"Your Favorite's Favorites" (Pixid)
Bae Jiahn: "I believe that people who are passionate about what they love, no matter the field, are both healthy and inspiring," said SOOBIN of TOMORROW X TOGETHER. His words perfectly capture the essence of "Your Favorite's Favorites," a show that redefines what it means to be a fan. Peeling away negative stereotypes surrounding being "into" something or "fanboying/fangirling," the series highlights the genuine joy and meaning behind wholeheartedly loving something. A "favorite" can mean different things to different people. For SOOBIN, KARA inspired him to dream bigger. For Mimi Minu (YouTuber), G-DRAGON became the story that defines his life. For WOOYOUNG, Harry Potter helps him hold onto childlike wonder even as an adult. And for HEESEUNG, ramyeon is the ultimate treat after a long day. Talking about something you love naturally sparks joy. On “Your Favorite's Favorites", watching guests light up as they share what their “favorite” means to them is enough to make viewers think, “There must be a reason they love it so much.” As guests open up about their favorites, the stories behind them, and why they still mean so much, their passion pulls viewers in, making them feel connected and engaged. But the show doesn't stop there. Just as the guests revel in their heartfelt moments, SOOBIN switches gears to bring in humor and a playful challenge, lightheartedly testing their “fangirl/boy spirit.” For instance, he asks WOOYOUNG, a Harry Potter superfan, if he knows the full names of all the Hogwarts houses. He playfully questions Mimi Minu on whether he'd choose a G-DRAGON concert or an anniversary date with his girlfriend. And for HEESEUNG, he throws down the gauntlet by challenging HEESEUNG’s favorites, which differ from his own. What’s fascinating is how each guest demonstrates their “love” in their own way. It raises the question: Does my “favorite” understand me as much as I understand them? Through “Your Favorite’s Favorites”, fans and their “favorites” seem to form a deeper bond, bridging gaps in both understanding and appreciation.

AiNA THE END - ‘RUBY POP’
Hwang Sun-up (Music Critic): Watching an artist grow is always a joy. There's nothing quite as dramatic as seeing a member of an idol group step out on their own and establish their individuality once again. One artist who has recently brought that feeling to me is AiNA THE END. Even while she was active with BiSH, she consistently showcased her presence as a singer-songwriter and artist through solo albums and films. Her latest release, which marks her third full-length album, shows a different side compared to her previous works, where she intensely delved into her inner self to bear the weight of her name. Now, having firmly established her own musical world, she is seen gradually joining hands with those around her to solidify it further.

This slight release from the burden of self-validation is evident in the promotional track "Poppin' Run." With a refreshing sense of speed and an unprecedented casualness, she exudes vibrant energy in the music video. The lyrics, too, maintain a light-hearted message, distancing themselves from the usually intense and sometimes overwhelming emotional outpourings. It seems that, with the support of those around her, the artist has discovered a newfound sense of ease.

The quintessential Japanese pop artist Noriyuki Makihara brings the perfect seasonal feel with "Christmas Card," while TK from Ling Tosite Sigure infuses a signature mix of hard rock into "Love Sick," creating a positive contrast. Despite the participation of these prominent musicians, the real highlight lies in the collaborations with Nakamura Shoko, the support band's bassist. Tracks like "Entropy," "Heart to Heart," and "Aoriguseto nakimushi," concentrated in the early part of the album, are filled with warm memories of joyfully creating music together. Her vocal prowess, capable of freely expressing a husky tone and overflowing emotions, has grown significantly, making the 17 tracks and 71 minutes of playtime feel anything but tedious. This treasure chest, filled with the artist’s solid foundation and the emphasized support from those around her, is something to cherish and listen to throughout the winter.

Love in the Big City by Park Sang Young
Kim Bok Sung: The book “Love in the Big City,” which has recently gained attention with the announcement of its adaptation into both a film and a drama, holds a unique charm in its starting point. This book explores love and the complexities of identity through the story of Park Young, a gay man navigating life in modern-day Seoul. The novel is structured around four independent yet interconnected narratives, each offering a glimpse into key moments of Young’s life from his early 20s to his early 30s. His relationships with his partner, Gyu-ho, and his close friend, Jae-hee, play a central role in this exploration. Young is a character full of contradictions. His cynical attitude and personal struggles may initially feel overwhelming, but the book’s subtle portrayal of his experiences ultimately fosters empathy and understanding among readers.

Author Park Sang Young masterfully explores heavy themes like illness, social expectations, and toxic relationships, blending them seamlessly into his narrative with vivid dialogue, unexpected humor, and a perfect mix of wit and melancholy. Young’s self-doubt—driven by pressures from his home life and the outside world—sparks a poignant internal struggle in a society that values conformity. Though difficult, this battle ultimately leads him toward freedom. The novel’s nonlinear structure and the ongoing uncertainty about Young’s identity across the different stories ignite curiosity, offering new insight and opportunity for self-reflection with every re-reading.