Various citizens’ groups organized a large-scale rally called the “People’s Rally” held in and around Gwanghwamun Plaza in downtown Seoul on November 14. An estimated 100,000 protestors and 47,000 police officers took to the streets in protest of the government and President Park Geun Hye‘s policies, including the hotly-debated government-issued textbook. The rally began in several… Continue reading Chaos Breaks Out at Anti-Government Rally in Downtown Seoul
Category: Culture
Culture and Society
Korean Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries Begins Distributing Compensation to Sewol Ferry Victims
The Korean Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries has begun to distribute compensation to some of the survivors and the families of the victims of the Sewol Ferry sinking. On November 13, it was decided that 13 survivors would be awarded a total of just over 10 billion won (approximately $8.5 million) in damages and compensation. The… Continue reading Korean Ministry of Maritime and Fisheries Begins Distributing Compensation to Sewol Ferry Victims
Sizzling Hot Korean Firefighters Release Calendar for Charitable Cause
Hold on while I wipe the drool off my keyboard. Korean firefighters are taking off their helmets and coat and baring some skin for charity. The city of Seoul, South Korea annouced today, November 13 KST, that it will soon be releasing its “2016 Firefighter Calendar” featuring 14 firemen who participated in its “4th Momjjang Firefighter Contest.”… Continue reading Sizzling Hot Korean Firefighters Release Calendar for Charitable Cause
You’ll Never Drink Alone With This Limited Edition Soju Bottle
What’s a night on the town if you can’t have a little fun with your drunken shenanigans? Popular soju brand Chum Churum (a subsidiary of Lotte Liquors) will be releasing a limited edition soju bottle in collaboration with the design company Sticky Monster Lab, along with opening a pop-up store where character merchandise can be purchased.… Continue reading You’ll Never Drink Alone With This Limited Edition Soju Bottle
Lee Jung Hee and Shaman Arrested on Charges of Child Abuse and False Accusations
On November 12, it was revealed that Lee Jung Hee, who was previously booked under suspicion of child abuse in July, was officially arrested by the police on charges of child abuse. Furthermore, a shaman with the surname Kim was arrested for being the mastermind behind Lee Jung Hee’s actions. Both women were also charged with… Continue reading Lee Jung Hee and Shaman Arrested on Charges of Child Abuse and False Accusations
Watch: Video of an Adorable Sulking Toddler Goes Viral
Another adorable video is going viral in Korea! A girl named Ye Suh was filmed by the girl’s father and YouTube user Bobaepapa, and this clip has spread like wildfire due to the child’s cuteness. With the title “Sulker,” the girl seems upset at first and is showing her back to her father. When he… Continue reading Watch: Video of an Adorable Sulking Toddler Goes Viral
BIGBANG Gets Burgers and Sandwiches Made in Their Honor
BIGBANG is getting their very own limited edition burger! If you live in Tokyo, you might be able to get a taste of “BIGBANG burgers.” This event will happen at a handmade hamburger store in Tokyo, between November 6 and November 16. The BIGBANG burger consists of a hamburger (or a sandwich) where the name… Continue reading BIGBANG Gets Burgers and Sandwiches Made in Their Honor
Lee Min Ho and Seolhyun Selected as the Faces of Korean Tourism
Actor Lee Min Ho and AOA‘s Seolhyun will be the ambassadors for “2016-2018 Years of Korean Tourism” from November 6. They will be promoting Korea’s tourism industry and will attend various events planned to promote the tourism industry. The events planned include K-pop festivals, K-pop dance competitions, as well as a”K-smile” campaign, which makes Seolhyun a… Continue reading Lee Min Ho and Seolhyun Selected as the Faces of Korean Tourism
Korean Man Blackmails High School Girl to Sign Sex Slave Contract
A store manager was sentenced to one year in jail, for trying to get a high school student to sign a sex slave contract. This past February, a high-school girl was caught stealing a 7,000 won (approximately $6) lip tint in a store. The manager of the store, only disclosed as Park, started off by yelling… Continue reading Korean Man Blackmails High School Girl to Sign Sex Slave Contract
G-Dragon Praised by European Scholars
Edited November 10 KST: This article misstated the quotations and actions of Dr. Ute Fendler of the University of Bayreuth. Soompi wrote this article using Insight, Yonhap, and Segye Ilbo as cross-references. However, after confirming with Dr. Fendler personally, we retract the second and third paragraphs of our article in their entirety. Dr. Fendler did… Continue reading G-Dragon Praised by European Scholars