By Hong Kilju and Lee Jihae 

An English-language article written by Honorary Reporter Majid Mushtaq from Pakistan was the most read Honorary Reporter story on Korea.net in the fourth week of last month. The piece explained how the Pakistani branch of the BTS global fan community Army celebrated an Islamic holiday.

Two articles in English, two in Spanish and one in French comprised the five most-read Honorary Reporter stories last week. One focused on the Korean national fencing team in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

■ BTS fans in Pakistan mark this year's Eid ul-Adha via henna designs (Majid Mushtaq from Pakistan)
Last week's most-read Honorary Reporter article was about Eid-ul-Adha, or the Muslim Festival of Sacrifice held on the 10th day of the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, or falling in late July this year. People in Pakistan customarily apply henna tattoos on their arms and hands using traditional designs.

This year, however, the Pakistani branch of the BTS global fan community Army used designs inspired by the group, with the article sharing related photos. Pakistani fans of BTS wrote in English and Hangeul the names of BTS members, parts of song lyrics or quotes from the group, with some using purple, a color representing BTS. All of them showed their individual skills while uniting through henna. 


■ Korea, ecological deal of scientific power (Leila Bouhend from France)
Honorary Reporter Leila Bouhend from France explained Korea's history of shifting the basis of its growth paradigm from fossil fuels to renewable energy. With global interest growing in reducing carbon emissions, Korea is implementing the Korean New Deal and many domestic corporations are actively participating in green growth.

The article cited Sparklabs and Maru 180 as examples of green companies that invest in domestic startups. Bouhend said that based on "green tech," Korean corporations are leading green business innovation in shipbuilding and semiconductors, two of the nation's strongest sectors. She called Songdo International Business District in Incheon a good example of an environment-friendly and future city, and explained how the district functions as a green smart city. 

■ Review: 'Soul of Korea' (Juan Pablo Ialorenzi from Argentina)

No. 3 was a review of the 1987 book "The Soul of Korea" (El Alma de Corea) by Spanish Catholic priest Ismael Quiles (1906-93). His comprehensive analysis of Korean society was based on his observations of Korean education, culture and religion during his travels in Korea.

  

During their processes of entering Korea, Quiles said, religions from abroad were localized to meet Korean characteristics as evidenced by the country's continued struggles to maintain its identity and autonomy. This article attracted many readers by listing little-known books about Korea. 

■ Brazilian expat opens up about life in Korea with her 'dream man' (Jessica Louvain from Brazil)
Fourth on the list was an interview with Carine Lima, a Brazilian expat and YouTube influencer who married a Korean man. She explained in depth how she met her spouse through a language exchange program, how she fell in love with him, the complicated administrative procedures to wed and overcoming opposition from her husband's family to the marriage. 

Lima said she and her husband have a language barrier, and on how they communicate, she said, "It was an adventure through song lyrics, Google Translate and Brazilians who speak Korean." She said they use "PoKorean," a mix of Portuguese and Korean. 

This is a must-read article for foreign readers contemplating marriage with Koreans.