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With the world temperatures increasing each year due to global warming, will Kimchi become a thing of the past? We dive into the details of why this well-known Korean dish is on the brink of extinction! With every year reaching new record temperatures throughout the world and in Korea, will one of Korea's national dishes "Kimchi" become a thing of the past in the near future? This is the question that people have been asking since the main ingredient cabbage is grown in the winter. So what is Kimchi? Kimchi is a flavorful, sour, salty mix of fermented vegetables and seasonings that plays an important role in Korean culture. There are more than 200 variations of kimchi; the types of ingredients and the preparation method have a profound impact on the taste. Napa cabbage, radishes, green onions, garlic, and ginger, along with a specific red pepper, are used in classical baechu style, but region, seasonality, and cultural traditions influence the unique types of Kimchi. For me my favorite type of Kimchi is the traditional cabbage kimchi with extra spice, however I have tried making oyster Kimchi before, although it was not for me. Let's take a look at why Kimchi is the most important Korean side dish! Although it is an important side dish, in the North country of Gangneung (Gangwon province) Kimchi sadly, is falling victim to climate change, and as a result the amount grown, and the overall quality has been affected due to the rising temperatures. Climate change Napa cabbage, the main ingredient, thrives in cooler climates, and is usually planted in mountainous regions where temperatures during the key growing summer season once rarely rose above 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) , however if you look at this year for example the summer started earlier and had higher temperatures, the winter was more mild, and as a result prices of Kimchi sky rocketed! Data from the government statistics agency shows the area of highland cabbage farmed last year was less than half of what it was 20 years ago: 3,995 hectares compared to 8,796 hectares. Cost of Kimchi increasing Since I moved to Korea over 4 years ago, I have also noticed that Kimchi has got more expensive, and where I would see a whole isle of it in the supermarket, the isle that stocked kimchi has got smaller. Although most Koreans that I know make Kimchi themselves as a family, what will many Koreans do if the basic ingredients of Kimchi (Cabbage) become hard to get, or too expensive? I do think that the government should look into more mass storage options and eco greenhouses where the temperatures can be controlled in order to allow the Napa Cabbage to thrive. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #kimchi #fermentedcabbage #climatechange #southkoreanews

SM Entertainment is collaborating with TV Chosun to debut its first trot boy band, MYTRO . The trot genre is making a strong comeback in Korea and gaining popularity globally. You can read more about how Lim Young Woong is currently more popular than BTS or IU in South Korea! The group was formed through the reality program Falling for a Trot-dol: Lovestruck Noonas,  airing in October. The show will document the members’ journey, showcasing their growth and musical challenges! Falling for a Trot-dol: Lovestruck Noonas will be broadcast in both Korea and Japan, aiming to expand MYTRO ’s international appeal. Fans are excited to follow the group's path to debut through this highly anticipated series. On September 13th, SM Entertainment officially introduced MYTRO , teasing fans with concept photos. The faces and names of the group members were finally revealed , sparking excitement online. MYTRO  is a five-member pre-debut trot boy group under SM Entertainment and YAYAYAM Entertainment. The group is part of a special collaboration with TV Chosun. The members include Tey, Jung Yoonjae, Shohei, Lim Chaepyoung, and Seo Woohyeok. Each member brings their unique talent to the group, blending traditional trot with modern idol appeal . Starting with an introduction film and profile photos, the company gave fans a first look at the members. While more details are yet to come, anticipation is building for MYTRO ’s debut. Let's take a look at the members in detail! 1. Tey Tey, whose real name is Han Ji Hyun, is a former member of the group Mr.Mr , active from 2012 to 2018. He made his solo comeback on January 30, 2015, with the track "Dangerous." Tey also garnered attention as a contestant on "Mr Trot 2." 2. Jung Yoonjae Jung Yoonjae, born in 1993, is both a singer and actor, known for his roles in Missing: The Other Side 2 and Boyhood . This project with MYTRO marks his debut in the music and dance scene. He previously trained under BH Entertainment. 3. Shohei Shohei, the group’s only foreign member, was born in 1996 in Japan. He began learning Korean in 2020 and joined SM Entertainment in 2022 as part of SM Rookies. He was initially set to join NCT New Team ( NCT Wish ) but had to withdraw due to health issues. 4. Lim Chaepyoung Lim Chaepyoung, a 1997 liner, is a well-known YouTuber with impressive vocal skills. His time in the military music department helped him refine his singing. He also gained recognition as a contestant on "Mr. Trot 2." 5. Seo Woohyeok  Seo Woohyeok, the youngest member (or maknae) born in 1998, is also an actor. He portrayed the child version of Son Myeong Oh in The Glory (2022 - 2023) and appeared in the K-drama Death’s Game . So let us know your thoughts on Korean trot music's comeback and SM's new boy group MYTRO in the comments below! #마이트로   #MYTRO #shohei #Woohyeok #chaepyeong #yoonjae #tey

Min Hee Jin claims HYBE offered her money to leave the company, but HYBE says she's lying. We take a deeper look into her recent interview and see if this was true! On September 26 KST, media outlet JoongAng Ilbo published an exclusive interview with Min Hee Jin, former executive director of ADOR .  Let's take a look at what was said during this infamous interview: In the interview, Min Hee Jin claimed, "After the court approved my injunction request to prevent my dismissal at the extraordinary board meeting in May, HYBE offered me money to leave the company. However, because my objective in this was not money, I refused." Min Hee Jin also added, "The core of this dispute has nothing to do with anything so grandiose as the growth of the company or improvement of the existing system. It is nothing more than a public execution ordered by the chairman of a parent company who felt emotionally offended by a subsidiary company."  According to Min Hee Jin, HYBE further attempted to "distort the truth"  about the success of  NewJeans in Japan and "sent articles slandering her reputation to overseas journalists."  In response to Min Hee Jin's claims in the JoongAng Ilbo interview, HYBE spoke up with the following rebuttals.  According to HYBE: 1. HYBE never offered Min Hee Jin money to leave the company 2. The internal audit was launched based on reliable evidence and was not 'illegally ordered' as Min Hee Jin claims. 3. Min Hee Jin and ADOR exercised more freedom from HYBE's interference and received more funding, support, quality treatment, and promotional assistance than any other sub-label. In other words, HYBE did not 'violate its promise to not interfere in Min Hee Jin's label', as claimed. 4. HYBE never sent articles to overseas journalists slandering Min Hee Jin.  5. Regarding the correction articles on NewJeans' album sales, HYBE only intended to clarify that the certification rewarded by the Recording Industry Association of Japan was based on the number of albums shipped, not the number of albums sold."  I have to say that I find all of this fairly childish and a way to stay present in the news, Yes, Min Hee Jin had a successful role in HYBE at the time, and citizens and bands such as NewJeans called for her to resign from that position due to her practices at work. After many months, she did resign and then NewJeans decided to ask her to be reinstated , in addition to asking their fanbase to help flood social media with this message. In my opinion, HYBE most likely did not like the bad press that it was receiving at that time and higher-ups in the company most likely offered her a cash bribe to leave the company. Min Hee Jin accepted the bribe and then resigned from her position. However, to publicly announce that she was "offered" a bribe by HYBE in an interview seems as if she is also trying to bring down the record label in whichever way she can since she is no longer able to work there. We do not know if HYBE will ever admit to bribing Min Hee Jin and, of course, there would highly likely be no evidence to trace back. What do you think? Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. Source: 1 #HYBE #ADOR #NewJeans #MinHeeJin #controversy

K-pop girl group KATSEYE are aiming to continue their success overseas with their recently sold out concert in Manila and continued Asia tour in Japan! We take a look at whether they'll be able to continue their success in other markets. After K-pop's global success in recent years, many K-pop artists have been grappling with the question of how to sustain the momentum, and take advantage in becoming recognized overseas. Of course being successful in their home market is number one, however with many countries discovering K-pop and falling in love with the style of dance and vocals, how can artists adapt? SM Entertainment founder Lee Soo Man introduced the concept in 2016 with a new boy band initiative that sought to expand and open up K-pop. His plans included groups based in cities around the world to which members could be recruited freely, with no restrictions on the number of members, to me I find some K-pop groups too big. I think having more than four members, the individuals lose their identity and as a result they do not gain as much success as a smaller group, as they merge into being just a number, and therefore their value is less. A great thing about the K-pop band KATSEYE is that it is a multiracial group. Up until now, ethnic diversity hasn’t exactly been the strongest trait of K-pop, with many of its efforts to incorporate international members stopping within the bounds of the Asian continent. Regardless of its commercial success, girl group Katseye has taken the idea of being global to the next level for K-pop — and the members love it, but will the fans? Let's take a look at their smashing single "Touch"! Rather than simply taking a homegrown K-pop group abroad with an English track or world tour, the BTS agency teamed up with Geffen Records, a subsidiary of Universal Music Group, to cast talented youngsters from all over the world and make them compete for a spot in a new girl group to debut in the United States, similar to that with the "Dear Alice" boy group in the UK. Katseye members were shocked at how many fans showed up to their Manila showcase! The Katseye members highlighted the group’s international makeup as a strength when interviewed by reporters during “The Debut: Dream Academy” audition process in November 2023. The very same diversity was highlighted once again more recently. I do wish the group the best of luck, however I think regardless of race the band will be successful due to their catchy tunes and style. Katseye recently finished their Manila showcase from September 17 - 19 and continued their Asia tour in Japan from September 20 -23, 2024, with great reception from fans! Take a look at their performance photos! Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below! #KATSEYE   #KATSEYEinJapan #KATSEYE_OffTheRecord   #KATSEYEinManila #KATSEYE_SIS   #SoftIsStrong

South Korea is filled with beautiful cultural artifacts and locations. Just an hour away from Seoul, is Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress . We give you our reasons why this K-drama location is a must-visit next time you're in the area! Suwon is a small city outside of Seoul, though it is connected by the subway line right to central Seoul, and it takes around 1 hour. This should be reason enough for you to head to Hwaseong Fortress this fall! Whenever I visit a new country, I love to experience the culture, history, and smaller cities. This helps me to gain a better understanding of the country, people, and of course, mindset. Hwaseong Fortress's crazy story! T he true story behind the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress could be the plot for a period K-drama. I’ll try to keep it short for this post, but if you want to read more about the history and all the juicy details of affairs, illegitimate children, violence, and literal madness, there’s tons of information out there, and boy is it interesting! In short, during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty , there was a king by the name of King Yeongjo. He had a son, Prince Sado, who was heir to the throne and held up to his father’s high expectations. It seemed that no matter what Prince Sado did, he could never please his father. His father reprimanded him publicly and refused to let him visit the ancestral graves of people who died, whom the Prince was close to. Prince Sado’s mental health deteriorated over the years and he became increasingly violent. He would have outbursts of rage, violently rape women, and beat his servants, wife, and consort. It is recorded that he beat his secondary consort so badly that she was left to die on the floor. This photogenic fortress is one of the origins, where Prince Sado started to become mentally ill, from the age of 10 where he started to experience delusions and nightmares while staying in the fortress. Were these due to his fathers mistreatment and ridicule? Or were these due to the fortress itself? The best way to see the fortress is by walking along the walls. There is plenty of signage along the walls so you can learn more about what you are seeing. It also offers views of the city. We recommend taking a few hours to walk along the walls. We didn’t walk the entire length, but instead went from Paldalmun Gate to Hwahongmun Gate and were able to enjoy, learn a lot, and see some of the key highlights of the fortress. To reach the walls, you’ll have to walk up a steep incline of stairs to reach the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Seonam Ammun Gate . If someone is at the ticket booth, you might have to pay 1,000 KRW for adults, but a person isn’t always there. You may see other checkpoints along the way where you will have to pay and worth the price! Hwaseong Fortress in K-dramas! Recognizable in the hit series Twenty-five Twenty-One (2022), it is one of the pivotal filming locations for the story! The specific location of the location is the Southern Artillery Pavilion . Check it out! And in real life... Southern Artillery Pavilion This really is a MUST-DO when you visit Korea this year! Not only, does it allow you to gain a better understanding of Korean culture and history, but it also allows you to recharge and take some time outside of the mega city that is Seoul! Address: Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 수원시 장안구 수성로 320 Let us know if you have visited in the comments below. #Suwon #HwaseongFortress #Kdramalocation #twentyfivetwentyone

Tourists have VOTED , and Korean fried chicken (KFC) tops tourists number 1 Korean food over the much loved Korean BBQ ! Let's see why it took over the number one spot and how it has gained global popularity! If you would have told me before I moved to Korea, a little over four years ago, that chicken and beer was popular in Korea, I would have not believed you. As in my eyes this style of food is more popular in Western countries, however, I could not have been more wrong, and now Korean chicken and beer is one of my favorite guilty pleasure foods. If you remember I also attended the famous Chimek (Chicken and beer) festival in Daegu earlier this year where chicken and beer lovers were able to enjoy a variety of fusion flavors and entertainment for the long weekend. But my question is: "Why is Korean fried chicken so popular, especially with tourists?" Let's compare Korean fried chicken to the fried chicken in the US! Korean fried chicken is lighter than American fried chicken, but in no way does it get the low points on Weight Watchers. Koreans differentiate their fried chicken from the American variety, familiar through American chains like KFC or Popeye’s, mostly by American chicken’s thicker, crispier coating. Korean fried chicken tends to be more papery and less knobby and crumbly, which an enhance the flavor and allows you to enjoy a more moist chicken piece. The Korean mania for chi-maek has spread with the Asian mania for Korean TV. China in particular has gone completely ape for a Korean soap opera called My Love from the Star , about a handsome alien who falls in love with a beautiful Korean woman, whose favorite food is chi-maek. The show has been downloaded over two billion times in China alone! Let's take a look at a clip from this drama! Of course, with K-dramas becoming more popular in Western countries there is no doubt that this has helped tourists indulge in this local cuisine when they visit Korea. I also think that it is a "safe" option as most tourists would have ate fried chicken before, so it's more of a home comfort food with a Korean twist. Accessibility is also another reason why Korean fried chicken is popular with tourists, as it can be found pretty much anywhere, of course there are big chains such as BHC and Kyochon for example however local street venders also sell this incredible food at a reasonable price for a good amount, and with most of the venders offering a family recipe, therefore I believe that these are the reasons why Korean Fried chicken has been voted the most popular food among tourists. What do you think? Let us know what your favorite Korean food is in the comments below! #Koreanfriedchicken #friedchicken #southkorea

BTS’s Jungkook has taken the box office by storm with his first-ever documentary, JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL . The film, which dives into his rise as a solo artist and captures intimate moments behind the scenes, has earned massive attention globally. Within its opening days, the documentary grossed an impressive $8.18 million worldwide. Out of this, $2.57 million came from the U.S. alone, making it the highest-grossing musician cinema documentary of the year. Jungkook’s film didn’t just shine at the domestic level. It landed in the Top 10 at the North American box office, a major achievement for a K-pop documentary! In South Korea, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) reported that I AM STILL  earned $223,387 on its first day. This set a new milestone for K-pop documentaries in terms of ticket sales. The documentary captures exclusive footage from Jungkook ’s eight-month journey. It begins with his record-breaking debut solo single, " Seven" (feat. Latto) , released in July 2023. Jungkook made history by becoming the first Asian solo artist to debut at No. 1 on three major global charts. Fans also get an in-depth look at his other hits like " 3D" (feat. Jack Harlow)  and " Standing Next to You" . One of the most touching parts of the documentary is Jungkook ’s tribute to his BTS members. He included their names in the credits, which moved fans worldwide. Social media exploded with reactions, as fans admired the bond between Jungkook and BTS. “The way Jungkook added his BTS members' names in the credits of I AM STILL  omg,” a fan shared online. Tickets for I AM STILL  sold out in several locations within an hour. Fans rushed to theaters, making the film’s screenings feel like a worldwide BTS concert. ARMY from around the globe came together to enjoy Jungkook’s documentary, creating an unforgettable experience for fans everywhere. After the massive success of I AM STILL , fans are excited to see what Jungkook will do next. His album GOLDEN  made history by staying on the Billboard 200 for 24 consecutive weeks. We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and favorite moments from JUNG KOOK: I AM STILL  in the comments below. How did it feel seeing Jungkook's journey unfold on the big screen? Let us know! #JUNGKOOK_IAMSTILL #JUNGKOOK #IAMSTILL #documentary

With K-pop becoming more popular globally, how is Korean music influencing Western pop music? We dissect common themes such as music, visuals, and choreography through different examples featuring your favorite K-pop artists! K-pop is renowned for its catchy melodies and memorable hooks that effortlessly get stuck in your head. This aspect has found its way into Western pop music, where artists are embracing the appeal of infectious hooks. One example is " Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd , which features a pulsating synth-pop sound reminiscent of K-pop's electronic elements. I think it's great to incorporate different cultures and elements into new music, as it can appeal to a wider audience which in turn means more success and recognition. The choreography is the main influence that I have noticed being carried over from K-pop to Western pop music. K-pop is famous for its intricate and synchronized dance routines, often accompanied by visually stunning music videos. Western artists are incorporating similar elements into their performances. "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa  showcases dynamic choreography and a visually captivating aesthetic that draws inspiration from K-pop's emphasis on dance and visual storytelling, and I have to say that having worked with some Korean artists myself in their music videos. The sets and concepts are so much more detailed than most Western sets, and I feel that this influence is a great one to have carried over. Of course, the flashy dance routines are also more interesting to watch and it always sets the bar higher and higher each time. Collaborations and cultural exchanges are also another way that K-pop has influenced the Western pop industry in recent years. These partnerships result in music that blends the best of both worlds. An excellent example is " Ice Cream" by BLACKPINK and Selena Gomez , a collaboration that combines K-pop's infectious energy with Western pop sensibilities, and also lyrically being able to produce lyrics in both languages helps to attract a wider audience. The K-pop effect on Western pop music is undeniable. From catchy melodies to energetic choreography and cross-cultural collaborations, K-pop's influence has infused Western pop music with a fresh and dynamic approach. As the global music landscape continues to evolve, we can expect further integration of K-pop elements into Western pop, showcasing the ongoing impact of Korean music on a global scale. What do you think is the main influence that K-pop has had on Western music? Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below. #Blackpink #IceCream #TheWeeknd #BlindingLights #DuaLipa

With Korean fashion becoming more personalized and trending globally, how has the evolution of South Korean streetwear transpired through K-Pop Idols? We take a closer look at the hottest streetwear trends and how it has spread globally! South Korea's influence on the global fashion  and beauty  scene has skyrocketed in recent years, with K-pop taking the world by storm, including in my home country the UK. While K-pop idols have captivated audiences with their catchy tunes and mesmerizing performances , they have also become trendsetters in streetwear. The evolution of streetwear in South Korea, as seen through the world of K-pop idols, showcases a fusion of unique styles and cultural influences that have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. So let me be honest, I thought that the casual wear style had me wondering why nobody seemed to dress up on nights out or in restaurants, as in Europe if you are going out you tend to wear a shirt and jeans or a dress. Later I learnt that in Korea people think even wearing casual streetwear is acceptable since its branded. As K-pop gained international recognition, idols began experimenting with their style, embracing streetwear aesthetics. This shift marked a departure from the coordinated outfits and allowed idols to showcase their individuality and creativity, which is great since the country is very conservative and for the most part it still is especially outside of the capital where more conservative colours are still worn such as black and white and grey. South Korean streetwear is characterized by seamlessly blending high-end luxury brands with affordable streetwear pieces. The "high-low fashion" concept became popular, with idols pairing designer items with more accessible streetwear brands, creating a balanced and unique ensemble. Let's take a look at some trends: K-pop idols have challenged traditional gender roles by blurring the lines between masculine and feminine fashion. Male idols embrace makeup and floral prints and experiment with skirts, while female idols explore androgynous looks and oversized clothing. K-pop idols revolutionize Korean streetwear The evolution of streetwear in South Korea, as influenced by the world of K-pop idols, showcases a vibrant and dynamic fashion culture that embraces individuality, fusion, and self-expression. This evolution has propelled South Korean streetwear onto the global stage, blending high-end and streetwear fashion, embracing individuality and self-expression, and challenging traditional gender norms. As the influence of K-pop continues to grow, we can expect South Korean streetwear to keep evolving, captivating fashion enthusiasts worldwide with its unique and innovative approach to style, and I believe that we will see an increase in K-fashion overseas within the next few months in early 2025. Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.

The much-anticipated teaser for Squid Game  Season 2 has finally dropped, leaving fans on edge with the chilling line: "The game isn't over yet" . The global success of Season 1 and its shocking cliffhanger, Season 2 promises even higher stakes, fueling excitement about what’s next in the deadly games. Recently, Netflix released a fun video featuring the main cast debunking popular fan theories about Season 2. While it was entertaining, the cast remained tight-lipped, offering no spoilers or hints about the sequel. On September 20, Netflix finally released the first official teaser, ominously titled "The game will not stop, are you ready...?"  The teaser hints at even more intense challenges and raises the burning question: Will Seong Gi Hun ( Lee Jung Jae ) really be able to bring down this deadly game? Here’s our theory on how the sequel could unfold based on the spoilers and teaser we were offered. Do scroll down till the end to find out what more to expect from Squid Game 2. 1. Will Gi-Hun Return as a Player or the Front Man? A common theory circulating among fans is that Seong Gi Hun will rejoin the games in Season 2. However, the big question is: will he return as the new Front Man? The teaser shows Gi Hun waking up in a player’s cell with the same number, 456, which suggests he may be returning as a contestant rather than a mastermind. This detail leaves fans questioning how Gi Hun will navigate the games once again—could his strategy be different this time? 2. A Sibling Showdown: Front Man’s Role Reversal Another intriguing possibility is that Hwang In Ho (Lee Byung Hun Our Blues 2022), the Front Man, and his brother Hwang Jun Ho ( Wi Ha Joon The Midnight Romance in Hagwon 2024), the detective, will swap roles in Season 2. Despite being shot, Jun Ho may have survived, kept alive by his brother for an unknown purpose. Could this twist lead to a power struggle between the brothers, with Jun Ho possibly becoming the new Front Man? This could shake the foundation of the games and bring a new twist to the sequel. 3. Ddakji Card Colors: A Key to the Game’s Secrets! One viral theory involves the Ddakji cards used to recruit participants. Fans believe that the color of the card determines whether someone becomes a player or a guard. Gi Hun chose the blue card and ended up as a contestant. But in the teaser, we see him as a player again. Could this theory hold any weight, or will it be debunked in Season 2? 4. Behind the Masks: A Focus on Guards and Their Stories The teaser doesn’t reveal much about the new games, which suggests Season 2 may focus more on the backstories of key characters—especially the guards. With new cast members like Yim Si Wan and Kang Ha Neul , we might finally learn how the guards ended up in their roles. Alternatively, the games could take a backseat to the bigger question: can Gi Hun destroy the system from the inside? 5. Gong Yoo’s Mysterious Role While the teaser leaves us guessing about the new cast, one name stands out — Gong Yoo . His brief yet significant role in Season 1 left a lasting impact, and fans are eager to see what part he’ll play in the upcoming season. We predict that Gong Yoo’s character will introduce a massive twist, one that could change the game’s narrative and shock viewers. 6. Traditional Korean Games to Take the Spotlight Squid Game  Season 2 is expected to introduce new, even more thrilling challenges to avoid repetitive gameplay and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Actor Lee Bo Hyun hinted that the sequel will feature several traditional Korean games, bringing a fresh yet culturally rich twist to the deadly competition. Mark your calendars, as the deadly games continue on December 26, 2024 — get ready for another thrilling ride! If you have your theory about Squid Game  Season 2, please share it with us in the comments section below! #SquidGame #SquidGame2 #LeeJungJae #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun #fantheory

Fall is one of the best times to visit South Korea! With colorful trees and perfect weather, this article will focus on the hottest fall activities you need to experience! Many people consider autumn in South Korea starting in September and lasting until November. Therefore, I have selected festivals for September. During the fall season, the weather quickly changes, the leaves turn, and the cold weather begins to move in, and for me, it's one of my most favorite seasons and for good reason! Usually, Korean festival marketing campaigns may only start 1-2 weeks before an event. This means that you need to be ready to take action when you start seeing the advertising. Don’t expect extensive advertising for a festival 1-2 months away. It’s easy to miss a festival if you don’t know what time of year it may happen, to me this still sounds crazy every time I think about it, as in the UK and the US tickets for events will be released sometimes up to a year before the actual date! A great thing however about Korea which I will always be thankful for is that most events are FREE, unlike in Europe and the US. This makes them easily enjoyable for people of all ages, and most of the events you are able to take pets as well! Let's check out a short video! However, the Chuseok holiday falls from September 16th to 18th in 2024 . At this time, everyone and their dog is traveling around Korea, so there are huge traffic jams and booking KTX tickets is very difficult. It’s best to stay put in Seoul during Chuseok, unless you have already left the city by then to spend time with their families and pay tribute to ancestors. Not only is the autumn foliage creeping across the country from north to south, there is a feeling of happiness and joy in Korea and Koreans that comes from the end of the brutal summer, which is hot and humid. This joy is released in outdoor trips, festivals, and harvest celebrations, which with the cooler weather is the ideal time to put on your boots and head outdoors, and Korea is the perfect place for this as it has over seven thousand mountains to enjoy and explore. Once you have spent a day hiking or outdoors, then Korea’s traditional food and destinations are also the stars of this busy month, with fresh harvest produce available to sample, such as succulent fruits and veg, crunchy nuts, and spicy chilli peppers. The best places to try these are in Korea’s historic cities, such as Jeonju , Gyeongju , and Andong . Let us know in the comments below which festival you want to head to this fall and tag us in your photos to be featured! #southkoreatravel #autumn #fallseason #falltrip

Since beginning his mandatory military service on December 11, 2023, BTS' V , also known as Kim Taehyung , has made impressive strides both in his military duties and as a public figure. In this article we will give a detailed month-by-month look at his journey over the past several months, showcasing his remarkable dedication and achievements! December 2023: The Beginning of a New Chapter V's military journey commenced on December 11, 2023, when he enlisted and began his basic training at the Nonsan Training Center . With a resolute spirit, he embraced his new role, preparing for the rigorous demands of military life. The buzz around his enlistment was palpable, as fans and media eagerly followed his transition from K-pop star to soldier. January 2024: Graduation and Advancement On January 16, 2024, V graduated from basic military training alongside fellow BTS member RM , earning the prestigious 'elite' soldier rank. This milestone was a testament to his exceptional performance and adaptability. Just two days later, on January 18, V was seen heading to Jonghaenggyo Bridge , dressed in full military uniform and carrying his gear, ready to embark on more specialized training. February 2024: New Assignments In February, V's journey took him to the 2nd Corps , also known as the Ssangyong Unit , stationed in Chuncheon , Gangwon Province . Here, he began serving in a special duty unit of the military police, directly under high-level command. This assignment marked a new phase in his service, focusing on more intensive responsibilities and training. August 2024: Ulchi Freedom Shield Drills One of the most significant events in V’s recent military career was his participation in the 2024 Ulchi Freedom Shield drills . Conducted from August 19, 2024, these joint exercises with U.S. and South Korean military forces were aimed at enhancing readiness and response capabilities in the face of potential threats. The 11-day drills, which involved around 19,000 South Korean troops, saw V actively engaged in various tactical exercises . A video from the drills, uploaded on August 30, 2024, quickly garnered attention on social media. Fans spotted V in the footage, where he was seen posing with his comrades in his Special Duty Team (SDT) uniform. This appearance highlighted his seamless integration into military life and drew admiration from both military personnel and his fanbase. Recent Developments: Continued Excellence In a recent update from September 8, 2024, V engaged with fans via Weverse , marking a special occasion. His post came as ARMYs celebrated the first anniversary of his solo album Layover , which was released on September 8, 2023. Despite his ongoing military duties, V made an effort to connect with his fans, sharing an endearing story about encountering a fan-made photo outside his military base. He humorously mentioned how the sight of the photo made him blush during his run. V's charming interaction extended to addressing his well-being, as he playfully noted the challenges of his service while expressing gratitude for the support from his fans. He assured them that their encouragement was a source of motivation, promising to reconnect with them soon. While V was updating his fans, ARMYs worldwide commemorated Layover's  anniversary with enthusiasm. Celebrations ranged from online hashtags and fan art to themed parties and baked goods. Fans took the opportunity to reminisce about the album’s standout tracks, including "Slow Dancing," " Rainy Days ," " Blue ," " Love Me Again ," " For Us ," and the piano version of "Slow Dancing," all of which were accompanied by music videos that enriched V’s artistic narrative. Additionally, V surprised his followers with a mirror selfie on Weverse and joined a KakaoTalk chat group. He humorously noted that the group's password was simpler compared to others. He also shared a photo of his beloved pet dog, Yeontan , and expressed his support for BTS RM ’s recent song collaboration, " Neva Play ." From his initial enlistment to his current high-profile military engagements, V ’s journey through his mandatory service has been nothing short of remarkable. Each month has brought new challenges and accomplishments, showcasing his unwavering commitment and excellence. Fans and observers alike have been inspired by his ability to balance his duties with the admiration of his global fanbase , proving that dedication knows no bounds. As he continues his service, the world watches with pride and anticipation for the next chapter in his extraordinary story. #BTSV #KimTaehyung #Taehyung #MilitaryService #TaehyungInService #VJourney #BTSArmy #LayoverAnniversary #SupportV #BTSInTheMilitary #UlchiFreedomShield #BTSUpdates #KpopStarToSoldier #VAndARMY #DedicationAndExcellence #BTS