Korea Beat gives us the scoop on the rise of hagwons located inside officetel buildings. According a report by the Chosun, these non-traditional locations are distinct for their small size (in terms of pyeong the law dictates hagwons have to be over 100-pyeong). Imagine a one classroom hagwon located inside an 18-pyeong one-room officetel apartment and you get the idea.

Although lacking the sheer diversity of the Seoul food scene, Korea’s second city nevertheless packs a few punches of its own. In this southern city of mountains, sand and seafood, can be found some of the best eating experiences Korea has to offer. So, whether you’re a jaded Seoul-sider looking to escape the summer heat of the city for Busan’s marginally cooler climes, or a local hungry for something a bit different, follow my tips to find out what’s cooking and where with my five Busan food adventures. (more…)

RokDrop features Colonel Young-Oak Kim, who is getting a school named after him. If you haven’t heard of his exploits during WWII and the Korean War,

Born in Los Angeles, Colonel Kim was a second-generation Korean-American widely remembered for his wartime heroics. He was awarded medals from France, Italy, Korea and the U.S. for courageous and exemplary achievements. Following his discharge from the Army, Kim devoted the rest of his life to charity work, helping war orphans and young people. Dying at the age of 86 in 2006, he is one of the most admired figures in the history of Korean immigration to the U.S. [Chosun]

If you haven’t seen Jang Ki Ha & The Faces live recently, then here’s a treat! A bohemian voice of a generation of hip & underemployed, his folksy rock songs about the quarterlife are catching fire:

[Youtube]

Roboseyo pointed out this video about over-zealous packaging of chocolates. It’s like the chocolates are an afterthought.

[HT to Roboseyo]

Kim Jong-nam, the pudgy eldest son of dictator Kim Jong-il, has been in the news lately for being passed over for the role of next dear leader of North Korea.

A Japanese television reporter caught up with him strolling on the streets of China. They asked him about his “braza,” which, of course, refers to his brother Kim Jong-un, and Jong-nam replied in European-accented English, “[Dad] likes him.” (video of interview inside…)

That was President Obama talking tougher on North Korea over the weekend, firming up his stance against the totalitarian regime’s own provocative actions over the past two weeks. (more…)

The pop dance troupe Pussycat Dolls were in town for the first time on Saturday, appearing at Olympic Park in Southern Seoul. [Korea Times]

[source: Youtube]

Evidently tired of being picked out easily by authorities (warning: extreme tatoo’age) and of the brutish stereotype portrayed in pop culture, the criminal underworld has begun an “image-is-everything” makeover. Seoul Metropolitan Police have rounded up one such organized crime group operating in Itaewon which has been selecting its members using strict appearance-based standards. They evaluated for such factors as good looks, tall height, and unblemished skin. This is a departure from the past when new candidates only needed to be good with a stick and actually be really, really tough. Now, in an effort to be all Disney, they’re basically looking for Super Junior with the ability to be trained. (read more…)

[Life imitating art? 상사부일체]