1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the experiences of H.O.T. members Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta when they were detained for 12 hours during US immigration at the airport. The article provides details about the incident and the members’ reactions.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 마약 | maag | drugs | Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta were detained for 12 hours on suspicion of drug possession. |
| 소지 | soiji | possession | Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta were detained on suspicion of drug possession. |
| 혐의 | hyeomui | suspicion, charge | Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta were detained on suspicion of drug possession. |
| 구금 | gugeun | detention | Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta were detained for 12 hours. |
| 강타는 | gangta-neun | Kang Ta (subject marker) | Kang Ta said they were detained for 12 hours. |
| 라며 | lameyo | and said | Kang Ta said they were detained for 12 hours. |
| 문희준은 | munhijeun-eun | Mun Hee-jun (subject marker) | Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta were detained. |
| 했다 | haessda | did | Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta were detained for 12 hours. |
| 라고 | lago | that | Kang Ta said that they were detained for 12 hours. |
| 짠한형 | jjanhangseong | Jjanhangseong (TV show title) | [Photo source = ‘Jjanhangseong’ video capture] |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
그룹 H.O.T.의 멤버 문희준과 강타가 미국 입국 심사 때 12시간 동안 구금됐다고 전했다.
Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta of the group H.O.T. said they were detained for 12 hours during US immigration.
강타는 “문희준 형과 제가 미국 입국 심사대에서 끌려가 12시간 구금된 적이 있었다”라며 “그때는 입국심사가 엄격했다”고 말했다.
Kang Ta said, “Mun Hee-jun and I were once detained for 12 hours at the US immigration checkpoint,” and added, “Immigration checks were very strict at the time.”
강타는 “형 뭐라고 했냐”고 묻자, 문희준은 “마약 소지 혐의로 12시간 구금됐다”고 답했다.
When Kang Ta asked, “What did you say, hyung?”, Mun Hee-jun replied, “We were detained for 12 hours on suspicion of drug possession.”
이날 멤버들은 이수만 전 SM엔터테인먼트 총괄 프로듀서와 통화를 하기도 했다. 이후 신동엽은 즉석에서 이수만에게 전화를 걸어 멤버들과 연결했다.
On that day, the members also spoke with former SM Entertainment producer Lee Soo-man. Afterward, Shin Dong-yeop immediately called Lee Soo-man to connect him with the members.
이수만은 “사랑해요”라고 응원했고, 장우혁은 “선생님 사랑합니다”라며 답했다.
Lee Soo-man cheered them on, saying “I love you,” and Jang Woo-hyuk responded, “I love you, teacher.”
4. Reading comprehension questions
- Why were Mun Hee-jun and Kang Ta detained for 12 hours at the US immigration checkpoint?
- How did Kang Ta describe the immigration checks at the time?
- Who did the H.O.T. members speak with on that day?
- What did Lee Soo-man say to the members?
- How did Jang Woo-hyuk respond to Lee Soo-man?
5. Cultural and historical notes
H.O.T. was one of the most popular K-pop groups in the 1990s and early 2000s. The group’s detention at the US immigration checkpoint reflects the strict security measures in place at the time, especially for high-profile Korean celebrities entering the country. The communication between the members and their former producer Lee Soo-man also highlights the close relationship between K-pop artists and their management companies.