Author: ZombieMamma

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LET’S CHAT: Hallyu Journalist Lisa Espinosa Talks About Work, Dreams and Dealing With Life’s Curveballs

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Photo courtesy of Raine (aka the friend who actually remembers to take pics)

The world of American Hallyu experts and professionals is a beautiful place, full of amazing and interesting people. People who have dedicated a large portion of their time and energy to delivering unique, original and entertaining content to the world. People whose names you probably recognize but may not know much about. With so many incredible people bringing Hallyu to the world, I thought it might be fun to take some time to sit down and chat with some of them, to give you a chance to get to know a little more about those who help fuel the Hallyu fire that blazes so brightly, here in the States. My very good friend, Lisa Espinosa, from HanCinema and Raine’s Dichotomy (to name a few), is the first of these individuals I’d like to introduce to you. She was gracious enough to take time out of her busy schedule to chat with me for a bit about her work, how she got started in the Hallyu journalism business and what some of her favorite moments have been thus far. Continue reading “LET’S CHAT: Hallyu Journalist Lisa Espinosa Talks About Work, Dreams and Dealing With Life’s Curveballs”

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DRAMA OF THE MONTH: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

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Sitting down to write this review, I feel completely conflicted. Not because this drama isn’t fantastic (because it totally is) but because it’s also terrible and wonderful and amazing and awful and it makes you feel so many things and sometimes it’s wonderful and sometimes it hurts and sometimes you cry and sometimes you laugh and other times you swoon and all of the time you wonder how you’re ever going to find a way to go back to “normal” life because you know this drama has completely ruined you for all of eternity, in both the best and worse ways possible. Yeah… That pretty much sums up all of my feelings for Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Continue reading “DRAMA OF THE MONTH: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”

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TUESDAY’S TEASE: ASTRO and BTOB Join the Fall Comeback Lineup

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It’s no secret that this fall has been nothing less than a lethal string of comebacks designed solely to bring both life and death to K-Pop fans the world over. One might think that with such an overwhelming number of comebacks dropping in October, things might slow down a bit now that it’s November. But nope! This string of fall comebacks seems to be almost never-ending as ASTRO and BTOB have recently jumped aboard the comeback train. Continue reading “TUESDAY’S TEASE: ASTRO and BTOB Join the Fall Comeback Lineup”

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K-POP ONE-STOP: October 22-28, 2016

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I think October may be my favorite month. Not only does it bring with it all the wonderful, warm-fuzzy inducing goodness of fall but it also brings an overwhelming number of K-Pop releases. Despite the fact the month is almost over, the music hasn’t slowed down in the least; which means I’ve got another playlist full of goodness just for you!

While I refuse to claim any one track as my favorite, I’m more than ready to squeal over several of them. Lay’s solo track is probably at the top of my list, as I’ve been waiting for this since he teased us with a glimpse of it at the end of his last solo MV, “What U Need.” Right up there with Lay is BASTARZ’s “Selfish & Beautiful Girl.” While the track doesn’t possess the hard-hitting goodness I was originally expecting from Block B’s only sub-unit, it’s still a great song and it really makes me excited for the full album release. Well, that and the teasers for the trio’s “Make it Rain” MV… I have a feeling that’s going to be the MV that brings us all the original BASTARZ elements we love. Of course I spent a good deal of time this week being mesmerized by the beauty of INFINITE’s newest “The Eye” dance practice video. I swear, these boys produce the most beautiful dance videos I’ve ever seen. Also on my list of music  I’m enjoying this week are the OST releases. I’m beyond happy that Monsta X’s track for Shopping King Louis is finally out in both the original and acoustic version. Jay Park, Hyolyn, TWICE… There’s list of great new music out this week goes on and on. I really could keep talking about them all for a very, very long time but I won’t. Instead I’ll ask you which tracks are your favorite. Are there any you’ll be adding to your own K-Pop playlist this week? Let me know in the comments below!

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Which October Comeback Was The Best? [Poll]

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You know, it’s really hard for me to sit down at the end of a month and decide which album it is that I love them most. Especially when that month has been crammed full of the most amazing comebacks! Trying to decide which album I love the most is like trying to decide which drink to order at the local coffee shop… Each one has its merit and really it all comes down to whatever fits my mood at the moment.

The same can definitely be said of this past month’s K-Pop comebacks. Each one has its merit and each one satisfies my different moods. When I’m in the mood for some good old-fashioned, make my heart skip a beat, 90’s boy-band goodness, I turn to SHINee’s 1 of 1. When I want something a bit edgier but fun, I head straight to Monsta X’s The Clan: Part 2. When I just want to feel a warm and fuzzy, I turn on 100%’s Time Leap and my heart gets all squishy as it swells with all the “I’m so happy their finally back” feels. And then there all the rookie singles, like SF9’s Feeling Sensation, or HIGH 4:20’s “Hook가” or BASTARZ “Selfish & Beautiful Girl,” which are perfect for a quick K-Pop fix. And when I simply want to die, I turn on BTS’ WINGS and wave goodbye to my soul as it departs from my mortal frame.

With so much great music out there, you can see why choosing a single album to talk about can be difficult. The choices really are almost endless and I love them all. Which is why I’m asking you to help me decide which of this past month’s comebacks should be lauded as the best. All you have to do is cast your vote for your top 3 (because who can really choose just one?) in the poll below.

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TUESDAY’S TEASE: EXO’s First Sub-Unit, Mermaids and the Whispered Promise of a BIGBANG Comeback

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Tuesdays have suddenly become a favorite of mine, mostly because I get to sit here and squee over all of the upcoming K-Dramas and K-Pop comebacks I’m most looking forward to. It’s really a very exciting thing, scouring the internet for all of the goodies that come with comebacks and drama premiers, especially when you come up with a list full of personal favorites. (I feel like I’ve hit the fangirl jackpot or something!) Continue reading “TUESDAY’S TEASE: EXO’s First Sub-Unit, Mermaids and the Whispered Promise of a BIGBANG Comeback”

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Drama Ramblings with Zombie Mamma – Episode 4: A Chat With Young Ajummah

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This week my very good friend, Sara (aka Young Ajummah), was kind enough to join me in my drama ramblings. Together we talked our way through our favorite actors dramas and drama tropes as well as the dramas and tropes we just can’t stand. We also took a quick detour to talk about Gong Yoo and his most recent and wildly popular film, Train to Busan, during which I revealed one of my darkest and most ironic secrets. *cue dramatic music* Continue reading “Drama Ramblings with Zombie Mamma – Episode 4: A Chat With Young Ajummah”

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K-POP ONE-STOP: October 15-21, 2016

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I love Fridays! Have I ever mentioned that? I think I have… Somewhere… Maybe… Whether I have or haven’t doesn’t really matter. What does matter is the fact that I’ve got another playlist full of brand new music. Woohoo! (Hey, if that isn’t reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is!) Continue reading “K-POP ONE-STOP: October 15-21, 2016”