Hey everyone! Since Asian American and Pacific Islander Month is not over yet, it is a great time to know the KOCOWA team! So, we interviewed Christine, who is one of our bloggers and an online influencer to get to know her background a little further.
I am Christine, but many of you may know me as @iconickdramas on Twitter! If you happen to follow me, you are probably aware that I have been a huge fan of Korean dramas for quite some time now.
Q. What brings you joy about your heritage and culture?
One of the things I love the most about my heritage and culture is the warmth and family-oriented nature of Filipinos, along with the abundance of fascinating traditions.
Q. How did you start being a part of the K-Drama community?
My love for Korean dramas dates back to my childhood. It all began when a local television channel started broadcasting Korean dramas dubbed in Tagalog (Filipino language). I distinctly recall being hooked on “Boys Over Flowers” and swooning over the likes of Lee Min Ho and Kim Bum!
In 2017, I created my Twitter account, initially intending to share my thoughts and feelings about the K-dramas I was watching. Little did I know that several years later, my account would grow to over 220,000 followers.
Q What is your all-time favorite K-Drama? And why?
Out of all the K-dramas I have watched, “Reply 1988” takes the crown as my absolute favorite. I am a huge fan of slice-of-life K-dramas, and this particular one struck a chord with me. The series encompasses a wide range of emotions from love, friendship, family, and the essence of life itself. It’s the kind of drama that makes you feel at home. It’s packed with hilarious moments that I thoroughly enjoyed, while also making me cry a river for every character’s story.
Q. What does K-Drama mean to you?
K-dramas hold a special place in my heart. It may sound like an exaggeration, but I simply cannot go a day without watching at least one episode. I love K-dramas because of their vast range of genres, which cater to every mood I am in.
Being a fan of slice-of-life K-dramas, I strongly believe that Korean dramas have had a substantial impact on my life. I have adopted a lot of mindsets, thoughts, and perspectives from watching these shows. One of my favorite dramas, “Because This Is My First Life,” stands out to me because of its message. At first, it may seem like a fun romantic comedy, but it delves into the idea that we are all living our first life in everything we do. It’s alright to make mistakes, as it’s our first time experiencing something new, and we don’t have to feel bad about it. Making mistakes is how we learn and grow as better individuals.
Q. What is the experience like of being a big online influencer?
Being a big online influencer is both an incredible and nerve-wracking experience for me. I love sharing my drama recommendations, and it feels great when people check them out. However, it also makes me anxious because I have to be cautious about every tweet I post on this account. The online world can be a scary place, and the slightest misunderstanding can lead to conflict. Therefore, I always make it a point to double-check every tweet I post to avoid any misunderstandings.
Q. What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you?
As a Southeast Asian, AAPI Heritage Month is very important to me. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the diverse cultures and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States. It’s a time to acknowledge and recognize the achievements, struggles, and resilience of the AAPI community.
Q. What does KOCOWA mean to you?
Being a part of the KOCOWA community has been an incredible source of support for me throughout the past year. I have been with KOCOWA for more than a year now, and they are, without a doubt, the best team I have ever worked with. KOCOWA is an exceptional streaming platform that allows me to watch my favorite K-dramas and K-pop variety shows. Recently, I was thrilled to watch “aespa’s Synk Road,” and I appreciate how KOCOWA was the first platform to stream this show.
Q. Who are your favorite actors in the AAPI community?
I actually have a lot of favorite actors and actresses. Among them are Kim Taeri, Yim Siwan, Son Yejin, and Nana!
Q. What are your favorite shows with an AAPI led cast?
I have many favorite K-dramas that feature AAPI actors and actresses, such as “Stove League” starring Nam Goong Min, “Run On” starring Siwan, and “Into The Ring” starring Nana. Apart from K-dramas, my recent favorite show with an AAPI cast is “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” which starred Academy Award winner Michelle Yeoh.
Q. Is there a Korean movie or TV show that everyone should watch?
A must-watch K-drama that I highly recommend is “It’s Okay, That’s Love.” This drama was released back in 2014 and it was ahead of its time for addressing important issues such as mental health and consent. Gong Hyo Jin and Zo In Sung, two talented actors, starred in the drama, making it even more compelling. If you haven’t seen it yet, I think you need to watch it at least once in your life!
Christine (K-Drama influencer)
@iconickdramas
