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K-pop

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • Would Girls’ Generation’s discography be more popular among Gen Z and younger K-Pop fans if their Japanese albums were available on Spotify?

    Mar 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I always thought that people write them off as not really having strong b-sides (which is untrue even if you…

    Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Peace
  • Why did it take K-pop more than 20 years to become globally popular?

    Mar 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    The modern K-pop industry has been around since the early 90s with first gen groups like H.O.T., S.E.S., Shinhwa, etc.…

    Global Expansion, Japan, K-drama, K-pop, K-pop industry
  • Hwang Minhyun – Singles Korea (April 2026 Issue Cover)

    Mar 19, 2026
    in Feeds
    Hwang Minhyun – Singles Korea (April 2026 Issue Cover)

    Photo Credits: Singles Korea + Pledis Entertainment When Hwang Minhyun walks into the frame of Singles Korea’s April 2026 issue,…

    K-pop, Social Media, study
  • I don’t think there’s a 10/10 album in K-pop

    Mar 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been thinking about it and realized that i’ve never rated a K-pop album 10/10, not even my favorite ones.…

    K-pop
  • Wonyoung Ascends: ELLE Korea x Medicube Reveal a New Glow for IVE’s Star

    Mar 19, 2026
    in Feeds
    Wonyoung Ascends: ELLE Korea x Medicube Reveal a New Glow for IVE’s Star

    Photo Credits: ELLE Korea + Medicube + Starship Entertainment The Glow of a Generation There’s a certain quiet that fills…

    Fame, Gen Z, Japan, K-pop, Seoul, Social Media, study, Tokyo
  • Unexpected opportunities from K-pop

    Mar 19, 2026
    in News
    Unexpected opportunities from K-pop

    My name is Trieu Vy, and I am from Vietnam. Like many young people, I first learned about K-pop through…

    Curiosity, K-pop, Korean Language, study
  • Remember the era when some MVs had the 19 sign ????

    Mar 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Yes I’m an old fan and 😅 Yena’s latest song sent me straight back down a 2nd gen MV rabbit…

    K-pop, LG, Warning
  • The Moment Before Tomorrow: BOYNEXTDOOR’s Sungho & Woonhak Redefine Youth

    Mar 19, 2026
    in Feeds
    The Moment Before Tomorrow: BOYNEXTDOOR’s Sungho & Woonhak Redefine Youth

    Pictorial Preview — Marie Claire Korea, April 2026 Photo Credits: Marie Claire Korea + KOZ Entertainment In spring light that…

    K-pop, LG, Seoul
  • SEVENTEEN’s The8 & Vernon: The Art of Duality in Motion

    Mar 18, 2026
    in Feeds
    SEVENTEEN’s The8 & Vernon: The Art of Duality in Motion

    Photo Credits: ALLURE Korea. Golden Goose. Pledis Entertainment When Allure Korea unveiled its April 2026 cover — featuring SEVENTEEN’s The8 and Vernon…

    Fame, K-pop, Photography, purpose, Seoul, Stress
  • Which song is more iconic: Gee or Haru Haru?

    Mar 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I was revisiting some older K-pop songs recently and ended up going down a 2nd gen rabbit hole. Two songs…

    K-pop
  • My first ever ult group, once disbanded, is being brought back from the dead, and their promotions are likely to overlap with my current ult group

    Mar 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    When my first ever ult group, the exceptionally talented I.O.I, disbanded in early 2017, I was left drifting aimlessly through…

    K-pop
  • BTS drops music video teaser for ‘SWIM’ as full-group return nears

    Mar 18, 2026
    in News
    BTS drops music video teaser for ‘SWIM’ as full-group return nears

    K-pop supergroup BTS has heightened anticipation for its return with a cinematic teaser for the music video of its upcoming…

    BTS, K-pop, Social Media
  • Fans flood Korea’s pension fund over ENHYPEN exit, paralyzing hotline

    Mar 18, 2026
    in News
    Fans flood Korea’s pension fund over ENHYPEN exit, paralyzing hotline

    Backlash over a K-pop lineup change has spilled into an unlikely target: South Korea’s national pension fund. After ENHYPEN member…

    Foreign Workers, K-pop, Koreans, Protest, Social Media
  • SB19: P-Pop Kings Redefining Global Style

    Mar 18, 2026
    in Feeds
    SB19: P-Pop Kings Redefining Global Style

    Photo Credits: 1Z Entertainment + Billboard Philippines + Mega Magazine + ITM. + VMan Southeast Asia From Manila’s bustling streets…

    history, Japan, K-pop, KT, Tokyo
  • AHOF’s Steven & JL: Game Changers Ignite Y Magazine

    Mar 17, 2026
    in Feeds
    AHOF’s Steven & JL: Game Changers Ignite Y Magazine

    Photo Credits: Y Magazine + F&F Entertainment AHOF’s Steven and JL shatter expectations in Y Magazine Issue No. 20, their…

    family, K-pop, Stress, Tokyo
  • is this a phase and is this healthy as a teenage girl?

    Mar 17, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m 16F this year, and ever since I got back into Kpop last year (I was already a fan in…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, KT, LG, Stress, study
  • Wonyoung’s Miu Miu Reign: Marie Claire Korea April 2026

    Mar 17, 2026
    in Feeds
    Wonyoung’s Miu Miu Reign: Marie Claire Korea April 2026

    Photo Credits: Marie Claire Korea + Miu Miu + Starship Entertainment This cover story dives deep into IVE’s Jang Wonyoung…

    Affinity, Global Expansion, K-pop, LG, Social Media, Tokyo
  • Why K-pop concerts are breaking out of domes, infiltrating cityscapes

    Mar 17, 2026
    in News
    Why K-pop concerts are breaking out of domes, infiltrating cityscapes

    As K-pop supergroup BTS prepares to stage a free comeback concert at Seoul’s iconic Gwanghwamun Square on Saturday, the event…

    BTS, K-pop, Seoul
  • Trying to understand the hype around K-Pop Demon Hunters and why it’s Oscar-worthy

    Mar 16, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    We’ve been seeing a lot of discussion about K-Pop Demon Hunters lately since it first came out, with many people…

    Discussion, K-pop, Perspectives
  • KakaoMap tests ultraprecise bus tracking ahead of BTS concert

    Mar 16, 2026
    in News
    KakaoMap tests ultraprecise bus tracking ahead of BTS concert

    Kakao is launching a pilot program for ultraprecise bus location data on its mapping platform KakaoMap, as part of emergency…

    BTS, K-pop, Kakao, Seoul
  • what kpop unpopular opinion you have that others may agree?

    Mar 16, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    what’s a kpop opinion you have that you think others may agree? for me, 3rd gen kpop was the peak…

    K-pop
  • Chuei Liyu’s Esquire Glow: From Planet to Pictorial Star

    Mar 16, 2026
    in Feeds
    Chuei Liyu’s Esquire Glow: From Planet to Pictorial Star

    Photo Credits: Esquire Korea + FNC Entertainment + Dior Chuei Liyu commands the Esquire Korea March 2026 pictorial like a…

    K-pop, Seoul, Suga
  • On Zerobaseone’s last encore, I can’t help but to feel rather… bitter at the closure.

    Mar 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I think we all know this day would come. It’s the day we’ve been dreading for since the day they…

    history, K-pop
  • A Letter of Appreciation for Zerobaseone, Thank You.

    Mar 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    So, today encore in Seoul marks the last time Zerobaseone performed as 9 person, as the 4 Yuehua members will…

    history, K-pop, Seoul
  • BTS concert to test AI-based network management by mobile carriers

    Mar 15, 2026
    in News
    BTS concert to test AI-based network management by mobile carriers

    Korea’s three major telecommunications firms will deploy their most advanced technologies during the March 21 BTS comeback concert at Gwanghwamun…

    BTS, K-pop, KT, Seoul
  • Singing and lip syncing discussion are ridiculous and hilarious😭

    Mar 15, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    People who always bring up lip syncing and get mad when it happens and then say “we need old kpop…

    Discussion, K-pop, KT
  • I just went to ILLIT’s first concert and left disappointed

    Mar 14, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m an avid concertgoer, mainly for GGs. I try to attend as many GG concerts as my schedule allows. The…

    K-pop, KT
  • What do blinks think of Blackpink’s current career trajectory?

    Mar 14, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Open questions to blinks!! for context Blackpink got me into K-Pop in early 2019 and I had a huge blink…

    K-pop, LG, Question
  • Why K-pop remains popular in China despite cultural disputes

    Mar 14, 2026
    in News
    Why K-pop remains popular in China despite cultural disputes

    When recent online disputes between Southeast Asian and Korean netizens were reposted on Chinese social media, Irene Jin felt a…

    K-pop, netizens, Social Media
  • JENNIE, Audrey Nuna & LE SSERAFIM Ignite Summer Sonic Osaka & Tokyo 2026

    Mar 14, 2026
    in Feeds
    JENNIE, Audrey Nuna & LE SSERAFIM Ignite Summer Sonic Osaka & Tokyo 2026

    Osaka’s Epic Summer Sonic Beckons K-Pop Icons Photo Credits: CREATIVEMAN PRODUCTION + ODD ATELIER + Source Music Expo ’70 Commemorative…

    history, Japan, K-pop, KT, Subway, Tokyo
  • We’re getting a survival show for K-Pop fandoms called FANDOM WAR

    Mar 13, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    This just might be the funniest and messiest survival show we’ve seen. PIXID is a popular youtube channel that makes…

    K-pop
  • Do you think K-pop feels more “global” than it did a few years ago?

    Mar 13, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    K-pop has always had international fans, but recently it feels like the industry is becoming even more globally focused. Groups…

    K-pop
  • KATSEYE’s Glamour Mexico Reign: Chaos Meets Couture

    Mar 13, 2026
    in Feeds
    KATSEYE’s Glamour Mexico Reign: Chaos Meets Couture

    Photo Credits: Glamour México y Latinoamérica + HYBE + Geffen Records KATSEYE graces the March 2026 cover of Glamour México…

    K-pop, KT, LG, Seoul, Stress
  • As a K-pop fan some K-pop fans are really creepy and obsessive….sometimes

    Mar 12, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been listening to K-pop for about 7 years now and one thing Ive noticed about K-pop is that a…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans
  • ALD1’s Junseo: Montblanc Allure Ignites K-Pop Fire

    Mar 12, 2026
    in Feeds
    ALD1’s Junseo: Montblanc Allure Ignites K-Pop Fire

    Photo Credits: Montblanc + WAKEONE Entertainment + Allure Korea ALPHA DRIVE ONE (ALD1) burst onto the scene as K-pop’s bold…

    K-pop, Koreans, KT, LG, Seoul
  • Dissertation about kpop culture influence on brand

    Mar 12, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Annyeonghaseyo! 💜 If you’re part of the Gen Z wave that loves K-pop, K-dramas, or anything Korean culture–inspired, I need…

    Gen Z, K-drama, K-pop, study
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Latest Korean News

  • Gov’t says economy on recovery path, warns of Middle East risksMarch 20, 2026
    Korea’s economy remains on a recovery path, but downside risks… Read more: Gov’t says economy on recovery path, warns of Middle East risks
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    Cheong Wa Dae said Friday that Korea’s natural gas supply… Read more: Korea says LNG supply stable despite Middle East risks
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    A former South Korean ambassador to Brazil has been appointed… Read more: Ex-envoy to Brazil appointed ambassador to Canada
  • How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?March 20, 2026
    LONDON — Iranian forces’ closure of the Strait of Hormuz… Read more: How can Hormuz shipping blockage be solved?

Latest Community Feeds

  • Dakgalbi (Korean Spicy Chicken Stir Fry)- one of my favorite Korean foodsMarch 21, 2026
  • A friendly reminder that 2026 is just getting startedMarch 21, 2026
  • Mixed kimbapMarch 21, 2026
  • Sweet and Crispy Rice Cake SkewersMarch 21, 2026
  • Lee Demands SBS Apologize, Issue Correction after Report Ties Him to Crime RingMarch 20, 2026
  • GalbitangMarch 20, 2026
  • Did I do this right? (Kimchi)March 20, 2026
  • Promoting groups/artists I think deserve more attention-Day 5:TNXMarch 20, 2026
  • Grilled fish 🎣March 20, 2026
  • What I basically want to eat after a workout but I won’t – Dasol CooMarch 20, 2026
  • Cold soba noodlesMarch 20, 2026
  • Soobin saying what every idol wants to say part 4352March 20, 2026
  • TipsMarch 20, 2026
  • How is tilefish usually cooked in Korean cooking (not with raw rice, I expect!)?March 20, 2026
  • What’s your super girl group? Here’s mine.March 20, 2026
  • Some young Koreans are looking for love in bookstores, but are they reading the room?March 20, 2026
  • What makes your thoughts important enough to need a separate post from the megathread?March 20, 2026
  • Would Girls’ Generation’s discography be more popular among Gen Z and younger K-Pop fans if their Japanese albums were available on Spotify?March 20, 2026
  • Koean love this drinkMarch 20, 2026
  • [MEGATHREAD] BTS ARIRANGMarch 20, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (18,773)
    • Community (13,344)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (4,314)
  • 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