We Got Married

After Boys Over Flowers, the main thing that solidified my love of all things Korean was the show We Got Married. It's kind of difficult to explain the concept of this show (or any Korean variety), but I'll do my best. We Got Married pairs up two celebrities who then "get married". The show is basically a reality show and follows the couple around when they are together. Often the couple is given a "mission" to complete. The missions can be silly like "exercise with your partner", or really fun like "go on a vacation". Even though the couple are only in a "virtual marriage", it's pretty clear that they often develop real feelings for each other. This makes the show really interesting and engaging. Let me tell you about my favorite couples that have been on the show!

Alex & Shin Ae

Alex and Shin Ae were one of the original couples on the show. Shin Ae was shy and reserved, but Alex really, really liked her and was able to get her to break out of her shell. This couple was nicknamed "The Romantic Couple" because Alex always planned grand romantic events for Shin Ae. Alex was always cooking for her, and he would do sweet things like sing for her and dance with her. 

Kim Hyun Joong & Hwangbo

I think we all know the main reason why I really enjoyed watching this couple! It was really cool to see Hyun Joong as someone other than Ji Hoo. Some people were upset with this couple at first as Hwangbo is a bit older than Hyun Joong. They turned out to be a cute couple though. Hyun Joong is very competitive so they always made bets and played games. The cutest thing though was when Hyun Joong folded Hwangbo 1,000 paper cranes (so then their love would last forever) and serenaded her with "Falling Slowly".

Jo Kwon & Ga In

Jo Kwon and Ga In kind of revived We Got Married during their slump in season two. They were a really fun couple because they genuinely have a lot of fun with each other. Jo Kwon was always planning special romantic events for Ga In in the hopes that she would be so touched that she would cry (I think that only happened once). They meshed really well together and were on the show for over a year. Even though they left the show a few months ago, Jo Kwon often tweets pictures of the two of them together so they have managed to stay close despite leaving the show!

Nichkhun & Victoria

Nichkhun and Victoria are currently still on We Got Married. The funny thing about them is neither of them are from Korea! "Khuntoria" are super cute together. They've done fun things like gone to get their drivers licenses together and visited his family in Thailand. In the episode that is going to air tonight (I guess it has already aired because of the time difference!), they are going to have their first kiss! 

Without a doubt though, my favorite all time couple has been...

  Yong Hwa & Seo Hyun

Words cannot express my love for the "YongSeo" couple. They also got nicknamed as the "Go Gu Ma Couple" because of Seo Hyun's love of Go Gu Mas (Sweet Potatoes). Yong Hwa and Seo Hyun made the perfect couple for the show for many reasons. At the beginning of their relationship, Seo Hyun was very guarded and shy. Yong Hwa took things slow and eventually she really opened up to him. They got along really well and did a lot of fun things. Probably one of my favorite things that happened to this couple was the scarf incident. Seo Hyun labored over making Yong Hwa a scarf. Unfortunently Yong Hwa lost it when he was in Japan. Seo Hyun was really upset. To make things up to her, Yong Hwa took her on a shopping spree and ice skating. He then learned to knit and made her and himself matching couple scarfs! They just left the show about a month or so ago and it really upset me. I really looked forward to watching them every week. Yong Hwa really had genuine feelings for Seo Hyun I think, and still talks about her.   

Every Sunday I obsessively check the computer to see when We Got Married is out with the English subs. It's really an addicting and cute show! I guess I should also say that this will probably be my last entry for a while as I leave for Florida tomorrow! Have a good couple of weeks and I will inform you of more Korean awesome-ness when I get back ^_~

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Bi Bim Bap

Recently my Dad discovered a Korean restaurant in Novi called 비 빔 밮 AKA Bi Bim Bap. We've eaten there twice so far, and I can't wait to go back again!

 Yum!!!

The first time we went, I got the pork and kimchi pot. Basically, it was kimchi stew (more about kimchi in a bit) with pork and tofu in it. They bring it to the table in a small pot with the stew still boiling hot (literally). It is also served with a small dish of rice. It was pretty good, but boy was I in for a rude awakening!

Going into it, I expected the food to be spicy, but the kimchi stew was HOT. I'm not really one to eat spicy food in general so it was a bit of a shock for me. I think I got through about half the pot before I had to bow out gracefully. I knew there was going to be no way that I would be able to survive two weeks of spicy kimchi, so I've started to take some preventative action. Now I try to put hot sauce on my food whenever possible. Normally I only have it a couple of times a week when I have eggs. Luckily it paid off and the second time we went back I could eat the kimchi without a problem :D

The second time we went I ordered the seafood and tofu chigae. This was similar to the pork and kimchi pot in that it was served in the same pot, with rice, and boiling hot. It's hard to describe the taste of this but there was a couple of small clams, pieces of various fish, and tofu stewed together. The broth was light, but very flavorful. I really enjoyed the chigae and would definitely order it again!

 Bim Bap

Both times we ate at Bi Bim Bap Tessa has played it safe and ordered the Bim Bap. Bim Bap is basically a bowl of rice with an egg and a bunch of vegetables on top. You can also order meat with it like chicken, pork, or beef.

One cool thing about Korean dining is the side dishes. At Bi Bim Bap they give you at least five or six different side dishes with your meal. This is pretty traditional at every Korean meal. The side dishes that we've had before have been; potato salad, kimchi (two different kinds), seaweed salad, green beans, broccoli, and noodles. You get so many choices, and you get to sample a bit of everything!

 Kimchi

Now onto kimchi! Kimchi is eaten at every meal in Korea; breakfast, lunch, and dinner! It's spicy fermented cabbage. I've had someone describe it to me before as the Korean version of the pickle. There are hundreds of different types of kimchi, and it's such a serious deal that people get separate refrigerators just to store it! I didn't think it was bad, but it definitely takes some getting used to. Whatever the case, I'm sure I'll eat tons of it and come back to America as a kimchi expert ^_~

  A Grill Table

The other cool thing about Korean restaurants (Bi Bim Bap included) are the grill tables. All the tables in the restaurant have grills built into them! That way you can order whatever kind of meat that you want and you get to grill it yourself!

 Kalbi

The next thing I am thinking about trying at Bi Bim Bap is the kalbi, which is strips of Korean beef. My stomach is growling just thinking about it! Time for me to go eat!

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Big Bang

Today is officially my last day at Old Navy before I leave for Florida! I'm kind of sad it's a long shift, but I guess I'll be happy about it when I get my check ^_^

In honor of Big Bang releasing their second full length album in Japan today I thought I should dedicate this post to them. Big Bang (빅 뱅) is one of the (if not the) most popular groups in Korea. They recently came back with a mini album in January after a hiatus of over two years. The Tonight mini album was so popular that it even became the tenth most downloaded album in the US itunes charts with no American promotion whatsoever!

Seungri, G-Dragon, TaeYang, DaeSung, and T.O.P.

Big Bang debuted in 2006 and is made up of five members. Seungri is the youngest of the group and is one of the vocalists of Big Bang. G-Dragon is the leader of Big Bang. He raps, as well as writes and composes most of their songs. TaeYang would probably be considered the main vocalist. DaeSung is also a vocalist. T.O.P. also raps, and often writes his raps.

Sunset Glow was their first really big hit. It was so popular that the lyrics have started to be printed in Korean textbooks so students can study song writing! Their second big hit was Lies. I think it was after that the entire country fell in love with them. Once Big Bang released their first Japanese album, they re-did some of their Korean songs in English. My favorite English song of theirs is Remember. Tonight from their newest mini album is probably my favorite song to dance to at the moment.

Without a doubt though, my favorite Big Bang song is Haru Haru. Haru Haru translates to day after day. Basically the song is about that even though the girl broke up with him, they are telling the girl to be happy and only remember the good times that they shared. He is telling her that she should be happy even though day by day he is becoming dull because she left.

The lyrics to Big Bang's songs are always really good and worth a read/listen (all of the links I shared contain English translation). The other cool thing about Big Bang is that they have been able to have successful solo albums but they still come back together to become Big Bang again. I'm sure I will post more later about the individual members, but hopefully you will enjoy Big Bang as much as I do!

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Packing and Formalities

I'm not really nervous about much concerning my trip this summer. The thought of the long flight and navigating Incheon airport haven't really bothered me. The thing that concerns me the most is how I'm going to pack everything! Going to Florida this upcoming week will be a good practice run for me. I have started to pack a bit already and I think I'm going to have to be creative in order to get everything to fit.

Most of what I've packed so far is shoes and product. I know it's kind of stupid to bring a bunch of different pairs of shoes, but I can't seem to talk myself into thinking that two pairs will get me through two weeks. I guess I just really like having options!

The other issue I had with packing so far was deciding what kind of suitcase to use. For a while I was thinking about buying a nice hardtop suitcase, but I can't really justify paying more for the suitcase than I did for my flight to Florida. I was hesitant about using the large upright suitcase that I brought with me to Florida last year because the zipper was a bit crazy and we just disposed of another piece of luggage from that set for the same reason. Therefore, I decided to try out this large duffel bag that we have. I'm not sure it's as big as the upright suitcase but the zipper is a lot more sturdy. I even did a bit of customizing to it so it would be easier to pick out at baggage claim.

My Mom surprised me with Hello Kitty duct tape the other day and I thought I would put it to good use. Now no one can deny that this suitcase belongs to me ^_^

Before I end this entry, I will share something about the Korean language that I really like. In Korea, you refer to your older friends as "older sister" or "older brother". You in turn can refer to your younger friends as "younger brother" or "younger sister". It seems to create a closer relationship, as well as giving motivation to look after your friends.

My dream Oppa, T.O.P. 

The funny thing is how they use these terms when two people are dating. If the girl is older, she often does not like to be called "noona". However, guys love to be called "oppa". Sometimes the guys like to be called oppa even if they are younger! It seems like it gives girls a cute image when they call their boyfriends oppa. I also think that the guys like it because it shows them that the girl relies on them. Overall I just like the idea of being close enough to your friends to call them brother or sister!

Wen unni~

And since Wen is fluent in Korean now, I'll get to call her unni when I see her this summer!

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The Beginning Of It All...

안 녕 하 세 요! AKA Hello! 안 녕 하 세 요 is romanized as annyeonghaseyo. When you say it, it sounds like "An-yo-ha-say-yo". I thought I would start a blog to keep you informed on my trip, as well as how I got interested in Korean culture. Of course, the very beginning of it was meeting these two lovely ladies--

 

Henny

 Hyemi

I am so looking forward to seeing them again this summer! It will have been close to two years since we were together in Florida. Time sure does fly! After finishing my college program, I kept in touch with both Henny and Hyemi, but my true interest into Korean culture went into overdrive one night last August. I was looking around on Hulu for something to watch and I came across Boys Over Flowers. I saw that it was a Korean show so I thought I would try watching it and then I would get to tell Henny and Hyemi that I saw it. I thought I would watch the first episode or so for kicks and then move onto something better. Little did I know what I was about to get into!

Boys Over Flowers turned out to be one of my favorite shows of all time! So far I have watched it all the way through twice (in addition to getting my sister and my Mom to watch it with me). For my birthday this past year I got it on DVD. I also went so far as to get a poster, as well as a necklace like the one from the show. Can you say obsessed?

The show aired in 2009 and was a smash hit. Boys Over Flowers is based off the manga series of the same name (which I have since read-- all 36 volumes!) by Yoko Kamio. The story centers around a "commoner" girl, Jan Di, who is able to attend Shinhwa High on a scholarship. Shinhwa high is a school for the elite of the elite so only children of the very privileged are allowed to attend. On one of her first days of school, Jan Di offends Goo Jun Pyo, the king of Shinhwa high. However, over time Goo Jun Pyo falls for Jan Di. Throw in Jun Pyo's F4 buddies and his monster of a mother, and you're in for some real drama! Let's meet the characters....

Geum Jan Di

Jan Di is an extremely hard working person when she knows what she wants. She sticks strong to her morals and stands up for herself and her friends. While she looks cute in this picture, I must admit throughout the show she is pretty annoying. She loves to stuff her mouth full of food when she eats, and always, always talks when she is eating. She is not good at expressing her feelings, and is quite stubborn. She also makes some irritating decisions which made me want to smack her a couple of times. Nonetheless, Jan Di she is a very important part of the show and it wouldn't be the same without her.

Now onto the F4! F4 stands for Flower 4, which means that the four members are as handsome as flowers! 

Song Woo Bin

Woo Bin is the son of a mob boss. He is considered the glue of the F4 as he tends to stay impartial, but is always supportive of his friends. He is sweet, and has a love of integrating random English phrases into his speech, like "Yo man~". Woo Bin is the least important member of the F4 though, so let's move on.

Soh Yi Jung

Yi Jung is the Casanova of the F4. In addition to busting out his saxophone for impromptu club performances, he spends much of his free time in his studio making pottery. He is following in his fathers footsteps and is already a world renowned potter. Although he doesn't tend to show it, Yi Jung is very sensitive. As the show takes place, he shares a sweet relationship with Jan Di's best friend.

  Yoon Ji Hoo

Ahhh Ji Hoo. Ji Hoo is Jun Pyo's rival for Jan Di's heart. Ji Hoo has lived a somewhat troubled life to date. His parents died in a car accident when he was young, causing him to become estranged with the only family he had left, his Grandfather. His Grandfather also happens to be a former president of Korea. Ji Hoo is always there for Jan Di whenever she needs him, and is declared the fire fighter of Jan Di's heart as he knows the exact moment to show up when she needs him most. He is also an extremely talented violinist. While Jan Di has a hard time choosing between Ji Hoo and Jun Pyo, I think the viewers have an even more difficult time!

  Goo Jun Pyo

Jun Pyo is the leader of the F4. His parents own the Shinhwa company, who created Shinhwa high. Although he has yet to graduate from high school at the beginning of the show, he has already been on the cover of Forbes magazine as well as many others. As the heir to Shinhwa, his mother is grooming him to take over the company as she sees fit. Jun Pyo is rough around the edges, but Jan Di manages to bring out the best of him. Though he is horribly rude to anyone outside of the F4, everyone loves Jun Pyo (it's not hard to see why!). He is loyal to those who truly love him, and he will do whatever it takes to win over the girl he loves. He can be childish at times, but when he needs to be he is a man. I don't think there is enough I can say about Jun Pyo...by the end of the show you have no choice but to love him ^_^

Obviously, I highly recommend Boys Over Flowers. You can watch it (with English subtitles) on hulu. The first few episodes are a bit corny, but some of us are looking for corny in our lives! So if you are in the mood for the perfect mix of soap opera drama, epic romance, comedy, and handsome men I promise you will not be disappointed! Maybe it will be your gateway into Korean culture as well :)

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