Down With Biases!

As some of you may know, I have only recently become a K-Pop fan. But, if you weren't aware K-Pop fans can be monkey fighting (if you don't understand the reference, click the link) CRAZY (link of some Monday-to-Friday crazy sh*t)! One thing I noticed is that there are fan names for everything. Personally I do not care for the practice. I am fine with fan clubs because it is a medium for fans to get goodies, but it is the identifying yourself by a single group that goes too far. [This is my opinion, just as a reminder.]


Why would labeling yourself by only one group be bad? Psychology has the answer for that: intergroup bias. In layman's terms, it is basically when you see yourself as part of a select group and see others outside of it. One example, although hyperbolic comparatively, is Nazi Germany. What I am saying is that by making an in-group, you increase the likely hood of rejecting criticism and hating on out-groups. Sports can work in a similar fashion.

For example, I am a sports fan for my university's various teams. We have cheers like other fans, some are witty and others are not so much. For hockey, one thing we do is when the announcer states that both teams are at full strength (because penalties have ended), we say "That's debatable, She's inflatable, Your mom is dateable, YOU STILL SUCK, dick." When we went up against one of our biggest rivals, who some consider to be weaker academically, we would yell "Safety School" and clap, and if any of their fans sat in our student section (usually peppered individually in the upper levels) we would all point and yell "@sshole". I would not recommend sitting in our student section, if you support an opposing team, if you are a sensitive person and or takes those kind of things seriously. We can be very loud.

Antis buy the majority of seats for a SNSD concert.

Do you see where I am getting at? Now I don't go to forums that much, especially not K-Pop focused ones so I don't have many examples to draw on. One example is from the comment section of a Brown Eyed Girls video on YouTube. The person said something along the lines that she/ he liked the group, but is a SONE (SNSD fan). By saying you are in such a specific fandom, I think you are less likely to appreciate other groups (plus previously mentioned issues). I also think it encourages antis. [Another comparison is Star Trek versus Star Wars; things can get heated.]


In terms of J-Pop, even though there is a lower prevalence of naming, this is likely seen in terms of the relationship between Morning Musume fans and AKB48 fans. [Reminder: I am a fan of both.] I think Morning Musume fans might hate on AKB48 more because of a rivalry. This is true vice versa, but I haven't seen it (likely because AKB is at the top). Technically, every artist in Japan is competing against AKB48 or any other group that releases music.

Conclusion: I believe you can rank groups on how well you like them, but shouldn't identify yourself by a single musical artist. If someone asks what music you like, you shouldn't respond you are an Exotic. You can say EXO is your favorite group, but you also like blah blah blah. This is a wota blog, but I wouldn't respond with just I am an AKB fan (even if they asked about idols). I identify myself as someone who likes a wide-range of artists like AKB48, Florence + The Machine, ADELE, Nicki Minaj, and Brown Eyed Girls to name a few. I do not hate on a group. I say what I like or dislike about them, because I have an opinion. This is why I hate when people accuse me of being biased. AKB48 may be my favorite artist, at the moment, but it is only one of them. I also like Morning Musume (although not their music at the moment) and SNSD (although it would make me feel better if they gained some weight).

K-Pop Fans, We Need to Talk.

You've become notorious for being cruel, shallow, and just plain horrible people.  I myself am a K-Pop fan, and a fair share of my friends (in the real world) are as well.  I've had it with this inexcusable behavior.  This is the reason why I prefer to call myself a fan of J-Pop over K-Pop.  You guys can really suck.  STOP IT!  This frustrated rant is brought to you by the fugly (at least on the inside. . . where it counts) T-ara fans.  [Summary: three members of Berryz Koubou as part of a SCRIPTED variety show (the host was there too) crashed a T-ara event.  They do the usual comedy-thing, but fans started yelling "Die!" + "You're not cute at all" and even calls about not ignoring them. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!]  Stop being trolls who aren't actual trolls but just a bunch of sour grapes.  I don't want to be your friend and you are scaring away other fans.  Do you think I have any interest in learning more about T-ara now?  No!  I'm planning on never purchasing any music from T-ara again.  I don't want to deal with this sh*t.  I'm boycotting T-ara.  One of the reasons Hello Project started to die for me was because fans were being butt-heart that they aren't relevant anymore.  

I was pondering doing a 'State of the Project' post.  (Like the title I came up with?)  But I decided against it because I don't think I was going to bring up any new opinions, except my surprise in Berryz.  

I still find the music so-so.  However, I was surprised by how captivated I was by their performance.  They have a wonderful variety in personalities and looks.  I reminded me a bit of old Morning Musume.  I still don't think they'll make it because of the music and management.  While watching this performance I was struck with the thought that Miyabi has never been this beautiful.  Risako is still her sassy sex bomb self.  Momo has taken up Michishige's character (which is throughly entertaining).  All the other members bring their own elements into the mix.  If only I enjoyed the music, because I don't have the money to buy music I dislike.  I still love C-ute, by the way.  Morning Musume is like a foreign entity to me because I don't know 10th gen at all.  They should release more music or something so I can be more familiar.  If I find the latest concert to download I might do a review.  


The only K-Pop group where I follow their personalities, at least for girls, is Brown Eyed Girls.  The rest still seem to barbie for my taste.  I'm sorry they are all tall and too skinny [same reason why I've dumped MomoClo Z].


On the topic of not being cute.  Some male wota, whose dick doesn't seem to work right, threw a hissy fit about Amina's weight.  Well in this performance I thought she was much sexier than the two thin idols next to her.  





Here is Kyary Pamyu Pamyu's upcoming single:

The chorus sounds too repetitive, but we'll see.  She does a wonderful job with selling it.


Here is the preview for Tomochin's upcoming single:

I tend to like all of her songs, even the digital and B-sides.  So I like it but nothing too exciting.  She has proven that she can do a variety, based on how many she has released already, but it would be nice if she surprised me.  Akimoto should try something with dubstep.


Here is the full PV for Arashi's upcoming single:

Arashi is fine with low budget because they are great performers.  They are probably the funnest group to watch.  However, their singles have been sub-par in comparison to their 2010 hits.  2010 was the year I got into them, so I guess my expectations are too high.  Their latest album was good, but the one before it was better.  I just want to see more amazing singles like Troublemaker and Monster

AKB48 Scandals & SNSD's TV Debut

I didn't first hear about the firing of Hirajima Natsumi (B) and Yonezawa Rumi (K) in my usual fashion through my blogroll.  I was attending a drinking party with my friends who are also studying Japanese and then some our friends from Japan.  One of the Japanese girls pointed to my Watarirouka Hashiritai 7 poster and said that she was graduating, along with Yonezawa.  She added that there was a scandal because someone hacked Yonezawa's private twitter account.  I was surprised of course.  In retrospect, if you consider how popular AKB48 is, it is expected that people will try to dig up dirt. Luckily the popular ones are so busy and overworked I doubt they have the time or the energy.  If not then they are probably doing their best to hide it, like sneaking into boy's apartments through the recycling bins and such.  [That is a reference to Kago Ai.]

It didn't really hit me how upset I was until I watched a subbed episode of Bimyo~.  Nacchan appeared and it hurt so much.  Yonezawa was only on my radar because of the fashion photos she would upload.  I've always thought she was pretty.  I've always thought that AKB48's management does a poor job of promoting the girls through photobooks.  I guess it is because I got into Japanese idols through Morning Musume who, especially for certain members, would release quite a few.  Pretty much every member would release one at some point.  Even now when they aren't as popular they still release DVDs and photobooks.  I was pleased when I saw that she got one.  I'm not too upset by Yonezawa.  I do hope she tries to continue in entertainment or maybe be a charisma model.  My hopes for Nacchan are different.  I would want to see her come back, ignoring the fact that she does not have potential in rising in ranks.  I think she is suited for being an idol.  She looks cheerful, even in the photos that got her in trouble.  I'm only bringing that up because it is evidence to support that she isn't putting up a fake front.  There is also a question of WH7.  She is an founding member, 1st generation, and she had a consistently high ranking in the Undergirls.  She also has a hot bod.  I adore her thighs.  [Not that I stare at their thighs. . . someone brought it up in a forum.]

Warning, the following section I go Kingsley on you guys.

『  I hate whoever did this!  I don't care about them dating, just like how I don't give a fig about Arashi members dating and having tons of sex *nino *cough *cough.  I always looked at is a rule that, wrong or not, was something you had to follow.  I'm not upset with either one.  I kind of interested in hearing about them dating.  What kind of guy do they really like.  I heard the suspected boyfriend of Nacchan goes to Keio University (one of my Japanese friends has a friend who is friends with the guy.)  I officially hate this rule!  It sucks massive, hairy BALLS.  

Screw those stupid wota who are upset about this.  You guys are a bunch of pussies who can't get a girlfriend!  Go back and hide in your rooms with the rest of the leeches.  You are absurd!  Oh your precious idol touched a person of the opposite sex, does that make your penis recoil?  If I caught anyone of you trying to burn merchandise of Nacchan I will steal it from you (because I totally will take it if you don't want it anymore) and start cussing at you in English which you will hate because a lot of Japanese people have a fear of trying to FAIL at speaking in English.  Any sensible human being would get over it!  


I thought this was a cultural thing.  I've read women like Sho (Arashi) because he doesn't have many scandals.  THIS ISN'T.  I asked my Japanese friends and they don't care.  They only think guys would care.  I sometimes day dream about what if I ended up dating an idol, do you see me crying like a spoiled prat who never got disciplined in his life and gets the sh*t kicked out of him for being a prat.  I'm not going to tell you to die because I think no one should go that far, but I hope someone soccer punches your junk.  』


Okay, that felt good.  I don't care that much about Nacchan personally, but I don't think it is fair.  You may of just ruined her career and now she is going to get all this hate for NO GOOD REASON.  The boy bands get off for worse rumors, but not the girls.





SNSD has made the full jump into promoting themselves in the US market.  I'm not sure about starting off with an album, especially since it is in Korean.  Let's also consider the fact that the English lyrics are  lame.  I don't know who is in charge of their management, but I doubt they are American.  Just because you add a rapper doesn't make it any better, plus he isn't performing with you and it is only in the remix.  You are just adding to the things against you.  Did Utada or BoA start off with a song from Asia and switch it up with some crappy lyrics in English.  NO.  They had famous producers helping them too.


I am not rooting for them to fail.  I don't think AKB48 stands a chance either.  SNSD has a better shot considering how strong their English is.  They perform well too.  How do US artists try to make it.  They release an original single.  Ke$ha released her music video for Tick Tock for free on iTunes for a week.  If they put their first single for free on iTunes that could produce some buzz.  They also need to work on their image.  I still think they look a bit like Korean barbies.  You'll be hearing that most of them are too skinny.  It kind of freaks me out.  They should consider popular girl groups, and failed ones, that originated in the states.  My first memories of the Pussycat Dolls was their music video.  I knew Danity Kane from a reality TV show where they went through a similar process.  I preferred, and      supported, Danity Kane more because I liked the members and knew who they were as people.  How do you get rid of a plastic image is to let fans in.  Release a music video, do more interviews, put behind the scenes stuff online.

I do think Sasshi looks cute in this outfit.

Now, quite a few AKB members are getting solo singles.  I was happily surprised when I heard multiple labels were requesting for a solo from Sashihara Rino (A).  I don't think she has the strongest vocals, but from what I've seen from her I don't think she is half bad.  I thought her rendition of Dear J had a lot of personality to it.  I was quite disappointed when I saw clips of her performing the single.  I bet, since she is a wota, that she is enjoying it.  I don't believe it is right for her character.  She has this goofy, humble, girl-next-door thing going for her.  It is too Mayuyu for her image.  I would of rather had seen her do something playful to go with her fail character.

YouTube Channels 4 Our Obsessions

Here are a couple of my favorite uploaders, of various styles related to the things I usually talk about.

First I have someone who uploads the Oricon charts for the week, month, and year.  I like to find new music and artists through this.  Plus it is interesting to see what is popular in Japan.


These people plus my friends from college are responsible for my new love for K-Pop, which is maturing.

My final recommendation is for a subber of AKB48 songs.  They are definitely the most consistent when it comes to AKB.  Plus, they do a variety from singles to stage units.




I'm picky when it comes to OPVs, especially if they consist of photos.  This is one of the few uploaders who actually does it right!  If you want to see shots from AKB48's recent dome concerts and tour check it out, they were great.

A Wota's Room?

If you go to college you've probably have moved into your dorm or apartment by now.  One fun thing about the dorms is students using posters and other elements to show our personality and turning a bland room into a home.  Starting last year I started to become more interested in posters, partly to cover up a poor paint job (because I live in an old building).  Well, it has accumulated to the point that I had to plan out where I would put my posters.  My room is pretty intimidating, but I feel at home.

Graduations, AKBingo!, and Recent Scandals

I don't have too much to say about all these.  I just mostly want to share.  I am really sad that Yui (SKE48) has to graduate because or her injury and more recovery time.  She was talented and one of my favorites, even when she was gone.  She'll be missed.  I do have hope that after all of her recovery is over she'll re-enter the entertainment industry.  Now onto Saki (S/mileage).  I'm surprised this hasn't happened more often.  The good news is that this doesn't mean she is leaving show business.  She might just want to leave Hello Project.  This has occurred: at a local radio station one of the members of a popular morning show duo left the show for 'something different', but ended up having his own show on a different station.  This might be the same breed.

Lately AKBingo! is trying to win back my affection.  Every week I would watch it as soon as it hit YouTube.  However, I haven't been following it lately.  But the last couple of weeks they brought back one of my favorite segments, fashion, and a new classic, ikemen.  I mean they look amazing as guys.  I hope one day they do a cross-dressing single.  So good work people at AKBingo!.

I've bet you've all heard about NMB48's and Team 4's scandals and the fortunate outcome.  My opinion on the whole thing is that Mina should become a bad-ass character because I could totally see that.  The whole strong language use on pictures doesn't bother me at all, but it is refreshing.  I find it adorable when idols swear.  The underage drinking isn't anything big either, but she should make sure to keep it under wraps if she does it now.  If it was smoking I wouldn't be so laissez-faire.  The issue of enjo-kousai is more serious.  However that was only talk, she didn't say she did anything.  So I am going to give her the benefit of the doubt, but I would like to see the translation of the post.  Dating and sex before joining is even on my radar of concerns.  They should go crazy if they shouldn't date once they join.

A cool thing going on Tumblr is confession posts.  Here are some:

Why Does Mina Think She Is Better Than Everyone Else?

Ok, that is a lie, but it got your attention right?  I am working on a video project for Japanese class, and it is still loading stuff so I got some free time (that I should be using to study).  Anyway, this issue of prejudice or something keeps coming up recently.  I read one post explaining why some Japanese people ostracize otaku in Japan.  Then, I had lunch with a friend who is half Japanese about various things including how we both look down on otaku.  I also read a post that again made me look down on people.  Now I know I have this opinion, but I am not completely sure as to why.  Let's start with my stronger opinion: otaku.

Oh, So You're An Otaku. . .
I have friends who are otaku, and when it comes to them and anime I think 'oh silly otaku'.  In Japanese class, I find it a bit, annoying might not be the word, but I dislike the fact that the majority of the class (who are not foreign students from China or Korea) are otaku.  Now, I have my obsession, but it is music, fashion, and other parts of pop-culture.  I like manga and anime.  I grew up on anime, on accident, and at one time you probably consider me an otaku.  Actually, while I do like idols, I guess I am normal if I was Japanese.  I like movies, various artists, dramas, manga, anime, fashion that come from Japan.  Now, I also hate it when people assume that I'll like something just because it looks Asian/ Japanese (family).  Pretty much anything looks asian are acceptable gifts for me.  Sorry, I got off topic.

I don't understand the psychology behind me looking down otaku. . . maybe because often they are odd by general standards (like wearing the same three pairs of sweatpants and t-shirts).  Or the fact that none of them are familiar with Japanese music unless it was in an anime.  I didn't find it bothersome when I went with friends to an anime convention.  I didn't go with them to meet the voices of certain anime characters, but I had fun dressing up and watching anime.

One reasoning may be with my idea that I should make a good impression, and represent the United States in a good light.  Imagine all these otaku going to Japan, where otaku are already looked down on. There are tons of socially capable(?) people who are otaku.  I am not concerned about them, because most Japanese people enjoy anime and manga.  I am bothered by the ones who don't know how to socially interact and don't care about how they present themselves.  There is a fine line between being yourself and not caring for personal presentation and behavior.

This expands to wota and just people in general.  Don't act like you know everything.  If you are going to dress like a slob (when you aren't sick or not during exams) then expect that people will judge you for it.  If you don't know how to interact with people, expect that you won't have many friends.  I guess this isn't an otaku problem, like how a square is a rectangle but not all rectangles are squares.  I just wanted to rant about this.


Disclaimer: I don't want to be mean, and I'm sorry if this hurts your feelings.  I don't like being mean and I try to never to say a cruel thing to someone.  I don't approve of bullying or people being mean to others.  (Like how I got upset when someone said a member of AKB, who I don't care about, is a brat because she cried.  You don't know her or understand her feelings.  You can have that opinion that she seems to be a brat, but you should one not say it as a fact, and two try to be more considerate of other people feeling's.)    On a positive note, relating to this subject, I need to figure out what I should wear to impress AKB.  Oh, if anyone has a theory or thought on this topic please share.

Further Study
There was a late-night drama that just got uploaded, with subs, onto Drama Crazy.  Moteki, based on a manga, is about an otaku who has a period of popularity with women.  While part of me feels bad for him because some of these girls take advantage/ treat him poorly, he ruins this as soon as I hear his thoughts.  If he doesn't enjoy something, like karaoke with his friends, he thinks they should all die.  He always goes after pretty girls.  Anyway, it is interesting (and the author/ manga artist doesn't let him get away with being a jerk).  

International Wota Charity Auction+Upcoming Senbatsu Elections!

I just wanted to mention the Charity Auction that is going, organized by International Wota, which is non-profit.  That means free shipping and all your hard earned cash will go to the Red Cross.  Now I've already donated and have been volunteering at fundraisers, but some of these are on my want list.  I was originally planning to do a spending freeze because I will be going to Japan this summer, and I am a poor college student, but if they stay in my spending range I'll go for it.  If I don't win, that'll be fine because I would of helped build up the price.  So I think everyone should check out the page because there are some great goodies included!  If you don't follow International Wota, I would check that page every so often because they do update it.

AKB48 has raised quite a bit so far: 7.37 million USD last time I checked.  Their upcoming album and single will have some of their proceeds go to charity too.

Update: There were two items at a low price that I want and all of a sudden, as soon as I placed a bid, someone starts out bidding me!  First time something like that has happened to me, so I thought it was funny.  I am competitive, this is a bad thing. . . I already went over how much I wanted to spend, but there is still time for someone to out bid me.  (One person kept out bidding me each time, so I went up by $5.00 to see if they would do it again.  It isn't that bad.)

Senbatsu Election!
This is a hard, but joyous time for me because I am a DD, which means I pretty much like every member.  I've lowered it down to a certain few who I really want to vote for:

Atsuko Maeda - REVENGE!
Mayu Watanabe - Just because I would love to see her come out on top and have her CG Revolution
Amina Sato - I want to keep this good thing going.
Miori Ichikawa - I ADORE her!
Minami Minegishi - She is the one who I can call my favorite, and I would like to see her higher in the rankings.
Aika Ota - I hate to see her sad, and I would like to make sure she at leasts stays as the center for UG
Miho Miyazaki - I want her to be ranked higher.

Mina's Site Update & Random Thoughts

Hello everyone, I hope everyone is good.  I've been busy with school work and volunteering by fundraising for the Japanese Red cross.  Besides that the only big update about me is that I am making plans to go to Japan this summer.  I'll probably be staying for about two months (WWOOFing) from late May till late July.  I haven't decided where exactly yet, but I am excited.

Thank you to everyone who voted for this blog and Todd for the International Wota Awards!  We won both categories that we were nominated in!  I hope this will push Todd to post more because we all enjoy reading the inner workings of his mind.  Claire gets back in April, so I will pressure her to do at least one more post about her stay in Japan. I don't know what Kenta 愛 Tsuji has been up to, but I think I heard something about moving. . .

Now, random thoughts:
One of my friends told me over Facebook she has had trouble commenting.  I would say comment below if you have also had some trouble or still have it, but that wouldn't work would it?  If you've been frustrated by this, here is something to cheer you up

a tribute to fresh lemons...

I've been super impressed with the trainees and new members lately.  I generally overlook them because they can get cut.  I know they perform their own stage of B5, but I would like to see them perform either an old stage or their own stage.

Now somehow the previews for Morning Musume's next single can be easily cut together to form something that looks just like what the PV should.  Props to the person who thought of it.

I have already reviewed a preview, so my opinion as a whole hasn't changed much.  I really like this PV, a lot.  I like the set, the tons of colors, the random crack, the angles and pans.  The only problem is the styling on some of the girls is bad.

Award Season + Secret Garden Review + More

I finally found my first K-drama that I enjoy!  So I went online today so I could do a quick post before I go lock myself in the library, stupid midterms.  I always check my blogroll in case there is any breaking news hitting the blogosphere, and there was a bit of good news.  Wota (in training) has been nominated for two 2010 International Wota Awards.  You can vote here, voting ends March 16th.

Best New Blog: (For the best blog that was new to IW in 2010)
Nights4Blogging
Pure Idol Heart
Wota (in training)

Best Single Entry: (For the best single post of the year)
Absurd (Wota (in training))
Ai Kago: Former Child Star, Entertainment Personality, and … Normal Human Being? (Delicious Cake Project!)
It’s your money, not love, that matters (fly to high)

Yeah Todd!  Todd always posts something amazing.  Here is the full list of nominees and awards.  Okay, now the rest of this post is going to be quick because I am hungry (and haven't eaten anything yet), I have three chapters of boring science textbook to read and take good notes on, and then I have to write a short Japanese composition and the theme is 'letter of complaint'.  The only thing I've been complaining about is how hard the Japanese quizzes (but I have to study like midterms) are.  Plus, I don't know if I can express my feelings if I wrote about that.  Sorry tangent again.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆

In case you haven't heard (well technically read), I have had difficulty getting into Korean dramas.  I 'discovered' Secret Garden when my friend mentioned the drama.  I introduced her to LIFE (which I highly recommend if you haven't watched it yet).  When she mentioned Secret Garden, she said it wasn't over-acted.  Another friend of mine who adores Korean men showed me Big Bang's(?) parody of this drama.  I thought it was funny, so I might as well give the series a chance.  I am not looking forward to them switching bodies.  This drama contains some of my favorite things!  Complicated love shapes and more.  I discovered I have a new kink: girls that kick butt and have one medium sized tattoo on their upper-arm.  (This is what I write about after announcing we got nominated, lol. . . I just wrote lol.  I am not expecting to get a best post nomination anytime soon.)  This was only confirmed after I watched Love Exposure for the second time with a large group of friends.  I adore that film. . . stopping myself before I get off on another tangent.  But, when I have some more time I might review Love Exposure and Infinity because i watched both of those recently with friends.

I find that these leads are tons cuter, god I love this movie!

The basic plot line is (sorry I am not going to do names because they confuse me) about a stunt women who is quite beautiful, but still, as you imagine, a bit boyish.  She is independent and surprisingly, considering this is a drama, wants to fight or just apologize how you would expect in real life.  Even if she doesn't deserve to get yelled at at work she takes it and apologizes.  When she encounters a biotch she holds back until it gets to the point where someone needs to be put back in their place.  The first time we see her she is oozes cool; I could see Sae playing this part.  During that part I totally wanted to jump her.  The guys probably enjoy seeing her, with her hot bod, doing some stunts.  Jeez, so much for summarizing in this paragraph, more like introducing the character of the female protagonist.

Anyway, we first learn that her co-worker/ boss has feelings for her, that she has a girly waitress as a friend/ roommate, and that the actress she is a stunt-double for is insecure and therefore hates her. (I'm now looking up her name.)  Kil Ra-Lim ends up getting injured but hides it from everyone one else.

Our main protagonist, Kim Joo-Won (what the hell, sorry not used to Korean) is a rich kid who owns a Department store and has a pop-star cousin, Oska.  (I might be wrong so forgive me.)  Oska begs Joo-Won help him with his lady-trouble, which he is in because he is a womanizer.  Joo-Won goes on set and accidentally grabs the actress' stunt double, Ra-Lim, instead.  After spending some together, including Ra-Lim ending up in the hospital and Joo-Won finding out that she is an Oska fan, Joo-Won is surprised to find that he can't get her out of his mind.  He even starts to think he is going crazy because he keeps seeing her (in his imagination).  She isn't what he thought his type was.  So he decides to find her, but after their first meeting she was under the impression he was working for Oska and is now a jobless-bum.  He ends up auditioning for their stunt school and keeps showing up around her.  Ra-Lim seems confused about her own feelings; her sense of independence, and later their different backgrounds, causes her to continuously reject Joo-Won.

Here is the part I haven't gotten to yet, but there have been clues for (stolen from AsianMedia Wiki):

"Yeun-Sul (Kim Sa-Rang) and Oska are ex-lovers, but they can't seem to forget each other. Because Yeun-Sul had a high-living status, she was arranged to attend a blind date with Joo-Won. Even though Jo-Wan made it clear that he doesn't have interest in her, Yeun-Sul keep pursuing Joo-Won. Yeun-Sul knows Joo-Wan is Oska's cousins and wants to use Joo-Wan to get under Oska's skin. Yeun-Sul then manages to become the director for Oska's next music video. The video shoot takes place on Jeju Island. 

Meanwhile, stunt woman Ra-Lim is a fan of Oska's music and wins a contest to go to Jeju Island with Oska himself. Ra-Lim also wanted to take part in Oska's music video. Joo-Won learns that Ra-Lim won the contest to spend time with Oska and decides to follow them to Jeju Island. 

On Jeju Island, the main participants all gather. While they were mountain biking, Ra-Lim somehow gets separated from Joo-Won and Oska. Joo-oan searched frantically over Ra-Lim's disappearance and went searching for her. Eventually, Joo-Won was able to save Ra-Lim but ended up stranded in a mysterious place called 'Secret Garden'. Mysteriously, the owner of 'Secret Garden' seems to know Joo-Won and Ra-Lim very well. The owner presented two bottles of alcohol to Joo-Wan and Ra-Lim. They manage to get their way back to the hotel before night and went their separate ways. At night, Joo-Won and Ra-Lim face sleeping difficulties and took this time to clear their minds while having sips of their gifted alcohol individually. And a twist of intrigue took place in the plot when both Ra-Lim and Joo-Won switched souls!"

While I am not attracted to any of the male leads, but someone new just turned up who looks cute, I am now a fan of Ha Ji-Won who plays Ra-Lim.  My only complaint about her character is that when we first get a glimpse of her she is a badass, and seems to be a bit more of a tomboy than she behaves the rest of the show.  I like that it shows that tomboys can have a feminine side (cough Sayaka Akimoto cough cough), but I wish they also pushed her boyish side a bit more.

Ra-Lim has the small quirks that dramas like to include, like her tapping her foot when someone is flirting with her or mimicking her text alert, but, like Japanese dramas like Hana Yori Dango, the guys might take the cake in stupid characteristics.  Besides the untalented Oska, Joo-Won's cool is repeatedly stabbed at.  He is afraid of elevators.  When he tries to get Ra-Lim out of his head he always says the same thing.  During conversations he randomly says stuff about Ra-Lim.  His attempts to be cool are hindered by his appearance and body-language.  For example, how I am suppose to take that sit-up scene as seductive when he had his track-suit going over his chin!  His tracksuit is so stupid!  Good thing when he is at work he has to wear a suit, it suits him much better.  (After the jump I am going to include the parody to give you guys a tease, but there are spoilers.)

I keep on thinking of who I would want to see in a Japanese version.  The only issue I've been having is the age difference between some of the male actors and some of the female actors.

Sae Miyazawa - Ra-Im
When I first saw Ra-Im I saw Sae.  Sae is sporty and can be girly.  The only problem with Sae is that she doesn't have much acting experience, and she could be a bit too boyish compared to the Korean version.  I think she has the right look for the personality, but the character is described as really pretty.  (Sayaka Akimoto could probably play this part too.)

Understudy: Hikari Mitsushima
Hikari definitely has enough acting experience under her belt, more than need to play this part.  We know from her performance in Love Exposure than she can play cute and bad-ass.  She would also have less of an age gap between her and the guys I am thinking of.  I am a bit biased because I adore her.  Fun fact she was a member of the idol group Folder5.

Nino - Joo-Won
Nino also has more than enough acting experience to pull off this part.  Besides that, I thought of him because of the character's personality.  He already has the attitude for the role.  

Oguri Shun - (Director) Jong-Soo
This is such a dream cast, even if they were to produce a Japanese version it probably would, if I was lucky, one out of any of these actors/ actresses.  Shun has done action films like the Crows Zero films.  He also has a similar atmosphere as the character.  The guys get even better when you see all of my selections; boy would it be a behind the scenes party.

Acchan - Ah Young
I just picked her because if one AKB48 member was going to be cast another one could be in it too (it has happened before).  She has the acting experience, and pretty much any girl could play this part.  It doesn't really require any distinct qualities; its just the best friends and all.

Fukuda Saki - Yeun-Sul
If you've seen her in LIFE you know she has the capabilities to portray the bad girl.  At first I was thinking the Takei Emi, but she is even younger than I am.  I was trying to avoid the age gap.

Matsujun - Oska
I don't know, I guess if you mixed some of his part characters you'll get something like Oska.  Matsujun isn't the greatest singer, but he has a ton of fans.  He has played stupid and player roles.  He would make a good love interest.  Plus, consider Shun, Nino, and Jun backstage(, Acchan and Sae are close too).

Takahiro Nishijima - Ssun
He has the younger, cute, but sexy look.  He can sing pretty well (lead vocalist of AAA).  He also has acting chops, for example Love Exposure.  I think he would be perfect.