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Kim Se-jeong

Korea Times K-Culture Reporter

I am covering trend, food and fashion. Previously, I covered diplomacy, city, environment and unification.

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Health

Koreans debate right amount of water to drink

For many health-conscious Koreans, last week was awash with debate over the right amount of water to drink. The controversy began on Aug. 6, when a biochemist claimed on the popular TV variety show, "You Quiz on the Block," that drinking 2 liters of water a day, a long-standing health tip in Korea, could actually be harmful. “If you consistently drink 2 liters of water a day, your health will deteriorate," Lee Kye-ho, analytical food chemist and honorary professor of chemistry at Chungnam National University, said during the show. "Some people believe consuming large quantities of water is good, even drinking up to 4 liters daily. Also, people eat excessive amounts of vegetables and fruit, believing they are always beneficial, or consume too much low-salt foods. These habits can lead to hyponatremia, which can cause sudden cardiac arrest and even death.” Lee is a known figure among health-conscious audiences and the founder of “In the Beginning Food,” a group promoting healthy eating. He gives health lectures and sells organic ingredients through his website. Following the show’

Aug 14, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Koreans debate right amount of water to drink
Others

Seoul museum traces 140 years of Protestant Christianity in Korea

As 2025 marks the 140th anniversary of Protestantism's arrival in Korea, a new public museum dedicated to the history of the faith opened in Seoul. The Korea Christian History and Culture Museum held an opening ceremony Tuesday at its new building at the foot of Mount Bukhan in northwestern Seoul. The facility was partially funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. In 1885, American Presbyterian missionary Horace Underwood (1859-1916) and American Methodist missionary Henry Appenzeller (1858-1902) arrived in Korea. The Korean Protestant church community regards that year as the beginning of Protestant Christianity in the country. “This museum is a cultural space that transcends denominations and encompasses the entire history of Korean Christianity,” said Lee Young-hoon, senior pastor of Yoido Full Gospel Church and chairman of the Korea Christian History and Culture Foundation. “As it was funded by taxpayers' money, we will make sure it remains a public space open to all citizens.” It is the first Christian museum in Seoul suppo

Aug 13, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Seoul museum traces 140 years of Protestant Christianity in Korea
Korean Heritage

80th Liberation Day Remembering foreign footprints on Korea’s road to liberation

Commemorating Korea’s liberation from Japan in 1945 would be incomplete without remembering the tens of thousands of independence fighters and activists who risked their lives for the country’s freedom. According to the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, a total of 18,258 people have been officially recognized as independence fighters, among whom 76 are non-Korean nationals. The real number is likely much higher. Although the efforts of those 76 foreigners is immeasurable, little is known about them, let alone details of their contributions. Marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, The Korea Times compiled stories of 11 non-Korean independence fighters and activists — each linked to a place that commemorates their contribution. 1. Severance Hospital — Horace Allen, Frank Schofield Severance Hospital in Seoul is Korea’s first Western-style hospital, founded by American missionary Horace Allen (1858-1932) in 1885. Originally called Gwanghyewon, the hospital was later called Jejoongwon before it finally became Severance Hospital. At a time when Joseon-era medicin

Aug 12, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
[80th Liberation Day] Remembering foreign footprints on Korea’s road to liberation
Travel & Food

Corn season is here — 4 easy ways to enjoy summer corn

Golden and sweet, summer corn is a seasonal treasure in Korea. More than just a snack, corn is packed with nutrients and offers health benefits ranging from improved digestion to better heart health. From humble boiled ears to creamy soups and savory pancakes, corn is one of the most versatile summer ingredients. With just a few fresh ears and some pantry staples, the taste of summer is on the dinner table in minutes. Health benefits Corn is rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber — and it can even support weight loss. Comprised of more than 50 percent water, corn is naturally low in calories and fat. Its high fiber content slows digestion, helping you feel full for longer and reducing overall food intake. The unsaturated fatty acids in corn germ can help remove cholesterol from the blood, while compounds in corn silk may reduce swelling and help regulate blood pressure. Corn and milk Corn pairs well with milk, which can help replenish nutritional deficiencies. While corn is low in two essential amino acids — lysine and tryptophan — milk is rich in both. Since essential amino a

Aug 12, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Corn season is here — 4 easy ways to enjoy summer corn
Travel & Food

Discounted temple stay program for foreigners returns

Looking for a serene weekend getaway for less? Or curious to try a temple stay during a visit to Korea? The Cultural Corps of Korean Buddhism (CCKB) is offering a special temple stay promotion for 1,500 foreigners living in or visiting Korea for 30,000 won ($22) until Oct. 31, discounted from the usual minimum price of 50,000 won per night. The program, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, allows participants to enjoy a temple stay at 21 sites nationwide. The list includes some of the most popular temple stay destinations among foreign visitors: Jogye Temple in Seoul; Golgul Temple in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province; and Naksan and Woljeong temples in Gangwon Province. Other participating sites include Myogak and Hwagye temples in Seoul; Donghwa Temple in Daegu; Beomeo Temple in Busan; Jeondeung Temple in Incheon; Jikji Temple in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province; and Magok Temple in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. New additions this year are Daeheung Temple in Haenam, South Jeolla Province and Sudeok Temple in Yesan, South Chungcheong Province. “We have all the famous

Aug 11, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Discounted temple stay program for foreigners returns
Travel & Food

3 easy Korean salmon recipes to try at home

Despite its many health benefits, salmon, known as "yeoneo" in Korean, has been considered a premium ingredient for many in Korea, largely due to its high cost. But that barrier seems to be coming down as prices for raw salmon in Korea — mostly imported from Norway — have dropped noticeably, by as much as 40 percent from last year. To help home chefs take advantage of the price drop, The Korea Times has compiled three easy salmon recipes that are popular among Korean households. 1. Yeoneo gimbap (salmon seaweed rice roll) Ingredients: 300g sliced salmon 1/4 chopped onion 3 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon lemon juice Salt and pepper 3 eggs 1 sheet of seaweed 2 leaves of lettuce Yeoneo gimbap, a popular Korean seaweed roll featuring salmon, stands out from the usual versions by incorporating a creamy sauce. Start by mixing chopped onions with mayonnaise, honey, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Set the sauce aside. For the filling, you only need scrambled eggs and lettuce. Scramble the eggs into a thin layer, roll them while still slightly runny, let cool, then slice into thick s

Aug 1, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
3 easy Korean salmon recipes to try at home
Travel & Food

5 Korean snacks K-pop stars love

In a scene from the hit Netflix animated film "KPop Demon Hunters," Zoey, a member of a fictional — but chart-topping in real-life — K-pop group Huntrix, hungrily gobbles down a bag of snacks. Though simply labeled potato chips in the film, any Korean viewer would instantly recognize the twisted sticks as Saeukkang, the beloved shrimp crackers from Korean food company Nongshim. K-pop artists, whether real or fictional, are helping to fuel global interest in Korea’s food products, driving both buzz and sales. To celebrate the trend, The Korea Times has compiled a list of Korean snacks that frequently appear in K-pop content and fan conversations around the world. 1. Saeukkang Also known as Shrimp Crackers, Saeukkang is a classic Korean snack that has been around since 1971 and remains one of Nongshim’s most beloved global exports. The idea behind the product was to capture the savory salt-grilled shrimp flavor that Koreans love. While "KPop Demon Hunters" recently boosted its profile, Mingi from ATEEZ is also a known fan of this snack. On First We Feast, a popular YouTube food chan

Jul 30, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
5 Korean snacks K-pop stars love
Arts & Theater

Disconnect to reconnect: Contemporary dance ‘OO-LI’ to explore identity

Feeling overwhelmed by fast-paced, hyperconnected life in the sweltering summer heat? A new contemporary dance performance, “Haeni, Mr. Kriss on Sync Next 25,” at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts invites you to pause, disconnect and reconnect — not through meditation, but through movement. Also titled “OO-LI” — meaning “we” in Korean — the performance brings together 30 dancers to represent two individuals seeking to understand themselves and communicate with one another. Each “individual” is symbolized by a group of 15 dancers, who come together in a 60-minute work composed of a series of abstract scenes. Audiences can expect a fusion of breakdance, hip-hop and other movement styles, set to a rich soundscape blending neo-classical and electronic compositions by Olafur Arnalds and Nils Frahm, as well as live ambient music by Korean musician Mohani. “I hope people can feel something deeply in their hearts, even if they don’t put it into words,” choreographer and team leader Kim Hae-ni said at a press conference in Seoul, Tuesday. “Through this perfo

Jul 29, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Disconnect to reconnect: Contemporary dance ‘OO-LI’ to explore identity
Music

K-Music Festival London returns with pianist Cho Seong-jin

K-Music Festival, a decade-old celebration of Korean music in London, will return this October with a lineup led by internationally renowned pianist Cho Seong-jin. Since its launch in 2013, the festival — organized by the Korean Cultural Centre U.K. — has introduced European audiences to Korean music beyond K-pop, spotlighting contemporary, traditional and experimental artists. Cho will perform a piano concerto composed especially for him by Korean composer Shin Dong-hoon on Nov. 20, at Barbican Hall. The world premiere will take place with the London Symphony Orchestra. Cho and Shin previously collaborated in January, when Cho performed Shin’s "My Shadow" — an ensemble piece for two violins, clarinet, cello and piano — with members of the Berlin Philharmonic in Berlin. Composer and cellist Lee Ok-kyung will open the festival on Oct. 1 with a performance alongside U.K.-based electronic artist Mark Fell at Kings Place. On Oct. 5, Korean post-rock band JAMBINAI will return to the festival for a second time, performing with the London Contemporary Orchestra at the Barbican. Known f

Jul 27, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
K-Music Festival London returns with pianist Cho Seong-jin
K-pop

Airline staffer faces indictment for selling BTS flight details

An airline employee who allegedly sold the flight information of BTS and other celebrities to brokers is now facing indictment, the K-pop boy band's agency HYBE said Tuesday. According to the agency’s public relations manager, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's cybercrime unit apprehended three people, including one airline crew member, in February and March on suspicion of selling the group members’ flight details to brokers, a violation of the Personal Information Protection Act. During the investigation, police reportedly traced the suspects’ history of illegally acquiring information and financial records, confirming the structure of the profit-making operation. The case was transferred to the prosecution over the weekend. The nationalities and employment details of the defendants have not been disclosed. Police were unavailable for comment. HYBE said BTS was not the only victim of the breach. “Other HYBE artists, as well as those from different entertainment agencies, were also targeted,” the public relations manager said on condition of anonymity. The defendants allege

Jul 22, 2025By Kim Se-jeong
Airline staffer faces indictment for selling BTS flight details
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