Spider-Man Epikase

I mentioned last week all the press that Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon have been doing to promote Spider-Man: Brand New Day – and that one of those interviews was with Epik High, aka Tablo, Mithra, and Tukutz. The full video just dropped today…and it’s hilarious. In the style of Epikase, which is their variety show because in Korea they do it all – music, hosting, variety, podcasts, variety, etc etc etc.

These are first class musicians but also entertainers away from the stage. And they’ve managed to make this junket situation with Tom, Zendaya, and Jacob feel like a regular episode of their show, in which the three of them are often just clowning, spitting the dumbest sh-t, playing the dumbest games. And they’ve found three western actors who are happy to play along, resulting in excellent content that helps everyone.

If you can’t watch the 30 minute episode, just start with the first ten minutes which is when they’re with the cast. The whole thing is a highlight reel, from the food recommendations to the best friend challenge to the gift exchange at the end. What I also love is how Korean it is in terms of how topics are presented and discussed. Food is such a big part of Korean variety and Tom, Zendaya, and Jacob pick up on that energy immediately. Also, even though Tom doesn’t drink alcohol anymore, his description of when he was in Korea with Jake Gyllenhaal drinking makgeolli for the first time is totally accurate. Makgeolli goes down so easy and so fun. If you’ve never tried it, and you enjoy a spirit now and again, definitely try, but please drink responsibly.

More importantly though, if you’ve never met Epik High (who are mentors to BTS and Tablo supported BTS on Instagram yesterday after they announced that they’re not f-cking with the Grammys), you’ll get a sense of why they’re so enduringly popular. And yes, their music is excellent. My favourite Epik High song is “Born Hater”. Watch the video for it and compare it to these three clowns at Spider-Man and you’ll appreciate the duality.

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What else happened today…

How Seth Meyers encouraged Tom Holland to consider hosting Saturday Night Live. (Pajiba)

For those who needed an update on Andrew Garfield’s hair and whether or not it was still looking like the tropics: lush, thick, dense. The answer is yes. Plus I love the way he’s wearing his pants. (Go Fug Yourself)

A very polarising dog etiquette question about disposing of the poo bags and where. I have never put it in someone else’s bin, even if it means walking with it for an hour. It’s public bins or my own bin only. (Celebitchy)

The first trailer for Children of Blood and Bone was released this week and it looks really good. And Beyoncé allowed them to use her music. But there’s so much mess behind the scenes because the author of the book, Tomi Adeyemi, has openly stated she wants nothing to do with the film that was based on her story. Here’s a recap of all the drama that’s played out so far online – and it’s Tomi who’s been amplifying it on social media. So far it doesn’t seem like the filmmakers have addressed it yet. But they’ll probably have to by the time the press tour stars in a few months. (The Cut)

Ariana Grande’s new album drops tomorrow. She’s currently in Montreal for three shows. And helping out small business owners. (MTL Blog)