It's been a while since we've done a "hot or not". Let's take a look at the male actors in some of S. Korea's top magazines. I think the cold weather has led to some cold shoots. In general, I would love to see some more dynamic actions in these shots.

1. Lee Jong Suk - ize Magazine January Issue ‘14

Lee Jong Suk - ize Magazine January Issue ‘14
Lee Jong Suk's is known for his role in multiple CFs and in the contemporary drama, "School 2013". His shoot did not measure up to his acting skill. It was five or so head shoots. I feel like it would have been more appropriate as a shoot to find a headshoot/comp card picture. It was boring. Maybe I'm a bit bias, but I really wasn't feeling the blond hair. I did like his two rings, but everything else was lackluster at best for me. 

Overall: Not

P.S. I know this was from January, but I wanted to address him, so please forgive me for crossing months this once ^.^.







2. SHINee Tae Min - Geek Magazine February Issue ‘14
SHINee Tae Min - Geek Magazine February Issue ‘14

As you know, Taemin has been in a couple of films, including I Am and Koala Kid. OK, so maybe his filmography is a stretch, but because of his guest roles on "Dating Agency: Cyrano" and "Salamander Guru and the Gang", I'm counting him as an actor. His shoot was fun, albeit a little fake. The studio shoots were pulled off well, but I don't they were amazing. With someone as cool and talented as Taemin, I expected a little more. Still, I have to say it's....

Overall: Hot
His floral shoes: Especially Hot!







3. BTOB Min Hyuk - Men’s Health Magazine February Issue ‘14

BTOB Min Hyuk - Men’s Health Magazine February Issue ‘14Minhyuk is in the drama, "Fantasy Tower", which aired last in September (2013), so he passes our actor test. A Men's Health photoshoot is a Men's Heath photoshoot. It was predictable, hot, and masculine. Minhyuk's muscles were nice and toned, but I wish magazines didn't turn toward boxing whenever they want to show off a masculine persona and someone's abs. 

Overall: Not
Minhyuk's abs: Hot








4. Ji Chang Wook - Elle Magazine February Issue ‘14

Ji Chang Wook - Elle Magazine February Issue ‘14

Now here's a legitimate actor. Ji Chang Wook was in "Empress Ki" last year and other popular dramas like "Five Fingers" and "Bachelor's Vegetable Store". His shoot was nicely done. I appreciated the usual of effective visual elements (e.g. the smoke creates a diagonal line, which has action that contrasts his vertical body). Plus, Ji Chang Wook is pretty easy on the eyes. I think his simple styling was fitting for the masculine and contemporary image at which Elle was aiming. Elle also featured G-Dragon, who showed a similarly simplistic style. 

Overall: Hot






6. GOT7 - The Star Magazine February Issue ‘14

GOT7 - The Star Magazine February Issue ‘14

GOT7 is JYP's newest hip-hop group. I'm sure you remember members Jr. and JB from their "Dream High 2" and "When a Man Falls in Love" days-- oh yeah, and that sub-unit that had one catchy song. This shoot, despite it manufactured-ness and boxing-gloves, was cute. What better way to introduce a new group than with cute clothes and bromance? I even like the oddly-colored hair. I think the boys will grow into themselves and show us great music in the future.

Overall: Hot







Which actor(s) captured your heart the most this month?

--Lauren

Image Credits: as linked

Also See: Some other hot or nots, Lee Jong Suk on the Sia Red Carpet, More magazine fun time, including finds and more "hot or not"s

Continuing on historical fashion, co-stars, Hung Joon, Suzy, and Lee Sung-gi recently wore female hanboks on the set of their drama, Gu Family Book.


Korean traditional clothing is actually pretty cute. Out of the two guys, I definitely think Lee Seung-gi is more feminine, especially in his baby blue hanbok. While cross-dressing is a bit taboo in the United States, many Korean actors and idols have no qualms about embracing their femininity. I mean, how many times has Super Junior dressed in drag for concerts?

Do you like when male celebrities cross-dress? I think it shows a more comedic side to them, and it's always fun to see them joking around. What do you think?

Check out the preview for Episode 17 (ENG):

--Lauren
Cr. lsgfan.wordpress.com, atanase2012.blogspot.com, allkpop, 

There are many popular Korean dramas that are set in the way past (e.g. 'Faith', 'Arang and the Magistrate', 'The Great Seer', 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal', etc.). I really enjoy seeing this historical fashion while watching these shows. Instead of forcing you all to read about the history of Korean fashion, I decided it would be nice to draw inspiration from these in a Get the Look.

1) 
'Faith' (The Great Doctor)
Get the Look: 'Faith' Kdrama

What struck me about Kim Hee Sun's costume is obviously the colors. To recreate this look, go for the blue-violent color, and don't shy away from floral print. The flower band she has was the inspiration for the accessories  which, with such a busy dress, should be limited. Lee Minho's look is much more solid. I found faux-leather leggings and a peplum top that reflect the flowing, multi-textured outfit he wears. And of course, drawing from his bands, wear a cheetah belt as your 'pop' item.
Everything in this look is under $50, expect for the dress, which is $70.

Buy Links-- Get the Look: 'Faith' Kdrama 
nordstrom.com
missrebel.co.uk
topvintage.nl
fantasyjewelrybox.com
kohls.com

2) 'Arang and the Magistrate'
Get the Look: 'Arang and the Magistrate' kdrama
Lee Joon Gi's character focuses on darker colors, with a peacock feather. I took that idea and ran. Pair a flowy burgundy blouse with a black vest. I would wear both with black jeans, and of course peacock-themed accessories. It's a classic combination (well, kind of...). Shin Min Ah rocks the color blocking look. With so many colors, stay solid; don't try too many patterns. I want a more structured top to parallel the structure of a hanbok, but it's an individual thing. My fun item is the dragon ring, which matches the belt.
Everything in this set is under $40, except for the vest, which is $49.

target.com
maurices.com
2bstores.com
boohoo.com
target.com
$26 - asos.com
Get the Look: The Great Seer
What really strikes me about the pictures I found is the contrast between the magistrates and the warrior. I loved the rich colors worn by both the man and the woman in the first picture. So their colors are gold, jade, teal, and red. In the second picture, the fierceness of the man's posture stood out to me. His themes are fur, deep magenta, and animals (i.e. leather and the graphic tank top). 
Everything listed is under $30.


The feeling of Sungkyunkwan is a lot more fun. To match Song Joon Gi, I found a lovely dress and cardigan, which show his eccentric fashion choices. For the group shot, I thought being more traditional was better. Thus, I've included a (more) structured blouse, pants, and flats. Also, to compliment the traditional tie in the picture, I've included a coat which cinches at the waist.
Everything in this set is under $100.

Buy Links-- Get the Look: 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' Kdrama 

lordandtaylor.com
colehaan.com
accessorize.com
etsy.com

Wow. Thanks for reading this all! Which outfit is your favorite?
Want more of these? Hate these? Tell us in the comments below.

--Lauren
Cr. as linked, banner art

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