Beanie level: Eunuch in drag

I can finally put The King: Eternal Monarch behind me. *sigh of relief* I feel as if I’ve just been played by this drama. I don’t know if I’m just dense or distracted by PPL, but this show felt as though nothing had a point and all I’m left with is untapped potential, leftover chicken, and questions:

What was Lee Rim dyeing red in the initial episodes?
Why did it seem that Lee Rim was gathering an army of people who traded lives with their counterparts when they essentially amounted to nothing? (And what did their lightning scars ever matter?)
Why did it take so long for Gon to find Tae-eul at the end but now they can easily go on weekend universe vacays and find their way back, no problem?
Will Gon ever have an heir if they just stay in their respective worlds? (super important question, I know)
Luna had at one point said she’d gotten her name from a cat, but then she says it’s her name still when everything is set right. So…did they writer just throw away her real backstory at some point?
Why were there so many characters that really didn’t have a point? I’m sorry Sinjae, but you were just…there. And after so much mysterious buildup, Luna wasn’t much to speak of either. And the Prime Minister’s ex? Who knows.
In what universe can a show just wish away a plot hole by having a character say “let’s just skip that?”
How did this show expect us to cheer for the “OTP” when their relationship was based on nothing, they had minuscule time to get to know each other, and then suddenly they are proclaiming their love upon each and every tear filled reunion?
What was the point of time stopping? It never felt like an urgent issue and again was just….there.
How did changing the past prevent Luna from getting cancer?
What was the point of the grandmother being from Korea?
And finally, why were these two world arbitrarily connected when apparently there are now infinite worlds that they can wind up in?

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for listening to my rant, have a shot of Lee Min Ho at least and…may I suggest checking out Where Your Eyes Linger instead?
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    I wondered about the heir thing too. How long would he be able to do that or was he just going to let his uncle’s granddaughter be the next in line?

    I assumed Tae Eul could remember everything because she was outside time itself. If so why did the uncle disappear while still in magic land?

    Time was stopping because the time stick was broken. It wasn’t supposed to do that, that was reason he wanted to get the other half quickly. It would eventually stop both worlds forever. That was the point.

    Seeing as how Luna was still an orphan could she have gotten her name from a different cat? I wondered about the cancer thing too. Maybe because Minister Koo’s mom took her in she was cared for and that prevented the cancer?

    I think Lady Noh being from Korea was just to show that the time stick was used by previous generations.

    I think the two worlds being connected had something to do with the stick being broken. I think Gon said as much.

    Sin Jae turned out to be just a means to an end which was a little disappointing.

    I wanted to know what Rim was doing in that abandoned building too. Like did he just pour stuff from one cauldron to another?

    Lastly, I don’t question how and why people love. Two reasons, one 8s 0ersonal and the other I saw on Oprah. On Oprah there was a woman that said she met her husband in Vegas and married after having knowing him for only 45 minutes. They were currently on the 30 something year of marriage. My parents met at a NYE party and were married that June. Friday will be their 55th anniversary. Sometimes things just click or from the first moment you just know. Some people build a foundation for commitment and for some people the commitment is the foundation.

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      @thatstp 55 years is a long time! Happy Anniversary to them both 🙂

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      Happy anniversary to your parents – that’s wonderful! Certainly love works in different ways for everyone. I really like your last sentence on commitment – sometimes things happen gradually over time and sometimes it happens in an instant. My qualm with the portrayal in the King was more to do with how I didn’t feel the chemistry between the actors and it simply came across as following a script for me. However, that’s just my opinion and others may have thought they worked great together!

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So now Young K has a trumpet just hanging out in his throat.

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And it was on this day twelve years ago that Key realized he was, in fact, famous. Happy Anniversary, Shinee!

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Happy birthday, Junho. Everyone have some Ice Cream to celebrate! 🍦

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Finally finally out of the land of noble idiocy. Phew. It’s been way too long of a stay. Yay, for Eunuch in drag!
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Fini’s 2nd (Potentially) Annual Kpop Top 19 for 2019

I love going through and making playlists with Beanies’ top songs of the year. It’s a fun way to see what everyone is listening to and also a great way to discover new songs.

This year I roped Kale (@christina41218) and Jig (@crysta) into making a list with me (and they both completed them before me, of course) so be sure to check theirs out as well!

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here we go:

19. Noir – Sunmi | Single
Sunmi brilliantly relates the lyrics to the addictive nature of social media, the modern-day film noir. She eats candy hearts as she feeds herself on “likes” and attention, but she ultimately destroys herself in the process.

I feel so high. Everything goes blurry one two three. Now I’m blind. I don’t know why […] We are in noir.

18. Fish in the Water – AKMU | SAILING
Country-inspired kpop? Never in a million years would I think this is what I needed, but here we are. This song just makes me want to go outside to bask in the sun and enjoy the little moments of each day.

You must live, live to death, and play music for me […] Live like the way we sing.

17. Twit – Hwasa | Single
Blind love and adoration? How about lost individualism and living life for someone you’ve put on a pedestal. An addicting track that’s wrapped in a cheeky package tied with sassy bow.

You give so much, but why are you the only one feeling unhappy? Because you only breathe for me. You look so lonely.

16. I Wanna Be – Key | I Wanna Be
We got lucky with this song being on the repackage album this year so I could include it! It’s insanely catchy, and I’m obsessed with the key change towards the end. Plus, Mullet Key.

My heart that faces you, if you change it into a melody, this song won’t end today. But you know, even this isn’t enough. I’ll probably be humming this song again.

15. My Dear – Chen | Dear my dear
It’s not often that I fall head over heels for a ballad, but My Dear is stunningly gorgeous. A perfect, soothing listen before going to sleep. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud.

To you, beneath the moonlight showering down, become the star of this night. And promise to shine for me.

14. Waggy – Mamamoo | White Wind
Is this song about love for a puppy? Maybe. Am I questioning why this song is on my list? Also maybe. That being said, it’s just pure goofy fun with a whimsical and refreshing sound.

When I see that person, I start singing without realizing it. Like a good feeling afternoon sunlight, I think I’ve fallen for a refreshing person.

13. Red – The Rose | RED
My intellectual thought for this song is that it makes me want to jump up and down and sing along loudly to the Korean lyrics that I don’t know at all.

In this road I walk alone, I want to shine in this darkness. Throw your sticks and stones. So what if we’re different from others. Don’t mind anything.

12. Paper Cuts – EXO-CBX | Single
This song was love at first note. The live performance by Chen, Xiumin, and Baekhyun is so pure and full of palpable, overflowing emotion. It’s both melancholy and uplifting, truly beautiful.

In the fleeting moments that go by too rapidly, I live everyday life filled with what I can only do now

11. My Beauty – VERIVERY | Extraordinary You OST
Cute, cute song with a charming use of falsetto throughout that makes for a sweet song, reminiscent of first love. I’d never listened to this group before watching Extraordinary You, but now they’ll be on my radar.

Baby, every time you smile at me, I keep smiling like a fool. I keep falling. I can’t escape.

10. I Wanna Know – Roh Tae Hyun | biRTHday
Tae Hyun was an incredible performer on Produce 101, and I’m so glad he’s gotten a chance to show more of his talent and potential with a solo release. Haven’t heard it yet? What are you waiting for?

Stop all the suffocating work. You can go completely crazy, oh sounds beautiful. Stop sighing, there’s no rush. You need some time to rest.

9. 4x4ever – Mamamoo | reality in BLACK
I’ve had a bit of drought when it comes to girl groups lately, but Mamamoo released two outstanding, utterly enjoyable albums this year, so I decided to include one song from each. Super vocals set in a powerful track with a strong message about believing in yourself.

Love myself, myself 4ever. I’m going to try enjoying this moment. So I don’t regret it.

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    Yay, another list. Key’s is definitely one of my 2019 favorites and fell in love with Woosung’s Face which has led me to listening to some of The Rose.
    That AKMU reminds me of Alison Krauss and Union Station.

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      Yes! Face was *this* close to making my favorites as well. I love Woosung’s voice.

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    @jaelegant has also totally willingly decided to get in on the fun, so check out her top songs as well! Bonus points if you can guess her favorite group.

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      My favorite group is a result of earlier brainwashing and I’m typing this from the truck of Fini’s car (at least the music is good). Save me!!!!

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        Sadly, no one came to save Jules and she will just have to remain in my clutches. *crazy laugh*

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    So many Mamamoo tracks! They worked hard this year and I’m happy to see you enjoyed their song so much 😀

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      I haven’t been following too many girl groups recently, so I was happy that I found some awesome songs with Mamamoo this year. Both albums from this year are a lot of fun and I had a hard time just picking two!

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Fini’s 2nd (Potentially) Annual Kpop Top 19 for 2019: A Continuation

8. Flashlight – Junho | TWO
I’m cheating a little bit since the songs on TWO were released in Japanese last year, but since most are new to the Korean album, I’m sticking to it. Impressively, all tracks were co-composed and lyrics written by Junho himself. Let’s just all enjoy some Junho, shall we?

It’s like flashlight. The curtains fell, and our love that was like a magnet, scattered far away like smoke.

7. Love Poem – IU | Love Poem
Musically, vocally, lyrically…everything about the song is striking. There’s not much I can say to do this song justice, so just listen to it. You may get a little teary-eyed.

I’ll be there, behind you when you walk alone. Singing till the end, this song that won’t end. Open your ears for just a moment. I’ll sing for you, who is walking through an especially long night

6. Insomnia – Euijin | e:motion
As a member of both Bigflo and UNB, Euijin is sadly still underrated despite his fantastic stage presence and dancing skills. This is a solid pop solo track that I hope will just be the start for him.

I was a fool. I don’t wanna lose you. When the day I dreamt of comes, I endlessly collapse.

5. UN Village – Baekhyun | City Lights
I was so tempted to put a b-side from City Lights as the album is enjoyable from start to finish; however, the title track puts Baekhyun’s effortless vocals front and center in a chill R&B track with limitless replayability.

Even if you say you already knew…With the feeling of that first time, I’ll lead you. Lean on me.

4. Let’s Talk About Love – NU’EST | Happily Ever After
Seeing NU’EST do well just makes me happy. The slower beat and laid-back feel give the song a dreamy quality. Like a lazy afternoon, I can just relax while listening to this song.

Throughout my day, which was an uphill road, you would call and ask if I’d eaten. Ask where I am and what I’m doing. My you, you would worry about me

3. Want – Taemin | WANT
Move is one of my favorite kpop songs, so I wasn’t sure how any follow-up could possibly come close. I shouldn’t have doubted Taemin. He once again delivers a fantastically catchy track with his mesmerizingly fluid choreography. Hot hot.

You don’t feel complete, you’re trying to define this passion. Your instincts and even your reason will want me more.

2. Jekyll – EXO | Obsession
Despite missing our members in the military, I love how EXO’s latest album brought supporting vocals to the forefront and gave everyone a chance to shine. The concept of EXO/X-EXO is mirrored in this Jekyll and Hyde song that gives us flowing, smooth vocals that transition into a jarring, almost unsettling chorus.

Why are you pushing me out, I’m already inside you. I control myself.

1. Best Part – DAY6 | The Book of Us: Gravity
Once again, I adore every track on this album by DAY6. I love the drum/clap intro and build up to the upbeat chorus that shines with cheerful instrumentation and uplifting lyrics. This was an amazing song to see live and if you have the opportunity, don’t miss out on Day6.

Today’s me is living today so that tomorrow’s me will be happy. So that on the last day of my life I am filled with smiles…

Happy New Year Everyone! May there be many more kpop favorites for next year!

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    Yes! I agree!!! Seeing Day6 playing Best Part live was One if the best parts of my 2019! Happy New Year!

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    Best Part is amazing! It was clearly written to be a concert song, but the message and melody alone never fails to cheer me up. I can’t wait until I can experience it live. JUST A FEW MORE WEEKS.

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      I’m so excited for you! Their concerts are such an incredible experience. Where are you getting to see them?

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        I’m going to the Amsterdam and Brussels concerts! I opted to buy the cheapest tickets available (because theyre so flippin pricy) to attend 2 concerts rather than pay once for a single real pricy one.

        I went last year as well when they were in Europe. I am still amazed and consider myself really lucky they’re back this year with another world tour. It must be so exhausting!

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          I also saw them in both Atlanta and Dallas within a year for different world tours…it seems they’ve been touring non-stop! Crazy! They always put their all into their concerts – it’s really impressive. HAVE A GREAT TIME! (Wonder if you’ll get to hear any new songs off of Entropy!)

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            I think they only put Sweet Chaos in their setlist from the Entropy album. They added Days Gone By last year too after their december comeback, but no other songs. This makes sense, since otherwise they’d have to change their setlist too much.

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About a week late (at least I’m still in the same month), but I wanted to wish @natzillagorilla a happy belated birthday! I hope you’ll see this and know that we miss you around here!

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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, Beanies!

Have some holiday-themed baby Exo. 🎄

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Two years. It’s hard to believe that two years have gone by since the day I heard the sobering news of Jonghyun’s passing. I would have never thought a celebrity’s death would affect me the way it did – and still does. Shinee will always hold a special place in my heart as one of the first groups to introduce me to Korean culture and music (a love that has continued now for over a decade). A piece of that heart was broken upon hearing the news that day and even more so after learning he had taken his own life.

Mental heath is something I have also had struggles with, and I know I’m not alone. Thoughts of worthlessness, loneliness, and exhaustion can become so pervasive and overwhelming. Unfortunately, Korea still has such a stigma on mental heath issues and suicide is not a rarity. It is a tragedy and one that we have heartbreakingly seen repeated again just in the last couple months. If anyone is struggling today, know that it’s okay to seek help. You aren’t alone.

Jonghyun, you will continue to be a light for so many people. Your music is so beautiful, and you are such an inspiring artist and performer. You did well.
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Happy Birthday to one of my favorite vocalists in all of kpop: Shinee’s Onew. Hurry back from military service, okay?


Don’t worry, don’t worry
Even if we can’t see each other for a short while
Don’t worry, don’t worry
I will definitely come back

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Happy birthday to my dear Beanie friend, Kale (@christina41218)!

Although she may think I\’ve already sent her every EXO birthday themed thing out there, this post is here to prove her wrong.

Also, if I know anything about Kale, it\’s that two things may cause her to implode:

1. Affection of any kind
2. Pictures of Baekhyun

Who wants to help me out?

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I don’t always check out lyrics to kpop songs (in fact, sometimes it’s better not knowing), but Day6 has some that I really adore.

You were “you”
I was “I”
We’ve been living without
Knowing each other
With a “Hi”
Now, it’s you and me
It’s “us” now

Hi Hello has such sweet lyrics that although could be taken romantically, are made all the better through the cutest story of forming a band off the side of the road and finding friendship in the MV.

Beanies, what are some of your favorite kpop lyrics?

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    I love day6’s For Me. Every single word of it.

    Both verses and the chorus.

    Who are you?
    With that weary stare
    Why are you looking at me and sighing deeply?
    Though we’ve been together longer than anyone else I still don’t know you

    Maybe I haven’t once said a comforting word to you
    I want to get to know you
    You, not anybody else
    The me stuck in the mirror about to cry
    Now I want to know you
    You’ve done well so far on your own I’ll tell myself
    For me

    Where did the dreams that I had when I was young go?
    I still don’t know you
    Maybe I wanted to hide the weaknesses you had, so I turned away.

    AND THE BRIDGE:

    I wanna thank you
    For not giving into tiredness
    For continuing to be with me and leading me
    From now on I will start to love you
    I mean I will love me now

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      Oh wow, I hadn’t looked these up before. Beautiful and emotional self-reflection. Those lyrics really hit home.

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    Obviously, it’s EXO-CBX’s
    “What can I say? HOROLOLOLOLOLOLO”

    You already know this but I also love all of Stray Kids’ lyrics.
    Even “(she’s hot!)” because it gave the world the best reaction videos blessed with 3RACHA dying in embarrassment.

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    Another day6 one: Hurt Road

    How many times a day
    Will my tears swell up?
    Even though I try to count
    I can’t
    Because I’m always trying to hold the tears in

    How am I these days?
    When you see me
    I wonder if I look like I’m okay
    I don’t know what kind of expressions I’m doing these days

    If I were you
    I would hug myself without a word
    If you were me
    You would cry in my embrace

    You knew and I knew
    That this is not an easy road
    It’s not that you and I didn’t know
    That not many flowers bloom on this road

    How are you these days?
    When I see you
    You seem the same as me
    You look sad no matter what, these days

    If I were you
    I would hug myself without a word
    If you were me
    You would cry in my embrace

    You knew and I knew
    That this is not an easy road
    It’s not that you and I didn’t know
    That not many flowers bloom on this road

    The flowers that are seen from time to time
    I didn’t know how precious they were
    Because they’re so beautiful and lovely
    Should we stay here?

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    I really like the lyrics to Day6’s How Can I Say. It was a very different perspective on a relationship and one that I could relate to a lot when I first heard it.
    I also like the lyrics for 1:31 AM
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nibI3qVL64c
    And Face
    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oKB4E_upu1Q

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      Wooo, more Day6! How Can I Say…is very relatable. I feel like I’ve been on both sides of the coin with the way those lyrics are written. It captures a really heartbreaking moment when you realize a relationship is just…over.

      That live performance of 1:31 AM was beautiful! JB and Youngjae are wonderful. I especially liked these lyrics:
      “The way you smile, don’t ever lose that
      If it ever gets hard
      You can come find me again…”

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    Gain released a lot of really great solo stuff and one of my favourite is Truth or Dare. https://youtu.be/dmUwNaIEZ1g
    It’s about people talking behind her back and spreading rumours while they don’t even know each other.

    Wanna know the truth, all the truth
    The important is the more you talk about me
    It’s nice, very nice
    The more rumours there are, the better it is
    I just laugh that’s how easy I am
    I have about ten tails you don’t even know
    Everyone has misunderstandings
    The way I smile, the way I talk, the way I walk is a bit…
    Don’t be like that and just say it
    I expected it
    We only know each other’s names
    But I guess you would be crazy if we brushed our fingers

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      Gain definitely doesn’t shy away from some powerful stuff. I love the way those lyrics are written!

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        Yes! She’s provocative in a classy way and lots of thought are put in her lyrics. Bad Temper is an other favourite of mine because she seems so… human(?).

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    “Chogiwa”
    &
    “In one bite, I’ll put you in my mouth like cheese”

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Let’s leave some good looks for the rest of us, shall we?
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When you can finally check off another drama on your mile long To Watch list.
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    To answer the question: Your reward will be that you can now add another bean to your upcoming year-end Bean count during year-end review time in December 😊😊😊

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      Unfortunately, this wasn’t a drama from this year so no Bean but really, watching YSH is enough reward in itself. 😂 I do need to finish some more current dramas though so I can up my count at the end of the year!

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My Strange Hero has some seriously stunning instrumental tracks. Love the build up in this one.

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I always chuckle when there’s a correlation in dramas with an antagonist’s change of heart and the amount of hair gel they use.
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    So gel = evil? Not good for PPL though 🤔

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    LOL. I can’t help but look back to Kim Woo Bin’s Choi Young Do in The Heirs.

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Gotta show a little L.O.Λ.E to NU’EST.

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Who would ever dare do such a thing? 😂
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Girl, you’ve only played yourself.
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