Invitation to the 'Korea InviteU' Event
Jeb Latet (76), an American grandfather who became famous as a 'true fan' of IU, will visit Korea on the 20th.
American Grandfather Invited to IU's Concert Also Invited to 'KOREA invites U' Event
The 'IU superfan American grandfather' who heard the news that IU invited him to the concert is delighted. [Image source=YouTube 'Zev Does KDrama' capture]
On the 19th, Latet revealed in an interview with Yonhap News that he was invited to the 'KOREA invites U' event hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. This event, to which about 50 foreign residents who like Korea or have a special connection with Korea for various reasons such as K-pop, dramas, and sports are invited, is designed to allow them to experience Korea firsthand. Latet was selected for the invitation through a recommendation from the Korea Tourism Organization's New York branch.
Latet expressed his excitement, saying, "I am really happy and thrilled," and added, "I want to visit the palaces that often appear in Korean dramas, especially Changdeokgung's Secret Garden and the Hanok Village." He also said, "I want to try street food featured in dramas and enjoy hot and spicy food at street stalls with soju." After the official event schedule ends on the 24th, he plans to extend his trip for four more days at his own expense until the 28th. He also mentioned that he is planning a second trip to Korea next year with his wife.
Started Fan Activities Through Netflix Korean Dramas... Also Enthusiastically Studying Korean
A YouTube video by Zev Latet sharing the news of going to Korea. [Image source=YouTube 'Zev Does KDrama' capture]
Latet earned the nickname 'American Uaena Grandfather' among IU fans. With the help of fans, he even joined IU's official fan club 'Uaena,' making him a genuine fan. Recently, a video showing Latet tearfully overwhelmed with emotion upon hearing that he could attend IU's concert held in the U.S. this July by IU's invitation became a hot topic in Korea.
He said that he became a fan of IU through Korean dramas. In 2017, he became interested in East Asian countries' content on Netflix and fell in love with Korean dramas. Latet explained, "When I watched Korean dramas, I felt they were different from Chinese and Japanese dramas," adding, "The excellent characters stood out, and I felt emotionally connected, so I started watching them seriously." Especially after watching Hotel Del Luna, where the character Jang Man-wol was played, he became a fan of IU. In February, he even launched a YouTube channel introducing Korean dramas. Recently, he has been enthusiastically studying Korean, including adding Korean subtitles himself.
Meanwhile, Latet said he started his career as a local newspaper reporter in his youth, worked as a social worker and in a software company, and then as a computer programmer before retiring five years ago. Rather than making grand future plans, he said, "I always tried to enjoy the work given to me to the best of my ability."
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