HALLYU Magazine No. 73

HALLYU september comebacks

book cafés

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Kevin Woo | Justin Park

STREET

WOMAN FIGHTER

transfer proof make up

Korean Entertainment

& Culture Magazine Established in 2011

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ISSUE NO. 73

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contents

4

KEVIN WOO in Texas Exclusive Interview with Kevin Woo and Justin Park

20

KCONTACT HI5 September Comebacks

36

Latest Drama Premiere: The Veil Squid Game Yumi’s Cells Dali and Cocky Prince

42

MNET’s Street Woman Fighter

48

Book Cafes Transfer Proof Make-up

Kevin Woo

LIVE IN TEXAS Written by Linda Yang | Photographed by June Saladino

M

usic and excitement filled the musky afternoon air. As we get closer to the venue, visions of stirring excitement lining up for the show and getting a sneak peek during the sound check was a welcomed sight. This was it, finally, a live in-person KPop event since the pandemic, Kevin Woo Live.

Kevin Woo, is currently promoting as a solo artist with his newly released single, “Got It”. Kevin was part of the 2nd generation KPop group UKiss that received acclaim for their catchy music and lyrics. They stole the hearts of many as they soared onto the various Asian music charts. Being born and raised in the Bay Area of California, Kevin was able to communicate with English speaking fans through Arirang TV’s Afterschool Club as a host for the KPop show.

Fans trickled into the Texas Live outdoor venue with signs and KPop music playing over the speakers

by DJ Pierrie. Fans danced along to the KPop songs with the original choreography showing their excitement waiting for the show to begin and relished at being able to enjoy an in-person event once again.

Justin Park opened up the show and quickly added to the Texas heat with, “You Should Be Here with Me”, an energetic R&B number.

Justin filled the stage with his presence alone and played with the crowed.

He treated the crowd with his new release, “You Don’t Know”. Just when the crowd was settling down with the sweetness of “Adore You, Dior You”, Justin spiced it up again with “On the Low”.

He did not disappoint and treated the fans with his chocolate abs. Before he closed out his set, Justin gave the fans on the floor the ultimate gift and joined them in the crowd.

Before Kevin took the stage, his music video for “Got It” played on the screens on each side of the stage adding to the anticipation. Like a fish in water, Kevin took the stage with “Freedom” and showed us the charm of a KPop idol with his singing, rapping and dancing.

He showed his many charms and sang in Korean, English and Japanese. When the dancers did not join him on stage, his fluid effortless charisma eluded as he interacted with the crowd. Kevin brought back memories and sang snippets of UKiss’ top hits such as “Man Man Ha Ni”. Even though the snippets were short, his raw acapella voice was a gift to the audience’s ears.

This show was meaningful because it may be one of the last times Kevin performs for a live audience in his 20’s.

There were also a lot of firsts for Kevin regarding this show such as it being his first time in Texas and the show being his first live in-person show since the pandemic. He showed his appreciation to his fans who came from all over the US by pulling an audience member up on stage and serenaded her with “10,000 Hours”. And if you did not already know, Kevin is a fan of Dr Pepper! If you missed the show or still can’t get enough of Kevin, you can still catch Kevin Woo on Sessions at www. sessionslive.com/KevinWoo

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Kevin Woo

Hallyu Magazine (HM): Welcome back! And thank you for sitting down with us today. Since our time is limited, let’s dive right in. Kpop has grown quite a bit over the past several years. There are a lot of new fans who don’t know about your time as a member of UKiss.

Can you talk a little about your career for the newer fans?

Kevin Woo (KW): My Name is Kevin Woo and I am originally from San Fransico, California. I am KoreanAmerican. I went out to South Korea to pursue my dream in music and KPop. In 2008, I debuted in a group called UKiss and we were very active all around the globe. 15 years down the line and here I am transitioning into a solo artist back in the US to release new music in English with a background in KPop - being a bridge between the worlds of music.

HM: If you had the opportunity to become an idol trainee again would you look forward to it and how long were you a trainee for?

KW: For me honestly, I joined the entertainment agency at the age of 15 and I debuted about 3 months after joining the agency, so that was a very lucky case. If I were to do it all again, I would because I love doing this.

If I were to, I would try to go in the survival program like Produce 101 or I-land. I feel like it would be a great place to grow. I just love the facilities

and environment that are provided for the participants. I wish I had that growing up. So, in this day and age, I would do it again.

HM: Currently there is a survival program called “Loud” with JYP and Psy. Have you been watching it?

KW: I have not seen that one yet but I know that there is a new program called “Girls’ Planet 999” on MNet. One of my dancers that I have worked closely with will be one of the judges for the show. I have been keeping my eye on that show, but everyone is getting younger every year. So, I feel like I’m a judge when I’m watching it too.

HM: What do you miss about being in a group and what do you like about being a solo artist?

KW: There are a lot of pros and cons about being a solo artist. My background of being in a boyband, I miss the accompaniment of members and that sense of brotherhood. There is never a dull moment on tour and on stage. You have brothers backing you up when you are out of breath and everyone has their time in the spotlight. As a solo artist, you are always the center of attention, so that was a bit intimidating at first. I am slowly getting used to it and enjoying the attention. But I think when it comes to traveling and practicing, I definitely miss having members.

HM: Have you noticed a change in the demographic of KPop fans? -- How? KW: Of course, the first time UKiss performed in the US it was 2011 at the Hollywood Bowl for the Korean Music Festival, an annual festival in Hollywood. I remember seeing a lot of Korean Americans in attendance with their families. In 2014, I came back to the US with UKiss for a tour and that was when I began to notice more and more non-Asians. So only in the span of 3 years, something really cool happened. They all knew our lyrics in Korean, spoke in Korean and even spelled out words in Hangul. Fast forward to 2019, I come to KCON and the demographics of the fans were very diverse of different nationalities. KPop has no bounds, it attracts other Asians and races. I feel like KPop is connecting the world in a sense. People who are not originally fans of KPop eventually become fans because they watch popular KDramas and the KPop artists are singing the soundtrack titles. This really expands the audience.

HM: What motivates you to continue making music?

KW: As a solo artist back in my home country, there is just so many inspirations and motivations because I feel like we need more Asian American representation here in entertainment realm, whether it be on the big screen or in music. I want to be one of the forefront pioneers to help bridge that missing gap. I know that there are a lot of Asian Americans who want someone to look up to because when I was growing up, I didn’t have

anyone to look up to and aspire to be like him/her. Nowadays, I feel like kids are so influenced by social media and I just want to use my platform to reach out to the younger generation. So, I feel like that is the biggest motivation for me.

HM: With you performing here today, what would be your most memorable moment while performing or location?

KW: Hands down, KCON New York 2019. I had the opportunity to debut my single, “Over You”, at Madison Square Garden for a crowd of 50,000 people, jam packed stadium and I opened the show. That was a very thrilling and unforgettable moment. They were all cheering me on so sometimes I’ll re-watch videos of it on YouTube and relive those memories.

HM: You did a stint in the musical scene. You played Mark in Altar Boys. Do you have any plans on doing another musical?

KW: Yes, I am currently working on my acting and I have a huge passion for musicals. I love Broadway. If there is ever a chance, I would love to venture out to do a musical on Broadway.

HM: Is there any production in particular that you would like to be in?

KW: I have never seen Aladdin so I’d like to be in that. Also, In the Heights, is a musical that I really enjoy watching in Korea and the movie also really inspired me. If I get the opportunity, I’d love to do it. Anything with singing and dancing I’m down to do.

“KPOP has no bounds, it attracts other Asians and races. I feel like it is connecting the world in a sense.”

HM: With the current situation of the world, what would your dream road trip destination be?

KW: My father and I have always talked about doing a road trip across the US. A father-son road trip. I know it’s every father’s dream to do one with their son(s). For me, there isn’t any place in particular, I just want to check out all the different cities throughout America.

Growing up in California, I never really had the chance to see a lot of different states. This is my first time here in Texas. I’d like to check out New Orleans, Nashville or any city that has a lot of musical influence. I want to go and get inspired.

KW: I actually still wear platform shoes. I have a pair of Dr Martins and they are platforms. I think it’s already coming back. I remember in middle school; we use to wear our backpacks in the front. I wonder if that’ll ever come back? The trend that I do not want to come back is wearing your jeans (tight or not) really low down by your thighs. I just never thought that was ever attractive. I wouldn’t want that to come back.

HM: To wrap up this interview, if you could have lunch with any 3 people, who would they be? Why?

KW: Maybe it’s too early to say because usually fashion trends come back in a few decades.

KW: Justin Timberlake, I really looked up to N’Sync and I closely followed his solo career.

He is a big role model for me. I’d love to meet him someday and sit down and have a chat with him. Usher and Mariah Carey. I have to go see his residency in Las Vegas and Mariah seems like such a nice person. I love her music and would love to sit down with her and chat.

HM: What about platform shoes, just like the what the Spice Girls use to wear?

HM: Thank you Kevin for sitting down with Hallyu Magazine on this very hot afternoon.

HM: You are known for your keen sense of fashion. Is there anything you wished would come back into fashion?

Interview with Justin Park

Hallyu Magazine (HM): Thank you for taking time out of your tight schedule and chatting with us. Your latest single, “You Don’t Know”, has an R&B flow and groove to it. What/who were your influences for the sound?

Justin Park (JP): There wasn’t a specific influence for the song but how the song came about was just super natural in the studio.

Who I’m influenced by in the music industry, by other singers and artists, I would say the R&B sound would come from Boys II Men, Jodeci, Usher, Luther Vandross to name a few. I’m really old head. I like to listen to a lot of old music from the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s of R&B and Blues. I do that because I believe that as artists, we have to learn and put in the work just like one would go to college. I did not go to college, to the 4 years that I did not attend school, I studied music and invested into myself and my ear for music. “You Don’t Know” is a product of that. Contextually, it’s very influenced by the 90’s R&B sound.

Hopefully the fans can see and hear that from the song.

HM: I feel that the R&B genre is making a comeback since the 90’s. Does this excite you and rev up your creative juices in music making?

JP: It does because for the longest time in the last 2-4 years there’s been a lot of good R&B but it’s a lot different from what I thought what R&B would become. Pop/R&B is cool.

Everybody likes catchy music but I’d like to get back to some old school R&B with really

good singing. I’m not saying that any of the artists today are not good singers, they are amazing but the song formula is different.

So, I’d like to hear more of the smooth R&B. One of the artists I believe that embodies that sound is Miguel. He’s been very true to that R&B sound and I think he is one of the more creative artists of today who don’t really lean on the Pop-y formula being used a lot today.

Having fan retention is great, but sometimes you have to do it for the love of the music and staying true to your craft.

HM: With the current situation that we are currently going through, I’m sure you have missed touring and being on the road and just performing in general. In which, we are glad that you are back at it after a long break - - What do you miss most about performing in front of a live crowd?

JP: For me, it was more about being in a place like today where it’s like in your backyard.

The people who listen to your music and do invest their time into you, it was hard for me because it’s really hard for me to feel like an artist because I’m not in connection with the people who are listening to my music. It’s a weird disconnection. In my head and heart sometimes, I think are people really listening to my music right now. It was a really tough time, but yesterday I did a show in LA, Ted and Friends. I think there were about 500 people who attended and that was really something.

To see the crowd singing all my lyrics still after 2 years is really crazy. Hopefully the fans are ready for this next album.

HM: What was one the most memorable locations you performed at?

JP: Man, I would have to think about this one a little bit. The first 2 places that come to mind in my heart would be New York, Terminal 5. I did that 2 years ago with Amber Liu’s Tour X. Again, with Amber Liu on her Rouge Tour in San Francisco. I forgot the place but those two locations stick out in my mind. It was more of what was going on during the tour that made those 2 locations stand out. San Francisco was the

last spot on the tour and I was giving it everything the previous night in LA. I jumped off the stage and hurt my leg and I thought that it was broken so the drive up was very emotional for me. I had to sit for my set and was not able to dance but the fans were all just singing and so into what was going on. I felt that my vocal performance was really good because I was sitting. It was easier for me to connect to the fans in another way. Usually, I’m really amped up on stage but for that performance it was really toned down but that vibe along was good.

HM: For the fans just being in that same space with you and having you share your music with them was enough. Your safety is important to them.

JP: What surprises me the most about my fans is that I don’t know what to expect with them. When I’m touring with other artist, like today with Kevin Woo, I don’t know how many of the people in the audience are my fans.

HM: The goal is to make new fans because music brings people together.

With you being from LA, there are a lot of good food and eateries at your fingertips. Do you have a recommendation for our readers to try once they are able to make their way out there?

JP: I have a lot of spots that I really love personally. I’ll give a couple spots. In Korea Town there’s a spot called Sushi One; it’s my favorite omakase sushi. I use to work there and I would eat the food because it was really good. They fed us while I was working there because the food was expensive and out of my pay range. If you want to get Korean BBQ, Ahgassi Gopchang. It’s a really good place. It’s not intestines focused but Korean BBQ focused. The beef and pork there are really good. And last but not least, Avenue 26 Tacos.

HM: I know that you have to go do your sound check and get ready for the show so let’s wrap it up with this question. As a singer/songwriter, you’ve written for other artists and have featured in several songs. Do you have anything in the works following your single we can look forward to?

JP: Collaborations. There were a lot that we were thing about, but for this album at least there is the collaboration with Ted Park, “Adore You, Dior You”. To answer another question is who I’d like to collaborate with because this album does not have to many features. Someone who is attainable at this time would be Kehlani. I think if I got a song with her for the last half of the year into the beginning of next year, it would be a really solid start to my exposure into the bigger industry. I think that it just makes sense for that to happen and I hope it does. I see it happening so that’s something.

HM: So that is something we can all look forward to then. And it being a propeller for your music career. Justin Park, pioneer of Asian Americans in the mainstream music scene. You heard it here first!

Keep your Justin Park radar on: there will be a giveaway via Hallyu Magazine’s Facebook page of a signed Justin Park shirt. (Currently only opened to US readers.)

september comebacks

THIS MONTH’S

MOST anticipated

DRAMAS

the veil Han Ji-Hyuk (Namkoong Min) was the best agent at the National Intelligence Service (NIS). He was admired by his peers, but he put the NIS in a crisis. He then went missing.

One year later, Han Ji-Hyuk returns to the NIS to find the traitor that caused him to fall into the bottomless pit.

squid game Ki-Hoon (Lee Jung-Jae) gets fired from his job. His life is miserable. Ki-Hoon hears about a secret survival game, with a 45.6 billion won prize for the winner.

He decides to take part in the game.

Meanwhile, Sang-Woo (Park Hae-Soo) is like a brother to Ki-Hoon and vice versa.

They grew up in the same neighborhood.

Despite his poor family background, Sang-Woo graduated from a prestigious university and found a good job. He now faces a crisis, due to misappropriation of company funds. He decides to take part in the secret survival game with Ki-Hoon.

yumi’s cells Yu-Mi (Kim Go-Eun) is an ordinary single working woman.

She is not good at expressing her feelings. Through her romantic relationship and work, she grows as a person and finds happiness in her daily life. YuMi has cells in her brain that represent different emotions like love, violence, rationality, good, and bad. These tiny cells in her brain work actively for her. They deal with her emotions and troubles.

dali and cocky prince

Jin Moo-Hak (Kim Min-Jae) is the second son from a family that runs the global restaurant franchise firm Dondon F&B. The company started from a gamjatang (pork bone stew) restaurant. He lacks education, but has an excellent ability to make money.

Meanwhile, Kim Dal-Ri (Park GyuYoung) is a visiting researcher of an art gallery. She is the only chid of a prestigious family. Kim Dal-Ri can speak seven

different languages and she has a good personality, but she is not very good at doing household chores like cooking.

Jin Moo-Hak and Kim Dal-Ri happen to meet without knowing about each other’s backgrounds and they develop good feelings for each other. Due to an art gallery that is going bankrupt, they meet again as the son of a rich, uneducated family and the daughter of a prestigious family.

MNET’S LATEST SURVIVAL SHOW

STREET WOMAN FIGHTER

YGX

LACHICA treet Woman Fighter is MNET’s first all-female dance crew competition.

Eight female dance crews will be battling to become the number one global K-Dance crew. Kang Daniel will be hosting the show while BoA

and NCT’s Taeyong announced as judges.

have

been

The dance crews will be showcasing a variety of street dance styles, including hip hop, twisting, locking, crumping and breakdancing.

WAYB

WANT

COCA N BUTTER

HOOK

HOLY BANG

PROWDMON

Book Café

TRAVEL FEATURE:

https://www.ananti.kr/

The 1540 sqm. Eternal Journey bookstore is the biggest facility in Ananti Town, and it offers cultural experiences that has never been available before. Books are shelved in standardized but unique categories, and one may feel like being in a large private study. The space also hosts musical performances, lectures, exhibitions and various childfriendly programs.

ETERNAL

JOURNEY

http://english.seoul.go.kr/

BOOK PARK LOUNGE Located on the 3rd floor of Blue Square in Hannam-dong, the Book Park Lounge is a high-end cultural space where you can read to your heart’s desire in your own secret space the countless great books recommended by experts.

With a bookshelf that passes through five floors, a professionally curated collection of more than 3,000 books are prepared for visitors to browse and a considerable number of seats are in every nook and cranny for those who want to spend some time in solitude.

The premium cafe run by baristas in the lounge offer the opportunity for readers to read and unwind at the same time. The cafe also offers a variety of cultural programs, including lectures, experiences, and book clubs, in which anyone can participate. Recently, the Book Park Lounge was featured on the TV entertainment show “Hangout with Yoo” and gained recognition among citizens as a cozy and relaxing space in which to unwind.

f o o r

p r e

p u f s n e a k r t ma 1

Heimish Artless Perfect Cushion

3CE Cloud Lip Tint

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I’M MEME I’m Mystery Blur Tint

moonshot Micro Correctfit Cushion

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