🇰🇷 Teamakase Is The New "Healthy Pleasure” Among Young Koreans 🍵

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K-Pop

📷 Strike A Pose In A G-Dragon Inspired Photobooth

Dyllan 🐼 ‘POWER’ might have been released a few weeks ago, but everyone is still able to feel G-Dragon’s influence. In collaboration with Don’t Look Up, a G-Dragon inspired photobooth has just come out, aptly named POWERBOOTH. It takes elements from the ‘POWER’ music video and allows users to take trendy photos and feel like G-Dragon himself.

😮 1? 2? 5? 10? 15? No, 20! Stray Kids Announce More Stadium Dates

YuJun 🍎Are you a STAY? Then this is your early Christmas gift! Stray Kids have announced they are adding 20 stadium dates to their "domiNATE" tour in other parts of the world, including Latin America, North America, and Europe. The US alone will have 10 dates, including a stop at the massive SoFi Stadium. The tour has already thrilled fans in Australia and Asia, kicking off with no fewer than four nights in Seoul in late August.

K-Drama & K-Movie & K-Variety

🧥 Puffer Jacket Ads Is A Must For Popular Celebs, And… Of Course This Actor Has His

Laure 🌼It has not been this long since we have been telling you that Byeon WooSeok is all over Korea. We mentioned last time he was taking the shelves of Olive Young with various brands and products. Since this summer, he can be seen more and more (read everywhere) in front of various stores for our most delight. But in winter, the most important ads are the puffer jackets. They are everywhere and all the brands are competing with their renown models. So did Byeon WooSeok get his? YES. He is with Discovery Expedition and plastered a bit everywhere. The brand also works with Go YounJung.

🤖 Creative vs. Unethical: Debates Spark About AI K-Dramas Being The Future Of The Industry

Kay 🥑Korea will see the release of its first-ever AI (Artificial Intelligence) drama, “Kiss Lighting - Ghost Cupid”. Starring Jung Hyuk, the drama has been written and the visuals created using AI. The director simply created an outline and then input that into ChatGPT to create the final result. The visuals were created using HeyGen, ElevenLabs, and Midjourney. AI use in drama production is currently on the rise in Korea, sparking concerns about copyright and other AI ethics among fans.

👰 Happy Ending Or New Beginning? K-Dramas Continue To Redefine Marriage

Dyllan 🐼This year in K-Dramas, there’s been a common theme of romance based on marriage. While it was previously believed that marriage equaled happily ever after, this perception has changed among recent K-Dramas. Iconic series “Queen Of Tears” showcased a new start for a couple who struggled to keep their marriage afloat. Then there’s “No Gain, No Love” that used the trope of contract marriage and the love that blossomed from it. Dramas slated to premiere before the year's end continue to follow this trend, redefining the concept of marriage.

K-Travel

⛸️ A Fancy & Icy Pop-Up Event? What About The Chanel Ice Rink?

Laure 🌼Have you heard about Seoul's Chanel Holiday Ice Rink? It is one of the pop-up events that brighten the winter for Seoul residents. Finding a free ice rink is a must, especially when it's this beautiful! Covered with snowy trees, white, and gold decorations, it looks like the perfect place to enjoy outdoor activities. But hurry, as it might already be fully booked!

❄️ Hallasan Awaits: Explore Iconic Trails Without Reservations This Winter!

Sara 🌊This winter, Hallasan offers a unique opportunity: from November 27 to December 27, hikers can explore the iconic Gwaneumsa and Seongpanak trails without reservations. It's the perfect time to experience the mountain’s stunning autumn colors and peaceful winter snow. While reservations are no longer required, the operating hours remain the same, with specific time restrictions for trail access. Don’t miss the chance to freely explore Hallasan’s breathtaking beauty!

🎁 There’s Always Something New And Exciting In Seongsu-dong

Max 🪐A must-visit neighborhood for anyone traveling to Korea, Seongsu-dong is now home to the Tom and Jerry Christmas House pop-up store! The store features Christmas-themed photo zones and a variety of merchandise, making it a perfect spot for Tom and Jerry fans.

Plus, there are exclusive limited-edition goods available only in Seongsu-dong, Korea, giving you even more reason to stop by. No reservations are needed, so be sure to visit before December 3!

🎄 What's Next On The Itinerary? Time To Visit The Lotte Christmas Market

Dyllan 🐼As November winds down,the Christmas festivities have started to go into full swing and among the many activities for the holidays is Lotte Department Store’s Christmas Market. Located behind Lotte World Mall and Lotte Tower, this year’s theme is “Wonderful Showtime” and runs until January 5th of next year. Attendees will be able to visit around 41 booths, marvel at a giant Christmas tree, and even ride on a carousel. The memories made at the Christmas market could be one of the greatest presents you could receive this holiday season.

K-Food

🍵 Teamakase Is The New "Healthy Pleasure” Among Young Koreans

Kay 🥑Omakase is a Japanese culture that has become a trend in Korea. This year, we’ve seen a number of different varieties of omakase including Korean food omakase, bungeoppang omakase, and more. Now teamakase has come to the forefront and is the latest trend. As many young Koreans are giving up coffee for tea, they have found ways to bring that choice to life. Now you can enjoy a course of different tea blends in the same way that you would enjoy a fine-dining course.

🐟 Bungeo-ppang Flavored With …. Dubai Chocolate, Choco, Earl Grey & More

Laure 🌼As temperatures drop in Seoul, interest in the winter delicacy bungeo-ppang is on the rise! Did you know that they aren't just sold on the streets but are also available in some bakeries? These bakeries are introducing unique winter flavors. One bakery, known for selling cherry treats in the summer, is now offering bungeo-ppang filled with Dubai Chocolate since it is popular, in addition to their regular flavors like chocolate, Earl Grey, and more. For those curious about the price, one large bungeo-ppang with Dubai Chocolate filling costs 12,000 KRW, or approximately 9 USD.

🍰 BLACKPINK’s Jennie X NUDAKE: Pretty Girls Don’t Do Drama But Love A Dramatic Dessert

Kay 🥑BLACKPINK’s Jennie has done it again. This time, Jennie has collaborated with NUDAKE to create 4 exclusive desserts inspired by herself. Including the ‘Rouge Heel’ (a gold rum souffle cake), ‘Cameo’ (a biscuit with Jennie’s portrait on it), ‘Cotta’ (a panna cotta made with two flavors), and ‘Jennierubyjane’ (a 3-tier cake with Jennie’s signature ribbon), these desserts are likely to become the most in-demand desserts of the Christmas season in Korea.

K-Society

🚌 Planning To Work In Korea? What About Bus Driver?

Laure 🌼According to Korean news, there is a chronic shortage of bus drivers, so the government is reviewing the possibility of hiring non-Koreans to drive buses in Seoul. Specifically, there is a lack of drivers for “maeul” buses, or town buses (the green ones). These are short-route buses that help people get around their local areas and connect to larger bus routes or the subway. Many drivers prefer better-paying bus driving jobs, which has led to the shortage. If you know how to drive a bus and want to come to Korea, keep an eye on the news.

🏫 Debate On Women's Universities: Tradition vs. Transition In Korea

J 🍿As Dongduk Women's University considers transitioning to a coeducational institution amid Korea's declining school-age population, students protest, emphasizing the importance of preserving women's universities for fostering female talent and addressing gender issues. The debate highlights the challenges of balancing tradition with demographic realities, with similar concerns arising at other women's universities across the country.

✏️ What Happens When The English Suneung Is Too Difficult Even For Native English Speakers?

Kay 🥑They say that English is the Queen’s language but what happens when the Korean suneung (CSAT) English paper is too challenging even for the British? Jesse Lingard of FC Seoul (born in England) tried his hand at the English section of the suneung and expressed that it was ‘impossible’, relaying his shock at the fact that Korean students have to solve such difficult English questions. The suneung is notorious for its difficulty, a testament to how challenging it can be for the students who take it as well.

K-Lit

📚 Korean Web Fiction Makes Its First Debut On New York Times Best Seller List

Dyllan 🐼In recent weeks, Korean literature has seen major success stories from Nobel Prize winner Han Kang to romance-fantasy, “Under The Oak Tree”. Originally a web novel, the romance-fantasy became extremely popular during its initial run. But it didn’t end there, as it was picked up for a publishing deal with world renowned publisher, Penguins Random House. Now, the hardcover edition of “Under The Oak Tree” is the very first Korean web fiction to appear on the New York Times Best Seller list, taking no. 7 in the Hardcover Fiction section. Seeing its accolades, you might want to add “Under The Oak Tree” into your wishlist!

Intern Diaries From SK

Eleni 💌The quick shift to winter in Seoul can indeed be surprising, but exploring the cozy cafe culture seems like the perfect way to adapt and stay warm. Café Far Ben, with its inviting atmosphere and the unique, pistachio topped, signature drink of joy, the “Far Ben Chio,” is a cafe gem worth visiting. It felt like the owner, Kim KyungNim, had cultivated a space that feels genuine and comforting, despite the inevitable celebrity association of being RM of BTS’ sister! It’s a reminder that behind the hype, there are often passionate individuals still creating something special. It didn’t feel like a cliche’ or insta-grab hotspot and is well worth a visit! Also, why not support women owned businesses in this day and age? Am I right?

Readers' Questions Corner

Katy 🐱Do you have a must-watch K-Drama that perfectly captures the cozy vibe of fall?

Laure 🌼While the drama's setting is mostly summery, I feel its vibe aligns perfectly with its fall airing period. You might have already guessed—it’s about "Family By Choice". As the drama approaches its finale, it stands out as one of the warmest stories to capture the essence of fall in our hearts.

Kay 🥑Since you said cozy vibe… I’d like to recommend “Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born”. It’s not necessarily based in the fall and it’s set in the 1950s so it’s not the modern cozy vibe that we’re used to but something about the drama makes you feel warm inside. Seeing Kim TaeRi’s character go through all sorts of things to pursue dreams gives you a fuzzy feeling inside but the drama also has that sense of melancholy that comes with the weather getting colder.

Eleni 💌When I think of fall/winter season I like to rewatch older classics or my ‘comfort dramas’. For me, that's “She Would Never Know” or one of my favorites, “Bloodhounds”. The relationship between Woo DoHwan and Lee SangYi’s characters always brings me joy and they are so funny together. The story is also a great comeback/revenge story that takes place over a few seasons so you’ll feel ready to start anew after watching it!

Dyllan 🐼When it comes to cozy dramas, one of my favorites is “Because This Is My First Life”. The main characters are really relatable as they try to navigate life, pursue their dreams, and figure out what they want out of a relationship. It’s very heartwarming and feels oh so real, making it a drama I always go back to. And there’s also Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi that bring their expertise to the drama with such flair.

Do you want to ask us questions? DM or email us!