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South Korea

South Korean archives - Culture, lifestyle, food, travel and entertainment

Family house of Korean star becoming tourist spot

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Korean pop star Ryu Shi-wonThe family house of Korean pop star Ryu Shi-won is becoming a tourist spot, according to KBS news. A Japanese travel agency has introduced a package in liaison with the star which includes a visit to his family house in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province.

Tourists can see beautiful sceneries and experience traditional Korean culture during the tour. Ryu’s fans should be particularly enjoying it as Ryu’s mother will cook them Korean dishes and tell stories from his childhood.

Ryu Shi-won is one of the most popular Korean stars in Japan, although his popularity in Korea has somewhat faded since he focuses so much on his Japanese career these days.

Teenage girl killed herself following Suju fans abuse

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Korean teenager suicide from fan abuseThe reason for the suicide of 17-year-old Lee Eun-ji has caused outrage in South Korea. It’s alleged that the girl ended her life following harassments from pop group Super Junior’s fans who were unhappy after a picture of her posing with the boyband member, KangIn, was circulated online.

Lee appeared on a TV show which covered her story of losing 40kg in three months; and she took a photo with KangIn who was one of the guests. Lee’s blog was flocked with malicious messages since, and some fans gone to the extend of finding out her phone number and left abusive messages. A few fans have expressed regrets over their act since Lee’s death, but it’s a little too late.

While it’s undeniable that the fans abuse played a major part in her suicide, there’s perhaps other factors too… e.g. losing weight drastically is rarely a good thing to begin with; it’s unhealthy and could lead to depression. And there’s also the society value which overemphasised on looking slim/good etc.

Regardless, suicide is never the answer to anything. Rest in peace.

Wonder Girls – Irony music video

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English subbed Korean MV of Irony by teenage pop group Wonder Girls, from their debut EP The Wonder Begins which was released in February 2007.

Girl groups used to be pretty popular in K-pop, but faded since the disbandment of S.E.S and Fin.K.L etc. Seems like the agencies are trying to revive the trend.

Wonder Girls series – Next: Hyuna leaves Wonder Girls
Snippet: Check out Wonder Girls member profiles

Dynamic Korea – Be The Reds

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South Korea tourism promotional video in 2002. It shows the dynamic side of the nation and its people, especially their “red” spirit.

Football

Korea co-hosted the FIFA World Cup with Japan in 2002. Their national team kit is traditional red, which leads to the nickname The Reds. Furthermore, the official supporting group for their national team is called the Red Devils.

Jeon Do-yeon won best actress in Cannes

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Jeon Do-yeon became the first Korean recipient of the best actress award at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival for her role in Secret Sunshine.

Jeon played Sin-ae, a widow who moved with her son to a small town named Milyang (lit. Secret Sunshine) to begin her new life, but was struck by yet another tragedy. As the lady struggled to face the series of unfortunate events, a man (played by Song Kang-ho) stepped in and tried to offer her new hope in life.

Korean movies are gradually being recognised around the world; and this award could be a breakthrough for the Korean film industry. Congrats to the actress, people who worked behind the film, and to all Korean film makers in general.