Harmonies, what can I say. It’s been a crazy year. I’m writing to you just as I’m about to log off for the holidays.
These past few weeks, in light of our org changes... have been a lot to take in. As I’m sure it has been for many of you.
For me, making sure we still released this issue of Harmo-Zine was extremely important. We hope that despite ongoing changes, that Harmony still remains a community, a consistent safe space for you.
• Entertainment Couch
• TV, Movie, & Book Recommendations
• Campaign Spotlight: Jim Beam X Le Sserafim (Korea)
• Article: Defining & Redefining What it Means to be Fearless
• Harmo-razzi
I also wanted to make sure we released this at the VERY LEAST, before Christmas Eve. Maybe you’re reading this after the holidays have passed, no worries. You can always come back and use our Gift-Giving Tips (so graciously written by the wonderful Nat Teo ��) next year!
This issue is a bit lighter than our previous issues, but as always, we hope you enjoy. I’m happy to present to you: Harmozine: Issue 3
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
KATHLEEN OKU
Harmony Operations & Communications Co-Lead Associate IT Product Manager
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Diwali The Festival of Lights
October 31st - November 1st, 2024
What is Diwali?
Diwali, also known as Deepavali is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. Diwali is celebrated in the month of Kartika (between mid October and mid November), on the darkest night of the year. This celebration marks the victory of Good over Evil with various stories and beliefs across regional cultures.
Diwali is the five-day festival celebrated in mostly the north Indian states, whereas Deepavali is the four-day festival celebrated mostly in the south Indian states and Singapore.
The festival gets its name from Sanskrit: ‘Deepa’ meaning lamp and ‘Avali’ meaning row, translating to the literal meaning of ‘Row of Lamps’. The lighting of lamps symbolizes true awakening, self-awareness & the cleansing of thoughts and deeds.
Among the Hindus, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity is
worshipped on this day. The day of Diwali is also celebrated with fervor by the Sikhs and the Jains.
It is a time to celebrate life with family, friends, and loved ones, as well as an opportunity for giving and sharing. Diwali is celebrated by lighting homes and streets up with diyas and candles, dressing up in new clothes, exchanging gifts, and indulging in delicious traditional food.
Diwali in Ramayana
Diwali has many stories surrounding the holiday, varying by region and religion. But the most popular, comes from Hindu mythology. The Ramayana, or the Tales of Rama, is an Indian epic originally written in Sanskrit some two thousand years ago. Since the Ramayana has been adopted by many different cultures, its stories sometimes vary. However, at its core, the epic tells the adventures of Rama, a courageous prince of the kingdom of Ayodhya in northern India.
In the story, Rama is a happy prince preparing to become the next ruleruntil he is unfairly exiled by his own father for fourteen years. He sets off on foot to the forests, along with his wife, Sita, and brother, Laxmana. A few years into their exile, Sita is kidnapped by the powerful demon king, Ravana.
When Rama hears Sita has been taken, he and his brother Lakshmana set off on a quest to save her. On their journey, Rama and Lakshmana travel to Kishkinda, the kingdom of monkeys. They befriend Hanuman, the commander of the monkey army, who helps the brothers. Learning that Ravana has taken Sita to his island kingdom of Lanka, they set off with a vast monkey army to get her back.
Rama, his brother, and the monkeys defeat Ravana and his demons, successfully freeing Sita. As the happily reunited couple begins traveling home to Ayodhya, people leave lights on their doorsteps to help Rama and Sita find their way. These lights are a symbol of Diwali and the celebration of light overcoming darkness, just like Rama defeated Ravana.
Affinity Moment
Brought
The Narakasura Deepavali Story
While the story of Rama and Sita is more popular in North India (as is the spelling of “Diwali”), South India celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna and Satyabhama over the evil Narakasura during “Deepavali”.
Narakasura was the son the Earth goddess, Bhumi Devi. Like all smart demons, when he set out on his path to absolute power and universal destruction, he made sure he was insured for life. He went to the Creator God Brahma, begging for a boon (favor), that made him extremely powerful and difficult to kill. “Lord you need not grant me immortality. I heard that I was born of Bhumi Devi, Mother Earth herself. So if I die, let it be at the hands of my own mother!” “So be it!” said a relieved Bhrama.
After taking over all the kingdoms on earth, he attacked Devaloka taking 16,000 women from the palaces
as prisoners. As he was leaving, he noticed a pair of glowing earrings adorning the ears of Aditi, the mother goddess. Fascinated, he tore the earrings from her ear and left.
The weeping Aditi came to Satyabhama, Lord Krishna’s wife, who took her at once to meet her husband. Together, Lord Krishna and Satyabhama mounted Garuda, the mighty eagle who transported them to Narakasura’s capital.
Krishna, Satyabhama, and Garuda battled Narakasura’s demon army, but after some time, Narakasura was the only one left on the battlefield. Narakasura hurled his powerful trident at Krishna, striking him in the chest. Satyabhama couldn’t believe what she saw, and aimed an arrow at the demon king, piercing him in the chest. Satyabhama turned to her fallen Lord, when he got up with a mischievous smile… he was only playing a part. Since Satyabhama was an incarnation of Bhumi Devi, it was her arrow that was destined to slay Narakasura.
5 Days of Diwali
Day 1: Dhanteras
October 29th, 2024
Marks the beginning of Diwali, and is celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar month of Krishna Paksha, dedicated to wealth and prosperity. People clean their homes, buy gold and new utensils, and pray to the Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhavantari. The term “Dhanteras” comes from the Sanskrit words “Dhan”, which means wealth, and “Teras” which means the 13th day.
Narak Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali
October 31st, 2024
Celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. It’s a day for cleansing, both spiritually and physically, often with Abhyang Snana (taking a bath after apply warm oil over the body) and worshipping Lord Krishna. Homes are decorated with diyas (clay oil lamps) and colorful rangoli patterns on the floor to symbolize prosperity.
Lashmi Puja
November 1st, 2024
The main day of Diwali, honoring the goddess of wealth and prosperity Lakshmi. Families light diyas and gather for Lakshmi puja, a prayer to Goddess Lakshmi. People commonly apply tilak or tika, a mark worn on the forehead. This is followed by feasts and firework displays, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
Gorvardhan Puja/Padja or Annakut
November 2nd, 2024
This is the first day lunar day of the Kartika month, marked with visits to friends and relatives and gift exchanges. The name Annakut means “mountain of food”. The feast is prepared to represent the Govardhan Hill that Lord Krishna lifted to protect the people of Vridavan from heavy rains. The day also celebrates Krishna’s victory over Indra.
Bhai Dooj
November 3rd, 2024
Dedicated to the bond between brothers and sisters, with prayers for each other’s wellbeing and prosperity.
The most magical time of year is coming around, Thanksgiving, Christmas, followed by the optimism of starting a fresh new year. There will be lots of friends and family gathering time – and it’s the one time of year we’re ok with the amount of food we’re about to intake, because we waited, trained, and prepared our bodies all year for this moment (plus everyone’s eating a lot, not just you).
But there’s always that awkwardness and overthinking of what you need to bring to your friend’s or partners’ parent’s house or family reunion. And then feeling like we’re
(in Asian households)
being judged for what we brought too (because let’s face it, you know the Asian culture, everyone is always judging. But we can have a separate podcast on that).
So, your fellow Harmonies are here to help you out! Here are some ideas and tips to get you started early - you’ll come out shining as the golden child, son/daughter in law, well-cultured friend (we got you ��).
Firstly let’s remember...
GoldenTheRules GoldenTheRules GoldenTheRules
1. Gift Wise
When mom/their mom says “no need to bring anything” – that’s a lie. You MUST bring something. Do NOT show up empty handed.
2. Food Wise
You always want to bring more than needed. Whatever you’re bringing –you always want to bring more. If there’s 10 people, provide for 15 or 20 even. There’s nothing worse than bringing what you thought was for just enough – especially when there are last minute invites and then there’s not enough. And Asians LOVE leftovers. You’ll be fine.
3. Don’t Forget Your Greetings
... and respect to Elders as soon as you arrive. Everyone loves a well-mannered friend, spouse, son/daughter-in law, etc. They say there’s 10 things you can do that require no talent, but everyone still loves you. This is one of them. Make sure you greet people properly (not just by their first name but by their relation e.g. Uncle, Aunty, Mr/Mrs, Grandpa/ ma, etc.) and ask them how they are, wish them good health etc. They’ll love you.
So, now you’re asking, “Thanks Nat – but what should I actually bring or gift?”. Alright, in the scenario you’re invited to a lunch or dinner:
Food Ideas Food Ideas Food Ideas
If you can’t cook...
• Desserts – nothing chocolate heavy or overly sweet. Tarts, lighter sponge cakes, Asian pastries, and soup desserts - these are perfect!
• Cut & Prepared Assorted Fruit Platter – you seriously can’t go wrong with this.
• Noodles – lots of noodles. A big bowl of stir-fried udon, rice or wheat noodles, with your favorite toppings. Chicken, beef or prawn are usually the best proteins to go with.
• Garlic Shrimp/Prawns – this will make you a hero. Again, make sure you have plenty because people will definitely want more than one.
• Chicken Wings – soy braised, salt and pepper, garlic honey, lemon honey soy – this is ALWAYS a crowd favorite.
• Braised Pork Belly – if you have enough time the day before!
• BBQ Pork (Char Siu) or Roast Duck/Pork – and make sure you get it from the best Asian butcher (if you don’t know where that is, ask. Ask your friend, your friend’s mom, just ask someone or do google research, because you don’t want to get a poor quality one).
• Fresh Osyers or Prawns – picked up from the market on the way to the lunch/dinner.
If you can cook...
• Mini Lobster Rolls (Cold) – for the show-off chef in some of you.
• Potato Salad – but the Asian kind with pickled cucumbers, Japanese kewpie mayo and mentaiko.
• Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls –with the homemade peanut sauce (this is when we all know you can cook, but you’re down playing it).
And then beyond food, and assuming you don’t know them well enough – here are some ideas. (Also the truth is, these gift ideas are mainly to the mother, aunt and/or grandmother because the men don’t care as much.)
but not that tea bag kind you can get at Trader Joes or Wholefoods (people don’t want that). You want the kind you had to go to Chinatown for, to a specialized tea shop and the nice older lady behind the counter tells you all the health Tea properties connected to drinking this particular type of Chrysanthemum tea – THAT’S the one you want to get (and so you can repeat these health properties later and look like a pro ��).
Hand Cream
- good ones that aren’t overly greasy (L’Occitane is always a safe bet). Test it before you buy it!
Neck Scarf
- make sure it’s a lovely bright color. They’ll love it.
And if you’re feeling a little more on the generous side, get them a...
Handheld Vacuum
Cleaner
(if they don’t have one already). They say they’re ok with the constant sweeping, but you’ll change their world with this and they’ll be forever grateful.
Ok, fine. For the men of the household, you can never go wrong with gifting a... Hibki or Yamazaki
(or Basil Hayden for the bourbon lovers!). �� Plus you can tell them our beautiful brand stories and enamor them with your knowledge.
Good luck and happy holidays!
(P.S. we’d love to hear from you if this advice went well! Drop us an email at Harmony@BeamSuntory.com)
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Live-Action Remake debuted on Netflix February 22nd, 2024
One Day Romance Series on Netflix
The Brothers Sun Action comedy drama on Netflix
Queen of Tears K-Drama on Netflix
Historical Drama on Hulu
Interior Chinatown Crime Drama on Hulu & Disney+
MOVIES MOVIES
Shortcomings (2023)
Featuring Ali Maki!
Check out our Fireside Chat with Ali Maki
Moana 2
The Disney Sequel
BOOKS BOOKS
Boy and the Heron
Weekend in Taipei Action/Thriller
We Are Not Strangers By
Josh Tuininga
Inspired by a true story, this graphic novel follows a Jewish immigrant’s efforts to help his Japanese neighbors while they’re incarcerated during World War II.
Crying in H Mart By
Michelle Zauner
A 2021 Memoir by Michelle Zauner, singer and guitarist of musical project Japanese Breakfast, centers on Zauner’s relationship with her mother Chongmi in the wake of Chongmi’s death when Zauner was 25.
The
The latest film from Studio Ghibli
Wicked
Directed by Jon M. Chu & starring Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible
LE SSERAFIM: DEFINING & REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FEARLESS
LE SSERAFIM, one of the most dynamic K-pop girl groups of the 4th generation, made an explosive debut that quickly captivated global fans with its powerful themes and striking storytelling. Formed under HYBE and Source Music, the group’s pseudo-French name, “Le Sserafim,” is an anagram of “I’m Fearless,” reflecting their commitment to boldness and resilience.
You might recognize the group from their collaborations with Jim Beam. As member Kim Chaewon began shooting promotional videos and streams with the brand alongside Uhm Jung-hwa (South Korean singer and actress) for the Jim Beam Highball release in 2023.
This year members, Sakura, Yunjin, and Kazuha join Chaewon in a series of digital videos showcasing the group dancing, recording fun
reels, and exploring new drinks. The campaign, which spans seven key markets across Asia – including South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia – seeking to nurture a spirit of solidarity, helping people to “find their tribe” and feel the power that comes from being together. New experiences that might make people feel awkward or unusual when alone, can lead to meaningful bongs when the right people come together.
“With my tribe, it’s a whole new vibe”
You can view the videos on Jim Beam Korea’s Youtube Channel, and a behind the scenes look on Le Sserafim’s Youtube Channel.
Chaewon continues as a Jim Beam Korea ambassador this year, shooting promotional ads with actor Choi Wooshik, who you may recognize from the 2019 film: Parasite.
It only felt right to highlight Le Sserafim for this issue of HarmoZine. Join me on a deep-dive as we explore Le Sserafim’s journey of defining and redefining what it
KATHLEEN OKU WRITTEN BY
Le Sserafim debuted on May 2, 2022, with the EP Fearless, which broke the record for highest-selling debut album by a K-pop girl group in first-day sales. Originally debuting with 6 members: Sakura, Kim Chaewon, Huh Yujin, Kazuha, Kim Garam, and Hong Eunchae.
Chapter 1: Fearless
Le Sserafim sets the stage by challenging traditional expectations, embodying the essence of breaking away from fear.
“The World is My Oyster” sets the stage… the girls each in their native language speak about this imperfect world; how it judges us, how it brings out our flaws, how it tries to change us. But Le Sserafim is up to the challenge, ready to conquer the world. Fearlessly.
Their debut single, “Fearless,” acts as a bold extension of this manifesto. Serving as both an announcement and a challenge to the world, the song’s unapologetic lyrics and confident rhythm solidify their message: they won’t be defined by their past or limited by societal expectations.
The EP deepens this narrative with fairytale-inspired motifs. “Blue Flame” conjures mystical imagery of the will-o’-the-wisp, while “The Great Mermaid” reimagines “The Little Mermaid” through a lens of
defiance and self-worth. These tracks create a dreamlike yet determined perspective, underscoring the group’s fearless ambition to claim their own story.
The closing track, “Sour Grapes”, draws from Aesop’s “The Fox and the Grapes” to reveal a new layer: fear. For the first time, Le Sserafim confronts the vulnerability of wanting to avoid pain. This shift hints at their deeper fears and the realization that their journey to success will not go completely as planned. Their initial approach—ignoring or evading fear—is challenged, hinting at a deeper evolution…
Chapter 1.5: Fear ?
Now, in the real world. Member Kim Garam faced numerous allegations of bullying, violence, and underage activities. While both her management and Garam herself denied the claims, the controversy sparked widespread anti-Kim sentiment online. In the K-pop industry, scandals like these often force groups into difficult decisions—some idols leave to preserve a group’s reputation, while
others remain, regardless of the truth.
For Le Sserafim, the allegations against Garam were severe by K-pop standards, and the backlash became overwhelming. In July 2022, the group made their choice: Kim Garam departed.
This marked a pivotal moment for Le Sserafim. They faced the harsh reality of an uncertain world, losing a member who had been vital to their identity. Yet, from this challenge, they learned a profound truth; the true meaning of being fearless:
Being Fearless is not the absence of fear but the mastery of fear.
You can hide fear with certainty –over-confidence, be illusioned with control; only preparing for world with one outcome. But if we are naïve enough to think everything will go according to plan, then we will crumble. True fearlessness means moving forward in spite of fear, accepting that uncertainty and fear are inevitable.
Only by embracing the unknown can one truly persevere. For Le Sserafim, this was their turning point. Now they have something to prove. From six members to five, uncertainty in where they will go. The world is asking one question: “Is this the end for Le Sserafim?”
Chapter 2: Anti-Fragile
Le Sserafim reintroduces themselves with “The Hydra,” a bold declaration of resilience. “Do you think I’m fragile?” they ask, invoking the mythical Hydra that grows stronger with each challenge it faces. This marks the beginning of a new chapter: a Le Sserafim unbroken and ready to face the world once again.
The title track, “ANTIFRAGILE,” becomes their anthem in the face of
doubt. As they confront uncertainty and skepticism about their ability to bounce back, Le Sserafim remains calm, confident, and more fearless than ever. The music video captures this perfectly—a meteor strikes, chaos ensues, but they emerge unscathed, thriving in the aftermath. Whatever happens, happens; they are prepared to adapt and rise.
“Impurities” delves deeper, exploring the layers of imperfection and honesty. In “No Celestial,” they reflect on how their desires have shifted—moving away from idealized perfection and embracing growth, striving to be better every day.
The EP closes with “Good Parts (When the Quality Is Bad but I Am),” a heartfelt acknowledgment of both strengths and flaws. They embrace the idea of “good damage,” understanding that imperfections make them who they are.
Ultimately, Le Sserafim’s antifragility isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about transformation. Like a plant that grows back stronger after being pruned, their beauty and strength are inseparable from their fragility.
Chapter 3: Unforgiven
No matter how far Le Sserafim has come, the shadows of their past linger. Some people remain fixated on the controversies of their first act, blaming and judging the group for circumstances beyond their control. But the group refuses to let the weight of the past define their future.
This new era in their debut album opens with “Burn the Bridge,” a solemn yet empowering introduction of their resolve to leave the past behind. The title track, “UNFORGIVEN,” boldly confronts the judgment they’ve faced, rejecting the need for external validation. They don’t ask for forgiveness—they demand the freedom to move on, because they already have.
“Eve, Psyche, and The Bluebeard’s Wife” draws on powerful female archetypes who defied expectations and challenged societal norms in their own stories. For Le Sserafim, these figures serve as symbolic role models, embodying the courage and determination needed to forge one’s own path despite adversity. The song delves into their journey of navigating the tension between public judgment and selfidentity, embracing resilience and individuality. By aligning with these figures, Le Sserafim reclaims their narrative, proving they too can rise above constraints and define their own path.
“FEARNOT (Between you, me, and the lampost)” stands as a pivotal track of this, encapsulating Le Sserafim’s growth. It reflects their embrace of uncertainty, confronting fear not as something to avoid, but as something to face with courage. Referencing to their fandom name “FEARNOT,” the song speaks to their evolution; acknowledging that moving forward not only requires vulnerability, but the strength to continue evolving.
Beyond the Music
This year, Le Sserafim redefined themselves, beginning a new chapter with the release of their mini-album “Easy” earlier in the year, followed by “Crazy” on August 30. Just like their collaboration with Jim Beam, their journey reflects a shared message: embracing individuality, while celebrating the bonds that make life richer.
SAKURA
Birthday: Age: 26
Zodiac
MBTI Type: Nationality: Sakura, participated in 2010. member general then participated with Korean-Japanese before debuting
CHAEWON
Birthday: August 1st, 2000
Age: 24
Zodiac Sign: Leo
MBTI Type: ISTP
Nationality: Korean
Chaewon trained under Woollim Entertainment for 11 months before participating in Product 48. She finished in 10th place, allowing her to debut in IZ*ONE, alongside Sakura. After the dissolution of IZ*ONE, she returned to her parent company where she participated in a few magazine shoots for Esquire, Indeed and Singles Magazines, before debuting as the Leader of Le Sserafim.
Birthday: August
Age: 21
Zodiac Sign: Leo
MBTI Type: INFP
Nationality: Japanese Kazuha was a professional and attended Hashimoto Bolshoi Ballet Academy in the UK. While Academy in the Netherlands, was a trainee for only
KAZUHA
Birthday: March 19th, 1998
Sign: Pisces
Type: INTP
Nationality: Japanese
attended a local musical school at age 10, and participated in “The Broadway Experience” in New York She was a 1st-gen trainee, debuted as a HKT48 member (Japanese girl group) where she ranked in the election and became a member of AKB48. She participated in Product 48, ranking #2 and debuted Korean-Japanese idol group IZ*ONE from 2018-2021, debuting with Le Sserafim.
YUNJIN
Birthday: October 8th, 2001
Age: 23
Zodiac Sign: Libra
MBTI Type: INFJ
Nationality: Korean-American
Yunjin was born in South Korea, but raised in Albany, NY. She pursued her passion for music, studying opera during school. At 16, she moved to South Korea to pursue a career as a K-Pop idol, becoming a trainee at Pledis and particpated in Product 48, ranking at 26th. She moved back to the U.S. preparing to attend college, but abandoned her plans after Hybe & Source Music contracted her in 2021. Yunjin trained for a total of 4 years and 4 months.
professional ballet dancer before her debut Hashimoto Sachiyo Ballet School in Japan, Academy in Moscow, Royal Ballet School studying at the Dutch National Ballet Netherlands, she was recruited by SM and only ~3 months before debuting.
Birthday: November 10th, 2006
Age: 18
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
MBTI Type: ISFJ
Nationality: Korean
Eunchae was a student at Def Dance Skool for almost 2 years, before joining SM, she passed the first-round auditions for Pledis Entertainment and JYP. Eunchae was also announced to be the newest MC of Muisc Bank, earlier this year. She would also go on to host her own web variety show called Eunchae’s Star Diary interviewing K-pop idols every week.
you all for an incredible year. us for the next issue at: Harmony@BeamSuntory.com
