안녕하세요! 요즘 나는 한국어 키보드를 치는 법을 배우고 있어서 지금 한번 해 보고 싶었다! ㅋㅋㅋ
Which roughly translates to, "Hello! These days I'm learning to use my Korean keyboard so I wanted to try it out!"
Anyway, on to the wrap-up of July 2019.
What I'm Up to
Happy end of July! It's been a MONTH, let me tell you. I went to Seoul 3 times and plan to go once more before the month's end to change my visa, so therefore all my money's gone. ㅜㅜ It costs $10-15 for a one-way ticket to Seoul so I'm grateful to finally live there beginning August 10th. I don't mind the travel time because I love in-between places, but it digs into my bank account quite a bit.
Which roughly translates to, "Hello! These days I'm learning to use my Korean keyboard so I wanted to try it out!"
Anyway, on to the wrap-up of July 2019.
What I'm Up to
Happy end of July! It's been a MONTH, let me tell you. I went to Seoul 3 times and plan to go once more before the month's end to change my visa, so therefore all my money's gone. ㅜㅜ It costs $10-15 for a one-way ticket to Seoul so I'm grateful to finally live there beginning August 10th. I don't mind the travel time because I love in-between places, but it digs into my bank account quite a bit.
HOWEVER, those trips were all worth it so I'll just be more careful next month.
A lot has happened since the last time I wrote, so let's get into it!
Graduation
For the past year I've been studying Korean language in the Korean countryside and finally graduated this past week! I needed a level 3 score on the national exam (TOPIK) to continue receiving my scholarship, and by some fluke I ended up with a 4 so I'm happy. 😄 I'm really glad to be moving on, but have lots of good memories of my time here, and since I don't move for another week I'm trying to enjoy the countryside life with friends before city life in Seoul takes over.
Concerts in Seoul
I had the really cool opportunity to be in the audience during the recording of a new show created by KBS World called We Kpop. It's meant to resemble a fan meeting between idols and, well, fans, but I didn't really confirm that I was going until the day before, so I had to quickly book bus tickets and inform my teacher I wouldn't be in class that Monday.
I took along a friend of mine, and we both boarded the bus to Seoul the next morning knowing nothing more than we were supposed to show up at a certain place at a certain time to see the boy band Stray Kids (and maybe SF9. We weren't sure.) Quite the adventure.
Because we were so close we managed eye contact with each member, which was a really neat experience, but we had to stand the entire 4 1/2 hours and my poor feet were screaming by the end. It was fun to watch the group, though I had no idea I'd see them again that same week. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It turned out we'd visit MusicBank a mere 4 days later, which is a weekly program showcasing promoting artists. It was fun seeing singers like Zelo, formally of BAP, and an awesome screamo band called Bursters, but it also turned out Stray Kids were there. We stood right in front of them for hours on Monday and were sitting in a fairly easy-to-see spot at MusicBank, so we joke they probably think we're their stalker fans now. 😅
Below, MusicBank tickets.
In front of the KBS sign
What I'm Thinking
The last trip I took to Seoul was actually my favorite. It's amazing to see and be noticed by K-pop celebrities, but to be honest I haven't been as head over heels for K-pop as I was when I first discovered it, though I don't believe the passion I originally felt for it was false. I read recently that the thrill of a thing dissipates with time, but that doesn't mean it was never worth loving in the first place. "If you go through with it, the dying away of the first thrill will be compensated for by a quieter, and more lasting kind of interest.... it is just the people who are ready to submit to the loss of the thrill and settle down to the sober interest, who are then most likely to meet new thrills in some quite different direction." -CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
I love that so many people are interested in K-pop and Korea, myself included. At first, I felt so conflicted about liking boy bands—I grew up feeling superior to those who liked One Direction and Justin Bieber, but when I discovered BTS and EXO I fell so hard. I found myself daydreaming about them coming to my hometown and falling in love with me (HA), or even going to Korea myself (again, HA). Of course, there are wrong ways to like celebrities, such as desiring them for yourself and becoming actual stalker fans, or devoting yourself so much to them you lose interest in real relationships, but I would often cry simply because I felt I was wasting time or doing something wrong by liking them.
So before my love of K-pop quieted to a "sober interest" and I became attracted to new thrills like Korean history, identity, and indie music, I shamed myself for liking Korean pop music. Even now I don't like to admit I still listen to it and I downplay its influence on why I came to Korea, hoping others recognize me as someone who came to study, not to chase after boy bands. Alas, the truth is those groups played an important role in my drive to first visit the country, and I would be over the moon to meet AZEEZ (my current favorite group). But what's also true is my interests in Korea have expanded and deepened, so when I watch K-pop not only do I see talented people, but I see an expression of Korean identity. I find myself longing to understand the experiences of the fans and the intentions of the companies behind the world-shaking musical phenomenon K-pop's become. Perhaps this hints at the transitioning from the first thrill to a lasting interest. Whatever the case, I'm happy to explore this chapter of my life fully.
So, as an example of changing interests...
While I liked seeing Stray Kids and recognize how talented they are, I've been increasingly more and more excited about other genres of Korean music, such as hip hop, indie, R&B, and even reggae.
One artist who has my attention these days is Samuel Seo, who my friends are probably tired of hearing about. I immediately liked him when I discovered his music about 2 months ago, and I'm probably as excited about him as I was when I first discovered BTS, which is pretty excited. Unlike BTS, however, I'm trying to enjoy rather than constantly assess whether I'm using my time and money wisely. There's a time for that, but perhaps it's not as often as I've previously believed. Besides, he's making great music and I want to support him.
As part of my decision to enjoy I bought a ticket to Samuel Seo's concert even though I had no one to come with me and it was over 2 hours away. It felt a bit naughty since it helped push past my monthly budget, but I figured if I waited until his next concert my interest could potentially wane and I wouldn't be nearly as excited to go, just like if I went to a BTS concert now my heart wouldn't reach the same dangerously-close-to-exploding levels as it certainly would've 4 years ago. So I went and it was perfectly perfect. 
One Spring Night:
A lot has happened since the last time I wrote, so let's get into it!
Graduation
For the past year I've been studying Korean language in the Korean countryside and finally graduated this past week! I needed a level 3 score on the national exam (TOPIK) to continue receiving my scholarship, and by some fluke I ended up with a 4 so I'm happy. 😄 I'm really glad to be moving on, but have lots of good memories of my time here, and since I don't move for another week I'm trying to enjoy the countryside life with friends before city life in Seoul takes over.
Concerts in Seoul
I had the really cool opportunity to be in the audience during the recording of a new show created by KBS World called We Kpop. It's meant to resemble a fan meeting between idols and, well, fans, but I didn't really confirm that I was going until the day before, so I had to quickly book bus tickets and inform my teacher I wouldn't be in class that Monday.
I took along a friend of mine, and we both boarded the bus to Seoul the next morning knowing nothing more than we were supposed to show up at a certain place at a certain time to see the boy band Stray Kids (and maybe SF9. We weren't sure.) Quite the adventure.
 |
We luckily ended up right in front of the stage with a camera pointed at us nearly the entire time, so there was a strong possibility we'd show up on tv. (Spoiler, we did. 2 attached videos below commemorate the event! (I don't show up on television much). Also if you want to watch the full episode you can do so by clicking HERE.) |
Because we were so close we managed eye contact with each member, which was a really neat experience, but we had to stand the entire 4 1/2 hours and my poor feet were screaming by the end. It was fun to watch the group, though I had no idea I'd see them again that same week. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
It turned out we'd visit MusicBank a mere 4 days later, which is a weekly program showcasing promoting artists. It was fun seeing singers like Zelo, formally of BAP, and an awesome screamo band called Bursters, but it also turned out Stray Kids were there. We stood right in front of them for hours on Monday and were sitting in a fairly easy-to-see spot at MusicBank, so we joke they probably think we're their stalker fans now. 😅
Below, MusicBank tickets.
What I'm Thinking
The last trip I took to Seoul was actually my favorite. It's amazing to see and be noticed by K-pop celebrities, but to be honest I haven't been as head over heels for K-pop as I was when I first discovered it, though I don't believe the passion I originally felt for it was false. I read recently that the thrill of a thing dissipates with time, but that doesn't mean it was never worth loving in the first place. "If you go through with it, the dying away of the first thrill will be compensated for by a quieter, and more lasting kind of interest.... it is just the people who are ready to submit to the loss of the thrill and settle down to the sober interest, who are then most likely to meet new thrills in some quite different direction." -CS Lewis, Mere Christianity
I love that so many people are interested in K-pop and Korea, myself included. At first, I felt so conflicted about liking boy bands—I grew up feeling superior to those who liked One Direction and Justin Bieber, but when I discovered BTS and EXO I fell so hard. I found myself daydreaming about them coming to my hometown and falling in love with me (HA), or even going to Korea myself (again, HA). Of course, there are wrong ways to like celebrities, such as desiring them for yourself and becoming actual stalker fans, or devoting yourself so much to them you lose interest in real relationships, but I would often cry simply because I felt I was wasting time or doing something wrong by liking them.
So before my love of K-pop quieted to a "sober interest" and I became attracted to new thrills like Korean history, identity, and indie music, I shamed myself for liking Korean pop music. Even now I don't like to admit I still listen to it and I downplay its influence on why I came to Korea, hoping others recognize me as someone who came to study, not to chase after boy bands. Alas, the truth is those groups played an important role in my drive to first visit the country, and I would be over the moon to meet AZEEZ (my current favorite group). But what's also true is my interests in Korea have expanded and deepened, so when I watch K-pop not only do I see talented people, but I see an expression of Korean identity. I find myself longing to understand the experiences of the fans and the intentions of the companies behind the world-shaking musical phenomenon K-pop's become. Perhaps this hints at the transitioning from the first thrill to a lasting interest. Whatever the case, I'm happy to explore this chapter of my life fully.
So, as an example of changing interests...
While I liked seeing Stray Kids and recognize how talented they are, I've been increasingly more and more excited about other genres of Korean music, such as hip hop, indie, R&B, and even reggae.
One artist who has my attention these days is Samuel Seo, who my friends are probably tired of hearing about. I immediately liked him when I discovered his music about 2 months ago, and I'm probably as excited about him as I was when I first discovered BTS, which is pretty excited. Unlike BTS, however, I'm trying to enjoy rather than constantly assess whether I'm using my time and money wisely. There's a time for that, but perhaps it's not as often as I've previously believed. Besides, he's making great music and I want to support him.
As part of my decision to enjoy I bought a ticket to Samuel Seo's concert even though I had no one to come with me and it was over 2 hours away. It felt a bit naughty since it helped push past my monthly budget, but I figured if I waited until his next concert my interest could potentially wane and I wouldn't be nearly as excited to go, just like if I went to a BTS concert now my heart wouldn't reach the same dangerously-close-to-exploding levels as it certainly would've 4 years ago. So I went and it was perfectly perfect.
Fan moment:
I stood a mere three rows away from the stage and pretty much just stared at him like he was the best thing in the world. I hope that didn't freak him out too much. I also tried to ask for spare change from some nearby concert-goers before Samuel came out, so I could store my stuff in a locker. No one had any, but it alerted those around I could speak Korean and we were able to exchange some comments throughout the night. The great music and great interactions with other fans really made for a great time, so it'll be hard to keep me from going to his next concert. (P.S. I've been commenting on his live broadcasts and radio shows, and he's acknowledged me on multiple occasions, which thrills me, even though I usually have no idea what I'm saying and instantly regret what I write.)
Below, Samuel Seo
What I'm Listening to
As mentioned above, I'm interested in Korean identity, and another great way to get a feel for it is to explore how they write about themselves. Unfortunately, my Korean skill isn't good enough for high-level literature in its original language, but I've subscribed to Korean Literature Now, a magazine that provides translations of various works, and am reading a few short stories by famous authors. It's a great resource, but I know things can get lost in translation and would love to someday be able to read in the original language. I'll have to try again when I reach TOPIK level 6 haha!
What I'm Watching
Arthdal Chronicles:
Below, Samuel Seo
- In case you're interested here's the link to my Spotify playlist, which holds around 30 of my newly discovered songs. Feel free to take a browse! New Songs (새로운 노래)
- Stray Kids-Side Effects This is the music video for the song Stray Kids was promoting when we saw them. To be honest, the song isn't my favorite, but my friend and I had to hear it so often we've nonetheless grown fond of it. Whenever mori-ahpu-DA! (my head hurts) comes through the chorus we join in and punch our arms through the air like they do in the dance.
- Vacay-Brown Tigger This is a little-known artist who performs reggae music. I discovered him through Samuel's radio show and it's a great summer tune.
As mentioned above, I'm interested in Korean identity, and another great way to get a feel for it is to explore how they write about themselves. Unfortunately, my Korean skill isn't good enough for high-level literature in its original language, but I've subscribed to Korean Literature Now, a magazine that provides translations of various works, and am reading a few short stories by famous authors. It's a great resource, but I know things can get lost in translation and would love to someday be able to read in the original language. I'll have to try again when I reach TOPIK level 6 haha!
What I'm Watching
Arthdal Chronicles:
- A new Netflix drama about a fantasy world when civilization was first coming together. I actually didn't end up liking it much 👀 and stopped after the first 2 1/2 episodes, but it was still interesting to see something that wasn't set in Korea yet where everyone still spoke Korean. When I think about it, I realize this is probably the first time I saw a fantasy created from a non-western viewpoint. I mean, consider the fantasy and sci-fi you're familiar with like Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Even if there are Asian actors English is still the main language and everyone eats with forks and wears somewhat western-styled clothing. Granted, Arthdal Chronicles actually looks a lot like the world of Game of Thrones but it's still a fantasy world created from an eastern perspective.
- These days fantasy and sci-fi are being explored more and more by Korean authors and directors, as well as the film industry in China, which came out with a space blockbuster last year. It'll be interesting to start to see how this genre gains presence in East Asia.
One Spring Night:
- Gotta say of all the things I recommend today this I recommend MOST. If you have Netflix please put it on your to-watch list.
- Yes, it's a Korean drama, but don't make any assumptions. The genre has a reputation for being over the top with questionable acting, predictable storylines of rich boy-poor girl, and frivolous content, but this drama is seriously worth your time. The acting is amazing and the writing, well done. The characters are fairly normal people whose apartments and clothes don't look like advertisements. It's a romance but one that explores how actual relationships fall in and out of balance. I liked it so much I had to limit myself to one episode a day, which I haven't felt the need to do in a long time.
PhotosMy roommate gave me a classic American treat for the 4th ofJuly!
Maybe I didn't think my choice of language study through?
This was me finishing up the drama One Spring Night.
A pretty cafe. I'm trying to visit all the cafes I haven't managed to yet before I leave.
The last Korean Discussion Club meeting. We went to a newly built museum/cafe dedicated to Korean author Kim Hong Shin. It really revived my interest in literature!
We had a photoshoot with classmates on the last week of the semester.
The last Culture Club meeting, where we discussed our countries throughout the semester.
On graduation week we went out for 떡볶이 (ddeok-bohk-ee=spicy, chewy rice cakes) and 치킨 (chicken) to celebrate. My stomach wasn't too happy with me but I was glad to spend time with friends.
Also went out for bar food and drinks.
The flowers we bought our teachers as a thank you.
On my recent trip to Seoul I met a friend who said he was taking me to brunch, so I naturally expected pancakes and sausage, but I got a fancy avocado salad instead. What can you do.
Me with my kind friend who let me stay with her while I was in Seoul!
At Sunshine Land, where the drama Mr. Sunshine was partially filmed. I've been here before but I love walking through the set pretending I'm in a bygone era. This time there weren't many other people, so it was easier to explore.
There's a café in one of the buildings, and the western architecture makes me feel like I'm home.
We had lots of fun with photos.
With the lady who runs a restaurant near the university. She usually gives us free food so we're pretty fond of her.
Another meme about life in Korea
This is what my friend had to say about the current humidity in Korea. It feels like I'm swimming when I walk outside.
마무리까지 읽어주셔서 감사합니다. See you next month!
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