gettyimagesbank Q.  In the middle of our conversation, my Korean friend used the term  don-jjul . What does it mean?     A.   Don-jjul  is used mainly by young Koreans, but this slang is starting to catch on. It’s a pun from  hon-jjul  (severely criticize one or give someone the business) – with “ hon ” (literally soul) replaced by “ don ” (money). This rather awkward combination takes on a new meaning similar to “Let’s shower s

Rice paddy in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Shim Hyun-chul ● Rice paddies in southwestern Seoul create a unique autumn landscape. ● City residents are willing to pay more for locally sourced “Gyeongbokgung Rice.”    Those who visit Seoul’s southwestern district Gangseo-gu around this time of year will find a unique autumn landscape not seen in other big cities.   Amber waves of grain in a 261-hectare rice paddy unfold before the eyes, stretching

BTS performs at its Love Yourself concert, held at Citi Field in New York, Oct. 6, 2018. Courtesy of Big Hit Music ● Collective actions by K-pop fans have become a must for idol groups eyeing global success. ● K-pop fan-driven collective actions are facing a backlash in some countries.   Loyal fans have played a huge role in the rise to stardom of nearly every major pop celebrity.   But for K-pop idol groups, who have grown to exert huge cultural in

President Moon Jae-in delivers a speech at the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sept. 21 (EST). Courtesy of Cheong Wa Dae The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded the world that international cooperation is key to overcoming the challenges facing humanity and ushering in “an era of global community,” President Moon Jae-in said in a keynote speech at the United Nations.   Speaking at the 76th  session of the United Nations General Assembly

gettyimagesbank President Moon Jae-in took part in a signing ceremony for a Korea-U.S. global vaccine partnership in New York, September 21, accelerating his efforts to make the Asian country become a global hub for vaccine production.   The signing ceremony took place during President Moon’s visit to the U.S. from September 19 to 23.   The ceremony was part of follow-up measures for the comprehensive KORUS Global Vaccine Partnership that President Moon and U