#AtoZChallenge Theme Reveal: Hallyu

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I had participated in the #AToZChallenge in 2015. I had blogged about 26 fictional characters I loved. They were my favorite ones whom I adored in movies, drama series, and novels. In 2016 things became too hectic for me and I couldn’t participate. But I did miss so much fun. I tried to compensate the experience by participating in the UltimateBloggingChallenge in October 2016. But there’s nothing like blogging with a theme and that too alphabetically. Now until today morning, after trying to come up with a theme, trying to plan a bit for April, I had almost given up on this happening event for the year 2017. I had almost decided not to take part. But, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and here I am jotting up words, making out sentences for the April AToZChallenge Theme Reveal post.

Anyone who has been following my posts here must be aware what a huge self-professed fan I am of Korean Drama Series. I have done a couple of blog posts here at Magic Moments and also made a few guest posts at A Potpourri Of Vestiges (Scarlet Heart) on some awesome drama series. The Hallyu or the Korean culture wave is nothing new for most people- but I want to show you that world through my eyes, as I see it. I want to open that immeasurable window of imagination, experience, and emotion to the people unacquainted with Korean sitcoms. From stories of the mythical nine-tailed fox to mature coming-of-age tales; from ballads of love and longing to deep psychological mind games- Korean storytelling is way ahead of stereotypes and monotonous repetitions.  It can be addicting, overwhelming, hilarious, elevating, and sentimental; just like coffee and chocolate. I can’t find a better analogy right now. The entertainment industry in South Korea is huge, and the pop culture is no joke. It has been spreading wings worldwide since the early 1990s. I won’t be speaking of anything political, or anything about the cosmetic industry. My posts in April would be mostly of and about stories- learnings and life lessons from them. 


Stay tuned. We would be entering a new world of characters and stories beyond the border. Hope you join me in the fun. 


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Queeristan by Parmesh Sahani

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  Queeristan (Amazon Link) Thanks to Audible Free Trial I listened to this amazing non-fiction on LGBTQ inclusion in Indian workplaces. Author Parmesh Sahani identifies as gay Indian, working closely with Godrej higher management and employees for years to create an inclusive workplace, both legally and in spirit. This book is a result of those years of experience, research, collaboration with individuals from difference spectrum of the society and organizations who has successfully transitioned into a queer friendly one.   Indian history is inclusive. From the Khajuraho temple architectures, to Konark to the Rig Veda, there is existing proofs even 2000 years ago of Indian inclusiveness of queer. It’s the draconian British law that criminalised it, which was scraped in 2009, came into effect once again following a sad judgement in 2013 and eventually was scraped off for good in 2018. I am in awe of the lawyers who fought this legal battle- colleagues and partners – Arundhati Katju
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