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South Korea Faces Declining Marriage Rates, North Korea Enforces Strict Divorce Laws

March 27, 2025, 3:24 pm

South Korea and North Korea have dramatically contrasting marriage and divorce trends, influenced by their respective social norms and policies.

In spite of policies aimed at promoting marriage, South Korea has persistently low marriage rates. Incentives by the government, including cash benefits and housing allowances, have had minimal effects. The Wall Street Journal reports that Busan’s Saha-gu ward launched an initiative rewarding couples with up to $64,000 if they marry and produce children. Likewise, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is set to give one million won (or around $930) to newlyweds from October 2025 to support household costs.

But these efforts have not been very successful. Increasing living expenses, strenuous working hours, and changing social mores discourage many couples from getting married. In 2023, there were only approximately 193,657 couples who were married, the lowest since 1981.

Conversely, North Korea imposes severe restrictions on divorce. Recent reports indicate that individuals seeking divorce risk being sentenced to labour camps for up to six months, with women often receiving harsher penalties.

North Korea considers divorce ‘anti-socialist’ activity and deems it ‘abnormal’. The government amplifies social stigma through the distribution of new identification cards that note a person’s marital status, thus discriminating against them. Divorced individuals, especially women, are stigmatized, and their children are deprived of care by educators and students.

The government’s rigid approach became even tougher after a surge in divorces after economic hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Criminalizing marital collapses, the regime attempts to maintain family reunions as a necessary pillar of its socialism.

These contrasting policies on marriage and divorce mirror the opposing strategies of South Korea and North Korea—one attempting to promote marriage and the other imposing its continuation through coercion.

XO Kitty Coded: Woman Travels to Korea in Search of Boyfriend But…

February 19, 2025, 6:14 pm

An American lady who visited South Korea, Seoul hoping to find a K-drama-type boyfriend was disappointed when she realized that reality was far from how she imagined it. A frustrated lady appeared in a viral video complaining about how she had expected to find streets awash with K-pop idol replicas, only to be confronted with ordinary South Korean men living ordinary lives.

Woman Travels to South Korea

The video, capturing her journey, starts with her eagerly traveling to South Korea. “On my way to Seoul to fall in love with a Korean man,” she states, sitting on a plane. But the atmosphere takes a turn soon as the video captures her panning over the faces of various men on the streets, accompanied by a jeering version of the Titanic theme song.

Watch:

Woman is upset the men in Korea don’t all look like K-pop stars. pic.twitter.com/z3BkNphojS

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 17, 2025

In the video, she turns the camera around to display a random guy walking down a Seoul street, saying, “What is happening here? You want to see Korean men? Here, I will show you.” She then says how disappointed she is, adding, “We’ve been catfished. It’s very disturbing. I wish to leave immediately,” before the video ends.

Social Media Reactions:

Social media responses to the video were varied. While others saw humor in her reactions, there were others that took issue with filming strangers in public and judging how they look.

One commenter simply stated, “Stop being shallow and attempt to see the spirit, first! Then you will discover what you actually need.”

Another commenter responded, “Shocker! Life doesn’t necessarily include a photo filter built right in. Honestly, beauty isn’t one thing or another kind of size.”

A third added, “I get more and more annoyed at people who visit other cultures and insult that culture. Remain in your lane/country. Do not insult other cultures.”

Korean Husband’s Hindi Skills Tested by Indian Wife | VIRAL VIDEO

December 1, 2024, 5:34 pm

An Instagram video featuring Indian content creator Neha Arora and her Korean husband, Jongsoo Lee, has gone viral for blending K-drama charm with Indian humor. The video, showcasing a language challenge, has amassed over 1.4 million views.

The Hindi Challenge

In the clip, Arora begins by introducing the challenge, saying, “Let’s check my husband’s Hindi skills,” before showing Lee, who is holding their baby, various pictures of objects and asking him to name them in Hindi.

Lee impressively identifies a spoon as “chammach,” but hilarity ensues when presented with a picture of slippers. He confidently says, “Yeh bilkul aasaan, thappad!” When Arora questions, “Thappad?” Lee humorously clarifies, “Thappad with chappal,” leaving viewers in splits.

The humor continues as Arora shows a picture of a mosquito. Lee, quick to respond, jokes, “I know, I know, She is like you na, macchar,” eliciting more laughter.

Watch:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neha Arora (@mylovefromkorea17)

Social Media Reactions

The video has sparked a wave of reactions online. One user commented, “This is gold! The way he says ‘thappad with chappal’ is just too much.” Another wrote, “The mosquito part had me rolling on the floor. He’s got the desi humour down!”

Many applauded the couple’s chemistry, with one remarking, “Their bond is so beautiful; this video made my day.” Others noted Lee’s confident, albeit humorous, engagement with Hindi. A viewer summed it up perfectly: “I can’t stop watching this. It’s the perfect blend of K-drama charm and Indian comedy!”

Watch: Korean Tourist’s Priceless Reaction to Gulab Jamun

November 26, 2024, 6:49 pm

Food holds a cherished place in Indian culture, going beyond mere sustenance to serve as a cornerstone of celebrations, traditions, and everyday life. From vibrant street food to the decadent sweets that adorn festivals, Indian cuisine is a sensory delight brimming with diversity and hospitality. This allure isn’t limited to Indians alone — foreign tourists often find themselves captivated by the bold and unique flavors. A recent viral video showcased one such moment when a Korean tourist experienced the iconic gulab jamun, leaving audiences amused and charmed.

In the video, the tourist visits a sweet shop, marveling at the size of the freshly served hot gulab jamun, exclaiming, “It is so big!” Unsure of how to eat it, she seeks guidance, and a local advises her to cut it in half with a spoon. Her first bite sparks a joyful reaction as her eyes light up and she exclaims, “Whoa! I really like it,” her face glowing with excitement.

Take a look at the viral video:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kelly Korea (@kelly_korean)

The tourist’s praise of the dessert’s sweetness and creamy texture beautifully captures the magic of discovering a new culture through its cuisine. Her genuine delight has resonated widely, as the video has garnered over 86,000 views, allowing viewers worldwide to share in her moment of culinary joy.

Origin of Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun’s origins are steeped in history and folklore. According to one popular tale, the dessert was the result of an accidental experiment by a Khansama (royal chef) during Shah Jahan’s reign. The chef, inspired by Persian and Turkish culinary traditions combined with Indian sweet-making techniques, is believed to have stumbled upon the recipe while mixing ingredients. This serendipitous creation eventually became a beloved staple in Indian celebrations.

Interestingly, gulab jamun bears similarities to two other sweets from Persian and Turkish cuisines, Bamieh and Tulumba, both of which are fried and soaked in syrup. These shared traits highlight the interconnected culinary heritage of the regions.

Indian cuisine, with its variety and depth, continues to captivate people worldwide, as evidenced by moments like this — a simple dessert that bridges cultures and spreads joy.

YouTuber Johnny Somali apologizes for kissing wartime statue in Korea | WATCH

November 9, 2024, 3:11 pm

Johnny Somali, a 24-year-old American YouTuber, has issued an apology following his controversial act of kissing a statue in Korea symbolizing the “comfort women,” Korean victims of wartime sexual slavery.

The incident took place at Changdong History and Culture Park in Seoul, sparking outrage.

Somali later posted a video on Thursday where he expressed regret, saying, “I want to apologise to Koreans. I didn’t understand the significance of the statue.” He added, “I’m truly sorry” in Korean, explaining that he intended to entertain his American audience but acknowledged his behavior was disrespectful.

Watch the video here:

Doubts Over Sincerity

Despite his apology, many viewers are skeptical about Somali’s sincerity. Critics note that he has not removed several controversial social media posts, including one where he previously captioned a photo with former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, “I defeated Koreans for you, Shinzo Abe.” Although the post was deleted, the image remains on his Instagram with a revised caption: “RIP Shinzo Abe!” Somali also posted a video of himself dancing in a subway car, which has not been removed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Johnny Somali ?? (@johnnysomalia)

Ongoing Investigation

Adding to the controversy, Somali also posted a video of himself lying down and dancing in a subway car, which remains online. While he deleted videos of himself disrespecting the statue and causing a disturbance in a convenience store—incidents that triggered a police investigation—some questionable content still remains accessible.

Watch:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Johnny Somali ?? (@johnnysomalia)

Somali has been placed under an “exit ban” and cannot leave Korea until the investigation concludes. The controversy surrounding his apology continues, with many questioning whether it is a genuine response or just an attempt to mitigate public outrage.

India’s 2,000-Year-Old Link To Korea: Ayodhya Princess Weds Korean King

September 2, 2024, 2:25 pm

The Korean Wave, or Hallyu, has deeply influenced Indian culture, with a rising fascination for K-Dramas, K-Pop, K-Beauty, and K-Cuisine. Yet, long before this modern cultural exchange, a historical bond existed between India and Korea, dating back approximately 2,000 years.

Ayodhya, the revered city associated with Lord Rama, is believed to hold ancestral significance for some South Koreans. This connection is rooted in the legend of Princess Suriratna, an Indian royal who married Korean King Kim Suro.

According to legend, Princess Suriratna embarked on a sea voyage covering over 4,500 kilometers to marry King Kim Suro, founding the Karak dynasty. She became known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok after her marriage. Ancient texts suggest that the King of Ayodhya had a divine dream instructing him to send his daughter to Korea.

King Kim Suro, the progenitor of the Kim clan in Gimhae, is associated with the surname Kim, which is widespread in Korea. A 2018 BBC Korean Service report mentioned that the queen’s descendants, including former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and former Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil, bear her legacy. Queen Heo’s name was used for two of her sons, which remains a Korean surname today.

In 2001, a memorial to Queen Heo Hwang-ok was established at Queen Heo Memorial Park in Ayodhya, symbolizing the enduring connection between India and Korea. The South Korean embassy highlighted this historical link in a congratulatory post on X (formerly Twitter), marking the significance of the matrimonial alliance between Queen Suriratna and King Kim Suro in 48 AD.

Queen Heo’s tomb is located in Gimhae City, South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, where many members of the Karak dynasty visit to honor their heritage.

Korean Woman Highlights 4 Key Differences Between Homes In Korea And India

August 17, 2024, 11:29 am

A woman from Korea, now living in India, has taken to YouTube to share a hilarious video that spotlights the cultural differences between households in the two countries. She humorously contrasts what is considered typical in Indian homes with what would be seen as unusual in Korea, leaving viewers in stitches.

Captioned “Korean house vs Indian house,” the video begins with the woman highlighting that one significant difference is how electronics are managed in the two countries. In India, switches are used to turn electronics on and off, whereas, in Korea, the connection is direct. She also points out that while ceiling fans are common in Indian households, Koreans more often rely on stand fans.

Watch the viral video:

The video has garnered over 5.8 lakh likes, sparking a range of reactions from viewers. One YouTube user quipped, “A lizard is like a rent-free roommate of every Indian.” Another agreed, saying, “The guest coming in without permission was so REAL.” A third person humorously commented, “Indian houses without chipkali are lonely. Sometimes my time pass is to watch them following their prey.” A fourth viewer shared, “The last was so relatable.”

Adding to the humor, a fifth user remarked, “In Korea, the wall breaks. In India, the wall breaks you,” while a sixth complimented the woman, saying, “Your Hindi is so cute. Thanks for telling the difference between India and South Korea. By the way, which culture do you like more, Korean or Indian?”

Xiaomi Overtakes Samsung To Lead India’s Smartphone Market

July 19, 2024, 9:34 am

China’s Xiaomi has regained its position as the leader in India’s smartphone industry after six quarters, overtaking South Korea’s Samsung, which has now fallen to third place in the June quarter. Vivo, another Chinese brand, secured the second spot as Chinese manufacturers regain their footing in the highly competitive market.

According to market research firm Canalys, Xiaomi’s shipments grew by 24% annually, increasing its market share to 18% in the June quarter from 15% a year earlier. Vivo also experienced growth, with a 4% annual increase, maintaining its volume share at 18%. In contrast, Samsung’s shipments decreased by 8%, resulting in a volume share of 17%.

Realme and Oppo, both Chinese brands, ranked fourth and fifth with volume shares of 12% and 11%, respectively. Overall, total mobile shipments saw a marginal growth of 1% year-on-year in the June quarter, reaching 36.4 million units. Canalys noted that inventory levels remained high, with some vendors continuing to launch new devices in higher price segments while others focused on reducing existing stocks to optimize inventory ahead of the festival season.

Sanyam Chaurasia, a senior analyst at Canalys, remarked that top mass-market brands are expected to use early monsoon sales to clear inventory, making space for new models before the festive season.

B. Muralikrishnan, president of Xiaomi India, expressed pride in reclaiming the top spot, emphasizing the company’s broader goals. He stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter), “While reclaiming the top spot in the Indian smartphone market is an achievement we are proud of, our priorities go beyond rankings…our deep understanding of India coupled with our inherent technological strength has allowed us to become an integral part of the country’s social fabric.”

US, South Korea Conduct Joint Bombing Drills Amid Heightened Tensions

June 5, 2024, 3:45 pm

The United States and South Korea have conducted joint bombing drills over the Korean Peninsula, the first such exercise in seven years, amid heightened tensions with North Korea.

The drills involved a US B-1B bomber dropping Joint Direct Attack Munitions at a firing range in South Korea while being escorted by a South Korean F-15K fighter jet. The exercise aimed to demonstrate the “solid” combined defence posture against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. The development comes after North Korea sent trash-filled balloons to the South and resorted to jamming the latter’s GPS signals.

In response, South Korea suspended a 2018 inter-Korean military pact and resumed all military activities along the demarcation line separating the two Koreas and the North West Islands. The joint drills also included air exercises with South Korean F-35A and KF-16 fighters, as well as US F-35B and F-16 jets.

The number of B-1B bombers deployed for the exercise was not specified. The US and its allies have criticized North Korea for attempting to launch a satellite-carrying rocket on May 27, while Russia and China have defended Pyongyang’s action. The UN Security Council meeting earlier this month noted that North Korea has significantly increased its missile launch activities since 2022, with more than 100 launches using ballistic missile technology. The joint bombing drills are seen as a show of force and a message to North Korea amid the ongoing tensions in the region.

Valentine’s day tradition around the world

February 5, 2024, 6:11 pm

As a tribute to Saint Valentine, Valentine’s Day is observed worldwide. Heart-shaped candies, cuddly animals, balloons, and a variety of chocolates are abundant in stores as Valentine’s Day draws near. Valentine’s Day is a time when lovebirds in Wales exchange unique, intricately handcrafted wooden spoons, couples in Bulgaria celebrate their love with a glass of the excellent local wine, and stores in India and a few other countries are filled with red balloons and gifting materials.

1. South Korea

Couples in South Korea celebrate the Day of Love on the fourteenth of every month. You did really read accurately! May is “the day of roses,” June is “the day of kisses,” December is “the day of December,” and April is “the black day,” when single people eat black noodles. Valentine’s Day customs are extremely diverse around the world.

2. Ghana

The 14th of February is observed as “National Chocolate Day” in Ghana. In an effort to boost tourism to the nation, the Ghana government took this action in 2007. On February 14, one can go to shows, concerts, and restaurants serving special Valentine’s Day dishes. Ghana is one of the world’s leading producers of cocoa.

3. Romania

The day that young couples become engaged is observed on February 24. It is essentially a cross between the spring celebrations and Valentine’s Day. While some couples bathe their faces with snow to bring good fortune, other young men and women walk to the woodlands to gather vibrant flowers.

4. Japan

Valentine’s Day is significant in Japan as well.Valentine’s Day is mostly a time for women to give gifts to men. When it comes to gifts, the women typically give candy and chocolates instead of jewelry, flowers, or other such items. Valentine’s Day is traditionally observed in Japan by girls giving chocolates to boys they like and to others with whom they have no romantic interest. Japan observes “White Day” on March 14 of the next month. On Valentine’s Day, people show their appreciation by giving gifts and chocolates to those who gave them sweets.

5. Slovenia

St. Valentine is one of the springtime patron saints in Slovenia. Since February 14 is the first day of the New Year’s fieldwork, it is thought that plants begin to regenerate on this day. It’s also a common misconception that on this day, birds “propose” to one another. One must go over frequently still-frozen fields in bare feet to see this occasion.

India to face Korea in semi-final of Junior Asia Cup

May 31, 2023, 5:26 pm

Following a resounding 17-0 victory over Thailand, the Indian Junior Men’s Hockey Team advanced to the Semi-Finals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman on Sunday to face Korea.

The Indian team qualified for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 5 to 16 December 2023. India will now face Korea in the Semi-Final of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2023 on Wednesday for a place in the summit clash.

Indian Men’s Hockey Team Captain Uttam Singh discussed the upcoming game in a virtual press conference on Monday, saying, “We have a good atmosphere in the camp. One of our tournament goals was to qualify for the FIH Junior Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023, which we accomplished. We are one of Asia’s top teams, so it is essential that we perform well in the Junior Men’s Asia Cup as well. We have done well so far, and will look to continue to do so in the Semi-Finals as well.When we prepare at camp, we never know which teams we will face at what stage. Hence, we always keep our plans and targets in mind and do our best to stick to them against any opposition.”

India finished the Pool stage of the tournament unbeaten, winning their first game 18-0 against Chinese Taipei and following it up with a 3-1 win over Japan. Against traditional rivals Pakistan, India earned a thrilling 1-1 draw and then defeated Thailand 17-0 to top Pool A.

Meanwhile, Korea has also been in good form this tournament, having defeated Uzbekistan 6-1 and followed it up with an 8-1 win over Oman. Korea lost 1-3 to Malaysia but bounced back to beat Bangladesh 3-1 to finish in the second spot in Pool B. The last time India’s Junior Men’s Hockey Team faced Korea was in the 2013 Hockey Junior World Cup Men, which ended in a 3-3 tie. Since 2005, the two teams have met five times, with each team winning twice and one game ending in a tie.