Playlist: TJ Kim, Music/Food Blogger, MusiChef.com
Playlist is a regular column in which we ask Beijing personalities about their musical tastes and recommendations. This month, the Beijinger sat down with TJ Kim, music and food blogger for musichef.com.
What was the first record you ever bought?
In 1997, when my family immigrated to Canada, I bought my first CDs (H.O.T. and S.E.E.) to stay emotionally connected to my mother country – Korea. At the time, I didn’t speak English and had no friends. K-pop music and my dog Coco were the only friends that kept me company.
Name a song or record for your time in Beijing?
“Big City, Small Love” by Wang Leehom – I know this is a love song but I think it describes my “big love and small hate relationship” with Beijing well. There are times when I feel lost and frustrated in this big city, but over the years Beijing has been very good to me. No matter when or where I go next, Beijing, you will always be part of me.
What song would you want to be played at your funeral?
A sad song is the last thing I want at my funeral. Rather than having a gloomy funeral with all-black attire, I want it to be a time of celebration and remembrance for a life well lived. I choose a song by Dennis Brown called “Things in Life,” and The Beatles’ song “In My Life,” which will remind people of all the good times that we shared together and how life is going to be alright as long as you stay optimistic.
