Monday, March 18, 2013

Top 10 Korean Romance Comedy Movies

I've always loved watching Romantic Comedies. There really is such a unique feeling when watching Romance movies with a hint of light-heartedness. I found this genre especially appealing when I started watching Korean Romance Comedies when I was younger. In my circle of (mostly girl) friends, I have found no one who disliked these kinds of movies even though they're sometimes "cliché." It just makes hopeless romantics like me feel all giddy inside. As I have watched quite a number of these movies, I could recommend some of my all time favorites. Most of these favorites are old ones or those "starting points" of those K-movie fanatics. I also chose these movies because they are those which have the elements of a Romantic Comedy. I will also recommend some of the good romance movies which are not much of a rom-com.

1. My Sassy Girl (2001)





















Based on an internet novel, this movie is popular not only amongst K-movie fanatics, but also those who enjoy watching Romance Comedies of any origin. This movie was re-made into a Hollywood movie of the same title, so some are probably familiar of it. For those who are not familiar, this movie is about a strong, bold woman who becomes the girlfriend of a timid guy. It is indeed touching, romantic, and at the same time hilarious as hell. This movie, being number one in my list, will not disappoint rom-com lovers.

2. Windstruck (2004)





















Windstruck is said to be the prequel of My Sassy Girl because of elements which connects it to the other movie. However, it's not completely its prequel and it stands on its own. It has its own charm as a movie. This is much more romantic than funny and what I love about this is how it touches your heart after watching. The movie's about destiny and how these two different people (a female cop and a male teacher) fell for each other.

3. Speedy Scandal (2008)





















One of my favorite movies of all time. It is placed third, however, because it's not much romance between a woman and a man as it is much more about family. What I love about this movie is its unique take on family relationships: a really young single dad who already has a grandson. Guaranteed to make you feel crying and laughing all throughout the movie.

4. Love, So Divine (2004)





















I watched this movie way back in high school and I still can't forget the feeling when I watched it. My heart felt like it was overwhelmed with emotions that I really can't forget it until today. This movie is about a seminarian who, with a course of events, falls in love with a girl just before he becomes a priest.

5. My Little Bride (2004)





















I'm not much a fan of boy meets girl love story compared to known-each-other-for-a-long-time love story, that's why I love this. Tackles the topic of arranged marriage in modern society, early marriage, and huge age gap in love. This movie is cute and light.

6. 200 Pounds of Beauty (2006)





















A movie that questions the standards of beauty. Quite touching and sure to provide a lesson to the viewers.

7. He was Cool (2004)



















First movie that I watched based on an internet novel by Guiyeoni. Most suckers for bad boys would love this movie I suppose. Innocent girl meets bad boy from other school.

8. 100 Days with Mr. Arrogant (2004)





















This movie is also based from a popular internet novel and of course, is popular among those who love "bad boy" type of guys. High school girl becomes errand girl for a mean college guy.

9. Baby and Me (2008)





















Who would be able to resist this adorable baby and handsome man? This movie full of cute and cuddly scenes is about a high school guy taking care of an abandoned baby which is said to be his own child.

10. Do re mi fa so la ti do (2008)





















Also from an internet novel by Guiyeoni, this movie is about a charming, yet quite arrogant guy who falls in love with a strong-willed girl. Quite serious for a high school movie yet touching.

Other Romance K-movies I recommend:

Jenny, Juno (2005)
The Classic (2003)
Hello School Girl (2008)

Recent Ones:

My Black Mini Dress / Little Black Dress (2011)
An Introduction to Architecture / Architecture 101 (2012)

Feel free to add to the list! 

(photos taken from Google Images)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Miss Flower Music Tour by KTO

Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) has once again provided opportunities for Korean fanatics like me to express ourselves in order to win a free trip to Korea. This time, the contest is entitled Miss Flower Music Tour: You can be a song writer!


The contest encourages people to write a poem about Korea's spring, flowers and love. We all know that spring links to blooming flowers like the sign of a new beginning. And of course, what good way to express that through love and passion? This video below is shown for the contestant to gain inspiration in writing their own lyrics. 




Everyone can join, except you need to read the terms first (yes, it's important so that you won't get disappointed in the end) and create an account in www.ibuzzkorea.com before sending your entry. Without further ado, here's what I submitted.



By (username) genina07



I woke up missing your gentle embrace

The soft scent of yours impossible to replace
I want to soak in the pure beauty
That you once again will show me
Every color suits you
Albeit your mellow harmony's unique
Indeed you have an impeccable charm
And everyone yearns for your warmth



This might be the first time that I made lyrics and showed it to the public. I made one before when I was in first year of high school but then it was just for myself. I'm not a great poet/writer myself so I'm quite embarrassed of showing this publicly. Anyways, the point of this post is to share to my fellow Korean fanatics this contest!



How to join: here

More events/contests by KTO: here

Monday, March 11, 2013

LEE HI (이하이) - IT'S OVER M/V

YG's newest artist, Lee Hi with her own album this year. I really love this girl and I wish for her success!


This music video is her newest single, "It's over" from her album fully coming out this March 21, 2013. Do watch out for her full album as not only Lee Hi's voice and performance will rock the world but also YG's best producers like Tablo, Lydia Paek, Masta Wu, Choice37, Teddy, etc. came together to make amazing songs for her.


This is her other music video first released last 2012. As you can see, this YG rookie is really someone to look out for.

Lee Hi/Lee Hayi was a contestant in SBS Kpop Star who debuted with YG entertainment last year. For more info, click here.

Monday, March 4, 2013

Skyscrapers and Observatories.

It is one of my goals in life to visit some world famous skyscrapers/buildings/observatory decks. The reason is that I love looking from a bird's eye view and soaking in the beauty of the city be it at night or day. My journey started in May 2010, when I went back to Dubai for summer vacation during college. My parents and I planned to visit Burj Khalifa's observatory deck as it was newly opened for public viewing. Being the world's tallest building since January 2010, I was so exhilarated most especially when we were at the elevator. After arriving "At the Top," I was so amazed for a while and started taking pictures of the astounding view. Of course, I also managed to have my photos taken by my mom.



This photo was taken pre-opening of Burj Khalifa, December 2009 I think.


Excuse my "clown" face. Of course, the obligatory peace-sign.


Night view from the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa. Stunning Dubai.

In December 2011, my sister and I went to Seoul, South Korea. We visited two buildings' observatory. First is the 63 Building. The reason why this building was included in our itinerary is because of the Korean drama "My Girl." I love that Kdrama and I really wanted to visit that building so that I could rekindle the emotion that My Girl made me feel. 63 Building has both an Art Gallery and Observation deck on the 60th floor and the elevators have glass windows so that as people go up (or down), they can also enjoy the view.


Han River view from the 60th floor of 63 Building.



Seoul at night.



Oh the traffic jam.



And the mandatory photo.



Second (in Seoul) is the N Seoul Tower, located on Namsan Mountain. To fully enjoy the trip to N Seoul Tower, one must ride the Namsan cable car to the tower. 




Inside the cable car.


Pavilion at the grounds of N Seoul Tower.



"Love locks" turned into trees for Christmas. Excuse the jealous face.



View from the mountain.


Where you get your tickets. Duh.


Teddy Bear Museum also at N Seoul Tower.





More Teddy Bears.



Tiles with messages.



Seoul.





Ze toilet.



At the toilet, there's a view. Coolness.




N Seoul Tower.

Lastly, like what I've already posted in the past, my family and I went to Singapore in 2012. We visited Marina Bay Sands on our last day and took photos outside on our first day. See post here





So far, I've gone to four buildings in 3 different countries. I pledge and hope that there would be more to come! Now, here's a list of my target skyscrapers/towers/buildings:

Tokyo Tower, Tokyo, Japan.
Empire State Building, New York, U.S.A.
Eiffel Tower, Paris, France.
Macau Tower, Macau, PRC. (Also Bunjee!)
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China.
Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan.

And many more!