75page

75 thing big and glamorous. Billy Jin was needed to demonstrate how younger generations talk to people their age and older.” The list of rambunctious characters goes on, and it is through them that Oh brings the Korean language to life. For Korean-language learners who are disenchanted with the chal- lenges that learning a second language can present, Professor Oh and friends provide a hilarious, engaging alternative to hitting the books. The channel started out with an academic vibe, but Oh has since created a more relaxed and fun atmosphere with videos covering di- verse aspects of the Korean language and culture. She has also covered controversial topics such as plastic surgery, homosexuality and religion in Korea, though she tries to maintain a neutral stance. She is, however, outspoken about education systems such as Korea’s where students are pressured into excessive study. “I hope, in the future, the education system will become one that allows students to live a more balanced lifestyle, one that will allow them to discover and develop their individual talents,” she said. “People are happier when there is more than one type of road to suc- cess. After all, behind the objective test score numbers, there are emotions and diverse dreams.” Oh grew up working on various projects at home, and her YouTube venture is an out- growth of that creative spirit. “Whether it was quilting, writing a story or building an empire in the digital world, I’d come home from school and work on something,” she said. “My viewers allow me to pursue what I do best: working on creative projects from home. I’m forever thankful for my viewers’ love and support.” Making the videos involves more work than meets the eye, but Oh can’t imagine doing anything else. Every week she scripts, films and edits videos for two channels — the sec- ond one being Ramona Champion, where she chats about health and lifestyle. She also blogs about Korean restaurants and culture on her website and does her own marketing. Born and raised in the Bay Area, Oh has lived in Los Angeles for the past seven years and has been a proud resident of the West- side and Koreatown. Both of her parents grew up in South Korea, though her father’s family once lived in Pyongyang before moving south prior to the Korean War. For the past couple of months, Oh has been back in her parents’ motherland documenting her Seoulicious ad- ventures for her YouTube fans. In this set of videos, she explores Korean culture and cui- sine with the gusto of a connoisseur. “Korea’s traditional course meals are like Christmas in your mouth,” she said. “Just when you think the last dish in a long parade has been served and your stomach reaches maximum capacity, another set of colorful dishes arrives.” She says that for those of us trying to learn Korean, whether we’re lazily meandering along or stressing out about it Korean style, at least we are in the right country: “The best way to learn any language is to go to its native country. You can’t get any more real than that. If moving to Korea is a stretch, continue to watch your favorite Korean dramas and practice singing K-pop songs. You’ll pick up on words, mannerisms and develop your pronunciation.” Looking ahead, Oh aspires to write a book or two and produce her own Korean drama. For the past few years she’s been developing a story using the KWOW cast with a Korean drama feel. You may even catch her honing her voice high in the Korean mountains. “As much as I enjoy K-pop, I love pansori (a Korean genre of musical storytelling) even more. It’s admirable how the singers strength- en their voices by practicing next to water- falls,” she said. “All I need to do now is turn off the technology, lock myself in a room and focus only on writing. Someone can serve me food through a thin opening under the door. If that’s what it takes to make a dream come true, so be it.” ‘My vieweRs allow Me to puRsue what i do best: woRkinG on CReative pRojeCts fRoM hoMe. i’M foReveR thankful foR My vieweRs’ love and suppoRt.’ Mina Oh More info Check out Mina oh at sweetandtastytv.com, on Youtube at sweetandtasty or on Facebook and twitter at sweetandtastytV.