Over the past couple of weeks, BBC News have reported two South Korean military-related stories in their news – although, both are very different in their nature!
No matter how up-to-date you keep with the goings-on in the K-Pop world, I’m sure no one has missed the quite explosive news that Rain – often dubbed the ‘King of K-Pop’ and accredited with helping kick off the Hallyu Wave – has gotten himself a girlfriend. This girlfriend also just happens to be the very popular actress Kim Tae Hee!
The fact is, this isn’t such positive news because Rain has also seemingly gotten himself in trouble related to this. Rain has been serving in his military service for quite a while now, but he has been accused of taking advantage and using far too many vacation days. This issue has been raised previously, but has now become all the more prevalent now that the famous pairs’ relationship has been revealed.
The singer is currently on probation and the issues are apparently being investigated further.
You can read the BBC article here.
The second story, published just a few days ago, is an altogether more positive affair.
The BBC reported that the South Korean entertainers that are currently in the midst of their service are staging a musical to mark the 60th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War.
This one is a video report, which you can watch here. See if you can recognise any of the faces! 😛
Initially, you might think it strange that the BBC would cover such stories (especially the one regarding Rain), but it becomes clear why when you see that PSY was mentioned in both.
The South Korean rapper was made to repeat his military service, due to being accused of ‘neglecting his duties’.
It is quite sad to see such negative attention being drawn to PSY again, but it is good to see some positive coverage making it into UK news.
I’m sure a lot of people will be interested in finding out more about South Korea when they have heard that their army stages theatre productions!
Got any opinions on this topic?
Do you think Rain deserves to be punished?
What are your general opinions on Korea’s National Service duties? Should they still exist?
Comment below!
[Sources: Google Images, www.bbc.co.uk ].
