Hi, it's been a while since I wrote a blog about a k-drama series I have sat down for hours and sunk into this K-drama world. And this blog was in this zone of drafts, I felt like it's so unfinished that I didn't want to publish it.
I really miss blogging! In connection to blogging and the digital age, here I am writing about a kdrama I have watched last July, and that my friends is Celebrity.
Everyone has been talking about this series here and there. The story focuses on Seo Ah Ri (Park Gyu Young) a young saleswoman who lives with her mom who runs a dry cleaning business.
In the process of getting to know Ah Ri, her family used to be wealthy however when her father died and their company was bankrupt, her family was left penniless.
I have watched Park Gyu Young countless of times from Sweet Home, It's okay not to be okay, Nokdu Flower, and Dali & Cocky Prince, she really has this feminine charm that you want to protect at all cost but is a smart, fun, strong woman that would really make you question why in the world that I have thought of her as naïve.
She really had me and my brother hooked by her soft gestures to that one feisty charisma! She really had carried herself all throughout the series; she had her humble beginnings but the dark side of fame had caught on her too much that all you wanted was to root for her and at the same time leave the society that trolled on her; specifically the Cabin Society.
Yoon Shi Hyeon (Lee Chung Ah), the big sister of the Cabin Society. One of the calmest characters' in this series. From the beginning, Shi Hyeon already had a soft spot for Ari. You can feel her so much from the weight of her actions, her tone of voice, her smile and her attitude towards Ari, not only too Ari but to girls in Cabin Society too (if only these girls are nice). I love Lee Chung Ah in VIP, well all of her characters are lovable too, but there's something about her aura in this type of drama. You'll never know what's she's up too until she would utter her words.
Shi Hyeon may seem like she only follows the rules that should be bent, but there's something even beyond her character that you would like to know aside from how she can be Seo Ari's Ally.
Han Jun Kyung (Kang Min Hyuk), when he first showed up in the scene at the bar, I felt like his character is somehow a happy go lucky character, a fine gentleman charmer who definitely likes Ah Ri. But he's way bolder and deep and than that. I came to somehow dislike him a little too, but all is well, because he's character is like a little bit of a shinning armor to Ah Ri. I feel like his character is one of the arcs that is needed to make Ah Ri's character shine and stronger. But Ah Ri is stronger by her self. But yes, he's like one dashing man really wanting to take care of Ah Ri NO MATTER WHAT.
There's is just this scene, that made my mind blown! And I'm sure you know what I mean!
Jin Tae Joon (Lee Dong Goon) Shi Hyeon's husband. I know from the moment he walks in the camera, this man is up to no good, there's just this certain vibe that he has that "Ammm not to be friends with" kind of feel. Whenever I see Don Goon on my TV Screen, I am always reminded by his character in Marry Him if you Dare as Anchor Shin, and I
The series goes back from the present to the past. What had happened why these characters are taking this route, you would totally be out of your seat just by the different twists and turns on every episode. When I first heard about it, I thought it was all about the glitz and glamour of being a celebrity in South Korea. But it's definitely the inner causes and effects of fame.
Learnings:
1. Fame is not everything.
Celebrities are under pressure to perform all the time. You are in front of a camera all the time, and it is difficult to lead a life in the world of glamour. -Sushmita Sen
As older celebrities, locally and internationally. fame is not really everything. It's not about rainbows and unicorns, but it's much more deeper than that. Celebrities had to face a total amount of pressure not only for the people who sees them but the scrutiny of people who may dislike them.
2. Cause and Effects of Social Media
The world of social media is fair (I supposed it was), you can make your own content, create, and express yourself with the beauty of the internet. It's basically a freedom wall all around the world. But unfortunately, it's not the case as social media is diverging into a bigger state phenomenon that freedom of expression has been used to cause negativity, hate and disarming fake news. Usually everyone behind computer screens are no longer black and white it's beyond measurable.
Let's face it, the sad part of social media is that most famous people suffer depression. From constant scrutiny of people behind computer screens, The tabloid headlines, the gossips, and relentless judgements take a toll on a celebrity/influencer's mental health.
Just like the series had describe, being an influencer is not some walking in a park agenda. The pressure is real and good and bad competition is everywhere. The series also showed us that in between PR managements and arrangements there are the people behind the scenes gracefully handle media interactions, your brand image, your values and at the same time help you empower the different challenges you need to face becoming an influencer. Especially focusing on what truly matters in creating and connecting to your audience.
3. Be your authentic self
Here's the thing with authenticity, there are some who forget that being authentic is being oneself. But how? In celebrity, the series touched on that genuine connections, and genuine interactions will lead to success. Easier said than done, yes, a lot of people are genuinely kind and you can see it through their body language and all. But always know too that not everyone who smiles smiles back at you. Then again Authenticity is GOLD!
4. Balancing Public and Private lives
Just like how celebrities usually say that Living in the limelight isn't all about glitz and glamor; "Celebrity" gives us a glimpse into the life of a celebrity and it tells the viewers to always draw boundaries when it comes to personal life and public life. The same way when it comes to using your social media. Share not because it's a part of the norm but share because you want to impart an inspiration to your viewers.
My takeaway with Celebrity is to not everyone who smiles at you is your friend. Not everyone who invites you wants you to be a part of their team, and always THINK before you click. Always be careful and be kind to others.
Celebrity also shows that not because fame is overpowering, your insecurities and challenges are shielded. The show is almost a raw personification of celebrities, and at the end of the day each and every one of us is human.
If you're dreaming of stepping into the zone of being an influencer, I believe Celebrity shows you a glimpse not just glimpse but the world of digital media. Take time to understand the pros and cons of entering the world of digital world.
