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Controversy

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Why do the akgaes have a love/hate relationship with their favs?

    Jun 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    i saw tbz post thing below if their fans sick of them… why not they just unstan. like most the…

    Controversy
  • Why does it always seem to be The Boyz with Knetz?

    Jun 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I genuinely don’t keep up with the group, but everytime there seems to be some sort of “controversy” or just…

    Controversy
  • Korean court seizes Gangnam apartments of Garosero Research Institute Head (김세의) in Defamation Lawsuit by Kim Sooh-yun (김수현)

    Jun 11, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Original link (Korean):https://www.chosun.com/national/national_general/2025/06/11/RZ5OBOYQH5CT7K6CU3HAG6VAWE/ South Korean court has ordered the seizure of two luxury apartments in Gangnam owned by Kim Se-ui,…

    Celebrity, Controversy, family, Question, Seoul
  • It seems like Yves got hacked by some random spotify artist “Simplylogical”, I’m pretty confused

    Jun 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    As of 6th June Friday, this spotify song https://open.spotify.com/track/4VvDhirh6hZ9l45y1hebLR?si=24ce77aac29b44c1 Features Yves, for some unknown reason, she clearly does not sing…

    Controversy
  • NEW GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR THE SUBREDDIT

    Jun 1, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Within the last day or so, there were some posts complaining about over moderation on the sub. We took that…

    Controversy, Discrimination, Discussion, Politics, Scandal, Sex
  • Why doesn’t Soyeon do more solo music???

    May 31, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I saw a post the other day talking about I-dles comeback, it basically said that other than Soyeon the other…

    Controversy
  • Is a kpop project only the story of the idol and do we know the idol?

    May 31, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This is not just a kpop specific issue, it’s an issue with the current music fans all over the world.…

    Controversy, Crime, Koreans, LG, LGBTQ+
  • What are your thoughts about Korea and Japan, given your exposure to aspects of both through K-pop?

    May 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    If you’ve been into K-pop for even a short period, you’ve probably noticed that Japan comes up in relation to…

    Controversy, Japan, K-pop
  • 2 senior prosecutors offer to resign amid controversy over probe into ex-first lady

    May 20, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    2 senior prosecutors offer to resign amid controversy over probe into ex-first lady

    submitted by /u/NTGMaster [link] [comments]

    Controversy
  • Kanye West cancels first solo concert in South Korea amid controversy

    May 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Kanye West cancels first solo concert in South Korea amid controversy

    Kanye West’s (hereafter ‘YE’) first solo concert in South Korea has been canceled. The concert organizer, Coupang Play, announced on…

    Controversy, Coupang, World War
  • Judge Ji Guyoun’s face clearly visible in the whistleblower’s photo. The location is a high-end escort bar in Gangnam, Seoul.

    May 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Judge Ji Guyoun’s face clearly visible in the whistleblower’s photo. The location is a high-end escort bar in Gangnam, Seoul.

    (Translator’s note: Judge Ji Guyoun is in charge of the martial law-related trial of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was…

    Controversy, Democracy, korean democracy, martial law, Scandal, Seoul, Sex
  • MBK’s Lotte Card sale gains momentum amid Homeplus fallout

    May 11, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    MBK’s Lotte Card sale gains momentum amid Homeplus fallout

    Lotte mobile card interface (Courtesy of Lotte Card)  North Asia-focused private equity firm MBK Partners’ second attempt to exit Lotte…

    Controversy, fail, Hyundai, Lotte, purpose, Samsung, Shinhan Card, Shopping
  • Judges call for Chief Justice’s resignation admits his political controversy

    May 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Judges call for Chief Justice’s resignation admits his political controversy

    submitted by /u/Interesting_Grape_58 [link] [comments]

    Controversy, Justice
  • The fandom which you’re a part of also affects your ability to stan other groups

    Apr 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Disclaimer – It’s only for people who lets a few people on internet decide their music otherwise if you have…

    BTS, Controversy
  • Hanwha Aerospace slashes planned rights offering size to $1.6 billion

    Apr 8, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Hanwha Aerospace slashes planned rights offering size to $1.6 billion

    Hanwha Group’s headquarters Hanwha Aerospace Co., a leading South Korean defense company, said on Tuesday it plans to slash the…

    Controversy, family, Inheritance Tax
  • The Reason why I think sometime ‘Criticism’ is clearly hate

    Apr 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I randomly saw Babymonster full cam- https://youtu.be/S9JKTaTRQ1w?si=7NYVZJEKN-gJrITU and I don’t know why people call out them for not being in…

    Controversy, Japan, Justice, KT, Seoul
  • So what is the main consensus on Lucas anymore?

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    And I mean genuinely, I hear so much about how the controversy may have been fabricated by YangYangs saesang and…

    Controversy
  • Calling Out Pannchoa’s Bias: The Misleading Narrative Against LE SSERAFIM

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Sorry, but I just need to let this out. At this point, can we do something about Pannchoa and their…

    Controversy, history, K-pop, K-pop Fans
  • MBK Special Situations relinquishes Korean investment advisory license

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    MBK Special Situations relinquishes Korean investment advisory license

    MBK Partners’ office in Seoul MBK Partners Special Situations (MBKP SS), which operates the Seoul-based private equity firm’s credit situations…

    Controversy, Korea Zinc, request, Seoul
  • Korea’s pension fund NPS rules out investing in MBK’s hostile M&A deals

    Mar 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korea’s pension fund NPS rules out investing in MBK’s hostile M&A deals

    The National Pension Service is South Korea’s largest institutional investor South Korea’s National Pension Service (NPS) said on Monday it…

    Controversy, Korea Zinc, Seoul
  • Kim Soo Hyun: A rising devil

    Mar 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Kim Soo Hyun: A rising devil

    Kim soo hyun and kim sae ron rising controversy Garosero has released multiple private pictures of KSH and KSR while…

    Controversy
  • This lesserafim/Ten controversy is so stupid

    Mar 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Let me preface this by saying that we all know that certain groups get hate easily especially girl group /…

    Controversy, Feminism
  • Kim Soo-hyun Scandal

    Mar 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Kim Soo-hyun Scandal

    South Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun, 37, is embroiled in controversy following allegations of a six-year relationship with the late actress…

    Controversy, Military, Scandal
  • MBK Partners under Korean tax agency’s scrutiny

    Mar 11, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    MBK Partners under Korean tax agency’s scrutiny

    MBK Partners’ office in Seoul MBK Partners, one of the leading North Asia-focused private equity firms, has come under a…

    CJ Cheiljedang, Controversy, Korea Zinc, Seoul
  • SM Entertainment’s Struggles with Western Expansion

    Mar 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I recently learned more about NCT 127’s Superhuman controversy, and it seems to reflect a recurring pattern in SM Entertainment’s…

    Controversy, fail, Japan, K-pop
  • Is it just over for Ador regardless of the outcome of their legal battle?

    Mar 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    if they lose the case, well obviously that’s it. but even if they win and the contract is still valid,…

    Controversy
  • I really don’t know where to post this – but here are my observations on non-OT13 Carats

    Mar 5, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I literally cannot post this anywhere, even on r/seventeen. Please do be civil and respect those who are OT11. Like…

    apology, Controversy, Discussion, family, Koreans, Scandal
  • Curious on your opinion of listening to artists when there’s been a controversy?

    Mar 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    4minute were my ultimate girl group when they were active and to be honest, since they disbanded I’ve had other…

    Controversy
  • Some fans act as stumbling blocks to their faves’ success

    Feb 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Honestly, a lot of fans act like some type of momagers that feel entitled to dictate the artistry and marketing…

    Controversy
  • Microsoft’s quantum computing bet sparks controversy, again

    Feb 24, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Microsoft’s quantum computing bet sparks controversy, again

    Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip (Courtesy of MS) In 2021, Microsoft Corp. faced a significant scientific embarrassment when a landmark paper…

    BTS, Controversy, fail, KT, Putin, Question, Seoul
  • Mirae Asset’s Park warns of overheated Tesla, quantum computing stocks

    Feb 18, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Mirae Asset’s Park warns of overheated Tesla, quantum computing stocks

    Park Hyeon-joo, founder and chairman of Mirae Asset Financial Group Mirae Asset Financial Group founder and Chairman Park Hyeon-joo has…

    Controversy, Donald Trump, fail, Nvidia, Putin
  • Clearing up misinformation regarding Yoongi’s case

    Feb 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    With everything that has unfortunately transpired in the past few days, a case that shouldn’t even be used for comparison…

    BTS, Controversy, Discussion, Social Media
  • Sweet Melodies and Pastel Hues: ILLIT’s Japanese Debut Promises a Valentine’s Day Treat

    Feb 8, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    Sweet Melodies and Pastel Hues: ILLIT’s Japanese Debut Promises a Valentine’s Day Treat

    As winter’s chill gives way to the first whispers of spring, K-pop sensation ILLIT is set to warm hearts with…

    Controversy, history, Japan, K-pop
  • Opinion: The Dangerous Opinion Polls and the Choices of the People Power Party

    Jan 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Currently, numerous opinion polls are being conducted in South Korea. Among them, one of the most striking findings is the…

    BTS, Controversy, Democracy, fail, Lawmakers, LG, LGBTQ+, martial law, Military, North Korea, Protest, Question, Stress, Survey
  • SM, remembering Jonghyun, and remaking his music

    Jan 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This is quite a difficult and emotionally charged topic, and I’m interested what people here, particularly other Shawols think/feel. In…

    Controversy, family, purpose, request
  • Which Kpop idol do you admire as a person?

    Jan 5, 2025
    in Community

    Title. I’m thinking away from their ability as an idol, and more about their worldview, and how they interact with…

    Controversy
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Latest Korean News

  • LG Display to invest $925.4 mn in smaller, high-end OLEDJune 17, 2025
    LG DIsplay booth at SID’s Display Week 2025 (Courtesy of… Read more: LG Display to invest $925.4 mn in smaller, high-end OLED
  • Samsung to thrash out strategy amid Trump, Middle East crisisJune 17, 2025
    Samsung’s logo is seen at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE)… Read more: Samsung to thrash out strategy amid Trump, Middle East crisis
  • US, South Korea talks scrapped after Trump cuts G7 shortJune 17, 2025
    The two leaders were expected to discuss tariffs, defense cost-sharing… Read more: US, South Korea talks scrapped after Trump cuts G7 short
  • EQT taps ex-DHK Management CEO to lead S.Korea real estate pushJune 17, 2025
    Kim Dae-hyun, partner and head of EQT Real Estate Korea… Read more: EQT taps ex-DHK Management CEO to lead S.Korea real estate push
  • Affirma Capital to acquire Equis’ Korean waste assets for $294 millionJune 17, 2025
    CEK Yeosu (Courtesy of CEK)  Affirma Capital, a Singapore-headquartered buyout… Read more: Affirma Capital to acquire Equis’ Korean waste assets for $294 million

Latest Community Feeds

  • South Korea’s Lee and PM Carney discuss cooperation in defense, arms industryJune 18, 2025
  • Lee gov’t plans to shift investment from real estate to AI & semiconductors — ‘National Fund’ under review by policy committeeJune 18, 2025
  • How do armys keep 5 members charting high on spotify global with barely any playlisting or radio?June 17, 2025
  • Korea Dual Citizenship RenunicationJune 17, 2025
  • Kimchi jjigaeJune 17, 2025
  • Help with transliteration (Son’s name)June 17, 2025
  • Two presidents, once child laborers, now meeting as heads of stateJune 17, 2025
  • Beef!!!! How do you guys cook it so good???June 17, 2025
  • Non east asian celebs who resemble your fave idol(s)June 17, 2025
  • Why many K-pop groups and idols still skips Vietnam when going on Asian tours?June 17, 2025
  • UniversityJune 17, 2025
  • The 2nd Generation American Immigrants in North KoreaJune 17, 2025
  • It’s Kkaennip Ssambap time but first you must make Ssamjang! Here’s my new batch!June 17, 2025
  • Foreign workers in Korea’s booming shipyards struggle with high remittances, debt obligationsJune 17, 2025
  • Subscriptions to things like Bubble were created to profit off of the parasocial relationships between idol/fanJune 17, 2025
  • my first thought after hearing ATEEZ’s Lemon Drop…June 17, 2025
  • NOWZ’s ‘Fly To The Youth’ makes me miss Pentagon so much brb cryingJune 17, 2025
  • Expired ARC and Passport, can’t even Contact Hana BankJune 17, 2025
  • Melona Mochi Ice Cream…June 17, 2025
  • Does anyone know which part of the chicken this is from?June 17, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (9,481)
    • Community (5,962)
    • Entertainment (577)
    • News (2,940)
  • History (41)
  • People (16)

History of Korea

  • Exploring Ancient Korea: A Journey into Pre-HistoryOctober 12, 2017
    Introduction to Pre-Historic Korea The timeline of ancient Korea before documented history is a fascinating yet challenging area of study.… Read more: Exploring Ancient Korea: A Journey into Pre-History
  • The Rise and Fall of Go Joseon and the Emergence of the Three KingdomsOctober 19, 2017
    Introduction to Go Joseon The Go Joseon dynasty, often considered a pivotal era in Korean history, emerged around the end… Read more: The Rise and Fall of Go Joseon and the Emergence of the Three Kingdoms
  • The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Three Kingdoms: A Story of Power, Conflict, and UnificationNovember 30, 2017
    Introduction to the Three Kingdoms The Three Kingdoms period in Korea, encompassing approximately from the 1st century BCE to the… Read more: The Rise and Fall of Korea’s Three Kingdoms: A Story of Power, Conflict, and Unification
  • Choe Chi-wonFebruary 14, 2018
    Introduction to Choe Chi-won Choe Chi-won, born in 857, stands as a notable figure in Korean history, specifically during the… Read more: Choe Chi-won
  • King Gwanggaeto the GreatMay 14, 2018
    Introduction to King Gwanggaeto King Gwanggaeto the Great, a pivotal figure in Korean history, ruled from 395 to 413 CE… Read more: King Gwanggaeto the Great
  • Won HyoOctober 14, 2018
    Introduction to Won Hyo Won Hyo, a prominent figure in Korean history, is celebrated for his profound impact on the… Read more: Won Hyo
  • Jang BogoApril 14, 2019
    Introduction to Jang Bogo Jang Bogo, a prominent historical figure from the Silla Dynasty, played a pivotal role in shaping… Read more: Jang Bogo
  • GyebaekApril 14, 2019
    Introduction to Gyebaek Gyebaek is a prominent historical figure in Korean history, particularly known for his role as a general… Read more: Gyebaek
  • King MuryeongSeptember 14, 2019
    Introduction to King Muryeong King Muryeong, reigning from 501 to 523 AD, stands as one of the most influential monarchs… Read more: King Muryeong
  • The Rise and Fall of the Goryeo Dynasty: A Precursor to the Joseon EraJanuary 3, 2020
    Introduction to the Goryeo Dynasty The Goryeo Dynasty, established in 918 AD by the notable general Wang Geon, marks a… Read more: The Rise and Fall of the Goryeo Dynasty: A Precursor to the Joseon Era

Open Korea

Open Korea

Korean Identities Beyond Borders

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Helplines in Korea

112  | Police

Call to report life-threatening situations and emergencies requiring law enforcement. Text service and location tracking service is also available.

119 | Fire & Ambulance

The fire department and health emergencies requiring ambulance service. There’s also an English reporting section on their website.

182 | Missing Persons & Stolen Vehicles

This line is also used for non-emergency reports and requests such as inquiring about the cost of a fine for a traffic violation, information on car licenses, and how to contact officers in charge of specific cases.

1339 | Korea Center for Disease Control (KCDC) Foreigner Helpline

Particularly useful during the 2015 MERS scare, the KCDC provides foreigners with information about first-aid and diseases in English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mongolian.

1366 | Seoul Women’s Help Hotline

Not necessarily English-friendly and not outside of Seoul, this 24-hour service immediate response line for women involved in domestic abuse, sexual violence or prostitution should still be kept handy.

1330 | Korea Tourism Organization’s Travel Helpline

Tourism and translation services. The service is available 24/7 and provides information on tourist sites, transportation, restaurants, and more.

120 | Seoul Municipal Government Info

The Seoul “Dasan” helpline provides information on restaurants (Korean and international cuisines), transportation (bus, subway, taxi, etc.), Korean language schools, interpretation services, legal consulting, lost items, volunteer services, daily living in Seoul, and tourism. Available languages are Chinese, English, Japanese, Mongolian and Vietnamese from 9 am to 10 pm.

1345 | Immigration

Foreign resident can to ask just about any immigration-related question. Keep in mind that they tend to be on the negative side, as it’s the safer way for them to answer. Tip: Get their name and information so that if you visit the immigration office and get a different story you can tell them that you were told otherwise…

1331 | National Human Rights Commission of Korea

Call here to get information on human rights laws and social justice in Korea, as well as get assistance with filing a complaint and even receive counseling.

110 | National Government Call Center

This phone number is available for the public to call and inquire about anything from government policy to civil complaints. Available in 20 different languages.

Useful Official Links on Korea

Korean Arts

  • Archive of Gugak 국악아카이브
  • Artsnet 미술포탈 아츠넷
  • Digital Archive of Performing Arts 공연예술 디지털 아카이브
  • Intangible Heritage Digital Archive 무형유산 디지털 아카이브
  • Korea Digital Archives for the Arts 한국예술디지털아카이브
  • National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea 국립현대미술관
  • ​National Museum of Korea 국립중앙박물관
  • Seoul Photo Archives 서울사진아카이브

Korean Cinema

  • HANCINEMA The Korean Movie & Drama Database
  • Intangible Heritage Digital Archive 무형유산 디지털 아카이브
  • KMDb 한국영화데이터베이스
  • Korea Digital Archives for the Arts 한국예술디지털아카이브
  • Korean Annual Box Office Results 영화진흥위원회 박스오피스
  • Korean Film Archive 한국영상자료원
  • Korean Film Archive YouTube Channel
  • Korean Film Biz Zone
  • Korean Film Council 한국영화진흥위원회
  • KTV National Record Film 한국정책방송원 e영상역사관
  • North Korean film 북한영화 (통일부 북한자료센타)

Language & Literature

  • The Academy of Korean Studies 한국학 중앙 연구원
  • DLKL (한국 문학 디지털 도서관) by 한국문학번역원Digital Library of Korean Literature
  • The Korea Comparative Literature Association 한국비교문학회
  • The Korean Association of Language Sciences 한국언어과학회
  • Korean Literature Archive
  • Korean Literature Author Data Service
  • Korean Literature E-books in Multiple Languages
  • The Learned Society of Modern Korean Literature 한국현대문학회
  • The Modern Linguistic Society of Korea 한국현대언어학회
  • The Society of Korean Oral Literature 한국 구비 문학회
  • 국어 능력 인증 시험 (한국언어문화연구원)
  • 근대 문학 종합 목록 (국립 중앙 도서관)A comprehensive database for Korean modern literature. The site provides a search for authors and titles.
  • 한국 고전 종합 DB
  • 한글 학회 (Korean Language Society)

Statistical Sources

Government sources

  • Statistics Korea (KOSTAT 통계청)
  • Korean Statistical Information Sources (KOSIS 국가통계포털)
  • Open DATA Portal (공공 데이터 포털)

Themed statistics

  • Korean Social Science Data Archive (KOSSDA) 한국사회과학자료원
  • North Korean Statistics 북한통계 (KOISS)
  • 경제통계시스템 (Economic Statistics System)
  • 국가교육통계정보센터 (Korea National Center for Education Statistics & Information)
  • 노동통계 (Labour Statistics)
  • Media Statistics (Korea Press Foundation)
  • Trade Statistics (수출입통계, 관세청 Korea Customs Service)

History related sources

  • 한국역사정보통합시스템 (국사편찬워원회)
  • 한국사 데이터베이스
  • Kyujanggak Institute (규장각 한국학 연구원)Seoul National University Kyujanggak Institute for Korean studies
  • 한국학 디지털 아카이브
  • The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty 조선 왕조 실록
  • The Daily Records of Royal Secretariat of Joseon Dynasty 승정원 일기
  • 朝鮮王朝実録 (東京大学東洋文化研究所)
  • Korean Image Archive (한국 이미지 자료원)2,400 historic, original photographs of Korea (primarily focus on images captured pre-1970, and 35mm color slides) are available for research, presentation, lectures and other forms of scholarly works.
  • Sajin Taehan Min’guk (사진 대한민국)a collection of photographic records that vividly capture the people’s daily lives and social changes.
  • Academy of Korean Studies [한국학 디지털 아카이브]

Bibliographies and Indexes

  • 한국학술지인용색인 Korea Citation Index
  • KORCIS: 한국 고문헌 종합 목록 (국립중앙도서관)Korean Old and Rare Collection Information System
  • 近代朝鮮関係書籍データベース (東京大学東洋文化研究所)
  • 한국 잡지 박물관 DB