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The South Korean president and the French president’s first face-to-face meeting took place in South Africa. On the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg , South Korean President Lee Jae-myung held a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron . It was their first face-to-face meeting since Lee’s election, and it immediately drew attention inside the summit. The timing of the meeting was unexpected. For the first time , the two leaders openly discussed moving their relationship to a new level. At the center of their discussion was a clear goal : (to raise the bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership). Both leaders highlighted the importance of their “special relationship” and the political and historical trust between the two countries. This announcement comes at a key moment. The year 2026 marks 140 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. 140 Years of Diplomatic Relations The year 2026 marks the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea . President Lee recalled this important milestone and invited President Macron to make a state visit to South Korea. President Macron accepted the invitation and confirmed that the visit is planned for 2026 . To mark the anniversary , many events are planned. These include cultural exhibitions, official ceremonies, scientific meetings, and economic talks. Some events will also focus on history, including the role of French soldiers in the Korean War. Key Areas of Cooperation The two presidents agreed to expand cooperation in key strategic areas. These include security , artificial intelligence , quantum technology , space exploration , civil nuclear energy , and renewable energy . President Macron also thanked South Korea for its position on major international issues, including its support for Ukraine . Both leaders said that France and South Korea face similar global challenges , such as energy transition , new technologies , and international security . Looking Ahead in 2026 Several concrete projects are expected this year. President Macron is preparing his official visit to South Korea , and a high-level Korean delegation is also expected to visit France. New cooperation agreements are planned in AI, biotechnology, quantum technologies, and green energy. Cultural and educational exchanges will also be strengthened through exhibitions, concerts, and joint events. A commemorative ceremony will take place at the French memorial for Korean War soldiers in Suwon , and the working holiday visa program will be expanded to encourage exchanges between young people. So, What Comes Next? The meeting in Johannesburg shows a clear direction. France and South Korea are poised to enter a new phase, built on shared interests, long-standing trust, and a common vision for the future. Will 2026 be a turning point in France-South Korea relations? Can this strategic partnership move from words to real action? What do you think? #politics #politicalnews #France #Johannesburg #SouthAfrica

Still from My Liberation Notes (Credits: JTBC) Slice-of-life K-dramas are perfect when you want something calm, relatable, and full of real emotions instead of heavy plot twists. These shows focus on everyday life, friendships, love, growth, and healing. If you like quiet storytelling that slowly warms your heart, here are some of the best slice-of-life Korean dramas to add to your watchlist! 1. My Liberation Notes My Liberation Notes (Credits: JTBC) Three siblings living in the countryside feel stuck in their repetitive lives. The youngest sibling, Yeom Mi-jeong ( Kim Ji-won ), feels especially empty and tired of everything. When a quiet and mysterious man called Mr. Gu ( Son Suk-ku ) appears in town, their lives begin to change in small but meaningful ways. This drama beautifully shows loneliness, healing, and the slow search for happiness. Aired:   Apr 9, 2022 - May 29, 2022 No. of Episodes:  16 Cast:   Kim Ji-won , Son Suk-ku , Lee Min-ki , Lee El Streaming Platform:  Netflix 2. Welcome to Samdal-ri Welcome to Samdal-ri (Credits: JTBC) After a big mistake ruins her career in Seoul, Jo Sam-dal ( Shin Hye-sun ) returns to her hometown on Jeju Island . There, she reconnects with her childhood best friend Cho Yong-pil ( Ji Chang-wook ), who has always quietly cared for her. Surrounded by family, old friends, sea breeze, and small-town warmth, Sam Dal slowly rediscovers herself and what truly matters. Aired:   Dec 2, 2023 - Jan 21, 2024 No. of Episodes:  16 Cast:   Shin Hye-sun , Ji Chang-wook Streaming Platform:  Netflix 3. Daily Dose of Sunshine Daily Dose of Sunshine (Credits: Netflix) This healing drama follows Jung Da-eun ( Park Bo-young ), a kind-hearted nurse who starts working in the psychiatric ward. She meets patients with different struggles and learns to understand mental health with empathy and compassion. The drama is heartfelt and emotional while still being soft and hopeful, making it one of the most touching slice-of-life shows. Aired:   Nov 3, 2023 No. of Episodes:  12 Cast:   Park Bo-young , Yeon Woo-jin , Jang Dong-yoon , Lee Jung-eun Streaming Platform:  Netflix 4. Our Blues Our Blues (Credits: tvN) Set on Jeju Island , this drama tells the intertwined stories of different people, including old friends, lovers, parents, and children. Each episode focuses on their personal struggles and relationships. It feels realistic and warm, showing how people support each other through love, regret, and forgiveness. Aired:   Apr 9, 2022 - Jun 12, 2022 No. of Episodes:  20 Cast:   Lee Byung-hun , Shin Min-ah , Kim Woo-bin , Han Ji-min , Cha Seung-won Streaming Platform:  Netflix 5. Doctor Slump Doctor Slump (Credits: JTBC) Once school rivals, Nam Ha-neul ( Park Shin-hye ) and Yeo Jung-woo ( Park Hyung-sik ) reunite as adults when they both reach a low point in their lives. Burnt out and struggling, they slowly help each other heal and laugh again. The drama mixes romance, comedy, and slice-of-life warmth with relatable themes like stress, pressure, and growing up. Aired:   Jan 27, 2024 - Mar 17, 2024 No. of Episodes:  16 Cast:   Park Hyung-sik , Park Shin-hye Streaming Platform:  Netflix Reply 1988 Reply 1988 (Credits: tvN) Set in the late 1980s, this beloved drama follows five childhood friends and their families living in the same neighborhood. It captures first love, friendship, family warmth, and nostalgic everyday life. Watching it feels like stepping into a warm memory you never knew you had. Aired: Nov 6, 2015 - Jan 16, 2016 No. of Episodes:  20 Cast:   Lee Hye-ri , Ryu Jun-yeol , Park Bo-gum , Go Kyung-pyo , Lee Dong-hwi Streaming Platform:  Netflix, Viki 7. Summer Strike Summer Strike (Credits: ENA) Burned out and tired of her city life, Lee Yeo-reum ( Kim Seol-hyun ) quits everything and moves to a quiet seaside town. There, she meets Ahn Dae-beom ( Im Si-wan ), a shy librarian with a gentle heart. Together, they find peace, healing, and simple happiness in small everyday moments. Aired:   Nov 21, 2022 - Dec 26, 2022 No. of Episodes:  12 Cast:   Kim Seol-hyun , Im Si-wan Streaming Platform:  Netflix, Viki Final Thoughts Slice-of-life K-dramas remind us that healing takes time, and even ordinary days can be meaningful. These dramas are perfect for cozy nights, comfort viewing, or when you simply want soft storytelling that feels real and relatable. Which slice-of-life K-drama is your favorite, or which one will you start first? Tell us in the comments. #SliceofLife #cozynights #swoonworthy #swoon

Seoul — Korean music label Singing Beetle announced today that K-pop boy group 1VERSE will release its first track of the year on January 21, 2026 , with the new single album WABIF (‘Wide Awake Before I Fall’). The new single release from 1VERSE (pronounced “universe”) follows the band’s history-making debut in July 2025, and it comes just one week before the start of its world tour, as the group continues building exceptional first-year global momentum. 1VERSE is set to release their new album WABIF on January 21, 2026! (Credits: Singing Beetle) 1VERSE features five artists from Korea, the United States, and Japan: HYUK, SEOK, NATHAN, KENNY, and AITO. Two of the members — rapper HYUK and singer SEOK — continue to make history as the first North Korean defectors in a K-pop idol group . Since its debut, 1VERSE’s exploding popularity has taken the K-pop world by storm. The group has built a loyal and rapidly growing international fan base known as 5TARZ (pronounced “stars”), gained nearly a million followers on TikTok with astonishing speed, and received significant accolades from global media, leading to growing demands for a tour. Billboard Brasil spotlighted 1VERSE’s pre-debut track ‘Multivese’ in their Best 25 K-pop Songs of 2025, while Kpop Wise and K-Ville Entertainment featured the band as having one of the top debuts of 2025, among praise from other leading industry voices. 1VERSE (Credits: Singing Beetle) “We’re deeply grateful that 1VERSE has already connected with so many incredible fans around the world, and we can’t wait to share this heartfelt new single with them,” said Singing Beetle CEO Michelle Cho. “It’s a very exciting time for the band members and Singing Beetle as we continue pursuing our mission to deliver authentic, creative, and powerful storytelling through music.” After WABIF goes live, 1VERSE is set to turn its growing energy and momentum to the global stage. In early 2026, 1VERSE will embark on an ambitious tour, including 11 shows in the U.S. and Canada during January and February, followed by another 10+ shows in Europe during April, cementing their spot among a select few K-pop groups who have successfully gone on to do a multi-continent tour within their inaugural year. WABIF teaser photo for new single album (Credits: @1VERSE_official) The new single release ‘WABIF', the second installment of 1VERSE’s ‘Shattered’ era, is a ‘sexy drill’ track that wrestles with the deeply human emotions of listlessness, surrender, and apathy. Co-written by members KENNY and NATHAN, ‘WABIF’ explores the nuances of hope and despair as one lies awake, watching their world fracture into chaos, but still choosing resilience. ‘WABIF' is set for release on all major streaming platforms at 6 PM KST on January 21, 2026 , with additional content releasing through 1VERSE’s official channels. Follow 1VERSE on their socials! Site: https://1verse.club/ TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@1verse_official?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/official1verse/ X: https://x.com/1VERSE_official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1verse_official Are you excited about 1VERSE's new album release? Let us know in the comments and show your support! #1VERSE #유니버스 #Multiverse #1VERSE_Multiverse #The1stVerse #1VERSE_The1stVerse