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Pre-reading questions:
- What is your favorite music genre? Why?
- What do you know about K-pop?
Vocabulary:
- mass media /mas-MEE-dee-uh/
- avant-garde /uh-vahnt-GAHRD/
- magnate /MAG-neyt/
- industry /IN-duh-stree/
- potential /puh-TEN-shuhl/
[noun] – newspapers, television, radio, and the internet
The crime received heavy coverage in the mass media.
[noun] – the painters, writers, musicians, and other artists whose ideas, styles, and methods are very original or modern in comparison to the period in which they live, or the work of these artists
Diamanda Galas is an avant-garde vocalist based in New York.
[noun] – a person who is very rich and successful in business or industry
Shaun’s family was a famous petroleum magnate in Texas.
[noun] – the companies and activities involved in the process of producing goods for sale, especially in a factory or special area
The country’s foods manufacturing industry is dominated by eight multinational companies.
[adjective] – possible when the necessary conditions exist
Newsletters are issued to potential clients.
Article reading:
Obst is the avant-garde behind impressive films such as the 1993 hit romantic comedy “Sleepless in Seattle,” 1994 Western adventure “Bad Girls,” 2003 romantic comedy “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and 2014 epic science fiction “Interstellar.” Meanwhile, “Parasite” producer Miky Lee, one of the most respected entertainment magnates in South Korea, also joined Obst. As the vice-chairman of CJ Group and head of CJ E&M, Lee has supported this remarkable project in the Korean film industry. Based on reports, the upcoming K-pop movie will include top K-pop stars and other potential talents.
“After ‘Parasite’ won four Academy Awards, interest in Korean creators is increasing. “We decided to match it with K-pop, which is popular worldwide, and start this project to assist Korean creators to enter the overseas market and also to promote K-pop and Korean culture further,” said CJ E&M. “We expect to see a fresh film about K-pop and Hallyu content that also reflects the trend of multiculturalism.” “Tidal Wave” and “Ode to my Father” director Yoon Je-Kyun is also set to direct the said film. Yoon plans to feature both Korean and Hollywood stars to attract global audiences.
Comprehension questions
- What was the South Korean mass media company mentioned in the article?
- Which Hollywood producer will work on the K-pop film?
- What is the working title of the K-pop film, according to the article?
- What is the inspiration for the K-pop movie, according to the mass media company?
- Who will direct the said K-pop film?
Discussion questions
- Which famous K-pop groups do you know?
- Do you know someone who likes K-pop? Please share something about him/her.
- Which K-pop group would you like to meet someday? Why?
- Should more K-pop groups release English songs similar to what the boy group BTS is doing right now?
- In your opinion, what makes K-pop groups popular to global audiences?