K-wave AI News

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

Here's our top story.

The Tongyeong International Music Festival kicks off today with a captivating lineup of performances.

Under the theme "Journey Inwards," this year's festival will bring together illustrious musicians from around the world for a ten-day celebration in the southern port city.

The festival opens tonight with a performance led by resident artist and star pianist Lim Yun-chan, and acclaimed French conductor Fabien Gabel, who will lead the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra.

Throughout the festival, audiences can enjoy performances by Spanish cellist Pablo Ferrández, the B'Rock Orchestra conducted by renowned Belgian conductor René Jacobs, and much more.

It will conclude on April 6 with Britten's "War Requiem," conducted by Sung Si-yeon and performed by the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra.

Established in 1999, the Tongyeong International Music Festival has grown into one of Asia's most prominent classical music events.

A variety of events are set to be held in Korea and abroad to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pinkfong's Baby Shark, the beloved character that has become a global sensation.

Pop-up stores will be set up at Korea's major shopping malls, with photo sessions and Baby Shark movie screenings also in store.

In the United States, Pinkfong will team up with the marine theme park SeaWorld to hold collaborative events at three locations across San Diego, Orlando, and San Antonio.

In Japan, Baby Shark will take part in a local kids' festival in Tokyo, featuring an offline booth and a pop-up store.

Introduced in 2015 as part of a YouTube children's song series, Baby Shark became a worldwide phenomenon, earning the highest number of views in YouTube history and becoming the first video to surpass 10 billion views.

Baby Shark content is available in over 200 countries and in 25 languages.

The Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival will return this year from April 2 to 6 at Seokchon Lake in Songpa-gu District, one of Seoul's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing.

This year's festival goes beyond a simple spring outing, offering a cultural and artistic experience set against a picturesque lakeside backdrop.

The opening ceremony will feature a string quartet performance, acapella group "Voice Toy," as well as beloved singers Hwang Garam and Chuu.

A special cherry blossom tree lighting ceremony is also scheduled.

Throughout the five-day run, diverse cultural and artistic exhibitions will be held at venues around Seokchon Lake.

The Gallery Hosu will showcase Philip Colbert's exhibition, "Journey to the Lobster Planet," while other cultural facilities will feature fashion shows and media art displays.

The entire 2.6-kilometer walking trail around Seokchon Lake will be illuminated at night.

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