• Sandwich Rock
• Rock Rank
• Profile
• K-Pop

Choi Yena (최예나) has taken the K-Pop World by storm, and is a galactic supernova of positive energy, which is reflective in two of her most popular singles, Smiley and WithOrWithOut.  In some ways, she is reminiscent of other young female artists who also experienced quick trajectories to fame, such as Ariana Grande or Britney Spears. 

In order to get a better understanding of who Yena is, we researched extensively and came up with the following list.  As far as we can tell, according to the K-Pop Publicity Machine, these are the main reasons the world loves Yena (최예나).    

Top 10 Reasons People Love Choi Yena (최예나)

Let's examine each item on our chart individually, and learn about what makes singer "Yena" one of the most beloved K-Pop singers in the world.  

1.  Yena Eats A Giant Sandwich

For us, the most impressive thing about Yena is the way she eats a sandwich.  She doesn't hold anything back, and just chomps into it with no abandon.  For this reason alone... Yena is our hero!!



2 - 4.  Yena's "Smily" One Of Top 10 K-Pop Songs Of 2022

One thing about Yena, she really is a great entertainer, and it's fun to watch her perform.  The energy and charisma she shows on both the screen and on stage is addicting.  That's why we named the single "SMILEY" one of the Top 10 K-Pop Songs of 2022.  (Currently, her song is listed at Number Eight.)

However, to be honest, Yena is our favorite singer of 2022 (she's our defintion of a "triple threat").  SMILEY and WithOrWithOut are the two songs we listen to the most.  If this list was about the Top 10 K-Pop Performers of 2022, Yena (최예나) would easily be #1.

Article Link:  Top 10 K-Pop Songs of 2022

SMILEY by Yena (최예나) Featuring BIBI




5.  Yena Being Humble on M Countdown

M Countdown is the world's number one K-Pop Chart show, according to MWave's website.  Since 2004, they have honored such artists as Big Bang, Rain, 2NE1, PSY, T-ara, Girls' Generation, BTS, and many other K-Pop legends.  

So, when Yena won for the song "Smiley" on February 10, 2022, she was clearly overwhelmed on being added to that exclusive list.  Moved so much, in fact, that she had difficulty performing the song after receiving the award.  It's another reason why we appreciate her so much.  

Yena's Emotional M Countdown Performance




6 - 10.  Yena Is Naturally Talented And So Cute

Watch this video of Yena performing at Talent Compeitions, with her band mates in Iz*One, or just eating a giant sandwich. 

Is there anything more cuter than this?  



Those are reasons enough to enjoy Choi Yena's amazing energy and talent.  The world is currently Yena's sandwich, all she has to do is take a bite!!

Bonus Songs

As a bonus, we've decided to add our three favorite songs by Yena (최예나).  Instead of showing the Official Video versions, we've decided to display Yena's full talent by showing the Live versions instead.

WithOrWithOut by Yena
(최예나, WithOrWithOut)




SMILEY by Yena
(최예나 - 스마일리)




Shy Boy by YENA (Original song by Secret)
From M2's Relay Dance Again feature, Yena does a dance cover of Secret's song, Shy Boy.

• Sandwich Rock
• Rock Rank
• K-Pop

The 4th Generation of K-Pop has created a wave of great music unlike any the world has ever seen.  These new artists are responsible for creating such hits such as EXN's Hamburger Song, Roku's Hamburger, and Hamster Powder Club's Hot Dog Dance, three classics which will forever stand in the annals of Sandwich Rock history.

Sandwich Rock K-Pop Comparison

Every year, Last Sandwich will compile a Top 10 K-Pop Singles list, allowing us to see how the current Sandwich Rock K-Pop compares to the mainstream Fandom K-Pop.  It's a fun exercise to see how this year's K-Pop sandwich songs stack up against the rest of mainstream K-Pop music.  

Sandwich Song Tops List

So, after tallying up votes from our panel of judges, we were able to create our table of Top 10 K-Pop Songs for 2022.  As it turns out, EXN's Hamburger Song was chosen as this year's top single, proving once again that Sandwich Rock reigns supreme.

In addition, we've also included three honorable mentions that just barely missed the cut.  Check out this year's list below.

Top 10 K-Pop Songs Of 2022

Let's examine each song individually below.

1.  Hamburger Song by EXN (을씨년)

EXN (을씨년) and 릴보이 (lIlBOI) do an excellent job showing the conflict between good hamburger vs evil hamburger, and how heavily it weighs on their minds.  In terms of music, the Hamburger Song currently stands on the Mount Rushmore of Sandwich Rock.




2.  Celeb By PSY

Bae Suzy (배수지).   That says it all.




3.  Heart Burn (열이올라요) By Sunmi (선미)

After seeing this video, who hasn't tried to do the Island Dance?  (At least, that's how we would describe it.)  Yet, it's the talented song writing that really stood out.  It's an incredible musicial work of art.   




4.  Hey Gabby! (안녕 개비!) By NMIXX

Meow, Meow.  Every year, artists and bands try to capitalize on people's love of cats by writing cutesy kitty songs.  Well, this is the breakout cute kitty song of the year.  




5.  But You (너라는 이유) by iKON

Rev up the engine, put the foot on the pedal, and just floor it!  This is the perfect music for driving aimlessly at night.  




6.  Polaroid Love by ENHYPEN

Still learning about this band.  But, it's really incredible music.




7.  TOMBOY by (G)I-DLE

The heavy guitar base sound really makes and breaks this song.  You can literally feel the fire and energy explode from the speakers, which is really... awesome.




8.  SMILEY by Yena (최예나) Featuring BIBI

One thing about Yena, she really is a great entertainer, and it's fun to watch her perform.  The energy and charisma she shows on both the screen and on stage is addicting.

Side Note:  To be honest, Yena is our favorite singer of 2022 (she's our defintion of a "triple threat").  SMILEY and WithOrWithOut are the two songs we listen to the most.  If this list was about the Top 10 K-Pop Performers of 2022, Yena (최예나) would easily be #1.  



As a bonus, here is Yena (최예나) singing SMILEY live with her dance crew.  




9.  No Celestial by LE SSERAFIM

Just when you thought it was safe, another shark K-Pops up and chases the competition out of the water.  Bad puns aside, we really love the energy of LE SSERAFIM's new album.  And, while "No Celestial" is not the lead track, it's still the best.  




10.  Still Life (봄여름가을겨울) by BIGBANG

While we love this popular "mainstreak" (not a typo) K-Pop song that rocketed up the charts, it had a lot of great competition.  However, we still find ourselves listening to it from time to time.  




Honorable Mentions


11.  Starlight by TAEIL (태일)

This singer has a great voice.  Plus, it follows the traditional formula for Korean drama love songs, and TAEIL knows how to push all the right buttons.  




12.  Thank You by Brave Girls (브레이브걸스)

Another amazing dance tune for the clubs.




13.  DM by fromis_9 (프로미스나인)

This may be the best K-Pop Girl Band dance single for 2022.  Music is in the air, the lights are flashing, and you can practically feel that groovy-like atmosphere.  Time to hit the dance floor everyone!     

• Restaurant Reviews
• Taiwan

In some ways, Lucky Zou Zou (來去走走) is a secluded tropical paradise, hidden away from the real world and surrounded by nature.  Imagine drinking an ice cold beer underneath the trees, with the mountain landscape at your back, and eating food more delicious than anyone can imagine.  That's the feeling you have when eating at the Lucky Zou Zou.  

Romantic Hideaway

Located in New Taipei City, less than one block away from Danjin Denggong LRT (淡金鄧公站), it can be somewhat difficult to find.  But the journey itself can be its own reward.  Along with its neighboring shop, Maverick Cubano, they share tables underneath towering trees, surrounded by a variety of exotic plants and mountainside.  It's one of the most unique and beautiful places you can visit by train.  

In fact, the shop's so remote that it has become one of the best kept secrets in Taiwan, frequented by locals who are looking for a romantic hideaway, or a spot to meet with friends.  Lucky Zou Zou (來去走走) is truly a beautiful oasis, camouflaged high up north, away from the crowds of Taipei, and separated from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  

Buried Treasure

Now, if Lucky Zou Zou is a tropical paradise, then the Chicken Fajita Wrap would be its buried treasure, a delicious blend of chicken, vegetables, and fruits that captivates the senses.  It is absolutely one of the best sandwiches we have ever tasted.

It is rare to find a precious gem as tasty as the Chicken Fajita Wrap in this region, let alone the world, which makes the long journey to their shop even more worthwhile.  

Night Lights

And at night, when the glimmering lights are beckoning customers in, it becomes even more magical.  There is an effervescent neon glow that eminates from their shops, which can be seen from half a mile away, and it only adds to Lucky Zou Zou's mystical feeling.  It's the perfect romantic location for any couples retreat.  

So, if you are looking for some place special, a remote, romantic and secluded spot, then this is the perfect restaurant for you.  It's a beautiful, intimate oasis, especially in the evening hours.  

• Sandwich Sports
• Sports Rank

Joey Chestnut has just carved himself into the Mount Rushmore of All-Time Injured Athletes Who Won A Title.  By winning with a ruptured tendon, hindered by crutches, and eating his way to a 15th title, Chestnut has cemented his legacy among the greatest athletes of all-time. 

Most everyone agrees that Chestnut's already reached the upper echelons of every major category in competitive eating.  However, today's championship victory was different.  Eventhough Joey was hobbled on one leg, facing one of the biggest obstacles of his career, he still managed to out-eat every other challenger and leave them choking in his dust.   And by doing so, ate his way onto a very short and distinguished list. 

Competitive Eating Is A Real Sport

Before we continue, let's address the elephant in the room... competitive eating is a real sport.  It takes months of preparation and training to reach the top of the eating championships, and it's just as challenging as any other athletic sport. 

Chestnut deserves to be recognized on the same level as Lebron James, Mike Trout, or even Wayne Gretzky.  Can any of those superstars eat 70 hotdogs in 10 minutes?  I truly doubt it.  So, let's put that question to rest and move on forward.  

True Champions Endure The Pain

By capturing his 15th Nathan's Hotdog Eating Contest, on crutches nonetheless, Joey Chestnut has chiseled his way onto an exclusive list, one which includes sports legends such as Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.  Whether it was a broken leg or the flu, both Woods and Jordan won titles while playing hurt.  

So, while Chestnut's feats are unparalled in the world of competitve eating, he has done something that very few in any sport has done.  He endured the pain and pushed himself to a 7th consecutive victory, even when the odds were heavily stacked against him.  That's the mark of a real champion.  

So, without further ado, here is the Mount Rushmore of the Greatest Athletes (from every sport) Who Won A Title While Injured.  


All-Time Mount Rushmore Of Injured Athletes Winning A Title

As you can see, we have placed Joey Chestnut 3rd in the rankings, just behind Michael Jordan and Jim McMahon, two superstars who helped define their sports with a toughness that few atheles have.

By winning the 2022 Mustard Belt on crutches, Chestnut has just joined that exclusive list.  

• Sandwich Sports

If Joey Chestnut wins Nathan's Hotdog Competition tomorrow, he could join the Mount Rushmore of Championship Athletes competing injured.  Who will forget Michael Jordan and his infamous flu game?  Or Curt Schilling pitching for Boston in a bloody sock?  Or even Tiger Woods winning the U.S. Open on a broken leg?

All eyes will be on Joey Chestnut tomorrow, as many question whether this is the biggest challenge of his career.  For the first time ever, Chestnut will be competitive eating with a severe injury, after an unfortunate accident ruptured his tendon, that will force him to eat on crutches.  

Do You Believe In Miracles?

However, nothing may be more miraculous than a severely injured man eating over 70 hotdogs on hobbled legs.  Few realize the endurance and skill it takes to be successful in competitive eating, which can take months of both mental and physical training.  If Chestnut can pull off another Hotdog Eating Championship win, he could easily be mentioned in the same breath as Schilling, Woods, and yes... even Michael Jordan.

If we dive in even deeper, it could even be argued that Chestnut's Mustard Belts are more impressive than Jordan's six basketball titles with the Chicago Bulls.  With another win, Joey's 15 Hotdog Eating Championships would far surpass Jordan's 6 Basketball Championships.  Some could even argue that Jordan won his Championships in a team sport, while Chestnut had to win his Mustard Belts alone.

The Legacy Grows

However, that's a conversation saved for another day, as we wait for tomorrow's 2022 Nathan's Hotdog Eating Competition.  If Chestnut can win while injured, he will definitely be added to the "Mount Rushmore of Injured Athletes Winning a Title".

Chestnut will going for his 7th straight win, and 15th win overall, which will add to his illustrious collection of Mustard Belts.  Regardless the outcome, he is already the undisputed leader in Competitive Eating Hot Dog competitions, and nobody else comes even close.