[Review] High Society (The Privileged) - Ep 1-4

#Monologue: I hate it when a drama has two names. Some still calls it 'High Society' while some use the official one, 'The Privileged'. It's making the search a bit troublesome..

Characters introduction..
Jang Yoon Ha (UEE) worked as a part-timer in a supermarket despite having a rich-family background. She's the maknae of the Taejin Group family. Seems like she's invisible and disliked by her family. At first I thought she's the daughter of his father's mistress.. But turns out she was being unfairly treated because of a fortune teller. (This reminds me of Harry Potter~ ^_^) The fortune teller said the youngest daughter need to be control properly. Hmm.. I dunno for what reason her mom is seeking the fortune teller in the first place.
Yoo Chang Soo (Park Hyung Sik) is another chaebol in this drama. I can see some sibling rivalry between him and his older brother. He is in charge of Yoo Min Food Market, which is where Yoon Ha is working at. His character is like a normal arrogant chaebol but there's a refreshing side of him.
Choi Joon Ki (Sung Joon) is Chang Soo's sidekick, I would say. He came from a poor and humble family. He is more like a bad guy to me because he believes he can only be happy if he's rich. But he broke up with his chaebol girlfriend when she insulted his parents. I wonder if that really was the reason.. Also, I think he has a hidden agenda as he becomes friend with Chang Soo. His father is disable, so he can't go to work while his mom is working as a housemaid at Yoon Ha's father's mistress (they refer to her as 'Hannamdong', an area in Seoul).
Lee Ji Yi (Im Ji Yeon) is a good friend of Yoon Ha who works at the supermarket too. She is poor but she has an optimistic attitude that makes her so lovable. To Yoon Ha, Ji Yi is like a 'vitamin' that cheers her up when she's having a hard time at home. She also the kind that can be 'weirdly' honest.

Episode 1

The fact that a rich girl like Yoon Ha is working at a supermarket and become close with an average girl are quite interesting. I am more disturbed by the way she was treated by her family. Why is she being treated so unfairly? That sister of her really gets on my nerve! She even got scolded by her Mom and not her sister?! Waahhh.. That's so great of you Mom.

Then Chang Soo came into picture with his sibling rivalry. The way I look at it, he's just using Joon Ki to do his petty work. Pffftt.. Useless chaebol.. And he planned to marry Taejin Group's daughter just to get on his brother?! Ha-Ha.. What a plan~ So, when Chang Soo and Yoon Ha met on the blind date, Chang Soo felt so offended that Yoon Ha is pulling a show to get herself dumped. They agreed to not continue with marriage arrangement but in return, he poured water on her head. That was harsh.. Then, we could see Joon Ki was probably 'attracted' to Yoon Ha? Or is it because he recognized her as Taejin Group's daughter? I have no idea which one.. His stare was a bit puzzling to me.

Joon Ki doesn't seem to be 100% comfortable around Chang Soo.. They are more like 'friend with benefits'. Hmm.. I don't like what I see. Chang Soo said he doesn't like to be a pushover but I think he is.. Joon Ki has to please him all the time which made me wonder what is his real intention. Of course Chang Soo would like to have someone like that around him.

Episode 2

I am looking forward for this episode because Joon Ki and Yoon Ha finally met each other. I like it when Yoon Ha confronted Joon Ki because the look on his face. Even I don't understand that look.. Is he looking down on Yoon Ha?

The relationship between Joon Ki and his Mom is cute but at the same time I wonder, if he is being all that great, why is his parents are struggling? His Mom still insist on being poor is it? He was offended when his ex-girlfriend look down on his background, but judging from where he is working, can't he support his parents? I don't understand their relationship much..

Omo.. Yoon Ha did a DNA test before? Honestly, I would do the same. I pity her so much. How could her Mom treated her like that? A biological Mom some more. I think she has a strong personality not because the fortune teller was right, but because the way she was brought up and her Mom stupid paranoia. Ji Yi and Yoon Ha interactions are fun to listen to. Both have a strong opinion about life. Ji Yi is not the type to be day-dreaming about meeting her 'Prince Charming' while Yoon Ha don't like to be judge by her family background.

The best part about this episode is the interaction between Ji Yi and Chang Soo. How can you not love their adorable quarrels? I just find it amusing.. They kept getting on each other nerves. Especially when Chang Soo first met with Ji Yi and started to ask her questions. She was nervous in the first place and why do you have to be there? Then when he finally revealed to her that he is the Director of the supermarket, that was definitely awkward. Hahaha.. I think Chang Soo just love to tease Ji Yi around. The smile on his face when Ji Yi made some random comments just makes me squealed. I am in love with these two characters. At least they provided some laughter to the audience.

Episode 3

The last scenes from previous episode made me so anxious for this episode. So, Ji Yi was drunk and she even accidentally ripped up Chang Soo clothes. The thing is.. does that make sense? How strong was her grip and how fragile was the shirt? But I'll look pass that since we get to see Hyung Sik's abs. =P I would say, my focus on this drama has shifted to ChangSoo and JiYi!

On previous episode, Yoon Ha was fired from her job but her brother was helping her out. As usual from these chaebol.. They have to play dirty. Yoon Ha felt bad about it so she asked her brother to not take it to that extent. I'm glad she still has some conscience. But didn't that blow her cover? Joon Ki sense something is not right.. But what with the 'I don't usually tell my personal stories to stranger'? Was that intentional? And Yoon Ha fell for that? Yet, I understand now why Joon Ki can put up with Chang Soo. Because he felt that having a job is a privilege till he doesn't mind being insulted. That night, they were having a company dinner. Joon Ki was being such a gentleman as he poured water into Yoon Ha shot glass and passing a new plate of side dish. Yoon Ha fell for him again~ I don't think that would be a strong reason for you to start liking a guy.. Just my opinion..

Let's go back to Chang Soo and Ji Yi.. So, Ji Yi tried to avoid meeting Chang Soo because she's afraid that he would ask for compensation for his shirt. However, I am starting to sense that Chang Soo started to like Ji Yi when he said 'Is money the only thing in your head? Ah~ Am I losing it? Or am I just meeting strange people?'. He definitely expect Ji Yi to start liking him too. But why would she be? Hahaha.. In her eyes, he's just an annoying chaebol who is also good looking. Ops.. Why did she said it out loud? She's really playing the push-and-pull game. I think that really made Chang Soo flattered to the point that he doesn't care about the 'Gae-series'. I like that she's being firm that she don't want to have anything to do with him. Yet, Chang Soo went to her house that night, after the company dinner. They have some random conversations. Ji Yi suddenly talked about how she loves her country, then saying that she can only lives there. I'm like.. your point is? Again, she was trying to stop Chang Soo from approaching her because she knew how the ending will be like. But I can't stand it when she said 'You can like me but don't tell me. I'm afraid I might fall for you'. *face palm* Yaaahhh! Why do you have to say it out loud? Now Chang Soo can see some light of hope to steal your heart. You should just dump him harshly! Just in one blow! Again with the push-and-pull game. That's why this couple is just so adorable actually~ ^_^ Hihihi..

The last scene! Ah~ So, Joon Ki was aware of Yoon Ha's family background.. Is that why he's trying to make her fall for him? I don't like you already Joon Ki.. Mysterious guy are too complicated!

Episode 4

Chang Soo asked Joon Ki to promote Ji Yi as a permanent worker but Joon Ki knew that Ji Yi might feel offended by it. So he asked Ji Yi first whether she wants to accept the promotion. Ji Yi decided to meet Chang Soo personally. Their argument ended up with Ji Yi revealing her feelings.

Ji Yi            : The help that you would give to anyone, give it when you're ugly, old and ill.
Chang Soo  : Why?
Ji Yi            : Because it makes my heart flutters..

Kyaaaa~ As always our Lee Ji Yi-shi.. 

Yoon Ha was trying to get Joon Ki attention so she gave him a lunchbox. She wanted to confess her feeling for him. (Already?? Isn't it too early to say you like someone?) She was initially rejected but Joon Ki proposed to her instead. He said the guy should have the privilege to ask the girl out first. (Err.. My heart is not fluttering knowing you guys just starts to get to know each other. It's too early!)

As for Chang Soo, he took the initiative to put a lamp on the street near Ji Yi's house. Ji Yi surprisingly became angry at Chang Soo and even threaten to throw a stone at him. All this because she felt touched at his thoughtfulness and didn't want to end up liking him.

Yoon Ha's brother passed away because of a plane crash. Yoon Ha didn't contact Joon Ki because she's afraid all the people she loves would somehow leave her. (She started to love Joon Ki that much already? Aigoo.. I can't relate to her)

Chang Soo's mom tried to convince Chang Soo to be in a good relationship with Yoon Ha and maybe started to date her. Chang Soo seems to not want to do it but still called her in the end. Joon Ki 'found out' from Chang Soo that Yoon Ha is Taejin Group youngest daughter.

Yoon Ha decided to put an end to her relationship with Joon Ki because she's afraid to lose another loved ones. But Joon Ki comforted her that he'll take care of himself and she don't have to worry about it.

Sam Ku - Wish I Never Had

Remember about this guy from my previous post? He's back with his fourth single! Well.. This song is equally amazing so Check It Out! The good thing about his song is the chorus part is usually in English so you can definitely get the 'essence' of the song without having to find the translation.

I am looking forward for a happier song next time Sam~ ^_^

Kpop Star 4 - TOP 4 PERFORMANCE

This is just a short re-cap. ^ _ ^ Hope you guys like it!

[Kpop Star 4 - Episode 19]

This time, all the 4 contestants spend some time with JYP. He personally pick them up and drive to a restaurant. During the drive, he talks a lot about music and singers that the contestants like. He even suggest a song that he thinks might be suitable for each contestant.

For Seung Hwan, he suggested New Sensation (1987) by INXS because he thoughts the song could broaden his expression. Then, for Lee Jin Ah, he suggested Smooth Operator (1984) by Sade. #Monologue: None of the songs I have heard before. Pass~

While eating, there's a few things JYP talks about. He told them to take care of their body and probably don't have to retire and to continue doing music till forever. Seung Hwan said he takes care of his body by playing soccer. He used to do Muay Thai and kickboxing in middle school. Wow~ Really?!

And then suddenly JYP asked Katie Kim if she has a boyfriend (she said no) and what's her ideal type. She said she likes someone who looks like a monkey. #Monologue: LOL. This girl is just out of this world.

1 - Lily M. (I Do by Rain)
#MyThought: It was an okay performance. She has her own way of singing that I like. However, this song don't have a climax that makes me go 'Wow!'.

JYP   [91] :Whenever I see her singing, I see her future. Her breathing and vocalization are set.
YG    [88] : I expected more from her. I think this performance is not good enough.
YHY [92] :You are born to be a singer but you still lack power in your singing. Eat more!

2 - Lee Jin Ah (Reminiscence by Sanulrim)
#MyThought: I don't know the song but as I listen to it, I find it a bit boring because the lack of instrument I guess, but that is just my amateur opinion.

JYP    [100] : She added jazz, soul and blues together.
YG     [90]   : She has a remarkable musical ability. I think it's her best performance so far.
YHY  [95]   : I was worried at first but I think she did well choosing to just play the piano.

3 - Katie Kim (Day by Day by Tashannie)
Her mom came to see her perform live. She didn't know all this while that her mother was somewhere in the audience. I think she felt a bit burdensome knowing her mom is around. Of course she wanted to show her best in front of her mom.

JYP    [94] :This is the most stable song you sing so far but I think you were too nervous. I don't feel the emotions.
YG     [97] :I thought it was sad. This is her second best performance (after her rendition of G.O.D), I think.
YHY  [94] :She has a deep color.

4 - Jung Seung Hwan (Please by Deulgukhwa)
#MyThought: Wow~ He can really sings rock song. Those high notes and vibration just give me chill!

JYP   [94] :You were singing as if you are speaking and those high notes are good. But you weren't able to make this song to your color.
YG    [98] :I just realized that you are a singer who can change his voice.
YHY [97] :I thought it was a bad decision but now, I think you can make an old song sound refreshing.

Lily M & Katie Kim Special Performance (All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor)

[Video Not Available]

Lee Jin Ah & Jung Seung Hwan Special Performance (Already One Year by Brown Eyes)

RESULT (40% viewer's vote + 60% judges point):

Lily M. was eliminated (T_T) It was a tough competition so it's understandable. Her last words were:

"It's a pity but I enjoyed it. I'm really thankful. 

I'm going to continue doing music and do my best."

Check It Out! It's Sam Ku~

I know it's a very unfamiliar name to most Kpop fans.. But I think he's a hidden gem or should I say underrated? Some may disagree with me but I would suggest you guys to check him out.

Ok ok.. Let me back up for a little bit and brief you about him.. He was first appear on TV because of Mnet's 'Voice Korea'. He did very well in his audition and the first battle but I don't have the follow up after that. =P *Sawryy*

Name : Samuel Ku
D.O.B : 16th January 1988
Born in Seoul, moved to Chicago at 6 years old, moved back to Seoul at 19 years old.
He learned violin and piano since 3 years old. (What?! I think I was still confused which one is my hand and which one is my foot at that age..)

Honestly, this part is boring.. So I'm just gonna throw a link here and let you guys get to know him further yourself.

The exciting part! Here it is.. He has just released a new song which I fall in love with at the first 'listening' (instead of 'sight'). So CHECK IT OUT!

I know it sounds like a lullaby at first but once he hits the high note, "You gotta tell me what I did WROOOONNG~".. Gosh, it's just breath-taking.. Coz there's no way I have enough breath to sing that note.. =P Seriously, you need to let me know what your thoughts about him, his voice, the song, the MV, or whatever.. I would love to read it.

I would love to write more but my cold medicine has just kicked in and I'm starting to feel drowsy.. So go check him out and find his other songs.. Oh, before I end this, you need to see this funny video of him. Credit to the uploader and many thanks!

Who would have thought this singer with a sexy voice has a really shy side of him.. HAHAHAHA.. =D

Kpop Star 4 - TOP 10 performances

Note: I used to provide the video link for each performance but SBS deleted all the videos. Sorry!~ You guys have to search it online..

Finally, the top 10 finalists will battle each other to become the TOP 8. 100 panel audience were picked by Kpop Star production. It's always better to get opinion from the viewers. So basically, what happened is that the finalists were divided into Group A and Group B. There are 5 team in each group and two teams from each group would be the elimination candidates. The panel audience has the right to choose who they think did better and deserve to be in the TOP 8.

[Click on the link to download the song in mp3]

Group A

1-Seo Yae An (Hyorin - Closer)

She was extremely nervous this time around. She choose ballad over dance song. She said she will regret it if she didn't try out ballad and keep singing dance song. I guess she wants to prove to herself that she is a good singer. But the unfamiliar environment and pressure are too much for her. She end up tearing on stage before she even starts singing. Luckily the judges are so nice that they let her calm down first.

2-Esther Kim (2NE1 - Come Back Home)

#MyMonologue: Hang on a minute! Esther is much younger than Yae An?!

JYP commented that the only thing preventing Esther from winning is she can't express her emotions freely. Esther decided that she wants to show something new. This song is especially dedicated for her dad who has passed away when she was 11. Her dad died from a heart attack. Aww.. Knowing this already bring tears to my eyes.. That's ok, your dad is in a better place now Esther. Well, her performance is just amazing. She arranged the song really well.

3-The Best (SISTAR - Alone)

4-Lee Jin Ah (Own song - Rich in Winter)

5-Sparkling Girls (Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey - When you believe)

Results for Group A:
1st : Esther Kim

2nd : Lee Jin Ah
3rd : Sparkling Girls
*Seo Yae An and The Best were the possible elimination candidates

#MyRanking: 1) Esther Kim; 2) Lee Jin ah; 3) The Best; 4) Sparkling Girls; 5) Seo Yae An

Group B

1 - Seung Hwan Jung ( Kim Kwang Seok - Those Days)

He choose this song because his mother loves this song. It's the first time that his mother listen to him singing on stage, so he was excited to choose the song. But then he realizes that the song is actually hard to sing. He was still trying to figure out the feeling that the singer has when he sings it. I'm always impressed that he always try to understand the song by feeling it and not just singing it. I think he did a great job doing that. 

Jung Seung Hwan - Those Days

2 - Grace Shin ( Lee Hyo Ri - 10 Minutes)

Grace said she has been singing slow beat song before this, so she wants to show a new side of her by picking Lee Hyo Ri's song. She was praised by the judges. #MyThought: I don't really understand what so good about her performance though. Sorry, Grace.. Not that because I don't like her but her singing style is not to my liking =P

Grace Shin - 10 minutes

3 - Lily M. (2NE1 - It's Hurt)

She was asked since when she started music, and she said it was since she's 8 years old. That time, her neighborhood was affected by a massive bushfire. She lost some of her teachers and friends and some of her friends end up being an orphan too. It must be a terrifying incident for her. She said she was so scared to go out of her house especially when it's windy. So her mother said, she started singing because it helps her cope up with the healing process. Awww.. It's heart-breaking to know that under her bright image, there's a painful past. But I hope she don't think too much about it and try to move on with life, just like what she's doing now.

Lily M - It Hurts

4 - Katie Kim (G.O.D - The place where you should be)

Katie said she wants to redeem herself since the judges had commented that she seems to be lack of energy. She is really thankful to YG for giving her another chance and for believing in her. You MUST watch her performance! She did an amazing job that even JYP gives a standing ovation for her. 

Katie Kim - The Place You Should Be

5 - Park Yoon Ha (Yoo Jae Ha - Holding you in my arms)

What a bad luck she has.. She has to performed after Katie Kim so I can see that she starts  to doubt herself. Even she feels that she would be the last in the group, since Group B is filled with the most talented finalists. Well, the song that she choose is something that she always enjoy singing. Her living room is full with music instruments because of her mother loves for music. Her mother would play the piano while she would sing along. 

Park Yoon Ha - Holding You In My Arms

Result for Group B:

1st : Katie Kim

2nd : Grace Shin

3rd : Jung Seung Hwan

*Lily M. and Park Yoon Ha were the possible elimination candidates. 

#MyThought: Both of them did really well and even the judges had a hard choosing the last two places. But I think both of them would be saved by the panel audience.. hopefully.. Because I don't think they have to choose who to eliminate in each group, right? I hope not..

#MyRanking: 1) Katie Kim, 2) Lily M., 3) Jung Seung Hwan, 4) Park Yoon Ha, 5) Grace Shin.

THE LAST 2 TO JOIN TOP 10: Lily M. and Park Yoon Ha! 51 out of 106 voted for Lily! Yeay~

Kpop Star 4 - Lily M

Real Name - Lily Morrow
Nationality - Australia

Audition Round:

Ranking Audition:

Battle Audition:

Casting Audition:

TOP 10 Audition:

TOP 10 Rematch:

TOP 10 Performance

TOP 8 Performance

♪'Grenade' by Bruno Mars♪

TOP 6 Performance

♪'Love' by Keshia Cole♪

TOP 4 Performance

♪'I Do' by Rain♪

Special performance with Katie Kim:

♪'All About That Bass' by Meghan Trainor♪

She was then eliminated~

KPOP STAR 4: Lee Jin Ah - Ranking Audition

On the second episode, a short clip of Lee Jin Ah was shown. She said she was really amazed by the sudden interest in her when she checked her name online. Kekeke.. That's cute .. I'll be doing the same thing probably. She spent the whole day reading messages that she received (I think she referred to comment post). She even took 1st place in major music sites and reached 2 million views on Youtube! Waaahhh~ (* o *)

Then during the 2nd Audition, she sang her own song, called 'Follow Your Heart'. Check out her performance below: