Open Korea

Open Korea

Korean Identities Beyond Borders

  • News
  • History
  • People
  • Community
  • Entertainment
  • Resources
    • ☎️ Helpline in Korea
    • 🔗 Useful sites on Korea
    • 🎬 Best Korean Films
    • 📺 Best Korean Shows
    • 🎤 Best Korean Pop
    • 👥 Join the Cause
    • 💲Donor Dashboard

K-pop

Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

Sponsored by Open Korea Foundation

  • In your own eyes, what do you think makes an impactful and influential K-pop group?

    Aug 22, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    There are a lot of impactful and influential acts in K-pop throughout the first, second, and third generation since the…

    K-pop
  • Which albums/songs reminds you of the lockdown era (2020/2021)?

    Aug 22, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I saw this on the Music subreddit and thought I would bring it here. For me, the main one is…

    BTS, K-pop
  • The double standards when it comes to certain lyrics and actions amongst male and female acts in K-pop is quite noticeable.

    Aug 22, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Disclaimer: I am not hating on any male K-pop acts that are going to be mentioned in this topic as…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, Question
  • KATSEYE scores career-best No. 2 on British albums chart

    Aug 22, 2026
    in News
    KATSEYE scores career-best No. 2 on British albums chart

    K-pop girl group KATSEYE has scored its highest ranking yet on Britain’s Official Albums Chart, debuting at No. 2 with…

    BTS, K-pop
  • NINA Stops Asking: Inside the Detonation of WHY NOT ME?

    Aug 22, 2026
    in Feeds
    NINA Stops Asking: Inside the Detonation of WHY NOT ME?

    The room is barely lit — string bulbs blurred to honey behind her, a single red lamp burning low like…

    apology, Gen Z, Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, Photography, Question, Seoul, Tokyo, Warning
  • Why does K-pop fans think that the gap between Blackpink and other groups are small?

    Aug 22, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Disclaimer: Please be civil in the comment sections and do not sent hate towards Blackpink or any other K-pop act…

    BTS, Japan, K-pop, K-pop Fans
  • JENNIE Is the New Face of Adidas Originals—and K-Pop’s Next Cultural Shockwave

    Aug 22, 2026
    in Feeds
    JENNIE Is the New Face of Adidas Originals—and K-Pop’s Next Cultural Shockwave

    The room is blue, almost weightless. A body cuts through it like a signal: one arm reaching, one leg suspended,…

    Celebrity, Global Expansion, history, Japan, K-pop, KT, LG, Mystery, Photography, Question, Seoul, Tokyo, travel
  • How much was and is K-pop consumed in Korea during the 1st-5th generation?

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Recently, I was watching a video posted by a Army YouTuber named Boracity Magazine titled “bts and “k-pop without the…

    BTS, history, K-pop, K-pop Fans, Question
  • Hyein, Uncaged: Bottega Finds Its Sharpest Edge Yet

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Feeds
    Hyein, Uncaged: Bottega Finds Its Sharpest Edge Yet

    The Crouch Heard Around the Internet She is folded into herself like a closed fist — knees to chest, one…

    Japan, K-pop, LG, Photography, travel, Warning
  • Regarding Le Sserafim’s recent prerecorded vocals controversy

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I know prerecorded vocals have become increasingly more common in K-pop to the point where it’s happening even during artists’…

    Controversy, K-pop, KT
  • No, female idols are not offended by Blackpink’s lyrics in their songs.

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Inside of the K-pop community, there is this motion that Blackpink’s lyrics puts down women and that female idols might…

    K-pop
  • Why is the narrative that idols are not allowed to date and only love their fans so normalized?

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m watching “I dol I” right now and I think it’s great so far. However I am on episode 4…

    K-pop
  • Why are the members of Blackpink the only artists to have their solo careers analyzed and compared to despite other popular girl groups in K-pop having members debuting as soloists?

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Disclaimer: This topic is not about the music that the members have released as everyone has a right to their…

    Discussion, K-pop
  • About BIGBANG….and more specifically G-Dragon

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been a long-term Big Bang fan I got into K-pop and Big Bang in specific when I became a…

    BTS, family, Justice, K-pop, KT, LG
  • Hi! I’m compiling a 100 track playlist of K-Pop legendary songs with a personal criteria of 7 songs representations rule, spanning from 1st gen to 4th gen, and I would like to ask the sub’s opinions and thoughts on the most iconic 7 female and male K-Pop soloist hits.

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    What songs do you think are essential for someone just being introduced into the K-Pop world? Currently my selection is…

    K-pop, LG, Question
  • LISA, AT ALTITUDE: HOW VOGUE KOREA’S SEPTEMBER COVER CAUGHT A STAR MID-ASCENT

    Aug 21, 2026
    in Feeds
    LISA, AT ALTITUDE: HOW VOGUE KOREA’S SEPTEMBER COVER CAUGHT A STAR MID-ASCENT

    Two concrete pillars, a coastline dissolving into cloud, and a single figure standing dead-center in a dark, off-shoulder gown slit…

    Genesis, Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, Photography, Seoul, travel
  • Are synchronization dances really that important in K-pop?

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Recently, I was strolling through TikTok and had stumbled upon a Bigbang dance practice video when T.O.P. was still in…

    K-pop, KT
  • The Boy Who Broke the Frame: San Rewrites the Rules of K-Pop Style

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Feeds
    The Boy Who Broke the Frame: San Rewrites the Rules of K-Pop Style

    Opening Scene San has always understood something most idols spend a career trying to learn — that stillness reads louder…

    Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, Mystery, Photography, purpose, study
  • What are some songs or albums that you think just weren’t meant for the group they ended up with?

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I was reading Complex’s article on their best K-pop albums of 2026, and this quote really caught my attention. I’m…

    K-pop
  • I wish photobooks were more than just the idol

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I love the idea of owning physical media of an album I enjoyed listening to through and through. But I…

    K-pop, Photography
  • K-Pop fans seem to treat music videos as a group’s entire identity

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I feel like a lot of fans take music videos way too seriously these days, and more and more groups…

    K-pop, K-pop Fans, purpose
  • Why is Blackpink’s popularity in Korea so heavily debated amongst fans and nonfans?

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    In 2021, I had become an official fan of Blackpink and had even watched their documentary on Netflix. While I…

    Discussion, K-pop
  • Vernon Doesn’t Perform Cool. He Just Refuses to Perform

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Feeds
    Vernon Doesn’t Perform Cool. He Just Refuses to Perform

    Opening Scene He’s slouched into a chair that looks older than the concept of K-pop itself — dark wood, tapestry…

    Global Expansion, K-pop, LG, Seoul
  • Do you guys remember the MASSIVE backlash to NMIXX’s debut?

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I was just looking through some old threads of K-pop songs from years ago and came across NMIXX’s debut. This…

    BTS, history, K-pop, K-pop Fans
  • How did Bigbang manage to grip the Korean general public with their music?

    Aug 20, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Just recently, Bigbang had released their single Biiig (2026) to celebrate the group’s 20th anniversary. The song had already climbed…

    Discussion, K-pop
  • Could Starship be on the rise to potentially join the big 4 in K-Pop

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    With KiiiKii blowing up this year and DAYOUNG rebranding and her solo career on the rise as well, there could…

    Japan, K-pop
  • What is considered an artist for you in K-pop?

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Throughout their career, the members of Blackpink had been repeatedly dunked on for not writing they’re on songs in their…

    K-pop
  • Why do people hate BTS? I’m an army, and I’m aware that they have also made mistakes in past !. Why do people hate BTS? As an ARMY, I know they have made mistakes in the past. However, when people criticize them for their actions, why can’t they also see their incredible struggles and all the good a

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Why do people just hate BTS? Like whyy I honestly don’t get why people waste so much energy actively hating…

    BTS, Controversy, history, K-pop, K-pop Fans
  • BigBang’s BiiiG feels hollow and disappointing for me

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Concept Photos – massive check, something to be highly expected Teaser for BiiiG – …eh…? I’ll wait for the official…

    K-pop
  • Still Life, Moving: j-hope Rewrites the Grammar of Cool

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Feeds
    Still Life, Moving: j-hope Rewrites the Grammar of Cool

    Opening Scene He’s horizontal before he’s anything else. Stretched across white sheets like the frame can barely hold him, one…

    BTS, Global Expansion, Japan, K-pop, Military, Photography
  • “This kind of debut album/ep in this economy???”- Appreciation for Heart of Woman and Close Your Eyes: The two I consider best (personally!)

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    I think Heart of Woman’s Heart Byte and Close Your Eyes’ Eternalt are the best 5th gen debut album/ep I…

    K-pop
  • KCON fans pack L.A. Convention Center for K-pop, K-dramas and community

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds
    KCON fans pack L.A. Convention Center for K-pop, K-dramas and community

    America’s grasp on Korean culture goes beyond the music and viral dance moves. The beauty products and the K-dramas, on…

    K-drama, K-pop, travel
  • I am uncomfortable with the way friendships among girl groups and boy groups are being discussed online.

    Aug 19, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Recently, I had seen a TikTok discussing friendships in K-pop and how the lack of friendship can ruin the way…

    family, K-pop, KT
  • Selective Outrage and Hypocrisy in K-Pop Fandoms

    Aug 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Kpop is such a funny space because fans will support BIGBANG, BLACKPINK, BTS, CORTIS, Lngshot/Jay Park, TREASURE, NCT, and the…

    BTS, K-pop
  • K-pop acts that are nominated at the 2026 Video Music Awards.

    Aug 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    Song of the Year-BTS (Swim) and Huntr/x (Golden) Best K-pop- BTS (Swim), Blackpink (Jump), Lisa (Dream), Cortis (REDRED), Katseye (Pinky…

    BTS, K-pop
  • More Creative/Diverse Kpop Events beyond cupsleeves and/or photo card trading?

    Aug 18, 2026
    in Community, Feeds

    There’s another K-pop event happening in my area and it prompted me to make this post because as a K-pop…

    K-pop
←Previous Page Next Page→

Advice automotive Bibimbap BTS Busan Celebrity Cheese Controversy Coupang Crime Curiosity Discussion Donald Trump driver Ewha fail Fame family Gen Z germany Global Expansion history Hyundai Japan Jeju Jjigae Joseon Justice K-pop K-pop Fans K-pop industry Kakao Kia Kimchi Korean Comapny Korean Food Koreans Korean Semiconductor Korean Technology KT LG LG Electronics LG Energy LG Energy Solution Lotte martial law Medical Military Naver North Korea Nvidia Parents Peace Photography Politics Pork POSCO Protest purpose Putin Question request Samsung Samsung Electronics Scandal Seoul Sex Shopping SK Hynix Social Media Soju Stress study Suga Survey Tokyo Tourism travel Ukraine Warning

Latest Korean News

  • Fed rate hike will likely push borrowing costs on credit cards, mortgagesSeptember 16, 2026
    WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve just raised the cost of… Read more: Fed rate hike will likely push borrowing costs on credit cards, mortgages
  • US Fed chair says inflation has been ‘too high’ for ‘too long’September 16, 2026
    WASHINGTON — Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said Wednesday that… Read more: US Fed chair says inflation has been ‘too high’ for ‘too long’
  • ‘We’re losing control,’ says AI pioneer Yoshua BengioSeptember 16, 2026
    MONTREAL — The Canadian computer scientist considered one of the… Read more: ‘We’re losing control,’ says AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio
  • Wall Street gyrates after Fed hikes interest rate to battle inflationSeptember 16, 2026
    NEW YORK — Wall Street whipsawed on Wednesday after the… Read more: Wall Street gyrates after Fed hikes interest rate to battle inflation
  • Iran hesitates to enforce headscarf rules amid war, economic pressuresSeptember 16, 2026
    Women sit at outdoor cafes without headscarves and wearing crop… Read more: Iran hesitates to enforce headscarf rules amid war, economic pressures

Latest Community Feeds

  • Is there an English equivalent of 빙썅?September 17, 2026
  • I love visiting art museums 🎨September 17, 2026
  • Lee Chang-dong of “Possible Love” wins the first-ever Ebert Director Award at TIFF for a Korean filmmaker… unanimous praiseSeptember 17, 2026
  • Film photography in BusanSeptember 17, 2026
  • Over 300 Korean Workers File Claims Over Georgia ICE RaidSeptember 17, 2026
  • 4 member groups look so visually flat and I hate the symmetry trapSeptember 17, 2026
  • groups that openly talked about not wanting to do an “easily-viral” title track (this year possibly)September 17, 2026
  • Notable western rich super fans in kpop or the lack of them?September 17, 2026
  • Cortis selling power is actually insane….September 17, 2026
  • i-dle Soyeon’s “I’m gonna TOESA” has reached #1 on Melon Top 100September 17, 2026
  • What issue do us western fans see with Kpop that are just parts of Korean Society and Norms?September 17, 2026
  • My personal opinion on the K-pop girl group concerts I’ve attended.September 16, 2026
  • K-pop fans expecting 4th and 5th gen girl groups to match the touring numbers of Blackpink and Twice is already setting them to a higher standard.September 16, 2026
  • Bts fans gotta be the weirdest fans out there.September 16, 2026
  • 100,000 North Koreans on Student Visas earns $800 million annually for regimeSeptember 16, 2026
  • Thoughts from Hyoyeon (SNSD) on being one of the least popular members in a group.September 16, 2026
  • do k-pop groups that debut with only adult members disband quicker and whySeptember 16, 2026
  • How much do you care about your idol’s political side?September 16, 2026
  • How much truth is there in the kpop doomposting?September 16, 2026
  • how are some idols able to sing in english and evoke emotions when singing?September 16, 2026

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (25,774)
    • Community (19,213)
    • Entertainment (988)
    • News (5,202)
  • 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

Sponsors & Partners

  • Eastern Art – Center for Non-Western Art Studies
  • Great African Railway – Connecting Young Africans in Metaverse
  • Renewable AI – Carbon Neutral Regulation in AI Training
  • ContentsWIRE – Stream quality writings and visuals for your business

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