EXO's Kai to return as solo act in April: report
He will be shooting the music video next week for the upcoming solo endeavor, it added.
The veteran idol will release his fourth EP about two years after his previous EP, 'Rover.' The mini album topped the iTunes Top Albums Chart in 40 regions as well as a series of music charts at home and abroad. The title track earned him two trophies from television music chart shows in Korea.
Kai completed his mandatory military service last month, having served as a social service agent from May 2023. He was announced as the host of the YouTube show 'Jeongwaja,' or "Changing Majors," where he will take over from BTOB's Lee Changsub. The new season premieres later this month.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Korea Herald
15 hours ago
- Korea Herald
'Sokgunghap': How early should sex factor into finding a partner?
In a society steeped in Confucian values, having sex before becoming a couple as a test of compatibility is emerging as part of new dating culture in South Korea For a long time in South Korea, sexual intimacy was a matter reserved for after marriage, with a strong emphasis on commitment. But things are changing. Many young people place a greater emphasis on sexual compatibility as an essential component of romance, and sometimes sexual activity even precedes the start of a romantic relationship. Many traditional views on sex in Korean society stem from Neo-Confucianism, which established distinct standards of sexual morality based on gender and regarded sex solely as a means of procreation. However, beginning in the late 1990s, the feminist movement and the push for sexual liberation here led to a gradual decline in the influence of these beliefs, resulting in more relaxed attitudes towards premarital sex, according to a Statista report. A term that encapsulates this shift is "sokgunghap." "Gunghap" refers to traditional measures of marital compatibility predicted by fortunetellers based on two individuals' birth details, including the year, month, date and time. "Sokgunghap" puts an intimate twist on this traditional outlook, referring to sexual compatibility — whether partners have shared or similar sexual needs, including preferences, turn-ons and desired frequency. Once a topic reserved for married couples, sokgunghap has now even become a crucial factor for young Koreans in deciding whether to start dating. This trend was highlighted two years ago by a candid comment from a female Korean singer who emphasized sokgunghap as her top ideal partner condition. Jamie, a singer born in 1997, appeared on the YouTube channel "Ssulply," hosted by married singer Lee Seok-hoon, born in 1984. When asked what she considered most important in a relationship, Jamie confidently stated, "I think sexual compatibility is the most important thing." Despite Lee's surprise and his repeated questioning, Jamie reaffirmed, "Sokgunghap. It's important, isn't it?" Lee, representing the older generation and unfamiliar with such open discussions, could only sip his coffee uncomfortably. This moment highlighted a generation gap, with the younger generation openly prioritizing sex, while the older generation finds such openness unsettling. Pre-relationship sex According to a survey conducted by Statista in December 2022, around 57.6 percent of South Koreans now consider premarital sex acceptable, showing a steady increase over the years from just 20.2 percent in 1996. Additionally, a survey conducted by Statista in 2023 found that 57.6 percent of men and 40.8 percent of women aged 25 to 39 said they would start having sex within the first month of a relationship, although the average was 5.1 months, indicating much longer periods for some. This survey included 1,000 singles aged 25 to 39 and revealed that, on average, they believed 5.1 months was an appropriate time to begin engaging in sexual activities after entering a relationship. The emergence of the term "seon-seg-hu-sa," meaning "sex before dating," further illustrates this evolving trend in modern relationships. Kim, a 32-year-old finance professional living in Seoul, shared her personal experience with this trend. "I have initiated all my relationships after first becoming physically intimate with my partners," she explained. "Engaging physically helps foster quick intimacy, which seems to deepen the relationship more effectively. I notice that many people around me also engage in 'seon-seg-hu-sa,' suggesting it's becoming quite the norm." As a result, sex has come to be regarded as one of the most crucial aspects of modern romantic relationships. Dr. Hong Sung-woo, a urologist in Korea and a YouTuber, previously commented on this phenomenon. When asked how important sex is in contemporary romantic relationships, he remarked, "In my view, it accounts for almost 100 percent." One-night stand Among the growing number of sokgunghap adherents trend is Lee, a writer in her 30s. 'I prefer to sleep with a guy to see if they could be a perfect match in bed before finally deciding on whether the relationship will progress further or not,' she said. Lee attributes this approach to her past experiences. "I was brought up with the belief that women should be chaste and modest, and I internalized the longstanding social notion — rooted in Korea's Confucian values — that delaying sex would lead to healthier, longer-lasting relationships," she explained. "However, about 10 years ago, after entering a relationship and waiting several months to have intercourse for the first time, I realized that my then-boyfriend and I were not sexually compatible." This approach, she noted, sometimes led to one-night stands. "After that experience, I decided to always have sex first and then decide if I wanted to continue dating. As a result, if I wasn't satisfied in bed, it wouldn't lead to a relationship, and I found myself frequently engaging in one-night stands." Lee is not alone. A survey conducted in 2018 by the matchmaking company Baroyeon revealed that 47.1 percent of 2,113 unmarried men and women had experienced a one-night stand. Of those individuals, 36.1 percent reported meeting the same partner again. These encounters primarily took place in spontaneous settings such as bars and clubs. A separate survey in 2018 by the South Korean local media outlet Edaily explored the thoughts and experiences of 380 individuals in their 20s and 30s related to sex. The survey found that 56.7 percent of one-night stands started in places like bars and clubs, where immediate connections are easy to forge. This was followed by meetings through arranged settings, such as blind dates and social gatherings at 16.7 percent, and online options, including apps, at 10 percent. When asked why they engaged in one-night stands, 58.9 percent of respondents cited the absence of a partner and the desire to enjoy adult freedoms. "Young people today tend to avoid engaging in relationships that require a lot of time and effort. Due to challenges such as employment, workplace demands, and economic issues, they themselves do not feel at ease, thus hesitating to form deep connections," said Kwak Keum-joo, a professor of psychology at Seoul National University, offering insights into these statistics. Although one-night stands have become more prevalent, not everyone is pleased with this trend. Hwang, a 33-year-old office worker who recently married, expressed his concerns, stating, "Sex is an intimate act that involves sharing one's vulnerabilities and is a token of love. Doing it randomly is concerning and far from ideal. There are also worries about sexually transmitted diseases. In the past, I discovered my ex-girlfriend had a one-night stand before we dated, and it was a deal-breaker for me." Hwang is not alone in his views. The surfing hotspot of Yangyang in Gangwon Province has acquired the nickname "one-night stand city" in recent years. The area became popular among young surfing enthusiasts seeking fun during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this came with a nightlife culture that included spontaneous meetups. But as its reputation for hookups grew, tourist numbers fell. According to KT's big data analysis, tourist visits — including international and domestic visitors — to Yangyang fell nearly 6 percent last year. Local media speculates that the perception of Yangyang as a hub for youth nightlife and casual encounters, especially one-night stands, may have fueled the decline; however, factors such as changing trends and an increase in overseas travel could also have contributed. This reputation led to negative reputations circulating online forums, with posts titled "Why You Shouldn't Visit Yangyang," and "Avoid Yangyang Post-Visit" gaining traction. The stigma has become so pronounced that travelers now hesitate to share photos from Yangyang on social media, according to local reports. While the trend is moving toward greater sexual liberation, the backlash that still surrounds things like one-night stands shows that it has yet to become a dominant social norm. Lee Myung-gil, who has worked for roughly 20 years as a professional dating coach and previously as a manager at the local matchmaking firm Duo, commented: "Over the past few decades, women in our country have become more confident, both sexually and economically. There's no denying that they are cooler and more assertive now. The number of people engaging in 'pre-relational sex' is on the rise; however, it is still not mainstream, especially among women." "Conceptually, there has been significant liberalization, but practical safety concerns still prevent full openness. Recently, due to growing concerns about crimes related to drugs and murder, women are becoming more cautious about engaging in one-night stands with strangers," Lee added. Lee advises women to be extra cautious about one-night stands: "When meeting someone through bars or apps for a one-night stand, the worst-case scenarios differ by gender. Men might risk losing some money, whereas women could be exposed to severe dangers, including murder. Therefore, caution is always necessary.'
Korea Herald
15 hours ago
- Korea Herald
'Sokgunghap': Is it wrong to prioritize sex in romantic relationships?
In a society steeped in Confucian values, having sex before becoming a couple as a test of compatibility is emerging as part of new dating culture in South Korea For a long time in South Korea, sexual intimacy was a matter reserved for after marriage, with a strong emphasis on commitment. But things are changing. Many young people place a greater emphasis on sexual compatibility as an essential component of romance, and sometimes sexual activity even precedes the start of a romantic relationship. Many traditional views on sex in Korean society stem from Neo-Confucianism, which established distinct standards of sexual morality based on gender and regarded sex solely as a means of procreation. However, beginning in the late 1990s, the feminist movement and the push for sexual liberation here led to a gradual decline in the influence of these beliefs, resulting in more relaxed attitudes towards premarital sex, according to a Statista report. A term that encapsulates this shift is "sokgunghap." "Gunghap" refers to traditional measures of marital compatibility predicted by fortunetellers based on two individuals' birth details, including the year, month, date and time. "Sokgunghap" puts an intimate twist on this traditional outlook, referring to sexual compatibility — whether partners have shared or similar sexual needs, including preferences, turn-ons and desired frequency. Once a topic reserved for married couples, sokgunghap has now even become a crucial factor for young Koreans in deciding whether to start dating. This trend was highlighted two years ago by a candid comment from a female Korean singer who emphasized sokgunghap as her top ideal partner condition. Jamie, a singer born in 1997, appeared on the YouTube channel "Ssulply," hosted by married singer Lee Seok-hoon, born in 1984. When asked what she considered most important in a relationship, Jamie confidently stated, "I think sexual compatibility is the most important thing." Despite Lee's surprise and his repeated questioning, Jamie reaffirmed, "Sokgunghap. It's important, isn't it?" Lee, representing the older generation and unfamiliar with such open discussions, could only sip his coffee uncomfortably. This moment highlighted a generation gap, with the younger generation openly prioritizing sex, while the older generation finds such openness unsettling. Pre-relationship sex According to a survey conducted by Statista in December 2022, around 57.6 percent of South Koreans now consider premarital sex acceptable, showing a steady increase over the years from just 20.2 percent in 1996. Additionally, a survey conducted by Statista in 2023 found that 57.6 percent of men and 40.8 percent of women aged 25 to 39 said they would start having sex within the first month of a relationship, although the average was 5.1 months, indicating much longer periods for some. This survey included 1,000 singles aged 25 to 39 and revealed that, on average, they believed 5.1 months was an appropriate time to begin engaging in sexual activities after entering a relationship. The emergence of the term "seon-seg-hu-sa," meaning "sex before dating," further illustrates this evolving trend in modern relationships. Kim, a 32-year-old finance professional living in Seoul, shared her personal experience with this trend. "I have initiated all my relationships after first becoming physically intimate with my partners," she explained. "Engaging physically helps foster quick intimacy, which seems to deepen the relationship more effectively. I notice that many people around me also engage in 'seon-seg-hu-sa,' suggesting it's becoming quite the norm." As a result, sex has come to be regarded as one of the most crucial aspects of modern romantic relationships. Dr. Hong Sung-woo, a urologist in Korea and a YouTuber, previously commented on this phenomenon. When asked how important sex is in contemporary romantic relationships, he remarked, "In my view, it accounts for almost 100 percent." One-night stand Among the growing number of sokgunghap adherents trend is Lee, a writer in her 30s. 'I prefer to sleep with a guy to see if they could be a perfect match in bed before finally deciding on whether the relationship will progress further or not,' she said. Lee attributes this approach to her past experiences. "I was brought up with the belief that women should be chaste and modest, and I internalized the longstanding social notion — rooted in Korea's Confucian values — that delaying sex would lead to healthier, longer-lasting relationships," she explained. "However, about 10 years ago, after entering a relationship and waiting several months to have intercourse for the first time, I realized that my then-boyfriend and I were not sexually compatible." This approach, she noted, sometimes led to one-night stands. "After that experience, I decided to always have sex first and then decide if I wanted to continue dating. As a result, if I wasn't satisfied in bed, it wouldn't lead to a relationship, and I found myself frequently engaging in one-night stands." Lee is not alone. A survey conducted in 2018 by the matchmaking company Baroyeon revealed that 47.1 percent of 2,113 unmarried men and women had experienced a one-night stand. Of those individuals, 36.1 percent reported meeting the same partner again. These encounters primarily took place in spontaneous settings such as bars and clubs. A separate survey in 2018 by the South Korean local media outlet Edaily explored the thoughts and experiences of 380 individuals in their 20s and 30s related to sex. The survey found that 56.7 percent of one-night stands started in places like bars and clubs, where immediate connections are easy to forge. This was followed by meetings through arranged settings, such as blind dates and social gatherings at 16.7 percent, and online options, including apps, at 10 percent. When asked why they engaged in one-night stands, 58.9 percent of respondents cited the absence of a partner and the desire to enjoy adult freedoms. "Young people today tend to avoid engaging in relationships that require a lot of time and effort. Due to challenges such as employment, workplace demands, and economic issues, they themselves do not feel at ease, thus hesitating to form deep connections," said Kwak Keum-joo, a professor of psychology at Seoul National University, offering insights into these statistics. Although one-night stands have become more prevalent, not everyone is pleased with this trend. Hwang, a 33-year-old office worker who recently married, expressed his concerns, stating, "Sex is an intimate act that involves sharing one's vulnerabilities and is a token of love. Doing it randomly is concerning and far from ideal. There are also worries about sexually transmitted diseases. In the past, I discovered my ex-girlfriend had a one-night stand before we dated, and it was a deal-breaker for me." Hwang is not alone in his views. The surfing hotspot of Yangyang in Gangwon Province has acquired the nickname "one-night stand city" in recent years. The area became popular among young surfing enthusiasts seeking fun during the COVID-19 pandemic, but this came with a nightlife culture that included spontaneous meetups. But as its reputation for hookups grew, tourist numbers fell. According to KT's big data analysis, tourist visits — including international and domestic visitors — to Yangyang fell nearly 6 percent last year. Local media speculates that the perception of Yangyang as a hub for youth nightlife and casual encounters, especially one-night stands, may have fueled the decline; however, factors such as changing trends and an increase in overseas travel could also have contributed. This reputation led to negative reputations circulating online forums, with posts titled "Why You Shouldn't Visit Yangyang," and "Avoid Yangyang Post-Visit" gaining traction. The stigma has become so pronounced that travelers now hesitate to share photos from Yangyang on social media, according to local reports. While the trend is moving toward greater sexual liberation, the backlash that still surrounds things like one-night stands shows that it has yet to become a dominant social norm. Lee Myung-gil, who has worked for roughly 20 years as a professional dating coach and previously as a manager at the local matchmaking firm Duo, commented: "Over the past few decades, women in our country have become more confident, both sexually and economically. There's no denying that they are cooler and more assertive now. The number of people engaging in 'pre-relational sex' is on the rise; however, it is still not mainstream, especially among women." "Conceptually, there has been significant liberalization, but practical safety concerns still prevent full openness. Recently, due to growing concerns about crimes related to drugs and murder, women are becoming more cautious about engaging in one-night stands with strangers," Lee added. Lee advises women to be extra cautious about one-night stands: "When meeting someone through bars or apps for a one-night stand, the worst-case scenarios differ by gender. Men might risk losing some money, whereas women could be exposed to severe dangers, including murder. Therefore, caution is always necessary.'
Korea Herald
16 hours ago
- Korea Herald
South Korea targets high-earning YouTubers in widening tax crackdown
21 creators probed last year, slapped with an average of 420 million won in back taxes South Korean tax authorities are intensifying efforts to collect unpaid taxes from high-income YouTubers and online streamers, with 21 individuals or entities investigated last year alone, slapped with an average back tax bill of around 420 million won ($304,600). According to data submitted to the National Assembly by Rep. Jung Tae-ho of the Democratic Party, the National Tax Service collected a total of 8.9 billion won from those 21 cases, a slight drop from 9.1 billion won collected in 2023. Still, the broader trend points to a clear pattern of increasing scrutiny. Between 2019 and 2022, only 22 creators were audited. But in 2023 alone, 24 were investigated, followed by another 21 last year. Tax penalties rose sharply as well. Just 5.6 billion won was collected during the 2019-2022 period. That number jumped to 9.1 billion won in 2023 and 8.9 billion won in 2024. The figures include income not only from YouTube but also from any other business activities associated with each creator. Over the full 2019-2024 period, the authorities conducted 67 investigations, uncovering a total of 23.6 billion won in unpaid taxes. In a statement, the NTS said it was verifying the accuracy of declared income from YouTubers and "responding strictly" when tax evasion is suspected. This year, the agency expanded its investigations to include 17 additional creators and platforms. Among them are operators of so-called "Excel broadcasts," a donation-driven form of streaming where performers, known as BJs, compete in real time for viewer tips by performing provocative content. Some earn more than 10 billion won a year from these streams. Other targets include channels accused of misusing deepfake technology to promote gambling and YouTubers who profit from sensationalizing real-life tragedies, a group the NTS refers to as 'cyber wreckers.' Under Korean tax law, anyone who earns ongoing income from producing content online is required to register as a business operator and file a comprehensive income tax return. This includes all revenue from YouTube's Super Chat feature and bank transfers labeled as viewer donations or subscription payments. Rep. Jung noted that many creators fail to report individual donations and warned of growing tax blind spots. He called for stronger reporting systems and measures to encourage voluntary compliance. Recent government data also highlights sharp inequality within the creator economy. According to a separate report released by another Democratic Party Rep. Kim Young-jin, the top 10 percent of Korea's registered one-person media creators earned an average of 344.9 million won in 2022. The bottom 10 percent made just over 20 million won.
