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- Written by Lydia Crates
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When you think of Gangnam Style you think of fun, partying and that horse dance BUT the meaning behind Psy's smash hit is much more political.
With over 4 billion views on Youtube, Gangnam Style exploded across the globe and saw millions of people doing the comedic-cowboy dance in unison, but it's not just a song with a killer music video and catchy hook. If we dig deep enough, there might be a subtle message about wealth, class, and value in South Korean society.
Park Jaesang - who you might know as the mastermind behind this earworm, Psy - is a bit of a rebel.
He's been busted for doing marijuana, evaded joining Korea's mandatory military service, was fined after his debut album included 'inappopriate content', and as for his second album? Well that got completely banned!
It makes complete sense then that this man could release a deep social criticism as a pop song veiled in fun and frivolity.
The titular Gangnam is actually a place, located in the trendy part of South Korea's capitol, Seoul.
In the music video you see Psy gallivanting all over the neighbourhood, being materialistic and wildly ostentatious. This is a stab at the $84 billion wealth of Gangnam and a crack at the reality that many Koreans spend lots of money just to look wealthy. It might seem subtle and non-offensive, but we are talking about Korea, and these nuances can actually be big statements.
You see, Psy observes that human society is hollow and somewhat pathetic, a feeling he admitted to in a making-of Gangnam Style special:
“Human society is so hollow, and even while filming I felt pathetic.”
Adrian Hong, observer and consultant on Korean-American culture, analysed the song and found a similar subtext.
“Koreans have been kind of caught up in this spending to look wealthy, and Gangnam has really been the leading edge of that. I think a lot of what [PSY] is pointing out is how silly that is. The whole video is about him thinking he’s a hotshot but then realizing he’s just, you know, at a children’s playground, or thinking he’s playing polo or something and realizes he’s on a merry-go-round.”
The confetti, red carpet and endless nightclubs are Psy's way of emphasising the ridiculousness of the materialism and mocking his peers who conform to the pretentious rules of Gangnam.
Image Credit: officialpsy / Youtube
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- Written by Daniel O'Carroll
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Does anybody know anyone that has actually done the "Rubber Duckie" cake?
You know, the famous mix of sweet and savoury from the ever-popular "Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cakes" book.
This one, (yes we had one handy that we could take a photo of, doesn't everyone?)
The book featured this incredible display on pages 38 and 39. A butter cake with fluffy frosting, apricot food colouring, popcorn and a couple of crinkle cut potato chips (crisps) that made up the ducks bill.
On paper it looks easy, in reality, it should only be attempted by a truly dedicated parent.
The big question of who has ever done it came about this week after comedian Rove McManus criticised the recipe on his Facebook page.
Rove said in his post:
"Did anyone ever honestly choose the rubber duck from the old school Birthday Cake Book? Honestly? I can’t imagine anyone wanting to celebrate their birthday with this abomination of sweet and savoury: “Yum. The creamy icing really brings out the flavour of these salty potato chips! Best party ever!"
He's not wrong, we've often asked that ourselves when flicking through the book, but fans were quick to point out that the cake was recreated in an episode of Bluey and has since been asked for by children across the globe proving once again the power of the popular children's television show.
In the episode "Duck Cake", Bandit sets out to make the famous cake for Bingos Birthday.
You can download the Bluey version of the cake at the official website here
Rove later admitted in a new post that he was "inundated" with pictures of people who have recently made the cake.
So it could be time for the Rubber Ducky cake to make it into the McManus kitchen.
Come on Rove, we want to see a video of you making it! We think you would nail it.
Over the years we've had so many cakes from that famous cake book why not add this now-famous delight to the menu?
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- Written by Lydia Crates
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Oli London spent $250K on reconstructive facial surgeries in an attempt to look like Park Jimin from Korean boy band BTS.
British influencer, Oli London - who recently revealed they identify as non-binary - is copping a lot of backlash after undergoing 18 extensive facial procedures to look more Korean.
My TRANSition story & how I became KOREAN🇰🇷 https://t.co/8QSPTDOVgY 💙💜💛💚🖤🧡 #olilondon pic.twitter.com/KwBrUO2GcS
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) June 26, 2021
London has defended their 'racial transitional surgeries' on his socials, explaining that they identify as Korean.
"I identify with the Korean community, maybe they will accept me more now because I have 'the look.' Maybe people will think I'm actually Korean, which will make me really happy. They can see how much I love their culture. This is the extreme length that I have gone to because I love Korea so much."
The 31 year-old social media star allegedly underwent a facelift, brow lift, temple lift, eye surgery and a teeth procedure in an attempt to 'transition' into their idol Park Jimin, known best for being a member of internationally renowned boy band BTS.
"Jimin is my ultimate idol and I want him to be proud. I'm sure he'll be proud that I look exactly like him now. I have his eyes. I finally have Jimin's Korean eyes and they're so, so beautiful. I'm so, so happy with my new look and I can't wait to see the final results when all the swelling goes down."
Oli London explained to their Youtube followers, "I don't feel I identify as male or female. I just feel like I'm just in the middle and my pronouns are they/them, Korean/Jimin."
"I know a lot of people don't understand me, but I do identify as Korean, and I do look Korean now. I do feel Korean," London continued. "I don't identify as British, so please don't... refer to me as British, because I identify as Korean."
"I know it's a little bit confusing for some people. Nobody's ever come out as Jimin or Korean, but this is something that you guys know if you've followed my journey for the last eight years."
As expected, the social sphere has erupted with criticism with many accusing the influencer of radical cultural appropriation.
There's a difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreaciation. I respect you being non-binary and using they/them pronouns but it is NOT olay to identify as another race. I know a lot of white people trying to identify as being black but in the end, they are +
— C.Storm °¬° BUTTER💛 (@Js_Tailor) June 29, 2021
Funny u should say that, bc I went to the zoo the other day now I'm a koala
— 🕊 (@fruityymieaa) June 27, 2021
I'm all for people making themselves comfortable in their own skin, but this is too far pic.twitter.com/Y28MkVuKVd
— Better Than Bigots (@ThatDamNic) June 28, 2021
as a Korean nonbinary person, I haven’t really talked about the Oli London thing. But, the fact that they are acting like it’s genuine and that it’s part of a “journey” due to a “identity issues” really irks me. It’s a mockery of trans people, it’s cultural appropriation. +
— 아빠 ☽☾ shiny era (@harbingerslut) June 28, 2021
Check out the full video of Oli London's reveal vlog below.
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- Written by Daniel O'Carroll
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Disability support worker and NBL1 player Marley Biyendolo was last night crowned the winner of Big Brother 2021, defeating fellow finalists Christina Podolyan and Sarah Jane “SJ” Adams in a hotly contested public vote.
The 26-year-old from Melbourne, who prided himself on playing an honourable game, walks away with $250,000 and the ultimate reality television title.
After the announcement, an emotional Marley paid tribute to his late mother Victoria, who passed away from cancer four years ago.
(img: Big Brother Winner 2021 Marey Biyendolo)
“I wanted to play a truthful and honest game and show everyone in the outside world that doing these things can allow you to succeed in life,” said Marley. “I’m so proud of the game I played, and I know my mum’s proud of it.”
Marley was joined onstage by his father Clotaire and brother Dieuson at last night’s live Grand Final in Sydney, which was hosted by Sonia Kruger.
When asked what he’ll do with the prize money, Marley said: “I’m going to take care of dad, whatever he needs, whatever he wants, and set him up for the rest of his life.”
Runners-up Christina and SJ were also joined by their loved ones at the live event, which saw this year’s 26 housemates reunited on stage, and virtually, for the first time since leaving the house, including fan favourites Tilly, Daniel, Mary, Nick, Mel, Carlos and final evictee Ari.
Marley, Christina and SJ survived 63 days in Big Brother’s game, evicting 23 housemates before them to become the final three left standing.
Throughout the season, Marley won three individual and four group challenges, scoring a bonus $10,000 cash prize when he took out the reward challenge in week eight. He was nominated five times for eviction.
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