By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

Kim Jong-in wasn’t always the smooth and suave soloist fans know him as today. He’s gone from being EXO’s beloved main dancer to a successful soloist following his two recent album releases.

By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

The country’s gaming scene is much different than the United States’. Internet cafés specifically designed for gaming make the popular pastime accessible for everyone.

By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

As if the country’s music industry wasn’t competitive enough, members of popular music groups must eventually face the additional challenge of serving in the military.

By Isabella Savides, University of Pretoria

While these eating shows can be entertaining for viewers, many mukbangers are being forced to prioritize channel views over their own health to make a living.

By Tori Barney, Columbia College Chicago

The dreaded reimagining of the classic South Korean zombie film is the perfect example of audiences refusing to appreciate non-Western culture and art in any form.

By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

Hallyu has inspired many young scholars to learn more about Korea beyond what is shown on their screens.

By Peyton Conner, Indiana University

The South Korean thriller offers an intimate look into the country’s debt struggles and provides a biting criticism of capitalism.

By Jayni Nielsen, Pace University

By Lauren Sung, University of Georgia

Despite current attitudes toward LGBTQ+ identities being largely dismissive and negative in the country, Korea has a long and vibrant history of queerness.

By Kirtika Sharad, George Washington University

The popular Korean drama captures the daily lives of a population shrouded in secrecy and symbolizes the heartbreaking sentiment that still marks the partition of Korea.

By Laura Song, Biola University

The unscripted reality show gives an unfiltered look at the lives of Korean celebrities as they live their lives as single adults.

By Sarah Esquivel, University of Texas at San Antonio

K-pop’s venture into virtual reality may have severe repercussions on the safety and well-being of the performers, as well as foster unhealthy, parasocial relationships with their fanbase.

By Reem Farhat, Fordham University

The groundbreaking Korean drama reimagines media representation of mental health to build a show about struggle and growth.

By Nanda Illahi, Okayama University

The Chronus Art Center has created a digital art exhibition that feels remarkably prescient.

By Ian Nordin, University of Texas at San Antonio

A devastating pandemic just like COVID-19 has been predicted on multiple occasions, but the proper precautions were not put in place.

By Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

While the world has lauded the country for K-beauty, this webtoon shows the dark side of South Korean beauty standards.

By Nanda Illahi, Okayama University

The documentary ‘I Met You’ reconnected people with their deceased loved ones. Is it heartwarming or hazardous?

By Angel Lin, University of California, Santa Barbara

The director of ‘Parasite’ directed another tale of a family struggling to survive in a socially-stratified society — except this time, it was a monster movie.

By Michelle Young, Simon Fraser University

The rich diversity of Korean music isn’t limited to the country’s most popular musical export.

By Jenna Benchetrit, McGill University

Director Lee Chang-dong takes the familiarity of jealousy to unsettling new heights.

By Christine Fang, University of California San Diego

Fan-fiction is shaking.

By Rebecca Crosby, American University

Citizens gathered in Seoul, South Korea, to protest the use of spy cams in public places, which are known to specifically target women.

By Jade Hookham, UC San Diego

By coming out to the public as a gay artist, Holland head-butts the restrictive social conventions of Korea regarding homosexuality to send a message of hope and acceptance.

By Katie Lommen, Saint Louis University

The U.S. is dominating the Winter Olympics and even in a competitive atmosphere, countries are coming together for the sake of the games.

By Jessie Yang, The University of Hong Kong

What does the removal of Korea’s first democratically elected female president mean for the country?