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Crime

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • When TF Did Respectful Criticism Become a Crime…?

    Aug 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been a fan of Wonyoung since the IZONE* days, she’s been my bias for years. Admiring someone doesn’t mean…

    Crime, K-pop
  • Violent Crime Stats: US vs. Korea

    Aug 8, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    There were many Korean articles about Sonny’s umbrella ‘controversy’ originally engineered by a Korean feminist X user. The original post…

    Controversy, Crime, Korean American, Korean Art, purpose, Sex, Social Media
  • I feel like there are too many fans who stan popularity and not music

    Aug 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s so bizarre to see so many Kpop stans only go for the most popular groups and then build their…

    Crime
  • Baegui 백의 ( 白衣 ) White clothes, widely worn by the people of Korea

    Jul 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Baegui 백의 ( 白衣 ) White clothes, widely worn by the people of Korea

    Baegui 백의 ( 白衣 )White clothes, widely worn by the people of Korea.Baegui (Kor. 백의, Chin. 白衣, lit. white clothes)…

    Crime, Goguryeo, Goryeo, history, Japan, Joseon, Koreans
  • International fans don’t actually understand the Seunghan situation

    Jul 26, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This is pretty long, just to forewarn you. If you’re going to proceed, maybe grab a drink and some snacks…

    Crime, Discussion, history, Koreans, LG, netizens, Peace, Scandal, Sex, Stress
  • Kris Wu may get more prison time; said to have privileges in prison

    Jul 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    An article reports that Kris Wu and his mother are now under scrutiny in China for tax evasion. Kris Wu…

    Crime, Sex, Social Media
  • The international status of Koreans at the time as seen in the English diary of Yun Chi-Ho, who was an interpreter and member of the Joseon delegation attending the coronation of Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

    Jul 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    The international status of Koreans at the time as seen in the English diary of Yun Chi-Ho, who was an interpreter and member of the Joseon delegation attending the coronation of Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

    1896 . • Saturday, May 9th (New York and Lucania Steamship-Boarding the Lucania at 1 p.m. Reminiscences and summaries of…

    Crime, family, history, Japan, Joseon, Koreans, Military, Question, travel
  • Korean TikToker Won Jeong, with 54.8M followers, Convicted of SA, Is Posting Again, and Millions Think He’s Innocent Due to Misinformation

    Jul 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    A TikToker named Won Jeong (원정맨), with over 54.8 million followers, was convicted of quasi-r*pe (준강간) in South Korea —…

    apology, Celebrity, Crime, fail, Justice, KT, Punishment, Scandal, Sex, sexual assault
  • TAEIL has been sentenced to 3 years and 6 months in prison. Arrested in the courtroom following sentence.

    Jul 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    At 2 p.m. on the 10th, the 26th Criminal Division of the Seoul Central District Court held the first trial…

    Crime, Naver, Punishment, Seoul, Sex
  • 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+
  • Trailer-teasers are trending and I appreciate it

    May 12, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Trailer-teasers seem to be trending lately. They promote songs but the videos are more of a mini-episode of a kdrama.…

    Crime
  • I truly feel horrible for Lisa and all the hate she has gotten the past year

    May 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Yes, I think her album was bad. Yes, she needs to work on singing. Yes, she needs to take accountability…

    Crime
  • Lee Jae-Myung pledges to follow public sentiment on Supreme Court justice impeachment

    May 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Lee Jae-Myung pledges to follow public sentiment on Supreme Court justice impeachment

    The Democratic Party is pushing for a set of legislative proposals that include increasing the number of Supreme Court justices…

    Crime, Justice, Seoul
  • Major local news from South Korea, April 24

    Apr 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Major local news from South Korea, April 24

    Global trade risk: Citigroup estimates that if the US and China impose over 100% tariffs on each other, Korea’s GDP…

    Crime, Hyundai, Local News, Military, Politics, Putin, request, Seoul, Ukraine
  • Digital sex crime ring ‘Pastor’s Room’ leader and 10 accomplices indicted

    Apr 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Digital sex crime ring ‘Pastor’s Room’ leader and 10 accomplices indicted

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

    Crime, Sex
  • Taeil is finally going to court after his situation

    Apr 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Recently, it was revealed that Taeil, a former member of NCT, is scheduled to attend his first court trial in…

    Crime, request, Seoul
  • Korean schools are abandoning yearbooks as fears over deepfakes, digital crimes grow

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Korean schools are abandoning yearbooks as fears over deepfakes, digital crimes grow

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

    Crime, Deepfake
  • Birth rates: Optimist point of view

    Apr 15, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    • This is not a political discussion. • Speaking as an outsider. • All my information is theoretical, not accurate.…

    Busan, Crime, Democracy, Discussion, financial crisis, Japan, Justice, Kimchi, Korean War, Koreans, LG, Military, squid game, Stress, Tourism
  • Korean history about Akiyama Yoshifuru

    Apr 3, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Does someone here know korean sources where I can find Information about the war crimes from Akiyama Yoshifuru and where…

    Crime, history, Korean History
  • A question for (ex-)fans of Jung Joon Young: How did you process the revelations about his crimes

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    TW: sexual violence Hey everyone, I’m currently working on a paper for university. It’s for a seminar about fans and…

    Crime, K-pop, purpose, Question, Sex, study
  • Hypocrisy at its finest: Rep. Lee Chul-gyu’s son caught in drug scandal while dad plays moral police

    Mar 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Hypocrisy at its finest: Rep. Lee Chul-gyu’s son caught in drug scandal while dad plays moral police

    So now 국민의힘 Rep. Lee Chul-gyu is saying he’s “deeply sorry” that his son was caught trying to pick up…

    Crime, family, Scandal, Seoul
  • “Yoon’s Impeachment May See US Halt Economic, Security Assistance,” Warns Morse Tan, Strong Candidate for Next Ambassador of USA to Korea

    Mar 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    “尹탄핵땐 美경제·안보 지원 중단”… 주한美대사 유력 모스 탄의 경고 – 아시아투데이 > Possible International Backlashes, Including Calling It a Coup…

    BTS, Crime, Democracy, fail, Justice, korean democracy, North Korea, Punishment, Question
  • What are the worst kpop scandals/crimes?

    Mar 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Basically the title. Some of the scandals I’m aware of are burning sun, BAP’s Himchan’s sexual assault case(s), 2NE1’s Park…

    Crime, Military, Scandal, Sex, sexual assault
  • The dark underneath the bright facade

    Mar 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    As another Korean celebrity plunges headfirst into yet another crisis, the world’s eyes snap back to Korea, unblinking, expectant. And…

    Celebrity, Crime, Discussion, family, Justice, K-pop, Koreans, Peace, Punishment, Question, Rest in Peace
  • My thought about Yoon being released

    Mar 9, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    First of all, you must be aware that Yoon’s being released DOES NOT mean he is innocent. (Of course, dumb…

    Crime, Ewha, martial law, purpose, Seoul
  • South Korea to allow listed firms to trade cryptocurrencies in second half

    Feb 13, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korea to allow listed firms to trade cryptocurrencies in second half

    FSC Vice Chairman Kim Soyoung holds a press briefing after the regulator’s Virtual Asset Committee meeting on Feb. 13, 2025…

    Crime, Kimchi, Koreans, Seoul
  • Getting emotionally attached to idols suck

    Jan 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I think this is an unpopular opinion because this is the reason a lot of people get hooked to kpop…

    Crime
  • Need tips on podcasts for my 80 y.o. Korean mom

    Jan 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    My mom is Korean, but lives in the US. I’d like to set up a tablet for her so that…

    Crime, Korean Language
  • Korea seeks tighter control over digital coins, mulls mandatory disclosures

    Jan 15, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    Korea seeks tighter control over digital coins, mulls mandatory disclosures

    FSC Vice Chairman Kim Soyoung (left) presides over the regulator’s virtual asset committee meeting South Korea plans to tighten its…

    Crime, Kimchi, Koreans, Seoul
  • Regarding De:Va and their scandals and their future debut

    Jan 2, 2025
    in Community

    I know that De:Va’s pre-debut introduction to the world has been very rocky but I genuinely hope that they get…

    BTS, Celebrity, Crime, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Kia, KT, Scandal, Teenager
  • Korean Organizes crime and corruption?

    Dec 23, 2024
    in Community

    I’m a 미국 but my parents are pretty old school Koreans who moved to the the US when I was…

    Crime, Koreans, Parents
  • 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
  • Seoul probes fake SNS accounts of Hyundai Motor advisor Sung Kim

    Dec 16, 2024
    in News
    Seoul probes fake SNS accounts of Hyundai Motor advisor Sung Kim

    Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun (second from right), Hyundai Motor advisor Sung Kim (far right) (Source: Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister…

    automotive, Crime, fail, Hyundai, North Korea, Punishment, purpose, Samsung, Seoul
  • The Yoon Suk Yeol is finally impeached. I can fall asleep at night without anxiety

    Dec 15, 2024
    in Community
    The Yoon Suk Yeol is finally impeached. I can fall asleep at night without anxiety

    I went to the National Assembly yesterday to impeach Yoon Suk Yeol. I was going to write after yesterday, but…

    Crime, K-pop, Lawmakers, martial law, Seoul, Subway
  • 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
  • S.Korea’s Yoon survives impeachment; economic fundamentals firm

    Dec 7, 2024
    in News
    S.Korea’s Yoon survives impeachment; economic fundamentals firm

    Ruling party member seats are vacant as they walked out of the National Assembly chamber before a parliamentary vote on…

    Crime, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, Protest, Seoul
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Latest Korean News

  • Samsung to set up chip packaging R&D center in Tokyo, raise stakes vs TSMCAugust 13, 2025
    Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong (far right) inspects the semiconductor… Read more: Samsung to set up chip packaging R&D center in Tokyo, raise stakes vs TSMC
  • BOE risks 15-year US OLED ban in Samsung dispute; Korean display stocks rallyAugust 13, 2025
    A labtop equipped with Samsung Display’s OLED panel (Courtesy of… Read more: BOE risks 15-year US OLED ban in Samsung dispute; Korean display stocks rally
  • South Korea names new heads for finance and competition regulatorsAugust 13, 2025
    Lee Eog-weon (left), the nominee for Financial Services Commission (FSC),… Read more: South Korea names new heads for finance and competition regulators
  • Disney, Marvel, Star Wars stories to get Korean webtoon makeoverAugust 13, 2025
    (Courtesy of Webtoon Entertainment) Webtoon Entertainment Inc. is bringing Iron… Read more: Disney, Marvel, Star Wars stories to get Korean webtoon makeover
  • Samsung boosts HBM specialist hiring, scales back foundry recruitmentAugust 13, 2025
    A researcher at a Samsung R&D center Samsung Electronics Co.… Read more: Samsung boosts HBM specialist hiring, scales back foundry recruitment

Latest Community Feeds

  • My snack for the next few daysAugust 13, 2025
  • Student discounts for international studentAugust 13, 2025
  • What’s up with Americans asking me if I’m from north?August 13, 2025
  • Wplace Gwangju 8-13-25August 13, 2025
  • Gas prices seems way too lowAugust 13, 2025
  • What Presents to get for my in-laws?August 13, 2025
  • Why there are so many korean living abroad who hate KoreaAugust 13, 2025
  • Dong chim statueAugust 13, 2025
  • Double standards between K-pop and American pop?August 13, 2025
  • Does anyone here listen to Korean Indie Rock Bands?August 13, 2025
  • Do you think this is The Black Label’s first era domination?August 13, 2025
  • Why were Enhypen never able to get that hit songs?August 13, 2025
  • Exclusive: U.S. EV battery imports from Korea top 1,300% as tariffs push shift from ChinaAugust 13, 2025
  • A S. Korean city wanted ‘Big Tree’ landmark. It got a W34.4b letdownAugust 13, 2025
  • voluntary enlistment vs Mandatory enlistment Korean AmyAugust 13, 2025
  • HOW TO STUDY ENGAugust 13, 2025
  • Why does one woman (Sulli-Jennie-Wonyoung) become Kpop’s punching bag in every generation?August 13, 2025
  • Should I be worried if the accommodation I booked has “no tenant protection act”?August 13, 2025
  • Visiting a Jjimjilbang for the first time as a femaleAugust 13, 2025
  • Help on exchange study as an ethnically Chinese PersonAugust 13, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (11,480)
    • Community (7,531)
    • Entertainment (713)
    • News (3,234)
  • 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