Ever wonder how Korean celebrate Christmas in Korea? Like other countries, shops and streets will be fully decked out in twinkling lights and Christmas decorations. If you want to feel the Christmas spirit, visit major department stores like Hyundai Department Store in Gangnam, Lotte Department Store or Shinsegae Department Store in Myeong Dong as the malls will be decorated with life-sized Christmas displays and beautiful LED lights which is worth stopping by. Christmas is not just a festival but a joy-filled holiday for Koreans to enjoy a day off to relax and spend time with their loved ones - also, a day for gift-giving! 

When it comes to shopping for Christmas gifts, we have so many options - gift cards, self care items and more. So instead of grabbing something basic in store, you may consider THE APRILAB's Holiday Gift Set as this holiday season is the perfect time to boost your outer and inner beauty. Thanks to THE APRILAB we get to try the current in-trend beauty supplements. So...what's THE APRILAB and what's so special about the Holiday Gift Set? 

About THE APRILAB

THE APRILAB is a best-selling brand offering ready-to-consume Korean beauty supplements — also known as 'Korean edible skincare'. Some vitamins need to mix with water but THE APRILAB comes in powder sachets or “blasts” which you can consume the powder directly - super portable and convenient while providing maximum impact. This is how Koreans consume their beauty supplements nowadays. 

THE APRILAB offers three different variants - 'Time Blast', 'Super Balance' and 'Ultrabright', each specifically formulated to cater to a specific skincare need. Let's start with THE APRILAB best selling product 'Ultrabright'. 

THE APRILAB 'Ultrabright' is a citrus-flavoured powder containing high purity of glutathione and vitamin c. It's formulated for skin brightening, whitening and UV damage repair. Glutathione, derived from yeast, has been clinically proven to help lighten skin tone, reduce redness caused by UV, even out acne scars and also solve other skin issues. 

'Super Balance' however is one of our favourite products. It's a mango-flavored probiotic and prebiotic powder that's formulated to lower levels of inflammation in the body. When inflammation occurs, it may cause acne flare-ups, dry skin and sensitive skin. By integrating both probiotic and prebiotic it can help to balance both the good and bad bacteria on your skin and within your body. As a mango-mania, 'Super Balance' is definitely our must-have as it's smooth to eat and gives a rich mango taste. 

Lastly, 'Time Blast' which is THE APRILAB anti-aging/restorative range that comes in strawberry and blueberry-flavour. It contains a powerful dose of marine collagen and milk ceramides for anti-wrinkle, moisturising and skin elasticity. Korean beauty supplements are renowned for their supremely high quality and easily-absorbable ingredients, allowing the body to process them smoothly and efficiently. 

Korean skincare regime isn't limited to what you put into your skin but also on what you eat. Although this edible skincare may be new to us, but, consuming beauty supplements is very common in Korea and has grown in popularity since years ago. A healthy and glowing complexion says alot about your skin, so consistency is important when consuming beauty supplements - consume daily and maintain a good skin health. 

The Ultimate Gift Set

THE APRILAB Holiday Gift Set includes 6 boxes of the Korean Edible Skincare (2 boxes of each variant, which each box containing 10 sachets), THE APRILAB Water Bottle, THE APRILAB Canvas Bag and also a FREE holiday postcard packed in a gorgeous, matte silk, winter-themed gift box. 

This December, THE APRILAB is having a 50% discount during this 12.12 Sale where you can get the Holiday Gift Set at only RM105 - with original price of RM210. 

We all know that beauty comes from within, so don't miss out this 12.12 deal and give your loved ones the beauty they deserve. Check out THE APRILAB Official Shopee store to purchase.

For more info, check out theaprilab.com.

A second teaser poster and a teaser trailer have been unveiled for sci-fi mystery thriller series The Silent Sea, which premieres 24 December on Netflix. The show is about an elite team who goes on a special mission to an abandoned research base on the moon in a dystopian 2075 where Earth has been devastated by resource depletion. The new ensemble teaser poster shows the elite team members tasked with a grave mission to reach the moon to find new means of mankind’s survival. Astrobiologist Song Jian (Bae Doona), team leader Han Yunjae (Gong Yoo), head engineer Ryu Taesuk (Lee Joon), team doctor Hong Gayoung (Kim Sun-young), head of security Gong Soohyuk (Lee Mu-saeng), and spacecraft pilot Kim Sun (Lee Sung-wook) look tense as they are about to enter uncharted territory. Meanwhile, the teaser trailer captures volatile situations the team members are thrown into. The spaceship carrying the elite team is forced to make an emergency landing on the moon due to technical issues, threatening the mission from the get-go. The team barely escapes as the ship tenuously hangs on a cliff, makes it across the desolate surface of the moon engulfed in endless silence, and finally reaches Balhae Lunar Research Station. The team must risk their lives to find the answer to mankind’s survival and complete their mission in this secret room-like research base. The Silent Sea is set to premiere on 24 December, only on Netflix.

Krystal Jung graces the cover of W Edition this November decked in CHARLES & KEITH, deepening the brand’s global footprint and cementing its position as a fan favourite amongst fashion powerhouses.

Model Irene Kim

Fashion Models Cha Soo Min & Park Seo Hee

                    
Adored by Krystal and as seen on the arms of celebrities and influencers around the world, the Gabine is reimagined for winter, and debuting in this spread is the new range of Gabine shoes. Crafted in natural calfskin and adorned with the unmistakable gold buckle, the sophisticated elegance of the iconic saddlebag is translated into loafers, slides and mule pumps that are perfect for the tropics, and ankle and knee-high boots for the colder climates.

Craving for Korean fried chicken or looking for a fancy Korean meal to treat yourself? K Fry Urban Korean is the perfect choice to fuel your food cravings. They are now offering a 15% off to our readers who spend RM50 and above for online order, https://www.kfry.my/order-online/! Apply the code <KFRY-GOKPOP> upon check out. 

What to Eat? 

Chikin Sando Series

Spicy Buldak Chicken Sando - RM19.90 | Korean Fried Chicken Sando - RM18.90 | Bulgogi Chikin Sando - RM18.90 Order here: https://www.kfry.my/order-online/

We get to try the signature K Fry Sando Series which comes with Spicy Buldak Chicken Sando (RM19.90), Korean Fried Chicken Sando (RM18.90) and Bulgogi Chikin Sando (RM18.90). Sando Series are filled with mouth-watering crispy fried chicken, topped with soft buns and SeKret sauce that added some FIRE. It's also one of our favourite series among all! If you prefer a healthier choice, pick Bulgogi Chikin Sando which comes with flavourful grilled bulgogi chicken thigh that topped with Gogi Mayo sauce.

Must-try: 5/5

Jjajang Series

Chicken Jjajangmyeon - RM18.90 | Chicken Jjajangbap - RM17.90 Order here: https://www.kfry.my/order-online/

Jjajang series are definitely the perfect go-to dish for your late night k-drama sessions - the sauce is savoury but somewhat slightly sweet, it goes well with both rice or noodles. If you're a noodle person try the Chicken Jjajangmyeon (Korean black bean sauce noodle - RM18.90), if you're into rice then try the Chicken Jjajangbap (Korean black bean sauce over rice - RM17.90). 

Must-try: 4/5

Croffles

Strawberry Cream Cheese Croffle - RM14.90 | Salted Caramel Biscoff Croffle - RM12.90 Order here: https://www.kfry.my/order-online/

Last but not least, we tried the newly launched Strawberry Cream Cheese Croffle (RM14.90) and also Salted Caramel Biscoff Croffle (RM12.90). Both Croffles are the absolute delight - sweet, crispy and buttery. If you prefer a sweet and fruity flavour, try the strawberry cream cheese but if you prefer a combination of sweet and salty then pick the salted caramel biscoff instead. 

K Fry is having a sweet deal which you can get 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream for free when you purchase 2 croffles of your choice! 

Must-try: 5/5

We all get cravings for a particular food occasionally but with wide variety of K-food choices, we are sure K-Fry will get your craving fixed. Don't forget to apply the code <KFRY-GOKPOP> upon check out and get your special 15% off when you spend and above at https://www.kfry.my/order-online/. 

Netflix upcoming Korean drama 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' featuring Shin Min-A, Kim Seon Ho and Lee Sang-yi is set to delight us with a heart-fluttering romance. 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' talks about the story of Seoul-city girl Yoon Hye-jin (starring Shin Min-A) who arrives at the seaside village of Gongjin. There she meets Du-sik, an oddjob expert that the whole village counts on. 

Early this afternoon, the director Yu Je-won and the main cast of 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' sat down with the press and talked about their characters and chemistry working with the co-stars. Check out the Q&A during the online press conference:

Q: What about the story were you drawn to?

Lee Sang-yi: I was also very drawn to the fun, intriguing story. I know a lot of people are going to live in Jeju Island and that is the trend right now. That’s exactly how I felt when I read the script. I felt like I was transported to this village. Of course, being able to act alongside Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a was also amazing.

Kim Seon-ho: This is a truly heartwarming story and I felt it was really human. I play the role of someone who is unemployed but capable of everything. I wondered what I could bring to the character, and I felt like it was really fun. When I read the script I felt like it was heartwarming and I was drawn to it, I really wanted to be a part of it.

Q: Your character has many licenses. Which one would you be interested in having yourself?

Kim Seon-ho: I was really interested in his realtor license. A lot of people are interested in real estate these days. Du-sik is literally capable of everything and he has a realtor license. One of his licenses certifies him as a professional fruit plater, so he lays out fruit on a plate.

Q: Director, this is the second time you’re working with Shin Min-a. How was it working with her for the second time?

Yu Je-won:  She’s always very lovely and very talented. You could say she was born to be lovely. I think she was able to maintain that charm. I also think that her acting has become more mature and she has deepened as a person and as an actor. At the same time, acting depends on who you act with. I think all of them complement each other and make each other comfortable.

Q: Chemistry between Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho on set.

Shin Min-a: It was really good. I know there were high expectations even before we started filming, but I didn’t feel a lot of pressure. I really enjoyed acting on set with Kim Seon-ho. He’s a really good person and a comfortable person to be around. I think our good chemistry and flexibility is portrayed through our acting.

Kim Seon-ho: I totally agree with Shin Min-a. I was talking about this with Lee Sang-yi as well. Shin Min-a has good character and she’s really nice. She accepts playful words and actions we say or do. She’s a comfortable person to be around.

Q: What efforts did you make to play your character?

Kim Seon-ho: Because Chief Hong does so many different things, I had to set apart some time to learn all of his abilities. I had to learn how to surf and how to make coffee as a barista. I had to maintain a certain balance since he’s unemployed but he has a lot of handy talents.

Shin Min-a: I think Seon-ho had to prepare the most. For me, since I play the role of a dentist, I visited my dentist. I had my teeth looked at and tried to observe my dentist’s facial expressions. I also tried to spend some time understanding the dentist’s feelings.

Lee Sang-yi: I watched a lot of TV since I play the role of a star producer. I watched a lot of producer Na Young-seok’s programs because that’s the kind of role I’m portraying, as well as producer Kim Tae-ho who is the producer of Hang Out with Yoo. I tried to observe them and I noticed that they are not that talkative on set, they are usually quietly observing in the back. Aside from that, I tried to become close to my co-stars since chemistry is translated to the screen.

Q: What was it like working with Lee Sang-yi?

Shin Min-a: We prepare a lot beforehand and when your partners are able to accommodate what you have prepared, I think there is a sense that everything is going to work out and turn out successful. They are very serious in their acting, but at the same time they are very funny and playful. It’s really great working with them.

Kim Seon-ho: I say this to Sang-yi, but I am often amazed by him on set. I think he is really gifted in acting and I always learn a lot from him actually. He’s really talented and I think the director feels the same way. He’s an actor with great potential and is recognized by everyone on set. He has a lot of ideas and we have a lot of fun filming the drama on set.

Feeling the wanderlust during this stay-home season? Escape into another realm with the best of Asian entertainment, only on Viu! Why go out in pairs when you can grab five of your friends to kick back and binge-watch amazing new shows in the comfort and safety of home? Have a blast as you and your friends are whisked away to another reality with the best and latest action thrillers, romantic comedies, dramas, variety shows and more.

Streaming on Viu from 4 July with new episodes every Sun & Mon, 5 hours after Korea Starring Ji-Sung, Kim Min-Jung, GOT7's Jin-Young & Park Gyu-Young

Mood Boosters To Lighten The Mood Looking to unwind with some laughs? Popular Korean Variety show The Great Escape will be returning for its fourth season on July 12. Six celebrities with a long list of fears are trapped inside a locked structure, each with a unique theme harbouring a web of secrets. In order to escape, they will have to face their fears, test their limits and solve the mystery! 

Here are some of the new Korean films to watch on iQiyi this coming July! From the award-winning 'Voice of Silence' starring Yoo Ah-in and Yoo Jae-Myung to the highly anticipated 'Recalled' starring Seo Yea-ji and 'Pipeline' starring Lee Soo Hyuk, Seo In-guk and more. 

Voice of Silence

Voice of Silence, an indie crime movie about Tae-in (starring Yoo Ah-in) and Chang Bok (starring Yoo Jae-Myung) who're working under a criminal organization. They are diligent and professional and ostensibly make a living by selling vegetables. In fact, the two have another job — providing underworld organizations with killing sites, disposal of corpses and collecting bodies for a living.

One day, on a request by Yong-seok, the head of a criminal gang, he is forced to take on the kidnapped 11-year-old Cho-hee. But the next day, 'Yongseok' appears as a corpse in front of the two who were trying to return the child, and the two get caught up in an unexpected incident. The peaceful life of the two gets shattered, and things start to develop in a direction beyond their control.

Recalled

Recalled, a mystery-thriller film Soo-jin (starring Seo Yea-ji) who begins to see someone else's future after an accident. She often dreams of a faceless person chasing after her again and again. It is hard for Sujin to slowly return to her normal life with her husband. After seeing the future, she helps others through difficulties as she gradually discovers that her husband seems to be hiding a big secret from her. She even sees the image of her husband killing someone. The doctors believe that the phantom Sujin saw is just a post-traumatic sequelae.

Coincidentally, a police detective suspects that Sujin's husband is involved in a theft case. Sujin becomes suspicious and begins to search for the truth, but her own memories begin to return. To make matters worse, Sujin suffers from the illusion of an unknown man threatening her.

Pipeline

Pipeline, a crime action film that tells the story of six thieves who wish to change their lives by stealing oil hidden in an underground tunnel in Korea. With over 1200km of oil pipeline in Korea, Geon Woo (starring Lee Soo Hyuk), a rich oil refining company owner, sets up a plan to drill into this pipeline between Honam and Seoul-Busan highway within a month. Pin Dol (starring Seo In Guk), the drilling engineer forms a team with Jeob Sae (starring Eum Moon Suk), section chief Na (starring Yoo Seung Mok), Geun Sab (starring Tae Hang Ho) and Counter (starring Bae Da Bin) to complete the impossible heist. As the task gets delayed from various setbacks, the risks multiplies.

photo credit to iQiyi, imdb

Olympic fever hits the city of Seoul in 1988 and a group of hipsters blaze through with an incredible full-speed heist!

Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service, has confirmed the production of Seoul Vibe, an action blockbuster packed with thrills and adrenaline-fueled scenes. Also confirmed is the casting of the following big-name stars: Yoo Ah-in, Ko Kyoung-pyo, Lee Kyoo-hyung, Park Ju-hyun, Ong Seong-wu, Kim Sung-kyun, Jung Woong-in, and Moon So-ri. 

Netflix has announced that Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, a rom-com telling the story of a pragmatic dentist and an unemployed man, will premiere sometime soon.
Shin Min-a stars as Yoon Hye-jin who opens up a dental clinic in the seaside village of Gongjin. She’s got beauty and brains, but also a clumsy side to her. While being strict and a perfectionist, she’s got a warm heart deep inside.

Kim Seon-ho stars as Hong Du-sik who is technically unemployed but takes on odd jobs and helps everyone in the village. From delivering food to working at a convenience store, he’s a master of all trades. Smart and caring, he’s the hero of the village you can count on whenever you need assistance.

The pair meet in the beautiful seaside village and they feel attracted to each other despite being complete opposites. An exciting rom-com is in store as we see their stories unfold.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha will premiere only on Netflix.

Image courtesy of Netflix

Nothing beats a show that will keep you on your toes with its surprising plot twists. Far from predictable, this list of series that feature many unanticipated turns of events will be deeply satisfying and just might make your jaw drop.

1. Beyond Evil
Having snagged three awards from the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards including Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor, Beyond Evil is definitely worth watching. What might seem like a simple cold case murder mystery is actually a story full of intricately woven plot points and intriguing red herrings. Policemen Lee Dong-sik (Shin Ha-kyun) and Han Joo-won (Yeo Jin-goo) chase after the truth while harbouring their own secrets and becoming suspicious of one another. You’ll find yourself questioning everyone’s innocence while watching the characters search for the culprit.

2. Awaken
Awaken centres on police officers who investigate a series of murders that are mysteriously linked to a tragic event that happened 28 years ago. Do Jeong-u (Namkoong Min) leads a special police task force in charge of investigating deaths that are more than what they appear to be. His team is later joined by former FBI profiler Jamie Leighton (Lee Chung-ah) and they work to crack the code created by the mastermind of the murders. An unconventional detective and lots of creepy twists are some of the highlights of the series.

3. Stranger
Stranger has two seasons packed with mind-bending mystery. Prosecutor Hwang Si-mok (Cho Seung-woo) and police leftenant Han Yeo-jin (Bae Doona) work together to unravel complex mysteries. While they pursue justice, they discover hidden and dangerous truths. There are big thrills and many twists without feeling overdramatic. Like entering a forest full of secrets, you’ll enjoy the cerebral journey as revelations are unveiled. It’s a gripping series for those who like to play detective and keep getting surprised.

4. The Lies Within
The Lies Within is a suspenseful thriller following Kim Seo-hui (Lee Yoo-young) whose whole world turns upside down when her father passes away in an accident and her husband goes missing around the same time. She teams up with detective Jo Tae-sik (Lee Min-ki) to figure out the truth behind these puzzling events. Gruesome and curious occurrences take place, leading Kim Seo-hui to join the National Assembly in a desperate attempt to save her husband’s life.

5. Signal
Signal features profiler Park Hae-young (Lee Je-hoon) from 2015 communicating with detective Lee Jae-han from 1989 through a walkie-talkie that transcends time. They start exchanging information and work together to solve and prevent crimes. Many twists take place as reality begins to change as a result of their teamwork.

6. Extracurricular
What sets Extracurricular apart from the other shows on this list is the fact that none of the main characters are detectives. This series is about model student Oh Jisoo (Kim Dong-hee) who lives a double life filled with serious crime. His carefully managed secret is at risk of being exposed when his classmate Bae Gyuri (Park Ju-hyun) takes an interest in him. Everything quickly spirals out of control, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats with multiple cliffhangers. Check it out for a rollercoaster ride as you try to anticipate what happens next.

Which shows are you most interested in? Watch them all on Netflix!

Image Courtesy of Netflix