With much negative energy pointing toward the K-pop industry right now, it is refreshing to hear that there are K-pop groups out there willing to change that landscape. Let's meet Big Ocean , the first hearing-impaired K-pop group that recently made their debut! Making their first television debut on April 20, 2024, on MBC Kpop's "Show! MusicCore", Big Ocean performed their new remake single "Glow" from H.O.T. in front of a live studio audience and dazzled everyone with their energy, smooth choreography and singing, and "pure" innocent vibes! Take a look! Formed under PARASTAR ENTERTAINMENT the trio consists of Park Hyunjin (Main vocalist, who developed hearing loss as a child), Lee Chanyeon (Main rapper, also lost his hearing due to a high fever when he was young), and Kim Jiseok (Main dancer and maknae, he was born with a hearing impairment). Their official fan color is Turquoise since it represents the calmness of the ocean. It is important to point out that PARASTAR ENTERTAINMENT is under PARASTAR Organization, a company that turns the disabled into abled. They also represent physically disabled athletes and actors in their repertoire. Learn more about Big Ocean through this amazing interview from KOREA NOW ! It is very interesting to learn about how Big Ocean's different hearing abilities affected their training and dance timing in terms of the choreography. What started as a seven-member group has resulted in a trio speaks volumes to how hard these three have worked to get to this moment! Big Ocean's challenges are even more amplified as they have to memorize the exact start and end of the song since they cannot fully hear the music while performing. They also incorporate sign language in their performances to further understand the meaning behind the lyrics. So let's cheer on Big Ocean and their hard work to debut! Let us know your thoughts about this amazing new K-pop group and whether you'll be following them! Comment below! #bigocean #parastarentertainment #parkhyunjin #leechanyeon #kimjiseok

They say friendship can withstand anything, but what if your girl best friend starts exhibiting alarming behaviors? We give you the warning signs you should be aware of if you think you're in a toxic relationship! In the recent popular K-drama Marry My Husband , they shed light on the often-overlooked signs that might indicate it's time to reassess your bond. In this article, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery and relationship evaluation, so brace yourself for the shocking revelations from Marry My Husband ! 1. Betrayal  If your girl best friend betrays your trust by sharing personal information without consent or breaking promises consistently. In this scene, Sumin ( Song Ha Yoon ) takes advantage of Ji Won’s ( Park Min Young ) purchase of coffee from outside the company premises to undermine her in front of their manager. Sumin raised her voice to ensure the manager heard her accusations that Ji Won was neglecting her duties by leaving work to buy food during working hours. This act involved sharing personal information to tarnish Ji Won’s reputation indirectly. Following this confrontation, Sumin appeared pleased as she witnessed one of the supervisors expressing anger towards Ji Won after hearing Sumin’s words. This situation serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential consequences of associating with individuals who engage in such behavior. Therefore, it is imperative to distance oneself from individuals like Sumin , whose actions can lead to unwarranted complications and conflicts in both personal and professional spheres. Building a circle of trust with genuine and supportive individuals is crucial in navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics and safeguarding one’s reputation from potential harm. 2. Toxicity  One another clear sign that it may be time to end your relationship with your girl best friend is when the friendship consistently brings negativity, drama, or stress into your life instead of providing positivity and support. This became evident for Ji Won during a work break with Min Hwan. When Min Hwan asked Ji Won what she wanted to eat, Sumin quickly interjected, responding on Ji Won's behalf, almost as if the question was directed at her. She confidently stated, "I crave curry today. Let's get Indian." Sumin's gaze fixed on Ji Won, expecting her compliance. However, Ji Won didn't share the same appetite for Indian food and explained, "Sorry, I'm broke lately. Also, we have stir-fried pork at the cafeteria." Ji Won suggested that Min Hwan take Sumin to get Indian, but Sumin insisted on joining them for stir-fried pork, disregarding Ji Won's preferences. Feeling trapped, Ji Won reluctantly agreed, saying, "Yeah, okay," even though she had already expressed her opinion. As they arrived at the restaurant, Ji Won's apprehension lingered. She couldn't shake off the feeling that something was amiss. While they were serving themselves food, Ji Won noticed that Sumin’s plate was piled high with food. It seemed as though Sumin was intentionally trying to do something with the excess food on her plate, almost as if she was attempting to pour it onto Ji Won to make Ji Won regret not accompanying her to get the food that she loved. Ji Won’s heart sank. She had hoped for a supportive and understanding friend, but instead, the situation had taken a toxic turn. It felt like a deliberate effort to make Ji Won regret her decision and give in to Sumin’s wishes. Ji Won felt trapped, as if she couldn’t satisfy Sumin regardless of her actions. This fear of her friend's reaction had become a recurring theme in their friendship. Ji Won realized that she had been walking on eggshells, constantly worrying about how her choices would be received by Sumin. It was emotionally exhausting, and she couldn't deny the toxicity that had seeped into their once-close bond. As Ji Won observed Sumin's behavior, she began to question whether this friendship was truly healthy for her. True friends should uplift and support each other , not constantly impose their own desires and belittle the other person's choices. Ji Won deserved a friend who respected her boundaries and valued her opinions. 3. Gossiping and Backstabbing  Engaging in gossip about you behind your back or spreading rumors that harm your reputation is detrimental to trust in the friendship. Serendipity struck when Ji Won stumbled upon the startling revelation that Sumin was the mastermind behind the widespread animosity of their classmates during their school days. It was at a long-awaited reunion with their high-school classmates after years of graduation that Ji Won overheard conversations among her peers, disparagingly discussing her. Determined and courageous, Ji Won sought the truth behind their hurtful words, as she couldn't fathom why they would speak ill of her when she had never wronged any of them. She confronted them, and their responses left her taken aback. To her astonishment, Ji Won discovered that Sumin had been orchestrating a narrative that portrayed her as an envious and vindictive person, attempting to seize everything from Sumin and deliberately causing her sadness. It turned out that Sumin, her best friend, had been orchestrating a campaign of hatred against her since their school days. Ji Won was shocked to learn that Sumin had been spreading false rumors about her, tarnishing her reputation she didn't even stop spreading rumors after their graduation, but also at work! Overwhelmed by the need to vindicate herself, Ji Won realized that she had been compelled to prove her innocence due to the false information and rumors propagated by Sumin. When faced with a toxic friendship where your closest companion spreads negativity and rumors instead of supporting you, it is crucial to cut ties. You deserve a life free from sadness , where you don't have to constantly defend yourself or live in fear of the information this supposed friend possesses. 4. Feeling Drained If spending time with your best friend leaves you feeling emotionally drained, exhausted, or unhappy. Ji Won hurriedly left the gathering, a long-awaited reunion to reunite the high school classmates after years of graduation. Instead of feeling delighted to see everyone again, she felt sad and drained. She had discovered that Sumin, her supposed best friend, had been spreading rumors about her for years. Ji Won's social circle had dwindled to just Sumin, thanks to the toxic environment created by false gossip. Sumin's toxic behavior didn't stop after graduation; she continued trying to be a part of Ji Won's life, even interfering with her work and attempting to get close to her boyfriend. Ji Won constantly felt drained and unhappy due to Sumin's actions. She stayed with Sumin out of fear of being friendless, unaware that the rumors were the reason everyone treated her poorly. Sumin wanted to portray herself as kind for sticking around despite Ji Won being labeled as the "bad" one". If you find yourself in a friendship that drains you, trust your instincts and be comfortable being alone, even if it means having no other friends temporarily. It's important to distance yourself from toxic relationships for your well-being. 5. One-Sided Relationship  When you feel like you are always giving more in the friendship without receiving equal care and attention in return. Sometimes in friendships, it can feel like you're always giving, forgiving, and helping without receiving the same care and attention in return. Ji Won experienced this firsthand with Sumin. Ji Won put so much into the friendship, hoping for a true friend, but instead found herself facing an enemy who competed with her in everything (work, projects, and even life..) and spread lies about her. Every relationship in your life should provide support, whether it's sharing ideas, listening, or showing respect. Take a moment to think about your friendships. What do they bring to your life? Are you the one always helping, yet receiving nothing in return? True friendships should uplift and nourish you. Surround yourself with people who reciprocate the care you give to them, and appreciate and support you. Life is too short to invest in toxic relationships where your efforts go unappreciated. Seek out those who truly value you and make sure your friendships bring you joy and growth. Remember, deciding to end a relationship with your girl best friend is never easy. However, by paying attention to the signs and taking proactive steps, you can pave the way for a healthier future. Don't miss out on the upcoming installment of Marry My Husband [Part 2], as we will give you another 5 important signs that you shouldn't miss! #MarryMyHusband #Friends #Jiwon #Sumin #Minhwan #relationships

tvN's Queen of Tears has reached nearly every milestone of a smashing global K-drama hitting number one in viewership rating every week! But we want to know how it compares to other top tvN dramas. Read on to find out! Reaching a staggering 21.6% nationwide (Nielsen Korea) in its latest episode, Queen of Tears is definitely the drama to beat this year! With all of South Korea and the world tuned in to the final two episodes airing on April 27 and 28 respectively, let's find out what are the top tvN dramas of all time! We will focus on the top 5 dramas first and give you the rest of the numbers from sixth to tenth place! Each viewership rating is the average of the total drama (all episodes). 5. Mister Sunshine (2018) 18.1% This is no surprise to anyone. Anything Lee Byung Hun touches turns to gold! Throw in a very talented star Kim Tae Ri and you've got yourself a masterpiece! Premiering in 2018, Mister Sunshine was a sure hit before it was aired due to the star-studded cast anchored by the two leads. Mister Sunshine tells a story about a man returning to his homeland, Joseon, who abandoned him. 4. Reply 1988 (2015-2016) 18.8% Reply 1988 is truly a work of pop culture art. Riding behind the success of the "Reply series" (1997 and 1994), this third installment started well and took off surpassing double-digit viewership (10.1%, Nielsen Korea) by the fifth episode. This coming-of-age drama with a star-studded cast, left no crumbs. 3. Goblin (2016) 20.5% Goblin started the "uncle" (ahjussi) craze in South Korea and it's not hard to see why! If every middle-aged Korean man looked like Gong Yoo, every high school girl would fall in love! Just kidding! But seriously, this relationship was a little suspect at first. Goblin is also on tvN's top 10 most-watched dramas of all time. If you're new to Korean dramas, this is a must-watch! 2. Queen of Tears (2024) 20.7% With only one more week until the finale, Queen of Tears just might take over as the most-viewed tvN K-drama of all time! With only a 1% difference between the top two dramas, we feel that Queen of Tears is poised to take over the number one spot by next week! The beautiful scenery, along with the great male and female leads, could be the reason why this drama is so addicting! Comment below why you love this drama and why it should be number one! Click here to see the cast members spill the beans on each other! 1. Crash Landing on You (2019 - 2020) 21.7% Crash Landing on You takes the top spot by a margin as it led to the two main characters marrying each other in real life ! The drama started off with a decent viewership rating at 6.1% and continued to rise every week to 21.7% in the final 16th episode, the highest viewership rating of any tvN drama! Don't forget that numbers 6 - 10 are also worth watching! 6. Mr. Queen (2020 - 2021) 17.4% 7. Crash Course in Romance (2023) 17.0% 8. Under the Queen's Umbrella (2022) 16.9% 9. Vincenzo (2021) 14.6% 10. Our Blues (2022) 14.6% So there you have it! tvN's top 10 most-viewed dramas of all time! Let us know which dramas you NEED to be watching. Do you agree with this list? Comment below! Source: 1 #ourblues #vincenzo #queenoftears #mrqueen #underthequeensumbrella #crashcourseinromance #crashlandingonyou #goblin #reply1988 #mistersunshine

Lipa City is about to experience an electrifying celebration of K-pop fandom with the highly anticipated 𝗞-𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁! This event, happening on April 27, 2024 , promises to be the ultimate fan gathering that will make your K-pop hearts soar. Get ready for a day filled with music, dance, and everything K-pop! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁: The 𝗞-𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 has prepared a lineup of exciting activities that will surely satisfy your K-pop cravings. Here's what you can expect: 1. K-Pop Dance Cover Competition: Witness talented dance groups showcase their skills as they perform electrifying K-pop dance covers. Get ready to be amazed by their precision and passion for K-pop dance! 2. K-Pop Random Play Dance: Join in the fun and dance along to some of your favorite K-pop songs in a random play dance session. Let loose and show off your moves as you groove to the beats of K-pop hits! 3. K-Pop Merch Booths: Explore a variety of K-pop merchandise and collectibles from different vendors. Whether you're looking for albums, posters, or other K-pop goodies, you'll find something to add to your collection! 4. Games: Engage in exciting games and challenges that test your knowledge and love for K-pop. Show off your K-pop trivia skills and compete with fellow fans for prizes and bragging rights! 5. Raffle: Stand a chance to win amazing prizes in the event's raffle draw. Keep your fingers crossed and hope luck is on your side as you eagerly await the announcement of the lucky winners. 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀: The success of the 𝗞-𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁 would not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors and partners. The organizers extend their heartfelt gratitude to the following: Generous Sponsors: - Annyeong Studio 안녕 - Nix Perada Films - SarangHaus - Batangas Blinks - G.I. Collection - KR AVE . - KNJ SEOUL MART Lipa Partner Merchants: - Ddaeng KookShoppe Official - SOLE Production - G.I. Collection - Love, SeoulPH - Aerily.co - Amboosharts - mystikull.tails Promotional Support: Special thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their valuable support in promoting the event: - Lipa Status - Philippine KPOP Society - K - Ala Eh - Hallyu Manila - Hallyu Overload - Philippines - Dojeon Media - City Writer 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗔𝗗𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡! Make sure to mark your calendars and don't miss out on the ultimate K-pop celebration in Lipa City. Join fellow fans, immerse yourself in the music, and create unforgettable memories at the 𝗞-𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁! Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate the vibrant world of K-pop. See you there! ✨

What do a Singaporean tycoon, a luxury brand ambassador, a Pakistani royal family member, and an heir to an Italian luxury brand empire with a social media influencer with a staggering 50 million followers on social media have in common? They all chose South Korea as their playground and to spend their billions! We dive into Netflix's ultra-rich docuseries set to premiere on May 7, 2024, Super Rich in Korea ! Hosted by Got7's Bam Bam , comedian Cho Sae Ho , and Oh My Girl's fashion-trending Mimi , Super Rich in Korea promises to dive into the extravagant lives of South Korea's mega-rich. Bound by the love for Korean culture, we glimpse how these celebrities and heirs spend their fortunes in "The Land of the Morning Calm". Let's take a look at the cast! David Yong — Singaporean, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, lawyer David Yong is currently the CEO of Evergreen Group Holdings and has invested in various lifestyle and financial businesses across Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Korea. He also made his K-pop at age 34 in 2022 with Korean rapper Kid Milli! He also invested $10.2 million into K-pop group Fifty-Fifty . Yoo Hee Ra — South Korean, aka "Korea's Paris Hilton" Yoo Hee Ra (Aren Yoo) is a luxury brand ambassador. She currently models for brands like Miu Miu and has a YouTube channel. Anna Kim — Pakistani royalty, entrepreneur After being born into Pakistani royalty, Anna was raised in South Korea before returning to Pakistan to get married. She is very popular in Korean talk shows bridging the gap between South Korea and Pakistan. Teodoro Marani — Fashion prodigy, heir to Albino Teodoro fashion house Not only is Teodoro heir to the Albino Teodoro fashion house, but he is also a founder of a food and beverage company in South Korea! What makes Teodoro unique is that he loves visiting local Korean marketplaces to get inspiration in his everyday life. Noor Naim — The Arab Kim Kardashian With over 14 million followers on Instagram, super influencer Noor Naim is a social media mogul amassing over 20 million subscribers on her YouTube channel as well! From luxury to beauty items, Noor showcases on her YouTube channel. Let us know if you'll be watching Super Rich in Korea ! We're excited to hear what you have to say about this show! #superrich #superrichinkorea #realityshow

Calling all K-POP enthusiasts! It’s time to gather your friends and test your knowledge about everything K-POP at the much-anticipated N.Cat K-wiz Night. Scheduled to take place on April 27, 2024, this is an event you certainly wouldn’t want to miss. From general knowledge to chart-topping hits, idols, and variety shows, attendees will have to cover all these bases to secure their throne. This is not just a night of trivia; it’s an opportunity to spend the evening with like-minded fans from different fandoms, all united by their love for K-POP. The event will be held at the popular hangout Tipsy Pig QC. For just ₱500, attendees will not only enjoy a night filled with fun and games, but also food and drink included in the ticket price. But that’s not all! Participants will have the chance to WIN AMAZING PRIZES throughout the night. Whether you’re a seasoned K-POP fan or a newbie in the fandom, there’s something for everyone. In the spirit of giving back, 100% of the ticket sales from the event will be donated to Kasuso Foundation , a charity dedicated to the support of breast cancer patients and survivors. This makes the N.Cat K-wiz Night not just a gathering of K-POP fans, but also a meaningful event that contributes to a significant cause Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of exciting challenges, camaraderie, and charity. See you at the N.Cat K-wiz Night on April 27, 2024. Let’s celebrate our love for K-POP while making a difference in the lives of those battling breast cancer. #KWizNight #NCATPH

Imminence Productions recently concluded its highly anticipated event, "Beyond Borders Beats - A Multilingual Pop Edition", which showcased the power of music to unite diverse cultures through a universal language. The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees in awe of the vibrant performances and the spirit of cultural unity that permeated the atmosphere... The "Beyond Borders Beats" event was a testament to the belief that music has the ability to transcend language barriers and bring people together. Held at Robinsons Galleria Cebu, the event featured a lineup of talented artists from various cultural backgrounds, each representing their unique musical style and language. From catchy pop tunes to soulful ballads, the performances captivated the audience and showcased the rich tapestry of global music. Will explore the winners and highlights of a recent  showcase of the global language of music! Debut Song Category The Debut Song Category at the event was filled with talented artists who captivated the audience with their unique sounds. The champion of the category was N'ovellus , Whose debut song left a lasting impression on the judges and spectators alike. The first runner-up was RHAPSODY followed by VIVID in the second runner-up position. These artists demonstrated the power of music to transcend borders and create a global impact. Best Soloist Zedd , a renowned solo artist, was awarded the Best Soloist title at the event. (Credit goes to Reionin Films for the photo of Zedd that we used). Also known for showcasing some of the best performers. Among their talented showcase performers were: Femme Latte Nyxie Flying Colors The event also recognized outstanding showcase performances in different categories. In the P-POP category, MOA's BINI rendition took home the award for Best Showcase Performance. It is worth highlighting the  Encoreblvd Dance Studio . This renowned dance studio offers K-pop dance classes, catering to the growing popularity of K-pop music and dance culture. By providing a platform for aspiring dancers to learn and showcase their talents, Encoreblvd Dance Studio has made significant. You can visit their social media account or contact them directly for more information on class schedules and registration. The winners and performers at the recent music event showcased the power of music to transcend borders, languages, and cultures. Let us continue to embrace the diversity of music and appreciate its ability to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or origins. #BeyondBordersBeats #MultilingualPop #MusicalDiversity #ImminenceProductions

The MBC reality series Hangout with Yoo featuring longtime comedian and host Yoo Jae Suk released a teaser of him visiting the HYBE headquarters with SEVENTEEN 's subunit BSS on April 20, 2024. The teaser stating "The HYBE headquarters built by SEVENTEEN" drew many BTS ARMY to defend their beloved boy-ground BTS and urged MBC to fix their "mistake". Before we begin, let's take a look at the teaser first! The teaser for the next episode of Hangout with Yoo featured SEVENTEEN's subunit BSS (the acronym for SEVENTEEN members BooSeokSoon) showing Yoo Jae Suk around the HYBE headquarters. Particularly in the cafeteria scene, the subtitles claimed that HYBE was built by SEVENTEEN, the source of this controversy. It was later reported that MBC changed the subtitles on their Naver and Nate TV platforms. But it was too late since the clip reached millions on social media creating a firestorm of comments by the BTS ARMY with the hashtags "Hybe was built by BTS" and "BTS paved the way". BTS ARMY called out MBC demanding an apology using the above hashtags and MBC responded with "BTS led the foundation of the new HYBE headquarters, and SEVENTEEN built it up." "BTS led the foundation of the new HYBE headquarters, and SEVENTEEN built it up." — MBC Fans from both BTS and SEVENTEEN have continued to control their anger towards the media station instead of the groups themselves, who seemed to have nothing to do with the controversy. ARMYs accused MBC of disregarding BTS' decades of hard work to contribute to HYBE's success. Also, fans stated that SEVENTEEN didn't make sense since they are officially under Pledis Entertainment , which was acquired by HYBE Corporation on May 25, 2020. ARMYs also hoped that BTS would no longer appear on any MBC shows or programs in the future. What are your thoughts about this issue? Do you think fans should have control over what media/broadcasting is allowed to say? Or do you think MBC should apologize? Comment below! #HangoutwithYoo #BOOSEUKSOON #SEVENTEEN #센틴   #부석순   #놀면뭐하니 #BSS #HYBEisnothingwithoutBTS #BTSpavedtheway

Taguig, Philippines - On April 12, 2024, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office (KTO-Manila) successfully hosted the highly anticipated "K-Beauty Hangout" event at the Level 3 Atrium of SM Aura. The event, in collaboration with Jenny House, AMOREPACIFIC Philippines, and SM Aura, brought together beauty enthusiasts, K-pop fans and culture aficionados for a day filled with immersive experiences, informative workshops, and games! The event featured a variety of beauty booths showcasing the latest K-beauty trends and products. Attendees had the opportunity to discover new skincare routines, try innovative makeup techniques, and learn about the secrets behind achieving flawless looks . Renowned makeup artists and skincare specialists were on hand to provide personalized beauty tips and recommendations, leaving attendees feeling inspired and empowered to enhance their own beauty routines. One of the event's highlights was the presence of Jenny House, a prestigious beauty salon from Seoul. Jenny House's talented artists captivated the audience with live makeup transformations, showcasing the artistry and precision that goes into creating the signature looks of K-pop idols and celebrities. As the day came to a close, attendees left the K-Beauty Hangout event with a newfound appreciation for Korean beauty and culture. Inspired by the knowledge gained and the experiences shared, they were ready to embrace their own unique beauty journeys and incorporate elements of K-beauty into their daily routines. Clips made by KCC PH Stay tuned for more exciting opportunities to explore the world of K-beauty and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and cultural heritage of Korea! #KBeautyHangout #TaraKoreaNa #RideTheKoreanWave #KoreanCulturePH #KCCPhil #KTO #VisitKoreaYear2024 #kbeauty

Fans of the hit K-drama Queen of Tears got to know more about star actress Kim Ji Won as she recently shared her truly humble nature with Cosmopolitan Korea! The popular actress gives a first-hand look into her private possessions! Let's go! "Living the life of an unemployed person" What we didn't know is that Kim Ji Won is a homebody! After shooting her most recent drama Queen of Tears , she enjoyed her break at home rolling around and "living the life of an unemployed person"! We love her sarcasm and humble attitude! Despite playing the character of a chaebol heiress, Kim Ji Won loves drinking coffee and taking a simple stroll outside! "I don't really carry a purse, I have an eco bag." What really made us fall in love with Kim Ji Won is her "down to earth" attitude! She told Cosmopolitan Korea that she doesn't carry a purse around, instead, she has an eco bag created by her sister to commemorate the end of the filming session. If you haven't read our article about the cast members from Queen of Tears be sure to find out more about Kim Ji Won's obsession with massage gadgets! Kim Ji Won also shares that she often listens to music when she walks home and has a variety of genres depending on her mood! Be sure to check out our curated mood Spotify playlists on our homepage as well! So what do you think of Kim Ji Won's simplistic look and lifestyle? Comment below about your lifestyle and what specific items in your bag you feel would match Kim Ji Won's style! #KimJiWon #CosmoKorea #CosmopolitanKorea #WhatsInMyBag #Inmybag

K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival - Manila will be held on May 4-5 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall from 10 a.m-8 p.m. On the other hand, the Cebu counterpart will be held on June 15-16 at the SM Seaside City Cebu, the Mountain Wing Atrium, at the same time, while the opening ceremony will be June 15 at the Skyhall. For the inaugural K-festival in Cebu, the Korean Culture Center of the Philippines will be hosting. "Everyone's Kpop Cebu," a K-pop cover dance contest for Filipino talents, Also introduced in Cebu is the performing team that will bring Jeju Island’s unique culture and traditional traits. A special show will be put out by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Dance Company. Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Dance Company will perform on June 15 (Sat) at the Sky Hall, and on June 16 (Sun) at the Mountain Wing Atrium. Sharing a glimpse of what you can expect at the biggest Korea Festival of the year! Mark your calendars and don't miss out on performances For more information and updates, make sure to follow Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines on their social media accounts! #2024KoreaFestival #KCultureNextDoor #KCCPhil #KoreanCulturePH

tvN's new hit series Lovely Runner not only reflects the status of K-pop fandom in recent years but also highlights a very daunting challenge facing many Koreans with disabilities. We reflect on how this series is the start of a new movement and why we're all for it! Spoilers! Synopsis Ryu Sun Jae ( Byeon Woo Seok Strong Girl Nam-Soon 2023) is a K-pop star and leader of his group Eclipse. Tired of the entertainment industry, Ryu Sun Jae decides to end his life. Im Sol ( Kim Hye Yoon Cleaning Up 2022) is a young woman struck with tragedy as she is paralyzed from the waist down due to an accident when she was young. She was ready to give up on her life when a call from Ryu Sun Jae on a radio program changed her life. She becomes his fan and listens to his radio show for comfort. Im Sol hears the heartbreaking news of Ryu Sun Jae taking his own life and feels deep sadness. Miraculously, Im Sol travels back in time 15 years prior facing Ryu Sun Jae as a 19-year-old high school student. She struggles to prevent his tragic future. Highlighting the ugly truth The K-drama industry has been oversaturated. Plot lines have crisscrossed and actors have played the same roles multiple times. Lovely Runner is the breath of fresh air that everyone needs from this industry! Highlighting specific challenges and situations for characters is something that every drama should address, especially if it tackles the hard stuff that no one wants to talk about. Right from the start, Im Sol and her friend attend Eclipse's first comeback in five years. They are your typical fans and are really looking forward to the concert. While at the venue, Im Sol gets a call from a company wanting to interview her at that exact moment (we're not sure why this always happens). Confident in her abilities as a video editor, Im Sol goes to their office in hopes of securing a new job. Right when she is introduced to the interviewer, she is quickly turned away, without even given an opportunity to interview, because of her disability (she was in a wheelchair). The company's excuse? "Oh, we have a two-story office with stairs. We're sorry but we cannot hire you." (Fuming yet?) Disability in South Korea We want to focus on the wheelchaired disabled in South Korea for this article, as it pertains to the drama. Living in South Korea as a normal person is already challenging. With the constant pressure to be "perfect", meaning a good job, a high salary, and be "good-looking" is just the standard that everyone must adhere to. Of course, this stigma is changing, but not really. Now imagine being disabled on top of the societal pressure put on you. Korea is NOT a wheelchair friendly country! Many videos and stories have highlighted this issue. Although the government is slowly becoming more wheelchair-friendly in terms of building access, there are still many infrastructure issues that must be considered, especially public transportation such as buses without the ability to "kneel". You can watch more on this issue here: We can debate on the wheelchair issue all day, but more importantly is how blatant the interviewer in Lovely Runner turned away Im Sol based on her disability, without giving her a chance to prove her skill. This happens often in South Korea and we're glad that this drama is opening more eyes to this daunting issue. We hope that this series will continue to highlight the inequalities for the disabled as well as other societal matters! Comment below with your thoughts about this issue and if Lovely Runner is on your K-drama playlist! #LovelyRunner #KimHyeYoon #ByeonWooSeok # 선재업고튀어