The Korea Times

Watermelons in Joseon: a dangerous delectable

A melon merchant in the late 19th or early 20th century / Robert Neff CollectionBy Robert Neff In Korea, one of the most iconic fruits of summer is the watermelon. There is something almost magical about eating ice-cold watermelon on a sweltering day, but, unfortunately, watermelon is one of the most expensive fruits found in the market ― and this guilty little pleasure might cost you a hefty sum of money.In the late 19th century, it could cost you more than just money ― your job and your life. Many of the early Westerners living in Korea were convinced that watermelons ― as well as cucumbers ― were contributing factors to the frequent cholera epidemics. As a result, some Westerners banned their Korean staff from consuming watermelon.Unsurprisingly, the Korean staff were not pleased. According to Edward T. McCarthy, the general manager of the Gwendoline Mine (an English gold mine in present-day North Korea), Korean miners ate great quantities of melons ― even eating the rinds. It may have been unthinkable to McCarthy, but watermelon rind had several uses and it would be foolish to wa

Sep 17, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Watermelons in Joseon: a dangerous delectable

Society

'The Glory' actress Kim Hieora faces bullying allegations

Kim Hieora in a scene from "The Glory"/ Courtesy of NetflixBy Kim Se-jeongActress Kim Hieora, renowned for her role in the Netflix drama, “The Glory,” faces bullying allegations raised by a local news outlet. The actress denied the allegations, while her entertainment company urged the public to refrain from spreading baseless information and warned of legal consequences for defamation. “We'd like to ask people to stop spreading factually incorrect information,” Kim's entertainment company said in a statement. “We will respond to malicious actions that defame the actress.” According to the Korean-language news agency, Dispatch, Kim was allegedly part of a notorious school gang at Sangji Middle School in Wonju, Gangwon Province. She allegedly harassed her schoolmates and was also reportedly involved in case of theft on campus. Dispatch interviewed the victims.The actress acknowledged her association with the school gang, but denied any involvement in acts of physical violence against others. “I wasn't a good student. I was a gang member, but w

Sep 7, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

'The Glory' actress Kim Hieora faces bullying allegations

K-pop

Plagiarism accusations against singer IU found not to constitute criminal charge

Singer IU / Courtesy of EDAM EntertainmentBy Kim Se-jeongK-pop singer IU can now put behind her plagiarism accusations that arose earlier this year when an unidentified composer filed a complaint with the police, alleging that the singer-songwriter had copied the composer's works in six of her songs.The law firm representing IU released a statement, Monday, in which it said the police had decided not to investigate the allegations because the complainant's claim did not constitute a criminal charge.“Among the six songs in question, IU participated in the creation of only one, and even in that piece, she did not participate in the part for which the accuser claimed a copyright violation,” the law firm said in the press release.The six songs are “Boo” (2009), “Pitiful” (2009), “Good Day” (2010), “The Red Shoes” (2013), “BBIBBI” (2018), and “Celebrity” (2021).“We judge this case was brought maliciously only to defame the artist and to cause mental distress,” it said. “We have confirmed

Sep 5, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Plagiarism accusations against singer IU found not to constitute criminal charge

Society

Advocate for Homer Hulbert urges enhanced awareness of foreign independence fighters

The Hulbert Memorial Society President Kim Dong-jin speaks during an event in Seoul, Thursday, commemorating the 74th anniversary of Homer B. Hulbert's death. Behind Kim is a portrait of Hulbert. Courtesy of Hulbert Memorial SocietyBy Kim Se-jeongMarking the 74th anniversary of the death of Homer B. Hulbert, an American who helped Korea's independence movement in its struggle against Japanese colonization, on Thursday, Hulbert Memorial Society president Kim Dong-jin reiterated his call to the Korean government and the public to pay more attention to foreign independence fighters.“Hulbert didn't have to fight for Korea, but he did so, driven by justice and humanity without expecting anything in return,” Kim said at the commemoration ceremony in Seoul.“The same goes for other foreign independence fighters. They all made arduous efforts just to aid Korea, which truly makes them remarkable,” Kim said.Hulbert is among 76 foreign independence fighters recognized by the Korean government. “Los Angeles boasts Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange on its highwa

Aug 31, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Advocate for Homer Hulbert urges enhanced awareness of foreign independence fighters

Films

Actor Jo Sang-gun from film 'Tazza' passes away

Jo Sang-gun/ Courtesy of Korean Film Council By Kim Se-jeongActor Jo Sang-gun, best known for his role as a detective in the film "Tazza: The High Rollers" (2006), passed away in April, according to his family, Tuesday. He was 77.Speaking with The Hankyoreh, a Korean-language daily, the deceased's nephew Choi Jae-hyung said his uncle passed away on April 21 and had a family funeral. “He was on treatment for his heart and kidneys but had no major problems. He was active and was considering a new film role but then he died suddenly.”Born in 1946 in Jeongju, North Pyongan Province in North Korea, the late actor fled his home during the Korean War (1950-53) and grew up in Seoul. He studied at the Seoul Theater School, the predecessor of the Seoul Institute of the Arts, and began his acting career on stage in 1966. A founding member of the Mokwha Repertory Company, Jo played leading roles in more than 30 plays, including "Chunpung's Wife," "Tae," "Bicycle" and "Please Tu

Aug 30, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Actor Jo Sang-gun from film 'Tazza' passes away

Society

University students annoyed by accommodation provisions for Jamboree Scouts

Some Scouts arrive at Myongji University's dormitory in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday, after leaving the campsite of the World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, due to an approaching typhoon. YonhapBy Kim Se-jeongMany Scouts who left the 25th World Scout Jamboree campsite in Saemangeum, North Jeolla Province, due to a typhoon forecast, found themselves in university dormitories mostly in Seoul and the surrounding capital region as educational institutions accepted the government's request to offer accommodations.But their arrival came as a surprise to some students at the universities who were asked to be hospitable without any prior notice.“We see three to four people arriving in a dorm that is designed for two people. Shower rooms and bathrooms are a disaster,” a University of Seoul student was quoted as saying by a local newspaper. “The university accepted the Scouts without consideration of the school's capacity.” While more than 3,000 Scouts are scattered among 12 university dormitories in the capital, the University of Seoul is ho

Aug 10, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

University students annoyed by accommodation provisions for Jamboree Scouts

K-pop

Sunny of Girls' Generation to leave SM Entertainment

Sunny, a member of K-pop girl group Girls' Generation / Screenshot from Sunny's social media accountBy Kim Se-jeongSunny, a member of K-pop group Girls' Generation, announced Tuesday her departure from SM Entertainment after 16 years with the company. “I would like to take courage and explore uncharted territory. I thank SM Entertainment for helping me debut as a member of Girls' Generation,” Sunny wrote on her Instagram account. “Also, I extend my thanks to managers and many staffers with whom I went through difficult times.”SM Entertainment also issued a statement: “We were honored to spend many years together with Sunny and thank her for her hard work. We send our support for her future journey.” Since its debut in 2007, Girls' Generation rose to stardom with its songs, such as “Into the New World,” “Gee,” and “Genie.” Last year, the group dropped its 15th anniversary album, “FOREVER 1.” A lead vocal for the group, Sunny is a niece of Lee Soo-man, the founder of SM Entertainment, who left the compa

Aug 9, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Sunny of Girls' Generation to leave SM Entertainment

Society

Renowned cartoonist in hot seat after accusing his son's teacher of child abuse

Cartoonist Joo Ho-min / Screen captured from his social media accountBy Kim Se-jeong Joo Ho-min, a renowned cartoonist, is now in the hot seat for requesting police to investigate his son's teacher for child abuse. His request coincided with a growing outcry for increased protection of teachers after an elementary school teacher committed suicide last month.While the teacher is on trial for child abuse, public sentiment has been growing against the cartoonist since the story went public. According to news reports, the incident, which led to the police investigation, took place last September when Joo's autistic son pulled his pants down in class. He was separated immediately from the classroom, but one female student, who was shocked by the boy's behavior, reported the incident to the school. The teacher asked Joo to apologize to the student and her parents in order to resolve the case, but he refused.“In a case like this, the parents of the student who did something wrong apologize. But the boy's parents refused to apologize in this case, which was unfortunate,” accordin

Aug 2, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Renowned cartoonist in hot seat after accusing his son's teacher of child abuse

K-pop

Singer Psy invites soldiers to concert

Singer Psy performs during his Summer Swag concert in Seoul on June 30. NewsisBy Kim Se-jeongSinger Psy, known for his ultra-popular song “Gangnam Style” and its signature horse dance, is good at firing up his concert-going fans from the stage.Last weekend, he cheered on soldiers and improved their morale by inviting hundreds of them to one of his Summer Swag concerts in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, on Saturday, for free.This was made public on Sunday after one of the soldiers, whose name was not disclosed, wrote about it on his Facebook. He said the soldiers had been deployed for civilian recovery work in regions that were devastated in recent torrential rain and resultant flooding.“The concert was scheduled in Boryeong on July 29, which initially was just a pie in the sky for us. But Psy donated the tickets to the military units (in the region). Hundreds of servicemen and other military personnel had the opportunity to enjoy the concert and take some time off,” the soldier wrote.“I heard that Psy has a big heart for military personnel and I co

Jul 31, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Foreign Affairs

S. Korean FM discusses improving bilateral cooperation with Turkish president

South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands, prior to talks in Istanbul, Turkey, July 28. Courtesy of the foreign ministry South Korea's Foreign Minister Park Jin has met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and discussed improving the two countries' strategic partner relationship, the ministry said Saturday. Park met with Erdogan in Turkey (Turkiye), Friday (local time), during his four-nation trip, which will also take him to three other countries, according to the foreign ministry. It marks the first visit to Turkey by Seoul's foreign minister in eight years. In the meeting, Park expressed gratitude to the "brother nation" for dispatching around 20,000 soldiers during the 1950-1953 Korean War, marking the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement, according to the ministry. The minister asked for Turkey's support for the South Korean government's "audacious" initiative, which offers massive economic assis

Jul 29, 2023By Kim Se-jeong

Kim Se-jeong

Read more

Watermelons in Joseon: a dangerous delectable

'The Glory' actress Kim Hieora faces bullying allegations

Plagiarism accusations against singer IU found not to constitute criminal charge

Advocate for Homer Hulbert urges enhanced awareness of foreign independence fighters

Actor Jo Sang-gun from film 'Tazza' passes away

University students annoyed by accommodation provisions for Jamboree Scouts

Sunny of Girls' Generation to leave SM Entertainment

Renowned cartoonist in hot seat after accusing his son's teacher of child abuse

Singer Psy invites soldiers to concert

S. Korean FM discusses improving bilateral cooperation with Turkish president

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