BILLY JIN: Hello, everyone! Not too long ago we asked our viewers if they had any questions regarding KWOW (via Facebook). Today we’re having a Q&A session with Professor Oh. Guess who’s the moderator? Me, Billy Jin! In honor of our viewers’ privacy, only their last names will be mentioned.
To start off, I myself have a question. Professor Oh, how do you feel now that it’s been a week since the final episode of KWOW (Season 1)?
PROFESSOR OH: Briefly put, I miss KWOW. This past week I felt like there was a hole in my heart. When something becomes a part of your lifestyle then suddenly vanishes, you feel this emptiness. I don’t mean to sound dramatic, but I guess honesty can sound dramatic. Especially in a world where people try to conceal and deny their innermost thoughts. But dear viewers, do not be too sad for KWOW’s end! We’ve got a new show coming up. We won’t be just teaching Korean anymore, but expanding to other topics. So stay tuned!
BILLY JIN: The next question comes from Lady Higginson. She asks, "How did you get started doing KWOW Wednesdays? Was it your idea or were you hired to do it? How did the show come into the world?"
PROFESSOR OH: To make a long story short, yes, KWOW Wednesday was my own initiative. No one pays me to do it. After seeing the popularity of the first “Let’s Learn Korean with Professor Oh” lesson, I wanted to release something for my viewers on a weekly basis. I've been meaning make more videos years earlier, but I was occupied with college at the time. Last summer I sat down and brainstormed on what would be fun and useful for the audience. After writing a long list of potential show ideas and names, I decided to use KWOW because it sounded kind of like KPOP, the reason why many people want to learn Korean in the first place. Little did I know of “Jersey Shore’s” JWOWW as well as its other similarities. Let’s just say there’s nothing new under the sun. You think you have an original idea but really, all ideas are recycled and revamped. That’s fine. It’s life. And life is full of coincidences.
BILLY JIN: Lady Ksamawati asks, "What do you do besides KWOW? Do you really make these videos all by yourself?"
PROFESSOR OH: Indeed, KWOW is a one-woman show. Every so often I’d have my friends hold the camera or make guest appearances. The final episode #60 was a special case where we had four people, including myself, shoot the footage. We wanted to end the show with a big bang. And yes, that was an intentional K-pop band reference! I also have my mom and my friend read the script before I finalize it. It’s good to have someone else look at your work with a fresh eye. But as far as writing, directing, filming, acting, editing, and whatnot, yes, I do it all by myself. Aside from KWOW, I like to read and explore the world.
