ugh koreaboo always dials the drama up to eleven. As usual they present an angle worse than the actual.
I’ve been watching this show and all the characters are being tormented, pretty much equal opportunity tormenting. Also, this was hardly a plot twist, could see this coming from episode one and I had no idea who Jaechan was before this.
And finally, and most importantly, as a result of the coming out scene, this character’s family started to cease their discord and rallied around him. So, when I was watching it in the context of the drama, I thought, well if you are going to use a gay character as a plot device, this is pretty positive and healthy. Particularly in the context of a thriller where most of the other characters are pretty exaggerated and/or twisted.
And finally, out of curiosity, what does Sp.A mean? I am rubbish with acronyms.
I stuffed up my abbreviation of the spoiler warning: meant to be Sp.W! So, no wonder you couldn’t decipher it!
I know what you mean. It is a weird site. It is surprisingly good on reporting on a few issues but the rest is ridiculous flimflam and saturated hyperbole. But my comment was more about the KD world’s tendency to make the gay characters sad and tormented but at least as a very small mark of social progress, they don’t kill them off.
I sooooooo get it. Perhaps one of the reasons this went viral is because it was not that. It seemed to be going in that direction for 8 episodes, but when the secret was finally out, his family was all about trying to support him. So still a plot device, but not a negative one (or i didn’t see it that way).
My friend, I probably wouldn’t understand SpW. Just dense that way.
and…i always check koreaboo – even though i know how awful they are – cause still they are “reporting” things i don’t see elsewhere.
If you haven’t watched Semantic error, you should. It is a fantastic little drama on Viki where Jaechan plays a very different character who becomes attracted to a male classmate.
can I just mention how much I hate the designation *bl* drama? I am so glad these are being made because of course the audience is there but, ugh, bl? it’s definitely putting baby in a corner if you get my 80s reference.
Wowie, I would love to have a piece. Did you see Coffee Prince? The 2FL was an artist who made large mother of pearl pieces that were beautiful and would fit right in here. I should try to find who the actual artist is.
I love Korean culture articles. Furnishings, art, fashion it’s all so interesting and usually has a good story with it. Thanks.
We need a Wednesday culture blog
A friend sent me the below link to a Canadian gossip site where the namesake writer drools over Byeon Wooseok and goes on and on and on about him and his starring role in LR without mentioning Kim Hyeyoon. Not even once. This person has even the temerity to suggest that “he (BWS) is doing the most in Lovely Runner”. Wtf? So Kim HY is now being erased from the western reporting about this? I know. I know. Enough said but it will never be enough.
Well if a drama is described as being “SO ROMANTIC” in caps no less it is obvious one would have to discuss the romantic interest. For a person who claims to be a k-drama watcher this is a really weird article. I love his styling but tbh BWS was only a “part” of the success of LR. An important and very good part yes, but the other three leads were equally excellent.
I’m not surprised, Lainey Lui is sort of known to be a bandwagon rider, even in her writing/blogging, and because of that, she will tend to say a lot of stuff that sort of subliminally even denies her own heritage at times in the sort of “IYKYK” sort of way– a.k.a. You won’t pick up on it unless you really think about what she’s saying, especially as a person of Asian descent– as long as it helps to make her sound and appear relevant and as if she’s “in the know”.
Since everyone is basically drooling over BWS lately and he’s become the newest “It Boy”– and Kpop and K-Ent. has been on such a high and making bigger waves in North America in these last few years– I’m not surprised that her writing reflects as much. Seriously, he’s sort of everywhere and it’s becoming overwhelming in the not-so-great kind of way:
Even coverage about him these last few days during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 collections has been quite a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for him, but it’s all of these bandwagon riders that make it all not-so-great for me as someone watching things unfold on the side. The taste in my mouth is made sour all the more because of the treatment that Kim Hye Yoon has been getting ugh
Thanks for taking the time to reply. My friend had a very very similar view to you and I agree with your systemic observations.
Similarly, I wish BWS well but this kind of absurd craze is symptomatic of a system that continuously elevates some men at the expense of more or at the very least equally deserving women. Of course, the fact that he was a model and has the visuals as they say in an obsessed society has benefitted him greatly. The lookism is obviously not unique to SK but it seems to have been elevated to a horrifying pedestal of worship there where plastic surgery enhanced looks are regarded as the sine quo non of success.
For those of us who almost a year ago watched “Heartbeat” and had so much fun until they broke our hearts at the end:
Reading the above article encouraged me to amuse myself by thinking that our soulful vampire had survived and ended up working as a pastry chef in Paris and maybe Inhae had found him again. I also kinda remembered/imagined that in one of the earlier “Heartbeat” episodes, it was mentioned that Woohyeol had made amazing desserts so I hung on to this.
The right wing protesters showed up in droves to the Seoul Queer Parade too but something funny happened to one of their banners. A tree and a bus blocked parts of the hateful banner and turned it into the following supportive one: “Korea’s progressive homosexuality”
Thank you!
I made a smaller version that should be able to upload here. 🙂🌈
PS: Seriously tired of various hate groups defaming the name of Christianity. If they can’t love their neighbour, the least they can do is keep quiet about their clearly insufficient devotion to Christ.
“Having a good evening, everyone? Here’s a timelapse video of this year’s Seoul Queer Parade. We hope you have a good dream. See you all next year!
— Seoul Queer Parade”
As you can imagine, the right wing protesters showed up in droves too but something funny happened to one of their banners. A tree blocked a syllable and turned their homophobic banner into the following supportive one: “Korea’s progressive homosexuality”
I wanted to post this as @vienibenmio posted this moving scene from Atypical family and it reminded me of this edible little person who has grown so well. Stay well and thrive Park Soyi.
Not to detract from her wonderful acting, but she has the PRETTIEST eyes. At one point in Atypical Family I was wondering if they were enhanced digitally – doesn’t seem so!
I don’t usually like being cynical but being naive is also not a constructive trait. There is so much that I feel I don’t know about what goes on behind the scenes of the dramas that I’ve liked, how power is exercised and how the gendered lens impacts and degrades the female actors. The comments of one of the LR PDs has been a disturbing glimpse behind this curated image of a happy set which its BTS clips tried to promote. What that interview revealed was the pervasive dehumanisation and mistreatment of KHY who should have had the benefit of not being degraded publicly by that scumbag. And, what is even more disturbing is that the disgraceful interview hasn’t been publicised much more in the English language articles about LR. If BWS can attract so much attention that he is going abroad on a fan greeting whatever/tour, I would have thought there would be more than adequate interest in condemning that revolting PD in a few more articles but not much had been said.
And, as far as the DB community is concerned, that awful interview attracted the interest and condemnation of a minority of us here but it hardly seems to have engaged the attention of many other DB commenters who embraced LR and fawned over BWS. It is really depressing that the BWS fan worship goes on unabated but the issue of systemic dehumanisation of KHY doesn’t attract anywhere near enough attention. It really is depressing.
I so want to comment and join in but I suck at guessing names from initials. Half of the time, I barely remember people’s names so starting with initial right of confuses the crap out of me
(and frankly having a non-Korean name doesn’t guarantee I’ll remember it better. I’ve once mentally compared my neighbours to a turtle sucking raspberry that I, still in my mind, named Barbara the raspberry sucking turtle… And I have since forgotten her real name, except that it isn’t Barb’)
You’re 100% right. I didn’t like how Hyeyoon was basically ignored while the show was airing. Everyone thought it was her new company dropping the ball, but she revealed she hasn’t gotten any offers. And now this interview from the director. It’s wild how many people I’ve seen defend him because they don’t want to ruin their experience of the drama. I guess what actually happened to Hyeyoon doesn’t matter in their minds.
It is appalling for sure that this exceptional actor who carried the drama – one might say on her back – can be treated this way and there isn’t much more outrage from the viewers who professed to love the drama. But, oh, BWS is so pretty and swoony so who cares? Goddess forbid if these same people could think critically.
It has left a metallic taste in my mouth. I am sure this culture is way more pervasive than it’s let on. We should not be surprised though. Perhaps if it was sexual in nature, the outcry might have been a bit more but I doubt. Hollywood fetted, scraped and bowed to that Harvey PoS for decades. And a recent article by a victim Domenica Feraud on what sounds like Jake Gyllenhaal’s disgusting predatory behaviour ith young interns got no traction whatsoever.
Exactly Minnie. I also had a horrible thought that he might have sexually harassed her and this was an act of revenge but didn’t bring it up initially but it could be a possibility. Given how easily scandals can obliterate a career and specially for a young woman, she would likely be advised to remain silent. I hope she has at least some good people around her who will support her and look after her. Also, I don’t know if you saw this but the actor playing Sol’s mother said that the shoot was horrendous – extremely long hours and how they were often in tears from exhaustion so would go to the hospital to get IV drips! https://www.koreaboo.com/news/lovely-runner-actress-jung-young-joo-filming-working-conditions-iv-drips-crying/
How sad, really 🙁 Honestly, I think from what I saw, BSW looked to be very protective about her and it could have been real. If nothing else, I am glad it paid off for both the actors. She is bound to get good offers after this, and she is very young, so hopefully will develop some sturdy cactus skin soon for these kind of scumbags.
Just get a load of the LR’s production director’s treatment and view of Kim Hyeyoon. It must have been awful and degrading to deal with this awful man:
I was praising the PD so much because in bts it seemed he was guiding the cast really well. I was rather upset to read the interview. At least he was called out by the commentators.
It’s awful and so disappointing but not unexpected. there must be legions of men with such views and clearly a lot in the entertainment industry. To be so disgusting as airing those views in an interview again is rubbing salt into the wound. That drama would not have succeeded half as much without her and this is what that bottom feeder chooses to air publicly.
This is the LR PD’s disgusting views and admitted mistreatment of KHY:
“ Director Yoon commented that he “said a lot of harsh things” to Kim to get her to “look her best.” Then, he added that, after a while, “she went from feeling like a daughter to more of a woman to [him].”
Kim Hye Yoon is, of course, a great actress, but I wanted to make sure there was a turning point moment when Ryu Sun Jae couldn’t help but fall for her. So, I thought Kim Hye Yoon should depict Sol more beautifully than she had done up to that episode. I focused on best capturing her beauty.
I also said a lot of harsh things [about her appearance], but Kim Hye Yoon accepted the feedback and gradually became prettier. For non-celebrities, appearances can change depending on how much care and effort go in. But for actors, I think the glow-up comes from having to be in front of the cameras and acting out their characters all the time. At first, I saw Kim Hye Yoon as more like a daughter-figure. But she became so beautiful as the drama progressed that she started to feel like a woman to me.
It must have been difficult to portray the emotions of a 34-year-old in a 19-year-old body, but with the scriptwriter’s help, Kim Hye Yoon understood the directions and did well.
I said this before on @gumshoe fanwall post about the topic. All of this is alarming, the verbal abuse and harassment is down right deplorable and also when he said he saw her as a daughter but now a woman really grosses me out. It sounds like instead of treating Kim Hye-yoon as an actor he wanted her to be the “perfect woman” for him. To mould her to his preference, like she’s his fucking muse 🤬
The amount of times he mentions in this article about her looks is insane
I agree with you on every point. It is nauseating and infuriating. He regards her as an ornament and not a human being. To be such a repulsive individual takes some work. I feel for KHY and would want to see some condemnations from her senior colleagues but probably no one will speak up and most likely she can’t either given the hierarchical and mesogynistic nature of the industry.
While looks are important for any actor (male or female) how can criticizing them make them look handsome / pretty. If he had made similar comments on the ML I could at least have had a sliver of reassurance. The fact that he picked only on the FL is worrisome.
From what I understood, the first scenes were filmed by another director with Sol’s styling from the birthday video. So I think the director asked Kim Hye-Yoon but overall her team to find a better look for Sol. He said she’s pretty but it’s important for leads to look the best they can. For the ML, the actor was a model and he looked good in the first stills. For his case, I think the director implied he helped him with the acting. 😅
Now, I don’t understand the harsh part? It’s too hard to be polite?
Personally, I’m happy that KHS left her agency and I hope she will have a better stylist who will know to give her a feminin style and not the cute one with always safe white dress…
It seems there was a change of director and the actual one wasn’t happy with Kim Hye-Yoon’s style they used in the first scenes and they refilmed them in purpose from what I read. Visual is important in a rom-com but I guess it was a lot of work. But it’s not the first time it was done. For example, Park Bo-Gum refilmed the first scenes of Moonlight because it seemed he found the “ton” of his character later.
I don’t think it’s a female thing neither. There always are discussions how the actors/actresses lost weight for their role, exerciced, dye their hair, etc.
A decent human being and a competent PD wouldn’t humiliate a lead actor publicly and mistreat her privately. There was no need to behave as though she was a naive person who had just arrived from the provinces. No amount of trying to use “context” as a supposed explanation can remove the stink of misogyny from this entitled creep’s statement.
Thank you for taking out time to explain. I do understand that a lot of work goes in the look and styling of a character and it may not necessarily be directed to the artist per se but their look as that character. However as you said he should not have talked about this especially if he only filmed initial scenes. Any way we look at this, at least we can agree it was not a professional thing to do by commenting on a FL’s looks. Like all viewers can vouch Sol-19 and Sol-34 were both good looks for KHY which was the hard work of many people behind-the-scenes.
It’s taking the credit for her creation. Pygmalion like. Without me she would be incomplete… unformed. It took ME to get that performance out of her. Truly vomit worthy. If you don’t think it’s misogynistic try flipping it. Would he say the same about BWS? Own him in the same way? I think she is great and quite singular. I’ve been a fan since Extraordinary You.
I completely agree. She is indeed quite singular and wonderful. This creep has deliberately tried to belittle her and take credit for her hard work. A decent human being and a good PD would not denigrate an actor in such a way.
Ah that’s really awful. KHY is pretty. Why she should look different because Ryo sunjea started loving her. Tbh BWS isn’t that handsome so why no one tells him to look more handsome. I mean for God sake how can you become prettier when they told you to do so? Koreans just act crazy when it comes to beauty standards. 😤
I’m not surprised that this happened— S.Korea is quite misogynistic after all. It seems like he was trying to ride on the coattails of how successful the drama is and was thinking that he could fly by with said success and not have many people think his comments and treatment of KHY is problematic because of the patriarchy and hierarchical system of S.Korean society, so good on people for pointing out just how problematic his behaviour actually is and not letting him get a pass for any of it
I’m not surprised either but I am disgusted all the same. I’m just glad some people are calling out those repulsive views. I hope there will be a larger scale backlash against him and as you said, not letting him get away for any of it. His entitlement, arrogance and ignorance is nauseating.
Where known criminals are still getting work in the industry it is heartening to see at least the person was called out online. Let’s see what RL affect happens to his career although I don’t have much hope.
“Kim has this energy as Sol at shooting sites. The energy she emanates automatically turns me into Sun-jae and do the lines effortlessly. As this is the first drama that I\’ve shot spending the whole day at the shooting sites, I failed to manage my condition at some points. But she went out of her way to bring chocolates and lift my spirits. \”Seeing her, drenched in the cold during the scene but maintaining her professionalism, I realized how much I have to learn from her,\” he said thanking Kim.”
“INTERVIEWByeon Woo-seok wins hearts with his portrayal of enduring love
Posted”
“The thing, is though, the variety shows need to ask for me, but nobody had asked for me at that time. We never rejected an offer (to appear on a show).
— Kim Hye Yoon”
This industry sure prefers men and validating, privileging and promoting them. I wonder if there is a word to describe this? 🗯️
It sucks that actors need variety shows for exposure. It’s definitely their loss tho, since Kim Hye-yoon is very charming! She should’ve also been given the second spot for the May Actor Brand Reputation Ranking, I’m happy for Byeon Woo-seok too but like you said Kim Hye-yoon carried the drama. At least she’s in the 6th position and I’m hoping her new agency will take this opportunity to find her more leading roles in dramas and films.
From your lips. I smarted on her behalf like you that she was in the sixth position. If there was any justice, she should have been in the first spot but it is a vicious cycle. Extreme sexism and misogyny is so ingrained in the economic, politics, cultural, social and legal mores that men have continued to be ascendant and women have to work much harder and be much better to even get into the ROOM. And, getting into any of these ROOMs is hard hence not being invited means her contributions ate downgraded instead of respected, valued and properly acknowledged.
And, I mirror your hope.
DancingEmma
June 27, 2024 at 10:13 AM
Freaking Cinderella withdrawal blues: https://youtu.be/OjNULI4n3sg
This is Jonathan’s very fun interview with both leads!
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 28, 2024 at 10:57 PM
Gosh! This was an OTP I didn’t expect to fall so deeply for. 🥰❤
Thank you for sharing! 🫰
DancingEmma
June 26, 2024 at 8:39 PM
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2024/06/142_377510.html
“ K-dramas hook viewers, take them on emotional roller coaster,’ Korea’s top drama critic says“
DancingEmma
June 26, 2024 at 3:22 PM
An interesting oped from ‘21 on the arguable almost1500 year unbroken chain of slavery in Korea
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2024/06/638_311218.html
DancingEmma
June 26, 2024 at 9:18 AM
“ Actors Gang Dong-won, Teo Yoo invited to become Academy members”:
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/06/689_377446.html?utm_source=taboola
redfox
June 26, 2024 at 9:30 AM
from Estonia, our animator Ülo Pikkov also became Academy member.
DancingEmma
June 26, 2024 at 11:09 AM
Wonderful!
DancingEmma
June 25, 2024 at 4:58 PM
My lovely lobster/mobster! How adorable are these two together? https://x.com/zeeyizee/status/1805294165527326751
Reply1988 -❣️Mother Bean❣️
June 25, 2024 at 8:50 PM
So cute, he really looks like he is trying not to laugh I wonder what happened or was said that made him have to smother his smile.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 25, 2024 at 10:59 PM
Thank you for sharing. His reaction was so instant while also trying to maintain character. ❤👌🤭
DancingEmma
June 24, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Sp.A: Bitter sweet hell: At least, they aren’t trying to kill their gay character but still tormenting him:
https://www.koreaboo.com/news/dkz-jaechan-viral-gay-new-kdrama-bitter-sweet-hell/
Margo of the Resilient Lip Gloss
June 25, 2024 at 1:42 PM
ugh koreaboo always dials the drama up to eleven. As usual they present an angle worse than the actual.
I’ve been watching this show and all the characters are being tormented, pretty much equal opportunity tormenting. Also, this was hardly a plot twist, could see this coming from episode one and I had no idea who Jaechan was before this.
And finally, and most importantly, as a result of the coming out scene, this character’s family started to cease their discord and rallied around him. So, when I was watching it in the context of the drama, I thought, well if you are going to use a gay character as a plot device, this is pretty positive and healthy. Particularly in the context of a thriller where most of the other characters are pretty exaggerated and/or twisted.
And finally, out of curiosity, what does Sp.A mean? I am rubbish with acronyms.
DancingEmma
June 25, 2024 at 1:58 PM
I stuffed up my abbreviation of the spoiler warning: meant to be Sp.W! So, no wonder you couldn’t decipher it!
I know what you mean. It is a weird site. It is surprisingly good on reporting on a few issues but the rest is ridiculous flimflam and saturated hyperbole. But my comment was more about the KD world’s tendency to make the gay characters sad and tormented but at least as a very small mark of social progress, they don’t kill them off.
Margo of the Resilient Lip Gloss
June 25, 2024 at 2:11 PM
I sooooooo get it. Perhaps one of the reasons this went viral is because it was not that. It seemed to be going in that direction for 8 episodes, but when the secret was finally out, his family was all about trying to support him. So still a plot device, but not a negative one (or i didn’t see it that way).
My friend, I probably wouldn’t understand SpW. Just dense that way.
and…i always check koreaboo – even though i know how awful they are – cause still they are “reporting” things i don’t see elsewhere.
DancingEmma
June 25, 2024 at 2:02 PM
If you haven’t watched Semantic error, you should. It is a fantastic little drama on Viki where Jaechan plays a very different character who becomes attracted to a male classmate.
Margo of the Resilient Lip Gloss
June 25, 2024 at 2:26 PM
Planning on it!
can I just mention how much I hate the designation *bl* drama? I am so glad these are being made because of course the audience is there but, ugh, bl? it’s definitely putting baby in a corner if you get my 80s reference.
DancingEmma
June 25, 2024 at 2:28 PM
From your lips… I totes agree and don’t use the term. It is ridiculous and sounds predatory.
DancingEmma
June 25, 2024 at 2:29 PM
I loved/still love Dirty Dancing!
DancingEmma
June 22, 2024 at 9:57 PM
Nice to see this interview with and pics of KHY
https://www.soompi.com/article/1669466wpp/kim-hye-yoon-talks-about-success-of-lovely-runner-her-perfectionist-tendencies-and-more
DancingEmma
June 22, 2024 at 1:51 PM
“ INTERVIEW: Cheyul puts 21st-century luxury spin on Korean craftsmanship”.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/culture/2024/06/199_377049.html
bbstl 🧹
June 22, 2024 at 8:56 PM
Thanks, their work is gorgeous!
DancingEmma
June 23, 2024 at 1:04 AM
It really is. I generally don’t covet luxuries but these are so beautiful and even though are out of my range, I covet them a bit.
Neolttwigi
June 23, 2024 at 6:52 AM
I got excited when I saw that they were doing some entry-level stuff. If I get back to Korea, I now know what I want as a souvenir….
DancingEmma
June 23, 2024 at 11:18 PM
You might have already found this but this is their website: https://cheyul.com/all
bbstl 🧹
June 24, 2024 at 8:52 AM
Wowie, I would love to have a piece. Did you see Coffee Prince? The 2FL was an artist who made large mother of pearl pieces that were beautiful and would fit right in here. I should try to find who the actual artist is.
23new2kdrama🫘🌱 ❤️WDH❤️
June 24, 2024 at 8:22 PM
I love Korean culture articles. Furnishings, art, fashion it’s all so interesting and usually has a good story with it. Thanks.
We need a Wednesday culture blog
DancingEmma
June 22, 2024 at 1:29 PM
https://www.soompi.com/article/1669546wpp/watch-lee-young-ji-and-exos-doh-kyung-soo-d-o-sing-of-small-girl-fantasies-in-adorable-mv
I like this so much!
DancingEmma
June 20, 2024 at 9:09 PM
I love this song by Youngtak: https://open.spotify.com/track/1sYBG4Q9je0dunJk6oBd4T?si=Fj9bhTODRouvA3KdkuPeIw&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7ML22SujLWzp76PG1wCgii
And, it has a diverse and cool MV too!
DancingEmma
June 18, 2024 at 4:24 AM
A friend sent me the below link to a Canadian gossip site where the namesake writer drools over Byeon Wooseok and goes on and on and on about him and his starring role in LR without mentioning Kim Hyeyoon. Not even once. This person has even the temerity to suggest that “he (BWS) is doing the most in Lovely Runner”. Wtf? So Kim HY is now being erased from the western reporting about this? I know. I know. Enough said but it will never be enough.
https://www.laineygossip.com/matt-bomers-beauty-at-milan-fashion-week-both-generous-cruel/78399
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 18, 2024 at 8:12 AM
Well if a drama is described as being “SO ROMANTIC” in caps no less it is obvious one would have to discuss the romantic interest. For a person who claims to be a k-drama watcher this is a really weird article. I love his styling but tbh BWS was only a “part” of the success of LR. An important and very good part yes, but the other three leads were equally excellent.
Nessa (Bebe) 🌹
June 18, 2024 at 9:52 AM
I’m not surprised, Lainey Lui is sort of known to be a bandwagon rider, even in her writing/blogging, and because of that, she will tend to say a lot of stuff that sort of subliminally even denies her own heritage at times in the sort of “IYKYK” sort of way– a.k.a. You won’t pick up on it unless you really think about what she’s saying, especially as a person of Asian descent– as long as it helps to make her sound and appear relevant and as if she’s “in the know”.
Since everyone is basically drooling over BWS lately and he’s become the newest “It Boy”– and Kpop and K-Ent. has been on such a high and making bigger waves in North America in these last few years– I’m not surprised that her writing reflects as much. Seriously, he’s sort of everywhere and it’s becoming overwhelming in the not-so-great kind of way:
Even coverage about him these last few days during Milan Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 collections has been quite a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy for him, but it’s all of these bandwagon riders that make it all not-so-great for me as someone watching things unfold on the side. The taste in my mouth is made sour all the more because of the treatment that Kim Hye Yoon has been getting ugh
DancingEmma
June 18, 2024 at 4:04 PM
Thanks for taking the time to reply. My friend had a very very similar view to you and I agree with your systemic observations.
Similarly, I wish BWS well but this kind of absurd craze is symptomatic of a system that continuously elevates some men at the expense of more or at the very least equally deserving women. Of course, the fact that he was a model and has the visuals as they say in an obsessed society has benefitted him greatly. The lookism is obviously not unique to SK but it seems to have been elevated to a horrifying pedestal of worship there where plastic surgery enhanced looks are regarded as the sine quo non of success.
bunnylita
June 18, 2024 at 1:49 PM
Lainey is just…weird. And not in a fun way.
DancingEmma
June 17, 2024 at 11:44 PM
Not KD related but everything about Studio Gibli is worthwhile: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/apr/23/studio-ghibli-like-shakespeare-says-my-neighbour-totoro-stage-show-director?CMP=Share_iOSAp
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 18, 2024 at 2:00 AM
🫰
DancingEmma
June 17, 2024 at 9:21 PM
https://www.soompi.com/article/1668641wpp/taecyeon-transforms-into-a-skillful-pastry-chef-who-is-at-odds-with-kimura-takuya-in-new-japanese-film-la-grande-maison-paris
For those of us who almost a year ago watched “Heartbeat” and had so much fun until they broke our hearts at the end:
Reading the above article encouraged me to amuse myself by thinking that our soulful vampire had survived and ended up working as a pastry chef in Paris and maybe Inhae had found him again. I also kinda remembered/imagined that in one of the earlier “Heartbeat” episodes, it was mentioned that Woohyeol had made amazing desserts so I hung on to this.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 18, 2024 at 8:31 AM
Omo … looks like a cameo. Hopefully a satisfying one. I’m on board with a Woo-hyeol reincarnation.
DancingEmma
June 12, 2024 at 1:38 AM
The right wing protesters showed up in droves to the Seoul Queer Parade too but something funny happened to one of their banners. A tree and a bus blocked parts of the hateful banner and turned it into the following supportive one: “Korea’s progressive homosexuality”
DancingEmma
June 12, 2024 at 1:39 AM
https://www.koreaboo.com/news/seoul-queer-parade-2024-homophobic-banner-backfires/
DK-Drama 🫘 Giffing n Space Cadetting🍉🌱
June 13, 2024 at 11:26 AM
I can’t see the picture … could you post a link? 🥺
Though of course I will not be able to read the banner anyway.
DancingEmma
June 13, 2024 at 6:14 PM
I had trouble posting the pic as not in a jpeg format and DB rejected it. Then took a screenshot and tried unsuccessfully as was too large. If you go to this site, you’ll see all the pics: https://www.koreaboo.com/news/seoul-queer-parade-2024-homophobic-banner-backfires/
DK-Drama 🫘 Giffing n Space Cadetting🍉🌱
June 14, 2024 at 12:58 AM
Thank you!
I made a smaller version that should be able to upload here. 🙂🌈
PS: Seriously tired of various hate groups defaming the name of Christianity. If they can’t love their neighbour, the least they can do is keep quiet about their clearly insufficient devotion to Christ.
DancingEmma
June 14, 2024 at 3:21 AM
I agree. And, thank you!
DancingEmma
June 12, 2024 at 1:05 AM
https://x.com/sqpexe/status/1796886632639213784
“Having a good evening, everyone? Here’s a timelapse video of this year’s Seoul Queer Parade. We hope you have a good dream. See you all next year!
— Seoul Queer Parade”
Elinor, Team Glasses team co-captain
June 12, 2024 at 1:17 AM
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
DancingEmma
June 12, 2024 at 1:21 AM
As you can imagine, the right wing protesters showed up in droves too but something funny happened to one of their banners. A tree blocked a syllable and turned their homophobic banner into the following supportive one: “Korea’s progressive homosexuality”
23new2kdrama🫘🌱 ❤️WDH❤️
June 12, 2024 at 6:36 PM
Love is Love🌈🥰
DancingEmma
June 7, 2024 at 2:53 PM
I wanted to post this as @vienibenmio posted this moving scene from Atypical family and it reminded me of this edible little person who has grown so well. Stay well and thrive Park Soyi.
Blue (@mayhemf)
June 7, 2024 at 3:00 PM
Awwwww. What a cutie.
vienibenmio
June 8, 2024 at 7:37 AM
Not to detract from her wonderful acting, but she has the PRETTIEST eyes. At one point in Atypical Family I was wondering if they were enhanced digitally – doesn’t seem so!
DancingEmma
June 5, 2024 at 7:12 PM
I don’t usually like being cynical but being naive is also not a constructive trait. There is so much that I feel I don’t know about what goes on behind the scenes of the dramas that I’ve liked, how power is exercised and how the gendered lens impacts and degrades the female actors. The comments of one of the LR PDs has been a disturbing glimpse behind this curated image of a happy set which its BTS clips tried to promote. What that interview revealed was the pervasive dehumanisation and mistreatment of KHY who should have had the benefit of not being degraded publicly by that scumbag. And, what is even more disturbing is that the disgraceful interview hasn’t been publicised much more in the English language articles about LR. If BWS can attract so much attention that he is going abroad on a fan greeting whatever/tour, I would have thought there would be more than adequate interest in condemning that revolting PD in a few more articles but not much had been said.
And, as far as the DB community is concerned, that awful interview attracted the interest and condemnation of a minority of us here but it hardly seems to have engaged the attention of many other DB commenters who embraced LR and fawned over BWS. It is really depressing that the BWS fan worship goes on unabated but the issue of systemic dehumanisation of KHY doesn’t attract anywhere near enough attention. It really is depressing.
Cecee is done DramaQueening
June 6, 2024 at 4:32 AM
I so want to comment and join in but I suck at guessing names from initials. Half of the time, I barely remember people’s names so starting with initial right of confuses the crap out of me
(and frankly having a non-Korean name doesn’t guarantee I’ll remember it better. I’ve once mentally compared my neighbours to a turtle sucking raspberry that I, still in my mind, named Barbara the raspberry sucking turtle… And I have since forgotten her real name, except that it isn’t Barb’)
Please enlighten me!
DancingEmma
June 6, 2024 at 10:04 AM
Of course. Abbreviations are a pain to decipher at times.
LR=Lovely Runner
KHY=Kim Hyeyoon
BWS=Byeon Wooseok
bunnylita
June 6, 2024 at 8:16 AM
You’re 100% right. I didn’t like how Hyeyoon was basically ignored while the show was airing. Everyone thought it was her new company dropping the ball, but she revealed she hasn’t gotten any offers. And now this interview from the director. It’s wild how many people I’ve seen defend him because they don’t want to ruin their experience of the drama. I guess what actually happened to Hyeyoon doesn’t matter in their minds.
DancingEmma
June 6, 2024 at 10:12 AM
It is appalling for sure that this exceptional actor who carried the drama – one might say on her back – can be treated this way and there isn’t much more outrage from the viewers who professed to love the drama. But, oh, BWS is so pretty and swoony so who cares? Goddess forbid if these same people could think critically.
Minnie🫘👩🏻🚀Pioneer and Teacher 👩🏻🏫🌱🏹
June 6, 2024 at 3:47 PM
It has left a metallic taste in my mouth. I am sure this culture is way more pervasive than it’s let on. We should not be surprised though. Perhaps if it was sexual in nature, the outcry might have been a bit more but I doubt. Hollywood fetted, scraped and bowed to that Harvey PoS for decades. And a recent article by a victim Domenica Feraud on what sounds like Jake Gyllenhaal’s disgusting predatory behaviour ith young interns got no traction whatsoever.
DancingEmma
June 6, 2024 at 4:16 PM
Exactly Minnie. I also had a horrible thought that he might have sexually harassed her and this was an act of revenge but didn’t bring it up initially but it could be a possibility. Given how easily scandals can obliterate a career and specially for a young woman, she would likely be advised to remain silent. I hope she has at least some good people around her who will support her and look after her. Also, I don’t know if you saw this but the actor playing Sol’s mother said that the shoot was horrendous – extremely long hours and how they were often in tears from exhaustion so would go to the hospital to get IV drips! https://www.koreaboo.com/news/lovely-runner-actress-jung-young-joo-filming-working-conditions-iv-drips-crying/
Minnie🫘👩🏻🚀Pioneer and Teacher 👩🏻🏫🌱🏹
June 6, 2024 at 4:37 PM
How sad, really 🙁 Honestly, I think from what I saw, BSW looked to be very protective about her and it could have been real. If nothing else, I am glad it paid off for both the actors. She is bound to get good offers after this, and she is very young, so hopefully will develop some sturdy cactus skin soon for these kind of scumbags.
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:07 PM
Just get a load of the LR’s production director’s treatment and view of Kim Hyeyoon. It must have been awful and degrading to deal with this awful man:
https://www.koreaboo.com/news/lovely-runner-director-yoon-jongho-criticism-interview-misogyny-kim-hyeyoon/
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:15 PM
And, read some of the comments in Korean or English. They don’t hold back on calling out his vileness and misogyny.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 3, 2024 at 10:23 PM
I was praising the PD so much because in bts it seemed he was guiding the cast really well. I was rather upset to read the interview. At least he was called out by the commentators.
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:26 PM
Comment was deleted
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:27 PM
It’s awful and so disappointing but not unexpected. there must be legions of men with such views and clearly a lot in the entertainment industry. To be so disgusting as airing those views in an interview again is rubbing salt into the wound. That drama would not have succeeded half as much without her and this is what that bottom feeder chooses to air publicly.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 12:06 AM
I really didn’t understand the need for him to say these things but then perhaps if he understood he would not have said these words.
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:28 PM
I was upset too.
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:54 PM
Cera, there were two PDs: This asshole, Yoon Jong-ho, and Kim Tae-yeop. Maybe Kim Taeyeop is a decent human being and was in some of the BTS.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 12:08 AM
That is a relief. I hope KHY had at least some people who supported her in the production.
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:38 PM
This is the LR PD’s disgusting views and admitted mistreatment of KHY:
“ Director Yoon commented that he “said a lot of harsh things” to Kim to get her to “look her best.” Then, he added that, after a while, “she went from feeling like a daughter to more of a woman to [him].”
Kim Hye Yoon is, of course, a great actress, but I wanted to make sure there was a turning point moment when Ryu Sun Jae couldn’t help but fall for her. So, I thought Kim Hye Yoon should depict Sol more beautifully than she had done up to that episode. I focused on best capturing her beauty.
I also said a lot of harsh things [about her appearance], but Kim Hye Yoon accepted the feedback and gradually became prettier. For non-celebrities, appearances can change depending on how much care and effort go in. But for actors, I think the glow-up comes from having to be in front of the cameras and acting out their characters all the time. At first, I saw Kim Hye Yoon as more like a daughter-figure. But she became so beautiful as the drama progressed that she started to feel like a woman to me.
It must have been difficult to portray the emotions of a 34-year-old in a 19-year-old body, but with the scriptwriter’s help, Kim Hye Yoon understood the directions and did well.
— Yoon Jong Ho
Linarrick
June 3, 2024 at 11:26 PM
I said this before on @gumshoe fanwall post about the topic. All of this is alarming, the verbal abuse and harassment is down right deplorable and also when he said he saw her as a daughter but now a woman really grosses me out. It sounds like instead of treating Kim Hye-yoon as an actor he wanted her to be the “perfect woman” for him. To mould her to his preference, like she’s his fucking muse 🤬
The amount of times he mentions in this article about her looks is insane
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 11:32 PM
I agree with you on every point. It is nauseating and infuriating. He regards her as an ornament and not a human being. To be such a repulsive individual takes some work. I feel for KHY and would want to see some condemnations from her senior colleagues but probably no one will speak up and most likely she can’t either given the hierarchical and mesogynistic nature of the industry.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 12:11 AM
While I doubt anyone will speak up publicly I do hope that at least she has some people who support her – family, team agency, hopefully cast.
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 11:41 PM
If you have time, do you mind sending me s link to @gumshoe’s fan wall? I can never easily find other commenters’ FWs. Thanks.
Linarrick
June 3, 2024 at 11:49 PM
https://www.dramabeans.com/members/PYNYC/activity/1589550/
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 11:52 PM
Thank you!
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 12:16 AM
While looks are important for any actor (male or female) how can criticizing them make them look handsome / pretty. If he had made similar comments on the ML I could at least have had a sliver of reassurance. The fact that he picked only on the FL is worrisome.
Kurama
June 4, 2024 at 12:52 AM
From what I understood, the first scenes were filmed by another director with Sol’s styling from the birthday video. So I think the director asked Kim Hye-Yoon but overall her team to find a better look for Sol. He said she’s pretty but it’s important for leads to look the best they can. For the ML, the actor was a model and he looked good in the first stills. For his case, I think the director implied he helped him with the acting. 😅
Now, I don’t understand the harsh part? It’s too hard to be polite?
Personally, I’m happy that KHS left her agency and I hope she will have a better stylist who will know to give her a feminin style and not the cute one with always safe white dress…
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 1:07 AM
If it is a problem in translation I can understand but apparently the Koreans online are also calling out his remarks.
I will be very happy if we have misunderstood.
Kurama
June 4, 2024 at 1:24 AM
@seeker
I think it’s not a translation issue but a context one.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 1:31 AM
Kurama can I request you to please help me understand the context. I think I am missing something here.
Kurama
June 4, 2024 at 1:46 AM
It seems there was a change of director and the actual one wasn’t happy with Kim Hye-Yoon’s style they used in the first scenes and they refilmed them in purpose from what I read. Visual is important in a rom-com but I guess it was a lot of work. But it’s not the first time it was done. For example, Park Bo-Gum refilmed the first scenes of Moonlight because it seemed he found the “ton” of his character later.
I don’t think it’s a female thing neither. There always are discussions how the actors/actresses lost weight for their role, exerciced, dye their hair, etc.
To be honest, he could keep it for him.
DancingEmma
June 4, 2024 at 2:02 AM
A decent human being and a competent PD wouldn’t humiliate a lead actor publicly and mistreat her privately. There was no need to behave as though she was a naive person who had just arrived from the provinces. No amount of trying to use “context” as a supposed explanation can remove the stink of misogyny from this entitled creep’s statement.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 2:44 AM
Thank you for taking out time to explain. I do understand that a lot of work goes in the look and styling of a character and it may not necessarily be directed to the artist per se but their look as that character. However as you said he should not have talked about this especially if he only filmed initial scenes. Any way we look at this, at least we can agree it was not a professional thing to do by commenting on a FL’s looks. Like all viewers can vouch Sol-19 and Sol-34 were both good looks for KHY which was the hard work of many people behind-the-scenes.
Nothingmuch
June 4, 2024 at 1:05 AM
Yes. A tad obsessed I think. Double creep factor.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 12:09 AM
This is so strange – how can saying harsh things help someone become pretty. What is this mindset. 😳
Nothingmuch
June 4, 2024 at 12:57 AM
Isn’t it just negging?
Nothingmuch
June 4, 2024 at 1:03 AM
It’s taking the credit for her creation. Pygmalion like. Without me she would be incomplete… unformed. It took ME to get that performance out of her. Truly vomit worthy. If you don’t think it’s misogynistic try flipping it. Would he say the same about BWS? Own him in the same way? I think she is great and quite singular. I’ve been a fan since Extraordinary You.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 1:11 AM
KHY is truly extraordinary. How sad she has had to endure this kind of behavior to work in the industry.
DancingEmma
June 4, 2024 at 1:27 AM
I completely agree. She is indeed quite singular and wonderful. This creep has deliberately tried to belittle her and take credit for her hard work. A decent human being and a good PD would not denigrate an actor in such a way.
Ziziboice
June 4, 2024 at 7:50 AM
Ah that’s really awful. KHY is pretty. Why she should look different because Ryo sunjea started loving her. Tbh BWS isn’t that handsome so why no one tells him to look more handsome. I mean for God sake how can you become prettier when they told you to do so? Koreans just act crazy when it comes to beauty standards. 😤
Nessa (Bebe) 🌹
June 3, 2024 at 10:43 PM
I’m not surprised that this happened— S.Korea is quite misogynistic after all. It seems like he was trying to ride on the coattails of how successful the drama is and was thinking that he could fly by with said success and not have many people think his comments and treatment of KHY is problematic because of the patriarchy and hierarchical system of S.Korean society, so good on people for pointing out just how problematic his behaviour actually is and not letting him get a pass for any of it
DancingEmma
June 3, 2024 at 10:51 PM
I’m not surprised either but I am disgusted all the same. I’m just glad some people are calling out those repulsive views. I hope there will be a larger scale backlash against him and as you said, not letting him get away for any of it. His entitlement, arrogance and ignorance is nauseating.
🌸 Seeker 🌸
June 4, 2024 at 12:23 AM
Where known criminals are still getting work in the industry it is heartening to see at least the person was called out online. Let’s see what RL affect happens to his career although I don’t have much hope.
DancingEmma
May 31, 2024 at 3:14 AM
“Kim has this energy as Sol at shooting sites. The energy she emanates automatically turns me into Sun-jae and do the lines effortlessly. As this is the first drama that I\’ve shot spending the whole day at the shooting sites, I failed to manage my condition at some points. But she went out of her way to bring chocolates and lift my spirits. \”Seeing her, drenched in the cold during the scene but maintaining her professionalism, I realized how much I have to learn from her,\” he said thanking Kim.”
“INTERVIEWByeon Woo-seok wins hearts with his portrayal of enduring love
Posted”
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/05/688_375690.html
DancingEmma
May 29, 2024 at 10:57 AM
“The thing, is though, the variety shows need to ask for me, but nobody had asked for me at that time. We never rejected an offer (to appear on a show).
— Kim Hye Yoon”
This industry sure prefers men and validating, privileging and promoting them. I wonder if there is a word to describe this? 🗯️
panshel
May 29, 2024 at 11:13 AM
K-pop uses the word “oppapologist.”
DancingEmma
May 29, 2024 at 11:36 AM
Thanks for teaching me this word! I like neologisms.
jerrykuvira
May 29, 2024 at 1:25 PM
It’s really annoying to note that.
Linarrick
May 29, 2024 at 7:21 PM
It sucks that actors need variety shows for exposure. It’s definitely their loss tho, since Kim Hye-yoon is very charming! She should’ve also been given the second spot for the May Actor Brand Reputation Ranking, I’m happy for Byeon Woo-seok too but like you said Kim Hye-yoon carried the drama. At least she’s in the 6th position and I’m hoping her new agency will take this opportunity to find her more leading roles in dramas and films.
https://www.soompi.com/article/1664894wpp/may-actor-brand-reputation-rankings-announced
DancingEmma
May 29, 2024 at 7:27 PM
From your lips. I smarted on her behalf like you that she was in the sixth position. If there was any justice, she should have been in the first spot but it is a vicious cycle. Extreme sexism and misogyny is so ingrained in the economic, politics, cultural, social and legal mores that men have continued to be ascendant and women have to work much harder and be much better to even get into the ROOM. And, getting into any of these ROOMs is hard hence not being invited means her contributions ate downgraded instead of respected, valued and properly acknowledged.
And, I mirror your hope.