K-wave AI News

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

Here's our top story.

Marking the 60th anniversary of normalizing diplomatic ties, Korea and Japan will hold reenactments of the "Joseon Tongsinsa" procession.

Joseon Tongsinsa refers to a large group of Korean envoys sent to Japan during the Joseon Dynasty.

Kicking off this Thursday at Gyeonghuigung Palace in Seoul, the reenactment will continue across Busan, Japan's Osaka, and Yokohama, before concluding in Tokyo in September.

The events will feature official processions, traditional dance and music performances, as well as various cultural celebrations, including historical exhibitions.

Calling it a "symbol of diplomatic trust and cultural exchange between the two nations," the Culture Ministry expressed hope that the reenactment will provide an opportunity to reflect on the past and open new paths of Seoul-Tokyo cooperation.

The 42nd Busan International Short Film Festival kicks off Thursday for a six-day run at the Busan Cinema Center and BNK Busan Bank Art Cinema.

This year's theme, 'Cinema & Sound,' spotlights the artistic power of sound in film.

A total of 157 films from 41 countries will be screened, including 40 in the International Competition and 20 in the Korean Competition.

Founded in 1980, the festival is Korea's oldest short film event, dedicated to exploring short films from around the world and supporting emerging filmmakers.

Jeju Island has revised its trail access policy for the popular Hallasan Mountain.

Starting May 3, reservations will only be required for hikers heading to the summit.

Under the new system, visitors can freely access the seven-kilometer stretch from Seongpanak to Jindallaebat and the six-kilometer trail from Gwaneumsa to Samgakbong without booking in advance.

Previously, the entire Seongpanak and Gwaneumsa trails required reservations under a conservation policy introduced in 2021.

But the system drew complaints from locals who faced restrictions even for routine visits to mid-trail spots.

The updated policy aims to improve accessibility while preserving the mountain's natural environment.

The 2025 KBO League has surpassed two million spectators in a record-setting 118 games—the fastest pace in league history.

The Korea Baseball Organization says this breaks the previous record of 126 games set in 2012.

The league is also seeing a continued streak of sellouts, with 50 of the 118 games sold out so far.

The KBO became the first professional sports league in Korea to surpass 10 million total spectators in a single season last year.

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