• University student bodies lose reputation, popularity

    College student bodies are losing their previous reputation as the champions of students’ rights, suffering from a double whammy of internal problems and students’ indifference. Back in the 1970s and ’80s, when the Korean thirst for democracy was strong, university student councils stood at the forefront, paving the way. Young…

    Read More »

  • Autobiography of woman of Joseon literati family

    This is the eighth of a 20-part of Jangseogak series in collaboration with the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS). Jangseogak houses Joseon Kingdom’s documents. — ED. In the Confucius Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), life was not easy for women. They were confined to domestic life, with many restrictions placed upon them.…

    Read More »

  • Reality programs focus on singles

    ‘Share House,’ ‘Roommate’ start this week One of the reasons that Korean “reality” programs are enjoying a heyday is that they reflect what’s in demand or what’s lacking in Korean society today. In graying Korea, the television audience is highly attuned to celebrities traveling with their children as in “Where…

    Read More »

  • Obama will return royal seals to Korea

    U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to return nine stolen Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) seals to Korea during his Asian trip next week, a source familiar with the situation said Tuesday. They are three state seals, which kings used on diplomatic and other significant documents, and six ceremonial ones, which royal…

    Read More »

  • Who are most charitable stars?

    Some celebrities become social inspirations beyond popularity Hollywood star Angelina Jolie, known as one of the most philanthropic celebrities, once said that she “opened her eyes” when she saw people from the war-ravaged region while filming “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” in Cambodia in 2001. Since then, she has turned into…

    Read More »

  • Enjoying traditional and modern Incheon

    A friend who has been to Incheon told me that it was a fascinating city. She said we could travel through time along the Gwandong modern architecture street or experience “Little China” in China Town. She talked about Shinpo Dakgangjeong, a restaurant that serves “dakgangjeong,” a sweet and spicy fried…

    Read More »
  • East Asia

    Girls’ Generation in crisis

    Scandals reveal management loophole, cracks in unity Is Girls’ Generation in crisis? Will it disband in the near future? Eight years have passed since the nine-member K-pop girl group burst onto the domestic music scene. During that time, it has grown up as undisputed K-pop kingpin adored by scores of…

    Read More »

  • Guidebook gives tips for going abroad

    ‘Students, parents should be careful not to make mistake’ More than 200,000 students who left Korea to study abroad at a young age have come back, but many have had difficulties, especially due to a lack of preparation. Jeon Yong-hoon, 31, a professional counselor working at a counseling center in…

    Read More »

  • Boys to take charge of K-pop in second quarter

    While the first few months of the year in K-pop may have been dominated by girl groups, the boys appear poised to capture the lion’s share of the headlines in the months ahead with new albums and singles scheduled for release. One of the most anticipated will come from EXO,…

    Read More »

  • Designing hangeul

    Calligrapher promotes beauty of hangeul Few may readily identify Kang Byung-in, but his calligraphic writings have donned popular items such as soju labels and TV drama titles. Calligrapher Kang, 52, has written titles for popular dramas the “Woman Who Marries Thrice” (2014), “Faith” (2012) starring hallyu star Lee Min-ho, “The…

    Read More »