Stories about South Korea from February, 2013
U.S. and South Korea: A Show of Force, But Running Out of Options?
North Korea’s third nuclear test provided the ideal opportunity for the United States and South Korea to respond with their own displays of military muscle. But what will be their next move?
Being Fat, Talking Fat in South Korea
Many reports have been made about South Koreans’ obsessions with body image, some with shallow understanding of Korean culture. Youtube user durkeeinkorea in this video shares his experience in Korea where people are very ‘open about talking others weight’ and ‘calling someone fat’ in public happens frequently, with no harms intended.
South Korea: Ex-Police Chief Jailed for Defaming Deceased President
A former South Korean police chief was sentenced to 10 months in jail for falsely accusing the deceased former president of maintaining slush fund bank accounts under assumed names.
Are Korean Drivers The Worst?
Asians have often been pegged as bad drivers. ROK Drop blog debunked this ‘Bad Asian Drivers’ stereotype with statistics.
South Korean Man Allegedly Kills Noisy Neighbors
A 45-year-old South Korean man allegedly killed his two upstairs neighbors during the hectic Lunar New Year holiday weekend. The reason? The man claimed they were too noisy.
North Korea's Nuclear Slap on the Chinese New Year
While the Chinese were celebrating their Lunar New Year, Pyongyang launched their third underground nuclear test just 100km away from their border with China. So far the Chinese government's response has been moderate. But online, both the pro-North Korea nationalists and the anti-North Korea liberals are not happy.
North Korea's Nuclear Test Old Hat for South Koreans
North Korea confirmed on February 12 that it had conducted its third nuclear test, drawing condemnation from the international community. South Koreans living in the shadow of their nuclear neighbor to the north had varying reactions to the news.
North Korea Conducts 3rd Nuclear Test
North Korea conducted its third-ever nuclear test on Feb 12, 2013, sparking condemnation internationally. Check out this Storify link for more details. (Another Global Voices post will be published soon)
‘Les Miserables’ Parody by South Korean Air Force
The South Korean air force's “Les Miserables” parody video went viral over the week, garnering over 2.8 million hits. The video features snow-shovelling military men suffering under a vindictive superior while juggling thwarted love, a nightmare situation for South Korean men who are obliged to two years of military service.
Gay Korean Actor Reveals Coming Out Struggles
After Hong Suk-chun, the first openly gay actor in South Korea, discussed the struggles he has faced since coming out as a gay man in 2000 in a recent talk show, net users discussed the country's changing attitudes toward homosexuality and reflected on the reality that sexual minorities confront in South Korea.
Dear PSY, Don't Dance with the Prime Minister of Malaysia
Dear our idol, PSY, we love your song and we love how Gangnam Style could rock the party, however, please do not come to Malaysia. […] If you come to Malaysia, you will become the political tool and your performance will be politicized by Barisan Nasional. It is a political party...
South Korea's Spy Agency Takes Criticism to Heart .. and Court
South Korea's most powerful intelligence agency is suing forensic psychologist Pyo Chang-won for defamation. Pyo accused them of serving the political powerhouse for their gains and called them "incompetent" and "declawed".
