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Controversy

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • 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
  • What are Koreans’ opinions on the Son Heung Min and Hwang Hee Chan controversy?

    Dec 31, 2024
    in Community
    What are Koreans’ opinions on the Son Heung Min and Hwang Hee Chan controversy?

    This video breaks it down in detail but tldr hee chan signaled to his goalkeeper which way heung min was…

    Controversy, Koreans
  • My two cents on the MINO controversy as someone who’s been through social services

    Dec 27, 2024
    in Community

    I’m making this post because I wanted to share some insights I have on the MINO situation as someone who’s…

    Celebrity, Controversy, request
  • Korea’s retail giant Shinsegae, China’s Alibaba to set up e-commerce JV

    Dec 26, 2024
    in News
    Korea’s retail giant Shinsegae, China’s Alibaba to set up e-commerce JV

    South Korea’s retail conglomerate Shinsegae Group has joined forces with Chinese online shopping giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. to better…

    Controversy, Coupang, Naver, purpose, Shopping
  • Full history of South Korean politics to understand current situation.

    Dec 18, 2024
    in Community

    Hope you find this interesting, especially if you’re not conversant to the politics of South Korea. Before I go in,…

    Controversy, Crime, fail, family, history, Justice, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, North Korea, Politics, Protest, Scandal, Seoul
  • SM put aespa on a Bubble ban during the korean protests

    Dec 16, 2024
    in Community

    So….. today aespa came back to Bubble. The girls were talking about how long it’s been and how many things…

    Controversy, Protest, Scandal
  • A deep dive into T.O.P and the insanity of the kpop industry.

    Dec 9, 2024
    in Community

    Before starting, just a fair warning that this post will skim over subjects like EDs, suicide, and other mental health…

    Controversy, Crime, Curiosity, Fame, family, Punishment, Scandal, Warning
  • K-pop Sensation tripleS Unveils Debut Full Album “Visionary Vision – Performante”

    Nov 30, 2024
    in Entertainment
    K-pop Sensation tripleS Unveils Debut Full Album “Visionary Vision – Performante”

    In a groundbreaking move that has K-pop fans buzzing with excitement, the innovative girl group tripleS has released their highly…

    Controversy, Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, KT
  • NiziU Unveils Exciting Details for Debut Mini Album “AWAKE”

    Nov 30, 2024
    in Entertainment
    NiziU Unveils Exciting Details for Debut Mini Album “AWAKE”

    K-pop and J-pop fans, get ready for an electrifying release from NiziU! The popular girl group is set to drop…

    Controversy, Japan, K-pop, LG, Social Media
  • K-pop Sensation KATSEYE Graces NYLON JAPAN’s January 2025 Special Edition

    Nov 29, 2024
    in Entertainment
    K-pop Sensation KATSEYE Graces NYLON JAPAN’s January 2025 Special Edition

    In a groundbreaking moment for the K-pop industry, rising girl group KATSEYE has secured their first-ever fashion magazine cover, starring…

    Controversy, Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, K-pop industry, Seoul, Social Media
  • K-pop Sensation BABYMONSTER Shines at Spotify’s RADAR LIVE Event [Spotify Press Release]

    Nov 29, 2024
    in Entertainment
    K-pop Sensation BABYMONSTER Shines at Spotify’s RADAR LIVE Event [Spotify Press Release]

    Images kindly supplied by Spotify SEOUL – November 29, 2024: November 29, 2024: BABYMONSTER, the rising K-pop girl group, captivated…

    Controversy, K-pop, K-pop industry, Seoul
  • K-pop Sensation NewJeans Announces Departure from ADOR Amid Controversy

    Nov 29, 2024
    in Entertainment

    In a shocking turn of events, the members of the chart-topping K-pop girl group NewJeans have announced their decision to…

    Advertisement, apology, Controversy, K-pop, K-pop industry, request, Seoul, Social Media
  • Controversy brews over HYBE Chair Bang’s investment deal with PEFs

    Nov 29, 2024
    in News
    Controversy brews over HYBE Chair Bang’s investment deal with PEFs

    Bang Si-hyuk, founder and chairman of HYBE (Courtesy of HYBE)  Bang Si-hyuk, founder and chairman of HYBE Co., the South…

    BTS, Controversy, fail, K-pop, Seoul
  • Addressing the online discourse surrounding QWER.

    Nov 24, 2024
    in Community

    Warning, heavy topics ahead. Some of you may have heard of the tragic incident involving a Korean streamer named Jammi95.…

    Controversy, Discussion, history, Question, Sex, Sexual Harassment, Warning
  • S. Korea not to attend Sado memorial amid controversy over Japan’s pick for gov’t representative

    Nov 23, 2024
    in Community
    S. Korea not to attend Sado memorial amid controversy over Japan’s pick for gov’t representative

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

    Controversy, Japan
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Latest Korean News

  • BOK expected to hold rates steady as property, FX pressures mountOctober 19, 2025
    Bank of Korea Governor Rhee Chang-yong (left) convenes a monetary… Read more: BOK expected to hold rates steady as property, FX pressures mount
  • In the Brooklyn of Seoul, K-eyewear brands battle for global attentionOctober 19, 2025
    Seongsu-dong, Seoul  Once home to shoe factories and metal workshops,… Read more: In the Brooklyn of Seoul, K-eyewear brands battle for global attention
  • US officials mull Trump-Kim Jong Un meeting during Asia tripOctober 19, 2025
    North Korean lead Kim Jong Un (Left) shakes hands with… Read more: US officials mull Trump-Kim Jong Un meeting during Asia trip
  • ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ track Golden rebounds to No. 3 on UK Singles ChartOctober 19, 2025
    HUNTR/X, the fictional K-pop girl group from Netflix’s animated film… Read more: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ track Golden rebounds to No. 3 on UK Singles Chart
  • Korean specialty alloy makers SeAH, Poongsan set to ride defense, space industry boomOctober 17, 2025
    SeAH is a leading Korean specialty alloy maker South Korea’s… Read more: Korean specialty alloy makers SeAH, Poongsan set to ride defense, space industry boom

Latest Community Feeds

  • Help me what did i do wrong ( multigrain 21)October 20, 2025
  • What group/soloist’s lyrics stand out for you?October 19, 2025
  • Why is everyone so mad when some of us wanna know who’s gay?October 19, 2025
  • My go to meal. Kimchi fried rice with bacon.October 19, 2025
  • Miyeon / NMIXX cinematic universe continues to growOctober 19, 2025
  • These « expire » tomorrow but it’s such a good deal. Or is it?October 19, 2025
  • What can Korea learn from Israel regarding fertility and the birthrate?October 19, 2025
  • W KOREA Party and what it really means for the KPOP idols.October 19, 2025
  • Arrowroot starch noodles nutritional factsOctober 19, 2025
  • Private Onsen for couple?October 19, 2025
  • Seeking first hand experiences from students in South Korean universities – MS Biotechnology or other programsOctober 19, 2025
  • SM is wasting Red Velvet’s Irene potential (vent of an Irene stan)October 19, 2025
  • Appreciation of TWICE on their 10th AnniversaryOctober 19, 2025
  • Shrimp chips not what they used to be.October 19, 2025
  • Today’s Blackpink seems to follow too many trends and has lost part of what made the group specialOctober 19, 2025
  • Nmixx’s Blue Valentine has just reached their career high of #2 on Melon, this is quite likely their God’s Menu momentOctober 19, 2025
  • Klassic shitpostOctober 19, 2025
  • Has anyone seen these?October 19, 2025
  • What are some honest opinions on Punjabi Sikh peopleOctober 19, 2025
  • I love IVE’s new lightstick design. It’s better than the old one.October 19, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (14,282)
    • Community (9,689)
    • Entertainment (992)
    • News (3,598)
  • 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

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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