#but this entire problem is on STEROIDS in south korea

[eddis-not-eeddis]

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[nozunhinged]

Love In The Big City reviews are raging everywhere - now what?

Or: why I think a 8.7 rating on MDL won't help anyone

If you're less of a reading person and prefer watching/listening, I made a post with various videos that are easily digestable.

disclaimer: this post is mainly an expression of my frustration over this crushing feeling of helplessness and the general fucked up political climate all over the world but also about how I truly believe that the most important thing is to think critical and never stop learning. Also I'm not south korean, but spent the majority of my academic studies on the topic of the post-imperial developments of Japan and Korea. And because I'm fundamentally tired of academia I will not proofread this for grammatical errors sorry - this is mainly a stream of consciousness.

Let's get this party started.

Because this is such a deep rooted issue, we need to do a teeny tiny, very brief excurse into korean history to properly explain my thoughts.

South Korea is a very young country

Before the republic of south korea we know today, Korea (North included) was ruled by one of the longest standing empires, the Joseon dynasty. The South Korea we know today is one of the youngest developed countries in modern history, first (brutally) colonialized by Japan and then taken over by the US.

The official end of the Joseon dynasty was in 1910. Thats a little bit over a hundred years ago, which is nothing if you think about how the Industrial Revolution was only 250 years ago and Korea has already overtaken many, many benchmarks the west set in the beginning in only less than half the time. The official founding of South Korea was even later, in 1948.

But that's only one important part about Joseon - this dynasty was also one of the most peaceful and stable empires as well. And how was that achieved? Well, confucianism and its very rigid patriarchal structures.

Joseon lasted over 500 years.

South Korea is only about 80 years old.

Their economic rise only took about 50 years.

Please remember those numbers for the next chapter.

I like to call it "The Patriarchy on Steroids"

Why am I throwing all those numbers around? Well first of all I suck at keeping it short but most importantly, I want to highlight how a country was turned upside down within the mere timeline of a few generations.

The South Koreans who spent their childhood in the Joseon empire, were teens during Japans brutal annexation, were adults when Samsung Electronics was founded and grew old with the first financial cracks of the democratic reforms, they raised the generations we have today. Let that sink in for a moment.

Central part of Confucianism is "Samjongjido", the expected devotion of the woman to her father first, then her husband and later her son(s), which exists in various forms in every asian country that was influenced by Confucianism. Essentially, women were expected to be nothing more than caretakers while the men were left with the "big pants" stuff.

Those structures can't be erased overnight.

But the bigger problem is when capitalism and "western culture" comes into play. In my opinion, it's a very deadly mix and there are countless examples of this.

You see all those "funny" conflicts in K-Drama and wonder "why is she expected to stop working after marriage", "why do they care so much about the family status of their spouse", well, that's how it worked for many, many generations prior.

The 4B-Movement (not dating men, not getting married, not having sex with men, not have children) is not just a dumb little feminist movement happening online, it's a literal, very real threat to South Koreas entire economy. It's not just a protest, women have literally given up on fighting these steroid patriachy structures that were only reinforced even more by capitalism.

And do you know what South Koreas solution to that problem is? Backing a right wing-conservative president who wants to get rid of any progress of equality politicians made in the last decades.

I repeat: You cannot erase 500 years of Confucian Patriarchy overnight. There's a reason so many historic k-dramas exist (sorry).

Fun fact: South Koreas economic rise made child mortality decline by almost 60% in only 18 years only to now have the lowest birthrate in the whole world of 0,7 children per 100 women.

Well done men, well done.

So what the heck does that have to do with that one gay show?!

Well, the backlash about LITBC shouldn't have come as a surprise. This show - openly and unapologetically queer - is attacking everything the steroid patriarchy in Korea represents. It hits exactly where it hurts the most. It's authentic, it depicts men not fucking women but other multiple men without the goal of having kids but oh - without just any goal that contributes to The Prosperity Of The Republic Of Korea. /s

The BL shows we got from Korea so far were all pretty tame and probably "tolerated" like the filthy smut that is BL manwha. That's easy to ignore and hide behind dark curtains, but a show that is distributed internationally with a famous actor in it??? That's going too far! /s

The most important point I want to make is that we need to think about the big difference between a countries culture and the economic interests they export. We all heard of the word "soft power".

But we often forget that what we see as international audiences is what they want us to see. We can't read Hangul, we don't speak Korean, so every translated article will always be lost in translation and not transport important nuances that make a culture their own.

K-Pop was made palpable for international audiences, as well as K-Drama and also - ultimately - Korean BL. Of course all of them play a big role in Korea as well, but what we get to see is only exported because it is made suitable for international audiences.

And I don't mean to diminish the work all the companies, writers, producers and actors put into these shows - they are all part of an important change that is absolutely necessary. But that's not the point here.

Big platforms like Viki, IQIYI, Gaga - they're not Korean, they're platforms from various asian countries with the goal of exporting media to international audiences. Shows are produced with that goal in mind. If it wasn't, none of the shows you can watch would be available without a VPN. They want to cater to international markets, that is literally their business model.

And they all know their domestic markets as well, which is why IQIYI is regularly pulling chinese BL - they can live very comfortably without the numbers from other countries but they definitely cannot ignore their domestic political climate.

And the same goes for LITBC. And many, many countless other examples like the one k-pop boy who was forced to leave his group due to massive backlash inside south korea.

And now what, smartass?

Like I said in the beginning - never stop learning. Start by reading Korean history 101 (or watch all the videos I compiled here). Learn and tell others about the horrible things happening - especially to women - in south korea. Unfortunately it's not all just fun and comfort shows/music. The 4B-Movement is still standing firm thanks to more and more education on it. (sorry not sorry men, get your fucking shit together)

Try to understand where the protesters are coming from, that's the only way to find a middle ground. But as long as the political climate in korea is getting worse and not better, hyping the show with huge numbers and raving ratings will not only have positive effects. It even has the potential to make it worse for south korean women and queer people as its success will only result in even more hardened fronts.

But at the end of the day, we have nothing to do with South Korean politics. We should also all be a little more humble, respect differences and not put our views on opinions on issues that we have nothing to do with. All we can do to help - again - is to never stop learning and never getting rid of your critical lens.

[pearl-diiver]

things kpop fans need to realise (dont send hate, i listen to kpop)

1) black kpop stans rlly need to realise their faves are probably racist at worst and never going to date a black person at best. have some self respect pls.

2) boy groups are probably mostly misogynistic and homophobic - they're just men, also spending ur entire time around other men and being worshipped by thousands of woman is going to lead to some issues

3) that is not their real personality - tbh they're either massively depressed or have a massive ego and superiority complex

4) theyre never going to date fans

5) shipping real ppl is gross and problematic

6) they're allowed to have private lives - the current culture of wanting to know everything about them is toxic, and for the love of god normalise dating

7) south korea is not a fairytale wonderland of cute boys and girls - its a normal country with problems like any other (e.g. racism, xenophobia, homophobia, misogyny, poor worker's rights)

8) the kpop industry is capitalism on steroids. it's soulless and manufactured. everything you see is fake. pls dont illusion yourself

9) lots of ur faves were chosen mostly for their looks. imagine all the talent that gets lost because a person wasn't deemed the beauty standard. the idea of having 'visuals' in groups is gross

10) most idol rappers (or korean rappers in general) are complete shit and have nothing on western artists. they take black culture, twist it into some of the worst and most cringe rap ive ever heard, are blatantly racist, and get praised for it

[forsetti]

On The Power of Language: Normalizing White Supremacists

Language is the basis by which humans develop concepts and beliefs.  There is an entire field of study and industry built on this-marketing. Media outlets and political groups spend billions of dollars hoping to capture the right language to persuade people.  Yet, many people seem completely oblivious to the power of language.  Maybe this is why advertising is so effective.

One person who really understood the power of language was George Carlin. On his “Explicit Lyrics” album (yes, I'm old enough to remember and know what an album is,) Carlin talked about how changing how we describe things, changes how we view them: I don't like words that hide the truth. I don't words that conceal reality. I don't like euphemisms, or euphemistic language. And American English is loaded with euphemisms. Cause Americans have a lot of trouble dealing with reality. Americans have trouble facing the truth, so they invent the kind of a soft language to protest themselves from it, and it gets worse with every generation. For some reason, it just keeps getting worse. I'll give you an example of that. There's a condition in combat. Most people know about it. It's when a fighting person's nervous system has been stressed to it's absolute peak and maximum. Can't take anymore input. The nervous system has either (click) snapped or is about to snap. In the first world war, that condition was called shell shock. Simple, honest, direct language. Two syllables, shell shock. Almost sounds like the guns themselves. That was seventy years ago. Then a whole generation went by and the second world war came along and very same combat condition was called battle fatigue. Four syllables now. Takes a little longer to say. Doesn't seem to hurt as much. Fatigue is a nicer word than shock. Shell shock! Battle fatigue. Then we had the war in Korea, 1950. Madison avenue was riding high by that time, and the very same combat condition was called operational exhaustion. Hey, were up to eight syllables now! And the humanity has been squeezed completely out of the phrase. It's totally sterile now. Operational exhaustion. Sounds like something that might happen to your car. Then of course, came the war in Viet Nam, which has only been over for about sixteen or seventeen years, and thanks to the lies and deceits surrounding that war, I guess it's no surprise that the very same condition was called post-traumatic stress disorder. Still eight syllables, but we've added a hyphen! And the pain is completely buried under jargon. Post-traumatic stress disorder. I'll bet you if we'd of still been calling it shell shock, some of those Viet Nam veterans might have gotten the attention they needed at the time.

Conservatives are really good at describing things in ways that hide reality: “Clean Air Act,” “Death Tax,”... they know if they label something a certain way and say it enough, they can alter how the issue is viewed.  They can alter beliefs.  They can turn “shell-shocked” into “post-traumatic distress order.”  FOX News' model is based entirely on this principle and it has helped create a large swath of Americans who believe complete bullshit.

Yet, knowing all this, many people, including progressives, seem unable, unwilling to see how white supremacists are being normalized by many media outlets.  Everyone from Milo to Steve Bannon, Stephen Miller, and the white supremacist next door have been described as something other than what they really are.  They are “provocateurs,” “clean-cut,” “well-dressed, “thought-provoking,”...  No, they aren't!  They are fucking white supremacists and dangerous. Every time these people are described in terms other than racist, bigoted, danger fucks it helps alter reality.

This alteration is done on purpose because for reasons that aren't too difficult to understand, white Americans have always had a hard time grasping and being willing to identify some of their fellow white Americans as deeply horrible people, as racists.  The racists know this and use it to their advantage.  The Lost Cause which allowed the South to completely rewrite their racist history and beliefs which led to their treasonous actions was effective because the rest of white America was more than willing to believe their white Christian brothers and sisters weren't really bad people, evidence to the contrary be damned.

When the Ku Klux Klan came to power in the South and rained terror, death, and destruction on blacks, they were portrayed as “good Christian men,” “pillars of the community,” “good, caring neighbors,”...  These descriptions allowed them to hide their real nature-brutal racists.  

Now we have people in seats of power and influence who believe the same underlying things that led to the Confederacy and the Klan and a lot of white America are falling back on their go-to position of not describing them for who and what they really are.  Every article written about “Joe Nazi” who lives down the street, has a job he's worried about, is married, loves his kids, is concerned for their future... is nothing more than reality Get Out Of Jail Free Card.

Calling someone a horrible person, a bigot, a racist, is never an easy thing to do.  It is more difficult if you are made to feel they are like you.  Just like it is difficult to call your racist grandpa or mom a racist because the relationship you have with them is personal, normalizing white supremacists makes calling them out harder.  If “Joe Nazi” is a lot like you, then you begin to relate, sympathize with him.  If Confederates are “good Christians,” like you, it is easier to relate and sympathize with them.  If the Klan are “outstanding members of the community,” it is easier to relate and sympathize with them.  This is exactly how language works. How we describe things has a direct impact on what we think about them.  Language forms beliefs.  

If an article about “Joe Nazi” spends the majority of the time “normalizing” him and adds a few words at the end about his toxic ideology, what do you think sticks?  There is a reason why drug commercials highlight all the positive aspects upfront and quickly gloss over all the negative side effects.  By addressing the positives first, it forms an initial impression that becomes “reality” that isn't likely to be undone by something negative later.  Every salesperson knows this.  Yet, white America seems unable/unwilling to recognize this is what is going on when it comes to white supremacy even after centuries of evidence to the contrary.

An article about “Joe Nazi” should start with his dangerous ideology, his likely domestic violence history, how he tortured animals in the neighborhood when he was younger, and maybe end with he reads “Goodnight Moon” to his daughter.  Any article or conversation about white supremacists should focus first and foremost on very abnormal beliefs, not their normal behaviors and traits.   These people are dangerous people who believe horrible things who also happen to be your next-door neighbor, school principal, pastor, etc.  They are not your next door neighbor school principal, pastor, etc. who happen to believe horrible things.  If you don't understand the difference between these two descriptions, you are part of the problem.

The first description starts from a premise of normalization and sympathizing.  The latter description starts from a premise of dangerous and disgust.  Under no circumstances should Nazis, white supremacists be viewed as anything but dangerous and with anything but disgust.  I don't care who they are, what job they do, what title they hold, how “loving” a parent/spouse they seem to be.  The toxic nature of white supremacy taints and poisons anything and everything else about someone.  Treating their supremacist beliefs as secondary is whitewashing (pun intended) who they really are.  

White supremacy isn't a peripheral believe or opinion.  It is a core belief that supports major chunks of the rest of a belief system.  It is also a belief that has serious consequences for other people.  In some ways, being a white supremacist is like being an anti-vaxxer. The beliefs you have and the decisions you make will have serious consequences for the whole of society.  Other people's well-being and lives are at risk because of it.  Of course, the big difference between the two beliefs is anti-vaxxers aren't responsible for a Civil War, lynchings, the Holocaust, etc.  

The greatest moral failure in American history was the breakdown of Reconstruction after the Civil War.  After the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans fighting for and against a moral cause where the moral side won, we allowed the losing side to reinvent themselves and continue their immoral behaviors under Jim Crow.  The main reason Reconstruction failed is because too many white Americans were unwilling to put the moral and political hammers down on their racist counterparts.  This failure was the cause behind Jim Crow, segregation, housing discrimination, etc.  It was the root cause behind Nixon's Southern Strategy.  It is the underlying cause behind school of choice and privatizing education.  It is the main force behind modern-day conservative ideology.

Even though there has been significant progress with regard to Civil Rights, the underlying beliefs of the Confederacy (white supremacy) are still alive and thriving in the minds of many white Americans. These alone need to, once and for all, be stamped out.  White supremacy all on its own is horrible and should be stamped out whenever it rears its ugly head.  Nazism is nothing more than white supremacy on evil steroids.  The Confederacy used white supremacy to own other people. Sure, they would beat them but they didn't want to kill them because that was losing an asset.  Nazis used white supremacy to commit mass murder of anyone on their “not like us” list-Jews, Gypsies, gays, the disabled...  

You don't normalize this under any circumstances.  At no point is it okay to say, “Sure Nilo wants to create a white-only state but he is an upstanding businessman who votes in every election and keeps his yard immaculate.”  No!!!  Nilo is a fucking Nazi whose beliefs are dangerous and not tolerated in a multi-cultural democracy.  His white supremacist views cancel out everything else about him that is “normal” in the same way a serial killer's views cancel out everything else they believe and do. “You know, Ted Bundy loved to kill young girls but boy could he put out a dynamite eight-course dinner.”  

If people talked this way about a serial killer, normal people's reaction would be, “What the fuck?!  Who cares about his culinary and hosting abilities?  He believes it is okay to murder people. Seriously, WHAT THE EVERLOVING FUCK?!!!”  Yet, the New York Times and other media outlets can publish puff pieces about Joe and his Nazi friends, the President of the United States can call torch-wielding Nazis “good people,” he can them in positions of power in his administration... and when those of us know how language is tied to beliefs point it out, many of our fellow white Americans look at us as if we are the problem.  Why?  Because white Americans are reluctant as hell to call other white Americans, “racist,” “bigot,” “Nazi,”...  It is easier to overlook reality and come up with reasons to not call them out for who they are than be honest.  It is easier to normalize them because the reality of who they truly might be too painful to admit.  It is easier to write articles normalizing the Nilos who live among us than it is to denounce them because not enough people want to be the ones who call out grandma's racists comments at the family gathering.  You know what?  Too bad.  Grandma's a fucking racist and we shouldn't want her spreading her toxic attitudes to the younger generations.

One argument I’ve heard from some progressives about why these articles about white supremacists are good is because it informs everyone these people live among us.  All anyone with two working neurons has to do is think about the conversations from Republicans during the last election and now and the fact they voted for a white supremacist to be president who put other white supremacists in positions of power around him.  If you need articles written to convince you people who believe and support horrible ideas live among you, you haven’t paid the slightest attention to the world around you for quite a long time and you probably need remedial classes in logic, civics, and psychology more than an article in the New York Times.

Language forms beliefs.  Nazis, white supremacists, racists, bigots... aren't “normal” people so we need to stop using language and writing articles that normalizes them in any way.  If the first words about these people are something like “horrible,” “dangerous,” “immoral,” “evil,”...then you’re doing it wrong.  To quote John McClane from “Die Hard.”-”If you aren’t part of the solution then you’re part of the problem.  Don’t be part of the fucking problem!”

[dipulb3]

What you need to know about coronavirus on Tuesday, June 23 | Foxton News

New Post has been published on https://appradab.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-coronavirus-on-tuesday-june-23-foxton-news-2/

What you need to know about coronavirus on Tuesday, June 23 | Foxton News

The 2 constructive assessments deliver the entire variety of Trump advance staff staffers in Tulsa who examined constructive for coronavirus to eight. After Trump completed talking, an individual accustomed to matter informed Appradab that two Secret Service brokers had additionally examined constructive for coronavirus.

In addition they present how the virus — now spiking in additional than half of states regardless of Trump’s insistence that the US has already “prevailed” within the battle — is having a disastrous affect on the “Nice American Comeback” narrative on the coronary heart of his reelection bid.

Removed from over, the pandemic is spreading at its quickest tempo but, infecting greater than 9 million individuals worldwide. And america is among the greatest international hotspots, the World Well being Group stated Monday, pushing again towards Trump’s declare that growing numbers have been resulting from extra testing. They don’t seem to be, the WHO stated, pointing to a simultaneous rise in hospitalizations.

The Tulsa rally is only one of many indicators that the administration is placing politics forward of science. The White Home coronavirus job power, which as soon as convened each day, has been relegated to the sidelines of the nationwide response. They usually’re not the one ones. Two dozen public health officials across the US have both resigned, retired or been fired. Most are leaving after receiving pushback from individuals who don’t love restrictions wanted to manage the pandemic, Lori Freeman, CEO of Nationwide Affiliation of Metropolis and County Well being Officers (NACCHO), informed Appradab.

In the present day, all eyes will likely be on Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s high infectious illness knowledgeable and a member of the White Home’s job power, as he testifies once more earlier than a Home committee on the administration’s response to the pandemic. There are more likely to be a number of questions on Trump’s rally and requests that his staff “decelerate testing.”

YOU ASKED. WE ANSWERED

Q: Is hand sanitizer as efficient as cleaning soap and water in killing coronavirus?

A: Sure — so long as you utilize the proper of sanitizer and use it appropriately. Hand sanitizers “have to have not less than 60% alcohol in them,” stated Dr. William Schaffner, professor of preventive medication and infectious illness at Vanderbilt College Faculty of Drugs. And do not simply put just a little dollop in your hand and smear it round rapidly. “You have to use sufficient and get it all around the surfaces,” Schaffner stated. “Rub it throughout your arms, between your fingers and on the again of your arms.” However it’s all the time higher to completely wash your arms, for those who’re in a position to. “Alcohol is fairly efficient at killing germs, however it does not wash away stuff,” stated Dr. John Williams, a virologist on the College of Pittsburgh Medical Middle Kids’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Send your questions here. Are you a well being care employee combating Covid-19? Message us on WhatsApp concerning the challenges you are going through: +1 347-322-0415.

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Trump quickly suspends job visas

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International locations hailed for Covid-19 response wrestle to include new outbreaks

South Korea, a lot hailed for its success in containing the virus, says that a “second wave” of infections is underway within the nation. A high illness management official says it started across the Could vacation interval, after the easing of social distancing guidelines and the reopening of colleges.

In the meantime, Germany — thought-about the gold customary for its Covid-19 response — is grappling with a mass outbreak at a meat manufacturing facility. The German state of North Rhine-Westphalia has reimposed a lockdown for the world in an try to include the cluster, which has been linked to a spike within the nation’s total coronavirus copy fee.

Saudi Arabia closes borders to Hajj attendees

Saudi Arabia will strictly restrict the quantity of people that can participate on this yr’s Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca due to the coronavirus, in keeping with state-run media.

As Covid-19 circumstances proceed to develop globally, and due to the dangers of coronavirus spreading in crowded areas and from different international locations, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that it could “happen this yr with a restricted variety of pilgrims from all nationalities residing in Saudi Arabia solely, who’re prepared to carry out Hajj.”

Combating two pandemics: Rape and Covid-19

Initially of every day, Dr. Anita Kemi DaSilva-Ibru and her staff placed on gloves, facemasks and different private protecting gear to see their sufferers.

They don’t seem to be treating individuals for Covid-19, however they’re on the frontline of the pandemic, working on the Girls at Danger Worldwide Basis (WARIF), a rape disaster middle in Lagos, Nigeria.

Earlier this month, Nigeria declared a state of emergency on rape following a spate of sexual violence towards ladies — it is a scenario that has solely gotten worse as ladies have been pressured into quarantine with their abusers.

WHO urges enhance in manufacturing of dexamethasone

Worldwide demand for the steroid drug dexamethasone has surged since a UK-based research final week discovered that it might assist scale back the chance of dying amongst hospitalized Covid-19 sufferers requiring air flow or oxygen, in keeping with the World Well being Group.

“The following problem is to extend manufacturing and quickly and equitably distribute dexamethasone worldwide, specializing in the place it’s wanted most,” WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated Monday.

These 9 hand sanitizers could include a probably deadly ingredient

The US Meals and Drug Administration is advising shoppers to not use hand sanitizer merchandise manufactured by Eskbiochem SA because of the potential presence of a poisonous chemical.

The FDA has found methanol, a substance that may be poisonous when absorbed by way of pores and skin or ingested, in samples of Lavar Gel and CleanCare No Germ hand sanitizers, each produced by the Mexican firm. You could find a list of all nine hand sanitizers the FDA recommends avoiding here.

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Ballrooms turned disinfecting zones, and room service was swapped for meal bins. How luxury hotels from the 4 Seasons to Claridge’s swapped vacationers for medical employees.

A whole lot of devotees are anticipated to take part in considered one of India’s most celebrated religious processions in the present day, regardless of a significant spike in circumstances.

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Coronavirus is not simply infecting younger individuals. It is killing younger, wholesome individuals as nicely. However many mother and father are discovering it laborious to get teenagers to take the virus significantly. If they will not hearken to you, possibly they will hearken to Dimitri Mitchell, 18, who was hospitalized with Covid-19.

“I simply need to ensure that everyone is aware of that it doesn’t matter what their age is, it could possibly significantly have an effect on them. And it could possibly significantly mess them up, prefer it messed me up,” the Iowa teen stated. “4 days in, the actually unhealthy signs began coming alongside. I began having actually unhealthy outbreaks, like sweating, and my eyes have been actually watery. I used to be getting hotter and hotter, and I used to be tremendous fatigued. … I’d begin experiencing the worst complications I’ve ever felt in my life. They have been completely horrible.”

Mitchell is recovering, however nonetheless had a cough virtually a month later. “It is an actual downside, and I need everyone to verify they’re following social distancing tips and the group limits. And simply hearken to all the foundations and precautions and keep updated with the information and ensure they’re knowledgeable.”

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[koreaboundfan]

Busan

So I had to just go to Busan. I have seen dramas filmed in and about Busan and it was on my bucket list. I am really glad I went this whole weekend! It was a bit of an ordeal for comfortable Americans, like myself, to have to manage all the buses, trains, walking, etc. I walked to my bus stop 1132 and took that to Taereung where I caught Line 6 just for one stop to Seokgye, got off and walked a lot to Line 1 and took that to Seoul station. That’s were I walked a lot more and got to the KTX station up on top and bought my ticket to Busan. I walked to the gates where everyone who was waiting was sitting on these pretty bleachers to see what gate their train would be at. Just fyi - it only shows the gates to go to for trains departing about 30-40 minutes into the future. Ten minutes of waiting I see gate 8 and its a mad dash down two flights of stairs. The seats were luxurious and comfy. I was able to have free internet for most of the ride as provided by KTX as long as we weren’t in a tunnel. 

South Korea is full of hills, small mountains, and deep green trees and bushes. I guess I was really amazed at all the beautiful forestation and mountains with full cities in the valleys. I highly recommend you take the train south at least once to see it. I can only imagine what it looks like in the fall! 

Getting off the KTX train was an adventure as you had to go out the main doors and down about 4 flights of stairs to get to the metro lines. There I was a bit confused as route 1004 was actually train 7. Thanks to two beautiful young Korean ladies who walked up to me and asked if I needed help, I made it to the right train. Then off the train and about 4 blocks of walking I was about where I needed to be. Thanks to public internet, I could use my map with great accuracy to find my hotel down this alley type street. In SK, there are stores, restaurants, you name it, tucked away on literally every nook and cranny of street space. Basically there is no ‘backdoor; or backside to a store. There are TWO stores for every single building, unless it’s a rich store who owns both the front and the back. :) 

After checking into my hotel with the owner and her cute 12 year old daughter, I was shown the Korean way of using your key. It goes into a slot in your mini hallway to turn on all your room electricity. When you leave with the key, everything goes off to save the bill. Next are the slippers you have to use as you are not allowed to use street shoes in any home or hotel room. I then had to use the bathroom so bad after all the train/bus riding and walking. This is where I saw and used my first real Korean shower.  See, this country does not have bathtubs, only showers with no shower curtain and a drain in the center. You can take a shower, brush your teeth in the sink all while soaping up! For those reading who have watched the K-dramas, or dramas from China or Thailand, will know exactly what I am talking about. I will post pics later in my blog so be sure to look for those! 

With wet hair I walked back a few blocks to ‘The Hyundai” department store where I was told they had everything and a food court. Well, it’s like a Korean Macy’s just full of helpful people giving you cups of tea, little cookies and trying to get you to buy some expensive item. Thanks to google translate I was able to determine that they did not sell any type of hair products for covering the roots of your hair. I did manage to  get suckered into buying ‘White Musk’ violet version that older and quite attractive, Gong Yoo endorsed. It smells delicious, and like Korea on the trains - cute Korean women dressed to the 9′s, and smelling good. 

Desperate for a root touch up, I walked into a salon two doors from my hotel. Again Papago translator to the rescue and we determined that Korea does not sell this product. So with that I thank the Chinese government for tossing out my can of gray root cover up and decided to let these nice folks give me a $40 hair dye cover-up. Wow! They matched my hair color exactly, shampooed my hair (even though I just did it lol), got a head massage, water/tea and little dumpling, and good conversation with the family.  They stayed open late just for me to get this done too. They wouldn’t take a tip, which is just like Korea - no tips for anything. 

Dinner, heck I hadn’t had lunch either! So I walked again, about 3 blocks across from the big street and found this chicken place. I had the famous chicken and beer thing everyone says you have to have here. It was good and I was given a fork and tongs to pull the meat off the bone. There will be none of this eating with your fingers here! There is a little bucket already lined with a bag for your bones along with a pack of wet wipes on the table. I had half regular and half of the soy sauce wings and lost my sense of all flavor. Soy sauce crunchy fried chicken is the bomb - they know how to do this chicken thing RIGHT! Served with cut small radishes, along with Korean mustard and more sauce. I went ahead and asked for the famous Korean beer - at only .50 cents why not? It was good, and a perfect match to the chicken.  I was happy sitting alone but the 5 Korean college kids invited me to their table saying “no one should be alone”. They were nice, one kid had applied to SM and was hoping to be an idol even though he was 19. He sang a bit for us and his friends gave him a hard time.  I had been secretly enjoying their banter and laughter from my table. One student had a contagious laugh that was just awesome. I thanked them for their company and walked back to my motel even though they insisted on walking me. 

I was asked to coffee in the morning from a language friend here in Busan. I said yes and agreed to 9:30am since he was teaching the junior high kids at church. On Sunday morning he calls me and said he was already out front 30 minutes early! Way to panic a tired American who probably shouldn’t have drank beer the night before since I’m not a regular alcohol consumer. The coffee and company was nice even though my new friend had to leave and apologized for not be able to show me around Busan. 

I said goodbye and went back into my hotel to grab a bite of breakfast. I gave the rest of my wings to the other owner, who gratefully accepted them for his lunch. I just didn’t want to walk around all day with the chicken and have to pitch it later from the warmth of my backpack. Breakfast was good but the best was being able to try on the Hanbok, traditional Korean clothes, and get a picture. 

I walked in and out of shops, not actually finding what I wanted so I decided it was time to catch a bus to the beach. Gwangali Beach was beautiful, 75 degrees and a little cloudy with a generous breeze! After all the previous sweating and melting, it was a welcomed relief for this lady. I spent about 45 minutes down at the beach and then started to walk around the shops. I found BBQ - the chicken place endorsed by BTS for the crispy friend chicken with pure coconut in the breading. I asked for a half order and waited for this chicken, sitting at a side table watching all the people walking to the beach. 

The chicken arrived, same utensils as the previous night. looking just like the picture on the door and the menu. I was in love at first bite! IT was just as crunchy as the commercials and had a little spice to it that I cannot identify. All I know is that it was good and I sat there talking briefly to the husband and wife who owned this restaurant. Both in their 60′s, the husband delivers food on his scooter. The wife knew she had an internet order for delivery by the bell that rang. I watched as she would get up and go check the order and start cooking a new order. Oh Korean chicken I love you and will miss you so much when I have to leave. 

Next I walked around at the shops but still did not find what I wanted to get for my kiddos. So, it was time to go get on a long bus ride to Seomyeon, the shopping district. I managed to get dropped on the opposite side of Lotte, the largest store and mall in Busan. Problem is how to get across the street as their were no walkways across this 6 lane main street. I decided to try the train station entrance since there was also on the other side. Guess what?  The entire train station below was crammed with underground shops! Such a steady stream of shoppers and commuters that you could barely make it across the way. I finally made it to the Lotte entrance and entered. Immediately I could tell this was a huge store - larger than the Hyundai Store. I would compare it to Von Maur on crack. I went up and explored all 6 floors and yet not one Kpop item anywhere to be found. I did find something called the ‘Main Event’ area where people were clamoring for items just put out at 60-90% off regular price. I watched as people bent over and squeezed in between other shoppers in a display that resembled a Blue Light Special back in the days of K-Mart. Only this was like a BLS on steroids selling Cabbage Patch Dolls for $5 instead of $35 like they were back in the day, lol. There were equal amounts of men and women fighting for the items and I was entertained just watching it all. What really amazed me were the male salesmen in the cosmetic area. One they were dressed better than me, second the smelled better than me, and third their makeup was flawless. Men both old and teenagers were all over the counters looking at moisturizer with sunblock in it, foundation to cover imperfections, and tinted lip gloss with yet more sunblock in it. Let’s face it, Korean men take good care of themselves physically and mentally. They are good with their masculinity, and were skin products to protect their skin. Why is skin care only limited to women in the rest of the world? ?Just why? Spiritually, more Korean men attend church than American men per percentage of population. So for the guys back home who want to call these guys ‘feminine’ or ‘gay; - it won’t bother these Korean men at all. They are very secure in their lives, are healthy, take care of their bodies in and out, and wear pink teddy bears embroidered on their $200 shirts. They also have a flock of women following after them as well...

Well, after the fiasco of shopping frenzied budget minded folks I was ready to get closer to the station while also window shopping along the way. I finally made it to buy my ticket back to Seoul and almost didn’t make it back in time! Seats were selling fast on all trains but this lady managed to get my economy class at 1825. That was over an hour later than what I wanted but it was better than being stuck in the station until 2100. Time for a coffee, get on free KTX internet, and write down my train and bus routes just in case I wouldn’t have internet later on when I ‘needed it’. i watched people come and go, talk, hug, laugh, run, and chat along during that hour wait. I already knew this but I have to say it again, “People are people”. They love, cry, say goodbye, give giant hugs when they see their loved ones, get married, hubbies all carry tiny babies on the trains, women rub their pregnant tummies while their husbands protectively walk besides them. What I did notice too is that Korean couples are just plain cute. The men are protective over their women, not like they are going to be robbed protective, no it’s more like caring protective? They open doors for older women, those with bags in their hands, carry the babies, ask if their girlfriend or wife is “okay” as they walk long ways, and just seem more attentive to others feelings. Maybe because this is a culture where others are supposed to be thought of first versus yourself. You see this on the buses and trains here in Korea. They have special seats for pregnant women, elderly, or handicapped. You can sit in those seats as long as their isn’t a need. I watched over the last two weeks the same scene play out over and over again - a younger person, including myself, would get up and offer their seat to a grandma/grandpa or obvious person who was not feeling well. It’s automatic, not a second thought to it, they just offered their seat immediately. Many times the elderly men would try to offer me a seat and I would nicely say “no”. The two times I did take a seat I gave it up the second a women older than me got on board. Respect for the elderly and those older than you - it’s built in, it’s taught from birth, it’s a good thing, it works and it’s amazing to witness. 

Off my soapbox of Korean societal praises, don’t worry I’ll be back later lol. Long walk to line 1 to catch my train in reverse back to Taereung. Two stops away the conductor tells us all to get off because of a problem. No worries, the trains run every 6 minutes and bam, there was another train and back on schedule. Off perfectly and walked to the correct side of the station to be on the correct side of the street. Buses actually follow the flow of traffic for their routes - go figure. Only 3 stops and I was off and walking the few blocks back to the university and to my dorm building. First thing I noticed once coming outside for the bus ride? Humidity had returned to Seoul while I was gone - welcome back sweating lol. A nice shower and a made bed waiting for me. Maybe tomorrow I can get a ton more pictures uploaded for ya all. Night! 

[beedujourblog]

The cosmetics industry in South Korea is serious business and the Korean beauty market has surpassed its other neighbouring competitors in Asia. In fact, its global presence is growing stronger. There are many brands in Korea, in fact too many to list in one blog post, that are with visiting and stocking up your beauty counter with. I will give you my short list of the best brands and my favourite products from them!

Etude House

Etude House has one of the most amazing and cutest interior designs for all their stores. The theme is always pink, and the make-up is displayed like a princess’s dressing room. They sell cosmetics and other beauty products under their brand. The packaging is also really cool and the products all have fun quippy names such as “Eyes’ Cream” which was a foundation stick for dark circles under the eyes in an ice-cream cone package.

My favourite product is the Dolly Eyes 3-Step Volumcara mascara. This mascara can add volume and density by simply rotating the bottle to add more.

The Face Shop

The face shop is one of my personal favourites. I love their products, and the prices range from KRW12, 000 to KRW40, 000 (R150-R500) depending on the product. They specialise in beauty products and cosmetics for the face, and their products are ideal for those with sensitive skin.

My favourite product here is there foundation powders. They are amazingly light, made for sensitive skin and always infused with a high SPF. Only downside is that it only comes in 3 skin tones. The Gold collagen foundation series is the best and one of its best sellers.

The lipsticks are just as good. I also saw that this brand is sold in South Africa! I couldn’t find an official site for more info, but it’s supposedly in Johannesburg!

Olive Young

I love Olive Young. It’s like a Clicks/Boots store on steroids. I have a membership card there as well to reap the cool benefits from my purchases. Olive Young is Korea’s answer to Watsons, they sell snacks, beauty accessories and products and cosmetics from a variety of brands at good prices. They also sell my favourite Korean skin care brand Dr. Jart.

They sell a variety of international brands here too from L’oreal to Maybelline and other fun brands from Japan.

Skin Food

Skin Foods’ products range for the entire body. While they offer a wide variety of all cosmetics, I like their eyelash glue and make-up cleansing products

Innesfree

Innesfree focuses on natural products using ingredients from vegetables, fruit and even local mud. They package and sell beauty products that emphasise the ingredients and it’s distinctive qualities properties . The bigger stores are always covered on big green exteriors covered in leaves. Their prices are good and you can expect products that are friendly for all skin types.

Their foundation sticks are pretty good, and convenient to have in your bag at all times.

  Dr. Jart

Dr. Jart’s products are amazing and you can find the products sold at Olive Young or Watsons in Korea. They have a strong focus on creating real dermatological products for skin problems. They are not a make-up brand, but rather a skin care brand that has an amazing range of products to keep your skin looking and feeling good for all seasons. My favourite product is Every Sun Day SPF 50, which is a non-greasy cream for putting on under your make-up. This is great especially in a humid climate.

While Dr. Jart is not cheap, their products are good value and I feel it’s always best to put in a bit more for the maintenance of your skin.

  The Beauty Boom

The brands mentioned here are but a few, to give a full list who probably take 5 different posts in total. In Myeongdong, Seoul city’s busiest and main shopping district, you will find promotion girls standing in the street outside the stores urging customers to come in and get free goods with various purchases. The stores are almost always packed daily. Even outside Myeongdong, make-up stores are always busy. One of the main contributors is Korea’s location strategy in placing numerous chains within an area.

Right now the beauty industry is an overwhelming one in South Korea and continues to grow exponentially every year. Plastic surgery holidays and medical tours are a hot trend right now which in turn complements every aspect of this industry.

I think another contributing factor to Korean beauty being such a global trend is the support Korean brands get from Koreans themselves. Locals swear by their products and local ingredients to maintain perfect skin and hair and many prefer locally made beauty product from Korea as opposed to international brands. I know many friends who simple save up every week to hit the beauty shops to buy the latest product after work!

Overall, it’s def worth checking out if you plan a visit to ROK no matter what your budget is!

Bee

My 5 Best Beauty Brands from Korea #beautyblogger #beauty #fashion #trend #makeup #southkorea The cosmetics industry in South Korea is serious business and the Korean beauty market has surpassed its other neighbouring competitors in Asia.