Question 1

The Netflix series "Crash Landing on You" has taken over the world by storm. The series was released earlier this year and it has gained millions of viewers from all around the world. K-dramas from South Korea has boosted Korea's economy and promote a lot of aspects of their culture.

Question 2

All of BTS and BLACKPINK's members are extremely popular in Japan. One particular BTS member who is exceptionally admired in Japan goes by the stage name "V." His real name is Kim Taehyung.

Question 3

Grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) is a very popular dish in Japan. I eat it only once every month since it's very greasy and high in saturated fat. People usually eat it with fresh lettuce but I like to eat it just with sesame oil since it enhances the flavor!

Question 4

I went to South Korea more than ten years ago with my family. It was a fantastic experience as I tried lots of new dishes that I've never tried before. I also had Korean BBQ for the first time and it was perhaps one of the most memorable meals that I've ever had!

Question 5

The relationship between South Korea and Japan has been unstable since the end of WWII. There are still many sensitive issues that many Koreans bring up even until today. The Abe administration has apologized several times when it comes to past conflicts, however, I don't think that there can ever be a resolution if both sides can't agree to leave it all in the past.

Question 6

I think that the Korean reunification may happen in 20-30 years as it has been proposed by the South Korean president Moon Jae-in back in 2019. Both Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un has even met multiple times during the past 20 years.

Tough Vocabulary

Question 1

South Korea is famous for K-pop.

Question 2

Kim Nam Joon (김남준). He is the main rapper for the band BTS. His birthday is September 12, 1994. His blood type is A. His hobbies include surfing the web. I think he became famous because of K-Pop music.

Question 3

Kimchee. I love eating sour fermented foods. Kimchee nabe is my favorite type of nabe.

Question 4

I have never been. I would like to go to Busan. I hear there is good seafood there.

Question 5

I think that it has been pretty bad since WWII. I used to teach South Korean students privately in Osaka. They always complained of systemic racsism. I have seen parades of Japanese complaining of South Koreans on the Midosuji road in Osaka.

Question 6

No. I think not in my lifetime. Japan changes very slowly.

Tough Vocabulary

Question 1

I think Korean food is famous. I really enjoy chijimi and some other dishes. Sadly, some Korean food is too spicey for me.

Question 2

I think Korean boy bands are famous in Japan and K-pop is pretty big worldwide. I do not know any famous groups as I am not a K-pop fun.

Question 3

I like chijimi as there are many variaties and it complements so many other dishes.

Question 4

I have never set foot in Korea. I would like to go as I like the food. It is difficult nowadays due to COVID-19. Maybe in the future I will go.

Question 5

I think the business relationships with Japan and Korea are strong, after all, money talks. Politically, I think things are better than they were, but there is much more improvement needed.

Question 6

I do not think we will see a unified Korea any time soon. Their poltical structures are too different and there would need to be a massive event to change one of them.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
pretty big	かなり大したこと
complements other dishes	他の料理を補完する
set foot	足を踏み入れる
money talks	金がものを言う