Jinyoung did not grow up as an enthusiastic reader. In fact, he only turned to books after becoming an idol. The repetitive rhythm of life as a performer had started to wear on him. Days were filled with rehearsals, schedules, makeup and performances, often following much the same pattern. Despite the demands of the job, he felt his mind growing sluggish. "I felt like my brain was swelling," he said. "We tend to work in similar patterns. We're freelancers, working on contracts, and even without

Karina has been spending some of her time in Canada with a book in hand. As Aespa continues its fourth world tour, the group has been touring North America since September. Between concerts, the singer has shared snapshots of her time offstage on Instagram, including visits to museums and galleries. On Sept. 16, she posted a series of photos from Toronto with the caption, “Collecting beauty.” In several of the photos, she is holding a fairly thick book at a library and near a pier. So, what was

That summer I stood in the centers of storms That summer my despair burst out into crimson but still I weathered the wind and rain These lines come from "That Summer's End," the title poem of Lee Seong-bok's celebrated poetry collection. When BTS' RM shared a photo of the book on social media in September 2022, the 1990 poetry collection found a new generation of readers at home and abroad. Nearly four years later, the work that captured the artist's attention is finally available in English.

Between stadium performances and global commitments, BTS' V has drawn attention to a book that explores the quiet power of simply getting through everyday life. Late Thursday night, the singer shared on his Instagram story "The Sensibility of an Everyday Person" (a literal translation of the Korean title), a newly published essay collection by the celebrated Korean lyricist Kim Eana. The publisher, Storyseller, said messages poured in almost immediately after V shared the book. "Seeing the respo

For many travelers, a long-haul flight is for catching up on sleep or finally watching the movies they've been putting off. For Aespa's Karina, it is time to finish another book. The 26-year-old K-pop star is often spotted carrying an oversized bag. She has jokingly described herself as a "bobusang," a term originally used for traveling peddlers but now referring to someone who carries everything they might need. And among the cosmetics and everyday essentials, one thing is almost always tucked

Few artists move as fluidly across music and television as IU, who also goes by her given name, Lee Ji-eun. An all-rounder by any measure, her career has long defied easy comparison. Since the 2010 breakout hit “Good Day” crowned her the nation’s “little sister,” the 32-year-old has remained a constant presence in South Korea’s cultural conversation. Her albums and shows reliably dominate headlines, and she stands among the rare K-pop singer-songwriters who consistently command music charts. In

A prop can be just a prop. But in the right hands, even a small detail can deepen a scene, drawing viewers deeper into the character and the story. And a book — one of the most familiar of such objects — can often reveal more than its cover. In episode six of “Perfect Crown,” Grand Prince Ian, played by Byeon Woo-seok, is seen reading when he hears that Seong Hui-ju (IU, also known as Lee Ji-eun) is on her way. He quickly appears to spruce himself up, only to look less than pleased upon hearing

For years, Jang Hang-jun was more readily recognized as the sweet and caring husband of star screenwriter Kim Eun-hee. This year, he has stepped into the spotlight in his own name. “The King’s Warden,” directed by Jang, surpassed 10 million tickets sold on March 6, emerging as a ray of hope for a local film industry that has struggled to regain momentum in recent years. The box office phenomenon has also sparked a broader cultural ripple: tourists are flocking to Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, the

Throughout their long reign as a K-pop phenomenon, BTS has shaped culture in many ways, and literature is no exception. The group's reading recommendations routinely send titles up bestseller lists, often leading to sellouts, reprints and translations across languages and borders. Whether a book has been read by a member, inspired a BTS album or simply appeared in photos — quoted on social media or glimpsed in a variety show — it often becomes a bestseller. Their devoted and highly engaged fando

The much-anticipated second batch of episodes from Season 4 of Netflix’s Regency-era hit show “Bridgerton” was released on Thursday. Holding its place as one of Netflix’s most popular series, the period romance continues its tale of the lavish and lovestruck Bridgerton brood. The fourth installment centers on Yerin Ha, who plays Sophie Baek, a maid whose encounter with Benedict Bridgerton at a masquerade ball sets in motion a Cinderella-esque love story with the rakish second son. Ha has since b