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Korean Identities Beyond Borders

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Unbiased History & Stories on Korea for Global Audience

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  • How do BigBang fans deals with morals when listening to group’s old songs.

    Oct 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    As title says how do fans even casual listeners of the group deals with morals when certain member’s lines come…

    Scandal
  • i was very naive about a lot of industries- especially kpop.

    Sep 30, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I was naive about how authoritarian and full of propoganda the very top of the chain in every industry is.…

    Perspectives, Politics, Scandal
  • I wonder if foreign idols find the conservative culture in Korea very difficult to adjust to.

    Sep 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Korea has quite a conservative culture in general, at least from what I observed whilst travelling there. Great respect is…

    Discrimination, LG, LGBTQ+, Protest, Scandal, Sex, Stress, Teenager, travel
  • I don’t like those videos that use the worst moments in kpop just to get views and likes

    Sep 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    There is a time and place for everything. Kpop has had many scandals and tragedies, and naturally people are going…

    Crime, KT, LG, Scandal
  • From ARMY to EXOL: The wildest fandom jump I’ve ever made

    Sep 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Okay, so let me preface this by saying the reason I’m making this comparison is because BTS and EXO were…

    BTS, Scandal, Stress
  • My post accidentally started a massive moral debate and now I’m just laughing.

    Sep 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    So, for context, I made a post on r/kpoppers appreciating Yoongi, and someone made a comment which was uh… less…

    Scandal
  • I used to be obsessed with kpop from the age 8-19, how do i get back into it at 21?

    Aug 31, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    My cousin was a big fan of Super Junior, TVXQ, Sister, etc, and had many kpop posters on his bedroom…

    BTS, Controversy, Scandal
  • Kpop fans are not as good with idols dating as they think they are.

    Aug 24, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Disclaimer: I am writing this post as a person that has been into kpop for eleven years. So, we all…

    Scandal
  • What were some awful kpop rumours or scandals that were FAKE or REAL

    Aug 23, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    What were some awful kpop rumours or scandals that were FAKE or REAL . Something apart from burning sun ,…

    Scandal
  • Why does one woman (Sulli-Jennie-Wonyoung) become Kpop’s punching bag in every generation?

    Aug 13, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Idols are unjustly hated on. Period. But I’m curious about this specific flavor of hate that comes mostly from women.…

    Scandal
  • Fans need to stop like idols don’t get bullied

    Jul 27, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    There is a typo in my title I meant to say Fans need to stop acting like idols don’t get…

    K-pop, Scandal, Social Media
  • 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
  • I’m making a K-pop quiz to test your knowledge for funsies lol. Can you help me with questions?

    Jul 25, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    It’s a lot to do with older groups and maybe iconic events in kpop. I’ll be going through the years…

    K-pop, Question, Scandal
  • FTISLAND: Korea’s Rock Pioneers—A Timeless K-Pop Adventure

    Jul 20, 2025
    in Entertainment, Feeds
    FTISLAND: Korea’s Rock Pioneers—A Timeless K-Pop Adventure

    Photo Credits: FNC Entertainment  Introduction: Bridging Rock and K-Pop For anyone seeking the heartbeat of K-pop beyond synchronized dancing and…

    Fame, Japan, K-pop, LG, Scandal
  • Hannah Bahng about Leo Lee (ex. Trainee A)

    Jul 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    hannah bahng wrote the following posts on her official twitter (hannahhbbahng): “VOTE FOR LEO MY AUSSIE BRO!!! he’s so talented…

    Scandal
  • Every get a strange feeling you just can’t explain?

    Jul 19, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I can’t explain why but I got a strange feeling that a huge secret involving HYBE is about to be…

    Scandal
  • Twice’s comeback saved this year. Nothing else has made much noise

    Jul 18, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Just in terms of EVERYTHING – promo, sound, concept; Twice is the only group who has pulled it off this…

    Question, Scandal
  • Underrated K-pop groups you thought deserved more recognition?

    Jul 17, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’ve been thinking about K-pop groups that, in my personal opinion, had all the talent and potential to hit it…

    BTS, K-pop, Scandal
  • S.Korea’s most prominent business leader returns with all his charges cleared

    Jul 17, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    S.Korea’s most prominent business leader returns with all his charges cleared

    Samsung Group Chairman Jay Y. Lee gives a speech during a visit by US President Joe Biden to the chipmaker’s…

    history, KT, Medical, Nvidia, Question, Samsung, Samsung Electronics, Scandal, Seoul, SK Hynix
  • Scandals mar minister nominees, testing South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s reform agenda

    Jul 16, 2025
    in Community, Feeds
    Scandals mar minister nominees, testing South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s reform agenda

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

    Scandal
  • Do you guys think Big Bang will comeback next year as 4 members?

    Jul 14, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    G-Dragon has been spoiling all over his concerts that Big Bang will be making music again as a group by…

    Scandal, squid game
  • 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
  • Katseye is not kpop. It’s pop and they produce exactly what the pop industry does

    Jul 10, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I’m gonna play devils advocate. Sorry if my opinion is wrong: Katseye is pop. And they produce exactly what the…

    Scandal, Sex
  • The “7-year curse,” “six-member curse,” “hybe’s curse with its girl groups” don’t exist; they’re just companies not knowing how to manage their groups.

    Jul 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I know many say this mockingly, but we mustn’t forget the reality: many companies don’t know how to manage their…

    Scandal
  • If there was a Big Bang 2026 reunion tour, would GD invite Seungri?

    Jul 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    GD has really been hyping VIPs up on his tour with mentions of something big happening in 2026 for Big…

    Scandal
  • What’s the most shocking tea ever in the K-pop industry?

    Jun 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Not just the usual dating scandals or “X idol was rude” stuff, but the kind that made you do a…

    K-pop, K-pop industry, Question, Scandal
  • KKR in control feud over Korea’s top solar power plant

    Jun 29, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    KKR in control feud over Korea’s top solar power plant

    TACE’s solar power plant in South Korea (File photo by TACE) Global private equity giant KKR & Co. Inc. is…

    Advice, BTS, fail, Scandal, Seoul
  • Junhan’s comment really disappointed me, this isn’t just curiosity, it’s racial stereotyping

    Jun 29, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    I usually just lurk here, but after reading what Junhan said in that Bubble Q&A, I couldn’t stay quiet. Basically,…

    apology, Curiosity, Question, Scandal, Suga
  • Ever unstan an idol you genuinely respected? Not out of drama… just quiet disconnection.

    Jun 28, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    This isn’t a rage post. No scandals, no betrayals. I’m talking about something more subtle when you slowly stop feeling…

    Controversy, K-pop, Scandal
  • Do gay idols avoid scandals easier because they get mistaken for being good friends?

    Jun 27, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Theoretically, if we put the whole stigma aside, wouldn’t it be easier for gay idols to date? All the absurd…

    Scandal, Sex
  • I don’t see anything wrong with chaebols

    Jun 21, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Now I understand that a lot of people don’t like chaebols or nepo babies because they usually use mommy and…

    Parents, Scandal
  • Dirty Work might be aespa’s last big comeback for awhile

    Jun 7, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    i know the title is a bit inflammatory, please read before getting defensive lol. i’ve been a big supporter of…

    history, KT, Scandal
  • Why do Sakura solos say that Sakura saved Le Sserafim?

    Jun 6, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    There’s this heated discourse I’ve been seeing in their fandom recently mostly from the toxic side of the fandom (solos)…

    Japan, Scandal
  • Foreign members who like being addressed as “hyung/unnie”?

    Jun 5, 2025
    in Feeds

    A lot of kpop content from the groups I’ve observed have the younger members not calling their older members hyung/unnie.…

    Scandal
  • How did Jaejoong manage to retain his popularity?

    Jun 4, 2025
    in Community, Feeds

    Jaejoong’s longevity is unheard of for most K-pop idols, in my opinion. He hasn’t been involved in any dating scandals…

    K-pop, Scandal
  • South Korea’s liberal Lee Jae-myung leads presidential vote – exit poll

    Jun 3, 2025
    in Feeds, News
    South Korea’s liberal Lee Jae-myung leads presidential vote – exit poll

    South Korea’s liberal politician Lee Jae-myung has two thumbs up after his last campaign on June 2, 2025, in Seoul…

    Democracy, Discussion, Donald Trump, fail, family, Japan, Lawmakers, martial law, Military, North Korea, Pyongyang, Scandal, Seoul, Survey
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Latest Korean News

  • 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
  • Seoul, Washington in ‘last-mile’ trade talks; US seen softening on up-front payment demandOctober 17, 2025
    Korean Finance Minister Koo Yoon-cheol (right) meets with US Treasury… Read more: Seoul, Washington in ‘last-mile’ trade talks; US seen softening on up-front payment demand
  • K-wave tourist shopping spree fuels South Korean retailersOctober 17, 2025
    KPop Demon Hunters-themed GS25 convenience store in Seoul  South Korean… Read more: K-wave tourist shopping spree fuels South Korean retailers
  • US denounces China’s sanctions on Hanwha Ocean’s US armsOctober 17, 2025
    Hanwha Ocean acquired Philadephia-based Philly Shipyard, rebranded as Hanwha Philly… Read more: US denounces China’s sanctions on Hanwha Ocean’s US arms
  • Samsung to invest $110 mn in Grail to bring early-cancer test to AsiaOctober 17, 2025
    The Galleri® test (Screen captured from Grail website) Samsung Electronics… Read more: Samsung to invest $110 mn in Grail to bring early-cancer test to Asia

Latest Community Feeds

  • Okay to give Coupang gift card?October 18, 2025
  • Have you ever interacted with an idol before they became famous?October 18, 2025
  • Demand For Java Software Developers in Korea?October 18, 2025
  • Do I need an ETA for a connecting flight?October 18, 2025
  • Movie theaters in SeoulOctober 18, 2025
  • Would a K-Pop specific social media app actually work?October 18, 2025
  • 64 nationals detained in Cambodia over alleged online scams return home, face probesOctober 18, 2025
  • Korea’s ‘top-tier visa’ program falling short of expections — only 3 recipients since launchOctober 18, 2025
  • Bon gousse rice buger(bap urger)October 18, 2025
  • Hearts2Hearts would have benefited from an “ugly” member.October 18, 2025
  • Comfort in a bowl — Korean chicken feet stewOctober 18, 2025
  • Whenever I’m too exhausted to cook — stir fried meat and kimchi come in clutch every timeOctober 18, 2025
  • Give Me your Top 5 Boy and Girl Groups and Your Biases and Favorite Songs for Each!October 18, 2025
  • Chinese national nabbed after disappearing from Incheon chicken and beer festival, but five others still at largeOctober 17, 2025
  • South Korean Scam Suspects in Cambodia Fear Return, PunishmentOctober 17, 2025
  • Why do itzy’s songs always differ from the teasers?October 17, 2025
  • Korea voices ‘deep’ regret over Japan PM’s offering to war shrineOctober 17, 2025
  • Korea’s Booyoung Group Offers $75,000 Baby Bonus Amid Falling Birth RateOctober 17, 2025
  • Over 400 Koreans have gone Missing in Cambodia since 2019October 17, 2025
  • Korean food recs with lots of dietary restrictions?October 17, 2025

All Articles

  • Art (3)
  • Feeds (14,222)
    • Community (9,636)
    • Entertainment (989)
    • News (3,594)
  • 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