HALLYU Magazine No.13

HALLYU

Korean Entertainment and Culture Magazine

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL

Editor in chief/ Nadezhda Hope Editor-in-Chief/ Head Director Director Nadezhda Hope Head Publicist

Ly Nguyen Kh Woo (KJ Woo) KyoungJun Korea Manager Translator HyeongJin Kim Ly Nguyen Kh Publicist JongHyeongJin Yong Yong Kim/Kyung Min Boo Translator Alfonso Boo Editorial Coordinator Amy Saiauski

ART

Nadezhda Hope Chief-Art-Editor ART Asel Sadekova Art Editors Phoungpaulica Lay Chief Art Editor Nadezhda Hope Art Editor AselDena Sadekova H Nguyen Senior Artist Phoungpaulica Lay Kirsy Marlin Artists Senior Artist DenaCrystal Nguyen Srock KirsyCheryl MarlinMui Photographers Korapun Hon Sritongsuk Liang Yi (Asia) Sylvanny Theresia (Asia) Yeo(USA) Xin-Yi JuneAsher Saladino KJ.Paragele WooParagele (limephoto lab SEOUL) Janina Photographers Janina (USA) June Saladino Korapun Sritongsuk (ASIA) WRITING

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Head Writing Writing Editor AmyStefanie SaiauskiJohnson Head Editor Senior Writing Editor Josephine Chew Darla Cornett Deputy Writing Editor Editors Darren Kwok Algie Lesia Stephens Editors HonJosephine Liang Yi Chew Writers Tamar Herman Amy Saiauski Writers Amy Saiauski Luu JoanGabrielle Heng Ryann Ellis Ju Eun Sun JulieJ’mescia Carlson Price (JP) Maria Smith Ryann Ellis Theng Hui Tay PR& MEDIA Tamar Herman

PR&MEDIA PRDirector Director Nadezhda HopeHope Nadezhda PR Korea Staff JongYuzu YounLida Youn KOREA Staff Grace Kang HyukJoon Lim HyukJoon Lim Jong Youn Yubin Jeon Youn Vasya Ya Ya Grace Kang South East Asia Staff Darren Kwok (SG) Korapun Sritongsuk SouthEast Asia Staff

Asher Yeo Xin-Yi (SG) (TH) Pharttana Cheryl Tan (SG)Anantawana (TH) Kay Lee (MY) Stephanie Chee (SG) Emily Heng (SG) Faiz Bin Azman (MY) Muhammad JoanWilson Heng (SG) Chee Chan Weng (MY) Janice Quek Kwok (SG) (SG&MY Team Leader) Darren Phyllis Koh (SG) Stephanie Chee (SG)

Oktantri Putri (INDO) Cheryl TanA.(SG) Therekla Sylvanny (INDO) EmilyNathasya Heng (SG)

Jaennada Laya (INDO) Joan Heng Kay Lee (MY) (SG) SonChee Ju Eun (SG)

Wilson Chan Weng (MY) Quek (SG) USA& Canada Staff AmyJanice Saiauski (USA) PhyllisChew Koh (SG, twitter) Josephine (USA)

JuneOktantri SaladinoPutri (USA) A. (INDO) Cassie CliffordSylvanny (Canada)(INDO) Theresia SNS Staff AmyJeannada Saiauski (FB/Twitter/Me2Day) Nathasya Laya (INDO) DenaFrisanty NguyenMarissa (Tumblr) (INDO) Josephine Chew (FB) Amy Saiauski(FB/twitter/me2day) USA&Canada staff Cassie Clifford (Twitter) Dena Tomita H Nguyen Stephanie (Fb)(Tumblr) Josephine Chew

Cassie Clifford PHOTO SHOOT Emilie Heilman Director Asel Sadekova PHOTOSHOOT Creative Content LidaAsel YuzuSadekova (Korea) Director Creative Coordinator Lida Yuzu (KOREA)

Contents

Ma rc h Spr i n g 2 0 1 4 No 1 3 Special “Alice In Wonderland” 4 Traveling Issue!

PARK JUN SEOK Cover Interview KIM HYOSUN Cover Interview 7Year 1Class Interview

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Cafe Hopping In Korea Amusements Parks In Korea Sun Cruise &Yacht

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Busan: A Profile Must Visit Attractions In Korea IHWA Mural Village Looking For Something Interesting?

Off The Trail

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Mad Fun With The Hatter

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5 Korean Superstitions Fortune Telling In Korea Musical Theatre In Korea Shamanism The Art Of Korean Food Unique Tea House In South Korea

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Food Maze! Survive The Winter Wonderland

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JAE TAE Behind The News FRIEND 2: Home Of The Macho Gangsters ONE HD TV’s KDrama Premiers

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TEEN TOP High Kick Press Conference&Concert in Seoul

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Introducing TOPP DOGG Fashion Report: Korea’s Latest Fashion Trends Alice In Wonderland Fashion Trends

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GAON KPOP CHART Awards 2014 Korean Music Awards 2014

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

PARK JUN SEOK

Cover Interview 1. You are known as a singer and actor. How does it feel to have taken a break and then gotten back to these things?

It feels great. I took a long break. The time spent on too much thinking has made me not be able to see straight which was very hard. Now I am happy for working and moving forward on the path I have to take.

2. What projects are you working on?

As I am doing plays, I'm searching for dramas and movies I could participate in. The play I'm currently doing I will be doing it for 6 months which is not a short time... There isn't anything set yet but as I focus more on plays I will prepare for dramas, movies and more plays.

3. What do you want to do after you are finish with those projects?

Doing plays everyday teaches me and makes me feel many things. Saying the same lines differently everyday is perhaps the beauty of plays. As much as its a project that requires much attention I would like a break after this.

Honestly though I don't feel like there would be any time during 2014 for me to take a break. There isn't set plans yet I will make the plans in the next remaining 3-4 months of the play. pla 4. What is your character in the play?

Jungbae is rigid, while having the love and longing for his mother and his hatred of his father. Because of this, his personality and expressions are a little unkind. He has heart but his expressions are dry. He pretends to be strong but has a tender side to him. He doesn't want to give in to society but still feels weighed down of the need of money.

He is an unlikable yet lovable kind of man.

5. What do you think is the hardest thing to do in plays?

Different from dramas or movies you invest a lot of energy and focus into a hour or so and varies everyday based on the audiences reaction. Sometimes it’s very hard I have much to learn.

6. Did anything fun or interesting happen during rehearsal or during a show?

I was nervous during the play so I was sweating with anxiety. After that my stomach started to hurt.

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7. What is your favorite drama?

I have so many. American, Japanese, Korean dramas; I like all of them. I'm the type of person that when I have time I watch a lot of dramas in one sitting. The drama I remember the most is the drama I was in.

8. You made a song with Pascol. How was that?

It was fun to work again with younger singers with our music. It was such a long time since I've been in recording studio that it was a new experience. Felt like I was back in 1997. I miss my members.

9. How do you usually spend your birthday?

Just go out with my friends eating and talking. Then talk to my mom; thanking her.

10. When was the hardest time in your life and how did you overcome it?

In 2002 there was a time that was very hard and from 2010 there were many hard times. More than overcoming it was holding myself together while time went by.

When it was so hard a friend's comfort or joke was all hard to take. A small word could be a nail in my chest. When it was really hard I would pray so I could get by.

11. What do you think is the best thing to get rid of stress?

I think the best thing is to eat sweets or sleep.

12. What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I drink a cup of americano with ice!

13. Do you have any bad habits?

I got a lot better but me being a perfectionist has interfered negatively with my work. For example, I always carry a big bag with several belongings that I check often. I've been late a lot because I always had to check if I had everything. People aren't perfect so I should accept that but it isn't working too well.

14. Are you a good drinker?

Not really. When I was in my 20s I forced myself to drink but my body doesn't seem to take it well. I go out often but there are times when I just drink water.

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

15. You worked in the industry for over 10 years. What do you think has changed?

I got more wrinkles and a lot of my fans became mothers. I talk a lot more now too haha 16. What would you like to show your fans this year?

I want to show a lot. I feel like I have been hiding for too long. When I perform many fans come. I'm very thankful.

There are fans who are mothers now so it's hard for them to come. For them I should quickly appear on TV or movies.

17. Why did you want to work in entertainment?

That's a question I ask myself a lot. Why? Why? Why did I come to do this? I was discovered in the street and came to do acting, singing and now plays. I still don't have an answer. If something I would absolutely love to do more than this comes up I would like to do that and other things too.

18. What do you on phone during work?

When I work I usually don't use my phone and turn off the sound. It is a habit of mine.

When I have to prepare or do things I feel connected to work I don't focus on my phone.

19. Please give a message for your fans and HALLYU readers HALLYU readers and fans: Thank you. With your love and care I will work harder and experience more things.

Cover Interview

KIM HYOSUN [ ] INTERVIEW AND TRANSLATION JONG YOUN YOUN

1. How did your action career start?

I always wanted to be a musical actress, like singing and dancing in front of an audience. One day I accidentally came across Mr. Jung, who is my master, and he showed me a new world. Back then, there weren’t any action actresses in Korean movies, so I saw the potential of this field. And on the plus side, doing action and choreography have a similarity to pursuing the beauty on the screen.

2. What is the most touching movie that you have seen? Give me two, domestic and global.

Korean: I love all Korean movies, but recently I watched “Gwang Hae” (historicat). I liked the story and the intro. The Opening OST is so cool.

I like the director’s perception of history and the way he turned it into a cinematic adaptation.

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Global: “La vie en rose.” I am a huge fan of Marion Cotillard; I have watched all of her movies. Especially in this movie, her acting was so touching and impressing. I’ve watched this movie more than 20 times already.

king, going to work, etc. So they just turn on the TV to listen, not watch. Sometimes my lines are over 3 pages; God bless my memory skills. Personally, I have learned a lot of things form this drama.

7. A few years ago, you had been to Shaolin of Temple in China. Talk about this experience.

In Korea, we do have our traditional martial art called taekwondo. Japan has karate, judo, but we all know what kung fu is from Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and even Kung Fu Panda. I am not saying what the best martial art in the world is, but I could say what the most influential martial arts in the world are. Most people probably answer kung fu. This came from Shaolin Temple. I wanted to know how they train and how they live 4. What was a recent movie you watched and in order to be a martial artist. It was wonderful a what was your impression of it? experience. There was language barrier. Back A few days ago I was invited movie premier for then I couldn’t speak in Chinese; however there The Man Who Was Sent from God. The story was possible communication beyond language. talks about christian life in North Korea. It was based on a true story of someone who escaped 8. You have trained as action actress almost 10 from North Korea. This movie was deep and years under the most famous Korean action heavy; it gave me a chance to think how hard life star as well as action master Jung doo Hong. is in North Korea. I don’t know how much this What have you learned? movie will appeal to the audiences, but I really liked it.

At the beginning, every time I met him in the training center my heart pounded with tension 5. Have you ever hurt or got physical damage under his aura; his eyes especially made me during your career? freeze. He was a very strict master who did not Well, yes I have. No matter how well-prepared accept any tiny mistakes during practice. Back for the scene you are, danger is everywhere then I cried almost every day due to tremendousaround the set. It is not anyone’s fault. Despite ly hard training (I practiced almost 8 hours a day, the countless rehearsal and practice hours, it just 6 days a week with stunt men). A few years later, suddenly happens. When I was shooting a CF, after I debuted, I realized why he was so strict there was scene in which I need to jump to ride with me and my co-staff. Doing action always on the motorcycle from a 3rd floor building with brings risk and danger. So if I am not 200% ready high heeled shoes. Unfortunately, one of the staff to go, with physical and mental preparation, I members missed the safety wire line which was would rather not be on the scene. In many ways, holding me back. It was terrible. But luckily my it is the same as professional sports athletes who damage was not seriously big. I avoided surgery; are preparing for competitions like the Olympics. however it took almost over 1 year for me to re- As I am an apprentice of Mr. Jung, I highly recover and work again. spect him as my master as well as co worker in the action movie industry.

6. Now, you are in a drama (Hold my Hand; MBC production), your role is way different 9. You are the first model of Nike in Asia, and from your previous roles. How is it so far? you were in many CFs of global companies.

It is going well, I guess. The thing is this is a typi- I very much appreciate all these chances. Come cal Korean soap opera. At the beginning I was to think of it, I am such a lucky person. If I had not really comfortable without my sword done something else, I couldn’t have a chance to (laughs). It took time to adapt to this role. Also it do all these. Doing actions opened the opportunishows during the morning, this means there are ty to do the Nike CF. After that, the other CFs folmany lines and dialogue. It is more like an audio lowed. Doing CF lets me make an effort to show drama, not visual drama. Most of the audience is my other character and persona to the audience. busy doing something in the morning like cook- Like the more lovely and soft woman image. ing

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

3. Recently there are more and more Asian actors and actresses in Hollywood, especially Korean stars, did you prepare something for this opportunity?

Firstly, I needed to overcome the language barriFirstl er. No matter how good I am at action movies, the most important thing is to deliver emotions and feelings to the audience through their language, English. Well, I could have spoken in my own language in the scene, but that would have given me a very limited role and a highly stereo typed ninja, spy or agent character that could have easily been portrayed by an Asian. So I’m learning English and Chinese for future plans and I’m working out 5 hours a day.

Cover Interview 10. In Korea, idol stars are expanding their talent not only in singing but also in movies, dramas, musicals, and so on. How do you see this phenomenon?

Personally, it is great! If someone has a huge Personall talent in the art field, that talent should be shown. Most idols had a training period (I had 7 years under a Seoul action school). They did train not only singing and dancing but also acting, learning other things.

11. What is challenging about doing action with actors?

Well, physically speaking, men are much stronger than women. Most action scenes are composed with people, so from a cinematographic view, action sequence is similar to choreography: the most important thing is harmony with each other. It should flow like water. Well-experienced stunt men easily notice what I want to do, but most of time, it needs long term procedure to do well and perfect. Moreover imagine what if he is not well-experienced? Or beginner? Verbal explanation has limit for doing this job.

12. Have you watched “Frozen.” Do you like animated movies too?

I am a huge fan of animation. I watched all Disney movies as well as Japanese movies too. Kungfu panda was so interesting. I could play tiger who was pandas’ friend. Actually I was a mermaid in a musical which was my debut to the world. I love to communicate with children. In their eyes, there is love, curiosity, osit purity. I think those are the most precious movies in our world.

13. How to maintain great a body shape?

Any tips?

Eat well, sleep well, play well, and pray.

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14. You are entitled Korean No.1 action actress, how do you feel about it? Any responsibilities that come with this title?

As woman, it is hard to do action; it is especially harder and tougher in front of all the staff. Today, young people don’t seem to do any hard work even at part time jobs. They want to get a quick and easy result like fast food. For this reason, even if a new action school opened with national support, people’s response wouldn’t wouldn meet our expectations.

As I am the No.1 action actress, I am voluntarily promoting action and teaching action performance for a good price to whoever wants to learn. Plus I plan to cooperate with other countries like Thailand, Philippine, Indonesia, and so on to make this happen.

15. What kind of movie you would like to be in if you have a chance?

If I have chance, I would like to play a role as Liam Neeson in Taken 2. In Taken, there is love for family. It could be categorized as action movie, but this movie talks about unconditional love for family. Even they didn’t notice how much they love each other before something happened. I would like to deliver love to the audience with action, and this movie is very practical and real.

I love to watch cool action movies such as The Avengers, Ironman, and like other Hollywood blockbusters. A lot of CG, bunch of cool characters… however, in my opinion, movies should convey a certain message to the audience.

16. You are in the Korean traditional movie and drama called “Sa Geuk.” What is Sa Geuk‘s attraction?

To me, simply saying, it is like a back to the future experience, like a medieval theme park. I could see and feel how they live. Personally I love Korean traditional costumes.

They look sophisticated and elegant. Sometimes doing action with that costume is not easy due to too many layers and uncomfort able fitting, but it looks more beautiful on the screen compared to modern action. Plus it is the best chance to promote our cultural values to the world. As I am trained with Shaolin action, it perfectly fits to my action skills. I love it.

17. Any advice to future action stars wannabe?

In a one sentence: don’t give up. No matter what hard time comes to you, just pasteurize your future image in the big screen with audiences clapping.

Cover Interview 18. You played with Lee Minho in “Faith” (SBS 2012), how do you see him as an actor?

Well, I knew his popularity and fame would be bigger and wider due to his humble and gentle personality. He is a very considerate person. I am not the right person to value his acting. Because I am still learning what acting is, all I can say is that he is an excellent person who I would like to work with in the future.

19. Your other drama will be shown in China. Its title is “Queen of coffee.”

Yes for sure, it will broadcast this autumn, China at first. My role is the barista who was born in a rich family. It is not a Korean drama, we shot in China and I played with Chinese actors and actresses. I am looking forward to watch it.

20. Plans for 2014?

New movie this April! It is a thriller movie. That is my main issue for now. And second half of year, I do have plans for global promotion like Hollywood and other countries like Thailand.

21. Say something to Hallyu Magazine readers.

Sooner or later, I would like to meet you guys in the movies and drama, if chance, Hollywood. Happy New Year! All the best wishes to your family and friends!

This is the year of the horse in China; let’s work it out like running horses.

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Year7Class1 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Interviewed by Kim Kibum Photography by Yuzu Lida

Exclusive Interview Reporter: Please introduce yourselves and your role in the group.

Charismatic leader Se Hee, Vitamin-like entertainer Yi Rang, BBang (Bread) shuttle, Yoo Hwa, who loves bread the most, Twinkly nut Bit Na English Director Eun Sil Di Head of the Athletic Club, So Jeong The 4th dimensional thinker, Min Joo Reporter: Charismatic leader, what kind of charisma do you have?

Se Hee: Well, since I’m team leader, I’m the driving force in direction of the members.

Reporter: and to Vitamin-like entertainer, why do you call yourself Vitamin?

Yi Rang: Because I’m someone indispensable in this group, like Vitamin in our body.

Reporter: It seems like not all of your members agree to this, doesn’t it?

All: (Laughing).

Reporter: Which bread do you like the most, BBang shuttle?

Yoo Hwa: I love cream-cheese bread and particulary O-ppa-ang (pun in Korean like honey/oppa-오빠).

Reporter: Oh, I’m almost confused your role to Twinkly nut…

All: (laughing)

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Reporter: what kind of craziness do you have Twinkly nut?

Bit Na: TTolki-ki means TTolki-i(Craziness) right? But mine is mixed up with my own cute side and 4th dimensional thinking which is off the wall.

Reporter: Give me an example.

Bit Na: Well I think I’m pretty good at mimicry but the others think I’m not.

As an example I’m really good at mimicking cawing of a crow.

All: (Laughing) Se Hee: Applause please Reporter: Wow, that was an exact crow sound.

Bit Na: Yeah now you see? But people are saying it doesn’t sound the same and that it’s even weird.

Reporter: Head of school beautification team! Are you the one who’s cleaning all the time?

Eun Sil: Yes, I’m mainly in charge of cleaning.

Reporter: Do you mean by cleaning up after training?

Eun Sil: Yes, I have mysophobia. I can’t see even a particle of dust.

Reporter: Oh I see. Did you name/position yourselves by your personalities?

Se Hee: Yes, we named ourselves like that because each of us has a strong character Reporter: And your roles were given by yourselves for your characteristics?

Se Hee: No. We gave each other a role by member’s personality. For Eun Sil, we gave her title of Cleaning because she was so good at cleaning.

Reporter: It sounds very suitable for 7-1… I imagine your clean and shiny rooms. And it turns to Head of Athletic Club; you must be good at sports.

So Jeong: Yes, I used to work out. I was a boxer.

Reporter: It was your hobby?

So Jeong: Well, yes I started boxing for a hobby but I love boxing itself as a sport game. I’m enjoying all kinds of sports in general.

Reporter: That’s why you are called “full of healthy beauty”! And now, the last member of 7-1 Vice president, please let us know about your charm.

Min Joo: As a Vice president, I’m helping the President to lead our group and I have my own world…

Se Hee: Yes that’s true. She is pretty unique that she often makes things awkward …

Min Joo: I make a silence often during the conversation and also awkward moment comes a lot.

Se Hee: She makes sudden awkwardness… She has her own world.

Reporter: If you give an example?

Se Hee: Well, she expresses her feelings by creating her own words which people never use or sometimes she suddenly stops talking and becomes serious saying “oh, I’m fine” in the middle of joyful conversation… this is kind of an illness that someone becomes seri ous all of the sudden… and we call it Jinjibyung(진지병 : illness of serious) All: Yeah right… Jinjibyung (laughing) So Jeong: She has a different point of view. She thinks something’s boring while others thinks funny.

Reporter: Would it be like a left-brained person among 6 other right-brained?

All: Exactly.

Reporter: You all have personalities!

Reporter: Where is your hometown?

Se Hee: I was born in Seoul but grew up in the countryside because of my father who’s from Sangju, Gyeong-sang Province.

Yi Rang: I’m from Chungju one of the most livable city!

Reporter: Oh, one of my friends is from Chungju and he says it’s a nice city to live too. Could you tell what’s so good in Chungju?

Yi Rang: Chungju is a city of high educational fever. There are lots of schools so it’s called city of education and has convenient transportation.

Reporter: You are good at studying then, I suppose.

Yi Rang: Well, I’m better at dancing than studying.

All: (Laughing) Reporter: Of course, you had dance training which is a part of education.

Yi Rang: I prefer to dance.

Yoo Hwa: I’m from Seoul too.

Reporter: Many of you are from Seoul as I expected, can you tell what’s so good in Seoul?

Yoo Hwa: Well, the capital city of Korea..?

All: (Laughing) Reporter: So to say, it is like I am the NO.1 city?

All: (Laughing) Bit Na: I’m from Seoul too, but I had to

come and go between Seoul and Daegu because of my parents who are from Daegu. Living here or there… well but I’m a Seoulite anyway.

Reporter: Fake Seoulite then? (laugh) As you know, Daegu is known for its beautiful girls.

Bit Na: Oh well, except me I guess.

Se Hee: Right I think sometimes it can be unsuitable nickname for this city when referring to Bit Na as an example.

Bit Na: That’s true…

Reporter: How about Eun Sil? Eun Sil: Eunpyung-gu, Seoul.

Reporter: Oh you didn’t need to tell the details.

Se Hee: Actually Eun Sil and Yoo Hwa are real sisters.

Reporter: Oh really? Wow… you two look alike in some way! Your eyes and noses!

So Jeong: I’m from Busan the 2nd largest city of Korea. City of beach and international film festival…

Reporter: And seagulls… which part of Busan are you from?

So Jeong: I’m from Yeonnam-dong.

Reporter: Can you tell me in Gyeonsang-do dialect?

All: Say nitpicking! nitpicking!

So Jeong: Ah Oppaya let’s go get something to eat I’m starving~~(with Busan accent) All: Awesome! Very well!!! (applause) Reporter: Where are you from Vice president?

Min Joo: I was born in Seoul but I’ve stayed in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do more than half of my life so Gwangju is my 2nd hometown. And it’s not far away from Seoul.

Reporter: To sum up, you are all from different cities but how could you all meet each other and gather all together?

Se Hee: We became a team through an audition of our company. There were lots of replacements but finally we became the members of 7-1.

Reporter: This idol group has history.

Leader: Yes, we can also say it was a little history of our company.

Reporter: that sounds cool.

Exclusive Interview

Reporter: Your group name is very unique. What inspired coming up with the name 7학년1반? Why 7-1 and not other sexy or English names?

Se Hee: Actually it’s 100% our CEO’s opinion (laugh). We had many other names to choose and we had careful considerations throughout our meeting but on the way back home after that meeting we were inspired by something and chose 7-1 as our group name.

Reporter: Perhaps, it became 7-1 as you are 7 girls?

Se Hee: Of course many people could think that it’s 7-1 because “7 girls are the one”. However officially it means our pioneering, forwarding and creative idea by making 7th grade which doesn’t exist in Korea and which is different from the existing 6 grades system.

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Reporter: Wow it has an unexpected and considerable meaning! Of course there’s 1-7 but no 7th grade. What does number 1 mean?

Se Hee: Number 1 can largely mean One or First… We can say it means the First because we are the one who made a new grade for the first time, meaning the new 7th grade which never existed in our country, and new possibilities that we will open for other singers of our company. compan Reporter: For 7-2 and 7-3 like this?

Se Hee: It’s just our personal thinking.

Reporter: Now you have an opportunity of opening up a new way. Do you like your group name?

All: YES! Reporter: 7-1 is number 1; you can be the best one!

All: Thank you

our place as a team between all the new singers. But Girl’s Generation is the only group who keeps its place in the long-run. I want to learn from our role-models, but our debut concept is not related with them.

Se Hee: There are many senior signers but I wish we can follow the example of Girl’s Generation. They are a long-running professional girl group who’s keeping its first intention. They are really our role-model.

Reporter: On your Facebook page it shows that Girls’ Generation is an artist you like. Is that why you chose a cheerleading concept for your debut?

Reporter: But there are many other senior singers to follow isn’t it?

Se Hee: There are many other senior singers and we respect, but we think Girl’s Generation is still the icon of the girl groups. That name is so representative for us as a girl groups and we would love to be like them so it would be lovely to get a chance to meet them!

Min Joo: First, there are so many new singers debuting. It’s difficult to keep llll

Reporter: I hope you can meet them one day. Was it Girls Generation who sss

Exclusive Interview inspired you the cheerleading concept?

Min Joo: No it’s not. There’s no relationship between our cheerleading concept and Girls Generation. Our first song ‘Oppa Virus’ is cheering and energetic so we wanted to show 7-1’s cheerful side and as it’s our first song, we wanted to dance powerfully so we made our debut with a cheerleading concept.

Reporter: You all are very prudent, thoughtful and have strong aim despite of your young age.

All: Thank you Reporter: Since you are all young, I think some of you are still going to school (Bit Na, Yoo Hwa and Eun Sil are going to school hands up).

Reporter: Only three girls are studying and working at the same time. Are there cheerleaders among you?

Min Joo: I used to when I was in school but it didn’t last long. I did cheerleading for my department at the university.

Reporter: So you were the only cheerleader in your group! But how does cheerleading and singing work?

Se Hee: As you might notice, there are many high notes and speedy dance at 160 bpm without resting point in our song… it was really hard but we bit the bullet to show our powerful and joyful stage.

Reporter: There was lots of aegyo in the music video. Please point to a member who is good at it.

All: Eun Sil and Bit Na! Reporter: Where does your aegyo comes from? Is it genetically effect? Or practice yourself.

Bit Na: I always do aegyo stuff, so it just naturally comes up. And now I think it is already one part of my life.

So Jeong: Yes, her aegyo is her life.

She does this all the time.

Reporter: To live doing lots of powerful aegyo could make you quite tired.

Bit Na: Yes! Actually I am tired, but my body does aegyo automatically.

Se Hee & Yi Rang: Yes, we all are also tired. At the beginning we accepted her aegyo very friendly but now it is bothering a little. We hope she will find her own aegyo way.

Bit Na: Thank you all.

Reporter: Is there a lot of pressure being the first group to debut in an agency?

Yi Rang: Of course, we are the first girl group in this company. And our success connects to the unborn groups’ future.

That is why we practice hard and do our best all the time.

Se Hee: I think that kind of motivation cheers us up. In our hearts we feel responsible.

Reporter: Okay then, what is the hardest thing you’ve had to do?

Yoo Hwa: In my case, loose a weight was the hardest thing to me.

Reporter: Yeah, sure.. Idol groups should take care of their image… I can understand that.

Yoo Hwa: Our CEO mentioned that he will make the sweet potato field in front of the company. For our diet project…

Eating only sweet potato.

Se Hee: She must have had a hard time.

She loves to eat bread rather than sweet potato.

Reporter: So, how you guys work out?

All: We are doing ‘skipping rope’ every single day for 3 minutes with music.

Our dancing is quite aggressive and requires lots of energy, so we are training hard to build basic fitness.

Reporter: So, let me guess, you guys repeat skipping rope, running and eat sweet potatoes everyday!!

All: (Laughing) Reporter: Is there any diet food menu you eat?

All: We told you; basically we are eating sweet potatoes as main dishes.

And when CEO feels good we can get one Soybean milk each.

Reporter: Well. This time if your album does well, you might get strawberry milk!!

All: We prefer two soybean milks! But, Mr.CEO has a charisma too unlikable.

Reporter: You two are still in school.

That makes you two probably have a hard time in a different way. Can you tell me about that?

Bit Na: In my case, I had to get permission to leave early every time to participate in the group activities. So, I cannot be with my school friends. One thing I always wanted to do is have a normal school life. Like eat some food with my classmates after the school or some thing.

Eun Sil: My school teacher always secretly gave me permission instead of my principal. But, from now there came a new principal so I am just hopeless.

Reporter: When we look up your album cover, we can find 7-1 written in Chinese character. Whose idea was it?

Was it intended to debut in Japan?

Se Hee: First, all the ideas are from our CEO. People say that 7-1’s concept has Japanese style but we didn’t have any particular reason to make our debut in Japan. We hope we can make our debut in many countries in the world including Japan if there are any chances.

Reporter: Debut in Japan sounds great.

As Girls Generation already made a path…

All: Thanks to all the senior singers, it would be a lot easier for us to make it if we could get a chance…

Reporter: I keep my fingers crossed for your success!

All: Thank you Reporter: Look to your left. Whichever member is beside you, please tell us what your first impression was of them.

Bit Na: Personally I had a strong first impression of So Jeong. I was very impressed when she showed up with dance sports during the audition.

Se Hee: She was the only one who danced dance sports.

Exclusive Interview Yoo Hwa: For me, I had a huge expectation of Min Joo because she was the last selected member. She looked so pretty in the picture but well… I was surprised to see how different she is in real life.

Se Hee: when I saw her I was like “what the…” but as she starts to lose weight, I could find her face in the picture more and more.

So Jeong: She was the one who lost the most weight the most among us.

Min Joo: I was pretty chubby when I first joined this group but I went on a diet by skipping meals…

So Jeong: One day she even refused sweet potato that CEO gave to lose weight.

Bit Na: she only had a glass of soy milk for a whole day.

See Hee: I hope she takes care of her own health from now on.

Reporter: Of course health is the most important thing! Please show your energy taking care of your health.

Reporter: Are there members who suddenly change their character at your home or at work?

All: it’s Min Joo of course!

Se Hee: she snores a lot, she shouts sometimes when she’s in deep sleep and wakes us all up. She’s like a morning alarm.

Min Joo: well... I wake up shouting and I don’t know why.

Se Hee: She’s very calm and kind in ordinary day time but she turns out like that only when she’s sleeping.

Reporter: How do you divide the chores around the house?

Eun Sil: I was impressed by Yi Rang because she looked like a foreigner.

Reporter: Which foreign country would you think that she’s from?

Yi Rang: Well I don’t really know but people say that I have an exotic face.

Se Hee: It would not be American adult but when I see her dancing putting on a cap she’s like American young dancer.

Se Hee: The youngest member, Eun Sil, cleans and tidies up our house by herself when she wakes up in the morning. So Jeong is in charge of dish washing and Yi Rang does the laundry.

Reporter: wow you are really good at it. When did you start dancing?

Yi Rang: I started to dance since I was little. I love dancing.

Reporter: Ok then, how do you call each other? By role name? Onni(sister)? By name?

Reporter: How does 7-1’s dance go?

Do you have a special dance lesson?

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Reporter: How many hours do you sleep?

Se Hee: We spend the rest of the time sleeping after our training time… so 4-5 hours a day. We almost don’t go back to our home but stay in the training room, take a rest and sleep there and sometimes go back to home for a rest. Our office is like another home.

Se Hee: We practice choreography by ourselves. Yi Rang have choreographed so she gives us some advices, but generally we are all very talented so we are doing pretty great. We go to the agency in the morning and have training until our CEO let us go back home. There is even CCTV CCT in our training room.

Reporter: What do you girls usually do on a day-off?

All: well we don’t really have days off.

Se Hee: it depends on our mood of the day. The youngest girl calls everyone “Onni.” And the others are like real sisters so we feel so close to each other.

And we have lots of episodes like….

One day Bit Na skipped her training and went out but was trapped at the end and we all were scolded… since I’m the leader of this group, I feel every day is a continuation of different episodes…

Bit Na: Sorry…

So Jeong: We have way too much energetic and are too strong that our CEO worries a lot for security problem… he worries if we get hurt.

Reporter: How did you end up in Dareun Byul Entertainment? Did you audition at many agencies before this one or were you introduced by an acquaintance to this agency?

Se Hee: I kept applying for many other auditions recommended by people around me. And I felt unstable of a new coming entertainment agency but after having conversation with our members and CEO, I was very attracted to this agency and was convinced eventually.

All the members thought “ah, this is the place; I have to do something here.”

So Jeong: I think our CEO is alchemic.

Se Hee: He is scary, but I’m scared too if he doesn’t look at me. He is someone who makes me want to be looked at. He gives us advices correctly and he is always very nice to us. He is really nice advisor. I had an audition here introduced by a girl I know.

Yoo Hwa: I used to go to take vocal lessons and I came in here with a teacher’s recommendation. Actually, I applied for other agencies but it seems like I failed all of those to come to this agency.

All: (Laughing) Eun Sil: Me too. Special thanks to Yoo Hwa, I think she helped me a lot.

All: It’s very touching… you should have done like this on usual days too!

Reporter: Is there anybody who joined by different way?

Se Hee: We all joined through the official audition. Min Joo’s place was the hardest one… there were a lot of candidates but our Min Joo finally got in after the 150:1 competition.

Reporter: I’m proud of all of you girls.

Reporter: You just debuted and you already won an award at the 2014 Asia Model Awards. How did you feel?

Se Hee: We are just a very new group that I was bewildered at having won this unexpected big prize. We will work harder having this precious prize and hope to be an honest team who repays to this meaningful prize.

All: thank you.

Reporter: You must be really happy.

Se Hee: This is really meaningful prize for us to win since we are a new group of singers who are not well known by people yet.

Reporter: So, did your CEO treat you to something like a fancy dinner?

All: No, there was no such a thing.

Reporter: What can you offer to fans that is different from other groups?

So Jeong: Idols these days have certain concepts and are called “~dol” and we call ourselves “bipojang idol(off-road idol)”. We took this concept because we wish to show ourselves naturally and honestly, and we seek 100% reality. We are confident to show who we are.

Se Hee: Other group singers say that they are honest and natural too but we are showing you the REAL US; without hiding anything.

Reporter: Wouldn’t you mind no-make-up too then?

So Joeng: If our fans want and agree with it.

Reporter: I will count on your honest and natural activities.

Reporter: If you had the opportunity to perform overseas, where would you like to go?

Se Hee: I would love to go to our closest neighbor country, Japan. And I wish to make our debut there like what many other singers do. It would be great to meet AKB48 because I hear often that our songs and concept is similar to this Japanese idol group.

Exclusive Interview Reporter: You want to have a competition with them?

Se Hee: Not like that but I really would love to meet them.

Yi Rang: I want to go to Switzerland and have delicious chocolate that I love since I was little.

Reporter: Is it only because of the chocolate that you want to go to Switzerland? That’s funny. You know there are not many of Korean idol singers who go through in the European market.

Yoo Hwa: Like our leader, I want to go to Japan if we get a chance and want to study Japanese too. I’m planning to!

Bit Na: Personally there’s no special country I want to go to yet, but honestly I would love to travel all around the world.

Reporter: traveling all around the world and have global fans! Sounds great!

Eun Sil: I want to go to Italy; famous for its nice pizza.

Se Hee: It seems like they are hungry.

Eun Sil: Italian pizza looks so delicious and I just want to go there and do some professional activities too.

So Jeong: Me too! I want to go to Italy.

Do professional activities on stage looking at nice looking Italian guys.

Reporter: So you want to refresh your eyes and mind with nice looking Italians. I’m sure that you will get what you want if you have strong aim to achieve.

Min Joo: I’ve been to Thailand… delicious tropical fruits… Thais love Korean people!

All: (Laughing) Se Hee: We are laughing because Min Joo looks like a beautiful Thai girl.

So Jeong: Don’t you imagine her in Thailand making rice noodles?

Reporter & Min Joo: sawadikap!

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Se Hee: By the way, we do not actually choose which country to go. Wherever it is, if there’s calling we’re appreciated.

Reporter: Haven’t your agency offered you any chance to travel overseas?

All: No…. I told you that they only give us sweet potatoes! (laugh)

Reporter: I can feel your forwarding power. Who thinks herself the sexiest?

See Hee: As you can see, no one looks sexy here. It’s difficult for us to pick someone sexy neither. I think we can Reporter: But if you have chance to answer you after growing up first. travel overseas, where do you want to Reporter: Can you tell how “Oppa go?

Virus” became the title of your first Se Hee: I always dreamed to go to song? northern European countries like Den- Se Hee: As we told you several times, mark or Sweden. I want to go enjoy it’s our CEO who decides all. We think pure nature sceneries. it’s a story of begging love to an ‘Oppa’ you like. And this girl is begging so Yoo Hwa: When I was little my parents hard that it feels like she has a love virus used to travel overseas very often and for this ‘Oppa’. But of course it can they brought me many sweet things like have some different meaning. We never chocolates on the way back. I really know. kno want to go to Canada.

Reporter: And is there any member Reporter: It seems like you all feel who already suffered an ‘Oppa Virus’ like in the lyrics? really hungry now.

Yoo Hwa: Like the lyrics, I had a big So Jeong: I want to go to UK. It’s crush for 5 years. And I’m actually hometown of dance sports and I heard practicing harder to show him. Oppa, that it’s holding many dance competi- are you watching me? I will avenge tions and selling lots of cute dresses and you. It’s a cute story you know. shoes, so I really would love to go there Yi Rang: Me too, I had a crush on an ‘Oppa’ of same middle school. And it and look around. was so sad… I cured it with tears beReporter: UK is really nice country… cause it’s a love virus.

Maybe your agency would take you Se Hee: I think we are very suitable for there one day if you have enough extra this song… time and stable status? Cross your finSo Jeong: I never let the boys get virus gers! but it was always me who got it.

All: we’ll do our best for this!

Se Hee: so that’s why we decided to let Reporter: When will your next song or all the audiences to get love virus. We album come out? already had virus several times…

Se Hee: To be honest, we are not sure about it yet. I think our CEO is planning Reporter: I think there are already it now but he told us that it will depend many people out there who became vicon how we do after all. So we are just tims of your virus! I wish my best to your upcoming activities and please doing our best. give a few words for the last time.

Reporter: Ok then, do you have any other concept in mind that you want to See Hee: We will try our best to show challenge next time? you the greatest and the most honest Se Hee: there are so many different side of us so please give us your love things we want to try. We can do some- and please enjoy our song ‘Oppa virus’. thing more powerful and energetic than We hope you can see we are cute even if now so I hope our CEO keeps taking we make some little mistakes! Thank care of us and supporting us! you! We will do our best!!

cafĂŠ hopping in Korea*

by Emily Heng

Café culture is so strong in Korea that the only logical thing you should do upon visiting Korea is to visit a few of them.

Whether it’s the food, the atmosphere, or maybe just for pure novelty (did you just say “sheep café?”) these are cafés in Korea that are definitely worth a visit. #1. K-Story Café Found in the strategic location of Myeong Dong, the most famous shopping district in Seoul is the K-Story café, a café and a K-pop haven all at once. The café is owned by Heejin, Super Junior member Heechul’s sister so expect to see lots of Super Junior memorabilia in here.

Also expect to see merchandise from stars like Big Bang, KARA, Rain and so on. Grab a cup of coffee and rock out to your favourite K-pop bands on the big screen, or pick up a autographed poster and CD, this café is the place to be if you have been swept up by the Hallyu wave. #2. Tom’s Cat Café If you’re having a bad day, just drop by Tom’s Cat Café in Hongdae for an emotional pick me up. There are a whopping 33 cats roaming free on the premise to cheer you up as you sip on a latte, with helpful English translation posters pasted on the walls on how to correctly handle and play with the cats. There is no official entry fee to the café though you need to buy a drink to enter. #3. Sanmotoonge If this idyllic and serene café located in the corner of a mountainside up at the Seoul Fortress Wall appears familiar to you, it’s probably because the popular Korean drama The Coffee Prince was filmed here. While the coffee and desserts are a little more pricey than usual, it is definitely worth it due to how delicious and well made they are. Some of their most popular items are their Iced Green Tea Latte and the Raspberry Cheese Cake. And if the food isn’t tantalizing enough for you, picture sitting at the exact spot Gong Yoo sat during filming. Good enough reason to visit yet? #4. Thanks Nature Café There are cat cafés and dog cafés and now… sheep cafés?

Thanks Nature café is located on the basement floor in the proximity of Hongik University and the main attraction of Thanks Nature Café is definitely the two sheep that you can

feed at selected timings. They are extremely tame and friendly and you may purchase a bowl of grass to feed them, all while enjoying their famous strawberry waffle with ice cream and hot beverages. #5. Hello Kitty Café Who doesn't love the iconic cat character with her sweet little bow? If you love this adorable Sanrio character, definitely check out the Hello Kitty Café located within the Hongdae area. Cute kitty themed desserts and drinks are available as well as Hello Kitty souvenirs on sale like stuffed toys, shirts and accessories. Their English menu also makes ordering so much easier and convenient! #6. Bau House Not a big fan of cats or sheep? Don’t worry, there’s always a dog café to visit. One of the most popular dog cafés, Bau House, located in Hongdae, is full of furry friends for you to play with. Entry is free for an hour with the purchase of a drink and you can even bring your very own dog to Bau House to socialize with other dogs as well. #7. Princess Diary Café It’s every girl’s dream to be a princess for a day. Well, guess what? In the Princess Diary Café located near Ewha’s Women University, you can do just that.

The Princess Diary Café is a dress up café where you can try on a wide variety of princess dresses for a fee all while enjoying an ice tea! The wide variety of dresses includes wedding dresses and traditional Hanboks, with cute booths and props for you to take photos in to make a memorable souvenir. #8. I’m a Camper Café Love the idea of camping in theory but can’t stand camping in reality? Why not drop by I’m a Camper café for some meat and vegetables straight from an outdoor charcoal grill? The café comes with tents, picnic tables and camping chairs so you pretend that you’re camping as you chow down on your food.

All in all, there are so many great cafés to visit in Korea, just make sure you do your homework and read up on those that suit your interests and tastes. Have fun café hopping!

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AMUSEMENT PARKS IN KOREA WRITTEN BY JULIE CARLSON

Visitors journey to Korea to enjoy the art, culture, food, scenic locales, historical and modern-day attractions, and for some, possibly get a glimpse of a K-pop idol or K-drama star. Two of the major destinations are Lotte World and Everland Resort.

[ LOTTE WORLD ]

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[ EVERLAND RESORT ] Located in the city of Yongin, in Geyonggi-do province, is Everland Resort which not only has some spectacular rides, but a water park called Caribbean Bay and even a zoo. Since 1976, Everland has been South Korea’s largest theme park, so if you can’t make it to Disney World, don’t worry…Everland has it all! Everland is split up into different sections. European Adventure has a beautiful garden and restaurants set in a pictur esque European town; Magic Land is designed to resemble "Aeseop's Fables" with fun rides for all ages—hop on some thrill-ing roller coasters, and then grab a burger in American Adventure while listening to the music of the 1960s. If rides are not really your style, check out some shops, restaurants, and the K-Pop Hologram exhibit in Global Fair. Speaking of K-Pop, 2PM's Taecyeon and Taiwanese actress Gui Gui previously filmed an episode of We Got Married's Global Edition at Everland. In addi-tion, 2PM and Miss A's Suzy filmed a CF that included sexy swimsuits while surfing the Wave Pool and riding the Tube Ride at Caribbean Bay. Everland also has an awesome zoo called Zoo-topia, where you can visit the animals via land and water. It would not be an amusement park if it went without night shows. The resort transforms into a magi cal place at night with gorgeous electrical lights and shows.

Located in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and owned by food and retail giant Lotte Corporation, Lotte World Complex has been the site for hit K-dramas such as Stairway to Heaven and Full House, music videos, and variety shows like Running Man. Lotte World features rides, a hotel, stores, and the popular Korean Folk Village. Inside, Lotte World Amusement, features four floors of rides to explore, like the Camelot Carousel, the Flume Ride, bumper cars, and the French Revolution roller coaster that rotates up to 540 degrees. Visitors can also journey into Ancient Egypt on the Pharaoh’s Fury, or take in the sights of the complex on the Aeronauts Balloon Ride. If you are on the daring side, try your hand at one of the most nerve-racking rides, the Gyro Drop, which lets riders free fall from 70m high.

Aside from the amusement park, Lotte World also has the beauti-ful Korean Folk Village which was used as the shooting location for Gu Family Book and The Moon That Embraces the Sun. Love to ice skate? Lotte World has its own indoor rink! Just out-side, there is an area for children called Kiddie Land, that includes a train, and even a haunted house. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a picture with the adorable mas- Whether you’re in town for some shopping, thrilling rides, or cots, Lotte and Lor-ry. If Lotte World still isn’t appealing places where your favorite stars have been, Lotte World and enough, you can look forward to the opening of a water park in Everland are two must see attractions when you visit Korea!

Gimhae, and an aquarium in Jamsil, later this year.

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SUN CRUISE & YACHT WRITTEN BY AMY SAIAUSKI

South Korea has made its name for being home to many unique attractions, including the first cruise ship hotel. Located on the top of a cliff in Jeongdonjin, the Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht offers the best of both worlds, especially for those uncomfortable at the idea of being surrounded by only miles of water. Guests wake up to the sound of ocean waves and seagulls crying, to give the illusion one is truly out at sea, while witnessing one of the best views of the breathtaking sunrise in Korea.

Not only does the hotel have 211 rooms for accommodation, in two different styles, condominium and hotel, they also offer two different types of restaurants. The Korean restaurant is for those who like traditional Korean fare or those wishing to expand the horizons of their taste buds. For those looking to sample western food, the hotel also offers a Western style restaurant. If one is looking for something a little lighter or refreshments in between meals there is also a bakery and snack house.

What cruise is complete without a lounge for cocktails and socializing? Sun Cruise Resort is home to a revolving sky sss

lounge, and night club, and for those seeking to show their singing skills, either before or after a cocktail, there is a karaoke lounge. In addition, guests can sun tan or swim in a sea water swimming pool. If both lacks the excitement one is looking for, the resort also offers a fitness club for those looking to keep up their exercise regimen—the golf range provides a lovely view of the ocean.

Guests can also explore the souvenir shop to pick up tokens to remind them of their stay at this unique and fascinating location, and pick up food or drinks in the little supermarket. After examining the gardens, if one wishes to go for a little stroll and stretch their “sea legs,” it is only a short walk down to the beaches and from there to a small fishing village.

With all the perks and none of the disadvantages this makes the Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht a place not to pass up if given the chance.

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Deep in the heart of Seoul, away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis is a quaint older neighborhood in Ihwa-dong in the Jongno-gu district. If you aren't familiar with the area, you just might miss the hidden treasure inside.

Known as the Ihwa Mural Village, located just past the entrance of Naksan Park, it is host to over 60 unique pieces of street art. In 2006, the city, along with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, decided to help revitalize the poorer residential area through a art project. Since its installation, Ihwa Mural Village has brought pride to the residents and has remained a popular spot among young people.

Ihwa Mural Village was also featured in an episode of Season 4's We Got Married with ZE:A's Hwang Kwang-hee and Secret's Han Sun-hwa.

When you spot the sculpture of a man and a dog on steel beams, reminiscent of silent film comedian Harold Lloyd in the movie Safety Last, you'll know you've made it to the community. The artists for the six-month long project used the buildings along the historical alleyways as their canvas. They also cleverly incorporated existing windows, pipes, meters, cracks, and open spaces into their designs. Examples include, an electrical meter used as the face mask of a scuba diver, or shutters and an awning painted around a window and door to give it more dimensions. There are really cute paintings of dogs peeking out windows, a giraffe looking around the corner at his tail, and a young girl sitting outside under the stars near a fence of colored pencils.

Visitors to the area love to take pictures of themselves next to the artwork. They pretend to be sitting in a painted red and white striped chair below a window, or on a couch within the painted three-dimensional living room. One of the most famous paintings and photographic spots is a pair of angel wings. If you wind your way to the top of Ihwa Village, there is a breathtaking cityscape of Seoul waiting to meet you.

Sources: Seoulo Traveler blog, Korea yo!, Wikipedia, The Korea Times, Analoguemonologue (blog), msartistques (blog) and Korean Tourism Organization.

[IHWA MURAL VILLAGE] Written by Julie Carlson

ODD MUSEUMS:

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING INTERESTING TO SEE? WRITTEN BY TAMAR HERMAN

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outh Korea. Kimchi, K-Pop, and… oddity museums? South Korea’s Trick Eye Museums (Seoul, 15,000₩; Jeju, 8,000₩) is popular for it’s optical illusions and photo-ops, and the various Teddy Bear museums (Jeju, 7,000₩; Sokcho, 5,000₩; Gyeongju, 9,000₩) attract all lovers of fuzzy friends. But then there are the slightly offbeat museums that can be found all over Korea.

For fowl lovers, there is the Seoul Museum of Chicken Art (3,000₩), which displays various forms of artwork that portrays the importance of chicken throughout the world’s cultures.

Seoul is also the home of the Owl Art & Craft Museum (5,000₩), which used to be a private house but was turned into a museum that features everything owl. Even the walls are covered in wallpaper with owls on them, giving the museum a unique charm. Owl art from all over the world is featured, and giving the fact that owls have become a very popular accessory in the past few years, the museum’s popularity has also been growing.

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Not only are there museums specifically devoted to bird art, Korea’s come up with a whale and pig museum, each of which displays the importance of the two animals to Korea. The Jangsaengpo Whale Museum (Ulsan, 2,000₩) was built in the heart of Korea’s now-illegal whaling industry, and not only displays skeletons of whales, but also has a fun children’s experience.

The Pig Museum (Gyeonggi, 2,000₩) opened in 2011 and displays thousands of pig-related items from all over the world, ranging from art to tools to help breed better pigs. Visitors can also pay extra (admission & performance 6,000₩) to see a special pig performance, or a bit more to make their own sausage (admission & sausage making 19,000₩).

And if none of those living animals attract your attention, the Goseong Dinosaur Museum (Gyeongsangnam, 3,000₩) opened in 2004, located beside one of the world’s largest dinosaur footprint fossils. The museum is the home to several fossils, and uses state-of-the-art technology to create an active experience, including slightly violent animatronic dinosaurs. The outside also features a dinosaur park, a beautiful maze, and the fossilized footprints.

If you like the robot dinosaurs, there is also Robo Life Museum (Gyeongsangbuk, 3,000₩) to explore. Hosted by the Korea Institute of Robot and Convenience, the museum exhibits what it would be like living with robots assisting with every day functions. Guest can also make a variety of small robots if they set aside an hour and a few extra Won; the cheapest, a beetle car costs 10,000₩, while the most expensive, a spider robot, costs 20,000₩. Definitely a cheap fun way to have some fun!

Koreans are famed for their drinking habits, and recently have even been recognized to drink more than Russians. So it only makes sense that the Liquorium (Chungcheongbuk, 4,000₩, the world’s first liquor museum, is in Korea. The museum teaches its guests about making liquor via fermentation, and has several artifacts from Korea’s Korea long history of making alcohol. The cafeteria serves some wine, but be warned: The museum’s information isn’t all translated into English; so unless you feel comfortable looking, make sure to bring a Korean friend along for the trip!

Another interesting museum is Hobby In World (Gyeonggi, 10,000₩), which is the world’s first hobby museum. Articles provided by hobbyists are on display, but there are also many interactive activities where visitors can try out some of the hobbies. Each floor of the museum displays a different type of hobby; the first floor has miniature hobby items (such as trains) and art, while the second floor displays dolls and stuffed animals, and the third floor has remote controlled items, which many hobbyists collect.

The museum also has an environmental note to it, and offers programs where children can use recycled items to make their own artworks or assemble and race mini cars.

There are several more unique museums in Korea, ranging from a bicycle museum in Gyeongsangbuk to a museum devoted solely to pears in Jeollanam to a handbag museum in Seoul. The art museums that are all over the country also display amazing artifacts from the Silly, Goguryeo, and Silla periods, so if these museums sound too exciting for you, you can easily head to one of the more typical museums.

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OFF THE TRAIL:

FIVE BREATHTAKING NATURE SPOTS TO VISIT IN KOREA WRITTEN BY JOAN HENG

While walking down the busy streets of Gangnam and Myeongdong, it is not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the fast pace of life there. In an attempt to escape the large crowds, many seek refuge in cafĂŠs, hoping to gain peace of mind. However, there is a much simpler solution. All one has to do is to step off the trail and venture into the various nature spots of Korea.

The first breathtaking nature spot to visit would be the Boseong Green Tea Field. Located in South Jeolla province, it is responsible for 40% of the tea production in Korea. Neatly trimmed and leafy rows of green tea plants encompass the valley, making it a magnificent sight to behold and a common filming site in dramas. In addition, visitors have the added bonus of experiencing the process of tea picking while enjoying various green tea related delicacies, making this destination a must go for green tea connoisseurs.

Another sight that should not be missed is the Daedun Mountain Suspension Bridge. Suspended at a height of 81 metres in the air, the bridge connects Imgeum Rock and Ipseokdae, hence allowing one to enjoy panoramic views of Daejeon. Aside from that, adventurous souls can also test their guts by scaling the 70 degrees steep staircase built into the side of the mountain. As for the acrophobic, perhaps they should opt for a visit to Suncheon Bay instead. Home to many species of plants and rare animals such as the white-naped crane and Eurasian Oystercatcher, the coastal marsh is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts.

Alternatively, one can also choose to stop over at the Garden of Morning Calm. With 5,000 kinds of plants displayed in various themes, the garden is a picturesque place with many photo opportunities. This is especially so during the annual winter lighting festival.

Covered with millions of light bulbs, the garden transforms into an ethereal and magical place, reminiscent of a fairytale storybook.

Lastly, people looking to get away from city life should consider traveling to Udo Island. Situated 15 minutes away from the main Jeju Island, Udo Island contains many natural attractions and activities that visitors can partake in such as fishing, biking and submarine tours. Through the submarine tour, passengers not only get to see the beautiful marine life of Udo Island, but also the famous Seongsan Sunrise Peak (Jeju), making it a worthwhile experience.

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Every culture has their own quirky and unique superstitions. And, in a country like Korea where a person’s personalities are judged based on which blood group they belong to, surely there will be some odd superstitions. Well, here are 5 for you!

1. WRITING NAMES IN RED INK: Want someone dead? Write their name in red ink because according to this Korean superstition, red ink is only supposed to be used when writing names of the dead and doing so for the living is a curse and a big no-no.

2. THE NUMBER FOUR: Staring at the lift button panel and noticing that there isn’t a button that says four? Well, do not worry because there is nothing wrong with your eyes! In Korea, the number four sounds like the word ‘death’ so the Koreans avoid it by replacing the number ‘4’ with ‘F’ or sometimes even skipping the level altogether!

WRITTEN BY STEPHANIE CHEE

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KOREAN

SUPERSTITIONS

3. GIVING SHOES AS GIFTS: Thinking of what to get for your friend for his/her upcoming birthday? Well, get him/her anything but shoes because in the Korea superstitions, giving shoes to someone will cause them to run away from you forever! That includes your old hand-me-downs too by the way! However, to outsmart this superstition, the Koreans have came up with a ‘cheat’ where the receivers pay the givers a small amount of money so that it becomes a ‘sell’ instead of a ‘give’. Way to go!

4. CATCHING A BOUQUET AT A WEDDING: In most cultures, catching a wedding bouquet means that you will be getting married next. However, in the Korean culture, it means that you have to get married within the next 6 months or you will never get married! Wow. What a way to put pressure on someone! So, if you are not ready to settle yet, please do remember to stand as far as you can from the bride so that the bouquet will not reach you!

5. DREAMING OF PIGS: Well, after four depressing superstitions, thankfully here’s one that’s relatively good news. Do you dream of pigs at night? Well if you do, you could be on your way to good wealth because the Koreans believe that seeing pigs in your dream will bring you prosperity!

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Culture

SHAMANISM WRITTEN BY TAMAR HERMAN Shamans may seem like they only exist in dramas like in The Moon Embraces The Sun, but shamans still take an active part in Korean society. Although not as prominent of a religion as Christianity or Buddhism, indigenous Shamanism is entrenched in the lifestyle of many Koreans. In Korea, it is quite common to seek guidance from shamans before any major life changes, since shamans act as an intermediary between the natural and supernatural world.

Koreans go to shamans, known as musok, most often when they, or their children, are ready to get married, and they want to know if a match is compatible or to find out if they’ll meet someone soon.

People also go when they are starting new jobs, or if they’re down on their luck and wondering what’s wrong with the spirits around them that are causing bad luck.

People become musok in two ways: they can either inherit a shaman spirit from their mother, making Korean shamanism a religion with mostly female figures, or are chosen by spirits and exhibit a god illness. In order to appease both of these spirits, the musok must perform an expensive ceremony, gut. The gut is not only costly to create, and uses elaborate instruments and costumes, but also tests the shaman’s skills. Often times, shamans lift heavy objects over their heads or step on knives to display that the spirits have given them power.

After proving that they are a true shaman, musoks usually have one primary spirit that they believe in and pay homage to, but also believe in all spirits and even can have belief in another religion. Since shamanism is a belief in nature, and has earthly benefits, people only go to shamans when they want to figure out something in this life. Unlike other religions, shamanism focuses on the here and now, and has no true ideas about the afterlife.

People who are searching for guidance for practical matters can go to a special consultation with a shaman, called jeom, which is usually a practical, preventative measure for something bad happening.

However, many Koreans nowadays think that shamans are too vague in their guidance, and believe in shamans just as many westerners believe in horoscopes. Even so, many people, young and old alike, go to shamans just for the comfort and guidance.

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Food

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

UNIQUE TEA HOUSES IN SOUTH KOREA WRITTEN BY CHEN

YETCHATJIP 옛찻집

The HALLYU wave draws more people to visit South Korea each year – but the cute faces of your favourite idols aren’t the only ones riding the wave. It’s been instrumental in promoting some of the Korea’s traditional culture – most notably, tea culture. Be it for self-meditation, warming up during the freezing winter day or just a place for chit-chatting with friends, tea houses will be a fresh experience to some – especially coffee lovers. Let’s have a quick rundown to some of the unique tea houses in South Korea.

INSADONG CHATJIP 인사동찻집

Yetchatjip is a tea house hidden in between the buildings, and it’s so inconspicious that you might just miss out if you’re not paying attention. But Yetchatjip isn’t just an ordinary tea house – it’s also known as the “Bird-flying Tea House” since there are birds flying freely inside this old tea house. Listening to the whistling of the birds, surrounded by the antique decorations, it does feel like taking the time machine back to ancient Korea.

Location: 33-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 33-1 (관훈동)

O’SULLOC TEA HOUSE 오설록티하우스

As a tea house located in Seoul’s famous ancient street, Insadong, Insadong Chatjip is a hanok (Korean traditional house) teahouse that serves home-made traditional tea. The food provided is delectable, but just as appealing is the interior design that gives off old-style Korean vibes. Definitely a highly recommended place for resting after long hours of sightseeing around Insadong.

If you are a green tea lover, you must not miss out O’SULLOC Tea House, which is famous for green tea and other meals made with green tea as the main ingredient. Besides providing green tea, O’SULLOC Tea House also serves other teas which came from Jeju Island’s tea farm. There is also a shopping area for visitors to buy some teas as souvenirs – so if you liked it, you can bring it home and have a taste of fine Korean green tea every now and then.

Highlight: There is a small Korean style garden inside Insadong Chatjip.

Highlight: The O’SULLOC Tea House currently has branches in Myeongdong, Apgujeong, Insadong and Daehangno.

Location: 33-1, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 인사동길 33-1 (관훈동)

Location: Seoul-si Jung-gu Myeongdong-gil 48 (Myeongdong2-ga) 서울특별시 중구 명동길 48 (명동2가

Food

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Jae Tan

BEHIND THE NEWS

704,682 likes over less than two years. It is a massive number of fans accumulated over such a small period of time, but massive numbers stacked up against small periods of time seem to be what Jae Tan, founder of K-pop news site Officially Kmusic, is familiar with.

After all, at the tender age of 18, he began what eventually became a successful graphic design business, as well Officially Kmusic. He’s gathered more than 20 different design awards for his work in the former; in the latter, he gained the site a reputation that the 704,682 fans can attest to. We speak to this formidable man about the world of K-pop as well as his world of Officially Kmusic.

O

1IMPORTANT LESSON YOU’VE

4PEOPLE YOU WANT TO GIVE THANKS TO FOR BRINGING YOU SO FAR

LEARNED FROM MANAGING OFFICIALLY KMUSIC

Cammy Nguyen: She’s one of the first admins I’ve ever hired in Kmusic and has stayed with me all this time. We’ve had our ups and downs; she’s like a big sister to me.

One major lesson that I have learnt from being the managing director and founder of Officially Kmusic is how to manage and organize projects and tasks for each platform and structuring a successful system that has made Kmusic functional on its own.

Dad: I am thankful for my dad for purchasing me flight tickets to go to a K-pop concert in Sydney back in 2011 before Kmusic was invented. It was thanks to this event that I sparked the idea of Kmusic.

2NEWS STORIES: THE WORST

AND BEST K-POP RELATED NEWS YOU’VE HEARD SO FAR Worst: When my ultimate Hyun-seung, lost his father.

Eva Lam: She is my Personal Assistant in Kmusic and has achieved project after project given to her. She’s loyal and always finds a way to get the job done. She has organized small internal events for Kmusic staff and has done a really great job. Also she was the one who proofread and helped me in my entry for the Korea trip I won back in August 2013. It was an eye opener for me to go to Korea.

bias,

Best: Troublemaker’s (the duo comprising of HyunA and Hyun-seung) comeback.

3THINGSTOTELLTHEWORLD

1. Never give up on your dreams. Just persist in what you’re doing until you have reached the end.

2. Everyone has the ability to do something great in their lifetime.

God: I’m a Christian and I want to thank God on being my faith and strength on sticking out this long in Kmusic. Prayers paid off!

5THINK YEARS TIME: HOW DO YOU KMUSIC WILL BE

3. Turn your passion into a job and never have to work again in your life. Do what you love to do. I love K-pop and thats why I turned it into a very successful company.

TWITTER: twitter.com/OfficialKmusic FACEBOOK: facebook.com/officiallykmusic WEBSITE: officiallykmusic.com/category/all/

LIKE THEN?

Officially Kmusic will be here for a while. It will get well over 1,000,000 likes by then. We hope we become one of K-pop’s biggest media platforms online and be able to make great profits from this.

PROFILE SNS

Special Feature

K-POP SINGERS. PUT THEM TOGETHER IN A K-POP GROUP.WHOWOULDBEINIT AND WHAT WOULD THEIR GROUP NAME BE? Hyunseung (Beast), Leeteuk (Super Junior), L (Infinite) and Jaejoong (JYJ) Group name: M3N (Men)

Hyunseung (Beast), Hyorin (Sistart) and

Bulgogi and Korean BBQ.

Review

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Review

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

FILM/TV

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FILM/TV

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Introduction

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Fashion

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Fashion

n o e n

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Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

Fashion

Korean Entertainment & Culture Magazine

LOOKING FOR

FASHION

PETER PAN COLLAR

IN SOUTH KOREA

tights & stockings

Alice

TRENDS

ce in Wonderland

BY KIRSY MARLIN

This season HALLYU brings to you something interesting to look forward to; clothes that will make you feel in Wonderland all the time. Based off on the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland, we’ve put together a variety of options that will make you want to hit the stores in a heartbeat! Starting with the forever stylish Peter Pan collar, we suggest you to opt for this vintage look which brings elegance and beauty to whoever wears it.

Also, add a good pair of stockings or fashionably styled tights to your outfits to give it a nice touch adequate for any occasion. Of course we couldn’t stop there! Just like Alice, you can choose from a wide range of bows and hair band accessories that will compliment any dress and match any outfit of your choice. And let’s not forget that spring is coming! That can only mean one thing: flowers! Equip your wardrobe with the big selection of floral dresses that this season has to offer and you will feel like royalty from head to toes. And ladies, who doesn’t want to feel like a princess once in a while?

bows & hairbands floral dresses

GAON CHART

K-POP AWARDS Photography by Korapun Sritongsuk

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JAE TAN PROFILE

KIM HYO SUN #1 Action Actress

ODD MUSEUMS

TEEN TOP CONCERT

Alice in Wonderland > FASHION TRENDS

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