Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Jeong Woo Sung, Jo In Sung's The King scheduled to be released next January.

Jeong Woo Sung and Jo In Sung's new film 'The King' is scheduled to be released next year January in local cinemas. The film is directed by PD Han Jae Rim.




The King is about a man who struggled hard through childhood to finally become a prosecutor. And he meets another guy hoping to exercise his power.'


Also co-starring in the movie are Ryu Jun Yeol, Kim Ah Joong, Bae Seong Woo, Kim Eui Sung and Jung Eun Chae

Sechskies Go Ji Yong joins 'Superman Returns' series.

First generation idol boy band Sechskies ex-member 
Go Ji Yong who made fame in late 1990's will be joining 'Superman Returns' as a new family member in the series. 

Superman Returns will mark the first return of the ex-member Go Ji Yong who have decided to appear in public after a long period of hiatus.

Ji Yong has turned into a businessman after leaving the entertainment industry since the disbandment of Sechskies in May 2000. 16 years later, MBC TV 'Infinite Challenge' reunited the remaining five members for Sechskies, however Ji Yong didn't specifically joined the group for practice sessions. All he did was showing up at the last moment in the 'Infinite Challenge' special stage where he danced 'Couple' hit song with the rest of them in front of thousands of fans.

Ji Yong mentioned he was sorry he didn't put much effort on stage because he was mainly busy with work and being a family man- he needs to spend more time at home with his little baby son. He wanted to be a good father example to his son.

Ji Yong's current spouse Heo Yang Im is a professional with their little son Go Seung Jae are scheduled to start filming in early December 2016.





Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Kim Kwang Seok's 20th Anniversary remake album released.

The 20th anniversary album of late singer 'Kim Kwang Seok' (1964-1996) will be released on 7th December according to CJ E & M Music Division.



It is the first remake album which puts the voice of Kim Kwang Seok as it is. 
It is a new concept album that uses the voice of Kim Kwang Seok in the original song as it is, but only the arrangement was re-interpreted.

10 songs will be released whereby singers Roy Kim and Jung In are participating in it.
Roy and Jung In are doing a duet with Kim Kwang Seok.

Roy Kim has pointed out the late Kim Kwang Seok is like a role model whom he looked up to. He has been very honored to to be selected as a duet by his album title- "'너에게" (You).

'You' is is Kim Kwang Seok's first title song and hidden masterpiece which also happens to be Roy's favorite.

Top pianist Bob James from the super jazz band "Fourplay" including Han Sang Won, Ha Rim, Go Sang Ji and other top musicians will have the music arrangements for the event.

Prior to the release of the album, female vocalist Jung In participated for the duet actress and "잊어야 한다는 마음으로 - Forget It" is scheduled to open on December 1st.

For the 20th Anniversary, it will be accompanied by presentations of various sound sources and performances in memory for the late singer. Recently the  the jukebox musical "Days of the Day- 그날들", which he composed the songs he sung was performed. 



CL, Sandara Park thanked and apologized to 2NE1 fans.

" We debut in the entertainment business 7 years ago, hereby we share our gratitude and thanks to the members of the group 2NE1." as what CL and Sandara Park apologized to their fans after the news of the girl group's disbandment. 


The members and YG did their best to maintain the team. We gave up so much of our Summer time to prepare for the new album in Korea however something unfortunate just happened.

While confessing during this difficult time, the most important thing is the memories from their years of success for the past 7 years. If it wasn't for the fans, they wouldn't be around.
The group received numerous music awards and participated in many variety programs and all was possible due to the 'Black Jack'. Black Jack is the official fan club name for 2NE1.
The fans have been cheerful, strong, funny and precious for the members. It was a blessing for the girls to come together all this time.

Sandara Park has personally handwritten and posted on her Twitter apologizing to the fans for not able to keep the group together. She thanked the fans for supporting them all these 7 years. It was a happy and memorable dream she shared together with CL, Park Bom and Minji. The 4 members will always be grateful and thankful for the love from the fans.

They wanted to produce good and better music for the last time however it has to end this way. After a long discussion, YG Entertainment has decided to end the girl group's activities by announcing 2NE1 will disband on 25th November. In May 2016, the girls' contracts have expired with YG. In April, member Gong Minji announced her departure from the group.
Min Ji has now joined female vocalist Baek Ji Young's entertainment agency.

Only CL and Sandara Park remained their solo contracts signed with YG. However YG has also terminated the contract with member Park Bom.

2NE1 debuted as girl group in 2009 and reached the top music charts with their hit singles such as 'I am the Best 내가 제일 잘 나가' and 'I Don't Care 아이 돈트 케어'. 

Good luck to the rest of the members in their future! 


Compulsory military services for Jung Il Woo in December.

Actor Jung Il Woo (29) will soon be heading off for compulsory military services in December. Rumors were circulating most celebrities who are in military services will serve as a public service personnel.

An official from HB Entertainment confirmed that Jung Il Woo plans to enlist in December.
He will be receiving the basic four weeks military training and later on serving as social service based on the official's decision.

The reason Jung will be working as public service officer is due to his injury in wrists and pelvic in a car accident after travelling together for a vacation with actor Lee Min Ho in 2006. Since Lee Min Ho was involved in the accident as well, speculations are circulating regarding his enlistment since the actor has undergone surgery of orthodontic iron core in his leg. The Ministry of Defense will be ruling out Lee's active duty service. However Lee's enlistment dates have not been decided.

Model/actor Kim Young Kwang also served as a public service employee. And in this unusual case, his service period was only 6 months. On December 2013, Kim was enlisted in the army. However his father used to serve for the Vietnam War and passed away when he was in elementary school, therefore Kim only worked as a public service officer.

Further more, actors Kang Dong Won and Lee Min Ki have also served as public service officers, along with actor/singer Park Yoo Chun who is facing a whole big summon and scandal this year. 




Monday, November 28, 2016

Lee Jong Suk and Suzy in new drama- While You Were Sleeping.

As the drama title- While You Were Sleeping, first my thoughts run wild hoping that the main leading actress be just playing the role as sleeping and dozing everyday. I don't mind seeing her just laying on the bed without any conversations or actions. 

Suzy has managed to snag the lead actress role in this upcoming SBS drama and to a shock, actor Lee Jong Suk is going to be the leading actor. 

PD Oh Chong Hwan who was in charge of directing My Love from the Star and Doctors is heading this production while script writer is Park Hye Run who wrote Dream High series.
Writer Park has worked together with Suzy as she also starred as Go Hye Mi in Dream High that shot her popularity.

My thoughts on this one? The answer big NO

Alright, I have to admit I am not a fan of idol stars turning into actors/actresses over night but this lady seriously need to undertake acting classes.
Her expressions and everything about her is dull and lifeless in any dramas or movies. For all Suzy's dramas she has done so far Dream High proves to be slightly successful however Big and Uncontrollably Fondly- I'd say it was total flop. If it wasn't for her co-stars, I bet the drama will not be even rated at all. Movies such as Architecture 101 was rated well because of adult version actors Uhm Tae Woong and Han Ga In. 

And to be honest, even the few minutes of her cameo appearance in My Love from the Star didn't get enough compliments and attention from the audience. Usually cameo appearances in dramas would spike up the ratings but looks like Jeon Ji Hyun and Kim Soo Hyun were far better off without Suzy's appearance.

Lee Jong Suk on the other hand is rising fast with his popularity in W: Two Worlds drama which he co-starred with actress Han Hyo Joo. And to see that he is signing up to star together with Suzy is going to be a one roller coaster ride. He alone will need to pull up the ratings with the help of 2nd leads. 

Take an example of idol stars drama- the recent Scarlet Heart: Moon Lovers was quite a shocker in ratings. No.1- some have seen the C-version so the K-version wasn't appealing anymore. 2nd reason- IU's role is dull and . 3rd reason- too many pretty flower boy Princes in the drama. 

EXO's Baekhyun has proved to be quite an annoyance and for that he even won an award for his role (I never understand why and how he could win it, due to EXO's popularity.) This is award is not even recognizing his real talent or acting skills. 
Nam Joo Hyuk and Ji Soo both played the 13th and 14th Princes were better in expressing their characters. With Lee Jun Ki alone bearing the big burden on his shoulders to keep up the ratings, it has proven difficulty for him to do so. 

So what is the lesson that we have learned here? The PDs and scriptwriters be better casting real talented actors/actresses in a drama. 



Lee Soo Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk fan service on Club Day in Gangnam.

In conjunction with Buk Byeong Gae Club Day, the main leads of the MBC current drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo managed to hold a fan meeting at the club in Gangnam on 28th November.
The event was organized by the production team of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo for the fans who conveyed their love and support during the short period of time. After passing through a surprise announcement last weekend, the event received so much keen interest.In particularly first 100 fans could participate in the event however the crowd started to grow bigger whereby fans lined up early at the Gangnam area since it's always been popular with people. 

By 7.00 pm, actress Lee Soo Kyung who played the character Kim Bok Joo arrived at the scene with her co-star Nam Joo Hyuk who plays as the genius national swimmer Jang Joon Hyung. Despite the cold weather, Lee Soo Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk conveyed their gratitude to the audiences who participated in the public filming, and they are enjoying the warmth of the scene, taking photographs together, and participating in various events. Over 100 spectators waved a glittering bracelet as a gift when they entered, responded to the love of the main leads, and uploaded their own photos to the SNS site. 

The staffs prepared for public filming with the bustle of the audience rather taken back with the energy of such audience. Lee Soo Kyung thanked the fans for coming in this cold weather and is delighted to see each and everyone. She looked forward for the support and love. Nam Joo Hyuk was more determined to work harder and continue the filming for the fans. 

And that brings us to a still the last episode where Bok Joo lied to Jae Hee that she is a cellist when Joon Hyung knew her secret. She was utterly shocked to discover that Joon Hyung and Jae Hee are related. Things go a bit awry when Joon Hyung realized that Bok Joo likes Jae Hee that she'd go to an extent to lie about her background. 


So much eye-candy and falling in love helplessly in the student campus brings out several hilarious scenes. It's definitely a big change to see Lee Soo Kyung in the nerdy outfits and bowl haircut. Nam Joo Hyuk is pricky and cheeky as ever but nevertheless he's adorable with his kind big teddy bear brother Lee Jae Yoon







Sunday, November 27, 2016

Jo Jung Suk, D.O's movie 'Hyung' reaches no#1 spot.

On the first day of the official release of the movie 'Brother'- Hyung', surprisingly it has surpassed the other box office films in the cinemas. 


According to the movie promotion committee on the 25th November, 'Brother' gathered 137,030 people from 4632 screenings at 932 openings the day before, and it reached the top of the box office. 

On that day, the sales amounted to KRW$ 1.01 billion won and the sales share was 39.0%. The "Mysterious Animal Dictionary," which ran first in the list after the release, attracted 118,862 people and took second place.

The film deals with the story of pre-morale of two brothers. Elder brother Doo Shik gets parole from prison when younger brother Do Young is injured from a judo match. The two brothers finally reunited and had to stay together with different personalities.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Legend of Blue Sea remains steady in viewers ratings.

The SBS drama Legend of Blue Sea  remains steady in its viewers ratings with the modern story of a legendary mermaid coming on shore to meet the professional swindler Heo Joon Jae. The drama has renewed its latest ratings of 17.1% according to Nielsen Korea.

This is the highest ever recorded of the same time for the series, rising 1.4% point from 15.7% recorded on the last day of the previous week.

When its first episode was screened, it scored 16.4% which was predictable and slowly cruising its way to the top list. Oh My Geum Bi's drama scored 5.2% while Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo also recorded at 4.6%.

As much as worldwide Minoz fans loved Lee Min Ho in his sleek pilot uniform, suits and flashy cars, he still remains best in his fictional Joseon dynasty character Dam Ryung. Even netizens have complained the modern story was too much of running around and there were gaps in the story plot. I find the character Dam Ryung is warm and subtle to an extent whereby I think the hanbok and hat fits him so well! 

Episode 4 shows Dam Ryung, the newly appointed mayor discovered that Shim Chung (played by Jeon Ji Hyun) he has saved is the same mermaid girl he met many years ago except his memories were partly erased. 

The Summary:
After 3 months, Shim Chung comes onshore looking for Joon Jae in Seoul. Joon Jae doesn't remember a single thing about her except some photos taken with her in Spain. Although he finds her a weird character, he is worried for her safety so he brought her home. 


The tense is back! The evil Lord Yang (played by Song Dong Il) is reincarnated as Ma Dae Young- another conman where evil fate brought the three together again.

Fate doesn't change from past to the present. Joon Jae and mermaid girl are in crisis. As in the Joseon dynasty, Dam Ryung and Sae Wa (mermaid girl's name) were caught by Lord Yang. Back to the future, Joon Jae and Shim Chung were hunted down by Ma Dae Young. Ma is hired by Joon Jae's step mother Kang Seo Hee (played by Hwang Shin Hye) to assassinate him in order to prevent him from inheriting the company assets.

The hunt and chase continues with Ma killing a man in the pursuit. The cops stepped in to investigate and Joon Jae didn't return home. Shim Chung was home alone with Ma trying to locate her as well. 

As in the past, Lord Yang was persistent to push Dam Ryung and Sae Wa into a bigger crisis. He is angered after Dam Ryung asked him to release the mermaid back to the sea. Now history is repeating itself in the present time whereby the love between a human and mermaid has proven to be so difficult. 


In this episode, viewers were treated to a special cameo appearance by Cha Tae Hyun who once worked with Jeon Ji Hyun in the hit movie My Sassy Girl. Tae Hyun plays as another swindler at Han-River trying to fool the innocent mermaid. Lucky for her, Joon Jae stepped in to stop him from swindling her. In fact Joon Jae was even faster in obtaining his wallet before he steps further. Hah! Love that few minutes of Cha Tae Hyun in this drama!

H.O.T Moon Hee Jun is tying the knot with 13 years younger bride.

First generation idol group 'H.O.T.' ex-member Moon Hee Jun (38) will be marrying the member of the girl group Crayon Pop- Park Hye Kyung (25) who is 13 years younger than him.

On 24th November, Moon Hee Jun's representative agency Coen Stars mentioned that the singer and So Yul have recently decided to tie the knot with confidence.

Hee Jun and So Yul have been in good companion for the past two years. It is said that they have made a date with each other's performances.

One day, Moon Hee Jun has written something in his fan cafe site stating, "I feel like I'm grown up but after I mention this, I really do feel like an adult. Our juniors are getting married." Another change between us. Do you know that you are a precious being?"

On that day same day, So Yul has also written her fan club site stating "I am also trembling now. I am getting married because I have met the person who loves me with generosity and with a warm heart."

The marriage is scheduled for February 2017. This is not a shotgun marriage due to any pregnancy. This has marked the first ever member of H.O.T group member to tie the knot. They will be the first ever idol couple to make their wedding vows.

Fellow member Kang Ta was surprised to hear the good news and congratulated the happy couple.

Moon Hee Jun made his debut as a member of H.O.T boy band in 1996, celebrated his 20th anniversary this year. He is also working as an entertainment program MC andsolo singer. 

Having made her debut with Crayon Pop in 2012, So Yul was very popular with fellow members with hit song entitled 'Papapa'. Last month, the team was temporarily suspended activities due to panic disorder. 

It was reported that when So Yul fell into the slump stage, she relied a lot of great support from Moon Hee Jun.

We congratulate both Hee Jun and So Yul for their wedding news! 



Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Thoughts on weekday drama Golden Pouch 황금주머니.

The new weekday drama Golden Pouch 황금주머니 has started airing on TV from 14th November via MBC daily drama station. The long weekday drama is scheduled to air for 120 episodes (Yes, very long and winded), however I find it suitable for my taste since the main lead is Kim Ji Han. 

Kim Ji Han was noted mostly for his role in Empress Ki as Yuan dynasty minister Tal Tal.
He also starred in The Family is Coming, My Secret Hotel, A New Leaf and A Good Day for the Wind to Blow. This time, Kim Ji Han has been offered a leading role as the genius surgeon Han Seok Hoon


Seok Hoon is a brilliant surgeon in a hospital however since he is an orphan, he finds it difficult to get married to the woman from a rich background. One day his girlfriend Min Hee seeks the help from the Geum family to pose as Seok Hoon's parents. However Min Hee's mother, Sa Gwi Jung found out the about truth, she slapped Seok Hoon embarrassing him at the hospital in front of colleagues. 

Geum's 3rd daughter Seol Hwa is pure and kind hearted working as television PD. She happens to date Min Hee's brother Min Kyu who is also a colleague doctor with Seok Hoon. Gwi Jung finds fault with all the Geum family members accusing Seol Hwa as a two timer and having parents as 'con artists' trying to fool her as Seok Hoon's parents.


The story will slowly unfold how the icy cold Seok Hoon suffers from downfall and he will eventually leaves his surgeon position and becomes a chef! Given that he has lots of weird encounters and misfortunes with Seol Hwa, there is no doubt he will end up with her.

Ryu Ho Young plays as Geum Seol Hwa is rather pretty and chirpy for I've seen her so far from School 2013. She is the younger sister of ex T-Ara member/actress Ryu Hwa Young.
Ho Young has always spotted with a bob short hair but now she looks feminine with longer hair. Veteran actor Ahn Nae Sang plays the warm and nice food owner Geum Jung Do who has 3 daughters in his house. 

Other supporting casts include Lee Sun Ho, Na Jong Chan, Dana, Lee Yong Joo and many more. 

Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim ratings soars up to 18.9%.

SBS TV drama- Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim recorded their highest audience rating and was ahead of a breakthrough of 20%.

According to Nielsen Korea on the 23rd November, the 6th episode of 

'Romantic Doctor-Teacher Kim', which was broadcast the previous day, recorded the national average audience rating of 18.9%. In Seoul itself and the metropolitan area has recorded ratings of 20.8% and 20.3% respectively. The audience rating of 5 times was 16.5%.

The drama began with a 9.5% audience rating on 7th November, followed by a steady increase in audience ratings (10.8% in the second, 12.4% in the third, 13.8% in the fourth).

Meanwhile MBC drama 'Night Light' scored 6.3% and SBS drama 'Sweet Stranger and Me' obtained 3.9%. 

Romantic Doctor- Teacher Kim is about geeky genius doctor 'Teacher Kim Sa Bu' and a passionate young doctor, Kang Dong Joo in the background of a local hospital.

Veteran actor Han Suk Kyu plays the main lead Teacher Kim while Yoo Yoon Suk plays Kang Dong Joo and actress Seo Hyun Jin plays as Yoon Seo Jung. 

Also co-starring in the drama are Im Won Hee, Jin Kyung, Seo Eun Soo, Kim Hong Pa and Kim Min Jae. 

S.E.S reunited after 14 years with 20th Anniversary project 'Remember'.

SM Founder- Lee Soo Man with Shoo, Eugene and Bada.
In the late 1990's, the sweet affectionate girl group S.E.S are finally reunited after 14 years and are working on their new project entitled 'Remember'.

According to SM Entertainment on 23rd November, S.E.S girl group who debuted in 1997 will be celebrating their 20th anniversary next year. The 'ladies' will be in contact with fans in various forms such as sound recordings, performances, albums and reality programs through this project.


The first start of 'Remember' is SM's sound source platform 'Station'. S.E.S will announce the start of this project by announcing the debut day 'Love [Story]' on 28th November.


'Love [Story]' is a reinterpretation of SM's representative songwriter Yoo Young-jin and financially S.E.S.'s hit song 'Love'. Another highlight of S.E.S. is "I'm your girl" and a mashup sound with a new rap composition added.
A part of the recording was released on the station official Instagram (http://instagram.com/smtownstation)


In addition, S.E.S. will hold a solo concert "Remember, The Day" at Sejong University Ocean Hall from December 30-31st. The special album will also be released on 2 January 2017.

In addition, the 20th anniversary project of the S.E.S will be produced as reality program 'Remember, I am Yours S.E.S', and will be launched on December 5th. The reality show will feature the three members who are preparing for comeback in SK mobile video application.


In particular, S.E.S. and SM Ent. will donate 20% of the total proceeds from this project. Since 2009, we have invited members Bada, Eugene and Shoo who have held 'Green Heart Bazaar' every year and SM, who has launched the social contribution brand 'SMILE' in 2014.

S.E.S is the first generation girl group with a hit songs such as 'I am Your Girl', 'Dreams Come true', 'I love you', 'I gathered my dreams' and '' Just a Feeling'.






Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Buypyeong Underground Shopping Street, South Korea.

On my recent trip to South Korea, I have planned to visit the biggest and longest underground shopping street that I can see. Bupyeong Underground Modoo Mall is definitely a large space to cover as it consists of 7 sections from A to G in color coded.

Get off at the Bupyeong station as this is using Line 1 and you won't go wrong. Everything you see left and right is either cosmetics-skincare, clothes, hand phone covers and jewelry.


All of us ended up purchasing some mobile phone covers (you must bargain to get the best price). I bought a pretty hairband, mobile phone cover, key chains and Mom got some of her Face Shop cosmetics at a cheaper price. They are even cheaper than in Myeongdong!

You can get out from the Bupyeong Underground Mall and head up to the nearby market and stores. We went to Bupyeong Cultural Village Street however that day weather was rather freezing and cold. 


 

Our tummies are grumbling and we decided to fill our hunger at the nearby market. Thank goodness for me being able to read Korean language, so we walked upstairs to a local 'sik dang' restaurant and had the standard Kimchi Tofu stew, Soy bean paste stew with rice which costs around KRW$6000 each. The side dishes came to the table was plenty that we were full by just eating them without the mains! We were even served a plate of korean curry chicken with potatoes that tastes so different. Loved it!

Bupyeong is a place for one to start buying clothes, accessories and knick knacks. It's a heaven for shopping however one needs to take a long ride on the subway from Seoul. Bupyeong is near towards Incheon port so weather can be a bit cool if you are coming during the winter months.

For directions coming here- take the Seoul Subway Line 1 and get off at Bupyeong Station Exit 6.






Tea-time at Victorian Garden Tea Room & Cafe.

Spending my weeks in Penang, I started trying all the high tea sets in the cafes that are newly opened in the state. One hot afternoon my parents and I went to Victorian Garden Tea Room and Cafe located at 33 Irrawaddy Road. It's rather interesting to know that their sister shop is Jenni Cake and Bakery at Pulau Tikus. 



The tea room is decorated with very lovely pastel wallpapers consists of tiny flowers and roses. The interior decor are all decked looking in Victorian times. The cutlery and tea pots are all in English style. The high tea set is around RM 48 (if I am not mistaken) and consists of ribbon sandwiches, scones with butter/jam, a pot of hot brewing tea of your choice, slices of cakes, croissants and tarts.


Even the windows were decorated with white cute looking curtains. They do refill hot water in your teapot. I must say that the high tea set was quite lovely and tastes good.
The place is fully air-conditioned and you can find parking spots in front of the cafe.

Price: 3.5/5 stars
Food: 3.5/5 stars
Overall: 3.5/5 stars





Budan's Brew Coffee bar at Pulau Tikus, Penang.

Budan's Brew Coffee bar is located on 1st floor of the narrow looking building at 31-M Cantonment Road, P.Tikus in Penang. You will need to board the small elevator that lifts you up to 1st floor and you can see a narrow L-looking shape cafe.


The place is not too fanciful but has various types of coffee and lattes. I ordered a peach latte and my parents has the standard americano latte. They did a fair great work in designing the foam on the coffees. We ordered some danish pastries which I must say was a bit of let down- too dry and not that great in taste.



The cheese garlic bread was heaven...crispy at the sides and filled with butter and garlicky taste. Now that's what I want for a garlic cheese toast. Prices are not cheap either.
There are not many variety of cakes and sweets in this cafe. Probably people head up for drinks at this place. 

Price: 3/5 stars
Location: 3/5 stars
Taste: 3.5/5 stars

An evening trip to Black Kettle cafe in Penang.

It was a nice cooling evening at 8.00 pm when we visited Black Kettle Cafe located at 105, Beach Street, Georgetown in Penang. I have to stress that lately the streets along the heritage area is well lit up for tourists and locals to walk at night. It does get a bit ghastly if no shops and banks are open. Thank goodness the place is all scattered with many small cafes, pubs and convenient stores that lit up the area at night. Good on them!



The cafe coffee beans are inspired from the coffee in Australia. The cafe is pretty big for its space and location wise is great especially in the evening, night time and weekends when there are no people working in the banking district.

The cafe boasts a variety of croissants, danish pastries, buns and variety of cake slices.
A small cup of hot chocolate sets the price at RM 11. I ordered the Matcha Iced Latte which was RM 13. The almond croissant comes in a nice size however I must say the filling for the croissant is too little and it fails to bring out the almond taste. The chocolate danish pastry was average but it's cheap for its price.



The humble rhubarb crumble priced at RM 8.50 was the cheapest of all the cakes but i felt it was a bit dry to my palate. Nevertheless the place served many comfort food and drinks for hungry diners in the evening. It can even hosts birthday parties and events.

There is free Wi-Fi in the cafe and the owner of the cafe is obliging and polite.

Price: 3.5/5 stars
Taste: 3/5 stars
Ambiance: 4/5 stars
Overall: 3.5/5 stars



Visit to the Loke Thye Kee restaurant.

After reading few reviews online regarding Loke Thye Kee restaurant in Penang, we have decided to try out the place. The place is located at 2, Burma Road, Georgetown.
It has 3 levels, been newly renovated and taken over by a Singaporean entrepreneur.



The place boasts plenty of Hainanese cuisine including the famous Hainanese Chicken Chop, Pie Tee and local Chinese cuisines. The customer service is great and I must say the food is nice with big portion. We were recommended the western set lunch that costs RM 19 and if added with Cream Soup of the Day and an Iced Lemon Drink it will be additional RM2.



The soup comes in a pretty big bowl and the Hainanese Chicken Soup. 
The Hainanese Chicken Chop is fried to perfection and topped with nice gravy along with mushrooms, onions and side dishes were coleslaw dusted with some almond flakes. The chicken dish is served with crispy potato wedges as well.

The restaurant has the old shanghai feeling with internal decor of Chinese painting and fully air conditioned. It even has a little lift for people with mobility problems. Behind the restaurant is the Loke Thye Kee residences. 

Price: 3.5/5 stars
Food: 4/5 stars
Ambiance: 4/5 stars



Lotte Duty Free new web drama- First 7 Kisses.

Lotte Duty Free is launching its new web drama starring the mega hit Hallyu stars from various agencies to promote tourism and its popularity of K-dramas and actors. 

The web drama is entitled 'First Seven Kisses' - a story about a Lotte Duty Free female employee as its main character.

The drama co-stars the main ambassadors such as Choi Ji Woo, 2PM's Tacyeon, EXO's Kai, Lee Min Ho, Park Hae Jin, Ji Chang Wook and brand newly signed in models/actors Lee Jun Ki and Lee Jong Suk


While the content of the drama is yet to be revealed, we certainly know that Choi Ji Woo is the only Hallyu actress in Lotte Duty Free so she won't be the main lead of the drama.

Well who will be the lucky female actress to score this role to star with the handsome looking stars? Stay tune for it...

** I am picking Lee Jun Ki at anytime! He's my bias... * 

Snapshots for drama 'Goblin' with Lee Dong Wook and Kim Go Eun.

On 22nd November, there were plenty of photo shoots at Gangnam for the presentation of the upcoming drama 'Goblin' 도깨비 starring Lee Dong Wook, Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun and Yoo In Na. 


Famed writer Kim Eun Sook who wrote the mega hit drama Descendants of the Sun is full on this project. 

A 19 year old high school student Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun) sees a demon who claims to be a 'goblin god' named Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) who requires a human bride to end his immortal life. Kim Shin was betrayed by a jealous young King and is knocked down with a knife in his chest. Writer Kim mentioned she wanted fantasy yet interesting story line. 


Looking at the trailer and preview of the drama, the loneliness of Kim Shin is depicted with the laid-back atmosphere of a relatively bubbly student Ji Eun Tak. Sharing a mysterious appearance with a dazed eye, "I know it's a goblin," and "I'm going to marry you.".... 

Ji wanted to be an ordinary high school student but she has lived as a loner since she saw her souls dying from her childhood.

Gong Yoo's last drama was 'Big' in 2012. He has been filming more movies such as Age of Shadows and Train to Busan so the schedules for the drama are tight. 

First episode is to be broadcast on December 2nd. 


Monday, November 21, 2016

Lee Byung Hun, Kang Dong Won and Kim Woo Bin's Master film exported to 31 countries.

Lee Byung Hun, Kang Dong Won and Kim Woo Bin who has filmed the Master exported to 31 countries before the opening of the film.


According to CJ Entertainment,  'Master' was sold to 31 countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, India, Macau, Malaysia, Turkey, Philippines, Mongolia and Indonesia. The movie was confirmed in North America next month, followed by Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia in January and Vietnam in February.


The Hong Kong distributor Delta Mac said the the film 'Master'  will show a new side not only showing three of the most attractive male actors from South Korea but also showing their charm in full play.


Taiwan's distributor Movie Cloud also said the combination of actors Lee Byung Hun, Kang Dong Won and Kim Woo-bin is definitely fresh and appealing. They are very excited about how the actors would express the relationship between the masters who cheat and cheat each other without a break.

'Master' is a story about a strange fraudsters who caused a group fraud case, an intelligent criminal investigation chief who chases them, and a story about a brawler's brain. 

The movie is directed by PD Cho Suk Seok, who was recognized as a director in 2013 for the movie "Watchers" (final audience: 5.5 million).


'Master' movie will be released in cinemas throughout South Korea in December 2016.

Kim Jun Su and TOP will enlist in early 2017.

Kpop JYJ member Kim Jun Su (29) and Big Bang's TOP a.k.a Choi Seung Hyun (29) will be serving their duty as police officer next year.

Kim Jun Su and Choi Seung Hyun (TOP)
According to the official website of the Republic of Korea Obligatory Police on the 21st November, Kim Jun Su and Choi Seung Hyun have passed the 348th Special Police Selection Examination. The two guys will join the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungnam on February 9th, 2017. 

Previously, Kim Jun Su has been awarded to the Gyeonggi Nambu Public Relations Group, and Choi Seung Hyun has passed the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Special Band division.

The two guys will digest their tight schedules and events leading to the date they enlist.

Jun Su will be holdimg a brand-new concert- '2016 XIA Ballad & Musical Concert with Orchestra vol.5' at Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium from 9th to 11th of December. In January of 2017, he plays the character 'L' in Death Note, a licensed musical reenactrf at the Seoul Opera Theater.

Big Bang members will be having their Japanese tour along with TOP at the end of the year. The Big Bang concert will be held in Sangam World Cup Stadium on January 7-8 next year.

Lighthearted comedy from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.

MBC has also released its latest Wed-Thu drama prime slot entitled Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo 역도요정 김복주  which I can say is comical yet quite enjoyable. It is not just an ordinary university student drama but it also depicts the life and path chosen by these athletes who suffer from their own trauma and dark past.


Lee Sung Kyung plays as the chubby weightlifter athlete Kim Bok Joo who has one goal in life that is to win a gold medal. She stands up against naughty boys who often tease the girls however deep down inside she is a big teddy bear. She is seen as a tall lanky weightlifter but is shy when she's around the guys. One day unexpectedly she is greeted by a childhood friend Jang Joon Hyung played by Nam Joo Hyuk. Joon Hyung belongs to the national swimming team however he suffers from a disorder after making a false start at the pool. 

Often Bok Joo's two best friends tease her friendship with Joon Hyung since he is tall and handsome unlike her. Joon Hyung finds it fun to interact and poke around Bok Joo by calling her Chubby. Bok Joo has to help out her father's fried chicken shop when he's undergoing dialysis at the hospital. Though Joon Hyung lives happily with his brother Jae Hee played by Lee Jae Yoon however he misses his biological mother. Bok Joo stumbles across Jae Hee who is a kind doctor assisting obese patients. She starts going head over heels on Jae Hee who is not only charming yet polite towards everyone. 

Joon Hyung's ex-girlfriend and gymnast Song Shi Ho played by Kyung Soo Jin returns

from Taerung after failing to enter the preliminaries. She is ambitious in her career led her to break up with Joon Hyung. 

I must say the weightlifting team is been constantly bullied by the gymnastic team since the girls were more feminine and prettier. Poor weightlifters who were often seen as the opposite by eating so much and behaving roughly. 

Viewers were treated by some cameo appearances by Jota and even Lee Jong Suk who plays his own role from W: Two Worlds. He is truly an eye candy in the drama which they said he looked like a character from a cartoon! How true is that! 




We wonder how the romance will go ahead with the awkward looking Bok Joo trying to date a man while Joon Hyung might end up with her at the end... let's see how the story goes.
The drama is written by the well known writer who wrote Oh!My Ghostess under tVN.
This round, Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk are reunited after starring together in tVN's Cheese In The Trap series. 

And we do see a big difference of Lee Sung Kyung who often dresses very classy, elegant yet bitchy in her previous roles. She has chopped off her long hair and dressed bulkily to look tomboy in this series.