According to a recent survey, South Korea's global image doesn't quite match what Korean's have in mind. This article will focus on why this is, and here at Dojeon Media, we want to learn why there is a gap between reality and image. How the world sees South Korea While many Koreans believe their country is known around the world for K-pop or K-dramas, what actually comes to mind for people from other countries when they think of Korea? Coming from the UK, I have to say nobody really spoke about Korea as a holiday destination, and if you were to ask a Brit what they thought of Korea, the likely answers would either be kimchi, North Korea, or Kim Jong Un. Of course, behind the bright lights of K-pop and K-dramas, South Korea is still under the North Korean nuclear threat, which unless it's discussed by new sanctions or Donald Trump, otherwise get's little attention. According to the survey conducted by the Corea Image Communication Institute, 83.96 percent of foreign respondents who have visited or resided in Korea said the security threat from North Korea is the first thing that comes to mind about Korea. I was surprised when I read this, as most people I speak to these days mention K-pop, kimchi , or K-dramas such as Squid Game . Koreans' image of themselves vary greatly than what the world sees In contrast to this, 84.75 percent of Korean respondents said Korea would be known for its culture powerhouse status. Only 30.19 percent of foreign respondents associated Korea with the image of a cultural powerhouse, which ranked third. I mean, Korea has very little natural resources due to it's mountainous landscape, so in order to gain a global appearance Korea really does need to play the K-culture card. These divided opinions show a significant gap between how Koreans view themselves and how the international community perceives them. This chart is from the USnews.com website where South Korea is compared in a number of aspects on a global scale from culture, manufacturing, consumer brands, happiness and trends in terms of influence; South Korea ranked number 7 (out of 89 countries) in terms of cultural influence which includes entertainment: The leading countries were Italy at number one, and France which came in second. The USA was number three, and the UK came in at number six for Cultural influence and entertainment. From our point of view This different mindset of how Korea as a country is viewed on the global stage is interesting and for me neither one is a correct answer. Since I have lived in Korea for 4 years, I have seen a change in the amount of people interested in Korea and whenever I return to the UK, there is a growing number of Korean products on UK supermarket shelves. I have also worked closely with the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to promote Korean culture, and I truly believe that if Korea get's this right in their marketing then they could overtake other holiday hot spot favorites such as Japan and Thailand in the future. In the meantime, I do think Koreans need to learn to become more open minded about other countries opinions of them, and also learn to be more culturally accepting and diverse like their neighboring countries have been, as this will only help them grow and develop. Let us know what you think Koreas global image is in the comments below. #SouthKorea #globalimage #hallyu #kentertainment

Featuring a stellar cast including Choi Won Young, Choi Moo Sung, Hwang In Yeop, Jung Chae Yeon, and Bae Hyun Sung, JTBC's new comedy Family By Choice is must watch tv! We give you all the details on this highly-anticipated upcoming comedy drama! Set to host 16 episodes, Family By Choice tells the story of a group of friends who have spent their teenage years together as a family, later to reunite in adulthood. The story though perhaps simple, should ring home to many viewers. The upcoming series stars The Sound of Magic ’s Hwang In Yeop as Kim San Ha, Bae Hyeon Seong ( Gyeongseong Creature 2 2024) as Kang Hae Joon and Jung Chae Yeon ( The Golden Spoon 2022) as Yoon Joo Won. These three friends were brought up together by two men, Yoon Jung Jae ( Choi Won Young Hierarchy 2024) and Kim Dae Wook ( Choi Moo Sung Wonderland 2024), however, the boys later leave in search of their biological families, leaving Joo Won by herself. The trio reunite ten years later, but Joo Won struggles to overcome her resentment towards the boys for leaving her behind. Let's take a look at the teaser! Our thoughts I think the way the trailer has been filmed and showcased, shows that there will be a happy ending some where down the line, however watching the trailer you can relate to many of the boys struggles, happy experiences and emotions growing up. I think it has been filmed in a really clever way, and it has left me wanting to watch the full 16 part series. Family By Choice premieres on October 9, 2024 , on JTBC on Wednesdays at 8:50 PM KST. Let us know if you will be tuning into watch this new K-drama in the comments below! #FamilyByChoice #ChoiWonYoung #ChoiMooSung #HwangInYeoup #JungChaeYeon #BaeHyunSung #comedy #sliceoflife

The K-drama Love Next Door  has been gaining popularity, but its OST "What Are We " , sung by Ha Sung Woon, is facing serious plagiarism accusations. Many are drawing parallels between the OST's impact and the legacy of The Heirs  OST. Is "What Are We "  following the same successful path, or will this controversy overshadow its potential? Plagiarism Accusations Over "What Are We" OST In September, Stone Music Entertainment released the music video for "What Are We " . Soon after, a viral post on theqoo raised concerns about similarities to Baek Ye Rin's 2019 song "0310 " . Fans quickly pointed out the resemblance between the two tracks, from the chord progression to the dramatic pauses. Some even said, "This is basically '0310'", sparking an intense debate. Baek Ye Rin's Response: Disappointment on Instagram On October 4 KST, Baek Ye Rin addressed the issue on Instagram, expressing her disappointment. She posted a screenshot of the MV, writing, "It must suck to copy... If you want a song like mine, please ask me :)" Netizens have shared mixed reactions, with some agreeing that What Are We  sound like "0310 " , while others questioned if the similarities are enough to call it plagiarism. Official Statements from Ha Sung Woon and Composer Whyminsu Ha Sung Woon’s agency, Big Planet Made , clarified that he was only commissioned to sing the OST. They stressed that Ha Sung Woon had no involvement in writing or composing the track. The song's composer, whyminsu , also spoke up. He compared the two songs and explained that the chord progression used in "What Are We" is common in many hit songs. He emphasized that the vocal and guitar melodies were different from "0310" . Comparisons to "The Heirs" OST While "What Are We" is wrapped up in controversy, it mirrors the OST success of The Heirs . The OST of The Heirs  was instrumental in the show's popularity, much like how "What Are We" was expected to resonate with fans of Love Next Door . The Heirs  OST, especially songs like "Love is the Moment", became iconic. Will "What Are We" have the same legacy, or will the controversy hold it back? Will This Plagiarism Controversy Fade Away? The debate around "What Are We" continues, with fans divided over whether it truly plagiarized 0310 . Ha Sung Woon remains uninvolved in the controversy, but the OST has already garnered significant attention. It remains to be seen whether the issue will escalate or die down. For now, fans are keeping a close eye on both sides, just as they did with the legendary OST of The Heirs. What do you think?  Is " What Are We" a case of plagiarism, or is it just an unfortunate coincidence? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our latest updates on Love Next Door  and other K-drama OSTs on our site! #LoveNextDoor   #JungHaeIn   #JungSoMin   #KimJiEun   #YunJiOn #OST #TheHeirs #WhatAreWe #TheHeirsOST

The No Gain No Love spin-off, Spice Up Our Love , starring Lee Sang Yi ( My Demon 2023 - 2024) and Han Ji Hyun ( Cheer Up 2022) deliver standout performances! Plus, we cover what fans are raving about and what to expect in the upcoming episodes! TVING and Amazon Prime's new spin off series, Spice Up Our Love has led fans to take to social media to express their excitement, plot ideas and favourite scenes. Before we dive any further, let's take a look at the series plot. Plot recap The plot is about a love story between Seo Yeon Seo (Han Ji Hyun), a dietitian and CEO Kang H Jjoon (Lee Sang Yi). The series begins when Nam Ja Yeon, a web novelist who only writes R-rated stories finds herself transported into the fictional world of one of her novels as its female lead, which I have to say having a female lead seems quite forward thinking for Korea. Anyway, d esperate to escape back into the real world, she tries to leave by rebelling against its plot, triggering a character death and even playing out the story’s steamy ending. Sounds juicy right? This type of plot concept reminds me a little bit of the US series Desperate Housewives so based on that, I think I love this mini-series already and so do many fans! So what has happened so far? This series aired on October 3, 2024, and with just two episodes, Spice Up Our Love focused on Ja Yeon and Gyu Hyun, and by the time the second episode ends you are left wanting more. Lee Sangi Yi and Han Ji Hyun deliver standout performances. Both Ji Hyun and Sang Yi have carved their own niche with their dramas like Penthouse , Hometown Cha Cha Cha , and Youth of May . Bring them together and their chemistry here is electric! Ji Hyun effortlessly switches between the quirky Ja Yeon and the sultry Yeon Soo, while Sang Yi matches her step for step, bringing his own quirky charm to the table. And let’s not forget the OST, "A World for Us" — it adds just the right touch of emotion to Gyu Hyun’s heartfelt confessions. Let's check out some trending fan reactions! I have to say that watching this clip, it gave me goosebumps. The tension that can be felt in this one video is great and leads me to wanting to watch more. As some fans have commented on the post: Show Highlights The show’s highlights? Well, the soy sauce and sausage scenes will have you realizing the depth of the drama for sure. The only downside is the short runtime — just two episodes didn’t do justice to the character arcs, leaving some emotional beats under-explored. The ending, especially, felt a bit too rushed, as if there were still a few more layers to peel back. Also, it wasn't as 'spicy' as I thought it would be. What will happen next? Give us your story scenarios in the comments below on this trending romance drama. #SpiceUpOurLove #LeeSangYi #HanJiHyun

BLACKPINK's Jennie was recently involved with Hollywood actress Margaret Qualley and her comment about her blonde hair. Was this an example of cultural appropriation in full swing, or a comment which has been taken out of hand? We take a closer look! Recently actress Margaret Qualley has been accused of "being racist" towards BLACKPINK's Jennie at the Chanel Spring/Summer 2025 fashion show in France. Jennie and Margaret Qualley were working the room and socializing, and as seen in the video below Margaret Qualley embraced Jennie before touching her hair and asking her "Is your hair real?" Jennie replied with a smile "No, it's not" , to which Margaret Qualley responded to Jennie by saying "It looks real" . Let's take a look! Fans and critics have expressed their strong opinions by saying that Margaret Qualley should be accused of prejudice for asking the question. Fans called out the comment, touching her hair as "inappropriate" and "disrespectful". Many viewed the incident as racially charged, interpreting the questioning of Jennie's blonde hair as insensitive, especially given the cultural context. In the West, cultural appropriation of this nature has made headlines with other A-list stars in the past, and especially in the UK since it is a diverse country, it can lead to meaningless comments (perhaps like this one) being taken out of hand and therefore receiving a lot of unwanted attention and backlash. Let's take a look at this post which has been posted on X: This situation escalated even further when some fans pointed out another time when there was discomfort displayed. While posing for photos together Jennie was seen making a pout to perhaps kiss Margaret Qualley on the cheek, however, Margaret Qualley allegedly flinched and pulled back, leading fans to question why she perhaps hesitated a friendly gesture from the star. Did it have any racial discrimination behind it? Or was it a shocked response? Let's take a look at this post from X: Many fans have rightly so been conflicted and confused by the mixed signals that Margaret Qualley gave off toward Jennie at the event. In my opinion, having watched the video, I think Margaret Qualley was working the room and networking, and when she commented "Is this your real hair?" it was perhaps meant innocently, as Jennie's hair looked striking. I can understand where some of her fans have come from claiming that it was not an innocent comment. Jennie does appear to show some hesitation later when she got Margaret Qualley to pose for a photo with a photographer as I can see in her body language, however, she does play to the camera very well and makes the pout face to express some happiness for the photo. What do you think? Overall, the interactions have left Jennie's fans frustrated, accusing Margaret Qualley of not respecting boundaries and displaying behavior that some have labeled as racially insensitive. Let us know what you think. Let us know your opinion on this topic in the comments below. #jenniekim #maragaretqualley #racism #blondehair #kpopfans

Voting and fan power among K-idols at award shows and performances have been a hot topic in recent weeks, here at Dojeon Media we discover the dark side of what happened behind the glitz and glamour. The role of fan voting in award show results and chart performance has been heavily debated. Discussions explore the influence of large fan bases and whether they unfairly skew outcomes. Being an influencer in 2024 has its challenges although it has never become easier. With many award shows taking place domestically and abroad influencing a large fan base can skew outcomes in who wins awards and even more political debates. In South Korea, K-pop groups or “idols” debut weekly on network television shows , battling other bands to win media play. Fans campaign online for their favorites and research how many Spotify streams , YouTube views, album sales, or social media mentions a group needs to have a song top the charts or win an award. They have also long donated to charities, often to commemorate an idol’s birthday, a group anniversary, or an album release, but both performers and fans largely avoided politics until now. It is no surprise that many political players use K-pop idols to help shift their voters by paying these idols large amounts of money to play a short private gig at a political or private party to big industry names. However, like we have seen in US politics it can be dangerous using public figures to shape political outcomes on a mass scale. If we look back K-pop fans in the US had made headlines in 2020 when they reserved tickets for one of Donald Trump’s rallies and then neglected to show up — leaving the president to face a nearly empty auditorium. During America’s civil unrest after Minnesota police killed George Floyd on camera, BTS donated $1 million to Black Lives Matter; its fandom, known as BTS Army , matched the donation in 24 hours. I think this say's it all. It has been said before that "fans have the power to create stars" and this is the case as one popular song, style, or social media post with a large following and sharing can easily put that star/person in demand and pushed to new heights overnight. This also leads to them not being prepared and then later on breaking down or falling off the rails. Overnight sensations are not quite what they seem and rightly so. South Korea in my opinion is obsessed with trends and current idols, and with this not seeming likely to fade away overnight I am concerned about what the future holds with upcoming elections in Korea, larger fan bases, and bad behaviors or idols. Let us know your thoughts on voting and fan power in the comments below! #Fanvotingpower #kpopidols #musicbank

On October 1, Love in the Big City  premiered, starring Kim Go Eun ( Little Women 2022) and Noh Sang Hyun ( Pachinko 2 2024). This highly anticipated film isn't your typical rom-com, offering deeper themes of identity and love. Adapted from Park Sang Young’s bestselling novel, the film also debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival. Directed by Lee Eon Hee, it quickly gained attention for its unique take on love and friendship. A Refreshing Take on Love and Connection In the film, Kim Go Eun plays Jae Hee, a free-spirited woman caught in gossip. Noh Sang Hyun’s Heung Soo is a man struggling to keep his sexual identity hidden. Their paths cross unexpectedly, leading to a bond that defies traditional romantic narratives. Instead of focusing on romance, the film dives into the deeper connections between people. This portrayal of friendship as a higher form of love challenges the usual expectations of a love story. It invites viewers to rethink what love really means in a world full of prejudice. Kim Go Eun’s Journey with Jae Hee Kim Go Eun’s performance as Jae Hee has been praised for its emotional depth. In interviews, Kim shared how different she is from her character, yet she still managed to deliver an authentic portrayal. To prepare for the role, Kim visited clubs for the first time, despite her character’s wild lifestyle. This helped her embody Jae Hee’s carefree nature, making the character relatable. Kim also reflected on her connections with LGBTQ+ friends. She felt this experience helped her bring sincerity to the role, portraying the struggles Heung Soo faces in the film. Despite a limited budget, the team worked tirelessly to finish shooting in two and a half months. Kim noted how this added pressure made the cast more determined. Fan Reactions: A Movie That Resonates Deeply Fans have embraced the film's message of friendship and individuality. One fan on X mentioned, “Friendship is a higher form of love than romantic love.” Another fan described it as the best Korean movie of the year, praising its focus on respecting individuality. “It teaches us how to love ourselves for who we are,”  they said.  Here are a few reviews by the Korean Netizens: Some found the film’s humor and emotional depth refreshing. As one viewer noted, “It’s a movie that makes you laugh, cry, and reflect all at once.” The balance between humor and deep emotion sets this movie apart from typical romantic films. Fans continue to rave about how it defies expectations! Why Love in the Big City Deserves More Recognition While marketed as a rom-com, Love in the Big City  is much more than that. The film tackles societal issues like LGBTQ+ acceptance and the struggles of being an outsider. Kim Go Eun and Noh Sang Hyun’s powerful performances elevate the film beyond just a love story. It’s a celebration of friendship, resilience, and embracing individuality. The movie shows how friendship can be just as powerful, if not more, than romantic love. This fresh perspective on relationships makes Love in the Big City  a must-watch. Are you excited to see Kim Go Eun and Noh Sang Hyun in Love in the Big City ? Let us know your thoughts on their performances, and don't forget to follow Dojeon Media on social media for more updates! #LoveintheBigCity #kmovie #kfilm #lgbtq #KimGoEun #KimSangHyun #romcom

Chae Won Bin is back with a new drama! We discuss why her new psychological thriller Doubt should be at the top of your fall K-drama watchlist! When I heard about this drama, I was all over it. Primarily because I love action, crime, and thrillers, and the title "DOUBT" left me with a lot of questions about the storyline. Having watched the trailer, I have to say that the way it is filmed leaves me wanting to watch the entire series in one go, due to its suspense. This drama also won the MBC 2021 drama script writing contest giving me more reason to watch! This 10-part series is led by Han Suk Kyu ( Dr. Romantic 2016), and Doubt follows the legendary criminal profiler and single father Jang Tae Su (played by Han), who paved the way for profiling in South Korea. While working on a murder case, he soon realizes that his daughter Ha Bin ( Chae Won Bin ) is involved. Struggling to reconcile his duty as a profiler and his devotion to his daughter as the case progresses, Tae Su begins to question everything in his life. Let's take a look at the trailer! Throughout the series,  Jang Tae Su will have some hurdles to overcome and family issues to deal with. Will family come first in this situation? Doubt premieres on October 11, 2024 , every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST on MBC. Have we convinced you to watch Doubt yet? Let us know in the comments below! #Doubt #HanSukKyu #ChaeWonBin

What Comes After Love  is gaining attention not only for its emotional storyline but also for its international collaboration. This Korean Japanese drama stars Lee Se Young and Sakaguchi Kentaro , portraying a Korean Japanese couple with heartbreak. The show beautifully captures the complexities of cross-cultural relationships. Choi Hong ( Lee Se Young ) and Aoki Jungo ( Sakaguchi Kentaro ) once fell in love but broke up. Seven years later, fate brings them back together. However, their reunion isn't simple as they face old scars and cultural differences. What makes this story stand out is how it reflects real-life trends. Recent statistics show international marriages in South Korea are rising. According to Donga , in 2023, 19,717 international marriages were recorded, marking an 18.3% increase. These marriages now account for 10.2% of all marriages, the highest since 2010. As Korean productions expand globally, cross-cultural romances like this one are increasingly relevant. What Comes After Love  mirrors the reality many couples face today, where love crosses borders and cultures. The drama doesn’t shy away from showing the challenges of cultural differences. This portrayal feels timely, especially given the rise in international marriages in Korea. Besides its unique narrative, the production beautifully showcases Japan and Korea's landscapes. Both countries' cultures are represented respectfully without overshadowing each other. Inclusive global drama for everyone! This drama also signals a shift in how K-dramas are incorporating global narratives. With more international actors and stories, Korean productions are becoming more inclusive and relatable to a wider audience. As international marriages grow, could we see more K-dramas embracing these stories? What Comes After Love  opens the door for more cross-cultural romances on-screen. Is this trend of international collaborations the future of Korean entertainment? Share your thoughts below! #WhatComesAfterLove #LeeSeYoung #SakaguchiKentaro #Interracialcouple

BBC's Made In Korea showcased the challenging steps that K-pop trainees need to get through to become full-fledged idols, but was the show staged? We discuss episodes 1 and 2! Here at Dojeon, we have mentioned the BBC (British Broadcasting Channels) new documentary Made In Korea where the cameras follow some lads from the UK, who are on the quest to become K-pop superstars. Under the strict supervision of SM Entertainment, the boys will debut after being put through an intensive 100-day training program (which is usually 5-6 years). Let's take a look at this clip! I was of course excited to watch the show, as I am from the UK myself. It is even more interesting that the UK is part of the global Korean wave (Hallyu)! In episodes 1 and 2, we saw the boys arrive in Seoul, get to know each other, and find their place in the band. They also learned a new dance routine, and what it is to sound like a K-idol. Episode 1 did not go as planned Although the boys had some training and auditions in the UK, they were not ready for the level that was required within the K-pop industry. Most of the members had lower pitching vocals and were told to try and sing in a higher key to fit the image of a K-idol. While working on their vocals, they also needed to practice dance routines. I have to say that although many Korean male artists can sing in a high key, it is hard for a Western person to do and some of the members struggled with this. If this was not all, they had to learn a song vocally along with a dance routine in one week and perform to the head of training and casting at SM Entertainment. The standard was high, and during episode 1, the casting director asked the BBC to turn off their cameras at the end of giving some harsh feedback to the boys, before storming out and calling a crisis meeting with the BBC management team. After the meeting was over, the BBC bosses told the boys that they needed to step up to the mark fast, or some of the members could be sent home. Episode 2 gave the members a wake-up call In episode 2, the boys had to perform to a live audience of students at the Seoul School of Performing Arts, where there were 500 students. The edited version of the performance which was played to the casting director during their second feedback session was edgy, catchy and I have to say pretty good considering the boys were in their second week. However, this was short-lived when the director played the unedited version where the boys were all over the place. This was of course not helped as one of the members was sick and was therefore unable to perform due to having tonsillitis. I think that some of the scenes were staged to make the show more entertaining, and knowing that British people love to watch some drama this show ticked the box. I also think that since SM Entertainment agreed to this show, they want to deepen their routes in the European market. What will the next episode bring? Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #DearAlice #BBC #MadeinKorea #SMEntertainment

NCT's Jaehyun is reportedly scheduled to enlist for his mandatory military service in November. We have all the details on his enlistment and discharge date! SM Entertainment has confirmed that the much-loved Jaehyun, part of the K-pop band NCT , will start his mandatory military service in November this year, as part of the ROK military band. The idol star will enlist on November 4 to begin his basic training, before being assigned to the military band for the remainder of his mandatory service period. His discharge will be on May 3, 2025 , with many fans already marking this date in their calendars with the hope that he will return to NCT and the music industry. Jaehyun will soon become the second member of NCT to begin his mandatory military service duties after fellow member Taeyong .  Let's take a look at the star in action! I believe that by taking part in his military service, he will become more valued within Korean society, as well as be able to learn some valuable skills and become more grounded without all of the glitz and glamour of being a Korean idol. Hopefully his time away from NCT, and being in the military, will provide him with some inspiration and influence for new music in the future. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #Jaehyun #NCT   #Smoke #J   #JAEHYUN_J   #NCT   #NCT127

The excitement for Squid Game  Season 2 is palpable, especially with the recent teaser featuring Gong Yoo (Kim Shin, Goblin , 2016) as The Salesman. Set to release on December 26 , this season promises another intense chapter in the survival game saga. The minute-long teaser, titled “ You’re Invited ,” offers a cinematic glimpse into The Salesman's daily routine. As he prepares for work, he ominously asks, “ Sir, do you want to play a game with me? ” This line recalls his chilling introduction in Season 1, leaving fans eager to learn more about his character! Gong Yoo’s role has sparked a flurry of fan theories online. One popular theory from Reddit user Lebyclist   suggests that The Salesman is the son of Il Nam, the original host of the Squid Game. This theory proposes that he will assume the role of game master, following Il Nam's death. Another Redditor, Zoulogist , argues that the casting of prominent actors like Gong Yoo and the Frontman indicates their roles will expand significantly . Fans believe this new season will delve deeper into their backstories, enhancing the show's complexity. Check out the latest teaser from Squid Game 2! YouTube comments further reflect the buzz surrounding the teaser. One user remarked, "Using the world’s crush on Gong Yoo to promote Season 2 is an evil genius move.” This highlights Netflix’s savvy marketing strategy, leveraging Gong Yoo's massive fanbase. However, not all comments are positive; some fans express frustration over the December 26 release date . This debate showcases the intensity of fan engagement as they scrutinize every detail for clues about the upcoming season. As we await the premiere of Squid Game  Season 2, the anticipation surrounding Gong Yoo's character only heightens expectations. With numerous theories and discussions circulating, viewers are eager to see how the story will unfold when the game resumes. Ultimately, this teaser has done exactly what Netflix intended — fuel speculation and keep fans talking. Gong Yoo's enigmatic role remains one of the most discussed aspects of the show, and it's clear that fans are expecting much more from his character in Season 2. Check out more here as fans debate about the upcoming season as well as our thoughts on it as well! What are your theories about Gong Yoo’s character in Season 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below! #SquidGame2 #SquidGame #GongYoo #Season2 #fantheories #Netflix