So in my almost nonexistent time within the kpop fandom, I've noticed and picked up quite a lot of things. And as a writer, I personally scan through facts and research about the things I write. I feel as though things would be so much easier and realistic if I actually knew what I was talking about, right? Or is that just me? 

Well, anyways, I've come across loads of amazing fics and great plot lines and as you know, this is a place where we write mostly about Korean poeple and their culture. You see that word there, CULTURE. Korea has a totally diferent culture people, and things are not the same over there as they are over here or wherever you live (unless you live in Korea then you have no business reading this ) I seriously think people should research more about what they're writing. 

Here's a few things I think people should take in consideration when writing a story about Korean people:

1. Marrige Last Names - So in most places of the world, the bride takes the last name of their husband but let me tell you somethin', korea aint deeling with that nuh uh. The brides are independent (kinda) and keep the name their daddy gives them okay? Byut, the kids take the last name of their father. Now, if this is a fic, just chose or maybe even combine both last names Idk but please make it realistic and let the uke/whatever keep his/her last name. That's how they do it over there. 

2. Pregnancies - So there's a whole lot of mpreg stories out there and I actually found one that has its research cut out for them so kudos to you little lady (i wont announce who that is) . So anyways, just research symptoms and make the weeks acurate (I know I need to ing learn form this one, okay?)

3. Scenery - This is just an advice but I think the more you emphasize and read and research about Korea and Seoul and it's districts, the more realistic your story is. And if you really are a kpop fan, learning about the different parts of Seoul is not going to be a problem for you. It's good to know where the basic places are located, like Gangnam, Hongdae, the Han River, and other major places. And if you'd like some more info on that, just ask, I'll be happy to inform you. 

4. Current Affairs - This is more like just knowing the basic news in Korea. No need to be completely obsessed and watch their news or something but the big things are pretty good to know. Like for instance, how long military services last, what are leading brands in Korea and maybe know something about the presidency or some if your fic involves that. By any means, it is not necessary to know okay? Just if it's related to the fic.

5. Time - Okay, this has a little to do with the scenery but this is more on weather and seasons. So in Korea, it usually snows about 30 or more days a year. From what I've gathered, it's a lot like from where I come from - it snows more often during the beginning of the year rather than in december. And the coldest day of the year is around mid January called dae han. 

6. Holidays - So in Korea, their holidays are a bit different from everywhere else (culture thing). They celebrate New Year more than Christmas....I think.... I mean, based on what Exo has said in interview - that they get to go home during new years instead of Christmas - I think New Year is a bit of a bigger holiday for them. And also keep in mind other things like Chuseok and . (korean thanksgiving kinda) and parents and kids day is also a big thing okay? And like if you're gonna write about White Day and Rose Day and whatnot, do research on it too!

7. School - I can't address this enough guys, but this is pretty ing important. High school in korean has only three years - first grade, second grade and third grade. in first grade high school, you're typically 15-16 years old, second grade 16-17 and third 17-18 (normal age).

8. Age - Now this is c o m p l i c a t e d okay? So basically when you're in Korea, you cna be either 1 year older than your normal age or 2. Depends on when you're born. If you're born after the new year (like Jan to June) you're only one year older. Example; Kyungsoo is born in January, 1993. Normally, he'd be 21 years old but in korea he is 22. And if you're born before the new year, you add two years, I believe. Its a very complicated process guys. And also, they have this thing that everybody turns a year older during new year, despite the actual date of your birthday. Its like a big ing of birthdays on January 1st.

 (ing badass xiumin ready to take you any way you want it)

9.Smaller Things - So there are smaller things you can consider if you want; its good to know about blood types (bc the yellow people have a thing for that, especially Sehunnie), higharchy (hyung, noona, unnie, umma, eomoenim, like this), food (bang - bread, hanwoo - korean beef, jajangmyeon - black bean ) and when I say food, I mean like traditions and . Like there's a saying that you should eat jajangmyeon when you newly move into a house. I think.... im not sure, I should look into it a bit more. 

But guys, this is not a must. It'll just improve your skillzz and help you out in making it realistic. We can't always westernize here okay!?

These are simply pointers I believe you should take notice of. 

Done es, I ing did it and now my hurts like but its all worth it bc i finally got my thoughts out. now go and run and fly away and make ing amazing stories for me to read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!