[ C R A Z Y T H O U G H T S ]

THE DRAMA BEHIND THE ADDICTION They say that if you get so emotional over a TV show, the story is effective that it gets to you. I'm a living proof. I became so addicted after I've seen Summer Scent. I never imagined that I would be hooked in a foreign series. Although I don't understand what they are saying, I still enjoy watching it. It all started when I was flipping channels on a weekday night. Then, I found myself staring at Song Seung-heon (Min-woo). For some reasons, I just got stuck. That very moment, I know that I'm converted and instantly embraced the Korean world. I loved the storyline and its fashion sense. Song Seung Heon's rugged look contrasts that of Ryo Jin (Jung-jae). Those two hunkies made my weeknights complete. I liked Son Ye-jin's (Hye-won) stylish clothes and accessories. Her hair is so nice that complements her pretty face. After the series, I wanted to change my image. I considered letting my hair grow longer and do a rebond. I looked in stores for the same accessories Son Ye-jin wore. When we go to Chinese or Korean restaurants, I always ask for chopsticks and tea. I have sleepless nights chatting and emailing other Korean fans. I even memorized names and basic Korean words so I could pick up ideas when I hear them talk in a crowd. It's so influential that I wanted to become a full-pledged Korean. Not bad if I'll end up marrying one. I don't care if people would find it odd but what can I say? I'm a Korean wannabe!

WHY WE LIKE KDRAMAS MORE THAN OUR OWN SERIES It would only take one series to make you fall in love in the Korean realm! Well, at least, that's what happened to me. What so amusing about their series is how they quickly grow in you. You get too much involved in the plot and the characters. Even if you get glued in the tube for hours, you'll end up wanting for more. Here are some of the reasons why these series are a hit: It's just a 2 month long program. Unlike any other foreign series, KDRAMAs only have 20 episodes max. They manage to fit in the entirety and beauty of the series in a couple of months but still, the essence is there. Not too fast, not too long. The plot itself is attention-grabbing. Even if the point is slightly similar to what we have already seen, the way it was rendered is more than what you expected. They didn't try too hard to make things seem first rate. The actors/actresses are believable. Most of the times (so far), they could give justice to the characters they are portraying. I am not sure if they did auditions for the role or they are just good due to experience. You get carried away as if you are part of the story. There are only 3 or 4 main characters. The good thing about this is that you concentrate more on the complications they are getting into and not on how many people there are in the story. Not a lot of side stories. Other series have even more than what a viewer could handle to make the story complex. Then at the end, these tidbits will turn out to be just part of one twist. It's annoying especially if the other ones are not even necessary. There are a lot of pretty actors! They are so nice to look at. What makes them even better are their wardrobe, hair and accessories. Would you believe, viewers are even buying the same stuff used in the series from the internet or stores? It's okay to kill the main character. Viewers don't mind seeing their favorite actors die as long as it's needed in the story. They have powerful OST. It adds up to the drama of the scenes. They really put their heads together to have a moving soundtrack. Shooting in well know places is a good approach. They go to remarkable places a lot of people could relate with. You get to learn about its existence and the sights they are known for. Reading the subs while watching makes it more challenging and interesting. Well, may these reasons be true or not, what I am pretty sure is that I like KDRAMAs over our own teleseryes. Koreans rock!

CABLE DILEMMA I know it sounds crazy but when I heard that our international cable company (The Filipino Channel) would be in partnership with another satellite provider, I panic. They say that in order to get the Filipino channels, we need to subscribe to Direct TV. We currently have Charter for our English programs - which, by the way, has my 2 important stations, KSCI (MBC) and KXLA (KBS). What if Direct TV doesn't carry Korean's? What will happen next?!? I got paranoid. I researched and called everyday just to make sure. I maybe annoying sometimes but hey! Give me a break. Watching my Koreanovelas is the highlight of my weekday nights. I was so sad and mad… Why do they have to mess up my life? The hell with the partnership! I'll be more willing to give up our own Teleseryes if I have to. For days, I was bothered. But it's a good thing they guaranteed me that all the cable companies here in LA offer those two Korean channels. Hearing those words, oh such music in my ears. Now, I'm back in my old self again. I can now get all what I wanted - English, Filipino and Korean. Wow! I'm trilingual!

ONCE AN ADDICT, ALWAYS AN ADDICT I was barely coming out from a rehab. I was hooked for three years and I realized that it has to come to an end due to personal reasons. I turned in myself and lay low voluntarily. Luckily, not so long ago, I've done it. I've been sober for months. I'm so happy with what I have become. I am a TV-addict no more. But my obsession on the hit show ER is pretty much nothing compared to what I am currently experiencing. I've became hooked in Koreanovelas. My weeknights will never be the same without it. Since late last year, I never miss any episodes - anyways, I wouldn't forgive myself if that happens. It's like I have a biological clock in me that keeps me reminded it's time to shift to Korean. Then, I'll be all eyes for the entire hour. Nobody tries to disturb me or else… I am more into the series. I've watched a couple of movies but I prefer the 20-episode-long stories. I don't know. Maybe, I just would like to see more of Bi or Song Seung Heon. I've bought a lot of titles online, listen to OSTs, surf the Korean news (and believe me, it's hard to find one - atleast the one that I could understand), and make wallpapers or graphics - if these doesn't make me a fanatic, I don't know what is. And my latest project, well, this website. I am not sure upto when this craziness would last. But what I'm definite is that I enjoy it.

BI IS THE REASON WHY I never felt this way to anybody before. Halfway through the Full House, I was drawn to Bi (Jung Ji Hoon). When he smiles, my heart just suddenly stops. I feel like he is staring at me and that when he say his sweet nothings, I could faint. It took me more than two months to get over his good-looking face and his tender voice. Actually Kwon Sang-woo and Yeon Jong-hoon helped me to gradually divert my attention to something else besides Bi. It was some help but not too lucky enough to end my obsession over Bi. I'll go there, eventually, but right now, I am willing to take my mind off Piolo Pascual and Noah Wyle if that's what it takes. After Full House, I went gaga looking for his information. I was saddened when I learned that he was born in 1984. How I wish to be of his age. It's nicer to be as young as him. Oh, I envy Song Hye Kyo. Anyways, I had a hard time looking for sites with him on it. Mainly its in Korean so I just downloaded pictures to my phone and for my PC. But it's frustrating how hard it is to find a decent site that has everything you want to know on it. I got some tidbits, but it's all scattered. If only there is one site that could tell everything about him…This has become my inspiration. I came up with an idea to offer other people convenience of having to check out only one site regarding Korean actors and dramas. As much as I wanted this to be a success, I have a long way to go. It's hard enough to look for resources but I won't give up. I am pretty much determined to make it possible. Hopefully, visitors would feel the same way too. So if you would like to contribute anything about Korean series and movies, I would gladly appreciate it. It may seem farfetch at this time, but who knows, everything might work out well.

MY OWN KOREAN WORLD My sister's friend introduced us to this health club, which originated in Korea. When we went to check the place out, it was so overwhelming. I don't usually get to see or talk to Koreans that much but when we went to the Club, it seems like I'm in a different world. Even though we are the only ones different, I didn't feel strange. It wasn't bad at all. Actually, I look forward working out everyday. It's so fun going in there. I get to pick up some Korean words I learn from watching the series. Sometimes, I'm tempted to say hi to them in Korean but I'm afraid I might mispronounce it. People get surprised when I can relate to the songs played and recognize the artists in the MTVs. While I wait, I flip magazines. Man, it's so frustrating. The titles are in English but the rest are all Korean characters. How I wish I could understand the articles so I won't just stare at the pictures. Anyways, it's okay because I enjoy telling my sister who they are. As if I personally know them. I don't think it's strange to be ecstatic about all these. I'm just too happy to finally surface out my alter ego… my Korean half.

HALLYU, HALLELUIAH Philippines have always been under the spell of International soap operas. It only shows that we are fond of true to life dramas. It was such a risky move to introduce Spanish Novelas but it was worth a try. Who would have thought that everybody would all go crazy over this? It all started with Thalia's Marimar. Not only did we get mesmerized with the beauty of her dramas but we also got influenced of her music. Then came the Chinese era with Jet Li's flying stunts. Now, another Asian entertainment hits the country, the Korean's. Kim Jeung-eun's Lovers and Paris and Bae Yoong-joon's Winter Sonata marked the trend. Surprisingly, Filipinos support the shows more than their own. Maybe they are looking for something new and interesting as to what happened before during Thalia and Jet Li's days. Regardless of what reason there is, there is no way of stopping the craze, atleast in 3-5 years tops. Besides, Filipinos are well known to be good in adapting that shows their versatility. It's not a bad thing, actually. Sometimes, watching other culture could enlighten us on what's going on beyond where and what we are. We can't forever be ignorant. And people really get to enjoy it.

WHO IS HE? I fell in love with Bi in Full House. I have him as my wallpaper at work and since people always pass by my work area, they always ask me, "Who is He?". I am proud to be a fan but sometimes I get embarrassed. They might think I am too cheap to be going crazy like that. But what could I do? I really am crazy about him! Since most of the people who get to see it doesn't have any idea who he is, I tell them he is my boyfriend. And take note, people are really gullible. I'm okay pretending. At least in the four corners of my office, I get to become his girlfriend for the meantime. And not only do I get to realize my dreams, I also become friends with some Korean clients that recognize the picture. They talk to me with interest and I'm happy to be talking to people who really understand where I am coming from. They even tell me stuff they know about Korean actors and music.

KOREAN WAVE INVADES THE BIG SCREEN Eventhough the economy is at its downfall, it didn't stop the Filipinos from materializing their only passion… watching movies. They are known for diverting their adversity for at least two hours. But sad to say, when piracy became so upbeat, people stay at home instead and watch. The entertainment biz became weaker for it doesn't profit anymore. To the rescue, the film industry had thought of different tactics to bring back the interest of the moviegoers but nothing seems to be effective. When the Korean shows became a life changing point, they have thought of showing Korean movies in big screen. Risky but worth it. People supported the "My Sassy Girl" and "April Snow" dubbed in Tagalog and as expected, moviegoers liked the idea too. But what's alarming is that an international movie stopped the plague in the industry. Why can't we support our own. Are our movies not good enough to do the same? Could it be because ours wasn't that promising? Not only are we patronizing other people's work, but we are also forgetting the Filipino talents. But since, its what's in right now, I bet that this move will continue until we are all tired of it.

TOP PLOTS HIT THE SPOT A lot of people think that Korean movies and series are overrated. They say, we watch it only because of good looks and acting. But the story goes all the same. Hey! Aren't these good enough reasons for watching it? And besides, don't you think it is more challenging if you have comparisons?

POOR GIRL MEETS MR. BIG TIME: It has to be in it or it won't be called a Korean produce. They get sympathy from the viewers if other people maltreat the poor girl. Then the story will be more interesting when Mr. Big Time will fight for their love. Awwww… the knight and shining armor come to the rescue. (Lovers in Paris, Secret Lovers)

AMNESIA/MEMORY LOSS: This is the theme Koreans always use to compare 2 different lives. Not only they get to show shifts in personalities, this could also be the right time to meet the other main character that would turn out to be their love ones. When the memory is regained, the conflict arises. Even if the lover were forgotten, it would be a heartwarming scene when, eventually, he'll come to his senses. (18 vs 29, Winter Sonata, Love Lost in Time)

DEATH AT THE END: You get to love the character as it is being established. Just as you thought you have fallen in love with it, they'll kill the character. One reason is to give way to a better twist. Another is to make it more tragic and dramatic. Nobody would ever want their favorite character die so it won't be predictable. (Sad Love Song, What Happened to Bali, Daddy Long Legs)

FAMILY DECISIONS: In the Korean culture, it is very evident that the family has a say in every decisions. May it be logical or not, people still have to respect their judgment for they have more experience in life. (Summer Scent, Jenny Juno, My Name is Kim Sam-soon)

RICH GONE POOR: It looks different to see a rich person do some chores he hasn't done before. You'll feel for him because you know that they are just victim of the circumstances. They don't have any choice but to stoop down to their level. (Secret Lovers, Save the Last Dance)

STIFF GUY MEETS IMMATURE GIRL: This adds up to the comedic side of the story. It basically talks about a guy who is serious about life and work and then meets this bubbly girl. It would be a chaotic start but eventually, both gets to adjust for the sake of love. (Full House, Sweet Spy)

BEHIND THOSE VICIOUS EYES: There has to have a villain in the story. The story gets juicier as they unfold their endless schemes. It is where the complication starts (and usually, it is where the story evolves). And when they don't succeed, it leads to a nicer ending. (All About Eve, Stairway to Heaven)

FIX MARRIAGE: The elder thinks that the best way to cover up a family embarrassment is through contract marriage. Sometimes, fix marriages happens when close friends made pacts. Since they know each other so well, they think that it is but right to become related to each other. (My Sassy Girl, Chun-hyang, Sweet 18)

CRITICALLY ILL: If the story starts with too much happy moments, expect that there would be a disastrous thing waiting to happen. Making the main character very ill (or somebody they know) could make it more dramatic. And having to have this kind of problems promote life changing decisions which would affect the flow of the story. (Autumn Tale, I'm Sorry I Love You)

FROM A NOBODY TO A SOMEBODY: People are sucker in watching people that succeed in life. It's inspirational and people tend to be more hopeful as they watch their character transition. (Innocent Steps, Crazy First Love)

WITH AGE DIFFERENCE LOVE AFFIAR: They say that age doesn't matter in love. It is proven in a lot of Korean shows. They do use these themes to emphasize in personality difference. What's more challenging is how to make immaturity and sophistication jive. (Sweet 18, Wedding)

LOVE TRIANGLE: Even if love is not the main story, there always have to have a love triangle involved. One character is trapped between 2 people's love. This involves a lot of confusion and evil scheme plotting. And to complicate the story even more, there would be a fourth party. The competition for love will always be the best theme regardless the genre. That's why, even if it is typical, it would always be present in every story.

BOYS DON'T CRY… NOT! Exactly! Korean men in dramas and movies get as emotional as women too. It looks like they care less if their manliness might be questioned. Besides, it's not bad to show what you really feel and what you are really made of. What you see is what you get is their drama. Actually, the faster they get teary eyed, the faster you fall for them. And through those tears you'll see their sincerity and pain. Not to mention, when they sob while delivering those powerful lines makes the situation more touching. And with the OST playing, you really could feel for their characters. The best that I've seen so far is Kwon Sang-woo. He cries like a river. He could become all toughie and romantic but on cue, he could also shed tears effortless. He makes it look natural and when he does it, he is all out. Not to be bias, but I think Rain has done his part on "A Love to Kill". He has shown versatility from being a no-care to a fallen-Adan because of love to his brother. There are a lot more actors who I've seen has potential. May they be pioneer or rookie, all deserve to be called the "crying Samson".

EXCUSE ME, KOREANOVELA COMING THROUGH It was a disturbing thought that Filipinos have given more credit to Korean series. I was told that they air mornings, afternoons and primetime too. What is this, a meal? Has it really taken up all the screen times on TV? And with the two rival networks extravagantly promoting, who wouldn't fall for it? It's not bad to have a fair competition, but the way I see it, we have favored something not even our own. It wasn't really the Korean industries' fault to slightly pushed aside teleseryes. Filipinos has shifted to a new style of television and the dramas have created an unexpected impact on them. The freshness of the story and the convincing performance is the key to the success. And since this is what the viewers want, the networks decided to allot more airtime. But where would our own talents go? As expected, since there are lesser productions left, they tend to jam-pack a show. But unfortunately, having too many people trying to snatch a scene makes it less interesting. Too bad, they don't get to show their skills. They can't seem to find their way out of the crowd. Such a waste. Although they thought they have figured out a step on how to get the viewer's attention through reviving hit shows, I guess they have to think bigger. If this thing goes on, it might be late to break the spell.

HELLO, KOREA? We live in and by technology. Even if we try to go with the pace, we can't seem to keep up with the evolution. For one, the mobile phones have been drastically changing overnight. Since the Korean entertainment has emerged worldwide, using their fame has made its way to success. Commercials with Eric Mun and Kwon Sang-woo could catch your attention. If somebody you adore uses it, why not get it, right? This is definitely the power of advertisement. And besides, Korean phones are too techie. Even in the series or movies, when you see a nice looking gadget Hyun-bin and Dennis O' is holding, you get all worked-out to search which model is it. I, for one, have fallen to this tactic. I've been looking in the web for nice phones similar to that I've seen but tough luck. None has reached the U.S. Isn't it ironic? U.S. has thought to be "the country" and yet, it moves slower than other countries in terms of cellphones. Who would have thought that even the Philippines carry more high-end mobiles than the U.S. Top break, eh?

50 THINGS YOU CAN LEARN FROM A KOREAN DRAMA (shared by xtel)

1) Hot, rich, younger men love fat, older vulgar women.

2) If you have a best guy friend, he is in love with you. And secretly you are too.

3) You and your boyfriend will always playfully chase each other on an ice rink, at the beach, or in the leaves. And you'll laugh for no reason and your boyfriend will hit you "playfully" but the force of his push will have you flying across the room. But it's okay. Cuz you're still laughing like a crazy person.

4) Brothers/cousin/uncles-newphews will always love the same girl.

5) You're allowed to make uturns wherever you want in Korea. And there is never traffic on the side you want to u turn to.

6) There is a super quick payment device that allows you to pay a bill quickly enough for a guy to run immediately out of a restaurant after his angry girlfriend storms out.

7) Everyone has cancer.

8) If you're sick, all you need is an IV to make you feel lots better.

9) There is vomit and urine all over Seoul at nights.

10) Fighting at a pojangmacha with a random stranger is merely part of a normal night's event.

11) Soju must cost 10 cents. Everyone drinks it everyday all the time, especially the poor people.

12) If you're rich, you're a jerk.

13) If you're poor, you're an angel.

14) Women sleep and wake up with a full set of makeup on.

15) You're not studying hard enough unless you get a nosebleed.

16) If you have a nosebleed, you most definately have cancer. And you have no money to pay for the surgery that will save your life. And your liver is missing. We're not sure where it went, but it's making your cancer progress faster.

17) If you work in a sool jeep, you have massively curly hair and wear flashy colors from the early 90's.

18) You always order orange juice or coffee at a cafe. And you never drink it. EVER.

19) You will always call your boyfriend by his job title. Or simply sunbaenim. Never his name. Never. He doesn't have one.

20) If you TRULY love each other, you must die together in the end. Frozen outside instead of finding shelter like sane people. Just frozen....

21) You go to America you come back miraculously successful. You go to England you come back amazingly fashionable. You stay in Korea the only thing that changes is your hairstyle.

22) And if you come back with no apparent reason then it's because you have cancer.

23) Everyone always goes to the same hospital no matter where they are.

24) If you stand out in the rain for more than five minutes, you'll end up with a fever and vertigo and people will rush you to the hospital to get some magic IV. And instead of taking an ambulance or driving they'll race you on their back.

25) Even if you're poor and can't eat, you never wear the same clothes twice.

26) If you play a poor kid, you always have dirt on your face and your hair is always messy.

27) If you're saving someone from being hit from a car, you'll push them out of the way and wait for the car to hit you instead. biggrin.gif couldnt be more true, their like a deer in headlights

28) Everyone has a long lost sister/brother/twin. Usually one they didn't know about.

29) If you don't want to answer your phone, you can't just turn it off. The battery
needs to be taken out.

30) All korean men can drink hard, smoke long, sing well and play piano. Usually all at the same time. And at the same restaurant that has a piano that they let anyone use.

31) If you're in a relationship, you must at one point leave and have your lover tearfully come RIGHT before you board the plane (vice versa applies as well. You can be the chaser). 60% of the time you see each other, the other 40% you're roaming around in circles and pass each other about six times, but miraculously never see them.

32) If you're getting off a plane, you're ALWAYS wearing sunglasses. ALWAYS.

33) All guys wear hideous tracksuits zipped up to their neck. Even if all they're doing is jumproping.

34) Girls will always storm off because they're mad and the guy will stoically grab them by the arm and swing them back- and by magic, not dislocate their shoulders.

35) Guys always look like they're 6 feet tall, even if they're only 5'10. Thank you camera angles.

36) Guys like to wear foundation, eyeliner and sometimes a smudge of lipliner.

37) You always get stuck in an elevator with someone who makes you feel uncomfortable. Even if there are six different elevators, you'll always be stuck in the same one with that bastard you hate (or just fought with).

38) Unless you're fabulously rich, your in-laws will always hate you.

39) So will your sister-in-law.

40) Your brother-in-law might be pining away for you.

41) There are only 2 ways to kiss. You either press your lips against theirs with your mouth completely shut, and just press away for a very long and uncomfortable time. OR you devour the other person and suck out their soul. In both instances, the world spins.

42) A guy will always get the right size ring, even if you're never held hands.

43) People stare off into space and ponder a lot. They'll just stop in the middle of the road and watch a leaf on a tree for a good three minutes, and just ponder.

44) You'll get pregnant the first time you have sex.

45) You'll get pregnant if he kisses you on the forehead.

46) Hell- you'll get pregnant if you hold hands.

47) If you overcome great obstacles to be together, one of you must die. Probably due to cancer.

48) One korean man can kick the butts of 6 gangstas. Especially when they all stand in a circle and attack the guy one by one. Then when each of them get their butts OWNED, they wise up and attack the guy at the same time. Then the guy will get pulverized and bleed out onto the dusty concrete floor of the empty warehouse they've found to fight in. There will be a fire in a trashcan somewhere. And the girl will have watched this the entire time, screaming in horror. Instead of calling 119, she'll just watch and cry. But it's okay. Cuz the next day the guy will be fine with a few random bandages and a few face scars. But never a black eye.

49) It ain't a real fight unless the gangstas fight dirty with a stick or switchblade.

50) If you study in the states (perferably Harvard), you are one of the top students and can speak perfect English (as assumed by the reactions of those around you). Why the rest of the world OUTSIDE of the TV can't understand a single word uttered out of your melodramatic mouth is beyond me.

THE FOUR SEASONS OF A KOREAN LOVE The Endless Love quadlogy (since 3 is called trilogy, it just make sense), has definitely paved the way to the success of the Korean entertainment internationally. People fell in love in Winter, shed tears in Autumn, get dramatic in Summer and touched by Spring. I bet, people have their own favorites depending on different aspect.

STORYLINE: I like Winter Sonata the most. It's exciting and full of surprises.
PERFORMANCE: I'll give credits to Song Seung-heon for being so consistent in both Autumn and Summer.
OST: Summer Scent's haunted me for months because it was my first Korean series but I like Winter Sonata's From Beginning 'Til End and My Memory.
TEARJERKING: Autumn Tale, no doubt. Just the thought of it makes me want to cry.
CHEMISTRY: Summer Scent. They look nice together.

IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE? From Golden Globe to SAG to Critic's Choice, Sandra Oh has gotten their attention. She is one heck of an actress. After seeing her act in Grey's, she really deserves all those praises. It's very ironic how her unloving character makes people love her more. She is so natural. She is funny without being funny. Everything just comes out naturally. Plus having to be onboard in a good show with acclaimed actors, no doubt she'll go far. This is a great opportunity for her to be acknowledging internationally. Talking about being with the right people at the right time.