I had been ignoring all the articles I was seeing about investigations into President Park Geun-hye because I’m already burned out on my own country’s political nightmares, but maybe I should have been paying closer attention to The Korea Herald. Things are starting to break on big English-language platforms–you definitely need to read the articles I’ve linked in the first bullet point. This corruption scandal begins in 1975, when then 23-year-old Park first met “pseudo-Christian cult leader” Choi Tae-min and his daughter, Choi Soon-sil.
- “The Irrational Downfall of Park Geun-hye,” “Swirling Scandal Involving Shamanistic Cult Threatens S. Korean President,” “Scandal-hit S Korean President Park Geun-hye urged to quit,” and “Raids, protests pressure S. Korea’s scandal-hit president.” “The Irrational Downfall of Park Geun-hye” is crucial to understanding what’s going on right now and outlines the history of President Park and her involvement with the Chois. (It starts after President Park’s mother was assassinated by a North Korean operative…) I really have nothing intelligent to say about all this, but–damn.
- “An epic battle between feminism and deep-seated misogyny is under way in South Korea.” This article provides a good overview of what has been going on in South Korea’s feminist movement in the last couple years.
- “In a first, S. Korean appeals court finds conscientious objector not guilty.” While conscientious objects have occasionally been exonerated after being found guilty, these two were declared not guilty the first time around. What effect this will have on mandatory military service is unknown.
- “Hanbok Renaissance Goes from Strength to Strength.” There has been a resurgence of modern takes on the hanbok recently, and the pictures included in the article are lovely.
- “Song Hye-kyo, Song Joong-ki to Receive Presidential Awards.” This is the seventh year the awards have been issued. The awards honor those who have significantly contributed to Korean pop culture.
- “What Is the Future of Marriage?” This article discusses a matchmaking company’s CEO’s presentation on marriage, including some rather depressing facts like the fact that “men with financial means consider a woman’s age more important than her other qualities.”
- “Lee Bo-young courted for tvN’s remake of Japanese drama Mother.” PLEASE take this drama, I’m begging you. It sounds amazing.
- “Park Shin-hye wants romantic role with Jo Jung-suk.” Honestly, I think they’d be adorable together. Make this true, dramaland~
- “Pinocchio and I Hear Your Voice Writer Park Hye Ryun Prepping Fantasy Romance Drama for Early 2017.” I’m excited Writer Park is coming back! Looking forward to trying this one out.
- “Drinking Solo to order up a second round?” It’s way too early for official confirmation, but everyone involved in this show seems to want a second season.
- “Food, fists, and funny first encounters for Legend of the Blue Sea” and “More Lee Min-ho stills from Legend of the Blue Sea.” Okay, I’m really starting to get excited about this. We’re a little more than two weeks away, and I hope it’s good.