Worth the wait?

 https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5963752/?ref_=mv_close

I need to sing up for another channel soon. 

Happy Mother's Day 2025

 https://www.fuse.tv/shows/the-ride-life/gpVvQ2lxrsKm

Watching Episode 3 of The Ride Life, which was shot in Korea, I was surprised by a new fact Sung shared about himself. What caught my eye first, however, was him driving a very cool Hyundai IONIQ 5N. It reminded me that my husband and I had looked into getting the regular IONIQ 5 (not the performance N model), but we ended up with a VW ID.4 because our local Hyundai dealer wasn't certified for EVs yet. My husband had mentioned that classic cars are becoming a trend for wealthy Koreans, and Sung actually brought this up on the show as well. We were both unaware of Korea's growing passion for automobiles, much like Japan, which seems to be driven by their increased wealth allowing them to buy and restore interesting cars.

While I hate to spoil the show, I need to share my reflection on Sung's revelations about his family life. As a lifelong fan, I thought I knew his background, but I was surprised to learn Korea is his birth country. It's easy to forget that in the early 1970s, without the internet, maintaining ties to one's birth country and culture was incredibly challenging. Even for me, arriving in the US in the early 90s, a simple phone call across the Pacific could cost a week's allowance. It was around this time that Sung's mother moved back to Korea.

The mother-son dynamic is something I can only guess at. It's fascinating that my husband has shared such similar stories about his mom. Maybe I'm drawn to those who, like Sung, had a different kind of maternal relationship.

Ultimately, I doubt there's a single "correct" way for a mother and son to relate, though we see examples of both healthy and unhealthy dynamics. My own experience is quite different; I left home at twenty and have lived overseas ever since. Though my visits home are annual, and my parents' visits are less frequent (around every five years), and while I don't call often, sometimes going months without speaking, I've never felt truly disconnected from my family. Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe this makes me empathetic to those who feel a sense of longing.

Sung Kang's New Show: More Than Just Cars, It's About Connection

 https://www.fuse.tv/v/uk/1ef7c0f4d32d2d999788b9aab00e25df

I'm absolutely hooked on Sung Kang's new show! I've been waiting for something like this, and it's already exceeding my expectations. I remember Sung mentioning this concept – a series that dives deep into the car cultures thriving in different countries, connecting the dots between people and their passion for mobility. We've seen countless food-focused travel shows, but this angle, exploring culture through the lens of automobiles, feels genuinely fresh and insightful.

And here's the real kicker: while the cars are undeniably a visual feast, the heart of this show is the people. Sung is the perfect guide, seamlessly navigating diverse communities and finding common ground through their shared love of cars. He's not just showing us the vehicles; he's revealing the stories behind them, the lives they've impacted, and the unique cultural landscapes they inhabit.

This show resonates with me on a personal level. Mobility is fundamental to our growth, our independence, and our connection to the world around us. I vividly recall my own "first car" moment. As a struggling college student in rural Kansas, lacking transportation was a constant struggle. Even simple errands became logistical nightmares. That experience underscored the profound impact a vehicle can have on someone's life.

While not everyone has had the chance to drive, the car serves as a surprisingly universal language. In a world where we often focus on our differences, this show highlights a powerful commonality that transcends borders and cultures. We may disagree on a multitude of issues, but the shared experience of driving, or simply appreciating the beauty and functionality of a car, can bridge divides.

Think about it: I've been driving since I was 18, and each car I've owned carries a unique story. Imagine the wealth of experiences waiting to be uncovered from people across the globe, individuals who might otherwise seem vastly different from ourselves. Learning about their car stories, their personal connections to their vehicles, is a fascinating way to understand their lives and cultures.

This show is a testament to the power of shared passion. It reminds us that even amidst our differences, we can find common ground and celebrate the things that unite us. And, dare I say, this might just be the best spin-off of the "Fast & Furious" universe yet, because it goes beyond the spectacle and focuses on the human stories that truly matter. If you haven't already, tune in and prepare to be captivated!

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Praying for everyone affected by LA fire

I don't know where precisely Sung's house is located, but according to some photos and videos posted by him earlier on SNS, it looks similar to the area impacted by LA fire in the news. I'm praying for him and his family's safety. Hope all his belongings are safe especially his dogs. 

Sung is in Japan now!

 Looks like Sung is in Japan now getting ready for Fuelfest. Excellent? I wish I were there. 
Below is not about Fuelfest, but it's been really nice to see him being so active. 

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"Weekend in Taipei," now on movie theaters!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28142896/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28142896/mediaviewer/rm3245894401/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

I found my local movie theater features "Weekend in Taipei" this week! Hope everyone enjoys this movie.

https://www.facebook.com/weekendintaipei.movie/

https://movieweb.com/weekend-in-taipei/

My collections

 

Sung used to run a Japanese restaurant called "Saketini" until around 2012. I've been there. Sung wasn't there back then, but I was very happy to be there and had a lunch. $17.00 for bento box. Of course, I put tip though I don't remember how much. But I normally leave at least 15%.  

I kept this receipt as an evidence that I did make it to the restaurant before they close. I found this when I was rearranging my collection of Sung-related item because I had to figure out where I put my latest one. 

Check this out! A poster of "Weekend in Taipei." How did I get this? Sung just gave it to me! Look at this bright dark pink background! It is a perfect match for my pink wall of my office. 

I noticed that Sung tends to write "Thank you for years of your support." But he wrote that about 10 years ago. And it's been 18 years since I first saw him in person. So, he can start writing like "Thank you for decades of your support." I know, I'm demanding too much here. I just wanted to share there are something hardly changing. One of them is my loyalty to Sung. 

Let me also share what AI said when I asked "explain loyalty in terms of how one can be a good fan of a given actor."

Being a loyal fan of an actor involves a deep appreciation for their work and a desire to support their career. Here are some ways to demonstrate loyalty as a fan:

• Watch and support their projects: This includes watching their movies, TV shows, and other performances. You can also support their projects by buying tickets, streaming their work, or purchasing merchandise.
• Engage with their work: Share your thoughts and opinions on their work through social media, online forums, or by attending fan events.
• Spread positive word-of-mouth: Recommend their work to friends and family, and share positive reviews online.
• Respect their privacy: While it's natural to be curious about their personal life, it's important to respect their boundaries and privacy.
• Be a positive and respectful fan: Avoid harassing the actor or other fans, and participate in online communities in a positive and constructive way.

By following these guidelines, you can be a supportive and loyal fan of your favorite actor while also respecting their boundaries and privacy.

--- end of quote ---

Hope I'm on the right track.

Sung and I in Hollywood

 

You won't believe what just happened to me last Monday. Total happiness! 

Sung has been an amazing actor and an excellent person. Everyone knows how much Sung means to the world. And I am just a fan, mediocre, nobody. Just an Asian female, first-generation Japanese American with no significant feature. The only thing in common between Sung and I are that we were born in 1972. 

But guess what? My persistence and craziness paid off. He remembers not only my name, but also where I live. When he found me in Hollywood, he said, "Mari, you came all the way from DC?" 

Of course! I will grab every opportunity to see him in person. This time, I happened to have had Monday off planned somehow without any clear reason. So, all I needed to do was requesting one more day off from my new manager and book my round trip to LAX. Easy! 5 hours flight? Nothing. I'm used to my 14 hours flight to Japan anyway. 

It's been 2.5 years since I last saw him in person in Tampa. So, it hasn't been too long compared to the previous interval I had. 

There are many other things I want to talk about. But let me stop here for today before I started bragging too much more. 

Postponed?

I didn't see much info about Fuel Fest 2024 Japan that was originally scheduled for August 31st and I knew about Typhoon hit. Then, I didn't have time to figure out what happened until now:

https://www.instagram.com/fuelfestjapan/p/C_uIR5Gy3kj/

Sounds like Sung is not confirmed to be in Japan. I know he is a buy man and can't promise anything until about a month before the date. Or he may be totally booked for November/December? Either way, I wish I can find another opportunity to meet up Sung in person soon. Well, that does not mean I have a plan to go to Japan this year. But you never know.

Out of blue, my husband suddenly talked about Sung yesterday to tell me how he admires Sung and how average Japanese or Korean people wouldn't understand the importance of "Han" from FF series. People from Asia already had pretty good entertainment options and "stars". But that is not same as an Asian man getting featured in a big film like FF series. It's been a while since we first saw "Han" on the big screen. After that, he came back again and again though he also died again and again. But we are so happy that he is still alive! I still have T-shirt featuring "Han Lives". Indeed! I'm so glad I was so ahead of everyone predicting that Han revives. Well, I know I'm not the only one who knows how cool Sung is. But I just wanted to say once again that we appreciate Sung for all he does! And I am still eagerly waiting for my next chance to see him in person! 

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Looking so promising!!

How did I miss this coming? Sung looks super hot here! I saw him traveling Asia earlier this year, but didn't know that he has been actually on set. Can't wait for the release date! 

Then, I realized there are 3 more works listed in his IMDB profile. I'd better become his digital stalker once again.  :)