The Korea Times

VIDEO A day with a K-pop star's makeup artist

"I feel like an idol!" Howdy Korea's host, Yasmin, exclaims her voice expressing disbelief as she catches her reflection in the mirror. Her cheeks are flushed with a soft cream blush, her lips shine with gloss and highlighter, and her hair is styled in polished twin braids — a look she hasn’t worn since childhood. It’s a moment of surprise and delight, captured during her visit to Soonsoo, one of Seoul’s most sought-after makeup salons. The salon in the middle of Chungdam-dong isn’t just any neighborhood beauty parlor. It’s a high-profile destination known to have served K-pop stars like Apink, IVE and Red Velvet’s Joy, as well as actors like Byun Yohan and rappers like Zico. At the helm is Jung-an, a seasoned makeup artist who has long worked behind the scenes for some of Korea’s biggest celebrities. When Yasmin requested a look inspired by BLACKPINK’s Rosé, Jung-an not only agreed but thoughtfully broke down Rosé’s signature aesthetic to tailor it to Yasmin’s features. Yasmin is not an anomaly: Her visit reflects a broader shift. An increasing number of foreig

Apr 16, 2025By Seungeun Yu

[VIDEO] A day with a K-pop star's makeup artist

Howdy Korea

VIDEO Why matchmaking agencies are thriving in Korea

"They say we're the Sam-po Generation/ Some even say O-po Generation/ But since I like beef jerky (Yukpo)/ I'll be the Yuk-po Generation." These playful lyrics from BTS' 2015 hit "Dope" capture a growing sentiment among young Koreans: the increasing distance from traditional life milestones like dating, marriage and homeownership. The so-called “Sam-po Generation”— Sampo meaning "three give-ups," referring to those who have given up on dating, marriage and childbirth — has evolved into even more resigned labels like “O-po” (five give-ups) and “N-po” (giving up on a yet-to-be determined number of things) reflecting deepening disillusionment with the current societal landscape. With economic pressures mounting and personal priorities shifting, Korea’s marriage rate has steadily declined. According to Statistics Korea, the marriage rate fell from 5.9 per 1,000 people in 2015 to 4.4 in 2024, a sign that marriage is no longer the societal norm it once was. Given this shift, one might expect the matchmaking industry to struggle. Yet, the opposite is happening. Matchmaking ag

Mar 21, 2025By Seungeun Yu

[VIDEO] Why matchmaking agencies are thriving in Korea

Howdy Korea

VIDEO Are tourists still being scammed in Korea? We went to find out

Korea, renowned for its vibrant culture, technology and bustling urban life, has become a popular destination for international travelers. However, like any tourist hotspot, it faces its fair share of issues. Some visitors report being scammed almost immediately upon arrival, with taxi drivers charging exorbitant fares to those unfamiliar with local rates. Others recount experiences in popular tourist areas and markets, such as Hongdae, Gwangjang Market or Dongdaemun, where vendors frequently inflate prices for non-Korean speakers. To put these claims to the test, the Howdy Korea team conducted an experiment: What would happen if a foreigner, pretending not to speak any Korean, navigated certain everyday interactions? Our first stop was Incheon International Airport, often hailed as the pride of Korea. Ranked as the third-best airport in the world by SKYTRAX, it boasts world-class amenities and efficient services. However, some travelers claim that getting from the airport to Seoul can be a scam-ridden ordeal, particularly when dealing with taxi drivers. To investigate, Howdy Korea host

Mar 6, 2025By Seungeun Yu

[VIDEO] Are tourists still being scammed in Korea? We went to find out

Howdy Korea

VIDEO A day spent with a Korean shaman

In recent years, the demand for fortune-telling services has surged. According to Shinhan Bank, Koreans’ spending on fortune readings has increased by 13 percent in the past year. This rise suggests that in uncertain times, more people are turning to spiritual guidance for reassurance. Shamanism in Korea dates back to the earliest days of the peninsula’s history. The roots of Mu can be traced to Gojoseon, Korea’s first recorded dynasty. Its legendary founder, Dangun, is believed to have been the first shaman. While not all Koreans actively practice shamanism, its influence is deeply ingrained in the culture. Many seek guidance from shamans, also known as manshin or mudang, for major life decisions — from business ventures to relationships. Even corporate leaders, including those from Korea’s powerful chaebol conglomerates, have been known to consult shamans before making critical moves. Individuals visit them to ask whether they should move abroad, how their exam results will turn out or even if a romantic partner is the right match. Curious about the enduring relevance of thi

Feb 11, 2025By Seungeun Yu

Yu Seung-eun

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VIDEO A day with a K-pop star's makeup artist

VIDEO Why matchmaking agencies are thriving in Korea

VIDEO Are tourists still being scammed in Korea? We went to find out

VIDEO A day spent with a Korean shaman

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