GOKPOP | Exclusive K-News in Malaysia & Singapore

5 Reasons Why You Should Watch 'So Not Worth It'

Monday, June 21, 2021

New Netflix series So Not Worth It is coming soon, and it will be so worth your time. The fun sitcom centers on the lives of students living in an international dormitory at a university in Seoul. Making new friends, finding love, and going through new experiences is all a part of daily life for the eight students. Check out some major reasons why you’ll want to check out the entertaining show here:

1. A Variety of Adventures

Image courtesy of Netflix

With most of the students coming from different parts of the world, they’re experiencing life in Seoul and Korea for the first time. While many of the friends have been around long enough to be comfortable with Korean culture, there are still new experiences to enjoy. From working part-time jobs to making kimchi and getting scammed, there are loads of unique adventures in store for the students. You’ll be able to vicariously experience a part of university life and everyday life in Korea through the characters.

2. Cute & Heart-Fluttering Romance

Image courtesy of Netflix

As university students, young love is plentiful and heart-fluttering. The friends experience sweet romance both within and outside of their circle. From amusement park dates to getting locked into a basement with your crush, there are many amusing yet relatable cute moments. You can get a glimpse of what dating in Korea looks like as the characters go on blind dates, experience breakups, and more.

3. Charming Characters

Image courtesy of Netflix

Each of the characters are unique and charming. There’s Se-wan (Park Se-wan) who is very responsible yet opportunistic. New student Jamie (Shin Hyeon-seung) is a somewhat naive heartthrob who catches the attention of many students. Sam (Choi Young-jae) is playful, mischievous, and can’t stop bluffing. As the fashionista of the group, Minnie (Minnie) is an avid fan of K-dramas and keeps up with all the trends. South Korean Hyun-min (Han Hyun-min) is often mistaken as a foreigner, but uses it to his advantage to sneak his way into the international dormitory. Hans (Joakim Sorensen) is an adorable oddball who is quite a stickler for rules. Carson (Carson Allen) acts like a grouchy old fart, but is actually very caring. Finally, we have Terris (Terris Brown) who is a bit of a show-off and a casanova of sorts.

4. Amazing Cameos

Image courtesy of Netflix

In addition to the great cast, there are many special appearances to look forward to. With over 10 cameos, you’ll be delighted as you see some familiar faces. From comedians to singers and actors, the cameo lineup itself is quite impressive. Most of the special appearances will take place during hilarious situations, so they’ll be all the more delightful.

5. Rising Stars

Image courtesy of Netflix

The main cast is full of young rising stars you’ll want to keep your eyes on. Park Se-wan who has appeared in dramas like I Am Not a Robot and movies like No Mercy, is definitely a talented actress we’ll be seeing more of in the future. Shin Hyeon-seung created quite a stir when he recently debuted through the popular web drama Be My Boyfriend. The rest of the cast including K-pop stars Choi Young-jae and Minnie, Han Hyun-min, Joakim Sorensen, Carson Allen, and Terris Brown showcase great acting despite having varying degrees of acting experience. You’ll fall in love with each of them!

Don’t miss out on So Not Worth It when it premieres on 18 June 2021 at 3PM MYT, only on Netflix!

Bling Bling

[EXCLUSIVE] Major9's New K-POP Girl Group Bling Bling Talked About Their Journey to Debut

Saturday, June 19, 2021

Rising K-POP girl group, Bling Bling draw attention from worldwide fans with their catchy hits and unique vocals since debut last year. The group composed of Korean members Cha Ju Hyun, Yubin, Narin, Choi Ji Eun and Japanese members Ayamy and Marin - where each member delivers brightness and healthy energy in their way as Bling Bling.

Recently, the group returned with their first mini-album 'CONTRAST', which features the title track 'Oh MAMA', side track ‘Milkshake’, as well as their two previous releases ‘G.G.B’ and ‘LA LA LA’. Fresh off the release of the group's new mini-album, GOKPOP had the chance to speak with Bling Bling via a written interview about their rising popularity, the album and their journey to debut as the member of Bling Bling.

Q: Bling Bling has garnered lots of love and support from overseas fans since debut last November, how do you feel receiving such good responses?

A: We heard that many international fans are cheering for us and we saw the supporting messages through comments as well. Can't believe there are so many people cheering for us from afar, we're really grateful for that.

Q: Tell us more about your first mini album 'CONTRAST' and 'Oh MAMA'.

A: Our first mini album 'CONTRAST' is an album that shows the contrasting sides of Bling Bling - both chic and cool, as well as our lovely charms. Our title track 'Oh MAMA' tells about a cool person who fell in love and found themselves not being able to hold back their feelings. It's a track that used exclamation 'Oh MAMA' to express their feelings in a fun way.

Q: Any behind-the-stories you would like to share while promoting for this comeback?

A: Through this album promotion, we had the chance to meet the fans in person for the first time through fan meeting and fan signing event. We have been meeting the fans online but this time, we really had a great time meeting the fans directly. Hope we'll have more opportunity to meet the fans in person.

Q: Tell us your journey debut as Bling Bling.

A: For Korean members, we joined the company through audition, went through trainee life and made our debut. For Japanese members Marin and Ayamy, both of them were students at a dance academy where they got the chance to audition in our company through the introduction of their dance instructor. And after that, they came to Korea and started their trainee life and made their debut.

Q: What was the first thing you wanted to do after debut?

A: We wanted to perform in front of our fans. We were sad on the fact that we couldn't perform during our debut album promotion but this time, we're happy that we get meet the fans in person through the fan meeting and fan signing event.

Q: What's next for Bling Bling? Any exciting lineup in the 2nd half of 2021?

After this promotion, we are planning to comeback with a new album this year. We'll be back with a different concept so please look forward to it!

Q: Any message to fans in Malaysia?

Fans in Malaysia! Thank you so much for supporting us from afar. We'll keep working hard until the day we can meet. Please keep support and wait for us. Thank you.

Check out Bling Bling's Greetings to Malaysian fans:

Check out Bling Bling's Oh MAMA MV:

*Special thanks to Global PR and Marketing by MJ TONZ Entertainment

eventcoverage

Falling in love 'Nevertheless'... A Steamy Romance Series You Do Not Want To Miss!

Saturday, June 19, 2021

On 18th of June, Netflix held an online press conference for their upcoming Korean drama "Nevertheless" featuring lead actress Han So-hee, lead actor Song Kang and director Kim Ga-ram.

The drama tells the story of a blossoming romance between two art school classmates portrayed by actors Song Kang and Han So-hee. Yu Na-bi (Han So-hee) doesn’t trust love but wants to date, while Park Jae-eon (Song Kang) enjoys flirting but thinks dating is a nuisance. Despite their differing viewpoints on love and dating, they begin a flirty friends-with-benefits relationship.

The 10-episode series is based on a popular webtoon of the same name, which has been enjoyed by fans all over the world. Producing director Kim Ga-ram and Han So-hee also mentioned that they are fans of the original webtoon.

Song Kang talked about how the script had appealed to him because “it had that sweetness of romance that we expect of young love, but there were other things that differentiated the story and made it stand out.” He shared that Park Jae-eon is someone with an icy image who does not talk or show his inner feelings. Song Kang said, "I put a lot of effort in pulling it off".

"Jae-eon's weakness is love. He thinks being in a relationship is frivolous but he still seeks out romance. His growth after his encounter with Nabi would be something the audience can anticipate", Song Kang added.

Kim Ga-ram talked about the title of the series and how relatable it will be for viewers. She explained how despite knowing that you’ll be hurt, you can fall for someone. Nevertheless depicts the romance that happens despite all of the hurt and despair.

Han So-hee also shared how she “hopes the audience will find my character relatable” and how she “wanted to be real and raw” in portraying her character’s emotions.

She said, "I feel 50% similar with Na-bi. She knows that the relationship with Jae-eon is dangerous yet she falls into it anyway. I used to be like Nabi, but since I've experienced that and move past it, we are no longer the same. But I do resonate with her."

The casting of Song Kang and Han So-hee garnered a lot of attention and buzz for being alike with the character in the webtoon. Kim Ga-ram said, “When I read the original webtoon, I thought of Song Kang and Han So-hee. Thankfully, they really liked the webtoon and wanted to work with me.” Both actors have been praised for being in sync with their characters.

Song Kang and Han So-hee talked about how being the same age helped them develop a friendship and contribute to great chemistry. On complimenting each other, Song Kang thinks Han So-hee is a very flexible person, and whatever he throws at her during filming, she will receive and respond it well.

He added that, "when I first knew about this offer, I think Han So-hee really looks a lot like Nabi from the webtoon. She has a frank character and I am very happy to work together with her."

Meanwhile, Han So-hee thinks Song Kang is a bubbly person who always bring good energy to people around him.

Han So-hee: "Everyone who has ever been in love know what kind of feeling they will go through. While watching Nevertheless, some people might reminisce about the past and spark hope to fall in love again!"

There will also be some episodes rated 19+ in order to show their flirtatious and sexy relationship. Song Kang teased, “There’s a lot of heart-fluttering scenes in our drama.” Fans can only stay tuned to find out!

Don’t miss out on the romance when the first episode of Nevertheless premieres on 20 June at 12AM MYT with new episodes every Sunday, only on Netflix!

Image courtesy to Netflix

K-drama

Song Seong-heon is Back on Screen with The Highly Anticipated 'Voice 4'

Saturday, June 19, 2021

BTS

BTS And Coway Inspire Malaysians Towards Life-Changing Sleep

Friday, June 18, 2021

Another BTS storm has hit Malaysian shores as the international K-pop phenomenon joins forces with the leading Life Solution Company, Coway. The global superstar BTS that is currently taking the world by storm is back with yet another exciting collaboration to ensure fans have a good night’s sleep.

Needless to say, this K-pop sensation has already been giving fans a good night’s sleep with their latest chart-topping hit song and album release. Or the fact that their faces and presence have been seen and felt everywhere, enticing the public to dress, eat and embrace daily life like them through various collaborations with other notable brands.

Now, BTS encourages all to experience quality sleep with Coway PRIME Series Mattress − promising a life-changing, BTS-approved sleep to recharge and take on the world every day.

This boy band sensation, who is also Coway’s global brand ambassador, knows how important a good night’s sleep is and together with Coway, they want to ensure everyone can afford to sleep like a superstar! Thanks to Coway’s rental subscription scheme for the PRIME Series Mattress, customers can enjoy five-star hotel quality mattress in the comfort of their homes for less than RM5 per night.

“BTS has won the hearts of many Malaysians and we are on the path to winning their minds and souls by promoting quality sleep for a healthier lifestyle. Together, we can conquer the hearts, minds and souls of both the younger and older generations through the language of music and a well-deserved luxurious sleep!” said Kyle Choi, Managing Director of Coway Malaysia.

Just like how BTS values the quality of their music, Coway values the importance of quality sleep; as a bed is the one place where you can feel comforted, secured and rested especially after a long day. During this unprecedented time where most are homebound, it is more crucial than ever to own a bed like the Coway PRIME Series Mattress, the first premium mattress rental with regular care service.

This mattress is a perfect hybrid mattress as it is a combination of only the best materials for an excellent holistic sleeping solution. It has a five-zone pocket spring, 100% natural latex, memory foam, coconut fibre, foam and anti-static fabric.

Aside from that, the Coway mattress also strives to help customers ensure the optimum level of sleep hygiene with its Coway Mattress Care Service and the changeable topper. The Sleep Foundation suggests changing one’s mattress every eight years but with the Coway Mattress Care Service, sleep hygiene is maintained in a cheaper and smarter way.

Just like the BTS seven-member band, Coway’s thoughtful and comprehensive mattress care service comes with 7–steps and is performed by professional Homecare Technicians once every four months. It is done using only the latest hi-tech equipment to clean and care for the mattress and includes dust level measuring, frame cleaning, frame wiping, side edge cleaning, mattress cleaning, dust mite repellent and UV sterilisation.

“As the saying goes, sleep is not a luxury but a necessity. Ensuring good sleep hygiene in this day and age is also a life-saving necessity. At Coway, we are determined to change the lives of our community − basically translating to a Healthier Environment, for a Happy Nation!” he added.

So, be sure to sign up for Coway’s mattress care services because it is time to protect your family and change the way you sleep forever! More information about this BTS and Coway mattress collaboration can be found at Coway Malaysia’s YouTube channel or website.

K-drama

Vengeance Comes This 23 July with a Special Episode Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Thursday, June 17, 2021

At A Distance

Catch 'At A Distance, Spring Is Green' Starring Park Ji Hoon, Bae In Hyuk and Kang Min Ah on iQiyi

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

iQiyi on-going Korean drama 'At a distance Spring is Green' is based on popular webtoon and the concept is based on a quote from Charlie Chaplin "Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long-shot." The storyline surrounds young people who live in their brilliant 20s. Yet, after a deep look, their lives are tough and uneasy. Starring Park Ji-hoon, Bae In Hyuk, Kang Min Ah, Na In Woo and Cha Chung Hwa, 'At A Distance Spring is Green' is set to stream on iQiyi International app every Monday and Tuesday at 8.30PM (MYT), exclusively simulcast streaming with Korea.

At the press conference on June 14th, director Kim Jong-Hyun expressed his satisfaction with having Park Ji-Hoon in the show, since Ji-Hoon has perfectly matched the main character's image from the original comic.

Park Ji-Hoon said the character "Yeo Jun" he played might look cheerful but is also afraid of getting hurt on the inside. He's happy to receive this role because he believes the audience would feel related when watching the show. However, Ji-Hoon doesn't think himself in real-life relates to the original character at all. He wouldn't be so cheerful and kind, but he's willing to give everything to who he gets along with. Ji-Hoon also frankly talked about how difficult it is to not let the audience feel the difference between the role he plays and the original role in the comic.

Bae In-Hyuk plays the role of "Nam Soo Hyun", who lost his father at a young age. That requires him to work part-time jobs to make a living. He intentionally lost a bunch of weight to fit in his role. Bae In-Hyuk is well-known from the hot streaming k-drama My Roommate is Gumiho. By finally getting so much attention, he felt grateful that he could receive these opportunities right after his debut. He also gives positive comments about working with Kang Min Ah and agrees that all three of them have good chemistry, which leads to an amazing outcome.

Bae In Hyuk joined the crew late. It was super awkward when he first met Park Ji-Hoon, but once they get along, they become good friends. Park Ji-Hoon felt the same way, yet he thinks the interaction between them matches the development of the plot, which is also very helpful in acting. During the press conference, three of them constantly make eye contact and laugh. As we can tell, they are truly getting along with each other.

Highlights of At a distance Spring is Green including Park Ji-Hoon's role "Yeo Joon", as a popular student at school, get to know Kang Min Ah's role "Kim Soo Bin" who accidentally fell into his arms when they first met! "Kim Soo Bin" asked "Yeo Joon" if he would pass her the Part-time TA opportunity, without expecting his response: "I'd consider if you could be my friend." Later, "Yeo Joon" carried her in his arms for a terrifying bungee jumping!

While the show is streaming, Park Ji Hoon will be online with the Korea Entertainment platform "UNIVERSE" and having live chats with fans! He also shared that he did the bungee Jumping scene with only one take! It has also become the most classic scene voted by fans. iQiyi International App At a distance Spring is Green will be exclusively simulcast streaming with Korea at 8PM (MYT) every Monday and Tuesday.

Image courtesy of iQiyi

Hospital Playlist Season 2

Hospital Playlist Season 2 Catch-up Guideline You Need to Know

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The long-awaited hit series Hospital Playlist is finally back with its second season, and we could not be more excited. If you haven’t seen the first season or need a quick recap of what you need to know before watching the second season, check out this catch-up guide. Find out what’s going on with the main five doctor friends of the series and what we’re looking forward to for each of them with the new season.

Lee Ik-jun

Our resident social butterfly and hepatologist Lee Ik-jun (Cho Jung-Seok) is always busy being an amazing doctor, doting single father, and befriending everyone in the hospital. At the end of the first season, he confessed his feelings to his long-time friend and first love Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do). We’re dying to find out if Song-hwa feels the same way and whether they’ll become a couple or not. We also can’t wait to see more of his adorable son U-ju and hear more of his sweet singing.

Ahn Jeong-won

The pediatric surgeon loves children, loves God, and loves helping out people in need. While Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) was torn over the decision to become a priest in the first season, he ended up deciding against it and confirmed his feelings for Jang Gyeo-ul (Shin Hyun-been). With their cute couple nickname “Winter Garden,” fans are super excited to see more of their romance in the new season. Here’s hoping we can see some cute antics from Jeong-won as they navigate their new relationship.

Kim Jun-wan

Cardiothoracic surgeon Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-Ho) appears prickly on the outside but is just as warm-hearted as his friends on the inside. A fan of golf and sweets, Jun-wan turned into quite the romantic as he delved into a romance with Ik-jun’s sister Ik-sun (Kwak Sun-young). At the end of the first season they became a long-distance couple when Ik-sun left to study abroad. He mailed her a couple ring, but got the package returned to him. The second season should provide us with a much-needed update on their relationship status.

Yang Seok-hyeong

The introverted obstetrician-gynecologist enjoys spending his time alone, with his friends, or with his mother. After Chu Min-ha (Ahn Eun-jin) confesses her feelings for him, Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-Myeung) tells her he’s not interested in dating. Respectfully undeterred, Chu Min-ha continues to show her interest and spend more time with him. At the end of the previous season, he turned down Min-ha’s invitation for Christmas dinner and received a call from his ex-wife. Will Seok-hyeong experience romance in season 2?

Chae Song-hwa

Neurosurgeon Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi Do) is a true lover of camping and she’s perfect at everything except for singing. At the end of the first season, Song-hwa moves to Sokcho to work at a hospital branch there for a year in order to improve her health. After moving, Ik-jun confesses his feelings for her and tells her to take her time and tell him how she feels when he gets back from the symposium in Spain. We’ll see whether she’s back in Seoul for the new season and what her answer for Ik-jun will be.

Now that you remember all the reasons to love Hospital Playlist, you’re all caught up just in time for when Season 2 launches on Netflix tomorrow, 17 June. New episodes will be released every Thursday at 10PM MYT, only on Netflix.

Image courtesy of Netflix.

5 Reasons Why You Should Watch 'So Not Worth It'

[EXCLUSIVE] Major9's New K-POP Girl Group Bling Bling Talked About Their Journey to Debut

Falling in love 'Nevertheless'... A Steamy Romance Series You Do Not Want To Miss!

Song Seong-heon is Back on Screen with The Highly Anticipated 'Voice 4'

BTS And Coway Inspire Malaysians Towards Life-Changing Sleep

Vengeance Comes This 23 July with a Special Episode Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Catch 'At A Distance, Spring Is Green' Starring Park Ji Hoon, Bae In Hyuk and Kang Min Ah on iQiyi

Hospital Playlist Season 2 Catch-up Guideline You Need to Know

Lee Ik-jun

Ahn Jeong-won

Kim Jun-wan

Yang Seok-hyeong

Chae Song-hwa

Exclusive Video

Subscribe

X Timeline

Upcoming Events

Facebook Timeline

Popular Posts

recent posts

2020 Past Events

Readers

Our Team

Music of the Month

Contact Us