japanese rule was heavily stunted. People were being forced to change their name to Japanese, modernity was being thrust upon them, and there were few ways to fight back. Cinema was not one of them, with most films being produced in Korea apparently being documentaries and adaptations of traditional stories. They, of course, would all have been subject to strict regulation which makes Sweet Dream an interesting case. It specifically warns of modernity while Japan wanted to push it on the Korean people. It’s view of women was one sided in the same year that Kenji Mizoguchi released Osaka Elegy, a biting critique of the oppression Japanese women face, to critical and commercial success in Japan.

In its traditional view on families then, Sweet Dream is somewhat of an affront to Japanese rule. The fear of modernity could be seen as Yang’s disapproval of his colonists. One step back to take two forward. Of course, Japanese traditional values wouldn’t have been too far from Korean ones at the time, making the strong familial themes at play would have seemed agreeable to Japanese censors. Or maybe the censors were too busy cutting out violence and whole unknown segments to notice.

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The film language, however, is mostly inspired by Japanese cinema. Koreans were seeing some western films like the work of D.W Griffith but the form of Sweet Dream shows traces of Japanese master Yasujiro Ozu. Very much traces though, as the film plays like a 50 minute condensed Ozu film, leaving no room for emotions to be slowly teased out. Here the melodrama is front and centre. In the very first scene, Ae Soon and her husband have a fight with anger seemingly coming from nowhere. It is shot with a plainness that recalls Ozu without the meticulous framing. Instead of being down on the ground with our characters the camera is positioned above looking down on them. Straight away we start judging them and their positions, something the film does with no mercy.

While mostly disappointing, the filmmaking is also where we find the brightest moments of this film. Yang particularly puts effort into his edits, no surprise given his background as an editor. In some scene transitions he uses match cuts to great effect. They transition with the laughter of a man or from two people drinking beer to another scene of a man drinking beer. It shows thought has gone into the form in some cases at least, as it’s absent almost everywhere else. Even the edits are weak in many cases with some shots going on too long or cutting to a scene that has no relevance to the story.

Sweet Dream is a confusing contradiction. Through incoherent character choices and messy filmmaking it puts forward regressive beliefs in the interest of possible subversity. Even if it can be seen as an attack on Japanese rule, the real losers here were Korean women. The importance stressed on family still hurts them to this day. As a piece of history it gives us glimpses into a growing Seoul yet portrays its people as one note. Culturally, it shows us how Korea would begin to love the melodrama. In the following years melodramas would be the most influential films, popular because they contained a multitude of emotions that were suppressed in Korean culture. The next time you watch one of your favourite dramas while emotions are flooding out of the screen, think of Sweet Dream and remember the role that history plays in everything.

Watch the full film here.

Have you seen Sweet Dream if so what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

5 Sentimental K-Drama OSTs Which Give Us Autumn Feels

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Sentimental OSTs

The season marked by the fall of colourful leaves and the creeping of the chill in the air, Autumn is a good time for recollection and reflection of the past year. To celebrate the arrival of this wonderful season, here are five sentimental K-Drama OSTs (soundtracks) from the year so far that will definitely evoke them feels (and possibly get you hooked on some of these dramas).

1. Sunhae Im- “Will Be Back” (Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo)

Currently airing sageuk (historical drama) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo may have been receiving a lot of criticism at the moment for its awkward directing and editing but there is one thing that the drama nailed perfectly: its OST. To pick one out of the amazing collection available was a near impossible feat but Sunhae Im’s “Will Be Back” is a song that brought me to tears every time I heard it. Maybe it’s because the song was played during two extremely heart-wrenching events in the show, or maybe it’s because Im’s operatic voice blends perfectly with the wonderful instrumentals of the track.Either way, this addition to the OST is by far one of the most moving I’ve ever heard in a K-drama. The song evokes emotion in a way that Moon Lovers sometimes fails to do and is a great asset to the drama (as with the other songs included on the show’s soundtrack).

2. Insooni- “Gift” (Memory)

“Memory” is an underrated gem of 2016, one which never garnered much public attention but satisfied the viewers who stayed with it to the end. Much like the drama Memory, the OSTs were mostly understated and quiet but extremely touching and memorable. “Gift” is a beautiful track from one of Korea’s most celebrated female vocalists, Insooni, and it perfectly translates the deep emotions evident in this well-written drama. The bittersweet and reflective song speaks of the sadness, loss, and regret we are bound to feel as we grow older and experience change. More than that however, the song also describes the peaceful contentment we can feel when we remember the kinship, friendships, and small miracles that made up our past. It’s a song that’s definitely worth listening to this season.

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3. Beige- “I Miss You” (Moonlight Drawn By Clouds)

For the most part, youth sageuk “Moonlight Drawn By Clouds” is lighthearted and adorable, if a little cliche at times. However, the drama also does manage to carry some pretty emotional beats , especially in the moving portrayal of Lee Yeong’s relationship with his deceased mother as well as the unexpectedly sweet romance between a eunuch and a court lady. Beige’s “I Miss You” was stuck in my head as soon as I saw Ra-On’s dance scene and the song did not disappoint. Soft but dripping with emotion, Beige’s voice flowed as one with the gentle string instrumentals backing up the track, creating a sentimental OST for the drama.

4. Roy Kim – “Maybe I” (Oh Haeyoung Again)

Roy Kim’s warm and melodious voice works well with the simple background instrumentals to create this relaxing OST which is at once subtle but also very comforting. It’s worth a listen, especially if you are feeling nostalgic or melancholic due to the weather. The track also suits well with the overall theme and mood of Oh Haeyoung Again, which turned out to be an unexpected hit due to its meaningful storyline and uplifting message.

Also on Kultscene: Song Jieun’s “Bobby Doll” Music Video & Song Review

5. 2NB – “Fall’s Winds” (Fantastic)

Fantastic is a melodrama through and through what with one of the drama’s main characters having a terminal illness and having only six months left to live. There is thus no shortage of heart-wrenching and tragic scenes in the drama which is why I was quite surprised to chance upon 2NB’s “Fall’s Winds”. The song is cheerful but also has a pensive feel to it, made clear through the beautiful and emotional voices of the two singers. I could really go on listening to their harmonies for days.

What songs are on your own Autumn playlist? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Song Jieun’s “Bobby Doll” Music Video & Song Review

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Jieun
When it comes to female idols going solo from their groups, few can claim quality quite like Secret. Leader Hyosung has been not only been redefining what it means to be sexy but also innovating with her song choices. Lead vocalist Song Jieun, back on her own now with “Bobby Doll”, has had one of the strongest solo careers to date for a female group idol. Her work with the Latin genre, seen here again, and on “Pretty Age 25” (one of the best tracks of 2014) has been absolutely stellar.

Now back with much worn doll concept, Jieun is probably hoping to build a proper solo career for herself given Secret’s lack of promotion. Her skill as a vocalist is not in doubt but does she have the songs and taste to back it up?

Song

The doll concept is an interesting choice for an artist like Jieun. I would have thought that older idols would be inclined to avoid the misogynistic connotations unless a commentary was involved. With “Bobby Doll” it’s hard to see where she falls in the argument.

Written and produced by Park Suseok and Park Eunwoo (regulars of TS Entertainment and the OST world) “Bobby Doll” is a Latin-inspired track that showcases Jieun’s impressive vocal range. The main guitar riff is evocative all by itself, creating a sensual but precise atmosphere. It’s carried by a strong jazz beat and eventually reinforced with similar electric guitar riffs and small chime details. The production is a great example of less is more as the song is still busy and exciting without being overcrowded.

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It’s Jieun’s voice that moves the song around in the absence of any big musical transitions. This makes the first listen a slight disappointment as the chorus takes its time to properly reveal itself. The first chorus seems underwhelming as Jieun doesn’t belt out the big vocals, preferring more rhythmic repetitions of “I’m your Bobby Doll.” However when it moves back into the verse the song slows down revealing Jieun’s many talents;this transition is also helped by a great drum beat that mimics the sound of a wind up doll. First is her usual beautiful voice, then a sort of rap/singing that hits precise marks with her higher pitches. She also goes down to a whisper as if adding a whole different person to the mix. Here the tension is created that makes the second chorus so much more effective. From there the song holds the sensuous but dark feeling, with Jieun’s “la la las” adding a creepy element to the doll concept.

Lyrically this concept is approached in a disappointingly generic fashion. It positions Jieun as the doll, begging to be looked at. She brags about her looks, long straight legs, my skin looks like honey.” Throughout the whole song she is only ever an object desiring a man. The title also seems to be a way of just avoiding copyright issues from Barbie. It even references Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” which I think is a great touch and could be seen as the self-aware moment that unlocks this song.

Music Video

The music video presents an opposite reading of the doll theme though. Directed by Zany Bros (makers of many K-pop videos including from this year 4minute’s “Hate” and Gfriend’s “Rough”) it again shows Jieun as a doll yet works to criticise the one who looks at her.

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It doubles down on the objectification by having the main creepy male character looking at Jieun through a series of cameras. She sings and dances to his great pleasure on screen. A clear metaphor for how female idols are used and looked at it in the K-pop industry. What’s most interesting is the ending and how it seems aware of how using this concept is almost impossible to be really critical. After seeing herself in the mirror Jieun can finally escape from her voyeuristic prison.

The mirror is an important image. It could mean that finally being allowed to see herself in this position she understands how to stop it so she can finally leave. Yet not long after she steps out into the open she is pulled back in with little difficulty. Even when aware of being controlled by male eyes, and the male-dominated entertainment industry, there is little one can do to stop it. In the end when she looks in the mirror she isn’t seeing herself with her own eyes but merely self-objectifying through the male gaze that designed her. It’s easy to criticize the industry but much harder to actually step outside of it.

Overall

“Bobby Doll” turns out to be a mishmash of ideas both good and bad. Musically she is on as good a form as ever. “Bobby Doll” is a beautifully balanced track with new intricacies to find every listen. Jieun’s sound is one of the most mature in K-pop and I hope her and Hyosung can go back to Secret stronger than ever.

“Bobby Doll” is also however a weird culmination of ideas about female objectification. The video and lyrics are a complete mismatch with the lyrics being a reductive view. The video, although indulgent in the things it takes issue with, has moments of clarity that highlight an interesting if frustrating idea of this theme.

Song Jieun's "Bobby Doll"
3.5

What do you think of Jieun and “Bobby Doll”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Which “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” prince are you? [Quiz]

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scarlet heart

It’s been a few weeks since “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” premiered, but the K-drama is still making waves internationally with each new episode that is released. The hype is understandable, of course, since the show is a remake of an extremely popular Chinese drama series, but the strength of this adaptation definitely lies in its gorgeous cast. Full of familiar K-drama hotties such as Lee Jun Ki, Kang Haneul and EXO’s Baekhyun, the Goryeo princes never fail to charm viewers with their various antics, which mostly alternate between downright swoony and laugh out loud dorky. If you’ve ever wanted to find out which prince you would have been had you been born in fantasy Goryeo, you can find out right now through our quiz!

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[qzzr quiz=”267246″ width=”100%” height=”auto” redirect=”true” offset=”0″]

Which prince did you get? Are you enjoying this drama? Share your results in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

DIA’s “Mr. Potter” Music Video & Song Review

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DIA_MR_POTTER
Lesser known girl groups losing their unpredictability after becoming overnight successes is something that plagues my mind all too often. This was a distinct possibility with DIA, a group who were capable of profoundly weird and exciting music before their increase in awareness. Their first song since Produce 101’s and particularly Chaeyeon’s rise in popularity,“On The Road” was a safe but sweet track that didn’t bode well for DIA’s advancement. Luckily now with the help of a certain British wizarding superstar DIA are back with an eclectic mix of sugary and volatile sounds on “Mr. Potter.”

Song

“Mr. Potter” immediately brings to mind DIA’s “My Friend’s Boyfriend” in that it’s hard to know if you’re supposed to be scared or enticed. That’s the best thing about DIA, they take the cuteness we are so used to in K-pop and bring to the absolute max, making us almost uncomfortable. With “My Friend’s Boyfriend” that felt entirely deliberate but on “Mr. Potter” it’s harder to tell.

Written and produced by ATM and STAINBOYS (who remixed Suran’s “Ddang, Ddang, Ddang”) “Mr. Potter” has almost no regard for the cute and goes straight for the heavy sounds. It opens with some great xylophone and moves swiftly onto crushing hip-hop beats and sporadic synths. These work to contrast with the girls’ voices, which are sweet but manic thanks to the layers and quick delivery. They’re almost shrill in a way that will be off putting to many listeners, but for those who aren’t turned off the chorus is a strange heaven.

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The chorus keeps the same style of sound but changes the tone to make it slower and more melancholic, usually the opposite of what a chorus should do. DIA’s rare qualities shine in it thanks to the absolute business of it. Sci-fi synths scream as the beat gets bigger and the girls finally let go of their feelings. Their vocals take on a rhythmic chant with high pitched peaks. It’s a vocal style unprecedented in a chorus. It moves the song from a possible rehash of “My Friend’s Boyfriend” without the tongue in cheek aspect to something unique.

“Mr. Potter” moves along with assurance as well, mellowing out a bit to highlight the xylophone again and give room for Cathy to rap without too much interference. Her second part is also interesting; towards the end the song sounds like it’s about to reach its climax but transitions without a hitch into more rapping and xylophone. At every turn “Mr. Potter” is enriched with an unpredictability only DIA could muster up.

Music Video

Despite the strangeness of the song, “Mr. Potter’s” music video will probably be the most contentious thing about it. Even for those who weren’t fans of DIA the video seemed exciting as it could have been an interesting dip into the Harry Potter universe. Unfortunately without knowing the name of the song you wouldn’t automatically guess this was a song about Harry Potter. The video uses iconography from a large number of fairytales along with JK Rowling’s series. It seems a total waste of time regardless of how it turned out. They also copied Girls Day’s “Expectation” choreography (although they have the same choreographer Bae Yoon Jung).

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That being said there are a few things I like about it. Maybe it’s just me but DIA seem like a better group of actresses than most other groups. Their expressions are always fun and really in sync with the tone of the song and video. Especially when they’re sitting eating popcorn with glasses on, it’s sort of confrontational as if they’re aware that many fans will be confused by the song and video. The pastel colours are well worn out by K-pop by now but are great here, encompassing the whole video. It genuinely feels like a different world. I also love the bad CGI, it again suggests an awareness on their part that the audience is being tricked.

Overall

I’m so relieved that DIA continue to be a divisive group. “Mr. Potter” hits on a lot of weird levels making it a difficult proposition. Considering this and “My Friend’s Boyfriend” though, it’s clear that this is what they do best. They’re at home parodying the overtly cute girl groups who only pine away for men. DIA bring that to logical levels of mania with an aggressive assurance that sets them apart. Despite the apparent cuteness and subject matter, “Mr. Potter” is a hard track to find cute. It has a pace and electricity that doesn’t allow much thought on first listen. It squeezes you into a bewildered daze, confronted by DIA’s singular charm.

(who else would perform a six minute rock version of their single at a showcase)

DIA's "Mr. Potter"
3.5

What do you think of DIA’s “Mr. Potter”? Share your thoughts in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.

Who’s your ‘Cinderella & Four Knights’ ideal guy? [QUIZ] [EXCLUSIVE CLIP]

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k drama k-drama kdrama quiz Cinderella and Four Knights

Ever since we watched the last episode of Boys Over Flowers, there’s been a void in our hearts. Many K-dramas with their jaded chaebols and their flower boy cliques have tried to fill up the emptiness, but nothing really feels quite the same. But then came Cinderella and Four Knights with its three good-looking, rich cousins who hate each other and the relatable heroine who will help them be normal and better people. Yup, sign us up.

Starring Jung Il Woo(The Moon Embracing the Sun), Ahn Jae Hyeon (Blood), Lee Jung Shin (of group CNBLUE), Choi Min (Yong Pal) and Park So Dam (Because it’s the First Time), Cinderella and Four Knights recreates a classic tale with a Korean twist. It follows Eun Ha Won (Park So Dam) as she moves into a fancy mansion with four handsome billionaires after being kicked out of her house by her mean stepmother. She takes on the job of improving the guys’ personalities.

With only five episodes in, it’s not definite who Eun Ha Won will fall for: the player Kang Hyun Min (Ahn Jae Hyeon), the dreamy Kang Seo Woo (Lee Jung Shin), the reliable Lee Yoon Sung (Choi Min), or the badass Kang Ji Woo (Jung Il Woo). However, us viewers are already setting our eyes on which knight we like the best. And to help you make a better informed decision on who to stan and make your heart race a little, KultScene has an exclusive clip of today’s episode of Cinderella and Four Knights streaming on DramaFever. More on that later…

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Have you already fallen for one of the knights? Are you still on the fence? Want a little help to reinforce that you’ve made the right choice? Or maybe we can just help you make it. Take our quiz and find out who your ideal Cinderella and Four Knights guy is:

…Of course it doesn’t end with knowing who your Cinderella and Four Knights beau is. If you’ve been keeping up with the drama, you can’t wait to find out what’s next, and we’re hooking you up with an exclusive clip for today’s episode. Check it out here:

Are you watching Cinderella and Four Knights? How are you liking it so far? Share your thoughts and quiz results in the comment section below and be sure to subscribe to the site and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr to keep up with all of our posts.