English kindergartens, like Edible Village in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, are popping up all over the country, luring Korean parents with the promise that their kids will “naturally” pick up the foreign language. [PARK SANG-MOON]

[WHY] Why are English kindergartens on the rise as the birthrate declines?

At English kindergartens, children have to converse with their foreign teachers only in English, creating an exotic learning environment for which Korean parents don’t hesitate to pay more than triple the amount they would for ordinary kindergartens.

K-pop
Jimin of BTS shows his true colors in first solo album 'Face'

Jimin from boy band BTS showed his true "Face" through his first solo album, which carries both a bit of the expected along with some of the unexpected. “The album was a new challenge for me in every ...

Jimin from boy band BTS introduces his first solo album ″Face″ [BIGHIT MUSIC]
K-pop
[FanTalk] Girl group XG's multicultural concept is one not seen before

Seven Japanese members, trained and based in Korea, singing in English. Girl group XG has been turning heads with this never-before-seen concept. The group — consisting of members Jurin, Chisa, Cocona, Hinata, Maya, Juria, Harvey — debuted in ...

XG sat down for an interview with the Korea JoongAng Daily to discuss their dreams of international stardom and answer questions from its fandom Alphaz. [LEE JI-MIN]

Movies

Motherly love and killer instincts combine in new Netflix film 'Kill Boksoon'

A scene from ″Kill Boksoon″ [NETFLIX]

K-pop

Gratitude keeps Ateez grounded after world tour, Paris fashion week appearance

Ateez poses during an interview on March 22 in southern Seoul's Gangnam District. [KQ ENTERTAINMENT]

Food & Travel

Springtime blooms set for earlier-than-expected arrival

Cherry blossoms are flowering in Jeju in early March [NEWS1]

K-pop

Twice adds six more dates to fifth world tour 'Ready to Be'

Additional dates have been announced for girl group Twice's fifth world tour [JYP ENTERTAINMENT]

Talk of the Town

Blackpink to perform at Stade de France on July 15

Girl group Blackpink's tour poster announcing an encore concert in Paris [YG ENTERTAINMENT]

Industry

Samsung Display fails to reach agreement on pay, hours with labor union

A member of Samsung Display's trade union rallies in front of the company's plant in Asan, South Chungcheong, in May 2021 after a wage negotiation failed. [NEWS1]

Industry

Lotte looks to future with new identity and new leaders

Lotte Chairman Shin Dong-bin escorts LVMH Chairman Bernard Arnault at Lotte Department Store's Jamsil branch in southern Seoul on Monday. [NEWS1]

Football

Korea blow two-goal lead in 2-2 draw with Colombia

Son Heung-min takes a free kick during Korea's friendly with Colombia at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan on Friday. [YONHAP]

Figure skating

Lee Hae-in takes silver at World Figure Skating Championships

Lee Hae-in performs during the women's free skate at the World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, Japan on Friday. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

Golf

Asian challenge ends in group stage at WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play

Im Sung-jae exchanges clubs with his caddie on the second hole during day three of the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play at Austin Country Club on Friday in Austin, Texas. [GETTY IMAGES]

Opinion