My Korea and I

One day.. I fell in love with Korea...
That was way before "Hallyu".

That was on my first visit to the country and I loved it. I loved how the country's culture is so significant among the young and old. It made me appreciate my own culture more cos alot of us in Singapore are very much exposed to the Western culture and we don't seem to be that big on traditions anymore. To me.. that's sad. I think we should learn to be proud of who we are instead of succumbing to conformity.

When my mom was watching "Huan2 Zhu1 Ge2 Ge2" I made her buy me my long awaited "Autumn Story" which I pre-ordered to Singapore. Cos they don't sell any Korean dramas here and I thought Song Hye Gyo is really very pretty and that my daddy will probably think so too. Haha.. So anyway.. I offered to watch with them but they refused at first. However, since it was the 2nd or 3rd time they were repeating the Chinese drama.. they eventually told me to bring my discs up to watch with them. I thought the show was great but when I turned to my mom.. she was practically crying into her bowl of rice! (Yes.. my family eats rice with the Korean metal bowl and chopsticks at home. We're Asian!) And my dad chuckled and said.."Celine.. you'd better get her a bucket." Haha.. Now.. I think we own practically every single Korean drama that Singapore has!

Ya see.. There's just something about Korea.. everything is very infectious.

Thanks to my cousin, Gina.. it didn't take long before my relationship with Korean music blossomed. I love Korean Music! Who doesnt? With Korean Music comes beautiful compositions and intricate musical arrangements. Every song deeply and rightly portrays the dramas to pure perfection. My favourite Oppa -- Kang Ta Oppa composes beautiful beeee-a-u-tiful songs! They truly make magical music! The Korean music scene maybe commercial but it is vibrant and has many worthy music makers. Having been inspired, I sought to pursue a musical career for myself.

When I was learning singing, I've always wanted to master those difficult but beautiful Korean songs. I would need to know the techniques and stuff.. However, I could not. None of the schools that I went to could cater to my learning needs of a korean cirriculum. I couldn't fit in. I had to be a mando-pop singer before I could learn anything. I was advised to sing songs that were well within the capacity of the instructor. Not mine.

Now.. Having set up AOM with my fervent Korean-loving heart.. I have shared Korean music and singers with many of my students and I am so happy that many of them enjoy what they are learning. Amos Ang can play "Oon-Myung" from the Full House Soundtrack (How can anyone not love Bi Oppa after that??) like play everything from scratch! The beautiful intro and all and most importantly, he can sing it even though he cannot speak korean and does not understand.

MUSIC KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES. I agree. That is exactly what I mean. *smilez*

Hugz ya'll! My heart's oozing with lurve. Talking about Korea has got me all tingly.

Background music: Full House OST