The K-pop DNA
K-pop is no longer just ‘Korean’ pop, but a global phenomenon reaching millions of fans worldwide. Here’s the story of a BTS fan from Malaysia.
Business
Ediya Coffee: South Korea’s Answer to Starbucks?
South Korea has a hyper-competitive coffee market. Amidst the fierce competition, Ediya Coffee has triumphed across various metrics. It was evaluated as the most profitable coffee franchise in South Korea, with the most number of stores across the nation. It's an anti-Starbucks, in a way.
A Primer: Online Shopping for English-speakers in S. Korea
Looking for rare ingredients? A wider selection of cat food? Or just too lazy to walk out of your apartment? South Korea is a haven for online shoppers, but not always for its foreign residents. There are big hurdles, but e-commerce platforms like Gmarket are trying to improve.
Interview: You Jung-eun, Creator of Meditation App Mabo
Meet You Jung-un, creator of popular South Korean meditation app Mabo. Are smartphones set to make meditation popular again in Asia, its original birthplace?
Netmarble Launches First Mobile MMO Game ‘Iron Throne’
By launching mobile MMO creation Iron Throne, leading South Korean game publisher Netmarble look to conquer new global markets.
From Love Motel To Boutique Hotel, Adultery To Pajama Party
Accommodation booking platforms are transforming the motel landscape in S. Korea, dispelling their taboo and creating a new genre of boutique fusion hotels.
South Korean Crypto Exchange Coinone Eyes Indonesian Expansion
Amid regulatory uncertainty at home and high growth potential overseas, South Korean cryptocurrency exchange Coinone announces its expansion into Indonesia.
Interview: Lim Jung-wook, Startup Alliance
South Korean startup guru Lim Jung-wook of Startup Alliance tells KÉ Business about the latest trends on the local startup scene.
KÉ Interview: Bookoob, the Book Sharing Service that Delivers
Can there be an even more democratic form of book sharing than the public library? Chang Woong, founder of book sharing startup Bookoob, believes the answer is yes.
South Korea’s Fine Dust Financiers
As South Koreans grow increasingly fed up with the country's fine dust air pollution, campaigners are turning on major banks in a bid to stop them financing new coal-fired power plants.
Jeju: Museum Heaven or Tax Haven?
Ever wondered why Jeju Island, South Korea's quintessential tourist destination, has so many seemingly-random private museums? Apparently it's all about the tax breaks.
Hyundai’s Hydrogen Dream
Supporters call it the 'key.' Critics like Elon Musk call it 'dumb.' Hyundai Motor recently launched the Nexo, its new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Can the perpetual "fuel of the future" become a viable source of energy in South Korea, and beyond?