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A personal, non-commercial feed sharing articles and videos focused on Korea and the Korean community worldwide.
Affiliated:
@hawaiiworldlen.bsky.social
@raymondkaya.bsky.social
@hawaiinonprofits.bsky.social
For those who pass through Sindorim as part of their daily commute, it is widely considered one of the worst stations on the Seoul Metro map. No one can be faulted for having low expectations for a pizza place right here. But this little focaccia bakery defies all preconceptions.
I pity the fool who doesn't try Grandma Piie - The Korea Times
Seoul has a lot of great pizzerias, many of which have been highlighted in this Restaurant of the Week column, but one of the most unique would hav...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 12, 2026 at 2:25 AM
For those who pass through Sindorim as part of their daily commute, it is widely considered one of the worst stations on the Seoul Metro map. No one can be faulted for having low expectations for a pizza place right here. But this little focaccia bakery defies all preconceptions.
Kimchi, Korea’s centuries-old fermented staple, has gained fresh global recognition after being named a “gut health” food in the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030), issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture.
Why Kimchi made the US government’s gut health list
Kimchi, Korea’s centuries-old fermented staple, has gained fresh global recognition after being named a “gut health” food in the latest Dietary Guidelines for A
www.koreaherald.com
January 11, 2026 at 7:57 PM
Kimchi, Korea’s centuries-old fermented staple, has gained fresh global recognition after being named a “gut health” food in the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2025–2030), issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of Agriculture.
At the 40th Golden Disc Awards With Upbit, held at Taipei Dome on Jan. 10, BLACKPINK’s Jennie walked to the podium three times, collecting trophies across solo, group and global categories and turning the night into what fans on social media quickly dubbed “the Jennie show.”
BLACKPINK's Jennie becomes one-woman headline at 40th Golden Disc Awards - The Korea Times
BLACKPINK’s Jennie stole the spotlight in an unexpected way at one of K-pop’s biggest award nights — by winning so much that she kept being called...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 7:52 PM
At the 40th Golden Disc Awards With Upbit, held at Taipei Dome on Jan. 10, BLACKPINK’s Jennie walked to the podium three times, collecting trophies across solo, group and global categories and turning the night into what fans on social media quickly dubbed “the Jennie show.”
Last month, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a warning that touched the hearts of a public that has long taken its “four distinct seasons” for granted.
Our longest season is no longer the crisp, snow-covered winter, but the sweltering, humid summer.
Our longest season is no longer the crisp, snow-covered winter, but the sweltering, humid summer.
Four distinct seasons poised to disappear - The Korea Times
Last month, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a warning that resonated far beyond the scientific community, touching the hearts of a p...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 7:43 PM
Last month, the Korea Meteorological Administration issued a warning that touched the hearts of a public that has long taken its “four distinct seasons” for granted.
Our longest season is no longer the crisp, snow-covered winter, but the sweltering, humid summer.
Our longest season is no longer the crisp, snow-covered winter, but the sweltering, humid summer.
The vehemence of the response has raised eyebrows. During the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, North Korea sent trash balloons into the South 32 times, totaling between 6,000 and 9,000. Yet now the regime is issuing threats over two drones, widely believed to have been operated by civilians.
Pyongyang's hypocrisy over drones - The Korea Times
“Rules for thee, not for me.” North Korea has long criticized South Korea with this kind of hypocritical double standard — condemning actions by th...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 7:33 PM
The vehemence of the response has raised eyebrows. During the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, North Korea sent trash balloons into the South 32 times, totaling between 6,000 and 9,000. Yet now the regime is issuing threats over two drones, widely believed to have been operated by civilians.
As their honeymoon moments continue to surface online, fans say the couple’s genuine affection and understated style only add to the romantic fantasy — proving that even when bundled up and trying to stay hidden, Korea’s favorite newlyweds are still impossible to ignore.
K-drama power couple Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a turn heads on Spanish honeymoon - The Korea Times
Fresh sightings of newly married Korean superstars Kim Woo-bin and Shin Min-a are lighting up social media again — this time from a luxury boutique...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 1:16 AM
As their honeymoon moments continue to surface online, fans say the couple’s genuine affection and understated style only add to the romantic fantasy — proving that even when bundled up and trying to stay hidden, Korea’s favorite newlyweds are still impossible to ignore.
Studying at home, including watching online lectures and doing homework, was cited by 25.5 percent of students as the reason for their lack of sleep, followed by attendance at private academies and tutoring (19.3 percent) and late-night study sessions at school (13.4 percent).
Half of South Korean high schoolers get less than 6 hours of sleep a day - The Korea Times
About half of all high school students in Korea sleep less than six hours a day due to demanding study schedules. Academic pressure was also identi...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 1:10 AM
Studying at home, including watching online lectures and doing homework, was cited by 25.5 percent of students as the reason for their lack of sleep, followed by attendance at private academies and tutoring (19.3 percent) and late-night study sessions at school (13.4 percent).
“More than 20,000 small flower shops and countless flower farms depend directly on fresh flower consumption. At a time when the government is promoting flower use through the Flower Industry Promotion Act, seeing a major broadcaster turn to toy bouquets sends the wrong message.” - Korea Florist Assn
Lego bouquets at Korea's biggest TV awards spark backlash from flower farmers - The Korea Times
A feel-good, eco-friendly twist at a major Korean TV awards show has unexpectedly turned into a heated controversy. After comedian Yoo Jae-suk acce...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 1:01 AM
“More than 20,000 small flower shops and countless flower farms depend directly on fresh flower consumption. At a time when the government is promoting flower use through the Flower Industry Promotion Act, seeing a major broadcaster turn to toy bouquets sends the wrong message.” - Korea Florist Assn
Addressing the possibility that the drones were operated by a private individual or group, Lee said if the allegation proves true, it would amount to "a serious crime that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and national security," calling for a swift and thorough probe, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Lee orders prompt probe into alleged drone incursions into N. Korea - The Korea Times
President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday ordered a prompt investigation into alleged drone incursions into North Korea, warning that such acts would con...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 11, 2026 at 12:53 AM
Addressing the possibility that the drones were operated by a private individual or group, Lee said if the allegation proves true, it would amount to "a serious crime that threatens peace on the Korean Peninsula and national security," calling for a swift and thorough probe, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Netflix’s mega-hit “Culinary Class Wars” is once again catapulting its chef contestants into stardom.
Leading the pack is Son Jong-won. Soft-spoken yet confident, the chef behind Seoul’s two one-Michelin-starred restaurants, Eatanic Garden and L’Amant Secret, has captivated viewers.
Leading the pack is Son Jong-won. Soft-spoken yet confident, the chef behind Seoul’s two one-Michelin-starred restaurants, Eatanic Garden and L’Amant Secret, has captivated viewers.
Season 2 'Culinary Class Wars' chefs ride popularity wave, led by Son Jong-won
Netflix’s mega-hit “Culinary Class Wars” is once again catapulting its chef contestants into stardom. Leading the Season 2 pack is Son Jong-won, a member of the
www.koreaherald.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:18 PM
Netflix’s mega-hit “Culinary Class Wars” is once again catapulting its chef contestants into stardom.
Leading the pack is Son Jong-won. Soft-spoken yet confident, the chef behind Seoul’s two one-Michelin-starred restaurants, Eatanic Garden and L’Amant Secret, has captivated viewers.
Leading the pack is Son Jong-won. Soft-spoken yet confident, the chef behind Seoul’s two one-Michelin-starred restaurants, Eatanic Garden and L’Amant Secret, has captivated viewers.
Born into one of South Korea’s most powerful families, Lee Jee-ho, the son of Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong, stepped into the spotlight in September last year for giving up his US citizenship to serve in the South Korean Navy.
As a dual national by birth, the 25-year-old could have legally
As a dual national by birth, the 25-year-old could have legally
Two passports, one grudge: Roots of Korea's unease with 'black-haired foreigners'
Born into one of South Korea’s most powerful families, Lee Jee-ho, the son of Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong, stepped into the spotlight in September la
www.koreaherald.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Born into one of South Korea’s most powerful families, Lee Jee-ho, the son of Samsung Electronics Chair Lee Jae-yong, stepped into the spotlight in September last year for giving up his US citizenship to serve in the South Korean Navy.
As a dual national by birth, the 25-year-old could have legally
As a dual national by birth, the 25-year-old could have legally
At first glance, it sounds more like a dare than a recipe: Mix the blisteringly spicy stew-type Buldak Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor ramyeon with a pouch of beef and seaweed soup, boil them together, and enjoy.
Yet this unlikely combination — now widely known online as Buldak miyeok tang myeon —
Yet this unlikely combination — now widely known online as Buldak miyeok tang myeon —
Social media is rewriting Korea’s ramyeon rules
At first glance, it sounds more like a dare than a recipe: Mix the blisteringly spicy stew-type Buldak Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor ramyeon with a pouch of b
www.koreaherald.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:04 PM
At first glance, it sounds more like a dare than a recipe: Mix the blisteringly spicy stew-type Buldak Artificial Spicy Chicken Flavor ramyeon with a pouch of beef and seaweed soup, boil them together, and enjoy.
Yet this unlikely combination — now widely known online as Buldak miyeok tang myeon —
Yet this unlikely combination — now widely known online as Buldak miyeok tang myeon —
NewJeans, which debuted as a five-member girl group, has effectively become a four-member act three-and-a-half years after its launch, with the possibility of shrinking to three members still open as Minji’s return to agency Ador remains unresolved. With the group’s long-anticipated comeback expe...
NewJeans faces uncertain future after Danielle's exit - The Korea Times
NewJeans, which debuted as a five-member girl group, has effectively become a four-member act three-and-a-half years after its launch, with the pos...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 10, 2026 at 5:01 PM
NewJeans, which debuted as a five-member girl group, has effectively become a four-member act three-and-a-half years after its launch, with the possibility of shrinking to three members still open as Minji’s return to agency Ador remains unresolved. With the group’s long-anticipated comeback expe...
On Jan. 1, Kang uploaded a video titled “Middle-aged nammisae” to her YouTube channel, portraying a well-off, image-conscious mother obsessively devoted to her son and notably indulgent toward men. Nammisae is a derogatory Korean slang term, shortened from a phrase meaning someone “crazy about men.”
Comedian's hyperreal skit goes viral, stirring debate on misogyny in Korea - The Korea Times
A hyperreal role-play skit by comedian Kang Yu-mi has gone viral on YouTube, touching off an emotional debate over pervasive gender bias and intern...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 10, 2026 at 4:57 PM
On Jan. 1, Kang uploaded a video titled “Middle-aged nammisae” to her YouTube channel, portraying a well-off, image-conscious mother obsessively devoted to her son and notably indulgent toward men. Nammisae is a derogatory Korean slang term, shortened from a phrase meaning someone “crazy about men.”
On Friday, Netflix spotlighted the top seven participants by revealing new portraits and reflections on the core philosophies that define their cooking.
Here is a guide to the philosophies of these finalists and where you can experience their flavors.
Here is a guide to the philosophies of these finalists and where you can experience their flavors.
From screen to table: Where to try dishes of Netflix's 'Culinary Class Wars 2' finalists - The Korea Times
With the final episode of Netflix’s popular cooking contest show "Culinary Class Wars 2" imminent, the competition has reached a fever pitch. On Fr...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 10, 2026 at 4:46 PM
On Friday, Netflix spotlighted the top seven participants by revealing new portraits and reflections on the core philosophies that define their cooking.
Here is a guide to the philosophies of these finalists and where you can experience their flavors.
Here is a guide to the philosophies of these finalists and where you can experience their flavors.
Young adults in their 20s and 30s now line up at popular rice cake shops and yakgwa specialty stores, drawn to what are being called “halmaenial desserts” — a blend of “grandmother” and “millennial” to describe the younger generation’s rediscovery of traditional sweets through a modern lens.
Why grandma's desserts are suddenly cool with young Koreans - The Korea Times
Click here for more articles by Kormedi.com. Rice cake was once seen as a dessert only eaten on holidays, while many younger people viewed yakgwa,...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 10, 2026 at 4:16 PM
Young adults in their 20s and 30s now line up at popular rice cake shops and yakgwa specialty stores, drawn to what are being called “halmaenial desserts” — a blend of “grandmother” and “millennial” to describe the younger generation’s rediscovery of traditional sweets through a modern lens.
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it did not operate drones during the times specified by North Korea and doesn’t even possess the types of drones that North Korea claimed were used.
Kim Hong-Cheol said that authorities will investigate whether civilians flew the drones found in North Korea.
Kim Hong-Cheol said that authorities will investigate whether civilians flew the drones found in North Korea.
North Korea vows response as it accuses the South of flying drones across the border
North Korea's military has accused South Korea of flying drones across the border, warning of consequences for what it calls “unpardonable hysteria.”
apnews.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:35 PM
South Korea’s Defense Ministry said it did not operate drones during the times specified by North Korea and doesn’t even possess the types of drones that North Korea claimed were used.
Kim Hong-Cheol said that authorities will investigate whether civilians flew the drones found in North Korea.
Kim Hong-Cheol said that authorities will investigate whether civilians flew the drones found in North Korea.
A report released Monday by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, based on interviews with six former special mission operatives, found they shared long-term struggles after discharge, including stress from enforced secrecy, physical and psychological suffering, and social isolation.
Report details fate of secret agents S. Korea sent to North, then forgot - The Korea Times
In 1992, Kim Ho, executive director of the Korea Special Mission Exploits Association’s Gyeonggi branch, was 20 when he came across a recruitment p...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 9, 2026 at 1:46 PM
A report released Monday by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, based on interviews with six former special mission operatives, found they shared long-term struggles after discharge, including stress from enforced secrecy, physical and psychological suffering, and social isolation.
Songs released by K-pop artists — or K-pop-adjacent artists, more on that later — have received nominations in the big four categories for the first time. Rosé, perhaps best known as one-fourth of the juggernaut girl group Blackpink, is the first K-pop artist to ever receive a nomination in the ...
Will K-pop earn its first Grammy in 2026? Maybe, but it's complicated
K-pop is an inextricable force in global pop culture. It has also long been undercelebrated at institutions like the Grammys.
apnews.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:47 AM
Songs released by K-pop artists — or K-pop-adjacent artists, more on that later — have received nominations in the big four categories for the first time. Rosé, perhaps best known as one-fourth of the juggernaut girl group Blackpink, is the first K-pop artist to ever receive a nomination in the ...
The updated guidelines encourage Americans to eat more whole and minimally processed foods and single out fermented options such as kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir for their potential benefits to gut health. The revisions also recommend cutting back on ultra-processed foods and artificial additives...
Eat kimchi: US dietary guidelines highlight fermented foods - The Korea Times
SEATTLE — Kimchi made its first appearance in the U.S. dietary guidelines this week, a small line in a federal nutrition document that is giving th...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 9, 2026 at 1:32 AM
The updated guidelines encourage Americans to eat more whole and minimally processed foods and single out fermented options such as kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir for their potential benefits to gut health. The revisions also recommend cutting back on ultra-processed foods and artificial additives...
Born in Korea and raised in California, Anh’s youth was defined by immigrant survival. His family struggled, moving between small businesses such as sock shops, T-shirt stores and an American-Chinese restaurant, with Anh helping before and after school.
Were chefs always this wild? The colorful backstories behind 'Culinary Class Wars'
The most surprising thing about Netflix’s smash-hit culinary survival series "Culinary Class Wars" may not be the food or the final rankings, but the
m.koreaherald.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Born in Korea and raised in California, Anh’s youth was defined by immigrant survival. His family struggled, moving between small businesses such as sock shops, T-shirt stores and an American-Chinese restaurant, with Anh helping before and after school.
Before we are too proud of the success of "KPop Demon Hunters," we need to be open-minded and broaden the scope of our perspectives, as the mesmerizing animation film enlightens us. We need to reconcile with those who are not one of us. We also need to be humble and modest.
[Kim Seong-kon] The true success of 'KPop Demon Hunters'
Recently, Koreans were greatly elated by two memorable events. One was that “KPop Demon Hunters” appeared on an alternate cover of Time magazine on Dec. 29, 202
www.koreaherald.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Before we are too proud of the success of "KPop Demon Hunters," we need to be open-minded and broaden the scope of our perspectives, as the mesmerizing animation film enlightens us. We need to reconcile with those who are not one of us. We also need to be humble and modest.
While there are many culinary greats emerging from Netflix’s "Culinary Class Wars 2" Hu Deok-juk stands out not as a new star but rather as a stalwart master of Korean Chinese cuisine. Born in 1949, his culinary career spans 57 years, including a 42-year tenure at Palsun, the Chinese restaurant ...
Quiet leadership of chef Hu Deok-juk from 'Culinary Class Wars' - The Korea Times
While there are many culinary greats emerging from Netflix’s "Culinary Class Wars 2" Hu Deok-juk stands out not as a new star but rather as a stalw...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 7, 2026 at 2:13 PM
While there are many culinary greats emerging from Netflix’s "Culinary Class Wars 2" Hu Deok-juk stands out not as a new star but rather as a stalwart master of Korean Chinese cuisine. Born in 1949, his culinary career spans 57 years, including a 42-year tenure at Palsun, the Chinese restaurant ...
Food is the starting point for romance in "Gimbap and Onigiri," a new Japanese drama pairing Japanese actor Eiji Akaso and Korea's idol-turned-actor Kang Hye-won.
Set to premiere Jan. 12 on TV TOKYO, the upcoming series follows two young adults as they navigate uncertainty in their lives and exp...
Set to premiere Jan. 12 on TV TOKYO, the upcoming series follows two young adults as they navigate uncertainty in their lives and exp...
'Gimbap and Onigiri' turns shared meal into cross-border romance - The Korea Times
Food is the starting point for romance in "Gimbap and Onigiri," a new Japanese drama pairing Japanese actor Eiji Akaso and Korea's idol-turned-acto...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 7, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Food is the starting point for romance in "Gimbap and Onigiri," a new Japanese drama pairing Japanese actor Eiji Akaso and Korea's idol-turned-actor Kang Hye-won.
Set to premiere Jan. 12 on TV TOKYO, the upcoming series follows two young adults as they navigate uncertainty in their lives and exp...
Set to premiere Jan. 12 on TV TOKYO, the upcoming series follows two young adults as they navigate uncertainty in their lives and exp...
Observers say the latest U.S. attack on an authoritarian regime may have increased Kim Jong-un’s fear of regime change. Experts say his conviction that "only nuclear weapons ensure survival" is likely to harden further.
Maduro's fall may stoke Kim Jong-un's fears: ‘He will cling more tightly to nuclear weapons' - The Korea Times
With the United States carrying out an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, diplomatic attention is turning to North Korean le...
www.koreatimes.co.kr
January 7, 2026 at 2:08 PM
Observers say the latest U.S. attack on an authoritarian regime may have increased Kim Jong-un’s fear of regime change. Experts say his conviction that "only nuclear weapons ensure survival" is likely to harden further.