April’s Shower of Sexy Stars Celebrating Birthdays!

April 8, 2015, 3:00 pm

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It’s finally springtime so let’s celebrate the birth of some of our favorite global TV stars. April birthday babies are known to grow up to be dynamic, brave and attention-loving people, which is perfectly fitting for the set of stars in this blog. Step into spring with these 10 glamorous and fiery drama stars who claim April as their birthday month!

Elizabeth Gutierrez — April 1

Source: Instagram @gutierrezelizabeth_

Telenova actress/model Elizabeth Gutierrez is well-known for taking on edgy roles such as the sultry leading lady in “Love Contract” or the villainous vixen in “Always on My Mind.” The California-native loves spending time with her two children and frequently posts pictures with them on social media.

Joe Chen Qiao En — April 4

This Taiwanese beauty, simply known as Joe Chen, is a multitalented triple-threat serving up acting, modeling and singing prowess to her legion of fans. Stunning Joe is almost unrecognizable in “Fated to Love You,” the show that catapulted her to fame. Did you know that Joe Chen also is a published author? Her latest book, Joe in Greece, reveals her love of cats.

Lee Jun Ki — April 17

Lee Jun Ki (also known as Lee Joon Gi) recently won the Excellence Award and Best Couple Award with Nam Sang Mi for “Gunman of Joseon.” Lee Jung Ki fans are anxiously awaiting the release of his next drama, “Under the Sicily Sun,” sometime this year!

Lee Da Hae — April 19

Fans of Lee Da Hae will recognize her from the television dramas “Hotel King” and “Miss Ripley.” She made waves during this year’s Korean Fashion Week, posing at various runway events in the latest designer fashions. She also has been busy with various endorsement deals, including Passional Lover cosmetics.

Yao Yuan Hao — April 19

Yao Yuan Hao is starring in the upcoming Viki-exclusive Taiwanese drama “Rose Battle.” Check out his Spring Awards Shout-Out as he welcomes us to check out this much-anticipated drama. Be sure to vote for your favorite Taiwanese dramas in the inaugural Viki Spring Awards 2015!

Kim Ji Suk — April 21

Check out Kim Ji Suk in the Viki on-air television drama “Unkind Women,” where he takes part in a classic love triangle, pitted against his half-brother (played by Song Jae Rim), for the affections of Lee Ha Na’s character. For another taste of romance, watch Kim Ji Suk in “Angel Eyes.” Fun fact: Kim Ji Suk is multilingual — he also speaks English and German.

Oh Min Suk — April 22

“Incomplete Life (aka Misaeng)” fans loved Oh Min Suk’s portrayal of serious Assistant Manager Kang. His irresistible charisma shines through in his most recent role as a chaebolson in the just-concluded drama “Kill Me, Heal Me.”

Sonya Smith — April 23

Source: Twitter @Sonya_Smith

Sonya Smith stars as the leading lady in “Always on My Mind” against a rival played by fellow birthday beauty Elizabeth Gutierrez. Sonya uses Twitter to send inspirational messages to her fans and share her love with beau Ricardo Chavez. These two lovebirds met on the set of the telenovela “My Dear Handyman.”

Marjorie de Sousa — April 23

Source: Instagram @marjodsousa

Marjorie de Sousa stars opposite fellow birthday girl Elizabeth Gutierrez in “Love Contract.” Marjorie is known for playing villainous vixens. She’s so good at it that she won the “Favorite Villain” award last year for her role in “True Love.” We can’t wait to see what’s next for Marjorie in 2015!

Min Pechaya Wattanamontree — April 28

Actress, model and sometimes singer, Min Pechaya Wattanamontree has won a number of awards for her acting skills and is a two-time FHM “100 Sexiest Women in the World” inductee. On her days off, Min enjoys spending time with her BFF Pattie Ungsumalynn Sirapatsakmetha from “The Bedside Detective.”

To read about lots of other global stars with April birthdays, check out Viki’s new “Celebrities” channel!

Some titles on Viki are not available in certain regions of the world. But Qualified Contributors (QCs) can view and contribute to most titles. Read this blog post to learn how to become a QC.

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Language Learning: 10 Korean Crime-Fighting Words to Know!

April 9, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Ask Halmoni: ‘I Love My Girlfriend But Hate Her Twin Sister!’

≪ Previous: April’s Shower of Sexy Stars Celebrating Birthdays!

Now that spring is finally here, it also seems like summer is just around the corner. For many people — college students in particular — this month is the start of a type of “crunch time.” It’s the time to start getting on the job-hunting grind in hopes of landing an awesome position.

But whether you’re a new grad or are just looking for a summer gig or a career change, for us drama fans, an easy way to find some inspiration for the perfect career is right in front of us — in our favorite shows!

We have to admit, our favorite drama characters seem to have some pretty incredible, envy-worthy occupations, which is why this month’s Language-Learning focus is awesome jobs — and the unique words and phrases that are associated with them.

Today, we are focusing on the always exciting, never predictable world of crime fighting! Sound like a pro by learning some new lingo from some of our new favorite K-dramas below!

Missing Noir M — Investigator

In this Viki-exclusive new drama series, Gil Soo Hyun (played by Kim Kang Woo) is a brilliant former FBI agent who returns to Korea to head up the country’s Special Missing Persons Unit.

체포 (chae po) — arrest

도주하다 (do joo ha da) — flee

The Girl Who Sees Smells — Police Officer

Choi Moo Gak (played by Park Yoochun) currently works at a local patrol station in this Viki-exclusive new series, but he really wants a position at the First Division so that he can catch the culprit who killed his younger sister.

강력계 형사 (gang ryuk gae hyung sa)— First Division

수사 (soo sa) — investigation

붙잡히다 (boot jab hee da)— to be caught

절도 (jeol do) — theft

Falling for Innocence — Detective

Detective Ma Dong Wook (played by Jin Goo) is the fiancé of Soon Jung (played by Kim So Yeon). To help Soon Jung out, Dong Wook investigates a recent incident involving a product at her company, Hermia, and looks into the Gold Partners, an investment firm that may have motives in becoming Hermia’s largest bondholder.

범인 (bum een)— culprit

경찰서 (kyung chal seo) — police station

체벌 (chae beol)— punishment

유치장 (yoo chi jang)— lockup

What’s your favorite crime-fighting word? Let us know in the comments!

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Ask Halmoni: ‘I Love My Girlfriend But Hate Her Twin Sister!’

April 10, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 23 Essential K-Drama Words You Need to Know

≪ Previous: Language Learning: 10 Korean Crime-Fighting Words to Know!

Dear Halmoni,

I’ve been dating my girlfriend for about two and a half years. I love her, but I can’t stand her twin sister … I might even hate her. There are many reasons why, the details of which I will spare you and your readers, but I’m at a point where I dread hanging out with her twin. When I do have to see her, there is a rage inside of me that I can’t extinguish. Being around her twin sister is like a slow torture chamber session. If my girlfriend had her way, her twin sister, the twin sister’s partner, and my gf and I would be hanging out every single weekend. I feel bad hating my girlfriend’s twin sister, but at the same time, I’m at a point where just the thought of having to see her gives me terrible dread.

Please help!

—Twin Sister Hater

Dear Twin Hater,

When it come to evil twins, conventional wisdom call for lying quietly in wait until Harvest Moon arrive, then slipping time-released poison capsule into evil twin’s mandoo guk. Today, that not so good. Halmoni try that once, but dashed bowl to ground before twin drink. Because, in the words of sage master Jean Grae, “I don’t need to go to jail right now. I got things to do!” Halmoni like rhymes.

Anyhoo, I know many family relatives are boring, stupid, lazy, mean ... We all suffer those dummahs. But only on holiday, not every weekend! YOLO, my child, YOLO! If your girlfriend love you, she spare you evil twin and give you weekend free.

Sometime, we have to do thing we don’t like, but most of time, you do what make your heart smile. ZZZZZ. Oops, hello! Halmoni take quick nap.

Okay good luck, and remember, you too young to hate. LIVE!

You welcome,
Halmoni

Have question for Halmoni? Write to AskHalmoni@gmail.com.

Disclaimer: Halmoni is pseudonym for writer Christine Kwon. This advice is solely intended as humor. Also, you write to Halmoni, you agree to be published on Internet. In conclusion, Halmoni just give her opinion about life. That’s it.

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23 Essential K-Drama Words You Need to Know

March 23, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Win Big in Thai New Year Seg & Sub-a-Thon!

≪ Previous: Ask Halmoni: ‘I Love My Girlfriend But Hate Her Twin Sister!’

Whether you’re a new or veteran drama fan, there are some Korean terms essential to understanding your favorite dramas. Even with subtitles, some words don’t have direct translations into other languages and are often either skipped or spelled out phonetically. Learn the following terms to sound like a Hallyu expert!

aegyo (EGG-yo) — The act of making a cute face and trying to act cute and adorable. For some reason, this seems to be a sought-after personality trait by some drama men in the women they date.

aigoo (EYE-goo) — An expression of exasperation, much like “Seriously?!”

ajumma (AH-joo-mah) —“Lady” or “woman" with the connotation of being older, possibly with children. You wouldn’t use this for a student or a woman in her 20s.

ahjussi (AH-juh-shee) — “Man” or “mister.” Like “ajumma,” this usually refers to an older man and wouldn’t be used for someone younger than you.

chaebol (JEH-bohl) — Heir to a family conglomerate business. If you were to believe K-dramas, they’re everywhere, and they’re usually smoking hot and moody!

Some of our favorite drama chaebols include Ji Sung in ‘Kill Me, Heal Me,’ Choi Jin Hyuk and Lee Min Ho in ‘Heirs’ and So Ji Sub in ‘Master’s Sun’

Chosun Dynasty (JOH-sun, sometimes written as Joseon Dynasty) — Era in Korean history from 1392 to 1897, when many famous kings ruled and evil family members tried to kill them. Most Korean historical dramas take place during this period, and many time-travel dramas involve traveling between this era and present day.

daebak (DEH-bak) — An expression of amazement, much like “No way!” Characters usually lower their voice an octave when saying this word.

dong-seng (DOHNG-seng) — “Younger brother.” This can be used to express a close relationship with someone younger even if that person is not biologically related.

Fighting! (be sure to pronounce the T very strongly as in FIE-TING!) — A standalone word that is usually said very loudly while accompanied by a held-up fist, this word is used to encourage someone to do well before they face a tough situation or go into a lion’s den.

Gyung-bae! (GYUNG-beh) — “Cheers!” If you don’t say it before you down a shot of soju in a K-drama, it’s probably because you’re alone and feeling sorry for yourself that you don’t have anyone to make a toast with!

heol (HULL) — An expression of surprise much like “daebak” but more along the lines of “OMG.” You should deepen your voice for maximum effect.

hoobae (WHO-beh) — A younger schoolmate. It also can be used to refer to a coworker who is hired after you. In dramas, a lot of hazing comes with the territory of being the “hoobae.” You’re always stuck paying for coffee or doing other menial tasks for your “sunbae.”

hyung (make sure to pronounce both the H and Y and rhyme with “sung”) — “Older brother” when a younger boy or man is referring to another boy or man who is older. It can be used for anyone that is a close friend and doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re biologically related.

jjang (JAHNG with a hard J sound) — A term that means “the best” or “the greatest.”

K-drama— Contraction of “Korean” and “drama” that only the truest K-drama fans use. Don’t ever be caught saying “Korean drama.”

K-pop— Contraction of “Korean” and “pop” that only true fans use to refer to a type of music that often involves a group of Korean men or women dancing in perfect synchronicity to a catchy tune that won’t leave your brain. As with “K-drama,” don’t be caught saying “Korean pop”!

The cool dance moves of the popular K-pop boy band INFINITE-H

kimchi (KIM-CHEE) — The national food of Korea that is universally eaten and beloved by all Korean people — so much so that they devote entire dramas to the worship of this pickled or fermented cabbage. Although cabbage kimchi is the most common, the Korean people have turned pickling and fermenting of almost every type of vegetable into an art form.

noona (NU-nah) —The term for “older sister” that a boy or man calls a girl or woman who is older (the term used by females calling older females is “unnie”). But the term is often used by younger men to refer to an older woman that they like. “Noona romances” are a common storyline in K-dramas, and for some inexplicable reason, three years or eight years older seem to be the magic numbers for the “acceptable” age gap between a young man and a “noona.”

oppa (OH-pah) — The term for “older brother” by girls or women referring to a male who is older. The term is used by women to refer to any friend or man who is a few years older, especially by the “third wheel” in a Korean drama who wants to get close to or steal a man away from another woman.

Yo Na (played by Ji Sung, top) finds her ‘oppa’ (played by Park Seo Joon) in ‘Kill Me, Heal Me’

ramen (RAHM-yun) — The ubiquitous instant noodles that everybody in K-dramas eats so deliciously!

Jun Ji Hyun makes eating ramen look refined in ‘My Love From the Star’

sageuk (SAH-guk) — A Korean historical drama, usually set in the Chosun Dynasty, when the people spoke in a type of Korean that’s hard for even Korean people to understand. In most sageuks, there’s usually a king or crown prince who is trying to keep from being overthrown.

Some of our favorite sageuks include ‘The King’s Face’ (top) and ‘Secret Door’

sunbae (SUN-beh) — A term to refer to someone older who attended the same school but graduated ahead of you. It’s a term of respect that everyone who graduated after you from the same school (“hoobae”) needs to call you. But being a sunbae in Korean dramas carries the burden of being asked for favors, jobs or money.

unnie (UN-nee) — The term for “older sister” that a girl or woman calls someone older. This term is used to refer to someone older who may not necessarily be biologically related to show a close relationship.

Is there a commonly used K-drama word that you think we should add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

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Win Big in Thai New Year Seg & Sub-a-Thon!

April 12, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 7 Characters We Want to Spend ‘Black Day’ With!

≪ Previous: 23 Essential K-Drama Words You Need to Know

Did you know that Thai New Year, or Songkran, starts on April 13? During this time, water is traditionally poured, symbolizing the washing away of sins and starting anew. To celebrate this holiday, as well as the awesome shows and stars from Thailand, this Seg & Sub-a-Thon will be focused on Thai content! This means that when you subtitle Thai titles, you’ll be eligible to receive a gift.

One segmenter and one subtitler will each receive a great gift pack that includes a “Hyde Jekyll, Me” poster and a signed K-pop CD!

Want to join in on the fun? See the details below!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEG & SUB-A-THON

Seg & Sub-a-Thon Period: April 13-20, 2015, until 11:59 p.m. UTC/GMT

How to Participate

Users can register at any time during the sub-a-thon period.
You must be registered in order to be eligible to receive the prizes.

Segment or subtitle as much as you can on the listed Thai content (listed below)

You must contribute on the listed content to be eligible.

After April 20, winners will be contacted via PM.

Thai Content to Segment/Subtitle

Winners (2): The overall top segmenter and the overall top subtitler will each win the following:

A “Hyde Jekyll, Me” poster
A signed Brown Eyed Girls CD
A Viki tote

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

NEW TO SEGMENTING OR SUBTITLING? IT’S EASY!

Check out our Viki U videos in Intro to Segmenting and Intro to Subtitling
Find a video that needs your help through our Project Finder or the Project Board in Discussions to get started!

Popular movies or on-air TV shows are managed by volunteer Channel Teams, and only team members are allowed to subtitle those videos. If you want to join a team, just contact the Channel Manager or Moderator!

Read our Subtitling FAQs to learn everything you need to know about subtitling. If you need assistance, please visit the Viki Help Center.

Good luck!

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7 Characters We Want to Spend ‘Black Day’ With!

April 13, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 20 Drama Doctors Who Make Lab Coats Sexy!

≪ Previous: Win Big in Thai New Year Seg & Sub-a-Thon!

Park Yoochun eating jjajangmyun in on-air drama ‘The Girl Who Sees Smells’

For those of us who didn’t have a significant other to celebrate Valentine’s Day or White Day with this year, cheer up! Black Day is here for you!

Black Day is a South Korean holiday observed on April 14 where singletons can celebrate their single status by dressing in black and eating jjajangmyun, a delicious black bean noodle dish. Other activities include drinking black coffee or participating in one of the many matchmaking events that are organized for the day.

If I can eat jjajangmyun with Park Yoochun, then every day can be Black Day, as far as we’re concerned!

In celebration of Black Day, here are seven single characters from our favorite dramas that we would love to spend the day eating jjajangmyun with!

Kwanjai in ‘True Love Next Door’

If you’re looking for the single girl who is on the search for her one true love, look no further than Paula Taylor in “True Love Next Door.” In this sitcom, Paula Taylor plays Kwanjai, a woman whose fiancé has disappeared without a trace, leaving her devastated. After consulting with Thida, her best friend, who also happens to be a horoscope writer, Kwanjai must now figure out who the true love of her life is. Thida predicts that he may be living right next door. Question is, which neighbor could it be? Is it Joe (played by Sunny Suwanmethanon), Kwanjai’s childhood friend, or Vee (played by Bo Thanakorn Chinakul), the nerdy next-door neighbor?

To find out who Kwanjai picks, watch Season 1 and Season 2 of ‘True Love Next Door’!

Cheng Hao Wei in ‘Love Myself or You’

In “Love Myself or You,” Jolin Chien plays Cheng Hao Wei, a manga-loving friend who went to college with Du Kai Qi (played by Puff Guo). Unable to confess his love to Kai Qi due to a misunderstanding caused by Kai Qi’s father, Hao Wei goes to great lengths to win her back once he realizes his mistake. However, it might be too late when Fu Zi Jie (played by Jasper Liu) comes into Kai Qi’s life.

Hua Tuo Ye in ‘Autumn’s Concerto’

“Autumn’s Concerto” was one of the highest-rated idol dramas in Taiwan, breaking a number of viewership records. Starring Vanness Wu, Ady An and Chris Wu, the 2009 drama shot its stars into the spotlight and they’ve stayed there ever since.

The uber-talented Chris Wu portrays Hua Tuo Ye, a kind and understanding friend to Ady An’s Liang Mu Cheng. Tuo Ye is in love with Mu Cheng and helps take care of her diabetic son, Xiao Le, as the little boy’s godfather. However, when Ren Guang Xi (Vanness Wu) comes back into Mu Cheng’s life, Tuo Ye has to fight for her love.

Kinnosuke Ikezawa in ‘Mischievous Kiss: Love in TOKYO’

Based on the shoju manga, Itazura na Kiss — which also spawned live-action adaptations in Taiwan (“It Started With a Kiss”) and Korea (“Playful Kiss”) — “Mischievous Kiss: Love in TOKYO” follows the story of a dim-witted girl who is in love with the brightest student in her school. Hilarious situations abound as Kotoko Aihara (Honoka Miki) chases after Naoki Irie (Yuki Furukawa). Yamada Yuki plays Kinnosuke Ikezawa, the childhood best friend who’s had a crush on Kotoko for years but never had the guts to tell her. He protects her and eventually confesses, albeit too late. However, Kinnosuke’s love life might be looking up when he least expects it! Find out how Kinnosuke’s story ends in “Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in TOKYO.”

Leonardo Arisméndi in ‘Eva Luna’

Julian Gil is Leonardo “Leo” Arisméndi in this dark family tale of twists and turns. Willing to do anything to win the love of Eva González (played by Blanca Soto), Leo constantly lies and manipulates situations to his benefit, eventually tearing Eva away from his best friend, Daniel Villanueva (played by Guy Ecker). However, Leo soon gets caught in his lies and misdeeds, and ultimately, Eva leaves him to be with Daniel. Leo’s ending is not so happy but you’ll have to watch “Eva Luna” to see what happens in the end!

Zheng Rui Rui in ‘The Way We Were’

Tiffany Hsu portrays Zheng Rui Rui, best friend to Ruby Lin’s Tang Jia Ni in “The Way We Were,” a drama chronicling the lives of five friends from 1998 to 2014. Although Rui Rui has been harboring a crush on Jia Ni’s boyfriend for a long time, one of the most beautiful aspects of this drama is Jia Ni and Rui Rui’s friendship. And, through a surprising revelation near the end of the series, we understand why!

Oh Ri On in ‘Kill Me, Heal Me’

In the Viki-exclusive popular Korean drama “Kill Me, Heal Me,” Park Seo Joon is Oh Ri On, a funny and smart mystery novelist whose twin sister, Oh Ri Jin (played by Hwang Jung Eum), turns out not to be related to him at all. While Ri Jin works as the secret personal physician of Cha Do Hyun (played by Ji Sung), Ri On is investigating and writing about Cha Do Hyun’s powerful family. Fans have been calling Ri On one of the best oppas ever portrayed in a drama. Check it out to see if you agree!

Who would you most like to spend Black Day with? Rui Rui from “The Way We Were” or Tuo Ye from “Autumn’s Concerto”? Or, everyone's favorite oppa of the moment, Oh Ri On, from “Kill Me, Heal Me”? Let us know in the comments!

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20 Drama Doctors Who Make Lab Coats Sexy!

March 29, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Which Couple Won ‘March Madness’ Ideal Type Tourney?

≪ Previous: 7 Characters We Want to Spend ‘Black Day’ With!

Maybe white is your color or you can’t resist the aura of authority that men and women have when they’re wearing medical scrubs or lab coats! Whatever catches your fancy, medical dramas on Viki are some of the most irresistible and entertaining genres to watch! Some of our favorite Asian idols and stars have donned the lab coat in popular dramas in recent years. In celebration of National Doctors Day on March 30, here are some of our favorite drama doctors!

Our Favorite Emergency/Trauma Physicians

Lee Sun Gyun and Hwang Jung Eum (left) play emergency department doctors who are eager to please in “Golden Time” and Choi Jin Hyuk (right) is always cool under pressure as an ER resident in “Emergency Couple”!

Our Favorite Genius General Surgeons

Because there seems to be an abundance of genius surgeons in Asian dramas, Ahn Jae Hyun (left) plays a vampire variety in the currently airing drama “Blood,” while Ryoko Yonekura (middle) plays the “freelance” version (because apparently, you can be freelance as a surgeon!) in “Doctor-X,” and Kwon Sang Woo is just a “surgical genius” in “Medical Top Team.”

Our Favorite Surgical Sub-Specialists

Lee Jong Suk (A) plays a genius cardiac surgeon in “Doctor Stranger,” while Song Seung Heon (B) plays a brilliant neurosurgeon in “Dr. Jin” whose reputation so proceeds him that even history is in need of his unparalleled skills! Choi Min Ho (C) plays a studly thoracic surgeon in “Medical Top Team,” Lee Sang Yoon (D) is a gifted cardiac surgeon in “Angel Eyes,” Joo Won (E) is a pediatric surgeon with savant syndrome in “Good Doctor,” and Lee Sung Min (F) is a no-nonsense trauma surgeon who always puts his patients first in “Golden Time.”

Our Favorite Psychiatrists

Being a die-hard drama fan can make you a little crazy in the head as you try to follow all the twists and turns of a drama storyline! We’d love to have these drama psychiatrists get our heads on straight again! Hwang Jung Eum again dons the white coat to play a psychiatric resident in the recently concluded hit drama, “Kill Me, Heal Me,” Chun Jung Myung is a little loose with ethics in “Heart to Heart,” Gong Hyo Jin is a confident psychiatric fellow in “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” and Song Chang Eui is a genius psychology professor who helps the police solve tough crimes in “Dr. Frost.”

Other Specialists

Maritza Bustamante (clockwise from top left) is an obstetrician-bynecologist in the Venezuelan telenovela “Torrent of Passions,” Tang Zhi Ping plays a sweet school doctor in “Hana Kimi,” Tiffany Hsu is a medical student in “Autumn’s Concerto,” and Yuki Furukawa becomes an internist in “Mischievous Kiss 2: Love in TOKYO.”

And Our Favorite Medical Student

Jung Woo takes our prize for one of our favorite and memorable doctor characters, for his portrayal of “Trash,” a surprisingly caring and diligent medical student in “Reply 1994.”

Be sure to check out Viki’s Medical Drama genre to watch these and other great series and films!

Which drama doctor is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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Which Couple Won ‘March Madness’ Ideal Type Tourney?

April 14, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Food Porn Is Back! Why You Can’t Miss ‘Let’s Eat 2’!

≪ Previous: 20 Drama Doctors Who Make Lab Coats Sexy!

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Our “March Madness” Ideal Type Tourney has concluded, and we have the results! On March 21, we started with 16 celebrities and have now whittled them down to the final winning couple.

From the previous week, you had to decide between the below pairings for the final couple.

Aaron Yan vs. Ji Sung
Gong Hyo Jin vs. Puff Guo

This is your last chance to guess who made it before all is revealed ... Who do you think?

It’s our fan-favorite Taiwanese couple from “Just You” — Aaron Yan and Puff Guo!

If you’ve been participating since the beginning, we had mentioned that whoever leaves the highest grand total of comments by the end of all rounds will receive a grand prize (pictured below) that includes a signed photo from EXO, CD from KARA and poster from the stars of the Taiwanese drama “Hayate the Combat Butler.” Congratulations to lorena_isabel for winning the grand prize!

Thanks to everyone who joined in on the commenting fun! Hope you had as much fun as we did!

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Food Porn Is Back! Why You Can’t Miss ‘Let’s Eat 2’!

April 16, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Why Takumi Saito Is the Hottest Star in Japan Right Now!

≪ Previous: Which Couple Won ‘March Madness’ Ideal Type Tourney?

It’s true most of us watch K-dramas for the riveting story lines and the beautiful stars. But every once in awhile, we get a drama that gives us so much more. When “Let’s Eat” first aired in 2013, it made no excuses for the fact that the stars of this delectable drama were not Lee Soo Kyung or Yoon Doo Joon but the piping hot meats, seafood, stews and noodle dishes that took center stage. To put it simply, it was pure and unadulterated food porn. You probably gained 5 pounds just watching each episode!

Just when we were starting to feel a culinary void in our drama viewing, “Let’s Eat Season 2” (exclusive to Viki in the United States and Canada) answered all of our prayers and launched last week with all new episodes! And as with the first season, food again takes center stage in this new season. Goo Dae Young (played by Yoon Doo Joon) is back as a foodie insurance salesman who has had some career setbacks and moves to his hometown to try to re-establish his career. At his new apartment building, his next-door neighbor happens to be Baek Soo Ji (played by Seo Hyun Jin), an old elementary school classmate who has eating issues because of the emotional pains she endured as the fattest girl in school.

In the first two weeks of the series, Dae Young tries hard to make it up to Soo Ji for his past hurtful behavior. And along the way, they eat many unbelievably mouth-watering meals! Take a look!

In Episode 1, Dae Young is on a fishing boat and gets to eat raw squid as soon as the fishermen bring it onto the boat! He enjoys the freshly sliced squid by dipping it in gochujang (a red chili-based sauce) as well as marinated with some fresh vegetables and in a soup! Is your mouth watering yet?

In Episode 2, Dae Young and Soo Ji share a meal at a restaurant that specializes in clams and oysters! By the time you finish watching this scene where they consume (from top left) noodles with clam, spicy marinated oysters, oyster soup, special-grain rice with oysters and beans, raw oysters with radish kimchi, and raw oysters dipped in gochujang, you’ll most definitely have a pool of drool below you!

If the photos don’t make you salivate enough, maybe this will…

But wait, there’s more!

In Episode 3, Dae Young and Soo Ji again go for raw fish! They eat thinly sliced raw flounder with fresh watercress and a bibimbap made with the raw flounder (often referred to as hweh-do-bap when it contains raw seafood).

In Episode 4, Dae Young tries to chummy up to Lee Sang Woo (played by Kwon Yool) and takes him to an Indian restaurant. They feast like kings on tandoori chicken, fresh naan and papar (spiced chips), samosas, and an assortment of grilled meat and seafood skewers and curries.

If the dishes featured so far in “Let’s Eat Season 2” don’t make you want to immediately watch the series, you may be missing a few nerves in your senses! Which dish made you drool the most? Let us know in the comments!

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Why Takumi Saito Is the Hottest Star in Japan Right Now!

April 17, 2015, 3:00 pm

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With the Japanese drama “Doctors’ Affairs” just launched exclusively on Viki, lead actor Takumi Saito has become a hot commodity in Japan. Since 2014, his popularity has skyrocketed in Japan and many fans want to know more about the actor.

The interesting and surprising thing about Takumi Saito is that he isn’t just an actor; that’s just one of the many titles of this multitalented star. Here are five other entertainment titles associated with Takumi Saito and and the reasons why he’s one of Japan’s hottest stars right now.

Model

At the height of 184 cm (about 6 feet), a fit body and a handsome face, Takumi Saito began his career as a model at the age of 15. He has made appearances in the popular Japanese magazines MEN’S NON-NO and POPEYE. Takumi Saito has modeled in fashion shows, not only in Tokyo but also Paris, for Japanese designers Issei Miyake, Keita Maruyama and SHINICHIRO ARAKAWA, as well as popular global designer Calvin Klein.

Actor

Takumi Saito began his acting career in 2001 and has been active ever since. But a supporting role he played in 2014 catapulted him to megastardom, making housewives all across Japan fall in love with him.

Takumi Saito also has appeared in numerous commercials promoting everything from fashion e-commerce and a wedding venue search engine to cup noodles and soda. He’s also not afraid to wear goofy outfits when the situation calls for it!

Director

Because of his love for acting and movies, Takumi Saito has branched out and directed several movies. This love and talent could have started from the time he was a child and his dad worked at a production company. So his love of movies may be a family trait!

Writer

Takumi Saito has written and published a book titled Escaping from Japan 1981 (ニッポン脱出 1981) on his experiences traveling abroad. Because of his love of movies, he writes a lot of movie reviews in his blog. So if you ever need movie recommendations, what better way to get them than from an actor himself!

Books and blogs aren’t the only things Takumi Saito writes. In 2007, he wrote and sang his first mini-album, “Kokoro no Gururi.”

Radio Show Host

Takumi Saito has hosted his own radio show, “TAKUMIZM” since 2007. So Japanese listeners can listen to his sexy voice all the time? Wait, why aren’t we all in Japan right now?

Watch the exciting trailer for his new drama, “Doctors’ Affairs,” below!

And don’t miss this special message from Takumi Saito himself about his new drama!

We can expect great things from Takumi Saito with “Doctors’ Affairs” and whatever the future may hold for him — because one thing is for sure: his popularity is only going to grow. Send your love to Takumi Saito and tell us what you love the most about this sexy Japanese actor!

Some titles on Viki are not available in certain regions of the world. But Qualified Contributors (QCs) can view and contribute to most titles. Read this blog post to learn how to become a QC.

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Want to Watch Taiwanese Dramas But Don’t Know Where to Start? Let Us Help You!

April 18, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Language Learning: 10 Chinese Firefighting Terms to Pick Up!

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The Taiwanese version of ‘Fated to Love You’ still holds the record for the highest viewership of a TV drama

Have you been interested in getting onboard the Taiwanese drama train but didn’t know where to start? Here are our suggestions for eight of the best/most popular dramas in recent years to get you started! After watching the following list of dramas, we are sure that you will turn from a newbie into a hardcore fan of Taiwanese dramas!

My MVP Valentine

The heart-wrenching break-up scene in Episode 15 of ‘My MVP Valentine’

Production Year: 2002

Synopsis:Duan Chen Feng (played by Johnny Yen) is a talented high school basketball player who is on his way to the most important competition of his life when he is involved in a car accident that paralyzes Angel (played byMichelle Lin), the younger sister of his biggest rival, Iceman (played by David Chen). With Iceman missing from the competition, Chen Feng easily wins the MVP Award, but he becomes overwrought with guilt after the tournament. To do the right thing, Chen Feng gives up basketball and leaves school to help care for Angel, much to the bewilderment of his girlfriend, Xiao Xi (played by Angela Zhang).

Fun Facts:

One of the first few Taiwanese drama adaptations of a Japanese manga
The theme song “Wo Nan Guo” became a classic and the show skyrocketed 5566’s fame.
Johnny Yen was actually a high school basketball star (nicknamed The Basketball Genie) and after turning professional, he led the FIBA Asian Championships at his peak.
5566 (the band with Tony Sun) released a song “Without Your Love” with an alternative ending to the drama, where Tony Sun gives up his life for Angela Zhang to live.

Favorite Scene (above): Xiao Xi wants to break up with Chen Feng and hides from him. Chen Feng is devastated. But sensing that she must be nearby, he screams out his love confession for her, trying to win her back.

Hana Kimi

Watch this hilarious dorm scene in Episode 5 of ‘Hana Kimi’

Production Year: 2006

Synopsis:Based on Japaneseshōjo manga series “Hanazakari no Kimitachi e,” more commonly known as “Hana Kimi.” Taiwanese high jumper Zuo Yi Quan (played by Wu Chun) is a rising star and a documentary movie about his accomplishments is seen far and wide. In the United States, Lu Rui Xi (played by Ella Chen) sees Yi Quan in the documentary and is instantly smitten. Determined to meet him, Rui Xi decides to transfer to Ying Kai University in Taiwan, where Yi Quan attends school. But there’s a small catch! Ying Kai University is an all-boys’ school!

Fun Facts:

Propelled the members of Fahrenheit to crazy popularity.
Danson Tang (who is currently starring in “Murphy’s Law of Love”) is the only reason you need to watch this drama!

Favorite Scene (above): Rui Xi comes back to the dormitory exhausted, and accidentally falls asleep next to Yi Quan. Yi Quan is amused and mumbles to himself about how careless Rui Xi is, since she’s a girl and he’s a guy.

My Lucky Star

Who gets to come to the aid of Jimmy Lin in this exciting scene in Episode 17 of ‘My Lucky Star’?

Production Year: 2007

Synopsis: In this sweet drama about opposites attracting, Zhong Tian Qi (played by Jimmy Lin) is the son of a major jewelry label who runs away from his family after stealing an important piece of jewelry. He meets Xia Zhi Xing (played by Yoo Ha Na), a talented young woman who produces imitation jewelry. As they fall in love, Tian Qi’s belief in Xia Zhi’s talents inspires her to becoming a legitimate jewelry designer.

Fun Fact:

Jimmy Lin was a race car driver in real life but quit rally racing in 2011 due to the death of one of his racing buddies. He insisted on doing some of the stunts in this drama himself.

Favorite Scene (above): Injured, Tian Qi is weak from crawling around in the rain looking for an earring. Ya Ruo (played by Jennifer Hong) comes to pick him up. Zhi Xing is worried and runs after the car but can’t catch up to it.

Fated to Love You

The dance that starts it all in Episode 1 of ‘Fated to Love You’

Production Year: 2008

Synopsis: When Chen Xin Yi (played by Joe Chen) tries to save her relationship with her no-good boyfriend, she mistakenly sleeps with a total stranger, Ji Cun Xi (played by Ethan Juan). Although they try to forget about the one-night stand, Xin Yi later discovers that she is pregnant.

Fun Facts:

The drama holds the record for the highest average viewership rating at 10.91 with a peak at 13.64 for Episode 20.
The 2014 Korean remake with Jang Na Ra and Jang Hyuk, “Fated to Love You (aka You Are My Destiny)” also was a huge hit.

Favorite Scene (above): Cun Xi shares a dance with Xin Yi after he saves her from her ex-boyfriend, who cheated on her.

Autumn’s Concerto

Vanness Wu comes to the rescue in Episode 4 of ‘Autumn’s Concerto’

Production Year:2009

Synopsis: Ren Guang Xi (played by Vanness Wu) has the world at his feet. The law student is the sole heir to a wealthy family business, is athletic, and blessed with great looks and charisma. After he falls in love with Liang Mu Cheng (played by Ady An), a new employee in his school cafeteria, he undergoes emergency brain surgery that takes away his memory.

Fun Fact:

The drama holds the record of the second-highest average viewership rating (after “Fated to Love You”) at 8.23, peaking at 9.5 for Episode 18.

Favorite Scene (above): Guang Xi rushes to save Mu Cheng, who is kidnapped.

To Get Her

See what happens when Jiro Wang spends a drunken night with Rainie Yang in Episode 2 of ‘To Get Her’

Production Year: 2009

Synopsis: Chen Mo Mo (played by Rainie Yang) suffers from agoraphobia, which makes her feel anxiety in public places or in an overly crowded setting. When she takes in superstar Zhuang Jun Nan (played by Jiro Wang) as a tenant after he hits rock bottom, her peaceful world turns upside down.

Favorite Scene (above): Jun Nan’s drunken confession and night spent with Mo Mo.

My Queen

Ethan Juan’s hot kiss with Cheryl Yang in Episode 3 of ‘My Queen’

Production Year: 2009

Synopsis: At 33, Shan Wu Shuang (played by Cheryl Yang) has always put her schoolwork and her career above her romantic relationships, rising to become a top magazine editor. When Wu Shuang falls for Lucas, a 25-year-old part-time assistant (played by Ethan Juan) at the magazine, does the December-June relationship have a chance?

Fun Facts:

The Korean remake is “A Witch’s Romance.”
Cheryl Yang was nominated for the Best Leading Actress at the 47th Golden Bell Awards for her acting in “My Queen.”
The singer of the show’s theme song, Fish Leong, made a cameo as a DJ on in the series.
Same producer as “My MVP Valentine,”“100% Señorita,”“My Lucky Star,”“Bull Fighting,”“Fated to Love You” and “Autumn’s Concerto”

Favorite Scene (above): Lucas kisses Wu Shuang after she was tricked by his partner.

Down With Love

Jerry Yan can’t resist Ella Chen’s amazing makeover in Episode 8 of ‘Down With Love’

Production Year: 2010

Synopsis: Xiang Yu Ping (played by Jerry Yan) is suddenly forced to care for his brother’s children after his death. In need of a nanny, Yu Ping hires Yang Guo (played by Ella Chen), who passes herself off as gay to get the job. But what web of lies will they find themselves in when Yu Ping’s superstar girlfriend and his best friend both come into the picture?

Fun Facts:

The drama was a joint project of China and Taiwan and was filmed in both Taipei, Taiwan, and Hangzhou, China. The show was broadcasted in China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Singapore simultaneously.
Xiao Xiao Bin has acted with three out of the four members of the F4: as Vanness Wu’s sonin “Autumn’s Concerto,” as Jerry Yan’s nephew in “Down With Love” and as Vic Zhou’s son in “Perfect Two.”

Favorite Scene (above):Guo’s makeover scene, complete with dance lessons from Yu Ping.

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Language Learning: 10 Chinese Firefighting Terms to Pick Up!

April 20, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 5 Reasons Why We Love ‘The Girl Who Sees Smells’!

≪ Previous: Want to Watch Taiwanese Dramas But Don’t Know Where to Start? Let Us Help You!

In our last Language Learning blog, we explored the world of crime-fighting and the Korean terms that go along with that high-stress, but exciting, profession. This week, we’ll delve into the intense and often-unpredictable realm of firefighting through the popular Hong series “Elite Brigade F.S.D.”!

While it’s common knowledge that firefighters battle flames on a daily basis, they also deal with a wide array of situations ranging from chemical leaks to building collapses and even suicide attempts. Although this profession may not be for everyone, step into their world for a bit through the world of dramas and learn some of the professional terms that that they use from the different scenarios they face!

FIRES — ‘Elite Brigade F.S.D.’ Episode 1 and Episode 3

消防員 (xiu fong yun): firefighter

候架 (hao ga): fire hose

水浸 (soi zum): flooding

火海 (for hoi): sea of fire (a large amount of fire)

防煙門 (fong yin moon): smoke prevention doors

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES — ‘Elite Brigade F.S.D.’ Episode 5

救護車 (gao hoo chare): ambulance

醫院 (yee yun): hospital

CHEMICAL LEAKS — ‘Elite Brigade F.S.D’ Episode 7

化學保護袍 (fa hawk bou wu pou): chemical protection gowns

核生化部隊 (he sheng fa bou doi): Nuclear, Biological, Chemical protection team

呼吸輔助器 (fu kap fu zor hey): breathing apparatus/oxygen mask

Which term is your favorite? Learn any new words? Share what you know and keep the conversation going in the Language Learning Discussions!

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5 Reasons Why We Love ‘The Girl Who Sees Smells’!

April 21, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: 10 Konglish Words in K-Dramas That Aren’t English!

≪ Previous: Language Learning: 10 Chinese Firefighting Terms to Pick Up!

We’re not going to lie — when we heard that “The Girl Who Sees Smells” was going to be the latest vehicle that Shin Se Kyung and Park Yoochun would ride to make their small-screen comebacks, we wanted to file it another “Just Another K-Drama With a Nonsensical Title.” But if you give the first episode a few minutes’ watch, like we did, you’ll realize that the funny title aside, this drama will suck you in and make you believe that its going to be one of the best current on-air dramas!

Here are the five top reasons that we have come to love this new drama in its first two weeks on the air!

It’s a Crime Thriller — And There’s a Serial Killer on the Loose!

Between the sexy Nam Goong Min (left) and Song Jong Ho, you’ll have to guess which is the bad guy!

It Has Just Enough of the Supernatural Without Overdoing It

After a terrible accident, Shin Se Kyung’s character develops a strange ability — but it makes her a great amateur detective who can literally follow people’s trails and help catch bad guys!

The Unexpectedly Funny Scenes Will Leave You in Stitches!

Don’t ask why Officer Choi (played by Park Yoochun) is wearing this getup! You’ll have to see it to believe it!

Officer Choi channeled his inner ‘country bumpkin’ in this scene that got a free meal!

Shin Se Kyung and Park Yoochun Have Great Chemistry!

The natural charisma of both stars shine through and the couple looks adorable together!

But did this hug really happen or is someone dreaming of some skinship?

The Hilarious Timed Comments Add a Whole Another Level of Fun!

If you don’t already use this feature, hover your cursor over the top right screen of a video, click on the left-most ‘talking bubble’ icon and then check ‘Show Timed Comments’ in the drop-down box.

If you haven’t watched this new on-air K-drama yet, we recommend you add “The Girl Who Sees Smells” to your viewing list. It has it all — suspense, romance, comedy — and makes you think of your sense of smell in a whole new way. If you already are a fan of this drama, let us know what you love the most about it in the comments!

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10 Konglish Words in K-Dramas That Aren’t English!

April 22, 2015, 3:00 pm

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In recognition of UN English Language Day, which is observed on April 23 each year to correspond with William Shakespeare’s birthday, we thought it would be fun to celebrate the English language the K-drama way! It’s abundantly clear that the Western vernacular has so permeated the Korean culture over the years that Korea has created its own set of English-derived or English-sounding words that are widely used in everyday life. But if you listen closely, those English words are not used in the English language!

They are the truncated, Anglicized words that belong only in Korean culture. Here are 10 of our favorite such Konglish words!

My Love From the Star — ‘CF’ (씨에프)

Cheon Song Yi (played by Jun Ji Hyun) was a hot star who was in much demand for ‘CFs’!

“CF” is an acronym for “commercial film” that Korean stars or idols shoot for products they are paid to endorse. But in English, we call it a commercial endorsement — so CF is not derived from an actual English phrase.

Kill Me, Heal Me— ‘Ment’ (멘트)

Oh Ri On (played by Park Seo Joon) is at a loss when he is pressed for a ‘ment.’

“Ment” is the truncated word for “comment.” Why say the entire word when you can just say the last syllable? We would expend much less energy if we can hold entire conversations like this!

My Love From the Star — ‘Netizen’ (네티즌)

Yoon Beom (played by Kim Gang Hyun) is being warned about the power of ‘netizens.’

“Netizen” is the combination of the words “net” and “citizen” — used to describe an entire society of people online who occupy chatrooms, social media and discussion boards who know everything and express their strong opinions about everything. In K-dramas, netizens have caused the downfall of many popular high school students, idols and stars, and politicians.

Hyde Jekyll, Me— ‘Over’ (오바)

From top left, people are constantly accused of going ‘over’ in ‘Hyde Jekyll, Me,’ ‘Pinocchio,’ ‘The Legendary Witch’ and ‘Sweden Laundry’!

“Over” is the abbreviated word for “overreacting” or going “overboard” in the way someone acts or reacts. Being in a state of “over” is quite common in K-dramas!

What Happens to My Family— ‘Punc’ (펑크)

Kang Shim (played by Kim Hyun Joo) isn’t overly sympathetic when Tae Joo’s (played by Kim Sang Kyung) car tires go flat

“Punc” is short for “puncture,” as in what happens to your tire, as in having a flat tire on your car. Why say all that when “punc” gets it done?

Incomplete Life (aka Misaeng)— ‘PT’ (피티)

Geu Rae (played by Im Siwan) and Baek Gi (played by Kang Ha Neul) are under pressure as interns to make the best ‘PTs’ of their young careers to try to get hired by the company.

“PT” is the Konglish word for “presentation.” It would be equivalent to a PowerPoint presentation, which we abbreviate as PPT when referring to the many business presentations made on the popular Microsoft software in the United States.

Miss Korea— ’S-Line’ (에스라인)

Ji Young (played by Lee Yeon Hee) learns that standing on your head is the best way to accentuate your ’S-line’!

“S-line” refers to a desirable hourglass figure, specifically the curves of a woman’s back down around her curvy backside to her legs. Beauty contestants and men alike in Korea yearn for that “S-line”!

Kill Me, Heal Me — ‘Selca’ (셀카)

When the parents ask for a ‘selca stick,’ they get ridiculed by Ri On and Ri Jin (played by Hwang Jung Eum) for asking for one that is as long as a fishing pole!

“Selca” is the Korean version of the “selfie.” The truncated word is probably derived from the English words “self” and “camera” but doesn’t exist in the English language. Even on Viki, English subtitlers have been replacing the word “selca” with “selfie.”

Hyde Jekyll, Me — ‘Skinship’ (스킨십)

Seo Jin (played by Hyun Bin) details the strict life he has lead for five years to prevent his other personality from coming to the surface!

“Skinship” is a made-up word derived from the words “skin” and “relationship” that refers to skin-to-skin contact between a man and woman. In K-dramas, it doesn’t even have to be any intimate body parts touching. Even brushing your hands against another person’s hand is considered skin-on-skin contact and a very intimate gesture!

Sweden Laundry— ‘Some’ (썸)

Young Mi (played by Bae Noo Ri) wants ‘some’ from her best friend’s older brother!

“Some” is a term that is short for “something” — which is an English word. But what it means in K-dramas is uniquely only found in the Korean culture. Wanting or having “some” with somebody means that you want something romantically to happen between you and another person. So don’t throw around that word unless you mean it!

Did you learn a new word today? Which Konglish word is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ Star-Studded Cast Stop By Seoul

April 23, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Food Porn Is Back! Why You Can’t Miss ‘Let’s Eat 2’!

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Claudia Kim (Kim Soo Hyun) poses for fans on the red carpet in Seoul Friday

With the premiere of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on April 23 in Korea, the star-studded cast of the much-anticipated Hollywood film was in Seoul on Friday to show its Korean fans some love. Thousands of fans gathered at the Conrad Seoul hotel in Yeouido to catch a glimpse of the latest Marvel superhero movie’s many stars, including Korean actress Claudia Kim (also known by her Korean name Kim Soo Hyun), Robert Downey Jr., Mark Ruffalo and Chris Evans. The film also stars Chris Hemsworth and Scarlett Johansson.

Claudia Kim as Dr. Helen Cho in the new ‘Avengers’ movie (left) and at the fan meeting in Seoul Friday (right)

The event was a warm homecoming for Kim Soo Hyun, who plays geneticist Dr. Helen Cho, an ally to the Avengers, in the new film. Korean drama fans will recognize her from roles in “7th Grade Civil Servant.” She has previously starred in the Netflix original series “Marco Polo” and once again proves herself on the international stage, with cast member Robert Downey Jr. commending her performance. “Claudia did a fantastic job,” Downey said. “We’re not at all doubtful about the talent that comes from here.”

Claudia Kim (center) with ‘Avengers’ co-stars Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and director Joss Whedon at the red-carpet event on Friday in Seoul

Me and one of my other #Avengers cast members who is also taller then me @claudiashkim #avengersageofultron
A photo posted by Mark Ruffalo (@markruffalo) on Apr 16, 2015 at 7:54pm PDT

The new film picks up where the events of “Captain America: Winter Soldier” left off. S.H.I.E.L.D. has been dismantled and the Avengers need help keeping the world at peace. As usual, Tony Stark (played by Robert Downey Jr.) decides that building an army of sentient robots is the most efficient solution. Naturally, things go awry and the Avengers unite to clean up the (deliciously frenetic, yet ultimately catastrophic) mess.

In addition to Kim Soo Hyun’s role in the movie, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” features scenes that were shot in Seoul in April 2014. Quick cuts of the city can be seen in the movie’s latest trailer. The Korean locations included Sangam Digital Media City, the Sebit Dungdung Seom island near Banpo, and the Tancheon parking lot in Gangnam.

The film premieres on April 23 in Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe and on May 1 in the Untied States. Excited for the “Avengers” to return to the big screen? Not sure if the sequel will live up to the original? Let us know how you feel in the comments below!

Source: The Korea Times

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Food Porn Is Back! Why You Can’t Miss ‘Let’s Eat 2’!

April 16, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Most Memorable Performances of ‘K-Pop Star Season 4’!

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But wait, there’s more!

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Most Memorable Performances of ‘K-Pop Star Season 4’!

April 24, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: KCON 2015 Is Coming to New York City Area!

≪ Previous: Food Porn Is Back! Why You Can’t Miss ‘Let’s Eat 2’!

“K-Pop Star Season 4” has ended and the winner has been announced. It came down to Jung Seung Hwan and Katie Kim. Congratulations go to both contestants, but it was ultimately Katie Kim who took home the crown for Season 4 and chose to sign with Yang Hyun Suk’s YG Entertainment.

Did you catch all of the most memorable moments from the Top 3 finalists?

Winner Katie Kim is known for her soulful voice. Taking her first trip to YG Entertainment since signing, she received a very warm welcome from the YG Family.

Even though Jung Seung Hwan didn’t win, he still got a winning prize. “K-Pop Star Season 4” changed one of the original rules to allow the Top 3 finalists the chance to sign with an agency. Both Jung Seung Hwan and third-place finalist Lee Jin Ah chose to sign with Antenna Music.

Here is a look back at some of the most memorable performances of the Top 3!

Jung Seung Hwan performed an incredible duet with Miss A’s Suzy (“Dream High,” “Gu Family Book”). They both showcased their amazing voices that also harmonized well together.

Known for her songwriting and piano skills, Lee Jin Ah’s first performance didn’t impress just one or two judges, but all three! Although she was eliminated in the semifinals, we still love her talent and so does Antenna Music, which signed her!

We congratulate Katie Kim again for winning “K-Pop Star Season 4” and wish her the best of luck at your new agency! We look forward to the future careers of Katie and the runner-ups. What was your favorite performance from “K-Pop Star Season 4”? Let us know in the comments!

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KCON 2015 Is Coming to New York City Area!

April 25, 2015, 7:35 pm

≫ Next: BTS Fun Facts About Birthday Girl Annie Chen’s Dramas

≪ Previous: Most Memorable Performances of ‘K-Pop Star Season 4’!

KCON just announced that it’s expanding to the East Coast!

The music festival, one of the largest celebrations of K-pop in the Western Hemisphere, will be headed to the tri-state area, taking up residence at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, for a one-day convention on August 8. This year, the Los Angeles leg of the festival will take place from July 31 to August 2 at the Staples Center.

Launched in 2012 in Los Angeles, KCON was co-founded by CJ E&M, a South Korean entertainment and media company, and Koreaboo, an English-language news site focused on Korean entertainment news. Last year’s KCON in Los Angeles drew more than 40,000 attendees.

G-Dragon (Photo source: EW via CJ E&M)

In addition to performances from the hottest K-pop stars, the well-attended convention also includes activities such as panels, food trucks, contests and merchandising booths.

(Photo source: KCON Japan)

KCON also recently launched an international presence with its first overseas concert in Saitama, Japan, on April 22. Fans were able to see performances from GOT7, Jun. K from 2PM, INFINITE, SISTAR and Block B, among others.

Girls’ Generation (Photo source: Billboard via CJ E&M)

While the lineup for this year’s conference in both Los Angeles and the New York area haven’t been announced yet, past guests have included popular K-pop artists EXO, Girls’ Generation, G-Dragon, CNBLUE, f(x) and 4Minute.

Ticket sales and artist announcements will be forthcoming so be sure to stay tuned to KCON’s website and Facebook page.

For fans who aren’t able to get to LA or NYC, there are K-pop conventions in Miami, Florida, and Toronto, Canada, as well!

To see what KCON is all about, catch KCON 2014 on Viki!

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Rolling Stone, KCON, KCON Japan

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BTS Fun Facts About Birthday Girl Annie Chen’s Dramas

April 27, 2015, 3:00 pm

≫ Next: Stars of ‘Super Daddy 10’ Show Love to Viki Fans!

≪ Previous: KCON 2015 Is Coming to New York City Area!

April 28 marks the 26th birthday of Annie Chen! The model and actress has been trailblazing her way through the Taiwan entertainment industry, turning the last few dramas that she starred in into bona fide hits. Annie must be a good-luck charm!

We know that Annie is a dog-lover and a charitable person, but how much do you know about her dramas? In celebration of Annie’s birthday, here are some interesting stories behind five of her shows that may come as a surprise to you!

Inborn Pair (2011)

“Inborn Pair” was the first of Annie Chen’s smash hits on television and co-starred the adorable Chris Wang as one-half of the couple of an arranged marriage. The drama was such a ratings hit that Sanlih Entertainment, the production company behind “Inborn Pair,” continued casting the winning leads in subsequent dramas. Chris Wang was paired with Tiffany Hsu in “Love Me or Leave Me” and Annie was paired with George Hu in “Love, Now.”

Love, Now (2012)

In “Love, Now,” Annie Chen plays Yang Yi Ru, a serious-minded advertising executive who doesn’t know how to take a day off of work. Tricked by her family into believing she’s dying, Yi Ru finally goes on holiday, where she meets Lan Shi De (played by George Hu), the CEO of a family business.

George and Annie’s chemistry was so exceptional in “Love, Now” that it sparked rumors the two had moved their love story into real-life territory. George and Annie never confirmed their relationship, explaining that they were just friends, but they were caught going on dates anyway in the United States and around Taiwan. Whether the dating rumors were true or not, George and Annie definitely played an arresting couple on the small screen. The high ratings spurred Sanlih to continue the successful pairing and immediately cast the couple in the following drama “Love Around.”

Love Around (2013)

真愛黑白配, the Chinese name for “Love Around,” literally translates to “Real Love, Black and White Match.” The “black” refers to Zhou Zhen, George Hu’s gangster character, and the “white” refers to Liang Xiao Shu, Annie Chen’s sunny and bubbly DJ character.

Pop Quiz: What did Annie use as her “vomit” in her throw-up scenes in “Love Around”?
Answer: Canned sweet congee.

Watch how Annie prepared for her vomit scenes, as well as the hilarious hijinks between George and Annie, in this cute behind-the-scenes clip where the two of them trade “hits” back and forth. These two definitely suffered for their art.

Boysitter (2014)

After two rounds playing a couple, George Hu and Annie Chen decided to separate as an on-screen couple. Annie was again offered the lead role by Sanlih during the developmental stages of a drama that would later turn out to be “Love Myself or You” (2014). However, Annie turned it down to concentrate on other projects and to let her contract with the production company expire. She went on to star in “Boysitter” while George Hu went on to star in “Love Cheque Charge,” leaving fans very disappointed that the couple did not do another drama together!

Material Queen (2011)

Annie Chen played a supporting character named Sha Xia in “Material Queen” in 2011. This drama was buzzing while it was in production because the male lead, Vanness Wu, had just come off of the record-breaking“Autumn’s Concerto” and Patricia Field, of “Sex and the City” and “The Devil Wears Prada” fame, was hired as the costume designer. Patricia Field designed most of the outfits for the main cast and even made a cameo in one of the earlier episodes. If you missed this drama, it will be coming to Viki soon!

Did any of the behind-the-scenes stories about Annie Chen’s dramas surprise you? Do you know any fun facts that weren’t mentioned? Share with us in the comments!

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Stars of ‘Super Daddy 10’ Show Love to Viki Fans!

April 29, 2015, 3:00 pm

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Stars of ‘Super Daddy 10’ (from left): Lee Re, Lee Dong Gun and Lee Yoo Ri

There’s just something about a drama that centers on the parent-child bond that just gets us right in the gut. And when a parent is dying and trying to ensure that his or her child will be taken care after his or her death (as in the recent powerfully emotional dramas “Punch” and “Mama”), we just can’t resist being glued to each episode with tissues in hand.

“Super Daddy 10” is the newest addition to the tearjerker genre, and if you’re not watching this drama, you need to start right away! Not just another sappy “melo,” this great on-air K-drama (exclusive to Viki in the United States and Canada) follows the lives of professional baseball players and medical doctors with plenty of humor thrown in! It stars Lee Yoo Ri (fresh off her huge popularity from her iconic villainess role in “Jang Bo Ri Is Here”) and Lee Dong Gun (who proves he’s the best at playing irresistible jerks, like his role in “Marry Him If You Dare”).

If that isn’t enough of an enticement, see the special shout-outs from the three main stars of “Super Daddy 10” especially for Viki fans!

Lee Dong Gun plays confirmed bachelor and washed-up baseball player Han Yul

Watch the full shout-out video especially for Viki fans from Lee Dong Gun!

Lee Yoo Ri plays Cha Mi Rae, an oncologist who suddenly discovers she has terminal cancer

Watch the full special message from Lee Yoo Ri to the “Super Daddy 10” channel team at Viki! You can join the volunteer team by contacting the Channel Manager!