#joong's part is the only highlight for me

[mysjams]

so that's what crazy form sounds like... well, I'm so glad the world era is over lol

[jaehunnyy]

The sound of our tied souls

Genre: soulmate!au, rockstar!au, kinda enemies-to-lovers but not really, a bit of angst, fluff, happy ending

Word count: 3.3k

Pairing: rockstar!San x fem!reader (feat. reader's best friend x Mingi)

Warnings: swear words (quite a lot), time-skip, kind of a bad guy attitude—San's a bit of a jerk at the beginning but he has a character development :), soulmate rejection, mentions of some jealous fans, kinda slow-burn, one kiss, possible grammar mistakes

A/N: this oneshot is part of @sungbeam's soulmate collab, which i was so proud to be part of; thanks for the opportunity, love 🤍

You got woken up by that annoying song again, your beauty sleep being thrown away for the rest of the night—cause it seemed like your soulmate had no sleeping schedule. You couldn't understand how he could listen to this all the time, you often wondered if his hearing was still intact—cause the loud growl of what seemed to be an electric guitar could surely manage to make you deaf by now. 

You have first discovered your soulmate bond after your 16th birthday, when you began hearing rock music everyday. Everyone was talking about how sweet their marks were: a tattoo with the letter of their significant other's name, a highlight in their hair matching their future partner's color, and the list could go on. You, on the other hand, had to struggle with listening to something you absolutely despised, without thinking that your soulmate returned the same feeling to your music choice. With a mischievous smile on your face, you made your way to your piano, starting to play one of your favorite songs. God, if only you knew how frustrated your soulmate got. 

"San, you messed up again! Can you fucking focus?" Hongjoong, the leader of their group, Guerrillas, shouted, watching as the culprit lowered his head. 

"I can't, Joong. I can't, because all I hear right now is Für Elise, and it messes my head up!" he shouted too, pulling his hair back in frustration.

The others looked at each other with confused looks; was there something they didn't know? Without actually meaning to, Mingi bursted into laughter, leading Wooyoung to chuckle as well. 

"Since when do you listen to classical music?" he asked San, smirking playfully. 

"I don't. That thing you call soulmate does." 

"You're hearing what your soulmate listens to?!" Wooyoung exclaimed, covering his mouth in shock. 

"Yeah. But you know I'm not into this shit of yours, so let's get back to practice. I'll try and focus." he simply said, taking his guitar again, the strap attached to it hugging his torso perfectly. 

Seonghwa shrugged and signaled the others to start playing, their practice session blooming once again. You could swear that he'd never played music that loud before; it felt like a competition between the two of you, and you smiled at the thought of having him so frustrated. You didn't know who he was nor how he looked, but you were ready to make his life a living hell, as much as he had started to turn yours into one.  

At one point, the music stopped and you managed to sleep a bit, but it was way too little for your liking. You woke up at the sound of your doorbell, your best friend standing behind the wooden door. 

"You won't believe what my boyfriend got me!" she said as soon as you opened the door, barging into your house like it was her own. 

"Do I wanna know?" you sighed, thinking that your best friend's excitement meant chaos. 

"He got me two tickets at his band's concert! We're gonna see the Guerrillas!" she jumped, pulling the two golden-like tickets from her pocket. 

She and Mingi—her soulmate, met a while ago, and since then, she was always talking about him and how much their music grew on her. She must have been so happy now, that her world had finally earned its colors. Her and Mingi's soulmate mark consisted of seeing the world in black and white, until the two of them met. You still remembered how fast they agreed on becoming a couple, and you still wondered how they made it work so well. You knew how proud she was of her boyfriend, mainly because it was the third time she was trying to convince you to go with her, thinking that it would be, somehow, her lucky chance. 

"There's no way I'm going to a rock concert." you protested, crossing your arms. 

"There's no way I'll leave you alone until you say yes." she smirked, shoving one of the tickets in your jacket. 

Nice try, you thought, before taking a moment to actually read the information on the ticket. How bad could it be, after all? Maybe, in this way, you could find more about your soulmate's favorite genre of music. You also thought it was maybe an occasion to meet Mingi's friends; you knew he was in the college's rock band, though you've never met them in this formula.

"Fine. I'm only doing it for Mingi's effort to get you these." you said coldly, side-eyeing your friend when she gave you a bear hug; it was gonna be a long week.

While the two were already making plans for the big day, the boys took a break from their intense practice session, starting to talk about whatever traveled their mind while drinking a can of energy drink. San was absent from their conversation, fidgeting with his calloused fingers, the effort of always trying to hit the right strings showing. The thought of having a soulmate was really burdening him, he didn't want to spend his energy searching for someone he didn't even want to meet. Little San would probably be disappointed, because all he has ever wished for was to grow up and meet his other half. Arts student San, though? He didn't need anything else as long as he had his guitar by his side; a capo and some sheet music could easily solve his problems. But he couldn't stand the thought of someone constantly hearing the feelings he tried expressing through music; it made him feel vulnerable, like he had no personal space anymore.

"San, do you agree with the outfits we've decided on?" Jongho asked, looking curiously at the way too quiet boy. 

"Huh… yeah, sure, sounds great." he replied, avoiding the way Yunho raised his eyebrow at his reply. 

"You didn't pay attention," he sighed, before adding some other words: "Something's definitely bothering you, so talk to us." 

"Is it because of your soulmate? Why don't you just search for her?" Wooyoung asked, feeling the way the elder tensed. "It should stop after you meet, right?" 

"Meeting her means that I have to be committed, and I don't want to commit to her." he spat, putting emphasis on not wanting to do so, and without bothering to spare his friends the slightest glance, he just took his things and left them speechless, in the middle of the studio. 

The week passed fastly, the not-so-wanted (by a certain someone, 'cause the whole college actually went crazy for it) concert finally coming to life. The boys were backstage, trying to memorize their lines or chords for the last time. You and your friend would be late though; because she couldn't let you wear the clothes you would usually wear. 

"I can't believe you want to wear a coat to a rock concert," she sighed, slightly amused by your antics. "They cover songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit, Sweet Child O' Mine and more, and they will most likely sing their own songs as well. This isn't Antonio Vivanti." 

You let out an offended scoff, grabbing the leather jacket she was trying to put on you and wearing it, despite the ick the weird material was giving you. "And it's Vivaldi, by the way. Pay respect!" 

"Yeah, yeah. C'mon, or else we will be late!" 

Luckily for her (‘cause you tried to lose as much time as you could), you arrived just when they settled on stage, greeting the ones who came to see them. You couldn't say you weren't a bit jealous whenever you saw the way her and Mingi looked at each other—because it did something to you. But you were scared of being rejected, pretty sure that the soulmate thing wasn't as easy as it seemed. 

Your thoughts were brushed off by the loud sound made by the mix of instruments, making you flinch, to your friend's amusement. Not being able to sneak outside because of her hand constantly holding yours, you decided that the least you could do was to pretend you were enjoying it. The others seemed to have fun too, even the boys, who really owned the stage—until something stole the show. San was taken aback by the way his in-ears worked—or so he thought. The same song they were performing was playing in a faded but bothering way in his ears, making him look at the others with a questionable look. He then made a few gestures to the staff, waiting for the song to stop so he could go and see what was wrong. Hongjoong looked at him worriedly while still focused on his bass, meanwhile Mingi almost messed up while playing the drums. 

"We will be back in a few minutes, wait for us, okay?" Jongho screamed, hoping to keep the audience busy for a bit, while the others went to see what was wrong with San; their mics weren't off, though. 

"There's nothing wrong with your in-ears, San. They work perfectly," the staff informed him, a few curse words leaving his mouth. 

"What if your soulmate is at the concert, San?" Yeosang asked innocently, almost like a joke—though the younger boy freezed in his place. 

The audience went crazy; some fangirls gasped and started to whisper several things about San's potential soulmate, meanwhile some of them had the same reaction as San. Some of them even started to run, looking suspiciously at every single girl they saw. "San has a soulmate?", "God, what did she do in her past life?", and so many other phrases that made you scoff. Who was this San and why was he so popular? The influence of his jealous fans spreaded through the whole venue, making the staff finally notice their mics and turn them off, though it was too late—the fuss was already created.

"I don't think that's the case—" Seonghwa tried to protest, but San stopped him. 

"I think that's exactly the case." San looked at them, before throwing his in-ears somewhere. "What should we do now? I don't want to perform anymore." 

"Then… let's wrap it up." Hongjoong sighed, before going back on stage. "Due to some unfortunate events, we need to stop here, darlings. Don't worry, we will come back soon!" He bowed and left the stage, leaving the fans high and dry. In other circumstances, nothing could have made him leave the stage that easily; he would have found a solution. But seeing how messed up his friend was, it made him want to try and understand him, he was going through a quite special phase, after all.

"I will go ask Mingi about what happened, do you want to come?" your friend asked, though your answer didn't even matter, she was already dragging you after her. 

She greeted her boyfriend and the others as if they knew each other since forever, asking them about what was wrong. 

"San hears whatever his soulmate is listening too, and he has only told us a few days ago," Mingi said, wrapping an arm around the girl's waist. 

Your eyes widened at what he said, but you decided to keep composure—maybe it was just a coincidence. 

"And she is into classical music, it's so frustrating. Why would she come to our concert?" San snapped, ignoring the guest his friend's soulmate brought. 

It all made sense to you then. You probably didn't realize the music coming from him because you tried to enjoy the new experience, but it made sense. The two-tone haired boy, the arrogant San everyone was talking about was standing in front of you—moreover, he was your soulmate; and he didn't seem too happy with the idea of being bonded to someone. 

"Who's the lady next to you?" Wooyoung asked, feeling the need to make you feel implied in the discussion. 

"She's Y/N, I dragged her here with me," your friend laughs awkwardly. "She's not a fan, but Mingi got me two tickets so I made use of them." 

"Oh! Do you happen to hear rock music sometimes?" Wooyoung asked, smirking playfully. 

"Uhm… no, sorry." you said, looking at San, who was already looking suspiciously at you. He was really arrogant, you wished to be able to reject him, but he seemed to do it first. 

"Even if she was, I told you guys I don't care. My soulmate can go search for another one." he said, before leaving them, once again. You were the next one to leave, not even caring about the possibility of giving your little secret away.

Even after a few days, you couldn't deny the emptiness you felt the moment you were indirectly rejected by your soulmate—it was definitely noticeable, somewhere in your heart. It was safe to say San didn't feel as good as he thought he would either, even when he rejected the one he was assigned to live his whole life with on purpose. He figured out it was you, because he stopped hearing the once annoying music; but he missed it. And the news about his soulmate was spread in the whole college as well, not helping at all; they were making even the outsiders interested in the tea going on. 

"I'm tired of this shit, guys. I won't come to practice today." 

Hongjoong looked at him once again, nodding, not knowing exactly how to comfort his friend in this situation, words long forgotten. San started to walk in the direction of where the studio was, his ears filling with the melodious sound of a piano playing. Like it was a habit of his, his legs guided him to the door, which he cracked open, just to reveal you playing the piano. Your fingers moved skillfully along the piano keys, Debussy's Clair de Lune resonating beautifully in the room. The sweet melody managed to comfort him somehow; he didn’t know if it was the calming nature of the song or the closure he was supposed to have with you, but he felt relaxed, listening peacefully until the painful silence started to bother him. He then took the matters into his own hands—in such a San way. 

"You’ve got some skills, soulmate," he said, his lips stretching into a little smile, though a little dimple made its appearance still. 

You got a bit surprised by his presence, but stopped what you were doing, to return a small smile and answer him. 

"Thank you. I guess you do too." 

"Was that Beethoven?" he asked curiously, sitting on the chair in front of the piano, next to you. 

"Claude Debussy, but A for effort," you said, smiling at his attempt. 

A wave of silence spread across the room, before you decided to break it: "We got off to a bad start, but we can still repair it. I'm Y/N," you said, sticking your hand out to him. 

He grabbed it, shaking it softly. "I'm San, nice to meet you again." He waited for another reaction of yours, but seeing that you didn't plan on saying anything else, he made the next step: "Let's be friends." 

You spent most of the day with him, sharing tips and talking about your opposite passions—though it was well known that opposites attract. Now, that you've gotten to know him a bit better, you could say he was more than just an arrogant guy. 

One month passed since your first interaction with your soulmate, and you would have never expected that there would be more; yet here you were, watching as he excitedly got two tickets from his pocket. 

"You're invited to our concert tonight! My treat this time, for you and our friend." he winked, handing the same golden-like tickets to you. 

"I'll be there, Sannie." you smiled, giving him a side hug before running to your class. He smiled softly, not believing the effect love could have on him.

Furthermore, tonight's stage would be an important one for him; it could mean accomplishment or failure, but he was still willing to try. The boys found him smiling like an idiot—but they enjoyed it, they could tease him about how a certain someone made him change. He never failed to amaze them, but someone definitely brought the best in him. He watched as the boys looked at him, his freshly dyed hair glowing nicely into the dim lights. His hands were covered in a pair of fingerless mesh gloves, fingers full of rings, while his t-shirt was nicely tucked in his leather pants. Some chains were dangling on his neck and waist, and a fake lip ring laid on his lower lip, completing the rockstar look he opted for. 

"Where's San and what have you done with him?" Yeosang joked, entertaining the other seven boys in the room. 

"Shut up, Sang. Are you ready?" Seonghwa asked, taking his mic and retouching the last details for tonight's show. 

"Never been more ready." San smiled, taking his guitar and being the first one to get on stage. 

"Hello guys, thank you for coming today too!" Wooyoung exclaimed, getting ready to perform at his best. 

You and your friend were somewhere in the front row, singing along with the other fans who came to see the eight boys. You were bouncing with her, enjoying the genre you softly became addicted to, but it was surely an influence San had on you. You didn't know what happened to you, but you still had hope, that maybe something would change his mind. Suddenly, the culprit's voice was heard in the whole venue, catching your attention and making you stop whatever you were doing. 

"As you all know, one month ago, I met my soulmate at the concert we held in the same place. I'd like her to join me here, please, Y/N?" he smiled, gesturing for you to get on stage, next to them. 

You looked confusedly at your friend, who pushed you in the direction of the stage, playing their game. You got there, finding yourself in front of the crowd and waving awkwardly at them, not expecting to hear their loud screaming. 

"I know I was a bit of a douchebag at the beginning, and that was definitely not the way you wanted us to meet. I messed up, but I hope you can forgive me." 

The fans cheered up louder, while a big smile found its way to your face, making the boy's lips stretch into one as well. 

"I know I rejected you at the beginning, but let me try to fix things. I hope it's not too late," he laughed softly, before continuing: "Have you started your looking for another soulmate project yet?" 

You burst into laughter, nodding as no a few times. His cheeks got colored in a crimson red tone, and you could swear you've never seen anything cuter than a shy rockstar.

"Can I have the chance of being the lucky one, then?" he asked and watched as your expression changed, nervousness noticeable in his voice as well. 

"I thought you considered yourself unluck—" Wooyoung interrupted, but Jongho was fast to cover his mouth and prevent him from saying anything else. "You're screwing the moment, Woo." he said, mouth still pressed on his older friend's mouth. 

You laughed at their antics, taking the mic from San's hand. 

"As much as you've annoyed me, I still like you, Choi San. I always did, which is why I would actually love to give you this chance." 

As soon as you finished your romantic little speech, he cupped your face, pressing his lips on yours softly. The fans went crazy, cheering and jumping as the two of you sealed the promise of loving each other forever with a soft kiss. 

"With these being said, I'd like to announce the title of our next album, entitled The sound of our tied souls!" Yunho said, making the night of every single soul attending that concert, the stars shining even brighter above their heads.

You pressed your forehead on San's, admiring his beauty while your noses rubbed lovingly against each other's. The road you had to walk on to find your soulmate was a tough one, but looking back on it, you wouldn't want it another way; you were too excited for your future with your other half—the arrogant boy you started to love, the one destined to be eternally yours. 

[chi-haku]

time to rank the new ateez album!! as always, this ranking is EXCLUSIVELY based on my very first listen (with the exception of the title). no relistening until after i finish ranking. this one was a doozy aka the hardest album to ever rank.

lets get started below the cut!!

1. dune - oh my god the build. at first i was like hmmm but the build to the chorus i literally am ascending this plane. sorry to my job i wont make it in today i have to listen to this song on repeat. the bridge at 2:15 i just melted into the ground i am but a simple man. AND THE BRIDGE JUST KEEPS GOING. quite possibly my favorite ayghshhshdjfk

2. wake up - this song is classic ateez sound ‼️AND I LOVE THAT‼️ i was like surely this wont make my ranking any harder—YOU CAN HEAR MY VOICE!! kinda like cyberpunk pt 2 which was the best song off the movement. i cant wait to play a crazy shooter to this. jongho once again eating up the whole industry with his power.

3. bouncy - this song has been stuck in my head since i saw the mv this morning. RAPPER SEONGHWA!!! begging the dj to play this next time i go out no shame. also sans sit back and relax everybody that is my BIAS and that killed me three times i love it. this song is actually such a fun fun title i love it ateez titles are never disappointing

4. django - this album is so hard to rank there is not a single skip here; WOAH WOAH WOAH love that part it fucks!! oh my god the jongho and the ‘you better run’ i am kicking and screaming this is so good. this is only slightly above the world because of that and the outro they are basically the same rank

4. this world - oh my god the cunt; i immediately gasped when this song started. mingi and joongs rap in it eats so fucking hard. oh my god the SPOOKY SYNTH????? love this. want it x1000

4. outlaw - another classic ateez sound. OH MY GOD THE ANTI DROP. i thought this would be easy to rank it is not. django, the world, and this song are all equally as good imo (i just only listen to each song only once to rank them and thats why my rankings change an insane amt a week later) FUCK THE END OF THIS SONG JUST FUCKED UP ALL OF MY RANKINGS FUCK!!! ok theyre all sharing a rank. is this an accurate way to rank things. no. but i am a simple man.

album highlights: every rap verse eats. jongho eating up every vocal part. EVERYONE in the bouncy mv. im sure the lore in it is also insane im just behind. ateez made an album with no skips. this. this may quite possibly be my favorite boy group album this year so far. that is actually insane.

[ilargeicontradictmiself]

So i dont know how to explain this so ill just tell you what i thought while i was watching the ep and we'll see whether i get inspired from there but ill probably edit this post as things develop into words in brain. (Ryeon ep15 related)(ramble) (Joong-gil ep15 too at the end) (this is long)

If you actually read this , get up, go to the bathroom maybe , drink some water take a walk or just open a window and stare out into the world for a bit. Do something completely unrelated to this. For me <3

everything ryeon has been holding in and now the clock is ticking (idk why but that's what she said) and things dont just not go well but she cares so much because of this about this case and Joong-gil shows up at the last minute and betrays her so much its insane. But she doesn't want to fully lash out at him because even though he's a different person (oh btw miss "he's a different person" couldn't look at Ryu without catching her breath, so maybe we're just avoiding things me thinks) she still hurt him with this (i think she recognizes that her actions kind of echoed to these opinions of his) and she says to this guy she's beating up "you're looking for someone else to blame " and i think her spree is caused both by the fact that she's at her limit and this stupid world hasn't changed and these fucking people are heartless and here we are again but she's also looking to lash out at someone other than Joong-gil for what he did. And "you have crossed the line" , "when have i not crossed the line", "this is different " it is, its too much.

Gut punch of a scene when he tells her "(..*pain*...) How could a person like that deceive me and work under me" and are you really doing this right now and you can see all of that and more in her face and she still points out "i never deceived you" I LOVE THAT SHE DOESN'T BUCKLED WHEN SHE LOOKS AT HIM there are scenes when you can see her taking a step back either out of rank respect or because its him or both but she never backs down when she cares she never lets whatever feelings she has for him get in the way of what she wants to say just like she never did. This is part of their relationship and always has been. They talk.

It feels like this has been building up in her from the start (!!!<3!!!)

And because this kickballed to their relationship and him. I am fascinated by the mount of betrayal he feels. Like from the beginning everything suicide related she (the RM team) has done has felt like a person offence to him.

Emperor calling his existence pathetic was a highlight dont ask me to explain why but it makes sense

I am mad at him for everything gut punch arrangement scene related

I talked about this somewhere else but i can not bare the thought of finding someone, you love each other so much, you grow together,and grow up together,you make promises, find purposes and have hopes for the future make your lives together. Something absolutely horrible happens but you find each other, you fight and find each other, you go home and you try every day to heal from what happened and the people you swore to protect are the ones to tear everything down and you loose yourself, both of you do, and then you loose each other.

That scene the emperor says "usually it only takes one lifetime" and then the hospital 👌👌👌👌

The trauma of that, i do not have the ability to describe any of this.

Such pain, and loneliness,and betrayal and regret and love and all of it just all of it.

Must have been so frustrating having all these pieces of a life he doesn't recognize and he finally had enough (loved to see it)

Spoilers from promo:

I dont want to say anything related to whether he asked her to make him forget or not want to see the rest first, i think he'll remember and feel horrible and take the blame but maybe even before that he won't want ryeon to go to hell(thus the "jumadeung will handle things internally") he's mad (wrong word) at her but he still knows her even if he doesn't remember plus he still wants to remember.

[motherflecker]

This episode was so funny bfdybjb I didn't expect joongdunk to use so much flirty phrases LMAOOOO and when Force said I'm in every fandom except of my own FTCUBHUV AND WHY IS THAT SIR AHAHCGFHC okay the boys were very hilarious today (not exactly today but you know) and the way Book and Force exactly predicted what the results will be txrdgycrcyj okay but I'm a little bitter that they used half of the episode to sell us that Texas chicken oh my god no i won't eat it even if all the rest of the food in the world runs out. Let my boys let them say something that is not an advertising slogan!!!!!! Squee share your thoughts too please ❤️

IT WAS SO FUNNY force you're killing me, man. be part of your own fandom. give me more stuff. do it, you jerk.

here are some highlights of the ep for me

the lack of personal space between force and book during the intro like sirs did you need to pile up on each other to snoop on joongdunk orrrr

joong and dunk immediately hijacking the show from force and book

p'force and p'book!!! sometimes i forget that force and book are a little older than the usually gmmtv boys. like they're both 25?? and book is older than force by a few months. i'm used to the gmmtv boys being between 18-23 or so.

sugar daddy force paying for everything again 😭

making fun of dunk for being a Fancy Boy ("he just talks like that!")

book being a ~*~*~ LOCAL MAN~*~*~

the dramatic posing as they changed into the suits and posed with the go-karts

book: "i'm last to start and i'll remain that way" -> SOMEHOW WINS he reminds me of that australian guy who won the ice skating olympics bc everyone else fell down

force: I'M JUST HERE FOR THE CONTENT proceeds not to say anything while driving bc he's too focused on driving

dunk aggressively shooting the hell out of book and still losing

joong CRASHING HIS CAR?? him like "i was waving at people and then i crashed 😭" my dude, my man, precious boy

"P'BOOK IS A PAIN IN THE ASS, I JUST REALIZED" welcome to forcebook, joong

the hard sell of the chicken LMAO.... THE MONKEY'S PAW THAT IS GETTING MORE FBSR BUT ONLY BECAUSE OF TEXAS CHICKEN

then finally "WATCH AND LEARN" "YOU NEVER FLIRT WITH ME ANYMORE" i hate them, they're an old married couple and that is their entire #aesthetic

tl;dr never leave me, forcebook. forcebook forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[gunsatthaphan]

no one asked for this but I’m still processing everything from today lol so here’s a quick rundown of my thoughts on all the series that were announced today (in chronological order; BLs (or the ones with bl elements) are marked with a 🏳️‍🌈and my favorites with a 🌟)

let me know what yall think!!!!

- The Three GentleBros: I’m definitely digging the LukeTayGun trio (and also the girls) but the mom is so toxic lol rip. The story is not bad though and it could be interesting to see them break free from her but I’m not sure yet. this could go either way. oh and also they definitely have different dads lol. 

- Unidentified Mysterious Girlfriend: this is giving me Stranger Things vibes lol and looks like Nanon is back in the sci-fi genre which I’m not mad about cuz we know he’s good at this kind of stuff but I was still hoping to see him in something different again. Him and Namtan could be a good duo though. 

- Star and Sky:  I was a bit confused by the trailer bc.... it’s like 2 series in 1? And the stories are back to back? or what. I’m not understanding the concept yet lol but lemme tell you the MekMark part of the story blew me away omg. It’s giving major ATOTS vibes but I love these kinds of stories so much. So I’ll definitely be looking forward to that. JoongDunk look good as well although Joong’s character seems a bit stiff. Hopefully he will losen up a bit. Really excited for this one nonetheless! (🏳️‍🌈🌟)

- Home School: Another dark school-themed series with the usual suspects lol. Not gonna lie I’m a bit over the “students uncovering the school’s dark secret” trope that we’ve seen a billion times already so I don’t know if I’ll be watching this one. The cast is good though. 

- Cupid’s Last Wish: We all knew this was coming but EarthMix in a rural setting is just a match made in heaven lmao. I’m still unsure about the body swap plot bc I still hate those but maybe these 2 have the power to change my mind. What I like though is the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers trope that I’ve never seen before. Also I feel like this will showcase Mix’s acting talent and I’m def ready for that. (🏳️‍🌈🌟)

- Oops! Mr. Superstar Hit on Me: Absolutely hate this one. Not feeling the story at all which is a bummer because I was excited to see Jane in something new. But this is making me all kinds of uncomfortable. thank you next.  

- My dear Donovan: the visuals of the cast are not bad but other than that I’m not intrigued. next. 

- The Warp Effect: I had to watch this 3 times to fully grasp everything that’s going on lmaooo - and Geez it’s really a lot. I feel a bit intimidated dksfds. To be honest though I can’t say I don’t appreciate them being so shameless about sexuality and sex education lol. Although the line “I want to get pregnant for my girlfriend, can I have your sperm?” will now haunt me forever lmao. So yeah this could either go well or backfire. We shall see. (🏳️‍🌈)

-  The Eclipse: LITERAL MASTERPIECE. Literally this is my personal highlight out of all the trailers. KhaoFirst is something I never expected but omg this looks amazing. It’s yet another school-themed plot which has me a bit weary but this hits different. I don’t understand the plot yet and I’m glad I don’t because this trailer doesn’t tell us anything but rather gives us a vibe and that vibe is ✨ immaculate ✨ I’m so obsessed with it already. First and Khao are two of my absolute favorites and they’re gonna kill it together I know it. A+++ I need it ASAP. (🏳️‍🌈🌟🌟🌟)

- Good Old Days: Gmmtv seems to have a thing for 3 things: 1. nostalgia 2. time travelling 3. throwing BW in the same series and purposefully not putting them together lmaoo. All of this is so funny to me you have no idea. But anyway this didn’t really have a grip on me. Next. 

- Never Let Me Go: YOOOO this is insane. The only way I was imagining PondPhuwin to come back was FUTS2 which I was already mentally preparing for. But THIS?????? Holy SHIT. I’m on the floor. The darker theme fits them SO well. I was also surprised to see Chimon in this but he fit in effortlessly as well. I literally have no words. This is gonna be epic. (🏳️‍🌈🌟)

- 10 Years Ticket: Off and Ohm could be a reason for me to watch this but other than that I’m not quite on board. 

- You Fight and I Love: YES I like this one!!!! I’m digging the JossLove ship already and also this is little Mick’s first role and he’s adorable 🥺 lol. This is going on my watchlist for sure. (🌟)

- Midnight Motel:  I would consider watching this for Off cuz he’s serving in this but I’m not a fan of the plot. So probably not. 

- Moonlight Chicken: I might’ve cried while watching this omfg. Another highlight for sure. The vibes in this are phenomenal like yes give me ANOTHER EarthMix series but this time make it sexy kjsdhfds. First and Khao are also in this which makes it even better. And there seems to be a deaf character if I saw correctly which is pretty cool as well. 11/10 obsessed already. (🏳️‍🌈🌟🌟🌟)

- Dirty Laundry: “Is my happiness a guy or money?” I mean...... mood lmao. This looks super chaotic and I can’t tell if it’s the good kind of chaotic yet lol. Jennie and Foei could be an interesting match lol but remains to be seen. 

- Vice Versa: EH. another body swap plot... hm. But will I still watch it solely bc OhmNanon are in it? the answer is yes. Also it’s a JittiRain adaption so this could end up being better than I expect. Also I really like the soundtrack!!! Bring it. (🏳️‍🌈)

- P.S. I Hate You: Not really feeling the plot but this has a potential BL sideplot so..... maybe? (🏳️‍🌈)

- My School President: If I took my glasses off and watched this trailer in full blur, I would probably think it’s *insert one of the 524 high school bls here* - Didn’t we say we’ve had enough of those? lol. Not sure if I’m into it yet. (🏳️‍🌈)

- Devil Sister & Astrophile: these 2 are yet another edition of “how can we make it clear to these fuckers that brightwin is cancelled?” lmao. Not really digging either of them though. bye. 

- You Are My Favorite: WELLWELLWELL----- what do we have here. This is for sure the shocker of the night lmao. Like holy hell. If there’s one thing I didn’t expect then it’s this. A little birdie (aka @sunsetknowsaboutyou) told me that this was supposed to be MikeToptap’s first series and idk what to do with that information HHHHH. Anyway please don’t hate me but after watching the trailer again, the plot actually does not look too bad..... I don’t know. I’m still confused about what to think of this. UGH. Anyway moving on for now. (🏳️‍🌈)

------------------------------------------

So yeah all in all I’m still overwhelmed lol but my top 3 are for sure The Eclipse, Moonlight Chicken and Never Let Me Go. EarthMix, PondPhuwin and FirstKhao were most def the winners of the night and I can’t wait to cancel all my plans I had for 2022 for them (what plans u ask? bold of u to assume i had any to begin with).

sorry this got so long. Send me an ask or drop a reply with your thoughts! I’m curious 💜 

xxx

[absolutebl]

Some thoughts on last week’s BL episodes

RE: Cupid’s Last Wish

I’m completely with you on this one and would not blame you for not finishing. The highlights have been Mix and Jan’s acting—their ability to believably portray the same character has been really impressive to me, as has Mix’s ability in general to portray such a wide range of emotions with Win and make me feel right along with him. I think Win would have been even more unlikeable with a different actor.

Plus, I find Buddhism really interesting and I know it’s a big part of Thai culture. Growing up with Western media, there was always that religious tie-in with Christianity in supernatural stories about vampires/werewolves/fey. It’s super cool to me, then, to get a Thai version of that, where Buddhism and Buddhist monks are the religious tie-in to a supernatural story and seeing what kind of supernatural abilities a Thai person would ascribe to a Buddhist monk (like instantly knowing that the person in front of them is in the wrong body).

But these things definitely can’t save that show and I’m honestly surprised I keep watching each week. From the weird mukbang scene in literally every episode, to the director’s shocking inability to make either of these very handsome men ever come off as sexy on-screen, to the complete unlikability of Win, to the seemingly complete lack of comeuppance for the two meanies (are they a couple? are they brother and sister? I literally still don’t know), it’s just been a disaster. I find myself very grateful it’s only 10 episodes. (Can we just get to Vice Versa already?!?!?! 😭)

RE: KinnPorsche

I dunno, I’m very on the fence with this series. (The vomit-breath sex scene has really stuck with me in a bad way. What is it with Thai shows and showing people vomiting?! It’s not sexy!)

I’m a huge fan of highly likable but bad or at least morally grey characters. (One of my favorite TV shows of all time is NBC’s Hannibal, wherein Mads Mikkelsen portrays a vicious cannibal with so much class and charm that you wish you could be his friend.)

From the first episode, I thought we were going to get a love story between two charming but not actually very nice people, and I was intrigued as hell. In reality, what we got was “I’m not really like this; I’m just this way because my family makes me”, which has been a serious let-down for me.

It makes me want to go write my own love story between a mob boss who actually likes being a mob boss and the bodyguard who takes pride in being a skilled killer. (It would probably look something like Ciel and Sebastian from Black Butler but as adults and with less soul-eating and more dick-sucking.)

RE: Star in my Mind

I may be the only person, but I have really enjoyed this one. I like both of the main characters and the side characters as well. Despite the setting it doesn’t feel stale at all, and I think that’s because I haven’t seen the “I confessed to him in high school and now we’re meeting again” storyline before.

Most importantly, I’ve personally felt so far like all of conflict has believably grown out of the characters themselves, instead of feeling like a producer just baiting the audience. And I liked the pace of travel.

That said, that ended at the end of this last episode. The whole “I can’t stand violence” shtick was not telegraphed in advance that I saw, and it definitely felt to me like a gimmick to keep the main couple apart. It ruined what I thought was a really nice landing zone for the couple to resolve their (current) differences and get together for the first time at the end of that episode.

On the pronoun side, I’ve been a bit surprised Kluen is a กู/มึง guy. I’m sure the writers wanted to portray him as masculine, but those words are also vulgar/rough, right? He seems like a much too neutral kind of person for that. Very quietly confident, nothing to prove. (Honestly I’ve really liked Joong’s portrayal of the character. That, “In this, I’m an idiot” scene really got me.) I dunno, it just doesn’t seem to match to me, but that’s a very hot take from someone who’s still just learning about this stuff.

One last thing

The YouTube recommendations got me turned on to a Vietnamese BL that’s currently running called “Biển Lặng” (directly translates as “Calm Sea” but official English title is “The Promise”) that you might check out if you have time. It’s just six episodes of 20~25 minutes each, which I think they’ll release as a single “movie” video once all episodes are out, but I’ve really enjoyed the first four episodes.

The main character, Tân, is an adorable disaster of a human that has somehow charmed me and I’ve really found myself rooting for the main couple. It’s a stepbrothers premise, though, and I’m getting the vibe that there’s probably not going to be a happy ending, so some things to be aware of.

Hope you’re having a great week!

Hi Hi!

I pretty much agree with you on everything.

I did watch the first two eps of The Promise, then gave up on it and am now waiting for @heretherebedork's report on how it ends.

[sunlightnmoonshine]

In the end (pt. 1)

It feels a little surreal that the show is over and I will no longer have anything to look forward to because the devil judge set such a high bar in terms of writing and character exploration that I will always hold dear to my heart. Given that its actually done, I found myself drowning in the realisation that we will never see these characters again and how I feel about where the show left them off. So this is me coming to terms with it:

1. Min Jung Ho - Snake lol. Something I admired about the writing was how they didn't try to make him all out some evil piece of shit but rather someone that had a very strong misguided belief off some strange frustrations against Yohan who was changing the legal system more radically but effectively. Which he could not come to terms with. In the end he villanised Yohan and ignored the actual problems that persisted and inevitably contributed to the problem all in a sense of self righteousness, ah sorry, hypocrisy is the better word. The show leaves him looking oh so pathetic, he can't even raise his head to meet Gaon, the boy he betrayed severely and he'll rot for the rest of his life going down in history as a hypocrite who did nothing to actually fix the system he claimed he would be the arm of justice for. Its a fitting end.

2. Heo Joong Se: Clown. The show really said he's a spoilt, stubborn arrogant joke until the end. Down to the way he insulted everyone but specifically insulted women. The way all he did in that court room was scream his head off without an ounce of remorse somehow still deluded by the fact that he's doing this for the country? But knowing fully well he's a businessman through and through and that was all he will be. I can not stress how phenomenal it is that it is Jung Sun Ah that shoots him dead. Its clear he's had it coming from her hand ever since she tried to suffocate him during the massage but it's just how randomly she does it. She's sick of him, she's aware she's going to be targeted, she's aware he's done too much behind her back and never once respected her and its in the midst of one of his screaming fits particularly screaming "I am the King" that the bullet goes through and there's silence. Perfection.

3. The rest of the clowns of the SRF : idle bystanders that turned an eye away from inherent evil and repeatedly benefitted off of their actions without an ounce of remorse yet again. But hilarious nevertheless because they really became jesters on that stage in a desperate fit to live, threw themselves away to get out a door. It's noteworthy that they spent most of their time trying to stop the other from leaving instead of quietly watching and just getting out. None of them of are capable of that, they only know to take from others. Crumbling under the systematic stage they built? Poignant. I don't really care what anyone says they deserved to die point in tow with HJS who saw human life as so unworthy of it wasn't their own. There's a reason why human trafficking is considered one of the worst of crimes, human experimentation falls closely next to it. All because they were poorer than them. Guess their greed really out did them. Tried to put on a show in a court house which was anyway all just a staged facade and ultimately they died on that stage with their masks out for everyone to see. For their people to see them throw each other away to live. If they were going to throw each other away - their own kind- what wouldn't they do to the lower class? Oof the show gave them what they deserved- humiliation.

4. Jung Sunah - I still struggle to come to terms with how she's gone and how painful everything about her was until the last minute. It's clear Sunah has been breaking for a few episodes now. She's so close to the top and she's realised how truly alone she is and she's realised Yohan will never want her the way she wants him to. She's realised every person she used to get to where she was, ended up being wasted stepping stones because she doesn't have what she wants all the way at the top and never will. The way the show has her quietly go to the experimentation centre and weep over the girl she saw herself in but someone she initially turned away from because she's not part of her bigger plan. The child she left to fall prey to the people Sunah has inevitably helped secure positions in her attempt to secure her own position. The way the show focuses on how the child has been repeatedly pierced with needles something Sunah hates the most and how she realises this is also her fault. She probably thought hey I'll get to the top and do things my way but as Yohan pointed out, ruling over trash isn't it, it'll never be worth it and she's essentially walking with a target on her back and she'll never be free because the weight of her sins will catch up to her and the rich will always be after her because she's not the same as them. She would be living on the edge forever. And she knows this.

Something I found very interesting was how she wasnt roped in on the crimes of the Dream House Project. Yohan only highlighted her crime as having killed K and Soohyun and its the frustration she feels in that moment that really gets me. It's also why I think she could never get out of the show because she killed innocent people which is highlighted repeatedly and at the time never showed remorse for it. BUT I love how the show somehow saves her from humiliation, until the end they paint her with regality and power because that is who Sunah is. Frankly she could have walked right out of the door while they were throwing a fit and Yohan would have let her because that was the terms of the game but he'd have come after her at some point and even if he didn't Gaon most certainly would have.

But it's the way the show brought it all back to how she feels about Yohan since he's the other half of what she's always wanted, the way she's happy he's alive, how she goes and stands in front of him and she's got her hand on the trigger of the gun while Yohan on the button of detonator. I believe, if Sunah had shot him Yohan would have detonated the bomb and died with them and I also believe deep down Sunah knew Yohan would somehow get out of this even if she didn't shoot him, so she really gave him the chance to get out and back to Elijah. I am not sure if Sunah couldn't shoot Yohan or if she didn't want to, and I lean towards the latter because she really liked him, it might have been ill placed desire but if things were different if she hadn't sided with the SRF in hopes of getting to the top she and Yohan might have worked things out and they would both be healing. If she only hadn't killed the innocent people to make a point... But at the end of it Sunah took her fate into her hands and I appreciate that the show gave her the agency over it, to decide not to shoot Yohan because she's finally letting go ( I stand by this but if Yohan had died Sunah would have lost - she never wanted him to die), because she won't do what the rest of the SRF scum want of her and because she's fine with going on her own terms.

That doesn't mean it didn't hurt though... I cry thinking about it because the show tried really hard to show how unfair everything was to Sunah and how if circumstances had been different, if the world had cared a bit more how she might have turned out differently. Her final moments the flashback to the one act of kindness she had needed in her life, the way Yohan really must have sparkled in her eyes, and how much she valued that moment all the way to her death because no matter what, in his own loneliness and difficulty he was kind to her. Jeez it hurts.

Ideally I'd have wanted her to live but I don't know how that would have worked out. At the end of it not all villains are evil. Some are products of the ills of the system that left them alone and let them become monsters but behind a monster there can also be a victim.

[odanurr87]

My thoughts on... Hotel del Luna

From left to right: Pyo Ji-hoon as Ji Hyun-joong; Yeo Jin-goo as Gu Chan-sung; Lee Ji-eun (IU) as Jang Man-wol; Bae Hae-seon as Choi Seo-hee; and Shin Jung-keun as Kim Sun-bi.

Released in 2019, Hotel del Luna was my introduction to the works of the Hong sisters as well as actors Yeo Jin-goo and Lee Ji-eun (IU), and what an introduction it was! The first episode of the show was excellent, giving us a hint of Man-wol’s tragic past that left me wanting to know more, then moving forwards in time to reenact that scene from Beauty and the Beast where Belle’s father is caught trying to steal a rose from Beast’s garden to give to Belle, and finally reaching present day as Man-wol tries to recruit Chan-sung and introduces him, and us, to this world of gods, ghosts, and souls with lingering grudges, that reminded me of the wondrous world of Harry Potter. Everything clicked for me in this episode, from the beautiful cinematography and music to the strong performances, particularly IU’s as Man-wol who knocked it out of the park and, incidentally, has a most impressive wardrobe and an uncanny ability to look amazing in every single one of her outfits. This was a highly promising start for my next modern fantasy show after Goblin and I couldn’t wait for the next episode. But what is this show about and why should you watch it?

Plot synopsis

21 years ago, Gu Chang-sung’s father cut a deal with the beautiful and mysterious owner of Hotel del Luna, Jang Man-wol, so that she would save his life in exchange for his son. Regretting the deal afterwards, the father left the country with his son hoping to spare him his fate. Believing himself to be safe, Gu Chan-sung has returned to work as assistant manager in one of Korea’s top hotels but Jang Man-wol is intent on collecting on the old debt by having him work in her hotel instead. However, Hotel del Luna is not your typical establishment, as Gu Chan-sung soon finds out, providing a service for souls who need healing or have grudges left to settle before moving on. While initially afraid of the prospect of becoming assistant manager at a hotel that serves ghosts, Gu Chan-sung finds himself intrigued by the challenge and curious about the story of the beautiful owner who runs it.

A magical atmosphere

Stepping into the world of Hotel del Luna feels like taking the train at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and attending Hogwarts. In fact, our intrepid hero, Gu Chan-sung, also receives a magical letter welcoming him as Hotel del Luna’s new manager, and while there’s nothing magical about the subway that takes him there Jang Man-wol does use a little magic to ensure their first encounter goes undisturbed. The hotel itself reminded me of Hogwarts, not because it is filled with ghosts and can only be found by them (and the very much alive and fearful human manager), but because of the feeling of perpetual wonder knowing that behind every door lies a new magical mystery waiting to be discovered, be it a room only people who are alive can enter but not exit, the sky lounge, a swimming pool that is actually a beach in some undetermined plane of existence, or a beautiful garden with a magical tree that holds one of the hotel’s biggest secrets. Of course, one should not forget CEO Jang Man-wol (if one wishes to live) who, while certainly a very different character from Albus Dumbledore in terms of personality, always knows more than she’s letting on and is usually in control of any situation, even if the outcome isn’t always the one she anticipates. There is also the wonderful supporting cast in the form of the different incarnations of the deity Ma Go-sin (played by Seo Yi-sook, who looks like she’s having a blast playing the different sides of the goddess), a reserved but diligent Grim Reaper (played by Kang Hong-suk), and the welcoming staff of the hotel, represented by the trio of Kim Sum-bi (the bartender), Choi Seo-hee (the room manager), and Ji Hyun-joong (the hotel receptionist).

In the same way we cannot divorce Harry Potter from its music, given its distinct signature by that legend that is John Williams, I cannot forego mentioning Hotel del Luna’s mysterious, magical, and ethereal, instrumental soundtrack. Let me take you on a brief musical tour, shall I? Let’s start by taking subway line 4 and going to Hotel del Luna. The receptionist seems to be asleep so why don’t we let ourselves in? Wow, looks like the hotel’s throwing a party, apparently they’re welcoming human guests for the first time in years and the staff is particularly excited about it. That explains how we managed to get in (remember, this is not really a hotel for living, breathing, people). I can see that the bartender is busy receiving food orders and members of the staff are decorating the hall with real flowers. Hey, where’s that kid sneaking off to? Let’s follow him. Oh, that’s the Samdocheon Tunnel, which marks the boundary between this life and the afterlife. The Grim Reaper and the manager are there to bid farewell to one of the hotel’s guests. Apparently, there’s a bridge beyond the tunnel that takes 49 days to cross! I’m not eager to cross it just yet so let’s return to the hotel. Wait, why is there water everywhere? Looks like a water god managed to get past the receptionist (not that difficult when he’s asleep) and the CEO isn’t very happy about it. Yup, she definitely doesn’t look happy. We’d better make our exit before she figures out we shouldn’t be here.

To complement this excellent instrumental soundtrack, my favourite among all the kdramas I’ve watched to date, there’s an amazing selection of songs by artists like Red Velvet, TAEYEON, Heize, Punch, Chung Ha, and Paul Kim, among many others. IU herself sings an absolutely beautiful song that plays in one of the most highly-anticipated scenes of the show but which, sadly, has not been released. However, just as important as having a great soundtrack is using it well. If you’ve read my reviews of Angel’s Last Mission: Love or Strong Woman Do-Bong Soon, you should have an idea of how much I value using the right music at the right time to convey or accentuate the proper emotions during dramatic, comedic, or romantic scenes. Correct music usage can lead to your soundtrack being memorable, whereas incorrect music usage will surely render it forgettable. Fortunately for us, Hotel del Luna knows precisely when to use its music and how. It knows when levity is called for and when it’s not, when to highlight the wondrous side of magic and when to show its darker side, when to use Heize’s “Can You See My Heart” or Punch’s “Done For Me.” I believe it was John Williams, when talking about the music of the original Star Wars trilogy, who said that he wanted the score to tell the story of what was going on in the screen. I believe Hotel del Luna’s score achieves this feat.

Another aspect that contributes to the magical atmosphere of the show is, without a doubt, its incredible cinematography (from camera angles, through its beautiful use of lighting and colours) which, combined with its excellent score, can create scenes that are best defined as poetry in motion. I particularly liked how it favoured studio sets for shooting many of its scenes, giving the sensation that we’re watching a superb play that encourages us to send our imagination into overdrive. Even some of the more noticeable VFX work, like the city view from the hotel’s sky lounge plays into the notion that one cannot always tell what’s real and what’s fake in Hotel del Luna, as Man-wol warns Chan-sung that the view from the sky lounge is not from this world, but the fall will kill him just the same (Man-wol being Man-wol). Because I’m not knowledgeable enough to explain the show’s cinematography in technical terms, I’ll leave you with a trailer that captures some aspects of it and, luckily, also showcases Jang Man-wol’s incredible selection of dresses.

A part of a greater whole

In my review of Bring it on, Ghost I mentioned the show followed a certain formula that is often poorly executed in Western shows. There is a main story-arc that encompasses the whole of the show and there are side stories where our protagonists confront the “ghost of the week.” One of the strengths of Bring it on, Ghost lied in how these side stories would sometimes tie into the main story or would be used to expand on a character’s backstory so that they rarely came across as filler. Hotel del Luna executes the same formula with a lot more thought and care, often laying out the groundwork for events later down the episode, what is expected, or even later down the show, what is a bit more impressive. The Hong sisters remain true to their initially-stated intention throughout the show and reinforce this with the aid of these side stories, preparing both Gu Chan-sung and us for the inevitable dénouement of the show. Let me try to illustrate my point by way of an example. I don’t want to give more for fear of completely spoiling the show for you.

Episode 5 tells the story of a ghost bride whose parents want to give a soul wedding so she will be able to peacefully pass into the afterlife. Unfortunately, the chosen partner for this soul wedding ends up being Gu Chan-sung’s best friend, Sanchez, so while Man-wol goes shopping as Audrey Hepburn with the parents’ black card (our girl has very expensive tastes), Gu Chan-sung tries to figure out a way to spare his terrified friend. After some twists and turns, what is often the case with this show as the truth is not always what it seems, it is revealed that it is actually the groom’s parents who want to marry off the bride so she’ll let go of their son, who’s in a coma. For those who’ve watched Bring it on, Ghost, the parallels with the ghost side story from Episode 10 are fairly evident, as the ghost bride needs to find the strength to let go of the person she loves and she ultimately does so in one of the most beautifully composed scenes of the show. This is one of those “poetry in motion” scenes I was talking about. As the groom runs away in shock and fear, the bride gathers the courage to cut the red string of fate tying them together, under the intent gazes of Gu Chan-sung, dressed as the groom, and Jan Man-wol, dressed as a bride (in red).

You need a stronger will to let go than to hold on.

This scene is a portent of events yet to come, when the day finally arrives where Chan-sung and Man-wol will also have to part ways. Indeed, several episodes later, the room manager will remind Gu Chan-sung of the words Goddess Ma Go-sin then told the ghost bride, “You need a stronger will to let go than to hold on.” The bride’s selfless act of letting go of the person she loves, breaking free from her earthly tether of her own volition, can be seen as a challenge to Man-wol, whose hatred for the man who betrayed her has been her sole drive for the past 1,300 years but also a curse that has bounded her to the hotel and prevented her from dying. Could she, like the bride, unburden herself by letting go of her hatred? Is it possible for someone with such a long and deep resentment to simply let go? This is a recurring question throughout the show and one that puts her at odds with her increasing desire to protect Gu Chan-sung, as she fears her actions, born of her hatred for the people who wronged her, might end up harming the man she loves.

Side stories such as this one often give us further insight into Man-wol, whether it be a glimpse of her past or challenging her beliefs, making her question herself and her actions, however briefly.

A fairy tale romance

Man-wol is a tsundere character, both a Beauty and a Beast, who has been nursing a thousand-year-old grudge against the people who betrayed her and consequently filters every human interaction through a lens of cold cynicism, expecting the worst from people. Chan-sung on the other hand, is a proper gentleman, a type of character we don’t often see in kdramas and a natural consequence of his training as a hotel manager. He’s friendly, cultured, well-mannered, kind, clever, and someone who's very much in control of his emotions most of the time. The evolution of the relationship between these two characters is the centrepiece of Hotel del Luna, a breath of fresh air in a landscape that often feels the need to use love triangles, or other polygons, as a shortcut to properly fleshing out the relationship between two characters. While there are elements of a love triangle present, such as expressions of jealousy for the sake of comedy, Hotel del Luna chooses to forego this trope and commit fully to the main characters’ fairy tale-like romance.

When you tell her you’ve been dreaming about her.

Another trope the Hong sisters mostly dispense with is that of misunderstandings, which are kept to a bare minimum, as Man-wol and Chan-sung are very open with each other regarding their thoughts and feelings, although Man-wol is, understandably, less transparent about her feelings in the beginning. It was incredibly refreshing to witness two characters that could guess each other’s thoughts and were willing to have an open and honest conversation about it rather than to hold back for the sake of drama. Of course, this did become somewhat frustrating for Man-wol (and fun for us) when Chan-sung started gaining more confidence, feeling at ease with Man-wol, and rebuking her selfish or materialistic actions. Their playful banter and bickering throughout the show is, to my mind, a clear indication that they’re comfortable with each other, as strong a sign of the chemistry in their relationship as half a dozen kisses, if not a better one, what is a good thing because those are few and far between. On the other hand, it makes those moments much more valuable and meaningful. The love between Man-wol and Chan-sung comes across in the gestures they make, in their facial expressions, in the words spoken and left unsaid. When Man-wol tries to comfort Chan-sung but doesn’t know how (Video), when she confesses she wants him to stay with her till the end and they share an intimate hug (Video), when Chan-sung breaks down and cries at the thought of not being able to see Man-wol ever again (Video), when the two have a conversation on the balcony under the moonlight (Video)... These are a precious few examples of the beauty, strength, and depth of feeling, of their relationship.

When the adult catches you in a lie.

While Man-wol is not the same ruthless person she was at the beginning of the show as she is at the end, she still retains some elements or traits of her personality throughout the show (there’s still a little tsun in her dere), as it should be. In one episode Chan-sung is remarking upon how much nicer she has become and she replies, “Gu Chan-sung, you’ve made leaves and flowers grow and have changed me a lot. But you won’t be able to change my core personality. Don’t even expect that.” Even as she says this you can see her looking a little uneasy about something, a little girl about to be caught in a lie by the adult who’s trying to keep her out of trouble. It is thanks to Gu Chan-sung’s patient and enduring love, that protected her from the worst aspects of her own self, that Man-wol is able to let go of her anger, both literally and metaphorically. But Man-wol also deserves praise, as she reciprocates Chan-sung’s love and equally tries to protect him from the dangers of this new world he has entered but most of all from herself, to the point she is willing to renounce her revenge and extinguish her existence to ensure she can never harm the man she loves.

Conclusion

It should be evident by now that I absolutely love this show and it is, without a doubt, my favourite out of all I’ve watched thus far, including Goblin. This is not to say the show is without flaws. Its almost single-minded focus on the story of Man-wol and Chan-sung has some collateral damage, most notably in the form of a character’s loved one, an event used as a means to highlight the pain experienced by those left behind, anticipating the day when our main protagonists will be forced to part ways. In another case, a poignant encounter for Chan-sung is not properly fleshed out, perhaps intentionally so but it seems like a wasted opportunity. Additionally, the introduction and development of the secondary villain’s arc (Man-wol is both the love interest and the main antagonist) felt a little weak, but is still a functional plot device that leads to some of the show’s best scenes. Finally, there is also the way the Hong sisters handled the riddle of Chan-sung’s dreams, which I may address in a separate post because it has too many spoilers.

If you’re a fan of fantasy dramas like Goblin, there’s simply no reason for me not to recommend this show and, hopefully, I’ve given you a few to persuade you as to why this is such a standout drama and, to my mind, the Hong sisters’ best work to date. It’s even on r/KDRAMA’s banner as one of those must-watch shows. If you do decide to watch it, I advise you to pace yourself so you don’t have to say goodbye to Hotel del Luna’s wonderful family too soon.

[hongism]

Hyello, okay so. I don't have the emotional energy to take in and discuss everything in that chapter so imma just gush over the info cause I am a ✨whore✨ for world building.

So obviously MOC SPOILER

hi bestie HELLO guess WHO!!! finally ANSWering!!! altho im gonna answer separately and space everything out all Neatly bc im all over the place so strap IN we’re going on an moc RIDE!

THERE'S A WHOLE SIREN COMMUNITY?! AND YN AND IT MUST BE WOOYOUNG WERE FRIENDS? SIRENS HAVE A FULLY FLEDGE COMMUNITY WITH PRIESTS AND SCHOOLS AND MULTUOLE CITIES TO SOME EXTEND??? MAYBE EVEN AN ENTIRE PLANET WITH SIRENS MAYBE THEIR ORIGIN PLANET? HOW MANY TYPES OF SIRENS ARE THERE AND IN THE COMMUNITY HOW DTRICT ARE THE DIFFERENT ROLES?!?! ALSO DOES THE SIREN COMMUNITY ALLOW FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF SIRENS TO BE TOGETHER? OBVIOUSLY THEY SHOULD BUT ARE THE CHILDREN THEN HYBRID TYPES, LIKE WHEN WE GET BLUED DARK SKIND BABIES OR CAN A SKREN ONLY BE ONE TYPE. WHAT POWERS DO SIRENS HAVE AND DOES THE POWERS REFLECT THEIR PERSONALITY AND DO THE DIFFERENT TYOES LEAN TOWARDS CERTAIN JOBS. LIKE WE JUST LESRNED THE OCEAN GOTTA BE PRIESTS BUT MOON ISNT STRICT WHAT ABOUT FIRE. AND IS YN INSTIC TO PULL OUT A HEART CAUDE HER PERSONALITT, TRSUMA OR IS IT RELATED TO THE MOON. ALSO CAUSE ITS A RED MOON WHICH IS COMMONLY A BLOOD MOON, IS YN THEN A SPECIAL MOON SIREN AND THATS WHY HER POWERS ARE STEONGER OR HER INSTICTS TO USE THEM ARE STORNGER BUT THEN THE MILITARY FUCKED HER UP. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

now this is the thing im biting my tongue on SO HARD bc it’s my favorite aspect of the world building and the universe and everything involved in it bUTIHDFKJG THERS SO MUCH I WANNA SAYYYYYYYYYY in short that one dream sequence holds more hints and information than ANYTHING from previous chapters, i think that it’s probably the MOST IMPORTANT dream to date. while we’ve seen some crazy ones in the past, this one is both the biggest hint and the biggest window into y/n’s past by FARRRR. even tho that whole scene was dialogue i think there’s so much to pick up on from it and so much to see and learn from it and it’s one of my faves bc there’s so much to unpack from it !!

Like yes the story and the development is freaking ✨yes✨ I love it. Genuinely think moc should be released as books. But I just cannot deal with the emotions rn.

But also now all I'm going to be thinking about how many sirens are actually out there. And if yn knew her parents and wasn't just an orphan the military found in the streets... How the fuck did she end up in the military grasps. What happened to her parents what happened to the community, is it still out there? Guess I gotta go back and reread the galaxies and the backstories, obviously I must have missed or have forgotten something. Ugh how the puzzle pieces are puzzling (or something). Moc is a drug and I'm not going sober anytime soon

(obviously you don't have to respond to my questions, this is more just an insight into the spiralling of theories going on in my mind)

releasing moc as books? a dream and a half, i can say that much slkjdlgkjlkf but back to the sirens... how many are out there? we heard early on that hongjoong was looking for ‘the last five’ but then seonghwa debunked that and said that was a mistranslation over time that was passed down and such, but beyond that, we don’t really know much about sirens as a whole? there are some hints in the galaxies and planet descriptions but if that dream sequence is a puzzle, i would say we have a handful of pieces that can be put into place based on what we’ve learned so far!!!!

Okay I lied, I am ready to unpack a little of the ✨emotions✨

When hongjoong explained that hwa tried to stop San only for San to detain him and in a sense make him watch the scene unfold. And then realising hwa had to go through that again, only being even more helpless. I don't doubt hwa loves San, but to see the events happening again, with someone he clearly loves as much as he does yn even if he also loves joong, and to see the desperation and determination must have been just. Horrible. Just absolutely soul breaking horrible. I can imagine him vowing to himself after San that he would never let something like that happen again. That of any of the crew got out of control like that, that he would fight harder to stop them. That he would would do absolutely everything in his power to stop it. And then being helpless as he watched yn do it. Just pure heart wrenching pain. And it must have been beyond terrifying to see someone you love ready and determined to kill themselves partly from rage and partly from desperation. With the backstory, that scene becomes almost as cruel as the warehouse scene with San. The only redeeming quality is no one needing life saving surgery in a time crunch, otherwise they would be the same level of ✨never again✨

honestly i think the two crew members i torture the most are san and hwa bc i just keep putting them thru all this shit and hurting them so much but really this was the defining point of why seonghwa was so afraid. before we kinda just knew he was afraid of yn and hongjoong was mad about it. in this revelation we get to see the source of the trauma and how it was amplified by it being someone he loves as dearly as he loves yn. and for sure when first reading that scene of yn and jisung in the brig, it’s meant to evoke a sense of anger and rage like yn is so angry to a point where she would do this sort of thing, but my hope with that scene was also to show that desperation. that when looking back at it after having already seen the rage and the aftermath, that reading it again shows how desperate and hopeless she was in that moment. which is exactly the same emotion that was evoked back in that warehouse scene with san, except it was relayed differently because the warehouse was a more immediate sense of desperation. this brig scene was meant to emulate that but in a slow burn kinda way where the veil of realization is pulled off after the fact and not in the moment!!!

Just to make sure you don't misunderstand. Those asks were compliments. You are an absolutely incredible writer. And the fact that you aren’t afraid of hurting your characters *cough cough* SHOOTING SAN?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!!!?!?!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? *CLEARS THROAT AGRESSIVELY* just makes the story much better. No one gets plot armour, making it more realistic (?) and really draws in the writer and sorta imitates the fear and desperation the characters feel

PLS don’t worry, i live for every moment and i live for these open and raw and genuine conversations i didn’t take any as an insult i PROMISE!! i think part of the nature of this whole trope of space pirates and criminals is that hter is no guarantee of safety! i don’t wanna have to cut corners to make sure everyone stays unharmed and undamaged throughout the story when the nature of the world i’ve built thus far is a wildly dangerous one!!! i always say that i try to be as realistic as i can, all things considered, and i think that’s the biggest thing that adds to the ‘realism’ in my mind so im so happy to hear that you see it and appreciate it and enjoy it!!!

OHOHOHOHOHOH ALSO

YN GRIPPING SOMEONES HEART??? YOU WRITE THAT SO FUCKING WELL. LIKE ENIGUH DETAILS THAT WE KNOW WHATS GOING ON, BUT ALSO NOT SO MANY DETAILS SO IT GETS DETACHWD FROM THE STORY. LIKE THE LACK OF CLEAR SUPER MANY DETAILS REALLY MADE IT THAT *YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THIS, NOT JUST READING IT* LIKE IT MADE IT WAY MORE EMOTIONAL AND OERSONAL AND THE READER REALLY GOT IMMERSED IN THE MOST HORRIBLE WAY THAT KUST MADE IT ALL RHE MORE BETTER. ALSO JOONG AFRAID????? JOONG REALISING HE GOT A FULLY FLEDGED HEART RIPPER SIREN WHO CANT CONTROL HER BODY TO MOVE THROUGH A HARMLESS DOOR BUT CAN DEFINITELY KILL IN A HEARTBEAT (OR TWO 👀) ALSO THE CONTRAST OF REMOVING RHE BLOOD COLOURED WHITE OLASTIC AND HAVING A CLEAN HAND UNDERNWATH. THE SYMBOL OF IT ALSO BEKNG A TRASH CLEANERS SUIT. LIKE SHE WASN'T SUPPOSED TO ACTUALLY USE THE TRASH PROTECTION DUIT FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE. ALSO THE OART WHERE SHE SAYS SHES FINE EVEN TJO SHE ISNT. AT FIRST I READ IT AS HER TELLING HERSELF TO LIE BUT THEN I REALISED ITS HER ADMITTING SHE VERY MUCH ISNT. AND SAN NOT KNOWING???? AND KISSING HER HAND AND UGH AND SEONGHWA KNOWING. I BET HE'S LOWKEY GETTING MORE AND MORE AFRAID OF HER. LIKE YN IS READY TO KILL HERSELF AND ANYONE AROUND HER TO KEEP SAN SAFE. AND SHE INSTICTUALLY GOES FOR THE MODT AGRESSIVE METHOD POSSIBLE. IHHHHHHHHHHHHH I FUCKING LOVE YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL WTITING AND YOUR TWISTED MIND THAT CAN CREATE ALL THESE FUCKING SCENES THAT GOT ME THUNKING AND FEELING ✨EMOTIONS✨

truly one of the HIGHLIGHTS of the chapter simply bc of how shocking and sudden it is!! for me, that was one of the easiest scenes to write in the chapter, oddly enough? it was something that when it came time to write it, i knew how i wanted it to be and was able to just sit down and write it out the way its written in the final draft of the chapter. i really love playing with those aspects of fiction and storytelling. tangible to a point, without spelling it out. i think it’s obvious that i really love delayed realization in writing, but i really like playing with how the brain processes information and for me personally, i don’t pick up on things right away! i can realize them in a snap or it can take me a bit to go ‘oh god that’s what happened’, and i like playing with that in y/n’s character a LOT.

and in that same vein of thought, there are some layers to that scene as well when compared to the door scene. in the door scene we saw hongjoong clearly tell y/n ‘you need to do this to save san’ yet she wasn’t able to do it despite trying and believing hongjoong. then in the heart scene we saw y/n clearly tell herself ‘you need to do this to save san’ and she did it then. so there’s a lot at play in that parallel alone too. and with that internal monologue she has of im fine vs not fine, then san kissing the hand that touched a literal real actual beating heart for me that was a sort of self indulgent scene and i was really worried about it coming across as too cheesy or something like that, but that is something that’s gonna impact y/n as a character and her relationship with san when they have the conversation of ‘oh hey i put my hand through a man’s chest for you’

i think part of why this chapter was so difficult to construct and write as a whole definitely is because of all the undertones and nuances throughout, and in a lot of ways it’s so so much to even think about that it’s almost too much packed into one chapter alone, but even if you don’t pick up on all the nuances throughout, i’m hoping to revisit them and bring them back around in that delayed realization style again bc that’s one of my favorite things to do ofc :3

[canyouhearthevoices]

‘Precious’ Lyric Analysis

Originally released as a short piece with Treasure EP FIN: All to Action, then later released as a full song with Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer, as a ‘sequel’ to ‘Treasure’.

Daymn, this is an interesting one. And, probably one of my favourite songs.

Together, ‘Treasure’ and ‘Precious’ tell a story, where each belongs to one of the two ATEEZs, and where ‘Treasure’ is the beginning of a hopeful journey, while the other is the end of a failed journey to find the Treasure. 

The opening of ‘Treasure’ and the ending of ‘Precious’ mirror each other - from the music to the lyrics to the choreography. Hongjoong writing ‘ATEZ’ in both is also cleverly used - while in ‘Treasure’ he sits upright and is surrounded by his members, in ‘Precious’, he falls to the ground, having made it to the Treasure, but gravely injured and having lost his 7 brothers. He marks their name in the sand, but the Treasure was not worth the cost. 

So, place in the storyline?

I think it is clear, that, considering the lyrics, the stage performances, choreography, and other factors, ‘Treasure’ is at the beginning of Treasureteez’s journey, while ‘Precious’ is at the end of Halateez’s journey, as they have lost everything (and is the reason for their transition from heroes to villains).

Lyrics and things.

This is definitely one of those songs where it is important who sings which lines. I’ll mention any important things as they come up. And, although I try to keep the lyric analysis to just the lyrics, this one might have a little bit of the stage performances leaking in.

Translations will be mentioned when they come up. 

Connections

‘Precious’ has so many connection that are both hilarious and scary.

When I was first reading the beginning of the song to analyse it, I had to double-check that they were the lyrics for Precious and not Deja Vu - they have almost identical first verses.

Obviously, it connects to ‘Treasure’, the debate is on how. I am somewhat tempted to put it right at the beginning of the playlist, even before ‘Dear Diary’, where it would be the end of the ‘original’ ATEEZ, after which Hongjoong uses the Cromer to search for the Treasure over and over again, failing each time. But for now, it stays at the end of the Halateez storyline.

For this one, since there are strong connections to the Treasureteez storyline, I will be including the blue highlights + annotations to reflect elements which mirror the Treasureteez storyline, while (as always), red represents Halateez and purple is everything else/things that apply to both groups.

Find the full lyric analysis below the line.

Precious

Here, the first line can translate to ‘I know you’re already into it’, the second line can translate; ‘My soul is blinded by the enclosing thirst,’ and the third line can translate to ‘my soul is craving for another place’. I’m not sure what the first difference is supposed to mean, but the second two just make the song more ‘dramatic’ and make it feel more menacing - basically, they’re just a better choice of words for that particular meaning.

The fourth line, however. That can translate to ‘you keep whispering, that low voice of yours.’ This is definitely more sinister than saying ‘it’ keeps whispering, and is wonderfully Gothic. This connects to the idea of Treasureteez having Halateez’s voices in their heads, as well as the general ideas of possession + Jekyll and Hyde situations in the storyline.

Mingi’s line ‘walked endlessly’ is also translated as ‘countless times’, which just better communicates the cyclical structure of the ATEEZ storyline. The last line can translate to ‘gather your feet for the journey that’s in front of us, hands up!’ I think the second translation suits Mingi’s character better, especially in relation to the lyrics from ‘Wonderland’, which mirror this, but it isn’t a big deal either way.

The line’ this feeling attracts me’ is also translated as ‘get attracted to this mood’, which is only key because ‘mood’ is a key Halateez idea. 

Also, all of the members (I think all of them) talk about being crazy in the song, but notice that Hongjoong does it the most, and that he is the one who leads a lot of the choreography (especially at the end). He also leads the chorus.

Here, Jongho’s line ‘but feel it feel it an’ you feel it’ has also been translated as ‘don’t feel it feel it can you feel it’, which I think just really shows the disparities in the storyline and the chaos that comes from Halateez most of the time.

Alrighty. Hongjoong’s final verse can be translated to; ‘finally here to see you, Treasure. My hands are full of this Treasure. A pleasure that everyone enjoys, have to find it again, crazy.’

This is arguably the most important part of the song. I think that both translations should be studied together - they both have important meaning - why does HJ say ‘that everyone got to enjoy’ in one and ‘that everyone enjoys’ in the other? Is this just a translation error? Also, the first translation suggests that the group has to find the Treasure. I assume this means all 8 members of ATEEZ + ATINY. However, the second suggests that those who have to find the Treasure could be either the group, or just Hongjoong. Either way, it’s clear that he’s gone insane by the end of the song, which points to this being the start of the time loop. The question is just whether the Hongjoong who started the time loop was the leader of Halateez, or if he was the leader of some earlier version of ATEEZ. 

Is this why Hongjoong pointed out at the FEVER Pt 3 showcase that he is the leader of both Halateez and ATEEZ? Is it because Halateez Joong was the one that began the time loop, and that he took the place of Treasureteez Joong to fulfill his dreams? 

Food for thought. Joong for thought.

Conclusions

A very cool and interesting song, possibly one of the most important to the storyline, along with ‘Say My Name’ and ‘HALA HALA’. Very fun. Even more fun if it’s right next to ‘Treasure’ (See the performance stages etc - definitely want more of those).

[angeliclp]

Watching 2x11 is so... hard? I mean first the whole Sun part where I really wanted her to kill Joong-Ki, at the same time knowing she shouldn’t because that just wouldn’t be her.

Edit: How the hell could I forget this beautiful double proposal from Nomi and Neets?! This is and always will be a highlight! (Also it is still weird watching Freema in Sense8... I still see her as Martha Jones with Jack Harkness in Torchwood and somehow I am always wondering just how much he’d love Neets and the rest of them and now I am totally far off the track and will stop this right here before it escalates completely *lol*)

Then this whole Rajan wanting Kala to leave for Paris because he fucked with some serious people (I knew the moment Ajay walked onto my screen that he’d be trouble... gave me chills right away that fucker, and don’t let me get started about the disgusting way he looked at Kala...)

Which lead to Kala and Wolfgang having THE TALK, and me basically melting into a puddle of goo right there...

... Just to be shaken very rudely out of that beautiful scene by Lila and Whispers.

And then Wolfgang, my boy, my beautiful german boy being tortured and forced to share who and where his cluster were and I can’t even begin to imagine what this is doing to him. He always wanted to protect everyone at all costs and now this... god, I really want to strangle Lila for doing this to him.

This is also the reason that I am very very glad that I only started watching way after the special came out. Just thinking about having to go through that episode with this cliffhanger, not knowing if my boy was still alive or not and then getting the news that Netflix cancelled the show? The thought alone causes almost physical pain... It’s worse enough watching all this knowing everything will be alright...

[secretradiobrooklyn]

May Day Edition | 5.1.21

Secret Radio | 5.1.21 | Hear it here.

1. Zia - “Helel Yos”

This song has been in our heads in a big way the last few weeks. Zia was my first exposure to pre-revolutionary Iranian rock  — sometimes called “psych rock,” though I can’t tell if that’s a designation he would make himself. But to be fair, I have no idea what he’s going for. Nonetheless, those little whistles he does get under my skin and into my brain. I wake up in the morning singing “helel yoza, hella hella helel yoza”… This is from the late ‘60s, I believe. The whole album (also called “Helel Yos”) is pretty excellent, and includes the song “Khofrium” from our last broadcast. A recent favorite and highly recommended.

2. Shin Joong Hyun - “Pushing through the Fog” 

Somehow stumbled on this collection of South Korean music, and it has been mesmerizing. Shin Joong Hyun is a great example of something I love discovering over and over again: someone working within a language and a genre, but also expressing a completely unique personal style that extends beyond those general qualities and into startling specifics. This song is from “Beautiful Rivers and Mountains: The Psychedelic Rock Sound of South Korea’s Shin Joong Hyun 1958-74,” which blows my mind, because the tones, and especially the bass and drums, sound so completely of the moment. It’s sold out at Light In The Attic’s store, so we’ll be keeping our eyes out for it in the wild, because these are going to be some crucial liner notes. The brief version on their site describes him as a guitarist, songwriter, producer, arranger, and talent developer. He began by performing for US troops in Korea post active war time, became a bewitching guitarist and songwriter, then started producing other bands in the region, and a string of hits developed. It sounds like his story includes a really harsh period of intrusion and disruption by the government… but as far as I can tell he survived to the current day, and even helped oversee this collection.

3. The Traces - “Je t’aime moi non plus” - “Thai Beat A Go Go Vol 2”

Ummm… I would LOVE to know what words they’re singing. This chummy Thai version of Gainsbourg’s super sensual “Je t’aime, moi non plus” is such a weird listening experience. I think one of the singers is either drunk or hearing the song for a first or second pass. What are they saying?!

4. Annie Philippe - “On m’a toujours dit”

I really love the energy and style of this track and many of the Annie Philippe songs I’ve heard, which makes it aggravating that the first thing one finds online in English about Philippe is a condescending, limp writeup on her by Richie Unterberger that tries its best to ignore how delightful her voice is and how pleasurable the arrangements are — luckily the dude mentions that Paul Mariat worked on her albums, who also arranged Charles Aznavour. I love the florid colors of French pop from the ‘60s with hothouse arrangements and wide-flung voices. The ebullient drums and electric guitar, the confident harmonies and tucked in little organ and horn licks are all pure joy.

5. T.P. Orchestre Poly-Rythmo de Cotonou - “Houton Kan Do Go Me” 

While we were in the Illinois woods we received some very welcome records from Germany’s Analog Africa label which included “The Skeletal Essences of Afro-Funk,” a collection of songs by pretty much our favorite band in the world, T.P. Orchestre. These songs that explore some of the facets of the band that “Echoes Hypnotique” and “The Vodoun Effect” — both gorgeous, keystone records — hadn’t gotten to yet. The language is Fon, the style is Jerk, and the composer (though not the singer, I think) is Bentho Gustave, T.P.’s bassist. pretty sure the singer is Lohento Eskill.

- Hailu Mergia & The Walias - “Musicawi Silt”

The Walias is the band that Hailu Mergia was in when he first came to America. I seem to remember a story that they were disappointed with the trip, went home to Ethiopia and broke up, but Mergia stayed and kept developing his keyboard style, which did a few decades later (!) actually win him wide recognition and acclaim. This is some of his earlier work, not in the director’s seat, and you can hear so much of Mergia’s style woven into the band’s arrangements. I love how it sounds like he’s just playing pure electric current — it barely sounds like an organ to me, more like uncut groove tone.

6. “Newsies” clip

In celebration of May Day, we present this inspiring tale of unions forming in the streets of New York. 

7. Sexe a Pile - “Pas Méchant”

Another recent record score, this one from our other most favorite label, Born Bad Records in France: “Paink: French Punk Anthems 1977-1982.” One thing I love about this song is that the chorus always makes me think of “High Class” by the Buzzards, a song that never got nearly enough love as far as I’m concerned.

8. The Replacements - “Customer”

Dave got me thinking about the Replacements and before I knew it we were deep into “Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash.” So wild and loose and pissed off and sincere the whole time. You can really hear Westerberg yearn to be great but also sneer at himself for taking something seriously. It used to sound so unhinged to me but now it has become an album about being young and scared of yourself 

9. Plearn Promdan - “Ruk Kum Samong”

Well, this was something we didn’t see coming — the Thai music we’ve heard up to now has been more ’50s influenced. It sounds like a four-piece rock band surrounded by a drum circle. This is part of what’s apparently known as Luk Thung underground. There’s been some very good stuff so far, I look forward to finding out more. 

10. T.P. Orchestre - “Azanlokpe”

I got a little obsessed with T.P. Orchestre for a while there, and was trying to listen to every single recording that Discogs offered — which is a LOT, because they were super prolific. This is one of my favorite finds so far. I wish I could say which singer this is; it was noted as Melome Clément but I don’t think that’s him. So many talented people in this band!

11. Francis Bebey - “Super Jingle”

Francis Bebey contains multitudes. I’m pretty sure he records all of these parts himself. I think he’s just a master of rhythm — all of the instruments weave a tapestry that he can then cavort upon. The body of the song is so hypnotizing, the lead so akimbo. 

12. Dalida - “J’ai revé”

One of the highlights of the 2017 St. Louis International Film Fest was the biopic of her life. This is early Dalida. As far as Paige understands, she’s the French Lady Gaga for people who were clubbing in the ’70s and ’80s. The story of her life has some really sad shit, but this take on Bobby Darin’s “Dream Lover” is full of life.

- “Newsies” reprise

Radical sincerity sometimes requires references to musicals.

- Petch Pintong - “Soul Lum Piern”

I love this track and know nothing about it except that it was collected on “Thai Beat A Go Go Vol 4.” Those collections have turned out to be full of riches!

13. Atomic Forest - “Obsession ’77 (Fast)”

OK, these guys seem really interesting. They’re an Indian psych-funk band, which was apparently totally unheard of there, and they only released a single album — and that one only after they broke up. Because that album is full of great stuff, most notably (at least to me) this track, their story is almost too perfectly suited to the obsessions of vinyl collectors worldwide. Now-Again Records re-released the album in 2011, and we ran across it just a couple months ago. I really enjoy the sense of narrative in the song — what’s happening in the foreground keeps evolving and remaining legitimately interesting.

14. Metak - “Da Mi Je Biti Morski Pas”

I’m proud to say that these dedicated rockers are Croatian, and this track from 1980 rocks like a seafoam T-top Stingray. This is from a 7” with “Rock’n’Roller” on the flip.

15. Mai Lan - “Les Huîtres”

Paige found this amazing playlist on Spotify years ago, and this is finally the way she started getting into more contemporary French music. It sounds like she’s from a musical and artistic French-Vietnamese family. “Les Huîtres” is from around 2008. Kind of feels like 

16. VIS Idoli - “Maljciki”

We found a video of this Yugoslavian ska while looking for something else entirely. I did learn that this is political ska, and that they were frowned upon by the government. One account has them being indulged by the government; another has them under threat of punishment. I do love knowing that ska is a political form and not just a genre. I have no idea how they would feel about the Croatian rockers a few tracks back, and I hope none of them did any harm to one another other during the terrible ‘90s. 

17. Para One, Arthur Simonini - “La Jeune Fille en Feu” - “Portrait of a Woman on Fire” score

Did you see “Portrait of a Woman on Fire”? We highly recommend it, for a lot of reasons but definitely for the passage of this song. It sounds great here, but at night, by firelight, with all the nuns and farmwomen on the island? 

18. The Space Lady - “Ghost Riders in the Sky”

- Sleepy Kitty - “Western Antagonist Reflection”

19. Mikyas Chernet - “Ziyoze”

Marc, this is the song I was talking about stepping into the Teddy Afro position. It’s definitely not the same, but you can hear the modern Ethiopian pop feel running through it. It helps that I first heard it while picking up an order from our favorite Ethiopian in STL, which is also where we first heard Teddy Afro. The dancers are on POINT in the video, and they’re rockin a couple of new styles that I hadn’t seen yet.

20. Nazir Ali - “Lad Pyar Aur Beti”

Listen to the giant smiles in their voices! This is from a very recent compilation. That female voice has to be Nahid Aktar, or at least it sounds just like her; I think the protagonist-sounding male voice is Ali’s. There is a brief appearance from that Oscar the Grouch-sounding guy from last episode’s Aktar song. It’s so cool how the song shifts into new mode after new mode as it goes. 

21. Nathalie - “L’Amour Nous Repond”

22. The Fall - “L.A.”

This period of The Fall is surely our favorite — wherever Brix E. went, the songs were great. And now, with vaccines coursing through our systems, we can feel our thoughts casting their way to LA and San Francisco…

23. Akaba Man & The Nigie Rokets - “Ta Gha Hunsimwen” 

Analog Africa’s most recent release is “Edo Funk Explosion Vol. 1,” with tracks from the late ‘70s and ‘80s in Nigeria’s Benin City. Akaba Man is described as “the philosopher king of Edo funk.” The whole album is full of good tracks that only get better with repeated listens. This one has a bed of sounds that could happily go on for hours or days.

24. Gérard Manset - “Entrez dans le rêve”

Paige: “If you ever want to hear Lou Reed sing in French, this is the best we’re gonna get.” 

- Johnny Guitar - “Bangkok by Night”

We heard the “Shadow Music of Thailand” album a while back but haven’t dipped into it for too long. This Santo & Johnny style reverbed-out dream of the ‘50s lives eternally in Thai psych guitar.

25. David Bowie - “When I Live My Dream”

We do not condone the killing of any species of dragon, and I can only trust that neither dragon nor giant was harmed in the making of this fantasy.

[princess-sakura-21]

–General Info– Name:Mia Joong Gender: Female

Alias/Nickname:Princess Mia, Lady Snake, and Lady Demon

Blood Type: 0

Affiliations:Otogakure,Konohagakure,Land of Ancestors,Ōtsutsuki,Ryūchi Cave

Age: 3 months old -27 (between part I and part II; carries on into part II)

Graduation Academies: 6

Rage: Long Village:

Birth Village: Hidden Village Otogakure

Current Village: Konohagakure

Species:Human/Demon Animal Familiar(s):Snake,Crow, and Wolf Clan(s):belong to family clan claim as a Legendary Sannin and Shiin Clan & Fūma Clan (Land of Sound) Organization(s):Founder and Leader of Otogakure Spirit(s)/Demon(s): Giant serpent black snake/ Giant Scorpion puppet/ (Legendary Sannin) Seal(s): Orochimaru’s seal Group(s)/Team(s): Team Serpent: Mitsuki and Sumire Kakei Birth Date:12/31/1990 Birth Place:8/20/1989 Birth Mother: Hidden Village,Otogakure Birth Father: Konohagakure Brother(s): Michio,and Minoru Sister(s): Kukiko, Chi-Chi

Uncle: Orochimaru

Cousins: Log, Mitsuki, and Sumire Kakei

Friends: Princess Kasumi Current Residence: The Family’s Joong at the Castle Occupation:

Princess

Nursery

Founder and Leader of Otogakure

The Council

Missing-nin

Sannin

–Appearance– Hair Color: Brown ( notes: An adult wears pink and red dye) Hair Length:

Before: Long Hair

After: Short Hair Hair Style:

Before: long hair straight

After:

Highlights: Highlight Color(s): Pink and Red Eye Shape: upturned eyes Eye Color: Brown ( notes: sometimes it’s appear to uchiha clan/ byakugan/Jōgan from eyes Skin Color(s): Beige Complexion Type: Light skin that always burns and never tans. Attractiveness: Likeability, Risk seeking, Social Skills, and Trustworthiness Body Type: Little Tall Weight: 79.6 lbs Height: 4’7 Piercing(s):

Ears: small gold piercing

         It’s gifts Orochimaru’s earring Clothing Style:

Before: Kimono

After : Army Clothing Type:

Princess

Uchiha’s clothes

Mission’s Army

-Outfit– Undergarments: Pink or Black Undershirt(s): Pink Shirt: Black or Pink Vest: Pink Coat: Black with a feature Cloak: Black Pants: Black Shorts: Black or Pink Skirt: Pink Socks: sometimes pink or black Stockings: black Tights: Black Leggings: Black Shoes: Black long shoes or short shoes Belts: it’s only mission a black with gray Jewelry: small gold earring, red diamond necklace Other Accessories:

a black choker along with a curse mask with a red snake on the left side that was given to Princess Kasumi by me.

The hair ornaments she wore was a gift to her from Mia’s mother, the blossom representing “gratitude”. –Weapons– Weapon(s): Weapon Type:

Draggers

Kunai

Bow

Sallows of Death

Guardians of the three paths

Falchion

Dan Dan

Aun --Fighting Style(s): Fighting Style(s):

Kaneko Fist

Gentle Fist

Red Heaven Fighting Technique(s):

Puppet Technique

Flower Ninja Art

Sage Transformation:

Cursed Seal Transformation

Tool Creation Technique

Assassination Technique

Genjutsu:

Ninja Art: Dance of the Snowy Cherry Blossom

Ninja Art: Profusion of Flowers

Demonic Illusion: Flower Mist

Flower Ninja Art: Mirror Flower Water

Demonic Flute: Three Subordinates Interment Melody

Bringer-of-Darkness Technique

Butterfly Needle Fire

Genjutsu: Flower Hill

Genjutsu: Flower Petal Escape

Ninjutsu:

Apricot Blossom Droop

Fuuinjutsu:

Beast Sealing Technique

Contract Seal Taijutsu:

Anger of the Sky and the Cherry Blossom and the Earth

Bolting Blossom DouJutsu:

Ranmaru’s Kekkei Genkai Chakra Type(s):Earth Chakra Style(s):

Dark Chakra

Senjutsu Chakra Kekkei Genkai(s):

Kurama Clan’s Kekkei Genkai

Dark release

Jōgan

Jūgo’s Clan’s Kekkei Genkai

Ranmaru’s Kekkei Genkai

Rinha Clan’s Kekkei Genkai

Defenses:

Shield of Giant Cherry Blossom

Shield of Army puppets

–Skills– Rank: S Skill Level:Jōnin Skill Mastery/Masteries:Puppet Technique, and kyūjutsu Ninja Position(s): Kage, The Council, Royal, Medical-nin,Missing-nin Kage: Hoshigakure-Kage of Otogakure Special Jutsu(s):

Kenjutsu

Medical Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu

Juinjutsu

Trademark Jutsu(s):

Wolf

Snakes

Crows Special Move(s):

Casualty Puppet

Clone Snakes: Serpent Technique

Crushing Snake Constriction

Cursed Sand Puppet Technique

Cursed Doll

Dance of the Clematis: Flower

Dark Medicine

Tenseigan Hijutsu(family technique):

Chest Family

Orochimaru

–Background Information–

Personality:

Good Traits:

Helper

Kindness

Lack of laid

Intelligence

Listeners

Playful

Strict

Friendly

Bad Traits:

Scolded

Behavior

Espace

Trouble

Imprisoned

Strength:

Fire

Steel

Lightning

Dark

Ground

Weakness:

Palm technique

Water

Toxic

Ice

Crystal

Like:

Uncle Orochimaru

Magic jutsu

Practice of jutsu

Teacher/ Master

Travels

Funny

Dislikes:

Control of the puppets

Out of the jutsu her body

Disagrees of the kid complain

Mess up for the meeting or other people

Who is trial of not or guilty

Hobbies:

Reading, Drawing, Babysitter, Making puppets, and video games

Fears:

Kidnapper, Abuse, Control of loss, and Loser

Habits:

— Relationships —

Parents:

Queen Mikazuki:

Mikazuki is a mother. She was born in Otogakure.She is a warrior and medical-nin later she became a queen. She is human and half-snake. She lives in Otogakure, a hidden village, but she had a royal her parents owner’s castle. She had one brother unlike a pratten snake. After she married and six children. Later, she had considered moving to the country or whereabouts.

King Kurayami:

Kurayami is a father. He was born in Konohagakure. He is a warrior and hero later he fell in love with his wife then he became a king. He is human and half-wolf. He had a demon wolf ten-tails.He still lived with his wife, he allowed for his wife’s owner’s castel. He had relatives of Inuzuka Clan, his own pet, the black wolves. He takes care of their six children. Later he takes his wife, moved or sometimes meeting, but whereabouts.

Siblings:

Michio:

Michio is the first of eldest brother and he looks like twin of his sister, Mia.He was born in Otogakure. He is a prince and he is a warrior & missing-nin. He is very calm and serious, because he looks like a father. He must protect, care and love his little twin sister, Mia. He owns a pet, black bird the crow. He always tells his pet crow he will look for his little sister when his pet crow holds a mail to send her. He along with his parents leave after he very worried his little sister, Mia.

Kukiko:

Kukio is the third of half younger sister. She is a princess and she is a warrior & medical-nin. She is very sweet and respects her siblings and parents. She looks like a father, but she had a real father, but she doesn’t know an unknown. When she was born in an unnamed country. She said that a part of blood doesn’t matter to her family. She learned who is a trainer of the Yuki Clan. She used jutsu water and ice. She along with her parents leaves after she feels sad for her second eldest sister, Mia.

Minoru:

Minoru is the fourth of youngest brother. He is a prince and he is a warrior & hero. He was born in Otogakure. He is sweet and serious because he looks like a father and his eldest brother. When a newborn sees a ball, he says “goo” to get a ball, because he usually holds a ball. He learned that who is a trainer of Yamanaka Clan and Yuki Clan, the woman unnamed, a babysitter and mentor to him. He gets successful understanding, but he is a little learn movitived a jutsu, he used to water and mind. He along with his family and he doesn’t know his oldest sister, Mia later he meet her

Chi-Chi:

Chi-Chi is the fifth of youngest sister. She is a princess and she is a warrior & medical-nin. She was born in Otogakure. She is sweet and playful because she looks like a father and two Minoru and Kukio. She learned who is a trainer of the Kamizuru Clan. She used jutsu only rock. She along with her parents doesn’t know her oldest sister, Mia, later she meets her.

Relatives:

Orochimaru:

Orochimaru is an adoptive uncle, his oldest sister, Mikazuki. He is a legendary sannin. He is human and half-snake. He was born in Otogakure, but his parents died. His oldest sister, she took care of her little brother and she knew that a problem was the loss of the family. When he accepts as well as good with his oldest sister. Later he has a few visitors at his little sister’s own castle. He stays in the castle, but he is temporary. He is favorite niece, Mia.

Log:

Log is a first cousin, Orochimaru’s eldest son. He is a legendary sannin. He is a synthetic human that was created as a partial clone of Orochimaru. He is serious and calm. Because he looks like a father. He had a younger brother. He is not along with his father, but he is far away in an unnamed village.

Mitsuki:

Mitsuki is a second cousin, Orochimaru’s younger son. He is a synthetic human that was created as a partial clone of Orochimaru. He is calm and free-minded. Because he looks like a face brother. He had an oldest brother, Log. He along with her father after he decided without him. He lives in Konohagakure then he is alone by himself.

Sumire Kakei’s uncle & aunt:

Sumire Kakei is the second uncle and aunt. An unnamed county then before they died. They will take care of her and niece.  

Sumire Kakei:

Sumire is third of cousin. She moved in Konohagakure when she went to the academy . She is very friendly, sweet and kind. She had no parents, but her parents died. She mentioned that she remembered one of her cousins,Mia. Later she will promise to meet her.

Ōtsutsuki Clan:

Queen Mikazuki is Mia’s mother had relative of the Ōtsutsuki clan is an ancient clan of horned celestial beings, (amatsubito). After the arrival of one of the clan members on Earth a millennium ago, the Ōtsutsuki began having a lasting influence on the human population, notably starting the history of shinobi.

Momoshiki:

Momoshiki is Mia’s second great- grandfather, his granddaughter, Mikazuki and adoptive grandson, Orochimaru. He is a powerful warrior and missing-nin. He is playful, serious, and strict. He always takes care of their six children. He already merged into Kinshiki and became a demon after he died because he thought it was possibly Brouto’s dream.

Kinshiki:

Kinshiki is Mia’s great-step grandfather, his figure father, Momoshiki. He is a powerful warrior and missing-nin. He is serious and strict. He always watched their six children when he graudbody or behind their eight children. He is a mentor with his granddaughter, Mia.

Kaguya:

Kaguya is Mia’s first great-grandmother, her second granddaughter, Mikazuki and adoptive grandson, Orochimaru. She is polite, respectful, and serious. She always loved her grandchildren, but she wants one in honor of the powerful warrior, Mia. After she died because she is no longer there.

Toneri:

Toneri is fourth of cousin (removed). He is a warrior and missing-nin. He is kind, playful, and serious. He always respects their six children and he is a mentor with his cousin, Mia. He lives on the moon, but he can contact his cousin, Mia.

Mukade:

Mukade is a figure- father, Mia’s mother supportive relative of the server for his duty, the family’s royal. He is respectful, serious, and strict. He always respects their six children and he takes care of his figure- daughter, Mia. After he died, he fell down in deep with the darkness or something because he traveled-time when he decreased.

Shirogane Clan:

Mikazuki,and Mukade had relative of the support by(Shirogane Ichizoku) was the puppet clan from the Land of Wind. Mukade is a little known as well as the puppet, who is a trainer and master puppet. After Mikazuki knew that relatives of Ōtsutsuki were common as a puppet.

Inuzuka Clan:

King Kurayami is Mia’s father had relative of Inuzuka is a family of shinobi in Konohagakure known for their use of ninken as fighting companions and are easily identified by the distinctive red fang markings on their cheeks.

Teammates: Serpents team

Sumire Kakei and Mitsuki:

Mitstuki and Sumire were students with a mentor, Mia.

Friends/Others:

Kankurō:

Kankuro is a friend’s Mia. He was born in Sunagakure and he had a sister,Temari and brother, Gaara. When he meets his little brother, Gaara takes a Kage behind a guardbody standing by him. After he irupperted to talk about her. He was shocked that she had a puppet. He wants to learn a new jutsu after he becomes friends and he respects her. He joined the puppet forces army.

Sasori:

Sasori is a friend’s Mia. He was born in Sunagakure and she had no parents and his grandmother, Chiyo. When he during the meetings later he noticed to ask then he talked about after he was shocked at her having a puppet. He wants to learn a new jutsu after he becomes friends and he respects her. After he died he was taken by Kankuro.

Ibushi:

Ibushi is a friend’s Mia. He was born in a small village on land of wind. He is wise of the mentor as known as the puppet master. When he is a mentor with his student, Mia. He tells her to join the puppet army later he considered joining his boss, Mia. He is in a whereabouts an unnamed country or he will contact his own lizard puppet to send her.

Menō:

Meno is a friend’s Mia. She was born in a small village on land of wind. When she noticed to ask her about it after she was shocked she used to puppet too. She is talkative, playful, and kind. She wants to join the puppet army of her boss, Mia. She along with her leader, Ibushi. If she reported her own Insect Drones puppet send her.

Gandō:

Gando is a friend’s Mia. He was born in a small village on land of wind. He is respectful and curious. When he along with Meno ask her about it. He wants to learn a new jutsu puppet after he becomes friends. He can contact his own puppet, Elemental Puppets.

Karin:

Karin is a friend’s Mia. She was born in Kusagakure. She is kind, respectful, and strict. She lives in the hideout of Orochimaru. When she notices one of the youngest, Mia and she doesn’t know her later she asks her boss, Orochimaru. She was shocked at Orochimaru’s niece. She will take care of her after she becomes friends.

Suigetsu:

Suigetsu is a friend’s Mia. He was born in Kirigakure and he had an elder brother, Mangetsu. He is a joke, funny, and respectful. When he goes along with Karin after he asks her, but Karin tells her Orochimaru’s niece. He will take care of her after he becomes friends.

Utakata:

Utakata is a friend’s Mia. He was born in Kirigakure. He is respectful, serious, and kind. When he noticed her after he asked her about him, he went along with her. He wants to test her to fight her later he looks pretty strong. He decided to become her friend. He died after because he is no longer when he is not connected to his demon, six-tails. He will sometimes call her.

Sakura:

Sakura is a friend’s Mia. she was born in Konohagakure. She is sweet, kind, and playful. When she was pregnant she was carried by her husband after her husband. She saw Orochimaru hold a baby, but she doesn’t know. She asked her to hold a baby temporarily after she became friends as she practices her baby.

Sasuke:

Sasuke is a friend’s Mia. He was born in Konohagakure. He is sweet, and respectful. When he was carried by his wife pregnant, he along with his wife hid out of Orochimaru. Orochimaru invited us to welcome our house. He doesn’t know or observe her.

Naruto:

Naruto is a friend’s Mia. He was born in Konohagakure. He is respectful and nice. He always respects Orochimaru’s family, but he observed that he accepted her approval after he became a friend.

Hinata:

Hinata is a friend’s Mia. She was born in Konohagakure. She is sweet and nice. She wants to babysit her, but she is a temporary her. She will trust her to become friends.

Boruto:

Boruto is a friend’s Mia. Naruto and Hinata of first son, Boruto was born in Konohagakure. When he was a baby, he met her. He wants to play with her after he wants to be friends until he can’t remember her later he takes time up or asks his friend, Mitsuki knows about her.

Sarada:

Sarada is a friend’s Mia. Sakura and Sasuke of daughter, Sarada was born in Konohagakure. When she was a baby, she met her. She wants to play her after she wants to be friends until she doesn’t know who she is, she will ask her later.

The White Snake Saga:  :

The White Snake Saga is the leader of the snakes of Ryūchi Cave. The old woman is very strict, wise and acknowledged, she is sitting on the throne. When she noticed Orochimaru after she was shocked that a possibility from her mother had a snake saga, she feels to connect her with a baby, Mia after she had taken care and her mentors. She has service by three women are snakes take care of her.

— Appearance — Child:

Mia was a baby and it’s a simple to gentle child. Since she was 3 months old until 4 years old. She has short brown hair. She could be often seen in small dresses or pink clothes. She is an infant and also wears her hankama pink with sakura flowers and small shinobi black sandals.

Academy:

At the Academy, she has no family clan as well as claimed a legendary sannin. She has brown and a little long hair. Though she was young, 5 years old after 6 years old received her graduation. She started to wear a kimono-style dress. The patterns were replaced with the clan symbol, petals pink Sakura fellow by the royal family. Her shinobi are also black. She is choked with a red diamond.

Genin/Pre-Shippuden:

A few months before graduating, Mia changed her dresses, sometimes mixing some of the clan traditional outfit. characteristics to some personalized ones. She was a middle child,12 years old. Her hair was long and loose, straight, reaching the end of her back and covering her red diamond, with messy bangs. She wears a black cloak (large tank top sleeves) with pink buttons and borders below the crotch line. Along with that, she wears black pants and shinobi sandals and long black gloves. Mia carries a typical kunai pouch on her right leg and a smaller pouch in the back with small scrolls.After graduation, her black headband on her forehead. She still wears a choker with a red diamond.

Chunin/Shippuden:

Mia returns to some old tendencies and improves her genin with black headband. She was a teenager, 13-15 years old. She has brown and long & loose messy bangs hair, when she wears a black headband with low ponytail hair. She wears a black cloak to kimono, her black leggings, and black long sandals with long stockings. She is still forever a clan with the symbol sakura flower on her back.  

Jounin/The Last:

Mia’s outfits change considerably in this phase because of her temporary residence in Otogakure. She has been on a legendary sannin. She is an adult then her Jōnin in a black headband. After she has brown with short-bobbed hair. She wears a full black under shirt, her pants, long black sandals also add a gary belt with her swords. She choked a black with a red diamond. She sometimes has a uniform army full black clothes.

Epilogue/Gaiden/ Boruto:

Now that she is a permanent resident in Otogakure, she has taken a kage to a new village in Otogakure. She wears a uniform army black and gray, but she used to amor guard although she wears a hat from the Kage.

Since, she wears a kimono black with pink Sakura as well as she is a princess now in Otogakure.

Boruto The Movie:

In the movie, she still lives in a hidden village, his adoptive uncle, Orochimaru. She back wears a uniform army black and gray, but she used to amor guard although she wears a hat from the Kage. After she will take a time later marriage or who is a handsome date to her. She considered the kid later.

— Techniques —

Puppet Technique:

She has already learned from the puppet as well as used it to various puppets. Who is a clan from the puppets, a skills person. The modern version of the Puppet Technique used by shinobi was first created by Monzaemon Chikamatsu of Sunagakure.

Snakes Technique:

She has already learned from her adoptive uncle, Orochimaru as well as used to various snakes, but who some have a skills person as used by shinobi was unknown by an unnamed country.

Flowers Technique:

She has already learned from her mother, Mikazuki as well as used various flowers, but she can skill flower of the jutsu.

— Trivia —

Her favorite uncle Orochimaru because he takes care of me and needs to do anything or talk. Her favorite color is pink and black.

Her favorite foods are scrambled egg and pizza.

Her top of the master ninja.

According to the databook(s):

Mia wishes to fight Kabuto and Orochimaru, but they could fight once.

      2)Her least food is seafood.

    3)  Mia’s motto is “I am a second of the legendary sannin; if you move forward to keep on top of the best ninja way, but you get a lifetime happiness!

[millennials-of-manila-blog]

Descendants of the Sun (DOTS) Series Critique by Ivesse Pallarca

                Reality, basically reminds me of how real each situation that happened in the episodes of Descendants of the Sun. When Yoo Shi jin said that “Guns aren’t like dogs, they don’t recognize their owners. If I shoot, you’ll get hurt” it reflects about how unexpected each situation in our life may happen. The quote turned out to be a reminder to everyone in a sense that we should not give our trust unless we are sure about the intentions of a person.  The director Kim Euo-sook did a really great job if in my opinion. Song joong ki who played the role of Captain Yoo Shi jin, who was a Soldier and while he was playing his role, he was able to live up to the role that he needed to play. Song Hye kyo who played the role of Kang Mo Yeon, who was a Doctor and she was able to capture my heart as she played her role. For the supporting roles jingo who played the role of Seo Dae Young and Kim Ji-won who played the role of Yeon myoung-joo was also able to play the role that they were asked to do in a really great level.

                 Kang Mo Yeon said that “I fight for life, but your fight is to protect others from death”. This is the reality of doctors. They fight for the lives of the people that they’re trying to save but there is no guarantee of survival. It was shown in the series that life can be taken away in any kind of situation and doctors will always try to save the patient.

                 Yoo Shi jin said that “ I believe I fight for the peace and freedom for the land we live”. This is what soldier’s fight for. They fight for the peace and freedom of their country. The series showed how much they need to sacrifice not only for themselves but for the honor of their country as well. There is no easy way to bring honor and safety all at the same time.

                 This series made me realize that everyone has their own battle may it be big or small there is a fight that they need to battle. “Love” it also played a really big role in making the story intact.

The way that they put the cliff hanger made every viewer more and more excited to watch what was going to happen next. Every episode had a lesson and not only about love but also about how you are supposed to stand up for what you believe in.

The editing and how each effect was put together. It could have been more realistic for some part but overall they did a good job.

The soundtrack was also a great part of the whole series. It gave meaning and life to every scene that it had to support. The song “Everytime” is one of the songs that gave impact to people which allowed them to give really great feedbacks.

                 The place was very aesthetic which captured the essence of each scene. Greece was one of the highlights of the series itself. The place was memorable as a viewer because the sights that they chose were unexpected and surprisingly wonderful. From Korea to Greece the transition of the places was great and astonishing.  

                 I can say the writers really did a great job in creating the script. The series came out to be memorable and loved. It was so realistic to the point that you’d wonder if those people are actually having a hard time in real life. The effort that they put in order for them to be able to come up with this realistic events really made those people who needed understanding more chances on explain themselves and their struggles as well. It is not a typical series because usually it’s focused on one side only but here it showed multiple ideas and side. The side of a doctor, soldier, a normal citizen, and a lot more was given justice in this series. It gave understanding and meaning to every single role that had to play in the series. Military theme is not usually scene in soap operas because it is not much loved by the viewers but this one turned out to be one of the best dramas that they have.

                 This drama turned out to be memorable because of the lines that were marked into some people’s hearts.

“The doctor will save her patient and I will protect what I have to (protect)”- Yoo Shi Jin

                 This line gave meaning to this series. It was able to give justice not only to the series but the character himself. The line serves as the rock of how hard the impact was. This drama justified the life of every doctor and soldier which has the same goal and that’s to save the lives of those in need.  This series made me realize how much it was for those people to actually save lives but with a counter part of sacrificing themselves as well.

The series was actually loved because the actors who were able to capture the hearts of many people. The series won tons of awards as well. It was the second time that the couple attended an award Awards and Korea Drama Award in October. Kim- ji won also won the award New Actress and Best Actress in a Mini-Series Award. Kim Eun Sook and Kim Won Suk also got the Writers Award. The couple was also awarded with the grand prize. The rating in Asia was really high, unlike any other drama which proves that this drama had an appeal to many people.

Everything went well for this drama in a viewer’s perspective. Some fans are actually hoping for a season two for this drama. I also wish that they will be having the same casts as the ones who will be playing the roles of the characters. It will be great to see the same actors doing the same roles for another season.

[papersons-blog]

Notebook 4: Feedback from Marlene Tang

Paper Sons is a zine about the illegal Chinese immigrants coming to the United States after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act. In this system, A paper son is someone who on paper, is supposed to be somebody’s child, therefore legally able to immigrate to the US, but in reality, a paper son is someone who is not related at all, but chose to memorize information to make the officials believe that they are truly related. This zine also discusses intersectionality with women as Chinese women were sexualized, and the Chinese in relation to other ethnic groups and topics such as anti-blackness.

“They asked about the village layout, my school, the arrangements inside the house and school, where each family member slept, who eats together, locations of ancestral gravesites, the ancestral hall, how the arrangements were made for me to come to America. My mind was swimming with facts, and I just hoped I could keep all the details straight.” Ang Nguey Tone, Angel Island, 1938. The quote could be laid out next to a picture of the inside of Angel Island.

“A map of a Jung Joong’s supposed village in China. Officials were extremely particular about the details in their interrogations. Here they created a map of a paper son’s home village from the testimony of the son’s “paper father”. They later used this map during the questioning of the son, Jung Joong, asking him very difficult questions about the people that lived in specific buildings and the locations of specific people’s houses. Paper sons and daughters often spent the voyage across the pacific memorizing hundred page books filled with details about their supposed lives.” This could be laid out in your zine by it’s own page, making the photo large enough to read, could highlight certain parts of the map that are important, etc.

“Pictured is an example of a potential “Paper son” document. Although the Chinese Exclusion act was restrictive, it did allow native born Chinese Americans to bring children into the US from China. Many Chinese who wanted to immigrate to the US then bought papers for themselves or their children from other Chinese who were already American Citizens. These people were sons/daughters on paper only.” This image is blurry, maybe find a clearer image or try to draw one to avoid copyright?

Suggestions for improving the analysis would be the addition of fetishes for Asian women by white men, how they’re perceived as “porcelain dolls” meant for their pleasure.

While this zine is called Paper Sons, we also wonder about the women, or the Paper Daughters. At the intersection of gender and race, Chinese women were inferior and instead sexualized. Not only were women considered less “useful” in Chinese culture compared to men, they were also highly targeted in the United States with laws the prevented their entrance into this country.

What’s powerful about the analysis because to this day, Chinese women or any Asian women are still sexualized. What happened in the past, still affects us in the present, almost like being in the wake, similar to Dr. Sharpe’s writing on being black.