Anwaya Mane

I thrive on thinking, reading, writing, and pondering even more. As a voracious reader, dedicated writer, and passionate thinker, I delve into culture, pop culture, entertainment, society, and human stories. When I’m not immersed in these pursuits, I’m on the hunt for rare gems amid an ocean of possibilities.

Photo by DS stories on Pexels

Bylines & Beyond

Dojeon Media •

6 K-Drama Couples We All Shipped, But Never Got Their Happy Ending

K-dramas have a unique way of pulling fans into their world, making you care deeply about the characters, their friendships, families, and, above all, their love stories. As the romance unfolds on screen, fans don’t just watch; they feel it. They create fan edits, post emotional tributes on social media, and root passionately for their favorite couples to overcome every obstacle and find their happily ever after. But sometimes, despite all the chemistry and hope, the love story doesn’t go the wa...
Dojeon Media •

6 K-Drama Couples We Are Dying to See On Screen Together!

There are certain K-drama actors we've only seen together in fleeting moments, perhaps in a commercial, at an event, or simply standing side by side in a photo, and yet fans instantly recognize their potential to light up the screen. Whether it's a shared glance or natural charisma, the chemistry is undeniable. We round up 6 K-drama pairings who have worked together in advertisements, brand collaborations, or public appearances, but who have yet to star in a full-fledged drama together.K-drama’s...
Dojeon Media •

5 K-Drama Actors Who Have Excelled at Playing Similar Roles More Than Once

Some K-drama actors have mastered certain roles so perfectly that it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing them. There are times when an actor ends up portraying a similar type of character more than once—roles that become so iconic they shape the actor’s identity and career. Over time, these performances become a defining part of their filmography, with fans instantly associating them with that particular persona. We spotlight five actors who have consistently excelled at playing a similar role...
Dojeon Media •

The Ultimate List: 6 Lee Min Ho Dramas You Must Watch! [Birthday Special!]

Lee Min Ho is such a massive superstar that, more often than not, fans overlook the fact that he is, in fact, a good actor who has done some interesting work for over a decade. Some hits, some misses—but the fact remains that, in his own way, Lee Min Ho has always pushed the envelope. We list six Lee Min Ho dramas that define his inimitable legacy!When the Stars Gossip (2025)The official poster for When The Stars Gossip (Image via tvN).In this space-themed romantic comedy, Lee Min Ho takes on th...
Dojeon Media •

6 Overlooked K-Drama Rom-Coms That’ll Steal Your Heart!

K-drama rom-coms are more than just a genre — they’re a universe of their own. Fun, frothy, trope-filled, a little messy (in the best way), packed with sizzling chemistry, stunning visuals, and unforgettable scenes — they’ve carved out a unique space in pop culture. So iconic that “K-drama rom-com” is now recognized as its own sub-genre, impossible to replicate, and beloved for its distinct identity. The beauty of K-drama rom-coms is their universal appeal. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a cas...
KPOPWORLD •

Deep Cut Of The Week: ENHYPEN - “Too Close”

Image via HYBE.
Lately, ENHYPEN has been impressing me with their B-side tracks and singles, and their latest album, DESIRE: UNLEASH, features standout songs like “Loose” and “Helium.” However, “Too Close” rises above the rest, not only as the best B-side of DESIRE: UNLEASH, but also as one of their most compelling tracks in recent memory.
Produced by Rykeyz, “Too Close” opens with Heeseung’s velvety smooth vocals, seamlessly blending into a whimsical piano melody that perfectly complements his...
KPOPWORLD •

6 Idols who almost debuted in different groups

Gestalt Psychology famously states, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts", a principle that rings especially true in the world of K-pop. Unlike many Western bands, K-pop groups often feature large line-ups, sometimes comprising a dozen or more members. Take NCT, with its ever-expanding roster currently at 26, or Super Junior, which debuted with 12 members.
To fans, each member is irreplaceable. Every idol contributes something distinct—whether it's a unique voice, charismatic stage pr...
EUPHORIA. •

BIBI

BIBI is unlike any other artist in her space—a feminist whose ethos is reflected in the themes, beats, and sonic textures of her music. A true visionary, she seamlessly infuses cinematic magic into her albums, offering fans a kaleidoscopic experience with her sophomore release, EVE: ROMANCE. The album is a delicious concoction of romance, philosophy, noir, and both genre-defining and genre-defying sounds. Above all, BIBI is an artist for the ages—boldly pushing boundaries, defying expectations,...
KPOPWORLD •

USPEER's "Zoom": The New Face of Femininity in K-pop

There’s an interesting change happening in K-pop—a kind of reversal in the usual way groups present themselves. In the past, boy groups often showed strong, tough, or masculine images, while girl groups usually stuck to certain styles like “cute” (light and bubbly), “girl crush” (confident and edgy but still designed for male fans), or “alluring” (sexy or mysterious). These ideas have shaped how idols express themselves and have often limited their creative freedom. But now, things are starting...
KPOPWORLD •

6 Idols Who Publicly Support Queer Pride

South Korea remains a largely conservative society, and this extends to its stance on LGBTQ+ rights. The Korean entertainment industry, in particular, often reflects these societal norms. Known for marketing the "ultimate boyfriend" or "oppa" fantasy to a predominantly female fan base, male idols frequently maintain personas that align with this image. As a result, queer representation has often been limited, underrepresented, or even mocked—frequently reduced to harmful stereotypes.
However, th...
EUPHORIA. •

ITZY

Few K-pop girl groups that debuted in 2019 have weathered the test of time, the global pandemic, and the constantly shifting K-pop landscape with the same grit, guts, and grace as ITZY. Since their debut, the powerhouse quintet has consistently pushed boundaries, and today, on June 9, they mark yet another milestone with the release of their tenth EP, Girls Will Be Girls.This five-track project boldly reclaims and redefines the often-misused phrase “Boys Will Be Boys,” flipping it on its head to...
Dojeon Media •

7 K-Dramas Endorsed by BTS That Will Hook You Instantly!

It’s officially June — and for BTS fans, that means one thing: it’s BTS Month! This year is especially meaningful, as the remaining members are returning from their mandatory military service, paving the way for a long-awaited reunion as a full group. On June 13, BTS will also be celebrating their 12th debut anniversary — a huge milestone that has ARMYs around the world buzzing with excitement. While we look forward to new music, group activities, and promotions, here’s something to enjoy in the...
KPOPWORLD •

This Week in K-pop Stages: SEVENTEEN, KickFlip, Dreamcatcher’s UAU and KIIRAS shine

This week on the K-pop stage, the platform became a true equaliser. While seasoned veterans like SEVENTEEN are celebrating their 10th debut anniversary with their album HAPPY BURSTDAY and the thunderous title track "THUNDER," new girl groups like KIIRAS, who debuted just this May 29, are stepping into the spotlight for the first time. Whether you’re an established powerhouse like SEVENTEEN or Dreamcatcher, or a fresh rookie group like KIIRAS and KickFlip, the stage is the great leveller—where ev...
KPOPWORLD •

7 Tracks That Define BTS: A Listening Map

Image from HYBE
Few K-pop groups boast a musical legacy as defined, diverse, and artistically rich as BTS.
This June, the global superstars are set to reunite as a full team following the completion of all remaining military service. The month also marks “BTS Month,” celebrating their debut on June 13, 2013, with 2 Cool 4 Skool and its lead single “No More Dream.”
Since then, BTS has consistently tackled themes that mirror their personal and generational experiences. Their early School trilogy c...
Dojeon Media •

6 Male-Driven K-Dramas Deserve a Spot on Your Watchlist!

Many men often argue that K-dramas revolve too much around love and romance, leaving little room for male-centric narratives. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. While it's true that K-dramas have traditionally highlighted women's stories—featuring brilliant, well-rounded female leads—there has been a noticeable shift over the years. A growing number of K-dramas now spotlight compelling stories driven by all-male casts, often with minimal or no romantic subplots. These dramas explore th...
KPOPWORLD •

Odyssey by RIIZE: A coming-of-age soundtrack of boyhood, dreams, and growth

Image via SM Entertainment
Odyssey wasn’t just an ordinary comeback for RIIZE—it was a powerful statement of strength, perseverance, and self-discovery. It marked their determination to chart their own path, shedding past struggles like thorns and lighting the way forward. The album embodies the realisation of their true potential, the power of their music, and rising to the occasion, rising like a phoenix.
Despite being SM Entertainment’s nearly two-year-old boy group, RIIZE has faced significa...
KPOPWORLD •

The B-Side as Blueprint: 7 Tracks That Outshined the Singles

K-pop fans would agree that while title tracks are the adrenaline of any album, B-sides are its very soul. B-sides, often overlooked by casual listeners, carry just as much weight and frequently convey the deeper meaning and messaging of the album. They bring a sense of cohesion and charm, tying the project together as a whole. While title tracks serve as the face of the album, offering a bold introduction and often giving the album its name, it’s the B-sides that reveal the heart beneath the su...
KPOPWORLD •

"GROSS": HITGS Channels Gen-Z Chaos Into a Soundtrack of the Moment

Image via H Music Entertainment
HITGS, the rising five-member girl group made up of VV, Seojin, Seohee, Hyerin, and Iyoo, returns with what can best be described as “Gen-Z chaos turned into a soundtrack of the moment” — "GROSS", their first digital single since debuting in April with Things We Love: H and the fizzy, frothy title track “SOURPATCH.”
With GROSS, HITGS fully leans into a Gen-Z–palatable moodboard, crafting a hyper-feminine, frisky pop sound that nods to girl groups like Girls’ Gener...
KPOPWORLD •

This Week in K-pop Stages: RIIZE, Baekhyun of EXO, i-dle and X: IN shine

This week on K-pop stages, Gen 3 and Gen 4 idols stood side by side—not just to return, but to reclaim. Veteran acts brought poise, polish, and a hard-won sense of purpose. Younger artists met them with urgency, hunger, and the need to prove they belong. Their styles may differ, but the mission was the same: to rise above past setbacks and deliver performances that leave a mark.
Stage Of The Week: RIIZE - “Fly Up” (Music Bank, May 23)
Few acts embody resilience quite like RIIZE. With the release...
Dojeon Media •

6 K-Dramas That Will Feed Your Soul and Your Screen

K-dramas and food share a beautifully symbiotic relationship—one that fans know and love. From sizzling street snacks to cozy home-cooked meals, Korean dramas are packed with mouthwatering moments that make you wish you could reach through the screen and grab a crispy cheese corn dog or a steaming bowl of ramyeon. But in many food-centric K-dramas, the dishes do more than just tempt your taste buds—they bring people together. Whether it’s helping two strangers fall in love, rekindling the flame...
KPOPWORLD •

This Week in K-pop Stages: RIIZE, Baekhyun of EXO, i-dle and X: IN shine

This week on K-pop stages, Gen 3 and Gen 4 idols stood side by side—not just to return, but to reclaim. Veteran acts brought poise, polish, and a hard-won sense of purpose. Younger artists met them with urgency, hunger, and the need to prove they belong. Their styles may differ, but the mission was the same: to rise above past setbacks and deliver performances that leave a mark.
Stage Of The Week: RIIZE - “Fly Up” (Music Bank, May 23)
Few acts embody resilience quite like RIIZE. With the release...
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Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels

B-Sides & Bylines

EUPHORIA. •

Hazlett

There are very few artists whose journeys are as fascinating and fulfilling as that of Hazlett. The Sweden-based, Australian-born singer-songwriter is shaped by his life experiences, the cultures of the places he has lived in, the music he has consumed, and the songs he now composes and performs for his fans. The rising artist is set to release his forthcoming album, Last Night You Said You Missed Me, on September 12 — a continuation of the raw, evocative, and immersive soundscape he introduced...
EUPHORIA. •

Daniel Caesar - Call On Me

Usually, when an artist experiments with their music, straying away from their signature style, and abandoning what comes naturally, either for a more crowd-pleasing sound or something niche and adventurous, disastrous, or groundbreaking, with little in between.Daniel Caesar comes across as self-aware, assured, and confident in both his talent and the direction of his music. His new song “Call On Me,” the second track from his forthcoming album Son Of Spergy, was released on August 22.Produced b...
Dojeon Media •

6 Contract Marriage K-Dramas That Will Hit You Right in the Feels!

In recent years, contract dating and contract marriage K-dramas have made a major comeback—and we couldn’t be happier. This is easily one of our favorite romance tropes, and for good reason. It has everything: leads thrown together unwillingly, a relationship bound by a deal or marriage contract, and that irresistible undercurrent of tension. As they navigate their new dynamic, love begins to blossom—hesitant at first, then undeniable—until it bursts into a big, dramatic confession.The beauty of...
Dojeon Media •

6 Enemies-to-Lovers K-Dramas That Turned Rivalry Into Romance

What’s a K-drama without a dash of enmity, a clash of ideas and ideals, a fiery war of words, endless bickering, and of course—the ultimate “we can’t stand each other, but secretly we’re obsessed” tension? Over the years, Korea has blessed us with some of the most iconic enemies-to-lovers stories, complete with gorgeous leads who collide under unusual circumstances. Their eyes lock, sparks fly, hearts flutter, and an electrifying chemistry ignites—all while they pretend to despise each other. He...
Dojeon Media •

6 Fictional K-Drama Men Who Set the Bar Way Too High

K-drama green flag men have set the bar so high that dating apps now feel hopeless. These fictional guys are kind, respectful, and deeply love their partners. They treat them like queens, all while being incredibly handsome—with perfect skin, sharp features, and irresistible charm. Most importantly, they feel completely out of reach. They’re like dream men from a romance novel—imagine someone with Chuck Bass looks and golden retriever energy, ready to cross oceans for love. Here are six K-drama...
Dojeon Media •

6 K-Drama Male Leads Who Are Walking Red Flags (But We’re Still Obsessed)

K-dramas are famous for their nice, well-mannered, gentlemanly, and progressive male leads — the ultimate green-flag men. But real K-drama fans know this is a fairly recent trend. Until about a decade ago, leading men were… well, a different breed. They were possessive, controlling, and jealous. They’d grab the heroine by the shoulders, corner her against a wall, yell about how madly in love they were, confess their envy of the sweet second male lead (who adored the heroine unconditionally, but...
Dojeon Media •

5 K-Dramas & Films Quietly Released on Netflix Recently That You Must Watch!

Around the time of the release of Netflix's biggest show, Squid Game 3, and the surprise animation movie hit, Kpop Demon Hunters, Netflix quietly dropped some of the best Korean content from its roster. These films and dramas are not only a testament to South Korea's brilliant technical prowess, incredible storytelling and talent, waiting to explode globally. These films and series were released with little to no promotion and fanfare, relying solely on the script and piggybacking on the talent...
Provo Music Magazine •

Album Review: Blue by Poolhouse - Provo Music Magazine

By Anwaya Mane

“Why should people listen to us? Why not? It’s the best music on the planet,” Poolhouse confidently announced in an interview with Provo Music Magazine almost three years ago. What began as a quarantine-conceived project has since evolved into a more seasoned, self-assured act, now matching the confidence and superstar aura the band always projected.

Poolhouse, then consisting of Jake Buckner (lead vocals, guitar), Jonny Steed (lead guitar), and Lucas Olivier (bass), made wa...
Dojeon Media •

Rainy Day Bliss: 6 K-Dramas That Are Perfect During the Monsoon Season!

Summer is behind us, and it’s official - the monsoon season is here. That means piping hot tea, slurpy bowls of soupy ramyeon, rolled-down windows, and the comfort of curling up under a blanket with a good K-drama. Rain, in its poetic sense, has always been romantic - the soft drizzle, the sharing of a single umbrella, shielding your loved one with just your palms, or simply surrendering to the moment and letting the rain soak into your very soul.Metaphorically, rain is renewal. It washes away p...
Dojeon Media •

6 Best K-Pop Songs to End a Concert on a High Note

Concert endings are that bittersweet moment when you aren't sure if you should be delirious with joy because you are happy you made it to your dream concert, or cry your eyes out because it is over. Our favorite K-pop groups have cracked the code to get their devoted fanbases doing both by introducing some of the best songs from their discography, last, the K-pop concert ending songs. K-pop concert ending songs are usually an encore version of fan-favorite songs meant to make everyone cry tears...
EUPHORIA. •

Lauv - Combust

Some artists are the genre itself; one hears their name and knows just how the song will flow, and Lauv is one such name who carries his entire discography in his name. “Combust” by Lauv is a standalone single produced by him and Federico Vindver. According to Lauv’s own admission via his official Instagram, he wanted to write “Combust” at a very young age, perhaps when he was just a rookie singer and faced a lot of trouble writing this because he was “scared I won’t get it right”.“Combust,” tho...
Dojeon Media •

The Ultimate “Kpop Demon Hunters” Vibe: 7 Songs That Match the Film’s Energy

While everyone was waiting with bated breath for the final season of Squid Game, eager to see how Seong Gi-hun would turn the system on its head, bulldoze the deadly arena, and put an end to the twisted games, Kpop Demon Hunters, a quirky, romantic-fantasy animated musical with a dash of action, took everyone by surprise. The film quickly soared to the top of Netflix’s global rankings and earned rave reviews from both critics and fans around the world. Kpop Demon Hunters tells the story of two r...
EUPHORIA. •

Craig David & JoJo – In It With You

Initially, I was wary. As exciting as it sounded, a Craig David and JoJo collaboration risked feeling like nostalgia bait, crafted solely to please longtime fans. But “In It With You” doesn’t fall into that trap. Instead, it rekindles the magic of early 2000s R&B in a way that feels effortless, less like a commercial pairing and more like a musical homecoming that was destined to happen.Back in May, David opened up about working alongside JoJo for the track with EUPHORIA.“There was a rapport the...
Dojeon Media •

10 Korean Actors Who Shot to Fame After One Breakout Role

The K-entertainment industry, like any other entertainment field, is tough and unforgiving. Actors often spend years working tirelessly to maintain a decent lifestyle and secure a steady income, without any guarantee of when the next role will come or where the next paycheck will come from. Many hold out hope for that one transformative role—the breakout performance that can change everything. It’s the role that can catapult a career, bring widespread recognition, and build a dedicated fan base....
Dojeon Media •

"Squid Game": 6 Character Deaths That Shattered Viewers, Ranked!

Netflix’s most celebrated drama, Squid Game, concluded on June 27, bringing an end to a phenomenon that first captivated viewers in September 2021. Upon its debut, Squid Game ranked number one in all 93 countries where Netflix is available—a testament to its global popularity. Fans were enthralled by its twists and turns, passionately discussing theories for future seasons, flaunting merchandise, and even reenacting the games from the series. Squid Game was more than just a show; it became a cul...
Dojeon Media •

6 Comedic Yet Serious K-Drama Villains We Can’t Get Enough Of!

If K-drama leads are the heart and soul of the story, then villains are its backbone, because what’s a K-drama without some serious competition? Among them, some villains perfectly balance comedy and menace, effortlessly walking the tightrope between humor and threat. These iconic antagonists are unpredictable, keeping us guessing their next move at every turn. Here, we highlight 6 comedic yet serious K-drama villains we just can’t get enough of!Who would’ve thought that a sweet-looking doll wit...
EUPHORIA. •

Alison Goldfrapp – Hey Hi Hello

With “Hey Hi Hello,” Alison Goldfrapp released the fourth single from her upcoming sophomore album, Flux, set to be released on August 15 under her own music label, AG Records. The title itself is unassuming and naturally invokes intrigue and curiosity. In Alison Goldfrapp’s own words, “I think it has a Euro kind of sound to it. A simplicity, too. I like that it’s melodic, up and at the same time a little melancholic.”“Hey Hi Hello” is an amalgamation of melodic dreams, coloured with ethereality...
Dojeon Media •

6 K-Drama Villains Who Were Too Good at Being Bad

K-drama villains are a different ballgame altogether. While K-drama leads often operate within the confines of clearly defined moral boundaries—heroes as lovers, saviors, protectors, and caretakers—villains are afforded far greater freedom. They are not bound by morality; they can be anyone or anything: demi-gods or devils, petty crooks or cold-blooded assassins. K-drama antagonists play by their own rules, existing beyond concepts of right or wrong, in a league of their own. Over the years, the...
EUPHORIA. •

Jessi Exclusive Interview

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. His hands can’t hit what his eyes can’t see.” Legendary boxer Muhammad Ali’s iconic words resonate deeply with Jessi. The firebrand artist has carved out an extraordinary career in the Korean hip-hop scene, delivering hit after hit and establishing a legacy defined by boldness and authenticity. Yet, her journey has not been without its share of heartbreaks, setbacks, and controversies. Through it all, Jessi has reclaimed her crown time and again, with h...
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels

Beyond the Fold