At 8:30 a.m., I walked into a classroom where I was the only man. This was not a social experiment. It was my Korean language class. Seven years ago, as a university student, I sat in a similar room at Korea University, struggling to introduce myself in broken sentences. Today, I have returned as a former corporate lawyer, having stepped away from a career defined by transactions, deadlines and long nights to study Korean full-time in Seoul. The contrast is immediate. In my previous life, I advised on cross-border deals. Now, my most pressing daily challenge is whether I can correctly use Korean grammar. It is a humbling shift, one that has forced me to relearn what it means to be a beginner. But what stood out to me was not the language. As my classmates arrived, a pattern became clear. Out of 14 students, I was the only male. Last semester, there had been one other. This time, there was none. Over time, I realized this was not unusual. The higher the level of the class, the fewer male students there seem to be. My teacher confirmed it without hesitation. Korean language classrooms, parti
Back to the classroom
in News
Related Posts
Latest News from Korea
- ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang voted top favorite among Int’l Booker Prize winners
Han Kang’s “The Vegetarian” has been chosen as readers’ favorite among International Booker Prize winning titles, underscoring the enduring global resonance of the unsettling novel a decade after its win. To mark the 10th anniversary of the prize in its current format, organizers invited readers to vote online between February and April on the 10 winning titles from 2016 to… Read more: ‘The Vegetarian’ by Han Kang voted top favorite among Int’l Booker Prize winners - 4 iconic hanok K-drama fans must visit in MayAs May ushers in the full bloom of spring, there is no better time to rediscover hanok, Korea’s traditional architecture. At the heart of these structures lies the profound philosophy of “chagyeong” — the art of “borrowing” the surrounding scenery to be in perfect harmony with the natural world. In a hanok, windows and doors are more than mere openings… Read more: 4 iconic hanok K-drama fans must visit in May
- Back to the classroomAt 8:30 a.m., I walked into a classroom where I was the only man. This was not a social experiment. It was my Korean language class. Seven years ago, as a university student, I sat in a similar room at Korea University, struggling to introduce myself in broken sentences. Today, I have returned as a former corporate lawyer, having stepped… Read more: Back to the classroom
- ‘Pookie’ hitmakers return as 4: Fifty Fifty confirms comeback without Hana amid recoveryK-pop girl group Fifty Fifty will return this summer — but not as a full lineup. One member will sit out the promotions to focus on recovery, the group’s agency confirmed. In a notice released on Monday, agency Attrakt said member Hana has been on hiatus since March due to health issues and is currently concentrating on her recovery. “After… Read more: ‘Pookie’ hitmakers return as 4: Fifty Fifty confirms comeback without Hana amid recovery
- Explosion at fireworks plant in China kills at least 26 people, state media saysBEIJING — An explosion at a fireworks plant in a central Chinese province killed at least 26 people and injured 61 others, authorities reported Tuesday. China’s official news agency Xinhua said the blast occurred at a fireworks plant in Changsha city of Hunan province on Monday afternoon. State media China Daily said the plant was operated by the Huasheng Fireworks… Read more: Explosion at fireworks plant in China kills at least 26 people, state media says
Latest Entertainment from Korea
- LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings CollectionPhoto Credits: CHROMOSOME LE’V Illuminates 2026 with “Spotlight Soul” LE’V enters 2026 with a statement that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. His Season’s Greetings “Spotlight Soul” concept photos reveal a striking evolution — one that merges emotional depth with artistic clarity. The project, released as a collector’s visual experience, celebrates not just another year but LE’V’s firm grasp on identity, craft,… Read more: LE’V Steps Into the Light: “Spotlight Soul” Captures the Artistry, Growth, and Glow of a New Era in the 2026 Season’s Greetings Collection
- KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty CodesPhoto Credits: SPUR Dior Starship Entertainment A New Year, A New Iconic Pairing SPUR Magazine opens 2026 with a collaboration that feels both intimate and electric. The January 2026 Issue Pictorial Preview showcases KiiiKiii Leesol and Haum in a visual dialogue infused with Dior Addict’s luminous rebellion. Titled “Light Moves: The Addict State of Mind”, the spread captures the interplay of motion, reflection, and self-definition—a signal… Read more: KiiiKiii Leesol & Haum Illuminate SPUR x Dior Addict’s January 2026 Issue with Daring Light, Sensual Motion, and New Beauty Codes
- Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & IdentityPhoto Credits: Hi-Hat Entertainment The Convergence of Vision and Identity The January 2026 Pictorial from ifeye × KITTO Taiwan marks a defining moment in East Asian creative media. Framed as both a celebration and an evolution, the collaboration bridges art direction, fashion narrative, and technological fluidity to capture a new generation’s pulse. More than a photoshoot, this issue acts as a visual manifesto—an exploration of… Read more: Breaking Boundaries: ifeye × KITTO Taiwan Redefine Visual Storytelling in the January 2026 Pictorial — A Fusion of Innovation & Identity
- Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover StoryPhoto Credits: KLAP ENTERTAINMENT Kep1er’s Xiaoting Captures the Moment Kep1er’s Shen Xiaoting steps into 2026 as a muse of modern elegance, fronting the January 2026 Wonderland China cover with an aura that’s both futuristic and fiercely grounded. As one of the brightest stars of her generation, Xiaoting embodies the balance between aspiration and artistry that defines global pop’s next chapter. “Confidence is not just… Read more: Xiaoting in Full Bloom: Kep1er’s Shining Star Redefines Power, Grace, and Global Glamour in Wonderland China’s January 2026 Cover Story
- BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional PrecisionPhoto Credits: GQ Korea – Cartier – BigHit Music. – BTS V x Cartier: The Sound of Stillness and Strength For GQ Korea’s February 2026 issue, the cover unfolds like a cinematic confession. BTS’s V (Kim Taehyung)—known for his magnetic duality of mystery and warmth—joins forces with Cartier, the house synonymous with precision, artistry, and legacy. Together, they create a visual symphony that celebrates… Read more: BTS’s V Radiates Timeless Charisma in GQ Korea x Cartier’s February 2026 Cover: A Monument to Modern Elegance and Emotional Precision
Learn People & History of Korea
- The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan CityAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Busan Busan, known as the second largest metropolitan city in South Korea, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The earliest recorded existence of Busan can be traced to the Goryeo Dynasty, where it was referenced as a vital coastal settlement. Its strategic location along the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula… Read more: The Evolution of Busan: A Historical Journey Through South Korea’s Second Largest Metropolitan City
- The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political DynamicsIntroduction to Pyongyang Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, serves as a prominent symbol of the nation’s history and culture. Geographically located on the banks of the Taedong River, in the southwest part of the country, Pyongyang is situated within a strategic area that has historically facilitated trade and cultural exchange. The city’s origins can be traced back to… Read more: The Evolution of Pyongyang: A Journey Through History, Economy, and Political Dynamics
- The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and BeyondAncient Beginnings: The Founding of Seoul The city of Seoul, known today as the vibrant capital of South Korea, has ancient roots that trace back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korea, specifically the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla. Evidence suggests that Seoul was originally established as a settlement given its strategic geographical advantages. Nestled within the Han River basin,… Read more: The Evolution of Seoul: From Ancient Korea to Modern Metropolis and Beyond
- Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3Introduction to Korean Traditional Games Korean traditional games have long been an integral part of the country’s cultural landscape, offering more than mere entertainment. These games, which range from simple children’s pastimes to complex community activities, hold significant cultural significance and often serve as a means of preserving history and promoting social interaction. Rooted in centuries of tradition, these games… Read more: Exploring Korean Traditional Games in Squid Game: From Season 2 to Upcoming Season 3
- Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune TellingIntroduction to Saju Saju, a traditional Korean fortune-telling practice, is an intricate art that seeks to interpret an individual’s fate based on their birth date and time. The term “Saju” translates to “four pillars” in English, referring to the four critical components derived from these time markers: year, month, day, and hour. This method holds significant cultural value within South… Read more: Unveiling the Past and Present of Saju: The Art of Korean Fortune Telling
