tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-267755722024-03-13T05:38:46.517+08:00Hidayah, World TravellerWhen the helicopter flew to evacuate a sick me from -14 degrees Celsius, 5500m Gokyo mountain in Nepal in winter, it brought along fresh fruits and vegetables to the villagers. The villagers were grateful to me, the girl in the red fleece jacket. From then on, I am known as Redfleece.
** I started this blog in 2006 as my beloved mother wanted to read about my adventures. She said, she wanted to see the world through me. Sadly, she passed away two years later. May God bless her soul. **Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.comBlogger353125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-71997227601089643042024-03-03T18:19:00.020+08:002024-03-13T05:38:15.809+08:00My K-Drama List (2024) - Part 3<p>My good friend Mariam attended the World Glaucoma Day event on Saturday to support me. We had lunch afterwards to catch up. I first met Mariam at Operations Raleigh Geranting. We shared the same tent and bonded over all things like Fendi (hehehe, we had a crush on this RJC student and military officer). And we also like Mr Gu of 'My Liberation Notes'. Since I like non rom-com dramas like 'Train to Busan', 'Sweet Home', she suggested that I watch Gyeongseong Creature next. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX5O6DcYs1h0H5EV6qOTIHVNiskivyvohmKbquPNi1jAOlYB0aOGuPEBz1XiHFry5U-cct-c_ikN5zPyOumIDD0tIBurxLnUOrMvvXs9zeO3FJczI0r7z2eisXeVMR-JfS2cEfdJg4lHJDDt_iDfsZadOLy7NLHmglG-B_3ZzrgZlI9nRYSAQkg/s1284/GYEONGSEONG-CREATURE-NETFLIX-REVIEW.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1284" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX5O6DcYs1h0H5EV6qOTIHVNiskivyvohmKbquPNi1jAOlYB0aOGuPEBz1XiHFry5U-cct-c_ikN5zPyOumIDD0tIBurxLnUOrMvvXs9zeO3FJczI0r7z2eisXeVMR-JfS2cEfdJg4lHJDDt_iDfsZadOLy7NLHmglG-B_3ZzrgZlI9nRYSAQkg/w368-h245/GYEONGSEONG-CREATURE-NETFLIX-REVIEW.webp" width="368" /></a></div></div>7. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Gyeongseong Creature</span> Season 1 경성크리처 -- I'm currently watching this with Abah. What a way to bond with my dad... over Korean dramas! Again, I wasn't disappointed. This drama has all the elements - adventure, war, laboratory experience, humanity, love, redemption. The plot is believable and the ending cliff-hanger! My heart was racing and at some parts broke in pieces. Just like 'Train to Busan', this one is a masterpiece.<br /><div><br /></div><div>8. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Oksu Station Ghost </span>(film) 옥수역 귀신 -- I was curious because when I was growing up, the government was building the MRT (subway) and urban legend was that missing children's heads were used to line the tracks. Maybe the story was to deter us children from going off without telling our parents, risking the chance of getting kidnapped and have our heads on the rails. Scary! </div><div><br /></div><div>9. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Flower of Evil</span> 악의 꽃 (ongoing) -- 그냥요. This story revolves around serial killers, police investigation, psychopaths etc. This is the first time I've watched Lee Joon-Gi in a K-drama. He was superb for the role he was in. I initially thought of him as the evil one. My my my, how the story turned and twisted. Goes to show that one must not judge one's character from one's status in life or predicament. Kim Ji Hoon (Denver in <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Money Heist: Joint Economic Area</span>) also showed his acting skills in the drama. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I'm taking a K-Drama hiatus during Ramadan, a month of fasting, reflection and prayers. I will instead watch Dr Omar Sulaiman's lectures.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="362" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1mub-ru8BTo" width="476" youtube-src-id="1mub-ru8BTo"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-71613852475091005412024-02-09T01:34:00.015+08:002024-02-23T22:32:58.485+08:00The Sea Pudding<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj-5TTioeuAgDY3nZrCx6HYFbYwPidbsnms2kM5vUge0Hc4-uL_aVkQ4wVU2utGTP6XSkrg9c-Y5GFkKkNgPRVJrXDxLwuSZLSlgGjKtGWd_NBg2ZVFmkv8G3kDmRowRhWujfZKanfALd5P6v3kdKTrECoD-A84dVWj_pOwAPX9Vm1xbRhgEpPw/s1000/iceberg.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTj-5TTioeuAgDY3nZrCx6HYFbYwPidbsnms2kM5vUge0Hc4-uL_aVkQ4wVU2utGTP6XSkrg9c-Y5GFkKkNgPRVJrXDxLwuSZLSlgGjKtGWd_NBg2ZVFmkv8G3kDmRowRhWujfZKanfALd5P6v3kdKTrECoD-A84dVWj_pOwAPX9Vm1xbRhgEpPw/w406-h270/iceberg.webp" width="406" /></a></div>I was introduced to literature (as a subject) when I was in Secondary One. One day, a Literature teacher (Mr Benedict Lee?) who taught Secondary Four came to our class. He wanted to conduct an experiment. Mr Lee gave us random photos of objects and asked us to write a short poem within 20 minutes. He said that he had given the same photos to his class and wanted to see if we could write better than his 16 year olds. Mr Lee chose my class as it supposedly had the brightest pupils (judging from PSLE scores). Anyway, I got a picture of a floating iceberg. <p></p><p>Hmm... I thought that the iceberg looked like the pudding my mother made. So I decided to name my poem 'The Sea Pudding'. I couldn't recalled what I had written. I think it was about drifting endless with no end in sight; just existing, beautiful, untouched. I remember, Mr Lee scanned all the poems and said that he liked my title and the poem looked interesting. I wished I had asked for my poem back. But I was 12 and wasn't liberated* enough to ask for my writings back. I wonder, what would the content of 'The Sea Pudding' be if I were to write it now?<br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The Sea Pudding</span><br /><br />. . .<br /><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>*as you can guess, I've just finished watching 'My Liberation Notes'. Mr Gu x Mi-jeong -- "I worship you"<br /></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-19407620179955261262024-02-05T12:37:00.031+08:002024-02-27T15:04:04.556+08:00My K-Drama List (2024) - Part 2<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TLe5GsoY4QGX_1cafkUCJFlkDkzfnXopYoCEUiajjAuStwUqxgeQQ4-QqUXY-BkT5D7hBUUFSgrW1u50r_CE5Enq4Bj8EbUg_Bg0NJ8LvZo2kY36kIPQa_luI2GCCSp-c8lNmRDugZu2me6EaPf8BvgI_Rj74_PoBKgEGJFHYOje-2SXIXIyjQ/s900/my_lib_notes.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9TLe5GsoY4QGX_1cafkUCJFlkDkzfnXopYoCEUiajjAuStwUqxgeQQ4-QqUXY-BkT5D7hBUUFSgrW1u50r_CE5Enq4Bj8EbUg_Bg0NJ8LvZo2kY36kIPQa_luI2GCCSp-c8lNmRDugZu2me6EaPf8BvgI_Rj74_PoBKgEGJFHYOje-2SXIXIyjQ/w243-h365/my_lib_notes.jpeg" width="243" /></a></div>“Worship (추앙해) me and make me feel whole”*<br />추앙해 = a combination of adore and respect</div><br />It's February already! So many things to do, so little time. Some of these things are mundane. I wish I can just take off from my mundane schedule (OK, I exaggerate, my book projects are quite exciting). BUT I need to be liberated from everyday caregiving chores for my father. While my brother can take off on holidays and do his own things, I am stuck in this rut. Just like the siblings (and Mr Gu, a stranger who worked for their father in rural countryside village) in my fourth K-drama this year.<p></p>4. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">My Liberation Notes</span> 나의 해방일지 -- I was contemplating about this K-drama since last year. Should I watch or not? I watched the first episode and then read the reviews. This drama won the 2023 BaekSang Arts Awards for Best Screenplay. And that my friend won me over. Screenplay is one of the most important factors for a good drama. As I like Kim Ji-Won from <a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2021/12/descendents-of-sun.html" target="_blank">Descendants of the Sun</a>, I thought why not, right? The icing on the cinnamon bun is when Gong Yoo praised the drama by quoting an iconic line from the drama, “I worship you.”* Ahhh, <i>oppa</i>! The drama presents a slice of life (many people will be able to identify with the themes in this drama) but with a dose of realism and no fairytale ending. Hais, we too need to be liberated from _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (fill in the blanks).<br />Read <a href="https://www.alwaysthecriticpod.com/blog-posts/my-liberation-notes" target="_blank">review 1</a> and <a href="https://www.jaehakim.com/2022/06/my-liberation-notes/" target="_blank">review 2</a>. <br />Afternote: Son Suk-ku who acted as reticent Mr Gu is a hottie. He was the ex-boyfriend of ranger Yi Gang who still pined for him in <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Jirisan</span>. Suk-ku acted as one of the army officers in <span style="color: #c27ba0;">D.P.</span> Perhaps his looks is not your typical K-Pop <i>namja </i>but he is charming and that acting school he attended in Canada certainly paid off!<div><br /></div><div>5. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">A Killer Paradox</span> 살인자ㅇ난감 -- Coz of Son Suk-ku (he is Detective Jang Nan-Gam). The storyline is interesting and the dilemma of the killer is almost sympathetic. The alluding to 'Batman and Robin' fight against injustice is quite stark in this series; the mastermind mentioned that he legally changed his name to Roh Bin. Unlike the superheroes of the Hollywood world, superheroes in K-dramas are grounded to earth and believable. That is why Korean dramas are taking the world by storm. </div><div><br /></div><div>6. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Designated Survivor: 60 Days</span> 60일, 지정생존자 -- Coz of Son Suk-ku. Oh my God, what's wrong with me? What's with the <a href="https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20220608000660" target="_blank">appeal of Suk-ku</a>, a real-life reincarnation of Mr. Gu? Distraction aside, I like dramas with a political theme coz you know I once harboured ambition to be a politician (as I wanted to make a difference to society). I even studied political science in NUS (not SNU in South Korea, well, not yet...) and at the prestigious Sciences-Po Paris. I am also intrigued with the North-South Korea storylines and issues (which was also highlighted in <span style="color: #c27ba0;">D.P</span> and <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Crash Landing On You</span>). If I were to be born as a man, I think I would probably join the military.</div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-63935228561343485132024-01-14T14:34:00.012+08:002024-01-29T20:23:05.781+08:00My K-Drama List (2024) - Part 1<p>Happy New Year 2024!<br />Though not so happy for K-Drama fans due to <a href="https://time.com/6554854/actor-lee-sun-kyun-death-parasite-director-investigation/" target="_blank">Lee Sun-Kyun's suicide</a> on 27 December. Sun-Kyun was one of my favourite Korean actors; his Mr Park in 'Parasite' is my ideal husband/father type. Farewell, My Mister...<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEIG8zj4aTCgAijr2aHxFAC9Je8XeFiaRAHD0r1-RaO9wT3hWH_-21eXL-HED-ufDwZTwVL_RGn3e9305w38wRy2GW0wQVYdnjXaIyzwX8CROkBiyOXqXfr8tLVbj3yQ1AIyDvRn4D08VyhYhoyWuRwPX8ZxtRJNasfVqg1IKy1ZWHp-0lIkZ9Q/s900/partners-for-justice.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="900" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEIG8zj4aTCgAijr2aHxFAC9Je8XeFiaRAHD0r1-RaO9wT3hWH_-21eXL-HED-ufDwZTwVL_RGn3e9305w38wRy2GW0wQVYdnjXaIyzwX8CROkBiyOXqXfr8tLVbj3yQ1AIyDvRn4D08VyhYhoyWuRwPX8ZxtRJNasfVqg1IKy1ZWHp-0lIkZ9Q/w357-h278/partners-for-justice.jpg" width="357" /></a></div><p></p><div>1. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Partners for Justice</span> 검법남녀 -- I was wondering what drama to watch after the ending of Singles Inferno 3 (not happy with Min Kyu and Gyu Ri pairing). Since I like investigative genre (and my medical school dream), why not give this series a chance. Again, I wasn't disappointed. Interesting cases involving the forensic team. Scalpel galore. </div><div>The two lead actors (forensic examiner Dr Baek and prosecutor Eun Sol) won best actor and actress in the 2018 MBC Drama Awards.<br /><br /><div>2. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Partners for Justice 2</span> 검법남녀 2 -- coz season 1 was good, and I am not disappointed! The storylines are believable, coupled with educational forensics investigation. Good acting from the cast especially Jung Jae-Young as Dr Baek Beom (the reticent forensic examiner) and Oh Man-Seok as Prosecutor Do Hi-Han (I hated him in 'Crash Landing On You', yea, his acting is that good). What frustrated me is that corrupt prosecutors and big wigs corporations got away with their evil deeds. But hey, this calls for Season 3! I can't wait coz this story ignites my interest in medicine, you can call it my mid-life crisis but hey, living life with a purpose is better than drifting with no purpose to help the world we live in, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>3. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tbe Bequeathed</span> 선산 -- This limited series popped up on my Netflix screen and my curiosity was piqué. It had death and bequeath (family gravesite), murder, family disputes, shamanism, academic injustices (ghostwriting and unfair promotion) and unethical lawyer. And some interesting twists to the storylines. The main detective is Park Hee-Soon who was in a Running Man episode with Gong Yoo. I never knew that Park Hee-Soon is an actor. His acting exuded understated coolness. This drama made me stayed up the whole night to binge watch but I'm not complaining though.</div><div><br /><br />Although I am on Korean class hiatus, I actually dreamt that my teacher gave me books to revise! Aigoo...</div></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-51567991801252111562024-01-14T12:21:00.004+08:002024-01-14T12:23:03.121+08:00A wedding to welcome 2024<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SYr3wLSJvaa9oX8uAMI7H_8kvtlhd200Hivy2txkJDq31VhopxXV5QtUAd-oNiBjnGSFK7lK0wj1I5fkCvnTWtFZipKna9FGIXENu9Wkh79H_KytLZ8tnPEUC0DZAZmReqOccdEbg7lXPZ2Sbyi4uTA6tYbazbhHuGLRp5vtDj_cc0yScR2fEw/s3999/Famille_francais.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3999" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SYr3wLSJvaa9oX8uAMI7H_8kvtlhd200Hivy2txkJDq31VhopxXV5QtUAd-oNiBjnGSFK7lK0wj1I5fkCvnTWtFZipKna9FGIXENu9Wkh79H_KytLZ8tnPEUC0DZAZmReqOccdEbg7lXPZ2Sbyi4uTA6tYbazbhHuGLRp5vtDj_cc0yScR2fEw/w423-h238/Famille_francais.jpg" width="423" /></a></div>My French-Moroccan family was in Singapore end of December for a wedding. It was a whirlwind affair and to show support to a beloved son and brother, an entourage came from all parts of France. I was not in best state of mind (Gaza genocide, my father's dementia, kak Zalyah's passing etc.) and didn't feel like taking part in the wedding ceremony. But, since I still have the gorgeous Moroccan gown given by aunt Suaad, why not, right? I didn't know that the family colour scheme was blue. Oh well, red, white and blue -- viva la France!<br />When it was time for me to bid farewell, I cried buckets and hugged everyone. I don't know when I will see them again. Life is fragile. Every little moments spent with loved ones are precious.Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-65706569529191300432023-12-31T23:55:00.005+08:002023-12-31T23:59:25.140+08:00Saying Goodbye<p>"Saying goodbye is never an easy thing..."<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjTM0PBy4KTUG6W39mkEk9kxtctnfXA4hEow-A4xwMbsR2TTnh9dQs9RHh8wvPuQDO20UTZciOsdaCt9t2ovckMJLz2cq6uJsR-YhSGPNtUtEH8FPjuGoKIa2P2Rxby-UOcbSzMQTDsRcVbCT6RomcHBntWntdkr553CFvdL__X_B1TFAoXMd6A/s720/Snowdonia_63z_Zalyah_Hida.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjTM0PBy4KTUG6W39mkEk9kxtctnfXA4hEow-A4xwMbsR2TTnh9dQs9RHh8wvPuQDO20UTZciOsdaCt9t2ovckMJLz2cq6uJsR-YhSGPNtUtEH8FPjuGoKIa2P2Rxby-UOcbSzMQTDsRcVbCT6RomcHBntWntdkr553CFvdL__X_B1TFAoXMd6A/s320/Snowdonia_63z_Zalyah_Hida.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Everyone’s favourite Malaysian kakak (elder sister) at Cambridge, Zalyah Gazali passed away on thursday, 28 December. I didn’t want to believe that she is gone. Kak Zalyah told me in October that she was sick but was undergoing treatment. She also shared that her daughter got engaged. Then last month, she left me a voice message thanking me for the hijab book that I sent her. She also wished me more success and books in the future. Her last words to me, “Take care my dear. Love you.” I had wanted to call her back to ask her if she was alright. But I thought I would do that later. “Later” is now too late. She is unable to hear, “I love you too kak Zalyah.” <br /><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1eOvZ9scR4cLpL5rOFYTc3Hm3bdlKXUX8GKHw59JXQ87N3QTprl1a6pwGbd93wQx45LpTIBKXS2C5BGR9e1BFaqysygNw4X9xbfN_iMtbxTcfI_DW-8U80coREqNNMHCrNKeAhoQmiaVMt6m-qvVNYoc3Vz2KDl3ny11ENVqmpragBnPAFzd5g/s2816/Friends_33.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2816" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1eOvZ9scR4cLpL5rOFYTc3Hm3bdlKXUX8GKHw59JXQ87N3QTprl1a6pwGbd93wQx45LpTIBKXS2C5BGR9e1BFaqysygNw4X9xbfN_iMtbxTcfI_DW-8U80coREqNNMHCrNKeAhoQmiaVMt6m-qvVNYoc3Vz2KDl3ny11ENVqmpragBnPAFzd5g/s320/Friends_33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I dug up our Cambridge photos. She was always there for us. We had many outings, cooking sessions, conversations, stressing over studies; she gave sisterly advice, and warm hugs and assurances. Kak Zalyah, you are loved by many. Till we meet again. <p></p><p>*recite Al-fateha</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrmzEhj1Z-c4pO0C8ZSo82KS2UH3iDoxvIVMxcvnHhb630KpKK4VTSwNGsepE1ISLO3MhGZa1m1A8WOqXrwiDFEpA0Kwyt5G-smse12u2Fe2MRUA6Xd04LHz6775mJVy7bU1HOt_CYG1BpUqR1ztTEj_OUKZzIAxfn4-_ouG01ZlznGEGl-ZGwQ/s2816/Congregation_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2816" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrmzEhj1Z-c4pO0C8ZSo82KS2UH3iDoxvIVMxcvnHhb630KpKK4VTSwNGsepE1ISLO3MhGZa1m1A8WOqXrwiDFEpA0Kwyt5G-smse12u2Fe2MRUA6Xd04LHz6775mJVy7bU1HOt_CYG1BpUqR1ztTEj_OUKZzIAxfn4-_ouG01ZlznGEGl-ZGwQ/w360-h270/Congregation_8.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-55431269298755045662023-12-31T23:45:00.021+08:002024-01-09T19:57:33.900+08:00Hijab<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotPpq0yo1mNcYZ9ll1ij6g6h9YH2uSjo9EH0u09m61IiwrJXaKAVTp_SJcnEdModn5jmXMBfMDCDgni0e1rCEh3mbgaUwbSUWonZva_u6t1p6MzemhoKWHN9u0ZcEyUPpDGbs5BSfq81M-ABF6_Gg9nbmidUuiFhBsOh6ySXWmjP4wldnJGdoIg/s4000/Hijab_book_poster.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotPpq0yo1mNcYZ9ll1ij6g6h9YH2uSjo9EH0u09m61IiwrJXaKAVTp_SJcnEdModn5jmXMBfMDCDgni0e1rCEh3mbgaUwbSUWonZva_u6t1p6MzemhoKWHN9u0ZcEyUPpDGbs5BSfq81M-ABF6_Gg9nbmidUuiFhBsOh6ySXWmjP4wldnJGdoIg/w400-h225/Hijab_book_poster.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>We launched 'Hijab: Everyday Stories of Muslim Women from Singapore and Beyond' book at the Singapore Writers Festival 2023!<br />I never thought that this book would see the light of day due to the sensitive topic in Singapore. There were a lot of challenges -- one writer who had initially promised to submit a story didn't, someone wanted to submit a story but not a photo (which was a requisite), religious body didn't want to write a short article about <i>hijab</i> and Islam (I ended up doing it), no funding (due to the religious nature of the topic) and other challenges. However, I always believe that when one has good intentions, things will turn out well in the end. Although I enjoyed writing all my books, I felt 'peaceful' and happy writing the <i>hijab </i>book. I felt a close bond with the 23 writers and Dian who did the survey on 'Women's Perspectives on the <i>Hijab</i>'. Although I did not half of the writers, I felt their experiences and feelings. I'm glad that I had persevered to publish this important book. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-n_OzJwEuMZFI4MrOGtxIqmbu2I27ttyjRoSIT4Z8komZa68Fhy-ChAoCPm86VoFOMgVDtnb88se953O36GFanHPpuRXyD943L3eXlPEot5TZmtDTlR_upCJ1a9b7hf_1R5aX0CitaPUUUfMeZo8lmOsxVGF4X-bnCQmJmNXxUgH4UcENyHqXQ/s4000/Writers_Hijab_book_launch.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-n_OzJwEuMZFI4MrOGtxIqmbu2I27ttyjRoSIT4Z8komZa68Fhy-ChAoCPm86VoFOMgVDtnb88se953O36GFanHPpuRXyD943L3eXlPEot5TZmtDTlR_upCJ1a9b7hf_1R5aX0CitaPUUUfMeZo8lmOsxVGF4X-bnCQmJmNXxUgH4UcENyHqXQ/w400-h300/Writers_Hijab_book_launch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>ps. The <i>hijab</i> book has been gifted to all <i>madrasahs</i> and mosques, Malay-Muslim organisations, Malay-Muslim members of parliament as well as some former parliamentarians in Singapore.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="363" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6X2ufzwxGWM" width="480" youtube-src-id="6X2ufzwxGWM"></iframe></div><br />Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-30561578827979438202023-12-19T23:58:00.007+08:002023-12-22T10:54:03.615+08:00My Name is Ling. I am Blind.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31YiQ0BljgFJ4xQZIb1TegzbMZ_JWdvRQGCFxBLxWRcrbH6GxdgG9t8P2HlaOzipTC7n2fU4FCMPduqcPNPRS5KEuoaL3NnCwBhrlbScdOr6X6lAIHUPV0e1nkPSiv-P0C5GcqXfyZl2jws2ahIKefB3V4IcWERx6Xh43gQKX97v9zxSnfWLJqw/s2048/bb_3.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg31YiQ0BljgFJ4xQZIb1TegzbMZ_JWdvRQGCFxBLxWRcrbH6GxdgG9t8P2HlaOzipTC7n2fU4FCMPduqcPNPRS5KEuoaL3NnCwBhrlbScdOr6X6lAIHUPV0e1nkPSiv-P0C5GcqXfyZl2jws2ahIKefB3V4IcWERx6Xh43gQKX97v9zxSnfWLJqw/s320/bb_3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Who would have guessed that the 'I am Unique' bilingual series have grown! <br />The sixth book, 'My Name is Ling. I am Blind.' was launched on 11 November with our community partner, Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped. The story is based on the experiences of our friend Ling who became blind at four years old. We also gave <a href="https://beeteal.carbonmade.com/" target="_blank">Sarah Abdul Wahid</a> the opportunity to illustrate her first book. Sometimes, we need to give young, emerging artists a little push for them to showcase their talents. After all, it is a harsh world especially in Singapore where they insist that you have a track record before even giving you a chance. Hais...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pFvz1PqeX0txL9H2sazuRpEiBpunc4CGxl_Z1gXCOplgeZ1EjHtR2mheN0g32eyytEB7Oe2qBrzjlIKNuch4292i46596D4EZxDf7sGV1ot-PkuUC-6Ajj_pvqPtjNA2SlS8ouxbdxneWHFNRuf2Vewft5Xu-o8eyHVH-SfvmhvUxb4XGcam4Q/s1677/bb_2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="1677" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pFvz1PqeX0txL9H2sazuRpEiBpunc4CGxl_Z1gXCOplgeZ1EjHtR2mheN0g32eyytEB7Oe2qBrzjlIKNuch4292i46596D4EZxDf7sGV1ot-PkuUC-6Ajj_pvqPtjNA2SlS8ouxbdxneWHFNRuf2Vewft5Xu-o8eyHVH-SfvmhvUxb4XGcam4Q/s320/bb_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEzXgnPUfxeGRj-5mMXx_kPDpjG8oQGFVChvo1WW0JkH89LujwkZ7ljAzrVsHj-vfoi5cOcZU_Lvjkpg0DfIlxmqMfN5aQKxWSNnDHzDoN2FAkcOm032JPdaI-np9Z6gGZOWLIZ1ABP6IsdHU1IaUOPKPlzvx1lYSjVdto8qHiC122-EDAngNww/s1600/eInvite_blind_book.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEzXgnPUfxeGRj-5mMXx_kPDpjG8oQGFVChvo1WW0JkH89LujwkZ7ljAzrVsHj-vfoi5cOcZU_Lvjkpg0DfIlxmqMfN5aQKxWSNnDHzDoN2FAkcOm032JPdaI-np9Z6gGZOWLIZ1ABP6IsdHU1IaUOPKPlzvx1lYSjVdto8qHiC122-EDAngNww/s320/eInvite_blind_book.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-67861894491343438922023-12-18T23:54:00.008+08:002023-12-21T09:42:48.389+08:00Kebaya, the most elegant attire<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Bm36hKzq0k-k8ldNmrFfqzCcdyfysy9jKANoYqTUZsX41rldSFZDDT8IJZEGGBPrlutkiQKNbf-QV_nu_zziQl0CIi8GM9xk1Pli1_de2Y5VSL3hlJBBMD2yxyojlAkTRBZSSfzZxk74MY7ttSr6LSbrdIA5QIgiAR3koDliy5ll7y55iCCUw/s1600/kebaya.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2Bm36hKzq0k-k8ldNmrFfqzCcdyfysy9jKANoYqTUZsX41rldSFZDDT8IJZEGGBPrlutkiQKNbf-QV_nu_zziQl0CIi8GM9xk1Pli1_de2Y5VSL3hlJBBMD2yxyojlAkTRBZSSfzZxk74MY7ttSr6LSbrdIA5QIgiAR3koDliy5ll7y55iCCUw/s320/kebaya.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc0C0Nf6gLYQtLkm4vB8PKhD9K0A_7hBISBJEZUyrA2RpX86KurD0gzlSra_PjDE3XywqkDN6UE55XPQTKzRSgq-1TsKEx-w7A11KAPtEvjsBOiWjLb05hOwcDk6rTk6HabpnjAowqV5qyw2FGL_GRbQKzfQ4cgVdzaRWQT9JnycNjQusekRJXA/s1600/Cam_minah_kebaya.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAc0C0Nf6gLYQtLkm4vB8PKhD9K0A_7hBISBJEZUyrA2RpX86KurD0gzlSra_PjDE3XywqkDN6UE55XPQTKzRSgq-1TsKEx-w7A11KAPtEvjsBOiWjLb05hOwcDk6rTk6HabpnjAowqV5qyw2FGL_GRbQKzfQ4cgVdzaRWQT9JnycNjQusekRJXA/s320/Cam_minah_kebaya.jpeg" width="213" /></a></div>I love the <i>kebaya</i>! I remember my grandmother who believed that the <i>kebaya</i> was the most beautiful traditional attire. She was the one who said that I should be proud of my Malay heritage and should take every opportunity to showcase it to the world. I make it a point to wear <i>kebaya</i> at festivities, important events and my book launches. I even modified the sarong of my <i>kebaya</i> to suit the attire regulations at my University of Cambridge congregation (graduation).<br /><br />At a recent 'Gaya Kebaya' exhibition curated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kebaya.societe/?hl=en" target="_blank">Kebaya Societe</a>, I lent my late mother's modern <i>kebaya </i>(see photo above). Read <a href="https://berita.mediacorp.sg/singapura/kebaya-cucu-haji-yusoff-tali-pinggang-barang-kemas-lama-di-pameran-gaya-kebaya-802306" target="_blank">article</a> here.<br /><br />Inspired by the exhibition, I decided to showcase my family's old <i>baju kurung</i> and <i>baju kebaya</i> at our museum. Come and check them out!<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/55lGyJhwvOk" width="484" youtube-src-id="55lGyJhwvOk"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-80280513178994787142023-12-16T23:53:00.012+08:002023-12-22T10:49:35.580+08:00One-year Anniversary of 'My Name is Riz' book<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyvGPdmomWcDjkXMDD6qdgAEFxf2YYJTbKuLu9fO943-sDwndgxORGMb2EHHXW7AuLopBF2qFlGsnN3cAPSdWD7bZ_YQorJ6oZCWvvD3zgqetBD97E77FkwaB6J7G1QDfLmMOPhph_oE6Q7AAUqF92T4zHZI9dp3QbIa5B1yCja5-qq5L_Xk75w/s1600/Riz_2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="813" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyvGPdmomWcDjkXMDD6qdgAEFxf2YYJTbKuLu9fO943-sDwndgxORGMb2EHHXW7AuLopBF2qFlGsnN3cAPSdWD7bZ_YQorJ6oZCWvvD3zgqetBD97E77FkwaB6J7G1QDfLmMOPhph_oE6Q7AAUqF92T4zHZI9dp3QbIa5B1yCja5-qq5L_Xk75w/w236-h463/Riz_2.jpeg" width="236" /></a></div>Today (16 Dec 2023) is the one-year anniversary of ‘My Name is Riz. I have Motor Neurone Disease’ book. Thank you to everyone who have helped in whatever ways to support us in this book project.<p></p><p><i>Alhamdulillah</i> (Thank God), we have set up the Riz Sunawan Bursary (administered by <a href="https://lbkm.org.sg/" target="_blank">LBKM</a>) with a donation of $35,000 from book sales.</p><p>All 179 primary schools, 26 special needs schools, and 6 <i>madrasahs</i> have received 2 copies of the book for their libraries. All 305 kindergartens, pre-schools both private, and MOE-run, mosque-run, church-run, temple-run have received 1 copy of the book. Thanks to Dr Jazlan Joosoph and uncle Abdullah Joffri* for sponsoring the envelopes and postage costs. Pls make doa for them.</p><p>We still have some books for sale. Pls get them from <a href="https://wardahbooks.com/products/my-name-is-riz-i-have-motor-neurone-disease" target="_blank">Wardah Books</a> and <a href="https://ungupen.com/shop/bilingual-my-name-is-riz-i-have-motor-neurone-disease/" target="_blank">Ungu Pen</a>. All sales proceeds will go towards the Riz Sunawan Bursary. </p><p>*My late uncle Mohamed Ali (Abdullah's eldest brother) sponsored the printing of the book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDScXHu4k5iErNqylQo0sB98YlMCIFmR2F_MIVEdl44jrSRa8X1fQkVLq4DcOTHEEgrcLu4miaYMgslbYzYrrlfosTf-jjq1lFzOmfDyQG243XbOFbJi4IJKZOEnOT9Q3SmEaNKCKMMIBPvJlJFxfH7lTsQv6HFmoBpq9JdxUVWkj64X-TIjg9ZQ/s1024/Riz_1.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDScXHu4k5iErNqylQo0sB98YlMCIFmR2F_MIVEdl44jrSRa8X1fQkVLq4DcOTHEEgrcLu4miaYMgslbYzYrrlfosTf-jjq1lFzOmfDyQG243XbOFbJi4IJKZOEnOT9Q3SmEaNKCKMMIBPvJlJFxfH7lTsQv6HFmoBpq9JdxUVWkj64X-TIjg9ZQ/s320/Riz_1.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7l2Oy9f3u5IveFXnOwKD8RvBs6iBk2YDkvKAajaBYkqe7Y8b7DOUVMDjVhhSEMh3ZcK1TY5oo617TOw3vHDXwiMG8mHHgjTGwUGTVP9uQ4e19KadBmEhkj90VY8d_qgyZXj6jj9PyD3vWDKRCVW-THRw7nAgFpxJsN0W0NJ_o-Kr3Z7uPbU2CQ/s1600/Riz_3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7l2Oy9f3u5IveFXnOwKD8RvBs6iBk2YDkvKAajaBYkqe7Y8b7DOUVMDjVhhSEMh3ZcK1TY5oo617TOw3vHDXwiMG8mHHgjTGwUGTVP9uQ4e19KadBmEhkj90VY8d_qgyZXj6jj9PyD3vWDKRCVW-THRw7nAgFpxJsN0W0NJ_o-Kr3Z7uPbU2CQ/s320/Riz_3.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqCCzMl6Tz_gTOJ3LaLjNXLXoWdeZJhvGNqPQSSGexMEElUlDZk_eX62x1k6Y14IDtbi4Rh8Mv1M8HS9s3PeLkDlrcL6v5Ro71uAe7yCFxHDvBhTwXW7OII2QJo8ojgjc-_XVIqsWvtEvBDY7qG9iriovxAnZy1XUQTO0iM_zH2fNlbfIIJTpEA/s1024/Riz_4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYqCCzMl6Tz_gTOJ3LaLjNXLXoWdeZJhvGNqPQSSGexMEElUlDZk_eX62x1k6Y14IDtbi4Rh8Mv1M8HS9s3PeLkDlrcL6v5Ro71uAe7yCFxHDvBhTwXW7OII2QJo8ojgjc-_XVIqsWvtEvBDY7qG9iriovxAnZy1XUQTO0iM_zH2fNlbfIIJTpEA/s320/Riz_4.jpeg" width="240" /></a><p></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-5501291943722212032023-12-09T12:27:00.016+08:002024-01-13T01:25:01.761+08:00My K-Drama List (2023) - Part 6<p></p><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppoIZCVDViTeYFpUS3211dFwL6mKng1S1eZ0L0ajwzMGfxOM5hl3o0yfeLy2bvPkjNphflbLv5iIWb3JtWnEqApN3oHTpHIzTETGemKMtnZE_GrBM8OikTvyEYhU_HscSSmCb1Woj59XTs5pjX-02_7GJuHQ-1lxgBTFm-Ip93QQ8KU3c3Ol6UQ/s666/hometown.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="666" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgppoIZCVDViTeYFpUS3211dFwL6mKng1S1eZ0L0ajwzMGfxOM5hl3o0yfeLy2bvPkjNphflbLv5iIWb3JtWnEqApN3oHTpHIzTETGemKMtnZE_GrBM8OikTvyEYhU_HscSSmCb1Woj59XTs5pjX-02_7GJuHQ-1lxgBTFm-Ip93QQ8KU3c3Ol6UQ/s320/hometown.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm taking a break from my Korean class for a term. Is my interest waning? Maybe. I didn't even finish watching Doctor John and I like Ji Sung. It's because I'm so behind in my Korean lessons that I need a term to catch up on my own. <i>Hais, abang JC, bagi lah perangsang... </i><br /><br />Anyway, these past few months have been hectic as I had three book launches and about 1001 things to do, plus taking care of my 90 year-old father who has dementia. But I did start watching... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">33. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Hometown</span> 홈타운 -- Coz I like murder mystery investigation dramas. Oh my, it has evolved into a cult motivated murder series. 대박! The drama was slow-moving at first. I almost wanted to give up but the curious me wanted to know the how and why in these brutal and mindless murders. The actor playing Guru is superb. The main cast acted brilliantly. Goes to show that good acting transcends looks. And the twists in the story kept me watching. But the local accent was a little off-putting. I guess, I am used to the Seoul accent... such a spoilt brat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwGGVt4BaSbkltrU7_opb3HNzjusuZ_-VrFD53H9kA0zwcCVTKpg9ZL9PF7Nf3SAHcI0xtlWBhpDsZ7oQ8IG5feShyphenhyphenmqJGbGzcDjN4rEsMnqlJQ-_gu4Lttk-Fmmw6x-NIOwllDXGEQddov3u4xidIMc7cQHa4qBlOACIipZ0__M45PZqSM0hOg/s1000/sweet-home.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="1000" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVwGGVt4BaSbkltrU7_opb3HNzjusuZ_-VrFD53H9kA0zwcCVTKpg9ZL9PF7Nf3SAHcI0xtlWBhpDsZ7oQ8IG5feShyphenhyphenmqJGbGzcDjN4rEsMnqlJQ-_gu4Lttk-Fmmw6x-NIOwllDXGEQddov3u4xidIMc7cQHa4qBlOACIipZ0__M45PZqSM0hOg/s320/sweet-home.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p><div></div>34. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Sweet Home 2</span> 스위트홈 시즌 2 -- This was my first K-drama series which I watched during Covid-19 lockdown. And boy, did I bawl! Just like how I sobbed when watching <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Train to Busan</span> for the first time. The backstories pulled my heartstrings. Anyway, we lost some characters from Season 1. Saaadddd... but the ending is a perfect lead to Season 3 next year. Can't wait.<p>35. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Single's Inferno 3</span> 솔로지옥 3 -- I can't believe I am watching this. I feel too old for this sort of things. I mean when I was living in the USA, I watched 'Rock of Love' (coz of Bret Michaels of Poison) and 'I Love New York (coz I thought it was about New York (duh!)). Somehow I feel like Single's Inferno is 'respectful' and 'honest' unlike the 'trashy' dating 'reality' (rigged) shows. The five hosts in Single's Inferno commenting in between the scenes are quite refreshing as they are candid with their thoughts. I do share some of their views and I even gasped at the same time they did. As jaded as I am with love, I can't help but feel the same like host Kyu-Hyun when he cried out, "Min-Kyu ahh" at the sight of him being played out by his female date.</p><p>I tried multi-tasking, doing work and watching some of these K-dramas in English. BUT somehow the dramas seem better in Korean. Naturally. Revision for my Korean lesssons.</p><p><br /></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-29187832914832392832023-10-30T11:40:00.003+08:002023-10-30T11:42:45.181+08:00Ya Palestine the Blessed Land<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0RsWXu_vKjojrt5MvPPbGc_muDDmaezXm9YUln1LJdSZdILUgM4k98ekOuA5G9yqrqHW3zacvSxrQa4Yh_hZL93N5YqsVnUnQ5ityLmwv15AKj6hA_3flre7f6VnTmx43yTxZNeYuREbfN2SVGSPBCMHIdzsH4xL6yddnxwD7uEBTPNDjNjWQQ/s3699/Palestine_1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3699" data-original-width="2777" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0RsWXu_vKjojrt5MvPPbGc_muDDmaezXm9YUln1LJdSZdILUgM4k98ekOuA5G9yqrqHW3zacvSxrQa4Yh_hZL93N5YqsVnUnQ5ityLmwv15AKj6hA_3flre7f6VnTmx43yTxZNeYuREbfN2SVGSPBCMHIdzsH4xL6yddnxwD7uEBTPNDjNjWQQ/w288-h384/Palestine_1.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />I was fortunate to have visited Palestine and a few Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The experience left a dent in my heart. Some of the things which I brought home from Jerusalem and Beirut are Franz Krausz’s ‘Visit Palestine 1936’ poster and books about Palestine. <div><br /></div><div>May God give us strength and patience in these difficult times…<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh343b6S2mL685GE2cASyU-DCr3wlbdqoWPN8weJv7NiBP3dPkUbWfqy6hXwNWEIAqTfWcrOyjEzZFOE2m48wdkK6YOw7c_Xr-YCEkI2pj8olEfdWwtAlrc-lB1yvbysmxt2GlMOrKa88zujQFwYJGMpB-9-YTMBC_fZK6WZoP04mFYFYFl8Wdl4Q/s3756/Palestine_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2987" data-original-width="3756" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh343b6S2mL685GE2cASyU-DCr3wlbdqoWPN8weJv7NiBP3dPkUbWfqy6hXwNWEIAqTfWcrOyjEzZFOE2m48wdkK6YOw7c_Xr-YCEkI2pj8olEfdWwtAlrc-lB1yvbysmxt2GlMOrKa88zujQFwYJGMpB-9-YTMBC_fZK6WZoP04mFYFYFl8Wdl4Q/w352-h279/Palestine_2.jpg" width="352" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJSmrBwFc8yiF9aLm5_NKu7tq5ovC9JI4bY0YTL4CCHArCPMHF4O8H4hKvNvrpcKhFoUjT5RXL7haOSCgkhmfnl3YVlVr1tGoqv8ITnN_-hLU_9aLv5OWIm_Rr9rutLUitox0WsGvPkyRGiHOOH8KFDgxR406fQzxTFMF0Pa7dXL8j7_ehQW1BQ/s2953/Palestine_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2953" data-original-width="2600" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJSmrBwFc8yiF9aLm5_NKu7tq5ovC9JI4bY0YTL4CCHArCPMHF4O8H4hKvNvrpcKhFoUjT5RXL7haOSCgkhmfnl3YVlVr1tGoqv8ITnN_-hLU_9aLv5OWIm_Rr9rutLUitox0WsGvPkyRGiHOOH8KFDgxR406fQzxTFMF0Pa7dXL8j7_ehQW1BQ/w308-h350/Palestine_4.jpg" width="308" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM7x9AC7nT6hrbLUc463wxFfjo_UKFaEWWRjbbtHAVIqNce0Ok7aVJaN4y5Xtki2YW7g9Hk9srU_EG0EQLFQUj13mJ9NYvlWlYYKbOtIE5l4EaJRmis8SomxaG9JYiHuAiH9EGGlZTN5L_tY4IfJjX7TGBIwumDCCVdhonPyFPjQAHeDxEdTXiQ/s3034/Palestine_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3034" data-original-width="2491" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM7x9AC7nT6hrbLUc463wxFfjo_UKFaEWWRjbbtHAVIqNce0Ok7aVJaN4y5Xtki2YW7g9Hk9srU_EG0EQLFQUj13mJ9NYvlWlYYKbOtIE5l4EaJRmis8SomxaG9JYiHuAiH9EGGlZTN5L_tY4IfJjX7TGBIwumDCCVdhonPyFPjQAHeDxEdTXiQ/w281-h342/Palestine_5.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-68773292481964402852023-10-08T01:07:00.005+08:002023-10-30T09:02:56.862+08:00Nasi o Nasi!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeH-TZ9li8_-j5cgLEEWLp_LjjQgib_iLJWW8ZO2d-t7z8_4l56teTYEE_p954_s93kqHK7v0wvG-4pzoBJScnsyKGoc1iYHhG8P7etmj4g_ihcVEehH2qLCqVT0wq-fnH97rw3z4ZUWZbK1eW9wwQUfha3R_lvs_U9sdd_kAtF-XETYwsQMjHg/s3000/eInvite_rice_book.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeH-TZ9li8_-j5cgLEEWLp_LjjQgib_iLJWW8ZO2d-t7z8_4l56teTYEE_p954_s93kqHK7v0wvG-4pzoBJScnsyKGoc1iYHhG8P7etmj4g_ihcVEehH2qLCqVT0wq-fnH97rw3z4ZUWZbK1eW9wwQUfha3R_lvs_U9sdd_kAtF-XETYwsQMjHg/w393-h294/eInvite_rice_book.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>Psst... remember the rice controversies--‘nasi lemak' quinoa rice, 'nasi ambeng' Peranakan, 'nasi padang' or field rice? The horror!<p></p><p>Come dehusk the mysterious kidnapping of our Malay rice dishes. Got 'pulut kuning' you know. Jom!</p><p>*See photos on Helang Books' Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=HelangBooks&set=a.847768354015583" target="_blank">album</a>.</p><p>**Watch videos on Helang Books' YouTube <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wc_-5tnN3B0&list=PLJzbBzankISnvd1O0XLhyMZO3vet89gxb" target="_blank">channel</a>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="361" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/l0Rrk7evWXo" width="480" youtube-src-id="l0Rrk7evWXo"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="375" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SbeJLMIixdQ" width="483" youtube-src-id="SbeJLMIixdQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-88751029303582127392023-10-07T14:03:00.027+08:002023-12-04T22:25:03.895+08:00My K-Drama List (2023) - Part 5<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu4At9Slf1nGW83VabUwwlNYBMTmDOE_uf2Mph2s-0cUPwF1xkwNMzgpvgrJG03Wp_72v4niGEcgAmQEMO2ei-kxbp8LETuXXHZab5YteBjnxL-xCI6h_TKi1YfTrkILl_4uXV7ZyZGHaMH0kJCKm4Gz41RYU3Zwv2m82UWMmU-d_-NTb6n9pKg/s1350/moving.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlu4At9Slf1nGW83VabUwwlNYBMTmDOE_uf2Mph2s-0cUPwF1xkwNMzgpvgrJG03Wp_72v4niGEcgAmQEMO2ei-kxbp8LETuXXHZab5YteBjnxL-xCI6h_TKi1YfTrkILl_4uXV7ZyZGHaMH0kJCKm4Gz41RYU3Zwv2m82UWMmU-d_-NTb6n9pKg/s320/moving.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>It's been nearly 3 months and still no response from <i>oppa</i>. I might as well give up. Why am I still learning Korean, such a difficult language? My motivation is waning... Alas, as I don't give up doing things halfway, I guess I have to see this through till the end. Learning through K-drama continues...<br /><p></p><p>30. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Moving</span> 무빙 -- Apparently, this series is breaking K-drama view records. I was sceptical at the storyline of school kids with superhuman power -- Bong-Seok has the ability to fly, Hui-Soo is able to rapidly recover from injuries, and Gang-Hoon has uncanny power and speed. Sounds cliche and Hollywoodly. Throw in spies and the dedication of their former superhuman secret agent parents to protect their children from the same organization they escaped. Sounded promising. Lots of heartwarming moments. Although, the three students are endearing, I like the class president Gang-Hoon. Stoic, responsible, shy; look how he rushed to save Hui-Soo whom he secretly likes. Aigoo... Kudos to the production team and the cast. Another good series. Korean scriptwriters continue to impress me.<br />*Read <a href="https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/09/moving-episodes-18-20-final/" target="_blank">review</a> +Learn more about the <a href="https://korean-binge.com/2023/09/10/the-40-characters-agents-and-superheroes-of-moving-korean-drama/" target="_blank">characters</a> in this drama</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="362" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1rfV-217Lu4" width="460" youtube-src-id="1rfV-217Lu4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">31. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Beyond Evil</span> 괴물 -- coz I like detective and crime stories. I've watched Yeo Jin Goo in Hotel Del Luna so I was curious how he would act as a detective. I wasn't disappointed. The chemistry between Jin Goo and his older subordinate detective Dong-Sik (played brilliantly by Shin Ha-Kyun) is amazing. Ha-Kyun won Best Actor in the 2021 BaekSang Arts Awards. Anyway, the story revolved around a serial murder case which took place in the small city of Manyang. Dong Sik was accused of killing his twin sister twenty years ago. There were plenty of red herrings which made the drama worth watching. Themes of family love, community ties and atonement were featured strongly in this series. I could feel the emotions felt by the characters involved. The slow, emotive soundtrack (Choi Baek Ho's '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXyQGrS2rrM" target="_blank">The Night</a>' and Sunwoojunga's '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OebfyvUisB0" target="_blank">The Road</a>') gave much feels. At the end of Episode 16, there was like a public service broadcast asking people to report missing people. I can't help but think that the drama might be inspired by possible stories revolving around missing people. Can't wait for Season 2 (let's hope there is one).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">32. <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Dr John</span> 의사 요한 (ongoing, halfway through) -- I try to avoid watching medical dramas after Hospital Playlist coz I don't want to be reminded of how I didn't get into medical school, disappointing myself, my mother and grandmother. But, since Ji Sung is acting as Dr Yo-han (same name as in the Devil Judge) and I like him, why not just give this a shot. Plus there other actors whom I like: Hwang Hee (Tale of the Nine-tailed), Lee Kyu-Hyung (Prison Playbook) and Kim Do-Hoon (Moving).<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">*Favourites: So far, <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Moving</span> & <span style="color: #c27ba0;">Beyond Evil</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-3603353445266459692023-10-07T10:34:00.019+08:002023-10-07T13:06:34.024+08:00Our Family Museum<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuCmq0i0_CQcIcRadvsAAhBfz7wQ2PuO5EBi_e8YAvlSdMSg0Tx0hGgLDWJTktZEnR01X5O-8skUZYH9EzveL-vLPpx9Nq34suJ1hkTYPIGtFOQL5Php8RxvXKvRdEGc5cZIkeSzsNyHX59ine_Wytd0GPZNNTsOXdBnNuJ-GFNf7KVRKTMGitQ/s3000/eInvite_museum_launch.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuCmq0i0_CQcIcRadvsAAhBfz7wQ2PuO5EBi_e8YAvlSdMSg0Tx0hGgLDWJTktZEnR01X5O-8skUZYH9EzveL-vLPpx9Nq34suJ1hkTYPIGtFOQL5Php8RxvXKvRdEGc5cZIkeSzsNyHX59ine_Wytd0GPZNNTsOXdBnNuJ-GFNf7KVRKTMGitQ/s320/eInvite_museum_launch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We had a cosy official launch of the community storyboard and opening of <span style="color: #ffe599;">Haji Yusoff Memorial Museum</span> (HYMM) on Sunday, 17 September 2023. I got the idea to set up HYMM when I visited the Ee Hoe Hean Club more than 15 years ago. Founded in 1895, the social and business club was one of the oldest clubs for millionaires in Singapore where like-minded Chinese businessmen networked. As one of Tan Kah Kee postgraduate scholars, we were brought for a visit to the Hoe Hean Club. <br />As I was admiring the Chinese businessmen's spirit of entreprise and community, I had the idea to do one for my great-grandfather. So when the estate of Haji Yusoff was rebuilding our 717 North Bridge Road shophouse, I asked the trustees if we could turn the third level into a museum space. One of the reasons to set up HYMM was to take back our artefacts from the Malay Heritage Foundation (MHF) and the National Heritage Board. Our artefacts were broken, damaged and destroyed under MHF's 'care'. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5WxGv98OMJ0M7MTI4RaPEDuq4j9hTN_tnKhqmQImK5wQWeJjOyqUA3k-KBbkV39675-39vMnlseoZAi7DD1z2uWLCu_PaAmxepfMb3iFy-TbSyET-hO67WAKYeJ07OUyqmu0BvkZvBklepnfXX8TVNOv3m-8V1LQ4qIPOrBTYovciXmpkIXDtA/s1024/HYMM_opening_5.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr5WxGv98OMJ0M7MTI4RaPEDuq4j9hTN_tnKhqmQImK5wQWeJjOyqUA3k-KBbkV39675-39vMnlseoZAi7DD1z2uWLCu_PaAmxepfMb3iFy-TbSyET-hO67WAKYeJ07OUyqmu0BvkZvBklepnfXX8TVNOv3m-8V1LQ4qIPOrBTYovciXmpkIXDtA/w326-h217/HYMM_opening_5.jpg" width="326" /></a></div>The people in-charge of HYMM:<br /><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Hidayah Amin</span> (also known as Cik Idah) is the Cambridge-educated lead curator of the museum. I am the great-granddaughter of Haji Yusoff with Hajah Aishah, his second wife (Gedung Kuning family).<p></p><p><span style="color: #d5a6bd;">Nursafina Shariff</span> is the great, great-granddaughter of Haji Yusoff with Noribah, his first wife (North Bridge Road family).</p><p>We helped set up HYMM without receiving any payment or allowance. Why? Cos' we ‘sayang’ (love) our ‘leluhur’ (ancestors) and family! Though the estate agreed to forgo rental and pay for utilities and transportation and restoration of the furniture, I paid for everything else for the museum. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu18T0r4b0I6X3Dn3creGAq45ZfBfOOMvsGzfYQb6vjaYhYSdoPs0a1TIxYjGD74rB15ykJMWIUJjEm_CeC62a9LDFd6y9z-652zcuanQ7_rD14OXaQ9ZdYEHyrNuCk_UO9WfJrDoirEWz3g-m1P_7HeOJbKt9FaV7kAS78EdJIXDPlZHbwMY7qw/s1024/HYMM_opening_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu18T0r4b0I6X3Dn3creGAq45ZfBfOOMvsGzfYQb6vjaYhYSdoPs0a1TIxYjGD74rB15ykJMWIUJjEm_CeC62a9LDFd6y9z-652zcuanQ7_rD14OXaQ9ZdYEHyrNuCk_UO9WfJrDoirEWz3g-m1P_7HeOJbKt9FaV7kAS78EdJIXDPlZHbwMY7qw/s320/HYMM_opening_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1dcrEAxPcXh_ztw5fy82me6M63GWkngJp7ZNCzlX9urzkLW6Yvyw_IIbwwS5YHgvlJMBVCQUOgr-ED30A1CSFFxesWGkrbxEvSeu04WBy1TGQ7Dgg9k310RQkQhut4caaJ4_JaRLWwA4HRvU1rNfEOw_fmP5ifKInSAftebSpw18VIBzWswL4Q/s1024/HYMM_opening_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1dcrEAxPcXh_ztw5fy82me6M63GWkngJp7ZNCzlX9urzkLW6Yvyw_IIbwwS5YHgvlJMBVCQUOgr-ED30A1CSFFxesWGkrbxEvSeu04WBy1TGQ7Dgg9k310RQkQhut4caaJ4_JaRLWwA4HRvU1rNfEOw_fmP5ifKInSAftebSpw18VIBzWswL4Q/s320/HYMM_opening_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>HYMM opens every last Saturday of the month (unless stated otherwise), 12pm to 6pm. Free entry. Follow HYMM on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100056737671445" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/haji_yusoff_memorial_museum/?hl=en" target="_blank">Instagram</a> for updates.<br /><br />*Photos from MND photographer</p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-22699064637701147402023-09-03T16:29:00.052+08:002024-03-06T11:35:46.282+08:00My K-Drama List (2023) - Part 4<p>I don't think I can get over Chief Judge Kang Yo-han from <a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/08/my-k-drama-list-2023-part-3.html" target="_blank">The Devil Judge</a>. I don't want to...<br />While I am busy with preparing for our museum opening and my ninth non-fiction book launch, I squeezed some time to watch Korean dramas (to improve my Korean of course). </p><p></p>25. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Mask Girl</b></span> 마스크걸 -- coz I was curious. The storyline is interesting. Lots of sub-layers to peel. Societal standard (discrimination) of beauty formed the root of the drama. Topics of plastic surgery, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, misogyny, abuse, family love and acceptance, loneliness and wanting to be loved, the dark life of web cam influencers and their followers, and redemption, are all weaved throughout seven episodes. Yes, there were murders, nightlife culture and women prison culture. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNUqqd_hvAJrS8BdcNdHihKsMz46Vl13GWJZH9C4dhuBfImTm0Txf5ic8Ph8xODuUVEp2hpTWJif03sDVRMR-kEkoL7v_6W6YnRK9MydaBDTc92xl1nn6fMKY6QTjQ2t1SNRWMUvi3xyb4LBv0II9rPfZ7_KN7BRyDM-MHYH7jzOKKiubjLJFrA/s900/hana_donghwi_2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPNUqqd_hvAJrS8BdcNdHihKsMz46Vl13GWJZH9C4dhuBfImTm0Txf5ic8Ph8xODuUVEp2hpTWJif03sDVRMR-kEkoL7v_6W6YnRK9MydaBDTc92xl1nn6fMKY6QTjQ2t1SNRWMUvi3xyb4LBv0II9rPfZ7_KN7BRyDM-MHYH7jzOKKiubjLJFrA/s320/hana_donghwi_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>26. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">The Uncanny Counter 2</span></b> 경이로운 소문 2: 카운터 펀치-- coz I figured why not I just watch a few episodes and decide if it would be worth watching. Kang Ki-Young (Extraordinary Attorney Woo), Kim Hieora (The Glory) and Jin Sun-Kyu (Through the Darkness, Revenant) were possessed by evil spirits. To me, a heartwarming moment was when Ha-na reconnected with her high school love, Do-hwi while she was training the new counter. Just when I was hoping that their reunion/relationship would lead to something, she wiped his memories of their feelings so as not to put his life in danger. I guess, true love is when you place your loved one's well-being above your selfish needs. Ha-na and Do-hwi is the modern version of <a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/02/mr-sunshine.html" target="_blank">Mr Sunshine</a>'s Eugene Choi, Gu Dong-mae, and Kim Hui-seong's sacrifices for Go Ae-shin. Contrary to Ha-na--So-mun shippers who wanted the characters to be together, the scriptwriter wrote a scene of Ha-na meeting Do-hwi (who now had no idea of their past relationship) again. Ha-na told Do-hwi who asked her to attend his piano academy's recital, "I hope to see you again." Aigoo... <br /><br /></div><div>27. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Shadow Dectective</span></b> 형사록 -- This series is on Disney+ channel. As I like police and crime dramas, I thought I will give this a go. Incentive: Jin Goo, my favourite soldier (Master Sergeant Seo Dae Young) in <a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2021/12/descendents-of-sun.html" target="_blank">Descendants of the Sun</a> is in the cast.<br /><br /></div><div>28. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Hyena</span></b> 하이에나 -- In the midst of a hectic schedule, what with museum opening and two book launches, I found time to watch my favourite actors Kim Hye-Soo (Signal) and Ju Ji-Hoon (Kingdom & Jirisan) as two warring lawyers in the cut-throat legal world. Like Hye-Soo, I too dreamt of owning my own building. But I guess, I am not diabolical/immoral to do anything unethical/illegal to achieve that dream. Ji-Hoon was manipulated in the first episode by Hye-Soo who pretended to fall in love with him. The winning line (so far)--Ji-Hoon: I was hoping that fate will work its magic. So did fate work its magic on these two? Or will stunning and dedicated lawyer Boo Hyeon-a stand a chance with Ji-Hoon? There are however some believable twists in the storyline and character developments. Kim Hye-Soo is such a talented actress, even in tacky clothes and 'orbit' hairstyle.<br /><br /></div><div>29. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Mystic Pop-up Bar</b></span> 쌍갑포차 -- Seems quirky, reminds me of Hotel Del Luna. I like how the drama use everyday things in Korea as a base for their stories like the supermarket and pojangmacha (포장마차), a type of tent bar that serves cheap and good street food. The supernatural beings are also portrayed in modern clothes and in tune with modern life. I also like how they include historical bits (though fiction) into the drama. The universal themes of love, sacrifice, family bonds, redemption, are interweaved in this drama. I laughed when they played Sky Castle theme song as the bar manager (who acted as one of the doctors in Sky Castle) was explaining a related matter. Intentionally subtle, not!</div><div><br /></div><div>Favourite: still undecided...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="359" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/evB-I06O6GE" width="498" youtube-src-id="evB-I06O6GE"></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><p></p></div></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-30186061748323219222023-08-27T18:40:00.021+08:002023-08-28T23:10:52.483+08:00Malbatt: Misi Bakara<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjljuQAYU5UoIrqTvD1x4Oxw0Hhs7E-M4cQnt985ErqmifoFrOpSiMRjqr2LcMdzhDl6uyC8NKzMlnnqwLnDiCSOFcC5T3TCfjtsNQ9YbJvM49ol3QTRBQT7A343tm3MCFrHS1PH_u8eWF7xIteuZIhmcXitXFBczPA_rE0GDMdsTVFj9ndOvOaQ/s2500/malbatt_poster.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2500" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjljuQAYU5UoIrqTvD1x4Oxw0Hhs7E-M4cQnt985ErqmifoFrOpSiMRjqr2LcMdzhDl6uyC8NKzMlnnqwLnDiCSOFcC5T3TCfjtsNQ9YbJvM49ol3QTRBQT7A343tm3MCFrHS1PH_u8eWF7xIteuZIhmcXitXFBczPA_rE0GDMdsTVFj9ndOvOaQ/w608-h342/malbatt_poster.jpg" width="608" /></a></div><br />"If you don't write your story, someone else will write it for you." -- Asia Jofrie<p></p>My late mother's words reiterated the very important point why we must tell our story. Lest someone else tells our story (distorted or untrue) or our story will be forgotten through the passage of time.<br /><br />Malbatt is the story of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) that was part of the United Nations peacekeeping force in 1993. Malbatt participated in the mission alongside the United States and Pakistani military forces at Mogadishu, Somalia. Their mission was to rescue trapped American soldiers following the Black Hawk Down attack. The Pakistan forces withdrew leaving Malbatt to carry on the rescue. Apparently, the US forces attempted the mission four times but failed. However, Malbatt's bravery was neither mentioned in Ridley Scott’s film nor was officially acknowledged by the US (until some 20 years later). <br /><br />According to the film director, Adrian Teh, “This is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, war story of our lifetime. It is my honour to tell this story.” <br /><br /><i>Tabik spring</i> (Salute) to Adrian Teh (Paskal) and everyone involved in the production! Although I am not Malaysian (but I am a Malay) I feel proud of the Malbatt team. Their story deserved to be told and remembered.<div><br /></div><div><i>Gua caya lu, Melayu! </i><br /><br /><a class="x1fey0fg xmper1u x1edh9d7" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2023/08/25/malaysia039s-contribution-in-1993-mission-in-mogadishu-made-into-movie-039malbatt-misi-bakara039">https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/entertainment/2023/08/25/malaysia039s-contribution-in-1993-mission-in-mogadishu-made-into-movie-039malbatt-misi-bakara039</a><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="366" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/82Ne728MxDA" width="483" youtube-src-id="82Ne728MxDA"></iframe><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="364" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/et2viNOwRrE" width="479" youtube-src-id="et2viNOwRrE"></iframe></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-10582355596172490142023-08-17T22:53:00.035+08:002024-03-03T18:22:56.314+08:00Archives: My K-Drama List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYJtdIdGrVGZJl82uOai_3yrkzhr-xwKT_SCT5xKCHU5WQ-Sj96tzPx-7bE67JI70RyFHR9qspuYg1XDGYJ86QB8yfHmCM3KJKcU9a3xK2MFY1QKzZx9JJnQzWqWcnq5M61oihddG0Lf_ORWQ3c47T0a8tME-0wyzfAVwWGdJqPca64-TpqlfGA/s3000/K-Drama_links.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYJtdIdGrVGZJl82uOai_3yrkzhr-xwKT_SCT5xKCHU5WQ-Sj96tzPx-7bE67JI70RyFHR9qspuYg1XDGYJ86QB8yfHmCM3KJKcU9a3xK2MFY1QKzZx9JJnQzWqWcnq5M61oihddG0Lf_ORWQ3c47T0a8tME-0wyzfAVwWGdJqPca64-TpqlfGA/w640-h480/K-Drama_links.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>It was my birthday on 28 July. I wanted to do something adventurous to 'celebrate' the occasion. So at the stroke of midnight, I penned a letter to my first <i>oppa</i> crush. To show that I am not a 20-something year old stalker, I even attached my inex magazine article. Seize the moment, <i>n'est pas</i>? What do I hope to achieve from this midnight madness? Of course, it would be nice to hear back from <i>oppa</i>. I bet he receives hundreds of letters. And why would he reply to this stranger whose imagination runs wild with the wind? Alas, my little crazy action shows that I still have some passion and hope in me. Not too bad for a jaded someone who has yet to achieve some of her dreams...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Talking about dreams and hot <i>oppas</i>, I'm going to put my K-drama lists (and K-drama mentions) here for easy access:<br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2024/03/my-k-drama-list-2024-part-3.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2024) -- Part 3</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2024/02/my-k-drama-list-2024-part-2.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2024) -- Part 2</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2024/01/my-k-drama-list-2024-part-1.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2024) -- Part 1</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/12/my-k-drama-list-2023-part-6.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2023) -- Part 6</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/10/my-k-drama-list-2023-part-5.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2023) -- Part 5</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/09/my-k-drama-list-2023-part-4.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2023) -- Part 4</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/08/my-k-drama-list-2023-part-3.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2023) -- Part 3</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/05/my-k-drama-list-2023-part-2.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2023) -- Part 2</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2023/02/my-k-drama-list-2023.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2023) -- Part 1</a><br /><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/08/my-k-drama-list.html" target="_blank">My K-Drama List (2021 & 2022)</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/04/i-just-want-to-live-while-im-alive.html" target="_blank">I Just Want To Live While I'm Alive</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/03/those-pesky-ppl.html" target="_blank">Those Pesky PPL</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/02/mr-sunshine.html" target="_blank">Mr Sunshine</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/01/daebak.html" target="_blank">대박! Daebak!</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/01/hotel-del-luna-vs-gedung-kuning.html" target="_blank">Hotel del Luna vs Gedung Kuning</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2021/12/descendents-of-sun.html" target="_blank">Descendants of the Sun</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2021/11/our-date-part-ii.html" target="_blank">Our Date, part ii</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2021/11/late-bloomer.html" target="_blank">K-Drama Late Bloomer</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Thirsty tweets for The Devil Judge (I've included mine). Hot damn Yo-Han, you're slowly overtaking my 짝사랑 in <i>oppa</i>...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_oj6GI2GGWONzGEECOf3TM1leJyUxRmwXkpMV6RPM8pKBfAmwEqMQmvaIDSN1nouIBfqCKM7ek2qfi5LBYzwy1FRzeqXjUF7kVAL4jlRqc4lKf7ep8skAIBi31r5AAiYsY4tyczmERlxf95yE242h2zPZ6JzFngRDa8XgT4iGj5QHJfFvcXhCA/s4000/TDJ_thirsty_tweets.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_oj6GI2GGWONzGEECOf3TM1leJyUxRmwXkpMV6RPM8pKBfAmwEqMQmvaIDSN1nouIBfqCKM7ek2qfi5LBYzwy1FRzeqXjUF7kVAL4jlRqc4lKf7ep8skAIBi31r5AAiYsY4tyczmERlxf95yE242h2zPZ6JzFngRDa8XgT4iGj5QHJfFvcXhCA/w640-h360/TDJ_thirsty_tweets.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7GZROeWOhl3w8qYFJi0jEJND_TGCSC2H7j4a74NPfTcUVExeZJFGjg783Zg4zUd3PmOJaoNp3kuM2oGGtNTnSuBy3q7oocXEzC6n3VZ9WsTE224NlAKeSNZ8GFjoBAeDtQqRyBdSqYmh7eu3oaac7gTXeKOwv2tECbMxxpPP7MdRskEWAqjNuQ/s3000/K-Drama_links.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-56754113261016389312023-08-01T18:23:00.058+08:002024-02-09T09:25:32.099+08:00My K-Drama List (2023) - Part 3<p> We are halfway through 2023 and I've watched quite a bit of K-dramas. 헐!<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr73XV_2KlsnLBf64rVqKZBLQvUoOV3A-h7OS0KMo0432McvoygNnYGo4MQe-K2VSYXKWXQW5YHVA4mvz4gptzLITtCa7jcgoQgzTGOZK6IeelBBED4XVCc8g9tLZko53O2G86xGcIIPMwqJ43nWPCd7Orm93nocrD9bOzECqTcbaZ04fHceZaEA/s600/devil_judge_3.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr73XV_2KlsnLBf64rVqKZBLQvUoOV3A-h7OS0KMo0432McvoygNnYGo4MQe-K2VSYXKWXQW5YHVA4mvz4gptzLITtCa7jcgoQgzTGOZK6IeelBBED4XVCc8g9tLZko53O2G86xGcIIPMwqJ43nWPCd7Orm93nocrD9bOzECqTcbaZ04fHceZaEA/w456-h303/devil_judge_3.jpeg" width="456" /></a></div><--- This pic is Chief Judge Kang Yo-Han from <b style="color: #c27ba0;">The Devil Judge</b><p></p><p>19. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>D.P. </b></span>(Deserter Pursuit) seasons 1 and 2<br />I've always like men in uniform. Read <a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2021/12/descendents-of-sun.html" target="_blank">DOTS</a> post. When I was working as a producer, I spent some time with the army as I was producing a series of videos about the various aspects of army life. So naturally, D.P. was on my watch list. Anyway, Jung Hae-In (the cute baseball player in Goblin), Kim Sung-Kyun (Jung Hwan's father in Reply 1988) and Koo Gyo-Hwan (the happiness idealist in Extraordinary Attorney Woo) have enviable chemistry. I noticed several family faces from Taxi Driver, Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Hotel Del Luna and Reply 1988 in D.P. Good casting and acting, strong storylines, and and overall good series. The subject of abuse, harassment and bullying in the military is highlighted without fear. Bravo South Korea. This is why I want to learn filmmaking from you. *Read: <a href="https://www.todayonline.com/8days/seeanddo/former-dp-soldier-reacts-netflixs-military-drama-dp" target="_blank">How accurate is Netflix's D.P. from real life?</a></p><div>20. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>The Uncanny Counter </b></span><b>경이로운 소문</b><span><b> </b></span>season 1 -- coz it's about hunting evil spirits and seeking justice in the process. The team reminded me of 'Umbrella Academy'. <br />21. <b style="color: #c27ba0;">Peninsula </b><b>반도 </b>-- coz this film is post 'Train to Busan' zombie outbreak. The dystopian atmosphere reminded me of 'Mad Max beyond the Thunderdome.' </div><div>22. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Juvenile Justice </b></span><span><b>소년심판</b></span> -- coz I have always liked legal dramas and the talented Kim Hye-Soo (Signal) acted as the elite judge in the juvenile court.<br />23. <b style="color: #c27ba0;">Goedam </b><b>도시괴담 </b>-- literally urban legend. This short anthology of bite-size horrors featuring some Korean urban legends. Made me read up more about the storylines coz as a non-Korean, I would not be able to fully appreciate the stories.<br /><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17fuqTmM4ayxwuNhxayneOy2YBJBgBVxnl-cZy_OAxfPcjjkHMkKrMOmJb5HfOokqECCyIHZinXfqx5Qtdbjrl2hM_sd7QZaDcwxw2m2Coot1gu1hbI0HlEI1lRDeb4cbHHh5xDYs99dVRBEX4BKt_JJXLj19oSlqlzcBIzDSf2JTjxPuiT01Qw/s2048/deviljudge_poster.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1437" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17fuqTmM4ayxwuNhxayneOy2YBJBgBVxnl-cZy_OAxfPcjjkHMkKrMOmJb5HfOokqECCyIHZinXfqx5Qtdbjrl2hM_sd7QZaDcwxw2m2Coot1gu1hbI0HlEI1lRDeb4cbHHh5xDYs99dVRBEX4BKt_JJXLj19oSlqlzcBIzDSf2JTjxPuiT01Qw/w264-h375/deviljudge_poster.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>24. <b style="color: #c27ba0;">The Devil Judge </b><b>악마판사</b> -- I wasn't excited to watch this K-drama but it grew on me. Partly because I'm big on social justice and fairness. Plus Chief Judge Kang Yo Han (played by Ji Sung) is also hot (and has washboard abs)! What sharp dressing and hair-gel can do to a man.<div>Although the story is based on a dystopian Korea where trial outcomes are judged from public votes, a nod to true democracy, I can identify with the storylines that mirror on the real world issues--news and media manipulation, corruption, power play, human clinical trials, virus and pandemic, man's and religious hypocrisies and more. Appearances can also be deceiving. Someone portrayed as evil may actually be the saviour the world needs. While those who are deemed purier than white are the devil in disguise.</div><div>This series is one roller coaster ride with unexpected twists that left me gasping, yelling out in surprise, and crying. Good acting. Storylines riveting and believable. Impressive set design. The scheming female lead (who acted as Kudo Hina in 'Mr Sunshine') Seoh-na looks like my cousin with her big eyes, nose and mannerism. And why is it that I haven't even heard of Ji Sung? What's with the two-names men--Gong Yoo, Ji Sung? Hot damn! Judge Kang Yo Han is what I would call a Man. Decisive, cool, charismatic, cerebral, principled, responsible, caring and loyal to family and has a strong sense of justice. Although he is misunderstood and his methods appear to be 'devilish', he used his money and influence to help people attain the justice they were denied by the system. I am crushing so deep with Yo Han. I had a similar coat like his black one with signature folded cuff sleeves in episode 4. Good taste, Yo Han!</div></div><div>*Read <a href="https://pixiebeldona.com/2022/09/18/kdrama-review-the-devil-judge-excellence-on-every-level/" target="_blank">Review 1</a> & <a href="https://thefangirlverdict.com/2021/09/20/review-the-devil-judge/" target="_blank">Review 2</a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div>*Favourites: <b style="color: #c27ba0;">The Devil Judge</b><b style="color: #c27ba0;"> </b><i>bien sur</i>! Next are <b style="color: #c27ba0;">Juvenile Justice</b> and <b style="color: #c27ba0;">D.P. </b></div><div><b style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="343" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MaYHrRzjNOw" width="457" youtube-src-id="MaYHrRzjNOw"></iframe></div><br /><b style="color: #c27ba0;"><br /></b></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-89359581373779328132023-07-27T14:30:00.013+08:002023-07-30T21:56:46.138+08:00Haji Yusoff Memorial Museum<p>A museum for great-granddad!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW5nSfwEqwzfm1VuHRXW6sXTGnbmEbZL_fnxFwBS3Pa1sXG8NGBVubH2Hj_tLhLoq91QoA8zPnQ6-XbSbe4zckSYB0peWTmCO4nHZdwDBSkdikWm64Rs2fVC7je2dKjoO4cjSYMpYD3qLhB8rceZ027pS27y3eVZqbEjNXnpk4ZVIb6hUgOQGRQ/s4096/Sunday_Times_25_June_2023_A22.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2476" data-original-width="4096" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEW5nSfwEqwzfm1VuHRXW6sXTGnbmEbZL_fnxFwBS3Pa1sXG8NGBVubH2Hj_tLhLoq91QoA8zPnQ6-XbSbe4zckSYB0peWTmCO4nHZdwDBSkdikWm64Rs2fVC7je2dKjoO4cjSYMpYD3qLhB8rceZ027pS27y3eVZqbEjNXnpk4ZVIb6hUgOQGRQ/w689-h416/Sunday_Times_25_June_2023_A22.jpg" width="689" /></a></div>I mooted the idea of setting up a museum when we were redeveloping the shophouse at North Bridge Road. I suggested that I would curate a memorial museum for Haji Yusoff just like how the Chinese in Singapore had set up a memorial museum or an exhibit of sorts for philanthropists like Tan Kah Kee. Once I have gotten the green light from the estate trustees, I started with retrieving our artefacts from Gedung Kuning and doing restoration and reparation works. Like with most people who do things with good intentions, criticisms are often hurled at them. I am no exception. I was called a "shameless someone who dragged her family across the street because disgruntled over a wooden table." Well, there is nothing shameless with wanting to retrieve your artefacts which got broken and mishandled under the care of the borrowers. Nothing is more honourable than to right a wrong, even if you have to seek justice against a so-called 'family member'. Gossipers who don't know details should just mind their own business and work on their own meaningful projects, than to worry about other's projects, <i>n'est pas</i>?<br /><br />Anyway, here's a list of articles that appeared in the local papers. I wrote 'A Museum for my Kampong Glam heritage story' for The Sunday Times. The copyright of the rest of the articles below belong to the individual papers respectively. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifERx7T3dJ6_1-MEixOL99OOViOV3pgvwnioytLuPqJNfyUJ8Gil13RpNSVcf2_CMX56vjkBkQFaa1j9o65WZzFCzsQy_ot1q9ZITB-iy86HisZllBmzMy6JFg43iAt9V4g_HLf6EXYfhgGl5WEZwuwOW-JskTcN7Fn5U3wgJv0ZGYcBKw0X-y6g/s1178/ST_28_June_2023_C4.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1080" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifERx7T3dJ6_1-MEixOL99OOViOV3pgvwnioytLuPqJNfyUJ8Gil13RpNSVcf2_CMX56vjkBkQFaa1j9o65WZzFCzsQy_ot1q9ZITB-iy86HisZllBmzMy6JFg43iAt9V4g_HLf6EXYfhgGl5WEZwuwOW-JskTcN7Fn5U3wgJv0ZGYcBKw0X-y6g/w348-h379/ST_28_June_2023_C4.jpeg" width="348" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP13m7WctOuJK1tdOsQTN5LyFooV5j0KDu-2jzsD4Q-nxj0GndX6rS1N3GTJ1ZnucMnQVfBGAZrA6swpXqzfeU7ymNZDiN3MB5XVEtmtDxI71tgjsBPG52RC74D-7XaqZqOPlpsgdx7ZRwWRpsqpH-FiAtP7X9iu2ulLAhpIWs2poBLyXUPyuNQ/s2048/Lianhe_Zaobao_9_July_2023_p2-3.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2048" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOP13m7WctOuJK1tdOsQTN5LyFooV5j0KDu-2jzsD4Q-nxj0GndX6rS1N3GTJ1ZnucMnQVfBGAZrA6swpXqzfeU7ymNZDiN3MB5XVEtmtDxI71tgjsBPG52RC74D-7XaqZqOPlpsgdx7ZRwWRpsqpH-FiAtP7X9iu2ulLAhpIWs2poBLyXUPyuNQ/w410-h278/Lianhe_Zaobao_9_July_2023_p2-3.jpeg" width="410" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SlCInR9Coc89ZKYBX5qoHoEJs8yanKYUCeqSLxgSyVHDEAxj0YDL4gAxpo2GrtexKPLsR8jp97_FBN0Kftidjc_zztSz3EqP4-moomrhRnZrJoONcma_diEYHVL6317WClBMPMA_zJxphEWO_XCPfH1O0mOXJq0E77IQQG3hAn0o-fhVd-fQXA/s4096/BH_17_July_2023.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="2304" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-SlCInR9Coc89ZKYBX5qoHoEJs8yanKYUCeqSLxgSyVHDEAxj0YDL4gAxpo2GrtexKPLsR8jp97_FBN0Kftidjc_zztSz3EqP4-moomrhRnZrJoONcma_diEYHVL6317WClBMPMA_zJxphEWO_XCPfH1O0mOXJq0E77IQQG3hAn0o-fhVd-fQXA/w233-h414/BH_17_July_2023.jpg" width="233" /></a></div></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-55241289185367260502023-05-12T17:47:00.044+08:002023-08-18T08:55:37.487+08:00My K-Drama List (2023) - Part 2<p>The Korean dramas bingeing-cum-learning continues...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6uCuHpp4FSzKMQBz7lMOGSd4gc5VUQuhPHrZg6Mq9F6ao7rR2L0UY05nRtARlnrbRM2CdvPpqh4kUV2wiWvACNnuakYzYVjgPGKinOjn8EI0gaJTo3GeUjULO5JBQsCE8Vi9T3KjKyTF7ESr4lLiTFhx5Uk4A3DSHooOtXsIvHmbDla_bAY/s1011/Payback.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="715" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6uCuHpp4FSzKMQBz7lMOGSd4gc5VUQuhPHrZg6Mq9F6ao7rR2L0UY05nRtARlnrbRM2CdvPpqh4kUV2wiWvACNnuakYzYVjgPGKinOjn8EI0gaJTo3GeUjULO5JBQsCE8Vi9T3KjKyTF7ESr4lLiTFhx5Uk4A3DSHooOtXsIvHmbDla_bAY/w278-h393/Payback.jpeg" width="278" /></a></div>11. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Law School</b></span> 로스쿨 -- So-so drama, though storyline was different than the usual legal dramas, Kim Beom was OK, Ryoo Hye-Young (who acted as Bo-ra in Reply 1988) was irritating. Only the veteran actors acted well.<br />12. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Cursed</b></span> 방법 -- Coz I am doing some inter country/cultural research on the supernaturals.<br />13. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Payback: Money & Power</b></span> 법쩐. On Amazon Prime just like <b style="color: #c27ba0;">Anna </b>-- Storyline is so good, my heart pounded at every turn and twist of events. Insider trading, hedge fund, money trading, money cartel, prosecutorial misconduct, etc. I learned so much in every K-drama. And they even mentioned 'PrivateBank in Singapore' as one of the banks used for short-selling. <i>Oppa</i> Lee Sun Kyun is such a good actor; he deserves another BaekSang Arts Award for Best Actor.<br /><br />14. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938</b></span> 구미호뎐 1938 -- Coz I like the actors who played the <i>gumiho</i> (Lee Yeon and Lee Rang) and his servant (Shin Joo). I hope they don't prolong the love story between Lee Yeon and his mortal wife as it was a tad lame (no chemistry between them). In episode four, Lee Yeon asked Shin Joo to read poetry for the baby they were taking care of. Lee Yeo said that he wanted her to enter Seoul National University. I see what you did that Korea!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbNBgSjEibI2M9iW8Aq6XM5bHNL4e-H1KjwgiWEgtG4iEJfmhDk7UPbMTVlWmI0kXAi6MPbnO8As9e94PtBbAA361ARQtFLkqs5hY07dF_7AHvHJtNDIyNK4HlTm6i9VJyrKL0bTSk8_ioLtBF1ONYvXMPRCn4qrYop7nW6dJ5Csw_Tivlmw/s1280/taxi_driver_2.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbNBgSjEibI2M9iW8Aq6XM5bHNL4e-H1KjwgiWEgtG4iEJfmhDk7UPbMTVlWmI0kXAi6MPbnO8As9e94PtBbAA361ARQtFLkqs5hY07dF_7AHvHJtNDIyNK4HlTm6i9VJyrKL0bTSk8_ioLtBF1ONYvXMPRCn4qrYop7nW6dJ5Csw_Tivlmw/w391-h219/taxi_driver_2.jpeg" width="391" /></a></div>15. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Taxi Driver 2</b></span> 일타 스캔들 2 -- Coz the first season was really good. I'm all for justice and helping the downtrodden so this drama suits me. The stories are based on real-life crimes -- modern-day slavery (forced labour), kidnapping, child trafficking, scams targeting the elderly, cults, surgery malpractice, money laundering, drugs smuggling (as well as GHB + sexual assaults), police corruptions etc. The drama is action packed, humorous, campy and heartwarming. The actors are versatile and really played their roles well. Kim Eui-Sung who acted as the much hated Lee Wan-Ik in <a href="https://hida-amin.blogspot.com/2022/02/mr-sunshine.html" target="_blank">Mr Sunshine</a> is now the kind-hearted Rainbow Taxi owner. Of course, Lee Je-Hoon is perfect for the role of Kim Do Ki, the former Special Forces Officer from the Korea Military Academy. Strong and silent, stoic, strong sense of justice and a little shy/awkward... just my type. Why o why didn't I run into him when he was roaming the streets of Singapore in his shorts and slippers?<div><br /></div><div>16. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Tunnel</b></span> 터널 -- Ha Jung Woo (Narco-Saints) and Bae Doo-Na (Stranger, Silent Sea) acted as husband-wife in this disaster film. The film showcased a man's determination to stay alive given the slim chance of survival; a grieving wife trying to stay positive, and rescue workers trying to get him out of the collapsed tunnel alive.</div><div>17. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Island</b></span> 아일랜드 -- The story is set on Jeju Island where three people fight against evil so that they can save the world. Van (Kim Nam Gil of 'Through the Darkness) kills victims who are possessed by 'lust demons', Mi-Ho an heiress, and Johan, a young Catholic priest who performs exorcisms. Watching this because of Kim Nam Gil's acting chops.</div><div>18. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Revenant</b></span> 악귀 -- literal meaning: Demon. Watching this because of Kim Tae-Ri (Mr Sunshine) and Oh Jung Se (Jirisan) and the theme. What I like about the scriptwriting in Korean drama is how they are able to infuse local folklore and traditions into their drama.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>*Favourites: <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Payback: Money and Power</span></b>, & <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Taxi Driver 2</span></b> (... maybe also <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938</span></b>)</div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-58887995085252990022023-05-06T21:39:00.003+08:002023-05-07T10:55:46.267+08:00Sampai jumpa lagi, Wak Latiff<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl7I164tcpkUmyPwuqZcwbMo_x2HxSM2ssuFpQ9ubGdb7OR9Plv8BNSeYpHWImnnTjFCghvz2GOG3SouambqwTQBkGf8ehumXAc3iJ27k6laZxxbLQVoIARv20Raqd1F-aF9MqQaZZT9YFQZIBG21iQLyXLRTBusupS7NjELlrgZs_n7maBQ/s1014/Emak_Nenek_brothers2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="604" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl7I164tcpkUmyPwuqZcwbMo_x2HxSM2ssuFpQ9ubGdb7OR9Plv8BNSeYpHWImnnTjFCghvz2GOG3SouambqwTQBkGf8ehumXAc3iJ27k6laZxxbLQVoIARv20Raqd1F-aF9MqQaZZT9YFQZIBG21iQLyXLRTBusupS7NjELlrgZs_n7maBQ/w259-h434/Emak_Nenek_brothers2.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><i>Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un</i> (إِنَّا ِلِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ) -- "We belong to Allah, and to Him we return." <p></p><p>My uncle Abdul Latiff bin Jofrie (standing extreme left) has left us this morning. He was the beloved father of my cousins Rashidah and Wahidah Latiff. A kind, soft-spoken man who was a Boy Scout and who had studied in a mercantile school. I wrote about him in my Gedung Kuning book. Please say a little prayer for him. <i>Sampai jumpa lagi</i>, Wak Latiff; till we meet again.</p><p>ps. Uncle Abdullah or Wak Lah is one of the trustees who supported my idea of setting up the 'Haji Yusoff Memorial Museum'. Unfortunately, Wak Latiff was unable to see the museum.</p><p>pps. When Wak Latiff was small, this <i>jahat </i>(evil) granduncle asked him to buy beer and cigarettes for him. Wak Latiff refused. Granduncle was furious and slapped Wak Latiff so hard that it affected his eardrum. That was why Wak Latiff was slightly deaf in one ear. 😭</p><p>*Family photo taken in Gedung Kuning (from left): Latiff, Ali (uncle), Abdullah (uncle), Fatimah (grandmother) and Asia (mother). Wak Lah and Alwi (not in picture as he was not born then) are the only ones surviving. </p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-84917074402059973252023-05-03T23:54:00.012+08:002023-05-04T11:58:11.526+08:00"... we can proudly tell the world that you were our student."<p>Since King Charles's coronation is happening this Saturday, our alma mater, Cambridge, shared a photograph of former Prince of Wales’ arrival at Cambridge in 1967.</p><p>During Matriculation, all freshers are required to do three things: don a gown for the Matriculation, fill in the Admissions Book (using a fountain pen), and be photographed for the record. I can't remember if we had individual photographs taken like King Charles (he attended Trinity, my first college of choice) but we at Newnham took a year-group photograph in our gowns.<br />Before the signing, I remember what was said: <span style="color: #c27ba0;">"<span><b>We would like you to sign in the Admission Book (which will be kept for posterity) so that when you win a Nobel Prize, we can proudly tell the world that you were our student."</b></span></span> That speech made me feel welcomed and embraced by Cambridge; and that I too can achieve many great things, God willing.</p><p>ps. I wore a wine red embroidered kebaya top during signing; as well as kebaya with songket sarong during the college photography session. <i>Minah belajar kat Cambridge wei.</i></p><p>Credit: <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/photograph-of-former-prince-of-wales-1967-arrival-at-cambridge-released-for-the-first-time?utm_campaign=news&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social" target="_blank">University of Cambridge</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcKdqBnttKQQhXVLmF71bXgmtvIWZr_goi7GuRHHU3zf9LA08g4z7Dg8TlOld2WIl-hc6LfF2OPRKd30DnLzAnomFJrQyPocP0T8UbrbjdeCpMHkS74UbknX9Us5T3vKzGK6b0-JG6m3d-75Bow282GJlxvoJftS5lCKsDg2CLQlEThSNCfM/s442/charles_cambridge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="442" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcKdqBnttKQQhXVLmF71bXgmtvIWZr_goi7GuRHHU3zf9LA08g4z7Dg8TlOld2WIl-hc6LfF2OPRKd30DnLzAnomFJrQyPocP0T8UbrbjdeCpMHkS74UbknX9Us5T3vKzGK6b0-JG6m3d-75Bow282GJlxvoJftS5lCKsDg2CLQlEThSNCfM/s320/charles_cambridge.png" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeDKnH3NV1dlu4be58ZB1wDJ9f_lflM42FyjDy_q1YCWCFupBQueJ8o8WjOCjjqED5EMRSfWIh3-68yJn8aY3bdhzEllQSzwr9IjQH7_3swKqHabOAg-xYwQysW-qyf8GjkyyWXr5CmZWWbaEMqFr912airLfBdVvalQdQu6F_rxV_r3mdWk/s4400/name_in_book.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="4400" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeDKnH3NV1dlu4be58ZB1wDJ9f_lflM42FyjDy_q1YCWCFupBQueJ8o8WjOCjjqED5EMRSfWIh3-68yJn8aY3bdhzEllQSzwr9IjQH7_3swKqHabOAg-xYwQysW-qyf8GjkyyWXr5CmZWWbaEMqFr912airLfBdVvalQdQu6F_rxV_r3mdWk/w627-h114/name_in_book.png" width="627" /></a><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN7QENMG_oH5fnsXwyaJbn1S8nEcjrqrN-glMabJiJzxFFkLK0TZztjmbPdJuQMbv_TDdsxEixKsVAT5Rb3p9Upci-k0P9wK0KZV1j-2-cEpCe4TeUznKnJ83cvdWndj3FNScXSHAGOBNvaQaJQEmm3iY4b-v5Vj2uPEV_AUgaMTD8BEWFQM/s720/Newnham_59_matriculation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNN7QENMG_oH5fnsXwyaJbn1S8nEcjrqrN-glMabJiJzxFFkLK0TZztjmbPdJuQMbv_TDdsxEixKsVAT5Rb3p9Upci-k0P9wK0KZV1j-2-cEpCe4TeUznKnJ83cvdWndj3FNScXSHAGOBNvaQaJQEmm3iY4b-v5Vj2uPEV_AUgaMTD8BEWFQM/s320/Newnham_59_matriculation.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxm4_DeFeSgm6ywav3oHbxX4NEw62idqUDRZXwfdtkfCtwgIy503gU41tFZHdX47uW_q4hck-YeEIpf99G5OU3ZikbYgV4Tp2pv_-pOk-Z2Ekr-zVj53buW4UZUTfdqSizLiTD6bipGWMOW-eGpJssKzN_wWLja4eIl1ywOD-fHzMBNP8Q2I/s720/Newnham_63_matriculation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrxm4_DeFeSgm6ywav3oHbxX4NEw62idqUDRZXwfdtkfCtwgIy503gU41tFZHdX47uW_q4hck-YeEIpf99G5OU3ZikbYgV4Tp2pv_-pOk-Z2Ekr-zVj53buW4UZUTfdqSizLiTD6bipGWMOW-eGpJssKzN_wWLja4eIl1ywOD-fHzMBNP8Q2I/s320/Newnham_63_matriculation.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-71820060406374571762023-05-03T23:42:00.009+08:002023-05-03T23:46:18.426+08:00No to 'Glorified Pasar Malam'<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbR76qOMJEK9mf9ZFCYHSWS8RUBxmxsQFgVo78pc4IwMm6vP4uvnC3r6AjTKabL_uocBf7GDgozTYIQUskJ7BaRMS3KmvwpWQ0YCEbmjcFWdDzrzroLmdODLOIq4YyuHAJ__fW9V0z3ot-iJ_KBtpONMZUsIFVKfOO1BsPjli6gnHpjLTeKE/s1024/ST_9_Apr_2023_A19_LR.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="354" height="962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbR76qOMJEK9mf9ZFCYHSWS8RUBxmxsQFgVo78pc4IwMm6vP4uvnC3r6AjTKabL_uocBf7GDgozTYIQUskJ7BaRMS3KmvwpWQ0YCEbmjcFWdDzrzroLmdODLOIq4YyuHAJ__fW9V0z3ot-iJ_KBtpONMZUsIFVKfOO1BsPjli6gnHpjLTeKE/w335-h962/ST_9_Apr_2023_A19_LR.jpeg" width="335" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I wrote an opinion piece about the Ramadan Bazaar, published in Sunday Times on 9 April.<br /><br />#ramadanbazaar #singapore #intangibleculturalheritage #glorifiedpasarmalam<p></p><br /><p><br /></p>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26775572.post-42248635332412870132023-02-10T23:11:00.070+08:002023-06-11T15:44:58.962+08:00My K-Drama List (2023) - Part 1<p><b>Watched / Watching in 2023 </b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxcffzKLinszGfbyHfM39l4tn37-AjA1i62-VBMQuBGQNEC7yInLZVAcKQnL7TotSHW-400X_FCd4eikDo10na-WmJn6pCY-j12paaHks-Xwhbzuzhn-Cm0FxIGQ6LoP4aZY7t1p3Zzx19_LB3WdrhGrLCqUaKnQgMlJyUTLI-W5ihHXBd9E/s1600/signal.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTxcffzKLinszGfbyHfM39l4tn37-AjA1i62-VBMQuBGQNEC7yInLZVAcKQnL7TotSHW-400X_FCd4eikDo10na-WmJn6pCY-j12paaHks-Xwhbzuzhn-Cm0FxIGQ6LoP4aZY7t1p3Zzx19_LB3WdrhGrLCqUaKnQgMlJyUTLI-W5ihHXBd9E/s320/signal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div>I started the year by watching <i>Signal, </i>a crime thriller based on real crimes that happened in South Korea. Amazing storyline and believable acting by cast who looked like normal people with natural, not cosmetically-enhanced faces. Read <a href="https://www.soompi.com/article/940601wpp/why-signal-2016-best-kdramas" target="_blank">review</a> here.</div><div><br /></div>1. <span><span style="color: #c27ba0; font-weight: bold;">Signal </span>시그널<br /></span>2. <span><b style="color: #c27ba0;">SKY Castle </b><span>SKY 캐슬</span><b style="color: #c27ba0;"> </b>-- about four families (who lived in posh SKY Castle neighbourhood) who are willing to do anything at any cost to make sure that their children go to a top university. Relatable and really good.<br /></span><div>3. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Diary of a Prosecutor</span></b> 검사내전 -- coz of Lee Sun Kyun 이선균 (the hot Mr Park in 'Parasite' and one of my three Korean hotties) and I like legal dramas. </div><div>4. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Crash Course in Romance</span></b> 일타 스캔들 -- coz of Jung Hyung Ho (who played Dr Kim Jun Wan in 'Hospital Playlist' and Correctional Officer Lee Joon Ho in 'Prison Playbook'). I still don't like love stories in K-dramas. <br />5. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Reply 1988</span></b> 응답하라 1988 -- coz the 1980s are the best years for most things. Such a heartwarming series; all things 1980s are reflected in the drama. I felt like I belonged to one of the families living in Ssangmun-dong. The <i>gotong-royong</i> spirit, the warmth, the crushes, the teenage angst, family arguments; so relatable.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fCwgDmNTA9JTa38wylsrEw77LoD7NrN6CtKN75f-5ubKFIJNzufWLsmphP7DbN5A_xAttVzUp2TMQXWFKivDftUGQIE557Eb5N6ZVECML2deseLBrgnGiNjncPyoZsAvPC5vXZvQ7PPdFgYlf3BIdkxqIDkqcNfTMkJdQ8TS5MNJGflXx8I/s2160/reply1988.webp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="1540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1fCwgDmNTA9JTa38wylsrEw77LoD7NrN6CtKN75f-5ubKFIJNzufWLsmphP7DbN5A_xAttVzUp2TMQXWFKivDftUGQIE557Eb5N6ZVECML2deseLBrgnGiNjncPyoZsAvPC5vXZvQ7PPdFgYlf3BIdkxqIDkqcNfTMkJdQ8TS5MNJGflXx8I/s320/reply1988.webp" width="228" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">My <i>oppa</i> crush Sun Woo is ultimate boyfriend/husband material. Good son, sweet, responsible, pursued medicine (as his mother wanted him to, like my mother) at Yonsei. He was also not afraid to date an older neighbour who later became his wife. I was rooting for the stoic Jung Hwan to date Deok Sun, the squad's only childhood female friend. True to the officer and a gentleman vibes (he became a fighter pilot), Jung Hwan revealed his feelings to goofy Deok Sun when he 'gave' her the pilot 'fiance' ring. Nevertheless, he 'gave way' to the shy Go Champion Taek (Park Bo Gum) who also liked Deok Sun. Read <a href="https://thefangirlverdict.com/2016/02/21/review-answer-me-1988-reply-1988/" target="_blank">review</a> here.<br /><br /></div></span></div></div><div>6. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">The Glory</span></b> 더 글로리 (part 2) -- coz Kim Eun Sook wrote this masterpiece. Ahh, sweet revenge. I'm satisfied with the ending. But I wish that Dong-Eun would get her happy ending with Do-Yeong, her main bully's now ex-husband, coz their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgp0Jjh5HeI" target="_blank">chemistry</a> was intense and sizzling. Moral of the story, hell has no fury like a woman scorned/bullied.<br />7. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Taxi Driver</span></b> 일타 스캔들 (season 1) -- coz the hot detective (Lee Je Hoon) from Signal is acting in this series. Interesting concept of using a taxi (like a psychiatrist's couch) as a means to understand why the person wanted to seek revenge, and using computer animation to ask the person to make his choice. Action-packed; I think Lee Je Hoon has now joined my ranking of hot Korean actors -- Gong Yoo, Lee Sun Kyun, Yeo Yoon Sook (in 'Mr Sunshine' only). Plus Lee Je Hoon studied Biotechnology at Korea University... 대박! Hot!</div><div><div>8. <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Divorce Attorney Shin</span></b> 신성한, 이혼 -- coz I didn't get into law school. Initially I was sceptical about this drama until Attorney Shin said this to the rotten lawyer who represented his ex brother-in-law, "What do you think motivated me (to be a lawyer)? Rage. The rage that fills every inch of me from head to toe." Seems like I too am similar to Attorney Shin.</div>9. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Stranger</b></span> 비밀의 숲 (season 1) -- Koreans drama scripts don't shy away from stories revolving around corruption in the public service (police, prosecution, government), something which happen in real life but are often not featured on screen.</div><div>10. <span style="color: #c27ba0;"><b>Stranger</b></span> 비밀의 숲 (season 2) -- Prosecutor Hwang is also the attorney in 'Divorce Attorney Shin'. His character (and looks) is different from his role in 'Stranger'. Most Korean actors are versatile; even those in minor supporting roles always acted their best. Such great team work!<br />What's with all these legal dramas that attract me? </div><div><br /></div><div>*Favourites: <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Signal</span></b> & <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">Reply 1988 </span></b>(maybe <b><span style="color: #c27ba0;">The Glory</span></b>...)<br /><br /></div><div><div><div>- - - - - - - - </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Oh my SKY!</div><div>So, <span style="color: red;"><b>SKY</b></span> refers to the three Ivy Leagues of South Korea -- <b><span style="color: red;">S</span></b>eoul National University (SNU), <b><span style="color: red;">K</span></b>orea University and <span style="color: red;"><b>Y</b></span>onsei University. In fact, so many K-dramas hailed SNU as THE university to go to. Hmm, perhaps I should I apply to SNU...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8D8EA64T-K3IED9Im50404KBnflzwsdLar_AInoyFp1UCDxTo6kR7iy61SojhYOuXeERBMeRKUabzYd01auHPN7tAsli3QxHwE22yPeeN93JM7T5pwqv9BNiMZtN2fndErVlyy6fkD-BK-rtvGYWcwVJ1RIFuw-PSoJ09ObsV05FA-W0VOk/s500/SKY.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="500" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8D8EA64T-K3IED9Im50404KBnflzwsdLar_AInoyFp1UCDxTo6kR7iy61SojhYOuXeERBMeRKUabzYd01auHPN7tAsli3QxHwE22yPeeN93JM7T5pwqv9BNiMZtN2fndErVlyy6fkD-BK-rtvGYWcwVJ1RIFuw-PSoJ09ObsV05FA-W0VOk/w471-h183/SKY.jpeg" width="471" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Hidayah Aminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08019401712427027790noreply@blogger.com0