Saturday, October 31, 2026 · Morning
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Culture · 8 sources combined p. 1 / 5
Doctor X viewership hits 19.5%
Photo: 한국경제 In short SBS drama 'Doctor X' saw higher viewership after its 6th episode featuring the May 18 Democratic Uprising.
Some viewers filed a petition with the National Assembly demanding the show be taken off air.
Actress Kim Ji-won faced malicious comments, and the cultural sector worried about a chilling effect on creative freedom.
Key facts When The May 18 Democratic Uprising appeared as subject matter in episode 6 of 'Doctor X' broadcast on October 24. Who SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia' became the center of controversy. What National viewership reached 19.5%, setting its own record high and ranking 5th among all Friday-Saturday dramas ever. How A petition calling for broadcast suspension was filed with the National Assembly on October 25, reaching 100 supporters and now under review.
What it means for me
Controversy over historical subjects in dramas is leading to broader discussion about the scope of expression in content overall.
Why does this matter? Debate over a drama's historical subject matter has expanded into broader arguments about creative freedom.
Culture · 2 sources combined p. 2 / 5
Mokpo National University 80th anniversary
D-4 Deadline November 11 · Exhibition end date
Photo: 프레시안 In short Mokpo National University held a photo exhibition for its 80th anniversary.
The exhibition captures islands and seas of South Jeolla's archipelago and islanders' lives.
You can view it at the university's Museum Gallery through November 11.
Visitor info Location Mokpo National University Museum Gallery 'Meum' Period October 29 - November 11, 2026
Key facts When The exhibition opens October 29 and runs through November 11. Where It is held at Mokpo National University Museum Gallery 'Meum'. Who The Island Culture Research Institute and university staff photo club MNU Photo Club organized it. What 14 photographers display photos of islands, seas, and daily life in island villages.
What it means for me
Mokpo and South Jeolla residents can view the exhibition free of charge until November 11.
Why does this matter? For the 80th anniversary, the university records and shares photos of the region's island and sea culture.
Culture · 2 sources combined p. 3 / 5
Japanese comedy master Mitani Koki
Deadline Deadline November 1 · Last day of 'American Dream' performance
Photo: 연합뉴스 In short Japanese comedy master Mitani Koki visited Korea for the first time with his new work 'American Dream'.
This work deals with McCarthyism (anti-communist witch hunts) in Hollywood in the late 1940s.
Mitani said that Japanese society has also become somewhat difficult to speak freely.
Visitor info Venue Seoul COEX Artium Dates October 30 ~ November 1, 2026 Note Japanese performance with Korean subtitles. Final stage of Japan's 7-city tour
Key facts When The performance runs from October 30 to November 1 at Seoul COEX Artium. Who Written and directed by Japanese comedy master Mitani Koki. What A closed-room play 'American Dream' dealing with Hollywood McCarthyism in the late 1940s. How Performed in Japanese by original Japanese actors with Korean subtitles.
What it means for me
For performance enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to see an original work by a Japanese master on stage in Korea.
Why does this matter? A comedy master met Korean audiences for the first time with a new work addressing power, art, and freedom of expression.
Culture · 2 sources combined p. 4 / 5
KGM and Kookmin University collaborate
Deadline Deadline November 1 · Insa-dong Exhibition Closing Date
Photo: 매일경제 In short KG Mobility partnered with Kookmin University to create future mobility design works.
A total of 26 graduation works will be displayed, including 6 designs created by students.
The exhibition runs at Ara Art Center in Insa-dong, Seoul, until November 1st.
Visitor info Location Ara Art Center, Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul Period Until November 1st
Key facts When The exhibition continues until November 1st. Where It is held at Ara Art Center in Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Who KG Mobility and Kookmin University conducted this industry-academic collaboration. What It showcases 26 graduation works in total, including 6 collaborative projects.
What it means for me
Readers near Insa-dong can visit the exhibition before November 1st.
Why does this matter? This is an example of industry-academic collaboration between the automotive sector and university leading to talent development in future vehicle design.
Culture · 2 sources combined p. 5 / 5
Korean Studies Future Institute
D-174 Deadline April 30 · Special Exhibition 'Jeollabuk-do, Challenge' Viewing Ends
Photo: 연합뉴스 In short The Korean Studies Future Institute, a Korean studies research institution, will be established in Buan, Jeollabuk-do.
The opening ceremony will be held on November 6, and full operations will begin.
It plans to showcase research combining artificial intelligence with traditional Korean studies.
Visitor info Location Korean Studies Future Institute (101-5 Munjeong-ro, Buan-eup, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do) Period Special Exhibition 'Jeollabuk-do, Challenge' November 6, 2026 – April 30, 2027 Content Exhibition displays 128 years of history from the birth of Jeollabuk-do in 1896 to the launch of Jeollabuk-do Special Self-Governing Province in 2024
Key facts When The opening ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. on November 6 on the lawn plaza of the Institute in Buan-gun. Where The Institute is built as two buildings—a research center and promotion center—at 101-5 Munjeong-ro, Buan-eup, Buan-gun. Who Jeollabuk-do established it, and the Jeollabuk-do Research Institute operates it under commission. What It was built with a total of 11 billion won: 5 billion won in national funds and 6 billion won in provincial funds.
What it means for me
Visitors to Buan can view the special exhibition 'Jeollabuk-do, Challenge' after the opening ceremony.
Why does this matter? A new hub for Korean studies research in Jeollabuk-do will contribute to regional studies research and preservation of traditional culture.
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