Thursday 13 March 2014

Review: Missing You


Missing You is a 21 episode, 2012 Korean drama series that aired on MBC, focusing on the trauma, struggles, love and friendship of a young couple. Drawn to this drama purely because of the heady combination of Yoon Eun Hye and Yoochun, I was completely gripped on the action from the get-go.



High school sweethearts Jung-woo and Soo-yeon were separated in a horrifying tragedy that continues to weigh down on them as adults. Now a guilt-ridden detective, Jung-woo has been desperately searching for Soo-yeon for years, but when he crosses paths with her again, she has already become someone else with a new identity.

I really enjoy throwback dramas that begin in one decade and swiftly move to another. In the first instance, I felt Missing You was extremely well cast, from the two leads down to their childhood doppelgangers. There's a great, timid yet believable chemistry between Soo-yeon and Jung-woo (Yoon Eun Hye and Yoochun respectively). The drama completely plays on the reunited childhood sweethearts plot with a heartbreaking, crime ridden twist that completely throws all elements of trust, love, luck and friendship out of bounds.

"Fourteen years later", Jung-woo is a detective intent on finding his first love whilst working on other cases, whilst kidnapped Soo-yeon is alive and semi-well, going by the name of Zoe Lou and harnessing her fashion empire as the brand's designer.

Missing You is action-packed from the beginning and the storyline sits at a good pace, only slowing down mid-end which I guess is atypical of these dramas. There aren't any annoying sub-plots, and any that are present are completely worthwhile to the end result.

Watch here: Missing You (2012).

Contributor: Michelle

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Review: Toheart - The 1st Mini Album


Release Date: 10-03-14
Language: Korean
Song Count: 6

When SM Ent. announced the debut of its' first cross-group subunit, no-one was more excited or surprised than I. Hailing from top Kpop idol groups INFINITE and SHINee respectively, Woohyun and Key form Toheart, a heartbreakingly cool duo.

Toheart's first mini album certainly doesn't disappoint. My personal highlights are 'Tell Me Why', a subdued ballad with a cool drum beat in the background featuring Woohyun's frankly perfect vocals, and 'You're My Lady' which is the ultimate driving playlist addition.

Of course I couldn't write a review without including the title track - 'Delicious'. If I'd been handed the EP pre-release, I'd be able to pinpoint this as SM's title track for sure. 'Delicious' is the ultimate medley fusion of INFINITE and SHINee and it packs all of Woohyun and Key's personality and talent in. I really like the track but have a favouring for the ballads at the moment.

I'll leave you with the mini album's accompanying extended MV for 'Delicious'. You're welcome.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

A 2014 Hello

Welcome to the revamped LAA, a new space to share Asian drama, anime, manga, music, culture and style ideas. From reviews to previews, thoughts on new releases to throwbacks to favourites from yesteryear, LAA is going to be the perfect place to spend lazy evenings with just your laptop and a cool beverage for company.

Pull up a cosy chair and join us? For editorial contributions, pop an email to me at rsvp.mchai@gmail.com.
 
- Michelle x