Yongsan: Melting pot of coffee culture
Dotori stands out for its warm, rustic interior, combining natural elements like wooden furniture, soft lighting and earthy tones to create a homely and inviting atmosphere.
The two-story cafe feels comfortable and unpretentious, making it an ideal place to unwind. Whether you are here to work, study or catch up with friends, the cafe provides a peaceful environment with cozy corners.
Using freshly roasted beans, the cafe offers a variety of coffee beverages, ranging from classic espresso drinks to more adventurous options. Their pour-over coffee is particularly noteworthy for its smooth, rich flavor that highlights the quality of the beans. If you're in the mood for something different, Dotori also serves cold brew coffee, lattes and seasonal specials that incorporate local or unique ingredients.
There are also Korea-inspired treats on the menu, such as matcha-flavored pastries and popular red bean-filled cakes, adding a local twist to the cafe experience.
Stepping into Goonies evokes an unusual feeling -- laid-back, quirky and cozy, its one-of-a-kind vibe is completed by the vintage-inspired furnishings, unique artwork and retro items that fill the cafe's interior.
It's a hip, artistic hideaway where you can escape the busy streets of Yongsan.
At Goonies, the focus is on high-quality coffee served in creative, fun ways. The cafe offers a variety of espresso-based drinks, from traditional cappuccinos and lattes to flavored lattes and iced drinks. Signature beverages include the salted caramel latte and the honey lavender latte.
Goonies offers a delectable selection of pastries and light snacks to pair with your coffee. Cakes, such as the fluffy cheesecake and the rich chocolate cake, are popular choices. Additionally, the cafe offers sandwiches and croissants, making it an ideal spot for a light meal or snack during the day.
At Golden Ball, the cafe's namesake desert is a unique ball-shaped, bite-sized sugar-coated cake that's enjoyed with a variety of toppings such as Nutella, pistachios, honey chips and more. The cafe also offers a range of traditional espresso drinks, from rich cappuccinos to velvety lattes.
The interior, painted in a cheerful yellow tone and accentuated with lemon-inspired decor, creates a fresh and inviting atmosphere. The space is compact but cozy, featuring tables that accommodate both small groups and solo visitors.
Tucked away near Samgakji intersection, Pachamama stands out for the owner's love for high-quality coffee and wholesome food.
From the moment you step into Pachamama, you feel as if you were in someone's cozy kitchen. The quiet environment is one of the cafe's standout features. Its cozy seating and calming vibe encourage long visits, whether you're reading, working or chatting with friends.
In addition to Pachamama's passion for coffee, the cafe's food menu also impresses. The offerings include a selection of freshly baked goods that pair wonderfully with its coffee, such as cakes, muffins and pies.
Befitting a cafe named for the Earth Mother goddess of the Incas, Pachamama's dishes incorporate local ingredients, supporting sustainability and promoting a farm-to-table ethos.
The name reflects the cafe's focus on engineering and tech, offering an environment that appeals to digital aficionados and design lovers alike.
The aesthetics of the interior also suit its name. With minimalist industrial design featuring exposed concrete, metal furniture and sleek lines, the cafe feels both cutting-edge and cozy.
Engineering Club is committed to providing high-quality coffee and beverages that are expertly brewed and designed to satisfy a range of tastes. The espresso-based drinks are a standout, with a smooth, balanced flavor that coffee enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you're enjoying a classic cappuccino, a rich espresso, or a more creative concoction, you are sure to find something that fits your taste.
For non-coffee drinkers, Engineering Club also has refreshing iced teas and creative seasonal beverages. The matcha lattes, especially popular, provide a refreshing contrast to the standard coffee menu.
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Korea Herald
12 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Summer reads: What we are reading at The Korea Herald
Here are some summer reading recommendations from The Korea Herald. Kim Hoo-ran Culture desk editor "Tell Me Everything" by Elizabeth Strout Many of the main characters in Elizabeth Strout's previous novels converge in "Tell Me Everything,' the Pulitzer-winning writer's latest book. While the book starts with a declaration that this is the story of Bob Burgess, a lawyer inhabiting many of Strout's works, 'Tell Me Everything' takes its time, meandering through seemingly disparate episodes and memories before those little 'diversions' all come together to tell a shocking story. The narrator observes the characters closely from a distance with cool detachment. There is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point, terse tone to the novel that may have something to do with Maine, the setting of this and many other Strout novels. All of Strout's 10 books feature main characters who reappear in successive works, either independently or together, interacting at some level. A summer vacation might be an opportune time to read the author's other novels, all a study in relationships. Lee Sun-young Content desk editor "The Hole" by Pyun Hye-young 'The Hole' follows Ogi, a once-successful professor whose life is shattered by a car accident that kills his wife and leaves him almost completely paralyzed. With only his eyes to make sense of the world, he is at the mercy of his increasingly sinister mother-in-law. The novel builds an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere, leaving much unsaid, which is exactly what makes it so unsettling. Now is an especially good time to read this book, as director Kim Jee-woon, known for his masterful work in 'I Saw the Devil,' 'The Age of Shadows,' and 'A Tale of Two Sisters' is currently developing a film adaptation in collaboration with a Hollywood production team. Park Ga-young Culture desk reporter "The Longest Night" by Luly This book by Luly, the winner of the 21st Munhakdongne Children's Literature Award, is written for children but resonates with a much wider audience, making it a perfect choice for the entire family. While children will find the story cute and captivating, adults may find themselves moved to tears by its tender portrayal of love and the bond between unlikely friends. The book follows Noden, the last white boulder rhinoceros, and a young penguin hatched from an abandoned egg, as they embark on a poignant journey across the desert in search of the sea, facing countless challenges. With its engaging narrative and warm illustrations, it is also an excellent resource for Korean learners looking for a book that is both accessible and rich in storytelling. An English edition is currently in preparation. Shin Ji-hye Content desk reporter "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI" by Yuval Noah Harari Bestselling historian Yuval Noah Harari takes us on a fast-paced journey through the history of how humans share and spread information. Harari's main point? Information is not just about truth — it's about connection. For thousands of years, humans have bonded over stories and these shared beliefs helped build tribes, religions, nations and empires. Whoever controlled the flow of information usually held the power. Now, it is not just humans telling the stories. AI is starting to decide what we read, watch and believe — and that could change everything. The real danger, Harari says, is not just that robots might take our jobs or go rogue. It is that we might lose our ability to shape our own stories — and with it, our sense of meaning and freedom. Kim Jae-heun Culture desk reporter "Media Technology, Emerging K-pop" by Lee Jong-im The COVID-19 pandemic changed how we connect, and this book dissects the role media and pop culture played in bridging isolation. From K-pop's explosive global presence to the rise of fan-targeted digital platforms, the book explores how intimacy between singers and fans has increasingly become a commodity. With sharp insight, the author traces how technology, once a tool for emotional connection, now drives hyper-commercialized fandom culture. A compelling read for those curious about the evolving dynamics of pop culture, technology and emotion in a post-pandemic world. Hong Yoo Culture desk reporter "Educated" by Tara Westover "Educated" is a powerful memoir by Tara Westover, who was born to survivalist parents in rural Idaho and grew up isolated from mainstream society. Denied formal education for much of her childhood, Westover taught herself enough to be admitted to Brigham Young University, eventually earning a doctorate from Cambridge. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and the complex ties of family and identity. Told with raw honesty and poetic insight, the memoir challenges ideas of truth, learning and self-invention. With ongoing conversations around misinformation, ideological divides and the value of education, "Educated" remains as urgent and relevant as ever. Westover's journey reminds us of the power of learning not just to inform, but to liberate. Park Yuna Culture desk reporter 'Recipe for Daughter' by Gong Ji-young Korean novelist Gong Ji-young tells her daughter how she gets by in life by sharing 27 recipes woven with her own stories. Her recipes are never difficult to follow — such as bulgogi rice bowl, aglio e olio pasta, apple pie, spinach salad, tenderloin steak and bean sprout soup to cure a hangover. Whenever I need comforting, I open this book and randomly choose a recipe I am drawn to. Let's say it's an apple pie — prepare thinly sliced apples and spread evenly in a gratin dish. Sprinkle over ground cinnamon and crumble mixture by combining flour, butter and sugar. Bake in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. 'As you gently blow on a hot bite of apple pie and take your first sip of warm tea, you will find yourself thinking — Oh! something good is going to happen to me!' the author writes to her daughter. Park Jun-hee Culture desk reporter "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter — And How to Make the Most of Them Now" by Meg Jay My transition from being a teenager to my 20s was a big leap — from a student who sat in the very first row of the classroom to someone diving into self-discovery, exploring various career paths, trying to build a foundation for the future and even thinking about finding a partner to share it all with. Since much of our 20s are often a whirlwind of change, marked by uncertainty, an in-between feeling of not quite being a kid but not fully an adult either, the book offers 20-something readers something to think about their age. Hwang Dong-hee Culture desk reporter "The Age of the Filiarch" by Ysra (Lee Seul-ah) Author Lee Seul-ah introduces a brand-new type of family in her refreshingly original debut novel 'The Age of the Filiarch' — not a patriarchy, not a matriarchy, but a filiarchy — a made-up term from filia (Latin for 'daughter'), where daughters run the household. Sharp, witty and delightfully playful, this autobiographical novel follows a girl born into a family ruled by her grandfather. But over time, she rises to become the head of the house -- through her writing. She founds an indie publishing company, employing two people: her mom and dad. As the family's main breadwinner, she becomes both the financial and emotional center of gravity, sparking a quiet domestic revolution that's equal parts subversive and charming. Can this daughter-led transformation bring happiness to all? The novel made waves upon release, with English translation rights already sold. Lee is also set to make her screenwriting debut with a drama series adaptation currently in development. Lee Jung-youn Culture desk reporter 'Why Fish Don't Exist' by Lulu Miller The book begins with science but gracefully transforms into a warm, personal exploration of how to love oneself. Blurring the lines between novel, essay and scientific thesis, the book transcends genre and theme. Tracing the life of 19th-century scientist David Starr Jordan, the author uncovers both the brilliance and the dark contradictions of his work. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the journey is less about Jordan and more about the insights the author gains along the way. While the question in the title can be answered scientifically, the true meaning of the book lies beyond logic. It challenges the way we categorize the world for convenience, suggesting that such classifications may be arbitrary. It urges us to reconsider the boundaries we impose on ourselves and others, and offers the comforting idea that meaning can emerge from even destruction and loss. Lee Yoon-seo Culture desk reporter "Dopamine Nation" by Anna Lembke We've never lived in a time of such constant, instant gratification — driven by social media, binge-watching, online shopping and more. In "Dopamine Nation," psychiatrist and addiction expert Dr. Anna Lembke delivers a timely message about the risks of living on autopilot in this age of overindulgence. Blending neuroscience with real patient stories, she reveals how leaning into discomfort rather than avoiding it. This can help us feel more grounded, present and fulfilled. With practical strategies such as dopamine fasting and finding meaning through moderation, this book is a useful guide for anyone feeling lost in compulsive habits and searching for a more intentional way to live. Moon Ki-hoon Culture desk reporter "How Democracies Die" by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky Skipped this when it first dropped in 2018 — a big mistake. Picked it up after Trump's comeback, and it turns out these Harvard professors were actually being optimistic. The authors warn that democratic backsliding often begins when voters see opponents not as rivals but as existential threats, and, in doing so, willingly vote away democracy itself. The biggest insight here is that democracies rarely fall to dramatic coups; more often, they erode from within, as elected leaders slowly dismantle norms and institutions. Feels like parts of the free world have already speed-run past some of the worst-case scenarios. Essential reading for understanding how we got here.
Korea Herald
13 hours ago
- Korea Herald
Summer reads: Books for the hottest days
By Culture Desk Reading is one of the simplest ways to beat the summer heat. From gripping page-turners that whisk us away to reflective essays and self-help titles that gently guide us back into daily life after a break, this season's recommendations span genres and moods. The Korea Herald asked people from a wide range of fields what books they've recently enjoyed and which ones they'd recommend for summer. Their picks might just lead you to a perfect companion for a lazy afternoon or a long-awaited responses of the following figures, arranged alphabetically, have been edited for length and clarity. 1Verse K-pop boy band Hyuk: "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" by Dale Carnegie I've been thinking about how I can make the most out of each day. This book taught me how to do that by weaving stories of people overcoming hardships with carefully chosen poems. It reminds me to value today more than the past or the future. Seok: "The Little Everyday Stoic" by Jorg Bernardy This line resonates with me: 'If you're going through something difficult, if you've failed or if you're angry at someone — will these things still matter to you a year from now?' It's full of quotes that inspire me in my daily life. Nathan: "The Lost Hero" by Rick Riordan One of my favorite books from childhood, the story is adventurous and engaging. I was excited reading it and imagining the scenes was a lot of fun. Kenny: "Smile" by Raina Telgemeier In elementary school, this was one of the first books I bought with my own money after doing two days' worth of home chores. This is also the first book I understood I can relate to and be seen by someone who lives a different life from mine. Aito: "Jujutsu Kaisen" by Gege Akutami Each character has a unique personality that perfectly suits them, making the story incredibly engaging. The fight scenes are so stunning and intense that I found myself completely absorbed. I've read them over and over again! Aoring Author of web comic "Aoring Tokyo" on Kakao Webtoon "Good Morning, Monster: A Therapist Shares Five Heroic Stories of Emotional Recovery" by Catherine Gildiner (Korean title: "Survivors") "Survivors" — what a clunky title! The cover doesn't help either. Plus it's nonfiction. I'd always had this bias that nonfiction lacks literary merit, but after finishing this one, those distinctions felt meaningless. Here are people's stories, achingly real, and here I am, feeling every beat of their hearts. Some truths hit harder than fiction, ring more literary than literature itself. I discovered this book through a small reading group — my greatest stroke of luck this year. I'm passing that luck forward by recommending it here. Chang Kwang-pil HD Hyundai Senior Executive Vice President & Chief Technology Officer "Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making" by Tony Fadell In this book, Tony Fadell, the 'father of the iPod,' offers essential guidance on how to put innovative creation into practice. It explores how developers work, how to set goals and outlines a three-stage development strategy that ensures innovation leads to real profits. It even provides advice on how to recognize when to abandon a creative process. This book serves as a practical guide and strategic compass for those preparing for innovative breakthroughs, while also offering an opportunity to revisit and reflect on the fundamentals of innovation. Choi Jung-wha President of Corea Image Communication Institute "Yi Do Diary" by Kim Gyeong-mook 'Yi Do Diary' reimagines the 33-year reign of King Sejong (Yi Do) through 33 diary-style essays. It follows his journey from being unexpectedly crowned a king to becoming a wise leader, highlighting his burden of responsibility, loyalty to his elder brother, commitment to strong governance and focus on national defense. The book blends historical facts with imagined dialogues, bringing King Sejong's empathy, open-minded leadership and problem-solving vividly to life. The author, trained in transforming empathy into products, makes Sejong's thoughtful way of living resonate with modern readers. Choung Byoung-gug Chairperson of Arts Council Korea "The Use of Music" by Cho Hye-rim This is a story about someone who chose to change the direction of their life, simply because they loved something deeply. It gently reminds us that art -- like music -- becomes a quiet yet steady force that helps us ride the waves of life. I hope this book encourages young people to trust what they love, to hold on to it, and to find the courage to build a life shaped by it. Bora Chung International Booker-nominated writer "The Mechanics of That Toilet" by Seol Jae-in Seol Jae-in's storytelling is truly remarkable. I knew this going in, but still, I couldn't put the book down. I just had to see what happened in the next scene, on the next page. Through the troublesome event of clogged or failing toilet flushes, the author ultimately addresses issues of abuse and isolation. Because of money or obligations, people end up trapped in relationships that offer no safety nets, only tangled snares. Seol unravels these ensnaring bonds with unpredictable imagination. As a reader, you can't help but be swept up, dancing breathlessly to the rhythm. But because it's Seol Jae-in, the journey all the way to the end is truly worthwhile. Stephane Deblaise Renault Korea CEO "Growth National Happiness" by Francois Roux This spans 30 years of modern French history from 1981 — the year Francois Mitterand was elected as the first socialist president — until 2011. It is about the story of four friends who enter university in 1981, each with different views on politics and life. We follow them as they grow up and either become richer or don't. It is an excellent description of social relationships in France at the end of 20th century and the crossed lives of the four friends. It is very easy to read and also very good. Han Jung-hee Director of Photography Seoul Museum of Art "Desert Island" by Kang Hong-goo One book caught my eye as I was organizing my shelf ahead of the museum opening. In "Desert Island," the islands seem both somewhere and nowhere at once — a curious space where reality and imagination are blurred. Each island feels like a fragment of memory, a trace of places the artist has encountered, or perhaps dreamed of. It serves as a rare gift — one that lets us pause, step away from the noise of the world, and dream a little. I hope the book allows readers to more deeply understand the unique lens through which the artist Kang Hong-goo views the world. Bella Kim Actor, "Winter in Sokcho" "Nomadism" by Lee Jin-kyung This book cracked open Deleuze and Guattari's "A Thousand Plateaus" for me, making its layered thinking more accessible. Its core concepts seemed complex at first but eventually gave me an unexpected sense of legitimacy, letting me feel more fully myself. Perfect summer read for stepping beyond linear thinking and into the unknown. Kim Jae-hong National Museum of Korea Director General "Letters from National Museum of Korea" by Webzine Editorial Department of National Museum of Korea As a curator who has spent many years working closely with artifacts, this book offered me a fresh perspective. The reflections shared by curators, museum visitors and fellow museum aficionados are brief, yet deeply moving, and above all, sincere. The book presents diverse interpretations of 100 artifacts — including the Moon Jar, Pensive Bodhisattva and a clay figurine — that evoke a sense of connection rarely found in academic papers or research reports. On a sweltering summer day, I encourage readers to pause in front of an artifact with this book in hand and take a quiet moment to reflect. Juhea Kim International bestselling author "The Boy of Tear-Flowers: A Story from My Childhood" by Park No-hae This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Park is one of Korea's most beloved poets and a well-known pro-labor activist of the 1980s. This is a collection of essays from Park's childhood in a small village in Jeolla province, illuminating truths about love, community, faith and nature in limpid and unassuming prose (illustrated by his pencil sketches). Reading this is like watching a heavy rain bend down stalks of wildflowers; your heart aches, but afterwards the air fills with even more beautiful fragrance. Kim Sung-hee Director of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea "Rainbow Eyes" by Kim Soom The author depicts the weight of life as a person with visual impairment in quiet, understated language. I came across words in this book that delicately pierce my mind, which reminded me of the ongoing exhibition "Looking After Each Other" at MMCA Seoul. The exhibition prompts us to reconsider perceptions of physical disabilities. For someone like me, who had never truly reflected on visual impairment, her writing arrives as a small voice — yet with a profound and resounding impact. Kim Yong-jae Chief revenue officer at SBS' Prism Studios "Everyday Resilience: A Practical Guide to Build Inner Strength and Weather Life's Challenges" by Gail Gazelle The term "resilience" is a word that is being used more and more these days. As people go through life, they inevitably face all sorts of twists, turns and crises. Just as the sea becomes calm and peaceful after high waves and a passing typhoon, this book teaches us how to accept and wisely deal with life's adversities. It is certainly a book worth reading at least once. Lee Hae-shin Endowed chair professor at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology / Polyphenol Factory CEO "Humankind: A Hopeful History" by Rutger Bregman This book challenges the common belief that humans are inherently selfish and competitive, and instead presents cooperation and goodwill as core aspects of human nature. As you follow the historical cases and scientific experiments described, you come to realize that human society has progressed not through conflict and prejudice, but through trust and optimism. As a scientist, it gave me an opportunity to critically reflect on the interpretations and biases behind experimental results, and it offered me a more positive perspective on humanity and society. Pierre Morcos Cultural Counselor and Director of the Institut francais, Embassy of France in Korea "The Naked Tree" by Park Wan-suh Inspired by the author's life, this novel set during the Korean War captures grief, resilience, and fleeting hope through a young woman's eyes. I discovered it in French this year thanks to a new translation by L'Atelier des Cahiers. It shows how art, especially painting, can bring dignity and solace even in the harshest times. Shin Hye-sung Founder and CEO of Wadiz "Reasons for Travel" by Kim Young-ha As our company pursues global ventures, I find myself traveling abroad more frequently. Business trips are certainly different from vacations, yet, I wonder if they still hold something of the traveler's spirit. One weekend, with a stack of pending agendas, I pulled "Reasons for Travel" off my shelf. It made me reflect on the idea of purposeful travel — leaving behind a life where I exist as a 'somebody,' entangled in countless relationships, and stepping into the anonymity of being a 'nobody' in a place where no one knows me. Perhaps business trips don't quite allow me to enjoy being a 'nobody,' while at the same time demanding relentless effort to become a 'somebody' in an unfamiliar setting. In the end, the difference between those who embrace every moment in life and those who don't often comes down to perspective. Shin Hye-woo Jill Smythies Award-winning botanist, botanical illustrator "Thoreau's Sentences" by Henry David Thoreau Henry David Thoreau continues to inspire nature lovers around the world. Both a writer and a scientist, he captured not only the beauty of the natural world but also offered scientific insights into how that beauty comes to be. His work carries a philosophy that encourages us to reflect on our place in nature. This book can be enjoyed in small doses, like taking a brief rest to escape the summer heat — just open to any page and read a little. When you look up from the text, the radiant greens of summer may seem to shine even brighter. Shin Seong-jin Founder of AXIS "The Ideal Team Player" by Patrick Lencioni Even during moments of rest, my thoughts often return to my team. This book introduces three simple but powerful traits — humble, hungry and smart — as the foundation of great teamwork. It reminded me that strong teams are not built on fancy strategies, but on shared values and character. For anyone building something with others, this book is a refreshing reminder that going back to the basics is often the most effective way forward. Sini Author of web comic "1 Second" on Naver Webtoon "There is No If" by Namkoong In I'll admit I picked this up for work, but "There is No If" became something else entirely. It's a collection of essays that thread together emergency room stories through an ER doctor's perspective. I've always loved peering behind the curtain — it's what drives my own work. The irony isn't lost on me — that a book I picked up out of professional duty ended up genuinely moving me is quite interesting in itself. Clemens Treter Director Goethe-Institut Korea / Regional Director East and Central Asia "February 1933: The Winter of Literature" and "Marseille 1940: The Flight of Literature" by Uwe Wittstock Uwe Wittstock's 'February 1933' vividly captures the winter of literature as Hitler rises to power and the Nazi regime begins its grip on Germany — met with disbelief by much of Berlin's vibrant literary scene. It's a chilling account, all the more resonant in light of today's political climate. The book comes with a companion, 'Marseille 1940,' which follows the courageous work of Varian Fry's Emergency Rescue Committee. With tenacity and moral clarity, Fry helped some 2,000 people escape the Nazis — among them many artists and writers like Hannah Arendt, Anna Seghers, Lion Feuchtwanger and Marc Chagall. Wittstock tells a gripping story of humanity, fear, hope and improbable survival. Michelle Winthrop Ambassador of Ireland to Republic of Korea "Black Flower" by Kim Young-ha K-Literature is my favourite aspect of K-Culture. Throughout my posting so far, I've really enjoyed delving in to some of the great fiction, often impeccably translated into English. I adore all of Han Kang's writing. One book I've really enjoyed in recent months has been "Black Flower" by Kim Young-ha. A complex story of intrepid Koreans who emigrated to Mexico as laborers, based on a "little-known moment of Korean history." Ireland is a nation of emigrants, who traveled over generations to the four corners of the globe (including to Mexico), and so this epic story really resonated with me. It's also beautifully written. Yi Dahm Author of web comic "Like Mother, Like Daughter" on Naver Webtoon "The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource" by Chris Hayes What happens when everyone's fighting over our most finite resource — attention? And how do we protect what's left of it? MSNBC host Chris Hayes examines how human attention has become commodified and what that means for society. He offers a guide for navigating past the siren songs trying to hijack our focus. An essential read for this distracted age. Tei Yong CEO of Catchtable "The Right It" by Alberto Savoia I highly recommend this book to both entrepreneurs and people working on new ideas, projects or innovations. It starts with the idea that most new ideas fail and teaches you how to find out which ones are likely to succeed, using as little time and money as possible. Instead of relying only on your intuition or other people's opinions, the book encourages you to test and validate your idea first to avoid costly mistakes and make smarter decisions.
Korea Herald
2 days ago
- Korea Herald
Controversial webtoon 'The Elementary School Student I Love' pulled, drama canceled amid backlash
'The Elementary School Student I Love' removed from major webtoon platforms, with no set date for resumption The webtoon "The Elementary School Student I Love," which has drawn widespread criticism for depicting a romantic storyline between an elementary school teacher and her student, has been pulled from distribution across major platforms, with plans for a live-action adaptation also being scrapped in response to the mounting controversy. As of now, the series is no longer available for purchase on Naver Series. 'We suspended sales of the webtoon as a precautionary measure in response to widespread user feedback suggesting there could be potential issues. There is no set date for resumption of the webtoon series,' an official from Naver Webtoon told The Korea Herald on Friday. Kakaopage has also removed access to the title. 'After recognizing the related issue, we consulted with the publisher and decided to suspend sales of the work,' said a Kakao Entertainment official, noting that a return date has not been determined. Additional platforms have followed suit. Kyobo Book Center, South Korea's largest bookstore chain, blocked search results for the series from its digital content platform on Thursday. Digital content provider Ridi has likewise removed the series from its platform. The move to suspend distribution follows intense backlash after news broke that the webtoon was being developed as a television series. The adaptation, previously announced by C&C Revolution — the original publisher — was slated to be directed by Jung Sung-hyun with a script by Jung Se-hyuk, known for theatrical work including "Rooftop Room Cat." Further details, including casting and release timelines, had yet to be announced. Serialized on multiple webtoon platforms from 2015 to 2020, "The Elementary School Student I Love" centers on Shim Cheong-ah, an elementary school teacher who forms a connection with an online gaming partner who is later revealed to be her student, Im Dang-su. Shim initially develops romantic feelings for the online game player, but those feelings turn platonic after she discovers the truth. The series received the excellence award at the inaugural World Comics Contest hosted by Lezhin Comics in 2014. Despite its accolades, the title faced intense backlash following news of its planned drama adaptation. The Korea Federation of Teachers' Associations issued a statement Tuesday condemning both the source material and its adaptation, stating: 'Attempts to sexualize children under the guise of creativity and artistic originality can never be justified.' The KFTA added, 'Considering the harmful impact this drama could have on society and educational settings, as well as the potential violence it may inflict on children and adolescents, we strongly urge an immediate halt to production.' The group further argued that portraying a teacher developing romantic feelings for an underage student is 'a clear glamorization of grooming' and not a legitimate form of storytelling in any genre. In response to the backlash, production company Meta New Line confirmed via a local outlet on Friday that it would abandon the adaptation plans. 'We accept the voices of concern that have been raised socially with a heavy heart,' company officials told local media, adding that they apologize to the original author of the webtoon series for the controversy.
