Author: Denise Coley

The Seoul metropolitan government will start imposing fines of 100,000 won (approximately $88) on citizens who do not wear face masks in public from November 13. The fine could also be applied to people who wear masks under their noses. Exceptions will be made for people under the age of 14, the disabled and those with a medical condition which makes it difficult for them to wear masks. Others can also get a 20 percent reduction of the fine if they provide a valid reason for their violation. Fines will not be imposed for taking masks off during meals,…

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*So good to meet you! A brief self-introduction for your overseas fans, please! Hello, I’m the webtoonist Oh Sung-dae, author of the weekly Naver (Line) webtoon Tales of the Unusual. I’ve been in this business for over 10 years. *What gave you a start in becoming a webtoonist? Ever since childhood, I’ve always had a vague wish to become a cartoonist. But by the time I was looking for a job, it was hard to see a good future within the cartoon industry. I was actually employed by a Games company at one time, but there was a…

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Premiering on October 29, Special Guest Congressman Jimmy Gomez Discusses Voting Ficto, a first-of-its-kind streaming service providing audience participation across its programming, today announced its new original show “I’ll Ask The Stupid Questions” with K-pop superstar Amber Liu. The first episode, premiering October 29th, will cover the critical topic of voting and the electoral process, ahead of the unprecedented 2020 presidential election. Liu kicks off the series interviewing Congressman Jimmy Gomez, who represents Los Angeles, and other political policy experts to discuss why people do not vote, why people should vote, the resources available, how the media can impact…

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The 2020 1st World Cultural Industry Forum will be broadcast live online on YouTube, Wednesday, October 28. The growing awareness of K-Pop has increased with BTS’ Billboard #1 hits along with SuperM, BlackPink and other artists reaching the shores of the U.S. and many additional countries, the forum hopes to bring East and West through cultural and entertainment together to better understand one another. BoA, BAEKHYUN of EXO and JOHNNY of NCT are a few of the artists to participate along with many other keynote speakers such as Lee Sooman, SM Entertainment’s Chairman, Steve Barnet, Capital Music Group’s Chairman…

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It has been known that Lee Kun-hee, the chairman of Samsung Electronics and top economic leader of South Korea, died on 25th October. He passed away in the Samsung Medical Center in Gangnam, Seoul, where he had been hospitalized for years; he was 78 years of age. Lee had suffered a heart attack in the Spring of 2014, it has been reported. Over the years, while Lee’s son Jae-yong took charge as Samsung’s vice-president, there have been speculations on various occasions as to the president’s rapidly-declining health and possible death. It is now confirmed, however, that Lee Kun-hee’s reign…

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As you walk down the street in any bustling city, you may often hear K-Pop playing in the background. People everywhere are already becoming a part of the growing entertainment phenomenon known as K-Pop music. Even if you are not yet a fan of K-Pop, give it a try, you just might find it fascinating like millions of people all over the world already do. It is extremely popular and, as it continues to spread around the world, people are quickly becoming fans of its upbeat and energetic tempo. With that being said, let’s take a look at some…

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The talk of the town during this year’s Chuseok (Korea’s most important traditional holiday akin to Thanksgiving) was definitely Na Hoon-a, a singer-songwriter in the Trot genre. His concert, with no spectators on the site, aptly devised for this ‘untact’ or ‘lockdown’ period the whole world is going through, was on television on 30th September. It was his first TV appearance in 15 years. The term Trot obviously comes from Foxtrot, although it is not so obvious when you actually listen to it. It seems to be an addition of distinctly Korean-sounding music to the post-WWII crooners’ music of…

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*Could you introduce yourself to your international fans? Hello, I am singer Do Hyuna. I made my debut in 1997, when my song featured in a Korean TV drama. Since then, I released several albums and am currently working as a radio DJ at TBN Jeju broadcasting station. *”Just Trust Your Noona” which was released in August has an EDM sound that feels youthful. Was there a reason for you to release a new style of music? The song was written by myself a year ago. I composed and wrote the lyrics. At first it was a acoustic guitar…

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Topeka has a host of exciting, diverse offerings this fall, including more of their first-in-kind Front Row shows which create one-on-one connections between artists and fans. Upcoming events include a workshop “Around the Kitchen Table” with Katianna & John Hong of The Culinary Institute of America on November 8, 2020. Katianna Hong November 8 Katianna (CIA ’05) & John Hong Demonstration Date: Sunday, November 8, 2020 Doors: 4:45pm ET // 3:45pm CT // 1:45pm PT Show: 5:00pm ET // 4:00pm CT // 2:00pm PT Chef Katianna Hong has worked her way up in some of the best kitchens throughout the country, including…

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© AFP via Getty Images For the first time, a female will become director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) – after it was narrowed down to two candidates – from South Korea and Nigeria. “Our aim continues to be to encourage and facilitate the building of consensus among members, and to assist in moving from this final slate of two candidates to a decision on appointment,” WTO General Council Chairman David Walker stated. Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and South Korea’s Yoo Myung-hee are racing to become the next director-general of WTO. Between Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Yoo Myung-hee – one…

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SG Entertainment, the first entertainment agency in Korea founded by two Europeans, today announced the release of Blackpink’s ‘ICE CREAM’ cover music video on their official YouTube channel. Yelin Lee and Jiyeon Kim, the main trainees of SG Entertainment, as well as the new trainee, star in the music video. The video is reinterpreted in a colorful and bright way to convey the message of hope and happiness to the people around the world who are experiencing hard times due to the COVID-19 situation. The beginner trainee is Jiyoon Kim, who has a unique talent for both vocal and…

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DREAMCATCHER is back with their second online concert, [Dystopia: Seven Spirits], accompanied by a Live band scheduled to be held on Saturday, November 7, starting at 10 PM KST. DREAMCATCHER collaborates once again with MyMusicTaste; a technology-forward platform, that not only allows fans to request physical concerts of their favorite artists in their cities, but also provides the newly added feature of online streaming, which allows artists and fans to stay connected in the pandemic age. This show comes after DREAMCATCHER’s successful comeback and completion of their first online concert which was also actualized through the overwhelming requests of…

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Japanese mannequin rap duo FEMM made waves when their track ‘Fxxk Boyz Get Money’ was picked up by influencers in the United States, Europe and around the world. Now they are back with new song ‘Chewing Gum Cleaner’, which hit digital stores and streaming services on October 16, along with a cool new sci-fi anime-influenced music video on YouTube. FEMM – ‘Chewing Gum Cleaner’ music video: https://youtu.be/WbD8Lb3x65E FEMM – ‘Chewing Gum Cleaner’ download/streaming: https://FEMM.lnk.to/ChewingGumCleaner The track was produced by KiWi, who has previously released music on Diplo’s record label Mad Decent and collaborated with 88rising. KiWi is associated with…

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Many Koreans state that they put on weight during lockdown. According to a survey when interviewing 5,016 adults – 44 percent said they gained weight in 2020, during the lockdown. 24 percent said they lost weight – while the rest stated their weight stayed the same. 30 percent said they’ve gained more than 3 kg, 29 percent between 2 kg and 3 kg, and 28 percent 0.5~1 kg. They were also asked about the main reason for their weight gain. 56 percent said it was due to more time spent at home, 37 percent less exercise, 27 percent overeating…

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Chie Izuno works full time at an office Branch. Though she’s 30, she’s very young at heart and kind of innocent. She tries hard to go into the dating field but finds herself struggling due to her weight and self-esteem issues. She meets up with one of the company’s investors, Jin Harada, a super sucessful and young business man. However Jin has a severe lack of social skills. Chie strives to make a deal with Jin in order to aide her in her goal to lose weight and gain confidence, she tells Jin she can help him with his own…

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Have you ever wanted to explore the world of k-pop trainees? But more than just research, you wanted to walk a day in the kicks of an idol in training? Now you have your chance thanks to Jessica Jung, an inside source in the industry. Jessica Jung was a member of Girls’ Generation (which needs no introduction), a solo artist, actress, creator of a fashion line and now, author. She just released her first young adult novel, Shine, through Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Considering Jessica’s experience, what better topic to write on than that of a k-pop…

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Songpyeon is a traditional Korean dessert which is usually eaten during the Korean autumn harvest festival, Chuseok. Historically, records of songpyeon date from the Goryeo era. Songpyeon is a half-moon shaped rice cake that often contains sweet or semi-sweet fillings, like soybeans, chestnuts, jujubes, dates, beans, sesame seeds, or honey – then steamed over a layer of pine needles. Ingredients Basic white dough Sift 1 cup of frozen rice powder 3 tbsp of boiling hot water Pine needles Cold water Sesame oil Mugwort powder Blueberry juice Strawberry Jell-o powder Green dough 1 cup of frozen rice powder 1…

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We would like to thank Kim Ye-hyun of Fit & Hill Fitness for giving us a great interview. We wish him all the best in the future! Hello, thanks for taking the time out for a KCrush interview. Would you introduce yourself to our readers? Hello, my name is Kim Ye-hyun – I am the representative of Fit & Hill Fitness and a sports entertainer. I was a fencer since I was at school and currently work as a personal trainer and sports model. Please tell us about your sport for those who may not be aware. …

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Quarantine… We have officially stepped into another month of social distancing and all-around move-and-work limitations. For some, it feels like we have been this way forever while for others the thought of living like this since March or even earlier seems unimaginable. The news and the media have been flooded with all kinds of information regarding politics, health organizations, economy… the list goes on and on. The tension grows by the day so we’re here to tell you to take a deep breath and just relax. Even if it is just for a moment. We can talk about something that…

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On September 15th, police said on that they are investigating two members of a K-pop boy band for their alleged involvement in illegal overseas gambling. Jung Yoon-hak and Kim Sung-je were booked by police for illegal overseas gambling while in the Philippines between the years 2016 and 2018. The two made a statement that they did not visit the Philippines to gamble, but “accidentally stumbled upon it” while they were there. One of them, is said to have also gambled on an illegal website. SV Entertainment apologized on behalf of them, by saying, “We’re sorry for causing trouble to…

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