South Korea
Why Does South Korea Ban Tattooing?
At least 1 million South Koreans have body art, but it remains illegal for anyone other than medical professionals to give tattoos.
South Korea’s Next President Rejects Feminism and Wants To Get Tough With the North
The conservative politician promised to abolish the country’s ministry of gender equality.
Young, Angry, Misogynistic, and Male: Inside South Korea’s Incel Election
Anti-feminism is at the forefront of this year’s Korean presidential election, with populist candidates mobilizing an army of angry young male voters.
BIBI Is Following K-Pop’s Success, but Charting Her Own Path
The South Korean singer-songwriter is living the best of both the underground and pop scenes.
Why Do Fans Send Rice to Their K-Pop Idols?
Donated by K-pop fans, rice wreaths are a common way to show support for idols. But not everyone—not even fans themselves—know exactly why.
Epik High’s Tablo Talks About the Rumor That Changed His Life
Korean hip-hop star Tablo was at the height of his career, then a trivial accusation about his past exploded into an international obsession.
Why K-Pop Fans Are Buying, Trading, and Selling Photos of Their Idols
Here’s a closer look at the K-pop photocard phenomenon.
The Fan Translators Behind K-Pop’s Worldwide Success
Next time you read translations, you know who to thank.
Why You Feel Like You’re Friends With Your Favorite Celebrities
Parasocial relationships are mostly virtual, but the emotions attached to them can be very real.
I Trained With BTS. Here’s What It’s Like to Be So Close to Making It.
“I would be lying if I said that I didn’t envy them. But I’m not jealous of their money or their fame.”
A Horse Died After a K-Drama Stunt Went Horribly Wrong
Animal rights groups, Korean celebrities, and K-drama viewers criticized the production team of “The King of Tears, Lee Bang-Won” for how the horse was treated on set.
Man ‘Accidentally’ Stabbed Grandma 60 Times Because She Nagged Him
The court ruled the brothers did not commit the crime out of “malice.”