Boohwal - 25th Anniversary

Although the Korean music industry appears to be dominated by commercial K-pop idol singers, there is a lot more beneath the surface. Independent and underground, the Korean rock industry is quite interesting too. Of these rock bands, one of them is called "Boohwal." They were first formed in the 80's when a heavy metal boom around Korea started producing major rock bands. After their 2nd album, their popularity rocketed. "Boohwal" means resurrection in Korea and is one of the few rock bands to have lasting popularity until today. They went through many ups and downs and had quite a few change of vocals, but their signature rock ballads have never ceased to soothe the audience with both great music and showmanship.

Recently, for their 25th anniversary, they released their 12th album, titled Retrospect and it came out in two parts. The first part came out late 2009 and recently, their released the second part of the album. Before going deeply into this rock band, I wanted to introduce to you the title songs for Retrospect I and II.

Album name

25th Anniversary: Retrospect

Title Song: 생각이나 (I Thought)

Album name

25th Anniversary: Retrospect II

Title Song: 사랑이란 건 (Something That I Love)

Goong 22 - Summary

Previously on Goong

Chae Kyung and Shin got divorced because of Yuul's plan to make his mark on the royal family. However, this was all done secretly without Shin knowing it. When the fact that Yuul caused the crown prince's divorce is revealed to the King and Shin, the balance tips. The King starts making plans of his own, Shin breaks off his engagement with his childhood sweet heart, and Chae Kyung's state of mind falls into chaos after learning that Yuul endangered Shin. Even so, Chae Kyung intends to go abroad with Yuul to stop him from destroying the Korean monarchy and Shin's place in it. In addition, now that everything is out, Yuul has nothing to lose. What will he do?

Goong Volume 22

Chae Kyung, before going far away with Yuul, asks Shin to run away for the day. The two run to the royal summer house (which belongs to Chae Kyung because Shin gave it to her as a "last gift" just before the divorce).

Meanwhile, back at the palace, Yuul, believing that Chae Kyung permanently ran away with Shin mess up Yuul's plans and show how insignificant he and his feelings are, starts to gather opposing forces to the current monarchy. Do we see a coup d'etat??? In addition, Yuul's mother is planning an "accident" for Shin. However, we also see some allies. Shin's father, decides to finally step up and take action to protect the Korean monarchy and his son. In addition, Miru, the daughter of a powerful family who likes Yuul and wants to get married to him, also helps out Shin and Chae Kyung by convincing her rich father to go and help out with whatever the King (Shin's father) is doing. Why would she do this when she likes Yuul? Because she knows that Yuul likes Chae Kyung and putting Chae Kyung and Shin together will leave Yuul free.

Back at the summer house, Shin proposes again to Chae Kyung, but Chae Kyung, stunned and confused is unable to answer. However, it is evident that the two are still in love with one another. That afternoon, Chae Kyung decides to return to Yuul. Shin intended to let her go if that was her final wish. However, Shin received orders from his father to keep her with Shin. (Go figure!) The king is waiting for Yuul to make a move so that he can officially step in, but if Chae Kyung returns, Yuul's coarse of action may change. Chae Kyung desperately tries to run away by hitchhiking, calling a cab, etc. All are futile attempts. Shin is intent on keeping her by his side. In the end, Chae Kyung tries to go out through the second floor balcony. Just before she jumps, Shin runs into the scene and pulls her off the ledge into his arms.

Well that was how the 22nd novel came to an end. I know, a cliff hanger huh? It's driving me crazy. Now I have to wait again for the next novel to come out. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the short synopsis of Goong. There were some very funny scenes, pictures, and lines in the comic. I really recommend watching Goong.

Goong - Volume 22

FINALLY!!!!!!

Today, the twenty second novel of Goong came out. I loved reading the comic series, but the fact that it wasn't a completed series vexed me. In addition, unlike most comics, it would take months for one book to come out. However, I heard that the artist/writer of Goong had some health issues and underwent two surgeries during the duration of writing her 22nd novel. That is why I like to read completed comics. But since Goong has entertained me for a VERY long time, I guess I'll have to enjoy the anticipation for the next book each new novel gives. Unfortunately, even the 22nd novel is not the end of Goong. It's unfortunate because now I'll have to wait for the next novel. However, it's also a good thing because I'll be able to enjoy more and more of the story.

This is what happened. I heard that the twenty second release of Goong was coming out in February. But it didn't come out. Then I heard that it will come out in March. I had been waiting for this since I finished the 21st novel last year. That is a lot of waiting. The last thing I heard about the release date was "the last week of March." Finally, on March 31st, my friend texted me, "I got Goong!!!!!" Yes!!! Finally! So my friend read the book that afternoon and passed it on to me Thursday morning. Well, I actually ran to her first block (she was in World History), got the book safely in my arms, and ran back to my class (Geometry). I couldn't wait to read it!!! Every time we got an assignment, I bolted through the problems (correctly) and read the comic in my free time. First of all, I never knew I could solve math problems so quickly. Secondly, I learned that I could do Geometry and read Goong at the same time. If this is possible, anything is possible.

How I Started Reading Goong

It's soon time for the next volume of Goong to come out. It's been over half an year since the last novel came out. Each Goong book takes quite some time to come out and right now, the series is continuing for over 22 novels. Now that I am thinking again, alot, about Goong, I remember how I first started reading Goong.

It was a long, long time ago. I was in elementary school (maybe it wasn't THAT long ago, but anyway). I visited a friend's house and we were chatting on the floor of her room. Under her desk, a series of comic books were lying around. It was Goong. At that time, there were maybe only about 5 or 6 released novels. In the beginning, I wasn't very interested. The story seemed sophomoric, unrealistic, and the characters looked awkward. But the two of us didn't know what else to do so we started reading them while munching on some snacks. Soon we were completely hooked. With a huge smile on our faces, we rolled around the floor laughing and kept flipping through the pages. It was time for me to go. Not only did I want to finish a few books that were left, I wanted to see it from the beginning again! My friend was generous enough to lend me all of her Goong books. That day, I walked out of her house, both arms full of comic books. And that was the beginning.

Goong - An Adorable Story

Hello! I'm back with more information about Goong! What happens in this comic book? What happens between Shin, Chae Kyung, and Yuul? Keep reading to find out!

http://cafe.daum.net/NO1MUSIC/2OHQ/225?docid=cV4n|2OHQ|225|20081023102952

Plot

Before Shin and Chae Kyung could even walk, the two’s grandfathers decided to marry the two children. Therefore, when Chae Kyung becomes seventeen, she is suddenly forced into a marriage which turns her life upside down. In the midst of trying to get accustomed to life in the palace, Chae Kyung grows closer to and falls in love with Shin Lee. As for Shin Lee, he had a childhood sweetheart. He only realizes later on that his true love is Shin Chae Kyung. The two grow closer to one another day by day and also fight through various challenges of life in the palace and as a public figure and role model, as well as other challenges any young lover may encounter.

Meanwhile, the story also includes government conspiracy. Yuul’s mother is furious because, according to current standings, her son cannot become the next king of Korea. In order to raise her son’s and her own status, she starts to create allies within the government and plot against Prince Shin Lee. Yuul, however, starts to grow tired of his mother’s endless plots. This changes when Yuul decides to become a “bad boy.” In order to bring Chae Kyung to his side, he threatens Shin’s mother. If Chae Kyung does not divorce Shin Lee, Yuul says that he will do everything in his power to knock Shin off the line of succession. Although Yuul is second in line, Shin’s mother knew the danger of his resources and power. As a mother who wishes the best for her son, she tells Chae Kyung that Chae Kyung must divorce Shin if she truly loves him. Chae Kyung, hoping to protect Shin, asks for a divorce. Although Shin refuses at first, he sees that his wife is having a hard time in the palace and lets her go. However, he is determined to find out the secret behind Chae Kyung’s actions. In volume twenty, the fact that Yuul was the mastermind behind Shin and Chae Kyung’s misery is revealed and Chae Kyung is overwhelmed by the fact that her friend betrayed her. Although the secrets are revealed, it is not easy for a prince to announce a marriage, a divorce, and yet again another marriage. In addition, Yuul, now that he has nothing to lose, decides to step up his own game. Volume twenty one ends with conflicts still on high and Chae Kyung telling Shin that they should just run away together.

My Thoughts

Quite frankly, this comic does not contain a mind-blowing story line and often times, the character drawings are out of proportion; Goong would not have caught my eye on a book store. However, I skimmed through a few volumes at a friend’s house and learned why this comic book is enjoyed so much. The story is funny, light, and adorably sweet. It makes the readers laugh and smile to see how two teenagers grow accustomed to one another. At the same time, there is just enough serious scheming and back stabbing. All the characters, major, minor, good, or bad have their own charm. For example, although Yuul seems like a bad character, many readers grow to sympathize with and understand his sorrow because he has a story of his own, which, told from Yuul’s point of view, raises pity for the lonely character. For me, Goong is a great way to spend a boring afternoon; I have a lot of fun and reading this helped me improve my Korean grammar. I also learned a lot of terms, which were actually used long ago in Korea, that specifically address different people of the royal family.

Goong was also made into a live action drama which became a big hit. If you want a glimpse of what the drama is like, click the link below to see a short music video of one of the soundtracks of the drama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCoQFks_9ew

Goong - The Lineup that Shines

Goong

http://images.google.co.kr/imglanding?q=Goong&imgurl=http://www.lastleaf.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/goong.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.anivide.com/user/luzdurano12&usg=__776ofh0E_iMQgyFZlxhN_KNT-eQ=&h=557&w=382&sz=134&hl=ko&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=CysApvAAEE7qwM:&tbnh=133&tbnw=91&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGoong%26um%3D1%26hl%3Dko%26lr%3D%26newwindow%3D1%26complete%3D1%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&lr=&newwindow=1&complete=1&tbs=isch:1&start=7#tbnid=CysApvAAEE7qwM&start=11

Today I will introduce to you one of my favorite comic book series, Goong (Palace Love Story). Although Japan is very famous for their manga and animation culture, Koreans also enjoy reading comic books very much and Korea's comic industry has risen significantly. Just like we call Japanese comics Manga, Korean comics are called Manhwa. Let us take a brief look at what this manhwa is all about.

Title – Goong (translation: Palace)

Author/Artist – So Hee Park

Genre – Korean Comic (Manhwa), Romantic Comedy

Setting

This comic is set in modern-day Korea under the set-up that Korea is a constitutional monarchy.

http://www.anivide.com/viewmanga.html?cid=381&chapter=108

Characters:

Chae Kyung Shin – Chae Kyung is a typical, high school girl. She is a very bright and kind person. She was married to Shin, but later divorced him.

http://www.anivide.com/viewmanga.html?cid=381&chapter=006

Shin Lee – Shin Lee is the crown prince of Korea (first in line). At first, he seems like a stoic character who is not very interested in Chae Kyung. However, after time, he falls hopelessly in love with her.

http://www.anivide.com/viewmanga.html?cid=381&chapter=010

Yuul Lee – Yuul, Shin’s cousin, used to be the crown prince and first in line to the thrown. However, with the sudden death of his father, he became second in line. Things get complicated when Yuul also falls in love with Chae Kyung. His jealously and obsession drives Yuul to do whatever he can to break Shin and Chae Kyung apart.

http://cafe.daum.net/NO1MUSIC/2OHQ/225?docid=cV4n|2OHQ|225|20081023102952

Other than these three main characters, the members of government as well as some of the main characters’ friends add to the story line.

Characters are an essential part of any story. What each character brings may make the overall work shine, or die. In Goong, we see a love triangle rather typical for East Asian comics and dramas from countries like Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, etc. However, in this particular story, each character's style is portrayed well. That is why Goong kept my interest. For example, Chae Kyung's hilarious words and actions keep the readers deeply engaged. On the other hand, the seriousness that the older government officials bring into the scene keeps the story down-to-earth and less sophomoric.

http://www.anivide.com/viewmanga.html?cid=381&chapter=033

http://www.anivide.com/viewmanga.html?cid=381&chapter=059

Today I will keep my introduction at this. Don't fall into despair! I will continue uploading more information related to Goong, so stay tuned for more.

http://www.anivide.com/viewmanga.html?cid=381&chapter=116