​Curiosity Yoon (STAYC’s Official YouTube Channel)

Yun Huiseong: “Do all you want!” is something fans say to express their love and blessing towards their favorite idol group, hoping they would fully embrace their dreams and talents. And if there’s anyone who points out how such “desire to do things” is futile in a media environment where various interests are at play, they should take a look at self-produced content on STAYC’s YouTube channel for an attractive compromise. While most “self-produced content” by idol groups focus on showcasing the team’s image and their teamwork, STAYC takes the approach of meticulously documenting the varied charms of its members by putting them through shows that shed light on each member’s unique set of strengths:  Manager Yoon, a show that has a member experiencing the life of an office worker at the group’s agency, Omniscient Interfering Doggie View, a series showcasing the members’ dog-loving side, or Healing Seeun which zeroes in on the titular member’s passion for camping. Curiosity Yoon, in particular, boasts a unique structure and the show makes it evident that the members are determined to win the hearts of not only their fans but also the public at large. It makes people reconsider the purpose and function of self-produced content from idol groups. In this experimental variety show that asks citizens trivial questions via street interviews and goes on to find answers and even verify them, Yoon is a witty host, a sincere cast, and a lovely idol group member all-in-one. A citizen who was asked “Does Bungee jumping make you taller?” exclaims and tells Yoon, “That’s an extreme job,” when told that the host is actually going to try bungee-jumping herself. However, the way Yoon cheerfully handles such extreme situations is the essence of Curiosity Yoon. A good self-produced content should deliver what fans really want to see. However, Curiosity Yoon expands the definition of “self-produced content” by showing what the fans want the rest of the world to know about their idol group, fulfilling the fans’ own needs through a creative twist. That’s why the episode titles deserve recognition for their key contribution alongside the host Yoon. Who can resist the urge to click on videos with titles like “Can I survive the summer without air conditioning?” or “Will people break down when seeing someone handsome or pretty?” This is an idol group that works hard to show what they want to the audience after luring them with the bait of curiosity. It’s definitely something you would be willing to fall for.

​The Night of a Private Detective by Kwak Jaesik

Kim Gyeoul (writer): Year 1948, the Republic of Korea. Three years after the end of the Second World War and the Japanese occupation, society is in turmoil. Some covet properties left behind by the Japanese, while others try to seize power by running for the first post-liberation election. It’s the year that The Special Investigation Committee of Antinational Activists was established to punish those who collaborated with the Japanese and when Baekbeom Kim Ku was still alive. The author Kwak Jaesik subtly introduces detectives into the picture. Although private detective jobs were not officially legalized until 2020 in Korea, such a setting doesn’t look too out of place considering how informal detective agencies (heungsinso) appeared in Korea during the Japanese colonial period. The private detectives in the novel solve cases in lieu of the police, and are even hired by politicians to serve as a figurative punching bag. Among them, the protagonist—a detective who doesn’t make much money—accurately points out what lies behind his case amidst the chaos of liberation and war. He may not be the most proactive salesman or a businessman, nor amiable or friendly, but he’s an archetypal hero of a hard-boiled mystery novel that always manages to get involved in enigmatic cases. The antiquated speech styles used by the characters in relatively modern settings like theaters and swimming pools evoke a sense of nostalgia, and the secret behind each case prompts readers to look back on the history of Korea.

​“Shhh” by  KISS OF LIFE

Randy Suh (Music Writer): Summer is the season when K-pop competitions get fiercer. Usually, the rookies who debut during this time hardly get noticed. But KISS OF LIFE manages to accomplish this feat, even when K-pop productions are becoming more fascinating by day and most idols put on polished debut stages with impressive skills. Their debut track “Shhh” is a song accentuated by elaborately cut hip-hop rhythms with a splash of  intriguing R&B chords; it’s arrangements are sensual, stressing and relaxing wherever necessary. The singing of the members is just as impressive, their vocals effortless and cheery like a child skipping across stepping stones. The four of them move with flexibility and gusto under the scorching sun, tugging at each other’s arms and letting them go, then suddenly popping out as if Double Dutch jump roping. Most singing groups aim for clean-cut or powerful performances to play on the strength of group choreographies. KISS OF LIFE, on the other hand, have opted for a unique, elastic groove that goes perfectly with the multi- flavored song resembling a cocktail. Their stage performance, led by main dancer NATTY, overflows with wild beauty that’s to be reckoned with. It’s this vigor that puts KISS OF LIFE under the spotlight this summer.