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525 results found for "bts suga"

  • Why Are Korean Drivers Notoriously Bad? We Explain!

    It is no surprise that driving in Korea can be quite an experience, and many foreigners who drive in Korea, and even some Koreans, find Korean drivers to be aggressive or bad at driving. While there have been great efforts to improve the driving habits of Koreans, there are still certain areas that need to be improved. We explore these reasons through our personal experiences. Image: Driving in South Korea, Photo: https://www.yourkorea.life/ The "Me-First" Mentality on Korean Roads Thinking of themselves, and not caring for other people, many drivers lack consideration for other drivers and pedestrians. Although, there are zebra crossings in place, and on the driving course, when you take your lessons you are told to slow down and stop, hardly any Korean drivers do. This causes pedestrians to end up waiting for cars to cross. The individual's urgency often trumps collective road etiquette, leading to a "me-first" attitude behind the wheel. The "Hurry-Hurry" Habit: How "Ppalli Ppalli" Shapes Korean Driving If you have been in Korea a few days or a few years, this is for sure a term that you will hear very often. The phrase refers to the strong cultural mindset which homes in on speed, efficiency, and getting things done quickly. (Usually because everything is always left to the last minute). While on the roads, this terminology transforms in chaos, quite literally. This is due to the impatience of other drivers and the and very aggressive lane changes, tailgating and sometimes running yellow and red lights. Drivers often prioritize getting to their destination as fast as possible, sometimes at the expense of courtesy or strict adherence to traffic laws. Even taxi drivers playing a game of Mario race car , as the sat navigation flashes red (due to speeding) because the driver is simply travelling to fast. Navigating the Maze: How Density and Road Design Impact Korean Driving Seoul and Busan are two of the largest cities in Korea, and as a result, they are heavily populated. This means that heavy traffic and congestion often play a part in the way that drivers navigate around the roads. This is why our writer, Lewis Hooper , decided to live in Daegu , which is the fourth largest city and although it is still really big, it is much better to drive around. In Korea, some older areas of the cities or towns might have some changes in road designs, which might also be less intuitive or have quirks (like sudden lane merges or complex intersections) that can contribute to confusion and dangerous situations, especially for unfamiliar drivers. In our upcoming article, we will talk about how the Korean driving test is easier than in the UK, in contrast to where it is much more difficult. Could this be attributed to why Korean drivers are so bad? Lenient Enforcement: A Driver's Disregard In the past, there has been the perception among many that the traffic law enforcement for small accidents on Korean roads was less strict; however, things are slowly changing. This can lead drivers to believe that they can get away with aggressive driving and that they are immune to minor violations without consequences, which simply reinforces risky driving habits. We want to note that it is always up to the individual driver to follow driving laws and regulations, and not all Koreans drive like this. Have you tried driving on Korea's roads? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments below. #KoreaDrivingCulture #ChallengingRoads #PpalliPpalli #SelfishDrivers #KoreasWorstDriver #DrivingHabits

  • New Girl-Group NewJeans' the New Face of Hybe?

    They are a brand new K-pop group from a ARDOR , a subgroup of Hybe Corp. , that manages BTS . This group had big shoes to fill with that background, especially with BTS on hiatus, and did not disappoint

  • America get ready to make your "K-pop Dreams" come true! New reality show coming this year!

    Get ready America, get ready to make your K-pop idol dreams come true, as the popular K-pop Dreams show will launch this year state side! We give you the details on this new reality program and what to expect! A K-pop reality show will be launched in the U.S. through a partnership between Titan Content , a US-based K-pop company and the entertainment studio The Gurin Company. This means for all the K-pop lovers stateside will get the chance to make their K-dreams come true! The grueling audition process will see applicants audition for a chance to be in the show, as well as a chance to showcase their talents to the world! The K-pop show titled "K-pop Dreams" will be a 10-episode reality show that includes Korean fashion , Korean beauty , and Korean dance as well as appearance for the next K-pop stars who want to realize their “American K-pop dream,” Titan stated in a recent interview. The show will provide audition, training and debut opportunities to would-be K-pop idols in the U.S. , which is a fantastic opportunity with the Korean wave that is still sweeping the world! It has also been confirmed that the auditioning and airing of the show will begin this year. So keep your eyes peeled for a chance to take part in this fantastic opportunity! Auditions for the U.S. and Canada have just closed, but there are still opportunities in Australia and Asia! Click here for more information on the audition schedule! K-pop Dreams have also previously launched a musical, which can be seen in the video below! “This collaboration is not simply a talent search, it is about showing the audience the real K-pop lifestyle, and how we work together to make the dreams of numerous future K-pop star wannabes come true in a way never seen before," said Titan. We think this is a great opportunity for U.S. fans of K-pop to come together and showcase their skills and love of Korean music, beauty and culture ! Legendary choreographer and co-founder and co-CEO of 1MILLION Dance Studio , Lia Kim , serves as Titan Content's Chief Performance Officer along with other well-known K-pop celebrities. Let us know in the comments below, if you will be auditioning for the show, or know someone that will be! We'll be cheering for you! #kpopdream #realityshow #titancontent #kpoppers #kpopdancers #auditionshow

  • The CRAZY Truth About Getting Your Driver’s License as a Foreigner in Korea (Anyang Driving School Saved Me!)

    Dojeon Media's team member Lewis Hooper learned to drive in South Korea, and you can too! He shares his secret weapon for passing the rigorous driving exam! Image: Driving School Seoul - Photo: drivingkorea.au Let's face it, learning to drive anywhere can be a daunting and challenging task, and learning to drive in a foreign country makes things even more daunting. That said, it is often a straightforward process, and with the right approach and attitude, it can be smooth sailing. Many foreigners have successfully obtained their Korean driver's license, and you can as well! Is the Driving Test in the UK Tough? If you haven't heard, the UK driving test is notorious for a simple reason, which is that only half of test takers pass. Yes, that's right. The UK driving test is the toughest in the world, and for me, when I learnt to drive at the age of 16, I was simply not in the right mindset, and despite taking on-road practical lessons, I was unable to pass the rigorous theory test. It's a brutal gauntlet starting with a two-part theory exam, including a mind-bending hazard perception test. Then comes the practical: navigating real-world roads, executing precise maneuvers. Then, when driving independently, all under the hawk-eye of an examiner, where even tiny slips mean instant failure. It's not just a test of driving, it's a battle of nerves and precision that I was simply not ready for. This led me to put off learning to drive for some years, 14 more years to be exact, as I never actually needed a car in my day-to-day life in the UK. Your Blueprint to a Korean License Fast forward to my time in Korea. After four years in Korea, I decided enough was enough, and it was finally time to get behind the wheel and learn to drive again. Generally, there are two main routes to getting your Korean driver's license, and the process is A WHOLE lot simpler than it is in the UK, not to mention it is also a fraction of the price. Step 1. Three-hour classroom theory. Before you do anything, I found a driving school. Since my Korean is not amazing, I registered at Anyang Driving School just outside of Seoul, as they offered the theory lesson and all driving lessons in English. Before I could even get behind the wheel, I had to attend a mandatory three-hour classroom theory session. This is not just a formality; it's a foundational step designed to ensure all prospective drivers understand the essential rules of the road and how to drive safely in Korea. Here, I learnt about road safety and also what the courses at my school would be like, with key details that I would need to remember for the testing system later on. Image: Driving School Seoul - Photo: drivingkorea.au Step 2. Self-study and Theory test. Once I had completed the three-hour theory in the classroom, I was then able to go to a local Government driving center in order to take the dreaded theory test. Before I did this, I downloaded a practice app , which consisted of thousands of possible questions that I was able to practice. I opted to take the automatic test this time, as I had heard that it was easier, and also with the advancement of cars nowadays, I felt that it was better for me. Depending on whether you choose automatic or manual, the test will be slightly different for the on-road training later on, and also for the theory. This is where your knowledge of Korean traffic laws, signs, and safe driving practices is formally assessed. The theory test is a computerized, multiple-choice exam consisting of 40 questions.  Fortunately for foreigners like me, it's available in several languages, including English, Chinese, and Vietnamese, removing a significant language barrier. You'll typically have an hour to complete the test, and most people finish well within that time. When I took the test, most of the questions were the ones that I had practiced that very morning, which I was thankful for, and I had mainly multiple-choice questions, with one video and 2 pictures. I PASSED first time, and I was so excited, I could not wait to get out of the office and start the next steps. Heading to Korea for a solo trip? Make sure that you're fully insured to prevent any mishaps during your trip! Head over to Safety Wing's "Nomad Insurance" to get your discounted quote today! (Click on the photo for more details!) Step 3. Driving Course Test (Skill Test) So this is the part that I thought looked straightforward; however, I was proven wrong and ended up having to take this part of the test twice. A score of 80% or higher is generally required to pass, and your driving school will give you a sheet with all of the deductions. Before taking the closed track test, I had four hours of lessons split up into one-hour or two-hour blocks. During the lesson time, we went through the different buttons in the car and how to operate the wipers, etc. , as well as practicing the course. This practical test takes place on a closed course at the examination office or your driving school, as it was in my case. It's designed to assess your fundamental driving abilities, including maneuvers like the "T-parking" (perpendicular parking), which was the part that I ended up failing on the first time, hill start, emergency stops, and using indicators. The test is often automated, with voice commands (available in English) guiding you, and a computer system scoring your performance. Precision is key, as even minor errors can lead to deductions. For me, I failed on the "T-parking" part, as the track is censored as well as timed, which meant that when I reversed back, I hit a small corner of the the sensor, and when I tried to rectify I also hit another sensor and then I timed out which took my score down to 70% and therefore I was unable to complete the rest of the test. This led me to re-book a further one-hour lesson and a test again the following week. This didn't get me down too much, as I was fully motivated to learn, and on my second test, I passed the course at 80% and I was happy with that. Image: Anyang Driving School Seoul - Photo: Lewis Hooper Step 4. On-Road Driving Lessons and Exam For the on-road lessons, I was really not too nervous about this part, as I had experience driving on the road in the UK when I was learning to drive many years ago; however, Korean roads are very different, so I made sure to listen to my instructor very carefully. My driving school gave me a sheet again with the scoring, and the four routes that I would be practicing and need to memorize for my test. The road lessons were fine, and it was more of a case of learning the actual routes, as the test itself will only have verbal instructions from the computer, such as "in 600 meters, turn right". Image: Anyang Driving School Seoul - Photo: Lewis Hooper After taking six hours of on-road training, I bit the bullet and booked in for my on-road test. To say I was nervous would have been an understatement, and I felt sick the entire morning; however, I arrived at the center twenty minutes early and was able to take my test right away. Because there were four courses, A, B, C & D, the computer randomly selected a course for me to take from the database, and I was given the course that I wanted, which was course B. I wanted course B, because it was one of the slightly easier routes in my opinion, with fewer turns to memorize. In my car was the instructor and another girl who had just taken her test before me. The reason for this is that there used to be a lot of corruption in the past, and instructors passing students for bribes, so now there are always have to be three people. I didn't let that put me off, and I carried on with the test. I PASSED! 100% no mistakes! It only took around ten minutes, and that was it, signed and stamped, I was good to go! I was so happy! The school can send off for your driving license; however, as it was early in the day, I went to the Government office myself and signed a few forms with my pass certificate and paid the 15,000 KRW (USD 11.00) and was issued my Korean driving license in both Korean and English. The Time and Cost From day one of walking into the classroom to take the theory, all the way to being handed my driving license, it took me around three and a half months. I could have taken all the steps closer together; however, with my schedule, it wasn't possible, and I was really happy with this time. Compared to the UK, where the process would have cost around USD 4,000, it cost me around USD 750. Please, however, make sure that your country recognizes a Korean driving license when you return; thankfully, the UK does. For more information: http://www.seoulda.com/ Check out our CEO's driver's test experience here! Have you tried learning to drive in Korea, or are you thinking about it? If so, leave a comment and let the Dojeon team know! #KoreanDrivingAdventures #AnyangDrivingSchool #DriveInKorea #LearningToDriveKorea #KoreanDriversLicense

  • Why Fans Are Boycotting HYBE and Is the Company Overworking Artists to Pay Off Debt?

    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

  • Jun Ji-hyun’s New Political Thriller, “Tempest” on Disney+, Will Change Everything You Thought You Knew! We Have the Insider Scoop!

    STOP EVERYTHING! Jun Ji-hyun's new political thriller, Tempest, just dropped on Disney+, and it's insane! We have the behind-the-scenes details on this highly anticipated new drama! Image: Jun Ji-hyun Joins Forces With Kang Dong-won - Photo: Disney+ CRAZY Storylines & Unforgettable Characters – Get the Scoop! This brand-new Disney+ drama is about to have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Jun Ji-hyun ( My Love From the Star , 2013-2014) plays a skilled diplomatic agent and former U.S. ambassador, while Gang Dong-won ( Dark Nuns , 2025) plays a mysterious former mercenary and special agent, although his nationality is unknown. Together, the two set to work in a desperate bid to uncover the truth behind a deadly attack, which threatens Korea's stability as an independent nation. Main Cast: Jun Ji-hyun , Kang Dong-won Inside the Production Lewis Hooper , a member of the Dojeon team, was fortunate to be cast for a minor role in two of the scenes in this drama. Although he is unable to comment on the specifics until the show's release, he has confirmed that the production quality and acting skills from the main actors were something like no other! He has confirmed that this is a series to binge-watch. Want more of the scoop? Well, wait until the show's release for all the juicy details of the production. New Disney+ K-Drama Teaser Drops, Featuring Intense Dialogue! This jam-packed teaser gives K-drama fans a thrilling preview of the show and what's to come! In this short but impactful clip, we can see San Ho cryptically state, "I'll take care of her," after answering a call. Then, Moon Ju sternly remarks, "Can you understand that I am the boss and follow my commands no matter what?" Let's check it out! Coming to Disney+ in 2025! This is a must-watch addition, and a series to be added to your watch list! Not only because of the impressive lineup, but also for the exciting plot twists that will take viewers on a rollercoaster ride the whole way through. The highly anticipated series Tempest  is officially hitting screens in 2025, and it's going to be HUGE . While the exact release date is still under wraps, this new original Korean drama will be streaming exclusively on Disney+ internationally. For those in the US, you'll catch it on Hulu . What plot twists are you looking forward to in this exciting new K-drama? Comment below and let the Dojeon team know! #TempestOnDisneyPlus #DisneyPlusShock #MustWatchTempest #StreamNow #WhatIsTempest

  • 5 Cultural Activity Ideas to Enjoy While Celebrating Chuseok 2023!

    As the harvest moon graces the autumn sky, South Korea comes alive with the vibrant celebration of Chuseok , the Korean Thanksgiving. This year, from September 28 to 30 , families across the country will gather to honor their ancestors and share in the abundance of the season. For those visiting during this festive time, when most stores are closed, there are cultural activities aplenty to immerse yourself in. Here are five must-visit cultural sites to make the most of your Chuseok holiday! 1. Namsangol Hanok Village: A Glimpse into Korea's Heritage Namsangol Hanok Village, nestled amidst the bustling cityscape of Seoul, offers a serene escape into Korea's traditional way of life. With its five restored hanok (traditional Korean houses), a picturesque pavilion, and a meticulously landscaped garden, the village is a living testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. As you step through the front gate, you'll be transported back in time, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely walk and a glimpse into the Korea of old! https://www.hanokmaeul.or.kr/en 2. Visit the National Folk Museum: A Journey Through Time Located within the sprawling grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace , the National Folk Museum is a treasure trove of Korean history and culture. During Chuseok, the museum comes alive with special exhibitions and events that showcase the customs and traditions of this beloved holiday. Wander through its halls and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Korea's past, from ancient farming practices to traditional clothing and rituals. https://nfm.go.kr//english/subIndex/475.do 3. Hanbok Experience: Dress Like Royalty Donning a hanbok , Korea's traditional attire is a delightful way to fully embrace the spirit of Chuseok. Many cultural centers and rental shops offer hanbok experiences, allowing you to choose from a kaleidoscope of colors and styles. Once you're adorned in this elegant garb, you'll feel like royalty as you explore palaces, hanok villages, and other cultural sites. 4. Join a Chuseok Feast: Savor the Flavors of Tradition Chuseok is synonymous with sumptuous feasts featuring an array of delectable dishes. While most Korean households celebrate privately, some cultural centers and restaurants offer Chuseok-themed meals that allow you to savor the flavors of tradition. Sample an assortment of mouthwatering delicacies like songpyeon (rice cakes), jeon (pan-fried delicacies), and savory stews, all meticulously prepared to honor this special occasion. 5. Participate in Cultural Workshops: Get Hands-On During Chuseok, cultural centers and museums often host workshops that provide a hands-on experience of traditional Korean crafts. From crafting your own intricate paper hanbok to trying your hand at making fragrant lotus flower lanterns, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to engage with Korea's cultural heritage and create memorable souvenirs! Gangwon Forestry Exhibition 2023 https://visitkoreayear.kr/enu/festival_list.kto?idx=55 Templestay https://eng.templestay.com/temple-information.asp#map1 Chuseok is a time of reflection, gratitude, and celebration, and these cultural activities offer a window into the heart of Korean traditions. Whether you're strolling through a hanok village, savoring traditional dishes, or crafting your own piece of Korean culture, Chuseok provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of South Korea's heritage. So, make the most of this holiday and create lasting memories as you celebrate Chuseok in the heart of the Korean cultural experience! Let us know what you'll be doing during this year's Chuseok celebration in the comments below! #chuseok2023 #freethingstodoinseoul #seoultripadvisor #seoultips

  • Netflix's new Korean series "Mr. Plankton's" Press Conference Highlights: A First Look at the Journey Ahead

    Netflix's new series Mr. Plankton  promises an emotional and thought-provoking journey, exploring themes of identity, family, and purpose. The show centers around Hae Jo ( Woo Do Hwan Bloodhounds 2023), a man grappling with the mystery of his father's identity, leading him on a quest for belonging. Joining is Jo Jae Mi ( Lee Yoo Mi Strong Girl Nam-Soon 2023), who yearns for a family but faces challenges as she navigates her complicated engagement to Eo Heung ( Oh Jung Se Sweet Home 2 2023). The press conference held in Mapo District , Seoul, provided insights into the series and the cast's perspectives. Actor Oh Jung-se, known for It's Okay to Not Be Okay , remarked, “The series is a work that is not only entertaining and full of excitement but also has touching moments that can unexpectedly bring a lump to your throat.” Director Hong Jong Chan, renowned for Juvenile Justice , admired the script, stating, “The writer’s message deeply touched my heart.” He emphasized the series' central theme: “Every life has value, purpose, and meaning.” The director compared the show's essence to plankton, explaining, “Everything, like plankton, carries inherent value and purpose.” Hae Jo, played by Woo Do Hwan, embarks on this quest feeling lost and disconnected. “My first line was 'I was about to die,' and I didn't realize how challenging it would be to portray a character who has so little time left,” he shared, reflecting on the depth of his role. Lee Yoo Mi, recognized for her breakout role in Squid Game , described her character as “a flower that blossoms regardless of how miserable the circumstances may be.” She emphasized the resilience of her character, who finds strength even amid despair. Oh Jung Se further explored the unique character names, which carry significant meanings in Korean culture. He noted, “At first, the story felt a bit cartoonish because of its character names,” linking them to the deeper themes of the series. Mr. Plankton  is set to premiere on Netflix on November 8, 2024, with a total of 10 episodes inviting viewers to reflect on the inherent value of every individual's life. What are your thoughts on the themes of identity and purpose in Mr. Plankton ? #MrPlankton   #ItsOkaytoNotBeOkay   #WooDoHwan   #LeeYooMin #OhJungSe

  • "Love Like a K-Drama": Awkwardness and a clash of cultures?

    It also shows the behind-the-scenes of romance dramas, so if you like the BTS of dramas as well this

  • "Lovely Runner" highlights a very daunting issue in Korea's "perfect image" society

    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

  • The Must-Have Accessory For Any K-drama Isn't What You Think!

    Global superstar boy group BTS has even collaborated with Samsung on the product!

  • From Screen to Reality: Living Your K-Drama Dream at the Busan International Film Festival!

    For the ultimate fan:  "The ultimate pilgrimage for every K-drama and movie lover". The red carpet and the dazzling lights of the 2025 Busan Film Festival! We give you all the details to make this year's event unforgettable! Image: Busan International Film Festival 2023 - Photo: Soompi If you are a fan of Korean films, or simply just films in general, then stepping into the Busan International Film Festival otherwise often referred to as BIFF is more than just a film lovers dream. This year it will be held between September 17th - 26th. This is also a global event, and the selection of films on offer is massive, with over 300 films from 75 different countries. There is something for everyone! With 99 of those being world premieres, you can be among the very first to see ground-breaking new films before they hit the global stage. Adding to the festival's prestige, the acclaimed American writer and filmmaker Oliver Stone is serving on the judging panel, bringing his legendary cinematic eye to help discover the next big thing in film, and you never know, you might be able to spot your favorite actor or actress at the same time. Buy your tickets online if you can With there being so much on offer to see and do, it is ideal to plan ahead if you can as it will enable you to find what movies you are interested in, and book them as as they are available as competition for times and slots is often fierce. Don’t forget, two tickets max! Th is is the golden rule! When you buy tickets in person at the event you are only allowed to buy two tickets at a time, so if you are in a big group you will need to have half the number of people in line to get all of the tickets. If not, ask the people behind you in line to buy the tickets for you. https://www.biff.kr/eng/html/schedule/date.asp?day1=6 Be on time! Most of the time, there are K-stars, International stars, directors, and even producers at the show! Often, they might give a speech or pose for a photo or two, so it is vital to be on time for the event and show! Even better, show up early (a good 10-15 minutes will do the trick) so you can have the best seat in town.) Give yourself some time This is one of the hottest events of the year, especially in Korean cinema , and most visitors to the event aim to watch as many events as possible, so just make sure to give yourself some breathing time between the shows, as the event is always very busy due to its increased popularity. The city of Busan is very spread out, so getting from one venue to the next may be tight. If you’re leaving less than 30 minutes between each movie, make sure you book movies at the same venue. Book your accommodations early The event is always popular, and with over 200,000 people attending the event it is not al ways easy to find a place to stay. As you can imagine, good accommodations will fill up quite quickly, especially in the Haeundae area . Make sure you book your room ahead of time so you have the best selection possible. Have you ever been to the Busan International Film Festival? Or will you be heading there this year? If so, then we would love to hear from you in the comments below! #BusanFilmFestival #BIFF2025 #KDrama #KoreanCinema #BusanTravel #FilmFestival

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