In this episode, we sit down with content creator Hannah Kim, a Korean local based in Seoul who has built a thriving community through an authentic personal brand.

We talk about why authenticity is the one thing you cannot fake. From discovering hidden Seoul gems on a bus ride to volunteering in unexpected ways, Hannah shares how she has carved out her own path and career in the creator economy without following the script.

Whether you are a creator, aspiring influencer, or simply curious about how people actually build communities online, this conversation challenges everything you think you know about "going viral."

Professor Hannah Jun from Ewha Womans University is breaking the mould.

In this episode, Professor Jun shares how she’s reshaping her role as an academic, both inside and outside the classroom.

You'll discover how she connects with students, meets them where they are (online or on campus), and prioritises engagement alongside her traditional research role.

We'll also hear her insights on how AI and technology might shape the experience of international students in Korea as it continues to grow as a top spot for students studying abroad.

Instagram: @profhannahjun

Youtube:  @HannahJun 

As Professor Hannah Jun's 오른팔 왼팔 (right-hand woman), PhD candidate Laura Aparicio is perfectly placed to give us a student's-eye view of her mentor in this Spotify exclusive preview.

Originally from Colombia, Laura joined Ewha GSIS as a master's student in Development Cooperation on the Ewha Sarang Scholarship, before continuing on to a PhD in International Business.

She brings extensive experience in the development cooperation field, including work with UN-related agencies and other NGOs.

Most people believe food is just about taste.

But what we often forget is that it’s also about the stories, care, and community behind it.

In this episode, Sunny, of Seoul’s Sunnyhouse Gluten-Free Bakery Café, reveals how she turned her personal struggles into a business focused on connection, authenticity, and belonging.

You'll hear how Sunny's journey of overcoming barriers and navigating a difficult childhood led to creating Seoul’s most cherished gluten-free space.

We also learn the secret sauce behind Sunnyhouse, which is how intentionality and passion can help transform a humble cafe into a true community hub.

Sunnyhouse:

Instagram: @Sunnyhousekr

NAVER Maps: Sunnyhouse https://naver.me/xfbwxikX

Sunny:

Instagram: @Sunnythecaker

TikTok: @sunnyfromsunnybread

Compilation of parts 1 & 2 from our conversation late last year with Professor Cuz Potter from Korea University.

In this episode, Erik and Louis speak with Professor Cuz Potter of Korea University about the dysfunction in liberal democracies, the crisis in neoliberalism, and the ideologies vying for dominance in a fragmenting world order. We examine Giovanni Arrighi’s theories on capitalism, hegemony, and cycles of accumulation, and consider the implications of these ideas for contemporary global disorder and the potential future of capitalism.

This episode explores the inspiring story of Kate, founder of Seoul Chess Club, and how she built a vibrant community in Seoul to foster social connections through chess &combat loneliness.

Discover her journey from tech to community building, the impact of chess on social bonding, and her vision as part of a global chess community.

Instagram: @seoulchessclub

_________________________

The Foreign Tigers uses Auphonic, an automatic audio post-production service, to ensure every episode sounds its best. You can support our show by donating credits directly to our Auphonic account, and here's the best part: we don't receive any money, just credits that go straight toward producing quality audio for future episodes.

Your donation works like this:

- One-Time Credits are added to our account and never expire

- They cover the professional audio processing that makes our podcast sound polished and professional

- The minimum donation is €5 / $6, and you can contribute any amount above that

Ready to help? ⁠https://auphonic.com/donate_credits?user=foreigntigers

Every donation directly supports our mission to bring you engaging conversations and crystal-clear audio. Thank you for being part of our community!

Most expats assume teaching English in Korea is just a short-term gig. Lauren DeMeo reveals how her initial year-long plan transformed into a thriving business and a lifelong love affair with Korea.

What does it take to make Korea truly your home? Lauren’s journey, from newbie to business owner, illustrates how embracing change, community, and continuous learning can lead to a thriving new life. If you’re dreaming of Korea or already here and feeling stuck, this episode will inspire you to seize the moment, and to remember: your best life begins with the decision to try.

Lauren DeMeo is the CEO of The Keys Admissions, specializing in college admissions counseling for international students. With over 15 years living and working in Korea, she’s an expert at navigating the challenges of expat life and education abroad, helping students turn dreams into reality.

W: https://www.thekeysadmissions.org

____________________________

The Foreign Tigers uses Auphonic, an automatic audio post-production service, to ensure every episode sounds its best. You can support our show by donating credits directly to our Auphonic account, and here's the best part: we don't receive any money, just credits that go straight toward producing quality audio for future episodes.

Your donation works like this:

• ​One-Time Credits are added to our account and never expire
• ​They cover the professional audio processing that makes our podcast sound polished and professional
• ​The minimum donation is €5 / $6, and you can contribute any amount above that

Ready to help? Donate credits to The Foreign Tigers on Auphonic.

Every donation directly supports our mission to bring you engaging conversations and crystal-clear audio. Thank you for being part of our community!

Annettely, a singer-songwriter and filmmaker, shares her journey of rediscovery, the confidence she found shedding imposter syndrome and her mission to keep her art genuine in an AI-driven world. She reflects on turning 30, learning to love herself beyond external praise and channelling her story into a unique blend of English and Korean lyrics, minimalist production and her vulnerable album Pluto.

After leaving a corporate career to pursue music full time, her perspective on creativity and success shifted, reinforcing that authenticity and persistence matter most. She talks about longevity in music, the enduring power of the human touch in art and her dream of performing for a community that truly understands her, offering inspiration to anyone battling self-doubt or seeking to reignite their passion.

Annettely's Album & Socials:

• Album Links - https://link.soundrepublica.music/Pt4CGHOTY?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Annettely⁩ 
• Instagram - @annettely

This episode features Inger and Ann from The Gallery in Seoul, exploring how partners of expat professionals can reinvent their careers, embrace the pause, and build community abroad. Discover their inspiring journey, hear about their impactful events, and get some practical advice for anyone seeking professional growth and connection.

Find out more about The Gallery in Seoul here: https://www.thegalleryseoul.com

Instagram: @thegalleryseoul

In our latest edition of the Foreign Tigers podcast, we delve into the world of journalism through the eyes of seasoned freelance journalist Raphael Rashid. With over a decade of experience reporting from South Korea for publications such as the New York Times, the Guardian and Elle Korea, Raphael sheds light on his journey into journalism, the unique challenges he has faced, and the vibrant landscape of Korean media.