Image: BTS , BLACKPINK , and SEVENTEEN at the 2022 VMAs!

Super Junior is back! Well, sort of. Lee Dong Hae is looking better than ever as he stars in a new romantic comedy, Oh! Young Sim ! The K-pop star will be joined by Song Ha Yoon (Oh Young Sim) in this 10-episode K-drama scheduled to premiere on May 15! Let's take a look! ENA and Genie TV released a teaser and promotional poster of its new drama Oh! Young Sim earlier this week. ENA is the studio that produced hit shows such as Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Love Is For Suckers ! We can't wait to see what this new drama has to offer! Oh! Young Sim is based loosely on the Korean comic “Yeolnesal Youngsimyi” by Bae Geu Taek (published in 1988 via the comic magazine IQ Jump). The original comic focuses on Young Sim as a 14-year-old teenager and her family and friends. The drama series follows Young Sim as a woman in her 30s. Oh Young Sim ( Song Ha Yoon Intimate Strangers 2018) is a single career woman in her 30s. She has been producing TV variety shows for eight years in hopes of making people laugh. But all of her shows have been canceled due to their lack of popularity. Young Sim gets a chance to produce a love entertainment show and casts popular startup CEO Mark Wang ( Lee Dong Hae ) as a guest. In true K-drama fashion, Mark Wang is actually Wang Kyung Tae, Young Sim's childhood friend who had a long-time crush on her but never had a chance to express how he felt. Mark suddenly moved to the United States and lost touch with Young Sim. 20 years later, the two bump into each other and are constantly around each other due to the filming of the show! We can't wait to see what sparks fly as they build romantic feelings toward each other! Oh! Young Sim is scheduled to premiere on May 15, 2023 , and will run every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA and Genie TV . Let us know what you think and if are you excited about this new drama! #donghae #songhayoon #ohyoungsim

Image: Menyasan Daime - Lewis Hooper With literally thousands of restaurants to choose from in Busan , it is hard to stand out amongst the competition, however this unsuspecting hole in the wall ramen restaurant did just that! We highlight the dishes that made our mouths water and why it should be on your to-eat list! Hole in the wall gem! This hole in the wall ramen spot called Menyasan Daime is located at Jangsan Station , at the every end of the green subway line, just two stops away from the popular Haeundae Beach . If you get out of exit number seven, this place is right by Baskin Robbins. Yes, this place is tiny, though this hole in the wall ramen will literally be on your mind for a while after visiting. From the offset, when you enter you literally have to duck your head to get under the door frame, and there is no way that more than four people at a time will be able to visit this place, but the wait is worth it! The mouth-watering ramen! Words can simply not describe how good the ramen is here! I ordered the Miso ramen with Chasyu (pork) added on top, as well as ordering a side of Jeju black pork gyoza dumplings. When the miso ramen was served, it was packed with pork and lots of vegetables, and with the addition of the Chasyu it just elevated the flavors to a whole new level! Image: Miso ramen with Chasyu (pork) added on top - Lewis Hooper Image: Jeju black pork gyozas - Lewis Hooper The addition of the side of Jeju black pork gyozas, came as a set of five, and the dumpling wrapper was black. The gyozas were prepared really well, and the pan fried skin and savory dipping sauce worked really well together. The meat inside did resemble a more similar taste to beef, as Jeju black pork is known for tasting “meatier”. However, the cost of the gyozas was fairly expensive (9,000 KRW) compared to the ramen, but they did pack a punch full of flavor. The home comfort noodles that you crave from time to time will not compare to the noodles that you will try here for a similar price. Yes, they were inexpensive, and if you are unable to eat in, then this small hole in the wall restaurant also offer take out service. https://www.dojeonmedia.com/post/restaurant-of-the-month-this-couple-owned-asian-fusion-restaurant-is-the-place-to-be-in-february https://www.dojeonmedia.com/post/the-ultimate-korean-comfort-food-ramyeon-and-why-it-went-viral-plus-our-favorite-types-and-bran What is your favorite Ramen place in Korea? Drop a comment and let us know! #hiddengem #kfoodie #koreanfood #holeinthewallramen #busanramen #koreanfood

A leaked prophecy from a celebrity shaman claims a "White Horse" star (like RM of BTS ) will release

The time of year has come again, with Busan's One Asia Festival, taking place in Korea's third largest city, Busan, between Saturday, June 8 , and Sunday, June 9, 2024 ! Here is everything you need to know for this weekend's festivities! When I heard that there was going to be this amazing event, I was so excited, because this year's event promises to promote a Cultural Playland where attendees can enjoy a variety of performances, content, and exhibitions with an emphasis on K-pop! Attendees will also be able to watch live K-pop groups on stage. How cool is that?! If you are wondering more about which groups will be performing at the event, we have some of the hottest artists confirmed. Let's check out the lineup! Saturday, June 8th: god, Super Junior-D&E, ZEROBASEONE , BOYNEXTDOOR , Billlie , H1-KEY, LUN8, nSSign, NOWADAYS Sunday, June 9th: JUKJAE, MeloMance, ONESTAR, Paul Kim, Peakboy I think that it's great that Busan is hosting this event instead of Seoul, as it brings more tourism to the area. Since Busan did not win the 2030 World Expo, it still shows the city as a world-stage player for major events, which tourists both domestically and internationally can enjoy. I really wish that I was able to attend the event myself this year, as the event will showcase a variety of K-pop performances from different generations to enable it to be an event for multiple generations which I think is really exciting. Also hosting the event in Korea for all things K-pop since the K-culture industry has literally exploded in the past couple of years is a really smart move. Lots of close by Asian countries will be able to travel easily to Busan to enjoy the event. In some of my other articles I mentioned that many K-idol artists and groups are making a comeback ahead of the summer season, so I am curious if any of these artists will also attend the event. For more information check out the link below: https://www.bof.or.kr/cms/main_e.do Where is the event? This year's event will be held at the famous BUSAN Asiad Main Stadium. Will you be attending this year's event? Let us know in the comments below! #BOAFestival #BusanOneAsiaFestival #BusanOneAsia

The Mnet Asian Music Awards or MAMA has been the long-standing K-pop music awards show since 1999. This year's 2022 MAMA Awards theme is "K-pop World Citizenship" symbolizing that K-pop artistry and fandom are "channeled forces for good guided by a message of shared hope and empowerment." The awards ceremony will be held over two nights at the Osaka Kyocera Dome in Japan. The main show is scheduled to air on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 29 - 30 , starting with a red carpet event at 16:00 KST and the awards ceremony at 18:00 on various global platforms including Mnet's official YouTube Channel " Mnet K-pop ". The Worldwide Fans' Choice Category Vote starts today November 10 at 19:00 KST . Head over to 2022MAMA.com to vote using Spotify! Please check the site for more entry rules. On November 9, MAMA awards revealed its second lineup of performing artists! LE SSERAFIM , Hyolin, Bibi, Forestella , NMIXX, Street Man Fighter, ZICO , Lim Young Woong, (G)I-dle , NiziU, INI, NewJeans , and Kara have been added so far! Below is the first lineup of performers announced on October 26. You can check out the judging criteria here! Are you excited about this year's MAMA Awards? Let us know who is your favorite to win!

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

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

K-pop Static Pampanga: Pink Galaxy - A Fusion of Music and Fashion "K-pop Static Pampanga: Pink Galaxy" is not just an ordinary K-pop Event; it is a celebration of everything that makes K-pop unique, including its remarkable fashion sense. Set to take place at SM Pampanga on July 30, 2023, from 12nn-8 pm , this event promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for K-pop enthusiasts! The stage will be graced by amazing performers and contestants who will showcase captivating visuals and dazzling outfits, paying homage to the Y2K fashion era. Attendees will have the opportunity to witness exciting performances and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. But it's not just the performers who will be showcasing their style; the audience is encouraged to participate as well! STYLE ICON Award: Embodying the Y2Kpop Spirit One of the highlights of the event is the prestigious "STYLE ICON" award. This accolade aims to recognize the attendee who best captures the essence of Y2Kpop fashion. From head-turning ensembles to innovative accessorizing, participants will have the chance to let their creativity shine. Whether drawing inspiration from beloved K-pop idols or putting their unique spin on Y2K trends, the STYLE ICON winner will stand out as a true fashion trailblazer. Y2K Fashion's Influence on K-pop Idols The resurgence of Y2K fashion has significantly influenced K-pop idols' wardrobes. In recent music videos, performances, and public appearances, we have witnessed the incorporation of nostalgic elements from the early 2000s. Baggy cargo pants, colorful crop tops, and platform sneakers are making a comeback, seamlessly blending with the futuristic aesthetics often seen in K-pop. Moreover, notable music releases like "GRL GVNG" by XG, "Attention" and "Hype Boy" by NewJeans , "ANTIFRAGILE" by LE SSERAFIM , and "Sneakers" by Itzy have further popularized the Y2K fashion trend among fans, solidifying its influence in the industry. Celebrate Y2K-POP with us at ✨ K-POP STATIC PAMPANGA: PINK GALAXY! ✨ 📍 Venue: SM PAMPANGA 📅 Date: July 30, 2023 ⏰ Time: 12:00nn - 8:00 pm 🔗 Event page link: https://fb.me/e/3GbewRUpK Audience Pre-Sell Fee: P150 per head Pre-Sell form: https://forms.gle/hnor7Q4WbvbukfBn7 Walk-in Entrance Fee: P250 per head #kpopstatic #kpopstaticpampanga #pinkgalaxy

Americans know Valentine's Day to be a day when we give candies and flowers to our loved ones. Valentine's Day falls on February 14th of each year. But what if I told you that there's a different type of Valentine's Day happening in Korea in November? Welcome to Korea's version of Valentine's Day, Pepero Day ! The exact origins of Pepero Day are not known. It can be traced back to a news story in 1983 of two middle school girls in the Yeongnam region that wanted to be tall and thin while exchanging Pepero snacks . Some argue that the origins started with the date, November 11, or 11/11, resembling Pepero sticks. There was a popular belief, at the time, that if one consumed 11 packets of Pepero on November 11 at 11:11 pm at 11 seconds exactly, they would achieve maximum height and thinness! In 1997, Lotte decided to use the middle school story to successfully promote Pepero Day. The trend has caused many competitors creating similarly shaped snacks to participate during this day. As of 2012, Lotte was making 50% of its annual sales on Pepero Day. So what do Koreans do during this "holiday"? Pepero Day is similar to America's version of Valentine's Day. Koreans typically give Pepero to children, co-workers, friends, or family members. Many young Koreans will usually take this day to express their feelings for crushes or people they like! They will often be creative and send a basket of Pepero snacks with some flowers as gifts! Here are some interesting facts about Pepero Day (According to Korea Times): 1. Pepero Day is reportedly the most profitable day for convenience stores all year. 2. Up to 30 percent of all annual Pepero sales occur within a week of Pepero Day, according to Consumer Report Korea. 3. The plain Pepero has fewer calories than the almond-flavored one. 4. The entire length of all Pepero sticks ever sold can circle the circumference of the Earth, 250 times ! 5. According to a dating agency, seven out of 10 people "do not think exchanging Peperos are necessary." So what are your thoughts about this fun and quirky Korean "holiday"? Which K-pop idol would you like to receive a Pepero from? Let us know in the comments below!

Best K-pop Albums of 2024 That You Should Definitely Not Miss Out. 2024 has been a phenomenal year for K-pop, with groundbreaking albums pushing creative and musical boundaries. From chart-topping hits to fan-favorite B-sides, these albums have redefined the industry. Here are the top 10 K-pop albums of 2024 that you need to check out! Golden Hour: Part. 1 — ATEEZ Release Date : May 31, 2024 Title Track : "Work" Viral Song : "Work" ATEEZ’s 10th EP, Golden Hour: Part. 1 , brought yet another global hit with the title track Work . Known for their groovy hip-hop sound, ATEEZ delivered a fresh and emotional take on the chaos of modern life. "Work"  resonated worldwide, blending fun beats with relevant lyrics, making it an unforgettable addition to their stellar discography. Fans are calling it a defining moment in ATEEZ's musical legacy. The Winning — IU Release Date : February 20, 2024 Title Track : "Shopper" Viral Song : "Love Wins All" , "Holssi" After a two-year hiatus, IU returned with her highly anticipated EP, The Winning , delighting fans with five iconic tracks. The album’s lead single, "Love Wins All" , was released on January 24, 2024, and quickly became a fan favorite. The follow-up single, "Holssi" , dropped on February 16, while the title track, "Shopper" , was unveiled alongside the EP’s release on February 20. IU’s heartfelt lyrics and unique sound made this comeback a monumental success. IVE Switch — IVE Release Date : April 29, 2024 Title Track : "Heya" Viral Song : "Accendio" IVE’s second EP, IVE Switch , dropped on April 29, 2024, featuring six tracks, including the title track "Heya"  and the viral B-side "Accendio" . The album showcases a blend of elegance and self-love, with innovative approaches to music and choreography. "Accendio"  quickly gained attention for its addictive beat, proving once again that a year isn’t complete without an iconic release from IVE . Easy — LE SSERAFIM Release Date : February 19, 2024 Title Track : "Easy" Viral Song : "Smart" LE SSERAFIM’s Easy  explores the group's internal struggles and vulnerabilities behind their confident façade. Released on February 19, 2024, the album features five tracks, including the Afropop-inspired viral hit "Smart" . The title track, "Easy" , is a trap and R&B masterpiece emphasizing how the group handles challenges effortlessly. The popularity of "Smart"  even prompted the release of a music video, highlighting the group's fresh take on Amapiano-infused music. Assemble 24 — TripleS Release Date : May 8, 2024 Title Track : "Girls Never Die" Viral Song : "Girls Never Die" TripleS unveiled their first full-group studio album, Assemble 24 , on May 8, 2024, featuring all 24 members. The title track "Girls Never Die"  is a high-energy dance song with an up-tempo house beat layered with rock guitar. The empowering lyrics celebrate boldness and overcoming challenges with vibrant, fearless energy, making it an instant favorite among fans. Flow — ONEW Release Date : September 3, 2024 Title Track : "Beat Drum" Viral Song : "Beat Drum" and "Hola!" Onew's third EP, Flow , marked his first release under Griffin Entertainment after departing SM Entertainment. Released on September 3, 2024, the album offers a personal touch, with lyrics and compositions largely penned by Onew himself. Tracks like "Beat Drum"  and "Hola!"  radiate positivity, capturing the brightest moments he wanted to share with his fans, making it a feel-good masterpiece. Midas Touch — Kiss of Life Release Date : April 3, 2024 Title Track : "Midas Touch" Viral Song : "Igloo" Kiss of Life made a remarkable debut with their first single album, Midas Touch . Released on April 3, 2024, by S2 Entertainment, the album contains two tracks: the lead single "Midas Touch"  and "Nothing" . Member Julie explained that the songs narrate love’s journey — from its euphoric early stages in "Midas Touch"  to its disheartening conclusion in "Nothing" . The group has become an icon in K-pop, pushing boundaries with their unique storytelling and viral tracks like "Igloo" . Romance: Untold — Enhypen Release Date : July 12, 2024 Title Track : "XO (Only If You Say Yes)" Viral Song : "XO (Only If You Say Yes)" Enhypen's second studio album, Romance: Untold , marked a new musical direction for the group with its mix of R&B and synth-pop. Released on July 12, 2024, the album soared to the top of the charts in South Korea, Japan, and France, while claiming the No. 2 spot on the US Billboard 200. Fans especially loved the flirty lyrics and upbeat sound of the title track, "XO (Only If You Say Yes)" , solidifying it as a standout in their discography. Armageddon — Aespa Release Date : May 27, 2024 Title Tracks : "Supernova" and "Armageddon" Viral Song : "Armageddon" Aespa's first full-length album, Armageddon , delivered a bold musical statement. Released on May 27, 2024, the album features 10 tracks blending hip-hop, dance, and ballad elements. The double title tracks, "Supernova"  and "Armageddon" , captivated fans with their unique soundscapes. "Supernova"  is a hyper-pop masterpiece about cosmic explosions, while "Armageddon"  brought high-energy vibes, quickly going viral for its dynamic beats and thrilling performance. 17 Is Right Here — Seventeen Release Date : April 29, 2024 Title Track : "Maestro" Viral Song : "Cheers to Youth" Seventeen’s second compilation album, 17 Is Right Here , celebrated their career milestones with a collection of hits and unreleased gems. Released on April 29, 2024, the album includes all their Korean-language singles, Korean versions of Japanese tracks, and new songs like "Spell" , "Cheers to Youth" , and "Lalali" . The lead single "Maestro"  showcases Seventeen’s group's development in music exploring new style, while "Cheers to Youth"  resonated with fans for its nostalgic and uplifting message. These 10 albums highlight the extraordinary talent and innovation within the K-pop industry. Each release, from Enhypen's Romance: Untold  to IVE’s Switch , offers something unique and captivates fans worldwide with unforgettable tracks and performances. As K-pop continues to break barriers and redefine global music, these albums stand as milestones of 2024, setting the stage for even greater achievements ahead. Which one tops your list? Let us know! #SEVENTEEN #IU #IVE #ENHYPEN #KissOfLife #ONEW #TripleS #LESSERAFIM #ATEEZ

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