SEVENTEEN Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up in Seoul

Lifestyle September 16, 2023

My first SEVENTEEN purchase after moving to South Korea

The moment that Pledis Entertainment and HYBE Merch announced that SEVENTEEN is going to have their artist-made collection, I was so excited. What more when they announced that they will be having an offline pop-up store?

As a Carat who moved to South Korea, I am really looking forward to attending different SEVENTEEN-related events. So, I made sure that I will be able to visit SEVENTEEN's Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up even though it is in Seoul.

SEVENTEEN Artist-Made Collection Pop-Up in Seoul

Compared to the Love Pop-Up in Tokyo and FML The Pop-Up experience by Spotify, this pop-up has a larger scale. It was like a mixture of the two pop-ups that I mentioned.

The pop-up in Seoul was held at the Shinsegae Gangnam from September 1-10. SEVENTEEN's artist-made collection pop-up has three seasons. The first season is for S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, and Jun. The second season is for Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, and The8. And for the last season, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. The pop-up was divided into two: the merch shop and the showroom.

And yes, you have to queue separately if you want to go on both. Good thing, in my case, after buying in the merch shop, I was on time to enter the showroom.

Merch Shop

I queued for like two hours just to enter into the merch shop. I wasn't able to take much videos or photos in the merch shop because I was a bit in a rush to enter.

When I entered the merch shop, I was so happy because they are all still available. I was really looking forward in buying Jeonghan's plushie and blanket (Jjong Toram). Aside from the fact that it's a very cute plushie, it also includes a blanket wherein you can use in the airport.

I wanted to buy Joshua's merch too because he is my bias. But I am not really into perfumes, plus it's a bit expensive. My budget is only for Jeonghan's merch.

Inside the pop-up merch shop, they also sell some other SEVENTEEN merch like the Follow to Seoul merchandise and the collaboration between SEVENTEEN and Muzik Tiger.

Some merch have limits on how many a person can buy. Like for Jun's plushies, maximum of three per person. But the other merch doesn't have a limit.

Showroom

The showroom is just a place where they displayed the artist-made collection. If you're not yet decided what to buy, I think it would be better to go to the showroom first before going to the merch room. This place can help you decide what to buy.

In my case, I think it's a good idea not going here first because I might have bought the other merch by Jeonghan.

You can also test out the merch here like for example, S.Coups's umbrella.

If only S.Coups' umbrella was a folded one instead of the longer one, I would have bought it too. Since it has been raining in South Korea lately, this umbrella is really useful. Plus, this is the cheapest merch out there.

Joshua's perfume set was actually so good. It's just that I no longer have the budget to buy this one. Plus, I'm not a gifted person when it comes to creating fragrances.

I also wanted to buy Jun's merch especially the phone case since I have to change my phone case now. But because of budget, I wasn't able to buy. I'm just hoping that once I have extra money, it will still be available.

Vlog:

Check out my vlog about my weekend in Seoul

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MAGNATE: The Café Owned by BTS Jimin's Dad

Food September 14, 2023

I got to shake hands with BTS Jimin's Dad!

Just in case you haven't seen my previous blog, I moved to South Korea to study as a GKS Scholar. Before the classes started, my friends and I decided to visit around Busan. And that's how we got into Magnate - the café owned by BTS Jimin's Dad.

Honestly, our true agenda was to visit Vintage One, a thrift shop here in Busan. It happened to be beside the café. So, after going to the thrift shop, we decided to go and eat at that café.

How to go to Magnate Café:

Address: 135, Jinnam-ro, Nam-gu, Busan, South Korea

You can either take the subway or take the bus.

Subway: Line 2 (Green Line), get off at Motgol station (못골/214), Exit 4 > Walk to Cafe Magnate (around 13 minutes of walk).

Bus: Take No. 10, 101, or 138, and get off at Yeonpo Elementary School bus stop (연포초등학교)

* Download Naver Maps to help you navigate to this place.

Magnate Café

It was definitely a long walk from the subway station. And to be honest, when we entered the parking lot, I didn't know at first that it was the Magnate Café already. Good thing, I saw the BTS poster in the corner and realized that it was the café already.

On the outside, there wasn't anything special. But once you enter the Magnate Café, you'll immediately see a table full of BTS/Jimin merch and fan letters.

Although Magnate Café is owned by BTS Jimin's Dad, it's not a cafe that's really inspired by a K-Pop group like the Caratreats Cafe in the Philippines. It's a normal cafe that both fans and non-fans can enjoy.

I actually love how cozy the place is and at the same time my K-pop fangirl spirit is getting hyped up.

There are a lot of options that you can choose there. In my case, I ordered the Corn-Cheese Bake and Strawberry Latte.

It was really good. As a person who is not into café much, I really enjoyed the food and the place. The food tastes good and the surrounding is aesthetically pleasing. If given the chance, I would love to visit it again and stay there for a bit longer.

Anyway, we were so lucky when we went there because Jimin's dad happened to be the one who took our orders. When my friend asked him, he immediately smiled at us and initiated a hand shake. He is really thankful for the fans who dropped by his café.

I didn't took any photo of him because first, I was shy. Second, I didn't ask for permission. So, it will just remain in my memory.

.Before leaving Magnate Café, I saw Jimin's solo album, FACE, with his sign on it.

Magnate Café Mini Vlog

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Global Korea Scholarship Application Experience (Embassy Track)

Lifestyle August 29, 2023

I'm finally in South Korea!

If you have been following me on my social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Tiktok), you know that I applied for the Global Korea Scholarship this 2023. And with God's help, I was chosen as one of the scholars for this year.

To help other aspirants, I decided to create contents about my experience in applying for the scholarship. From the documents until going to South Korea. I knew this scholarship way back 2018 (?) and since then I really wanted to try for my Master's. It was only this 2023 that I was able to apply. Yes, this was my first time applying the scholarship.

My GKS 2023 Application Experience

Submitting my documents to the Embassy

In February 10, 2023, the Korean Embassy in the Philippines posted that the application for the GKS 2023 is already open. The deadline was until the end of February. Compared to the past years, the application was earlier this year. Although I have been preparing for this since 2022, I was still a bit shocked.

So, what are the requirements that I prepared?

1. Application Form

2. Personal Statement

3. Study Plan

4. Letter of Recommendation

5. GKS Applicant Agreement

6. Personal Medical Assessment

7. Consent to Collect and Use Personal Information

8. Applicant's/Parents' Proof of Citizenship and family relationship Document (Birth Certificate)

9. Bachelor's Graduation Certificate (or Diploma)

10. Bachelor's Degree Transcript

11. Score report of valid TOPIK (original) or English Proficiency Test (copy)

12. Awards and other certificates (copy)

13. Applicant's Passport (copy)

For numbers 1-7, the NIIED will be giving a form for these. For numbers 8-10, you should have these documents apostilled.

After completing these documents, I had it delivered to the embassy. You can physically submit it too. But in my case, financially speaking, it's much better to just have it delivered than to go to the embassy.

After I have submitted, I waited if I will be chosen by the embassy. On March 9, 2023, I received an email from the embassy confirming that they have received my application. They have also stated there that only shortlisted applicants for the interview will be notified in the following week.

So that's when the waiting begins.

First Round - Embassy Interview

On March 14, 2023, I received another email from the embassy saying that I was invited for a panel interview. I was asked to sign-up and choose my preferred time of interview. They also have sent the link for the interview. I chose March 20, 2023 at around 4pm.

Based on the form that they asked us to be filled out, there were 28 applicants interviewed. But they will only be choosing 14 applicants for the embassy track.

It was really nerve-wrecking since only half will be chosen. To be honest, I did a little bit of stalking. I searched for the other applicants online to see their credentials as well. And they were all good. They have good work and academic status. So, I was a bit scared since I feel like I'm not good enough.

I was interviewed by three Koreans. It seems like two were from the embassy and one is a professor in UP Diliman.

What are the questions during the interview?

1. Introduce yourself (include your future plan)

2. As an Art major, what do you want to do, like create films or series?

3. How's your experience during the 2019 ACH program?

4. Do you have Korean friends?

5. Have you checked other scholarships in South Korea?

6. If you're not chosen this year, what is your Plan B?

7. Is there any other things that you would like to tell us about yourself?

8. How will studying in Korea be helpful in the bilateral relationship of Korea and the Philippines?

I'll be creating a vlog about the interview and share to you my tips when I applied.

And on March 23, 2023 at around 4pm, I received another email from the embassy saying that I have been included in the list of recommended applicants. My documents were then forwarded to the National Institute for International Education Development (NIIED).

Second Round - NIIED Document Checking

For the second round, I have to wait for NIIED to release the list. You don't actually have to do anything here but to just wait for it. Based from past scholars in the embassy track, the second round is the most chill round in the embassy track since NIIED will just check your documents and compile all the recommended applicants from different embassies.

But this round is crucial for the waitlisted applicants. Yes, there are waitlisted applicants. The embassy is given the chance to recommend one more applicant. These waitlisted applicants will wait if other countries have extra slots.

Third Round - University

Even if you have passed the two rounds, there is still a chance that you won't be able to get the scholarship especially if no university accepts you.

For the embassy track, we were given a chance to choose three universities. In my case, I chose Dongseo University, Ewha Womans University, and Dongguk University. We have to choose at least one Type B university (university in the province).

In this round, it depends on the university if they will still conduct an interview or not. Some universities do have interview while some just based on the documents that you passed.

My anxiety level rose up here because I do not know if I will be having an interview or not since I do not get any updates from the university.

In the end, I did not have any interviews and just received emails whether I was accepted or not.

On May 22, 2023 (just a few days before my trip in Japan), I received my first ever email from the universities I applied. It was from Dongseo University. I was accepted.

So by this time, I am already sure that I passed this scholarship because at least one university has already accepted me. My major in Dongseo University is Film and Video Production. Although I told myself that the first university to accept me will be the university I'll choose, I still waited for the results of the other universities.

On June 8, 2023, I received an email from Dongguk University saying that I was not accepted. And on June 9, 2023, I received an email from Ewha Womans University saying that I was not accepted too.

So in this case, the only university that accepted me is Dongseo University. And yes, I'll be studying my Master's at Dongseo University in Busan.

Applying for a student visa in South Korea

On June 30, 2023, the NIIED released the final list of the 2023 GKS Scholars. This includes the embassy track and university track along with their universities. After announcing this, it's time to wait for the documents that will be needed in applying for a visa.

I'll be writing a separate blog about how to apply for a Korean visa if you're going to study in Korea.

By the way, these are some of the scholars who also applied for the visa. We decided to meet up and have a lunch together.

We waited for a week (or 5 working days) for our visa to be released. And yes, we were all approved.

VLOG:

I'll be sharing more of my activities here in South Korea through my blog, Youtube Channel, and other social media accounts. So, I hope you'll join me in my adventures as an GKS Scholar / International Student in South Korea.

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MOVIE REVIEW: The Moon (2023)

Entertainment August 11, 2023

The South Korea film industry definitely went on another level with the movie "The Moon"

Last August 10, I was given the chance to watch this amazing movie in the big screen. As a fan of anything space-related and Korean entertainment as a whole, I was really looking forward in watching this movie.

The Moon is a film about an astronaut, Hwang Sun-woo (played by EXO's D.O), who was left in space after experiencing malfunctions on their spacecraft. Dr. Kim (played by Sol Kyung Gu), the former managing director of the Naro Space Center, tries to save him and bring him back to earth safely.

From powerhouse casts to amazing CGIs, The Moon is said to be one of the most anticipated films this 2023.

Things I like about The Moon

Amazing acting from the casts

One of the things that I look for when it comes to acting is if they can bring emotions with just the way their eyes move. The casts of The Moon really impressed me with their acting. I was really so immersed with their acting to the point that I felt I was a part of the film.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

I am familiar with Sol Kyung Gu as he was the lead in another Korean film, Haeundae (another film that I enjoyed watching). And truly, he did not disappoint in this film. His character here has a lot of secrets and regrets. And while it was slowly being revealed, I just can't stop myself from appreciating his acting even more.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

One of the reasons why I got to know about this film is because of EXO D.O. Ever since before, I consider him as the best Idol-Actor in the Korean entertainment. And yes, I can say, he is a great choice to be one of the leads for this film. His eyes were so expressive and he was able to show the joy, sadness, frustrations, all the emotions that the character was feeling.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Kim Hee Ae, who I know for The World of the Married, also aced her acting in this film. While watching The Moon, I told my friend that I was really amazed with her because she was just sitting and staring at the news but I can already feel the tension in the surrounding. She barely moved at that part yet her eyes spoke everything.

Photo from HanCinema

I actually have a love-hate relationship with the minister (played by Jo Han Chul). He is the classmate mong pabibo pero walang ambag (your noisy and active classmate yet has no contribution). Maru, the drone, even had more contribution than him.

I love him for making me laugh most of the time but hates him because I don't know exactly what his role in the story is. But still, he nailed it. He was able to make the scenes lighter with the way he panics.

Next level visual effects and CGIs

Photo from HanCinema

Like what I have mentioned earlier, I am a fan of any space-related thing. So, I have watched a lot of films regarding space. For The Moon, I have to give a lot of praise to the editing team for taking the next level in terms of the visual effects and CGIs.

As someone who took Multimedia Arts in College, I know how hard it is to create these assets, animate it and even make it realistic. I also know how large the files are for this kind of effects. That's why I was really amazed.

There were some Korean movies and dramas that I have watched wherein I felt a little bit disappointed with the CGIs but for this movie, I know South Korea is leveling up their game.

A lot of breathtaking moments

If you have seen me during the showing, you'll definitely laugh at me as I was really so focused on what I was watching to the point that I even forgot to breathe for a few seconds. Probably, if I was watching this alone, I would have been kicking while shouting Dali! (Faster!). The intensity of the scenes were high to the point that if I blink I might have lost something important.

It's been a long time since I felt excited while watching a movie. The sound effects during these scenes made it even more extreme.

Final Thoughts on The Moon

Visually, I really liked The Moon a lot. It showed how South Korea is improving and improving in terms of quality. The color grading, camera shots, lighting, the whole cinematography was really beautiful. All the casts in this film portrayed their role very well may it be a simple role to a very hard one.

In terms of the story, it was just a simple story of saving a stranded astronaut. There were also twists in the story but I felt like some twists weren't executed that well. To be honest, I was expecting for more in the story. I hope that they added more heart-wrenching lines or scenes to make the movie even more memorable.

Nonetheless, it is a movie worth watching and re-watching. If given the time, I would like to watch it again on the big screen with my whole family.

The Moon showing this August 16 on Philippine cinemas

The Moon will officially be out in Philippine cinemas this August 16! So make sure to visit the nearest cinema in your place.

Thank you Columbia Pictures Philippines for inviting me at the Gala Premiere of The Moon.

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First K-Pop Concert Abroad: Here Are The Things You Need To Know

Entertainment August 05, 2023

Watching K-Pop concert abroad is a dream come true

At one point in our life, we have also dreamt of watching our K-Pop concert abroad. As someone who isn't financially capable, I thought that this will just be part of my bucket list that I won't be able to tick. But I guess the saying "If there's a will, there's a way" made it possible for me to watch K-Pop concert abroad.

My first concert abroad was in 2018 when I watched Wanna One's One: The World in Kuala Lumpur. And the latest K-pop event that I attended was SEVENTEEN's Love Fan Meeting in Japan.

If you plan on attending concerts or fan meetings abroad, you're on the right blog post! I'll be sharing to you what I prepare whenever I attend K-Pop events abroad.

What to prepare for your K-Pop concert abroad?

Concert Tickets

Of course, your main goal is to attend the concert or fan meeting. So, you have to buy your tickets in order to watch it.

When buying tickets, make sure to check the organizers' social media accounts or the official accounts of the group you're going to watch. They update about the details of the ticket selling and the ticket prices. There will also be time where you need such memberships in order to get early access with the ticketing.

Every country has different ticketing platforms. For example in my case, when I bought my ticket in Thailand for Be The Sun in BKK, the ticketing platform is the Thaiticketmajor. It's somehow like SM Tickets here in the Philippines.

But in Japan, it's a very different way of buying tickets. Japan ticketing is more of a lottery type of ticketing. So, you just have to put your luck on fate.

Passport

Your passport is one of the most important items that you must have when you plan to watch concert abroad. First, it's a need when going out of the country. Second, this will serve as your ID abroad.

They won't accept your license ID, school ID, or whatever local ID you have. The only ID that they will accept, if you're a foreigner, is your passport and/or ARC (Alien Registration Card).

Why do you need it? Because some venues require ticket verification before entering. In order to verify your identity, you have to present a valid ID. Also, when I watched Lee Dong Wook's fan meeting in South Korea, I have to claim my ticket at the venue itself. So, ID is required.

Hotel Accommodation and Flight

Just like other normal trips, you have to book your accommodation. Unless you only plan to watch and fly (which I don't really recommend). For booking your accommodations, there are a lot of things you need to consider like your budget and the distance from the venue.

Personally, I like booking somewhere near the venue so that I won't be in a rush when going to the concert venue. But when I was in Korea, my friends and I always book in Hongdae since we're used to with it already.

If you're on a budget with flights, check out the flight scanner online. It will give you the cheapest and best options when traveling.

Extra Money for Merch

When watching concert abroad (especially in South Korea and Japan), all the official merch are being sold there. Even if you don't have plans on buying, you will end up buying merch. Well, this was from my experience. So better have extra money for your merch. There are times that they accept card but it's also good to have some cash with you.

Buying merch there is much cheaper than buying merch through group orders. Just take note that sometimes, especially on SEVENTEEN concerts, there's a pick-up option on Weverse wherein you have to order online and just pick it up onsite.

(Depends on the country) Clear bag

There are some countries that require a clear bag when entering the venue. They don't allow even small bags if it isn't clear. I don't know the exact reason for it but it's better to be updated with the do's and don'ts of the certain country you're going to be watching.

Tips on watching K-pop concert abroad

Visa - Ticket - Accommodation and Flight

If the country you're visiting requires you to have a visa first like South Korea and Japan, make sure to get your visa first before buying your ticket and booking flights and accommodations. Because there is a chance that your visa might not be approved. Not all countries allow a ticket refund.

So my suggestion is get a visa first, then concert ticket, then book a flight and accommodation.

Check on Twitter if you have some mutuals attending the same event

Recently, there are more and more people going abroad to watch concert. Who knows, one of your friend on Twitter is attending too? I had a friend and I didn't know she'll be going to Love FM in Tokyo not until she posted it a few days before the fan meet. If I only knew she'd be coming then I should have come with her. But experiencing a solo travel is still good experience tho hihi :)

I also met new friends who are going to attend the same event I'm attending. It was really cool to meet fellow fans who have the same hobbies as yours.

Check out if there are pop-up events or places that you can visit too

There are a lot of pop-up events especially in Korea and Japan. Because of these events I was able to visit it during my stay there. I am fangirling and at the same time getting to visit places in the country.

You can also visit the places that your idol has visited before. In my case, I visited different SEVENTEEN spots in Tokyo. Soon, I'll do it in South Korea too.

Take lots of photos/videos and enjoy!

Well, unless you're not allowed to take photos like in Japan fan meeting.

When I was editing my Japan vlog, it felt like I came back to being in Japan. I remembered the emotions I had during my stay. How I wished I have filmed more. But the photos suffice it tho.

As someone who can't remember anything after a couple of weeks, having photos and videos will make you be reminded of those special moments.

I am a very shy person. I barely take photos and videos before. That's why I barely remember my past travels because I don't have something to look again. That's the reason why I encourage you to take lots of photos and videos.

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Young K to have his first solo concert 'Letters with notes'

Entertainment August 02, 2023

Young K's first solo concert

On the first day of August, JYP Entertainment teased the fans through the album scheduler that DAY6 Young K will be having his solo concert. Details for the concert were then posted the following day.

Young K will hold his solo concert at Kwangwoon University's Donghae Culture and Arts Center in Nowon-gu, Seoul for three days starting September 1 until 3.

The last day of the concert will also be livestreamed through the Beyond LIVE platform to accommodate the fans who can't come to the concert physically.

Ticketing Details

Title: Young K Solo Concert Letters with notes

Date: 2023.09.01 FRI 8PM (KST) / 09.02 SAT 6PM (KST) / 09.03 SUN 5PM (KST) (+ Beyond LIVE)

Venue: Kwangwoon University Donghae Culture and Arts Center

Ticket Price: ALL 154,000 KRW

Reservation: YES24

Age Limit: 7 years and over

* The 9/03 (Sun) show will be broadcasted live online (https://beyondlive.com) and information for the related products will be announced separately.

TICKET RESERVATION ANNOUNCEMENT

FANCLUB PRESALE (Purchase Limit: 1 ticket per person for all performances.)

1) My Day 3rd Morning: Thursday, August 10, 2023 20:00-23:59 (KST)

2) My Day 3rd Evening: Friday, August 11, 2023 20:00-23:59 (KST)

- Fanclub presale is exclusively open for My Day 3rd Generation, and it's a members-only product available on YES24 FANCLUB PRESALE is available without extra certification process if you log-in with your YES24 ID, which was used to register DAY6 OFFICIAL FANCLUB My Day 3rd Generation on YES24.

GENERAL SALE: Monday, August 14, 2023 20:00~ (KST) (Purchase Limit : 2 tickets per person for each show)

- 2 tickets per person for each show, including the ticket purchased through the FANCLUB PRESALE.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE SEAT RESERVATION ANNOUNCEMENT

1- Wheelchair accessible seat reservation is only available by phone. Please contact the YES24 Customer Service Number (T. 1544-6399) for reservations starting from Monday, August 14 at 10AM. (*Customer Service Operating Hours: Weekdays (9AM~6PM) / Saturday (9AM~5PM) / Sunday & Public Holidays are closed.)

- Wheelchair accessible seats can only be purchased by wheelchair users. Wheelchair users can purchase up to 2 wheelchair accessible seating tickets, including 1 ticket for a companion

To be able to collect your ticket and view the concert, please make sure to reserve tickets for yourself under your own name only. If you are not the person who made the reservation, you cannot watch the show.

* YES24 Global Ticket Service will be available.

Those who reserve tickets on the global page do not have to authenticate themselves via mobile or I-PIN to be able to reserve tickets. However, you will only be able to collect your tickets on-site after presenting a proper ID.

Young K Solo Album

The concert "Letters with Notes" is Young K's first solo performance under his name since his debut as a member of DAY6 in September 2015. Following his first solo concert, he will be releasing his first full length album "Letters with Notes" on September 4.

Young K has been actively participating in writing and composing every album of DAY6 and created such wonderful masterpieces such as "You Were Beautiful," "Time of Our Life," and "Zombie." After being discharged from KATUSA in April this year, he has been a DJ of KBS Cool FM's DAY6's Kiss the Radio since June 19.

Sources: (1)(2)

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Kim Sejeong holds first solo concert

Entertainment August 01, 2023

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CDRAMA REVIEW: Exclusive Fairytale (2023)

Entertainment July 29, 2023

A fairytale indeed!

It hasn't been a long time since I watched a C-Drama, which is Hidden Love. Like what I said there, I wanted to watch another heart-fluttering and chill drama. Good thing, iQIYI announced that Exclusive Fairytale would be released last July 27, 2023. For VIP users, all episodes will be released on the first day.

As a Carat (SEVENTEEN fan) and a C-drama enthusiast, this is a win-win situation for me. I get to support Jun in his drama and also watch another C-drama.

About Exclusive Fairytale

Title: Exclusive Fairytale (独家童话)

Episodes: 24 episodes (around 30-40 minutes each)

Main Casts:

Zhang Miao Yi as Xiao Tu

Jun as Ling Chao

Xiong Ao Bo as Yin Zi Han

Cheryn Lin as Xu Ling Long

Hao Zhu Yu as Jia Si Wen

Wu Luo Han as Yin Xin Lan

Zhao Lu as Jiang Juan Juan

Tan Jia Tai as Zhu Wen Yu

Plot: It's about a story of Xiao Tu and Ling Chao who consider their relationship as a brother-sister relationship since they were born few days apart and grew up together. Both their families are good friends. When they entered college, they finally realized their true feelings for each other.

Reasons why I love Exclusive Fairytale

Adorable leads

I'll be honest. The reason why I watched this is mainly because of Jun. As a Carat, I wanted to support Jun with his drama. But little did I know that I'll also get attached with the female lead, Zhang Miao Yi. She is so adorable all throughout the drama. In fact, there's also another drama that she is the main lead which is my next goal to watch.

For Jun, I believe he had a little bit of a hard time playing his role as Ling Chao because it's definitely the opposite of his real character. Although I appreciate him in this drama, especially because he is indeed a good kisser, I feel like I needed more eye-acting with his character here.

I love the second couple

I barely watch the second couple's story. Whenever I watch C-dramas, I usually skip the second couple. But for this drama, I don't know but I got hooked with their story as well. I find the two of them adorable and cute. I really can't explain but maybe because Jiang Juan Juan is a fangirl in this story that made me appreciate this couple more.

Second lead syndrome hits

Although Yin Zi Han's character at the first part is an obsessed competitor of Ling Chao, his character grew into me when he started to fall for Xiao Tu. But even if he liked Xiao Tu, he has never became a hindrance with Ling Chao's and Xiao Tu's love story. In fact, he even give way but still managed to stay in touch with them.

Main shipper = parents

I really find it funny when both of their moms are pushing their children to be together. It was a success though. Xiao Tu's father was a bit hesitant at first since he doesn't want his daughter to be in a relationship but eventually through the help of Ling Chao's parents he accepted their relationship.

Their family is just so supportive with each other. It's not hard to ask for permission and blessing for their relationship.

Full of love and friendship

The casts' friendship lasted until they are working individuals already. It warms my heart to see that all of them grew up together. They shared both the happiness and sadness of each other. Even if they are far from each other, they continue to communicate and keep the friendship.

Final Thoughts

Exclusive Fairytale is just a chill youth drama to watch. No intense dramas at all which is what I needed right now. I'm not in the mood to watch heavy dramas since it's somehow affecting my mood. So, watching this drama made me chill. It also made me feel that I grew up with them.

It's still not a perfect drama since there are some things I still noticed like the pacing towards the end suddenly became a little fast. But I still appreciate the improvement.

C-dramas are indeed improving from their scripts, to their camera shots, to everything. I'm happy too that C-dramas are now being appreciated. Hoping to watch more C-dramas in the future!

Have you watched this drama? What are your thoughts?

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Eric Nam to go on a world tour 'House on a Hill' in over 80 cities

Entertainment July 28, 2023

Eric Nam is going on a World Tour!

Eric Nam, one of the most successful Korean-American entertainer, singer-songwriter, and actor, is going on a new journey as he announced his House On A Hill world tour wherein he will be visiting over 80 cities which will kick-off in Dallas this September.

The name of his world tour is based from his latest single "House on a Hill" which is a musical precedent to his upcoming album. His album will be released this September, right on time for his tour.

“House on a Hill” marks as his return to the global pop stage with his first original material since his last album There And Back Again (2022). Anchored by hit singles “Lost On Me”, “Any Other Way” and “I Don’t Know You Anymore”, the album debuted at #3 on the US Spotify chart, #7 on the UK Spotify chart, and peaked at #22 on Billboard Top Album Sales. Cumulatively, Eric has surpassed 1 billion streams globally, with 2.5M+ followers on Spotify.

Over 80 cities!

Eric Nam will be having 39 shows in North America, including major cities and venues such as Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City, Roadrunner in Boston, The Shrine in Los Angeles and more.

Following the North American leg, the tour will then bring Eric to Latin America, the UK, Europe and Australia / New Zealand. The following openers and special guests are confirmed with more names to come: Alexander Stewart (North America), Jamie Miller (North America), Alex Porat (Europe), GRACE (UK), Keenan Te (Australia & New Zealand). Tickets for the North American, Latin America, UK and Europe legs go on sale this Friday, June 30th. Tickets for the Australian and New Zealand leg will go on sale next Thursday, July 6th. See below for full tour routing and for additional information, please visit ericnam.com.

HOUSE ON A HILL WORLD TOUR DATES

NORTH AMERICA

09.16.23 Dallas, TX House of Blues

09.17.23 Austin, TX Stubb's Waller Creek Amphitheater

09.19.23 Houston, TX Bayou Music Center

09.21.23 Orlando, FL House of Blues

09.23.23 Tampa, FL The Ritz Ybor

09.24.23 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution (Outdoors)

09.26.23 Atlanta, GA Coca-Cola Roxy

09.27.23 Nashville, TN Marathon Music Works

09.29.23 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore

09.30.23 Raleigh, NC The Ritz

10.01.23 Norfolk, VA The NorVa

10.03.23 Baltimore, MD Ram's Head Live

10.04.23 Washington, DC Echostage

10.06.23 Pittsburgh, PA Roxian Theatre

10.07.23 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore

10.10.23 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall

10.11.23 New York, NY Rooftop at Pier 17

10.13.23 Boston, MA Roadrunner

10.14.23 Montreal, QC MTELUS

10.16.23 Toronto, ON Rebel

10.18.23 Detroit, MI The Fillmore

10.19.23 Columbus, OH Kemba Live

10.21.23 Chicago, IL Riviera Theatre

10.22.23 St. Louis, MO The Pageant

10.24.23 Kansas City, MO The Midland Theatre

10.25.23 Minneapolis, MN The Fillmore

10.27.23 Denver, CO The Ogden

10.28.23 Salt Lake City, UT Union Event Center

10.30.23 Calgary, AB MacEwan Hall

11.01.23 Vancouver, BC PNE Forum

11.03.23 Seattle, WA Showbox SoDo

11.04.23 Portland, OR Roseland Theater

11.06.23 Oakland, CA Fox Theater

11.07.23 Wheatland, CA Hard Rock Live

11.10.23 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl

11.11.23 Los Angeles, CA Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall 11.13.23 Anaheim, CA, USA House of Blues

11.14.23 San Diego, CA, USA SOMA

11.15.23 Phoenix, AZ, USA Van Buren

LATIN AMERICA

11.20.23 Sao Paolo, Brazil Cine Joia

11.22.23 Buenos Aires, Argentina Niceto Club

11.23.23 Santiago, Chile Teatro Cariola

11.25.23 Lima, Peru Scencia

11.28.23 Mexico City, MX Foro Puebla

UK & EUROPE

02.29.24 Oslo, Norway Sentrum Scene

03.02.24 Stockholm, Sweden Annexet

03.03.24 Copenhagen, Denmark Vega

03.05.24 Frankfurt, Germany Zoom

03.06.24 Berlin, Germany Columbiahalle

03.08.24 Munich, Germany Tonhalle

03.09.24 Prague, Czech Republic Sasazu

03.11.24 Milan, Italy Fabrique

03.12.24 Zurich, Switzerland Halle 622

03.13.24 Brussels, Belgium Ancienne Belgique

03.15.24 Paris, France Bataclan

03.18.24 Cologne, Germany Palladium

03.19.24 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg

03.20.24 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg

03.22.24 Glasgow, UK O2 Academy

03.24.24 Dublin, Ireland Olympia

03.25.24 Manchester, UK Academy

03.26.24 London, UK Eventim Apollo

AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND

3.30.24 Melbourne, Australia Palais Theatre

4.2.23 Sydney, Australia Roundhouse

4.3.23 Brisbane, Australia Fortitude Music Hall

4.5.23 Auckland, New Zealand Auckland Town Hall

Concert dates in South Korea, Southeast Asia, and India are expected to be revealed soon.

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CDRAMA REVIEW: Hidden Love (2023)

Entertainment July 26, 2023

The CDrama I never thought I needed

With all the stress in the world, Hidden Love is indeed a drama that I never thought I needed this time. I have been in a drama slump for a long time. Although I have watched different dramas (like Dr. Cha, Good Bad Mother, etc.), I wasn't able to finish watching those dramas. It's not that it's not good, but it's just not what I want to watch as of the moment.

I have been seeing Hidden Love in my Tiktok fyp and also on my Twitter and I wanted to watch it. Fortunately, it was released in Netflix so I don't have to pay for another subscription.

About Hidden Love

Title: Hidden Love (偷偷藏不住)

Episodes: 25 episodes (around 45 minutes each)

Main Casts:

Zhao Lusi as Sang Zhi

Chen Zhe Yuan as Duan Jia Xu

Victor Ma as Sang Yan

Plot: It is a story about Sang Zhi who fell in love with Jia Xu, her older brother's friend. Sang Zhi was still young at that time. After years, she crossed path with Jia Xu again and the two slowly fell in love with each other.

Reasons why I love Hidden Love

The main leads' visuals

I knew Zhao Lusi because most of my CDrama moots on twitter are fans of Lusi. While Zhe Yuan, I just recently knew about him in the variety show with SEVENTEEN's The8. But this is the first drama that I watched wherein they are the main leads. The chemistry is just too real.

Both of them are very good-looking to the point that I even tweeted something that I have a crush on both of the leads.

I love whenever Lusi smiles while crunching her nose. I also love Zhe Yuan whenever he stares at Lusi. You can feel the emotion on their simple gestures.

The story builds up just right

It wasn't fast. It wasn't slow. The pacing was just right.

Aside from other Chinese dramas that I have watched, I didn't get bored with Hidden Love. It all started when Sang Zhi was in Grade 8, then went to Grade 11, and then college years. Their love story was built slowly making us viewers feel that their love did not happen instantly. We can also conclude that Jia Xu waited for the right time to pursue Sang Zhi.

Jia Xu is the greenest of all the green flags

Of all the dramas I have watched, the character Jia Xu is the greenest flag. From waiting for Sang Zhi to be on the right age, to pursuing her even if he knows that Sang Zhi likes her, to pursuing Sang Zhi's family. He made sure he paid all his debts first before purchasing other things. He even had his own company to prove that he can financially support Sang Zhi. He's just the best.

Best brother

Victor Ma, who plays the role of Sang Yan (Sang Zhi's older brother and Jia Xu's friend), really did well on this drama. You can really appreciate his love for his younger sister. Although they fight like cats and dogs, you know that it's really common between siblings.

Final Thoughts

Although the drama is a little too good to be true, I really enjoyed it. It made me wish for someone like Jia Xu to appear in my life (even if I am not interested on entering into a relationship yet). Overall, I enjoyed the drama and hoping to watch another drama like this in the future.

If you're into chill dramas that are just full of heart-fluttering moments, I recommend this drama to you.

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A fairytale indeed!

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Full of love and friendship

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Eric Nam is going on a World Tour!

Over 80 cities!

HOUSE ON A HILL WORLD TOUR DATES

The CDrama I never thought I needed

About Hidden Love

Reasons why I love Hidden Love

The main leads' visuals

The story builds up just right

Jia Xu is the greenest of all the green flags

Best brother

Final Thoughts

Our favorite leading man is coming back to Manila!

Jung Hae In's Asia Tour

Get well soon, Seungkwan!

New SEVENTEEN concert!

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