iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 29/09/2026

Here's another link for the full article (no paywall on this one): www.msn.com/en-us/entert...

Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 29/09/2026

I asked the pansori group Leenalchi (the coolest group you should be listening to) what music inspires them. Ejae said, "Bali’s traditional Gamelan music and Legong dance were particularly impressive," while Ahn Yi Ho picked the work of French group Brama.

stltoday.com

Go away with ... Leenalchi

Founded by Jang Young-gyu (who scored the hit films “Train to Busan” and “The Wailing”), Leenalchi is a unique alternative rock group that conveys its lyrics through the traditional Korean

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 28/09/2026

My interview with musician Jasmin Stone is in print today in outlets like the Sunday @chicagotribune.com!

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 26/09/2026

Thanks for putting things into perspective. All of them were so obnoxious!

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Reposted by Jae-Ha Kim 김재하

Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 25/09/2026

For some inexplicable reason, male on-air personalities love to make fun of Asians in general and BTS in particular.

jaehakim.substack.com

I don’t ❤ iHeartRadio

p.s. BTS is too big to be playing ‘local’ radio shows.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 25/09/2026

There's no paywall on this article! 🔗 jaehakim.substack.com/p/bts-iheart...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 25/09/2026

For some inexplicable reason, male on-air personalities love to make fun of Asians in general and BTS in particular.

jaehakim.substack.com

I don’t ❤ iHeartRadio

p.s. BTS is too big to be playing ‘local’ radio shows.

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Reposted by Jae-Ha Kim 김재하

Min Jin Lee @minjinlee.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

As ever, thank you for being a light source. 🙏🫶

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 23/09/2026

K-Drama Day is fast approaching, which means FREE ad-free K-Dramas with No Paywalls! In my latest newsletter, I tell you how to watch “The Scarecrow” (my favorite show of the year so far!), “A Bona Fide Killer,” and more during VIKI’s 4th Annual K-Drama Celebration

jaehakim.substack.com

FREE K-Dramas with No Paywall? Yes, please!

How to watch “The Scarecrow” (my favorite show of the year), “A Bona Fide Killer,” and more during VIKI’s 4th Annual K-Drama Day Celebration

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 22/09/2026

AMERICAN HAGWON author @minjinlee.bsky.social said growing up in NY "allowed me to really see my experience as being central. I think that I never felt like this statistical anomaly, because New York is made up of statistical anomalies, minorities and immigrants." travel.yahoo.com/advice/lifes...

travel.yahoo.com

Go away with ... Min Jin Lee

For critically-acclaimed author Min Jin Lee, the in-depth research she did for her latest novel “American Hagwon” – out Sept. 29 – included extensive visits across three continents to ensure that her ...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 21/09/2026

BONJOUR BAKERY was set up specifically for this show and none of the A-list actors worked for free. But the showrunners had the nerve to set the price point at ￦10,000 for pastries ($7.21) to sell to low-income octogenarians in a rural setting. Discuss.

jaehakim.substack.com

"Bonjour Bakery" Could’ve Been Delightful

But charging rural octogenarians Seoul prices is obscene

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 20/09/2026

“When you get into casting, the search generally broadens out, but it was important to me that we considered actors of Asian descent for the role, just to see if I would find the lead I had in my mind.” -Vivian Lin, @netflix.com's "Crew Girl," in outlets like the Sunday @chicagotribune.com

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 15/09/2026

“I haven’t made it to India, Egypt or South America yet ,” said “Broken Moon” musician Jasmin Stone. “These places completely fascinate me with their statues & enchanting ancient cultures. I'm also dying to visit Tokyo, a city that is light years ahead of the world, even in its cultural concepts.”

stltoday.com

Go away with ... Jasmin Stone

Musician Jasmin Stone describes her latest album, “Broken Moon,” as being warmer, softer and having a more comforting touch than her previous work. But she said that “on the other

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 13/09/2026

My interview with Atsuko Okatsuka is in print today in Sunday newspapers nationwide, including the @chicagotribune.com. Who's going to see her on tour? (I am!) 🔗 store.chicagotribune.com/product/7QAM... @chicagotheatre.bsky.social

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 12/09/2026

It is noon Friday, September 14, 2001. Thirty-six little heads are bowed in honor of the victims of Tuesday’s tragedy. Many of them have miniature American flags perched on their desks. These children — many of whom don’t yet like anyone in that way — cling onto each other’s hands in solidarity.

jaehakim.substack.com

In the Aftermath of 9/11, Youngsters Spoke About their Fears and Hopes.

That day felt like a zombie movie that was destined to have an apocalyptic ending.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 10/09/2026

“Chicago Typewriter” takes place in modern-day Seoul, but some of the best storytelling occurs during flashbacks to the 1930s, when Korea was under Japanese occupation. There, we learn about three resistance fighters whose lives and friendship will set the tone for the 21st Century story arc.

jaehakim.substack.com

“Chicago Typewriter” Uses Flashbacks to Tell a Brilliant Story

3 resistance fighters in the 1930s set the tone for the K-drama’s compelling 21st Century story arc

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 08/09/2026

Was it really glib? From what I understand, the author is amazing but when he's not... 🫠

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 08/09/2026

I tried to read this earlier today and my subscription had expired and I never renewed it. So, I guess, thank you??

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 08/09/2026

If you hit a paywall, you can read this on outlets like MSN or Yahoo etc. that also subscribe to my syndicated work: www.msn.com/en-us/entert...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 08/09/2026

“When you get into casting, the search broadens out, but it was important to me that we considered actors of Asian descent for the lead,” Vivian Lin, CREW GIRL's showrunner told me. “Luckily for all of us, Miku [Martineau] walked into the room."

stltoday.com

Go away with ... Vivian Lin

As the showrunner and co-creator of the new Netflix series “Crew Girl,” Vivian Lin knew she wanted the show’s protagonist to be Asian American. “When you get into casting, the

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 06/09/2026

This summer, Kim Theory made their Lollapalooza debut in Chicago. The 16-year-old musicians generally stick to playing concerts not too far from L.A. base. They'll open for riot grrrl pioneers Bratmobile on 9/13. store.chicagotribune.com/product/7QAM... @chicagotribune.com

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 02/09/2026

Everyone, clap! I just joined a gym.* *It's the park district gym with a liberal cancellation policy.

static.klipy.com

Lisa Simpson Dances to 'She's A Maniac'

ALT: Lisa Simpson Dances to 'She's A Maniac'

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 01/09/2026

"I threw the first pitch or whatever at the Chicago Cubs game [in 2024]. Can you believe it? Me? I have a dance background, so I can do some athletic stuff. I can aim and get it to the vicinity, so I got it to the plate and they caught it." -Atsuko Okatsuka

stltoday.com

Go away with ... Atsuko Okatsuka

When comedian Atsuko Okatsuka was eight years old, she thought her family was taking a two-month vacation to the United States. “It was never supposed to be longer than that,”

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 31/08/2026

My interview with Dave Koz is in print in the Sunday @chicagotribune.com. store.chicagotribune.com/product/7QAM...

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Reposted by Jae-Ha Kim 김재하

Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 28/08/2026

"Nobody is detained at Incheon Airport & put in uniform. The men who actually face this issue are dual nationals, typically men born in the U.S. or Canada to a Korean parent, who has Korean nationality from birth and never gave it up." —Simon Lee, Pureum Law Office

jaehakim.substack.com

Korean Male Diaspora: Did You Know You Could Be Conscripted?

Simon D. Lee, attorney and founding partner of Pureum Law Office, answers complicated questions

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 28/08/2026

And like clockwork, europesays(dot)com copy and pasted my article onto their fraudulent website already and are passing it off as their own work.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 28/08/2026

jaehakim.substack.com

Korean Male Diaspora: Did You Know You Could Be Conscripted?

Simon D. Lee, attorney and founding partner of Pureum Law Office, answers complicated questions

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 25/08/2026

“I think we all plan on going to college after high school. Whether or not we are able to stick together solidly as a band is up to the future to decide. But we want to stay a band and keep making music together, because we love each other and what we’ve created.” -KIM THEORY

stltoday.com

Go away with ... Kim Theory

This summer, Kim Theory made their Lollapalooza debut in Chicago. Comprised of vocalist Audrey Cymone, drummer Zoey Su, guitarist Lula Seifert and bassist Lucy Fraser, the 16-year-old musicians also o...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 23/08/2026

My interview with Scarlett Estevez is in Sunday newspapers nationwide, including the @chicagotribune.com. store.chicagotribune.com/product/7QAM...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 23/08/2026

Released in 2011, SUNNY focuses on a group of women who reunite to fulfill their terminally-ill friend’s wish to see them together again. Deftly directed by Kang Hyeong-cheol, the film moves seamlessly between the women’s current lives & their relatively care-free high school years filled w/dreams.

jaehakim.substack.com

A H.S. Gang Called “Sunny” Reunites to Cheer Up a Dying Friend

But, of course, some Western critics had to be racist in their reviews

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 18/08/2026

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz continues to combine his love of performing & traveling with his annual Somma cruise. His 7-day trip will take him through Greece, Italy, Montenegro & Croatia, and will include performances from David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and himself.

mtstandard.com

Go away with ... Dave Koz

Grammy-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz continues to combine his love of performing and traveling with his annual Somma cruise (https://somma.life/2026). This autumn’s seven-day trip will take music fan...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 17/08/2026

There's a scam going around. The spoofed numbers say Embassy (or Consulate General) of the Republic of Korea. Don't answer it. The phone numbers look legit but aren't. They don't leave messages. If you pick up, don't give them any personal info. They're targeting new immigrants.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 17/08/2026

Jae x WHIB in print in the Sunday @chicagotribune.com 📰 🔗 store.chicagotribune.com/product/7QAM...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 13/08/2026

Don't marry a man who would never do for you, what he expects from you.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 11/08/2026

"Iceland's at the top of my travel bucket list. The landscapes look absolutely unreal, the waterfalls and glaciers, the hot springs and Northern Lights. It just seems like one of those places that doesn’t even feel real & I’d love to experience it for myself." -Scarlett Estevez, DON'T SAY GOOD LUCK

omaha.com

Go away with ... Scarlett Estevez

When she’s not working, Scarlett Estevez said she enjoys seeing as much of the world as possible. “I just returned from an incredible trip to Europe, where my friends and

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 10/08/2026

Nooooooooooo, that's the Lake House (the U.S. version of the Korean film Il Mare), which I love! Something's Gotta Give stars Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. Keanu plays a doctor who falls in love with Diane, who plays a playwright, and is roughly 20 20 years older than his character.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 10/08/2026

I finally got around to watching Something's Gotta Give. I had heard that it was a really good film. It was not. I watched through the end for Keanu.

static.klipy.com

Keanu Reeves' Iconic Smirk at The Matrix Event

ALT: Keanu Reeves' Iconic Smirk at The Matrix Event

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 09/08/2026

In print today in Sunday newspapers nationwide (including the @chicagotribune.com), former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, who made history as a member of the all-female Blue Origin crew. "Space makes Earth better & changed how I see it," she said. 🔗 store.chicagotribune.com/product/7QAM...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 09/08/2026

A pair of Korean American food influencers tried to get homemade kimchi to BTS' Jung Kook. Do not do this. Like most celebrities, BTS doesn't accept gifts, esp. random food where they don't know the source. One K-pop idol was hospitalized after drinking juice that a 'fan' laced with super glue.

jaehakim.substack.com

Influencers Snuck Kimchi into a BTS Concert (to Give to Jung Kook)

BTS don't want anyone to do this. Here's why.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 08/08/2026

“If I’m being honest, l didn’t know exactly what to expect when starting to pursue life as an idol,” says Michi. “I knew what an idol was, but it was difficult to imagine what a realistic daily lifestyle would be like. There is so much effort and planning that goes into every song and stage.”

jaehakim.substack.com

K-pop's AtHeart Pays Homage to the Swedish Millenial Hit, "Lovefool"

The groups adds a Gen Z twist to the 1996 hit by the Cardigans.

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 04/08/2026

Jae-Ha Kim: What are you looking forward to seeing when you visit the U.S. in the future? Ha Seung: I want to go to In-N-Out Burger. Jae-ha: The Chicago Theatre. I saw that place in a lot of movies and a lot of videos and I want to go there. (1st time I interviewed someone with my name!)

stltoday.com

Go away with ... WHIB

Since their November 2023 debut, the K-pop group, WHIB, has won over international fans with their precise showmanship, infectiously catchy songs that transcend languages, and sharp wit. Their second ...

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Jae-Ha Kim 김재하 @jaehakim.com · 03/08/2026

I was a guest on @wbur.org's HERE & NOW with Scott Tong to discuss BTS' decision not to submit songs from "Arirang" for Grammy contention. www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...

wbur.org

Unpacking BTS' decision to boycott the Grammys

BTS announced last week that the group would not be submitting an entry for consideration.

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