BTS’s Jungkook has taken the box office by storm with his first-ever documentary, JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL . The film, which dives into his rise as a solo artist and captures intimate moments behind the scenes, has earned massive attention globally. Within its opening days, the documentary grossed an impressive $8.18 million worldwide. Out of this, $2.57 million came from the U.S. alone, making it the highest-grossing musician cinema documentary of the year. Jungkook’s film didn’t just shine at the domestic level. It landed in the Top 10 at the North American box office, a major achievement for a K-pop documentary! In South Korea, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) reported that I AM STILL  earned $223,387 on its first day. This set a new milestone for K-pop documentaries in terms of ticket sales. The documentary captures exclusive footage from Jungkook ’s eight-month journey. It begins with his record-breaking debut solo single, " Seven" (feat. Latto) , released in July 2023. Jungkook made history by becoming the first Asian solo artist to debut at No. 1 on three major global charts. Fans also get an in-depth look at his other hits like " 3D" (feat. Jack Harlow)  and " Standing Next to You" . One of the most touching parts of the documentary is Jungkook ’s tribute to his BTS members. He included their names in the credits, which moved fans worldwide. Social media exploded with reactions, as fans admired the bond between Jungkook and BTS. “The way Jungkook added his BTS members' names in the credits of I AM STILL  omg,” a fan shared online. Tickets for I AM STILL  sold out in several locations within an hour. Fans rushed to theaters, making the film’s screenings feel like a worldwide BTS concert. ARMY from around the globe came together to enjoy Jungkook’s documentary, creating an unforgettable experience for fans everywhere. After the massive success of I AM STILL , fans are excited to see what Jungkook will do next. His album GOLDEN  made history by staying on the Billboard 200 for 24 consecutive weeks. We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and favorite moments from JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL  in the comments below. How did it feel seeing Jungkook's journey unfold on the big screen? Let us know! #JUNGKOOK_IAMSTILL #JUNGKOOK #IAMSTILL #documentary

With K-pop becoming more popular globally, how is Korean music influencing Western pop music? We dissect common themes such as music, visuals, and choreography through different examples featuring your favorite K-pop artists! K-pop is renowned for its catchy melodies and memorable hooks that effortlessly get stuck in your head. This aspect has found its way into Western pop music, where artists are embracing the appeal of infectious hooks. One example is " Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd , which features a pulsating synth-pop sound reminiscent of K-pop's electronic elements. I think it's great to incorporate different cultures and elements into new music, as it can appeal to a wider audience which in turn means more success and recognition. The choreography is the main influence that I have noticed being carried over from K-pop to Western pop music. K-pop is famous for its intricate and synchronized dance routines, often accompanied by visually stunning music videos. Western artists are incorporating similar elements into their performances. "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa  showcases dynamic choreography and a visually captivating aesthetic that draws inspiration from K-pop's emphasis on dance and visual storytelling, and I have to say that having worked with some Korean artists myself in their music videos. The sets and concepts are so much more detailed than most Western sets, and I feel that this influence is a great one to have carried over. Of course, the flashy dance routines are also more interesting to watch and it always sets the bar higher and higher each time. Collaborations and cultural exchanges are also another way that K-pop has influenced the Western pop industry in recent years. These partnerships result in music that blends the best of both worlds. An excellent example is " Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez , a collaboration that combines K-pop's infectious energy with Western pop sensibilities, and also lyrically being able to produce lyrics in both languages helps to attract a wider audience. The K-pop effect on Western pop music is undeniable. From catchy melodies to energetic choreography and cross-cultural collaborations, K-pop's influence has infused Western pop music with a fresh and dynamic approach. As the global music landscape continues to evolve, we can expect further integration of K-pop elements into Western pop, showcasing the ongoing impact of Korean music on a global scale. What do you think is the main influence that K-pop has had on Western music? Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #Blackpink #IceCream #TheWeeknd #BlindingLights #DuaLipa

With Korean fashion becoming more personalized and trending globally, how has the evolution of South Korean streetwear transpired through K-Pop Idols? We take a closer look at the hottest streetwear trends and how it has spread globally! South Korea's influence on the global fashion  and beauty  scene has skyrocketed in recent years, with K-pop taking the world by storm, including in my home country the UK. While K-pop idols have captivated audiences with their catchy tunes and mesmerizing performances , they have also become trendsetters in streetwear. The evolution of streetwear in South Korea, as seen through the world of K-pop idols, showcases a fusion of unique styles and cultural influences that have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. So let me be honest, I thought that the casual wear style had me wondering why nobody seemed to dress up on nights out or in restaurants, as in Europe if you are going out you tend to wear a shirt and jeans or a dress. Later I learnt that in Korea people think even wearing casual streetwear is acceptable since its branded. As K-pop gained international recognition, idols began experimenting with their style, embracing streetwear aesthetics. This shift marked a departure from the coordinated outfits and allowed idols to showcase their individuality and creativity, which is great since the country is very conservative and for the most part it still is especially outside of the capital where more conservative colours are still worn such as black and white and grey. South Korean streetwear is characterized by seamlessly blending high-end luxury brands with affordable streetwear pieces. The "high-low fashion" concept became popular, with idols pairing designer items with more accessible streetwear brands, creating a balanced and unique ensemble. Let's take a look at some trends: K-pop idols have challenged traditional gender roles by blurring the lines between masculine and feminine fashion. Male idols embrace makeup and floral prints and experiment with skirts, while female idols explore androgynous looks and oversized clothing. K-pop idols revolutionize Korean streetwear The evolution of streetwear in South Korea, as influenced by the world of K-pop idols, showcases a vibrant and dynamic fashion culture that embraces individuality, fusion, and self-expression. This evolution has propelled South Korean streetwear onto the global stage, blending high-end and streetwear fashion, embracing individuality and self-expression, and challenging traditional gender norms. As the influence of K-pop continues to grow, we can expect South Korean streetwear to keep evolving, captivating fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its unique and innovative approach to style, and I believe that we will see an increase in K-fashion overseas within the next few months in early 2025. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.

The much-anticipated teaser for Squid Game  Season 2 has finally dropped, leaving fans on edge with the chilling line: "The game isn't over yet" . The global success of Season 1 and its shocking cliffhanger, Season 2 promises even higher stakes, fueling excitement about what’s next in the deadly games. Recently, Netflix released a fun video featuring the main cast debunking popular fan theories about Season 2. While it was entertaining, the cast remained tight-lipped, offering no spoilers or hints about the sequel. On September 20, Netflix finally released the first official teaser, ominously titled "The game will not stop, are you ready...?"  The teaser hints at even more intense challenges and raises the burning question: Will Seong Gi Hun ( Lee Jung Jae ) really be able to bring down this deadly game? Here’s our theory on how the sequel could unfold based on the spoilers and teaser we were offered. Do scroll down till the end to find out what more to expect from Squid Game 2. 1. Will Gi-Hun Return as a Player or the Front Man? A common theory circulating among fans is that Seong Gi Hun will rejoin the games in Season 2. However, the big question is: will he return as the new Front Man? The teaser shows Gi Hun waking up in a player’s cell with the same number, 456, which suggests he may be returning as a contestant rather than a mastermind. This detail leaves fans questioning how Gi Hun will navigate the games once again—could his strategy be different this time? 2. A Sibling Showdown: Front Man’s Role Reversal Another intriguing possibility is that Hwang In Ho (Lee Byung Hun Our Blues 2022), the Front Man, and his brother Hwang Jun Ho ( Wi Ha Joon The Midnight Romance in Hagwon 2024), the detective, will swap roles in Season 2. Despite being shot, Jun Ho may have survived, kept alive by his brother for an unknown purpose. Could this twist lead to a power struggle between the brothers, with Jun Ho possibly becoming the new Front Man? This could shake the foundation of the games and bring a new twist to the sequel. 3. Ddakji Card Colors: A Key to the Game’s Secrets! One viral theory involves the Ddakji cards used to recruit participants. Fans believe that the color of the card determines whether someone becomes a player or a guard. Gi Hun chose the blue card and ended up as a contestant. But in the teaser, we see him as a player again. Could this theory hold any weight, or will it be debunked in Season 2? 4. Behind the Masks: A Focus on Guards and Their Stories The teaser doesn’t reveal much about the new games, which suggests Season 2 may focus more on the backstories of key characters—especially the guards. With new cast members like Yim Si Wan and Kang Ha Neul , we might finally learn how the guards ended up in their roles. Alternatively, the games could take a backseat to the bigger question: can Gi Hun destroy the system from the inside? 5. Gong Yoo’s Mysterious Role While the teaser leaves us guessing about the new cast, one name stands out — Gong Yoo . His brief yet significant role in Season 1 left a lasting impact, and fans are eager to see what part he’ll play in the upcoming season. We predict that Gong Yoo’s character will introduce a massive twist, one that could change the game’s narrative and shock viewers. 6. Traditional Korean Games to Take the Spotlight Squid Game  Season 2 is expected to introduce new, even more thrilling challenges to avoid repetitive gameplay and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Actor Lee Bo Hyun hinted that the sequel will feature several traditional Korean games, bringing a fresh yet culturally rich twist to the deadly competition. Mark your calendars, as the deadly games continue on December 26, 2024 — get ready for another thrilling ride! If you have your theory about Squid Game  Season 2, please share it with us in the comments section below! #SquidGame #SquidGame2 #LeeJungJae #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun #fantheory

Fall is one of the best times to visit South Korea! With colorful trees and perfect weather, this article will focus on the hottest fall activities you need to experience! Many people consider autumn in South Korea starting in September and lasting until November. Therefore, I have selected festivals for September. During the fall season, the weather quickly changes, the leaves turn, and the cold weather begins to move in, and for me, it's one of my most favorite seasons and for good reason! Usually, Korean festival marketing campaigns may only start 1-2 weeks before an event. This means that you need to be ready to take action when you start seeing the advertising. Don’t expect extensive advertising for a festival 1-2 months away. It’s easy to miss a festival if you don’t know what time of year it may happen, to me this still sounds crazy every time I think about it, as in the UK and the US tickets for events will be released sometimes up to a year before the actual date! A great thing however about Korea which I will always be thankful for is that most events are FREE, unlike in Europe and the US. This makes them easily enjoyable for people of all ages, and most of the events you are able to take pets as well! Let's check out a short video! However, the Chuseok holiday falls from September 16th to 18th in 2024 . At this time, everyone and their dog is traveling around Korea, so there are huge traffic jams and booking KTX tickets is very difficult. It’s best to stay put in Seoul during Chuseok, unless you have already left the city by then to spend time with their families and pay tribute to ancestors. Not only is the autumn foliage creeping across the country from north to south, there is a feeling of happiness and joy in Korea and Koreans that comes from the end of the brutal summer, which is hot and humid. This joy is released in outdoor trips, festivals, and harvest celebrations, which with the cooler weather is the ideal time to put on your boots and head outdoors, and Korea is the perfect place for this as it has over seven thousand mountains to enjoy and explore. Once you have spent a day hiking or outdoors, then Korea’s traditional food and destinations are also the stars of this busy month, with fresh harvest produce available to sample, such as succulent fruits and veg, crunchy nuts, and spicy chilli peppers. The best places to try these are in Korea’s historic cities, such as Jeonju , Gyeongju , and Andong . Let us know in the comments below which festival you want to head to this fall and tag us in your photos to be featured! #southkoreatravel #autumn #fallseason #falltrip

Since beginning his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, BTS' V , also known as Kim Taehyung , has made impressive strides both in his military duties and as a public figure. In this article we will give a detailed month-by-month look at his journey over the past several months, showcasing his remarkable dedication and achievements! December 2023: The Beginning of a New Chapter V's military journey commenced on December 11, 2023, when he enlisted and began his basic training at the Nonsan Training Center . With a resolute spirit, he embraced his new role, preparing for the rigorous demands of military life. The buzz around his enlistment was palpable, as fans and media eagerly followed his transition from K-pop star to soldier. January 2024: Graduation and Advancement On January 16, 2024, V graduated from basic military training alongside fellow BTS member RM , earning the prestigious 'elite' soldier rank. This milestone was a testament to his exceptional performance and adaptability. Just two days later, on January 18, V was seen heading to Jonghaenggyo Bridge , dressed in full military uniform and carrying his gear, ready to embark on more specialized training. February 2024: New Assignments In February, V's journey took him to the 2nd Corps , also known as the Ssangyong Unit , stationed in Chuncheon , Gangwon Province . Here, he began serving in a special duty unit of the military police, directly under high-level command. This assignment marked a new phase in his service, focusing on more intensive responsibilities and training. August 2024: Ulchi Freedom Shield Drills One of the most significant events in V’s recent military career was his participation in the 2024 Ulchi Freedom Shield drills . Conducted from August 19, 2024, these joint exercises with U.S. and South Korean military forces were aimed at enhancing readiness and response capabilities in the face of potential threats. The 11-day drills, which involved around 19,000 South Korean troops, saw V actively engaged in various tactical exercises . A video from the drills, uploaded on August 30, 2024, quickly garnered attention on social media. Fans spotted V in the footage, where he was seen posing with his comrades in his Special Duty Team (SDT) uniform. This appearance highlighted his seamless integration into military life and drew admiration from both military personnel and his fanbase. Recent Developments: Continued Excellence In a recent update from September 8, 2024, V engaged with fans via Weverse , marking a special occasion. His post came as ARMYs celebrated the first anniversary of his solo album Layover , which was released on September 8, 2023. Despite his ongoing military duties, V made an effort to connect with his fans, sharing an endearing story about encountering a fan-made photo outside his military base. He humorously mentioned how the sight of the photo made him blush during his run. V's charming interaction extended to addressing his well-being, as he playfully noted the challenges of his service while expressing gratitude for the support from his fans. He assured them that their encouragement was a source of motivation, promising to reconnect with them soon. While V was updating his fans, ARMYs worldwide commemorated Layover's  anniversary with enthusiasm. Celebrations ranged from online hashtags and fan art to themed parties and baked goods. Fans took the opportunity to reminisce about the album’s standout tracks, including "Slow Dancing," " Rainy Days ," " Blue ," " Love Me Again ," " For Us ," and the piano version of "Slow Dancing," all of which were accompanied by music videos that enriched V’s artistic narrative. Additionally, V surprised his followers with a mirror selfie on Weverse and joined a KakaoTalk chat group. He humorously noted that the group's password was simpler compared to others. He also shared a photo of his beloved pet dog, Yeontan , and expressed his support for BTS RM ’s recent song collaboration, " Neva Play ." From his initial enlistment to his current high-profile military engagements, V ’s journey through his mandatory service has been nothing short of remarkable. Each month has brought new challenges and accomplishments, showcasing his unwavering commitment and excellence. Fans and observers alike have been inspired by his ability to balance his duties with the admiration of his global fanbase , proving that dedication knows no bounds. As he continues his service, the world watches with pride and anticipation for the next chapter in his extraordinary story. #BTSV #KimTaehyung #Taehyung #MilitaryService #TaehyungInService #VJourney #BTSArmy #LayoverAnniversary #SupportV #BTSInTheMilitary #UlchiFreedomShield #BTSUpdates #KpopStarToSoldier #VAndARMY #DedicationAndExcellence #BTS

In the last few weeks, the BTS fandom, ARMY , has been angry and upset over what many of them consider mistreatment and abandonment of Taehyung by HYBE . Read on to find out more details! It all revolves around his new album "Layover" particularly the vinyl versions of the album and fans are not holding back. So what’s Going On? 1) Shipping Delays Fans are upset that pre-orders for the " Layover" vinyls haven’t been shipped in Korea . Many have been asking on Twitter why there haven’t been any updates or promotional posts from BigHit about the album’s release. This lack of communication and silence feels unprofessional, especially for such a major label. 2) Stock Issues Fans have noticed that " Layover" merchandise is constantly out of stock in different outlets. They’re frustrated that they have to keep tagging HYBE to restock, raising suspicions that the label might be intentionally understocking Taehyung's releases. It feels like a disservice to an artist who has proven he can sell out anything. 3) Support for Taehyung There are some hashtags like #HYBESTOPSABOTAGINGTAEHYUNG trending right now as fans come together to urge Taehyung to receive the respect he deserves. They do not comprehend how a person with such potential and who would be appealing to any company’s advertisers can’t be advertised properly. 4) Company Reputation Many fans are worried that HYBE’s handling of Taehyung could damage their reputation . They believe that neglecting their artists sends a bad message, not just to fans but to the entire industry . 5) Calls for Action With all this frustration building up, fans are encouraging each other to come out and express themselves. They want to shine a light on what they see as systemic neglect and advocate for better treatment of Taehyung . Some even wonder how a company could sabotage one of its stars. The outcry from ARMY shows just how much they care about Taehyung and his success. As the conversation continues, fans are left wondering how HYBE will respond to their concerns and if they’ll step up to give Taehyung the support he rightfully deserves. They’re not going to stay quiet until they see some changes or improvements. #TAEHYUNG #BTSV #V #KIMTAEHYUNG #HYBESTOPSABOTAGINGTAEHYUNG

South Koreans have been known to be workaholics and at times, for good reason. We look into the South Korean working environment in 2024 and whether it has changed to a more flexible work-life balance. Coming from the UK and receiving 30 days of annual leave per year, and a full-time working week of 37.5 hours, now I look back at it, seems like a blessing. New Zealand and some other European countries have introduced a 4-day working week , and Australia has a laid-back working culture. These countries are all at the top of their game, so to hear that Korea has around 15 days annual leave per year and a tiring 52-hour work week minimum seems like a step backward to me, and this is before the proposed but failed bid to make it a 69 hour work week earlier in the year. Just 50 years ago, South Korea was not like we know today. It was a poor country with many citizens being unable to buy food or farm on the land giving its citizens the drive to work longer and harder. However, in 2024, much of that has changed with many young Koreans being wealthy and Korea promoting their culture ( Hallyu ) or big firms such as Samsung and LG paving the way in the electronic market. The Korean work culture shows many Koreans not working a 9 AM -5 PM job, but instead a 9 AM - 9 PM job and even then receiving messages from their employers outside of work hours or having the mandatory work dinners. So where is the work-life balance here? Sadly the work-life balance — or rather the lack of it — has been the subject of heated debate after the government recently proposed raising the maximum weekly working hours from 52 to 69. In early March, South Korea’s labor minister laid out the framework for this plan, which has been under review since last year. "Raising the cap on overtime would provide employees with greater flexibility" , he claimed. The government has also said raising maximum work hours was meant to allow seasonal workers — such as delivery drivers, factory workers, and builders, to legally work and earn more when they’re most in demand, and take more time off during off-seasons. This sounded much better than it actually would be, and as a result failed. Despite a general shift towards a better work-life balance, employees in South Korea find themselves working longer hours than in other countries. It has been proven in other countries that working smarter, not harder, and taking more rest days, or flexible working hours, increases productivity and happier staff. Could this be why many young Koreans are not having babies? Could this be why many Koreans are looking to move overseas? Let's check out this video! Let us know what you think the perfect work-life balance is in the comments below. #worklifebalance #workinglife #southkorea

With the K-pop industry so competitive and saturated, this trainee was set to debut in a new rookie girl group, but what happened? We have all the details! If you are a trainee in the K-pop industry , it is expected that you are put through your paces in one of Korea's K-pop training schools. Depending on your skills, talents, and overall image, it can take a short time to graduate or an extended time. This is what has happened to Guinn Myah , a former contestant on the reality tv series Girls Planet 999 , who has spent an extended time as a trainee in the K-pop industry. During the past three years, she has been in the middle of a number of rumors regarding her debut and what it would entail, with each new girl group being launched, sadly she was not cast as one of the singers despite her persistence, mild fan base and buzz. Guinn Myah has yet to debut officially. Let's check out this trainee in action! This has of course led to speculation amongst fans as to when she will be likely to join a girl group if at all, to enable her to finally make her entrance in the K-pop industry. One netizen shared, " A frequent name in the countless rumored debut line-ups for upcoming girl groups. Whenever a new girl group was announced, people would always include her in the predicted line-up without fail. " So this has led to my question. "What is this singer missing and what does she need to do?" As the main ages of K-pop singers are during their 20s to early 30s, the industry will adapt and sadly not wait around for anyone. She's apparently is still a trainee under TOP Media Ent, a little bit after the show ended there was a rumor going on that she was going to debut in a group, ODD YOUTH , with Jeongmin who was also a contestant on the show and an ex SM Trainee, however this never came true and Jeongmin ended up leaving the company and even debuted solo. Will she finally be able to debut in 2024? It seems that fans are pushing for this to happen, and as she is getting older, I hope she is able to debut before she hits the cut off mark. ODD YOUTH is expected to debut before the end of 2024, but for now, only Guinn Myah has been officially announced as the first member. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below! #GuinnMyah #ODDYOUTH #TOPMedia #GirlsPlanet999

Fans are protesting on social media against HYBE and requesting a boycott of all recent comebacks. This all began when, on September 15, 2024, Soobin from TOMORROW X TOGETHER shared a concerning update on Weverse about his health struggles. He revealed that he was experiencing extreme fatigue, so severe that eating had become a challenge. “Passing out, I’m so tired… I don’t even have the energy to swallow food so I only ate half of it. For starters, I’ll wash up and be back. I might not be back either…” Soobin’s candid message, paired with a photo of him resting, quickly caught the attention of fans. The issue of overwork is not isolated to TXT alone. Recently, other artists have also been affected by health issues linked to their intense schedules. Beomgyu from TXT sustained an ankle ligament injury during activities. ILLIT’s Wonhee suffered an ankle injury while filming content. NewJeans' Hyein experienced a microfracture in her foot, and Katseye's Daniela also faced an injury. This growing pattern of health issues among idols highlights the broader problem within HYBE’s management practices. Historically, groups had fewer comebacks per year, but the current trend has increased stress and exhaustion. HYBE has been facing additional challenges, including financial difficulties and internal conflicts , such as the ongoing dispute with Ador's CEO Min Hee Jin . Rumors about financial instability and mismanagement have further complicated the situation. Although these rumors remain unconfirmed, they contribute to the overall frustration. As fans, we genuinely care about the well-being of our favorite artists. The movement to boycott excessive comebacks reflects a sincere desire for a more humane approach to managing idols' schedules. We want to see our idols happy and healthy, and we support calls for significant changes in how they are treated. Let us know your thoughts about this very important matter in the comments below! #NewJeans #KATSEYE #TXT #Soobin #Hyein #Daniella #ILLIT #Wonhee #injury #healthissues

Diversity and representation are global issues right now, and many entertainment companies have started to incorporate them into their work. So why is it lacking in K-entertainment? We dissect the cause and how Korea is adapting to this new issue. There are calls for greater diversity in K-pop in terms of race, ethnicity, body type, and gender identity representation. Debates examine the lack of inclusivity within the industry and rightfully so. Overseas in Western music, this has already started to be done, so why is Korea lacking? While K-pop is not seen as progressive in Korea, where it is part of mainstream commercial culture, in places like Europe and the US it remains subcultural. I find this interesting as I would have imagined that it was universally blanketed, however, to be successful you need to be tailored to each market and interest right?! You need to have a certain interest in other cultures and the willingness to put in the time to find information about this culture, looking for translations and ways to access this whole subculture that requires a great deal of media-savviness to reach and remain at the top of your game. Take LGBTQ fans for example, they might feel within a fandom space for Asian pop artists has to do with a perceived lack of aggressive heteronormativity, and therefore some sort of safety which, might be “based on racist stereotyped views.” LGBTQ is not as widely spoken about in Asian culture as opposed to the West, which is why it is lacking in many streams of media especially in conservative Korea. Despite the diverse and global makeup of the fandom, its members are quick to come together when it comes to achieving a collective goal, and that comes from practice. K-pop is evolving That being said, K-pop is evolving and its core, its idols, are becoming more and more diverse as we can see with the first UK K-pop boy band, Dear Alice , Katseye , and JYP's, VCHA . Not only in the realm of music is Korea becoming more accepting but on the screen as well. Some K-pop idols have starred in LGBT dramas ! You can read more about them here ! So I'm not saying that diversity is completely disregarded, maybe just a little slower than your average Western country. So what are your thoughts about South Korea's hesitation to embrace diversity in its entertainment culture? Comment below! #VCHA #DearAlice #KATSEYE #LGBTQ #diversity #equality #reprsentation

A former Manchester United player is being investigated for riding an electric scooter in Seoul without a license. Who is he and what happened? We have all the details! With recent global news coverage of BTS member SUGA , being arrested for a DUI (Driving under the influence) for riding an electric scooter around Yongsan Station in Seoul, another high profile celebrity has also been charged with the same offense, however this time it is a UK football player. Former Manchester United player and current K League 1 FC Seoul star Jesse Lingard is under police investigation for allegedly riding an electric scooter without a license, according to YTN on September 17, the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul has begun a pre-investigation into Lingard's case. The charges stem from an incident at 10:20 PM on September 16 in Apgujeong-dong, Seoul, where Lingard allegedly operated an electric scooter without a license. A year ago, Lingard was fined approximately 100 million KRW (~75,457 USD) in the UK for drunk driving and speeding. At the time, he was also handed an 18-month driving suspension, as reported by local media, so my question is will he ever learn his lesson if he has not already?! It appears not, as since he has had a suspension which is still ongoing in the UK since Korea and the UK have a mutual recognition agreement for driving licenses, his suspension means that he cannot legally drive in Korea. Perhaps he did not know this, or was he being ignorant? It does, however, appear that since the SUGA incident, police have been cracking down harder on checking for driving licenses. However, I also feel that scooter companies should enhance their checks when they allow scooters to be rented out through more verifications on the app or booking system. Seoul authorities have also confirmed that the football player was not wearing safety gear while operating the scooter, which is most likely why he was stopped and checked in the first place, however, in the UK, it is not mandatory to wear such safety gear, though it is strongly recommended. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #JesseLingard #electricscooter #SouthKoreanews #footballnews