K-Wave AI News

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

Here's our top story.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Seoul will open a memorial altar for the late Pope Francis at Myeongdong Cathedral. Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, Archbishop Peter Chung Soon-taek, and other bishops will pay their respects first, with public access starting at 3 PM today. The duration of the memorial will be determined based on the Vatican's funeral schedule.

Pope Francis shared a deep bond with Korea, making it his first Asian destination after his inauguration and selecting Seoul as the 2027 World Youth Day host city. He also appointed half of Korea's cardinals and consistently offered words of comfort during the nation's times of hardship.

Pianist Cho Seong-jin will hold a nationwide recital tour in Korea this summer to mark the release of his new album featuring the complete solo piano works of Ravel. The tour kicks off on June 12 at Arts Center Incheon, followed by stops at Seoul Arts Center on June 14 and Seongnam Arts Center on June 15. Cho's highly anticipated performances will continue in Daegu, Gimhae, Daejeon, and Cheonan through July. He will present two programs: one featuring the complete solo piano works of Ravel, and another inspired by nature, including sonatas by Beethoven and Brahms.

The cities of Icheon, Yeoju, and Gwangju in Gyeonggi-do Province, renowned as Korea's ceramic hub, will host their signature pottery festivals from late April to early May. Coinciding with the upcoming six-day golden holiday, the festivals will offer a range of immersive activities for all ages. The Icheon Ceramics Festival, starting this Friday, will feature live pottery-making demonstrations and hands-on experiences where visitors can create their own ceramics. The Gwangju Royal Ceramics Festival, also opening this Friday, will showcase an exhibition of both traditional and contemporary ceramics at the Royal Ceramics Master Hall. Beginning May 1, the Yeoju Ceramic Festival will offer high-quality ceramics at affordable prices, alongside special performances, including live shows by popular trot singers.

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