Learn Hardcore Korean: jigeum hoeuireul junbihago isseoyo.

을 is the object-marker particle. It tells you that 회의 (“meeting”) is the direct object of the verb phrase 준비하고 있어요 (“am preparing”). In Korean, every transitive verb usually needs either 을 or 를 (depending on whether the noun ends in a consonant or vowel) to mark its object.

Why isn't there an explicit subject like 저 or 나 in this sentence?

Korean often drops (omits) the subject when it’s clear from context. In English we say “I’m preparing a meeting right now,” but in Korean you don’t need 저 (“I”) or 나 (“I”) because listeners automatically understand who is doing the action if it makes sense in the situation.

What is the function of -고 있어요 in 준비하고 있어요?

-고 있다/있어요 is the progressive aspect marker in Korean, equivalent to English “be + –ing.”
• 준비하다 = “to prepare” (base verb)
• 준비하고 있다 = “to be preparing” (dictionary form)
• 준비하고 있어요 = polite present progressive
It emphasizes that the action is ongoing right now.

How is 지금 different from just saying 준비하고 있어요?

지금 means “now” or “right now.”
• Adding 지금 explicitly highlights the timing: “I am preparing the meeting right now.”
• Without 지금, the sentence 회의를 준비하고 있어요 still means “I’m preparing a meeting,” but it doesn’t stress that it’s happening at this exact moment.

Could I change the word order, for example to 회의를 지금 준비하고 있어요?

Yes. Korean word order is relatively flexible for time expressions and adverbs.
• 지금 회의를 준비하고 있어요.
• 회의를 지금 준비하고 있어요.
Both are correct and mean the same. Placing 지금 first gives a slight emphasis to the timing; placing it after the object can sound a bit more neutral.

What’s the difference between 준비하고 있어요 and 준비합니다?

• 준비합니다 is the simple present/polite form of 준비하다, often used for habitual actions (“I prepare meetings”) or formal announcements.
• 준비하고 있어요 is the present progressive, focusing on an action in progress at this very moment (“I am preparing [right now]”).

Are there alternative ways to say “I’m preparing a meeting right now”?

Yes, here are two common variations:

지금 회의를 준비 중이에요.
– 준비 중이다 literally means “to be in the middle of preparing.”
지금 회의 준비해요.
– Slightly more casual; you drop the progressive but context and 지금 imply it’s happening now.