My New Hobby

My drama addiction has reached another level. Ironically, I’m spending less and less time watching dramas too! First dramas helped me fall in love with Korean culture and bring it alive for me. Then, I became obsessed with studying Korean. For the past year, I’ve regularly been attending Korean school. Many evenings, I will study rather than watch the dramas. Next I started this blog about k-dramas. Now, recently I joined a fan-subbing group. For the past year and a half, I’ve been in awe of the great work that the fan-subbers do at http://www.d-addicts.com/ to allow English-speaking drama fans to watch Korean shows. Most of the dramas I watch these days are from d-addicts with fan subs. I was particularly grateful when the fan sub group D-Fansubs was formed to sub the drama Ju Mong. Ju Mong is a 60 episode historical drama, and I knew this would be a big task for any group. However, it was a drama I really wanted to see. Sure enough, D-Fansubs was up to such a large project and has now released subs through episode 20.

Wanting to help out, I contacted D-Fansubs about becoming an editor. I was hired! LOL However, with Ju Mong, they are now getting the translation from MBC, so they really didn’t need editors, only people that could "time" the subs to the video or do quality control (i.e clean up the subs if needed and double-check the timing). For these jobs, I needed to understand how to use timing software. So, I’ve spent the past week learning how to time. I started by editing some existing sub files that I had, then last night, with the hubby out of town and an evening to spare, I stripped all the timing out of an existing Ju Mong sub file and retimed episode 16 of JuMong…well 10 minutes of it anyway. It took me about 2 hours to time 10 minutes of a drama! I had always heard that timing subs is well...time consuming! Actually, it is quite addictive, especially for a Korean language fan like me. I can’t come close to translating the dialog, but I soon realized that I all my Korean study was very helpful in matching the right sub with the right dialog. There was almost always a transition word, clause, phrase, etc. that stood out when I was applying the sub. I think this new found hobby is going to really help me with my Korean listening skills, which need tons of work!

I’m signed up as QC person on 2 episodes of Ju Mong. If all goes well, I’m going to try timing next! Who knows when I’ll have time to actually watch a drama again!!

The Latest in Historical Dramas

This week, my husband and I started watching the historical drama Ju Mong. Ju Mong, a 60 episode MBC drama currently airing in Korea, is the story of King Ju Mong, who founded the Goguryeo Dynasty in 37 BC. The drama stars Song Il Kuk, a favorite of mine from Haesin, as Ju Mong. In addition, the drama has a tremendous supporting cast that drama veterans will be very familiar with. We’ve only watched 9 episodes, but we are completely hooked. As with all the historical dramas I’ve watched, the story line is intense, and the body count high! These were tumultuous times for sure. Currently in Korea, this drama has big ratings, up over 40%. We are watching this drama thanks to the hard work of the fan-subbers at www.d-addicts.com. At www.d-addicts.com, you can download the drama in High Definition complete with "hard-subs." It is well worth the time of downloading it.

To get an idea of the drama, check out the main trailer at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAmemgj-KVY Many people who have never seen K-dramas like to call them "soaps", or say that they can’t watch them because they can’t stand US soap operas. While some dramas can be compared to US soaps, the prime time dramas are much bigger productions. Trust me, Days of Our Lives has never seen anything like this!

Another historical drama that we will be watching just started on KBS World. It will soon be airing on KBS America as well. It is about Dae Jo Young the founder of Balhae. It stars Choi Soo Jung, who is played Jang Bogo in Haesin. Choi Soo Jung is famous in Korea for his starring roles in historical dramas. Here is a clip showing the drama cast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1e_t3IgKSg. I’ve seen parts of the first few episodes, and it also promises to be exciting.

Finally, the actress Ha Ji Won will be starring in an historical drama called Hwang Jin-Yi, a story about a geisha. Ha Ji Won, both a movie and drama star in Korea, is well-known for her role in the historical drama Damo. This drama should start on KBS World sometime next month. Here is the trailer for this drama: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjEGvtyJYxA . I’m sure it will also make its way to KBS America. The above photo is a banner for the drama in Paris.

Have fun watching everyone!

The KBS Daily Drama

Aigoo….I’ve been lost in my drama addiction these days and totally ignoring my blog. I started a drama review last week and still haven’t gotten back to it. We’ve had such a busy summer and now fall, and my drama watching has fallen to a minimum these days. My husband was out of town for almost all of August and September. I really like it best when we get into a good drama together. Hopefully, his work will slow down soon, so we can go back to watching some TV together!

When he left on this last trip, I decided to start watching the new KBS Daily Drama Pure in Heart. The daily drama runs M-F and is just over 30 minutes per episode. The daily dramas are longer, running around 160 episodes, and they are the most “soap opera-like” of all the dramas. However, the KBS daily drama is prime-time TV in Korea and very popular. You will usually find this drama at the top of the TV ratings. For me, I like the daily drama because it delves into the most mundane details of Korean life. I never fail to learn something new about Korean culture. I also like that they are “family” dramas, and while there is always a main love story, family relationships are a main focus of the drama.

The current drama is about a 19-year old girl, Gukhwa, who moves from Yanbian China to Korea to get married (read about the ethnic Koreans living in China- thanks Mace!). It was an arranged marriage, and she had only met her future husband a few times. During her journey to Korea to get married, her future husband is killed in a car accident. So, she arrives in Korea to the horrible news that her soon-to-be husband has died. It is clear that she is a warm, pure person when she returns to her future-husband’s family all the money he had sent her. His family embraces her and helps to send her back to China. Her fiancée’s nephew, Ugyeong helps her get to the airport and is very moved by her situation. However, after he leaves her at the airport, she changes her mind and stays in Korea. She has no parents and was living with her poor Aunt and Uncle in China. Rather than continue to be a burden on them, she decides to stay in Korea to make money and help support them. The drama centers on her struggle to make it in Korea. Ugyeoung falls in love with her, but because she was once engaged to his uncle, the relationship is impossible. Ugyeong is a warm-hearted, hard-working average guy, who is good to his family and doesn’t want to disappoint them. I absolutely adore his character. Also, a K-drama would not be complete without a rich guy! In this drama, it is Yun-hu, who is the college friend of Ugyeong. While he suppose to marry a girl that he has been raised with, he has never thought of her as more than a friend. Also, he finds himself drawn to the hard-working and bold Gukhwa.

Anyway, when I started watching, I had recorded almost 70 episodes. I would watch when I cooked dinner, folded laundry, and after the kids went to bed…anytime I got a chance. I’m now caught up to the current episode on KBS World. Ahhh…the addiction! If you get KBS in your city, I highly recommend the Daily Drama!

Check out one of the main ballads from the drama and see Gukhwa and Yunhu:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVE1jIBlsj0

US Envoy's Wife Violates Korean Work Laws

In the Korean Times today, there is an article about the wife of the U.S. Ambassador to Korea. Apparently, she is a jewelry designer and is now being accused of breaking Korea’s work laws because she sold jewelry through a gallery in Insa-dong without a Korean work permit. She said that she checked with embassy staff and no one saw a problem, but I find this hard to believe. It doesn’t seem like this would be the first time this issue has come up. I would think that even military spouses living in Korea have to deal with this issue. You would think the Embassy would be all over this one! In addition, the article stated that she handed out her business card at diplomatic receptions. To me, there is just no way that can be ethical. I won’t even take my son’s Cub Scout Popcorn sales sheet up to the office because my husband is the boss, and I don’t want people to feel obligated to buy! She said she shielded herself because she didn’t know the identities of the buyers at the gallery, but even she acknowledges that her jewelry gets recognition because of her status. Finally, she said she hopes that the laws can be clarified because as she states: ``It helps general morale of an embassy if more people are able to do what they have skills to do. It's very hard to expect somebody to pack up, move to another country, give up their job and be thrilled about that.'' I think this is a strange statement from the wife of a career diplomat. U.S. Government employees live all over the world, and all have to deal with the laws of the country in which they reside. Spouses make these types of decisions and sacrifices all the time. Why does she think her situation is unique? It seems like Korean laws are clear- she just didn't follow them. Again, I found it difficult to believe that the US Embassy did not find this a conflict of interest to begin with.

Learning Korean Culture

We started going to Korean church again this past weekend. I’ve attended a Korean church in the past, and I’ve been very cautious about getting involved again. Despite leading the English children’s service at the church we attended, I always felt we were outsiders, and sometimes the other Korean children looked down on my kids. I didn’t want to put them in a bad situation again. However, here in Guam, I felt this opportunity was right. The church offers everything in English and Korean and would like to expand its non-Korean membership. Through taking Korean classes and tutoring English, I’m already friends with many of the church members. Most importantly, we don’t otherwise have a church home on Guam. Guam is 99% Catholic and we aren’t! Indeed, the experience went well, and the kids really like Sunday school, so we will be going back.

However, as I sat in the church last Sunday, I felt a familiar feeling of "why am I doing this?" For sure, being around so much Asian culture has in no way made me anti-American. In fact, it really makes me appreciate US culture. However, having come from a very mainland white-American life, I know the way Americans can trivialize other cultures. I know because I did it! In college, I can remember making fun of the Asian grad students that were our lab teachers in college. Oh the shame to admit that! I guess my first experience of really getting interested in other cultures was when we moved to Washington DC and started the adoption process. Wow did that change my life. My co-workers were from Vietnam, China, Pakistan, India, China, and Korea. In addition, my husband started working for the US Attorney (Janet Reno at the time- such a wonderful person!). He traveled around the world with her and really came to appreciate her respect for people. When it came time to adopt, my husband was adamant that we travel to Korea. I wanted nothing to do with going to Korea. I was completely scared of going to Asia (even though I had been to Europe in college- but that was different!). After we traveled, I was so thankful that I went. I completely fell in love with Korea.

Now, I don’t think you have to cook Korean food or learn Korean, but I think it is helpful for adoptive families to have a real life view of Korea. At a certain point, a Korean child will have to be comfortable with being Asian-American. It may be more difficult for parents that don’t want to learn anything about Korea to understand this issue, and they may even harbor their own prejudices. I'm guilty of that! In the past, I know for sure I never used to check out Asian guys (wow has that changed!). I’ve had my friends from the mainland on Guam tell me they never check out the Japanese and Korean guys cause "there is nothing to look at." Of course, they don’t equate that to talking about my Korean son, but what happens when he is older and wants to date one of their daughters? It goes the same way with the chatter about the Asian girls. In fact that gets sickening! For sure, I don't view the world the way I did before.

It is that racial identity issue that I think makes it important for adoptive parents to fall in love with Korea at least a little bit. You don’t have to live there, learn the language, or like Korean food, but I do think it is important that you have some respect for the race. Again, I think the Korean dramas and movies are such a great way to make Korean culture real. Attending a Korean church or learning Korean isn’t for everyone (nor is being a drama addict like me!), but checking out a drama is an easy way for an adoptive family to move beyond the basics of bulgogi and the Tol celebration.

A Real Life K-Drama?

I read this article in the Digital Chosunilbo. I thought it was interesting because it sounds like basis for Korean drama. I wonder if he is actually in love with another MIT grad student, who struggles to support her poor family in Korea. Or wait- No could actually be in love with a cameraman- or her bodyguard- and her family is pushing the wedding. OK, just kidding, best wishes to the new couple.

’Ice Princess’ to Wed Hyundai Prince

With her sophisticated looks and precise enunciation, the KBS presenter No Hyun-jung (27) is sometimes called an "ice princess" despite enjoying greater popularity than some movie stars. On Tuesday, her handlers broke a lot of hearts by announcing that No will soon be marrying Chung Dae-sun (29), the third son of the late Hyundai Aluminum chairman Chung Mong-woo, and a grandson of the Hyundai conglomerate’s founder Chung Ju-young. The two will tie the knot on Aug. 27 at the Seoul Hyatt on Mt.Namsan.

No presents the KBS morning news program Newsplaza and is also a regular on the network's flagship entertainment program “Old & New” and on “Star Golden Bell.”Chung graduated in accounting at the University of California at Berkeley and since September has been continuing his studies abroad at MIT.

The match came to pass because No’s father got to know the Hyundai family after working as a supplier for the company and by chance found himself talking marriage with them. The two families reportedly met up in Japan, and the date for the wedding was chosen on Monday. Born in 1979, No majored in Child and Family Studies at Kyung Hee University and in 2003 started as a presenter on public channel KBS, and has since risen to a preeminent role.

Check out a Korean film

I was reading on www.soompi.com that youtube has been removing uploaded k-dramas and movies if they find them. It must be a copyright issue. So, I wanted to make a quick list of K-movies to check out. Enjoy these links while you can. I linked to part 1 of some of my favorite Korean movies. I’m by no means an expert on Korean films. Often I find them too violent and grim for my taste. However, I do think they make awesome romantic comedies. You can always check out the Hawaii Drama Board for reviews on Korean movies. Also an excellent resource for Korean film information is Darcy Pacquet’s Koreanfilm.org.

My Sassy Girl (love this movie- romantic comedy, great soundtrack too)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kjICQ8GZqo&mode=related&search=

Too Beautiful To Lie (romantic comedy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1H1EHUCnCc

Mr. Handy (romantic comedy)
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Mr.+Handy&search=Search

Please Teach Me English (romantic comedy- does have an American adoption subplot as well)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5wGzUsSaP4

The Classic (a romance movie that I haven’t watched but everyone says I should!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r30faaqENiE

Once Upon A Time in High School (drama)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWitFSVzQBY

My Wife Is A Gangster (comedy)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjyF9eOnp3s

Changes in Korean Adoption

According to the buzz on the Korean adoption bulletin boards, Korea has put a halt to referrals for international adoption until new policies on international adoption can be digested and put into place by the Korean agencies that handle adoption. In addition, Korean lawmaker Ko Kyung Hwa has proposed a law that will make international adoption illegal. From what I’ve read in the Korean newspapers, this law is in part a response to Korea’s declining birth rate. However, since the Seoul Olympics, Korea has fought to shake its image as a "baby exporter." Currently, there are quotas in place that limit the number of babies that can leave the country each year. I read in the newspaper that last year roughly 41% of adoptions were domestic, while the remaining adoptions (just over 2000 babies) were international. It appears that under the new rules, a baby can’t be placed for international adoption until the child is at least 5 months old. All options of domestic adoption must be attempted first. Also, Korean families will be given financial incentives to adopt and singles will be allowed to adopt as well.

Obviously, the rule changes have caused a bit of angst to those in the process of adoption. To be sure, if you are hoping for a child, uncertainty and delays can be maddening. In fact, one of the reasons we chose to adopt from Korea many years ago was the predictability of the process. One US agency is encouraging adult adoptees to write to Ko and let her know that adoption was a good thing for them. The agency of course says they support domestic adoption, but do not want to see international adoption ruled out as an option. As pure as their intentions are, it did make me uncomfortable to see a US agency organize this effort. From the US side of things, I think we need to step back and let Korea figure this out. It is really their issue.

If Korea does cut back on international adoption, I do worry for the children caught in the middle. It would be nice for international adoption to die out on its own because of the increase of domestic adoption and the support of the single mom. However, maybe it takes such a definitive step to finally end overseas adoption for Korea and force change. Have views on adoption changed that much and will the society be more supportive of the single mom? Any drama fan knows that being adopted can be considered a bad thing in Korea. Single motherhood is also a struggle for sure- in drama world and in real life. A good friend of mine is a single mom. She moved from Korea because she did not want her daughter to face discrimination. So, she runs a Korean restaurant here in Guam. In the year and half I’ve known her, she has not once taken a day off. She had her dad helping her for awhile, but he returned to Korea. With no family support, her daughter pretty much lives at the restaurant. I think it would be so much easier on her is she didn’t feel the need to leave Korea. In addition, I think it would be sad for more children to end up in orphanages. A Korean lady that cuts my son’s hair was raised in an orphanage in Korea. She said she was forced to quit school and go to work after the 8th grade. She says her life was lonely and hard, and she knew no family until her 30s when she was reunited with her sister. I always think that international adoption should be the last resort for a child, but I wouldn’t wish life in an orphanage on my kids any day.

I absolutely realize this is such a complex issue. I spent too much time today reading the blogs of Korean adoptees disenchanted with adoption. I always try to read with an open mind, but as an adoptive parent, they sure make you feel sleazy. Honestly, I think the purposed rule changes are a good thing for Korea. Regardless, while things are changing, reality for my kids is a life with us. As a snuggled with them at bedtime and tucked them in, it really doesn’t matter to them that I’m white and they are Korean. We are a family, and a day at a time, we will make it through this world together.

An Introduction to K-Pop

I thought I would give a small sampling of Korean Pop music to check out. All the links are from http://www.youtube.com/. For more on K-pop and to follow the latest hits, you can check out KBS World Radio’s K-pop interactive: http://rki.kbs.co.kr/english/enter/music_inter.htm. Have fun!

Shinhwa- Around since 1998, this boy band represents major star power. Almost all the members have been successful as actors or solo singers. They have just recently released their 8th album State of the Art.

Brand New- Music Video (from their 7th album in 2004)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdYMpOscVo8

Fly To The Sky- This male duo, made up of Hwanhee and Brian (a Korean American), have been around since 1998. They released their 6th album Transition in 2006. For sure, one of my favorite groups- I have 4 of their albums.

Blood (live performance on SBS- from 2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUxSBDmdlV4

Like A Man (live performance- from 2006)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cA2IP1EwC2c

Sea Of Love- Music Video (FTTS-from 2002)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoDfshAwhqg&mode=related&search=

Kang Ta- Lead singer for the 1990’s hit group HOT, Kangta is a big star throughout Asia.

Polaris (live on KBS Love Letters)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqCCBPhxLsw&mode=related&search=

Lee Hyo Ri- She is beautiful, sexy and an awesome dancer. The song 10 minutes was a huge hit for her as a solo artist (she was formerly part of the girl group FinKL), and the song has become a symbol of sexiness in Korea. In fact, I just heard it in a church skit done at a Korean festival last weekend! She has just released her 2nd solo album Dark Angel. Enjoy the video!

10 Minutes- Music Video (from 2003)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbMNycx7fLI&mode=related&search=

Se7en- He released his first album in 2003 and is known for his dancing.

Performing in April on SBS- Nan Alayo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rhr5IwMOL4

Bi (Rain)- One of the major stars of the Korean wave, Bi performed a few months ago in New York City. He is known for his singing and dancing as well as his acting. He is the star of several dramas. I love to watch him perform!

I Do- Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNYh7K4Zg5A

It’s Raining- performing on SBS
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mbsApFYIx4

Buzz- A K-pop rock group that debuted in 2003, I have their 2nd album Effect and love it. Here is their performance on KBS’s Open Concert. I like this video because the hangul is in big print and making it easier to sing along… if you want to practice your Korean.

Coward- live performance- 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SaVuL9STpY

Koyote- This group, made up of 2 guys and 1 girl, has been around since 1999. The main members are Kim Jong-Min and Shin-Ji, plus a rapper, who has changed through the years. Love this group...my kids love this group. Their dance music is tons of fun and we listen to them often.

1, 2, 3, 4- Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk_Qd7rvmVs

Sung Si Kyung- He is a ballad singer that gives me chills when he sings. I have 2 of his albums and have gone out of my way to study the lyrics, so I can sing along. The music video is one of my favorite songs, but the video is a little strange! Be sure to check out the English song Try To Remember.

Waewuh doosaeyo- Music Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_luMP69MgY&mode=related&search=

Try To Remember- Live Performance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PibnR_yz51g

Jewelry- A girl group that is one of my daughter’s favorites. Superstar was a huge hit for them in 2005.

Superstar (on KBS Music Bank)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uORuQxZqyXc

Where To Find Korean Dramas

Subtitled Korean TV is shown in many cities including Chicago, Honolulu, LA, Seattle, Philadelphia, Washington DC, and Atlanta. KBS America subtitles all its dramas plus many other programs and is available through the Dish Network as well as many cable companies. Others stations like AZN and Imaginasian show Korean programming. In fact, AZN recently launched a media player where you can view dramas via the web. KoreanWiz, a great place for all your drama info, has a good list of TV stations showing Korean programming at http://www.koreanwiz.org/special-stations.html.

To rent dramas, you can check out Ramen City. They have a nice selection, and I’ve heard good things about them. I've never used them because they won't ship to Guam! If you are willing to watch the dramas in 10-minute segments, you can find dramas on http://www.youtube.com/. I will share youtube links when I can. If you are interested in downloading dramas, check out http://www.d-addicts.com/. This is where I get most of my dramas. The latest dramas are available here with fan-subtitles. Also, I recently found a blog called Silent Regrets Dot Com where you can download k-dramas, movies, and soundtracks. This site uses the fan-subs from d-addicts, hard-codes the subs, then uploads them in a smaller file than what is on d-addicts. It appears a bit more user friendly than d-addicts. I haven't used this site yet, but it looks like a great resource.

Finally, you can buy dramas at places like YesAsia. YA is a leader in adding English subtitles to Korean dramas, and their subtitles are top-quality. I often order dramas from the Hong Kong based http://www.coolwin-video.com/. Prices are cheaper than YA; however, you have to be careful about the quality of subtitles. In general, it has been my experience that if the subs are rated as "good," they are ok. For a great list of dramas available to purchase on DVD, check out this list maintained on the Hawaii Drama Fans board.

The Start of My Drama Addiction

By the time we went through the adoption process in 1998, it was clear to those in the adoption field that it is a must for the parents of Korean adoptees to at least have some basic knowledge about Korea as well as the race-related issues that face Asian Americans. Through the internet and organizations like KAAN, adult adoptees talked about the frustration and isolation of being a different race from their family and often their community. Indeed, some adoptees suggested that international adoption and interracial adoption should not be allowed at all. Adoption books, agency classes, and internet adoption groups talked about the importance of embracing the race of the adopted child, so that as the child grows, they have the freedom to explore their birth country and the support when needed if they struggle with race issues. In addition, adoption agencies began to sponsor culture camps, language classes, and cultural festivals. These cultural events are all designed to celebrate the child’s birth country and give them a sense of pride in being Korean-American.

Thus, as I threw myself into the adoption process, my quest to learn about Korea began. We were living in the Washington DC area when we brought our son home in 1999. Consequently, with "Korea Town" in Arlington, VA, nearby, we had easy access to the Korean community. We began to frequent Korean restaurants, shop at the Korean markets, and try cooking some Korean food at home, I also had a Korean babysitter for the kids when I worked, and I did the English-speaking youth service for a Korean church near our home.

When we moved to Honolulu in 2001, I was introduced for the first time to subtitled Korean dramas. Subtitled Korean TV is very popular in Hawaii and airs 7 days a week on KBFD. Within a week of moving to Honolulu, I was hooked. It literally opened up Korean culture for me. The values, beliefs, traditions, language and music come alive in dramas. I remember talking to a Korean friend of mine in DC and telling her that I was watching the dramas. She said, "oh now you understand me!" Haha- and she was right!

If you are not already watching Korean dramas, hopefully this blog can be a guide to getting started! I hope I can spread the Korean wave to other adoptive families who share my passion for learning about Korea.