South Korea - The Korea Times

BWAHAHAHAHA 1 ‘You're Going to Lose Two Nyang on That’

By G.S. Hand It’s a truism that humor travels less well than pathos. But that isn’t the only reason comedic material is less translated than other Korean creative expressions. It’s also been partly due to an attitude that only “important” literature is worthy of translation, with popular entertainment excluded by definition. This can make Korean literature and culture in translation seem more dour than it actually is. A window on the history of Korean humor that I find fascinating is “Kkalkkal Useum,” or “Laughing Bwahaha,” a collection of 70 short texts published in 1916. According to researcher Kim Jun-hyeong, it stands out among anecdotal literature of its era for its single-minded focus on humor over didactic content. It was a commercial hit, reaching its eighth printing in 1926. “Kkalkkal Useum” may not be as funny to a contemporary reader in translation as it was to its original audience, but it offers a glimpse of what made a popular Korean audience laugh in 1916, as well as an image of the past on a more human scale than much “serious” literature. The fi

Feb 9, 2025

[BWAHAHAHAHA 1] ‘You're Going to Lose Two Nyang on That’

Koreans' enshrinement at Yasukuni continues to haunt their descendants

Japan’s Supreme Court rendered judgment in January on a suit that was initially brought by 27 Korean plaintiffs in 2013. The petition, which was rejected with one dissenting opinion, followed unsuccessful trials launched in 2001 and 2007. The case was filed by families of individuals who were forcibly conscripted for Imperial Japanese's military actions during World War II. The plaintiffs demanded that Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine be excluded from their mourning process and that the names of Koreans be removed from its Symbolic Registry of Divinities. Widely regarded in East Asia as a symbol of militarism, the Shinto shrine has long cast a shadow over South Korea’s relationship with Japan. While celebrations are underway for the 60 anniversary of this relationship, bilateral ties are still marred by multiple unresolved historical disputes. The Yasukuni Shrine is where all of the Japanese military casualties between 1868 to 1945 are collectively memorialized and remains a key source of tension. To ‘honor’ their service in the name of the emperor, who himself was rega

Feb 8, 2025By Jack Greenberg

Koreans' enshrinement at Yasukuni continues to haunt their descendants

Jeongwol Daeboreum offers glimpse into Korea's deep traditions

As winter loosens its grip on the Korean Peninsula, a centuries-old tradition ignites the night sky this coming Wednesday. Jeongwol Daeboreum, the First Full Moon Festival of the Lunar New Year, is more than just a fire festival — it is a bridge between generations, a celebration of hope and renewal. Rooted in Korea’s agrarian past, this vibrant event offers a glimpse into the country’s deep traditions, blending ancient customs with modern festivities. Before modernization, farmers lived by the rhythms of nature, and Jeongwol Daeboreum marked a pivotal moment in their calendar. It was a time to express gratitude for past harvests while seeking fortune for the year ahead. Families began the day with a meal of "ogokbap," a five-grain rice dish believed to bring health and prosperity. They then observed time-honored customs: cracking nuts to ward off ailments, drinking chilled cheongju rice wine to sharpen hearing and setting ablaze towering "daljip" — straw heaps symbolizing the moon — to drive away misfortune. Today, the festival remains a beloved tradition, evolving alongside

Feb 7, 2025By Jason Teale

Jeongwol Daeboreum offers glimpse into Korea's deep traditions

Future of foreign nanny program uncertain as gov't remains undecided

When the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the labor ministry launched a pilot program to hire 100 Filipino nannies last year, officials aimed to expand it into a national scheme after a six-month trial, and bring in more foreign workers.

Feb 6, 2025By Jung Min-ho

Future of foreign nanny program uncertain as gov't remains undecided

Foreign K-beauty industry leaders discuss sustainability, global expansion

As Korean beauty brands gain global popularity, combined with innovation and affordability, foreign entrepreneurs and startup founders in the country are also taking notice.

Feb 6, 2025By Bereket Alemayehu

Foreign K-beauty industry leaders discuss sustainability, global expansion

K-LIT REVIEW Han Kang offers ambitious, heartwarming story in 'We Do Not Part'

Since Han Kang’s Nobel Prize win was announced in October, discussion of her and her work has been everywhere in Korea and internationally. While she was still involved in its day-to-day running, the bookshop she co-ran with her son was swamped with fans, and many curious new readers found themselves challenged by her lyrical and often enigmatic writing. Han’s previous work to appear in translation was "Greek Lessons," a short yet challenging novella that sometimes strays into passages of abstract poetry. "We Do Not Part" is a much longer novel in comparison and is Han’s most accessible work available in translation to date. That’s not to say that Han has sacrificed anything to create a more accessible work. "We Do Not Part" is also her most moving, ambitious and intriguing novel in translation. Kyungha, the novel’s protagonist, lives in Seoul and, like many of Han’s protagonists, has withdrawn from much of contemporary life. Haunted by a harrowing book she wrote, she suffers from symptoms of depression and anxiety. But when Kyungha’s close friend Inseon has an accident,

Feb 5, 2025By John A. Riley

[K-LIT REVIEW] Han Kang offers ambitious, heartwarming story in 'We Do Not Part'

Seoul Silent Book Club strives to create third places for avid readers

Reading is hardly a social activity. But try telling that to the people at Seoul Silent Book Club (SSBC), an expanding group of avid readers who meet up in a public space a couple times a month and ... read quietly for an hour.

Feb 4, 2025By Jon Dunbar

Seoul Silent Book Club strives to create third places for avid readers

IPacBiz summit aims to strengthen global, local communities

The Indo-Pacific Business Promotion Council (IPacBiz) hosted its first summit on Jan. 24 and 25 in Seoul, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region. The dynamic two-day event served as a unique opportunity for local businesses, startups and professionals to connect with influential leaders, industry experts and policymakers from India, Canada, the Philippines, Indonesia, the U.S., Singapore and beyond. IPacBiz is a group of businesses dedicated to strengthening the industrial landscape of the Indo-Pacific region by facilitating meaningful business interactions and providing comprehensive support for businesses seeking to expand their reach and influence. With its secretariat based in Seoul, its vision is to promote sustainable, free, open and fair trade, and it is also deeply committed to promoting sustainable industries and addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. One of the highlights of Day 1 was the online welcome speech by Sam Pitroda, an internationally renowned telecom inventor, entrepreneur and former adviser to Indian prime ministers. His insights set

Feb 3, 2025By Antonia Giordano

IPacBiz summit aims to strengthen global, local communities

Korea's asylum acceptance rate at 2.7% amid 122,000 applications

Korea has granted refugee status to 1,544 asylum-seekers since the system’s introduction nearly 30 years ago, officials said Monday, translating into an acceptance rate of just 2.7 percent.

Feb 3, 2025By Jung Min-ho

Korea's asylum acceptance rate at 2.7% amid 122,000 applications

RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Calling all bearded bikers...

Lotteria has been synonymous with a lot of what's wrong with Koreanized takes on Western fast food. With its overly sweet bulgogi sauce, odd condiment selections and insistence on giving most of its menu items an unnecessary Korean touch, it's still easy to have a bad experience there. But it may be time for a revisit.

Feb 2, 2025By Jon Dunbar

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