The “In-Seoul” Obsession In Korea, getting into a university in Seoul is seen as the ultimate goal for high school students. Many are willing to spend another year studying and retaking the national entrance exam if they don’t get accepted by a Seoul-based university, even if provincial colleges offer full scholarships. This mindset has led … Read more
Strategy and Fan Culture Timing is Everything in K-pop In K-pop, the timing of a new album or single release is never random. Major artists like TXT, BTS’s Jin, BoyNextDoor, and EXO’s Baekhyun all carefully select their release times, often aiming for either 1 p.m. or 6 p.m. KST on Fridays. These times are chosen … Read more
Why Koreans Seek Group Acceptance The Social Media Approval Craze In Korea, social media is more than just a platform for sharing photos or updates—it’s a space where people seek validation for even the smallest decisions. From what to wear to a car test-drive to whether it’s okay to feel upset with a friend, Koreans … Read more
The Unseen Challenge of a Changing Society The Invisible Problem of Xenophobia Xenophobia in South Korea is often dismissed or downplayed, especially in online spaces. Many Koreans believe that discrimination is either exaggerated or not as serious as in other countries. Comments on news articles frequently claim that racism is a global issue and that … Read more
How Korea Confronts Aging Age and Appearance in Everyday Life In Korea, age is more than just a number—it shapes social interactions and expectations. When meeting someone new, Koreans often exchange ages to determine the proper use of honorifics and establish social roles. Complimenting someone for looking younger than their age is common, regardless of … Read more