Korean Culture/society

Almost three weeks ago, I visited Seoul for the first time, and one day in particular left an unforgettable impression because it deepened my understanding of kimchi as both a culinary staple and a living cultural heritage. That morning, we began by dressing in traditional hanbok at a place by Gyeongbokgung Palace. Wearing it not only allowed us free admission but also set the tone for a day immersed in Korean history, culture, and identity. It was an exceptionally hot summer day, and I carried a walking fan and umbrella to stay comfortable while navigating the city. Despite the heat, every step highlighted the energy and dedication embedded in Korean life. From preserving centuries-old traditions to embracing modern creativity. After leaving the palace, I savored the most exquisite green tea ice cream, a perfect moment of refreshment before continuing through Seoul’s vibrant neighborhoods, which combined innovative retail concepts, fashion-forward trends, and very touching and inspiring art galleries. At one gallery, we even met an artist who gifted us a beautiful art book, a reminder of this city’s creative spirit. The centerpiece of our exploration was the Kimchi Museum. Until then, I had known kimchi primarily through my daughter’s discovery. At the museum, I realized that kimchi is far more than a flavorful dish, it is a symbol of Korean identity, a culinary tradition passed down through generations, and an intangible cultural heritage officially recognized by UNESCO. The exhibits detailed kimchi’s history, regional variations, and communal preparation, particularly during Kimjang, the annual season that unites families and communities. UNESCO emphasizes Kimjang as a living practice that strengthens social bonds and preserves cultural continuity, a powerful reminder of food’s role in heritage. Before a preschool class arrived, we sampled several mini varieties of kimchi. Each bite told a story: the spicy tang of napa cabbage kimchi, the crisp freshness of yeolmu kimchi made with young radish, and the subtle aromatics of green onion kimchi. Tasting them in the museum felt like tasting history itself, making the cultural significance of kimchi tangible in every mouthful. Later that evening, we concluded the day with a gourmet dinner at a charming Seoul restaurant. The food was delicious, and the komsho accompaniment was especially flavorful, reflecting the chef’s mastery of tradition. Our server’s excitement enhanced the experience, guiding us through the dishes as we savored each one. Kimchi, elevated from a daily staple to a centerpiece of culinary artistry, was paired beautifully with other Korean delicacies and to my delight, the price was very reasonable. Experiencing kimchi in these two contexts: the educational, historical environment of the museum and the refined, sensory setting of a gourmet meal offered me a profound appreciation for why it is so central to Korean life. It is nourishing, flavorful, and endlessly varied, but more importantly, it embodies resilience, tradition, and identity. From Kimjang preparations to everyday meals, kimchi reflects a continuity of culture, and its UNESCO recognition reminds us that food can be a powerful bearer of heritage. That day, walking through the streets under the hot summer sun, wearing hanbok, savoring green tea ice cream, exploring art-filled neighborhoods, and ending with an unforgettable kimchi dinner, created memories I will treasure forever. I felt so grateful to share the day with an amazing new friend and to experience a place where food, culture, and heritage truly touch the soul. What began as my daughter’s casual curiosity became a full immersion into a dish that is both daily sustenance and a recognized treasure of humanity.

Why Gen Z Feels Emotionally Numb? And What the World Must Learn From It? The Impact on Mental Health and Society Strained Relationships and Shallow Connections When emotions are numbed, forming and sustaining meaningful relationships becomes challenging. Gen Z’s friendships, romantic partnerships, and family bonds are often mediated through screens, reducing depth and authenticity. This emotional detachment contributes to phenomena like ghosting, transient friendships, and a reluctance to commit emotionally. Despite being connected to hundreds online, many Gen Z individuals report profound feelings of loneliness. Mental Health Crisis and Therapy Challenges Rates of anxiety, depression, and related mental health issues have surged among Gen Z. While increased openness towards therapy is a positive trend, the overwhelming demand reflects the gravity of the crisis. However, emotional anesthesia complicates therapeutic engagement. Traditional counseling methods often rely on clients accessing and expressing their emotions, a daunting task for those feeling emotionally numb. This underscores the need for innovative, compassionate therapeutic approaches tailored to this unique challenge. Motivation, Academic Performance, and Workplace Dynamics Emotional anesthesia extends to academic and professional settings. Without emotional investment, motivation diminishes. Tasks feel purposeless, goals seem hollow, and the drive to excel fades. This contributes to trends like ‘quiet quitting,’ where individuals fulfill only basic job responsibilities without genuine engagement. It also explains rising academic disengagement, procrastination, and lack of long-term career planning among young people. Why Emotional Anesthesia Should Concern Everyone A Mirror Reflecting Societal Dysfunction The rise of emotional anesthesia isn’t just a Gen Z problem, it reflects deeper societal flaws. Hypercapitalism, technological overdependence, widening social inequality, and environmental neglect all contribute to this emotional shutdown. By examining Gen Z’s emotional state, societies are prompted to rethink systems that prioritize productivity over well-being, superficial online connections over genuine relationships, and profit over people’s mental health. The Danger of a Disconnected Generation A generation growing up emotionally disconnected risks becoming apathetic towards civic duties, social justice, and community building. Emotional numbness can erode empathy, civic engagement, and the willingness to address societal issues. Unchecked, this detachment could lead to a world that is highly functional on the surface but deeply fractured at its core. Pathways to Healing and Reconnection Cultivating Digital Wellness Mindful digital consumption is key. Schools, workplaces, and families must promote healthy boundaries with technology. Encouraging digital detoxes, setting screen time limits, and fostering conscious engagement can help. Social media platforms also bear responsibility. Transparent algorithms, ethical content moderation, and mental health advocacy within platforms can make a significant difference. Rebuilding Human Connections Prioritizing real-world interactions and community engagement is vital. Organizing offline social events, promoting community projects, and encouraging face-to-face interactions can help rekindle emotional vitality. Meaningful social bonds offer a powerful antidote to emotional numbness. Reforming Mental Health Support Systems Mental health care must evolve. Integrating approaches like art therapy, mindfulness practices, and somatic therapies can help individuals reconnect with their emotions. Accessible mental health resources in educational institutions, workplaces, and communities are critical. Mental health literacy should be a fundamental part of education. Empowering Gen Z with Purpose and Agency Purpose-driven initiatives, activism, and social entrepreneurship can reignite a sense of agency in Gen Z. Engaging in causes they care about empowers them to feel invested in their lives and communities. Educational systems should emphasize emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy alongside academic learning. Helping Gen Z find and pursue meaningful purposes can restore emotional engagement. Lessons the World Must Learn From Gen Z’s Struggles Just as societies have drawn insights from South Korea’s elderly care reforms, the world must learn from Gen Z’s emotional experiences. Their struggles highlight the pressing need to: Prioritize mental health and emotional well-being over mere productivity. Foster genuine human connections beyond superficial online engagements. Reform systemic structures in education, work, and governance to support holistic well-being. Gen Z’s encounter with emotional anesthesia is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the immense pressures they endure in an increasingly complex world. Addressing their needs with empathy, understanding, and decisive action can help nurture healthier, more connected future generations. Conclusion: From Numbness to Renewal Emotional anesthesia may be a subconscious defense, but it does not have to be a lifelong condition. Through collective efforts, from personal habits to systemic reforms, Gen Z can rediscover emotional vitality. Acknowledging the issue, validating the struggles, and cultivating environments that celebrate authentic emotional expression are vital steps forward. The muted voices of a numb generation call for a compassionate, connected world. The pressing question remains- are we truly listening, and are we ready to act? Author’s Note: This article is dedicated to shedding light on a growing phenomenon affecting young people worldwide. The idea for this piece came from a podcast by Raj Shamani, where I first learned about this topic. When I reflected on it, I felt compelled to write about it. If you or someone you know is grappling with emotional numbness or mental health challenges, please seek professional support or reach out to a trusted confidant. Sakshi Khare Writer & Blogger Korean Culture/society August 14, 2025

What do you think when you see or hear the word “taekwondo” if you want to know about taekwondo and history you have come to the right place.  “Taekwondo” is a broad practice that combines mental discipline, physical training and self defence technique and promoting personal growth and development. Taekwondo was developed and unified during 1940s and 1950s with the name “Taekwondo” official adopted in 1955. It is recognized as on of the oldest forms of martial arts in the world.  The name Taekwondo was selected for it’s appropriate description of the art: Tae(foot), kwon(hand) and Do(art). Taekwondo often translated as ‘the way of the footband fist’ is a traditional Korean marital art that emphasizes kicking techniques, hand strikes and jumps is disciplined form of self defence that goes beyond physical combat, incorporating mental and ethical principles. HISTORY OF TAEKWONDO Taekwondo martial arts training thought to be around the first century on the peninsula of korea over 2000 years ago. Taekwondo evolved from traditional Korean martial arts it was influenced by Japanese karate during the Japanese occupation of korea. But it was officially named and formalized in 1955. The name of taekwondo was proposed by General choi Hong Hi. The taekwondo has since grown into a global sport with the international Taekwondo federation (ITF) and world taekwondo (WT). ANCIENT ORIGINS:-  Goguryeo Era: The birthplace of korean martial arts is believed to be the goguryeo kingdom, one of the three kingdoms of korea. The kingdom military developed unique fighting styles, including taekkyeon, a form of martial arts that highlight kicking techniques. BUDDHISM’S AND CONFUCIANISM:- The influence of buddhism and confucianism on taekwondo is profound and multifaced. Taekwondo’s philosophical foundations are rooted deeply in the traditions of Buddhism and confucianism , reflecting Korea’s historical context and culture. Buddhism and confucianism philosophies have shaped the martial arts development, self control, respect and compassion, loyalty and moral character. [BUDDHISM’S INFLUENCE ON TAEKWONDO]:- 1) MENTAL DISCIPLINE– In taekwondo, this means to foster a strong mind and body connection, allows practicing to stay composed and focused in important situation.  2) SELF DISCIPLINE– In taekwondo self discipline means controlling one’s emotions, action and reaction, even in the face of adversity buddhism teaches self control and self awareness. [CONFUCIANISM INFLUENCE ON TAEKWONDO]:- 1) MORAL CHARACTER– In taekwondo, this means cultivating virtues such as integrity, honesty and humility. 2) LOYALTY– Confucianism teaches loyalty for authority, traditional and community. [SOME SHARED VALUE OF BUDDHISM AND CONFUCIANISM] 1) DISCIPLINE– Both emphasize the importance of discipline which is reflected in taekwondo rigorous training and self control. 2) RESPECT– Both principals teach respect for other traditions and communities. The learner should have respect for their instructors, fellow practitioners and opponents. 3) SELF CULTIVATION– Both points up the importance of self cultivation and personal growth. This teaches us to have self improvement and self awareness. MODERATION (1950s-1960s) CHOI HONG HI- He is known as founder of taekwondo and he also served as president of the international (I.T.F) for many years. He is often credited with modernizing and standardising taekwondo. He was an army general and a korean martial artist who played a key role in developing the modern style of taekwondo. During his military career, general choi deeply researched various martial arts mainly Taekyon , kung fu and karate drowning from each to create the version of taekwondo. In 1965, the south Korean government gave approval to General choi’s martial art and declared it as Korea’s National martial art. General choi also led a good will mission on tour of Asia, Europe, Africa and the middle East. On March 22nd 1966. General choi hong hi formed the international taekwondo federation in Seoul Korea. Because of unwavering dedication to taekwondo led him to profound choices in the face of extreme hate. In 1971, the south Korean president park Chung hi began to use taekwondo as anti communist political propaganda. Because of this he got death threats as well but despite all this , he stood fiercely against this, and went to deportation in Canada . He continued to teach taekwondo throughout the world including North Korea and in 1974 he organised the first taekwondo world championship in Montreal. General choi died because of cancer on 15 June 2002 in Pyongyang north korea. But we should also know that world taekwondo portray choi as either an unimportant or dishonorable figure in taekwondo history because of his apostasy to north Korea is a point of contention leading the same to minimize his contribution. This difference in people’s perspectives highlights the complexities surrounding General choi’s impact on the global development of taekwondo. GLOBAL SPREAD When taekwondo was introduced to the world it quickly became popular as martial arts and sports. Taekwondo became an Olympic sport in 2000, with the World Taekwondo federation (WTF) growing the sport boosting its global popularity. The World Taekwondo federation is the government body for Olympic style Taekwondo, while the international Taekwondo federation (ITF) governs traditional Taekwondo. Taekwondo has developed all over different continents of the world. Each region has its unique style, competition and training method. Taekwondo has facilitated the cultural exchange between korea and other countries, promoting mutual understanding and respect. Now we can say that taekwondo is practiced by millions worldwide with its global spread continuing to shape the martial art and sport. EVOLUTION Taekwondo has evolving the competition formats to enhance safety, improve scoring system and boost Spector experience. Changes in rules, equipment being arranged to make the sport more engaging and scoring methods. Training methods are also becoming more innovative with more focus on safety, injury prevention and teaching techniques. Coaches and instructors are trying to introduce new training methods to improve athletes overall performance without injuries.  With modern time Taekwondo is adapting to modern trends in sport science, technology and SNS/Media to enhance its global appeal and presence by adapting modern trends we can think about technology for scoring, promoting the sport through digital media and incorporating sport science so it can help for better athlete performance.

In 2012, a Korean artist in sunglasses and a tuxedo horse-danced his way into global consciousness with “Gangnam Style,” racking up a billion YouTube views faster than anyone had before. But beneath the viral surface was something deeper an ecosystem of branding, training, and global strategy years in the making. Fast-forward to the present BTS, Blackpink, and other K-pop titans are not just dominating stages they’re reshaping how audiences connect with culture, commerce, and identity. As the Hallyu Wave surges across continents, it’s no longer just an entertainment phenomenon it’s a masterclass in strategic brand building. From meticulously crafted idol personas and fan-driven marketing to cross-border collaborations and localized content, the K-pop industry has unlocked a blueprint that global companies are only beginning to study. This article explores how K-pop’s business genius lies in its ability to fuse emotional resonance with commercial precision offering global brands powerful lessons in storytelling, community building, and cultural adaptability. Sculpted Identity: Branding That Feels Personal K-pop’s business brilliance begins with the way it turns identity into a marketable brand. Entertainment agencies meticulously design idol personas that evoke emotion, aspiration, and consistency. BTS’s “Love Yourself” wasn’t just an album it became a global message, entwining music, merchandise, and fan loyalty into a single emotional brand. I’ve felt this in my own creative journey: when they choreograph dance videos or write rap verses, They are not just performing they are presenting a curated version of who they are. Every color, lyric, and frame reflects values and vision. For global businesses, this lesson is vital branding isn’t just aesthetics, it’s identity expressed with purpose, rhythm, and heart. Cultural Fusion: Local Roots, Global Reach The secret to K-pop’s international success lies in its genius for “glocalization.” Artists like BLACKPINK collaborate with Western icons while preserving Korean cultural aesthetics from hanboks on global stages to Korean phrases in their lyrics. It’s a dance of cultural pride and strategic expansion. I channel this approach in my own contents by pairing Hindi with Korean and planning workshops that celebrate Indo-Korean connections. The strategy is not about replacing one culture with another it’s about layering them meaningfully, Indian brands looking to expand globally can learn from this: stay rooted, speak locally, but resonate globally. Symbolic Strategy: The Power of Numbers In the world of K-pop, symbolism is serious strategy. BTS’s devotion to the number seven reflects unity and legacy, while idol names often undergo numerological analysis for phonetic charm and vibrational harmony. I’ve applied similar thinking in my business brands name, they’re strategic anchors that make a brand feel intentional and emotionally compelling. In culturally rich markets like India, where symbolism shapes decisions, global businesses can tap into this layer of meaning to forge deeper connections with audiences. Fans as Co-Creators: Building Emotional Ecosystems K-pop revolutionized marketing by turning fans into collaborators. Platforms like Weverse, VLive, and fancafés foster interaction, feedback, and a sense of belonging. Fans help choose merch designs, direct tours, and even influence choreography. In my content journey, I’ve embraced this ethos: refining hashtags, reshaping videos based on comments, and observing which posts spark dialogue. Business Blasters taught me the same branding that listens thrives. Brands today must shift from monologue to conversation. By giving your audience agency, you transform passive consumers into loyal community builders. Content with Soul: Storytelling in Motion A K-pop teaser can trend in minutes, not just because it’s well-produced but because it carries soul. Choreography, cinematography, and symbolism work together to tell stories that fans return to again and again. This resonates with my personal approach to the GKS journey. Kpop company know Dance isn’t just movement it’s my way of narrating dreams, and rap isn’t just rhythm it’s my academic journey woven into verse. Content becomes the canvas where identity meets audience. For businesses, this is a wake-up call: marketing isn’t about noise, it’s about narrative. Strategic content tells stories that stick, resonate, and build brand legacies. Conclusion K-pop’s rise isn’t just a catchy melody; it’s a strategic masterclass blending identity, culture, and commerce into a single, pulsating brand. From the artful creation of idol personas to the numerological care behind naming, from glocal adaptation to fan-led ecosystems, the Hallyu Wave proves that branding rooted in emotion and cultural fluency resonates far beyond borders. For global businesses and creative minds anywhere this isn’t just inspiration, it’s invitation. To reimagine marketing not as manipulation, but as storytelling. To build brand legacies that move like choreography and speak like poetry. To use numbers, nostalgia, and nuance to connect meaningfully with audiences who crave authenticity. As someone working and making plans to bridging cultures through community and business I see this wave not just as a trend but as a toolkit for transformation. Article by: Nandani Singh

People today often discover South Korea through K-pop sensations like BTS and BLACKPINK, or popular Korean dramas. But what many don’t know is that the connection between India and Korea goes back more than 2,000 years — long before K-pop, and even before modern nations existed. It’s a forgotten chapter of history, hidden in legend, where an Indian princess crossed the sea to become a Korean queen. This is the story of King Kim Suro and Princess Suriratna also known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok , a beautiful tale that connects Korea and India, even though they are thousands of kilometres apart.  A long time ago, around the year 42 CE, a great king named Kim Suro founded the Gaya Kingdom in southern Korea. He was known for being wise, kind, and a strong leader who united different people under one rule. What makes his story more interesting is how he met his queen. According to Korean legends, a princess named Suriratna had a dream in which she was told to marry King Suro in a faraway land. Trusting this message, she set out on a long sea journey from her home in Ayuta—a place many believe is Ayodhya, in present-day India. Although her real name was Princess Suriratna, but after coming to Korea, she became known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok. She arrived in Gaya with a group of people and gifts. Soon after, she married King Suro and became the first queen of the kingdom. Her arrival brought Indian culture, traditions, and perhaps even early trade to Korea. This royal couple’s story shows how connected ancient people could be, even without modern transportation or communication. Their union is one of the earliest known cultural links between India and Korea. Today, millions of Koreans—especially those with the surnames Heo and Kim—believe they are descendants of Queen Heo. To honour Queen Heo Hwang-ok’s legacy, a memorial was first established in Ayodhya, India, in 2001 with support from the South Korean government. Later, in 2018, South Korea’s First Lady Kim Jung-sook visited Ayodhya and took part in a ceremony to expand the site. A larger, more developed memorial park was planned to celebrate this ancient connection. The expanded version of the memorial was completed and officially inaugurated in 2023, turning it into a lasting symbol of friendship between the two nations, and many Koreans visit it to honour their Indian ancestor. The story of King Suro and Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Princess Suriratna) is more than just a legend—it’s a powerful symbol of friendship and connection between two ancient civilizations, a bond that continues to be celebrated today. Their story was also brought to life in the Korean drama Kim Su-ro, The Iron King, which aired on MBC in 2010. The series starred Ji Sung as King Suro and Seo Ji-hye as Queen Heo Hwang-ok, dramatizing their journey across cultures and the founding of the Gaya Kingdom. While the drama may not have gained global fame, it helped keep this ancient love story alive in Korean popular culture.

More Than Just Music to Me Whenever I hear the word “K-pop,” I don’t just think of music. I think of a world — vibrant, emotional, and full of energy — where songs are more than just sounds, and performances feel like living stories. For me, K-pop isn’t just a genre. It’s a feeling. It’s that sudden thrill when your favorite group drops a comeback teaser. It’s spending hours watching variety shows, translating Korean lyrics line by line, or waiting up at midnight for a new MV premiere. It’s making playlists for every mood, laughing at memes that only fans get, and finding comfort in the smallest things — a VLive notification, a behind-the-scenes hug, a heartfelt speech. And somehow, even though it’s all happening in a country miles away, it makes me feel like I belong — like there’s a place for me, just as I am How It All Started The first time I saw a K-pop music video, I was spellbound. The dazzling visuals, synchronized choreography, and bold fashion caught my eye — but it was the emotion that caught my heart. Then I learned about trainee life — the hours of practice, the strict diets, the pressure to be perfect. And suddenly, idols weren’t just stars. They were warriors in makeup and mics, fighting silently for their dreams. Their stories weren’t so different from mine — just more intense, more public. And it made me believe: If they can keep going, maybe I can too. The People, the Fandom, the Family When you’re part of a K-pop fandom, you don’t just follow a group — you become part of a global heartbeat. I’ve connected with fans from countries I’ve never been to. We’ve never met, but we share the same excitement, the same worries, the same inside jokes. There’s something magical about being in a live stream with millions of others, all watching the same moment unfold. Or about trending hashtags together, writing birthday letters, or learning Korean just to understand a 10-second clip. It may look silly to outsiders, but to us, it’s community. It’s love. It’s family Music That Understands You K-pop lyrics often go beyond the surface. Yes, there are fun dance tracks and summer hits, but then there are songs like BTS’s “Spring Day”, Taeyeon’s “I”, or ATEEZ’s “Turbulence.” These songs speak to the tired parts of your heart — the parts that feel lonely, lost, or afraid. They remind you that someone out there understands. That you’re not weird for feeling too much, dreaming too big, or breaking down sometimes. And that’s powerful — especially when you don’t know how to say it yourself. Innovation That Blows My Mind What makes K-pop stand out isn’t just the sound — it’s the experience. From elaborate album packaging with photobooks and photocards to themed lightsticks that glow in sync with performances, it’s art at every level. Concerts are full-on cinematic experiences. MVs are like mini movies. Even an Instagram post feels carefully crafted. It’s not just about going viral — it’s about creating something memorable. K-pop shows us how creativity can move people — how a concept, a message, or even a tiny moment can stay in someone’s heart forever. A Door To Another Culture Through K-pop, I’ve discovered so much about South Korea — from its traditions and holidays to its street food, language, and social norms. I’ve celebrated Chuseok in my own way, tried making tteokbokki at home, and even started picking up Hangul to understand lyrics without subtitles. What started with curiosity has grown into respect. Respect for a culture that blends discipline with passion, elegance with strength. I may have never walked the streets of Seoul, but in a way, K-pop brought a piece of Korea to me. Why It Truly Matters to Me K-pop didn’t just give me music. It gave me motivation, confidence, and comfort. It helped me fight through moments when I felt invisible or unworthy. Watching idols succeed after years of struggle reminded me that progress takes time. That failures are not the end — they’re part of the path. It’s easy to feel small in this world. But when you see someone rise from nothing to greatness, you start to believe: Maybe I can rise too. In The End… K-pop is more than catchy hooks and cool outfits. It’s hope, healing, heart, and humanity. For some, it’s just music. For me, it’s been a lifeline, a mirror, a dream. Even on my worst days, a song, a clip, or a memory from a concert can make me smile. It reminds me that no matter how far apart we are, we’re still connected — by rhythm, by words, by emotion. So if you’re like me — someone who’s been touched by this world in ways words can’t fully explain — just know: you’re not alone. We’re all dancing to the same beat, cheering each other on from across the globe. A Shoutout to the Groups That Changed Me