“Jeongwaja” (ootb STUDIO)
Bae Jiahn: The sixth season of “Jeongwaja,” a fun show that reviews university majors around the globe, is back with EXO member KAI. Unlike LEE CHANGSUB, who starred in the inaugural season and was already familiar with campus life, KAI jumps straight into filming a day after getting discharged from Social Work Service, when he needs to adjust to both life on campus and the outside world at large. After mastering essential college terminology like “daechul” (“proxy attendance”), “jungdo” (“central library”), and “dongbang” (“club room”) during freshman orientation, as well as learning to use student apps, KAI enthusiastically announces that he wants to major in science and ultimately ends up choosing the chemistry department at KAIST for his first jeongwa, or change of major. Despite all his confidence, though, he soon finds out that classes at university are nothing like the science videos he’s watched on YouTube.

The “Jeongwaja” showrunners don’t ask the universities to give their stars the easy treatment with lighter workloads. Instead, they have to align themselves to a real class schedule, attending full lectures and following the curriculum at the expected pace, shedding light on authentic coursework that you wouldn’t normally see on a simple campus tour. And it’s this level of realism that leaves JeonKAIja—the “Jeongwaja” version of KAI—struggling to stay afloat, massaging his temples as professors rattle off the complicated names of chemical compound. In one instance, what was supposed to be a simple programming exercise leaves him so overwhelmed that he wonders if he’s accidentally wandered into the computer science department. Still, KAI displays all the enthusiasm of a new student experiencing college life for the first time as he eagerly asks questions during every class and insists on previewing material when told about courses in advance. Though students still drunk from the party the night before, a bouldering club with members who’ve never climbed, and people ordering tteokbokki instead of cafeteria lunch all shatter KAI’s romanticized image of school life, it only makes “Jeongwaja” a more down-to-earth portrayal of what makes the campus experience a genuine joy. It’s a refreshing, delightfully chaotic look at university life from a K-pop idol 12 years in the biz.

“Four Daughters”
Bae Dongmi (“CINE21” reporter): Olfa, a strong Tunisian woman, has four daughters. Raising them alone after separating from a useless husband and later an irresponsible boyfriend, Olfa becomes an oppressive parent, going to extremes in her obsession to keep her daughters from going astray. But children can’t remain children forever. Time moves relentlessly forward, and as the daughters grow, they begin to carve out lives of their own. They find boyfriends despite their mother’s watchful eyes, change their appearances, and even urge Olfa to wear a hijab. The balance of power between mother and daughters ends up switching completely. Eventually, Olfa’s two oldest daughters, Ghofrane and Rahma, leave home and join IS (the Islamic State). No matter how much Olfa pleads with them, they don’t return.

Named the best documentary at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, “Four Daughters” depicts the chaos that engulfed Tunisia post-Arab Spring through the lens of a single family. Director Kaouther Ben Hania uses actors to stand in for the absent daughters, reenacting key events alongside Olfa and her still-present children to unearth buried emotions. The film focuses less on accurate reenactment and more on the emotions Olfa and her daughters outpour as they reveal the context that led to their current state. Simply put, “Four Daughters” is a monumental documentary, nearly too overwhelming to watch twice, with an emotional depth that transcends a private family narrative and emerges as a masterpiece.

In memory of the R&B and soul legends who have left us
Kang Ilkwon (music critic): 2025 will go down in history as one of the most heartbreaking years for R&B and soul fans around the world. Within just the first three months of the year, there’s been a devastating series of legends of the genres who have passed on. Before people could even recover from the shock and grief of one loss, another tragedy would strike. Have we ever lost so many talented voices in such a short period of time? On February 23, Chris Jasper of the Isley Brothers passed away at the age of 73, just two months after being diagnosed with cancer. His exceptional talent for songwriting and skill as a musician were instrumental in shaping the early dance songs and R&B ballads of the legendary soul/funk band. The very next day, on February 24, Roberta Flack, famed for the song “Killing Me Softly,” passed away at the age of 88. She had been battling with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) ever since being diagnosed in 2022. Her unparalleled blend of soul, jazz, gospel, folk, and messages of love served as a profound inspiration to later generations of artists. On March 1, singer-songwriter Angie Stone, the very face of the neo soul era, tragically passed away at the age of 63 in a car crash on her way back to Atlanta after a performance. Stone started as part of the rap group the Sequence and the neo soul group Vertical Hold, eventually going solo. She was a pioneering figure who bridged the gap between traditional soul and contemporary R&B. On March 4, Roy Ayers, famous for his ability to move effortlessly between jazz and R&B, succumbed to a long illness at the age of 84. Known as a vibraphonist, songwriter, and producer, Ayers left an indelible mark, including on hip hop. His 1976 classic “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” remains one of the most sampled tracks in soul/jazz history. On March 7, Tony! Toni! Toné! founding member and guitarist D’Wayne Wiggins passed away due to medical complications at age 64. Wiggins played a key role in shaping the band’s traditional yet forward-thinking sound, which was rooted in rhythm and blues and funk while incorporating a modern groove. We lost so many other legends as well that it feels unbelievable, including Clarence “Chet” Willis from the Ohio Players, Fred Jenkins of the Gap Band, Jerry “The Iceman” Butler, Sam Moore of Sam & Dave, and Randy Brown. May these legendary figures rest in peace in a better place above.