Understand that SeoulHype and HallyuSG have merged in mid-March, can you share more details and what readers can expect from the merge?
Yes, SeoulHype and HallyuSG merged just a while ago in mid-March. HallyuSG is one of, if not, the biggest K-content platforms in Singapore and they have been around since 2012. Through the merger, we decided to join forces and tap on each other's strengths. We are continuously studying the demographic behind the Korean wave in Singapore and we are aiming to put out content that is insightful, meaningful yet factual for our readers. In the digital age we live in, we are also looking at doing more visual content for our audience. Of course, we are also in the midst of planning some other projects which will be revealed very soon to better cater to the local audience.

Tell us more about the inspiration behind the merge?
I was running SeoulHype on my own back then with only a small team of writers. While we did churn out content periodically, I felt that our content was not reaching the right audience. I also had other plans in mind but I needed more support for them to come into fruition. Thereafter, a timely opportunity rose for the merger to happen and both parties went into discussions about how the merger should happen. I’m now happy to announce that after several talks, we have mutually agreed that SeoulHype will be merging with HallyuSG, and that’s where we are today.

Having written about Korean entertainment industry for this period of time, how do you think the content has evolved over the years?
I think in the Korean entertainment industry, the sector that saw the most growth would be K-pop. K-pop is very different nowadays, compared to during the heyday of groups like Girls’ Generation and BIGBANG. In the past, music was all that mattered. And there was a formula to success - make great music and produce spectacular shows. But now, it’s very different. There is a myriad of Korean artists now, each carving out their niche, differentiating one from the other. Idols are getting younger and younger, and each is more talented than the previous. If anything, I think the concept of the multiverse in the K-pop realm amazes me the most, one where virtual celebrities exist and are actually performing.

What stories have you been most proud of, to be able to provide a platform for?
It would be the show review for Jackson Wang. Many might know him as an all-rounder in the entertainment industry and he sure is. But there’s something deeper than that about him that resonates with me. He is someone that’s very philosophical, but not for the wrong reasons. Like the title of his album, he told fans to “find their magic”. I was initially clueless about what he meant. But I later realised that’s actually his own metaphor to urge them to explore their own dreams, aspirations and really just to do what they want to, especially when they still have got the opportunity to do so.

In your opinion, are there any misconceptions / stigma about Korean entertainment? What are these?
Of course, the Korean entertainment industry is quite a notorious one. Many think that fans are invasive, but in my experience chatting and interacting with them, I feel that they are quite a fun bunch. They are very dedicated, in the sense that they know who they are rooting for, and do it wholeheartedly. They see something in their idol that has a positive influence on them. Some might have indirectly helped them through a challenge, comforted them through tough times. It might sound absurd, but it’s true what music can do to you.

What pitches would you like to receive and how PRs should pitch to you?
I'd like to receive any press releases or media notes concerning K-pop artists, K-dramas, K-movies, Korean food and travel content related to South Korea. If it’s anything Korean, just drop me an email.

If you could interview anyone / a band in the Korean entertainment industry, who would that be and why?
If I had the chance, I’d like to talk to 2NE1. They were the very first group that got me into K-pop and I probably wouldn’t have gotten to where I am if I did not stumble upon their music. When I was into their music, that was in 2011, where K-pop was only starting to gain popularity. Unfortunately, the quartet announced their disbandment a few years after. But to be honest, just talking to any one member of 2NE1 would mean so much to me, just because they are so different and distinctive. They are also very established individuals, so I feel that they definitely have got loads to share.