Beyond kpop glitter, tasty rose cream tteokbokki, Baekhyun’s “Delight”, and my food/kdrama pairing ritual

Hi, it’s me. Your favorite absentee millennial kdrama fan – one who would rather chew glass than answer that unknown number calling my phone. How have you been? The weekend drives by too fast, as always. Sometimes, I wonder how many days it will take for me to become bored and not feel like each day is all about cramming things that I should do versus things I actually want to do (maybe also versus things I actually did do. *tee-hee!*)

pie chart for my everyday things, heystarshine.net

I think blogging once a week is doable for me. Hence, this post. Ta-da! Today, we’ve got another kdrama recommendation, a food that tastes like a party in your mouth, my heartbreak and fluttering heart combo over Baekhyun, and a long-standing habit (or should I say quirk?) of mine when it’s time to watch a kdrama.

Let’s get started!

“Imitation” kdrama – more than all the glitter and glamour

Imitation kdrama poster

Imitation” kdrama is like taking a peek into the cutthroat world of the Korean entertainment world where agencies, talent, ambition, and sheer determination collide. This kdrama only has 12 episodes but it’s packed with a lot: what really goes on behind what we see on stage and everything else that we consume as fans, the sadness and sacrifices of trainees and idols alike, and the pressure and exhaustion they go through in the name of fame.

It’s not all seriousness and downsides, though. “Imitation” kdrama also depicts the passion and hard work these idols put in to pursue their dreams. Very inspiring! And because this is a kdrama, we also get romance and mystery, with a hint of comedy thrown in.

One of my favorite things about this kdrama is how they show the business aspect of the kpop scene. I truly am curious about that. If I were to work for the kpop industry, I’d love to be in a company’s creative department. (BRB. I’ll be off drafting some mock designs for a fictional kpop group’s album release or maybe an upcoming fan meeting.) Also, I’m very willing to be a road manager. 😎 SM Entertainment, hit me up. (I say SM Entertainment because I like EXO and Super Junior. 😁 I’d say JYP but GOT7 left them, so yeah.)

If you’re looking for a short kdrama binge-watch and you like kpop + romcom, why not give “Imitation” a try?

Rose cream tteokbokki: a party in your mouth

Wonderpokki Carbonara Rose Cream Tteokbokki
Carbonara Rosé Cream Tteokbokki Korean Flavor Rice Cake from Accessory Geeks

Imagine the perfect balance of spicy and creamy, with a hint of sweetness. It’s like a party in your mouth, and you’re invited!

I swung by our neighborhood’s Korean grocery store and grabbed some rose cream tteokbokki. I have tried the original, cheese, and onion butter ones, but it was my first time trying that flavor. Being a person who doesn’t tolerate spiciness well, I braced myself with a glass of milk. Was it spicy? Mildly so. Was it heavenly? Absolutely! I think this is my next favorite flavor after cheese. It was definitely worth a try, especially if you’re craving something different. Bonus points if you pair it with some gimmari and crispy fried chicken. Now that’s a combo made in foodie heaven! At least in my (sometimes odd) foodie book, anyway. 😄

Friendly tip: Accessory Geeks has them, in case you want to order online. I swear this flavor needs to be tried at least once.

Baekhyun and his “Delight” album is a solid mix of catchy tunes and soulful melodies

I’m drowning in heartbreak over missing Baekhyun’s Lonsdaleite concert. 😭 I spent the entire weekend wallowing in misery while listening to his second mini album, “Delight.”

Amidst the heartbreak, tears, beers, and candles, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the musical genius that is Baekhyun. From his soulful vocals to his mesmerizing stage presence, he never fails to captivate. “Delight” does not have a song to skip; each one is truly enjoyable. Whether you’re in the mood for a catchy pop tune or a heartfelt song, I swear Baekhyun delivers all the way, and then some more.

My personal favorites are “Ghost” and “R U Ridin?” His smooth vocals and catchy beats make it the perfect soundtrack for any mood. I’ve been playing it on repeat while working on my websites, newsletters, and blog posts. I usually steer clear from listening to songs whose lyrics distract me, but because the songs are in Korean and I haven’t fully learned their language yet, it’s been a blast having it on repeat during my creative hours. It’s been really fueling my creativity like no other. I think I found yet another muse.

The foodie and kdrama girl in me

I have this habit (quirk?) of taking food seriously when it’s time for some kdrama. Does anyone else do that?

Go Ara eating a sandwich gif

Picture this: cozying up in bed with a bowl of your favorite comfort food, ready to dive into a new kdrama adventure. Whether it’s a heart-fluttering romcom or a gripping thriller, the right food can make watching it 200% more enjoyable. It’s like adding tiny marshmallows and a sprinkle of white chocolate chips to an already delicious mint chocolate ice-cream — it makes everything better!

And that is the kind of magic I am talking about. It’s why my kdrama/food pairing is such a special moment for me. Honestly, I really pause and take the time to go through what kind of food I want and what kdrama I’m watching that night. Thank goodness for food-at-your-doorstep services, because I cannot cook for the life of me. 😆


And that’s it for my personalized whirlwind tour of all things kpop, kdrama, and delicious Korean food. I hope this post brought a smile to your face and maybe even inspired you to try tteokbokki or dive into a new drama or explore a new album from an artist who’s totally new to you. Until next time, happy watching, listening, and eating!

Stay curious, stay creative, and stay passionate! ✨

This week in photo:

Baekhyun meme with black hoodie and animal face painting

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