A Fun Painting Cafe in Busan: SOMA Drawing Cafe

Food September 28, 2026

SOMA Drawing Cafe Busan: A Fun Painting Cafe and Creative Activity

Looking for a fun and creative activity to do in Busan? SOMA Drawing Cafe is a painting cafe where you can spend a couple of hours creating your own artwork while enjoying drinks and snacks.

I visited SOMA Drawing Cafe in Busan with my friend Mari because we had been wanting to try a painting cafe for the longest time. Neither of us knew exactly what to expect, but it turned out to be such a relaxing way to spend an afternoon together.

Note: The prices mentioned in this post are based on my visit in February 2026 and may have changed since then.

What Is SOMA Drawing Cafe in Busan?

SOMA Drawing Cafe is a creative space in Busan where visitors can choose from different types of art activities and spend time creating their own pieces.

It’s a nice option if you’re looking for something different from the usual cafe-hopping experience in Busan. Instead of simply sitting down for coffee, you can spend your time painting, chatting with your friends, and enjoying your drinks while working on your artwork.

📍 Location: SOMA Drawing Cafe, Busan

⏰ Session: My canvas painting session was 2 hours

💰 Painting: ₩20,900 - ₩32,900 at the time of my February 2026 visit

☕ Drinks & snacks: ₩3,900 - ₩7,000 at the time of my visit

Prices and available activities may change, so please check the latest information before visiting.

One thing I liked about SOMA Drawing Cafe is that you’re not limited to traditional canvas painting.

They have several creative activities to choose from, including:

• Canvas painting
• Backdrop painting
• Clear acrylic painting
• Bearbrick painting
• Mirror art painting
• Candle one-day class

My Experience at SOMA Drawing Cafe

Mari and I both chose the canvas painting.

The cafe provided us with the canvas and paints, and there was also a corner where we could get additional paint colors and let our paintings dry.

Honestly, it had been a long time since I last painted, so I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to make.

I sat there for a while trying to figure out what to paint before eventually going with something that felt very much like me. As a fan of stars and is a hopeless romantic, I decided to paint a couple looking up at the night sky.

Meanwhile, Mari went in a completely different direction and created a beautiful nature-inspired painting.

It was fun seeing how differently we approached the same activity.

We had two hours to work on our paintings while enjoying our drinks. What I liked most about the experience was that there was no pressure to make a perfect painting. We could simply take our time, talk, and enjoy doing something creative together. It was honestly a really relaxing way to spend an afternoon in Busan.

Sometimes, when you’re traveling or living in a busy city, it’s nice to have an activity where you can simply slow down for a couple of hours. And for me, it was also nice to pick up a paintbrush again after such a long time.

Of course, a cafe experience wouldn’t be complete without something to eat or drink. SOMA Drawing Cafe also offers drinks and snacks, which were priced around ₩3,900 to ₩7,000 during my visit.

So you can enjoy your drink while working on your painting instead of having to leave the cafe for refreshments.

After two hours of painting, these were the pieces we ended up with!

I was actually pretty happy with how mine turned out, especially considering that I hadn’t painted in a long time. My painting ended up being a little dreamy and romantic, with the couple looking up at the stars, while Mari’s nature-inspired artwork had a completely different feel.

It was fun to see our personalities come through in the paintings.

Is SOMA Drawing Cafe Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for a creative activity in Busan, I think a painting cafe is a fun alternative to the usual sightseeing and cafe-hopping itinerary.

I especially enjoyed going with a friend because we could work on our own paintings while still spending time together. You don’t need to be an artist either. I certainly wasn't feeling particularly artistic when I arrived!

For me, the best part was simply having two hours to slow down, catch up with my friend, and create something together.

So if you’re visiting Busan and want to try something a little different, SOMA Drawing Cafe is a place you can add to your Busan itinerary.

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A post shared by Ruth Leen De Los Reyes (@annyeongruth)

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MOVIE REVIEW: Forgotten Island (2026)

Entertainment September 24, 2026

Forgotten Island Movie Review: A Story About Friendship and Decisions I Never Thought I Needed

Note: This review is written by a fan of animation, as well as a film major, and not by a professional film critic. It may also contain spoilers, so read at your own risk.

Before becoming a film major, I used to create animations myself during college, and it even reached a point where I incorporated some animation into my final thesis project during my Master's degree. So what does that mean? It means I love animation so much. So when I found out that there would be a new animated film, Forgotten Island, especially one set in Filipino culture, I got so excited to see how this movie would turn out.

But as someone living here in South Korea, I wasn't so sure if it would be released here since there are a lot of Korean films being released during Chuseok, too. I was just so happy when I checked CGV and found out that they would be releasing it here! So I bought a ticket on the opening day.

About Forgotten Island

Title: Forgotten Island

Running Time: 1 hour and 49 minutes

Voice Cast:

Photo from Mega Asia
H.E.R. as Jo

Liza Soberano as Raissa

Dave Franco as Raww

Lea Salonga as Manang

Jenny Slate as Batiba

Manny Jacinto as Bungi

Dolly de Leon as Lola Fatima

Jo Koy as Datu

Ronny Chieng as King Truffle Wuffle

Kevin McCann as Prince Mermahn

Amielynn Abellera as Raissa's Mother

Plot: Forgotten Island is about two lifelong best friends, Jo and Raissa, who get trapped in a mythical world called Nakali. In order for them to get out, they have to give up their memories of their friendship. As they try to find their way home, they also have to confront the things that have been affecting their friendship and their own personal struggles.

My Thoughts About Forgotten Island

Definitely, Filipinos Can Relate

Aside from the fact that the problem is also universal - friendship, separation, and breakups - the animation itself is based on Filipino culture. From the very start of the film, my friend and I couldn't stop laughing because we could see ourselves in those scenes - the classroom, the bracelet, the folklore - there are just too many to mention. I love Filipinos being represented in movies, and this time, they really did a great job showing those. Not to mention my favorite karaoke scene and the lip-pointing scene. Girl, they nailed it.

Imagery of Emotion

There is this certain scene that, even until the end, I can't forget. It is when Raissa was trying to tell Jo that she was moving abroad to study. And when she did, the chicken behind Jo was burnt and the fire alarm got triggered, which also triggered Jo's tears to flow as seen in her eyeliner. It was a nice way to show how Jo was feeling inside visually, that she was not okay even if she wanted to show Raissa that she was happy for her.

As someone who just finished studying Film here in South Korea, I remember how my professors kept telling me to "show, don't tell." Make the audience know the story even if there are fewer lines. And I believe this particular scene was able to do that pretty well.

The Mixture of 2D and 3D Animation

This isn't the first animation film to do that. A lot of animated films have already done a mixture of 2D and 3D animation. But what I like about this is that it mixed them so fluidly that sometimes I forgot that I was watching a 3D animated film. They were able to put the 2D animations in the right moments, which made the storytelling more fun.

Aside from that, I noticed during the credits that the Philippine team of Snipple Animation seemed to have worked on this film, too. There are a lot of Filipinos in the credits, so I was also happy. This is just proof that Filipinos can also excel in the arts as long as they are given the budget and opportunity. I hope we can also have more animation films in the Philippines.

The Characters

Each character has their own struggles, which are also common in the Philippine setting. Well, maybe it's also universal. Raissa struggles with unexpressed feelings because somehow she is afraid of hurting her friend. Jo struggles with grief after her grandmother's death, a lack of life direction, and a deep fear of abandonment. Manang is feared by everyone, not knowing that she lost something so precious that even she didn't realize was lost. Bungi, who at first struggles to leave his comfort zone, is afraid of leaving his mom and growing up. Batiba doesn't have a memory of her own. Raww struggles to control himself. Prince Mermahn has his need for attention. These characters have their own struggles, but what caught my attention the most is Bungi.

There was a scene wherein the mother said it was time to cut the umbilical cord and that it was time for Bungi to leave and go on an adventure on his own. I was able to relate to this so much. As someone who has been under the intense care of my family as an only child, I really had a hard time going out and creating an adventure for myself. Just like Bungi, I was also telling myself that my family needed me to stay, which is why I didn't want to leave the house. I always used my parents as the reason, but in fact, I was just afraid of the outside world.

But guess what? I have overcome it, just like Bungi, because now I'm living here in South Korea. The real adventure is out there, outside the house, not inside the four corners of our comfort zone.

The Pacing of the Film

I love fast-paced films, my friends know that. I get bored when I watch slow-paced shows. So when I say this film is super fast, it's really super fast. There were so many things happening, especially in the first part of the film, that didn't allow me to process everything as a whole. I had the perk of being a Filipino, so I understood where they were coming from, but for someone who doesn't know Filipino culture, I think it was too fast to let them appreciate the culture itself.

There were slow moments, but they were fewer than expected. Because of the fast pacing of the film, it became so overwhelming. And there were some emotional parts that didn't hit as much as they should have because of how fast the pacing was, which for me was a little bit disappointing. The storytelling would have been much deeper and more impactful if only the pacing was just right.

But from a production perspective, I understand that budget may have played a big role in this, so they had to make sure the running time was less than two hours. But how I wished it would have been a little longer, too, to allow people to breathe at times and give the characters the arc that they needed.

The Sound Design

I actually have mixed feelings about the sound design, too. I like it, to be honest. The use of all those small sound effects, the right BGM used, and the audio cleanups were great. It really gave you the feeling of being in a rush like them. But because it gave me that feeling, my ears got tired, too. Haha. I even reached a point where I sighed in relief when it was on a quiet, slow pace. My ears were able to rest for a short while. And then, boom, back to the intense feels.

I don't know if it's just me getting older, but I really felt tired after, haha. But again, it was nice because it gave me that kind of feeling and emotion needed for the scene.

The Soundtrack

I'll include the soundtrack in this part, too. I love the songs here, whether they are original songs or covers. Everything hits home. And I am also happy to know that Filipino singers got to sing the songs, too.

The Story Itself

The story itself is pretty straightforward about two friends who are about to get separated because of life. There were some parts of the film that hurt so much, especially when Raissa's mom compared Jo to a boulder that weighs Raissa, a rocket, down. If I were to hear that from my friend's mom, I would have gotten hurt so much that I might be the one to let go of the friendship. But that's what I like about Jo: she didn't let what other people think of her ruin their friendship.

But throughout the whole film, I understood the importance of communication in friendship, too. Sometimes, we are too afraid to hurt our friends' feelings, so we hide a lot of things from them. That's the thing: when too many emotions are being hidden and buried, one day they will fire back at us and end up hurting them, too. Just like in a relationship, friendships should also grow together. And one way is through communication.

I'm just happy that through their journey in Nakali Island, they were able to fix all those misunderstandings and were able to become better versions of themselves. At the same time, I also felt satisfied with the ending of the film because they showed how both of them became each other's motivation to achieve their dreams instead of becoming someone who weighs the other down.

One thing I would want to know, though, is what is the memory Manang lost that it reached a point where she hated everyone? I'm very curious about it.

The "Tayo Na" Line

This was the line that kept being repeated throughout the whole film. This is also the line wherein there was such discourse in the online community. Yes, they could have used the phrase "Tara na" because this is the most commonly used in the Philippines. But while watching the film, this "Tayo Na" line somehow gave me a different look.

Maybe they were aiming for a play on words? That "Tayo na," which means "Let's Go," may also mean "Tayo na," which means to stand up - to stand up for their friendship and not let any person or monster remove their memories from them.

This is just my own interpretation, and I'm not saying it is what it means. I just felt like that kind of message hit me.

Watching Forgotten Island in Korean Cinemas

And also, since I watched it in Korean cinemas, there were Korean subtitles in it. As far as I remembered, they just put "Tayo Na" as it is written in Korean. I'm not a pro in Korean, but I just felt like the subtitle somehow was not able to capture it well. There were even parts where they didn't even put a subtitle on it, like the "Tabi-tabi po." Well, I understand it's hard since there's no direct translation to capture the meaning of it, but it's just sad that they won't be able to fully grasp the meaning behind it.

The Credits

I love how they showed photos of the voice actors with their best friends. It really hit hard. As someone who doesn't have one best friend (hi friends, if you're reading this, I love you, you're my friends) I felt teary and hoped that I also have a best friend I can call a best friend. Someone I can share details about everything in my life with and not just a part of it.

Overall Thoughts on Forgotten Island

@annyeongruth Got to watch Forgotten Island here in South Korea 🥹 It was really a nice watch and it's also nice to see the Filipino culture there ✨️ #forgottenisland #koreatravel #cgv #lifeinkorea #seoultravel ♬ A Parallel World (from Forgotten Island) - BINI

I enjoyed watching the film. It's really a refreshing change from all the films I have been watching recently. It's really nice to see how the film's background is in Filipino culture. I feel so represented. I hope there will be more animations about Filipino culture and even more Filipino animators to work on them.

As someone who has studied animation, pursued Film Production, and is also a Filipino, seeing a major animated film embrace Filipino folklore and culture was something I genuinely appreciated. I also loved seeing Filipino artists and performers involved in the project. The film itself was developed around Filipino mythology and culture, and the production included Filipino artists, including the team at Snipple Animation.

Thank you CGV for the gift!

Let's support art and the Filipino community!

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Visiting Yogurbrick Seokchon: SEVENTEEN Joshua’s Mom’s Yogurt Cafe in Seoul

Food September 22, 2026

Visiting My “Mother-in-Law’s” Yogurt Cafe: Yogurbrick Seokchon in Seoul

Ever since I found out that SEVENTEEN Joshua’s mom was opening a yogurt cafe in Seoul, I was already excited. As a Carat who had just moved to Seoul, I suddenly had another place to add to my list of spots to visit.

And yes, visiting Yogurbrick Seokchon was one of the first things I did after moving to Seoul!

Yogurbrick Seokchon: Address, Opening Hours & How to Get There

📍 Address: 11 Baekjegobun-ro 33-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea

서울특별시 송파구 백제고분로33길 11

🕐 Opening Hours: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Note: Opening hours may change, so it's always a good idea to check the cafe's latest updates before visiting.

🚇 How to Get There:

The nearest subway station is Seokchon Gobun Station (석촌고분역) on Seoul Subway Line 9. From Exit 2, it's a short walk toward the Seokchon Lake area.

🌸 Nearby: Seokchon Lake (석촌호수)

Located near Seokchon Lake, Yogurbrick is a small and cozy yogurt cafe that makes for a nice stop if you're exploring the area.

One thing I particularly liked about its location is how quiet the neighborhood feels. Since Seokchon Lake is nearby, you can easily grab something from the cafe and then take a walk around the lake afterward.

My Experience at Yogurbrick

I've actually visited Yogurbrick Seokchon twice so far!

The first time, I went with my fellow CaratDay friend, Kyla, and the second time I visited with my GKS friends, Uldana and Cyndi.

When I first entered the cafe, I was a little surprised because the place was smaller than I expected. But honestly, I didn't mind it. The cafe feels quiet and clean, and I actually liked having a more peaceful place to sit and hang out with my friends.

What I Ordered at Yogurbrick

During my first visit, I wasn't really sure what to order, so I decided to go with something familiar: the Oreo Yogurt. And of course, I had to get one of my favorites too: cheesecake.

On my second visit, I realized that I'm probably not the biggest yogurt fan because of the slightly sour flavor. So this time, I decided to get a strawberry latte instead. And yes, I got the cheesecake again.

Apparently, I really needed that cheesecake in my life.

I also got to try some of the other items on the menu thanks to my friends. The frozen yogurt was also pretty good! Although, it's definitely not the best thing for my teeth.

Even though I'm not really a huge fan of the sour-ish yogurt flavor, I still enjoyed trying it. If you're someone who already loves yogurt and frozen yogurt, you'll probably have a lot of fun exploring the menu.

What I Like About Yogurbrick Seokchon

One of my favorite things about Yogurbrick is the atmosphere.

The cafe is small, quiet, and clean, which makes it a nice place to visit with friends. It's also close to Seokchon Lake, so you can easily turn your cafe visit into a little afternoon or evening date around the area.

I also love that it's not in an extremely busy area. After spending so much time in Seoul's busier neighborhoods, it was nice to visit somewhere that felt a little more relaxed.

It's a little bit far from where I live, but I still really enjoyed going there and wouldn't mind making the trip again.

And, of course, I also found one of the staff members cute. (Sorry, Joshua. 😂)

Is Yogurbrick Worth Visiting?

If you're already planning to visit Seokchon Lake, Yogurbrick Seokchon is a cute cafe to add to your itinerary.

And if you're a SEVENTEEN fan especially Joshua-biased, then obviously, there's an extra reason to visit!

For me, the cafe was less about having the most amazing yogurt I've ever tasted and more about enjoying the experience, trying different things with my friends, and visiting another place connected to someone I support as a Carat.

And you might get to meet Joshua's mom too (I met her twice already).

Plus, being able to walk around Seokchon Lake afterward makes the location even better.

Mini Vlog

@annyeongruth A CARAT’s must-visit spot in Seoul 💎🍦 Finally got to visit *Yogurbrick near Seokchon Lake, aka Joshua’s mom’s frozen yogurt shop! 🥹💙 The cheesecake + frozen yogurt combo? Definitely worth the visit. And since it’s near Seokchon Lake, you can grab some yogurt and take a little walk around the lake after. ✨ #SEVENTEEN #Yogurbrick #SeokchonLake #SeoulTravel #SeoulCafe ♬ やさしい記録 (Gentle Record) - IEnvyYou

Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Yogurbrick Seokchon.

I've already been there twice, and I can definitely see myself coming back again sometime soon. Maybe I'll try more things from the menu next time instead of automatically ordering cheesecake. 😂

If you're visiting Seoul and looking for SEVENTEEN-related places to visit, especially around the Seokchon Lake area, you can definitely add Yogurbrick to your list.

As for me, I'll happily continue visiting my “mother-in-law's” cafe.

I mean... it's practically my duty at this point. 😂

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943 King’s Cross Cafe: A Harry Potter-Themed Cafe in Seoul, Korea

Food September 01, 2026

I became a wizard for a day… 🧙‍♀️✨

People know me as a huge enthusiast of Korean culture, but little did they know that I’m also a huge Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and MCU fan. I don’t even know if I’ve ever posted anything about them on this blog, but if you’re reading this now, well… you know!

So, what does that have to do with Korea?

Well, I got to visit a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Seoul, and of course, I had to share the experience with you. So, if you’re a fellow Potterhead who loves Korea, you might want to add this place to your Seoul itinerary!

Note: I visited 943 King’s Cross Cafe in 2024, so some details, prices, opening hours, or other information may have changed since my visit. The photos in this post are also from 2024.

About 943 King's Cross Cafe in Hongdae

943 King’s Cross Cafe is a Harry Potter-inspired cafe located in Hongdae, Seoul. If you’re looking for a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Seoul, this is definitely one of the places you’ll want to check out.

The cafe is designed to give visitors a magical, Hogwarts-inspired experience. What I particularly liked is that each floor has a different theme, so you can explore the cafe and choose an area where you’d like to sit.

It really does give you that Hogwarts vibe!

During my visit in 2024, drinks and desserts were around ₩6,000 to ₩25,000, depending on what you order. It’s definitely on the pricier side compared to a regular cafe in Seoul, but as a Potterhead, I think the experience makes it worth considering.

Address:

서울 마포구 양화로16길 24 B1층~4

Opening Hours:

Weekdays: 11:30 AM-9:30 PM

Friday-Sunday: 10:00 AM-9:30 PM

Magic Show:

Magic performances were held every Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM.

My Experience with 943 King's Cross Cafe

As a Potterhead, I can tell you that I really enjoyed my experience at 943 King’s Cross Cafe, even though it is quite an expensive cafe.

I went there with my friend, Uldana, and we decided to sit in the Common Room-themed area.

I loved the atmosphere because it reminded me of the cozy Hogwarts scenes from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. It had that warm, magical feeling that made me feel like I had stepped into the wizarding world for a little while.

And honestly, that's exactly what I was hoping for when I visited a Harry Potter-themed cafe in Korea.

You Can Wear a Hogwarts House Robe

One of my favorite parts of the experience was discovering that there were Hogwarts house robes available for visitors to wear for free.

Of course, I had to try one!

I wore the Ravenclaw robe because, well… that's the house I was originally sorted into. 😂

Although, now that I think about it, I’m not entirely sure if I’m still a Ravenclaw. Maybe I need to take the sorting quiz again.

But for that day, Ravenclaw it was.

Food and Drinks at 943 King’s Cross Cafe

We also ordered some drinks and dessert during our visit. (Of course, it's required to order first before you enter the cafe)

Everything we tried was good and definitely worth trying, although I still remember looking at other cakes and wishing I had enough money to order one. If only I had more money! 😂

But that's okay. It just gives me another reason to come back next time. And maybe next time, I'll finally get that cake.

Is 943 King’s Cross Cafe Worth Visiting?

If you're a Harry Potter fan visiting Seoul, I definitely recommend adding 943 King’s Cross Cafe to your itinerary, especially if you're already planning to explore Hongdae.

The cafe isn't just about getting a drink or dessert. The different themed floors, Hogwarts-inspired atmosphere, and house robes make it feel more like an experience than a regular cafe visit.

Of course, keep in mind that prices can be higher than your typical Korean cafe. But if you're a Potterhead like me, I think the chance to spend a few hours pretending you're at Hogwarts is worth it.

So, if you're visiting Seoul and you're a Potterhead, make sure to drop by 943 King’s Cross Cafe in Hongdae!

And if you visit, don't forget to wear your Hogwarts house robe.

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Being an Idol for a Day: BRH Project Experience

BeautyFashion August 27, 2026

My dream of becoming an idol happened... but not the way you expected it to be.

Ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming an idol.

I imagined myself standing on stage, performing in front of thousands of people, and interacting with fans. I loved the idea of performing so much that, for a while, I genuinely thought becoming a singer might be the path I would take.

Well… that didn't exactly happen.

Instead of becoming an idol, I became a fangirl.

But in a more professional take, I ended up going in almost the complete opposite direction. I started working behind the camera instead of in front of it, eventually studying film production and directing short films.

It's funny how life works sometimes. You don't necessarily stop loving your childhood dreams. You just end up finding a completely different way to live them.

But somewhere deep inside me, I still had that little dream of being on stage.

At 30, I figured it might be a little late to pursue an actual idol career. So instead of taking that dream too seriously, I decided to have a little fun with it.

I booked an idol-inspired photoshoot in the Philippines. And honestly? I'm really glad I did.

BRH Project: An Idol Debut Photoshoot in Makati

I discovered BRH Project while scrolling through TikTok. Their account appeared on my For You Page, and I saw that they offered an IDOL Debut Stage concept photoshoot.

Since I was planning to be in the Philippines for my birthday, I immediately thought, "Why not?" I decided to treat it as a little birthday gift to myself.

BRH Project is located in Makati and booking the photoshoot was very easy through their online booking platform. For my photoshoot, I booked their IDOL Debut Stage Package, which was listed at ₱7,000 at the time of my booking.

The package includes edited and printed photos, as well as idol-inspired merchandise such as a mini album and photocards.

Basically, the whole experience is designed to make you feel like you're debuting as an idol which was exactly what I wanted.

What to Expect From the BRH Project Idol Photoshoot

One of the things I appreciated about the experience was that I didn't have to prepare much beforehand.

You don't necessarily need to bring your own clothes or prepare an elaborate concept. BRH Project has outfits available for you to choose from, along with makeup services. Of course, if you already have a specific outfit, styling, or concept in mind, you can also bring your own things.

In my case, I didn't really have a specific concept prepared. I just showed up with my friend, aka my manager. She was very supportive throughout the whole experience, basically doing her job as my idol manager for the day.

When I arrived, I filled out the necessary details and chose my outfit. After that, I sat down for makeup.

And honestly, I loved how the makeup turned out.

I didn't have any specific makeup inspiration to show them, so I mostly let the staff do their thing. I think that was actually the best decision because it allowed them to create the look they thought would work best for the concept.

Once the makeup and styling were done, it was time for the actual photoshoot.

My Experience: Pretending to Be an Idol

This was probably the most interesting part of the entire experience for me.

I'm used to being behind the camera.

As a filmmaker, I'm much more comfortable thinking about the composition, directing actors, checking the framing, and worrying about what's happening on the other side of the lens.

This time, I was the subject.

And I was nervous.

I felt awkward. I wasn't completely sure what to do with my body. And at one point, I was genuinely wondering if booking this photoshoot had been a terrible idea. But eventually, I just decided to stop overthinking it.

I pretended I was an idol. And somehow, that worked.

The staff were also really kind throughout the photoshoot. They encouraged me, gave me directions, and kept hyping me up when I was feeling shy. That actually helped me loosen up and become more comfortable in front of the camera.

And ironically, the experience also taught me something as a director.

I really need to hype my actors more.

When you're directing someone who isn't used to being in front of a camera, they can easily become self-conscious or unsure of themselves. Having someone encourage you and tell you that you're doing well can make such a difference.

So while I went into this photoshoot thinking I was just going to pretend to be an idol, I somehow came out of it with a little lesson about directing too.

Choosing My Photos

After the photoshoot, I got to choose the photos I wanted to have edited. This was honestly harder than I expected. There were so many photos to choose from, and suddenly I had to become my own creative director.

Once I selected my favorites, the photos were edited and printed, and they were turned into the different products included in the package. Seeing the finished mini album, merchandise, and photocards was such a fun experience. It really did feel like I had my own little idol debut. And seeing the final results completely changed how I felt about the photoshoot.

Remember how I said I was questioning my decision halfway through?

Well… I ended up loving the photos.

Was the BRH Project Idol Photoshoot Worth It?

For me, yes.

This wasn't just about getting pretty photos.

I wanted to do something fun and slightly ridiculous for my 30th birthday. More importantly, I wanted to do something for the younger version of myself who once dreamed of becoming a singer.

Maybe I didn't become the idol she imagined. But for a few hours, I got to step into that dream. And I think that's pretty special.

I also found the experience reasonably priced compared with some of the photoshoot experiences I've seen here in South Korea, which made me even happier to see this kind of concept becoming available in the Philippines.

I'm really glad I decided to try it, and I would definitely love to visit BRH Project again the next time I'm back in the Philippines.

Mini Vlog

@annyeongruth POV: you finally got your idol debut… just a few years late 😂✨ I’ve always wondered what I would look like as an idol, so when I saw this concept on my FYP, I took it as a sign. 🤭 No mood board. No elaborate preparation. Just me, my “manager,” and a studio that somehow made me look like I have an actual debut scheduled. 😭 Would you book an idol photoshoot for your birthday? 📍 @BRH Project #BRHProject #KpopPhotoshoot #kpop ♬ cutie - Mofeny

If you're looking for an idol-inspired photoshoot in the Philippines, especially if you want to experience what it feels like to have your own K-pop-inspired debut concept, BRH Project is definitely a fun experience to consider.

And if you're like me and usually spend your time behind the camera…

Maybe it's time to step in front of it for a change. ✨

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KMOVIE REVIEW: Colony (2026)

Entertainment May 23, 2026

What will you do if you're trapped inside a building with zombies that can communicate with each other?

Director Yeon Sang Ho, the mind behind Train to Busan, is back with another zombie film, Colony (군체). I still remember meeting the director during the Creative Asia event presented by Netflix and BIFF, where he talked about how zombies represent anxieties within Korean society. It reminded me that genre filmmaking can still carry deep cultural commentary while remaining entertaining.

The moment Showbox officially announced Colony, I was already excited. I absolutely loved Train to Busan. Although, to be honest, Peninsula was a no-no for me personally. On top of that, this film has a cast lineup that I genuinely love, so my expectations were already high from the beginning.

I also had high expectations because Showbox has been on a roll lately with films like The King's Warden and Salmokji. I honestly expected Colony to become another box-office hit.

Despite the mixed and often negative reactions from viewers who watched the film during the Cannes Film Festival premiere, I still wanted to watch it with my own expectations and opinions instead of relying solely on reviews.

What is Colony?

Title: Colony (군체)

Running Time: 2 hours and 2 minutes

Casts:

Jun Ji-hyun as Kwon Se-jeong

Koo Kyo-hwan as Seo Young-cheol

Ji Chang-wook as Choi Hyun-seok

Kim Shin-rok as Choi Hyun-hee

Shin Hyun-been as Kong Seol-hee

Go Soo as Han Kyu-seong

Plot: Colony is a fast-paced zombie thriller centered around a mysterious outbreak during a biotechnology conference. Unlike traditional zombies, the infected evolve collectively, becoming smarter as more people are infected. It almost feels like a constantly updating network.

My Thoughts About Colony

The “upgraded” zombie concept is honestly brilliant

This film introduces a completely different kind of zombie. Yes, people still turn once they get bitten, but the idea that the zombies can exchange information and be controlled as a collective makes them much more terrifying.

As explained in the film, their behavior closely resembles ants, which communicate through chemical signals called pheromones. But throughout the film, it was revealed also that once the leader or “controller” dies, the others stop functioning in the same way. That concept alone made the zombies feel smarter and more dangerous than the usual zombie films we see.

What made it even more interesting was how these zombies could mimic voices, read messages, and even type on computers. The audience in the cinema was laughing in disbelief at times because of how absurdly intelligent these zombies were, but at the same time everyone was genuinely impressed.

Another fun detail I learned from Na Young Seok’s interview with the cast and director was that professional contemporary dancers, actors, and stunt performers were brought together to create the zombies’ movements. Director Yeon explained that the choreography was inspired by genres like popping and breakdancing.

And honestly, you can really see that in the film. The zombies move in such strange and uncomfortable ways, with twisting bodies and sharp movements that feel very different from ordinary zombie films. Knowing that contemporary dancers were involved makes so much sense now.

I genuinely loved that creative decision.

Definitely a star-studded cast

I’ve always loved Jun Ji Hyun, so I was really happy she accepted this project. The same goes for Koo Kyo Hwan, who has honestly become one of my favorite actors recently, and Ji Chang Wook as well. I already liked most of the cast individually, so seeing them together in one film was exciting enough on its own.

Jun Ji Hyun plays Kwon Se Jeong, a biotechnology PhD who leads survivors using her scientific knowledge instead of relying on typical action-hero tropes. Koo Kyo Hwan portrays the mastermind behind the outbreak, a twisted scientist whose actions trigger the entire disaster. Ji Chang Wook plays a security guard trying to protect his wheelchair-bound older sister, played by Kim Shin Rock, while Shin Hyunbeen plays an outside researcher helping solve the crisis from beyond the quarantined building.

Also… Ji Chang Wook looked ridiculously good in this film.

If you were sitting beside me in the cinema, you probably would’ve heard me whispering “멋지다 (meosjida)” every few minutes. Especially during the hallway fight scene where he was stabbing zombies one by one. I honestly didn’t expect someone covered in zombie blood to still look that handsome, but here we are.

As for Koo Kyo Hwan, he once again proved how good he is even with subtle facial expressions and movements alone. I really, really like him as an actor. If I ever got the chance to work with him in the future, even though I know that’s basically impossible haha, I absolutely would.

I understand the negative reviews, but I don’t think the film is bad at all

Because I was genuinely interested in Colony, I spent a lot of time reading reviews from people who watched it during Cannes. To be honest, many of them were negative, and I started worrying that this would turn into another Peninsula, which I personally did not enjoy at all.

But after finally watching the film myself, I can confidently say this: Colony is definitely not on the same level as Train to Busan, but it is still far better than Peninsula.

Before anything else, I also want to clarify something because I’ve seen misinformation spreading online: Colony is NOT connected to the timeline of Train to Busan or Peninsula. It is a completely separate world and story. I saw some people calling it a prequel, which is simply not true. Please, let’s be more careful with the information we share online lol.

The reason I don’t think Colony reaches the same level as Train to Busan is because this film focuses much more on the zombie concept itself, especially the collective intelligence and information-sharing, rather than fully developing the emotional arcs of the characters.

Train to Busan succeeded because it balanced both the zombie action and the emotional storytelling perfectly. Colony, meanwhile, had several moments that could have become emotionally powerful scenes, but they never fully landed for me.

I’ll be honest: I personally struggled to emotionally connect with most of the characters.

Ji Chang Wook and Kim Shin Rock’s sibling relationship had so much potential to become the emotional heart of the film, but the emotional payoff felt slightly incomplete. I wasn’t heartbroken. I felt more “아쉽다.” Like the film came very close to something amazing but didn’t fully reach it.

Ironically, I found myself more invested in Jun Ji Hyun and Shin Hyunbeen’s relationship, even though they barely shared scenes together. Their connection felt more naturally developed throughout the story.

Overall Thoughts

Despite the criticisms, I still think Colony is worth watching in theaters. It delivers the tension and thrill you expect from a zombie film, and the story itself is easy to follow while still introducing fresh ideas to the genre.

Personally, this is very much my kind of film.

I’m honestly happy that Director Yeon Sang Ho managed to bounce back after Peninsula (yes, I’ll keep mentioning how disappointed I was with that movie haha). This film reminded me again why he became one of Korea’s most recognizable directors in the zombie genre.

I’m also really excited to rewatch Colony during the stage greeting event because I genuinely want to see the cast in person soon. I’ll definitely update this post once that happens.

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KMOVIE REVIEW: Colony (2026)

What will you do if you're trapped inside a building with zombies that can communicate with each other?

What is Colony?

My Thoughts About Colony

The “upgraded” zombie concept is honestly brilliant

Definitely a star-studded cast

I understand the negative reviews, but I don’t think the film is bad at all

Overall Thoughts

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