K-wave AI News

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea.

Here's our top story.

Sales of MUDS, museum merchandise inspired by cultural heritage, have surpassed 20 billion won, or roughly 14 million U.S. dollars for the first time.

The name "MUDS" combines the words "museum" and "goods."

The National Museum Foundation of Korea says MUDS generated over 21 billion won in revenue last year, marking a 42% increase from the previous year.

Interest from international visitors is also growing, with foreign customers accounting for nearly 17% of total MUDS sales at museums last year, up from just 6% in 2020.

To cater to global demand, the foundation has launched an international online shop, offering 50 flagship products to customers in over 220 countries. Explore the collection at www.muds.kr.

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has named Yang Jung-uk the winner of the Korea Artist Prize 2024.

His kinetic sculptures weave storytelling with warmth, reflecting his vision of an ideal life.

The judging panel described his work as "a powerful reminder of art's ability to provide comfort" and highlighted "the deeply moving interplay between large-scale and intimate pieces."

Each year, the museum selects four visual artists, offering them opportunities to exhibit their works before choosing a final winner.

The exhibition, featuring works by Yang Jung-uk, along with fellow nominees Yoon Ji-young, Kwon Ha-yoon, and Jane Jin Kaisen, runs at MMCA Seoul through March 23.

Poetry by Korean grandmothers from a small rural town has come to life on stage, captivating audiences with warm humor and heartfelt reflections on life.

The musical, "Ojige Jaemitneun Gasinadeul," follows elderly women attending a literacy school in Chilgok, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, as they rediscover their voices through poetry.

It reimagines their remarkable journey of learning to read and write for the first time at the age of over 70, radiating a sense of empowerment.

Adapted from the documentary "Chilgok Gasinadeul," the production had a showcase in 2023 before making its full-stage debut this week, after three years in the making.

Director Oh Kyung-taek noted that while creating a show that resonates across generations is challenging, he firmly believes this one succeeds.

The performance runs through February 27.

That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.