The popular South Korean girl group, I.O.I is disbanding after a final concert in January. The group consists of eleven members: Sejeong, Yeonjung, Yoojung, Doyeon, Somi, Kyulkyung, Nayoung, Sohye, Mina, Chungha, and Chaeyeon. These eleven girls came from several different companies such as Pledis, MBK, Redline, Fantagio, JYP, JellyFish, and M&H Entertainment. Their most recent…
Category: Korea and Koreans
Are Korean Americans Embarrassed of Their Korean Names?
Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that there are a lot of Korean American students who don’t feel comfortable sharing some Korean culture outside the home. Especially their Korean names, A lot of times, kids tend to avoid telling friends and teachers their Korean names. When asked whether he was embarrassed because of his…
The Courage to be Vulnerable in South Korea
“You’re so bad at this. Why are you even here?” “You’re not good enough to do this.” These are some of the most common comments from our peers that make us feel uncomfortable and self-doubting. As students, we face criticism and shame from people on a daily basis. Consequently, many students attempt to either hide…
A Peek into Korean Winter Activities
Winters in Korea are known to be harsh, but there are plenty of things to do during winter. Festivals, performances and events abound across the country despite plunging temperatures. You can also stay in the warm indoors while enjoying some music. From markets to ice sculptures, sunrise festivals to sledding, there are plenty of things…
Do Korean Students Really Know How to Eliminate Stress?
South Korean high school students almost never have time to rest or enjoy a brief night out with friends. While in the process of preparing for college and pondering about their future, these students are overworked, stressed, and anxious due to both individual and parental pressures. For these depressed teens who are suffocated with academic…
Korean Teens Show Cultural Pride in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is infamous for its unchanging seasons, with hot weather prevailing almost every day of the year. Therefore, it comes to question how we all get into the holiday spirit without the snow and freezing temperatures. Actress Kate Linder stated that the Hollywood Christmas Parade always marked the beginning of the Christmas season. This…
K-Pop Subunit Groups – A Danger?
Many K-Pop bands have subunits and soloists, in which a select few members release their own music and perform. While seeming detrimental to the group, subunit groups have their merits of allowing experimentation with new styles and concepts or collaborations with other groups’ members. Some argue against forming subunit groups, as they can undermine group…
Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market
There are numerous options for people who want to buy food in the Los Angeles area. One particular popular market in the Beverly Hills community is the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market. Dozens of local farmers gather in stands to sell their freshly cultivated products to customers. There are various reasons to support local community farmer’s…
Korea, no longer a safe zone from earthquakes
South Korea was rocked by the most powerful earthquake in September 12th, 2016 ever since seismic records were first collated on the peninsula in 1978. However, there were fortunately few reports of injuries and no serious damage. A magnitude of 5.8 earthquake shook much of South Korea shortly after 8:30 p.m, which had been preceded…
Field Day 2016 – The Battle of the Grades
With roaring applause and thunderous cheers, Seoul Foreign High School’s annual, long-awaited Field Day officially begun. A day full of competition and class spirit, Field Day is one of the most anticipated events of the school year. It is held in high esteem by the entire school – including freshmen – for it gives an…