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JYP Entertainment Building and Soul Cup Café – A Must-Visit for JYP Fans

Image from JYP Soul Cup Cafe Instagram

Have you ever dreamed of being in a same building as your favorite Kpop idols? As a Kpop fan, when you are in Seoul, make sure to visit the agency building of your Kpop bias (group).  You’ll never know you might have a chance to bump into them, right? If you are a fan of JYP artists such as GOT7, 2PM, Twice, Day6, Stray Kids and Itzy then you should definitely make time to visit JYP Center in Seoul!

JYP Entertainment Building

JYP Entertainment is one of the biggest entertainment agencies in Korea alongside SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment. The building has a total of 14 floors and boasts over 76,000 square feet for the entertainment company and their idols to use.

How to get there

Seoul, Gangdong-gu, Seongnae-dong, Gangdong-daero, 205 JYP Center

Ride Metro subway and get off at Olympic Park Station (Line 5 or Line 9), Exit 1.

From Exit 1, make your way out through the stairs. Note that there’s no escalator at Exit 1. If you have luggage bags, you can alternatively exit through Exit 4 and use the pedestrian lane to cross the street.

From Exit 1, you can take the bus no. 3319 or 3220 at the bus stop in front of the Olympic Plaza Center.

Then get off at Yoon’s English Academy. This is the second stop from the Olympic Plaza Center. Before getting off, you will pass by the big JYP building. If you take a look outside, you surely won’t miss it. From the bus stop, just walk back a little bit to the corner of the street.

Soul Cup Café

The JYP building where your favorite JYP artists are probably spending most of their time to practice and record, also used to have the Soul Cup Café on its first floor.

They offered coffee, tea, milk ice cream and cakes that are all organic. A perfect coffee shop menu for those who are health-conscious!

They also used to sell merchandise that JYP fans would surely love. From cups to tumblers and many more!

CLOSED However, Soul Café at JYP center permanently closed last July 15, 2020. It has moved to its new location in Lotte World Mall.

Soul Cup at Lotte World Mall

Just like the Soul Cup in JYP building, all of their drinks and pastries are all organic. It also has a large screen that plays music videos of different JYP artists.

Moreover, they also sell official merchandise of JYP artists. Some fans are even holding cup sleeve events during special days such as birthdays and debut anniversary of some artists.

Operating Hours

10.30 AM to 10.00 PM all year round

Lotte World Mall 2nd floor, Olympic-ro 300, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Take a subway (Seoul Metro Line 2) and get off at Jamsil Station, Exit 1. Walk for about 8 minutes.

For sample itineraries and guides to help you plan your trip to Korea, refer to the links below:

• 6 FREE Ways to Meet Kpop Idols in Korea
• 1-day Seoul Itinerary for Kpop Fans
• 1-day Seoul Itinerary for Kdrama Fans
• 2-day Seoul Itinerary for Kdrama Fans
• 3-day Seoul Itinerary for Kdrama Fans
• Guide to go to Cube Entertainment Building
• Guide to go to WM Entertainment and YG Building
• 20 Best Things to Buy in Myeongdong for Kpop and Kdrama Fans

If you find this article interesting and helpful, share it with your friends. For more Korea travel tips like this, subscribe to KoreabyMe and read  my other published articles  on the site. You can follow me on  Instagram  too!

A scholar, marketer, educator, traveler, and ultimately, a fangirl currently living in South Korea. I mostly write about Hallyu-related places as well tips on traveling and living in Korea.

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JYP Entertainment's future headquarters design goes viral

JYP Entertainment 's future headquarters design is going viral. Architect and professor Yoo Hyun Joon drew up a sketch of JYP Entertainment's new headquarters, and with a total floor area of almost 60,000㎡ with 5 floors underground and 22 floors above ground, the design is currently a trending topic on online community sites.  The sketch images also reveal a green park on the first floor of the building, and open green spaces throughout. It's reported JYP Entertainment wanted to create a space in the new building that enhances creativity, a space where meetings and communication can occur freely, and a space with abundant natural light.  The newly unveiled building design was proposed to JYP Entertainment by Yoo Hyun Joon Architect Office, and it may be subject to some changes depending on licensing procedures during the project process. Netizens commented,  "JYP is rich. The building is pretty," "The building is quite pretty," "This is gorgeous," "Can I go hang there too? I want to go," "It looks so big," "What an interesting shape," "This looks like a city in Sims,"  and more. Check out the design images above and below, and let us know what you think in the comments below.   

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Thx to twice with their never ending concert

5 more replies

Although I like it a lot and even the current building is actually pretty nice I sometimes found myself missing the old building. Idk it's just so iconic 😂😂

2 more replies

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A Look Inside JYP Entertainment's Amazing New Headquarters

Ash , Kpopmap Editor

4 min to read

Published : Nov 27, 2023

Updated : Dec 7, 2023

As K-Pop agencies grow, produce more groups, and employ more staffs, they need more space. Thus, it is not rare for agencies to change buildings and location in order to provide the best working environment for both office workers, and artists. It was the case of JYP a few years ago, who relocated their new agency building in the GangDong-Gu area, right next to the Olympic Park of Seoul. This is a nice and accessible area, and other K-Pop agencies are located in the surrounding neighborhoods.

The new JYP Building is said to possess an organic cafe and inner place, as well as environmental-friendly elevators. Some rooms even have their own source of oxygen tank, making the place as healthy and eco-friendly as possible. This was a very good initiative from the person in charge as it will improve the working environment of JYP employees. The cafe used to be accessible to non-employee but not anymore, however, you can still see the building from outside and enjoy a walk in the park across the street.

But if the current location is great, JYP is still considering getting a new headquarter in the same area by next year with an even bigger building. As stated by the person in charge of th

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All the insider's travel tips in Korea

Top 4 K-pop Entertainment Buildings in Seoul

If you are a K-pop fan, you’ll definitely be interested in visiting your favorite artists’ entertainment building. Here are the locations of Korea’s top 4 K-pop entertainment buildings and their K-pop-themed cafes or museums where you can also get your idols’ merchandise goods. Also, don’t forget to check out the nearby activities that you can enjoy!

• Address: 83-21, Wangsimni-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul ( Kakao Map )
• Artists: EXO, Shinee, NCT 127, NCT Dream, Aespa, Red Velvet, Super Junior, RIIZE & more

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   제레의뚝섬살이(@zele._.park)님의 공유 게시물

SM Entertainment has recently moved its building from Gangnam to Seongsu-dong, which is near Seoul Forest Park. In the previous building, there used to be SMTOWN & Cafe but its operation has been permanently closed since May 28th. Also, SMTOWN Museum at COEX Artium in Samseong-dong is also closed. If you want to visit the SMTOWN building, you should now head to Seongsu, one of the most hipster areas in Seoul these days!

Nearby Activities:

• Seoul Walking Tour: Seongsu-dong Cafes, Shopping, K-pop & Culture
• May One Hair Salon in Seongsu
• Learn Basic Korean & Calligraphy in Seongsu, Seoul
• Han River Kayaking / Paddle Boarding / Windsurfing

Recommend Blogs:

• Seongsu-dong: Seoul’s Instagrammable Hidden Gems Part 6
• The All-Time Favorite Parks in Seoul Among Seoulites
• Address: 3, Huiujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul ( Kakao Map )
• Artists: BLACKPINK, TREASURE, BABYMONSTER, WINNER, AKMU & more

  View this post on Instagram   Seok Son(@sonseokpd)님의 공유 게시물

YG Entertainment has its building in Mapo-gu, which became an iconic building in Hongdae and Hapjeong. Recently, YG opened its brand new building just next to its old building. It’s much bigger and has better facilities for its artists. There are many things to do around the YG building since Hongdae is well-known as a place for youth!

Nearby K-Beauty Services:

• Hair & Joy Hair Salon in Hongdae
• OU Hair Salon in Hongdae
• The Days Hair Salon in Hongdae
• Hey Object Nail Art in Hongdae
• OU Nail Salon in Hondgae
• DAY:MEAN Hair Salon in Hongdae/Hapjeong: Earring Color/Natural Perm
• 1 Day Makeup Class/Professional Makeup Service in Hongdae
• Eyelash Extensions in Hongdae
• Personal Color Analysis & Makeup Class in Hongdae

Nearby DIY Activities:

• Make Your Own Custom Ring/Bracelet/Necklace in Hongdae
• Neon Sign Making Class in Gangnam & Hongdae
• Make Your Own Cosmetics (Skincare Products / Lipsticks) near Hongdae

The Same Cafe

• Address: 6-3, Huiujeong-ro 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul ( Kakao Map )
• Opening Hours: 10:00~21:00

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   the SameE(@thesamee_official)님의 공유 게시물

Just in front of the YG building, there is the Same Cafe where you can enjoy drinks and desserts as well as buy merchandise goods for YG artists. It’s literally heaven for YG fans!

• Things to Do in Hongdae Based on Your Personality
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• Address: 205, Gangdong-daero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul ( Kakao Map )
• Artists: TWICE, ITZY, NMIXX, 2PM, Stray Kids, Day6 & more

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   arriane • アリヤン 🌸(@aryannaaaaa)님의 공유 게시물

JYP Entertainment has also recently moved from Cheongdam-dong to Seongnae-dong, which is in Gangdong-gu, the east of Seoul. It’s very close to the Olympic Park and Jamsil, where many landmarks are concentrated, such as Lotte World Tower, Lotte World Theme Park, and Seokchon Lake Park. If you want to visit one of the trendiest places in Seoul, head to Songnidan-gil Street, which is close to the Jamsil subway station.

• Korean School Uniform Rental near Lotte World
• Acrylic Painting Class with Drinks in Jamsil
• Super Wings Kids Cafe in Jamsil

Nearby Attractions:

• Lotte World Theme Park 1 Day Pass
• Lotte World Theme Park & Aquarium Combo Discount Ticket
• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Discount Ticket
• KidZania Seoul Discount Ticket

Recommended Blog:

• Jamsil: Seoul’s Instagrammable Hidden Gems Part 5
• Address: 42, Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul ( Kakao Map )
• Artists: BTS, TomorrowXTogether, New Jeans, LE SSERAFIM, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, ZICO & more

  Instagram에서 이 게시물 보기   @nway_315님의 공유 게시물

HYBE Entertainment was originally BIGHIT Entertainment, which is widely known for having BTS, the most famous boy band in the world right now. As BIGHIT Entertainment got bigger, it took over several other entertainment companies and now became HYBE Entertainment, which now has more artists, such as SEVENTEEN and Zico. BIGHIT Music is now part of HYBE Entertainment.

• Hannam-dong Art & Food Walking Tour
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• Hannam-dong: Seoul’s Instagrammable Hidden Gems Part 3

Check Out More K-pop Activities & Tours in Seoul!

• SBS MTV The Show Package
• SBS Inkigayo & Seoul Tour Package
• 2024 Gangnam Festival & Yeongdongdaero K-pop Concert Tour Package (Sept 29th)
• Rapbeat 2024 Music Festival Ticket (Sep 21~22)
• 2024 K-link Festival Ticket & Tour Package (Oct 5)
• Pocaspot: K-pop Photo Card Store in Hongdae
• ARMY Tour: Explore Seoul Through the Eyes of BTS
• Seoul Hallyu K-pop Full Day Tour

Check Out the K-pop Dance & Recording Class in Seoul!

• K-pop Half-day Tour & K-pop Dance Class in Seoul
• K-pop Dance & Vocal Training 1 Day Class + Video Shooting Experience in Gangnam
• K-pop Dance Class with Professional Choreographers for Top K-pop Stars
• K-pop Dance Lesson in Gangnam (+ Free video shooting & editing)
• Learn K-pop Dance with BTS/BLACKPINK’s Songs in Sinchon
• K-pop Dance Lesson: How to Dance Like K-pop Stars
• Make Your Own K-pop Recording in Gangnam
• Premium Private K-pop Recording Experience at KING STUDIO

Find out more trendiest, latest, newest things to do in Korea on Trazy.com , Korea’s #1 Travel Shop !

[Photo Credits]

• HYBE Entertainment Official Website

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K-pop Entertainment Buildings in Seoul

 14,820 total views,  4 views today

If you are a fan of K-pop, it is a dream come true to see your favorite stars. And when in Seoul, the opportunities are greater. This is because South Korea’s capital, Seoul, boasts many K-pop entertainment buildings, and if you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the loved celebrities.

Read more: If You Are A K-pop Fan, Then You Must Visit These Locations in Seoul .

Here’s a list of the top K-pop entertainment buildings in Seoul:

Table of Contents

1.      SM Entertainment Building

This building is the new headquarter of SM . It is situated on the north-eastern side of Seoul, in the fashionable neighborhood of Seongsu-dong. It is easy to reach the building, but patience is the key when it comes to seeing your SM idols like Boa, Super Junior, SHINE, Red Velvet, TVXQ, etc.

Even if you can’t find one, the area is still fun to walk around in, snap a photo, and possibly make some new friends who are equally crazy about K-pop as you are.

2.      JYP Training Center

JYP Entertainment, one of Korea’s most well-known K-pop entertainment businesses, has launched a new audition and practice center. It has sold its iconic headquarter and relocated to a different portion of Cheongdam-dong. The new headquarter of JYP is close to this training center.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by JYP신인개발팀 (@jyp_audition_official)

JYP is home to a number of well-known K-pop stars such as Miss A,  Wonder Girls, Got7, and Bernard Park. Several other renowned artists like Min Hyo Rin and Lee Jung Jin are also associated with JYP.

You may see the top celebrities or at least some of the JYP trainees during your visit to this training center.

3.      YG Entertainment Building

With top stars like iKON, BLACKPINK, and Big Bang, YG ranks high just as SM and JYP as far as big entertainment agencies in South Korea are concerned. The headquarter is located in Mapo-gu, more specifically in the Hongdae area.

The location has great art resources, and the design is tailored as per the needs of its artists. There is also a wonderful cafeteria where you may kill some time while attempting to catch a glance at your favorite YG stars.

4.      HYBE Entertainment

There are numerous BTS fans not just in South Korea but all over the world, and if you are one of them, you have probably heard about HYBE Entertainment. Yes, we are talking about Big Hit Entertainment, which currently goes by the name of HYBE. Started by Bang Si-hyuk in 2005, this company has come a long way with some of the biggest names attached to it like BTS, Homme, Zico, SEVENTEEN, and many more.

Read more: Explore HYBE Insight – The Newest Museum to Celebrate K-Pop .

This building is situated at Yongsan-gu, Seoul, and is often crowded by common folks who roam around to see their favorite stars.

5.      WM Entertainment

WM, which began as a small institution in 2011, has grown to become one of the most established companies in the industry today, with famous names like Oh My Girl and B1A4 attached to it. This WM structure is new and located in Mapu-gu, Seoul.

The building is fairly easy to locate; however it is only open to the general public for special events. The office also organizes a number of exhibitions from time to time, so you may visit the place during any of the shows besides strolling now and then to see the WM stars.

6.      Cube Entertainment Building 

Situated in Seongsu District in Seoul, this building is Cube Entertainment’s headquarters. It was previously located in the Cheongdam area but has now relocated to this location. The office is on the seventh story of the current building, with the second floor dedicated to newcomer training. The Cube café called 20 Space is located on the first level and is a great place to spend some quality time.

✨ Exploring Cube Entertainment building, a thread ✨ The main video of this thread is Pentagon Hongseok's vlive during Pentagon Maker, where he introduced Cube building to fans floor by floor pic.twitter.com/hcK9ybMpbx — 💜🎶🌌💙 (@mel0dy1010_) December 11, 2020

If you happen to be in the area at the right name, you may spot the Cube stars like CLC, Beast, BtoB, and Roh Jihoon. Who knows, you may be fortunate enough to receive a handshake or a signature from them as well. However, parking at this place is scarce most of the time, so it is best to use public transport while visiting the Cube headquarters.

Well, enjoy celebrity gazing and we hope you catch a glimpse of your favorites outside any of these K-pop entertainment buildings in Seoul! 

KoreaTravelPost Editor

Hello there! I'm the Features Editor for KoreaTravelPost.

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The ultimate K-Pop travel guide to Seoul

Jan 27, 2020 • 5 min read

There’s nothing K-Pop can’t conquer. Ever since the Korean Wave (or Hallyu ) started around the beginning of the new millennium, it has swept over Asia and moved onto the rest of the world, making South Korea and its entertainment industry famous on a global scale. Today K-Pop idols and groups play in sold-out stadiums and arenas worldwide and have fans of every nationality that support them and want to see their home country, exploring its culture and food as well as its music.

If you’re also planning to wander around the streets of Seoul to retrace your favourite idol’s steps, then this is the perfect guide to everything there is to do and see in the birthplace of K-Pop.

Entertainment companies and music shows

K-Pop fans know that it all begins with Korean entertainment companies – part music labels and part talent agencies, they’re places where idols train and then stay for generally the entirety of their careers. Their headquarters are a good place to start your K-Pop journey and who knows, you might be lucky enough to see your favourite idol arrive at the company for another work day!

Entertainment companies are all located in Seoul, the beating heart of the K-Pop industry, and they’re generally in the central areas of the city, like the famous Gangnam district.  SM Entertainment , the birthplace of groups like Girls’ Generations, Shinee, EXO and Red Velvet, is particularly worth a visit since it also has a special cultural space dedicated entirely to fans called SMTOWN@coexartium – it includes a museum of the company’s history, augmented reality spaces in which you can come face to (virtual) face with your favourite artists, and a hologram theatre for concerts and special performances, as well as a cafe and gift shop.

Another staple of the K-Pop industry are music shows, weekly television programmes where idols perform and promote their songs. Getting into one of the music shows isn't always easy and the method varies depending on which group you want to see, but if you plan in advance it might be your best shot at seeing your favourites perform live in front of you. However, depending on when you're visiting, you might be able to catch one of the big concerts instead – where multiple artists perform sets of their most famous hits. For example, the Lotte Family Concert is held around August in Seoul (while the Busan One Asia Festival takes place in Busan around late October or early November).

Street sightseeing

Seoul, and especially Gangnam, fully recognises how much the K-Pop industry appeals to tourists, and has created plenty of opportunities for fans to “meet” their idols when they come to South Korea.

You might want to visit the G+Star Zone inside the Apgujeong Rodeo Station , for example, a cultural space entirely dedicated to the Korean Wave and its stars that includes various photo zones and video stations, with new celebrities being added each year as they rise to fame. The Star Avenue at Lotte Duty Free in Myeongdong follows the same idea – a corridor leading into one of Seoul’s bustling shopping areas filled with photos and handprints of idols, actors and other celebrities. Myeongdong is also the best place to get some of your K-Pop shopping done, since the Underground Shopping Centre has all the albums and merchandise you could wish for.

A very cute attraction that you absolutely can’t miss is the K-Star ROAD , not too far away from Apgujeong Rodeo Station. The whole road is filled with dolls and statues representing specific K-Pop groups, more often than not also carrying the members’ signatures.

Cafes and restaurants

South Koreans love quirky and hip cafes , and K-Pop idols are no exception. Following their footsteps in and out of their favourite cafes couldn’t be easier, because most of them don’t make a secret of an idol’s visit. You’ll find pictures and memorabilia of famous patrons everywhere inside them, providing tourists with a perfect Instagram opportunity. Some cafes are even owned by idols, making your chances of meeting your favourite artists even higher.

For example, Kamong Café in Gangnam is owned by EXO’s Kai, and it’s an excellent place to try one of South Korea’s signature sweets, the bingsu – shaved ice with any kind of topping on it, from fruit syrup to red beans. The Street cafe in the Cheongdam neighbourhood is managed by JYP Entertainment and it’s been the haunt of famous JYP groups like Twice and Got7, with even some of the members’ handprints hanging from the walls.

The same goes for restaurants. The famous Laundry Pizza restaurant in the Yeoksam neighbourhood of Gangnam, for example, was the background for many idols’ photoshoots, from BTS to Apink, and it’s a must-visit if you want to boast a photo with the same backdrop as your favourite groups (or if you’re simply craving some pizza in a very aesthetically pleasing place!).

Music video locations

While K-Pop groups travel all over the world to film their videos, it doesn’t mean they don’t also make good use of the locations South Korea can offer. You might want to visit the Kyung Hee University in Seoul, for example, where Apink filmed part of their Only One  music video on a rooftop. The university’s auditorium was also used as the iconic backdrop to Blackpink’s summer hit As If It’s Your Last .

The abandoned amusement park Yongma Land in the Jungnang district of Seoul features in many music videos and photoshoots, and you’ll recognise its carousel from the background of Twice’s Like Ooh Aah  and B.A.P.’s 1004 , as well as a number of Korean dramas.

On the outskirts of Seoul, you’ll find the Gyeonggi English Village of Paju, which features in two Super Junior videos, Magic  and U , as well as in EXO’s Miracle in December . Outside Seoul, on the other side of South Korea, you’ll find the town of Gangneung : the bus stop at Jumunjin beach shot to global fame after BTS used it as the cover shot for their 2017 album You Never Walk Alone .

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JYP Entertainment takes a stand against deepfake exploitation of TWICE; warns legal action - read full statement

In response to the disturbing emergence of deepfake pornographic content, JYP Entertainment has issued a forceful statement addressing the illegal exploitation of their artists, particularly the members of TWICE. The release of deepfake videos featuring over 200 female idols has ignited widespread outrage among netizens and prompted swift action from the K-pop industry.

We are gravely concerned about the recent spread of deepfake (AI-generated) videos involving our artists.

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This is a blatant violation of the law, and we are in the process of collecting all relevant evidence to pursue the strongest legal action with a leading law firm, without leniency.

ALSO READ:  K-Pop industry's new power struggle as HYBE launches investigation into NewJeans' agency ADOR and CEO Min Hee Jin

We want to make it clear that we will not stand by while our artists’ rights are violated and will take decisive action to address this matter to the fullest extent possible.

Thank you."

ALSO READ:  NCT's Taeil set to exit the K-pop band following sexual offense allegations - read official statement

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East Timor looks to the pope's visit as a reward after 20 years of fragile stability

East timor 20 years on.

DILI, East Timor (AP) — East Timor is in a festive mood as it prepares for the arrival of Pope Francis on his first trip to the deeply Catholic country , hard on the heels of the 25th anniversary of the referendum on independence from Indonesia.

Francis is due to arrive Monday in one of the world's poorest countries of 1.3 million people, also known as Timor-Leste, following visits to Indonesia and Papua New Guinea . Banners and billboards have filled the streets of the seaside capital, Dili, to welcome the pontiff.

“The pope’s visit is the biggest, the best marketing anyone can aspire to promote the country, to put the country on the tourist map,” East Timor’s President Jose Ramos-Horta said in an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday.

The 74-year-old former independence fighter and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who returned to the presidency in 2022, said the papal visit is a “reward” for the depth of faith shown by the Timorese, some 98% of whom identify as Catholic, and recognition of the progress toward peace in recent years.

The World Bank in its semi-annual report in February praised East Timor as a peaceful, democratic nation. For more than 10 years, free and fair elections have been held despite tensions between the two largest parties that have occasionally erupted into violence.

The country's path to statehood has been traumatic.

The Timorese first declared their independence from Portugal, the colonial ruler, on Nov. 28, 1975, but that move was crushed nine days later when neighboring Indonesia invaded. As many as 200,000 people were killed during the 24 years of Indonesian rule.

On Aug. 30, 1999, Timorese cast their ballots in a United Nations-backed referendum that backed independence from Indonesia with 78.5% of the vote. Indonesia’s military responded with a scorched-earth campaign that shocked the world. About 1,500 people were killed, more than 300,000 were displaced and over 80% of East Timor’s infrastructure was destroyed.

An international force led by Australia intervened to restore security. After a period of direct U.N. governance, East Timor finally became an independent state on May 20, 2002.

The transition to democracy has been rocky, with leaders battling poverty, unemployment and corruption. East Timor’s economy is heavily dependent on energy resources in the Timor Sea, but according to the U.N. Human Development Index, oil and gas income is falling as reserves are depleted, and the economy is not yet diversified.

About 42% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the U.N. Development Program. Unemployment is high, job opportunities in the formal sector are generally limited and most people are subsistence farmers with no steady income.

In the health sector, 47% of children still suffer from stunting and for every 1,000 babies born in East Timor, 49 died before their 5th birthday due to malnutrition, according to the U.N.'s Group for Child Mortality Estimation. Nearly all medicines must be imported and supplies sometimes run out. Patients seek more advanced care overseas.

“Achieving national independence and managing the country afterward are not easy tasks,” Koji Sakane, the director of Global Peacebuilding Association of Japan, said in his February study. “In other words, it is not easy for less experienced figures and organizations to provide the people with a stable living environment and gain their trust.”

Out of necessity, Sakane said, the country was run by leaders and organizations who lacked experience in key areas, including coordination between competing political parties and control of ex-combatants and weapons from the struggle for independence.

While poverty levels remain high, East Timor joined the World Trade Organization last month as its 166th member, after 7 1/2 years of negotiations.

It also applied for a full membership in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It currently has observer status, and wealthier members of the regional bloc like Singapore had feared it would be a burden and delay the creation of an ASEAN Economic Community.

Both East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao and Ramos-Horta highlighted the importance of joining the 10-nation grouping of more than 700 million people to give foreign companies and investors the confidence and security to invest in the country. Last

In 2023, ASEAN member states adopted a roadmap for East Timor's full membership. It includes a requirement for East Timor to prepare a special budget to meet its obligations, such as building infrastructure to host ASEAN meetings and accommodate delegates.

As an ASEAN member, the island nation would have to attend 1,300 meetings a year, host summits, and contribute $2.5 million per year to the group’s budget.

“I can assure you that it's on the right track,” said Milena Maria da Costa Rangel, East Timor's vice foreign minister for ASEAN affairs, adding that the government is involving the private sector and civil society to meet the criteria in the roadmap.

Ramos-Horta expects that East Timor will become a full member of ASEAN in 2025, under Malaysia's chairmanship.

However, economic analyst Fernando Dias Gusmao, from the Peace University in Dili, was more downbeat, saying the government has moved slowly to implement the roadmap.

East Timor continues to face challenges in terms of infrastructure, including the airports, accommodations and IT network necessary to host high-level meetings, Gusmao said.

“It was a big wish but the steps to make that wish come true are not yet optimal,” Gusmao said.

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

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4 Rules That JYP Entertainment Trainees Are Expected To Follow

JYP Entertainment is one of the biggest companies in K-Pop, and they are quite strict with their trainees, as there are plenty of rules they are expected to follow. Here’s a list of a few of these rules.

1. No entering bars with only women servers

This is a rule that applies to everyone in JYP Entertainment, not just trainees. Park Jin Young once shared that all people at the company are banned from entering bars with only women servers. These bars usually only hire women to cater to male customers.

Park Jin Young is extremely strict about this rule, as he will not hesitate to fire someone if they break this rule.

I told them, ‘It doesn’t matter if the company fails. As soon as you put one foot into one of those bars, then prepare to be fired. — Park Jin Young

Trainees at JYP Entertainment are expected to diet and are strictly monitored by the company. The company also restricts trainees from eating certain foods, such as jokbal , a traditional Korean dish of pig trotters braised in soy sauce and spice.

3. No Korean songs during monthly evaluations

Former MADTOWN member H.O  was once a trainee at JYP Entertainment, and he shared that during monthly evaluations, trainees aren’t allowed to sing Korean songs.

At JYP, you cannot sing Korean songs at your monthly evaluations. If you ask your vocal coach ‘teacher, can I sing a Korean song?‘ then you would get a slap on the back, and you were immediately told ‘no’. It had to be Pop (English). I don’t know the reason why. Even to this day, I still don’t know why you can’t sing a Korean song at JYP’s monthly evaluations. — H.O

4. “Half air, half sound” singing method

Park Jin Young has a signature style of singing that he likes to push onto his artists , which is the “half air, half sound” style of singing. Most trainees at the company are taught to sing in this style, as Park Jin Young believes that it generates a softer and breathier sound.

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Bonus: Dating ban

Even after trainees debut, there are still a lot of rules they are expected to follow, and one of these rules is JYP Entertainment’s dating ban . Idols at the company aren’t allowed to date for the first three years of their careers, as Park Jin Young believes that it could be a distraction.

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