Stories from Korea that will give Korean language learners useful insights!
Photo by 홍준 김 on Pexels If you've been missing certain K-pop idols from your playlist and your screen, 2026 is about to make your year so much better. Several beloved Korean celebrities are set to complete their mandatory military service in 2026, meaning comebacks, reunions, and new music could all be on the horizon — and the K-pop world is already buzzing with excitement. Whether you're deep into your Korean language learning journey or just starting to explore Korean culture, this is the kind of news that makes studying Korean feel even more rewarding. Jaehyun of NCT and Jeonghan of SEVENTEEN are among the stars expected to return, and fans across the globe are counting down the days. So what exactly is mandatory military service, and why does it matter so much in Korean culture? In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required by law to serve in the military, typically for around 18 to 21 months depending on the branch they serve in. This applies to everyone — including your favorite idols — and it's considered a deeply important civic duty in Korean society. For fans who study Korean or follow K-drama and K-pop closely, understanding this cultural...
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2026.06.18
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Photo by Asia Culture Center on Pexels What if the secret to K-pop stardom was not a massive debut budget or a famous agency, but simply a driving lesson and a perfectly timed meme? That is exactly the wild, totally unscripted story behind Rescene, a K-pop group that went from being virtually unknown to becoming one of South Korea's most talked-about acts almost overnight. If you love K-pop and want to learn Korean, this story is proof that Korean pop culture never runs out of surprises. Rescene's rise is the kind of underdog journey that K-drama writers would actually reject for being too unrealistic. The group gained massive attention after a video clip of one of its members taking a driving lesson started circulating online. Korean internet users found the moment so relatable and endearing that it quickly turned into a viral meme. In Korean internet culture, when something goes 바이럴 (baiреол), meaning it spreads like wildfire across social media platforms, it can completely change a person's or group's life. Suddenly, people who had never heard of Rescene were searching their name, streaming their music, and falling in love with their 매력 (maeryeok), which means charm or appeal. This is...
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2026.06.18
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2026.06.16
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2026.06.16
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A Netflix animation, 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' has topped the music charts. Its track "Golden" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is considered the most prestigious music chart in the world, just six weeks after its debut. Billboard, the U.S. music chart company, announced in a chart preview article on the 11th (local time), "Golden climbed one spot from the previous week to take the top position." The Hot 100 is a key indicator of U.S. music trends, reflecting not only streaming and download numbers but also radio airplay. "Golden" is a track from 'K-Pop Demon Hunters,' which was released on Netflix on June 20th, and is performed by the fictional three-member female group, Huntrix. After its entry into the Hot 100, "Golden" consistently climbed the ranks. It first entered the chart at No. 81 during the week of June 20-26, then rose to No. 23, No. 6, No. 4, and No. 2 in subsequent weeks. In the week it reached No. 1 (August 1-7), its key performance indicators all surged. U.S. streaming numbers increased by 9% from the previous week to 31.7 million, while radio audience impressions (8.4 million) and sales both jumped by 71% and 35%,...
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2025.08.13
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A recent online post showcasing a sanitation worker's pay stub has gone viral in South Korea, drawing significant attention to a profession often seen as physically demanding and hazardous. The pay stub for a sanitation worker identified as "A," with 11 years of experience, revealed a net monthly income of a staggering 5.4 million won (approximately $3,900 USD, as of July 12, 2025). The disclosed pay slip, dated June of this year, shows A's total gross monthly salary was 6,529,930 won. This includes a basic salary of 2,507,970 won, family allowance of 160,000 won, year-end bonus of 1,303,980 won, driving allowance of 300,000 won, and pollution allowance of 100,000 won. Crucially, additional income stemmed from extensive overtime and holiday work. A worked 2 holiday shifts, 92 hours of night work, and 19 hours of additional overtime, accumulating an extra 2,125,980 won in allowances. Upon seeing this, netizens reacted with a mix of awe and shock. While many commented that the pay seemed fair for the work, the 92 hours of night work came as a "shock" to many. Comments like "They earn what they work for," "We live comfortably thanks to people like them," and "Sanitation workers deserve even better...
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2025.07.12
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2025.07.08
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2025.07.07
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Son Heung-min Eyeing MLS Move Amid Tottenham Exit Speculation Recent reports indicate that Son Heung-min is likely to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with both the club and player open to the transfer. Media outlets like The Telegraph and TBR Football suggest his departure, and manager Thomas Frank reportedly won't oppose the move. Notably, Son has expressed interest in joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, as revealed by Football.London's Alasdair Gold, a reliable source for Tottenham news. This potential move draws parallels to Harry Kane's past transfer, with Son's current contract situation mirroring Kane's before his Bayern Munich move. Despite lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, Son's preference appears to be the U.S., especially after achieving his dream of lifting a trophy with Tottenham. The club is expected to allow him to decide his future, honoring his decade of service. An MLS transfer could set up a direct rivalry with Lionel Messi, aligning conveniently with the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. While he performed well in the 2024-25 Premier League season, indicating his skills haven't declined, it's uncertain if MLS can match the financial incentives of Saudi Arabia or the competitive edge...
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2025.07.01
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2025.07.01
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