“Hi Seulgi” (YouTube)
Kim Rieun: Taking a deep look into a world someone has meticulously built has become more precious than ever. The trend of chugumi (추구미; TN: a newly coined Korean word describing the kinds of tastes or interests that people actively pursue across different areas) ultimately reflects how challenging it is to cultivate a personal taste amid an overwhelming flood of information. Red Velvet’s SEULGI’s YouTube channel, “Hi Seulgi”, seems to answer that very challenge, generously revealing everything there is to know about SEULGI. On this channel, SEULGI explores a wide range of content that is popular on YouTube, from fashion and beauty to cooking, interviews, ASMR, and even advice sessions. She demonstrates a keen eye for fashion, sharing tips on layering T-shirts and selecting outfits based on body shape. In the episode of SEULGI’s Photo Studio featuring ballad singer Kwon Jin Ah, she effortlessly navigates conversations, drawing out common ground—whether discussing the challenges of being in front of the camera or reflecting on their introverted personality—creating a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. During an unplanned visit to Hannam-dong, she gladly introduces some of her favorite spots, generously sharing her tastes along the way. What unifies the diverse content on “Hi Seulgi” is not only her finely tuned personal sensibilities but also her genuine openness in inviting viewers into her world.
“Go after what you love!” SEULGI said this while visiting her alma mater, leaving words of encouragement for students preparing for exams. She has previously spoken about having invested significant effort to pursue what she loves, and even now, as a 12-year veteran idol, that dedication remains very much a work in progress. In the vlog capturing a day during her promotion, SEULGI shows a grueling day where she sleeps only three hours, heads to work at dawn, and navigates a packed agenda including makeup, pre-recordings, a mini fan meeting, challenge shoots, CD signings, vocal practice, and live broadcasts. SEULGI once opened up about herself, saying, “I’m usually quiet before going on stage. That’s just how I am. That moment is when I’m most sensitive,” revealing that there are times she needs to be fully in tune with herself. Beyond freely sharing her tastes and sensibilities, revealing such intimate moments on camera is a true act of authenticity. In essence, “Hi Seulgi” offers a glimpse into the mindset of someone crafting their own carefully built world. In this warmly opened universe, it’s impossible not to feel comforted—just as SEULGI once reassured a young adult in their twenties struggling to handle conflict rationally: “And with more experiences, it will definitely improve.”
WWE: Unreal (Netflix)
Baek Seolhui (Writer, Columnist): “We’re gonna lift the curtain. We’re gonna show you things you’ve never seen in this show. For the first time ever, we’re gonna show you how the story unfolded before your eyes.”
WWE: Unreal opens with the words of Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE Hall of Famer and the company’s current Chief Content Officer. This documentary series follows the journey of John Cena—one of the most beloved wrestlers of the past 15 years, who announced his retirement this year—through his final Royal Rumble and toward WrestleMania 41. At the same time, it sheds light on why WWE has once again surged in popularity since Levesque took on the role of CCO in 2022.
For those who loved pro wrestling in its heyday, WWE: Unreal feels like a gift. Alongside John Cena on the brink of retirement, we see the return of a more seasoned CM Punk, the comeback of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and even the ever-entertaining Paul Heyman—faces long familiar to us all. The series also devotes ample attention to the rise of women wrestlers, who have been drawing significant anticipation in recent years. As Stephanie McMahon points out, women now make up 40 percent of WWE’s audience and play a central role in the brand’s transformation—a point that resonates deeply with me as a female fan.
For years, fans have had to endure dismissive remarks that scripted pro wrestling is merely an entertainment show, not a real sport. Yet while the storylines may be staged, the performances—and the pain that comes with them—are undeniably real. When Paul Levesque asked Tiffany Stratton if she had broken her front tooth during a match, she laughed and replied, “Don’t worry. We’ve all got fake teeth here.” It’s in moments like this that Levesque underscores the point: the stage and reality are inseparably intertwined.
Of course, they themselves sometimes say, as Chelsea Green puts it, “It’s not a sport,” and Paul Levesque simply reminds us that their work is about telling a story. Yet the thrill, emotion, and exhilaration felt by audiences watching pro wrestling are not so different from what one experiences watching a real sport. Facing his final WrestleMania 41, John Cena—shifting from his usual “good guy (babyface)” role to a “villain (heel)” persona—reflects, “It wasn’t the end of the hero’s journey, of, like, you win the day; things are good. It has twists and turns, and that’s what’s beautiful about the story.” After nearly 20 years in the industry, these words carry the wisdom of a seasoned veteran. Perhaps this is exactly why we love pro wrestling.
How to Write One Song: Loving the Things We Create and How They Love Us Back (Jeff Tweedy)
Kim Boksung (Writer): Wilco lead singer Jeff Tweedy wrote a whole book on how to write one song. You might expect a book like this to be full of advice about chords, melodies, and more, but it’s not really a technical guide. The reason Tweedy wants us to write “one” song is because that presents a challenge that goes beyond music theory. By starting small, he says, we can overcome our inertia driven by insecurities and fear, and in this way, make the whole process a lot less intimidating.
You might surprise yourself and succeed, or you may give it your best shot and fail—it is, after all, difficult—but it’s a worthwhile pursuit, and the creative boost can propel you to tackle artistic pursuits beyond music, too. Much like in the last book I reviewed, it’s crucial to embrace failure and know that no one is amazing at first. Tweedy encourages you to look at your rough drafts and be constructively self-critical, though he does give more practical advice, too.
Some of this is really simple, like writing random words for inspiration or “stealing” ideas from other songs, books, or anything you like. Personally, I’ve found advice like setting strict time limits and tackling problems with a fresh head after a good sleep really helpful. In the end, there’s something satisfying about trying your hand at creating something you already enjoy consuming.