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Reflections

K-Pop, K-Dramas, Demon Hunters, and More: How Hallyu is Rocking the World

The year is 2025, and there’s one particular frequency that is – undeniably, unquestionably – dominating the dial of pop culture: Korean media. Now, this isn’t exactly new news. The world has been seeing the swell of Hallyu (Korean Wave) for almost fifteen years. You may recall the impact of PSY’s “Gangnam Style” in 2012, which for many Westerners was their first exposure to K-Pop. But within the last few years, the momentum behind Korean media and culture that has rocked international sensibilities has felt more like a supernova than a wave, shattering Western media borders and shining its light in…

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Books

A Literary Revolution: The Rise of East Asian Authors in Fantasy and Sci-Fi

In recent years, a remarkable shift has occurred in the literary world. More and more East Asian authors are making waves in the fantasy and science fiction genres, captivating global audiences with their distinct storytelling, deep philosophical themes, and richly imagined worlds. This influx is not a fleeting trend, it’s the result of a confluence of historical, cultural, and literary factors that have allowed these voices to flourish. What makes these authors stand out is not just their cultural background but their ability to craft stories that defy the typical “Eastern mysticism” lens that Western media has long imposed. Instead…

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Reflections

I Joined a Bookclub: And Why you Should Too

At the end of 2024, I joined a bookclub! Actually, I joined two! A couple of years ago, I remember having the conversation with a few friends about whether or not reading, specifically physical books, was a dying hobby. It seemed like fewer and fewer people were readers and finding a group of people who enjoyed loosing themselves in a fictional world for hours at a time was a challenge. When I did go around looking for bookclubs, either I struggled to find friends who read fiction (at least the same kind of fiction I read), or, as was the…

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Reflections

LGBTQIA+ in Media: A History of Struggle & Progress

Throughout history, literature and film have served as mirrors to society, reflecting the complexities of human identity, love, and struggle. Within this vast cultural landscape, LGBTQIA+ voices have long fought for visibility, often facing censorship, discrimination, or erasure. Yet, these voices persist, shaping narratives that challenge norms, inspire activism, and provide a sense of belonging for countless individuals. LGBTQIA+ in Cultural History LGBTQIA+ representation in literature can be traced back centuries, albeit often hidden in subtext or coded language due to societal restrictions. Writers like Oscar Wilde, whose novel The Picture of Dorian Gray subtly addressed themes of queerness, and…

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Reflections

Oscars’ Glow Fading? Why the Academy Awards Might Be Overdue for an Exit

Another Oscar Sunday has come and gone and year after year, I sit with the same questions. We’ve all been there, sitting through the glitzy, high-pressure spectacle of the Academy Awards (the Oscars), eagerly awaiting the results, trying to predict who will take home the golden statue. For years, the Oscars have been the ultimate measure of success in film, a night where everyone gets dolled up, takes their turn on the red carpet, and for some, their one shining moment in the spotlight. But lately, it’s feeling like we might be watching a relic in slow decline. So, what’s going on?…

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Reflections

The Rise of Celebrity Biographies

A New Chapter in Self-Promotion? Today’s post is a bit more of a reflective one as I delve into a topic that has been on my mind recently. In recent years, the literary landscape has seen a significant surge in celebrity biographies and memoirs, and not just from stars who have been in the public eye for decades. Even relatively young celebrities—such as pop star JoJo (formally known as Joanne Marie Levesque), former Nickelodeon actress Jennette McCurdy, and, most recently, pop icon Britney Spears—are publishing tell-alls that often top bestseller lists. This trend extends to high-profile figures like Prince Harry…

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